Librarians' Internet Index: New This Week

New and newly-discovered Web sites for librarians and everyone else, updated every Thursday morning. See more resources on our site, http://lii.org/.

The Lonely Planet Guide to Experimental Travel - (Found June 29, 2008 )

"Experimental Travel has its roots in the varied practices and philosophies of modern alternative thinkers from the Surrealists to the Psychogeographers. Experiments such as travelling to a particular grid reference on a map, or simply wearing a horse's head around town, are all classic examples." This companion to a book of the same name provides brief descriptions on 41 offbeat travel ideas such as backpacking at home, and nostalgia travel. From Lonely Planet.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/experimentaltravel/

Offbeat Travel - June 29, 2008

This "travel guide to offbeat places and unusual destinations world-wide, with a fresh look at old favorites" features articles on topics such as the birdmen of Beijing, Star-Spangled Baltimore, cruising Norway, and the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Also includes an essay on "The Function of Travel Websites and How to Evaluate Them," travel book reviews, and hotel news. Also links to sites about New York and New Mexico.
http://www.offbeattravel.com/

Country Profile: The Philippines - (Found June 29, 2008 )

This news site provides an overview of the Philippines, a country "mountainous and prone to earthquakes and eruptions from around 20 active volcanoes. It is often buffeted by typhoons and other storms." Includes a brief history, profile of leaders, timeline of key events, and description of local media. Features news stories, background on political issues, and links to related websites. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1262783.stm

Waymarking - (Found June 29, 2008 )

This site, which bills itself as "a scavenger hunt for unique and interesting locations in the world," allows users to add photographs and descriptions of locations as designated by a waymark, "a physical location on the planet marked by coordinates (latitudelongitude) and which contains unique information defined within its waymark category." Site is browsable by categories or waymarks (and often by postal code).Categories include castle, firehouse, and art museum.
http://www.waymarking.com/

Air Travel: Your Summer Survival Guide - (Found June 29, 2008 )

This 2007 feature provides tips for air travelers. Includes lists of the most crowded airports (large and regional), planning your trip (getting better airfares and deciding whether to fly or drive), and advice for surviving the lines and hassles and airports. Also includes flight attendant secrets, such as underpacking, using the bathroom before you board, and dressing in layers. From U.S. News & World Report.
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/airtravel/

Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) - (Found June 29, 2008 )

J-PAL "serves as a focal point for development and poverty research based on randomized trials. The objective is to improve the effectiveness of poverty programs by providing policy makers with clear scientific results. ... J-PAL works with NGOs, international organizations, and others." Its website features descriptions of research projects and selected associated papers on topics such as AIDS education in Kenya and charitable giving. From the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
http://www.povertyactionlab.org/

Beach Reads: Suggestions From Beach Towns - (Found June 29, 2008 )

This 2008 article compiles reading suggestions from "folks who work in bookstores near great bodies of water" in towns such as Kona, Hawaii; Laguna Beach, California; Nantucket, Massachusetts; and Miami Beach, Florida. From the Contra Costa Times (California).
http://www.contracostatimes.com/books/ci_9591684

Slate: Reading List 2008 - (Found June 29, 2008 )

This collection of weekly thematic reading lists includes books on soccer, baseball, parenting, communism, Shakespeare, uncluttering, recessions, and other wide-ranging subjects. Some of the lists also include links to articles and websites. From the online magazine Slate.
http://www.slate.com/id/2186941/landing/1/

Wildlife: Summer Reading for Birders - (Found June 29, 2008 )

This 2008 article recommends six books about birds and bird watching. Includes bird field guides, an essay collection, and a memoir from a falconer. From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08174/891769-44.stm

ExpoMuseum - (Found June 29, 2008 )

This site traces the history of world fairs (international expositions) from 1851 to the present, and beyond. Features a timeline with links to sites about most fairs, photos of architecture from selected fairs, and a discussion group. Includes links to future fairs such as 2010 in Shanghai, China; 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea; and 2015 in Milan, Italy. From an enthusiast.
http://www.expomuseum.com/