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| New This Week for July 24, 2008 |
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This Week This week includes striking magazine covers, getting ready for the trip to Beijing, resurrecting off-shore drilling and the Peripheral Canal, keeping bees busy, and a second look at August. Bon appetit from librarians Maria, Jennifer, Wendy, and Charlotte. Tip of the Week We like hearing from you. To correspond with us, please use our web form. Messages sent by replying to the newsletter robot may never reach us. We are not able to change subscription information such as your email address, but you can change it by accessing your account directly. |
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Arts and Humanities
California Literary Review (CLR)
The goal of CLR is to be an online source "for insightful, irreverent book reviews, thought provoking essays, and interviews with talented authors." Find reviews for fiction and non-fiction books, author interviews, and essays on topics such as a Frida Kahlo art exhibit, Art Deco in Havana, Cuba, and notes from Italy. Also includes a blog called "The Balcony."
URL: http://calitreview.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26370
Follow the Sun: Australian Travel Posters 1930s-1950s
Browse images of vintage Australian travel posters from the 1930s-1950s by destination, symbols, or pictorial styles (such as Surrealism and aboriginal motifs). Also includes brief biographical information for selected artists, background about the Australian National Travel Association (ANTA) established in 1929, and details about the lithography printing process. From the National Library of Australia.
URL: http://www.nla.gov.au/exhibitions/sun/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26532
Business
Offshore Drilling and Exploration
"News about offshore drilling and exploration, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times." Includes articles on President Bush's July 2008 lifting of "nearly two decades of executive orders banning drilling for oil and natural gas off the country's shoreline," and others back as far as 1981 when a Congressional moratorium on drilling was enacted.
URL: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/o/offshor...
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26551
Teen Summer Job Safety
Tips for teen health and safety for construction, landscaping, life guarding, parks and recreation, restaurant, and farming jobs. Topics include on-the-job hazards (such as noise on construction sites and exhaust at drive-through restaurant windows), and recommendations to prevent injury from excessive heat for outdoor jobs. Also includes rights and responsibilities of teen workers and general tips on safe driving. In English and Spanish. From the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
URL: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/youth/summerjobs/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26494
Computers
NMC: Horizon Project
Background and updates about this project that "charts the landscape of emerging technologies for teaching, learning and creative expression and produces the ... annual Horizon Report." Downloadable reports available back to 2004 (some in other languages). Includes related links. From the New Media Consortium (NMC), "an international ... not-for-profit consortium of over 260 learning-focused organizations dedicated to the exploration and use of new media and new technologies."
URL: http://www.nmc.org/horizon
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26508
Government
Minerals Management Service (MMS): Offshore Energy & Minerals Management
Material from the U.S. government about its management of "the mineral resources on 1.76 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The OCS is a significant source of oil and gas for the Nation's energy supply." Includes information on topics such as alternative energy programs, coastal impact, environmental assessment and monitoring, leasing (for Alaska, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific regions), and more. From the Minerals Management Service, Department of the Interior.
URL: http://www.mms.gov/offshore/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26550
The Politics of Satire
This small slide show features a "collection of political covers by New Yorker illustrator Barry Blitt," including the controversial July 21, 2008, cover depicting Barack and Michelle Obama, and others addressing topics such as the George W. Bush Administration, global warming, and Hillary Clinton. From the New Yorker.
URL: http://www.newyorker.com/online/covers/slideshow_blittcovers/?yrail
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26545
Health
Gold Medal Travel Health Tips for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
"Use this website to learn about travel health risks in China and some of the things you can do to protect yourself during your trip." Includes material about disease risks (such as for traveler's diarrhea and breathing problems), preparing for your trip (such as packing a health kit), and staying healthy. Includes links to information for athletes traveling to China for the Olympic and Paralympic games. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
URL: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentOlympics2008.aspx
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26529
Soda Free Summer
Website for a 2008 health campaign challenging individuals (especially children and teens) not to drink sodas and sweetened drinks over the summer. Provides facts about how much sugar an average person eats in a day, the amount of calories and sugar in various drinks, and downloadable adult and family brochures (with tables to keep track of what you drink) in several languages. From the Alameda County, California, Health Department.
URL: http://www.sodafreesummer.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26552
Home & Housing
Creating a Pollinator Garden
This presentation for children describes how "[b]y cultivating a garden, schoolyard, or even a few containers that allure these important plant partners [pollinators], students can provide vital oases amidst deserts of buildings and concrete." Features tips on what plants to choose (such as flowers with a range of shapes and sizes), how to care for plants (avoid using pesticides), curriculum ideas, and links to related sites and articles. From the National Gardening Association.
URL: http://www.kidsgardening.com/growingideas/projects/jan03/pg1.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26487
Gardening for Native Bees in North America
"The purpose of ... [this] tabulation of garden plants for native bees is to help guide home gardeners in North American to genera of flowering plants whose species will please gardener and bee alike. In turn, bees can provide bumper crops in our orchards and vegetable gardens, plus providing hours of pleasant entertainment and distraction." Highlighted plants are widely cultivated and attractive to bees. From the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
URL: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=12050
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26403
Miracle Fruit
Fact sheet about the miracle fruit (or miracle berry) that has the effect of covering the taste of sour foods "for some 30 minutes or more" after a berry has been eaten. Includes description of this plant native to tropical western Africa, cultivars, and recommendations for planting, irrigation, pruning, pests and diseases, and other growing information. From the California Rare Fruit Growers.
URL: http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/miraclefruit.html
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26510
Law
Ban Trans Fats
Website for a campaign to ban the use of partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) in food because studies suggest that eating trans fats increase the risk of heart disease. This organization "launched the national and international trans fat campaign by suing Kraft in 2003 to eliminate trans fat in Oreos." Website features background about trans fat, details about the Kraft lawsuit, news (2003-2007), and related material.
URL: http://www.bantransfats.com/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26531
Media
ASME's Top 40 Magazine Covers of the Last 40 Years
This presentation, originally presented at the 2005 American Magazine Conference, lists the American Society of Magazine Editor (ASME) picks for the top 40 magazine covers from the previous 40 years. Includes many covers that were controversial at the time of their publication, and covers that have been remembered for their celebrity portraits and for capturing historical events. From the ASME.
URL: http://www.magazine.org/asme/top_40_covers/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26546
Today's Cartoons
Large presentation of cartoons that address topics in editorial cartooning that have created controversy, including the July 21, 2008, New Yorker magazine's depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama on its cover, and the September 2005 Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten's editorial cartoons depicting the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Browse cartoons by topic. From the online magazine Slate.
URL: http://cartoonbox.slate.com/hottopic/?topicid=158&image=0
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26547
Recreation
August: Let's Get Rid of It
This satirical July 2001 article describes how "the United States would be better off without it [August]" because of the negative world events from August (such as the bombing of Hiroshima) and because it is "the only month without a real holiday." Article suggests that John McCain (birthday August 29) should sponsor an August Reform Bill. Note: Barack Obama's birthday is August 4. From the online magazine Slate.
URL: http://www.slate.com/id/112553/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26397
Regional: California
Cal Fire: Volunteers in Prevention
Details about this California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) program in which Cal Fire trains citizens and public service groups "to assist Cal Fire's efforts during wildland fires and other emergencies by providing information to the media and public. ... A specialized group of volunteers (HAM radio operators and CB radio groups) provide additional communication networks ... during emergencies." Includes a fact sheet, video, and contact information.
URL: http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_volunteers.php
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26519
California Schoolfinder
This website contains data about public schools in California and allows side-by-side comparison of schools. Find statistics on testing and scores, student-to-teacher ratios, graduation rates, demographics, courses offered, and more. Search by address, school name, and school types such as elementary, middle, charter, adult, continuation, and special education. A California state government website.
URL: http://www.schoolfinder.ca.gov/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/24657
Comparing Futures for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
This July 2008 report concludes that "[b]uilding a peripheral canal to carry water around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is the most promising strategy to balance two critical policy goals: reviving a threatened ecosystem and ensuring a high-quality water supply for California's residents." Includes summary and full text of report, and interactive features on delta island flooding with and without repairs. From the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).
URL: http://www.ppic.org/main/publication.asp?i=810
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26553
Restore the Delta
Website for "a grassroots campaign committed to making the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta fishable, swimmable, drinkable, and farmable to benefit all of California." Site features information on Delta agriculture, opposition to a proposed peripheral canal, and reasons for restoring the delta; newsletter; advocacy initiatives; and a meeting calendar.
URL: http://www.restorethedelta.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26559
Victory Gardens
Site for a "project funded by the City of San Francisco to support the transition of backyard, front yard, window boxes, rooftops, and unused land into organic food production areas. The SF Victory Garden program builds on the successful Victory Garden programs of WWI and WWII but redefines 'Victory' in the pressing context of urban sustainability." Features information about the garden planted in front of San Francisco City Hall in 2008 and a FAQ.
URL: http://www.sfvictorygardens.org/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26488
Regions of the World
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games ... An Insider's Guide
"Beijing has never welcomed travelers as eagerly as it is welcoming them now [for the 2008 Olympics]. The Chinese capital is determined to make a fantastic impression during its moment in the global spotlight. The following Web exclusive articles offer a fresh look at Beijing -- plus some practical travel tips." Topics include China tourist visa policies, staying healthy in China, Chinese etiquette, arranging transportation to and within China, and more. From Budget Travel magazine.
URL: http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/beijing2008/beijing_olympics/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26530
Online Newshour: China Prepares for 2008 Olympics
Reports and news coverage by the PBS Online NewsHour about China's preparations for hosting the 2008 summer Olympic Games. Covers topics such as an odd-even car ban during Olympics to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, efforts to increase press freedoms for foreign journalists, and human rights and Tibet. Also includes a comparison of demographic factors for Olympic host cities back to 1980, slideshow about Olympic stadiums around the world, and more.
URL: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/asia/china/2008/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26398
Society & Social Science
Quinnipiac University Polling Institute
"Frequently cited by journalists, public officials and researchers, the independent Quinnipiac University Poll regularly surveys residents in Connecticut, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and nationwide about political races, state and national elections, and issues of public concern, such as schools, taxes, transportation, municipal services and the environment." Find polling results back to the late 1990s on topics such as presidential elections in swing states and Boston Red Sox fan support in Connecticut.
URL: http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x271.xml
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26490
The Vietnam Center and Archive
This center's mission "is to support and encourage research and education regarding all aspects of the American Vietnam experience; promoting a greater understanding of this experience and the peoples and cultures of Southeast Asia." Features a virtual archive with over 2.7 million pages of scanned materials including "documents, photographs, slides, negatives, oral histories, artifacts, moving images, sound recordings, maps, and collection finding aids." From the Institute for Modern Conflict, Diplomacy and Reconciliation, Texas Tech University.
URL: http://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/
LII Item: http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26367
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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. |