August 2010 - Perfect Duluth Day

HotMaids post removed

Aug 31, 2010 59 Comments

A note from your friendly neighborhood PDD moderators:

Many people read and commented on a post from August 29 about a cleaning business called HotMaids. We have decided to remove the post due to deceptive tactics engaged in by the author of the post, who is also the owner of the business.

Many of the comments responding to the post were made by the author, under multiple names, all raving about what a great idea the business is. Initially we removed those comments and left the post up, but ultimately we felt the entire thing should be removed.

The post also received many negative comments from people who did not appreciate the nature of the business. That had nothing to do with why the post was removed. We simply felt that the deceitful tactics of the author were reason enough to include the phrase “let the buyer beware” at the front end of the discussion.

With that in mind, we now resume the forum on this topic — unless everyone prefers to ignore it at this point.

Uncategorized Bitching, PDD Shop Talk

Duluth’s 2011 Proposed Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget

Aug 31, 2010 No Comments

Click here for the mayor’s summary.

The city council will approve a maximum tax levy in September, followed by budget presentations from each of the city departments in the upcoming months. The council will vote on and certify the final 2011 tax levy and budget in December.

Highlights:

Fourth consecutive year of decreases in general fund expenditures
Zero increase in general operating tax rate

News and Current Affairs

102.5 has changed formats … again?

Aug 31, 2010 35 Comments

I like to listen to Bob and Tom on the way into work. Today on my way home I thought the song they were playing was a bit odd for a classic rock station. They then announced the call letters as KDWZ or something like that. I cannot find any info on the Midwest Communications site. Does anyone know anything about this transition, and if they will keep Bob and Tom in the morning? From the two songs I heard it seemed to be another top 40 station. I think it’s a bit humorous that 102.5 has come full circle from KZIO in the mid ’90s. Somehow I doubt “Album Side Thursday” will survive this transition which is a bit of a shame.

Random Media, Radio Stations

Pride Fest After-Party at R.T. Quinlan’s

Aug 31, 2010 No Comments

pridefest

The party doesn’t end at Bayfront! Come down to R.T. Quinlan’s on Saturday for the Duluth/Superior Pride Fest after-party! Live music by the Adventurer, Dewskiwater Grooves, Forest of Men, and Dirty Horse.

Events, Music

Park Point Amusement Park

Aug 30, 2010 11 Comments

My mom, who was born in Duluth in 1935, was re-telling me stories about the amusement park at the end of Park Point. She recalled bumper cars (she called them “dodge-em carts”), a penny arcade, a carousel, spinning swings, a candy shop (Fritz’s) and various other amusements. I know the canopy for the carousel is in the Sports Garden, but I have never seen any pictures of this park and don’t know if the topic has been addressed here. Just wondering if anyone has any insight as to whether my mom’s recollections are accurate.

History Minnesota Point and Park Point, Queries

Help Me Identify This Spider

Aug 30, 2010 15 Comments

This spider moved into the overhang outside my kitchen window. I first noticed it this morning, and it’s still there tonight. It’s really hard to get a decent picture, but I did the best I could. Anybody have any idea as to what kind of spider this is, or if they’re usually around here? It’s about as big as the end of my thumb (from the knuckle to the tip). It’s huge. HUUUUUUUUGE. Right now it’s fascinating to watch, but I think I’d have to move if it ever got in.

Loud & Angry

Aug 30, 2010 32 Comments

“Councilor Kerry Gauthier said he plans to support the proposed ordinance, especially after witnessing the effects of K2 on a neighbor boy who ‘got loud and angry’ after smoking the stuff.”

News and Current Affairs

Lost Superior: St. Joseph Orphan Home

Aug 30, 2010 14 Comments

I found some amazing pictures of the chapel in St. Joseph Orphan Home. It was mostly referred to as “the orphanage” and was located just to the east of the Mariner Mall in Superior.

See the photos at the Badger Catholic blog.

History, Photos

Eaten Alive!

Aug 30, 2010 6 Comments

Holland and Holly (both good swimmers) are frolicking in Fish Lake just beyond the dam west of Highbanks. Me, I’m lounging on the beach as the designated adult. They had thrown a large log into the water and were trying to sit on it, splashing their feet and paddling further out into the lake.

Suddenly, screaming. “A snapping turtle! Trying to bite us! Lynn! Help!” I spring up and swim to them. Coming into view, a very large snapping turtle head poking up out of the water not far from them. The Goliath had noticed the commotion. I swear that turtle had a shell that was at least a yard in diameter, the largest I have ever seen and I grew up in the land of 10,000 lakes.

As I dog-paddled in place by their log, the turtle submerged. I comforted “he is just passing by, don’t worry.” Except he swam by underwater, inches from the girls, going in the wrong direction. And then, just a few minutes later, he swam by again from the other direction. His flippers and tail looked like a dinosaur to me as he stalked us, his jaws open.

I surmised at this point the girls were telling the truth, the turtle was after them. It had now been twenty minutes and that turtle kept coming back like clockwork. So I proclaimed “Girls, swim for it!” and we got the hell out of the water.

Uncategorized Creepy

Duluth flag?

Aug 30, 2010 14 Comments

I’ve lived in Duluth for 21 years and have only recently discovered that we’ve got a flag — one that actually looks kind of cool (for a flag).

My questions are:
1) Why doesn’t this flag get used more often?
2) Where can I get one?

History Duluth Flag, Queries

Drums! Dance! Duluth! Performance!!!

Aug 30, 2010 No Comments

Experience Over the Top Dance Studio’s new production, “Drums! Dance! Duluth!” an exploration of the rich dance and rhythmic traditions of Latin America!

Aug. 30-31, Sept. 1 @ Teatro Zuccone

Sixth District Candidate Forum

Aug 30, 2010 No Comments

Sixth District House and Senate Candidate Forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters Duluth in cooperation with the Citizens Federation.

Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30pm
Lakewood Town Hall, 3110 Strand Road, Duluth

Candidates scheduled to appear at the forum are: Senator Tom Bakk, Jennifer Havlick, Rep.Mary Murphy, and Keith MacDonald.

The candidates will respond to prepared questions. Each candidate will be given equal time. The forum will last about one hour. It will be open to the public at no charge.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influenced public policy through education and advocacy.

For more information contact LWV Voter Services co-chairs:
Gay Trachsel (218-728-5478) or Elizabeth Olson(218-343-4281).

Events, Politics

Cars & Trucks/A Winter Downpour/Atlas Mts. @ Pizza Luce

Aug 29, 2010 4 Comments

Cars & Trucks headline a night of great music along with two of Duluth’s newest post-post supergroups A Winter Downpour and Atlas Mts. There’s a little something for everyone here so come out and bring your college friends with you! Pizza Luce/Saturday September 4th./10pm/21+/$5.

Poster artwork by Paul Connolly

Music Cars & Trucks

The Tisdales/Acceleratii/Wyatt Famous @ R.T. Quinlan’s

Aug 29, 2010 No Comments

Poster artwork by Shaun Chosa

Music

Sled dogs for sale

Aug 29, 2010 1 Comment

My friend Megan is a musher up in Alaska and is looking to downsize her dog team. She has five trained, awesome dogs that she is trying to find good homes for. They would be great for someone wanting to mush, ski-jour or just looking for a companion. Check out her website for photos of Bess, French Fry, Chopper, Little Bear and Dylan. Megan will be back in Duluth on Sept. 12 and will bring the dogs with her if people are interested. Call her at 507-269-8110 for more details.

Outdoors

August 2010 Posts