Share New This Week
| New This Week for October 25, 2007 |
|
This Week This week we've included bryophites (mostly mosses), a new search for extraterrestrial signals, the latest recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature, urban literature, more sites about home loans, Indecision 2008 and the new Daily Show website (every episode, the whole episode), and noisy cucarachas. Bon appetit from librarians Charlotte, Wendy, Maria, and Jennifer. Tip of the Week Wondering who else was nominated for that Nobel? You may never know: "The names of the nominees cannot be revealed until 50 years later," says the Nobel Foundation. |
Subscriber Services Subscribe by RSS Subscribe by Email Manage Your Subscription Browse the New This Week Archive |
Arts and Humanities
Doris Lessing
Collections of book reviews and articles about British author Doris Lessing, recipient of the 2007 Nobel Prize in literature, and known for writing books with feminist, political, mystical, and science fiction themes. Includes reviews of books back to 1950 (most free, some require a fee) and articles mainly from the 1980s and 1990s. From The New York Times.
URL: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/l/doris_les...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24695
Street Lit Takes a Hit: An African American Author Raps the Genre, But Librarians Defend It
This 2006 article discusses how "urban fiction, street lit, ghetto fiction, gangsta lit, whatever you call it, this gritty genre of African American writing is enormously popular, both in bookstores and libraries," but is not popular with Nick Chiles, an education reporter and author, who believe these novels glamorize black criminals. From LibraryJournal.com.
URL: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6299839.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24697
Urban Lit: Tough Tales From the Streets
Briefly annotated bibliography of nonfiction and fiction works in the urban lit genre. Items include "an autobiography of a Puerto Rican teen fighting to stay alive in Harlem's mean streets," "an intimate, detailed look at gang life as a Crip from the '70s to the '90s," and novels about a hit-man seeking vengeance on a pimp, and Oakland, California, street gangs. Most titles are designed for young adult readers. From the Beaverton City Library (Oregon).
URL: http://www.beavertonlibrary.org/teens/urbanlit.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24696
Business
NeighborWorks America
Website for this "national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts." Features news, case studies, and reports on subjects such as aging in place, disaster preparedness, foreclosure solutions, home equity protection, manufactured housing, predatory lending, and refinancing. Also includes materials about campaigns, such as its free telephone consultation service on foreclosure solutions. Includes listings of local NeighborWorks member organizations.
URL: http://www.nw.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24698
Government
Comedy Central's Indecision 2008
A humorous take on the 2008 presidential election. Features video clips of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's interviews with 2008 presidential candidates and Colbert's candidacy announcement, humorous candidate profiles, and a blog. From Comedy Central.
URL: http://www.indecision2008.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24747
Health
Autism Speaks
Website for this organization "dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism." Features material about organization's activities and policies, and background about autism including how to cope, how to grow with it, and video clips "to help parents and professionals learn more about the early red flags and diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD)." Access to videos requires free registration.
URL: http://www.autismspeaks.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24738
Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine
Collection of documents related to the development by Dr. Jonas Salk of a polio vaccine, the federal government plan to have the vaccine produced, the drop in polio cases since the vaccine was distributed widely in the U.S. starting in 1955. Provides data, reports, press releases, conference remarks, minutes of Cabinet meetings, photographs, and related material. From the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Center.
URL: http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/Research/Digital_Documents/salk/Sal...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24732
The Shot Heard Round the World: Development of the Salk Polio Vaccine
This illustrated timeline presents events surrounding the development of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk. Discusses early history of polio, the first major U.S. polio epidemic in 1916, the research of Salk and others to develop a polio vaccine, the March of Dimes polio vaccine fundraising campaign, and the drop in polio incidence since the first widespread use of Salk's vaccine in 1955. From the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
URL: http://museum.pharmacy.pitt.edu/salk/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24731
Home & Housing
Living With Mosses
This website has the goal of enhancing "public awareness of the effects and benefits of mosses in our everyday environment." In addition to basic moss biology, the site discusses moss on sidewalks and rooftops, mosses in lawns and gardens, pros and cons of mosses in these environments, physical and chemical moss control methods, and encouraging mosses. Prepared by students and faculty at Oregon State University.
URL: http://bryophytes.science.oregonstate.edu/mosses.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24712
Mad About Moss: The Simple Art of Moss Gardening
This article describes one gardener's experience replacing a lawn with a moss carpet. Describes conditions for moss growth, starting and maintaining a moss garden, and related topics. From the newsletter of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
URL: http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/design/2004sp_moss.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24711
Law
Cruel and Unusual: Sentencing 13- and 14-Year-Old Children to Die in Prison
This 2007 study "has documented 73 cases where children 13 and 14 years of age have been condemned to death in prison. ... This report is intended to illuminate this cruel and unusual punishment inflicted on children, particularly for those who have been without legal help for so long." Includes profiles of some of the children, data, and photos. Opens directly into a PDF file. From the nonprofit law organization, Equal Justice Initiative.
URL: http://eji.org/eji/files/20071017cruelandunusual.pdf
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24740
Media
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Website for this television show that "takes a [humorous] reality-based look at news, trends, pop culture, current events, politics, sports and entertainment with an alternative point of view. In each show, anchorman Jon Stewart and a team of correspondents, ... comment on the day's stories." Features a searchable archive of video clips from the show back to 1999. From Comedy Central.
URL: http://www.thedailyshow.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24749
People of Mixed Race: Interracial Marriage/Dating/Families
This videography provides listings of documentary films with themes related to interracial dating, marriage, and families. Includes separate videographies for African Americans and Asian Americans, and for feature films exploring interracial relationships and families and interracial "buddy movies." From the Media Resources Center, University of California, Berkeley.
URL: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/mixedracevid.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24727
People
Doris Lessing: Book by Book Profile
This 2004 article provides background about author Doris Lessing. "One of the most widely regarded 20th-century novelists, Lessing has been called an African writer, a political writer, a space fiction writer, a mystic writer, and a feminist writer." Includes biographical material, details about her publishing hoax in the early 1980s when she published a book under a pseudonym, and brief descriptions and review excerpts for major works. From Bookmarks magazine.
URL: http://www.bookmarksmagazine.com/doris-lessing-book-book-profile/jessi...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24694
Examining Bhutto's Significance in Pakistan
Audio of October 2007 radio program and associated article about "who Benazir Bhutto is, why she's so popular, and why she's a target for assassination." The article describes how Bhutto "has twice been the prime minister of Pakistan, and twice been deposed amid allegations of corruption." Also includes links to related material. From National Public Radio (NPR).
URL: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15460493
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24744
Pablo Picasso: Official Web Site
Charming website for 20th century artist Pablo Picasso, known for his development of cubism, his blue and pink period works, his "Guernica" painting, and more. Features an illustrated timeline, a genealogy (showing his many loves), material about his studios (in France, Spain, and elsewhere), and illustrated essays about selected works. Also includes a list of exhibitions around the world. In English, Spanish, and French.
URL: http://www.picasso.fr/us/picasso_page_index.php
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24703
Regional: California
1868 Hayward Earthquake Alliance
Website for activities surrounding the "October 21, 2008 ... 140th anniversary of the 1868 Hayward [California] earthquake, which was the first great 'San Francisco earthquake' and one of the most damaging earthquakes in the nation's history." Features event listings, links to resources about the earthquake and the Hayward fault region, and details about the alliance and its meetings.
URL: http://1868alliance.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24739
Fire Season 2008: Battling California's Wildfires
Material from the California Office of the Governor about wildfires in California, specifically "hundreds of small fires across the state" in June 2008. Features a list of current significant active fires, and links to material about the governor's actions and to related sites. Also includes link to material about wildfires in Southern California in 2007.
URL: http://www.calfires.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24771
Los Angeles Times: Southern California Fires
Collection of news stories and related material about the October 2007 wildfires in Southern California. Provides maps of fire perimeters, photos, lists of evacuations and closures, suggestions of what you can do to prepare for a fire evacuation, links to material for locating family and friends, a note about the status of potential FEMA coverage of losses, and suggestions for how to help fire victims. From the Los Angeles Times.
URL: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fireday2-sg,0,2762894.storygal...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24783
October 21, 1868 Hayward Fault Earthquake
Background about the October 21, 1868, Hayward Fault earthquake, which, "because of its location in the heart of the [San Francisco] Bay Area ... and its magnitude, variously estimated as between 6.8 and 7.0, ... was one of the most destructive in California history." Provides explanations of the earthquake, shaking distribution maps (released in fall 2007), and general background about the Hayward fault. From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
URL: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/1868/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24733
Science
Allen Telescope Array (ATA)
Website for this project from the SETI Institute and the University of California, Berkeley, in which a group of telescopes at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory in California will gather radio astronomy data and search for extra-terrestrial intelligence. Includes project background, technical information, and photos of the ATA. From the SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) Institute, "a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research, education and public outreach."
URL: http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=503
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24693
Boo! Hiss! Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches Grab Attention Year-Around at Bohart Museum, Not Just at Halloween
This article and sidebar discuss the trend of cockroach-eating contests at Halloween, the use of Madagascar hissing cockroaches on the television show "Fear Factor," and opinions about cockroaches at the Bohart Museum (University of California, Davis), which has "maintained terrariums of Madagascar hissing cockroaches for some 30 years. ... 'It's the most popular display among the kids.'" From the UC Davis Department of Entomology.
URL: http://www.ucmrp.ucdavis.edu/news/hissers.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24745
Fossweb: Plant and Animal Care
This site provides suggestions for the use of specific plants and animals in classroom settings, including habitat details, what to do when they arrive, and care instructions. "The animals in the modules were selected because they are abundant, safe for students, easy to care for, and hardy and well-adapted to classroom environments." Some of the organisms include ants, earthworms, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, bulbs, and seeds. From the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley.
URL: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/foss/fossweb/teachers/materials/p...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24743
The Hissing Cockroach -- Beyond the "Ick Factor"
This fact sheet describes the Madagascar hissing cockroach, which "has been a staple in science classrooms for years and now is growing in popularity in the pet trade." Discusses the biology behind the hissing sound, reasons why the hissing cockroaches (also known as the Madagascar hissing beetle) make good pets and classroom study animals, and related topics. From the Smithsonian National Zoo's Adopt-a-Species program.
URL: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Support/AdoptSpecies/AnimalInfo/HissRoach/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24746
Society & Social Science
"National Magic Week" Proclaimed by Society of American Magicians, October 25-31
Material about this week-long celebration that highlights the charitable work of the Society of American Magicians, and that concludes on October 31 (formerly National Magic Day), the date of Harry Houdini's death. Includes proclamations from governors of states acknowledging this commemoration, a history of Magic Week, and an events listing. From the Society of American Magicians.
URL: http://www.magicsam.com/magicweek.asp
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24706
College Navigator
This source for college information allows you to search for U.S. colleges by name, location, type of institution, and programs/majors. Provides material about expenses, financial aid, enrollment, admission, athletics, and more. Include multiple institutions on a "favorites" list to see side-by-side comparisons. Also includes links to material about applying for financial aid and careers. From the Institute of Education Science (IES) National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.
URL: http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24734
Hispanic Heritage Awards
Details about this annual award program "celebrating Hispanic pride, culture and accomplishment." Search for profiles of award winners by name, year, and categories such as arts, leadership, math and science, and sports. Also provides information about the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards, for "young leaders [who] have demonstrated high levels of achievement in the classrooms and communities and are positioned as role models for their peers." The awards are presented by the nonprofit Hispanic Heritage Foundation.
URL: http://www.hispanicheritage.org/hispanic.php
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24710
Multiracial Populations
This website contains health information concerning multiracial populations, which it defines as "people who belong to two or more of the federally designated racial categories." Provides statistics, material on 10 leading causes of death, data on health disparities in multiracial populations, and links to related government and nongovernmental websites. From the Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities (OMHD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/Populations/Multiracial.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24724
 |
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
| Copyright Notice Use of the annotations from this list must be accompanied by: Copyright 2009 by Librarians' Internet Index, LII. We encourage you to cite our records, to forward all or part of New This Week to colleagues and other discussion or announcement lists, to include citations to our resources in your pathfinders and training materials, and to otherwise leverage this publicly-funded resource. |
|
| 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. |