Scout Report for Science & Engineering
http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/report/sci-eng/1999/se-990915.html
Volume 3, Number 1 of the Scout Report for Science & Engineering is available. The In the News section annotates nine resources on promising early images from NASA's newest space telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory. [MD]
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Risk Management Plans (Executive Summaries) -- RTK Net
http://www.rtk.net/rmpsearch.html
RTK Net
http://www.rtk.net/
RMP Info Risk Management Plan Query -- EPA
http://www.epa.gov:9966/srmpdcd/owa/rmp_cmnc$.startup
The Right-to-Know Network (RTK Net) has recently placed a large database of summaries (approximately 14,000) of risk management plans (RMPs) concerning "worst-case" and less severe accident scenarios at chemical facilities. The RMPs were required of certain chemical facilities and presented to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which originally intended to place them online. However, Congress and the White House, spurred on by warnings of security specialists, objected, arguing that this document might serve as a road map to would-be terrorists. The worst-case-scenario information has been exempted from the Freedom of Information Act for one year to allow the Administration time to address these security concerns. The less-detailed executive summaries, however, were not suppressed and are available from the EPA at the above URL. RTK Net has made these more easily available in the interest of public awareness and to confront chemical companies that have tried to hide or at least downplay chemical releases. Users can browse the RMPs by state or conduct a keyword search. The About the Data section also offers a number of related links. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Holocaust-Era Assets -- NARA
http://www.nara.gov/research/assets/
Holocaust-Era Assets Finding Aid
http://www.nara.gov/publications/assets/
Provided by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) this site offers information on both primary and secondary sources related to the history of assets stolen from Jews and other dispossessed peoples by the Nazi regime and its allies. The primary offering in the first category is an online version of the NARA's recent 1,200-page final edition of its A Finding Aid to Records at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland. The guide is offered in HTML format in six very large sections, along with an introduction and search tips. Other primary source resources include a list of recently declassified documents and their locations and a list of newly-accessioned records. Secondary source information includes a collection of annotated bibliographies and related links. The site also offers publications and information concerning recent and ongoing research at the NARA, including symposium and conference papers, very recent unpublished research papers, and a list of upcoming events. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Futurework - Trends and Challenges for Work in the 21st Century -- DOL [.pdf]
http://www.dol.gov/dol/asp/public/futurework/report.htm
Published by the US Department of Labor (DOL), this report explores the social impact of the new economy and the role of the "twenty-first century work-place" in America. Futurework cites three elements necessary for the stability of American workers: "rising economic security over a lifetime," "a work and family balance," and "workplaces that are safe and fair." Using numerous charts, tables, and graphs, the report examines topics such as workforce diversity, wage growth, changing workplaces, technology and globalization, and future trends affecting working conditions and worker morale. The report may be downloaded by chapter in HTML or .pdf format. Tables, charts, and boxes may also be downloaded separately. Additional resources at the site include a number of full-text conference papers (in HTML or .pdf formats) and related links. [MD][EM]
[Back to Contents]Enviromapper -- EPA [OpenLink]
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/enviromapper.html
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Enviromapper uses innovative Web technology to view and locate environmental information on "drinking water, toxic and air releases, hazardous waste, water discharge permits, and Superfund sites." Thumbnail US map images expand with a click to show facilities regulated by the EPA, information about local watersheds, and local national priority list sites. Users may zoom in by clicking on a map or by entering a relevant state, county, city, watershed, zip code, or EPA region. The site also offers OpenLink, a facility that allows any Webpage to set up a hyperlink to Enviromapper. Instructions on how to use OpenLink are included. [KR]
[Back to Contents]1940 Japan-America Student Conference (JASC)
http://falcon.cc.ukans.edu/~ceas/Halsema%20Diary/jasc1.html
The first release in a new electronic series published by the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Kansas, James J. Halsema's "Diary of the 1940 Japan America Student Conference" (ed. Grant Goodman) offers an interesting account of the last JASC conference before the Second World War. A student delegate to the conference (which was held in Japan), Halsema made a number of astute observations on Japan and its imperial state in Northeast Asia in his diary, which he fortunately kept and has now shared with readers. The diary is offered as a large single HTML document, accompanied by an introduction from the editor and an appendix. The new series, which the diary inaugurates, will publish primary documents, translations, and scholarly studies relating to China, Japan, and Korea. [MD]
[Back to Contents]TeachNet.org
http://teachnet.org/
One of several major initiatives by IMPACT II - The Teachers Network (a national nonprofit which supports classroom teachers in the US), TeachNet.org serves as an online resource for the K-12 community. The core of the site is an extensive collection of online Teacher-Designed Activities and Projects as well as "interactive, thematic, hands on curriculum projects" which are called Daily Classroom Specials. Both these areas are made more accessible through customized search pages which help users designate content interest and student age range; keyword searching is also available. Free registration, not necessary to use the site, gets users periodic updates. Rounding out the site are a variety of other sections including one on grants for teachers, a "talk with teachers" section which allows users to ask and receive answers from teachers throughout the US, and materials on creating web sites and utilizing other information technology in educational settings. [REB]
[Back to Contents]The Virtual Technical Reports Center
http://www.lib.umd.edu/UMCP/ENGIN/TechReports/Virtual-TechReports.html
Created and maintained by Technical Reports Librarian at the University of Maryland Libraries, Gloria Lyles Chawla, this metasite contains links to a large number of online providers of technical reports. The site links to sources that offer either full-text or searchable, extended abstracts of their technical reports. Also, "because many institutions do not distinguish between technical reports and other types of research publications, this site also contains links to preprints, reprints, dissertations, theses, and research reports of all kinds." The links are organized alphabetically and consist mainly of governmental and university-based research institutions. The quantity and age of reports offered at the sites vary. [MD]
[Back to Contents]New Additions to ERIC Digests Database
http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/index/edo99c.html
ERIC Digests Index Page
http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/index/
The latest update to the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) Digest database (last described in the May 21, 1999 Scout Report) features 43 full-text short reports aimed at education professionals and the broader education community. Each report includes an overview of an education topic of current interest and offers references for further information. Sample titles include: "Gender Issues in Children's Literature," "Urban After-School Programs: Evaluations and Recommendations," "Guidelines for Evaluating Web Sites," and "Meeting the National Standards: Now What Do I Do?" Users can search the entire ERIC Digests database from the index page. ERIC, part of the National Library of Education (NLE), is a nationwide education information system sponsored by the US Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI). [MD]
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Living Planet Report 1999 [.pdf, MS Word]
http://www.panda.org/livingplanet/lpr99/
The second edition of the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Living Planet Report (last discussed in the October 9, 1998 Scout Report) has been placed online. The report attempts to quantify the speed at which nature is disappearing from Earth and trace human pressures on the natural environment. The first part of the report, the Living Planet Index (LPI), measures natural wealth and how it has changed between 1970 and 1995. According to the WWF, the LPI declined by 30 percent in this period, indicating that the world has lost "30 per cent of its natural wealth in the space of one generation." The second part of the Living Planet Report examines six causes of global environmental change related to human consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources.Users may view an executive summary and highlights of the report or download the full text in .pdf or Microsoft Word format in English, Spanish, or French. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Theodore Roosevelt: His Life and Times on Film -- LOC [Quicktime, RealPlayer, MPEG]
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/trfhtml/
The Library of Congress (LOC) American Memory Project has released yet another in a recent spate of new sites. Produced by the National Digital Library and the Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, this site contains 104 films recording events in Theodore Roosevelt's life and chronicling the times in which he lived. Roosevelt, as the site points out, "was the first US president to have his career and life chronicled on a large scale by motion picture companies." The films cover the period from 1898 to his death in 1919, including scenes from the Spanish-American War; his various trips to Central America, Europe, and Africa; domestic scenes; and meetings with various dignitaries. Users can search the collection by keyword or browse by subject or title. Returns include several stills from the movie, notes, and three playback options (Quicktime, MPEG, or RealPlayer). Four sound recordings (and transcriptions) from 1912 in which Roosevelt explains his progressive political views are also included in RealPlayer format. Special presentations include a film chronology, a timeline of Roosevelt's life, and an essay on Roosevelt on film. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization -- UN [.pdf, 214K]
http://www.un.org/Docs/SG/Report99/a541e.pdf
Submitted to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on August 31 by Secretary General Kofi Annan, this annual report reviews the organization's activities in 1998. The report discusses such topics as humanitarian relief and disaster prevention, peacekeeping and security, sustainable development and the fight against poverty, the challenges of globalization, and human rights. The Report of the Secretary-General is available in .pdf format only and includes a detailed table of contents. [MD]
[Back to Contents]German Propaganda Archive
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/
Compiled by Calvin College Professor of Communications and Sciences Randall Bytwerk from a wide variety of sources, this site offers a good cross-section of translated propaganda material from Nazi Germany and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). The archive is organized topically under each regime. For instance, the Nazi Germany section contains speeches and essays from leaders (including 65 from Joseph Goebbels alone); examples of Anti-Semitic writings and cartoons; visual materials including cartoons, stamps, photos, and posters; war propaganda; and some fascinating articles by propagandists and party functionaries discussing the role and techniques of propaganda. GDR materials include speeches, pamphlets, anti-American caricatures, and writings on propaganda, among other resources. Users will find a small collection of related links in each section. [MD]
[Back to Contents]C-Span Campaign 2000 Video Search [RealPlayer]
http://www.c-span.org/campaign2000/search/
C-Span Campaign 2000 [RealPlayer]
http://www.c-span.org/campaign2000/
C-Span has recently added a video search engine to its Campaign 2000 site. The engine indexes RealPlayer (G2 recommended) video clips from C-Span's continually expanding archive of Candidate speeches and appearances on its network programs. Content in the archive begins in May 1997 and will be updated through Inauguration Day 2001. Users can search by keyword and modify by candidate, party, and state. Returns include candidate name, party, venue and date, the video clip (viewable by segment or in its entirety), and an unedited transcript. C-Span's main Campaign 2000 site offers a number of items concerning the forthcoming election. Some of these include full-length broadcasts of recent speeches and interviews, a campaign calendar, discussion and analysis, and teaching resources. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Senior Women Web
http://www.seniorwomen.com/
A great site and a terrific resource put together by Tam Martinides Gray about and for senior women. The site's resources combine links and information directly relevant to it's core audience but also included are a lot of resources that are just plain useful. For example, the listing under Arts and Entertainment has many valuable links for anyone interested, whereas the current reading list is definitely more focused around topics of interest to senior women. Other topics include Computers and the Internet, Grandparenting and Politics and Campaign 2000. Along with well written pieces on topics ranging from real estate to communicating with your doctor, the site includes a "letters from readers" column, as well as a new links section. [REB]
[Back to Contents]Book of Hours
http://vrlab.fa.pitt.edu/UPitthoursms/index.html
Provided by the Frick Fine Arts Library at the University of Pittsburgh, this modest but appealing site showcases a fifteenth-century Book of Hours held by the Library. Books of Hours were produced throughout Europe in the Middle Ages for use by the laity in their daily devotions. Modeled after the Breviary used by the clergy, Books of Hours were often lavishly decorated with miniatures, elaborate embellishments, and red or gold ink. Interesting as both an insight into medieval religion and as a work of art in itself, the Frick Book of Hours is presented by section, with either thumbnail or full-page images and brief descriptions. A short bibliography on Books of Hours and illuminated manuscripts is also provided. [MD]
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Excite Assistant
http://assist.excite.com/assist/html/download/
Just when the concept of "push" technology seems like yesterday's news, Excite, Inc. produces a handy little program, the Excite Assistant, that pushes data to you without being pushy. The Excite Assistant provides you with instant access to various types of up-to-date information such as the weather for your area, the broadcast TV shows on at the moment, updated stock quotes, your horoscope, and more. The information is summarized within the Assistant's window, but when an item requires expansion, your browser is launched. By far the most useful aspect of this program is the mail notification feature. If you use Excite's Web-based mail service, the Excite Assistant, if active, will play a sound and it's icon will blink when new mail arrives. The Assistant will display the subject line and who the mail is from; clicking on the new mail loads it in your browser. Excite Assistant runs on Win95/98/NT and is free but does display small ads. [CL]
[Back to Contents]Search Engine Colossus
http://www.searchenginecolossus.com/
Created by Bryan Strome, this metasite offers links to a large number of country- or region-specific search engines. The search engines are organized by country, with a link to the service, the language(s) it uses, its point of origin, and a short description when available. The number of search engines available under each heading can vary considerably, as would be expected. Search engines in eleven general categories, including Academic, Business, Medical, and Sports, are also listed. Users wishing to narrow their searches and/or utilize some lesser-known search engines will find this site a helpful starting point. [MD]
[Back to Contents]itList
http://www.itlist.com/
Originally created in 1996, itList was one of the first online bookmark services. This free service allows users to store and organize their bookmarks online and, if they choose, share them with other users. After free registration, users can create and manage their own account. They also have several options for building their list, from bulk importing of established bookmarks to a javascript-enabled bookmark in their browser to email. Bookmarks can be sorted in a variety of categories or folders, and users can leave comments or ratings to help them remember certain sites. itList will also monitor selected sites for content changes. Users can choose whether or not to make their list public, but even public lists will hide any individual sites indicated by the owner. In addition to a bookmark storage service, the site also functions as a type of open directory, featuring sites selected by other users. Returns from the internal search engine also include links to the respective user's bookmark page. With its numerous value-added features, this free service should appeal to users who like the convenience of storing their bookmarks in a universally accessible location, as well as the simply curious who are interested in how the other half surfs. [MD]
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Terrorism in Russia
Timeline: The Blasts which shook Russia -- BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_448000/448993.stm
Voice of Russia [RealPlayer]
http://www.wrn.org/ondemand/russia.html
ITAR-TASS - Latest News
http://www.itar-tass.com/newsdir.htm
"Racism Makes Rats" -- Moscow Times
http://www.moscowtimes.ru/17-Sep-1999/stories/story39.html
"Bombs Put Pressure on Yeltsin, Putin" -- Russia Today
http://www.russiatoday.com/features.php3?id=93023
"Explosive politics" -- The Economist
http://www.economist.com/editorial/freeforall/18-9-99/index_eu5156.html
"Russia's continued stumble through the centuries" -- FEED
http://www.feedmag.com/daily/dy091699.html
Russian authorities have detained over 11,000 suspects in a massive security sweep following five terrorist bombings in the past sixteen days, which left over 200 dead. The wave of bombings, the continuing Islamic rebellion in the North Caucasus, and recent charges of corruption have thrown renewed speculation on President Boris Yeltsin's future and have politically damaged his new Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin. While many have speculated that the bombings are the work of Islamic militants, no one has been formally charged as of yet. These suspicions, combined with Government appeals to citizens to protect themselves, have led to concerns that vigilantism and racism against people from the Caucasus may develop in Russian cities. Others have speculated that President Yeltsin will use the present crisis to declare a state of emergency and rule by decree. Yeltsin has denied any such intention, saying he will simply serve the remainder of his term, which expires next year.
BBC's site on the bombings offers a helpful timeline, linked to archived reports. Users should consult the next two sources, the Voice of Russia and ITAR-TASS, for breaking news on the bombings and the Government response. The Moscow Times and Russia Today offer editorials exploring the social and political fallout from the crisis. The Economist and FEED also weigh in, discussing the bombings in relation to recent events in Russia and the planned elections in December. Additional resources on Russia and terrorism can be found in Signpost, the Scout Report's Database. These include Frontline: Russian Roulette, Russia.net: Russian Politics, and Countering the New Terrorism. [MD]
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