JACQUELINE ONASSIS - LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
That Camelot mystique is apparently worth big bucks. As you probably know, the auction of Jackie O's estate fetched ridiculous amounts of money from people with entirely too much of it.Ghouls that we are here at Netsurfer, we were not content to simply bring you Sotheby's and the auction, as worthy a visit as it is. No, we had to dig deeper, so to speak, and unearth her will. Here it is, exhumed from the detritus of the Net for your viewing pleasure. Even in death, this private woman gets no rest. Mea culpa, media. Auction: "http://www.sothebys.com:80/Auction/kennedy.html" Will: "http://www.netplanning.com/onassis.htm"
AOL/GNN ANNOUNCE VIRTUAL PLACES WEB CHAT SOFTWARE
America Online continues its relentless press onto the Internet with this innovative, though still experimental, service. You can download beta software for Windows platforms and start chatting with your friends over the Net. OK, you can do this with IRC right now, so what's the big deal? Well, here you get a working glimpse into avatar technology which will probably take over the chat market in the not too distant (note the artful generality on our part) future. Naturally, it's only a matter of time before the place is crawling with naked, gesturing avatars. The features are still limited (no more than 25 people to a room) and the software is beta, but if you must be on the bleeding edge you should try it. If anybody can make it stick, it's a giant like AOL. "http://gnn.com/gnn/vplaces/index.html"
NETSCAPE UNVEILS DESTINATIONS WEB SITE
Does Netscape want to compete with AOL? It sure seems like it from the looks of their latest Web site announcement. They unveiled something called Netscape Destinations. The preview site consists of not much more than links to a variety of sites owned by corporate giants like CNN, Disney, Merrill Lynch, Sun, HP, and others. It's all arranged in a very pretty and digestible way. This is suspiciously like what America Online does with their various topic areas, except Netscape does it over the open Web, and for free. As you'd expect, there's advertising all over the place. In terms of corporate net worth, this could easily be the most high-powered collection of links on the planet. Hard to ignore this kind of bookmark fodder. "http://www.netscape.com/escapes/index.html"
HERMES WEB USER SURVEY NEEDS YOU
The Hermes Web survey has consistently provided one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the Web population available anywhere. The fifth outing is now under way and your input counts. Such heavyweight outfits as World-Wide Web Consortium (W3C), NCSA, and INRIA are encouraging people to participate. Some of the topics covered in this go-around include Web Usage, Politics, Privacy, Consumer Attitudes, Webmasters, HTML Authors, and more. They - and us for that matter - are asking your help in monitoring and guiding the development of the Web. This is, as they say, "Your Chance to Stand Up and Become a Statistic!" The survey goes through May 10. "http://www-survey.cc.gatech.edu/cgi-bin/Entry/"
DELPHIC POLL SEEKS TO PREDICT THE FUTURE
While surveys such as Hermes seek to capture the state of the now, this poll aims to predict the post-now (are we hip yet?). By using a special group-think technique called a Delphic Poll, this private effort seeks nothing less than the accurate prediction of global trends. In the first round, participants are asked to give their predictions on widely ranging topics such as Society, Science, War, Environment, Economy, and others. In subsequent rounds, they predict exactly when these things will happen. You have until June 1 to throw out your honest predictions and possibly get a leg up on knowing our future. An intriguing experiment. "http://homepage.interramp.com:80/us000664/"
BELLSOUTH ELEPHANT STOMPS INTERNET ANT
It's a timeless drama of the big guy stomping a little guy, except this time you get to see how it's done. It seem that Bell South recently filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against ant-like (at least by comparison) Internet Classified, which maintains the Real Internet Pages Web directory site. It seems BellSouth lays claim to a phone directory called "The Real Yellow Pages" and feels that the site name is just too close for comfort. Check out the exhibits and judge for yourself if they have a case or are just trying to intimidate. If you've never read a lawsuit the whole text of this one is right here, which, in addition to the possible evolution of precedent-setting litigation, makes this site interesting. "http://www.realpages.com/lawsuit/"
SURFWATCH ACQUIRED BY SPYGLASS
To refresh your memory, SurfWatch is one of those parental access control software companies, in fact probably the best known of them. Spyglass licenses Web browser technology. The deal is worth $12.6 million in a stock swap. What does it all mean? Hell if we know, but we're sure the mainstream media will be happy to tell you what to think. "http://www.surfwatch.com/surfwatch/SpyglassPR.html"
E-MAIL AND USENET LEAD TO CAR RECALL BY CHRYSLER
Lest you think the Net is a legal quagmire for the average netsurfer, consider this story of a kick in the corporate groin delivered on the wires. It seems that Charlene Blake had some problems with the way Chrysler dealers treated her complaints about brake problems. You know - denial, humiliation, the usual. While she was not particularly computer literate she did take a friend's advice and mounted an e-mail and Usenet offensive against the company. She contacted other consumers with similar problems, and soon Chrysler was faced with a class action lawsuit alleging cover-ups of problems with its anti-lock breaks. The upshot: Chrysler admitted that 15% of its vehicles from 1990 to 1993 had defective breaks and is recalling 350,000 cars and minivans. "http://www.sis.org/docs/chrysler.html"
SPLASH MOUNTAIN, LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE
Consider the Net: a seething ocean of humanity's hopes, dreams, and vices, a symbol of freedom and self-expression. Consider also Splash Mountain: a babbling brook of wholesome family entertainment at the Disneyplex in Florida, a cool fantasy ride with a watery drop and a strobe camera to capture your family at that delicious, gut-wrenching, moist moment. Put it all together - the Net, a camera, Disney, moistness, fantasy - and what do you get? It seems an anonymous benefactor posted, to certain pruriently popular newsgroups, pictures of intrepid amazons baring their mighty bosoms on the Disney ride. The legal, technical, moral, ethical, and erotical implications are deliciously staggering. Those who are compelled know where to look. Did we mention the live Net cams soon coming to the parks? "http://www.disney.com/DisneyWorld/TheParks/ComingSoon.html"
Cinesite, a cutting edge creator of computer graphics imagery, uses the Web to showcase its successes in the film industry. Cinesite has an interesting online portfolio with visual effects from such movies as Waterworld, Free Willy 2, and Lawnmower Man 2. The site also includes a hyperlinked glossary that decodes some of the more arcane computer animation buzzwords for normal folk to understand. The section dedicated to industry job offerings is a good starting point for artists and animators looking to shape their fortunes in the high-tech world of computer graphics. "http://www.cinesite.com/"
Common Boundaries is the Web offshoot of an alternative art gallery founded in 1994. While the gallery's original goal was promotion of the visual arts, it evolved to include spoken-word artists and poets. This evolution is evident at the Common Boundaries Web site. Surfers will find diverse perspectives on today's issues and concerns, such as Dawn Tighe's wonderfully critical look at our tabloid-TV driven society and a big-city bus driver's interpretation of events that make up what must be pretty surreal days. This is a fascinating, penetrating look at ourselves, and the moral vacuum to which we seem destined to succumb. "http://www.commonb.com/"
Was it that long ago that little Jason's scribblings were destined only for the refrigerator for the enjoyment of family and friends? Now Jason, or anyone else under 18, can submit his drawing to this weekly contest. The top five candidates get their oeuvres scanned and posted here for voting by site visitors. The winner gets the premier position on the first page and a table entry (sorry, you have to jump to the images) in the "Hall of Fame". Why not bookmark this for the kiddies? It just might keep them away from Bianca's Smut Shack. "http://www.seeusa.com/refrigerator.html"
HEY! WHO ARE YOU CALLING A PIXEL FREAK?
Attention, all computer graphic artists, animators, and other creative types! Pixelfreak is a searchable resource of graphic applications, hardware reviews, and related links. If you're looking for someone to talk to, there's an interactive message board. If you're seeking employment, there's a job board, too. "http://www.pixelfreak.com/"
MuCoMo is the unlikely name of an alternative music e-zine that strives to bring the best and quirkiest new music to the Net's attention. Apart from the standard industry news flashes and updates, the site is home to fascinating sections and features. For example, there's a music review page run by Ivan, an eleven-year-old who seems to be better acquainted with Alice In Chains and Veruca Salt than we are. But we're just Net geeks, so whaddya expect? The CoffeeBreak section consists of RealAudio and text interviews with up-and-coming grunge, rock, and alternative bands. All in all, this site is perfect for anyone into the Seattle sound, or indeed for anyone with an interest in non-mainstream music. Well worth a browse. "http://www.mucomo.com/"
George Jr. is an e-zine with an admirable, if outright sarcastic take on the American political system. Crafted as a response to John F. Kennedy Jr.'s political magazine "George", this spiffy e-zine spares no irony when it comes to subject matter ranging from the mineral hardness of American leaders (diamond: 10; Perot: 9) all the way to how your senator voted (Sure. Yes. Undoubtedly. Whatever.) The site is pretty interesting, and offers a link to recently declassified White House e-mail, which is always full of tawdry little secrets. Be sure to click on George's mole. "http://www.webroi.com/greenhouse/georgejr/georgejr.html"
We liked this page for the confidence and intelligence of Michael Sippey's weekly articles. Crisp e-zine liked the articles too - it made Michael a columnist. The hyperlinked articles, in essay form, read quickly, short, and to-the-point. A new article is posted each Monday, and might make you look forward to the end of the weekend. If you want more, you can browse through the archive. The open discussions of use of the Net are lively, engaging and admirably objective, but that's not all Michael covers. A recent column covered the demise of the card catalogue at San Francisco's new public library. Good stuff. "http://www.theobvious.com/index.html"
JAVA ON THE NET (NOT WHAT YOU THINK...)
Cafenet is a neat little rest stop where browser-weary internauts can put up their feet, have a cup of virtual java, and relax, all the while perusing the cafe's collection of literature and art. On the bookshelves are some intricately illustrated works by Thoreau, a new translation of the Arthurian legend of Percival and the Holy Grail, and commentaries by linguistics guru Noam Chomsky and rock 'n' roll diva Patti Smith. The site also contains the requisite collection of links to which - in the fashion of our esteemed NSD - the authors have added personal commentary describing the nature of the link. Bonus: The latte is totally gratis. "http://www.europa.com/~cafenet/"
BOOK REVIEWS OF POPULAR FICTION
Fiction Addiction features independent book reviews of popular fiction and asks for visitors to request reviews. The reviews sometimes suffer from some amateurism - they reveal the plot instead of teasing the reader - but they're clear, intelligent, and short. Expect heaps of books in a heap of styles, listed alphabetically and thoroughly researched. A great indulgence for readers who likes to know what they'll be getting. "http://www.iol.ie/~westrock/fiction/"
NYC MAG OF CRIME, STYLE, AND THE END OF THE WORLD
This curious and devilishly attractive page explores just about anything, from Sy Sperling (Hair Club for Men) to virtual pets that fetch to drug-like breakfast cereals that "(fill) school buses with the snap, krackle and pop of young synapses." This page left us a little bemused as to the staff's purpose, but not to their ability and aesthetic skill. Content was not as admirable as the quality though. Try subscribing to the magazine, perhaps, to get the full picture. "http://www.kgbmedia.com/"
WORD E-ZINE HAS GRAPHICS, SOUND, AND IN-YOUR-FACE FLASH
Not for the faint-hearted or the easily offended, this site is rated R to X, for language. Add wild page designs, small animations, lots of graphics, far-out stories and sound, and you have the Word. If you don't like the in-your-face approach, you may want to look for calmer waters. The page has managed to scrape together some sponsors, although the Gap is not likely to ever be one, due to a recent spoof. "http://www.word.com/index.html"
You want stuff to scare the kids? Or yourself? Or do you want a reasoned approach the ongoing bovine spongiform encephalopathy scare/crisis/crusade? Either way, you can get your fill at this site. The Sperling Foundation offers sites that even only tangentially approach Mad Cow Disease. There are articles on Oprah, on hay mites, even "Prion Molecular Biology for Dummies". There's no bias on the page - well, more accurately, every bias imaginable appears to be represented. Go grab a plateful. "http://www.cyber-dyne.com/~tom/mad_cow_disease.html"
NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU SEE IT
Enter the world of optical illusions with this site featuring over 30 images to dazzle your eyes and fry your brain. The collection is intelligently grouped in categories: pictographics and stereographic distortions, impossible objects, and color/contrast effects. Most images come with a short explanation of their origin and how the effect is produced. For those illusions that would require you to flip an image 180 degrees in the real world, a simple click does the trick here. If your curiosity is struck, check out the bibliography of over 100 paper entries. More comfortable on the Net? The visual perception pointer page provides links to several related sites. "http://lainet3.lainet.com/~ausbourn/"
A singular spot in British Columbia is the source for these pages, devoted to saving rare breeds of farm animals. That's right. Not only wild creatures need protection. The purpose is to save diversity from total commercial annihilation. For example, did you know that over 90% of Canada's cattle are Holsteins, 75% of which are fathered by the same 12 bulls? It's a recipe for genetic disaster in the making. This is an interesting and informative site. Check it out. "http://www.islandnet.com/~wilding/homepage.html"
Those snappy claws, that lethal stinger. If you have a thing about scorpions or if you just want to educate yourself, this is a stimulating site. Learn about flourescent scorpions. View some scary scorpion photos. And check out the Scorpion du Jour. You'll also find scientific terminology, morphology, and classification of scorpions - and most importantly, what to do if you've been stung. "http://wrbu.si.edu/www/stockwell/emporium/welcome.html"
Many corporate Web sites are pure brochure, but Glaxo Wellcome goes beyond the usual collection of press releases with a pharmacology guide (somewhat technical, but you'd expect that of a pharmaceutical giant that thrives on research), tables with scientific data, links to anatomical MPEGs, and its "Journal of Innovation in Healthcare". Much effort has been taken to accomodate different browsers. Even so, this site will likely appeal to corporate and academic audiences more than to consumers. "http://www.glaxowellcome.co.uk/"
Due to a clerical error, some of our subscribers whose e-mail addresses begin with "am" or "an" may not have received NSD 2.12. If you belong to this group, please accept our apologies. You can go to our home page or our FTP site to retrieve the miising issue and brighten your day. To make it up to you, we'll send you the next three issues free of charge. Web: "http://www.netsurf.com/nsd/index.html" FTP: "ftp://ftp.netsurf.com/pub/nsd"
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