Thursday, Nov. 18, 7pm
UMD Library, 4th floor
Michael Nelson will share some interesting essays from his newly edited book on the ethics of climate change. The book has essays from a wide range of thinkers … Wendell Berry to bell hooks to Barbara Kingslover. There will be lively discussion and music from Duluth’s own Rachael Kilgour. It should interesting to probe ideas regarding our human responsibility in the face of this daunting situation. Bike on over!
From KBJR-TV, Oct. 25, 1990.
[Note: This video was removed by the YouTube user.]
You’ll notice the headlines from 20 years ago seem to mirror those of today. Before Barbara Reyelts’ piece on Lake Place Park, which starts 2 minutes into the video, you’ll see the president refusing to raise taxes, gas prices rising and ramp closures on local freeways.
Among the commercials at the end of the video is one for the late Senator Paul Wellstone, who back then was campaigning to replace Rudy Boschwitz.
Northern Communities Land Trust is hosting a financial resources workshop for folks who are concerned about their financial situation and/or having trouble keeping up with monthly bills. This workshop is free and open to the public.
Financial Concerns Info Session
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6-7pm
Trinity Lutheran Church
1108 E. Eighth St.
(one block below 8th Street Video)
Pizza and childcare will be provided (RSVP required)
Presentations will be given by representatives from Lutheran Social Services and Comfort Sytems specifically regarding what resources are available and what steps to take if you have either already fallen behind or are concerned about falling behind on your monthly mortgage, credit, or utility bills.
For any questions or to RSVP please e-mail jackie @ landtrustduluth.org or call (218) 727-5372 ext 214.
Venue change: Please note that this concert has been moved from Clyde Park to the Mitchell Auditorium at the College of St. Scholastica. There is no change in the date or showtime.
With all this discussion of rental ordinances, I thought I’d offer my experience with the 300-foot rule. We were denied a rental license when we first applied, due to the 300-foot rule, but were granted a license upon appeal due to economic hardship. The appeals board seemed thoughtful and open-minded, and had clear criteria outlined for when they should grant a variance. While the 300-foot rule has been a difficulty for some, I observed 6 appeals the day I testified, and 5/6 were granted for what seemed to me to be good financial hardship cause. The 6th was denied for what appeared to be valid cause, too. Perhaps the rule is imperfect, but even though it did cost me some money and time and effort, I do believe our local government is being receptive to community needs. I’m glad the council and the mayor’s office is considering new rules to supplant the rule.
So, now that I have had the city inspection of the house, I am ready to offer it for rent. So, the house I have for rent: nice 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath house for rent not far from UMD/Scholastica–close to Chester Creek Park, great neighbors, walking distance to cafe/bookstore, two buslines close by–really an ideal location for the best of Duluth urban life. Off-street parking. Great deck. Hot water radiant heat, newer fuel oil furnace, new hot water heater. Looking to rent to a family, if possible. $900 month plus you pay utilities. If interested e-mail me for more details: [email protected].
Mike Wilson is putting on a show this next Sunday, Nov. 21, at the Round-up Bar on Fourth Street.
Slow Motion Cowboys (San Francisco; ex-Trainwreck Riders)
The Undesirables
Wyatt Famous
Free, 9PM, 21+
Hey music fans. The show with American Rebels, the Surfactants and Grey Matador at Luce has been called off due to the snowstorm. Sorry! Stay safe/warm.
When: Dec. 27-30
Who: Youth in grades 3-8
Where: Great lakes Aquarium, Positive Energy Outdoor (Ed)Ventures Site (15 mi. north of Duluth)
Cost: $145 (this includes snacks, materials, and equipment for the entire camp)
Watch your favorite Harbor City Roller Dames as they take on the Paper Valley Flyin’ Squirrels of Appleton, WI in the last home bout of 2010! Special halftime performance by Madill Dance Studio.
A reminder that Jude Nutter (she’s from England) and Thomas R. Smith (he’s not from England) are reading their poems Saturday night, Nov. 13, at CSS in Somers Lounge at 7:30. Free coffee, free chocolate, great poems, good people. See the Spirit Lake Poetry Series Facebook page for additional details, and become a fan to receive updates!
I went to a new gallery opening last night. The Ochre Ghost is on Second Avenue East and is a cool space supported by two emerging artists. Go and make the scene!
I was reading the DNT this morning and had to chuckle when I was reminded of Lundgren’s September post about upset Duluth resident photos showing up in the DNT on an approximately monthly basis. I am convinced of the conspiracy now. Who at the DNT is trying to spread negativity on the front pages?
Still haven’t heard Loup-Garou? What better chance than this Saturday for FREE over in Superior?
First of all, you can find the full summary and the proposed ordinance here.
The primary purpose of this ordinance is to acknowledge that it has become a business to convert single family homes into multi-tenant boarding homes in a way that maximizes income for the business owner. That business model also puts stress onto the neighborhood because these homes and these lots were (in many cases) not designed to hold 5 or 6 college students each with their own car. This business model is at the core of the student / resident conflicts.
The problem is not students, rentals, or renters. I personally believe that we should have more of each in Duluth. The problem is that when a person converts a 3-br single family home into a 5-br apartment building, they are maximizing income and externalizing the costs onto the rest of the neighborhood.
Imagine only needing a hair dryer or a few candles to heat a building in Minnesota! This is the Passive House approach which uses simple, low-tech solutions like super-insulation, rigorous air sealing, and high-performance windows to reduce a building’s total source energy consumption by 90%. Over 20,000 Passive House buildings have been built worldwide and the Bagley Classroom at UMD follows this standard.
Several Passive House buildings in Minnesota will be open for the International Passive House Day tours. See the link below for a database of projects. The UMD Bagley Classroom at 703 Oakland Circle in Duluth will be open for free tours every hour between 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, Nov. 13.
