Famous Trials Online--JURIST and More

Famous trials take place every day of the year. For example, today is the 30th anniversary of the verdict in the “Chicago 7” trial, in which seven radicals were charged in connection with rioting at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The story of this trial--including eyewitness accounts and information about the participants--is today’s "This Day at Law" feature on JURIST, the outstanding legal news and research site maintained by University of Pittsburgh School of Law students and faculty. Every month, JURIST readers are introduced to a famous trial in legal history by Professor Douglas Linder (University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law), developer of the Famous American Trials web site, which covers even more trials using a different, complementary format. Exploring the documents and personalities of famous trials relating to the development of American law--from Galileo and the Scopes trial to the Oklahoma City Bombing and O.J. Simpson--is a highly recommended online adventure.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Looking into the future

As the only month with only 28 days, except when it is 29, and the month with Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day and occasionally the Chinese New Year, February is a good month for thinking about dates.

Using what is known as a "Perpetual Calendar" - an easy one to use is time and date.com - I can tell what day of the week any of these dates (and others throughout the year) will fall in the future. So, for example, I am looking forward to a Sunday to celebrate the next Year of the Tiger for Chinese New Year (February 14, 2010). I can use this for historical research as well. I have just figured out that Abraham Lincoln was born on a Sunday (in 1809).

This tool has practical applications for you lawyers. Using a Perpetual Calendar, you can check which day of the week an event happened, which may help you prove or disprove the facts. For example, if a witness claims to have been in a bank on a certain date in the past and that date turns out to be a Sunday, you will be able to discredit that witness.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Business.gov

Are you interested in starting a business, or do you perhaps see yourself advising small or large businesses in the future? Business.gov will help to guide you "through the maze of government rules and regulations and provide access to services and resources to help you start, grow, and succeed in business". Information is accessible by industry or region, as well.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Valentine's Day

A day for Cupid and romance! Or, is it a day for cards, flowers and chocolates? In any event, today is Valentine's Day. Is it in honor of Saint Valentine or a substitute for a pagan holiday? The History Channel gives the history of the day, some great romances and dating through the ages. Not really sure I want to know more about the last.

An example of the problems of finding true love is explored here: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Talking Rooms

There are two rooms in the library designated as "talking areas": the main Reading Room and the room downstairs where the copiers and state materials are. Since we have received many complaints about the noise level in the Reading Room, I want to take this time to explain exactly what we had planned when we chose to allow talking in certain areas.

We did this to allow groups to study together. Because we don't always have enough study room space, we wanted to offer additional space for study groups to discuss their school work. These rooms were never meant to be used for socializing among friends. There are lounges on the second floor for that. Please be considerate of you fellow students and keep your conversations at a low volume and only about your studies. If you feel your group is getting off track and laughing and telling stories, it is understandable, everyone needs a break. Just get up and leave the library until you are ready to quiet down and work again. Thank you.



Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Library (and University) closed on Sunday, February 12

The law library is closed today due to inclement weather.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Cheapest Fare to Anywhere--FareCompare with Google Maps

With this week's winter weather came news about FareCompare.com. FareCompare has integrated Google Maps with airline fares to provide both comparison charts and a map pinpointing the cheapest flights from New York (or other departure city) to anywhere but here. Starting from the home page, select a city for your departure and destination to bring up a comparison chart of fares across airlines. Then select “My Airport Map” (left frame) to view a Google map with cheapest fares marked for cities across the country, including the highlighted cheapest-of-all destination. Thanks to Google Maps functionality, you can even zoom in to focus on a particular region, such as southern Florida. Or start your search from the “My Airport Map” page by entering another departure city. Wherever you start and end your search, FareCompare provides a visually integrated view of flight costs for planning your next getaway.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Discuss . . .

I love surfing the web and reporting the neat sites I find. But, I really want to hear from you. What are you researching, what issues have you spotted in the Library, what 21st Century Library workshops would you like to see??? - Let me know by posting a comment. I will respond to all.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

International Trade: The GATT Digital Library

Those who are interested in the subject of international trade and its history will find the following to be a valuable resource. The GATT Digital Library is a project of Stanford University Libraries, Academic Information Resources, and the World Trade Organization. This digital library offers more than 30,000 public documents and 300 publications of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). GATT produced almost 60,000 documents during the years of its existence (1947-1994). Not every document has been derestricted, but additional documents will appear as they become available.

The public documents include reports, studies, and meeting records that represent a range of subjects relevant to international trade. Each document has a unique symbol number. Users may search for documents by symbol number, title word, date, full-text keyword, or specific GATT body. Those who wish to browse the library will find the documents organized by the issuing body.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Please "Bus your Trash"

Just a reminder today. While you are welcome to bring drinks into the Library, please either take them out with you or throw away the empty cups in the trash. Do you think we need more trash receptacles in the Library? Let know where you would find them most useful. Thanks.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat