Thursday, August 23, 2007

New Links on our web for the week of August 23, 2007 Books and Reading Paper Cuts: A Blog About Books "This blog is "about books and other forms of printed matter, written by Dwight Garner, senior editor of The [New York Times] Book Review. Look here for book news and opinion, interviews with writers, regular raids on the Book Review's archives, and other special features." Includes posts on topics such as the 50th anniversary of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" in 2007 and playlists of songs from writers. From The New York Times." (LII) Business Business Dicitionary over 20,000 business-related definitions. (RB) Colleges and Careers Distance Education.org "a unique accredited online university and college degree guide, offering for the first time, detailed information about online college costs and tuition, online university reviews and profiles, and expert education commentary all in one place." (RB) Computers and Internet Litepost "offering a streamlined webmail interface with just a dash of web 2.0 to help bring your email into the 21st century web." (DLS) Government, Elections, and Law 2008 Election Timeline "Timeline and related material about presidential debates, primaries, and caucuses for the 2008 presidential election. Also includes news stories and a list of presidential candidates with links to websites. From Congressional Quarterly (CQ)." (LII) Homework Physics To Go "Many things in this world are offered on a "to-go" basis. Some might not immediately think of "Physics To Go", but thank goodness the talented people at the American Physical Society and the National Science Digital Library have done just that. Essentially, this site is an excellent collection of websites where visitors can learn physics on their own through a variety of formats, including webcasts, online exhibits, and games. Educators will enjoy these materials a great deal, and they may wish to recommend the "Physics in Your World" section to fellow travelers and students. In this section, visitors can learn about centripetal force through the world of water-skiing and the principles behind optical microscopy. There's also the "Physics at Home" archive which brings together information on building a telescope at home and ways to learn about diffraction with just a few pencils and a miniature light." (SR) Leisure Heard on TV "tries to collect all of those lovely song credits and mentions into one place. You can browse by show and you can even listen to little sound clips to make sure that it's the right one. And if they don't have it, you can request that it be found." (LIB) Parenting Resources Safer Toys "SaferToys.org is a site for parents and concerned individuals to track the latest news regarding unsafe toys." (DSL) Reference Desk Topographic Maps from the United States Geological Survey. The USGS has launched the new USGS Map Locator and Downloader, a Web tool designed to deliver topographic maps easier, faster and less expensively than before. Science International Space Station: An Interactive Reference Guide "NASA can really put together a website, and the dramatic visual and audio introduction to their online interactive guide to the world of the International Space Station (ISS) is worth sitting back and watching in its entirety. After the introduction, visitors can listen to Commander Mike Fincke talk about the various scientific endeavors that are part of the Station's mission. The rest of the materials on the site are divided into three sections: "How the Crew Lives", "How it Works", and "ISS 360 Tour". While all of the sections are equally interesting, the "How the Crew Lives" is quite a treat, as visitors can watch videos demonstrating how the crew eats, sleeps, and exercises. Of course, visitors with a penchant for engineering technology should definitely not miss the "How it Works" area, which contains explanations of how the ISS is operated and supported. Finally, the site also contains a music video which blends together what sounds like early 1990s-techno music with in-flight scenes of space scientists at work and play. [KMG]" (SR) 10:30:06 AM

© Copyright 2008 Jocelyn Shaw. Last update: 11/18/2008; 2:38:13 PM. Photo curtesy of Marjorie O'Brien