Website of the Week Archive
Fireworks!http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/chemweek/fireworks/fireworks.htm
This 4th of July, enjoy the colors, lights, and sounds of fireworks shows! But how are fireworks created to perform so spectacularly?
The University of Wisconsin's "Chemical of the Week" website explains the scientific details. Read about the history, chemistry, and safety of these brilliant light displays.
Date Posted: July 02, 2008
Comedy Central's Indecision 2008
http://www.indecision2008.com/index.jhtml
Whether you are intrigued by or sick of the presidential election, try this Comedy Central website of "something approximating election news with something approximating honesty". Enjoy Jon Stewart's and Stephen Colbert's political opinions. Read the satirical candidates' profiles. View video clips of the Comedy Central humor. Take the indecision test, answer the off-beat poll questions, and explore the outrageous blog entries. And don't forget to vote!
Date Posted: June 26, 2008
Gas Prices
http://www.eia.doe.gov/bookshelf/brochures/gasolinepricesprimer/
What do we pay for in a gallon of gasoline? Why do gas prices fluctuate? And why are prices different in different regions?
The Primer on Gasoline Prices answers all these questions. This site is from the Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy.
How can we find the best gas prices around?
Try the AAA Gas Price Finder at: http://csaa.kivera.com/csaa/gaspricefinder.jsp.
Date Posted: June 10, 2008
Free Rice
http://www.freerice.com/
"Play and feed hungry people."
Improve your vocabulary with this word & definition game. For every correct answer, 20 grains of rice will be donated to the United Nations World Food Program.
What a win-win situation! You can work on English skills while helping to provide food for the world's needy.
Date Posted: May 16, 2008
Go Fly a Kite!
http://www.drachen.org/
Learn about kite types, history, sports, cultures, and building techniques. Enjoy workshops, exhibits, and other special events about this international pastime. Read issues of Kite Journal.
This site is sponsored by the Drachen Foundation, a non-profit educational corporation devoted to kite knowledge and activities.
Date Posted: May 09, 2008
Triple Crown History
http://www.horse-races.net/library/links-tchistory.htm
Relive the excitment of the Kentucky Derbies, Preaknesses, and Belmont Stakes of the past. Horse-races.net provides links to Triple Crown charts, statistics, articles, and photos through the long tradition of American thoroughbred horse racing.
Date Posted: May 02, 2008
Land, Air and Sea
http://www.landairandsea.com/
Have you ever seen an Amfibidiver? Or flown in a Benson Amphibious Gyrocopter? Or traveled in a Trippel Aquaterra?
The Museum of Creative Invention website exhibits a variety of unusual and versatile vehicles. This "collection of mechanical ambition, enthusiasm and aspiration" is fun and inspirational. And there are lots of links to flying & amphibious cars, submarines, hovercrafts and more.
Date Posted: April 25, 2008
Illinois Earthquake
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/
Did you feel the 5.2 magnitude earthquake early this morning? Research the history of Illinois seismic activity at this U.S. Geological Survey website. Explore the cause and effects of earthquakes through facts, maps, photos, a glossary, links, and lots of scientific and historical data.
What do you before, during, and after an earthquake? Check out this American Red Cross site at http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_583_,00.html.
Still curious about earthquakes? Try this University of California, Berkeley site on "Earthquake Engineering" by VV. Bertero at http://nisee.berkeley.edu/bertero/index.html.
Date Posted: April 18, 2008
The Question of Tibet
http://www.cfr.org/publication/15965/question_of_tibet.html
What is going on in Tibet?
Read this April 9, 2008 article from the Council on Foreign Relations, a Nonpartisan Resource for Information and Analysis, website. Then follow the links to related stories and commentary.
To research Tibet further, try the BBC "Regions and Territories: Tibet" at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/4152353.stm.
Another interesting site about Tibet's political problems is the "International Campaign for Tibet" at http://www.savetibet.org/.
What's going on with Tibet? Read the literature and decide for yourself.
Date Posted: April 11, 2008
AKA Houdini
http://www.akahoudini.org/htdocs/index.php
Harry Houdini, the most famous magician in history, has mystified generations with his magic tricks, dramatic escapes, and psychic promises. Explore his life through this Outagamie County Historical Society exhibit website. Enjoy the interactive trivia game and the "try this at home" magic tricks.
For more information, go to these Houdini sites.
Houdini, the Man Behind the Myth, is a PBS American Experience program. This site lets you view film clips, a gallery of advertising posters, and a timeline of his life.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/houdini/index.html
Houdini, the Life and Times of America's Greatest Magician will allow you to continue your exploration with more biographical info, trivia, and lots of links.
http://www.magictricks.com/houdini/
Date Posted: April 04, 2008
Three Mile Island: The Inside Story
http://americanhistory.si.edu/tmi/index.htm
On March 28, 1979, the worst nuclear disaster in American history occurred at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania. Explore the details of this radioactive leak through images, diagrams, and text taken from an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Continue your search through this site's links and references.
Date Posted: March 21, 2008
American Women Through Time
http://www.mtsu.edu/~kmiddlet/history/women/wh-timeline.html
This March, for Women's History Month, explore the history of American women chronologicallty. View the timelines by decade. Then, link to notable women's sites, other timeline sites, and other women's history sites. American Women Through Time is maintained by Ken Middleton of the Middle Tennessee State University.
Date Posted: March 07, 2008
Ethical Traveler
http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/
Are you a tourist, a traveler, an explorer, or an ambassador?
Think about your vacation plans and your impact on other places. The Ethical Traveler, a project of Earth Island Institute, is a website devoted to cultural, environmental, and educational awareness of the world. This site contains country information, guidelines for the "Accidental Ambassador", and many links to travel-related websites and blogs.
"Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. That is not just a dream, but a necessity. We are dependent on each other in so many ways that we can no longer live in isolated communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities." --His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Date Posted: February 29, 2008
30-Second Bunnies Theatre Library
http://www.angryalien.com/
Don't have time to sit through cinema classics like Casablanca, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, March of the Penguins, or Snakes on a Plane?
You can enjoy these movies in 30 second reenactments - by animated bunnies. Angry Alien Productions is the source of these fun, entertaining, and rather strange bits of Hollywood satire. Get out the popcorn and enjoy!
Date Posted: February 22, 2008
Literary Forensics
http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/literary/1.html
The Lindbergh ransom note! The Unabomber manifesto! The Jack the Ripper diary!
All of these criminal documents have been the subject of document and handwriting analysis. Read about how crime labs investigate this kind of evidence. And explore some of the most famous crimes in history. These TruTV articles are written by Katherine Ramsland, forensic psychologist.
Date Posted: February 15, 2008
Love and Romance Through the Ages
http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Valentin/English/index.php3
This year, send the perfect Valentine!
Explore the many faces of love and romance. Be inspired by historical Valentines or send an e-delivery card. This Virtual Museum of Canada exhibition provides the history, traditions, literature, and art of Valentine's Day.
To research more old-time Valentines, try this Victorian Comic Valentines site at http://www.scrapalbum.com/svcomic/svc_p1.htm.
And for further inspiration, go to this Virginia Tech website of Civil War Love Letters at http://spec.lib.vt.edu/cwlove/.
Date Posted: February 08, 2008
Black History Month - A Medical Perspective
http://www.mclibrary.duke.edu/hom/exhibits/blkhist/
This Duke University website celebrates black history in the medical field.
Highlights include: influential people, black medical education, black hospitals, folk medicine, and a chronology. The bibliography contains books, articles, and websites for further study.
Date Posted: February 02, 2008
Language Learning Library
http://www.languagelearninglibrary.org/
Want to learn Chinese? Need a little extra help with your German? What are the Russian holidays?
The Language Learning Library can help you with Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Chinese, Japanese and Russian language study. Besides the usual words, phrases and grammar, you can explore the culture of each country. There are also links to language dictionaries.
Aprecíe!
Date Posted: January 25, 2008
Visual Dictionary Online
http://visual.merriam-webster.com/index.php
View 6,000 illustrations and diagrams of 20,000 English words. Search by word or theme. Find definitions and audio clips of pronunciations.
This interactive Merriam-Webster Visual Dictionary is an educational aid to the ESL student. And it's useful and fun for the English speaker.
Date Posted: January 17, 2008
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/
From December 14, 2007 until January 5, 2008, the Audubon Society will conduct its 108th Christmas Bird Count. Explore the tradition and history through the annual summaries. Investigate the details of the 2007 results. Read the articles, including one on how birds are responding to the global climate change. And enjoy the gallery of bird photographs.
For more information on birds, try these related sites:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds.
and "Bird IQ Explore the World of Birds", sponsored by ConocoPhillips and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, at http://www.birdiq.com/.
Date Posted: December 14, 2007
Design of Desire
http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/design/
Why do we want stuff?
How are we lured into stores?
Who influences what we buy?
This American RadioWorks website reveals many aspects of our consumer behavior. Listen to the audio and read the transcript of this radio documentary. View the Mall of America shopping experience to see how retail design affects your shopping. Take the "Tightwad or Spendthrift" survey. Explore the articles on America's buying habits. And have a happy shopping season!
Date Posted: December 06, 2007
World AIDS Day 2007
http://www.avert.org/worldaid.htm
What can you do to support World AIDS Day?
There are an estimated 33.2 million people infected with HIV world-wide. You can educate yourself, raise awareness in others, fight prejudice, donate money for research, get tested, and show your care and support for the infected population.
For the history of AIDS and more information, explore Frontline's The Age of AIDS: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/.
And for up-to-date research and statistics, go to the CDC's HIV/AIDS webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/.
Date Posted: November 28, 2007
Solemates: The Century in Shoes
http://www.centuryinshoes.com/
High-buttoned! Ruby slippers! Spectator pumps! Saddle shoes! White bucks! Go-go boots! Platform soles! Air Jordans!
Explore the 20th century through the shoes, fashions, and history of the times.
For more shoe history, go to the website of the Bata Shoe Museum of Toronto, Canada. Their online exhibit "All About Shoes" shows the diversity of shoe styles of different cultures through history and world-wide.
http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/
Date Posted: November 16, 2007
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
http://www.greenroofs.net/
Cheaper energy costs! Improved air quality! Beautiful greenery! A haven for urban wildlife! Effective sound insulator!
CLC's new Southlake building is a local example of green roof technology.
Although more expensive to construct than a typical roof, a green roof provides many ecological and aesthetic advantages. Read about the benefits, techniques and practicality of a green roof at this Green Roofs for Healthy Cities website.
Learn more about the green roofs industry at: http://www.greenroofs.com/Greenroofs101/
Date Posted: November 09, 2007
25 Secrets of the Mona Lisa
http://www.livescience.com/history/071018-mona-lisa.html
Did the Mona Lisa have eyebrows?
What did da Vinci's masterpiece look like before centuries of pollution, varnish and other alterations?
Pascal Cotte of Lumiere Technology scanned the famous painting with a multi-spectral imaging camera. The digitization found numerous details that had been unseen for many years.
You can further explore these findings at "True Colors of the Mona Lisa Revealed" at: http://www.lumiere-technology.com/Pages/News/news3.htm.
Date Posted: November 02, 2007
State Cell Phone Driving Laws
http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html
Is there a connection between car crashes and the use of cell phones while driving?
See how each state is treating this issue. Then, explore each state's laws on other highway issues: drunk driving, helmet use, seat belt use, work zone speed limit, and more.
The State Cell Phone Driving Laws website is sponsored by the Governor's Highway Safety Association, a non-profit organization representing state safety offices.
Date Posted: October 25, 2007
The Costumer's Manifesto
http://www.costumes.org/
What will you be for Halloween?
Do you need a quick & easy monster head? How about a fake blood recipe? How can you copy a character from your favorite movie?
The Costumer's Manifesto is a compilation of hundreds of websites about making, buying, and history of costumes. Explore information on ethnic dress, weird & kinky clothing, religious dress, armor, make-up & masks, and much, much more.
This costumes.org site is maintained by Tara Mcginnis, a theatre department professor at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Date Posted: October 19, 2007
History of Fitness
http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/history.html
What did prehistoric man do for exercise? We can guess that his life with filled with physical challenges just to survive.
When did fitness become something beyond a subsistence requirement?
Discover the history of fitness at this University of New Mexico website.
To promote your own fitness routine, try this Fitness Jumpstart site at: http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner.
And find news, articles, tutorials, quizzes, statistics, a dictionary, organizations, and directories at the Medline Plus Exercise & Physical Fitness site at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html.
Date Posted: October 12, 2007
Dilophosaurus Discovered
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/dilophosaur/intro.html
Listen to a narration of the discovery of dinosaur bones.
Learn about the dinosaur's features and habits.
And find out why you have seen this particular dinosaur, diloposaurus, in your lifetime.
This University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley website describes and links you to lots of dinosaur information.
Date Posted: October 05, 2007
World Drug Report
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/world_drug_report.html
"The World Drug Report presents the most comprehensive statistical view of today's illicit drug situation."
This United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime website details the world drug market, international drug trafficking, production, prices, and consumption. This online publication contains trends, statistics, data, and analysis of the world drug situation. Previous reports are also available.
Date Posted: September 28, 2007
Cartoon America
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/cartoonamerica-home.html
Cartoon America, a Library of Congress exhibition, presents dozens of examples of the evolving art form of cartoons. From an 1830's book illustration to the comic strips of today, these images evoke the changing styles, issues, and culture. Categories include illustration, political cartoons, caricature, animation, single panel cartoons, and comic strips. Every image is annotated with artist, description, and publication information. Further research can be done through the bibliography and related cartoon website links.
Date Posted: September 21, 2007
Quackwatch
http://www.quackwatch.com/
Personalized Vitamins? Get Slim Slippers? Magnetic Bracelet? Clarified Butter as a Health Food?
What works to keep you healthy?
Quackwatch is "your guide to quackery, health fraud, and intelligent decisions". Evaluated by an advisory board of professionals, this non-profit site attempts to combat "health related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies and misconduct". This searchable website links you with hot topics, consumer protection, questionable products, services, and theories.
Date Posted: September 14, 2007
The 1900 Storm, Galveston,
http://www.1900storm.com/
Long before Katrina, Galveston was slammed with the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history. Over 6,000 people died and 3,600 buildings were destroyed on that disastrous day of September 8, 1900. This Galveston Newspapers, Inc. website tells the story through articles, personal narrations, photographs, film clips, and facts & figures.
Where will the next forceful hurricane strike?
Check out The Weather Channel's Vulnerable Cities site at: http://www.weather.com/newscenter/specialreports/hurricanes/vulnerablecities/
Date Posted: September 07, 2007
Coupons!
http://couponmonth.com/pages/home.htm
September is National Coupon Month!
Who uses coupons? Where do they find them?
This Promotion Marketing Association site will answer these questions. Find shopping worksheets, clipping tips, saving statistics, and links to sponsors with online coupons.
Smart shoppers save money. Be one!
Date Posted: August 31, 2007
Test Prep Review
http://www.testprepreview.com/
Find free online practice tests for over 50 standardized tests. Review the SAT, ACT, GED, ASVAB, HOBET, TOEFL, CLEP tests and many, many more. Discover test preparation tips, test taking strategies, and student loan information.
Although the website links you to full-scale programs and books for purchase, these mini tests are a good gauge to the format and skill level of each test.
Date Posted: August 24, 2007
MLA Language Map
http://www.mla.org/map_main
A Modern Language Association Language Map depicts the linguistic and cultural composition of the United States.
Design your own map by language and geography (county or zip code).
Compare maps side by side.
Research statistics and comparison charts.
Use the tutorial to understand the depth of information available.
And follow the links to sites on immigration, teaching languages, and U.S. Census publications.
Discover the diversity of our great country.
Date Posted: August 17, 2007
Race for the White House
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/index.asp?cycle=2008
"After six months of fundraising, the candidates for president in 2008 have already raised more than $265 million. No presidential money chase has ever started so quickly. By some predictions, the eventual nominees will need to raise $500 million apiece to compete--a record sum."
Go to this Opensecrets.org site to find out which candidate has raised the most money. And discover the sources of these campaign funds.
Date Posted: August 09, 2007
Hot Dog!
http://www.hot-dog.org/
Love that ballpark and backyard staple - the hot dog?
Learn about frankfurter history, red hot trivia, sausage recipes, wiener statistics and hot dog etiquette at this National Hot Dog & Sausage Council website.
To find out how wieners are served in different U.S. cities, go to "Hot Dogs as America", an American Museum of Natural History (New York) exhibit. http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/baseball/hotdogs/
Date Posted: August 03, 2007
Computer History Museum
http://www.computerhistory.org/
Explore the Computer History Museum of Mountain View, CA. Research computer pioneers in the "Hall of Fellows". Investigate the chronology of computer technology in the "Timeline". Learn about major technological events in "This Day in History". Enjoy the special exhibit, "History of Computer Chess".
Date Posted: July 26, 2007
Sunscreen Summary
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php
Sunscreens - what works and what's safe?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has investigated 785 name-brand sunscreens to find the safest and most effective. Their website contains best and worst lists, top selling brands, and lots of information on sunscreens in regards to health risks, standards, and related websites.
Have a sunburn-free summer and a skin cancer-free life!
Date Posted: July 19, 2007
DogFriendly.com
http://www.dogfriendly.com/
Need a vacation but hate to leave your dog at the kennel?
Take Fido with you!
DogFriendly.com provides U.S. and Canadian travel guides for dog owners. Find lodging, outdoor restaurants, parks, beaches, attractions, and events that you can enjoy with your pet. Research dog etiquette, travel considerations, dog laws, and airline policies. Use the many dog links to find all kinds of canine information.
Date Posted: July 11, 2007
Virtual Religion Index
http://www.virtualreligion.net/vri/index.html
This Rutgers University site is an annotated directory of internet resources on religion. Research the ethics, philosophy and psychology of religion. Explore everything from ancient practices and tribal cults to the world's great religions of today.
Date Posted: July 06, 2007
How to Build an Invisibility Cloak
http://discovermagazine.com/2006/nov/building-invisibility-cloak/article_view?b_start:int=0&-C=
Can scientists duplicate Harry Potter's invisibility cloak?
This Discover Magazine article describes the possibility of creating new materials that would mask objects from visible light. Learn the physics and potential uses of this disappearing technology.
Date Posted: June 29, 2007
History of Toys and Games
http://www.history.com/exhibits/toys/index.html
Remember Lincoln Logs, Monopoly, Slinky, and G.I.Joe?
Discover the history of your favorite toys and games at this History Channel website. Enjoy the timeline, quiz, and information on inventors.
For other sites to explore familiar playthings, try these links.
National Toy Hall of Fame at Strong Museum (Rochester, N.Y.) is at http://www.strongmuseum.org/NTHoF/NTHoF.html.
Toys and Games Collections of Hampshire (England) Museums Services is at http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/toys/.
Date Posted: June 13, 2007
ASL University
http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/
Need to communicate better with a baby, or with a hard of hearing or deaf person?
Want to know more about American Sign Language?
"ASL University is an online curriculum resource for American Sign Language students, instructors, interpreters, and parents of deaf children."
Become fluent in ASL through fingerspelling lessons and quizzes. Learn the grammar and history of this complete, natural language. Discover baby's first 100 signs. Explore the syllabi, dictionary, bibliography, deaf jokes and Spanish text version.
ASL University is a website from Dr. Bill Vicas of California State University, Sacramento.
Date Posted: June 07, 2007
Night Sky Network
http://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/
Share an interest in astronomy through this NASA site for amateur astronomy clubs. Explore pictures, movies and data on the universe. And find out about sky watching organizations throughout the United States.
For information on a local astronomy club, go to the Lake County Astronomical Society site at http://www.lcas-astronomy.org/.
"Luminous stars and galaxies, the things that shine, are mere white caps on a dark invisible sea, controlled by influences beyond our vision." - Kenneth R. Lang, astronomy author
Date Posted: May 30, 2007
The British Monarchy
http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page1.asp
Americans were fascinated with Queen Elizabeth's recent trip to Jamestown, Kentucky, and Washington D.C. Read more about this historical visit at the official website of the British Monarchy. Learn about the queen's daily life and official duties. Enjoy the biographies, photos, videos, and audios of the royal family. Luxuriate in the images of the crown jewels, the royal art collections, and the stately palaces. Research the history of the English throne from Anglo-Saxon times to the present.
This site is certain to bring out the Anglophile in each of us!
Date Posted: May 09, 2007
How Laughter Works!
http://people.howstuffworks.com/laughter.htm/printable
What is laughter? Why do we laugh? How do we laugh?
Why can’t I tickle myself? What’s funny? What’s not?
Celebrate World Laughter Day on Sunday, May 6, 2007 by exploring this "How Stuff Works" website.
And try the "Humor & Laughter: Health Benefits" website at: http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm. Find laughter’s effects on the body from this HelpGuide.org. site. Then go to their links for online sources of humor and jokes to let laughter work for you.
"The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease." - Voltaire
Date Posted: May 02, 2007
Reduce Waste! If Not You, Who?
http://www.reduce.org/
"The average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year."
This Earth Week, learn how to reduce waste at home, at the office and at school. Read suggestions on eco friendly gifts, non-toxic homes, organic gardens, smart shopping, and a simplified lifestyle. Find more information through the dozens of links. Reduce.org is sponsored by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Date Posted: April 24, 2007
The Pulitzer Prizes
http://www.pulitzer.org/index.html
The 2007 Pulitzer Prizes were announced this week. Check out the new winners!
This site contains a history of the Pulitzer, including an interactive timeline since 1917. Read many of the honored articles, view the winning photographs and editorial cartoons, and listen to the chosen music clips.
For Nobel Prize winners, go to Nobelprize.org at: http://nobelprize.org/index.html. Learn about the winners and their contributions. Check out the information about Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Foundation and the Nobel Museum. And test yourself with the educational games.
Date Posted: April 17, 2007
Cicadas in Illinois
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cicadas/index.html
They're Coming!!!
This May, northern Illinois will be home to billions of periodical cicadas (aka 17 year locust). Learn about the types of cicadas, their life cycle and possible control measures from this University of Illinois Extension site.
For more information, try the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (Insect Division) site at: http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/fauna/michigan_cicadas/Periodical/Index.html.
Another good website is the Library of Congress Science Reference Services at: http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/selected-internet/cicadas.html.
And to get the most out of this locust plague, go to Cicada-licious, Cooking & Enjoying Periodical Cicadas at: http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/pdf/cicada%20recipes.PDF.
Date Posted: April 10, 2007
Geoffrey Chaucer Hath a Blog
http://houseoffame.blogspot.com/
Read the "most fresshe and newe postes" about Chaucer and his times. This blog site is a fun way to connect with other Chaucer lovers.
For more information on Chaucer's life, literature and times, explore these websites. Harvard College's "The Geoffrey Chaucer Website" is at http://www.courses.fas.harvard.edu/~chaucer/.
The University of Glasgow's "The World of Chaucer" is at http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/exhibns/chaucer/index.html.
"In felaweshipe, and pilgrimes were they alle,
That toward Caunterbury wolden ryde."
Date Posted: April 04, 2007
Museum of Hoaxes
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/
"Examining dubious-sounding claims and mischief of all kinds!"
What are the top 10 April Fool's Day hoaxes - and the 10 worst April Fool's Day pranks? What are the most famous frauds and oddities throughout history? And how gullible are you?
Explore this website from the "Museum of Hoaxes". You can search the entries by time and subject. Take the gullibility test, submit stories and comments, or browse the forum.
Date Posted: March 22, 2007
National Traffic and Road Closure Information
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/
Planning a road trip? Get all the road condition information before taking off.
This U.S. Department of Transportation site gives traffic conditions, local and state transit links, weather, and construction areas.
Have a safe and uncomplicated trip!
Date Posted: March 14, 2007
Dressed to the Nines
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/dressed_to_the_nines/index.htm
Dressed to the Nines: A History of the Baseball Uniform is an exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Baseball's long tradition is now gearing up for another exciting season. Relive the history and the details of the baseball uniform at this website. Sections include: an historical timeline, parts of the uniform, a searchable uniform design database, and activities for kids from grade school through college. Enjoy the images, the quotations and the history of America's favorite pastime.
Date Posted: March 07, 2007
M.C. Escher: The Official Website
http://www.mcescher.com/
Enjoy the mathematically inspired graphic artwork of Dutch artist, M. C. Escher. This site contains a biography, bibliography, links, quotes, and interviews, along with images of his works. Take a virtual ride through some of his intriguing pictures.
For more visual fun, go to the Totally Tessellated website at: http://library.thinkquest.org/16661/index2.html.
Date Posted: February 28, 2007
Blogossary
http://www.blogossary.com/
What is a plog or a vlog or a doppelblogger?
Discover the vocabulary of blogging on this blogosphere's dictionary. This informal site welcomes readers' input of new terms and definitions.
Date Posted: February 21, 2007
Cosmic Evolution: From Big Bang to Humankind
http://www.tufts.edu/as/wright_center/cosmic_evolution/
Explore the history of the cosmic universe over 12 billion years. Delve into the galactic, stellar, planetary, chemical, biological or cultural aspects our our evolving universe. This searchable Tufts University site contains movies, a glossary, references and links to related sites.
Date Posted: February 14, 2007
Black History Hotlist
http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/BHM/bh_hotlist.html
This Black History month you can investigate dozens of internet sites on the Black History Hotlist. Explore links to sites on various topics, issues, incidences, people, poetry and historical events. Interesting websites include those about Buffalo soldiers, the Million Man March, church burnings, Martin Luther King, Jr. speeches and Rita Dove poetry. The hotlist is from the AT&T Knowledge Network Explorer education program.
Date Posted: February 07, 2007
Groundhog Day
http://www.groundhog.org/
February 2nd is Groundhog Day. Will the groundhog see his shadow? And will winter last another 6 weeks?
Check out Punxsutawney Phil's prediction at this official site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
For more information, try these fun and interesting sites:
The Noble web site contains history and many links at http://www.noblenet.org/year/groundhog.html.
The Stormfax Weather Almanac site has more history and includes Phil's prognostications since 1887 at http://www.stormfax.com/ghogday.htm.
And the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Animal Diversity Web site contains detailed information and pictures of marmota monax (aka groundhog or woodchuck) at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Marmota_monax.html.
Date Posted: January 31, 2007
Procrastination Central
http://webapps2.ucalgary.ca/~steel/Procrastinus/index.php
"Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do the day after tomorrow."
Mark Twain
Start this semester right by not becoming a procrastinator. You can begin by taking a quiz to assess your own habits. Then, get suggestions on how to reduce procrastination. This Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary website contains research materials, bibliographies, quotations, along with academic and fun links.
"Procrastination is like a credit card: it's a lot of fun until you get the bill."
Christopher Parker
Date Posted: January 24, 2007
Snow Research
http://snow.usace.army.mil/snow_mainpage2.html#Link
We enjoy a building a snowman, skiing or just viewing a pretty snow covered landscape from indoors. But there is also a great deal of serious research about the flaky white stuff.
This U.S. Army site provides data, images, maps and links about scientific and engineering research on snow.
For more information about snow flakes and crystals try the Cal Tech site, Snow Crystals at: http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/.
Date Posted: January 17, 2007
On This Day
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/
What events occurred on this date in history?
Find facts, birthdays and news articles on this New York Times website.
For a more historical perspective, go to Today in History at: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/.
This Library of Congress American Memory site contains text, images and links to related information.
Learn something new every day!
Date Posted: January 10, 2007
Holiday Giving Guide
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/content.view/cpid/518.htm
"50% of all charitable giving by individuals is done between Thanksgiving and Christmas."
What charities can you trust?
To research charities, try these two sites:
Charity Navigator (address above) is a non-profit organization that evaluates and rates the major American charities.
Give.org is the website for the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. This site provides giving tips along with detailed reports of nationally soliciting charitable organizations.
http://www.give.org/index.asp
Give wisely and generously this holiday season.
Date Posted: December 12, 2006
Ocean World
http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/index.html
Dip your toes into an ocean of information on coral reefs,
icebergs, fisheries, weather and much more!
This Texas A & M Dept. of Oceanography site provides information for educators and students (from kindergarten through graduate school). Young people can check out the images, text, glossary and quizzes. College students can download the textbook, "Introduction to Physical Oceanography". Further research can be explored through the hundreds of ocean-related links.
Dive In!
Date Posted: December 05, 2006
2006 "10 Worst Toys" List
http://www.toysafety.org/worstToyList_index.html
See what not to give this Christmas!
World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.), a Massachusetts charitable non-profit corporation, exposes potentially dangerous toys to the general public.
For the List of Top Holiday Safety Tips from the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07032.html.
And to find the best toys for children with special needs, try the AblePlay site at: http://www.ableplay.org/.
Plan for a safe and fun holiday season!
Date Posted: November 28, 2006
Worldmapper
http://www.sasi.group.shef.ac.uk/worldmapper/index.html
"Worldmapper is a collection of world maps, where territories are re-sized on each map according to the subject of interest." These unusual maps visually show the importance of the countries of the world in terms of population and many other criteria. Maps include information on immigration, tourism, transportation, imports & exports, employment, housing, education and health.
View your world and your country in many new ways.
Date Posted: November 08, 2006
Body Art
http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/exhibits/online_exhibits/body_modification/bodmodintro.shtml
Tattoos! Piercing! Painting!
People have been decorating their bodies since the 9th century B.C. Explore the "Bodies of Cultures: A World Tour of Body Modification", an exhibit at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
What does body art mean today?
This site includes submitted comments and reactions to popular and cultural personal decoration.
Other interesting websites about body markings are:
"Body Art: Marks of Identity" from the Australian Museum at http://www.amonline.net.au/bodyart/
"Tattoos, Piercing, & Body Markings" from the National Geographic Society at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tattoos/
and "Tattoo History: A Sourcebook" at http://tattoos.com/jane/steve/
"The human body is a canvas for the expression of cultural ideas of men and women throughout time and around the world" --Liz Sands, Bodies of Cultures site developer
Date Posted: November 01, 2006
F.A.A. Travelers
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/
Traveling by air in the coming holidays? Can you bring your knitting? (yes) Can you wear your comfy gel shoe inserts? (no)
Save time and frustration at the security checkpoints by knowing what you can bring and what's prohibited. Check out delays and weather before the trek to the airport. Find helpful information for passengers with disabilities and those traveling with children or pets. Learn what to wear, how to pack along with practical travel tips.
This Federal Aviation Administration site will answer most of your air travel questions. Have a great trip!
Date Posted: October 25, 2006
Artcyclopedia: The Fine Art Search Engine
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/
Find easy access to information on 8,200 artists, 2,100 art sites and 180,000 works of art on this searchable art encyclopedia. Artcyclopedia is a good place to start research on an artist, a work of art or an art movement. Browse the museum directory links, current articles on art topics and art glossaries. View images of paintings, photographs, sculptures, architecture and decorative arts. Although there is a lot of commercial information (poster and book sales), this site is a great supplement for art research projects.
Date Posted: October 18, 2006
Apples & More!
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/apples/
Apples are abundant and delicious this time of year. Explore apple history & legend, recipes, horticulture, festivals and facts. This University of Illinois Extension site is full of practical and fun information along with dozens of links.
Nor is it every apple I desire, Nor that which pleases every palate best;
'T is not the lasting Deuxan I require,
Nor yet the red-cheeked Greening I request,
Nor that which first beshrewed the name of wife,
Nor that whose beauty caused the golden strife:
No, no! bring me an apple from the tree of life!
- Henry David Thoreau
Date Posted: October 11, 2006
Gadget Lab
http://wired.com/wired/archive/gadgetlab/
Do you lust after the latest tech toys?
Would you love a pre-programmed electric guitar or a top of the line
cordless mouse or a waterproof MP3 player?
Then check out the Wired Magazine's Gadget Lab for weekly reviews
of the newest and most exciting electronics.
Even if you are not in the market for the latest & greatest, you can
enjoy this fun and irreverent look at our society's "stuff".
Date Posted: October 04, 2006
Representative Poetry Online
http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/display/index.cfm
Love to read poetry? Investigate thousands of poems by hundreds of authors on this University of Toronto poetry website. Search the poet index or poem index to find favorites. And explore the timeline, calendar, glossary and criticism links.
Love to write poetry? Try Poetry Magic, a British site devoted to budding poets. Find help with themes, word choice, meter & rhyme and publishing. http://www.poetrymagic.co.uk/
Date Posted: September 27, 2006
International Business Etiquette
http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Main_Page
How do I dress for a business meeting in Brazil? If I am invited to an Egyptian home, what gift should I bring? What are acceptable topics of conversation in Sweden?
Executive Planet provides culture guides for the international traveler. Before you go, learn the customs and protocol unique to each country. This site contains online discussion, expert advice and useful links.
Date Posted: September 20, 2006
What Makes a Planet?
http://www.astro.cornell.edu/~jlm/planet.html
So what is Pluto now?
This Cornell University Department of Astronomy site discusses the controversy of "What makes a planet?"
Whatever the status, NASA is sending its New Horizons spacecraft on its first mission to Pluto, scheduled to arrive in 2015. This website allows you to track the position of the spacecraft, view images and link to articles & related sites. Besides a great deal of scientific information, there are also FAQ's and Fun Facts. Learn about (along with NASA and the scientific world) the farthest reaches of our solar system.
http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/index.php
Date Posted: September 13, 2006
Online Conversion
http://www.onlineconversion.com/
What is the metric equivalent of a certain amount? What time is it in New Zealand? How many days are left until you can retire? What is your weight on other planets? How old are you in dog years?
"Convert just about anything to anything else": clothes sizing, cooking amounts, currency, science & math measures and much more. This interesting website contains articles along with over 50,000 conversions.
Date Posted: August 30, 2006
Obscure Commercial Holidays
http://www.stayfreemagazine.org/archives/13/holidays.html
National Clown Week! Bad Poetry Day!
Check out the variety of holidays with commercial sponsors. This esoteric list is from Stay Free!, a "magazine that explores the politics and perversions of mass media and American (consumer) culture."
And a Happy Kiss and Make Up Day to you!
Date Posted: August 22, 2006
Terrorism
http://library.nps.navy.mil/home/terrorism.htm#iraqnews
Terrorism has become a part of the American news and life. For an extensive listing of web links directly or indirectly associated with terrorism, go to this Dudley Knox Library of the US Naval Postgraduate School site. Topics include Attack on America, Iraq, Afghanistan, Detainee Operations, Casualty Lists, Federal Agencies, Directives & Executive Orders, Archives, Documents, Reports, Discussion Groups and much more.
Date Posted: August 10, 2006
Kaleidoscope Painter
http://www.permadi.com/java/spaint/index.html
Online doodling? Create your own digital kaleidoscope or
view an automatic exploding pattern of color.
For more symmetrical design painting, try the program at: http://www.zefrank.com/dtoy_vs_byokal/
Enjoy!
Date Posted: August 04, 2006
Green Energy Calculator
http://www.nwf.org/energy/greencalculator.cfm
How much impact do you have on the environment?
The Green Energy Calculator can help you estimate the amount of carbon dioxide you generate towards global warming. This National Wildlife Federation site provides tips to lower energy usage, save money and help the Earth.
Date Posted: July 28, 2006
Roller Coasters
http://www.rcdb.com/
What are the newest, fastest, or tallest roller coasters?
Thrill seekers can search the "Roller Coaster DataBase" to find thousands of coasters in American and European amusement parks.
"Roller Coasters: Inventing the Scream Machine" explores the history of the carnival favorite. This Encyclopedia Britannica site can be accessed at: http://search.eb.com/coasters/.
"Amusement Park Physics, What Are the Forces Behind the Fun" explains the actual danger of these death defying machines. To learn how and why roller coasters work, go to this Annenberg Foundation teaching resource at: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/.
Date Posted: July 19, 2006
Rembrandt 400
http://www.holland.com/rembrandt400/consumer/gb/
Celebrate the 400th birthday of the Dutch painter Rembrandt by learning about his life, works, themes and techniques. This official website for the commemoration of his birth showcases the special events planned for this occasion in Holland.
For more information and pictures of Rembrandt paintings, explore the Art Institute of Chicago "Rembrandt's Journey" site:
http://www.artic.edu/aic/exhibitions/rembrandt.html
Date Posted: July 14, 2006
The Happiness Formula
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/happiness_formula/default.stm
Happiness - how can we find it? Psychologists have mapped out a Happiness Formula. Does it work? This BBC website explores the causes and motivations of human happiness. There are tips, video clips, stories, a poll and even a quiz to measure your own happiness.
"Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination." Roy M. Goodman
Date Posted: July 06, 2006
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/helmet_use.html
How effective are helmets?
How do helmet laws affect motorcyclist deaths and injuries?
Do other countries have mandatory helmet use laws?
Explore this controversial issue on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website. And for more information, go to the Current U.S. Motorcycle & Bicycle Helmet Laws site at: http://www.iihs.org/laws/state_laws/helmet_current.html.
For Motorcycle Safety, try this National Highway Transportation Safety Administration site at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.d7975d55e8abbe089ca8e410dba046a0/.
Date Posted: June 29, 2006
A - Z Lyrics Universe
http://www.azlyrics.com/
Now, what were the words to that song?
Check out the lyrics to more than 50,000 songs by 1500 artists. Search by singer/band or song/album title. (Besides lots of ads) this website has soundtracks, reviews and links to related sites.
Be one of the 360,000 visitors to this site daily. And sing with confidence!
Date Posted: June 15, 2006
FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/
Catch the excitement of this year's international soccer tournament in Germany!
This official website offers articles, team information, schedules, scores, videos and more. FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) provides a wealth of information in several languages.
Date Posted: June 08, 2006
Zoos Worldwide
http://www.zoos-worldwide.de/index.html
Check out the world's zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries and wildlife parks. You can plan your next outing or view the animals online through the zoo cams. This site can be searched geographically. Other features include animal of the month, website of the day and lots of links to animal-related sites.
Date Posted: June 01, 2006
Fiction Connection
http://www.fictionconnection.com/welcomeclouds.asp
Find great books for summer reading!
Fiction Connection from Bowker helps you discover new titles similar to your favorites. Or search by genre, topic, location, setting, timeframe or character.
Another literary aid is Series & Sequels from the Los Angeles Public Library. Read your favorite series in order.
http://www.lapl.org/resources/indexes/sequels.html
For more book related websites go to Bookspot, which contains links to genre sites, award winners, reading lists and much more.
http://www.bookspot.com/
Date Posted: May 10, 2006
Encyclopedia of Chicago
http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/
From Abbott Laboratories to Zoroastrians, the Encyclopedia of Chicago covers thousands of subjects related to the Windy City and its surrounding counties. Explore essays, maps, tables, images, and timelines. This searchable database was developed by the Chicago Historical Society, the Newberry Library and Northwestern University.
Date Posted: May 03, 2006
Fuel Economy
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
Struggling with high gasoline costs?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy website offers gas mileage tips, links to find the lowest prices and data on alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles. You can also compare new and used cars in terms of mileage, emissions, air pollution ratings and safety information.
Date Posted: April 26, 2006
Virtual Instrument Museum
http://learningobjects_devel.wesleyan.edu/vim/
Have you ever heard a ntrowa or a bonang or an itotele?
You can listen to audios, view videos and see images of these on the Virtual Instrument Museum website. Searchable by genre, geographic location and material, the site provides information on hundreds of unusual instruments. This World Music Collection is a project of the Wesleyan University Music Department.
Date Posted: April 19, 2006
The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/info/1906/
How big was the April 18, 1906 San Francisco earthquake? When will it happen again? This U.S. Geological Survey site answers these questions, along with photos, eyewitness accounts and lots of scientific data on earthquakes.
For more historic information, try these websites:
San Francisco After the '60, a collection of photographs from the California Museum of Photography. http://photo.ucr.edu/california/projects/sf1906/
Earthquake & Fire Centennial Exhibition from the San Francisco Public Library. http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/librarylocations/sfhistory/equake-browse.htm
100th Anniversary: San Francisco Earthquake April 18 from the U.S. Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/006580.html
Date Posted: April 12, 2006
Oddly Enough News
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsChannel.aspx?type=oddlyEnoughNews
Toilet training for cats! Survival by eating frogs! Reuters news wire compiles strange-but-true news articles and videos daily. Explore today's news and articles from the past month on this unusual site.
Date Posted: April 05, 2006
You Grow Girl
http://www.yougrowgirl.com/index.php
Spring - time to plan your summer garden!
"You Grow Girl - Gardening for the People" is a fun and searchable website to explore plants, gardening techniques, and outcomes. Read the plant journals, join the discussion forums, and browse the articles, tips and recipes.
For more traditional horticulture resources, go to:
Hort Corner from the University of Illinois Extention at http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/hort/index.html,
Home Gardening from Cornell University at http://www.explore.cornell.edu/scene.cfm?scene=home%20gardening,
Library of Gardening Information from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens at http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/
and Hort.net at http://www.hort.net/.
Date Posted: March 22, 2006
MLB Spring Training
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/events/spring_training/
Is 2006 the year of the Chicago cross town World Series?
Check out the Sox, Cubs and their rival teams in Spring Training.
This Major League Baseball site provides news, schedules, results and photos, along with video and audio clips.
Let's play ball!
Date Posted: March 15, 2006
Quotations
http://www.quotationspage.com/
"A quotation in a speech, article or book is like a rifle in the hands of an infantryman. It speaks with authority." Brendan Francis
Add interest and focus to your writing and speaking. Explore the Quotations Page database of over 24,000 quotes. You can browse or search by author, subject and keywords.
"I didn't really say everything I said." Yogi Berra (1925 - )
Date Posted: March 08, 2006
Secrets of the Dead
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/index.html
CSI meets history! Secrets of the Dead is a PBS series which uses crime scene investigation methods to solve historical mysteries. Explore cases like the Shroud of Turin, Salem witches, and the killer flu through background information, clues, evidence, interviews and deductions.
For forensic medicine history, go to the NLM site, Visible Proofs: Forensic Views of the Body at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/visibleproofs/.
And to find out how the FBI conducts investigations like these, peruse the Handbook of Forensics at: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/handbook/intro.htm.
Date Posted: March 01, 2006
Earth Science World
http://www.earthscienceworld.org/index.html
Explore the beauty and complexity of our Earth through over 6,000 photographs in the Earth Science World ImageBank. Find pictures of volcanoes, waterfalls, minerals, space shots and much more from the American Geological Institution. Information on geoscience careers, books, games and earth science education can also be researched on this site.
Date Posted: February 22, 2006
Moments in Black History
http://www.momentsinblackhistory.com/index.cfm?When=Now
What notable events in Black History happened on this date? Explore African American History through these interesting and informative snippets.
And for a more expansive view of Black history, go to the University of Washington African American History Timeline at: http://faculty.washington.edu/qtaylor/aa_history_public/aatimeline_index.htm.
Date Posted: February 15, 2006
How to Write the Perfect Love Letter
http://www.writeexpress.com/How-to-write-a-love-letter.html
This Valentine's Day, send your sweetheart the perfect love letter. The Write Express website offers guidelines and suggestions for a romantic and unique note.
And for further inspiration, explore the Love Poems at http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5860. The Poets.org site also includes poems searchable by many categories, along with biographical information on the poets.
Enjoy a literary Valentine's Day!
Date Posted: February 08, 2006
Study Abroad
http://www.studyabroad.com/
Explore the world while you work on a degree. StudyAbroad.com can help you find an academic program overseas. Search by country, city or subject. This site includes information on traveling, living abroad, parents' concerns, financial aid and links to specific programs.
Date Posted: February 01, 2006
BMI-Body Mass Index
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/
Could you be overweight?
Calculate your body mass index at this CDC site. BMI "is a number that shows body weight adjusted for height" and categorizes results into underweight, normal, overweight or obese.
Then you can explore popular diets, like Weight Watchers, Atkins, and South Beach at Diets Guide.
http://www.dietsguide.com/
And find more good dieting information at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases' Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program site.
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/choosing.htm
Date Posted: January 25, 2006
Gold Rush! California's Untold Stories
http://www.museumca.org/goldrush/
On January 24, 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill touching off the California Gold Rush. Explore this fascinating episode in U.S. history at the Oakland Museum of California website. You can research text, photos, maps, audios and primary documents from their Gold Rush exhibition.
For more information, try The Sacramento Bee's site at: http://www.calgoldrush.com/.
And also explore the Library of Congress searchable database of first person narratives, "California as I Saw It" at: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cbhtml/.
Date Posted: January 18, 2006
New Year's Resolutions Guide
http://www.umm.edu/features/resolutions_guide.htm
What is your resolution this new year? Lose weight? Exercise regularly? Stop smoking? This University of Maryland Medical Center site provides tips and information on where to begin and how to achieve your goals.
Date Posted: January 10, 2006
Into the Wardrobe
http://cslewis.drzeus.net/
Explore the wardrobe and rediscover Narnia!
Into the Wardrobe: A C.S. Lewis Web Site brings you news & articles, biographic & bibliographic information, and links to other resources about C.S. Lewis.
To view a glitzier website about the movie, try The Chronicles of Narnia at: http://books.narnia.com/.
And for true Narnia lovers, explore Wheaton College's Marion E. Wade Center. This local library contains books & papers of C.S. Lewis and other British authors. Also on site are the original map of Narnia and the family wardrobe that inspired the beloved books. Go to: http://www.wheaton.edu/learnres/wade/.
Date Posted: December 16, 2005
Encyclopedia of Psychology
http://www.psychology.org/links/
Where's a good place to begin research in psychology? The Encyclopedia of Psychology has links to 2007 psychology websites. Topics range from careers to history, publications to theories, and important psychologists to organizations. This searchable site is sponsored by Jacksonville State University (Alabama).
Date Posted: December 09, 2005
Newsmap
http://www.marumushi.com/apps/newsmap/index.cfm
What is the news today?
Newsmap visually displays the patterns of today's news headlines. Search by country or color-coded category. This interesting concept emphasizes the bias of what is important to the contemporary news consumer.
And for the traditional view of these same news stories, go to Google News at: http://news.google.com/.
Date Posted: December 02, 2005
Winter Outlook
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/winter_outlook/index.shtml
Frigid? Snowy? Mild?
What kind of winter can we expect this year?
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center has posted their forecast for the 2005-2006 winter season's weather. We can then explore this U.S. government site for active weather warnings, weather and safety information, and climate trends.
Date Posted: November 18, 2005
Optical Illusions
http://www.archimedes-lab.org/index_optical.html
Intensify your brain power! Try these optical illusions along with puzzles, games and mazes on the Archimedes' Laboratory site.
For more illusions, go to these sites:
Grand Illusions at http://www.grand-illusions.com/
Sandlot Science Optical Illusions at http://www.sandlotscience.com/Illusion_Jump_Main/Master_Jump.htm
The Official Escher Website at http://www.mcescher.com/.
Date Posted: November 11, 2005
Daylight Saving Time
http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/
Now, we are enjoying an extra hour of sunlight in the morning, but darkness comes so early. What is the rationale behind Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time? Find history, anecdotes and interesting facts about this system.
And for further information, look at the California Energy Commission site at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/daylightsaving.html.
"Just as sunflowers turn their heads to catch every sunbeam, so too have we discovered a simple way to get more from our sun."
Date Posted: November 02, 2005
World Series: The Fall Classic
http://baseball-almanac.com/ws/wsmenu.shtml
Catch the excitement as the 2005 World Series begins this week.
This website contains history, statistics, rules, ballparks and loads of fun stuff like songs, jokes and puzzles.
Besides the familiar "Curse of the Billy Goat", learn about other baseball superstitions at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002518793_artmoments25.html.
And for creative baseball heckles go to Heckle Depot at: http://www.heckledepot.com/.
Enjoy the games! Have fun with this baseball lore! And GO SOX!
Date Posted: October 21, 2005
Bird Flu
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
Experts fear the recent outbreaks of Bird Flu could potentially spread like the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic which killed 20 million people.
This CDC website contains information about the Avian Influenza or Bird Flu. Find out about updates, guidelines and the risks to human health.
For related news stories, go to NPR's "Health Officials Keep Close Watch on Bird Flu" at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4949542.
And for more information on the 1918 pandemic go to the PBS American Experience webpage at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/influenza/index.html.
Date Posted: October 14, 2005
Snacks!
http://snacks.cyberpunks.org/snacks.html
Hungry? What do you want - candy, chips, soda or pizza?
Find what you crave on this Writers/Artists Snacking At Work website. Over 210 snacks are described and reviewed.
For stories and newswires about the junk food industry go to Junk Food News at: http://www.junkfoodnews.com/index.html.
And for information on why you crave these snacks, try Snack Attack: Coping with Cravings at: http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/51/40783.htm.
Date Posted: October 07, 2005
Urban Experience in Chicago: Hull House
http://www.uic.edu/jaddams/hull/urbanexp/
This fascinating University of Illinois at Chicago website explores Hull House through essays, images, maps and historic texts.
Immerse yourself in this important part of Chicago and social science history!
Date Posted: September 30, 2005
Languages of the World
http://www.ethnologue.com/home.asp
What do they speak in Mozambique?
Ethnologue, an encyclopedia of known living languages, provides information on the number of people speaking the 6,912 languages and dialects in 230 countries.
For samples of these languages, try the Language Museum at http://www.language-museum.com/.
And for links to more than 2400 language related websites, go to I Love Languages at http://www.ilovelanguages.com/.
Aprecie! Geniet van! Enjoy!
Date Posted: September 23, 2005
The Vertical Farm
http://www.verticalfarm.com/
Project yourself into the future when the population has grown and arable land is fully in use. How do we feed everyone? One solution is to farm vertically. This Columbia University site provides background, plans and related information on the ecology of an urban food-producing system.
Date Posted: September 16, 2005
Hurricane Katrina
http://lii.org/search/file/hurricanekatrina
The Librarians' Index to the Internet has compiled an extensive list of websites relating to Hurricane Katrina. Find maps and images, volunteer opportunities, news, information and how you can help.
Date Posted: September 09, 2005
Gas Buddy
http://gasbuddy.com/
Looking for the cheapest gas near home or on the road? Check out Gas Buddy to find the highest and lowest gasoline prices. Search by city and state.
If you are still in a state of shock over local prices, investigate the cost of gas around the world at this CNN site: http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/global_gasprices/price.html
Date Posted: September 02, 2005
Best Information on the Net
http://library.sau.edu/bestinfo/
Where can I find good internet information a particular subject? Or how can I find a topic for a paper with many reliable websites? Try this user friendly St. Ambrose University directory of Internet resources. Look for links by subject or "hot paper topics". And find a wealth of good information.
Date Posted: August 26, 2005
The Worst Jobs in History
http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/W/worstjobs/index.html
Is your job sometimes difficult, boring or unpleasant? Compare it to the Worst Jobs in History like woad dyer, spitboy or nit picker. This British site examines unusual jobs of the past 2000 years. And it offers suggestions for offbeat careers of today.
Date Posted: August 18, 2005
Presidential Libraries
http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/
Take an interesting and educational vacation - on line! The National Archives offers information and links to the Presidential Libraries.
And for the newest Presidential Library website go to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum at http://www.alincoln-library.com/home.html.
Date Posted: July 29, 2005
Beach Books and Beyond!
http://www.bookreporter.com/Summer/index.asp
Need a few reading suggestions for your summer vacation? Find some hot beach books or leisure reads by category on this Book Reporter website.
Other great sites to peruse summer reading lists are:
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh at http://www.carnegielibrary.org/dontmiss/adultsr/booklists.html
U C Berkeley at http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/Instruction/readinglists/
and NPR at http://www.npr.org/templates/topics/topic.php?topicId=1084
Enjoy!
Date Posted: July 21, 2005
Kaboom!
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/kaboom/
How do fireworks work? This NOVA site describes the anatomy and chemistry of pyrotehnics. Enjoy your 4th of July display with a little more understanding of the science of fireworks.
And for information on firework safety, explore the National Council on Fireworks Safety website at http://www.fireworksafety.com/home.htm.
Date Posted: June 29, 2005
Beyond the Fire: Teen Experiences of War
http://www.itvs.org/beyondthefire/
Beyond the Fire: Teen Experiences of War is an eye-opening view of the conflict zones of the world. 15 real teenagers tell their stories of survival. This site includes background information and links to resources about these countries, wars, and the effects of these conflicts.
Date Posted: June 16, 2005
Theme Parks
http://www.themeparkcity.com/
For summer fun, explore this directory of theme parks, zoos and waterparks. Find information on carnivals and circuses. Check out resources for studying the uses, visitors and histories of amusement parks. And then, have an exhilarating summer break!
Date Posted: May 12, 2005
Cool Works
http://www.coolworks.com/
"75,000 jobs in great places!" Looking for a summer job in a National park, or at a theme park or on a ranch? How about a position at a ski resort next winter? Find internships, volunteer opportunities and paid jobs on this weekly updated website.
Date Posted: May 05, 2005
Patently Silly
http://www.patentlysilly.com/
This humorous website features real patents registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Enjoy these unusual, interesting and sometimes absurd inventions. This site is updated weekly and contains an archive organized by subject and week .
Date Posted: April 28, 2005
Absolute Shakespeare
http://absoluteshakespeare.com/index.htm
To celebrate William Shakespeare's 441st birthday on April 23, explore these diverse and interesting sites. Absolute Shakespeare is a commercial website (lots of ads) which contains text of plays and sonnets, quotes, study guides and summaries. And there's lots of background info on Shakespeare himself and the Globe Theatre.
To view Shakespeare's original copies of the plays along with more Shakespeare information, try this British Library site at: http://www.bl.uk/treasures/shakespeare/homepage.html
And to learn more about Shakespeare's times, research Life in Elizabethan England at: http://renaissance.dm.net/compendium/
Date Posted: April 21, 2005
Do You Speak American?
http://www.pbs.org/speak/
What exactly is American English? Listen to samples of regional speech. Read essays on language preference, slang and dialects, and the future of global English. Quiz yourself on usage and knowledge of the language. PBS provides this fun and interesting website on American English.
Date Posted: April 14, 2005
Frank & Ernest's Tax Relief
http://www.frankandernest.com/view/theme-tax.html
Stressed out about tax time! Enjoy these Frank & Ernest tax cartoons.
Date Posted: April 07, 2005
Incredible Blogs
http://www.incredibleblogs.com/
Curious about weblogs? Discover blogs on all different subjects with this Incredible Blogs website.
And for the best in blogs, check out the Web Log Awards at: http://www.fairvue.com/bloggies/
Date Posted: March 24, 2005
AAA Fuel Cost Calculator
http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/
Are you traveling this Spring Break? You can calculate the cost of your trip on this AAA website. Just enter the starting city, destination, vehicle make, year & model and AAA will figure out your estimated gasoline costs.
Date Posted: March 17, 2005
PlanetQuest
http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/
Are we alone? How and why are we searching for new extrasolar planets? Discover the science, history, technology, and past, current and future missions of space exploration. This Nasa supported site also contains an extensive glossary and useful links.
Date Posted: March 10, 2005
Gender and Development
http://www.worldbank.org/gender/
Since 1970, the average life expectancies for women have increased by 15 to 20 years in developing countries. Explore the condition of women and girls worldwide in this World Bank Group site. Find out current programs and policy, reports and publications, and profiles of gender issues along with links to statistics and other resources.
Date Posted: March 03, 2005
Don't Gross Out the World
http://fekids.com/img/kln/flash/DontGrossOutTheWorld.swf
How do you show your host you like your meal in Japan?
Try out your international etiquette IQ with this fun and informative quiz.
By the way, in Japan you slurp your noodles as loudly as possible to make known your enjoyment.
Date Posted: February 24, 2005
Chicago Renaissance
http://www.chipublib.org/digital/chiren/
Celebrate Black History Month by exploring the rich African-American culture of Chicago in the 1930's and 1940's! This Chicago Public Library site contains images and text in the areas of literature, journalism, the arts, music, social science and institutions of the Chicago Renaissance.
Date Posted: February 17, 2005
"I Love You" in Many Languages
http://www.travlang.com/languages/iloveyou.html
What do you say to your sweetheart this Valentine's Day? Try something different this year - in Welsh or Farsi! TravLang translates "I love you" into 65 different languages. And to speak more than one phrase, TravLang offers free on-line translating dictionaries.
Date Posted: February 10, 2005
The Dickens Page
http://www.lang.nagoya-u.ac.jp/~matsuoka/Dickens.html
Everything you ever wanted to know about Charles Dickens - and then some! To celebrate Dickens' 193rd birthday (February 7, 1812), check out this amazing website. It contains his letters & speeches, his chronology and biography, hundreds of links to Dickens related sites, and lots more. And interestingly enough, this Dickens Page was compiled by Mitsuharu Matsuoka of Nagoya University, Japan.
Date Posted: February 03, 2005
QuickMath
http://www.quickmath.com/
Need an online calculator? Need one that can handle calculus, algebra, matrices, percentages and graphs? Try QuickMath, "an automated service for answering common math problems over the internet". QuickMath is a good way to check your homework calculations. There are also links to many other math websites with tutorials, resources (like math dictionaries), and online help.
Date Posted: January 27, 2005
The White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
The White House official website provides up-to-date news on president. Investigate the presidential issues, tour the White House, explore the history of the building, and learn about the presidents & first ladies with virtual tours, photos and text. And see the White House from a dog's eye view with Barneycam at http://www.whitehouse.gov/barney/
Date Posted: January 20, 2005
Asian Earthquakes and Tsunamis
http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/Asia_Tsunamis.shtml
FirstGov, the U.S. government's official web portal, links various sites related to the tsunami disaster. Find official news and information on U.S. citizens' welfare, health, travel, charity and relief efforts. Check out the scientific sites to understand the the physical causes and effects. And find out how you can help aid victims.
Date Posted: January 11, 2005
Food Network: Quizes & Games
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/et_games/0,1972,FOOD_9826,00.html
Where should you go for New Year's Eve? What is your true cooking style? How well do you know your food trivia? What is your wine IQ? Take these fun quizes available on the Food Network website. Then, check out the recipes, entertaining ideas, and food & kitchen games.
Date Posted: December 17, 2004
The Poinsettia Pages
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/poinsettia/
Beautiful poinsettia plants are abundant this time of year. Enjoy National Poinsettia Day on December 12 by researching the history, types, care and interesting facts available on this University of Illinois Extension website.
And for more holiday fun, check out the U of I Extension's "Christmas Trees & More" site at: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees/index.html
Date Posted: December 10, 2004
Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/treasure/
What's on the back of the Declaration of Independence? The movie, National Treasure, alludes to a secret message on the back of the Declaration. Visit the National Archives website to find out what really is inscribed on the reverse. And while you are there, research the Declaration of Independence and other historic American documents.
Date Posted: December 02, 2004
How Volcanoes Work
http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/
How do volcanoes work? Pictures, maps, charts, quizes, puzzles and lots of very good scientific information on volcanoes can be found at this San Diego State University website.
For up-to-date information and images of Mount St. Helens, view their VolcanoCam at: .http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/.
Date Posted: November 18, 2004
Places Online
http://www.placesonline.org/
Created by the Association of American Geographers, this site provides links to maps, photographs and websites of places throughout the world.
Date Posted: November 11, 2004
Food Psychology
http://www.foodpsychology.com/
Why do we overeat? What are comfort foods? How do we shop for groceries? What tempts us on a restaurant menu - and why? A group of grad students from U of Ill. developed this site to answer these questions and give us insight into healthy food choices.
Date Posted: November 02, 2004
The Moonlit Road
http://www.themoonlitroad.com/welcome001.asp
It's time to brush up on your ghost stories! Discover the strange folktales that haunt the American South. The stories of the Moonlit Road are available in both text and audio form.
Date Posted: October 21, 2004
Presidential Debates
http://www.debates.org/index.html
President George W. Bush and Senator John F. Kerry debated the issues of the 2004 election three times: Sept. 30, Oct. 8 and Oct. 13. The website of the Commission on Presidential Debates provides the transcripts of these debates along with news articles concerning them. There is also a debate history section going back to the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates, (most with transcripts and videos).
Date Posted: October 14, 2004
The Chemistry of Autumn Colors
http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/chemweek/fallcolr/fallcolr.html
Can we expect a spectacular fall this year? Read about how and why the leaves turn color. Dr. Shakhashiri of the University of Wisconsin - Madison has created a "Science is Fun" website full of interesting and factual chemical information.
Date Posted: October 07, 2004
VOTE 2004
http://vote-smart.org/
Vote Smart provides (in their words) "abundant, accurate, unbiased and relevant information" on national and state candidates and elected officials. Check out the bios, issue positions, voting records, campaign finance and interest group ratings of our public officials.
Other interesting websites include:
League of Women Voters Election 2004 http://www.congress.org/congressorg/34/?
RealClear Politics (latest polls) http://www.realclearpolitics.com/polls.html
Annenberg Political Fact Check http://www.factcheck.org/
Comedy Central Indecision 2004 (election humor)http://www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/indecision2004/index.jhtml
Date Posted: September 30, 2004
Zen Gardens
http://academic.bowdoin.edu/zen/index.shtml?overview
Is your life too hectic? Imagine yourself in a tranquil Japanese landscape. View 24 gardens in still or moving photography. Learn the history and vital elements of these serene gardens. This Bowdoin College website also contains a glossary, a bibliography and a list of Japanese garden links.
Date Posted: September 23, 2004
Health Topics A to Z
http://www.cdc.gov/az.do
What should you do in a hurricane? Where can you get the latest, most credible information on fetal alcohol syndrome? Can you get sick from your dog? Health Topics A to Z is a database of articles, reports, statistics and publications created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From abrin to zoster, the topics cover a wide variety of health and safety issues. This CDC site is easy to use, searchable, and very reliable.
Date Posted: September 16, 2004
Avoiding Plagiarism
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th ed. defines plagiarize as "to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own." But how do you know when you need to cite ideas, accepted facts, or unique phrases in your papers? This Purdue website helps you to understand what needs to be documented to avoid plagiarism. For more information, go to: http://www.web-miner.com/plagiarism which links you to a huge number of plagiarism websites.
Date Posted: September 09, 2004
Labor Day 2004
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/002264.html
The U.S. Census Bureau has compiled a web page celebrating the 147.9 million American workers. Find interesting facts, statistics and links concerning labor in the United States.
Date Posted: September 02, 2004
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
http://www.grammarbook.com/
Need a brush-up on the basics before you write that first paper? Check out the Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation. Although the site's main objective is to sell the hard-copy of the book, it contains a lot of solid information. There are also exercises and quizes to gauge your skills and improve your writing abilities.
Date Posted: August 26, 2004
Athens 2004 Olympics
http://www.athens2004.com/
Keep track of the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens via this official website. Along with sports news, this site contains biographies of athletes, coaches, referees, and horses (?). There are many links to Greek culture, Olympic history, and what's going on in Athens right now. Catch the excitment minute by minute!
Date Posted: August 12, 2004
How Far Is It?
http://www.indo.com/distance/
How far is it from Grayslake, IL to Hollywood, CA? The answer is 1733 miles. This Indonesian site contains an easy-to-use distance calculator. The service uses data from the US Census and a supplementary list of cities around the world to find the latitude and longitude of two places, and then calculates the distance between them (as the crow flies).
Date Posted: August 05, 2004
The 9-11 Commission Report
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/911/index.html
The final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States is available in its entirety online. You will need Adobe Acrobat to access this 585 page document.
Date Posted: July 29, 2004
yourDictionary
http://www.yourdictionary.com/index.shtml
More than a dictionary, this website includes a thesaurus, translating dictionaries, word games and puzzles. Have fun writing your name in 14 languages, like Viking runes or Egyptian hieroglyphs. And check out the 100 most misspelled words and the 100 most mispronounced words. YourDictionary is an entertaining, educational, and useful site to browse or use regularly.
Date Posted: July 21, 2004
Roadside America
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/index.html
Summer is halfway over and it's time to plan some memorable vacation trips. RoadsideAmerica.com, "your online guide to offbeat tourist attractions" can help you find your way to interesting, strange or fun places in the U.S.
Date Posted: July 15, 2004
Journey to Saturn
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/main/index.html
Follow the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn on the NASA website. Get the latest news updates, photographs and background information on this exciting exploratory voyage.
Date Posted: July 06, 2004
Chicago's World Fair
http://users.vnet.net/schulman/Columbian/columbian.html#TOP</