(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago)
(broadcasting on the “better off with Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago)
Mike Stephen explores the relationship between Illinois and Chicago, talks to a local resident who measured his family’s garbage output for 2009, and hits the streets to discuss the Chicago public art culture.
Ed Zotti — Confidant, Editor, and Personal Trainer to Cecil Adams, author of The Straight Dope column
Cecil and Ed address the question, “Would Illinois be better off without Chicago?”
Scott Rappe— Architect, member of the East Village Association
Have you ever wondered how much garbage your household produces in a year? Scott pondered this question and he measured his family’s garbage output for 2009. He joins us to discuss the results.
A Representation of the 2009 Garbage Output for the Rappe Household
Jon Pounds — Executive Director of the Chicago Public Art Group
Chicago has a history of public art. Jon discusses this history and how public art in Chicago relates to the community.
OTL #185 local music provided by Kid You’ll Move Mountains..
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Lori McIntosh
November 23, 2011 at 12:48 pm
I would like to comment on Cecil Adams’ article about Chicago becoming its own state. I find the political implications fascinating. I grew up in Paducah, Kentucky right over the state line of Illinois. I now live in Europe with a wonderful job at an exclusive well paying private school. I became a little disillusioned with the American education system. My sister, however, lives in Metropolis, Illinois. I think she would love Chicago to be separated from Illinois. I am a bit disturbed how Cecil arrogantly paints a picture of what Chicago would have and others in Illinois would not if this were to occur. My sister and her family who are wonderful people could care less about the majority of things cited. And besides, if people wanted your good restaurants or all the other “wonderful” things, they could just drive there like they always have! You are not changing where Chicago is located, or changing languages or even currency. Get over yourself. Now I see one reason Europeans think Americans are so arrogant.
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Ann Sparks
December 25, 2016 at 11:50 pm
Cecil,
Certainly, the vast majority of “illinoisians outside of the Chicagoland and suburbs areas” really believe that we Illinoisians would be A LOT better off without Chicago + burns, anyway.
We in CENTRAL IL have plenty of education, transportation, restaurants, industry/business, great food opportunities – (who travels to Chicago to dine anyway?), natural sites, wholesomeness, produce, and the like anyway.
Chicago does much more dragging us down as a state, than they’ve ever dreamed of lifting us up as a state… corruption in voter fraud is likely just a fraction of the issues, causing us to always be BLUE. Lots of bipartisan-minded folks downstate, as well as ConservaLibs and moderate conservatives as well as a few strong Liberals AND Conservatives make the remainder of the state a really great place to be. Not so many dependents draining the system, corruption, crime.
Yes, I have to agree with the original writer of the article: IL would likely do well without Chicago and the burbs.