Recommendations
Dear Press Release Writers:
Please do not include the day’s date when making a press release. I know what day it is. My email tells me the date received. The file will even tell me the creation date, if I’m that interested. It is anachronistic, and it is superfluous information.
Some other modern press release style notes I made for a friend after the break:
Great New Restaurant – Clearwater Grille
A few days ago, my wife and I went to check out the new Clearwater Grille, in the old Lakeview Castle building up the north shore (Here’s the map). We always like to get out and see the new restaurants in town, of which there have been a lot over the past several years.
We were both very happily surprised when we got there. The new owners of the Clearwater Grille have done a lot of work and the bar and dining room are very nicely redone compared to the state they had fallen into over the past few years at this iconic building. The bar looks great; very classy. They replaced the nasty carpet with oak hardwood. It’s all been painted of course and there are new tables and chairs. They whole atmosphere is elegant without being pretentious, which some of the recent north shore restaurant additions are leaning toward. But I enjoy them also when I’m in the mood. This place is more approachable.
Carnival this weekend
There’s a carnival from 11 until 3 on Saturday, Oct. 30 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, 835 W. College Street. Free admission and some free activities. Games, cake walk, fortune telling, Vasili the Clown, caramel apples, lunch items, and more. Open to everyone.
Looking for Hobby Wood Species
So I’ve got a couple of winter projects that I’d like to begin tackling soon. I’m looking to build an entertainment center and a hutch. I’ve been to Home Depot and Menard’s, and the only species I’ve found for hobby projects are pine and red oak. This leads me to a couple questions.
1. Where can I find a variety of wood species at a reasonable price?
2. I’ve considered using cherry for these projects (I haven’t found any…) mainly because I’ve seen it used in other projects and have liked the grain. Does anybody have experience with cherry? Would you recommend it or would you recommend another species for said projects?
Duluth Farmers Market
The Market is still open through Oct. 31 from 7am – noon. Lots of pumpkins, squash, garlic, etc, and fresh herring from Lake Superior Fish Co. The wild rice is also in great supply and the chocolate truffles are too! 14th Ave. E. and Third St.
Foreign Language
Does anyone know of any foreign language classes available for children? My son is 3 and we would like to start him in French. Looking for a school or class or tutor (or French Grandmother?) to help him start learning. They learn so fast at this age and I’d rather not wait 10 years since it will be harder. We’re in Superior, but will drive to Duluth or surrounding area. Thanks!
Duluth tile contractors
Anybody have a recommendation for a good tile person?
Franconia Sculpture Park Art and Artists Celebration 2010
art and artists fest
14th Annual Franconia Sculpture Park Art and Artists Celebration
Saturday · September 25th · 10:00am to 9:00pm · Rain or Shine
. . . is a day-long festival celebrating the artists, the new sculpture installations, and our amazing community. A full day’s entertainment with artist-led tours, live music, dance, poetry, kids’ activities, and great food.
This year’s Franconia Fellowship and Intern Artists will be exhibiting their new sculpture installations – some interactive, some climbable, most simply amazing. There will be artist-led tours of the exhibition for those who like to get the inside scoop on the artists and their work.
Hermantown Fall Fest
Hermantown Fall Fest this Saturday, Sept. 25, 10am-3pm
Over 50 vendors, farmers market and local history displays
Hermantown History Center
5255 Maple Grove Road
Where do I buy celestial binoculars in Duluth?
Please don’t say Wal-Mart.
Duluth Window Washing Recommendations
I’m looking for some recommendations on a good window washing company in the Duluth area. I have an older home (1910s) with original double-hung windows. Thanks for the help!
My Favorite Minnesota: Duluth Nightlife
[This post originally contained an embedded video that is no longer available at its source.]
A very flattering portrayal of Duluth “night life” from Explore Minnesota.
Google seeking input
Heads up: Google has created a new mailing list for discussing 1 Gbps fiber Internets in our community. Google employees want to know what we’ll do with it, discuss things we have done during the campaign, compare notes with enthusiasts in other cities and that sort of thing. Show them Duluth is still in this by chiming in with your ideas.
A Perfect Task for Perfect Duluthians
The New York Times is looking for people to show off their city.
Show us Your City:
A User-generated video project with a local point of view
We all remember the Google Fiber video. I think the PDD universe can produce something better. Better than Visit Duluth. Better than the powers that be.
Anyone up to the challenge?
Oktoberfest Beers
It is probably safe to say fall is peeking its head around the corner. This is great for many reasons and one of them is the Oktoberfest beers are trickling in. Thus far I have had Hoptober from New Belgium and Oktoberfests from Summit, Schells, and Becks. To this point I have to say I like Schells the best. What are your favorites? I understand Fitger’s does a couple of very nice fall seasonal brews!
Duluth Farmers Market
The market is full of local produce at its peak! There is also fresh and smoked whitefish from Lake Superior Fish Co., the best wild rice and maple syrup from Spirit Lake and to top it off Peace, Love, & Chocolate just announced a Root Beer Truffle on its Facebook page! Stop by the market from 7am to noon on Saturday, 14th Ave. E. and Third St. It always helps to buy local.
Joss Whedon Sing Along – Friday @ 9:30 @ Zinema 2
Come sing along in this double feature from the mind of Joss Whedon! We’ll start the evening with Once More with Feeling, the musical episode of Buffy. During the intermission there will be trivia, costume contests, and a special Firefly sing along led by Pat Carroll. You can also check out the Whedon memorabilia displayed by Lawrance Bernabo. Then we close the evening singing along to Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog!
The cost for the evening is a mere $9.50 and that includes props for the audience participation portions of the event. You can buy tickets in advance from the Zinema 2 box office or, for a $1 surcharge, on the Zinema 2 website.
Movies in da park.
Went and saw Harry Potter last night. The nacho supreme from Uncle Loui’s gyro stand is amazing. Layered nacho fixins … mmmmmm.
Danny Schmidt at Beaner’s
Red House recording artist Danny Schmidt is playing at Beaner’s tonight, Thursday, Aug. 26. 8pm. $10. Come down, he’s a fantastic musician who is being so kind as to return to Duluth and grace us with his finger-pickin’ and story-tellin’.
Favorite Duluth Area Swimming Holes
I have a simple question. Seeing as summer is about to draw to a close, what is your favorite Duluth area swimming hole? The deeps, the shallows, the Lester River train bridge, Lester Park, Twin Ponds and the spot beneath the bridge crossing the St. Louis river on the Willard Munger trail all come to mind. Does anyone have any other favorites aside from spots along Lake Superior?
Tire shops in Duluth
I’m looking for recommendations on where to buy a set of new tires in Duluth. I’ve been putting it off because, frankly, I don’t want to get ripped off. Where to go? How much to spend? My ride is a 2007 Toyota Corolla. Just a roller skate, really, but I love her, and she needs new shoes. Help!
Iron Ore Bar in Tower, Minnesota
I heard it referred to by one of the locals as “Beirut.” It’s actually quite the normal-looking bar on the inside.
Clock repair
We just inherited a wonderful chiming clock that we’re trying to get back in working condition. Does anyone know of any good clock repair places or people? I’m hoping for recommendations of reputable repair people, since we obviously don’t want anything to happen to our clock.
Androy Hotel: Superior’s Hidden Gem
Whether or not you appreciate the Androy, I believe it is all about expectations. If you are expecting a Marriott, this is not your place. You have to appreciate how vintage the Androy is. You have to want to totally geek out about the original 1920’s bathrooms with octagon tile, the old letter box and mail chute, the big chunky keys for the original wood doors, the step back in time lobby, the original hotel telephone switchboard, and rooms with two queen sized beds for only $50.
The Androy has almost a cult following. People either love it or hate it. But if you love it, you will come back again and again. That’s the category I fall into. Can’t beat the location — can walk to any number of live music or night life venues. Papa Don’s restaurant downstairs is one of the best greasy spoon breakfasts in town and open 24 hours. Walk across the street and get a Vintage Italian Pizza to take back to your room. Just minutes from all of the attractions in Duluth without having to pay out the nose for Duluth hotel prices (and couldn’t find this kind of character at those places anyhow). So many reasons to love the Androy!