I got an e-mail from my son's kindergarten teacher today about a need for some additional supplies for his kindergarten class. There is a very cool site Donorschoose.org The concept is simple, you look for projects in your child's school or classroom, view the request and then decide whether or not you want to help fund the project.
Some of you cynics may take this as a teacher asking for more at every turn, but I look at this as a voluntary request to improve your child's education. No tax increase, no pressure, those who can help, do. Teachers that take the extra initiative to make sure their students get the best learning deserve to make more than they currently do. Those who put forth the effort and get the results should be compensated better. Not across the board pay increases, merit based pay increases. Someday I'll go into my thoughts on education reform, but I'm tired and my wife will kick my butt if I don't get to bed soon.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Two Cool Financial Sites
Recently I've come across two financial sites that have blown me away. The first is Mint. Mint offers you a centralized place to track all your finances. That in and of itself is nothing new. Their are hundreds of places where you can do that. The cool thing is it classifies your transactions and then gives you a comparison to others in your area. You may find out you are spending $800 a month on groceries and the average in your area is only $300.
The Second site is Prosper. Prosper is a personal and small business loan facilitator. Think music file sharing for lending. Here is an example. You want to borrow $5,000 to start that lemonade stand you've wanted to do since you were 4 years old. You signup, create a profile, and state how much money you are looking for, how much you are willing to pay (interest rate) and the repayment terms. Then lenders (individuals) can look at your profile and decide to lend to you based on your proposal. You might have 100 people that lend $50 each or 10 people that lend $500 each. It is a really revolutionary concept.
The Second site is Prosper. Prosper is a personal and small business loan facilitator. Think music file sharing for lending. Here is an example. You want to borrow $5,000 to start that lemonade stand you've wanted to do since you were 4 years old. You signup, create a profile, and state how much money you are looking for, how much you are willing to pay (interest rate) and the repayment terms. Then lenders (individuals) can look at your profile and decide to lend to you based on your proposal. You might have 100 people that lend $50 each or 10 people that lend $500 each. It is a really revolutionary concept.
Political Activism
As I've stated before, I'm starting to get more involved in politics and am trying to find a good way to support causes and leaders I believe in. I'm not a straight party kind of guy. I'm willing to cross party lines if I think one candidate offers superior leadership and shares the majority of my values. Finding a candidate that is a 100% match is nearly impossible.
One site that I found that I really like is Slatecard. It gives you a chance to find any Republican candidate in your area, read their profile and donate to the candidate. I've set up a Slatecard that shows which candidates I'm supporting. If you share my views, please donate to those candidates. If you are more inclined to the Democratic Party they have a similar tool in ActBlue. Whatever your political persuasion, get out and support somebody. Explore the issues. Don't just sit on your couch or around your dining room table and complain about all the problems we face.
One site that I found that I really like is Slatecard. It gives you a chance to find any Republican candidate in your area, read their profile and donate to the candidate. I've set up a Slatecard that shows which candidates I'm supporting. If you share my views, please donate to those candidates. If you are more inclined to the Democratic Party they have a similar tool in ActBlue. Whatever your political persuasion, get out and support somebody. Explore the issues. Don't just sit on your couch or around your dining room table and complain about all the problems we face.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Political Ramblings
I've been following the 2008 Presidential race very closely for the last several months and have become increasingly aware of politics and trying to form my own political positions. I'm a registered independent that feels alienated by the Republican party. I believe that the Republicans have deviated so far from their platform that they are almost a lost party.
I recently met a candidate for the US Congress in Utah, David Leavitt that gave me hope that the Republicans might be able to get genuine candidates running again. The meeting was very informal and we spoke for about an hour. I listened to his reasons for running against a multi-term incumbent, and came away from the meeting feeling like this is a genuine man who believes he can make a solid contribution to this great country.
I've met other politicians before, but none have come across as genuine and real as David Leavitt. His vision and desires for change inspired me to get more involved in the political process. I have no idea how much a factor politics will play in my life in the future, but for now, this is a campaign and a candidate I feel I can get behind.
I recently met a candidate for the US Congress in Utah, David Leavitt that gave me hope that the Republicans might be able to get genuine candidates running again. The meeting was very informal and we spoke for about an hour. I listened to his reasons for running against a multi-term incumbent, and came away from the meeting feeling like this is a genuine man who believes he can make a solid contribution to this great country.
I've met other politicians before, but none have come across as genuine and real as David Leavitt. His vision and desires for change inspired me to get more involved in the political process. I have no idea how much a factor politics will play in my life in the future, but for now, this is a campaign and a candidate I feel I can get behind.
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