International Starch: Starch and Glucose Glossary

makestuff.com - What is it and where can I find it?
table of some of the more common "chemicals" called for in home industry, some alternative names, and where you can get them. Rest of the site looks worth a look too.

Rules for Wandering
A subject very close to my heart. I try to make a point of taking regular detours from the most direct route from the day's A to B. Recently my wandering has been confined (or expanded) to my weekend walks with Aidan. We can only cover a few blocks distance from our house but we have nonetheless stumbled on some finds: a purple castle-themed house with a large gargoyle and occassionally interesting trash for the taking; a sneaky stroller-negotiable shortcut between Lamar and Payne ave.; more interesting trash; several other urban chicken keepers; lots of dogs (arf arf says Aidan) and some nice xeriscaped front yards

My wandering patterns, given the opportunity, would include:
Old industrial neighborhoods, and those little pockets of industry and creativity in older residential areas.
Transition zones between res., light industrial and those big municipal facilities
..and the cafes and bookshops described here.

I feel like the same patterns must apply to online wandering. What are the web/net equivalent of those old neighborhoods - for sure usenet qualifies, whose archives were recently made wonderfully accessible by google. Where else?
These blogs play a part - finding a like minded soul out there can uncover a treasure trove of goodies they've collected over the years (ok maybe weeks).

Anyhow, I am inspired. Thank you Steven.

Bending Wood with Steam
This page has a diagram and instructions for setting up a (wood) steamer. There's also a page on making a mold to form the wood on once steamed.
Heres the wood bending entry from Stefan's Florilegium

More rope making
Production of Kijoka Banana Fiber Cloth
Making rope with minimum equipment
Native American cordage
Ropemaking Yahoo group

Cumberland General Store
Was just looking at the catalogue in dead tree format and digging the tools and other goodies they have available. Some is reasonably priced, other stuff is inexplicably marked up - but a great collection of goodies nonetheless. I have my eye on a hand axe, but would rather heft if before I buy. Good source to have though.

Sorbet recipes
mmm. Sorbet season is definately approaching. This list includes watermelon sorbet, lemon, peach...

Adrian's Nonsense
In a rare attack of circular blogging - or something like that - I have to blog Adrian's blog. I like his writing and it's just good to hear from him - one of a few people I really miss from the Bay Area.