OTL: Episode #262- Mick Dumke on crime and basketball, Do security cameras make Chicago safer?

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 “I’m watching you” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen looks at the link between local crime and neighborhood b-ball hoops with The Reader’s Mick Dumke and then discusses the results of a study that examined if city police cameras reduce crime.   Mick Dumke— Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Do local basketball courts breed crime?  Mick answers that question and discusses his latest analysis of the Chicago City Council.   OTL Turns 5 This Week!– Happy birthday to us!  Thanks for listening to this show over the years!!     Nancy La Vigne, Ph.D.— Director of the Justice Policy Center at The Urban Institute Nancy and her research team studied the use of public surveillance cameras in Chicago.  She tells us what they discovered.  You can check out the study here.   OTL #262 local music provided by Sunny Shadows…

OTL: Episode #251- The Paper Machete Show, TIF Talk, a NY Director on Chicago’s Theatre Scene

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 “paper machete” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with the host of a weekly salon in a saloon, does some TIF Talk, and discusses Chicago theatre with a New Yorker.   Christopher Piatt— Host and Curator of The Paper Machete Show We learn about this free weekly live magazine and podcast the covers pop culture, current events, and American manners at The Horseshoe on Lincoln every Saturday at 3 p.m.   TIF Talk– A new OTL segment TIF Districts are pretty controversial in Chicago.  This occasional segment looks at TIFs from different angles.  This week, we hear a listener’s reaction to a TIF discussion on a past show with Ald. James Cappleman (46th). What we imagine exists inside a TIF fund. Wes Grantom— Director of The Steadfast We hear about the development of this new play and get Wes’ reflections on the Chicago theatre scene as a director in New York.  His show is based off of a painting (pictured below) by artist Steve Alpert.   OTL #251 local music provided by Black Bear Combo…

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 #247- Mick Dumke Sues the City, James VanOsdol’s New Book, Developer Dan O’Neil Visits the White House

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 “I’ll see you in court” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to journalist Mick Dumke about his lawsuit against the City of Chicago, chats with DJ James VanOsdol about leaving radio and also about his new book, and hears why local developer Dan O’Neil went to the White House last week. Mick Dumke— Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Recently Mick filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, saying that their reasons for denying his Freedom of Information Act requests were bogus.  He gives us the details and previews his cover story running this week.   James VanOsdol– Longtime local radio DJ, blogger and author of Off the Record Collection: Riffs, Rants and Writings about Rock James recently hung up the radio headphones.  We find out why and get the lowdown on his book as well as his undying love of Rush. James VanOsdol Dan O’Neil— Chicago Developer and creator of citypayments.org Last week Dan attended a special event at the White House because of his creative efforts on the Web.  He tells us about that experience and his latest project, citypayments.org.   OTL #247 local music provided by Darts & Arrows…