MANTONE

Why on earth are you at your computer when you can step away from it all and go outside. Especially since there are about 100 other headlines on global warming and the various impending threats to the natural environment. Enjoy it all before it all goes away. Here are some places to get you started camping or out in the wild.

http://www.parks.ca.gov – With the best climate year round there are plenty of fantastic camping openings and outdoor recreational activities to participate. Take your family out, or your girlfriend or partner. You’ll be paid back with plenty of smiles. I’m sure there are other state park listings, so check out your own local state’s web-page. A quick google/yahoo/msn search should do the trick.

http://www.recreation.gov – Apparently you can book campsites now. So there is really no excuse for you to hide behind the keyboard and say that it’s inconvenient to go camping. There are plenty of exciting places to go camping across the country. I’d even bet that there are ones within 2 hours of wherever your sitting right now.

http://www.trails.com – This site is not free, you have to get membership to see the details. But it’s a good site to get started if you want to hunt down the trail names. I’m sure a little web investigation will get you all the information you need to get in your car and out in wild.

http://www.trailsource.com – Are you not from United States? Or are you tired of the United States? This site tracks trails across Mother earth. They are categorized by activity: Biking, Hiking, Cross Country Skiing, Sledding, Horseback Riding, Dirk Bike Riding, etc…

I’m sure there are other great resources, but these are the ones i found while looking for a place to get away this weekend, so send me link, and I’ll think you while I’m outside under the stars.

I don’t know who first coined the phrase, “Steal and Be Stolen From” but I think it is a cousin of, “Nothing is Ever Truly Original.” Some how, “Emulation is a form a flattery” would seem to fit in with the pair as well. Here are some sites to get your creative mojo going. So feel free to steal and be stolen by creating something new or old that is not truly ever original, so some else out there can emulate you and flatter your ego at the same time.

http://www.makezine.com – A webzine of uber geekness that covers interesting back-yard and garage technology projects.

http://u-handbag.typepad.com – For those with some sewing and craft skills, this site is great for those interested in making there own handbags. I say it’s far more chic then those fake designer bags you can buy off the streets in any major metropolitan black market.

http://www.instructables.com – If you like steps, then this site has the details your looking for. All the tutorials are outlined in easy to follow steps, so really the only excuse you would have for not being able to make something is your ability to read and follow instructions

http://www.curbly.com – Curbly is kind of like Martha Stewart meets modernism. It’s a community site that is about sharing tips for home improvement and design ideas. If nothing else it just pretty to look at.

http://www.opensourcefood.com – For those who know there way around the kitchen this is a great place to add your knowledge. Sharing what you know in the kitchen will help those who are food challenge to improve their skills. Personally for anyone who want to impress a date, it’s a must have skillset. Why else do you cook? The site just started and seems to have a asian demographic but it’s a great idea, one that I wish I thought of this myself.

http://www.diyhappy.com A little blog on Do-It-Yourself projects covering electronics, software and hardware. For the Geeky Dad at heart.

http://www.tutorials20.com What about those who are not good with their hands, and rather spend time making something virtual. You should stop by here and pickup some how-to’s and pad your graphic and cg skills. Who doesn’t want to make a better picture?

http://readymademag.com A bi-monthly magazine with a blog to boot.