Echo

Flash Point: Paul Sundberg’s favorite, toughest Great Lakes shot

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We asked Great Lakes photographers to send us their favorite and toughest Great Lakes shot. Paul Sundberg of Paul Sundberg Photography sent us these photos of before and after a winter storm in Minnesota. One of my favorite, but toughest, outdoor photo adventures
Paul Sundberg, Paul Sundberg Photography

In April of 2003 we experienced a huge storm over Lake Superior. Northeast winds came off the lake at up to 60 mph creating massive waves that collided with the rocky shoreline. Since the temperature was below freezing the spray from these waves started to cover the trees and shrubs with layers of ice.

Echo

Ski mountain to make snow out of wastewater

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Have I mentioned that Great Lakes Echo reporters love poop stories? Because I found another one. Arizona Snowbowl, a ski resort outside of Flagstaff, Ariz. has found a new way to make artificial snow using reclaimed water from Flagstaff’s wastewater treatment plant. Not that everyone thinks sewage-snow is a great idea.

Echo

Asian carp recipe guide and other Great Lakes gifts from Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

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If you’ve got a Great Lakes lover on your list, consider the birthday shopping done. You might even take care of birthday dinner using the Asian Carp Cuisine recipe guide. (It’s a free download!)

It’s also among the signs, stickers, posters, brochures and cards that the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant sells, or otherwise provides, to help people identify invasive species and prevent them from spreading. “The main issue is to raise awareness, especially when it comes to those who can have an impact on the movement of these species from one water body to another, like anglers and boaters,” said Irene Miles, communication coordinator for the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant program. Some products, like the WATCH cards that have pictures and information about invasive species, tell people how to report an invasive species sighting.

Echo

Monday Memes: Bay humor and a Great Lakes angler

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Thanks to readers Jeff and Mike for sharing the following memes.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet memes are ideas, lingo or pictures sent through the Internet. You’ve probably seen them passed around Facebook and Twitter. Check out the Monday Memes Gallery.

Echo

Flash Point: Dennis O’Hara’s favorite, toughest Great Lakes shot

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We asked Great Lakes photographers to send us their favorite and toughest Great Lakes shot. Dennis O’Hara of Northern Images sent us this photo. The moon’s only in position for a few seconds a year, making the photo both his toughest and favorite. Winter Moon – Split Rock Lighthouse
Dennis O’Hara, Northern Images Photography

Winters are long and wonderful in the Northland. While there are often snow and ice covered scenes along the shores of Lake Superior there is one unforgettable scene that occurs only once per year that absolutely takes your breath away.

Echo

Paint-stripping chemicals linked to 8 deaths in Great Lakes states, 13 total

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Paint-stripping chemicals are to blame for at least 13 bathtub-refinishing deaths in the U.S. since 2000, according to Michigan State University researchers. Methylene chloride is a colorless, toxic chemical used to degrease and strip the paint off of surfaces. Michigan State University’s Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, which studies work-related deaths, linked the chemical to deaths in people refinishing bathrooms after finding three such cases in Michigan in the past decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report this week on the investigation. Already a known hazard for furniture strippers, the chemical’s danger to bathroom refinishers was not known.

Echo

Chicago teams to play green games in April

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When players hit the ice or the court, arenas buzz with electricity. Hot dog machines, enormous flat screens and thousands of light bulbs suck off the grid for hours before, during and after the game. Two Windy City teams will offset their energy haul by partnering with an energy producer and distributor to play a couple “green games.”

In a build up to Earth Day on April 22, the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks will both play one game each sponsored by Constellation Energy Group, which will buy renewable energy certificates matching the amount of electric used for the day’s game at the United Center where both teams play. The Blackhawks will play their sponsored game on April 1 and the Bulls will play theirs the next day. Renewable energy credits are not real energy.

Echo

Monday Memes: Introducing Great Lakes memes

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We’re usually up to our elbows in writing traditional Great Lakes news stories, so it’s nice to take a break.  Let’s take a moment to escape deep into the Internet — and bring the Great Lakes with us. Introducing, Great Lakes Memes. Confused Cougar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lovesick Lamprey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Algae Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Internet memes are ideas, lingo or pictures sent through the Internet. You’ve probably seen them passed around Facebook and Twitter.

Echo

Refuse may power robots of the future

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You know you’re a Great Lakes reporter when… the words “fecal matter” pique your interest instead of gross you out. Which is why so many waste-related stories get passed around the Echo newsroom. Here’s the latest: Human waste-powered robots may be the future of machines. Apparently robots of the future will be self-sustaining and will refuel by grazing on organic matter like human waste. Don’t ask me where they have to scavenge to recharge.