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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Light reading on the ‘Net

The Spokesman-Review

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.

What’s Yours is a regular feature of .TXT. Submissions can be sent to txt@spokesman.com.