Words, words, words

For all of you language mavens out there - and as lawyers you have to be since words are the tools of your trade - check out Bryan Garner's LawProse Blog .  Bryan Garner is, of course, the editor of Black's Dictionary so he knows from whence he speaks.

In the latest Miscellaneous Entries post we learn the while the typical plural of life is lives, when using the phrase "still life"  the plural is "still lifes".   And critical for many a legal document - the plural of stiletto is stilettos (no "e") .   Who knew?

Hat tip to Legal Blog Watch
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Web Site Down? Check Here.

Is it just you, or is the Web site you keep trying unsuccessfully to reach actually down? To see whether a site is truly not functioning, try Websitedown. Just type the URL you are trying to reach into the box at the top of the page, and Websitedown will run separate tests to see whether the site’s servers are responsive.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Census Bureau: New Features in American FactFinder

The U.S. Census Bureau "released new features for American FactFinder, an online data tool that allows users to access a variety of Census Bureau statistics, including decennial, American Community Survey and economic census statistics. The new features include a simplified main page design, the option for a guided search and an enhanced community facts tool, providing options for both novice and advanced data users.

Guided Search walks users through each step of the inquiry, from selecting a topic, such as “people” or “business and industry,” to selecting a geography. It also provides step-by-step options to search for information on specific race or ethnic groups, or industry codes. New enhancements to the Community Facts feature give users easy access to popular statistics about a state, city, town or ZIP code, such as total population, median income and educational attainment."

Visit American FactFinder to use these new features. Click here for an online virtual tour.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

How to Take a Perfect Profile Picture

For a long time, profile-type pictures were reserved for passports and yearbooks.  Now more than ever, though, a great profile picture is required for just about every social networking connection you make.

A professional profile picture is especially key for professional networking websites, such as LinkedIn.com, and for social networking sites that may not be "for business," but your employers, future employers, and colleagues can see anyway.  No "bathing suit with a beer pictures" allowed!

Check out How to Take the Perfect Profile Picture on Mashable.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Update! Attention 1L students: Bloomberg Law Training Schedule

UPDATE:
The 1L Bloomberg Law training schedule is here! All 1L students are welcome. 
(Check with your LWR II section to see if your training is mandatory.)

 

Please contact the Reference Desk or speak with a Reference Librarian if you have questions.

 

Training sessions for 2L and 3L students will be scheduled later this semester so keep your eyes open for the announcement.

Bloomberg Law 1L training at Hofstra Law Library (Lower Level Lab)

• Monday Feb 25  | 10:10am - 11:00am
• Monday Feb 25 | 11:10am - 12:00pm 
• Monday Feb 25  | 12:10pm - 1:00pm
• Monday Feb 25 |  1:10pm - 2:00pm
• Wednesday Feb 27  | 12:10pm - 1:00pm
• Wednesday Feb 27 | 1:10pm - 2:00pm
• Thursday Feb 28 | 12:10pm - 1:00pm
• Thursday Feb 28 1:10pm - 2:00pm
• Thursday Feb 28 | 3:10pm - 4:00pm
• Thursday Feb 28 | 4:10pm - 5:00pm
• Friday March 1  | 12:10pm - 1:00pm
• Friday March 1 | 1:10pm - 2:00pm
• Friday March 1  |  2:10pm - 3:00pm

Click on link below to register for training online:

http://bit.ly/XrvDBw

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Law Library Closure for Nemo

Due to inclement weather the law library will close at 2:00pm today. There will be no swipe card access for the remainder of Friday or at any time on Saturday. 

Please check www.hofstra.edu or call 463-SNOW for updates.  Thank you for your cooperation.  

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Cameras In The U.S. Supreme Court?

Justice Sotomayor seems to be less enthusiastic about the prospect, these days. Read about her current perspective here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Life-Line Workshop: Mobile Apps

Want to know more about the latest mobile apps for lawyers? Come to our first Research Life-Line Workshop for an informative discussion of productivity, litigation and security apps, a demo of a typical litigator's iPad, and some recommended tablet accessories for lawyers on the go. 

Date:  Monday, February 11^th

Time:  12 noon-1:00pm

Where:  Room 205

The Mobile Apps presentation is sharing time and space with the Google Scholar presentation, with time for questions.  Don't forget the delicious Pizza and a Surprise Gift!

  **Please see the complete schedule of the Research Life LineWorkshop Series  for details on how to sign up and reserve your seat.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Research Life-Line Workshop: Google Scholar

Do you know about Google Scholar?  This workshop will offer tips on getting the most from Google Scholar and where to look for more information about what it is and how to use it effectively.  Learn the difference between Google Scholar and Google.  Discover why Google Scholar – as wonderful as it is – is not a one-stop research tool. 

Date:  Monday, February 11^th

Time:  12 noon 1:00 PM

Where:  Room 205

The Google Scholar presentation is sharing time and space with the Mobile Apps presentation with time for questions.  Look for the blog post on Mobile Apps tomorrow.

Also Pizza and a Surprise Gift!    

Please see the  complete schedule of the Research Life LineWorkshop Series  for details on how to sign up and reserve your seat.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Superbowl Commercials

Today is Superbowl XLVII and everyone is not only anticipating the game but also the commercials.  For a bit of fun, you can watch some of the earlier released commercials from Toyota, Coca-Cola, Audi and more.  The National Post has gathered them and has added preliminary rating comments!  Click here to watch the commercials from the National Post article.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat