I’m looking for somebody to get our iTunes library consolidated and organized – or maybe some advice on how to do it. Right now it’s spread out over three lap tops and an external hard drive. Perhaps iCloud is the solution? All I know is that right now it’s a GF and I feel a bit overwhelmed thinking about it. Thoughts or advice? (more…)

We acquired an old iMac, went to upgrade the OS today and got an error about it not having an Intel processor …. we like the big screen and the prioress has a not as old MacBook she wants to DX for an AirBook.

(1) Is there any way for a common man to take the good parts from the MacBook and update the iMac?

(2) Are there any other suggestions for the old iMac? Can we load some flavor of Linux on it for the web-savvy here at the Mission?

My parents are taking a little vacation from Minnesota down to Apache Junction, AZ [they will hike more in the 6 weeks they are there than my wife and I will all year]. They have an iPad and very little technical moxy. The condo they are in does not have ISP; and they would like temporary internet service.
(more…)

I was at Mt. Royal Foods this morning surveying the doughnut rack with my daughter and I did a double take when I saw a long-john with a slab of fried bacon laid down the middle, on top of the delicious maple frosting. I did not have my camera to take a picture. Is this a “standard build” in the doughnut industry, or is it a custom creation from the bake staff? My wife gave me strict orders to not buy sweets this morning, otherwise I’d probably be posting this on Yelp.

I’m curious if anyone has dates of estimated chair-lift openings at area [and by that I mean "day trip"] alpine hills? Lutsen was rumored to open on the 19th of November and Big Powderhorn is scheduled to open the 10th of December.

Any advice on where to look for early-season runs?

Our last few attempts at using a dog/house sitter had some unintended consequences. Some of the more interesting: various porn-related scenarios [purchased and delivered]; a Mountain Dew “ash tray” was left in front of our basement toilet [we don't smoke]; one of our cars apparently was used and the backseat mistaken for a dumpster; and a “three bears ‘bed scenario’” which resulted in a lot of laundry. Without addressing the vetting process I used in staffing, or commenting on my solicitation process, I’d like some recommendations on area kennels for boarding two dogs: one an old lab and the other an old terrier.  We’re heading up to the Lutsen area for the holiday and would love to find help up that way; but assume most facilities are in this area.

I’m trying to get an answer to this question, and am finding conflicting answers. Can one establish a business presence on “The Facebook” without have it tied back to a specific user? For example, is the corporate Target Facebook page associated with a specific user?
(more…)

It looks like I need to replace the lateral sewer line connecting my house to the city system. I qualify for the “up to 3K” reimbursement; but the job is estimated at “around 6K.”

In lamenting to my friends on this issue, multiple responses have been “Schultsy can run a ‘mini’ [excavator]; why don’t you have him dig out the old line? Putting in a new one is pretty straight forward – like roofin’ – you’re just paying for labor.”

Does anybody have any experience with this? Is it simply digging out the old line, removing the old house trap and connecting into the waste out from the house and then hooking up to where it feeds into the city system? What part of this would need a “licensed plumber”? I don’t have “replace sewer line” on my bucket list, and I’d rather take that 3K [which I don't have] and recreate with it.

A student I work with was solicited to write a story for a local college newspaper.  The student has a reputation for his dark writing style, but has been recognized as an outstanding author and actor.  The paper did not print the following story, as they said it was too graphic.  Thoughts or comments?:

Lake Shore Driving:  Headless on the North Shore
by Frank Black

Jamie’s got his head in his hands, having just hacked it off with the cordless reciprocal saw Annie ordered for him off the internet the night she overdosed and stopped breathing—and blood came out her ears.  This made Jamie very sad, so he cut off his head—and now it’s in his hands—and he’s watching and pondering curiously at how his scabby, haggard heart continues to pump random arcing spurts of thick blood out the ragged, chunky stump of what’s left of his neck—and thinks he should’ve thought this through a bit more, which is an odd thought to think when your decapitated head is resting in your hands.
(more…)

Anybody have thoughts on this?

Duluth School Board authorizes sale of Woodland site; developer envisions mini ‘Dinkytown’

I know the family that lives on the east end of the wooded area. They have been trying for over a year to purchase some of that land to leave as green-space and a buffer. They were assured that the developer would take the neighborhood “into consideration.” Can anybody fire up their crystal ball and see how this plays out? Or should I invest in vinyl siding as it takes a lot of plastic to wrap buildings over 21 acres.

The idea of a “family game night” has gotten some traction in our house — the kids are getting old enough to keep game pieces out of their mouths and “waiting their turn” no longer incites screams or tantrums.  We were at the bookstore at the mall the other day and there were a lot of games that looked pretty fun — but it was a bit overwhelming.  Any suggestions for board-type games under these categories?

(1) family [includes children ages 5 and 7]

(2) party [games played with adults, but not requiring massive amounts of skill or concentration -- to be enjoyed during a social, etc.]

(3) children [specifically for children to play amongst themselves (ages 5 and 7)]

I’ve got some business travel set up for Northern Colorado and Utah in late June.  Any suggestions for a resort which may still be running lifts?  Ideally, I’d like to find something open during the week of 20 June.  Arapahoe Basin is open until the 19th – that’s the latest I’ve been able to find.  Also – suggestions on renting gear verses checking or shipping?  Seems that for a two day junket – one is better off just renting from the shop.

I did not plan ahead very well for this summer to get my camping reservations established at the 6 month or 1 year window reservations open up. Probably for the best as this encourages some exploration. I’m looking for advice on campgrounds along the south shore of the Lake. I haven’t done much camping in Wisconsin — a few nights on Madeline — that’s it [not including sleeping in the car in Superior]. Anybody willing to share their favorite camping spots in northern Wisconsin? I don’t need hook-ups or showers or KOA amenities. A developed swimming area and beach would be nice, as the kids will be in tow.

Looking to change up the ski scene a bit and am wondering what’s worth a 6-8 hour drive from Duluth?  Or with that limitation, should one stick with Lutsen or Giant’s Ridge?

Lundgren has published at length on Return On Investment when considering package liquor, beer and transportation and I believe I recently saw some discussion on variables to consider when putting a Halloween costume together. Has anybody come up with an algorithm, equation or model for predicting how much Halloween candy to stage for distribution? Last year, I had to recycle the stuff the kids brought home and based this year’s purchase off that. Now we are stuck with seven pounds of Reese’s [at least we predicted there would be left overs]. Anybody identified trends or tricks used with this annual purchase?

I’m thinking about getting an LCD projector for work. It needs to be portable, but not compact – I don’t plan on taking it on a plane.  My application is primarily marketing presentations, not heavy on video or high end graphics.  I’ll be using it about twice a month.  Any recommendations for makes, models or vendors?

Heading on a family trip with a four year old and a seven year old.  Suggestions for educational or entertaining iPhone apps for the kids would be appreciated.

Heading to Park City in June with my wife and kids [ages 4 and 6].  I’m looking for advice on a route and adventure along the way.  We are looking to mix up camping and some more traditional resort/hotel/cabin accommodations.

I’m looking for a lead on a 2-3 bedroom apartment or house meeting the following criteria: (1) within 10 minute walk to CSS or (2) along direct bus route (i.e. no transfers). I need the lease through 2009, possibly extending month by month into 2010. email me directly: recovery at css.edu

I’m looking for somebody to provide about 60 minutes of “background” music for an event being held at St. Scholastica on September 17th . Need to find a group who can set the vibe. T-57 is busy. Randy Lee was suggested – anybody know how I can get a hold of him or similar alternative? You can email me directly: recovery at css.edu

www.clean4life.org

Myself, another father, and 4 kids are planning a trip to Voyageurs National Park in early August. Any advice on entry point, camp sites, places of interest, etc. would be appreciated.

No shit – I just saw a “Palin for President – 2012″ on the digital billboard set up by the Enterprise Rental Shop. That went up fast.