Open Thread #76
Threads with 80+ comments just get too cumbersome to navigate...so here's a fresh open thread for y'all. Have fun and keep it clean.
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Since October 2005
Grand Forks Life is the first and biggest blog covering life in the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota. GrandForksGuy shares local news, rumors, and his own opinions.
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NOTE: The views expressed in original posts on "Grand Forks Life" are merely the views and personal opinions of the owner of this blog. No guarantee is given for the accuracy of content. The views expressed in reader comments are the views of those readers. "GrandForksGuy" and "Grand Forks Life" do not endorse the views of readers.
57 comments:
Yessss...Tom Brosseau is coming back to The Empire! This time with Brenda Weiler. Love them! I copied this from culturepulse.org....
TOM BROSSEAU
Record Release show for CAVALIER with special guest, Brenda Weiler Empire Arts Center, Saturday April 26, 2008 7:30pm Tickets: Chester Fritz Box Office & Ticketmaster: $15 advance, $18 day of show Tom Brosseau is pleased to welcome special guest Fargo-born/Minneapolis-based songstress Brenda Weiler to join him as he returns to his hometown to celebrate the release of his latest album, Cavalier, on Brighton UK/New York-based FatCat Records Weiler will be supporting her most recent release, End The Rain. Weiler has received the Minnesota Best Singer/Songwriter and Best Vocalist awards multiple times. She received Performing Songwriter’s Best DIY pick for her song, “Fly Me Back.” Brosseau last performed at the Empire Arts in January 2007 celebrating the release of his acclaimed album, Grand Forks (Loveless Records). That night the Mayor of Grand Forks presented Brosseau with the key to the city. Brosseau toured the world, appeared 3 times on Britain’s venerable BBC - the key to Grand Forks on his lapel. This spring, he was invited to be a guest contributor to the Los Angeles Times music blog, Soundboard. Brosseau is donating a percentage of all his cd sales and merchandise from the Empire Arts show to the Northlands Rescue Mission. The Mission provides meals, emergency shelter and temporary shelter to the homeless and others in need. The Mission’s ministry home is Grand Forks, the Mission’s reach is throughout the northlands area. www.tombrosseau.com www.brendaweiler.com www.empireartscenter.com www.jointhemission.org
barf
What is the most heinous crime ever committed in Grand Forks's history?
A man was hunted down and lynched simply for being black. I think that's the most heinous I've heard of in Grand Forks, but I haven't heard of many crimes happening here, either while I lived here or in the past.
lynsey - when did this happen? Can ou provide dates or some details? I have never heard of this occurring. I am not calling you a liar, but some details would help clear it up.
whoa... what a negative start to a happy Friday... picking on an Empire Arts production in which proceeds are donated to good causes vs. talking about heinous hate crimes...
Got any positive news to share?
my sales force is dropping their two-weeks notices like flies!
you got any positive news to share?
Just to elaborate on Lynsey's point: Charles Thurber was a black man lynched in Grand Forks on October 24, 1882. It took place on the old railroad bridge over the Red River between Grand Forks, North Dakota and East Grand Forks. The old steel railroad bridge from which Thurber was hung was used as a walking bridge for years before it was torn down in 2000 for flood-control purposes.
Thurber was accused of raping two white women, one the wife of a railroad worker and the other described as a "Norwegian servant girl." At least one of Thurber's accusers may have recanted her story. The lynching was described in the Daily Herald (which is now the Grand Forks Herald.)
On to the lighter side:
Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI) headquartered in Orlando, Fla., is the world's largest full-service restaurant company with almost $6.7 billion in annual sales and approximately 170,000 employees. The Company owns and operates nearly 1,700 restaurants including Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52.
Today 36.08 up 0.73
There was a guy who murdered two women in the 1970s, I think, in the white apartments by St. Michael's Church. Serial killer type stuff.
I know that this doesn't directly pertain to Grand Forks, but the New York Times had a really interesting story on record sales for video games.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/technology/AP-Video-Game-Sales.html
Apparently people have money to spend on these items, yet complain about the cost of food. Maybe it's because I grew up on a family farm, but I see a lot of misplaced attention to the rising cost of food for American consumers. Although the media tends to present almost everything as a "crisis." However, despite the recent food inflation, Americans by far still have the cheapest food in the world and find the money to have 30 percent of their meals outside of the home. Maybe the increase in the cost of food is actually a good thing. Perhaps if people reflected a bit more on the food that they buy and eat, prices wouldn't be a so much of a concern and we'd have a lot less obesity and health problems in this country. More people die from over-eating than from smoking, yet it's the latter that always gets the public attention.
Grand Forks will always be a racists community. As i , a negro, have found out to avoid the bars at all cost and most social events. I have been called the n word, been pointed at and even a little kid coming up to me and saying look mommy, a real live N*g*e*. i was astonished to say the least.
The best thing that could happen to the U.S. (certainly not for the Third World), is that food, fuel, and housing prices shoot through the roof, forcing a critical mass of the population to ******* ENGAGE in society. It's time to remind people that their responsibilities are greater than keeping their heads down and their mouths shut in exchange for being allowed to live a life of convenience.
I'm excited for seven dollar gas, homemade bread, and bean soup. Oh, and the societal upheaval that will result when all that comes to pass which, fortunately, will include markedly reduced health care costs due to all the walking and calorie restriction!
Freedom isn't free, no there's a hefty ******* fee...
I would say GF will always be an ignorant community, with a good number of racists in it. Unfortunately, there are not enough non-white people in the community to create relationships with, so the ignorance is perpetuated.
The only black, or African American, if you prefer (ignorant of what is appropriate--sorry!) people my family regularly comes in contact with are on TV. While my kids would never use the 'n' word (because they've never learned it or heard it from parents or relatives) to describe a person with dark skin, I know for a fact they are curious enough to ask what would be embarrassing questions because of their unfamiliarity and ignorance of other colors and cultures. I guess that's what we get for being a 99.3% white community.
That said, I'm a little bit suspicious of the post, because you self-identify as a 'negro'. For most of my life, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, and others used that term ironically as a way to make a comment on the ignorance of well-meaning white people. From what I understand, black people historically haven't appreciated being called 'negroes', so I'm curious about your using the word.
Are you making this story up, or am I reading too much into the details? Regardless, the situation as stated is inexcusable.
Tom Brosseau is amazing. I would recommend this show very much. I'll be there.
Lynsey said...
A man was hunted down and lynched simply for being black. I think that's the most heinous I've heard of in Grand Forks, but I haven't heard of many crimes happening here, either while I lived here or in the past."
If only we can do that now, not just those type of people but to anyone.
Some good and some bad:
MeadowBrooks Furniture is moving out of downtown to the Grand Cities Mall. They occupy quite a bit of space on the corner of 1st and DeMers, wonder what will go there now.
Everything in the downtown location is 60% off unless otherwise noted with a sale price, I just went by there and they have a bit of furniture without sold signs on still.
Speculations on what might fill that space downtown, they had two downstairs locations and the third floor? The biggest downside was it was a pain to try to park...
I agree that there are plenty of anti-gay bigots and racists in this town. But I believe most of the racial animosity is directed at Mexican migrants and Native Americans, and for the most part, not at African-Americans. Did any bloggers attend the Obama rally? It was mostly white and mostly adoring and respecful, if not gushing. Obviously you can't extrapolate this event to everyday life, and anti-Mexican and anti-Native American bias is just as despicable, but I think it's a good sign.
Does anybody know what is going in those new bulidings being built next to Sams Club...
anon 1:25pm:
You said that most animosity is directed towards Mexicans? Im being completely serious, so please forgive my ignorance, but I have never seen a Mexican in Grand Forks.
I am out and about town alot, and I go to the University and I have never seen or met anyone that I would classify as a Mexican. Im sure there are many that have Hispanic heritage etc, but I have never actually seen what I would call a Mexican Immigrant.
However, I am from California, so my idea of a Mexican is the type that we have there. The kind that come to the U.S. via the T.J. border, work in the fields etc.
The closest thing Ive seen the a Mexican are the Indians here. They remind me alot of what we would call a Mexican back in California.
Take a drive to EGF, just west of the VoTech.
Looking for something entertaining?
Catch BUS STOP at the Burtness Theatre tonight or tomorrow.
It's most enjoyable.
Anyone see that pick up truck that got smashed by the MIDAS sign over on South Washington? WTF?? I hope no one was hurt.
Olive Garden is coming to Bismarck, I think it's time Grand Forks starts hassling the company to build in GF.
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2008/04/18/news/update/doc4808ff4917d8b693178331.txt
Dear people of Latino/Mexican heritage. Please develop competition for Paradiso... I'll eat there every week, even if everyone else in town wants queso "fundido". Everyone knows chips, pico de gallo/salsa, and even veggies are free at most respectable restaurants.
- Signed person that use to live in the south.
Yes I agree! Lets get some real authentic mexican food here in GF! I dont understand why there are not at least 3-4 Alberto's, AliBerto's, or other mexi-food variations already in GF??? Especially since this is a college town! There where at least 3 mexi food places within a mile of where I went to college! No authentic mexi-food joint will EVER charge you for hot carrots, pico, chips, etc. What the heck!
Hot carrots?? sounds good
What a beautiful day!!!
The Greenway area is most beautiful today- and busy! There were many people out riding bikes and walking dogs this afternoon. I think the residents of the Forks are lucky to have such a wonderful amenity.
I second that...what a beautiful day out. It won't last though...this is just a tease as colder weather will be back in a few days.
Beautiful day out today. Speed boat and kayak on the red river today, first day of summer !Go Hilary ! greenglass4.
kayak was me ;) Now the question is which of the several hundred people I saw out and about greenglass4? hmmmm
Lithia Toyota by Sam's
Most heinous crime in Grand Forks? umm hello people, Dru Sjodin.
And to the person askingwhat's going in by Sam's Club, it's the new Lithia Toyota.
I third that! What a splendid day, so full of love and joy! The lord blesses us with many things, and we should all seek after his guidance. Profess your sins, ye sinners and be redeemed in thy lords saving grace. Hallejula the good shepard cometh
Dru's death was tragic...that is a no-brainer. My heart goes out to this day to her family for such a senseless needless violent death. But I wouldn't rank it worse than what happened to Kristi Nikkle or any of the other men and women from this town who've been abducted and murdered and never seen or heard from again. No trying to be contrarian...just don't like to weigh one loss over another.
Another great "summer' day. So everyone get out and walk, bike, or kayak. Turn off your computers. greenglass4.
I went to see a jazz group at Sanders last night. I didn't catch the actual name, but I knew the sax player. They were pretty awesome, so if you're looking for something to do after the nice weather, check that out.
Also, there's a Matt in the band...Might it be our very own MattFacingSouth? His blog hasn't been updated in awhile, so I'm not sure...
In all seriousness Matt is a douche bag and so it the Matt Strand band. *Barf*
3:31 Anon: You're either trying to be funny, or you need to get out once in awhile.
We're lucky to have Matt around here; he's a most-talented musician, and the little I've talked with him, a darned decent guy as well.
You can quote me on that.
Latinas are the hottest women alive.
Yeah, that was my group. We'll be there tonight again. Thanks Lynsey! And Charlie, too!
Dang, Bismarck beat us to it!!
By TONY SPILDE
Bismarck Tribune
More endless than even the unlimited breadsticks and salad for which it's famous, rumors about an Olive Garden coming to Bismarck have persisted for years.
If there was a grain of truth to them before, there is now at least a bushel.
Yes, it looks like we're getting an Olive Garden. For real this time.
Construction will probably start in June on the restaurant, which likely will be located on a Home Depot out-lot at 3400 N. 14th St.
The only thing keeping the trumpets from heralding the Italian eatery's imminent arrival is a lack of confirmation from the folks at Olive Garden. But the company doing the construction, Fortney &Weygandt Inc., said the job is a go.
Jo Young, administrator of the project for the Ohio-based contractor, said bids are due May 2. Construction, she said, will begin June 9. Plans for the building are available in Bismarck, at Construction Plans Exchange on Airport Road.
According to a description available online, the Bismarck Olive Garden will be 7,427 square feet. It'll have seating for 252 people. It will most likely be located between U.S. Bank and the Golden Corral, in front of Home Depot.
The Olive Garden media spokeswoman, Mara Frazier, did not return three calls to her office phone and cell phone on Friday.
(Reach reporter Tony Spilde at 250-8260 or tony.spilde@bismarcktribune.com.)
Does anyone know if Giuseppe's has their liquor license yet? How are the food and service there? Thanks!
Southerly Facing Matt was on WDAZ news tonight.
Well Mack is off the air, according to GF Herald article by Tu-Uyen-Tran. Thanks everyone for contacting Mayor Brown and Larry Humble, they changed there mind and demanded equal time and/or free ads. Its only fair, too bad there is not a canidate to run against Jim Bohlman ! Just a random thought ! greenglass4.
Anon 10:21; regarding Giuseppe's - I'm not sure if they have their liquor license yet, but my husband and I were there a few weeks ago and the food and service were outstanding. We both would highly recommend it. You can see our more complete review here...
http://www.gcdining.blogspot.com/
Guiseppe's is pretty good, more like home made italian food. The had a girl singing while we were eating which was cool.
Anyone else go to the Bon Jovi concert last night? It wasn't as good as I was expecting. I don't know it they had the amps cranked up too loud or if the Fargo Dome just sucks for concerts but I could hardly hear a word he was singing. There is also a good chance it wasn't that great because I had too many cocktails in the limo on the way down...
Anon @ 10:51. Is it possible that like myself, you may be just too old to enjoy loud, screaming concerts? As much as I love my music--I just don't enjoy concerts like I used too. It is unfortunate, but true.
Maybe you had a Cass County warrant and actually spent the time at the jail and not at the concert?
(very big grin)
"I third that! What a splendid day, so full of love and joy! The lord blesses us with many things, and we should all seek after his guidance. Profess your sins, ye sinners and be redeemed in thy lords saving grace. Hallejula the good shepard cometh"
Do you really talk like that? "Ye," "thy," "cometh," etc.?
Note to anons: please leave seriousness at the door. Thanks - Management
On a positive note:
Where will donating the box of old clothes in my closet do the most good? Ideally, I'd like the items to be offered for free to those who need them, but a thrift store that puts profits to good causes will work too.
Lynsey,
St Vincent de Paul (8th and Cherry) is a good organization. You can swing around the back of the building to drop your items off and if you want a receipt for tax purposes, they'll give you one. The money they raise helps locally.
Anonymous 3/28, 4:00,
Migrant Mexican workers form a vibrant, but mostly temporary, community as they work their way north to help with various Midwest harvests. If you don't believe me, check out the huge Tejano music section at Wal-Mart.
greenglass4
We get it...you don't like Mac....get over it. Why not spend your time doing something productive for a change.
St. Vincent de Paul would most definitely be the best place to drop off those clothes. :)
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