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| New This Week for January 12, 2006 |
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This Week This week we reveal the mysteries of literary hoaxes, indoor air pollution, Medicare Part D, OTC medications, dude ranching, domestic caviar, car tires, marine debris, lobbying, Tanzania, Galileo, and those mystifying recycling codes. Bon appetit from the LII team: Karen, Wendy, Jennifer, Maria, Pat, Charlotte, and Tom. Tip of the Week Can't find it in LII? Our More Search Tools page offers handy one-page access to Google, Technorati, and other useful search engines. |
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Arts and Humanities
The American Dialect Society
Find current and archived lists of the Society's "Words of the Year" ("words which most colored the nation's lexicon, or otherwise dominated the national discourse," such as "truthiness"), discussion lists, and links to related sites. "Founded more than a century ago, the American Dialect Society is dedicated to the study of the English language in North America, and of other languages, or dialects of other languages, influencing it or influenced by it."
URL: http://www.americandialect.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/9619
Forging a Collection: The Frank W. Tober Collection on Literary Forgery
This online exhibit features information about noted literary hoaxes, such as 18th century figures James Macpherson (Ossian poems) and Thomas Chatterton (Rowley forgeries), the 19th century Fortsas hoax, and Frederic Prokosch and the butterfly books in the 20th century. Includes images. Material is drawn from the collection of Frank W. Tober, a "research scientist ... [who] was also fascinated by the technical processes used to detect forgeries." From Special Collections, University of Delaware Library.
URL: http://www.lib.udel.edu/ud/spec/exhibits/forgery/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20346
A Sight for Sore Eyes
Critical, though thorough, analysis from July 2005 of the group of young German artists known as the "New Leipzig School." The article includes information about the development of this group of representational painters, images, and links to sites with information about specific artists, such as Neo Rauch, the leader of the group. From a website that provides essays related to the arts in Germany.
URL: http://www.signandsight.com/features/287.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20317
Slavery in New York
This exhibit looks at the history of slavery in New York, spanning "the period from the 1600s to 1827, when slavery was legally abolished in New York State." Online galleries, featuring some of the images from the physical exhibit, explore different aspects of this "largely unknown chapter of the city's story." Includes maps, biographies, classroom materials, and a bibliography. From the New York Historical Society.
URL: http://www.slaveryinnewyork.org
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20347
Top 10 Literary Hoaxes
Article from 2001 describing significant "literary hoaxes from Shakespearean 'discoveries' to flying saucer frauds." Includes brief descriptions of these documents and authors, such as the 18th century Thomas Chatterton, who wrote "faux-medieval poems ... [and] cashed in on the vogue for literary antiquity by touting his verse as the work of a 15th-century monk," and the forged Hitler diaries revealed in 1983. From Guardian Unlimited, the website of the British newspaper, The Guardian.
URL: http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,6109,594060,00.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20345
Wyoming Memory: A Digital Archive of Wyoming History
Annotated links to digital collections on Wyoming arts, literature, geography, government and politics, and other aspects of Wyoming history. Includes links to birth and death records, cemetery indexes, and other genealogy resources. A project of the Wyoming Statewide Digitization Committee; resources are from archives, libraries, and museums throughout the state.
URL: http://www.wyomingmemory.org
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20320
Business
Safercar.gov: Tires
Consumer safety information related to automobile tires, covering topics such as understanding and checking tire pressure, tire maintenance (such as rotation and repair), tire ratings (treadwear, traction, and temperature), tire labeling for passenger vehicles and light trucks, and tire defects. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
URL: http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/menuitem.13dd5c887c7e1358...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20313
What to Do If You Have a Blowout on the Highway
Safety tips for handling a blowout or flat tire while driving on the highway. Discusses how to get off the roadway safely, precautions on the side of the road, and deciding whether to change the tire or call for help. From the National Safety Council (NSC).
URL: http://www.nsc.org/resources/Factsheets/road/blowout.aspx
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20315
Computers
Computing With Accents, Symbols & Foreign Scripts
Extensive information about using foreign letters and other special characters in computer-generated documents such as word processing or web pages. Features characters by language, "Unicode Entity Codes for Phonetic Symbols" by letter (such as č, "c hachek" and ŵ, "Welsh w circumflex"), information for configuring browsers to display character sets, tips for website developers, links to related information, and more. Some information is specific to Penn State University.
URL: http://tlt.its.psu.edu/suggestions/international/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20314
Government
Public Disclosure
Information from the U.S. House of Representatives about how "members, officers, and staff ... are required by certain House Rules and federal statutes to file official documents on travel, income, gifts, etc. and to make this information available to the public." Also includes information about House implementation of the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) of 1995, which "requires lobbying firms and organizations to register and file reports of their lobbying activities."
URL: http://clerk.house.gov/public_disc/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20308
Special Report: The Jack Abramoff Story
Collection of articles about Jack Abramoff, "the once-powerful lobbyist at the center of a wide-ranging public corruption investigation, [who] pleaded guilty Jan. 3 [2006] to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials in a deal that requires him to provide evidence about members of Congress." Includes articles on topics such as the legality of lobbying, the relationship between Abramoff and Tom DeLay, and Abramoff's wardrobe. From the Washington Post.
URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/linkset/2005/06/22/LI2005...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20305
U.S. Senate: Lobbying
Information from the U.S. Senate about proper lobbying activities. Includes a history of lobbying before the U.S. Congress (last updated in 1989), and information about the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) of 1995 that "established criteria for determining whether an organization or firm should register their employees as lobbyists." Also includes a list of registered lobbyists and clients (updated twice a month) and related reports and filings.
URL: http://www.senate.gov/reference/reference_index_subjects/Lobbying_vrd....
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20307
Health
Blood-thinning Medicines
Basic information about blood thinners, which are "part of a class of medicines called anticoagulants. Although they are called blood thinners, these medicines do not really thin your blood. Instead, they decrease the blood's ability to clot." Includes an overview of drug interactions and side effects, and a list of items to discuss with your doctor before taking a blood thinner. Also available in Spanish. From the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital.
URL: http://texasheart.org/HIC/Topics/Meds/blodmeds.cfm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20342
Familydoctor.org: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
Fact sheets on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, which are "medicines you can buy without a prescription from your doctor." Some of the topics covered include drug interactions, allergic reactions, groups at risk for adverse effects (such as children and pregnant women), active ingredients in OTC medicine, and specific OTC drugs such as antihistamines and pain relievers. From the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
URL: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/otc-center.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20340
OSHA Fact Sheet: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Overview of the harms associated with breathing carbon monoxide (CO), a "poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas." Discusses occupations where there may be risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, what to do if you think someone has been poisoned, prevention tips for employers and employees, applicable OSHA standards, and sources for more information. Opens directly into a PDF file. From the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
URL: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/carbonmonoxide-factsheet...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20301
Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right For You?
Guide to understanding and deciding whether to use nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Subjects include how to read a label, drug interactions, checking for expired medicine, pregnancy and breast-feeding, giving OTC medicine to children, child-resistant packaging, and protecting yourself from tampering. From the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).
URL: http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/WhatsRightForYou.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20339
Peninsula Library System: Get Answers Online: Medicare Part D and Medicare Rx
A collection of annotated links to sites about "Medicare, Medicaid, and the New Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit aka Medicare Part D and Medicare Rx." From the Peninsula Library System, "a consortium of 34 public and community college libraries" on the San Francisco peninsula.
URL: http://www.plsinfo.org/getanswers/webliographies/medicaid.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20327
Home & Housing
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution: Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Fact sheet on the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), which is "an odorless, colorless and toxic gas" that "can kill you before you are aware it is in your home." Topics include sources of CO (such as leaking chimneys and furnaces, and backdrafting from wood stoves and fireplaces), health effects, and guidelines for reducing exposure to CO. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20300
Law
Significant Terrorist Incidents, 1961-2003: A Brief Chronology
Brief summaries of assassinations, kidnappings, hostage abductions, hijackings, bombings, and other terrorist events around the world from 1961-2003. "This document ... is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive account of all terrorist incidents during these years, and it is not an official expression of U.S. policy." From the U.S. Department of the State, Office of the Historian.
URL: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/pubs/fs/5902.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20344
Ready Reference & Quick Facts
Resin Identification Codes: Plastic Recycling Codes
This chart lists the recycling codes (1-7) found on plastics, with descriptions, and information about properties, packaging applications, and recycled products. Includes information for polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). From the American Plastics Council, an industry group.
URL: http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20242
Recreation
About Wyoming
Fast facts and other basic information about the state of Wyoming, known as the "Cowboy State" and the "Equality State." Topics include state historic sites, American Indians in Wyoming, the Old West, economy, wildlife, and women's rights in the state. Includes a chronology, list of governors, state symbols, and more. From the State of Wyoming.
URL: http://wyoming.gov/about.aspx
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20318
Regional: California
California Caviar
This article discusses caviar (sturgeon roe) from sturgeon farms in California, an increasingly popular alternative to the caviar from the endangered beluga sturgeon of the Caspian Sea. Includes facts about the Caspian caviar industry, North American sturgeon and domestic caviar, and related topics. From California Wild, a magazine of the California Academy of Sciences.
URL: http://research.calacademy.org/calwild/2004fall/stories/caviar.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20304
California Creeks
This site is a "whitewater river guide for California boating" with photos and information about recreational runs down California rivers. Includes a list with descriptions of recommended runs, links to flow data, and information about boating and photography equipment. From an enthusiast who enjoys "gravity-assisted water-based recreational activities" such as kayaking and rafting.
URL: http://www.cacreeks.com
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20324
California Department of Water Resources: Drought 2008
This website provides drought preparedness materials and information about the 2008 "Executive Order S-06-08, proclaiming a statewide drought." Features background about drought in California, a FAQ, past proclamations related to water shortages, reports, water supply conditions, and related material. From the California Department of Water Resources.
URL: http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20265
California Tire Management
Provides information about the management of waste tires in California, including regulations, enforcement, and research and development. The "Waste Tire Facilities" section includes a list of facilities in the state that accept waste tires, profiles of tire facilities, and information about tire fires. From the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), which manages the tire recycling program created by the California Tire Recycling Act of 1989.
URL: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Tires/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20311
Water Quality Service Learning Program
"This Web site is designed to introduce teachers to an innovative student-centered science investigation focused on California's growing problem of polluted runoff." Includes fact sheets about how storm water pollution is created ("when pesticides, trash... and other contaminants left on the ground are washed directly into local waterways"), lesson plans for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade levels aligned to California Content Standards, and related information. From the California Water Board.
URL: http://www.waterlessons.org
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20264
Regional: Washington State
InDepth: Sound Transit Link Light Rail
Background information and updates about this 14-mile light rail line that as of 2009 will "allow passengers to travel between Seattle and SeaTac Airport." Includes an overview and links to other resources about construction of tunnels and rail stations, videos of board meetings and press conferences about the project, and links to related news. From the Seattle Channel, the government access TV station for the City of Seattle.
URL: http://www.seattlechannel.org/issues/soundTransit.asp
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/19488
Mount Tahoma Trails Association
Describes "North America's largest no fee hut-to-hut [ski] trail system" near Mount Rainier in the backcountry of Washington state. Features information about the three huts and one yurt available for overnight accommodations for a small permit processing fee. Offers maps, weather conditions, and information about the ski patrol and other volunteer opportunities.
URL: http://www.skimtta.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20076
Regions of the World
Congressional Research Service Reports on the Middle East
Collection of Congressional Research Services (CRS) reports on Middle East countries. Topics include Iraq elections and post-war Iraq, Israeli-U.S. relations, Middle East peace talks, the Morocco-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and others. From the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Note: The Congressional Research Service "does not make its publications directly available to the public online."
URL: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20299
Council on Foreign Relations: Israel
Articles, background information, opinion pieces, interviews, and other documents on government and politics in Israel. Covers topics such as Israeli-Palestinian relations, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the Middle East peace process, U.S.-Middle East policy, and terrorism. From the Council on Foreign Relations, "an independent, national membership organization, nonpartisan research center, and publisher."
URL: http://www.cfr.org/region/406/israel.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20298
The EU's Relations With Israel
Background information and documents on European Union (EU) involvement with Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and Israel-Palestine relations and the Middle East peace process. Includes a FAQ, maps, speeches and remarks, plans and policy documents, and related material. From the European Commission.
URL: http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/israel/intro/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20297
The Index on Africa: Tanzania
Directory of links to websites about the African country of Tanzania, covering topics such as development, education, human rights, politics, law, government, culture, economy, health, media, and tourism. Created by the Norwegian Council for Africa as part of the organization's "efforts to raise awareness about Africa and African affairs."
URL: http://afrika.no/index/Countries/Tanzania/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20176
Public Information Films
Use this website from the British National Archives to view public information films. "The first selection of films from 1945 - 1951 features some fascinating events from Britain's [post-World War II history]." Includes a timeline, background about this period that was characterized by austerity and financial instability, and short movies on subjects such as surviving the fuel crisis, using a hankie when sneezing, the Berlin Airlift, and the Festival of Britain.
URL: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/films/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20289
U.S. Department of State: Middle East Peace
Information from the U.S. government about peace efforts in the Middle East, including efforts by the Middle East Quartet (U.S., Russian Federation, European Union, and United Nations) in support of "the goal of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Includes press briefings, remarks, statements, interviews, reports, and other documents. Also include a map showing key areas (Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights), and links to other information about Israel.
URL: http://www.state.gov/p/nea/rt/c2829.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20296
Science
Astrophysics Science Project: Integrating Research & Education (ASPIRE)
This "interactive science education" website provides materials for students and teachers, including lessons and quizzes, and information about science careers. Topics include cosmic rays, effect of force, gas particles, kinetic energy, lunar phases, refraction, scientific notation, seismic waves, and much more. From the University of Utah.
URL: http://aspire.cosmic-ray.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20170
Census of Marine Life
A project of "a growing global network of researchers in more than 70 nations engaged in a ten-year initiative to assess and explain the diversity, distribution, and abundance of life in the ocean and explain how it changes over time." The project runs through 2010. The site posts annual reports from this census, monthly updates, and photographs and video files. The organization is based at the Consortium of Oceanographic Research and Education in Washington, D.C.
URL: http://www.coml.org/coml.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20236
Common Wastes & Materials: Scrap Tires
Collection of resources about waste management and recycling of scrap tires in the U.S. Features background information, statistics, a FAQ, information about scrap tire markets (such as tire-derived fuel, civil engineering applications, and rubberized asphalt), laws and statutes, regional resources, a page on tire fires, publications, and related links. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/tires/index.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20309
Marine Debris Abatement
Publications and other resources on marine debris (or litter), which is "defined as any man-made, solid material that enters our waterways directly (e.g., by dumping) or indirectly (e.g., washed out to sea via rivers, streams, storm drains, etc.)." The site contains information about legislation, effects of marine debris (such as harm to marine animals), an educational guide, letters and drawings from children about marine litter, and related material. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
URL: http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/debris/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20251
What Is Galileo?
Introductory information about Galileo, which will be "Europe's own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service [GPS] under civilian control." Includes image and video galleries for this program, the first portion of which was launched at the end of 2005. From the European Space Agency (ESA).
URL: http://www.esa.int/esaNA/GGGMX650NDC_galileo_0.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20182
Society & Social Science
Aging Out
Companion site to a 2005 Thirteen/WNET documentary that "follows young people as they exit foster care and become parents, battle drug addiction, face homelessness, and even end up in jail." The site includes profiles and words from the film's subjects, a FAQ on foster care, and links to related resources on foster care.
URL: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/agingout/index-hi.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20329
Higher Education Opportunities for Foster Youth: A Primer for Policymakers
This report makes policy recommendations focused on improving opportunities for success of former foster youth entering the higher education system. Addresses characteristics of foster youth, adult life skills, mental health, educational attainment, and related topics. Includes statistics on foster care. From the Institute for Higher Education Policy, a "non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to foster access and success in postsecondary education." Opens directly into a PDF document.
URL: http://www.ihep.org/assets/files/publications/m-r/OpportunitiesFosterY...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/20330
U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Features: Black (African-American) History Month: February
Facts and statistics regarding African-Americans, including topics such as earnings, business, education, jobs, family, housing, and the military. 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/991
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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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