Lexicon update
I moved to Duluth in September 2006. Almost a year ago, I wrote a post about words and phrases that seemed unique to Duluth and/or the region. At that point, most seemed pretty odd to me; none had entered my vocabulary.
But I realized this week that at some point in the past few months, I’ve started regularly using one of those language quirks – adding “the” before road names. As in, “Oh, yeah, I saw that house, too – out there on the Rice Lake Road.”
It’s interesting how something little like that really makes you feel grounded in a place.
Questionable signs
I suppose this eatery’s name in Fayetteville, Tenn., which I recently passed through, belongs in the hall of name fame, along with Kum ‘n’ Go, Pump and Munch, Kwikee Mart, and the rest. I’m not even sure posting this public signage clears the PDD standards.
The ratings experiment is over
For two weeks, Perfect Duluth Day experimented with rating systems for posts (five-star system and thumbs up/down). As you might have already noticed, the ratings have now been removed.
An initial poll showed readers either thought this was a great idea or terrible idea. (The results were pretty evenly split, but slightly leaned in favor of great idea). In practice, however, the ratings didn’t prove useful and interest in them quickly plummeted. In the end, only a handful of people bothered with them.
So now they are gone, perhaps to return another day when a better system can be figured out, or perhaps never to be considered again (except maybe in the comments to this post).
Big Top songwriting contest
Heads up to local musicians:
Big Top Chautauqua is holding another songwriting competition. The long version of the details is on the “Celebration of Song” page of www.BigTop.org (scroll about halfway down the page).
The short version is, you submit two original songs by June 19. Finalists perform on the Big Top stage August 27 and have a shot at airplay on Tent Show Radio, a $100 cash prize and a chance to play a two-song set opening for Suzanne Vega.
Honking Tree Commentary on MPR
Like many North Shore residents, commentator Catherine Conlan had come to see the 113-year-old white pine as much more than a tree.
Now hiring
The Last Place on Earth wants you to get your resume ready.
Nearly Threadjacked: Taconite Curtain
This just about became a threadjack for Mary’s “I’ll give you a medal … ” post But propriety seized me just before I hit post when I realized this was probably a post in it’s own right.
It all started when I finally clicked the urban dictionary link to taconite curtain that Adam provided: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Taconite%20Curtain
I have to kick myself that that actually qualifies as “urban” but it’s hilarious and very well written, folks. It wasn’t until I’d read it that I caught the “Iron” v. “Taconite” connection, as in, Europe has (had) the “iron” curtain of totalitarian socialism, but we’ve only got this really dense rock with some iron in it, “taconite.” You people are all way too clever for me.
Farmers Market at UMD
Farmers Market at UMD
EVERY WEDNESDAY 2:00-4:30
UMD Kirby Plaza Bus Hub
LOCAL Produce, Music and Artisans! (more…)
Good Job, Gartband
Magician Kelvin Saline brings his Magic Village to events of all kinds. Kelvin’s “magical extravaganza” features audience participation, comedy, ventriloquism, and magical illusions which he has been performing for over 30 years. Kelvin keeps to the traditional types of magic and illusions through appearing, disappearing, sawing through a live person, escapes, and several original tricks that delight young and old. Saline performs for corporate, college, school, fair, and community events including weddings!
Kako Foundation Benefit
Perhaps you saw the article in the DNT a year ago about Rudy Perrault’s 16 year old cousin, Kako, who was brutally murdered in Haiti, after being kidnapped after school on his way to his grandmother’s house. The silver lining to this heinous act, is the KAKO Foundation, a music education program that has already begun in Haiti, with plans to eventually be established in the Twin Ports. The 2nd Annual Haiti Worthy Cause Concert will celebrate this emerging Foundation with great music and food – and, will celebrate Kako, a beacon for us all.
Sunday May 1, Chester Park United Methodist Church
3 PM, Program
4:30 PM Haitian Dinner
The oldest sidewalk in Duluth?
A couple years ago I was out for a walk and noticed this section of sidewalk at the corner of Grand View Avenue and 17th Avenue East. I liked the nice touch of stamping the street name in the sidewalk, and I was impressed at the “1926” date – meaning this concrete had survived (with a crack, but still survived) more than 80 cold winters, hot summers and annual freeze-and-thaw cycles in Duluth. (more…)
Monkey with a Tool Belt Day
According to today’s Duluth Tribune, today is the second annual Monkey with a Tool Belt day (there was a first?).
Local author/artist/target of much local adoration Chris Monroe will be at Marshall Hardware today signing copies of her book. Apparently there will be hot dogs, root beer, and prizes. It’s unknown if any monkeys will be there.
Lakewalk Saturday
Don’t know if this got any publicity. All I saw was the DNT editorial today that tomorrow morning at 9 is gravel spreading time for the new path by the Ledges.
REEL Youth Film Festival
Kids can do some crazy things with cameras – see some examples at the REEL Youth Film Festival on Saturday, May 30th at 6pm in the Free Range Film Barn. Its free and open to the public and there will be organic popcorn.
Directions at https://www.freerangefilm.com/directions.html
"Adventures to the Rainbow Tiara"
“I’ll give you a medal if you get out alive.”
“You’ll never see another town like Duluth. It’s not a tourist destination, but it probably should be. Depends what season you’re in there, though. There are only two seasons: damp and cold. I like the way the hills tumble to the waterfront and the way the wind blows around the grain elevators. The train yards go on forever, too. It’s old-age industrial, that’s what it is. You’ll see it from the top of the hill for miles and miles before you get there. You won’t believe your eyes. I’ll give you a medal if you get out alive.”
Bob Dylan,
Rolling Stone #1078, May 14, 2009
The heart of commerce is… Superior, WI?
And to think, some of us thought it was the armpit…
“The American Geographical Society Library has acquired an extremely rare and unusual map, The Man of Commerce, published in 1889 in Superior, Wisconsin. The highly detailed 31″ x 50″ map/chart conflates human anatomy with the American transportation system, in an apparent attempt to promote Superior as a transportation hub.”
Oh Hell Yeah!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjdyjL0dbG8&feature=player_embedded
Park Point here I come. I think we need to have a wearable towel pub crawl this summer, order yours now!
Benefit concert features Bill Bastian
The Northland’s tenor extraordinaire, Bill Bastian, will headline a concert to benefit two Iraqi refugees attending St. Scholastica in the fall.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2
Where: Mitchell Auditorium on the College of St. Scholastica campus (more…)
Duluth Superior Sailing Association Open House June 6 from noon to 4
Come learn about Duluth Superior Sailing Association and its programs June 6 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Sailing season and classes for children and adults begin.
Rubber Chicken’s Humpty Dumpty: The Musical Free Preview
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5QXlbFGkBY
Come see this great show… One weekend left!
May 29-31
Friday and Saturday shows at 7pm
Saturday and Sundays matinees at 3pm
Marty McFly’s house
The real "McFly" house used for exterior shots in Back to the Future. Click for Google maps link.