OTL: Episode #293- Parking Ticket Geek on the meter lease deal, Save the Portage update, Chicago Craft Beer Week

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 “ugh, I have to pay my meter again” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets an update on the parking meter lease deal, talks about a petition to save the Portage Theater, and previews the Chicago Craft Beer Week.   The Parking Ticket Geek— Official OTL parking correspondent and blogger at TheExpiredMeter.com The Geek gives us an update on the parking meter lease deal.  Check out his blog post on the subject HERE.   Save the Portage Theater – We get an update on the efforts to save the Portage Theater.  We hear a clip from OTL #288.  Check out the new petition to save the theater HERE. The Portage Theater in Portage Park.   Jonathan Surratt– Board member of Chicago Craft Beer Week Into craft beer?  This week is for you!  We get a preview of this great time in Chicago.   OTL #293 local music provided by The Hudson Branch…  

OTL: Episode #291- Record-setting L riding, Chicago Jedi, Examining the infrastructure trust

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 “may the Force be with you” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a Brit who set out to reclaim the fastest L-riding record, learns about the Chicago Jedi, and discusses Mayor Emanuel’s infrastructure trust.   Adham Fisher– Transportation enthusiast Last week Adham set out to reclaim the record for riding the entire L system the fastest.  We hear from him about his quest and find out if he achieved his goal.  Check out his Twitter page. Mike and Adham Fisher in Logan Square   Gabe Calderon and Ross Greenberg – The founder and #2 guy, respectively, at the Chicago Jedi You can become a Jedi Knight!  We learn about this non-profit group’s devotion to Jedi realism as a way of life.   Members of the Chicago Jedi   Emily Miller– Policy and government affairs coordinator for the Better Government Association Last week the Chicago City Council passed the infrastructure trust championed by Mayor Emanuel.  Emily gives us an analysis of this new funding approach.   OTL #291 local music provided by Ornery Little Darlings…  

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 #276- ChicagoLobbyists.org, Discussing the local comedy scene, Chicago Pipeline e-newsletter

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 “Chicago pipeline to your heart” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the creators of ChicagoLobbyists.org, learns about a Chicago comedy blog, and chats with the editor of the Chicago Pipeline, an e-newsletter about Wicker Park and Bucktown.   Paul Baker, Derek Eder, and Chad Pry— Part of the creative team behind ChicagoLobbyists.org We learn about this website that’s intended to improve transparency of interactions between the City of Chicago and lobbyists and their clients.   James Kamp– Editor and founder of the Comedy of Chicago blog This blog spotlights different topics within the local comedy scene.  James tells us why he started this blog and why you should check it out.     Alisa Hauser— Editor and publisher of the Chicago Pipeline This weekly e-newsletter covers Wicker Park and Bucktown.  Alisa gives us the lowdown on reporting the happenings in her community.   OTL #276 local music provided by Warm Ones…