Connect Duluth's annual list of "Top Ten Things to Look For in Duluth Politics" for 2006. (link to PDF)

Posted by Tomasz at 05:10 PM | Permalink | 7 comments, last by J.A.L.
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What more needs to be said?

Posted by Tomasz at 03:54 PM | Permalink | 1 comment by Barrett
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So. What's everyone doing for New Year's Eve? What are the events, the plans, the possibilities? What's happening in this gol' dang town?

Posted by Barrett at 01:49 AM | Permalink | 21 comments, last by Bad Cat!
Filed under Duluth Scene

1948-2005

Posted by in.dog.neato at 07:17 AM | Permalink | 6 comments, last by baci
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Here's a few new (or is that old) ways to tell that special someone what they mean to you.

Posted by Tomasz at 12:46 AM | Permalink | 1 comment by Xenolith
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Scott Cameron, a wounded Vietnam veteran, tracks war deaths in a storefront next to an Army recruiting station.

(Registration required)

Posted by Barrett at 11:00 PM | Permalink | 4 comments, last by edgewood
Filed under Duluth Scene

Merry Chrsitmas everyone. Hope all is well where you are at.

Posted by edgeways at 07:22 PM | Permalink | 7 comments, last by ASDasd
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Hi guys and gals......I thought I would drop a line to say that my website is now up and you can view it at www.podsea.com . It is in it's infancy and I am self teaching myself on how to put things together on the pages.

A little about me. I am from Duluth and graduated in 91 from DHS. Born on the WESTSIDE!!!!!! Morgan Park to be exact. I am now transplanted in New Hampshire and have been for 6 years.

Please, Please, Please give my site some traffic. It will be worth it when it is completed.

Thanks.....

Jeff

Posted by Jeff at 09:22 PM | Permalink | 1 comment by asfadsf
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Posted by Tomasz at 02:46 PM | Permalink | 1 comment by Purple
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Posted by helpme on December 21, 2005 at 09:21:38:

I've been late for 2 weeks and finally got my period this week. How do the parasites react? Especially if they're, you know, down there.

happy festivus!

Posted by c-freak at 03:49 PM | Permalink | 3 comments, last by Chico
Filed under Scabies/No-see-ums

Merry Christmahaunakawanzakaa.

Don't say I never gave you anything. Bitches.

Posted by adam at 11:13 AM | Permalink
Filed under Geeky

Hello All!

I am looking for someone who would be willing to open their home temporarily to my loving dog, Nero. I moved to England last summer, and when i moved, he couldn't come with us at that time because of vaccination/tider testing requirements...(so he didn't have to be in quarentine for 6 months). He has been happily staying with family up until now - but circumstances have made it difficult for them to look after him for another couple of months.

Nero is a big fella... (about 80lbs) but he's a big baby, really. He's shepard/husky mix, so he's quite protective (Ideally, his foster family wouldn't be bothered by a bit of barking). He gets along well with other dogs (very playful) and will tolerate rambunctious puppies. I'm looking for a place for him as soon as possible, preferrably in the Duluth/Superior area.

The costs involved in getting him to England are about $2,000... and we're well on our way to having everything all set by mid March... but it could possibly be as late as early May.

I will pay for all food, bones and greenies that will be sent at regular intervals, and vet expenses should something arise.

If you or any one you know would be interested, please email me at [email protected]

I'm trying to post pictures, but i can't work out how to get them on here...

Posted by tang at 07:21 AM | Permalink | 4 comments, last by Bad Cat!
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Posted by Mary at 02:27 AM | Permalink | 4 comments, last by de man
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"...I have so many creepy Japanese things to share."

Posted by Tomasz at 10:21 PM | Permalink | 2 comments, last by o'malley
Filed under Creepy Japanese Things

To: All Staff

From: Legal Dept.

Re: Staff Holiday Party

As per to recent changes in sexual harassment policies reflecting more politically correct speech, the traditional non-denominational Winter holiday greeting of "Ho, Ho, Ho," has been changed to "Lady of the Evening, Lady of the Evening, Lady of the Evening."

Thank you!

Wishing you a joyous non-denominational Winter holiday,

The Legal Department

Posted by Tomasz at 09:33 PM | Permalink | 1 comment by c-freak
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A re-telling of a charming Christmas tale that modern day geeks can now relate to!
It's a Wonderful Internet

Posted by Bad Cat! at 10:26 AM | Permalink
Filed under Geeky

yeah, i know you natives hate it...barely tolerate it but me...I'm a sick sick man and I love it...this may stem from not being able to play in it as a kid...the only word we have for 'snow' in Texas can only be loosely translated into sheer panic in the streets...

SO, before i got my Looch on last night, I grabbed my trusty snowshoes and footed it down to Leif Ericson park to...write my name in the snow...in big f-ing letters, too...normally it'd take a half dozen guys, a keg of cheap beer, and a good six hours to do what I did with my snowshoes in a half hour...

granted, I didn't just write my name...i also trampled out 'ain't no time to hate' on the slope of the park that faces away from downtown. my name's on the slope facing downtown.

why? becaue i can.

Posted by in.dog.neato at 11:36 AM | Permalink | 6 comments, last by St.G
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After reading some posts on this site and other sites. After listening to Rush Limbaugh. After listening to Al Franken, I wonder what is the point of being in a poltical party. What good is it when your decisions are made by some that puts down other to get the best out of their polling numbers or ratings? Is it just me that has views that could go with each side of the aisle. What political party do I belong to? Someone help me!!!!!!!!!!

My beliefs are as follows"

Gun Control- If you want one, get one one. Just don't shoot someone unjustifiably Republican
Abortion- Disagree with it, but who am I to tell you NOT to get one.....It's not my situation Democrat
Iraqi War- Congress approved with the same info that the prez had. Why is it only on his shoulders?

The thing that baffles me is that is positions were reversed in the country right now the Republicans would be criticizing a Democratic President for the war. And don't say the Democratic President would not have went to war because the polls called for it. We are not voting for individuals that have integrity anymore. We are voting for career politicians on both sides. I hate politics........................That's all it is. Please don't base your argument on what John Kerry says. Or for that matter on what George Bush says. Know that the majority of the country voted this government and that until the country as a whole can take their blinders off on each issue and look at the facts based on the issue and not the party we will be better off.

Dammit I am pissed. This heats me up so MUCH..... I'M STARTING A VLOG THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Jeff at 03:02 PM | Permalink | 12 comments, last by The Candidate
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I will be guest DJing for Edge's Sunday night spin sessions at the Brewhouse this Sunday.

Come groove to my set, "Cocktail Jazz: Selections from the Fetus Bargain Bin."

Posted by Tomasz at 08:49 AM | Permalink | 1 comment by JazzFan
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I thought I was smart. S - M - R - T !!!

"Hey," I thought to myself, "I'll just wait until Thursday sometime to snow-blow my driveway, front walk and sidewalk in front of my house. There's little use in doing anything until the snow stops."

Well, apparently the snow paused. Dammit.

Of course, the argument can be made that I could have checked the forecast and planned my snow removal accordingly. That would have been "planning." Homie don't play dat.

Also, due to the large puddle at the bottom of the hill, forecasting our local weather is less a science and more of a dart game. Still I was hoping that I would hear about "accumilations of an inch per hour" sooner.

Is it spring yet?

Posted by Tomasz at 08:18 AM | Permalink | 1 comment by budb
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I need to know asap if anyone in Duluth sells Jolt Cola.

Anyone know?

Posted by edgeways at 09:11 PM | Permalink | 7 comments, last by clementine
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Featuring new and traditional songs from Haley Bonar, The State Champs, Sleepfarmer, Both, The Virgin Marcus, Dirty Knobs, Gonolius, Greg Cougar Conley, Amy Abts, Humanoid and I think that's it.

Available at the Fetus and Barnes.

Posted by ZB at 10:34 AM | Permalink | 5 comments, last by ZB
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Someone passed this note to me and I thought I would share it with the rest of the class...

Subject: Chuck Norris

this special time of year i think its important to remember just how much Chuck Norris kicks ass...

If you ask Chuck Norris what time it is, he always says, "Two seconds till." After you ask, "Two seconds to what?" he roundhouse kicks you in the face.

Chuck Norris once roundhouse kicked someone so hard that his foot broke the speed of light, went back in time, and killed Amelia Earhart while she was flying over the Pacific Ocean.

Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.

Chuck Norris lost his virginity before his dad did.

Since 1940, the year Chuck Norris was born, roundhouse kick related deaths have increased 13,000 percent.

Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming "Law and Order" are trademarked names for his left and right legs.

Chuck Norris has recently changed his middle name to "F***ing."

When Chuck Norris sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Chuck Norris has not had to pay taxes ever.

There is no chin behind Chuck Norris' beard. There is only another fist.

There are two kinds of people in this world: people who suck, and Chuck Norris.

Crop circles are Chuck Norris's way of telling the world that sometimes corn needs to lie the f*** down.

There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Chuck Norris allows to live.

When Chuck Norris goes to donate blood, he declines the syringe, and instead requests a hand gun and a bucket.

In an average living room there are 1,242 objects Chuck Norris could use to kill you, including the room itself.

Chuck Norris has two speeds: walk and kill.

Chuck Norris is the only man to ever defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.

When Chuck Norris was born, the nurse said, "Holy crap! That's Chuck Norris!" Then she had had sex with him. At that point, she was the third girl he had slept with.

Chuck Norris can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.

It takes Chuck Norris 20 minutes to watch 60 Minutes.

Chuck Norris is not lactose intolerant, he just refuses to put up with lactose's s**t.

Chuck Norris can divide by zero.

When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn't lifting himself up; he's pushing the Earth down.

Rather than being birthed like a normal child, Chuck Norris instead decided to punch his way out of his mother's womb. Shortly thereafter he grew a beard.

Chuck Norris sold his soul to the devil for his rugged good looks and unparalleled martial arts ability. Shortly after the transaction was finalized, Chuck roundhouse kicked the devil in the face and took his soul back. The devil, who appreciates irony, couldn't stay mad and admitted he should have seen it coming. They now play poker every second Wednesday of the month.

Filming on location for Walker: Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris brought a stillborn baby lamb back to life by giving it a prolonged beard-rub. Shortly after the farm animal sprang back to life and a crowd had gathered, Chuck Norris roundhouse kicked the animal, breaking its neck, to remind the crew once more that Chuck giveth, and the good Chuck, he taketh away.

Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.

Chuck Norris is not hung like a horse... horses are hung like Chuck Norris

When Chuck Norris plays Oregon Trail his family does not die from cholera or dysentery, but rather roundhouse kicks to the face. He also requires no wagon, since he carries the oxen, axels, and buffalo meat on his back. He always makes it to Oregon before you.

Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.

If you can see Chuck Norris, he can see you. If you can't see Chuck Norris you may be only seconds away from death.

Chuck Norris can make a woman climax by simply pointing at her and saying "booya".

Chuck Norris can mathematically make two wrongs equal a right.

Posted by jonswan at 08:32 PM | Permalink | 10 comments, last by laurie
Filed under

...and it would be great if it was this one. But anyway, here's what I'm looking for, ideally:

1. All or 4-wheel drive (not required)
2. Wagony, trucky or hatchbacky
3. Reliable for at least 2 years hence
4. Does not smell like wet dog
5. $3000 or less
6. I would really, really like a diesel, but it isn't an absolute requirement

Email me if you have any leads. Thanks.

Posted by vicarious at 03:26 PM | Permalink | 3 comments, last by information on viagra
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I know I know, old news. Or actually, NO news. Why the hell isn't Duluth in a total uproar about this? Why is he still our mayor? He won't be able to do a damn thing for the rest of his term, so why hasn't the city set up a new election? Am I the only one totally befuddled by this?

Posted by ZB at 12:04 PM | Permalink | 57 comments, last by budb
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The Dec / Jan edition of Edgeways radio is up. The theme this time around is... What would I play on a Women's music show, if they'd let me near such a thing.

Link to page

Posted by edgeways at 08:50 PM | Permalink | 1 comment by c-freak
Filed under Music

Just thought I'd share for those that don't get today's paper.

Posted by Bad Cat! at 10:40 AM | Permalink | 15 comments, last by edgewood
Filed under Politics

Your mayor is a drunk.. So, is this a bad thing for the city of Duluth?

Posted by Kitty Brand at 08:45 AM | Permalink | 1 comment by vicarious
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I moved to England from Duluth this summer... and was pleasantly suprized by how much the english love their curry... while passing the time waiting for our take aways... my husband and i play a game that combines a love of curry and music by cleverly combining the names...

Some of our Favorites:

Korma Police
Vindalooie Armstrong
The Mommas and the Poppadums
Naan Inch Nails
Chipate Smith
Glastoncurry Festival
Echo and the Bhunamen
Tears on my Pilau
Glass Onion Baji

Can you think of any others!?

Posted by tang at 06:15 AM | Permalink | 5 comments, last by Zoey
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Posted by Barrett at 11:36 PM | Permalink | 9 comments, last by Tomasz
Filed under Duluth Scene

Well folks, the whole world now knows about the troubles that plague "the Zenith City."

New York Times (Retirement Benefits)

International Herald Tribune, Paris, France (Retirement Benefits)

Posted by Tomasz at 12:57 PM | Permalink | 12 comments, last by hbh
Filed under Duluth History

Nothing like getting sauced and driving to chicago!

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/13378141.htm

Can I ask and receive forgiveness if I don't pay my property taxes this year??

Posted by Tremolite at 04:44 PM | Permalink | 17 comments, last by Claire
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It's December, the official month of drinking. (There is the argument that Rocktober is the official month, but come on!)

I bought a bottle of Campari and a six-pack San Pellegrino Aranciata yesterday. Aranciata is the regular orange flavor of San Pellegrino, and is a (poor) substitute for Chinotto. I had a bottle of Chinotto in NYC, but can't find it where I'm living. Does anyone know of a source in Duluth? Italian Village? I'll be in town a few days around Christmas, and I'm going to need some ...

If you haven't had Chinotto ("sour orange"), it looks like cola and tastes like kumquat + root beer + cough syrup. It is the bomb. With the bitter citrus of Campari ... untouchable. Like bizarro Ruby Red grapefruit juice for grown-ups. Something like that.

As long as I'm mentioning weird sodas: I saw a two-liter bottle of Rock & Rye-flavored soda in a convenience store in Ironwood one time. I'm still kicking myself for not buying some. Rock & Rye liquor is whiskey, flavored with rock candy (or so my Mr. Boston book says), so I have no idea what a Rock & Rye soda would be. Jarrito has Sangria flavored drinks, so maybe something like that.

If you can find Boylan's Cane Cola, hit that up. It has bourbon vanilla in it, so it tastes (to me) like a non-alcoholic whiskey-Coke. That's a good thing.

Posted by cork1 at 03:10 PM | Permalink | 8 comments, last by Shawnie
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This weekend you can go to St. Scholastica and see 8 reworked and staged Out of the Hat plays from previous shows directed by student directors at St. Scholastica on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

Next weekend you can go to St. Scholastica, again, and see 16 brand new Out of the Hat plays on Friday and Saturday.

Posted by ironic1 at 12:30 PM | Permalink
Filed under Art | Duluth Scene | Funny Stuff

My most recent column is about unused domain names. It got me to wondering, what are YOUR favorite unused URLS?

Posted by Paul Lundgren at 11:20 AM | Permalink | 7 comments, last by maria
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For reasons I can explain to anybody who's interested, I need to find a new web host, and I'm hoping to find somebody small and flexible. (Actually, I'm hoping to find somebody small and flexible in general.) Does anybody know of a Duluth-based web hosting operation? I've been getting my web hosting for free from a generous geek in Olympia, WA, who has just announced that he's going to shut down the server this summer. I've grown accustomed to the flexibility and service I've gotten from working with an individual. The lack of a cost has been nice, though I did make some big donations to the cause, but the nicest thing has been that I haven't been limited by the fixed services of a commercial webhost. So I'm hoping to find an individual to work with. Doesn't have to be in Duluth, but that would be nice. I am willing to pay reasonable rates. This is more than a few web pages. I'm managing three to four domains, about a dozen majordomo lists, and using about 250 MB of storage. Not sure what the traffic has been, but it's not been insignificant. Can anybody help?

Posted by rory at 08:05 AM | Permalink | 7 comments, last by TwinTone
Filed under

In light of all the recent bouhaha over the mentioning of certain phrases concerning this time of year...

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: 4th November 2004

RE: Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...please feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if the MD shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1.00p.m.. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time, however, no gift should be over £10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! The MD will make a special announcement at the Party.

Merry Christmas to you and your Family.

Pauline

------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: 5th November 2004

RE: Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognise that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our 'Holiday Party'.. The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family,

Pauline.

------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------

FROM; Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: 6th November 2004

RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table...you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore!!!!How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? Forget about the gift exchange, no gift exchange allowed now since the Union Officials feel that £10.00 is too much money and Management believe £10.00 is a little cheap. NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

Pauline.

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FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: 7th November 2004

RE: Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees'

beliefs, perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take home in a little foil doggy bag. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the toilets, Gays are allowed to sit with each other, Lesbians do not have to sit with gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangements for the gay men's table too. To the person asking permission to cross dress - no cross dressing allowed. We will have booster seats for short people. Low fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the food first.. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?!?!?!

Pauline.

------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All F****** Employees

DATE: 8 November 2004

RE: The ******** Holiday Party.

Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people !!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death", as you so quaintly put it, you'll get your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, But you know tomatoes have feeling too, They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing the scream right NOW!! I hope you all have a rotten holiday, drink drive and die.

The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
FROM: John Bishop - Acting Human Resources Director

DATE: 9th November 2004

RE: Pauline Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery, and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, the Management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay.

Regards,
John

...derived from the BBC

Posted by ericswan at 12:08 AM | Permalink | 4 comments, last by B Cookie
Filed under

...Two chicks at the same time.

Were these two separated at birth or what!

Posted by Tomasz at 09:13 AM | Permalink | 3 comments, last by St.G
Filed under

A dear friend of mine works for the Blue Man Group show in Toronto and she would love to have her family join her in Canada for the holidays. Problem is, two of them have DUI's and have been turned away at the border before and they don't have time to apply for the Temporary Residence thingie. We know there is this mythical pay $200 for a permit to get in but we have no idea how to get one and we can't seem to talk to a human at the consulate. I figure SOMEONE on PDD has had a similar problem-not that I think you're all a bunch of drunks or anything...te he he! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Posted by laurie at 11:21 PM | Permalink | 3 comments, last by Angel
Filed under

This Weekend (fri-MPLS and sat-DULUTH) LOW
will be playing special Christmas concerts to help
raise funds for a school project in Africa. Come
out and hear great music while supporting a
good cause!

Click here for more info on the shows.

Clickhere to learn more about the school project.

For a preview of the concert check out starfire's
latest production here.

Posted by denny-anderson at 02:46 PM | Permalink | 10 comments, last by in.dog.neato
Filed under Music

This little piece of geeky awesomeness was passed on to me via e-mail, and I thought I would share it with you all. But please, people, be careful and let's just keep this among ourselves. Don't wreck PDD again.

Watch the video here.

Posted by Barrett at 11:44 AM | Permalink | 9 comments, last by B Cookie
Filed under Funny Stuff

Minnesotans are famous for not liking spicy food, but I know that some folks around here like it very much. I'm from California, so I've been eating spicy food since birth. I'm finding that spicy food is not exactly hard to find in restaurants and grocery stores, as long as you don't need it to be burning hot. For example, if you order a dish "hot" at our Indian or Thai restaurants, you basically get it a California Medium. That's usually what I like anyway, but ...and here is my question.... where do you go if you want some food that is really hot? I will accept restaurant dishes and grocery store items as long as they can be had in Duluth. I have had the Extreme Jamaican Hot Wings at Green Mill, and they're hot and tasty, and hot in a way that can give you the firey runs if you eat too much, actually. And I like to buy Kim Chee at the Asian grocery on 4th street. What are your spicy Duluth favorites?

Posted by rory at 08:24 AM | Permalink | 9 comments, last by in.dog.neato
Filed under Duluth Scene

Hi. My receiver for my stereo just broke. So I am looking for a new one. I'm just looking for something bare bones and modest that I can plug my record player and speakers into. If anyones got an old used one they don't need anymore, I would love to buy it from you. let me know. thanks

Posted by Greg at 03:16 AM | Permalink | 2 comments, last by in.dog.neato
Filed under

The Ripsaw News has officially announced its demise.

RSN Publisher Brad Nelson sent out a vague, nostalgic e-mail yesterday to Ripsaw contributors, explaining little except that "the tightrope has finally snapped." It is not a secret that the Ripsaw has always struggled financially.

I joined the Ripsaw staff in April of 1999, along with Paul Lundgren, Chris Monroe, and Slim Goodbuzz. Back then, it was little more than a zine, a few pages on cruddy newsprint struggling -- and in most cases failing -- to be more than "the clubhouse reporting on itself." I remember those first meetings in Brad Nelson's living room, and later his attic. Most of these meetings were held around a case of Leinie's original or Huber bock. Everyone would talk about what they wanted the paper to be. I didn't care -- I just wanted to write and draw. Jeff Cork's comic, "Train Truction" got its name from an exquisitely botched article he'd written. Slim's first article for the 'Saw was about the VFW three doors down from the house I grew up in.

It didn't take long for all of the talent to gel and for everything to become legitimate and real. I was only a small part of it, but there was definitely a time when that paper was great, even if it didn't make any money. It helped that Duluth was great at the time, too. Or at least we all thought so. I'll never forget the scathing letter to the editor that quoted the Dylan line, "Everybody's drinking, thinking that they've got it made."

The Ripsaw always sufferred from one particular problem, in my opinion. It tried simulataneously to be a for-profit business, while exploiting the talents of a generous community that wanted to establish itself. Name another for-profit business that has a staff of 40 volunteers. That's a ticking time bomb -- there is bound to be conflict, infighting, and resentment. As for me, I didn't care. As I said, I just wanted to write and draw.

That said, I met hundreds of people because of the Ripsaw. The Ripsaw played a part in some of the best friendships of my life. If that isn't what an alt-weekly is all about, I don't know what is.

I'll miss the Ripsaw, but it's a good thing that it's laid to rest. It's at peace now.

Now ... what's next on the horizon?

Brad Nelson's E-mail

Comrades, The Ripsaw is officially dead.

It was a good run. We managed to spin the blade for six-and-a-half years
against a long list of odds. A&L Development tried to sue us. Much of the
business community blacklisted it. Mayor Doty said he "didn't read that
tabloid." And 11,000 people picked it up every week with Christian-right
zeal (20,000 monthly). We did well.

But it's no secret that keeping it going was a perpetually tenuous act. The
tightrope finally snapped.

Thank you for throwing in on it with me. It was quite a ride. The Ripsaw
wrote about and influenced the art and music scenes; local elections; the
Spirit Mountain golf course debate; the Clayton, Jackson, McGhee Memorial;
the Soft Center debacle and DEDA funding; eminent domain use; historic
preservation; the crusade to end homelessness; GLBT rights; the buy-local
movement; and many many more issues and things. The Ripsaw helped create a
new state of mind for Duluth. It gave amazing local designers, cartoonists,
artists, and columnists needed exposure. It covered outdoor adventure,
dining, film, theater, visual art, science, and sex. It published a calendar
and the High Five so people knew what to go see. The Sawyer Awards became
the best Best Of issue around. It grew the HomeGrown Music Fest,
Undergroundhog Day and Green Man with local CD reviews, band features, and a
special issue for each. The Ripsaw did a lot for this rusty town. No wonder
we're tired.

For now, I'll be beering, skiing, and drumming. If you are interested in any
of those three areas, then chances are I'll see you soon.

See you soon.
Power to the People,
Brad

Posted by Barrett at 02:07 AM | Permalink | 29 comments, last by MJ
Filed under Duluth Scene

When the heck were Puke & Snot in Duluth? Am I that out of touch?

Did anybody go? How was it?

http://www.magaga.com/home.html

Posted by Tomasz at 08:57 AM | Permalink | 3 comments, last by St.G
Filed under Funny Stuff

These are my little Star Wars puppies. THought I would take a shot and do a video......

Please post critiques...

Posted by Jeff at 10:27 AM | Permalink | 2 comments, last by Bad Cat!
Filed under Funny Stuff

I was doing a bit of searcing around the net the other day for some info on a coffeehouse I used to hang out in a decade ago when i used to live in the Pacific Northwest. Google pointed me to a Wikipedia listing for The Last Exit on Brooklyn, which was the name of the coffeehouse I used to spend an obnoxious amount of time in. Excitedly, i dug a little further into the info and found that there is a whole group on tribe.net dedicated to the old place (i'ts closed down shortly after I left Seattle in '95), filled with old friends and aquaintances and such that i used to know...and tribe, i don't know if any of y'all have clicked around that place but, it's really really neat.

try this on for size:

Duluth, y'all

i established it solely for the novelty of setting up the first Duluth tribe...never wanting to try to compete for attention or draw attention away from (IMHO) the niftiest city blog/page around...

enjoy...

enjoy

Posted by in.dog.neato at 03:25 PM | Permalink
Filed under

Yes, Coke's newest ad campaign in China goes World of Warcraft with a girl power message. I am not making this up. Check it out for yourself.

Edit: For some reason that link doesn't work some of the time. If the link on the picture above doesn't take you to the movie, try cutting and pasting this...

http://www.tokyo-genki.com/wp-content/images/coke_wow_commercial.mov

Posted by ironic1 at 06:39 AM | Permalink | 6 comments, last by ironic1
Filed under Geeky

This is Chico, our new dog. He looks dead here, but I assure you he is anything but.

Posted by edgeways at 03:45 PM | Permalink | 10 comments, last by edgewood
Filed under

This might be one of the top ten greatest Web pages of all time.

http://anomalies-unlimited.com/Jackson.html

Posted by Tomasz at 02:46 PM | Permalink | 2 comments, last by budb
Filed under Music

Back in the day, Napoleon Dynamite's explosive solo dance-off evoked emotions of awe and inspired geeks of all denominations to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams. Then the whole movie became trendy and it wasn't cool to like it anymore because everyone liked it.

Now we have an even greater achievement which is four times greater to be exact. The four members of OK GO have choreographed and performed their own ultra-low budget music video that knocks my socks off and sends them clear across the room.

http://www.ifilm.com/player/mac.jsp?ifilmId=2677682&pg=default&skin=default&refsite=default&mediaSize=default&context=product&launchVal=1&data=

Posted by Harrison Cross at 09:59 PM | Permalink | 1 comment by budb
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Jim & Allen are going to be doing their schtick at the Aquarium next Thursday, Dec. 8th. The "Gonzo Brothers" will be talking about the myth of a "nessie-type" monster in Lake Superior and the mysterious disappearance of the rest of this post.

Only $3. Free parking and free goodies. What else have you got to do on a Thursday night?

We hope to see you at da Tank at 6:30 next Thursday the 8th.

http://www.glaquarium.org/events

Posted by Tomasz at 12:33 AM | Permalink | 9 comments, last by betting line online sports
Filed under Geeky