March 2009 Posts

Whack Job Yard Art: Can I Get an Extension?

Mar 19, 2009 15 Comments

Whack Job 1

Whack Job 2

OK, so it’s after 10 p.m., but I thought I had until midnight to enter the Wacko Yard-art Photo Scavenger Hunt. Nonetheless, I’d like to submit these beauties.

These signs are located on Highway 53 near Cotton. I took these photos today, but the guy who makes these signs changes them every now and then. I remember back during the whole French Fries/Freedom Fries debate, he had a sign up that said, “Piss on the Poodles” with a picture of a French flag and, of course, a poodle.

When I was a kid, my family had a cabin near Cotton, and these signs always entertained me. Also, back then he had a sign advertising timber wolf pups for sale, which would always stir elaborate Jack London-esque fantasies in my young mind.

Anyway, I know I’m late. But I still wanted to share these pics. Perhaps I can get an honorable mention.


Photos ,

Kind of whacko yard art along North Shore

Mar 19, 2009 7 Comments

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Art, Photos ,

Whacko Yard Art: Stickin’ It To The Man Edition.

Mar 19, 2009 3 Comments

Now, I don’t know if this counts, because I took these pictures back in September and I don’t know if it’s still standing (it looks like parts of it were made out of papier-mâché, so I’m not sure how it would’ve fared through the winter months), but it was definitely in a yard and it was definitely art.

And yeah, definitely a little whacko, too.

(East Superior Street, near the Northland Country Club, 9/21/08.)


Art, Photos ,

Whacko Yard Art: Here Comes Santa Claus Edition.

Mar 19, 2009 No Comments

I love Christmas trim!   The more, the merrier, I always say.   Fortunately, that’s not an uncommon sentiment in the Ashland area, so around Christmastime there’s plenty to enjoy.

One shining jewel in the Garland City’s crown?   This fabulous yard display on the east end of town:

I love it!   There’s so much, it’s hard to find an angle to get it all in the frame at once!

Now, heaps of Christmas trim alone don’t make this whacko yard art.   I get that.   The devil’s in the details on this one:

1.  This picture was taken on Tuesday.  This week.

2.  The people who own this house are known around town as “The Cowboy and Mrs. Cowboy.”    (They run the local Subway franchise, and like all local fast food franchise operators, they are local celebrities.)  Also: The Cowboy sidelines as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator every February.

3.  While the majority of this display is store-bought and/or inflatable, there are some fabulous homespun touches throughout that really shouldn’t be missed.  My favorite:  the Santas up front…especially Patriot Santa.


Oh, yeah, and they squeezed a little Jesus in there, too.


Art, Photos ,

Petus Rockus

Mar 19, 2009 1 Comment

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Petus Rockus. This rock was found in Keene Creek, left here by the Wisconsin Glacier 23,648 years ago. Placed on this stand May 1985 by Ken Seehus.


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Earth Hour March 28th

Mar 18, 2009 No Comments

Earth Hour flier 2

Earth Hour is something that is going on March 28th. They just ask you to turn off the lights to your house from 8:30-9:30 p.m. as a way to ‘Vote Earth.’

I think this is  a really cool initiative because last year about 50 million households/businesses participated in Earth Hour by shutting off their lights, and this year they hope to have 1 billion people participate!

I hope you all will join me for Earth Hour on 3/28/2009.

Do you all have any ideas on how to bring Earth Hour to Duluth. Sarah’s table is already serving candlelit dinners for the hour, so if you would like a romantic dinner. 😉 But if you all have any other ideas let me know!


History, News and Current Affairs, Outdoors, Random, Restaurants

Tough day in the O.R.?

Mar 18, 2009 4 Comments

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Loiselle Liquor understands, and is there to fill your needs.

I think it’s actually the word “daily” that I find most alarming.


Photos

Thrills, Spills and Chills: Chester Bowl Wipeouts

Mar 18, 2009 7 Comments

I shot this on Sunday, the last day at Chester Bowl for skiing/snowboarding. I’m still trying to dry out my kid’s snowboard boots.

This is mostly the crashing and burning, and to be fair, most of the skiers made it across just fine. But really, who wants to watch that? Success is boring.

Summer or winter, Chester Bowl is the best.


Outdoors, Videos , ,

The Full Monty opens Thursday

Mar 17, 2009 4 Comments
The Full Monty at the Duluth Playhouse

The Full Monty at the Duluth Playhouse

I saw a preview of the Duluth Playhouse production of “The Full Monty” tonight. It’s really funny! It’s a musical with some interaction with the audience. How naked are they? I’ll never tell, but I will say that I saw Pat Kelly as I’ve never seen him before. Call 733-7555 for ticket information or visit www.duluthplayhouse.org. Shows are Thursday, March 19th to Sunday, April 5th, Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.


Recommendations

Our world, encapsulated

Mar 17, 2009 25 Comments

This weekend I’ll be hanging drywall in my humble home, and there is a little compartment upstairs that will be sealed up for good (or, at least until the house is remodeled again or demolished. It was closed up for about 40 years before I got to it).

I’m going to get a shoebox-sized plastic container and create a time capsule to place in that little compartment.

Already slated for the capsule: a newspaper, a few coins, and some photos of the house and neighborhood.

Any suggestions on some small things to add that would be cool to find a few decades from now?


History, Recommendations

Starving artists, this is for you…

Mar 17, 2009 No Comments

Please come out and enjoy a Perfect Duluth Day sale this Saturday, March21st at Bohemia Arts from 10am to 3pm.

ALL ART SUPPLIES and GIFTS 50% OFF for PDD perusers!! Just mention this post to receive your discount.

There is still much to be had, but supplies are limited!

BOHEMIA ARTS- 22 N. 1st Ave W Downtown Duluth 722.2919

*and though gasping it’s last, dying breaths, it’s not dead yet. there is open studio figure drawing every saturday from 10-Noon for $8 and upcoming art shows and music.


Art

Progressive Action Fundraiser April 17

Mar 17, 2009 6 Comments

Progressive Action Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser!
Great food! Live music by Mad About Jane!
Silent Auction with lots of cool stuff and experiences!
Children’s activities table!
AND keynote speech by Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak!
MC is Duluth City Councilor Jeff Anderson!

Tickets $15 each, children 10 and under free
Available at the door or in advance at Green Mercantile
For more information, see www.prog-action.org
Or call Barb Olsen at 218-349-6681


Random

Paintings at an Exhibition

Mar 17, 2009 3 Comments

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Art, Recommendations

Early Warning

Mar 17, 2009 No Comments

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Music

Better Late Than Never? You Be the Judge.

Mar 16, 2009 3 Comments

So, I finally got around to releasing that EP.

The one that I said that I’d have done for my art opening at Beaner’s last month.

Well, it’s online.  And free.  For a while, I’m sure.

Bone Black: Improvisations on Amplified Harmonica

It’s raw, warty, and immediate.

Check it out.

Sammy Macon.

P.S. I’m playing at Bob’s sale on Sunday, 3/22.  When do I play, Bob?


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