R.I.P. Cathy Curley, feminist pioneer
“Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“If I can’t dance I don’t want to be in your revolution.” — Emma Goldman
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death last night of Cathy Curley – founder of Safe Haven, the Lake Superior Regional Justice Center, domestic violence prevention and intervention pioneer, community activist, mother, friend, mentor, lover of life.
Was SMDC name change Essential?
I just saw a piece on NBC about how Gap changed its logo and then changed back to the original after a whole lot of internet chatter by graphic designers criticizing the new logo. (Both logos below.)
Corporate identity is a huge issue for many businesses, and this one seems to have backfired on Gap. It is very, very expensive for a large organization to change its name: all printed materials, signage, marketing material, vehicle graphics, etc., with the old name and logo have to be changed.
So that got me to thinking about SMDC’s recent name change to Essentia Health. Personally, I don’t like the change: the name sounds like something thought up by a research group and could be used to market some kind of dietary supplement for seniors. And it kind of irks me that SMDC would spend the money to make this seemingly unnecessary move when so many people are fighting the high cost of health care.
Of course, I may be overreacting. Anyone else have a problem with the SMDC name change?
William Canning — traveling evangelist known in Duluth for his strange gyrations in Canal Park
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIG1t0ETbog
Apparently, according to the video description on YouTube, some guy named Jon was vacationing in Duluth in the 1990s and came across a fellow “making some very strange moves” that were “too good to pass up,” so he videotaped it. Earlier this summer, he uploaded it to YouTube.
As it turns out, I have the scoop on who the “man dancing in Canal Park” is.
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Students at UMD organize a 12-hour dance marathon to support kids in need
Beginning at 6pm on Friday and ending at 6am on Saturday morning, Duluth students and local community members will stay on their feet, dancing to live music and DJs while interacting with patients and their families from Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. The Dance Marathon student organization is welcoming everyone at this event, emphasizing that participants need not be expert dancers.
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Three University of Minnesota Press book-signing events in Duluth
Thursday, Oct. 14, 7pm, Clyde Iron Works
Michael Nordskog and Aaron W. Hautala
The Opposite of Cold: The Northwoods Finnish Sauna Tradition
Thursday, Oct. 21, 7pm, Clyde Iron Works
Peter Smith
A Porch Sofa Almanac
Thursday, Oct. 28, 5-8pm
Jay Weiner
This Is Not Florida: How Al Franken Won the Minnesota Senate Recount
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Glensheen Living Literature Presents: The Fall of the House of Usher
A classic tale staged in the living room of a historic, national treasure; Glensheen’s presentation of Edgar Allan Poe’s masterpiece The Fall of the House of Usher promises to electrify audiences in a setting unlike any other.
The Fall of the House of Usher takes center stage Thursday, Oct. 21 through Saturday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. The event includes a flashlight tour of the mansion, refreshments, and guided discussion after the show.
More information and tickets available at glensheen.org or by calling 726-8910.
League of Women Voters 7th District Candidate Forum Oct. 19
Meet the candidates and learn about issues that affect you and your community! We will have powerful questions for the candidates of the Senate, District 7a and District 7b races. We will be offering free refreshments too!
Tuesday, Oct. 19 · 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Harbor City International School
332 W. Michigan St., Duluth
Free parking is available at the ramp between 4th and 5th avenues directly west of the school. We’ve got childcare available for those who need it (please make a reservation for your child by calling Anita at 218-428-7232). If you need a ride, we can also help with that! We’re offering free transportation (please call Allan at 218-428-0290 and arrange for your transportation needs).
Birth & Baby Fair Thursday
It’s free and fun! Prizes, lots of good info, and a good way to meet other families.
Thursday 10/14, 6-8:30pm
Peace Church (11th St. & 11th Ave. E.)
Get your do-si-so on
Musicians and callers up from Minneapolis this Saturday. Also, we’re excited about a new venue – the Avalon Ed Institute – c’mon out!
Remember the glory days of smelting?
They weren’t that great (I had to clean them as a kid!). I used to think the smelts were planted in Lake Superior as a food for the fishery, not so.
The St. Louis River Trail
A few weeks ago I was in Chambers Grove Park in far western Duluth when I saw a sign in the corner of the park for the St. Louis River Trail. A few days ago my wife and I returned to investigate it. After hiking a portion of the “trail” it seems that it is not maintained and I can’t find any information about it on the internet.
Anyone out there know about it? Is it even an official trail or did some guy just put the sign up? Is it merely in the planning stages? Whose property does the trail lie on? Minnesota Power’s? All I can say is that the walking was pleasant. Most of the “trail” followed an old rail line and there were many utility poles that had been cut down along the corridor. There is also the remains of an old railroad trestle at the point where we turned around.
If anyone has any more information about the St. Louis River Trail, it would be appreciated by this hiking enthusiast. I put a more detailed trip report up here:
The Continuing Adventures of Eric and Noelle
The St. Louis River Trail
North Shore Sessions: Russian Bride, Jeremy Messersmith
Here are a couple recent live music sessions featuring Minnesota artists recorded in the Duluth area — Russian Bride and Jeremy Messersmith:
WTAFS + Nomia + Atlas Mts : 10/16
For those who are fans of epic instrumental rock, Nomia is one of the best.
Here’s a clip from a performance on Radio K:
A Decade as Hot Rod
According to this blurb from the Oct. 18, 2000 issue of the Ripsaw, Cory Ahlm changed his name to Hot Rod 10 years ago this week.
Of course, Hot Rod would later expand his name to Hot Rod Heartthrob, and Bone Appetit would switch from being Duluth’s self-proclaimed “worst band” to its “sexiest band.”
Woah, that’s rock and roll.
Third Annual Chester Bowl Wine, Beer & Pizza Tasting
Saturday, Nov. 6, from 6-9 pm, Midi @ Fitger’s
Help keep the youth programs going at Chester Bowl while sampling top-notch pizza, wine and beer. Tickets at Fitger’s Wine Cellars. Info @ 733-0792.
Antiwar Protest
Below is the agenda for today’s anti-war protest in Duluth.
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Plan B: Seeking Rideshare from Twin Cities
Jefferson Lines changed its bus schedule without warning — just as its website promised it would do. Now I’m seeking to share a ride with someone heading to Duluth (or nearby) from the Twin Cities on Tuesday nights post 9 p.m.
I know it’s unlikely, but I’m trying to minimize the carbon footprint of my graduate degree.
University Ave. photographer and bandoneón player on the PlayList this week
The PlayList’s second season continues Thursday, Oct. 14, at 9pm on WDSE-WRPT’s PBS North (8.1/31.1).
Wing Young Huie’s photography takes his audience through the rapid-fire labyrinth of socioeconomic and cultural realities along University Avenue’s six-mile thoroughfare in St. Paul, Minnesota. (more…)
The Half Hearts CD Release
This coming Friday, October 15th, there is going to be a party like no other. The Half Hearts, originally from the Duluth area, will be throwing a huge CD release show at the REX. Along side the Half Hearts will be Ariane Norrgard et al, Loup-Garou, and The People Say Fox. This is going to be a full night of music, so bring your dancing shoes, party hats, and appropriate judgment (whether it be poor or not is up to you).
There is going to be a party starting at 8pm, and music begins at 9pm. $3 cover. 21+ (confirmed as 21+, sorry youngin’s)
Come out and enjoy the fresh sounds of Duluth while enjoying your favorite tapped beverage!
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.
The Seaway Market in Norton Park
Someone — I think her name was Gloria — posted this picture of the Seaway Market on Facebook a few months back and asked if anyone remembered the place. I saved the image, but can’t find the Facebook post anymore.
Here’s the deal with the Seaway Market:
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Global Work Day … a kid-friendly option
A friend is organizing a global work party.
Sunday, 10.10.10 (10am-noon)
Bring your children so we can teach them to care for the Earth! Please bring own garbage bags. We’ll meet at the Tot Lot, disseminate (perhaps farther down the beach), and then meet back for a photo. Hope to see you there!
Twin Ports Buzz Bands
There are a lot of bands in the Twin Ports area — some great ones, and some not so great ones. For better or worse, what are the top five bands creating the most buzz in the Twin Ports? (TBT, Low, RGC, Parr excluded.)
J Lydia Salon celebrates opening with food, music and art
By Sam Elmquist