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November 30, 2008

PEHDTSCKJMBA

...and the battle is groovy

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To know where we are going...

...We must know where we've been.

This Coming Friday (December 5)

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November 29, 2008

Knowing is half the battle...

http://www.80stees.com/pages/t-shirts/80s-movie/Star_Trek_t-shirts.asp?

prepare for the invasion duluth!

Show at The Main Club Saturday Night

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November 27, 2008

Friday night @ The Thirsty Pagan Brewing Co.

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Broadway and Ogden. Superior, WI
No Cover
No Guns

November 26, 2008

itty bitty cine

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so yeah..a brief film program (you can take a peek by clicking on that picture above) which will be taking place every other monday at the teatro zuccone. first up is a 16mm film smack down andthe outrageous cover charge of 5.00 will go directly to the 2nd Harvest Northland Foodbank.

hope you can make it and spread the word, wurd?

over and out,
tim

Evil toys launch attack on literacy

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Since I first was aware of their existence, and especially since some of my cousins have become infatuated with them, I have despised the "Bratz" line of dolls. A column by Nancy Gibbs in Time magazine two years ago summed up my thoughts pretty well with this description: "It's all in the expression. Heavily made up, they look jaded, bored, if not actually stoned. You may want to play with them, but they don't want to play with you."

Now, it seems like these stoned dolls are waging war on literacy.

I was paging through ads over the weekend when I noticed this "laptop" on sale at Walmart. Look closely at the toy's name. Then look right below that to see what it is supposed to teach kids. Anyone else see the irony?

November 25, 2008

Beijing Delivery FTL

It's one thing to get a delivery order wrong the first time, but to get it wrong again...
So tonight we ordered from our favorite Chinese delivery place, Beijing, and, as usual, Simon wanted some veggie lo mein, so we ordered a quart. Since our order was over $20 we got a free pint of veggie fried rice, which Emma demonstrates.

But they sent us not only a pint of veggie fried rice, but a quart too. But no veggie lo mein. So we called and explained the mistake and they said they'd send a quart of veggie lo mein right away.

The delivery guy arrived in about 20 minutes and I greeted him at the door and said, "This must be the veggie lo mein," and he shrugged and said, "I guess." I brought it in and Emma said, "Wouldn't it be funny if this was more veggie fried rice?"

It was.

So, I called and explained again, through fits and giggles, and they said we have a credit with them for a free quart of veggie lo mein sometime, but they couldn't get one out to us right away.

It's all kind of ridiculous, but we're having a good laugh about it anyway.




Hey Duluth, what are you thankful for?

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The snow making at Spirit Mountain is going well. The new Homegrown CD compilation will be out in about three weeks. There's free open skating at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights.

November 24, 2008

The Tisdales CD Release @ Pizza Luce this Wednesday!

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Our first full-length, "Baker's Dozen", is hot off the presses and ready to help your stereo move some air around. We will also have some piping-hot merch available, so be on the lookout. Opening the show are our good friends from Ely, MN, The Darn Losers. Doors @ 9:30. $5 cover. Come out, dance, and work up a soul-cleansing, Thanksgiving Day hangover. It's all much appreciated!

The DJR Sessions

Join Ryan, the spinner of new hipness every Monday at the Brewhouse as he spins the latest and greatest in local and independent music.


Text BREW to 39649 and receive a special text message for a Brewhouse Beer of your choice for only $1 From 10pm until Midnight.

Holistic Vets in Twin Ports??

Our dog, Junebug, is looking for a more holistic vet in the Twin Ports. She used to go to Lake Harriet Veterinary in Minneapolis when we lived there, and were spoiled. She values shots without themerisol/mercury in them, heart worm preventives that don't affect the brain (like heartguard), and an all around nice staff. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Junebug will love you!

Thanks!

November 22, 2008

Music Heals 2night

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Father Hennepin and Giljunko tonight at Pizza Luce. 10PM. Get yer old ass off the couch.

November 21, 2008

How many "Mike Greenmans" do you know? (besides me)

Beth Ann Fennelly in Duluth Saturday

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Beth Ann Fennelly reads from her new book Unmentionables on Saturday as part of the Spirit Lake Poetry Series. Dan Anderson (of Black Labels fame) will open with some jazzy piano.

Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Free
Somers Lounge, College of St. Scholastica.

An associate professor of English at the University of Mississippi, Fennelly is the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and the Wood Award for Distinguished Writing. Her poems have appeared in the 1996, 2005 and 2006 editions of Best American Poetry.

In 2002, she read from her work at the Library of Congress at the invitation of U. S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins.

Funding for the Spirit Lake Poetry Series is provided by grants from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, the College of St. Scholastica, Northern Lights Books and Gifts, and the Lee and Rose Warner Foundation.

holy tempus fugit, batman

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today is our fifth wedding anniversary

and while it may seem like we were eaten for breakfast by our children one morning, never to be seen again, we're actually still around, and we still love each other, and we still love you, too, duluth.
xoxo
the brian rings

November 20, 2008

Who do these terrorists think they are, feeding people?

Buy Nothing Day November 28th

Buy Nothing Day November 28th 2008

November 19, 2008

this cheered me right up today!

November 18, 2008

Relax!

A Peaceful Touch Healing Arts

It's getting cold out! Don't let the winter get you all cramped up for too long!

A Peaceful Touch Healing Arts
is new on the block, and is having it's Grand Opening on Friday, Nov. 21! Come in from 7pm to 9pm (after the Christmas of the North Parade!) to learn how to give great hand and foot massages! Enter a drawing to win a free massage, enjoy a cup of hot tea, and learn about Reiki and energy healing.

Gift Certificates and one-hour sessions are reduced until Dec. 1. You can even book online! Discounts for Students, Seniors, Public Transit Riders. Come by bicycle and enjoy a one-hour massage for just $35 (brrrr!)!

A Peaceful Touch Healing Arts
Scott Schumacher, Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Master
10 E. Superior St, Suite 209 (above the Electric Fetus)
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 348-6387
http://www.apeacefultouch.com/

Looking for Video Mojo

From Chuck Olsen of The Uptake:

"We're looking for someone or someones to videotape the senate recount [at the St. Louis County Boardroom on the second floor of the courthouse]. It's 9am-5pm starting Wednesday and goes until Monday, not including Sunday. Do you know anyone who can volunteer?"

[email protected]

November 17, 2008

THIS could be YOU!

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OKAY, I admit it, business sucks. This is a friendly reminder for you and six of your closest, artsiest friends to come into BOHEMIA ARTS. Wha!? Wher?! It's that "new" art store in town, and it's offering 25% OFF ALL ART SUPPLIES to all PDD'ers, thru December.
22 N. 1st Ave. W.- that's downtown! It's up from Jitters, right next to St. Michael's Loved-a-Bit and Gopher Shoe Repair. We also have all kinds of rad stuff for non-artists! For REAL! GO LOCAL!!

The DJR Sessions

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Recently dubbed as "The Spinner of New Hipness"; Join Ryan every Monday at the Brewhouse as he spins the latest and greatest in local and independent music.


Text BREW to 39649 and receive a special text message for a Brewhouse Beer of your choice for only $1 From 10pm until Midnight.

Gartband Mondays at Carmodys

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November 15, 2008

Bulging, rolling, eroding clay on Wisconsin Point

The hillside at Wisconsin Point is sloooooowly disappearing. I recommend you check it out before it's gone...in a millenium or two.


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Walk east on the beach from the end of the road past the landfill. The hill is descending into the lake. This bulging mass of clay seemed to be slowly rolling down toward the water.


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There are many areas like this.


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There's alot of this,too.


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More rolling clay. It's soft and gooey. Ah, gravity.

November 14, 2008

We hope you will join us for the debut event of the Arrowhead Alliance of Artists With Disabilities


To give you an idea of who we are and what we're up to, we recently created a video at PACT studios in Duluth, and asked local band Tangier 57 to make us a soundtrack.

Click on the following link to find out more about AAAWD and our upcoming event: www.aaawd.blogspot.com

Announcing AAAWD's multi-media debut at the Play Ground!
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Friday & Saturday, November 21-22, 2008
"An AAAWD Evening"
The Play Ground
Technology Village (main level)
11 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN
6:30 pm | Artists' Reception featuring Harpist, Christina Cotruvo
7:30 pm | Part I: AAAWD Little Films
8:30 pm | Part II: CHOICE Dancers & BOLD-Choice Theater Company
Tickets $5 (general admission at the door)
Box Office: 218-733-7555

Wheelchair seating, Audio Description and ASL Interpreter services will be available for both performances.
Complimentary refreshments will also be provided.


(posted for Bridget Riversmith)

i'm freaking stop the insanity giddy!


i just found out that susan powter has a blog! i love her!

White Man's World - Opens Tonight

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White Man’s World turns independent filmmaking on its head. Director Jason Page is sure he's a visionary genius. So why isn't he famous yet? Could it be the color of his skin? Follow him and his comrades onto the reservation in this outrageous look at low-budget, high-concept filmmaking.

See the film tonight & tomorrow night at Teatro Zuccone (222 E. Superior St) - 7 & 9pm each night. Tickets are $10 at the door or by calling 218-336-1414.

No Authors?

While I love the Duluth Scensters section of the Tribune's website to promote local artists and musicians, I noticed there were no local writers in there. We have a lot of local authors who I am sure could be considerd scensters about town. Anyone know any of them?

November 13, 2008

Saturday Nov 15th @ Red Star - James Khani LIVE! painting!

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SATURDAY! November 15th @ Red Star - Duluth, MN

7PM-10PM - jazz, motown, funk, soul, classic hip hop and dusty grooves
10PM-2AM - extended 12" club classics, synth pop, disco and electro

LIVE James Khani painting! Watch him bring the canvas to life!

21+
NO COVER!

Another Family Law Clinic

Hi Folks,

Boyz II Dadz is doing ANOTHER of our very popular Family Law Clinics. We will have a judge, a child support magistrate, some lawyers and even an adoption specialist on hand to answer general questions about things like child support, custody, parenting time and other family related matters. There is a very upbeat and congenial vibe (unlike the experience of court for many people) so if you have questions this is a good place to air them out.

It's today at the building for women (32 East First St) from 6-8 pm. We will have free food, and childcare if you need it. Call or text me if you have any questions: 218.391.8330

JP, Boyz II Dadz Outreach Worker

Voices of the Lake Speaker Series

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Diving the Depths of Lake Superior

Presented by: Jay Hanson

Superior Scuba Charters


Thursday, November 13th, 2008

6:30 pm-7:30 pm

General Public: $3; GLA Members: FREE

Dive into the deep end of Lake Superior with scuba diver Jay Hanson of Superior Scuba Charters. Discover what it's like to dive up to 400 feet! Mr. Hanson will share his deep sea diving techniques, equipment used, and his personal experiences. Explore the depths of Lake Superior through the eyes of a scuba diver and listen to his diving adventures from around the world!


For more information please contact Sara Kubarek at [email protected] or 218-740-2013.

November 12, 2008

oh yeah

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Vigil in Support of Same-Sex Marriage - THIS SATURDAY!

You're invited to a one vigil in support of equal rights and same-sex marriage. The vigil will be held this Saturday, November 15 from 1 to 2pm. It'll take place at the MN Power Plaza, which is located at Lake Ave. & Superior St. in downtown Duluth.

This event is being held in solidarity with the national call for action for Nov. 15 protests against California's Prop 8 amendment. Given that Wisconsin recently also passed a state constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage, and that there is still lingering talk of a such an effort in MN, we've got plenty of local reasons to come out and stand for equality!

I'll bring some extra signs, but feel free to make and bring your own. And be sure to bring your friends!

-For those of you on facebook.com, you can view the page that has been set up for this event there at this address:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=107928950264&ref=nf

-To find out more about the national call to action for Nov. 15, as well as protest listings for other cities, click here:
http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/


For more info about this event, you can contact me [Adam Ritscher] at [email protected] or (715) 394-6660.

Book Release This Friday

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Please join us to celebrate the release of

Jim Heffernan’s Cooler Near the Lake and Tony Dierckins’ Crossing the Canal

Friday, November 14, 2008

Somers Hall, College of St. Scholastica

6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Author Introductions & Brief Readings: 7 p.m.

(Jim will read a few pieces from his book and Tony will give a brief presentation--"The Duluth Ship Canal Dig: Truth vs. the Myths")

Book Signings to Follow Readings

Refreshments Served

Open to the public – everyone is welcome!

More about both books at www.x-communication.org

Thanks for putting up with this shameless self promotion.

Members of Tangier 57: Your color palette for the evening is silver, "essex green" (the lift bridge's original color, a deep green), and olive green (the color of the transfer bridge). If this clashes with Baci's eye color, consider maroon and gold, as Jim is a proud Denfled grad.

November 11, 2008

Calling all RockStars available on a Tuesday afternoon!

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The "Kids Rock" after school class at Grant Elementary is looking to have some very special guests. If you play something and would like to share your talents with 5-8 year olds e-mail me: [email protected]

Our class runs from 3:30-5:15 on Tuesday afternoons from now till December 9th. Snack will be provided for you or you and your band.

November 10, 2008

Twenty Years of Mockery

As if ...

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... more proof was needed, Haliburton - seminal archetypal capitalism at it's finest recently applied for a patent on .. of all things, the practice of patent trolling...i.e. patenting something someone else has thought of and then suing them for infringing on their own idea...if this isnt the height of non-productive leechery, I dont know what is.

Orignal story here

Surly Darkness at Hell's Ktchen

At 7pm November 12 th we will be having a Surly beer event here at Hell's Kitchen.
We will be featuring Surly Darkness and a small Firkin of Tea Bagged Furious. Both will be tapped at 7 pm and will be available until thy're gone. Surly Owner/ Founder Omar Ansari will be on hand as well.
I believe this is first for the Darkness in Duluth.

Hell's Kitchen Duluth
310 Lake Ave. S
218-727-1620

Anyone in MInneapolis tonight?

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Hello,

Brad and I will take our country/rock show to Dinkytown tonight at 9. The Kitty Cat Klub, at 14th and 4th street (next to the loring pasta bar),was chosen for it's extremely comfortable chairs.

-Jamie Ness

Nov 10th 1975

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Armagost, Michael E. Third Mate 37 Iron River, Wisconsin
Beetcher, Fred J. Porter 56 Superior, Wisconsin
Bentsen, Thomas D. Oiler 23 St. Joseph, Michigan
Bindon, Edward F. First Assistant Engineer 47 Fairport Harbor, Ohio
Borgeson, Thomas D. Maintenance Man 41 Duluth, Minnesota
Champeau, Oliver J. Third Assistant Engineer 41 Sturgeon Bay
Church, Nolan S. Porter 55 Silver Bay, Minnesota
Cundy, Ransom E. Watchman 53 Superior, Wisconsin
Edwards, Thomas E. Second Assistant Engineer 50 Oregon, Ohio
Haskell, Russell G. Second Assistant Engineer 40 Millbury, Ohio
Holl, George J. Chief Engineer 60 Cabot, Pennsylvania
Hudson, Bruce L. Deck Hand 22 North Olmsted, Ohio
Kalmon, Allen G. Second Cook 43 Washburn, Wisconsin
MacLellan, Gordon F. Wiper 30 Clearwater, Florida
Mazes, Joseph W. Special Maintenance Man 59 Ashland, Wisconsin
McCarthy, John H. First Mate 62 Bay Village, Ohio
McSorley, Ernest M. Captain 63 Toledo, Ohio
O'Brien, Eugene W. Wheelsman 50 Toledo, Ohio
Peckol, Karl A. Watchman 20 Ashtabula, Ohio
Poviach, John J. Wheelsman 59 Bradenton, Florida
Pratt, James A. Second Mate 44 Lakewood, Ohio
Rafferty, Robert C. Steward 62 Toledo, Ohio
Rippa, Paul M. Deck Hand 22 Ashtabula, Ohio
Simmons, John D. Wheelsman 63 Ashland, Wisconsin
Spengler, William J. Watchman 59 Toledo, Ohio
Thomas, Mark A. Deck Hand 21 Richmond Heights, Ohio
Walton, Ralph G. Oiler 58 Fremont, Ohio
Weiss, David E. Cadet 22 Agoura, California
Wilhelm, Blaine H. Oiler 52 Moquah, Wisconsin

Gladiator death matches = fun for 4-year-olds

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I may be 30 years old, but one of the first things I looked at in Sunday's paper was the Target Christmas toy catalog.

This item jumped out at me. I love Playmobil. I still have some of my Playmobil stuff from when I was a kid. But a Playmobil set of a Roman arena? Don't they know what went on in those places?

OK, the chariots could provide some good racing fun for kids. And the gladiators can battle each other without it necessarily being a death match. But the lion? Weren't they only there to kill the unfortunate souls - Christians, slaves, whoever - who were tossed out into the middle? And the faux-metal bars on the doors and gate? Yikes.

Now, I know that if I provided this set to my nephews or cousins, within five minutes the lion and the gladiator would be best friends and riding together in the chariot, and there would be Matchbox cars zooming through the doorways. They would, as the ad suggests, have "ginormous" fun. But... knowing a little history about the Romans, the whole set-up kind of creeps me out.

November 09, 2008

Hell Yeah...(bringin it back.)

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One of the proudest moments of my life...

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The day Hazel uttered these words: "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

November 07, 2008

Found @ Cub

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Conspiracies and Election Fraud

Busted! Please Read Further....

Wrekt Radio Every Friday @ 10pm on 91.3 FM KUWS or online WWW. KUWS.FM

Tonight @ 10pm, a discussion into what we have found.

Tune in!!

WHITE MAN'S WORLD - World Premiere

We're pleased to announce the premiere of our newest film, the politically incorrect comedy WHITE MAN'S WORLD.

WHITE MAN'S WORLD turns independent filmmaking on its head. Director Jason Page is sure he's a visionary genius. So why isn't he famous yet? Could it be the color of his skin? Follow him and his comrades onto the reservation in this outrageous look at low-budget, high-concept filmmaking.

The Premiere will be held at Teatro Zuccone (222 E. Superior St, Duluth) on Friday & Saturday, November 14 & 15. Shows at 7 & 9pm both nights.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling 218-336-1414.

If you have any questions, please email Carrie at carrie[at]4trackfilms.com or call our office 218-336-1372.

November 06, 2008

RECOUNT! The Troll Needs Your Help!

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This past Tuesday us Lakesiders (and Lester Parkers) had the opportunity to vote on a first step in allowing alchohol sales in our neighborhood. As we all know by now, the question on the ballot failed by exactly one vote. Now, I won't go into a big diatribe about how I think it's my wife's fault (she voted "no"), but it has recently come to my attention via Brandon Stahl's blog that all that is needed for a recount is a petition with 25 signatures to be filed by November 18th. Call me crazy (or a psychopath, or a troll, or a douchebag) but I think that just might be possible. So, I am in the process of putting together said petition, but I need some of my fellow Lakeside neighbors to sign. Please let me know if you are interested and we'll see what we can do. Email me at [email protected]

Thanks!

An election trail from the bars to the DECC

Duluth Community News Correspondents Abel Gustafson and Jordan Hanson spent Election Night out in Duluth, stopping at bars, a Republican Party gathering and the DECC. Along the way they met up with Duluth Mayor Don Ness and Republican candidate for Minnesota State Senate Pete Townsend. They also run into Steve Knutsen, Dan Critchley, and Jeff Allen, who tipped them off to the Democratic gathering at the DECC.
One of the many reports filed by UMD students during their election coverage.
Enjoy...

unrelated

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Woot!

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Scenesters or PDD Get-Together? You decide!

2 Worlds - Art Show

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In conjunction with our feature film WHITE MAN'S WORLD (premiering next week!) we are happy to be working with a couple of fantastic local artists.

2 Worlds features the black & white photography of our own Erin McConnell. Erin's documentary style photographs were taken during production of WHITE MAN'S WORLD. This is a candid behind-the-scenes look at what happens on a 4 Track film set.

The show also includes local artist Kurt Buffalo, who brings to the show his beautiful & original Anishinabeg beadwork designs.

The opening night reception will include music by Lyz Jaakola & the Oshkii Giizhik Singers. This reception is on Friday, November 7th from 6-9pm.

Closing reception will feature a reading by renowned local author Jim Northrup. This reception is on Friday, November 21st also from 6-9pm.

The exhibition hours regularly are Saturdays & Sundays from 1-5pm. The show runs from November 7 to the 23rd.

Join us at the Washington Galleries - 315 N. Lake Ave for this fine exhibition of art & culture.

And the best part? It's all FREE!!

Duluth Web Cams

So what's your favorite Duluth Web cam?

Aquarium -- http://glacam.glaquarium.org/view

Visit Duluth -- http://www.visitduluth.com/livecam

Marine Museum -- http://www.lsmma.com/webcam_large.htm

Minnesota Power -- http://www.allete.com/lakecam.htm

Traffic Cams -- http://511mn.org/default.asp?display=cameras&area=NE

Know of any others??

Resonance: The Odyssey of the Bells

Resonance The Odyssey of the Bells

Resonance: The Odyssey of the Bells
You are cordially invited to attend an advanced work-in-progress screening of the documentary film Resonance: The Odyssey of the Bells on November 12th. Duluth author Margi Preus will also discuss the making of her newly published children's book The Peace Bell. A 30-minute version of Resonance will be screened and followed by director Q/A and refreshments.

Where: Harbor City International School (332 W. Michigan St, Duluth) directions
When: November 12th, 7-9 PM
Cost: Free and open to the public
Sponsored by: the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council

Resonance: The Odyssey of the Bells
Resonance tells the forgotten stories of two sacred Buddhist temple bells that survived the scrap metal drives of WWII only to be taken by the US Navy as war trophies and given to the cities of Duluth, Minnesota and Topeka, Kansas. In the decades following the war the difficult process required to return these bells reconnected two nations that had been torn apart by war.

Project History - Project Goals
The documentary film Resonance is built on research conducted in America, Japan and Great Britain. After learning of over five bells brought to the United States after WWII, a story emerged that focuses on the Duluth and contrasting Topeka bell stories. In the fall of 2007, a 10-minute excerpt of the film was aired on Twin Cities Public TV in conjuction with Ken Burns' "The War."

Support Resonance
We currently seek finishing funds to complete this film. Tax-deductible donations can be processed at the screening on November 12th, or click here to donate online. There are also opportunities for Executive Producer status on this project.

Visit resonancefilm.com for further information.

It is coming soon!

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I firmly believe there will be snow on the groung before Thanksgiving and Woodland Ave will look like this for a while!. I am all stocked up with coffee, I got my snowblower all tuned up, winter clothes back out, furnace filter replaced, chimney swept, ski's and snow shoes out, and booties for my dog's paws are in the mail. What else is a Duluthian to do before the glorious, inevitable winter?

November 05, 2008

cheating in voting machines using a memory card

cheating voting using memory card

^ ^ Do a google search for these words listed above ^ ^

Did anyone else catch this last night on the local news? In regards to problems with a voting machine and replacing the memory card at a Duluth polling place...... Seemed a little fishy to me.

more smiles

smiles

CNN had live raw footage from Grant Park on its website for about 3 hours last night - probably 10 or 12 cameras, both fixed and mobile. There was no commentary, just live images. I started watching it about a half hour before Obama's victory speech and was struck by the palpable joy in the faces of the people - 225,000 in all.

During the speech, there were mutilpe pans to spectators: Jesse Jackson crying and Oprah grinning, small children sleeping, white and black and purple people beaming. It was an amazing speech.

Afterward, even after Obama and Biden and their families had left the stage, everyone in the park just stayed there, looking toward the stage, still cheering, still smiling, still crying, still dancing. I have never seen so many people express such joy in one place. It was like a giant sigh of relief, an enormous weight being lifted off of a collective shoulder. So palpable, even through the internet. Amazing.

You have got to be kidding me.

I demand a recount.

November 04, 2008

Duluth Election Results

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> It's an Obama landslide.
> Duluth thinks Al Franken is good enough and smart enough; the rest of the state chooses Coleman, narrowly.
> Advisory vote on Lakeside liquor ban repeal decided by one vote.
> Duluth Schools levy amount will stay the same.
> Dahlberg wins in close District County Commissioner race.
> Clean Water, Land and Legacy Act passes.

Unofficial Results for Duluth
All 36 precincts counted
52,136 total ballots cast

President and Vice-President
Barack Obama and Joe Biden (DFL) -- 35,611 | 68.55%
John McCain and Sarah Palin (REP) -- 15,253 | 29.36%
Ralph Nader and Matt Gonzalez (IP) -- 468 | 0.90%
Write in -- 223 | 0.43%
Bob Barr and Wayne A. Root (LIB) -- 172 | 0.33%
Chuck Baldwin and Darrell Castle (CON) -- 102 | 0.20%
Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente (GRN) -- 101 | 0.19%
Roger Calero and Alyson Kennedy (SWP) -- 21 | 0.04%

U.S. Senator
Al Franken (DFL) -- 28,301 | 55.02%
Norm Coleman (REP) -- 16,116 | 31.33%
Dean Barkley (IND) -- 6,556 | 12.75%
Charles Aldrich (LIB) -- 239 | .46%
James Niemackl (CON) -- 149 | .29%
Write in -- 76 | 0.15%

U.S. Representative District 8
James L. Oberstar (DFL) -- 39,286 | 78.34%
Michael Cummins (REP) -- 10,717 | 21.37%
Write in -- 146 | 0.29%

State Representative District 6B
Mary Murphy (DFL) -- 5,271 | 64.56%
Steve Townsend (REP) -- 2,857 | 35.00%
Write in -- 36 | 0.44%

State Representative District 7A
Thomas Huntley (DFL) -- 15,029 | 66.18%
Ryan Stauber (REP) -- 7,595 | 33.44%
Write in -- 86 | 0.38%

State Representative District 7B
Roger J. Reinert (DFL) -- 13,364 | 72.96%
Allan Kehr (REP) -- 3,648 | 19.91%
Jay Cole (IND) -- 1,259 | 6.87%
Write in -- 47 | 0.26%

Increase state sales and use tax by three-eighths of one percent to fund clean water, wildlife, cultural heritage and natural-area programs
Yes -- 33,981 | 67.58%
No -- 16,298 | 32.42%

County Commissioner District 2
Steve O'Neil -- 12,993 | 97.85%
Write in -- 286 | 2.15%

County Commissioner District 3
Chris Dahlberg -- 6,807 | 51.21%
Bill Kron -- 6,413 | 48.24%
Write in -- 73 | 0.55%

County Commissioner District 5
Peg Sweeney -- 1,002 | 67.29%
Sam Haddad -- 482 | 32.37%
Write in -- 5 | 0.34%

Repeal ban of alcohol sales in Duluth's Lakeside neighborhood
No -- 2,858 | 50.01%
Yes -- 2,857 | 49.99%

Allow City Council to appoint special attorney to investigate conflict of interest
Yes -- 28,773 | 63.00%
No -- 16,896 | 37.00%

Renew current $365.60 per pupil levy in I.S.D. 709
Yes -- 32,323 | 67.89%
No -- 15,288 | 32.11%

Renew current levy and raise it to $700 per pupil in I.S.D. 709
No -- 25,172 | 53.35%
Yes -- 22,014 | 46.65%

Renew current levy and raise it to $1,200 per pupil in I.S.D. 709
No -- 31,650 | 68.07%
Yes -- 14,846 | 31.93%

The time my brother accidentally got elected to public office.

November, 1998: My brother was working as an engineer for the early morning music & chatter show at KISS 92.1 (before it went all "Delilah"-y). Election Day rolled around, and the DJs noticed on a sample ballot in the paper that no one was running for a seat on the county Soil and Water Conservation Board.

And then this happened.

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(Click for a more readable version.)

Sadly, the "Reverend Dewey" has not sought public office since this brush with infamy. But it sure did liven up the folks' Christmas card letter that year.

Vote YES for Minnesota

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Since everybody else is posting election stuff, I'll post this: please vote yes on the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. This amendment will raise the sales tax by 3/8 of one percent (about thirty cents on an $80 purchase) and will generate about $300 million a year for protecting our water, preserving habitat, creating and maintaining parks and trails, and promoting the arts and our cultural heritage. This proposed amendment gives us a unique opportunity to fund programs that are sorely in need of more money, build a legacy for years to come, and continue to make Minnesota a place worth living in and loving. Not voting will count as voting "no," so please go vote, and vote yes.

Voter Info

VOTE TODAY!!!

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Which one would you rather have? Monopoly? or Italian...things?

November 03, 2008

Let's watch those returns come in...



If anyone wants to watch the returns with a bunch of Democrat political junkies, come down to the Harborside Ballroom at the DECC tomorrow night after the polls close, courtesy of Congressman Oberstar!

UMD journalism students present 72 hours of election coverage

Check out the first election stories on the Duluth Community News Web site. We'll be posting election updates, photos and video over the next two days.

UMD Journalism students are covering the election Duluth Community News-style -- away from the desk and out on the streets.

This will be a group effort. John Hatcher's Reporting and Writing II class will head out into the community and get people talking. The Advanced Editing students will keep close contact with the reporters up until their deadlines. Later, we'll all meet up in the journalism classroom to set up a working newsroom - reporters finishing their stories, editors touching them up for posting. We're inviting all student reporters who are interested to participate.

Anyway, the Duluth Community News is an online publication run by students at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Our news-gathering method is on-foot and out in the community. We started this semester by dividing Duluth into neighborhoods and sending teams of reporters out to get to know the issues affecting each part of the community.

On Election Night, we want to have fun. Stop by our online newspaper and leave feedback. We're all new at this, and we would love to hear what you think.

Duluth Community News Editorial Staff


Lakeside Comrades, Arise!

I know there are issues at stake tomorrow that are actually important, but let's strike a blow for the alcohol-using/integrated neighborhood economy-embracing population in scenic Lakeside by flocking to the polls to vote YES on the liquor-in-Lakeside issue. Bring a friend--bring torches and pitchforks! To arms!

palin gets pranked

The DJR Sessions

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Join Ryan at the Brewhouse every Monday for the best in new and independent music.

Bring your iPod or usb flashdrive for a chance to play your music on the stage.
Text Brew to 39649 and you'll recieve this special text message good for a 10oz Brewhouse Beer for only $1!!!

Well, yeah, but...

I certainly agree that everyone should vote for Franken, but why did you disable comments? stuartSmalley.jpg

November 02, 2008

Blind Justice

real_american_hero.jpgHe will save our bacon!!

"Duluth" News Tribune's McCain endorsement

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Today, the Duluth News Tribune endorsed John McCain for president. For a struggling daily in a decidedly blue town, this position seems remarkably out of touch with the community. In 2007, former Forum executive, now DNT publisher, Steve McLister declared the DNT would be used to “shape and mold the community to be business friendly”. He also said “The power of our company is strong. We can change that mindset.”

I guess we shouldn't be surprised at the direction the DNT is taking. But should the DNT still enjoy its status as a local newspaper, while a heavy hand from Fargo is on the wheel? Does the DNT deserve our continued support and patronage?

To be fair, all Forum Communications newspapers endorsed McCain. For more about their endorsement process:
http://minnesotaindependent.com/660/one-man-many-votes-on-owner-driven-endorsements

In search of...

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This may be a loaded question, but I'm looking for some new reading material. Are any of you reading anything interesting?

November 01, 2008

Voting in MN

Tuesday is election day.

MN law does not allow for people to wear campaign material at the polls. If doing so you will be asked to remove, or cover up the item/s before you are allowed to vote.

MN is expected to reach between 80% to 90% voter turnout and it may be higher in Duluth (2004 had about 77% Statewide).

You can register at the polls as long as you have lived in MN for at least 30 days, to do so you will need either:
A) Current state Driver's Lisc, or State ID
B) College ID/Tribal ID/Passport with your most current Utility Bill (within 30 days) that has your name/address on it (credit card bills are not utility bills, rent statement are not utility bills unless they have utilities itemized)
C) A college ID with a current on-campus housing statement.
D) A voter in your district who is already registered to vote may vouch for you.

There are some other documentations, but these are the most likely/common scenarios.

To find where you can vote in St. Louis Co. use this page

When voting, especially if you are doing so late in the day, keep in mind Election Judges are working a 13-16 hour day, and this year is shaping up to be a long busy day, for just above minimum wage. Be kind, be smart, go vote. It is going to make history no matter how it turns out.