| August 8, 2004 |
Legends of America
Every  summer, families hit the highway hoping to see new things as they travel new roads. Many of these destinations, exciting to travelers on the surface, conceal true stories of the past. From the infamous outlaws who once galloped across the West to the romanticized blacktop of Route 66, Legends of America shares the rumors behind the rest stops. Yearning for a theory about the true cause of the Civil War? Dare to step into a haunted frontier fort? Mosey on in, partner! Aspiring prospectors can even check out this guide to finding lost treasure. Hey, the odds can't be much worse than Vegas, right? And don't forget to submit your own memorable adventure from life on the road. This is one tourist trap you'll be happy to visit. (in U.S. History) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 7, 2004 |
Beyond Geometry
This  exhibition from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art looks at the ways art changed during the post-WWII period. As artists moved away from conventional definitions of art, new forms of expression reigned worldwide. This site offers an enlightening outline of the basics of the new breed in seven easily digestible chunks. The well-designed timeline marks milestone events in the art world and the news that shaped them. Best of all, you can examine the works of art considered influential in these experiments with form. Start with Serra's minimalist Inverted House of Cards, and then examine the theories behind Wheeler's Light Encasement. Going beyond geometry broke down the barriers of the art world and will surely open doors to new ways of thinking about art. (in Museums and Exhibits) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 6, 2004 |
Chiloe Stories
If  you've never been introduced to Chilo, you're not alone. This small archipelago off the coast of Chile isn't high on any list of tourist destinations. However, it does have much to offer. This magnificent multimedia site examines the extraordinary Chilotes as they relate their stories of life on this isolated speck of land. There's an abundance of tales illustrated with lush photographs to explore, and audio clips immerse you even deeper into the stories. You can listen to Norma Aguilar sing to her potatoes as she farms and hear 99-year-old Maria Jesus Vera Vera talk about the negative influence of television and her love for the warm glow of candlelight. After this introduction, you're sure to be touched by a community and culture that have been tucked away for hundreds of years. (in Regional) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 5, 2004 |
America at 10 MPH
The  U.S. has a long tradition of daring adventurers and historic firsts. From Lewis and Clark's opening of the West to Neil Armstrong's famous step on the moon, Americans seek the excitement of exploration. Today marks another milestone in that endeavor. It's day one of a unique journey -- the first solo attempt to cross America on a Segway. Yes, one man will ride the human transporter at a grueling 10 mph for the entire transcontinental journey. He and a crew depart Seattle for Boston in a courageous effort to capture "a sense of America and today's American dream." Along the 4,700 miles, they'll document their travels with daily video and audio updates. Want to meet this ambitious crew? They'd love to "talk with you, have dinner, party it up, and even crash with you." Who knows? You might end up on the site or in the documentary, chatting up America's next great explorer. (in Recreation & Sports) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 4, 2004 |
Transportation Futuristics
OK,  where are the flying cars and fantastic monorail systems we were promised? For decades we dreamed of magnificent vehicles that would make getting from point A to point B a snap. Unfortunately, the transportation concepts of the '50s, '60s, and '70s turned out to be mostly science fiction. Transportation Futuristics, a fascinating exhibit from the University of California, presents some radical ideas from visionaries of the past. These futurists weren't interested in just flying cars. They were also fond of automated solutions like cars that drive themselves and guided highway systems. While some vehicles made it to prototype, most were doomed from the start because they required costly, impractical infrastructure. A supersonic subway from Los Angeles and New York is a great idea, but don't go tearing up your bus pass just yet. (in Travel) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 3, 2004 |
MSNBC: Driving Vacations Through the Ages
Something  about a good ol' road trip appeals to Americans' adventurous and independent spirit. With a full gas tank and fresh wheels, travelers love nothing more than sailing down miles of open road, often with no particular place to go. This site looks at nearly a century's worth of road tales and the evolution of the automobile, zipping from the years before the first transcontinental highway -- a time when it took weeks to cross the U.S. -- to modern-day road-trippers ruling the pavement in gargantuan SUVs. Even with today's traffic jams and the rising fuel costs, Americans continue to hop in, head for the hills, and enjoy the ride. (in Travel) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
| August 2, 2004 |
Slice
Weblogs  devoted to food are a dime a baker's dozen, but this blog really serves up the deep dish on pizza. Dedicated to NYC's many pizzerias, it boasts numerous entries on the subject of one of America's favorite foods. Eschewing franchise pizza and Chicago-style, this ode to the delectable thin crusts of the city's finest establishments will leave your mouth watering. Read about the pinnacle of pizza at Grimaldi's, a meeting of cheesy devotees at Sac's Place, or sampling the slices at Nunzio's. Driven to find the best New York-style pie, the staff of this small blog is always looking for tips and contributors. So drop them a line if you have some pizza knowledge to kick in. Any way you slice it, this site will surely induce some sweet mozzarella dreams. (in Food & Drink) |
| Permalink - Email this Pick - View most popular |
|
|
|
|
|
