OTL: Episode #258- Chicago Justice Project update, Future of Division and Ashland, Apps For Metro Chicago competition

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 “down with Pizza Hut” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a Chicago Justice Project research update, discusses the future of the old Pizza Hut site on Division and Ashland, and talks Chicago apps that benefit residents.   Tracy Siska— Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project The CJP has some new analysis of the Chicago Police Board and the City Council’s Committee on Police and Fire Departments.  We discuss what this new research means. Eleanor Mayer– Program Manager of Special Service Area #33 in Wicker Park We’ve all seen the abandoned Pizza Hut on the corner of Division and Ashland in Wicker Park.  It’s finally gone and now the question of what to put in its place remains.  We discuss the future of this property. The old Pizza Hut Site on Division and Ashland. Katie Auerbach— Project Manager of the Apps For Metro Chicago contest There is an ongoing competition happening in the city where participants create apps using data provided by local governments and agencies.  We get the lowdown on how these apps benefit Chicagoans.   OTL #258 local music provided by About the Mess…

OTL: Episode #257- Parking with SpotHero.com, Logan Square Kitchen vs. City Health Dept., Smart Chicago Collaborative

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 “smart Chicago” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns an easier way to get a parking spot in Chicago, chats with the owner of Logan Square Kitchen about city inspections, and explores how a new group brings the Internet to low-income citizens.   Mark Lawrence— Co-Founder of SpotHero.com This site allows you to reserve a parking space in Chicago before you even leave your house!  We get the details from Mark this week. Zina Murray– Owner of the Logan Square Kitchen In the last two years the Chicago Health Department has inspected the LSK 19 times.  Zina explains why she feels her shared kitchen has been smothered by city government.   Dan O’Neil— Executive Director of the Smart Chicago Collaborative We hear about how this new entity works to bring Internet access to low-income areas of Chicago.   OTL #257 local music provided by Jon Drake and The Shakes…

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 #229- Toxic Tour of NW Indiana, No “Dibs” with Chair-Free Chicago, iBrewmaster App

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 “chair-free” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a push poll call on the air, discusses pollution in NW Indiana with journalist Kari Lyderson, learns why Chair-Free Chicago is against saving parking spots with furniture, and gets the lowdown on a new iPhone app that will help out local home brewers. Kari Lyderson— Freelance Journalist In last week’s Chicago Reader Kari wrote an article about how industry (and consequently, pollution) is intertwined in northwest Indiana’s economy.  She joins us this week to discuss her piece. Photo By Lloyd DeGrane Kevin Lynch— Founder of Chair-Free Chicago Saving the parking spot you dug out from the snow with a piece of furniture is a time-honored tradition in Chicago.  Not everyone agrees with this “dibs” approach, however.  We get the lowdown on this group. Joe Cannici — Creator of the iBrewmaster iPhone and iPad App Home brewing just got a whole lot easier with the iBrewmaster app.  We hear all about it from the app’s creator this week. OTL #229 local music provided by Radar Eyes…