When Robert Louis Stevenson wrote “Treasure Island,” words were confined to speech and books.
On one hand, I wish I had experienced Stevenson’s time, 150 years ago, most likely a much more honest, less cutthroat, humane period in human history.
On the other, the word treasures the Web holds today is inconceivable. One hundred years from now? Anybody’s guess is as good as another. Perhaps, the chip we will have implanted at birth will provide access to everything ever published or about to be published regardless of the web of planetary copy rights.
I don’t consider Web hunting as wasted time. (Surfing is too alien of a descriptor).
Recipes, medical information, hockey news, science on the edge, space, oceans, wildlife, firearms, bushcraft, canoeing, hiking, gifts and gear, knife knowledge, boneheaded political party shenanigans, weather, maybe even local news.
We won’t list obvious major media (magazine) sites most people already have saved as Favorites. Rather, we’re sharing sites that interest us. They represent subjects and categories we believe is worth the time invested to learn a thing or two every other day or so.
Many of the categories embrace universal themes: Food, recreation, lifestyles, etc. We hope you’ll check them out. Better yet, feel free to share your favorite Web hunting areas. After all the world’s an oyster, and transplant people have to eat them cooked.
A few of our favorites:
http://www.ragweedforge.com/ This is a site operated by a blacksmith. That’s right a blacksmith. Little information is available about the man himself. The heart of the site is about knifecraft in Scandinavia. He also offers top of the line knife brands from Norway, Sweden and Finland. Even his descriptions about each knife is a treat to read. Want to know about the Vikings? Don’t read the Minneapolis StarTribune. Check out Ragnar’s site instead.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ A database to see how many chemicals are in the skin care products you use.
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles Live video of Decorah Eagles- way coool.
http://www.flavortownusa.com/ A database of all of the restaurants Guy Fieri has visited on his show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
http://icpa4kids.org/ Great website with information about family wellness, naturally.
http://suburbanmountaineer.com/Writer is anchored in Washington, D.C., but his research and discussions about alpine mountaineering, hiking and skiing appears on several sites including the American Alpine Club. If you’re into big rocks, this might be for you.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/ Information for everyone from doctors, to patients, to people who need answers to medical questions. Like the Mayo itself, an incredible resource and user friendly site.
http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/ A Bulgaria born guy who now lives in the U.S. and spends his free time learning about bushcraft. Clear writing about anything from building a fire to making a knife. Clear informative photos.
http://www.boundarywatersblogger.blogspot.com/ Information about the BWCAW on when to go, what you might see, current observations, trip treasures and more. Nicely designed site.
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/ Top rated blog about all things firearms related. Refreshingly, not a word about politics.
http://www.knifeforums.com/ Intelligent discussion for the knife enthusiast. Info on anything from customs to Scandinavian makers to cutlery. These people know their stuff.
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crh/ Updated weather story, maps and science about weather in the Northland.
http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/ Two authors doubleteam the bread making challenge. Jeff Hertzberg is a doctor at the University of Minnesota; Zoe Francois is a master baker. Together, they explain how to make the most delicious breads you’ve ever tasted — from your own oven. The book is the No. 1 bread book on Amazon and has been for some time.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/ If you’re addicted to channel 34 (655 in HD), this site is for you. It’s the rich Web version of the personalities and mind boggling number of tips, recipes and everything food.
Feel free to share your favorite websites with us in the comments!
