Two Pieces of Evidence for Terrorist Plots
Al Qaeda Training Manual
http://www.usdoj.gov/ag/trainingmanual.htm
Osama Bin Laden Video
http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/12/13/ret.bin.laden.videotape/index.html
The first resource is a US Department of Justice release of portions of an English translation of the Al Qaeda training manual located by police in Manchester, England during a search of an Al Qaeda member's home. The manual was found in a computer file described as "the military series" related to the "Declaration of Jihad." The cover and excerpts from the 12 chapters can be viewed as a .pdf file. Content of the text includes religious commentary, organizational tactics, guidelines for member selection, techniques for spying, and security measures. The DOJ does not provide the entire document because it does not want to encourage terrorism.
Most of our readers have probably already seen the second resource, the video of Osama Bin Laden revealing that he knew in advance about the September 11 attacks, but in case you've just returned from a holiday with no radio or television you can view excerpts from the video and read the full transcript (English translation) at CNN.com. [HCS]
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Fine Arts in Hungary
http://www.kfki.hu/keptar/index2.html
This Website, sponsored by KFKI Computers of Budapest, presents a virtual gallery of images of fine arts from Hungary (.jpeg, you choose view size.) This Central European nation, at times under the influence of the Romans, Turks and Austro-Hungarian Empire, houses a rich artistic tradition. Works of Hungarian fine artists as well as others that worked in Hungary are featured here in alphabetical order by artist. There's also a section of altarpieces, miniatures, carvings, etc. by anonymous artists. Visitors to the site will enjoy the collection, which includes fragments of Romanesque wall paintings and architectural sculpture, Gothic and Renaissance altarpieces and carvings, paintings from the baroque, classicist and romanticist periods, and modern art. The short biographies of the artists will aid in appreciation of the talented yet not all internationally-known artists of Hungary. You might even want to send a virtual postcard from the site. [HCS]
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First Among Equals [RealAudio]
http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/2/4/index-e.html
As a joint project of the National Library of Canada and National Archives of Canada, the First Among Equals website is an online version of an exhibit that features information regarding all twenty Prime Ministers of Canada. This well designed site allows visitors to learn about the role of each Prime minister, the path they take to gain power, and even their private lives during and after they've been elected. Each Prime Minister is highlighted in the Profiles section which includes quick facts, biographies, anecdotes, speeches and more while the speeches link offers individual speeches by subject (mainly text transcripts, some in RealAudio). A wealth of information can be found here including excellent photographs and illustrations (even a companion children's site intended for grades 4-6) making this site a wonderful resource for Canadian citizens, history and political science buffs or anyone interested in Canada. [JAB]
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Nobel Centennial [RealPlayer, QuickTime, WindowsMedia]
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/nobel.100/
CNN.com's In-Depth Special takes a look at the centennial anniversary of the Nobel Prize awards and their namesake, Alfred Nobel. The site describes the ironic origins of the awards as well as detailed accounts of past and current winners including the 2002 Peace Prize winners - the United Nations and its Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Well designed and easy to navigate, the site offers concise descriptions, a photo and video gallery, as well as related links which include the Nobel Foundation as well as organizations who choose the specific awards. [JAB]
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A Century of Drawing: Works on Paper from Degas to LeWitt
http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/drawinginfo.htm
A Century of Drawing is the latest exhibit from the National Gallery of Art of Washington DC. The online portion of the exhibit contains more than four dozen pieces which "chart the development and refinement of modern art through the (twentieth) century". The drawings are organized chronologically and can be viewed in full screen or by detailed images and are accompanied by medium and artist information that includes links to additional works. [JAB]
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The Wildflower Center
http://wildflower.avatartech.com/Plants_Online/Native_Plants/native.html
The former first lady LadyBird Johnson's companion website to the Wildflower Center located in Austin, Texas has the goal "to educate people about the environmental necessity, economic value, and natural beauty of native plants". The sites National Directory of Recommended Native Plant Species is a database that allows users to search by common and scientific name, plant family, as well as by state and habitat. Results include attractive photos, general descriptions of the species and horticultural information. The site is easy to navigate and gives practical details that can be used by students, landscapers, or anyone interested in horticulture. [JAB]
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