OTL: Episode #240- Upcoming Ward Re-Mapping, Household Garbage Measuring, Handshake Magazine

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 “re-mapped” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the upcoming ward re-mapping, talks to a Chicagoan who measured his family’s yearly garbage output, and learns about a new local literary magazine.   Matthew Blake– Contributing Writer for the Chicago Journal The ward map in Chicago is slated to change this year.  Matthew talks about his article covering the upcoming ward re-map and how that process works in the City Council. OTL Rewind– In honor of the recent Earth Day we hear this interview with Scott Rappe, architect and member of the East Village Association, that originally aired on OTL #185 last year.  Scott measured his family’s garbage output for 2009.  He discusses the results and how easy it is to compost in your urban backyard. Photo by Phil Velasquez Daniel Duffy— Editor and Publisher of The Handshake Magazine There is a new magazine in the Chicago literary scene that focuses on long-form journalism.  We get the scoop about this project that launched from its Kickstarter site. OTL #240 local music provided by Barehand Jugband…

OTL: Episode #235- Organic School Project, Lakeview Area Master Plan, Local Improv with Tibia Ballerina

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 “organic” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about the Organic School Project, gets the lowdown on the Lakeview Area Master Plan, and talks to the director of a new local Improv show featuring real stories from Chicagoans. Greg Christian— Founder and Executive Director of the Organic School Project The OSP works to educate children how to grow food and why eating right is important in their lives.  We get the story on the organization this week. Harvest Time at Lowell Elementary in Chicago Heather Way— Executive Director of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce The residents and businesses of Lakeview provided their input to create a new master plan for that neighborhood’s future.  What is that future?  Tune in to find out! Adam Higgins— Director of Tibia Ballerina at the Chemically Imbalanced Theater We get the lowdown on this new local Improv show featuring Chicagoans’ real stories as Improv inspiration. OTL #235 local music provided by The Ultrasounds…

OTL: Episode #207- Chicago Ave. In Limbo, Another Visit to the Near North Farmessori

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 “street-level” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen roughs the winds of Chicago, chats with the author of an article about Chicago Avenue, and visits the Near North Farmessori to see how goes the experiment in urban gardening. Janina Williams— Freelance Writer and Author of Chicago Ave: A ‘Hood In Limbo The stretch of Chicago Ave. between Damen and Ashland has seen a lot of action over the years.  Janina reflects on where this neighborhood has been, where it is now, and where it’s going. Deitch Pharmacy on Chicago Ave.  Photo Courtesy of Janina Williams Who Needs the Olympics?— Chicago has one of the top five gay bars in the world! Anna Viertel and Stacy Cushenberry— Staff at the Near North Montessori School The Near North Farmessori is a student-run farm in the East Village neighborhood.  It’s come a long way since we last stopped by in six inches of snow in February.  We get an update this week. The Near North Farmessori OTL #207 local music provided by I Kong Kult…

OTL: Episode #196- Inside Rogers Park’s Mayne Stage, WindyCitizen.com’s NowSpots Project, the Peterson Garden

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 “victory garden” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen would like a pic with the Stanley Cup, goes inside a new Rogers Park venue, learns about a new kind of web banner ad, and visits the Peterson Garden on the North Side. Chris Ritter — General Manager of the Mayne Stage and Act One Cafe in Rogers Park We go inside this new venue that doubles as a giant recording studio and radio broadcast facility. Mayne Stage in Rogers Park Brad Flora— Founder of WindyCitizen.com and NowSpots.com Brad was recently awarded $250,000 from the Knight Foundation for his NowSpots idea.  We find out all about it this week. LaManda Joy — Block Captain for the Peterson Garden We pay a visit to this organic community vegetable garden at Peterson and Campbell in the 40th Ward. Peterson Garden OTL #196 local music provided by Bird Talk…