Everything You Always Wanted To Know About The Titanic

On this date 96 years ago, the Titanic, the largest ocean liner the world had ever seen to that point, sank off the coast of Newfoundland. If you're a history buff and you want to use the Internet to learn more about one of the worst maritime disasters of all time, you'll want to make Encyclopedia Titanica your first stop.

Here are some of the notable features found on this impressive site:

• Biographical entries of passengers and crew members

• The Encyclopedia Titanica message board

• Rare archival film footage of the Titanic

And much more. This one's especially a must-see for maritime history buffs!

Got Last-Minute Tax Questions? Uncle Sam Can Help

The tax deadline is practically upon us, but if you have last-minute questions and you're online, don't worry. You should find what you're looking for at irs.gov, the official Web site of the Internal Revenue Service.

The valuable information there includes:

• Tax forms and publications
  


• Important tax law changes
  


• Last-minute tips

And more. But you'd better make a bee-line for the site, because time is running out!

5 Essential Sites To Help You Improve Your Writing

Looking for some help to improve your writing skills? Since you're on the Web, why not take advantage of some terrific online tools that can help you do just that? Whether you're writing a letter to a friend, keeping an online journal, or grinding out the next great American novel, you'll want to check out the following Web sites:

• The Elements of Style - The entire text of this classic style manual for writers is available online at the Web site of Bartleby.com

• Ninjawords - This is one serious online dictionary you'll go to again and again.

• FreeThesaurus.net - When you need a synonym you'll want to check here!

• The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) - Take advantage of over 200 helpful writing resources on this site from Purdue University.

• Writer's Digest - The popular magazine for writers maintains an online presence as well, where you'll find tons of helpful writing resources including message forums!

Do you have a favorite writing Web site not listed here? Tell us about it!

A Travel Blog From A Titan In The Industry

Travel guide sites abound on the Internet, but how many allow you to read the views and opinions of the founders of those sites on a daily basis? That's exactly what you'll be privy to when you read Arthur Frommer Online, the blog from the founder of Frommer's Travel Guides.

Arguably among the most respected names in travel, Arthur Frommer regularly updates his blog with travel news, advice and recommendations. The itinerant Frommer even blogs from the road, offering fascinating firsthand accounts and observations of the places he visits.

A must read if you're interested in travel and it's from a titan in the industry!

How To Learn Something New In A Minute Or Less Online

Got a minute to spare? No, not a few minutes like you would usually expect to spend when you hear that question, but one minute, literally. If you do, head on over to OneMinuteU, where you'll find a library of how-to videos each lasting-you guessed it-60 seconds or less.

So what can you learn in a one minute video? Here's a short list from the site:

• How To Make English Muffin Pizzas

• Learn to Draw Fast

• Going Green In Your Home

• Removing Clutter

Though several of the one minute videos act like promotional spots to entice you to visit other sites, you'll be surprised at how many of those still offer helpful tips in under 60 seconds.

Got a minute? You might learn something you didn't know!

The BOOM In BOOMj

Has the social networking for seniors bug bitten you yet? Regardless, you'll find a lot to like about a site called BOOMj a social networking site geared towards "Baby Boomers" (the "Boom" in the name), and the slightly younger set-the so-called "Generation Jonesers" (the"j" in the name).

In addition to informative videos, community blogging tools and other features, they've recently introduced the BOOMj Experts Network. This is a group of more than 40 experts that will be supplying content on BOOMj.

From a recent press release:

"The BOOMJ Expert Network will provide customized expert information in the areas that are most relevant to BOOMj's user base: relationships, travel, health, pets and vets, finance, beauty and fashion, home improvement and outdoor adventures."

Since it was just announced March 28th, this feature is still in its early stages but looks like it has potential. Something to keep an eye on!

Challenge Yourself With A Word Origin Game

Ever wonder where a particular word or expression comes from? If you're fascinated by etymology or the study of word origins you'll enjoy playing an online game called Etymologic!

Billing itself as "the toughest word game on the Web" Etymologic! challenges you to guess the origins of 10 words or phrases, and lets you can play as often as you like.

Satisfy the etymologist in you and find out how much you really know about word origins!

Featured Google How-To Video: "Transit on Google Maps"

Do you ever use public transportation when you're in a big city? Now you can use Google Maps to get directions by foot, train or bus in several cities in the U.S. and Canada (Go to Google Transit to see if this service is available for your city).

The video below, created by Google, shows you step by step how to use this new feature.

Take A Virtual Tour Of "The House That Ruth Built"

Have you ever had the opportunity to take a tour of Yankee Stadium, home to baseball's most storied franchise, the New York Yankees? If you've never had the chance and would like to get an idea of what it might be like to walk around this legendary landmark, you'll be interested to know that there's a way you can do it online.

The Web site of Newsday is currently offering a virtual tour of Yankee Stadium. You can experience "the House That Ruth Built" right from your desktop.

The 360 degree views of the stadium include:

• Inside the Yankees dugout
• Monument Park
• Behind Home Plate

And more! Even if you're not a fan of the New York Yankees you'll enjoy this-after all, how many sports venues can claim the historical pedigree of Yankee Stadium? This virtual tour is the next best thing to being there in person!

Did You Fall For One Of These April Fool's Day Hoaxes?

How many times have you heard the words "April Fools" today? Chances are, none of the pranks or jokes you've been subjected to come close to the Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes Of All Time. This list, on the Web site of Museum of Hoaxes has some real classics.

Do you remember, for example, the April 1985 Sports Illustrated article about a pitcher named Sidd Finch who could throw a baseball 168 mph? How about the 1998 advertisement that Burger King ran in USA Today for the so-called "Left-Handed Whopper?"

Read the entire list and see if it brings back any memories. Which of these classic hoaxes had you fooled?