Right then, now that we have been doing this full on techie geek stuff - I think that puts us in just the right position to relax but still stay with the geek - this time Star Trek geek. The link you need is http://starchive.cs.umanitoba.ca/?stardates/
Have you ever wondered when the captain of the enterprise said "stardate 47622.1" what that meant? Well here is a site that explains Star Trek stardates - and who said the web was pointless.
So if you want to know why the Star Trek original series had dates that were four characters long and the next generation five - this is the place to go. Oh and there are other resources for the interested reader - not least "A history of ships named Enterprise". Surely a must for everyone
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Monday, 18 May 2009
MailFreezr.com
Now, we usually think of e-mail as a way to instantly communicate, but what happens if you want to freeze e-mail to send at some point way down the line?
www.MailFreezr.com is a website which stores your mail for - wait for it - up to a century - and then finally pings it into cyberspace. All you do is fill out a few details on a basic form and voila, a missive ready to send in the future, so you never have to miss that cousin's anniversary ever again.
MailFreezr's creator says messages are secure and confidential and will be sent on time, though filling in e-mail addresses on the web does make you prey to spam harvesters.
Aside from the obvious problem that e-mail may well not be around in 50 or 100 years, the biggest drawback of Mailfreezr is that you can only freeze an e-mail in yearly increments.
www.MailFreezr.com is a website which stores your mail for - wait for it - up to a century - and then finally pings it into cyberspace. All you do is fill out a few details on a basic form and voila, a missive ready to send in the future, so you never have to miss that cousin's anniversary ever again.
MailFreezr's creator says messages are secure and confidential and will be sent on time, though filling in e-mail addresses on the web does make you prey to spam harvesters.
Aside from the obvious problem that e-mail may well not be around in 50 or 100 years, the biggest drawback of Mailfreezr is that you can only freeze an e-mail in yearly increments.
Sunday, 17 May 2009
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid can be a beautiful thing. You know what I am talking about right? It is of course the full scientific name for DNA, which is not only useful for forensic science, but can also be turned into some pretty funky art.
Take a look at http://www.dna11.com Each person's DNA is completely unique, and the people behind this website are offering to make you an equally unique work of art from a sample of your own DNA.
Now, of course this comes with a price tag, but I think the website is quite interesting in its own right.
Click About Us and Overview to learn the basics. There is a nice report from CBC News streaming here that tells you all about it.
This is a really cool idea and was even featured in an episode of CSI: New York. Art meets science meets the building blocks of life - how very next century.
Take a look at http://www.dna11.com Each person's DNA is completely unique, and the people behind this website are offering to make you an equally unique work of art from a sample of your own DNA.
Now, of course this comes with a price tag, but I think the website is quite interesting in its own right.
Click About Us and Overview to learn the basics. There is a nice report from CBC News streaming here that tells you all about it.
This is a really cool idea and was even featured in an episode of CSI: New York. Art meets science meets the building blocks of life - how very next century.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Reading Test
Have you heard about the theory that the brain can make sense of a passage of text with the letters all jumbled up? This works as long as the first and last letters are in place.
At http://readingtest.sytes.org you can read the classic bit of text that describes the theory. You have probably seen it as a viral, as I think this one did the rounds a year or so ago.
Well, now some clever spark has created an engine where you can test out the theory on any site you like. Just plug the URL in the box provided and see how it works.
At http://readingtest.sytes.org you can read the classic bit of text that describes the theory. You have probably seen it as a viral, as I think this one did the rounds a year or so ago.
Well, now some clever spark has created an engine where you can test out the theory on any site you like. Just plug the URL in the box provided and see how it works.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Will It Blend?
I have no idea what inspired the makers of Will It Blend? But one thing I do know for sure is that you should definitely not try this at home.
The basis of this website is will stuff blend? By that, we mean what will happen if you put something in a blender and hit the on button. We are not talking oranges and whipped cream here - we know they blend - but how about a Rubik's cube, a sports ball or even an iPhone? Take a look at www.willitblend.com
Crazy but true, these guys have blended them all and I watched the videos with nail-biting suspense. I particularly like the glow sticks blend for a bit of in-the-dark drama.
There is actually a Try This at Home section too for safe blends, like making chicken soup and grinding your own coffee beans. It is a bizarre collection of videos that I find strangely appealing. Amazing what you can find on the internet.
The basis of this website is will stuff blend? By that, we mean what will happen if you put something in a blender and hit the on button. We are not talking oranges and whipped cream here - we know they blend - but how about a Rubik's cube, a sports ball or even an iPhone? Take a look at www.willitblend.com
Crazy but true, these guys have blended them all and I watched the videos with nail-biting suspense. I particularly like the glow sticks blend for a bit of in-the-dark drama.
There is actually a Try This at Home section too for safe blends, like making chicken soup and grinding your own coffee beans. It is a bizarre collection of videos that I find strangely appealing. Amazing what you can find on the internet.
Thursday, 14 May 2009
A big break for your band
UNITY in the Park, now in its eighth year, is looking for bands and street entertainers to play at any of its free open-air, live music bandstand events this summer.
Dates are all Sundays and include May 17, June 21, July 5, and August 2.
Unity would like up to seven bands at each event and the earlier you contact the greater your chances of being booked.
Just phone 07811 837821 or email Unityismusic@aol.com
Families and music lovers are invited to come along to the Barrow Park bandstand on any of the dates – and bring a picnic with them – for a range of high quality acts to bop along to.
COLOURlovers
Colours have a big influence on people. You might not realise it, but colours can affect your appetite, mood and energy levels. Advertisers, marketers and designers spend a lot of time and money devising new palettes to appeal.
www.colourlovers.com is an online resource where you can find inspiration and talk openly about your love of colours with like-minded people.
Whether you are designing your website, considering re-decorating your home, or are a professional in need of a little inspiration - there are literally hundreds of colour palettes and patterns for you to view and download.
The trends tab at the top of the site is interesting, as it picks up on current trends in magazine and website design, which could help you keep up to date and have your design work looking 100% in style.
And if you are the creative type you can even add your own colours and palettes to the database.
www.colourlovers.com is an online resource where you can find inspiration and talk openly about your love of colours with like-minded people.
Whether you are designing your website, considering re-decorating your home, or are a professional in need of a little inspiration - there are literally hundreds of colour palettes and patterns for you to view and download.
The trends tab at the top of the site is interesting, as it picks up on current trends in magazine and website design, which could help you keep up to date and have your design work looking 100% in style.
And if you are the creative type you can even add your own colours and palettes to the database.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
NHS (UK only)
The NHS has been present on the internet for some time - but they have recently merged and revamped their main websites to create a single portal to all things involving the health service.
The NHS's new site brings the organisation bang up to date with a fresh new look that is easy to navigate and interesting to browse around.
At http://www.nhs.uk you can find information about services, general advice on living well and staying healthy, or seek quick answers to your health concerns with a symptom checker, which offers alternative ways to get in touch with NHS Direct.
The Health A to Z covers everything from Arthritis to Yellow Fever, with information about the symptoms and advice about various treatments.
I particularly like the way many of the sections integrate blogs, patient comments & online guides & videos.
This is nothing like a long boring sit in the Accident & Emergency room and should be the very first place you head to if you're worried about your health.
The NHS's new site brings the organisation bang up to date with a fresh new look that is easy to navigate and interesting to browse around.
At http://www.nhs.uk you can find information about services, general advice on living well and staying healthy, or seek quick answers to your health concerns with a symptom checker, which offers alternative ways to get in touch with NHS Direct.
The Health A to Z covers everything from Arthritis to Yellow Fever, with information about the symptoms and advice about various treatments.
I particularly like the way many of the sections integrate blogs, patient comments & online guides & videos.
This is nothing like a long boring sit in the Accident & Emergency room and should be the very first place you head to if you're worried about your health.
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Village of Joy
The world is full of wonderful, amazing, funny and right weird stuff and at Village of Joy you can find out all about it at http://villageofjoy.com
From the sublime to the ridiculous, there are all sorts of subjects covered here.
There are unusual churches, crazy cars, and the world's most poisonous creatures. All posts are rich with pictures - a visual feast of all the oddities around the globe.
My personal favourite is the 50 strange buildings section. There is not actually a lot of descriptive text in these posts - but all the pictures are labelled up so if you want to know more about them you can always revert to your favourite search engine.
And if you see something out on your travels that you think would fit in, the website creators invite you to submit your own story using the link at the top of the page.
From the sublime to the ridiculous, there are all sorts of subjects covered here.
There are unusual churches, crazy cars, and the world's most poisonous creatures. All posts are rich with pictures - a visual feast of all the oddities around the globe.
My personal favourite is the 50 strange buildings section. There is not actually a lot of descriptive text in these posts - but all the pictures are labelled up so if you want to know more about them you can always revert to your favourite search engine.
And if you see something out on your travels that you think would fit in, the website creators invite you to submit your own story using the link at the top of the page.
Monday, 11 May 2009
Prevent it
The internet is an amazing source of information that can even help save lives.
www.prevent-it.ca is a website created by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board in Canada, and it is all about following proper safety procedures at work.
The instructions here are relevant the whole world over - and it is nicely produced.
From the opening page, clicking 'Find Out How' will load up the first interactive spot.
They do take a while to load up, but the spots themselves are stunning, each story outlining a particular area of danger in the workplace.
At the end you can move onto the next story, or click the links for further reading material including what you should expect from an employer.
Once you are into the website proper you can watch the TV spots they have been running.
These ads were designed to shock and scare people into taking the right precautions at work. Those with a nervous disposition should probably look the other way.
www.prevent-it.ca is a website created by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board in Canada, and it is all about following proper safety procedures at work.
The instructions here are relevant the whole world over - and it is nicely produced.
From the opening page, clicking 'Find Out How' will load up the first interactive spot.
They do take a while to load up, but the spots themselves are stunning, each story outlining a particular area of danger in the workplace.
At the end you can move onto the next story, or click the links for further reading material including what you should expect from an employer.
Once you are into the website proper you can watch the TV spots they have been running.
These ads were designed to shock and scare people into taking the right precautions at work. Those with a nervous disposition should probably look the other way.
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Stock Market
Ever fancied your chances on the stock market? I have often thumbed through the Financial Times thinking to myself - if only I had £100,000 to play with, I could make a fortune. Or could I?
Luckily I didn't need to sell my house to find out that it is not as easy as it looks!
At www.inspectd.com you can play the real market with imaginary moolah as you are presented with a series of historical stock graphs and asked if you would buy, sell or pass.
Each trade assumes a one month period, unless you click the link to Advanced Trading where you can control your portfolio day by day.
I have managed to lose more than half my money in just 60 trades.
I don't really know what the graphs mean - some form of explanation would have really helped make this site complete. But none the less it's an entertaining way to pass the lunch hour.
Luckily I didn't need to sell my house to find out that it is not as easy as it looks!
At www.inspectd.com you can play the real market with imaginary moolah as you are presented with a series of historical stock graphs and asked if you would buy, sell or pass.
Each trade assumes a one month period, unless you click the link to Advanced Trading where you can control your portfolio day by day.
I have managed to lose more than half my money in just 60 trades.
I don't really know what the graphs mean - some form of explanation would have really helped make this site complete. But none the less it's an entertaining way to pass the lunch hour.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
Be Wise
Do you ever wonder what your purpose is? If you’re struggling to answer some of life’s biggest questions, visit wisdomology.com. This is a place where users can come together and have meaningful conversations about their mind, body and souls.
You might not agree with what some people have to say but at least you’ll get a chance to express your own opinions
You might not agree with what some people have to say but at least you’ll get a chance to express your own opinions
Friday, 8 May 2009
Easy Pics
When you need to source photos for a project or website, don’t take the copyright-infringing approach and visit snapvillage.com instead.
This new site features more than 160,000 high-quality images which you can license for about 50p per shot.
Other users can tag and comment on pictures to make the best ones easy to find, while search results can be sorted by date, relevance and price.
You can also earn money through the site by posting your own pictures and earning royalties each time one is purchased.
This new site features more than 160,000 high-quality images which you can license for about 50p per shot.
Other users can tag and comment on pictures to make the best ones easy to find, while search results can be sorted by date, relevance and price.
You can also earn money through the site by posting your own pictures and earning royalties each time one is purchased.
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Prepare For A Fright
Halloween might be months away, but if you can’t wait for a scary fix visit www.everythingscary.com. This site will keep you up-to-date with all the latest horror movie releases as well as a league of the best scary films of all time. And if you want a fright before bedtime, just take a look at the haunted folklore section.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Women Repoublic
womenrepublic.co.uk is dedicated to everything a woman needs to know. This site holds information on a huge range of topics including travel, health, relationships and dieting. Their aim is to provide honest help and advice for women of all ages and positions in life.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Beyond Baked Beans
Eating healthily and on a budget might not seem possible but that’s why www.beyondbakedbeans.com is here to help. This handy site is full of recipes suitable for students, singletons or anyone with limited funds. There’s also plenty of tips to help you become the next Delia or Gordon.
Monday, 4 May 2009
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Insanity Test
Have you ever worried that you might be going a bit mad? Well you can find out once and for all at www.penddraig.co.uk/pen. Simply click on the ‘online tests’ link and take the ‘insanity test’. With 176 questions in all, you’ve got to be pretty crazy to even attempt it in the first place. But at least you’ll know for sure.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Wot Artist
www.wotartist.com is an easy-to-use, non-profit online gallery that showcases work by artists from across the globe.
There are a variety of styles featured, from abstract art to illustrations and photography. Each piece of work is displayed with links to the artists’ own websites so interested visitors and buyers can contact them directly.
The permanent collection is constantly refreshed with new work as new artists are actively sought out and added to the site daily.
There are a variety of styles featured, from abstract art to illustrations and photography. Each piece of work is displayed with links to the artists’ own websites so interested visitors and buyers can contact them directly.
The permanent collection is constantly refreshed with new work as new artists are actively sought out and added to the site daily.
Friday, 1 May 2009
Greenfingers
www.doctorgreenfingers.co.uk is an infectiously enthusiastic site that insists that gardening is ‘sensual, fun and trendy!
The site’s medically-inspired sections include the Accident & Emergency Department for expert queries and the Record Department for interesting facts.
The Family Planning section and Maternity Ward are useful for new gardeners but the most informative section is Operating Theatre, where you can find gardening calendars and advice on many elements of indoor and outdoor plant care.
The site’s medically-inspired sections include the Accident & Emergency Department for expert queries and the Record Department for interesting facts.
The Family Planning section and Maternity Ward are useful for new gardeners but the most informative section is Operating Theatre, where you can find gardening calendars and advice on many elements of indoor and outdoor plant care.
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