U £he ^Jnvtlaitb (DbserUer December 30, 2009 PaSe 19 Z ISIHIAISHIM Real bones from one of the most complete T. Rex skeletons in the world is on display at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Samson the T. Rex at OMSI Fossil one of the most complete in existence A magnificent 39-foot long fossil o f the most fearsome car­ nivores ever to walk the face of the Earth is on display at the Oregon Museum of Science and industry (OMSI). The 66-million-year-old Tyr­ annosaurus rex skeleton known as Samson is one of the three most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens in existence. C lose to 60 p e rc e n t o f Samson’soriginal bones, includ­ ing its nearly complete skull will be on exhibit. “We are honored that OMSI has been chosen to be the first museum in the world to host the mounted Samson, “said OMSI president Nancy Stueber. “It is a truly unique and magnificent specimen that has opened new doors to scientific discovery about the life o f the Tyrannosau­ rus rex. W e’re pleased to offer visitors the rare opportunity to view its real bones up close.” Samson was discovered in South Dakota in 1987 and is one o f three tyrannosaurs unearthed with more than 50 percent of their skeletal bones remaining.” In life, Samson measured ap­ proximately 40 feet in length and could have looked into a second story window. Its massive skull and pow erful serrated teeth could have bitten through the leg bone of bone of any o f its peers. Most likely a very skilled hunter with binocular color vi­ sion and an extremely sensitive sense o f smell, this colossus, like other adults o f the species, lived as an apex predator of the late Cretaceous Period. Samson will be on display at OMSI through summer. For more information, visit omsi.edu/ samson. New Year’s Eve at Aquariva RING IN 201OON THE BEAUTIFUL WILLAMETTE RIVER With the NORMAN SYLVESTER BAND featuring LENANNE SYLVESTER 0470 SW H am ilton Ct. Portland, OR. 97239 D ecem ber 31 ST 9:00pm ~ 1:00am DINNER & SHOW : $52 / person SH O W ONLY: $ 15 / $20 (at door) For Reservations: 503-802-5850 / w w w .aquarivaportland.com TAKE THE ELEVATOR HOME: AVALON HOTEL FROM $ 139 Hotel: 503-802-5800 / w w w .avalonhotelandspa.com ♦