You may be an artist, but do you know how paint is made? Liquitex will tell you. The company's informative Web site features a gallery of art from Liquitex-sponsored events and a photo-enhanced explanation of the paint-making process, as well as tips, techniques, and product info. You especially won't want to miss the section on Liquitex Structural Paint, which holds its shape as it dries, allowing you to add dimension to any surface. You can also find out how to participate in the juried Liquitex Paint-A-Difference campaign, with proceeds supporting artists with AIDS. - David Pescovitz
How close to your eyes are you holding this magazine? Probably too close. In fact, you may need glasses. A good first step to find out if you've lost the 20/20edge is to visit the LensCrafters Screen Your Vision site. (The main LensCrafters page is home to the product info.) Place your keyboard on your lap, position yourself three feet from your monitor, and type in the stylized letters that appear on the screen. Scoring is automatic, and each new screen spits out a bonus, smirk-worthy fortune. When you're done, enter your zip code, and find the nearest LensCrafters where you can have your eyes properly checked. We promise, no "four eyes" jokes. - David Pescovitz
Us twenty-somethings in San Francisco sure dig our java. And we're not buyinginto that Starbucks chain mud either. We drink Peet's Coffee, roasters ofthe finest beans for 30 years. Read about Marvin Farko, Ph.D.'s adventuresin search of old-growth coffee trees that "are capable of producing a cupof unsurpassed depth and character." Immerse yourself in the travelogues ofJim Reynolds, Peet's coffee-buyer and roastmaster. And most importantly,order the beans to keep you buzzed during your travels outside the homelandby the Bay. - David Pescovitz
Feeling insecure about a natural part of the aging process? Visiting Rogaine Online has been proven to regrow hair! Um, I mean, using Rogaine "has been shown to help stop hair loss and even regrow hair in many cases." And now it's available without a prescription! Whether you're a man or a woman, this gender-divided site has information for you! Read the Rogaine FAQ and testimonials from real Rogaine users, join the Rogaine Community and participate in forums! Hear from some 29-year-old guy whose wife "was very, very, very pleased" when his bald spot started to fill in. Amazing stuff! Buy now! - David Pescovitz
"Caution: You are about to enter the Harley-Davidson Web site ... Overexposure to the Net may cause severe cabin fever. In such cases, shut off your computer, pack a small bag, and see the world on a Harley-Davidson." Ahhh, a Harley. The American legend. This beautiful Web site overflows with the lure and lore of the Harley: what you ride (loud expensive motorcycles), where you go (have road will travel), and who you are (Harleys aren't just for Hell's Angels anymore). Anyone who lives to ride will dig the Harley-Davidson alphabet, which explains all of the models with a history that goes as far back as the 1926 SV/OHV 21-inchsingle with magneto ignition. So get your facts straight, then get the hellout of your house, and git on yer hog. Vrrrrrrooooooom! - David Pescovitz
There's something miraculous about a company that doesn't use its site to push its products. Instead, Absolut devotes its corner of cyberspace to a variety of happening artistic endeavors. At the time of this writing the featured exhibit is Absolut Panushka, an online multimedia exhibit devoted to experimental animation. The incredible material includes a selection of animated films to download, a history of experimental animation, and even an opportunity to construct your own Java simulation of an animation scratch-on film. Site themes change fairly frequently, but trust me, no matter what day you visit, you will be entertained. - Dorrit Tulane Walsh
Kawasaki wants you to "let the good times roll," and to help you out it provides complete information on all of its recreational vehicles--on-road, off-road, and water craft--including the ultra-cool "Vulcan Cruisers" motorcycles. There are descriptions, specs, and even pictures of each model, and the pulldown menus make it easy to find the type of vehicle in which you're interested. Additional features include articles, good tips on safety and equipment maintenance, a short Kawasaki history, and info on how you can join the Kawasaki Good Time Owners Club. Compulsive shoppers beware: The company also offer its own credit card. - Dorrit Tulane Walsh
Sure you can eat a subway, but only if it's the kind made by the "sandwich artists" at Subway shops. All the facts you'd expect to find at a restaurant chain site are here, including a store locator, a complete menu, full nutritional details, and franchise info. The site also gives you a decent entertainment section, as well as a cool sandwich-eating game. But the real surprise is Subpages, a cartoonish section of entertaining articles on "unique" people and things, such as the Institute of Totally Useless Skills in Temple, N.H. The Earl of Sandwich would be proud. - Dorrit Tulane Walsh
If trying to reach Ticketmaster by phone has you pulling your hair out, then you should try Ticketmaster Online. You can order the tickets you want right here painlessly--at least until you get the bill. Not only that, you can also find events in any part of the country and access information about the venues themselves. Additional features include synopses of selected Broadway and off-Broadway productions, contests, a good daily entertainment news update, a chat area, and even a new online travel service. Pretty neat, plus you won't go bald (unless you're genetically predisposed). - Dorrit Tulane Walsh
No longer just the no-frills workhorse of private shippers, UPS now offers a full variety of domestic and international shipping services. And if those are as good as this site, then you can't possibly lose. Everything is explained here, from differences between shipping options to billing to package preparation. UPS offers additional online services if you have a UPS account, but great features anyone can access are the Quick Cost Calculator, which gives your estimated cost after entering the package's vital statistics, and an online package tracker. Now if they could only do something about those tacky brown uniforms.... - Dorrit Tulane Walsh