News and Current Affairs Posts

News Tribune dumps Karwath, McLoughlin

Jan 08, 2010 35 Comments

Two more high-ranking executives in local media are out of work. Duluth News Tribune Executive Editor Rob Karwath and Circulation Manager Tim McLoughlin were laid off today. This follows the firing on Monday of Julie Moravchik, who was news director at Fox 21 News.

Duluth News Tribune Publisher Ken Browell released this statement:

Effective today the company has restructured management within the Editorial and Circulation Departments, resulting in the elimination of two management positions at the News Tribune. Executive Editor Rob Karwath and Circulation Manager Tim McLoughlin have been laid off. Both of these individuals have made significant contributions to the News Tribune during their careers. These were difficult business decisions. I will miss Rob and Tim both personally and professionally.


News and Current Affairs ,

Hillside Market re-opens

Jan 05, 2010 11 Comments

It will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. This is going to remain a family-owned business, as it has been since I can remember. But like every small business, they have almost overwhelming competition from [insert-name-of-big-box-chain-retailer here] so, they need all the support they can to make it, or better yet, to prosper.

This is a good opportunity for people who are boosters of small, family-owned businesses to engage their mouths along with their wallets. So, if you count yourself in that group, please stop in make a purchase as soon as you can, and thank them for making a commitment to our city’s economy. Then … keep coming back, whenever you can.


News and Current Affairs, Recommendations

Publishing, in the future

Jan 04, 2010 No Comments

Here’s a really cool video showing one R&D company’s view of the future of e-readers. Having been in the publication design biz for years, I loved seeing somebody take the idea of an electronic magazine beyond the blog or web site format. Some of the stuff they do in here is really cool, and features the photography and art beautifully.

Mag+ from Bonnier on Vimeo.

Somewhat related, I saw a few posts today speculating about the fabled Apple Tablet, what it will actually be, and whether it will be a disappointment or not. I was saving up for an iPod touch, but I think I’ll wait to see what shakes out from Steve Job’s announcement in a few weeks.


News and Current Affairs, Videos

Lake Superior Brewing wins Gold Medal at World Beer Championships

Dec 30, 2009 13 Comments

Lake Superior Brewing Company‘s Oktoberfest won a gold medal at the World Beer Championships.

Not sure why I feel like the resident apologist for Lake Superior Brewing especially since I’ve never tasted the stuff but … somehow I am a big booster of this gem of a Duluth business and I was very glad to see them get some recognition. Who knows? Maybe this is a stepping stone to better and better things for them and our fair Lincoln Park. Congratulations Dale and boys.


News and Current Affairs, Recommendations

R.I.P. Lakeview Castle Duluth

Dec 30, 2009 16 Comments

Lakeview Castle Duluth

Word on the street is the Lakeview Castle will be closing it doors.


News and Current Affairs, R.I.P., Restaurants

Merry Christmas!!

Dec 21, 2009 18 Comments
Kenny wishes you all a Happy Holiday!

Kenny wishes you all a Happy Holiday!

After numerous comments on my “Merry F***ing Christmas” thread, I got a phone call from Chief Gordon Ramsey. He was most cordial and apologetic about my ticket and offered to take care of it in a manner amenable to me. So, I deleted the previous thread- and have a lot of respect for the power of this little ol’ PDD blog and for our DPD Chief. Kenny wishes you all a Happy Holiday (and he is still for sale).


News and Current Affairs, Politics

Coal Train (Soultrane?)

Dec 14, 2009 29 Comments

Parked (?) train blocks view of Lake Superior

Parked (?) train blocks view of Lake Superior from http://duluthdailyphoto.vox.com/

I thought this was intended as a temporary winter seawall.

But Duluth Daily photo (above) and later the Duluth News Tribune had some good coverage of this that straightened me out, apparently these coal cars are just being stored on those tracks, even though they do sit in a storm prone spot. Now, DNT’s Brandon Stahl writes that the train will be moved to Leif Ericson Park.

Read More


History, News and Current Affairs, Outdoors, Photos

“Precious Waters” – Minnesota’s Sulfide Mining Controversy

Dec 02, 2009 3 Comments

The short film “Precious Waters” which takes a hard look at the sulfide mining industry’s history of failed predictions and the potential impacts it will have on northeastern Minnesota will be showing in Duluth this week and next.

Thursday, December 3
Duluth League of Women Voters Forum
US EPA Conference Center
6200 Congdon Blvd, Duluth
Showing of Precious Waters at 6:30 p.m. followed by a panel discussion and audience questions

Monday, December 7
Teatro Zuccone
222 E. Superior St.
Movie showing at 7 p.m., followed by a panel of local speakers

Tuesday, December 8
Teatro Zuccone
222 E. Superior St.
Movie showing at 7 p.m.

The film is also available in it’s entirety for viewing online along with more info regarding this important topic at http://preciouswaters.org.


Events, News and Current Affairs, Videos

Northern Lights Express could cost $1 billion

Nov 30, 2009 24 Comments

From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

The proposed Northern Lights Express from Minneapolis to Duluth runs into complications after a MnDOT “worst-case” estimate comes in much higher than a more conservative estimate by rail supporters.


News and Current Affairs, Politics

Little boy from Duluth finds E. T.

Nov 19, 2009 10 Comments

The Onion: Boy Finds Own Real-Life E.T.


News and Current Affairs , ,

More harsh online criticism of the Duluth News Tribune

Nov 18, 2009 7 Comments

Just when PDD had gone a full month without a post specifically targeting the local daily newspaper, Business North coughs this up for us to share:

DNT Web ‘deep’ linking challenged


News and Current Affairs, Random ,

Sex offender “roach motel”

Nov 13, 2009 15 Comments

The Minnesota Sex Offender Program has failed to rehabilitate a single patient. Each person enrolled costs the state $134,000 annually.

Yikes.


News and Current Affairs

Winning bidder in DWI recliner auction says he can’t pay

Nov 10, 2009 8 Comments

As predicted …

The man who won an auction for a motorized recliner being sold on eBay has told the Proctor Police Department that he can’t pay for the chair, the city’s police chief said Tuesday.


News and Current Affairs

Body Love, Size Acceptance & Health at Every Size

Nov 09, 2009 No Comments

A Women’s Resource & Action Center Brown Bag Presented by Linda Gokee-Rindal

Wednesday, Nov. 18th 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Kirby Student Center 268

Sponsored by UMD Women’s Resource & Action Center, UMD Women’s Studies Department & UMD Health Services

Free and open to the public.

Contact info:
UMD Women’s Resource & Action Center
Kirby Student Center 266
[email protected]
218-726-6292
http://www.d.umn.edu/mlrc/wrac/


News and Current Affairs

When the Weather Outside is Frightful: The Science Behind the Weather and How to Stay Safe

Nov 04, 2009 4 Comments

Thursday Nov. 12, 2009
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Great Lakes Aquarium
Cost: FREE

Read More


Events, News and Current Affairs