OTL: Episode #309- The Dinner Party, Chicago Justice Project’s fundraiser, Local comedy with Brandon Wetherbee

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 “dinner party” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about The Dinner Party with Elysabeth Alfano, mentions an upcoming fundraiser for the Chicago Justice Project, and previews some great local comedy events with Brandon Wetherbee.   Elysabeth Alfano – Host and executive producer of The Dinner Party We learn about this monthly show that brings together Chicago cultural luminaries over food and drink in front of an audience that gets to participate in the conversation.  The next Dinner Party happens September 20th at Expo Chicago.   Chicago Justice Project turns 5– On October 2nd at Revolution Brewing (2323 N. Milwaukee) you can be a part of the 5 year anniversary of this organization that aims to increase transparency of justice-related issues in Chicago. Brandon Wetherbee– Host of the You, Me, Them, Everybody podcast Brandon tells us about some great local comedy events he’s hosting in the near future.  Be sure to check out his podcast too!   OTL #309 local music provided by Brother George…  

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…  

OTL: Episode #279- Representation without taxation, Fr. Pfleger on race, Chicago Honey Co-Op

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 “tax man” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns how some corporations don’t pay much in taxes, plays a 2003 clip of Fr. Michael Pfleger talking about race, and discusses beekeeping with the co-founder of the Chicago Honey Co-Op.   Celeste Meiffren– Filed Director for the IL Public Interest Research Group IL PIRG’s report, Representation Without Taxation, shows how some Fortune 500 companies exploit loopholes and distort the tax code to avoid billions of dollars in taxes.  Celeste discusses the report.   Fr. Michael Pfleger– Pastor, The Faith Community of St. Sabina We hear Fr. Pfleger discuss the topic of race in a 2003 excerpt from the Heartland Chautauqua series at the Heartland Cafe.   Fr. Michael Pfleger   Michael Thompson— Co-founder and Farm Manager of the Chicago Honey Co-Op We learn about the art of local beekeeping and what’s happening at the Co-Op.     OTL #279 local music provided by Cold Blue Kid…

OTL: Episode #272- Crime data in districts slated to close, Evil Squirrel Comics fundraises, A home brewers paradise at Brew Camp

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 “always-brewing” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses crime data in the wake of scheduled police station closings, previews Evil Squirrel Comics fundraisers, and visits the local apothecary for home beer brewing, Brew Camp.   Tracy Siska— Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project The CJP recently published the crime data from the three police districts slated to close in 2012.  Tracy discusses the data. The 13th District station that’s closing next year, one of three stations.  Photo courtesy of the Chicago Justice Project.     Shawn King– Owner of Evil Squirrel Comics This Rogers Park comic shop planned on shutting its doors soon, but the community said “no!”  We learn about the series of “Save the Squirrel” fundraisers happening next week.     Whit Nelson— Co-owner of Brew Camp Brew Camp is a home brewer’s dream.  We pay a visit to this local brewer’s apothecary near Damen and Lincoln.   Brew Camp.  Photo courtesy of thrillist.com. OTL #272 local music provided by Save the Clocktower…