David Beard Posts

Literary History of Duluth: Joel Carter

Another thrift store find:  I would love it if anyone with stories about this book, about its poetry or the art or the press, would post below or email dbeard @ d.umn.edu.

Literary History of Duluth: Savage Press

I’m still slowly writing the literary history of Duluth and would love if anyone with stories of Savage Press would post below or email me at dbeard @ d.umn.edu.

TeebCon

I attended TeebCon at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Perhaps the most magnificent sight was the Warhammer Tournament on the second floor.

Local poet talks absurdities with morning television audience

I love Henry’s taste in the quirky and just plain odd. All of that is made visible in this WDIO interview with the local poet, who offers to teach us to become Canada Gooses.

The state fair begins tomorrow

Drawing of a Bucket of Cookes

The Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 22 to Sept. 2, and local artist Holly Rose has been counting down to the State Fair on her Instagram feed. Check it out and nerd out with me.

You can buy Sweet Martha’s cookies at Aldi and Cub, at least — maybe Super One too, I don’t know. They taste pretty good. And the line is shorter, and my god, I am old.

Counting Down to the State Fair with Fellow Duluthians

I am always excited by the Minnesota State Fair. At one point I had attended every year for a 20-year stretch. I attended six days in one year; another year, I returned home from England early just so I could squeeze one day in.

Suggestions for a Minnesota Authors Class: Song Lyricists

I’m teaching a Minnesota authors class for the first time this year, and I want to make sure it’s hip and current and that it’s Duluthy. So I’m asking for help.

I want to do a brief (two-week) unit on song lyrics. I’m looking for Minnesota’s best song lyricists and their best lyrics.

The Final Day of FinnFest

Lots going on at FinnFest today, but hurry down by 9 a.m. to hear Lyz Jaakola at “Ojibwe Music Morning.” There are strong co-programming ties with the Ojibwe community as part of FinnFest.

The Fourth Day of FinnFest

Every day at FinnFest the North American Floorball finals are held, with some of the best players from nine countries playing for the coveted Troy Cup.

I’m not much for sportsball, but this video helps to explain.

The Third Day of FinnFest

Every day at FinnFest the Saami Cultural Center is presenting “The Story of Akanidi, Daughter of the Sun.” I’m super-proud of my colleagues at UMD and around the region who work with the center.

Unrelated to this exhibit, this YouTube video tells the story — consider it my attempt to whet your appetite.

Second Day of FinnFest

Today is the second day of FinnFest in Duluth.  I’m sharing some dark anecdotes and poetry about Finland and our connection to it.

First Day of FinnFest

Today is the first day of FinnFest in Duluth. I’m sharing some Finnish thoughts, trivia and reflections.

Preparing for FinnFest

Tomorrow, FinnFest starts in Duluth. It is an annual event that has been held all over the United States. According to the website, “FinnFest USA creates a broad national community involving all Finnish Americans, Finnish citizens living in America, and all Americans interested in Finland and/or Finnish America.”

Proving I am who I say I am

While I often avoid politics in my public writings, I want to take a few minutes to explain the life of someone different from most people, in a small way, that may reveal the complexities of some recent legislation proposed at the federal level.

The Will and the Way

Judy Gibbs introduced me to The Will and the Way series of books about the creation of a number of Duluth institutions.