OTL: Episode #377- A look back at 2013 in Chicago

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from Toons Bar and Grill in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “happy new year!” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen looks back on 2013 in Chicago with Mick Dumke of the Chicago Reader, Shamus Toomey of DNA Info Chicago, and Jen Kramer of Navy Pier. HAPPY NEW YEAR! We look back at the year that was 2013 with a panel of great Chicagoans.   Mick Dumke– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Shamus Toomey– Managing Editor of DNA Info Chicago Jen Kramer– Director of Entertainment and Special Events at Navy Pier     Jen Kramer, Mick Dumke, and Shamus Toomey at Toons Bar and Grill at 3857 N. Southport.  

OTL: Episode #367- The Cornelia Arts Building, Dad’s parking ticket update, The NW Chicago Film Society

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 “oh-so-artsy” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the Cornelia Arts Building, gives an update on his dad’s parking ticket, and learns about the Northwest Chicago Film Society.   Kevin Swallow– Local artist and member of the Cornelia Arts Building We go inside a unique 100+ year old building that provides studio space for some of Chicago’s artists in Roscoe Village.     The Cornelia Arts Building     A bogus parking ticket update–  Mike gives us an update on the story of how his dad received a parking ticket while Mike was idling his car, waiting to pick him up.  Friend of OTL, The Parking Ticket Geek, recently featured Mike’s story in a column.   OTL Host Mike Stephen with a bogus ticket.  Photo courtesy of dnainfo.com.         Kyle Westphal– Vice president of the NW Chicago Film Society This organization aims to preserve the classic movie experience.  We get the lowdown on all the work they do. Photo courtesy of northwestchicagofilmsociety.org.     OTL #367 local music provided by The Claudettes…  

OTL: Episode #363- IL politician term limits, A marathon pre-game, The Bike Index could save your bicycle

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 “marathon” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of term limits for IL politicians, checks in with an upcoming marathoner, and learns about a massive bicycle registry called the Bike Index.   Brian Costin– Director of Government Reform, IL Policy Institute We learn about the push to enact term limits for IL politicians.         Erik Nybo– Marathoner who’s going the distance Mike chats with Erik as he is about to embark on yet another marathon…and it’s not the marathon you might think.   Erik Nybo in action.   Seth Herr– Founder of the Bike Index Registering your bike is very important.  Seth wants to create a massive bike registry that’s easy to use and will help cyclists in the long run.  We get the lowdown this week.  Also, check out their Kickstarter page.       OTL #363 local music provided by The VanGoghs…   This week marks the 7th anniversary of Outside the Loop!  Thank you so much for your continued support!

OTL: Episode #362- Chi Raq documentary on city violence, A parking warning, A family doesn’t buy anything for a year

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 “watch where you idle your car” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the director of a film about the culture of violence in Chicago, shares his downtown parking woes, and checks in with a family that isn’t purchasing anything in 2013.   Will Robson-Scott– Director of Chi Raq We discuss this documentary on the culture of violence in some of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods.         A bogus parking ticket–  Mike tells the story of how his dad received a parking ticket while Mike was idling the car, waiting to pick him up.  Friend of OTL, The Parking Ticket Geek, recently featured Mike’s story in a column.   OTL Host Mike Stephen with a bogus ticket.  Photo courtesy of dnainfo.com.     Joe Basilone– Co-owner of Thrift & Thrive resale shop Could you go a whole year without buying anything?  That’s what Joe and his family are attempting in 2013.  We check in with him once again to see how it’s going.       OTL #362 local music provided by Speck Mountain…