Rollin’ 218
Been sitting on this waiting for summer to peak for its release, but that never happened obvs.
Beating it under the Ninth Street Bridge
Above is a photo from the old Ripsaw magazine showing the famous “Beat it” tag underneath the Ninth Street Bridge over Chester Creek. The tag is dated Oct. 1, 1992, and was reportedly painted over when the bridge was renovated in 2003.
Below is the updated tag, as photographed in 2014.
The age-old question is: How did you do that? You are the one who did it, right? Why is the new tag backward?
Volunteers wanted for fixit clinic in September
Duluth Technology Co. is organizing a fixit clinic, modeled after one held in Minneapolis this summer. We would like to make the fixit clinics a regular occurrence, but the very first one is also going to be a grand opening event for Duluth Technology Co.
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This week: it’s going to be loud
Here’s a sampling of what you have to look forward to this week on the PDD Calendar.
There is a Freedom of Information workshop at the library tonight, hosted by Public Record Media.
The Head of the Lakes Fair opens on Tuesday and runs through Sunday at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds.
Duluth native, De’Lon Grant, is back from touring to do a one-man cabaret at the Teatro Zuccone on Wednesday.
On Thursday the Leap Frogs (the U.S. Navy Seals Parachute Landing Team) will be landing in the parking lot of the Duluth Heritage Sports Center.
Tribute Fest, a celebration of cover bands and very loud music, emanates from Bayfront Park Friday and Saturday.
There will also be loud things in the sky this weekend with the Duluth Airshow, running Saturday and Sunday.
So what are you doing this week? Can we tag along? Any upcoming events that you want to promote? Let us know.
Redstone damaged by fire
From the assistant fire chief’s office:
At 00:52 this morning, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1511 E. Superior St. The first vehicle on scene reported a working fire, with heavy fire showing from a first-floor window of a three-story building. The fire had extended to the second floor via a pipe chase.
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Dangerous backpacks?
I bike most places, and almost always wear my backpack because it has everything I might need. I decided to take in a movie at the Duluth 10 theater, and biked down as usual. Also as usual I locked my bike to the only thing within two blocks of the theater that you can lock a bike to, which is the H.C. parking sign post. I proceeded in to pay for my ticket and was informed that I couldn’t take my backpack in. That is where my beef begins.
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Flat Track Derby Results
As WDIO noted:
“The Twin Ports’ Harbor City Roller Dames are hosting the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association Division 2 Playoffs.”
I am sorry I could not make it. I want to know more about the results. Please post!
Struggling Apple Tree
We moved into a house near Hartley Park last summer and were delighted when the apple tree in our new backyard produced basket after basket of fruit in the fall. This summer, though, we never saw the tree blossom, and while the leaves seem healthy, there are clearly no signs of apples. Any ideas what might have caused the lack of blossoms this year? We wondered if last winter was simply too tough on the tree, or if something else is wrong. Does anyone else know of apple (or other fruit) trees struggling this year? Any suggestions for a lawn/garden center or somewhere else to seek advice to ensure apples next year?
New Duluth Film Meetup Group
I’m a filmmaker new to Duluth. I started a new Meetup so I could wrangle all the film enthusiasts in the area into one location. The group covers people interested in making films and those who just enjoy watching them. Only a day old and already growing, with our first meeting coming up Sept. 4. Hope to see you there!
Corkscrew Dive
Corkscrewed down 20 feet underwater to do a barrel roll over a field of boulders I like to explore, then spiraled back topside. Not a long dive (around 30 secs at normal speed), just a fun one with a glimpse of one of Lake Superior’s Atlantean grottos. Pretty sure the bubble that pops out @ 43 secs came out of my right ear as I pinched my nose and equalized the pressure in my skull. Water clarity perfect on this Sunday morning dive in MY church.
Downtown Duluth meter hours
OK, did I miss a memo or something? When the hell did the downtown meter enforcement time get extended to 9 o’clock? And who thought that was a good idea when we’re trying to get people downtown to frequent shops and restaurants?
2014 Duluth General Election Primer
There are less than three months to study up; the General Election will be held on Nov. 4. Below are the races that will appear on ballots in Duluth, with links to the websites of candidates who have them.
FEDERAL OFFICES
United States Senator
Steve Carlson (Independence)
Mike McFadden (Republican)
Al Franken (Democratic-Farmer-Labor)
Heather Johnson (Libertarian)
United States Representative, Minnesota District 8
Ray “Skip” Sandman (Green)
Stewart Mills (Republican)
Rick Nolan (Democratic-Farmer-Labor)
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Google Goes to Twin Ports – The Movie
I’m interested in hearing comments about this video shot in Duluth. Do you think it portrays our city fairly? Does it make you want to visit Duluth? What do you think?
Doctor Who Fundraising
Doctor Who, which is $2,800 for Series 7, may be still coming to Duluth TV, but your involvement is needed! I would like to form a group of volunteers who are willing to work to make this happen! This group would likely meet every other week.
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Duluth 2014 Primary Election Results
With 4,106 of 4,106 precincts reporting statewide, the full results are in. Listed are the races relevant to Duluth. (more…)
Shore-fishing suggestions around Duluth
I got great feedback on my barber inquiry, so now on to my next priority. I love to fish with my family, but don’t have a boat at this time. We will be purchasing one in the future. In the interim, can anyone suggest good shore, dam or pier fishing in the area? I have fished the Two Harbors Breakwall, as well as McQuade in the past, with hit and miss results.
I fish all species, so that is not a big concern. I do like to eat some of what I catch, so water with minimal consumption issues is preferred, but I will catch-and-release fish, too.
I don’t want anyone’s secret spot, just some general ideas and locations. If anyone does want to share more detail, I would be happy to provide an e-mail so you don’t have to post it on a forum. Thanks!
Trap God featuring Lil Mikee – “Dumpin Back”
I’m interested in hearing comments about this music video shot in Duluth. Do you think it portrays our city fairly? Does it make you want to visit Duluth? What do you think?
This week: a rock cabaret, a pop opera and derby-o-rama
Here’s a sampling of what you have to look forward to this week on the PDD Calendar.
The Found Footage Film Festival is at Zinema 2 tonight, featuring VHS finds from rummage sales and thrift stores.
On Tuesday George Sherman (president of Sherman Associates) and Christine Seitz (director of the Duluth Playhouse) talk about Restoring the NorShor Theater at the Kitchi Gammi Club.
Renegade presents Things to Ruin, a rock cabaret, at the Teatro Zuccone starting Thursday and running three weekends. Also opening on Thursday at The Underground is Bare: A Pop Opera, running two weekends.
Head down to the DECC this weekend to see some world class roller derby as teams from all over the U.S. (and beyond) compete in the WFTDA Division 2 Playoffs hosted by our own Harbor City Roller Dames. Competition starts on Friday and runs through Sunday.
For the festival lovers out there, this weekend is the Bike Duluth Festival and the Hoghead Festival in Proctor.
So what are you doing this week? Can we tag along? Any upcoming events that you want to promote? Let us know.
Mystery Photo: BlueBird Landing on Lake Superior’s North Shore
This photo from the mid-1940s raises a few questions, and the Internet provides fast answers to many of them. (more…)
Duluth needs a mascot
My daughter is in Japan this week with the Duluth Sister City Exchange. One of the chaperones sent this picture from their meeting with the mayor today, along with a description of “Isumi,” the Ohara Isumi City mascot.
“Her orange head is an Asian Pear. Her headband features the city flower on one side and a Spiny Lobster on the other. The blue curl on her forehead is a wave representing the Pacific Ocean and the symbol on her chest is the official Isumi symbol. She also holds a stalk of rice for the extensive rice farming in the region.”
Has there ever been a Duluth mascot? I think I might draw up a couple ideas for one. A seagull on one of those 4-wheel Lakewalk bikes holding a craft beer in one of those Bob Dylan harmonica holder thingies around his neck? Other ideas?


















