The Link: Disaster Preparedness

Disasters can leave behind vast amounts of destruction and devastation.  Knowing how to prepare for, survive, and deal with these events, however, can help to minimize the damage.

With the possibility of so many of these disasters happening in the coming summer months, this month’s blog provides information on how to survive:

• Hurricanes
• Earthquakes
• Tornadoes
• Floods
• Zombies

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.

Hurricanes

Hurricane season comes each year with the threat of school closings, scary winds, and property damage. As hurricane season begins, here are some sources which will help you learn about the storms.

Hurricane Resources – USA Today (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/hurricane-resources.htm

USA Today’s Hurricane Resources page is a collection of links to graphics and articles which help people understand both hurricanes and how to prepare for them. Topics include how hurricanes are born and die, safety guides, and hurricane history.

Hurricane: Storm Science (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.miamisci.org/hurricane/

The Miami Museum of Science presents this resource for kids to learn about hurricanes. It includes information about how hurricanes work and how they are tracked, stories from kids who have lived through hurricanes, and instructions on how to create your own weather center.

Katrina & Beyond (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.npr.org/sections/hurricane-katrina-and-beyond/

Five years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is still recovering. NPR’s Katrina & Beyond page is a collection of NPR segments about Hurricane Katrina and its effects. This makes a great case study for anyone interested in the impact and aftermath of hurricanes.

Earthquakes

Terrible things can happen when the ground shakes and sways. In just the last few weeks there have been several quakes that measured at Magnitude 6.6 or higher in locations around the world.  The following sites provide a diverse mix of information about earthquakes and how to survive them.

Earthquake Image Information System (find it on the ipl2)

http://nisee.berkeley.edu/elibrary/

Containing more than 15,000 images of earthquake damage, this site also provides access to publicly funded research and development literature and other data.

U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazard Program (find it on the ipl2)

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) provides a wealth of information about earthquakes on this site, including an up-to-date list of earthquake events worldwide. Visitors to this site can have real-time earthquake information sent to them via RSS feeds. There is a daily earthquake fact, earthquake history, a list of myths, and much more.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are a natural phenomenon where air violently rotates as a column sucking items up and then flinging them out again. This destructive event can reach wind speeds of 300 miles per hour.

FOR KIDS- Tornadoes on Weather Wiz Kids (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm

Meteorologist Crystal Wicker has created this site to children to learn about the different weather conditions that exist. The tornado page includes photographs, diagrams and explanations of terminology used with regards to tornadoes. There are links to active warning sites so that children can see what is currently brewing. Safety tips and lessons plans are also included so that schools can help to prepare and educate students.

Online Tornado FAQ (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/

The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains this site to provide answers for specific questions regarding tornados. Included within the answers are links to articles that a user can seek for even more information.

Floods

There are many different types of floods responsible for devastating the environment and communities, including flash and slow-onset floods.  They all, however, stem from an overflow of water that submerges the surrounding area.

NEW! National Geographic: Floods

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/floods-profile

National Geographic describes how a flood occurs and the type of damage it can leave in its wake. This article also relates the ways in which governments have attempted to manage this natural disaster in the recent past.

World Health Organization: Flooding and Communicable Diseases Fact Sheet (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/ems/flood_cds/en/

In the event of extreme weather many individuals may be at risk for various diseases. This fact sheet provides information on how to prevent, treat and avoid sickness. It offers solutions that would be both feasible immediately and in the future.

NEW! NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory: Floods

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/primer/flood/fld_basics.html

NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory details the various types of floods and how each is caused. The website also provides information on how weather professionals are able to detect and forecast these events. Additional links relay safety and awareness tips should one find him/herself facing this danger.

Disaster Preparation

What should you do when disaster comes knocking at your door? These sites will help you learn what to do when to minimize damage and survive the destruction.

The Wilderness Survival Guide (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.survivalx.com/

This resource offers information about survival in many situations, including urban, wilderness, nuclear/biological warfare, and hurricanes. It boasts more than a hundred pages of information, plus videos that teach visitors such things as how to make jerky, build shelters, and make fire.

Disaster Assistance (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Following a disaster, state and federal governments have systems in place to assist victims. This site allows users to contact the appropriate agency and find answers to their questions. Included on the site are descriptions of the possible disasters and advice on what to do before, during and after a disaster.

MedlinePlus: Disaster Preparation and Recovery (find it on the ipl2)

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/disasterpreparationandrecovery.html

This site is focused on health information for the public. This particular page provides users with preparing for emergencies so that the fear, anxiety and loss following a disaster will not be too overwhelming. One can never be completely ready for a traumatic event, but with planning, a person can feel less uncertain about the future. Links are provided to each specific disaster to allow a user to find particulars that are needed.

Zombies

Everyone knows that the worst hypothetical disaster of all is an outbreak of zombies. Learn about these undead brutes and how to prepare for the onslaught of zombie hordes with these sources!

An Exploration of Modern Monsters: Zombies (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/Monstrosity/intropage/homepage.html

Based out of the University of Michigan, this site gives an excellent overview of zombies, their origins, symbolism, and folklore surrounding them. It goes through a history of the zombie in film and looks at today’s modern zombies.

NEW! FVZA: Zombies
http://www.fvza.org/zombies.html

Dr. Hugo Pecos, the director of The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency, is here to teach everyone all about zombies. His site (not actually affiliated with the government) covers the zombie virus, biology, sociology, myths, advanced-stage zombies, famous zombie victims, and “actual” U.S. zombie outbreaks.

CDC: Zombie Preparedness (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/zombies.htm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released an official guide to preparing for and surviving zombies and a possible zombie apocalypse. Included is a graphic novella to demonstrate the necessity of preparing for this disaster, which includes a preparedness checklist; zombie posters to raise awareness; links to CDC social media on zombie preparedness; and the zombie blog, which lists all of the guidelines for preparing to face a zombie emergency.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2′s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

The Link: Mental Health Month

Mental health is an important, but often misunderstood, aspect of our lives. Understanding the various mental disorders is vital for all, which is one of the reasons that May is designated as Mental Health Month.

To learn more about several common disorders, check out the resources below. Topics include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Alzheimer’s Disease

Depression
This disorder afflicts many American adults and is often misunderstood. The following resources help those investigating this disorder and provide resources for those who are currently affected.

Depression: Out of the Shadows (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/resources.html
This specific link will provide resources about both the statistics about depression and the different associations that seek to help those suffering from depression. These are a result of the PBS-produced special dealing with the current stigma connected to depression.

Depression and Unipolar Varieties on MentalHelp.net (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/center_index.php?id=5
This site includes resources that allow a user to understand the symptoms and mood episodes associated with depression. Forums and Question/Answer areas are provided for those seeking personal or general information.

Depression on the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_depression_overview
This site allows individuals who suffer from depression or are close to a person who suffers to find information about the kinds of depression and treatment options. The intent is to provide users with knowledge so that they can feel less discouraged when dealing with depression. There are other publications available through the site.

Anxiety
This mental health issue is often related to stress. Many people who suffer with anxiety must deal with other disorders as well. Depression is one of the disorders that frequently accompany anxiety.

Anxiety Disorders Association of America (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.adaa.org/
This association seeks to provide users with knowledge about preventing, treating, and curing disorders connected with stress. The website is constructed to allow a person with stress-related questions to find information, help, and methods to take action. There are also links to connect with a professional if needed.

Anxiety-Panic Disorders on HealingWell (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.healingwell.com/anxiety/
This site seeks to provide users with practical information coupled with testimonials of encouragement. There are blogs, forums, videos, and even a live chat with a doctor.

ADD/ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that is found most commonly among children. Lack of attention, impulsive behavior, and issues of distraction characterize this disorder.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.add.org/
This resource provides information and networking opportunities to help adults with ADD. The site is also intended for professionals who serve those with ADD. It contains factual information, advocacy, lists of various kinds of resources and support, event calendars, webinars, and webcasts.

ADHDNews.com (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.adhdnews.com/
This site includes general information about ADHD, such as a glossary and collection of articles, links, and other resources about the condition. There are also message boards, blogs, and places for individuals and families to share their stories. It also includes information about treatments, including medications and side effects, diet, behavior modification.

ADDinSchool.com (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.addinschool.com
ADDinSchool.com provides information and resources for school-aged people who suffer from ADD or ADHD and their families. It is also a resource for the teachers who have them in class, providing interventions, such as tips for increasing time on task and how to present your lesson to ADHD students. There are some commercial products sold.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that primarily revolves around anxiety and coping mechanisms that the individual has developed in order to handle that anxiety. Many people have OCD, but it can be hard to understand. The following links provide information and resources regarding this disorder.

International OCD Foundation (find on the ipl2)
http://www.ocfoundation.org/
The International OCD Foundation is a resource for people all over the world that suffer from or want more information on obsessive compulsive disorder. They provide links to assist in finding help for those that need it, recommend a list of books and materials about OCD, and more. In the words of the ipl2, the International OCD Foundation is “[a]n international organization of over 10,000 members [that] offers explanations, resources, and access to annual conferences on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders.”

Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (find on the ipl2)
http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
ADAA provides a wealth of information on multiple anxiety disorders, including an in-depth section on OCD itself. They explain symptoms, treatment for OCD, news and research on the disorder, and have a special section on hoarding, which can stem from OCD. ipl2 says, “This site has descriptions and treatment options for generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It includes resources for practitioners and the public, including a therapist finding aid listing members of ADAA.”

PsychCentral: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (find it on the ipl2)
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx26.htm
PsychCentral, a website that has made Time.com’s 50 best websites list, has information on various personality disorders, including OCD. They give an overview of the disorder, discuss symptoms, how the disorder is diagnosed, causes, and various treatments that are available.

Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes one to go through extreme manic and depressive episodes. In addition to these mood swings, one can also experience hallucinations or delusions.

NEW! Bipolar Disorder by Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/ds00356
This source provides background on bipolar disorder as well as various treatments, such as medicinal, home, and alternative remedies. The Mayo Clinic also discusses how one can best prepare for a doctor’s visit if one has recently been diagnosed or suspects he/she may be suffering from the disorder.

A Complete Guide to Bipolar Disorder (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.bipolarhome.org/
This resource is dedicated solely to helping those with this specific mental condition. It details the symptoms of the disorder and also differentiates between the different stages that one can experience. The website also offers help for parents whose children have been diagnosed and provides support on living with the affliction, including how to tell others that one is bipolar.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): What is Bipolar Disorder? (find it on ipl2)
http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Bipolar1/Home_-_What_is_Bipolar_Disorder_.htm
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is dedicated to helping those with bipolar disorder and their families find support and educational programs in their local area. NAMI also offers online discussion groups so one can easily connect with others.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is a mental health disorder affecting one out of every eight senior citizens in the United States. It affects not only those with the disease, but also friends and family members who have to learn how to adjust to a loved one’s condition. This section provides resources for people of all ages to learn about Alzheimer’s.

The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.pbs.org/theforgetting/
The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer’s is an Emmy award-winning documentary which was originally aired by PBS in 2004. This website includes the full documentary as well as stories from people with Alzheimer’s, information about the disease, and information for people who have been recently diagnosed. Most of the information is in video form, making this an excellent website for visual learners.

Alzheimer’s Association: “Just for Kids” (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_just_for_kids_and_teens.asp
The Alzheimer’s Association’s “Just for Kids” page includes information which helps kids and teens who have family members with Alzheimer’s understand the disease, as well as resources for parents and educators. Information is provided via videos, articles, and an interactive tour.

Alzheimer’s Disease Research (find it on ipl2)
http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers
Alzheimer’s Disease Research provides a comprehensive website with information about risk factors, symptoms, stages and treatments. In addition, the site provides detailed information about life with Alzheimer’s, from legal and financial matters to everyday living. There is also an “Ask the Experts” section for any questions you may have.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2′s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

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The Link: Income Taxes—An April Tradition

April 17, 2012—that’s the last day to file individual federal income taxes for 2011. (The traditional tax return filing deadline is April 15 but this falls on a Sunday in 2012 and April 16, 2012 is Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia, so the last filing date is April 17 in 2012). With so many people either writing checks to the IRS or expecting a check from the IRS, the month of April leaves many people thinking income taxes.  This month’s blog provides quick links to:

• History of the Income Tax
• Government Services and Income Tax Forms
• Evaluations of Tax Preparation Services
• Free Non-Governmental Services and Advice
• More Resources on the ipl2

History of the Income Tax

During the first century of American history, income taxes were considered only during times of war (when expenses for military expenditures went up and income from international tariffs went down).  The first peacetime income tax was imposed by congress in 1894, but the modern income tax was created by the 16^th Amendment to the constitution in 1913.  One major force behind the creation of the income tax during this progressive era was the prohibition movement.  Income rates have varied widely over the last 100 years.

Our Documents.gov (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=57
This site, maintained by the federal government, provides the text of the 16^th Amendment and a brief overview of the income taxes that preceded the 16^th Amendment.

The Tax Foundation (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/27675.html
This site provides a discussion of the association between the Prohibition and Temperance movements and the 16^th Amendment, which established the income tax.

Tax Policy Center  (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/taxfacts/displayafact.cfm?Docid=213
Sponsored by the Urban Institute & Brookings Institution, this site provides tables of the top income brackets from 1913 to the present.  The top rates range from 7% (1913) to 94% (1944-45).  The present top rate is 35%.

Government Services and Income Tax Forms

Most standard tax forms are available free of charge at your post office and all forms are available free of charge on-line.  The Internal Revenue Service also provides free advice for taxpayers on many issues.  The IRS website is the usually best “first stop” for any tax related question.

The Internal Revenue Service Homepage (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.irs.gov/
This is the home page of the IRS.  It provides links to a wide array of governmental resources and materials.

IRS Tax Forms (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html?portlet=103
Taxpayers can find a complete list of government pamphlets and tax forms (with full instructions) on this page.

Interactive Tax Assistant (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.irs.gov/ita/index.html?portlet=105
The IRS provides a free interactive online tax assistant.  This service provides answers to the most commonly asked questions (e.g., “Do I need to file income taxes?” “Who can I claim as a dependent?” and “Am I eligible for a Child Tax Credit?”).  This site answers all of the most commonly asked questions in plain English, which is accessible to people with average reading and math skills (the site is also linked to a Spanish language version of the site).

Evaluations of Tax Preparation Services

Many different tax preparation services and software options are available across a wide range of prices.  It can be difficult to decide which option is right for a given tax situation.  The sites listed below include reviews that attempt to evaluate tax preparation services and provide a breakdown of the functionality for each service.

Top Ten Reviews (find it on the ipl2)
http://tax-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
A side-by-side comparison of 10 tax preparation software programs and electronic filing (e-filing) services. Factors include price, basic features, e-filing options, tax assistance support, and technical requirements. Also includes details about ratings for each program. From a publisher of product reviews for software and Web services.

NEW!  NextAdvisor Online Tax Preparation Reviews
http://www.nextadvisor.com/online_tax_preparation_services/index.php
NextAdvisor is an independent source for “comparing the most valuable new Internet services.”  Their Online Tax Preparation Review chart provides a current comparison of the best tax services along with an FAQ section that answers basic filing questions.

NEW! About.com Top 7 Tax Software
http://taxes.about.com/od/taxsoftware/tp/taxsoftware.htm
Tax professional William Perez tests seven different tax software programs by putting them each through three tax scenarios and offering a detailed review for each service.

NEW! CNET Tax Preparation Reviews
http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-6438_7-0.html
This CNET page on tax preparation software allows users to select criteria that are important to them such as price, manufacturer, computer platform, and licensing agreements.  The search results can be sorted according to any of these criteria.  A quick snapshot of each service is provided and the user can set up a price alert.

NEW! PCMag Accounting and Tax Reviews
http://www.pcmag.com/reviews/accounting-tax-software
PCMag’s Accounting and Tax page provides editor ratings and detailed reviews for tax preparation software packages.  Users can filter by price, company, and rating and can also submit their own reviews of each service.

Free Non-Governmental Services & Advice

Preparing your taxes on your own can be difficult. Fortunately, there are lots of free tools and services available on the web. Whether you’re looking for forms, have questions about exemptions or are looking to file online for free, the following sites can help.

Tax Resources on the Web (find it on the ipl2)
http://taxtopics.net/
This comprehensive list of online resources acts as a “gateway to tax resources available on the World Wide Web.” It includes information on federal taxes, California taxes, retirement resources and news about taxes.

NEW! Web Tax Center
http://www.webtaxcenter.com/
This tax resource offers free tax tips, tax FAQs, and links to all current tax forms (federal and state). It also provides links to a free e-file service offered through FreeTaxUSA.

NEW! AARP Tax-Aide
http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
AARP provides free tax help for those 60 and older. This website includes FAQs and a locator to help you find an AARP tax-aide site in your area.

NEW! Tax Act
http://www.taxact.com/taxes-online/free-online-tax.asp
Prepare, print and e-file federal tax returns for free through Tax Act. This resource includes links to popular help topics. A tools & reference section includes a tax dictionary, tax rate calculator and iPhone tax applications.

NEW! H&R Block
http://www.hrblock.com/
Prepare, print and e-file federal tax returns for free through H&R Block. Their website includes tax calculators, tax tips and applications for mobile devices. A tax answers section provides easily searchable answers to many common tax questions.

NEW! TurboTax
http://turbotax.intuit.com/
Prepare, print and e-file federal tax returns for free through TurboTax. This website includes handy tax calculators, tax tips, and tax FAQs.

More Resources on ipl2

ipl2 Pathfinder on US Income Tax Preparation (find it on the IPL2)
http://www.ipl.org/div/pf/entry/48535
If you are looking for more tax resources, check out this pathfinder created by the ipl2.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2′s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

The Link: Weather Phenomena

In many parts of the world, particularly in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, springtime comes with the potential for severe storms, including tornadoes. Tornadoes are normally formed when cold, dry air meets warm, moist air and are typically preceded and accompanied by severe thunderstorms known as “super cells.”  Tornados can last from a minute or less to over an hour and dissipate when their cyclonic energy is exhausted.  We have compiled several sources on the meteorology of tornadoes, preparing for tornadoes, and on the history of tornado events.

In the past month, we have also experienced a different kind of storm that is much further away—the space storm.  At the end of January, there was a radiation storm in space that, save for a few disruptions of GPS systems, airline communication systems, and satellites, did not impact general phone or internet connectivity and resulted in dramatic aurora borealis displays, also known as northern lights.  We have put together a list of sources that deal with such space storms.

The science behind these kinds of weather phenomena can be difficult to understand, especially for children.  We have put together several resources that explain all sorts of weather events in a basic way that kids (and everyone!) can understand.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collection.

Tornadoes

The Weather Channel Storm Encyclopedia (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.weather.com/encyclopedia/tornado/form.html
Definitions and explanations of the key processes of super cell and tornado formation in terms appropriate for non-specialists.

Accuweather (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.accuweather.com/video/848220605001/how-tornadoes-form.asp
This one minute and 15 second video illustrates how tornadoes are formed and shows moving images of actual tornadoes.

NEW!  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tornado Safety Guide
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornadoguide.html
Information on the National Severe Storms Laboratory page on the NOAA website explains both how citizens should prepare for tornadoes and how they should respond to tornado watches and warnings.

NOAA Storm Events (find it on the ipl2)
http://www4.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-win/wwcgi.dll?wwEvent~Storms
Users of this site can search this database for specific weather patterns (hail, wind speed, location, etc) to discover when and where storms of a particular type have struck in the United States.

NEW!  The Tornado History Project
http://www.tornadohistoryproject.com/
Users of site can search for storms in United States by dates and locations and learn about the specific injuries and deaths associated with specific storms.  The database contains details about storms from 1950 to the present (photos and videos are included for more recent events).

Space Weather

NEW!  Space Weather Center
http://www.spaceweathercenter.org/index.html
This site provides very simple, easy to understand explanations of all aspects of space weather.  There is a “space storms” portal that includes an explanation of the impact that space weather can have on Earth, as well as links to current conditions.  There is also an education section with resources dedicated to teachers and students.

Space Weather page on Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) (find it on the ipl2)
http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/spaceweather/
A project developed through an “international collaboration between ESA and NASA to study the Sun from its deep core to the outer corona and the solar wind.”  The space weather page includes explanatory videos and real-time space weather activity updates.

Current Space Weather Conditions (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
“The official source of space weather alerts, warnings, and forecasts,” providing current information on geomagnetic storms, solar winds, solar flares, and aurora activity. The education/outreach page features a FAQ, a glossary of solar-terrestrial terms, a primer on space weather (in English and Spanish), short essays on related topics, and classroom materials. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Weather for Kids

Weather Wiz Kids (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-tornado.htm
This site was created by meteorologist Crystal Wicker to teach kids all about weather. The tornado page describes what tornadoes are, how they are formed, other weather phenomena associated with tornadoes and safety tips.

Wild Wild Weather (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.wildwildweather.com/twisters.htm
Dan Satterfield, meteorologist and Earth Science blogger for the American Geophysical Union, created this site to share his love for weather. The page about tornadoes describes why they occur, shows current warnings across the U.S. and links to instructions for making your own tornado.

NASA’s Space Place (find it on the ipl2)
http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/spaceweather/
Maintained by NASA, this site explains space weather in language that kids can understand. It includes lots of pictures, diagrams and videos to make the subject fun and interactive.

Ready Kids (find it on the ipl2)
http://www.ready.gov/kids
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teamed up with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create the Ready campaign to prepare Americans for emergencies. This site for kids provides Information on tornadoes, hurricanes and other weather events. It is divided into sections titled “Know the Facts,” “Make a Plan,” “Build a Kit” and “Fun & Games.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2′s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

The Link: Civic Engagement and the Primary Election

With the rise of the Internet and Web 2.0 technologies, it is easier for people to engage in societal movements and to quickly see how their participation can make a difference.  The current primary election and the national elections in November offer important opportunities for citizens to get involved in the political process.  However the flood of political information available on the Web also can make it more difficult to identify quality sites with unbiased information and analysis.

We have compiled a list of sources dealing with many aspects of civic engagement and hope you enjoy visiting the sites we have chosen.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collection.

The Dates of the Primary Season

Each of the states sets the date for its state-wide primary elections.  The rules for these elections and the criteria for establishing candidacy are largely determined by state and local governments.  As long as the states comply with federal voting rights laws, state governments and their local party officials have broad flexibility in the management of these primary elections and caucuses.  In 2012, the primary season runs from Jan. 3 (the date of the Iowa caucus) to June 26 (the date of the Utah primary).  For a schedule of the primary elections and caucuses, visit:

*NEW* 2012 Election Central
http://www.2012presidentialelectionnews.com/2012-republican-primary-schedule/

This site is a blog dedicated to the 2012 national election and includes information on the Republican and Democratic primaries, debates, and general election news.

The Republican and Democratic Conventions

After all of the primaries are completed, the major parties gather in a convention to formally nominate their candidates and to establish their party platform.  When the primary system was created in the 19^th century and well into the 20^th century, no one knew for sure which candidate would gain the party’s nomination until the convention was completed. In recent times, however, the nominees have been clearly established well before the convention and the conventions have served as opportunities for the parties to present their nominees to the American people.  For an introduction to the Republican and Democratic conventions, visit:

*NEW* 2012 GOP Convention
http://gopconvention2012.com/

Official site of the Republican National Convention (Tampa Bay, FL, August 27-31, 2012).

*NEW* 2012 Democratic National Convention
http://charlottein2012.com/splash/2011_11_1/index.pl

Official site of the Democratic National Convention (Charlotte, NC, Sept. 3-7, 2012).

Alternative Political Parties & Conventions

Although the Democratic and Republican parties are clearly the largest political parties in the United States—so much so that most people identify the US as having a “two party system”—there are many less well known political parties in the United States.  Each of these parties also sponsors a national convention of its own.  The largest of these “third party alternatives” are the Constitution party, the Green party, and the Libertarian party.

*NEW* 2012 Libertarian Party Convention
http://www.lp.org/event/2012-libertarian-party-convention-at-red-rock-resort-in-las-vegas

Official site of the Libertarian Party Convention (Las Vegas, NV, May 2-6, 2012).

*NEW* 2012 Green Party Convention
http://www.gp.org/press/pr-national.php?ID=464

Official site of the Green Party Convention (Baltimore, MD, July 12-15, 2012).

*NEW* Constitution Party Convention
http://www.constitutionparty.com/view_events.php

Official site of the Constitution Party (Nashville, TN, April 18-21, 2012).

Political Issues

*NEW* Reuters Issues 2012
http://www.reuters.com/politics/issues-2012

This is a very simple, easy to use resource on the most popular issues of 2012.  This is a good starting point to learn basic information about the various issues and the candidates’ positions on the issues that matter to you.

Fair.org (find it on ipl2)
http://www.fair.org/index.php

FAIR stands for Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting and has been dedicated to “offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship since 1986.”  The organization works with both activists and journalists to provide insight into the media industry and the biases that come along with it.  This is one of the few sites dedicated to media bias that does not lean right or left politically.

ipl2 Election and Voting Resources (find it on ipl2)
http://www.ipl.org/div/election/

The ipl2 page on Election and Voting Resource is an extremely comprehensive guide to finding the best political information on the Web.  The information is broken down into useful categories.  The site provides information on federal, local, and state elections, on political parties, candidates, and issues, on voter information, as well as blogs and historical information.  Rather than focusing on any particular election, the resources in the section provide general information about the full range of political processes and about the current political climate.

NOTE:  Although this collection lists 2010 election resources, there are also many other resources that are relevant to current and upcoming election information.

Taking Action

*NEW* ServiceLeader.org
http://www.serviceleader.org/virtual/advocacy

Sponsored by the Center for Philanthropy and Community Service at the University of Texas at Austin, this site provides detailed, quality information on all aspects of both leading initiatives and volunteering for them.  Information on the site includes how to engage the community and advice on advocacy and activism for online volunteers.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (find it on ipl2)
https://www.eff.org/

The Electronic Frontier Foundation is an established organization that has been fighting for various issues since 1990.  The site has a “Take Action” page that provides a list of current issues complete with links through which people can choose to participate.  There is also a blog and a page dedicated to showcasing the work the organization has been involved with over the years.

*NEW* TakingITGlobal.org
http://www.tigweb.org/

TakingITGlobal is an “online community that facilitates global education, social entrepreneurship, and civic engagement for millions of youth worldwide.” It is a social network like Facebook or MySpace but with a focus on global citizenship. Members from over 250 countries and almost 3,000 schools interact through this site, which provides links and resources for students and educators looking to be more involved through virtual classrooms and social interactions.

*NEW* Center for Communication & Civic Engagement
http://ccce.com.washington.edu/

The Center for Communication and Civic Engagement is “dedicated to understanding communication processes and media technologies that facilitate positive citizen involvement in politics and social life.” The site is a collaboration of faculty and students at the University of Washington. It contains original research, new educational programs, policy recommendations and a comprehensive list of web-based resources for citizens.

*NEW* AmericaSpeaks
http://americaspeaks.org/

The mission of AmericaSpeaks is to “reinvigorate American Democracy by engaging citizens in the public decision-making that most impacts their lives.” Among other projects, AmericaSpeaks was behind the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site and the rebuilding of post-Katrina New Orleans. The site offers links to topics that are discussed during their 21st Century Town Meetings and ways to get involved.

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 [A1]With link to special collections

 [A2]With link to ipl2 search

The Link: Ring in the New Year

Most cultures in recorded history have celebrated the turning of the year, and it is perhaps the most widely-celebrated holiday in the world. However, the sheer variety of dates and customs different cultures have associated with the New Year is amazing. Just about any time of the year, from bleak mid-winter to the dog days of summer, is probably New Year’s Day somewhere. Some cultures hold joyous feasts and parties, while others turn to prayer and reflection. Some New Year’s observances even turn into other holidays entirely: the ancient Celtic New Year was Samhain, the beginning of fall and a day when the dead roamed the earth – and today, many of these customs have been retained in the modern Halloween. Take some time to learn about the many fascinating forms of the New Year!

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collection.

AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

NEW! New Year’s Eve in Africa
http://goafrica.about.com/od/africafestivalsandevents/a/newyears.htm
One of About.com’s expert guides gives an overview of New Year’s Eve celebrations across the continent.

NEW! Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year): September 11
http://www.incultureparent.com/2011/08/enkutatash-ethiopian-new-year-september-11/
Enkutatash, or “gift of jewels,” marks the traditional Ethiopian New Year. Find out some traditions of this holiday, which according to legend dates to the time of the Queen of Sheba.

High Holy Days on the Net (find it on ipl2)
http://www.holidays.net/highholydays/
The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, has been celebrated in the Middle East since ancient times, and today is celebrated by Jewish people around the world. This site not only explains the meaning and customs of Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy Days, but offers holiday recipes, craft ideas, eCards, and much more!

NEW! Islamic New Year
http://open.edu/openlearn/whats-on/day-8-islamic-new-year
Ras as-Sana al-Hijreya, the Islamic New Year and the first day of the holy month Muharram, is said to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s flight to Medina, and is a solemn time for prayer. Along with Islam, the holiday has spread from its Middle Eastern roots around the world.

No-Rooz, The Iranian New Year at Present Times (find it on ipl2)
http://www.iranchamber.com/culture/articles/norooz_iranian_new_year.php
Iran has been celebrating the New Year on the first day of spring since ancient times. Learn about Iran’s New Year’s customs, and check out the “No-Rooz: The Zarathushtrian New Year” link at the bottom of the page to learn more about this holiday’s historical roots.

NEW! Yennayer Begins in Algeria
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2011/01/13/feature-03
http://tinyurl.com/6n3h5gq
According to legend, Yennayer, the Amazigh (Berber) New Year, has been celebrated in northwestern Africa since the days of the Egyptian pharaohs. Learn more about this holiday’s often-delicious traditions and its renewed popularity after years of official neglect. This article is available in English, French, and Arabic.

ASIA

NEW! Diwali Festival – Hindu New Year (India)
http://www.diwalifestival.org/
This site, developed by the Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India, highlights many of the traditions, customs, celebrations and significance of the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali. Celebrated for five days and with different customs around Asia as well as within India itself, this site is a colorful collection of Indian religious history, gift-giving ideas, and provides links to external sites for Diwali cards, food, articles, and details about Diwali celebrations around the world.

Chinese New Year (find it on ipl2)
http://www.chinapage.com/newyear.html
Based on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year brings about a new zoological zodiac name each year and this site “provides information on how the Chinese New Year’s Day is determined, the Chinese solar/lunar calendar, the animals of the Chinese zodiac, and significance of Chinese dragons, calligraphy, and Chinese graphics.” In addition to historical information, this site also provides links to other yearly calendars from around the world.

NEW! Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
http://ethnomed.org/culture/cambodian/khmer-new-year
Celebrated in April for three to four days, the Cambodian New is a traditional respite before the rainy season and is Cambodia’s “most important festival and holiday.” This site, written by a leader within the American Khmer Community in Washington, highlights the New Year traditions and games involved with the Khmer population’s largest celebration.

Shogatsu – Japanese New Year (find it on ipl2)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html
This site, devoted to information about Japanese holidays and popular events, highlights the traditions and decorations of Shogatsu, celebrated around the same time as the traditional American New Year. It contains links to traditional foods, games, and decorations traditionally displayed during Shogatsu, complete with colorful and detailed photographs and descriptions.

Têt Nguyen Dan – Vietnamese New Year (find it on ipl2)
http://www.asian-nation.org/tet.shtml
In February, the Vietnamese community observes the Celebration of Rebirth, commonly known as Têt, described as “New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all rolled into one.” The traditions, rich history, Vietnamese zodiac, and modern adaptations of the celebration are outlined and highlighted within this site. There is also an array of related links, articles, and resources listed as well as a link to send free Happy Têt e-cards!

EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA

The New Year’s Day Parade, London (find it on ipl2)
http://www.londonparade.co.uk/
At noon on January 1, “more than 10,000 performers, representing over a dozen countries world-wide, assemble in the heart of London bringing music, merriment and laughter to the waiting crowds.” The site features a history of the parade, photographs back to 1991, a list of current participants, and a map of the parade route.

NEW! The Mystery of Dinner for One: How an obscure British skit has become Germany’s most popular New Year’s tradition.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2005/12/the_mystery_of_dinner_for_one.html
Read about a German and Scandinavian tradition – a New Year’s Eve broadcast of the British comedy sketch Dinner for One. Although the comedy sketch is not set around the holiday season, the traditional broadcast has landed the sketch in the Guinness Book of World Records for most repeated TV show ever. If you are interested, the most popular 18 minute version with a German introduction can be found at Google Video.

NEW! Christmas and New Year in Ireland Long Ago
http://www.ballinagree.freeservers.com/chrisireland.html
The Irish celebrate New Year’s Eve,  known as Oíche Chinn Bliana (Year’s End Night) and Oíche na Coda Móire (The Night of the Great Feast), by lighting candles and placing them in the windows throughout their homes. Tradition also calls for a cake of bread which is bashed against the front door in order to banish the threat of hunger. The night is often associated with the dead, as absent members of the families are remembered in the family rosary.

NEW!  Dutch New Year Celebrations
http://www.nlplanet.com/almanac/dutch-new-year
The Dutch begin their New Year’s Eve celebration with a quiet evening at home with their families playing board games, watching television, and eating oliebol (Dutch doughnuts), which are washed down with coffee and champagne. The streets remain deserted, public transportation stops running, and bars and cafes remain closed, that is until the stroke of midnight when families take to the streets to watch the traditional fireworks show.

NEW! BBC Scotland – Hogmanay: It’s a tradition
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/hogmanay/customs.shtml
Scotland’s New Year’s Eve tradition, Hogmanay, takes place on December 31^st, although the celebration lasts for several days. One popular Hogmanay custom is that of the ‘first-footer,’ in which one’s luck is determined by the first person to visit their home after midnight. If the first-footer is a tall, dark, and handsome man, bringing a small gift, than the occupants will have good luck throughout the year. Read about other Hogmanay customs that vary by locality.

NEW! Sydney Australia’s NYE 2011
http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/
Sydney celebrates New Year’s Eve with a big bang! At the stroke of midnight a 12-minute interactive Fireworks Display is launched from seven barges on the Sydney Harbour, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the rooftops of seven city skyscrapers. The theme for ringing in 2012, which will bring more than 1.5 million people to the Harbour, is Time to Dream, which is captured through colors and a show-stopping bridge effect.

LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN

NEW! An Ecuadorian tradition, New Year’s Eve burning of the Año Viejo dummies
http://www.cuencahighlife.com/post/2010/12/28/Ecuadorian-tradition-the-New-Years-Eve-burning-of-the-dummy-clears-the-slate-for-2009.aspx
http://tinyurl.com/7y3g9az
Año Viejo, Old Year, is an Ecuadorian tradition where life-sized dummies are made only to be burned as a symbol of “out with the old and, we can assume, in with the new.” This web page discusses the origins of the tradition as well as its significance to its participants.

NEW! Junkanoo: Bahamian Festival
http://www.bahamasgateway.com/junkanoo.htm
Junkanoo is a colorful festival celebrated on the streets of Nassau in the early morning of December 26^th and New Year’s Day. This Bahamian festival began as “temporary celebration of freedom of slaves” and has been kept alive by islanders. This site describes Junkanoo’s history and celebration.

NEW! 10 Mexican Traditions for the New Year
http://www.yucatan-holidays.com/guidebook/10-mexican-traditions-for-the-new-year/
In Mexico, Christmas traditions run from New Year’s Day through February. This web page discusses ten New Year’s Day Mexican customs concerning what to wear, eat, and cleaning rituals. It also gives an overview of Catholic traditions following New Year’s Day, El Dia de los Reyes, Three Kings Day, and El Dia de la Candelaria, Candlemas Day.

NEW! New Year in Argentina: Traditions and Customs
http://www.123newyear.com/newyear-traditions/argentina.html
New Year’s Day celebrations in Argentina are similar to much of the rest of the world with parties and fireworks. This website describes a typical New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for Argentinean families, including traditions like swimming in pools, lakes, and rivers and attending church.

NEW! New Year’s Eve at Copacabana
http://www.copacabana.info/new-years-eve.html
The second largest event in Brazil, New Year’s Eve at Copacabana, mixes Brazilian and African culture. This web page describes the beach celebration, including boats sent into the sea, fireworks, and the use of color and lights as a grand city-wide festivity.

UNITED STATES AND CANADA

United States New Year (find it on ipl2)
http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye.html
This site provides information on the spectacular celebration of New Year’s Eve in Times Square, New York City, on December 31st. It includes facts on the construction and descent of the famous Waterford crystal ball, the history of past events, and the event fact sheets and schedules.  If you cannot make it to Times Square to post your wishes on the wishing wall, no worries, you can submit your wish to the virtual wishing wall online.

Popular New Year’s Resolutions (find it on ipl2)
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New_Years_Resolutions.shtml
This web site contains a list of 13 common New Year’s resolutions with links to related government web sites. Topics include losing weight, paying off debt, getting a better job, getting fit, quitting smoking, reducing stress, taking a trip, and volunteering to help others.

NEW! An Iroquois New Year’s Celebration
http://www.crookedlakereview.com/articles/34_66/35feb1991/35koch.html
The Iroquois New Year is a mid-winter ceremony which takes place around February 1st. The Iroquois thank the Creator for “the Earth’s bounty,” and according to anthropologist Anthony Wallace, the first day included “the public naming of babies followed by a celebratory eating of corn soup.”

NEW! What is Soyal
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-soyal.htm
Like many cultures, the Hopi celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The Soyal ceremonies are designed to encourage the sun’s return. Many Hopi people also hold parties and exchange gifts to celebrate the New Year. Learn more about Soyal and the story of the sun’s struggle against darkness here!

NEW! Orthodox New Year in Canada
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/orthodox-new-year
Canadian Orthodox Christian New Year celebrations include social gatherings, and feature traditional activities and food from Russia and the Ukraine, where the Orthodox Church predominates. Many Orthodox congregations observe the New Year on January 1st of the Julian calendar, which falls around January 14th of the international-standard Gregorian calendar.

NEW! Traditional New Year Celebrations in Canada
http://www.123newyear.com/newyear-traditions/canada.html
Canadians follow customs which are intended to “bring good luck, peace, and prosperity to everyone.” The polar bear swim on New Year is one such tradition in which almost everyone participates. Canadians also have “a tradition of clapping and roaring” at midnight when the New Year arrives in the belief that it chases away the evils of the past year. Kissing is a traditional way of showing love and good wishes, so people in Canada kiss and wish each other Happy New Year at midnight.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS. The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog. Subscription is free and open to all!

The Link: Conspiracies, Plots, and Mysteries

November 5^th is Guy Fawkes Day, or Bonfire Night, a day when those in Britain commemorate the original celebration of 1605, when mercenary Guy Fawkes was captured and the Gunpowder Plot was foiled. On the very night that the plot was thwarted, bonfires were set alight throughout the streets of London to celebrate the safety of King James I. Since then, the event is commemorated every year with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire. Throughout history, the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was not the only failed conspiracy attempt against those in power. Learn about the Gunpowder Plot as well some others plots that have taken place around the world, and those that have foiled them.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collection.

England

House of Commons Information Office: The Gunpowder Plot (find it on ipl2)
http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/g08.pdf
The Gunpowder Plot led to a commemorative event that has taken place in England since 1605.  This site provides information from the United Kingdom Parliament about the Gunpowder Plot, the name given to the conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament on November 5, 1605. Guy (or Guido) Fawkes was considered to be the major conspirator.

The Gunpowder Plot: Parliament & Treason 1605 (find it on ipl2)
http://www.gunpowderplot.parliament.uk
The celebration of the Guy Fawkes or Bonfire Night is an event that can be traced back some 400 years. This site was created in 2005 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot in England. It “traces the background of the Plot using original material from the period held in the archives of the Houses of Parliament and in other archives.”

America

The Alger Hiss Story: Search for the Truth (find it on ipl2)
https://files.nyu.edu/th15/public/
Alger Hiss was accused of being a communist spy, setting off the McCarthy period of the 1950s. He continued to claim his innocence after his release. “Marking the 50th anniversary of Alger Hiss’s imprisonment, this site provides a study of this controversial American case.”

Trial of the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators (find it on ipl2)
http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/lincolnconspiracy/lincolnconspiracy.html
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law Famous Trials collection has a webpage that gives a concise overview of the events before, on, and after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, including the trial against the conspirators.

NEW! What You Didn’t Know About John Wilkes Booth & Jesse James
http://www.conspiracyarchive.com/Articles/Booth-Jesse-James.htm
This webpage describes unproven conspiracy theories  surrounding the deaths of Abraham Lincoln’s  assassin John Wilkes Booth and outlaw Jesse James as a result of their involvement with the secret society Knights of the Golden Circle.

The Roswell Incident and Project Mogul (find it on ipl2)
http://www.csicop.org/si/show/roswell_incident_and_project_mogul
The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry promotes “scientific inquiry, critical investigation, and the use of reason in examining controversial and extraordinary claims.” In this web page they discuss the alleged UFO Roswell incident of 1947.

Italy

Conspiracy of the death of Julius Caesar – An Annotated Guide to Online Resources – Julius Caesar (find it on ipl2)
http://www.virgil.org/caesar/
“This site includes links to primary sources such as Suetonius and Plutarch, in Latin and English, as well as Gaius Julius Caesar’s own accounts of his campaigns. There are timelines of Caesar’s career and essays on the Roman Empire.” The site is searchable and contains the well-known account of the assassination of Julius Caesar as written by Plutarch.

The Death of Caesar according to Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus  (find it on ipl2: Arts and Humanities – History – History by Region – European History – Antiquity)
http://www.livius.org/caa-can/caesar/caesar_t09.html
“Livius is a website on ancient history written and maintained since 1996 by the Dutch historian Jona Lendering.” This resource is a primary excerpt by Suetonius, a well-known Roman biographer and historian, from his work Lives of the Twelve Caesars, which is an account of the conspirators working towards the death of Julius Caesar. While his account is rather poetic, it is also considered to be the most popular as well as the most accurate.

NEW! Pazzi Conspiracy against Lorenzo and Giuliano de Medici: Death of a Medici: The Pazzi Conspiracy of 1478
http://www.3pipe.net/2010/06/death-of-medici-pazzi-conspiracy-of.html
This weblog gives a detailed and image-filled account of the Pazzi family’s conspiracy against the Medici family in Italy in 1478. The entry mentions modern references including a podcast and video game video to the conspiracy as well as current books about the conspiracy based upon archival evidence from this incredible event in Florentine history.

Russia

Lost Splendor by Felix Yussupov (find it on ipl2 – Arts & Humanities – History – History by Era – 20th Century History)
http://www.alexanderpalace.org/lostsplendor/
The Alexander Palace Time Machine hosts the memoirs of Prince Yussupov, one of the chief conspirators in the plot to kill Rasputin (for his account of conspiracy, see Chapters XXII-XXIV). His claim that Rasputin was “the reincarnation of Satan himself” and was “raised from the dead by the powers of evil” after being poisoned and shot sounds improbable, and it is possible that Yussupov introduced the elements of supernatural evil to help justify the murder. Check out the rest of the Alexander Palace Time Machine for more great resources on Imperial Russia.

NEW! Rasputin Assassinated by British Secret Service: BBC Timewatch Documentary
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/09_september/19/rasputin.shtml
According to this BBC press release, historian Andrew Cook has uncovered evidence that the British secret agent Oswald Rayner (mentioned in Chapter XXIV of Yussupov’s account) fired the bullet that killed Rasputin.

NEW! Russian Palace Revolution: Peter III Dethroned, Catherine II Ascends
http://www.prlib.ru/en-us/History/Pages/Item.aspx?itemid=478
In the summer of 1762, the future Catherine the Great and the Imperial Guards conspired to arrest Catherine’s husband, Emperor Peter III of Russia, and proclaim Catherine the reigning Empress (perhaps emulating Peter’s aunt Elizabeth, who also seized the throne with help from the guards). This article is part of the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library’s “On This Day” series highlighting events in Russian history.

France

NEW!  The Napoleon Series: The Infernal Machine
http://www.napoleon-series.org/research/miscellaneous/c_infernal.html
This article from the Napoleon Series describes the event known as The Infernal Machine or Plot of the Rue Saint-Nicaise, which was an assassination attempt on Napoleon and his family that took place on Christmas Eve 1800 as the group traveled to the Paris Opera to attend the opening of Haydn’s “Creation.” The bomb was not detonated in time and missed Napoleon’s carriage. However, as many as fifty-two bystanders were killed and injured in the blast. Napoleon, his wife Josephine, and their party which contained Napoleon’s stepdaughter and sister continued on to the Opera and were greeted by applause.

NEW!  The Life of Napoleon: Chapitre 28: The Plot to Assassinate Napoleon:
http://www.napoleonicsociety.com/english/Life_Nap_Chap28.htm
Shortly after the failed assassination attempt known as the Infernal Machine, William Pitt and Comte d’Artois wasted no time helping to organize the next plot against Napoleon Bonaparte, the 1804 Royalist Plot to kidnap Napoleon, better known as the Cadoudal Plot. Chapter 28 from this resource on the Life of Napoleon details how the plot was foiled and led to the arrests of a large number of conspirators, including the Duke d’Enghien and Generals Jean Moreau and Jean Pichegru. Its leader and chief planner, Georges Cadoudal, was captured and executed after refusing to ask for a pardon, Pichegru is believed to have killed himself in prison, and Moreau was exiled.

NEW!  The d’Enghien Affair: Crime or Blunder?
http://www.napoleon-series.org/research/miscellaneous/c_enghien.html
This article from the Napoleon Series describes the ongoing debate as to the involvement of the Duke d’Enghien, the son of the Duke of Bourbon, in the infamous Cadoudal Plot. Although information given to Napoleon on the Duke’s involvement was later dismissed, the Duke was shot to death by firing squad just a few moments after the Military Commission sentenced him to death for high treason. Prior to his death, many had viewed d’Enghien as one of the more active young men of the counter-revolution, after he declared himself the eternal enemy of the Republic of France.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS.  The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog.  Subscription is free and open to all!

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The Link: Food for Thought

Food plays an important role in peoples’ everyday lives. Many people throughout the world worry about when and where their next meal will come from while other people are overwhelmed by choices and worry about the nutritional content of what they are eating.  Others are hard at work creating a path for genetically engineered foods to help solve these dilemmas despite the possible implications of these genetically engineered foods. The one thing that people can agree on, no matter which continent they live on or what food concerns they have, is that the ability to provide food for personal consumption and profit is something to celebrate and be thankful for.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collection.

Food Shortages
Hunger affects individuals in both developing and wealthy nations.  Nature, war, a poverty trap, and agricultural infrastructure are the causes of hunger listed by the U.N. World Food Programme.  Below are resources that address solving the problem of hunger, ranging from local programs to international policy initiatives.

Feeding America (find it on ipl2: IPL — Social Sciences — Social Issues and Social Welfare)
http://feedingamerica.org/
Feeding America is the leading hunger-relief charity in the country, supporting a network of food and hunger related agencies across local communities. This resource provides links and information for becoming involved in the fight against domestic hunger.

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) (find it on ipl2: IPL Special — War
and Peace: Resources on Iraq — The United Nations)
http://www.wfp.org/
This resource provides information from the UN organization that distributes food aid throughout the world. The Food Programme includes information about the organization and its donors (government, business, and individual), a world hunger map, updates about areas needing food aid (such as the 2005 famine in Niger and other countries in western Africa), news, photographs and videos, publications, and more.  Some of the materials offered are available in several languages.

NEW! International Food Policy Research (IFPRI)
http://www.ifpri.org/
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) focuses on food policies throughout the world in order to create “sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. IFPRI is one of 15 centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), an alliance of 64 governments, private foundations, and international and regional organizations.” The site includes various publications such as reports by country and data sets, and resources from the IFPRI Library and Knowledge Management Unit.

Genetically Modified Food
Genetically Modified (GM) food refers to foods in which DNA has been genetically engineered in a laboratory to achieve results that do not occur naturally. Until recently, GM foods have typically been plant products. Many of the foods consumed in the U.S. and throughout the world have been genetically modified, at least in part. Critics of GM foods argue that GM foods are harmful to the environment and to human health. Others argue in favor of GM foods because of their potential to combat world hunger and reduce pesticide use.

Agricultural Biotechnologies (find it on ipl2: IPL — Science and Technology — Agriculture and Aquaculture)
http://www.fao.org/biotech/en/
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations maintains this resource about biotechnology in food and agriculture. Features of the resource include an up-to-date news feed; overviews of biotechnology in various fields; a repository of articles, research studies, and conference proceedings; a glossary; and links to UN Countries’ policies on biotechnology.

NEW! 20 Questions on genetically modified food
http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/
The World Health Organization answers the top twenty questions about genetically modified (GM) foods. This resource provides information about what GM foods are, why they are produced, how they are regulated, and potential effects on humans and the environment. This resource offers an excellent introduction to GM foods, as well as links to more in-depth related resources.

FDA faces opposition over genetically engineered salmon (find it on ipl2: Newspapers — North America — United States — California — Los Angeles)
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/31/nation/la-na-congress-salmon-20110731
This July 31, 2011, article from the Los Angeles Times is a current example of the genetically modified food debate. Eight senators are urging the FDA not to approve genetically engineered salmon for human consumption; the senators are threatening to pull funding if the FDA does not comply. The article discusses both sides of the debate.

Providing Students with Nutritious Meals
A positive image of healthy foods and smart food choices is important to promote early in life.  Children who learn to enjoy healthy foods at a young age are more likely to choose the healthy option when given a choice. These resources below help promote healthy meals in schools in honor of National School Lunch Week observed October 10 through October 14, 2011.

National School Lunch Program (find it on ipl2)
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/lunch/
The National School Lunch Program is “a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.” This resource includes a fact sheet, program history, material about eligibility and school food safety, reports, news, and related material provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service.

NEW! School Nutrition Association
http://www.schoolnutrition.org/default.aspx
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to healthy, low-cost school meals.  Find information on how your school can become SNA-certified and read publications by the School Nutrition Association.

NEW! Farm to School
http://www.farmtoschool.org/
Farm to School helps schools and local farms work together to provide healthy foods to be served in school cafeterias while also supporting the local farms.  Local contacts are provided for each state.  Webinars and other resources are available for users looking for additional information on the program.

Harvest Traditions
Harvest time is one of the busiest times of the year for farmers. Crops must be gathered and stored safely before weather can ruin them. People have traditionally come together – out of a feeling of community or because they were being paid – to help bring in the crops. And in many cases, the harvest was followed by a celebration. In America, harvest time is celebrated every year as the holiday, Thanksgiving.

Diplomacy in New England: The first Thanksgiving? (find it on ipl2)
http://americanindian.si.edu/education/files/harvest.pdf
This resource offers information about the first harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims of the Mayflower and the local American Indian tribes who helped save them. The site also offers background about those tribes and their ultimate fate.

NEW! Online Exhibits – Harvest Tales, Home
http://www.kshs.org/p/online-exhibits-harvest-tales-home/10731
This resource has links to harvest tales from almost every county in Kansas. People remember everything from encountering rattlesnakes among the wheat to the anxiety of wondering if a harvest would be financially successful enough to carry the farm through the winter. There are also links to photographs.

NEW! Irish Culture and Customs
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/AfterHarvest.html
Ireland’s fascinating harvest is described in this resource. Ireland’s harvest customs are a good example of the types of traditions that were common when harvesting was done by hand and entire communities took part in harvest time and the celebration that followed.

Thanks for your continued support of ipl2. We hope these resources help you better understand the importance of food in everyday life.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS.  The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog.  Subscription is free and open to all!

The Link: Since September 11th, Ten Years Later

This month’s newsletter reflects on ten years since the attacks on September 11th.  Resources about people affected on the day of September 11, 2001, the wars since September 11th, and buildings and memorials related to September 11th are presented.

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collection.

The People
The attacks of September 11th affected people around the world. Ten years later, the families of victims and survivors of the attacks are dealing with 9/11 induced health problems and remembering their lost loved ones; there are approximately 2 million deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Below are resources which address the unique voices or concerns of the diverse groups of people affected.

NEW! 9/11 Health

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/wtc/html/home/home.shtml

Established by the New York City government, this website provides scientific information and resources for people whose health was affected by the 9/11 attacks. Recent research about physical and mental health problems is provided, as well as information about healthcare services such as counseling, medical screening, and treatment. There are additional resources for healthcare providers, researchers, and the media.

Remembering the Victims  (find it on ipl2:  IPL Special — September 11 — Victims: Dead and Missing)

http://www.legacy.com/Sept11/Home.aspx

The New York Times provides a place for anecdotal memories and photos of victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Also provided is a link to the National Book of Remembrance to “share your thoughts and condolences for all of those lost.” Ten years later, it seems appropriate to again remember and honor the victims and their families.

NEW! Civil Rights Division Initiative to Combat Post-9/11 Discriminatory Backlash

http://www.justice.gov/crt/nordwg.php

This initiative from The United States Department of Justice is an effort to reduce  “bias-related assaults, threats, vandalism and arson” on “Arab, Muslim, Sikh, and South-Asian Americans, and those perceived to be members of these groups.”  The website provides information about the initiative, how to file a complaint, and other related information. Also provided are links to the brochure “Federal Protections Against National Origin Discrimination” in several different languages.

NEW! Disposable Army: Civilian Contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan

http://www.propublica.org/series/disposable-army

This website contains a collection of articles and graphics on the civilian workers involved in the U.S’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The site is from the non-partisan, non-profit journalism organization ProPublica.

IAVA: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (find it on ipl2: IPL Special — September 11 — Afghanistan)

http://iava.org/

“The nation’s first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.” The site features soldier profiles and stories, discussions of issues facing the troops (such as wounded soldiers and private contractors), photographs, videos, and a blog.

On Being: Meaning, Religion, Ethics, and Ideas on Public Radio and Online (find it on ipl2)

http://being.publicradio.org/

On Being is a “conversation — and an evolving media space — about the big questions at the center of human life” from American Public Radio (APR) and hosted by Krista Tippett. Previously known as “Speaking of Faith”, the archive goes back to 2001. This resource has various 9/11 related content, usually from a personal or spiritual perspective. Past programs include “Hearing Muslim Voices Since 9/11″ and “The Spiritual Fallout of 9/11.”

The Wars
Since September 11th, the U.S. military and its allies have fought wars and been involved in military actions in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations. The resources below show the effects of war and provide background on why the U.S. is involved in these military efforts.

NEW! The Costs of War

http://costsofwar.org/

This website presents findings from research by the nonpartisan Eisenhower Research Project at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International Studies. The Project found that the U.S. wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan cost as much as $4 trillion and that 225,000 people have been killed.

NEW! Closing Guantanamo? 

http://www.cfr.org/terrorism-and-the-law/closing-guantanamo/p18525

Since 2002, the United States has used Guantánamo Bay as a location for detaining suspected terrorists.  A “succinctly explained” overview of this controversial consequence of the War on Terror is provided by author Jonathan Masters in this Backgrounder from the non-partisan Council on Foreign Relations.

Electronic Briefing Books (find it on ipl2: Law, Government, and Political Science — Political Science)

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/

The National Security Archive’s Electronic Briefing Books “provide online access to critical declassified records on issues including U.S. national security, foreign policy, diplomatic and military history, intelligence policy, and more.”  Each Briefing Book often contains a concise overview on the topic.  Relevant to the recent wars are “The Record on Curveball” and three parts of “The Iraq War”, among others.  There is also a separate category listing for “September 11 Sourcebooks.”

The Buildings
In the aftermath of 9/11, people began asking how to rebuild and how to remember. Each of the three sites affected by the 9/11 attacks – the site of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed – have new or repaired buildings and memorials that are in progress or are finished.

The World Trade Center Site

1 World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) (find it on ipl2: IPL Special — September 11 — Rebuilding the World Trade Center)

http://www.lowermanhattan.info/construction/project_updates/freedom_tower_26204.aspx

hProject updates on 1 World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) are listed in this website from The Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center (LMCCC).  The LMCC coordinates and oversees “all Lower Manhattan construction projects worth more than $25 million south of Canal Street.”  The resource contains animated flyovers, frequent updates about progress on the building, and a set of plans that show what the site will look like.

World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition (find it on ipl2: IPL Special –  September 11 — Rebuilding the World Trade Center)

http://www.wtcsitememorial.org/

This resource offers information about the competition that was held to design a memorial for the World Trade Center site. There are drawings of the final choice and information about the memorial that will be on the site.

The Pentagon

Pentagon Renovation & Construction Program Office Website (find it on ipl2: IPL Special — September 11 — Rebuilding the Pentagon)

http://www.whs.mil/penren/

Repairs to the Pentagon, which was struck by an airliner on 9/11, were finished in April 2011. This resource details those repairs and how they changed the Pentagon.

The Pentagon Memorial (find it on ipl2: IPL Special — September 11 — Rebuilding the Pentagon)

http://www.whs.mil/memorial/

This resource has photos of the memorial and information about how the memorial was designed and constructed. The resource also offers information about how to visit the memorial and rules to observe while on the Pentagon Reservation.

Shanksville

NEW! Flight 93 National Memorial

http://www.nps.gov/flni/index.htm

The National Park Service’s resource for the memorial in Shanksville, PA, that is still being built. Phase One of the memorial will be dedicated on September 11, 2011. This resource offers information about the memorial and plans for future construction.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS.  The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog.  Subscription is free and open to all!

The Link: A Different Type of Back-to-School

In many regions of the world, it is the last month of summer vacation before children and youth head back to school. Others have been in school all summer and are not familiar with the beloved summer vacation. Back-to-school may have different meanings to different people. There are many types of students including homeschoolers, college and graduate students, ESL students, adult and continuing education students, and more. Consider the ways in which life can be enriched through lifelong learning. This month’s newsletter is full of resources for all types of students!

New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources are already listed in the ipl2 collection.

The Year-Round School Debate
Summer break is as American as apple pie and the flag, but some people are suggesting that it might be time to end American schoolchildren’s summer vacation. Officials at a few school systems are advocating for American schools to adopt year-round schedules. Some schools are already trying it; others say it will cost too much money. It is an issue that shows no sign of going away – especially as year-round school advocates argue that summer vacation has negative effects on children’s education.

Research Spotlight on Year-Round Schools (find it on ipl2)
http://www.nea.org/tools/17057.htm
This article contains an introduction to the topic from the respected education group National Education Association. The article includes several links to research about year-round school.

Year-round school gains ground around us. (find it on ipl2: Reference – News and Current Events)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39748458/ns/us_news-life/t/year-round-school-gains-ground-around-us/
This news article takes a look at the year-round school debate from a news perspective. It includes a video of President Barack Obama speaking in favor of extending the school calendar.

School’s out, but should it be? (find it on ipl2: Education – Education News)
http://www.educationnews.org/ednews_today/91927.html
Education News looks at the issue of summer vacation and year-round school. The news article also discusses the possibility of adding summer enrichment to children’s schedules. Local officials discuss the effect that year-round school would have on budgets that are already stretched thin.

Higher Education
College can be a big adjustment for students, but that does not mean it has to be stressful. The resources below will help take the stress out of financial and study woes no matter what part of the world students choose as their classroom.

Learning APA Style (find it on ipl2: Reference – Style and Writing Guides – APA)
http://www.apastyle.org/learn/
Find free tutorials, FAQs, and learning resources on American Psychological Association style, straight from the official homepage of the APA.

Howtostudy.org  (find it on ipl2: Education – Higher Education)
http://howtostudy.org/
Howtostudy.org provides students with comprehensive advice for developing successful study habits. From organizing study time to stopping procrastination and developing good note taking skills, HowToStudy has all the tools students need.

Student Financial Assistance: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education  (find it on ipl2: Education – Higher Education – Financial Aid, Scholarships and Fellowships)
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/index.jsp
The U.S. Department of Education provides information on grants, loans, and work-study assistance. Students can apply for a loan, sign a promissory note, and even find information on interest rates and repaying loans.

English As a Second Language (ESL)
Many people learn English as adults or outside of U.S. grade schools. The resources below are for self-study online and to aid ESL students in finding classes in their communities.

VOA Learning English (find it on ipl2: Reference – News and Current Events)
http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home/
VOA Learning English is a resource for learning American English produced by The Voice of America, the United States’ government’s news agency for the international community. This resource offers Special English programming with transcripts and a wide variety of multimedia educational resources. Also included are resources for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers.

America’s Literacy Directory (find it on ipl2)
http://literacydirectory.org/
America’s Literacy Directory is a directory of literacy programs in the United States and its territories that was created by the National Institute for Literacy.  It is searchable by zip code and can be narrowed by limiting to help with reading and writing, study for GED or other high school program, official GED test center, Learning English (as a second language), help with math, and citizenship.

Adult and Continuing Education in the United States
Educational opportunities are available for adults whether they are completing a degree, looking to advance their careers, or simply interested in learning. Returning to school as an adult can be challenging for many reasons. The resources below offer a variety of tools and information to help non-traditional students make decisions about which school to attend, how to apply for financial aid, and how to balance life’s competing priorities.

Education Center Online (find it on ipl2: Education – Adult Education)
http://www.educationcenteronline.org/
This resource provides information about online degree programs, distance learning, and continuing education for adults. Search by school location, degree, program, or subject.

Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education (find it on ipl2: Education – Adult Education)
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/index.html
This resource advocates for adult education and provides information resources to meet the needs of adults who are returning to or considering returning to school. Information about financial aid, selecting a school, government-sponsored programs and initiatives, current news, and more is available.

Reminder: You can now subscribe to ipl2’s newsletter and weekly blog posts via email as well as RSS.  The “Email Subscription” feature appears prominently in the upper left-hand side of the page on the ipl2’s News and Information WordPress blog.  Subscription is free and open to all!

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