| September 1, 2002 |
African Aperture
Are  you an amateur shutterbug with a eye for the beauty of Africa? If so, then Kenyan-born photog Philip Cartland wants to hear from you. Inspired by a passion for his native land, he's created this showcase for pros and lesser-known talents to share their photographic bounty. Cartland's minimalist interface and concise descriptions of people and places allow each individual photographer to shine. You won't find any standard-issue travel photos here. Rather, you'll uncover gripping images that capture the drama and mystery of real-life Africa -- from the hissing maw of a leopard to the unflinching visage of a Kenyan Maasai Warrior. We doff our Panama hats to Philip and his intrepid comrades for their stunning efforts. (in Photography Exhibits) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 31, 2002 |
Turning the Pages
Even  if you visit the British Library in person, you aren't allowed to turn the pages of the valuable, historic manuscripts in the library's collection. But thanks to this site, you can flip through page after page of the 15th-century Sherborne Missal, the largest, most lavishly decorated service book to survive Britain's Protestant Reformation. Leaf through the pages to admire the artistry, and listen to audio describing this masterpiece of Gothic style. Zoom in on select graphics to get a close-up of the exquisite calligraphy and painting. The Turning the Pages project has digitized eight treasures, including a 7th-century Gospel, a 1st-century Buddhist text, and one of Leonardo da Vinci's mirror-writing notebooks. Only the Sherborne Missal is currently online, but it's such a tantalizing treat that you'll yearn to experience the other treasures in a similar fashion. (in Literature) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 30, 2002 |
Idiom Site
Want  to earn some brownie points with your friends? How about learn some useless but fascinating trivia to spout when you chew the fat? Don't let your cocktail chatter sound dead as a doornail -- get a leg up on everyone else by discovering the origins of sayings like "redneck" and "wag the dog." OK, we'll cut to the chase and tell you we think this site is worth its salt. From the multiple meanings of "dope" which dates dating back to 1807, to the more recent, video-game-inspired phrase "all your base are belong to us," this site catalogs scores of everyday words and phrases. You'll be in like Flynn after you spend a New York minute here. (in Linguistics & Languages) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 29, 2002 |
Today's Front Pages
The  Newseum consistently produces compelling online exhibits, some of which we've featured in Yahoo! Picks. "Today's Front Pages" is no exception. The collection of 134 newspaper front pages from 24 countries offers a fascinating daily look at what is deemed worthy of front-page placement around the world. You're sure to be surprised at the choices in some regions. Don't miss the archived exhibit of front pages from September 12, 2001, the day after the terrorist attacks on the U.S. It's a solemn presentation of 70 images from newspapers across the U.S. and the globe. This site's stunning imagery proves the world can be seen from many different angles. (in News and Media > Newspapers) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 28, 2002 |
Matisse Picasso
As  the twin giants of modern art, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso may seem to be opposites. However, this site, and the three-city exhibition on which it's based, shows how the artists are complementary and their works influenced each other. Despite an initial rivalry, each felt the influence of the other. Matisse acknowledged, "Picasso sees everything." Later, Picasso noted, "When Matisse died he left his odalisques to me as a legacy," perhaps alluding to the intriguing nudes they both painted. The site features six sets of paintings by each artist with a side-by-side comparative analysis. Viewing a pairing such as Matisse's Goldfish and Palette and Picasso's Harlequin shows how the two artists sparked one another's creativity to new heights. The chronology notes the artists' interactions, from their first meeting in the winter of 1905-1906 to Matisse's death in 1954. The commitment of both men to reality-based art drew them together, and that commitment will draw you into their world. (in Museums and Exhibits) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 27, 2002 |
The Uppers Organization
Is  it about the clothes? Sort of. Is it about the music? Kinda. Is it about traveling back in time to the '60s? Sure. Mod culture is actually a mix of these three elements and much more. The Uppers Organization provides an interesting view of a culture that strives for the best of everything. You'll find fashion and travel tips, record reviews, and articles about the mod lifestyle. A complete guide to "the pleasures of modern living," the site offers "a mod angle on the contemporary world." By the time you're done, you'll be ready to fire up the Vespa, slap some rare grooves on the turntable, and don a handsome neckerchief. (in History) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 26, 2002 |
Murphy's Laws Site
If  anything can go wrong, it will. Murphy's law is one of the most famous (and quoted) laws on the books. A pessimist's dream, this cynical yet entertaining site explains the origin of Murphy's Law and the wide variety of corollaries it has spawned. Sure, all the basic Murphyisms are listed -- "You will always find something in the last place you look" or "When a broken appliance is demonstrated for the repairman, it will work perfectly" -- but they are only the tip of the iceberg. You'll also find Murphy infiltrating the world of computers, law enforcement, and love. As a final tip, just remember this comforting law: "A knowledge of Murphy's Law is no help in any situation." Well, that's just great! (in Humor) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
|
|
|
|
