Boy, it always comes as a shock when it happens to someone you know. http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,149051.0/topicseen.htmlhttp://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,149050.0/topicseen.htmlhttp://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,149049.0/topicseen.htmletc.
Close but no cigar. Or was it something else he was holding onto
With respect to the forum tips, I'd suggest encouraging that users set their location in their profile. A lot of answers depend on it (mains voltages, suppliers, etc.).