Newgrounds The Problems of the Future Today

To be honest, I don't really understand what today's Warped site is all about. I came across while reading an online article about online gaming. I still haven't gotten a handle on what it is about, but it is too cool to keep to myself. So follow me and we can learn about it together.

The site is called Newgrounds, and their motto is The Problems of the Future Today. Kinda catchy, isn't it? Newgrounds is a website for people who love to make Flash, and also for those who love watching and playing it. The focal point is the Flash Portal, where users submit their home-made games and movies so that other users may view and critique them. They also offer resources for artistic collaborations, such as an Audio Portal, where musicians can submit their music to be used freely in games and movies.

There are some pretty cool games here, such as "Punch Out Osma Bin Laden", "Make Your Own Britney Spears", and, the most controversial one, "KaBoom". I won't even go into what that one is about, but if you can find it, you will see for yourself.

To me, this site is a 21st century version of the hacker creed. You find music and software being shared among members, and that is what makes it so cool. There is lot of fun things to see and do here, which is why the Warp-o-Meter gives this site a sold 9.0 rating.

http://newgrounds.com

Welcome to Hippyland

The sixties. It has been said that if you can remember anything from the sixties, they you couldn't have lived through them. Well, I wouldn't say it's that bad, but there are some folks who must have forgotten something. But their memory seems to be coming back, as today's Warped site shows. So fire up the stereo, crank up the Dead, and pass that veggie burrito as you head on over.

The site is called Welcome to Hippyland. This is a site for anyone who has memories of that period in our nation's history where hippy was a lifestyle and not a slang term. There are forums here where you can share experiences, and catch up with some of the places that were good to hang out at (like Takilma, Oregon - yeah, you know what I mean!!). The photo gallery lets you share the visuals of the lifestyle, both using original and contemporary photos.

What you will find here is the same longing for that perfect lifestyle that was there in the sixties and into the seventies. There is a lot of information on where to go to catch that perfect vacation, that perfect concert, and that perfect job. Yes, contrary to popular belief, hippies were hardworking people, they just wanted to do it their way, in their own time. Kind of like the founding fathers of our nation. Not a bad concept, when you think about it.

http://www.hippy.com/php/index.php

WeirdEbay The Source for Weird Auctions

I have been a user of the online auction site eBay for almost 10 years, about the time it started. Over that period of time, there have been some very, shall we say, unusual auctions on the site. Well, it was only a matter of time before someone offered a website where you could share and track those auctions. Some of those items are really warped in their sense of reality, which means they are just right for this site. Bid on.

The site is called WeirdEbay The Source for Weird Internet Auctions. It is a forum based site that allows users to sign in and post messages about auctions they have found on eBay, or mention items that they are selling (Hey, free advertising is a real good thing!). Some of the items that are currently active (and have not yet been shut down) are most interesting. For example:

"Up for auction is a Michael Jackson PROCTOLOGY glove? I bet he LOVES goin to the proctologist....hmmmm??? I guess BEAT IT, wasn't enough.
The problem is, this glove has rhinestones...Hence the song, "The Way You Make Me Feel." Now, this glove is from the 1980's BEFORE he started wiggin out. "

Or take this one:

"THIS IS THE ORIGINAL GILLEY’S SIGN, THE WORLD’S LARGEST NIGHT CLUB, THE URBAN COWBOY FAME, AND JOHN TRAVOLTA. IT’S APPROXIMATELY 16 FT WIDE AND 30 FT TALL.
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO “GILLEY’S” IN DALLAS, TEXAS WAS INQUIRING ABOUT A PURCHASE. 10 – 12 MILLION VISITORS A YEAR TO THE DALLAS AREA. JUST IMAGINE ONE MILLION VISITORS A MONTH IF ONLY ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND VISITORS TOOK THEIR PICTURE IN FRONT OF “THE ORIGINAL GILLEY’S” SIGN @ .00 PER PICTURE. THAT’S 0,000 A MONTH FOLKS. "

And finally there is one of my favorites:

"This is a serious hostage situation. This Xbox 360 has been taken prisoner, and is being held in captivity until ransom demands are met.

This is your ONLY chance to bring home this Xbox 360 system bundled with accessories and games before Xmas with this unique ransom auction. "

This site proves that not only has eBay had a major economic impact on our national economy, but there are some really Warped people that are using it. But those are my kinda people. They manage to get the Warp-o-Meter to give this site an 8.5 with the promise of it going up if more people use eBay.

http://www.weirdebay.com/news.php

Strange Sport Fans

Today's Warped site salutes the spectator in all of us. From the guys who paint their shirtless bodies and watch a game in sub-zero weather, to the funny looking hats and signs that are the food of television cameras. This site has some of all those, and then some.

This site is called Strange Sports Fans, and is part of the Strange Persons website. Some of these photos are really a gem. Look at the football helmet that flies, or the great left hook by the boxers. Some of these pictures have the action in them, but then who says that players can't be fans as well. I would like to know what country the strange wrestling costume was in, and who donated the beer to the strange karate chop. There is such a wide variety of sports here, there just has to be something for everyone.

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5. There is a lot of other sites connected with this one, such as the StrangeDangers.com, StrangePolice.com, and StrangeSports.com. All have the same quality of warpedness that this one does.

http://www.strangepersons.com/content/category/100350_1.html

iPods Around the World

Christmas is coming, and one of the sure fire presents will an Apple iPod. While it won't reach the Tickle Me Elmo or Xbox 360 level of excitement, there is enough of a variety of these MP3 players to find one for any music lover. But getting an iPod is only the start. Once you have one, you will belong to a hard core user community that prides itself on being a little warped at times. Click on over to today's website, and you will see what I mean.

The name of the site is iPods Around the World. It is actually a part of one of the best independent iPod user sites that I have found, called iLounge. What makes this site so interesting is that iPod users have sent in pictures from all over the world, with their iPod as part of the picture. And when I say all over the world, I mean the entire world. All seven continents are represented here, and the way they are presented is quite unique at times.

Some images show iPods being held up in front of a famous landmark, such as the Eiffel Tower or Venice Italy. Then there are pics where the reflective back of the iPod is used to show pictures' location, like using a mirror. There are over 3500 user submitted pictures to gaze on. The shear variety shown here causes the Warp-o-Meter to hit an 8.0. I guess that means I had better get my iPod's picture and get it submitted.

http://gallery.ilounge.com/index.php?cat=46

Museum of Unnatural Mystery

Years ago, there was the "un"-fad. It was the un-cola, the un-this, the un-that, and it was pretty popular for awhile. But fads come and go, and this one did. But there are still some un-sites out there, and today we visit one that has some unusual destination in it.

The is called the Museum of Unnatural Mystery. It is an eclectic collection of sites that cover a wide range of subjects and topics. Are you ready for rocket racers? This site is, and has a story on the subject (it sounds like a George Lucas film, but it is more real than you realize). They take a look at the Hitler Diaries Hoax from the early '90s, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World (he did write about more than just Sherlock Holmes).

The exhibition halls has as wide a variety of subject matter, but I was drawn to the Mad Scientist Laboratory. It is not what you think it is, but it is very interesting. The Virtual Cyclorama is most interesting as well. The wide variety of subject matter here makes the Warp-o-Meter hit a strong 7.5, making it one of the more interesting sites we have found.

http://www.unmuseum.org/unmain.htm

BSOD

Several years ago, Bill Gates was demonstrating a new Windows product, I believe it was Windows 200 or ME, something like that. During a portion of the demo, when showing how infallible the Plug'n'Play program was written, he got the infamous Blue Screen of Death when the program crashed. Although it was quickly cured, it just goes to show that even Chairman Bill was not immune to this dreaded problem. Today's site is one that shows not only have computers become a part of our life, but so have those BSOD's.

The site is called Daimyo.org, Affinity for Infinity. It is a blog-type of site, but buried in it are pictures of computers from all over with the BSOD showing in all of it's glory. From a Circuit City Music Station to the Nashville Airport to the 57th Street Subway Station in New York City, here you can see those screens in all of their glory. Some are quite unique, and some are ho-hum everyday. I really liked the Original Blue Screen one, and the one at McDonald's (Oh great, now I can't tell them I would like fries with that burger).

This is a most interesting website, one that not only shows how computers have integrated themselves into our daily lives, but so have the problems they cause. I'm just waiting for the day when my car runs off Window, and I get a BSOD on the freeway while doing 65. That thought alone gives this site a solid 8 on the Warp-o-Meter.

http://daimyo.org/

Virtual Reference Site

Warped, as defined by the dictionary, does not mean totally wacky or weird or off-beat. One man's warped site may be another man's bookmark. There are so many different sites on the world wide web these days that some sites, by their very nature, meet all of these criteria. Yet to some web surfers they are totally normal Today we take a look at a site that falls into the eclectic zone on our Warp-o-Meter, but still proves very useful.

This site is called the Virtual Reference Site. It contains over 2500 links to information locations on the Internet. Sites with maps, weather, music, cars, sports, jobs, the list goes on. What caught my eye was the unusual sites they had listed, some of the titles I even understood.

There is a link to the Academy of Remote Viewing Through Space and Time, based on information obtained from the military and intelligence communities on using remote viewing methods to transport agents to hostile sites. Ark Animal Tricks is on-line magazine dedicated to the topics of exotic and captive wildlife. The Death Clock reminds us just how short and precious life is. They even have Evel Knievel's site here.

So these site are genuine in the topics they cover. There is a lot of good information on them, and they can be quite amusing to visit (there are many more here than the ones I mentioned). Mr. Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5 for the unusual aspects it covers.

http://www.dreamscape.com/frankvad/reference.unusual.html

Innerself Expressions

One of my associates where I work is thinking about getting a tattoo. Actually, he is more than thinking about it, he is looking for a place to get it done. While I think he is a little weird for doing this, I can understand why he wants to do it. Which brings me to the Warped site today, one that we came across while talking about his upcoming art addition.

The site is called Innerself Expression. It is a site that lists a tattoo parlors and shops, as well as the associated off-spin interests. For example, here you can find out what Chinese symbols would make good tattoos, and what they mean. Good idea. I'm sure you wouldn't want an obscenity on your ankle or arm or where ever you get one. There is information about body piercing here as well, but THAT is a whole other topic.

Just about anything you can imagine that can be put into a picture can be made into a tattoo, and put on your body. I never found anything that I would want on me forever, so I resisted the temptation. Even six years in the Navy and traveling around the world didn't change that. But there is a real art to tattooing, and the art of doing tattoos has been around as long as civilization, maybe even longer. There is a lot of information here, as well as an education into what getting a tattoo involves. For that, the Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8. There are some shops here that rate even higher, but you'll have to find them yourself. Hint: think hot rods.......

http://www.innerselfexpressions.com/

Insanely Great Science Websites

Since a Warped website is a relative matter, I thought maybe a site on the theory of relativity would be nice. But since I couldn't find one on that subject, I did the next best thing. Today we take a look at a site that is not only warped but educational. Class is now in session, so please take a seat.

The site is called Insanely Great Science Websites. It is a collection of some off beat and unusual sites that are science related. Where else could you find information on Neodymium Supermagnets, Magnetic Levitation Cradles, and other science toys. But there is also a series of pages on science projects for kids, arranged so that every educational level, from beginners to high school and adults. They are well documented, and would be easy for any budding scientist to understand, whether he is striving to be Dr. Einstein or Dr. Frankenstein.

When I wrote the Family First site, I always considered it a gold mine when I found a site that was not only entertaining, but educational. Now when I find a warped site that is both, I am ecstatic. This site pegs the Warp-o-Meter at a 9.0, and if I had found the plans for a new meter in there, it would have been a 10.

http://www.eskimo.com/~billb/amateur/coolsci.html

Dave's Daily

Today's Warped site was selected because of an item on the main page. It has a story about a Harry Potter toy broomstick. But beyond that, the other topics on the page screamed at me that this site was a great one to feature.

Called Dave's Daily, this site is a collection of funny, strange, and bizare news stories and pictures from around the world. Boy, does that cover everything they have here. There are funny and shocking pictures (check out the "Banned in Disneyland" one), strange and unusual facts (such as shoes made specifically for sneaking across the border), and some great video clips (my favorite was "Unfaithful", and no, it is not what you think it is). Also stop by the Marketplace, where their motto is you can shop naked.

This site has such a wide ranging collection of unusual and weird material that you can spend hours here. Such a site takes a really warped person to keep it running and up to date. That alone gets this site a Warped rating of 7. Stay tuned, I am sure it will only get better.

http://www.davesdaily.com/

The Old Weird Harold

With apologies to Bill Cosby, today's Warped site touches on a subject that I grew up with. There was a generation of kids who had one of the most marvelous toys ever created. It rivaled trains, and was so much fun even Elvis had one (yes, I mean THAT Elvis). So follow the signs to the Warped site for a trip down memory lane.

The site is The Old Weird Harold The Most Dangerous 'zine in Slot Car Racing (their claim, not mine). This site has just about anything and everything one would want to know about this toy that is great for kids of all ages. There is a directory of hobbyists, a race calendar, photo gallery, and much, much more.

The site has some interesting code and links on it, such as the "Click Here Turbo-Brain", which takes one to the actual website. They also claim they are 33 1/3% weird and 100% slots. I don't think they are all that weird, having played with slot cars myself (my favorite was a mock up of the Batmobile from the 60's TV series). This is a dedicated site to a much ignored hobby, but for those interested in this type of entertainment, it is the end of the rainbow. I rate this site a 7, and for once the Warp-o-Meter agrees with me.

http://www.oldweirdherald.com/

I Am So Bored

There comes a time in everyone's work day, or play day, or vacation day, where you just flat out get bored. There doesn't seem to be anything to do, no one to do it with, and nowhere to do it. But thanks to the Warped site today, that boredom will soon be a thing of the past.

The site is called I Am Bored. It is a list of sites that are designed to relieve you from the everyday strain and stress of being bored. There is a wide variety of sites listed here, such as the Planet Gobbler (eat up those delicious planets), Acne Fixer, Wife School (I DON'T even want to go there!), Fire Cracker Fool ( another example of why Darwin was right), and, a personal favorite, The Singing Hippo.

Some of these sites are cute and entertaining, some are games, and some are so far in left field, they aren't even in the game. But then the site is there to relieve everyone's boredom, and that is a huge undertaking. For that reason, it pegs the Warp-o-Meter at an 8.0. Have fun with this site, I'm emailing it to work so I can have something to do tomorrow.

http://www.i-am-bored.com/

The British Lawnmower Museum

We who live in the United States do not have a lock on what it takes to be weird or warped. Not by a long shot. For today's Warped site, we take a trip across the Big Pond to the United Kingdom. The British have a very dry sense of humor, and today we visit a site that shows their serious side, in a very unique way.

The name of the site is The British Lawnmower Museum. It is the Internet counterpart to a physical building that is located in Southport, Lancashire. Here you can explore to your heart's content what the lawnmower means, and has meant to the British citizens. There are lawnmowers of the rich and famous, information on lawnmower racing (with pictures to prove it), manuals, spare parts information, just about anything a garden buff would like to know about their mower.

This site is quite interesting, in that the subject matter, while decidedly offbeat, is treated with the seriousness that those who, well, like lawnmowers would expect. For that alone, I give it a 7.5 on the Warp-o-Meter. If I ever visit the United Kingdom, and visit this museum, I am sure that I will be as impressed as I am now.

http://www.altervistas.com/sites/weird/146

The Sensation of the Nation, Beauregarde

A few weeks ago we looked at a site that featured pro wrestling. Today we look at another site, one that goes beyond the current attraction that compels people to follow this entertainment phenomenon. Today's Warped site is by one person who was a big part in how it all started.

The site is called Beauregarde. Before the WWF was on cable TV there was a wrestler called Beauregarde. Created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his ring debut, this site tells about not only his career in the ring, but also outside. Did you realize that he was the first pro wrestler to have a record? The song "Testify" was a local hit in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1970's. But it also tells about the history of pro wrestling in Portland, where many of the greatest wrestlers of all time got their start. Names such as Jesse Ventura, Pedro Morales, Lonnie Mayne, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Playboy Buddy Rose, and many more were common at the Portland Sports Arena every Saturday night.

There is a certain amount of weirdness and warpedness here. You have to have a certain mindset to enjoy pro wrestling. Based on that, this site hits a 6.5 on the Warp-o-Meter. But there is a certain nostalgic charm in it as well, and from me, a trip down memory lane.

http://www.zenorecords.com/beauregarde/

Weird Picture Archive

Warning. This site may contain some pictures that may make you feel a little squeamish. There is nothing wrong with them, there are no dead bodies or anything like that. Some of the pictures are just, well, weird. But that is the name of the site, so if you will just follow me to the main entrance, we can begin our journey.

The name of the site is Weird Pictures Archive. Here you will find odd and unusual pictures on a variety of subjects, from sports (check out the soccer pictures) to animals (check out the dog with longest ears in the world) to news headlines (see how one man beat the breathalyzer) to the miscellaneous (redneck swimming pool, hands free cell phone, you get the idea).

Some of the pictures here are legendary urban myths, some are authentic. But they are all very weird and warped. Based on their variety and subject matter, the Warp-o-Meter gives this site a strong 9.5.

http://www.weirdpicturearchive.com/

Weird Weather

We all talk about it, but there is nothing we can do about it. Whether it's cold or whether it's hot, we've got to have weather, whether or not. Even the atmospheric conditions that we have come to know as the daily weather forecast can have it's warped and weird side. Today we take a look at the darker side of weather.

Called Weird Weather, this site describes some of the more unusual events that have happened in history. If you thought the weather was just sunshine and showers what do you make of balls of glowing light, showers of frogs, giant lumps of ice that fall from the heavens, ships floating in the sky, and many other weird sights? Weather can behave in very bizarre ways, and scientists have to scratch their heads when they try to explain some of these unusual phenomena. This site explains some of those phenomena, and then some.

Crop circles, flying frogs, even UFOs are given as examples of what side-affects the weather can cause. In short, the weather is a lot more weird than we give it credit for. And if we took these fabulous displays more seriously we might get a deeper insight into many other mysteries of the world. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8, only because I have yet to see a real flying frog!

http://www.firstscience.com/site/articles/simons.asp

Welcome To Weird Cincinnati!

First off, let me say that I like Cincinnati. It is a beautiful town with a lot of our nation's history there. But the Warped site today take a slightly different look at this town. So with that disclaimer, let's look at what makes Cincinnati weird.

The site opens with the title Welcome to Weird Cincinnati. Celebrating the unique and different in Cincy and keeping things off-balance since 2004. A town with quirks has got its perks! The first picture you see is one that convinces you that this is not your ordinary every day site. The site lets a lot of citizens post their comments about this city. You can follow discussions about the Purple People Bridge, or the American Sign Museum. Read about the Cincinnati chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, or the rock group A Dead Lois. Their latest entry is about the new Ventriloquism Museum, and how it compares with the aforementioned Sign Museum.

On a scale of 1-10, the Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.5 for it's shear variety of topics, and the fact that they are locally generated. Cincinnati has a lot to be proud of, and while this site may point out some of the lesser known sides of the town, it is still a wonderful city spend some time in.

http://www.makecincinnatiweird.com/

Academy of Remote Viewing and Remote Influencing

Sometimes, one must just have to believe what they read. There is seemingly no rhyme or reason for it, or, for that matter, no music either. Today's Warped site is one that as interesting message. I am still trying to figure it out after having two days to look at it.

It is called the Academy of Remote Viewing and Remote Influencing. The key to surviving our troubled times is to create an inner peace and happiness. This site achieves in getting that message across.

The Academy of Remote Viewing is proud to offer the following professional services to both individuals and institutions on a per project basis. All projects will be analyzed extensively in advance with our staff, evaluated as far as the necessary requirement in time, RV team composition and effort required. There is a staff available to assist in these projects once they take off.

I will be honest, after having spent the better part of an hour on this site, I am only beginning to understand what is trying to be accomplished here. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5 for weirdness, and a 10 for the message contained here. I am so confused right now.......

http://www.probablefuture.com/

Star Trek Humor

When thinking about today's Warped site, it finally hit me like a ton of bricks. What is the most common thought that goes through someone's mind when they hear the term warp? Most of us would think of the gold standard for science fiction adventure, Star Trek.

"Go to warp factor 8, Mr. Scott, so we can get to the Warped site today."

"Aye, Captain, I'll give all she's got, but she may not hold together".

The name of the site is Star Trek Humor. Here is a collection of links to sites that show the hilarious and warped side of this most popular and successful of science fiction properties. Want to know about Star Trek The Musical. That parody by MAD Magazine has been put on the web. There is an interesting fan film from France, which is very unique. There is an at home game, best of all, the Star Trek Carols page. There is also a very long list of articles and pages on the programs as well. (Think you're having a bad day, check out the Best and Worst Trek Jobs page).

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 5. It has a lot of good connections to other sites, but the subject matter gives this site it's main attraction.

http://scifi.about.com/od/parodies/index_a.htm

Warped Sports

Warped site can have a lot of variety. You don't have to look too far to find some that are pretty offbeat. But today's site takes us across the ocean, to the land of Bonnie Prince Charles. So get your passport, and let's get rolling.

The name of the site is Warped Sports, and it is located in Great Britain. It is a site that focuses it's interest on the sport of paintball, and all that is associated with that activity. Equipment, clubs, special events, and other details. But the site also has information on other sports as well.

Jumping out of a perfectly working airplane is crazy. Even if you're skydiving, it's crazy. This site also has information about skydiving and Bungee Jumping. That section is called Quick Jump, and yes, it is just that. But they also have a section on work that they do with youths, but on more down to earth sports such as skate boarding.

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a solid 6 for it's activities. I could get into a good game of paint ball, it reminds of playing cowboys and indians when I was growing up.

http://www.warpedsports.com/

Clumsy Crooks

A picture is worth a thousand words. In today's Warped website feature, a few thousand words is saved by the hilarious pictures that are featured. Lets enter the world of the criminal element, and see just how right Charles Darwin was.

(Cue Music: "Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do when they come for you, bad boys?"

The site is called Clumsy Crooks. The subtitle says it all: "Need a Good Laugh? Get it at the Bad Guy's Expense!". The feature picture makes you just want to keep reading. This site features honest to gosh, real live stories and pictures of criminals whose crimes didn't quite work out the way they thought they would. In addition to the current stories, there is file of celebrity mug shots, along with the alleged crime(s), and a chat area to meet fellow sleuths and detectives.

The main picture should have the caption of "Pigs bust pig".... say, I think I just found my next Caption-This picture here. The Warp-o-Meter hits a 6.5 with this site. It has a great concept, and only has to rely on the bottom of the Darwin chain to have fresh material. But a fun site for all, even those behind bars.

http://www.clumsycrooks.com/pictures/11-busted.htm

Billy-Bob Teeth-On-line Store

Where was today's Warped site when I really needed it. This would have been a perfect site to have known about a week or so ago. Well, all I can say is bookmark it and save it for next Halloween, because it would have made a great place to get your costume accessories.

The name of the site is Billy-Bob Teeth-on-line Store. This site is one that touches on the incredibly weird if you take it too seriously. They feature products for stag parties, sports tours, and those wild nights out with the guys. These products are great if you ever want to impress people with your lack of dental hygiene. If you ever wanted to look like a redneck, well, here you can get the start to the costume.

But they don't stop at the teeth. You can get hats and wigs and moustaches to compliment your disguise or costume. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5 for shear weirdness and having a warped sense of humor.

http://www.altervistas.com/sites/weird/229

Strange Breed

I have been in mourning for years, ever since Gary Larson and the Far Side left my daily newspaper. But thanks to the Warped website, I may have found a reasonable substitute for all of us who miss Gary's warped sense of humor.

Called Strange Breed, this site is the home to the single pane cartoon by the same name. Many free cartoons and clean cartoons for both adult and child are featured here. Each cartoon uses humor and art to rise above the other bizarre and funny comics, funny comic strips and funny cartoons on the web today.

This is done by illustrating funny jokes and bizarre twisted thoughts of a wacky cartoonist. Also available, free cartoon wallpaper. An archive of over 500 cartoons, including: cartoon animal, how to draw cartoons, dog cartoon, cartoon cat, far side type cartoons, cartoon people, cartoon frog, kid cartoon, cow cartoon, and angel cartoon. This cartoon picture website has funny stuff, a funny baby, cat funny and funny junk. The Warp-o-Meter gives it a 7.0. Be sure to subscribe to this, and get it delivered free to your email box three times a week.

http://www2.hi.net/s4/strangebreed.htm

The Bellydancing Librarian

Today's website will bring back memories for all of us. Because at one time or another, we have all been to a library. At least I think we have. But after a visit to this site, your local librarian will never look the same to you.

Called the Bellydancing Librarian, this site tell about, what else, a librarian who practices the art of bellydancing. Now, before you think that we are way off base and featuring adult oriented entertainment, visit the site.

Here you will meet Eris, a hardworking librarian who does more than just stamp books, updating catalogs, and fixing databases. She fights not only that stereotype, but the stereotype of her hobby, Raks Sharki (aka bellydancing). Bellydancing has nothing to do with stripping, entertaining the sheik in the harem, etc. It is descended from the folk dances of Middle East, where it is done by both men and women. The two-piece bra and belt, "I Dream of Jeannie" outfit you may think of as "traditional" costuming did not originate in the Middle East -- the idea was borrowed from Hollywood movies! Those of us who are in love with this dance don't do it to titillate men but because we find it a strong, powerful, and joyous artistic expression.

There is also a site of other librarians who practice this form of entertainment as a hobby. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5, not for it's content, but for the offbeat association that it brings out. It is a great site.

http://www.sonic.net/~erisw/bdlibgallery.html

Bore Me Away

There is an unwritten rule that websites need to be exciting and fun to look at. But that rule is going to be broken today. The name of this site kind of gives it away, but read on, if you please.

Called Bore Me Away, this site is a collection of websites that are unique to say the least. They advertise themselves as the "gateway to the weird and wonderful". In that instance, they are 100% correct.

For example, take the "Rent a German" site. This site, rentagerman.de, offers a wide range of Germans for your personal and social needs. You can select the German of your choice for an exclusive lifetime experience. What more do you need.

Then there is "Build a Better Bush". See if you can do a better job than a plastic surgeon could on our chief executive.

There are some risque sites here to visit, with mature content. But they only show that even websites can be boring. The patent-pending Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.

http://www.boreme.com/boremeaway/funny-latest/latest.php

Disturbing Auctions

The introduction to today's Warped site says it all: one person's trash is another's treasure. But sometimes, trash is, well, just trash. This site explores just how trashy trash can be.

The site's name is Disturbing Auctions. This site is dedicated to the research and study of the most bizarre items found for sale on internet auction sites. Not the obviously fake auctions, like the infamous human kidney, but truly tacky stuff that people really, honestly, believed that someone would (and in some cases did) buy.

Some of the items are unusual, and some are weird. Items such as the Ugly Cow, the Chicken Hat, and the UPS Driver Sculpture. There were even 200 Free-Dried Pork Chops. Never being one to turn down a good meal, this intrigued me. And in the spirit of the film "A Christmas Story", the Inflatable Ladies Legs also caught my eye.

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.0 rating, a site that is truly Warped in the strongest sense of the word.

http://www.disturbingauctions.com/