Monitor Picks
Free museum day
On Sept. 29, nearly 500 institutions, such as Washington D.C.'s Smithsonian (l.), will open sans charge for Museum Day. But there is a catch: You'll need an admission card from www.smithsonian.com/museumdaycard to get access. The site includes a list of participating museums across the US.
Put yourself on the map
We finally found Frappr.com – a free, community-mapping site that's still in beta, even though it's been around since 2005. Stick a virtual pin (and your photo) on a world map so that others can find you with a mouse rollover. Maps can be created and themed (owners of Suzuki GS motorcycles, for example) then embedded on other sites so that visitors can log in and add locaters and contact info.
Goal-post girls
You'd be forgiven for not knowing that the World Cup of women's soccer is currently being played in China. (Chalk up minimal US media coverage to the retirement of well-known players such as Mia Hamm.) Catch the final between Brazil and Germany on ESPN 2 at 7:55 a.m. ET, Sept. 30.
Bold boden
Across the pond, shoppers fear being caught in the same Boden design as a stranger on the street. But even as the affordable British clothing company, which modeled its catalog off J.Crew, expands its US profile, you can be confident that your shawl collar cardigan is unique. See their new baby line at bodenusa.com, and look out for the British sizing!
Wired to today's trends
Today's technology got you down? Dropped $700 on the latest cellphone but can't make a simple call? Brought home a talking toaster but can't make toast? Tune into PBS's Wired Science (Oct. 3, check local listings), and the folks from "Wired" magazine will help you navigate today's tech maze and predict tomorrow's hottest trends.
