12.31.2003: When marketing professional trying to promote their products in another country, they often fall prey to differences in culture and language. Luckily, we can laugh at their mistakes.

12.29.2003: It's funny how cultural and language differences can be misinterpreted. Like Chinese listening to missionaries about the perils of not being saved, and ending up with money to burn.

12.26.2003: Christmas is over, you've played with your toys, and you've already seen Return of the King. What's a geek to do? Delve more deeply into The Lord of the Rings with Middle-Earth Tours.

12.24.2003: It's almost Christmas, and as a last-minute shopper with a young person to buy for, you may think a music CD would be the perfect choice. Think again. CDs make bad gifts for kids.

12.22.2003: What do you get when you combine shuffleboard, chubby penguins, and the constantly changing winds at the North Pole? It's easy to learn, yet difficult to master Shuffle the Penguin.

12.19.2003: The holidays are here, and you're either out of school or wishing you weren't at work. So why fret? Instead, spend some time playing Java versions of classic arcade games.

12.17.2003: You probably have many questions about Japan: What do they wear under kimonos? Why do schoolgirls wear sailor suits? And why do babies have blue butts? Find out in the SAQs.

12.15.2003: "Getting ink done" may be a lyric from an Offspring song, but it's also a common activity for personal statement these days. But you might be surprised by geek tattoos.

12.05.2003: The humble wristwatch continues to undergo changes, not to its basic purpose, but in add-on functionality. Long ago was the calculator; more recently, USB. Now you can get medieval.

12.03.2003: Before there were clocks, man told time with a simple yet elegant device that used sunlight to cast a shadow. Now it has been updated for the 21st century: the digital sundial.

12.01.2003: In the old days before digital cameras, moments were captured by exposing light on photographic film. But you could make your own primitive device: a pinhole camera.

11.28.2003: In the USA, it's the day after Thanksgiving, and most people are recuperating from overeating. What better way to do that than sit at your computer and play an addicting game?

11.26.2003: As in real life, cyberspace is not very accomodating for the disabled. What does a primarily visual medium appear like to the sightless? Find out with the blind man's Internet.

11.24.2003: The final Lord of the Rings movie is almost here. If you're a collector, there's no end to the possibilities of licensed merchandise based on the film series. For example: Barbie and Ken.

11.21.2003: What if you typed a sentence or phrase, but instead of being spoken, each word was sung, a lyric from a song? You may not know the source, but you can let them sing it for you.

11.19.2003: Many geeks are dependent on the Internet, going through withdrawals if away from their email for too long. Before the Internet "goes down" they should print this emergency manual.

11.14.2003 Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold, with a temperature around 77 Kelvin (-195°C). What do you do with something so cold? Here are 1001 things to do with Liquid Nitrogen.

11.12.2003: Everybody likes singing along with the radio in the car. But everyone falls victim to unknown lyrics and ends up mumbling or slurring. Test your knowledge with this 80s song lyrics quiz.

11.10.2003: Apparently it all started by taking a picture holding a Nokia N-Gage next to your head... sideways. But it's evolved into practically any type of electronic equipment. It's sidetalkin'.

11.07.2003: In the crowded and competitive live music business, you need a catchy band name to stand out. The problem is, most of the good ones are already taken. The world's worst band names.

11.05.2003: In the old days, before CDs and MP3s, there were vinyl records, which came in cardboard sleeves called covers, typically with a photo of the artist. The worst album covers ever.

11.03.2003: Ask any commercial artist, and they'll admit how hard it is to create a logo that is both easily recognizable and conveys a message. Here's proof: the worst hockey logos ever.

10.31.2003: It wouldn't be Halloween without Jack-o-lanterns. But when a professional pumpkin carver holds an extreme contest, you have to wonder what he finds interesting and unique.

10.29.2003: For an artist, finding a unique outlet for his or her creative expression can be difficult. But often, it clicks. Using a photograph as the subject for the next one: recursive Polaroids.

10.27.2003: The new US twenty-dollar bill was released this month. But how can you tell the difference between one of the "old" ones and the "new" version? Easy, they're color-enhanced!

10.24.2003: Are you a playa, or just a wannabe? Do you have what it takes to go from gansta to ghetto masta? You probably won't know unless you make with the bling and get on wit dis thing.

10.22.2003: Did you know that you can make water explode, cause light bulbs and neon to glow brightly, and capture plasma in a container, all in your own kitchen? Dangerous microwave tricks.

10.20.2003: Everybody loves their pets. But for some people, no mere master-pet relationship truly captures the connection that kindred spirits share. Only one thing will do: marry your pet.

10.17.2003: How much alcohol have you drunk over the course of your life? If you were to add up all the money you've spent on booze, how many Ferraris could you buy? Now you can find out.

10.15.2003: Geeks like to build things. LEGOs let you build things. Therefore geeks have a natual affinity for LEGOs. But what happens when a math geek goes LEGO crazy? You get 3-D equations.

10.13.2003: It is the rare person who is talented in two completely different ways. Yet few dual talents are as incongruent as Yeke-Yeke's. She's a singing boxer, and she has the videos to prove it.

10.10.2003: Unless you work at a game company, it's usually difficult to play games at work. But now you can use the same program to calculate financials and squander productivity.

10.08.2003: Not everyone has the money to afford an iPod, but that's okay. All you need is a color printer, a pack of cigarettes, a spare set of headphones, and this handy look-alike template.

10.06.2003: It is one of the mysteries of the universe: Why do men comb hair over the top of their bald heads trying to hide something so obvious? We may never know, but we can laugh.

10.03.2003: Do you ever have trouble falling asleep? Most people know the old school sleeping aids such as a glass of warm milk. But probably the most well-known method is counting sheep.

10.01.2003: People like to personalize and customize prized possessions, such as computers and cars. Sometimes you don't know if they're real or a joke, but you can still laugh at them.

09.29.2003: There are many types of alternative keyboards on the market today. But it takes a true geek to convert a classic analog device into an old-school keyboard replacement: type this!

09.26.2003: When developing a new product, it's important to come up with a catchy name and packaging. Which can be difficult if you don't know naughty English words. You are what you eat.

09.24.2003: What do you get when you combine Nordic geeks, a penchant for sitting half-clothed in wood-lined hothouses, outdoor cooking, and an old Saab? The BBQ and car sauna known as Saunaab.

09.22.2003: There are science projects, and then there are Science Projects. It's one thing to make an erupting volcano with lava, and quite another to build a nuclear fusion reactor. Or a railgun.

09.19.2003: It seems that some people can't communicate unless they use Microsoft PowerPoint. Imagine if Abe Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address as a PointPoint presentation.

09.17.2003: Just like spandex, computers are used by people that shouldn't be allowed near them. Many computer geeks have provided technical support, but the pros see the best stuff.

09.15.2003: College professors do a lot of talking, so eventually something they say will be interesting or even funny. So, of course, there's a Web site devoted to professor quotes.

09.12.2003: Watches aren't as prevalent these days as they used to be, but they can still be cool. And geeky. Here's one you never have to touch. And a geekier one that's the world's smallest PDA.

09.10.2003: You may have heard about a bird's-eye view, but what exactly does one look like? And how do you capture it? By using a surprisingly effective low-tech solution: a camera and a kite.

09.08.2003: When it comes to animation, does it get any more simple than black and white? It turns out that the answer is yes, when every "pixel" is a character. It's the art of ASCII animation.

09.05.2003: Most photographs are taken of people. These pictures are usually boring unless you know the subjects. But as time capsules, they can be weirdly fascinating: old, found photos.

09.03.2003: People often dream of having lots of money, but what exactly would you do if you somehow achieved great wealth? Our advice would be to invest in some quality real estate.

08.29.2003: Where there are geeks, there are science fiction costumes. Many go to great lengths for a more complete, "realistic" result. One went to great heights, as shown by his 9-foot wolf mech.

08.27.2003: Origami is the art of folding paper into amazing shapes. All you need is suitable paper, a steady hand, a template, and time. The next step? Adding movement: clockwork origami.

08.25.2003: One thing (among many) that the Internet is good for, is starting fads. Pretty much all you need is a digital camera, a Web site, and willing participants. Now everybody play dead!

08.22.2003: Most everyone has had to juggle several tasks or responsibilities at the same time. How well do you multitask? Can you handle the fast-paced action of a retail establishment?

08.20.2003: In the old days of computer games, you had to cluster around the same keyboard and monitor for "multiplayer". Here's a classic that takes old-school play to a new dimension.

08.18.2003: A common theme in science fiction is unintended consequences, where a benign technology meets an unexpected situation. It's more insidious when it happens inside your house.

08.15.2003: If you have email, then you have spam. So you're probably aware of the recent "Out of Africa" bank scams. Surprisingly, these Nigerian scammers are a persistent bunch.

08.13.2003: You twisted it and turned it, and you tried your best to solve it. Now it's back and you can play online, but it's quite likely more fun to let the computer solve it for you: Rubik's cube.

08.11.2003: In these days of adware, spyware, viruses, trojans, keyloggers, and the like, it pays for a geek to know what's really running on his or her system. The database of Windows tasks.

08.08.2003: Tic-tac-toe is a simple game, but the complexities of strategy make it interesting. Which is all the more reason to add the third dimension, like this faithful reproduction Connect Four.

08.06.2003: What do you get when you cross classic rock videos, polyphonic MIDI-like covers of the songs, and green-on-black characters? Stand back and kick it old school: it's ASCII Rock.

08.04.2003: Geeks like to blow stuff up. Usually this means enemy targets in computer games. But some programmers enjoy the technical challenge of blowing up software. Crash your browser.

08.01.2003: There are many different kinds of hand-to-hand combat, such as martial arts or boxing. But what about slapping? Thanks to the Internet, you can relive the schoolyard classic.

07.30.2003: These stylish looking sunglasses are actually a geek's dream come true: a miniature video screen that's both portable and affordable. Vid Man Walking.

07.28.2003: Scientists know the brains of men and women are different. Now you can see how your wetware operates, statistically, with these six tests of typical brain function performance.

07.25.2003: LEGOs aren't just for kids any more. In fact, some adults take time to explore the thin line that separates "hobby" from "obsession". Behold BrickTopia, complete with nuclear factory.

07.23.2003: Whether it's weight loss, headache pain, or clinical depression, pills are the preferred method of treatment. But pills for playing the guitar? These and more odd pills and remedies.

07.21.2003: If you're like most geeks, you're into sci-fi, whether it's books, TV, movies, or all three. And though it is a large, diverse genre, some themes still recur. They're overused sci-fi cliches.

07.18.2003: When most people watch a movie, they enjoy the story. But a small number examine the craft of moviemaking, watching for mistakes. The Matrix: Reloaded turns up quite a few errors.

07.16.2003: PETA is an organization dedicated to animal rights. One of the ways they support their ideals is by promoting vegetarianism. They do this with sexual objectification and lettuce bikinis.

07.14.2003: When can a building be geeky? When is an art not a medium, but an immersive, interactive experience? When it comes in the form of the seemingly mis-named Meteorite Museum.

07.11.2003: In the mathematical (and computer science) classic The Game of Life, certain shapes are constant, whether at rest or in motion. Some people use this fact to design works of art.

07.09.2003: Everybody likes to take a vacation, but not everybody can afford to go to Yosemite National Park. Thankfully, some geeks are the outdoorsy type. We get virtual panoramic views.

07.07.2003: A typical house is vulnerable to all sorts of hazards, both natural and man-made. So how do you create the ultimate secure home? It turns out that the hobbits got it right all along.

07.04.2003: It's the Fourth of July, which means parades, barbeques and picnics, and fireworks. All outdoor activities. So if you're inside, staring at a computer, then you have some time to kill.

07.02.2003: We spend lots of time browsing the Web, but how online-literate are we really? Probe both the depth and the breadth of your knowledge the Internet way: by pointing and clicking.

06.30.2003: Web sites are not permanent. Some evolve, others disappear. But many remain frozen in time since their last "latest update". Such as the short-lived but prolific World of Mr. Gibson.

06.27.2003: Advertising is all about promoting a product or a message. But if you put a different (sometimes non-subtle) spin on familiar company names and logos, you get some fine parody.

06.25.2003: A group of specialists create blueprints for models, of motorcycles and rare animals, that you can download, print, and build yourself. Amazing, realistic paper models.

06.23.2003: Suicide is a serious problem in modern society, but attempting to take your own life in today's email-driven workplace is never a good idea, as shown by this example.

06.20.2003: While The Matrix has a loyal following of fans, it's no secret that many were disappointed by its sequel, The Matrix: Reloaded. Like the author of this alternative version.

06.18.2003: One of the guilty pleasures of the Internet is the ability to spend large amounts of time immersed in something with no redeeming value. Like this twist on an old arcade classic.

06.16.2003: Most everyone, at one time or another, has used emoticons in emails and online chat messages. But what if you need to display these emotions in real life? You need this.

06.13.2003: "Peltier devices, also known as thermoelectric (TE) modules, are small solid-state devices that function as heat pumps." How long does it take until someone to uses it to cool beer?

06.11.2003: A big part of the Internet's success is its interactivity, the ability for you to participate in some way. Most people assume this to mean instant messaging. But you can also be an artist.

06.09.2003: When it comes to art, most people's approach is "I don't know what it is, but I know it when I see it." Put your mouse where your mouth is and ask the question, Is it art or is it crap?

06.06.2003: Internet domains are being created all the time. Most short names are taken so new ones seem to keep getting longer. But the world's longest is unique because it's an actual name.

06.04.2003: The Internet continues to prove that something can be both pointless and interesting. While you can watch them play, it's more fun to control the amazing diving penguins.

06.02.2003: The hot dog is the star of the summertime barbeque season. But do you tire of merely grilling them? Does your creative side yearn for expression? Then you need hot dog art.

05.30.2003: When car owners have similar vehicles and lots of free time, they form clubs of every conceivable type. And nothing says "Dude, we gotta start a club!" more than a hearse.

05.28.2003: Perhaps you've been to gore sites that show accident victims and, in jealousy, wondered where you could get your own original pictures. Now you can make them yourself.

05.26.2003: The humble cardboard tube at the center of a toilet paper roll performs an inconspicuous but necessary job. So you can't blame someone for turning them into art.

05.23.2003: Most toys today are made by a few big corporations. But just like in any industry, there are smaller companies that, while they don't flood the market, offer many quality products.

05.21.2003: It's a time of concern for one's health, with SARS on the rampage in Asia and possibly spreading throughout the world. What better way to cope than to snuggle one of these.

05.19.2003: Everybody knows that carbonated beverages cause you to belch. But burps are normally the side effect of drinking, not the primary intent. Unless you drink this stuff.

05.16.2003: Are you down and all that, off da heezy fo sheezy? If you hear conversations like that and wonder what the hell people are talking about, then you need an English-Teen dictionary.

05.14.2003: College pranks aren't unusual, but this one is for two reasons: it happened before most people had even heard of the Internet, and, most unbelievably, it's still a live Web page!

05.12.2003: There are dog people, and then there are people that think their dogs are children. No really. Why else would they dress up their dog as a frog, monkey, or apple? Stop the insanity.

05.09.2003: With repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome on the rise, hardware researchers are trying to develop a replacement for the mouse. How about using your nose?

05.07.2003: Traditionally, the word "bunker" conjures up images of military strongholds and backyard nuclear shelters. But you might be surprised by the advances in bunker technology.

05.05.2003: Can the Internet really read your mind and determine your personality? Or can a series of choices reflect the true nature of an individual? Find out when you enter the room.

05.02.2003: How do the different starships from various TV shows and movies measure up? Not capabilities, but actual size? Now you can compare them, in scale, at one pixel per meter.

04.30.2003: Today's high-tech world provides us with lots of cool gadgets... and practically all of them need different types of batteries. So it's a big deal to get all of your power from a single source.

04.28.2003: Regardless of the hardware, a true geek goes to great lengths to modify it. And once it's modified, they'll share the specifics with you. Like this guy. Don't miss the elaborate details.

04.25.2003: For years, the Guinness book has been the prime purveyor of worldwide records, many of which are frankly weird or bizarre. But here are the world records we really care about.

04.23.2003: Something you hear people say from time to time is, "I wish I knew how to make my own sausage." Well, guess what? The Internet is here to help, with a step-by-step tutorial.

04.21.2003: People love their pets, but some pet owners go over the line and into the realm of obsession. You may not be able to read the text, but there's no doubt about what's going on here.

04.18.2003: Games are more fun when you play against other people, and online gaming is big business. But it's not always easy to do through your browser, until now. Go speed racer!

04.16.2003: Customizing is a time-honored geek pasttime, and one of the simplest is setting up new desktop wallpaper. But finding a unique image can be difficult, unless you have these retro remakes.

04.14.2003: In this time of strife and conflict, we need to learn how to put aside our differences and live together in harmony. Like this unlikely pair that remain best friends no matter what.

04.11.2003: You've been watching shows on the BBC and even some Guy Ritchie movies, but you can't seem to grasp the essence of some conversations. You need a helpful reference.

04.09.2003: Every country, territory and protectorate has their own identity, and displays their individuality proudly with a banner. In this time of international awareness, know your flags.

04.07.2003: The Internet is a wonderful resource, allowing people all over the world to do illegal things. Things like copy and share music and movies. And things like buying groceries.

04.04.2003: Many geeks have busy lives, and going to the gym is a big commitment, time-wise. But not to worry, the Internet can bring the workout right to your computer. Aerobicise.

04.02.2003: One amazing aspect of computers is their ability to use their two-dimensional displays to simulate three-dimensional images. Drawing in 3D was never as compelling as the black ribbon.

03.31.2003: Being a computer geek means spending hours of quality time in front of your screen. So practice safe surfing and protect your health with a cool ergonomic products.

03.28.2003: Dog people, and you know who you are, can go to extreme lengths to provide their canine companions with a high quality of life. But sometimes, the best things in life are free.

03.26.2003: Generally, "beer can art" is considered an oxymoron. But here's a site with a wide variety of vehicles, buildings and creatures, where you can order the plans to build your own!

03.24.2003: One of the rites of passage on the road to geekdom is an attention to the precision of time. More specifically, setting the system time on your computers from an official accurate source.

03.21.2003: As the Coalition of the Willing liberate an oppressed people, millions are turning to the Web for up-to-the-minute news. Sometimes it helps to narrow your scope to local events.

03.19.2003: Games, by design, are competitive. And where there are games, there are rules, strategies, organizations, and the inevitable championship. But even for this game?

03.17.2003: Stereotypically, geeks are not known for their fashion sense and social graces. But a good entrepreneur can see the business opportunities of providing much needed services.

03.14.2003: Flying a paper airplane depends on many variables such as shape, launch angle and velocity. A simulation allows you to easily tweak variables. Combine the two and you get this.

03.12.2003: In 1982, the movie Tron captivated audiences with its computer graphics, particularly a deadly game of elimination on light cycles. Here's a maddeningly addictive online version.

03.10.2003: Do you have what it takes to be an action hero? Not just a costume and a crime-fighting persona, but the ability to be depicted in 1:6 scale? If so, then you can be a collectible.

03.07.2003: Many beer drinkers can be fanatical about their favorite brand, whether it's a mass-produced big name or a hand-crafted microbrew. But do you know what it looks like up close?

03.05.2003: If you've ever seen a Playdoh Fun Factory, you know about extrusion: forcing a viscous material through a template to create a long shape. Now you can get one for your butt.

03.03.2003: The cool thing about the Internet is that some sites can be utterly fascinating, even when you have no idea what's going on. As long as you have the time, they have the snarg.

02.28.2003: When you hear "spectacular photographs," the first thing that comes to mind probably isn't commercial jets. But maybe that's because you've never seen this amazing gallery.

02.26.2003: For a true geek, it's all about the hardware: designing and building your dream machine. But doesn't always mean computers. In this case, it's a car and a motorcycle.

02.24.2003: It may be a simple concept, but a kaleidoscope can provide ever-changing entertainment. So spend some quality time using the Internet version of this child's toy.

02.21.2003: Here's an item that's both geeky and related to toast. What happens if you take a state-of-the-art kitchen appliance and turn it into a state-of-the-art computer? You get this.

02.19.2003: If you hold up a toy car just right, you can make it appear to be part of an outdoor scene. Combine this practice with cameras and the Internet, and you get a very interesting gallery.

02.17.2003: How good are you at judging people on their appearances? Can you look at two people, individually, and tell if they are a couple or not? Try to match up people from the 1970s.

02.14.2003: You probably sleep on a mattress each night, but some are not so lucky. Many mattresses are callously transported from place to place. Some are homeless. It's life on the street.

02.12.2003: You and your friends are exploring the Mojave Desert, when suddenly you discover a large rock on a hill. The rock is shaped like a butt. But what do you name it? There can be only one.

02.10.2003: Take a beam of electrons, bounce them off an object, and you can create highly detailed three-dimensional images of very small objects. At this scale, any subject is a work of art.

02.07.2003: Shopping for a geek is hard, because you need something technical or something unusual. But gadgets are expensive, so get your favorite geek something different.

02.05.2003: Sure, you may use a keyboard all day while you sit at the computer, but how good is your typing? Hunt-and-peckers beware, even two-handed touch typists are humbled by letters.

02.03.2003: An advantage of surfing from school or work is using the high-speed connection to download lots of information quickly. Like videos. Relive yesteryear with old 80s TV commercials.

01.31.2003: Here's a Flash that is hard to categorize. Is it a game? A simulation? A weird sort of community? Is it about numbers or time? Or is it a labeling contest? Compete as a gamete.

01.29.2003: The best games meet two seemingly simple tests: easy, and addicting. The Internet makes it easy for you to spend time conducting your own verification testing on the worm.

01.27.2003: The Gulf War gave us Operation Desert Storm, and now all military machinations must have a nifty PR name. How do they come up with them? Certainly not by using this device.

01.24.2003: We all know Canada is a frozen wasteland where everyone lives in igloos. Now, deep in the icy embrace of winter, there's not much to do. Except play a game Canadian style.

01.22.2003: If there's one thing a geek is fluent in, it's the emoticons that online conversations can't live without. You may know the American style, but can you type a smile in Japanese?

01.17.2003: Are you lonely and looking for that special someone to share your life? There are lots of matchmaking services out there, but not many can offer you a captive audience.

01.15.2003: Recently a group of, shall we say, "non-mainstreamers" claimed to have cloned a human for the first time. Why trust a bunch of newbies when you have these pros?

01.13.2003: Modding your computer hardware is all the rage these days, but what's an accessory-minded corporate executive to do? Wow them with the boardroom look of solid wood peripherals.

01.10.2003: One of the surprises of the Internet is eBay, proving that you can buy and sell almost anything online. Something weird and unique is good. Something macabre and bizarre is better.

01.08.2003: What you wear is often dictated by culture, climate, and locale. But some fashions can overcome any and all of those barriers. It may not be pretty, but somebody has to document it.

01.06.2003: It's Monday. The long holiday season is over and it's back to work or school for most people. What better way to mark the occasion than to waste some time playing an online game?

01.03.2003: They say that the skateboard is the basis for all extreme sports, from snowboarding to street luge. And it's true that once man perfects a transportation device, he has to motorize it.

01.01.2003: Happy New Year! While you recover from your celebrating, take solace that people endure agony on a daily basis. And watching them wait, during business hours, is strangely addicting.