Finding Scientific Info

Want to find out more about astronomy, physics, or regular biology? You can find scientific information on the Web much more effectively and efficiently, using a Scirus - a search engine for scientific information only.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Get Beyond The Human

In a post of a few weeks ago, I offered a link to a Web site that helps one to find an actual human to speak to when calling large companies, banks, and the like. This week, however, in celebration of the recent Space Shuttle launch, I invite you to look beyond the human. NASA's exobiology* Web site offers a brief introduction to the fascinating scientific study of the origin, distribution, and evolution of life throughout the universe.


*Exobiology: The branch of biology that deals with the search for extraterrestrial life and the effects of extraterrestrial surroundings on living organisms.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Fourth of July weekend on Long Island

The Ernster hopes that you will find some time for relaxation at some point during this holiday weekend. Should you be looking for something to do in close proximity to the library, check out Newsday's Guide to Celebrating the 4th of July on Long Island. Activities can be viewed by date, community or category.

Should you need a quick reminder of the reason for the season, take a look HERE

Enjoy!!
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Revolutionary New York

In honor of July 4th, go online with Fraunces Tavern Museum to enjoy a quick and lively overview of New York City’s role in the birth of a new nation. Fraunces Tavern Museum of Colonial and Revolutionary New York, and the famous Fraunces Tavern Restaurant, where George Washington gave his farewell address to Continental Army officers in 1783, are also perfect landmarks to visit during this Independence Day weekend or later this summer. The Museum’s Web site also includes graphics, special events, links to other colonial-era landmarks and information about the New York Freedom Trail, and of course the story of the Tavern and Museum, which occupy the “oldest surviving structure in Manhattan,” built in 1719.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

The Fallacy Files

Logic is one of the attorney's stocks in trade. It follows, then, that an awareness of logical fallacies, fallacious arguments, and other logical lapses would be of value to those who are studying the law. The Fallacy Files collects common logical fallacies and lists them alphabetically, with links to definitions and discussions of the fallacy in question. If you never understood the difference between an argumentum ad hominem and an argumentum ad populum, then this is the site to visit.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Stupid Crimes & Misdemeanors

Stupid Crimes & Misdemeanors is a feature on the Court TV website with a weekly highlight. Most are somewhat funny and others are just sad. Several are naked (literally) although, in only one case was that the reason for the arrest. Maybe because it is Summer? In any event, if you do any criminal law work you will have your own stupid crime & misdemeanor stories to tell.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Top 10 Things New Associates Should Know

Bobbi Cross, the director of research and information resources with Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis has written a wonderful article titled "Top 10 Things Law Librarians Want New Associates To Know". It is published on Law.com. This is highly recommended reading for anybody planning on working in a law firm after law school.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Alternative Keyboard Gallery

Those who have been following my meanderings on the web are aware that I am fascinated by alternative keyboard design. Must be from my many hours spent observing the humans in the library. To my simple feline mind, there must be a more ergonomic way to facilitate the long hours spent typing notes, papers and searches. Take a look at this collection of Alternative Keyboards. It contains some of the most interesting ideas that I have seen to date. Let me know what you think!

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Watching the Polls

As Americans move into another election cycle, public opinion polls will become hot topics for the media, the candidates and the voters. Opinion polls also provide excellent background and statistical information for law-related research papers and articles. LexisNexis Polls & Surveys (part of LexisNexis Academic Universe--Reference) is a subscription database provided to all Hofstra students through the Axinn Library. It offers searchable full-text access to the comprehensive collection of United States public opinion sources maintained by the nonprofit Roper Center for Public Opinion Research. LexisNexis Polls & Surveys is the place to find polls conducted by sources such as Harris, Roper, network television and cable news organizations, and major American newspapers such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Topics range from politics and government to business, international relations, social affairs, and consumer behavior and preferences. Search criteria include keyword, survey sponsor, U.S. adults or registered voters, and survey date. A direct link to LexisNexis Polls & Surveys is provided on the Hofstra “Libraries” page, under “Research Databases.” For off-campus access, a network user name and password are required.
Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Money in Politics

Want to know who contributes to your favorite (or least favorite) politician? Wondering how much was spent to influence Congress either pro or con on Net Neutrality, Social Security or other issue? The place to go is the Center for Responsive Politics' Opensecrets.org - "Your Guide to Money in the U.S. Elections." Look at "who gives", "who gets" and the corporate connections of the White House officials. Just be ready for lots of $$$ .

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat