First Crack Podcast with Garrick Van Buren

If you missed it, here’s the KARE 11 - Podcasting, have opinion will share segment.

If you’re wondering about a new First Crack podcast - as you can expect, Cooper threw my recording schedule for a loop. Podcasting to resume after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Until then, peruse the archives and send over your suggestions for interesting conversations.

As you know, I’m a big fan of Kris and Betsy’s Croncast. A while back, Kris bought a Scion xB. In a recent episode, Betsy commented how the car fits Kris. How it’s the right car for him and who he is. It’s still a unique enough vehicle round these parts that I notice each one. Every time I see one, I think of Kris. So, yes, Betsy, I agree.

A couple years back I spent a good chunk of time in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District. Aside from convenience (it’s right between downtown and NE) it’s got a nice comfortable, creative vibe to it. Unfortunately, there’s not a hands down winner for a good cup of coffee.

If you prefer coffee mixed with single speed bikes - the Go Coffee inside the 1 on 1 bike studio has free wifi, great service, great people, and decent espresso.

If you’re looking for a quieter place with plush seats and perhaps a glass of wine instead of their on average coffee, then walk across the street to Marysburg Books.

Then, a block north, there’s Moose and Sadies. My memories of it are dark, cave of a place emanating 50 years of cigarette smoke and stale pastries. When I needed a hit of second-hand smoke, I’d pop in there.

Not anymore.

They’ve completely remodeled the place. Today, it’s bright, sunny, place that’s easy to move around, with a good looking breakfast menu. I was stunned. Impressed. Amazed at the transformation. The coffee even tastes better. Still not free wifi though.

UPDATE 28 Friday 2006:
There’s a Dunn Bros in that neighborhood now - 228 Washington Ave North specifically. So, the race for best coffee shop is fully on.

Sorry for the late notice - if you’re looking for something to do tonight and want to learn about podcasting - specifically with iLife (Garage Band, iTunes, iPhoto) and .Mac - pop up to the Apple Store in Roseville by 6pm tonight (Nov 2nd) and you can get a demo from me.

On a cool October day, while on my quest for some independent Twin Cities music, I sat down with John Ostby formerly of SpyMob. He had an acoustic guitar, I had a mic. We talked a little about the Twin Cities music scene, but mostly he played. Enjoy.

Listen to John Ostby and His Guitar [24 min]