Historic Computer Experiences

Those studying for the Bar exam need a break, and it's summer for everyone, so enjoy this slide show revealing the dramatic changes in web design since nine of the most popular websites--including Google, Facebook, and the New York Times--were first introduced.  Brought to you by Mashable.com, "What the World's Biggest Websites Looked Like at Launch" also has some brief information about each home page's initial design.

And, long before they were mobile, Lexis and Westlaw were truly stationary--usable only at the dedicated computer terminals of the 1980's in law libraries and offices. Experience a brief close encounter with the first computer-assisted legal research terminal, introduced by Lexis-Nexis in 1980 and now on display in the Computer History Museum, Mountain View, California.  

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

A Judge Passes Judgment In Rhyme

Earlier this week, we brought you U.S. Supreme Court decisions encapsulated in haiku.

This week, a judge renders judgment on a dog-napper in verse. Read more here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

New CRS Report: Unaccompanied Alien Children: An Overview

There has been a large increase in the number of unaccompanied alien children (UAC) apprehended along the Southwest boarder.  Lisa Seghetti, Alison Siskin, and Ruth Ellen Wasem discuss the issue in their new CRS report, Unaccompanied Alien Children: An Overview.  Also, check Lisa Seghetti’s flow chart for an understanding of the complex process.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

ABA's Teaching the Technology of Practice: The 10 Top Schools

Hofstra University's Maurice A. Deane School of Law takes the #6 place on the ABA's list of top 10 schools for teaching the technology of practice. The article notes that while most law schools have paid a lot of attention to the law of technology, only a few lead the way in teaching the technology of law.  

One such standout is Hofstra Law's Law, Logic & Technology Research Laboratory.  "The Lab has a research program that has resulted in work products and related tools that make legal decision-making more accurate and more efficient."

Read the article here.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Supreme Court Haiku - the law of the land in 17 syllables

The Supreme Court Haiku Reporter renders the rulings of U.S. Supreme Court decisions as Haiku.  The results tend to be pointed and concise.  For example:

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954)

Schools for black and white
Separate is not equal
Desegragation

For more recent decisions a link to the opinion is provided and older opinions are linked to a Wikipedia discussion of the opinions and its' impact.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Aviation Law Prof Blog

Recent airline disasters underscore the increasing importance of aviation law in understanding and coping with the realities of life and the law in international perspective.  If you want to learn more and keep up with international aviation law issues and developments, along with news and commentary, take a look at Aviation Law Prof Blog. This blog at the intersection of aviation and international law is maintained by scholar experts in the field from DePaul University College of Law's International Aviation Law Institute and  is a member of the Law Professor Blogs Network.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

We really do NEED that vacation

Yes, as a hard-working virtual cat, it may sound self-serving to claim I need a vacation, but prowling and napping really is hard work.

You don't need to take my word for it - check out the article in National Geographic The Vanishing Vacation: Why You Need a Break.   This article cites to research in the Journal of Applied Psychology, Recovery, well-being, and performance-related outcomes: the role of workload and vacation experiences (authentication may be required) as scientific support for the importance of vacation and how vacation can improve productivity.  Employers take note.

In the spirit of taking my own advice, I will be posting only sporadically throughout the Summer.  Enjoy your vacation.  I will be enjoying mine.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Hiking and Poisonous Plant Identification

In the hope that, even though it is Summer break, some of you might check in here from time to time, last week we offered Summer sky-gazers tips on identifying lights in the sky.

This week, we return to Earth to offer a resource for identifying certain noxious plants that backpackers may 

encounter on their hikes, courtesy of the FDA.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

BNA U.S. Law Week

BNA U.S. Law Week has long been an important resource for keeping up-to-date on legal issues.  It is a weekly publication providing highlights, summary and analysis of federal and state case law, legislative and regulatory developments.

This resource is restricted to the Hofstra Law Community but you may access when on campus through the link above or by logging in to your BNA Bloomberg account. 

You may set-up and customize email alerts.  Check out this resource and utilize this tool for your purposes.

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat

Online Research Resources: Broker/Dealer Compliance Report (BNA)

If you are interested in a broker/dealer source that provides coverage of changes in federal and state securities laws, regulations, industry rules, and legal proceedings at federal/state levels, then take a look at BNA's Broker/Dealer Compliance Report. The Report also provides news of the latest SEC, NASD Regulation, NYSE actions as well as various self-regulatory organization policies.  Coverage dates to September 22, 1999.

To access the Broker/Dealer Compliance Report (BNA):

• Click the "Online Resources Subject List" link
• Then, click "Commercial and Corporate Law" link
• Scroll down to "Broker/Dealer Compliance Report (BNA)"

Ernster, the Virtual Library Cat