OTL: Episode #319- Too many street fests?, Andersonville Recycles, Unwrap Chicago’s holiday shopping program

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 “thankful for late-night tacos” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses if there are too many local street fests, learns about Andersonville’s successful recycling program, and gets the lowdown on the Unwrap Chicago initiative. Happy Thanksgiving! Paul Wilson– Reporter for Center Square Journal Are there too many street fests in Chicago?  Paul examines that question in his article.  We discuss this topic.     Summerfest.  Photo courtesy of centersquarejournal.com.   Brian Bonanno – Sustainability Programs Manager for Andersonville Development Corporation We learn about the successful Andersonville Recycles program that’s in its third year.     Suzanne Keers– Co-founder and Executive Director of Local First Chicago The Unwrap Chicago initiative encourages us to spend a portion of our holiday shopping money on locally-owned stores.     OTL #319 local music provided by Stereospeak…  

OTL: Episode #314- The Believers documentary, Goodbye Hamilton’s, Andersonville Homebrew Contest

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 “homebrew” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the local co-director of the new movie, “The Believers,” says goodbye to his college bar, and previews the Andersonville Homebrew Contest.   Clayton Brown– Co-director of The Believers This new documentary tells the story of the two scientists in 1989 who announced they discovered cold fusion as an energy source.  Three months later their reputations were ruined.  We find out more from Clayton.   Goodbye Hamilton’s –Mike bids farewell to his college bar Hamilton’s (6341 N. Broadway) has been a meeting place for Loyola University students and Rogers Park locals since 1933.  The bar shuts its doors on October 27th.  Mike says goodbye to this local institution. Hamilton’s on Broadway.  Photo courtesy of chibarproject.com.   Colleen O’Toole– Managing Director of the Andersonville Development Corporation We preview the Andersonville Homebrew Contest coming up on November 15 and discuss the business climate of the neighborhood.     OTL #314 local music provided by Brendan Losch…  

OTL: Episode #313- Pawn shops v. the people, Uber gets sued, Parking Ticket Geek update

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 “pawn star” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks about pawn shops in Chicago middle-class neighborhoods with the Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke and checks in with the Parking Ticket Geek on local transportation issues.   Mick Dumke– Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Pawn shops are in every Chicago neighborhood.  Mick writes about how some local residents are pushing back against new pawn shops in their community.   Photo courtesy of Andrea Bauer and the Chicago Reader Uber gets sued – Uber is a smartphone app that allows you to order an on-demand private driver that can take you around the city.  Recently this service was sued in a US District Court in Chicago.  Check out the full conversation about Uber on OTL #299.     The Parking Ticket Geek– Official OTL parking correspondent and blogger at TheExpiredMeter.com From an increase in sticker violations to explaining why gas prices are still high, the Geek gives us an update on all things related to Chicago parking.     OTL #313 local music provided by Mazes…  

OTL: Episode #306- Chicago Police Department staffing, Chicago as a global city

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 “global city” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses Chicago Police Department staffing levels and explores the topic of Chicago as “a global city.”   Tracy Siska– Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project The CJP examined available data to see how Chicago compared to other cities when it comes to police staffing and homicides.  Tracy discusses the results and what they mean this week.   Photo courtesy of Chicago Justice Project Aaron Renn– Urban analyst and publisher of The Urbanophile Aaron wrote an article called  “What is a Global City?” where he examines the state of Chicago in relation to a global city.  He discusses his thoughts on this topic this week.     OTL #306 local music provided by The Golden Horse Ranch Band…