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| New This Week for November 8, 2007 |
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This Week This week includes the crafting of a British panto, Veteran's Day, a driverless car competition, the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald and marine safety, sanitation in developing countries (the gender issues are particularly interesting), and the screenwriters’ strike. Bon appetit from librarians Wendy, Jennifer, Maria, and Charlotte. Tip of the Week LII's RSS feed ranks 24th out of 1000 in the new Bloglines list of top RSS feeds. We are agog at the major feeds we came in ahead of, but mostly we're delighted that so many people (going on 35,000 subscribers now) continue to find our work worthwhile. |
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Arts and Humanities
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
Website for this Santa Fe, New Mexico, museum "dedicated to the art of Georgia O'Keeffe and to the study of American Modernism (1890-present)." Features a short O'Keeffe biography and chronology, selected images from the permanent collection (such as of O'Keeffe's paintings of flowers and mesas), and a list of temporary exhibits. The "Research Center" includes a bibliography of recommended readings on O'Keeffe.
URL: http://www.okeeffemuseum.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24804
The History of British Pantomime
"The origins of British Pantomime or 'Panto' as it is known in the UK, probably date back to the middle ages, and blend the traditions of the Italian Commedia dell' Arte, and the British Music hall to produce the art form that is Pantomime." Describes plot conventions, character types, slapstick comedy, and audience participation for this form of theater often produced around Christmas. From a company that sells pantomime scripts.
URL: http://www.limelightscripts.co.uk/scripts/history.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24827
Honor America's Veterans at Battlefields and Military Parks Preserved in the National Park System
This presentation suggests honoring U.S. military veterans on Veteran's Day by visiting a national park "that commemorates where they fought and served their country." Features annotated links to websites for parks that preserve battlefields and other military themes, listed by wars such as the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and World War II. Also includes listings for military cemeteries and military history websites. From the National Park Service (NPS).
URL: http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/veterans/honor.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24822
Maritime Safety, Science & Environmental Protection, Including Famous Shipwrecks & Other Major Marine Disasters
This collection of research materials covers topics related to the U.S. Coast Guard and maritime safety, the environment, merchant and fishing vessel casualties, shipwrecks, oceanography, and marine inspection. Highlights include a page on lost cutters, the accident report on the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, and an oral history from a whaling inspector. Include bibliographies, research guides, photos, government documents, and more. From the U.S. Coast Guard.
URL: http://www.uscg.mil/history/MARINESAFETYindex.asp
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24808
Write a Brilliant Pantomime With Billy & Wolfy
A lighthearted description (with "comments" from William Shakespeare and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) of "how to write [English] pantomime scripts covering, basic rules, choosing the story, shaping the pantomime, shaping individual scenes, use of music, and writing and producing for children." Also includes an overview of this form of "Christmas entertainment based on a fairy tale," and three scripts. From a pantomime script author.
URL: http://www.nick.mellersh.net/panto.htm
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24826
Business
Business News: The Strike Zone: The Latest News, Blogs & Photos on the WGA Strike
Collection of news articles and analysis about the 2007 strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Features a description of the contested issues (such as about "residuals for shows and movies streamed over the Web and on cellphones"), a FAQ, and a blog. Also includes a table showing the status of television programming if the strike persists, and material about 1988 and 2001 writer strikes. Registration (free) required. From the Los Angeles Times.
URL: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-writersguild-sg,1,6674562.storyg...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24855
Writers Guild of America: Contract 2007
Background and news about the 2007 negotiation for a new contract for television and movie writers and the strike arising from the negotiations. Includes a list of writer proposals, producer proposals, a narrative about the negotiations (including about writer demands "to win contractual residuals that grant ... compensation for the reuse of ... work"), strike rules, a list of picketing locations, and related material. From the Writers Guild of America, West (WGA).
URL: http://www.wga.org/subpage_member.aspx?id=2204
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24853
Government
Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR)
Website for "a temporary federal agency serving as a watchdog for fraud, waste, and abuse of funds intended for Iraq reconstruction programs." Find reconstruction timelines and funding, reports to Congress back to 2004, audits, "lessons learned" reports (including "Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience," released February 2009), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and other publications. Provides instructions for submitting a compliant about Iraq reconstruction fraud, waste, or abuse.
URL: http://www.sigir.mil/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24824
Veterans Pride Initiative
Overview of this initiative that "encourages America's veterans to wear their medals or miniature replicas on civilian attire on patriotic national holidays." Provides images of medals, brochure and poster about the initiative, and links to information on the correct order of precedence for awards for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy. From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
URL: http://www1.va.gov/veteranspride/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24821
Health
UNICEF: Water, Environment and Sanitation
Background and updates on drinking water and sanitation issues around the world, focusing on child and family health, hygiene, and access to sanitation facilities. Features stories about the impact of sanitation improvement activities, water and sanitation country profiles, statistics, video clips, and general and technical documents. From UNICEF.
URL: http://www.unicef.org/wes/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24852
Home & Housing
Fire Information Engine Toolkit
"This online toolkit provides interactive, science-based tools to help homeowners, decision-makers, and researchers better understand where wildfires occur and how to protect homes and neighborhoods, as well as get up-to-the-minute wildfire news." Homeowner tools include a wildfire assessment, a mitigation guide, tips on what to do after a fire, and links to related sites. From the Center for Fire Research and Outreach, University of California, Berkeley.
URL: http://firecenter.berkeley.edu/toolkit/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24825
I Can't Believe It's Vegan
Listings of brand name food items that do not contain animal products, including breakfast cereals, beverages, snacks, condiments, baked goods, refrigerated and frozen foods, baking mixes and ingredients, and pantry staples. From People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
URL: http://www.peta.org/accidentallyVegan/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24819
People
Asians of the Century
This magazine feature from 1999 profiles influential Asians from the 20th century, such as Emperor Hirohito, Ho Chi Minh, Pol Pot, Issey Miyake, Sun Yat-sen, Mohandas Gandhi, Mao Zedong, King Rama, Akira Kurosawa, and the Dalai Lama. Includes an overview article and related pieces on global capitalism, women in Asia, and related topics. From Time magazine.
URL: http://www.time.com/time/asia/asia/magazine/1999/990823/cover1.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24814
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum
Website for this Hong Kong museum dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, "a world-renowned revolutionary who devoted his entire life to overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and setting up the Republic of China." Provides descriptions of architectural features of the museum and the bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, rotating images of selected items from the permanent collection, visitor information, and links to related websites.
URL: http://hk.drsunyatsen.museum/en/index.php
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24815
Ready Reference & Quick Facts
The National Archives: Veterans and Their Families
Compilation of resources for locating archival material about U.S. military veterans. Provides brochures, FAQs, and other information about military service records and official military personnel files, covering enlistment, duty stations, awards and medals, separation, and other administrative details. Also includes material about obtaining medical records, what information is not available from the National Archives, information available from other agencies and organization concerned with veterans, and more. From the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
URL: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24823
U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Features: Veterans Day
Contains facts and statistics regarding veterans in the United States, including women and black veterans, wars served, where veterans live, and what veterans receive in benefits. Features quotes and audio clips.
URL: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_fe...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/13019
Regional: California
Area Code Information [California]
Official notices about area codes in California and potential changes to the area codes due to shortages of available phone numbers. Includes press releases, public meeting announcements, proposals, decisions, and other documents about the affected areas. Also provides area code boundary maps for the state, reports and audits, a FAQ, a chart comparing area code splits and overlays, and more. Some materials available in Spanish. From the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
URL: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/generalInfo/Area+Codes/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24812
Keep California Beautiful (KCB)
This nonprofit organization "promotes individual responsibility for California's environment." Its site features background about programs (such as for cell phone recycling), the "Don't Trash California" campaign, and sponsorship of cleanup and recycling events. Also includes a list of 10 tips for preventing litter.
URL: http://www.keepcaliforniabeautiful.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24828
Southern California Wildfires
Collection of radio programs (some with associated written content) about the October 2007 wildfires in Southern California. Topics include how the fires started, air quality, recovery at San Diego's scorched Haas avocado orchards, and the FEMA phony fire briefing. Also includes a photo gallery, map, and links to coverage from local public broadcasting media outlets. From National Public Radio (NPR).
URL: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15586389
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24813
Tejon Ranch
Website for this property along Interstate 5, which is "the largest contiguous expanse of land under single ownership in California." Features a historical timeline of the ranch (established in 1842 through a Mexican land grant), details about conservation and wildlife (including the 2008 creation of the 240,000 acre Tejon Preserve), ranching and farming, and planned development (an industrial complex and a residential community). Includes maps and photos, and a list of movies filmed there.
URL: http://www.tejonranch.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24809
Regions of the World
Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office: Heritage Trails
Maps and details about Hong Kong heritage trails, including the Ping Shan, Lung Yeuk Tau, and the Central and Western Trail's Central Route, Sheung Wan Route (which includes the historic sites of the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail), and Western District and Peak Route. Zoom in on the maps to see photos and descriptions of buildings, monuments, and other locations on the trails. From the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office.
URL: http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Monument/en/trails.php
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24816
My Wonderful World
This is "a National Geographic-led campaign -- backed by a coalition of national business and non-profit organizations -- to expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in communities." Find campaign materials, games and activities, geography quizzes, and ideas for parents, educators, and children and teens to incorporate geographic knowledge and learning into daily life. From the National Geographic Society.
URL: http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24557
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
World News: India
News and analysis of topics about modern India, such as religion, child labor, terrorist attacks, relations with Pakistan and Europe, and its nuclear program. Also includes an "interactive guide to Britain's pullout from India and the disaster that followed," created on the occasion of the 60-year anniversary of the partition of India and Pakistan (2007), and historical coverage of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. From the website of British newspaper The Guardian.
URL: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/india
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24573
Science
AT&T Technology Timeline
This timeline features descriptions of telecommunication, sound, and data technology developments starting with the birth of the telephone in 1876. Some of the of the events include fax service (1924), sound motion pictures (1926), synthetic speech (1936), the first mobile telephone call (1946), the first direct-dial transcontinental telephone call (1951), UNIX and the Internet (1969), and quantum computing (1999). From AT&T.
URL: http://www.corp.att.com/attlabs/reputation/timeline/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24810
DARPA Urban Challenge
Website for this 2007 competition of driverless cars, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), U.S. Department of Defense. The challenge "features autonomous ground vehicles maneuvering in a mock city environment, executing simulated military supply missions while merging into moving traffic." Includes a description of the project, background about teams, rules, schedule of events, photos, a technical FAQ, and links to previous DARPA challenges.
URL: http://www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge/index.asp
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24811
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS): U.S. Drought Portal
This website, launched in November 2007, "was created to provide comprehensive information on emerging and ongoing droughts, and to enhance the nation's drought preparedness." Find maps and updates showing current drought conditions in the U.S., drought impact, and forecasts. Also includes educational materials for children and adults, research reports, photos, news, and information about wildfires, hydrology, and water quality. NIDIS was "recommended by the Western Governors Association in 2004 and enacted into law in 2006."
URL: http://www.drought.gov/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24854
Storm Warning: Advancements in Marine Communications and Forecasting
This presentation, created in 2000 on the 25th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, looks at developments in marine communications and forecasting since that disaster on Lake Superior. Some of the topics include forecast and warning definitions, numerical weather prediction, advances in scientific understanding, and radars and satellites. From the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
URL: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mqt/fitzgerald/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24806
Society & Social Science
International Year of Sanitation 2008
Details about the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declaration making 2008 the International Year of Sanitation. "The goal is to raise awareness and to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target to reduce by half the proportion of people without access to basic sanitation by 2015." Provides an overview and updates on the project, and publications on topics such as hygiene promotion, sanitary facilities, water quality, and wastewater management. From the UN.
URL: http://esa.un.org/iys/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24849
Lie of the Land: The Secret Life of Maps
Companion to a 2001-2002 exhibit that considers why maps are made, whether maps lead or mislead, and the uses of maps. Features a tour of selected items such as a 1783 British map proposing the boundary between the U.S. and British territory (now Canada), and a 1923 map of Africa's Gold Coast with a fictitious depiction of a hill that looks like an elephant. From the British Library.
URL: http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/lieland/m0-0.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24498
The Psychedelic '60s: Literary Tradition and Social Change
Information about the social movements of the 1960s in the United States, with emphasis on the literature of the period. Features articles and images on the Beats, Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, Timothy Leary, the Black Mountain Poets, hippies, Woodstock, illicit drugs, protests, and much more. Includes images of handbills, posters, and other memorabilia from the 1960s. From the University of Virginia Library.
URL: http://www2.lib.virginia.edu/exhibits/sixties/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/4505
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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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