OTL: Episode #185- IL Better Off Without Chicago?, A Year’s Worth of Local Garbage, Public Art in Chicago

(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..

OTL: Episode #184- Shadow Chicago Budget, the Etiquette Bitch, the New Indie Film, “American Legacy”

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “always-mindful-of-our-etiquette” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the city’s vice-mayor budget, chats about manners in the 21st Century with the Etiquette Bitch, and learns about an indie film that was recently shot and produced in Chicago. Hugh Devlin — Contributing Writer for Lake Effect News Have you ever heard of the Office of the Vice-Mayor in Chicago?  Did you know that it receives $100,000 to operate every year?  Just how is that money spent?  Hugh joins us to discuss his findings.  You can read his story here. The Etiquette Bitch— Chicago’s Very Own Ms. Manners She’s trying to bring civility to the 21st Century and she has a blog and podcast.  The EB joins us this week. Jay Sukow and John Berka — Authors and Producers of American Legacy Michael Strening, Jr. – Pianist in The SDS Trio, the band that scored the film These three creative guys have a great story about how they brought to life an independently produced film shot here in Chicago. The Cast of American Legacy OTL #184 local music provided by The SDS Trio…

OTL: Episode #183- Local Justice Issues, Surfing Local Digital Media, A Klingon Christmas Carol in Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “Klingon-friendly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks local justice-related issues, plugs a comprehensive list of Chicago digital media, and learns about a unique production of a holiday classic that is making it’s way to the Windy City. Tracy Siska — Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project The OTL Justice Correspondent returns to discuss some of the issues the CJP is working on, including rollbacks of the IL Freedom of Information Act. Surfing Digital Local Digital Media— Our friends over at the Windy Citizen started a conversation about local blogs, podcasts and iPhone apps.  In the process a great resource of local digital media was created.  Check it out! Christopher Kidder — Artistic Director of the Commedia Beauregard Theatre Company This Minnesota-based theater company is working on bringing A Klingon Christmas Carol to Chicago.  Yeah, you read that right!  Chris gives us the details.  Check out CB’s Kickstarter site for info on how YOU can help bring this show to the Windy City! A Scene from A Klingon Christmas Carol OTL #183 local music provided by the Northside Southpaws..

OTL: Episode #182- Chicagologist History, Remembering Mike Rosenquist, Best Open Mics in Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “best open mic” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a Chicago history lesson, remembers the life of an old friend, and discusses the Chicago open mic scene. Terry Gregory — The Self-Proclaimed “Chicagologist” and founder of Chicagology.com This site is a wealth of information on the history of Chicago during the 19th Century.  Terry tells us why he got this site started and some cool facts we can learn about our city. Scott Lucas— Lead Singer and Guitarist for Local H Recently we learned that Mike “Rosie” Rosenquist passed away.  Who is Rosie?  He was a lawyer working in Springfield and one of the behind-the-scenes guys for Chicago’s Local H.  He was also a childhood friend to OTL host Mike Stephen.  Scott and Mike share some memories of Rosie’s life.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Rosenquist family during this difficult time. Mike Rosenquist Britni Day — Contributor to Loud Loop Press Britni and some fellow writers came up with their list of the Top 10 Open Mics in Chicago.  She shares what she found during her travels around the city and talks about the local open mic scene. OTL #182 local music provided by Gold Motel…