Some useful links for the final paper

A lot of useful information about the 2001 anthrax attacks can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_anthrax_attack

Another excellent resource for researching news topics is the LexisNexis database, available through the Polk Library Web site:
http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/form/academic/s_guidednews.html

The Online Writing Lab (or OWL) at Purdue has a good overview of APA style, which should answer most of your questions:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html

Badgers win in Alvarez's last regular-season game

Brian Calhoun rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown in just the first half to lead the Badgers to a 41-24 victory over Hawaii in head coach Barry Alvarez's last regular-season game. Alvarez, who at the beginning of the season announced his plans to retire, isn't thinking about retirement just yet. The victory over Hawaii means a 9-3 season for the Badgers and a potential trip to the Capital One Bowl. "I'm not thinking about the end of my career because I have another game," Alvarez said. Despite a better than expected season, Alvarez still plans to retire as head coach at the end of the season. He will still remain Wisconsin's athletic director.

For more on Alvarez and Wisconsin's victory, read the ESPN article

Wireless Moves the Cash Register Where You Are

A variety of professions are finding easier ways to take credit and debit cards in unusual locations. Waiters are accepting payments tableside, while limousine drivers can complete a payment on the road. The wireless credit card mechanism resembles a large cellphone with a card swipe attachment.

Benefits of the technology include convenience, security, and lower rates. The wireless technology is no different when it comes to a customer’s safety than any other swipe technology. Also, banks charge a lower rate when the credit card information is sent electronically rather than over the phone.

The senior vice president at the First Data Corporation says, “It’s a whole new world that’s opening and it’s all being brought about because of wireless communications.”

More on Wireless

As Corporate Ad Money Flows Their Way, Bloggers Risk Their Rebel Reputation

The new technological age of bloggers has become a money making market. Currently, bloggers are being offered some form of payment by advertisers in exchange for links to company websites or ads on their blog sites. Big business has turned in a new direction. The amount of money exchanged bloggers and advertisers is not tracked, and there for the amount is practically limitless.

USWeb is currently promoting Terra Entertainment’s upcoming release of the film “One Perfect Day” by asking MySpace users to include a trailer of the movie on their websites. In return, the blogger will have their names listed at the end of the credits on the film’s DVD. Not only does this promote the movie to blog viewers, it urges the bloggers themselves to purchase the DVD of the movie.

The attention of these Internet postings has obviously caught the eye of businesses. According to Charlene, Li, an analyst at Forrester Research, businesses are currently spending anywhere from $50 million to $100 million a year on blog advertising, and the amount will only continue to grow.

More on Ads

Texas struggles but escapes to remain unbeaten

With Texas quarterback Vince Young struggling , Texas A&M nearly pulled the upset over the Longhorns. A&M took a 22-21 lead after the second-half opening drive went for a touchdown. Texas answered back, however, taking the next possesion for a touchdown, and taking a blocked A&M punt in for another TD. At that point, Texas held a 34-22 lead, and they would go on to win it 40-29. With the victory, Texas remains number 2 in the BCS and keeps their Rose Bowl hopes alive.

For more on the Texas victory, read ESPN's article

UConn's Last-second Shot beats Gonzaga

UConn defeated Gonzaga Wednesday night in the EA Sports Maui Invitational finals. Gonzaga, who was coming off of a triple-overtime thriller over Michigan State, faced a four-point deficit with 37 seconds left in the game. Gonzaga managed to tie the game at 63 with only 6.6 seconds to play. With UConn's star Rudy Gay struggling, Denham Brown stepped up and gave UConn a 65-63 lead with 1.1 seconds on the clock. Gonzaga was unable to get a decent look on the final play, and UConn went home with the title.

To read more on UConn's victory, click here

Invasion of the podcasting people?

Podcasting is the transmission of audio via an internet connection which is sent to mp3 players. The way that it has emerged is reminiscent of ham radio operators who would do personal broadcasts with the pleasure of no commercials. The term podcasting came about due to the overwhelming popularity of the Apple I-Pod, though podcasting has no direct connection the Apple Computers.

According to Christine Boese, "The idea was a gleam in the eye of the former 1980s MTV veejay Adam Curry, who worked out the technical details with Dave Winer, a co-creator of RSS, the Web feed syndication system that launched a gazillion blogs." This phenomenon has yet to be tapped for commercial use, but with the widespread usage of mp3 players it most likely won't take long for this to occur. Currently, podcasting is being looked at for music, audio books, and for use by teachers to broadcast classes.

More on Podcasting

Gonzaga defeats Michigan St. in Triple OT

It's only November, and we may not see as great a game the rest of the season. Ninth-ranked Gonzaga defeated Twelfth-ranked Michigan State 109-106 in triple overtime in the semifinals of the EA Sports Maui Invitational. With thirteen lead changes in the final 7:30 of regulation, 4 lead changes in the final 1:14 of regulation, and a buzzer-beating three-pointer to send the game to the first overtime session, this was a game full of excitement. Gonzaga advances to face third-ranked UConn in the tournament finals.

Find out more on the triple-overtime thriller from the ESPN article

FBI: Surveillance E-mail Is Really a Scam (you should actually read this one)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation released information on Monday alerting email users to be aware of spam, or unsolicited emails that appear to be from the FBI. The email claims any computer user who receives this email is being monitored by the agency and tells them to open a link or open an attachment for more details.

The email is ostensible. The FBI did not send out this email nor do they send out unsolicited emails to the public. The agency also strongly advices not to open any links in emails from unknown authors, they most likely contain trojans or viruses.

The FBI is currently investigating the scam.

Any recipient of these fabricated emails are asked to report them by visiting the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov.

More on Spam

The Xbox Has Arrived; Let the Game Playing Begin

Like Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings fans, lines of eager customers formed early Tuesday morning, and some even camping out earlier in front of electronic retailers around the nation. Microsoft’s highly anticipated Xbox 360 was finally released Tuesday, November 22, just in time for the Christmas mayhem.

Microsoft will not release the exact number of available consoles released, but it is believed that they are expected to ship anywhere from 2.75 million to 3 million units within 90 days. Microsoft’s main concern is whether or not next generation of video game consoles will sell more than the original Xbox.

More on 360

Penn State Moves to Number 3 in BCS

Penn State finished up their regular season with a 31-22 victory over Michigan State in East Lansing. Penn State finished the season going 10-1, with their only loss coming on the final play against Michigan. Now the Nittany Lions can only watch and hope for a USC or Texas loss in the final two weeks of the season. USC was tested last week as Fresno State matched USC score for score until the waning moments of the final quarter. USC squeezed out the victory 50-42. USC's final game will come against the 9-1 UCLA Bruins December 3 in a bitter rivalry. Penn State will also be hoping for a Texas loss in one of their final two games. Texas faces Texas A&M this week, and finishes up the season December 3 in the Big 12 conference championship game.

Read the ESPN article to find out more

Hatfill links

FBI and CIA Suspect Domestic Extremists (10/27/01)
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/wp011026

Profile of a Killer (11/11/01)
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/misc2.html#Time1111

Rosenberg’s view (12/3/01)
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/BHR-FAS1.html

Hatfill’s home is searched
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/balt-sun.html#bs020626

Hatfillput on leave
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/balt-sun.html#bs020803

Hatfill Novel Depicts Terror Attack
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/wp020813.html

Agents circulate Hatfill photo in N.J.
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/balt-sun.html#ap020814

Scientist in Anthrax Probe Fired
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/wp020904.html

FBI Returns To Hatfill Apartment
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/wp020911.html

Former Army Scientist Forged Ph.D. Certificate,
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/balt-sun.html#bs021009

Justice Dept. Says It Intended To Shield Anthrax Probe Figure
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/wp021212.html

Anthrax Search in Md. Mountains Ends
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/ap.html#ap030131

Anthrax: Finally, the FBI Uncovers a Tantalizing Clue
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/msnbc.html#ms030518

FBI Does Some Heavy-Duty Digging in Md.
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/wp030613.html

Subject of Anthrax Inquiry Tied to Anti-Germ Training
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/nyt2.html#nyt30702


Judge Dismisses Hatfill Suit Against N.Y. Times
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/wp041129.html

Media Manufacture Cloud of Suspicion Over Hatfill
http://www.anthraxinvestigation.com/misc1.html#insight1

Books for Lending, Data for Taking

On websites like Netflix or Amazon, members can personalize their experiences by taking interest surveys or puchasing certain items. The website then shows items of the customer's interests. Libraries are beginning to adopt a similar technology. At North Carolina State University, students and staff will soon be able to sign up for an internet based service sending the individuals reminders of favorite publications. Many libraries are beginning to cater more and more to the needs of their customers. By incorporating more internet based technology into libraries, the belief is that the library will appeal to younger generations.

One major concern is the privacy of members. After the Patriot Act was approved after 9/11, it is even easier for law enforcers to aquire information on citizens. Michael Golrick, the city librarian in Bridgeport, Connecticut says one solution is for participating libraries to rotate their records often, and dumping any old information. This way if law enforcement officials come around there is little information available. "I can't give what I don't have," he said.

More on Libraries