OTL: Episode #336- Chicago Elevated walking tours, TNG Futurecore, Long-term costs of increased police staffing

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 “futurecore” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about Chicago Elevated’s local walking tours, rocks Star Trek hardcore music with the guys from TNG, and looks at the long-term costs of police staffing increases in Chicago.   Margaret Hicks– Founder & owner of Chicago Elevated From a tour of the Pedway to a local disaster tour, Margaret is one happy camper when she leads her walking tours.  We get the lowdown on this opportunity to learn about Chicago.   T.J. and Collin of TNG – Have you ever seen a Star Trek hardcore music video?  You’re about to when you click below.  We find out why these local visionaries decided to embark on this trek of awesomeness.     Tracy Siska– Executive director of the Chicago Justice Project The CJP recently released an issue brief looking at the long term costs of increased police staffing in Chicago.  We discuss this analysis.   OTL #336 local music provided by California Wives…  

OTL: Episode #327- The Beer Temple, Chicago Cable Cars

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 visits The Beer Temple, a new craft beer boutique on Elston and learns about Chicago’s cable car history. Chris Quinn– Owner, of The Beer Temple We go inside this new craft beer boutique in the Avondale neighborhood (3185 N. Elston).  Be sure to check out Chris’ great video podcast too!       Greg Borzo – Author, Chicago Cable Cars Chicago once had the largest cable car system in the world.  We learn about why it eventually went bust.     OTL #327 local music provided by Swearwords…  

OTL: Episode #209- The Future of the Polish Triangle, Revisiting the Felony Franks Controversy, U of C’s Chicago Weekly

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 weekly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the Polish Triangle to discuss its future, hears from Ald. Bob Fioretti on the Felony Franks hot dog issue, and chats with U of C students about their school’s paper, The Chicago Weekly. Eleanor Mayer— Assistant Program Manager for Wicker Park Bucktown We visit the Polish Triangle at the intersection of Division, Ashland, and Milwaukee to discuss this historic area’s future.  You can read a report on the history and future of the Polish Triangle here. The Polish Triangle Revisiting the Felony Franks Controversy— On OTL #201 we went inside Felony Franks, a hot dog stand on Jackson and Western.  This week week we hear a clip from an interview between Mike Stephen and Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) where the Alderman says why he’s opposed to the theme of the joint.  The clip comes from an episode of Issue Forum on CAN-TV. Brian Hieggelke— Editor and Publisher of New City Harry Backlund, Clare Fentress, Kelsey Gee– Students at the University of Chicago and part of the Chicago Weekly editorial team We learn about this college newspaper that aims to tell the stories of the South Side community. OTL #209 local music provided by The Maybenauts…

OTL: Episode #204- Analyzing Local Media Portrayal of Violence, Chi Underground Library Benefit, Inside the Haymarket Pub and Brewery

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 “working class” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen discusses the local media portrayal of violence in Chicago, previews the Chicago Underground Library’s benefit, and goes inside the future home of the Haymarket Pub in the West Loop. What’s in a name?—  Recently, Independent candidate for Cook Co. Assessor, Forrest Claypool, purchased JoeBerrios.com.  Berrios is Claypool’s opponent in the race.  Have you purchased your name’s site?  Looks like MichaelStephen.com is up and running already.  Apparently they have good eats! Tracy Siska— Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project In this blog post, Tracy analyzes local media portrayal of Chicago violence.  He discusses the conclusions of his analysis this week. Nell Taylor— Co-Founder of the Chicago Underground Library This non-profit organization collects all independent and small press media in Chicago.  They’re having a benefit coming up on August 27th.  We get the details. John Neurauter, Pete Crowley, and Chris Buccheri— The Triumvirate Behind the Haymarket Pub & Brewery We go inside the space that will soon house Chicago’s newest brewpub with an interactive and working class feel. The Future Home of the Haymarket Pub and Brewery OTL #204 local music provided by Joel Paterson/The Modern Sounds…