OTL: Episode #249- Ald. James Cappleman, Chicago Underground Library Update, GridChicago.com

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 “sustainable” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a Twitter message from George Takei, talks to Ald. James Cappleman (46th) about issues in Uptown, checks in with the Chicago Underground Library on their 5th anniversary, and discusses local sustainable transportation with the co-founder of GridChicago.com. Mike gets a message from George Takei— When OTL host Mike Stephen followed George Takei on Twitter, he got a very naughty response.  Was it a personal or automated message?  Check out the back story on Mike and George on OTL #39. James Cappleman— Alderman of the 46th Ward Ald. Cappleman discusses his views on TIF districts, crime in Uptown, and his getting settled in his new job.   Nell Taylor– Co-Founder of the Chicago Underground Library We get an update on the CUL as it turns 5 and find out how the blizzard of 2011 nearly shut it down.   John Greenfield— Co-Founder of GridChicago.com There’s a new blog covering local sustainable transportation issues.  John talks to us about why he helped start the blog and why it’s important to Chicago.   OTL #249 local music provided by Dirty Pigeons…

OTL: Episode #247- Mick Dumke Sues the City, James VanOsdol’s New Book, Developer Dan O’Neil Visits the White House

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 “I’ll see you in court” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to journalist Mick Dumke about his lawsuit against the City of Chicago, chats with DJ James VanOsdol about leaving radio and also about his new book, and hears why local developer Dan O’Neil went to the White House last week. Mick Dumke— Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Recently Mick filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, saying that their reasons for denying his Freedom of Information Act requests were bogus.  He gives us the details and previews his cover story running this week.   James VanOsdol– Longtime local radio DJ, blogger and author of Off the Record Collection: Riffs, Rants and Writings about Rock James recently hung up the radio headphones.  We find out why and get the lowdown on his book as well as his undying love of Rush. James VanOsdol Dan O’Neil— Chicago Developer and creator of citypayments.org Last week Dan attended a special event at the White House because of his creative efforts on the Web.  He tells us about that experience and his latest project, citypayments.org.   OTL #247 local music provided by Darts & Arrows…

OTL: Episode #243- Chi Politics with Mick Dumke, Chicago Craft Beer Week, Local Actor Danny Goldring

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 “craft” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen chats with the Reader’s Mick Dumke about local politics, previews Chicago Craft Beer Week 2011, and talks to local actor Danny Goldring about working on a movie that was shot in Chicago. Mick Dumke— Senior Writer for the Chicago Reader From our new mayor to analyzing what the Chicago City Council actually does and everything in between, Mick chats about local politics. Mick Dumke Pete Crowley— President of the IL Craft Brewers Guild, Director of Fermentation at the Haymarket Pub May 19th begins Chicago Craft Beer Week 2011.  We get the lowdown on the festivities and discuss Chicago as a craft brewing hub. Danny Goldring — Actor in Chicago Overcoat Local actor Danny Goldring tells us about his latest role as a homicide detective in this movie shot and produced here in Chicago. Danny Goldring in Chicago Overcoat   OTL #243 local music provided by Sleep Out…

OTL: Episode #242- State Rep. Chris Nybo, Inside Intelligentsia, Chicago Hip Hop Connects

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 “hip to hop” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to IL state rep Chris Nybo about his work in Springfield, plays a clip from his tour of Intelligentsia Coffee, and learns how the local Hip Hop scene is reconnecting with its members.   Chris Nybo– IL State Representative of the 41st District Rep. Nybo gives us an update on some important legislation he’s been working on as well as his perspective of politics in Springfield. Inside Intelligentsia– We hear a clip from OTL #38 in June of 2007 when Mike Stephen took the OTL Roving Microphone into Intelligentsia Coffee’s Chicago HQ.   Lara Phillips— Founder of Chicago Hip Hop Connects The Chicago Hip Hop community is working to build a more collaborative scene.  We find out how this is happening.   OTL #242 local music provided by Algebro…