Lifestyle Sites
2.0.1.3 Transmissions from Quantum Time
From the Intergalactic Dream Convergence Project comes this exquisitely designed subcultural launch pad to interdimensional travels. "Information is light is information," is their maxim for the next step in the evolution of our consciousness. Once we've experienced hyperlinked hyperthought, we can open the dialogue with other worldly minds to exchange our multi-dimensional memes. Time's a waistin'. Better hop on the neural networked bus to a higher level of space-time. Getting there is half the fun.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
AcronTech
Computers may be valuable tools, but what if you can't read the words on your screen? AcronTech manufactures products to increase the independence of visually-impaired people. Their products include large-print and speech-synthesizer software applications, audible sign technology, and portable video magnifiers. While the AcronTech Website is primarily an expanded company brochure, it's in everyone's best interest to know that these kinds of products are available for the people who need them. *Equal* access to information is what the New Edge is all about.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Alternative-X
Feeling post-modern? Then slouch toward Alternative-X, a zine that's so cool, hot button links are unmarked and open to personal interpretation. The Interzones section contains articles with titles like "Weird Republicans" and "Why Clinton's Foreign Policy Shows He's Good in Bed." You'll find rants and reviews, fiction and fantasy. Lots of attitude. Scores of short articles and features. Published by a Mark Amerika, the staff also includes an Anarchivist and someone in charge of Covert Operations.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
BISEX.ORG
Does the Internet foster community? The people from BISEX.ORG would say yes. They have created not only a page, but also an organization for friends and supporters of #bisex IRC. The whys and wherefores of bisexuality are covered in a welcoming essay called "A Bit of History." Unfortunately, the rest of the site is a bit bare - even the ubiquitous FAQ is missing. When there's better organization, and more Q&A about bisexuality, personal views and so on, this could be a useful page.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
BeautyLink
Kind of an online Glamour meets Seventeen magazine, The Beautylink tries to camp it up enough to make its departments enjoyable, but comes off kind of hokey all the same. But what should one expect from a site that promises to link you up with all the beauty the Web has offer? Cyberteena provides helpful hints for the under 21 crowd, Angora Teasdale can give you a makeover in the Looks section, and Blade Shearson ("I make you look gorgeous!") offers useful info in the Cyberspa. If the whole project makes you ask, "Is Fashion Silly?" there's a link to a site by that name that's pretty interesting.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Emily Soares
Bread
Apparently, Bread is a Christian "community" formed by young adults in Philadelphia. According to their sparse Web site, this group is interested in developing Christian ministries and social service programs like day care, counseling and arts therapy. And they're looking for collaborators. Umm, what else about this site? Ummmm.... Ummmm.....
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: David Pescovitz
Cafc Los Negroes
Billed as the net's Black and Latino hangout, Cafe' Los Negroes is flowing with cultural cred. Dig the frequent special events in the Cafe', like an online panel discussion with Ntzoke Shange, Vernon Reid, and Lisa Jones, or groove on the Cybirdland live jazz broadcasts. You can also check out regular features like art in the Bedstuy virtual gallery, currently show casing New York including Daniel Simmons and Michael Chambers, and download beats from singer-songwriter Toshi Reagon or spoken word from poet Adrian Castro. Cleanly designer and rich with the flavor of the New York Underground.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Campaign for our Children
Campaign for our Children is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing the number of teen pregnancies in this country. According to this site, a US teenager becomes pregnant every 26 seconds. That's a lot of babies having babies. Good parent and teacher resources are available on this site, and the Campaign's slogans are poignant without being naive--example: "A baby costs $474 a month, how much is your allowance?" While their call for abstinence may not be realistic, almost anyone urging kids and parents to *talk* about sex is OK in my book.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Chrysalis
This is the online version of a "recovery and transformation" magazine. The cover story is an interview with Beverly D'Angelo who talks about life without addiction, while another feature, titled "Drunks In The Bible" gives an overview of alcoholism in the land of Canaan. Then there's the piece from erstwhile child star Corey Feldman, "In My Own Words," in which he talks about his struggle with various substances. Did you know that Corey and Sam Kinnison used to do drugs together? A couple areas didn't load properly or at all. A resource guide to related sites is forthcoming.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Emily Soares
Cleveland Live!
Welcome to the uncharted realms of Cleveland, Ohio. Learn about the darker side of a town that "defies travel by public transportation" in the Forbidden City. Well-written nightlife information abounds in the Club Crawler and Dark Melodies pages. Cleveland never seemed so appealing. The Weather section links to international forecasts and The Old Farmer's Almanac, and Tribe fans have a lot to choose from on their own site (as marked by the grinning "redman" of the team's emblem -- an insult to Native Americans everywhere). Overall, excellent use of nicely designed retro graphics, loads of information, and smart assembly. Forget the Big Apple or Baghdad by the Bay...Cleveland, here, looks like the destination of choice.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Emily Soares
CountryLife
*"Grow your own. Cook your own. Drink your own wine. This is the threefold imperative." -Antionio Pelligrini* CountryLife is a site that resides a little closer to the Earth than most, a page about living off the land, according to something like the old threefold imperative. Perhaps the modern analog to that is something like "customize your system, write your own code." I don't know. Of course, there is something odd about a page on the World Wide Web devoted to the simple life. There's even a section (under construction as of this writing) devoted to life "off the grid" -- the power grid, that is. Again, it's a tough one to get your mind around; without electricity and a phone line, after all, there's no Internet. Doesn't get much simpler than that. Ah, but what the hell? It's cognitive dissonance everywhere you turn in this life. Myself, I'm sympathetic to the sensibilities at work here, the notion of chucking all the modern trappings in exchange for a hoe, a rifle, and a piece of land. I know it's a pipe dream, of course, do-able only in the smallest sense, what with the current world population and the pitiful state of the wilderness; but, perhaps therein lies the best argument for the site, even if the upshot of it is nothing more than an experimental pea patch in the back lot or a home-baked loaf now and then -- you remember bread, the staff of life? I mean, If we can't even do that much, what's left? Writing code, I suppose. And there's nothing wrong with that, believe me, except that you can't eat it. Go to this impressive site, then, for information on fine, earthy topics like ethnobotany (a fancy word to describe the role plants play in sustaining and defining cultures), bread making and flour milling, composting, and alternative energy sources. There are recipes (you can also submit your own), tips on high-yield organic gardening, a site-specific search engine, and extensive links to outside resources like the database at the National Agricultural Library. What there isn't, surprisingly, is any political or religious rhetoric -- green, New Age, Buddhist, libertarian, or otherwise. It's just an online community/repository, offering the kind of knowledge that is seriously threatened in our times -- the Information Age, yes, but also the Age of Extinction.
Content: NULL
Aesthetic: NULL
TechnoSmart: NULL
Author: Patrick Joseph
Crystalian Stabalysis
Very mysterious... The Crystalians seem to be a society of Celtic mythology enthusiasts involved in exploring and creating their own fantasy world of clans, elves, and dragons. Very Renaissance Faire meets Dungeons and Dragons with no clear indication as to what the Crystalians actually do on a daily basis. The only Crystalian clan so far is the "A'Toll" and they claim to be "a clan devoted to the attainment of knowledge and understanding. As a result," they continue, "we are here on the Internet doing such." Aren't we all...
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: David Pescovitz
Dance To The Sound Of A Suicide
Yes, we're talking Goths here--black eyeliner, Bauhaus, black hair, Bela Lugosi (is dead), black clothes, etc. But I grew up on the Sisters of Mercy and Christian Death, so there's always a place in my heart for children of the night. Especially this one! Tara Morrison has a sense of humor, something lacking in most gloom and doom types. "I don't drink blood. And I don't want to," she writes in one of many stabs at the hyper-pretentiousness and absurd fantasization so typical in goth culture. This page is primarily an annotated list of goth sites on the Net--Bauhaus pages, Anne Rice resources, etc. But Tara's wry, no-bullshit attitude makes this site more interesting than almost anything she links to. Tara, will you meet me in the cemetery some night?
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
FoodTV
For all you can stomach in recipes, restaurant reviews, culinary tips, and products that you just *can't* live without, visit the Food TV Network Web site. Missed the latest how-to from Debbie Fields' -- of "Mrs. Field's Cookies" fame -- Desert Show or The Essence of Emeril? Ingredient lists are here for the browsing. And if you're a recipe fetishist, there are also plenty of cookbooks from Food TV show hosts advertised on the site. You can even buy a fancy kitchen knife endorsed by the Food Network. No, it's not a Ginsu.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
GaySource
GaySource is a monthly magazine for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. This month's "cover" story is an insightful interview with comedienne Lea Delaria. Inside are travel, health, spirituality, gay pride, and other information-filled departments--there is something for everyone here. Add the chat rooms, relevant links, and reader-feedback areas to make GaySource a fine example of what an "interactive magazine" can really be. And they even have ads!
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Gays & Lesbians on World Wide Web
Warning: as you browse GLOWWW, the word "lame" may spring to mind. The page is a virtual card pack including (non-working) buttons to a travel newsletter, video, and catalogs catering to lesbians and gay men. There's an area for guest comments (none visible so far), and numerous promises about what will appear in the future - November, that is (which year? we don't know). Odder still, there's a reference to a bimonthly e-mail newsletter. (Yes, bimonthly. Via e-mail). There are a number of fun and useful lesbian and gay sites; GLOWWW is not one of them.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Karen Wickre
GeroWeb
Brought to you by the Institute for Gerontology at Wayne State University, GeroWeb is a rich information clearing-house for researchers, educators, and care-takers. The site design is quite bland, but somehow appropriate for the academic and dry, yet useful, resources linked from its pages. Included are pointers to universities offering gerontology information, organizations of interest to the aging community, and government agencies useful to service providers and researchers. Not much fun, but seemingly purposeful information for the target audience.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Guide To Vegetarianism
Like a bowl of lentil soup, this guide is plain but nourishing. There are layers of info and listings by continent and outlet (organizations, newsletters, newsgroups, restaurants), as well as a state-by-state list of resources. An amusing and possibly useful page is the list of fast-food chain eateries itemizing menu items that will pass muster with the traditional vegetarian and the more abstemious vegan. There's a helpful mail-order area of companies offering special foods and cooking utensils. You can also send in a form to add your own veggie picks to their list.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
Heartless Bitches International
I dig these bitches. And I mean that only in the kindest sense of the word. The grrrls behind this site are fed up with sexist boys who not only harass women in the workplace, but high-five each other yelling "Sa-weet!" Filled with lists of other offensive acts, real-life heartless bitches, and anti-whining rants, this site is a rad "how's it going" from post-feminist modernist women tired of your (and my) "I'm not sexist, but..." bullshit. Unfortunately, I'm a straight male which means I can't join this organization. But I'd definitely submit myself to these modem grrrls if they would have me. After all, I hate feminine deodorants too!
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Hyperreal
Hyperreal is dedicated to providing "a home to alternative culture, music and expression" on the Internet. (Am I just jaded or is the term "alternative" overused? What does it mean? Alternative to what?) In Hyperreal's case, "alternative" pertains to a lifestyle revolving around raves. Probing and incisive articles discuss the pros and cons of the various drugs you might want to take at raves; lighting and sound effects; the dj's; and the music. Those for whom raves are the "alternative" of choice will likely appreciate the thorough information. Others may lose interest quickly and be forced to find an alternative.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Rachel Saidman
IT'S A GREAT DAY AT AVEDA
Aromatherapy, organic cosmetics, hair and skin care are Aveda's bag, and you can read here about oils and essences from Amyris to Ylang Ylang. (An "information forthcoming" tag is a little too prominent, but plain text on a respectable list of these essences is already in place.) There's a glossary of terms on the sometimes arcane world of aromatherapy and Ayurvedic treatments, links to Aveda workshops and products, a zine, and good page of related links. Handsome and spare, Aveda's site may spur you on to that organic facial. Hey, it can't hurt.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
Intentional Communities
Intentional Communities is a clearinghouse for information on collective living options, including ecovillages, communes, residential land trusts, urban housing cooperatives, and other group living situations. Check here for a calendar of conferences, and even read Communities: The Journal of Cooperative Living. Plain of design, but well-organized and comprehensive, this site is a fine resource for those choosing collective living. This was how we lived in the past. Is it time to return to those roots? After all, home is where the hearth is!
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Intentional Communities
Intentional communities have an honorable history and a pretty good Web site. The notion of shared living today is brought to us by earnest folks who want to find better ways to live together, share resources, and create ecologically and environmentally smart living arrangements. These might include housing coops, land trusts, and eco-villages as well as actual communes. Here you'll find articles, listings and descriptions, events, and products from and for communitarians. As you might expect, the crew building this site, sponsored by the Fellowship for Intentional Community, keeps a regular diary (with links) of their Web updates.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
Jewish Domestic Abuse and Agunah Problem Web Page
In Jewish religious law, according to the home page, an Agunah is "a woman who is prevented from remarrying, either because of the disappearance of her husband, absent proof of his death, or because of his refusal to grant her a "get" ["bill of divorcement", or religious divorce]. This site, maintained by a law student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was designed as a resource for Agunot (plural of Agunah) and Jewish women suffering from all kinds of domestic abuse. The site offers articles, information about resource organizations for victims, excerpts from Jewish family law, and first-person accounts. Not a pleasant subject for a Web site, but definitely an important one.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Jews in Prison
Sponsored by the Santa Barbara Chabad Chapter-and written by a Rabbi with ten years of experience visiting prisons -- this site is dedicated to supporting and counseling Jewish prison inmates (a subject not broached at the Bar Mitzvah). The Rabbi briefly presents the difficulties Jewish inmates may face with regard to obtaining Kosher food, observation of holy days, anti-semitism, depression, etc., and offers suggestions for dealing with them. He also shares anecdotes about inmates who have maintained their dignity despite the adverse conditions through personal and intellectual growth. C-2 A-2 T-2
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Rachel Saidman
Kosher Living
Whether or not you're Jewish and Kosher, this is a useful site. Packed with information on permissible foods, preparation, and the history and nature of Kashrus, Kosher Living serves as an in-depth introduction to the principles behind Kosher laws, and is a helpful guide to those who practice them. The site is brought to you from the director of the Asian-American Kashrus, Singapore-born Rabbi Meyer, who is not surprised that the general public knows little about the history and culture of Asian Jews. So he's made it easy to learn by providing an interactive map of Asia with an informative essay attached to each country. Also check out Asian Kosher Recipes and links to other Kosher sites.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Emily Soares
Largesse the Network for Size Esteem
Largesse, the Network for Size Esteem, is a feminist resource center for "size diversity empowerment." What that means is that this insubstantial site is supposed to be a clearinghouse of health, diet, and legal information for "people of size." And these pages aren't just for adults either. Self-help and body image books for fat kids (phrase used on the site) are reviewed along with audiotapes, newsletters and other information for overweight children and their parents and teachers. As a resource it's fine, though it still has a way to go.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Lifetime Online
The cable TV channel, *Lifetime*, is about one step up from soap operas and talk shows. They used to show *Eight Is Enough* and *Family* reruns, which I think is rad! But then I read that their Web site is "for women and the people in their lives" and I have to wonder if the channel has lost its unintended irony in the Web translation. After all, what kind of women (and people in their lives!) are we talking about here? I guess the type who dig "Romance Horoscopes," articles on nutrition, entertainment gossip (Jackson Five to reform!?!?), and too-sweet parenting info. *HotWired* for the *Reader's Digest* and tabloid set.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Lucy the Jack Russell Terrier
Lucy is, you guessed it, a dog. And this is her home page. But don't stop reading yet--you won't be subjected to a million cute pictures of some family dog and narratives about how she bit the mailman. Lucy is a real mascot for an interesting Jack Russell Terrier site overflowing with information about this particular breed of dogs. And darned if they aren't the cutest things. Delve into the Jack FAQs, find out how to check into pet-friendly hotels when vacationing with your pooch, and, to make your hosts happy, browse through some of the real-life adventures of Lucy in words and pictures. Lucy in a blizzard is a laff-riot.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Main Floor
"Glamor and good advice" are yours from the Main Floor, an online beauty and style magazine. Nicely designed, the site features fashion notes (with small runway photos in which you can't see detail), fragrance reports, profiles of models, and tips on grooming and makeup. Everyone's favorite, the beauty makeover, has its own area with lots of cosmetic technique and description. The Main Floor has made a good start and has room to grow. Just consider how many people appreciate advice like, "Invest in natural bristles. For powder or blush, look for squirrel bristles. For eyeshadow, pony."
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
Muscle Net
For muscular types, and the men and women who worship them, Muscle Net pays homage to the pumped and ripped at the Virtual Gym. Along with links to pro-shops, gyms and nutrition centers across the country, Muscle Net addresses topics such as how to get even more muscular, how to meet muscular guys and girls (gay and straight), and the pros and cons of steroids. In the Muscle Lounge, you can peruse personal ads with images of burly boys and brawny babes. You can also genuflect at the alter of "ThorLover's Temple to Muscle Worship" and "YugNorac's Female Muscle Page."
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Rachel Saidman
NUDE2000
Keep your pants on people, we're talking nudists not nymphos. You know--nude volleyball, size doesn't matter, it's healthy and natural, etc. Nude 2000 is a nudist catalog/resource guide promoting "social nudism in the 21st century." Browse the list of videos of nudist adventures and resorts from all over the world before subscribing to Naturally Magazine, a publication for those choosing the "let it all hang out" lifestyle. A tasteful if slightly boring site, I bet their hit count is through the roof!
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Naked Magazine
Naked is a magazine for men who like to get naked. "Nudists, exhibitionists, and voyeurs use Naked as a forum of expression of their lifestyle." So, what we're talking about here is a site that tells gay and bi men where to take it off and how to locate others who are equally clothing-oppressed. You can find out about a Caribbean cruise (limited to 110 naked guys), check out personal ads, view nude models, and learn about nude organizations and getaway spots. The Naked Video sample was a total tease, however, and despite heavy perseverance, never loaded.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Emily Soares
NetNoir
A site for anyone from any walk of life who is interested in Afrocentric culture, NetNoir Online combines a variety of sections -- Spotlight, Lifestyle, Community, and Empowerment -- with search engines and great links to related sites. The site is beautifully designed and packed with content, providing visitors with articles on everything from Hip Hop to investment opportunities. The self-declared "Soul of Cyberspace," NetNoir seeks to build an online community while informing visitors about local events, outstanding personalities, entertainment, technology news, and resources.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Emily Soares
New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association
As you might guess, this site delivers a calendar of events and detailed information about New Mexico Gay Rodeo activities. Links to the New Mexico AIDS Emergency Fund and the New Mexico AIDS Services Food Bank, but I wasn't able to find any information on the larger Gay Rodeo Association (referred to without explanation as IGRA) or links to any related sites. *From the Chute*, the NMGRA newsletter is expected soon.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Emily Soares
NrrdGrrl!
Riot Nrrrds of the female persuasion, this site is for you! Join the ranks of Jan Brady, Janet Reno, Lisa Simpson, and other strong grrrls pictured on the NrrdGrrl home page. In fact, you don't even need to join--as the site says, "a NrrdGrrl! is any woman who wants to reclaim the meaning of the word normal. Because normal does not mean the same as everybody else!" Link to the pages of other modem grrrls pages, check out some of their ezines, and dig into Grrowl, the NrrdGrrl! Web zine. I laughed (and screamed) out loud at a true story of watching the Miss America Pageant in a dorm.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
OUT.com
A finely designed and easily navigated site from one of the premier gay and lesbian lifestyle magazines in the US. These pages overflow with news, arts, health, gossip, politics, and dozens of other subjects all tackled with Out's signature hip and intelligent reporting style. The point-and-click US map is really nifty, giving information on cool events, bars and clubs. Content from Out is also available for your viewing pleasure, but this site is anything but shovelware. A one-stop online shop for Queer culture.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Outdoors OnLine
Hunters, gatherers, anglers, hikers, and trail guides alike may enjoy Outdoors Online, which is a part mall, part newsletter and part directory of organizations concerned with enjoying the great outdoors. The folksy tone and cheerful look should be just the ticket for those who want to read about The Walleye Guys, or enter a contest for a Dream Hunt. The site needs more links, product information, and editorial content, but this is a pleasant and well-intentioned beginning.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Karen Wickre
Petbird.com
I never understood the appeal of pet birds. They pretty much just hang out on a little swing, crap all over the place, and sing if you're lucky. But who am I to judge? For many, pet birds are the cat's meow, and this site is for them. Read up on cockatiel breeding and genetics and Finch care. Avian professionals are all over this site offering wise words about your bird's needs. There's even a section on aviculture called F.Y.I, with a fun article on how to prepare your bird for a show. (For one, file their beaks if necessary.) Tired of your Whiteface cockatiel hen? Find a buyer in the Petbird classified section. And of course, buy your birdseed online from one of the merchants on the site.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Phi Delta Theta
It may be hard to imagine that the kegger at the Phi Delt house comes from a fraternity with a long, upstanding tradition of brotherhood, academic achievement, and political activism (The Phi Delts at Miami University, 1848, were in part responsible for getting a bad seed university president expelled). But for those in doubt, take note of the Phi Delt Web site. It's very well designed with a comprehensive section on history, a chapter locator, resources for alumni, and of course, a merchandise mart for all your branded needs. It's a good one.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Shel Kimen
Pinkboard
Living queer in Australia? Make sure to check out the Pinkboard! The site is packed with info about where to go (clubs, theaters, etc.), who to go with (an extensive personals area), and what to do once you get there (safe sex info). While some of the sections are a little slow, with content generated from CGI scripts, the icons are clever, and the info is regularly updated. There is also a slick Frames interface, but you get the option as to whether or not you want to use it. Tres cool!
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Shel Kimen
Platypus Family's Playroom
It's full, thick with stories (that read themselves "with a properly configured Mac"), songs to sing, games to play, and activities for families. And as a super bonus, the site also has some sections translated into Spanish. Que Bueno! If you like the content, there's a CD ROM on the way. Just add your name to a list to receive notification. The only drawback- Children's Playroom was created as one *very* long scroll down page, instead of multiple pages with hyperlinks, so the download can be a long wait.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Shel Kimen
Pun Yin Metaphysics
This site is dedicated to the ancient study of Feng Shui, the historic Chinese discipline of "manipulating the invisible and subtle energies of the cosmos, or 'Chi,' to create harmony between man and his environment." This is some heavy stuff actually, dealing with the placement of objects and buildings in their "most auspicious positions" and the use of specific colors for "balance." (Example: Seeing your stove when you first walk inside creates bad energy). For a few hundred dollars, Master Pun Yin will look at blueprints and photos of your home or office (if it's in New York), and give a Feng Shui analysis. Maybe true, maybe hoax or superstition, but damned interesting.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
QWorld
QWorld is a well-organized forum for the queer community, complete with chat rooms, message boards, and regional resources of lesbian and gay businesses in your area. For a good time, check out the QFiles filled with Lesbian and Gay graphics icons, sounds and other relevant resources. Once you're ready to journey out of QWorld, the massive collection of links will help you follow the rainbow streaming through the net. While the site is still under construction, it has the potential to be a bustling virtual town square for digital queers.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Retirement Net
Shame on you, Retirement Net. All you've given us is a brochure with some warm fuzzy photos (and fuzzy-headed marketing copy), and a lower-48 US map with five (or is it seven? your map and text links don't match) states from which to choose. So we pick a place to start thinking about where we'll retire, and then all we get is a list of your "managed care properties" in each state - name, address, phone number. Period. We don't think we'll leave our retirement planning to you -- or call your lame Java-enabled 800 number for more info, either.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Karen Wickre
SB's Breakin' Page
Pop it, rock it, lock it, and break it. Yes Turbo, breakdancing has come to the Web. Download that Afrika Bambaata AU file, or any of the multitude of old-school samples on the site, trip on some graffiti from back-in-the-day, and try to hit that windmill like Crazy Legs in Beat Street. (Check the video clip if you've forgotten.) Once you practice the moves, throw on your parachute pants and Pumas with the fat laces, and come down to the corner. Just don't be wack and forget your cardboard. (Lost? See the site for the definition of "wack" and other breakin' terminology.)
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Self-Defense, Street-fighting & Close-Quarter Battle
If you're going to win a fight against a vicious street tough, you're going to need a lot more than a few karate lessons - you're going to need a whole new world view. Christopher Benson helps you mentally prepare for seemingly impossible-to-win fights. This is not a primer on specific moves; rather, it's a guide to overcoming difficult situations with confidence. You'll learn all about pain and fear management, mental explosiveness, and pure, unbridled aggression. Rule Nine may tell the whole story: "Evaluate, analyze and destroy." Lots of text, all of it interesting.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Jon Phillips
Sex in America
A book by the same title was published by Little, Brown and Co. and this page is designed as a promotion of it. Surprisingly bland in design (plain text on default grey), the site samples passages of the book, highlighted and hotlinked to graphics and charts. The statistics are boring, even grim -- anything but sexy. And you have to wonder how accurate the information really is. After all, how many people lie in such surveys? (Multiple orgasms? Sure, twice a day.) Still, if you want some quick facts on baseline sexuality, stop here and bone up.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Patrick Joseph
Smartwired
Judging from its confusing content, I'd speculate that Smartwired is some sort of alcohol-enthusiast information resource -- these people really, really like to drink. Avoid this site if you're one of the so-called "neo-prohibitionists" referred to in the site's "Healthy Drinking" magazine. If you're not, you too can read articles with titles like "Telling Children All Alcohol Is Bad Simply Is Not True," "It's Official: Beer's Good For You" and other gems. After tasting that material, browse Smart Wine magazine or a page of alcohol-related links. I think I need a drink. Of water.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Speakeasy Cafe
This Seattle-based site is an online rendition of the real Speakeasy Cafe, encouraging the same spirit as its three-dimensional namesake; namely, easy-going, coffee-soaked palaver. The real world version of the Speakeasy offers couches and computers to its patrons, creating a kind of community feeling that translates well to the site. The Speakeasy Network offers a variety of Internet services and online utilities to its members with a Northwestern flair. I especially like the Trading Post area with a direct link to countless federal sites, including the CIA home page. Check out the large collection of art work in the Art Gallery, or consult the Alerts and Calendar sections to see what's new in the Northwest.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Emily Soares
Spirit-WWW
If you're curious about spiritual matters broadly defined, gravitate to Rene Muller's Spirit Web. This gent has built a thoughtful and useful site featuring articles, a useful glossary, and links to more info on topics like yoga, meditation, UFOs, reincarnation, and channeling. He has selected a number of articles and essays for each topic, so you get a variety of voices. And he includes a metaphysical bibliography, an event calendar, relevant e-mail contacts, and "spiritual web chat," where you can discuss spiritual beliefs and mysteries with others. An excellent stop for the open-minded spiritually inclined among us.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
Tattoos.com
Tattooing has evolved from the stuff of hoods and sailors in grimy port parlors to being recognized as the true art form it can be. This e-zine is one of the most comprehensive and professionally-produced body art resources in the mediascape. Reports from tattoo conventions, a rich gallery of ink work, plenty of links to related sites and Real Audio files make this a stop worthy of the most illustrated human beings. Now how much would that little devil cost again?
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Teen Home Page
Clearly well-intended, this page is a big loser for its target audience of teenagers, who must be cool at all costs and could easily hoot this site off the Web en masse. Our anonymous HTML beginner doesn't spend enough time finding links (there's way too much plain text here) or hanging with the gang who embody the ideal teen. If you feel clueless, you might want to check off "the top five colognes guys like to wear" (there are six listed). But if you have a semblance of a clue, you'll be at a fun music or entertainment site, and not here.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Karen Wickre
The Boston Phoenix
Beantown's newsweekly, The Phoenix, has a smartly designed online presence. If you're from Boston, you probably don't require an introduction to the periodical, and if you aren't, you probably don't care. The design is slick enough to merit a look-see, but the reviews and articles, while competent, are not much different than what you'd find in Anytown, USA. The rag has a definite gay and lesbian connection, so you could come here for a dose of the local queer scene, including personals. But, primarily, this is a journal for Bostonians of any stripe or creed who want the lowdown on the club scene, literary happenings and all that.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Patrick Joseph
The Data Lounge
Why are drag queens always in the desert these days? There was Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, there was Patrick Swayze playing Vida Boheme, and now there's Trudy, host of the Data Lounge. Is it that we, as a culture, respond to this juxtaposition between the raw natural and the extremely artificial because the industrial revolution has filled our lives with manufactured goods? Or is it that nothing in those vast open spaces can upstage a drag queen's fabulous couture? Trudy knows. Trudy is an exiled Manhattanite glamor queen on a mission of destiny to add color and style to the Arizona desert. The Data Lounge is her little spot of culture in those arid lands, where she logs on to the Internet to write entries into her Dearest Darling Diary, respond to Calling Cards, and post 'Lectric Letters. Her diary tells the tale of how she packed her bags and left Manhattan, her trip into the desert, and her many adventures into Los Angeles or back to New York for Wigstock. Calling Cards are where we, Trudy's admiring masses, can send her our comments or pleas for advice, and if grace is smiling upon us, she will post our words with her reply. Some of Trudy's special friends, whose missives get posted in 'Lectric Letters, are Mr. Jewel, who keeps Trudy informed by writing her about the various Broadway shows he sees, Sage, who writes Trudy poems and has intimated that Trudy is her mother, and the Marquessa Areta von Kass, who tells Trudy of her dating tribulations. But are these electronic words enough for one such as Trudy, once the premier socialite of Manhattan? Can the lizards and cactus compare to the fashionable boys and girls walking down Fifth Avenue? Of course not, but at least Trudy has Sir Lancelot, her faithful German Shepherd, to keep her company on those long desert nights. But not to worry that anything untoward is going on, that Sir Lancelot's doggy innocence is being taken advantage of. He's got his own section at the Data Lounge where he offers his opinions on politics and the state of his digestion. But Trudy can't be online all the time to help those less fortunate as the desert wind would make her skin positively ruddy if she didn't take time out to put on a moisturizing mask. To give her time for beauty, a clever little bit of programming, the Draginatrix, takes over while she's away. By answering a series of questions, the Draginatrix will provide the user with a whole new drag queen makeover.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Wayne Cunningham
The Deoxyribonucleic Hyperdimension
This is *the* site for budding psychedelic shamans eager to meet the elves that visit us from hyperspace at our most "open" moments. Take a puff on that DMT-filled pipe and click here. Immerse yourself in the hallucinogen-inspired (and hyperbole-filled?) wisdom of Terrence McKenna, ethnobotanist of the next millennium. Let John Lilly introduce you to his dolphin, Peter, that "speaks" English, then allow ex-Mondo 2000 pillars Gracie and Zarkov to take you on another Tryptamine trip. And last but certainly not least, ingest a healthy dose of optimism with the good doctor Timothy Leary. Turn on, tune in, and take over.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
The Main Quad
When it comes to get-rich-quick-off-the-Web schemes, I've seen enough con games aimed at naive college kids to make my stomach turn. Frankly, not far from college age myself, the usual attempts are characterized by ridiculous "be hip like me" poses, horrible *Wired* magazine-type graphics, and pathetic jargon like "kewl" and "killer." The quad is better, significantly so. It's simply a no-nonsense resource for college students. The images are well tailored and smooth, not jarring, in-your-face, neon things- no blinks, no silly scrolling Java script. It's all so straightforward. "Student Services," is in fact student services. The "U-Wire," is exactly what one would suppose it to be (a news wire for college newspapers), and the "Dean's List of Web Distinction" is, yes, the cool links tenant of the site. And while the opening page takes the form of a giant image map, it loads quickly and offers a text based menu system at the top for those of us with slower modems or browsers that don't support image maps in the first place. Thank you! Perhaps this site doesn't need to add contrived flavor and style a la MTV because there is actually a *reason* to visit. High content, low fluff. The student services area, flagged with a big banner that says "free" is packed with great goods. Stay atop current issues affecting campuses, check out the ride share board, get tips and a template to compose a resume, then send it off to over 150 companies (with a single click). Or just create a multimedia love note for that boy in your English class. Wink wink. Most impressive is the "make a Web site and store it here" section. Yup, their gonna house your home page, for free! With options for easy and advanced Web mavens, anyone can do it. Select "easy," answer a series of questions, and wait for your content to run through a template and output a Web site. Unlike other Web-maker templates, you get the option to pick fonts, colors, sizes, etc. The advanced area is merely a form ready for code that you can either type online or cut and paste from your desktop editor. They've also arranged an FTP site to upload images if you want pictures on your new page. Unfortunately, the maximum space allowance is 150K- not a whole lot - but it's great for resumes and general personal information. I'd say, if you're in college you'll probably find much of use here. And, uh, it's killer, dude.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Wayne Bremser
The Millennium Matters
Feeling anxious about global warming, virus outbreaks, or over-population? Run, do not walk to The Millennium Matters for a long perspective on these and other crises affecting Planet Earth. Millennialists come in all shapes and dogmas; it's safe to say they believe that virtually all our daily experiences point to the end of life as we know it. Many of these pages cover UFOs, New Age spirituality, and communalism and the links offer further reading, FAQs, newsgroups, and the like for a wide, wide array of subjects. If nothing else, dipping into these pages will give you a vivid taste of a culture in the making.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
The Open Center
A holistic learning center in the Big Apple?? Hmm...okay now, on the one hand, if you live in New York City, Lord knows you probably need to restore some balance to your life. On the other hand, if you are concerned about your wellness, being centered and like that, why the hell are you living in New York in the first place? Anyway, from Celtic Fairy studies (!?!) to Shiatsu massage, it's all here. The Web site is little more than a serviceable brochure of the center's classes and activities, but if you live in the cosmopolis and the grind has ground you down, maybe this is a good escape hatch.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Patrick Joseph
The Terrorist Profile Weekly
Chris DiBona, a college student and employee of the US Department of State's Office of Information Management in the Bureau of Administration, has provided us a collection of profiles surveying more than twenty terrorist organizations around the globe. Learn about all the baddies from the 15 May Organization to the Popular Struggle Front. Each profile includes a general description, activities, strength, ideals, and location of the group all taken from the US State Department's journal "The Profiles of Global Terrorism." The site banner reads "Your 100% recommended daily allowance of global terror," and I personally wouldn't want to overdose.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
The Tobacconist
I knew this site would make leave me jonesing for a cigar. I haven't smoked a stogy in months, and, indeed, I wish I had my hands on a fine Cuban and a sterling cutter right now. If you're not a tobacco enthusiast already, this site is not the best introduction to the smoky vice, nor is it supposed to be. Aficionados should come here for a comprehensive list of smoke-related links, including company sites, Web �zines, and FAQs with lots of material. Hopefully, more original content will make this more than a glorified index for puffers. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Upside
Entrepreneurial types, marketing/PR professionals, venture capitalists, lawyers, investors, and anyone else involved in technology and/or business, will want to bookmark Upside, the "insider's" look at the high-tech industry. While the look of the site is pleasantly magazine-like, the focus is clearly on content, and lots of it. Features and interviews are factual and thorough but not without literary pizzazz. Of particular note for those considering taking the entrepreneurial plunge is "Upstart: The Ongoing Diary of a High-Tech Start-up," the true life account of one silcon valley firm's birth pangs.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Rachel Saidman
Urban Jungle
Jesus H. Christ! Hip hop clothes with a bible bent?!? Yes, that's right. Urban Jungle is a Christian underground clothing company "creating Bible inspired urban fashion for you." For only $10.00, you can be the first in your congregation to sport a "Stompin 4 Christ N Yo Front Yard" t-shirt. But Urban Jungle is not just about clothes. The company was also created to "to help you connect with the dopest underground holy hip-hop music there is." Word. Those hymns would be kickin' with a break beat behind the choir. Yo. This is not a joke.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Vegan Action
Just say no MILK. No meat. No eggs. No animal or dairy of any kind! That includes any clothing or products made from animals - no leather, silk, or hair conditioner made with animal enzymes. The Web site will keep vegans clued in to current news items, political rally's, and the spectrum of all that is vegan in this omnivore world. There's also a catalog in case you want a "Live Simply" or "Just Go Vegan" t-shirt. The links to the cookbooks are super cool.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Shel Kimen
WebCastro
San Francisco's Castro district has been called the Gay Mecca, and this virtual community does a fine job representing the eclectic and exciting real community that is Castro. WebCastro is filled with calendars, a history of the neighborhood, profiles of unusual and interesting Castro characters, guides to area businesses and community-service organizations. Yet the site still barely scratches the surface of the neighborhood. Basically, you gotta live there. But if you don't, at least check out the scene virtually. Slightly cluttered, but easily navigable and educational.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Webgrrls Unite!
Cybergrrl's sibling site, Webgrrls Unite! highlights Women on the Web, with links to grrls and boy-eez homepages, information on classes and gatherings, and a link to FeMiNa, Cybergrrls' alternative to Yahoo!. However, Webgrrls Unite!'s most exciting resource is the "real world, face-to-face networking groups" for women in cities worldwide, each offering members a range of business and educational opportunities. Networking online is great, but there is nothing like bringing professional women together in person to share ideas.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Rachel Saidman
Welcome to Cybersmith
The real Cybersmith in Boston is one of the finest cyber-cafes I've ever guzzled mochas and megabytes in. Ironically though, their Web site is completely uninteresting. While they claim this site to be their "temporary" location, I'd expect much much more from people whose business is the net and community. There's little more here than lists of the top 10 CD-ROMs, games in the shop, and a boring list of links. Are the Boston City Hall or the RealAudio home pages really "hot sites?" C'mon kids, put down that cappuccino and get back to work
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Welcome to Fashion Internet
The Fashion Internet is one of the most informative and exciting fashion locales online. Elegantly designed, content rich (and slow to download), FI gives the word from the New York runways and features articles like the "Clueless Guy's Guide to Buying a Suit," and the bios and biz information in the virtual showrooms from big name designers like Bill Blass and Donna Karen are useful for insight into hot couture. But most fun on FI is "Yak," where you can rant to your heart's content about trends, anti-trends, and platform shoes. Deep discourse for real designers, and fashion fun for the rest of us in jeans and t-shirts.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Welcome to Fashion Net
At ease, fashion mavens - your site is at hand! Fashion Net offers a consumer area with a good list of links to fashion and style mags, entertainment sites, and yes, shopping sites aplenty. These are conveniently organized by item (jewelry, clothing, accessories, and cosmetics, and, of course, Internet malls). There's even a link to mail order catalogs for the insatiable among us (and speaking of insatiable, a faster modem would help, what with viewing all of those catalog graphics). This is a good starting point for anyone who regularly heeds the call of the magic plastic.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre