Talk for the Times - The Conversations

"What in the World Are You Eating?!" The Promise and Perils of Local and Industrial Food Production Models
Conversation leader: Tayo “Jay” Basquiat

Community gardens, Victory Gardens, the White House Garden … Seed companies confirm that Americans are gardening again. What are we to make of these efforts? We’ll talk about the promise and perils of local food and conventional, industrial food production. What is the untapped potential of community gardens for a community? What is worrisome to you about food and feeding yourself/family? We can talk about some broader issues too. What is needed for the production of healthy food? How can we best "feed the world"? What is the relationship between an individual's garden and the overall health of the community? Should we worry about heirloom seeds and GMOs? There’s more than enough "food for thought" to be had at this conversation!

Trash Talking
Conversation leader: Jean Rolandelli

Many folks believe recycling is a minor activity when it comes to improving our environment. Let’s stop the “trash talking” relative to recycling. Explore the ways in which recycling impacts every aspect of environmental concern, from litter to global warming, with Jean Rolandelli.

The Fate of Reading
Conversation leader: Pamela Krueger

Reading is dead! Long live reading! What are we to make of the changes in the book? Does the advent of eBooks and devices like Kindle and Nook signal the end of reading? This conversation will focus on reading and the impact of technology on how we read and how we think.

Health Care Reform Begins with You
Conversation leader: Cathy Deics

Take charge of your own good health! Health care reform really does begin with you. Cathy Deics, a licensed and registered dietician, will lead this conversation on sound nutrition and wellness practices that will help you live a healthy life.

Yes, You Can!
Conversation leader: Cheryl Weiss

What holds you back? Can you succeed even if you’re scared and unsure? Cheryl Weiss, who has a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on sport and performance psychology, will lead this conversation on mental skills tools and how to use them to increase concentration, lower anxiety, and raise your self-confidence so you can perform under pressure.

Point, Click, and Shoot
Conversation leader: Mike Lalonde

If you want to take better pictures, this conversation is for you! Photographer Mike Lalonde will share tips for composition, lighting, and other techniques to help you capture the beauty you see.

From Lebanon to Dakota
Conversation leader: Erin Price

Most of us are familiar with the Germans and Scandinavians who settled in North Dakota, but what about the Lebanese? Who are they? Where did they settle? What part did they play in North Dakota’s history? How have they added to North Dakota’s culture? Explore this topic with Erin Price, an assistant professor of English at BSC, who is proud of her Lebanese heritage.

Who’s in Your Backyard?
Conversation leader: Dan Rogers

Robins, grackles, and jays … oh my! Who is that in your backyard? Dan Rogers, an avid birder and member of the Bismarck-Mandan Bird Club, will lead this conversation about the joys of birding and figuring out who is sitting right outside your door.

The World Wants You
Conversation leader: Leah Wohlsdorf

From AmeriCorps to Peace Corps, volunteer opportunities abound. What can you do? Join this conversation table to find out more about the volunteerism experience. Leah Wohlsdorf, who lived in Niger as a Peace Corps volunteer, will lead this enlightening conversation.

Art in the Public Eye: Art in Public Spaces – What Is Your Vision?
Conversation leaders: Brian Hushagen and Michelle Lindblom

Art has the ability to enhance our daily lives and provide a sense of place. Art in public spaces can help cultivate community awareness, promote diversity, foster community spirit, and contribute to tourism and economic development. In this discussion, we would like to examine how experiences with art have affected our feelings, how we have developed a particular aesthetic sensibility, and what vision we have for putting more art in public spaces in Bismarck.

A Penny for Your Thoughts
Conversation leader: Dan Schreck

Are you curious about U.S. coins? Want to learn at least ten things you likely didn't know about U.S. coins (including five facts about the Wheat Penny)? We'll talk about what happened when the United States found itself short of copper (1943), we'll talk about the political intrigue, lasting three years, before the first Wheat Penny was ever made and a rogue U.S. Mint that didn't take orders or follow directions very well. Dan Schreck, who learned along the way in his pursuit of his now 50-year hobby, will lead this conversation and can also do some spot appraisals if asked.