Companies Clamp Down On Web Use
Companies are clamping down on Internet use during work hours to curb recreational surfing by workers.
A survey by Management Recruiters International, an employee search firm, found that more corporations are establishing formal policies to prevent abuse.
Nearly two-thirds of the 4,000 executives surveyed by Management Recruiters said their companies have a policy in place. Some policies limit how much time employees can use the Internet for their own use. Others prohibit personal use altogether.
Nearly a third of the respondents said their firms have software that blocks employees from entering certain sites, such as adult-oriented Web pages.
Here’s a sampling of new, interesting or amusing Web sites to peruse (during non-work hours only, please):
Let’s make a deal: Omni Marketing of Spokane is building a Web site that lists weekly meal, coffee and happy hour specials at area restaurants. The site is targeted at “businesspeople and students (who) are on a dining and drinking budget.”
It’s a new venture, so the offerings are somewhat limited for now. However, Omni says its goal is to have 75 participating restaurants representing 200 locations in the Spokane area by the end of August.
The company plans to launch similar sites for Coeur d’Alene/Sandpoint restaurants “early this winter” and later for Tri-Cities eateries.
http://www.omnim.com
Far out: Now that NASA has successfully delivered a prominent scientist’s ashes to a lunar crater, what’s next in the world of extraterrestrial experiences?
How about beaming e-mail into outer space?
Starting Aug. 17, a company called Bentspace will send your message of up to 1,000 words directly into deep space via a “pioneering system of computers and space transmitters.” It’ll cost you $10.95 for each message, or a couple of bucks less if you take advantage of an inaugural special offer.
The company doesn’t guarantee a response.
http://www.bentspace.com
Mind games: Think you’re the next Einstein? Here’s your chance to prove it.
This Web site offers free IQ tests online. The test, which takes 13 minutes, more or less, requires your full concentration and will test your logic.
A score of 130 or higher puts you into the top 2 percent of test-takers.
http://www.iqtest.com/welcometest.html