The new Classroom Jeopardy!(GENERAL-INTEREST SOFTWARE/WEB SITES)

 **** REPORT CARD  Installation           A Content/Features       A Ease of Use            A Product Support        A 

Company: Educational Insights, 18730 S. Wilmington Ave., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220; Phone: 800/995-4436; E-mail: classroom jeopardy@edin.com; Internet: http:// www.educationalinsights.com/or http://www.classroomjeopardy.com/.

Price: $499--Classroom Jeopardy! Unit; $250--additional scoreboards with three remotes each; $15--each additional game cartridge; $25--each additional pre-programmed game cartridge.

$80--Classroom Jeopardy! Link. For owners of the older edition of Classroom Jeopardy!, this edition makes sessions created with either edition compatible with each other.

Audience: Manufacturer recommends students in grade 3 and up and ages 8 and up.

Minimum System Requirements: The base unit must be plugged into a television set with A/V jacks; the unit requires its own power outlet. The wireless remote requires eight AAA batteries.

The Classroom Jeopardy! Editor software requires a Macintosh or Windows computer with a CD-ROM drive. The Classroom Jeopardy! Link requires a USB port.

Description: The new Classroom Jeopardy! updates the technology that enables educators to use the Jeopardy! game show as a classroom learning tool. Used with a classroom television, the system provides the lights, sound effects, and some of the music from the long-running television program.

The system's base unit plugs into the television, clues are displayed on the screen, and students respond using wireless remotes. The game is operated with a wireless host remote control. Questions and answers can be written by teachers or students, using the provided software on a Macintosh or Windows computer.

Specifications: The Classroom Jeopardy! base unit sits on a television and is large enough to display scores that the entire class can see. The game ships with three player remotes, a single host remote, an antenna that picks up the remote signals, a game cartridge with five sample games, and the Classroom Jeopardy! Link that connects the game cartridges to computers. Also included is the Classroom Jeopardy! Editor software on CD-ROM, an 88-page Teachers Guide, and smaller items for setup or game play.

Warranty: Classroom Jeopardy! is guaranteed to be free from defects for 1 year from the date of original purchase, for the original purchaser only. Damaged or defective parts must be returned to Educational Insights. If the problem is "factory defects in materials or workmanship," fees ranging from $3 to $15 are charged for handling and inspection. You pay your own postage; the part is replaced or repaired at no additional cost (to the original owner).

Reviewer Comments:

Installation: Installation is easy. Batteries are inserted into remotes, the base unit is plugged into a television, and the software is installed on a computer. The only problems may be created by the wide variety of A/V jacks found on various televisions. Clear instructions in the Quickstart Guide section of the Teacher's Guide help with any potential problems. Installation Rating: A

Content/Features: I reviewed the original version of Classroom Jeopardy! about 4 years ago. Despite some awkwardness, it was an excellent idea at that point in time--and it has gotten even better now. The addition of the Internet, a user group, and some additional features make the product a powerful--and much easier to use--learning tool.

In case you're not a fan of television game shows, some background information may be helpful. The Jeopardy! television program has been on the air for more than 20 years (and is scheduled to come to DVD in early November). To play, contestants chose one of six categories and a dollar amount. A clue--actually an answer to a question--appears; contestants then attempt to be the first to provide the question that matches the answer. The contestant providing the correct question acquires the dollar amount.

A complete game consists of Jeopardy!, Double Jeopardy! (double point value), and Final Jeopardy!. Participants qualify to participate in Final Jeopardy! if they do not have a negative score (dollars are lost for incorrect answers) or a score of zero. In Final Jeopardy!, the contestants can substantially raise their scores by selecting a dollar amount from their winnings and correctly providing, in writing, the question that matches the answer provided simultaneously to all of the players.

Classroom Jeopardy! play begins with turning on the television and base unit and pressing Begin on the host remote control.

The students use numbered remotes; the names of three teams or players are written on erasable cards under the base unit's scoreboard. The first player is selected by the game unit and identified by a light that appears above the name of the student or team.

The game board with categories and point amounts is displayed on the television screen. Just as in the television program, when a point amount is selected, an answer appears on the screen and the student who signals in first--by pressing a button on a wireless remote--gets to provide the question. The program even plays the iconic Final Jeopardy! "thinking" music that has been heard on television for decades.

A green light appears over the name of the first student or team to signal. If the answer is correct, points are added to the scoreboard. If the answer is incorrect, points are deducted from the score. When the round is over, the highest point total indicates the winner.

The teacher's manual recommends dividing the classroom into three teams with students sharing the remotes. As many as 10 base units can be connected; each can keep score for three students. With a large enough investment, a 30-student class could use the game, with a remote for each student.

Students thoroughly enjoy playing Classroom Jeopardy! It has a high motivational value. The program becomes an even more powerful tool for teachers when they create games tailored to curricular content or guide students in creating their own games.

One of several improvements in the new Classroom Jeopardy! is the Editor software that allows users to create games on a Windows or Macintosh computer. In the previous edition, games were created by plugging a keyboard into the base unit; that can still be done using a Windows keyboard with the correct plug.

There is now more flexibility in game creation. The games can be created on a classroom computer and placed on a game cartridge with the new Classroom Jeopardy! Link and its connection to the computer's USB port. In addition, games can be uploaded to the Classroom Jeopardy! Web site and shared with other users. Downloaded games can be saved onto a cartridge using Classroom Jeopardy! Link.

Although Classroom Jeopardy! isn't overly complicated, using it with a minimum of teacher or student frustration requires advanced preparation by the teacher and a bit of instructional time with the students. Not all students are familiar with the game; some will have to be taught the basics. The teacher manual includes an excellent, two-page student handout that goes over the rules and processes. This should be used with students before attempting to begin the game.

The Classroom Jeopardy! Teachers Guide is a large glossy book that is an excellent resource, both for learning to use the game and for dealing with any problems that may arise. The guide gives instructions for using the Classroom Jeopardy! game, the Classroom Jeopardy! Editor, and even has a page of "Hot Tips for Hosts." Features Rating: A

Ease of Use: Note that I said earlier this version is "much easier to use." While it has been simplified, the new Classroom Jeopardy! still has a fairly high learning curve--as might be expected with a fairly complicated learning tool. The helpful Teachers Guide makes the process fairly easy. Once learned, Classroom Jeopardy! is easy to use, for teachers and students. Ease of Use Rating: A

Product Support: Excellent customer support is available by using the toll-free telephone (800/995-4436) and fax (800/995-0506) numbers. Support is also available online and by e-mail. The ClassroomJeopardy.com Web site offers an excellent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. Product Support Rating: A

Recommendation: Classroom Jeopardy! is an outstanding educational tool. I recommend it for use with all grade levels, from 3rd or 4th on up. This program is well worth the expense of purchase. Where budgets are tight, grade levels or departments may be able to find a way to share the purchase. Highly recommended.

 REPORT CARD  *****   Highly Recommended ****    Recommended ***     Good **      OK in some cases *       Don't consider 

Reviewer: Charles Doe, Media Specialist, Hastings Area Schools, Central Elementary School, 509 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058; 616/948-4423; charliegd@iserv.net.

BindView RAZOR Team Issues RapidFire Updates for Remote Code Execution and ASP.NET Vulnerabilities.

HOUSTON -- BindView Corp. (Nasdaq:BVEW) announced today that its RAZOR Rapid Response Team has created security checks for nine newly identified critical Microsoft vulnerabilities outlined in the latest Microsoft Security Bulletins.

BindView customers on current maintenance contracts running Vulnerability Management solutions that include bv-Control for Windows and bv-Control for Internet Security can take immediate protective action. In addition, BindView Patch Deployment customers can use the product to deploy Microsoft patches across their environments or to package the patches for deployment with a software deployment tool such as SMS. BindView's RapidFire Update Service provides customers with immediate access to the updates via automatic distribution, or customers can download the new updates online at http://www.bindview.com/advisories/ADV_MSFT05-020905.cfm.

Who is at Risk

It is recommended that customers refer to the associated Microsoft Security Bulletins for full details. Following are brief descriptions of the vulnerabilities and the systems affected:

MS05-004: A public vulnerability in ASP.NET allows attackers to bypass security features of an ASP.NET Web site to gain unauthorized access to parts of the Web site. The actions attackers could take would depend on the specific content that is protected. Organizations affected include those using Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1.

MS05-005: By taking advantage of the vulnerability in Microsoft Office XP, attackers can take complete control of individual systems. Organizations at risk include those using Microsoft Office XP Software Service Pack 3 and Service Pack 2, Microsoft Office XP Software, 2002 versions of Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio and Microsoft Works Suite 2002, 2003 and 2004.

MS05-009: A flaw in the Windows Media Player's PNG processing allows attackers to take complete control of affected systems. Attackers are able to install programs; view, change or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Organizations affected include those using Microsoft Windows Media Player 9 Series (when running on Windows 2000, Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003), Microsoft Windows Messenger version 5.0 (standalone version that can be installed on all supported operating systems), Microsoft MSN Messenger 6.1 and 6.2, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME).

MS05-110: A vulnerability in the License Logging Service allows attackers to take complete control of individual systems for remote code execution. As a result, attackers can install programs; view, change or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Systems at risk include Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Service Pack 6a, Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6, Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Service Pack 3 and Service Pack 4, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems.

MS05-011: A flaw in the Server Message Block (SMB) allows attackers to take complete control of an affected system for remote code execution. The vulnerability affects Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 and Service Pack 4, Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2, Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Service Pack 1 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems.

MS05-012: With this flaw, a privilege elevation vulnerability affects operating systems and programs accessing memory when processing COM-structured storage files. A remote code execution flaw exists in OLE because of the input validation process, permitting attackers to create malicious documents that could allow for remote code execution. Microsoft platforms affected by this vulnerability include Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 and Service Pack 4, Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2, Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Service Pack 1 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems, Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server Service Pack 3, Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 and Service Pack 1, Microsoft Exchange Server 5.0 Service Pack 2, Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 Service Pack 4, Microsoft Windows 98 and Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, Microsoft Office XP Service Pack 3 and Service Pack 2 and Microsoft Office XP applications.

MS05-013: By constructing a malicious Web page with Microsoft Dynamic HTML (DHTML) Editing Component ActiveX control, attackers can gather information or allow for remote code execution if users visit the malicious site. Organizations at risk include those using Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 and Service Pack 4, Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2, Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Service Pack 1 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems, Microsoft Windows 98 and Second Edition and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME).

MS05-014: Several flaws in Internet Explorer allow for remote code execution, providing attackers capabilities to install programs; view, change or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. The flaw affects Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 and Service Pack 4, Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2, Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Service Pack 1 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME).

MS05-015: A flaw in the Hyperlink Object Library allows attackers to construct malicious hyperlinks which could lead to remote code execution if users click on the links. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations at risk include those using Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 and Service Pack 4, Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2, Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Service Pack 1 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 (Itanium), Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-based Systems, Microsoft Windows 98 and Second Edition and Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME).

BindView has created vulnerability checks for bv-Control for Windows and bv-Control for Internet Security to assist customers in locating compromised systems. Once systems are identified, customers should proceed with outlined precautionary measures as quickly as possible.

Priority should be given to Internet-facing and other critical Web servers, as well as bv-Control for Windows installations. Mobile systems connected to broadband networks -- including notebook computers -- are also a priority as they may be exposed to the Internet without firewall protection.

Commentary on the Vulnerabilities

BindView RAZOR Team experts are available to discuss these new vulnerabilities and share further insight into organizations most at risk, potential outcomes of an attack, as well as additional ways to secure enterprise IT infrastructures. Experts can also discuss the growing number of system vulnerabilities that have been identified in the past few months.

About BindView Corporation

BindView Corporation is a leading provider of proactive business policy, IT security and directory management software. BindView solutions and services enable customers to centralize and automate policy compliance, vulnerability assessment, and directory administration across the entire organization. With BindView insight at work(TM), customers benefit from reduced risk and improved operational efficiencies with a verifiable return on investment. More than 20 million licenses have shipped to 5,000 companies worldwide, spanning all major business segments and the public sector. Contact BindView via e-mail at info@bindview.com or visit BindView's Web site at http://www.bindview.com. BindView can also be reached at 1-800-749-8439 or at 1-713-561-4000.

PivX Featured in October 2004 PC Magazine Article; Qwik-Fix Pro is highlighted in an article titled 'Locking Down Internet Explorer'.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- PivX Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB:PIVX), the leader in next generation host-based intrusion prevention software for the Windows(R) enterprise security market is proud to announce that Qwik-Fix Pro is featured in the October 5, 2004 edition of PC Magazine (page 90).

"This is another important step for PivX as we gain both significant market exposure and positive third party feedback from an article in a respected publication like PC Magazine," said Rob Shively, CEO at PivX Solutions.

Among the many quotes from the article, a few stand out: "Over the past year, as Microsoft revealed new exploits in Internet Explorer, PivX released its own announcements detailing how Qwik-Fix Pro users were already protected. PivX's solution is to identify and block vulnerabilities before they are exploited." The final sentence in the article states: "Qwik-Fix Pro works on Windows 95 and later, even XP with SP2. PivX claims to address security at a much deeper level than Microsoft, so you might want to try Qwik-Fix Pro even if you use XP. But if you use a non-XP version of Windows, you definitely need a security boost like Qwik-Fix Pro."

About PivX

PivX Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB:PIVX), is a security research product and services company that leverages its domain knowledge to increase the security of corporate networks, home PCs and the Internet infrastructure. The company launched its flagship product, Qwik-Fix Pro in August 2004. Qwik-Fix Pro safeguards PCs and networks from falling victim to the next worm or virus before vendor security patches become available, avoiding the typical scramble to test and deploy patches. PivX also conducts highly confidential security-related work on behalf of some of the world's largest corporations. PivX research has identified multiple vulnerabilities and ways to exploit many of the worlds widely used Operating Systems and software including Microsoft Windows, Microsoft IIS, Unreal Engine, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Cisco IOS, and Turbo Tax.

For more information, please visit www.pivx.com or call 949-999-1600.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements, without limitation, regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. PivX intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe-harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: (1) PivX's successful integration of Threat Focus; (2) PivX's expected revenue and earnings growth; and (3) estimates regarding the size of target markets. These statements are qualified by important factors that could cause PivX actual results to differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: (1) PivX's ability to obtain development financing as and when needed, (2) PivX's ability to generate and sustain profitable operations; (3) the market's acceptance of PivX's products and services; (4) significant competition from other network security companies and operating system providers with significantly greater technological, marketing and financial resources, and (5) PivX's ability to protect its intellectual property. These statements, and other forward-looking statements, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties as more fully described in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Relationships are key (DUH!).(from the sidelines)

Last November I drove through a dense fog to visit the Philadelphia Eagles' new home, lavish Lincoln Financial Field, south of famous Broad Street, and across Pattison Avenue from the Phillies' new home opening this spring (Citizens Bank Park). The ghost that is Veterans Stadium was nearby, awaiting implosion.

I was the guest of Stull Equipment, which sponsored a Field Day for area turf managers and has a 6-year agreement to supply field care equipment to the Eagles. I was lucky enough to spend some one-on-one time with Tony Leonard, the Eagles' sports and landscape manager, who took me on a tour of the facility, including a look at the SubAir System as well as his "command center" and equipment and supply areas. And naturally we spent some time on the field, which is 97 percent natural grass and features the same DD GrassMaster system as Denver's Invesco Field. Leonard says two machines stitched the GrassMaster material into the turf for two and a half weeks, 6 days a week, 24 hours a day. (For more from Tony Leonard, see page 29.)

Since I was there courtesy of his equipment dealer, I asked Leonard about his experiences and relationships with suppliers. "Number one is the product; if what's being sold doesn't cut it, that's obviously a problem," he said. "And service is a high priority. I can get a part I need the next day from Stull.

"I need to have a trust level with my suppliers, which is built over time. As the relationship becomes stronger, you get better service, no doubt," Leonard added.

What about entertaining sales pitches from your current suppliers' competitors?

"I'll listen to what others have to say though my philosophy is, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'," he said. "For example we get our field paint from a local supplier who can deliver within 2 hours of my calling him, and that works out great for us."

Leonard still prefers face-to-face dealings with local suppliers or using the phone. He said he isn't yet comfortable with buying via the internet.

Rod Smith, president of Stull Equipment, a Jacobsen dealer, follows a simple formula to meet customers' needs and expectations: Reliability + Availability = Investment.

"Reliability comes from providing consistent quality in all areas and responding quickly to every input. Availability is a function of having and delivering the right product when and where the customer wants it. And to have these traits requires a considerable investment in people, vehicles, inventory, and systems," said Smith.

"We strive to do what's right for the customer as well as our company. Many times these principles are in direct conflict; what the customer wants may be very costly for us to deliver," said Smith. "Our relationship with the Eagles has played on the need for a balance, a win-win philosophy that should sustain a successful business relationship."

Comments always welcome. Call Eric at 717-805-4197, email eschroder@aip.com, or write P0 Box 280, Dauphin, PA 17018.

Time Warner shedding cable business; 1Q earns fall 36 pct

Time Warner Inc. said Wednesday it will spin off the rest of its cable TV business, a widely anticipated move after months of pressure from investors.

The news came as the company, which also owns Warner Bros., CNN, AOL and Time magazine, reported a 36 percent decline in first-quarter earnings from a year ago, when it had a gain from the sale of AOL's Internet access business in Germany. The results were mainly in line with expectations.

Time Warner's cable unit became a separately traded public company just over a year ago, but the company held on to an 84 percent stake.

Time Warner Cable is the second-largest cable TV operator in the country after Comcast Corp. and is the largest operating unit of Time Warner, the world's largest media conglomerate.

Time Warner's CEO Jeff Bewkes had promised a decision on the cable business this month when he made his first earnings report to investors in February.

The company didn't offer specific details on how or when the spinoff would be completed, but Bewkes said in a statement that Time Warner was working closely with the board of Time Warner Cable and expected a final agreement soon.

Investors have long pressed Time Warner to simplify its sprawling corporate structure, and a spinoff of Time Warner Cable was high on their wish list.

Time Warner provided no update, however, on another major investor concern, the future of AOL. That unit has been struggling with losses of Internet access subscribers and is trying to remake itself into an online advertising business.

AOL reported more weak quarterly results that included a 25 percent decline in profit. Revenues fell 23 percent, as diminishing subscription fees more than outweighed a 1 percent gain in online advertising.

Wall Street has also pressed Time Warner to decide what to do with AOL, and in February Bewkes announced that AOL would begin to separate its faltering Internet access business from its growing advertising operation, which could presage a sale of one or both units.

AOL's ultimate fate has been complicated further by Microsoft Corp.'s unsolicited offer to buy Internet pioneer Yahoo Inc.

A combination of Microsoft and Yahoo would remove two likely suitors for AOL, and AOL has also been contemplating some kind of combination with Yahoo.

Time Warner earned $771 million or 21 cents per share in the first three months of the year, down from $1.2 billion or 31 cents per share a year ago.

Revenues rose 2 percent to $11.42 billion from $11.18 billion.

Excluding the year-ago profit from the sale of AOL's German business and other gains and losses, earnings per share were 22 cents, or 24 cents after adding back restructuring charges at New Line Cinema, which was folded into Warner Bros.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had predicted earnings of 23 cents per share.

Shares fell 8 cents to $15.19 in early trading.

Time Warner's cable TV profits rose 7 percent on an 8 percent gain in revenues, and the company surprised analysts by adding 55,000 basic video subscribers, even though many had predicted losses.

Investors watch that number closely to see how cable companies are faring against competition from satellite TV providers as well as new cable-like video services being offered by phone companies.

In movies and TV production, profits fell 16 percent despite a 4 percent gain in revenues due to the $116 million in restructuring charges incurred as New Line Cinema was folded into Warner Bros. Without the charges, profits rose 19 percent.

Profits from cable networks, a division that includes HBO, CNN and TBS, edged up just 2 percent despite a 10 percent gain in revenues.

Programming expenses there jumped 23 percent on higher costs for sports broadcasts, especially in professional basketball, and higher costs for developing original shows at HBO.

EXPANDING TWITTER'S REACH IN KYRGYZSTAN.

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The following information was released by the Open Society Institute:

by Marat Djanbaev

In the lead up to last year's revolution in Kyrgyzstan, the state of press freedom in the country could only be characterized as dismal: reporters suffered violent attacks, newspapers were suspended, broadcasters were pressured to drop critical programming, and access to online news websites were blocked.

Only five years earlier the Tulip Revolution-a month of protests following fraudulent parliamentary elections-brought down the government of President Askar Akayev. But despite promises of democratic reform, press freedom remained on shaky ground.

In April 2010, civil unrest began again. First in the city of Talas on April 6 and then spreading to Bishkek, Tokmok, and Naryn in a matter of days. By April 15, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev had fled the country and announced his resignation.

Despite similarities, one of the differences between 2005 and 2010 was the active use of social media by critics of the government. In the few weeks before April 2010, Twitter coverage of events in Kyrgyzstan expanded significantly. The April 2010 revolution only highlighted the weakness of traditional media to provide credible, up-to-date information and the importance of platforms like Twitter to provide space for information sharing and civic journalism.

Before the April 2010 revolution, Twitter in Kyrgyzstan had its limitations. The country is land-locked, and external Internet traffic must travel through Russia and Kazakhstan-making even 140-character tweets prohibitively expensive for most of the country's population. Updating Twitter via text messages was also problematic as local users had to text a British number. After the revolution, local NGO leaders were committed to finding a way to expand Twitter's reach by making it more accessible and affordable in Kyrygzstan.

And so with the support of the Open Society Foundations in Kyrgyzstan, the Civil Initiative on Internet Policy began discussion with Twitter executives on how to aggregate tweets about Kyrygzstan and make the service cheaper for users. The creation of Tweet.kg brought together Kyrgyz twitter users into a single community and Kyrgyzstan became the first of the former Soviet Republics to have its own short code, allowing mobile phone users to send tweets at a reduced cost.

Tweet.kg-which displays messages from and about Kyrgyzstan-is now a resource not only for those residing in Kyrgyzstan but for people throughout the world interested in the country. By aggregating the content onto a single site, the page can load much faster, a critical feature in the region where most people have slow Internet connections that make downloading content from international sites very difficult. The service is based in-country, making downloads both cheaper and faster for users. Tweet.kg also made it possible for users to update Twitter via text messages, by using the short code 4040-a significant cost savings.

In order to promote Tweet.kg, the Civil Initiative on Internet Policy held a series of practical trainings on Twitter and new media around Kyrgyzstan. Over 300 people attended the trainings and Tweet.kg has helped increase exposure to other social networks and the Kyrgyz blogosphere. Twitter has also become a fixture in Kyrgyz politics-several members of Parliament are active, as is President Otunbayeva.

Of course, press freedom is still a concern in Kyrgyzstan but platforms like Tweet.kg are helping to ensure the spread of information and the growth of civic journalism.

DOCTOR DOCTOR.(Features)

Q I've bought melatonin via the internet. Is there any reason I shouldn't take it?

A Melatonin helps sleep, but there are no standards for quantity as with other drugs. Don't take it if you are on blood thinners or other sleeping tablets or have epilepsy.