OTL: Episode #249- Ald. James Cappleman, Chicago Underground Library Update, GridChicago.com

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “sustainable” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a Twitter message from George Takei, talks to Ald. James Cappleman (46th) about issues in Uptown, checks in with the Chicago Underground Library on their 5th anniversary, and discusses local sustainable transportation with the co-founder of GridChicago.com. Mike gets a message from George Takei— When OTL host Mike Stephen followed George Takei on Twitter, he got a very naughty response.  Was it a personal or automated message?  Check out the back story on Mike and George on OTL #39. James Cappleman— Alderman of the 46th Ward Ald. Cappleman discusses his views on TIF districts, crime in Uptown, and his getting settled in his new job.   Nell Taylor– Co-Founder of the Chicago Underground Library We get an update on the CUL as it turns 5 and find out how the blizzard of 2011 nearly shut it down.   John Greenfield— Co-Founder of GridChicago.com There’s a new blog covering local sustainable transportation issues.  John talks to us about why he helped start the blog and why it’s important to Chicago.   OTL #249 local music provided by Dirty Pigeons…

OTL: Episode #248- Chicago Rot, OTL News Desk Update, Obbityfest Preview

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “fresh, not rotten” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to part of the production team of a new locally-based film called Chicago Rot, updates us on past stories covered on the show, and learns about a DIY indie music fest happening next weekend. Brant McCrea, Dorian Weinzimmer, and Jeremy Vranich— Writer, Director, and Producer/Actor (respectively) of Chicago Rot This film, currently in pre-production, has been described as a “dark love letter” to Chicago.  We find out more about this movie and why it features the not-so-glamorous parts of the city.   The OTL News Desk– Host Mike Stephen updates us on some stories covered on past editions of OTL. The OTL News Desk Chris Kee— Member of the local band The Earth Program We learn about Obbityfest, a DIY music fest put on by The Earth Program, that happens 4th of July weekend.   OTL #248 local music provided by The Earth Program…

OTL: Episode #247- Mick Dumke Sues the City, James VanOsdol’s New Book, Developer Dan O’Neil Visits the White House

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I’ll see you in court” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to journalist Mick Dumke about his lawsuit against the City of Chicago, chats with DJ James VanOsdol about leaving radio and also about his new book, and hears why local developer Dan O’Neil went to the White House last week. Mick Dumke— Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Recently Mick filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, saying that their reasons for denying his Freedom of Information Act requests were bogus.  He gives us the details and previews his cover story running this week.   James VanOsdol– Longtime local radio DJ, blogger and author of Off the Record Collection: Riffs, Rants and Writings about Rock James recently hung up the radio headphones.  We find out why and get the lowdown on his book as well as his undying love of Rush. James VanOsdol Dan O’Neil— Chicago Developer and creator of citypayments.org Last week Dan attended a special event at the White House because of his creative efforts on the Web.  He tells us about that experience and his latest project, citypayments.org.   OTL #247 local music provided by Darts & Arrows…

OTL: Episode #246- Albany-Whipple Park Opening, a Nelson Algren Documentary, Chicago Food Policy

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “parks and recreation” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, talks to the director of a new documentary about Nelson Algren, and discusses Chicago’s food policy. Ben Helphand— Board President of The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail We go on-location to the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, a future access point for The Bloomingdale Trail.  Ben gives us an update on the BT project. The New Albany-Whipple Park Michael Caplan– Director and Writer of Algren The life & work of the great 20th Century writer Nelson Algren is the focus of this documentary due out in spring of 2012.  We hear about the process of making this film. Nelson Algren   Erika Allen— Board Member of the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council We hear about efforts of this organization to improve access to nutritionally sound and affordable food and discuss Chicago’s food policy.   OTL #246 local music provided by Rebecca Rego…