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| New This Week for January 3, 2008 |
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This Week This week we include 10,000 steps and how to count them, William Saroyan, several 50th celebrations and a couple of 75ths, bypassing commercial software, warning label madness, and the real start of the presidential election with Iowa's caucus today. Bon appetit from librarians Charlotte, Jennifer, Maria, and Wendy. Tip of the Week Make use of LII throughout the year as a good resource for planning for holidays and observations, birthdays of notable people in history, special months, etc. We try to feature these sites in advance in the newsletter and are always looking for new sites about cultural and historical occasions. |
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Arts and Humanities
75th Anniversary Salute to FDR
"On Monday, July 2, 2007 the Museum of Broadcast Communications held their '75th Anniversary Salute to FDR.' ... The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University [in Chicago] was transformed into the convention floor of 1932." Here you can watch the re-creation of Franklin Delano Roosevelt accepting his first presidential nomination (in his "New Deal" speech) by actor Robert Vaughn, and reflections by current news commentators. From the Museum of Broadcast Communication (MBC).
URL: http://www.museum.tv/eventssection.php
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25160
Journeys & Crossings
This website brings "to life some of the Library [of Congress]'s most exciting and historically significant materials through Webcasts offering the personal insights of the staff who know them best." Some of the Webcast topics include school gardens, Rosie the Riveter, Pearl Harbor oral histories, and May Day. Includes video and transcripts for each session, and links to related material. More online discussions are planned for the future. From the Library of Congress.
URL: http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/journey/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/23121
Business
Economic Choices '08
Compilation of reports, commentary, and blog entries providing "analysis of the business and economic impact of the 2008 [presidential] election." Some of the topics discussed are health care, NAFTA, mortgages and real estate foreclosures, investing, and taxes. From the "Nightly Business Report," a public television program that provides "business news in a fast-paced format."
URL: http://www.pbs.org/nbr/site/features/special/economic-choices-2008_hom...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25141
job-hunt
The purpose of this website is "to provide the most comprehensive listing of useful Internet-accessible job-search resources and services on the Web." Browse annotated listing of job resources by location and industry or profession, networking resources, and other job and career websites. Includes job-hunting basics and advice. From human resources and career planning professionals.
URL: http://www.job-hunt.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24880
Computers
Digital Footprints: Online Identity Management and Search in the Age of Transparency
This December 2007 report considers whether and how often people search for information about themselves online and whether they have taken steps to limit that information. Also discusses social networking and online profiles and searching for information about others online. Includes full text of the report and the questionnaire used to generate the report. From the Pew Internet & American Life Project.
URL: http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/229/report_display.asp
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25143
How to Never Spend Money on PC Software Ever Again
Suggestions for free alternatives to computer software packages, including word processing programs, Web browsers, Internet security, email, graphics manipulation programs, Web authoring software, instant messengers, and other software. Also includes a few suggestions for open-source operating systems. From librarian Chuck Gray of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Virginia.
URL: http://www.answerpoint.org/columns2.asp?column_id=1438&column_type=fea...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/23278
Government
Election '08: How Green Is Your Candidate?
Interviews, fact sheets, and other material "on the [2008] presidential candidates' energy plans and environmental positions." Includes details about voting records, comments, and positions on greenhouse gas emissions, coal power plants, nuclear power, fuel economy standards, and other energy and environmental topics. From Grist magazine; interviews are in conjunction with Outside magazine.
URL: http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/07/06/candidates/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25137
How Do Caucuses Work?
This essay explains how caucuses work, and outlines the differences between presidential primaries and caucuses, which are both "a means for each political party to let voters nationwide select their party's presidential nominee." The Iowa caucus (the first of the presidential election year) is used as an example. Includes links to further information about the U.S. presidential election system. From HowStuffWorks.
URL: http://people.howstuffworks.com/question721.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25168
Iowa Caucus 2008
Official website for the Iowa Caucus, in which political party members gather in January to make policy decisions and to select candidates, and which is the earliest step in the electoral process for U.S. presidential candidates. Provides background about the caucus (such as how the caucuses began, how they work, and how Iowa gained its first-in-the-nation status) and links to candidate websites. Also includes links to facts about Iowa.
URL: http://www.iowacaucus.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25167
Health
The 10,000-Step Guide to Fitness
This feature describes the concept of walking 10,000 steps per day (using a pedometer to keep track) to obtain health benefits. "The British Heart Foundation (BHF) says 10,000 steps a day (about five miles) can give you a healthy heart and reduce body fat." It includes quick tips regarding the 10,000-step challenge, statistics on fitness in Britain, and an illustrated description of how a pedometer works. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3723704.stm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25098
America's Walking: Pedometers
This article provides an overview of the use of a pedometer for fitness walking activities. It discusses how to calibrate a pedometer and use it to record the number of steps walked, with the goal of walking 10,000 steps or more a day for health benefits. Includes a link to more detailed information about the 10,000-step concept. From "America's Walking," a television series and website about walking.
URL: http://www.pbs.org/americaswalking/gear/gearpedometers.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25097
Law
Google Patent Search
This patent search "covers the entire collection of patents made available by the USPTO -- from patents issued in the 1790s through ... [the present. It does not] currently include patent applications, international patents, or U.S. patents issued over the last few months." Search by keyword, patent number, inventor name, issue and file dates, and other factors. Results include abstract, drawings, and other associated material. From Google.
URL: http://www.google.com/patents
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/23060
M-LAW's Wacky Warning Labels
The contest to identify the wacky warning labels as presented on this site aims to "reveal how lawsuits, and fear of lawsuits, have driven the proliferation of common-sense warnings on U.S. products." Features a list of some of the best labels from the first eight contests, and images of labels for recent years. Includes rules for submitted labels to the competition. From Michigan Law Abuse Watch (M-LAW), and organization that opposes frivolous lawsuits.
URL: http://www.mlaw.org/wwl/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25124
Ready Reference & Quick Facts
Facts for Features Special Edition: 2007 Economic Census
Facts and data related to the Economic Census, which takes place every five years in years ending in 2 and 7 and "measures the nation's economic activity, providing key source data for the gross domestic product (GDP) and other indicators of economic performance. Includes statistics about the census (mailed in December 2007 to businesses), and about driving, gas stations, eating and drinking, shopping, utilities, entertainment, sports, and personal business. From the U.S. Census Bureau.
URL: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_fe...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25154
Recreation
Facts for Features Special Edition: 50th Daytona 500
Collection of statistics related to the "50th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17 [2008, which] is being billed as the 'most anticipated event in [auto] racing history.'" Features changes in population, prices, and trends from 1959 (when NASCAR's 200-lap, 500-mile stock-car race was first run at Daytona International Speedway in Florida) to 2008, and statistics for Daytona Beach, Florida, Deltona-Daytona Beach Metro Area, auto racing, and automobiles. From the U.S. Census Bureau.
URL: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_fe...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25119
The Great Race
Website for the centennial celebration of the 1908 New York to Paris automobile race. Originally scheduled for May 2008, it was rescheduled for April 25, 2009, "after the Chinese government revoked travel permits for foreigners traveling throughout the country following demonstrations in Tibet and surrounding the Olympic Torch Run." Covers the original race, and details about the 2008 race, including a listing of race participants and vehicles. From the race promoters.
URL: http://www.greatrace.com/newsite/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25089
Regional: California
50 Years of Dodger Baseball, 1958-2008
Details about the golden anniversary celebration in 2008 of the move of the Dodgers baseball team from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Features history of the team's move and other articles, trivia, event listings, video clips, opportunities for fan participation, and other material related to the celebration. From the official Major League Baseball website for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
URL: http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/history/50th/index.jsp
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25091
Downtown LA Walks
This website features suggestions for places to visit and explore on foot in Bunker Hill, Chinatown, Figueroa Corridor, the Fashion District, Toy District, and other areas of downtown Los Angeles. Includes an overview of the Downtown LA Walks urban "way-finding" program for pedestrians (which includes 1,300 signs, and icons representing different neighborhoods), maps, podcast tours to download and take along on an MP3 player, and related material. A partnership of government agencies and business associations.
URL: http://www.downtownlawalks.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25059
San Francisco Ballet at 75
Website for the 75th anniversary season of the San Francisco Ballet in 2008. Features history of the ballet company ("the oldest professional ballet company in America"), which was founded as the San Francisco Opera Ballet in 1933, and details about events occurring throughout the year. Includes a link to an NBC11 interactive website with more history of the ballet company. From the official website for the San Francisco Ballet.
URL: http://www.sfballet.org/at75/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25158
South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project
Website for this environmental restoration project in San Francisco Bay, which is "the largest tidal wetland restoration project on the west coast of the United States." Includes a project description (featuring restoration of tidal marshes and other wetland habitats that had been used for commercial salt production since 1854), a FAQ, reports, maps, and video clips. Also include events and meeting listings and newsletters. In English and Spanish. From California state and federal agencies.
URL: http://www.southbayrestoration.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25157
William Saroyan Centennial: 1908-2008
"Fresno, California is leading a statewide celebration honoring their most high-spirited native son, William Saroyan, during the 100th anniversary year of his birth (1908-2008). Saroyan was an internationally renowned Armenian-American novelist and playwright," known for works such as "The Human Comedy." Features a listing of events throughout 2008, and links to news and supporting organizations.
URL: http://www.saroyancentennial.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25082
Regions of the World
Pakistan's Political Crisis
Collection of features, views, and analysis about the political situation in Pakistan, including President Pervez Musharraf's resignation in August 2008 and the December 2007 assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Includes a timeline, key facts about Pakistan, videos related to Musharraf's resignation, profiles of Musharraf and other key people in Pakistan, and more. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/south_asia/2007/pakistan/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24848
Science
Connected Earth: How Communication Shapes the World
This site "lets you explore communications past, present and future." Features illustrated essays on types of telecommunications (such as telegraph, telephone, radio, and satellite), advertising, uses, and pioneers and personalities. Also includes images of telecommunications artifacts, personal stories, and material for children (games and how the technology works). Don't miss the "gadgets" section where you can "explode" equipment to see what is inside. From British Telecom (BT) and several museum partners in the UK.
URL: http://www.connected-earth.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25153
NASA's 50th Anniversary
This website celebrates the 50th anniversary in 2008 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which began operation in October 1958. Provides a history of this government agency, a calendar of anniversary events through October 2008, photos, press releases, publications, and links to popular NASA websites. From NASA.
URL: http://www.nasa.gov/50th/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25092
Society & Social Science
NewDeal75
Developed for the 75th anniversary of the New Deal in 2008, "the mission of NewDeal75 is to heighten public awareness and appreciation of America's New Deal experience." The site features brief introductions to the "series of social and economic programs enacted during the Great Depression by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration" and its legacy, and links to related sites. From a group of organizations associated with Franklin D. Roosevelt.
URL: http://www.newdeal75.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/25159
The Soldier's Heart
Companion website to a 2005 PBS Frontline program that "explores the psychological cost of war and investigates whether the military is doing enough to help the many combat veterans coming home with emotional problems." Features video of the full program and additional stories, interviews, readings, and expert options about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in soldiers. Includes 2007 updates on some of the people featured in the program, and a link to a related Frontline report.
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/heart/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/23442
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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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| Funding and Support Primary financial support for LII (Librarians' Internet Index) from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. LII is also supported by the IPL Consortium, and hosted by The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology. Other sources include California Digital Library. |