What a Difference a Year Makes

Hey guess what! I found a copy of Duluth Superior Magazine from May 2008. Exactly one year ago! Allow me to share the highlights:

They spelled Paul Connelly's name incorrectly and apoligized. Awww.

Lots of art talk. A feature on Sterling Rathsack, and an article suggesting that the introduction of an "Art Block" area in town could revitalize Duluth's economy, including a soundbyte by Mayor Ness as to how he plans to take on this challenge.

Leatherheads Fever!!!!!!! OMG George and Renee are in town!!!!!!

A photo shoot at the Duluth's Women's Club showcasing ladies' hats and outfits from Catherine Imports and Chico's, among others.

An article on wall sconces.

An article on olives.

At least three articles on flowers and gardening.

"10 to Watch", showcasing 10 local up-and-coming local people making their mark on our community.

A charming article written by Bea Ojakangas (love her, if for no other reason than her plain, honest writing style. No pretensions on that Bea.), local restaurants forgotten and remembered. Should have been named, "Don't Name Your Restaurant 'The Flame' Unless You Want it to Burn Down Multiple Times".

4 pages of socialite shots.

I'm just not feeling the current overwhelming hideousness of our economic condition in this magazine. I scoff at the suggestion that I should treat myself to an evening at the ultra-chic Sheraton for $119. That's my groceries for the month. Diamond-encrusted baby slippers on a chain around Mom's neck for Mother's Day? I think she'd be happy to afford real shoes for the babies. An article entitled, "SPRING PANIC! Strategies to Lose the Winter Weight". No problem. I live on brown rice and work two jobs, losing weight is at the bottom of my PANIC list.

Not that these articles weren't appropriate a year ago, they probably were. Now I expect to see suggestions on free or cheap day trips, frugality, penny-pinching and stretching the paycheck. Art is just as important as ever, and there are plenty of opportunities to appreciate art on a budget, in fact I'd like to see DSM do a comprehensive article on that subject. I just don't see Don Ness spending a whole lot of sleepless nights worrying over the lack of decent local galleries in Duluth. Nor should he. Oh yes, what a difference a year makes.