People walk past the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin early October 20, 2005 for the "Festival of Light" which illuminated over 40 landmarks in the German capital.
Germany's capital is chock-full of Soviet monuments, dark reminders of the Nazi era and memories of its division during the Cold War. There are also happier symbols of Germany's peaceful reunification such as the Brandenburg Gate -- which was the site of much rejoicing after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. But if you don't happen to live in one of Europe's most interesting cities, SPIEGEL ONLINE has discovered an excellent virtual tour of Berlin's sights and history. "Hypermedia Berlin" was developed as a Web-based course on the cultural history of Berlin at UCLA: "Unlike traditional history courses that are organized chronologically, 'Hypermedia Berlin' is organized according to virtual topographies and space." There are beautiful interactive maps from the years 1237 to 2003. Many have pop-up information and pictures of important locations, people and landmarks. It's a great place for cyber-stroll about town!
The Size of a Man's Web Site ...
Sometimes less is more. While the Internet continuously becomes bigger and flashier, some people have discovered all it takes to have a great Web site is a tiny square of 324 pixels. Billed as the "world's smallest Web site,"
guimp.com certainly gives new meaning to the old phrase: less is more. Making use of an incredibly small 18x18 pixel square, the site is jam packed with content. First off you have to get used to navigating such a tiny corner of cyberspace. From the main homepage you can pick either "flash" or "HTML." The first choice will take you to itsy-bitsy, micro versions of old arcade video game classics such as
pong, pacmac, and asteroids. The second option will lead to a surprisingly large menu including a picture show, links, guestbook and site search. They've even crammed in mini haikus and
gallery of famous artwork!
U2 Crushes Mariah's Grammy Dreams
Many had thought after pop diva Mariah Carey's disastrous foray into the movies with her bomb "
Glitter" and her resulting nervous breakdown, she would never again fill the airwaves with her warbling, high-pitched voice. But 2005 saw her make a furious comeback into the pop charts and with eight Grammy nominations, she had been expected to make the 48th annual Grammy Awards her own on Wednesday night.
Fortunately, for those who have never warmed up to Carey's dolphin clicks and whistles vocal stylings, perennial Irish rock band U2 thwarted Carey's domination of this year's Grammys. U2 swept five Grammys including album of the year for "How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." Carey lost in all of the major categories she was nominated for, including record, song and album of the year. U2 lead singer Bono tried to ease the pain telling her: "You sing like an angel." And if that isn't enough consolation, Carey did manage to win three Grammys including best R&B album. Her record "The Emancipation of Mimi" was also the year's best-selling. For the complete list of this year's Grammy winners click
here.
© SPIEGEL ONLINE 2006
All Rights Reserved
Reproduction only allowed with the permission of SPIEGELnet GmbH
