fun fact: The first "ice palace" ? meaning an elaborate structure of ice as opposed to, say, an igloo ? was erected in Russia in 1741 on the orders of Czarina Anna Ivanova. It wasn't very large, but it was incredibly elaborate, with carved chairs, curtains and even a garden with carved plants and trees, Anders said.

That *is* a fun fact.

The first ice palace in North America was built in Montreal in 1883 and became the model for the Medieval-style castle built in St. Paul in 1886. After that, St. Paul, MN became the world center for ice palaces.

For what it's worth, I will be visiting a lovely ice palace in Quebec City at their winter carnival in February. I guess they're making an extra large one this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the festival. It's pretty cool walking though a structure that's made entirely of ice.

an Ice Mansion. Isnt there an ice hotel you can stay in over in Scandanavia. Riveting isnt it? If you want to watch the workers

There is also an ice hotel somewhere near Quebec City as well. I don't know why anyone would want to stay at a hotel that is made of ice but different strokes, I guess. So are you going to the All Star game? Why are there so many Matts on this list? I'll go back to my patchouli and bongs now. Excuse me. -matt _________________________________________________________________ Find out everything you need to know about Las Vegas here for that getaway. http://special.msn.com/msnbc/vivalasvegas.armx