James Porteous

NetNomad 80

EmailAlibi.com http://www.emailalibi.com

EmailAlibi.com offers a free service called delayed emails. Suppose you were supposed to meet John or Jane Doe for lunch but want to beg off because you simple can't bear to hear them sucking their roast beef through their yellow teeth (or something like that). This service will send the offensive ones three emails from you, sent on a delayed basis so that while you emails are being sent (making it look like you really were stuck at the office) you can actually go out and feast with your real friends.

ElvisFind http://www.elvisfind.com

Can't get enough of the late one? (We don't mean to imply he is dead; he's just prone to being late is all.) ElvisFind is a rather nifty search engine and site directory that deals with everything Elvis related. The site also features in-depth reviews of the sites and don't forget to drop by the "ElvisFind Score" page where you can vote for your most popular Elvis site.

Save John Stossel http://www.savejohnstossel.com

John Stossel is a reporter who, according to this site "has raised the dander of many with his unique ability to debunk conventional wisdom and expose special interests, politicians, and politically correct causes." In other words, he is known for bending the truth and manufacturing consent. Some people are called paranoid when they take offense to articles written about them. In Stossel's case the moments of quiet reflection are quite justified.

Language of the Land http://lcweb.loc.gov/exhibits/land

There are few countries in the world that can lay claim to as many regional styles of literature as those found in the United States. The Library of Congress has put together a site the explores the main authors from the various regions. Subtitled Journeys Into Literary America, each region contains a glimpse of the area along with a simple yet compelling photograph or drawing. Strangely enough it is worth it just for the photos alone.

Hair-Styles.org http://www.hair-styles.org

We learn here that "wanting a new hair style every few weeks is not fickle, it is merely evidence of being multidimensional." So there. They will also help you pick out the best hair style for your type, and impart various other truths along the way on topics such as will hair only grow so long before it comes to a dead stop and summer hair care tips.

NetNomad 79

Unholly Roller http://www.carthedral.com/

It is called an "art car," which means that it is a vehicle "that's been permanently, artistically altered." And man has it been altered! The car is called Carthedral and it looks like it was created for a Mad Max movie. It is a hearse with incredibly detailed designs throughout, and also features a VW bug stuck on top. The car stands 12' 10" and is not only street legal, but is still under the legal height limit. And lest we forget, the car was build by a woman, Rebecca Caldwell. Well worth a visit.

Flame Warriors http://www.winternet.com/~mikelr/flame1.html

The warriors of today no longer train for battle. They simply sign on to the Internet and start typing. They can stir it up with the best of them, but what makes these Flame Warriors tick? Well, it turns out that, like most things in life, there are different types of Warriors. In fact there are almost 80 different sorts, including the Blowhard (who feels the need to present his credentials before entering the fray), the Loopy (the Loopy is a certifiable nut case), the Stone Deaf (he simply refuses to acknowledge any arguments he doesn't like) and of course the ALLCAPS.

ScoopMe: Video Tape Lending Library http://www.scoopme.com/tapes/

ScoopMe bills itself as the "world's only video tape lending system." Users list tapes they have available for lending, and allows other users to search the database and "borrow" any tapes that might be of interest. There are currently 463 active tapes in the library that includes TV shows, movies and more. The site does not actually house the tapes; it simply allows users to contact each other with tape offers or requests.

Awards Scoop http://www.awardsscoop.org/

Another scoop, this one having to do with Internet Awards. There are dozens of Web-related Internet awards handed out around the world and this site lists most of them. Various categories include print publication awards, online publications, organizations, and worldwide organizations. It is worth noting that not all the awards are commercial in nature and some of the best honor humanitarian sites. Links are provided to all sites, of course.

James http://www.jamestheband.com/

It is hard to believe that the latest "Pleased to Meet You" is the 11th CD for this British band. Harder still to believe is the Manchester group has gained so little recognition on this side of the Atlantic. It would be comforting to think that this latest epic will remedy that situation with its killer songs like "The Shining," "Senorita," "Alaskan Pipeline," "Space" and the title tune. The site brings fans new and old up to date with a complete history of the band, tour information and a few music clips. Check them out if you like original and intelligent music.

NetNomad 76

Jump The Shark Music www.rollingstone.com/games/jumptheshark

They call it "jumping the shark," that moment when an artist goes from being your favorite to become just another group. Did Metallica cross over to the land of no return when they went after Napster? And what was the deal with Destiny's Child lipsyncing at the NBA Finals? Pick a category and cast your vote. And be sure to check out the Jump the Shark Television as well.

EyeWitness to the 20th Century www.ibiscom.com/20frm.htm

It was just a few days ago that one of the last (if not the last) living survivor of the sinking of the Titanic died. This site features a first-hand account of the sinking from Elizabeth Shutes, then aged 40, who was governess to nineteen-year-old Margaret Graham who was traveling with her parents. Visitors will also find first-hand accounts of Spiro Agnew's bribery payment, the final days of Capt. Robert Scott's expedition in the Antarctic and much more.

FOUND Magazine www.foundmagazine.com

You may have heard of "found" art, pieces of art that are created using found objects. Well, here's a magazine that follows the same principle. Editor Davy Rothbart's idea was to have "people send me discovered notes, sketches, etc. plucked from the street, subway, bus stop, public library or dead letter office." The result is a wonderful collection of photos, notes and other objects, many of which can be found at this online version of the magazine.

Political Compass www.politicalcompass.org

In this time of a so-called global economy and renewed fighting in the streets, perhaps it is time to revisit our old notions of what it means to be "right" or "left" in the political spectrum. As they say here, "on the standard left-right scale, how do you distinguish leftists like Stalin and Gandhi?" The fine folks at One World Action have come up with a series of agree or disagree questions that will help you to determine where you stand in the new world.

Safemode.org www.safemode.org

At Safemode.org you can find out all the latest information about the most recently defaced Websites. Unlike many such sites, Safemode does not copy from other sites, only lists sites that they have seen with their own eyes and will only divulge that information that you actually see on the site. A mailing list is also available if you'd like to keep up on all the latest defacements. You might be amazed by how many sites are defaced each day.

NetNomad 74

The Wiretap Network

Now that The Sopranos are done for another season, you can find your weekly Mob fix at The Wiretap Network's Frank & Fritzy Show. The tapes are culled from FBI wiretaps of Federico "Fritzy" Giovanelli, a Genovese crime family soldier talking with his pal, namely Frank "Frankie California" Condo, a fellow Genovese soldier. They spend their time talking about life, sex, work, girlfriends, vitamins, movies, enlarged hearts, cholesterol counts and marital strife. The tapes are available online via RealPlayer and a transcript is also available. You may need it.

AI

Web promotion for upcoming movies has taken a decidedly odd turn with Steven Spielberg's A.I. As we learn here, over 30 Web sites, all apparently interconnected, have sprung to life. We say "apparently" because neither Spielberg nor anyone else is commenting on the matter, but the home base is a seemingly innocuous, and fake, home page for the Chan family and the death of one Evan Chan, all set in the year 2142. Other sites can also be found, but not very easily. A series of chat groups have also been set up to help make sense of the future.

State of Emergency

As part of the Rockstargames.com site, State of Emergency is an "urban riot game" in which players use "pipes, bricks and benches, even dismembered body parts'' to vent their anger against the corporate world. Players attack riot cops and generally loot storefronts in opposition to the "American Trade Organization." A spokesman for Seattle's Mayor's office has said such games send "a bad message to children and distorts the message of peaceful protesters." Does he really consider Seattle to have been a peaceful protest? To play the game, use the "Game" link at the top of the page.

System Conditions

The system in question relates to the rotating blackouts in California. This graph, which refreshes every minute, displays the forecast and actual electricity requirements for the state. An accompanying written notice indicates any extenuating circumstances that might lead to increased loads (such as high temperatures in the region) and is updated on a daily basis. It doesn't look like much, but the fact that the data are recorded in real time is quite amazing.

Lost Highway Records

Lost Highway Records was named after a Hank Williams song and was created as a home for artists who might have a hard time finding commercial success in Nashville. And what a group it is. The latest releases include Lucinda Williams' wonderful Essence, Whiskeytown's Pneumonia (recorded three years ago and lost in the merging shuffle until it found a home at Lost Highway) and O Brother Where Art Thou? the breakthrough release that has sold an amazing one million copies. Looking ahead, watch for a forthcoming Ryan Adams solo effort, Down from the Mountain, featuring the O Brother performers and the latest from Robert Earl Keen.

NetNomad 73

White Lesbian Name Generator www.lustydevil.com/lesboname.html

What's in a name? Plenty, according to the White Lesbian Name Generator. This site invites those who have come out to cast aside the name of the oppressor and "take a name that will help Lesbian Nation find you and welcome you to the Sistserhood." So Alice might now be known as Indigo ShortFruit, Jane could be Powerful FireThunder, Gail known as Flow NightNation and Trish becomes Polyester StormyCakes. Mind you, James becomes Squash WickyMountain...

Face on Mars science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast24may_1.htm?list540155

You may recall some years ago a photo on the surface of Mars revealed what appeared to be a face, indicating that someone had created this work of art. We knew in our hearts that the Face on Mars would turn out to be a mound of dirt just like any other mound of dirt, whether on earth or on Mars. Now new high-resolution images from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft reveal the Face on Mars for what it really is: a mesa. Oh well. It was fun while it lasted...

I Love Zombies Page www.zombiejuice.com/zombies.htm

Zombie Lovers of the World Unite at the I Love Zombies page. We weren't sure what a zombie actually was until we visited this site where we learn that are toxic zombies, demon zombies, diseased zombies and a drink. Once you've picked your favorite, you read up on the latest zombie movies, zombie games and more.

Guardian Unlimited Top Ten Books books.guardian.co.uk/top10s

Here's a Top 10 book list with a big difference. The Guardian newspaper in the UK has asked a variety of people to list their favorite books on various genres. So we find novelist Jeffrey Archer's telling us his political books, Rob Grant, co-creator of Red Dwarf, lists his favorite comic SF novels and all-round rich guy Mohamed al Fayed tells us his favorite novels. You'll also find the best travel, business, music, rock and pop books. Elsewhere on this site you'll also find first chapters from some of the latest novels.

Los Super Seven www.legacyrecordings.com/lossuperseven/

Formed in 1998, Los Super Seven's first CD won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican/American Musical Performance. Four of the original Super Seven's are back, including David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos for a CD entitled "Canto." This time out the group has expanded its sphere of influence to include the music of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Peru and Brazil. The end result is a wonderful mix of traditional and new songs that add an entirely new dimension to Latin music.

NetNomad 72

Jargon File Resources www.tuxedo.org/~esr/jargon

Hackers are known for many things, one of which is their penchant for slang. You can't be in the hacker group if you don't have the slang down pat, and The Jargon file is "a comprehensive compendium of hacker slang illuminating many aspects of hackish tradition, folklore, and humor." We learn here that hackers "speech generally features extremely precise diction, careful word choice, a relatively large working vocabulary, and relatively little use of contractions or street slang."

Typing Speed Test 1.1 www.designsthatsell.com/typingtest.htm

Here it is, 2001 and there's still no sign of half-decent voice-activated typing. No, we're still typing, some better than others. If you want to find out exactly how many words you type per minute, you can use the Typing Speed Test to type out the text for 60 seconds. At the end of the prescribed time the test will end and simply click on the Results button to find out your "score."

The Demined Trust www.demineduk.uklinux.net

The Deminded Trust was set up in order to help provide low-cost landmine clearance machinery for Third World countries. The Red Cross believes that as many as 2000 people are killed or seriously injured by landmines every month. The site includes a complete history of the charitable organization, along with various activities and other useful links.

iLOR Search Engine www.ilor.com

Here's a brand new search engine on the block and it is called iLOR, which takes its name from "Internet lore." iLOR is not just a "search engine" but a "Research Engine." The search result page is almost identical to Googles, but if you "mouse" the result you will be provided with a number of options. You can add the page to your list that keeps track of your searches; you can "anchor" the search so you can open window containing a link to the search results page; or you can open the search result in the taskbar or on a separate page.

GlobalVillageIdiot www.globalvillageidiot.net

It is nothing but bare-bones text, but this magazine of world music is definitely worth a visit. There are tons of timely CD reviews, mostly of the world variety, but thankfully their criteria for "world" is very broad and includes everything from Kirsty MacColl, The Rising Sons, Los Lobos and more. There's also interviews, book reviews and charts from around the world.

NetNomad 71

Famous Name Changes www.famousnamechanges.com

They start out life just like the rest of us, often with ordinary names and ordinary lives. Somewhere along the way they decide, or are convinced, that a new name will give them a new lease on their professional career. So Reginald Dwight became Elton John, Demetria Guynes became Demi Moore and Anna Mae Bullock was reborn as Tina Turner. And you'll find plenty more in various fields, including religion, sports and more.

My Global Adventure www.myglobaladventure.com

Anastasia (Asia) Nelson recently won a competition to become the "host" of My Global Adventure, a trek that will see her visit 24 countries in eight months. The entire adventure will be Webcast on the Internet and will eventually wind up on TV as well. The catch is that Internet viewers will be able to help her choose from various adventures along the way. In the first week, viewers can vote for Asia to paraglide, rock climb or have a mud bath in the Czech Republic.

Use of U.S. Forces Abroad www.history.navy.mil/wars/foabroad.htm

The information here was created by Ellen C. Collier, Specialist in U.S. Foreign Policy, and is subtitled Instances of Use of United States Forces Abroad, 1798 - 1993. The tone is boastful as it works its way through the "234 instances in which the United States has used its armed forces abroad in situations of conflict or potential conflict or for other than normal peacetime purposes." But 234 instances are a lot of instances even if some of them were justified. Interesting reading indeed.

Apocalypse Then, and Now www.nytimes.com/2001/05/13/arts/13THOM.html

It was a movie that became what it had portrayed, a sprawling, overextended money-pit that some feared would never end. The war in Vietnam did finally end, and Francis Ford Coppola's movie Apocalypse Now was delivered to audiences worldwide to mass acclaim, but Mr. Coppola was not content, regretting that he had had to make too many concessions just to get the movie out. Now he has been given a chance to take another kick at the can and a new version of the film, replete with over 50 minutes of additional footage, has become the talk of the Cannes Film Festival. "Apocalypse Now Redux" will hit theaters in August but in the meantime read this wonderful overview from The New York Times.

John Hartford www.johnhartford.com

Sad news is making its way across the Internet in regards to the health of one of America's true innovators, John Hartford. Known at the beginning of his career as the composer of "Gentle on My Mind," Hartford went on to become a pioneer of "new" bluegrass and country on albums like "Aero-Plain" and "Morning Bugle," combining the traditional with modern in a way that has never been duplicated. In later years he became a licensed riverboat captain and an inspiration to new artists like Mark O'Connor. He will be missed but his music will truly live on.

NetNomad 70

Baby Naming Service www.cool-baby-names.com/naming-service-order.htm

Sure we're all busy, but is anyone honestly too busy to name their own child? The folks at Cool Baby Names think so. Not only do they have a database of "cool" baby names, but fill in the form with the "type of names you'd like" (whether biblical, color, trendy, place names or ethnic) and Cool Baby names will send you five suitable names. For a fee. Yes, a fee. And a rather steep one at that.

Department of Perpetual Motion www.university-of-slough.org.uk

You've heard of cold fusion? Well, the Department of Perpetual Motion at the University of Slough is investigating the theory that dropping a cat "with a buttered back" from a small height (1 metre or less) could mimic the principles of perpetual motion, thereby providing the human race a rich, never ending pollution free source of energy! (Noting of course that "disposal of feline poo and wee will be a minor problem as long as normal health precautions are made.")

TedsTurnovers.com www.tedsturnovers.com

This page is huge and takes ages to load, but it is worth the wait. TedsTurnovers.com is "a community site dedicated to the memory and success of those who, following the AOL-Time Warner merger, went the way of the dodo." The site contains audio taken from CNN Center on the day layoffs were announced, a "revelation" that "TalkBack Live" host Bobbie Battista is, in fact, Robby Benson, a "quote" from actress Tiffani Amber Thiessen who thinks her one appearance on "News Radio" should qualify her for a job at the new CNN and all the latest about Andrea Thompson.

PrisonSucks.com www.prisonsucks.com

Despite its rather unfortunate, if honest title, this Website serves as a wonderful database of information on what it calls "the crime control industry." For example, as of 30 June 2000, there were 1,931,859 people in U.S. prisons and jails; in the same year, black male prisoner population comprised of 7,119 per 100,000, while in South Africa under apartheid (in 1993) the number of black prisoners of that country totaled 851 per 100,000.

Flaco Jimenez www.flacojimenez.com

"What B.B. King is to the blues, or George Jones is to traditional country, Grammy-winning accordionist Flaco Jimenez is to the world of Tex-Mex Conjunto." So says Ramiro Burr in "The Billboard Guide to Tejano and Mexican Music." Flaco (the nickname means skinny or thin) has had not only a remarkable solo career, but has played with Douglas Sahm, Bob Dylan and Ry Cooder and served as a member of The Texas Tornadoes and Los Super Seven. You'll find a bio here, along with a listing of his five Grammy awards and an online store featuring T-shirts, a fan club and autographed photos.

NetNomad 69

Error 403.141592 www.mcsquared.com/error1.htm

Error messages on the Web are a dime a dozen, but here's an error message that's actually funny. In fact it is a series of error messages, one leading to the next, all fabricated and very entertaining. Although it is clear early on, moving from one to the next, that you're being set up, you trudge on. And the promise to send you somewhere significant notwithstanding, you have that sinking feeling that you will eventually end up right back where you started, but that's okay. Why not just sit back and enjoy the journey.

Dennis Tito, Space Tourist www.space.com/missionlaunches/missions/tito_story_archive-1.html

They cannot call him an astronaut, because of course he is not one. He is a US businessman who, like many ordinary people, has had a lifelong desire to fly in space. But Tito, unlike most of us, had the money to realize his dream, paying the Russians some $12 to $20 million for the ticket to ride into space. Tito's job, according to a review at Space.com, is to stay out of the way and enjoy the view.

NoLogo www.nologo.org

So how do you market a book about corporate culture without becoming a part of the corporate mindset? And what of a related Website? Should it be used to increase sales of the book, or should it be used to further "the cause," in this case those citizens who live on the outskirts of the corporate elite? Author Naomi Klein has taken the high road, creating a site that will not only speak out on behalf of those who have no voice in LogoLand, but will also give them a place to address issues that might not find an avenue elsewhere.

Carry On www.carryon.org

"A captain must understand his men so I'm going to use a psychological approach. I don't claim to be a Jung man..." "So long as your Jung at heart, Sir." Those lines are taken from the most unlikely of places. The Carry On movies were one of Britain's oddest exports, a series of films that believed that nothing in life was funnier than the double entree. Started in the 50s, they stuck to the pattern for many years, despite the changing times. The films seemed dated then, and seem only more so now. But in reflection there is also something quite refreshing in this refusal to change with the times. And besides, in the right hands, there really is nothing quite as funny as a double entree.

Jerry Garcia www.jerrygarcia.com

He may not have been the most misunderstood musician in America, but he was pretty high up on some lists. Garcia was the lead guitarist and songwriter for The Grateful Dead and while there is no hope of ever convincing anti-Dead fans that he was one of the finest musicians to emerge from America, fans of the master will certainly enjoy this, the official Garcia site. Highlights include a video clip (from an upcoming documentary entitled "'Grateful Dawg" ) of Garcia and Eric Thompson from the early bluegrass days, new and older CDs, interviews and limited edition art prints.

NetNomad 68

Nike iD www.shey.net/niked.html

When Jonah Peretti ran across a Nike site that allowed him to create personalized runners, he had one of those moments of pure inspiration: Why not "create" a pair of shoes emblazoned with the word "sweatshop." The folks at Nike were not amused. They refused Jonah's request, prompting him to write and ask for an explanation. One was proffered, of course, and in time many such letters had been accumulated. What else could Jonah do, then, but send copies of the missives to his friends. Who sent them to their friends who sent them ...

Beans Around the World www.geocities.com/beansaroundtheworld

Here's a modern-day take on the message in a bottle. The bottle this time is a can of beans that has traveled around the world. It began as a simple joke, with two mates passing the can back and forth but it soon evolved into a world wide game, with friends and strangers snapping pics of the beans in China, Washington and elsewhere. Everyone is welcome to join in; simply take a picture of the beloved beans with the historical site of interest in the background and send it on in.

Amazing Embarrassonic Human Karaoke Machine www.embarrassonic.com

The Amazing Embarrassonic Human Karaoke Machine calls themselves an "interactive rockstar fantasy experience" that allows would-be singers to actually front a three-piece rock band. Choose from over 350 songs (by AC/DC, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Elvis and others) and the human karaoke machine will do the rest. The band is touring California at the moment and there is a full list of songs online, as well as a mailing list so you can plan your gigs ahead of time.

Hubble: A View to the Edge of Space www.exploratorium.edu/origins/hubble

It is almost beyond comprehension in our day-to-day lives, but while we sit and moan and groan about the weather and the price of gas, the Hubble Space Telescope continues to chart the very fringes of space. The further it sees, the further back in time we can see, back to the origins of our world and the rest of the world. This site brings together all the latest news reports, pictures and special live events.

Guided By Voices www.gbv.com

GbV would seem to have many strikes against them. For starts the de facto leader of the band, Bob Pollard, was until 1994 an elementary school teacher. Add this to the fact that some 40 musicians have wandered through the Dayton, Ohio band and you might think it a recipe for disaster. GbV is in fact a killer rock band and their latest, Isolation Drills, will surely be tagged as one of the best CDs of the year. A bonus for eager fans: early pressings of the CD allow downloading of bootleg songs from the official GbV site, which also contains a full bio on past and present band members, an entertaining FAQ and information on Suitcase, a sort of best-of CD of 100 unreleased GbV songs.

NetNomad 67

Microsoft Clippy www.officeclippy.com/indexno.html

Microsoft has announced that it is finally going to fire Clippy, that annoying paper clip that pops up announced when you are trying to compose a letter using some of Microsoft's products. In honor of the much-deserved pink-slip, Microsoft has set up a Clippy website that features a mock layoff notice and resume. Visitors can vote on the Clip's fate (we can think of a few suggestions off the top of our head) play Clippy game and watch a Clippy movie. The site is part of a $30 million marketing and advertising campaign for a new product to be launched this summer.

RefTools www.reftools.com

Reftools.com was created in order to gather all of the most valuable interactive forms and calculators in one place. There are literally dozens of calculators, such as one for photography (calculate field of view), an ovulation calculator, as well as dictionaries and other reference tools. All work and no play is not a good thing, so the site also includes links to some very funny "song creators." Just type in the first line of your song and the computer will create a completely meaningless set of lyrics for Bob Dylan, Elvis, and The Grateful Dead, using actual lyrics from their songs.

Big Brother www.cbs.com/primetime/bigbrother

The CBS reality show Big Brother is looking for houseguests for its summertime return. Are your outgoing, competitive, and funny? Are you willing to live for "100 days between June and October 2001 with 11 strangers where you will have little or no privacy." To say nothing of having your every move shown to the world via TV and the Internet? If so, you can fill out the application before April 20th and hope for the best. The winner of this round will receive the grand-prize of $500,000.

Stop the FTAA www.stopftaa.org

Beginning on the weekend of 20 April 2001, 34 world leaders will converge in Quebec City to discuss Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), an agreement that has been called "an international business deal, disguised as a proposed treaty, that would create the world's largest free market zoneaffecting 650 million people and $9 trillion in capital." Tens of thousands of people from across North America will also be in Quebec City for the event, and given that the Canadian government has already constructed a so-called Wall of Shame to keep the leaders and protestors apart, it will likely be an emotional weekend.

Bob Schneider www.bobschneidermusic.com

His self-produced and -distributed CD sold over 15,000 copies in his home town of Austin before the always-astute bigwigs caught wind of the sensation-in-the-making and picked up national distribution of "Lonelyland." The official site features every song (and read-along lyrics) from the eclectic and absurdly likable CD, ranging from pure pop of "Metal and Steel" to heartbreaking simplicity of "The World Exploded into Love" and the unabashed anger of "Tokyo." The site also features a complete bio on Schneider's many other groups.

NetNomad 66

The Bush Countdown Clock www.cadenhead.org/bushclock

If you've already had your fill of George there is finally relief in the form of The Bush Countdown Clock. Here in one handy applet are the number of days, hours, minutes and seconds until George W. leaves office. Users will also be happy to know that if they'd like to join the author "by wallowing in bitterness and rancor for the next four years" you can include this applet on your own Web site or add it to a Windows desktop. Not recommended for the weak at heart, however. There really are many days to go before we sleep.

Bus Stop Shelters in the Ukraine www.brama.com/travel/busstop.html

They might not have very much in the Ukraine, but they do have wonderful bus shelters. No, really. Many have fallen into disrepair in recent years (the government can no longer afford their upkeep) but they remain quite wonderful works of art, some made of tiles, others etched and some "frescoed. Pictures of the best are included here.

Diggit Image Search Engine www.diggit.com

Searching for images has always been a problem on the Web. Either you can't find what you want or the results are so far off the mark it takes you hours to find the one image you really need. The Diggit Image Search Engine is a newcomer that claims to have 5,799,148 images on file. And it could not be easier to use. Type in the subject in the simple search engine and you'll find hundreds of great images.

Manipulations home.earthlink.net/~vongauss

How can you go wrong with an art movement that claims to be based on the "old-time theory of absurdity." Once inside the site you'll find a white-washed page with little or no instruction, including a "purpose" page that leads one in a never-ending cycle. Which is not to say that Manipulations lacks a purpose. On the contrary, there are indeed words and pictures provided by a variety of artists, all of which are worth seeing.

Powderfinger www.powderfinger.com

Since forming in Brisbane, Australia in 1992 this band has been hanging around the fringes of stardom in North America, but they are enormously popular everywhere else. The situation in North America will change with the recent release of their fourth studio album, Odyssey Number Five, which includes the instant classic, "My Happiness." Their official site includes a bio that is actually worth reading, a news page that includes recent news, a detailed discography and more.

NetNomad 65

Nonsension www.nonsensicon.com

The Nonsensicon is an on-line dictionary/encyclopedia of words that don't exist or at the very least whose existence is in doubt. Some of the words are just plain nutty, but the majority of them could actually be real words. Amsomnia is listed as a noun denoting what happens when you can't sleep but don't know it, or when you couldn't sleep but don't remember it; if you are Fulf you would find yourself so full you feel like you can't eat another bite; and Stanky is (of course!) the past-tense of stinky.

Break the Chain www.breakthechain.org

If you've had enough of junk email you'll find some valuable information on how to control the pesky emails that ask us to not only deal with some problem or other, but forward the email to everyone we know. Part of the problem is learning how to actually identify chains, and there is a special section on that subject here. There is also a list of current chain letters, including the 800 Area Code Scam, Amy Bruce's Wish, Harry Potter Promotes Satanism? and many more.

Nightmare Project www.nightmareproject.com

The authors of the Nightmare Project are busy compiling details on dreams submitted by readers. Why? They believe the nightmare, the "bad dream," is the distant scream of the deepest, most hidden recesses of the human psyche. And besides, they add, there is another, less academic reason for focusing on nightmares: they are creepy! If you enjoy the creepy side of sleep, you'll find plenty of tales to keep you up at night!

Root-Beer.org www.root-beer.org

We tend to take the drink for granted these days (if we think about it at all) but we learn here that there are over 500 brands of root beers! There are just as many Websites dealing with the drink, in fact, and many of them are listed here. You'll find links to the Yellow Froth pages, The Sassafras Journal, recipes from The Root-Beer Gourmet and much more.

I Hate Crazy Cabbie www.getlaidusa.com/cabbie

Crazy Cabbie (who's real name is Lee Mroszak) is listed here as being "a demented, crack-addicted loser who is a regular guest on our favorite radio program, the Howard Stern Show." Cabbie works at the same station as Stern who, "to everyone's dismay, befriended Cabbie because he found his story compelling." Poor Cabbie. If you feel, as the author does, that Cabbie "truly epitomizes the worst of the human spirit" you too can make your feelings known here.

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Allmylifeforsale www.allmylifeforsale.com/html/project/info1.html

Our highly commercial world demands that what we are in the end will not measured by what we have accomplished, but by what commercial items we have amassed. For whatever reason, John D. Freyer has decided to put all of his worldly possessions up for sale. Everything he owns is or will soon be available for purchase via Ebay so, as John says, if you've ever given him anything, here is your chance to get it back!

Men Who Look Like Kenny Rogers www.menwholooklikekennyrogers.com

The Men Who Look Like Kenny Rogers site came into being when the author began to notice just how many men of a certain age look like singer/actor Kenny Rogers. It has something to do with the hair and the beard, of course, along with the suspicion that some of the men were actually trying to look like Rogers. And we have to admit, having looked at the gallery of photos, that most of these guys really do look like the Gambler.

Telephone Art www.telephoneart.com

This site started as a personal project but has grown to nearly 4000 files and images of* telephones. You've got black and white images, celebrities using phones, cartoons, clip art, cell phones, pay phones* In short, just about anything having to do with a phone. The question as to why anyone would amass such a huge collection is of course open to speculation.

Webwasher www.webwasher.com

If you have had your fill of Web pages plastered with ads, you might want to download the software called WebWasher. This free software "prevents unwanted data objects on Web pages from being loaded." In other words, it filters advertising banners, pop-up windows, animations and more. It is said to be currently used by over 3 million users worldwide and it really does work. Just download the software, restart Netscape or IE and learn the love the fresh white pages of ad-free Websites!

Global Warming: Early Warning Signs www.climatehotmap.org

After a few decades of officials worldwide denying the very existence of global warming, new studies have confirmed what most of us have always known. Using a clickable map, we see that the warning signs are indeed at hand. There are the heat waves, rising sea level and melting glaciers, as well as the events of the future, including spreading disease, early spring arrival, coral reef bleaching and much more.

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Disturbing Search Requests searchrequests.weblogs.com

Somewhere out there, right at this very moment, someone is performing a search on the Internet. They might be searching for a cheap hotel in Berlin, or cheat notes for "Romeo or Juliet." Or, as we learn at the Disturbing Search Requests site, they might be looking for pictures of "copulating couples," or "strip dare story ping," " Evil Yogurt," "full moon surf naked" or "grim reaper photo." All actual searches, placed for the most part on sites that could hardly be expected to carry any of the above. The searches are culled for log files from various sites and is updated daily!

U.S. Surname Distribution www.hamrick.com/names

Simply type in a surname and a map will be produced showing you the greatest concentration of that name throughout the US. A common name like Smith will of course result in a largely red map, indicating that 1 in 100 people (or more) in that state have the surname, while a less common one (such as this author's) produces no result according to the 1990 Census, and a paltry 1 in 300 for the 1920 survey. Who knows what happened to those poor souls in the meantime.

Beyond Face Value www.cwc.lsu.edu/BeyondFaceValue

It has recently come to the attention of many scholars that many of the monetary notes circulated in the South during Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction Eras actually featured images depicting slavery. As we learn here, "just as railroad locomotives and factories provided the themes for many illustrations on Northern bank notes, slaves often provided inspiration for those in the South. Artists depicted slaves as happy, healthy workers, and portrayed overseers and owners as benevolent." There are many examples of the images here, of course, along with very concise and interesting overviews on the era in general.

Made in Tokyo www.bkesuma.f2s.com

We could not find a word of introduction on this site, as though the authors expected that the photographs should speak for themselves, leaving us to do pretty-much the same. There are five series of photographs here, each depicting various aspects of life in Tokyo, a city that looks so Japanese in some ways, and so "American" in others. Well-worth a visit.

Songs of the Century www.riaa.com/PR_story.cfm?id=385

We don't generally put too much stock in "best of" lists, especially those that purport to cover the history of music, but the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has pretty much hit the mark with their "Songs of the Century" list. They call it " a nationwide education initiative intended to promote a better understanding of America's musical and cultural heritage in our schools" but it is actually much more interesting than that (it would almost have to be.) What surprised us, as long-time music fanatics, was the scope of the songs included on the list. You'll find The Carter Family's "Can the Circle Be Unbroken," Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin," "Wabash Cannonball" by Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky" and of course Jimmie Davis' "You Are My Sunshine."

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eXtreme Elvis www.extremeelvis.com

What is this, an Elvis on a skateboard? Nope. This is an Elvis impersonator who resembles what the King might have looked like in his last years. Bloated and angry and still out playing for whoever might want to listen. And in this case those willing to listen are few and far between, largely because eXtreme Elvis is not only so large, but somewhat temperamental. Listen to the sound files to hear eXtreme (who is not a bad singer, really) bad-mouthing everyone from his backup band to members of the audience.

Great Mobile Homes of Missouri www.missouritrailertrash.com

Okay now, don't get your coat tails all in a knot. This site is just a comical but hardly mean-spirited look at the best of the worst trailer homes in Missouri and elsewhere. Plenty of photos are included, of course, with some telling observations as to what makes each so unique. Such as why, the author wonders aloud "is it they always have junkers in the yard that haven't run since Carter was president, and the cars they do have don't have any exhaust." Bear in mind that the author lives in a trailer as well.

Folk Art in Bottles http://sdjones.net/FolkArt

We've heard of ships in bottles, of course, but art in bottles? They are called "whimsy bottles," or "puzzle bottles" and consists of art scenes assembled inside bottles. The ones featured here include everything from crosses and crucifixions, photographs, buildings, saloon scenes and interlocking puzzles. There's plenty examples of these as well as a host of links.

Mojo4Music http://www.mojo4music.com

Given the extraordinary amount of good music coming out the UK, it is no wonder that some of the best music magazines also come from those countries. Britain's Mojo is one of the best of the lot and they have finally come to the Web. On the day we visited the site featured news on the next Radiohead album (due in June), an article asking if Smartie* sorry, Eminem is the latest a long line of "troubled icons," a handful of first-rate reviews (both old and new) and much more.

KEEN-TV http://www.keentv.com

Are you tired of watching TV all by your lonesome? Drop into the action at KEEN-TV's interactive site. KEEN-TV, located just outside of Las Vegas, offers the usual fare of repeats and more repeats. The station is not carried on any cable system, and averages only 35,000 viewers per day. But the interactive Website brings in about 8,000 online viewers per month from all over the world. The reason? The site features a very neat (dare we say keen) chat-box at the right of the TV image, thereby allowing viewers to chat with other viewers while they watch the program. A wonderful idea and great fun.

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Computer-Generated Sketch passthison.com/sketch

You've probably seen shows on TLC where the police use sophisticated recognition software in order to fine and apprehend criminals. Using a mix-and-match assortment of various noses, eyes, lips and chin types, police can create a remarkably accurate rending of criminals large and small. The wonders of that science have finally hit the Internet with the introduction of Computer-Generated Sketch. Here you can input basic characteristics to create a picture that, they claim, will look almost exactly like the subject. Try it for yourself.

Dumped Online www.dumped-online.com

If you have ever been dumped, have dumped or want to dump someone, you'll find plenty of friends and information at Dumped Online. This is the place for dumpsters of the world to unite in the pursuit of one all-too-common goal: dumping a loved or formerly loved-one. Our favorite was the Top 10 Excuses for him or her to dump him or her. Such as "It's not you, darling. It's me. I can't stand the sight of you." Add your own favs to the online forum. Then you can take the "Is it Time to Dump your Partner Quiz."

Titanic Convention 2002 www.titanic2002.org

On 2nd April 1912, the most magnificent ship afloat, the biggest man-made moving object in the world at that time, left Belfast for the first and last time. The city is now preparing to remember one of the world's most famous ships with a convention that will include a world class exhibition hosted by The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum which will feature rare photographs of the Ship. "While the rest of the world can only commemorate the disaster on 15th April " they say here, " the citizens of Belfast can celebrate 2nd April, a triumph of shipbuilding. What happened was a disaster -She was not."

Spontaneous Human Combustion www.crystalinks.com/shc.html

Spontaneous Human Combustion is one of those odd things you can't really believe in, or ignore. Given that it means that a human body can inexplicably burst into flames, one rather hopes that it is not true, but of course you never know. You'll find an interesting history of the phenomenon here, including speculation that "the first reliable historic evidence of Spontaneous Human Combustion appears to be from the year 1673." And in 1744, Grace Pett, 60, an alcoholic residing in Ipswich England, was found on the floor by her daughter like "a log of wood consumed by a fire, without apparent flame." Nearby clothing was undamaged.

Six-String.com www.six-string.com

You don't have to be a guitar player to enjoy this site, but if you are you'll think you've pretty much died and gone straight to guitar heaven. It is clear from the get-go that the folks of Six-String.com know their stuff. On the day we visited the site included a report on the death of guitarist John Fahey, an exclusive interview with Billy Talbot of Crazy Horse, a feature article entitled Guitar Grrrls Queens of Noise and all the latest news, hot off the wires.

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RedHeads UK redheads-uk.freeservers.com

They are victims of something called "redism." No, it has nothing to do with Marx or Mao. Or even McCarthy, for that matter. Redism is the end result of people who think that redheads have a short fuse, an unpredictable temperament or "the last one to be picked for any team." And there are the taunts of "gingernut", "ginger" and "carrot-top" and others. This group was formed in order to combat these and other redisms. You've been warned.

Prematuree www.prematuree.com

There was a time, not so very long ago, when if you had a personal problem you were pretty much on your own. Oh sure, you could ask your parents or visit the local doctor, but a visit to one inevitably lead to a call from the other. Prematuree is a safe and very convenient way to find out what makes the body and mind work. You can ask a question yourself or search the archive.

Darenet home.earthlink.net/~dare2b/index.html?17,3

Darenet is home to Michael Dare, writer, reviewer and all-round grand guy from what we can tell. His site is packed to overflowing with the sort of oddities that can eat up an hour or two in a blink of an eye. Among our favorites, The Ultimate List of Stupid Names, the Assassination picture that Oliver Stone REALLY doesn't want you to see, an inside look at Peter Seller's "Being There" and George W. Bush's Baby Picture. Well-worth a visit.

Rodney Crowell www.rodneycrowell.com

He is a rarity among singer/songwriters or among artists in general, an intelligent, well-spoken craft-smith who writes songs the way some writers write books. Want to know more about the man? His Bio page tells us when and where he was born. End of story. Make up the rest yourself. But there's also some interviews, sound clips and photos of Rodney as a young man.

American Indians and the Digital Divide www.ncai.org/indianissues/DigitalDivide/ddhomepg2.htm

While many Americans are setting out to get connected to the Internet, many Natives are still "to be connected to a basic telephone network." Hard to take part in the Internet revolution if you don't have a telephone. Most tribes face a dual problem; not only catching up to the rest of Digital America, but doing so while retaining their historic roots. How can they catch up? This site explores some of the options.

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Bozo Criminal of the Day www.electricferret.com/bozo

Each day Dave Moreland reports on the Bozo criminal of the day and they are simply terrific tales of blissfully inept criminals. You'll find a would-be robber who, lacking a gun, uses a toilet plunger hidden under his coat; of course it looked like he had a toilet plunger under his coat. Or how about the Bozo from Brazil who robbed a busload of passengers of $800, only to just off the bus into the helpful hands of some 140 police officers.

This is News? www.thisisnews.homestead.com

Have you ever woken up of the morning only to discover that you had entered a new century? That's exactly what happened to Bill Williams, an accountant with H&R Bloc in Lawrence, KS. Bill woke up and said to himself: 'Whoa! I'm in the 21st Century." It was no wonder Bill was confused, of course, because we don't have flying cars. But Bill is not taking the new century lying down; from now on Bill is going to start calling his car a spacecar! Read this and many other very funny non-news stories at This is News?

Whassup? Language Program www.budweiser.com/whassup/languages

We really do hate to give any more free press for this lame commercial than it has already received but this site is just too funny to pass up. You can view the Wassup commercial here, but the real charm is the site's ability to teach you how to say Wassup in a variety of languages. Yes, you can hear it said in Spanish, German, Hungarian, Russian, Polish, Chinese, Maori, Peruvian, Inuit and even Scottish. If you find one you can't live without you can even download it to your computer.

Tin Can Man members.aol.com/tincanman99

When we say that the artist David Wasserman made metal art using pop cans you probably imagine something akin to Elvis on black velvet. Oddly enough, Wasserman's work is as lifelike as any painting might be. Wasserman, who died in 1999, used colored pop cans as his pigment. So when he needed an orange for the tiger in his "Circus Poster," he cut out many dozens of cans of Pathmark Orange Soda, vowing in the end never to drink that pop again for obvious reasons.

Sam Shepard xroads.virginia.edu/~MA95/blackbrn/toc.html

He is a playwright, an author of essays, has written a song with Bob Dylan and appeared in a dozen movies. Not your normal resume for an artsy playwright. But Shepard is far from "normal." There is nothing flashy at this site but the essays provide a fascinating look at the man and the writer, including reviews of his most recent works, his work with singer Patti Smith and his involvement with Dylan's Rolling Thunder Review.

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The Payphone Project www.payphone-project.com

Do you have a hankering to call The Vatican? Or feel like chatting up a tourist (probably an American!) at the Eiffel Tower? Or if you still find yourself pining for the Mojave Phone Booth, how about calling a payphone out in the middle of Kansas. All this and more can be yours with the wonderful Payphone Project. You'll find payphone numbers from all around the world, including the UK, Japan and 38,000 numbers from New York City alone!

Cough It Up coughitup.homestead.com/Cough_it_up_index.html

Okay, so this is a page about coughing. Not just coughing, mind you, but coughing as a fetish. A sexual fetish. Now of course we have no way of knowing if this site is on the up-and-up, but they do swear that there really is such a thing as a coughing fetish. These are people who find it is sexy to watch -and hear- other people coughing. If that sounds idiotic to you, you're not alone, but the author does insist that a fetish is just a fetish. Mind you, if coughing does float your boat, you'll find plenty of sound and image files here.

The Bilderberg Papers www.schnews.org.uk/bilderberg

If you believe the press, some of us are about to find ourselves heading into yet another recession, after a few short years of so-called good times. Is there really a group of self-proclaimed "elite" who control the New World Economy? The press says no, saying it is the free market system that is responsible for our financial woes, but others point an accusing finger at a secretive group that acts under the name of Bilderberg. This is the group the London Times referred to "...a clique of the richest, economically and politically most powerful and influential men in the Western world, who meet secretly to plan events that later appear just to happen."

Copernic.com www.copernic.com

All-in-one or megasearch engines are a dime a dozen, but here's one that actually works. Copernic is a small software package that downloads onto the hard drive of your computer. From there you can not only search the Internet, but you can keep the results from your searches for as long as you want. And of course it also searches dozens of search engines at the same time, providing dozens of results in just a few seconds.

Coldplay www.coldplay.com

They are not quite an overnight sensation, but pretty close. Formed in 1998, British rock band Coldplay are another in the long line of intelligent bands from the UK. Some listeners have called them to a cross between Travis and Radiohead. Not a bad place to be at all. They released their first full-length CD in November in the US and are now embarking on a very successful tour. Their official site finds the latest tour and band news, discography, a tour journal and plenty of sound and other files in the Fan section.

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U8TV www.u8tv.com

IF you've not yet tired of the reality TV, U8TV offers a nice variation on the theme. Much like "Big Brother," U8TV's focus will be on a group of individuals living in a house, only this time it is a loft. It features two bedrooms and a shared kitchen and a couple dozen cameras. The houseguests, who have been paid a flat fee to have their every waking and sleeping moment recorded, are free to leave the loft, but cameras will accompany them everywhere they go. They will also be responsible for creating a series of programs, all of which will be available online.

Modern Humorist www.modernhumorist.com

The Modern Humorist is both modern and humorous. Quite a thing for a humor magazine. The current edition includes a biting satire documenting the real worth of Hillary's recent publishing contract ($8 million includes $25,000 worth of cute anecdotes involving Socks or Buddy as well as $50,000 for cute anecdotes involving Socks and Buddy) a resume from a now idle Phish fan and a first aid poster showing how to revive a sickly dot.com.

Fainting Goat Association www.faintinggoat.com

Yes, it sounds like an urban legend. Goats that, when they become overly excited, faint dead away. Or so it would seem. No one seems to know exactly what happens, but the goats in question do become stiff as boards and then hit the ground. The goats are known by a number of descriptive terms such Nervous or Tennessee Scare goats and they seem to have originated in the early 1800s in Tennessee. Find out more at this site.

KCRW www.kcrw.org

Based at Santa Monica College, KCRW is considered to be the flagship station of National Public Radio in Southern California. Not only are many of the station's programs syndicated nationally, but it is available 24 hours a day via the Internet. There are many highlights to its programming schedule, one of the best of which is Morning Becomes Eclectic. Talk about eclectic! The show is a remarkable mix of music and talk, featuring some of the best -and often least-known- performers in the world. You'll find a full listing, and a great archive, available at this site.

AllYourTV.com www.allyourtv.com

There is simply so much junk on TV that it is often easy to forget that there are a few nuggets buried in the rubble. But how do you find the good stuff? AllYourTV is a good place to start. The reviews are short and to the point, but do feature some shows you may not have seen. On the day we visited the site featured a glowing (and rightly so) review of WB's Gilmore Girls as well as takes on The Mole, Survivor II and a look back at the year 2000, with picks of the best, worst and more.

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PornDigger www.porndigger.com
The benefits from Napster technology just continue to multiply. Well, sort of. The latest is PornDigger, "the one and only Adult File Sharing Community with a built-in viewer and direct thumbnail display!" The name of the game is sharing. With the downloadable software, anyone can share their pixs without all the bother of setting up a Website. And as a special bonus, PornDigger also includes "a "911" feature which immediately flushes the program's cache and quits." Just in case the boss strolls by.

Ways to Be Happy www.omiswaystobehappy.com
Here's what you want. Here's what you need. A way to be happy. All the time. Not just some of the time. It's an art. A fine art. And it turns out that the secret to being happy is very easy indeed. Here we learn that you should, learn another language; avoid crowded places; learn to play at least one musical instrument and much more. See, you can do that.

Infernal Noise Brigade www.infernalnoise.org
What is a protest without a lot of noise. The masters of noise are the Infernal Noise Brigade. They are well-known for the havoc they create with their marching band, costumes, fire dancers and more. This site tells us nothing about the INB, but we do learn that they have crashed more than a few parties, including the World Trade Organization in Seattle, Burning Man, May Day in San Francisco and more.

Opera www.opera.com
There is a new version of the Opera browser available, and in case you haven't heard, "the fastest browser on earth" is now free. Granted, there is also a slot for advertising in this free version, but if you're willing to put up with that you can have a very nice alternative to the bulky Netscape and IE. You can download from this site, and in also includes an Opera discussion area and you can even sign up for an Opera email account.

Roadside Art Online www.interestingideas.com/roadside/artwest.htm
One of the great joys of driving across America is the roadside attractions. William Swislow has collected a few examples from Chicago where, we are told, there resides a vibrant art scene stretching along the city's longest street, Western Avenue. This spontaneous gallery features a number of fine works of art and includes car repair signs, architecture, hair salons and more.

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Postal Experiments www.improbable.com/airchives/paperair/volume6/v6i4/postal-6-4.html

Here is one of the funniest studies we've ever seen. The Annals of Improbable Research set out to do a study of the post office. The study entailed sending off various items through the postal service, sans wrapping. Stamps were affixed, to either the item or a card attached, and then the researchers sat back and waited to see if the items would arrive and, if so, how long it would take. Items sent included a rose, a hammer, a can of soup, a dollar bill sealed in a plastic envelope, a pair of expensive tennis shoes tied together with duct tape and many others. The experiment yielded a 64 percent delivery rate!

Pathology in the Hundred Acre Woods www.cma.ca/cmaj/vol-163/issue-12/1557.htm

There are those who pray that this is just a spoof, but the Canadian Medical Association has published a study of what it calls the "neurodevelopmental perspective on A.A. Milne." Indeed on the surface the world of Pooh "is an innocent world" but trouble lurks beneath the surface. Pooh has the dreaded Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is in need of intervention. Piglet suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Owl is "obviously bright, but dyslexic." On second thought, maybe it is a joke after all!

Flashbacknow.com www.flashbacknow.com

We've got a flashback for you, but not the kind you're thinking. Flashbacknow is an insanely simple idea. Just pick the year you were born (or any other year for that matter) and you'll be presented with a page of links to artists that were popular that year. We tried 1983 and were presented with links to The Simpsons, Married with Children, Trainspotting and more. The database runs from 1930 until 1995 but we've got a feeling that many of the years contain the same information. Still great fun, however.

O Brother, Where Art Thou www.directorsworld.com/article/mainv/0,7220,110196,00.html

The masterful Cohen Brothers are back again with a film entitled O Brother, Where Art Thou. The writing-producing-directing team of Ethan and Joel Coen, known for films "Barton Fink," "Fargo," "The Hudsucker Proxy" and "The Big Lebowski" never do take the easy road if the can find a more difficult path. As we learn at this DirectorsWorld site, the Coens wanted to film their latest without the color green, but unfortunately chose to set up production in Mississippi. In the middle of summer, no less. A time known for lushness. The solution: Easy. They used using "a digital intermediate process," also used in "Pleasantville," to eliminate the color. Keep an eye open for the movie soundtrack as well. It is wonderful.

FridaMovie.com www.fridamovie.com

Frida Kahlo was a painter and wife of renowned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. Although she never received any formal art training, her circle of friends and supporters are said to have included Picasso, Leon Trotsky and the Rockefeller family. This site is dedicated to a film being made about Kahlo and, given the detailed information found here, it is rather surprising to discover that the film in question is still in pre-production. Filming is not even slated to begin until March 2001. The earlier the better, we discover here, since Jennifer Lopez is rumored to be preparing to star in a film called "The Two Fridas."

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ClicheSite.com www.clichesite.com

If you ever find yourself in need of a cliché (we can't imagine why that would happen, come to think of it, but you never know) you'll find enough cliches at this site to sink a battleship. You'd have to be dumb as a post not to find what you want in this list, since it is as long as your arm and twice as deadly. Don�t put off tomorrow what you can do today, so head off to the ClicheSite before you go out in a blaze of glory. It will certainly leave you with something to chew on, especially if you happen to find yourself one taco short of a combination plate.

World's Best Bars www.worldsbestbars.com

It looks like this site has been created by a company that produces Irish whiskey, but if you can forget that fact for a moment you'll find a great overview of some of the best drinking spots around the world. And we do mean around the world. Amsterdam, Glasgow, Paris, Berlin and the US just to name a few. Each contains a brief review of the bar in question and the site also features a handy guide to making mixed drinks.

Refresh: The Art of the Screensaver www.artmuseum.net/Refresh/index.html

Screen savers have sort of fallen out of favor of late (after all, most computers don't really need them any more) but here is a site that treats the screen saver as an art form. The savers here began as an exhibition, fulfilling the need to "transform the outmoded utilitarian function of the screen saver into a digital form of public art." There are 22 artist-produced screen savers, all available for free downloading and many are available for both PC and Mac.

Human Rights Watch World Report 2001 www.hrw.org/wr2k1

There is a sense that, with the "bustling economy," human rights abuses should almost be a thing of the past. Sadly with the so-called global economy just picking up steam, abuses will not only continue but may well get much worse. It is a sad fact of life that most tormentors feel that without anyone watching over their shoulders, they can pretty much do whatever they want. But at least there is Human Rights Watch. This site does not claim to contain information on every abuse, nor does it discuss every issue of importance, but it is an extremely valuable document.

Jupiter Millennium Flyby www.jpl.nasa.gov/jupiterflyby

On December 30, 2000, the Cassini spacecraft will make a flyby of Jupiter on its way to Saturn. Oddly enough the Galileo spacecraft will also be on hand, as it has been exploring Jupiter since 1995. Needless to say it is rather unusual to have two "robotic spacecraft*actively observing a planet --other than Earth-- at the same time" and this site offers some fascinating facts on both spacecraft as well as a photo gallery, the latest news, events and a detailed FAQ.

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Ironic Times www.ironictimes.com

Ironic Times is set up like the front page of a newspaper, featuring simply headlines and a line or two of text. All the text is made up, of course, and it is very funny indeed. Our favorites include: HOLIDAY SHOPPING ABRUPTLY HALTED IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: No chance of finishing by Dec. 25th deadline, shoppers say. SAMMY SOSA TRADED TO ENGLAND: Cub slugger exchanged for two Cricket players to be named later. And our favorite: BUSH: "I WILL NEVER HAVE MANDATE:" Not interested in dating men, he says.

The Compost www.thecompost.com

Speaking of irony, how ironic is it that, in the face of dotcom failures, new sites continue to spring up that not only hope to document the demise of Websites, but hope to make money while doing so. Such is the world as we know it. The Compost, subtitled: The Death of Dot Com is the latest entry and features news, real and imagined, on sites that are on the verge of becoming virtually virtual. They keep track of the latest layoffs, financial news and more.

Today in Demented History www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/4656/indexdmh.htm

The artwork at this site looks like a dog's breakfast, but if you can roll up your window and plug your nose you'll find some very interesting tidbits. The title sums it up, although we've rarely if ever seen such an eclectic list of events listed at any one site. We checked out December 1st and discovered that it was: the first anniversary of the death of Don "Sugarcane" Harris, the birthday of Dick Shawn and Richard "Ricky" Keith (aka Little Ricky), the day in 1945 when Burl Ives made his concert debut and the day in 1950 when "Frosty The Snowman" by Gene Autry entered the Top 40 chart.

Virtual Boxon www.insenses.org/virtualboxon/index_ang.htm

Today we tend to take "erotica" for granted, but there was a time, not so very long ago at all, when pictures of nude humans were decidedly difficult to come by. This collection features photos taken from 1890 to 1900, and while we do not recommend a visit by those who might be shocked by such things, it is certainly worth a gander for anyone interested in marking the changes that have occurred within our society since then. The photos, while explicit, remain strangely asexual for some reason. Perhaps that is what they wanted way back when.

Rickie Lee Jones www.rickieleejones.com/musicstore.htm#aladdin

We've mentioned this site before, but thought it worth noting that RLJ has made some rather dramatic additions of late. For some time now she has been selling MP3 files of her own songs, most of which are available for under a dollar. Now she has added a live double-CD set recorded in September 2000 entitled "Live in Portland." Now this is the future of the Internet for musicians. Not only can she sell the CD exclusively through her Website within a couple months of being recorded, but she can sell a double-CD for just over the price of one and she retains all of the profits. For so-called "fringe" artists who cannot or do not want to find a home on the major labels, this must be a dream come true.

NetNomad 46

Abuzz nytimes.abuzz.com

You could say that the New York Times Abuzz site is all about people helping people. They call it is a "knowledge network that uses email and the Web to connect you to people, information and points of view that are relevant to you." Sounds hokey as all get out, but it is a great site where people actually can -- and do -- ask and answer questions posted by other readers. And it's also filled with discussions on films and music and a great section entitled Commentary, where readers can post their own reviews or commentaries.

Jesus Had Short Hair www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/5043/Shorthair.html

We must confess that we always thought this was the case. Sure it considered hip to portray Jesus with long hair, but we always wondered if he was simply imitating The Beatles. Of course we're just kidding. At any rate, the author of this religious diatribe has searched the Bible for proof that, contrary to the picture postcards you've seen, Jesus actually had short hair. Chapter and verse as it were. No mention of just how short his hair might have been. A brush-cut perhaps? It is certainly entertaining, although we're not quite sure why the author embarked on this mission to begin with!

Mooned.com www.mooned.com/

Sorry folks. Mooned.com has nothing to do with the Apollo space mission. Or even Gemini or Spacelab. It is of course the other moon. You know you are in trouble from the get go. "Click on my ass to enter" it says. Inside you'll find a lot of pictures of mostly public bums. There are a few "naughty" pictures, but most are simple pranks conceived by people who, for reasons unknown to us, wish to expose their butts in public.

Gustav Klimt www.iklimt.com

They say that from around 1900 until his death in 1918, artist Gustav Klimt "dominated the art scene in the capital of the empire of Austro-Hungary. Some of Klimt's paintings were called "pornography" and he was also accused of "excessive perversion" and although his paintings were tame by today's standards, his critics were certainly correct in attributing a sense of eroticism to his work; which is not to say that is a bad thing. It is simply that Klimt did not hide his love of womanhood. The site, with it's stately musical background and glowing colors, is an absolute wonder to behold, presenting dozens of Klimt's paintings, along with a detailed biography of the artist's life.

Dum Dums www.dumdums.com

As this three-man outfit started out life an esteemed UK music magazine noted that "the Dum Dum epidemic is spreading through Britain faster than the flu." Given the band's penchant for catchy guitar-driven pop tunes, we in North America should probably think about getting our flu shots. "It Goes Without Saying" features a host of infectious tunes that shine on "The Kind of Day I've Had" and the UK hit "Everything." The official site is a first class effort, featuring everything you need to know about the band. And you'll also need to know to click on the "D" in the right hand corner in order to bring up the menu!

NetNomad 45

Yahoo Buzz Index www.buzz.yahoo.com

Every day the folks at Yahoo collect data from Yahoo search log files to determine the most active pages in search terms. These data are then transferred into what they call a Buzz Index, a calculation of the total number of people searching for individual subjects. The results are updated every weekday, with a 24 hour lead time to process and verify the data. The end result is an interesting list of who's hot and who's not, in television, music, sports and movies.

International Power 100 www.hollywoodreporter.com/int100

Hollywood will always be king, but in recent years many of the movers and shakers have started to yield power from around the world. This Hollywood Reporter list of the top 100 most influential entertainment power brokers notes that the powerful are now part of an "interconnected corporate family tree with branches that often extend to other companies in other hemispheres." The International Power 100 is an attempt to capture that ever-evolving world as it exists right now with Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Canada, German, Russia and other places given their due.

Gadfly Magazine www.gadfly.org

The dictionary defines gadfly as someone who is irritating and bothersome and of course Gadfly Magazine is anything but. Subtitled Culture that Matters, here is a magazine that is truly above the fray both online and off. The samples online include Authors who Direct, Which Way the Wind Blows (What Happened to Protest Music) and a wonderful, fact-filled over view of Monty Python and the Great British Invasion that Almost Wasn't (the troupe was almost called Gwen Dibley's Flying Circus according to Terry Jones).

Van Morrison www.harbour.sfu.ca/~hayward/van/van.html

Van the Man. His is one of the most remarkable careers, from the kick-start of "Brown Eyed Girl" in 1967 (!) to this year's "You Win Again." Along the way Morrison has really and truly changed the face of popular music. Off-stage Morrison is known to be less than forthcoming but site author Michael Hayward has amassed a huge archive of material. The site includes lyrics for virtually ever song he's ever written, a Glossary of Terms and References ("an eclectic collection of definitions and explanations of some of the more obscure references in Van's songs, cross-referenced to the song lyrics themselves") a full discography and dozens of interview.

PJ Harvey www.pjharvey.net

British-born Polly Jean Harvey has been a cult-favorite since she formed her first bass, drums, guitar trio in 1991. Her fans are among the most loyal in the world, but there has always been a sense that, despite great critical acclaim, she might never achieve a wide-spread following. Now of course her latest "Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea" is being decried as being too commercial, but it is in fact a wonderful introduction to PJ. The site is also one of the best music sites we've seen, with superb graphics, a detailed bio, a full discography and more.

NetNomad 44

Dead or Alive? www.dead-or-alive.org

If you've ever tried to find out if a famous person is "dead or alive" you know how frustrating it can be. This site lists 4722 famous (and semi-famous) people from all walks of life -- entertainment, politics, sports, science, journalism and more-- so you can find out if they're, well, dead or alive. If you use the search engine you can search by name; we tried Bob Hope and were pleased to find a smiley face next to his name, indicating that he is still with us. Not so Jimmie Davis. We had never heard of him before his death last week but it turns out that he wrote the classic song "You are my Sunshine." (We're not being our usual sarcastic selves here; listen to the words of the song sometime. It is as simple and timeless as any song every written.) Davis was 101 when he died, we learn here, and by gosh now we're going to miss him!

How Stuff Works www.howstuffworks.com

Let's face it; most of the stuff we have in life we take for granted. From phones to computers, cars to toasters, we just assume they are going to be there when we need them. HowStuffWorks won't teach you how to fix something that isn't working, but it does provide a fascinating overview on how things actually do work. You'll find info on computers and Internet, engines and automotive, science and technology and even body and soul. And of special interest these days, you'll find a section on How the Electoral College Works, although it might take more than a well-meaning essay to sort out this one!

Rock's Backpages www.rocksbackpages.com

There have always been those poor lost souls (this writer included) who firmly believe that there are few things in life as exciting as the world of rock 'n' roll. U.K. music journalist Barney Hoskyns is so certain that this is true that he has set up a subscription site that will, he hopes, become home to "the disaffected 30- to 50-year-olds who don't connect with commercial pop but are unsure about alternatives." The site is free for now, and it is well-worth a look-see. There are said to over 1500 articles available, many from 30 years ago and most exclusive to the site. On making The Band's second album, for example, Levon Helm says: "We had actually figured out some methods of how to really turn the heat up and get the music to cook: how to blend our voices three different ways, how to get the track together and not make it so complicated."

Jeffrey Wigand www.jeffreywigand.com

Jeffrey Wigand served as the inspiration for the Al Pacino / Russell Crowe biopic "The Insider" and we were curious to find out about the man behind The Man who helped teach Big Tobacco the true meaning of the word whistleblower. We were half-expecting to find out that the press had gone to Wigand's head, but were decidedly pleased to discover that he has not only put his life back together, but is using his "insider" knowledge to educate young people on the dangers of tobacco. He talks to them -- and others -- on a regular basis. The site contains his itinerary as well as links to many of the documents associated with his fight with Big Tobacco.

North Mississippi Allstars www.nmallstars.com

You could say that music is in Luther and Cody Dickinson's genes. And in their jeans. Their father is producer and musician Jim Dickinson, who produced among others, Ry Cooder's classic "Boomer's Story." The Dickinson's younger have taken their own path, fashioning a highly spirited tribute to bluesmasters Fred McDowell, Walter "Furry" Lewis and others. Theirs is a mix of blues and rock with an eye on the future as only the young can master. Their official Website features a complete bio on the boys plus bass player Chris Chew, along with two tracks from their wonderful "Shake Hands with Shorty" CD.

NetNomad 43

Steven Wright Quotes www.jerseyguy.com/commons/steven_wright.htm

"My girlfriend does her nails with white-out. When she's asleep, I go over there and write misspelled words on them." " I filled out an application that said, "In Case Of Emergency Notify (blank)". I wrote the word "Doctor"...What's my MOTHER going to do?" "Why is it, 'A penny for your thoughts,' but, 'you have to put your two cents in?' Somebody's making a penny." "He asked me if I knew what time it was. I said, 'Yes, but not right now.'" "I saw a bank that said '24 Hour Banking', but I don't have that much time." And many, many more!

CD-Recordable FAQ www.fadden.com/cdrfaq

It seems there are almost as many questions about CDRs as there are players and disks. It is certainly no coincidence that the entire affair is rife with complications --if they designed a flawless player everyone would be free to copy damn near everything with ease-- but there are ways to lessen your level of frustration. The detailed list of Frequently Asked Questions tells you which software is best, which CDR to buy for Mac or PC, details on buffer over-runs and much more.

Technorealism www.technorealism.org

Technorealism is an attempt to assess the social and political implications of technologies so that we might all have more control over the shape of our future. There is probably nothing new in this study of technology and its effect on our lives, but then again we have never lived in a society so obsessed with not only the power of the almighty buck, but a way of life in which large segments of society seem to have embraced the notion that the workday never ends. This site features a wonderful overview on the subject of technorealism, a list of related readings and a pair of newsletters.

Russian Prison Tattoos www.word.com/place/russian_tattoos

We learn here that it is "not known when tattooing first became a common practice in Russian prisons and Stalinist Gulags" but that "1920s photographs of prisoners from that period suggest an already elaborate and highly developed subculture." The tattoos are not merely decoration, but serve to proclaim the prisoner's place in the world, both inside and outside of prison. Photos of some of the more than 20 million tattoos are sampled here. "In life, only count on yourself," says one. A picture of a single cat indicates that the criminal acted alone, while a spider or spider's web symbolizes drug addiction.

AC Acoustics www.acacoustics.co.uk

After hearing AC Acoustics for the first time it is impossible to imagine how it is that this group has escaped our attention for 10 years. Indeed the group formed in Glasgow in 1990 and while they have achieved a strong and loyal following, their popularity does not even begin to measure up to this band's potential. "Understanding Music," their third and latest CD, is 60 minutes of exceptional sonic rock and folk-inspired music produced with the conviction of musicians who know they have hit the mark dead on. This is one of those CDs that strikes the listener as being quite remarkable on the very first listen and then simply continues to grow more and more inviting. Learn about the history of the band at their Website, plus reviews, sound clips and a message board.

NetNomad 41

Surf Like a Hero www.cybercitizenship.org/

Okay, boys and girls. Time to put away the mouse for a moment and discuss that most nasty of subjects, Cyberethics. Never heard of such a thing? Shame on you. Obviously you're spending too much time lounging in the chat rooms. Surf Like a Hero is presented by a group called The Cyber Citizen Partnership, created in order to teach "kids" to be responsible cybercitizens, since, as we are all aware, "children armed with computers can be dangerous and cause serious damages and harm, regardless of whether they are trying to be mischievous or intentionally commit cybercrimes." The site includes the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics which can be used to help reinforce acceptable online behavior. Now you know.

Cheap Beer Server www.tinsel.org/beer/

The WWW is littered with sites that tell you everything you ever wanted to know about imported beers, but what about the homegrown variety? Author Thomas Insel (sounds like the name of a beer) has put together what he says might (just might) be the beginning of a coffee-table book devoted to "inexpensive American beers." "All beers available in refillable deposit bottles are automatically eligible" for inclusion (of course) so you'll find Busch, Miller, Coors, Pabst and Strohs. Each brand contains a brief overview of the various company brands, links to official sites and a great collection of tidbits (did you know for example that "for quite some time, Coors insisted that their unpasteurized product be kept continuously chilled, and would not ship past the Mississippi.")

In Focus: A Photojournalist's Journey Through Kidney Failure www.johnfmartin.net/

Here's one that will likely fall into the "not everyone's cup of tea" category. When photojournalist John Martin found out he was one of 3 million people nationwide suffering from kidney failure, he decided to document the journey, from the initial diagnosis, through dialysis, the transplant and finally recovery. "I tell stories through pictures as a living. This was an excellent opportunity to turn the camera around," John says. "I hope that through this site, I can demystify dialysis and the kidney transplant process for patients and their families." He does indeed.

Yeah Yeah Yeah Lyrics www.geocities.com/demski266/

Thou will be known both by the company you keep and the lyrics you collect. In which case we can say without a doubt that we know demski266 very well indeed. The author in question has collected a rather remarkable collection of lyrics from the 50s through to the naughts. Most have of been collected from other Web pages or scanned from music books, but what you notice right off is the scope of the lyrics (said to include 5000). The selection will impress even the most jaundiced of pop fans. It begins with sample songs from A Flock of Seagulls, Bobby Darin, Glen Campbell, Kate Bush and Tom Waits and plenty more. Sometimes the songs are listed by the artist who sang the song rather than by the author who wrote it, but otherwise a wonderful collection.

The Beautiful South www.beautifulsouth.co.uk/

Formed in the wake of the much-loved The Housemartins, the UK's The Beautiful South have released 23 singles culled from seven albums, three of which have scored a number one ranking in the UK. Their latest, "Painting it Red" will hit these shores soon and while it does differ from the UK version, it remains a remarkably intelligent collection of what has been called "part northern showband, part Stax soul revue." And besides, how many CDs invoke the names Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Keats and Yeats! The official site is a color-coded tribute to the CD, featuring the latest news, full discography, links to other TBS sites and a very funny biographical section, asking questions of each member such as Q: Favorite Sexual Position A: Sitting up in bed with a cup of tea.

NetNomad 40

Vintage Hawaiian Shirts (www.Vintagehawaiianshirt.net)

Hawaiian shirts. One of the most misunderstood garments, or the least attractive? Love them or hate them, there's no middle ground when it comes to Hawaiian shirts. "They're loud, bright and somehow expressive of a mood or a state of mind that contradicts modern civilities and conformity." The author of this site has been collecting Hawaiian shirts --quite literally collecting them-- since his high school days and you may think we are exaggerating when we say this, but his collection of shirts is actually breathtaking. There are wonderful photos of rayon and cotton/silk shirts as well as a short overview of the history of the shirts. Who would have thought*

The Online Dictionary of Playground Slang (www.odps.cyberscriber.com)

This site began as a collection of "slang" children used in school to describe their world but now includes other forms of slang, along with old games, words to odd songs, and much more. The best is the slang, of course. Most are British in origin, but it's still great fun. Some examples include air biscuit (breaking wind), horse bite (a hard pinch on bare thighs) tonsil hockey (a passionate form of french kissing) and rack off! ("Please go away you are annoying me.") Try using some of those in your local playground.

Alltrue.com (www.alltrue.com)

Alltrue.com is calling itself the "first Internet site that allows users to watch, collect, combine and send clips from what is expected to be the world's largest library of short reality-videos." Apparently there is already an "underground phenomenon" in which people trade short videos by email. The site features a search engine and editing tools that allow users to piece together various videos, which can then be viewed online or emailed to friends. Featured on the day we visited was a very funny video in which a man in the street was asked about his reaction to police handling of the Lindbergh kidnapping which (unknown to him!) actually took place 70 years ago.

Foil the Filters Contest (dfn.org/Alerts/contest.htm)

The Digital Freedom Network has announced the winners of its "Foil the Filters Contest," in which they asked readers to find examples of the folly of censorware, filters that can be used to block "inappropriate" information on the Internet. The grand prize winner is a high school student who found he was unable to access his own high school's library because the software blocked all questionable material, including the word "high!" Meanwhile, hillaryanne was unable to register an email account because of the "hidden word "aryan," and a post showing up which spelled "class" as "cl***"." Just the tip of the iceberg, folks.

Unitone Recordings (www.unitonerecordings.com)

Located in Encino, California, Unitone Recordings features only six artists on their roster, but the label is a perfect example of the power of niche marketing. Each CD includes quite stunning artwork and equally appealing booklets. And thankfully the music is just as compelling. Jeff Beal's "Alternate Route" includes an enthralling four-part "classical jazz" piece recorded with The Berkeley Symphony, while Luis Conte's "Cuban Dreams" perfectly captures the heart and soul of this one-of-a-kind percussionist. The official site features extensive bios on these and other artists, as well as audio clips.

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