OTL: Episode #207- Chicago Ave. In Limbo, Another Visit to the Near North Farmessori

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 “street-level” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen roughs the winds of Chicago, chats with the author of an article about Chicago Avenue, and visits the Near North Farmessori to see how goes the experiment in urban gardening. Janina Williams— Freelance Writer and Author of Chicago Ave: A ‘Hood In Limbo The stretch of Chicago Ave. between Damen and Ashland has seen a lot of action over the years.  Janina reflects on where this neighborhood has been, where it is now, and where it’s going. Deitch Pharmacy on Chicago Ave.  Photo Courtesy of Janina Williams Who Needs the Olympics?— Chicago has one of the top five gay bars in the world! Anna Viertel and Stacy Cushenberry— Staff at the Near North Montessori School The Near North Farmessori is a student-run farm in the East Village neighborhood.  It’s come a long way since we last stopped by in six inches of snow in February.  We get an update this week. The Near North Farmessori OTL #207 local music provided by I Kong Kult…

OTL: Episode #206- Talking Chicago Theater, OTL Rewind with Chicago Gluttons, Check the Tax on Your Restaurant Bill

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 “locally theatrical” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen crashes a rehearsal for a one-act play at this weekend’s Chicago Fringe Fest, plays a clip from the OTL Archives regarding the Chicago Gluttons, and discusses why you should check the tax on your restaurant bill. Jay Sukow, Jason Lord, Kerri Van Aukan— Chicago actors in the one-act play, The Meeting Katie Hawkey— Director of The Meeting We go inside a rehearsal of this show to discuss the local theater scene and preview the Chicago Fringe Festival, happening this weekend.  You can catch this play Thursday (9/2) at 4 p.m., Saturday (9/4) at 8:30 p.m., and Sunday (9/5) at 7 p.m. at the Edinburgh Stage: 2003 S. Halsted. OTL Rewind— An interview with the co-founder of the Chicago Gluttons We rewind back to April 15th of this year on OTL #186 to listen to an interview about this great local food blog. Sarah Klose— Freelance Writer for the Chicago Reader In an article she wrote last week, Sarah tells us why we should pay attention to the sales tax on our restaurant bills.  She joins us to recap her story. OTL #206 local music provided by Mapmaker…

OTL: Episode #205- The Roundtable Show: BBQ in Chicago

TO HEAR THE SHOW, PRESS THE “PLAY” BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST… (podcasting from Toons Bar and Grill in Lakeview) (broadcasting on the “roundtable” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen hosts another in a series of occasional discussions, taking place in the community and covering different local topics/themes.  The topic of this roundtable is BBQ in Chicago. Mike welcomes: Gary Wiviott— Author of Low & Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons, Founder of LTH Forum Danny Beck—  Certified BBQ Judge, Chef and Owner of Toons, the sponsor of this roundtable show Titus Ruscitti— Blogger at Smokin’, Chokin’, and Chowing With the King BBQ Ribs at Toons.  Photo Courtesy of Gary Wiviott. The Roundtable is portable!  If you have an idea where we should record the next one or what we should talk about, let the OTL Staff know! OTL #205 local music provided by The Carl Davis Band…

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…