Friday the 5th I got up crazy early to catch the train in Quincy.  I was taking my Marine Biology class to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.  It's a long ride, but it was worth it.  We got to see a lot of the organisms that I talk about in the class.  We also got a behind-the-scenes tour of the marine mammal area.  The sea otters are sure cute, even the 80-lb one.  We had dinner at Union Station.  I had bourbon chicken at the Cajun Grill.  It was delicious, but, unfortunately I left my hat there.  That was my black, waterproof OR hat that I wear all winter long.  I think the students were more worked up about it than I was.  It has served me long and well.  I'll eventually get another. 

From Winter 2010

A clownfish with its anemone.    Click through to see many more pics from the Shedd Aquarium.

From Winter 2010

My devoted marine biology students: Chris, Jenn, Pat, Sam, Kass and Brent.

I gave my talks for POLIS Tuesday and Thursday.  They went over very well.  It was fun for me to talk about all the stuff we did in Ruby.  I had never given a history talk before, and summarizing the complicated account of the mining district around Ruby was a challenge.  I've been busy interviewing candidates for the Vice President of Academic Affairs as well.  Looking forward to Spring Break next week.

I was thinking about the best songs I know that deal with photography and jotted down a list.

Kodachrome—Paul Simon
Take a Picture—Filter
Turning Japanese—The Vapors
Photograph—Def Leppard
Photograph—Ringo Starr

The first one wins as the best, hands down.  The second and third at least deal directly with the taking of photos.  The others are just about photographs already taken (and printed).  If you're wondering about The Vapors' song, it goes like this:

I've got your picture, I've got your picture
I'd like a million of you over myself
I want a doctor to take your picture
So I can look at you from inside as well

It's kind of sick, I know.  Hard to believe it was a hit song.  If you think of any others, let me know.