Cryptozoology Jungle - This site is at its best as a step by step introduction to cryptozoology. It begins with a definition of the subject as a whole and goes on to offer news, a forum, and a shop. However, the 'Topics' section will probably be the highlight of the site for most visitors. Divided into basic units this page acts as an index to a small, concise dictionary. The author has also gone to some effort to include images or photographs wherever possible. Not surprisingly perhaps, the more widely celebrated creatures such as Bigfoot and Nessie get the best coverage. It would be nice to see the author dig up equal coverage on the Mongolian Deathworm or maybe the Chupacabra. On the other hand, there are plenty of links to other sites that could take up the slack in this respect. While the site lacks depth its concise, illustrative approach works well and should entice and fascinate those new to the subject. However, those looking for an in depth, encyclopaedic site should look elsewhere. Rating: 7 out of 10 (25 August 2002) ALD
http://www.cryptozoology.fsbusiness.co.uk/ind...
Museum of Unnatural Mystery - The world of the unexplained is explored in minute detail on the web. Some of us hold out hope for Nessie, or the infernally elusive pirate treasure on Oak Island, and even a cavern lined with gold at Devil's Tower in Wyoming. And many of us want to believe that other intelligences directed certain constructions, and know the original use of the term 'foo fighters'. Of course, plenty of us find all of it vastly amusing. There's something for everyone here, well-written and researched. Exhibits include the Observatory, the Collection of Odd Archaeology, the Hall of UFO Mysteries, the Virtual Exploration Society, the Virtual Cyclorama, the Mad Scientist's Laboratory, where you can make hydrogen (careful!) and bend water, and the Unmuseum Store, stocked with videos and other items. The site loads with somewhat jarring music that may have you hitting the mute button, but otherwise, it's an enlightening destination. (7 August 2001) AD
http://www.unmuseum.org/
The Astrobiology Index - The Astrobiology Index is a large directory site that offers a collection of well-organised and relevant links to everything astrobiological. Pages are unfussy: predominately text based with well rounded and comprehensive coverage. Topics covered run from evolution and its chemistry, through extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents to more theoretical subjects such as ecopoesis and terraformation. Human space travel, educational sites, fiction sites and the more technical life support and microgravity biology are also given an in depth run through. However, in places the author relies too much on a particular source leaving the directory open to problems with dead links. To be fair he does point out that his sources are all free and open to the public and, as such, this is a good mix of resources for both the serious researcher as well as those of us who just want to believe. (7 July 2001) ALD
http://www.lyon.edu/webdata/users/dthomas/ast...
Philosophy, Science and Skepticism - Whether you see the content of this site as philosophy, science, and skepticism as it is named, or as disbelief, faithlessness, and cynicism is completely up to you. The site's position is that for those that wish to follow fact rather than fiction Atheism is the only logical path. One needs not agree with the premise to note that the site's articles review important scientific controversies in a logical and interesting way - from the paranormal to disputes about the risks and benefits of tofu. Tour the Skpiticisuem, a Skeptical Museum of the Paranormal featuring artifacts associated with supernatural, paranormal, and pseudoscientific beliefs from around the world. Information about the Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal is also here. If you are a creationist or simply believe in God, visit the site to find the most compelling arguments against your beliefs. If you are an atheist, visit to hear your beliefs supported in a rational and scientifically sound way. (2 June 2001) SS
http://www2.uic.edu/~vuletic/
432: Cosmic Key - While this site sets out to explore the occurence of the number 432 and its divisors and multiples in science, history, and mythology, it quickly takes the user into a world of whistling dwarves, stone liquefaction, and the ball court at the Mayan ruin of Chichen Itza. Along the way, you will learn about the 432 Buddhas, the latitude of Stonehenge (21,600, or 432/2), the 540 doors at Valhalla through which 800 warriors could walk abreast (540 x 800 = 432,000), and transmission on the 432 MHz Band. A fair amount of the material either has nothing to do with 432, or else the connection is remote or left unexplained. But even though the science of the Seneca Guns, the Singing Colossi, and the Drum Mountain of Fuzhou is uncertain, it's still a lot of fun. Kind of like going to the store to get bread, but realizing that you need ice cream too. (23 December 2000) AD
http://wordmax.com/gallery432/
Science behind the X-files - Like a lot of things in life: you either love it or hate it. If you are enamoured of special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully then check this out. Pick an episode...the Pilot show, for instance, and straightaway you find out that some of the science is a bit flawed to say the least. Scully said that time is a 'universal invariant' which of course it isn't, as the site points out with glee. It's very tastefully done, although not endorsed by the X-files producers, and provides excellent explanations, with links, to the science underpinning some of the statements and assumptions of M&S. They do seem to have got it right most of the time (12 May 1999) DB
http://huah.net/scixf/
Zombies on the Web - The collection is compiled by a philosopher at the University of California, Santa Cruz, David Chalmers. A great resources for those interested in zombies. His main page also offers a number of resources on issues such as what consciousness is, the foundations of artificial life, the contents of thought and similar issues. And of course, if you're interested in zombies, don't forget to check out our own features on the subject, in this weeks' features section. (3 September 1998) MM
http://www.u.arizona.edu/~chalmers/zombies.html
