Someone recently wondered why there had not been a PDD post regarding Social Security being “bankrupt.” Here goes:
Social Security currently has a 2.5 trillion dollar surplus. This is partly due to Ronald Reagan raising SS taxes on working people. Then he started to raid the fund to make it look like he could cut taxes on the rich and corporations, bloat the military, and still “balance” the budget. Well, he still wound up turning a surplus into a massive deficit, but I digress.
UMD Geological Sciences Professor John Goodge traveled to Antarctica to collect and analyze rocks to build a better picture of the continent hidden beneath the polar ice cap.
Check out the New York Times slide show Rocks, Ice and Science in Antarctica and the Scientist at Work blog to get your geek on.
Last summer I was digging post holes in my yard near 47th Avenue East and Superior Street and was finding, about a foot down, a two-inch band of mysterious ashen charcoal material everywhere I dug.
I doubt many geologists are trolling on PDD, but I wondered if this could’ve been from the great fire of 1918, or if anyone else has discovered a similar oddity? It must take longer than 90 years to accrue over twelve inches of clay.
There was a documentary on the fire recently which mentioned the local neighborhoods affected, mostly to the west. Prehistoric shoreline fire? Site of ancient burning ritual? I guess it would be interesting to know if anyone has evidence of the fire near their dwelling anyway.
After a great showing in the still ongoing Google fiber campaign Duluth has another chance to “Cheer” for ourselves in the “We Hear You America” contest from Reader’s Digest.
I guess the contest has been running for a few months, but I’m not much of a Reader’s Digest Reader so I just found out about it yesterday. I “cheered” and I encourage other PDDers to play along. Yeah, I’d love for us to get the $5 million bucks or whatever it is, but I also like the idea of people mobilizing to be positive about our town. It has been fun to do with Google Fiber and this should be no different.
Twin Ports Action Coalition is hosting a Valentines Party and Silent Auction on Feb. 11. It will be held from 7pm to 12am. This event will be held at the Venue at Mohaupt Block – 2024 W. Superior St. There will be a DJ, a cash bar, and door prizes. Tickets are $7 for singles and $12 for couples. Twin Ports Action Coalition works on issues of homelessness and poverty. We are working with the 10 year plan, the Affordable Housing Coalition and many other committees. For more info call Scott at 218-260-5390.
Come see “Smudge” at the Duluth Playground at 7:30pm, January 27-29
Jan. 23, 10-6
Did you know that teachers always visit for free? This weekend Great Lakes Aquarium is extending that benefit to the whole family.
Visit the welcome table to learn about new programs, bus funding and teacher workshops. Watch the divers feed the fish, meet a reptile up close and enter to win a free outreach for your classroom.
Bring your school ID, your guests and join in the fun!
11:00 Isle Royale Dive Show
12:30 Creature Feature (Animal Encounter)
2:00 River Otter Snacktime
4:00 Stingray Feeding
Visit glaquarium.org for more information.
I’ve been doing this in St. Cloud for a looong time and finally it will be simulcasted in Duluth. If you have a group of friends with an array of arcane interests and an arsenal of reference books and computers, you have to sign up and play from here. Oh, and you have to stay awake for 51 hours. Or just get a taste simply by listening in Feb. 11-13.
Duluth’s Low will be dropping a new album April 12 with a U.S. tour to follow.
Ochre Ghost Gallery · Saturday, January 22nd · 6-10PM
Local artist, David Moreira (SkatRadioh), is having a gallery showing of hand screen printed poster art.
It consists of the past two years of artwork promoting local and national bands + more. Graduating soon from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, this show marks an achievement as a student and a view of what’s to come in the future. Posters and artwork will be for sale at the opening. Plus music (unknown, but probably some kind of Mike Wilson something). David will also be demonstrating the screen print process during the opening.
If you haven’t been to Ochre Ghost, this should be a great show. It’s just up from Hippie Dick’s place. Ochre Ghost plans on hosting openings every two weeks. Every two weeks!
Ochre Ghost Gallery, 22 2nd Ave. E. (715-498-2599)
The Duluth News Tribune is reporting that Northland’s NewsCenter meteorologist George Kessler is leaving Duluth for the state of Virginia.
This follows the previously announced career change of Eyewitness News‘ Sandy Drag and retirement of Dennis Anderson.
The icons fly from us.
Carrying on in the tradition of Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe founder Chip Stewart:
Get married for free on Valentine’s day, plus a free sandwich for the bride and groom.
(No charge for ministerial services, provided by Reverend Kim Luedtke. Be sure to bring your marriage license, so it’s legal.)
