I am learning SQL for my database class and how found online resources to be a BIG help. One of my favorite sites is sqlzoo.net, because it offers the user the ability to practice with code writing and see immediately whether they are correct. Typing SQL commands into the command box and hitting the “Submit Query” button will either tell the user whether their answers are correct by showing the selected attributes and rows, or notify the user that their SQL is incorrect.

If the messages notifying you that your SQL is incorrect and are too cryptic, check out the answer page links located toward the bottom of the index page.

I was visiting the MySpace web site to update a friend’s profile, when I came across the above logo introduction for MySpace’s new themes and layouts capabilities. I love the use of color and digital feel in this logo. The transition of the rainbow color horizontally across the logo suggest that MySpace is offering a wide arrange of colorful themes and layouts for your profile page.

Visit the MySpace web site >

I visit the CNN and BBC web sites each about once a week, and noticed that both sites have remade their layouts to look more like blogs. Both sites now have a very soft, rounded overall feel. There are lots of rounded corners, lightly colored text, and user changeable interactive elements.

The only thing that irks me is CNN’s use of bright red text on an almost black background. What were they thinking??? The use of red text on a black background reminds me of the 90’s when inexperienced web designers created entire pages with nothing but bright red text on a black background. Eventually you want to rip your eyes out! The BBC web site on the other hand, does a much better job with the blog style. They’ve employed lots of soft color (beige and grey) with easily read text. It’s a much more professional look than CNN’s use of teenager style stars in multiple places. Don’t get me wrong, I love stars, but they remind me of a giddy high school girl.

CNN Main Page

CNN Article Page

BBC Main Page

UPDATE:

I didn’t realize that CNN’s black and red with stars theme was created just for the presidential election. Their current site has the same theme structure, but with white and red colors. Either way, my opinion about red on black still holds true.

I am in Ireland until December and am finding it hard to follow the U.S.’s presidential election. In my efforts to follow the race, I came across this interactive Flash map on the CNN web site.

The map was very handy, because when I hovered over each state, the number of votes for each candidate was displayed, and the map shows who won each state. It should be noted that the map is based purely on voting projections, but this is not a departure from the usual way the media follows the election. It is just nice to have something running in the background while I am on the Internet. It’s not obtrusive and loud like the usual dramatic live broadcast of the election results.

Visit the CNN web site >