This very useful list from the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies provides you with a way to check out alt news sources across the country. Click on the name of the weekly pub to get a very nicely written description and history of the publication or go directly to the weekly via the web site link and get your local news fix!

Well at least sometimes they do. This very interesting and fun collection provides hours of Optical Illusions & Visual Phenomena pleasure. One of the best parts of the site is that each one of the illusions is explained -- so you know (at least in part) why you are seeing what you think you're seeing. A really fun site and a great tool for understanding the tricks our eyes and brains play on us!

For those of us who are dog people, the online version of Bark (a hip canine mag) is a nice browse. A good way to distract yourself from work, scratch the surface and learn a little more about our four legged friends or chew on some very well written doggy themed essays.

Forget the fact that it's vegan and just enjoy the fact that it's fabulous! I only say this because so many people have an initial reaction to vegan recipes (something about tofu and sprouts and raw food experiences) -- and this site rocks! The recipes are wonderful and the info is provided in a well put together pleasurable site. I made the peanut butter oatmeal cookies this weekend and let's just say there wasn't one left by Monday evening :-)

This wonderful site explores the use of spices from the kitchen to the bedroom to the sickroom.

In honor of the upcoming sugar fest that is the holiday season, take a quick peek at the food timeline's wonderful history of candy section. Unwrap a bonbon and enjoy!

This wonderful site covers most things mom -- very funny and touching writing. Will be roundly appreciated by those of you who are moms, or to help those of you who aren't better understand and support those who are.

Talk about your "great pumpkin" -- this site regales us with giant pumpkin photos, tips for growing your own monster squash and lots of other pumpkin related info.

Looking for something to tickle their fancy -- send them one of these free digital pulp fiction ecards. Sure to please!

This information about the winter solstice is presented with lovely pictures, some scientific as well as sociological info, and (maybe most importantly) is a soothing antidote to the overwhelming consumer insanity that is the holiday season.

Simon Off -- apparently a Brazilian legislator wants to make it illegal to give pets human names. The reasoning behind this legislation will amuse you... check it out.

The rollercoaster that is the presidential race may keep you on the edge of your seat this week, but visiting this site will keep you well informed with its plethora of poll info.

Take a deep breath and a few minutes to move closer towards enlightenment...

No, I'm not talking pie crust here. This entertaining site lets you cut up virtual paper to create your own fabulous paper snowflake. Gets an A+ for procrastination value.

At least it's pretty brutal here in Madison, Wisconsin. It's perfect weather to stay home and watch a video or DVD. If you haven't already discovered this great resource for the cinematically inclined, you're in for a treat. Rotten Tomatoes reviews films, video games and lets you know what's just been released on DVD/video.

Even though women are being awarded more PhDs than ever in the sciences the percentage of women in tenure track positions doesn't correlate. This article in the New York Times, which reports on a study done by Donna J. Nelson, a chemistry professor at the University of Oklahoma, gives an overview of the situation for women academics -- not surprisingly the situation is even bleaker for minority women.

If you're feeling a little stressed from the " 'tis the season" insanity, this collection of worst album covers should bring a smile to your face. If you scroll all the way to the bottom there's a link to worst album covers II.

This wonderful article on lauded photographer Diane Arbus and the accompanying photos are from Sunday's NY Times Magazine. If you didn't get a chance to peruse the paper version, grab some coffee, close your office door and pretend you're at home on the couch. [free registration required]

From Planned Parenthood, comes this site celebrating 30 years of reproductive freedom for women and urging involvement in the ongoing battle to ensure reproductive rights.

A good behind-the-scenes look at the pop phenomenon that is (was?) American Idol. This well written Salon article explores the disturbing details!

If you've been a bit frustrated by all the hype surrounding Sylvia Ann Hewlett's Creating a Life: Professional Women and the Quest for Children, then this witty article from Salon will feel like a cleansing sorbet between heavy courses!!!