I love this photograph.

daniel has been foxed!!!!!

fox fox fox fox

Fill in the blank

I am going to the Brewhouse tonight to ...

I heart PDD

Hello Duluth - it's great to be here. Any snowmobilers in the audience? Brr - is it cold! Thank you, I'll be here all week.

Sometimes quitters win.

As I alluded to yesterday, today is a big day for me. Two years ago today I quit smoking. I didn't start smoking young, my first cigarette was on a camping trip when I was 27. My friend Tommy who is about the biggest jock in the world brought some roll-your-own tobacco and I thought it would be cool to have one. That first ciggy buzz was awesome. I think I had 3 or 4 more that weekend and that was the start. I didn't buy my own cigs right away I would just bum them at parties or the bar. When I did buy my own I would have a couple and throw the rest away. As time went on the habit consumed me more and more. I slowly gave up my active lifestyle for the evil weed. Towards the end of my 4 year long habit I was up to almost a pack a day and sick more than I felt good.

I did quit a few times in those 4 years but never more than a month at a time. Then I found the book that saved my life, "Allen Carr's Easy way to Quit Smoking." It really clicked with me and I quit for good. Not only did I quit the physical act of smoking but I also escaped the mental prison that is smoking. There is a difference. Unless you quit in your head you will start smoking again.

I don't want to sound all preachy and holier than thou. I guess I just want to say that if I can quit anybody can.

Here are some of the numbers:

Cigarettes not smoked [10,950]
Money saved [$2,737.50]
Respiratory illnesses avoided [6 or so]
Self esteem improved [90%]

I guess I should also thank the band Low for their part in helping me quit. 2 years ago today we jumped in the van to start 3 months of touring. I couldn't bear the thought of smoking and touring. Craving a cigarette on a 10 hour drive would have killed me and smelling like an ashtray while taking care of a child is not so attractive.

Now I just need to get my cravings for those Hostess Apple Pies under control.

Via Twin Ports Music Organization, I present Hipster Bingo. I am guilty of a couple of these items but most hilariously the Blogger with digital camera. How do you rate?

Thanks for the tip
Barrett.

Is It True?

Is it true what I've heard? Bone Appetit is opening for Ratt at the Third Rock on Saturday? Details! Details! Chip? Hot Rod?

2morrow is a big day.

Screw Halloween.

10 November, again.

My brothers birthday is on 10 November.

I remember once when I was like 10 I was staying overnight at a friends house and he played "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." I was so scared by that song! I still am on some weird level. I am also scared of the sound of static on a radio late at night. When I was young I thought it was the sound from outer space and I guess it is, kind of.

Oh Courtney.

TheWBALChannel.com - Entertainment - Singer Love Charged With Felony Drug Possession

Glad I have my prescription.

Too Deep, Too Dark, Too Cold

Check out this article about Lake Superior Shipwrecks from The Rake Magazine--specifically, the Wreck of the Medeira.

[via Metafilter]

Previous PDD Poll Results

Here they are for posterity. These are the numbers that shape your world.

Would you rather go to the ER with...
Mono [28 votes, 50.91%]
Crack addiction [8 votes, 14.55%]
Too much stool in your colon [6 votes, 10.91%]
Broken jaw [13 votes, 23,64%]

For $1,000 would you let someone watch you...
Poop [13 votes, 48.15%]
Hump [2 votes, 7.41%]
Both [12 votes, 44.44%]

Let it snow.

Bring it on Old Man Winter. Nothing like the first snow of the year.

The pumpkins must die.

    

Ghosts

Hey. It's Halloween time. Have any of you Bloggeronis ever seen a ghost? I have, and I'm going to tell you about it.

It was about 3am, when I woke up from a nightmare. I was just laying there, calming down a bit, when I looked over and saw a little girl standing next to the dresser. I thought that I was still dreaming at first, and then I thought that at any moment my eyes would adjust and she would turn into a robe or something. But no. I stared for what seemed like a long time. She was really there.

I sat up carefully, woke up Ca-chee, and told her to turn on the light. (Side note: I guess it's kind of frightening in and of itself to be awoken and told to turn on the light.) She did, and when the light came on, the girl was no longer there. I explained. Ca-chee shut off the light, and ... the girl was there. We both saw her, and later described her to each other--our descriptions matched.

She was about 12 years old, with straight, light-colored hair. She wore a pleated skirt, carried an armful of books, and appeared to be waiting for someone. She took no notice of us. Also, she didn't really have a face.

That was the only time I've ever seen a ghost. It wasn't all that frightening, but it was unnerving. Also, for some reason I knew at the time that we would never see her again, and we haven't.

Yet.

I've told this story to several of you PDD'ers, and I know that some of you have similar stories. Anyone care to share?

Only 5 weeks to go.

We miss you Paul.

It was one year ago today and I was driving to Minneapolis, enjoying a late fall, grey Northland day. I turned on MPR and heard the news. Missing plane, Paul Wellstone, Sheila too and their daughter. What! It can't be! I was numb and just driving, going on tour with Low. 4o miles later it was confirmed. I am not sure if I have ever felt that way before or if I ever will again. I never met Paul. I saw him speak several times but I still feel like I lost a friend.

Well tonight we will celebrate his life. Wellstone World Music Day! 7:30 at the Mitchell Auditorium, College of St. Scholastica. There will be speakers and music and a portion of the documentary "Carry it Forward." See you there.

this one says it all

The Spin-off

Just got done doing a link search on Technorati and discovered that our very own Tim, former Duluthian extraordinaire and PDD Blogger has started his own Weblog. It's kinda like Joey from friends, kinda.

Awesome. Now I have another Blog to obsessively check on. Good Luck Tim and don't forget us here at PDD.

I'm in the system now.

Just got home from my appointments with the good old social service people. That's welfare I guess. I was very impressed with how smoothly things went. The first appt. was with Health Care Access. John was my counselor and he was great. I handed over all my financial info and their office takes care of the rest. Minnesota care has been hit hard with cuts but at least it will be something.

After John I headed upstairs to the free clinic. Dr Bergeron was equally pleasant and will take care of referring me to the Oral Surgery doc. She also refilled the Lortab prescription which was good news since the last one was wearing off.

So I am fairly optimistic that I won't be stuck with a $15,000 doctor bill. Time will tell.

I am going to make an appearance at the Starfire Lounge tonight, straw in hand and a new GrandpaBoy disc that I got out of the free box at KUWS.

10,000!!

At about 11:30 this morning we will have our 10,000th hit. Woo-Hoo! Of course 9,000 of them are from the Cheat.

A message from Donny Ness.

Wellstone World Music Day
In Duluth!!!

Saturday, October 25th, 7:30-9:30
Mitchell Auditorium at St. Scholastica


Donations to Wellstone Action and "Carry It Forward" Documentary accepted.

Dear friends,

Saturday, October 25th represents the one year anniversary of the loss of two of our country's great leaders and four others who were part of our extended family of progressive minded people. The loss of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, as well as our friends Mary, Will, Tom, Marcia and the pilots, was devastating to us all.

One year ago, many of us in the progressive community came together in solidarity to grieve, to console, but most importantly to pick up the torch that Paul had left us and to continue his fight for justice in our country. That cold and somber October night in 2003 we gathered together at Mitchell Auditorium, less than 8 hours after the plane went down, to share in our loss and our sadness. But from that gathering came a great force of goodwill, and power, and a force of will to capture his spirit in our actions. It was a magical moment that I will never forget - and if you were there, I'm sure you feel the same.

This Saturday will be revisiting the site of that initial ad-hoc memorial, Mitchell Auditorium at the College of St Scholastica, on the one year anniversary for a celebration of the lives of Paul and Sheila Wellstone. We are adopting the theme of a celebration taking place that very day in the Twin Cities - we are contributing to the first annual Wellstone World Music Day right here in Duluth. Starting at 7:30 we will have a 90-120 minute program featuring local musicians, speakers, and a VERY special presentation of a 15 minute preview of the upcoming Wellstone documentary “Carry It Forward"being put together by a team of talented folks in the cities. I've seen a clip and it is really amazing - you don't want to miss this. For more information on the documentary or to make a contribution check out their web site: www.carryitforward.org

After the program we are encouraging folks to attend one of the music performances in various participating venues around town to carry on the celebration of the spirit of Paul's life by enjoying the talents of our local musicians.

The venues and artists are as follows:

Beaner's - Audrey & Boku Frequency
Fitger's - Haley Bonar
Amazing Grace - Sticky Nickle (aka Tom Feldman)
Pizza Luce - Levitate
We will be asking for donations at the door at Mitchell Auditorium and the proceeds will be split between Wellstone Action and the "Carry It Forward" documentary project. Give whatever you are comfortable giving, but please do not feel like you must contribute - it is strictly voluntary.

Andy Smentkowski and I have been organizing the event to this point. Unfortunately my time has been compromised with other projects including Laura and I are opening a Vintage Clothes and Gifts store at 205 E Superior St (our grand opening is this Saturday - come and check it out!), plus work and council business - not to mention the campaign. Anyway, lets just say this event on Saturday will have a very casual feel to it, which from my perspective is just fine - its just a way to bring friends together to celebrate the lives of our heroes. Please do not feel offended if you were not involved in the planning or in the program. If we would have had more time to pull this off it would have been more professionally done - and we would have covered all the bases - but there is only so much time in a day. So, I hope folks will be willing to cut us some slack if there are a few hitches in the production.

Finally, I need help to pull this thing off. I will be having a short organizational and volunteer meeting on Wednesday, Oct 22nd, at 5pm at the Oberstar Campaign office (222 W 1st St) to take care of all of the last minute details. It would be great to have 10-15 folks here to help organize details for the event and to help distribute posters around town.

The other way that you can help is to send this e-mail far and wide to every person you might think is interested in such an event. That would be a huge help!

Thanks everyone. Take care and God bless you all,

Donny

With a little help from my friends.

The reality of drinking through a straw for 6-8 weeks is really sinking in now.

I just wanted to post a little thank you to everyone who has sent well-wishes or helped me out in any way. You know who you are. Extra special thanks go out to Nick, Cathie, Barrett, Dana, Sharon, Mike L., Missy and Tom. I am probably forgetting someone so forgive me if I did. These Hydrocodone pills make me a bit fuzzy.

I figured out last night that my Thanksgiving is going to be through a straw and that will probably be the saddest part. Gobble-gobble, oh and I look like Paul Lundgren now, very sad.

All is Nearly Well with the Cosmos.

Things are falling into place. If you're seeing this message, that's a good thing. Have patience. And keep posting.

these 2 will get the "puncher"

Attention Blogoids and Blogites

Timmberrrrr! We have officially exceeded our bandwidth allowance! We are so popular. Anyhow, it doesn't matter because today we're in the process of upgrading, making PDD an unstoppable force. And so, you may notice later that the site is down temporarily. But don't fret--it's not going the way of the Shor and Scotty's ability to eat solid food. It'll be back online so fast you might not even notice, and when it returns, a new era of opportunities will begin.

In the meantime, those of you with the ability to post should continue to do so. Nothing will be lost.

Note: we are currently working on the upgrade, and there is a hell of a lot to learn.

I went to Minneapolis and all I got was this broken jaw.

The night was going so well. Saw a bit of Lucinda Williams, then went to the Entry for Junior Senior and Electric 6. After the show we headed back to the Mainroom for some good ol dancing. The night was so great we were gonna have one more drink at the Saloon. Then it happened. The gentleman asked for a lighter, twice and followed it up with a blow to my left Jaw. Now I have wires and rubber bands.

When the anesthesia wears off I will give you all the fun details of the weekend. We really did have fun, really.

mammories...where do i start?

how bout the low video shoot. this poor star got a bloody nose in the mosh pit. get that! moshing to low. too cool

Memories.

I hold both Low's set during A Very Duluth Christmas, and the millenium New Year's Eve party as my favorite NorShor memories by far. Ca-chee and I danced to "Just Like Christmas," and Starfire, I'm glad that you mentioned that there was fake snow, because I've always thought that that was a figment of my imagination--like I was remembering it as being more beautiful that it really was. I'm happy to know that it was actually that beautiful. Likewise, the love and happiness in the air during the millenium party was definitely worth remembering. There's nothing better than a huge theater full of people who are relieved that the world isn't going to blow up. Afterwards, we all went to the Voyageur Motel, and it was snowing big fat flakes for real. No one was on the street. It was incredible.

Certain shows need no explanation to the people who were there. Giljunko at Homegrown 3. Mayfly at Duluth Does Dylan. Any of Lindquist's birthday parties.

It was so amazing a few years back when EVERYBODY would ALWAYS dance no matter who the band was. Donny Ness would charge down into the mezzanine and inform all the people sitting at tables that they would have to move, and then he'd recruit people to stack the tables and chairs. Then, we'd all get funky and groovy, usually to the amazement and utter delight of the band. This was what set the Shor apart from practically any other venue in the state.

I wish I had been at that amazing Sadies show where no one showed up. I once asked the Sadies themselves about it, and not only did they remember it, but they appreciated it too.

Reading the comment about O'Malley ending up in the ER reminded me of the two occasions I wound up in the ER after a night at the NorShor. The first was the time I got locked INSIDE the main theater. It was after an art show at the Limbo Gallery--too much wine, too much trust. Mr. Lundgren and I entered the main theater through the back of the gallery, and soon, viola! We're locked in and trapped. We climbed out through a small opening in the avenue side exit, and I got my hand slammed in the pigeon-shit-encrusted steel door. Then, we entered the mez again, and I drank and danced all night with a bloody hand before going to the hospital for a tetanus shot.

The second time was much more serious. It was at the second (I think) Undergroundhog Day, when Cave Music played. Charging the stage while inspired by the inital bars of "Dead Dogs Must Die," I rolled my ankle. I didn't care. Cave Music was playing. I freaked out the rest of the night and drank a lot. When I got home, I took off my shoe and the pain was excruciating. I stayed up all night in agony, then went to the ER the next morning. My foot wasn't broken, but I'd torn a lot of soft tissue, and had to be on crutches for a few weeks. It didn't heal completely for about 8 months. That was both dumb and awesome.

But the best ER story from the NorShor was when 3-D Jesus v. 2.3 Beta accidentally clobbered the Raven with his guitar onstage. Hardcore as only a NorShor rawk star can be, the Raven went to the ER, got x-rayed, found out her jaw was broken, then came back to the Shor to self-medicate with tequila.

Beauty, beauty, beauty.

No Fucking Way!

Going to see low tonight in Mpls at the Triple Rock with my sweetie. We are staying 2 nights at a hotel and everything. Besides Low we were going to take in a movie or two and just play it from there. Well much to my delight I just found out, via Chuck, that Electric Six is playing at the 7th St. Entry with a band called Junior|Senior. I knew this weekend was going to rock. If we have enough endurance we may go see the Handsome Family on Sunday night.

Where's the memories?

I was hoping a flood of NorShor memories might make their way onto the site. Maybe ya all just need a friendly prodding.

Memorable concerts

1. The Sadies on a cold sunday night with 30 other folks. No one left until their 2 1/2 hours set was over. I have a tape.

2. Johnathon Richman on a hot steamy summer night. Chris Monroe opened the show with slides and comedy.

3. Two Tulip Sweet & Her Trail of Tears shows. One drunk, one not, both brilliant.

4. The Handsome Family, also a cold winter night with a blizzard on its way. We accidentally payed them twice and I slipped a spooky doll into their guitar amp.

So many memories. Now I am getting sad.

a long walk revisited.

click on thumbnail for more.

NorShor. More.

Wow. News spreads fast. The Luce was packed last night (farewell Derrick.)

Read what people are saying.

Peter Scholtes

Dane Petersen

Duluth News Tribune

i don't know what to feel.

It is true. The NorShor is closed. Now what?

I have a million memories from the NorShor. One that really sticks out was from the "Very Duluth Christmas" show some years back. Father Hennepin, the Black Labels and Gild all did short sets. Barton Sutter read some poetry. The Emcee had a filthy mouth but then Low played. At the very end of their set we made it snow on stage and everyone danced to "Just Like Christmas." That is the only time I have ever seen anyone dance at a Low show.

That is the magic of the NorShor Theatre.

She will be back. There will be more memories. Anyone have a spare million bucks laying around?

Oh Ipod, why do you torture me so.

Oh Mr. or Ms. Ipod
why do you torture me so?
with your sleek lines and heavenly glow.
10, 20 40 gigs now
what to do?
what to do?
I have delayed my pleasure for so long
well no more
today
is
the
day

The Results Are In!

Congratulations Jamie! You are the hottest Ness brother.

hanging out.

Hail to the Radiohead!

We made it home safe and sound. We saw some old friends and made some new ones. Low kicked ass and of course, so did Radiohead.

Mr Godsey. I left a little care package for you and your lovely wife taped to the bottom of a phone booth somewhere in Manhattan. Contact me for the coordinates.

Oh and yes, that is Phil's autograph. I tried to find Colin and ask him to record my answering machine message but realized it was the free vodka talking.

audio post powered by audblog

audio post powered by audblog

Jackhammers, sirens and new guitars.

Hola from NYC.

Some things I have seen.

1. Thick brown smog.
2. Loads of hippies dancing to Radiohead.
3. A very drunk young woman puking on a pretty ladies shoes. The pretty lady then nearly
puked herself.
4. A really loud Radiohead, sounding great.
5. Alan's new Fender 12 string guitar purchased at 30th St. guitars.



Haven't done much else. This morning we went back to Veselkas for brunch. They have really wonderful Blintzes and peroges and beet salad and borscht. Now I think I might wander down to the Mac store and look at all the toys. My continuing obsession with Ipods needs to be fueled.

For Fritz Sven Gunter I mean Hans.

it's so early

here we go.
to the place where the planes park.
to the square park.
where the bands play.
and the kids say.

two more songs. two more songs

Start spreading the news.

Supergrass has cancelled their appearance with Radiohead this Thursday and Friday at Madison Square Garden. Guess who's filling in? We leave thursday!!!

friends.

does anyone do this Friendster nonsense? should i even bother?

seems like everyone out here in sunny Californ-IA buys into this stuff. and the Midwestern kid is the last one check it out...

c'mon folks-- are you Friendstered? is it worth it? can i be your friend?

i just woke up from a nap, and actually had to wonder if it was the same day that i fell asleep in.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes.

HowdY!

Some new features on PDD have popped up this week. You probably noticed the PDD Poll on the right side of the page. It would be cool to change that at least weekly so if anyone has any ideas please send them to Barrett or myself. There can be up to 10 items in the poll and the stats can be displayed in several ways.

J.J. Lee's corner is our other new feature. Mr. J. besides being a talented alcoholic also has a flare for MSPaint. His drawings are too great to let slide down into the blog archives so we gave him his own little gallery.

This is only the beginning. If you have any ideas for further changes or cool links drop us an email.

chapped nose.

been sick the whole weekend with a horrible head cold. it's been sunny outside today, but my head throbs, my nose is chapped from using cheap Kleenex and my bed has seemed more inviting than the out of doors on a sick day like today.

i've been catching up on my reading, which is nice. just finished Jonathan Lethem's stunning "Fortress of Solitude" and started Neal Stephenson's "Quicksilver."

and i've rediscovered the Jayhawks' "Rainy Day Music". i bought it when it first came out, listened to it exactly once and then filed it away. how did i not pay any attention to this when i first got it?!? i only wish it had rained all day, as it would have been fitting weather to listen to such a lovely, melancholic album.

the hazmats rawk!

well, kind of...by way of street rap we took 2nd but everyone was great! congrats to all!!! it should be an annual thing.

Ida Ida Ida

Tell everyone! Ida is coming. Due to email outages the Ripsaw did not do the music feature that this band deserves, so shout it in the streets "Ida is coming! Ida is coming! Ida is coming!" Norshor Theatre 9PM Tuesday October 7th with Fred Thomas and the Marc Gartman Low Documentary. What a deal.

Liz from Ida will also do her childrens show at Barnes and Noble, 6:30 October 7th.

skinny legs and all.

hi. i'm scott.

The Starfire moniker was given to me by JR Hartley about 7 years ago in a thank-you note for a mix-tape I had made him. He gets free Starfire t-shirts for life.

I was a paramedic when I moved to Duluth 11 years ago but quit that 4 years ago when the heartburn became my constant companion. I have lots of gory stories which I tell occasionally at house parties. I also have too many sad stories which I hardly ever repeat.

Now days I work as an embroiderer, a janitor, a D.J. and a landlord. I also nanny when called upon by that quiet rawk band.

Until recently I was an affirmed bachelor and happy with that. Now I am quietly blogging so as not to wake my new love. MMMMM-I should be snuggling I guess.

A Good Time Was Had By Some.

Leave it to Slim Goodbuzz and Whoppin Unlimited to host an art show that is actually a kegger, which eventually degrades into a food fight, and then degrades into a fist fight. Many thanks to all who came, and to all who bought books and/or art. Thanks as well to Sherman and the Infamous Dr. Thunder, who took the most blows and wrestled that guy to the ground. And thanks to everyone for realizing that the situation was not serious enough to bring out the road flares.

Now it's time to clean up. That gallery looks like the party aftermath from Sixteen Candles. I expect to find Long Duk Dong passed out under the table.

someone loves the father.

My band Father Hennepin sold a CD online today. I am so happy.

Look who bought your CD at CD Baby today:
------------------------ SHIPPED ON 2003-10-02 :

1 copy of Father Hennepin: Crooked With Gin to:

NAME: Luis Alejandro Lorente Rubio


Thank you so much Luis. Gracias pepe.

I'm Barrett Chase now.

Ca-Chee and I went for lunch at Sara's Table and it was really good. About 2/3rds of the way through one of the servers came up to the table and asked me if I was Barrett Chase. I said I would love to be Barrett but that no I was not. It then dawned on me that she was the author of this. A while back Barrett made a comment on his blog about her writing. I think she is holding a grudge.

I almost had dessert but changed my mind. I wonder what Barrett would have done?

Death by Blowjob.

I was hating my decision to enter the Rock&Roll Kamikaze but tonight I changed my mind. Chip, Stav and I found our happy place. I am the ONLY guitar player in the band, very strange. Funny what a distortion pedal can do for your confidence.

So anyway, I want to call ourselves "Death by Blowjob!" I would settle for "Earth Rider" but time will tell. We play at 11:30PM at the NorShor so get yerselves out.

night-er-morning.

Marc Gartman likes Low. He liked them so much he called them up and asked if he could make a documentary. They said yes and Marc has been hanging around since. He toured Europe and the East Coast, He has been to Duluth several times and performed at Elegy more than anyone. Hell, he even played banjo on "Trust."


Now he is coming back to debut his documentary titled "Closer Than That." Ida and Fred Thomas will play after the movie. What a night. See you there.





Off topic. I try not to turn my heat on until November 1rst but last night was quite a test. My fingers and nose are cold and I need a down comforter.

a weirdo came to the party...

but a good time was had by all. thanks to everyone who came.