Loan $25 to change lives through Kiva (micoloan)

In Swahili, the word “kiva” means “agreement” or “unity”. Lenders choose a business and make a loan by using a credit card online at the Kiva website. Kiva then transfers the loan proceeds to local partners, who distribute the loans to the businesses. Over time, the local partner collects repayments and offers business updates through Kiva. Ultimately, your loan is repaid and you can withdraw the money or lend it to another business. The purpose of Kiva is to connect you with needy third world businesses looking for loans.

This is a great cost! In this down turn in world banks, perhaps a little mico loan can make a difference.

I found this video from 2007, very interesting talks from the co-founder Matt and Jessica Flannery of Kiva, before Oprah can get the chance!

Even more kiva related video on yooooooutube! http://www.youtube.com/user/kivamicrofunds

Maybe because I'm no banker that is why I think this is a great idea ^_^

shhh I'm leaving let's make SOME NOISE!

the letter was post on NYTIMES titled "Dear A.I.G., I Quit!" I think there is some major political jabbing behind all the media press. In one corner Uncle Sam... at the other CE* of AIG and there are minor characters of AIG have their own corner... maybe Tax payer doted the rest of the ring? I don't know if there is any win-win situation here. If we were to keep this fight up alot of people will get "hurt".

I'm not saying getting pay $1 and work 10, 12, 14 hours per day and got bonus (wait, do they really call this bonus if someone is paid by performance?) of $742,006.40 (after tax). I know I can not do Mr. DeSantis's job (nor can I run 40 y.d in 4.3 and catch ball to save my life) so I can't say much about the "bonus" or how it's structure...etc.. Businessweek has an interesting article "The Mindset of an AIG executive", it's a fun read. How do we know what is the mindset of anyone in this crazy market, Mr. DeSantis feels betrayed by his company. and the tax payer feels... perhaps the management @ AIG should have "manage" situation a little better.

One final thing... I don't think publicly posting the letter is such a good idea... burning bridge is never a good thing.

Here is his boss's interview titled "Liddy on AIG's Long Road Ahead" this gives a different prospective.

Quicken did you see my Moneydance

Are you a Quicken 2006 owner? I received the follow email...

Dear Valued Quicken Customer,

According to our records, you may be using Quicken^® Premier 2006. As of April 30, 2009, Online Services and live technical support for Quicken 2006 will no longer be available.¹ To maintain uninterrupted service, upgrade to Quicken 2009.

Looks like end of April is the last day you can download online transaction! Once again Quicken is forcing more $$ from me. Q2009 just seem to have too much junks packaged together... I enjoy using but can't understand why I have to buy a whole new upgrade. Q2009 is like Q2006.8 with all the patches + new custom front page (btw, it's not the first time they redone the front page!) .

Alternative! MS Money? naaa I did found Money dance this run on Mac, Linux or Windows. This software has free trial of 100 transactions which I'll test it out. But in the mean time I'll have to upgrade to 2009, which buy me another 3 years!