Random Posts

Thankful in Duluth — 2012 Edition

Not that we aren’t generally grateful at Perfect Duluth Day, but, well … there is a category of posts called “Bitching” and not one called “Jubilant Praise” (although maybe “Recommendations” covers that). Anyway, at least once a year we do throw things open for folks to comment about what they are thankful for in this world (or Duluth specifically).

To start things off, on behalf of the PDD staff, I’d like to thank the nearly 2,000 people who have blogging accounts on PDD and keep the online Duluthist banter going day after day — not to mention the thousands more who lurk on the site, read it regularly, but keep their thoughts to themselves.

We should all be thankful for zero losses of human life during the Historic Summer Solstice Flood Disaster of 2012, although quite a few homes and possessions were wrecked and a few critters met their unpleasant demise. And we should all be thankful the Leap Day 2012 Snowmageddon happened or it pretty much would have been a snowless winter.

But it’s good to be thankful for the little things, too, so I’m going to focus on Goo Goo Cluster pie.

(Here’s what folks on PDD were thankful for in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003.)

Help Habitat for Humanity get a family home for Christmas

Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or any sizable chunk of time in there) to help remodel a home for the Christianson family.  Construction experience is useful, but a willingness to help is the only requirement.

Families are chosen based on the level of need for decent housing, their ability to repay a zero-interest mortgage for the cost of construction (average $90k) and their willingness to help build their home, working alongside volunteers from across the Twin Ports community.

The Christiansons and their three boys and baby girl have been through a lot this year and our goal is to complete construction on the home in time for the them to move in to their newly remodeled home by Christmas.  We’ll need lots of help from the community to accomplish this goal please e-mail Susan Marks at volunteer @ twinportshabitat.org, call 218-722-3875 or sign up to volunteer online.

Give to the Max for the Lake Superior Zoo

The season for giving is upon us, and today, GiveMN’s Give to the Max day, our hearts are filled to the brim with love for our supporters. Needless to say, this year has taken a toll on not only the physical form of our zoo, but the staff as well. And yet, through the clouds, rain, and mud, an irrefutable ray of sunshine has beamed down upon us. Whether through a child’s lemonade stand, a random donation, or simply an encouraging comment given to our staff, these gestures have truly kept us going through some of the darkest times in our lives.

Calling all Product Designers

Wanted
Product Designer
Proficient @ CAD
Epicurean and Loll Designs
Send info to [email protected]

Sawmill Unpainted Furniture — what’s the deal?

I tried to go there over the weekend and even though it should have been open, it was closed with a “For Lease” sign. Internet searches have been unhelpful. Does anybody know what’s going on? I need a dining room table!

Not just where in Duluth but what, why?

Yet another LPOE Post

Can someone explain the sign now in the window at the Last Place on Earth stating that on April First they will stop selling incense and start selling marijuana?

Eagles and Lead

Let’s start with the basics. A healthy, wild bald eagle will not pose for a picture like this. So the very existence of this picture means that this guy is in trouble. We think it is lead poisoning.

This is our second eagle this weekend. It looks like another case of lead poisoning. They’re coming in thick and fast. Please, all you hunters … use non-lead ammo. You don’t want to leave a dead eagle behind you in the field.

Lead poisoning is almost certain, permanent damage.  Learn more.

Glengarry Glen Ross

Last night, Kate and I went with our friend and colleague Elizabeth to see Glengarry Glen Ross.

There was a time in my life when I liked Mamet plays — it overlapped sharply with the time in my life that I liked Quentin Tarantino films. And while Reservoir Dogs will always have a place in my heart, that place has changed. I now think of it as one of many average “double-cross” movies, rather than a pressure-cooker of male aggression. But when I was a kid, oh man, it was all about the tough guys.

(For lack of a better catchy title)

The Big Year Christmas Eve in Duluth

The-Big-Year-Duluth

So, I’m fairly sure that no one has mentioned on PDD before that the 2011 movie The Big Year, which screened locally at Zinema 2, has a brief reference to Duluth. (Laura Erickson did mention it on her birding blog, though.)

The shot above is followed by a restaurant scene that is supposed to be in Duluth but is obviously not.

Park Point apartment for rent

Beautiful upper-duplex two-bedroom apartment available immediately. Hardwood floors, laundry in apartment, stunning view of the lake, immediate beach access, only three blocks from the bridge. $850 + electric and gas. Call Rachel 218-343-5364.

East Superior Street Parking

It seems to me that in recent years, with the additions of Zeitgeist Arts, Black Water Lounge, Carmody Irish Pub, Tycoons, etc. (not to mention the fabulous new product additions at the Last Place on Earth) the area surrounding the NorShor Theatre has gone from being a really easy place to find a parking spot to one where you either have to get really lucky or park in a ramp.

I mention this mostly just to stir up the pot so people can bitch about progress, but I also want to throw out two observational questions:

1) Are you like me and fear parking in ramps because so many TV shows and movies when you were growing up had scenes where people get ambushed and shot in parking ramps?

2) Doesn’t it seem like kind of trap that the Sheraton ramp is free at night … until 2 a.m.? So, you know, go get drunk — the parking is free. But make sure you move your car before you get a cab home.

Lake County DAC looking for program asst.

Please see our website for details regarding employment.

Hoop

I don’t want to argue, but Caroll Spinney was a shoo-in for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize.