Web Surfing
by Dick Kling

Free Rice (Submitted by Ed Rogers)

FreeRice has a custom database containing thousands of words at varying degrees of difficulty. FreeRice automatically adjusts to your level of vocabulary. It starts by giving you words at different levels of difficulty and then, based on how you do, it assigns you an approximate starting level. You then determine a more exact level for yourself as you play.

For its first seven weeks, FreeRice gave 10 grains of rice for each correct answer. On November 28, 2007, we were able to increase this to 20 grains. We hope to be able to increase this again in the future. Here is how we look at it: Your part is to play and donate the rice. Our part is to increase the amount you can donate!

http://freerice.com/index.php

The Eighties

The 1980's, also known as the "Me" decade, significantly redefined the political, social, and technological nature of our culture.  Pivotal events of the decade ranged widely in scale and scope, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War, the onset of the AIDS crisis, Political Correctness, the birth of Personal Home Computers, MTV, and the popularity of dubious fashion trends such as shoulder pads and mullets.

The "80's Nostalgia" website takes a look back at the decade, for better and for worse, with a wealth of information on topics such as Classic TV, Advertisements, Computers, and even Memories.  Other cool features include an "80's Dictionary", Online Karaoke, a community discussion board, and other fun tidbits.  Radical!!!

http://www.80snostalgia.com/

The Art of Creating Creatures

While Mother Nature is the true master of evolution, there is also an artist from Holland who is trying his hand at creating a new species.  This incredible video, courtesy of TED.Com, features the jaw-dropping work "Creating Creatures" by Dutch artist Theo Jansen.

Watch Mr. Jansen's demonstration to learn about "Strandbeests", a new species of walking kinetic sculptures that the artist has created from plastic tubes and bottles.  After watching these unbelievably life-like creatures, browse through other inspiring video lectures from the annual TED conference in Monterey, California.

http://tinyurl.com/339mx9

Capitals of the World

Most of us knew a lot more about Geography when we were in 5th grade than we do now.  Thanks to this cool feature on InfoPlease.Com, adults, students, and trivia buffs can brush up on their knowledge of the capitals of the world.

Scroll through "World Capitals" to find a list of the governmental centers of nearly every nation on Earth, from Andorra to Zimbabwe.  Simply click on a specific country/capital to learn more about it, including an image of its national flag, as well as historical, economic, geographical, cultural, and governmental information.

http://tinyurl.com/gltxt

Mind Games

Just like the muscles of the body, the human brain needs regular exercise in order to stay in "good shape".  Mental fitness is a little more subtle than simply going for a jog or doing yoga, but thanks to this cool website it can also be a lot more fun. GamesForTheBrain.Com is an online gym for brains of all ages, with simple exercises and games to help you build mental power.  Choose from a number of "brain games" that will tone your memory, sculpt your spelling and grammar skills, and pump up your I.Q.

http://www.gamesforthebrain.com/