Ok, I admit it – I LOVE computer games and interesting web sites. Interactivity is the most popular now because computers have gotten faster and our internet connections have gotten faster. Here are 10 websites that are a combination of the odd, fun, the weird, the educational or the simply bewildering.
1. Alien Empire (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/alienempire/index.html) Although this website is aimed at kids there is so much information here about the alien (think bugs!) empire, it is the world of insects that adults will want to explore for hours! You may want to take a look at how insects are designed and how they go about the sometimes dangerous act of reproduction. There is a look at the wars that go on among insect communities and it also features the ways we and the bugs co-exist - or not!
2. The Universcale (http://www.nikon.com/about/feelnikon/universcale/index.htm) Size matters, or so this web site will tell you. This amazing site shows you scale as you have probably never seen it - from the smallest speck to the largest asteroid and beyond. Fantastic graphics will give you a real idea of your place on the planet – or even the universe.
3. Make a Flake (http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/) Something a little less noisy and strenuous. If you like the myriad shapes that a snowflake can take and find it fascinating, then why not make your own? You are given a piece of paper and a pair of scissors - virtual ones of course! Then you chop up the paper and create your own snow flake. Hugely enjoyable fun, you can even save the flakes you create so that others can view your handi work.
4. The Mini-Mizer (http://www.reasonablyclever.com/mini/) Have you ever wondered what you would look like in plastic and miniaturized? No, well, maybe you won’t like this web page! This site allows you to build up a picture of yourself as you would appear if you were three inches tall and made of the rubber stuff! You could even make little versions of your whole family to give them a momentary laugh from something that took you five hours to do!
5. Interactive Radio (http://musicovery.com/index.php?ct=us) This is music to match your every mood and takes the shape of an astounding interactive radio station. You can choose the genre, the mood of the music and the era from which it should come. The website will then give you a very specific selection of the type of song that you have requested. So, whether you are looking for swinging tunes from the fifties, brooding jazz from the sixties, pop from the seventies straight up to contemporary music, this is the site for you!
6. Neave Television (http://www.neave.com/television/) Click on to this site only if your PC can take a little action! You will need broadband and a desire to be completely bewildered. If you enjoy channel hopping then this might be that ultimate experience you have been waiting for. Click on the screen to start hopping and when you are fed up with one channel click again to hop to the next. Utterly fascinating and strange fun!
7. Kaleidoscope (http://www.zefrank.com/dtoy_vs_byokal/index.html) This could also keep you busy for hours. Just pick one of the shapes and draw a design; then another shape; etc. On the right of the screen you can see the effect. Hypnotic and mesmerizing fun!
8. Neon Bible (http://www.beonlineb.com/click_around.html) This will knock your socks off! A music video that is interactive? Possibly the shape of things to come, this will certainly have you scratching your head and wondering how on earth they did that!
9. Mr. Picasso Head (http://www.mrpicassohead.com/create.html?skin=original) Have you ever wanted to paint like Pablo Picasso? Here you get the opportunity, with a huge variety of permutations and combinations that can come together to give you your very own take on the great man’s style. Once you are done you can save the Pi casso style drawing that you have created it and email it to your friends - or possibly some of your enemies too!
10.Autopsy (http://www.deathonline.net/movies/mm/autopsy.cfm) This website is definitely not for the faint
hearted or for those who do not like the sight of a little blood. It is a step by step guide to what happens during an autopsy procedure. Watch with glee or with your heart in your mouth as the first incisions are made and the bodily organs removed. A superb guide to what goes on in the autopsy room, but don’t blame me if your dinner makes a reappearance!
