HUGE ONLINE DRIVE TO STOP ILL-CONCEIVED NET OBSCENITY BILLS
As of March 4, 76,323 signatures had been collected on a petition to stop a pair of deeply flawed U.S. House and Senate bills that would penalize the use of telecommunication devices for vaguely defined obscene, indecent, or harassing purposes. What's really insidious is that all networks carrying this material would be criminally liable, thus forcing all carriers to screen every piece of e-mail to determine if it is obscene. This may be the biggest online petition drive ever, with over 1000 signatures coming in per hour at times. You can get up-to-the-minute information on the Stop S.314 page and you can sign the petition online (please do) on the petition page: Stop S.314: "http://www.phantom.com:80/~slowdog/" Petition: "http://gwis2.circ.gwu.edu/~signe/petition.html"
NOT EVEN FAITH CAN STOP USENET
Some of you may be aware of the Church of Scientology's effort to kill some newsgroups devoted to them. Well, the church has been dealt a setback recently when a judge refused to grant an injunction against Netcom, a large Net provider in the U.S. The judge ruled the Church's attempt to censor the Net would impossibly burden the providers with monitoring all news feed. Try alt.religion.scientology to follow the story.
ZIFF-DAVIS PRESS ANNOUNCES ONLINE SEX BOOK
The new book, entitled "net.sex", features what is claimed to be the first comprehensive methodologically sound sexual knowledge test completed by Internet users. They surveyed a random sample of online users and, in addition, a sample of posters to the alt.sex newsgroup. The online population scored a "C", two full grades above the "F" of the offline crowd. Given the amount of anatomically correct samples available online, one would think it should have been an "A". Some of us have to do our homework. There's no online site for this, but you can give Ziff-Davis a call for publishing and publicity info: Genevieve Ostergard, 510-601-2026
SATELITE SPY PHOTOS DECLASSIFIED
Speaking of sexy stuff, the EROS Data Center (no kidding; it's the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Resources Observation System) is making available recently declassified satellite photographs collected by the U.S. intelligence community during the 1960s. This page has some sample images, the Executive Order ordering the images be made public, a blurb from the acting CIA director, and a historical fact sheet with information on mission dates and statistics. An Internet catalog and image browse capability for the entire collection is planned, at no charge. They used your money to get these, so go look. "http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/dclass/dclass.html"
NASA SHUTTLE PAGES BUCKLE UNDER LOAD
Pity those poor folks at NASA. Last year, their comet crash Web pages were overwhelmed with accesses. Now the Astro-2 page, dedicated to an experiment on the current shuttle flight, got hit so many times it brought down their server. The site's now split between three different machines, and features lots of great science and mission info with live updates as things happen and images are retrieved. Take a look at "http://astro-2.msfc.nasa.gov".
NEW SEARCH SERVICE FOR THE INTERNET
InfoSeek has announced a "Search the Internet" service available on the WWW. You can search the entire contents of over 10,000 newsgroups at once (over two million articles in over seven gigabytes); over 200,000 fully indexed Web pages; wire services; Newsbytes; Cineman Movie, Book, and Music Reviews; Hoover's Masterlist of U.S. Companies; Computerworld; Computer Select; InfoWorld; and more. The site has some free demos limited by the number of searches you can do. This is a subscription service with a basic rate of $9.95 per month and various other payment plans available. There is a free one-month trial period available. With this well thought out service and lots of on-site information available, they'll make a pretty penny. "http://www.infoseek.com/"
ANOTHER POINTLESS NET GROWTH STATISTIC
Mecklermedia announced that this year's Spring Internet World conference will top over 40,000 square feet of paid exhibition space. This is up from 6800 square feet last year (you can figure the percent increase). This year for the first time the likes of MCI, Silicon Graphics, and IBM will be present. Looks like us netsurfers are big business now.
MORE POINTLESS BROWSER STATISTICS
The New York Times reports that a study of 72,000 Internet users revealed that 77% reached the Web via Netscape, 14% via NCSA Mosaic, and 6% with other browsers like Spyglass Mosaic, Netcruiser, or WebExplorer. (NYT, 3/1/95)
STARS SHINE ON ACADEMY AWARDS SITES
Here are three sites related to the upcoming 67th Annual Academy Awards. The Unofficial OscarNet site lets you compete in a guess-the-winners contest. Prizes include video tapes and movie posters. The site offers the opportunity to voice your views on some "cool categories such as Meanest Villain, Steamiest Sex Scene, and Best Car Chase." Another page is Jack's Oscar Predictions, with a form to submit your own take on who will win the little statues. Voting tallies are also available (predictably, "Forrest Gump" leads). Finally, there's the official Academy Awards site, notable mostly for the graphics and some Oscar trivia. They don't let you vote. OscarNet: "http://ddv.com/Oscarnet/" Jack's: "http://www.cs.brown.edu/people/ljh/predict_oscars.html" Official Oscar Site: "http://guide.oscars.org/"
ANOTHER SCOOP FOR NETSURFER AMPHIBIAN
Some of our earliest subscribers will remember our pledge to bring you, the reader, complete and comprehensive coverage of frogs on the Net. Well here's an update. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory has added movies to its Virtual Frog Dissection Kit. The frog is shown rotating in various directions. There are 24,000 possible movie sequences, four for every combination of organs. It must rival roller coasters and ipecac for emetic effect. The kit is now also available in Spanish, French, German, and Dutch. Stay tuned for more exciting frog coverage.... "http://george.lbl.gov/vfrog"
THE ENHANCED FOR NETSCAPE HALL OF SHAME
Charles Owen likes Netscape, he really does. What he doesn't like are Web sites that needlessly warn they are "bloody well Netscape/Mozilla enhanced" and "if you are not using Netscape you'll probably see only gibberish", when in fact any browser would perform admirably. He's put together a page of such sites. To qualify, a site must declare itself Netscape-enhanced (about 100 do) and either not use any enhancements (like blinking text), overuse them in a particularly annoying manner, or look identical on any Web client. "http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~cowen/netscape.html"
THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF NETSURFING
The fascinating Seeker1's CyberAnthropology page is an informative Web site dedicated to the ethnographic study of virtual culture, virtual communities, modern primitives, virtual reality, cyberculture, and the like. The site is chock full of essays, resource links ( Cyberculture bibliography, Cyberpunk: subculture or mainstream?, Baudrillard Online, etc.), media, and appropriate Usenet newsgroups. Seeker1 is presenting very post-modern stuff, including a trippy home page graphic, and they are looking for blind peer reviewers and contributors. It's definitely worth stopping by to see how human civilization is accommodating life online. "http://www.clas.ufl.edu/anthro/Seeker1_s_CyberAnthro_Page.html"
A.V.'S WEB COLUMN: VIRTUAL WEB JOURNALISM
Boasting an "utterly different" editorial viewpoint, A.V.'s Web Column claims to be an experiment in virtual Web journalism about the WWW. Included in the cyberpost are links to self-described "messy" graphical and contextual maps. You may get lost, but if you can wind your way through the maze of hyperlinks, it's an interesting tour. Et si vous parlez quebecois (ou francais, naturellement), don't miss the link to Leonard Cohen, including "Leonard Cohen parle de zen" under Chronique Quebecoise. "http://macval.citi.doc.ca/"
EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DOMAIN NAMES
NetGain is an e-zine that highlights trends in the registration of new Net domain names. According to the e-zine, the number of registered commercial Internet domains reached 32,000 by the end of January, with .com registrations growing 8.5% during the month, adding 2,544 new domains. Among others, the February 10 issue featured the following new names: whitehouse.com (L.Q. White's House of Guns, Summerville, S.C.); madonna.com (Scott Seekins, Minneapolis, Minn.); marijuana.com (Pedro Miranda, Phoenix, Ariz.); and alfa-necrophylia.com (David Sissan, San Jose, Calif.). NetGain info can be requested by e-mail from "netgain@netweek.com". Include your name, company name, and street address.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE KIDS IN THE HALL
Unfortunately for fans of the Kids in the Hall, the five Canadian comics ceased taping new shows last year. But that doesn't mean they're fading from view. You can keep tabs on the Kids in alt.tv.kids-in-hall and find out what they're up to. Currently active threads support a place-that-quote quiz, contain much ado about Saturday Night Live (where Mark and Bruce now work), and discuss upcoming projects (Scott just signed with The Larry Sanders Show). If you want more info, or haven't yet been exposed to one the funniest group of sketch comedians ever, check out the FAQ at the sites below. "ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet-by-group/alt.tv.kids-in-hall/" "http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu:80/hypertext/faq/usenet/tv/kids-in-hall/top.html"
JAN VERMEER: MASTER OF THE LIGHT
If ever there was a painter who understood the subtle properties of light, it was the Dutch painter Jan Vermeer (1632-1675). His paintings are renowned for the subtle interplay of light and shade executed with a masterful touch. Makes sense - after all, he is one of the Old Masters. At this great site, you should check out the clickable thumbnail map of paintings, leading to small, medium, and large versions of each work, perfect for a monitor backdrop. Other information includes links to Delft, a chronology, and some of his mostly obscure history. Another neat touch is a clickable map letting you find the Vermeer closest to you. A great site for a great painter. "http://www.ccsf.caltech.edu/~roy/vermeer/"
This jam-packed calendar from Automatrix features a rather comprehensive listing of concerts all over the world. Information can be compiled geographically, by artist, or by music category. You can access the calendar via the Web or by sending e-mail to "concerts@automatrix.com" with a message body of "help". "http://www.automatrix.com/concerts/"
THE BRODSKY COLLECTION: DEPRESSION ERA LITHOGRAPHS
At 86, Harry Brodsky may be older than your typical netsurfer, but he's wired just the same. This talented gentleman, one of America's foremost lithographers and depression era artists, has gathered together a selection of his works for viewing in his virtual gallery. Stop by and check out his distinctive, thought-provoking creations. "http://InetBSystems.us.com/HBrodsky/"
"URBAN DIARY" AND "LIVING WITH FATHER" AT "THE PLACE"
Our intrepid Netsurfer looked forward to mocking this site, a feeling based solely on the pretentious titles. What he found was instead compelling. "Living with Father" is poetic prose interspersed with fascinating anatomical images. "Urban Diary", more obfuscated but equally interesting, is six pages of notes and images displayed as if written and pasted on loose sheets of paper. The two exhibits rely heavily on graphics, so be warned. The pages are also large and numerous; come prepared with lots of memory and patience. Even the entrance page design is admirable - minimalist yet coherent. Nice going, Mr. Squier, but "the place"? "http://gertrude.art.uiuc.edu/ludgate/the/place.html"
Lane Hall's Gallery of Decay includes a series of photos of India ink tattoos on his (?) bald scalp, an e-rez (that's resume to you and me), and a listing of shows that have accepted his work, essentially lot of overcompensation for a little bit of tired work. Let the dead rest. "http://geraldine.mcrest.edu/lhall/lane1.html"
HOW TO ADVERTISE ON THE INTERNET
This book, by Michael Strangelove, is a valuable resource for anyone who wishes to make ethical use of the Internet for commercial marketing. In a well organized and informative 200 pages (large format), Strangelove and his co-author, Aneurin Bosley, cover the gamut of Internet marketing methods. They explain the advantages, pitfalls, and netiquette considerations of online marketing, and even manage to include directories of agencies and consultants. Good illustrations and screen capture shots help make this a must read for marketers who wish to remain competitive. Published by Strangelove Internet Enterprises, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Tel:613-565-0982 Fax:613-569-4433
If you don't know, and you care, you should get a copy of the new book "Pretty Good Privacy" (PGP), by Simson Garfinkel. He explains how to get, set up, and use PGP as a free and legal way to protect your info from snoops. He explains the use of PGP to encrypt and decrypt files, keys, digital signatures, and much more. There is an interesting section on the history of cryptography, and on the history of PGP itself. Full info on getting and installing PGP on PC, UNIX, and Macintosh platforms occupies more than 50 pages. Published by O'Reilly & Associates. Tel:800-889-8969 (U.S. only) E-mail: "order@ora.com"
An archive of X-tensions, the Generation-X (liberally defined as ages 14-34) newsletter that started as a flame against all the baby-boomer activity on AOL. The X-items include schedules for AOL chats on X-tensible topics like Life After God, submitted X-er musings, and movie reviews (Clerks got raved, natch'). Rough hewn, but still a thread for the disenfranchised youth of America. Also available at alt.society.generation-x. "http://www.erinet.com/chris/www-files/xten.html"
FEELING SICK? TRY ASPIRIN - OR THIS MAILING LIST
Available via a new mailing list, the Medical Sciences Bulletin is a monthly publication targeted at health care professionals that focuses on the theory and practice of clinical pharmacology. Included are summaries of new advances in pharmacology and therapeutics; DrugFAQs, a selection of FAQs about clinical therapeutics with answers by Joe Graedon, author of "The People's Pharmacy" books and syndicated newspaper columns; FDA new drug approvals; and reports on trends and controversies in clinical pharmacology and health care. For a free 60-day trial e-mail subscription, mail "MSB-L-REQUEST@hslc.org" with "SUBSCRIBE yourfirstname yourlastname" in the body of the message. Address all inquiries to "MSBEDITOR@hslc.org".
RED NOSES IN CYBERSPACE: COMIC RELIEF
If you're interested in mixing a little humor with some charitable activity, check out this U.K. page which has information on funny fundraising events in support of disadvantaged people in the U.K. and Africa. Their Red Hot Links To Cybertainment provide the comic relief with links to cartoons, the British Comedy Pages, Giggle e-zine, and other interactive internet mayhem. "http://www.worldserver.pipex.com/comic.relief/"
THE BIG DUMMIES' GUIDE TO PRINTING CORRECT URLS
Yep, we geeked. Here are a couple of URL corrections for issue number 11. The correct URL for "The Big Dummies Guide to the Internet" site is "http://www.grfn.org/~topher". The Scottish Climbing page URL should have been "http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/~p91152/climbing".
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