| December 11, 2005 |
The Superficial
Yes,  it's a dishy blog devoted to celebrity gossip. Yes, it's plastered with photos of the Paris-Jessica-Nick-Britney-K-Fed-Brad-Angelina-Vince-Jennifer A-Tara-Jude-Sienna-Ben-Jennifer G-Kate crowd. No, we're not suggesting that you enjoy this kind of thing. Maybe you have a friend that's interested? The Superficial's stated goal is to make fun of as many people as possible, and it does so with zingers like "Iglesias Insists He Is of Regular Size," "Paris Hilton Has Shiny Watch," "Scott Stapp Is Still an Alcoholic Mess," "Jessica Simpson Has a Big Sad Clown Face," and in reference to the recent birth of her child, "Jennifer Garner Will No Longer Be Fat." Again, we realize you don't appreciate snarky celebrity chatter. But maybe you can pass this on to your friend. (in Celebrities) |
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| December 10, 2005 |
KHraigslist
This  hilarious craigslist parody from cult San Francisco sketch group Kasper Hauser has been zipping around the email circuit. KHraigslist reads like the online classifieds section of a demented parallel universe. From sale ads ("Rusty bike. Bad memories. Best offer.") to personals ("YOU: A Kangaroo rank of Captain.") to general miscellania ("I repent for shooting cows from a helicopter."), this stuff is funny, brilliant, and twisted. Many of these ads were originally posted on craigslist as found humor objects; they're now lovingly collected for the first time. We particularly like the free hot tub offer: "Pros: HOT! Bubbles, jets. Con: 1987 crime scene, alleged." (in Humor > Parody) |
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| December 9, 2005 |
Routemasters: Last Stop!
Sadly,  it's time to say goodbye to an iconic symbol of London. The last Routemaster double-decker bus retires today from its long years of service to the city. The red buses, which allowed passengers and mischievious boys hop on/hop off privileges, may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. Through a selection of lovingly detailed photographs, this site celebrates the classic Routemaster. The drivers, the conductors, and the public who ride all appear in this tribute to the much-loved mode of transportation. Though the vehicle's retirement may be controversial (81% of Londoners wanted them to stay), sites like this will help keep our memories alive of the red Routemaster, that shining star of London tourist postcards and photos. (in Travel) |
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| December 8, 2005 |
Rice Bowl Journals
From  Afghans living in France to Vietnamese residing in California, Asians and Asian culture can be found in every corner of the globe. Since 2000, Rice Bowl Journals has cultivated this "online journal community" of Asians worldwide. The well-designed clearinghouse stocks hundreds of sites, and offers a range of ways to stumble upon new ones. The Top 100 list, an index of the most popular sites in the bowl, is a good appetizer. Follow it with our favorite entree, the Consider Yourself Quoted section, a randomly generated list of blog excerpts and member photos. If you're hungering for more, explore the listings by country of origin (most represented ethnic group? Filipinos), location (the U.S. dominates), or just the newest grains in the bowl. You'll encounter blogs from Iranians in Brazil and Hmong in Minnesota. And, no matter what your background is, you'll get a taste of the Asian experience. (in Cultures and Groups) |
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| December 7, 2005 |
Restroom Ratings
We  try to keep you up-to-date with pertinent information. The best hotels, not-to-be-missed tourist attractions, and great places to eat have all fallen under our spotlight. So it's about time we investigate the latrines. Face it, we all have to use them, and the folks at Restroom Ratings are on a quest to make that process just a little more ... pleasant. Fellow users (of both web and restroom, naturally) have compiled critiques of the public lavatories they've visited throughout the world. Some may be humble, like the Pizza Hut in Mauston, IL. Others have a more cultural ambiance, such as the revered Field Museum in Chicago, IL. Sometimes, even award winners get good write-ups. So why not take the plunge and flush out some reviews for them? Even if you're way off the beaten path, they're sure to appreciate the effort. (in Travel) |
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| December 6, 2005 |
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Kids With Cameras
Avijit  once wanted to be a doctor. Now, the 11-year-old Calcuttan plans to be a photographer. Take one look at the lush images he creates, and that goal seems well within his grasp. Spin the globe and say hello to Viergetane, a 14-year-old from Haiti. Like Avijit, Viergetane shoots astonishing pictures with equipment from Kids with Cameras, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching "the art of photography to marginalized children in communities around the world." This group, which gave rise to the Academy Award–winning documentary "Born Into Brothels," also hosts programs in Jerusalem and Cairo. In each location, it teaches children the basics of photographic techniques, equips them with cameras and film, and supports them as they roam the sidewalks, capturing -- as perhaps no one else can -- the inside view of life in some the world's poorest places. (in Photography) |
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| December 5, 2005 |
Phylotaxis
This  site from Seed Magazine and artist Jonathan Harris visually explores "the space where science meets culture." (Jonathan Harris also designed our 10th Anniversary Netrospective, and we're unabashed fans.) Here's what happens on Phylotaxis: A program scours the Web for science news. It then transforms the articles into small, colorful beads that shimmer just slightly and form a circle. Move your cursor over the beads, and they enlarge and spread. Click, and a story emerges. A ball of bright blues and greens reveals an article on Martian water; a black, metallic ring leads to an examination of Iran's space program. The small disks, the colors, and the articles shift and update as new stories emerge online. Agitate the circles, load new ones, and select by date or theme. Or do what we did, which is browse and marvel. (in Science) |
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