Mac's Picks is a collection of family friendly interesting and useful sites, updated weekly. These sites may be search engines, medical resources, household hints, educational resources, recipe sites, sites I call "head scratchers", and/or new sites dealing with all kinds of things of use to the general internet community. To find the criteria I use, simply click on the "Why and How Info" link on the right side of this page.

This page is updated on a weekly basis, each Tuesday evening Australian (Queensland) time (GMT + 9 hours according to the world clock). Please come back and visit us often.

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If you celebrate the festive season of Christmas, then you'll know your own celebration methods and most likely those of your family. But what about folk in other lands who, like you, celebrate this time of year, but do it differently? I'd suggest that an interesting site to visit is the Christmas traditions & customs round the world site, as it shows how different countries celebrate Christmas. Have a look. You might find that some of the celebrations are worth adopting in your own situation.

Eating in festive times, in particular, can be a problem for some diabetics. Indeed, sticking to somewhat regimented diets can be difficult for us all. However, sites like the Diabetic Recipes site shows that eating healthy recipes, even with diabetes, can be enjoyable. Have a look. They actually work for those who don't have diabetes as well. Enjoy.

No doubt over the holiday season you'll find that relatives gather, and it is always a challenge to keep the younger family members entertained. To that end you might want to bookmark (or favorite) the FamilyFun All About Puppets site. Here you'll find the rudiments of puppet making and how they can become a great entertainment tool. Nice place to take your family to.

Many of us have varying medical conditions that we live with from day to day. Some use traditional western methods of treatment, some less traditional with varying results. It appears that no one particular method of treating any condition works universally, and therein is a problem. The problem is that some practice dubious forms of treatment, with the sole purpose of defrauding those in need of help. It certainly doesn't mean there is only one form of treatment but in most cases there is one form of quack out there ready to take the money from unsuspecting people. Thus the Quackwatch site, admittedly written by a western General Practitioner, was born. This site (and it takes some time to read through much of it) warns about methods that appear of little or no use or use questionable science in their practice, and those who seemingly prey on unsuspecting patients with the view to defrauding them of their money. Don't dismiss this site out of hand, but do have a read, especially of the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) link. I found it interesting, and think you might as well.

How many different search engines do you have in your arsenal? At gift giving times of year, it may be handy to investigate other search facilities than your normal ones. The Search Engine Watch Blog is certainly worth reading and checking back on as it keeps track of those in this field and helps you to understand who is doing what and why. It even takes a look at info on Googles' new software for your PC. Do have a look and be informed.

It's not often that I find a site that is very useful, yet I'm reticent to show it here because of the name chosen to call it. However, as you can see, I've blanked out the last word of its name but still think you should see the Cheap Stingy * * * * * * * site. I'm sure you can mentally fill in the last word. I simply suggest caution bringing your young ones with you to view this one. However, having said that, it is an independent guide to good deals and the frugal lifestyle. Does he have an ax to grind? Nope. Does he have affiliations to any particular company or site? Not that I can determine. Does he find real bargains that save, in some cases, substantial amounts of cash when you look for a particular item? *Nods his head*. So, have a look (maybe with other adults - but only because of the name, not the content) and you may well find it saves you some cash.

You may well have heard of the new term on the net called VOIP. It stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, which means the ability to converse over the internet (with a set of earphones and a microphone - known as a "headset mike") with friends and relatives anywhere on the planet who have a connection to the net (and a headset mike as well). Yes, many of the various chat messengers (Yahoo, MSN, etc) have this facility but you may find that the Skype - Free Internet telephony that just works software does it more efficiently. I'm certainly giving it a try and think you might find it worth your while to do so as well. Long distance calls? With the cost of the average headset mike being in the $20 to $40 dollar range, verses this free software, used over an internet connection you already have, you'll continue with paid or charged long distance toll calls? You have to be kidding *smiles*.

Remember learning of the 7 wonders of the ancient world? Well, the New 7 Wonders - Project site is inviting you to vote for your own choice of what presently makes up that list. Would the Sydney Opera House or the Taj Mahal make it as one of them? Or do you know of something else you'd like to suggest? Hop over and have your say. Read the site then click on the "Vote Now" link on the left, and either vote from the list they have already, or in the last line above that list, click on the "nominate your own choice" link and do just that. Interesting project and one you can be a part of.

You may have heard of the Rand corporation, and may know that they offer scholarly opinions on various subjects they feel need to be in the public arena of discussion. You may not always like the fact that they offer opinions on some subjects, but as their website shows, the RAND Review is certainly worth reading. As I said, some may not like what this site discusses, but things like the health system, in particular in the USA, does need discussion and resolution by the citizens of that country. Too many citizens go without basic health care in the most prosperous country in the world, which makes no sense in anyone's language. Have a look. You may well find it stirs up thought in your own home, and calm, measured discussion is worthy of any family. See what you think.

If you have children I'll bet there is some Lego somewhere in the house. It does have to be one of the success stories as far as children's imaginative and educational toys are concerned. However, usually we, the parents, run out of ideas about what to build next. The LEGO.com Make and Create Activities - Make & Create WorldBuilder site shows you some ideas on what can be done with it, and has some amazing displays of constructions using it to have a look at as well. Have a look and get inspired.

Historic investigations are interesting. Many lead to discoveries about what really happened at an event in history, while some simply lead to more controversy. Thus the History Detectives. Home PBS show, which apparently is returning in the new year, is so interesting. It delves into the history of events and takes you along for the ride. Interesting stuff.

If you live in a place that still has overhead power and telephone cables (as most of the world still has) then you have no doubt seen different types of power line poles and different looking insulators where the power lines are connected to the poles. Well, some folk, like David Dahle's Homepage make collections of power line poles and insulators. No, it's not easy to have this kind of collection which, I guess, is one of its draws. To each their own, but personally I think I'll stick to collecting dust. ;-)

Rebecca Game of "Digital Women - Women with their modems running...", is a graphic designer who is superb to say the least. Rebecca designed this "new look" web site specifically for me, and I can't praise her work enough. Her site, dedicated to women on the net, is worth seeing and bookmarking for future reference. If you are looking for links of interest to women, please visit her site. And if you need the best graphic designer on the planet, I seriously can't recommend her more highly. Oh yes, and when you visit her site, tell her Mac sent you. Thank you Rebecca. I am eternally grateful for your assistance and expertise. ;-)