RE Year of Acheron

Chicago

What can I say about Chicago? Many things.... I enjoy the freedom the public transit gives me but appreciate the cleanliness of Portland's mass transit.

I have generally loved the food such as Potbelly's. I recommend the Italian Sub and with a order of their Potbelly's Vinaigrette to use as dip. Very tasty! Found it after searching for a Indian restaurant that turned out to be on the other side of town. We walked in as two frozen icicles and out with happy stomachs.

Although a bit pricey ($23-$26 a person) the Shedd Aquarium is worth the wait to get in and the money. Granted we did go there on the busiest day of the week, Saturday, however even with the peoples it was very satisfying. Their Dolphin show was not close to Sea World's (Orlando, of course!) but it had its own charm. The only draw-back was that the seats were made of the hardest rocky-pebbly stuff you can imagine.

We also spend so time in Chicago's China Town. Which is always a blast.

Printing solor pannals from your ink jet printer

I was having a Conversation with Kirby and it reminded me to tell him about something I had heard on NPR. Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology are working on an inexpensive solar cell using Bucky balls (Fullerene).

I am excited to know that there are still new things to learn and discover.

M&S Ranch

I was catching up on my blogs and I wanted to make sure to add Sarah's Alpaca M&S Ranch. I have heard wonderful things about the "Black Gold" fertilizer they produce. I also put the link to the right. Go Sarah!!! Wish you luck with your ventures.

On the subject of Alpaca pooh I found this nice description of the joys of Alpaca Poo. Not to be confused with Convergys POO.

Praying Mantis

So I got home today to find an unusual sight. This is what I found on my screen door. I had never before seen a live one except in a Zoo. It was a Praying Mantis. It was elegant in its simplicity. I never realized that were that large.

I am amazed that I saw it as we normally do not have mild winters but I guess with the abnormally warm previous winter it survived.

I am glad as they may remove some of the Ant problem in our yard.

Hopefully it will be on his or her way by the time J gets home....