Old websites alive as Internet celebrates 25 years

A screen shot of the still functional Space Jam website. (Warner Bros. )

March 12, 2014|By Mick Swasko, @swasko | RedEye

Happy Birthday, Internet!

As the world wide web turns a quarter century, there's been a lot of progress in the past 25 years. Old friends have been buried in the digital graveyard (RIP Napster, Angelfire and Lycos. We'll pretend we miss you!).

But even in 2014, there are some (relatively, of course) ancient sites that just won't die, and remain bravely in their domains like 1996 never passed. They're hard on the eyes, barely functional and will probably make your modern browser vomit, but never forget: These sites still exist and the Internet is better for it.

1. Space Jam: Own the two-disc special edition on DVD now! Yep, the Space Jam website is still kicking, along with the tagline "His Airness and his Hareness, what a team!" It's one of the better-known antiquated sites still around. There's also the original theatrical website, straight out of 1996.

2. Amanda Please!: WARNING, TURN YOUR HEADPHONES DOWN. This gem -- dedicated to Amanda Bynes' Nickelodeon show -- is LOUD.

3. You've Got Mail: It's kind of appropriate this 1998 website is still around, considering it hearkens back to the days when AOL WAS the internet. Bonus! There's a $5 mail in coupon for the VHS or DVD.

4. The Washington Post's 1996 Year in Review: The Macarena, Clinton beats Dole and the launch of Washingtonpost.com are all covered in this innovative (for its time) timeline.

5. USA Today's Fantasy Baseball page: The last time this page saw an update was Sept. 29, 1996. Frank Thomas led the rankings as first baseman, to give you perspective.

6. CNN's OJ Simpson coverage: Way before Nancy Grace, CNN blew a "Trial of the Century" out of the water online.

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