http://www.artcars.com
Art Cars
To some, cars are just transportation. To others, they are mobile art exhibits. To some, art is a fine Monet hanging on a gallery wall. And to others, it is a shining V-8 mutant--half garfish, half armadillo.
http://www.jennicam.org
JenniCam
What happens when a recent college graduate sets up a NetCam in her apartment? Some call it a social experiment exploring the boundaries of media and privacy. Others call it eyeball-bait for legions of snooping fans waiting to get a glimpse of her exiting the shower. You can decide for yourself, but whatever this site is, it's causing quite a buzz in cyberspace.
http://www.ytmag.com
Yesterday's Tractors Online Magazine
You don't have to be a farmer to enjoy this magazine about vintage tractors. An amazing array of information is now at your fingertips, including photos, articles, Q&A, product reviews, and much, much more. There's even information on how and where to buy your own steel mule.
http://www.techweb.com/tools
Techweb's Tech Tools
CMP's TechWeb just relaunched its Tech Tools section, bumping it up to the front of the line as a resource for Internet products, trends, and tips. Divided into Users, Producers/Designers, and Developers sections, Tech Tools neither panders to newbies nor sets its sights so high that it excludes 95% of Web users. In short, if you know how to download a plug-in and want to learn more, you'll find something of interest here. Voracious Webmasters can feast on tutorials, head-to-head evaluations, and more downloads than they can shake a mouse at.
http://www.demouniverse.com/demou/index.html
Demo Universe
Musicians often suffer delusions of self-importance and future grandeur, unable to distance themselves enough to gauge popular opinion of their work. Jim Santo, owner of Demo Universe, has spent the last 10 years reviewing demo tapes (self-produced, nonlabel recordings) and writing about them in various magazines and Web sites. If you've got a band and a tape and want to see what the man who first reviewed the likes of Joan Osbourne, Lisa Loeb, and
Biohazard has to say about your work, send him a copy. He listens to all submissions free of charge and posts his review online. If you're lucky and good enough, you'll be elevated to "This Week's Pick," entitling you to a full seven days of glory, complete with sound samples of your pièce de résistance.
http://www.athletenetwork.com
Athlete Network
High school and college athletes often find themselves besieged by seedy agents, smarmy recruiters, and newfound fansâall trying to distract them from their academic and personal pursuits. Athlete Network (created by an ex-Emory University basketball player who was kicked off the team for placing too low a priority on schoolwork), has assembled an impressive team of sports luminaries to help young athletes find the strength they need to succeed in this new phase. Some noteworthy contributing advisors: Dale Brown, ex-LSU basketball coach; and Ronnie Lott, former NFL star and now a commentator for Fox Sports. AN hosts several specific "communities" as well, from High School and College through Recruiting and the Pros.
http://www.gamegenie.com
Game Genie
Computer games have come a long way since the dog days of Pong; and with thousands of multiplayer, 3-D, networked, and simulation shoot-'em-ups clogging the market, every good gamer deserves favor. And favor has just arrived. Close your eyes, rub your browser, and voilà ! It's Game Genie, an oasis in the gaming desert. Did you wish for Diablo cheats? You got 'em. How about demo downloads of dozens of the latest titles, accompanied by a pithy review? Got those, too. One wish left; better make it a good one. Here's a hint: Before you decide, bookmark this action-packed site so you can come back whenever you wish for more.
http://www.videoserve.com
Videoserve.com
Even a video megastore like Blockbuster would have a hard time stocking 85,000 titles. VideoServe.com, on the other hand, has no physical storefront to maintain and can offer zillions of movies, often at significant savings. Search by topic or keyword to find your film in DVD, VHS, or videodisc formatâyou'll even find used selections. What's more, the company behind VideoServe.com owns BookServe.com (do you feel served yet?), so you can access all of that site's books and video games. Why ever leave home again?
http://www.mountvernon.org/pioneer/
George Washington: Pioneer Farmer
Though best remembered as the first president of the United States, George Washington wore many hatsânone, perhaps, more proudly than that of "farmer." His Mount Vernon, VA estate encompassed five farms; and Washington was a master planter, modifying his tools for better usage and creating a revolutionary new structure, the 16-sided barn. This gorgeous, educational remembrance examines the often-overlooked agrarian aspect of Washington's persona, with QuickTime VR views inside the 16-sided barn, RealAudio slide shows,and interactive quizzes.
http://www.udhr50.org/
http://www.recipe-a-day.com
http://www.zinebook.com
http://www.women.com
http://www.fitnessonline.com
http://www.franksworld.com/prantagonize/
http://library.advanced.org/12587
http://www.nationalenquirer.com
http://www.musicnewswire.com
http://www.classicgames.com
http://www.gojobs.com
http://www.smartmoney.com
http://www.weddingchannel.com
http://www.allindia.com/mother
http://www.andovernews.com
http://www.the-rolling-stones.com
http://www.breastcancerinfo.com/
Britannica Internet Guide
Encyclopedia Britannica does an exquisite job parlaying its 200 years of informational expertise into the blueprint for a comprehensive yet editorially cohesive guide to finding what you need on the Internet. Currently in "preview" mode, the homepage organizes the teeming Web into 14 sections, from Art and Literature to World Geography and Culture. Start by clicking on a single subject, or choose "Expanded Outline" for an appropriately vast list of subtopics. As you browse, rated and reviewed Web sites begin to appear. Though the topic choice is exhaustive, the site selection isn't exactly encyclopedicâyet. That said, the appropriately anagrammed BIG is a guide to watch. When you tire of browsing, follow the prominent link to Brittanica Online.
Universal Declariation of Human Rights
Almost 50 years have passed since the nations of the world met in 1948 to draft and sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Eleanor Roosevelt, a highly respected member of the UN Commission on Human Rights, considered the document her greatest accomplishment. The Declaration's 30 articles outline the basic tenets of humankind's rights, from the right to "life, liberty and security of person" to freedom from torture and arbitrary arrest. This lavish new site celebrates the Declaration's golden anniversary through a multimedia presentation of the document itself, profiles of the individuals responsible for it, interactive timelines, artists' interpretations of the freedoms expressed therein, and much more.
Recipe-a-Day
For people who have almost no energy at workday's end, the thought of going to a restaurantâwhere dining suggestions are placed in their handsâis far more appealing than searching through cookbooks and checking the fridge for ingredients. Recipe-a-Day wants to make the process of deciding what's for dinner a little easier. Simply submit your e-mail address to the site, and every day you're promised a new recipe sent directly to your inbox. If it looks delectable, print out the puppy, pick up the necessary ingredients at
the market on your way home, and voilà ! You've saved cash and learned a new meal. Though unlike at a restaurant, you still have to do the dishes.
The book of Zines
So you wanna start a zine? Better to know what you're getting yourself into, firstâmainly, a lot of work with little chance of monetary payback. Unless, that is, you've got something to say that hasn't already been said by some pie-faced kid armed with an HTML manual. Scared you off yet? No? Good. If you've read this far, you're serious about zining, and that means you should bookmark this site pronto. It's loaded with interviews featuring the creators of some of the most successful zines around, plus links to over a hundred zines. Still not sold? The site's creators also throw in a point/counterpoint section debating whether it's preferable to start your zine online or to do it the old fashioned way, on paper.
Women.com: The smart network
Women.com offers a simple, one-page interface that combines three of the Web's best sites devoted to women's programming: Women's Wire (www.womenswire.com), Beatrice's Web Guide (www.bguide.com), and Prevention's Healthy Ideas (www.healthyideas.com). Jump straight to the site of your choice, or use the search function (powered by Excite) that will lead you straight to articles matching your keyword. Once you choose an area to explore, however, you'll find no easy way to return to the Women.com home page.
Fitness Online
Maybe it's just us, but we still feel a bit odd learning about healthy living while sitting on our tushes for 10 hours a day. If you boast no such reservations, you won't find a much more exhaustive online fitness resource than at this new hub. Whether you absolutely must know how many extra minutes you'll need to log on the treadmill for that lunchtime brownie or you just want to establish a workout regimen and buy the latest books, you'll find it all here. Some of the more personalized sections require membership, but the site saves the pain for the pushups and keeps its membership free of charge.
Prantagonize (weird)
Prank calls are usually dismissed as amateurish, juvenile humor. But Prantagonize- which bills itself as "the Internet's first and only magazine devoted to the prank call"-is surprisingly well designed, containing a phonebook's worth of interviews, sound clips, and links. If you think the genre originated with the Jerky Boys, then wipe that wetness from behind your ears and check out the Bum Bar and their mid-'70s calls to a Jersey tavern, the inspiration for Bart Simpson's calls to the bar on The Simpsons. Captain Janks, the first man to call talk shows and mention Howard Stern is interviewed in this premiere issue.
Politics and political campaigns
Sex, religion, and politics. These three topics, banned from polite-society dinner conversation, run amok on the Internet. Though P&PS was created by and for students interested in American political history, this new political smorgasbord's appeal should stretch far beyond academia. The site is exhaustive, entertaining, and as richly designed as the subject it depicts. Sound off on message boards, read biographies of all past U.S. Presidents and key American historical players, or follow a timeline that traces the political movements of the last two centuries.
National Enquirer Online
Call it a testament to good product placement or proof of Americans'needs for tawdry celebrity gossip, but the National Enquirer-cruising a readership of 18 million-is the nation's largest circulation newspaper. Now those of us who fritter away countless hours in front of our computers (and rarely set foot in a grocery store) can wallowin the sordid details of Farrah's love triangle, learn how Elvis really died, and soak up the shocking truth behind the Ramsey murder. National Enquirer Online replicates some of the print rag's screaming headlines, but adds interactive celebrity forums, personalization options, and a three-headed Martian lovechild (juuust kidding).
Music Newswire
When it comes to getting our news, many of us prefer just the facts, ma'am hold the slick presentation. If your function vs. form penchant extends to music, the newly launched Music Newswire presents a timesaving, one-stop resource for unadorned music news from a medley of sources. Not that this is an altogether novel idea. I-Music's News Agent, for example, culls headlines from various online music sources. But Newswire's extended reach of sources and breakdown of information set it apart. You'll find plenty of general and label news on this oft-updated hub. Or click on Industry News, and the stories will change to present industry-specific headlines.
The C-Files
We're not sure what to make of all this. It's recently come to our attention that dozens of cow-related Web sites currently graze the Internet. And what's more, a good number of these center on that most pressing of rural concerns, the cow tip. Is the truth out there? For a bovinely bizarre answer, visit the C-Files. Have your Shockwave and sense of humor ready, as this cow tipping meets the X-Files spoof is sure to impress and bemuse. Masticate on The Truth, The Conspiracy, or The Evidence, but whatever you do: Watch out for the cow pies.
Classic Games
You don't have to be a Luddite to think that many of today's computer overemphasize killing everything that moves or lack the simple strategies that many classic analog games possessed. But now [insert Doug Henning voice here], through the magic of the Internet, those two worlds can miraculously come together! If poker, chess, backgammon, or bridge come to your mind when you think games, the new Classic Games hub is a no-brainer bookmark. Choose from 16 different pastimes - all multiuser and all free.
Go Jobs
Are you reading this review in an Internet café because you're out of work and jonesin' for that T-1 kinda lovin'? Why not try your luck with Go Jobs? It's a rare bird: a free résumé-posting service that boasts a surprisingly comprehensive listing of jobs, searchable by expertise or location. Once you post your CV, it's distributed via newsgroups and other posting sites to thousands of people looking to fill vacancies. Headhunters and corporations pay $400 a month to subscribe to Go Jobs, which entitles them to the contact information you provide. If you don't find a job right away, Go Jobs benevolently serves up enough links to keep you busy until the unemployment checks stop coming.
Smart money interactive
It's not necessarily how much you make, but what you do with what you earn. In a country whose a stock market just keeps growing and growing, the opportunity to turn a dollar into two (or ten) has never been riper. Of course, you need to research the best ways to start making your money work for you, and that's the rationale for Smart Money magazine's new (free!) site. Whether you're looking to save on auto insurance, get the latest market news, or pick up some hot stock tips, you'll find what you want and a lot more on this clean, easy-to-navigate hub.
Wedding Channel
Sometimes the easiest step in planning a wedding is falling in love. Protocols, reservations, guest lists, menus, and many other decidedly unromantic tasks come between the starry-eyed proposal and the final vows. The Wedding Channel, a new super hitching post, can assist you throughout the often-byzantine process of tying the knot. Conveniently divided into five sections, WC houses local, searchable business listings; online gift registry services; bride-specific information hubs; advice on honeymoon preparation; and a comprehensive wedding plannerâall within its virtual gazebo. Would we spoil the fun by suggesting that someone come up with as comprehensive a resource for divorce? (Sorry!)
http://www.expatforum.com
Expat Forum
The two vacation weeks per annum that most people get just isn't enough if you're a hardcore traveler. To seriously immerse yourself in another culture takes at least a monthâand longer if you want to be mistaken as a local. If you're lucky enough to have both the time and the money for an extended break, or if you want to try your hand at living and working abroad, the Expat Forum (sponsored by HR International) makes a good first stop. Check out the Expat Chat, broken up by region, for ongoing discussions; peruse selected travel books; read other travelers' stories; or learn about the cost of living, phone regulations, and other nonglamorous but necessary topics for living successfully abroad.
Mother Teresa
From the slums of Calcutta to the gilded halls of the Vatican, Mother Teresa's life of service and unconditional love deeply touched individuals around the globe. Now that her funeral has passed and mainstream media latches on to new stories, finding a place to keep your memory of this unique woman alive gets a little tougherâespecially if you're looking for ongoing tributes. Hosted by India on Internet, this new site fills the void, housing articles primarily from the Indian press, as well as photos chronicling Mother Teresa's life and her funeral procession. Send your electronic condolences, which will be delivered to the Missionaries of Charity.
The Andover News Network
The already-crowded online technology news field just got tighter with the arrival of The Andover News Network. The site houses 10 separate sites, each dedicated to a certain technology "watch" (i.e., AppleWatch, ITWatch, JavaWatch, etc), Browse the top stories from the watch of your choice, or click over to each site for the whole skinny. Updated hourly, the ANN essentially acts as a refined newswire, pulling stories from other news sources (and sometimes credited incorrectly, with C|Net mistakenly labeled as Wired throughout when we last checked), allowing you to surf the day's tips, and search articles by keyword. If your job depends on keeping abreast of the latest high-tech developments, this compendium is a must bookmark.
The Rolling Stones
The Stones are taking requestsâonline. The Glimmer Twins & Co. have always been cyber-savvy, introducing the first live cybercast in 1994 as part of their Voodoo Lounge tour. As part of the new official site, the World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band© has agreed to devote a spot in each night's set list to the song that gets the most online votes. Fans can post messages on the very active bulletin board, purchase CDs (surprise), play around with Shockwave curios, or soak up song snippets from the soon-to-be-released Bridges to Babylon disc. While the band might be "Waiting on a Friend" to complete the site, a few too many "Under Construction" signs kept us from getting satisfaction.
VDO-Movies
For some moviegoers, the best part about the big-screen experience is the trailersâthe two-minute coming attractions pieces that studios put together to try to sell you on a soon-to-be-released filmâwhich usually translates into two minutes of the movie's best scenes. Whether you want to relive a magical trailer moment or are just trying to decide what movie to see next weekend, VDO-Movies makes for a great flick click. Call it a previews multiplex. Check out the trailers for just-out or soon-to-be-released movies. Does your date have Web access? Send him/her this URL and then compare your selections. If he/she picks Pippi Longstocking and you choose Gang Related, there's always mini-golfâor a new singles bar.
Breast Cancer Info
Every day, 493 women are diagnosed with breast cancerâ80% of whom will have exhibited no known risk factors. Each year, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (named after the founding chairman's sister) holds several fundraising endeavors, the most famous being the nationwide "Race for the Cure" road race. This new official site presents a wealth of facts and figures, study reports, and explanations, plus a celebration of the women who are surviving the disease. The design is appropriately poignant and clear, and an undercurrent of hope runs throughout. If you know someone (and chances are you do) currently battling the disease, spreading the word about this tremendous resource could directly help her struggle.
Westfield, Massachusetts
Email: networld@westfield-ma.com