The following is the second instalment in a series of podcasts called ‘Conversations’. The list of the invited will span a diverse selection, which may include artists, musicians, politicians, activists, entrepreneurs and maybe even my father.

Episode Two is a conversation I had with Melanie Yugo and Jason Pelletier, the duo behind ‘Spins and Needles‘. A local Ottawa social event that combines a night of fun crafting projects set to a funky beat. I learn about their goals, experiences and current campaign for global domination.

NOTE: Unfortunately, we chose to sit right next HVAC unit. Duh. Apologies for the the poor audio quality.

For more information on their upcoming events, or DJ Jason Pelletier’s music and weekly sessions, visit the following :

www.spinsandneedles.com

www.myspace.com/jasonskilz

www.technoetc.net

Discovery is not a child-centric activity, but it’s sure feels like it. Well, at least for this little buckeroo.

At the exact moment when my mind registers a ‘discovery’ I experience an auto-somatic episode for a brief period. I can not quantify the length of time, but I revert to the young boy that had often sought out and enjoyed lifting up random rocks, discarded debris or moldy newspapers to simply find what lies underneath. This happens to me. EVERY. TIME.

I have this existential replay of me lifting up the symbolic rock. Kind of like the Quality Assurance station along the assembly line of memories, emotions and experiences that is my psyche. ‘It’s confirmed! We have a new discovery! Commence euphoric brain activity! Stat. Activate ear-to-ear smiling mechanism. Go. Go. Go.‘

Currently, that activity of discovery often involves scavenging through various decrepit pockets of the inter-webs. While trolling the National Public Radio website in search of some reprieve from ‘Wednesday, Day 3 of 5 for employee 30725, occupier of cornerish-window cubicle 225, 5^TH floor, building C, National Office campus. The factory was pushed into motion by a little nugget by the name of Intelligence Squared US, a podcast of oxford-style debates, complete with action grip moderator! The debaters are harvested from the upper echelons of academia and other relevant fields of knowledge. Three for the motion, three against. Throw in a hot-button issue and debate! My introduction into this program was the proposition of ‘Is America Too Damn Religious?‘. And this one was a hum-dinger. The series is produced by the WNYC, New York Public Radio. All debates are taped in front of a live audience in New York City, who are polled pre and post debate. Its root is from the British production that began in 2002. I eagerly await a Canadian version to be rolled out by the CBC.

Debate is an essential apparatus of education and critical thinking. No matter what your stance is, it is always beneficial to view a topic from as many vantage point as possible. For or against, these debaters present their case in an objective and eloquent manner.

And that’s hot.

The following is a first in a series of podcasts called ‘Conversations’. The list of the invited will span a diverse selection, which may include artists, musicians, politicians, activists, entrepreneurs and maybe even my father.

Episode One is a conversation I had with Guy Berubé, Owner and Artistic Director of Galerie La Petite Mort. A groundbreaking art space that has captured the imagination of the community. We hear his thoughts on a myriad of topics, from his vision to the trials and tribulations of a gallery owner.

The gallery is located at 306 Cumberland Street, in the heart of Downtown Ottawa, Canada. Treat yourself to an afternoon in its bold yet inviting atmosphere.