For all of you Windows users out there, it looks like Microsoft has finally released a new version of Internet Explorer. I have to say it is a lot better than the older versions, but I still think it is a step behind other browsers out there. They are stating that the new features include a new look, tabbed browsing, improved print features, RSS feeder, searching, and security. Too bad most of these things are in other browsers already. I was most interested in the improved printing. This improved printing in IE7 will actually allow you to modify the layouts, text sizes, margins, removable headers and footers, and the print space. This will make printing a page a lot easier and will allow you to make sure that the printed document is how you expected! I guess they also allow users to create and or download add-ons for the browser. This is similar to Firefox extensions that everyone loves so much. I feel that these improvements were much needed, but since I will not be downloading it (I am a mac user), I need to know if Microsoft made their browser more compatible to web standards. Although I doubt it, It would be nice to be finally able to program once and have it work over all browsers...some day!

Today's website: Internet Explorer 7

If you not seen the advertisement for the Davinci Code Quest on your Google Homepage yet, you are missing a bunch of fun puzzles to play and the chance to win some great prizes when the game is over. The game is promote the new movie coming out. There are 5 types of games that you will play. The games will make you think a little, but are not too difficult. A game is released every day until May 21. If you complete every puzzle and you are one of the first 10,000 people to complete them, you will be included in the final game to win a change for any of the prizes they are giving away. Prizes include trips, tvs, laptops, stereos, GPS, etc. Every finalist will get mailed to them a Cryptex replica (a puzzle used in the Davinci Code). I am actually playing the game just because the puzzles are a lot of fun. My favorite so far has to be the Symbol puzzles. They give you a 5x5 board with different colorings on the board. The objective is to place 5 symbols on the board so you have one of each symbol in every row, column, and color. It reminds me a little of a Sudoku puzzle! If you are interested in playing, go to Google.com/ig and log in. The game will be shown on this screen. Good luck!

Today's website: Da Vinci Code Quest

For companies selling things to the public, I think that Apple is the only one that I still get excited to see release new items! I know, call me a geek. One thing that makes this so exciting is that Apple has done a great job at making sure very little gets leaked out about the up-coming releases. Because of this "hush hush" from the company, there are a bunch of websites out there that talk about rumors they receive/hear about what might be coming. My favorite is MacRumors. They do a really good job at getting the scoop, and they have a great following of readers that love to put in their 2 cents. There are always comments left on each post, and many of the readers also vote on if the article is a positive or negative for them. Not only do they talk about the future of Apple, but they are also one of the first websites to report on the releases and announcements by Apple. If you are interested in keeping a closer eye on Apple, I highly recommend taking a look at MacRumors.

Today's website: MacRumors.com

A few people have recently asked me where I get all of my information on the National Parks that I write about in the maps section. I feel really bad that I do not site my content on my articles, so I decided that I would reveal my source and thank them for their great content! The only place that I look anymore for content on a National Park is the National Park Service website. They have an abundant amount of information on any park you are interested in, and they even have sections on each park that will tell you activities that are going on (or marked on the calendar), accessibility of the park, things kids can do, History of the park, and more! I think the layout and organization of content was done very well, and I will continue to use this great resource to help me write about the National Park map images I show!

Today's website: National Park Service

It is amazing to stumble across a weblog written by some of top people in the Internet world. What is even more amazing is when your old roommate (Mike Rundle) is one of those people! This weblog is a place to read what the top web professionals (called their "advisory board" on the site) want to discuss. They all have their own main topics of concentration, but don't be surprised to see them stray and write in different topics. Other than my roommate, other big names on the list are Eric Meyers, Thomas Fuchs, David Heinemeier, Dave Shea, and many other greats. No surprise, but the layout and design of the site is really nicely done. Other things that occur on this site that I am really interested in reading are the Interviews of members of the advisory board talking about the topic they specialize in, training articles by the advisory board, and reviews of products, applications, and whatever else they would be interested in reviewing. This site still looks to be pretty young, but it has a huge potential to be a phenomenal site. I am adding today's website to my list of websites I frequently visit!

Today's website: Vitamin