Link Categories
Reference Category Quick Links:
Arts & Humanities
History
- American History
- Abraham Lincoln
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
This library and museum in Springfield Illinois "brings together the world's largest collection of documentary material related to the life of the 16th President."
- The Lincoln Log
"The Lincoln Log: A Daily Chronology of the Life of Abraham Lincoln incorporates Lincoln Day-by-Day: A Chronology . . . published by the Government Printing Office in 1960. The text presented here includes all entries from that publication, with corrections and additions by the Papers of Abraham Lincoln, a project of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
- Lincoln/Net
This Website "presents historical materials from Abraham Lincoln's Illinois years (1830-1861), including Lincoln's writings and speeches, as well as other materials illuminating antebellum Illinois."
- Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress
This Website has images of "incoming and outgoing correspondence and enclosures, drafts of speeches, and notes and printed material."
- Emancipation Proclamation
This Website from the Library of Congress tells the history of the writing and issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. You will also find images of Lincoln's handwritten drafts of this document.
- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site
"The Site focuses on Lincoln’s life in Kentucky. The Birthplace Unit demonstrates his humble beginnings with a symbolic birth cabin enshrined within a neo-classic Memorial Building. The Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek Farm was home to Lincoln during his formative years."
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
This memorial "preserves the site of the farm where Abraham Lincoln spent 14 formative years of his life, from the ages of 7 to 21. He and his family moved to Indiana in 1816 and stayed until 1830 when they moved on to Illinois."
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
This is the home in Springfield, IL where Lincoln was living when elected President of the U.S. The "home has been restored to its 1860 appearance, revealing Lincoln as husband, father, and politician and is open to the public for guided tours."
- Looking For Lincoln in Central Illinois
This Website describes sites in several cities associated with the life of Abraham Lincoln.
- The Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana
This Website has images of objects and documents related to Abraham Lincoln from the period 1824 - 1831.
- The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln
This Website has images of documents created in the course of litigation of cases associated with Abraham Lincoln's law practice.
- Lincoln's Great Depression
This article from theAtlantic.com describes how the condition now known as clinical depression affected Abraham Lincoln, and how he coped with it.
- With Malice Toward None: the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition
"Through documents and books, broadsides and newspapers, prints and photographs, artifacts and maps, the exhibition [at the Library of Congress] charts Lincoln’s growth from prairie politician to preeminent statesman."
- African Americans
- African-American Sheet Music 1850 - 1920
"This collection [from Brown University and the Library of Congress] consists of 1,305 pieces of African-American sheet music."
- African American History Timeline Home Page
This Website from the University of Washington notes that "absorbing and referring to a time line (or better, yet, making your own) is an effective way of learning the sequential course of events and often the timeline can reveal the possibility of the relationship between causes, people and events that occurred in the same time period, while not in the same geographical area."
- African American Photos for Paris Exposition 1900
On this Website from the Library of Congress you will find photos "included a display devoted to the history and "present conditions" of African Americans. W.E.B. Du Bois and special agent Thomas J. Calloway spearheaded the planning, collection and installation of the exhibit materials."
- DuSable Museum of African-American History
This Museum "is the oldest museum of its type in the country and is the only major independent institution in Chicago established to preserve and interpret the historical experiences and achievements of African-Americans."
- Images of African Americans from the 19th Century
On this Website from the New York Public Library,you can search for images by choosing a category, or by typing in a keyword.
- In Motion: The African-American Migration Experience
This Website examines African and African-American Migration to North American, and within it.
- Negro League Baseball
This Web site has profiles of teams and players that played in the Negro baseball leagues in the early part of the twentieth century.
- negrospirituals.com
On this Website you will find information about the history of African American spirituals and full text lyrics for many of the songs.
- Partners of the Heart
This Web site tells the story of Vivien Thomas who with Alfred Blalock pioneered an operation that saved the lives of thousands of children.
- Sonja Haynes Stone Center Library for Black Culture and History Guide to the Web
This Website "is a valuable resource for scholars and other researchers interested in African, African American, and African Diaspora history and culture."
- Library of Congress: Katherine Dunham Collection
This Website "makes available a selection of photographs from the Library of Congress, The Missouri Historical Society, and Southern Illinois University; film and videotape excerpts from Dunham's research and performing career; and selections from the Library's Dunham Legacy Project that documented the Dunham dance technique."
- Soul of America - Black Cultural Sites
This Website has lists of African-American museums theaters, monuments, and cultural centers located several American cities.
- Forgotten Genius
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System explores the life of chemist Percy Julian.
- BlackPast.org
"This site is dedicated to providing reference materials to the general public on six centuries of African American history. It includes an online encyclopedia of hundreds of famous and lesser known figures in African America, full text primary documents and major speeches of black activists and leaders from the 18th Century to the present."
- The History Makers
This Website has short biographies of African Americans . One of the goals of this Website is to "highlight the accomplishments of individual African Americans across a variety of disciplines."
- Black History Month: A Medical Perspective
This Website from Duke University has information about historic African-American physicians, hospitals established to treat African-Americans, and a chronology of African-American medical education.
- Legends of Tuskegee
This website from the U.S. National Park Service highlights the achievements of Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, and the Tuskegee Airmen.
- Black Americans in Congress
"This Web site, based on the book Black Americans in Congress, 1870–2007, contains biographical profiles of former African-American Members of Congress, links to information about current black Members, essays on institutional and national events that shaped successive generations of African Americans in Congress, and images of each individual Member, supplemented by other historical photos."
- Famous Firsts by African-Americans
In August, Senator Barack Obama is slated to become the first African-American nominated for President of the U.S. Here is a list of other African-American trail blazers.
- NAACP 100 Years 100 Films 1909 - 2009
The NAACP invites you to help choose the NCAAP top 100 films of the century.
- An Era of Progress and Promise:
Education and Religion in Post-Emancipation America
This Website from the State Library of North Carolina has the text of a book written in 1910 that "provides a comprehensive portrait of early African-American schools, colleges, and churches as well as biographies of African-American educators, ministers, and influential businessmen."
- African Americans - Civil Rights
- AFSCME, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike
Dr. King was in Memphis in support of this strike when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
- Unseen. Unforgotten.
These Birmingham News photographs of the civil rights movement have not been seen by the public. Until now.
- Lest We Forget: Images of the Black Civil Rights Movement
This Website presents paintings and brief biographies of men and women who led the fight for African-American civil rights.
- The Malcom X Project
This Website from Columbia University has a chronology of Malcolm X's life and short video clips of speeches. You will also find videos of oral histories given by people who knew him.
- The Rosa Parks Bus at Henry Ford Museum
This Website has a brief description of Ms. Parks' moment in history. There are also photos of the bus as it looked when the museum acquired it, and as viewers now see it in its restored condition.
- Powerful Days
This Website has 20 photos of moments in the 1960s struggle for civil rights.
- Reconstruction: The Second Civil War
This Website "offers insights into topics in American history including the Civil War, slavery, abolition, race relations, definitions of freedom and citizenship, civil rights, black suffrage and election to political office, impeachment, regional political differences, nation building after war, the cotton economy, sharecropping, federal government intervention in the states, and more."
- The Murder of Emmett Till
This Website from PBS has a timeline of events surrounding this brutal murder.
- Malcolm X: A Search for Truth
This Website from the New York Public Library is the online version of an exhibition in commemoration of the eightieth anniversary of the birth of Malcom X. "The subtitle A Search for Truth focuses the interpretive dimensions of the exhibition on the process and products of his driving intellectual quest for truth about himself, his family, his people, his country, and his world."
- The History of Jim Crow
This Web site invites you to "explore the complex African-American experience of segregation from the 1870s through the 1950s."
- Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On this Website from the Cleveland Public Library you will find "70 photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including photos of his family, assassination, and funeral."
- Brown@50
Here you will find "the homepage of the celebration and commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)."
- Civil Rights Movement Veterans
On this Website, Ordinary people who participated in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s tell their stories.
- Let Your Motto Be RESISTANCE: African American Portraits
The photographs in this exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution "reveal and illuminate the variety of creative and courageous ways that African Americans resisted, redefined and accommodated in an America that needed but rarely accepted its black citizens."
- Sojourner Truth Virtual Library
This Website has information about the life of Sojourner Truth.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
This Website has information about the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Atlanta, Georgia.
- The Baton Rouge Bus Boycott of 1953
"Baton Rouge was the site of the first successful bus boycott of the 1950s. This event became a blueprint for the more publicized boycott to take place two years later in Montgomery, Alabama, and it set the stage for desegregation in the Deep South."
- Banished: American Ethnic Cleansings
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System notes that "from the 1860s to the 1920s, towns across the U.S. violently expelled African American residents.
Today, these communities remain virtually all white."
- Justice For All - The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall
This Website has information about the life and work of the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.
- April 4, 1968 Memphis, TN
"These historic photos of the day Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot in Memphis were never published, until now. Hear LIFE photographer Henry Groskinsky describe the scene."
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum
"Fifty years ago, the F.W. Woolworth building in Greensboro, N.C., stood as a reminder of segregated life in the south. Today, the building stands as a monument to the power of human courage and its ability to bring about social change. The International Civil Rights Center & Museum is more than just a building designed to house historical exhibits and artifacts. It is a place to witness, to experience and to discuss how to affect social change in our own nation and around the world."
- African Americans - Slavery
- The Atlantic Slave Trade and Slave Life in the Americas: A Visual Record
The hundreds of images in this collection "have been selected from a wide range of sources, most of them dating from the period of slavery." This Web site is a project of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and The Digital Media Lab at the University of Virginia Library.
- North American Slave Narratives
This Website "collects books and articles that document the individual and collective story of African Americans struggling for freedom and human rights in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries."
- "I will be heard!": Abolitionism in America
This Website from Cornell University "documents our country’s intellectual, moral, and political struggle to achieve freedom for all Americans."
- Lest We Forget: The Triumph Over Slavery
This Website from the New York Public Library and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization explores the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
- Secret Routes to Freedom: The Underground Railroad Experience
This Website explores the history of the Underground Railroad. You will read about the routes used by fleeing slaves, people who aided them, and laws that demanded the return of slaves caught while still in the U.S.
- Slavery and the Making of America
This Website from PBS is a companion to "a four-part series documenting the history of American slavery from its beginnings in the British colonies to its end in the Southern states and the years of post-Civil War Reconstruction."
- Slaves and the Courts
This Web site from the Library of Congress, "contains just over a hundred pamphlets and books (published between 1772 and 1889) concerning the difficult and troubling experiences of African and African-American slaves in the American colonies and the United States. The documents . . . comprise an assortment of trials and cases, reports, arguments, accounts, examinations of cases and decisions, proceedings, journals, a letter, and other works of historical importance."
- The Underground Railroad
This Website from National Geographic describes what a slave might have experienced on a furtive journey from the southern U.S. to freedom in Canada.
- Emancipation Proclamation
This Website from the Library of Congress tells the history of the writing and issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. You will also find images of Lincoln's handwritten drafts of this document.
- Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database
This Website "has information on almost 35,000 slaving voyages that forcibly embarked over 10 million Africans for transport to the Americas
between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. It offers researchers,
students and the general public a chance to rediscover the reality of
one of the largest forced movements of peoples in world history."
- Historic Documents
- Primary Documents in American History
This website from the Library of Congress has images of documents that are important in American history, e.g., the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. You will also find links to materials "that supplement and enhance the study of these crucial documents."
- Documenting the American South
This website "is a digital publishing initiative that provides Internet access to texts, images, and audio files related to southern history, literature, and culture."
- Hurricane Katrina
- A Failure of Initiative:
The Final Report of the Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina
- Jewish Americans
- The Jewish Americans
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System is a companion to "a three-night documentary that explores 350 years of Jewish American history. Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker David Grubin, The Jewish Americans is a journey through time, from the first settlement in 1654 to the present. It is about the struggle of a tiny minority who make their way into the American mainstream while, at the same time, maintaining a sense of their own identity as Jews."
- Jews in America: Our Story
This Website explores "the American Jewish experience as seen through a searchable gallery of documents, photographs and other artifacts from the collections of the five partner organizations of the Center for Jewish History.
- Lewis and Clark Expedition
- Magazine Articles
- Time Magazine
This magazine offers access to the text of articles (but not photos or other graphics) dating back to March, 1923.
Type your key words into the search box located under the date on the upper left side of the page.
- Newsweek
This Website offers access to the text of articles (no photos) dating back to January 1, 1990.
- Maps
- Zoom Into Maps
This Web site has images of historical maps from the collection of the Library of Congress.
- Historical Maps of the United States
This Website from the University of Texas at Austin has links to historical maps of U.S. territorial expansion, military battles, U.S. cities & more.
- More Interesting and Useful Websites
- Remember the Alamo
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System has information on how Texas evolved from a province of Mexico, to a state of the U.S.
- The Great Seal of the United States
This website from the U.S. Department of State has information on the history of the seal, and how it is impressed on 2000 - 3000 official documents each year.
- Centuries of Citizenship: A Constitutional Timeline
This website "is an online experience highlighting some of the key dates and events that mark more than 200 years of our constitutional history. These timeline entries, taken as a whole, tell the evolving story of the U.S. Constitution and the continuing role that it plays in our lives."
- American Cultural History: The 19th Century
This Website from the Kingwood College Library in Texas Gives an overview of the history of each decade in the 19th century, You may click on one of the many links to view more information about particular topics.
- Evolution of the Shopping Center
This Website shows how shopping centers in the U.S. grew and changed during the 20th century.
- History Wired: A Few of Our Favorite Things
This experimental site introduces visitors to some of the three million objects held by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.
- Key Ingredients: America By Food
This Website from the Smithsonian Institution describes the history of foods eaten United States.
- Peopling North America: Population Movements and Migration
This Website has an overview of migratory movements to and within Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Religion and the Founding of the American Republic
This Website from the Library of Congress "demonstrates that many of the colonies that in 1776 became the United States of America were settled by men and women of deep religious convictions who in the seventeenth century crossed the Atlantic Ocean to practice their faith freely."
- American Centuries... View From New England
This website "features a digital collection of approximately 2000 objects and transcribed document pages from Memorial Hall Museum and Library" in Deerfield , Mass.
- Julia Child's Kitchen - At the Smithsonian
On this website you can view pictures of Julia Child's kitchen, which was relocated to the Smithsonian Institution from her house in Cambridge, MA in 2001. You can also view images of objects found in the kitchen and read information about those objects.
- 300 Million
When the population of the U.S. was expected to reach 300 million in late 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau provided some statistics for that year, and the years 1967 and 1915; the years the population reached 200 million and 100 million respectively. These statistics illustrate how the U.S. has changed over the last century.
- American Folklore
"This folklore site contains retellings of American folktales, Native American myths and legends, tall tales, weather folklore and ghost stories from each and every one of the 50 United States."
- Arlington National Cemetery
This Website has information on the history of this cemetery, and prominent people buried there. You will also find information about who is eligible for burial at Arlington.
- Vaudeville Nation
On this Website from the New York Public Library you will find a history of vaudeville, a genre of stage entertainment, popular from the 1880s to the 1930s. The Website notes that vaudeville "thrived in large and small urban communities, [including Joliet], throughout North America. It provided audiences and support for America's two native art forms – jazz and tap dance – and promoted stand-up and skit comedy, serving as a model for radio, early sound film, and television."
- The Star-Spangled Banner
This Website from the Smithsonian Institution has a history of the flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, and by surviving a bombardment by the British, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that when set to music, became our National Anthem. You will also find a page that has all four verses of the Star-Spangled Banner.
- Social Security History
This Website has links to detailed information about the history of Social Security.
- A History of Social Dance in America
This Website has information on the the types of dances done at balls, cotillions and private parties, in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Barbie - Fiftieth Anniversary
This website has several short videos with information about the history of Barbie, the doll introduced by Mattel in 1959.
- Written in Bone: Forensic Files of the 17th Century Chesapeake
This Website from the Smithsonian Institution explains how examination of the grave sites and skeletons of 17th century European and African-American settlers reveals information about they lived their lives.
- The National Parks: America's Best Idea
This website has information about an upcoming 6 part series on PBS that explores how various national parks came to be.
- The Liberty Bell: Protecting an American Icon
This Website from the U.S. National Science Foundation has information on the history of this famous bell, and the 2003 relocation of the bell to the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia PA.
- Music
- Ragtime
"Ragtime, a uniquely American, syncopated musical phenomenon, has been a strong presence in musical composition, entertainment, and scholarship for over a century. See, hear, explore and learn!"
- Historic American Sheet Music
On this Website from Duke University you will find images of 3042 pieces of sheet music published in the U.S. between 1850 and 1920
- Music for the Nation
On this Website from the Library of Congress, you will find more than 100,000 pieces of historical sheet music, published during the years 1820-1860, and 1870-1885.
- Roughstock's History of Country Music
This Website covers the evolution of country music from the 1920s to the late 1990s.
- Native Americans
- National Museum of the American Indian
This museum is "dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans."
- Lakota Winter Counts
"The Lakota marked the passage of time by drawing pictures of memorable events on calendars known as winter counts. This online exhibit features a searchable database of Smithsonian winter count images, a documentary about Lakota history and culture, video interviews with Lakota people with personal connections to the winter-count-keeping tradition, and a Teacher's Guide."
- People
- Famous Cases
This Website has brief overviews of some of the more newsworthy cases handled by the FBI.
- The Top 100: The Most Influential Figures in American History
This Website is from Atlantic Magazine. You are invited to give feedback regarding who should or should not be on the list.
- The Archive of American Television Interviews
On this Website you will find links to videos of "interviews with actors, writers, producers, directors, craftspeople, executives, and many others." "AAT is committed to ensuring that the stories, visions and insights of those who have made television what it is, and those who continue to contribute to its development, are made available for future generations."
- Benjamin Franklin
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System explores the life of one of the most remarkable Americans of all time
- Stephen Foster
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System explores the life of America's first great song writer.
- Breaking Records, Breaking Barriers
This Website from the Smithsonian Institution "portrays athletes, focusing on their participation in significant events and the social contexts that influenced them. On and off the playing field, these undaunted individuals broke records for themselves and broke barriers for us all. They are the inspiration for future generations who will challenge the barriers that remain."
- The American Founders: An Annotated Guide to Their Papers and Publications
"The digital resources described in this guide provide online access, in varying degrees, to the personal papers and/or publications of the major founders of the American Republic—that is, those men who served in roles of national political leadership between 1765 and 1815—and members of their families."
- The Wilbur and Orville Wright Papers
This website from the Library of Congress, "documents the lives of Wilbur and Orville Wright and highlights their pioneering work which led to the world's first powered, controlled and sustained flight."
- Photos, Prints, Drawings, Videos, and Newsreels
- Picturing the 1930s
On this website from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, you will find photos, paintings, newsreels,and music that illustrate life in the USA in the 1930s.
- Old Pictures
The authors of this Website state that they "have compiled a collection of thousands of the most important photographs of the last 150 years; pictures of our struggles, trials, and triumphs."
- Taking the Long View: Panoramic Photographs 1851 - 1991
This Web site from the Library of Congress covers a wide variety of subject areas. It appears that most of the photographs on this Web site were taken in the early part of the twentieth century.
- The Art of the American Snapshot 1888 - 1978
This Website from the National Gallery of Art "traces the evolution of snapshots in America from 1888, when George Eastman introduced the first Kodak camera, to 1978.
- Early Advertising of the West, 1867 - 1918
This website from the University of Washington "consists of over 450 print advertisements published in local magazines, city directories, and theater pamphlets from 1867 to 1918."
- Library and Archival Exhibitions on the Web
This website from the Smithsonian Institution Libraries "features links to online exhibitions that have been created by libraries, archives, and historical societies, as well as to museum online exhibitions with a significant focus on library and archival materials."
- Library of Congress: Prints & Photographs Online Catalog
Here you will find links to records for about one million images. You can use key words to search this website.
- The Wright Brothers Photographs
This website has over 250 photographs taken by the Wright Brothers.
- America from the Great Depression to World War II
This Website from the Library of Congress has about 164,000 black and white, and about 1,600 color photographs taken during the years 1935 - 1945.
- Life Photo Archive - Hosted by Google
On this Website you can "search millions of photographs from the LIFE [magazine] photo archive, stretching from the 1750s to today."
- The Becker Collection: Drawings of the American Civil War Era
Here you will find "images of the Civil War, the construction of the railroads, the laying of the transatlantic cable in Ireland, the Chinese in the West, the Indian wars, the Chicago fire, and numerous other aspects of nineteenth-century American culture."
- Universal Newsreels
"In the pre-TV era, people saw the news every week in their neighborhood movie theaters. Newsreels were shown before every feature film and in dedicated newsreel theaters located in large cities. Universal Newsreel, produced from 1929 to 1967, was released twice a week. Each issue contained six or seven short stories, usually one to two minutes in length, covering world events, politics, sports, fashion, and whatever else might entertain the movie audience. These newsreels offer a fascinating and unique view of an era when motion pictures defined our culture and were a primary source of visual news reporting."
- Ad*Access
This Website from Duke University "presents images and database information for over 7,000 advertisements printed in U.S. and Canadian newspapers and magazines between 1911 and 1955. Ad*Access concentrates on five main subject areas: Radio, Television, Transportation, Beauty and Hygiene, and World War II."
- The Way We Worked
This Website from the National Archives and Records Administration has photos that show how Americans worked in the mid 19th through late 20th centuries.
- The Trade Card Place
While this Website is geared toward collectors and traders of these cards, " used to advertise American goods and services during the late 1800s", the images provide a unique glimpse into American life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Postcard and Greeting Card Museum
On this Website you will find images of over 900 postcards and greeting cards from the Victorian era to the 20th century.
- Shorpy
This website "is a vintage photography blog featuring thousands of high-definition images from the 1850s to 1950s. "
- 101 Historical Moments You Can Relive on YouTube
On this website you will find links to "historical videos on the presidents, famous speeches, breakthrough moments in space exploration, along with moving moments in culture."
- State Digital Resources
This Website from the Library of Congress has links to digital collections of photos and documents from libraries, museums and historical societies in the 50 states, and also some collections created by multi-state collaborations.
- Presidents of the United States
- Presidents of the United States
"Selected Images From the Collections of the Library of Congress"
- POTUS: Presidents of the United States
"In this resource you will find background information, election results, cabinet members, notable events, and some points of interest on each of the presidents. Links to biographies, historical documents, audio and video files, and other presidential sites are also included."
- New Deal Network
This Website from the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute has links to photos, political cartoons, speeches, and other documents created during the Franklin Roosevelt presidential administration.
- The Living Room Candidate
On this Website from the American Museum of the Moving Image, you can view television commercials run on behalf of candidates for President of the U.S. from the 1952 - 2008 campaigns.
- American President: An Online Reference Source
"This web site [from the University of Virginia] features essays about each President and their lives before, during, and after their presidential terms. It additionally provides information about the First Lady and cabinet officials of each administration. A collection of essays on the President at Work also delves into the function, responsibilities, and organization of the modern presidency and traces the history and evolution of presidential duties."
- Medical History of American Presidents
This website tabulates the illnesses of American Presidents and other notable people. Both laypersons and physicians will find it interesting.
- JFK Video: The Dallas Tapes
This Website from Dallas TV station KDFW has video of events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
- Today's Front Pages - Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The late Philip Graham, publisher of the Washington Post wrote that: "Newspapers are the first rough draft of history."
On this Website you will find links to images of the front page of 735 newspapers from the U.S. and around the world reporting the election of the first African-American President of the U.S., Barack Obama.
- President Barack Obama - Inaugural Address
On this Website you will find a video of the inaugural address, and the text of the address.
- Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia
"Trustworthy information on Thomas Jefferson and his world by Monticello researchers and respected Jefferson scholars."
- Science, Technology, and Industry
- September 11, 2001
- America's Day of Terror
This site from the British Broadcasting Company describes what happened on September 11 using words, pictures, maps and diagrams.
- September 11 A Memorial
This Web site from CNN gives biographical information about many of the victims of September 11, and posts tributes to them.
- September 11: Bearing Witness to History
On this Website from the Smithsonian Institution you will find images of objects related to the tragedies of September 11, 2001.
- Oral Histories
This Website from the New York Times has "more than 12,000 pages of oral histories rendered in the voices of 503 firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians." Please be aware that "the oral histories of dispatch transmissions are transcribed verbatim. They have have not been edited to omit coarse language."
- The 9/11 Commission Report
On this Website you will find the 585 page final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. This version of the report can be searched using keywords
- Building on Ground Zero:
Can lessons learned from the Twin Towers collapse make new buildings safer?
From the Public Broadcasting System
- World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition
This Website has information about the memorial to be built in remembrance and honor of those who died on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.
- The 9/11 Tapes
This Website from MSNBC offers audio of emergency personnel's two-way communications from the World Trade Center on that fateful day in 2001
- World Trade Center Memorial: Draft Recommendations and Analysis
On June 21, 2006, the Chicago Tribune published the following: "A somewhat scaled-down design for the Sept. 11 memorial that retains the central elements of the original, including reflecting pools and the inscribed names of the victims, was unveiled Tuesday after the project was sent back to the drawing board because the cost was pushing $1 billion." This Website has detailed information about the proposed revisions to original design.
- NIST and the World Trade Center
Here you will find the results of an investigation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology into the reasons for the collapse of the buildings at the World Trade Center.
- Maps Relating to September 11, 2001 and Later Events
From the University of Texas Perry-Castańeda Library
Map Collection.
- Lower Manhattan.info - Project Updates
This website has information about the progress of construction of new buildings on the site of the World Trade Center.
- The Temperance Movement and Prohibition
- Alcohol, Temperance, & Prohibition
On this Website from Brown University you will find materials "published by various groups leading up to prohibition, during the prohibition era, and ending with the 21st amendment in 1933, which repealed the 18th amendment from 1919 prohibiting the manufacturing, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors."
- Anti-Saloon League 1893 - 1933
The Anti-Saloon League from 1893 to 1933 was a major force in American politics. Influencing the United States through the printed word and lobbying, they turned a moral crusade into a Constitutional amendment. The League left a legacy of printed material at a site bequeathed to the Westerville Public Library which houses the Anti-Saloon League Museum. The Westerville Public Library in an effort to preserve and share the League's story has established this Web site with financial help from a grant provided by the State Library of Ohio.
- The Wild West
- Gold Rush Chronicles
This Website has a timeline of events surrounding the gold rush, a list places where godl was mined, and short biographies of famous people who participated in the gold rush.
- History of the American West 1860 - 1920
This Website has links to "over 30,000 photographs, drawn from the holdings of the Western History and Genealogy Department at Denver Public Library."
- Wars
- The Price of Freedom: Americans at War
Americans have gone to war to win their independence, expand their national boundaries, define their freedoms, and defend their interests around the globe. This exhibition examines how wars have shaped the nation's history and transformed American Society.
- Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798 - 2007
This report [from the Congressional Research Service] lists hundreds of instances in which the United States has used its armed forces abroad in situations of military conflict or potential conflict or for other than normal peacetime purposes.
- Experiencing War: Stories from the Veterans History Project
"Every veteran has his or her own war, and each is custodian of a unique story and memories. At the Veterans History Project, we treasure the personal narratives sent to us by veterans from all wars. Vivid as if they happened yesterday, these heartfelt accounts make us laugh, cry and remember.The stories are not a formal history of war, but a treasure trove of individual feelings and personal recollections."
- History of U.S. Armies in Uniform: The American Soldier from 1747 - Present
This Website has images of GI Joe-like figures dressed in U.S. military uniforms.
- Veterans Remember
On this website from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum you will find links to audio of interviews with veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The authors of the website note that: "Although our collection of veterans interviews is not as extensive as that of many institutions, our goal is to conduct in-depth interviews that examine the narrators' early years as well as thoroughly address their military experiences."
- Wars - American Revolution
- Liberty! The American Revolution
This Website from PBS has a timeline of events connected with the revolution. There are also short articles written in a 21st century journalistic style that describe revolutionary events that occurred in historic American cities.
- The Decisive Day is Come: The Battle of Bunker Hill
To mark the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Massachusetts Historical Society presents its first web exhibition" -- personal accounts and eyewitness descriptions of the battle, along with contemporary maps, drawings, engravings, broadsides, and artifacts, either preserved by the participants or found on the battlefield."
- The Declaration of Independence
This Website has a short history of the writing of the Declaration, images of historic engravings of the document, and the complete text.
- Patrick Henry
This Website from the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has a brief biography of this patriot, and an audio recreation and transcript of his famous "give me liberty or give me death" speech.
- Signers of the Declaration
This Website from the U.S. National Park Service has information about the events leading up to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, short biographies of the signers of the declaration, and information about buildings associated with the signers.
- Wars - Civil War
- The American Civil War Homepage
This Website from the University of Tennessee "gathers together in one place hypertext links to the most useful identified electronic files about the American Civil War (1861-1865)."
- Civil War Maps
This Website from the Library of Congress "contains approximately 2,240 Civil War maps and charts and 76 atlases and sketchbooks that are held within the Geography and Map Division, 200 maps from the Library of Virginia, and 400 maps from the Virginia Historical Society."
- The Crisis of the Union: An Electronic Archive of Documents about the Causes, Conduct, and Consequences of the Civil War
This Web site from the University of Pennsylvania "enables students and other researchers to use primary documents in their study of political, economic, social, religious, racial, and gender issues from the Jacksonian Era to the Gilded Age."
- The Gettysburg National Military Park Virtual Tour.
On this Website from the National Park Service you can view maps and photos, and read the story of the battle considered by many to be the turning point of the Civil War.
- Selected Civil War Photographs
This Website from the Library of Congress "contains 1,118 photographs. Most of the images were made under the supervision of Mathew B. Brady, and include scenes of military personnel, preparations for battle, and battle after-effects. The collection also includes portraits of both Confederate and Union officers, and a selection of enlisted men."
- The Civil War Letters of Forrest Little
Forrest Little enlisted in the Fifth Vermont Volunteers on September 6, 1861, and died of typhoid fever on July 23, 1862. "These simple letters give a sense of the everyday life of a Union soldier, depicting the rigors of camp life and, once the campaign begins, the drama of battle."
- The Story of Taps
This Website from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has information on the origin of this tune played at military funerals.
- Histories of Illinois Civil War Regiments and Units
Here you will find histories of Illinois regiments and other military units that participated in the Civil War, compiled in a series of books titled, Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois (1900-1902).
- Wars - Korea
- Korea +50: No Longer Forgotten
This page is a joint project between the Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Libraries developed to provide access to Korean War materials related to the two administrations occupying the White House during that period.
- The Korean War 1950 - 1953
On this website you will find a history of the Korean War.
- Wars - Vietnam
- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: The Wall - USA
On this Website "maintained by veterans of the 4th Battalion 9th Infantry Regiment" you will find information about the gallant men and women who died in that conflict.
- Vietnam War Internet Links
Here you will find links to websites on 29 Vietnam War-related topics.
- Interactive Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This is another Website where you will find information about the men and women who gave their lives in the Vietnam war. You will also find close up images of the names inscribed on this memorial.
- Wars - World War I
- Wars - World War II
- National WWII Memorial
On this Website you will find information about the recently completed monument honoring "all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms."
- Normandy
This Web site, from the U.S. Army, describes the Normandy campaign of World War II from it's earliest conception to the conclusion on 24 July 1944.
- Suffering Under a Great Injustice:
Ansel Adams's Photographs of Japanese-American Internment at Manzanar
- Volunteering for Victory: The American Red Cross in World War II
This Website notes that "at the close of the war in 1945, the Red Cross volunteer force numbered 7,500,700 individuals, and the American public had contributed $784 million. Nearly every family in America contained a member who had either served as a Red Cross volunteer, made a contribution of money or blood, or was a recipient of Red Cross services."
- The War
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System is an off shoot of the mini-series about World War II by Ken Burns & Lynn Novick. "The War is the story of the Second World War through the personal accounts of a handful of men and women from four American towns."
- Ships Present at Pearl Harbor, 0800 7 December 1941
Here you will find a list of ships berthed at Pearl Harbor, or at sea within 12 miles of the island of Oahu, on the day of the infamous Japanese attack.
- Women
- She Made It: Women Creating Television and Radio
This Website "celebrates the achievements and preserves the legacy of great women writers, directors, producers, journalists, sportscasters, and executives."
- The First Ladies
This Website has brief biographies of the wives of the Presidents.
- National Women's History Museum
This museum "is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the diverse historic contributions of women, and integrating this rich heritage fully into our nation's history."
- National Women's Hall of Fame
This Website has brief biographies of more than 200 outstanding American women.
- Women Working 1800 - 1930
This Website provides access to 3,500 digitized books and pamphlets, 7,500 pages of manuscripts and 1,200 photographs from the collections of Harvard University Libraries and Museums on the topic of women's role in the U.S. economy.
- Women in Congress
"This Web site, based on the book Women in Congress, 1917–2006, contains biographical profiles of former women Members of Congress, links to information about current women Members, essays on the institutional and national events that shaped successive generations of Congresswomen, and images of each woman Member, including rare photos."
- Women in History - Historic Figures
This Website has short biographies of historic women.
- Marie Antoinette
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System explores the life and times of the queen who lost her life in the French Revolution.
- General
- On this Day
On this Web site from the New York Times, you will find a listing of events that happened on a particular day in years past, and a list of famous people born on that day. If you click on "go to a previous date" on the upper right of the page, you can find out what happened on any given day of the year.
- Best of History Web Sites
On this Web site you'll find links to history Web sites "rated for usefulness and accuracy, that will help you study or teach a wide variety of topics and periods in History."
- Historic Cities
"This site contains maps, literature, documents, books and other relevant material concerning the past, present and future of historic cities and facilitates the location of similar content on the web."
- Library of Congress: Prints & Photographs Online Catalog
Here you will find links to records for about one million images. You can use key words to search this Website.
- Online Speech Bank
On this Website you will find links to the text and/or audio of speeches by famous Americans and some World Leaders. Note that the links are arranged alphabetically by first name.
- Time Covers
This Website has images of every cover of Time magazine since its founding in 1923. There are also summaries of the articles found in each issue. If you wish to view complete articles, the Joliet Public Library has most of the issues of Time, either printed copies, or on microfiche.
- This Day in History
From the History Channel.
- History in the Movies
Ever wonder how closely a movie portrays historical events? This website has answers for more than 50 of them.
- Illinois History
- Chicago
- Chicago: City of the Century
This is the Web site prepared to complement the broadcast of a 3 part series of programs on PBS. "City of the Century chronicles Chicago's dramatic transformation from a swampy frontier town of fur traders and Native Americans to a massive metropolis that was the quintessential American city of the nineteenth century."
- Encyclopedia of Chicago
The Encyclopedia of Chicago is a dynamic and unprecedented metropolitan history. Thousands of historical resources-including articles, photos, maps, broadsides and newspapers-related to Chicago's colorful and complex history are at your fingertips.
- Jazz Age Chicago
This Website explores "the everyday social and cultural experiences of Chicagoans during, for the most part, the 1920s and 1930s."
- Photographs from the Chicago Daily News 1902 - 1933
This collection comprises over 55,000 images of urban life captured on glass plate negatives between 1902 and 1933 by photographers employed by the Chicago Daily News, then one of Chicago's leading newspapers.
- Revealing Chicago
On this Website you will find aerial photos of Chicago.
- Before and After the Fire: Chicago in the 1860s, 1870s, and 1880s
On this website you will find "some of the sheet maps of Chicago from the 1860s, 1870s, and 1880s that are held at the University of Chicago Library's Map Collection."
- Chicago-L.org
On This Website (not afiliated with the Chicago Transit Authority) you will find the history of Chicago's rapid transit system, maps and photos of the system as it has evolved, and current route maps and schedules.
- Chicago Landmarks
This Website has information about Chicago's historic buildings.
- The History Files
This Website has information on some of Chicago's most memorable events; the 1871 fire, the stockyards, the Columbian Exposition, Al Capone, and more.
- General
- Welcome Aboard, Next Stop 1848
This Website has information about tours of the I&M Canal on the canal boat Volunteer starting and ending in LaSalle. The website notes that "your one-hour, roundtrip journey on a full-size replica canal boat will take you on the same hand-dug waterway that 19th century pioneers traveled. Your guides, dressed as Canal Era crew and passengers, will take you back in time to life on the American frontier and the Illinois prairie."
- Historical Maps Online
This Website from the University of Illinois is intends to "publish electronically the images of maps charting the last 400 years of historical development in Illinois and the Northwest Territory."
- Illinois History and Government
- Illinois State Museum
- Digital Illinois
This Website has links to "digital collections from libraries, historical societies, museums, and other cultural institutions in Illinois."
- Illinois Newspaper Project
"The Illinois Newspaper Project (INP) is part of the U.S. Newspaper Program (USNP), a cooperative effort between the states and the federal government designed to identify, catalog and preserve on microfilm the nation's historic newspaper heritage."
- Illinois Digital Archives
This Website has links to more than 40 digital collections of photos and documents from libraries, museums, and historical societies in Illinois.
- Local History
- Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway
This Web site has a wealth of information about the history and present day operations of this railroad that runs from Gary, IN, through Joliet, to Waukegan IL. There are many photos of engines and cars operated by the line.
- Historic American Buildings Survey - Joliet
On this Website you will find links to photos and information about some historic buildings in Joliet.
- Joliet Area Historical Museum
- Joliet Prisons
Photos and stories about the Stateville and Joliet prisons, and a few of the more infamous prisoners. This site is put together by Suburban Chicago Newspapers.
- Joliet Public Library History
- Joliet Public Library Anniversary Presentation
On December 14, 1903 the Joliet Public Library Main Library Building on Ottawa Street opened to the public for the first time. Here you will find pictures of the Main Library from 1903 to the 1920s. There are also pictures of Joliet and the I & M Canal taken in the early twentieth century.
- Joliet Public Library - Main Library Building History
- Joliet Remembers
Here you will find images of pages from the Joliet Herald News, and other images from our collection, that will give you a small glimpse of what life was like in Joliet in years past.
- National Register of Historic Places - Will County, Illinois
On This Website you will find a list of buildings and historical sites in Will County listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Please note that some of the information on this Website is incorrect; e.g., Christ Episcopal Church was destroyed by fire in October, 2006.
- The Powers-Thompson Construction Co.
An historic Joliet construction company whose contracts ranged over the greater Chicagoland area. This site contains photographs of some of their local projects from the 1920's. The book itself contains these and many others photographs and is shelved with the archives in the Local History Room.
- A Corridor in Time
This Website has the text of a book about the I&M Canal. You will also find supplementary text and images on the page that introduces each chapter. Please note that the chapter files are very large, and will thus take considerable time to download into your computer.
- Joliet Historic Preservation Commission - Local Landmarks
On this website you will find information about buildings designated local landmarks.
According to the website, a local landmark "is a house, office building, factory, bridge, or other structure deemed by the city to be historically significant and thus worthy of protection."
- Look at Illinois - Joliet Public Library
Here you will find photos of damage caused by the 1989 firebombing of the Main Library.
- World History
- Morning Sun
This Website has information about "the origins and history of the [Chinese] Cultural Revolution (c.1964-1976)."
- The Berlin Wall
This Web site from the Newseum tells the story of the Berlin Wall, a wall that separated the Eastern and Western sectors of Germany's capital from 1961-1989.
- Guns Germs and Steel
Peeling back the layers of history, Guns, Germs and Steel exposes the great forces that have shaped human history over the last 10,000 years.
- Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance
The authors of this Website note that "the Medici nurtured the greatest artists and thinkers of their age for the greater glory of the family. This explosion of art and ideas known as the Renaissance shattered the medieval world."
- MuslimHeritage.com
"Discover 1000 years of missing history and explore the fascinating Muslim contribution to present day Science, Technology, Arts, and Civilization."
- 16th - Early 20th Century Maps of Africa
"This site features digital copies of 113 antique maps of Africa and accompanying text dating from the mid 16th Century to the early 20th Century."
- The End of Europe's Middle Ages
This Website from the University of Calgary in Canada has "a series of chapters that summarize the economic, political, religious and intellectual environment of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The main objective of the tutorial is to furnish a baseline against which the vast changes of the following centuries may be measured."
- Digital Library of the Caribbean
This website "provides access to digitized versions of Caribbean cultural, historical and research materials currently held in archives, libraries, and private collections."
- Ancient History
- The Roman Empire in the First Century
From the Public Broadcasting System
- Digital Karnak
On this website from the University of California at Los Angeles, you can explore the "rich religious, political and architectural history" of this ancient Egyptian temple.
- From Warrior Women to Female Pharaohs: Careers for Women in Ancient Egypt
This Website from the British Broadcasting Company describes the role of women in ancient Egyptian society.
- Ancient Mesopotamia
This website from the Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago "tells the story of ancient Mesopotamia now present-day Iraq — a story shared by all humans."
- The Ancient Egypt Site
This Website has a " a brief introduction into this history of Ancient Egypt", a dictionary of hieroglyphics, and brief descriptions of important monuments and archaeological sites.
- Cleopatra: A Multimedia Guide to the Ancient World
This Web site from the Art Institute of Chicago "takes you on an expedition to the ancient cultures of Egypt, Greece, and Italy using eighteen objects from the museum's distinguished collection." Note that the this Web site is available in both English and Spanish versions.
- Petra: Lost City of Stone
This Website from the American Museum of Natural History explores the history of this ancient city, located in present-day Jordan.
- Rome: Republic to Empire
This Website has brief essays on several topics concerning the history of the Roman Empire.
- Canada
- Canada in the Making
"This site is about the history of Canada through the words of the men and women who shaped the nation."
- Keys to History
On this website from the McCord Museum of Canadian History, you will find more than 135,000 pictures with text that explains their historical significance.
- The Holocaust
- America and the Holocaust
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System explores the reasons why America failed to respond to the Holocaust in any meaningful way until 1944.
- Kristallnacht: The November 1938 Pogroms
This Website has an overview of the events of November 9-10, 1938, when thousands of synagogues and Jewish-owned businesses were damaged or destroyed in Germany.
- The Holocaust: A Learning Site for Students
Organized by theme, this site uses text, historical photographs, maps, images of artifacts, and audio clips to provide an overview of the Holocaust.
- The Nuremberg War Crimes Trials
This Website from Yale University has transcriptions of the testimony given at the Nuremberg trials, and other documents related to the trials.
- Poland at War
On this Website you will find photos taken in Poland during the NAZI occupation, 1939 - 1945.
- Letters to Sala: A Young Woman's Life in Nazi Labor Camps
This Website tells the story of Sala Garncarz Kirschner. It is "a story of life and one young woman’s way of seeing beyond years of horror. From her letters, we learn about friendship and love, Jewish life in occupied Poland, Nazi labor camps, the intensely human need to rebuild life after the catastrophe of war, and the ability of words to give and sustain life."
- Raoul Wallenberg
This Website has a short biography of Raoul Wallenberg, who aided the escape of Jews fron Nazi-occupied Hungary.
- Holocaust Denial
This website from the Jewish Virtual Library has answers to frequently asked questions about Holocaust denial, and rebuttals to assertions made by Holocaust deniers.
- Auschwitz
A chronological exploration of the largest mass murder site in history.
- Combatting Holocaust Denial
This Website from the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum briefly discusses the problem of Holocaust denial, and has links to additional information on the topic.
- The Warsaw Rising Museum
This museum is located in Warsaw, Poland. The Website has a detailed history of the Warsaw uprising.
- Yad Vashem - The Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority
"Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, is the Jewish people’s memorial to the murdered Six Million and symbolizes the ongoing confrontation with the rupture engendered by the Holocaust. Containing the world’s largest repository of information on the Holocaust, Yad Vashem is a leader in Shoah education, commemoration, research and documentation."
- United Kingdom
- Life in Elizabethan England: A Compendium of Common Knowledge
This Website gives short descriptions of many aspects of life in England during the reign of Elizabeth I, 1558 - 1603.
- Battle of Britain
These pages catalogue the official reports of the most important event in Royal Air Force history, the Battle fought over Britain between the 10th July and 31st October 1940. You will find information on the aircraft involved in this battle, and a list of men who took part in this battle on behalf of the RAF or Fleet Air Arm.
- The Great War Archive
"The Great War Archive contains over 6,500 items contributed by the general public between March and June 2008. Every item originates from, or relates to, someone's experience of the First World War, either abroad or at home."
- Medieval Cookery
If you have ever wondered what kinds of foods King Henry VIII is likely to have eaten, this Website is for you. You will find menus, and recipes adapted from medieval sources.
- Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom (From 1603)
This Website gives an overview of the four families that have reigned in the UK since the uniting of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603. You will also find links to detailed family trees for those families.
- Medieval Siege
This Website from the Public Broadcasting describes how armies of the middle ages attempted to capture castles, and how their defenders repelled them. You will also find a short description of everyday life in a castle.
Return To Top Languages
- http://www.nypl.org/branch/central/dlc/df/useful.html
Useful Expressions and Greetings in 26 Languages
This website from the New York Public Library has translations for about 50 words and phrases.
- http://www.livemocha.com/
Livemocha
This Website "is an interactive online community that includes lessons, a diverse community, chat and motivational tools to keep you on track in learning a language or two."
- http://www.ielanguages.com/
Indo-European Language Tutorials
This Website has tutorials for 15 languages.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/
BBC Languages
This Website from the British Broadcasting Company will introduce you to several European languages.
Return To Top Miscellaneous Reference Sites
- Calculators and Converters
- Encyclopedic Sites
- Illinois CLICKS!
Illinois CLICKS! is an information website with quality internet resources, reviewed and selected by Illinois librarians, well-organized for easy access by all Illinois citizens."
- Library of Congress
Created to serve as the research arm of the U.S. Congress, this library has more than 130 million items.
- Infoplease
This Website gives access to the Time Almanac, Columbia Encyclopedia, an atlas, a thesaurus, and more.
- Referencia
Links to Reference Web sites: some in English, many in Spanish, and a few in Portuguese.
- Refdesk.com
"Refdesk is a free and family-friendly web site that indexes and reviews quality, credible, and current web-based resources."
- For the Blind
- Gods, Godesses, and Saints
- GODchecker.com
This Website "currently features over 2,850 deities." You will also find very short biographies of Catholic saints. The Website is written in an irreverent, light-hearted style.
- How-to
- DIY Network
This website has information on do-it-yourself projects for your home.
- Knowledge Hound
On this Website you will find "a huge variety of tutorials and tips covering thousands of subjects. Learn how now for free at the Web's biggest how-to directory!"
- eHow
This Website states that it "is the world's most popular place to find clear instructions on how to do just about anything."
- A Simple Book Repair Manual
This Website, intended for librarians, has instructions on how to repair minor damage to books. You may find the Website useful if you want to repair a book that you wish to keep for a long time, such as a family bible.
- A Big List of Sites That Teach You How To Do Stuff
This Website has links to other Websites with videos and tutorials that cover a wide variety of how-to topics.
- How To Guide: 60+ Great HowTo Sites and Resources
This website has links to "how-to sites and guides covering everything from building a mashup to being more productive, creating a website and more."
- Journal Articles
- Google Scholar
Google Scholar enables you to search specifically for scholarly literature, including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts and technical reports from all broad areas of research." Please note that many of the listings have only a citation; you will need to consult a library to obtain those articles.
- Journal TOCs
Here you can search journal tables of contents by key word or journal title. You can also browse by subject.
- More Useful & Interesting Websites
- Interfaith Calendar 2010
- Acronym Finder
The world's largest and most accurate human-edited dictionary of acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms.
- How Much Is That?
Have you ever wondered what the value of a dollar was in 1895? Or what the GDP was in 1929? Here is a place where you can ask questions of comparative value covering purchasing power, exchange rates, and other variables between the past and today."
- Dead or Alive?
If you want to know whether a famous person is living or dead, this Website may have the answer.
- Dead People Server
This site lists the names, date of birth and death, and occupation of many famous people who died in 1990 or later.
- Flags of the World
FOTW is the Internet's largest site devoted to vexillology (the study of flags). Here you can read more than 28,000 pages about flags and view more than 52,000 images of flags.
- Ian's Shoelace Site
If your shoelaces come untied too often, take a look at the Ian Knot and the Ian Secure Shoelace Knot on this Website. One pair of shoes I have used to come untied several times a day: until I began using the Ian Secure Knot.
- Illinois Atlas.com
On this Website from Northern Illinois University You will find a collection of maps showing statistical information for Illinois, by county
- Our Flag
This Website has information about the history, laws, and regulations associated with the flag of the United States. There is also information about the flags of the U.S. states and territories.
- Postal Addressing Systems in Member Countries
On this Website from the Universal Postal Union you will find information on how to properly address mail sent to foreign countries, in order to ensure speedy handling and delivery.
- Accents, Symbols & Foreign Scripts: Windows Alt Key Numeric Codes
This Website from Pen State University has tables with the codes for typing those pesky accent marks in foreign words, and other useful symbols.
- Sistema de Clasificación Dewey
From the Denver Public Library
- SparkNotes
On this Website you will find links to study guides for many novels. You will also find study guides on various topics in the areas of Math, Biology, History, & more.
- The Straight Dope
This Website has answers to questions about the world around us; answers often not easily found in standard reference books. The Website can be searched using key words.
- Snopes.com
This Web site classifies Urban legends and other stories by category, and notes whether they are true, false, of undetermined or ambiguous veracity, or of indeterminate origin.
- U.S. Postal Service
Includes zip code lookups.
- The World Clock - Time Zones
This Website gives the current time and date for major cities around the world.
- Microsoft Office 2007 Templates
Use these templates to create business cards, brochures, invoices, & much more.
- National Criminal Justice Reference Service
This website "offers extensive reference and referral services to help you find answers to your questions about crime and justice-related research, policy, and practice. Search Questions & Answers to access hundreds of questions related to juvenile and criminal justice, victim assistance, drug policy, and NCJRS services."
- What It Costs
This website "is an online leader in providing information on the costs associated with a wide variety of services and concepts. Whether you want to know the price range of practical activities -- such as removing a tree stump from your yard, having your teeth whitened or joining a gym – or are interested in our more unusual articles – such as the cost of climbing the Seven Summits, being cryogenically frozen or cleaning up a murder scene – you will find all this and more on our website."
- Symbols.com
This Website has information about 2,500 symbols.
- ILike2learn.com
This Website has several geography quizzes.
- The Book of Odds
This website "is the world’s first reference on the odds of everyday life."
- schmoop
This Website has study guides for significant novels, plays, and poems. You will also find information about major events in U.S. history.
- Mailbox Locator
On this Website when you type in a 5 digit ZIP code, you will see a link to a map showing the locations of blue USPS mailboxes in that ZIP code.
- Photos
- U.S. Geological Survey Photo Library
"This site is designed to provide free viewing and downloading of the entire USGS photographic collection."
- NYPL Digital Gallery
This Website "provides access to over 550,000 images digitized from primary sources and printed rarities in the collections of The New York Public Library."
- U.S. Government Graphics and Photos
Here you will find links to photo collections that cover a wide variety of topics. The Website notes that "most of these images and graphics are available for use in the public domain; they may be used and reproduced without permission or fee. However, some images may be protected by license."
Return To Top Music
- http://www.pbs.org/jazz/biography/
Jazz
This Website from PBS explores "jazz, America's greatest cultural achievement." The site includes short biographies of nearly 100 jazz artists.
- http://www.wwnorton.com/college/music/enj9/shorter/index.htm
The Enjoyment of Music
"Listen to a selection of more than 250 musical excerpts as you take the quizzes, review transitions between eras, or learn more about 80 composers"
- http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm
The #1 Song on This Date in History
This Website lists Billboard Magazine's #1 song for each date from the 1890's to the present.
- http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/index.jsp
Billboard.com
- http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/
The Classical Music Pages
According to the authors, "this web site provides you almost everything you need concerning classical music- its history, biographical information about composers (with portraits and short sound examples), explanations of the various musical forms and a dictionary of musical terminologies."
- http://www.rockhall.com/
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors the legendary performers, producers, songwriters, disc jockeys and others who have made rock and roll the force that it is in our culture."
- http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,1821196,00.html
50 Albums That Changed Music
Staff of the Guardian Unlimited in Great Britain selected the 50 albums that they feel "have had the greatest lasting influence on music."
- http://www.secondhandsongs.com/home/
Second Hand Songs
On this Website you can find out "who performed the original version of a particular song, or who covered that song." The database contains more than 22,000 original songs.
- http://www.soundjunction.org/default.aspa
SoundJunction
SoundJunction is the award-winning site for listening to, exploring, discovering and creating music."
- http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/
GRAMMY Awards
On this Website you will find a complete list of Grammy Award winners from 1958 - present.
- http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/
Essentials of Music
This Website has basic information about classical music. You will find information about eras, short biographies of nearly 70 composers, and a glossary of musical terms.
- http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/31248017/100_best_albums_of_the_decade/
100 Best Albums of the Decade
Rolling Stone selects the best albums of the 2000s.
- http://www.music.iastate.edu/antiqua/instrumt.html
A Guide to Medieval and Renaissance Instruments
This Website has a description and history of 32 musical instruments popular during medieval and renaissance times. You can also hear short selections of music played by those instruments.
- http://www2.cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
Choral Public Domain Library
This website "is an Internet-based free sheet music website which specializes in choral music." On the site you will "find scores, texts, translations, and information about composers."
Return To Top Philosophy
Return To Top Prose and Poetry
- Books - Electronic & Audio
- 20+ Places for Public Domain E-Books
- Baen Free Library
This publisher "is now making available — for free — a number of its titles in electronic format."
- MANYBOOKS.NET
This Website makes available at no charge, "thousands of eBooks formatted for reading on your Palm, PocketPC, Zaurus, Rocketbook, or Symbian cellphone."
- Literature Network
This Website has links to "over 1900 full books and over 3000 short stories and poems by over 250 authors. Our quotations database has over 8500 quotes."
- Rare Book Room
This Website "has been constructed as an educational site intended to allow the visitor to examine and read some of the great books of the world." The Website contains about 400 books that cover a wide variety of topics.
- Classic Short Stories
"This Web site is dedicated to the short story and to those interested in reading light prose. Fewer and fewer people these days read short stories. This is unfortunate--so few will ever experience the joy that reading such fine work can give. The goal of this site is to give a nice cross section of short stories in the hope that these short stories will excite these people into rediscovering this excellent source of entertainment."
- Telltale Weekly
This Website "s a provider of low cost, DRM-free audiobook downloads in MP3, Ogg Vorbis, and AAC formats."
- Lit2Go
This Website is "a free online collection of stories and poems in Mp3 (audiobook) format. You can: Download the files to your Mp3 player and listen on the go, listen to the Mp3 files on your computer, view the text on a webpage and read along as you listen, or print out the stories and poems to make your own book."
- Read Easily: Ebooks Online Library
On this Website you can select the font size, font color, and background color of the display. The catalog of books available on this Website is browsable by author,title, or subject.
- Literature
- Quidditch.com's Incomplete Guide to Lemony Snicket Allusions
Here you will find information about many of the people and places alluded to in the Lemony Snicket series.
- The Thain's Book: An Encyclopedia of Middle-Earth and Numenor
This Website is "an encyclopedia of the people, places, creatures, things, and events in The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and other writings by J.R.R. Tolkien."
- SparkNotes
On this Website you will find links to study guides for many novels. You will also find study guides on various topics in the areas of Math, Biology, History, & more.
- African American Women Writers of the 19th Century
This Website "is a digital collection of some 52 published works by 19th-century black women writers.
- The Zora Neale Hurston Plays
On this Website from the Library of Congress you can view scripts for ten plays written by Zora Neale Hurston.
- Treasures in Full: Shakespeare in Quarto
On this site you will find the British Library’s 93 copies of the 21 plays by Shakespeare printed in quarto before the theatres were closed in 1642.
- Shakespeare Searched
This Website "is a search engine designed to provide quick access to passages from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets."
- Knowing Poe
This Website from Maryland Publc Television "explores the literature, life, and times of Edgar Allan Poe... in Baltimore and beyond."
- Internet Shakespeare Editions
On this Website you will find " scholarly, fully annotated texts of Shakespeare's plays, multimedia explorations of the context of Shakespeare's life and works, and records of his plays in performance."
- The Official Website of Mark Twain
On this Website you will find a short biography, photos, a list of his published works, and several quotes.
- Poetry
- Modern Poetry: The Poetry Magic Home Page
This Web site is "a resource centre for the theory and craft of writing poetry."
- OEDILF: The Omnificent English Dictionary In Limerick Form
The limerick is perhaps the most amusing and entertaining form of poetry. Here you will find limericks on a variety of topics. Each limerick contains a word that starts with the letters aa through co, inclusive. (The goal of the project is "to write at least one limerick for each and every word in the English language...")
- Nursery Rhymes - Lyrics and Origins
This Website has the origins of many of our favorite nursery rhymes. Please note that some nursery rhymes originally alluded to subjects, such as torture and capital punishment, that are more suited for adults.
- American Verse Project
This website from the University of Michigan is "an electronic archive of volumes of American poetry. Most of the archive is made up of 19th century poetry, although a few 18th century and early 20th century texts are included."
- Off the Page: A Historical Collection of Live Poetry Recordings
"This site gives you access to rare poetry recordings from the last five decades of UK poetry performances."
- Illinois Poet Laureate
Kevin Stein, Illinois Poet Laureate notes: "This website's objective is simply to promote the art of poetry. Our special focus, however, is the rich bounty of work created by Illinois' poets, past and present. Several pages here highlight Illinois' poetic legacy and showcase the bevy of fine poets currently writing within the state."
- poets.org
"Visitors to Poets.org will find thousands of poems as well as hundreds of poet biographies, essays, interviews, and poetry recordings—with new material being added constantly. Also available are resources such as the National Poetry Map, a national events calendar, and poetry lesson plans for teachers."
- The Mother Goose Pages
This Website has the words to more than 250 Mother Goose nursery rhymes.
- Library of Congress Poetry Resources
"This site is a comprehensive guide to locating poetry resources available on the Library of Congress's Web site." These resources include links to poetry audio recordings and information on how to find a poem, and locate poetry criticism.
Return To Top Theatre
- Chicago and Suburbs
- Broadway in Chicago
This organization runs five theatres in Chicago: the Bank of America Theatre, the Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre, the Cadillac Palace Theatre the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and the Drury Lane Theatre - Water Tower Place.
- Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Private Lives will run here through March 7, and an abridged version of The Comedy of Errors will run here through March 7.
- Lyric Opera of Chicago
The Elixir of Love, The Damnation of Faust, and The Marriage of Figaro will be performed here during February.
- The Theatre School of DePaul University
A Raisin in the Sun will run here February 5-14.
- Drury Lane - Oakbrook
Funny Girl runs here on through March 7.
- The Goodman Theatre
Hughie and Krapp's Last Tape will run here through February 28.
- Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
My Fair Lady will be performed here through February 14. Fiddler on the Roof will run here February 17 - April 25.
- PerformLink
If you click on PerformLINKS , on the lower left side of screen, you will find an extensive list of links to Websites of Chicago area theatres.
- Kids
- Local
- Theatre History
- Broadway: The American Musical
This Website from PBS chronicles the evolution of the Broadway musical throughout the 20th century. You will find information about historic shows, and the people who made those shows so memorable.
- Internet Broadway Database
This "archive is the official database for Broadway theatre information. IBDB provides records of productions from the beginnings of New York theatre until today."
- Musicals101.com
This Web site has many interesting areas. The History of Musicals has separate histories of musicals produced for stage, screen and TV. Making
- Theatre Resources
Return To Top Writing Resources
- Dictionaries and Other Wordy Web Sites
- Banished Words List
Every year since 1976 a committee at Lake Superior State University in Michigan has released a "List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness."
- The Best of British: The American's Guide to Speaking British
If you think people who live in Chicago and London speak the same language, this glossary of British words may convince you otherwise.
- A Collection of Word Oddities and Trivia
For Scrabble players and others obsessed with words, or merely fascinated by them.
- Dictionary.com
Here you will find a dictionary for English and some foreign languages, information about English grammar, a daily crossword puzzle, and a crossword solver.
- A Handbook of Rhetorical Devices
This book contains definitions and examples of more than sixty traditional rhetorical devices, all of which can still be useful today to improve the effectiveness, clarity, and enjoyment of your writing. Note: This book was written in 1980, with some changes since.
- lexicool.com Directory of Bilingual and Multilingual Dictionaries
This Web site" has links to over 6000 dictionaries and glossaries, many of which have been created by translators working in very specialist fields."
- Merriam-Webster Online
This Website has a dictionary and a thesaurus.
- Onelook Dictionaries
Search dictionary web sites for words and phrases.
- onlineDictionary.com
Looking for the English equivalent of a foreign word? Here is a good place to search for that information. This Web site also contains links to dictionaries for several physical and social sciences such as medicine and law.
- The Phrase Finder
This Website has the origin and meaning of many common phrases, sayings, and idioms.
- The Word Spy
This Web site is devoted to lexpionage, the sleuthing of new words and phrases. These aren't stunt words" or "sniglets," but new terms that have appeared multiple times in newspapers, magazines, books, Web sites, and other recorded sources."
- Separated by a Common Language
This blog has "observations on British and American English by an American linguist in the UK."
- VISUWORDS online graphical dictionary
"Look up words to find their meanings and associations with other words and concepts. Produce diagrams reminiscent of a neural net. Learn how words associate."
- UsingEnglish.com
This Website "provides a large collection of English as a Second Language (ESL) tools & resources for students, teachers, learners and academics. Browse our grammar glossary and references of irregular verbs, phrasal verbs and idioms, ESL forums, articles, teacher handouts and printables, and find useful links and information on English."
- howjsay.com
This Website has spoken pronunciations for more than 123,000 words and phrases.
- Merriam-Webster Visual Dictionary Online
This Website has more than 6,000 images that illustrate English words. Written definitions are also provided. If you cannot find the word you are looking for when you enter it into the search box, you may be able to find it by clicking on one of the 15 themes that you believe contains words related to the one you are seeking.
- Language Timeline
This website from the British Library shows how the English language developed over the centuries.
- How to Write
- Guide to Grammar and Writing
This Website from Capital Community College in Hartford, CT, has information about writing organized on three levels; word & sentence, paragraph, and essay & research paper.
- How to Write the Perfect Love Letter
"Welcome to the complicated world of love! Take comfort in knowing that poets and statesmen have struggled with the same question--"How do I write the perfect love letter?" Here are some simple guidelines that can help."
- Paradigm Online Writing Assistant
Paradigm is intended to be useful for all writers, from inexperienced to advanced. To get the most from the website, take time to explore its components. Choose a topic that interests you, read the discussion, do an activity, move to another topic.
- FindHow - Writing and Speaking
This Website has links to other Websites with information on more than 160 topics related to writing and public speaking.
- Quotations
- Writing for a Pay Check
- 100 Useful WebTools for Writers
Here you will find links to Websites "that will help you with your career, your sanity, and your creativity, whenever you write."
- Writing Term Papers
- CiteULike
This Website lets you store online articles you are reading in a personal library. When you use the articles in a paper, the Website will automatically create citations. The Website also allows you to share the papers you are reading with others. Doing so may lead you to other papers which heretofore were unknown to you.
- Avoiding Plagiarism
This Website from Purdue University has information that will help you avoid plagiarism when writing term papers and other assignments.
- Assignment Planner
On this Website from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, you type in the start date and due date into the Assignment Planner, and it will calculate a timeline for the various steps involved in writing a term paper. It also has information on how to do each step in that process.
- Research 101
This Website from the University of Washington "is an interactive online tutorial for students wanting an introduction to research skills."
- Academic Plagiarism Defined
This Website gives examples of various forms of plagiarism, and shows how avoid them.
Return To Top
Breaking News
Business, Careers & Job Search, Investments
Business
- Business Ethics
- Business Ethics Guidelines and Resources
This Website "is maintained by George S. May International Company as a resource to help people find ethical guidelines when running a business."
- 2009 World's Most Ethical Companies
"Ethisphere Magazine recognizes and rewards ethical leadership and business practices worldwide"
- B Corporations
This website has information about "a new type of corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems."
- Communication Skills
- Presentation Skills
This Web site points out the differences between written reports and spoken presentations, and gives tips on how to make an effective oral presentation.
- Guides to Writing Business Letters
This Web site from Colorado State "provides advice regarding a range of issues related to conceptualizing and composing specific types of business letters. You will also find step-by-step instruction and examples."
- Company Directories/Profiles
- Hoover's Online
Provides basic company directory, officer, sales, and product information.
- ThomasNet
Searches products/services, brands, and company names in the United States and Canada. Requires registration, but membership is free.
- Company Rankings
- Dictionaries
- General
- Patents
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Database
Includes both the U.S. Patent Bibliographic Database and the AIDS Patent Database. The U.S. Patent Bibliographic Database includes front page information from U.S. patents issued from January 1, 1976 through today.
- Small Business
- Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce
The mission of this organization is "to advance the interests of business, professional and service organizations in the Joliet Region, acting as their voice in governmental and social affairs, communicating and servicing their needs, and thereby enhancing the business environment and the local quality of life."
- BUSINESS.gov
Here you will find "a one-stop, common access point for Federal Government services and information needed to assist with starting, running, and growing a business."
- Inc.com
Information on starting and running a small business.
- My Own Biz
Would you like to own your own business and wonder how to get started? This site [from the Brooklyn. NY Public Library] is filled with information about the steps to take to make it happen
- SCORE
SCORE 'Counselors to America's Small Business' is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing entrepreneurs with free, confidential face-to-face and email business counseling.
- Small Business Administration
- Wall Street Journal - Small Business
This Website offers news and information for small business owners. There are also listings of businesses and franchises for sale.
- Women's Business Development Center
Services of this organization "include workshops and one-on-one counseling on all aspects of business development, including marketing, finance, business management, technology integration, and more."
- Business Owners' Idea Cafe
This Website "serves up 'A FUN Approach to Serious Business'(sm) with hearty advice on how to start, finance and run a small business. CyberSchmooz(sm) Forums give virtual peer feedback on business ideas and questions. Free advice from experts, plus stress-busting fun diversions."
- globalEDGE
If you are interested in exporting, this Website from Michigan State University will connect you to "a wealth of information, insights, and learning resources on global business activities."
- Small Business Administration - Free Online Courses
"In general, the courses are all self-paced and should take about 30 minutes to complete. Most of the courses require a brief online registration."
- Business Plans
- Business Plans and Profiles Index
"This index lists types of small businesses and a corresponding sample business plan, profile or book about the business with sources provided after each entry. Entries that refer to actual sample plans are in bold print. If the plan or profile is online, a link is provided."
- Computer-Related
- Human Resources
- Illinois Wage Data 2009
This website from the Illinois Department of Employment Security has information on the "entry, median, and experienced level wages for about 800 occupations in Illinois"
- How to Conduct a Job Interview
"Got a key position to fill? Hiring good employees is the foundation of any successful business. But selecting the right ones is hard work, and the interview process is often the most important step in the process. Here's how to figure out if the candidate sitting across from you is likely to become your next Employee of the Month."
- When Employees Leave, Make Sure They're Gone
This website has information on steps businesses can take to prevent employees who are leaving from breaching network and data security.
- E-Verify
This website " is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. E-Verify is free and voluntary and is the best means available for determining employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security Numbers."
- Loans and Grants
- Small Business Loans & Grants
On this website you will find information about "programs to help small businesses start and grow their operations. These programs include low-interest loans, venture capital, and scientific and economic development grants."
- Financial Assistance
This website from the Small Business Administration has information about financial assistance for small businesses available through that agency.
- GovLoans.gov - Business Loans
On this website you will find information about "11 Business loan(s). You can get specific information, compare options, or take a short questionnaire to determine your eligibility for each program."
- Taxes
- Work Life
- Ask Annie
This Website from CNN Money answers questions concerning workplace issues, and also those related to searching for a new job or career.
- Workplace Fairness: It's Everyone's Job
"This website provides information about job rights and employment issues around the country and in all 50 states."
- kickbully.com
This website has information on how to identify a workplace bully, and what you can do to fight back.
Return To Top Careers & Job Search
- Available Jobs
- JobSearchUSA
- simply hired
- snagajob.com
This website has information about available hourly and part-time jobs.
- indeed
This is another job search website.
- craigslist
This website has classified ads, including ads for available jobs.
- careerbuilder.com
- CoolWorks.com
This Website has listings of available seasonal jobs in resorts, theme parks, tour companies, etc.
- CareersInGovernment.com
This Website "is a clearinghouse of information, resources and jobs available in public sector organizations in America and abroad."
- Careerjet
This Website "is a job search engine designed to make the process of finding a job on the internet easier for the user. It maps the huge selection of job offerings available on the internet in one extensive database by referencing job listings originating from company websites, recruitment agency websites and large specialist recruitment sites."
- monster
- USAJOBS
This is "the official job site of the United States Federal Government."
- Illinois Skills Match
The first place Illinois-area employers come to find qualified job seekers and where job seekers come to find jobs. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ISM automatically selects and matches the best qualified job seekers with the most suitable employers.
- Careers
- Life Works
On this Website from the National Institutes of Health, you will find information about over 100 health and medical science careers.
- Engineer Your Life
A Guide to Engineering for High School Girls
This website has information on what engineers do, and what you can do during high school to start preparing yourself for a career as an engineer.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook
This Web site from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations."
- IDES One Source: Your Gateway to Workforce and Career Information
On this site you can find information about various careers.
- Career Voyages
This web site is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to provide information on high-growth, high-demand occupations along with the skills and education needed to attain those jobs.
- Best Careers - Degree Not Required
This Website lists occupations that " combine decent salary, a good job growth rate, and a relatively low requirement for a four year college degree."
- You're Hired! The 10 Hottest Job Opportunities in Infrastructure
This Website describes ten careers that will be in high demand as the nation creates new infrastructure, and what you need to do to pursue one of those careers.
- Best Jobs in America 2009
This website from CNN Money ranks careers in regards to high pay, job growth, and quality of life.
- Job Search Advice
- Other Useful Websites
- Job Search Log
This website will allow you to keep a record of jobs you are interested in and keep track of jobs you apply for.
- job-hunt.org
The purpose of this website " is to provide the most comprehensive listing of useful Internet-accessible job-search resources and services on the Web, in a format which is most useful to job seekers."
- About.com - Job Search Tools, Gadgets, and Widgets
This website describes online tools you can download to your computer that will help expedite your job search.
- Resumes
- Sites with Multiple Ways to Help You
- Wage and Salary Information
- Illinois Wage Data 2009
This Website from the Illinois Department of Employment Security has information on the "entry, median, and experienced level wages for about 800 occupations in Illinois"
- Salary Wizard
This Website shows the salary range for a job title in a given geographic area. For a fee, the Website will calculate a more refined estimate based on your education and experience.
Return To Top Investments
- Bonds
- Investing In Bonds
This Website, sponsored by the Bond Market Association, explains how bonds work and how to buy and sell them.
- Bonds Online
- Convert Your Paper Savings Bonds Using SmartExchange
"SmartExchange allows TreasuryDirect account owners to convert their Series E, EE and I Bonds to electronic securities in a special Conversion Linked Account within their online account. With a TreasuryDirect account, you enjoy all the benefits of having online 24-hour access to manage your holdings, without having to keep track of paper securities."
- Charting and Portfolio Tracking
- BigCharts
Access one, five, and ten year stock charts and historical stock quotes.
- Futures & Options
- OptionsEducation.org
This Website, sponsored by the Options Industry Council, explains how options work, and how to invest in them.
- CME Group
CME Group is the corporation formed by the merger of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade, and the New York Mercantile Exchange.
- Chicago Board Options Exchange
- General
- Mutual Funds
- Invest Wisely: An Introduction to Mutual Funds
This Website from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission "explains the basics of mutual fund investing — how mutual funds work, what factors to consider before investing, and how to avoid common pitfalls."
- Understanding Mutual Funds
This Website from the Investment Company Institute "is intended to explain mutual funds and the basic principles of investing."
- Morningstar
Access Morningstar's massive database to compare funds' performances, holdings, and returns.
- Fund Alarm
The site maintains a list of "3-Alarm" funds that have underperformed for the past twelve months, three years, and five years.
- Stock Quotes, Financial News, and Other Information Useful to Investors
- Bloomberg.com
- Reuters Investor
- FreeLunch.com
This Website has links to a variety of U.S. economic statistics. The Website requires registration (free) in order to be able to view the data.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Glossary of Finiancial and Business Terms
This Website compiled by Campbell R. Harvey of Duke University, has over 2,500 entries.
- Marketwatch - From Dow Jones
- DailyStocks
This is a good Website for people who want or need detailed stock market statistics. New Highs, New Lows, Volume Leaders, and Momentum are just a few examples of the charts, updated throughout the trading day, that are available on this Website.
- Motley Fool
This Web site provides company news, market commentary, quotes and charts, model portfolios, stock screens, message boards, investing tools, discount broker info, personal finance, archives, a bookstore and an education center.
- MSN Money
- Yahoo! Finance
This site includes Reuters business and financial news, market updates, quotes and charts, portfolio tracking, company research, mutual fund information, stock screens and much more.
- CNN Money
- FT.com - The Financial Times of London
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
- Doing Business: Benchmarking Business Regulations
This Website "provides objective measures of business regulations and their enforcement across 178 countries and selected cities at the subnational and regional level."
- Investors.com
This is the online edition of Investor's Business Daily
- Research Recap
This Website "is designed to showcase compelling industry, economic, academic, market, investment and credit research."
- CNBC
Return To Top
Computers and the Internet
Computers and Electronic Technology
- Apps
- Top 100 Mac Apps
- Yahoo Widgets
"Your favorite info, delivered live to your desktop. Weather. Games. Cams. Time Savers. Choose from over 4,000 Widgets!"
- Award Winning & Other Outstanding Websites
- 13th Annual Webby Award Nominees & Winners
Here you will find links to some of the best websites, as judged by members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and the online community.
- SEOmoz.org's Web 2.0 Awards 2008
This website has links to 174 innovative Websites spread among 41 different categories.
- Top 60 Little-Known Technology Web Sites
This website from Information Week.com is a "guide to great blogs and Web sites worth adding to your bookmarks. The selection ranges from obvious picks like Technabob and Search Engine Watch to more obscure destinations such as Location One, istartedsomething, and GottaBeMobile."
- Blogs
- Bloggers' Code of Ethics
The authors of this Website state that "responsible bloggers should recognize that they are publishing words publicly, and therefore have certain ethical obligations to their readers, the people they write about, and society in general." On this Website you will find a model Bloggers' Code of Ethics. The authors note that "these are just guidelines -- in the end it is up to individual bloggers to choose their own best practices."
- Blogossary
A dictionary of blog-related words and phrases
- How to Blog Safely (About Work or Anything Else)
When you blog, anyone with an Internet-connected computer can read your postings. This Website shows you ways to blog anonymously.
- Draft Blogger's Code of Conduct
- PC World - 100 Blogs We Love
"How big is the blogosphere? In April the blog search engine Technorati reported that it was tracking 70 million blogs, with 120,000 new ones arriving every day. In such a huge universe, the signal-to-noise ratio is bound to be daunting, but we'll share with you the ones we've found worthy."
- Our Favorite 100 Blogs
From PC Magazine
- Buying a Computer or Computer-Related Hardware
- Scanner Guide
This Web site has information about buying and using a computer scanner.
- CNET Editors' Desktop Buying Guide
This Website "clues you in to what you need to know, from
finding the type of PC that fits your lifestyle to catching up on all of the latest trends."
- Dictionaries
- Digital Photography & Photo Sharing Websites
- Kodak Gallery
This Website "provides consumers with a secure and easy way to view, store and share their photos with friends and family and get real Kodak prints of their pictures."
- Picasa
"Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you: Locate and organize all the photos on your computer, edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks, and share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web."
- Basic Digital Photography.com
According to its author, the aim of this Website is "to provide you with quality information on digital cameras and photography - minus the technical jargon."
- Shutterfly
This Website has "a full range of products and services that make it easy, convenient and fun for consumers to upload, edit, enhance, organize, find, share, create, print and preserve their digital photos in a creative and thoughtful manner."
- flickr
The authors of this Website state that they have two main goals: "to help people make their photos available to the people who matter to them", and "to enable new ways of organizing photos."
- PBase
The authors of this website state that they want this website to be "the best place on the web to display photos."
- SnapGalaxy.com
This Website "is a consumer digital imaging web site that provides users a way to store, share and print digital photos."
- Do It Yourself
- Digital Home DIY
Step-by-step guides that make home tech projects easy.
- How to Build Your Own Computer
If you've ever wanted to build your own computer, this Website will show you how.
- J-Learning
This website "is designed to help individuals, civic groups and school groups jumpstart their own community media projects. Here, you'll find extensive, detailed training in Web site creation, HTML, page design and use of photos, audio, video, surveys and databases."
- Health and Safety
- Computer Workstation Ergonomics
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has information about how you can avoid injuries when using your computer.
- History
- Obsolete Technology
This Website has photos and information about early personal computers produced between 1973 and 1989.
- A Little History of the World Wide Web
This Website from the World Wide Web Consortium has a short history of the Web that covers the years 1945 - 1995.
- The Internet
This Website from the Broward County Library in Florida "lists people and events that are part of the Internet story. It is a partial listing because the history of pre-Internet and the Internet is huge, absolutely huge. This list is just a peak into that hugeness."
- How It Works
- How Internet Cookies Work
This website explains why cookies can be helpful, and has information about the privacy issues that arise due to their use.
- How MySpace Works
This website not only explains how MySpace works, it offers possible explanations for its popularity.
- Information on Various Computer and Electronic Technology-Related Topics
- Smart Computing Daily Tip Archive
This website is searchable.
- Your Guide to Podcasts
This Website explains what podcasts are, how to find them, and how you can create your own podcasts.
- Pew Internet & American Life Project
This Website has reports on a variety of technology-related topics.
- Windows - Alt Key Numeric Codes
This Website from Pen State University has tables with the codes for typing those pesky accent marks in foreign words, and other useful symbols.
- Vintage Tech Recyclers
This company, located in Plainfield, recycles computer equipment, fax machines, photocopiers, and cell phones.
- TechCrunch
This Website "is a weblog dedicated to obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies." They also "profile existing companies that are making an impact (commercial and/or cultural) on the new web space."
- Video Toolbox: 150+ Online Video Tools and Resources
"Online video is a huge trend - so huge that’s it’s proving hard to keep track. From video sharing sites to video mixers, mashups and converters, we’ve brought together more than 150 of our [Mashable's] favorite sites in this category.
- W3C Semantic Web Activity
This Website has information about efforts to develop the Semantic Web. The authors of the Website note that: "The Semantic Web is about two things. It is about common formats for integration and combination of data drawn from diverse sources, where on the original Web mainly concentrated on the interchange of documents. It is also about language for recording how the data relates to real world objects. That allows a person, or a machine, to start off in one database, and then move through an unending set of databases which are connected not by wires but by being about the same thing."
- ColorBlender
If you are creating a website, one of challenges can be figuring out the color scheme. Color Blenders lets you create and save custom colors, and shows you variations of those colors.
- Legal Issues
- Podcasting Legal Guide
The aim of this Website "is to provide you with a general roadmap of some of the legal issues specific to podcasting."
- Citizen Media Law Project
This Website has two major components; a Legal Guide, "intended for use by citizen media creators with or without formal legal training," and a Legal Threats Database, containing "lawsuits, cease & desist letters, subpoenas, and other legal threats directed at those who engage in online speech."
- EFF: Legal Guide for Bloggers
The goal of this Website is "is to give you a basic roadmap to the legal issues you may confront as a blogger, to let you know you have rights, and to encourage you to blog freely with the knowledge that your legitimate speech is protected."
- Security
- Spam
- The Internet - Tips for Parents
- Tutorials
- New User Tutorial
This tutorial from the Northville Public Library in Michigan is designed for those who have no experience with a computer.
- the learn list
This Website has links to tutorials for Flash, Photoshop, Fireworks, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Actionscript, PHP, CSS, and XML.
- Computer & Technology Training
This Website offers tutorials on Computer Basics, E-mail, the Internet, Microsoft Office programs and more. Registration (free) is required to access the material.
- In Pictures - Computer Tutorials Based on Pictures
This Website has visual tutorials for Microsoft Office programs, and several programs used in designing Websites.
- HOW TO GUIDE: 60+ Great How To Sites and Resources
This website has links to "how-to sites and guides covering everything from building a mashup to being more productive, creating a website and more." The site includes links to several technology-related tutorials.
- USB
- VoIP
- Voice Over Internet Protocol
On this Website from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, you will find information about "a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line."
Return To Top Search Engines and Directories
- Directories
- Illinois CLICKS!
Illinois CLICKS! is an information website with quality internet resources, reviewed and selected by Illinois librarians, well-organized for easy access by all Illinois citizens.
- Librarians' Index to the Internet
- eThemes
This website "is your source for content-rich, kid-safe online resources that will help enhance your teaching and save you time. eThemes provides free, fast access to over 2,500 collections of websites, on topics ranging from Aerodynamics to Zebras and everything in between!"
- Search Engine Guides
- Search Engines
- Google
- Google (en espańol)
- Bing
This is Microsoft's search engine.
- Yahoo
- Yahoo - Creative Commons Search
This Yahoo! Search service finds content across the Web that has a Creative Commons license. While most stuff you find on the web has a full copyright, this search helps you find content published by authors that want you to share or reuse it, under certain conditions. Please note: If you wish to have your searches filtered, you will need to click on Advanced Search, then click on Filter out adult Web search results under the Safe Search Filter heading.
- The Top 100 Alternative Search Engines
This Website has a list of 100 search engines that the authors believe are worth looking at, if you do not want to search the more popular seardch engines such as Google and Yahoo.
- factbites
Factbites is a new search engine that displays text from every page that appears in the result list.
- whonu?
On the homepage of this Website you will find links to major Web search engines, image search engines, & much more. This Website could be a real time saver, as you can search multiple resources from one place, yet you only need type your search terms once.
- Soople
This Website presents another way to search the various components of Google.
- Search Engines- Metasearch Engines
- Searching Tips
Return To Top
Education
Apprenticeships
Return To Top College Guides
- http://seventeen.princetonreview.com/com.aspx?uidbadge=%07
Counselor-O-Matic
This Web site is "an advanced search engine that combines your academic and extracurricular history (screens 1-3) with your preferences (screens 4-8) to help you find the right college."
- http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
College Navigator
This Website helps you find out about a specific college or set of colleges, if you have some in mind. You can also search for colleges in a specific geographic area.
- http://www.petersons.com
Peterson's
Search for a college programs and schools of interest. With free membership to Petersons CollegeQuest, users can apply for admission online.
- http://www.hbcumentor.org/
HBCUMentor
This Website is a guide to Historically Black colleges and universities.
- http://www.campustours.com/
Campus Tours
On this Website you will find detailed information about a large number of colleges and universities; the number of students, tuition, degrees offered, admission requirements, and more. You can also view videos of many of the schools.
Return To Top Early Learning
- http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/readykindergarten.htm
Illinois Early Learning Project - Getting Ready for Kindergarten
"Is kindergarten right around the corner? Here are some things to think about as the school year approaches."
- http://www.ed.gov/parents/earlychild/ready/preschool/index.html
Helping Your Preschool Child
This Website from the U.S. Department of Education has activities that are "are designed to be fun for both you and your child as well as to help your child gain the skills needed to get ready for school."
Return To Top Educational Associations/Agencies
Return To Top Employment
- http://www.uky.edu/Education/TEP/usacert.html
Certification Requirements for 50 States
This Website from the University of Kentucky as links to information on what is required for teacher certification in each of the fifty states, and links to information about open teaching positions in most of the states.
- http://www.illinoiseducationjobbank.org/pages/
Illinois Education Job Bank
This site, sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Association of School Administrators is designed to be used "by teachers, school service personnel, administrators, and other non-certified personnel seeking employment in Illinois."
Return To Top Exams & Preparation
- http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/asvababcs.htm
ASVAB ABCs
On this Website you will find information about the tests used by the U.S. Armed Forces to determine "(1) whether or not one qualifies for military service, and (2) if so, what jobs they qualify for."
- http://www.act.org/
ACT
- http://www.gre.org
GRE - Graduate Record Examinations
- http://www.kaplan.com
Kaplan
- http://www.princetonreview.com
The Princeton Review
- http://www.collegeboard.org
collegeboard.com
Official site for PSAT/NMSQT and SAT registration, test dates, and test-prep assistance.
Return To Top Financial Aid
- http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
FAFSA
On this Web site you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online.
- http://www.collegeillinois.com
College Illinois
Details about the Illinois prepaid tuition program.
- http://www.collegezone.com
College Zone
Includes information on financial aid sources, Illinois aid programs, a college cost & savings calculator, and a state and federal aid estimator.
- http://www.fastweb.com/
FastWeb
Provides a scholarship search of over 180,000 scholarships, fellowships, loans, and grants, available to students for free.
- http://www.finaid.org
FinAid
A guide for students and parents on securing different types of financial aid resources. Offers detailed explanations, financial aid forms, calculators, and an "Ask An Aid Advisor" service that answers financial aid questions.
- http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com
Guaranteed Scholarships
This Website lists scholarships that are "require no interview, essay, portfolio, audition, competition or other "secondary" requirement. Just meet the criteria listed, adhere to the application deadlines set by the individual colleges and universities, gain admission, enroll, and receive your scholarship or scholarships."
- http://www.findtuition.com/
FindTuition.com
On this website you can search for sources of scholarships and student loans. You will also find information about online colleges.
- https://www.brightstartsavings.com/
Bright Start College Savings Program
This Website has information about "a tax-advantaged Section 529 Plan that helps parents, grandparents, relatives and friends nationwide save for a loved one's college education."
- http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/
FAFSA4caster
"By using FAFSA4caster, you and your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid."
Return To Top GED
- http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ged/index.htm
GED Testing Service
This site offers articles on what to expect, what your scores mean, and some sample questions.
- http://www.will.k12.il.us/GED.html
GED - Will County Regional Office of Education
This Website has answers to frequently asked questions about the GED.
- http://www.southwestern.cc.il.us/adultbasiced/constitution/
Constitution Study Guide
"This website [from Southwestern Illinois College] is written for adult GED students in Illinois, who will be required to take a Constitution test prepared by the State of Illinois. This website presents information about the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, and the U.S. flag. The GED Constitution test includes questions about all of these documents."
Return To Top Government Websites - Information for Students
- http://www.students.gov/STUGOVWebApp/Public
students.gov
This Website is "designed for college students and their families. Our mission is to provide you with easy access to information and resources from the U.S. government – all the info you need, in one place, from all parts of the government."
Return To Top Law
- http://www.firstamendmentschools.org
First Amendment Schools
This Website has answers to many First Amendment-related questions faced by students, teachers, school administrators and school boards.
Return To Top Local Colleges & Universities
Return To Top Other Websites of Interest to Teachers
- http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/21/100-helpful-websites-for-new-teachers/
100 Helpful Websites for New Teachers
This website has links to other websites "loaded with helpful information that new teachers will appreciate."
- http://www.nthf.org/
The National Teachers Hall of Fame
"The National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF), located in Emporia, Kansas, was founded in 1989... as a tribute to our nation's most important profession - - teaching. The Hall of Fame is committed to drawing the public's attention to exceptional PreK-12 teachers through a museum, teacher resource center, and recognition program which honors five of the nation's most outstanding PreK-12 educators each year."
Return To Top Professional Literature & Educator Resources
- http://www.actionbioscience.org
ActionBioscience.org
This Website is an online magazine. Articles selected for this Website are those that will, among other aims, "promote an understanding of biogeography and the biodiversity of life", and "engage the public to reflect on the relationship between human activity and the natural course of evolution". Links to resources for educators are included with many of the articles.
- http://www.eric.ed.gov
ERIC
"The ERIC online system provides the public with a centralized ERIC Web site for searching the ERIC bibliographic database of more than 1.1 million citations going back to 1966. More than 107,000 full-text non-journal documents (issued 1993-2004), previously available through fee-based services only, are now available for free."
- http://www.eduref.org
Educators Reference Desk
On this Website "you can access Ask ERICs 2,000+ lesson plans, 3,000+ links to online education information, and 200+ question archive responses." You will also find a search interface to the ERIC Database.
- http://www.thegateway.org
The Gateway to 21st Century Skills
The aim of this Website is "to provide quality materials and tools found on federal, state, university, non-profit, and commercial Internet sites."
- http://nsdl.org/
National Science Digital Library
"NSDL is a digital library of exemplary resource collections and services, organized in support of science education at all levels."
- http://pals.sri.com/
PALS
"PALS is an on-line, standards-based, continually updated resource bank of science performance assessment tasks indexed via the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and various other standards frameworks."
- http://www.pbs.org/teachers/
PBS Teachers
This Website has links over 3,000 free lesson plans and activities.
- http://www.ets.org/testcoll/index.html
TestLink
On the Website you will find "an extensive library of 25,000 tests and other measurement devices from the early 1900s to the present."
- http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/twhp/index.htm
Teaching with Historic Places
This website "uses properties listed in the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places to enliven history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects. TwHP has created a variety of products and activities that help teachers bring historic places into the classroom."
- http://www.emints.org/ethemes/
eThemes
This website "is your source for content-rich, kid-safe online resources that will help enhance your teaching and save you time. eThemes provides free, fast access to over 2,500 collections of websites, on topics ranging from Aerodynamics to Zebras and everything in between!"
- http://historyexplorer.americanhistory.si.edu/
Smithsonian's History Explorer
This website is "your gateway to innovative, standards-based online resources for teaching and learning American history, designed and developed by the National Museum of American History as part of Verizon's thinkfinity.org consortium."
- http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/resource_library/heritage_resources.html
Smithsonian Education - Heritage Teaching Resources
This Website notes that: "In keeping with the spirit of Heritage Months, we offer these thematically arranged teaching resources from across the Smithsonian. The resources have been selected for their relevance to classroom curriculum and national education standards."
- http://www.econedlink.org/
EconEdLink
"A premier source of classroom tested, Internet-based economic and personal finance lesson materials for K-12 teachers and their students"
- http://www.bioedonline.org/
BioEd Online
This Website "utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you instant access to reliable, cutting-edge information and educational tools for biology and related subjects. Our goal is to provide useful, accurate, and current information and materials that build upon and enhance the skills and knowledge of science educators."
Return To Top School Accountability
- http://iirc.niu.edu/
Interactive Illinois Report Card
This "website presents test results for all public schools and districts in Illinois for the years 1999-2007 in easy-to-understand graphs and tables."
- http://www.schoolmatters.com/
School Matters
This Website is "a place for parents, educators and leaders to research information about public schools." You can see data broken down by state, school district, or indvidual school.
- http://www.greatschools.net/
greatschools
This Website "helps parents choose the best school by providing comprehensive profiles for more than 120,000 schools nationwide. Other parent-friendly features include exclusive ratings, parent reviews, powerful search and compare tools, and helpful advice."
- http://www.uschamber.com/icw/reportcard/default
Leaders and Laggards: A State-by-State Report Card on Educational Effectiveness
From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Return To Top School Districts and High Schools
Return To Top School Uniforms and Dress Codes
- http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/ga/361
Do Uniforms Make Schools Better?
This Website examines the pros and cons of school uniforms and dress codes.
Return To Top Single Sex Public Education
Return To Top
Food and Living
Bicycles
- http://bicycletutor.com/
Bicycle Tutor.com
This Website has short videos that show how to adjust or repair various parts of a bicycle.
Return To Top Cars and Trucks
- Alternative Fuels
- Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center
This Website from the U.S. Department of Energy has information on current developments regarding several alternative fuels.
- Drive Green
This Website from Popular Mechanics magazine has articles that highlight the efforts of auto makers and others to produce cars that get more miles to the gallon or use alternative fuels.
- Securing a Clean Energy Future
This Website from the National Governor's Association "provides a brief overview of the economic and environmental
implications of an oil-dependent transportation sector. In
addition, it reviews alternative fuels and vehicle technologies in use
today, describes innovations coming in the future, and explains their
associated benefits and limitations. It also touches on approaches to
addressing vehicle fuel use ... and looks at state policy tools to encourage greener
transportation, such as financial incentives, rules and mandates, purchasing
power, and research and demonstration. Finally, the guide
provides an overview of the core barriers to wider consumption of alternative
fuels and vehicles."
- Buying and Selling
- Fuel Economy
- Fuel Prices
- Daily Fuel Gauge Report
This Website from AAA gives average fuel prices for metropolitan areas throughout the country.
- GasBuddy.com
This Website states that it "has the most comprehensive listings of gas prices anywhere by far."
- Hybrids
- Hybridcenter.org
This Website is divided into two main parts. On the Hybrid Consumer Center, "you will find a number of key resources to find out how hybrid vehicles might fit into your lifestyle, detailed comparisons of hybrid technologies, reviews, and comments from current hybrid owners from around the nation." The Hybrid Tech Center, "delves into the details of hybrid vehicles so anyone can understand and appreciate advantages of hybrids, and can differentiate a 'full hybrid' from a 'hollow hybrid.'"
- Other Useful Websites
- Car of the Future
This website from the Public Broadcasting System examines some of the issues affecting the ability of manufacturers to produce cars and trucks that consume less fuel and emit less pollutants.
- Environmental Protection Agency - Cars and Light Trucks
This website "provides information about controlling emissions from passenger cars and light trucks. This includes consumer information, vehicle standards and regulations, certification and compliance, fuel economy, and test data."
- Cars Blog
This website from Consumer Reports magazine has news articles on a variety of car-related topics.
- Repairing
- AutoZone
On this Website you will find links to online repair manuals for many cars and trucks. In order to access the repair manuals you will need to register with the site.
- The Old Car Manual Project
Here you will find service manuals, owner's manuals and brochures for some older cars and trucks. There is also a photo gallery.
- EconoFix.com
This Website has articles that tell "how car systems work, fail, and gives approximate repair costs."
- Choosing the Right Repair Shop for Your Vehicle
This Website has tips that "should take much of the guesswork out of finding a good repair establishment."
- Safety
- Illinois Rules of the Road
This Website "gives drivers information on obtaining a driver’s license, driver’s license laws, traffic safety issues and general information regarding Illinois traffic laws and ordinances."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Here you will find information about recalls, crash tests, and more.
- SaferCar.gov
On this Website you will find information on crash tests results, tire and airbag safety, and rollover prevention. You can also search for information about car recalls.
- Safe Road Maps
This Website allows "users to enter their address and see a map or satellite image of all the road fatalities that have occurred in their area. Users can narrow down their search to determine the age of the driver, whether speeding or drinking was a factor and if the driver was wearing a seatbelt."
- How to Deal with Unintended Acceleration
This website from Car and Driver Magazine has information on what you can do if you find that your accelerator is stuck in an open position.
Return To Top Crafts and Hobbies
- Bird Watching
- All About Birds
On this Website from Cornell University, you will find information about birds found in the North America. There is also information on how to identify birds, and how to attract them to your property.
- The Fermilab Bird List
On this Website you will find a list of bird species observed at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia since 1987. The list also indicates the time of year that each species was seen.
- Christmas Bird Count
"The Christmas Bird Count is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society. It is an early-winter bird census, where volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day." "As long as you live within a designated CBC circle, you are welcome to count the birds at your feeder. All you’ll need to do is contact your local Compiler so that you may report your results on the Count Day. Please do so before the CBC period, which is 14 December through 5 January every season, by selecting "Get Involved" from the CBC home page at www.audubon.org/bird/cbc."
- Chess
- United States Chess Federation
On this Website you will find the latest chess news. You can also learn to play chess, search for a chess club near you, and search for upcoming tournaments.
- CHESS TOOLBOX: 30+ Online Chess Resources
This website from Mashable.com notes that: "One of the best ways to kill time when you’ve got nothing else to do online is still a game of good old chess. The choice, however, between the dozens of available live games and other resources is not an easy one. We’ve assembled a list of 30 chess-related resources for easy reference."
- Coin and Banknote Collecting
- World Paper Money
This Website has images of over 10,000 banknotes from around the world.
- The National Numismatic Collection
When you click on the View Collection Online link near the bottom of the page, you will see images of some of the coins, currency and medals housed in the National Museum of American History.
- Presidential $1 Coin Program
This Website from the U.S. Mint has information about new $1 coins, to be produced starting in 2007, that will honor each deceased U.S. President.
- Knitting, Crocheting, and Cross Stitch
- More Craft & Hobby Websites
- Styrofoam Crafts
This Website from Dow Chemical (the makers of Styrofoam) has instructions for a wide variety of projects that use this material.
- Calligraphy - Beautiful Writing
On this Website you can "learn the art of Calligraphy. How to letter alphabets such as blackletter, italic, round hand and uncial."
- Ballroom Dancers.com
Here you will find information on how to perform various ballroom dances. You will also find a directory of ballroom dance teachers and studios, and links to other dance Websites.
- Woodcarving Illustrated
This site is your online resource for everything from tips and techniques, to events throughout the carving community, to the world's largest selection of woodcarving books.
- ToyNfo.com
This Website has a brief history and pricing information for a wide variety of vintage toys.
- Womenfolk: The Art of Quilting Yesterday and Today
This Website has information about the history of quilts, and articles of interest to present-day quilters.
- How to Sell at Craft Shows and Fairs
This Website has tips that can help you turn an artistic hobby into a profitable business.
- Craftster
This Website has information on projects that cover a wide variety of crafts. The authors of this Website note that: "People who have crafty urges, but who are not excited by cross stitched bunnies and crocheted toilet paper cozies, can show off their current craft projects, ask advice on future projects and get inspiration for new endeavors."
- Paper Snowflakes
This Website has instructions for making paper snowflakes.
- Origami
- Oriland
This Website has directions for more than 80 origami models. You will also find images of more than 500 models created by the authors of the site.
- Origami
This Website has directions for folding more than 300 origami models.
- Painting
- Watercolor Painting.com
This Website has instructions on how to paint watercolors, and links to the galleries of several watercolor artists.
- Watercolors
"You'll find here information on all aspects of watercolor painting: papers, brushes, paints, 'color theory,' painting techniques, art instructional books, and more."
- Paper Toys
- The Toymaker
On this Website you will find "free paper toys that you can make yourself. Just print them out, cut, glue and enjoy."
- 100 Exceptional Free Paper Models and Toys
Here you will find a selection of patterns for paper toys and instructions for building those toys.
- Photography
- Shutterfly
This Website has "a full range of products and services that make it easy, convenient and fun for
- Basic Digital Photography.com
According to its author, the aim of this Website is "to provide you with quality information on digital cameras and photography - minus the technical jargon."
- Kodak Easy Share Gallery
This Website "provides consumers with a secure and easy way to view, store and share their photos with friends and family and get real Kodak prints of their pictures."
- flickr
The authors of this Website state that they have two main goals: "to help people make their photos available to the people who matter to them", and "to enable new ways of organizing photos."
- PBase
The authors of this website state that they want this website to be "the best place on the web to display photos."
- SnapGalaxy
This Website "is a consumer digital imaging web site that provides users a way to store, share and print digital photos."
- Picasa
"Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you: Locate and organize all the photos on your computer, edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks, and share your photos with others through email, prints, and on the web."
- Puzzles & Games
- Jigsaw Puzzle Gallery
Here you will find online jigsaw puzzles. There are a wide variety of scenes to choose from. You can also choose the number of pieces; anywhere from 6 to 247.
- Web Sudoku
This Website says that is has over 6 quintillion of these puzzles, ranging in difficulty from easy to evil.
- GameDaily
"GameDaily deliveres video games and gaming information; including system reviews, cheats and walk throughs for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox, PC Games and other gaming systems."
- Free Online Games and Puzzles
This Website has "an incredible collection of brain games, thinking puzzles and other online recreations to keep you pleasantly entertained for many, many hours."
- Games for the Brain
"Play neverending quiz, memory & brain games to train your thinking."
- 95 Old School Games You Can Play Online
This Website has links to games that were popular in the early days of personal computers. Each game has a short review and a rating.
- How to Play Bingo
This Website has information on the history of bingo, the rules and etiquette of the game, and playing tips.
- Free Rice
This Website lets you test your knowledge of vocabulary and at the same time, help a worthy cause.
- Physics Games.net
Here you will find links to more than 100 physics-based online games.
- Knowledge Score
Here you will find 20 question quizzes on a variety of subjects. The quicker you enter correct answers, the higher your score.
- Railroading
- SteamLocomotive. dot Com
This Website has information on the location of surviving steam locomotives. You will also find information about the various types of steam locomotives.
- RailPictures.net
This Website has over 236,000 railroad photos.
- National Model Railroad Association
The largest organization devoted to the development, promotion, and enjoyment of the hobby of model railroading.
Return To Top Food and Living
- Appliances
- Appliance411.com
On this Web site you will find useful information on what to consider when buying an appliance, or having one serviced.
- Buying or Selling a Home
- Adjustable Rate Mortages
This Website from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board explains how adjustable rate mortgages work.
- The ABCs of Real Estate
On this Website you will find information on a wide variety of topics related to the buying or selling of a home.
- Housing Education Program
This Website from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco has information on the steps involved in buying a home, and information on what you should do if you fall behind on your mortgage payments.
- Redfin
This website gives detailed information about homes available for sale.
- hotpads.com
Type in a city or zip code, and you will see a map that shows available houses and apartments.
- Disasters
- Really Ready
This Website from the Federation of American Scientists aims to provide "comprehensive and correct emergency preparedness information for families, businesses, and individuals with disabilities."
- Are you Ready? A Citizen Guide to Preparedness
This Web site from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency "brings together facts on disaster survival techniques, disaster-specific information, and how to prepare for and respond to both natural and man-made disasters."
- Surviving Disasters: A Citizen's Emergency Handbook
This Website from the Illinois Department of Health has information on what to do when disaster strikes.
- FloodSmart.gov
This Website will give you an estimate of the flood risk for your home, and has tables that show typical prices for flood insurance.
- Earthquake Preparedness
This Website from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has links to information about earthquakes in Illinois, and what you should do to prepare for an earthquake.
- Home Inventory Guide
This Website from the California Department of Insurance notes that: "Listing all your possessions in the event of fire, an earthquake, or burglary can be difficult. The emotions experienced after a loss may present a big challenge when you try to remember all of your personal possessions. Thus it is important to take inventory of your personal property before you have a loss."
- Replace Your Vital Documents
This Website from the U.S. Government has information on how to replace vital documents lost or destroyed in a disaster.
- Divorce
- Divorce360
This Website "provides help, advice and community
for people contemplating, going through or recovering from divorce and
the issues around it - custody, child support, alimony and litigation."
- Home Maintenance and Improvement
- General
- The Family Handyman
This website From Reader's Digest has articles on a variety of home maintenance and improvement projects.
- Hometime
Step by step info on home improvement projects, show highlights and schedules, even shop online for plans.
- Mr. Fix-It.com
This website has advice on how to handle common household maintenance problems.
- This Old House
This Website has numerous articles with information on how to maintain and improve your home.
- Lowes Video & Project Center
This website has how-to videos for home maintenance and home improvement projects.
- Ace - Projects and Solutions
his Website from Ace Hardware has information about projects you can do to maintain or improve your home.
- Other Useful Websites
- Demesne
The goal of this website "is to demystify what it takes to maintain and improve our personal space and protect it the best way possible. We intend to present real information in a clear, simple format without flashing gizmos, banner advertising, or pop-ups."
- Asbestos | Vermiculite
This website from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has links to information about asbestos, a toxic substance, and vermiculite, a mineral once used for home insulation that may contain asbestos.
- Cement & Concrete Basics
On this website you from the Portland Cement Association you will find information about the material used in the construction buildings, roads, bridges, and sidewalks.
- Lets Renovate.com
This website has useful information and tips for every step a remodeling project, from analyzing the costs vs benefits, to design, to managing the construction.
- RoofHelper
This website "is a consumer resource on all things related to roofs and roofing. The mission of Roofhelper.com is to assist homeowners in understanding their roof repair and replacement options before they tackle the project themselves or hire a roofing contractor."
- Plumbing-Related
- Water Heating
This website from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy "takes a look at the high-efficiency water heaters available and how you can reduce water heating costs with your present water heater."
- Consumer Guide to Water Filters
"This guide will help you determine what type of filter might be right for your home."
- Plumbing 101
Here you will find short articles on a variety of plumbing-related topics.
- Homelessness
- Local Homeless Assistance
This Website from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a directory of shelters for the homeless, and other agencies that provide assistance to the homeless.
- Housekeeping
- FlyLady.net
This Web site is for people whose home is in a constant state of clutter. The site has information that will show you how to put your house in order.
- Household Products Database
If you ever wonder whether a product in you laundry room, bathroom, or garage has ingredients that are hazardous to health, this Website from the U.S. National Library of Medicine may have the answer.
- Joliet Area Freedom
Joliet Area Freedom is a place to connect people who have stuff to get rid of with people who could use it. Everything on this Website is offered free of charge.
- LifeOrganizers.com
This Website "is a rich resource of office and home organizing articles, tips, and fresh, easy ideas on how to get rid of clutter from every part of your life.
- Plastic Loose Fill Council
This organization "was founded in 1991 to develop, promote and implement the original use and subsequent recovery, reuse and recycling of polystyrene loose fill, commonly known as 'packing peanuts.'"
Please note: I found that if you are searching for a drop-off center for used "peanuts", unless you type in the exact city or zip code where such a center is located, you will not get any results. If however you search for centers located in the state of Illinois, all 27 centers are listed, including one in Shorewood.
- Non-Toxic Home Cleaning
This Website has suggestions for non-toxic alternatives to commercial cleaning products.
- Housekeeping Channel
This Website "is a comprehensive resource for "Better, Faster, Healthier" cleaning and housekeeping."
- Home Ec 101: What You Wish Your Mama Taught You...
This Website is a blog with tips on how to solve housekeeping problems. The tips can be browsed by category, or searched by key word.
- GoodGuide
On this Website you can: "Find safe, healthy & green products that protect you and your family and
search or browse over 60,000 personal care & household chemical products, and see what’s really beneath the label."
- Dealing with Clutter
This Website from the University of Illinois Extension Service has tips on how reduce the clutter in your home.
- 101 New Uses for Every Day Things
This website from Real Simple magazine has interesting uses for things like lemons, coffee filters, salt, and velcro.
- Organized Home
This website has articles with information on how to keep your home clean and clutter free.
- Cleaning 101
This website from Real Simple magazine has information on how to do basic cleaning chores around the home.
- Green Cleaners
"Many commercial cleaning products use ingredients that can be harmful to people and the environment. Fortunately, there are less-toxic products—green cleaners that can protect your family and the environment. You can also save money by using some simple, safe ingredients to make your own non-toxic cleaners."
- How To Clean Stuff.net
This website has information on how to clean your home, your car, your pet, and more.
- How to Be More Environmentally Friendly
- Reduce Waste: If Not You, Who"
This Website from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has tips on how to reduce the amount of waste products we produce in the course of our every day lives.
- Consumer Reports - Greener Choices
This Website is a "a free guide that offers reliable and practical advice on how to be a more environmentally-friendly consumer."
- Why Bottled Water?
This Website gives reasons why drinking bottled water is a bad idea, and offers suggestions on how to break the bottled water habit.
- Personal Emissions Calculator
"Use this online calculator to obtain an estimate of your personal greenhouse gas emissions or your family’s greenhouse gas emissions. Then move on to the next section of the calculator to explore actions you and/or your family can take to lower your emissions while reducing your energy and waste disposal costs. For each action you choose to take, the calculator displays the amount of emissions you could avoid and how that amount relates to your total emissions."
- TerraPass
"When you buy a TerraPass, your money funds renewable energy projects such as wind farms. These projects result in verified reductions in greenhouse gas pollution. And these reductions counterbalance your own emissions."
- The Green Guide
This Website from the National Geographic Society states that "it is our collective vision that one day The Green Guide will be, for millions of consumers, the go-to source of information about practical everyday, environmentally responsible and health-minded product choices and actions."
- Burn Wise
This website "is a partnership program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that emphasizes the importance of burning the right wood, the right way, in the right wood-burning appliance to protect your home, health, and the air we breathe."
- Catalog Choice
"Catalog Choice is a free service that lets you decline paper catalogs you no longer wish to receive."
- Keep America Beautiful - Great American Cleanup
This event "takes place annually from March 1 through May 31, involving an estimated 2.8 million volunteers and attendees. The hardworking volunteers donated more than 7.7 million hours in 2007 to clean, beautify and improve more than 17,000 communities during more than 30,000 events in all 50 states and beyond."
- Green Home Guide
This Website has information on green alternatives to conventional building materials, cleaning supplies, pest control methods and landscaping.
- Reduce All Pesticides, but Eliminate Those Used on Lawns
This Website from the Audubon Society explains why many people believe use of pesticides should be kept to a minimum. You will also find a link to a page with 10 Steps for Responsible Pesticide use.
- Bring Your Own Bag
This Website explains why bringing your own bags to the store helps the environment, and has tips on how to remember to bring bags with you when going shopping.
- Planet Green
This Website "is filled with solutions-oriented tips and information that can help you make your life a little (or a lot) greener."
- Pack the 3 Rs When Traveling for the Holidays
This Website from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has information on how you can reduce waste at home and when traveling during the holidays.
- Newsweek Green Rankings
This website ranks "the 500 largest U.S. companies based on their actual environmental performance, policies, and reputation."
- 10 Easy Ways to Save Money by Going Green
"One of the most common complaints in the venture to go ‘green,’ is that it’s “too expensive.” Undoubtedly, the majority of eco-friendly designs and products on the market have higher price points than their status quo counterparts. But, inventiveness, a return to some old-fashioned ideals, and finding crafty ways to work around typical expenses will help you achieve an eco makeover that will actually save you money."
- National Resources Defense Council
On this website you will find information on simple steps you can take to live in a more eco-friendly manner, and information on environmental issues.
- JPL Goes Green
On this blog from the Joliet Public Library you will find information about things you can do to help the environment.
- TerraCycle
This company collects items like juice packages, yogurt cups and cookie wrappers, and uses them to make other products.
- Green Cleaners
"Many commercial cleaning products use ingredients that can be harmful to people and the environment. Fortunately, there are less-toxic products—green cleaners that can protect your family and the environment. You can also save money by using some simple, safe ingredients to make your own non-toxic cleaners."
- Free Green
"Freegreen.com is the only house plan website that offers free green house plans. Each of our house plan packages comes with: full construction documents or blueprints (including construction details which incorporate proper building science techniques), a home energy model for the city and state combination in which their home building project will occur, a LEED checklist, and coming a soon, NAHB Green Building Standard Checklists, and the Energy Star Designed to Earn Credit. Finally, each of our plans come with a cost estimate for your local area so that our users can see how much it will cost to build one of our green house plans."
- Food: Cater to the Earth
This website has information on the environmental issues involved with the growing and processing of some of the foods we eat.
- Sierra Club - Green Home
This website has information on ways to "create a more sustainable home environment."
- The Story of Stuff
This website has a 20 minute video with information on the negative environmental impacts associated with production, distribution, consumption and disposal of the things we buy.
You will also find the script of the video, with references, and a fact sheet.
- Earth Friendly Gifts
- Inhabitat Green Gift Guide
Here you will find many suggestions for environmentally friendly gifts.
- Tree Hugger Gift Guide
Here you will find information about more than 100 holiday gifts, each "selected for thoughtfulness, longevity, and quality over quantity."
- Energy - Ways to Use Less
- DSIRE
This website "is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency."
- Scooter Rundown: Best Fits From Tall To Small
Many people who are concerned about the environment and high gas prices are turning to motor scooters as an alternative to cars and trucks. This Website from National Public Radio has information on what you need to consider when contemplating the purchase of a scooter.
- Vampire Energy
This Website shows how much electric current some household appliances use annually, when they are turned off.
- Energy Savers Home Page
On this website from the U.S. Department of Energy, has information about ways you can reduce energy use at home.
- Public Transportation Takes Us There
"This website is designed to better inform the public about the benefits and importance of public transportation for all Americans — even if they never board a train or a bus."
- Home Power Magazine
"Since 1987, we've dedicated more than 100 issues to home-scale renewable energy and sustainable living solutions. That means comprehensive coverage of solar, wind, and microhydro electricity, home energy efficiency, solar hot water systems, space heating and cooling, green building materials and home design, efficient transportation, and much, much more."
- Walk Score
"Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc."
- Energy Savers Blog
This website from the U.S.Department of Energy "provides a place for consumers to learn about and discuss energy efficiency and renewable technologies at home, on the road, and in the workplace."
- Project Laundry List
This website has information on the environmental and economic benefits of drying clothes by hanging them on a line outdoors or a rack indoors.
- Stay Warm, Save Money
"The resources here will help consumers and small businesses find financial help to conduct energy audits and make energy efficiency improvements to their homes or workplaces."
- Energy Star - Home Improvement
This Web site has information about how you can make your home more energy efficient when you are repairing or remodeling it.
- Energy Savers
On this website from the U.S. Department of Energy, you will find information on how you can use the energy in your home more efficiently.
- Locally Grown Food
- Local Harvest
With the Local Harvest map, you can find all the farmers' markets, family farms, locally-grown produce, grass-fed meats, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area.
- Illinois Farm Direct
This Website "helps you find fresh, locally grown food by connecting you directly with Illinois farmers."
- News
- Organic Consumers Association
"The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The OCA deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children's health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics."
- Mother Earth News
This Website has articles with information on how to live in a sustainable, self-reliant way.
- Water Conservation
- Water: Use It Wisely
This Website has tips on how to lower your water use.
- H2ouse
This Website has information on how to reduce the amount of water used for household activities.
- Water Calculator
When you answer a series of questions, this Website from the National Wildlife Federation will calculate an estimate of your daily household water use. The Website also has tips on water conservation.
- Where to Recycle Electronic Devices
- Vintage Tech Recyclers
This company, located in Plainfield, recycles computer equipment, fax machines, photocopiers, and cell phones.
- eCycling
This website has links to information about regional and state recycling programs for electronic devices, and links to organizations and retailers with donation and recycling programs for those devices.
- Keeping Your Home Safe
- Fire Safety Publications
This Website from the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission has links to brochures that discuss various possible causes of fires, and offer tips on fire prevention.
- Chimney Safety Institute of America
"CSIA is a non-profit educational organization existing to provide chimney and venting safety resources to those in the industry and to you, the homeowner."
- A Citizen's Guide to Radon
On this Website you will learn about this gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. You will find information about how to test your home for radon, and what modifications to you need to make to your home if you find high levels of radon present.
- It Takes a Thief
On this Website from the Discovery Channel, you will find information about what steps you can take to protect your home from burglars.
- Sources of Indoor Air Pollution - Carbon Monoxide
This Website from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains the dangers of carbon monoxide, and what you can do to reduce your exposure to it.
- Fire Safety Topics
This Website from the U.S. Fire Administration "contains information to help you protect your family from fire. Included is information about smoke alarms, residential fire sprinklers, escape planning, consumer product recalls, fire safety tips, and what to do after a fire."
- Cleaning Stovepipes and Chimneys
This website from the University of Missouri Extension Service has instructions on how to properly clean flues and chimneys.
- Lawn & Garden
- The Treehouse Guide
"Practical information to help you build your own treehouse, safely and with the minimum cost and hassle."
- LessLawn.com
"Want a low-maintenance, ecologically friendly landscape? Chemical free? Want to do it yourself? Find information and inspiration here at LessLawn. We'll help you shrink your lawn and grow your pleasure!"
- Joliet Area Garden Club
The Joliet Area Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Barber & Oberwortmann Horticultural Center on Gouger Road, about 1/2 mile north of Route 30. At each meeting we have guest speakers who discuss all aspects of gardening at the homeowner level.
- A Taste of Gardening
This Website from the University of Illinois Extension Service you will find information that will help you plant a successful vegetable garden this summer.
- BBG's Online Library of Gardening Information
On this Website from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden you will find, organized by topic, a large library of gardening articles and growing tips.
- Butterfly Gardening
This Website form the University of Minnesota Extension Service has information on what plants to put in your garden, in order to "attract, retain, and encourage butterfly populations"
- Drip Irrigation Tutorial
This Website note that "drip Irrigation is the slow application of water directly to the plant's root zone." Here you will find information on how to install and maintain a drip irrigation system.
- DUH, PLANTS: Getting Started with Gardening for the Black Thumbed
A Web site for people who are convinced they are unable to grow plants, but have not totally given up on the idea.
- Every Rose
This Web site has information on over 7,000 roses, and is searchable by name, color, and type of rose. The Web site is very slow to load.
- Garden Watchdog
This Website tabulates reports from consumers regarding mail-order plant and seed companies.
- Growing Home Garden Tomatoes
This Website from the University of Missouri Extension Service has the information you need to help you grow your own healthy and abundant crop of this popular vegetable.
- Home Gardening
This Website from Cornell University has instructions on how to grow flowers and vegetables, and how to care for your lawn.
- My Ideal Garden
On this Website you will find advice on how to "take your landscaping and flower garden idea and bring it into reality."
- Our Rose Garden
On this Website from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign you will find information on the history of roses. You will also find advice on how to select, plant, and care for roses.
- Saving Seed from the Garden
This Website, also from UI U-C, has information on what seeds from your garden plants are worth saving for planting next year, and tells you how to select and save those seeds.
- Tree Planting
This Website from the U.S. Department of Agriculture explains what you need to consider when you are thinking about planting a tree on your property. You will also find information on how to properly plant a tree.
- Yardcare.com
This Web site has information on how to start and maintain a lawn. The site is sponsored by the Toro Company.
- You Grow Girl
This Website notes that it's "main objective has always been a commitment to producing a site that promotes exploration, excitement and a d.i.y. [do it yourself] approach to growing plants without the restrictions of traditional ideas about gardening."
- Raking Leaves
This Website from AARP has information on how to rake leaves safely.
- National Gardening Association - Food Gardening Guide
"Whether you're growing basil, blueberries, or bok choy, the Food Gardening Guide will give you all the information you need to succeed."
- Lawn and Garden Care
This website from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has information on the proper way to water and fertilize lawns, and how to control garden insects by using natural alternatives to chemical pesticides.
- Cultural Conditions for Holiday Gift Plants
This website from the New York Botanical Garden has information what you need to do to assure that plants commonly given as holiday gifts stay healthy.
- More Interesting and Useful Websites
- 100 Skills Every Man Should Know
This Website from Popular Mechanics Magazine lists things that their editors believe every person should know how to do, and provides instructions for doing them.
- 100+ More Ways to Organize Your Life
"From basic to do lists to event planning, fitness, educational organizers, and more, here are 100 new applications to get you even more organized."
- Everyday Giving
This website notes that: "An Everyday Philanthropist is someone who gives unselfishly everyday toward the good of their fellow man (and woman). Giving money is not the only way to show love, benevolence and good will. There are many other ways for you to do this that requires little or no money." The website lists nine ways you can give.
- Better Homes and Gardens
- FamilyFun
FamilyFun helps you make the right decisions for your family with expert advice on parenting, crafts, food and entertainment.
- Home and Garden Television
- Martha Stewart Living
- Urban Programs Resource Network
This Web site from the University of Illinois Extension has links to information on gardening, nutrition, parenting, and much more.
- The Twelve Principles
This Website explains how to find lost objects.
- Procrastination Central
"This website is partly a central resource about the phenomenon. Here you will find quotations, jokes, and helpful advice on the matter. Also, in case we missed anything there are links to just about every other website on procrastination (tell us if we missed one).
In addition, this site also seeks to create and share new knowledge regarding procrastination."
- CHOW: Food, Drink, Fun
"CHOW is a new kind of food media. Not only is our subject matter different—about the parties you really want to go to, the meals you really want to eat, the gear you really want to have—but we deliver it to you in audio, video, and everything else the Web’s got to offer."
- How to Care For...
This Website from the Institute of Conservation in London, England has information on how to ensure that your treasured possessions will last a long time.
- 100+ Ways to Organize Your Life
This Website has links to more than 100 other Websites that will help you "get it together".
- Hairstyles Design
This Website has photos of popular hairstyles for women and men.
- Energy Information Administration
Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government
Here you will find statistics on the production of fuels and electricity, and energy use in homes, commercial buildings, manufacturing, and transportation.
- 150 Things to Do When You're Bored
"Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart, here are 150 boredom busters to get you through the rest of the summer ... and beyond."
- Recipes & Other Food-Related Websites
- The Cook's Thesaurus
This Website "is a cooking encyclopedia that covers thousands of ingredients and kitchen tools. Entries include pictures, descriptions, synonyms, pronunciations, and suggested substitutions."
- The American Cranberry
This Website from the University of Wisconsin-Madison includes links to other Websites with recipes that use cranberries.
- OChef
This Website has answers to questions about cooking and baking.
- Deciphering Food Expiration Dates
This Website explains the meaning of the various types of expiration dates found on food products, and has links to charts that show how long foods can be stored.
- National Center for Home Food Preservation
This Website has information on how to properly prepare foods for freezing.
- Food Preparation, Safety, and Storage.
This Website from Penn State University has information on how to safely prepare, store, and preserve food.
- AllRecipes.com
This Website has 26,000 recipes, including over 800 vegetarian recipes.
- Barbecue'n on the Internet
On this website you will find an extensive amount of information on barbecuing. Included is information about types of grills, barbecuing techniques, recipes, and more.
- foodnetwork.com
On this Website you will find recipes, and information on cooking techniques and wine.
- Food Safety
On this Website you will find information about how to prevent illnesses caused by improper handling, cooking, and storage of food.
- Ingredient Substitutions
This Website has information about ingredient substitutions: useful information if you are cooking and find that you have run out of or forgotten to purchase one of the ingredients.
- Joyofbaking.com
This Web site has recipes, a glossary of terms, and conversion tables for temperatures and measurements.
- Recipe Source
There are currently 70,000 recipes archived. Search by region or ethnic group, or by type of dish.
- Seafood Watch
This Website from the Monterey Bay [CA] Aquarium explains how the seafood you purchase for consumption can affect the ecological health of the oceans and how by making the right choices, you can help sustain seafood populations.
- Spices
This Web site gives the history of spices commonly used in cooking, and notes any medicinal properties associated with them.
- Tomatoes
This Website has information on the selection, storage, and preservation of tomatoes, and links to 25 recipes that use this popular vegetable.
- Eating Well
This website has recipes and articles aimed at advancing its mission "to provide the inspiration and information people need to make healthy eating a way of life."
- Firehouse Chef
"Everyone knows firefighters make great chefs !
Here you will find easy to prepare and tasteful recipes created by firefighters world wide."
- Easy Kids Recipes
"Do you ever get frustrated as a parent when you make a nice meal for the whole family only to find your kids won't eat it? We're here to help you when you're cooking for children so that you can make meals that the whole family will love."
- Eat Well Guide
This Website states that it is "the easiest and most comprehensive way for you to find wholesome, fresh, sustainable food in the US and Canada."
- Hot Dogs and Food Safety
This Website from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has definitions of ingredients found in hot dogs and information about how to store and prepare hot dogs safely.
- Vegetarian Lunchbox
"The aim of vegetarian lunchbox is to share with you my recipes and ideas to help you prepare a lunchbox that is: tasty, healthy, quick to prepare, and money saving."
- Fish Watch
This Website "can help you make informed decisions about the seafood you eat by providing you with the most accurate and timely information available on the sustainability of U.S. seafood fisheries."
- Julia Child's Kitchen
On this website you can view pictures of Julia Child's kitchen, which was relocated to the Smithsonian Institution from her house in Cambridge, MA in 2001. You can also view images of objects found in the kitchen and read information about those objects.
- Simply Soups
This Website "offers hundreds of soup recipes from simple to gourmet."
- An Evening to Uncork Memories: How You Can Give that Special Bottle a Special Opening
This Website from the Wall Street Journal has information on how to celebrate Open That Bottle Night, a night when a bottle of wine, long-saved, is opened and shared; along with the memories of when and why the bottle was acquired.
- Top Secret Recipes
This Website has recipes that seek to duplicate dishes served at restaurants. There is a small fee charged for most recipes, and users must agree to a statement of terms of use.
- All About Cupcakes
This Website has a short history of cupcakes, recipes, and pictures of decorated cupcakes.
- SuperCook
On this website, when you enter a list of ingredients you have at hand, it will show you recipes that use those ingredients.
- Recipe Gold Mine
This Website has thousands of recipes. You can browse by category, or search by key word.
- Safe Food Handling
This website from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has links to information on a variety food safety-related topics.
- StillTasty
This website has information on
how long foods and beverages can be stored.
- 101 Simple Salads for the Season
When it's to hot to cook, these tasty salads will let you keep your kitchen cool.
- RecipeZaar
This website has more than 395,000 member-contributed recipes.
- Food History
- The Food Timeline
This website has links to information about the history of many of the foods we eat - from ancient times to the present.
- History of Chocolate
This website from the Field Museum in Chicago notes that "the story of how chocolate grew from a local Mesoamerican beverage into a global sweet encompasses many cultures and continents."
- History of Sandwiches
On this website you will find a history of sandwiches in general, and histories of some familiar sandwiches such as the French Dip, and the Reuben.
- Locally Grown Food
- Illinois Farm Direct
This Website "helps you find fresh, locally grown food by connecting you directly with Illinois farmers."
- Local Harvest
With the Local Harvest map, you can find all the farmers' markets, family farms, locally-grown produce, grass-fed meats, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area.
- Weddings
- weddingwindow
On this Website, for $10.99 per month, you can set up a personal Website that will enable you to create a budget for your wedding, generate a wedding to-do list, track your invitations, & much more.
- Brides.com
Has a wealth of information pertaining to weddings, i.e. planning and travel
- The Groom Guide.com
This Website notes that "men are becoming more involved in the wedding planning process and women are expecting more from us. We were all alone, until now. Finally, we have a resource for our every move."
- the knot
This Website says that it has "Everything you need for weddings: Wedding dresses to wedding cakes. Engagement rings, wedding favors, wedding gifts...we have it all!"
- teamwedding.com
This Website has links to other wedding Websites, and articles on wedding-related topics.
- WeddingSolutions.com
This Website says that it is "the most comprehensive wedding planning website."
- wedshare.com
This website offers services similar to Wedding Window. Prices start at $14.99 per month.
Return To Top Pets
- Cats
- Guidelines for Cats
Here you will find rules of etiquette for cats, written from a cat's point of view.
- Hallmarks of Felinity
This website has almost two hundred panels of a comic strip about what makes a cat a cat.
- Dogs
- Dog Toys: You Need Them
This website from the Humane Society of the United States notes that "for dogs and other animal companions, toys are not a luxury, but a necessity. Toys help fight boredom in dogs left alone, and toys can even help prevent some problem behaviors from developing."
- Breeds of Dogs
On this website you will find information about nearly 400 breeds of dogs. You will also find information on how to choose a dog, and how to care for your new companion.
- woofreport
The authors of this website for dog lovers state that they "sniff out the top dog blogs, websites, newsletters, magazines and pet stores to bring you and your fur family the best of the best. Handpicked pup-perfect ideas, dog care tips products, and more."
- General
- Petfinder.com
This website has listings for almost 300,000 adoptable pets. You can also search for local animal shelters and welfare groups.
- Other Pets
- Badman's Tropical Fish
Here you will find information about "aquarium set-up, care and maintenance, colorful photo galleries, and fish profiles."
- Choosing the Right Pet Bird
This website from the Humane Society of the United States will help you choose and properly care for a bird.
- Pet Care
- Care For Animals
This website from the American Veterinary Medical Association has information on how to select the right pet, and how to keep that pet healthy.
- Holiday Pet Hazards and How to Prevent Them
From PetSmart.com
- Pet Care Library
On this website you will find information on topics concerning the selection and care of all animals, and specific information about the care of, dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, and ferrets.
Return To Top Seasonal
- http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/holiday-meal-planning/
Holiday Meal Planning
This website from the American Diabetes Association notes that:" The holidays can be a tough time for families, especially families dealing with diabetes. But there's no reason you can't take it all in stride. With a little preparation and some diabetes know-how under your belt, you'll be ready to face any holiday head-on.
Check out our quick guide to surviving the holidays and you're on your way!"
- Chanukkah
Begins at sunset, December 1
- Christmas
December 25
- Christmas Trees & More
This Website from the University of Illinois Extension Service has information about the selection and care of Christmas trees, the history of the use of evergreen trees at Christmas, and a list of tree farms in Illinois and nearby states.
- Christmas Recipes
This Website has almost 2,300 Christmas Recipes
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
This Website from Snopes.com explains how Rudolph was created by a Robert L. May, a copywriter for Montgomery Ward department stores.
- Christmas-Cookies.com
This Website has over 500 recipes.
- Christmas in Mexico
This Website has information on the traditions and customs associated with the celebration of Christmas in Mexico.
- Holiday Fire Prevention
This Website from the U.S. Fire Asministration has tips that will help you enjoy a safe holiday season.
- How to Take Great Photos of Holiday Lights
From the New York Institute of Photography
- How to Write A Thank You Note
This Website explains the six elements that go into a thoughtful thank you note.
- Christmas-Carols.net
Here you will find the lyrics to 61 Christmas carols.
- Holiday Survival Guide: Manage Stress and Simplify Your Holiday Season
This Website has links to articles with tips on how to have a low-stress holiday season.
- FamilyFun.com - Homemade for the Holidays
This Website has links to information on how to make Christmas cards, gifts, decorations, and much more.
- 12 Rules for Regifting Without Fear
Thinking about giving someone a gift that someone else gave you? This Website from MSN Money has rules of etiquette for this tradition.
- 10 Tricks for Shipping Holiday Gifts With Ease
From MSNBC
- Holiday Blues
This Website from the University of Maryland Medical Center has information on the symptoms of the holiday blues, and a list of dos and don'ts for managing them.
- Buying, Giving, and Using Gift Cards
From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
- Cultural Conditions for Holiday Gift Plants
This website from the New York Botanical Garden has information what you need to do to assure that plants commonly given as holiday gifts stay healthy.
- Cinco de Mayo
May 5
- The History of Cinco de Mayo
"The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862."
- Dias De Los Muertos
November 1 & 2
- Day of the Dead
This Website has links to other Websites that illustrate the customs and traditions associated with this holiday.
- Flag Day
June 14
- The History of Flag Day
This Website you will find a history of this holiday, illustrations of our flag as it added increasing numbers of stars, and the lyrics to patriotic songs
- Our Flag
This Website has information about the history, laws, and regulations associated with the flag of the United States.
- Halloween
October 31
- Pumpkins & More
This Website from the University of Illinois Extension Service has information on how to grow pumpkins, the history of punpkins, pumpkin recipes, and a list of pumpkin farms in Illinois , Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
- Resources for Home Preserving Pumpkins
This website has links to information on how a pumpkin that is painted with non-toxic paint or markers, rather than carved, can be preserved by canning, drying, or freezing.
- Halloween Safety Tips
From the Los Angles Fire Department
- Halloween Safety: Safety Alert
From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Halloween Online Magazine
This Website "is a how-to guide for helping people get the most out of their Halloween celebration."
- Halloween: The Fantasy and Folklore of All Hallows
This website from the Library of Congress has information on the ancient origins of Halloween and the traditions associated with this holiday.
- How Halloween Works
This Website has information on the origins of this holiday, and its associated traditions.
- Halloween Pumpkin Carving Templates
"Use these easy patterns and stencils for carving regular pumpkins or fancy jack o lanterns."
- Halloween 2009 : Top Costumes, History, Myths, More
"Get the facts on Halloween history, today's most popular costumes, record-breaking pumpkins, and more in National Geographic News's 2009 Halloween roundup."
- Holy Week and Easter
- From Shell to Symbol
The Art of the Ethnic Easter Egg
This Website from the Wisconsin Historical Museum has images of Easter eggs decorated in a style popular in the Ukraine, and a description of the process used to make them.
- All Recipes - Easter
This Website has more then 1,200 Easter recipes.
- The Days of Holy Week
This Website explains the reasoning behind the observances of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, and the forms of worship used on those days.
- Independence Day
July 4
- The Declaration of Independence
You can view to text of this document by clicking on Read Transcript. There is also a link to information about how the Declaration came to be written and adopted by the Continental Congress.
- Barlett's Familiar Quotations - John Adams
This Webpage contains two quotes from John Adams regarding Independence Day.
- National Council on Fireworks Safety
"The National Council on Fireworks Safety wants every American to have a safe Fourth of July. We know that most of the reported fireworks related injuries can be avoided. Our mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of fireworks so as to eliminate injuries."
- Fireworks Safety
This Website has tips on how to use fireworks safely, and informaton on what to do if an injury occurs.
- Kwanzaa
December 26 - January 1
- Labor Day
First Monday in September
- Labor Day
This Website has links to Websites with information on the history of Labor Day and the history of labor unions.
- Memorial Day
- Mexican Independence Day
September 16
- Pesach - Passover
Begins Sunset March 29
- Ramadan
August 11 - September 10
- Ramadan and Fasting
This Website has information on why Muslims fast during this holy month, and explanations of the rules concerning the fast.
- St. Patrick's Day
March 17
- St. Patrick's Day
On this Website from the British Broadcasting Corporation, you will find information about the life of St. Patrick, places and legends associated with him, Irish recipes, and more.
- Summer
- Swim Healthy, Swim Safely
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has links to information that will help "keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy as you head for the water!"
- Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer
This Website from the National Weather Service explains what illnesses are likely to occur based on the heat index. The heat index takes humidity into account to give better idea of how hot it really feels.
- Heat Index Chart
- Sun Safety Alliance
The Mission of this organization is "to educate the public and improve public awareness regarding the importance of sun care safety, especially for children, with the goal of helping to prevent skin cancer due to sun exposure."
- Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
This Website from the Centers for Disease Control "tells how you can prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related health problems."
- Sunscreen Summary — What Works and What's Safe
"In a new investigation of 785 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found widespread evidence that many products on the market are not safe and effective, including one of every eight high-SPF sunscreens that does not protect from UVA radiation. We have also identified 130 products that offer very good sun protection with ingredients that present minimal health risks to users."
- 101 Simple Salads for the Season
When it's too hot to cook, these tasty salads will let you keep your kitchen cool.
- Thanksgiving
- Veterans Day
November 11
- Veterans Day
This Website from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has links to information about the history of this holiday, and frequently asked questions about it's celebration.
- Yom Kippur
Begins Sunset September 17
- Judaism 101 - Yom Kippur
This Website has brief information on the traditions and liturgy associated with what many regard as the most important holiday of the Jewish year.
Return To Top Travel and Recreation
- Air Travel
- FlightStats
On this Website you can check the status of a flight. You will also see a map showing delays at airports.
- Airline Toll-Free Numbers and Websites
This Website has toll-free numbers and links to the Websites of over 200 airlines.
- AirSafe.com
On This Website you will find information on fatal airline accidents since 1970.
- Aviation Consumer Protection Division
On this Website from the U.S. Department of Transportation you will find information about what to do when you have a complaint about air travel.
- SeatGuru.com
This Website has maps of the seating configurations of airplanes used by many U.S. airlines. Seat pitch and width are stated. More desirable and less desirable seating locations are indicated.
- Transportation Security Administration
Click on Travelers & Consumers, and you will find information about airline passenger screening procedures, and lists of items that can and cannot be brought onto an airplane.
- Federal Aviation Administation - Passengers
This Website has answers to frequently asked questions about flying, and information about weather related flight delays at major airports in the U.S.
- How Black Boxes Work
This Website explains how Cockpit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders work, and how they help investigators determine the cause of airliner crashes.
- Flight Aware
This Website lets you track the progress of flights currently in the air.
- Flight Delay Information
This Website from the Federal Aviation Administration shows current flight delays at major airports.
- Airline Aggravations
This Website has information on what you can do to lessen the chances of your flight being delayed or cancelled, and what you should do if it happens.
- Skytrax
This Website ranks airlines based on "their 'delivered' front-line Product and Service quality."
- Evolution of Security
This blog from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration will keep you informed of changes in TSA rules. You can also use the blog to submit comments to TSA.
- Bus and Train Travel
- Amtrak
- Greyhound
On this Website you can arrange for purchase of tickets, if you are traveling 10 or more days in the future.
- Car Travel
- National Traffic and Road Closure Information
If you click on a state, you will find links to information about construction projects and traffic on major roads in that state.
- Road Trip USA
Ready for a taste of the open road? Choose route numbers or names to access driving tours across more than 35,000 miles of classic blacktop. Then sit back and experience part of America—the small towns, funky attractions, roadside curiosities, and more—that the interstates have left behind.
- Roadside America
Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions
- Bridge Tracker
This Website from MSNBC "shows the condition and inspection dates for more than 100,000 bridges in the U.S. that are crossed by at least 10,000 vehicles per day."
- Cruises
- Cruiseman
On this Website you can look at options regarding dates, destinations and length of cruise, then book a cabin on the one you have chosen. You will also find a list of cruise ships with information on their itineraries and deck plans
- Cruise Critic
This Website "is a comprehensive cruise vacation planning guide which includes objective cruise reviews on 225+ ships, 55 cruise line profiles, information on what to do and where to go in 135+ worldwide ports, readers' ship ratings and reviews, cruise bargains and cruise tips."
- LiquidAtlas
This website has information about the amenities found on cruise ships. You will also find links to passenger reviews and photos for several of the ships.
- Disabled Travelers
- DisabledTravelers.com
This Website "will provide you with information on businesses from around the world that specialize in disability travel."
- Accessible Journeys
This Website offers travel programs "for mature travelers, slow walkers, wheelchair travelers, their families and their friends."
- Flying with Disability
This Website is "designed to provide impartial information and advice to all disabled people around the world who travel by air."
- General
- Activities for Kids - Travel Tips and Ideas
This Website has information on useful items to bring on trips taken with children. You will also find information on games and other activities for children.
- minimus.biz
When preparing to travel, particularly if you are flying, you want to keep the weight of personal care products and medicines as low as possible. This Website is a source for "hundreds of travel size items."
- Travel Sense
This Website from the American Society of Travel Agents has travel tips, consumer information, and information on interesting destinations.
- Trip Advisor
This Website has reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions written by people just like you.
- Virtual Tourist
This is another Website with reviews of hotels, restaurants and and attractions written by people not associated with the travel industry or the media.
- Way to Go Guide
This Website from the Washington Post has information about how to find travel bargains, and how to deal with problems that often arise when traveling.
- Budget Travel
On this Website you will find information about "the best sales, special promotions, and last-minute travel offers on the market." You will also find articles about interesting places to visit.
- Small Town Gems
The authors of this website "travel small town America to discover, photograph, and recommend the best small towns for your travel destinations." You will also find lists of towns the authors believe are not worth visiting.
- Compare Credit Cards' Rental Car Insurance Policies
This Website has information on insurance coverage offered by major credit card companies for
rental cars.
- Illinois Tourism
- Maps and Driving Directions
- Trippish
This is a trip mapping Website that also includes information about weather and areas of road construction expected along the way. Unlike trips I have mapped using Map Quest or Google Maps, Trippish shows routes that include state and federal highways; not just the Interstates.
- Google Maps
- Map Quest
- Yahoo! Maps
- Google Earth
Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips. Please note that in order to run Google Earth, you will need a computer that has a Windows 2000, XP or Mac OS 10 operating system, at least 400MB free space on your hard drive, and a broadband Internet connection.
- Rand McNally
In addition to maps and driving directions, this Website has information about traffic conditions on freeways in major cities
- bing Maps
- Outdoor Recreation
- Forest Preserve District of Will County
On this Website you will find information about recreational facilities available at Forest Preserve sites
- Campfire Cooking
This Website has information on how to safely build a campfire for cooking. There are also ten recipes.
- Great Outdoor Recreation Pages
On this website you will find information about "adventure travel, outdoor sports and gear, national parks, and more."
- Hunting and Shooting Sports Safety Resources for Young People
This Website from the University of Michigan Health System has links to information that will help keep you and your children safe when hunting.
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Parks and Recreation
Here you will find information about "Illinois state parks, natural areas, conservation areas, recreation areas, and fish and wildlife areas."
- National Park Service Digital Image Archives
On this Website you will find public domain photos from many of our National Parks.
- Park Search
Search for federal and state parks by name, location, or activity. From L. L. Bean.
- RECREATION.gov
On this Website you can make reservations for campsites and cabins in many National Parks and National Forests.
- National Park Service
Here you will find information about each of the 391 areas that comprise the National Park System.
- Shedon Brown's Bicycle Technical Info
This Website has links to articles that cover a wide range of bicycle-related topics.
- Backpacker Magazine
This Website has articles about interesting places to hike and useful hiking gear. The Backpacking 101 section has "trip-planning tips, gear lists, safety advice, and other essential wisdom every hiker should know."
- Boone and Crockett Club
The Mission Statement of this organization reads:
It is the policy of the Boone and Crockett Club to promote the guardianship and provident management of big game and associated wildlife in North America and maintain the highest standards of fair chase and sportsmanship in all aspects of big game hunting, in order that this resource of all the people may survive and prosper in its natural habitats. Consistent with this objective, the Club supports the use and enjoyment of our wildlife heritage to the fullest extent by this and future generations.
- Dragon's Campfire Songbook
Here you will find the lyrics to most, if not all of the songs you sang around a campfire when you were a child, and many more.
- Wilderness.net
This website "houses the only officially-recognized, national, comprehensive, inter-agency database of information about all Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service and National Park Service wilderness areas. Not only does it serve as the definitive Internet source for wilderness acreages and area descriptory information, Wilderness.net works directly with agency wilderness management staff to provide other important information, such as regulations, trip planning tips and contact information."
- The National Parks: America's Best Idea
This website has information about an upcoming 6 part series on PBS that explores how various national parks came to be.
- TrailLink.com
Here you will find "detailed information on bike trails, walking trails, equestrian trails, and hiking and running trails including interactive trail maps, trail descriptions, pictures and more.
"
- Reservations for Flights, Hotel Rooms, Cars
- Kayak
- hotels.com
- Expedia
- Orbitz
- TravelZoo Super Search
This Website allows you to enter your travel dates, then search several other Websites for information on available flights and hotel rooms.
- CheapTickets
- Farecast
This Website lets you search for airfares and hotel rooms. "Our airfare prediction shows if fares are rising or dropping. Based on the prediction, we provide a recommendation to buy now or buy later. Our Rate Key indicates whether or not today's rate for a specific hotel is a deal. It compares an individual hotel's current rate found to its observed historical rates."
- ParkSleepFly.com
Parking at airports and cruise ship ports can be expensive. An alternative, particularly if you have an early morning flight, is to stay at a motel the night before your departure, and leave your car parked at the motel.
This website has information about hotels and motels located near airports and cruise ship ports, the rates for staying overnight, fees for parking for the duration of your trip, and shuttles to the airport or cruise ship port.
- Things to See
- Welcome Aboard, Next Stop 1848
This Website has information about tours of the I&M Canal on the canal boat Volunteer starting and ending in LaSalle. The website notes that "your one-hour, roundtrip journey on a full-size replica canal boat will take you on the same hand-dug waterway that 19th century pioneers traveled. Your guides, dressed as Canal Era crew and passengers, will take you back in time to life on the American frontier and the Illinois prairie."
The grand opening of the Volunteer is scheduled for the weekend of June 28 & 29.
- Step Into History
This Website has descriptions of outdoor "living history" museums. You will also find information about hours and admission fees.
- Times Square Visitors Center
Information about one of the most popular destinations in New York City.
- Soul of America - Black Museums
This Website has lists of African-American museums and cultural sites located several American cities.
- Factory Tours USA
This Website has a list of more than 500 business that offer tours of their facilities.
- The Lighthouse Directory
This Website has information on more than 9,500 lighthouses located in the U.S. and around the world.
- Abraham Lincoln
- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site
"The Site focuses on Lincoln’s life in Kentucky. The Birthplace Unit demonstrates his humble beginnings with a symbolic birth cabin enshrined within a neo-classic Memorial Building. The Boyhood Home Unit at Knob Creek Farm was home to Lincoln during his formative years."
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
This memorial "preserves the site of the farm where Abraham Lincoln spent 14 formative years of his life, from the ages of 7 to 21. He and his family moved to Indiana in 1816 and stayed until 1830 when they moved on to Illinois."
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
This is the home in Springfield, IL where Lincoln was living when elected President of the U.S. The "home has been restored to its 1860 appearance, revealing Lincoln as husband, father, and politician and is open to the public for guided tours."
- Looking for Lincoln in Central Illinois
This Website describes sites in several cities associated with the life of Abraham Lincoln.
- Grand Canyon
- The Skywalk Over the Grand Canyon
This Website has images of the new skywalk which extends seventy feet out from the Grand Canyon rim. The skywalk is located on Grand Canyon West, approximately 70 miles northeast of Kingman, AZ.
- Grand Canyon Skywalk
This is the official Website of the new Grand Canyon Skywalk.
- Historic Ships
- USS Constitution - "Old Ironsides"
Here you will find a history of this famous ship, diagrams of the decks, and visitor information.
- Historic Naval Ships Visitors' Guide
This Web site from the Historic Naval Ships Association lists historic ships by name, location, and type. For each ship you will find the address, launch date, dimensions, a brief history, and information about tours (if any).
- Traveling with Pets
- Taking Your Pet on the Plane
This Website from Nolo.com notes that "air travel for animals can be tricky and dangerous business, so it is important to know what the law, the airlines and veterinarians recommend."
- DogFriendly.com
DogFriendly.com lists and describes thousands of dog-friendly places throughout the U.S. and Canada, from lodging to outdoor restaurants, parks, beaches, attractions and more.
- World Travel
- Globe Aware: Vacations in Service
"Globe Aware, a nonprofit organization, currently offers volunteer vacations in Peru, Costa Rica, Thailand, Cuba, Nepal, Brazil, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. These short-term (one week) adventures in service focus on cultural-awareness and sustainability, and are often compared to a 'mini peace corps'."
- BiblioTravel
If you are about to travel to a distant city, reading a book set in that city can be a neat way to enhance your anticipation of the trip. This Website allows you to search for books set in cities and countries around the world.
- Waymarking.com
This Website will "will provide you with the tools to share and discover unique and interesting locations on the planet."
- ATM Locator
If are traveling, and have a VISA debit card, this Website may be a good way to locate ATMs before you need them.
- BBC - Languages
This Website from the British Broadcasting Company will introduce you to several European languages, and Mandarin Chinese.
- Passport to the Pub: A Guide To British Pub Etiquette
This Website notes that "if you haven’t been to a pub, you haven’t seen Britain." The site also notes that "visitors to Britain are bewitched by our pubs, but they are often bothered and bewildered by the unwritten rules of pub etiquette." This Website explains those rules.
- Universal Currency Converter
Converts just about any currency out there.
- U.S. State Department - International Travel Information
Here you will find links to Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.
- Frommer's
From the publisher of a widely read series of tour guides, this Website has reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions in major cities around the world.
- Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory
This Website states that it "is your guide to official tourist information sources: government tourism offices, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, and similar organizations that provide free, accurate, and unbiased travel information to the public."
- Sacred Destinations Travel Guide
This Website is "a free online travel guide that focuses on photos and history of the sacred sites and religious places of the world." The Website "profiles more than 1,000 sacred sites and religious places in 55 countries."
- Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
- Travel Trips for Globetrotting Geeks
This Website has tips on using electronic devices such as laptop computers, cell phones, and digital cameras when traveling abroad.
- Travelers' Health
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control "offers information to assist travelers and their health-care providers in deciding the vaccines, medications, and other measures necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel."
Return To Top
Government & Law
Animal Law
- http://www.animallaw.info/
Animal Legal & Historical Web Center
This Website from Michigan State University has information on over 46 animal-related legal topics. There are also links to more than 800 full-text legal cases and more than 1000 statutes concerning animals.
Return To Top Case Law
- http://scholar.google.com/
Google Scholar
Click on the Legal Opinions and Journals radio button, type in a word or phrase, then press your enter key. You will find links to federal and state court opinions that contain your word or phrase. Use the Advanced Scholar Search option to narrow your search to federal courts or specific states.
Return To Top City
Return To Top Copyright Law
- http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/training/Hirtle_Public_Domain.htm
Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States
This Website from Cornell University has a table that will help you determine if a publication is under copyright or in the public domain.
- http://www.lib.umn.edu/copyright/fairuse.phtml
Fair Use
This Website from the University of Minnesota explains what fair use is, and gives guidelines that will help you determine whether your proposed use of copyrighted material falls under this doctrine.
- http://www-apps.umuc.edu/primer/enter.php
© Primer
The © Primer is intended to introduce both creators and users of information to the nuts and bolts of copyright law. Consisting of twenty-one questions and answers, the © Primer includes illustrative scenarios and resources for further information and study.
- http://www.copyright.com/
Copyright Clearance Center
On this Website you can purchase permission to use copyrighted material from a large number of publications.
- http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter9/index.html
Fair Use
This Website from Nolo.com and Stanford University goes into some detail concerning what is and is not fair use of materials created by others.
Return To Top County
- http://www.willcountyillinois.com
Will County
- http://www.willcountysoa.com
Will County Supervisor of Assessments
On this Website you will find current assesments for properties and forms for appealing assessments.
- http://www.amlegal.com/library/il/willcounty.shtml
Will County Ordinances
- http://www.thewillcountyclerk.com/connect/site/
Will County Clerk
Here you will find information about voter registration, where to vote, absentee ballots, and early voting locations. You will also find information on how to obtain copies of birth, marriage, and death records.
- http://www.willcountytreasurer.com/
Will County Treasurer
Here you can view your property tax bill, and find information about how and where you can pay those taxes.
Return To Top Criminal Investigation
- http://www.crimeandclues.com/
Crime and Clues
This website has links to articles and other websites with information about various aspects of criminal investigation.
Return To Top Directories
- http://www.usa.gov/
USA.gov
Here is a place to search for Federal Government Web sites when you don't know the URL of the site you are looking for.
- http://www.google.com/unclesam
Google Uncle Sam
here is a good place to search for the Websites of federal, state, and local government agencies.
- http://www.govengine.com
GovEngine.com
This Web site is a directory of federal, state, county, city and court Web sites.
- http://www.odl.state.ok.us/usinfo/topiclists/us-spanish.htm
Federal Websites in Spanish/Los Sitios Web Federales en Espańol
This Web site from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries has links to U.S. Federal Government Web sites written in Spanish.
- http://govtinfo.org/
Government Information Online
If your are looking for information concerning the U.S. government or a state government, this Website lets you e-mail a question to librarian that specializes in finding this kind of information. You can also chat with a government information librarian Monday through Thursday, 8am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 5pm CST.
- http://www.gpoaccess.gov/plumbook/2008/index.html
The Plum Book:2008 Edition
The Plum Book is used to identify presidentially appointed positions within the Federal Government.
- http://wwwapp.bradley.edu/library_reference/index.php/State_Blue_Books
Blue Book List
This Website has a list of directories of state governments with links
to online versions, where such versions exist. Some directories are more comprehensive than others
- http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa_ict.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=T5J2FH6j
Frequently Asked Questions
This Website has links to Websites that answer questions frequently asked of the U.S. Government.
Return To Top Federal
- Executive Branch
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Help Your Country
- Serve.gov
On this website you can search for volunteer opportunities by area of interest and location.
- Help Your Country
This website has information on how you can "provide tips to the government, volunteer, or make a donation."
- Corporation for National & Community Service
This website has information about volunteer programs run by the U.S. federal government.
- Income Tax
- Other Useful Websites
- FedSpending.org
On this website you will find "full spending data for federal contracts [from FY 2000] through part of the first three quarters of FY 2009 and federal assistance data for the first two quarters of FY 2008. "This database [also] allows searching over 160,000 reports from recipients of almost $159 billion in Recovery Act contracts, grants, and loans awarded between Feb. 17 and Sept. 30."
- GovBenefits.gov
This website will help you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive.
- FedStats
This website "provides access to the full range of official statistical information produced by the Federal Government without having to know in advance which Federal agency produces which particular statistic."
- Abbreviations and Acronyms of the U.S. Government
This website from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has links, where possible, to the agency or program denoted by the acronym or abbreviation.
- G.I. Bill Website
This Website from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has information about educational benefits available to veterans. There are links to a fact sheet and a list of frequently asked questions concerning new benefits available as a result of the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.
- ExpectMore.gov
The Federal Government is working to ensure its programs perform well. Here we provide you with information about where we're successful and where we fall short, and in both situations, what we're doing to improve our performance next year.
- Central Intelligence Agency - FOIA Electronic Reading Room
"The CIA has established this site to provide the public with an overview of access to CIA information, including electronic access to previously released documents. Because of CIA's need to comply with the national security laws of the United States, some documents or parts of documents cannot be released to the public. In particular, the CIA, like other U.S. intelligence agencies, has the responsibility to protect intelligence sources and methods from disclosure. However, a substantial amount of CIA information has been and/or can be released following review."
- Forms.gov
On this website you can search for U.S. Government forms by using key words or form number. You can also search by browsing a list of government agencies.
- The President and the White House.
- The White House Museum - Air Force One
This website has pictures and detailed drawings of the aircraft currently designated Air Force One, and pictures of other aircraft used by the President of the United States since 1944. Please note: Air Force One is technically a radio call sign used by any U.S. Air Force aircraft that is carrying the President of the U.S.
- POTUS: Presidents of the United States
"In this resource you will find background information, election results, cabinet members, notable events, and some points of interest on each of the presidents. Links to biographies, historical documents, audio and video files, and other presidential sites are also included."
- How Air Force One Works
This Web site explains how Air Force One operates. Included are diagrams of the interior of the aircraft most often designated Air Force One.
- The White House
Here you will find information about the activities and agenda of President Barack Obama. You will also find brief biographies of former Presidents and First Ladies.
- President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address
On this website you will find a video of the inaugural address, and the text of the address.
- The White House Museum
This website, not affiliated with the White House Historical Association or WhiteHouse.gov has diagrams and photos of the various floors, wings, and rooms of the White House. There is also a brief history of this historic residence.
- U.S. Electoral College
This Website from the National Archives and Records Administration has answers to frequently asked questions about the Electoral College, and an Electoral College calculator. You will also find a summary of Electoral College votes and a state by state tally of those votes for each presidential election from 1789 - 2008.
- U.S. Census
- General Sites
- Voting and Registration
This Website from the U.S. Census Bureau has information about the levels of registration and voting in recent elections by people of various ethnic groups and age levels, and by gender.
- Core Documents of U.S. Democracy
On this Website you will find links to documents that define our democracy. The Website includes historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence, and Constitution, and current documents such as Congressional Bills, and the 2005 Federal Budget.
- GPO Access
This site provides access to many documents produced by various branches of the Federal Government
- C-SPAN
- Politics and Tech Tools
This Website has information about political blogs.The site includes links to blogs authored by the major political parties, and conservative and liberal political organizations.
- The Net Democracy Guide
"New federal campaign finance rules for the Internet have freed bloggers and almost all other citizen-initiated political advocacy on the Internet from any regulation." That said, "it's a good idea to have a basic understanding of the new rules." This Website will help you attain that understanding.
- ThisNation.com
This Website "is dedicated to providing factual, unbiased information about government and politics in the United States of America."
- GovFresh
This website "is a live feed of official news from U.S. Government Twitter, YouTube, RSS, Facebook, Flickr accounts and more, all in one place."
- USA.gov (USAgov) on Twitter
"Follow us to stay up to date on the latest official government news and information."
- Judicial Branch
- Legislative Branch
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate
- THOMAS
Search bills, the Congressional Record, and links to member web pages
- Congress.org
On this Website you can view a list of topics, and see what bills have passed, or are awaiting action, concerning those topics. You can also read letters sent to the President and members of Congress.
- opensecrets.org
This Website has information on who donates money to federal elected officials and canditates, and who gets that money.
- Project Vote Smart
This Website "covers your candidates and elected officials in five basic categories: biographical information, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings."
- U.S. Congress Votes Database
This site, washingtonpost.com's U.S. Congress Votes Database, is a deep database of every vote in the United States Congress since the 102nd Congress (1991). It lets you browse votes in a variety of ways -- both in aggregate and for individual members of Congress.
- Architect of the Capitol
This Website has brief histories of the U.S. Capitol, and the associated House and Senate office buildings. There also is information for those who wish to visit the Capitol.
- LegiStorm
This Website has lists of staff members employed by U.S. Senators, Representatives, and Congressional committees. You will also see how much each person is paid.
- OpenCongress
This Website has information on the status of bills introduced into the U.S House of Representatives and Senate. You will also find information on how Representatives or Senators voted on bills brought before them for consideration.
- Senate Chamber Desks
This Website has photos of the desks that Senators use in the Chamber of the United States Senate. There are also maps of where Senators have sat in the chamber for the 108th, 109th, and 110th Congresses: January 2003 - Present.
You will also find lists of Senators who have used a particular desk.
- The Redistricting Game
In 2011, the districts of U.S. Representatives, State Representatives and State Senators will be redrawn to account for changes in population identified by the 2010 U.S. Census. This website "is designed to educate, engage, and empower citizens around the issue of political redistricting. By exploring how the system works, as well as how open it is to abuse, The Redistricting Game allows players to experience the realities of one of the most important (yet least understood) aspects of our political system."
Return To Top Federal Law
- http://thomas.loc.gov
Thomas
Searches bills that have not yet become laws and recent laws (called "public laws") that have been approved but are not yet included in the U. S. Code. Also includes the Congressional Record from 1989 to the present.
- http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/
U.S. Code
From Cornell's Legal Information Institute, this version of the U. S. Code allows for searching by title, subject, and section.
- Federal Regulations
- OpenRegs.com
This website "is an easy-to-navigate regulatory portal. Every day, federal agencies issue dozens of rules that affect you, your business, and your family. We make it easy to keep track of proposed and final regulations and to submit comments to the agencies, so that citizens can become better informed and more involved in the regulatory process."
- Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Here you will find the text of regulations issued by federal departments and agencies.
- Federal Register (FR)
Here you will find rules and regulations that have not yet been added to the Code of Federal Regulations and/or finalized by federal agencies or departments.
- U.S. Constitution
- U.S. Constitution
This website from FindLaw is an annotated version of the Constitution i.e., you will find an explanation of the meaning of each article or amendment following the text.
- Exploring Constitutional Law
"This site explores some of the great issues and controversies that surround our Nation's founding document."
- Popular Names of Constitutional Provisions
"Many provisions of the U.S. Constitution are known by popular name or nickname. This page identifies many of those popular names and includes the text of the relevant provisions."
- What is Your Definition of Censorship?
This website from the University of Virginia explores various forms of censorship and asks: "Where are your limits of tolerance? ... Are there situations in which you might support the suppression of materials or ideas?"
Return To Top Government Records
- http://brbpub.com/pubrecsites.asp?h=1
Free Government Public Records Sites
This Website from BRB Publications states that it "is the most comprehensive directory of free public record sites, reference material, and public record vendors available."
Return To Top Illinois Law
Return To Top Laws of Other Nations
- http://www.loc.gov/law/help/guide/nations.html
Nations of the World
This Website from the Library of Congress has links to the text of laws, court decisions and regulations of over 200 countries and territories.
- http://www.glin.gov/search.action
Global Legal Information Network
This Website "is a public database of laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and other complementary legal sources contributed by governmental agencies and international organizations."
Return To Top Legal Assistance and Reference
- http://www.willcountybar.org/
Will County Bar Association
Information on this Website includes a telephone number for lawyer referral, information about filing a small claims lawsuit, and information about "free legal services for low income persons and those over 60 who have serious civil legal problems and need legal help to solve them."
- http://www.plol.org/Pages/Search.aspx
The Public Library of Law
On this Website you can search for cases decided in federal and state courts. You can also search federal and state statutes. Registration, free, is required to view cases.
- http://www.nolocast.com/
Nolocast.com
"Nolo writer and attorney Richard Stim presents dynamic discussions of the law, interviews with authors and other experts, and answers to everyday questions — all in Nolo’s signature plain-English style."
- http://www.criminaljusticeusa.com/blog/2008/100-free-diy-legal-resources-on-the-web/
100 Free DIY [Do It Yourself] Legal Resources on the Web
This Website has links to other Websites with helpful information about legal matters.
- http://will.illinoislegalaid.org/
Legal Self-Help Center: Will County
Here you will find information on several legal topics, such as how to get a divorce, how to stop of modify child support payments, and what to do if you are behind on your mortgage payments. For some topics you can fill out forms online, and print them. The site also offers online chat with a person, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Return To Top Some Useful State of Illinois Websites
- http://www.illinois.gov
State of Illinois Homepage
- http://www.sos.state.il.us
Cyberdrive Illinois
Link to Online Motorist Information & Services information, download Business Services Forms, search a database of Illinois Civil War Veterans, and more. From the Secretary of State.
- http://www.ag.state.il.us/
Attorney General of Illinois
- http://www.ilga.gov/
Illinois General Assembly
Search the Illinois Compiled Statutes, House and Senate Schedules, and the Illinois Constitution.
- http://www.idoc.state.il.us/subsections/search/default.asp
Illinois Inmate Search
- http://www.idfpr.com/DPR/
Illinois Professional License Look-up
This database offers information on professionals who hold a professional license in the State of Illinois. License Look-up results include the Licensee's Name, License Number, License Status, City and State, Original Date of Licensure, License Expiration Date and Disciplinary Action Indicator.
- http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/
Illinois Sex Offender Information
- http://www.revenue.state.il.us/taxforms/index.htm
Illinois Department of Revenue - Tax Forms/Publications
- http://igi.finditillinois.org/cgi-bin/search.cgi
Search for Illinois Government Information
This Website from the Illinois State Library and the University of Illinois is an alternative to the search engine found on the State of Illinois Website.
- http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/link/forms.html
Federation of Tax Administrators
On This Web site you will find links to the tax form Web pages of the various states.
- http://www.isp.state.il.us/crime/crime.cfm
Illinois State Police - Crime Information
"These pages show the crime information in Illinois and identify tips for you to follow to help protect yourself."
- http://www.elections.il.gov/
Illinois State Board of Elections
This Website is organized into five sections: Campaign Disclosure, Election Information, Voting Information, About the Board, and County Clerks and Election Commissioners.
Return To Top White Collar Crime
Return To Top
Grants
General
- http://foundationcenter.org/
Foundation Center
This website "is designed to guide you quickly to the information you are looking for—instruction on funding research, help with proposal writing, tools for locating prospective funders, news and research on the field, or a library or training class near you."
Return To Top Individuals
- http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal
GovBenefits.gov
Are there government benefit programs available to help you.? Here is the place to find out.
Return To Top Non-Profit Organizations
- http://www.donorsforum.org/resource/gstoolbox1.html
Donors Forum of Chicago: Grantseekers Toolbox
On this website you will find information about the grant seeking process. You will learn what you need to do before you begin looking for money, and the best way to approach potential donors.
- http://www.grantproposal.com/
GrantProposal.com
This website has information on how to research potential donors, and how to write a successful grant application.
- http://www.grants.gov/
Grants.gov
Grants.gov allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies.
- http://www.npguides.org/
Non-Profit-Guides
This web site has "free Web-based grant-writing tools for non-profit organizations, charitable, educational, public organizations, and other community-minded groups."
- http://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/content.php?pid=16143&sid=108666
Grant Proposal Writing: Internet Resources
This website from the University of Wisconsin - Madison has links to other Websites that "offer excellent guidelines for proposal writing. Some include advice on letters of inquiry and sample proposals as well."
Return To Top
Health and Medicine
Alternative Medicine
- http://www.drweil.com/
Dr. Weil.com
This Website has information about vitamins and herbs, and information on how to live a healthy lifestyle.
- http://nccam.nih.gov/
National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
This Website from the U.S. National Institutes of Health has information about "health systems, practices, and products that are not considered part of conventional medicine."
- http://www.umm.edu/altmed/
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Index
This Website from the University of Maryland has information about several alternative forms of therapy, medicinal herbs, and supplements. You will also find information about interactions between herbs and conventional drugs.
- Chiropractic
- Chirobase
This website has several aims, including: "To encourage and support the use of science-based practices by chiropractors, to identify and oppose the use of unscientific practices by chiropractors and to warn the public about inappropriate chiropractic care."
- American Chiropractic Association
On this website you will find a brief explanation of chiropractic treatment and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also search for a chiropractor with an office near where you live or work.
- Herbs and Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
This website from The National Institutes of Health has information on more than 80 herbs and other dietary supplements.
- Herbal Fact Sheets
This website from The University of Texas-El Paso has information on 44 medicinal herbs.
Return To Top Death & Dying
- http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=399
End-of-Life Choices: Feeding Tubes and Ventilators
This Website from the Family Caregiver Alliance explains the use of feeding tubes and ventilators in patients who are nearing death.
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/endoflifeissues.html
Medline Plus - End of Life Issues
This Website has links to other Websites withb information about issues that arise and decisions that must be made when a loved one is in the final days of his or her life.
- http://www.joliethospice.org/
Joliet Area Community Hospice
"The mission of Joliet Area Community Hospice is to provide comprehensive, holistic, community based support services and care for terminally ill persons, their caregivers, and loved ones without regard to economic status; to enable the dying person to live peacefully, in comfort and with dignity, to the last moment of life."
- http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro19.shtm
Funerals: A Consumer Guide
This Website from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has information on the types of services and products provided by funeral homes and cemeteries when someone is buried or cremated.
- http://www.aarp.org/families/grief_loss/
Grief and Loss
This Website from AARP has information concerning the financial, legal, and emotional issues that arise when a loved one dies.
Return To Top Dental Health
- http://www.braces.org/
Braces.org
This Website has information about orthodontic appliances, commonly called "braces", and how they are used to straighten teeth.
- http://www.aapd.org/pediatricinformation/
Pediatric Oral Health Information for Parents
On this Website from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry under the links titled Questions Frequently Asked by Parents, and Patient Education Brochures, you will find answers to frequently asked questions on a variety of dental health topics.
- http://www.perio.org/consumer/
Perio.org
This Website from the American Academy of Periodontology has information about gum disease and dental implants.
- http://www.ada.org/public/topics/alpha.asp
American Dental Association - Oral Health Topics A-Z
This Website "will provide you with information and resources about various issues related to you and your family's oral health care."
Return To Top Diagnostic Tests
- http://www.labtestsonline.org/
Lab Tests Online
This Website has information on more than 200 tests performed on blood and other body fluids
- http://www.radiologyinfo.org/index.cfm?bhcp=1
RadiologyInfo
This Website "tells you how various x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, radiation therapy and other procedures are performed. It also addresses what you may experience and how to prepare for the exams."
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/diagnostic-tests/
Guide to Diagnostic Tests
This Website from Harvard University has information on 80 diagnostic tests performed on various organs and structures of the body.
Return To Top Disabilities
- Autism
- The Source
"MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and advice to families of More advanced individuals with Autism, Asperger syndrome, and Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). "
- Autism Speaks
This Website has information about the signs, diagnosis, and treatment of autism.
- Autism Society of America
This Website has a wealth of information about this developmental disability including what signs to look for in a young child, how it is diagnosed and treated, and much more.
- Autism Blog
"Lisa Jo Rudy [the author of this blog] is the mother of Tommy, age 12, diagnosed with PDD-NOS -- an autism spectrum disorder."
- Blindness and Visual Impairment
- Audio Books, Braille Books, and Reading Services
- The Blind Readers' Page
"This site is a guide to sources of information in alternative formats (braille, recorded cassettes, large print, e-texts, web audio) accessible by people with print disabilities--those with visual and physical handicaps as well as dyslexia. It is also a guide to information about blindness, visual handicaps and other physical handicaps, with a special collection of Wisconsin resources. There are about 2,300 individual links, all evaluated, annotated and organized by subject."
- National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
This website has information about "a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to eligible borrowers in the United States by postage-free mail.
- Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service
In conjunction with the Illinois State Library and local talking book centers, this organization provides a full range of library services specializing in Braille and talking books.
- Read This To Me.org
This organization "allows blind and low-vision people (clients) to have printed documents read to them over the phone. All a person needs is a phone line and a fax machine (no computer is required.)"
- Eye Health
- Guide Dogs
- Leader Dogs for the Blind
"Founded by three Detroit area Lions Clubs members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides dog guides to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life."
- Other Useful Websites
- Braille Bug
This website has information about the Braille system of raised dots, which is used to transliterate books and other written materials into a form readable by the blind and vision impaired.
- American Foundation for the Blind
This website has information for people with vision loss that will help them live independently and productively. There is also information for people who interact with someone who has vision loss.
- Deafness
- Info to Go
This Website from the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center of Gallaudet University offers "a wealth of information and resources on the educational, linguistic, social, and emotional development of deaf and hard of hearing children."
- The Deaf Resource Library
This Website "is a virtual library -- an online collection of reference material and links intended to educate and inform people about Deaf cultures in Japan and the United States; as well as deaf and hard of hearing related topics."
- National Association of the Deaf
The mission of this organization "is to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America."
- About.com - Deafness
This Website has information on a number of topics related to deafness, including sign language, hearing aids and implants, and the challenges a deaf person faces in daily living.
- Partial Hearing Loss
- Presbycusis
Presbycusis is the loss of hearing that gradually occurs in most individuals as they grow older. On this website you will find information about the causes, and symptoms of this disorder, and what can be done to help persons affected by it.
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
This website from the U.S. National Institutes of Health has information on the kinds of sounds that cause hearing loss, signs of hearing loss, and how noise-induced hearing loss can be prevented.
- Sign Language
- Interpreters for the Deaf Directory
Here you will find links to directories that list the name, certification, and contact information for interpreters for the deaf in Illinois.
- deafsign
This website "provides information, contacts and discussion on issues related to deafness and sign language."
- American Sign Language Browser
On this website "you can look up video of thousands of ASL signs and learn interesting things about them."
- ASL University
This website "is an online curriculum resource for American Sign Language students, instructors, interpreters, and parents of deaf children."
- Dyslexia
- International Dyslexia Association
The IDA is "is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families and the communities that support them."
- Laws
- Other Useful Websites
- A Web Guide To Wheelchair & Assistive Technology Choices
This Website has descriptions of available wheelchairs (powered and manual), scooters, and standing devices. Some of the descriptions are accompanied by reviews written by people who have used that product.
- Home Wheelchair Ramp Project
On this Website you will find a link to a design and construction manual for a wheelchair ramp that "leads you through the entire process, from design, permits, and materials through construction and installation."
- disABILITY Information and Resources
This Website has links to other Websites with information about products and services for the disabled.
- DisabilityInfo.gov
This Website "provides quick and easy access to comprehensive information about disability programs, services, laws and benefits."
- Service Animals
- National Service Animal Resource Center
This Website has "information and resources for people with disabilities, as well as their friends and family, who are considering getting a service animal or who are currently partnered with a service animal."
- Canine Companions for Independence
"Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships."
- Leader Dogs for the Blind
"Founded by three Detroit area Lions Clubs members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides dog guides to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life."
Return To Top Diseases
- Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- Alcohol: Problems and Solutions
On this Website from the State University of New York at Potsdam you will find links to articles on variety of alcohol-related issues.
- Alcoholics Anonymous
This Website has information about A.A., its history, and how to find A.A. meetings.
- That Guy
This Website from the U.S. Department of Defense has information on the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse.
- FAQs About Alcohol
This Website from the National Institutes of Health has answers to frequently asked questions about alcohol abuse and dependence.
- Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
"This searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs shows the location of facilities around the country that treat alcoholism, alcohol abuse and drug abuse problems."
- Alcohol Information Center
This website has links to other websites that cover a wide range of topics related to the use of alcohol.
- Allergies
- National Allergy Bureau
On this Website from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology you can view pollen and mold counts for selected cities around the country. You may also sign up for e-mail alerts stating pollen and mold counts at locations you select.
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology - Patients
On this Website you will find information about the symptoms of, and treatments for, diseases caused by allergies.
- Allergies to Pets
- Allergies to Pets
This website from the Humane Society of the United States has information on steps you can take to live comfortably with a companion animal despite being allergic.
- Food Allergies
- Allergic Child.com
The goal of this website is to provide information that will " help you keep your food allergic child safe, healthy and living as close to a ‘normal’ life as possible."
- Peanut Allergy Diet
If you or your child are allergic to peanuts, this website has information that will help you avoid foods that cause an allergic reaction.
- Food Allergy Initiative
This website has information about several types of food allergies, including information on how to avoid those foods. You will also find information on how to live with a food allergy at home, at school, and when eating out.
- Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
The mission of this organization is: "To raise public awareness, to provide advocacy and education, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis."
- Alzheimer's Disease & Other Memory Disorders
- Alzheimer's Association
This Website has information about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, information for care givers, and more.
- The Forgetting
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System has information on the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's, suggestions for coping with this disease, information for caregivers, and articles about the latest research advances.
- Leeza's Place
"An intimate and safe setting for caregivers and those recently diagnosed with memory disorders ~ offering EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT, and ENERGY programs."
The Joliet branch of this organization is located at 113 Republic Avenue.
- Asbestos Exposure Diseases
- Asbestos.com
This Website has an extensive amount of information on Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and other diseases caused by exposure to asbestos.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Bulimia Nervosa Resource Guide
"This Web site provides a one-stop comprehensive resource on bulimia nervosa for anyone who wants to understand the disorder and how to support a family member or friend with bulimia nervosa."
- Cancer
- General
- National Cancer Institute
This website from the U.S. National Institutes of Health has information on the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various forms of cancer. You will also find links to information about clinical trials, i.e., try outs of new drugs and other forms of cancer treatment.
- American Cancer Society
This website has "in-depth information on every major cancer type."
- OncoLink
On this website from the University of Pennsylvania you will find "information about risk, prevention, screening, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and support for all cancers." You will also find detailed information about various forms of cancer treatment, and ways to cope with cancer and the side effects of treatment.
- CureToday
"Combining science with humanity, CURE makes cancer understandable."
- Patient Education Resources
This website from the University of California San Francisco has links to information on issues that arise when dealing with cancer including cancer therapies & treatment management, communications issues, fatigue & fatigue management, and nutrition.
- CancerQuest
On this website you will find information on how cancer starts, how it is treated, and the side effects of treatment.
- Cancer.net
This website from the American Society of Clinical Oncologists has information on the symptoms, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of "more than 120 types of cancer and cancer-related syndromes." You will also find information on how to cope with emotional and physical issues that arise when the diagnosis is cancer.
- Other Useful Websites
- Young People with Cancer: A Handbook for Parents
This website "gives you information on all stages of your child’s illness. It tells you what to expect and suggests ways to prepare for different situations. It can guide you to become your child’s best advocate or supporter."
- Cancer and Careers
This website has information on how to maintain a career while undergoing treatment for cancer.
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure
This website has extensive information about breast cancer.
- 11th Report on Carcinogens
This report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "is an informational scientific and public health document that identifies substances (including agents, mixtures or exposure circumstances) that may pose a carcinogenic hazard to human health."
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients
This Website from the University of California, San Diego, has information about the proven benefits (if any), side effects, and cost of many forms of alternative treatments for cancer.
- Celiac Disease
- Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
- CFIDS Association of America
On this Website "you can find detailed information about CFIDS, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, important research findings, and how it affects the lives of those who live with it everyday."
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association
This Website has information on the types of diabetes and their treatment.
- National Diabetes Information Clearing House
This Website from the U.S. National Institutes of Health has information on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of diabetes.
- Foot.com - The Diabetic Foot
This Website has information on foot problems associated with diabetes, and steps you can take to help prevent them.
- Holiday Meal Planning
This website from the American Diabetes Association notes that: "The holidays can be a tough time for families, especially families dealing with diabetes. But there's no reason you can't take it all in stride. With a little preparation and some diabetes know-how under your belt, you'll be ready to face any holiday head-on.
Check out our quick guide to surviving the holidays and you're on your way!"
- Drug Abuse
- National Institute of Drug Abuse
This Website has information about several commonly abused drugs.
- NIDA for Teens
This Website "delivers science-based facts about how drugs affect the brain and body so that kids will be armed with better information to make healthy decisions."
- NIDA Infofacts -Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction
This Website has information on "why individuals become addicted to drugs [and] how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse."
- Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction
This Website from the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has information about the consequences of prescription drug abuse, and possible options for treatment.
- Drug Information
This Website from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has information about several commonly abused drugs.
- Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
"This searchable directory of drug and alcohol treatment programs shows the location of facilities around the country that treat alcoholism, alcohol abuse and drug abuse problems."
- Flu/Influenza
- 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has the latest information on the Swine Flu outbreak.
- Flu Myths and Realities
This website has information that refutes several myths about H1N1 flu and the vaccine used to prevent it.
- Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has information on the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of influenza. There is also a map that shows where flu is prevalent in the U.S.
- Flu Information
This Website from Medicare.gov has a list of flu symptoms, and information on how the disease is spread. You will also find links to information on the flu vaccine and other steps you can take to prevent the flu.
- Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)
From the U. S. Centers for Disease Control
- CDC Emergency
This is a Twitter group which is using that service to communicate the latest information about Swine Flu.
- Flu.gov
"One-stop access to U.S. Government H1N1 [swine], avian and pandemic flu information."
- Genetic Diseases
- Genetics Home Reference
This Web site from the National Library of Medicine has "information about genetic conditions and the genes responsible for those conditions."
- Genes and Disease
This Website "is a collection of articles that discuss genes and the diseases that they cause. These genetic disorders are organized by the parts of the body that they affect. As some diseases affect various body systems, they appear in more than one chapter. With each genetic disorder, the underlying mutation(s) is discussed, along with clinical features and links to key websites."
- Heart Diseases
- The Mysterious Human Heart
This Website from the Public Broadcasting System has information about heart diseases and what you can do to prevent them. There is also an excellent section on the anatomy of the heart.
- American Heart Association
This Website has information about the symptoms and treatment of a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and more.
- Open Heart
This website has basic information about heart anatomy, heart diseases, and bypass surgery.
- The Heart Information Center
This website has information on heart diseases and conditions, tests used to diagnose them, and medicines used to treat them. You will also find information on the anatomy of the heart and circulatory system.
- CPR
- Hands-Only CPR
This website has information about hands only cardio-pulmonary resusciitation [CPR]. The site notes that" providing hands only CPR to an adult who has collapsed from sudden a cardiac arrest can more than double that person's chance of survival."
- Learn CPR: You can Do It!
This website from the University of Washington School of Medicine has information on how to perform CPR on children and adults, and information first aid for choking victims.
- Other Useful Websites
- Hepatitis
- Viral Hepatitis
On this Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control you will find information about the prevention, symptoms, treatment, and transmission of the various forms of hepatitis.
- HIV/AIDS
- 9˝ Minutes
This website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control notes that "every 9˝ minutes, someone is infected with HIV." Here you will find information on the prevention and treatment of AIDS.
- Fact Sheets
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has information on the incidence of this disease in various demographic groups, how it is transmitted from person to person, and how it can be prevented.
- AIDSinfo
This Website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has information on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, and information about ongoing research.
- Hypertension/High Blood Pressure
- Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure
This website from the U.S. National Institutes of Health "is intended for people who are interested in learning more about preventing and controlling high blood pressure."
- Mental Health
- CopeCareDeal - A Mental Health Site for Teens
On this Website you will find "tips for coping with everyday stress - and bigger problems, too", information "about warning signs that a teen may need help", and "important information about depression, schizophrenia, and other illnesses that can affect teens."
- APA Help Center - From the American Psychological Association
"APA's Help Center is your online resource for brochures, tips and articles on the psychological issues that affect your physical and emotional well-being, as well as information about referrals."
- Depression and/or Bipolar Disorder
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
This website has information on the signs, symptoms and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. There are also links to DBSA online support groups, and a directory of DBSA chapters.
- Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens: A Parent’s Guide
"This booklet is a guide for parents who think their child may have symptoms of bipolar disorder, or parents whose child has been diagnosed."
- Seasonal Depression
This website from the Cleveland Clinic has information on the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
- Depression
On this website from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health you can "learn about signs, symptoms and research on depression."
- Antidepressants for Children: Explore the Pros and Cons
On this website from the Mayo Clinic you can "learn why antidepressants have warnings about suicidal thinking in children, what to do before your child starts taking an antidepressant and warning signs of a potential problem.
- Other Useful Websites
- 40 Superb Psychology Blogs
"The list is split into three sections: first are more general psychological blogs, followed by those with an academic slant, followed by condition specific and patient perspective blogs"
- What a Difference a Friend Makes
"This site is here for people living with mental illness—and their friends. You'll find tools to help in the recovery process, and you can also learn about the different kinds of mental illnesses, read real-life stories about support and recovery, and interact with the video to see how friends can make all the difference."
- Mumps
- Mumps
This Website from the Mayo Clinic has information about the cause, symptoms, and prevention of this disease.
- Obesity
- Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-Loss Program
This Website from the U.S. National Institutes of Health notes that "choosing a weight-loss program may be a difficult task. You may not know what to look for in a weight-loss program or what questions to ask. This fact sheet can help you make an informed decision about joining a program."
- Weight Loss Products and Programs
This Website from the Colorado State Cooperative Extension has short reviews of some popular weight loss products and programs.
- Parkinson's Disease
- Living With Parkinson's
This website from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research provides "accessible and understandable Parkinson's information to patients and their families."
- The National Parkinson Foundation
On this Web site you will find information about the symptoms and treatment of Parkinson's disease. You will also find a directory of doctors who specialize in movement disorders, and a directory of Parkinson's disease support groups.
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Information Center
On this Website you will find pictures of Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac. When an oil called urushiol is rubbed off these plants onto skin, it often causes a very itchy rash. You will also pictures of the rash, and treatments for it.
- Rare Diseases
- orpha.net
This website "is a database of information on rare diseases and orphan drugs for all publics. Its aim is to contribute to the improvement of the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with rare diseases."
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
This website from the U.S. National Institutes of Health has information on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of several sexually transmitted diseases.
- Skin Diseases
- Skin Care Guide.com
On this website you will find information "about the skin, its care and various skin conditions and treatments."
- Stroke
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases
- EndocrineWeb.com
This website has information about the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid and other endocrine glands.
- Tobacco
- Health Hazards
- The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
On this website you will find a summary, and the full text, of a report issued by the U.S. Surgeon General in June 2006. The report "concludes that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 percent and lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent."
- The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General
This website has a link to the text of this comprehensive report, released in May 2004, on diseases caused by the smoking of tobacco. You will also find a link to a summary of the report.
- Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer: Questions and Answers
This Website has information on the dangers associated with the use of smokeless tobacco.
- Cigar Smoking
This website from the American Cancer Society has information on "what cigars are, the recent trends in their use, and the possible health effects they may have on the people who smoke them and those around them."
- Coffin Nails: The Tobacco Controversy in the 19th Century
This website has articles, ads and cartoons from the pages of Harper's Weekly that illustrate that the controversy about smoking is not new. The articles also demonstrate that the health hazards associated with tobacco use were recognized, if not scientifically proven, during the 19th century.
- Quitting
- Accept the Great American Smokeout Challenge
This website from the American Cancer Society has reasons to quit smoking, a guide to quitting smoking, and information on how to plan your quit day, and stay quit.
- WhyQuit.com
This website has information on the addictive nature and dangers of tobacco use, and other information that will help motivate people to quit using tobacco.
- smokefree.gov
This website "is intended to help you or someone you care about quit smoking. Different people need different resources as they try to quit. The information and professional assistance available on this Web site can help to support both your immediate and long-term needs as you become, and remain, a nonsmoker."
Return To Top Doctors
Return To Top Drugs
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html
Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information
On this Website from the National Library of Medicine and the national Institutes of Health you can search for information on prescription and non-prescription drugs, and herbal supplements by clicking on the first letter of the generic or brand name.
- http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/about.cfm
DailyMed
On this Website you will find links to information about prescription drugs in the same format as that supplied to health care providers in the form of package inserts.
- http://www.drugdigest.org/wps/portal/ddigest
Drug Digest
This Website has information about prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbs. There is also an are where you can check to see if there is an interaction between two drugs.
Return To Top Evaluating Health Information
- http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Information/internet
Evaluating Health Information on the Internet
This website from the National Cancer Institute note that: "The popularity of the Internet has made it easier and faster to find health information. Much of this information is valuable; however, the Internet also allows rapid and widespread distribution of false and misleading information. It is important for people to carefully consider the source of information and to discuss the information they find with their health care provider. This fact sheet can help people decide whether the health information they find on the Internet or receive via e-mail is likely to be reliable."
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/webeval/webeval.html
Evaluating Internet Health Information: A Tutorial from the National Library of Medicine
"This tutorial teaches you how to evaluate the health information that you find on the Web. It is about 16 minutes long."
Return To Top First Aid
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/FirstAidIndex/FirstAidIndex
Mayo Clinic.com - First Aid
This Website has information on the proper first aid for several commonly occurring illnesses and injuries.
- http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/
Kids Health - First Aid & Safety
"Keeping your child safe is your top priority. Learn how to protect your child inside the house and out, what to do in an emergency, how to stock a first-aid kit, where to call for help, and more."
Return To Top General
- http://healthlibrary.stanford.edu/
Stanford Health Library
This Web site has links to Web sites with information about health and medicine.
- http://www.journeytowellness.com/
Journey to Wellness
"An Online Health Magazine for African Americans"
- http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/HealthEducation/HealthEzToRead
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
On this website you will find links to online pamphlets with information about topics related to diabetes, digestive diseases, and kidney and bladder diseases.
- http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/patient-education-materials/atlas-of-human-body.shtml
AMA Atlas of the Body
This Website from the American Medical Association has illustrations of several structures and systems of the human body.
- http://www.guideline.gov/
National Guideline Clearinghouse
This Website "is a comprehensive database of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines." These guidelines tell doctors how diseases and conditions should be treated. Please note that these guidelines are not mandatory.
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lowvision.html
Medline Plus - For Low Vision Users
This Website has information on several health topics that is formatted with "large fonts, easy-to-read language, and audio to listen to on each page."
- http://www.healthfinder.gov/
Health Finder
This Website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has links to information on over 1,600 health topics.
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/
MayoClinic.com
This Website from the famous clinic in Rochester MN, has information on a wide variety of health-related topics.
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html
Medline Plus - Health Topics
This Website from the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health has "750 topics on conditions, diseases and wellness."
- http://www.merck.com/mmhe/index.html
Merck Manual
- http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html
FamilyDoctor.org
This Website from the American Academy of Family Physicians has written information on a large number of health-related topics. You will also find more than 60 videos.
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medicalwords.html
Medical Words: A Tutorial from the National Library of Medicine
"This tutorial teaches you about medical words. You'll learn about how to put together parts of medical words. You'll also find quizzes to see what you've learned."
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/index.html
NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine
This website is from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The authors of the site note that: "Our purpose is to present you with the best in reliable, up-to-date health information. We bring you the latest breakthroughs from NIH-supported research. We feature people from all walks of life talking about how they've handled their health challenges."
- http://blogs.consumerreports.org/health/
Consumer Reports Health Blog
This website has short articles on health-related topics.
Return To Top Health Organizations and Associations
Return To Top Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Assisted Living Facilities
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Hospitals
- Directories
- Quality
- Illinois Hospital Report Card
On this website from the Illinois Department of Public Health, "you can access volume and cost of services in hospitals and ambulatory surgery treatment centers, quality and safety data, nurse staffing data, patient satisfaction surveys, and summaries and links to Illinois laws that ensure consumer protection."
- America's Best Hospitals 2009-10
This website from U.S. News and World Report ranks the best hospitals in the U.S. overall, and in 16 specialties.
- The Leapfrog Group
On this website you will find information on "what steps hospitals are taking to reduce preventable medical mistakes."
- Hospital Quality Compare
On this website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "you will find information on how well hospitals care for patients with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures, and results from a survey of patients about the quality of care they received during a recent hospital stay."
- Quality Check
On this website from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, you will find information on the accreditation status of hospitals. In some cases you can read accreditation reports, or find out how a hospital scored on standards of health care quality.
- Joliet Hospitals and Clinics
- Nursing Homes
- Nursing Homes in Illinois
On this Website from the Illinois Department of Public Health you will find "the address, name of the administrator, the type of payment accepted, the number of beds and type of license classification (e.g., sheltered, intermediate, skilled), and ownership information for each facility. "You will also find information on disciplinary actions initiated by the Illinois Department of Public Health
- Medicare.gov - Nursing Homes
On this Website you will find "information relating to Medicaid and Medicare certified nursing homes throughout the United States. It includes information on payment and patient rights, and a nursing home checklist which will help you evaluate the nursing homes that you visit."
- Illinois Nursing Home Safety Reports
This website from the Chicago Tribune has information on:
The number of residents who are convicted felons and sex offenders, crimes reported at Chicago nursing homes, and fines levied because of deficiencies in care.
- Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Resource Center
This Web site has information on what you can do to prevent abuse and neglect of your loved one in a nursing home, and what to do if it occurs.
Return To Top Insurance
Return To Top Keeping Healthy
- Aging
- Bone Health
- Bone Health and Osteoporosis
This Website from the U.S. Surgeon General explains how you can keep your bones strong, and avoid fractures caused by weak bones.
- Brain Health
- 11 Steps to a Better Brain
This Website from New Scientist Magazine notes: "There are lots of tricks, techniques and habits, as well as changes to your lifestyle, diet and behaviour that can help you flex your grey matter and get the best out of your brain cells. And here are 11 of them."
- The Human Brain
"Here you can get to know your brain – the food it likes, the challenges it craves, the rest it requires, the protection it deserves."
- Disease Prevention
- HealtherUS.gov
On this website "you will learn how to: Make physical activity a part of your day, eat more healthy foods, protect yourself and your family from illness, and avoid risks to your health and the health of your loved ones."
- Colorectal Cancer Risk Assesment Tool
This Website from the National Cancer Institute "estimates the risk that a non-Hispanic white man or woman ages 50-85 will develop colorectal cancer."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This website has information on ways to prevent harm to your health.
- Disease Prevention Services that Offer the Best Health Benefits at the Best Value
This Website has a summary of the results of a study that "can help people make choices about their health, by learning more about which services might benefit them the most.
- FamilyHealth History
This website notes that: "Family health history is a useful tool for understanding health risks and preventing disease in individuals and their close relatives."
- Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes
This Website from the U.S. National Institutes of Health notes that "insulin resistance is a silent condition that increases the chances of developing diabetes and heart disease. Learning about insulin resistance is the first step you can take toward making lifestyle changes that will help you prevent diabetes and other health problems."
- Your Disease Risk
On this website you will find questionnaires that will help you evaluate your risk for Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis, and Stroke. You will also find tips on how to prevent these diseases.
- Alzheimer's Prevention
This website from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America has information on what you can do to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
- Exercise/Fitness
- ACE - Exercise Library
This Website from the American Council on Exercise has links to instructions for 90 different exercises.
- Fitness Programs: 5 Steps to Getting Started
This Website from the Mayo Clinic has information on five things you need to do when beginning a fitness program.
- Small Step
This Website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has information on simple steps you can take to live a healthier life.
- Exercise on a Budget
This Website has information on inexpensive alternatives to working out at a gym or buying expensive exercise equipment.
- Fitness for Less: 4 Low-Cost Ways to Shape Up
"Want to work out but think you can't afford it? Think again. Consider these low-cost alternatives to a pricey gym membership."
- Food Safety
- Food Safety
On this Website you will find information about how to prevent illnesses caused by improper handling, cooking, and storage of food.
- Barbecue Food Safety
This Website from the U.S. Department of Agriculture explains how to safely prepare and store barbecued food.
- Harmful Substances
- 11th Report on Carcinogens
This Website from the U.S. Department of health and Human Services "identifies and discusses agents, substances, mixtures, or exposure circumstances that may pose a hazard to human health by virtue of their carcinogenicity."
- Household Products Database
If you ever wonder whether a product in you laundry room, bathroom, or garage has ingredients that are hazardous to health, this Website from the U.S. National Library of Medicine may have the answer.
- Hazing
- StopHazing.org
"The main purpose of StopHazing.org is to serve as a resource for accurate, up-to-date hazing information for students, parents, and educators."
- Heat & Humidity
- Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer
This website from the National Weather Service explains what illnesses are likely to occur based on the heat index. The heat index takes humidity into account to give better idea of how hot it really feels.
- Heat Index Chart
"The Heat Index (HI) is the temperature the body feels when heat and humidity are combined."
- Injury Prevention
- Kids and Teens
- How to Talk to Your Adolescent About Alcohol
One of the questions faced by children as they grow up is whether to drink alcoholic beverages, or refrain from doing so. This Website gives parents information that will help them in their efforts to see that their children do not consume alcohol until they are of legal age.
- TeenGrowth.com
This website is "specifically tailored toward the health interests and general well-being of the teenage population. TeenGrowth offers a secure environment to search for, request and receive valuable health care information on topics such as alcohol, drugs, emotions, health, family, friends, school, sex and sports."
- Take Care of Your Child's Teeth
This website has information on what you can do to help protect your child from tooth decay.
- Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight
This website has tips on what you can to to help your child maintain a healthy weight.
- Injury Prevention
This Website from Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh has tips on how to prevent injuries. You will also find information on how to treat common injuries.
- KidsHealth
This Website has "doctor-approved health information about children from before birth through adolescence."
- Kids' Health
This Website from the Children, Youth, and Women's Health Service of Australia has information on a wide variety of health-related topics. The Website is written for children ages 6-12.
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Tough Issues
This Website offers "practical, concrete tips and techniques for talking easily and openly with young children ages 8 to 12 about some very tough issues: sex, HIV/AIDS, violence, drugs and alcohol."
- girlshealth.gov
This Website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has information on health topics of particular interest to young women.
- Safety: Guns and Kids
This Website from the University of Michigan Health System has information on how to store guns safely, and what happens when children and teens have access to a gun.
- Center for Young Women's Health
This Website from Children's Hospital in Boston has information that will help young women improve their understanding of normal health and development, and diseases and conditions that might affect them.
- Car Safety Seats and Transportation Safety
This Website from the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that "motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for children and adolescents ages 1 to 21. The AAP has information on topics ranging from car safety seats to school buses to teen driving."
- kidsnutrition.org
This Website from the Baylor College of Medicine has links to information that will help you give your children a healthy diet.
- Teen Workers
"This site provides safety and health information for the young worker and others. It answers questions often asked by the working teen. It details workers' rights and responsibilities, and links to training and other educational tools."
- TeenHealthFX
This website "is your online resource for any and all questions regarding your health, your relationships, your body and your sexuality. While this site is informative, it's not a substitute for talking to your doctor and your parents."
- Men's Health
- Men's Health
This website has sections on Fitness, Women, Health, Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Grooming.
- Mental Health
- Controlling Anger -- Before It Controls You
"Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—problems at work, in your personal relationships, and in the overall quality of your life. And it can make you feel as though you're at the mercy of an unpredictable and powerful emotion. This [online] brochure is meant to help you understand and control anger."
- iSerenity Environments
This Website "offers a relaxing web-based experience that delivers soothing sounds and images designed to reduce stress and calm nerves. Use iSerenity while at work or at home. You can even leave it running in the background while you work on your computer."
- Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness
This website from the Mayo Clinic "discusses forgiveness and how it can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being."
- Mold
- Mold Resources
This Website from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains how mold affects human health, and how you can control the growth of mold in your home.
- Nutrition
- Nutrition Facts: An Interactive Guide to Food Labels
This website from the Mayo Clinic explains what the numbers on a nutrition facts label mean.
- Eating Well
This website has recipes and articles aimed at advancing its mission "to provide the inspiration and information people need to make healthy eating a way of life."
- MyPyramid.gov
This Website from the U.S. Department of Agriculture "offers personalized eating plans, interactive tools to help you plan and assess your food choices, and advice to help you: Make smart choices from every food group, find your balance between food and physical activity, get the most nutrition out of your calories, and stay within your daily calorie needs."
- Nutrition Data
On this Website you fill find the calorie count and other nutritional information for a wide variety of natural and manufactured food products.
- What Does 200 Calories Look Like?
This Website has pictures of 200 calorie portions of several popular food items.
- Fruits & Veggies Matter.gov
This Website has information on the health benefits associated with eating fruits and vegetables, tips on how to make them part of your daily meals, and recipes.
- Comfort Cravings
This blog from Psychology Today magazine has articles with information on "how to soothe yourself without food--and how to eat healthfully and mindfully."
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
These guidelines are "published jointly every 5 years by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases."
- Nutrition Information and Resource Center
This Website from Penn State University has links to Websites and online publications with information about nutrition.
- The Nutrition Source
This website from the Harvard University School of Public Health notes that "a lot of confusing information about nutrition gets batted about in the media and certain health circles, making it very hard to know what to eat. The Nutrition Source will cut through all that, providing clear tips for healthy eating and dispelling a few nutrition myths along the way. And you won't just find out what you should eat, but why."
- The World's Healthiest Foods
This Website from the George Mateljan Foundation has links to information about whole foods that are nutrient dense, familiar, affordable, available, and also taste good.
- Nutrition and Health Info Sheets
This website from the University of California, Davis has information a variety of nutrition-related topics, including calcium, cholesterol, fat, and fiber. You will also find infomation about energy drinks, ephedra, and St. John's Wort.
- Portion Distortion: 10 Food Servings, Now Vs. Then
This website shows examples of how the serving size of foods and beverages has increased over the last 20 years.
- Other Informative Websites
- Blood Groups, Blood Typing and Blood Transfusions
This Website explains the blood typing system, and why giving the wrong type of blood to someone can have fatal consequences.
- A Citizen's Guide to Radon
On this Website you will learn about this gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. You will find information about how to test your home for radon, and what modifications to you need to make to your home if you find high levels of radon present.
- DES Update Home
"Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a drug once prescribed during pregnancy to prevent miscarriages or premature deliveries. In the U.S. an estimated 5 to 10 million persons were exposed to DES from 1938 to 1971, including pregnant women prescribed DES and their children." This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has information on the health risks associated with exposure to DES.
- Pets
- Healthy Pets Healthy People
Pets can pass diseases on to people. This Web site has information on how to prevent this from happening to you or members of your family.
- Poison Prevention
- Illinois Poison Center
"The Illinois Poison Center serves all of Illinois 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The IPC offers free, confidential poison prevention advice and treatment recommendations via a toll-free hot line, 1-800-222-1222."
- Pregnancy
- Baby Kick Alliance
This organization is "a leading advocate for Kick Count, a preventative way to reduce the risk of stillbirth."
- Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education Center
This Website has information on several pregnancy-related topics including: things to consider before getting pregnant, what you need to know and do while pregnant, labor and delivery, and caring for your newborn.
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control notes that: "When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, so does her unborn baby. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant and there also does not appear to be a safe time to drink during pregnancy either." The Website has information on what happens to her baby when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol.
- Preventing Mistakes
- Sex
- It's Your (Sex) Life
This Website from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation has information on how to avoid unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Sex, etc.
This Website from Rutgers University has answers to sex-related questions. The Website "is written by teens, for teens."
- Natural Family Planning
This Website from the American Academy of Family Physicians answers questions about two methods of family planning that do "not involve the use of medicines, mechanical devices or chemicals."
- IWannaKnow.org
This website, written for teen agers, has information on the signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You will also find information on how to avoid getting an STI.
- The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
This website states that their mission is " to help ensure that children are born into stable, two-parent families who are committed to and ready for the demanding task of raising the next generation. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy among single, young adults."
- Toxic Substances
- Tox Town
This Web site from the U.S. National Library of Medicine is "an interactive guide to commonly encountered toxic substances."
- Asbestos | Vermiculite
This Website from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has links to information about asbestos, a toxic substance, and vermiculite, a mineral once used for home insulation that may contain asbestos.
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
This Website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has information on toxic substances often found near hazardous waste sites.
- Household Products Database
If you ever wonder whether a product in you laundry room, bathroom, or garage has ingredients that are hazardous to health, this Website from the U.S. National Library of Medicine may have the answer.
- Vaccines
- Vaccines & Immunizations
On This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control you will find information about recommended immunizations for children and adults. There is also information about vaccine side effects and safety issues.
- Thimerosal in Vaccines
This Website from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has information about the use of thimerosal in some vaccines
- Pre-teens Need Vaccines Too!
This Website from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that:Vaccines are not just for infants. As kids get older, protection provided by some childhood vaccines can begin to wear off. Kids can also develop risks for more diseases as they enter their pre-teen years."
- Women
- Sexual Violence
This Website from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains what sexual violence is, how sexual violence affects its victims physically and psychologically, and offers strategies for preventing sexual violence.
- womenshealth.gov
This Website from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has information on several health topics of particular interest to women.
- WomenHeart
The aim of this organization is to raise "awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of women’s heart disease."
- Guardian Angel Community Services - Sexual Assault Services Center
This facility located off of Plainfield Road in Joliet, has "trained advocates [who] are available 24 hours a day, everyday to provide crisis intervention services in a medical setting. Advocates provide survivors with the information, comfort, and emotional support they need to make informed choices and regain a sense of control over their lives."
- Medicine.net - Women's Health Center
Here is another Website with information on health topics of interest to women.
- Breast Implants - Consumer Information
This website from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has information on the types of breast implants currently available , and the possible complications and side effects associated with their use.
- The Heatlhy Heart Handbook for Women
This website "will give you new information on women’s heart disease and practical suggestions for reducing your own personal risk of heart-related problems."
- The Healthy Woman
This website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has "straight-ahead information on the things we [women] can do
to stay healthy, tests we should get to monitor our health, how to cope with disease,
and how to talk with our doctors. Simply put, how to take charge of our own health."
Return To Top Organ Donation
- http://www.organdonor.gov/
OrganDonor.gov
This Website from the U.S. Department of health and Human Services has information about the organ donation process and the process of matching donors to recipients.
Return To Top Pain
- http://www.theacpa.org/people/managing_chronic_pain.asp
Managing Chronic Pain
The information on ths Website from the American Chronic Pain Association "can help you begin to regain control of your life and become an active participant in your treatment team."
- http://www.stoppain.org/pain_medicine/default.asp
StopPain.org - Pain Medicine
This Website from the Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, NY, has "information on common chronic disorders, treatments and commonly asked questions."
- http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/
The National Pain Foundation
On this website you will find information about chronic pain caused by diseases and/or located in various parts of the body.You will also find information about methods available to treat that pain.
Return To Top Palliative Care
- http://www.ninr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/01CC45F1-048B-468A-BD9F-3AB727A381D2/0/NINR_PalliativeCare_Brochure_508C.pdf
Palliative Care
This website has information about palliative care, care that is not intended to treat the cause of a disease or condition, but rather "provides relief from distressing symptoms including pain, shortness
of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, problems with sleep
and many other symptoms."
Return To Top Personal Health Information
- http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/index.html
Health Information Privacy
On this website you will find information about your rights regarding the confidentiality of personal health information, and how to file a complaint if you believe those rights have been violated.
- http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs8-med.htm
Medical Records Privacy
On this Website from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse you will find information about limitations to the protection of personal health information provided by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- http://www.myphr.com/
My Personal Health Record
The authors this Website note that "keeping your own personal health record (PHR) allows you to provide doctors with valuable information that can help improve the quality of care you receive. A PHR can help reduce or eliminate duplicate tests and allow you to receive faster, safer treatment and care in an emergency." This Website will show you how to create one.
- http://www.worldprivacyforum.org/hipaa/index.html
Patient’s Guide to HIPAA:
How to Use the Law to Guard your Health Privacy
This website "offers a roadmap through the thicket of dense health privacy laws and rules that many patients have questions about. The purpose of this guide is to help patients cut through the red tape and understand how to make health privacy laws work to protect their privacy."
Return To Top Radiology
- http://www.radiologyinfo.org/
RadiologyInfo
This website "tells you how various x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, radiation therapy and other procedures are performed. It also addresses what you may experience and how to prepare for the exams."
Return To Top Research
- http://www.nhs.uk/news/Pages/NewsIndex.aspx
Behind the Headlines
Your Guide to the Science That Makes the News
This website from Britain's National Health Service "endeavours to explain the facts behind the headlines and give a better understanding of the science that makes the news."
- http://www.freemedicaljournals.com
Free Medical Journals
This Website has links to articles found in 430 medical journals.
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/
PubMed
This Website has citations and summaries of articles found in medical journals.
- http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=index-html&issn=1549-1676&ct=1
PLoS Medicine
This Website has full text, peer-reviewed articles on advances in medical research.
Return To Top Surgery
- http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/surgery/surgery.htm
Having Surgery? What You Need to Know
This Website from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has questions you should ask your doctor before you have surgery, and the reasons for asking them.
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/surgeryvideos.html
Videos of Surgical Procedures
"This page provides links to prerecorded webcasts of surgical procedures. These are actual operations performed at medical centers in the United States since January 2004."
Return To Top Violence
- Domestic Violence
- Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
This Website has information on where to obtain help, if you are a victim of domestic violence.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
"If you or someone you know is frightened about something in your relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224." This Website notes that help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Women'sLaw.org - Illinois Laws
This Website has information on Illinois laws related to domestic violence, including how to obtain a restraining order, and your rights regarding protection in the workplace.
- Rape
- Guardian Angel Community Services - Sexual Assault Services Center
This facility located off of Plainfield Road in Joliet, has "trained advocates [who] are available 24 hours a day, everyday to provide crisis intervention services in a medical setting. Advocates provide survivors with the information, comfort, and emotional support they need to make informed choices and regain a sense of control over their lives."
- Date Rape
This Website notes that:When people think of rape, they might think of a stranger jumping out of a shadowy place and sexually attacking someone. But it's not only strangers who rape. In fact, about half of all people who are raped know the person who attacked them. Girls and women are most often raped, but guys can also be raped." Here you will find information on steps you can take to prevent date rape, and what to do if you are raped.
- Sexual Violence
This Website from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains what sexual violence is, how sexual violence affects its victims physically and psychologically, and offers strategies for preventing sexual violence.
Return To Top
Local Links
Business
- http://jolietchamber.com
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce
The mission of this organization is "to advance the interests of business, professional and service organizations in the Joliet Region, acting as their voice in governmental and social affairs, communicating and servicing their needs, and thereby enhancing the business environment and the local quality of life."
- http://www.c-e-d.org/
Joliet/Will County Center for Economic Development
Has described itself as "the areas premier one-stop resource for information and contacts". Useful statistics for Will County work force are here. A good local business link
- http://www.jolietdowntown.com
Downtown Joliet
On this site you can find information about activities in the City Center.
Return To Top Entertainment, Recreation, and Sports
- http://www.visitjoliet.org
Visit Joliet: The Joliet Visitors Bureau
- http://www.ejearchive.com/
Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway
This Web site has a wealth of information about the history and present day operations of this railroad that runs from Gary, IN, through Joliet, to Waukegan IL. There are many photos of engines and cars operated by the line
- http://www.fpdwc.org/
Forest Preserve District of Will County
On this Website you will find information about recreational facilities available at Forest Preserve sites
- http://www.jackhammerbaseball.com/
Joliet JackHammers
- http://www.jolietpark.org/
Joliet Park District
- http://www.fs.fed.us/mntp/
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Here you will find information about this unique park located just a few miles south of Joliet
- http://www.rialtosquare.com/
Rialto Square Theatre
On this Web site you can learn the history of this 1920s era theatre and find information about upcoming shows
- http://www.chicagolandspeedway.com/
Chicagoland Speedway
Here you will find information about tickets and upcoming events for this super speedway.
- http://www.route66raceway.com/cgi-bin/r.cgi/index_rt66.html
Route 66 Raceway
Here you will find information about tickets and upcoming events for the drag strip and dirt oval track. Route 66 Raceway is located next to Chicagoland Speedway.
- http://www.canalcor.org
Canal Corridor Association
This Website has information about the history of the I&M Canal and information about current recreational activities available in the I&M CanalNational Heritage Corridor.
Return To Top Facts & Statistics
- http://www.cityofjoliet.info/pdf-files/About-Joliet/Community-Profile.pdf
Joliet Community Profile
Here you will find information about the people, businesses, government, and housing of Joliet.
- http://www.jolietpolice.org/Frames%20Pages/Crime%20Stats.htm
Joliet Crime Statistics
Here you will find crime statistics for the 13 sectors of the city patrolled by the Joliet Police.
- http://www.illinoisatlas.com/
IllinoisAtlas.com
On this Website from Northern Illinois University You will find a collection of maps showing statistical information for Illinois, by county.
- http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/17/17197.html
Quick Facts - Will County Illinois
This Website from the U.S. Census Bureau has tables showing frequently requested information about the population and businesses of Will County
- http://www.fedstats.gov/qf/states/17/17197.html
MapStats - Will County Illinois
This Website has links to more information about the people and businesses of Will County
- http://www.worldclimate.com/cgi-bin/grid.pl?gr=N41W088
Weather Data
This Website has Weather data for several cities in Illinois, including information gathered at the Brandon Road Dam in Joliet
- http://www.sos.state.il.us/departments/archives/irad/will.html
Will County Fact Sheet
On this Website from the Illinois Secretary of State you will find information on the name and location of townships in Will County.
Return To Top Government
- http://www.cityofjoliet.info
City of Joliet
- http://www.cityofjoliet.info/City-Government/Meetings-Agendas.htm
City of Joliet - Meetings and Agendas
Here you will find the scheduled days and times for meetings of the Community Design Review Board, Plan Commission, and the Zoning Appeals Board
- http://www.sos.state.il.us/departments/drivers/facilities/chicago/joliet.html
Illinois Secretary of State - Joliet Facility
Here you will find the hours of operation of this office located at Jefferson Square Mall, and the services offered there
- http://www.willcountyillinois.com/
Will County Home Page
- http://www.willcosheriff.com/pages/cimis/
Will County Inmate Search
On this Website you can search for inmates incarcerated at the Will County Adult Detention Facility
- http://www.nipc.org/forecasting/gdp4-munis/gdp4_38570.pdf
Census Information
This Web site contains statistical information about the Joliet community, compiled from the 2000 Census. Please note that the first 17 pages of this Web site have definitions. The actual numbers are found starting on page 18
- http://www.palsnet.info/member-directory/
Local Library Information
Information about libraries in northern Illinois, including links to homepages for libraries that have Web sites, from the Prairie Area Library System.
- http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_cdl10.pdf
Commercial Driver's License Study Guide
Return To Top Hospitals and Clinics
Return To Top Other Sites with Information and Links Related to Joliet
Return To Top Senior Citizens
- http://www.willcountyseniors.org/default.htm
Senior Services Center of Will County
"The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of older persons, help maintain their independence, avoid or lessen isolation and loneliness and maintain wellness."
Return To Top Shopping
- http://www.cityofjoliet.com
Business Directory
On this Website you will find information about the products and services of many Joliet businesses
- http://westfield.com/louisjoliet/
Westfield - Louis Joliet Mall
This site has a list of stores at the mall, and news of upcoming events scheduled to be held there.
Return To Top Travel
Return To Top
News & Weather
Awards & Prizes
- http://www.pulitzer.org
The Pulitzer Prizes
On this Website you will find a list of winners 1917 - present, and a list of nominated finalists 1980 - present. The database is searchable. You will also find a brief history of these prizes.
Return To Top Chicago Area News Organizations
Return To Top Headlines and Summaries
- http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/
Today's Front Pages
This Web site from the Newseum has the front pages of 208 newspapers in 29 countries.
Return To Top National and International News
- http://www.worldpress.org/
Worldpress.org
This Website "is a nonpartisan magazine whose mission is to foster the international exchange of perspectives and information. It contains articles reprinted from the press outside the United States, as well as originally written material."
- http://dailysource.org/
Daily Source
This Website posts what it considers to be the top stories of the day, from several domestic and international news sources.
- http://www.reuters.com/
Reuters
- http://www.world-newspapers.com/
world-newspapers.com
This Web site has links to English language newspaper Web sites from around the U.S. and around the world. The site also has links to magazine Web sites, searchable by topic.
- http://english.aljazeera.net
ALJAZEERA.NET
This is the English language Website of the Doha Qatar based news service.
- http://video.nytimes.com/
New York Times - Video
Here you will find short videos of news stories. You can browse by topic, or search for a particular story using key words.
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/
BBC NEWS
- http://www.atimes.com/
Asia Times Online
This Website, based in Hong Kong, "reports and examines geopolitical, political, economic and business issues" from an Asian perspective.
- http://www.china.org.cn/english/index.htm
China Internet Information Center
"The authorized government portal site to China, www.china.org.cn is published under the auspices of the China International Publishing Group and the State Council Information Office in Beijing."
Here you will find news about events in China. You will also find information about the structure of its government, and the names of the people who hold important offices.
- http://www.presstv.com/
PRESS TV
"PRESS TV is the first international Iran-based news network to broadcast in English on a round-the-clock schedule."
- http://watchingamerica.com/News/
Watching America
This Website has news stories from foreign countries about people, events, and issues in the U.S.
- http://govfresh.com/
GovFresh
This website "is a live feed of official news from U.S. Government Twitter, YouTube, RSS, Facebook, Flickr accounts and more, all in one place."
- http://twitter.com/USAgov
USA.gov (USAgov) on Twitter
"Follow us to stay up to date on the latest official government news and information."
- http://www.propublica.org/
Pro Publica
This website "is an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. Our work focuses exclusively on truly important stories, stories with “moral force.” We do this by producing journalism that shines a light on exploitation of the weak by the strong and on the failures of those with power to vindicate the trust placed in them."
Return To Top National News Organizations
Return To Top Topics In the News
- http://www.newstrust.net/
NewsTrust.net
This "website features daily feeds of quality news and opinions, which are carefully rated by our members, using our unique review tools. We rate the news based on quality, not just popularity. NewsTrust reviewers evaluate each article against core journalistic principles such as fairness, evidence, sourcing and context."
- http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL33110.pdf
The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11
From the Congressional Research Service.
- http://memeorandum.com/
Memeorandum
Here you will find news stories, and links to commentary about those stories. The focus of the site is primarily U.S. politics and current affairs.
- http://www.angus-reid.com
Angus Reid Global Monitor
This website has information about opinion polls on various issues being discussed around the world.
- http://www.slate.com/id/1787/landing/1
Slate: Explainer
This website answers questions engendered by news stories, such as "Why are Iranian police markings written in English?"
- 2010 Election
- Chicago Tribune Election Center
Here you will find information about candidates for offices elected state-wide, and about candidates for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
- Aging Infrastructure
- Report Card for America's Infrastructure
"ASCE [American Society of Civil Engineers] estimates that $1.6 trillion is needed over a five-year period to bring the nation's infrastructure to a good condition. Establishing a long-term development and maintenance plan must become a national priority. But in the short term, small steps can be taken by the 110th Congress, as well as state legislatures and local communities, to improve our nation's failing infrastructure."
- The 10 Pieces of U.S. Infrastructure We Must Fix Now
This Website from Popular Mechanics notes that: "No one can predict what bridge, levee or water main will fail next. But some problems are widely known, and work is long overdue. As PM's new special report makes starkly clear, we need to begin rebuilding the nation's infrastructure somewhere. Here are 10 great places to start."
- Bridging the Gap: Restoring and Rebuilding the Nation's Bridges
This Website from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials "outlines key challenges and offers solutions."
- Rebuilding America
This website from Popular Mechanics.com has articles about what their staff believes are the best ways to fix and improve the infrastructure of this country.
- Commentary & Perspectives
- History News Network
"HNN Features Articles and Op Eds by Historians from Both the Left and the Right"
- History News Service Recent Articles
"Founded in 1996, the History News Service (HNS) is an informal syndicate of professional historians who seek to improve the publics understanding of current events by setting these events in their historical contexts."
- Politics-Line.com
This Website "is devoted to presenting the most diverse and comprehensive collection of opinions and commentary from Americas leading columnists."
- Tyndall Report
This website "monitors the American television networks weekday nightly newscasts."
- World Public Opinion,org
"The Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) launched WorldPublicOpinion.org (WPO) in January 2006 to provide a source of in-depth information and analysis on public opinion from around the world on international issues."
- Association of American Editorial Cartoonists - Newest Editorial Cartoons
Here you will find cartoons that comment on the issues of the day.
- The Great Divide: How Westerners and Muslims View Each Other
The Pew Global Attitudes Project did face-to-face or telephone interviews of Muslim and non-Muslim adults in 15 countries. The results of those interviews are posted here.
- CRJ Daily
"Real-time media criticism from the Columbia Journalism Review" Readers of this Website can post comments on the articles displayed here.
- Council on Foreign Relations - Online Publications
This Website has links to online publications written by CFR staff and experts that discuss and analyze current political, economic, and foreign policy issues.
- Nieman Watchdog
This website from the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University takes a critical look at issues that are currently in the news, or should be.
- Earthquake in Haiti
- 2010 Earthquake in Haiti
This website from the U.S. Department of State has information on how to contact the department to ask for or provide information about U.S. Citizens in Haiti. You will also find information on how to donate or provide assistance to the relief efforts.
- Economic Crisis of 2007-2009
The Great Recession
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