intelligent life? / local recommendations

The suggested topics for our meeting on Monday, February 9, '09, were:

1. Are we alone in the universe?
   
2. What local stores and restaurants do you like especially?
   

Regarding item 1: 

a book on the subject from the 60's: Intelligent Life in the Universe

      refers to Drake's equation, here's my take on Drake

from Netflix (and sometimes on cable): Cosmos: The Complete Collection

Regarding item 2: 

Here's a list of recommendations by residents of SCPD as of 1/15/09, Ruth's List.  Updates usually come out after the middle of each month but require subscription to Yahoo SCPD.  

Speaking of SCPD, their monthly magazine is available for perusal here News and Views.