tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-443121602156198982024-03-12T19:51:29.609-07:00Gov-stuff 4 UGovernment information for everyone!Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373988821082064319noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-30067119014108788012018-05-24T17:39:00.002-07:002018-05-24T17:39:37.854-07:00Time flies when you are learningHave you ever noticed that when you are learning a new skill or task, you lose focus on other things? Some people call it "senior moments" while others refer to it as losing track of time, or being absent minded. In my head, I have composed many posts for this blog but as you know, none of them have appeared. This past month, I am learning a new skill which really is changing my life called I'D or Intergroup Dialogue. It is a skill I think anyone involved with engagement and government information should check out. It requires deep thinking, deep listening, and trust in ways I have not experienced before. Fortunately for me, I was able to work with the best, Dr. Biren (Ratnesh) A. Nagda who literally co-wrote the book on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Facilitating-Intergroup-Dialogues-Differences-co-published/dp/1579222919" target="_blank">facilitating intergroup dialogues</a>. If you are looking for a new skill, try this one. Next, I want to learn classical guitar.acpqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09240037808323096105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-31340615829184205102018-01-04T11:51:00.001-08:002018-01-04T11:51:26.163-08:00Happy New Year! I apologize for taking so long to post. Like many of you, I have been a bit obsessed with binge watching all my favorite shows over the holidays to catch up on what I missed. Did you know Dynasty is back? I love both the old and the new version. It is just what is needed to clear my head after many days of reading the proposed Title 44 language. If you have not taken some time to read it, please do. GPO and ALA would like to hear about it. Bernadine, Jim and James Jacobs, Barbie Selby, and Peggy Jarrett have each expressed their thoughts on GOVDOC-L and FGI, as will I.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, it is a new year and time to start up with some new thoughts. It is cold most places around the country so a good time to snuggle up with either a good book (shameless plug for our good friend Rob Lopresti's book <i>When Women Didn't Count: The Chronic Mismeasure and Marginalization of American Women in Federal Statistics</i> which really is a page turner) or watch a good movie (did anyone else catch the marathon of <i>Thin Man</i> films on New Year's Eve) or binge watch a favorite show or game (another shameless plug for my alma mater, geaux Tigers!)<br />
<br />
<br />acpqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09240037808323096105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-13462162653211127492017-11-02T21:52:00.001-07:002017-11-02T21:52:57.288-07:00National Sandwich Day<p dir="ltr">When did sandwiches deserve a day of recognition of their own?  We also have national donut day, peanut butter fudge day, and even my participation favorite, National Absurdity Day.  To get an idea for the depth and breadth of these traditions, please take a few minutes to look at the national calendar. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/november/ </p>
<p dir="ltr">This calendar may give you some inspiration for a good display of government publications.<br><br></p>
acpqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09240037808323096105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-55349932968415555802017-09-08T23:15:00.000-07:002017-09-08T23:15:16.954-07:00James Smithson<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my personal heroes was a man named <span style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #222222; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Jacques-Louis Macie who was a collector of minerals and rocks</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. By all accounts he was also a chemist as well. He was born at a time when it was inconvenient and frequently illegal for your parents not to be married or in his case, his mother to be a mistress to a Duke under the Hanover Monarch</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ies and then the reign of Queen Victoria. When Macie was 22, he changed his name to James Smithson and began his travels. These travels led him across Europe and helped him to test scientific theories and discover new minerals including one that was eventually named for him. More importantly, upon his death, he left his collections and fortune to the government of the United States of America. I think his story would make a remarkable film, don't you? Check out P.L. 89-124, which was a Presidential Proclamation to celebrate the bicentennial of his birth. Also, there is a good online source the National Institutes of Health discussing his contributions to science at </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK217880/</span>acpqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09240037808323096105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-87912251415834389092017-09-08T22:01:00.000-07:002017-09-08T22:01:08.982-07:00LSTA/I MLS funding update<br />
In the ALA District Dispatch today, we learned the Senate Appropriations Committed gave us a present with an additional $4 million in the IMLS funding. This Senate bill will have to be voted on by the full Senate and then reconciled with the House version yet this step demonstrates positive support for libraries. We have a good step to celebrate!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />acpqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09240037808323096105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-20418001650232059212017-08-21T11:53:00.000-07:002017-08-21T11:53:39.622-07:00225th Anniversary of the U.S. MintWith all the excitement of the eclipse, I almost forgot another major milestone to celebrate, the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Mint! If you have a chance to visit the U.S. Mint, they provide a fabulous tour in Philadelphia (the first mint) and in Denver. Of course, Fort Knox is not really open to the public. For all you coin lovers, the Mint will "issue 24-karat gold coins and corresponding .999 fine silver medals depicting a contemporary design of Lady Liberty and an eagle" and you can receive newsletters about when they are available or go to their web site (https://www.usmint.gov/news/225th-anniversary) for more information. Take a few minutes and enjoy this anniversary!acpqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09240037808323096105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-46661399559615333342017-08-16T15:36:00.000-07:002017-08-18T14:08:44.185-07:00Unusual behaviors during an eclipse? We are not the only ones.<br />
It seems that everywhere I turn, people are talking about the total eclipse of the sun - their plans to travel to Oregon or Wyoming to view the eclipse or travel elsewhere just to see it. Is it because it is such an unusual phenomenon? I have seen a total eclipse when I was a kid and it was okay. I was not mesmerized like my brother, who is now an astrophysicist or frighted like a friend of mine who happens now to be in the clergy. To me, it was nature being nature. I do not get all the fuss of going to spend all this money on something that is supposed to happen. However, I do recognize the immense power of natural phenomena, especially how total eclipses tend to throw people into fits of crazy behavior. People are discussing how their lives are out of sync because of the eclipse. I certainly cannot discount it. When nature is out of whack, we certainly can feel it, especially those of who are more grounded to the earth than others. The media are starting to run stories about myths and superstitions around solar eclipses as August 21st approaches. For example take a look at the PBS <a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/make-history-solar-eclipse-citizen-scientist/" target="_blank">News Hour</a> (http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/5-things-remember-prepare-great-solar-eclipse/) report on how life responds as animals and insects change their behavior. <a href="https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEhistory/LEhistory.html" target="_blank">National Geographic</a> (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/08/animals-react-total-solar-eclipse-august-space-science/) also posted a very interesting story in animal reactions to the solar eclipse. Do these help understand our reactions? A really good article is Bob Berman's article in <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/eclipses-feel-weird/" target="_blank">Wired (https://www.wired.com/story/eclipses-feel-weird/)</a><br />
<br />
If you look at NASA's history of eclipses site, you will see what I mean. For example, the most<a href="https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/what-was-most-famous-total-solar-eclipse-history" target="_blank"> famous solar eclipse </a>(https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/what-was-most-famous-total-solar-eclipse-history) was in 1133 CE when Henry II died coinciding with a complete solar eclipse. As a result of his death, England was thrown into civil war. <br />
<br />
NASA also has wonderful eclipse <a href="https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-history" target="_blank">history site</a> for beginners who are just learning about these events and explain the difference between partial and total eclipses. (https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/eclipse-history). Sorry, they do not apply to a total eclipse of your heart all you Bonnie Tyler lovers.<br />
<br />
So get out your GPO eclipse kit and get ready. The next one is scheduled for 2024. acpqhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09240037808323096105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-76393738133009202962017-06-30T11:05:00.000-07:002017-06-30T11:05:10.983-07:00When Women Didn't CountOne of the many reasons free government information is useful is that it
can be analyzed to reveal fascinating, and sometimes disturbing, facts
about our history. An excellent example of this is Robert Lopresti's
new book, <i>When Women Didn't Count: The Chronic Mismeasure and
Marginalization of American Women in Federal Statistics</i>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPVhz1JJaxYEUZberBWzHO00s-_lFcY449OyrDo40cfS62STTnkPStAungHb5tgQ683vkiE0iwe_D8e6M78lkZh56pQ28NiKx82IT4dGBa9h1ElhsL6Ni6RPXcP1tOTjjODao9kSnzg/s1600/Lopresti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPVhz1JJaxYEUZberBWzHO00s-_lFcY449OyrDo40cfS62STTnkPStAungHb5tgQ683vkiE0iwe_D8e6M78lkZh56pQ28NiKx82IT4dGBa9h1ElhsL6Ni6RPXcP1tOTjjODao9kSnzg/s320/Lopresti.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Women-Didnt-Count-Marginalization/dp/1440843686/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498843453&sr=8-2&keywords=robert+lopresti">https://www.amazon.com/When-Women-Didnt-Count-Marginalization/dp/1440843686/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498843453&sr=8-2&keywords=robert+lopresti</a> <br />
<br />
In the book,
society's (and government's) changing attitudes toward women are
chronicled through statistics on marriage, motherhood, heads of hous<span class="text_exposed_show">eholds,
occupations, health, crime, and military service, among other topics.
The focus isn't on the statistics themselves, but on how and why they
were collected as they were. It is, indeed, both fascinating and
disturbing. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"> (Lopresti is a librarian, but when he isn't examining the
mysteries of government statistics he's writing popular mystery stories.
You might want to check those out as well.)</span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-41466636756361992882017-06-09T10:49:00.000-07:002017-06-09T10:49:04.552-07:00United Nations Digital Library SystemIf you're getting a little tired of the issues being discussed in the U.S. Government, it might be a nice change of pace to explore some international issues. The United Nations Digital Library System is now freely available for your searching or browsing pleasure. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://digitallibrary.un.org/">Http://digitallibrary.un.org</a>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-52468387536014004222017-05-05T12:48:00.002-07:002017-05-05T12:48:43.290-07:00Obama Presidential Center<span data-offset-key="4c1uh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Before they've even broken ground on Barack Obama's Presidential Center, it's already groundbreaking in the world of Presidential Libraries. The three-building complex on Chicago's south side will include many interesting features, but it won't physically contain President Obama's papers and documents. Instead, according to this press release from the National Archives and Records Administration, his records will be digitized and made available online: </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2017/nr17-54"><span data-offset-key="4c1uh-0-0"><span data-text="true">https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2017/nr17-54</span></span></a><br />
<span data-offset-key="4c1uh-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="4c1uh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Those who wish to see the physical records will have to visit Washington, DC. Perhaps this new approach will increase tourism in both cities. Only time will tell.</span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-61072028724587681832017-04-24T11:47:00.004-07:002017-04-24T11:47:54.519-07:00Days of RemembranceThis week marks the annual Days of Remembrance in commemoration of the
Holocaust. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum provides a great deal of
information about this observance, including a map of events being held
around the country. It also provides information for communities to use
in planning their own Remembrance events: <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ushmm.org/remember/days-of-remembrance">https://www.ushmm.org/remember/days-of-remembrance</a><br />
<br />
Those who tend to compare
more recent atrocities to the Holocaust might wish to use this as an
opportunity to review the basic facts and statistics.Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-5109281013181042842017-04-05T13:46:00.001-07:002017-04-05T13:46:52.732-07:00SuperbloomApril showers are traditionally supposed to bring May flowers, but in California, winter showers have resulted in a "superbloom" of spring flowers. Read about the reasons for the spectacular display on this site from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. <br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_2069754501"><br /></a>
<a href="https://www.climate.gov/news-features/event-tracker/march-2017-climate-conditions-finally-right-superbloom-desert">https://www.climate.gov/news-features/event-tracker/march-2017-climate-conditions-finally-right-superbloom-desert</a><br />
<br />
The photos may leave you California dreaming.Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-43221826132212991362017-03-15T10:49:00.000-07:002017-03-15T10:49:17.780-07:00De Quervain TendinitisPeople who do repetitive work with their hands may develop a number of
different medical conditions. Some, like carpal tunnel syndrome, are
fairly well known. Others, like De Quervain tendinitis are less so.
You can read about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of De Quervain
tendinitis in the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus Medical
Encyclopedia:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000537.htm">https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000537.htm </a><br />
<br />
Beware, though. If you hold your phone or tablet while
you browse the 4,000 articles available in the Encyclopedia, that's
exactly the sort of thing that might cause De Quervain tendinitis.Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-82980512564014617992017-03-07T11:39:00.002-08:002017-03-07T11:39:46.943-08:00Women's History Month<span data-offset-key="1ic19-0-0"><span data-text="true">March is Women's History Month. One site that provides links to a treasure trove of information about historic American women is this page from the Archives Library Information Center at the National Archives:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="1ic19-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/alic/reference/womens-history.html">https://www.archives.gov/research/alic/reference/womens-history.html</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="1ic19-0-0"><span data-text="true">It's divided into sections which include: Bibliographies, African-American Women, Biographies, Politics and Women, Women's Suffrage, Women and the Military, and Other Resources. Explore a few of these links and you'll be certain that girls not only want to have fun, they also want to have a positive impact on the world.</span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-74247151708435802762017-02-20T12:02:00.000-08:002017-02-20T12:02:06.266-08:00Presidents' DayIf you'd like to celebrate Presidents' Day by learning more about the
powers of the President, a good place to start might be this page of
resources from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/teachers/presidents-day">https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/teachers/presidents-day</a><br />
<br />
The
information is provided to help immigrants prepare for the 18 questions
on the naturalization test that deal with the Presidency. There's even a
10-question practice test on the site that you can take. Be brave and
see how many you're able to answer correctly. Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-31602811405501897062017-02-14T11:05:00.000-08:002017-02-14T11:06:43.088-08:00The Million Hearts InitiativeHearts are everywhere on Valentine's Day, but it's also a good day to
think about the health of your own heart. One initiative trying to help
you improve your heart health is Million Hearts. This program is "a
national initiative with an ambitious goal to prevent 1 million heart
attacks and strokes by 2017. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services co-lead
the initiative on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services." The Million Hearts site includes links to statistics,
research reports, and lots of helpful information:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/">https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/ </a><br />
<br />
Take a few minutes
to check it out before you go on your Valentine's date. The people who
love you will love you more for taking good care of yourself.Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-32859006427699168142017-02-02T11:31:00.002-08:002017-02-02T11:31:39.589-08:00Black History Month<span data-offset-key="1t8j3-0-0"><span data-text="true">As most people know, February is Black History Month. During this month we celebrate the great things that have been accomplished by African Americans throughout our country's history. The National Endowment for the Humanities has pulled together links to many important resources on its Black History Month page:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="1t8j3-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://edsitement.neh.gov/black-history-month">https://edsitement.neh.gov/black-history-month</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="1t8j3-0-0"><span data-text="true">It's divided into sections such as Slavery and Abolitionism, Civil War: 54th Regiment, W.E.B. DuBois and NAACP, Civil Rights Era and so on. If the student in your life has to do a paper on Federick Douglass or Booker T. Washington, this site might be just what they need.</span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-76632112577746214992017-01-24T11:48:00.000-08:002017-01-24T11:48:12.375-08:00Presidential Actions<span data-offset-key="9fev5-0-0"><span data-text="true">If you'd like to keep track of Executive Orders and other actions taken by our new President, here's where you'll see them first:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="9fev5-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions">https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="9fev5-0-0"><span data-text="true">This page also provides links to Presidential speeches, statements, and press briefings. Check this site daily and you'll be well prepared for your next political debate. </span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-16314469867882963472017-01-16T08:46:00.000-08:002017-01-16T08:46:18.519-08:00Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial<span data-offset-key="87j1o-0-0"><span data-text="true">As the nation pauses today to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., you might want to start planning a visit to his Memorial in Washington, DC. This is the official website for his Memorial:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="87j1o-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/index.htm">https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/index.htm</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="87j1o-0-0"><span data-text="true">Even if you don't plan to visit, you can find lots of good information on the site including a selection of Dr. King's most famous quotations. This is one that many will keep in mind today as they participate in volunteer work to recognize the holiday, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."</span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-57980265534822037672017-01-05T09:20:00.002-08:002017-01-05T09:20:34.758-08:00Office of Congressional Ethics<span data-offset-key="7bhes-0-0"><span data-text="true">You may have heard that changes to the Office of Congressional Ethics were recently proposed and then abandoned by the House. However, you may not know much about what that office does. Here is its Citizens' Guide with a basic overview of its functions: </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://oce.house.gov/learn/citizens-guide/">https://oce.house.gov/learn/citizens-guide/</a><br />
<span data-offset-key="7bhes-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="7bhes-0-0"><span data-text="true">This is just one of many watchdog agencies trying to make sure that Uncle Sam is behaving himself.</span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02627550327828097475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-55835125413577154122016-12-06T12:52:00.004-08:002016-12-06T12:52:55.739-08:00Invasive Pests<span data-offset-key="2k21q-0-0"><span data-text="true">Have you ever returned from a trip abroad and been asked if you're carrying any produce or plants? Have you wondered why they ask that? It's because foreign agricultural pests can sneak into the United States in your fruit basket. Read these tips from the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and ensure that your gifts don't include any nasty surprises: </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/news/sa_by_date/newsroom-2016/sa-11/hungry-pest-cheer"><span data-offset-key="2k21q-0-0"><span data-text="true">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/news/sa_by_date/newsroom-2016/sa-11/hungry-pest-cheer</span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="2k21q-0-0"><span data-text="true">Your loved ones deserve berries with no beetles and wreaths with no wriggling.</span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373988821082064319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-5802166881633199732016-12-01T09:40:00.000-08:002016-12-01T09:40:15.170-08:00Scam Alerts<span data-offset-key="3ug6e-0-0"><span data-text="true">During the holiday season, when everyone is distracted by shopping, traveling, and enjoying time with friends and family, scam artists are still hard at work trying to steal your money or your identity. The Federal Trade Commission offers several tips on how to avoid falling for a scam, and even provides alerts to let you know about new scams that have recently been reported. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="3ug6e-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts" target="_blank">https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="3ug6e-0-0"><span data-text="true">So, this holiday season be merry, but also be wise.</span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373988821082064319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-16281969703952859462016-11-16T11:39:00.000-08:002016-11-16T11:39:14.818-08:00Healthy Pets Healthy People<span data-offset-key="fucns-0-0"><span data-text="true">As the winter weather closes in, many people will start spending even more time cuddling with their pets. A healthy pet is happier and less likely to pass a disease along to you during your cuddle time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers this Healthy Pets Healthy People site with tips on keeping your companions in good shape:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="fucns-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html </a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-offset-key="fucns-0-0"><span data-text="true">Follow their advice and we'll all be able to enjoy more of those photos of Fluffy and Fido that you like to share on social media.</span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373988821082064319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-86951605556932948972016-11-07T14:02:00.000-08:002016-11-07T14:02:14.166-08:00Presidential Election ProcessThough many of you may be tired of hearing about the Presidential election and just want it to be over, here's a page from <span class="TSRSpan" id="TSRSpan_69"><img class="TSRWebRatingIcon" src="resource://22181a4d-af90-4ca3-a569-faed9118d6bc/data/resources/images/webicon_green.png" style="border: 0px none; height: 16px; width: 16px;" /></span><a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FUSA.gov%2F&h=PAQHI15N0AQF7H0gL9aDLPmPr5larJd1tBjKNJI5eXwMTVA&enc=AZP97X9go_W4ZMmV3iles0uHRIYhzmDfaEIgfHsyZ-54bJRS1WMWDKGYz0tPnyKR4jblXkWRB9QSYmr1EhC1bHWAWuAmEmyB7vdwOfrgHfaZTcDKaVHTe6zyCxmK-MVtxe3LbFx9cctaOTC1qOAQyRc7uFXlDgVtLIhs0KCHjj5V0w&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: #b8eab8;" target="_blank">USA.gov</a>
that might come in handy if the results are unusual or contested:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.usa.gov/election">https://www.usa.gov/election</a> <br />
<br />
It
explains the functioning of the Electoral College and talks about what
happens if a candidate wins the popular vote but loses the election, and
if no candidate gets the required 270 electoral votes. Even if you're
fed up with the Presidential race, please take the time to vote.
Remember that there may be important local races and issues on the
ballot as well. Your school boards and drainage districts are depending
on you. Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373988821082064319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44312160215619898.post-78428040667041324452016-10-26T10:51:00.002-07:002016-10-26T10:51:56.044-07:00LGBTQ Heritage Theme Study<span data-offset-key="1hn4o-0-0"><span data-text="true">The U.S. National Park Service, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is charged with researching and maintaining many of America's most beloved historic sites. Some of those sites relate to the civil rights struggles of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) population. A special heritage theme study of LGBTQ sites and history was published this year. It's extensive, peer-reviewed, and covers many sub-populations: </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/lgbtqthemestudy.htm"><span data-offset-key="1hn4o-0-0"><span data-text="true">https://www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/lgbtqthemestudy.htm</span></span></a><br />
<span data-offset-key="1hn4o-0-0"><span data-text="true"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="1hn4o-0-0"><span data-text="true">Whether you're interested just in historic closets, or also in the people who emerged from them, this study might well have valuable information for you. </span></span>Lori L. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05373988821082064319noreply@blogger.com0