Upset Duluth

Every month or so there is a story in the Duluth News Tribune about a community member or group of people upset about something. The story usually features a photo like the one above, shot by Bob King.

I don’t mean to make light of any of the issues these people are upset about, or be critical at all of the photography. Just the opposite. What I’m saying is, for some reason I love these photos. Seriously.

Could Andrew Krueger, caretaker of the News Tribune Attic, put together a collection or slide show called “Upset Duluth,” showing all the concerned/outraged/irritated citizens over the years? It’s a potentially large project, but he could start small and grow the collection over time. I also think it might make a delightful coffee table book.

(Obviously this should not include photos of people in mourning, etc. — just the folks who are honked off about vandalism or skateboarders or whatever.)

Please don’t read sarcasm into this. I’m serious, and I make this request with all due respect.

90 Comments

Adam

about 14 years ago

Mr. Krueger, I would buy said book especially if you entitled it "Emotional Scandinavians: Crossed Arms and Grimaces in Duluth"

Tomasz

about 14 years ago

Yes, good pics indeed.  Personally, I think it gives the story a bit of levity, given that these photos (especially todays) makes it seem like the state just came and took their first born sons.

Terry G.

about 14 years ago

I love the photo of the Denfeld neighbors! Arms crossed in defiance, yet, in Duluthian fashion, nice smiles on their faces. In the article, they sounded very polite, articulate and sensible.

TimK

about 14 years ago

Emotional Scandinavians? No such animal!

Bad Cat!

about 14 years ago

That pic makes me think there's a knitting strike happening.

Zac Bentz

about 14 years ago

That photo was taken seconds before the dance-battle began.

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

Here's one of the guy who had his property mistakenly bulldozed by the school district. I'm not totally sure it fits the motif. The guy is indeed upset, but maybe folded arms are required and the Heisman stiff arm doesn't measure up.



I don't know. Don't cut it from the list yet. Lay it out on the table with the rest and determine later if it should be included.

Derek Montgomery

about 14 years ago

I took many of these types of photographs while employed at the News Tribune.  Here is one of my personal favorites...

Derek Montgomery: Photographer

For portraits, about the only time we can instruct people on how to act, you usually have to give them some guidance so they look good in front of the camera and ultimately, in the picture.

In this photo, Joan Tabelle needed no such instruction as her frustration bubbled to the surface and came out in the photo.

brian

about 14 years ago

Great shots Derek!

Derek Montgomery

about 14 years ago

To me the extended arm says "Get back! You're not welcome!"

Claire

about 14 years ago

Funny as hell! If Andrew Krueger and Derek Montgomery need any advice re publishing and/or promoting a book of photos of pissed off Duluthians, Tony D and I would be happy to talk to them, right, Tony D?

Gunns

about 14 years ago

That is a great idea Paul. It shouldn't take long to compile the first book.  You could probably do one each year.

Piglet

about 14 years ago

Hysterical. Pure and simple. Can I pre-buy a copy? 

My daughter and son-in-law were just here from Nevada and had more fun watching our locals in action. Had to introduce son-in-law to the beauty of the movie Fargo before he really got it!

adam

about 14 years ago

When the Transistor goes full color, it will feature a photograph of skateboarders every week that are concerned/outraged/irritated about old Duluth nancys.

jessige

about 14 years ago

I have two words: Fundraiser. Calendar.

For the charity of your choice, of course, Paul, since it was your idea.

Claire

about 14 years ago

OMG, Jessige, that is BRILLIANT. I'd buy one!

Andrew

about 14 years ago

I don't know about books, calendars, etc., but I certainly can start a recurring feature on the Attic site. I'm glad people like those kinds of photos.

I'll have something up in the next few days.

Jude

about 14 years ago

Property tax time is approaching and some great photo opp's around the court house. And certainly there are some great photos of people driving around and around trying to find a place to park on the UMD campus.  Some photos of the bikers who try to negotiate an entrance onto Woodland from St. Marie street with those huge trucks and racing SUVs a mere inches from their feet.  I think they have the bravest faces.

zra

about 14 years ago

see, funny shit like this has got me convinced that Mr. Lundgren is right up there on the list of my favorite humorists.

Jude

about 14 years ago

Derek:  Your photos are inspirational, thanks for posting the link.

Barrett Chase

about 14 years ago

I know we're only eight months into 2010, but I'd like to nominate this for post of the year.

Claire

about 14 years ago

I second Barrett POST OF THE YEAR. I really want a book out of this too.

jessige

about 14 years ago

I even have a calendar title:  Disgruntled Duluth.

NorShor fundraiser, perhaps? I'd be willing to help out with setting that up.

Andrew

about 14 years ago

One other thing... Lost in the conversation so far has been credit to the person who took the Denfeld parking photo that spurred the post. The photographer is Bob King of the News Tribune.

Jude

about 14 years ago

Andrew, nice clarification.  I thought it was your photo. And I love those photos on the Attic site too.

zra

about 14 years ago

I want to see a photo of a group of people who're angry at the Duluth Laughing Club.

Brandon Stahl

about 14 years ago

I realize it doesn't quite fit into upset duluth, but my all-time favorite portrait-type photo is Hole-Boy.

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

One of my favorite DNT photos -- again, not related to this context -- is the old guy who beat the snot out of an intruder in his home, stripping him naked and sending him scurrying away. The story was awesome enough, but the photo of the guy was classic. I think he was trying to show some bruises, but appeared to be flexing as if he were a body builder.

I often wonder if the thief, who was a younger guy, is given a lot of grief in prison because he got his ass handed to him by a guy who was well into retirement.

Most people tend to forget which photographer shot what, but the DNT has had some great ones over the years. Unfortunately, many have had to pack their bags, but hats off to the dean of them all, "Astro" Bob King, who is also an excellent blogger.

therealnick

about 14 years ago

I would also like to share some love for this post but am nominating "Chicken Spur" as Post of the Year.

PL

about 14 years ago

My fav is the lady with all the little doggies on her shirt...this pic is my background on my work laptop. I too would buy a book of angry Duluthians...you could have a whole chapter of Park Point residents.

Kevin

about 14 years ago

Just don't include the one with the baby in the kettle or the baby in the pot hole!

Barrett Chase

about 14 years ago

The child in the pothole was an awesome photo. And the baby in the kettle was the only time I've ever enjoyed looking at Grandma's Brag Book.

jimmybellamy

about 14 years ago

Can't forget this classic: Racist T-shirts

Claire

about 14 years ago

Or they have to shell out $5 for parking permits!

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

That racist T-shirt picture clearly fits the motif in terms of the visual composition, but I think the subject matter might be a little too serious. It's better if the person is upset because utility rates are going up or someone is stealing political yard signs.

therealnick

about 14 years ago

Ok I rescind my nomination and second Barrett nominating this as Post of the Year. This is PDD at it's best. Paul, I don't care what everyone says about you; you are one sharp cookie.

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

Now we're getting somewhere! Thanks Andrew!

Julian

about 14 years ago

Actually, that Indian Name article didn't strike me as particularly serious. What if it said 'Chinese Name' or 'Swahili Name'? The words specifically refer to the wearer of the shirt, not to an ethnic group. If there is some association with American Indians being known for excessive drinking, that is a separate issue and it appears to be a prejudice held by the viewers of the shirt.

Derek Montgomery

about 14 years ago

I put together a very small gallery of some other photographs that might fit the criteria as well as a few that were talked about above.  

Here is one that I think fits the criteria of upset people in front of their problems:

The Zontellis vs. Allstate Transmission

And here is the gallery:

Upset Duluth

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago

Derek's photo of the three people at a healing conference at Washington Center would be the prize winner in the "Melancholy Duluth" category. 

Looking at that photo actually sent me into a temporary state of depression ... until I got to the picture of Wayne Boniface. That image fills me with such joy I can barely contain myself.

Piglet

about 14 years ago

Why is the gal with the two white dogs angry/upset? Must have missed the reasoning on that one.

Derek Montgomery

about 14 years ago

Piglet,

It doesn't quite fit the classic scenario because her problem was solved.  The story with this lady is that her dogs were in her husband's car while he was spending his lunch break at a local hockey rink and left the keys in the car with it running.  Some kids stole the car and ditched it a few miles away with the dogs still in it.  It was one of those stories where the dogs took centerstage and in this photo, the problem has been resolved, but she was still upset for obvious reasons.

Maroon Loon

about 13 years ago

"I feel sorry for local news photographers. They are hugely skilled and poorly paid, and sent out to photograph miserable people pointing at dog turds. Here, we celebrate their work."

— Angry People in Local Newspapers

Paul Lundgren

about 12 years ago

It's always sad when kids are upset.



(Photo by Bob King for "Lester Park students play game of improvisation.")

Mary

about 12 years ago

I saw this picture in the paper this morning and immediately knew it must be added here for posterity:



Large Stump

Barrett Chase

about 12 years ago

Mary, you beat me to it.

Derek Montgomery

about 12 years ago



First thing I thought of when I saw this picture was this thread.

Caption:
Larry Kraemer and Sharon Mosiniak of Duluth Heights oppose plans to rezone property south of their homes on Maple Grove Road. A hotel had been proposed for the site by ZMC Hotels, but the plans were shelved. A change in zoning could open the way for other development. (Bob King / [email protected])

Tom

about 12 years ago

Damn you, Derek.

I need to take a picture of myself posing next to my computer right now to show how angry I am that you got here with the photo first.

akjuneau

about 12 years ago

The link to the story that goes with the photo above: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/242368/

emmadogs

about 11 years ago

Is anyone ever going to do a calendar???

Ramos

about 11 years ago

This Upset Duluth guy looks rather pleased with himself.

jessige

about 11 years ago

I agree with Ramos. That guy belongs in the Smug Duluth calendar, not the Upset Duluth one.

Maybe the PDD guys can do the calendar and use the proceeds to replace the AdSense revenue.

Barrett Chase

about 11 years ago

I don't think it would go over so well if we made a calendar out of DNT-copyrighted photos.

jessige

about 11 years ago

You could ask them nicely first.

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago

We also feel that compiling a calendar and making it available for purchase would: a) be a bunch of work, b) cost us money to produce and c) result in 20 sales.

emmadogs

about 11 years ago

Listen, you put Large Stump Guy on the cover, and Upset Lester Park Kid on the back cover, and you will have a Money Goldmine.  enough to open the PDD--Cayman Island branch office, guaranteed.

Tom

about 11 years ago

I think today's photo fits. It even has the word "upset" in the caption.



Romesh Lakhan, Kim Lakhan, Maureen Tobin Stanley and Dan Glisczinski, who all have children attending Holy Rosary School in Duluth, are upset that the school has placed signs encouraging a yes vote on the marriage definition amendment on school grounds. (Bob King / rking @ duluthnews.com)

Something about it just doesn't quite make it as good as the rest. I think it's the fact that a lot of people are angry about politics and religion and education. It's more fun people are angry about tree stumps or parking.

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago



Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Ross sure seems upset.

(Another Bob King/DNT photo.)

brian

about 11 years ago

If my thumbs were that bendy, I'd be upset too.

Lawrence Lee

about 11 years ago

I'm thinking we need to add an official "Upset" tag for posts.

Ramos

about 11 years ago

Mr. Ross is saying, "EEEEeeeeeaaaahhhheeeeeennnnhhhh!" He's upset that his batteries are running out.

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago



I think the original recognizing of the "Upset Duluth" motif of photos goes back to Oct. 19, 1997, when I was standing under where Grand Avenue passes over Miller Creek at Lincoln Park and Barrett Chase gave me direction on how to pose for this photo. He said something like, "Point at that graffiti like you're one of those upset community members in the newspaper."

We just didn't realize at the time that having arms folded is a better pose. And I should have been up closer in the frame, but that would have required stepping into the creek.

c-freak

about 11 years ago



A Duluthian (mostly) upset on Sanibel Island. I don't know how to make it my Gravatar.

BadCat!

about 11 years ago

c-freak, you win the internet!

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago

Read the Gravatar Help Topic. It's easy, but you'll probably need to remember your log in information from back when you set your current Gravatar.

adam

about 11 years ago

Here ya go.

emmadogs

about 11 years ago

Did you notice that the YWCA Camp Miller ad running on PDD is, essentially, the Anti-Upset Duluth?

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago



As a matter of fact, I did notice that. Obviously they are not upset, but the folded arms of the woman in front does fit the Upset Duluth style.

Tom

about 11 years ago

There is a double dose of Upset Duluth in today's DNT.

Greysolon Plaza residents upset to lose their corner store as landlord goes upscale



Manuela Forte (right) is upset about losing Jacqui's Market & Deli. She and Shirley Dougherty (left) both reside at Greysolon Plaza and frequently stop by to get coffee and socialize at the deli. For many Greysolon residents, the place is a watering hole. (Bob King / rking @ duluthnews.com)



Regular customer Bernice Olson (center) talks about how much she and her friends, Gloria Nelson (left) and Geri Duncan, will miss Jacqui's Market & Deli when it closes on June 30. (Bob King / rking @ duluthnews.com)

in.dog.neato

about 11 years ago



...and for a very good reason.

Paul Lundgren

about 11 years ago



I'm a little surprised no one noticed last week how upset Dr. Karen Pajari was.

Few mental-health specialists carry heavy load in rural areas

Derek Montgomery

about 10 years ago

And here's another!



Craig Binsfield, owner of Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream on London Road, said he's concerned about pedestrians trying to cross the street, which he says sometimes is like watching a game of "Frogger." Binsfield is receptive to possible changes in London Road between 10th and 21st avenues east. (Bob King / rking @ duluthnews.com)

From: Duluth city planners hope to calm traffic on London Road

Special K

about 10 years ago



Great one from the DNT today.  Technically Carlton county, but it was in the Tribune, and his outfit is perfection.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/283297/

emmadogs

about 10 years ago

Those residents have every right to be upset.  There should be a Righteously Furious Duluth category for Edgewood Vista.

BadCat!

about 10 years ago

If that were me, the photographer would need to stand quite a ways back in order capture all of the torches and pitchforks I would have with me.

bluenewt

about 10 years ago

The News Tribune reports that some West Duluth residents are upset about the route of the Cross-City Trail. Photo by Steve Kuchera.

Derek Montgomery

about 8 years ago

Photo credit: Steve Kuchera

Proposed waste tire facility near Cloquet draws concerns

This is almost Upset Duluth to the tee.  To be fair, maybe it should be Upset Cloquet.

Paul Lundgren

about 7 years ago

trying not to be upset

People will take oath in Duluth on Inauguration Day
Photo by Clint Austin

This group is really focused on organizing a positive and upbeat event. Why do they look so upset?

Paul Lundgren

about 7 years ago



Maxine Taylor listens from the back of the City Council Chambers to speakers debating the proposal for a  Living Wage Ordinance in 1997. Photo by Josh Meltzer.

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