NETSURFER LINKS
REVIEWERS' CHOICE
EARTH SYSTEMS
COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING
ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
ARCHEOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY
SCIENCE AND ART
MEDICINE, BIOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY
ANTHROPOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY, ECONOMICS, AND GEOGRAPHY
SCIENCE LITE
RESIDUE
PSEUDOSCIENCE, BAD SCIENCE, AND WORSE
OTHER LINKS
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REVIEWERS' CHOICE
Is there a Mrs. Swamp Thing?
Groundwater Biology
The ability of living organisms to adapt to almost any environment, no matter
how hostile, has become something of a clich. But, when we take the time to
learn about biospeleology - the study of invertebrates that spend their entire
lives in subsurface waters, such as porous aquifers or karst caves - we get a
whole new perspective on the question. Underground ecosystems lack many of the
resources vital to life, so these creatures (known as stygobionts) have adapted
to the lack of light, food, and oxygen. Using the sort of slick layout we've
come to expect from well designed European Websites, here is access to a vast
set of articles, journals, books, museums, conferences, symposia, and Websites
on cave, karst, and aquifer fauna. Indeed, the pages have an unmistakable
international flavor; sites on caves and cave life from Italy, Australia, and
the Canary Islands have pride of place, and the original presentation is a nice
change from the dry style that characterizes so many American academic Web
efforts. An outstanding introduction to underground zoology.
http://www.geocities.com/~mediaq/index1.html
EARTH SYSTEMS
No matter where you go, there you are
The Remarkable Ocean World
The ocean is a vast world, much of it hidden, its 3D nature shrouded in mystery
by light absorption. Like another planet, it needs special equipment and
training to explore, and it brews up hazards of stunning ferocity and
immensity. Dr. William Sean Chamberlin - about whom you can learn more here
than most of us probably care to know - brings us a wide range of content
linked to oceans. Of particular interest is the introduction to oceans course
that he teaches, a set of online documents related to oceanography. They're
nicely and amusingly written and should give the uninitiated or the only partly
initiated some entercation. (Yuck! If you see the term elsewhere, you know where
the blame lies!). His links are informatively annotated. The subject may be
aqueous, but nothing about this place is all wet. Hear the gulls' scream and
the hiss of surf, and smell the brine.
http://www.oceansonline.com/
Envirozine
The premier issue of this new e-zine is now online, brought to you by
Environment Canada, the government department charged with all matters
environmental - et également disponible en français. Sprightly,
well designed, and relentlessly focused on anything green, the site delves into
a host of interesting and environmentally relevant topics. Among those that the
first issue tackles are the challenges of recycling computers, the cold truth
about windchill - something that features large in certain locations (trust us,
we know), climate change at the north pole, and Santa Claus friendly chimneys.
The site's positive spin - we've got a problem, but we can handle it if we all
work together - is nice, but with complex issues such as global warming it
sometimes veneers over the lack of a true scientific consensus or the absence
of a satisfactory solution. This isn't a criticism; this is a basic educational
place after all, and it does give you an attractively presented and visually
appealing overview, but it won't take you very deep into any of the subjects it
tackles. Somehow we expect a little more of a government department, don't we?
Well, don't we? The truth, of course, is that the department has a blizzard of
other sites and publications to cover these in more detail.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/EnviroZine/english/home_e.cfm
COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING
Open the pod bay doors, Hal
The Medieval Technology Pages
Medieval technology evokes images of coarsely cast iron tools, ropes, and
pulleys. Human power, water power, wind power, and animal power were still
relied on to provide energy to cumbersome mechanisms that, in retrospect, were
remarkably ingenious for their time. Consider that the science behind these
technologies was shared among craftsmen who did not enjoy the luxury of
literacy. Designs and techniques had to be shared by example. Yet today, we are
the beneficiaries of the substantial scientific progress gained during this
period. Paul J. Gans, who maintains this site, deserves credit for citing
references and annotating the information so that serious researchers and
casual readers can enjoy it equally. Articles are arranged by category of
technology. Not all of the technology is mechanical. Arabic numerals, for
example, necessary for complex mathematical calculations, are covered in
detail. This site deserves a bookmark for you or for your kids.
http://scholar.chem.nyu.edu/technology.html
Windmills
In Cervantes' "Don Quixote", a masterpiece of romantic literature, the windmill
is transformed into an angry giant in the mind of the Knight of the Woeful
Countenance; in this Web page, the windmill has been transformed into an icon
of an idyllic bygone era to a somewhat lesser degree of prosody. Originally
written in Dutch and published in booklet form in 1962, this translation makes
apparent the complexity of the original language, while preserving the author's
passion for the subject. The document is rather long, and employs few of the
advantages of Web publishing, but does contain a detailed history of windmills
in The Netherlands. A few sketches and a couple of interesting old photographs
round out the exhibit. The second site, Windmill World, presents a broader, but
somewhat more comprehensible view of the subject, but with a distinct emphasis
on English windmills, rather than Dutch. Photographs pepper the pages, and
there's even a page of links to folks offering windmills (full-scale, antique)
for sale.
Dutch:
http://www.tem.nhl.nl/~smits/windmill.htm
English:
http://www.windmillworld.com/
Chicago Journal of Theoretical Computer Science
If the title doesn't scare you off, you're obviously immune to nomenclature
fright. Theoretical computer science is in the same genre of esoterica as
theoretical physics. There's no Stephen Hawking to engage us here, though -
just straightforward presentation of journal articles listed in reverse
chronological order. A variety of formats are available for viewing the
articles, including DVI, Postscript, and Acrobat. This site is clearly aimed at
serious researchers and designed for optimum ease of disseminating information.
Examples of articles include 'Heuristics versus completeness in graph coloring'
and 'Self-stabilizing distributed constraint satisfaction'.
http://www.cs.uchicago.edu/research/publications/cjtcs/
ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away
Astronomical Calendars
We take it pretty much for granted, hanging up there on the wall, or embedded
in the chips and software of computer, watch, and VCR, but the calendar is an
incredible invention. Standards have been a bit of a challenge, though.
Imagine, for example, the abrupt leap from October 4, 1582 to October 15, which
the Gregorian calendar imposed when introduced, making up for the accumulated
errors of the Julian calendar, which had been around since Roman times. Turns
out that although you might think that a year is a year is a year, there are
many different kinds of solar year, including the tropical, the sidereal, and
the anomalistic. And of calendars there have been legion. Adoption of new
calendars always caused a stir, and historians must now contend with the great
amusement afforded by the adoption of the Gregorian calendar at different times
by different countries. And we think the switch to metric units is a challenge!
This fascinating little site is a self-contained resource on a single page that
gives an intriguing overview of the calendar situation.
http://www.maa.mhn.de/Scholar/calendar.html
Netsurfer Recommendations
Items our staff likes and you might too. Click on the cover or title to order
the item at a hefty discount from Amazon.com and Beyond.com and send a few
pennies our way as well.
Cosmic Evolution: The Rise of Complexity in Nature
Eric J. Chaisson
Harvard Univ Pr; ISBN: 067400342X
Even when we consider the grand questions, we have a tough time thinking past
our own noses. The mention of evolution conjures images of our own poor stooped
ancestors. But, Eric Chaisson exposes the limits of our imagination with his
concept of evolution. While physics searches for a unified theory that links
galaxies and molecules, Chaisson susses out a synthesis of the cosmos'
evolution from the first transformational dawning of the Radiation Era, through
the Matter Era in which the universe ordered itself, to the Life Era, the
maturing of human consciousness and beyond. He's talking about cosmic
evolution, through eras that he reckons in billions of years, an
interdisciplinary study that embraces everything from quasars to geology to
anthropology to ethics. Chaisson looks to our origins in the stars - and what
our own evolution might mean for the shape of the rest of the universe. That
sense of cosmic connection gives him a good measure of appeal for New Age
folderol, but it's only a superficial similarity. Chaisson abandoned NASA to
join the faculty of Tufts University in part because he thought that critical
thinking skills were wanting in our future scientists and teachers of science.
More than that, he believes that humanity is poised at a cosmological
crossroads. For the first time, at least the first time in our own local
experience, we have the ability to shape both our genes and our world. If we
are tied inextricably to the cosmos, we are then also on the verge of shaping
the universe. If science, religion, and philosophy can be as divisive as they
are unifying, we have only poor maps for taking the next step. Chaisson
proposes a synthesis that represents a unique wisdom. In fact, he thinks that
we should seize what is an entirely singular opportunity to open ourselves up
to ethical evolution.
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MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
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pH Measurement
Electrodes, pH meters, and other stimulating stuff suffuse this site, which
takes the practice of pH measurement seriously. The site explains why pH
matters; what the range of pH amounts to and its significance; basic - um, not
basic - standard procedures in measuring pH, which, while seemingly simple,
requires the methodical application of sober science to be effective and
meaningful. Navigation is good. Straightforward screens and simple
illustrations provide an engaging, easy to follow, and effective approach. And
the pH specialists who put up this site know their stuff, so the information is
impartial, authoritative and reliable. No caustic remarks or acid comments from
us about this place.
http://www.ph-measurement.co.uk/index.htm
ARCHEOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY
What is past is prologue
Dinsosauria Online This site proclaims itself your window into the
mesozoic. Fortunately, the window is thick and shatterproof, as the mesozoic
isn't a period we'd care to explore unprotected, thank you. This is a big world
with documents galore on all aspects of dinosaurs, even dipping into controversy
at times, highly suffused with the big teeth of enthusiasm and covering the
range from the technically demanding to the more widely accessible. We suspect
that they'll keep you out of trouble for quite some time! There's also a nice
collection of pictures, including some of our friends the trilobites, once
you're bored with the big carnosaurs and herbosaurs. Finally, if you ever do
finish exploring every nook and cranny of this place, well, it's part of the
paleo ring, so you can voyage endlessly we suspect in other places. As well,
there are selected and annotated links to other dinosaur sites. Thanks Jeff
Poling, although maybe you won't thank us for sending you more traffic if it
puts pressure on the ISP that has its beady eyes fixed on you!
http://www.dinosauria.com/
Polynesian Voyaging Society
In terms of sheer distance, it was the greatest human maritime migration until
the settlement of Australia. Starting in the Caroline Islands in western
Micronesia, the Polynesians settled a vast ocean triangle (New Zealand-Easter
Island-Hawaii) using sailing canoes. Superb navigators, the Polynesians
developed excellent star charts that allowed them to carry out these voyages
with great confidence, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society commemorates these
epics, by recreating the voyages using ancient techniques, and by recording the
history, languages, and traditions of the migrations. Therefore, not only can we
see pictures, accounts, and maps of modern-day recreations; there is also a vast
archive of historical articles, proverbs, voyaging songs, and sailing techniques
of the ancient Polynesians. Learn about life on a canoe at sea, view the fine
gallery of maps and canoes, and get practical advice on the building and
sailing of a wa'a kaulua (a double-hulled canoe), all in an easily navigable,
colorful site.
http://leahi.kcc.hawaii.edu/org/pvs/
SCIENCE AND ART
Puttin' on the Ritz
Taxidermy Tips
Did you have a favorite stuffed animal when you were young? Larry Reese might
have, but it was likely not a teddy bear. Reese, a state and federally licensed
taxidermist, has assembled a number of his columns on taxidermy and related
issues. He presents them here with careful attention to attractive color tones
and formatting. It's actually a pleasure to read his plainspoken descriptions
of the mechanics of drop camps or gutting big game. Even those of us who don't
intend to skin or stuff anything anytime soon can appreciate the value of
knowing how to do it right if you're going to do it.
http://www.bowhunting.net/taxidermy/default.htm
MEDICINE, BIOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY
It's alive! It's alive!
GALEN
GALEN is an exciting concept but somewhat lacking as a Web site (don't let
anyone tell you we pull our punches!). That should be enough to consign it to
the reject bin, overflowing with unworthy places we don't bother to tell you
about, except that, well, the concept is important and exciting. GALEN is a
next-generation system for capturing, manipulating, and displaying clinical
information and electronic patient records. We think it's important because
that's a road down which may lie more effective and lower-risk care, and better
standardized treatment. Admirably, the system itself is designed to be open and
free, but the Website isn't very free with information. It does provide a
tantalizing glimpse of the system in a couple of brief news items but forget
about those links labeled presentations and tutorials; these just whisk you to
the OpenGalen Website, which provides neither documents nor tutorials. Strange
that folk so keen on the concept of sharing information share so little
information!
http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/mig/galen/
ANTHROPOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY, ECONOMICS, AND GEOGRAPHY
All that we see or seem
The Meretrix Online Virtual Prostitution Museum
Magdalene Meretrix, pianist, dancer, Web designer, author, Mensa member, and
professional sexworker, has created a virtual museum of prostitution-related
artifacts, lore, and trivia. It's not exactly the Smithsonian, but it is a bit
more refined than what you might find on Hollywood Blvd. There are photos of
tokens, matchbooks, other souvenirs and collectibles, and some nice antique
photos of prostitutes. The essays are rather brief, however, and there's not a
great deal of historical analysis. There aren't any audio walkthroughs or video
recordings, as might be found in a real museum, though (this may be a good
thing, actually). There's some tasteful nudity, nothing too shocking (at least
on the Web scale), but be advised that this is adult material.
http://www.realm-of-shade.com/meretrix/museum/
Understanding Money
You thought it was real money. They said it was real money. It even said it was
"legal tender for all debts, public and private". It looked very serious, with
its stamps, signatures, seals, serial numbers, and microfine artwork. But alas,
it was only paper: cotton-based paper printed with green ink, and perhaps an
imbedded metallic strip. It had seemed as if the Great Wizard Greenspan could
keep us all (or, at least, most of us) eternally prosperous with his Crystal
Eye of Consumer Confidence, Scrolls of Earnings Reports, and incantations
before Congress. Who could have known that one day the spells would wear off.
The arcane mysteries of modern economics and monetary systems may be understood
by economists, but their ability to explain them is often deficient; it would
appear to take a rocket scientist to explain such matters, and a rocket
scientist (or, more properly, an aerospace engineer) has risen to the occasion.
He is William F. Hummel, and he has published a fair amount of understandable
material on the Web pertaining to the subject of money and credit. And don't
worry, those notes should still be useful for kindling; just don't inhale the
toxic vapors.
http://wfhummel.cnchost.com/tableofcontents.html
SCIENCE LITE
Where are you, Mulder?
Jurassic Technology?
Don't imagine for a moment that just because it's got Museum of Jurassic
Technology emblazoned across the entrance that you'll find tyrannical T. rex,
rapacious velociraptors, or feathery notions about the evolution of birds here.
Oops, we've spoiled the surprise! Well, anyway, truth in advertising this site
is not! The Museum - actually a small storefront place we learned through
clever sleuthing - says it's an educational institution for the advancement of
knowledge and public appreciation of the lower Jurassic. Yeah, right! Fact is,
the museum has a distinctly odd collection that has - let's be completely
honest here - absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the Jurassic, let alone
technology, not to mention museums in general! It's a joke, it's a gag, it's a
funny, clever sort of place, or maybe it's a test of some kind, one we just
failed? Or has it something to do with all those blackouts? (Just what is it
that's rolling anyway, hm?) Apparently most days it's closed, but maybe someone
living there can trot over to 9341 Venice Boulevard, Culver City, California to
find out just what gives and let us know. But then, will we trust them once
they've been inside and inhaled the spores? This looks a little like carbon
ADDING chaos to the feverish fecundity of silicon and silica.
http://www.mjt.org/
RESIDUE
We can't be sure what else is out there
Science/Magic
Work your way around the Roman numerals is our advice - we won't spoil the fun
by saying too much, we promise. Each section is designed differently and the
design is almost as much fun - no, dang it, it's more fun - than the contents.
Learning and memory, evolution, metabiology, as well as some lighter topics
jostle together here, cheek by jowl as they say. These deep conundrums are
illuminated by a man trying to inject a little magic into the whole process of
science. Imaginatively designed pages add to the fun of what is at heart
serious work. The easiest stuff here is at the Scientific American level and
some of it is considerably more challenging and, yes, there is a search engine
for the site, somewhere there. Tick. Tock.
http://brembs.net/
PSEUDOSCIENCE, BAD SCIENCE, AND WORSE
I rarely use it myself, Sir. It promotes rust.
Cosmic Ancestry?
That life comes from life, comes drifting in from space, and did not arise
indigenously and spontaneously through autocatalytic sets and self-replication
in the early mud, as others hold, is certainly grand speculation, and that's
always fun. Adopted and promulgated enthusiastically by Sir Fred Hoyle and his
colleague Chandra Wickramasinghe in the '70s, and recently brushed off and
revised, this notion of panspermia is here flogged big time by Brig Klyce. The
panspermia site is voluminous, serious, nicely designed, and replete with
documents, arguments, quotes, and references. Somewhere in the feedback you'll
see that Jon Richfield finds it all implausible; read the long, ensuing debate
that Klyce finally cuts off. Now, we're not here to award or withhold the
imprimatur of scientific authority, but we do think we should warn you that
panspermia is far from mainstream science. The notion is intriguing but, alas,
the logic sometimes falters. It's great fun to read about, but in our mind it
begs the question of where and when life did begin if not spontaneously here on
earth. Panspermia cannot ignore the question because life could not have existed
in the early stages of the universe with its roiling heat and radiation and
absence of elements other than hydrogen and helium. Give it a read, as it's
grand fun, and see what you think.
UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS
http://www.panspermia.org/
Galacticsurf's Up
Galacticsurf, reviewed in NSS 3.17, has moved. Our reviewer liked it and one
reader even thanked us for alerting him to its merits, so we expect a few of
you would like to receive our change of address notice.
http://www.galacticsurf.com/
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