Dave and Dave Blog

The Twin Ports are among the communities that are looking to become one of the U-S locations of an ultra high speed broadband network proposed by Google.  Community leaders and citizens are banding together to create a formal application for the service that would benefit existing businesses and would likely draw more to the area.  Curt Walczak from the UMD Center for Economic Development and Brian Hanson, the Business and Community Director in Duluth, were guests this morning on the Dave & Dave Show explaining how important it would be to see internet speeds up to a 100 times faster than current delivery methods.  Find out what it's all about and how you can help by logging on to their website www.googletwinports.com 

Last weekend the Boat Show at the DECC was a sure sign of the warmer weather to come.  If you are ready for yet another cure for cabin fever, take the family to the DECC this weekend for the annual Lake Superior Family Fun Fest with Ronald McDonald, Chowder from the Cartoon Network and the Twins mascot "TC".  There is also an indoor carnival with a wide assortment of rides for all ages. 

Ever since my blog yesterday about communication being the first step in solving problems, Governor Pawlenty and DFL leaders in the legislature actually got together to discuss the bonding bill and the General Assistance Medical Care issue.  Had I realized the power of this blog, I would have submitted it weeks earlier.  Anyway, here's hoping the talks will be fruitful and those who aren't talking yet (hint-hint for AFSCME and city of Duluth officials) will make every effort to meet and work out their differences.  The attached audio cut from the movie "Cool Hand Luke" is most appropriate.  This morning on Dave & Dave we talked a bit about the tragic death of an animal trainer at Sea World in Orlando.  It serves as a sad reminder that no matter how tame trained killer whales, bears, tigers, elephants and other animals seem to be, they are still wild animals and rough "play" or frustration with the trainers can be fatal. 

One of the primary ways to come to decision that all parties involved can agree on is communicating with each other.  That key ingredient to reaching a compromise has been lacking recently in government at all levels.  Nationally, the health reform bill has stalled because of across the aisle bickering.  Hopefully, a bipartisan conference on Thursday can get the ball moving again.  In Minnesota, there are some early signs that Governor Pawlenty and the legislative leaders may actually meet to discuss the bonding bill that faces a veto unless changes are made.  Now, if we can only get cooler heads to prevail between the AFSCME union and Duluth city officials to resume contract talks and avoid a potential strike.  Thanks to a group of involved and concerned students, the Duluth School Board was pushed to take action Tuesday night to keep the school names and mascots the same when the district goes to a two high school configuration.  So many opportunities are lost in this world just because of an avoidable "failure to communicate". 

The man who had his story made into a hit movie "Coach Carter" will be featured on Wednesday at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.  Ken Carter was a California high school basketball coach who once locked his undefeated state play-off bound team out of the gym to force them to study more.  He became known for his hard hitting advice about accountability, integrity, teamwork and leadership to succeed on and off the basketball court.  Carter is now a motivational speaker and author and his appearance is sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Multicultural Club at CSS.  The public is invited with admission at 2 dollars or a non perishable food item.  Coach Carter's speech will be in the Mitchell Auditorium starting at 4:30 p-m Wednesday.   

On the Monday Dave & Dave Show, the Duluth Superintendent of Schools, Keith Dixon, updated listeners on the transition to two high schools and talked about a comparison of the three long range facilities plans.  Several Stowe Elementary students discussed their winning inventions from the Miller Mall Inventor's Fair.  Ron Hagland from the Office of Education Equity says desegregation funds will be redirected from magnet schools to newer steps developed to help close the achievement gap.  On Tuesday's Dave and Dave Show, Wing Chan from the St. Scholastica student led Kaleidoscope Multicultural Club will talk about motivational speaker and author Ken Carter's visit to Duluth.  Carter will be at Denfeld High School today and at Central on Wednesday.  He will also be at the C-S-S Mitchell Auditorium at 4:30 p-m on Wednesday. 

The U-S-A has upped their medal lead in the Winter Olympics with a total of 18 through Thursday night.  A sure sign of just how popular these Olympics have become, NBC's coverage was watched by more people than the yesterday's American Idol.  It marks the first time that "Idol" has not won its time slot in the T-V ratings since 2004.  According to the overnight ratings, 29.3 million viewers tuned into last night's prime time Olympics coverage.  That's slightly more people than listened to the Dave and Dave Show this morning.  On Monday's show, Duluth Superintendent of Schools, Keith Dixon and other school district officials will talk more about the transition to two high schools and will compare the "Red Plan" to several other competing long range facilities proposals.  Enjoy the weekend!

Among the guests this morning on the Dave and Dave Show was the 12 year old star of the Duluth Playhouse production of "The Secret Garden" that opens tonight.  Keir Zimmerman plays Mary Lennox in the Tony Award winning musical.  The play also features Keir's father Lee Zimmerman who brings the garden to life with a painting on silk during each performance.  Tickets can be reserved by calling 733-7555.  We also talked to Robbie Thompson from Members Cooperative Credit Union.  They will be holding a wine tasting and auction to raise money for Community Youth Foundation scholarships.  The event will be held at the Depot's Great Hall on February 24th.  Tickets are on sale at all MCCU locations and other sponsor locations.  Call 625-8862 for more information.  Way to go U-S-A...Shaun White, Shani Davis and Lindsey Vonn all winning gold medals yesterday at the Olympics in Vancouver.

The Leif Erikson Viking Ship that was originally constructed in Norway and sailed to Duluth in 1927 was restored by volunteers in recent years.  But, the historical ship now sits in a remote corner of Leif Erikson Park in Duluth, shrinkwrapped and unable to be seen and enjoyed as it should.  On the Dave and Dave Show today, Neill Atkins from the Viking Ship Restoration Project, says that negotiations are ongoing with the City of Duluth, the St. Louis County Historical Society and others to come up with the resources necessary to build a permanent home that will display and protect the ship.  On Thursday, we'll get details on "The Secret Garden" that opens at the Duluth Playhouse and a Community Youth Foundation Wine Tasting and Auction that is coming on February 24th.

On Monday, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty presented his plan to solve the billion dollar plus budget shortage.  It includes cuts to a variety of programs and reduces state aid to cities and counties.  The governor's plan also includes business tax cuts to foster job growth.  Today's guests included Republican Dan Severson who said its a good plan and Democrat Tony Sertich who said its a bad plan.  The two legislators also disagreed on the merits of the bonding bill passed by the house last night.  It sounds like business as usual in St. Paul as nobody seems to be able to work together to try and solve the state's financial problems.  On Wednesday, the Dave and Dave Show will find out the latest on getting a protective display structure built for the Viking ship in Leif Erikson Park. 

Among the more romantic gestures we heard of for Valentine’s Day was the southern Minnesota farmer who made a giant heart on his land out of manure.  The heart, which included an arrow through it, was about a half mile wide and was made using a manure spreader.  Speaking of manure, we also found out about a potential low cost solution to global warming, chicken poop.  That’s right, a West Virginia poultry farmer says burning chicken waste creates “bio-char” which Al Gore says is one of the most exciting new strategies available to stop climate change.  According to USA Today, the farmer says “the chicken poop could soon be worth more than the chickens themselves”.  On this Presidents Day, Dave Walter showed off his knowledge of old presidents by quizzing me and our listeners on famous (but very obscure) presidential quotes.  We failed the test miserably.  Coming up tomorrow, a special report on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and why those beads are so popular.

There are special events being held all around the area this weekend designed to break your wintertime "cabin fever".  On Saturday, from 2 to 5 p-m in Duluth, the Warmer By The Lake Festival at Bayfront Park will feature ice skating, marshmallow roasting, snowshoeing, a bonfire, music, free hot chocolate and cookes plus other fun things for the whole family to do.  The city of Carlton is holding its 17th Annual Winterfest through Sunday featuring a Hook and Slice on the Ice Golf Classic and  talent show on Saturday and a Fishing Festival at Chub Lake Sunday.  Pike Lake will be the scene for the Big Jig Ice Fishing Contest to support UMD athletics on Sunday from noon to 3 p-m.  No matter what you do, have a great weekend and a Happy Valentine's Day.

Joining us Thursday on the “Dave and Dave Show” was Stephanie Kemp from the Animal Allies Humane Society.  Nothing touches the heartstrings more poignantly than hearing about neglected and maltreated puppies.  Over the last several months nearly 80 dogs had to be rescued from so-called “puppy mills” in rural Minnesota by shelters and humane societies around the state.  Following two raids on large scale breeders, Animal Allies in Duluth took in 12 dogs and a litter of week old puppies for rehabilitation and adoption.  Several of the animals have already found loving families to take them in and others are still awaiting permanent homes.  Get more information at their website (animalallies.net) or, stop by their new facility at 4006 Airport Road in Duluth and get acquainted with a dog or cat that needs you.  On Friday’s show, find out about a special Valentine’s Day treat for folks in downtown Duluth and get more info on Saturday’s “Warmer By The Lake Festival”.