Ten Random Websites of the Week

I'm trying to make the blog more interactive. I like the Community Bookshelf (recommend more books to post!!!) Mathgimp gave me this idea from his del.icio.us post today on the Periodic Table of the Internet.

I randomly chose 10 sites I'd never heard of before. Here's my impression of each.

Next week, someone else should edit this post with their 10 random new websites.

1. Dave Ramsey.net Though initially cautious, I was compelled by his message: "debt is stupid." I agree. Unfortunately, you have to pay an un-disclosed amount in order to participate in his "Total Money Makeover." Seems like bullshit. I'd rather spend the money drinking away my sorrows as I pay off the minimum due amount on my credit card. Rating: BOOOO.

2. This American Life: I didn't know about the website, but I've listened to the show on NPR. It's also transitioned to television this year. Good: the show tends to be life-affirming and heart-warming. I like Ira Glass (it's host). Bad: They made a deal with Itunes, so you have to pay to download archived episodes. Still: It's public radio, so might be worth your money. Rating: Fair enough.

3. Ask a Ninja. Hilarious. Like last night's Democratic debates, but with a ninja who's not afraid to answer the tough questions. Rating: Two thumbs up.

4. Found Magazine I'm adding this to the "Random Whatnots" link list. It's like Overheard in New York, but national and with objects - love letters, kid's toys, random objects - complete with witty captions from the submitters. I love it. Rating: Worth a daily visit.

5. The Internet Archive. Endeavors to create a permanent index of the contents of the web, movies, pictures, literature, audio, and software. The website is run in collaboration with the Library of Congress (yay!) and the Smithsonian. It's pretty damn impressive - you need to know how to program to access the index of websites, but the movies and stuff are free. Rating: Great resource.

6. GIMP. I was hoping it was a fansite for Mathgimp, but sadly it's not. It's the GNU Image Manipulation Program, which seems to be kinda like photoshop, but free. Rating: free is cool.

7. Mind Hacks. Joey and I have an ongoing debate over whether or not it's OK to merge computers and humans. It scares the shit out of me. Luckily, this website isn't about creating cyborgs, but about neuroscience and psychology. Today's quote is by Da Vinci. Rating: If this is your thing, have at it.

8. Something Awful. Dedicated to the stupidest things on the internet - movies, websites, etc. Rating: Sad but useful. Makes me feel better about our blog, but only slightly.

9. Filthy Critic. A stupid, mean man does movie reviews. Rating: Stupid and lame. Humor lost on me.

10. Ted.com It's called "Ideas worth spreading: inspired talks by today's thinkers and doers." Or something like that. The website is pretty. I didn't watch any of the videos, but I would have if I had headphones at work. Rating: Promising.