OTL: Episode #207- Chicago Ave. In Limbo, Another Visit to the Near North Farmessori

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 “street-level” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen roughs the winds of Chicago, chats with the author of an article about Chicago Avenue, and visits the Near North Farmessori to see how goes the experiment in urban gardening. Janina Williams— Freelance Writer and Author of Chicago Ave: A ‘Hood In Limbo The stretch of Chicago Ave. between Damen and Ashland has seen a lot of action over the years.  Janina reflects on where this neighborhood has been, where it is now, and where it’s going. Deitch Pharmacy on Chicago Ave.  Photo Courtesy of Janina Williams Who Needs the Olympics?— Chicago has one of the top five gay bars in the world! Anna Viertel and Stacy Cushenberry— Staff at the Near North Montessori School The Near North Farmessori is a student-run farm in the East Village neighborhood.  It’s come a long way since we last stopped by in six inches of snow in February.  We get an update this week. The Near North Farmessori OTL #207 local music provided by I Kong Kult…

OTL: Episode #204- Analyzing Local Media Portrayal of Violence, Chi Underground Library Benefit, Inside the Haymarket Pub and Brewery

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 “working class” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the local media portrayal of violence in Chicago, previews the Chicago Underground Library’s benefit, and goes inside the future home of the Haymarket Pub in the West Loop. What’s in a name?—  Recently, Independent candidate for Cook Co. Assessor, Forrest Claypool, purchased JoeBerrios.com.  Berrios is Claypool’s opponent in the race.  Have you purchased your name’s site?  Looks like MichaelStephen.com is up and running already.  Apparently they have good eats! Tracy Siska— Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project In this blog post, Tracy analyzes local media portrayal of Chicago violence.  He discusses the conclusions of his analysis this week. Nell Taylor— Co-Founder of the Chicago Underground Library This non-profit organization collects all independent and small press media in Chicago.  They’re having a benefit coming up on August 27th.  We get the details. John Neurauter, Pete Crowley, and Chris Buccheri— The Triumvirate Behind the Haymarket Pub & Brewery We go inside the space that will soon house Chicago’s newest brewpub with an interactive and working class feel. The Future Home of the Haymarket Pub and Brewery OTL #204 local music provided by Joel Paterson/The Modern Sounds…

OTL: Episode #203- Tutor/Mentor Jam, Get Notified of Street Cleaning on Your Phone, Our Urban Times

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 “urban times” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen makes the leap to TV, previews the upcoming Tutor Mentor Jam, learns about a way to get notified of street cleaning on your phone, and talks to the editor of a local online newspaper. Mike Hosts a TV Show—  Dovetailing off of a radio interview he did last week, OTL host Mike Stephen hosts an episode of “Issue Forum” on CAN-TV.  Click on the pic below to check out the show. Trakan— Local Musician The Tutor/Mentor Jam on August 29th is a benefit for Tutor/Mentor Connection, an organization that helps connect area mentors with at-risk youth.  We get a preview of the event.  The first two people to e-mail trakan@tutormentorjam.org get FREE pairs of tickets to the event! Vitaliy Levit— Co-Founder of Recess Mobile There’s a new way for some Chicago residents to get notified of street cleaning in their neighborhood.  Vitaliy gives us the latest.  Check out antitow.com for more details. Elaine Coorens— Editor and Publisher of Our Urban Times We go inside this online newspaper that covers the Wicker Park, Bucktown, East Village, Noble Square, Bucktown, and West Town areas. OTL #203 local music provided by Trakan…

OTL: Episode #197- 46th Ward Aldermanic Candidate Returns, Forgotten Chicago’s Upcoming Boat Tour, Getting a Liquor License in 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 “licensed for liquor” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with a candidate for alderman in the 46th Ward, previews some upcoming historical tours from Forgotten Chicago, and learns what it takes to get a liquor license in Chicago. James Cappleman — Candidate for alderman in the 46th Ward In 2007 James Cappleman lost to Helen Schiller in the race for alderman.  He’s back this time around to tell us about the focus of his campaign and why he wants to join the Chicago City Council. Jacob Kaplan— Co-Founder of Forgotten Chicago Forgotten Chicago is a great website if you’re interested in Chicago history and infrastructure.  There are some upcoming tours of the Pilsen/Little Village area and the Calumet River that Jacob previews this week. Lisa Arnett — Nightlife Producer for Metromix and Author of The Bottle Blond Blog What does it take to get a liquor license in Chicago?  Lisa did some investigating and she shares what she found with us. OTL #197 local music provided by Otter Petter…