Finding Quotes with Google News

Want to find the actual quote behind all the media comment and spin about what a politician, actor or sports figure has been saying recently? Last week Google announced a new Google News feature that lets you find the original quote fast, and then link directly to the news article where the quote appeared. Just search for a person's name on Google News. For example, a search for New York City Mayor "Michael Bloomberg" will produce a recent Bloomberg quotation above the search results. Clicking on Bloomberg's name under the quote box will bring up more quotations by him, each with a link to the story where the quote appeared in context. To limit results to quotations on a particular topic, just enter a term in the "Search these quotes" box on the left side of the page. It's easy to keep track of the actual words of your favorite candidate or other news makers with quotations on Google News.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Congressional Research: Video Tutorials

The University of California at Berkeley has created several video tutorials that demonstrate how to do Congressional research in the following areas, each of which is highly useful for law students:

Finding bills and Congressional debates from 1989 forward on Thomas

Finding a Congressional report on LexisNexis Congressional

Finding debates from 1873 to the present in print in the Congressional Record.

Note that the video tutorials last from two to five minutes apiece, and that they require Macromedia’s Flash player to be installed on your computer.


Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The Compassion Index from the Animal Welfare Institute

Naturally, I am always interested in legislation affecting me and my friends. Thus, I was happy to find the Compassion Index from the Animal Welfare Institute. The Compassion Index rates U.S. Senators and Representatives based on their positions on animal protective measures. Tracked bills and issues are chosen based on their potential impact on animals. The Compassion Index is updated daily
In order to find out how you own representatives fare, simply enter your state or zip code or enter the name of the representative here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Earth Day

Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation of the Earth's environment. Originally a grassroots demonstration, this day - April 22nd - is now celebrated worldwide. For ideas on what you can do to protect the environment check out the Earth Day page at the EPA. We can all do our part and most is just becoming aware of the little steps that prevent waste.

In the meantime we have a beautiful day for the celebration. Take time to wander around the Hofstra campus and enjoy the surroundings.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat