Top 5: Web Sites
6 09 2006Each one of us has a select few sites that we visit regularly - some more, some less. I’ve decided to start off a new series of articles, Top 5, with my most-frequented web sites.
To help me narrow down my list to just five, I decided that the each site must deliver unique content, and not just be a service. This was essentially done to remove Google and Gmail from the number one and two positions. By actually being informative, this also means more readers may find the sites beneficial.
So without further delays, here are the Top 5 Web Sites as of September 2006:
1. The Age
For news from Australia, no newspaper compares to Melbourne’s The Age. Owned by Fairfax, it’s less right-wing and US-centric than the almost universal News Corp papers. It shares much of its content with the Sydney Morning Herald, but caters for a slightly more liberal (small ‘l’, not to be confused with Australia’s conservative Republican-wannabe Liberal Party). As well as domestic and international news, The Age has regular features on health, technology, entertainment and home audio - all of which satisfy my other interests.
2. B92
B92 was recently voted Serbia’s number one independent news source. I vote it number two, because I live in Australia. Almost exclusively, I keep in touch with the goings-on in Serbia and the rest of the Balkans through B92’s impartial coverage. As well as current affairs, B92 has regular editorials from influential minds, such as William Montgomery, US Ambassador to Serbia.
3. Wikipedia
For years, I have claimed that Google was the greatest thing since sliced bread. It probably still is, but Wikipedia is now the thing I rave most about. A free encyclopaedia that is updated literally in real time, thanks to its worldwide contributors, Wikipedia has the potential to change how many of us research everyday tid-bits. Curious who that band was you just heard on the radio? When exactly did Israel annex Palestine? Who just won the international paper-rock-scissors contest? Don’t “Google it“, go on and “wiki it!”
4. Whirlpool
Whirlpool began life as a privately-run forum for Telstra Bigpond Cable customers, and has grown into Australia’s largest and most-frequented technology forum. Although its focus remains broadband, the forums have grown to include music, movies, TV, gadgets, mobile phones, politics and more. It’s a place where I go to check out the goss and see what likeminded people are discussing these days. It’s also a great support forum, again for everything from IT help to choosing the best car audio setup.
5. Ourbrisbane
For people living in Brisbane, ourbrisbane is a Godsend. Whenever you need to find a gig, a restaurant, or work out what you’ll be up to on Friday night, this site should be your first port of call. Of course, if you don’t live in Brisbane, it probably won’t be! As well as outlining current events and festivals, ourbrisbane also gives you access to TV and movie guides, housing advice, links to City Council resources such as rate payments, accommodation for tourists, and just about anything else you need to get the most out of Australia’s most livable city.
