George Bendo's Webpages:
Links

Search Engines

• Bing - Microsoft's alternative web search engine.
• DuckDuckGo - A privacy-oriented search engine.
• Google - The world's most popular web search engine.
• TinEye - An image-oriented search engine.

Web Utilities

• Downdetector - UK-based tracker for websites, mobile phone service, and other internet-based services.
• Is It Down Right Now? - Another tracker of whether websites are online.
• Speedtest - An online tool for checking internet speeds.
• Whois - A website for looking up IP addresses.

Archives

• Internet Archive - A comprehensive archive of old webpages and other software.

Observatory Information

• Optical and Near-Infrared Observatories
  • ESO - The European organization that operates European telescopes in Chile.
  • NOIRLab - The US organization that runs public observatories in the US and Chile.
  • Space Telescope Science Institute Home Page - The operation center for the Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope.
• Mid-Infrared and Far-Infrared Observatories
  • Herschel Science Centre - The webpage for the ESA far-infrared space telescope that operated from 2009 to 2013.
  • Infrared Space Observatory - The far-infrared space observatory that operated from 1996 to 1998.
  • Science & Data Center for Astrophysics & Planetary Sciences - Information on multiple NASA-related infrared telescopes and surveys.
  • Spitzer Science Center - The professional website for the Spitzer Space Telescope.
  • Spitzer Space Telescope - The public website for the NASA infrared telescope launched in 2003.
• Submillimeter and Radio Telescopes
  • ALMA Science Portal at ESO - Information on ALMA for European professional astronomers.
  • Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array - Information on the Chilean submillimeter telescope for the general public.
  • James Clerk Maxwell Telescope - Mauna Kea's oldest operating submillimeter telescope.
  • Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics - The United Kingdom's leading radio astronomy facility.
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory - Information for multiple US radio observatories.

Journals and Publications

• The ADS Search Page - A large index of abstracts for scientific articles.
• arXiv.org e-Print archive - A reposity of preprints of scientific articles.
• The Astronomical Journal - A well-respected American journal in astronomy.
• Astronomy & Astrophysics - A Europe-based astronomy journal.
• The Astrophysical Journal - The most widely read scientific journal in astronomy.
• Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society - The most prominent astronomical journal in the United Kingdom.

Databases and Scientific Image Archives

• Earth Impact Database - Maps and other data for impact craters on Earth.
• Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera - Images of the Earth as taken from the DSCOVR spacecraft.
• ESAC Science Data Centre - A directory of data archives created by ESA missions.
• HyperLeda - A database with comprehensive galaxy measurements.
• Infrared Science Archive - Infrared and submillimeter data from NASA and other telescopes.
• JPL Solar System Dynamics - Scientific data for objects in the Solar System.
• NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database - An extensive database of galaxy information.
• NGC/IC Project - A historical project focused on the NGC and IC catalogs.
• SIMBAD Astronomical Database - A detailed database of all types of astronomical objects.
• Splatalogue - A catalog of millimeter and radio emission lines.
• SVO Filter Profile Service - Transmission curves for many filters used in professional astronomy.
• VizieR Service - A website that provides access to most astronomical catalogs.

Software

• Astronomy Tools - Useful almanac information for amateur and professional astronomy.
• CARTA - The image viewer designed specifically for radio and millimeter data.
• CASA - The software package used for general radio astronomy data reduction.
• Dartmouth Stellar Evolution Database - Multiple tools for modelling the brightnesses and colors of stars.
• DS9 - The most flexible professional astronomy image display program.
• Starburst 99 - A professional astronomy model that produces synthetic stellar population data.
• SunCalc - A tool that overlays the position of the Sun on world maps.

Images

• General Astronomy Images
  • Astronomy Picture of the Day - Photos from both amateur and professional astronomers.
  • FITS Support Office - Reference information on the astronomical image file format.
• Interactive Maps
  • ESASky - An interactive sky map with access to ESA's catalogs and images.
  • Legacy Survey - Interactive maps from multiple professional surveys.
  • WorldWide Telescope - All sky maps including insets from many press releases.

Profession Information

• American Astronomical Society - The US organization for professional astronomers.
• AstroBetter - Tips and tricks for professional astronomers.
• International Astronomy Meetings - A list of all professional astronomy meetings.

Historical Information

• Ian Ridpath's Star Tales - Comprehensive information about the constellations.

General Reference

• HowStuffWorks - The sceince and engineering behind everyday things.
• Open Education Network - An open-source textbook library.
• ScienceWorld - Reference pages on physical sciences and mathematics from Wolfram Research.
• WebElements - A useful web version of the periodic table.
• The Wooden Periodic Table Table - A website about a recipient of the IgNoble Prize.

Scientific Publications

• Overleaf - A website for writing journal articles online in LaTeX.
• Scopus - A comprehensive index of scientific publications.
• Web of Science - An alternate but heavily used index of scientific publications.

Medicine and Psychology

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention - The US government agency for researching and preventing diseases.
• NHS - Information on both UK government medical services and general health issues.
• WebMD - General health and medicine reference information.

Pseudoscience and Urban Legends

• Circlemakers - The people who have made the most famous crop circles.
• Skeptical Science - A website devoted to debunking claims that global warming is not happening.
• Snopes.com - A famous archive of analyses of urban legends and other rumors.

Miscellaneous

• Nukemap - Maps with overlays showing the effects of simulated nuclear bombs.
• Units of Measurement - Information and historical background on almost all units of measurement.
• What's New by Bob Park - A weekly column about science and politics written between 1987-2013.

Software Repositories

• GitHub - The very popular software development website.
• SourceForge.net - A repository of open-source software.

General Coding Information

• Coyote's Guide to IDL Programming - Useful tips on writing good IDL programs.
• LaTeX Project - A popular document preparation system.
• Python Programming Language - The official website for the popular programming language.

Web Page Development

• General Web Development
  • W3 Schools - Excellent tutorials and information on multiple web development topics.
  • Bootstrap - A very popular webpage design system.
  • Toptal Utilities - Multiple tools for webpage design and development.
• Validation Tools
  • WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool - A tool for ensuring that webpages are accessible.
  • W3C Markup Validation Service - An older website validation tool.

Fonts

• 1001 Fonts - A large collection of free fonts.
• DaFont - A broad library of fonts.
• Font Library - A selection of fonts with Creative Commons licenses.
• Google Fonts - A small selection of free fonts from Google

Graphics

• Icons and Clip Art
  • Clker - Free clipart.
  • Noun Project - Creative commons icons and photos.
• Backgrounds
  • BGJar - Complex customizable textures.
  • Hero Patterns - A simple texture creator.
  • SVG Backgrounds - A flexible background creator.
• Miscellaneous
  • Coblis - A color blindness simulator.
  • watabou - A selection of fantasy map generators and other image generators as well as games.

Miscellaneous

• EdWordle - A device that converts text into artistic word clouds.
• Unix/Linux Command Reference - A list of basic Linux commands from FOSSwire.com.

Language

• English Language Information
  • Cambridge Dictionary Online - An online version of the university's UK English dictionary.
  • Dictionary.com - A purely-online English dictionary.
  • Online Etymology Dictionary - Detailed information on word origins.
• General Language Information
  • Native American Langauge Net - A language guide that also includes other cultural information.
  • Omniglot - A guide to alphabets and other writing systems.

Art

• Anish Kapoor - The official website of a modern artist who specializes in large geometric sculptures.
• Drawing How To Draw - Various comic drawing tutorials.
• Erwin Wurm - The website for the surrealist sculptor and performance artist.
• Felt Mistress - Unusual plush creatures created by a fashion designer.
• Marwencol - WWII scenes created with dolls and action figures.
• Simon Stålenhag - The homepage of the artist known for his retro science fiction art.
• Slinkachu - Photography of miniature figures in urban scenes.

Food

• All Recipes - A large archive of recipes.
• cheese.com - Reference information on cheese.

History

• BBC - Religions - Introductory information on many world religions.
• Medieval Warfare - Comprehensive information on Medieval war and Medieval life.
• Rare Historical Photos - Collections of both famous and less well-known photos.

Miscellaneous

• Encyclopedia Mythica - Comprehensive information on various myths and legends.
• Fashion Japan - Photography of Japanese street fashion.

World News

• BBC News - The news from the United Kingdom's main broadcasters.
• CNN - News from the popular cable network.
• Political Wire - Short notes on American political news.
• Retro Report - Videos from the New York Times examining past news stories.

United Kingdom News

• The Guardian - One of the United Kingdom's best-known newspapers.
• About Manchester - Straightforward local Manchester news.
• The Manc - Local Manchester news with a focus on entertainment.
• Manchester Evening News - Sensationalist but frequently-updated news for Manchester.

Government

• GOV.UK - The official website for the UK government.
• Embassy of the U.S. London - Includes information for United States citizens living in the United Kingdom.
• Environment Agency - The United Kingdom agency charged with environmental protection and flood defense.

Guides

• Canal & River Trust - Detailed information about canals and waterways in the United Kingdom.
• English Heritage - The organization that maintains many of England's historic sites.
• Historic England - Official lists of historic UK sites and other information.
• Milestone Society - An organization that maintains historic milestones and waymarkers.
• National Trust - A nonprofit organization that preserves UK historic and natural sites.
• The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - Information about the United Kingdom's birds.

Maps

• Check for flooding - Flood warnings for the England that include an interactive map.
• DataShine: Census - Maps showing data from the last UK census.
• Toilet Map - Maps of public toilet facilities across the UK.

Transportation

• National Rail Enquires - Information on the United Kingdom's rail network.
• Open Train Times - Train times for UK trains.
• Traveline - A journey planner for the United Kingdom.

Manchester

• Tourism and Transportation
  • Visit Manchester - Manchester's official tourism website.
  • Manchester Airport - The official website for the city's airport.
  • Manchester Historical Maps - Interactive versions of maps dating from 1722 to the present.
  • Transport for Greater Manchester - Information on Manchester's public transportation network.
• Miscellaneous
  • Manchester City Council - The official website for the local government.
  • The University of Manchester - Manchester's largest university.

Miscellaneous

• Britain from Above - Arial photos of Great Britain dating from 1919-1953.

Maps

• General Purpose Maps
  • Google Maps - Maps from the internet search engine.
  • Google Earth - An alternative map interface from Google.
  • OpenStreetMap - Online maps made by volunteers.
• Specialty Maps
  • Antarctic Digital Database Map - An interactive map of Antarctica with geological information.
  • Chronotrains - A tool for showing train travel times from any European city.
  • CruiseMapper - Interactive live maps of cruise ships and other passenger ships.
  • Data Protection Laws of the World - Detailed data protection information for individual countries.
  • FlightConnections - Worldwide maps showing flight connections among various airports.
  • flightradar24 - A live flight tracker with interactive maps.
  • Marine Traffic - General ship tracking information.
  • Rome2Rio - A website with comprehensive public transport information.
  • Travelscope - Interactive maps showing visa travel information.
  • Travel.State.Gov Map - The US State Department's map of embassies and travel warnings for Americans.
  • UrbanRail.Net - Commuter rail transport maps for locations around the world.

Weather

• Blitzortung.org - Live maps of lightning strikes.
• earth - Global visualizations of the weather, ocean conditions, pollution, and aurorae.
• Holiday Weather - Current weather information as well as monthly averages for many travel destinations.
• IQAir Live Animated Air Quality Map - Maps of air pollution.
• Met Office - The webpage of the UK government office for weather forecasting.
• Weather Underground - Worldwide weather forecasts.
• Windy - Interactive world maps of weather, including wind, temperature, pressure, and rainfall.
• World Weather Information Service - Weather reports from the World Meteorogical Organization.

Travel Guides

• Atlas Obscura - A compendium of unusual sites located around the world.
• Cliff Muskiet's Stewardess/Flight Attendant Uniform Collection - Photos of various historical uniforms.
• License Plates of the World - Information about license plates from almost everywhere on Earth.
• Lighthouse Friends - Information for individual United States lighthouses.
• Simple Flying - News for the aviation industry.
• Street Art Cities - Maps of street art around the world.
• Touropia - Lists of top travel destinations for many countries and cities.
• TracesOfWar - Guides to war-related sites around the world.
• Travel.State.Gov - Advice and warnings for Americans traveling abroad.
• TripAdvisor - Reviews of hotels and resorts around the world.
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre - A list of the world's most important natural and cultural sites.
• United States Mint Coin and Medal Programs - A guide to special coins minted by the United States government.
• World Airport Codes - A search engine for airport codes and other information.
• The World Factbook - Basic information on all of the world's countries as compiled by the CIA.

Travel Tools

• time and date.com - Worldwide time and calendar information.
• World Standards - Reference information on electrical, driving, and other standards.
• XE - Currency conversion tools.

Comics

• Comic Collections
  • GoComics - Popular newspaper comic strips as well as other comics from the web.
  • Webtoon - A large webcomic platform with multiple webcomic stories.
• Ongoing Comics
  • The Automan's Daughter - A cyberpunk story set in a futuristic Ottoman Empire.
  • Ava's Demon - A story set in the far future about a girl who makes a pact with a demon-like sorceress.
  • Buttersafe - Simple but surreal comics.
  • Daughter of the Lilies - A fantasy-based story featuring a quartet of psychologically-complex mercenaries.
  • Em Cartoons - An autobiographical comic strip about living in London.
  • For Tomorrow - A fantasy webcomic set in the early twentieth century.
  • Kamikaze - A story set in a dystopian future about a freerunner in a socially stratified society.
  • Miss Melee - A webcomic about a martial artist balancing her housewife and superhero activites.
  • Optipess - Short, cynical comic strips featuring a man with square glasses.
  • Questionable Content - A long-running webcomic about hipsters and robots.
  • Savage Chicken - Cartoons on sticky notes.
  • Scary Go Round - Stories about supernatural events in small English towns.
  • Selkie - A story about an adopted amphibious humanoid girl and her human father.
  • Sleepless Domain - A complex story featuring magical girls.
  • The Specialists - A story about WWII-based superheroes.
  • Vanguard - Superhero comics set in the United Kingdom.
  • xkcd - The popular science-oriented webcomic.
• Completed Comics
  • Axe Cop - The webcomic created by a 5-year-old and written by a 29-year-old.
  • The Book of Biff - A single panel comic strip about a man with long eyebrows.
  • Darwin Carmichael is Going to Hell - A stody follwing a cursed man in a supernatural version of New York.
  • Hark! A Vagrant - Black-and-white comics about feminism, history, and other topics.
  • The Hero Business - Comics focused on marketing superheroes.
  • Let's Speak English - An autobiographical story about teaching English in Japan.
  • Maximumble - Inane minimalist comics.
  • Our Supermom - A story about a superhero who retires to be a suburban housewife.
  • A Redtail's Dream - A fantasy story inspired by Finnish folklore.
  • Scurry - A webcomic about a colony of mice in an abandoned suburban neighborhood.
  • Stand Still. Stay Silent - A story about a group of Scandinavians exploring the world after a global epidemic.
  • Tragedy Series - Absurd single panel sepia-colored cartoons.

Music and Broadcast Audio

• Music Archives
  • Bandcamp - A source of music and other audio from small labels and independent artists.
  • Filmmusic.io - Creative commons music for audio and video production.
  • The Mod Archive - An archive of computer-generated music in various 1990s module formats.
  • SoundCloud - Another popular source of online music.
• Internet Radio
  • Digitally Imported - A collection of electronic internet radio stations.
  • RadioTunes - A broad selection of internet radio stations with various music genres.
  • SomaFM - An eclectic mix of electronic, lounge, indie, and pop music radio stations.
• Miscellaneous
  • The Conet Project - Recordings of numbers stations.
  • Numbers Stations Research and Information Center - Comprehensive information on the espionage-related shortwave broadcasts.

Sports

• NFL.com - The official website of the National Football League.
• Six Nations - The official website for the international rugby competition.
• Strava - The popular workout tracking app and website.

Toys

• The Art of the Brick - Information about and photos of lego sculpturescreated by artist Nathan Sawaya.
• Peeron LEGO Set Inventories - Includes catalog and instruction scans.
• Seibertron.com - Information on Transformers toys and forms of entertainment based on the toys.

Video, Film, and Television

• YouTube - The most popular web video platform.
• The Internet Movie Database - An extensive database of movies, actors, etc.
• 366 Weird Movies - A list of unusual and surreal movies from multiple eras and genres.
• The Bad Movie Review Website - Humorous comments on B-rated movies.
• National Film Preservation Board - Lists of great American films being preserved by the Library of Congress.
• Public Domain Movies - Downloadable copies of various old movies now in the public domain.

• Character Name Generator - A broad set of random name generators.
• H I Sutton - Expert creator of ship diagrams.
• Metacritic.com - Compilations of critics' scores of movies, TV, music, and games.
• Nobelprize.org - The official website of the Nobel Foundation.
• Paper Sizes - Straightforward information on paper sizes and formats.
• Random Lists - A website for creating lists of random words, names, addresses, and other things.
• TopTenREVIEWS - A broad range of reviews with a heavy emphasis on computers.