When fired into concrete at six-inch intervals, the nails are powerful enough to fracture thick slabs. In March 2000, the annual application deadline for citizens seeking their dividends, Alaskans could apply for their annual bonus over the Internet. All they had to do was fill out a smart form supplied by PureEdge Solutions Inc., a Canadian firm with expertise in online transactions. In the past, the state has used paper application forms, and payments to some citizens were delayed because they made mistakes on their applications and had to resubmit the forms. In the new system, applicants are prompted electronically if information is unclear.
Alaskan officials expect to hire fewer temporary workers each year to handle the workload.
The Kidpreneurs Konference gives kids role models from the business world and teaches them about business plans, entrepreneurship and the stock market. Parents attend workshops and networking sessions while their kids are introduced to the business world. The city of Atlanta opened two community cyber centers in June that offer free classes in Internet navigation and basic computer programs. The city plans to open 15 centers over several years. The centers also offer access to WebTV, Web phones and classes in animation programs such as PowerPoint.