The Natural History Museum in London has developed a 'guide to 195 of the most well-described dinosaurs, including 923 images.' Here's your chance to find out about dinosaurs and other extinct creatures. You'll have access to answers to questions such as 'What were dinosaurs?', 'What were archosaurs?', as well as facts on other ancient reptiles. The Timeline is interesting by the fact that pictures of the creatures are returned for the requested period of time, pictures that have basic facts on the particular dinosaur presented. You'll even be able to see what dinosaurs lived in your part of the world, a perfect start for your next extinct creatures hunt! You never know what bones might lie in your own backyard!
This site is a collection of slideshows on a variety of subjects, from Holidays, to Mother Nature and Places, to Man Made and Miscellaneous shows. You’ll find ‘over 250 slideshows on many subjects, some funny, some serious,.some educational, and some just pleasant to look at.’ If you’ve got time on your hands and want to browse, here’s the perfect place to start for an enjoyable ‘You Are There’ computer experience. You budding photographers can even submit your own show if you so desire. Keep this site in your ‘favorite places’ for exciting holiday viewing. On special days check out the latest holiday for your own up close and personal celebration.
Hoaxbusters.com is sponsored by the United States Department of Energy as a tool for recognizing and 'describing hoaxes and chain letters found on the Internet;' additional information on what to do about these hoaxes and some of the history behind them is featured. You'll find hoaxes listed by category as well as an index of hoaxes. If you can't find what you're seeking here, there is a link to Other Hoax Sites, one of which is sure to have information on your questionable email, warning, etc. Our subscriber explains, "Whenever I get a questionable email, I go right to this site to see if it is true or not. It is one of the best sites on the Web!"
If you're looking for games, then you and the whole family are going to love this site! Try Bill's Games for a good game of solitaire, a journey through mazes, puzzles, hangman, concentration, and minesweeper, just to mention a few among the many housed on Bill's Games. Adults as well as children do need a word of caution - this site will keep you occupied for hours so give yourself ample time to 'stay awhile.'
The History Channel is the place for history facts. One of the neatest features is the 'World Timeline.' Separated into centuries, then into decades and finally into years, quick facts are presented on what took place during any selected year in chronological order. From the timeline, there are links to specific entries should you require more detailed information. The site also features 'This Day in History,' divided into categories for narrowing your search of what took place on a given day. A new feature, 'Disasters' has been added to 'This Day in History' and is in the process of development; you'll want to stay tuned for more information in this area. One added note: vacation time is right around the corner. History.com has archives that can provide a living history lesson on the destination of your choice – a great educational tool for the whole family!
Here's an interesting site for all you yo-yo aficionados, a site that will keep you 'spinning through the ages!' Developed by yo-yo collector, David W. Hall, in conjunction with the technical expertise of Grahame Wright, this online museum has finally become a reality. The exhibits include yo-yo's from David's personal collection, memorabilia and related skill toys. Dave's goal is 'to archive and preserve as much yo-yo history as possible,' and in the process have the site become the 'Encyclopedia of Yo-Yo History.' Surely, you'll remember the 'Duncan 101 Jeweled Tournament Yo-Yo' produced in 1955, worth an estimated $2000 today. You might want to take the opportunity to submit your own additions to the Museum and draw upon Dave's expertise. Who knows – that childhood toy in the top of the closet might be a real collector's item that can be documented for others to enjoy!
Butterflies are fascinating creatures. Have you ever considered how amazing it is that a caterpillar can be transformed so dramatically in the cocoon? This site will take you on a fabulous butterfly tour of the United States and Mexico, complete with beautiful and detailed color photographs. Search your own state to see what indigenous caterpillars and butterflies exist in your neck of the woods. After educating yourself on the species, be sure to keep your eyes open. You may find some formerly unknown and unexpected beauty in your own backyard!
The Alzheimer's Association sponsors this website for the purpose of helping the general public better understand the workings of the brain and 'how Alzheimer's affects it.' There are sixteen interactive slides, each with information on the special features presented in the particular image. The links to other sites give the visitor the opportunity to explore the brain in its entirety from a variety of approaches. The brain is no longer quite the mystery that it once was as evidenced by the material presented. Use Inside the Brain to further your understanding of this important body organ!
The GetHuman introduction states, "Our goal is to improve the quality of customer service and phone support in the US." Everyone at some point is frustrated with the automated telephone systems in place in the corporate world. Today's feature, while it may not be able to remove all of your frustration, at least is taking steps to help. You'll find 'Tips' on finding toll-free numbers and basic suggestions for avoiding the long waits that often times occur with the automated switchboard menus. The real meat on this site is found in the 'Database' section. Here you'll find actual instructions, company specific, for finding a 'real person.' Currently there are 390 companies covered, but more are being adding as users send in the necessary information. "This free website is run by volunteers and is powered by over one million consumers who demand high quality phone support from the companies that they use." Whether you're a volunteer or user, this grass roots effort is putting people back in the 'system.'
Here's a fun site that has 'stories and games for kids.' The stories are illustrated and have associated audios that will answer your child's plea to 'Read to Me.' The Games 'absolutely rock. Brain teasers, word puzzles, action and coordination...they're SO much fun that you'll even find adults sneaking in to play when you're not watching!' The material can be used in a variety of ways, for entertainment, for learning to read and also for practice for individuals whose main language may not be English. One outside review explains that Light Up Your Brain "is about inspiration, creativity, and the fun of being a kid. At this site you will find stories, games, music, learning and just fun stuff.' Take a leisurely break and stop in for a refreshing story and/or game. The Comments sum up the beauty of the material, one person going so far as to ask, "Would it be possible to come up with something like this for adults learning to read?"
Alphabet Soup is a site 'for the young and the "young at heart"!' The description says it all: "Alphabet Soup contains thematic units, holiday units, games and activities for kids; teacher and parent resources; and crafts, humor and recipes for all! Be sure to check out the Kindergarten Kafe, recipes dictated by 5-year-olds!" Here's a fun resource for entertaining the younger set. It also 'includes plenty of free printables.' You'll surely want to bookmark Alphabet Soup for future reference on those rainy days when everyone, both young and young at heart, gets cabin fever!
"The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive." This group has been working with the public since 1951 to save the last great places on our planet. You’ll be able to find the latest in conservation news and also be able to listen to podcasts of 'interesting and unexpected tales of people's connections with the natural world in a high-quality audio download.' The Nature Field Guide will is a 'useful reference for those interested in learning about where and how The Nature Conservancy works.' Come join the celebration and see what’s going on around the world on the conservation front!
"How did life begin? Are we the only intelligent life in the universe? The key to unraveling the mysteries about the origins of life may just exist in space." PBS posts this companion site to its Exploring Space: The Quest for Life program to help the public examine some of these issues at a more in depth level than is possible from merely watching the program. The sections cover 'The Mars Project,' 'The Search for Aliens' and 'Meteorites & Life,' each with interactive features and quizzes (you'll certainly want to attempt a flight to Mars all within the comfort and safety of Mother Earth!). The computer animation used for the deep space imagery is interesting in itself. Don't miss the collection of Essays on theories and opinions that is sure to 'stretch your mind with . . . thoughts about values, vision and faith.' Here's your opportunity to 'learn about the amazing quest for life that begins on Earth and extends into the heavens above.'
Girl Power! is a 'national public education campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help encourage and motivate 9- to 13- year-old girls to make the most of their lives. Girls at 8 or 9 typically have very strong attitudes about their health, so Girl Power! seeks to reinforce and sustain these positive values among girls ages 9-13 by targeting health messages to the unique needs, interests, and challenges of girls.' Find great information about self-esteem, stress, eating disorders, sex and drug abuse. There’s also a track for parents and guardians to follow if they’re interested - see reports and resources regarding issues that are probably affecting your youngster. This is a great informative site for all parents as well as children!
Nestle has posted a fun site featuring the Nesquik Bunny. Bunny invites you to accompany him to play in the Tree House where a slide leads you out into the world; an elevator will take you down to the Subway Station and 'tons of cool games' should you like the subterranean area better. You can also check out the 'world from above' and see what is in the 'Nesquik Forest.' If you really become adapt at conquering the obstacles in the adventures, you can enter your scores on the 'Leader Board' and wow the Internet community with your expertise! As the reader who submitted this site says, "It's all good clean fun!"
Any aspiring chef absolutely must visit the Recipe Source! This incredible collection of recipes was started in 1993 and first appeared on the web in 1995 as SOAR: The Searchable Online Archive of Recipes. From humble beginnings of around 10,000 recipes, the collection has grown to 7 times that size. Recipe Source has organized the recipes into two major groups - recipes primarily identified with an ethnic cuisine are broken down by region ethnic group, while other recipes are categorized by the type of dish. If you enjoy eating (and who doesn't!), you won’t be disappointed with this site.
The Museum of Online Museums – MoOM –states that is has 'links from our archives to online collections and exhibits covering a vast array of interests and obsessions.' The visitor is invited to 'start with a review of classic art and architecture, and graduate to the study of mundane (and sometimes bizarre) objects elevated to art by their numbers, juxtaposition, or passion of the collector.' Organized into three sections – 'The Museum Campus contains links to brick-and-mortar museums with an interesting online presence, 'The Permanent Collection displays links to exhibits of particular interest to design and advertising' and 'Galleries, Exhibition, and Shows, an ecelctic and ever-changing list of interesting links to collections and galleries' - you're sure to find 'where the good stuff is.' This site is an excellent portal to both famous and unknown museum and private collector sites; it demonstrates how the Internet can open museum doors to everyone!
Storm Instability is exactly what it says, images of Storm Instability taken by photographer Mike Hollingshead, a 'storm chaser.' You can follow Mike on his first chase beginning in 1999 as well as access his 'Images by Year,' the earliest being taken in 1996 prior to Mike's beginning his actual 'chasing' pastime that has evolved into a career. The Storm Glossary/Info section will help you understand supercell storm structure, the various cloud formations and lightening associated with tornados. This site should be an interesting one to revisit; according to the developer it 'will likely be under construction for a long time as I try to add stuff to it.'
David Bradley, a science writer, has developed this site titled ScienceBase.com. The visitor enters a 'portal to science articles in astronomy biology, chemistry, physics and other areas of scientific discovery.' It 'features external newsfeeds and educational help sections for science fair projects and chemistry assignments and other related science education matters, including science lesson plans and free science magazines' in addition to search tools and links. Here's a portal that can be used by both students for research projects and by the general public to get educated on the latest on the science front!
Featured on the opening page of National Public Radio's The End of Life is a work 'commissioned of sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens by Henry Adams, grandson of President John Quincy Adams, shortly after the suicide of his wife Marion.' Most appropriate for the subject matter, it is the entry into the death and dying information excerpted from NPR's "All Things Considered" series. There are 'Transcripts' of the broadcasts, 'Resources' aimed toward 'people with life-threatening diseases and their families and caregivers,' a 'Bibliography' and 'Readings,' covering a wide range of selections from novels, poems, religious writings, clinical research and actual documentaries from people dealing with death and bereavement as well as visual images, photographs, sculpture. There is a section where you can 'Tell Your Story' and read those that others have posted. This site is an excellent resource, covering real issues of those facing their own death or that of a loved one.
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