Random Search, Random Surprise
OPEN: JANUS FILE #0138
I will freely admit it -- I'm probably addicted to the Internet. (And if you're reading this, and are honest with yourself, you probably are, too; at least to some degree.) As a matter of fact, I have been known to refer to it as "cyber-crack" on more than one occasion.
At different times, I have had different foci for my obsessions. Some of these have included various Usenet newsgroups, Ebay, and Xanga. (And no, that is not the complete list. That was merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg.)
My latest variety of cyber-crack is Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia. I always enjoyed looking through the encyclopedia as a kid, and a site like Wikipedia is even more fun. For one thing, it is a little more convenient. While it can be fun sitting at a table or on the floor with several volumes spread around you, it can be a little difficult trying to remember where you put the "M" volume because you suddenly have the urge to read about the US Marine Corps. For another, there are articles on Wikipedia that you are just not going to find in The World Book Encyclopedia. For example, not only is there an article on David Weber's "Honor Harrington" series, there are also articles on most of the major characters in that series.
I also enjoy what Wikipedia calls its "disambiguation pages." These pop up when the object of your search could lead to more than one possible entry. For instance, if I were to do a search for the TV series starring Mark Harmon and David McCallum, I would get a disambiguation page listing not only a link to an article on the series NCIS, but also an article on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the real-life federal agency on which the series is based.
Or, let's say that I did a search on the franchise that has three of the most-watched TV series currently airing. The series starring (depending on locale) William Petersen, David Caruso, or Gary Sinese. That disambiguation page revealed that the letters "CSI" can stand for quite a few things besides "Crime Scene Investigation." The article I found most intriguing on that page was the one for cesium iodide (although to be completely accurate, the correct notation for that compound's chemical formula is CsI).
Then there was the recent search that yielded a complete surprise. This obliquely involves actor Boris Karloff. If you don't know who Boris Karloff was, I have only two things to say. First, shame on you! Second, go to Wikipedia and/or IMDB right now, and read about him. The rest of us can wait while you bring yourself up to speed.
Are you back? Good. Now, it's time for a little fun. As you may have discovered from your quick read, Boris Karloff was born William Henry Pratt. Keeping that in mind, let's go to Wikipedia:
http://www.wikipedia.org
You will be going to the English sector of the site.
Now, in the SEARCH box, type in Mr. Karloff's birth name. His first and last name only; this search won't work if you use the middle name as well.
Click on GO. I think you might be just a little surprised and amused by the results. And if some of this sounds more than a little vague, please keep in mind that I want to maintain the element of surprise as long as possible.
CLOSE: JANUS FILE #138
I will freely admit it -- I'm probably addicted to the Internet. (And if you're reading this, and are honest with yourself, you probably are, too; at least to some degree.) As a matter of fact, I have been known to refer to it as "cyber-crack" on more than one occasion.
At different times, I have had different foci for my obsessions. Some of these have included various Usenet newsgroups, Ebay, and Xanga. (And no, that is not the complete list. That was merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg.)
My latest variety of cyber-crack is Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia. I always enjoyed looking through the encyclopedia as a kid, and a site like Wikipedia is even more fun. For one thing, it is a little more convenient. While it can be fun sitting at a table or on the floor with several volumes spread around you, it can be a little difficult trying to remember where you put the "M" volume because you suddenly have the urge to read about the US Marine Corps. For another, there are articles on Wikipedia that you are just not going to find in The World Book Encyclopedia. For example, not only is there an article on David Weber's "Honor Harrington" series, there are also articles on most of the major characters in that series.
I also enjoy what Wikipedia calls its "disambiguation pages." These pop up when the object of your search could lead to more than one possible entry. For instance, if I were to do a search for the TV series starring Mark Harmon and David McCallum, I would get a disambiguation page listing not only a link to an article on the series NCIS, but also an article on the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the real-life federal agency on which the series is based.
Or, let's say that I did a search on the franchise that has three of the most-watched TV series currently airing. The series starring (depending on locale) William Petersen, David Caruso, or Gary Sinese. That disambiguation page revealed that the letters "CSI" can stand for quite a few things besides "Crime Scene Investigation." The article I found most intriguing on that page was the one for cesium iodide (although to be completely accurate, the correct notation for that compound's chemical formula is CsI).
Then there was the recent search that yielded a complete surprise. This obliquely involves actor Boris Karloff. If you don't know who Boris Karloff was, I have only two things to say. First, shame on you! Second, go to Wikipedia and/or IMDB right now, and read about him. The rest of us can wait while you bring yourself up to speed.
Are you back? Good. Now, it's time for a little fun. As you may have discovered from your quick read, Boris Karloff was born William Henry Pratt. Keeping that in mind, let's go to Wikipedia:
http://www.wikipedia.org
You will be going to the English sector of the site.
Now, in the SEARCH box, type in Mr. Karloff's birth name. His first and last name only; this search won't work if you use the middle name as well.
Click on GO. I think you might be just a little surprised and amused by the results. And if some of this sounds more than a little vague, please keep in mind that I want to maintain the element of surprise as long as possible.
CLOSE: JANUS FILE #138