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| New This Week for November 22, 2007 |
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This Week Here's some of what we're thankful for, or at least intrigued by: the origin of Christmas Seals, a site about Franklin Pierce I swear you will want to read all of, presidential candidates' health care views, Mafia ballads, King Tut's face, and nutcrackers staged and functional. Bon appetit from librarians Charlotte, Jennifer, Maria, and Wendy. Tip of the Week Coming soon to a home near you -- leftovers, and if you're lucky it'll be pumpkin pie for breakfast. Happy Thanksgiving from LII to you. |
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Arts and Humanities
Campy, Nutty, and It's Sugar-Free
This 2006 review of the Mark Morris production of "The Hard Nut," a revisionist interpretation of the Christmas staple "The Nutcracker" ballet, describes "a deliciously playful bending of gender roles" and other elements of the performance. Includes photos. From The New York Times.
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/18/arts/dance/18morr.html?_r=4&n=Top/Re...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24944
King Tut's Face Unveiled to World
This November 2007 article describes how "the face of Egypt's most famous ancient ruler, King Tutankhamun, has been put on public display for the first time." Includes photos of a reconstruction of Tut's face and of Tut's skull, and photos and a video clip of the removal of Tut's mummy from its sarcophagus. Also discusses how King Tut may have died. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7077423.stm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24909
Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
Site for this Leavenworth, Washington state, museum dedicated to instruments used to open the hard shell of a nut. Features images of historical nutcrackers (including wooden soldier nutcrackers from the 1800s), faces on human-looking nutcrackers, and historical material about human consumption of nuts. Also includes material about collecting antique nutcrackers.
URL: http://www.nutcrackermuseum.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24947
Nutcracker Ballet
Information about current performances and history of the creation of the "The Nutcracker" ballet (based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffman, with music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky). Features an overview of the story, music clips, a list of ballet performances listed by country and state, and reviews of selected performances. Also includes a list of movie versions of the ballet. Note: Includes commercial content. From an enthusiast.
URL: http://www.nutcrackerballet.net/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24942
The Nutcracker History
Historical material through 1998 about this ballet performed at Christmastime with music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Features a discussion of the origins of the story and Tchaikvsky's musical composition, the development of early stagings, listing of notable productions (such as the original Imperial Russian Ballet in 1892 and the first full length production in the U.S. by the San Francisco Ballet in 1944), background about wooden nutcrackers, and more. From BalletMet Columbus, Ohio.
URL: http://www.balletmet.org/Notes/NutHist.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24939
Songs of the Criminal Life: Reviving the Ballads of Calabria's Original Mafia
Feature about "a CD collection of songs that glorify ... [the] violent code of honor" of the 'Ndrangheta, "the most secretive and elusive of the Italian Mafias." Provides audio of the report, sound clips from the CD collection, and background about the 'Ndrangheta. From National Public Radio (NPR).
URL: http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/features/2002/oct/mafiamusic/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24885
Tutankhamun: Anatomy of an Excavation
The aim of this site is "to make the complete records of Howard Carter's excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamun available." Features a list of all items found (with selected photos), archaeologist Howard Carter's pocket diaries (1922-1930), eyewitness accounts of the opening of the tomb, maps and drawings, and a gallery of photos. Also includes background about King Tut and Carter. From the Griffith Institute, part of the University of Oxford.
URL: http://griffith.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/gri/4tut.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24907
Business
Holiday Retail
Collection of news stories related to the current winter holiday retail season. Topics include toys made in China, toy safety, holiday price cuts, sales figures, and other retailer and consumer actions. (Note: Video clips may take a long time to load.) From MSNBC.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15714138/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24906
Government
health08.org
Information about health care issues addressed by the presidential candidates in the 2008 presidential election. Features news, video clips, analysis, poll results, and side-by-side comparisons of the candidates' positions on health care issues (such as expansion of public programs, insurance premium subsidies, cost containment, and financing). Also includes links to campaign resources for each candidate. From the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
URL: http://www.health08.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24936
I Want You ... Badly: A Complete Guide to Uncle Sam's Recruiting Incentives
This November 2007 feature provides a chart of U.S. Army recruiting and retention programs, such as enlistment and deferred enlistment bonuses, money for college, student-loan repayment, and retention bonuses. Includes target audiences and descriptions of the programs with links to further information. From the online magazine Slate.
URL: http://www.slate.com/id/2177426?wpisrc=newsletter
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24879
Health
American Lung Association Christmas Seals
History of Christmas Seals, labels originally placed on mail during the holiday season to raise funds for tuberculosis and now benefiting lung disease programs. Discusses the events leading up to the sale of the first Christmas Seals on December 7, 1907.
URL: http://www.christmasseals.org/history.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24346
A Glossary of Archaic Medical Terms, Diseases and Causes of Death
"List of archaic medical terms with their old and modern definitions. The primary focus of this web site is to help decipher the Causes of Death found on Mortality Lists, Certificates of Death and Church Death Records from the 19th century and earlier." Includes terms in English, German, French, and other European languages. Also includes a bibliography and links to related sites. From an enthusiast using a "collection of antique medical books and online reference web sites."
URL: http://www.antiquusmorbus.com
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24889
Home & Housing
Eco-Friendly Kwanzaa
Craft ideas for making your own Kwanzaa celebration supplies. Includes instructions for making a Kwanzaa candle holder and mat. Also describes how to create other Kwanzaa symbols. From Care2, an activist organization.
URL: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/eco-friendly-kwanzaa.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24922
FamilyFun: Have a Happy Green Holiday
Collection of children's craft activities for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve that "give a gift to Mother Earth ... [by turning] holiday and household surplus into festive decorations and eco-friendly packaging." Includes instructions for a bubble packaging advent calendar, new uses for old greeting cards, fabric wrapping (inspired by Japanese furoshiki), and more. From FamilyFun magazine.
URL: http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/feature/ff0108-happy-gr...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24919
Law
Federal Bureau of Investigation: Organized Crime
Background and updates about organized crime, with an overview of the FBI's organized crime program, news and issues, details about specific investigations, and a brief glossary. Includes material about Italian organized crime (Sicilian Mafia, Camorra or Neapolitan Mafia, 'Ndrangheta or Calabrian Mafia, Sacra Corona Unita or United Sacred Crown, and American La Cosa Nostra), Eurasian organized crime, Asian and African criminal enterprises, and sports bribery. From the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
URL: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/orgcrime/ocshome.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24886
Media
Scoop08
Website for a national student newspaper "dedicated to providing in-depth and innovative coverage of the 2008 presidential election." Features articles and editorials (in blog format) from student correspondents from universities and high schools across the country, descriptions of beats and how to get involved as a correspondent, and details about the contributors and advisors (journalism professors and journalists from national media outlets).
URL: http://scoop08.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24940
People
The Franklin Pierce Pages
This amusing site about 14th president Franklin Pierce bills itself as "a moving tribute to America's most obscure (and best looking) president." Includes nifty facts about Pierce, a description of events during Pierce's term of office (1853-1857), and a discussion of Pierce's involvement in allowing the first Jewish synagogue in Washington, D.C. Also includes a quiz. From a group of enthusiasts.
URL: http://www.mindspring.com/~dbholzel/pierce/pierce.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24905
Sojourner Truth Institute
Website for this organization dedicated to preserving the message of Sojourner Truth (1797-1883), a former slave who "traveled the country as a forceful and passionate advocate for the dispossessed, using her quick wit and fearless tongue to fight for human rights." Features an extensive biography of Truth, a timeline, images, speeches, an exhibit of art about Truth, a quiz, and details about the Sojourner Truth monument park in Battle Creek, Michigan.
URL: http://www.sojournertruth.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24888
Regional: California
Bay Spill
Compilation of news stories and editorials concerning the oil spill that resulted from a container ship striking the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in November 2007. In addition to ongoing stories about cleanup efforts and investigations into the accident, this feature include photos, audio and video clips, graphics, a list of beach closures, and details about volunteering to help with the cleanup efforts. From the website for the San Francisco Chronicle.
URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/news/oilspill/busan
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24935
CalHealthReform.org
This website "was created to help keep Californians up-to-date on the major proposals, analyses, hearings, and news" regarding health care reform in the state. Provides background and analysis on legislative packages and bills, "myths & facts" about the health care system, and a report on California's uninsured population. Also includes a glossary, legislative news, and links to news stories, editorials, blogs, and discussion boards. From the California HealthCare Foundation and the Center for Government Studies.
URL: http://calhealthreform.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24884
Teen Health Rights
This site provides "resources and information to health care providers about California laws pertaining to minor consent, confidentiality, child abuse reporting, and other adolescent health concerns." Features publications, tools and charts, and links to material for teens and care providers and to resources for other states. A project of the National Center for Youth Law.
URL: http://www.teenhealthrights.org
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24892
Wildfire Zone
This website provides general information about what to do before, during, and after a fire, and resources for San Diego County (California) residents, such as vegetation and fire risk in specific areas of the county and contacts related to fire recovery. Some documents available in Spanish. A partnership of several California agencies; developed by University of California Cooperative Extension, County of San Diego.
URL: http://www.wildfirezone.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24918
Science
The First State of the Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR): The North American Carbon Budget and Implications
Full text and executive summary of this November 2007 report that considers the amount and sources of carbon dioxide released in the air in North America and the amount of growing vegetation and soil organic matter that act as carbon sinks. Topics include the carbon cycle; energy, industry, and waste management activities; and land and water systems. Also includes a historical overview and a glossary. From the U.S. Climate Change Science Program.
URL: http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap2-2/final-report/default....
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24933
Scientists and the Franklin Institute: Making Their Cases
"The Franklin Institute's Case Files are a unique repository in the history of science and exist as the documentary record of The Franklin Awards program which, since 1824, has recognized outstanding scientific achievement, across all scientific disciplines." Features commentary and primary documents for scientists in the areas of computing, transportation, cosmic inquiry, energy, and communications. Also includes audio clips and suggested reading.
URL: http://www.fi.edu/learn/case-files/index.php
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24911
Society & Social Science
COEJL Hanukkah: Let There Be (Renewable) Light: A New Look at Hanukkah
This site considers "the connection between Hanukkah [Festival of Lights], energy use, and the environment," and provides "holiday tips and resources for families, schools, and congregations to infuse Hanukkah celebrations with additional meaning," and "tips for what you can do save energy in your congregation/school and at home." Includes a "CFL installation ceremony," an essay about the meaning of the darkness of winter, and more. From the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL).
URL: http://www.coejl.org/Hanukkah/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24921
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Thanks for reading LII New This Week!
Jennifer English, Liaison to Califa Library Group
Wendy Hyman, Senior Editor
Maria Brandt, Associate Editor
Charlotte Bagby, Senior Weeder
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