OTL: Episode #140- Chicago Media Future Preview, Chicago Justice Update, and Local Politics with Mick Dumke

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I’m very much interested in replacing Obama” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the co-organizer of the upcoming Chicago Media Future Conference, discusses a recent ruling about off-duty Chicago cops, and dives into some hot local political issues with Mick Dumke of the Chicago Reader. Scott Smith – Co-organizer of the Chicago Media Future Conference Scott discusses some of the challenges facing local media and how the upcoming conference will address these challenges. Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project Recently CPD officers were found not guilty in the Jefferson Tap brawl case.  Tracy blogged about this verdict and what it means for Chicago. Mick Dumke – Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader and blogger at Clout City. Mick joins us once again to discuss some of the latest and hottest Chicago political news. OTL #140 local music provided by Powerspace…

OTL: Episode #139- Chicago Swordplay, Project Squirrel, and Cooking Crawfish at Toons

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “cooking crawfish that are speared by a long sword while squirrels look on” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen goes on-location to play with swords, checks out the Chicago wildlife with Project Squirrel, and learns about the art of cooking crawfish here in the city. Greg Mele – Co-founder of the Chicago Swordplay Guild Greg tells us about preserving the art of European swordplay and shows Mike a few moves. Steve Sullivan – Principal Investigator for Project Squirrel. Steve tells us what we can learn from our local squirrel population and how we can be citizen scientists. Danny Beck – Owner of Toons Bar and Grill in Lakeview The 10th Annual Toons Crawfish Boil is happening this weekend.  We get a preview of the Boil and learn about the art of cooking crawfish. OTL #139 local music provided by Charlie Love…

OTL: Episode #138- Ald. Joe Moore on Parking Meters and the CTA Tattler

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “one quarter gets you 15 minutes” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to a Chicago alderman about examining the city’s parking meter lease deal, warns you to be careful when playing flip cup, and chats with the CTA Tattler about the latest local transit issues. Ald. Joe Moore – Alderman of the 49th Ward The Alderman explains why he voted for the parking meter lease deal, why he regrets that vote, and what he’s doing to shed some light on how this deal was passed in the City Council. Above: Ald. Joe Moore OTL Party Advice – Lottie’s Pub (as featured in OTL #120) celebrates its 75th anniversary this weekend.  They’re having a flip cup party.  Oh my. Above: A Flip Cup Arena Kevin O’Neil – Founder of ctatattler.com Kevin gives us the lowdown on the Blue Line repairs redux, CTA stimulus funding, and the bus tracker FINALLY tracking all bus routes. Above: The Blue Line Train Approaches OTL #138 local music provided by Chin Up Chin Up…

OTL: Episode #137- Wrongful Convictions and The Chicago Pizza Club

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “deep dish” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gives you a tip for dealing with broken parking meters, brings us the story of a wrongful conviction, and goes on-location with the president of the Chicago Pizza Club and one of its members to chat about the local pizza scene. A Parking Meter Tip – courtesy of The Parking Ticket Geek, official parking correspondent of OTL, at The Expired Meter. It’s not illegal to park at a broken parking meter in Chicago!  The Geek has a way to help you out! John Maki – soon-to-be adjunct professor at Loyola University’s School of Law and a media organizer for the Center on Wrongful Convictions John tells us the story of Thaddeus Jimenez who, at age 13, was wrongly convicted of murder.  He was released last week. ***BONUS: Click on the link below for John’s YouTube video of Thaddeus’ release from prison.*** The Exoneration of Thaddeus Jimenez VIDEO Francisco Quinteros  and Jen Stander – members of the Chicago Pizza Club Mike met up with Francisco and Jen at Coalfire Pizza recently to learn all about the Chicago Pizza Club and the art of enjoying local pizza. Above: Part of a Scrumptious Prosciutto Pizza At Coalfire OTL #137 local music provided by Cyclesomething…