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Category: Help Wanted

And the Wall Came Tumbling Down »

The ~4 foot-high retaining wall that holds up (well, used to) our driveway just dumped over with an impressive thud. Can anyone recommend a (reliable but not bank-breaking) contractor for this kind of work? It has been leaning for a couple of years, so there will probably be some excavation of dirt that has to be done before a new wall is put up. Only the top of one section fell down, but the rest is really leaning.

Thanks!

Help! »

The Beatles' Help Album My work is conducting a training tomorrow for about 75 people, and the guy who was providing our sound system had a family emergency. So now we have no sound system. We don’t need anything elaborate – just a speaker or two, and a microphone, and an easy-to-understand setup. We would have to pick it up tonight and would return it tomorrow night. Can anyone help us out? You can either respond here or call me at 218-391-2733. Thanks!

This Old House »

We have a 1904 model house and we are thinking of a big remodel. I would like to know if anyone has recommendations for someone that could come in and tell us our redesign and construction options.

Have away. Thanks

And if all of PDD said it, they’d call it a movement … the real cream movement! »

I have discovered something wonderful!  Cedar Summit Farm cream.  It’s the real old fashioned deal from a family run sustainable farm near New Prague, Minnesota.  Shake it vigorously and it becomes the most awesome butter.  Whip it good and it becomes the best whipped cream I’ve ever tasted.

Problem is, I have to drive to the Whole Foods Co-Op in Grand Marais to stock up.   Of course, being available in Grand Marais, the delivery truck drives right through Duluth.  Indeed, the Whole Foods Co-Op in Duluth stocks Cedar Summit Farm milk but not the cream.

So, please take my word and join me in emailing, calling or otherwise communicating to the Whole Foods Co-Op in Duluth that they must stock Cedar Summit Farm Cream!  Contact info at wholefoods.coop.

And no, I’m not affiliated with Cedar Summit Farm in any way other than being a Cedar Summit Farm cream devotee!  For more see cedarsummit.com.

They even have happy cows!  Let the movement begin!

Slow? Who you callin’ slow? »

PDD is working normally for me and pretty much everyone else I’ve asked, but at least one person says it’s been enormously slow for a few days now. Is anyone else experiencing this? If you are, it should take two minutes for the page to load allowing you to comment, so thanks for taking the time to let us know.

Right now we’re assuming everything is fine and one person’s computer hates this site for some reason.

Where can I buy a blender part locally? »

We need a new rubber seal for the blender – you know the “o” that goes between the jar and the blade.

The original one got caught in the blade and was destroyed. Shortly after that happened, Big E did a little surgery on something purchased at Marshall Hardware and managed to cobble together something that works semi-decent. The rubber has gotten hard and it no longer seals well, I’d like to get a bona fide blender part.

I can order online for 4 bucks for the part + at least that much in shipping. I’m in search of a local place to buy one of those o-ring rubber seals for a blender.

YMCA Camp Miller Could Win $50K Grant, 14 Days Left To Vote! »

Two weeks ago, you may have seen this Pepsi Grant Link on Perfect Duluth Day.  Duluth’s Local YMCA Camp Miller is STILL in the running (Currently #11, while the top ten applicants all win) for this grant and could potentially win!  With only 14 days left to vote, every vote counts!  Please take one moment each day to click for this exceptional nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the lives of children!

www.refresheverything.com/YMCACampMiller  

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Wilco (the city) = Duluth »

Wilco’s fog show in Duluth was the equivalent of two young lovers waiting out a downpour in a phone booth (if the weather wasn’t so bad we’d still just be holding hands).

I loved that show – the fog, the ore boat, the Brewhouse beer, the unseasonable cold, and a band who seemed to thrive in the elements.   It was perfect because it was such an authentic Duluth experience and Wilco seemed to appreciate it every bit as much as we did.

It seems to me there something special going on between Wilco and Duluth, a sense of connection between band and city.  Duluthians recognize and appreciate the authenticity, the talent, the lack of pretense – it’s all those qualities that we see and expect from our local rock stars (Al, Mimi, Charlie, Turtles, Jerree, Tony B, etc).

So, here’s the deal, since there is nothing in the Charter that strictly prohibits me from doing so, I’m going to officially proclaim Wilco as an honorary Duluth band.  I need your help to define exactly what that means…

1)  We need to come up with some sort of “official trinket” that represents their honorary Duluth band status

2) We need to present the ground rules for being a Duluth band – with power comes responsibility

3) What are the special perks to being a Duluth band in good standing?

Obviously, they would now be eligible to play Homegrown (we’ll have to remind them that registration closes at the end of February).

Thanks for your help.

Travel Advice »

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.

Where can I get loonies and toonies in Duluth? »

I need to get some Canadian money here in Duluth. The last time I tried at a local bank – a branch of a national chain – they told me they’d have to order it; they didn’t have any on hand. I didn’t search any further at that time.

I’m betting some bank in town has Canadian currency readily available. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Gigabyte broadband from Google – in Duluth? »

Here’s a press release we’ll be sending out about our intent to explore Google’s offer to bring gigabyte speed broadband to an entire community.  There are many unanswered questions and any application may be a long shot, but it would be a game-changer for Duluth.  I think it’s worth putting our best foot forward and see what happens…  If you want to help out, check the bottom of the post.  See you around…  Don

Mayor Don Ness has indicated the City of Duluth’s intent to pursue a partnership with Google to bring fiber-to-home connections to city residents.  Google plans to select a community to test ultra-high speed connections at more than a gigabit per second later this year through a competitive process.

The following is a statement from Mayor Ness on the city’s intent:

We want Duluth, Minnesota to be at the forefront of a new gigaband revolution in America.  For America to be competitive into the future, we need to be aggressive at investing in our data infrastructure.  To unfairly paraphrase Tip O’Neill “All bandwidth use is local” – Google’s community initiative will be a powerful tool to demonstrate the positive impact of local broadband improvements.

(more…)

Story Ideas? »

I am yet another student @ UMD in a journalism reporting & writing searching for a story.

We are working on a history of Duluth story… I was spending some time in Bixby’s and noticed the community knitting project…

I would love to find someone who has a quiet history of working on community grassroots projects… know of anyone?

or any other suggestions?

Derby racing in Hartley »

Anyone remember when they had Soap Box Derby races in Hartley back in 1961-1968? I’m writing an article on it for a class and would love any help, information or photos that anyone may know or have!

Thanks!
Lauren

Anyone have any story ideas? »

I am writing a story for my Reporting and Writing II class at UMD.

We are to cover a specific area of Duluth, and dig deep for a story.

I have the area near 4th and Wallace, sort of near the Holy Rosary Catholic school.

Does anyone know of anything going on, or have an idea you would be interested in hearing more about?

Please let me know any thoughts or ideas. Thank you

Brianna Dehncke

Any places ’round here that have Phở? »

Phở is a Vietnamese soup and there are trendy Phở places all over in the Twin Cities.
pho

Taste of Saigon?

Thai Krathong?

Vietnamese Lotus Inn?

Valentine’s Day anyone? »

Hey PDD! I was wondering what is going on in Duluth/Superior for the oh-so-dreaded Halmark engraved day of love? I saw a few ads for restaurants posted in the DNT but wanted more input. Anybody out there to help a lady and her boyfriend out?

What would you call it? »

Hi PDD people. I teach journalism at UMD where a group of students is working on creating a news web site that will focus on telling community-focused stories from around Duluth. We’re brainstorming for the right name and I thought I’d throw it out there and see what ideas this group might come up with. In the past it’s been called Duluth Community News, but the students think that is weak. Suggestions? Once we’re up and running we’ll share our stories here on PDD and hopefully invite this community to help us discover other stories to tell.

Help Duluth YMCA Camp Miller get 50k grant from Pepsi Refresh Project. »

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double-decker-high-ropes-coThe local Duluth Area Family YMCA is in the running for a grant offered by Pepsi in their “Pepsi Refresh Project” (Learn more here) to build a high ropes course at Camp Miller. They are current ranked #2 and need your help by voting for them.  It is easy, click, signup and vote. Vote now here — >: http://www.refresheverything.com/YMCACampMiller

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Vote for a nationwide grant for Duluth YMCA, Camp Miller »

YMCA Camp Miller is up for a grant opportunity through Pepsi Refresh Project.

Go to www.refresheverything.com/YMCACampMiller and vote once a day (once per e-mail address) for the month of February and Camp Miller could win this grant!

Any and all who help the camp by voting daily will get a chance to come try out a high ropes course if the camp receives the grant!

Annual Food Queries: Throwback; Paczki »

I’m looking for two seasonal foods:

1. Any stores with Mountain Dew Throwback still in stock… a gas station, a grocer — anything. This is number 1 priority.

2. Pepsi Throwback. Same deal. The no-HFCs is attractive to me.

3. I’m looking for “poonchskis” or “paczki” — a donut common among Polish folks. A pączek is a deep-fried piece of dough shaped into a flattened sphere and filled with confiture or other sweet filling. Pączki are usually covered with powdered sugar, icing or bits of dried orange zest. A small amount of grain alcohol (traditionally, Spiritus) is added to the dough before cooking; as it evaporates, it prevents the absorption of oil deep into the dough.[2]
Although they look like bismarcks or jelly doughnuts, pączki are made from especially rich dough containing eggs, fats, sugar and sometimes milk. They feature a variety of fruit and creme fillings and can be glazed, or covered with granulated or powdered sugar. Powidła (stewed plum jam) and wild rose hip jam[2][3] are traditional fillings, but many others are used as well, including strawberry, Bavarian cream, blueberry, custard, raspberry and apple.[4]

Craigslist ad for service needed »

JRH sent me this. Said it was a real ad on craigslist

Looking for someone special who would kill my drummer for $100.00. do not fear any negative consequences for this act. any self respecting law enforcement agency would gladly turn the other cheek once they hear this guy “play”. I am tired of hearing his 70’s style fills put in the wrong spot and ending one half beat early or late depending on how much he’s had to drink. (more…)

Dog-friendly Duluth »

I was reading comments to convince my girlfriend, and saw one reader post that Duluth is sooo dog friendly.

We have just moved from the Twin Cities and I have struggled finding dog-friendly places. Where we lived in the Cities, there were huge dog parks with hiking trails where we could safely let our dog off-leash (and get exercise ourselves), dog-friendly businesses to visit, dog day cares, cafes you could bring your dog, and a lot of special events. (It probably helped that there are publications like Sidewalk Dog to point you in the right direction).

The one tiny dog park in Duluth is inadequate to say the least (we won’t visit again), and while I’ve heard about the Superior Hiking Trail, in many places in Duluth it seems too close to roads to feel comfortable letting my dog off leash (also am not sure how easy it would be to hike it in the winter).

So, dog owners — what are your tips for great places to bring your dog? Where can you let your dog off-leash? I work in Duluth and am staying in Cloquet until we find a permanent place to settle, so am curious about any Cloquet/Esko tips as well.

Thanks!

I realize this is PDD… »

but if anyone could make a perfect day in Superior, the Animal Rescue’s van has cashed in its chips… can anyone help? Per Facebook:

OUR VAN IS KAPOOT…PLEASE HELP!!! ARF’’s Van is kapoot…if anybody could please help us out by donating either a van or a truck with a topper to help us bring the animals to and from necessary veterinarian appointments, it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! Please call Bill at (218)525-7382

Convince my girlfriend »

Help me convince my girlfriend that we should move to Duluth. Why do you love living in Duluth?

Doin’ the wash »

Where’s a good Laundromat in Duluth? I live in the Central Hillside, but am willing to travel a bit. I was using the one next to Burrito Union, but my clothes seem to smell after washing them there. The new Maytag place on 4th Street is nice, although spendy (and usually busy). What do you suggest?

Good travel agencies in the Twin Ports? »

I am wondering if there are any good travel agencies in the area (or which ones are better and why)? Planning to go to Europe this summer and need a little “professional help”…thanks!

Actual Job in the Arts »

Arrowhead Regional Arts Council

Arrowhead Regional Arts Council

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is Hiring an Assistant Director

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is looking for an individual knowledgeable about the regional arts community, self motivated, computer literate and eager to be part of an organization serving artists and arts organizations in the Arrowhead. ARAC has an immediate opening for a full-time Assistant Director to assist the Executive Director, the Board of Directors and to oversee selected grant programs which will receive funding from the new Arts and Cultural Heritage Amendment passed in November, 2008.

Interested individuals need to submit a cover letter explaining their interest in the position and their skills and abilities along with a resume by January 15, 2010. The ARAC will fill this position by January 31, 2010. Application may be made by email or mail.

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Merry holidays! »

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So my holiday present was a draft kegging system …mmmm … no more messy bottling for me … my question is … where do I get CO2 … other than the over abundance of it in our atmosphere, how do I get the nice bottle I have filled?

Christmas lights in Duluth »

This is our third winter in Duluth (so we still consider ourselves newbies) and we’re wondering if anyone could recommend a good neighborhood/area for Christmas light displays or recommend a good route.  (Please be specific; I get lost easy, especially downtown.)

Thanking you sincerely in advance,
the NewKid

Places to stay »

I am coming to Duluth in March next year and looking for some information.

  • Backpacker hostels or cheap, friendly places to stay.
  • How to get to Ely by bus or train!

Can anyone help?