Financial stimulus packages are terms of the distant past (in internet time), and so it is time to shift attention to a mental stimulus package. If you are looking for a bit more brain exercise after reading your daily subscription of the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal, then let this list of websites guide you in your insatiable quest for knowledge.
Wikipedia. Wikipedia has established itself as the go-to resource for simple and quick online research and knowledge gathering. While it is constructed and written by anyone who decides to add to it, there lies a strong community of “moderators” insuring that the content is verified and can be accounted for in a concrete (book, article, etc.) source.
HubPages. HubPages is a bit less academic than wikipedia, and is a bit more practically informative and personal. Hubs can be found on any topic from the crazy looking Vibram Five Fingers Shoes to practical advice such as How to Buy Shares of Stock. The authors over at HubPages generally include links to additional resources for further reading and research.
AllTop. While you won’t find articles at AllTop, you will find a well organized system of cataloging quality blogs and articles. Simply click on the category you are interested in learning about, and AllTop will serve up some of the best blogs and websites that talk about said subject.
eHow. eHow provides simple guides on how to do, make, or accomplish almost anything. For those who are big on getting things done – eHow is a great resource.
HowStuffWorks. For those out there who still have that toddler-like intensity about asking how or why, HowStuffWorks will be able to answer any question. So whether you want to know about atom bombs or zippers – HowStuffWorks knows how and why, and will tell you in easy to understand terms.
Knol. Knol – Google’s supposedly more scholarly version of HubPages-like website – is a great place for the learner who just can’t get enough of the Google empire of applications. No real new info there, just another way to get at it.
Dummies. For those who find Wikipedia a bit difficult to comprehend or those who just like simple answers, Dummies is a great place to turn. Excepect to learn about anything in simple terms with practical applications.
ExpertVillage. ExpertVillage is the option of choice for those who think that user-generated information websites are hokie and unreliable. ExpertVillage contains videos and articles by acclaimed experts in their respective fields of study.
Amazon. Believe it or not, the internet’s most formidable superstore, is an excellent place to learn. Amazon tracks users habits and purchases on the website to suggest other books or resources worth perusing. If you find yourself in need of a new book to stimulate your mind, why not let Amazon take care of the looking?
Documentaries. If reading is not exactly your style, then maybe watching documentary videos is. Hulu, HBO, and a few other websites contain excellent thought provoking documentary style videos to get you thinking about how they may relate you your life or lifestyle.
Do you have an amendment to add to the Mental Stimulus Package, be sure to leave it in the form of a comment and I will do my part by adding it to the list!
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