🚀 go-pugleaf

For those of you with Java capable browsers, I've got a beta version of
a utility for finding an internet provider in your local calling area.
You simply enter your area code and exchange, and are given a list of
the Chicago area providers that are near you.  Providers that are an
untimed residential call are listed first.  This works for both Centel
and Ameritech customers.  Its at:

   http://www.mcs.com/~wsmith/locate.html

I know not many people currently have Java capable browsers, but it is
an easy way to get executable content on the internet without having
a forms interface (requiring cgi-bin).  Plus, I was itching for a chance
to play with HotJava.  There is a link there to an example showing a gif
of what the Java Applet looks like.

A couple of observations: all 312 exchanges except 229 and 586 (Summit) are
within the untimed band for some provider (that I know of), and 87% of all
708 exchanges are within the untimed band for a provider.

Also, I apologize to those who tried to get the providers list in the
last 2 days from http://www.mcs.com/~wsmith/providers.html.  I accidentally
overwrote it, forgetting I had a symbolic link to it from my home page.
It is now working again.

-Randy
wsmith@etc.com