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eVoiceAmerica.com
Why isn't there ever a public opinion pollster around when you need one? If you have ever felt like that, try eVoiceAmerica.com, your personal pollster-on-demand. You can sound off on issues ranging from immigration reform to taxes to the oil spill, and your opinions will be forwarded to six elected representatives of your choice. Because your "yes" or "no" can be rated on a scale of one to 10, you can rate the strength of your support or opposition with a nuanced opinion.
Why isn't there ever a public opinion pollster around when you need one? If you have ever felt like that, try eVoiceAmerica.com, your personal pollster-on-demand. You can sound off on issues ranging from immigration reform to taxes to the oil spill, and your opinions will be forwarded to six elected representatives of your choice. Because your "yes" or "no" can be rated on a scale of one to 10, you can rate the strength of your support or opposition with a nuanced opinion.
SkyAuction.com (July 14)
If you think your budget is too tight for a great vacation this summer, you may have second thoughts after visiting SkyAuction.com. This site lets you bid on deals for airfare, cruises and hotel accommodations. Bids start at $1, but inevitably go up. Still, they can offer very substantial savings on travel of all kinds. This site also offers significant discounts on dining, including local deals.
If you think your budget is too tight for a great vacation this summer, you may have second thoughts after visiting SkyAuction.com. This site lets you bid on deals for airfare, cruises and hotel accommodations. Bids start at $1, but inevitably go up. Still, they can offer very substantial savings on travel of all kinds. This site also offers significant discounts on dining, including local deals.
Live Weather Images (July 7)
When the heat gets to be too much, find virtual relief at Live Weather Images. There are links to dozens of webcams around the world (note that some don't work, and some will redirect you to another site). This site also provides Heat Index calculators and links to NOAA's satellite views. Although the broken links suggest this site has bitten off more than it can chew, it does include fascinating real-time snapshots from around the world, such as the Panama Canal webcam and Australian snowcams.
When the heat gets to be too much, find virtual relief at Live Weather Images. There are links to dozens of webcams around the world (note that some don't work, and some will redirect you to another site). This site also provides Heat Index calculators and links to NOAA's satellite views. Although the broken links suggest this site has bitten off more than it can chew, it does include fascinating real-time snapshots from around the world, such as the Panama Canal webcam and Australian snowcams.
Take Me Fishing (June 2)
There are several "free fishing days" in the region as National Fishing & Boating Week (June 5 - 13) gets underway this summer. Find them at TakeMeFishing.org, a reliable and comprehensive guide to the pleasure -- and restrictions -- of boating and fishing. Anglers can find family friendly destinations, tips, tricks,outfitters, baits and lures. There are instructions on conservation and preparing your catch. You can even buy fishing licenses online and print them out.
There are several "free fishing days" in the region as National Fishing & Boating Week (June 5 - 13) gets underway this summer. Find them at TakeMeFishing.org, a reliable and comprehensive guide to the pleasure -- and restrictions -- of boating and fishing. Anglers can find family friendly destinations, tips, tricks,outfitters, baits and lures. There are instructions on conservation and preparing your catch. You can even buy fishing licenses online and print them out.
Amazing Ribs (May 26)
The most dedicated backyard grillers are like wine snobs. They are concerned with every element, when they cook: taste, aroma, temperature. The recipes and tips at Craig "Meathead" Goldwyn's site, AmazingRibs.com, should satisfy the fussiest griller, while helping the occasional cook get exceptional results with minimal (but well directed) effort. In April, this was one of 10 nominees for a Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media "Golden Ladle" award. Looking for Kansas City Classic BBQ Sauce, East Carolina Mop Sauce and Eve's Apple Butter Pig Paint, you'll find it here.
The most dedicated backyard grillers are like wine snobs. They are concerned with every element, when they cook: taste, aroma, temperature. The recipes and tips at Craig "Meathead" Goldwyn's site, AmazingRibs.com, should satisfy the fussiest griller, while helping the occasional cook get exceptional results with minimal (but well directed) effort. In April, this was one of 10 nominees for a Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media "Golden Ladle" award. Looking for Kansas City Classic BBQ Sauce, East Carolina Mop Sauce and Eve's Apple Butter Pig Paint, you'll find it here.
Rules of Thumb (May 19)
Words of wisdom for short attention spans can be found in abundance at Rules of Thumb. Not all the truisms collected here are true, exactly, but they are easy-to-remember, and organized by topic. TRAVEL: "Take twice the money and half the clothes you think you will need." CARS: "Always wash your car before taking it in for service. Mechanics are more likely to take advantage of you if your car looks like it needs 'everything.'" CHILDREN: "If you hear a pop when you pull the thumb out of your 4-year-old child's mouth, he is at risk of tooth deformity. Try to break him of the thumb-sucking habit."
Words of wisdom for short attention spans can be found in abundance at Rules of Thumb. Not all the truisms collected here are true, exactly, but they are easy-to-remember, and organized by topic. TRAVEL: "Take twice the money and half the clothes you think you will need." CARS: "Always wash your car before taking it in for service. Mechanics are more likely to take advantage of you if your car looks like it needs 'everything.'" CHILDREN: "If you hear a pop when you pull the thumb out of your 4-year-old child's mouth, he is at risk of tooth deformity. Try to break him of the thumb-sucking habit."
All Facebook (May 5)
All Facebook covers Facebook like ESPN covers sports: comprehensively, fairly and combatively. Facebook fans worried about their increasing loss of privacy will find instructions on how to opt-out of "Instant Personalization." All Facebook checks out rumors (Is there a hacker door in your Friends list? Will Facebook charge $50 a month?), reviews games, and provides page statistics. (Lady Gaga's daily fan growth was 3844, at last check.)
All Facebook covers Facebook like ESPN covers sports: comprehensively, fairly and combatively. Facebook fans worried about their increasing loss of privacy will find instructions on how to opt-out of "Instant Personalization." All Facebook checks out rumors (Is there a hacker door in your Friends list? Will Facebook charge $50 a month?), reviews games, and provides page statistics. (Lady Gaga's daily fan growth was 3844, at last check.)
National Geographic Traveler (April 27)
It's almost vacation-time, and if you're ready for a break, National Geographic will help you plot your getaway. Because it's National Geographic, you get recommendations on exotic destinations. For instance, visitors rated the Norwegian Fjords higher than Costa del Sol. But because National Geographic knows its audience, the site is flush with advice on spots closer to home. The Free Cities section lists no-cost attractions in Miami, Dallas, New York and Charleston, S.C. In addition to the Smithsonian's many museums, the Free D.C. section has details on free admittance to art galleries, concerts and theater.
It's almost vacation-time, and if you're ready for a break, National Geographic will help you plot your getaway. Because it's National Geographic, you get recommendations on exotic destinations. For instance, visitors rated the Norwegian Fjords higher than Costa del Sol. But because National Geographic knows its audience, the site is flush with advice on spots closer to home. The Free Cities section lists no-cost attractions in Miami, Dallas, New York and Charleston, S.C. In addition to the Smithsonian's many museums, the Free D.C. section has details on free admittance to art galleries, concerts and theater.
Trapster (April 20)
There is no illegal file-sharing on Trapster.com. Instead, it's a speed trap sharing site, which is not illegal. In fact, the Travis County Sheriff's Office posts the locations of its own speed traps around Austin, Texas on Trapster.com. The sheriff says speed traps are established to slow drivers down, and publicizing them helps to accomplish that. Speed and red light cameras, checkpoints and locations police frequently set up teams with radar guns are revealed here. In fact, drivers from around the world contribute to Trapster. Check traffic enforcement in Israel, Cyprus and the Scandinavian Peninsula.
There is no illegal file-sharing on Trapster.com. Instead, it's a speed trap sharing site, which is not illegal. In fact, the Travis County Sheriff's Office posts the locations of its own speed traps around Austin, Texas on Trapster.com. The sheriff says speed traps are established to slow drivers down, and publicizing them helps to accomplish that. Speed and red light cameras, checkpoints and locations police frequently set up teams with radar guns are revealed here. In fact, drivers from around the world contribute to Trapster. Check traffic enforcement in Israel, Cyprus and the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Apartment Therapy (April 14)
Apartment Therapy is dedicated to "saving the world one room at a time." The site has dollar-stretching tips on how to squeeze more stuff into small spaces, brighten rooms with color, and more. This site looks at bedrooms, bathrooms and attics in new ways, and offers detailed articles on such topics as putting up fabric wallpaper and reorganizing kitchens. "Scavenger" and "Classified" sections for the Washington, D.C. Metro area feature home furnishings of all kinds.
Apartment Therapy is dedicated to "saving the world one room at a time." The site has dollar-stretching tips on how to squeeze more stuff into small spaces, brighten rooms with color, and more. This site looks at bedrooms, bathrooms and attics in new ways, and offers detailed articles on such topics as putting up fabric wallpaper and reorganizing kitchens. "Scavenger" and "Classified" sections for the Washington, D.C. Metro area feature home furnishings of all kinds.
Food Diaries (April 7)
Some people try to watch their diets. But if you want everyone to watch your diet, keep a photographic food diary. A growing number of people are taking pictures of the things they eat, and posting them online. California neuroscientist Javier Garcia tells the New York Times his blog helps him maintain his 80-pound weight loss. There are more than 300,000 photos from 19,000 contributors at Flickr's "I Ate This" group. "What I Ate This Week" has archives going back to November 2008. City University of New York's Building Performance Lab Deputy Director Nora Leah met her boyfriend through her food blog. If you want to know what 200 calories look like, compare your plate with these pictures.
Some people try to watch their diets. But if you want everyone to watch your diet, keep a photographic food diary. A growing number of people are taking pictures of the things they eat, and posting them online. California neuroscientist Javier Garcia tells the New York Times his blog helps him maintain his 80-pound weight loss. There are more than 300,000 photos from 19,000 contributors at Flickr's "I Ate This" group. "What I Ate This Week" has archives going back to November 2008. City University of New York's Building Performance Lab Deputy Director Nora Leah met her boyfriend through her food blog. If you want to know what 200 calories look like, compare your plate with these pictures.
10 Worst April Fool's Day Hoaxes (March 31)
April Fool's Day celebrations in Saddam Hussein's Iraq were not exactly thigh-slappers. On April 1, 1999, the dictator's son Uday announced that monthly food rations would now include bananas, chocolate and Pepsi. He thought that was so funny he brought it back two years later. The Museum of Hoaxes' 10 Worst April Fool's Day Hoaxes ever includes Romania's bogus prisoners' release announcement, and DJ's phony disaster warnings (including one that panicked residents of Virginia Beach).
April Fool's Day celebrations in Saddam Hussein's Iraq were not exactly thigh-slappers. On April 1, 1999, the dictator's son Uday announced that monthly food rations would now include bananas, chocolate and Pepsi. He thought that was so funny he brought it back two years later. The Museum of Hoaxes' 10 Worst April Fool's Day Hoaxes ever includes Romania's bogus prisoners' release announcement, and DJ's phony disaster warnings (including one that panicked residents of Virginia Beach).
Google Maps for Cyclists (March 17)
Finally, no snow -- just mild temperatures and sunshine! Time to ride your bike. And the most requested addition to Google maps has just launched - a feature for cyclists. Dedicated trails have dark green lines and bike lanes along roads have light green lines. You can even use the terrain feature if you want to have hills on your route.
Finally, no snow -- just mild temperatures and sunshine! Time to ride your bike. And the most requested addition to Google maps has just launched - a feature for cyclists. Dedicated trails have dark green lines and bike lanes along roads have light green lines. You can even use the terrain feature if you want to have hills on your route.
ClinicalTrials.gov (March 10)
If you are seriously ill, ClinicalTrials.gov may help you, even if you are uninsured. This site is the largest database of medical studies in the world. Patients receive the "standard of care" in clinical trials exploring new treatments, medications and therapies. Because doctors and patients are often unaware that studies are being done, some clinical trials are discontinued for lack of participation. Researchers say many patients -- particularly those with cancer -- are eager to take part in these trials, once they know they exist. Also check out FightArthritisPain.org. This new site was launched by the Arthritis Foundation to help treat -- and prevent -- osteoarthritis.
If you are seriously ill, ClinicalTrials.gov may help you, even if you are uninsured. This site is the largest database of medical studies in the world. Patients receive the "standard of care" in clinical trials exploring new treatments, medications and therapies. Because doctors and patients are often unaware that studies are being done, some clinical trials are discontinued for lack of participation. Researchers say many patients -- particularly those with cancer -- are eager to take part in these trials, once they know they exist. Also check out FightArthritisPain.org. This new site was launched by the Arthritis Foundation to help treat -- and prevent -- osteoarthritis.
Channelsurfing.net (March 3)
If you are counting the days until "Selection Sunday," Channelsurfing.net may be your favorite site all month long. Channelsurfing.net will let you watch "March Madness" live. Men's and Women's NCAA, NBA, NHL, National and American League Baseball games, as well as UEFA action, are streamed live at no cost. But if you want to watch TV or movies, make sure your firewall is enabled and anti-virus software is up to date. There are many complaints about Graboid and other software that must be downloaded before some content can be viewed, such as "Graboid was hard to delete. Once I tried to uninstall it, had to wipe my hard drive clean and do system restore to previous day get rid of it. Also, didn't seem to have good stuff to watch. Thumbs down for me!"
If you are counting the days until "Selection Sunday," Channelsurfing.net may be your favorite site all month long. Channelsurfing.net will let you watch "March Madness" live. Men's and Women's NCAA, NBA, NHL, National and American League Baseball games, as well as UEFA action, are streamed live at no cost. But if you want to watch TV or movies, make sure your firewall is enabled and anti-virus software is up to date. There are many complaints about Graboid and other software that must be downloaded before some content can be viewed, such as "Graboid was hard to delete. Once I tried to uninstall it, had to wipe my hard drive clean and do system restore to previous day get rid of it. Also, didn't seem to have good stuff to watch. Thumbs down for me!"
Cute Overload (Feb. 3)
When the cold gets to be too much, go to Cute Overload for some warm fuzzies. There are scores of kittens, puppies, hamsters, bears and birds to warm your heart and make you laugh. If you think you're too jaded to enjoy this inexhaustible zoo of comfort and consolation, think again. See video of a ferret licking his paws and slicking back his hair, a playful little dog penned in by a few empty empty cans and a cat that enjoys sticking its head under the faucet in the sink because it's the easiest way to get a drink.
When the cold gets to be too much, go to Cute Overload for some warm fuzzies. There are scores of kittens, puppies, hamsters, bears and birds to warm your heart and make you laugh. If you think you're too jaded to enjoy this inexhaustible zoo of comfort and consolation, think again. See video of a ferret licking his paws and slicking back his hair, a playful little dog penned in by a few empty empty cans and a cat that enjoys sticking its head under the faucet in the sink because it's the easiest way to get a drink.
Caring Bridge (Jan. 27)
If major illness strikes, CaringBridge.com is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free sites to those with a serious health problem. Cancer, a premature birth or other serious health event often bring loving attention from family, friends and co-workers, but answering their questions and keeping them up-to-date may be emotionally exhausting. This service allows you to keep everyone informed by posting updates. It also allows others to provide encouragement as well as information about your medical condition that they may have found.
If major illness strikes, CaringBridge.com is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free sites to those with a serious health problem. Cancer, a premature birth or other serious health event often bring loving attention from family, friends and co-workers, but answering their questions and keeping them up-to-date may be emotionally exhausting. This service allows you to keep everyone informed by posting updates. It also allows others to provide encouragement as well as information about your medical condition that they may have found.
Jinni.com (Jan.13)
You don't just want to "see a movie," you want to see a good one, right? Jinni.com helps you avoid wasting time on a loser, by making you your own focus group. After rating movies in several categories, Jinni.com forms a personality profile showing the kinds of things you like to see on screen. Click on traits and titles in the tag cloud to see previews and plot summaries. After watching the trailers, you can either go out and rent the movies that look good or stream them immediately for a fee (usually around $10).
You don't just want to "see a movie," you want to see a good one, right? Jinni.com helps you avoid wasting time on a loser, by making you your own focus group. After rating movies in several categories, Jinni.com forms a personality profile showing the kinds of things you like to see on screen. Click on traits and titles in the tag cloud to see previews and plot summaries. After watching the trailers, you can either go out and rent the movies that look good or stream them immediately for a fee (usually around $10).
Top 50 Inventions of 2009 (Jan. 6)
The '09 Recession was rough on investors, but inventors had a great year. Time Magazine's list of the Top 50 Inventions of 2009 is proof. Scientists at the University of Maryland's Joint Quantum Institute teleported data from one atom to another, a meter away. Philips Electronics "$10 Million Lightbulb" may drastically reduce our future electric bills. Learn more about controller-free gaming and extracting latex from dandelions. Also see The 5 Worst Inventions, which include the Gas-Mask Bra that converts into dual gas masks.
The '09 Recession was rough on investors, but inventors had a great year. Time Magazine's list of the Top 50 Inventions of 2009 is proof. Scientists at the University of Maryland's Joint Quantum Institute teleported data from one atom to another, a meter away. Philips Electronics "$10 Million Lightbulb" may drastically reduce our future electric bills. Learn more about controller-free gaming and extracting latex from dandelions. Also see The 5 Worst Inventions, which include the Gas-Mask Bra that converts into dual gas masks.
NASA.gov (Dec. 30)
A multi-media site with HD videos of the Moon and beyond. WAY beyond. See pictures from the Hubble Telescope and try repairing the space station in zero gravity with the Station Spacewalk Game. Also featured are three-dimensional models of the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn, the Hubble, and Spacelab.
A multi-media site with HD videos of the Moon and beyond. WAY beyond. See pictures from the Hubble Telescope and try repairing the space station in zero gravity with the Station Spacewalk Game. Also featured are three-dimensional models of the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn, the Hubble, and Spacelab.
A Look Back (Dec. 23)
Some of the year's best Websites of the week were for cooks. Recipe Bridge, Cooking Light and The Big Oven offer easily searchable recipes in different ways. But if you find yourself eating too much, a short visit to This is Why You're Fat may put you back on track for 2010. Hundreds of free documentaries are yours for the clicking at Snag Films. When you're looking for second hand stores, put your Zip Code in The Thrift Shopper to find the Salvation Army, Amvets, Goodwill stores nearest you (along with comments and recommendations). And the most thorough Harry Potter site we could find was The Harry Potter Lexicon perfect for both Wizards and Muggles.
Some of the year's best Websites of the week were for cooks. Recipe Bridge, Cooking Light and The Big Oven offer easily searchable recipes in different ways. But if you find yourself eating too much, a short visit to This is Why You're Fat may put you back on track for 2010. Hundreds of free documentaries are yours for the clicking at Snag Films. When you're looking for second hand stores, put your Zip Code in The Thrift Shopper to find the Salvation Army, Amvets, Goodwill stores nearest you (along with comments and recommendations). And the most thorough Harry Potter site we could find was The Harry Potter Lexicon perfect for both Wizards and Muggles.
Pandora.com (Dec. 9)
Choose a soundtrack for your holiday at Pandora.com. There are five Christmas genres: Classical, Country, Swingin', Jazz, and Rockin' Holidays. Search the word "Christmas" to see more, from "Peaceful Christmas" to "Folk Christmas." There is a Hanukkah genre station. The music on this site is not limited to the month of December. Enter the name of a song or artist and Pandora's algorhithms stream music it "thinks" you will enjoy.
Choose a soundtrack for your holiday at Pandora.com. There are five Christmas genres: Classical, Country, Swingin', Jazz, and Rockin' Holidays. Search the word "Christmas" to see more, from "Peaceful Christmas" to "Folk Christmas." There is a Hanukkah genre station. The music on this site is not limited to the month of December. Enter the name of a song or artist and Pandora's algorhithms stream music it "thinks" you will enjoy.
FindGift.com (Dec. 2)
Economists may watch holiday cash registers for the "Big Picture," but each gift you buy is personal. That's where FindGift.com comes in. Pop your mom, kids and co-workers in the search engine and you'll be flooded with bright ideas in 1,800 categories. Search by price, relationship (father, co-worker, babysitter), occupation (mechanic, dentist, teacher, politician) or region (D.C. Metro, Native American, Irish, African). You also can search for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Economists may watch holiday cash registers for the "Big Picture," but each gift you buy is personal. That's where FindGift.com comes in. Pop your mom, kids and co-workers in the search engine and you'll be flooded with bright ideas in 1,800 categories. Search by price, relationship (father, co-worker, babysitter), occupation (mechanic, dentist, teacher, politician) or region (D.C. Metro, Native American, Irish, African). You also can search for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
History of Thanksgiving (Nov. 25)
The History.com sets the record straight about two Thanksgiving traditions: football and the traditional meal. In the absence of turkey, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians most likely gave thanks for the eel, lobster and swan that graced their table back in 1621. History.com lays out the most likely menu, which includes no sweets, but lots of spicy food. As for the modern tradition of holiday football, the first Thanksgiving Day football game was played in 1934 at the University of Detroit Stadium to promote the Lions whose owner also owned a radio station.
The History.com sets the record straight about two Thanksgiving traditions: football and the traditional meal. In the absence of turkey, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians most likely gave thanks for the eel, lobster and swan that graced their table back in 1621. History.com lays out the most likely menu, which includes no sweets, but lots of spicy food. As for the modern tradition of holiday football, the first Thanksgiving Day football game was played in 1934 at the University of Detroit Stadium to promote the Lions whose owner also owned a radio station.
ConsumerSearch.com (Nov. 18)
ConsumerSearch.com collects the best reviews, analyzes their picks, and recommends what to buy. It's one of Time magazine's 50 Best Websites 2009. With lists of the best cheap laptops, best bread makers and DVD players, it will help holiday shoppers. But its choices for best cell phone carriers, infant car seats and snow tires make it handy all-year long. See why Black Friday could be a good day to buy a car.
ConsumerSearch.com collects the best reviews, analyzes their picks, and recommends what to buy. It's one of Time magazine's 50 Best Websites 2009. With lists of the best cheap laptops, best bread makers and DVD players, it will help holiday shoppers. But its choices for best cell phone carriers, infant car seats and snow tires make it handy all-year long. See why Black Friday could be a good day to buy a car.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (Nov. 11)
The stated mission of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is to improve the lives of returning veterans and their families. IAVA played a leading roll in achieving passage of the Post Sept. 11 GI Bill, with bi-partisan support from Virginia Sens. John Warner, Jim Webb, Chuck Hagel and Frank Lautenberg. IAVA.org is a comprehensive veterans' resource, offering help in calculating benefits, social networking, and political advocacy for the nearly 2,000,000 veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
The stated mission of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is to improve the lives of returning veterans and their families. IAVA played a leading roll in achieving passage of the Post Sept. 11 GI Bill, with bi-partisan support from Virginia Sens. John Warner, Jim Webb, Chuck Hagel and Frank Lautenberg. IAVA.org is a comprehensive veterans' resource, offering help in calculating benefits, social networking, and political advocacy for the nearly 2,000,000 veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Auction Mapper (Nov. 4)
You may find things on eBay that look like they're perfect for you. But there's no way to be sure until you see and handle them. That's where AuctionMapper can help. It finds the items you want and displays them on a map. Looking for an antique bed? Enter your Zip code and search terms and click. Little blue pins tell you where sellers are located. Auction Mapper also can be helpful when the item you want is large, heavy, fragile and hard to ship.
You may find things on eBay that look like they're perfect for you. But there's no way to be sure until you see and handle them. That's where AuctionMapper can help. It finds the items you want and displays them on a map. Looking for an antique bed? Enter your Zip code and search terms and click. Little blue pins tell you where sellers are located. Auction Mapper also can be helpful when the item you want is large, heavy, fragile and hard to ship.
Old Time Radio (Oct. 28)
Halloween is all about being scared. Likewise, many of the stories you can hear at OTR.net. "Three Skeleton Key." "Dracula." "Finger of Doom." This site offers more than 12,000 radio dramas for instant listening. The quality of these tales varies from the cheesy "The Strange Dr. Weird" to genuinely thrilling "Escape, Suspense." You will never have time to hear them all.
Halloween is all about being scared. Likewise, many of the stories you can hear at OTR.net. "Three Skeleton Key." "Dracula." "Finger of Doom." This site offers more than 12,000 radio dramas for instant listening. The quality of these tales varies from the cheesy "The Strange Dr. Weird" to genuinely thrilling "Escape, Suspense." You will never have time to hear them all.
Dark Arts Media (Oct. 21)
The Halloween treats you will find at Dark Arts Media are plentiful and sugar-free. This collection of ear and eye candy ranges from such spooky tales as "The Devil's Tramping Ground" and "The Banshee" to the cheesy Coastal UFO Cam. There are magic tricks to watch and learn, and links to ventriloquism on the Web. Don't miss the rare 1914 recording of master magician Harry Houdini's voice at Ventriloquest.com.
The Halloween treats you will find at Dark Arts Media are plentiful and sugar-free. This collection of ear and eye candy ranges from such spooky tales as "The Devil's Tramping Ground" and "The Banshee" to the cheesy Coastal UFO Cam. There are magic tricks to watch and learn, and links to ventriloquism on the Web. Don't miss the rare 1914 recording of master magician Harry Houdini's voice at Ventriloquest.com.
CalorieKing.com (Oct. 14)
If you have added a few pounds after trying some of the tasty dishes on the recipe search engines WTOP has featured, CalorieKing.com may help you control the damage. Search foods by name or category for a breakdown of nutritional information by both weight and percentage of daily value. Calorie content (fat, protein, carbohydrates) is shown on a pie chart alongside a list of how much exercise it will take to burn off those calories (walking, jogging, swimming, cycling). You may find some surprises here, such as the calorie content of Nyquil: 93 calories per dose. It takes 26 minutes to walk that off. The site is free, but premium content is available, and CalorieKing.com avoids irritating pop-ups.
If you have added a few pounds after trying some of the tasty dishes on the recipe search engines WTOP has featured, CalorieKing.com may help you control the damage. Search foods by name or category for a breakdown of nutritional information by both weight and percentage of daily value. Calorie content (fat, protein, carbohydrates) is shown on a pie chart alongside a list of how much exercise it will take to burn off those calories (walking, jogging, swimming, cycling). You may find some surprises here, such as the calorie content of Nyquil: 93 calories per dose. It takes 26 minutes to walk that off. The site is free, but premium content is available, and CalorieKing.com avoids irritating pop-ups.
The Big Oven (Sept. 30)
It is fall and you want to eat fresh. The Big Oven organizes recipes by category: season, occasion, popular ingredients, dish. Click "What's in Season" and a tag cloud of ingredients appears: Anjou pears, pumpkin, rockfish and more. In October, Back to School and Halloween are featured on the Big Oven's "Front Burner." You can search this site for the taste you want: tangy and salty, Italian, Classic Caesar combination.
It is fall and you want to eat fresh. The Big Oven organizes recipes by category: season, occasion, popular ingredients, dish. Click "What's in Season" and a tag cloud of ingredients appears: Anjou pears, pumpkin, rockfish and more. In October, Back to School and Halloween are featured on the Big Oven's "Front Burner." You can search this site for the taste you want: tangy and salty, Italian, Classic Caesar combination.
sph3re.tv (Sept. 23)
"Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" may be fun, but you have to buy a ticket to see it. You've got a pocket full of free cartoons at sph3re.tv, enough to keep you busy until you've drained the battery in your iPhone. It's a Thimble-theater featuring animated and live-action shorts, previews and outside-the-box commercials. Sph3re.com also showcases demo reels. It even lets you upload your own productions.
"Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" may be fun, but you have to buy a ticket to see it. You've got a pocket full of free cartoons at sph3re.tv, enough to keep you busy until you've drained the battery in your iPhone. It's a Thimble-theater featuring animated and live-action shorts, previews and outside-the-box commercials. Sph3re.com also showcases demo reels. It even lets you upload your own productions.
RunPee (Sept. 16)
You're all wrapped up in the movie, but for the last 15 minutes you've been dying to go to the restroom. The onscreen action is exciting, but when you've gotta go, you've gotta go! This website may be helpful, because, RunPee.com already went, with a stopwatch to find the scenes you can safely miss to take a bathroom break.
You're all wrapped up in the movie, but for the last 15 minutes you've been dying to go to the restroom. The onscreen action is exciting, but when you've gotta go, you've gotta go! This website may be helpful, because, RunPee.com already went, with a stopwatch to find the scenes you can safely miss to take a bathroom break.
Along with break times, RunPee includes a synopsis of the scene in spoiler-proof scrambled letters, like here in "Star Wars", that you can unscramble if you like.
Moviegoers can also miss important scenes if they leave before the lights go up. An important scene followed Iron Man's credits that introduced another character and set up next year's sequel. Moviestinger.com is dedicated to giving fans advance notice about the little extras some directors tack on their films. "Cloudy With Meat Balls": extras. "Halloween II: extras. "Gamer": no stinger after the credits.
Songfacts (Sept. 9)
The Beatles are back in the spotlight again, with re-releases of their songs and a new video game. Fans have always paid close attention to their music, scrutinizing every detail. But even the most ardent fans may find some surprises at Songfacts. Did you know that "Rain" was the first song to use a tape played backwards? Or that Ringo has said his best drumming was on this song? Songfacts does not limit itself to classic rock. Beyonce, Jason Mraz, Lil Wayne and the Ramones are explored, explained -- and playable on demand.
The Beatles are back in the spotlight again, with re-releases of their songs and a new video game. Fans have always paid close attention to their music, scrutinizing every detail. But even the most ardent fans may find some surprises at Songfacts. Did you know that "Rain" was the first song to use a tape played backwards? Or that Ringo has said his best drumming was on this song? Songfacts does not limit itself to classic rock. Beyonce, Jason Mraz, Lil Wayne and the Ramones are explored, explained -- and playable on demand.
Customer Service Scoreboard (Sept.2)
Labor Day was established to celebrate American workers. But in keeping an eye on workers, the Customer Service Scoreboard inevitably discovers employees who cannot -- or will not -- do their jobs. The bottom 15 companies, according to this site's ratings, include United Healthcare, Quicken and Gateway Computers. But most of the lowest-scoring firms are social networkers: Yahoo, Google's G-mail, Hotmail, Linked In, Twitter. Facebook is in last place. The top 15 include Geico, Amazon, Southwest Airlines, NetFlix, Canon and ING Direct.
Labor Day was established to celebrate American workers. But in keeping an eye on workers, the Customer Service Scoreboard inevitably discovers employees who cannot -- or will not -- do their jobs. The bottom 15 companies, according to this site's ratings, include United Healthcare, Quicken and Gateway Computers. But most of the lowest-scoring firms are social networkers: Yahoo, Google's G-mail, Hotmail, Linked In, Twitter. Facebook is in last place. The top 15 include Geico, Amazon, Southwest Airlines, NetFlix, Canon and ING Direct.
Pop Culture Madness (Aug. 19)
As an entertainment site that knows how to multi-task, Pop Culture Madness features trailers for movies months before their releases. It also has news about music, DVDs and live performances. Check out PCM's list of Top Mama Songs of All Time, inclusive enough to feature Al Jolson ("My Mammy"), Kanye West ("Hey Mama"), and The Judds ("Mama. He's Crazy").
As an entertainment site that knows how to multi-task, Pop Culture Madness features trailers for movies months before their releases. It also has news about music, DVDs and live performances. Check out PCM's list of Top Mama Songs of All Time, inclusive enough to feature Al Jolson ("My Mammy"), Kanye West ("Hey Mama"), and The Judds ("Mama. He's Crazy").
Cooking Light (Aug. 12)
Those who eat lighter meals in the summer will find a deep catalog of healthful, tasty recipes in the online version of Cooking Light magazine. "The Best of 2009" features 275 calorie fried chicken, 7-calorie butterscotch bars and "Cast Iron Burgers" that weigh in at 351 calories, even with applewood-smoked bacon slices. But don't be fooled, this site is also for the meatless. Cooking Light's "5-Ingredient Vegetarian" dinners can be done in 10 minutes. Twenty hearty "Quick and Easy Vegetarian Recipes" will encourage more light eating this fall and winter.
Those who eat lighter meals in the summer will find a deep catalog of healthful, tasty recipes in the online version of Cooking Light magazine. "The Best of 2009" features 275 calorie fried chicken, 7-calorie butterscotch bars and "Cast Iron Burgers" that weigh in at 351 calories, even with applewood-smoked bacon slices. But don't be fooled, this site is also for the meatless. Cooking Light's "5-Ingredient Vegetarian" dinners can be done in 10 minutes. Twenty hearty "Quick and Easy Vegetarian Recipes" will encourage more light eating this fall and winter.
The Helpful Gardener (Aug. 5)
There is common ground for growers of both food and flowers at The Helpful Gardener. Its current home page has advice on growing an Italian herb garden, heirloom carrots and tomatoes, roses and befriending beneficial insects. The advice comes free and there aren't irritating popups. Distracting sales pitches have been weeded from the site.
There is common ground for growers of both food and flowers at The Helpful Gardener. Its current home page has advice on growing an Italian herb garden, heirloom carrots and tomatoes, roses and befriending beneficial insects. The advice comes free and there aren't irritating popups. Distracting sales pitches have been weeded from the site.
Wikitravel.org (July 29)
If your summer travel plans are still coming together, you may appreciate Wikitravel.org. This site puts Vacationland under surveillance. Its familiar look is borrowed from Wikipedia. But it may not be familiar enough with spots you already know. A test-surf of Ocean City, Md., which most WTOP listeners know well, led to a page listing only eight places to stay and four eateries. Nevertheless, this page should serve as an adequate guide to those who don't know the boardwalk. International destinations are plentiful, and the site's travel alerts could be a lifesaver for foreign travelers.
If your summer travel plans are still coming together, you may appreciate Wikitravel.org. This site puts Vacationland under surveillance. Its familiar look is borrowed from Wikipedia. But it may not be familiar enough with spots you already know. A test-surf of Ocean City, Md., which most WTOP listeners know well, led to a page listing only eight places to stay and four eateries. Nevertheless, this page should serve as an adequate guide to those who don't know the boardwalk. International destinations are plentiful, and the site's travel alerts could be a lifesaver for foreign travelers.
The Harry Potter Lexicon (July 15)
It's been a long time since the final book or last Harry Potter movie came our way. So fans looking at slow ticket lines may want to take along a laptop and get a refresher course on Everything Hogwarts at The Harry Potter Lexicon. This site is like a haunted house with an endless number of rooms. In addition to all the characters (and we do mean all of them), you'll find the Hogwarts' breakfast menu, bus tours of J.K. Rowling's magical geography, The Muggle Encyclopedia, even references for some of the imaginations that inspired the Potter series, such as C.L. Lewis's "Narnia."
It's been a long time since the final book or last Harry Potter movie came our way. So fans looking at slow ticket lines may want to take along a laptop and get a refresher course on Everything Hogwarts at The Harry Potter Lexicon. This site is like a haunted house with an endless number of rooms. In addition to all the characters (and we do mean all of them), you'll find the Hogwarts' breakfast menu, bus tours of J.K. Rowling's magical geography, The Muggle Encyclopedia, even references for some of the imaginations that inspired the Potter series, such as C.L. Lewis's "Narnia."
USA.gov (July 1)
High-definition historical documents are part of virtual visits to Philadelphia and Capitol Hill. USA.gov's Independence Day site is a "Grand Finale" of historical and patriotic links. Try "American Recipes" to learn the secret of George Washington's cranberry pudding and Sen. Barbara Mikulski's favorite crab cakes. The "Patriotic Melodies" link will send you to the Library of Congress and early recordings of America's greatest songs.
High-definition historical documents are part of virtual visits to Philadelphia and Capitol Hill. USA.gov's Independence Day site is a "Grand Finale" of historical and patriotic links. Try "American Recipes" to learn the secret of George Washington's cranberry pudding and Sen. Barbara Mikulski's favorite crab cakes. The "Patriotic Melodies" link will send you to the Library of Congress and early recordings of America's greatest songs.
TopTenz (June 24)
Everybody loves top 10 lists. TopTenz is packed with hundreds of them. The Top 10 Best TV Dads, Scary Movie Animals, Sexiest Politicians, Urban Legends, Ways to Tick Off Your Waiter and many more. These "deep-catalogue" lists are packed with videos, pictures, and comment sections where you can argue with the rankings.
Everybody loves top 10 lists. TopTenz is packed with hundreds of them. The Top 10 Best TV Dads, Scary Movie Animals, Sexiest Politicians, Urban Legends, Ways to Tick Off Your Waiter and many more. These "deep-catalogue" lists are packed with videos, pictures, and comment sections where you can argue with the rankings.
25 Worst Web Sites (June 17)
As school lets out and summer gets into high gear, many people hope to spend less time online and more time outdoors. But old habits are hard to break. PC World's 25 Worst Web Sites may inspire you to stop web-surfing and return to the real world. No. 9 Hamsterdance.com is described as "quite possibly the most irritating site on earth. Earplugs recommended." No. 15 Neuticles.com sells implants for male dogs who have been recently neutered. No. 14 Bidforsurgery.com lets prospective patients scout out the cheapest available operating room. Some of these sites have gone out of business since PC World's list appeared three years ago.
As school lets out and summer gets into high gear, many people hope to spend less time online and more time outdoors. But old habits are hard to break. PC World's 25 Worst Web Sites may inspire you to stop web-surfing and return to the real world. No. 9 Hamsterdance.com is described as "quite possibly the most irritating site on earth. Earplugs recommended." No. 15 Neuticles.com sells implants for male dogs who have been recently neutered. No. 14 Bidforsurgery.com lets prospective patients scout out the cheapest available operating room. Some of these sites have gone out of business since PC World's list appeared three years ago.
DollarTimes.com (June 10)
The financial calculators at DollarTimes.com may help you find leaks in your bank account, big and small. The Online Checklist promises 87 ways to save money. There are calculators for the big things such as car loans, mortgages and saving for retirement. Personal finance calculators crunch the numbers for road trip fuel costs, smoking, and the cost difference between packing your lunch and eating out. A DollarTimes section on mortgages will show you median incomes, home values, and other demographic breakdowns for the town you live in.
The financial calculators at DollarTimes.com may help you find leaks in your bank account, big and small. The Online Checklist promises 87 ways to save money. There are calculators for the big things such as car loans, mortgages and saving for retirement. Personal finance calculators crunch the numbers for road trip fuel costs, smoking, and the cost difference between packing your lunch and eating out. A DollarTimes section on mortgages will show you median incomes, home values, and other demographic breakdowns for the town you live in.
Livestrong.com (June 3)
When summer rolls around, everyone wants to get in shape -- again. The mission of Livestrong.com is to make health a year round concern. The Lance Armstrong Foundation, established by the seven-time Tour de France winner, emphasizes weight loss, but all health issues are addressed including cancer, smoking and stress. Livestrong.com tries to be "guru-free" by providing a variety of opinions on diet and exercise. Its instructional videos, such as a series on swimming, are less cluttered than many online features, and get right to the point without unnecessary music and mugging for the camera.
When summer rolls around, everyone wants to get in shape -- again. The mission of Livestrong.com is to make health a year round concern. The Lance Armstrong Foundation, established by the seven-time Tour de France winner, emphasizes weight loss, but all health issues are addressed including cancer, smoking and stress. Livestrong.com tries to be "guru-free" by providing a variety of opinions on diet and exercise. Its instructional videos, such as a series on swimming, are less cluttered than many online features, and get right to the point without unnecessary music and mugging for the camera.
Northern Virginia Antiques & Collectibles (May 27)
If antique furniture draws you like a magnet, you'll find Northern Virginia Antiques & Collectibles to be a most attractive site. Flea markets, estate sales and retro collectibles throughout the mid-Atlantic will be found here. You will find tips on subjects such as how to spot Chippendale furniture and where to find Georgian era jewelry. Although the emphasis is on the D.C. region, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, this site also lists upcoming shows and events in New Jersey and New York.
If antique furniture draws you like a magnet, you'll find Northern Virginia Antiques & Collectibles to be a most attractive site. Flea markets, estate sales and retro collectibles throughout the mid-Atlantic will be found here. You will find tips on subjects such as how to spot Chippendale furniture and where to find Georgian era jewelry. Although the emphasis is on the D.C. region, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, this site also lists upcoming shows and events in New Jersey and New York.
RecipeBridge.com (May 20)
This site is not calorie-free, but it's perfect for your Memorial Day picnic. RecipeBridge.com searches 200 food Web sites for tasty and unusual dishes that are displayed on two tabs: Recipe Results and Gourmet Results. One recipe list features more standard fare, while the other is more exotic. Choices are uncluttered and easy to access, and a column on the right -- "Add to Your Search" -- lists more ingredients you can click on to expand your menu's possibilities. There's also an ingredient search that displays recipes to match what's in your cupboard.
This site is not calorie-free, but it's perfect for your Memorial Day picnic. RecipeBridge.com searches 200 food Web sites for tasty and unusual dishes that are displayed on two tabs: Recipe Results and Gourmet Results. One recipe list features more standard fare, while the other is more exotic. Choices are uncluttered and easy to access, and a column on the right -- "Add to Your Search" -- lists more ingredients you can click on to expand your menu's possibilities. There's also an ingredient search that displays recipes to match what's in your cupboard.
When.com (May 13)
Whether you are new in town or you grew up here, when.com will surprise you with its range of places to go and things to do. There are front page links to NHL Playoff tickets, Spinal Tap at the Warner Theatre, the Shins' appearance at the 9:30 Club and more. Find "Kids & Family" events regionwide, movies, and dollars-off coupons for restaurants. Your interests may run to Star Trek or the life-and-death contests of Mesoamerican Ballgames. No matter. You will find it all on When.com.
Whether you are new in town or you grew up here, when.com will surprise you with its range of places to go and things to do. There are front page links to NHL Playoff tickets, Spinal Tap at the Warner Theatre, the Shins' appearance at the 9:30 Club and more. Find "Kids & Family" events regionwide, movies, and dollars-off coupons for restaurants. Your interests may run to Star Trek or the life-and-death contests of Mesoamerican Ballgames. No matter. You will find it all on When.com.
Clerkdogs.com (May 6)
The best movie recommendations come from people, not algorithms. That's the guiding principle at clerkdogs.com. Clerkdogs says its database is so intuitive and conversational, it's like getting DVD tips from a great clerk at a deep-catalog video store. Recommended movies come with additional comments: less girly, more violent, sillier, etc. Features under construction (but still online) include "Mash it" -- an interactive tip page that tries to match movies to your mood.
The best movie recommendations come from people, not algorithms. That's the guiding principle at clerkdogs.com. Clerkdogs says its database is so intuitive and conversational, it's like getting DVD tips from a great clerk at a deep-catalog video store. Recommended movies come with additional comments: less girly, more violent, sillier, etc. Features under construction (but still online) include "Mash it" -- an interactive tip page that tries to match movies to your mood.
KidsHealth.org (April 29)
Parents looking for ways to protect their family from swine flu will find good direction at KidsHealth.org. Swine flu and hundreds of other health concerns are explained for parents, teens and grade-schoolers in articles that stick to the point: no sidebars, lots of bullet points. When the threat of swine flu passes, parents and kids will still find value at this site, with topics ranging from tanning parlors to allergies to teen guidance in the summer job market.
Parents looking for ways to protect their family from swine flu will find good direction at KidsHealth.org. Swine flu and hundreds of other health concerns are explained for parents, teens and grade-schoolers in articles that stick to the point: no sidebars, lots of bullet points. When the threat of swine flu passes, parents and kids will still find value at this site, with topics ranging from tanning parlors to allergies to teen guidance in the summer job market.
What It Costs (April 15)
"Everything Costs Something," this site insists, and whatitcosts.com is determined to add up the bill. From the cost of borrowing from your 401k (up to $350 in plan fees plus interest) to hiring an accredited stager to help sell your home ($100 for basic advice up to $3,000+ for in-depth service) to cleaning up a murder scene ($600 an hour), every entry is topped with a "Ballpark Figure," followed by up to date information in an easy to read format.
"Everything Costs Something," this site insists, and whatitcosts.com is determined to add up the bill. From the cost of borrowing from your 401k (up to $350 in plan fees plus interest) to hiring an accredited stager to help sell your home ($100 for basic advice up to $3,000+ for in-depth service) to cleaning up a murder scene ($600 an hour), every entry is topped with a "Ballpark Figure," followed by up to date information in an easy to read format.
The Museum of Hoaxes (April 1)
WTOP marks April Fool's Day with The Museum of Hoaxes. Take the Gullibility Test ("Duck quacks do not echo. True or False?) See the Top April Fool's Hoaxes of all time, including video of BBC-TV's coverage of the 1957 Swiss spaghetti harvest, and browse the Hoaxipedia, an online collection of history's most interesting deceptions.
WTOP marks April Fool's Day with The Museum of Hoaxes. Take the Gullibility Test ("Duck quacks do not echo. True or False?) See the Top April Fool's Hoaxes of all time, including video of BBC-TV's coverage of the 1957 Swiss spaghetti harvest, and browse the Hoaxipedia, an online collection of history's most interesting deceptions.
BeingFrugal.net (March 18)
On BeingFrugal.net's home page you will find lists of tips and short articles such as "The Very Basics of Asset Allocation," a primer on how to determine what you have and how you could improve the way you save. "Ten Tips for Frugal Students" offers cost-cutting advice for buying meals and textbooks. There are also suggestions on how to have fun less expensively. Allthingsfrugal.com has the same mission and a similar name, but takes a slightly different approach. Start with the Resource Library to see a full list of topics.
On BeingFrugal.net's home page you will find lists of tips and short articles such as "The Very Basics of Asset Allocation," a primer on how to determine what you have and how you could improve the way you save. "Ten Tips for Frugal Students" offers cost-cutting advice for buying meals and textbooks. There are also suggestions on how to have fun less expensively. Allthingsfrugal.com has the same mission and a similar name, but takes a slightly different approach. Start with the Resource Library to see a full list of topics.
What's Hot in Fashion? (March 11)
Hint, fashion156 and Gloss will show you what's hot now and what's just around the corner. These extensive layouts and videos may help you replicate London Fashion Week designs without taking out a loan.
Hint, fashion156 and Gloss will show you what's hot now and what's just around the corner. These extensive layouts and videos may help you replicate London Fashion Week designs without taking out a loan.
VirtualTourist.com (March 4, 2009)
When you've had enough of winter, a little imagination and some time spent at VirtualTourist.com will warm you up. This social networking site is for travelers. There is a trip planner, news about travel deals, travel guides and videos -- thousands of them -- taken by visitors to such warm and exotic locales as Bali, Malta and Pulau. VirtualTourist's photo gallery contains 3 million images from around the world, as well as forums packed with tips and warnings about tourist traps.
When you've had enough of winter, a little imagination and some time spent at VirtualTourist.com will warm you up. This social networking site is for travelers. There is a trip planner, news about travel deals, travel guides and videos -- thousands of them -- taken by visitors to such warm and exotic locales as Bali, Malta and Pulau. VirtualTourist's photo gallery contains 3 million images from around the world, as well as forums packed with tips and warnings about tourist traps.
This is Why You're Fat (Feb. 25)
Gluttons and health-conscious eaters, here's some food for thought. At first glance, some of the dishes at thisiswhyyourefat.com may look tasty, but scrolling through pictures of Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, Hot Dog Pie and The McNuggetini (a chocolate milkshake with vanilla vodka, rimmed with BBQ sauce and garnished with a chicken McNugget) may soon fill you with disgust. When you've had your fill, try CookingLight.com. The online version of this popular food magazine features healthful recipes, cooking lessons and tips for trimming food budgets.
Gluttons and health-conscious eaters, here's some food for thought. At first glance, some of the dishes at thisiswhyyourefat.com may look tasty, but scrolling through pictures of Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, Hot Dog Pie and The McNuggetini (a chocolate milkshake with vanilla vodka, rimmed with BBQ sauce and garnished with a chicken McNugget) may soon fill you with disgust. When you've had your fill, try CookingLight.com. The online version of this popular food magazine features healthful recipes, cooking lessons and tips for trimming food budgets.
Trulia.com (Feb. 18)
These are challenging times for home-sellers, but if you're looking to buy -- or you're simply nosing around -- try Trulia.com. It's a real estate search engine that sorts properties by Zip Code, price, whatever you want. Virtual tours will save time and gas for buyers. Sellers will find prices, trends and tips on how to move their properties. The Q&A sections provide help -- and informed opinion from working realtors -- on such questions as, "How important is curb appeal?" and "If I buy a foreclosed property, do I still have to pay escrow?"
These are challenging times for home-sellers, but if you're looking to buy -- or you're simply nosing around -- try Trulia.com. It's a real estate search engine that sorts properties by Zip Code, price, whatever you want. Virtual tours will save time and gas for buyers. Sellers will find prices, trends and tips on how to move their properties. The Q&A sections provide help -- and informed opinion from working realtors -- on such questions as, "How important is curb appeal?" and "If I buy a foreclosed property, do I still have to pay escrow?"
Thrift Shopper.com (Feb. 11)
Enter your Zip Code and up pops a list of thrift stores within a 15-mile radius of your house. The Thrift Shopper.com features ratings and reviews, such as "No stinky clothes here" and "Small selection, rude customer service." Helpful features include blogs on second-hand shopping, as well as links to small appliance manual downloads, an online garage sale, and forums for both shoppers and the thrift industry.
Enter your Zip Code and up pops a list of thrift stores within a 15-mile radius of your house. The Thrift Shopper.com features ratings and reviews, such as "No stinky clothes here" and "Small selection, rude customer service." Helpful features include blogs on second-hand shopping, as well as links to small appliance manual downloads, an online garage sale, and forums for both shoppers and the thrift industry.
RepairPal.com (Feb. 4, 2009)
When the mechanic says, "Your Altima needs a $2,400 head gasket replacement," what do you say? Don't say yes before you check RepairPal.com. Enter your car's make, model, year and Zip code. You'll quickly get an estimate. For this repair, the estimated price range is between $1,790 and $2,295 -- a $500 spread. RepairPal also lists problems common to your particular make and model, as well as repair shops in your Zip code.
When the mechanic says, "Your Altima needs a $2,400 head gasket replacement," what do you say? Don't say yes before you check RepairPal.com. Enter your car's make, model, year and Zip code. You'll quickly get an estimate. For this repair, the estimated price range is between $1,790 and $2,295 -- a $500 spread. RepairPal also lists problems common to your particular make and model, as well as repair shops in your Zip code.
SnagFilms (Jan. 14)
Hundreds of documentary movies -- including such standouts as "Hoop Dreams" and "Supersize Me" -- are available in high-definition and stereo at . The big National Geographic specials and small films that have not reached a wide public can be purchased on DVD or seen at no charge, on demand.
Hundreds of documentary movies -- including such standouts as "Hoop Dreams" and "Supersize Me" -- are available in high-definition and stereo at . The big National Geographic specials and small films that have not reached a wide public can be purchased on DVD or seen at no charge, on demand.
Christmas Tunes (Dec. 24)
Before your family gathers around the Christmas tree, plug the laptop into your sound system and click on Pandora.com. It's easy to use. Enter an artist's name or a song title, and songs you may like start playing, based on musical elements the songs have in common. For easy seasonal listening choices, enter Classical Christmas, Jazz Holidays, Swingin' Christmas, Rockin' Holidays or Country Christmas and let Pandora do the rest.
Before your family gathers around the Christmas tree, plug the laptop into your sound system and click on Pandora.com. It's easy to use. Enter an artist's name or a song title, and songs you may like start playing, based on musical elements the songs have in common. For easy seasonal listening choices, enter Classical Christmas, Jazz Holidays, Swingin' Christmas, Rockin' Holidays or Country Christmas and let Pandora do the rest.
Joustmas (Dec. 17)
Is waiting for Santa making you impatient? Stop staring at that empty stocking and join in the reindeer games. Jousting elves with candy cane lances ride reindeer across a bright blue polar sky. This Christmas game is the Sutter Group's follow-up to last year's Spoiled Rotten.
Is waiting for Santa making you impatient? Stop staring at that empty stocking and join in the reindeer games. Jousting elves with candy cane lances ride reindeer across a bright blue polar sky. This Christmas game is the Sutter Group's follow-up to last year's Spoiled Rotten.
InstaSong (Dec. 10)
A Secret Santa stocking-stuffer for under $10? Stop wracking your brain and try InstaSong. A personalized Christmas song -- 4 minutes long -- is just $4.95. For $9.95 you can get 10 of them. Choose the kind of song you want (romantic, prank, prank with a romantic twist, for kids, etc.). Enter a name, location, how long you've known them, whether you like or love them, then listen. E-mailing your song costs money, but previews are free -- and unlimited.
A Secret Santa stocking-stuffer for under $10? Stop wracking your brain and try InstaSong. A personalized Christmas song -- 4 minutes long -- is just $4.95. For $9.95 you can get 10 of them. Choose the kind of song you want (romantic, prank, prank with a romantic twist, for kids, etc.). Enter a name, location, how long you've known them, whether you like or love them, then listen. E-mailing your song costs money, but previews are free -- and unlimited.
MentalFloss.com (Dec. 3)
If you'd like to know a little bit about everything -- but don't want to work too hard at it, spend some time at MentalFloss.com. It is packed with quizzes, trivia and Amazing Facts "for an intelligent read, but not too intelligent." Try naming all the Monopoly properties in five minutes without looking at the board, take an audio quiz on 1960s rock hits that open with percussion and investigate 10 Jobs You Didn't Hear About on Career Day.
If you'd like to know a little bit about everything -- but don't want to work too hard at it, spend some time at MentalFloss.com. It is packed with quizzes, trivia and Amazing Facts "for an intelligent read, but not too intelligent." Try naming all the Monopoly properties in five minutes without looking at the board, take an audio quiz on 1960s rock hits that open with percussion and investigate 10 Jobs You Didn't Hear About on Career Day.
Supercook.com (Nov. 26)
Turkey? Check. Stuffing? Check. Ready for Thanksgiving?
Turkey? Check. Stuffing? Check. Ready for Thanksgiving?
If you're still not sure about that last one check out Supercook.com where all you have to do is tell the site what ingredients you have and it will spit out hundreds of recipes.
Just type in Green Beans into the provided search bar and you get more than 2,000 different ideas, some with nutrition facts.
The more ingredients you type in, the better recipe results you get, and some of them even have videos. And the site isn't just good for Turkey Day Prep, it's also great for leftovers.
MyWonderfulWorld.org (Nov. 19)
Where is New York? A National Geographic/Roper survey reports half of young Americans can't find it on a map, only 37 percent can locate Iran, and 74 percent wrongly believe English is the world's most spoken language (it's Mandarin Chinese).
Where is New York? A National Geographic/Roper survey reports half of young Americans can't find it on a map, only 37 percent can locate Iran, and 74 percent wrongly believe English is the world's most spoken language (it's Mandarin Chinese).
But a new Web site from National Geographic is coming to the rescue, during Geography Awareness Week. WonderfulWorld.org is an online version of those fat activity books that kids once loved. This site is packed with games, puzzles, 3-D virtual tours of the world, links to world music, and of course -- maps. Lots of them. National Geographic's Chris Shearer says teachers who click on the Geography Action Program can download and print a 20-foot by 20-foot maps of North and South America. Students will have to stand on chairs to see it all.
Geography is the fastest-growing Advanced Placement subject in the nation. Texas and other states now require students to take World Geography in ninth grade. Shearer says globalization is not the only reason the subject has grown in importance. As GPS systems, climate change and food production use geographic knowledge in new ways, maps function as more than just ways to get from here to there.
Dealnews.com (Nov.12)
Because cash has lately been harder to come by, you may need a bigger supply of bargains for holiday shopping. Dealnews.com is tracking prices for the start of holiday sales, the day after Thanksgiving. Dealnews says "every day is Black Friday" at this Web site, and it claims all deals are "price-checked and validated by our hordes of Black Friday elves." Shoppers can search by price or item, download coupons, even visit the Wii Price Tracker, last updated 4 seconds ago, when we checked. The lowest price for a Nintendo Wii Console then was $319 at eCost.com.
Because cash has lately been harder to come by, you may need a bigger supply of bargains for holiday shopping. Dealnews.com is tracking prices for the start of holiday sales, the day after Thanksgiving. Dealnews says "every day is Black Friday" at this Web site, and it claims all deals are "price-checked and validated by our hordes of Black Friday elves." Shoppers can search by price or item, download coupons, even visit the Wii Price Tracker, last updated 4 seconds ago, when we checked. The lowest price for a Nintendo Wii Console then was $319 at eCost.com.
Scary for Kids (Oct. 29)
Put these Halloween stories in your trick-or-treat bag: "Three Skeleton Key" and "The Monkey's Paw." They're part of the Scary For Kids podcast along with a "non-fiction" audio survey of "Bigfoot and Other Monsters." The first stars classic horror star Vincent Price in a story of men trapped in a lighthouse that is unexpectedly swarmed by thousands of hungry rats. It is an episode of "Escape," from radio's Golden Age. The second is a half-hour dramatization of W. W. Jacobs' cautionary tale of the horror that can result from granted wishes.
Put these Halloween stories in your trick-or-treat bag: "Three Skeleton Key" and "The Monkey's Paw." They're part of the Scary For Kids podcast along with a "non-fiction" audio survey of "Bigfoot and Other Monsters." The first stars classic horror star Vincent Price in a story of men trapped in a lighthouse that is unexpectedly swarmed by thousands of hungry rats. It is an episode of "Escape," from radio's Golden Age. The second is a half-hour dramatization of W. W. Jacobs' cautionary tale of the horror that can result from granted wishes.
Scary For Kids can be hard to navigate. Because the links are not all active, nor always clear, this link will take you directly to the dramas, which may either be played or downloaded as podcasts. But there is more to see and hear, including links to YouTube videos of Halloween pranks.
This site and these stories are not for small children, nor for all children. But the two dramas from radio's past are well-acted and produced -- and perfect for Halloween.
99 Cent Chef (Oct. 22)
So what if sun-dried tomatoes are only $1 a jar? There's no time to cook a fancy Italian dinner. But stirring sun-dried tomatoes into your scrambled eggs could make you feel as if you've moved into a higher tax bracket. The 99 Cent Chef finds new ways to fix meals with those low-cost special items that often look both enticing and frivolous. The bill for most meals will top 99 cents, but Chef Billy Vasquez does find new ways to prepare low-cost dishes that could cut your mealtime budget. Vasquez's videos are not as focused as his recipes, which include 99 Cent Jambalaya, Eggplant Hummus, Steak Fajita Flatbread.
So what if sun-dried tomatoes are only $1 a jar? There's no time to cook a fancy Italian dinner. But stirring sun-dried tomatoes into your scrambled eggs could make you feel as if you've moved into a higher tax bracket. The 99 Cent Chef finds new ways to fix meals with those low-cost special items that often look both enticing and frivolous. The bill for most meals will top 99 cents, but Chef Billy Vasquez does find new ways to prepare low-cost dishes that could cut your mealtime budget. Vasquez's videos are not as focused as his recipes, which include 99 Cent Jambalaya, Eggplant Hummus, Steak Fajita Flatbread.
Indeed.com (Oct. 15)
Indeed.com not only searches for work, it tracks the pay and trends for your job. Its forums offer advice -- and possibly a preview of what attitudes may be encountered there. Postings by one employer referred to applicants as "coneheads." D.C. workers will find encouragement at the "Job Postings per Capita" page. Of the 50 biggest U.S. cities, the National Capital Metro area ranks No. 2 in job postings per 1,000 residents. Only San Jose, Calif. has more. And before you plan a move to Rochester, N.Y., check the rankings.
Indeed.com not only searches for work, it tracks the pay and trends for your job. Its forums offer advice -- and possibly a preview of what attitudes may be encountered there. Postings by one employer referred to applicants as "coneheads." D.C. workers will find encouragement at the "Job Postings per Capita" page. Of the 50 biggest U.S. cities, the National Capital Metro area ranks No. 2 in job postings per 1,000 residents. Only San Jose, Calif. has more. And before you plan a move to Rochester, N.Y., check the rankings.
McCain vs. Obama Game (Oct. 8)
Americans believe that -- with hard work and a little luck -- anyone can become president. Assuming that we create our own luck, this free Miniclip game supplies the hard work, in the form of campaign staffers who will stop at nothing to push their candidate over the top and into the Oval Office. To play the McCain vs. Obama game, pick your candidate and choose three staffers. Your advisors include a devious operative (who looks a little like Karl Rove), a mudslinging spinmeister (who resembles James Carville), a hatchet man and a fundraiser. Staffers on both sides look exactly alike, because this game has nothing to do with ideology. It's all about winning.
Americans believe that -- with hard work and a little luck -- anyone can become president. Assuming that we create our own luck, this free Miniclip game supplies the hard work, in the form of campaign staffers who will stop at nothing to push their candidate over the top and into the Oval Office. To play the McCain vs. Obama game, pick your candidate and choose three staffers. Your advisors include a devious operative (who looks a little like Karl Rove), a mudslinging spinmeister (who resembles James Carville), a hatchet man and a fundraiser. Staffers on both sides look exactly alike, because this game has nothing to do with ideology. It's all about winning.
Storetrooper.com (Oct. 1)
Even if you're trying to cut back on spending right now, Storetrooper.com has products you'll enjoy looking at. Storetrooper.com collects only the new and unusual: bamboo bicycles with hemp lugs; kosher approved, vegetarian Bacon Salt; the $110,000 Grand Piano from Another Planet; Moon Jars and an Invisible Book Shelf. When you need to buy a gift -- but are out of ideas -- browse Storetrooper, where the virtual aisles are stocked with oddities at a wide range of prices
Even if you're trying to cut back on spending right now, Storetrooper.com has products you'll enjoy looking at. Storetrooper.com collects only the new and unusual: bamboo bicycles with hemp lugs; kosher approved, vegetarian Bacon Salt; the $110,000 Grand Piano from Another Planet; Moon Jars and an Invisible Book Shelf. When you need to buy a gift -- but are out of ideas -- browse Storetrooper, where the virtual aisles are stocked with oddities at a wide range of prices
StopPoliticalCalls.org (Sept. 17)
It's dinner time. The phone rings, but no one is on the other end. It's a recorded political pitch -- a robocall -- asking for your vote in November. Even if you registered with the National Do Not Call Registry, you may get robocalls from candidates running for office. Political solicitors, charities and surveys are exempt from the Do Not Call list. But you can discourage these robocalls by registering with StopPoliticalCalls.org. This Web site, created by Citizens for Civil Discourse, puts politicians on the honor system. Although they can legally call you, CCD will inform them that you don't want to be called. On StopPoliticalCalls.org's blog, there are tips on privacy protection of all kinds, including links to request that Google and several other online businesses unlist your telephone number.
It's dinner time. The phone rings, but no one is on the other end. It's a recorded political pitch -- a robocall -- asking for your vote in November. Even if you registered with the National Do Not Call Registry, you may get robocalls from candidates running for office. Political solicitors, charities and surveys are exempt from the Do Not Call list. But you can discourage these robocalls by registering with StopPoliticalCalls.org. This Web site, created by Citizens for Civil Discourse, puts politicians on the honor system. Although they can legally call you, CCD will inform them that you don't want to be called. On StopPoliticalCalls.org's blog, there are tips on privacy protection of all kinds, including links to request that Google and several other online businesses unlist your telephone number.
Kongregate.com (Sept. 10)
You won't find the most popular computer games on on Kongregate.com, but you'll find the NEWEST ones by game creators hoping to draw a crowd. The 5000 or so free Flash games are submitted by independent developers and are rated by the gamers who visit this social networking site. Categories include Action, Shooter, Puzzle, Adventure and Role Player and Sports and Racing. When gamers create games for the site, Kongregate splits revenues with those creators. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was so impressed with Kongregate, he invested $3 million this past April, and Tech Crunch reports the site claims 349,000 hardcore users.
You won't find the most popular computer games on on Kongregate.com, but you'll find the NEWEST ones by game creators hoping to draw a crowd. The 5000 or so free Flash games are submitted by independent developers and are rated by the gamers who visit this social networking site. Categories include Action, Shooter, Puzzle, Adventure and Role Player and Sports and Racing. When gamers create games for the site, Kongregate splits revenues with those creators. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was so impressed with Kongregate, he invested $3 million this past April, and Tech Crunch reports the site claims 349,000 hardcore users.
KidsHealth.org (Aug. 27)
Besides learning new things, the start of a new school year brings new problems. Scary teachers, bullies and homesickness for the youngest kids and increased stress about grades, the onset of puberty and exposure to drugs and addiction for teenagers. KidsHealth.org has been providing doctor-approved health information since 1995. Its jargon-free articles are well organized and up-to-date. On a typical weekday, KidsHealth.org claims more than 350,000 visitors. In addition to growth and development, this site also provides the latest information on immunizations, seasonal diseases (West Nile, frostbite) and printable sheets on allergic reactions, broken bones, animal bites and more.
Besides learning new things, the start of a new school year brings new problems. Scary teachers, bullies and homesickness for the youngest kids and increased stress about grades, the onset of puberty and exposure to drugs and addiction for teenagers. KidsHealth.org has been providing doctor-approved health information since 1995. Its jargon-free articles are well organized and up-to-date. On a typical weekday, KidsHealth.org claims more than 350,000 visitors. In addition to growth and development, this site also provides the latest information on immunizations, seasonal diseases (West Nile, frostbite) and printable sheets on allergic reactions, broken bones, animal bites and more.
MySurfPad.com (Aug. 20)
The tabs on MySurfPad.com offer quick access to tools, travel, music/television and more. Such popular features as Google and YouTube are offered on several pages, eliminating the inconvenience of clicking back and forth to find the things you need. Drawbacks? This site can look too busy. Also, radio and TV access has been spotty at times. The creators of MySurfPad have promised to improve this feature as they continue to tinker, adding and subtracting features in an effort to get it right.
The tabs on MySurfPad.com offer quick access to tools, travel, music/television and more. Such popular features as Google and YouTube are offered on several pages, eliminating the inconvenience of clicking back and forth to find the things you need. Drawbacks? This site can look too busy. Also, radio and TV access has been spotty at times. The creators of MySurfPad have promised to improve this feature as they continue to tinker, adding and subtracting features in an effort to get it right.
GetHuman.com (Aug. 13)
The next time a recorded voice tells you to "listen closely because our options have changed," don't despair. You have other options, too. GetHuman.com's database of secret phone numbers and codes promise to help dissatisfied customers bypass frustrating options and reach an actual human being. Its list of nearly 1,000 major companies includes Verizon, Sears and federal agencies. GetHuman also includes customer comments and ratings (the FBI gets 5 stars because a human agent always answers the phone).
The next time a recorded voice tells you to "listen closely because our options have changed," don't despair. You have other options, too. GetHuman.com's database of secret phone numbers and codes promise to help dissatisfied customers bypass frustrating options and reach an actual human being. Its list of nearly 1,000 major companies includes Verizon, Sears and federal agencies. GetHuman also includes customer comments and ratings (the FBI gets 5 stars because a human agent always answers the phone).
TotallyLooksLike (Aug. 6)
What do Conan O'Brien and the president of Finland have in common? Only their faces -- he really does look like her. TotallyLooksLike totally lives up to its name. There is a convincing resemblance between Jesse Jackson and the pug posted on this site, and Val Kilmer could be the Geico caveman's brother. TotallyLooksLike not only does an excellent job matching celebrity faces, it matches the angle of the shots so well that little imagination is required to see the resemblances.
What do Conan O'Brien and the president of Finland have in common? Only their faces -- he really does look like her. TotallyLooksLike totally lives up to its name. There is a convincing resemblance between Jesse Jackson and the pug posted on this site, and Val Kilmer could be the Geico caveman's brother. TotallyLooksLike not only does an excellent job matching celebrity faces, it matches the angle of the shots so well that little imagination is required to see the resemblances.
Don't Click It (July 30)
The creators of Don't Click It call it an experiment, an attempt to wean visitors away from clicking the mouse. Moving the cursor around the page is sufficient to play games and access information. But don't click it! When you do, you'll be asked if you clicked out of forgetfulness or defiance.
The creators of Don't Click It call it an experiment, an attempt to wean visitors away from clicking the mouse. Moving the cursor around the page is sufficient to play games and access information. But don't click it! When you do, you'll be asked if you clicked out of forgetfulness or defiance.
The Budget Ecoist (July 23)
"It's not that easy bein' green," sang Kermit the Frog, and he was right. But Kermit also knew that "everything we need to know, we learned in kindergarten," like cleaning up after ourselves. The Budget Ecoist is dedicated to helping people be eco-friendly, frugally.
"It's not that easy bein' green," sang Kermit the Frog, and he was right. But Kermit also knew that "everything we need to know, we learned in kindergarten," like cleaning up after ourselves. The Budget Ecoist is dedicated to helping people be eco-friendly, frugally.
Some tips sound like bizarre Hints from Heloise (recycle your old magazines by giving them to doctors offices; laminate magazines to make placemats). Others are even more dubious (send the non-compostable lint from your clothes-dryer to a Pittsburgh "lint artist": how much jet fuel and plastic packaging will be wasted in that trip?)
But The Budget Ecoist's review of new products may offset its deficiencies. Recent reviews include non-electric floor sweepers priced under $20, replacements for dryer sheets that cut static cling and drying time, and eco-friendly cleaning products.
GasBuddy.com (July 16)
If your summer vacation plans include a road trip, GasBuddy.com can help ease the pain at the pump. GasBuddy.com displays the price of fuel -- including diesel -- by Zip Code, coast-to-coast. It is laid out like a temperature map, representing the highest pump prices as deep red, and the lowest per gallon cost as deep green. Zooming in on the map allows you to see gas prices almost by street.
If your summer vacation plans include a road trip, GasBuddy.com can help ease the pain at the pump. GasBuddy.com displays the price of fuel -- including diesel -- by Zip Code, coast-to-coast. It is laid out like a temperature map, representing the highest pump prices as deep red, and the lowest per gallon cost as deep green. Zooming in on the map allows you to see gas prices almost by street.
In the Metro region, the priciest pumps (more than $4.41 per gallon) are in Bethesda, with Potomac and the Northern Virginia area bordering the George Washington Parkway ($4.33 - $4.41) close behind. When the price falls below $4.02, the map gets greener, all the way to $3.79 per gallon. GasBuddy says it attempts to be as current as possible, using a data base designed to remove prices from display 72 hours after the time the prices were last entered.
ScienceRay.com (July 9)
Before you tell anyone you've "been there, done that," look over the "10 Newest Discovered Species" at ScienceRay.com. The bubbly red stalks of the Michelin Man plant, found in western Australia, resemble the mascot for Michelin Tires. The flat, milky-blue Ornate Sleeper Ray that hugs and sucks the sea bottom looks something like a vacuum cleaner. Thus its scientific name: Electrolux addisoni. The site also has some of the weirdest and ugliest-looking animals on earth. You'll find short, coherent illustrated stories from every field of science here, including Philosophy of Science, Architecture, and more.
Before you tell anyone you've "been there, done that," look over the "10 Newest Discovered Species" at ScienceRay.com. The bubbly red stalks of the Michelin Man plant, found in western Australia, resemble the mascot for Michelin Tires. The flat, milky-blue Ornate Sleeper Ray that hugs and sucks the sea bottom looks something like a vacuum cleaner. Thus its scientific name: Electrolux addisoni. The site also has some of the weirdest and ugliest-looking animals on earth. You'll find short, coherent illustrated stories from every field of science here, including Philosophy of Science, Architecture, and more.
The Library of Congress: American Memory
If the Smithsonian is "America's Attic," "The Library of Congress: American Memory" site is America's library, video and CD collection and map room. "The Library of Congress: American Memory" site contains historic wax cylinder recordings of Omaha Indian songs from the 1890s, one-reel silent movies of Broadway vaudevillians, photos of street scenes, stores and daily life in D.C., Virginia and suburban Maryland. There is a collection of the first Washington Nationals baseball cards, featuring Walter Johnson, Connie Mack and others.
If the Smithsonian is "America's Attic," "The Library of Congress: American Memory" site is America's library, video and CD collection and map room. "The Library of Congress: American Memory" site contains historic wax cylinder recordings of Omaha Indian songs from the 1890s, one-reel silent movies of Broadway vaudevillians, photos of street scenes, stores and daily life in D.C., Virginia and suburban Maryland. There is a collection of the first Washington Nationals baseball cards, featuring Walter Johnson, Connie Mack and others.
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