Does anyone have pictures or stories from when the Ripsaw was housed in the Temple Opera Building?
I rent and work out of Room 208 in the Temple Opera Building. Legend has it that the Ripsaw was once published out of this office. I’d love to see some photos and hear some stories about those days in this space.
Beat the Blues, Go Bradfest!
Bradfest is the event to attend this weekend if you’re looking to escape the crowds and redundant drone of Bluesfest in Duluth. Head just south of Two Harbors for a weekend of music, whimsy, food, and fun featuring bands such as Arcwelder, Al Sparhawk, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, High Volt Rustler, the Accelleratti, and more. All proceeds benefit education and resources to support Minnesota musicians. Friday 6 pm – 1 am, Saturday 1 pm- 1am Earthwood Inn, Two Harbors. Go to bradfest.org for more deets. See you there!
A special primary election day message from the guy in Cotton who reminds us we’re all a bunch of toys
Yeah, this sign is from the 2008 election — and has been posted on PDD before — but it’s still up, and the “I told you so” has been added since then.
Whether you’re a toy or not, you still have the right to vote and bitch. You even have the right to not vote and still bitch. So take that for what it’s worth.
I don’t get this Arcade Fire stuff
I can not stand this band. Everyone says they like them. I don’t believe it, they only say they do because for some bizarre rationale, they think it makes them look smart or some crap. This pap is for 13-year-old girls. It’s great for that. It is not 1986 and you are not tortured. This needs to stop.
Chili’s a-comin’
Can’t remember the last time your tongue was numb? Maybe you need to taste the big 4 Ohh! That would be 40 of the best chili recipes the Northland has to offer — all in one place, all in just two hours, all at United Way Chili Cook-Off.
Want to enter a chili? Bragging rights could be yours. Check out all the details at unitedwayduluth.org/events_chili.htm
The Chili Cook-Off kicks off United Way’s Annual Fundraising Campaign and helps to celebrate the many accomplishments of our community. Every year over 2,000 chili lovers join in the fun.
United Way Chili Cook-Off
Thursday, Sept. 16
4:30 – 6:30 pm
DECC Arena
Open to the Public
$6 general admission
$3 children 10 and under
$16 family
Does at-home dog sitting exist in Duluth?
I’m wondering if anyone has a recommendation for at-home dog sitting? It would be for one spoiled, cunning, food shark of a beagle kind. Preferred dog sitter to come to his home occasionally for sort of respite at the owner’s discretion. I am the “preferred” dog sitter but my sis would like options for when I am not available.
Job description includes walking, feeding, cleaning up after (in community) and lots of love. Cooper has been kenneled in the past but that leads to anxiety for him and owner. Anyone know of a reputable person that would go to Cooper’s house and stay for short days of time?
Tire shops in Duluth
I’m looking for recommendations on where to buy a set of new tires in Duluth. I’ve been putting it off because, frankly, I don’t want to get ripped off. Where to go? How much to spend? My ride is a 2007 Toyota Corolla. Just a roller skate, really, but I love her, and she needs new shoes. Help!
Duluth Does …?
Sacred Heart Music Center is gearing up to do another Duluth Does event in October and we are trying to decide on a theme. We have already done the Beatles, Woodstock, Johnny Cash and Neil Young and the Grand Ole Opry. We have some ideas but want to hear suggestions from the PDD community. (more…)
New DECC Arena
I think that the new DECC Arena is uglier than the original. What architectural style is it in? Looks like ‘Early American Trailer’ to me. Too bad something so big and so expensive is so ugly.
Clock repair
We just inherited a wonderful chiming clock that we’re trying to get back in working condition. Does anyone know of any good clock repair places or people? I’m hoping for recommendations of reputable repair people, since we obviously don’t want anything to happen to our clock.
Seven reasons why gay marriage should be banned!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSfFa44p96o
Loup-garou playing Beaner’s Saturday
Loup-Garou is playing tonight (August 7) at Beaner’s Central with Eau Claire gals, Feathe, and Duluth singer/songwriter Niila.
Come out and enjoy a coffee drink, beer, soda, sandwich, and some fun music.
Show at 8pm, $5 cover, free smiles. I’d love to see as many of you out there as possible.
Kid’s Art in the Park — Self-propelled Boats
Learn how to construct a boat that moves, all on its own! Weather permitting, we will also get the chance to try them out on Lake Superior. A healthy snack is included.
When: Sunday, Aug. 8, 1:30-3pm
Where: Meet at Pineapple Art Center
124 W. First St., Duluth
Must pre-register @ 218-722-2919
Skunk
Dog: Direct hit in the face with skunk in back yard.
Human: Let her in not knowing this had happened.
Dog: Foaming at mouth like Old Yeller, getting slobber all over the floor.
Human: Out you go.
We got the dog cleaning part down. Just wondering how we might ever get this smell out of the house. Please advise. And don’t tell me the spray eventually breaks down, yada, yada. This is horrid.
No human centipede here, just an elephant and a hare…
My wife and I will be in Duluth tomorrow (Saturday) to sign copies of our children’s book ‘ELEPHANT and HARE.’
Northern Lights Bookstore (Canal Park) from 12:00 – 1:00 PM.
Watch our promo trailer here.

Arts Alive in Duluth! Opera on the Lake
Duluth Festival Opera invites everyone to a fun event at Nokomis Restaurant on Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 4-6pm. See link for details: dfopera.org
Enjoy professional opera singing at table-side, delicious appetizers presented by Chef Sean Lewis, pretty views of Lake Superior and an opportunity to keep the arts alive in Duluth!
Coming up on August 22 is a free opera performance at Leif Erickson Park, also sponsored by the DFO. Spread the word and support our local arts community.
Wet Basement Recommendation?
I posted a request for recommendations for replacement of a poured concrete porch stoop the other day. Thanks for your input.
However, in talking to a couple guys who came to look at the leaky porch issue, it became clear that we probably need to look at various leaky basement issues all at once to do the fix the best way. (We did get some input on a “cheap, BandAid-type fix” too, but we don’t think it will do the trick for long.) I have one lead that looks pretty good so far but am looking for any recommendations that the PDD community might be willing to share regarding reliable contractors for basement waterproofing, associated excavating, basement/foundation wall repair, etc. Your input and wisdom would be greatly appreciated!
Sex Change World Premiere
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcFcY71Kjgc[/youtube]
Check out the trailer for this world-premiere comedy written by local playwright Andy Bennett. The show opens this Thursday, Aug. 5, and runs through the Aug. 21.
Also check out the Gender Bender Karaoke Contest following our closing night show, talk-backs with the artists after Thursday night, and Renegade Improv every night after the shows at 10:30.
Free Music from Anthony Bennett
Hi, everybody. I just wanted to let you fine Nazi-and/or-Tall-Ship-loving-or-hating folks know that I’ve got a site now where you can download some of my songs for free in a number of formats. It’s anthonybennett.bandcamp.com, and I’m going to be posting all kinds of stuff there, over time. Please, if you would, venture over there, see what you think, and if you like any of the tunes, forward the link to someone. Sorry for the spam-flavored post, but, with the impending death of the CD, us muso-types have gotta figure out new ways to get this stuff out in the world. Have a wonderful Wednesday. – Tony
NorShor Centennial Celebration
There are three big events coming up to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the opening of the Orpheum Theatre, which was remodeled to become the NorShor in 1941.
Thursday, Aug. 19 | 7pm
This is a vaudeville-themed event featuring Tangier 57 in the mezzanine lobby, the North Shore Big Band on the main stage and a photo documentary on the history of the Orpheum/NorShor by Tony Dierckins. There will be complimentary champagne, live music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $100 per person and proceeds benefit the NorShor restoration project.
Saturday, August 21 | noon
This is an open house with a wide variety of free entertainment, including performances by the Arrowhead Chorale, Over the Top Dance Co, Spin Collective, Duluth Playhouse Children’s Theater, Aurora Baer, Minnesota Ballet, DJ Path Annu and more.
Saturday, August 21 | 8 p.m.
This is a night of live music featuring some of Duluth’s hottest bands, including Modern Gentlemen, Poetry Motel, the Fontanelles, the Little Black Books, the Moon is Down, Cars & Trucks, Batteries and the Acceleratii. This event has a $5 cover charge.
The NorShor is back! It’s now under the management of the Duluth Playhouse, with tons of help from artists, businesses and community members who want to see it succeed. Watch norshortheatre.com for info about future shows, including the return of the Boogieman Project Halloween bash on Oct. 30.
Foreign Language Classes in the Duluth Area
Does anyone know of any private foreign language lessons that are offered in the area?







