http://sosig.esrc.bris.ac.uk/

Located within the Institute for Learning and Research Technology at the University of Bristol, the Social Science Information Gateway (SOSIG) is an online database of high quality Internet resources that primarily deal with the vast array of social science fields and subfields. Visitors can perform a simple search, or browse through the subject headings offered on the homepage. Each one of these discrete sites has been catalogued and annotated, making it easier to find specific resources quickly. Within each field or subfield, the editors of SOSIG have also listed some of their top choices. One particularly fine feature of the site is the "Grapevine", which offers a place for people in the social sciences to find out (and publicize) information about career opportunities and upcoming events. Visitors can also post their vitas in order to facilitate such opportunities. Finally, it is worth noting that the coverage of events and the like here is particularly strong for the United Kingdom and continental Europe. [KMG]

http://www.ima-art.org/cycles/

Interpretations of the human life cycle take many forms, including those offered by the fields of human development, biology, and perhaps most creatively, in the fields of visual culture and art. This lovely online exhibit from the Indianapolis Museum of Art explores this very topic as seen through the cultures of Africa and their various artistic traditions. The extremely aesthetically appealing interface presents four images that represent the different stages of life--ancestors, youth, adulthood, and leadership. Clicking on any of these brings the viewer into another section that contains a gallery and a glossary of terms. Each gallery features important African artifacts, such as figurines, headpieces, and paintings. As viewers click on each item, they are presented with information on the importance of each item, along with some material about the item in its original context. Designed for users of all ages, this exhibit is both visually appealing and worthy of several visits. [KMG]

http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/sayitplain/index.html

American Radio Works has produced a number of provocative and thoughtful radio documentaries (which are also available online), and this latest addition is truly no exception. Visitors to the site should begin by reading how the two creators of the documentary (Kate Ellis and Stephen Smith) selected these particular speeches, which is a rather interesting statement in itself. Visitors to the site can listen to the documentary in its entirety, or choose to listen to selected speeches, such as those by Booker T. Washington, Dick Gregory, and Stokeley Carmichael. Visitors can also follow along as they listen by scanning transcriptions of each speech. Other speeches offered here include the only known recordings of Marcus Garvey as well as Barbara Jordan's defense of the US Constitution during the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon. [KMG]

http://www.thetech.org/exhibits/online/ugenetics/

While most people may retain a smattering of information and basic concepts about the field of genetics, some may also wish to refresh their knowledge base, and the Understanding Genetics website is a fine way to get back up to speed. Created and maintained by the good people at the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, the homepage is well thought out, and provides a nice entry point to many of the features available here. Visitors can peruse the questions posed to geneticists in the "Ask a Geneticist" feature, browse a selection of recent news stories regarding genetics, and take a survey on the ethical questions posed by the issues of stem cell research and genetically modified foods. The feature story is a fine resource as well, as it provides basic, non-jargon-laden answers to such question as "What is a gene?" and "How do genes work?". The site also contains a number of activities that can be done at home, including a fun exercise that teaches users how to extract DNA from strawberries. [KMG]

http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/joyce/

Though the mention of Ithaca, New York, may not immediately make one think of that giant of 20th century literature, James Joyce, there is a compelling connection between that city's fine Cornell University and this legend of letters. The Joyce Collection came to Cornell via the generosity of one of its alumni, William G. Mennen, who had the foresight to purchase dozens of Joyce's manuscripts and working drafts from the widow of Joyce's brother. This online exhibit provides ample information about these wonderful documents, along with an overview of Joyce's work and life. Moving through the different segments, visitors can learn about his early years and his struggle to produce his masterpiece, Ulysses. Along the way, visitors can view a selection of items, including a handwritten note to Henrik Ibsen and several rare photographs of Joyce. The site also contains an interesting story from Professor Emeritus M.H. Abrams on how the collection arrived at Cornell in the 1950s. [KMG]

http://www.eagleton.rutgers.edu/

Established in 1956 on the campus of Rutgers University, the Eagleton Institute of Politics is dedicated to exploring state and national politics through research, education, and public service. Under the directorship of Professor Ruth B. Mandel, the Institute contains a number of centers and programs, such as the Center for American Women and Politics and the Center for Public Interest Polling. Visitors can peruse the sites of each of these specialized areas, or they may also want to begin by looking over the "Take Note" area on the Institute's home page. Recently featured items in this section include the results of a survey of college students' beliefs about the political system and a full-length report on the state of philanthropy in New Jersey. The site also includes materials about upcoming events at the Institute, along with opportunities for students. [KMG]