OTL: Episode #297- Mick Dumke on new pot law, Near North Side, The Second Rate City?

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 “smoke ’em if ya’ got ’em” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks new Chicago pot laws, learns about the Near North Unity Program, and explores whether or not Chicago is in decline.   Mick Dumke— Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Recently, Mayor Emanuel announced his support for a plan that would lessen the consequences of getting caught with small amounts of marijuana.  We get the latest on this from Mick. Photo courtesy of ChicagoReader.com Abu Ansari – Content manager of connectnearnorth.org Randall Blakey- Facilitator of the Near North Unity Program The Near North neighborhood has gone through many changes over the years.  We learn about efforts to bring that community closer together through local social programs and technology.     Aaron Renn– Urban analyst and publisher of The Urbanophile Aaron wrote an article called “The Second Rate City?” where he argues that our city could be in decline.  He discusses his thoughts on this topic this week. OTL #297 local music provided by Soft Jolts…  

OTL: Episode #296- Predator: The Musical, Windy City Cycling Club, Chicago Area Ethnic Resources

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 “get to the chopper!” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen previews Predator: The Musical, learns about the Windy City Cycling Club, and discusses diversity with the president of Chicago Area Ethnic Resources.   Derek Elstro— Director of Predator: The Musical This awesome show that turns the 1987 movie into a musical is at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont) through July 7.  We find out where this idea came from and what’s in store for this production. Jeff Rogers – President of the Windy City Cycling Club We learn about Chicago’s LGBT cycling club that’s now 20 years old.     Jeryl Levin– President of Chicago Area Ethnic Resources We get the lowdown on this organization that provides information on Chicago’s ethnic groups in order to break down barriers. OTL #296 local music provided by Cobalt and the Hired Guns…  

OTL: Episode #294- Where was OTL last week?, Streets for Cycling 2020 Plan, Ukrainian Village Historic Church Walk

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 “back from Vegas” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen explains where OTL was last week, learns about the Streets for Cycling 2020 plan, and previews the 1st Architectural Walk of Historic Churches in the Ukrainian Village.   Where was OTL last week?— Vegas, baby!  And now that Mike got his voice back, let’s get on with the show! John Greenfield – Co-founder of GridChicago.com We learn about the Streets for Cycling 2020 program, which aims to improve cycling conditions in the city.  Check out John’s post about the program HERE.     George Matwyshyn– Unofficial historian of the Ukrainian Village The Ukrainian Village is home to some gorgeous and historic churches.  On June 16 you can tour some of these churches on the Architectural Walk of Historic Churches.  We get a preview of the event this week. OTL #294 local music provided by Republic Steel…  

OTL: Episode #277- The statewide lobby loophole, Discovering a local watering hole, The Red Line Project

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 “it’s you, Babe’s” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to Andy Hermann about discovering a local watering hole, learns how many IL lawmakers are also lobbyists, and discusses community journalism with the founder of The Red Line Project.   John Sullivan— Asst. Director of the Medill Watchdog Initiative and faculty member at Northwestern University Illinois lawmakers are allowed to be lobbyists on the side.  Is this a conflict of interest?  We discuss this topic with John and he breaks down his research of statewide lobbying.   Andrew W. C. Hermann IV– Former producer and co-founder of OTL Radio Mike and Andy had a night out in Jefferson Park last week and discovered a great local bar.  We hear an audio recap of their adventure.  (Listen for a Hobo reference from OTL #5)   Babe’s on Milwaukee Ave. in Jefferson Park.   Mike Reilley— Founder of The Red Line Project and Online Journalism Instructor at DePaul’s College of Communication We learn about this site that covers the happenings in the areas near the Red Line El stops.   OTL #277 local music provided by Go Time!…