OTL: Episode #188- EveryBlock.com, Widow’s Peak Music Fest, Stopping Street Sweeping Parking Tix

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “happening on your block” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets the lowdown on the super-local EveryBlock.com, learns about the upcoming Widow’s Peak Music Fest, and finds out how to avoid street cleaning parking tickets. Adrian Holovaty — Co-Founder of EveryBlock.com There’s an answer to the question, “What’s happening in my neighborhood?”  Adrian gives us the details about this super-local website. Michael Teach and David “Chewie” Rothenberg— From Chicago Acoustic Underground and the guys behind the Widow’s Peak Music Fest OTL’s associate producer, Megan Sandilands, files her report on this upcoming music festival in the outskirts of Chicago that features lots of local talent. Molly Curry — Co-Founder of Stop Parking Tickets Do you hate to walk out to your car only to find that it’s been ticketed because it’s street-sweeping day in your neighborhood?  Megan is on a quest to help you avoid those terrible tickets! OTL #188 local music provided by Luke Sayers…

OTL: Episode #176- Possible Wal-Mart Compromise, CTA Mobile Garden Update, Pecha Kucha Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “mobile gardening” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen loves pens, gets the latest about the Wal-Mart saga in Chicago, discusses the news regarding the CTA Mobile Garden Project, and learns about an arts event that will benefit the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Angela Caputo — Reporter and Blogger for ProgressIllinois.com There is a new development in the plans to bring another Wal-Mart to Chicago.  Angela gives us the story.  Check out the article she wrote on this topic here. Joe Baldwin— Local Artist and Creator of The Mobile Garden We check in with Joe since he has some good news about the status of The Mobile Garden.  I originally interviewed him about this project in October of last year.  You can check out that interview here. Peter Exley — Architect, Co-host of the Pecha Kucha Night Chicago I know, I know.  Pecha what?  Peter explains what this unique show is all about and how it will benefit the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. OTL #176 local music provided by Kristin Ronne…

OTL: Episode #173- Local Candy News, OTL News Desk, Riding the Entire L in One Day

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I love me some Maurice Lenell cookies” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the Sun-Times business reporter who has the story on Maurice Lenell cookies making a comback, jumps behind the OTL News Desk, and chats with one of the transit geeks who rode the entire L system in one day. Outside the Loop is all about Twitter —  Mike embraces modern technology. Sandra Guy — Business reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times There’s some local sweet treat news: Maurice Lenell cookies are being distributed in Chicagoland again.  Ferrara Pan will be producing high-end chocolate.  Sandra gives us all of the sugar-y details. OTL News Desk —  From Chicago not getting the chance to host the next World Cup to the cast of the Jersey Shore coming to town, your intrepid anchor, Mike Stephen, has the stories. C.J. Bright — Local transit geek C.J. and his friends rode the ENTIRE CTA “L” system in one day!  He joins us this week to talk to us about their experience and why they decided to to this.  Check out this Google Map for the details on their adventure. OTL #173 local music provided by Save the Clocktower…

OTL: Episode #172- Standee’s is Gone, Steve Rhodes on Ethics in Journalism, Chris Drew Fights the Eavesdropping Law

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I’m craving a skillet” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen confirms that Standee’s in Edgewater is closed, talks to journalist Steve Rhodes about his resignation from NBCChicago.com, and learns about local artist Chris Drew’s upcoming legal battle. Standee’s Is Gone —  It’s official.  Standee’s Diner in Edgewater is closed.  Check out this great article by Lorraine Swanson of Lake Effect News about “Standee’s Last Stand.” Steve Rhodes — Journalist and Founder of BeachwoodReporter.com Recently Steve resigned his position as a contributor to NBCChicago.com.  Mike caught up with Steve at the Beachwood Inn this week to get the dirty details of what the heck happened. Chris Drew — Local Artist and Executive Director of the Uptown Multicultural Arts Center While Chris was protesting the Peddler’s License Law he was arrested and charged with eavesdropping on police.  He now faces a court battle and he gives us the story this week. OTL #172 local music provided by Jane Thatcher…