Photographs by EC (Ted) Adams

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that is true, then today's Warped site speaks volumes. Be prepared to see the most eclectic collection of photographs anywhere on the Internet. There is nothing wrong with them, just the variety of subject matter is what makes it so unusual.

The site is Photographs by EC (Ted) Adams. There is not a lot of biographical information about him, but his pictures tell the story. The site consists of photographs from Philadelphia and Lancaster, PA, and New York City. Most of the pictures are in black and white, giving them a very artistic look.

But beyond the photos, is what Ted does with the site. For example, there is a section called Abandoned Photo Museum. The photos in that gallery were all found on the sidewalk, mostly in Philadelphia, either as entire discarded "collections" that people had put out on garbage day, or as individual pictures that had perhaps fallen out of their owners' pockets - or that the garbage collectors had left behind. It is interesting to look at.

There is also a section called Sidewalk Droppings (somewhat self-explanatory), as well as the Philadelphia Mummers Project (not self-explanatory). The section on the Philadelphia Inquirer photographers is great to look at, as it gives a glimpse at the artistic side of the paper's photographers.

Ted's site is a wonderful one to look at and explore. It really shows off the visual art of photography, and how many different ways pictures can be looked at. The Warp-o-Meter gives the site a solid 7 for that artistic warped touch.

http://www.heudnsk.com/

The Museum of Unnatural Mystery

Many years ago there was an advertising campaign around the soft drink 7 Up. It was called the Uncola. That started a whole bunch of interesting uses for the term un-. It was un-this and un-that, but after awhile, the fad passed us by. But what goes around comes around, which brings us to the featured Warped site today. Once again, we are being un'ed again.

The site is the Museum of Unnatural Mystery. It is the brainchild of Mr. Lee Krystek. For years he wanted to build a museum that would explore the fringe edges of science and at the same time use those subjects to get people interested in the more mundane aspects of scientific work. A brick and mortar museum was far beyond his means, but the creation of the world wide web provided a medium that was affordable enough for him to realize his dream.

He has succeeded. Here is a website that is open to anyone of all ages (there are special sections for kids) on a wide variety of topics, all of should be familiar to everyone. Some of the exhibit halls are for Cryptozoology (the study of unknown creatures), the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, UFOs, a Dinosaur Safari, and the Virtual Exploration Society.

There are some special features, like Ask the Curator, Science Over The Edge (strange science happenings), LGM Archives (a visit with the resident Aliens), and a place to sign up for the newsletter, buy site merchandise, and download some wallpaper for your computer. The current features include an in depth article on the Rosetta Stone and the mystery surrounding it, and a chapter by chapter reading of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World". It is presented in a very interesting serialized format.

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.0 for the variety of material that is found here. The presentation of material is quite good, and the care in site material shows why it has been around for over 10 years.

http://unmuseum.mus.pa.us/unmuseum.htm

The Damnedest Thing I Ever Saw

Some of the most unusual things that happen in the world only happen once, and then are gone forever. They can be funny events, or seemingly funny events that you just had to be there enjoy. You can always laugh about them later. Today's Warped site takes us to a place where experiences like these are highlighted. Some of these are pretty wild.

The name of the site is The Damnedest Thing I Ever Saw. Here you will see, well, the most unusual everyday things that can happen to people. These anecdotal stories have a Reader's Digest quality to them, as they are related in the first person (most of the time). Here is an example, on entitled, "Damn Yankees":

In a small Southern town there was a nativity scene that indicated great skill and talent in its creation. One
small feature bothered me though. The three wise men were wearing fire fighter's helmets. Totally
unable to come up with a reason or explanation, I left. At a "Quik Stop" on the edge of town, I asked the
lady behind the counter about the helmets. She looked at me like I was an idiot, exclaiming, "You damn Yankees
never do read the Bible!"

Sticking it in my face she said, "See, it says right here, 'The three wise men came from afar.'"

Sounds like something right out of the Life in These United States, doesn't it. There are unusual and humorous pictures as well.

A second part of the site is the advice column. You can ask questions of Biscuit T. Tidwell, renowned authority on Life , Liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness, Relationships, Girls, Guys, Auto - Truck Repair, Huntin', Fishin', Cookin'
Camping, Mother-in-Laws, Bosses, Politics, Idiots and Love, Flyin', Computers, Coon Dogs, Wifey/Hubby Problems, Brats and more. You simply fill out the form, he provides the answers. What could be easier?

This is, to quote Steve Martin, a wild and crazy site. There is a lot going on here, so plan on spending some time with it. This site got a 9.0 from the Warp-o-Meter, so it must be good.

http://www.thedamnedestthing.com/

Our Strange World

One nice thing about the Internet is that it has broken down barriers in how we communicate, and what we communicate. Some of the best websites are ones that are left to be run by the contributors. The webmaster puts up the site, gives it some design, and the flow of the traffic is determined by the people who visit it. Today's site is one of those types of sites. Its name really tells a lot about what is going on with it.

The name of the site is called Our Strange World. This is a blog-type site that posts news and articles from the Internet, and they are posted by the contributors. There are interviews conducted with somewhat famous people (either famous to a small select enclave, or famous in their own minds). The articles that are contributed are pretty mind opening (AND mind blowing). For example, did you hear about the explosion on the moon? Or the story about glow in the dark meat, and how the government says not to worry about it. Yeah, sure!

When you visit this site, be sure to keep an open mind. The Warp-o-Meter did, and gave it a 7.0 rating. I guess it read the article about Heartless Bitches International, and decided it was a turn off. Oh, well, we all have our differences, as this site shows.

http://www.ourstrangeworld.net/

The Unnatural Enquirer

You knew it just had to happen. The most warped publication of our day has finally gotten its comeuppance. The rag at the end of the supermarket checkout line have been trashing people and events for more years than I care to remember. Well, today's Warped site has put it in it's place, and with an excellent satirical edge, I might add.

The name of the publication is, if you haven't guessed by now, it the National Enquirer, and the aforementioned website is the Unnatural Enquirer, or as it is subtitled, "Perspiring Minds Want to Know!". Where else can you read such articles as "CPU-CAM: snapshots of daily life inside the computer case", "The Trekkie Terror Picture Show", "ThirtySomething Mutant Ninja Turtles", and (my favorite), "Santa Clause, Fugitive from Justice". The page's philosophy is covered as well. "The Top Secret Language of Flowers", "NerdSigns - Astrology for the 21st Century", and "Isn't It Time You Upgraded to Girlfriend XP".

The site also needs to thank their sponsors. They haven't so I will mention a few of them here. There is "Crazy Ernie's Bargain Hunt", "Oz-On versus Oz-Off", and "The Treehouse Greeting Card Collection". The subject matter this site covers is so wide and varied, that the Warp-o-Meter gives it a 7.5 (which is good, it only give the National Enquirer a 6.5). But then I guess it can recognize good clean all-American satire when it sees it.

http://www.trygve.com/enquirer.html

The Onion

As a society, we have become so saturated with news and information that anymore you almost want to tune it out. In my neck of the woods, the 5:00 (and 6:00 and 10:00 and 11:00) news all start with "Breaking News" as their lead story, no matter what it is. But the bloodier and gorier, the better. It is enough to make one want to read the National Enquirer. Or for that matter, today's Warped site. To quote an old established journalist, "you provide the news, I'll provide the war". This site would make him happy.

The Onion is the name of the site. In the guise of a daily news website, it is a funny and often irreverent look at the topics that make the world go round. It seems that no topic is sacred. Here you can view the Betty Friedan 5 cent stamp, and see the giant bass that hates to have it's picture taken. Learn how the White House had prior knowledge that Vice President Cheney would shoot an elderly man in the face. It kind of goes downhill from there.

What makes this site so interesting is that the stories are presented in all seriousness. What make it more interesting is that the tone of the website is such that these stories could really be true! This is truly a warped website. For the tone alone, the Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.5. Be sure to read the sports section, and find out what Wayne Gretzky has in common with Pete Rose. You will never guess.

http://www.theonion.com/content/

Amusement Park Physics

The Beach Boys once did a song called "Amusement Parks USA". It was a musical salute to the rides that one could ride at an amusement park, or county fair, or (nowadays, a mall parking lot). It had a nice beat and you could dance to it. But the real fun from amusement parks is the rides, especially the roller coaster and the bumper cars. There is an 85 year old park near where I live that is still open and has many traditional rides. Have you ever wondered, as you go up to the top of the roller coaster or around the carousel, how these things work. Today's Warped site just happens to explain this in detail.

The site is called Amusement Park Physics. Here you can explore just how these rides go together. You will see a simple merry-go-round carousel, while it looks simple, really has some complexities involved with it's make up. Free Fall rides, as well as Pendulum rides are discussed as well. While it may seem boring, you can see how exciting and difficult it can be when you try to build your own.

How do physics laws affect amusement park ride design? In the Roller Coaster exhibit, you'll have a chance to find out by designing your own. Plan it carefully--it has to pass a safety inspection. You can also experiment with bumper car collisions. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 6.5 rating, for the combined educational and information provided, and how it is presented. The only thing missing was the smell of popcorn and cotton candy.

http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/

Strange New Products

Just remember you saw it hear first! The Internet has made marketing products a snap, a breeze, almost too easy. By the time a product is ready to market, it is already outdated, and it's replacement is on the shelf. How do you market these products today? The answer is easy. Use the Internet, and as today's site shows, your solution is right at your fingertips.

The site is called Strange New Products. That could actually be a misnomer. Some of todays most common items were thought to be a little strange when they were first introduced. Remember the horseless carriage? Or Jiffy Pop popcorn? How big of an impact would they have had if the Internet was around? Take a look at this site, a news blog of the strange, funny, weird, and unusual items that are now hitting the market.

Some of them are quite unique. For example:

Liquid Plumr Power Jet is a new drain cleaner (or perhaps drain clearer) that uses the air pressure in the can to blow out pipe clogs. You twist the cap to enable the valve. Then, push the top of the can against the sink drain, and hold for three seconds. The pressurized air blows out that lovely concoction of toothpaste and hair that's been slowing down your drain. However, if Junior has been reenacting Moby Dick by sending his little actions figures down the drain, this might make things worse. Liquid Plumr's website says that the can is not just full of air. It also has some kind of liquid in it. They won't say what it is, but that it's totally safe. I guess they'd have to call it "Air Plumr" if that's all it was.

Then there is the Toothbrush with the Replaceable Head:

Here is a toothbrush that comes with replaceable heads. When the brush wears out, you pull it off, and replace it with a new one. The idea is that you can save money by replacing only the head. AS IF toothbrushes are so damn expensive. I suppose environmentalists will argue that this kind of product will reduce the amount of plastic in landfills. Ok, but what's next? Q-tips with replaceable heads?

And finally, my personal favorite, Water Infused with Good Intentions:

Meditation is hard work.

That's why there's a new bottled water for Yoga folks to cool down with. H2Om Water (merging of H2O amd the word "Om") is bottled water infused with the healing energies of music and the spoken word. According to the company that makes it...
"Water exposed to loving words and music showed brilliant, and complex crystallized patterns under the microscope at near freezing temperatures. In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts and words, formed incomplete, asymmetrical patterns. Here's how the water gets infused with words and music...

First, the label contains words and pictures designed to energize the water with good vibrations.
Second, after the bottling process, they play sounds and music designed to do more of the same.
Third, when you drink it, you're supposed to think of good things. "Think it while you drink it".

It is nice to see that the American spirit of inventiveness is still alive and kicking. Sometimes I think it needs to be kicked a little harder, but then what do I know? The Warp-o-Meter gives the site a 7.5, which I guess means that it knows more than I do.

http://webnymph.com/?page=details&i=1136

Realbeer Games

Today's Warped site has a twist to it. It came to me while I was listening to some Tom T. Hall country music, and his song "I Like Beer" came on. An interesting song, amusing, but with a message in it. Well, I entered beer into the old Google search engine, and lo and behold, out came today's site (along with several thousand others, but then I can be pretty selective). So bottoms up, and lets get to gettin'.

The name of the site is Realbeer Games. It is part of the Realbeer.com website, but this is the fun section. We have to add, as the site did, the standard disclaimer that you must be of legal drinking age to consume beer, and you can substitute non-alcoholic beverages in these games as well.

When sitting down and enjoying a real beer (not some namby-pamby micro-brew, but REAL beer), you will more than likely find yourself in conversation than in games. If you like nostalgia and humor, this portion of the site covers some of the ones you may have enjoyed and some that are complete jokes (read: not to be taken seriously) provided as conversation pieces. For example, have you ever tried BEERopoly? BEER softball? BEER chess (many different brands required)? If not, then you will find the rules here. There are games to break the ice at social occasions, there are games for guys only, for girls only, and there are coed games.

Now remember these are SOCIAL games, for fun and friendly competition. Have fun with them and don't get hurt. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.0 for the variety of games that are here, and for the subject matter. It isn't too often we find sites that promote fun for adults, let alone one that promotes responsible fun (like this one does).

http://www.realbeer.com/fun/games/

Wacky Uses

Everyone knows what you do with Colgate Regular Flavor Toothpaste, Dannon Plain Yogurt, Miracle Whip, and Reynolds Wrap are used for. Or what they are supposed to be used for. Well, hold your horses. I have found a web site that gives some interesting "alternative" uses for these common everyday products, and for many others as well. So hang on to your Jiffy Peanut Butter and Jello and lets go see what this is all about.

The site is called Wacky Uses, and is the brain child of Joey Green. Here you will find out just what you can do with over 35 common everyday items. For example, you can use Reynolds Wrap 19 different ways that what it was intended for, such as removing rust spots from chrome car bumpers and keeping dogs and cats off of furniture. Danon Yogurt has 8 other uses, such as curing yeast infections and soothing sunburn pain.

But this site has some other interesting parts as well. There is a section for weird facts about these same household products, and a Mad Scientist section. Here you can find some interesting items as fried marbles, plastic milk, electric lemons, and an anti-gravity machine. There are videos for many of the areas at the site, as well as books that can be ordered. The educational aspects of this site are terrific, but adult supervision is a must (especially for us adult children!). The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 9.0 for the originality of the subject matter, and for the subliminal education that it gives visitors.

http://www.wackyuses.com/

Jeff Golden Music

Last Christmas, our annual employee lunch had some entertainment. Instead of the managers making the usual fools of themselves, they hired an Elvis impersonator. Pretty cool, the guy was very entertaining and very good. It got me to thinking how much time and energy go into doing this type of show, whether it be Elvis or any other departed artist. That is why, when I came across today's Warped site, I just had to feature it.

The site is called Jeff Golden Music. This website showcases his musical talent, and from the many video clips that are on here, he is very good. He also does a mean Elvis. But in addition to the King, he also does three other artists. He does excellent covers of Hank Williams, Jr., Ray Charles, and the Artist formerly known as Prince. To cover four diversely different artists (and cover them well) takes a lot of talent. Not only does he do their songs, but he does his own compositions, which can also be heard here as well.

The show Jeff is currently performing across the south is an original show with a variety of country, rock, Elvis, gospel, and his original songs. He is currently booking his next shows which will be in Troy, AL, Geneva, Al, Eufaula, Al, Thomasville, Ga., and Bainbridge, Ga. Show dates and times will be announced in the very near future. If you get a chance to see him, do so. If these clips are any indication, you will be entertained. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.5 'cause it ain't no hound dog site.

http://jeffgoldenmusic.com/index.php

The Baseball Zealot

It is that time of the year. Spring training has opened. I know it's still snowing and winter is still on us, but in the southern parts of the United States the cry of "Play ball" is in the air. Pitchers and catchers have reported, and the once again teams will embark on the journey to the most hallowed of all championship series, the World Series. So lets see what kind of mischief abounds on the Internet as Opening Day approaches.

The site I have found is called the Baseball Zealot. The purpose of the site is not to report on every single baseball news item out there. It is here just draw attention to baseball goings-on that might be interesting, thought-provoking, maddening, or just strange. There are also some obscure, off-the-wall stuff that makes the site that much more interesting. Finally, if there is a baseball resource out there on the web that not everyone may be aware of, it will most likely find its way here eventually. The target audience of the Zealot is not just the seasoned veteran of baseball blogs but also those baseball fans out there finding their way around the Internet (which is how you found this site, right?). But someone who is just discovering the sport can have an enjoyable time here as well.

I can hear John Fogerty singing "Put me in, coach, I'm ready to play". Well, in a few weeks, there will be quite a few atheletes crying the same thing. Baseball, springtime, and mom's apple pie. What could be more American.

http://www.thebaseballzealot.com/

All The Tests

I hated taking tests in school. Most of us probably did. You would have to be warped not. On the other hand, you may have liked tests, and that could be considered weird. Well, whatever side of the coin you come up with, today's Warped site will whet your interests for tests of any kind.

The name of the site is All The Tests. Here you can find thousands of tests in more than 20 different categories, and you can choose any of them depending where your interests lay: fun, personality, iq test, love and relationship, quizzes, fan tests - anything and everything is possible on AllTheTests.com.

Want to check your knowledge in particular disciplines - here you are, anxious about your new relationship - don’t hesitate and test your second half, just in a mood to relax on a lazy sunny afternoon - a perfect fun test collection is waiting for you. Crank up your keyboard and mouse, because no matter what your background, what your age or life experiences, you can learn something about yourself here. If you wish, you can also get the detailed report with your scores in different forms of intelligence, explanation and reasoning of the right answer choice, your strength and your weakness and suggestions how to improve your intelligence level.

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.5. But that may change when the test results are in.......

http://www.allthetests.com/

The 47 Society

Today I wanted go feature a site that was so off the wall, so unusual, so completely ridiculous, that I spent more time than usual searching. But I think I found a site that is so, well, off-the-wall and out-to-lunch that it so totally meets my goal. What do you think?

The name of the site is The 47 Society. What is the 47 society, you ask? The 47 Society is an international interest-group that follows the occurrence and recurrence of the quintessential random number: 47. Many suspect that the coincidental nature of 47 carries some mystical, metaphysical and/or scientific significance.

In short, 47 appears to be the quintessential random number of the universe. In other words, when a number appears randomly, more often than not, that number is 47. In other other words, if you asked people to pick a number at random, more often than not, that number would be 47. Of course, if 47 shows up more than any other number then it isn't truly random, but using the word random makes the whole phenomenon easier to describe.

Does that make sense? Well, it must have to the Warp-o-Meter, since it gave this site an 4.7. Not what I would have given it, but then I am not a highly calibrated meter. Truly this site is a wonderous use of the Internet by folks who have way too much time on their hands.

http://www.47.net/47society/

Unclaimed Baggage

The thrill of the unknown. The adventure of going where no man (or woman) has gone before. The joy of a long awaited vacation, with nothing but sun and sand for the next two weeks. Oh, the joy of taking a plane to Hawaii, and the horror of you luggage going to Omaha. Nothing against Omaha, but it just isn't Hawaii. Have you ever wondered just what happened to your lost and unclaimed luggage. Well, you are about to find out.

The name of today's site is the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Unclaimed Baggage is a one-of-a-kind store nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and bordered by Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Alabama. Founded in 1970 by Doyle and Sue Owens as a part-time business, it soon became a full-time venture. In 1978, the Owens incorporated the company and watched it prosper as one of the great 'hidden' bargain centers for smart and savvy shoppers. Over one million items pass through it's turnstiles every year, the majority of it being clothing. But about 40% of it is electronics, jewelry, sporting goods, and luggage. The majority of the items are from airlines that have exhausted all means of contacting owners, and have declared them unclaimed after 90 days.

This is a popular storefront but is has some interesting online fun. There is a "What Is It?" contest, to try and identify an article they have found. There is a spot to see some of the unusual items they have found, as well as the "Peek in the Bag", where you can see an actual cash register receipt so you can see what people are really buying at the store. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5 for the fun of it. If you want buried treasure, this is the place for you.

http://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/index.html

Xbox Solution

One of the hottest gaming machines in the past few years was released several months ago. There was major media hype, and, as usual, a shortage of product. But that all seems to be in the past, and now one has to ask - "How good is the Xbox 360?". Today's Warped site is just the place to find out whether it is a hit or a miss.

The site is called Xbox Solution. It is a collection of forums relating to all aspects of the Microsoft gaming machines. Everything from hardware and software problems, to upcoming games, and speculation on what the future brings for these gaming platforms. You have to register to fully participate, but guests can browse around and read the various message bases.

This site provides a great place for hard core gamers who are tired of dealing with the beauracracy of Microsoft to get information. Often times you will find more information at sites like this than you will at official sites. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 9.0, since it helps to bring the gaming community together in a positive way. Having played a few games in my time, I can remember wishing there were more sites like this around.

http://talk.xboxsolution.com/

Orbiter

Today we leave the planet Earth and take off to where no man has gone before. Well, actually, several have gone there before, but it cost them (and us) several billion dollars to go there. But with this particular Warped site, it is not only free to go, it is free to come back.

The name of the site is Orbiter Space Flight Simulator. I came across it while I was looking for sites for our sister website Download of the Day (http://www.worldvillage.com/downloads/download.html) and I came across this interesting program, and it's companion website. What sets this apart from other space games is that it is not just a shoot'em up game. This relies on real world physics and calculations. This is not your mother's everyday game. Even cooler is the entire sub culture that has sprung up around it, in terms of add-ons and other off shots. For example, you can load the Apollo Mission Simulator for Orbiter, and fly to the Moon. There is a Deep Space Probe page where you can launch your own out of this world (and out of this solar system) unmanned spacecraft. What I really liked was the Go Play In Space link that allows those of us that are mathematically challenged to still get it together enough to fly this beast.

This Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.0. It is not an off-the-wall site, but it has enough followers to give it some attention. Oh, did I mention... the majority of programs and add-ons are all free! A very good price indeed.

http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/orbit.html

Welcome To 'Search & Destroy' - The Punk Rock & Roll Search Engine!

In the movie biography of Ritchie Valens "La Bamba", he dedicates one song at a show to the "criminal element" in the crowd. While today's site is not intended to encourage anyone to break any laws, nor is it only for a certain criminal element. But there is a certain rowdiness in today's Warped site, along with a mystique that I just don't understand.

The site is called Welcome to Search & Destroy. It is a search engine for Punk Rock & Roll Music. I won't pretend that I understand that type of music, nor will I ever. But it still has an attraction to it, as this web site shows. It is a clearing house for sites that resonate with this genre of music. There are links to early punk rock, both from the US and the UK. There is Glam Punk, Garage LoFi Punk, and the old style punk from the '60's and Detroit. The site also has a message board, newsletter and free email service.

The site is loosely run, in that anyone that has a site can add one. The webmaster keeps a close on eye on this, so it is all under control. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.5 because it is one of the best of it's kind that I have found. You can feel comfortable if you are looking anything punk, you will find it here.

http://www.trashsurfin.de/

Motley Crue

Maybe it's my age, or maybe it's my attitude. But music just doesn't sound like music anymore. To quote John Lennon, "Before Elivs, there was nothing". These days it seems like Elvis never was. But there are certain groups that have caputered that pure rock and roll spirit, groups that are so sick that they will be around as long as their arteries hold out. One of them is the focus of this Warped site.

Motley Crue. This is not just a band, it is a state of mind. To quote member Vince Neil, "When Motley Crue came on the scene, it was less as a band than as a gang. We'd get drunk, do crazy amounts of cocaine, and walk the circuit in stiletto heels, stumbling all over the place." Here you can relive many of those crazy and insane moments, in all the glorious technology the Internet offers (and then some). This is a fan site, it has no "official" connection with the band. But the Crue never paid much mind to the rules, so this site should fit right in with their attitude.

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5 rating. The multimedia content is wonderful, and the use of the color black really catches the mood of the band. So rock and roll alll night, and party every day (with apologies to Kizz).

http://www.absolute-motleycrue.com/

WWE

If you were asked what the most popular spectator sport in our country was, I think you would be surprised. In terms of coverage, publicity, and (most importantly in the pro ranks), you would find that Pro Wrestling has far more viewers, who pay far more money, and are far more in tune with their sports than many others. The main component of this sport is the subject of the Warped files today.

The site is the WWE, or World Wrestling Entertainment. Okay, it isn't pure sport. BUT if you look at the participants, you will find many that would be able to hold their own in just about any other sport. But did you know that WWE is also listed on the New York Stock Exchange? That they paid dividends last quarter? Or that they have openings for more than wrestlers, but also administrative assistants and account executives? This is definitely not your dad's "wrasslin'" show.

Here you find the latest technology being used to promote the upcoming events, and all of their shows. They are not just limited to the United States either. They are in 10 other countries, from Australia to Italy to Thailand. You also find they look to their roots, featuring a look at classic old matches from as far back as 1980 (Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant - classic match). You can also use the site to compliment your cable and satellite viewing of their many programs.

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.0, since it uses the best technology to create a very cool site to visit. So practice your full nelson and flying drop kicks, this site is coming atcha!

http://www.wwe.com/

Monk

Our site has covered many different sites, each of them slightly warped, in their own unique way. Today, while I was avoiding the SuperBowl, I watched a marathon of one of my favorite television shows. Then I got to thinking that the main character is, in his own unique way, a little warped. So tune in and let's meet Adrian Monk.

Now before you start sending emails about how cruel it is to call Monk a warped person. But my concept of warped is that it is all relative, i.e., what is warped to one is not to another. Keeping that in mind, this show has some unusual twists to it that make it a pleasure to watch.

The premise of the show is around the character Adrian Monk. He is a semi-retired detective from the San Francisco Police Department (I wonder if he knew Harry Callahan?). He is very intelligent and solves many complex cases that others have given up on. What make him unique is his lifestyle and his obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). While the show makes light of this affliction, and uses it to put a light hearted spin on the show, it is a very serious problem. But the producers of the show realize this, and give an entire section of the website to it. They also have exclusive webisodes, and blog rooms for the characters.

So if you want to watch a detective show that a little different from the rest, in a warped sort of way, check out Monk on the USANetwork. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5 (Adrian would want a niceround number, but he doesn't calibrate the meter).

http://www.usanetwork.com/series/monk/

Super Bowl Ads

Well, if you're reading this web page, it is either half time of the Super Bowl, or you just aren't interested in football, or you really, really need to get a hobby. Today's Warped site is one that salutes what has become almost as big an event as the game itself, and that is the ads that companies pay millions of dollars for the privilege of allowing you to view them. So get ready to be entertained.... again.

The name of the site is called Superbowl Ads. This is the site that seems to be a clearing house for information on the upcoming ads during the game. There are previews of some of them, with the approximate time of the game that ad will be broadcast. Companies such as Budweiser, Toyota, Pepsi, and Burger King are all spending major dollars on multiple ads and at the right time (such as just after kick off). But there are also links to the stories behind the ads, as well as stories about ads that never happened.

Well, half time should just about be over, so head on back to the game. But now that you are educated about what ads are coming up, and what some of the story lines are, you can amaze your fellow party goers with your knowledge. Either that, or you will get some mighty strange looks.

http://www.superbowl-ads.com/2006/index.html

Darwin Awards

One of the most intriguing philosophies in the world is how did we get here. There are many theories about this, but the one that has attracted the most attention is the one by Charles Darwin. His theories of evolution have been studied and debated for years. But the most lasting claim to fame, in my humble opinion, is the award that is named after him. Keep on reading and you will see the one that I mean.

The site today is called the Darwin Awards. The purpose of this award, to quote the site, is to"... salute the improvement of the human genome by honoring those who remove themselves from it. Of necessity, this honor is generally bestowed posthumously". Here you will find out about these people, and the acts that they performed to gain them.

For example, there is the Bungee Jumper who measured the amount of cord he needed for his jump, and even allowed a few extra feet. He should have realized that the cord stretches when you jump and... well, you get the idea. Then there were two animal rights activists who were protesting the cruelty of sending pigs to a slaughterhouse in Bonn by freeing a captive herd. Suddenly all two thousand of pigs stampeded through the gate they were opening, and trampled the hapless protesters to death. In San Jose, California, Herman, an avid hunter, used the butt of his shotgun to bash his girlfriend's windshield during an argument. But his loaded gun accidentally discharged into his stomach, killing him and ending the argument.

My personal favorite (and the reason this site got an 8.5 on the Warp-o-Meter) is about Iraqi terrorist Khay Rahnajet, didn't put enough postage on a letter bomb, and it came back marked "return to sender." He opened the package and was blown away.

"I cannot help but notice that there is no problem between us that cannot be solved by your departure." ....Charles Darwin.

http://www.darwinawards.com/

Hollywood Sites

Hooray for Hollywood. Land of imagination and dreams, playland of the rich and famous. There is a lot to see in this town, which has a long and storied history. Some of that history is just like what you would find in any other American city, like landmarks and memorials. But in this land of celluloid dreams, there is a special undercurrent that captivates all of us. To me, it has the makings of a great Warped site.

The site here is Hollywood Sites, and is part of a Frankie Goes to Hollywood convention from a few years ago. But the way the site is laid out (which got an 8.0 from the Warp-o-Meter, BTW) makes it easy to see some of the more famous sites of this Tinseltown.

For example there is Graumann's Chinese Theatre, where stars have been putting their hands, feet, and other parts of their anatomy in cement for almost 80 years. But right across the street from that theatre stands the Roosevelt Hotel, which has a dark and mysterious history to it (in addition to being the site for the first Academy Awards ceremonies). You also can see where Muscle Beach and the Sant Monica Pier are, and their history. There are a lot of theatres featured, as well as some restaurants, and even the location of the original Batcave from television's Batman of the 1960's.

For the darker side of Hollywood, there are glimpses into the death sites of famous stars, such as The Knickerbocker (D.W. Griffith, and Harry Houdini seances) and the Chateau Marmont (where John Belushi checked in, but didn't check out). There are some other ,uh, interesting sites as well, but you are left on your own to discover them.

http://www.midnightinsanity.com/Hollywood/HollywoodSites.htm

The Worlds Best Video Web Sites

Looking for a good movie tonight? Want some off beat entertainment to kill some down time at work? Better yet, do you have some interesting videos or movies that you want to share. There are many people out there that are just like you. Not just like, but have similar interests as you. Anyway, there are enough that Internet Video Magazine created a website for those interests.

The site is called The Worlds Best Video Web Sites. It is a collection of interesting websites with a variety of material for viewing. These short reviews (complete with links) give a good description of the site and the contents. For example, Big-Boys.com has an annual college video contest, where they pay over $20,000.00 for original videos. Then there is thewebvideo.com which has 9 video-on-demand channels, from health, travel, politics and music videos. Then there is "My Big Fat Independent Movie", a full-length comedy that includes spoofs from some of the indie film world's most renowned movies including "Memento," "Pulp Fiction," "Magnolia," "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," "Amelie," "Run Lola Run," "El Mariachi," "The Good Girl," "Pi," "Swingers" and many others. Make sure you watch their new theatrical trailer, one of the few this year to receive an R rating from the MPAA. This was my favorite site, as it shows how to make a move and not spend a lot of money to do it.

So if you're bored, or just looking for some unusually warped website, check this one out. The Warp-o-Meter gives it an 8.0 for the amount and variety of material that is contained here.

http://www.internetvideomag.com/Videos/watchvideos103.htm

Warped Science Fiction & Fantasy Society

To boldy go where no website has gone before, that is the subject of today's Warped site. Fiction has long been a staple of the science world. Some of the inventions that we take for granted today were long ago thought impossible. Some of them are the direct result of those science fiction stories. Today's site is right at home in the realm of science and fiction.

The site is named Warped Science Fiction and Fantasy Society. Warped is the University of Manchester Science Fiction and Fantasy Society... what that means is that all members like cool Sci-fi like Babylon 5, and have watched the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings movies. They hang out drink beer, watch films (sci-fi as well as cheesy B-movies, like Braindead, and Evil Ed) play silly games, have curries and generally just have fun with a very slightly SF&F theme. The current schedule of events is posted here, as is their membership (with pictures). Oh, did I mention that this group is located in the United Kingdom?

This site is an example of how small groups with specific interests are using the Internet to promote those groups. Kinda cool if you are looking for something to do and not sure what to do and where to do it. These mate sound like a fun group, so the Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.0.

http://www.warped.man.ac.uk/