Survival of the Funnest
Here’s another t-shirt gift idea for the person that has everything from former Duluthian Emily Kuznia. Emily lives in Florida now but she is a product of Duluth’s Central Hillside (began her artistic career at Nettleton, in fact). I was just thrilled to see that this t-shirt design of hers was a “derby” winner on shirt.woot.com
Ah crap … I guess you can’t buy it anymore, it’s a competitive t-shirt design site, and man are they ever competitive. Much to my own chagrin, it looks like her shirt was only available for a couple weeks, not nearly long enough for a procrastinator like me to get them into the various stockings that I host. But as long as I’ve gotten this far I might as well leave the post up, Hey, maybe it will generate enough demand to get more available. Or you could also contact Emily via her blog and tell her how cool the shirt is.
UMD Alumni Hockey at Amsoil Arena
So, about 10 seconds into the UMD Alumni Game at the new Amsoil Arena, a little kid behind me says, “Even I could beat these guys in a race.”
Yeah, the old timers weren’t nearly as quick as they were in their prime, but the sexy assist from Bill Watson on a Norm MacIver goal was awfully impressive and the new Bulldog digs are mighty sweet.
Stuffed at the Toga
OK, seeing you guys know everything … what’s the story behind the stuffed “animals” (ground hogs? gophers?) at the Club Saratoga. I’ve “only” lived in Duluth 25 winters and every time I’m in there (did I just out myself as a Toga regular?!) I wonder about their origin. Anyone have the knowledge?
Winter Camps at Hartley Nature Center
Looking for a fun school winter break option? Check out Hartley’s Winter Break Camps, Feb. 22-25. Just a few openings left for ages 5-7, 8-9, & 10-13. Come and have some fun in the snow. Check this link for registration information- www.hartleynature.org/learn/daycamp.html
Osaka Sushi Hibachi Steakhouse Reviews
Osaka Sushi Hibachi Steakhouse opened in Duluth’s Burning Tree Plaza shopping mall on Dec. 15. (More info in a previous post “Duluth Osaka Sushi Hibachi Steakhouse,” including the menu.)
Has anybody been up there yet? I’m just trying to get a comparison between this new place and Hanabi. I’d love to hear a review.
For what it’s worth
1. The Magnetic Fields – Realism
2. Beach House – Team Dream
3. Charanjit Singh – Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat (reissue)
4. Ted Lucas – Ted Lucas (reissue)
5. Bonnie Prince Billy – Wonder Show Of the World
6. Sun Kil Moon – Admiral Fell Promises
7. Black Prairie – Feast Of The Hunter’s Moon
8. James Blackshaw – All is Falling
9. Band Of Horses – Infinite Arms
10. Sun Araw – On Patrol
you?
Trampling the Mountain Stage
Another band with Duluth roots is appearing on a National Public Radio-distributed show. Trampled by Turtles will be featured in the first hour of The Mountain Stage this Saturday, Dec. 18. The program airs from 8-10am on 103.3FM KUMD.
New work by Sean Elmquist at the Duluth Art Institute
New work by Sean Elmquist is on view now at the Duluth Art Institute located on the 4th floor of the Depot. It will probably blow your mind.
Admittance is free if you are coming just for the art.
Depot hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10AM – 5PM
Sunday, 1PM – 5PM
Lake Steam
Topeka made a lot of news renaming itself (honorarily) to Google, and even got a nod back on April 1. Duluth promised to name its first-born children after Google. They are big on advertising so it’s a tough call which is worth more. (Though if you consider the cost of switching a city’s name, compared to the free and ever growing number of offspring…)
Honors and proposals aside, I hope Google compares its own search results for each city, especially the images. Granted there’s a lot more to consider than merely which of us is prettier, but we got soul power, and that should count for something.
Plus, free hugs. Just sayin.
J. J. Summers Agency, 1973
I got one for the Duluth History Detectives. Where was the J.J. Summers Agency located?
I just received an art book of the famous photographer Stephen Shore, and it was the following photo.
Caption reads: J.J. Summers Agency, First Street, Duluth, Minnesota, July 11, 1973.
I enjoy the rare opportunity to track down the locations of old famous photographs in the area to rephotograph and want to find this one. A quick cruise through Google Street view show a could of store fronts which still looks similar (Glenwood Signs) that I’ll go inspect, but any first hand accounts of the location, or records of an actual address would be great. Visual identification may be hopeless if it has been tore down or remodeled in the past 37 years.
The Fortunately, Unfortunately, Fortunately of Google Fiber
Fortunately, Duluth-Superior put together a great bid for Google Fiber in the Spring as Google Twin Ports. We generated tons of buzz nationwide, and even worldwide and mobilized thousands of community members in support of the project. I was a tiny (miniscule, really) cog in the wheel that was the ad-hoc Google Twin Ports steering committee in the first part of this year. And just like everyone else, I have been anxiously waiting for the end of the year for the community (ies) that will get Google Fiber to be announced.
Unfortunately, as noted in another PDD post, Google has said they can’t decide yet and they’ve kicked the announcement date down into 2011.
Fortunately, that aforementioned PDD post from Brian B was on the coveted first page of “links” on the most recent official Google Fiber blog post!
This could mean anything or not much so try not to call me too naive here. But one thing is certain: They haven’t forgotten us. I say that means we are still in the hunt folks, and I think we’re a front runner when I consider all the factors I can think of, climate, community support, integration, availability of “dark” fiber, competing delivery systems (WiMax, 3G, Cable, DSL, even Superior Broadband’s nifty radio thing) attractiveness of the community and the list goes one. And I’ll just add in one more huge asset we have: Perfect Duluth Day. And that there screenshot proves they know that, too.
Plain drunk, drunk and disorderly and even beastly drunk in Duluth
Regular folks getting drunk used to be front page news. Ah, the good ol’ days.
From the first issue of the Duluth Herald, April 9, 1883:
James Clark got drunk yesterday and was run in by Officer Turcotte. He was taxed $8.50 this morning by Justice Martin.
A. Lonquest was drunk and disorderly at Rice’s Point last night and Officer Peloski found considerable difficulty in arresting him. He had an infernal machine called a self cocking revolver on his person besides a dangerous looking knife. He contributed $10 to the city treasury this morning.
P. Peck was a plain drunk who was picked up by Tom McLaughlin yesterday. He paid the customary $8.50 this morning.
Mary McGraw got beastly drunk yesterday and fell into the clutches of the police. This morning she woke up financially embarrassed and the result was she was sentenced to ten days confinement in the county jail.
These are our people; this is our heritage.
Missing Person: Scott Michael Tridgell
UPDATE: Tridgell was found on Jan. 5, 2011.
Duluth Police Dept. news release:
Scott Michael Tridgell, age 26, of Duluth was reported missing by his family on Dec. 14. Family members said Tridgell left his residence in Duluth on the morning of Dec. 13, leaving a note that he was going to a job interview. He has not been seen or heard from since.
Tridgell suffers from a form of amnesia which limits his ability to recall important details regarding his personal life, such as where he lives or where he has been. In 2007, Tridgell was listed as a missing person by the Edina, Minnesota Police Dept. after he failed to show up at his residence there. He was located three weeks later by police at a rest stop in Menominee, Wis. He had no ties to that city.
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No-so-high-speed decision making
Google is still deciding which city will receive Google Fiber. They were originally going to announce the decision by the end of the year, but now they say to look for an announcement in early 2011.
Not-so-high-speed rail advice
Next week, my daughters and I are going to be heading out on a week-long trip via Amtrak out of St. Paul. Having spoken to someone at the station who suggested that the parking lot there might be full so close to Christmas, I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for long-term parking options in the general vicinity of the station. No one we know in the Cities is going to be available to ferry us, and both timing and cost considerations militate against the bus or shuttle. Has anybody done this successfully?
Cloud Cult on World Café
Cloud Cult (featuring former Duluthian Craig Minowa) will be performing on National Public Radio’s World Café on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The show is broadcast on 103.3FM KUMD in Duluth from 3-5 p.m.
(If you missed the broadcast, you can listen at your leisure using this link.)
Ballast Water & Aquatic Invasive Species
Wednesday night, Dec. 15, 7 pm, at Hartley Nature Center (3001 Woodland Ave.) will be the last presentation of the fall series on aquatic invasive species — Ballast Water, the myth and truth about the role ballast water plays in the spread of AIS by Marte Kitson, MN Sea Grant program. More information at www.hartleynature.org
Holiday Shows at Sacred Heart
Two great holiday shows this week at Sacred Heart

The Rose Ensemble presents: La Nochebuena: A Spanish Renaissance Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:30pm, $23 at door
Advance tickets $23 available by calling The Rose Ensemble 651-225-4340 or at roseensemble.org (Special student at-the-door pricing $10 with proper ID)
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Fundraiser for new mountain bike trails!
The Brewhouse and Burrito Union have generously decided to donate $1 from every pint sold over the week beginning this Wednesday, Dec. 15, through next Wednesday, Dec. 22, to the Cyclists of the Gitchee Gumee Shores. In addition, Bernicks Beverages has donated all of the soft drinks to the Burrito Union for that week and all soda proceeds will also be donated to COGGS.
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CD Release Party at Pizza Luce!
A night of roots music at Pizza Luce! Matt Ray and Those Damn Horses celebrate the release of their double album “Then and Now” with friends the Bitter Spills and the Breeze! Come out and support local music and get your feet stompin’!!!










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