OTL: Episode #199- Andersonville’s Green Week, OTL News Desk Update, The Book Bike is Back in Business

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 “greened weekly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses Andersonville’s green initiatives, anchors the OTL News Desk, and talks to the creator of the Book Bike about giving out free books in Chicago’s parks. Sara Dinges— Managing Director of the Andersonville Development Corp. ADC runs the eco-Andersonville environmental initiative that promotes local business sustainability.  We learn more and find out some of the cool events happening during “Green Week.” The OTL News Desk— Mike Stephen puts on his best 70s anchorman mustache and updates us on some Chicago stories of interest. The OTL News Desk Gabriel Levinson — Creator of the Book Bike Since 2008 the Book Bike has been providing Chicagoans with free books.  Recently, Gabriel ran into some problems with the city.  He tells us the story and lets us know if there’s a happy ending. The Book Bike OTL #199 local music provided by The Damn Choir…

OTL: Episode #195- Federal Nuclear Funding, UIC’s Neighborhoods Initiative, NewCity’s “Lit 50”

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 “wind-powered” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about a new report detailing the negative impacts of federal funds diverted to build new nuclear reactors, finds out about UIC’s Neighborhood Initiative, and discusses NewCity’s Lit 50 list. Max Muller — Program Director, Environment Illinois This organization recently released a report called The Nuclear Bailout: President Obama’s High Risk Gamble on Nuclear Reactors Undermines the Fight Against Global Warming. Max discusses the report on this week’s show. Thea Crum— Program Coordinator, UIC’s Neighborhoods Initiative We learn about how UIC is working with its neighboring communities to strengthen Chicago. Brian Heiggelke — Editor and Publisher of NewCity NewCity is out with its list of the top 50 movers and shakers in the Chi-literary scene.  Brian discusses this list on the Big Show this week. OTL #195 local music provided by ChiTownKids…

OTL: Episode #161- Ald. Waguespack on Privatization, Local Author Event, Profiling Chef Tramanto

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “top chef” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack about new oversight measures for future lease deals, learns about a local literary event at the Heartland Cafe, and gets the skinny on Chef Rick Tramanto from Time Out Chicago’s food editor David Tamarkin. Scott Waguespack — Alderman of the 32nd Ward Ald Waguespack is the chief sponsor of a new ordinance that would increase the public transparent and government oversight of future local lease deals (such as the parking meter deal that went down earlier in the year).  He talks to us about this ordinance and the dire financial situation of the city. Cristina Henriquez — Local Author Tonight at the Heartland Cafe Cristina and three other authors take part in the An October Sort of City: Chicago Authors Talk Chicago.  She previews the event and discusses Chicago’s influence on her work. David Tamarkin – Food Editor for Time Out Chicago The latest edition of TOC features David’s profile of local chef Rick Tramonto.  David joins us this week to give us some highlights of getting to know the Chef. Chef Rick Tramonto OTL #161 local music provided by Tijuana Hercules…

OTL: Episode #154- 90s Chicago Music Rocked, Beachwood’s 20 Tweets Roundup, Another Chicago Magazine

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “gee, the 90s were a rocking time in Chicago ” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a former radio personality about the importance of the 90s local music scene, checks up on prominent Chicagoans’ ridiculous Tweets, and learns about Another Chicago Magazine. James Van Osdol– Former radio personality, local writer, author of Chicago Rocked The 1990s were an incredible time for the Chicago music scene.  James is working on telling the story of the local contribution to Rock & Roll over these 10 years in a book called Chicago Rocked.   He’s releasing the book himself and is looking for the people’s support! Photo Courtesy of Jeff Kroll (jeffkrollphotos.com) Steve Rhodes – Founder of BeachwoodReporter.com Some Chicagoans shouldn’t be allowed to Tweet.  Steve and I discuss why.  You can also check out the “20 Tweets” series on the Beachwood Reporter. Jacob Knabb – Editor of Another Chicago Magazine ACM is one of the many very cool facets of the Chicago literary scene.  Jacob explains what the magazine is all about and its role in the local writers’ community. OTL #154 local music provided by Moonshine Willy…