OTL: Episode #277- The statewide lobby loophole, Discovering a local watering hole, The Red Line Project

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 “it’s you, Babe’s” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to Andy Hermann about discovering a local watering hole, learns how many IL lawmakers are also lobbyists, and discusses community journalism with the founder of The Red Line Project.   John Sullivan— Asst. Director of the Medill Watchdog Initiative and faculty member at Northwestern University Illinois lawmakers are allowed to be lobbyists on the side.  Is this a conflict of interest?  We discuss this topic with John and he breaks down his research of statewide lobbying.   Andrew W. C. Hermann IV– Former producer and co-founder of OTL Radio Mike and Andy had a night out in Jefferson Park last week and discovered a great local bar.  We hear an audio recap of their adventure.  (Listen for a Hobo reference from OTL #5)   Babe’s on Milwaukee Ave. in Jefferson Park.   Mike Reilley— Founder of The Red Line Project and Online Journalism Instructor at DePaul’s College of Communication We learn about this site that covers the happenings in the areas near the Red Line El stops.   OTL #277 local music provided by Go Time!…

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…

OTL: Episode #270- Trubadeaux: a Restaurant Movie, Cheap beer blind taste test, the Responsible Budget Ordinance

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… Happy Thanksgiving! (podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “cheap beer” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the guys behind a new locally-produced movie, Trubadeaux, learns about the cheap beer taste test, and discusses the Responsible Budget Ordinance that was introduced in the city council.   Jay Sukow, John Berka, and Todd Wojcik— Writers of Trubadeaux (also, they’re in the film!) On OTL #216 we went on the set of Trubadeaux: A Restaurant Movie.  A year later that movie is complete.  We hear about the production process and why the guys chose to produce every aspect of the film in Chicago.   Todd Wojcik and John Berka on the set.     Tom Carter– Mike’s bro-in-law Need a way to spice up the family holiday party this year?  Try a cheap beer taste test!  Tom attended this event and he gives us a recap.   The cheap beer taste test.   Amisha Patel— Executive Director of The Grassroots Collaborative The Responsible Budget Ordinance was introduced in the Chicago City Council last month.  We learn about this legislation and how it has impacted the discourse of the city’s financial future.     OTL #270 local music provided by the Henhouse Prowlers…

OTL: Episode #255- TabsonRahm.org, Chicago as a top food city, Pollution in Pilsen

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 “keeping tabs on Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about the new site tabsonrahm.org, explores Chicago as a top food city, and discusses coal-fired power plant pollution in Pilsen.   Chirag Patel— Co-Founder of TabsonRahm.org This site displays Mayor Emanuel’s campaign promises and allows you to vote on how good of a job you think he’s doing in keeping those promises. Chicago as a Top Food City– Mike explores TheDailyMeal.com‘s list of top American cities when it comes to America’s favorite food. Credit: © Flickr/roboppy Matthew Blake— Contributing Reporter to the Chicago Journal Matthew joins us to discuss an article he wrote that covers the power plant pollution issue in Pilsen and what’s being done about it. Fisk Generating Station, 1111 W. Cermak Rd.   OTL #255 local music provided by Jet W. Lee…