Join Explorers in the Gobi Desert

June 30, 1997 - Throughout July, Discovery Channel Online (DCOL) joins scientists from the American Museum of Natural History and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences in their search for dinosaurs and other fossil vertebrae in Mongolia's Gobi Desert. Visitors to DCOL may read daily dispatches and view photos; participate in discussion forums on various dinosaur topics; and e-mail questions to the team. In addition, the site includes a dinosaur gallery and links to dinosaur-related Web sites.

A Site for CITES

June 27, 1997 - The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) recently added a new section to their Web site, the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES). The section includes wildlife resources such as the "Top Ten Most Wanted" endangered species; information on illegal trade; and a listing of wildlife trade proposals along with their voting results. Visit WWF's Web site for more information.

Free Listserv Package

June 26, 1997 - Maryland-based, L-Soft International, Inc., recently made available a free version of its LISTSERV Lite mailing list manager to individuals interested in running Internet-based discussion groups for nonprofit use. The software, "Free Edition," is functionally identical to the commercial LISTSERV Lite product, with a limit of 10 mailing lists of up to 500 subscribers each. Visit L-Soft's Web site for more information and to download the mailing list manager.

Common Cause for Reform

June 26 1997 - Common Cause and Campaign for America recently partnered with Virginia-based, NMP, Inc., to bring their Project Independence campaign to the Internet. Project Independence is a grassroots effort on behalf of campaign finance reform. Visitors may sign an online petition for campaign finance reform legislation; download the text of campaign finance reform bills; and take a Project Independence quiz. In addition, visitors may subscribe to the "Common Cause Email Alert Network" and receive information on news and events affecting campaign finance reform. Visit Project Independence's Web site for more information.

Insurance Web Site Redesigned

June 25, 1997 - Proxicom, based McLean, Virginia, recently redesigned the Travelers Property Casualty Family Insurance Web site. Visitors may request insurance quotes on a variety of services including automotive, American folk art, antique toys and glassware. In addition, Travelers' "Estimators" help homeowners determine if they have enough insurance protection to replace or rebuild their homes in the event of a catastrophe. The site also has a section where children may play interactive games which help them learn about fire and crime safety.

Training Program for Area Teachers

June 23, 1997 - The Mindwalker Project, a community-based nonprofit organization, recently created a training program for teachers in Greater Washington. The purpose of the program is to train teachers in technology and enable them to successfully integrate technology into the K-12 curriculum. To financially support this effort, Mindwalker is conducting computer classes for corporations and community members; a portion of the proceeds from these classes will be used to fund the teachers' training program. The Mindwalker Project is based in Chantilly, Virginia; to learn more, e-mail Mindwalker.

Maryland Schools to Connect

June 20, 1997 - This fall, the Family Education Network, the Maryland State and U.S. Departments of Education and AT&T, will initiate a program to connect all the school districts in Maryland. Using interactive Web sites, families will be able to keep track of developments in their local schools and communicate with teachers and others in the community. The sites will include information such as what's for lunch in the school cafeteria; the minutes from the last PTA or school board meeting; and a list of after-school activities. The community networking program is an extension of existing Family Education Network and AT&T Learning Network(R) initiatives designed to promote family involvement in education and strengthen the connection between schools, families and communities through the use of technology.

Generate Legal Contracts Online

June 20, 1997 - Invisible Hand Software LLC (IHS), based in Annandale, Virginia, offers QuickForm Contracts Online. QuickForms® is an automated Web system for drafting agreements and contracts for the computer industry, Internet commerce and general business transactions. Visitors may draft a contract online and preview a summary based on the information provided. For a fee, IHS will place the information in a contract format and e-mail the finalized document to the user. For a limited time, visitors who order a QuickForm contract will receive a free copy of the "Legal Survival Guide for Industry and Internet Commerce". Visit QuickForm's Web site for more information.

Coopers & Lybrand's New Partner

June 18, 1997 - Coopers & Lybrand Consulting recently formed a relationship with, Reston, Virgnia-based, CyberCash, Inc. to improve the e-commerce offerings of its Solutions Thru Technology (STT) practice. STT will use CyberCash technology to enable its clients to accept Internet payments using microtransactions, credit card or electronic check payments. In addition, STT consultants will work with clients to develop their e-commerce Web sites.

Women Empowering the Web

June 17, 1997 - Virginia-based Women's Connection Online (WCO) recently partnered with IBM to offer IBM's Internet Connection® to professional women and women business owners. Individuals who subscribe through WCO will receive IBM's Home Page Creator™ which allows users to develop personal home pages. In addition, subscribers may participate in private discussion groups with guest experts on business-related topics and other issues. Visit WCO's Web site for more information.

CNI Announces Content Provider

June 17, 1997 - Community Networks, Inc. (CNI), a division of BTG, Inc., recently added the Weather Channel to its NetPartners program as a national content provider for PulseSM, CNI's cable-Internet service. Features of the "Pulse Forecast and Current Conditions" include a five-day outlook specific to the community; local and regional Doppler and satellite maps; and the current weather across the U.S. Based in Vienna, Virginia, CNI's services include high-speed Internet access, systems integration and network management.

Geeks on the Street

June 13, 1997 - Black Geeks Online will present, "Taking IT (Internet Technology) to the Streets," on Saturday, July 5th. The purpose of this event is to provide residents of the District hands-on exposure to the Internet and to encourage netpreneurism in the community. The event will bring together experienced netizens, IT companies, netpreneurs, business owners and government personnel to provide free one-on-one e-mail and Web instruction. Based in Washington, D.C., Black Geeks Online is a virtual community committed to increasing computer literacy and Internet access among African Americans.

Resource for Web Jargon

June 12, 1997 - NetLingoTM is an online dictionary of Internet terms. The site contains definitions of emerging vocabulary surrounding the technology and community of the Internet and the Web. In addition to searching and browsing for words, visitors may post questions or comments about the Internet on a message board and add new lingo to the dictionary. Visitors have the option to download a mini-program which provides a desktop reference that continues to access the NetLingo dictionary after leaving the site.

KnowledgeWay Launches LEAF

June 11, 1997 - The Potomac KnowledgeWay Project recently launched the Legal Education and Advocacy Forum (LEAF). This online Forum allows for the exchange of information, ideas and opinions about the laws governing electronic communications and related subjects, especially in Maryland, Virginia and the District. Current topics include: how general counsel, CIO's and CTO's can best contribute to the bottom line; the present and future of electronic filings; and developing standards for electronic contracts. The goal of the Forum is to spur creative thinking resulting in improved communications within organizations. Visit LEAF to participate or to create a new discussion.

Nonprofit Publication Launches Site

June 10, 1997 - Washington, D.C.-based Chronicle of Philanthropy, a bi-weekly publication for nonprofit organizations, recently went online. The site includes a summary of the Chronicle's most recent issue; a listing of upcoming conferences and workshops; and information on job opportunities in the nonprofit sector browseable by category. In addition, visitors may sign up to receive updates by e-mail, send letters or opinion articles to the editor and visit the Chronicle's sister publication, The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Eyes on Technology

June 9, 1997 - LC Technologies, Inc. of Fairfax, Virginia, develops and markets products based on the automatic tracking of the human eye. LC's Eyegaze System makes it possible for physically-challenged or verbally-impaired individuals to operate a computer with their eyes. The system will appear in an upcoming "20/20" broadcast on ABC will feature a journalist who uses this technology to write his weekly columns, among other things. Visit LC Technologies' Web site for more information.

Explore the Planet Online

June 6, 1997 - Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI) recently launched the Planet Explorer Web site. The site uses CD-ROM, online games and television interfaces to bring the audience exotic places from around the world. The first in the Planet Explorer series, Byzantine: The Betrayal, integrates storytelling, historical and cultural context and puzzle-solving through a virtual journey. Visit Planet Explorer to begin your journey.

Supreme Court Cases Online

June 5, 1997 - FindLaw Internet Legal Resources recently made a database of all Supreme Court cases accessible online. Cases may be searched by citation, case name or full text. Findlaw also offers an e-mail service where users may sign up to receive updated law reviews and law journal abstracts based on personal areas of interest. In addition, the site includes a listing of law schools across the country; links to legal news and reference materials; and information on foreign and international resources.

The Web Police

June 4, 1997 - Infringatek Inc. recently announced the development of a network forensics team to respond to growing instances of crime and illicit activities on the Internet. The forensics division will assist in infringement investigations and offer consulting services in other network security areas. In addition, they will investigate and track activities within corporate networks and the Internet. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, Infringatek, Inc. specializes in protecting intellectual property rights through Internet monitoring; provides incident response and investigation services; and conducts security audits.

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