Pastime Sites
AeroCrafter Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook
Getting tired of billboards on the Web? Me, too. Especially when they are as mundane as this one. If you happen to own a copy of "The Aircraft Sourcebook," you will definitely want to check out the table of corrections to the text found at this site. Short of that, this page only tries to convince you to buy a copy of your field guide to the exciting world of airplane construction. If you do feel the urge to buy the book, I suggest you check out a copy in your local bookstore; you won't find much information about it here.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
AeroCrafter Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook
I am beginning to get tired of billboards on the Web, especially when they are as mundane as this one. If you happen to own a copy of �The Aircraft Sourcebook' you will definitely want to check out the table of corrections to the text found at this site. Short of that the site only tries to convince you to buy a copy of your field guide to the exciting world of airplane construction. If you do feel the urge to buy the book, I suggest you check out a copy in your local bookstore; you will not find much information about it on this site.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
Airheads Beemer Club
Airheads are folksy BMW motorcycle enthusiasts who despise their chi-chi yuppie counterparts, and - now this is key - ride Beemers with air-cooled heads. A photo gallery introduces you to all the fellas. Sure, we're talking guys who most likely attended the Skynyrd reunion tour, but goddamn if they couldn't clean serious BMW house with a few pony kegs of Pabst down their gullets. All in all, this page rocks with invaluable technical data on how to tangle with a real man's bike.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Jon Phillips
Airship
This site, and it's sister, Zeppelin, are dedicated to blimps, balloons, derigibles, and zeppelins. Largely, the site contains lists -- either pointers to other sites or extensive bibliographies. There is also some news on new developments, some photos, a modicum of background info on specific subjects, like the posters used to advertise transatlantic zeppelin flights. A good place to start learning about these wonderful aircraft.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Chris Charla
All the Secrets of Magic Revealed
Never trust a magician, kids. That goes double for this site, which is all just hocus-pocus. The whole site is really just a pitch for a book by the same name, which, if the Web site is any indication, isn't worth the paper it was written on. The Frames here are useless and the graphics in the bottom frame are all squashed beyond recognition. Navigation is impossible; clicking on the HTML tag, "David Copperfield's Secret" sent me to a sales pitch for a special deck of cards. (Funny, I thought there'd be more too it.) Someone should make this site disappear.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Patrick Joseph
Anglers Online
Why is it that the sites that carry all the accolades seem to disappoint so frequently? It may be top 5% in someone's book, but I'd say that the folks behind this site need to make some time for a little organizing; the home page looks a lot like my tackle box -- a lot of tangled lines. You'll have to wade through a lot of garish ads to get to the meat of these pages, which are fairly comprehensive if you're looking for an outfitter, or want to have a chat with others about gear or technique, but I suspect true aficionados will spend more time in one of many dedicated newsgroups or magazines which are linked from this site.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Steve LeVine
Antiques
Enjoy this course in Antiques 101 with nary a sales pitch in sight. This good-looking site offers basic information with pictures on various categories of antiques and collectibles: advertising items, toys, etc. A page of guidelines for choosing and negotiating with a dealer provides great advice even for experienced collectors such as your's truly. The site is sponsored by Antiques Oronoco, but it doesn't trumpet its presence.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Reed Kirk Rahlman
Art Cars
Art Cars. You've probably seen one or two; a VW bug done up to resemble a giant pumpkin, an old Dodge Dart covered with buttons and lights and whirligigs, an unidentified chassis supporting a giant plastic shark. Anyway, this is the fan zine for them. Tons of pictures, info on specific cars, events and more. Trcs Cool.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Chris Charla
As-Sayf Oriental Dance
As-Sayf sets out to prove that Oriental dance is more than pretty smiles, shaking bellies and swaying hips. This site focuses on a five-member troupe of Swedish women, led by Kay Artle, who have studied dance in Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, England and the U.S. As-Sayf, a word meaning sword in Arabic, introduces various dance styles and music from the region, with original content and links to other Oriental dance sites on the net. You can also check out the many pictures of the As-Sayf dancers.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Diedra Ramsey
Atlas Model Railway Company
This mostly commercial site begins by stating that model railroading is "the fastest-growing hobby in America." Funny, I thought Web page creation had this distinction. This page reminded me of grammar school film strips: There's some good information, yes, but a lot of product placement, too. (Perhaps you also saw the film on basketball basics that had the team drinking Coke at half time. But I digress.) Atlas products are all over the place. And why not? This is the Atlas site. Overall, an attractive layout.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Reed Rahlman
Barbies: The Dolls, the Dish and the Dollars
Wow, tons of Barbie stuff, with lists of which Barbie's the web master owns, links to other Barbie pages, Barbie news and a complete Barbie price guide. If you like Barbie -- especially if you like your Barbie with a touch of camp -- you'll probably dig this. For me, this was like a trip to a precious, pink, plastic hell. To me Barbie is evil incarnate, responsible for giving young girls image complexes, as well as reinforcing wretched gender stereotypes. To each his own, I guess.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Chris Charla
Bearly a Page
I'll say. Teddy Bears. Sweet, cloying, cute teddy bears. Pictures of Teddy Bears. Pictures of paintings of Teddy Bears. Links to other Teddy Bear sites. Quotes relating to Teddy Bears. Stories about Teddy bears. It's Teddy Bear mania, an experience sort of like sticking your head in a giant vat filled with honey. Frightening, but still somehow kinda cool.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Chris Charla
Bob's Origami Page
People who are seriously into origami don't fold paper airplanes, they fold space shuttles. You can see a photo of this and other equally impressive creations, such as an arrow-pierced heart, in a small gallery. Unfortunately, this site is not as inspired as its subject matter, and Bob's best contribution is linking up to other origami sites. Bob outlines his plans for what he intends to do in the future, so in a couple of months, this space may be worth a gander.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Reed Kirk Rahlman
Bob's Rock Shop
Lapidary hobbyists take note: Bob's Rock Shop claims to be the first online magazines for rockhounds. Browse through a collecting site catalog for the US, mineralogical articles and essays, and upcoming show dates--if you're really lucky, you might find someone willing to part with that Cubic Galena Crystal you need for your collection. But Bob's real draw is the more than 150 beautiful mineral specimens displayed in the online gallery. From now on, I'm keeping an eye on the ground.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Camp & Conference Homepage
Need to find that perfect summer camp for little Billy? This clearing house lists camps all over the country, by location, theme, and affiliation. There are not a large number of camps listed, after all how many summer camps have their own homepage? The information is very cursory, just a list of camps and resources with very little descriptive material, but if you are just browsing for a camp, conference, or retreat center, this would be a good place to start. The site lists other camp related resources on the web, including several on-line camping magazines and links to other organizations. A4, C3, T4
Content: NULL
Aesthetic: NULL
TechnoSmart: NULL
Author: Brian Bearden
Cat Fanciers
Cats love me. Every time I come into the room, they purr and rub up against me. Of course, I hate cats. But I liked this site. Since 1993, this page has been providing ailurophiles (cat lovers) with an exhaustive amount of information on every aspect of feline-fancying, from breed descriptions, to general info (a big section with about 200 entries), cat shows, info on shelters, veterinary medicine and tons more. If you like cats, come here; it's that simple.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Chris Charla
Chris James's Ham Radio Page
Sometimes reviewing is just plain hard. Here we have a page that's the product of some obvious effort. The guy likes ham radios, has enough techno-smarts to employ some javascript, and can even manipulate images. The page's *content*, however, consists of ten or so links to ham radio stuff, some search engines (that we know about already, if we've managed to find this obscure little site), and urghhhhh (!!!) blinking text. Well, I suppose if you are morally opposed to search engines or something, this might be a nice place to look up *other* ham radio sites. Other than that, ...
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Blue Grrrl
Cook's Corner
The brainchild of a self-confessed online addict named Merlene, Cook's Corner is a charmless misadventure in Web page execution and maintenance. The idea is fine: a resource list of links to tasty sites like the Virtual Campsite Cookbook, The Ottawa Coffee Co., and Virtual Vineyards - good links, all of 'em. The ones that *aren't* out of date, that is. Still, you've gotta appreciate Merlene's chutzpah or, more accurately, quaint lack of self-awareness. As she proudly declares of this aesthetic mishap, "the background and ALL images on this page are the original designs of Merlene."
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Lauren Guzak
CraftWeb Project
The ultimate arts and craft site on the Web, it's fast, filled with resources, and there's a ton of stuff to see and buy. For artisans themselves, there are lots of links to resources, books, help, etc, as well as chance (for a fee) to display your own work. If you're a craftsperson looking for a cheap way to get your wares on the web, this is probably it. They get upwards of 6,000 visitors a day, which is awesome for such a specialty site. A little commercial, but overall, great.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Chris Charla
Family Photo Historian
I've never been into shooting snapshots. I'm the type that would just end up with stacks of envelopes from the photo lab piled into untidy, disorganized heaps never to be viewed coherently again. But if you want to learn how to preserve and organize family photos, this is a fine place to begin the task. After all, this site's creator, Pam Motown, does this for a living as a professional photo historian. Look here each week for a tip on how to preserve and maintain your collection. By the way, photo albums aren't the end-all answer--acid in the pages will gradually disintegrate your pictures.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
FireWalking
I knew firewalking was surrounded by weird, new age hocus-pocus, but I never realized to what extent. If you view firewalking as the way to change the world, though, or at least redefine yourself, check it out. If you think firewalking could be kind of cool, but aren't sure, go here first. To the site's credit, they print the skeptic's view as well as the enthusiasts. You can judge for yourself.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Chris Charla
Flyfishing.com
Flyfishing.com claims to be "*the* place to be when you're not on the water!" Portions of the site really are helpful to any fly-fisher. There are several message boards to browse, query and respond to; listings for lodges, guides, equipment manufacturers and retailers, conservation groups, books, and more. Some of these (e.g. lodges and guides) sport only a few listings. But there is a huge database of articles from 13 different flyfishing magazines dating from 1959, and scores of classifieds listing gear and services with respect to virtually every aspect of saltwater and freshwater flyfishing.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
Flying Circle Graphics,Inc.
Flying Circle Graphics, "Dedicated to WWI Aeroplane Exotica," is the story of one man's fascination with the instruments of war that flew during the early part of this century. Read a brief account of how the webmaster fell in love with the subject as a child, his observations about the design of certain aircraft (linked to photos), and a few bits about the character of specific pilots. Fairly well-written, but content-lite.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
GardenNet
So, you don't know when to properly propagate your geraniums? No problem. Cheryl Trine's web site, GardenNet, offers gardening tips, book reviews, a garden e-zine, and an on-line garden shop for avid gardeners and beginners. Trine plans to implement a search engine for the more than 1,000 entries in the question-and-answer area of her Web site. Even if you don't have a green thumb, you might enjoy reading some of the on-line essays in GardenNet magazine, which has more than 200 issues. The current issue and the first 20 issues are available for visitors to the site.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Diedra Ramsey
GardenWeb
Warning! Serious gardeners should stay away from this site: Once you visit you may become hooked, running up your ISP bills, and neglecting your garden. This excellent resource for the accomplished gardener includes such features as a seed exchange, interactive classified ads, and many well designed, and fairly active, forums covering a wide variety of plant types and gardening topics. The site is rounded off with great tips, a business directory, and a calendar of upcoming gardening events. It could be better organized, and may be a little advanced for the novice, but green thumbs will return again and again.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Brian Bearden
GardenWeb
Warning! Serious gardeners should stay away from this site: Once you visit you may become hooked, running up your ISP bills, and neglecting your garden. This excellent resource for the accomplished gardener includes such features as a seed exchange, interactive classified ads, and many well designed, and fairly active, forums covering a wide variety of plant types and gardening topics. The site is rounded off with great tips, a business directory, and a calendar of upcoming gardening events. It could be better organized, and may be a little advanced for the novice, but green thumbs will return again and again.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Brian Bearden
Gourmet Connection
The name of this Web site doesn't tell the whole story. Yes, it's devoted to gourmet food, but more interesting is its focus on healthy gourmet food. Check out healthy recipes, nutrition information, and even a section called The Diabetic Gourmet. There's also plenty of useful culinary tidbits. Do you know how to prevent an apple's skin from wrinkling during baking? Find out in "Kitchen Tips and Healthful Hints." The feature article titles are great too! Examples: "Mad Cow Disease: A Sobering Wake Up Call" and "Parsley Isn't Just A Garnish." I'm hungry!
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Grand Central Railway Station of Cyberspace
This is nirvana for the hopelessly train-obsessed. Everything anyone could possibly need or want to know about trains is here, including hundreds of links to pages covering myriad topics about real and model railroads. There are listings of manufacturers and suppliers, clubs, magazines, shows, historical societies, e-mail lists, chat sites, and forums. The word "exhaustive" comes to mind. Arguably the best feature: You can have your own Web page within the Grand Central Station. And, should you extricate yourself from this site, you can make your real-life train reservations from the link to Amtrak's site.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Lauren Guzak
HOn2 1/2 Page
If I glean what hosts Dave Frary and Bob Hayden say, HOn2-1/2 is a slightly obscure scale for trainsters who shun conventional HO or N sizes. This is akin to intellectuals who never read anything even remotely popular and get snotty if you ask why, except that Dave and Bob sound like nice guys and model trains are lots more fun than books by sullen junkie writers. Anyway, if you're interested in HOn2-1/2 or think you might be, Bob and Dave have all the information you need, and they want to hear from you. They're thinking of writing a book.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Reed Rahlman
Hiking and Walking Homepage
Walking seems to have become Americans favorite pastime, and this is a great place to get in on the excitement. Whether you are just starting to walk for exercise, or are a serious hiker, you will be intrigued by this site. It feels a little thrown together, but it is loaded with great information on regional and national walking clubs, hiking publications and events, articles on many aspects of walking and nature philosophy, and excellent sources for self-propelled vacations. If you your idea of relaxation and fitness is miles of open trail, don't miss this site.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
Hiking and Walking Homepage
Walking seems to have become Americans favorite pastime, and this is a great place to get in on the excitement. Whether you are just starting to walk for exercise, or are a serious hiker, you'll be intrigued. It feels a little thrown together at first, but it is loaded with great information on regional and national walking clubs, hiking publications and events, articles on many aspects of walking and nature philosophy, and excellent sources for self-propelled vacations. If you your idea of relaxation and fitness is miles of open trail, don't miss this site.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
Home Fashion Information Network
Homeowners will want to visit the Home Fashion Information Network for lots of useful information about, umm, fashion and your home. There's a lot of depth to this site. Topics include everything from decorative accessories to window and wall coverings. But be warned: You have to wade through tons of bad writing that includes scary phrases like "the versatility of solids" and "creating a cozy haven." Don't let that keep you away, though, as the section called "Wood You Like To Know" (ugh) contains a great chart that imakes the visit worthwhile.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Lauren Guzak
HomeArts
The Hearst Corporation delivers an on-line magazine created by excerpting some of it's most popular magazines: Redbook, Country Living, Popular Mechanics, and more. The zine features attractive, in-depth sections on food, health, relationships, and home and garden. Some of the highlights include a searchable recipe index, diet and exercise tips, a nationwide database of properties for sale, and of course the mandatory "is it love or lust" relationship quiz. An excellent site for anyone who feels the compulsion to reach for that copy of "Better Homes & Garden" in the checkout isle.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Brian Bearden
Ikebana
For those who don't know, Ikebana is Japanese flower arrangement. But it isn't just throwing a bunch of flowers together. It is meant to be a relaxing and spiritual experience. Even big, tough Samurais do it. This site is brought to you by Ikebana International, a group which promotes Ikebana and boasts 10,000 members worldwide. Their motto is "friendship through flowers". You can learn how to join the club here (it only costs you 5,000 yen a year) and look up upcoming conventions or events from all over the world. For those who want to read more about it, there's a list some recommended books. It's just too bad there aren't more pictures of actual arrangements.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Jose Alvear
Illini Juggling and Unicycle Club
The Illini Juggling and Unicycle Club favors Sun Microsystem's HotJava Web Browser. So, be advised: if you don't have it, you won't be able to see any of the juggling animation. Illini offers step-by-step instructions for beginning jugglers, both able-bodied and disabled, of all ages. The group meets in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, on a weekly basis to practice everything from basic juggling skills, with three balls, to advanced skills, with 5 flaming, poisoned chainsaws. Just kidding. The site also provides links to other juggling sites and festivals.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Diedra Ramsey
International Bonsai Guide
According to the Bonsai FAQ on this site, a Bonsai is simply "a dwarfed tree growing in a try or a pot." The tree is clipped and groomed at the hands of a dedicated and careful owner. Here, you can find a Bonsai society in your area and meet friends for tips and clipping company. There's also link to related sites and source information for new Bonsai suppliers. Good information for the bonsai enthusiast, but the site is graphically uninteresting. If you don't already know the beauty of the Bonsai, you won't find it here.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Internet Card Central
An Internet card is a virtual postcard you send via email. A certain Margaret has thoughtfully collected a huge batch of sites offering cards. Bookmark this if you like sending your friends messages along with images; you're bound to find one you like from the scores listed. Pick your favorite holiday, vacation or destination spot (tourist bureaus have evidently caught on to the marketing value of Internet cards), dogs, cats, flowers, cartoons. Then there are classic Ferraris, Japanese kimonos, Megadeth Christmas wishes, animated and audio cards. You can even seal a card with a virtual kiss.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
Introduction to Linn's Stamp News
Wow. I never would have guessed how deep some people can get into stamps; $16,675 for a Richard Nixon invert from 1995! Find exciting tales like this in Linn's Stamp News, a weekly magazine for the SERIOUS collector, and now a web site with some current news and resources of interest to avid collectors. The casual collector will probably be disappointed by the lack of a broad overview of stamp collecting. The site is attractive and well organized, but it seems more designed to lure you into buying their books or subscribing to their magazine than to inform about stamp collecting.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Brian Bearden
Iron Butt Association Main Menu
Your butt would be iron, too, if you covered more than 1,000 miles of continuous earth in a 24-hour period. Welcome to the Iron Butt Association, a group "dedicated to safe, long-distance, endurance motorcycle riding." Twenty-five long-distance tips provide valuable information for group members, as well as riders of weaker resolve. Information on annual rides like the "Saddle Sore 1,000" and the "Bun Burner 1,500" lend identity to a rather obscure - and cheeky - movement. No art, but more information about sore asses than most of us would care to know.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Jon Phillips
Italian Motor Scooters
All about Italian motor scooters. Well, not everything. Content is thin, and considering you must have at least a *minor* jones for Vespas to create something like this, pretty tepid as well. A page of vehicle identification numbers is a baffling jumble of data. There's the requisite links to other scooter sites, but overall navigation is clunky. If you saw "Quadraphenia" more than twice, you may find something to get your motor running.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Reed Kirk Rahlman
JON ZIMMERS HOME PAGE
Tools. That's what Jon's into. He buys, sells, studies, touts. These aren't your usual tools, though. No, Jon's partial to beautiful 'n' rare tools, like unusual cast iron levels , machinist's tools, and parts. Although the site isn't super-attractive, he includes lots of photos and plenty of text/links to give you a good understanding of his obsession. Should you be interested in dropping some serious cash, Jon's selling. Take a look at the super-glam Stanley No.1. At just 5-3/4 inches long, this is the smallest bench plane made. A steal at just $1,295.00.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Lauren Guzak
Juggler's World
At first I didn't get it. What are all these squares for and what is Juggler's World? As it turns, Juggler's World is a magazine that the staff has decided to archive fully on the Web. And, after popping through the extensive content that's there already (15 issues fully hypertexted and more to come soon), I decided it was actually a very clever way to organize that much data. Bonus: as big as the images are, the download is relatively quick. So if you are among the fans of all things that spin from the juggler's hands, check this one out.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Blue Grrrl
Juggling Information Service
I used to juggle, and can tell you that jugglers are a fixated and focused bunch of humans. This site reflects this obsession, claiming it is "connecting all juggling related resources." I believe it. Colorful ball and club icons shoot you to areas such as festival listings, meetings, a shopping mall from which to order equipment, movie clips and worldwide juggling magazines such as New Zealand's *Flying Kiwi*. If it has to do with throwing objects without dropping them, it's here.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Reed Kirk Rahlman
KOA
From the folks who put the "K" in kamping, here's the unassuming KOA site, a throwback to the heyday of family teepee vacations. Hard to figure why they felt that they needed to have a presence on the Web, given their low-tech tradition. A mere three quaint pages: one points you to the campground nearest your holiday destination, another reminds you what every good camper has in her knapsack, and the third proffers a set of campfire recipes. Somehow I can't see getting online to plan my idyllic road tour, but that's just stodgy old me; I'd rather just stumble onto the campground.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Steve LeVine
Kitchen.net
Kitchen.net is the best place to start remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. It begins by telling you how to save money by doing certain things yourself. Next you get a guide elaborating on your options for different aspects of kitchen remodeling, from the fridge to the formica, with many companies products pictured. Need to find a given item or get in touch with the folks who made your cabinet glue? Kitchen.net has your information, searchable by product or manufacturer. After all this, if you still have not fount the information you need, you can �Ask Dr. Kitchen' via e-mail and his response will be posted. A4, T4, C4
Content: NULL
Aesthetic: NULL
TechnoSmart: NULL
Author: Brian Bearden
Linn's Stamp News
Wow. I never would have guessed how deep some people can get into stamps; $16,675 for a Richard Nixon invert from 1995! Find exciting tales like this in Linn's Stamp News, a weekly magazine for the SERIOUS collector, and now a web site with some current news and resources of interest to avid collectors. The casual collector will probably be disappointed by the lack of a broad overview of stamp collecting. The site is attractive and well organized, but it seems more designed to lure you into buying their books or subscribing to their magazine than to inform about stamp collecting.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Brian Bearden
Longriders Biker Mall
Visit the Biker Mall for motorcycle photos, support... and a whole lotta trouble. We're talking browser trouble. Netscape 2.0's Frames feature may be a few thousand BPSes ahead of its time - it's nice to have all those independent windows on a single screen, but if the content chokes your bandwidth, the gimmick isn't worth the download struggle. Even on a T1 line, the site hobbled in like Tim Conway's old man character from "The Carol Burnett Show." An audio file of a roaring Harley sounded like white noise, and "slides shows" of various motorcycles and bikini babes failed to slide as promised.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Jon Phillips
Maine Sportsman's Guide Canoeing Kayaking
Few visions bring to mind relaxation like canoeing through the still lakes of Maine, listening to the loons as the sun appears over the horizon. If you have decided to pursue this vision, or it's white-water cousin, and would like to contact a professional guide service, this site could save you a mint on phone calls. If you are looking for general information on Canoeing or Kayaking in Maine you will be disappointed by it's general lack on this site-limited to some very appealing pictures and sketchy information on a few popular waterways.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
Maine Sportsman's Guide Canoeing Kayaking
Few visions bring to mind relaxation like canoeing through the still lakes of Maine, listening to the loons as the sun appears over the horizon. If you have decided to pursue this vision, or it's white-water cousin, and would like to contact a professional guide service, this site could save you a mint on phone calls. If you are looking for general information on Canoeing or Kayaking in Maine you will be disappointed by it's general lack on this site-limited to some very appealing pictures and sketchy information on a few popular waterways.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
Martin's Magic Curiosities
We need more magicians in this world. I'm not talking Wiccans or Crowley devotees, but real magicians--top hat, magic wand, maybe even a bunny rabbit. This site, maintained by Martin Lewis, a San Francisco-based magician with "with long tapered fingers ideal for the performance of his art," is keeping the classical tradition alive! True prestidigitators will appreciate his 24 rules of magic to improve presentation and should closely follow his "Top Ten Ways To Prevent Exposure" of magical secrets to those not in the fold. Adding to Lewis' credability is his balding, tuxedoed image - much more than intriguing than Copperfield's leather jacket/glistening motorcycle shtick.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Martin's magic curiosities
We need more magicians in this world. I'm not talking Wiccans or Crowley devotees, but real magicians--top hat, magic wand, maybe even a bunny rabbit. This site, maintained by Martin Lewis, a San Francisco-based magician with "with long tapered fingers ideal for the performance of his art," is keeping the classical tradition alive! True prestidigitators will appreciate his 24 rules of magic to improve presentation and should closely follow his "Top Ten Ways To Prevent Exposure" of magical secrets to those not in the fold. Adding to Lewis' cred is his balding, tuxedoed image--much more than intriguing than Copperfield's leather jacket/glistening motorcycle shtick.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Matt's Guide to Cheap Wine
Here's to Matt for his unpretentious, yet full-bodied and downright bacchanalian site. Any suggestion of snobbery is mollified by our steward's self-imposed restriction to the reasonably economical limit of ten dollars a bottle. His list amounts to a just a handful of favorites in a couple of categories (reds and whites, no rose please), so there's no presumption to encompass the subject. Scans of bottle labels lend a colorful texture to each review, and as Matt might say, we get enough bite to keep it interesting; not too refined, but with a nice range of flavors.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Steve LeVine
Mike Sullivan's WOODWORKING WEB PAGE 6 17 95
When you're talking about woodworking, you're talking about a real hobby - traditional, folksy, and just plain Rockwellian. This site is tireless in its exploration of a subject that requires meticulous attention to detail. With links to FAQs, bibliographies, and subjects headers like "All you need to know about scrapers," you'll be well on your way to building that birdhouse for the front porch. Just one drawback: Where's the art?
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Jon Phillips
Minnesota Clay Co. USA
"It can be surprising when a glaze described as a matt taupe fires out as a glassy emerald!" Indeed. I have no idea why this is so, but I believe these people. They talk about glazes, cones, and kilns like it was their first language. Aside from a catalog of Minnesota Clay products, this page has interesting links to discussion groups, which often include topics such as left-handed throwing and the best books on tape to break the workroom monotony.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Reed Rahlman
Model Railroad Information
This is the mother of all model railroad sites (and there are a boxcar full). Not real pretty, but it's stuffed with information and it's easy to get around in. General info, sites by scale and gauge, FAQ, organizations, electronics, building models, exchange tips, etc. If it's small and train-related, it's here. If it isn't, let them know and I'll bet they'll add it pronto.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Reed Rahlman
Muroc Model Masters
Model aircraft and radio-controlled model planes are popular with kids and grown-ups alike; this is a site for both: a certified chapter of the Academy of Model Aeronautics near Edwards Air Force Base, California. Here you'll find the Propwash newsletter, the chapter's bylaws, flying safety rules, info on local hobby shops, and directions to the designated for flying area. If you want to learn more, you can link from here to the home page for the Academy itself.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Karen Wickre
Musclecars and More!
Auto-fanatics will have fun at Musclecars and More, a loving fan's homage to souped-up 60's and 70's-era American sedans. There are some Quicktime movies, GIFs of cars, and lots of links to other classic car, drag racing, and motor sports sites. If you like watching "ground-pounding musclecars go head to head at a dragstrip," Musclecars and More promises a good time. You can even order videos of "streetcar shootouts" here for an offline fix.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
MysteryDate
Mystery Date is a 'zine (paper and online) about one Lynn Peril's obsession with used books and informative relics (mostly from the 1950s) about dating, sex, home economics, and other important issues of the day. I love this stuff! The Teen Guide to Homemaking, the Thresholds to Adult Living book, sex ed records--life was so much simpler back then! Chic is kitsch spelled backwards, don't forget, and I'd love to have Lynn's collection. She should be an advice columnist. Or my home ec teacher.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Spooge
PYROMANIA
I could not access this server. Everytime I tried I got a 403 error.
Content: NULL
Aesthetic: NULL
TechnoSmart: NULL
Author: Brian Bearden
Paper Airplane of the Month
Long after the last cootie catcher of your grade school years has been recycled, paper airplanes are still guaranteed to amaze. Especially if you live on the third story. This cute site offers a new plane template every month to print, fold and let fly. The May 1995 design has always been my favorite--it comes back when you throw it. But given the infinite possibilities of a sheet of paper (and maybe a paperclip or two), the maintainers of this page could certainly do better than monthly updates. You can always take the matter into your own hands though-- hacking your own dead tree dirigible is always more fun than recreating that same old flying wing.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Paper Airplane of the Month
Long after the last cootie catcher of your grade school years has been recycled, paper airplanes are still guaranteed to amaze. Especially if you live on the third story. This cute site offers a new plane template every month to print, fold and let fly. But given the infinite possibilities of a sheet of paper (and maybe a paperclip or two), the maintainers of this page could certainly do better than monthly updates. You can always take the matter into your own hands though - hacking your own dead tree dirigible is always more fun than recreating that same old flying wing.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Pegasus Home Page
This is an extensive gallery of designs for stitchers, needlepointers, quilters, soft sculpture makers, and other hobbyists who work with needle and thread. You'll find dozens of easy-to-search categories including cats, cottages, continents, and, my favorite, Federal Duck Stamps. The friendly folks at Pegasus don't sell products over the Internet, but they will send special orders to a nearby store if you e-mail a request. Rumor has it that the conceptual landscape artist Christo started his career with a needlepoint kit, so get stitching.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Reed Kirk Rahlman
Pottery: The Potter's Page
An argument could be made that the page name is redundant, but why pick nits? Bountiful and accessible resources include a mailing list, software, exhibitions, and events, plus connection to potters all over cyberworld. Very basic layout with a minimum of colors, but so what? You want information or glitz? If you work with clay, you want to be here. And if you cover your mouse and keyboard with plastic, you don't have to wash your hands first.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Reed Rahlman
Puppetry
Puppetry is one of the worlds most venerable art forms, yet it is usually not considered "serious" in this country - an impression this site goes to great lengths to change. Whether you are a serious puppeteer, or totally new to the art, there is an extensive amount of well-organized information to capture your interest. The site is arranged by types of puppetry, and includes famous puppets and puppeteers, current puppet exhibits and touring companies, online resources, mail order supply houses, and much more!
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Brian Bearden
R/C Pilot's Lounge
This site is well maintained, or at least it was before the web master got married, (the site is in stasis during the honeymoon). Geared for radio-controlled plane fanatics, it has a guest book, plenty of pictures of models (some with specs) as well as a wealth of other R/C links.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Chris Charla
Ride!
Well, if you have a 17" monitor (or bigger!) this page looks great. If you have a T1 connection, it loads in only a minute. But egads, talk about overdone for the wee bitty consumer with a 28.8bps modem! Count on cooking and eating a full bag of microwave popcorn before this puppy loads. Content-wise it's huge too, with all sorts of useful info, regularly updated. Chats, software to download, job postings and horse industry news, all at your beck and call. The history of the Equestrian series in the feature section was super interesting too. GiddyUp.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Blue Grrrl
Rob Mac's Falconry
I admit to a longstanding fascination with raptors and apparently I'm in the company of kings. It seems falconry was practiced by royalty across Eurasia for centuries, and still has a devoted world following, now with a decidedly conservationist bent. This is the place for enthusiasts to find information about how and where to practice the husbandry of birds of prey. It may also interest the voyeur who wonders whether there's a demonstration of falconry nearby, or those who would like a peregrine's image for the desktop. It's a mark of distinction, ya know.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Steve LeVine
Rock'n Roll Doctor's Camaro Site
If you love cars and think the Camaro is the coolest, the Doctor's here for you. With pages covering all different aspects of engine modification, superchargers, technical service bulletins, and many other aspects of Camaro mechanics. Also included is a free classified ad service, that most people evidently can not figure out (many of the ads I saw were blank), an exhaustive list of links with very good descriptions of what each link is, and a good discussion of the different generations of Camaro models and what is so special about each one. Any Camaro fan, or car fan in general, will want to give this site a visit. A4, C4, T4
Content: NULL
Aesthetic: NULL
TechnoSmart: NULL
Author: Brian Bearden
San Francisco Aquarium Society
The San Francisco Aquarium Society is a group of hardcore aquarists that hosts meetings, shows, and publishes a monthly newsletter. If you can barely keep one goldfish alive, it probably would be a good idea to check out one of their meetings before you empty your wallet on a 50 gallon salt water outfit. Meeting schedules and membership information is available on the site, but there is a definite lack of informational resources for the aquarist here. And that's pretty fishy. (I couldn't resist.) If you're not into aquariums already, this site won't pique your interest.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: David Pescovitz
Santa Cruz Vampires Motorcycle & Scooter Club
Originally founded in the 1940s, the Vampires was a motorcycle-only club, but now includes "rugged hard-riding scooter enthusiasts." Its site, still under construction when I visited, promises to be one swank stop for anyone into riding. It features great pictures of bikes, plus sections devoted to various manufacturers and their models. Interested in purchasing a vintage bike? You can link up to Christie's to see what's on the auction block. Check the site for information on joining the group for a ride. But, as they caution, "be prepared for a sore butt. "
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Lauren Guzak
Sea Magazine
Sea Magazine is a publication devoted to powerboating in the western states. As such, the potential audience knows just who they are. They should come here. No fancy multimedia elements, but good clean graphics and an adherence the print paradigm. Nothing new about it, but it works, as the content's not half bad and is presented in such a way that reading it online doesn't seem like such a task. Articles range from product reviews to travelogues to opinion pieces on topics such as the future of Alaskan fisheries. A pretty serviceable zine, all in all.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Patrick Joseph
Sniper Country
Sniper Country, managed by military trained snipers, highlights the qualities of a good sharp-shooter and provides an area for these sure-shots to assemble and share their expertise. Sniper Country examines the history of such "hall of shame" snipers as John F. Kennedy assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, and "hall of fame" sure-shot, Carlos Hathcock, who won the Wimbledon Cup for high-powered rifle marksmanship. The site explains the appropriate mental attitude, equipment, and physical well-being of a military trained sniper. It even includes poetry submissions by snipers. Hmmm...
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Diedra Ramsey
Staceyjoy's Knitting
What better place to look for knitting patterns than on the web, right? Where else could you find patterns co-mingling with quotes from Wired? Anyway, this good natured, net-savvy, semi-folksy site has plenty of modern and antique patterns (including one for socks and another for a chihuahua sweater), some stuff on cables, and a few words on technique. Its a fun, well written site. The personal info is almost as exciting -- to me, anyway -- as the knitting stuff.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Chris Charla
Stahl's Pottery
This site is visually impressive, but lacks depth. If you poke around at length, you'll find your mind starting to wander. A brief history of the Stahl family line of pottery leaves you with more questions than answers. So does the rest of the page, with its mysterious links to seemingly unrelated topics - shops that don't feature Stahl pottery, for example. All in all, this is an example of failed online communication.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Reed Rahlman
Team.Net Vintage Race Web
Endure the staid checkered flags that limply wave you into each page at the Team.Net Vintage Race Web 'cause you're in for a great meat-and-potatoes site. Gobs of dense (and useful) text is packed onto every page - enough to impress even the most hardened vintage racing fanatic. Although it's just a step above the Team.Net FTP server itself, as it humbly claims to be a "shared resource for vintage racers on the net," you can't fault the site for pretense. The word "expansive" came to mind as I flipped through page after page of club lists, parts sources, and technical articles.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Lauren Guzak
The CraftWeb Home Page
It claims to be "The Premier On-Line Community for Professional Craft Arts," and it lives up to the boast. A stained-glass window links artisans, groups, FTP files, a bookstore, resources, and more. The people behind the page will also promote your work, for a price - $250 gets you membership, an attractive site to display photos of wares with a bio (they'll assist in designing), plus other promotional benefits. A hundred bucks yields lesser services, and no money will still easily provide you with a wealth of information, whether you're a wood turner, basket weaver, or gourd artist.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Reed Rahlman
The GardenGate
If you have a green thumb (or want one), pass through The Garden Gate for a comprehensive guide to gardening resources on the Web. Literally hundreds and hundreds of links to FAQs, horticulture organizations, books, guides are provided for you with short annotations. There's even "The Gardener's Guide to Finding Answers on the Internet" to help you figure out where to look for the notes you need. And all the info is organized intelligently into appropriate categories so you won't get lost in a swamp of data. A Garden of Eden for plant lovers.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Spooge
The Girl Scouting Resource Center
The Girl Scouts are working with a pretty drab palette at this page, which is default gray throughout. But they've implemented Frames, darn it all, so that's a start. For anyone involved in scouting of the girlish variety, this online forum is sure to be a fine resource, filled as it is with ideas on perfectly useless crafts and diversions, like covered pencils and SWAPS, which acronym I'm informed stands for Special Whatamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere (?!?). There are also mailing lists, "chat boards," and some solid tips on pushing those cookies.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Patrick Joseph
The House Boating Page
I always have to wonder whether sites like this are a crackpot scheme to make money, or if someone out there really is that obsessed with propagating the houseboat as the great American recreational vehicle. Call me a cynic, but I suspect the former. If you are planning a house boating vacation you may want to check out the houseboat rental locator, and the avid houseboat enthusiast may find the small collection of links interesting, otherwise there is not anything on this site to warrant a visit.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
The House Boating Page
I always have to wonder whether sites like this are a crackpot scheme to make money, or if someone out there really is that obsessed with propagating the houseboat as the great American recreational vehicle. Call me a cynic, but I suspect the former. If you are planning a house boating vacation you may want to check out the houseboat rental locator, and the avid houseboat enthusiast may find the small collection of links interesting, otherwise there is not anything on this site to warrant a visit.
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
The Magical World of Fisher-Price Toys
You're probably thinking, "this is a site for kids." Well, not so fast. While kids may have an interest, this is primarily a site for collectors. Seems that some of us took our toys more seriously than others. Who knew? Of course, now you may be thinking it would fit better in the �bizarre' category. Well, don't think I didn't consider it. But wait til you see this site: the obvious devotion and simple sincerity at work in these pages, not to mention the elegant presentation of the subject simply precluded such a slight. No matter what, whether you're a serious collector or just an idle browser in search of the next curiosity, go here; you won't be sorry. This is Web design at it's unpretentious best.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Patrick Joseph
The Mini-Tugboat Homepage
Would you like to learn more about mini-tugboats? Would you like to build a mini-tugboat? You might if it helped you gain access to the Gulf Coast Nudist Yacht Club! That's right, friends, you'll find naked seamen and seawomen if you delve deeply enough into this otherwise unspectacular homage to mini-tugboating. How-to articles are well-written, but most of the accompanying photos are too low-res to be of any help. While the site seems to be a comprehensive resource for tugboating info, its organization is labored.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Jon Phillips
The Old Bus Page
The people who drive Volkswagen buses are an odd lot, from funhogging gearhounds to dedicated Deadheads, and suckers for the open road, everyone of `em; that is, if they can keep the damned things running. Buy a bus and the next thing you know, you're a shade tree mechanic. The Old Bus Page, "dedicated to the preservation of the VW Transporter," is a meta-page with links to everything from procedure pages, like the "Rustoration FAQ" to vanity sites, like Dan Lundgren's excellent Volkswagen Saga. There are links to late model bus sites and other air-cooled VW pages as well, most of them very good.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Patrick Joseph
The Original Motor Scooter Home Page
This decidedly high-brow scooter site is chock-full of exceptional vintage images of June Cleaveresque babes draped over Vespas, Lambrettas, Cushmans, and NSUs. Scooterists hip to the politics of pedigree will groove on the electronic exploration of a two-wheeled culture that took off some 50 years ago when Enrico Piaggio sold his first Vespa. Whether you're looking to join the Festering OktoberScoot Rally, or interested in tips and hints to restore your own machine, this is a good site for connoisseurs of these unique 'n' glam machines.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Lauren Guzak
The Ornamental Wood Turning Gallery of James E Harris
Wood turning is an ancient art form carried on with pride and skill by James Harris. It is worth a visit to this site just to look at the gallery of his perfume bottles, boxes, and other projects. The site also includes a detailed history of wood turning, and an exceptional bibliography, that anyone interested in wood craftsmanship will find fascinating. I felt the site contained just the right mix of the philosophical and practical, with sections such as tree conservation and discussions of the value of work. The only thing I found lacking in this site was links, there were few, and many places would have benefited from them. A4, C4, T3
Content: NULL
Aesthetic: NULL
TechnoSmart: NULL
Author: Brian Bearden
The Puppetry Home Page
Puppetry is one of the worlds most venerable art forms, yet it is usually not considered �serious' in this country-an impression this site goes to great lengths to change. Whether you are a serious puppeteer, or totally new to the art, there is an extensive amount of information on this well organized site to capture your interest. The site is arranged by types of puppetry and includes famous puppets and puppeteers, current puppet exhibits and touring companies, on-line resources, mail order supply houses, and much more to keep you interested. A must for any puppet fan!
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Brian Bearden
The RabbitWeb
The Rabbit Web is a fine place for serious rabbit fans to sniff around. Angora information from Nepal, rabbitry suppliers, classifieds, and both private and commercial links, will please any bunny breeder. And if you're into a specific kind of rabbit, find others by joining or setting up a specialty club through Rabbit Web. For example, the American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit Club is already showing off its prize winning rabbits on the site! And damn if the bunny pictures aren't adorable!
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
The Toy Train Company & Reference Value Guides
Lenny the Lion, dressed in an engineer's outfit, greets surfers at the top of the page. American Flyer, Ives, K-Line, Lionel, and Marx products are listed in detail (Lionel sponsors the page, and thoughtfully provides a company history). This is strictly a pricing reference for model train stuff, so there are no handy tips on how to get that Styrofoam rock to stay in place. A good site if you need product info; provides limited interest if you're not in the market.
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Reed Rahlman
The WWW Arts and Crafts Connection
Colorful buttons that look like hand-stitched samplers help you around this massive storehouse of arts and crafts information. Categories include books, craft malls, supplies and services, articles and news. It's a snap to find what your looking for, or, in the rare case this site comes up short, find links to somewhere else. If you're not yet an artisan or craftsperson, this site may inspire you begin.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 6
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Reed Kirk Rahlman
Thee Joker's Funhouse
First of all, hacking was not just an 80s teen fetish that ended when the Legion of Doom went to jail and Shimomura nailed Mitnick. It's alive and well in many basements and high school computer labs, which still follow the maxim that "information wants to be free." This site is a basic guide to phone phreaking and hacking resources on the Web. Although a bit young, and riddled with an annoying amount of slang, Thee Joker's Funhouse is a fine starting point if you want an introduction to the questionable activities of those lurking on the lines. Remember, though: If the phone company calls, deny owning one.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Thee Joker's Funhouse
First of all, hacking was not just an 80s teen fetish that ended when the Legion of Doom went to jail and Shimomura nailed Mitnick. It's alive and well in many basements and high school computer labs still following the maxim that "information wants to be free." This site is a basic guide to phone phreaking and hacking resources on the Web--2600, Phrack and other goldmines of technical information. Alhtough a bit young with an annoying amount slang, Thee Joker's Funhouse is a fine starting point if you want an introduction to the questionable activities of those lurking on the lines. Remember though: If the phone company calls, deny owning one.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Tiles on the Web
Your one-stop site for everything in Tileland. Look at tiles, discover where to get training, check out the bookshelf, critique the featured tile artist. This attractive site is a labor of love for host Tom Colson and his knowledgeable contributors. It's strictly non-commercial, which doesn't mean he won't mention a worthy business, but it does mean Tom's endorsement can't be bought. It's a complete service for those who, in his words, "are into tile." If you are, too, you need this page.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Reed Rahlman
Ulom PBEM Home Page
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons aficionados will want to check out the Black Heart of Ulom, a D&D story module. Serious fan Paul Coene has built a page for a "Played By E-Mail" (PBEM) game based on an elaborate story line with lots of photos and graphics. As a devotee would, he has borrowed a few elements from another D&D campaign called Greyhawk, but assures us that the rest is all original. You can link to detailed sketches of several characters and additional backstory, and of course send e-mail to further the plot.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Karen Wickre
Unofficial Martha Stewart Home Page
Upon first click, this page seems like an exercise in irony... But laugh not. We're talking true Martha Stewart fandom here. In fact, the phrase "goddess of the home" can be found in the opening paragraph. By exploring this site, you too can learn the secrets of being Martha - icon for the hyperreal American home of beautiful flowers and tidy living rooms! Start with the Martha Mega-FAQ, indulge yourself with a few "Ask Martha" columns posted here, and then grab your wire whisk and follow a link to the coveted oatmeal cranberry cookie recipe. Yum!
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Unofficial Martha Stewart Home Page
Upon first click, this page seems like an exercise in irony... But laugh not. We're talking true Martha Stewart fandom here. In fact, the phrase "goddess of the home" can be found in the opening paragraph. Then again, maybe Martha isn't such a bad icon for the hyperreal American home of beautiful flowers, tidy living rooms, and exquisite odors wafting from the kitchen. By exploring this site, you too can learn the secrets of being Martha! Start with the Martha Mega-FAQ, indulge yourself with a few "Ask Martha" columns posted here, and then grab your wire whisk and follow a link to the coveted oatmeal cranberry cookie recipe. Yum!
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: David Pescovitz
Virtual Garden
Let's face it: You either have a green thumb, or you prefer plastic plants. I'm the latter kind of person. But still, the Virtual Garden offers a wealth of information I wish I could put to use. The searchable plants encyclopedia is really amazing - learn to identify the three forms of lettuce and discover if the Adiantum plant really has the power to thicken and curl hair. For the more diehard dirt dweller, the site has numerous online gardening books and magazines to peruse and even a directory of the finest botanical gardens in the world. Couldn't find any Cannabis Sativa growing tips on the site, though.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
Washington DC Swing Dance Server
Here we have an extensive list of swing dance classes, clubs, instructors, weekly events and more, accompanied by photos of happy residents of our nation's capitol cutting a rug. Information should appeal to everyone from beginners to "Strictly Ballroom" types into serious competition. I can't imagine that anything to do with swing dancing in the DC area has been left out. Obviously, the usefulness of this page decreases the further away you are from DC, but if geography is on your side, it's definitely a useful resource.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Reed Kirk Rahlman
Welcome to HomeArts
The Hearst Corporation delivers an on-line magazine created by excerpting some of it's most popular magazines: Redbook, Country Living, Popular Mechanics, and more. The zine features attractive, in-depth sections on food, health, relationships, and home and garden. Some of the highlights include a searchable recipe index, diet and exercise tips, a nationwide database of properties for sale, and of course the mandatory "is it love or lust" relationship quiz. An excellent site for anyone who feels the compulsion to reach for that copy of "Better Homes & Garden" in the checkout isle.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 3
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Brian Bearden
Welcome to Recipenet
This is an extremely attractive and well designed site, but I did not find a lot of substance below the shiny exterior. Though the whole site seems designed to lure you into subscribing to their recipe e-mail service, I did find about 20 recipes scattered around the site, a very good glossary of cooking terms, and soon a table of substitutions and equivalents. There are a lot of places that could turn into excellent discussions of food and cooking, and If the site continues to grow along the path it is taking, it could turn into an excellent site, but for the time being it is a bit bare. A5, C3, T4
Content: NULL
Aesthetic: NULL
TechnoSmart: NULL
Author: Brian Bearden
Welcome to the LA Biker home page
Insipid, inane, incomprehensible that anyone would want to go to this site. My dog could create a better biker page - and he doesn't know HTML or ride a motorcycle. A disparate collection of vanity pages, this site is mediocre in every respect: kinda sexist, kinda vain, kinda into machines. I either want good old testosteronic, beer-guzzling, and hard-core, or something totally unexpected like progressive, enlightened, and free-thinking. The only reason to visit this site: the Fredo page by Praka. If this man is single, someone must pick him up - he's into Italian, opera, and Perl. What's he doing with this crowd?
Content: 4
Aesthetic: 1
TechnoSmart: 2
Author: Lauren Guzak
Welcome to the Virtual Garden
Let's face it: you either have a green thumb, or you prefer plastic plants. I'm the latter. But still, the Virtual Garden is a wealth of information I wish I could put to use. The searchable plants encyclopedia is really amazing--learn to identify the three forms of lettuce, understand why sunflowers are often considered weeds, and discover if the Adiantum plant really has the power to thicken and curl hair. For the more diehard dirt dweller, the site has numerous online gardening books and magazines to peruse and even a directory of the finest botanical gardens in the world. Couldn't find any Cannabis Sativa growing tips on the site though.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 2
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: David Pescovitz
WorldwideCheerleader
Sis boom bah! This site... hoorah! Jenn's views on cheerleading, you'll spend your time reading. By the way, she's a sophomore! Jumps, chants, and cheers galore! Yeaaa... Jenn!
Content: 5
Aesthetic: 5
TechnoSmart: 3
Author: Spooge
interBirdNet
Ask me how England's auks are doing, and I can tell you, "It's been a good month for Little Auks along Britain's North East Coast." I know because I checked out interBirdNet, a resource for bird sightings in the United Kingdom. All sorts of nifty avian info is here: a Red-Neck Grebe was sighted at Cavendish Dock Barrow in Furness. Splendid, just splendid. Technically and aesthetically, this site comes up short, but if you scope birds on the Isles, this is your hangout.
Content: 6
Aesthetic: 4
TechnoSmart: 1
Author: Reed Kirk Rahlman