Internet Scout Weblog

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.

Video Game as Art: Music Catch

2008-05-28 16:03:08

As this free online offering proves, arcade-style video games don't have to be just frantic button mashing exercises. Music Catch offers a mesmerizing blend of music, art, and game, good for taking a break out of your day to while away a surprisingly relaxing few minutes. [Requires Flash]

The Listening Project

2008-05-12 13:19:55

The Listening Project is a full-length documentary that explores the impact of the USs global influence politically, economically, and socially. A crew of Americans traveled the globe, from Canada to South Africa to Pakistan, to find out what the international opinion of the US really is. This website provides a trailer, a synopsis, photos, and video clips from each of the fourteen countries visited. The people interviewed each offer their unique opinion of the existing globalization; there are teachers, musicians, young professionals, and a group of French middle-schoolers that classified Americans as rich, powerful and fat.

The Listening Project

2008-05-12 13:19:47

Electric Sports Car

2008-05-07 14:57:44

I stumbled across this slick looking pure electric car that is both sporty and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, unlike other electric sport car concepts, this car is actually already in production with a luxury price of $98,000. Imagine driving something more fuel efficient the a Prius, and as sporty as a Porsche. This is the wave of the future, and the future looks bright!

Food vs. Nutrition: The Battle is On

2008-05-06 16:05:37

We've all heard nutrition buzz-phrases on the Internet, TV, and in other media, but how worthwhile is it to actually use these as a guideline for healthy eating? In the linked video, author and journalist Michael Pollan talks to a room of Google employees about his thoughts on food, nutrition, and food culture in America. He openly admits that he doesn't have any hardline answers, but simply presents a few facts, speaks about his own analysis, which is very intriguing, and tries to instill a heuristic mindset in the viewers when it comes healthy, nutritious eating and its benefits.