http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/partners/index.html

Sixty-two years ago, a somewhat unlikely duo consisting of a prominent white surgeon and an African-American janitor pioneered an innovative procedure that would save thousands of so-called blue babies’ lives. This companion website to the documentary from PBS’s American Experience series offers additional information and material about both Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas, and how their lives changed as a result of this partnership. Visitors are treated to information about the operation, along with some interactive features that allow visitors to try their own hand at saving a blue baby. Visitors should also take a look at the section that provides material about other African-Americans in the field of medicine, including Charles Drew and Daniel Hale Williams. An area titled “Today”, where visitors can learn about the filmmakers, explore an interview with a famous surgeon, and also offer their own feedback on the program, rounds out the site. [KMG]

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/maps/

Mapping the location of crime has a long and honorable tradition, and it continues in the present-day due to the diligence and focus of such groups as the National Institute of Justice’s Mapping & Analysis for Public Safety (MAPS) program. Formerly the Crime Mapping Research Center, the MAPS program was created in 1997 to bring together a host of experts from the field of criminology, criminal justice, and law enforcement committed to utilizing various forms of technology (such as GIS) to analyze the spatial dimension of crime. For the general public, there are a number of helpful resources here, including a recent report titled “Mapping Crime: Understanding Hot Spots” and a listserv titled “CrimeMap”, which interested parties can subscribe to. There is also a nice listing of related news items on the right-hand side of the homepage, along with archived stories of note. [KMG]

http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/nutrition/index.html

The extension programs within the large public universities of the United States have long provided innumerable valuable resources to a wide variety of constituents, ranging from farmers who seek new and innovative crop tilling methods to those interested in economic development strategies for depressed regions. In the past few years, a number of these extension programs have developed a strong online presence, and this site from the University of Illinois Extension is a great example. On the site, visitors can enjoy such fine online features as “Your Guide to Diet and Diabetes”, “Turkey for the Holidays”, and “Food For Thought: Ideas for Parents of Preschoolers”. Along with these informative features, the site also provides news updates from experts on topics that include the current state of diabetes research and developing good snacking habits. Those persons who may be in Illinois (or just passing through) may want to look at their list of Extension events throughout the state. Finally, there is also a place where visitors can sign up to receive the latest newsletter via email. [KMG]

http://www.unicef.org/publications/files/SOWC_2006_English_Report_rev.pdf

Known around the world for their work on behalf of children, UNICEF recently issued the latest version of their annual “State of the World’s Children” report. While the entire report is worthy of review, visitors who may be pressed for time should first consider the executive summary. In brief, the summary notes that certain inequities among groups of children across the world may be best addressed by tackling poverty-reduction strategies, addressing the situation within ‘fragile’ nations, and lobbying the international community to prevent and resolve armed conflict. The tables in the report are quite illustrative, and they include those that contain economic indicators, HIV/AIDS infection rates, and child protection measures. The report is available in a number of different languages, including Spanish and French. [KMG]

http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/edu/walls/

For those who may be particularly attentive as they walk through a neighborhood, the question of “What happened in this house?” may be one that comes up quite frequently. Through this interactive and visually compelling website, the Atlanta History Center provides some answers to those questions by looking at four historic homes around that fine Southern city. The structures featured here include Tullie Smith Farm, the Shotgun House, the Swan House, and the Rolader Cabin. As users wander through each home, they can take a virtual tour, learn about the former inhabitants, and read about the broader societal forces at work in each home. Finally, visitors can also download classroom activities and also print out images of each structure. [KMG]