OTL: Episode #180- Mike Doyle Checks Out of ChicagoNow, Comic Books in Academics, Mick Dumke Talks Chicago Politics

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “all politics is local” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to local blogger Mike Doyle about leaving the Trib’s ChicagoNow blog, learns how comic books reflect American history, and chats about the latest local political issues with Mick Dumke. Mike Doye — Scribe at ChicagoCarless.com This week Mike resigned his post as the scribe of ChicagoNow’s Chicagosphere blog.  He tells us the story of why he left and the problems he sees with the ChicagoNow approach to blogging. Cord Scott— Ph.D. Student in American History at Loyola University Chicago Comic books can tell a great deal about our history.  Cord will be exploring the link between comics, academics, and history at an event on Monday, March 22 at Challenger’s Comics at 1845 N. Western Ave. from 6-9 p.m.  He joins us on the show this week. Mick Dumke — Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader From the politics of Chicago garbage to the city’s economic woes, Mick Dumke is covering the story.  He brings us up to speed on the latest Chicago political issues. Mike Stephen and Mick Dumke Talk Chicago Politics at Toon’s in Lakeview in November of ’09 OTL #180 local music provided by The Streets on Fire…

OTL: Episode #178- Impact of CTA Service Cuts, Loud Loop Press on Local Music, Parking Ticket Geek Returns

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “loud outside the loop press” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the guys who figured out the impact (or lack thereof) of the CTA service cuts, discusses the Chicago music scene with a local blogger, and gets the latest on the red light camera saga from the Parking Ticket Geek. Luke Joyner and Max Shron — University of Chicago grads and the guys behind picturingtransit.com Have the cuts in service by the CTA really affected our commutes?  Luke and Max created a website about this issue and they tell us their findings. Richard Giraldi— Founder and Editor of Loud Loop Press Loud Loop Press aims to cover Chicago’s vast music scene all in one blog.  Richard discusses this massive task. The Parking Ticket Geek — OTL Parking Correspondent and Blogger at TheExpiredMeter.com The Parking Ticket Geek returns to the show to give us the lowdown on the push to get red light cameras out of IL and his take on the  five minute grace period for parking payboxes. OTL #178 local music provided by The Locals…

OTL: Episode #175- Chicago Aldermen Project, OTL Press, the East Village is Historic

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “historic neighborhood” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about an upcoming local arts project involving the City Council, chats with a former OTL employee about some show press, and brings us the story of the East Village neighborhood’s arrival on the National Register of Historic Places. Jeremy Scheuch — Co-organizer of the Chicago Aldermen Project In an effort to teach Chicago about its elected officials, local artists will create portraits of their aldermen.  We get the info on this interesting project. Andrew J. Hermann— Former Executive Producer of Outside the Loop Radio Recently this little radio show got some press in the January edition of the Illinois Entertainer.  They didn’t get the picture and the caption correct, though.  Is this an evil plot by Andy to take over?  We find out! Hey, that’s not Andy Hermann! Scott Rappe — Architect, member of the East Village Association The East Village neighborhood in Chicago was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places.  We get some history of this small area of the city and find out why it made the list. OTL #175 local music provided by The Cathy Santonies…

OTL: Episode #173- Local Candy News, OTL News Desk, Riding the Entire L in One Day

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I love me some Maurice Lenell cookies” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the Sun-Times business reporter who has the story on Maurice Lenell cookies making a comback, jumps behind the OTL News Desk, and chats with one of the transit geeks who rode the entire L system in one day. Outside the Loop is all about Twitter —  Mike embraces modern technology. Sandra Guy — Business reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times There’s some local sweet treat news: Maurice Lenell cookies are being distributed in Chicagoland again.  Ferrara Pan will be producing high-end chocolate.  Sandra gives us all of the sugar-y details. OTL News Desk —  From Chicago not getting the chance to host the next World Cup to the cast of the Jersey Shore coming to town, your intrepid anchor, Mike Stephen, has the stories. C.J. Bright — Local transit geek C.J. and his friends rode the ENTIRE CTA “L” system in one day!  He joins us this week to talk to us about their experience and why they decided to to this.  Check out this Google Map for the details on their adventure. OTL #173 local music provided by Save the Clocktower…