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Cyber Sitings
by Carol Mongo
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FYI
...information pleeze
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One of the great things about the Internet is that you can access all sorts of vital information wherever you are in the world. Let your fingers do the walking on your keyboard to get phone numbers, train schedules, even French income tax forms.

www.pagesjaunes.fr
This is a service I swear by, particularly when I’m overseas and in need of a number in France. Comprised of both yellow and white pages, it allows you to look up any individual, commerce or activity based here. One very neat feature is its business street map. After typing in a Parisian store’s address, click on “plan” to see a detailed view of the surrounding neighborhood and click on photos to visualize the locale. (There is a total of 350,000 pictures in the Paris database.) There is also an email search and a link to international phone books.

www.411.com
Consists of yellow and white pages. You can look up anyone in the United States, by name or category. Search by zip codes, trademark, or launch an email inquiry. “People search” allows you to access public records for background checks, bankruptcies, criminal records, liens, judgements, or corporate affiliations. Consult maps anywhere in the US via mapquest.com. Other interesting links include one to a bartender guide where you can check out your favorite cocktail’s ingredients, and 911.com for emergency services.

www.switchboard.com
This site has many of the same services as 411. Search for a person, business or product; consult maps or ask for directions. There are links to city guides, and even a classmate.com to help you locate an old high school chum.

www.ratp.fr
Here is the ultimate guide to the Paris metro and bus system and it’s even in English (click on the British flag). You’ll find a subway map as well as a listing of night buses. Type in the point of origin and your destination. Up pops a neighborhood map of the area surrounding the destination and alongside is a step by step guide explaining how to get from point A to point B, as well as the departure time of the train and how long the whole trip will take. Another useful feature is the subway navigator link where you can consult the maps of any underground system in the world.

www.sncf.fr
Planning that weekend is a snap thanks to the SNCF website. Look up train schedules all along your proposed trip, or even reserve and purchase tickets online.

www.finances.gouv.fr
A most useful site for anyone living in France, here you can download all sorts of “official” data and forms for businesses as well as individuals. Get instructions on how to pay taxes, as well as facts regarding energy, insurance and e-commerce, cell phone contracts, customs formalities, sample business letters, Euro info, statistics and studies, and much, much more... For official government documents, you’ll first need to download the software (also available online).