No-so-high-speed decision making
Google is still deciding which city will receive Google Fiber. They were originally going to announce the decision by the end of the year, but now they say to look for an announcement in early 2011.
Not-so-high-speed rail advice
Next week, my daughters and I are going to be heading out on a week-long trip via Amtrak out of St. Paul. Having spoken to someone at the station who suggested that the parking lot there might be full so close to Christmas, I’m wondering if anyone has recommendations for long-term parking options in the general vicinity of the station. No one we know in the Cities is going to be available to ferry us, and both timing and cost considerations militate against the bus or shuttle. Has anybody done this successfully?
![[State Library of Queensland, Australia, on Flickr]](https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4762072377_05bc36540b.jpg)
Cloud Cult on World Café
Cloud Cult (featuring former Duluthian Craig Minowa) will be performing on National Public Radio’s World Café on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The show is broadcast on 103.3FM KUMD in Duluth from 3-5 p.m.
(If you missed the broadcast, you can listen at your leisure using this link.)
Early Bird Music at Chester Creek Cafe with TJ Trio, December 18
Get blown away by the sounds of TJ Trio, Terrol, Jane, and Kyle Keegan on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. Take advantage of $2 off all wine and beer from 5-7 including on tap favorites, Bells Two-Hearted and Surly Furious. Happy Hour appetizer specials all night in the Chester Creek Wine Bar.
Ballast Water & Aquatic Invasive Species
Wednesday night, Dec. 15, 7 pm, at Hartley Nature Center (3001 Woodland Ave.) will be the last presentation of the fall series on aquatic invasive species — Ballast Water, the myth and truth about the role ballast water plays in the spread of AIS by Marte Kitson, MN Sea Grant program. More information at www.hartleynature.org
Holiday Shows at Sacred Heart
Two great holiday shows this week at Sacred Heart
The Rose Ensemble presents: La Nochebuena: A Spanish Renaissance Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:30pm, $23 at door
Advance tickets $23 available by calling The Rose Ensemble 651-225-4340 or at roseensemble.org (Special student at-the-door pricing $10 with proper ID)
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Fundraiser for new mountain bike trails!
The Brewhouse and Burrito Union have generously decided to donate $1 from every pint sold over the week beginning this Wednesday, Dec. 15, through next Wednesday, Dec. 22, to the Cyclists of the Gitchee Gumee Shores. In addition, Bernicks Beverages has donated all of the soft drinks to the Burrito Union for that week and all soda proceeds will also be donated to COGGS.
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CD Release Party at Pizza Luce!
A night of roots music at Pizza Luce! Matt Ray and Those Damn Horses celebrate the release of their double album “Then and Now” with friends the Bitter Spills and the Breeze! Come out and support local music and get your feet stompin’!!!
Metrodome Roof Collapse Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAyLX2hY7E0
Kind of like the Vikings’ 2010 season collapsed, right?. (more…)
Duluth’s Merry Inn Tavern (Net Results)
Among the random things to show up in my e-mail today (thanks Jake and Wendy) is this photo of an old (and awesome) ashtray from the Merry Inn Tavern. The address, 917 W. Michigan St., would have been roughly where Mesaba Avenue meets I-35 today.
The Merry Inn Tavern and Michelizzi’s Italian Food grocery store were part of the Terminal Hotel throughout the 1960s. The whole works was operated by Michael Michelizzi until about 1973, which is probably when the building was torn down.
The name “Terminal Hotel” goes back at least as far as 1930, although city directories in the 1930s and ’40s often refer to the property simply as “furnished rooms.”
Michelizzi’s reign at the Terminal seems to have begun in the early 1930s. In the 1920s there is a listing for two blocks away, 1131 W. Michigan St., for Mike Michelizzi & Co., a store handling “Fancy and Staple groceries cigars tobaccos and fancy Italian imported goods Macamoni and Soft Drinks.” I’m not sure if there’s a fancy, little-known Italian item called “Macamoni” or if that’s supposed to be macaroni.
In the early 1900s, the Cholette Hotel was at 917 W. Michigan St. During Prohibition, it had a “soft drink parlor” at which, obviously, bootlegging took place. For some of the sordid details regarding that, read the comments to this post.
Missing Siberian Husky in Duluth
Nine-year-old female husky with two blue eyes and wearing a black collar named Sasha has been missing since Monday, Dec. 6, at approximately 6:30 p.m. She was found in Kohl’s parking lot, but then broke loose from animal control at the Duluth Animal Shelter on 27th West. That is where she was last seen. She is very small for a husky (only about 45-50 lbs) and may appear to be younger than she is, but she has a special diet and will get sick if off it too long. If you have any information, please contact me at 218-391-8149 or call the Duluth Police Department/Animal Shelter. Please help!!! There are kids really missing her.
City of Duluth Quarterly
Duluthians should find the first issue of City of Duluth Quarterly in their mailboxes today, Dec. 10. It’s part of Mayor Don Ness’ plan to improve city communications. The magazine is produced by city staff and New Ventures Publishing Corp.
New Ventures is owned by former Duluth News Tribune publisher Marti Buscaglia and also publishes Duluth-Superior Magazine.
Arts Smorgasbord – A Sensory Delight — Dec. 11 at Washington Studios
For one Saturday each holiday season, the artists of Washington Studios Co-op come alive, showcasing their artistic talents and opening up their home to the community. Everything from paintings and photography to jewelry and homemade dog biscuits will be available for viewing and purchase.
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Respect Your Elders. Namely Mark Dayton.
At age 63, Mark Dayton is the oldest person to be elected governor of Minnesota. A few weeks after he’s sworn in, he’ll be 64.
From the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library:
On Perfect Duluth Days like these …
I particularly enjoy walking through freeway underpasses with headphones on and being surprised by a snow plow scorching above me, issuing a whitewashing similar to a Uinta Mountain avalanche.
Duluth’s Pine Knot Cabin on Minnesota Point: Its History, its Removal and the Future of the Land
Photo by William Mittendorff
The removal of the Pine Knot Cabin on Minnesota Point raised a lot of questions and caused a good deal of speculation among Duluthians. To clear up some of the facts, Perfect Duluth Day interviewed Steve Wilson, regional Scientific and Natural Area specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Why was the cabin removed and what’s the deal with the DNR’s SNAs? The answers are below. (more…)
First Lutheran Church Advent Vespers
What could be more perfect than to take an inspirational break from holiday business and stress?
Join us at First Lutheran Church on Dec. 8, from 5:30-6 p.m., for a chance to quiet our hectic holiday lives and reflect on the message of Advent in song and story, candlelight and contemplation. A light meal will be served following this half hour service in the Parish Hall. Everyone is most welcome!
First Lutheran Church is located at 1100 E. Superior St., Duluth. Phone 728-3668. For more information on worship this season go to www.flcduluth.org.
Duluth Ski Report
I think by this weekend everything will be open. Wax ’em up!
Spirit Mountain — about half the runs are open.
Mont du Lac — scheduled to open Saturday, Dec. 11.
Chester Bowl — scheduled to open Saturday, Dec. 11.
The cross-country places must be all groomed and ready, too, ay?
Snowflake Nordic Ski Center
Korkki Nordic Trails
Bagley Nature Area
Last week three of the city trails were groomed and ready — Hartley, Chester Bowl and Piedmont. Can anyone report on Magney/Snively and Lester/Amity?
Grace Press Design Holiday Card Sale
Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11, 9am-6pm
Holiday treasures by Gayle Friday, local Lakewood honey, Lake Superior smoked fish (new this year!)
Grace Press Design is at the home of Sara Curwin, 4726 Pitt St., in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood.
Elegant hand-made year-round cards, complete holiday line, thank you notes, place cards and gift tags. Perfect for sending and gift giving.
Stop by for a cup of tea or call 218.525.0145 or e-mail sara.curwin @ gmail.com for an appointment on another day!
Bring a friend!
Children Welcome!
Art Opening Thursday @ Goin’ Postal
The Many Faces of Ed Newman will be on display at Goin’ Postal in Superior, from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. Live music by Mark Anderson, finger food and a broad array of visually stimulating new paintings by Ed Newman will be on display for enjoyment or purchase. Art Card collectibles also available, a great stocking stuffer for artsy loved ones.
More details here:
Duluth Pharmacy Recommendations
My pharmacy is closing and I need recommendations for a new one. I live in Lakeside and will not use Walgreens. I would prefer to go to the ER before having another prescription filled by them.
The whole story:
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