Light reading on the ‘Net
Steve McGrew
President and founder of New Light Industries, Ltd., of Spokane
The Internet is incredibly valuable. It probably multiplies my productivity by a factor of six, expands my horizons, brings me closer to my friends. I miss personal handwritten letters, though. What I like best about the Internet is that whenever I read a book or an article that inspires me, I can easily contact the author.
Here are the sites I visit regularly:
Communications
One of my standbys is Skype.com, which I use for online phone conversations with friends and associates around the world.
Hobbies
I visit the Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America, at www.abana.org and links from that site, because I’m learning to be a blacksmith, just for fun.
Or http://marsrovers.jpl. nasa.gov/gallery/all/ opportunity.html to peer through the eyes of Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars planetary rovers.
Outdoors
A regular site is the state Fish and Wildlife site www.wdfw.wa.gov for hunting and fishing regulations.
Another one is the Army Corps of Engineers site https:// www.nwp.usace.army. mil/op/fishdata/home.asp to check on fish migrations in the Columbia and Snake rivers.
It’s also useful to visit www.avistautilities.com/ resources/hydro/longlake_ elevation.asp to track the water level in Long Lake.
And I use www.avistautilities.com/ resources/hydro/longlake_ elevation.asp to see if it’s safe to have a campfire at our place on Long Lake.
Weather
I use www.weather.com to help plan outdoor activities.
Just as useful is www.nhc.noaa.gov/ satellite.shtml to see hurricanes forming before the weather service does. In fact, you usually can see a major storm forming a day or two before it’s announced.
Miscellaneous
A regular site is www.cheneysd.org to keep track of my kid’s assignments and grades at school.
Finally, I used to play online chess, but I grew tired of being slaughtered by teenagers.
My fantasy is to live on a tropical island and have a broadband satellite connection so I can keep doing what I do now but pretend I’m on vacation.
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