Documents of the Month: Family Tied

I thought we would highlight a few of our genealogical documents in honor of the genealogists that will be visiting us in June:

• Finding information on personal participation in World War II
• Using records in the National Archives for genealogical research
• National Archives at Philadelphia
• National Archives Pacific Sierra Region
• National Archives New England Region
• National Archives at Chicago
• National Archives at Kansas City
• Fast facts about the 1920 Census
• Research in the land entry files of the general land office
• Guidelines for using historical records in the National Archives
• Family history sources
• Family ties in England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland
• Genealogical Research at the Library of Congress
• Using maps in genealogy
• Do you know which 1990 products contain data on ancestry?
• Black family research
• Getting started: beginning your genealogical research in the National Archives in Washington
• Age search information
• My history is America's History

Memorial Day

Couldn't Resist: Tattoos, Copyright & the Hangover

A tattoo artist is claiming copyright over a tattoo that is prominently shown in the Hangover Part II. The tattoo in question was originally used in the first movie and has Maori influences. The question is, can a tattoo be copyrighted?

Ask Karen

Planning on firing up the grill this Memorial Day? Add Ask Karen to your list of food resources. Ask Karen is a 24/7 automated safe food guru. How long can potato salad stay on the picnic table? What's the deal about pink when it comes to pork? Just Ask Karen!

Don't Fry!

The EPA has set the Friday before Memorial Day as Don't Fry Day. Be sun smart by protecting your skin.

It's a Good Time to Volunteer

Thinking of volunteering? Be sure to include AmeriCorps as one of your options. You will be able to choose between disaster relief, education, homelessness, public safety and more.

Should You Come Across Zombies

No need to worry because you can now be prepared for future zombie attacks. The CDC has a Zombie Apocalypse guide that will help you to be ready should you find yourself amidst zombies.

Ride Your Bike to Work Day is May 20, 2011

Lay out your gear and everything you'll need to change for work tonight because tomorrow is Ride Your Bike to Work Day!

Asthma in the US

The number of asthma diagnoses has grown over the years. Learn more about asthma from this months CDC Vitalsigns.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

The U.S. National Arboretum has a fantastic list of tips that will answer some of the most common gardening questions.

Is Your State Smoke-Free?

25 states including the District of Columbia are smoke-free. Why? Secondhand smoke causes 46,000 heart disease deaths and 3,400 lung cancer deaths of nonsmoking adults each year.

The President on Immigration

The President has shared his thoughts about immigration. Read the blog, watch the video & download the report.

School Data

Curious about your local schools? Exactly how many 2nd graders attend your elementary school? Are there any charter schools in your area? Answer these question and more from the Department of Education's report -
Numbers and Types of Public Elementary and Secondary Schools From the Common Core of Data: School Year 2009-10 - First Look.

Where's My Refund?

Check your federal tax refund status by using the Where's My Refund? online tool from IRS.

Remember Eyjafjallajökull Volcanoe's Ash Plume?

NASA has pulled together images that document the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano & ash plume.

Do You Hire Teens During the Summer?

If so, consider making a commitment with the Department of Labor. They are trying to work with companies to create, publicize & fill 100,000 jobs for low-income, young people age 16-24 (from site). 

Just because it's beautiful:


Rocky Mountain National Park, CO from USGS images of National Parks

Papers of the President

A fascinating look at the process of the making of the Papers of the President.



Print copies are available from depository libraries and you may purchase a copy from the GPO Bookstore. Electronic copies are available on FDsys.

Flooding in the Midwest

Let's not forget about the flooding in the Midwest. You may consider signing up for the water alert service that will keep you updated about water levels.

Obama's Remarks on Osama Bin Laden

Read the remarks or watch the video.