Algebraic equations, confectionary sensations spice latest Net Notes

Science and math in everyday life; up-close and personal racing; and something for your sweet tooth fill this nearly summer edition of Net Notes.

•The Futures Channel

(www.thefutureschannel.com)

If Pythagoras had the Web you can bet this would have been his favorite site. You know the guy. The one with the theorem named after him. It goes like this: A squared plus B squared equals C squared.

You probably learned it in a high school geometry class, but you probably don’t use it much today. One visit to this site will show you how science and math is used daily by real people doing real jobs.

The math section focuses on algebra, with attention given to exponents, equations and polynomials, but the real fun is in the videos. You can see a five-minute segment on building a custom guitar, with the help of math, of course, or segments on California rice farming or the physics of roller coasters.

Other parts of the site feature short clips on everything from animals, art and music, design and innovation to space, problem solving and the latest in science and technology.

The site recently earned an A+ grade from Education World (www.education-world.com) for content and design. "These short video clips that go behind the scenes with professionals from a wide range of careers put the learning into context and help answer the question, ‘Why do I need to learn this?’" Education World’s review said.

•Fan 1st

(www.fan1st.com)

They call it fan-driven racing. If you’re lucky you could end up with a crumpled fender or hood as a souvenir. Every paying member gets their name on a NASCAR race car. Granted, you’ll need to be standing beside the car and know exactly where it is in the lineup of hundreds of other members, but it’s there and it’s zooming around the track in Busch series races all season long.

The Las Vegas-based company also offers live text messaging from drivers and race team members to fans during the race. Fan1st.com, along with several other companies, sponsor the cars driven by Dave Blaney, Jason Leffler, Jerick Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne.

Webcams, fan forums, interactive polls, chances to help decide paint schemes, uniform designs and official food and beverages are other membership benefits.

Monthly membership is $9.99; an annual membership costs $99.

•The Cupcakery

(www.thecupcakery.com)

The Las Vegas specialty bakery has a new location, or you can order online. For more info, call 207-2253.

I have one word for this site: Yum!

Share your Internet story with me at agibes@reviewjournal.com.