OTL: Episode #378- Midwest Sweet Baking History, Winterize your car, Chicago Cabbie (Pin-up) Calendar

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 “sweet-baking” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen explores the Chicago history of making sweets, gets a few tips on how to keep our cars running in the winter, and discusses a new pinup calendar called the Chicago Cabbie Calendar.   Jenny Lewis– 5th generation Chicagoan, chef, author of Midwest Sweet Baking History: Delectable Classics around Lake Michigan, and founder of Chicago Candy Tours Chicago has a rich history of sweet-making.  We explore that history and learn about Jenny’s Chicago Candy Tour program.         The Parking Ticket Geek – Blogger at The Expired Meter Chicago winters can be brutal on our cars.  The Geek provides some tips on how to protect your vehicle.         Melissa Callahan– Chicago cabbie and creator of the Chicago Cabbie Calendar This unique calendar that features real Chicago cabbies as pin-up models benefits the Cabbies For Justice legal fund.  We get the lowdown.     OTL #378 local music provided by BIG JOY…  

OTL: Episode #368- Chicago film history, Rooftop Sessions Chicago, Chicago Review Press turns 40

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 review” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about Chicago film history, chats about local music with Rooftop Sessions Chicago, and discusses the 40th anniversary of Chicago Review Press.   Michael Corcoran– Co-author of Hollywood on Lake Michigan We learn about the rich film history in Chicago.       Joel Hoover– Audio engineer for Rooftop Sessions Chicago Music venues don’t have to be in traditional settings.  They can be anywhere, even on a roof.  Joel gives us the details.         Cynthia Sherry– Publisher, Chicago Review Press Chicago Review Press just celebrated 40 years in the the local literary scene.  We get the lowdown about this Chicago institution.     OTL #368 local music provided by Fort Frances…  

OTL: Episode #358- Inside Joe’s Barbershop, Streetsblog Chicago, Chicago Writers Conference Preview

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 “straight razor shave” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen vists Joe’s Barbershop in Logan Square, learns about Streetsblog Chicago, and previews the Chicago Writers Conference.   Joe Caccavella Jr.– Barber at Joe’s Barbershop Located at 2641 W. Fullerton, this historic barbershop has been serving the community since 1968.  We go inside this Chicago gem.         John Greenfield– Editor of Streetsblog Chicago This new blog focuses on local sustainable transportation issues.  We learn about this site and discuss the proposed Chicago bus rapid transit system.     Mare Swallow– Founder of the Chicago Writers Conference This upcoming conference is a great resource for local writers or anyone who aspires to be an author.  We chat about what’s new at this year’s conference.       OTL #358 local music provided by Rabble Rabble…  

OTL: Episode #342- The “To Be Demolished” series, Being a bike messenger in Chicago, Broken sidewalks with Chicago Stumbler

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 “watch where you walk” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets an update on the “To Be Demolished” series, learns what it’s like to be a Chicago bike messenger, and discusses the Chicago Stumbler blog.   David Schalliol– Creator of the To Be Demolished series and Managing Editor of GapersBlock.com Every year there are hundreds of Chicago buildings are threatened with demolition.  David reflects on his efforts to document 100 of these buildings online over the last year. Photo courtesy of David Schalliol   Jeff Kidder– Assistant Professor of Sociology at Northern IL University, author of Urban Flow: Bike Messengers and the City What’s it like being a bike messenger in Chicago?  We explore this question and many others related to this risky job.         Mike Reilley– Founder of Chicago Stumbler, The Red Line Project, and Online Journalism Instructor at DePaul’s College of Communication We learn about this new site that documents broken sidewalks near Red Line El stops. Photo courtesy of The Chicago Stumbler   OTL #342 local music provided by Paul Leonard…