Harry's Big Adventure

St. Charles Trolley

2008-10-23T17:23:00.003-05:00

A Trolley Is The Best Way To See New Orleans

I told you guys I was going to take a vacation and boy did I ever! But because I couldn’t disappoint my fans by leaving my exhibit vacant at the Insectarium I took a staycation instead of taking a vacation. A staycation means that instead of traveling somewhere else, we just stayed in New Orleans. Pawpaw and I both needed a break, so we took a trip downtown to see what adventures we would find. Pawpaw suggested that we go for a ride on the old St. Charles Streetcar. Apparently it’s the longest streetcar line in all of New Orleans!

I think I felt the rumbling of the streetcar before I even saw the olive green trolley come around the corner. It reminded me of my skin color! Pawpaw and I hopped on and shared a seat towards the front so we could talk to the driver. He explained that the St. Charles Streetcar line is the oldest line in the entire world and that it’s been running for 165 years! Grasshoppers! That’s almost dating back to the beginnings of Woody’s ancestors! Apparently his New Orleanian ancestors go back for over a hundred years.

We passed many beautiful homes, parks and even the zoo. Apparently the kings and queens of Mardi Gras used to live on this street!

I had so much fun seeing all of the great historical landmarks and buildings of New Orleans in such a neat and traditional way. I should bring Miley, Woody and Atlas, I’m sure they would love it, too. That is, if Woody doesn’t eat the entire car. We’ll bring snacks for him to keep his teeth occupied.

Surprise!

2008-10-17T17:02:00.002-05:00

You wouldn’t believe who surprised me today: my family! It’s been so long since I’ve seen them and I was so excited when they showed up at the Insectarium! They actually snuck on a FedEx plane (those stowaways!), and met up with Bill, my friend who traveled with me from Memphis to New Orleans. Many assume that because Praying Mantises have wings, we would travel all of the time. However, can you imagine how much energy it would take to fly across the country? And to think of how many bathroom pit stops we would need to make!

Bill took us out to eat at his favorite restaurant: R&O’s. R&O’s has great home-cooked food with fantastic Southern service and hospitality. Bill and I agree that it’s the place that best represents the personality of New Orleans.

My mother, Hannah, was especially impressed; she was reminded how nice everyone is here. My two sisters, Haley and Hallie, split one of R&O’s gigantic muffalettas. They were so full afterwards, I was afraid we were going to have to roll them out of the restaurant! I showed my family around my new home and introduced them to all of my friends. They were excited, and relieved, to see that I love it here in New Orleans!

Maybe I’ll be able to hitch a ride to Memphis for a visit soon. I can introduce Miley, PawPaw, Speedy, Woody, Atlas and all of the others to the great culture (and food!) of Memphis.

A Rumbling In My Presidential Tummy

2008-10-14T14:15:00.000-05:00

I Would Have Put On a Hair Net, But I Don't Have Any Hair

Well, I received a notice today from the U.S. Government stating that although they admire my ambitions to run for President, the law states that all candidates must be human. I was a bit disappointed, but secretly thankful. The publicity was beginning to drive me crazy!

However, all of my friends at the Insectarium agreed to sign a letter I wrote that explained our issues. I’ll send it to both McCain and Obama, and hopefully they can slip them into a few of their speeches. Sending letters is a great way to get involved and to make sure your voice is heard!

After mailing our letter, Woody scuttled and I walked to a nearby Cajun restaurant that is one of the best in town. Woody is good friends with the chef, Boudreaux, who has taught Woody some simple lessons in cooking Cajun food, including using plenty of Tabasco and Tony Chacheres, a famous Cajun spice mix. I think Woody is really beginning to turn into a talented chef.

If Woody pursues his dreams of becoming a chef, that would be fantastic for my appetite! …And not so much for the size of my belly!

Harry for President ’08

2008-10-08T17:56:00.003-05:00

If This Look Worked For George Washington, Then It Can Work for Me

Everywhere you go, you hear people and insects talking about two very unique and important people. I bet you can guess who: Obama and McCain. The election to determine who will be America’s next president is less than a month away and nobody can stop talking about it!

I didn’t know who to support. I did a bit of research, and boy, was I shocked at what I found. Neither McCain nor Obama said anything about insect issues!

What about fair treatment for Daddy Long Legs? They’re constantly in risk of being smushed, but in reality, they work hard to ensure that mean bugs stay away from your home. They’re like your own private police force! Or what about gender equality for ladybugs? The boy ladybugs are always being teased. It’s not their fault they’re ladybugs.

The government is seriously underestimating the voting power of the insects. With more than a million different determined species of insects, we could really dictate the outcome of the election.

Jiminy crickets! I know what to do! We should start our own Insect Party. We’ll be right up there with those Democrats and Republicans. Maybe, if it’s not too late, we can even have one of us run in the election! Hm, maybe I’ll do it. Could you imagine that? Me? Running for president? Woody can be my campaign manager and Miley can help with all of my speeches. I need to get hopping, there’s so much to do!

I’m Like Butter—I’m On A Roll!

2008-10-03T17:30:00.003-05:00

I'm No Dane Cook, But My Stuff Is Still Pretty Good

A few of the fish at the Audubon Aquarium are organizing a comedy show, and it sounds like the perfect event to show off my great sense of humor. Let me know what you think of my act. Drumroll, please!

What does a caterpillar go to sleep on? Any guesses?
A CATERPILLOW!
Miley the Monarch Butterfly loves that one!

How about this one?
Why was the inch-worm angry?
He had to convert to the metric system!

Speedy loves jokes, and has a few good ones himself. When he laughs, he just can’t stop! Here’s one of his favorites.
What did the guy millipede say to the girl millipede?
You’ve got a lovely pair of legs. You’ve got a lovely pair of legs. You’ve got a lovely pair of legs. You’ve got a lovely pair of legs. You’ve got a lovely pair of legs. You’ve got a lovely pair of legs…

And finally…
What is Atlas the Leafcutter Ant’s New Year’s resolution every year?
To turn over a new leaf!

Atlas was too busy helping feed his colony to laugh at that when I told him, but I think it’s funny. I guess some people just can’t appreciate my sense of humor. Wish me luck!

Hide-And-Seek Champ

2008-09-26T17:48:00.002-05:00

Hide-And-Seek Is Too Easy! Can You See Me?

Whew, I’m exhausted! And I bet you wouldn’t believe it, but I just came back from the longest game of hide-and-go seek in all of insect history. (It’s true! Ask the cockroaches! They should know. They’ve been around for quite some time… 300 million years, to be precise.)

To hide, I made a beeline for the Butterfly Garden because it’s full of trees and plants, perfect camouflage for me. I found a cushy spot so I could rest comfortably while the others struggled to find good hiding places. They were less than successful.

Woody was ‘it’ and found Miley first—her large wings easily gave her away behind a sign. Even I could see her, and I was in the other room! Soon, Woody discovered the entire gang, and they teamed up to try to find me.

I waited, and waited, and waited, when Miley unknowingly landed next to me. It felt like she was staring straight into my eyes—I was practically invisible. As she fluttered her wings to take off again, some dust flew up and… and ah! Ah! Ahhchooo! I just couldn’t hold back my sneeze!

I can’t deny it though, I was pretty proud that I hadn’t been discovered and that my legs hadn’t given out after waiting so long. Coy Koi may have snapped me up and eaten me for an appetizer! Speaking of food, I’m starving. I wonder what’s for dinner?

Harry Falls for Football

2008-09-22T17:32:00.000-05:00

Could There Be A Bigger Tulane Fan Than Me?

What a weekend! When we woke up Saturday morning, fall was in the air. It was a perfect day for football.

My friend Woody the Termite has lived in New Orleans his whole life and is a huge Tulane fan. When he gave me the sign, we snuck out of our habitats and headed to the Superdome.

Tailgaters packed the parking lot. Food was everywhere. Andouille sausage! Crawfish pie! Gumbo galore! Now that’s something worth rooting for.

Woody and I cheered right along with the crowd. But I didn’t need any face paint—I’m already green!

The Green Wave, the football team’s nickname, had regrettably lost their first two games, and we Green-folk (being all Green insects, and Green-painted fans) were looking forward to a victory against Louisiana-Monroe. After all, if you have us insects on your side, the chances of losing are almost nonexistent.

Tulane ended up pulling out a victory! The fans were going crazy! These Louisianans sure know how to cheer a winning team on.

It was so exciting! In fact, I want to start a football team at the Insectarium. With my keen eyesight and quick moves, I think I’d make a great quarterback. Now if I can just find a football small enough…

Termites Can Eat!

2008-09-19T18:10:00.004-05:00

Being Buried Under a Mountain of Sawdust Is Not As Much Fun As It May Sound

All I can say is ‘wow’. When Woody the Termite and his friends challenged me to an eating contest, I had no idea what I was up against.

Woody the Termite and his pals invited me to join them for lunch today. I don’t eat wood, so when I went to their exhibit I brought some leftovers. Just before I took my first bite, Woody said, “Wait! I have an idea! Let’s have an eating contest. You try to eat your meal before we finish this piece of wood.” I was pretty hungry so I agreed. Besides, the piece of wood was huge compared to Woody and his friends. I figured there was no chance for me to lose.

Have you ever agreed to do something and immediately realized it wasn’t a good idea? Well, that’s what happened to me. When the contest began I ate as fast as possible, but a cloud of sawdust immediately blinded me and I had to stop. Woody and the other termites had eaten the piece of wood before I could even finish half of my meal! That stick must have weighed a full pound and they gobbled it right up.

Later, Woody explained that they were playing a joke on me because they knew I could not win. All termites do is eat, he said, night and day. They don’t even stop to sleep. Well, we praying mantises do and I headed back to my exhibit after that for a nice long nap.

I love living here at the Insectarium, because I learn something everyday. And today I learned that termites are the eating contest champs of the insect world!

I’m hoping to get out this weekend.

Check in soon!

Rain, Rain Go Away

2008-09-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

I Might Look Like The Gorton's Fisherman, but a Mantis Has to Stay Dry

As many of you know, the weather around New Orleans hasn’t been the most pleasant; in fact, it’s been about as grumpy as Coy Koi - on a good day!

I’m ‘praying’ for good weather this weekend, but Ike may not be willing to accomodate. If I can, I’m planning to catch a glimpse of the International Arts Festival on Saturday. Miley the Monarch Butterfly has been raving about how much fun the festival has been in the past, and she can’t wait! That Miley. She’s fluent in Spanish and English, and she loves dancing to all of the international music. Her fun-loving attitude is contagious, too. One thing’s for sure: going to these festivals encourages everybody to smile and relax, even in hurricane season! That reminds me, I should try to get Atlas the Leafcutter Ant to come along as well. What a workaholic! I’m sure it’ll do him some good to get out and laugh a bit!

Things here at the Insectarium have been mantastic this week! From the millipedes to the dung beetles, we’re all super excited to have visitors back. (Don’t tell the dung beetles I said this, but they sure have a funny/smelly way of showing their excitement.)

Oops, I gotta go. The security guard is coming my way, and I was supposed to be back in my exhibit 30 minutes ago. Eek!

Check back soon!

I’m Back!

2008-09-08T21:14:00.003-05:00

Welcome Back Y'all

Sorry it has taken me awhile to write. If you’ve watched the weather lately then you know that things have been pretty chaotic around here.

Picking up where we left off, I didn’t have to work on Labor Day after all. Or all week, for that matter. But it wasn’t quite the break I anticipated. The Insectarium closed because most of the city evacuated to avoid Hurricane Gustav. My pals and I rode out the storm, and we’re doing just fine.

But that shouldn’t surprise you. People often call bugs the ultimate survivors because we showed up around 400 million years ago, and we’re still around. We’re strong and feisty, just like New Orleans.

After only a week to recover, the city is starting to buzz again. We watched the first Saints game of the season yesterday in the Terminix Immersion Theater, and boy was it good. The Saints pulled out a win in the end, and we celebrated the victory with a round of high-fives.

Try that with a millipede! My friend Speedy can give all of us a high five at the same time with legs to spare. And you should see his victory dance!

Maybe he’ll perform one tomorrow when the Insectarium reopens to welcome everyone. On second thought, it might make him nervous. Do you know what he does when that happens?

Probably best not to go there—but don’t let it keep you from coming here!

I’m off to say my prayers and grab a bedtime snack. Until tomorrow!

Labor Day Holiday for Harry?

2008-08-29T20:15:00.001-05:00

So summer unofficially ends this weekend with the Labor Day holiday. But while everyone else is off, we’ll actually be working! That’s right, even though we’re usually closed on Mondays, the Insectarium is open on Labor Day.

I think my friend Atlas is secretly glad. Because he’s a forager in the leafcutter ant colony, he’s a born workaholic. The rest of us aren’t used to this kind of schedule.

But I’m going to make sure we all take a break once the doors close. I’m hoping to sneak the whole gang out for a picnic on Lake Pontchartrain—that is if tropical storm Gustav cooperates.

I’ll be optimistic and start planning the menu now. Sausage… ribs… corn… yum, yum, yum!

Have a great holiday!

Harry Gets Schooled in Fashion

2008-08-27T19:28:00.001-05:00

I Bet You Didn't Know Backpacks Come in Mantis Sizes

Wow! I’ve never been in a habitat or on display until I joined the Insectarium this summer. So, I have no idea what this place will be like now that school is in session.

Soon buses packed with kids will begin to arrive. I hope everyone likes me, especially the kids.

This whole back-to-school thing makes me nervous. It’s funny, when people get nervous they do different things. Some get sick and throw up. Some pretend to be sick so they can stay home. Others bite their nails or stutter.

Do you know what I do? Yep, you guessed it. I eat.

In fact, I’ve eaten so much the Insectarium staff installed extra locks on the café’s kitchen and the employee snack lounge. I had to ask my friend Bill from Terminix to smuggle in some food.

Like any kid at the beginning of school I’ve been thinking a lot about what to wear. Luckily PawPaw the hissing cockroach calmed me down and reminded me that praying mantids don’t dress up.

In fact, I wear the same thing everyday – my exoskeleton. Well, it’s not always the same. Sometimes I molt. That’s my version of changing clothes. I slowly shed out of my skin and there is a new one waiting underneath.

It’s not because my old skin is out of style. When I molt it’s because I am growing and the old skin is too small.

If I keep up all the nervous eating I may end up molting again. Then I’ll have a whole new outfit.
What have you been wearing during the first few days back in school?

Harry Dreams of Snack Street

2008-08-23T05:15:00.000-05:00

I Would Love to Take a Walk Down Snack Street

A lot of people and bugs at the Insectarium tease me about my appetite. I just love to eat…sweet, sour, soft or crunchy. It doesn’t matter to me. I’ve got an appetite that just won’t quit.

People in my home country of China are big eaters, too, and much more adventurous than the diners here in the States.

For proof, look to Beijing’s Street of Snacks. Can you imagine that? It’s like heaven on earth for me. It’s an entire street lined with stalls and stalls of snacks.

But these yummies are not what we in the United States consider snacks. There’s no ice cream, potato chips, soft pretzels or nachos.

The menu on Snack Street includes fried bird’s feet, boiled pig’s intestines, and don’t tell my neighbor – scorpions on a stick. That’s right…I said scorpions on a stick. If Cuddles and the rest of the Insectarium knew what people in my homeland ate, I would be a very lonely mantis.

Crickets, spiders and tarantulas are also popular. They can be served sweet or savory and the exoskeleton gives them a satisfying crunch. Not for me, I’d rather have a can of Pringles, thank you.

Speaking of which, one of the roaches told me that a security guard left the door to the employee snack lounge open. I think I’ll check it out.

It won’t be as interesting as the Street of Snacks, but it’s a lot closer – and safer.

Harry Experiences His Own Olympic Village

2008-08-22T16:15:00.001-05:00

This Should Be the Fencing Garb in the Olympics

Wow! Things are pretty exciting around the Insectarium. It seems my insect friends have Olympic fever.

Cuddles the scorpion is crazy about two events, which I will let you guess. Here’s a hint, they both involve sharp, pointy, dangerous objects. You’re right…it’s fencing and the javelin.

A week ago, the U.S. women made a clean sweep in the fencing competition, taking home gold, silver and bronze. Cuddles was so excited that he accidentally stung himself. It’s the first time any one on staff has known a scorpion to sting itself. For his own protection, a staff member taped a rubber safety tip over his tail. To his dismay, it makes him look even more cuddle-able.

The dung beetles worked all weekend on a rhythmic gymnastics routine with their dung balls. They’ve created quite a mess and have produced some very smelly results. Their routine hasn’t been a big hit. And, they can’t find anyone willing to watch it long enough to judge it.

Now that the track events are underway, Speedy the millipede has been searching for a track and field event that suits him. He got caught up in the hurdles, literally. Half of his long thin body made it over and the rest of him dangled behind. The leafcutter ants had to rescue him. Speedy followed this humbling experience by setting a new Insectarium record for slowest 100 meter dash. He has now discovered that speed walking is an Olympic sport, and he’s been giving his nearly 500 legs a workout ever since.

Never a dull moment at our Olympic Village.

Check back for more action.

Harry Dreams of Olympic Gold

2008-08-21T15:23:00.003-05:00

I Could Win Eight Olympic Medals

American swimmer Michael Phelps did it. He won eight gold medals in one Olympics. That’s pretty amazing. I was thinking which eight events I could win a gold medal in.

First, I’m thinking I could win the discus throw if I could substitute a pancake. Plus, I would get double points for running up to it afterward, pouring on some syrup and eating it before the field judge got to it.

I could win gold if my ritual mating dance was included in the gymnastics competition. Of course, I haven’t had much practice since I joined the Insectarium. If you showed me a cute female mantis I’m sure I could break a world record.

If the long jump event involved leaping over a koi pond stocked with hungry koi, I would definitely earn gold.

I also could dominate the wrestling competition if they changed the rules to require you to eat your opponent.

There should also be a windshield wiper competition where mantids have to mount and dismount a moving windshield with the wipers going. Points would be awarded for style.

So that’s five events I could win. What others?

They should have an Olympic event for most powerful jaws. The competitors would lift and crush heavy objects using only their jaws. If it were synchronized to music, we could earn extra points for artistic expression. I would choose the “Rocky” theme.

Bat detection, too, could be an Olympic sport for mantids. Competitors would enter a large field at night. Each participant would earn points for dodging each attacking bat.

I also think molting could be an Olympic sport. You think those Olympic swim suits look hard to get in and out of? Imaging shedding your skin and doing it with speed and style. I could definitely score big in this department.

So those would be my eight events, and when I won them I would have the most gold medals in a single Olympic games. Afterwards, I would get lots of endorsements and free pancakes for a lifetime. Everyone who came to the Insectarium would come to my habitat to see my gold medals. In fact, Audubon may have to add a new wing to the Insectarium to handle all the crowds.

And…well, I guess I’m getting a little carried away with my Olympic dreams. I’ve never even been on a trampoline…or a vault for that matter.

That’s the thing about the Olympics. The athletes work so hard to make everything look so easy.

Harry Anticipates the Opening Ceremonies

2008-08-08T18:30:00.004-05:00

Who Do I Have to Talk to in Order to Light the Flame in My Own Country

Hey! Are you ready for tonight? I’m so excited I could molt.

All my neighbors are about to head over to the theater to watch the Opening Ceremonies. But one of my Chinese praying mantis friends in Beijing gave me the inside story, so I know what to expect.

Here at the Insectarium, we have bugs from around the world, so it feels like we have our own tiny Olympic village. Everyone here has been making flags and banners to cheer for their countries during the parade of athletes. It’s a little confusing for the insects that migrate, such as the butterflies. They are not sure if they should cheer for Mexico, Costa Rica, and the South American countries where they are born, or the U.S. or Canada, which is where they migrate. It’s true, my species is from China, but I feel pretty American. I’m going to wave my flag and cheer when the American athletes march into the stadium.

And, of course, there is going to be an amazing fireworks display. After all, the Chinese invented fireworks. Actually a praying mantis invented fireworks, one of my great ancestors, but then people stole the idea. Oh, wait a minute, I think I already told you this story.

Anyway, I can’t wait to see it. I’m going to the theater early to get a good seat.

Be sure to watch, and check back soon!

Harry Gears up for the Olympics

2008-08-08T11:15:00.003-05:00

Wonder What It Would Be Like to Be the Flag Bearer

The Olympic Opening Ceremonies are tonight, and I can hardly wait. We're all planning to crash the theatre here and watch it on the big, big screen.

Why am I so excited? Well, I always like the Olympics, but this year they are in China, my homeland. I bet you forgot that I am a Chinese praying mantis. This is a big deal for my country. Everyone in China is so proud to host the Olympics.

One of my favorite events is the long jump. I bet you know why. Yep, I can jump pretty long myself. Unfortunately, praying mantids are ineligible for competition.

Did you know that Americans have won the long jump 22 of 26 times? Some of the great jumpers include Carl Lewis, Bob Beamon and Jesse Owens.

The Chinese would love a victory in this event, but any upset would most likely come from the Panamanian Irving Saladino. If he wins, it would be Panama’s first medal in an Olympic game. Pretty cool, huh? You have to cheer for a guy like that.

Guess what all the butterflies in the butterfly garden are most excited about? You guessed it! They are all aflutter about Michael Phelps’s 200m butterfly. It is the most difficult event in swimming, and Michael recently broke the record.

Phelps is guaranteed to be the center of attention as he tries to break Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics. Phelps is scheduled to swim in eight events. If he wins gold in all of them, he’ll be the winningest Olympian in the history of the modern games.
You know, I’m not a very good swimmer, but I think I will show the butterflies my long jump.

Check back soon.

Which Way to the Water Cube?

Harry's Back from New York

2008-08-08T08:53:00.002-05:00

Sorry to be so long in updating you. I got back from New York earlier this week, and I've had a lot of catching up to do.

New York was fun! But, I sure am glad to get home. The airline wanted to check me as luggage.

“Luggage! Can you imagine that? I could understand them not bumping me up to first class, but calling me luggage!”

The trip back was pretty uneventful. The flight was a lot smoother so I only turned three shades of green instead of seventeen.

I had such a great time in New York. I don’t think I could live there because I would eat myself to death. There is so much good food in New York City. There’s strange food, too. You can get asparagus ice cream and salmon in a chocolate sauce. I guess that’s not so strange when you think about what the dung beetles eat.

When I got back to the Insectarium, all my friends were so glad to see me.

This weekend I’m going to sneak into the theatre and show pictures from my trip.

Harry gives his regards to Broadway

2008-08-03T22:15:00.002-05:00

I Can't Wait to Show My Buddies My New Moves

Did you know that A Chorus Line is the longest running show on Broadway? I can see why. It’s a Broadway Show about trying out for a Broadway Show. There’s lots of great singing and dancing. I think that Mario Lopez guy is a great dancer. Talk about muscles. He’s not really a singer although he makes a good effort.

When I get back to Audobon Insectarium I’m going to put on a show. I think it would be a lot of fun to write the songs and make up the dances. Maybe I’ll call it “Legs!” or “Thorax: The Musical!”

I’m going to start working on it on the plane tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it’s late and Bob wants to go to bed.

Check back soon!

What a Sight. So Many Bug-Caked Windshields and So Little Time

Harry Hearts New York

2008-08-03T20:15:00.000-05:00

I "Heart" NY

Wow! New York is a big city. It’s nothing like Memphis or New Orleans. The buildings are so tall and the streets are packed tight with cars and taxis.

Today we went to the top of the Empire State Building. Bob looked down and said the people looked like ants. I had to laugh because the people weren’t carrying enough.

Did you know that ants can carry 10 to 20 times their body weight. So if a 160-pound man worked like an ant, he would have to carry 1,600 - 3,200 pounds.

In the elevator on the way back down, I gave my New York Foods list to Bob. I think he was a little surprised by how long it was.

We started with fresh bagels, which were great. But then Bob got me a pastrami and cheese on rye bread. He said it was true New York cuisine, and I should add it to my list.

Next we went to Little Italy and visited the fortune-tellers. My fortune teller said that I would be hungry in the future. Bob’s fortune-teller told him he would gain a lot of weight in the future.

After that, we went to an Italian restaurant and had lasagna and carbonara. I topped it off with a big slice of cheesecake, which added that to my list — twice. Bob decided to watch his diet so he only had gelato (Italian ice cream).

Let’s face it. I now realize that New York is probably the one city in the world that offers more food choices than I could ever explore. The food satisfied my stomach long enough to stand in line for tickets to A Chorus Line with Mario Lopez. That was a pretty long time. I figured out that Broadway fans spend a lot of time waiting in line.

Next, we headed to Coney Island and loaded up on hot dogs and french fries. We rode the Cyclone, the nation’s oldest wooden rollercoaster, and the Wonder Wheel, a ferris wheel that gives you almost as good a view as the Empire State Building.

I headed back to the hotel to digest all that food before the show.

MMM...Hotdogs

Harry Meets New Fans

2008-08-02T16:36:00.001-05:00

The Liberty Science Center was so much fun. The place was packed with kids and parents interested in bugs. Talk about energy!

Some of the kids already knew me from my blog, and they would wave and yell, “Hey Harry!” I felt almost famous.

I wasn’t the only bug there. Bob also arranged for a giant millipede, a hissing cockroach, a tarantula and a scorpion. It was sort of like a mobile Insectarium.
We were the perfect special event for the center because they had this exhibit called “Goose Bumps.” It was all about fear. Some of the fears it looked at were fear of electric shock or fear of falling. And, it explored fear of bugs. Can you believe that?

There was a “Fear Lab” where the character Mr. Goose Bumps showed how the brain and body work together to respond to danger. Another section looked at facial expressions of fear. I saw this computer that could guess your emotions from your facial expressions. Well, not my facial expressions, because I’m a praying mantis. But, it could guess Bob’s emotions pretty well.
Spending two days in the Liberty Science Center was fun but it was also hard work, so Bob is going to reward me with a trip to Manhattan.
Check back soon!

Harry Takes His First Plane Ride

2008-08-01T18:18:00.001-05:00

I Know...I Know. How Can Something So Small Need to Pack A Bag This Large!

Do I look a little green to you? I mean I always look sort of green, but do I look extra green?

Flying in a plane was not as much fun as I thought. In fact, it was a little bumpy, and I was really sorry I ate those three cinnamon rolls with extra frosting before takeoff.

The security at the airport was a lot stricter than security at Audubon Insectarium. When we got to New York, the security people were carrying big guns. Fortunately, they were pointed down. There were also dogs everywhere in uniform. Bob told me that they use the dogs to sniff out bad stuff in the people’s luggage. I’m glad they didn’t think I was bad stuff.

After we got our luggage, we headed to the hotel.

Tomorrow’s a big day at the Liberty Science Center so I better get my beauty sleep.
Check in soon.

Harry Plans Another Big Adventure

2008-08-01T07:15:00.000-05:00

Start spreading the news! I’m leaving today. I’m going to be a part of it. New York, New York.
Well, actually Jersey City and then Manhattan.

Guess what? I just learned I’m going on another big adventure. My friends at Terminix are sending me to the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey, and then I get to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

I’m not going with Bill this time. Instead I’m going with Bob Young who works for Terminix. He’s taking me to the Liberty Science Center August 2nd and 3rd so I can meet the kids and help them learn about the praying mantis and other bugs.

I’ve never been to New York. So, when Bill came to visit me I asked him to help me make a list of classic New York foods. Here’s the list so far:
- A slice of pie. In New York, that means pizza pie.
- A fresh-baked bagel
- Pasta from Little Italy
- Red bean paste buns from Chinatown
- A Nathan’s hotdog
- French fries from Coney Island
- Roasted chestnuts
- A big pretzel
- A Jamaican beef patty

And, I think for dessert I’ll go to Central Park and taste some Yankee bugs.
If there’s a slot open on my eating schedule, I might catch a Broadway show. But, Bob’s researching that.

I plan to tell you all about my adventure, but right now I have to finish packing. So check back later.

Harry Sizes up Bill

2008-07-27T12:54:00.002-05:00

Bill and I Had Our Picture Taken at the Insectarium. This is a Great Shot of Us.

You will never guess what surprise Bill planned for me.

One, he brought in some pancakes. He had to bring extra to bribe the security guards. But, it worked.

Two, he brought syrup.

We snuck into the Butterfly Garden and had a picnic there with the butterflies. At first they were very confused about the syrup.

“What’s that sweet stuff? Is that nectar? Did you steal that from our flowers?,” the butterflies cross-examined us, their wings fluttering at warp speed.

When I explained that Bill brought it, and it was syrup, they finally calmed down. Bill put a little syrup on a rock so the butterflies could taste it.

“Yuck. Gross. Disgusting,” they all chimed. “That is sickeningly sweet. That’s unnatural”.

I explained to them that the syrup came from maple trees and not flowers. They were pretty impressed that a tree without blooms could make something that sweet.

After the pancake picnic Bill took me to a part of the museum I had not yet explored. It magnifies everything so that people can have an idea what it feels like to be a bug.

For the first time in our relationship, Bill and I were almost the same size. I wanted to give him a hug, but I realized the size was only an optical illusion. Still, it was a lot of fun. It sort of leveled the playing field.

Bill and I hung out there for hours. We talked about our trip and the things we enjoyed about. He told me how his wife and kids were doing. Of course, he had all new pictures to share with me.

Then Bill walked me back to my habitat. I was just a little mantis again and he was this huge person. But, we were big friends!

Now that the museum is quiet and all the visitors gone, I think back on my time with Bill. It was a really great visit.

The Thrill of Bill

2008-07-26T07:47:00.000-05:00

You know what today is? You know why I am so happy? It’s my Bill Day! Yes, I know, you probably hate bills. But, I love, love, love my Bill. Bill Sims. He traveled with me on my journey from Memphis to New Orleans.

We had so much fun during our trip. We saw rhinos and tigers, we played in tree houses, and I got to be on television. We spent five days laughing our way through the children’s museums, famous restaurants, beautiful parks, and even Elvis’s birthplace.

Bill introduced me to my first pancake. And, after that nasty incident with the syrup, he poured all my syrup for me. Bill was there when I had my first beignet. That was a very special moment.

Bill is so thoughtful. During out trip, he pulled the car off the road every hour or so, so I could eat the bugs off the windshield. Isn’t that sweet? Isn’t that considerate? I almost get teary eyed thinking about it.

And, do you know one of the very best things about Bill? Surprises. Bill has this great way of planning unexpected surprises. They are always fun.

I wonder what surprise he has planned for me today?