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COLUMN: We support ourselves; we support each other
This is my Sunday column for the July 22, 2012 edition of the Hibbing Daily Tribune. We Support Ourselves; We Support Each OtherBy Aaron J. Brown We all remember how the year 2000 was once emblematic of the future. “In the Year 2000” was a phrase that meant “When we figure out our problems and…
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Almanac debate sharpens approaching MN-8 DFL primary
On Friday night the DFL candidates for Congress in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District debated on TPT’s statewide news magazine Almanac. If you missed the debate, I encourage you to watch it below. Hosts Cathy Wurzer and Eric Eskola took candidates Rick Nolan, Jeff Anderson and Tarryl Clark through a series of questions about some of…
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See the Iron Range through new eyes
Amy Rea at the Flyover Blog recently visited the Iron Range. She wrote about it for WCCO as well. Sometimes seeing the place through a newcomers eyes can help us appreciate what the place has going for it, the impression it can leave. Related posts: No related posts.
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MN-8 DFLers to square off on Almanac tonight
On Aug. 14, DFLers in Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District will vote for a party nominee to take on freshman incumbent Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN8). The race has been heating up steadily. Tonight we might see some sparks as the candidates, Rick Nolan, Jeff Anderson and Tarryl Clark, spar in a live televised debate on TPT’s…
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Trampled by Turtles play ‘Walt Whitman’ on Late Late Show
The Duluth based progressive bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles was on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson last night. Good stuff: Related posts: No related posts.
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Keeping ‘Wits’ about us
I’m late to the party, but I caught the recent buzz over Minnesota Public Radio’s third-year, limited run show “Wits” and finally took in an episode of the comedy variety show. Hosted by veteran public radio anchor and all-around witty guy John Moe the program’s June 30 episode was an enjoyable listen with some hilarious…
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Mining wages outpace other private sector jobs
On Tuesday, I shared some statistical analysis of mining employment in northern Minnesota. Yesterday I heard from a friend in the industry of some different numbers, also from DEED: Average weekly mining wages (included part time, no benefits) 2000 2011 (inflation equivalent) 2011 (actual)Mines $979 $1278 …
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Theatrical showboat takes on theatrical volume of actual water
Meantime, on the western edge of the Mesabi, this is the most adorable story you’ll ever read about a sinking riverboat full of theater-goers. Captain Dan even stayed in character. Everyone is fine and it would appear that the 47-year-old “Mississippi Melodie Showboat” has been restored to its normal working condition. Such is life in…
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Range street dance melee is totally typical, right?
Iron Range street dances get a little rough sometimes, but seldom this rough. Last weekend’s Hibbing Jubilee Street Dance boiled over into a melee that may have had racial overtones. This is from Mark Stodghill’s story in the Duluth News Tribune: “It’s supposed to be a fun family event and it’s been a great event…
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The pasty gets its due
Kate Angus, a Michigander writing for the popular borderline alcoholic snark blog The Awl, has done a fine job telling the story and the makings of the pasty to her jaded audience (myself among them). Her perspective on the pasty comes from a fine source, her upbringing in Michigan where the Upper Pennisula pasty is…
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Nolan issues mining plan for MN-8; Anderson responds
This morning Rick Nolan and Jeff Anderson held dueling press conferences on mining issues at the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth as their race for the MN-8 DFL nomination rolls to an Aug. 14 primary election. Tarryl Clark is also running on the DFL side. The winner will face incumbent freshman Rep. Chip Cravaack…
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Trampled by Turtles to appear on Ferguson tonight
Minnesota based and Duluth born progressive bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles will appear on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson tonight. The show airs at 11:35 p.m. CST on CBS. In northern Minnesota that’s Channel 3 over the air. The band continues its breakout year, which has meantime elevated the status of northern…
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What the money means in MN-8 DFL primary
I wish money weren’t such an overwhelming influence on American politics. I intend to change that. And, to ensure that I do, please send me a check for $2,300. Oh, yes. I’ll take your calls when I win. We’re friends now! Democrat or Republican, union political chief or conservative business owner, this conversation plays out…
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A Wednesday morning mining showdown in MN-8
Earlier today Rick Nolan, the DFL endorsed candidate for Congress in MN-8, announced he would be holding a press conference at the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth regarding a new mining policy proposal he’s been working out. The presser was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Now tonight, Jeff Anderson, one of Nolan’s two opponents in…
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10,000 jobs to break even
A story by Beth Bily in the July 12, 2012 print edition of the Scenic Range News Forum contained the following nuggets of data regarding mining jobs on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Total Minnesota Mining Wages2011: $356.9 million (up 25 percent gross, down 7 percent adjusted for costs)2000: $286.8 million; (adjusted for costs): $383.3 million Total…