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Being a tourist in the Windy City is somewhat unique. With a metropolitan population of more than 9 million, visitors blend in rather than stand out. And it's hard to feel like a tourist in such a friendly town. Sales clerks, waitresses and toll takers have a smile and a "have a good one" for everyone. You will feel special no matter if you've not been to this mid-western hub before. Our hotel even had hot-from-the-oven cookies every afternoon (more on that later).

We made the trip to visit our daughter and to explore this third largest city in the U.S. Chicago's metro population exceeds a combined Atlanta/Houston or Philadelphia/ Miami. The range of services, shopping, restaurants and activities is astounding; however, there are some top-of-the-list sites to see. Here is a quick sampler of Chicago delights:

First on the list is The Field Museum, across from Grant Park and Soldier Field - with which it shares parking. Tailgate parties gear up hours before gametime, so make sure you are onsite before the real crowds start on game day! (Actually, parking in the underground lot was a blessing. The car stayed warmer, out of the blustery weather. Outdoor parking is slightly closer but very limited.) If lines are long, walk around the museum to the north entrance - less used, quicker admission.

The Field Museum is a nine-acre indoor extravaganza of natural history housed on three floors of a magnificent natural stone building. Founded in 1893 for the Columbian Exposition, The Field (renamed in 1905 for its primary benefactor, Marshall Field of department store fame) moved into its current facility in 1920, after eight years of construction. The Field boasts some 20 million artifacts including 'Sue', the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex in the world. Exhibits, dioramas, and displays detail the development of the world's natural history, including several temporary exhibits of special interest. The Field is so extensive, you might want to allow a couple of days to fully explore all the exhibits; otherwise, check the site map and pick your favorites.

Across the grounds of Chicago's Museum Campus is the John G. Shedd Aquarium, located directly on the Lake Michigan waterfront. The dolphin show in the indoor marine mammal aquarium shares the pool view with the city skyline. A current highlight is a newborn beluga whale which we were able to catch nursing from its mama, something we were told happens about every 30 minutes. In addition to sea mammals, the aquarium offers a glimpse of the world's major water resources from ocean habitats to reefs, wetlands, and rivers. The array of fish, frogs, birds, snakes and lizards is astounding, each in its natural habitat.

Also on the Museum Campus is the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum. The Adler was the first planetarium in America (1930) and features two full-size 'sky' theaters, including one all-digital. In 1933, the lights for opening night at the World's Fair were turned on by the Adler through electrical signals converted from light emitted by the star, Arcturus. The museum houses rare collections of astronomy artifacts and showcases several interactive displays to demonstrate the natural forces of gravity, light, motion and energy. Shows at the Adler theaters include Mars exploration, Black Holes, the Moon and, during Advent, the story of the Christmas star. Confirm dates and times of your favorite shows when you arrive so you don't miss them.

At the far end of Lake Shore Drive is the Museum of Science and Industry, "where science meets imagination". This fascinating facility houses a captured German U-boat (housed in its own building surrounded by displays that tell the story of WWII's Atlantic conflict and the capture of U-505. Numerous other exhibits include Star Wars, a real coal mine, the story of rail travel, a flight simulator, a full-size Boeing 727 and a chick hatchery. This museum is great fun for all ages and gives kids an imagination-capturing view of science applied to life.

Whether you're a tourista or a resident, if you plan to explore these wonderful attractions within a few days, definitely ask for a CityPass at the first place you visit. Valid for nine days, CityPass includes admission to the four museums, plus the Hancock Observatory. It's a bargain and guarantees you'll see the best Chicago has to offer. The Hancock Observatory, at 1,127 feet, is not Chicago's tallest building, but the view of the lake from the 94th floor is unmatched. Stop for the view, a drink, or a nosh.

For shopping, downtown's Magnificent Mile is world-famous. But to avoid downtown, you might prefer Oakbrook Center, an outstanding collection of shops, restaurants and entertainment on 22nd Street West. For an Asian experience without the usual crowds, try Stir Crazy. Choose from the menu or select your favorites for a chef-prepared stir-fry. The appetizers are wonderful, particularly the spring rolls wrapped in lettuce leaves.

And the hotel (no, I didn't forget the warm cookies) is the Hilton Garden Inn on Drury Lane. Smaller than most city hotels, with the best of amenities (spa, pool, lobby fireplace, cozy rooms with internet access, accommodating staff ... and the cookies!), the Hilton is located on a quiet side street, just blocks from Oakbrook Center and 22nd Street/Carmak, a main route to/from downtown and lots of shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a visit to family and friends, or a business trip, give yourself time to explore and enjoy your stay in Chicago, the "Friendly City". (Yes, there's also a lot of wind!)

For more than three decades, Ruth Seebeck and her husband, Ed, have been encouraging, coaching, mentoring and teaching friends, family, neighbors and strangers to find a more enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle. As avid travelers, gardeners, history buffs and expert organizers, they share lifestyle tips, topics, and travel expertise at http://www.touringwithus.com or you can contact them directly by email at edandruth@touringwithus.com St Augustine said "The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Come, turn the page with us and discover new chapters for your own life.

How To Choose Beaded or Overlap Swimming Pool Liners for Above Ground Pools

Swimming pool liners are an integral part of above ground swimming pools. While pool liners are made to withstand harsh weather and heavy usage for many years, it's unavoidable that they will eventually need to be replaced. When choosing a new liner for your above ground swimming pool, there are certain steps you will need to take in order to ensure that you purchase the right liner for your pool. While you always have to keep function in mind when shopping for above ground swimming pool liners, it's also important to think about style. With an array of attractive patterns and designs available, above ground pool liners can set the tone for the decor of your outdoor space or pool area.

When you're in the market for a new pool liner, the first step is to determine the type of liner that your pool requires. Above ground swimming pools are designed to accommodate either beaded pool liners or overlap pool liners. The difference between the two types is how they are installed at the top of the pool wall. Beaded pool liners have a groove that runs along the liner's entire top edge. When installing beaded liners, the groove snaps into a track that goes along the top inside edge of the pool wall. This track is also known as a bead receiver and serves to secure the liner. If your swimming pool is designed to accommodate a beaded liner, the track will be visible when you look under the top rail located on the inside of the swimming pool.

On the other hand, your pool may be designed for overlap pool liners. These liners are installed by removing the pool's top rail and draping the liner's fabric over the walls. Plastic clips are then used to hold the liner in place along the top of the wall. Once that is done, the top rails are replaced. If there is excess liner hanging down on the outside of the pool walls, it can simply be trimmed off. If your above ground swimming pool is meant to accommodate an overlap liner, you should be able to see the liner hanging down on the outside of the pool if you look under the top rail.

Once you know whether you should be looking at beaded pool liners or overlap pool liners, the next step is to determine what size and shape your new liner needs to be in order to fit your pool. Most retailers offer both types of liners for round above ground swimming pools and oval above ground swimming pools. To determine the proper size for your beaded or overlap liner, simply check the specifications in the material that came with your pool when you purchased it or use a measuring tape to carefully measure on your own.

After you have figured out the type, shape and size that your new liner will need to be, it's time to start thinking about quality and price ranges. Vinyl above ground pool liners are available in a number of different grades. The various grades refer to the thickness and durability of the liner. Naturally, the thicker the liner, the more likely it is to withstand wear and tear and last longer. However, thicker liners will also be more expensive. Although it's typically worth it to invest in a more durable liner, everyone has different budgets and should choose according to their needs and means. The grade or thickness of a liner is usually presented as its gauge. The higher the gauge, the thicker the liner.

Having taken care of all the practical choices in determining the type, size, shape, quality and price range of your new swimming pool liner, it's time to move on to the most fun step of thinking about style. Beaded above ground pool liners and overlap pool liners are available in a multitude of eye-catching designs and patterns that will add a bright splash of color and class to your swimming pool and outdoor area. While all types of above ground swimming pool liners are available in solid blue, you can also choose from designs that will make your pool look like it is lined with tiles or stones. Other available design choices include aquarium patterns featuring brightly colored fish and a variety of different swirl patterns. With such a great selection of attractive designs to choose from, it's easy to use above ground pool liners to add a special stamp to your pool and backyard.

Once you have purchased a new swimming pool liner for your above ground pool, you will have to decide whether you are going to have the liner professionally installed or whether you will install it on your own. Keep in mind that installation may not be as easy as it looks and that the function and durability of your liner can be compromised if not installed properly. As a result, it's often a good idea to carefully watch and observe a professional liner installation before attempting to carry one out on your own.

About the Author

Michael Peterson is an experienced specialist in pool installation and maintenance. He explains how to buy above ground pool liners and choose between beaded pool liners and overlap swimming pool liners.

Sand substrate for aquarium?

I bought sand for my 20 gallon aquarium and i used pool filter sand i wanted to know if the grade 20 is ok ti use with my pleco and goldfish
Ryan you dont know what your talking about ive already researched that pool filter sand is good enough to use and its better than play sand and it wont get stired by the fishes because pool filter sand is heavier and wont float as much i just want to know if the grade is good to use

Yup all good...

It's actually nice heavy sand...

remember plecos enjoy eating alot of wood...put a piece of drift wood in and soon you will see the proof for yourself

Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport welcomes sea lion pups
The aquarium opened in 1992 with six California sea lions, but two have died. The four that are left -- a male named Max and three females called Lea, BJ and Quill -- are in their 20s.

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