Thursday, June 2, 2016

My list of high-quality online resources

The internet is a tremendous library of information but finding the signal among all the noise is hard work. I think everybody gradually builds their own go-to list of trusted sites and sources and I think it would be a great idea to share so that we can all benefit.

Health & Nutrition

Health information is critical to be correct and unfortunately one of the most likely to be full of bulls**t and charlatans. I'm trying to follow only properly scientifically grounded sources.
Note: never use Google to search for health issues. As you probably know, Google and other big companies are collecting information about all their users and your health issues is information you really don't want anyone to know. Instead, use the Privacy / Incognito mode in your browser and search using Duck Duck Go or Disconnect.Me.

Privacy & Security

  • Decent Security: basic tips for Windows users
  • Google Safety Center: while we know that Google is after all your private data, they are also doing a good job of preventing any malicious 3rd parties from getting it from you
  • Signal App: one of the only easy & secure ways to communicate completely privately. Android, iOS and desktop supported

Technology & Science

  • Mozilla Developer Network: the ultimate web technology reference. Forget about w3schools, it's outdated or even incorrect
  • S. Hanselman's Ultimate Tool list: not only for developers
  • Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey: a modern documentary TV series which explains a range of scientific topics. Absolutely beautiful visually with a catching commentary from Neil deGrasse Tyson
  • National Geographic: with a long tradition of documenting and protecting the environment. Unfortunately it was just bought by Fox News last year :(
  • Earth Wind Map: A cool map of the weather. I didn't verify whether their data is correct.
  • GoodReads: At first I thought just another Social Network for X is not useful but I was wrong. This is a perfect place to steal ideas on what to read from friends with similar interests. And of course, books are still the ultimate fountains of knowledge.

Language & Writing

  • Corpus Of Contemporary American English: need to check if a certain phrase makes sense in real world English? Just enter it here and avoid making a fool of yourself with made-up expressions
  • no other resources, that's why the writing in this blog sucks so much

Environment & Charity

  • Charity Navigator: you want to contribute to a change to the world but not sure if a certain charity is real and is using your money properly? Charity Navigator can help to shine some light into its internal operation.