OTL: Episode #246- Albany-Whipple Park Opening, a Nelson Algren Documentary, Chicago Food Policy

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 “parks and recreation” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen visits the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, talks to the director of a new documentary about Nelson Algren, and discusses Chicago’s food policy. Ben Helphand— Board President of The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail We go on-location to the grand opening of the Albany-Whipple Park, a future access point for The Bloomingdale Trail.  Ben gives us an update on the BT project. The New Albany-Whipple Park Michael Caplan– Director and Writer of Algren The life & work of the great 20th Century writer Nelson Algren is the focus of this documentary due out in spring of 2012.  We hear about the process of making this film. Nelson Algren   Erika Allen— Board Member of the Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council We hear about efforts of this organization to improve access to nutritionally sound and affordable food and discuss Chicago’s food policy.   OTL #246 local music provided by Rebecca Rego…

OTL: Episode #245- Dose Market, The Bar Aid Project, Man UP Chicago

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 “manned-up” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen previews the debut of Dose Market, learns about the Bar Aid Project from a local bartender, and chats with the editor of ManUpChicago.com. Jessica Herman— Co-founder of Dose Market and Associate Style & Shopping Editor for Time Out Chicago This Sunday, June 5th, is the debut of Dose Market at the River East Arts Center (435 E. Illinois).  Jessica gives us the lowdown on this cool new monthly market that focuses on local food and fashion. Logan Lavacheck– Mixologist at Sepia and Duchamp, Creator of The Bar Aid Project What can we learn from a mid-20th century bar guide that has 80 drink recipes printed on it?  We explore this question and find out why Logan is re-creating these archaic cocktails. The Bar Aid from circa 1950   Mark Rumble— Editor of ManUpChicago.com This new web-based magazine is geared toward Chicago men (but women might like it too!).  Mark tells us why he started up the site and what you can expect to read there.   OTL #245 local music provided by The Diemakers…

OTL: Episode #241- SlutWalk Chicago, Neo-Futurists Need Local Art, Creator Camp Chicago

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 “creative” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the organizers of a march against intolerance called SlutWalk Chicago, learns about the Neo-Futurists call for local art, and discusses creativity with the co-organizer of Creator Camp Chicago.   Jessica Skolnik and Jamie Keiles– Co-Organizers of SlutWalk Chicago We hear from the organizers of this local event that is a march against intolerance and takes place in Daley Plaza on June 4th. Megan Mercier– Neo-Futurist Ensemble Member The Neo-Futurists are putting out the call for local art to be displayed at their theater.  We learn more this week.   Mare Swallow— Co-organizer of Creator Camp Chicago We get the scoop on this upcoming half-day event that’s open to the public and brings together creative people so they can share their advice and knowledge in an intimate setting. OTL #241 local music provided by The Father Costume…

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…