Sites to See

Interesting and useful Web sites from the US Government Info/Resources Newsletter.

From 08/07/2000

Consumer Advocacy/Information
A great new About site! Let Guide Nicolette Parisi keep you up to date with the vital information we – consumers – need every day. From Air Travel to Warranties and much more, you’ll refer to this site many times.

Election 2000 - Republican Convention
Features news and commentary from the GOP Convention by several About Guides and US Politics Guide John Aravosis.

Myths and Falsehoods About the US Senate
"Justice is always shown blindfolded. She has no blindfold in this artwork because the artist of the frieze was Italian, and Italians believe in guilty until proven innocent." - That's a myth. Find out the fact here.

 FirstGov.com Demo Slide Show
Take a tour of the government gateway mega-site President Clinton touted last month. First set to go live in October, the date has now been set as "Fall 2000."

From 07/31/2000

Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division
Located on 100 acres in Southern Indiana, the Crane Division of the Navy's Surface Warfare Center develops and produces some of the US military's most advanced technical warfare systems.  

Defense Intelligence Agency
"As a Combat Support Agency of the Department of Defense, the DIA mission is to provide timely, objective, and cogent military intelligence to the warfighters, soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and to the decisionmakers and policy makers of the United States Department of Defense and United States Government."

Galileo - Images of Jupiter
NASA's Galileo is way out there. All the way to Jupiter, in fact, where it has been sending back some amazing travel photos. This is not your uncle's vacation slide show.

From 07/24/2000

Taming the Carnivore
“No sooner had the Federal Bureau of Investigation snoops revealed that they were gnawing away at our privacy with a wiretapping system called "Carnivore" than feds began scurrying to escape the fallout.” Analysis by Civil Liberties Guide J.D. Tuccille.

Apply for a Replacement Medicare Card Online
“Medicare beneficiaries will now be able to apply online for a replacement Medicare Card at their convenience," said Deputy Commissioner Halter. “We are pleased to partner with the Health Care Financing Administration to make obtaining a replacement Medicare Card easy and convenient for beneficiaries.”

Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) Begins Smashing Atoms
What happens when two atoms of gold traveling at near the speed of light, in opposite directions, run into each other? It’s pretty impressive and the Brookhaven National Labs has some amazing pictures of the event for you.

From 07/17/2000

THE WHITE HOUSE - UPDATED
Just online since July 7, the White House Web site has a whole new look. Check it out.

GOVERNMENT ASSET SALES
The official US Government FREE "One-Stop" portal to all government surplus property sales and auctions. Links to all federal and state sales and auctions.

HATE, THE NET, AND WORLD GOVERNMENT
Politicians use hate crime laws to look compassionate. Germany's Justice Minister calls for international regulation of hate speech. Are we ramping up for One World Government? Conspiracies and Extremism Guide Mark Fisher examines the issues.

From 07/10/2000

CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT
US President Bill Clinton has signed two new international protocols that protect children from war and exploitation. Human Rights Guide Kevin Reed reports on this important move in foreign policy.

BUSH’S FOREIGN POLICY ADVISER INTERVIEWED
Condoleezza Rice is the chief foreign policy adviser to Republican presidential candidate Governor George W. Bush.  In an exclusive interview with About Political Guide John Aravosis, Ms. Rice shares her views of a Bush presidency, and the state of America's foreign policy.

NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE PROGRAM
 Learn about all the (unclassified) hardware and systems of the NMD system being developed to protect the United States against a limited attack by long-range ballistic missiles at this Department of Defense Web site.

From 07/04/2000

REAL PATRIOTS
Many people will celebrate Independence Day by going to see the movie “The Patriot.” In this article, Military History Guide Stephen C. Ural presents the real-deal, the history of the true heroes and battles of the American Revolution.

PENSION SEARCH DIRECTORY
Is it possible that you or someone you know may be owed a pension benefit without knowing it? The job of the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation is to see to it that people who are due a pension -- get it. This is a little-known government outfit that may really pay off for you or somebody close to you.

BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF CONGRESS
A simple looking, simple to use search page that will pop you up a very complete biography and photo of any Member of Congress, President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, even Delegates to the Continental Congress from 1774 to date.

From 06/26/2000

JUSTICES RESTRICT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Does the Constitution explicitly mandate separation of church and state? The original meaning of the Establishment Clause has been debated furiously in recent generations due to judicial activism that spawned the freedom-from-religion movement. An in-depth analysis by Conservative Politics Guide Ted Gausmann.

US ARMY CENTER OF MILITARY HISTORY
The US Army presents this great collection of writings, art and photographs of America's military history from the Revolution on. The site is now being renovated - expect delays. 

REALTIME SATELLITE TRACKING FROM NASA
Want to know what's over your head right now? This fun and educational NASA site tracks the current location over the earth of orbiting satellites like MIR, the Hubble Space Telescope, International Space Station, the Space Shuttle and more. (Requires Java).

From 06/19/2000

OPERATION ROLLBACK
About Conspiracy Guide Marc E. Fisher’s review of Peter Grose's fascinating new book on America's secret war on Communism.

PROTECT AND DEFEND
Earlier this week, a congressionally-appointed panel rolled out its high-stakes plan to tackle terrorism. But critics soon went on the offensive, charging that its tactics will trample civil liberties without actually tightening national security. US Current Events Guide Clare Saliba has an analysis.

GET BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE & DIVORCE CERTIFICATES
A very handy index from the General Services Administration. Select a state and find out where and how to order these vital certificates.

From 06/12/2000

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK 2000-01
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics' handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.

DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE - E-COMMERCE
The DFAS provides all accounting services for the US military and private contractors who do business with the military. As part of the President's E-commerce initiative, they have developed this nice set of online tools for contractors.

ROADLESS INITIATIVE
The Roadless Initiative is a controversial proposal by the US Forest Service to prevent the building or improvement of roads on thousands of acres of US forests, parks and wilderness areas.

From 06/05/2000

NEW SUPER VIRUS COULD THREATEN NATIONAL SECURITY
A new generation of computer viruses poses to national security.  The new virus is "self-executing," meaning, computer users would not need to open the email attachment in order for it to wreak havoc - it would simply need to arrive in a computer user's email inbox. Exclusive story from UPI to About.com Political Guide John Aravosis.

US CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT AND CIVICS
If you teach government or civics, and need some lesson plans or great ideas, look no further. This US Government Info/Resources affiliate site has what you need.

COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES ONLINE
Looking for the best college or university? College Opportunities On-Line is a way of finding out about a specific college or set of colleges. You can name the colleges and obtain information about them. A new online service from the Department of Education.

From 05/29/2000

UNDERSTANDING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
The President recently directed the National Economic Council to analyze the economic impact of the Internet and electronic commerce in the United States and internationally. This is the result of their efforts.

And, since Memorial Day kicks of the summer travel season...

VEHICLE SAFETY ‘STAR’ RATINGS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Agency tests all vehicles available of sale in the US and assigns them “safety star” ratings from 1 to 5 stars. Cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and more. You name it, they crash it.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Vital information for international travelers from the U.S. Customs service.

AIR FARE DEALS
Fly cheaper this year. Air Travel Guide Linda Nelson can find you a fairer fare.

From 05/22/2000

LINE OF FIRE
A great site for learning about wildfire in the US including a detailed analysis of the Parks Service's practice of "prescribed burns" in forested areas and a wildfire control simulation. From the Discovery Channel

 TAX INSPECTOR GENERAL - COMPLAINT HOTLINE
If you are aware of fraud, waste, mismanagement, and abuse in the IRS programs and operations, report it to the TIGTA's Hotline. File reports via an online form or telephone.

SHORING UP SOCIAL SECURITY
Calling for an overhaul in the popular retirement system, George W. Bush is treading risky political waters. Analysis by U.S. Current Events Guide Clare Saliba.

From 05/15/2000

THE BUREAU OF ATOMIC TOURISM
Locations that have either been the site of atomic explosions, display exhibits on atomic devices, or contain vehicles that were designed to deliver atomic weapons.

CENTER FOR GLOBAL SECURITY RESEARCH
An outreach service of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the CGSR brings technologists together with analysts and others from the policy community to study ways in which technology can enhance international security.

FIREWISE
A site for homeowners who live in fire-prone areas.  Information provided can help individuals learn how to lessen the risk of damage caused by wildland fire to their home and property. A service of the National Interagency Fire Center:

From 05/08/2000

OHIO STATE MOTTO DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL
A federal appellate court in Ohio has declared that the Ohio state motto, “With God, All Things Are Possible,” is unconstitutional. Law Current Events Guide Paul S. Reed has the story.

THE SOFT MONEY REPORT
The national parties received 140 soft money donations in single amounts of $100,000 or more during the first three months of 2000, more than triple the 42 contributions of $100,000 or more received during the first quarter of 1996, according to Common Cause.

FUTURE MILITARY LAND OPERATIONS
This is an interesting, if not sort of scary document called “TRRADOC Pam 525-5” detailing one view of the Army’s future tactical mission utilizing modern technology. TRRADOC Pam 525-5 was written in 1994.

From 05/01/2000

UNDERSTANDING THE FEDERAL COURT SYSTEM
From the Supreme Court to the District Courts and all courts in between, Guide to the law Paul S. Reed offers this detailed 32-page guide to the U.S. court system.

ASTRONOMY PICTURE OF THE DAY FROM NASA
Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

ENVIRONMENTAL JOBS AND CAREERS
A simple page with loads of opportunity for job searchers. links to environment-related jobs in the USA and Canada in government and private industry.

From 04/24/2000

WOMEN AND SOCIAL (IN) SECURITY
Attention Women: You could work your whole life and never see a penny of your Social Security benefits! Analysis by Women’s Issues Guide Karen J. Gould.

CONTACTING THE CONGRESS
Absolutely one of the best, easiest and most accurate sites you will ever find for looking up contact information for Members of Congress. Email, snail-mail addresses, Web sites and phone numbers. Check out the “Download” area.

DRMS SALES
That’s Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service and it’s where the government sells used and surplus equipment of the Defense Department. Need a Hum-Vee or a helicopter? This is the place to get it. Features online bidding, too.

SEIZED PROPERTY SALES – US MARSHALS SERVICE
From luxury cars to diamonds to townhouses, the US Marshals Service sells the good stuff taken from the bad guys.

From 04/17/2000

CHILDREN’S ONLINE PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT
The Act becomes effective April 21, 2000 and applies to the online collection of personal information from children under 13. This FTC page explains what Web site operators must do to comply.

BUYING MEDICAL PRODUCTS ONLINE
The Food and Drug Administration offers tips and warnings for consumers for buying drugs and other medical supplies over the Internet .

COMPUTER JOBS AT SOCIAL SECURITY
The SSA’s computer network is one of the largest in the world. Needless to say, it takes lots of humans to keep those checks coming.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE – WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Join David Low, Guide of About.com’s brand new Labor Issues site for look this growing workplace problem.

From 04/10/2000

FREE BUSINESS SOFTWARE
All sorts of free and shareware software for business and finance from Shareware Guide Michael DeSanto.

THE ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
The history, construction details, works of art and much more information about the U.S. Capitol and grounds. Tour information, as well.

CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE REPORTS (CRS)
Great reports covering almost every aspect of Congress and the legislative process. Not flashy, but one of the best research/homework tools on the Web.

From 04/03/00

HISTORY OF THE CENSUS
Join American History Guide David Schwalbe for a look at the history of the great undertaking, and how far it has come since 1790.

DAILY DIGEST OF HOUSE AND SENATE
Extracted from the Congressional Record, the Govt. Printing Office publishes the "minutes" of the most recent meetings of Congress. Page is usually updated within 24 hours of adjournment.

HOUSE ROLL CALL VOTES
Find out how each U.S Representative voted on every issue. This page, from the U.S. House of Representatives is usually updated within 30 minutes after the vote is announced as official.

SENATE ROLL CALL VOTES
Same thing, only much slower to be updated than the House site.

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Election 2000 Resources
Information on candidates, parties, dates, issues and organizations, from your About.com Guide.

US Government Job Openings
Links to vacancy announcements at dozens of agencies and military branches.

Huge Index of Government Web Sites
One of the largest lists of agencies, bureaus and offices on the Web.

How to... 
...do lots of things involving the U.S. Government.

Latest News and Features
The latest news and features on US Government Info/Resources.

Politics? You want Politics?
Guide John Aravosis is and insider who'll deliver all the politics you can handle.

Military Questions?
Guide Rod Powers probably has the answers.