Have a look around the architecture and mosaics of the 6th century monuments of Ravenna. I highly recommend the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistry, and the Basilica of San Vitale. Don't forget to look at the floors and ceilings! At the other end of the Middle Ages are the Gothic cathedral of Amiens (with "movies"-- click the yellow dots on the cathedral plan to move around) and York Minster. Alas, neither of these latter two allows you to focus on the ceiling and twirl around. (Quicktime required)

The Toymaker has some nifty, simple paper projects to print and assemble, like otters with wardrobe and dancing skeletons. Like the ghoulish? Maybe you could use a coffin box or perhaps a medieval helmet. For those with clear eyesight and a steady hand, try constructing New York landmarks like the Chrysler Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. Take your pick. more inside

Anatomy of an excavation contains Howard Carter's written journals and records concerning the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun in the 1920s. It also contains a database of written records and/or Harry Burton's b/w photographs for nearly 600 objects entombed with the boy king (number to the right of the slash indicates number of photos). more inside

River of Gold. Installation of The Gates, a project by the artist Christo has begun. Like any public art, the project has been met with criticism, though perhaps in this case more for its timing than its content. Nevertheless, for 16 days, the saffron fabric will look quite striking against the grey winter environment. Then it will be gone without leaving a trace. more inside

Artie Shaw Dies at 94. "One of the giants of swing era jazz and a crusty, self-declared perfectionist, Shaw put down the clarinet in 1954 and never played it again, saying he could not reach the level of artistry he desired." more inside

The Voynich Manuscript (Yale, Beinecke MS 408) has been called the most mysterious manuscript in the world. Its illustrations are crude and confusing, its subject matter elusive, its date uncertain, its text undecipherable. more inside

The gorilla wake. Primates fascinate me. more inside

Construct your face from scratch using a Flash version of the ID kit used by police. more inside

Curious, George: I want a flask, but I don't know what features comprise a good one. Should it be made of steel? Pewter? Should it have a glass liner? Does direct contact with metal change the taste of the liquor? Does it matter if the lid is a "captive" lid or just a regular old screw-on? more inside

The Banshee and The Devil's Tramping Ground are two of my perennial favorite Halloween Flash pieces. The wind howling outside my window adds to the eerie goodness. Happy Halloween! more inside

A-carving we shall go... more inside

Sabbatum bridges the gap between the metal monster and the Latin-spouting geek in you. A must-have for your next party.

Cat. I'm a Kitty Cat. Juicy mouse (or banana) to whomever can decipher the verse sung on the striped afghan.(Caution: Earworm!)