OTL: Episode #377- A look back at 2013 in Chicago

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from Toons Bar and Grill in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “happy new year!” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen looks back on 2013 in Chicago with Mick Dumke of the Chicago Reader, Shamus Toomey of DNA Info Chicago, and Jen Kramer of Navy Pier. HAPPY NEW YEAR! We look back at the year that was 2013 with a panel of great Chicagoans.   Mick Dumke– Senior Writer at the Chicago Reader Shamus Toomey– Managing Editor of DNA Info Chicago Jen Kramer– Director of Entertainment and Special Events at Navy Pier     Jen Kramer, Mick Dumke, and Shamus Toomey at Toons Bar and Grill at 3857 N. Southport.  

OTL: Episode #361- Chicago’s stop and frisk laws, Pressbox laundry, City bike laws you should know

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 “frisky” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke about the CPD’s stop and frisk policy, learns about Pressbox laundry, and talks bicycle law with a Chicago lawyer.   Mick Dumke– Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Mick discusses the legality of the Chicago Police’s stop and frisk policies and if they are effective in reducing crime.  Check out his article HERE.         Drew McKenna– Co-founder of Pressbox We learn about this new and convenient way to do laundry and dry cleaning in Chicago.       Matt Willins– Founder of Willens Law Offices There are some little-known laws when it comes to bicycling in Chicago.  We discuss these and other bike-related issues.       OTL #361 local music provided by Moxie Motive…  

OTL: Episode #315- IL Science Council, Pawn shop update, Chicagolobbyists.org

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 “science is cool” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about the Illinois Science Council, updates a people v. pawn shop story, and discusses local lobbying with the creators of chicagolobbyists.org.   Monica Metzler– Founder and executive director of the IL Science Council This local non-profit seeks to keep alive our fascination with science.  We get the lowdown on this cool organization.     People v. The Pawn Shop update – We get an update on a story from OTL #313 about pawn shops in Chicago.  You can here that interview HERE. Photo courtesy of Andrea Bauer and the Chicago Reader   Paul Baker, Derek Eder, and Chad Pry– Part of the creative team behindChicagoLobbyists.org We learn about this website that’s intended to improve transparency of interactions between the City of Chicago and lobbyists and their clients.     OTL #315 local music provided by Majors Junction…  

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…