A collection of websites which I think are interesting and which, I hope, may be of interest to others
September 22, 2003
24 Hour Access to 2,500 Museums, Galleries and Heritage Attractions
Posted at 01:19 EST
I have recently discovered the 24 Hour Virtual Museum which is a site devoted to some 2,500 museums, galleries and other heritage attractions in the UK. This not only acts as a gateway but gathers together useful information including trails, i.e. in depth web features designed to highlight specific museums etc.
Ever been puzzled by a set of initials appearing in the middle of something you are reading? "What do they stand for?" you wonder. Today's site helps solve those mysteries since it is an Acronym Finder. Insert the mystery initials and find the answer. So if you do not know what SPQR stands for, now is your chance to find out.
BFN (hint it's the first one in the list)
August 16, 2003
Calculating Romans
Posted at 22:36 EST
History and technology meet at Ancient Worlds and this fusion, for me, is reflected in sites which offer electronic calculators which operate using Roman numerals. Quite why one wants a calculator which uses Roman numerals is a moot point but I find the notion of adding, multiplying etc using Roman numerals intriguing: it is certainly a conversation piece! I first came across this notion when I discovered a site which had a freeware Roman calculator for the Palm called Duco complete with operating manual.
That led me to search for such calculators for use on the Web itself. Surprisingly, there is more than one. The most universal is the Edward R Hobbs Computer Romanus. I have not been able to find the original web source for this but the link I have provided gives you both the computer and the instructions which I have found at other locations.
Another example of a Roman calculator is to be found on Steve Gibb's Roman Numeral and Date Conversion Page. The page includes not only Roman numeral and date conversion engines but a calculator and a Roman numerals test.
From numbers, it is easy to move to date converters. There is one at 24 Hour Translations.
There is a links page at About Rome - Roman Numerals which contains some of the above links and some others.
August 7, 2003
Hoaxes and Urban Myths
Posted at 16:38 EST
One of the great strengths of the world wide web is its ability to share information instantaneously. It also provides a medium for those who want to cause mischief or to pursue frauds. Sorting reality from myth and fraud can be a problem and even knowing whether virus alerts are fact or fiction can be difficult.
Today's sites are ones that seem to me to be designed to help in knowing what is genuine and what is not. First there is HoaxBusters which deals with scams and hoaxes, providing a listing by categories. The category which I seem to use most is Scam Chains which deals with the letters which invite you help someone gain access to huge sum of money by giving them details of your bank account. Many of these letters are identified here. The site also gives advice about how to handle these letters.
The site advises checking with the companies that operate virus protection systems when new virus alerts appear. Many of these are listed on the links page along with other sites devoted to hoax and myth busting.
One of the best resources for any piece of historical research is the BBC Website History section. This is rich in information with dedicated sections on Ancient History and Archaeology.
After two useful and serious sites, this one is designed to help you relax and enjoy life.It is Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down and is devoted to the fine art of taking time out. It's real focus is on the in depth analysis of the best biscuits to have with your tea but it does also venture into some analysis of cakes and tea itself. Something of a cult site in the UK, I hope it helps the citizens of AW to relax.
August 3, 2003
What's the Weather
Posted at 03:14 EST
Knowing what the weather is a matter of universal interest. Most countries will no doubt have their own sites but my preference for weather forecasts here in the United Kingdom is The Weather Channel UK. You can put in your postcode and get local forecasts broken down for the day to hourly forecasts and 10 day forecast. There are many other useful options including forecasts aimed at particular activities (e.g. Sports and Travel).
The parent site for the Weather Channel is at www.weather.com which is focussed on the USA but again has comprehensive range of features.
There are weather.com sites for countries other than USA and UK. The up to date list can be found at the World Weather page.
I hope these sites improve your outlook!
August 2, 2003
A Timely Site
Posted at 16:12 EST
What to use this exciting new facility for.....that is the question? Then I thought, sharing interesting websites.
So here is my first website choice: it is one which I find useful in planning activities at Ancient Worlds. It is devoted to time and has an excellent World Clock as well as other useful features to help handle different time zones. The front page of the site is at www.timeanddate.com/.
