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 #246- Albany-Whipple Park Opening, a Nelson Algren Documentary, Chicago Food Policy

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 “parks and recreation” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, talks to the director of a new documentary about Nelson Algren, and discusses Chicago’s food policy. Ben Helphand— Board President of The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail We go on-location to the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, a future access point for The Bloomingdale Trail.  Ben gives us an update on the BT project. The New Albany-Whipple Park Michael Caplan– Director and Writer of Algren The life & work of the great 20th Century writer Nelson Algren is the focus of this documentary due out in spring of 2012.  We hear about the process of making this film. Nelson Algren   Erika Allen— Board Member of the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council We hear about efforts of this organization to improve access to nutritionally sound and affordable food and discuss Chicago’s food policy.   OTL #246 local music provided by Rebecca Rego…

OTL: Episode #244- The Roundtable Show: Discussing the Chicago Comedy Scene

  TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from WLUW’s Convergence Studio) (broadcasting on the “roundtable” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen hosts another in a series of occasional discussions, taking place in the community and covering different local topics/themes.  The topic of this roundtable is the Chicago Comedy Scene.   Mike welcomes local comedians: Sean Flannery— Check out his website at worldsdumbestman.com Tiffany and Danielle Puterbaugh— Hosts of a great night of comedy at the Town Hall Pub (3340 N. Halsted) every Sunday at 8 p.m. Chad Briggs— Follow him on Twitter- @mrchadbriggs or on Tumblr: chadbriggs.tumblr.com L to R: Danielle Puterbaugh, Sean Flannery, Tiffany Puterbaugh, and “Chad Briggs”   The Roundtable is portable!  If you have an idea where we should record the next one or what we should talk about, let the OTL Staff know! OTL #244 local music provided by Northern Magnolia…

OTL: Episode #241- SlutWalk Chicago, Neo-Futurists Need Local Art, Creator Camp Chicago

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 “creative” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the organizers of a march against intolerance called SlutWalk Chicago, learns about the Neo-Futurists call for local art, and discusses creativity with the co-organizer of Creator Camp Chicago.   Jessica Skolnik and Jamie Keiles– Co-Organizers of SlutWalk Chicago We hear from the organizers of this local event that is a march against intolerance and takes place in Daley Plaza on June 4th. Megan Mercier– Neo-Futurist Ensemble Member The Neo-Futurists are putting out the call for local art to be displayed at their theater.  We learn more this week.   Mare Swallow— Co-organizer of Creator Camp Chicago We get the scoop on this upcoming half-day event that’s open to the public and brings together creative people so they can share their advice and knowledge in an intimate setting. OTL #241 local music provided by The Father Costume…