OTL: Episode #313- Pawn shops v. the people, Uber gets sued, Parking Ticket Geek update

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 “pawn star” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks about pawn shops in Chicago middle-class neighborhoods with the Chicago Reader’s Mick Dumke and checks in with the Parking Ticket Geek on local transportation issues.   Mick Dumke– Senior writer at the Chicago Reader Pawn shops are in every Chicago neighborhood.  Mick writes about how some local residents are pushing back against new pawn shops in their community.   Photo courtesy of Andrea Bauer and the Chicago Reader Uber gets sued – Uber is a smartphone app that allows you to order an on-demand private driver that can take you around the city.  Recently this service was sued in a US District Court in Chicago.  Check out the full conversation about Uber on OTL #299.     The Parking Ticket Geek– Official OTL parking correspondent and blogger at TheExpiredMeter.com From an increase in sticker violations to explaining why gas prices are still high, the Geek gives us an update on all things related to Chicago parking.     OTL #313 local music provided by Mazes…  

OTL: Episode #312- The future of the Catholic Church

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 “churched-up” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen hosts a roundtable discussion on the future of the Catholic Church with members of Voice of the Faithful.   Janet Hauter – Immediate past VP of Voice of the Faithful This organization was founded in response to the sexual abuse crisis in the church in 2002 and encourages Catholics to participate in the guidance of the church.  We learn about this group’s efforts.   Dr. Paul Culhane and Dr. Mike Stephen – Members of Chicagoland Voice of the Faithful and the Chicago Archbishop Selection Project We get the lowdown on a way for Catholics to offer their opinions on who they think should be the next Archbishop of Chicago.  Click on the link above to get involved. Mike Stephen Sr. and Paul Culhane       OTL #312 local music provided by The Pear Traps…  

OTL: Episode #311- Arts of Life program, Jogging every Chicago block, Sustainable trans update

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 “run for your life!” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about the Arts of Life program for developmentally disabled adults, talks to a Chicagoan who plans on jogging every city block, and gets an update on local sustainable transportation issues from GridChicago.com.   Emily Smith – Outreach Coordinator for Arts of Life Developmentally disabled adults have much to offer society.  We learn about this unique program that nurtures their artistic abilities.   Darcy Phillips – Creator of Run Chicago Darcy is attempting to run on every block in Chicago and his progress is documented on his Facebook page.  We find out why he’s setting out on this adventure. Darcy keeps track of blocks he already ran.     Steven Vance- Co-founder of GridChicago.com We get an update on local sustainable transportation issues.  From near side traffic signals to the best local transit apps, Steven has the lowdown.     OTL #311 local music provided by Train Company…  

OTL: Episode #310- IL Campaign for Political Reform, City Life Supplement returns, Dmitry Samarov’s new projects

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 “city life” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about the IL Campaign for Political Reform’s great work, previews the 2nd season of The City Life Supplement, and talks to Dmitry Samarov about his new projects.   Whitney Woodward – Policy Associate at the IL Campaign for Political Reform IL has a reputation when it comes to political corruption.  The ICPR is working to increase government transparency in our state.   The City Life Supplement returns – This live show that’s also distributed as a podcast is described as a metropolitan “A Prairie Home Companion” and it’s all about life in Chicago.  You can attend the next performance at Holiday Club on September 29th.     Dmitry Samarov– Former Chicago cabbie, artist, and author of Hack: Stories from a Chicago Cab This local cabbie wrote about some of his great experiences while on duty.  He’s ready for a sequel and he tells us all about that, other projects, and why he’s not driving a cab anymore. Dmitry Samarov in his cab.   OTL #310 local music provided by Dirty Pigeons…