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This document is available in: English Castellano Deutsch Francais Nederlands Portugues Russian Turkce Korean |
by Ken Yap <ken_yap(at)users.sourceforge.net> About the author: Ken lives in Sydney, Australia. He first encountered Unix in 1979 and has been using Linux for the last 4 years for word processing, Internet access and supporting his electronics hobby. When not playing with Linux or at his day job, he likes to travel, meet interesting people, try new cuisines or just enjoy the surroundings while strolling. He works at a multinational company as a research scientist. Content: |
This is an advanced article that explains how to bootstrap your computer from a program stored in non-volatile memory without accessing your hard disk. It is an ideal technique for maintaining and configure a farm of linux boxes
Network booting is an old idea. The central idea is that the computer has some bootstrap code in non-volatile memory, e.g. a ROM chip, that will allow it to contact a server and obtain system files over a network link. One goal is to avoid the use of a hard disk for booting. There are various reasons for doing this. One is to reduce the cost of maintaining software on many different machines. With network booting the files are held at a central server and can be updated at one location. Another goal is to use computers in locations where hard disks are not robust enough. For example this might be a computer on a factory floor where a hard disk might be too fragile. Finally another goal is to have a system that can be switched between different operating systems without having to reload the software.
Network booting often co-exists with disk booting. For example, a system could run Windows from disk but sometimes boot Linux from the network. There are some interesting applications of this technique. For example: a friend of mine uses this to reload Windows over the network. When a Windows installation becomes corrupted, as it often does, the sysadmin can reload a fresh installation by booting Linux over the network and letting the automatic script format the disk and copy a fresh Windows installation onto it.
In order to boot over the network, the computer must get 1. an identity, 2. an operating system image and 3. usually, a working filesystem.
Consider a diskless computer (DC) that has a network boot ROM. It may be one of several identical DCs. How can we distinguish this computer from others? There is one piece of information that is unique to that computer (actually its network adapter) and that is its Ethernet address. Every Ethernet adapter in the world has a unique 48 bit Ethernet address because every Ethernet hardware manufacturer has been assigned blocks of addresses. By convention these addresses are written as hex digits with colons separating each group of two digits, for example: 00:60:08:C7:A3:D8.
The protocols used for obtaining an IP address, given an Ethernet address, are called Boot Protocol (BOOTP) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). DHCP is an evolution of BOOTP. In our discussion, unless otherwise stated, anything that applies to BOOTP also applies to DHCP. (Actually it's a small lie that BOOTP and DHCP only translate Ethernet addresses. In their foresight, the designers made provision for BOOTP and DHCP to work with any kind of hardware address. But Ethernet is what most people will be using.)
An example of a BOOTP exchange goes like this:
DC: Hello, my hardware address is 00:60:08:C7:A3:D8, please give me my IP address.
BOOTP server: (Looks up address in database.) Your name is aldebaran, your IP address is 192.168.1.100, your server is 192.168.1.1, the file you are supposed to boot from is /tftpboot/vmlinux.nb (and a few other pieces of information).
You may wonder how the DC found the address of the BOOTP server in the first place. The answer is that it didn't. The BOOTP request was broadcast on the local network and any BOOTP server that can answer the request will.
After obtaining an IP address, the DC must download an operating system image and execute it. Another Internet protocol is used here, called Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP). TFTP is like a cut-down version of FTP---there is no authentication, and it runs over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) instead of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). UDP was chosen instead of TCP for simplicity. The implementation of UDP on the DC can be small so the code is easy to fit on a ROM. Because UDP is a block oriented, as opposed to a stream oriented, protocol, the transfer goes block by block, like this:
DC: Give me block 1 of /tftpboot/vmlinux.nb.
TFTP server: Here it is.
DC: Give me block 2.
and so on, until the whole file is transferred. Handshaking is a simple acknowledge each block scheme, and packet loss is handled by retransmit on timeout. When all blocks have been received, the network boot ROM hands control to the operating system image at the entry point.
Finally, in order to run an operating system, a root filesystem must be provided. The protocol used by Linux and other Unixes is normally Network File System (NFS), although other choices are possible. In this case the code does not have to reside in the ROM but can be part of the operating system we just downloaded. However the operating system must be capable of running with a root filesystem that is a NFS, instead of a real disk. Linux has the required configuration variables to build a version that can do so.
Besides commercial boot ROMs, there are two sources for free packages for network booting. They are Etherboot and Netboot. Both can be found through the Etherboot home page. First you have to ascertain that your network card is supported by Etherboot or Netboot. Eventually you have to find a person who is willing to put the code on an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for you but in the beginning you can do network booting from a floppy.
To create a boot floppy, a special boot block is provided in the distribution. This small 512 byte program loads the disk blocks following it on the floppy into memory and starts execution. Thus to make a boot floppy, one has only to concatenate the boot block with the Etherboot binary containing the driver for one's network card like this:
cat floppyload.bin 3c509.lzrom > /dev/fd0
Before you put in the network boot floppy, you have to set up three services on Linux: BOOTP (or DHCP), TFTP and NFS. You don't have to set up all three at once, you can do them step by step, making sure each step works before going on to the next.
I assume you have installed the bootpd server from a distribution or by compiling from source. You then have to ensure that this server is waiting for bootp requests. There are two ways to do this: one is to start bootpd as a network service that is always listening when the computer is up, and the other is to start it from inetd. For the latter, /etc/inetd.conf should contain a line like this:
bootps dgram udp wait root /usr/sbin/tcpd bootpd
If you had to modify /etc/inetd.conf, then you need to restart inetd by sending the process a HUP signal.
Next, you need to give bootp a database to map Ethernet addresses to IP addresses. This database is in /etc/bootptab. It contains lines of the following form:
aldebaran.foo.com:ha=006008C7A3D8:ip=192.168.1.100:bf=/tftpboot/vmlinuz.nbOther information can be specified but we will start simple.
Now boot the DC with the floppy and it should detect your Ethernet card and broadcast a BOOTP request. If all goes well, the server should respond to the DC with the information required. Since /tftpboot/vmlinux.nb doesn't exist yet, it will fail when it tries to load the file.
Now you need to compile a special kernel, one that has the option for mounting the root filesystem from NFS turned on. You also need to enable the option to get the IP address of the kernel from the original BOOTP reply. You also need to compile the Linux driver for your network adapter into the kernel instead of loading it as a module. It is possible to download an initial ramdisk so that module loading works but this is something you can do later.
You cannot install the zImage resulting from the kernel compilation directly. It has to be turned into a tagged image. A tagged image is a normal kernel image with a special header that tells the network bootloader where the bytes go in memory and at what address to start the program. You use a program called mknbi-linux to create this tagged image. This utility can be found in the Etherboot distribution. After you have generated the image, put it in the /tftpboot directory under the name specified in /etc/bootptab. Make sure to make this file world readable because the tftp server does not have special privileges.
For TFTP, I assume that you installed tftpd from a distribution or by compiling from source. Tftpd is normally started up from inetd with a line like this in /etc/inetd.conf.
tftp dgram udp wait root /usr/sbin/tcpd in.tftpd -s /tftpboot
Again, restart inetd with a HUP signal and you can retry the boot and this time it should download the kernel image and start it. You will find that the boot will continue until the point where it tries to mount a root filesystem. At this point you must configure and export NFS partitions to proceed.
For various reasons, it's not a good idea to use the root filesystem of the server as the root filesystem of the DCs. One is simply that there are various configuration files there and the DC will get the wrong information that way. Another is security. It's dangerous to allow write access (and write access is needed for the root filesystem, for various reasons) to your server's root. However the good news is that a root filesystem for the DC is not very large, only about 30 MB and a lot of this can be shared between multiple DCs.
Ideally, to construct a root filesystem, you have to know what files your operating system distribution is expecting to see there. Critical to booting are device files, files in /sbin and /etc. You can bypass a lot of the hard work by making a copy of an existing root filesystem and modifying some files for the DC. In the Etherboot distribution, there is a tutorial and links to a couple of shell scripts that will create such a DC root filesystem from an existing server root filesystem. There are also troubleshooting tips in the Etherboot documentation as this is often the trickiest part of the setup.
The customised Linux kernel for the DC expects to see the root filesystem at /tftpboot/<IP address of the DC>, for example: /tftpboot/192.168.1.100 in the case above. This can be changed when configuring the kernel, if desired.
Now create or edit /etc/exports on the server and put in a line of the following form:
/tftpboot/192.168.1.100 aldebaran.foo.com(rw,no_root_squash)
The rw access is needed for various system services. The no_root_squash attribute prevents the NFS system from mapping root's ID to another one. If this is not specified, then various daemons and loggers will be unhappy.
Start or restart the NFS services (rpc.portmap and rpc.mountd) and retry the diskless boot. If you are successful, the kernel should be able to mount a root filesystem and boot all the way to a login prompt. Most likely, you will find several things misconfigured. Most Linux distributions are oriented towards disked operation and require a little modification to suit diskless booting. The most common failing is reliance on files under /usr during the boot process, which is normally imported from a server late in the boot process. Two possible solutions are: 1. Provide the few required files under a small /usr directory on the root filesystem, which will then be overlaid when /usr is imported, and 2. Modify the paths to look for the files in the root filesystem. The files to edit are under /tftpboot/192.168.1.100 (remember, this is the root directory of the DC).
You may wish to mount other directories from the server, such as /usr (which can be exported read-only).
When you are satisfied that you can boot over the network without any problems, you may wish to put the code on an EPROM. An EPROM programmer starts at around $100 US, and is not a cost effective investment for a hobbyist who uses it sporadically. Occasionally one will appear on the used market at a bargain price, the main caveat being to ensure that the software to drive it is available. A proficient electronics hobbyist could build one using one of the several free designs published on the Internet, but for the majority of readers, the best solution is to make the acquaintance of someone who has access to one, perhaps someone in an electronics hobbyist group or working in the electronics industry.
A short note on EPROM technology: The bits of an EPROM are programmed by injecting electrons with an elevated voltage into the floating gate of a field-effect transistor where a 0 bit is desired. The electrons trapped there cause that transistor to conduct, reading as 0. To erase the EPROM, the trapped electrons are given enough energy to escape the floating gate by bombarding the chip with ultraviolet radiation through the quartz window. To prevent slow erasure over a period of years from sunlight and fluorescent lights, this quartz window is covered with an opaque label in normal use.
There is another technology, called EEPROM or Electrically Erasable PROM, sometimes called Flash PROM. Here the bits are cleared by an electrical signal. This obviates the need for an ultraviolet eraser if the EPROM is to be reused, but requires additional circuitry to support the erase phase. If one is handy with electronics, there is a contributed circuit design and driver software for an EEPROM board in the Etherboot distribution. The board is plugged into any spare ISA bus slot on a PC and boots a network card plugged into some other slot.
X-terminals are one natural use of network booting. The lack of a disk in the terminal makes it quieter and contributes to a pleasant working environment. The machine should ideally have 16MB of memory or more and the best video card you can find for it. This is an ideal use for a high-end 486 or low-end Pentium that has been obsoleted by hardware advances.
Other people have used network booting for clusters of machines where the usage is light on the DC and does not warrant a disk, e.g. a cluster of classroom machines.
There you will find links to other resources, including a mailing list you can subscribe to, where problems and solutions are discussed.
Happy netbooting!
Webpages maintained by the LinuxFocus Editor team
© Ken Yap, FDL LinuxFocus.org |
Translation information:
2002-10-20, generated by lfparser version 2.32


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Children of the Lamp, Book 5: The Eye of the Forest. By P.B. Kerr. Orchard Books/Scholastic. $17.99.
The 39 Clues, Book 2: One False Note. By Gordon Korman. Scholastic. $12.99.
Pairs of young adventurers are on trails that lead them all over the place in these new, exciting and well-wrought entries in two mystery series. P.B. Kerr's latest Children of the Lamp novel follows the now-familiar pattern of involving djinn twins John and Philippa in a quest filled with exotic locales, magical danger, and confrontation with strong forces of evil. There is something formulaic in the elements of the book, but the specifics of the plot are intriguing enough – and the writing good enough – to conceal the familiarity of Kerr's approach. In The Eye of the Forest, rare Incan artifacts are missing, and John and Philippa – together with their Uncle Nimrod – are sent to recover them. This lands them in the Amazon rain forest, at a powerful spell-guarded doorway that some unknown force of evil wishes to open – which is why the artifacts have been stolen. There is an overlay of ecological concern here, with the risk that the opening of the portal could devastate the rain forest as well as disturb the Incan empire, which is deemed to be sleeping rather than destroyed. The portrait of the Amazon region and its creatures is a straightforward one: "All he could hear was the myriad sound of the birds twittering tunelessly, monkeys laughing like hyenas, frogs creaking like old ropes, and insects whirring like dozens of small clockwork toys. …He was beginning to realize just what a strange place the rain forest really was and how your mind could play tricks on you: sticks that turned out to be insects, leaves that turned out to be lizards, logs that turned out to be alligators." But the portrayals of odd magical objects, such as a frightening engraving, are nicely done: "Dressed all in black, with a white hourglass on his back, the strange man had long, horribly thin arms and legs, tiny hands and feet, and a head bent down so that only a white domelike forehead and a few straggling hairs could be seen. Not so much a spider man as a sort of human-spider." The eventual outcome of The Eye of the Forest involves both magic and such scientific concepts as the potential creation of a critical mass of uranium as large as a mountain – in fact, it is a mountain, which could mean "building an atomic weapon that is going to destroy the world," or rather both worlds, the everyday one and the magical one in which a multi-part ritual could produce atomic disaster. Vampire plants, gestalt slippers from Kublai Khan, and a variety of other strange and fascinating items keep The Eye of the Forest entertaining right through to the end – which, in typical series fashion, makes it clear that there will be more djinn adventures to come.
The 39 Clues is an adventure that is just getting up to speed, with the second book of the planned 10-book series that began when wealthy and eccentric Grace Cahill changed her will in her last minutes of life, setting her relatives off on the trail of a series of clues that will eventually lead successful mystery solvers to a huge fortune, great power or maybe both. This is a very well-done interactive series, which includes the books themselves (by various authors), clue-containing card packs bound into each volume (there are six cards in One False Note), and a Web site, www.the39clues.com, where readers can play an online game while waiting for new books to come out. In the second book featuring various Cahills, upright and unscrupulous, scouring the world for clues, protagonists Amy and Dan Cahill are everywhere. In fact, that's a problem here: the orphan brother and sister are seen on a train; but they are also suspects in a burglary at a hotel; and they have been spotted in a car, and a speedboat, and being pursued by an angry mob, and…well, what exactly is going on? Part of what is happening involves the fact that even though "the official contest began at the funeral," as Amy points out to Dan, "the clues have been around since Mozart's time – maybe even before." And since the Cahills are related to Mozart – and to Houdini, Napoleon and many another famous figure – there must be all sorts of clues in all sorts of places. The 39 Clues is more a romp than a serious adventure, but there are enough confusions, near disasters, close calls, booby traps and nasty bad guys to keep things percolating along at a brisk pace. One False Note (whose title is itself a clue to one dramatic scene) is fun, fast-paced and a fine second entry in a thoroughly engaging (if rather mindless) series.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Shire Horse Society
The Shire Horse Society is the only charity dedicated to the protection, promotion and improvement of the Shire Horse.
Since 1878 the Shire Horse Society has been working to protect the breed, that was then known as the Old English Breed of Cart Horse. Over the years the Society has worked hard to ensure that the breed continues to grow and to maintain interest in these magnificent horses.
Here you will find detailed information into the history of the Shire, upcoming events and classes, our latest missions, breeding news and much more.


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We know how it is - you want to buy U2's No Line On The Horizon, but you're confused as to which version you should choose. And since we're all pinching our pennies these days, you want to make sure you get the ultimate bang for your buck.
Luckily, in the video you can see below, the various configurations are broken down for you.
As previously reported on MusicRadar, there's the:
1. Standard jewel case, with the CD and a 24-page booklet.
2. LP vinyl - a limited edition with two black vinyl discs, gatefold sleeve and a 16-page booklet.
3. Digipack format - limited edition with album CD, 36-page color booklet and fold-out poster. Features access to exclusive downloadable Anton Corbijin film, Linear.
4. Magazine format - limited edition with album CD, with 60-page magazine. Features access to exclusive downloadable Anton Corbijn film, Linear.
5. Box format - the mack daddy, a limited-edition bespoke box containing digipak format album CD, DVD of Anton Corbijn's exclusive film Linear, 64-page hardback book, plus a fold-out poster.
Personally, we might spring for all of them, but we're just nutty that way. Check out the video and see which configuration you want.


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Simon, Philipp | |
Submitted to: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 3/24/2009 Publication Date: 4/9/2009 Citation: Sun, T., Simon, P.W., Tanumihardjo, S.A. 2009. Antioxidants and Antioxidant Capacity of Biofortified Carrots (Daucus Carota, L.) of Various Colors. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57(10):4142-4147. Interpretive Summary: Antioxidants are naturally-occurring chemicals in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in antioxidants help protect from disease attack and they slow the aging process. Natural pigments in foods have a particularly high antioxidant capacity. In this research we evaluated carrots rich in purple anthocyanin pigments, orange, yellow, and red carotenoid pigments, both classes of pigments, and neither one. We found that purple anthocyanin pigments and to a lesser extent, carotenoids, have a high antioxidant capacity. This research is of interests to nutritionists, food scientists and biochemists interested in nutritional qualities of foods; to carrot researchers and growers interested in ways to improve carrots, and carrot products; and to consumers interested in a healthy diet. Technical Abstract: Antioxidants and antioxidant capacity of seven colored carrots were determined. Five anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and four carotenoids, were quantified by HPLC. Total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. Antioxidant capacities of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions were determined by the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. The relative antioxidant capacity index was determined. Anthocyanins were the major antioxidants in purple-white and purple-orange carrots and chlorogenic acid was a major antioxidant in all carrots. Carotenoids did not contribute to total antioxidant capacity, but correlated with antioxidant capacity of hydrophobic extracts. Both the DPPH and ABTS assays showed that the hydrophilic extract had higher antioxidant capacity (99.9% of total antioxidant capacity) than the hydrophobic extract. Purple-white had the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by purple-orange, and the other carrots did not differ. This information is useful for consumers and may help horticulturists develop carrots with higher antioxidant capacity. |


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(a) Establishment of Working Group-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (referred to in this section as the `Access Board') shall convene a stakeholder working group (referred to in this section as the `working group') to develop best practices on access to information on prescription drug container labels for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
(2) MEMBERS- The working group shall be comprised of representatives of national organizations representing blind and visually-impaired individuals, national organizations representing the elderly, and industry groups representing stakeholders, including retail, mail order, and independent community pharmacies, who would be impacted by such best practices. Representation within the working group shall be divided equally between consumer and industry advocates.
(A) IN GENERAL- The working group shall develop, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, best practices for pharmacies to ensure that blind and visually-impaired individuals have safe, consistent, reliable, and independent access to the information on prescription drug container labels.
(B) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY- The best practices developed under subparagraph (A) may be made publicly available, including through the Internet websites of the working group participant organizations, and through other means, in a manner that provides access to interested individuals, including individuals with disabilities.
(C) LIMITATIONS- The best practices developed under subparagraph (A) shall not be construed as accessibility guidelines or standards of the Access Board, and shall not confer any rights or impose any obligations on working group participants or other persons. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or condition any right, obligation, or remedy available under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) or any other Federal or State law requiring effective communication, barrier removal, or nondiscrimination on the basis of disability.
(4) CONSIDERATIONS- In developing and issuing the best practices under paragraph (3)(A), the working group shall consider–
(A) the use of–
(i) Braille;
(ii) auditory means, such as–
(I) `talking bottles' that provide audible container label information;
(II) digital voice recorders attached to the prescription drug container; and
(III) radio frequency identification tags;
(iii) enhanced visual means, such as–
(I) large font labels or large font `duplicate' labels that are affixed or matched to a prescription drug container;
(II) high-contrast printing; and
(III) sans-serf font; and
(iv) other relevant alternatives as determined by the working group;
(B) whether there are technical, financial, manpower, or other factors unique to pharmacies with 20 or fewer retail locations which may pose significant challenges to the adoption of the best practices; and
(C) such other factors as the working group determines to be appropriate.
(5) INFORMATION CAMPAIGN- Upon completion of development of the best practices under subsection (a)(3), the National Council on Disability, in consultation with the working group, shall conduct an informational and educational campaign designed to inform individuals with disabilities, pharmacists, and the public about such best practices.
(6) FACA WAIVER- The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the working group.
*(b) GAO Study-
(1) IN GENERAL- Beginning 18 months after the completion of the development of best practices under subsection (a)(3)(A), the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the extent to which pharmacies are utilizing such best practices, and the extent to which barriers to accessible information on prescription drug container labels for blind and visually-impaired individuals continue.
(2) REPORT- Not later than September 30, 2016, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1). Such report shall include recommendations about how best to reduce the barriers experienced by blind and visually-impaired individuals to independently accessing information on prescription drug container labels.
*(c) Definitions- In this section–
*(1) the term `pharmacy' includes a pharmacy that receives prescriptions and dispenses prescription drugs through an Internet website or by mail;
**(2) the term `prescription drug' means a drug subject to section 503(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(b)(1)); and
*(3) the term `prescription drug container label' means the label with the directions for use that is affixed to the prescription drug container by the pharmacist and dispensed to the consumer.


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Consequences of poor rope drag management in a common fall
The first series of tests represent configurations with very little friction (protection points aligned). This configuration is common in the gym, but it is rare to find aligned points on single or multi-pitch climbs, where poor rope management can create significant drag. It thus seems important to study the influence of drag on a common fall. We did a series of falls with different rope paths.
- Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
- Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
- We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.
Only the drag was changed, the other parameters were constant.
The belayer was gradually raised to keep the same rope length regardless of the rope path.
It is important to note that the drag is greatly exaggerated, in order to highlight its influence. In practice, it is rare to face such significant drag.
Force on the anchor
Force on the climber
Force on the belayer
• Significant drag prevents the full length of the rope from absorbing the energy of the fall. Only the last section of rope stretches, the actual fall factor increases.
• The effective rope length being shorter, the climber has the sensation of getting a hard catch when the fall is arrested.
• The belayer is pulled less (or not at all) during the fall: his displacement does not contribute to dissipating a part of the energy in play.
• The effect is to slightly increase the forces on the climber and the redirect point.
Anticipating the rope path and extending offset anchor points helps avoid situations with high rope drag.


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Remember those Chilean miners who spent more than two months trapped underground? What if I told you they were the lucky ones?
Many miners in South America work in conditions far more dangerous, and some of them are as young as 6 years old. Their daily travails would shock Charles Dickens. But now, some children in Bolivia are unionizing and asking the government to lower the working age.
Wes Enzinna went into the mines in the city of Potosi to understand why. And he writes about the experience for VICE magazine.
WES ENZINNA: The Spanish began mining in Potosi in 1554. There had been indigenous groups living there prior to that. But when the Spanish arrived, they found this enormous mountain, the Cerro Rico, the Rich Hill. And it was chock-full of silver deposits. So they employed the indigenous Quechua Indians who were living there to extract all the silver.
RATH: This mountain has been mined for 500 years. That's almost hard to imagine. So what is it like at this point after 500 years of mining?
ENZINNA: So today, Cerro Rico, the mine, is nearly exhausted. In fact, it's been mined so extensively that some people fear that it could collapse at any moment. Parts of it have collapsed because it's basically been carved out from the inside.
RATH: And in this very dangerous place, you went in search of these child miners, and you found them. I see the pictures of them in your article. How many of these kid miners are out there, and what are their lives like?
ENZINNA: There are 3,000 of these miners ranging in age from 6 to 16. In 2008, 60 of them died from cave-ins, from accidents inside the mines. We primarily spent time with one young miner who was 15 years old. And he had been working in the mine since he was 12 years old. And Jose Luis - this was the young miner's name - he supplements his family's income.
He has a large family. His father works in the mines and doesn't make enough to quite support the family. They scrounge for silver - for tiny, tiny bits of silver, for lead and zinc, and then they sell it to a smelter. They basically work as freelancers for a very little amount of money. And so Jose Luis is the oldest son. So he, some days, make $40 - U.S. dollars - which is a lot in Bolivia. Some days, he doesn't make anything. And half of that money goes toward the family, half of the money goes toward his own school supplies.
RATH: You know, one of the most striking things in your piece, it's legal for children under the age of 14 to work in Bolivia. But you wrote about how when people want to raise the working age there are kids that are protesting that and kids that actually want to lower the working age.
ENZINNA: Right. In the western world, in the U.S. and Europe and Japan, child labor's mostly been eradicated. It's less than 1 percent of the total workforce. In Latin America and in Africa and Asia, it's still a huge problem. Bolivia is a small country. The population of the entire country is 10.5 million. There are 848,000 workers under the age of 18, and nearly half a million of them are between the ages of 6 and 14. So one in three children work.
And so one of the proposed solutions to the persistence of child labor in the 21st century has been to try to legalize child labor. That's what's being proposed in Bolivia. Right now, they're considering legislation to lower the working age to 6 years old. It's the same logic as with any other illicit economy, whether it's prostitution, the sale of drugs, which, you know, there's a moral queasiness provoked by child labor.
But the (unintelligible) working age is that if we can't make it go away, we may as well legalize it so that it can be regulated so that the young workers can be protected in the same way adults are. And I mean, the interesting thing in Bolivia, where I decided to visit, is that the chief proponents of lowering the working age to 6 years old there are child workers themselves.
There's this union of child workers called UNATSBO, the union of child and adolescent workers. And it's composed of 6- to 8-year-olds who are all working children. They organize protests. They attempt to raise wages. They elect their own leaders. And they've drafted the set of policy recommendations 200 pages long about what they think the government should do to regulate child labor.
RATH: Wes, one last question I've got to ask you is that you're going into this mountain that's just honeycombed with mines. They routinely collapse all the time. People die all the time inside them. There's no map. Were you just freaking out?
ENZINNA: Whenever I got scared, I thought of the fact that there are 8-year-olds going into this mine every single day. So at the very least, I can spend a couple hours in there.
RATH: Wes Enzinna is senior editor for Vice Media. Wes, thank you.
ENZINNA: Thanks, Arun. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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A card game called Squirmish that I've been working on for the last year and a half is currently on Kickstarter (ending June 12th). Please check it out! I'd love to hear what you think about it. It is a 2-4 player beast-battling card game for ages 7+, and it takes about 30 minutes to play.
Here is the video for the kickstarter:
Here is what the reviewers are saying about it:
"Overall, I've had fun with Squirmish both with my kids and with adult players. I think it's a lot of fun for families. The dice-based abilities mean that there's still a good amount of chance involved, which gives less-experienced players a chance to take on more-experienced players, so gamers who want something with pure strategy may not like it quite as much. And don't forget to shout your battle cries as you enter the fray!" – Jonathan H. Liu on Geekdad.
"I get several requests for Kickstarter previews every week. Recently, I was sent a request for coverage for a game called Squirmish that was designed by a gentleman named Steven Stwalley. My heart sunk a little bit when I saw the words "card" and "combat" in his elevator pitch, but that all went away when I looked over the art assets he gave me. Squirmish's art is juvenile, obnoxious, and maybe even a little gross. In other words? I loved it." – Stephen Duetzmann at Engaged Family Gaming.
"It's a really good game! I like the fighting." – Ty (age 9) of Board Gaming at Home.
"Ty's age, absolutely brilliant game. If there's one downside, it's the sheer variety." – Russell of Board Gaming at Home.
"I like all the little characters that have been made up… they're great fun." – Kelly of Board Gaming at Home.
"Want battling beasties that you don't have to find in blind packs? Want the world's best collection of creature designs, names, and battle cries (that provide +1 damage if shouted aloud during your turn) that I have ever seen? Want a kid's card game you'll actually want to play with your kid? Back this very modest Kickstarter and get the whole 108-card pack (plus stretch goals)! Highly recommended." -Zander Cannon (Eisner-award-winning cartoonist behind Kaijumax, Heck, and Top 10)
The initial deck is 54 cards… it goes up to 108 cards if we hit $15,000.
Thanks for listening! Please tell your friends!


text:
return to HotDealsClub.com
Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2000 12:24:12 -0400 From: Amy C. Subject: just to let you know Hi, I really enjoy your site and check it every day. I have gotten some pretty cool stuff from your site. Just wanted to let you know that buy.com is not cool at all. I have had nothing but trouble trying to order the printer/postage software from them. They cancelled everything on my order for the HP printer/postage software on June 22 without letting me know (they say they sent an e-mail but I NEVER received one, and their online order tracker said everything was fine). Now when I try to get their customer service, you get put on hold forever and their e-mail customer service seems to be down. Not very impressive. I would be wary of recommending them to anyone. They seem to be having some serious problems. I am still struggling with them today. Meanwhile, Staples has been great -- I got all of my stuff no problem. Their customer service is really responsive (even if they all sound half asleep on the phone). The only tricky thing about the Encarta software is that the packing slip they send it with does not indicate the cost, so I had to call them and have them fax me the receipt so I can get the rebate for $25. Thought some people might want to know that in advance. By the way, I got a great sleeping bag and stuff bag from cyberrebate. I am just wondering how they make their money! A clever scheme if they are indeed making any money at all. Thanks again for your helpful site. I recommend it to my friends and they get all excited too.
Date: Fri, 07 Jul 2000 13:13:15 -0400 From: K H. I just found you on the internet last month.You're fantastic!!
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2000 10:10:54 -0500 From: Warren H. Subject: Great site!!! EOM
Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 10:58:03 -0700 From: Marcelo Subject: thanks for your work Just a quick note of thanks for all the cool info you provide. Keep up the good work; we check your site religiously. Marcelo
Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 09:07:57 -0400 From: "H, J P" Subject: similar phone-to-phone long distance (free) Hi HotDeals, first of all, I would applaud for your excellent and information website. The deals are definitely hot!
Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000 11:27:00 -0400 (EDT) From: A C Subject: office max today thanks for getting me sooo many great deals. Keep up the good work,
Date: Sat, 02 Sep 2000 01:04:40 -0400 From: RSN Subject: Wonderful site -- Thanks!! You have some wonderful information here ! Bravo. The piece about Staples pricematch policy is excellent! May you be inspired to produce such things more often. -RSN
Date: Wed, 06 Sep 2000 13:18:32 -0300 From: M K Subject: REI Coupon good till dec 24 You have an excellent Site!!!
Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 11:46:57 EDT From: Subject: Re : Amazon.com - I-Jam 32MB portable MP3 player for $30, plus $20 free Thanks again for posting wonderful deals, as I visit your site multiple times daily.
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 08:47:47 -0700 (PDT) From: K W Subject: Sam's hard drive deal was good yesterday in my local Your site is way-cool. Thanks!
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 12:38:39 -0400 From: {name removed} I love your site and think it is great. Best, {name removed} Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 15:50:20 -0400 From: J L Subject: Free Handspring Hi: I'm a religious visitor to your website, and have pursued countless offers you've posted. Thank you so much!
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 15:26:37 PDT From: J S Subject: A forward Either way, as I've said before, I absolutely love your site. I've saved at least $100 in online purchases in the last month, thanks to you. Once again, please keep it up. --{name removed} Albany, OR
Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2000 09:50:32 -0700 (PDT) From: L. The Brave Subject: A few more deals... Hello there, I figures, since I've found your site recently, and it's become a daily visit.
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2000 11:39:18 -0500 From: M B Subject: audible I love your site, great deals!
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 11:04:58 EDT From: J L Subject: Onvia You ROCK ! The Onvia tip worked like a charm. Thanks.
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 18:02:12 -0400 From: T M Subject: Staples rebates? Hi- I like watching your page for new updates-- very cool things on there so far. Thanks and keep up the great info on your page-
Date: Sun, 24 Sep 2000 16:09:12 -0500 From: P S Subject: prices ĀJust an fyi ... i've also gotten about 18 dvd's from columbia house thankz to your great coupons .
Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 06:53:00 -0400 From: David. M. D. Subject: Re: Columbia house All I can say is WOW! Can you give just a little more detail?! As I think of a question, I scroll down and there is the answer - othercodes? which is best? there it is - ACCD (ave. cost per CD), which titles to order for best effect - there it is - MSRP over 32. hey, as I said, I stumbled on your site for the columbia deal. I'm staying for the other things too. So can you tell me about you? I see you say you don't make money from the click throughs, etc... so just for fun? very noble. I always wonder - the listed sites could look in their logs and see where people are coming from or all of a sudden get a flood of new orders and see that some people get the DVDs and run, as you detail.... but I guess they take it as a cost of doing business - some stay others run? I'd love to hear more about you and your background... I'll keep checking the site. take care!!!
Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 14:26:52 -0400 From: Shawna L. Subject: coupon hi, first of all, thanx for maintaining this site to benefit consumers like myself.
Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 08:03:27 -0400 From: Todd. M. Subject: AccessMicro Just a warning- I order a Pentium III-600EB from AccessMicro a few months ago. Now, I've been ordering from computer parts retailers for 8 years now.. and I NEVER had such a nightmare-ish experience as I had with them. They said they said they had the part in stock when I order it and the motherboard, then after 2 weeks I finally received JUST the motherboard (although the CPU was supposed to be there, too), then they said they couldn't ship me the part at all, then they finally agreed to ship me the part but wouldn't honor their original part, then I got it and it was the WRONG part.. after about 6 weeks of this unbelievable crap and many hours on the telephone with them, I finally did get the right part from them, but they still didn't honor their original price and, to this day, I'm not sure if I paid the right amount (because they kept changing the shipping charges, etc..) Just thought I'd share that with you since your page borders on consumer advice/opinion. :) Aside from that-- I love your page!
Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2000 13:18:07 -1000 From: Ray Subject: Kingston Value Ram Rebate Outstanding page! I visit everyday. Keep up the good work...your saving me money. Ray Honolulu, Hawaii
Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2000 13:35:56 -0700 (PDT) From: Jeff J Subject: Confirmation Just wanted to give you some real life feedback on one of those HOT deals: I went for the spindle of 50 CD-R's for $12.95, and I'll be darned if they didn't show up just as advertised, OVERNIGHT shipping for free, in spite of the fact that I didn't put the order in until late in the afternoon the day before. Outpost.COM even included a free yo-yo, which I am yo-yo'ing as I type this. That deal is for real. I have yet to burn a CD on them yet. If you'd like, I can let you know how that turns out, as I'll be doing that tonight... --Jeff
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2000 09:54:30 -0700 From: Brian E. H. To whom it may concern, just wanted to let you know how useful your site is!!!!Ā I check it daily and have received some great deals because of the info provided on your site! Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2000 11:51:22 -0700 From: Kely R. K. Subject: just a pat on the back I love this page I give it to all my friends I think this is the best page out there. You are up to date with GOOOOOD content. Also I think this clean fast loading page is super! no fancy crap just the information we all want. Keep up the super work!
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 09:32:57 -0400 From: G. F. Subject: Staples price-matching policy Thanks for all the great work, my Dlink MP3 player is awesome!
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 13:23:05 -0400 From: David O. I love your site and plan on sending a few more items related to Canadians
Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2000 23:15:23 -0700 From: Tom Y. Subject: Travel Dear Hot-Deals Maniac, Thank you for a wonderful site. I have taken advantage of many of the deals and have been thoroughly satisfied! Your posting on air travel made me think about some other ways I have saved on airline fares. A couple of resources I use are: 1) Keep on top of Southwest's coast to coast fares by subscribing to their newsletter. When they have a sale, everyone else does, too. 2) Use Travelocity's best fare finder and subscribe to their fare notification service. 3) Try lowestfare.com. They discount TWA tickets 25%. A few years back, Carl Ichan got several million dollars worth of air travel in a settlement from TWA and he uses this site to unload the tickets. My wife and I used this deal to travel first class to Hawaii for 25% off! You do get frequent flyer miles! I hope these are helpful. Tom
Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 12:14:32 -0500 From: Ken L. Subject: Thanks! Found your site by accident. However, it is the best thing I have seen on the net so far! Keep up the good job. Thanks, Ken
Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2000 19:58:31 -0400 From: V. M. Subject: Suggestion Hi, I like your site very much, would you consider starting a mailing list sending the deal alerts - with link to your web site - if they want to know the details. But this might weaken the traffic :-( Again, I appreciate your graphics-free-quick-loading web site very much. Thanks,
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2000 00:16:55 -0400 From: Jason. F. First let me say I like your site and hope you keep up the good work. I have purchased quite a few of the deals. I bought some CD-r's from outpost ..now I cant stop ordering from them.. I order around 22:30 each time (My only quite time) and the items are at my door by 11 the next morning... Thanks, Jason
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2000 00:32:44 -0400 From: John M. Your site is GREAT!! Thanks, John
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 08:14:19 -0400 From: Charles J. ubject: Hot Deal Format Hello, I found your site by accident the other night.Great Site! I just wish I had found it about a week ago, so I could have taken advantage of the Etak GPS Sysytem for under $10.00. Great Site, I love getting a Deal! *Great info on Columbia House. I have been a member for several years.
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000 13:30:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Keith W. hot-deals.org is great. Thanks for providing such a great resource. I use it all the time.
Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 22:27:12 -0700 From: Michael V. Love your site! Check it 3 times per day!
Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 13:22:52 -0400 (EDT) From: D. F. Dear Maniac: I must thank you for all the great hotdeals update on your site. I have made your site a homepage of mine and forward deals to my buddies and family all the time. Thanks and keep up the great work!
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 14:58:49 -0500 From: Q. T. I love your site! I especially appreciate the Columbia House info. Keep up the good work and thanks!
Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2000 14:25:37 -0600 From: Tim L. Subject: GREAT SITE!! I love this site - thank you for your hard work. I just ordered the 79.00 chair deal from Officemax and saved a bundle. I was in their store yesterday and was going to purchase the exact chair for 129.00 - then I decided to check my fav shopping areas etc on the web first. I am so glad that I did!! I also ordered something else (that I was going to buy anyway) and saved another 25.00 !! All together you helped me save 75.00!! Please keep up this site - I will use it often and tell my friends & business associates about it. Thanks again!!
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:57:51 -0500 From: Scott O. Thanks for the great job you do. The true spirit of the internet lives on.
Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2000 22:30:47 -0800 From: Frank J. First off ... just wanted to thank you for keeping a great site. It is easy to find my way around with no nonsense. I enjoy your comments and updates without having to stare at advertising banners. I check in many times a day. So far ... I have bought a few things now including the 40 gig drive which unfortunately out of stock at this time. But the CD prices from Outpost are great and I just purchased a few for home. Coupons are a great idea too. Saved myself some money on a paper shredder from Staples.
Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 17:04:33 -0500 From: Mark S. Subject: 256 MB deal over Maniac, 1. Your site rocks!! 2. The buy.com 256 MB deal is dead because they are out of stock Thanks again for the killer site, Mark
Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2000 09:48:04 -0800 From: C. C. Subject: Thanks for your site Thanks for the updated info... I bought the DVD player from 800.com (DV333) for $144.00 GREAT PRICE. FYI this DVD player is one of the few on the market that has true 24/96 digital output. For anyone who has a digital converter that can handle true 24/96 this is a must!!! Thank you,
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000 07:17:31 -0500 From: Josh M. Subject: A Barnes & Noble deal Hi, Maniac, I have to first express my thanks to you for the service you provide. While I've been visiting your site for just a month or two, I have saved at least $200 thanks to your diligence (most recently on the Pioneer DVD player deal). I'm not sure how best to repay this debt, other than keeping my eyes peeled for new deals for the site.
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000 19:01:49 -0500 From: Ken H. Subject: Got my $5 Neat-o CD-ROM Label kit today! Just wanted to let you know the Pyro coupon code for the Neat-o labeler worked like a charm, my labeler arrived today! Thanks, Ken
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2000 23:56:21 -0500 From: David Subject: Hot Deals (?) spotted Dear Maniac: Thanks for the hot-deals website. I use it almost daily. People accuse me of spending hours and hours on the web when I tell them about the deals that I find on your site. I check yours and the one below nearly every day. On and off in 15 minutes.
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2000 14:36:36 EST From: Sonny Subject: (no subject) thanks for all the hot-deals.
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2000 05:38:08 -0600 From: Tim t. Subject: Your Site Your site rules. I recieved the Neato CD labeler just as advertised, and it was delivered for just $5 by Fedex! Keep up the excellent work.
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2000 17:01:00 -0800 From: {email removed} Subject: Trouble with Kingston media Hello. I love your site, but wanted to say that I experienced a very high failure rate with the Kingston media mentioned from Outpost.com A friend of mine whom I recommended this to (both of us with standard Adaptec/Wintel setups) experienced the same problem, and we had to send them back. Otherwise, we love the site.
Date: Fri, 1 Dec 2000 13:12:16 -0500 From: David C. Subject: RE: November 16th's post - ATA/100 card Thanks! And thank you for not just replying with "it works for me". The inclusion of another link to the pdf was greatly appreciated. I was able to get to the pdf and print it out. Other sysops I've delt with would have just stopped with "it works for me" and left it to me to find the file (or whatever). Again, thank you,
Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2000 18:47:34 -0800 From: Robin H. Subject: You are the Best To Webmaster, I just find your great site from yahoo... you did a really great job... I am looking at your site from 3 till now... it had been updates twice. Amazing.....
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 14:13:31 -0800 From: Chris M. Subject: Maxtor Drive Deal I just wanted to let you know that I ordered the Maxtor drive today along with the Zip drive. I applied the two coupon codes and my grand total including tax came to $134.12 and they said I'd have it in my hands tomorrow:) Thanks, Chris
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 14:27:28 -0800 From: Jeff Hi, How is it going with hot-deals? I appreciate all your effort to make the site an all time up-to-date, must be some hard work to it (I got the most recent deal on Staples.com's 40GB Maxtor) All the best to you and your site. Keep it up. I will keep posting good deal I can find.
Date: Mon, 04 Dec 2000 17:57:14 -0800 From: Dave Subject: Holy shit Can't thank you enough (again) for you page. I tried to get the Maxtor deal online but all sold out. I was skeptical but I went to Staples with a copy of the office depot webpage and asked about a price match. She says "I guess so" and I got (2) 40 gig drives for $120 each WITH 2 Zip drives free for a total of $259.78 out the door. Un-freakin believeable. I'm gonna try another Staples nearby. This was at 5:30 pm West coast time, Monday. Dave
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 11:41:53 -0800 From: Simon J. Subject: Hello, for staples hot deal Hi, maniac, glad to have your wonderful site and I really made some good deals within this month. Just let you know I ordered the Maxtor 40 GB with the free Zip drive, but my total is $151 something maybe California has higher tax not like what you said less $145. But, still a good deal. Oh, I made the order thru the phone, because I did try to the store, and unlucky they don't accept the coupon code. So, I went to the internet, and they don't accept the free zip drive code, and finally made it on phone. Ah Thanks for your efforts!!
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 15:08:17 -0600 From: Terry A. R. Subject: re: staples maxtor hard drive deal I received my Maxtor drive and free zip drive today. The sent me a 45 gig ultra ata100 drive instead of the 40 gig udma66 drive that I thought I was getting. Staples sells the ultra ata drive for well over $200! They also honored my coupon so I ended up paying only $99.74 for everything delivered to the door!!! I know Staples is losing money on this deal. I haven't ordered the free ata100 controller card that I will get free also. I plan on using the $25 off $75 coupon as you mentioned. Wow, what a fantastic deal. My only complaint is that the Iomega zip drive did not come with any zip disks. How cheap of Iomega. They could have put one disk in the box.Ā Now I have to go out and purchase some zips. Oh well...any ideas on who has the best prices on zip disks???
Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2000 16:10:51 -0500 From: Mike D. S. Subject: UPDATES on Maxtor 40GB drive from Staples: On Tues night I thought I would give this a shot. I printed the office depot screenshot, and took it with me to staples. On my way in the door, I did stop to double check that they would honor the price match, and she said yes. I went over picked up the hard drive, an the zip drive, and went back to check out. Because the price was 119 it required a manager over ride, but they did it for me with no problem. Zip and 45 gig drive for 119 + tax. what a deal.
Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2000 09:50:27 -0800 From: Shawn H. Subject: thanks Thanks for getting your loyal visitors some really great deals.
Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2000 11:54:30 -0800 From: Adam L. Subject: Maxor HD Just wanted to let you know that Staples has the hard drive you featured on your website in stock again. I just ordered it. Thanks for the incredible site!
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2000 15:45:35 -0600 From: Jerry P. Subject: Playstation 2 giveaway contests Just writing to say thanks for the information on sites giving away playstation 2's. I was one of the lucky winners. Keep the hot deals coming.
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2000 19:19:16 -0500 From: Josh Subject: feedback to your site ummm...very nice stuff...i got that maxtor/zip drive deal..printed out that picture you had the link to and worked easily.Ā i visit slickdeals.net and techdeals.net many times a day waiting for updates..as i now will do the same for yours ;)..keep up the good work.. -josh
Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2000 19:20:00 -0500 From: Jon S. Subject: WOW! I walked into a Staples store on Monday and pricematched with Office Depot as detailed on your site. I picked up a 40GB Maxtor Diamondmax Plus 7200rpm harddrive for $120 plus tax. Rather than pushing my luck, I decided not to ask for the free Zip drive. I came back in to the same Staples store today with my receipt, said that I didn't realize that I should have received a free Zip drive, and they just handed me a Iomega Zip-100 USB drive for free! So I got a 40GB 7200rpm hard drive and a Zip-100 USB drive for $120 plus about $5 tax. Now I will order the ATA/100 card for free, too! I can't thank you enough for the information on your site!
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 20:08:49 -0600 From: Jason M. Subject: Thanks Much!! When I saw the deal on Thursday I was really excited because I was just about to buy it for about 300.00 at buy.com. With your deal and some other help, I got the price down to 132.52. Heres how: I pricematched from compdirect.com However, I found out that they are currently out of stock for that item so Staples "can't" pricematch it, its some policy of theirs. However I was determined to find a way around this. I called the staples customer service after 7:00 thats after compdirect.com ends their support/ordering since you can't directly buy from their website. Since Staples didn't want to leave me hanging, they pricematched it for 213.00 since they couldn't find that it was out of stock, and there are no shipping charges listed on the page. So I got the camera for 213.00 plus shipping/tax, then I used the 40.00 off of 150.00 (88093) bringing it to 182.52. I will then send the 50.00 rebate in, and bring the overall price to an astonishing 132.52 for a 300.00 camera. Thanks again, Jason M.
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000 08:46:26 -0500 (EST) From: David K. Hi - thanks for running such a great site. I've used a few of the offers and I've really appreciated it. Thanks again for putting in the time and effort to save so much money, David K
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000 14:14:49 -0600 From: JC Subject: Fuji MX1400 Pricematch The Fuji Price match at Staples with Shop4Digital for $209 works great. I have successfully ordered it and applied the $40 off $150. When ordering with Staples, be sure to give them the complete URL of the $209 Fuji, Shop4Digital has the same product 3 times with higher prices. Thanks for the Hot Deal and keep up the good work. JC
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000 18:43:24 -0600 From: "Trekkie" Subject: Fuji 1400 camera deal + bonus I was very excited to see this deal on your website. I had previously been pricing Fuji 1300 cameras at around $200 through shop4digital.com, and was quite pleased to see that I could get a little bit better camera for even less. I even got a little extra thrown in, that I was pleased about. When I called Customer Service, I gave them the shop4digital.com price of $209. They checked it out, and came back that shop4digital offers the camera for $249, plus they added a bunch of shipping, so it wasn't such a bargain. (shop4digital, oddly, has the camera listed twice on its page)ĀI then referred the representative to the compdirect price of $213, as posted on your site. They accepted this one, but added like $30 shipping, plus my California sales tax. I used the $40 of $150 code to get it down $218.68, after tax and shipping. Here's the special part. I added item number 394457 (a 5" b&w TV) to my order, and used coupon number 91199, justifying it by saying it was not, in fact, a second coupon, but a free item. That worked, so I got a free $70 TV! Thanks so much!
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2000 11:51:02 -0500 (EST) From: Shawn Subject: Thanks so much Thank you so much for the amazing site! Thanks to you, I was able to buy my girl a much much nicer xmas gift than I would have otherwise been able to afford. I am deeply grateful for the work you put into the site, apparently for no profit of your own. Usually, if I am as blown away by a site as I am by yours, I click their banner ads like crazy as a token of thanks. Since your site has no such ads, I'm sending this email to express my appreciation. Thanks so much, Shawn N.
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2000 09:39:14 -0600 From: Douglas D. Subject: gratitude Dear Hot-Deals, I own so much gratitude to this website. I found out about it by doing a search for "free" internet service providers. Lucky me! Recently, I got in on the deal at Staples, a Maxtor 45 GIG hard drive, free USB Zip and ATA 100 controller card for around $150 after tax and $50 rebate. The codes for both the free Zip drive and the $40 off worked at the register. I just told the cashier that these were the codes advertised. But the latest surprise occurred last night when the UPS guy delivered the PS2 Sweepstakes package that I won from Amazon.com!!!! I wouldn't have know about the sweepstakes if it weren't for this site. Thank you so much for providing this website full of Hot-Deals! Best Regards, Douglas.
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 02:18:45 +0100 From: Don Subject: APC Deal I'm new to your page, it is awesome, bottom line up front, that's what the net needs. Thanks, Don
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 13:33:03 -0800 From: Dwight O. Subject: Office Depot--DVD Clearance Hi, Just wanted to say thanks for all of the cool tips you have on your site. It takes quite a bit of workmaintaining something likethis and I appreciate all of your efforts. I just ran down to my local Office Depot and picked up: 8 mm Eye's Wide Shut A Perfect Storm The Outlaw Josey Wells Fight Club Special Edition all for the low, low price of $45.01 using the additional $10 off $50 coupon. You should be racking up the "Good Karma" points for all of the shopping help you've given us this year.Ā Just wanted to say THANKS! Dwight
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2000 18:17:55 -0700 From: {anonymous} Subject: office depot wd hd you are the MAN! i checked 4 stores, and only 1 of them still had a 45g still on the shelf. actually, it was an emtpy, shrink-wrapped box, and they had the sealed drive in another roow. i jokingly asked the guy "do i get a 50% discount cuz the box is opened?" and they gave me another 10% off. hehehe. $87 out-de-do! another store had a 13g/7200 and 15g/5400 -- for $99.99. yikes.
Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 11:27:26 -0800 From: Mike B. Subject: Office Depot DVD's Hi, I just wanted to thank you for the post about Office Depot's deal on DVDs. On my way home from work I stopped and checked it out for myself. Here is a little tip for the others who want this Hot Deal! Because Office Depot is discontinuing all DVDs they have moved their selection to the front of the store, however most of the inventory can be found in the manager's office. Why? because the managers are getting ready to ship the units back to the manufacturers. Here are some of the titles I got from the manager's office: The Patriot The Hurricane Mission to Mars The Whole Nine Yards Titanic Twister Collector's Edition All DVD were only $9.99, and if you use the coupon you save $10 more, what a great deal! Thanks for the information. Sincerely, Mike
Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 15:02:09 -0500 From: Andrew M. Subject: hey boss love your site! keep up the fantastic work! incredible deals. that mushkin memory is top notch stuff. you should see my office. full of stuff i need, don't need, will never need, and a ton of stuff i'll never use, BUT...i got great prices :-)
Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 09:06:44 -0800 From: Brad K. Subject: Your site I just wanted to drop you a note telling you that I think you have one of the best sites that I have been on. Clean simple and very adictive. It has gotten to the point I have to refrain my self from visiting every day becasue why I save a great deal I find my self spending more.Ā Also the current deal you posted on the Elsa GeForece2 left my fingers burning and my CC scorched as it was ripped from my wallet. Thank you so very much for the great site Cheers
Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2000 10:13:57 EST From: Paul M. Subject: happy holidays Hello Maniac, Thanks for doing the hot-deals site. ĀSince I discovered it about a month ago (thru a copernic search) I've been a much happier customer than in quite some time, perhaps since 10 years ago, when I lived in Africa for a brief time, in a place where where haggling down at the Souk was considered entertainment. And its not just the deals I like at your site. ĀYou've pointed out some great deal-making techniques, such as asking for a price-checks or applying a coupon at just the right moment. I also appreciate your informal style of varied site updates and a quick-loading page. It is true to what I think is an important purpose of the internet: to empower the individual through communication. ĀToo much of the internet is not about free exchange of information, but something closer to "establishing habits".
Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2000 10:13:01 -0500 From: Volrath Subject: Thank you! Just wanted to send a quick e-mail to say thank you for all the work you put into the site, and Merry Christmas.
Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2000 11:28:55 -0800 From: Kevin Personally, thanks to your web site, I got a Kodak DC3400 Digital Camera for Christmas from my wife. She told me she saw the bookmark on my computer and went to your site. She looked around and noticed the Mercata deal with MSN. She signed up and got the camera for $302 flat. Cheapest anywhere and I mean anywhere was $385 before shipping. She saved a fortune. Go to Best Buy or Circuit City and you'll see the camera for $499. Like a previous e-mail said before, "YOU ARE DA MAN". Thanks and keep up the good work, Kevin
Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 15:03:51 -0500 From: Derek Subject: U r a cool guy! I have your web site as my start page now, and everytime when I start my browser, I always see some good deals on ur site. and u did update your page often w/ good/hot deals too... Good work! (just hope to see some web company have cheaper shipping charges to ship to Canada..... Sometimes the shipping charges are 2-3 times more than the product itself... grin!)
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 13:08:26 -0500 From: sav Subject: cdr 50 pack and speakers Maniac, I appreciate your web site so much!!Ā I placed my order for 4-50 pack cd-r and free speakers and received my shipment about an hour ago so it worked at some point.Ā 4:30pm Wed I placed the order and 12:30pm Friday I had all four!!Ā The speakers are crap but what do you expect.Ā The cd-rs are a fantastic buy!!! Ā Thanks again! Ā sav
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 15:09:39 -0500 From: Dan J. Subject: Jewel Cases Hi. Yours is, without a doubt, one of the most fantastically useful websites I have come across in rather a long while. In addition, it is one of the few that merits any sort of regular visitation. Many thanks for this invaluable service that you provide. I have personally taken advantage of several of the deals posted on your site, including Outpost.com's very competitively priced CD-R media. As I now have access to a virtually unlimited supply of blank CDs, a question presents itself. Have you, by chance, come across any deals on CD jewel cases? Any information you might have on this topic would be greatly appreciated, as the jewel cases have ironically become the most expensive component of the CDs I create. Keep up the good work and happy new millennium.
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001 18:56:24 -0500 From: Rob & Melanie M. By the way, keep up the work...I REALLY appreciate the time that you have put into it. You have saved me about $350.00 so far by the deals that I've found through your site. I wish I could somehow repay you for it. In fact...is there anything I can do for you?
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 10:23:12 -0700 From: Scott Subject: Great site... Just wanted to say thanks for putting up such a cool site. I have scored tons of deals (DVD's at Office Depot) ect...
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 22:16:18 -0500 From: Bob R. Subject: Your tip on Staples.com Logitech QCam Express Just got mine tonight.Ā Better deal than I imagined: $10 rebate on outside of each box (limit 3 per household) though you have to register for SpotLife.com (appears to be free though).Ā Inside there are coupons too ($10 on new-style Logitech mice, $15 on Logitech PC speakers, $10 on misc Logitech stuff). Thanks again, invaluable site (well, I COULD probably add things up and give you an EXACT price)!
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 09:40:11 -0800 (PST) From: {anonymous} Subject: Nice monitor I bought one of those 19" Samsung 950P monitors from Staples. Using the info from your site, I got it for $248, no rebates required. Great deal and a very nice monitor. Thanks for the info and keep up the nice site. {anonymous} Rochester, NY
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 02:22:39 EST From: Jesse Hello! I love your site! I believe it's one of the most useful sites I have ever visited. Please keep up the good work!
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 18:47:58 -0600 From: {anonymous} and {anonymous} Subject: Thank you! I know you have a million notes just like this...but I had to join your fan club and tell you how awesome your site is. I'm a stay at home mom and always looking for good deals. Whenever I check email, I check hot deals. At least 3-4 times a day... I have found unbelievable deals and thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this site.
Date: Thu, 01 Feb 2001 22:37:18 -0800 From: Alden Subject: thanks! thanks for the tip on ebate.com! because of the info you posted on jan. 21, i ordered a new apple ti powerbook g4 at outpost through ebates.com's site. 5% off of $3495 is a decent chunk of change ($175 to be exact). love the site. hope you were finally able to get your hands on a new ps2 by now. keep up the great work, your efforts are truly appreciated.
Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 08:23:33 EST From: Stephen M. Hey, just learned about your site and have already fallen in love with it.
Date: Sat, 03 Feb 2001 00:55:59 -0500 From: Sam B. Subject: coupon site Thanks for your site, I keep it bookmarked now and check it everyday. I also got me a playstation 2 because of you. Thanks. Sam
Date: Sun, 04 Feb 2001 18:17:31 -0700 From: Andrew L. Subject: (no subject) I recently discovered your site and became an instant fan. I love finding deals and to find a shrine like this was very satisying, and hopefully usefull. I was wondering whether you knew of other sites like hot-deals.org that I could check out and use. I am especially looking for deals on a slr camera, a camcorder, and a cd-burner. thanks, and keep up the great work
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 12:10:59 -0700 From: Eric M. Subject: great site Thanks for putting this site up, i use this and another one like it. I got a 21" monitor brand new for 320, the kodak dc3200 and scanner for 80, and a new 1 gig athalon and k7v for 280, i've saved like 800 bucks minimum off this site in just one month. Awesome!
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2001 13:31:50 -0800 From: John Subject: Staples camera/scanner deal Hi, I just returned from the Staples in Pleasant Hill, CA with the Kodak digital camera, free scanner, and rebate form. They *did* honor the $30 off coupon code, as well as the BestBuy pricematch. What a great deal - thank you so much!! John
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 11:49:26 -0500 From: G. M. Subject: A Big Thank You! Over the past few months you've saved me a wad of cash and have tipped me to some great retailers as well. I salute your selfless efforts to share truly hot deals with those who appreciate them. Believe me, I KNOW how much effort goes into keeping your site current, and that makes me appreciate your work even more. You could make some decent money by posting ads and affiliate banners on your site. The fact that you don't is a testament to your honesty and generosity. Bless you, Hot-Deals Dude. Godspeed.
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 15:58:53 -0600 From: Kirk in Minnesota Subject: HP CDRW Deal (feedback) Wow! I got mine for $75 shipped -- with a black pen (required to exceed $100 for the coupon)!!!!! I had to make a few calls to find an Office Max that had a drive in stock. Perhaps you can suggest that your readers call the store in question, ask for the computer/electronics department manager, and ask him/her to "check the computer" to find a store that has the item in stock (if necessary). That's what I did... I feel good that I got the low price...especially considering that the forst HP 9300 CDRW I bought (early in the product life cycle) cost me $279.... Thanks again.
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2001 20:42:25 -0500 From: Tim Subject: Good site Just wanted to say you have an awesome website.Ā I visit everyday to check out whats hot.Ā Your hard work is appreciated.Ā Thanks.
Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 18:27:46 -0500 From: Danny P. Subject: Wow! I just wanted to tell you that your site is incredible!Ā Your Columbia House DVD tips CAN NOT be beat! You are a true patriot of the Internet, bringing INFORMATION to the people!!! No bull, no hidden agendas, just good, reliable information. Thank you so much! Danny
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2001 07:41:44 -0600 From: Puzlbox Subject: Thanks! Thanks for the "Hotdeals" for Wednesday, February 21, 2001. I ordered 2 of my favorite DVDs from DeepDiscountDVD.com for at least 1/3 off the lowest price that I found anywhere else. I did not even know that the company existed until reading your Hotdeal. They have a great selection. I found DVDs that other DVD online retailers did not stock. Also would like to say thanks again for the weather URLs. I am a bit of a weather freak & found both sites to be very useful. I especially appreciated the "Intellicast" radar & satellite images. I hope you are getting some kick back from the sites that you recommend.
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 10:11:24 -0800 From: Ashok Subject: howdy keep up the good work!!
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 05:59:03 -0700 From: Kyle Subject: Thanks for saving me some bucks. I was going to join the CH DVD club and it asked for a savings code. Not having one, I did a google search and found your site and that great list! I'll definitely be looking for stuff on your site and telling everyone about it.
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2001 14:45:50 -0500 From: Roderick Subject: PS2 received - amazing Acted on the deal posted 2/27 about PS2. I bought one. Received e-mail acknowledge order, confirmed order, and shipped order the same day. FedEx delivered the box on 3/1, even with standard shipping. Wow! Thanks for the tip.
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2001 16:38:27 -0800 From: Larry K from Fresno CA By the way I have a Palm IIIxe on the way for $120 shipped, thanks for the deal.
Date: Thu, 15 Mar 2001 09:25:02 From: Q*bert Qubes Subject: staples.com Thanks man, that $70 off $270 Staples coupon was great, got a Fuji Finepix 1400 for $229 shipped... cheapest I could find it was $228 +$20 shipping from some cheap looking website and around $250 +shipping at other sites. I love you.
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 02:29:32 -0800 From: Joe Subject: Just a compliment You have done such a nice job. I have to admit that I always surf around those Hot Deal sites, yours is just very informative and help people out with no profitable idea around. I do not mind at all if you are gonna add some banners to help support this website. Oh.......also I like the way you don't push too much loads of info on the page which makes it very easy to read and relax. Ā Just a compliment as I said. Ā Thank you for bringing hot deal to people like me.........can't deny it's addictive. Ā
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 11:56:57 -0000 From: mrube Subject: Thanks I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your site. I stumbled upon it a few weeks ago and now check it at least 3 times a day (before, during, and after work.) You've saved me $$$ and I've returned the favor just a bit by pointing out a deal or two to you. Keep up the good work, and most of all - keep it pure.
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 08:47:50 -0500 From: Mike L. Subject: Thank you I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for doing such a consistently wonderful job in maintaining this website.Ā I check in daily, since first discovering your site a few weeks back, and I have twice used your "tips" to get some tremendous bargains.Ā Your site is one of the better sites on the web.Ā Keep up the good work (and good luck in your job search). Ā Thanks again .. and again .. and again,
Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 09:35:51 -0600 From: Nathan B. Subject: Great site Hi. I just found your site last week and I have become one of those multiple-times a day visitors. I think that Handspring Deluxe for $110 is one of the hottest deals I've ever seen! Anyway, one of the coolest things on the site is the Columbia House DVD page. I realize that this is just a hobby for you and you are very busy, but keeping that page updated semi-regularly, and linking to it from the main page would be a suggestion I feel a lot of people would benefit from. I just thought I would mention it. Keep up the good work and thanks so much!
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 09:09:08 -0600 From: Gary D. Subject: Thanks! Hello, I have been using your site for a while now, and wanted to thank you for all of the good information and bargains I have been able to obtain on Hot Deals! I really appreciate all of your hard work! People need to realize how much good is done on the internet, and to also know that not everyone "out there" is working hard on inventing new viruses! You need to be thanked for what you have been doing with this site! Thanks again
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 14:21:43 -0500 From: Terry R. Subject: staples pny cdr rebate Thanks once again for saving me money on my purchases.Ā Your site is saving me almost as much as I am losing on the stock market these days......
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 18:28:03 -0400 From: Brent C. I love the site. Just found it the other day and I have forwarded the site to all my friends and family. I have already taken advantage of some of the deals.
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 10:30:27 -0400 From: Marc B. Subject: hot deals I think your site is incredible. I love great deals and so do my friends and we all monitor your site daily.
Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2001 22:56:42 -0400 From: Bill F. Subject: quick thanks from Cincinnati Ohio! Great site! I check it out daily and have recommended it to many of my friends, I'm sure its made a few rounds around Cincinnati. Not that large of a town and talk travels fast! Keep it up!
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2003 21:33:11 -0400 From: Andrew P. Subject: Thanks! maniac- your site saved me $150 this week on a desk I purchased from Office Max. . .THANKS!!! My wife and I have become addicted to your site, checking it multiple times a day to see the deals. How's the progress on the new server?? We are eagerly waiting for you to take new members in the preferred members club. Thanks for maintaining the site, it's great!!


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Researcher Propose Higher Tax on Sugary Beverages
As obesity continues to plague the United States, many states have imposed a tax cost on some of the products that contribute to unhealthy weight gain, like soda. But experts believe that the current sales tax isn't high enough to truly impact health and weight loss.
This new outlook is from researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, and the University of California, San Francisco. They estimated that by increasing the penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, it would result in a 15 percent drop in consumption, and lower the obesity, diabetes and heart disease rates.
Published in the January 2012 edition of Health Affairs, researchers learned that over a 10 year period, from 2010 to 2020, the penny-per-ounce tax could lower new cases of diabetes by 2.6 percent.
It can also reduce 95,000 coronary heart ailments, eliminate 8,000 strokes, and avoid 26,000 premature deaths, according to their calculations.
"While there is some uncertainty as to what drinks people wold choose instead of taxed beverages, our conclusion that a penny-per-ounce tax would reduce consumption by 15 percent is actually a conservative estimate," said Dr. Y. Claire Wang, assistant professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.
Wang also states the tax would most improve health issues among younger people, and men of all ages, as they consume the most sugary beverages.
Using outside data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Columbia University researchers discovered that obesity and type 2 diabetes would be lowered the most if more taxation was given to soft drinks, and consumers would replace these drinks with more water, diet drinks, or other healthier drinking options.
"With the estimated number of 860,000 fewer obese adults aged 25-64, and given the greater reductions in consumption among younger people, the longer term health benefits would be greater than the impacts during the first 10 years," said Wang.
Those opposed to the heavier taxation on sweetened drinks, say it will unfairly impact lower income consumers, as they are the most likely to purchase sugared beverages, and have less access to healthier drink and food selections.
Researchers also believe the link between obesity and sugar sweetened beverages have been under exposed, and taxation would bring the issue to the immediate forefront.
"Sugary soft drinks really are liquid candy, and their low purchase price hides the true costs of health problems associated with them," said Dr. Lee Goldman and Margaret Hatch, professors at Columbia University Medical Center.
"Our model estimates that a penny-per-ounce tax would substantially reduce obesity, diabetes and heart disease among adults in the United States", they noted.


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DaniPro Healthy Nail Polish multi-packs combine a DaniPro colour with a clear basecoat and topcoat. They offer a 33% saving on the separate selling price. DaniPro Healthy Nail Polish is safe, organic, 100% natural and vegan friendly.
Simply Feet strives to offer top quality footcare products delivered on time at competitive prices with a high level of customer service.
We aim to dispatch and deliver orders within 3 working days of receipt. (Over 95% of our deliveries will meet this standard but please note orders for some Dr Comfort styles may take up to 4 weeks for delivery).
Delivery charges:
This charge applies to UK mainland orders only:
- All orders £100 and over - Free Delivery
- All orders between £40 and £100 - £4.99
- All orders under £40 - £3.99
For Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man the following charges apply:
- All orders will be charged £12
Please note, we are currently unable to process orders for delivery outside of the UK or Ireland.


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Laker 6 oz Child's Mug
Captain Spicer's Custom Louisville Stoneware
Earth to Table
Since 1815
Hold a piece of authentic Louisville Stoneware and connect with the spirit of American History that continues to bring forth prized heirlooms from humble elements of clay, water and heat.
Louisville Stoneware is one of the United States' oldest producers of handmade and hand-painted functional art products. This historic company proudly traces its roots to the English settlers, and continues to use many of their 19th century art and production processes.
From earth to table-Collecting Louisville Stoneware makes one feel confident in knowing that they are grounded in the tradition and heritage that make our country great.
With each piece, we invite you to share in the tradition.
Care for Stoneware: Sudden changes in temperature can affect your stoneware.
Oven: For oven use – we encourage you to pre-heat the ware. Do not place stoneware into preheated oven. This stoneware is not suitable for use on the stovetop, grill or in the broiler.
Microwave: For use in the microwave – please ensure your ware is at room temperature prior to micro-waving.
Dishwasher: This stoneware is dishwasher safe. We recommend using low temperature settings, and liquid detergents to ensure the continued quality of the ware.
Preserving Finish: Please be careful when stacking your stoneware. Scratches may become visible, with repeated stacking, especially on color glazes.


text:
OZMB is a family-owned beverage company headquartered in Branson, Missouri. Each Ozark Mountain Bottleworks flavor is our own unique recipe created with only the finest ingredients.
Please browse our site to learn more about OZMB's dedication to the Ozark region and our great line of down-home soda flavors. Check out our Where to Buy section to pick up your OZMB soda today!


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U.S. country music singer Randy Travis' condition has stabilized after emergency surgery last week to relieve pressure on his brain following a stroke, but it may take months for the Grammy winner to recover, doctors said on Monday.
Travis, 54, who was admitted to a hospital north of Dallas on July 7 for a heart condition caused by a virus, suffered a stroke and underwent surgery on Wednesday.
"He is awake and alert and interacting with his family and friends and beginning to start doing some early physical therapy," Dr. Gary Erwin, a pulmonologist at the hospital, said in a video conference for the Dallas-based Baylor Health Care System, where Travis underwent surgery.
Travis' condition is critical but stable.
"We anticipate it will take months to recover from the stroke," Erwin added.
Travis suffers from a chronic condition known as idiopathic cardiomyopathy, a scarring of his heart muscle that causes his heart to be weak and makes it difficult for it to pump, said Dr. Michael Mack, a heart surgeon and the medical director of cardiovascular disease for Baylor Health Care System.
Travis suffered an acute viral illness over the past three weeks that appeared to have exacerbated the cardiomyopathy, Mack said, adding that Travis has a family history of cardiomyopathy.
A biopsy of his heart muscle showed scar tissue and images of his heart showed the condition does not have the appearance of being caused by drugs or alcohol, doctors said.
Travis, who lives about 60 miles (97 km) north of Dallas in Tioga, Texas, initially was put on life support for a heart condition that was presumed to be cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, Mack said.
Doctors weaned him off life support for his heart, but he suffered a stroke Wednesday evening, Mack said.
Erwin said doctors hoped soon to remove Travis from a ventilator that is aiding his breathing. They are slowly decreasing his need for intravenous medications for his heart as well, he said.
Travis is expected to stay in the hospital for several more weeks and then will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility for "aggressive physical therapy," Erwin said.
Travis' fiancee, Mary Davis, said the singer feels the care of his doctors and nurses and the love of his fans and thanked everyone for their continued support.
"He is responding well to voices and he sees and he understands. He is miles beyond where any of us thought he would be a few days ago," Davis said in the video conference.
The singer-songwriter known for hits such as "Forever and Ever, Amen" and "Three Wooden Crosses" has been in the spotlight in the past year due to legal troubles.
Travis was arrested after Texas State Troopers found him lying near his crashed car almost a year ago. He pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to serve 30 days at an in-patient alcohol treatment facility.
(Editing by David Bailey, Tim Gaynor and Paul Simao)


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Hillbilly Report
Glendale, Kentucky
May 10, 2007
Go To Original (AP)
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore is under investigation by the U.S. Treasury Department for taking ailing Sept. 11 rescue workers to Cuba for a segment in his upcoming health-care documentary "Sicko," The Associated Press has learned.
The investigation provides another contentious lead-in for a provocative film by Moore, a fierce critic of President Bush. In the past, Moore's adversaries have fanned publicity that helped the filmmaker create a new brand of opinionated blockbuster documentary.
"Sicko" promises to take the health-care industry to task the way Moore confronted America's passion for guns in "Bowling for Columbine" and skewered Bush over his handling of Sept. 11 in "Fahrenheit 9/11."
The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control notified Moore in a letter dated May 2 that it was conducting a civil investigation for possible violations of the U.S. trade embargo restricting travel to Cuba. A copy of the letter was obtained Tuesday by the AP.
"This office has no record that a specific license was issued authorizing you to engage in travel-related transactions involving Cuba," Dale Thompson, OFAC chief of general investigations and field operations, wrote in the letter to Moore.
In February, Moore took about 10 ailing workers from the Ground Zero rescue effort in Manhattan for treatment in Cuba, said a person working with the filmmaker on the release of "Sicko." The person requested anonymity because Moore's attorneys had not yet determined how to respond.
Moore, who scolded Bush over the Iraq war during the 2003 Oscar telecast, received the letter Monday, the person said. "Sicko" premieres May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival and debuts in U.S. theaters June 29.
Moore declined to comment, said spokeswoman Lisa Cohen.
After receiving the letter, Moore arranged to place a copy of the film in a "safe house" outside the country to protect it from government interference, said the person working on the release of the film.
Treasury officials declined to answer questions about the letter. "We don't comment on enforcement actions," said department spokeswoman Molly Millerwise.
The letter noted that Moore applied Oct. 12, 2006, for permission to go to Cuba "but no determination had been made by OFAC." Moore sought permission to travel there under a provision for full-time journalists, the letter said.
According to the letter, Moore was given 20 business days to provide OFAC with such information as the date of travel and point of departure; the reason for the Cuba trip and his itinerary there; and the names and addresses of those who accompanied him, along with their reasons for going.
Potential penalties for violating the embargo were not indicated. In 2003, the New York Yankees paid the government $75,000 to settle a dispute that it conducted business in Cuba in violation of the embargo. No specifics were released about that case.
"Sicko" is Moore's follow-up to 2004's "Fahrenheit 9/11," a $100 million hit criticizing the Bush administration over Sept. 11. Moore's "Bowling for Columbine" won the 2002 Oscar for best documentary.
A dissection of the U.S. health-care system, "Sicko" was inspired by a segment on Moore's TV show "The Awful Truth," in which he staged a mock funeral outside a health-maintenance organization that had declined a pancreas transplant for a diabetic man. The HMO later relented.
At last September's Toronto International Film Festival, Moore previewed footage shot for "Sicko," presenting stories of personal health-care nightmares. One scene showed a woman who was denied payment for an ambulance ride after a head-on collision because it was not pre-approved.
Moore's opponents have accused him of distorting the facts, and his Cuba trip provoked criticism from conservatives including former Republican Sen. Fred Thompson, who assailed the filmmaker in a blog at National Review Online.
"I have no expectation that Moore is going to tell the truth about Cuba or health care," wrote Thompson, the subject of speculation about a possible presidential run. "I defend his right to do what he does, but Moore's talent for clever falsehoods has been too well documented."
The timing of the investigation is reminiscent of the firestorm that preceded the Cannes debut of "Fahrenheit 9/11," which won the festival's top prize in 2004. The Walt Disney Co. refused to let subsidiary Miramax release the film because of its political content, prompting Miramax bosses Harvey and Bob Weinstein to release "Fahrenheit 9/11" on their own.
The Weinsteins later left Miramax to form the Weinstein Co., which is releasing "Sicko." They declined to comment on the Treasury investigation, said company spokeswoman Sarah Levinson Rothman.


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JGS Services, Inc.112 East State StreetWestby, Wisconsin 54667
Your Computer and Satellite Services Solution
Welcome to JGS Services!
You've come to the right place. JGS Services is your one-stop solution for all of your satellite, computer, website, entertainment and communication needs. We provide complete solutions for the needs of corporate, small business and home customers. By effectively combining our expertise and experience with our trademark, professional service, we are able to offer a full range of information technology services such as:
· Satellite System Sales and Installation
· Troubleshooting, Service and Repair
· Residential Satellite Entertainment Services and Equipment
· Computer Repair and Upgrades
· Computer Networking
· Website Development
· Domain Registration
· Hosting
· Business and Home Computer User Support
· And much more
We offer our expertise in-house or on-site. Our staff works closely together, communicating and collaborating to ensure that our customers' business and personal technological needs are met to their satisfaction. Sometimes, that means going the extra mile for the customers, which brings them back again and again.
Explore our site and see what we can do for you!


text:
Screenshot Of Moment App in Iphone |
The app's creator, Kevin Holesh, says he built Moment for himself after realizing how much his digital addictions were affecting his real-world relationships.
After moving in with his fiancée and settling into their new lives together, they both started whipping out their iPhones at the end of the day to unwind, Holesh explains via a blog post. And while that's okay to a point, for him, it was becoming a serious problem.
"We stopped doing fun and productive things and chose the path of least resistance," he writes.
Sometimes, too much of a good thing is just too much, it seems.
As an iOS developer himself, Holesh decided to build a solution – yes, in the form of an iPhone app. But this app isn't meant to be actively used. Instead, it's "designed to be invisible," says Holesh. That is, after you set up Moment the first time, you never need to open it up again. The app will just run in the background, alerting you as to when you're going over your daily limits.
Holesh tells us that most people don't realize how much they're on their phone.
"As a tiny experiment, I asked people to guess what their daily usage was and they were almost always 50% too low," he says. "The daily limits have helped people set a goal for how much they're on their phone. My main goal with Moment was make me aware of how many minutes I'm burning on my phone each day, and it's helped my testers do that, too."
The overall goal with Moment is not about getting you to "put down your phone forever and go live in the woods," Holesh notes on the app's website. It's about creating a balance in our lives.
There's also a bonus function in the app related to whether or not we're putting our phone down in favor of going out on the town, so to speak – Moment can also optionally track where you've been throughout the day.
Our Digital Addictions
Like Holesh, many of us are concerned about the impacts of the digital environment on our real-world existence. On the one hand, we have companies – like Google, for example – looking to embed technology into every aspect of our lives, including on all our mobile and computing devices, in our homes, in our cars, and even on our bodies via wristwatches, eye glasses and maybe even contact lenses one day.
On the other hand, there's this undercurrent of fear about what it means for technology to continue this encroach on our lives in this way. What does the world look like when you forget your phone for a day, asked this poignant (and pretty sad) video from last year, for example. (See below).
Another video (again, below), now making the rounds, focuses more on how our connections with others via our digital screens are, at best, performances that are often far removed from reality.
We're playacting for "Likes," it says. We are not living.
Of course, the mobile app Moments is not an overarching panacea for all that ails us about our digital habits and obsessions.
But for those who wake up to embrace their phone before their loved ones, for those who treat real-world conversations of secondary importance to incoming texts and emails, and for those who spend foggy hours on Instagram and Twitter and Facebook when having only been in search of a momentary distraction, Moments may be a step in the right direction.
For Holesh, the effect has been pronounced. He used to spend 75 minutes per day on his iPhone. Now, he spends just 40.
The app is also now Holesh's main business, as he generates revenue through the in-app purchase that lets you unlock the daily limit settings.
Moment itself is a free download here on iTunes.


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News tagged with cognitive processes
Cognition is the scientific term for "the process of thought". Its usage varies in different ways in accord with different disciplines: For example, in psychology and cognitive science it refers to an information processing view of an individual's psychological functions. Other interpretations of the meaning of cognition link it to the development of concepts; individual minds, groups, organizations, and even larger coalitions of entities, can be modelled as "societies" (Society of Mind), which cooperate to form concepts.
The autonomous elements of each 'society' would have the opportunity to demonstrate emergent behavior in the face of some crisis or opportunity. Cognition can also be interpreted as "understanding and trying to make sense of the world".
This text uses material from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA