Geeky Posts

PSA: WikiLeaks [.info]

Dec 20, 2010 No Comments

Just a heads up: if you’re looking for anything WikiLeaks, make sure you are NOT visiting WikiLeaks.info. That domain is owned and on a server whose IP space Spamhaus only sees hosting malware/virus software, botnet command and controls, phishing and other cybercriminal activities.

Seriously. Bad mojo. DO NOT download anything from WikiLeaks.info. And, as those wacky Russians are now experimenting with drive-by-malware and drive-by-DDoS, I would avoid that site entirely. (Yes, WikiLeaks.info even has a rebuttal against Spamhaus’ statement. Nice touch.)

Also: WikiLeaks.org is redirecting to those dastardly Russian spammers as well, so use the official IP address.

WikiLeaks IP address is: http://213.251.145.96.
Legitimate WikiLeaks mirrors can be found here.


Uncategorized

Total Eclipse

Dec 19, 2010 10 Comments

We’re to expect a total lunar eclipse sometime in the late evening/early morning of Monday/Tuesday.

It’s almost worth it enough to wake the kids up for. I think I will.


Outdoors, Recommendations

The Fortunately, Unfortunately, Fortunately of Google Fiber

Dec 15, 2010 9 Comments

Fortunately, Duluth-Superior put together a great bid for Google Fiber in the Spring as Google Twin Ports. We generated tons of buzz nationwide, and even worldwide and mobilized thousands of community members in support of the project. I was a tiny (miniscule, really) cog in the wheel that was the ad-hoc Google Twin Ports steering committee in the first part of this year. And just like everyone else, I have been anxiously waiting for the end of the year for the community (ies) that will get Google Fiber to be announced.

Unfortunately, as noted in another PDD post, Google has said they can’t decide yet and they’ve kicked the announcement date down into 2011.

Fortunately, that aforementioned PDD post from Brian B was on the coveted first page of “links” on the most recent official Google Fiber blog post!

This could mean anything or not much so try not to call me too naive here. But one thing is certain: They haven’t forgotten us. I say that means we are still in the hunt folks, and I think we’re a front runner when I consider all the factors I can think of, climate, community support, integration, availability of “dark” fiber, competing delivery systems (WiMax, 3G, Cable, DSL, even Superior Broadband’s nifty radio thing) attractiveness of the community and the list goes one. And I’ll just add in one more huge asset we have: Perfect Duluth Day. And that there screenshot proves they know that, too.


Uncategorized , , ,

Respect Your Elders. Namely Mark Dayton.

Dec 09, 2010 18 Comments

At age 63, Mark Dayton is the oldest person to be elected governor of Minnesota. A few weeks after he’s sworn in, he’ll be 64.

From the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library:


Politics

Lake Superior Hand Jive

Nov 28, 2010 16 Comments

Does anyone else do this? When people ask where I’m from, I often make my hand into the shape of Lake Superior and say, “This is Lake Superior and I live here, at the western tip.”

I think maybe I’m just a tad jealous of the Michiganders (lower peninsula) getting to use their hands as maps all the time.


Random ,

Lady of the Lake Warhammer Tournament

Nov 21, 2010 1 Comment

I don’t play, but I know an opportunity for cool pictures when I see it. The Lady of the Lake Warhammer Tournament was held at Dragon Port Games and Comics Saturday.

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Photos

Google map update

Nov 01, 2010 11 Comments

I just noticed that a new satellite image of my neighborhood is on google maps. The area used to be fuzzy and green; it was hard to see the houses clearly. Now we can tell that two people were getting out of my minivan when the image of my house was taken. It was taken sometime this summer.

The photo posted here is the Hartley Nature Center parking lot, not far away. The screen-grab doesn’t look as clear as it does originally. Maybe your house has been updated, too?


News and Current Affairs, Photos , ,

Dear Press Release Writers:

Oct 28, 2010 6 Comments

Please do not include the day’s date when making a press release. I know what day it is. My email tells me the date received. The file will even tell me the creation date, if I’m that interested. It is anachronistic, and it is superfluous information.

Some other modern press release style notes I made for a friend after the break:

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Recommendations

“Let’s Do the Time Warp Again!” Rocky Horror Picture Show at Duluth Playhouse

Oct 20, 2010 11 Comments

The Duluth Playhouse will be presenting The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Oct. 29 and 30 at 9:30.  The event will include:

  • Audience participation and costumes (but of course!)
  • “Scarioke” (Halloween-themed karaoke)
  • Prop bags (request a prop bag when reserving tickets, as supplies are limited). The bag o’ tricks will include glow sticks, newspaper, water gun, noisemakers, etc.
  • Players re-enacting the film in front of the screen
  • Costume contest, including prizes for “Sweetest Transvestite”, “Best Transylvanian”, and “Best Team/Group”
  • A chance to learn the choreography for “The Time Warp”



This “Floor Show” is rated R, so leave the kiddies at home. The seats in the Playhouse will be covered, to maximize mayhem.

So … who’s planning on kicking off their Halloween weekend in style with The Rocky Horror Picture Show? What transsexual Transylvanian costumes are you considering?


Events

Was SMDC name change Essential?

Oct 12, 2010 52 Comments

I just saw a piece on NBC about how Gap changed its logo and then changed back to the original after a whole lot of internet chatter by graphic designers criticizing the new logo. (Both logos below.)

Corporate identity is a huge issue for many businesses, and this one seems to have backfired on Gap. It is very, very expensive for a large organization to change its name: all printed materials, signage, marketing material, vehicle graphics, etc., with the old name and logo have to be changed.

So that got me to thinking about SMDC’s recent name change to Essentia Health. Personally, I don’t like the change: the name sounds like something thought up by a research group and could be used to market some kind of dietary supplement for seniors. And it kind of irks me that SMDC would spend the money to make this seemingly unnecessary move when so many people are fighting the high cost of health care.

Of course, I may be overreacting. Anyone else have a problem with the SMDC name change?


Uncategorized ,

Duluth Street Scene, 1909

Sep 23, 2010 13 Comments

Street scene, Lake & Superior Streets 21 July 1909 (Minnesota Reflections)

I ran across this photo last year on Minnesota Reflections.

It was the people who caught my interest though. Looking into the faces of people caught in a random freezeframe of Superior Street traffic from 101 years ago grabbed me for whatever reason. I guess the fact that they’re gawking at a ruined street gives it a timeless quality.

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History ,

Hawk Weekend in Duluth

Sep 19, 2010 No Comments

Debbie Waters, education director at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, shows off a red-tailed hawk during Hawk Weekend activities today.


Photos ,

Nerd Nite #6

Sep 19, 2010 No Comments

Nerd Nite VI: City Under Seige

Come on out and join us at Teatro! It’s like the Discovery Channel, with beer!


Events ,

Google seeking input

Sep 16, 2010 1 Comment

Heads up: Google has created a new mailing list for discussing 1 Gbps fiber Internets in our community. Google employees want to know what we’ll do with it, discuss things we have done during the campaign, compare notes with enthusiasts in other cities and that sort of thing. Show them Duluth is still in this by chiming in with your ideas.

Visit the group discussion homepage | Current active thread


Recommendations , ,

PDD Gimmick Canopy debuts Saturday

Sep 16, 2010 6 Comments

Among the 100 booths at Fall Fest this Saturday at Chester Bowl will be one designed to remind you what an upstanding participant Perfect Duluth Day is in local commerce, civic boosterism and random hyperbole. Come check it out!

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Events