Mystery Cam: Virtual Vacation

Laura Bobendrier, Staff Writer
February 22, 2001, 12:07 p.m. EST

So, did anybody catch the Grammys Wednesday night?

Sadly, I missed 'em. I was too captivated by "Dawson's Creek" and "Temptation Island" -- just kidding. I did miss them, though, and I'm bummed that I missed my chance to see the Eminem/Elton John duet. Who knows when that'll happen again? This may well have been a historical event in my lifetime -- and I missed it. I don't even have a good excuse. Edd's been rubbing it in, too, that he saw it and I didn't. He's even wearing a pink suit today.

Following Edd's lead last week, I must extend my apologies. I've been in the process of updating the netcam links in this section, and I inadvertently elminated a favorite link -- which I quickly added again when the public outcry began. If you see anything else wacky in this database, please let me know.

Oh, and a word about our new policy. Since our mystery cam following has been steadily growing, Edd and I have decided that we're going to be more stringent with the guesses that we accept. You'll have to be as specific as possible when identifying the cam, and the safest way to do that is to find the cam in our database and send us the link. This isn't required, however -- if you're very specific, that'll work just fine.

So, here's this week's cam. Nice. I love warm-looking pictures in general, but especially when I'm in a not-so-warm climate. Any guesses yet?

Last Week

Last week -- er, earlier this week -- Edd featured the OSU cam in Columbus, Ohio. The "nutty Italian dude" he mentions is none other than explorer Christopher Columbus, and he also alludes to director Chris Columbus, the father of such films as "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Home Alone." This wacky Edd guy also overdid it with "Oh"s to emphasize Ohio's state postal abbreviation -- a subtle hint that he suspects no one noticed. Hmm.

The winners were: Greta Bakken-Miller, Chris Pluchinsky and Bob Hibbert

This Week

Ahhh ... warmth. You probably all realize that choosing these types of netcams is a form of vacation for me -- even if it is virtual. This one is no exception.

No, this isn't just another beach shot -- it has some unique traits. For example, the structure in this image has a rich history of serving steamships loaded with passengers and cargo. It's entered a form of retirement now, as only fishermen and visitors enjoy its 1,200-foot length.

The nearby "City of Good Fortune" actually has a Minnesota tie -- though it wouldn't seem so, judging by the temperature this time of year. Said city, the county seat, commonly goes by a nickname -- though most people probably don't realize that the nickname isn't the official name.

All right, that's it. I think I might've made it too easy ... but with the new policy, that's probably OK.

E-mail me with your guesses, and we'll feature the first three correct guessers next week.

Copyright 2001 by Channel 2000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.