General Interest
http://detroityes.com/index.html
If there was ever a city that seemed to embody the dynamic American economy of the early 20th century, it may have been Detroit. The city was awash with massive civic buildings, a well-developed mass transit system, and a thriving cultural scene. Much of this began to change as the century progressed, and by the late 1960s, the city was the embodiment of the so-called urban "crisis" that was faced by just about every major city in the United State's Rust Belt. This website offers visitors some insight into the contemporary urban environment in and around the Motor City as documented by a lifelong Detroit resident and artist, one Lowell Boileau. The site has been online for almost 10 years, and visitors can take any number of topical photographic tours of the city, including those dedicated to the lost synagogues of Detroit and a clutch of 19th century mansions. The site also features a number of lively discussion boards where visitors may chime in about any number of issues affecting the city. Overall, this is a very well-designed site, and one that will fascinate urbanologists everywhere. [KMG}
http://euterpe.bobst.nyu.edu/mednar/
Faculty and staff from New York University's French Department and Bobst Library, with support from an anonymous donor, have created this site to present video clips of performances of medieval narratives. The intent of the site is to use performance to improve teaching medieval literature, since most medieval narratives were originally intended for performance. Video offerings include a performer singing the opening lines of the Nibelungenlied accompanying himself on an Irish harp; a student reciting from memory a passage from Chretien de Troyes, Perceval, in which the Grail appears and Perceval remains silent; and an excerpt from a public performance of Beowulf. Search for clips by selecting criteria, such as language, title, author, or musical instruments, from drop-down menus, or select "list site contents" to see all available clips listed. The videos are accompanied by full catalog records, with background on the performance, plot summaries, and length of the clip. [DS]
As spring approaches and numerous college students and others begin to think about their plans for summer and beyond, it seems fitting to revisit the Idealist website. Administered by the nonprofit organization Action Without Borders, this site serves as a portal for anyone interested in a career with a nonprofit organization, volunteering, or internships in a related setting. The homepage is a good place to start, as it contains updates about upcoming nonprofit career fairs, news pieces related to social service and nonprofit groups, and some themed resources for volunteers, nonprofit managers, job seekers, and teachers. The site's homepage also contains a comprehensive search engine that is linked up to each and every database provided here. The Career Center section is a real find, as visitors may peruse sections dedicated to writing effective resumes, working abroad, and also look through a nonprofit job forum as well. Finally, visitors can also sign up for personal email updates and look at the site's contents in Spanish and French. [KMG]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/alaska/
The most well-documented road-building program in the world may in fact be the construction of the U.S. interstate highway system. However, the most dramatic project may have well been the construction of the Alaska Highway during World War II. As part of the highly celebrated Public Broadcasting System series, "American Experience", this site complements the recent edition of this program that examined this 1,500-mile road. Construction of the road commenced in May 1942, largely because of the very real possibility that Japan might invade Alaska. The highway took eight months to complete, and along the way the soldiers assigned to this project encountered substantial mountain peaks, snow, and primeval forests. After reading a brief synopsis of the film, visitors will want to take a look at the site's special features, which include an online poll, a fun section titled "How to Build a Road", and a virtual "road trip" along the route of the highway. The site is rounded out by a timeline and some bonus interview transcripts from various persons who participated in the construction of the Alaskan Highway. [KMG]
Since time immemorial, people have loved to cook. Whether it be for themselves after a hectic day or for a dinner party of 20, the experience of dining is something that can be both relaxing and energizing at the same time. Fortunately, the All Recipes website, started in 1997 by a group of Web developers with a passion for cooking, has over 26,000 recipes for the consideration of the discerning epicurean. Users may just elect to search for a recipe from the top of the site's homepage, or they may want to browse the recipes by collection, such as desserts, pasta dishes, or soups. The "Ideas" area contains a smaller offering of recent submissions, such as layered seafood dip and garlic and onion burgers. Visitors to the site may also leave feedback on each recipe, along with a brief commentary. The site also contains a recipe calendar linked to upcoming holidays so that visitors may plan their festive meals accordingly. If that weren't enough, the site also includes an area where visitors may sign up to receive various electronic mailings, such as those for persons planning to eat healthier meals or just the latest recipes contributed to the site. [KMG]
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/odd/
The guiding disclaimer that informs this website offered by the Wisconsin Historical Society is that well-known dictum, "Je n'impose rien; je ne propose rien: j'expose," which means: "I do not impose anything; I do not propose anything: I expose." By drawing on its vast holdings of compelling and curious primary documents, the Wisconsin Historical Society offers these small portions of odd and unusual historical items that are quite worth perusing. The project was started in January 2004, and visitors can view the current items, or look through the monthly archives. The selections offered here may also be browsed by categories, such as odd lives, strange deaths, bizarre events, and animals. Some of the rather intriguing events that visitors can read about here include a first-hand account of the deep freeze of 1838 and Wisconsin's first poet, the rather eccentric James Gates Percival. It may truly be said that this site has "something for everyone". [KMG]
Sponsored and maintained by the American Heart Association, this site is designed to help individuals learn about the benefits of staying fit, eating right, and exercising on a regular basis. The site includes a helpful exercise diary, which helps individuals keep track of their daily progress. The Fitness Resources area should prove to be quite a boon to visitors as well. It features a FAQ section on exercise and heart disease, several factsheets, and information about women and cardiovascular disease. The "My Fitness" area contains detailed material on the benefits of daily physical activity and eating healthy in order to remain fit. For those who wish to spread the good word about this site and its contents, there is also a place where one may send a "heart-to-heart" e-card greeting. [KMG]
