This paper proves that academic research has gone down the toilet, so to speak. The adaptations made to a standard urinal by a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology would certainly make a particular bodily function much more entertaining. It has to be seen to be believed.

Anyone who is tired of learning semiconductor physics from an old, mangy college professor will find a welcome change here. Created by a PhD student at the University of Essex, the site explores physical properties and phenomena under the guidance of the one and only Britney Spears. If only she could teach every subject...

This Page Intentionally Left Blank is a movement to preserve on the Internet what was once common in books. Additionally, it “offers internet wanderers a place of quietness and simplicity on the overcrowded World Wide Web -- a blank page for relaxing the restless mind.” The site gives specific instructions for how to create a blank page in HTML, which requires surprisingly little effort. The site’s maintainers welcome other people to join the movement, and they keep a list of over 100 sites that are members. There is something to be said for keeping a tradition alive, even if it is on Web pages instead of book pages.

Brainteasers, optical illusions, and seemingly impossible objects are described on this site, along with pictures and historical accounts that led to their creations. The pinwheel application is especially interesting...

The November 28, 2002 broadcast of Science Friday (a National Public Radio program) featured the Annual Ig Nobel Awards. This recognizes "science that cannot - and should not - be reproduced." The hour-long broadcast can be listened to in Real Audio. Topics range from "computer-based dog-to-human language translation" to "the mating rituals of ostriches."

Here is a fun Java-based activity to kill time. Users can build stick models with springs, masses, muscles, and bits, and then simulate them and see how the move. The effects of gravity and friction are controllable. It is certainly addicting and is quite easy to use.

This site will really make you wonder. There are five cards shown, and the system predicts which card you have chosen. If you (or someone you know) can't figure out how it works, you'll be losing sleep for days!