November 2010 Posts

“Murder House” condemned

MurderHouseCondemned2010

Apparently the “Murder House” in West Duluth has been condemned. I walked by today and noticed some of the crazy signs on the property have been taken down. The neighbor said the place is going to be demolished.

Where’s the best place to watch the Christmas City of the North Parade?

Where’s the best place to watch the Christmas City of the North Parade? I usually watch it from home, in front of the fire, on TV, with a hot toddy. You?

Moral Ground

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!

Video Archive: Duluth’s Lake Place Park — “the park in the sky” — under construction

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.

Financial Concerns Info Session

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.

Martin Sexton at Mitchell Auditorium

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.

My Experience with 300-foot Rule & House for Rent

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].

Next Sunday @ the Round Up

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+

Saturday’s show at Luce canceled

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.

Winter Adventures Holiday Camp

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)

Roller Derby at the DECC

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.

Free Fun

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!

New Downtown Duluth Art Gallery

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!

Upset Duluth (Continued)

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?

Loup-Garou at the Red Mug

Loup-Garou at Red Mug Flier

Still haven’t heard Loup-Garou? What better chance than this Saturday for FREE over in Superior?