The Ball Slashers (Live Debut!)
What? Yeah I started a rock band. We’re called the Ball Slashers and we’re going to open the show at RT’s next Friday. Poor Howard (Howlin’ Andy & Vince Cadillac) and Hard Feelings are in the middle, and the Blood Shot (my old band!!) are last. Come on down, we’re here to provide the blast of high octane rock and roll that this town is devoid of. Cheers!
Buffalo Bill Cody, his little sister Helen, and Duluth
There are a lot of rumors and facts about Buffalo Bill Cody and his connection to Duluth. In this post, we examine the subject as deeply as anyone would possibly want to.
In short: Buffalo Bill Cody financed the Duluth Press Building in the friendly West End. There used to be a Cody Hotel in West Duluth named after Buffalo Bill, and he is the namesake behind Cody Street.
Here’s a link to a story I wrote in 2002 about Buffalo Bill’s little sister for the Area Woman magazine, which provides a good general background: Area Women in History: Helen Cody Wetmore (more…)
Helen Cody Wetmore: More Than Just Buffalo Bill’s Little Sister
The reminders are all over the city, but still, few people know that Colonel William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody had business interests in Duluth one hundred years ago. His sister, Helen Cody Wetmore, lived in Duluth back then and convinced the famous frontiersman and Wild West showman to invest in the Zenith City. She also made a name for herself as an advocate for women achieving what she called “their rightful spheres in church and state.” (more…)
Blue Laws are Stupid, Post #5
I apologize for not being as vigilant with this as John Ramos has been with his countdown, but here’s the latest sad news on one of the most idiotic laws ever:
Bring Lucy Home Benefit
Lucille June Moe-Brummer was born Dec. 13 in Scottsdale, Ariz., to Sandra Moe and Charlie Brummer. Unfortunately, life for Lucy was an uphill battle from day one. Lucy had a degenerative genetic disorder that caused her to have significant brain atrophy within the first two months of her life. This is an extremely devastating and rare condition which is not treatable. We were hoping to get Lucy back to Minnesota, hence why the benefit is called “Bring Lucy Home,” but unfortunately time was not on our side.
There are still many medical costs to take care so the benefit is still on! Come join us this Saturday, March 31, from 1-5 p.m. at Mr. D’s in West Duluth. There will be a silent auction, raffles, spaghetti feed, and an acoustic performance by Lake Avenue. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance or at the door the day of the event.
To learn more about Lucy’s story go to caringbridge.org/visit/lucillebrummer or facebook.com/LucyJune3.
Where is the best place to eat smelt?
The spring smelt run should be not too far off. I was wondering where people thought the best place to get the golden fish fries were in the area? I have heard that most places that serve them don’t get them from local sources. Any smelt aficionados out there?
Where in Duluth?
Where in Duluth?
Foggy Night in Duluth
Video by David Cowardin, shot March 18.
Where in Duluth?
I think this is a tough one but if you’ve been past it maybe you’ve noticed it.
Just discovered this place today. Very exciting to find new terrain.
Downtown Duluth Safety
A dead body was found in Lake Place Park on Monday. I wonder if the police could set up a mini police station in the park. What do you think?
LakeVoiceNews: Local Themed Publication
What makes Duluth unique? What makes it special? We tried to answer this question through our stories. LakeVoice’s publication this week is about everything local. Here’s what we’ve been working on this week:
- Celiac is an autoimmune disorder believed to affect up to 1% of the US population. Sadly, there is no cure. The only known effective treatment is a gluten-free diet. Alicia Lebens put together a collection of gluten-free options for Duluthians on Pinterest.
- 2104 E. Superior St. has become the coolest house to see local musicians and artists. Recently, they’ve hosted journalist Adam Carr (creator of January in Duluth), music acts Dirty Horse and Big Wave Dave, and photographer Kip Praslowicz. Rebecca Mortensen interviewed the owners for this week’s LakeCast.
Independent Minnesota 8th Congressional District candidate seeks nomination
I realized back when I was a young man the United States of America was not the pillar of democracy that the propagandists claim it to be. Expressing what I knew as a 19 year old, I could name quite a list of ruthless dictators that clandestine parts of the U.S. government had at least some responsibility of bringing into power if they did not outright install them. They included the Shah of Iran, Baby Doc, Marcos, Batista, Samoza, Suharto and Saddam Hussein to name a few.
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This week: Apps and Ales, gardening and car delights, and more
Monday, March 26
Thirsty Pagan hosts its second Appetizers and Ales event with featured beer to complement Wide World of Wings wings.
Thursday, March 29
Enjoy an evening of wine and music at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College’s Taste of the Vineyards. More Fun Than Bowling, put on by a UMD student run theater group, opens at the Teatro and runs through the weekend.
Friday, March 30
The Tisdales release their third album Supercaldera at R.T.’s. Today through Sunday, gearheads and car lovers can get their fill at Motorhead Madness at the DECC.
Saturday, March 31
Featuring 3 DJs from California, the California Love Tour hits Clyde Iron. Kickoff the gardening season at third annual Spring Fling at Peace United Church.
There’s plenty more events where those came from on the PDD Calendar.
First Tick of the Year — 2012 Edition
I haven’t seen any ticks yet, but this popped up on my Facebook wall:
Duluth-Area BBS
Recently, I stumbled on this website, which lists BBS numbers that existed in the 218 area code in the 80s and 90s. The BBS or bulletin board system was a precursor to web forums. People usually used BBSs that were physically in the same area as they were, since their computer would actually have to call the BBS and would incur long-distance charges just like any other landline phone call.
I never used a BBS, but I remember other kids talking about them furtively in my computer programming class in 8th grade. Sadly, my trusty VIC-20 lacked a modem.
Did anyone here use these or other local BBSs, or better yet did anyone actually run one? If so, please nerd out in the comments.
Scarlet Rivera returns to the northland
Scarlet Rivera will be performing at the Weber Music Hall – UMD in May, along with Gene LaFond and the Wild Unknown. Concert presented by Armory Arts and Music Center. Here’s my take on what promises to be an exciting concert.
Political leanings
I don’t recall ever seeing a car covered in bumper stickers that wasn’t expressing a liberal-leaning point of view.
And I don’t recall ever seeing a sheet-of-plywood sign painted in block letters posted outside someone’s home that wasn’t expressing a conservative-leaning point of view.
Feel free to share your own examples and offer theories on why this is or is not true.
Building Your Homegrown Stamina
A couple weeks before actual Homegrown, way down yonder in a town called Winona, there’s a music festival happening called Midwest Music Fest. Charlie Parr, Greg Brown and a slew of others are playing. They appear to be liberally using the term ‘homegrown,’ so maybe the powers that be should consider bartering for their superior web skills, as they have a pretty boss website, though the art could use a little help. The weekend pass is essentially free if you buy the Brown ticket. Solid acts from all over abound. Parr, due to overwhelming popularity last year, is playing multiple sets this year.
Instagram spotlight on Tim Landis is spotlight on Twin Ports
Not sure why I missed this but my Twitter friend Tim Landis and his amazing Instagram pictures were featured a month or so ago on the Huffington Post (more…)
