Lutsen sucks … water from trout streams

I was disappointed but not surprised to hear that state lawmakers moved one step closer to allowing Lutsen Mountain ski resort to pump more water out of the Poplar River. As John Myers reported in the DNT this week, the concerns about the effects of this on fish populations have many groups concerned.

I am personally planning on telling Lutsen that not only will I not be visiting their resort anytime soon, I’ll also be spreading the word through any channel I can find. I wish there was some way I could suggest that others also send them a note saying you’ll be doing the same.

For example, people could voice their concern on Lutsen’s Facebook by “liking it” and then voicing your displeasure: page.

People could also email Lutsen to let them know you’re going to boycott the resort.

What I can’t find is the direct email address of the resort’s co-owner, Charles Skinner. I wonder where he lives. We could all visit his house and say, “hi.”

Low – “Africa”

From the Onion A.V. Club’s series “A.V. Undercover,” Low covers Toto’s “Africa.”

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Colony: The Endangered World of Bees

Slow food event! Thursday, May 19, 7pm, Peace Church, Duluth

The award-winning film Colony: The Endangered World of Bees (free), beekeeping equipment display, honey ice cream cones ($1). Honey bees pollinate one third of our fruits and vegetables. Entire colonies are dying off. This film brings to life the fascinating world of bees — and the possibility of their disappearance. Volunteer to set up room, serve ice cream, clean up. (email = mdragich @ d.umn.edu, Slow Food Lake Superior). Peace Church is at 1111 N. 11th Ave. East, Duluth.

Reviews:
Colony Looks at the Disappearing Honeybee
Colony Film Explores Bees, Beekeeping and CCD

Hippest State in the Union?

Can this be true? Does the 612 really have that much clout? Rochester is pretty quiet and St. Cloud is, well, St Cloud. And we have Willmar, and the ball of twine and Paul Bunyan, and Funkley and Nimrod and two towns called Oslo. So I ask, is Duluth really that “hip” to make up the difference?

13 – Last Weekend

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhFvFmqGtlc

You may have already read the glowing review of this musical, or heard people raving about it in the DNT or on Facebook, but let me add my own two cents.

Don’t go see this show because you want to show your support for aspiring young talent. Don’t go because you think it’s important to support programs like this that enrich our youth and enliven our community. Don’t go out of a sense of duty.

Go because this show kicks ass. Go to be thoroughly entertained. Go to enjoy yourself. I promise you will be humming the songs for at least a week afterwards.

These young performers in our community are not the “up and coming” talent. They’re already there. Take notes.
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South Shore Camping

I did not plan ahead very well for this summer to get my camping reservations established at the 6 month or 1 year window reservations open up. Probably for the best as this encourages some exploration. I’m looking for advice on campgrounds along the south shore of the Lake. I haven’t done much camping in Wisconsin — a few nights on Madeline — that’s it [not including sleeping in the car in Superior]. Anybody willing to share their favorite camping spots in northern Wisconsin? I don’t need hook-ups or showers or KOA amenities. A developed swimming area and beach would be nice, as the kids will be in tow.

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What is the current state of literature?

I am asking all opinions on the state of literature today. Does it exist? Is there a difference between Literature and what most people read today (if they do happen to read).

It makes me sad that many men see reading as a “women’s” activity. Don’t we all appreciate a good story? Why is any novel that has an “Oprah” symbol on it now seen as weak fluff that is not suitable for men to read?

I hate buying books that have the movie cover on the book. Most of the time I have never even heard of a really good book until it is set to come out as a movie. Is that the only way books actually sell?

I am not sure if I will ever own an e-reader but I know I will never give up my books.

Old Timey at Thirsty Pagan

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Play Irish Music Thursdays at Carmody

Every Thursday from 5:00-7:00 people who like to play traditional Irish and Scottish music gather at Carmody. It’s an open session, which means anyone who plays an acoustic instrument is welcome to come and join in. New people are welcome. If you want to learn some of the tunes the group plays before venturing out with your fiddle or concertina or whistle or whatever, many are on this website. The session is set early to make it possible for musicians to go to the jam at Sir Ben’s too. On Thursdays Sir Ben’s hosts old time and Celtic players, starting around 7:00 or 8:00.

Duluth Movies in the Park 2011 Schedule

Leif Erikson Park – Duluth
Friday nights at sunset

July 15 | 9 p.m.
Independence Day

July 22 | 8:50 p.m.
The Great Outdoors

July 29 | 8:40 p.m.
Edward Scissorhands

Aug. 5 | 8:30 p.m.
Finding Nemo

Aug. 12 | 8:20 p.m.
Casablanca

Aug. 19 | 8:10 pm
Bad News Bears

Aug. 26 | 8 p.m.
Twilight

Sept. 9 | 7:30 pm
Toy Story 3

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Duluth on Boing Boing

Hooray! Duluth got a shout-out on Boing Boing today.

Boo! It was because of the ball-slasher guy.

National leader in social media strategy headlines conference in Duluth

Wednesday, May 25
8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Lake Superior College

Information and registration: duluthchamber.com

The 2011 Northland Social Media Conference is fast approaching, this year featuring nationally known social media strategist Jay Baer. Come learn how to harness the power of the social web to transform your company into a faster, smarter and more social business!
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Carl Sagan’s Cosmos at Zinema 2

[vimeo]https://www.vimeo.com/23549222[/vimeo]

Looking for something free to do with your kids this summer? The Zinema 2 will be showing Carl Sagan’s series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage every Saturday at 11 a.m., June 4 to August 27. The show is a wonderful chance to be exposed to grand scientific ideas and celebrate the pursuit of knowledge. Professors from UMD will host each episode, answering any questions and placing the show within a modern context. Admission is free.

Samesies

20110510-073221.jpg

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WOJB Concert Series – The Idle Hands

Minneapolis scenesters the Idle Hands, co-led by UK ex-pat brothers Ciaran & Criostoir Daly, are set to kick off their Spring/Summer tour in support of their latest release, Life is Beautiful. A powerhouse live act, the Hands deliver original Brit-rock with nods to 70s glam and 80s post-punk.

The Park Theater, 15791 U.S. Highway 63, Hayward WI … showtime is 7:30pm.

$10 advance – $15 door…wojb.org or 800-776-3689

Converting from Oil to Natural Gas

My wife and I recently purchased a home in the Chester Park area. It is currently heated with oil, but the previous owner installed a wood burning stove in the living room to cut down on the oil costs. I’m not gonna lie, the fireplace was kind of a deal-maker, but the oil was almost a deal breaker.

We found out there a gas line under our street and heard the city will come and pipe the line to the exterior wall for free. This seems to be fairly common knowledge. A friend of mine also told me that the city and/or Comfort Systems has a program where you can get the gas furnace installed with a loan through the city. Has anyone heard of this program? Has anyone you know done it?

We lived with my dad for a short while, but I still remember the sting of even just splitting the oil bill and this program sounds pretty enticing.

Thanks!

2011 Americorps Party for Good with Charlie Parr

Clyde Iron is teaming up with local musicians to honor the hard work of Americorps members here in Duluth. The party is open to the public and will take place at Clyde Iron Works on Thursday, May 12 from 6-11pm.

Schedule of Events:
6pm – On-site service projects, collect 200 lbs of food for local shelves
7pm – Galynn Lea & Ariane Marene; David Bard & Ryan Jordan; Angela Brannan; Billy Wagness in The Horror
9pm – Charlie Parr

At 7:00pm this becomes an 18+ event. ID and cash necessary for bar. This is a community event. Current AmeriCorps members automatically get a ticket but here are the ways non-members may get into the event:
~ Present your Purple Ribbon from National Volunteer Week
~ Bring a food shelf item (or several)
~ Participate in on-site service projects for displaced youth in Japan
~ All of the above!

Duluth Battle of the Bands 2011!

The Junior Achievement Battle of the Bands competition was held a few weeks back, and although I’ve been busy with other projects, I wanted to share this video I created of the event. The song is “Stay Put or Carry On” by Ultra Day, who won the competition this year.

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Where in Duluth?

Rubber Chicken Theater presents “The Awesome 80s Prom”

Friday, May 13, 20 and 27 at 7:30
Great Lakes Ballroom at the downtown Holiday Inn
Tickets: $25 couple, $15 single, $10 per person for tubular groups of 8 or more

It’s like Tony and Tina’s Wedding, if Tony and Tina had been at a high school prom in the 80s.

Dance the night away to Boy George, Michael Jackson, Men at Work, and more. Vote for Prom King and Queen. Play in an Air Band Contest. Party like it’s 1989!

Call (218) 213-2780 for most excellent tickets, dude.

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Cloud Cult – “The Exploding People”

Video created by the One Light Collective
Directed by Andrew Melby
Visual Effects by John Griese
Colorist Victor Rukavina

Cloud Cult plays Bayfront Park in Duluth on July 9 during the Twin Ports Bridge Festival.

For the hardcore Homegrowners!

Well it’s over … and I’m sure we are all recovering. Let’s take a moment to reflect on what really kicked ass this year! Taking it day by day, let’s list our top two shows we saw on each day!

We will skip Sunday, new band night, cause well…

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Toast the Arts ~ Taste the Wine

Choice, Unlimited’s 3rd Annual “Toast the Arts-Taste the Wine” Fundraiser will be held this Friday, May 13 at Clyde Iron Works Restaurant & Bar. The Wine Tasting event will also include live and silent auctions, live music, and hors d’oeuvres. All Proceeds benefit Choice, Unlimited’s Arts Program.

Choice, Unlimited is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and persons who are experiencing barriers to employment and community inclusion.

For tickets or more information, call 218.724.5869 or visit choiceunlimited.org. Become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/choiceunlimited.

Homegrown’s Over … Now What?

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Sex Trafficking in Duluth

This post originally contained a video from WCCO-TV that is no longer available.