Jump the Shark

This site is not a nature oriented site, no matter what the title says. It is actually entertainment oriented, one that bring back nostalgia, and educate visitors on what to watch for on current television programs.

The site is called Jump The Shark. That title represents a moment in time. It is a term used to define that moment when your favorite television program has reached its peak. It is that instant when you that from that moment on, it is all down hill, and cancellation is just around the corner (or it should be).

Some of the examples that are given are:

Bonanza: when Adam (Pernell Roberts) left the show;

The Cosby Show: when new kids (Olivia and Pam) joined the show;

All In The Family: when Gloria and the Meathead moved to California;

The Brady Bunch: when cousin Oliver joined the show.

These are all voted on by visitors, so the results can vary. There is a trivia contest called Stump the Shark, where you can both answer questions as well as submit them. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.5 rating, even though two of the links (Chum and Bait Shop) were not working.

http://www.jumptheshark.com/

MovieProp.com

I went to see "The Da Vinci Code" this past weekend, and was impressed by it. Great film, follows the book fairly closely. But what was interesting was the device that was used in the movie to hide some of the code. It was called the cryptex. I got to thinking, that would be a pretty cool conversation piece to have sitting around the house. I had no idea where to go to find one, and still don't. But in my searching, I came across today's Warped site.

The site is called MovieProps.com and is a clearing house for information on how to find movie props (what else?). This site began like most things do as a simple hobby. In the beginning it was just a list of sites and contact info saved as a txt file for the author's own reference. But is soon became too big, so he took the next step, which was to organize it into a site that would help him organize his own materials. He started getting requests, mostly sci-fi in nature, and it just grew from there. Today the site covers a wide range of topics including:

1. Production used Hollywood memorabilia collecting

2. Production resources for video and movie productions

3. TV series and Movie Pages

4. All areas of the production, memorabilia and story from the V TV Series

5. Indexing of useful sites of the web (in essence an expansion of the old sites link section).

This site provides some interesting information not only for collectors, but for movie fans as well. Knowing how props are made and use, this sort of behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood can be quite fun. The Warp-o-Meter rating for this site is a solid 7.5.

http://www.movieprop.com/

Alien Hunter The Hunted Has Become the Hunter

One of my favorite real life reality series is Dog the Bounty Hunter. Okay, I know, but still it's an interesting and mindless way to watch TV. But it points out something about our society, and our traditions. Bounty hunters have been around for over two centuries, since the days of the old west. They are an important part of our criminal justice system. Today's Warped site looks at a different type of hunter, but one that sure to get your attention.

The site is called Alien Hunter and subtitled The Hunted Has Become the Hunter. This is the site of one Derrel Sims, Alien Hunter, who is a Master NLP Practitioner, Certified Master Hypnotherapist and Board Certified Hypnotic Anesthesiologist. Mr. Sims teaches seminars, workshops, and speaks at conferences worldwide on these subjects as well as being one of the top UFO Investigators in ufology. His expertise in all of these areas, and the fact that he was an abductee until age 17 is why he stands out above the rest in the quest to unveil the hidden agendas behind alien abductions and alien implants.

This site is full of information about alien abductions, missing time, implants, unidentified body markings, and official/unofficial police reports and cases regarding UFOs and aliens. There is also some humor here, as well as a great collection of links to other UFO sites. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.5 rating because (cue drum roll) he thinks it outta this world. (groan......)

http://www.alienhunter.org/

Playthings Past

A friend of mine who is living in Hungary sent me the subject of today's Warped site. It is one that will bring back a lot of memories for the baby boomers who are reading this now. Not only is this a terrific retro site, is one that lets you relive those memories, sort of.

The site is called Plaything Past. This is an online shopping site that features toys, games and dolls from our childhood. It gives one a chance to relive the past, and to share it with our children or grandchildren. Where else can you by a Radio Flyer Red Wagon, a Duncan Yo-Yo Lunch Box, or a Care Bear. You can at this site. Gumby, Mr. Potato Heard, and Slinkies can be found here as well. Just about anything you can think of will be here, and at a very reasonable price. The site has been in operation for over 8 years, which speaks to the quality of the product and the service they provide.

So if you are looking for a present that goes beyond computers and video games, ones that actually are fun to play, this is a site to visit. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 6.5 rating.

http://www.playthingspast.com/

Anti-Hero Art A White Trash Museum

Enjoyed a good laugh lately? Looking for website that offers great satirical humor? Looking for a way to waste some time and look busy before it's quitting time? If so, this Warped site is one that will leave you laughing.

Either that, or it will leave you with your mouth hanging open. Called Anti-Hero Art A White Trash Museum, this website is a salute to the untold numbers of our citizens who have had this title hung on them. Here you will find a collection of writings (from Hippie Steve and Dirty Howie, just to name a couple), pictures, slide shows, Dirty Howie's Digital Dope Anti-Hero Movies, and more links, jokes and misc. garbage that you can shake a stick at.

Isn't it about time the White Trash was recognized as a true minority in this country? Makes sense to me. The Warp-o-Meter must agree because it gives this site a 9.0 rating. Truly warped, he says. I agree.

http://www.anti-heroart.com/main.html

Jerry Lewis Comedy Museum and Store

One of the funniest, and most beloved, comedians of our times is Jerry Lewis. With his partner Dean Martin, they became one of the funniest comedy teams ever. As a solo artist, his movies from the 1960s are classics. His Labor Day telethons have become legendary, and raised millions for muscular dystrophy. He is truly America's Clown Prince, and today we take a look at his site.

The site is called the Jerry Lewis Comedy Museum and Store. Here you will be able to find interesting details about his life, his career, and his family. For example, did you know that he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977? He has appeared before the Queen of England, and many US Presidents. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1984. His career has transcended his stereotypical clown antics in front of the camera, to writing, producing, and directing behind it. Much of today's technology in films is due to his demand for technical perfection in his films, and the box office clout that he had to get it.

Watching a Jerry Lewis film is great fun. He was able to make us all laugh so hard our sides hurt, and he did so in a way that was not offensive. No political correctness needed in his films, they were just plain fun and funny. That may be why they are not making that kind of entertainment anymore. Warp-o-Meter rating: 7.5.

http://www.jerrylewiscomedy.com/

The Amazing Virtual Al Gore

During the 2000 Presidential campaign, the Democratic candidate's personality was often described as a dud. No emotion, no expression, nothing. Cracking a smile was not his bag. But that can all be changed, if you take a tour of today's Warped.info site.

With the Amazing Virtual Al Gore, you can actually hold a conversation with the former Vice President and ex-Presidential (Thank God!) candidate on your own terms. Have you ever wanted to ask him a question? Have you ever heard reporters talk to him, and wonder why they weren't asking about something? Well, here is your chance to get in the driver's seat and ask those hard ball questions that the wimpy media wouldn't. Available for free, and in a downloadable version for both dial-up and broadband users, this is an interesting way to experiment with the political arena.

This site is part of a larger one, called Al Gore Rules. A wonderfully crazy parody site, it is one that you might want to visit after you talk with Mr. Gore. The Warp-o-Meter rating on this site is an 8.0, and that is without any recounts or hanging chads.

http://www.algorerules.com/virtual/index.htm

Wacky Web Tales

Who says weird and strange and warped web sites have to be just for adults? Beats me. Today I'm sharing one that is geared towards the younger generation (grades three and above), one that provides entertainment and a few laughs at the same time.

The name of the site is Wacky Web Tales. This is a site for kids who are looking for something creative to do, and express themselves. It also spurs on the imgination and exercises their intelligence.

The site has several short stories that are created with input from the user. These are stories that are quite innocent to the adults in us, but can be exciting to authors. What they do is fill out a form with information for the story, such as names, verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. and then those words are put into the story when it is created. For example, in Special News Report, the story tells about a NASA discovery of a mysterious space monster that is x feet tall.

These stories give youngsters a chance to inject themselves into a story, and have some fun with it. It is a site that is both entertaining and educational. Warp-o-Meter rating: 5.5

http://www.eduplace.com/tales/

The Association for Global New Thought

Is life getting you down? Are you looking for new challenges in your life? Tired of that same old grind, going to work, going to school, going to church? If you are looking for a way to change your life, today's Warped site may provide some interesting options for you.

The site is called The Association for Global New Thought. Once called the "religion of healthy-mindedness" by the philosopher, William James, the New Thought movement was born almost 150 years ago. It began as an alternative to the negativism that was so rampant in the churches of the day. As it matured, practitioners began to see that the power of an uplifted consciousness could also bring healing to negative circumstances and conditions in one's personal life.

Located in Santa Barbara, California, The Association for Global New Thought's vision of planetary transformation is based on the conviction that there are universal spiritual truths which represent the emerging spiritual paradigm for the new millennium. The principles of universal spirituality are a statement of this paradigm and the essence of New Thought. They reflect the core teachings of the world's great spiritual traditions.

This association presents some very interesting concepts to alternative beliefs and lifestyles. Warped.info and WorldVillage do not endorse this site. It is only presented here to show just how the Internet can be used to spread just about any kind of information. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a rating of 9.5, since, like me, it really doesn't understand what it is all about, and that makes it pretty warped, in our opinion.

http://www.agnt.org/index.htm

The Golden Age

There is a saying attributed to Yogi Berra, that "nostalgia ain't what it used to be". That saying rings true where today's Warped site is concerned. It has some interesting and unique nostalgic items that are sure to interest just about anyone.

The name of the site is The Golden Age. Their motto is "Strange Moments, True Stories, Fun Facts". There are quite a few of them here at this trucker oriented site. There are interesting articles, such as the death of the Tom Sawyer Diner, the golden age of Bethlehem Steel, and signs of Wildwood, New Jersey. There is a interesting online game you can play called Highway Hauler. This is a real time simulator where you have to drive a truck for a certain number of miles within a certain time frame. Estimated playing time is 8 hours, so it is very "real time". It can be quite boring, but you need to keep an eye out for smokies. Looking for something to wear? They have their own downloadable iron-on artwork, with instructions on how to do it. There are some links to some personal websites as well, which adds to the entertainment value.

This site pledges to continue their mission of providing quality design and mild entertainment absolutely free of charge. It is a mission they succeed at. At least I think they do, since the Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.0 rating.

http://alkem.org/ftuarchive/fattruckersunion/main.html

Hunter Dan

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the woods. Just when you thought it was safe to turn on your computer again. Just when you thought it was safe to start playing GI Joe dolls again. What!! Well, to understand what this is all about, click on to our Warped site of the day.

The name of this site is called Hunter Dan. Hunter Dan was created by Dave Ranard of Crawfordsville, Indiana in the mid 1990’s after he found some of his old toys stuck away in a barn on his parents farm. One thing led to another, and now he has a full line of action figures, video games, and accessories.

The main focus behind the product line is to promote hunting and fishing as a safe form of recreation, with respect for both nature and the laws of the locale where you are hunting. That is the overriding concern, as unsafe hunting practices can lead to accidents and disasters in the woods. Through the use of action figures (both human and animal), games, and kid-sized gear such as tents and gear bags. There are also coloring pages to download, and an online bow hunt game.

The woods can be a dangerous place without a bunch of hunters looking to bag a deer. Add those in, and the importance of safety becomes very clear. This site goea a long way to prepare youngsters and oldsters alike for a safe hunting trip.

http://www.hunterdan.com/

The KnotPlot Site

Every Boy Scout knows how to tie knots, it is a basic part of scouting. Every sailor knows how to tie a knot, it's part of being a sailor. But what about the rest of us who may need to attach two pieces of rope or string, but don't know how. Well, just like Mighty Mouse, today's Warped site is here to save the day.

The site is called The KnotPlot Site. Here you will find a collection of knots and links, viewed from a (mostly) mathematical perspective. KnotPlot itself is a program that allows you to create knots that and display them. This is a fairly elaborate program to visualize and manipulate mathematical knots in three and four dimensions.

There is an order and sequence to these knots, one that seems almost calming as you try to design them. I picture this as a sort of cyber knitting program, you know the old knit one, purl two thing. Only here it is knot one, knot two. The results are quite interesting and artistic. No matter what you think of the program or the pictures, I am sure it will leave you tied up in knots. It did the Warp-o-Meter, which gave this site a 6.0 rating.

http://www.pims.math.ca/knotplot/KnotPlot.html

Promote Cap'n Crunch to Admiral

It's an honor that is long over due. When you have been doing a good job, you deserve a promotion. Well, it's time that we got off our behinds and helped our nautical cereal selling friend get his just reward.

To quote the website:

"We are aware of a grave injustice which has occurred within the Quaker Oats Company. Cap'n Crunch has worked for Quaker Oats for the past 37 years. That is about one half of the average human's life!! He has dedicated his life to defeating the Soggies, which he has done without fail. He has also protected the Crunchberries for the past 35 years. We believe that at the very least, the Quaker Oats Company should promote the Cap'n to an Admiral."

I remember when the cereal first came out. It was great. And the Cap'n did a great job of selling it to our parents. Now you can help pay him back by signing this signature and helping get his promotion that is long overdue. The good people at Quaker Oats have said they would welcome a petition. So come on and get with it.

http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Alley/7569/capn.html

Wacky Races

I was watching television last Saturday morning. Don't ask my why, I just was. After a few minutes, I came to realize just how far our television entertainment has sunk. Saturdays used to be set aside for cartoons and that sort of thing. I wasn't too sure what I was watching, but I quickly turned it off. Then I got to thinking about those good old cartoon series I used to watch. A few keystrokes later, and I came a cross today's Warped site.

The date was September 14th, 1968. It was a Saturday, and one of the most popular cartoon series ever hit the nation's television screens. The characters were very memorable. The was Dastardly and Muttley, Penelope Pitstop, Professor Pat Pending, and the Ant Hill Mob. I am, of course, talking about the Wacky Races.

The Wacky Races was a huge success when it premiered on that date. It was another of long cartoon hits by the team of Hanna-Barbera. It spawned two spin-off series, and was popular with merchandisers for toy and cereal box tie-in. The concept was simple. Eleven teams of strange and outlandish characters race each other in equally outlandish race courses, the winner being awarded the title "The World's Wackiest Racer". The series was inspired by the Blake Edwards 1966 film "The Great Race".

This is a pretty cool and nostalgic site. It would be great to see cartoons with this much innocence and entertainment value populate Saturday mornings again, but I am afraid that won't happen. Until then, at least we have the Internet.

http://www.hotink.com/wacky/

The Black Vault

One of the television shows that we watch with great regularity is the Law & Order series. We especially like the SVU (Special Victims Unit) shows. One of the reason is one of the detectives named John Munch, played by Richard Belzer. He is a very cynical character who sees government conspiracies behind every bush. Well, if he looked at today's Warped site, he would be beside himself.

The site is called The Black Vault. It is a website that documents and displays some of the secrets of our government. The site is maintained by John Greenwald and has been around for 10 years ( he started it when he was 15). This site is a conspirators' dream come true. There are literally thousands of pages of official declassified government documents here, all available for reading. The subject areas read like a science fiction novel or Tom Clancy table of contents.

Some of the areas are Bio/Chem Weapons, Mind Control, Terrorism, Spy Satellites, Space Data, and the New World Order. Files are in both .pdf and .gif formats. The sub topics and articles that are available is mind blowing. There is one called "Jesus the Strategic Leader". "Extraterrestrial Life In The Universe" and "Alternative World Scenarios for a New Order of Nations" are two more that are here. I just can't express how many different documents are on this site. It is interesting to see how many different areas our government has its (and our) fingers into.

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 9.0 but is feeling a little paranoid. It is still going through the documents to see if it is mentioned at all.

http://www.bvalphaserver.com/

The Adventures of Goose!

Move over, Travelocity Gnome. There is some competition on the horizon. It is starting off on a local level, but who knows where it will end up. If you are wondering what I am refering to, click over and learn about the Adventures of Goose.

This site is a photograpic record of Goose. Goose is an 80 pound cement goose that resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Every so often, the friends of his owner get the urge to "borrow" Goose and take him on a road trip. This is all done without the owner's knowledge. That is what makes it so cool.

Where has Goose gone so far? During Spring Break 2000, he went to the store. August of the same year found him at summer camp. Halloween he got to go trick or treating. He has even streaked the local McDonalds buger joint. All told, this is one partying 80 pound cement duck. I wonder if he can actually swim?

The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.0 rating. He says he likes duck, but only with orange sauce on it.

http://gooseadventures.tripod.com/

The Amish Build a Laptop

While is it well known that the Amish shy away from new technology, and do so to follow their religious beliefs. But thanks to the wide reaching power of the Internet, we have found that they have constructed a laptop computer to aid them in their business pursuits. If you think the Warped site is, well, warped, then just follow this story.

The site, called The Amish Build A Laptop, shows this amazing device. Just listen to the specifications:

Features:

13 x 6 Bead Resolution

78 RAB (Random Access Bead) Memory

All wood construction

Chalk & slate based input

Holders for slate, chalk, charcoal and stylus

1 Chicken Power Supply

Built-in Modem (see FAQ for more info)

By now you realize that this computer is really not a computer in the true sense of the word. It is one of the most advanced abacus in the world. This device actually has been in use for several thousands of years, and can be very accurate. The Amish should be given credit for being able to maintain a very simple lifestyle in this rush and hurry world where money seems to be the motivating factor. Maybe we should all trade in our computers for an abacus and learn to slow down. It wouldn't make Bill Gates very happy, but we would all probably live a lot longer. Warped rating: 6.5.

http://www.mystique.net/amish.html

20th Century Castles Unique Underground Properties

A few weeks ago, we featured a site that gave visitors a chance to take a virtual tour of an abandoned missile silo left over from the Cold War era of our nation. Kind of an interesting look into our past, but it was hard to get the full perspective since it was only a virtual tour. Today's Warped site takes us not one but two steps closer to closing that reality gap. Not only can you go into a missle site, but you can actually own one. Have I got your interest? If so, read on.

The name of the site is 20th Century Castles, the Ultimate in Security. The site highlights the idea of Tim Schwartz to buy missile properites after seeing the refurbished site that Edward and Dianna Peden of Topeka, Kansas live in. Amazingly, many of these first generation sites were located on pubic properties such as school districts, water companies, and other public entities. About half of them were privately owned. This company entered into negotiations with the owners of the sites, and have acquired many of them and are now offering them for sale.

Think of it. A chance to live in a place that was once the first line of defense of our nation against nuclear strikes. This site lists not only the properties for sale, but some history as to the sites, and the missiles that were stored there. The information here is quite interesting and eye opening. So far 27 of these have been sold, but as with any marketable item, the laws of supply and demand dictate how much each property costs. You will have to admit that it would be pretty crazy to own one of sites. But if there is ever a nuclear war, you will be one of the best prepared. Warp-o-Meter rating: 7.0.

http://www.missilebases.com/

The Society to Prevent My Employment

In the movie "Top Gun", there is a scene where Viper asks who will win the Top Gun trophy? Tom Cruise (Maverick) answers by saying "I will". Tom Skerritt replies that is pretty arrogant considering the company he is in. Then he adds "I like that in a pilot". Well that same kind of arrogance can be seen in today's Warped site.

The site is called the Society to Prevent My Employment. The author doesn't want to work, but likes nice things. The mission of her site is to get people to send her non-tax deductible donations. She also doesn't want to resort to any other money making schemes that are less than regal. After all, she is a princess. Wow, is that arrogance or what? Who doe she think she is? Why couldn't I have thought of this before she did?

So how much has she raised? As of today, the total is $3584.29. Some other non-monetary donations have also been received. These include 1 pair of socks, an invitation to a kegger in Pennsylvania, anklet, a toe ring, and two pair of converse shoes. Quite an interesting collection, I must say.

This site shows a lot of arrogance, but hey, it seems to working to a certain extent. Warp-o-Meer rating: 7.0.

http://egomania.nu/causes/indexsoc.html

WebCam Central

It has been said that within the next few years, a person will not be able to move anywhere on this planet without having their every move tracked on a camera of some sort. That is pretty frightening in one way, big brother watching over us. But some of those cameras most likely will be ones that private companies and individuals have set up to promote and publicize something, like a business or attractions. To get a preview of what some of those sites could be like, check out our Warped site.

The site is called WebCam Central, and is the largest collection of web cameras that I have ever seen on the Internet. They are literally out of this world with sites (and if you think I'm kidding, there is one that is linked to the latest space weather forecast!).

The cameras are easy to find. They are arranged by category, such as airports, sports, parks, you get the idea. They are also arranged by location. If there is a particular country you want to see, just click on it. The local time for each country is listed so you'll have an idea of whether it is day or night there. The United States cameras are further sub-divided into states.

There are sure some interesting places that people have chosen to put a camera. I think just about all of them are covered here, but maybe they aren't. Warp-o-Meter rating on this site is a 7.5.

http://www.camcentral.com/

Retro Crush

What is popular in today's culture? What is the current fad that everyone is talking about? What is the old current fad? What will the next fad be? If you are interested in any of those, then today's Warped site will amuse and entertain you. If you haven't faintest idea where I am going with this, just click on and see what the site is all about. It will then become clear to you.

The site is called Retro Crush. It is the self proclaimed "World's Greatest Pop Culture Site". After having spent some time on it, I am inclined to agree with them. They seem to be all over the place with reviews, articles, podcasts, and links to some extremely strange sites.

One of the best is the "Beatle Mashed Potatoes", a delightfully bizarre clip of Paul McCartney showing the internet his special recipe for making mashed potatoes. This link take you to the YouTube site and the video. There are reviews of new albums from The Dixie Chicks, Def Leppard, and Neil Diamond. The new version of the film "The Omen" is panned (headline is "Sux-Sux-Sux" gives you an idea of their opinion). Links to Karate Kid T-shirts, RoboCop action figures, and other retro goodies are just waiting for your mouse click. Some of the articles are given tongue-in-cheek, mostly to make their point.

This site is full of unique and interesting stuff (for lack of a better term). The Warp-o-Meter rating is a solid 7.5, which means it found some socially redeeming material here, but not much.

http://www.retrocrush.com/

Freaky Secrets of the Presidency

Okay, we all realize the George W. Bush may not go down in history at the greatest President our nation has had. In fact, he may be remembered more for the events of his administration than for he himself. But if you think he is unique among his Presidential peers, then you are mistaken. And, today's Warped site can help to correct those mistakes.

The site is called Freaky Secrets of the Presidency. It is a collection of little known and little publicized facts about the men who have served our nation's highest office. Some of these you may already know about, but some I am sure you haven't. So, we'll have a pop quiz. The following questions are all answered on the site, and are reflective of the material that is found there.

1) Who was the First President of the United States?

2) Which President was a draft dodger?

3) Which President believed the world was flat?

4) Which Presidential relative was present at the scene of three Presidential assassinations?

5) What two Presidents died on the same day?

These answers can be found on the website. There is a wealth of other information here about them as well. There are also links to little known U.S. history facts, and a history of the Declaration of Indy-Pendence. The Warped rating for this site is 6.5 but it is still a pretty cool site to hang out in, gain some knowledge, and impress your friends.

http://www.civil-liberties.com/factoids/july4_02.htm

Dumb Warnings

There is an Internet site that salutes dumb things that people do, many of which result in their death. It is called the Darwin Awards, named after Charles Darwin whose theory is that only the fittest will survive. Whether that is mentally or physically fittest, he didn't elaborate. But if you look at some of the stunts that are pulled, you start thinking didn't that person have any warning of any kind before doing what they did? It makes one wonder, it truly does. Today's Warped site is one that may help prevent future Darwins being awarded, at least to those who visit it.

The name of the site is called Dumb Warnings. These are the signs that you see on your cup of coffee at McDonalds, electronic appliances, household items and medicine among others. This site is dedicated to helping companies fight this menace which is plaguing society today. In addition to Dumb Warnings, this site also features Dumb Instructions, Rules, and other information frequently placed on packages. I wonder if they should feature lawyer jokes as well, since many of these warnings were the result of legal actions.

Some of the better ones:

Child-Sized Superman Costume
Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.

Clairol Herbal Essences Maximum Hold Hairspray
WARNING: Do not smoke until hair is dry.

Nytol Sleep Aid
Warning: May cause drowsiness

Rowenta Iron
Warning: Never iron clothes on the body.

The site is open to having others share their favorite labels with them. Now you can see why Darwin Awards are given out. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.0, but then it's jealous because it doesn't have a warning label on it.

http://www.dumbwarnings.com/

The Traffic Cone Preservation Society

You've seen them everywhere. Alongside the road. On city streets. Near road construction projects. You know what I'm talking about - the traffic cone. This quiet and unassuming device that has been guiding our travels on the highways and byways for years. These little guys (well, some aren't so little) are finally getting the respect that they are due, as today's Warped site shows.

The site is the Traffic Cone Preservation Society. Until the late 20th century, traffic cones were not thought worthy of scientific study. It is this site's mission to counteract this neglect. By preserving and studying these "Helpers of the Highway," it is hoped that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.

Where do these cones come from? When did they first show up, or were they always on the side of the road, so to say? How many different types of cones are there? All of these questions are answered on the site, along with pictures. There is a field guide describing the different types of cones and their family trees. Especially interesting is the Blue Conecone, or Conus smurficus, a very rare cone that is found in California and Hawaii, and is facing extinction. There are pictorial histories, an evolution of the cone, and a chance to adopt a cone as well.

The Warp-o-Meter rating for this site is a 9.0. It really shows off how much fun the Internet can be, given enough time, keyboarding skill, and lack of something better to do.

http://animation.filmtv.ucla.edu/students/awinfrey/coneindex.htm

Eccentric America

The used to be a saying that if you were poor and you did something wierd, you were crazy, but if you were rich and did something weird, you were eccentric. I guess that would still hold true in today's times, only I don't think you have to be rich to qualify. At least, not according to the Warped site today.

The site is called Eccentric America You Guide to the Weird and Wacky in the USA. This is the online guide to the hard copy book of the same name. Eccentric America is more than a travel guidebook. It is a celebration of America's more eccentric places, happenings and people, as one travels the U.S.A. There are more than 1000 entries on a wide variety of subjects. There are Offbeat Festivals and Events like the Frozen Dead Guy Day and Mike the Headless Chicken Days. Need a place to say on your travels? There are 76 quirky places to spend the night, like former schools, caves, jails, and a drive-in movie motel. There are Peculiar Attractions, Eccentric Tours, and ones that can't be classified are Just Plain Weird. They have also just published a new book called Eccentric California. I always knew that state was a little odd, but now there is a book that confirms it.

This would be a great book to get and take with you on your road trips. Heck, you can bookmark the site and just use your WiFi or Wireless Internet connection, and have it with you all the time. The Warp-o-Meter rating on this site is an 8.5 which classifies it as classically weird.

http://www.eccentricamerica.com/

Revenge of the Tattooed Nerds

Today's Warped site isn't really a site, per se. It is an article from a site that highlights a topic we first looked at a few sites back (remember the Disney Tattooed guy?). It is an interesting look at body art, and how computers have influenced it.

The name of the article is Revenge of the Tattooed Nerds, and is a part of an online magazine called Bmezine. It is totally related to body art, both tattooing and piercing. The article focuses on how tattoos are an expression of who and what a person is, how they see themselves, and how they choose to share it with the rest of the world.

Some of the tattoos shown here are interesting and quite original. Some, like the Apple Computers logo, seem to be more of an advertisement rather than an expression. But there are a wide variety, and each one is described by the person who is wearing it. One of the most unusual ones is by someone named Lizardman. I won't go beyond that, you have to see it to believe it. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site an 8.5. You have to see them to believe them, and I think he saw one too many.

http://www.bmezine.com/news/pubring/20040720.html

The Ultimate Taxi

David Letterman makes jokes about them all the time. In old detective movies, it was the good guy who always said "Follow that cab!". They are not as important as a mode of transportation as they used to be, but they are still indispensible. I am, of course, talking about the taxi cab. (Just ask Roger Rabbit how important is it to have a cab handy). With all that time on their hands, it was only a matter of time that an enterprising driver came up with a unique way of spicing up his rides. Today's Internet side shows one that is really almost out of this world.

The name of the site is the Ultimate Taxi. It is hosted by driver Jon Barnes, and is a 30-40 minute musical, magical adventure around Aspen, Colorado. While it is not a cheap ride, it does feature a lot of amenities that you don't find in your normal taxi, such as toys, photos, 3D glasses, rainbow glasses, and (surprise) a page in Jon's website.

You can take a guided tour of his taxi, both inside and outside of the cab (courtesy of the New Virtual Earth Technology Preview Site by Microsoft). There are message boards, fireworks, skiing reservations, a detailed history of the cab (a 1978 Checker with 493,768 miles on the odometer). But what really makes this site rock (besides the design) it the photo sections. You would be surprised at who has been in his cab. Everyone from all walks of live, from politics (Bob Dole) to movie stars (Dudely Moore, Clint Eastwood), rock stars (Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton) and icons of American industry (Lee Iacoca). There are many more. Be sure to check out the Jerry Jeff Walker video show. There is also a very eclectic set of links for this site, some of which I am still wondering about (such as the NEXT Advance Laboratory Instruments Biotechnology Lab Freedom - a real web site, just not sure how it wound up here).

The Warp-o-Meter really likes this site and gives it a 9.5. It is cool to see every that is not only on the site, but what is on the car (and in it). Jon has his phone number here so you can call or make reservations. Be sure to give him a look the next time you're in Aspen.

http://www.ultimatetaxi.com/

Rent My Chest

Advertising a product in our society is not always about advertising the product. Sometimes it is how it is presented. Look at the GEICO gecko, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and the Taco Bell chihuahua. Some advertising campaigns are so good that people will remember the ad and not what the ad was selling. Well, today's Warped site is about advertising, and how one person is making a buck doing it.

The site is called Rent My Chest. No, not that kind of chest. It is the chest of Chris Prillo, a young man with an original idea on using the Internet to make some money. For an investment of only $20 (paid via PayPal), he will put your message on his chest (that is his BARE chest), take a picture of it, and put it on his website. On this site he has 10 pictures, and they are rotated using the FIFO principal (first one displayed is the first one replaced when a new one comes in). Your ad will stay on his page until "until ten other saps belly up" and put up a message (his words, not mine). He will put up just about any message you want, but he does reserve the right to refuse any "bustomer" (again, his words, not mine).

This is a really interesting site that has originality written all over it. It must work, he has over 85 customers so far. He's probably spending it on magic markers and ink remover is my guess. The Warp-o-Meter rating on this site is 8.5.

http://www.rentmychest.com/

Earthquake Hazards Program

There has been a lot of discussions about natural disasters in the media lately, many of them centering around earthquakes. What exactly is an earthquake? How are they measured? Where in the world are the most earthquakes felt? To get those answers (and more information that you ever wanted to know on the subject), the Warped site found the best resource available on the Internet. So let's shake, rattle, and roll our way on over to that site.

The site is called the Earthquake Hazards Program, and is sponsored by the US Geological Survey. This is a site that tracks all earthquake activity around the country and around the world. I was surprised by how many happen every day. As you click on a map, it will zoom into the geographical area you click. You can click on the boxes, each box representing a recent earthquake. The most recent ones are the ones that occurred today.

There are some interesting parts to this site. The Learning & Education section contains information about the science of earthquakes, targeted for all ages. There is a trivia section, and ones for students as well as teachers. There are some great photos as well. One of the more important sections is the Preparedness & Response pages, where you get information about how to be prepared for one, and what to do after one hits.

This site sounds kind of dry on the surface, but is really kind of cool as you dig into it. Hopefully it won't shake you up too much. The Warp-o-Meter gives this site a 7.0. I guess it felt the Earth move in the right direction.....

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

ForteanTimes

Reading a good magazine can be a great way to pass the time, especially while you're waiting in the doctor's or dentist's office. More and more magazines are going electronic, that is the only way to view them is with a computer or other gizmo. Thanks to the increase in WiFi networks around the country, it is not too difficult to read those magazines just about anywhere you are. The increase in electronic publishing is also making it possible for many subjects and topics to receive attention since it much cheaper to put up something on the Internet, than it is to put it into paper format. With that concept fresh on our minds, we head for today's Warped site.

The name of the site is ForteanTimes, a magazine about the world of strange phenomena. It is a monthly magazine of news, reviews and research on strange phenomena and experiences, curiosities, prodigies and portents. It was founded in 1973 to continue the work of Charles Fort. He spent most of his life seeing how scientists formulated their theories based on their own beliefs, not necessarily on solid scientific fact. Those scientific facts were usually either explained away as inconsequential, or they were discredited or simply ignored. (Kind of sounds like the media coverage we see on television and the newspapers these days).

The magazine covers a wide range of topics in their articles. Some of them include sonic weapons in modern warfare, an antidote for a tarantula spider bite, and some rare photographs of Theodore Dreiser. The site is well constructed, with an abundance of links to supplement the articles, reviews of various subjects ranging from comic art to history and ufology. Pay particular attention to the "It Happened to Me" message board. That is a most interesting forum site.

Charles Fort has a place in the hearts of scientific fans everywhere, especially Star Trek ones. He is given credit for coining the word "teleportation". Without that, where would we all be every time Jim, Scotty, Bones, and Mr. Spock needed to leave the Enterprise. Warp-o-Meter rating on this site is an 8.5. Beam me up, Scotty.

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