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Today, the New York Times launched an excellent series called Fixes, co-written by veteran storyteller of social entrepreneurs, David Bornstein.  (A thank you to my colleague, Carey, for referring me here.)  The inaugural article highlights the use of motorcycles by healthcare workers to reach people in rural areas, a significant challenge in some of the […]

Income inequality in the US is growing at an alarming rate as it did prior to the Great Depression precipitated by the Wall Street crash of 1929. Where will it all lead..??

Can new social media facilitate greater social stability in Iraq?  Absolutely, some say.  Here are some technologies that have the potential to change Iraq’s future: 5.  Twitter: Mobile phone-carrying Iraqis can utilize Twitter applications on their current phones for a range of things, even without broadband Internet connections — which are still in short supply […]

The main Google search page now redirects to an SSL encrypted version. Compute cycles are no longer the limiting factor on shoveling all the bits through an iron-bound SSL pipe. Privacy concerns are going to lead more people in this direction. At the same time, law enforcement types are going to scream bloody murder about […]

Offshore Wind and Ports – What’s the big logistical bottleneck that concerns the British as they try to build a formidable offshore wind industry?  Port capacity.  The good news:  The UK’s Crown Estate leased nine sites offshore early this year that, if fully developed, will provide 32 GW of electricity – 25% of the UK’s […]

So, apparently there was a contest in South Africa to decide what to do with old vuvuzelas following the World Cup this summer. Possible ideas include hearing aids (because now you’re deaf), lampshades, and 200 other ideas, all competing for a 10,000 Rand prize. My mother uses hers to keep deer out of the garden.

There are mounting anxieties in Global capital markets over the divergence between China’s economic policies – specifically, its currency exchange rate policies — and the relationship that currency valuation has to a sputtering economic recovery in the rich Western economies.

I grew up as a practicing member of the Cult of the Mac. As such, Microsoft was clearly of the Forces of Darkness. They’re redeeming themselves now. Russia famously used illegal pirated software as an excuse to kick the doors in and shutter NGOs that were doing annoying things like advocating for universal human rights. […]

Interesting news of the day: Prime Minister Zenawi doesn’t believe the world is taking a tough enough stance on global warming, and his remarks anger other African heads of state (though personally I agree with him) The top 400 charities in the U.S. see billions less in donations Senegal offers free education to children from […]

The spotlight is on Chinese weapons this week. The Washington Post reported that the Obama administration has gathered evidence of Chinese companies helping Iran develop its missile technology and nuclear weapons. One U.S. official associated with this investigation said the companies may be acting without the knowledge of the Chinese government. UN sanctions currently restrict […]

With Halloween quickly approaching, most of us are running around trying to find costumes, decide what parties to attend, and most of all make sure we are stocked up on candy for the wee ones that will barrage our doors in their tiny costumes.  No one wants to be left with there pumpkin bowl empty […]

Something strange happened at the UN this past week:  Canada ran for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council and, for the first time in more than 50 years, didn’t get it.  Stranger still?  It seems the Obama Administration did not actively campaign on behalf of the U.S.’ Neighbor to the North. The details are […]