Internet Scout Weblog

Filmspotting

2008-11-24 12:40:11

I love bad movies. Occasionally, I also like to see a good movie, and this podcast has some very interesting things to say about both kinds. Hosted by Matty Robinson and Adam Kempenaar (a former Iowa City resident like myself), the reviews are insightful, especially because the pairs conversations often flush out the subtleties of a film that may not be otherwise apparent. Its best when they disagree; listen to their respective takes on The Fountain a bizarre little film, I grant you to get the flavor. Im especially fond of the top five lists (Top Five Mancrushes, Top Five Oliver Stone Scenes, etc.) and Massacre Theater, in which Robinson and Kempenaar read a scene from a movie, often poorly, for listeners to try to guess.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide

2008-11-17 20:30:11

If you're anything like me (meaning you live for Thanksgiving, and have been known to read cookbooks cover to cover in one sitting) you have probably been searching for Thanksgiving recipes to add to your menu for a while now. This site from Epicurious is a great place to look for new and exciting dishes, vegetarian options, or recipes for those classic comfort foods that keep people coming back for seconds, and thirds, and fourths (come on, we all know it happens). In addition to recipes, they also have a great how-to section featuring articles and videos for expert and novice cooks alike. Nervous about preparing a 20 pound bird on the big day? Check out the 'Turkey 101' tutorial ahead of time, and avoid making that panicked call to the turkey hotline this year!

CSPAN Offers Up Site on the Presidential Transition

2008-11-17 14:04:58

C-SPAN recently created this informative website with information on the Presidential Transition, and it contains a number of commentaries by former White House Staffers, political experts, and others. The site is rounded out by a collection of relevant documents and links to other relevant C-SPAN sites.

From candy corn to peeps, or a trip down candy lane

2008-10-23 11:16:23

With the approach of Halloween, it seems appropriate to root around the web for something candy-related. I'm glad to report that I've struck Yellow #5 and cacao gold with this delightfully saccharine weblog offered up by the National Confectioners Association. Visitors can read about interesting new products, watch a video of candy corn being made, and even learn more about sensible candy consumption around Halloween. Needless to say they have an excellent blogroll (shouldn't that be candylogroll?) and past entries can be browsed by categories, which include history, drinks, and white chocolate.

Why is Gas So Expensive?

2008-10-17 12:38:49

With gasoline prices flirting with $5 a gallon in the past year and oil companies earning $100 billion or so annually, it's a good time to question what really goes into the price of gas. This article from The Consumerist helps shed a little light on the subject by walking us through the economics of the process from the oil well to your corner gas station.

Peering Inside a Mobile Phone Network

2008-10-07 14:27:49

Have you ever wondered why a text message can get through to your phone when a call can't? Or perhaps you've noticed that sometimes your phone's battery only seems to last a fraction of its normal life? This article from the venerable TidBITS Mac journal explains in plain terms how and why cell phones and cell phone networks work the way they do.

Improbable Research Will Make You Laugh and Think

2008-09-10 12:29:25

Here at the Scout Project we like to laugh and think, often at the same time. As it turns out, so do the good folks at the Improbable Research organization. On this site, visitors can learn about research they've uncovered that spans everything from patents on a method for restaurant patrons to not calculate a tip to some truly bizarre anti-terrorism devices. Then visitors must not leave without also checking out their annual IgNobel Prizes, which are held every year at Harvard. Of course, those with flowing locks (and those without) should browse on over to their Luxuriant Flowing Hair Club for Scientists.

Roller Coasters Reviewed, Discussed, and Dissected Here

2008-06-24 16:42:57

The world of roller-coasters can be fraught with dissension and debate. The Ultimate Rollercoaster website doesn't shy away from such matters, and visitors with a passion for such matters will find plenty to keep them entertained here. Visitors can read about the new Evel Knievel Roller Coaster at Six Flags, St. Louis and the fabled Kentucky Rumbler wooden roller coaster that reigns supreme over Beach Bend Park. Don't forget to look in on their book of records and their extensive online photo gallery. The coverage here is uniformly solid, though there's precious little on other aspects of the amusement park experience, and nary a word on carnies or the relative merits of differing methods of corn dog preparation.

New York Times: Adam Liptak

2008-06-12 15:47:48

Adam Liptak, the New York Times national legal correspondent, is the author of the Times' highly accessible legal column "Sidebar," which "covers and considers developments in the world of law, explaining the significance of legal developments, the stories of the underlying court cases, and the intersecting orbits of lawyers, clients, lawmakers, scholars and judges." Here, visitors will find an archive of that column and all of Liptak's writing for the Times since 1984. With the recent release of Supreme Court rulings from the last session, and debates over same-sex marriage, the rights of Guantanamo detainees, and capital punishment methods, it is clear that we should monitor these very important issues as they make their way through the court system. Liptak will help keep you informed and curious about the American legal environment.

This Side of the Truth

2008-06-10 16:11:49

Do you like the British version of "The Office", the TV show "Extras", or Ricky Gervais in general? If so, then his blog covering the activities surrounding the making of his new movie "This Side of the Truth" should not be missed. As one can imagine, the movie set is filled with silliness on screen and off screen and Mr. Gervais is kind enough to provide his readers with videos and photos along the way. If you are new to the blog it is suggested that you scroll down to the beginning as there are reoccurring characters and storylines throughout. Enjoy!

Flight Attendant Uniform Collection

2008-06-03 16:48:49

Have you ever found yourself wondering what sort of uniforms the flight attendants of Tyrolean Airways wear? Well, I haven't either, but once I started looking at the uniforms featured on this site I could not stop. Cliff Muskiet, flight attendant and aviation enthusiast, has been collecting uniforms from airlines around the world since 1980. His website contains hundreds of images of uniforms from his amazing collection. Styles vary greatly by region and decade, but they are all fun to look at!

GoogleFight

2008-06-02 10:20:08

Ever wondered who would emerge victorious between Hillary and Obama? Red Sox vs. Yankees? Well, now you can find out. Use googlefight.com to pit people or things against each other and watch the animated "battle." The winner is determined by comparing the quantity of Google search results between the parties. Googlefight keeps a record of previous fights and catalogs the funniest and the classics (Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader, McDonalds vs. Burger King, etc). This is an entertaining time waster, so satisfy your curiosity and check out googlefight.com.