Relocation Essentials gives you everything from climate to crime statistics and lets you compare communities, too.

The High Energy Physics tour  at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park  takes you 1/2 mile underground to a lab where scientists from around the world are seeking answers to questions about the universe. Tours run daily through the summer. The Soudan Underground Lab is one of the leading deep underground science labs in the U.S.

 

Are you taking a cross-country auto trip this year?  Calculate the estimated fuel cost by using the AAA Fuel Cost Calculator.

Really.  The Planetary Society included an archival silica glass mini DVD, Visions of Mars, with the Phoenix, which landed on the planet on May 25th.  On that DVD is a collection of Mars science fiction literature and art, and voice recordings of Arthur C. Clarke, Carl Sagan, and more.

Find out the true affordability of that house you're thinking of buying by measuring the transportation costs associated with the location.  A map of the Twin Cities can be clicked on to find out the costs broken down for a specific place.

Microsoft's maps have a great bird's eye feature - available here in the metro, but not all of MN.  You can zoom in closer than Google map's satellite view, and rotate the picture.  It's also updated more -- the Google satellite picture is at least 3 years old of my house.

Search for festivals and events around the state while you Explore Minnesota this summer.

What's geocaching? Find history treasures in the Minnesota State Park's Geochaching History Challenge which runs May 11-Dec.31.

Chaska student Becca Olene is a finalist in the Google Doodle contest -- she and other students across the country designed a doodle that replaces the "Google" on the front page for holidays.  Read about Becca in MinnPost, and vote for her Doodle under Grades 7-9, region 5.  She's on her way to Google headquarters for the ceremony.  The winner gets her Doodle up for a day, a $10,000 scholarship, and her school gets a $25,000 technology grant!  GO BECCA!

Summer is a great time to tackle a new language. Check out some of our newest titles: Irish conversation; German; Japanese for dummies; Thai conversation; Farsi; and many more.

CNN.com has the latest on the 7.9 magnitude quake that hit central China.  The USGS Earthquake Hazards Program has maps, statistics, facts and background on earthquakes around the world.  Included is a listing of the most recent earthquakes around the world and maps of recent activity.

Here's a fun Google map hack: a.placebetween.us.  Enter two or more locations, and this will return the spot in the geographic center; you may need to adjust the destination so you're not meeting in the middle of a cornfield.  Or, pick a type of business in the middle, like a coffee shop.

The St. Paul Public Library has put the "Miller Song Index" online.  This is an index to "Sheet" music in their collection, and includes individual pieces, magazines, books, and fakebooks.  Check it out here:  www.sppl.org/sheetmusic/index.php

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides license information, regulations, fish identification photos and lake surveys.

Use Google News for updates about Myanmar following the recent devastating cyclone.  Learn more about Myanmar from Infoplease.com or Reuters AlertNet.

Doing What Works is a new project from the US Dept of Education to help boost the achievement levels of all kids, especially girls, in math and science.

Scientific American has this article about a working Charles Babbage's Difference Engine No. 2.  It consists of 8,000 metal parts and weighs 5 tons.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has tips for avoiding foreclosure for people having trouble keeping up with mortgage payments.

Minnesota Session Laws (the annual compilation of laws passed during a session of the state legislature) are now available online according to this press release.

Attend a Twin Cities event and learn about Native culture!

May is Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, Minnesota Native American Month, Jewish-American Heritage Month, and Cinco De Mayo! Explore your diverse ancestors with our multicultural resources.

Take a look at the Old Farmer's Almanac for a list of resources to wet your appetite.

If you are wondering about how many delegates have been pledged to either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama see the discussion of this issue at FactCheck.org