The History of the Internet in a Nutshell

The internet just turned 40, the first ever web page was 18 years ago and Google is now 11 years old.  How much do you know about the history of the internet?  Find Out

How a painting takes shape over 40 hours of creation

“Ahhhh, this painting. It’s been a constant companion for more than a week now. I’ve worked on it in manic overnight sessions and full business days, and now, after an exact working week, it’s done.  And so it’s time to write down how I did it and why, because otherwise I’ll forget.”  Artist’s Blog

See larger versions on Flickr or the 12 Step slideshow of its creation

The 10 Most Common Phobias – Happy Friday the 13th

When a mentally sound individual flaps around a room, shakes uncontrollably, or has a panic attack for no apparent reason – chances are they have a phobia.

A phobia is a completely irrational fear. Sufferers know they are behaving oddly. But that doesn’t lessen the fear – in fact, it can make it worse.       10 most common phobias

Google’s latest tidbits

Next week, Google is adding 1080p (i.e. ultimate high def) to youtube.  No longer will people be complaining about pixelated, low resolution videos…they’ll complain about seeing pores, wrinkles and blemishes on skin.    Story

Also, comes the rumor that Google’s much-anticipated operating system (Chrome OS) will be available for download next week. For open source lovers who want a more graphical, smoother experience than linux, this might be for you.  Story

Top Ten Most Badass Animals Native to the USA

It’s easy to forget that this very country is home to some historically human-killing animals that could totally murder you in your sleep.  Here’s the list

Time’s 50 Best Inventions of 2009

From a rocket of the future to a $10 million lightbulb, here are TIME’s picks for the best new gadgets and breakthrough ideas of the year:

#1 NASA’s Ares Rockets
#2 The Tank-Bred Tuna
#3 The $10 Million Lightbulb 

Full List

Are You A Map Lover? What about Theme Parks?

This is one of those “only on the Internet” sites.  Accept that there’s no understanding it, and admire the weirdness and wonder of it.  Themeparkbrochures.net is a Theme Park map and brochure collector’s dream.  They have about 300 maps from parks all over the world, some going back as far as 1931.

See how Disney has changed over the decades, check out Sea World, Dorney Park, Busch Gardens, Six Flags, Alton Towers and VisionLand – all from colorfully illustrated aerial views!   They have a lot of brochures, but I think the genius of this site is in its MAPS.

Ancient Greek Online Library

While looking for Demosthenes’ Orations in the county catalog (with only limited success), I stumbled over this useful collection of full text Greek works, after getting a referral from the wikipedia article on Demosthenes.  Thanks internet!

“Here you can find a selection of Ancient Greece’s most precious pieces of literature, philosophy and history. Browse the authors and titles below to unveil the treasures of the ancient times.”  Check it out

Secrets of the NYPL Stacks

“The New York Public Library, with its headquarters at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, encompasses four major research libraries and 87 branches, with a total of 20 million books, 50 million cataloged items and a growing demand in this recession for loaner laptops and other free services… It is undergoing a $1.2 billion makeover in preparation for its 100th birthday…Here are some highlights of this fabled institution…”  Full Story

(thanks to Stephanie for the link)

Top 10 Most Common Passwords

Anyone trying to gain entry into you account will try these within the first minute.  If you’re using any, think twice.

1. password
2. 123456
3. qwerty
4. abc123
5. letmein
6. monkey
7. dragon
8. password1
9. 111111
10. (your first name)