I know that this blog post is a few weeks overdue, but better late then never! I’ve finally done it, gone in front of a video camera. Anyone that knows me, knows that family videos scarred me as a child and I’ve been reticent to actually get in front of the camera.

The original idea for this podcast was hatched at Launch Party 1 with myself, Bradley, and Tod. Things have changed quite a bit since the original concept - including the awesome addition of two of my really good friends, Nadia Nascimento and Grace Carter.  Currently, Bits n’ Sass is living as a segment in Bradley’s Connected Life podcast, but if all goes as according to plan, we’ll soon be hosting it solo. Exciting I know!!

Our first episode was super exciting and nervous all at the same time, but in the end with the help and encouragement of the awesome staff at M2O (special thanks to Brian, Paul, Jack, Tris, and of course Bradley), I think it turned out wonderfully in the end.

Currently, it’s been hosted on MSN and they won’t let me embed the video here (that totally sucks!), so you’ll have to follow the link to their site - sorry in advance if you’ve got to watch an ad. I’m working on getting a copy that I can embed here, probably won’t happen until after the holidays though.

Connected Life: Bits N’ Sass

Let me know what you think.

Jenn Lowther
Originally uploaded by FearlessCity

Yesterday, I dropped off a couple of old cell phones that I had lying around in my drawers to the Fearless City phone drive. They are asking Vancouver residents to donate their old mobile phones to help Downtown Eastside artists share stories, and tap into life, jobs and family. I think that this is an amazing intitative and with very little effort, you can help someone less fortunate with an item that would never have seen the light of day.

I’ve just sent off an email to my family that I’ll be seeing over the Christmas holidays, asking them to bring their old phones with them to Christmas dinner so that I can drop them off once I get back to the city. If we all do this, the Fearless City phone drive will be a phenomenal success and we will have played a small part in helping out.

From the Fearless City website:

Action Plan:

First, Gather phones!

Collect all the unused mobile phones at your office and home - dig into your boxes of stuff, ask you friends! Digital cameras gratefully accepted too.

Next, Arrange Pick-up:

Let us know via Twitter: Fearless City, email: info (at) fearlessmedia (dot) ca, Phone/SMS: 604.644.4349, Voice mail: 604.682.3269 xt 8320
We’ll come by on  purple Yahoo bikes on Tues. Dec. 23rd & 30th to collect your devices
We’ll take your photo, bring treats, and thank you publicly with a link

Or, Drop-off (after Tuesday, 23rd) at:

• Roundhouse Community Centre - 181 Roundhouse Mews
• Pathways - 390 Main Street (kitty corner from the Canegie)
• Raincity Studios - 1 Alexander St. @ Water st.

Even send by Postal Mail to:

Fearless City
c/o DTES CAN
PO Box 88023
418 Main St
Vancouver, BC V6A 4A4

Notes:

• Remove your chip, and clear your contacts before donating (all phones will be completely cleared before released).
• Please include chargers and accessories - used digital cameras also welcome
• Unusable phones will be donated to FreeGeek for reuse and recycling

Who is Fearless?

Fearless is a Vancouver Non-Profit group providing tools, resources, and cultural outreach to artists and residents in the improverished Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. Fearless is a project of the DTES Community Arts Network (CAN)