Artisan Bread at Red Mug
A while back PDD people were clamoring for artisan breads. Well, you can now get the real stuff at the Red Mug Bake Shop in Superior, from noon Thursday through Friday, at least through the winter. They are made by Dave Hanlon, whose breads you may have tasted at past Land Trust benefits. That’s about all I know.
Holiday Signs: Public Enemy #1
It has been mentioned on this site before how awful that Holiday sign is on I-35 at 27th Avenue West, but it bears repeating since it is pretty much the worst thing about Duluth, coming in just ahead of the Honking House and the fact that liquor stores can’t sell on Sundays (which is statewide, but so are the Holiday signs).
Well, I just noticed that the agenda for the Jan. 14 Duluth City Council meeting mentions that Councilor Jim Stauber will be introducing an ordinance regarding sign regulations that would seem, if I’m reading it right, to ban the Holiday sign.
[UPDATE: A closer reading of the resolution reveals that “legal, non-conforming signs are allowed to continue.” So Holiday couldn’t put up more signs with bright outlines at its stores in Duluth that don’t have them, but the ones that do have them could keep them.]
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The old Zippys Pizza Express
I was asked recently via e-mail what the name was of the pizza joint at 1830 E. Eighth St. before it was Vintage Italian Pizza (as seen in the modern photo above).
Since I spent no time at all in that neighborhood in my youth, I looked it up. (more…)
New to Duluth
My family (hubby, myself, and two 3-year-olds) are relocating to Duluth this summer from Madison, Wisconsin. We want to rent a 3- or 4-bedroom family home with a backyard for the little ones, a garage, and laundry. Any ideas/suggestions/tips for a newbie would be welcome. What are your favorite neighborhoods or areas in town? What is the best way to find a place?
Don Ness Gregnam Style
This was part of Rubber Chicken Theater‘s holiday sketch comedy revue A Flood of Christmas Cheer, which was performed in December. The sketch parodied the “Gangnam Style” Korean pop song and viral music video that has inspired uncountable memes. The premise of the Rubber Chicken bit was that cast member Greg J. Anderson’s new dance was sweeping the Twin Ports and this video was his proof. Even Duluth Mayor Don Ness was doing it!
This week: arty art art, little green army guys, cybermen and puttin’ on the ritz
Here’s a sampling of what you have to look forward to this week on the PDD Calendar.
There are several art exhibition openings this week:
- Sculptures by David Everett at the Zeitgeist today
- Past Life by Michael Converse and Jacob Swanson at the Washington Gallery on Friday
- Fragility by a bunch of artists with music provided by the Crunchy Bunch at the Prøve on Friday
and there are all the ice sculptures on exhibit (while weather permits) outside Little Angie’s in Canal Park.
Eight week skating classes for beginners start up at the Mars Lakeview Arena with Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday class options.
The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza runs Thursday through Saturday at the Teatro Zuccone. I’m not sure what that is, but it involves dance, little green army men, and Nerf guns, so why not?
Mark Russell brings his musical take on political humor to UMD on Friday.
Young Frankenstein gets the Rubber Chicken treatment in a live reading of the script at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theater on Saturday.
And if you were at last night’s Doctor Who 101 premier you know to get to the Zinema 2 early for this Sunday’s screening of Tomb of the Cybermen featuring the Second Doctor, Patrick Troughton.
So what are you doing this week? Can we tag along? Any upcoming events that you want to promote? Let us know!
Houses on Wisconsin Point?
I had forgotten about the fenced-off houses at the end of Wisconsin Point for a few years, until seeing them again a couple days ago. I always figured they were somehow affiliated with the lighthouse … does anyone have any other information/stories about them?
80 Nerds in the Dark
I admit — I entered the Zinema’s “Doctor Who 101” with some trepidation. The organizer is the sharp, innovative Tony M., the real engine behind the Zinema for some time. (I know there was another architect, but frankly, some architects are engineers, while Tony is an artist, breathing life). (more…)
Bent Paddle Brewing Co. of Duluth
I noticed banners on the side of a building off of West Michigan Street proclaiming Bent Paddle Brewing Co. taproom and brewery to open soon. Does anybody know more about it?
World Book Night is April 23
The second annual U.S./World Book Night is taking place on, appropriately enough, William Shakespeare’s birthday. On World Book Night, volunteers across the country give out free copies of a book they’ve selected from a list to complete strangers. It’s all part of an effort to promote literacy and book lust.
I participated in WBN last year, and gave away free copies of A Reliable Wife (set in northern Wisconsin) by Robert Goolrick to strangers imbibing at Thirsty Pagan Brewing and at the Anchor Bar. It was a lot of fun, and I urge anyone who loves books and loves to talk about books to apply.
The books are supplied by the participating publishers and if you are selected as a book giver, the books will be shipped to a local pick-up point for you to pick up that day. Each giver gets 20 books. Last year’s local pick-up point was Fitger’s Bookstore.
The list of books for this year’s World Book Night is on worldbooknight.org, as is the application form. The deadline to apply to be a book giver is Jan. 23. UPDATE: The deadline to apply to be a book giver is January 25, 2013.
I’m giving away copies of Population:485 by Michael Perry this year, and intend to, once again, hit bars in Supetown to give away Perry’s memoir about living and working in a small Wisconsin town.
Takk for Maten closing
From the Takk for Maten Cafe Facebook page:
It is with great disappointment that I am closing Takk for Maten Cafe. It has been 4 1/2 years since I opened the cafe in the Sons of Norway building and 3 1/2 years since we opened in the Tech Village. The exact date has yet to be determined, but I should know within a day or two.
Many friends have walked through our doors and we leave with so many wonderful memories. We will truly miss all of you. Thank you for your kindness, support and patronage. If we don’t see you again before we close, we hope our paths will cross again soon. If you have any questions or comments, please send us a message.
Klem, Sandy, Bente and all the Trolls ♥
Retribution B Side
Here’s a track from, or a side of, the upcoming Retribution Gospel Choir record, titled 3. It’s a “two-song full-length” album scheduled for release by Chaperone Records on Jan. 22. The songs were tracked live in one take, with the band playing together in the same room, and featuring guest guitarist Nels Cline of Wilco.
Retribution Gospel Choir is playing the Red Star Lounge every Tuesday night this month and also will play Tycoons on Jan. 31.
“Emeriti” or “’emeritus,'” not “emeritus”
from today’s DNT:
“Other retired UMD faculty members have been identified as emeritus when writing opinion pieces in the pages of the News Tribune. . .”
“emeriti” = referring to the people in question
“’emeritus'” = implying a quote from the opinion pieces in question
“emeritus” = cognitive dissonance
Can’t see it any other way. Sticks in my craw.
Low Deconstructed
Duluth band Low is featured in the lead article at stereogum.com.
Deconstructing: Yo La Tengo, Low and the Creative Potential of Domestic Bliss
New Year’s Eve Concert
Did anyone catch the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra concert at Amsoil Arena on New Year’s Eve? What did you think?
The Lowertown Line – Trampled by Turtles, hosted by Dessa
Perfect Duluth Day was invited to shoot photos for the pilot of the MN Original program The Lowertown Line at Twins Cities Public Television. The Lowertown Line is a music special hosted by hip-hop artist Dessa and featuring bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles and their special guest, fellow Duluth native Alan Sparhawk of Low. The Lowertown Line’s five-song set and insightful conversation was recorded with a live studio audience. (more…)
Exclusive Buyer’s Agent?
Does anyone have any recommendations for a buyer’s agent in Duluth who works exclusively with buyers (i.e. does not represent sellers)?
Viking Dishwasher
Is there any value in a 2010 Viking Professional Series Dishwasher that has never really worked the way it is suppose to? Are there any vendors that take this stuff on trade? Should I part it out on eBay? I traded my neighbor for it [his wife didn’t like it – there is no drying element] and the drain pump went out this weekend. I don’t want to put any money into it [it’s the worst dishwasher we’ve every had]; but it feels like there needs to be some value in it. I guess the damn thing was over 1K when they bought it and I’ve got sausage in my freezer that’s older than this thing. Perhaps I should set it out on Island Lake and sell chances at guessing when it falls through in the spring? Winner gets 1/2 the pot? [actual fundraiser by the Lion’s Club in my hometown, except it was a car on the Mississippi]. Will entertain interesting offers.
Perfect Duluth Day’s Best Videos of 2012
Here it is: the best way to waste time in front of a computer during the New Year’s holiday — PDD’s compilation of the Best Videos of 2012. (more…)
This week: resolutions, giant harps and the greatest adventure is what lies ahead
Here’s a sampling of what you have to look forward to this week on the PDD Calendar.
Happy New Year! There are a lot of New Year’s Eve gatherings today including:
- An all day music-a-thon at Beaner’s.
- Charlie Parr, Marc Gartman and others at Tycoons.
- CASDA’s Dance to End Abuse at Barker’s Island.
- Dueling Pianos at Dubh Linn.
- The DSSO performs with the Giant Earth Harp at the Amsoil Arena.
And lots, lots more. What are you doing tonight?
On Friday you can catch a basketball game between UMD and Minot State at Romano Gymnasium or a hockey game between St. Scholastica and Augsburg at Mars Lakeview Arena.
On Saturday Zinema 2 starts its series of family films with the Hobbit! No, not that one, the 1977 Rankin Bass animated movie. Oh, yeah!
Also on Saturday Breanne Marie has a release party for her new CD at Beaner’s.
So what are you doing this week? Can we tag along? Any upcoming events that you want to promote? Let us know!
New Year Brunch
Most of you will probably be nursing a hangover, but my favorite way to celebrate the New Year is with food. Does anyone know of an actual brunch being put on anywhere? It’s easy when it lands on a Sunday, but this year is on a Tuesday.
Getting to that time of year
So, I am curious, as I prepare my next ‘The Local’ show (1/9) for KUMD I am filling it up with music from last year. On the not completely impossible chance I’ve missed something local and great from 2012 I’d love to know people’s favorite local albums, EPs. etc from this past year. Listmania away!
I think I got a Boy Scout in trouble
I was at Super One in Kenwood last week, and a local Boy Scout troupe was bagging groceries. I didn’t want to give them a hard time, but I am opposed to the organization’s stand on gay rights, and so I finally said to the Scout Master adult, “Look, I’m not going to give you any money because of your stand on gay rights,” and offered to bag my own groceries (nicely, I hope). The Boy Scouts both proceeded to bag my groceries. I thanked them and said, “When your organization’s stand on gay rights changes, I’ll give you all the money I have.” Whereupon one of the young Scouts told me, “Well, actually, there is a movement at Minnesota State Scout Headquarters to change the State Scout charter in support of gay rights,” etc., and this kid looked totally excited about it! Then his Scout Master comes up and starts running his hand under the young man’s uniform collar, as if to shut him up, in a vaguely threatening manner.
Anyway, I profusely thanked this (very brave for incurring his Scout Master’s wrath) young man for the information, and I told him I certainly hope Minnesota Scouts does change its position.
I haven’t researched this yet, as I then went home and got extremely sick, so if anyone knows about it, please let me know. And thank you, brave Boy Scout, for the information!
Out-of-towners who like to party want to know …
Where is the best New Year’s bash at (besides your house)? We are a group that are here on a long-term training assignment for “the man” (it’s corporate and will bore you). We only get New Year’s Day off and so are looking for the perfect place to celebrate/welcome 2013. We are a rainbow of colors/sexuality. Duluthians, please help … where should we ring in the new year? Forget dinner — it’s all about the cocktails and midnight.