(bits) by bill keaggy

Every week I used to find a cool weblog (sometimes a local St. Louis blog) or some useful, interesting web site from here or there and write up a brief on it for the Sunday Everyday section Tuesday Here and Now section in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (I used to work there as Features Photo Editor). That's about it. Not much action here anymore. More of my stuff can be seen here: keaggy.com.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Irrational Ecstasy

Irrational Ecstasy is a fascinating urban exploration blog. Started in January by a 24-year-old named Casey who lives in St. Charles, the weblog features photos and descriptions of adventures into vacant buildings in the St. Louis area (and, of course, music reviews). Dangerous and probably illegal, Casey and his friends dare to explore our forgotten, forbidden places. Recent outings include the old Lemp Falstaff Brewery, the Carondolet Coke Plant and some of the city's underground tunnels. Explore more at irrationalecstasy.blogspot.com.

Saturday, February 18, 2006

President for a Day

Tomorrow is President's Day, so let's honor someone special -- the man who was President of the United States for only one day. Of course we're talking about David Rice Atchison. Turns out that in 1849 James K. Polk's term ended on Sunday, March 4 at noon and Zachary Taylor's inauguration wasn't until Monday. So, as president pro tempore of the Senate Atchison was thrust into the presidency for about 24 hours (rumor is that he slept through it, and in fact he was never sworn in). The best part? There's a commemorative monument in Plattsburg, Missouri that you can visit. Learn more about Atchison and other American oddities at RoadsideAmerica.com.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

secretadmirer.com and lovecalculator.com

Valentine's Day is Tuesday and you're crushing on a certain someone, without a clue as to how to get things started. So go to www.secretadmirer.com ("The Electronic Cupid") and take a chance on love! Wait, you're not a risk-taker? Then find out the probability of having a successful relationship with that said someone by going to www.lovecalculator.com first.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

WALT NOW!

Walt Jaschek is a Clio- and Addy-winning copywriter and creative director (and Jennings High School graduate, 1973) who likes to make funny-funny ha-ha's on the web. Currently, he has a poll where you can vote on who he looks most like: 1. Syndicated talk-show host Michael Medved; 2. "Cat's Cradle" author Kurt Vonnegut; 3. Dr. Clayton Forrester, Mystery Science Theatre 3000; 4. His Mom. Have a look -- it's harder than you might think. Goof off a little and take the poll at www.waltnow.com.