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No-power tips for #Sandy survivors
My mom’s name is Sandy. So watching a storm named for my mother slam into the United States’ most populous region, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of brethren while potentially altering the outcome of our upcoming election, is upsetting on many levels. Many, many levels. But that’s not your problem, East Coast. You’ve…
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‘Super comet’ to illuminate night sky in 2013
Mark your calendars. In late November/early December 2013 a “super comet” might pass by Earth, provided it isn’t destroyed by the sun. Scientists term Comet ISON (officially “C/2012 S1”) a “sun-grazer” because it will clip the edge of the sun. Being so near the sun, much of its frozen matter will erupt in jets of…
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The evolution and anatomy of the North American graboid
Sometimes, when you really love a particular form of art, examples of that form from the time you found this love are elevated in your mind beyond any position this particular art deserves. So it is for the movie “Tremors” and me. In 1990 I was 10 and very much not allowed to see “Tremors.”…
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"Tempest," other Bob Dylan album downloads for $5
Bob Dylan is out with his latest new album “Tempest.” The Duluth-born, Hibbing-raised poet-musician always draws a lot of attention with his work. The album has received generally strong reviews. My own impression is that “Tempest” seems a major achievement in music and songwriting — more so than even his other recent work — but…
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I know raccoons have stripes, but this is ridiculous
A crew painting lines in Gnesen Township near Duluth painted over a dead raccoon. The DNT has the story and, of course, the photograph, which I will refrain from stealing. This is good because it lets everyone from the Mississippi River to the Apostle Islands talk about something other than the strife in the Middle…
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A big day for our boys
One of my biggest goals (and struggles) is balancing my desires to work, write and keep projects like this blog going with my need to be a good husband and dad. So excuse me if I take a moment to remark that after a week of limited kindergarten all three of my guys got on…
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No deal between Steelworkers, Arcelor-Mittal
The United Steelworkers may have agreed to a temporary extention with Cliffs, but no such deal is in place with Arcelor-Mittal, according to WDIO. Furthermore, the deadline is, in fact, tonight at midnight. My understanding was midnight last night, but such is the confusion that surrounds the hour “0.” Related posts: No related posts.
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Swedish chef most likely Norwegian
Where I live, the Iron Range region of northern Minnesota, ethnic heritage is still kind of a big deal. The effect is fading with the generations, but you still get asked where your people came from and you best know the answer. My people came from, in order of blood percentage, Finland, Norway, Sweden, England…
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That cop pusher is the dead deer sex guy!
So this story about a vehicle prowler who pushed down an off-duty police officer trying to detain him was no big deal. Hermantown Wal-Mart, right? Just another day. But guess what, it’s the dead deer molesting guy!* He’s back! Next up is the casino tour with the exercise ball popping sex guy. Welcome to the…
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Trampled by Turtles gets Squid Billies treatment
Duluth, Minnesota’s Trampled by Turtles adds to its stellar breakout year another … achievement? Yes, I think so. They are on the Cartoon Network Adult Swim program “Squid Billies.” I do not believe you need to watch Squid Billies to understand what is going on here. This is a wholly formed concept. Related posts: No…
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Trampled by Actual Turtles
Fans of northern Minnesota’s music scene know well the progressive bluegrass band Trampled by Turtles. But have any of us ever contemplated what it would be like to actually be trampled by turtles? I think not. The Consumerist has the story of 1,600 turtles who slowly escaped a Georgia turtle farm. Scrap metal thieves apparently…
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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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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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Remembering Gwen Swanson
On Thursday I learned that my friend Gwen Swanson, a reporter during my tenure at the Hibbing Tribune, passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Just three weeks from diagnosis. Just 34 years old. She was one of those kind, gentle souls who put others first as a sort of reflexive instinct. Gwen’s last…
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Famous people don’t say the most important things
It’s been quiet in my rustic environs. Too quiet. While I figure out why that is please read this fine post from my friend and Great Northern collaborator Matt Nelson. A journalist, he was asked by some kids if he got to interview any famous people. He writes this as a belated response. Famous people…