Scout Report for Science & Engineering
http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/report/sci-eng/2000/se-000119.html
Volume 3, Number 9 of the Scout Report for Science & Engineering is available. The In the News section annotates eight resources on the reintroduction of Gray Wolves to Yellowstone National Park. [MD]
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The Biosafety Protocol [.pdf, RealPlayer]
http://www.usia.gov/topical/global/biosafe/
On January 20, international negotiators resumed talks in Montreal to finalize a Biosafety Protocol that "seeks to reduce potential risks from the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) and address potential threats to biodiversity" from products modified by genetic engineering. The Protocol is being negotiated under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity that was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and upon acceptance, it would regulate trade and movement of genetically engineered products. At this new site, provided by the US State Department (an advocate of biotechnology), users will find a variety of resources related to the Montreal talks and biosafety. These include the full text of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (also in French in Spanish), updated fact sheets, a biotechnology glossary and news stories, biosafety links, summary points on the negotiations, and press releases. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Pulling Apart: A State-by-State Analysis of Income Trends [.pdf]
http://www.cbpp.org/1-18-00sfp.htm
A new report released on January 18 from the Economic Policy Institute and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reveals that, despite the strong economy, income disparities in most states are significantly larger in the late 1990s than they were in the 1980s. In all but four states, income disparities between high- and low-income families increased, and in 45 states, "the gap between the average incomes of middle-income families and of the richest 20 percent of families expanded between the late 1970s and the late 1990s." For the US as a whole, the average income of families in the top 20 percent was more than ten times that of the poorest 20 percent of families. Users can read the full text of this important report by section or in its entirety in .pdf format. A press release and state fact sheets are also provided. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Online Calendar of the Correspondence of Charles Darwin
http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/Departments/Darwin/calintro.html
List of Correspondents
http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/Departments/Darwin/corresp.html
Darwin Correspondence Project
http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/Departments/Darwin/
The Darwin Correspondence Project, a joint UK-US project based mainly at Cambridge University, has to date published eleven volumes (out of a projected 30) of letters of Charles Darwin. As part of the larger effort, the Project has also produced a calendar of the correspondence of Charles Darwin, an electronic version of which was recently made available at the Project's Website. The online calendar is essentially a catalog with summaries "of all the letters to and from Charles Darwin known to the Project, the full texts of which are being published in the volumes of the Correspondence of Charles Darwin." The Calendar is composed of fourteen separate files, with letters numbered 1 to 13389, dating from October 1846 to April 1882. Users may browse by file, but the letters are not in strict chronological order. Those interested in letters Darwin exchanged with a particular person or institution are advised to use the list of almost 2,000 correspondents, which offers brief biographical descriptions, and the years and calendar numbers of letters to and from Darwin. Users can find out more about the Project and the volumes at its homepage. [MD]
[Back to Contents]TRIS Online -- TRB
http://tris.amti.com/search.cfm
Produced and maintained by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) at the National Academies of Sciences, "the Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS) Database is the world's largest and most comprehensive bibliographic resource on transportation information." Recently, an online version of TRIS was launched as a component of the National Transportation Library, providing access to over 400,000 bibliographic records covering transportation research published in books, journal articles, technical reports, and other media. The records cover the literature from the 1960s to the present, including federal, state, local, and association publications. Users can search the database by author, title, or keyword, with a number of modifiers. Search returns include title, author, journal title (where applicable), date, an abstract, and where the resource can be obtained. In some instances, links to the full text or sources of the full text are provided. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO)
http://www.csiro.au/
CSIRO, an Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, is one of the world's largest and most diverse scientific research institutions. Spanning science and technology, CSIRO research projects cover an immense area, from Atmospheric Chemistry and Agriculture through Zoology. CSIRO's metasite organizes research activities by subject area and, within each area, by a host of subcategories (Information Sheets, What We Do, Recent Achievements, Media Releases, Scientific Contacts, and more). To find subject-specific materials, follow links from the broadest category (try several) to the most narrow; a helpful feature is that links to related sites are often provided in addition to links to CSIRO-specific sites. Educators and researchers will be rewarded with useful and current information here, although finding it may require some navigational patience and creativity. [LXP]
[Back to Contents]Mapping Crime: Principle and Practice -- NIJ [.pdf, 3.46MB]
http://www.ncjrs.org/html/nij/mapping/pdf.html
This new research report from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Crime Mapping Research Center (CMRC) (reviewed in the August 10, 1999 Scout Report for Social Sciences) offers a detailed introduction to the science of crime mapping. Rather than a practical guide to specific software, the report "presents a broad approach and addresses the kinds of questions crime mapping can answer and how it can answer them." Users can view the report by chapter or in its entirety in .pdf format. The report also includes over 110 geographic information systems (GIS) maps, references, and an appendix of related online resources. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) [.pdf]
http://www.ndltd.org/
ETD Digital Library [.pdf]
http://www.theses.org/
Based at Virginia Tech, one of the first universities to require students to develop and submit electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), the NDLTD works internationally to make student research more available to scholars, reduce the cost of submitting and maintaining manuscripts, and advance digital library technology more generally. At the homepage, users will find a number of resources and news items regarding these efforts. The project's digital library provides access to the full text (most in .pdf format) of a large number of ETDs via the list of University Nodes and related sites. Most of the linked sites allow users to both browse and search for dissertations. Users can also try a working prototype of a federated search engine that performs parallel queries across several dozen search sites provided by participants in the project. Please note that some ETDs are only available to campus users. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Foreign Relations of the United States
http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/history/frus.html
Compiled and prepared by approximately 20 historians and editors at the Office of the Historian in the US Department of State, the The Foreign Relations of the United States series is "the official documentary historical record of major US foreign policy decisions and significant diplomatic activity." The series initially began in 1861 and now comprises over 350 volumes, but more recent volumes have made increasing use of declassified records, Presidential tape recordings, and documents from a wider range of government agencies, "particularly those involved with intelligence activity and covert actions." A number of the most recently released volumes have also been made available in electronic form. Currently, users can read 21 volumes online in their entirety, featuring original documents from the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson Administrations. At the site, users can also read summaries of recently released volumes, look at press releases, and view the complete list of volumes from 1861 to present. [MD]
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Ending Violence Against Women
http://www.jhuccp.org/pr/l11edsum.stm
This new report by the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) reveals that around the world "at least one in three women worldwide has been beaten, coerced into sex or abused in her lifetime." Based on over 50 population-based surveys and more than 500 studies of domestic violence, the report finds that by far the greatest risk of violence comes not from strangers, but from male family members including husbands. Users can read the full text of the report, which was published as part of the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health Population Reports series, by chapter in HTML format. The report also includes selected highlights, figures, tables, a pull-out guide for health care providers, and a bibliography. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids [.pdf]
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
This new site from GPO Access offers a helpful overview of the US Government for K-12 students. The site is broken into five sections, addressed to grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and parents and teachers, respectively. Beginning with basic ideas such as symbols of the government, the site progresses to topics such as the branches of government, historical documents, national versus state government, and citizenship. The Parents and Teachers section offers curriculum links, government Websites for kids, and information on GPO Access. Please note that some sections of the site are still under construction, with a scheduled completion date of January 30. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Talking History [RealPlayer]
http://www.talkinghistory.org/
Yet another project at the indefatigable History Department at the University at Albany, SUNY (last reviewed in the March 19, 1999 Scout Report), Talking History is a weekly broadcast/ Internet radio program that "focuses on all aspects of history: how we recall it, how we preserve it, how we interpret it, how we transform it into myth, and how we pass it on -- as teachers, researchers, archivists, museum curators, documentary filmmakers, and so on." Aimed at a non-professional audience, the program attempts to bridge the gap between professional historians and the general public. At the site, users can listen to recent and archived programs (back to 1997) in their entirety, in high or low fidelity. Recent programs include "The Religious Roots of American Radicalism," "The Invention of George Washington," "Betty Friedan and the Making of The Feminine Mystique," and "Dangerous Liaisons: Governor Dewey, Lucky Luciano, and Operation Underworld." An excellent site for the armchair historian and academic alike. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Secrets of the Ice - An Antarctic Exploration [Quicktime, RealPlayer G2]
http://www.secretsoftheice.org/
This new site from the Museum of Science in Boston offers an introduction to the environment of Antarctica and research being conducted there. Inspired by a four-year Antarctic expedition currently underway by a group of scientists based at the University of New Hampshire, the site will follow their progress and report the latest findings. At the site, visitors can learn about the climate and environment of the frozen continent, read about ice core research, view background information on the expedition, browse the latest reports and photos from the research team, and listen to archived broadcasts. Users can also send in questions or suggest experiments to the team. The site includes a number of animations, illustrations, photos, related links for more information, and some learning resources for educators. [MD]
[Back to Contents]National Center on Sleep Disorders Research -- NIH [Quicktime, .pdf]
http://rover.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncsdr/
Unveiled on January 18 by the National Institute of Health's (NIH) National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR), this site offers information on sleep disorders and related resources for both the general public and the scientific community. Patient and public information includes fact sheets, HealthBeat Radio News audio clips, public service announcements, an interactive quiz, and related resources. Healthcare professionals and researchers will find current information on diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, an overview of the Sleep Academic Award and the NIH National Sleep Disorders Research Plan, and notices of grants. Users may register for free email updates. [MD]
[Back to Contents]propaganda [RealPlayer]
http://carmen.artsci.washington.edu/propaganda/
While not a new site, Aaron Delwiche's propaganda contains some timeless gems that anyone with an interest in the subject will want to check out. Covering techniques and examples of propaganda, the site should appeal to both those less familiar with the subject and researchers with a focused interest. For the former, the site reviews several propaganda strategies (many identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis, 1937) -- such as name calling, euphemism, the testimonial device, and appeals to "plain folks" -- and gives a very brief look at logical fallacies. The seasoned researcher may find Delwiche's examples more useful. Print examples are gleaned mostly from World War I and recent sources such as the John Birch Society, the Democratic National Committee, and the International Socialist Organization. The propaganda gallery features eight clips from sources ranging from "Triumph of the Will" to "Red Nightmare." [TK]
[Back to Contents]Best Books of 1999 -- Library Journal
http://www.ljdigital.com/articles/books/booknews/20000101_13174.asp
Compiled every year since 1985 by the Book Review editors of the Library Journal (LJ), this list aims to "provide an end-of-the-year overview of the most interesting and important books the year had to offer." In honor of the end of the century, the editors have expanded the list this year to include 55 works which "represent a treat for every dedicated reader." Alphabetical by author, the list includes ISBN numbers, price, a short summary, and date of the original review in LJ. A sidebar highlights the best genre fiction of 1999. [MD]
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Action GoMac
http://www.poweronsoftware.com/site2/html/products/agm.html
Action GoMac, the anchor and most useful of the four new Action Utilities (Action Menus, Action GoMac, Action WYSIWYG, and Action Files), offers a start menu, task bar, and clock tray quite similar to those in Windows. However, GoMac allows customization and integration with a variety of Mac OS features. In addition to featuring drag-and-drop functionality for adding items to the start menu, GoMac allows the placement of control strip modules in the clock tray area. GoMac also features "command-tab" application switching much like Windows. Users can download a 30-day demo of GoMac and the other Action Utilities. The full version is $39.95 on CD-ROM or $29.95 for the Web version. Requirements: Mac OS System 7.6 or later. [AF]
[Back to Contents]LivingInternet.com
http://livinginternet.com/
Billing itself "the net's most comprehensive source of information about the Internet," this site from computer scientist Bill Stewart offers an excellent overview of the Internet and its six main technologies. The site is divided into seven sections, covering the Internet, E-Mail, the World Wide Web, Usenet Newsgroups, Internet Relay Chat, Multi-User Dimensions, and Mailing Lists. "Each section describes how the technology was invented, how it works, advanced usage, help resources, and other useful and entertaining information." In addition, each section also features links to authoritative and useful related sites. This clear and concise guide offers a balance of basic and advanced information that will appeal to both new and experienced users alike. [MD]
[Back to Contents]Personal Web Pages -- About.com
http://personalweb.about.com/internet/personalweb/
As almost every user will admit, personal Webpages are often far from the Internet's strong point. Uninspired, incomprehensible, and sometimes almost unreadable, many personal pages seem more a waste of bandwidth than anything else. This site, an About.com guide created and maintained by Linda Roeder, offers hope and help in the form of a number of articles and numerous related resources to help users design and create their own personal Webpages. Beginners should start with the Creating a Web Site Tutorial, while others will benefit from the archive of weekly articles, tips of the day, design tools, and product reviews. In addition to covering the process of creating and maintaining a personal Website, the guide addresses topics such as online diaries, Webcams, statistics-keeping, and Webrings. [MD]
[Back to Contents]ZDNet: "The Biggest Computer Bugs of 1999!"
http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2413514,00.html
This recent story from ZDNET News reviews the ten worst computer glitches of 1999, including the Pentium III processor serial number, "Exploding" email, the Hotmail security hole, the Melissa Virus, and the ColdFusion exploit. Each is briefly summarized, with links to three related stories or specials on ZDNet. [MD]
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Slush Fund Scandal In Germany
Germany's Funding Scandal: Special Report -- BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_610000/610098.stm
Party Funding: Uncovering the Truth -- Deutsche Welle TV [RealPlayer, Windows Media Player]
http://www.dwelle.de/english/topstory/20000120.html
"A Titan Falls" --Online NewsHour [RealAudio]
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/europe/jan-june00/kohl_1-18.html
"Kohl's Shame" -- The Economist
http://www.economist.com/editorial/freeforall/22-1-00/index_ld9988.html
"Kohlgate" -- The Times
http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/tim/2000/01/12/timfeafea01002.html?1996766
CDU Homepage
http://www.cdu.de/
While investigations into secret cash donations to former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), actually began in 1995, only recently has the scandal come into public light. In November, the German parliament voted unanimously to open a full-scale investigation into the campaign funding scandal. A few weeks later, on December 16, Kohl admitted that he secretly accepted up to $1 million in cash but refused to name the donors. Since then, millions more in undeclared donations have been uncovered, engulfing the current CDU party leadership in suspicion. After a criminal probe was launched against him, Kohl bowed to party pressure and resigned as honorary chairman on January 18. However, he has continued his refusal to identify the donors, fueling speculation that political influence was sold and damaging the party's efforts to clear its name. The CDU's credibility was further damaged when Wolfgang Huellen, head of the party's financial and budget section in Parliament, was found dead of an apparent suicide on January 20. While the current party leader Wolfgang Schaeuble has himself admitted to accepting illegal donations from an arms dealer, the CDU has rallied behind him and instead sought to distance itself from the man who was for so many years synonymous with the party. In fact, some analysts speculate that the CDU may even sue Kohl in an effort to force him to disclose the details of the secret money, as it is unlikely that public attention will diminish until all the facts are revealed. While many commentators argue that this scandal is, in a way, a positive turn of events that will help clean up German politics, they are divided on how it will affect the legacy of Kohl, one of the prime architects of European and, of course, German unity.
The BBC's special report on the scandal includes background, commentary, and links to related archived stories. Deutsche Welle TV offers a video report on the scandal along with several helpful links. On Tuesday, NewsHour featured an excellent discussion of the scandal and its impact on Kohl's legacy. Users can read the transcript or listen to a RealAudio recording at the site. The Economist recently included a brief, but pointed, essay on Kohl's refusal to name the donors and the future of his party. Last Sunday's The Times also featured a piece on the scandal, including a helpful concise listing of the principal players. Finally, for the party's official reaction to recent events, visitors can visit the CDU homepage (in German only). [MD]
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