| February 3, 2002 |
One World Journeys: Mercury Rising
As  the Flash intro to this compelling site from One World Journeys informs us, "Earth is heating up, and it's time to pay attention." Join a team of scientists, reporters, and photographers as they file reports from the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica where they are documenting how changes in the earth's climate affect nature. They plan to file reports on a regular basis, and if the first one is any indication, this site's worth a bookmark. Don't miss the Eco-Gallery for photos of the changing Arctic regions of the world. This information-rich site also provides guides for educators and students, making it a journey that shouldn't be missed. (in Environment & Nature) |
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| February 2, 2002 |
Virtual Typewriter Museum
Since  the advent of the personal computer, typewriters -- especially manual machines -- have become almost extinct. These original word processors may be gone, but this site proves they're not forgotten. Between the 1860s and 1920s, engineers perfected the manual typewriter, and models like the Underwood 5 became the popular standard. Unusual models like a 1910 pocket typewriter didn't catch on, but they foreshadowed today's handheld devices. The typewriter has even touched erotica, as the French nudes of '20s and '30s secretaries display. You may never look at the humble typewriter the same way again. (in Collecting) |
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| February 1, 2002 |
Banished Words List
It  all began on New Year's Day 1976 when Lake Superior State University published the first tongue in cheek Banishment List as a publicity ploy for the school. Since that day, the list of "Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use, and General Uselessness" has become an annual phenomenon. Over the years, thousands of words and phrases have been nominated for inclusion (or exclusion, depending on how you look at it). From At This Point in Time to Yuh know, the site really takes it to the next level. (in Linguistics & Languages) |
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| January 31, 2002 |
The Crystal Palace
Built  of prefabricated metal and glass, the Crystal Palace was a high-tech wonder of the Victorian era, much like the technical and scientific innovations it housed during the Great Exhibition of 1851. Sitting in London's Hyde Park, this elegant, minimally ornamented structure foreshadowed the metal and glass buildings of the 20th century. While the Crystal Palace no longer exists, this site carefully recreates the building with Quicktime animation and VRML. You can even learn how old books and plans helped create the 3D models. Take a walk back through time in this surprisingly modern building. (in Architecture) |
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| January 30, 2002 |
404lounge.net
If  you surf the Web long enough, you'll eventually reach a page that stops you dead in your tracks. You've reached a 404, the bane of many a web surfer's existence. What you were looking for is likely gone forever, however, all 404s are not created equal. This site provides interesting galleries of creative 404 error messages encountered on the Net. Browse through the galleries to find the messages waiting for you at the end of the Internet. From the humorous to the sublime, you'll get a glimpse at over 500 error messages from all corners of the 'net. Let's hope you never see this one. (in World Wide Web) |
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| January 29, 2002 |
Internet Moving Images Archive
Watch  footage of historic events such as Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Indulge in humorous TV commercials of the '50s and '60s, then wonder at government propaganda about atomic fallout and marijuana. It's all a part of the Internet Archive, and this collection, donated by Prelinger Archives, chronicles the first half of the 20th century by way of "ephemeral films." You'll need a fast connection to fully enjoy this archive, so fire up your media player and let the flicks unfold. (in Movies & Film) |
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| January 28, 2002 |
Living With Wildlife Program
"Is  that a skunk under your porch or are you just unhappy to see me?" asks the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, an organization that promotes peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife. If you've heard rustling in the attic or noticed chewed bushes in your yard, the MSPCA may be of assistance. Graphics and descriptions can help you identify the animal that is living under your house. Check out the conflict prevention page for suggestions on how to live harmoniously near your four-footed neighbors. Remember, animals are people too. (in Animals, Insects, and Pets) |
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