I learn lots of things as I visit GEnie's Software Libraries in search of
NetSearch headline stories. This month I was particularly pleased to find
background on the situation in the Balkans, some beautiful Voyager GIFs of
the outer solar system, and a breathtaking vampire book that's being
uploaded chapter by chapter.
  
In fact, I made so many stops on our stretch of the Information Highway
that I had to leave some of them out. Maybe next month I'll have room or
perhaps you'll discover them on your own forays. Any time you find a
treasure of information stashed away somewhere on GEnie, tell me about it!
And if you think I've been finding too many conservative -- or liberal --
headlines, write to me about that, too. Better yet, upload a reference
text with an opposing viewpoint! You'll find me in GE Mail as:  SYSMOM
  
  
The Internet:  Big Dummy's Guide to the Internet ............  INTERNET-RT
                                                    Page 1405
Heard about the vast mysteries of the Internet but haven't a clue about
where or how to start, or how to keep from getting lost? This is one of
the best reference guides around to the unique collection of information
and discussion points which have become the Internet. Don't buy a book;
download the Big Dummy's Guide to the Internet!
  
 File# 9408 DUMMYS.TXT    361,856 bytes  (Text File)
 File# 4060 BIG-DUMM.ZIP  142,720 bytes  (Compressed Text File)
  
  
Headlines:  War & Peace in the Balkans - A Resource Guide ............. PF
                                                       Page  545
Extensive coverage to the war in ex-Yugoslavia has been given by the
media, but little of it provides historical perspective. There is almost
no coverage of the anti-war campaigns active in every republic, the
protest rallies, support for conscientious objectors, ethnic
reconciliation efforts, and other kinds of nonviolent action. Yet such
information is important when you want to understand what's going on in
the world. Such issues and perspectives ARE addressed in this Resource
Guide on Ex-Yugoslavia.
  
 File# 4498 BALKANS.TXT    12,544 bytes  (Text File)
  
  
Issues:  Opponents to the National Health Plan Speak Out .............. PF
                                                          Page  545
You've heard media discussions of the President's Health Security Act, and
you've had opportunities to put your modem to work finding important
documents to search through at home. But not everyone agrees with the
administration. I found two thoughtful arguments which oppose their plan.
Well-informed citizens will want to consider all sides of this issue!
  
File# 4496 RIGHT-HC.ZIP   13,184 bytes  - Is there a right to health care?
File# 4508 DEVIL.ZIP       5,888 bytes  - Mephistolpelean Principles?
  
  
Controversy:  Virtual "Rush Room" Open 24 hours a Day ............. JERRYP
                                                     Page  245
Once a week, a summary of Rush Limbaugh's controversial radio program is
uploaded to the Jerry Pournelle RoundTable Library. These summaries
include news items Limbaugh highlights during each program, his irreverant
mock-commercials, patter between him and his guests, and comments from
callers. Whether or not you agree with him, these summaries are an
excellent source of information -- and you don't have to remember to turn
the radio on!
  
 File# 999 RL931220.ZIP   128,896 bytes  (Compressed Text File)
 File# 998 RL931213.ZIP   114,944 bytes  (Compressed Text File)
 File# 995 RL931206.ZIP   123,264 bytes  (Compressed Text File)
 File# 993 RL931129.ZIP   145,152 bytes  (Compressed Text File)
  
  
The Information Highway:  A Freedom of Information Act "How-To" ....... PF
                                         Page  545
This file is a "Citizen's Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act
and the Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records." It's a
comprehensive report by the House Committee on Government Operations that
should be of interest to people who need access to government documents.
  
 File# 4512 FOIUSE.ZIP     63,104 bytes  (Compressed Text File)
  
  
The Information Traffic Jam:  Gov't Rejects Information Request ....... PF
                                     Page  545
Ralph Nader's "Taxpayer's Asset Project" reveals how the government has
rejected a request under the Freedom of Information Act, and how this
policy, if it remains standing, has far-reaching implications.
  
 File# 4511 TAP1206.ZIP     6,656 bytes  (Compressed Text File)
  
  
Contemporary Living:  Gifts of Meaning ............................ FAMILY
                                             Page 1235
Now's the time to plan that special Valentine's Day gift for the one you
love. Here are practical helps and hints for gift-givers with sage advice
on making your gift a special one!
  
 File# 1023 GIFT.TXT        8,448 bytes  (Compressed Text File)
  
  
Technology:  Sony's "e3" Concept Proposes New Heightened Experiences ...CE
                                                        Page346
Last fall Sony introduced a new concept in home entertainment, dubbing it
"e3." Read all about this state-of-the-art near theatre-like experience
Sony wants to put in your home.
  
 File# 4770 E3.TXT         21,636 bytes (Text File)
  
  
Space:  Peek at the Mysteries of Voyager ......................... SPACERT
                                                           Page  460
Striking GIF images are the legacy of Voyager as it sent information on
its trip through the solar system. They include gorgeous shots of Neptune,
remarkable gouges which mysteriously texture Miranda, and Uranus'
fascinating rings. These beautiful, high-quality GIFs offer such detail
you'll think Voyager beamed you a direct video image when you see them!
  
   3566 MIRAND1.GIF   195,712 bytes      3556 URRING1.GIF  141,568 bytes
   3567 MIRAND2.GIF   252,928 bytes      3565 ARIEL1.GIF   274,304 bytes
   3568 MIRAND3.GIF   245,376 bytes      3564 ARIEL2.GIF   214,784 bytes
   2857 NEPTUNE.GIF   118,656 bytes      2856 ENCELAD.GIF  168,832 bytes
   2854 NEPTUNEX.GIF  210,048 bytes      2855 ENCELADX.GIF 258,304 bytes
   3571 OBERON.GIF    162,304 bytes      3153 IO-3D.ZIP    310,144 bytes
  
  
Games:  Origin Systems Hints and Help Online ..................... SCORPIA
                                                           Page  805
Origin Systems has been uploading hints and help for their popular games,
and you can get them with a quick visit to Scorpia's Library. They've even
provided a sneak preview of the latest game in their popular Ultima
Series. This is another of my favorite reasons to own a modem: Direct
contact with companies, and advance looks at new products!
  
      File# Filename        Size    Description:
          
       7046 CDHELP.TXT      10,112  Help for Origin CD ROM set-ups
       7045 PRIVHELP.TXT    15,360  Help files for Privateer
       7044 SCTO1HLP.TXT     3,328  Help files for Strike Tac-Ops
       7036 SERPHELP         5,120  Serpent Isle Help files
       7035 SHADOWHELP       3,712  Shadow Caster Help files
       7037 STRIKECDHELP     3,712  Help for strike CD
       7039 U7FOVHLP         2,432  Help with Forge of Virtue
       7040 U7HELP           3,840  Help for Ultima 7 Black Gate
       7049 UW1&12HLP.TXT    4,608  Help files for Underworld 1 & 2
       7038 WING2HELP        7,168  Help for Wing Commander 2
       6621 U8GIF.ZIP      285,952  GIFs from Origin's upcoming Ultima 8!
  
  
Business:  The Seven Deadly Sins of Operating a Business ............ HOSB
                                                        Page  370
This short no-nonsense advice from the Home/Office Computing RoundTable
lists things you can do to kill your business. Whether you're the boss or
an employee, take steps now to make sure your company doesn't trip into
these pitfalls and put you among the unemployment statistics! Okay, I
lied; there are TEN sins, not seven. Call it artistic license.
  
 File# 4591 SIN1093         9,216 bytes  (Text File)
  
  
Fiction:  It was, in truth, an awful night ........................ SFRT1
                                                        Page  470
"Varney, the Vampyre; or, The Feast of Blood," begins with a bloodcurdling
stormy midnight. This is one of the first vampire novels in English,
thought to be written by James Malcolm Rymer. Read over this carefully
crafted horror from Victorian England chapter by chapter as Jim Macdonald
uploads each suspense-filled chapter just like they were originally
published in "penny dreadful" weekly installments. Perhaps for the first
time since it captured the imaginations of Victorian England, Varney is
being republished the way it was intended to be read -- one chapter per
week. Tune in once a week for the next thrilling chapter in this unfolding
classic.
  
#7381 VARNY001.TXT 14,336 bytes Chapter 1: Midnight:  The Dreadful Visitor
 7403 VARNY002.TXT 13,952 bytes Chapter 2: The Alarm...The Pursuit &...
 7441 VARNY003.TXT 14,080 bytes Chapter 3: The Disapearance of the Body...
 7495 VARNY004.TXT 37,248 bytes Chapter 4: The Morning..Fearful Suggestion
 7535 VARNY005.TXT 28,032 bytes Chapter 5: The Night Watch...The Proposal
  
  
Food:  Great Tasting Gifts to Prepare With Love ..................... FOOD
                                                            Page 1150
Over 80 recipes for sweets, breads, and condiments provide gift ideas for
hostesses, housewarmings, or simply warming the heart of someone special!
Present them in baskets or in jars; any way you give them, they'll be a
thrill to receive.
  
 File# 1237 GIFT.TXT       85,888 bytes  (Text File)
  
  
Drinks:  Non-alcoholic Drinks You'll be Proud to Serve .............. EAST
                                                          Page 1470
Boozeless concoctions that will make you dream of the tropics and set your
mouth watering are contained in this short file from the U.S. East
RoundTable! Cheers!
  
 File# 164 BOOZLESS.TXT     7,560 bytes  (Text file)
  
  
Skiing:  Cross Country Skiing in the Sierras ........................ WEST
                                                          Page 1065
There's a wealth of winter playland information on California's ski
country for experienced or novice cross country skiers in these
interesting text files from the U.S. West RoundTable Library.
  
 File# 2684 NENORSKI.TXT    2,176 bytes  Nordic skiing areas in N. East CA
 File# 2683 SIERRAN.TXT     4,608 bytes  Sierra cross country skiing
 File# 2685 TAHONORD.TXT    7,168 bytes  Tahoe-area Nordic skiing
 File# 2564 NORTHALP.TXT    2,432 bytes  Northern California ski resorts
 File# 2565 TAHOALP.TXT     9,216 bytes  Lake Tahoe area ski resorts
 File# 2563 SOUTHSKI.TXT    4,992 bytes  Southern Sierra ski resorts
  
 Tip:  If you're looking for Park City, Sun Valley or other ski areas,
   you'll find them here, too. Select SEARCH at the Library menu; then
       use the two letter abbreviation for the state you're interested in,        or use the term SKI.
