(from eJournal) Winding its way over 2400 miles across eight states from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66, commissioned in 1926, connected small town America to one of the first interstate east-west thoroughfares. The all-weather two-lane road eased the way for rural farmers transporting produce, migrant workers seeking work, and travelers on the road to see America. Along the way, mom-and-pop diners, motels, service stations, and kitschy roadside attractions flourished for decades. Although Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985, state associations, local businesses, and dedicated individuals are revitalizing the legendary road. Immortalized in song, literature, film, and a television series, Historic Route 66 still captures the hearts and minds of those with the spirit of adventure (and a good map). Whether you call it the Will Rogers Highway, The Mother Road, or the Main Street of America, you can still get your kicks on Route 66. Suggested Sites... Route 66 University - check out articles, maps, and roadside businesses. The Mother Road: Historic Route 66 - turn-by-turn road description and detailed map. Route 66 Rendezvous - annual classic car rally celebrating Route 66.

Directory categories: Route 66, Auto Road Trips, United States Destination Guides

Archived under: American History, Autos, Roadside Attractions, Transportation, Travel

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(photo by Max Williams) Digital audio pundits have been predicting the death of vinyl for more than 20 years. Yet some recent reports indicate sales of LPs and singles have actually gone up in 2005. With a lively secondhand market and manufacturers continuing to produce new turntables, vinyl lovers need not fret. For DJs and crate diggers, portable turntables are making the rounds, and new digital models make it easy to connect vinyl with a computer. For audiophiles, whose classical and jazz LPs demand the finest equipment, there are turntables featuring new spins on technology and design at prices to make you dizzy. If you're dropping $12,000 on a turntable, you might as well cut your own records at home. Thankfully, for those who cherish the rich sound of LPs, 45s, and 78s -- hiss, cracks, pops, and all -- life signs of analog music are strong and steady. Suggested Sites... Turntable Basics - essentials to keep the tables spinning and the vinyl clean. You Spin Me Right 'Round - article from Popular Mechanics discusses the return of the revolving machines. Technics 1210 - the workhorse professional turntable for over 30 years.

Directory categories: Turntable Retailers, Record Shops, Record Collecting, DJ Equipment

Archived under: Music, Records, Technology

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Tom Cruise in War of the Worlds From all the attention that Tom Cruise's recent appearances on Oprah and the Today Show received, one would think that no celebrities were ever forthcoming about their religious affiliation. But there's a long tradition of celebrity spirituality, from Bing Crosby and Mel Gibson's Catholicism and Cat Stevens' conversion to Islam, to Hollywood's fascination with Kabbalah. Some claim that blues musician Robert Johnson sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for his guitar-playing ability. There are even celebrities who have had religions based on their life and work. Of course, there are some notables who would never declare their beliefs... or have they? Suggested Sites... Celebrity Atheist List - a collection of notable nonbelievers. Kabbalah Goes Hollywood - red carpets, velvet ropes, and Jewish mysticism. Religion News Blog - news about religious movements, cults, sects, world religions, and related issues.

Directory categories: Atheism, Catholic Traditionalist Movement, Kabbalah, Scientology

Archived under: Actors, Celebrities, Religion

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Mars (from HubbleSite.org) The search for extraterrestrial life is on! Whether on the dry, dusty surface of Mars or below Europa's ice surface, astrobiologists are looking for signs of life. But before a spacecraft or robotic mission is launched, how do scientists know where to look? As it turns out, many clues can be found right here on Earth. Understanding what is needed to sustain life, and where habitable environments might be found, is fundamental to the search. The study of microscopic organisms collectively known as extremophiles has dramatically altered how and where researchers look for life. If these hardy creatures can thrive in the darkest depths of the ocean, in hot sulfuric pools and geysers, and in harsh arid regions here, then perhaps life can be found on other worlds in similar environs. Suggested Sites... Astrobiology: The Living Universe - find out about exobiology, evolutionary biology, and planetary biology and their role in the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life. Astrobiology Magazine - keep up with the latest news on, as well as debates surrounding, the search for life in the universe. NASA Astrobiology Institute - tackling the big questions: How does life begin? Does life exist elsewhere in the universe? In what ways will life adapt in the future? Virtual Planetary Laboratory - learning how to recognize signs of life on other planets.

Directory categories: Astrobiology, Extremophiles, Extrasolar Planets, Life on Mars

Archived under: Astronomy, Biology, Science, Technology

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(photo by Rich Y.) In the world of championship golf, some names always score a hole-in-one with fans. Can Tiger win another major? Is Phil Mickelson up for the challenge? Will Ken Climo win his 12th world championship? Who? In the world of disc golf, Ken reigns supreme, and he'll be looking for another title at this week's Disc Golf World Championships. Disc golf is similar to a more popular sport involving a little white ball: Players try to get the lowest score playing 18 holes. But in disc golf, clubs and balls are traded in for flying discs, and the "holes" are chains mounted on metal baskets. With over 1,750 courses worldwide, disc prices ranging from $7-15, and most courses free-of-charge, it's no wonder the sport is gaining in popularity. Suggested Sites... 2005 Disc Golf World Championships - July 23-30 in Allentown, PA. Disc Golf Review - offers an extensive guide to the flight characteristics of golf discs. DiscLife.com - online magazine offers news, tourney info, and gear reviews. De LaVeaga Disc Golf Course - one of the best courses in the country.

Directory categories: Disc Golf, Disc Golf Courses, Disc Golf Gear

Archived under: Golf, Outdoors, Sports

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