OTL: Episode #201- Update on Fighting the Eavesdropping Law, Printers’ Ball 2010 Preview, Inside Felony Franks Hotdogs

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 “free speech” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with a local artist who is fighting local laws he feels are unconstitutional, previews the 2010 Printers’ Ball, and goes inside Felony Franks, a hot dog stand in West Town with some controversy. Chris Drew— Local artist and Executive Director of the Uptown Multicultural Art Center Chris continues to challenge Chicago’s peddlers license and Illinois’ eavesdropping law.  We get the latest on his legal fight. Fred Sasaki— Associate Editor for POETRY Magazine We get a preview of this year’s Printers’ Ball and discuss the relationship between print and digital media. Jim Andrews— Owner of Felony Franks This hot dog stand on the corner of Western and Jackson has caused some controversy in the community.  We go inside to find out what all the fuss is about. OTL #201 local music provided by Icy Demons…

OTL: Episode #183- Local Justice Issues, Surfing Local Digital Media, A Klingon Christmas Carol in Chicago

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “Klingon-friendly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks local justice-related issues, plugs a comprehensive list of Chicago digital media, and learns about a unique production of a holiday classic that is making it’s way to the Windy City. Tracy Siska — Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project The OTL Justice Correspondent returns to discuss some of the issues the CJP is working on, including rollbacks of the IL Freedom of Information Act. Surfing Digital Local Digital Media— Our friends over at the Windy Citizen started a conversation about local blogs, podcasts and iPhone apps.  In the process a great resource of local digital media was created.  Check it out! Christopher Kidder — Artistic Director of the Commedia Beauregard Theatre Company This Minnesota-based theater company is working on bringing A Klingon Christmas Carol to Chicago.  Yeah, you read that right!  Chris gives us the details.  Check out CB’s Kickstarter site for info on how YOU can help bring this show to the Windy City! A Scene from A Klingon Christmas Carol OTL #183 local music provided by the Northside Southpaws..

OTL: Episode #174- Chicago’s “Shop Talk,” CTA Warns Against Excessive Photography, The Lake Street Lookout

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “business up front and a party in the back” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen has some advice for the upcoming singles profile in Chicago Magazine, learns about a community discussion series that takes place in a local barber shop, talks about the CTA warning against excessive photography, and chats with the editor of The Lake Street Lookout. Alice Kim — Director of The Public Square “Shop Talk” is an event put on by The Public Square that intends to foster discussion about a wide range of issues.  It takes place at Ron’s Barber Shop at 6058 W. North Ave every last Friday of the month.  We discuss the importance of these kinds of programs. Carlos Miller— Photojournalist, writer, activist Carlos recently came across the picture below and was outraged to see that the CTA is apparently equating photographing on public transit to terrorist activity.  He joins us this week to discuss the issue. Kathy Kozan — Editor of The Lake Street Lookout The West Loop area has seen an influx of people and businesses, which is a good thing.  Sometimes, however, there are unintended consequences of more people in the area- especially in the wee hours of the morning.  We get the details. OTL #174 local music provided by The Great Crusades…

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…