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 #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 #233- Where Does TIF $$ Go?, The Vegan Stephen Recap, Story Week Fest of Writers

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 “vegan for a week” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns where Chicago’s TIF money has been going, recaps his week as a vegan, and learns about the Story Week Festival of Writers. Ellyn Fortino— Columbia College Senior and Reporter for ChicagoTalks.org Ellyn was part of an investigative team that tracked where exactly Chicago’s TIF money ended up.  We hear what her team discovered. The Vegan Stephen Recap— Mike and his wife decided to go vegan for one week.  We hear an audio recap of the Vegan Stephen Experiment. A Lovely Vegan Meal Randy Albers— Chair of Columbia College’s Fiction Writing Department and Founding Producer of the Story Week Festival of Writers This local week-long series of events celebrates the written word.  We get the lowdown from its founder. OTL #233 local music provided by yourfeetstoobig…

OTL: Episode #201- Update on Fighting the Eavesdropping Law, Printers’ Ball 2010 Preview, Inside Felony Franks Hotdogs

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 “free speech” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with a local artist who is fighting local laws he feels are unconstitutional, previews the 2010 Printers’ Ball, and goes inside Felony Franks, a hot dog stand in West Town with some controversy. Chris Drew— Local artist and Executive Director of the Uptown Multicultural Art Center Chris continues to challenge Chicago’s peddlers license and Illinois’ eavesdropping law.  We get the latest on his legal fight. Fred Sasaki— Associate Editor for POETRY Magazine We get a preview of this year’s Printers’ Ball and discuss the relationship between print and digital media. Jim Andrews— Owner of Felony Franks This hot dog stand on the corner of Western and Jackson has caused some controversy in the community.  We go inside to find out what all the fuss is about. OTL #201 local music provided by Icy Demons…