Tomorrow morning I’ll be getting up at 4.20 a.m. to go to Oxford (UK). I’ll be going there for a one-week study trip. Really looking forward to it (except for the getting up). Blog to you in a week!
Every day millions of people struggle with slow computers. They don’t realize that buying a new computer is fast, easy, and has nothing to do with giving in to consumer culture by repeatedly buying faster and faster computers to do the same basic tasks they’ve been doing for years.
Let’s face it - an old 3Ghz computer is no longer sufficient to handle people’s day-to-day needs like chatting, checking email, and playing Sudoku. And yet most users are overwhelmed that they don’t know what to do about it. As you can see by these testimonials
Google explains how Google Apps are useful:
Kiva is a website that allows one to invest in companies located in developing parts of the world. In a nutshell, you offer an interest free micro-loan (from $25 upwards) to pre-vetted companies registered with the website. When the company has enough lenders, they are given the money with a view to paying it back.
Personally, I think this is a break-out idea that can have a real impact on poverty in developing countries. Small donations to large organizations can be frittered away and make little impact into helping the cause they support but loaning money directly to people trying to start up or expand their small businesses will really help.
Selfishly, it also makes one feel good knowing that you’ve helped a small business and you may even get your money back to withdraw or re-invest. So far Kiva has a 100% repayment rate although you should accept that you may not get your money back.
It seems to be Video Monday. Here’s another one from my favourite TV series The Office (the original BBC version):
Chicken, chicken, chicken.
Here’s a great video of the “Standup economist”:
