I'm sure some of you have been wondering why there haven't been Kiva loans made recently. I'm also sure those of you following this blog will have read the The Primrose, Pine Nuts and Post-It™ Notes entry explaining the Foundation's dwindling resources. Whether you read that entry or not, doesn't matter in the long run - we were fund challenged for a short time. It's going to happen again. It's just the way the game is played at this time. In a nutshell - we earn money, wait for the release of that money, transfer that money and finally get to use that money. It's a process that takes time and patience. I have the time and I know all of you have the patience. So, let's move on to the good news, shall we?! Yes, there is good news! There's always some good news!

THE GOOD NEWS

On November 6th, we were once again able to make 4 - $50.00 loans to Kiva Entrepreneurs. The Foundation received earnings from both the Google AdSense Program and the Amazon Associates Program. The Kiva account has also seen several repayments from previous recipients which have helped fill the coffers for this round of loans. (Please keep in mind, Kiva Entrepreneurs repay loans as we would - a certain amount per month.)

Without further ado, let me introduce you to our latest Entrepreneurs! Take it away Gang of Four!

Ayandiji Ayamakinde, Nigeria Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Mrs. Srey Mao Srun Village Bank Group, Cambodia Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Sabouratou Owatunde, Togo Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Isabel Sanchez De Vargas, Peru Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

In case anyone is wondering about the "WTPF" thingy - it's TP Foundation's FM radio call letters - or would be if we actually had a radio station. I like pretending we do...

KIVA.ORG

When last reported, we had a whopping $46.54 in the Kiva account. With the influx of funds from Adsense, Amazon and loan repayments, we had a grand total of $249.44. We're now back down to $49.44 with several loan repayments due around November 15th. We may end up having to skip another loan period but as I stated above - it's the name of the game. To view our Entrepreneur repayments, please click here.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

Sadly, we've had only one entry published in the TU Blog this month. Sadder yet - it was written by me. But, if you want a scintillating read - check out The Scoop on the Poop. Hey, it's everything everyone wants to know and it earned TPF $5.00. (Now you understand the HELP WANTED sign up at the top.) We need help!!!!! Submissions good and they aren't that hard to write. Really! Please contact us at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com with an article. We have 4 editors who really, really want to read your stuff!!! No, really!!!

THE BOOK CLUB

My, my, my... The Book Club has seen only one review this month also. But, it's another good one!

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi - Reviewer: Kris

We received a transfer of $11.02 on October 28th. Currently, we have $10.46 in the Associates account which will be released at the end of November. Please keep in mind that Amazon funds take 60 days processing time. We will see that money in January, 2010. So, until then - shop early and often for the holidays and don't forget to follow an Amazon (book review) link. All purchases, including gift certificates, made through one of our links adds funds to the TPF account. You don't need to buy just books. Honest. It says so in the fine print.

ADSENSE

Google Adsense transferred $109.27 on October 27th. We have $43.52 currently in the account. It's going to take a few more clicks to reach our next $100.00 threshold. As with Amazon, AdSense funds have an approximate 30 day processing time. It's gonna be a bit before we see another transfer. (Patience.)

PAYPAL ACCOUNT

With the transfer of the Amazon and AdSense funds ($120.29), we had a total of $128.42 in the account. A transfer of $125.00 was made to Kiva so our ending PayPal balance is now $3.42. WOOHOO! Hey - beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick (eeewwww) and more will be joining that small amount before too long.

END OF STORY

Now that I have introduced you to our new Entrepreneurs, made my pitches for our assorted money-making "schemes" and given you the financial report - I think it's time to just shut up and finish with "That's just my two cents worth".

Oh wait - here's a little song for you too. It'll help pass the time while we wait on the "A" lists to give us more money. Take it away Bobby McFerrin!

Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy...... ;-)

HELP WANTED remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Shadow Walk Photo Courtesy of Isadora

WELCOME ONCE AGAIN

Okay, you caught me. The title of this blog has nothing to do with it's content. But, admit it. You were curious. I can see the look on your face. What is this crazy woman talking about now?! To be honest, I'm here to talk about the TP Foundation once again. If you'd prefer, I could launch into my best rendition of "Let Me Entertain You" by Gypsy Rose Lee. Who is Gypsy Rose Lee, you ask? Well, I'll let you look that one up for yourselves. (Natalie Wood portrayed her in the 1962 film Gypsy".) But, I digress and now will return to the topic at hand. (Just thought I'd throw a little teaser in here for fun.)

For those of you following this blog, you will notice we do not have pictures of this week's Kiva Entrepreneurs. There's a reason for that. Yes, this was to be a "loan" week but we're a little shy on funds presently. Our objective was to make 4 - $50.00 loans every other week. We've done wonderfully so far - 20 loans given since August 5, 2009. Hey, that's nothing to sneeze at and a round of applause is given to all participants!! I know I say thank you a lot. Guess what - here it comes again... Thank you all!!!

Sands of Time Photo Courtesy of Isadora

THE LOWDOWN

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

Our Kiva Credit Account had held steady at $46.54 until yesterday (Oct. 15th) when we received 18 loan repayments totally $73.74. We now have a grand total of $120.28 just waiting for some more friends to arrive. We need $79.72 and we'll back in business. Luckily, we should have that and a tad more by the end of the month. To view our Entrepreneur repayments, please click here.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

During the month of September, the TU Blog had three blog entries published for a total of $15.00. YAY!!!!!!!!! Since that time, nada. Not nothin'. Not nowhere. I'm bummed. I seriously have 4 subjects pending (H1N1, Prescription Drugs & Travel, Entering The US With A Criminal Record and (the most important - trust me) Dealing with Diarrhea.) Now, I could write articles all day long but the blog isn't called Gretchen's Gallery of Goo or Isadora's Inn of Important Information. (It could be - but it's not.) PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Someone contact us at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com with an article. Our editors are really starting to nod off big time. They're even thinking about traveling themselves. We can't have that!

THE BOOK CLUB

The Book Club has two new published reviews for your reading pleasure:

• Take Me With You by Brad Newsham - Reviewer: Rebecca B

• The Lost Continent: Travels In Small-Town America by Bill Bryson - Reviewer: Me

Amazon should be depositing $11.02 into the TPF bank account at the end of this month. To date, we have earned a total of $14.33 through book club clicks. (Basically, we can thank Peter for ordering all those gift certificates for the photography competitions.) Again, Christmas is coming so follow a link, shop early and often!!!!

GOOGLE ADSENSE

We have reached out second $100 threshold through the AdSense program. In fact, there will be $109.27 that will find it's way to the bank account in the next few days.

PAYPAL ACCOUNT

There is a sum of $8.13 waiting patiently for company.

BOTTOM LINE

Everyone likes knowing the bottom line figure so I thought I'd include it. Between March 7, 2009 and September 30, 2009, the Foundation has earned a grand total of $1,142.06. This does not take into account the October Adsense donations. (It's not the end of the month - yet.) Add another $15.35 (as of this exact moment) for a total total. (The day ain't over yet either.)

ENDING STORY

Well, I don't really have an ending story so I'll just say thanks again and that's my two cents worth...

The Primrose, Pine Nuts and Post-It™ Notes remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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"If service is the rent you pay for your existence on this earth, are you behind in your rent?"
Robert G. Allen

Okay, you caught me. I'm stuck in "quote" mode this week. If Robert Allen isn't your cup of tea maybe a little Andrew Carnegie might work..

"I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution."

Or, perhaps a touch of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe...

“Don't say that you want to give, but go ahead and give! You'll never catch up with a mere hope.”

I could continue on with some witty repartee or even a few more quotes for the day but I don't think that's why you are here. I'm betting you'd rather get to know our latest recipients instead. We have just completed loans 17-20, covering construction, food, transportation and clothing. (I chose a little of everything this time around.) So, instead of boring you further with my banter, I will let our newest Entrepreneurs introduce themselves.

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2009

Mikayil Heydarov, Azerbaijan Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

La Paz Group, Nicaragua Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Soronzonbold Banzragch, Mongolia Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Together As One Group, Sierra Leone Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

As stated above, we have completed 20 loans to date. We had an ending balance of $42.37. We have gained an additional $4.17 from Aminata Ndao's repayment today bringing us to $46.54 in available funds. Thank you, Ms. Ndao!!

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

The TU Blog has published two new articles:

• Get Lost! by Maaret Virtanen (Ofelia)

Maarat has written a great article on choosing your travel destinations when you just don't know where to go.

• Do I Need a Visa? by Greg Wesson (GregW)

Greg has also written a great article and covers the important issues surrounding visa applications.

Again, each published article means a $5.00 donation to TPF. (Thank you Maarat and Greg for the $10.00!!!!!)
If you have an idea for a TU entry, please send an e-mail to unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com. Include your subject, a short description of the material you would like to cover and a request to be added as an author. If possible, send a short sample of your entry. Yup, our Editors are still bored - happy, but bored.

THE BOOK CLUB

The Book Club has also seen two new reviews published:

• Europe on a Shoestring by Lonely Planet - Reviewer: Dave (TLWH)
• Paradise Updated by Mic Looby - Reviewer: Me (Isadora)
• Stay tuned as there is another review just waiting for the reviewer to click that magic publish button!

I could give you all a taste of the book reviews but that would take all the fun out of it! Besides, if you check out the reviews themselves, you may just follow a link and make a purchase on Amazon. (Hint, hint!!! Our Amazon balance is still $13.31. Oh look - a numerical palindrome!)

THE END

The Google AdSense account has reached it's second $100.00 threshold and awaiting review (before release of funds). Since March 7th, we have raised $212.66 - all done one click at a time. Keep up the good work and thank you all!!!!

Last quote of the day (promise):

"Anyone who works is a fool. I don't work - I merely inflict myself upon the public."
Robert Morley

And that's just my two cents worth...

THE FOUR CORNERS remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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By now, you all know what time it is! So, pull up a comfy chair, sit back, relax for a bit and I will tell you this week's tale of good fortune!

Tada! We have just completed the fourth set of loans to Kiva Entrepreneurs and as luck or fate or whatever you would like to call it prevailed, a light from above shone down on the Foundation this time around. I'm goin' with aliens from the star system Baba Ganoush or maybe the worms from Men In Black 1&2, but that's just me. Okay, I got it, on with the story. Anyway, as laid out in earlier entries, the category of health was to be the "Pick of the Week". It wasn't lookin' good for the home team and hadn't been for over a month. No Entrepreneurs. Not one. It appeared that Plan B (education) or even Plan C (transportation) would have to take health's place...

Au contraire!! Whether aliens or the worms, some little voices said to check Kiva on September 14th so what did I spy with my little eye - our first two Entrepreneurs. Mr. Djumakhoni was just $50 shy of his $500 request. By the following morning, Dr. Chanthy was fully funded and Ben Ruhinda's Group had made a request. (Being formally trained as a veterinary technologist, I had to definitely go with that one. They will be using the loan to purchase medications and supplies for Mr. Ruhinda's veterinary pharmacy.) With no additional (health) loan requests and none available under education, our fourth loan did indeed go towards Plan C - transportation for the delivery of fruits, vegetables and consumer goods in Lebanon.

Now, with having said all that, I shall leave you to become acquainted with our latest Entrepreneurs. I also take this time to say thank you once again for everyone's participation and support of the Travellerspoint Foundation. Oh, Don't forget to keep reading. I'll meet you back at the bottom of the pictures for more Kiva, Travel Unravelled and Book Club updates. Hey, there's news to share down there. Stop by.

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Dilshodi Djumakhoni, Tajikistan Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Vith Chanthy, Cambodia Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Ben Ruhinda's Group, Uganda Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Ali, Lebanon Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

KIVA.ORG

TPF has made 16 Kiva loans revolving around food, clothing, shelter, health and transportation. Of those 16 loans, 6 have begun repayments totaling $42.37, to date. Only one loan is still in the funding stage. Our current Kiva account balance is $242.37. Four more loans are scheduled for September 30, 2009. (Maybe something under education will come along between now and the 30th.) The Kiva account also received an additional $50 from the TPF PayPal account.

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

The TU Blog has seen 8 entries so far, the latest being: I GET THE HEX! - by Gretchen Wilson-Kalav (Isadora)

Again, each published article means a $5.00 donation to TPF. Peter recently transfered the TU Blog earnings ($40.00) to the PayPal account for a total of $58.13. As mentioned above, $50 has now been moved over to Kiva leaving $8.13 in PayPal.

TU Blog article submissions are open to everyone. If you have an idea for one, please send an e-mail to unravelled@travellerspoint.com. Include your subject, a short description of the material you would like to cover and a request to be added as an author. If possible, send a short sample of your entry. One of our very happy (and bored) editors will gladly work with you on getting an article published. (Hey - see your name in lights!!! As soon as we find that damn switch!)

THE BOOK CLUB

A new entry has been made in The Book Club Blog by Rob Atkins (magykal1). Please check out Secrets of the Red Lantern: Stories and Vietnamese Recipes from the Heart. This book is going on my Christmas list (and hopefully, I'll be able to find tamarind at my local grocery).

Along with Rob, I've been able to add 3 additional authors so stayed tuned for more reviews!!! No, I'm not going to say who they are. You'll just have to check the blog to see what is recommended (or may not be recommended) for your reading pleasure. And yes, I will have Paradise Updated (Mic Looby) reviewed soon too. I'm not a slow reader, just a busy one.

To date, The Book Club has earned $13.31 for TPF. Of that, $11.02 should be coming our way at the end of October. (Amazon Associates works on a 60 day release cycle.) So, read a review, click on a link and make some purchases. Christmas is coming. Nothing like getting a head start on the season! Really! TPF will thank you!!

THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

Yup, and that's just my two cents worth...

An Apple A Day... remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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ROUND THREE

As stated in previous blog entries, we're spreading the "wealth" around and this week's contributions have been made in the name of housing and construction. All four of the recipients are using their loans to improve their living conditions - from installing an indoor bathroom to adding a room for their children to building a new house large enough for their family to purchasing equipment to accommodate their rental rooms.

Since I don't have much else to say until the end of this entry - please say hello to out newest Entrepreneurs!!!

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

Marcos Antonio Cardenas Medrano, Nicaragua Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Laurice Enomar, Phillippines Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Mohammad Yousef Abdul Rahman, Afghanistan Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Jackeline Argentina Mairena Carache, Nicaragua Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.” - Mahatma Gandhi

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

Since out last update, two more entries have been published. This brings the TPF contributions to $35.00 with another entry waiting in the wings for editorial input. (Funds are only contributed upon entry publication.)

Please check out:

A Few Ways to Avoid Getting Robbed in Central America - by Marina K. Villatoro (mvillatoro)
This entry will give you some tips and tricks for keeping you valuables (documents, jewelry, money, luggage, etc.) safe while in transit. Marina shares her experiences (and those of some friends) as "victims of theft". Along the way, you will also be given sound advice on how to avoid the same fate.

TAXXIII!!: THE ART OF GRABBING A CAB IN THE BIG WIDE WORLD. - by Derek Logan (Piecar)
Travel along with Derek as he takes the cab rides from Hell. Okay, not all of them - but some. Learn which drivers can be trusted and which can not. You'll never look at a cab driver the same way again.

Stay Tuned for: I GET THE HEX! - Mwahahahahaha!!!!

THE BOOK CLUB

I'm afraid nothing has changed since the last blog entry. We're still sitting at $11.02 and we won't see that come available until the end of October. (The Amazon Associates Program takes 60 days to release funds.) So, until that time - somebody please read a book and write a review! I'm begging! Really! On hands and knees!

Oh, on that note, another review will be in the works shortly. Thank you Dr. P. (Eric) for having a book sent to me by a Affirm Press. It arrived a few days ago and I have begun the journey through it's pages. It is Paradise Updated by Mic Looby who is a former Lonely Planet guide book author. I'm 50 pages in and it's proving to be an interesting ride through the guidebook industry. (Now, if a review on a book such as this doesn't garner some interest...)

END OF MONTH STATS AND WHATEVER

To date, we have the following funds waiting in the wings:
AdSense: $71.54
Amazon: $11.02
Travel Unravelled: $35.00

To date, we have made twelve loans to Kiva Entrepreneurs. Of those twelve, nine have been fully funded and most repayments begin October 1, 2009. For more information about our funding, please check out:

Travellerspoint Foundation - Kiva Entrepreneur Recipients

Havana Good Day, Evening, Night - depending on your time zone - and that's just my two cents worth...

A House Is A Home remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Cloth Maker 1. Photo by Daver141

Questions Asked - Questions Answered

Not long ago, in the Join the Travellerspoint Foundation, I was asked certain questions about the funding. These questions are worthy ones and definitely ones of import. In case you missed the thread, I am posting the information here.

THE "WHAT IFS"

Quan Zhang asked:

Hey, in the links to the individual applicants, there's a "days left" field on the right hand side. What happens when that time expires? Just out of curiosity. Do the individuals just get what's been donated ? Does Kiva make up the difference ? Do they get nothing?

My reply:

Good questions, Q! And, I think I have the answers for you. (Just went back over Kiva's site and the Kivafriends forum section to verify.)

According to Kivafriends, no loan request - to date as of the end of June - has gone unfunded. That may have changed but it doesn't appear that it has - yet. There is a group of lenders who are literally searching for Entrepreneurs who's time is in the "red zone" (2.5 days or less to go) and they come to the rescue. They are quite pleased with their success rate.

If an Entrepreneur is not fully funded by the end of the 30 days, the request is removed from the Kiva site and the MFI responsible for the actual loan is contacted. The MFI is in charge of supplying the real loan to the Entrepreneur and they do not rely solely on Kiva for the money. Kiva is just one avenue the MFI uses to secure funds.

It is possible that an Entrepreneur could receive nothing in the end. If they are not funded fully via Kiva, and the MFI has not secured funding from any other source(s), then yes - the Entrepreneur loses out at that time. But, the Entrepreneur can reapply again and again for Kiva funding through their MFI. Also, the money Kiva had collected towards the loan would be returned to each lender and placed in their individual Kiva accounts.

This subject (incomplete funding) is of some debate on Kivafriends. The above mentioned group of rescuers are also finding issue with some of the MFIs and the way the Entrepreneur descriptions are written. Basically - quite poorly. The MFIs are responsible for taking the Entrepreneur's information, writing a good description and translating it into English (when necessary). There are some profiles that have not been translated which makes it hard for lenders. If they don't know what's being described, they won't choose that recipient. The group vacillates between rescuing a recipient and letting them go unfunded. If they come to the rescue, the MFI will not likely improve their writing skills. If left unfunded, the recipient may not come back to try again. It appears they have chosen to get the "bad writing" point across to Kiva in other ways at the moment.

Honestly, two weeks ago, I was concerned our Peruvian group wasn't going to be funded in time. They still had quite a sum needed at 3 days out but, within 24 hours, they had it all.

THE OUTCOME

Travellerspoint Foundation has made eight loans during two loan periods (8-05-09 & 8-19-09). To date, all but one (so far) have been fully funded. Within each group of four loans, there has been one Entrepreneur (or group of Entrepreneurs) who has taken longer to become funded. Presently, we are hoping that Abdufatto Ganiev (Istaravshan, Tajikistan) will receive 100% funding within the next 18 days. (The time remaining on his loan request.) I have faith that Mr. Ganiev will receive the full amount of his request in time. If he hasn't been successful by the 2.5 day "red-line" time period, I will be placing a "call" to the Kiva "Rescuers" for help. And, if needed, I will loan an additional $50 to his cause.
(*The "red-line" time period is the period in which an Entrepreneur's status on the Kiva website literally appears in red. It allows Kiva members to see who is in dire need of help.)

Repayments for all of the loans we have made start coming due October 1, 2009. This does not mean that we will receive our full $50.00/loan as of that date. Each Entrepreneur will make their payment, it is divided up by the number of contributors and we will receive our portion. As stated previously - we're in for a penny - in for a pound. In reality, we're in it because it's the right thing to do for those who need our help. Thank you all!!!

QUICK UPDATE

In the time it took me to write this blog entry and take care of some laundry - Mr. Ganiev has only has $775.00 left to be funded. He has also been chosen as one of Kiva's Featured Entrepreneurs!!! It looks like he will be fully funded within the next few days which is a good thing!!! It's amazing how this magic really works in mysterious ways...

"The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of." remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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No Shoes. Photo by Isadora

I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street I met a man who had no feet.
Ancient Persian Saying

FORGOING THE INTRO

I normally start my blog entry with "Welcome Happy Campers!" or "Welcome again kind friends, neighbors, acquaintances, total strangers, pets of the aforementioned, and anyone else reading this at the moment." or something similar. But, those of you who are reading these blog entries regularly are probably feeling "welcomed" enough - then again, maybe not... Just to play it safe - WELCOME TO BLOG ENTRY #8 - and enjoy this portion of "Hiking The Money Trail"!! Yup, it's going to be an ongoing theme from now on...

TPF HAS SPENT MORE OF YOUR MONEY

Please fasten your seat belts, make sure your seat backs are in the upright and locked positions and that your tray tables are securely held in place by that little do-hickey thing affixed to the back of the seat in front of you that the last kid on the plane tried to pry off with his Transformers™ action figure. Forget about the oxygen masks. You won't be needing them. I didn't spend that much of your money. Only $200 worth. Don't believe me? Take a look!!!

Oh, and keep reading because WTPF'S Travel Unravelled and Book Club updates are saved for last. Hey, they are still worth checking out because, thanks to them, we've earned more money.

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR AUGUST 19, 2009

Toyin Ayoola, Nigeria. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Kasokoso Central 1 West Nadego Regina Group, Uganda. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Batrentsen Sonom, Mongolia. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Abdufatto Ganiev, Tajikistan. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

In the last blog entry, Hiking The Money Trail, I explained how I would be choosing the Kiva Entrepreneurs, or more specifically why I will be making certain decisions about the recipients. Just as a quick reminder (or if you accidentally missed the last edition), here is the game plan. The first 4 sets of loans will fall under the headings of food, clothing, shelter and health. Education may replace the health category if no Entrepreneurs are available during that lending cycle. What comes after those 4 issues have been addressed is still a work in progress.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP!!!!

WTPF LATEST LOCAL NEWS UPDATES

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

A new entry has been posted in the Travel Unravelled Blog. Eric (aka dr. pepper) has kindly given us hints on how to make our blogs better - be it travel-related or just personal stuff. Please check out 7 Ways to Improve Your Travel Blog because it's really informative. Okay, he says Travel Blog but the "7 Ways" will work for anything. 7 Ways to Improve Your Daily Diary Blog, 7 Ways to Improve Your "I Hate My Boyfriend/Girlfriend" Blog, 7 Ways to Improve Your Whatever Blog. (You get my point, and Eric's.) Anyway, check it out!

Oh, and don't forget to submit your own Travel Unravelled entry! TPF earns $5.00 for each published piece. Plus, you get your name in lights and accolades and all sorts of cool stuff! Well, we haven't gotten all the cool stuff yet so you're stuck with accolades and your name in lights as soon as we find the right switch. We're bound to find it soon!

To date, we've had 5 published entries which have brought in $25.00 for Kiva. Thank you, TP! (That's a loan's worth!!)

THE BOOK CLUB

A new entry has also been made in The Book Club Blog. Claire312 has added her second book review - Married to a Bedouin by Marguerite van Geldermalsen. Claire and her husband are about to embark on a year-long RTW adventure via a motorhome (campervan). If you want to read more about Claire's soon-to-be adventure - visit: European Adventures.

Please check out the book reviews and remember, any links you follow back to Amazon ending in a purchase is additional funds in TPF's coffers. To date, the Amazon Associates coffer is up to $11.02. Those funds will be transfered to the TPF bank account at the end of the month. There's still time to add to the pot....

Looks like that's all the news I have to share this time around so see you in two weeks!! THANKS again for stopping by for a visit as it's been a pleasure and, of course, that's just my two cents worth...

I HAD THE BLUES BECAUSE I HAD NO SHOES remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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TPF HAS SPENT YOUR MONEY

Okay, we've spent some of your money. Actually, we've spent $200.00 of your money. On Wednesday (August 5, 2009), the Foundation made four Kiva loans in the amount of $50.00 each. Rather than me taking up valuable space describing each of the Entrepreneurs, I'll let Kiva do that instead. Click the image (or "Courtesy of" link for each one) to be taken to their respective Kiva profiles. They explain things much better than I could do in a sentence or two. (Oh, keep reading because there will be more (important) details at the end.)

OUR LOAN RECIPIENTS FOR AUGUST 5, 2009

Aminata Ndao, Senegal. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Pel Lys Group, Cambodia. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Cusi Ccoyllor De Chinchero Group, Peru. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

Jehova Es Mi Pastor 1-3 Group, Dominican Republic. Photo Courtesy of Kiva.org

CHECK OUT OUR ENTREPRENEUR'S MAP TOO! It's pretty cool!! And, you'll be able to follow the money trail! WOOHOO!!

SO, WHAT'S THE PLAN, STAN??

So glad you asked!!!
On July 28th, TPF's PayPal account received an $850.00 contribution thanks to the Tour de France Wiki Competiton. On July 29th, the AdSense earnings of $118.13 were also transfered over to PayPal. (That one took a few days.) By August 5th, the transfer was completed and a total of $950.00 was placed in TPF's Kiva account. (We have a whopping $18.13 remaining on PayPal just waiting for some more friends (contributions) to stop by.) As mentioned in the last blog entry, that $950 could have been used to make 38 loans immediately. That seemed a bit excessive all at once. It also meant a lot of tracking, mapping, a very long blog entry, and an even longer waiting time before more funds would be available. Where's the fun in that?!

The Foundation will be making regularly scheduled Kiva loans over the next few months - well, 2.375 months to be exact. A set of four $50.00 loans will be made every two weeks, encompassing all parts of the world and all walks of life. In thinking about how Entrepreneurs should be chosen - randomly or with a designated purpose - the "purpose" approach won. What does everyone need for survival? Tops on the list should be: 1) food, 2) clothing, 3) shelter and 4) health because they are the basic necessities of life.

As you've seen (if you clicked the photos), these first four loans centered around food in one way or another because food is, after all, crucial to everyone's survival. Hopefully, the next set of four will revolve around the manufacturing of clothing. Following that, it will be supporting the construction of shelter and then supporting small clinics/health care facilities and personnel. It's a plan. One that may be subject to change depending on available Entrepreneurs in any given endeavor. But, it's a start and one we hope will work well.

OTHER REALLY COOL STUFF

TRAVEL UNRAVELLED

Please check out the Travel Unravelled blog. Again, it is designed to be a self help project where you, as travelers, have the opportunity to help others with their adventures. Click here for more details and the article submission process. (PS: TPF will receive a $5.00 contribution for each published article.)

THE BOOK CLUB

Please check out The Book Club blog too. TP members are encouraged to submit reviews about books they have read (good or bad) while sitting in airports or bus stations or coffee houses or wherever. Please click here for more details and submission information. (PS: TPF will receive contributions through the Amazon Affiliates program when purchases are made (on Amazon) by following a book review link. Those purchases don't need to be just books either.)

Again, thank you for visiting the TP Foundation's blog!!!! Stay tuned to WTPF for the latest breaking news about our Entrepreneur loans and other neat stuff!!! (And, that's just my two cents worth...)

HIKING THE MONEY TRAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Welcome kind friends, neighbors, acquaintances, total strangers, pets of the aforementioned, and anyone else reading this at the moment. (Hey, my cats know how to read. Not well - but they try. Okay, they fail most of the time, but not always.) You have once again stumbled upon the TP Foundation's blog update. It's time to spread the news and guess what - we have news to spread!!! (Amazing, no??!!)

Where We Left Off

Tour de France Wiki Competition
Well, we do know who won the top three places for the real Tour de France: Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck and (of course) Lance Armstrong. But, we also know who won the Tour de France Wiki Competition!!! The second place prize was awarded to Arif (arif_kool) because, after all, he's kool and wrote massive quantities of useful information! The first place prize was awarded to Michael (Utrecht) because he had more time on his hands (he works for the government) and wrote even more massive quantities of useful information! Both will be receiving accommodation vouchers for $50 and $100, respectively. THANK YOU BOTH FOR THE EXCELLENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WIKI (and the Foundation, of course)!!!!! The GRAND PRIZE WINNER - the one and only - TP Foundation!!!!!!! The competition generated $850.00, which will be used to fund Kiva loans. The money is already sitting in the TPF PayPal account awaiting the finalization of the AdSense contributions transfer. (But, more on that down the page so keep reading.)

Travel Unravelled Blog
The Travel Unravelled blog was launched last week!!! Check it out!! Peter has contributed the Welcome To Travel Unravelled and Meet the Editors articles. (Read those first.) Kris (aka beerman) submitted the How To Travel With Confidence (Or At Least Look Like You Know What You're Doing) article (best to avoid the jellied ox testicles diner's package). It's definitely worth the read. Don't forget to follow up with the You Want To Stick That Where? submission. (Yeah, I know where your minds are wandering but you won't know if you're correct until you take at least a quick look.)

Again, the Travel Unravelled blog will be written by travelers (you) to help other travelers become better travelers. For each published submission, a $5.00 contribution will be made to the TP Foundation fund. The submission process is simple. Contact the Editors at unravelled [at] travellerspoint [dot] com and request authorship for the blog. Please include your subject matter and, preferably, a short sample of your article. (Again, for more information on the submission process, look here.) One important item... Please, whatever you do, do NOT submit anything written in text messaging format. Yes, we understand it's a great format for its intended use. Our Editors signed on to check spelling, grammar and do blog formatting. This does not include deciphering text speak. No disrespect intended and thank you in advance as you will make our Editors happy campers.

The Book Club
Last month, the TP Foundation launched The Book Club - a book review blog written by you, the members of TP. So far, we have two reviews - one written by Overlord Peter just to kick things off. So, I really only have one question here... Is everyone busily reading so they can submit reviews? Yes? Terrific!! The submission procedure is very easy - contact Peter, Eric or me and request authorship. For more information about submissions, please see About The Book Club.

Again, The Book Club blog is part of the TP Foundation and a member of the Amazon Affiliates program. This means anyone following a link in a book review, back to Amazon and making a purchase, generates money for the Foundation. Currently, we've had 2 purchases equating to $3.52 in earnings. With the Book Club thread in Off Topic having 330+ replies, I know there are more than 2 members out and about able to review what they have read. Books do not need to be of a travel-related topic - honest. (The About The Book Club will also tell you what's not acceptable material.) So, hurry up and finish that book! We're looking forward to your review!!

Sorry to make this blog entry as long as it is, but I'm almost done... I thought you might like to know the monetary bottom line so saved that for last.

Henna paintings, India. Photo by snatterand

Kiva Contributions
The TP Foundation has a grand total (as of July 31st) of $1011.18 in various coffers. Hopefully, by the end of today, we'll have $968.13 available for loans. (Sorry, waiting on PayPal to finalize the AdSense transfer from the TP bank account. Bank was quick, PayPal is slow.) In conferring with the Powers-That-Be, it was agreed that loans would be given in increments. Basically, X number of loans for X amount every two weeks. (Oh, you want reasons? Okay.) We could loan $950.00 straight out of the gate - then wait and wait and wait for the next Adsense payment, Competition influx, Amazon paycheck and Travel Unravelled contributions. How boring is that! Spreading out the loans allows everyone to follow the progress, me time to link the Entrepreneurs to the mapping system, make informed decisions on recipients (of major import), add to the blog more often and a bunch of other stuff. It's a win - win situation.

Boring Accounting Stuff To Date

• AdSense Earnings: $158.35 (through August 3rd)
• Amazon Earnings: $3.52
• Tour de France earnings: $850
• AdSense/PayPal Test Deposits: $0.98
• Travel Unravelled Earnings: ?

Yes, if you add it all up, you'll be off by $1.75, which are the earnings from August 1st through August 3rd (as of this moment - I did the math, after checking the coffers, too).

So, stay tuned to WTPF as there will be another blog entry made in the next day or two! May I suggest subscribing to this blog now before the line gets too long... First come first served!! Get your latest news here!!!! (And, that's just my two cents worth...)

Higher Ground remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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"Thank you for that introduction!" This is Isa reporting live from Montpellier, France for WTPW!! This report is brought you to by the TP Foundation. Hey, I'm required to put in a plug for the sponsor. It's been a brutal day at the Tour de France time trials. The spokes have been flying out here in Montpelier. But first, a word from that above mentioned sponsor..."

Join in on Travellerspoint's own Tour de France!
As some of you already know, Peter has launched the TP Tour de France Wiki Competition:

"For 3 gruelling weeks, we will challenge any and all of you to help us write the guide articles for the starting and finishing towns of each stage. Travel along with the cyclists by researching these locations and writing up your findings. If you have actually been there, all the better! It will be a great accompaniment to the beautiful footage that is always shown while the Tour is on."

Now, if you follow the TP Tour Route, you will see that there are rewards for authoring wiki articles about the real stage locations:

"For every article about a stage location with over 2000 characters added, we will put $25.00 into the Travellerspoint Foundation." These funds ($50/day maximum) will be used to fund more loans through our favorite organization (yup - you guessed it) Kiva.

The Tour de France wiki sections need your input. Seriously. Nope, not kidding. Hey, someone has to know something about France!!! Besides, do you really want Peter to hang on to that yellow jersey for the duration?? He's already awarded himself the jersey for the first leg. Come on - take it away from him!!! Aussies are good at sailing - not biking!!! (Oooohhhh, maybe we can have an America's Cup Competition for 2010...)
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TRAVEL UNRAVELLED - New Travellerspoint blog, looking for articles!
In the previous TPF blog entry, the Foundation announced A Traveller's Self Help Guide Blog would be launched very soon. Well, guess what??? It's here! Again, there are still a few details to be ironed out. But, put on your thinking caps and get ready to write. As you see, the blog now has a bona fide official title. (The Traveller's Self Help Guide subtitle - we like it - but it has issues.)

Along with the Book Club and Tour de France submissions, Travel Unravelled will have a nice little perk also. For each published entry, a $5.00 contribution will be made to the Foundation and used to fund Kiva loans. Now that's a pretty sweet perk!

Just to prove we're serious and really want your submission - I'll paraphrase Peter:

"...if you don't volunteer your own awesome writing, we're going to come knocking on your door and beg!"

Please don't make us coming knocking on your door. Yes, this is my begging you to contribute. The Travellerspoint Foundation Give Us Your Money Good Will All Around The World Project will thank you over and over with each new loan!!!

Isa now gets down on her knees to beg for Tour de France wiki articles and Travel Unravelled entries or she WILL show up on your doorstep armed with the TP crowbar to pry those words out of you - one by one.

Paris: Here We Come!!!!!! remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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HEADLINES NEWS:

The Book Club - Travellerspoint's Book Review Blog
The Travellerspoint Foundation is extremely proud to announce the launch of it's first, of two, new programs. The Book Club blog is an extension of the Off Topic Forum The TP Book Club is now in session thread, which saw its beginnings in 2005. Due to its success, (our illustrious Overlord) Peter, felt an expansion of the thread to a blog would be an excellent idea. It is. It also appears that no other travel website has an area specifically dedicated to book reviews. (To be fair - none that have been found anyway.) The grand scheme: Let's be the first and conquer the world book by lovely book!!!!! Oh, guess you want to know the rules, eh? Okay - here they are:

• All members, regardless of rank, are welcome to submit book reviews.
• Each potential reviewer must contact Peter, Eric or me to be added as a blog author.
• At that time, each author will have access to the Book Review Style Guide, which will explain how to make the appropriate Amazon affiliation links, insert images, etc. (The Guide and it's format are currently "under construction" by Overlord Eric.)
• All books - old or new, travel-related or not, are accepted.
• Note - The "Debbie Does Dallas" comic books do not qualify and will be removed. Just a heads-up.

The TP Foundation applied for and has been accepted as an Amazon Associate too. This is how it works:

• Reviewed book titles will be linked to Amazon.com. (The Style Guide will explain how authors make these links themselves.)
• References to any additional titles, by the same or other authors, in a review can also be linked to Amazon.com.
• Purchases made on Amazon that originated by someone clicking a link on TP, will generate income for the TP Foundation who is listed as the Associate.
• All Associate earnings will be added to the TP Foundation fund and contributed to Kiva in the form of entrepreneurial loans.

By the way, Peter's feeling a bit lonely out there being the only reviewer thus far... So, let's write some reviews to keep his company and read, read, read, read, read!!!

A Traveller's Self Help Guide Blog
This particular program will be coming to a blog near you any day now! Presently, it is in the final stages of development so you won't have to wait too long to become a participant. As with The Book Club, this guide is being launched under the TP Foundation's umbrella. Yes, we understand it's not the catchiest of titles... But, that's okay because it's not really the title! It's just the subtitle and we happen to like it - a lot. So, what do we mean by "self help guide"? Well, glad you asked!

A Traveller's Self Help Guide will be a blog where TP members contribute helpful information on any number of subjects. As Peter put it to me initially: We would have blog posts on any topics that help travellers be better at travelling. The types of entries I imagine are things like "How to do your banking while travelling" or "How not to get mugged" or "How to keep a blog"... I couldn't have explained it any better myself. With that said, it's time for the "how this blog will work" stuff. Yup, different than the Book Club submissions.

• All members, regardless of rank, are welcome to submit content.
• All entries are to be sent to the "Central Submissions Desk" in triplicate. (The submission format and "Central Submissions Desk" aspects are still being worked through at this time.) Okay, just kidding - single copy only unless otherwise requested. No. Really. Don't need three copies.
• Each entry will be reviewed to ensure proper formatting and grammar by one of the Guide editors. (For more info about Editors - keep reading! Had to keep you interested somehow...)
• All members submitting entries will have their hands stamped and identities confirmed by robot people.
• That's all, folks!

A Traveller's Self Help Guide Editors
Please give a rousing round of applause for and a big welcome to the brave souls who have accepted the arduous job of Guide Editor!!! Shall we start with ladies first? Oh, yes, good idea!

• tway - Our resident copywriter extraordinaire from the land of moose - Canada.
• GregW - Our resident blogger par excellence, now roaming around the UK somewhere.
• Piecar - Our resident ex-pat non-sequitur storyteller currently in the Caribbean.
• zaksame - Our resident Irish writer living and writing in (guess where) Ireland.

THANK YOU ALL - CONTRIBUTORS AND EDITORS ALIKE!!!!!!!! Your sacrifices to the cause are greatly appreciated!! And, we look forward to some very interesting self-help tips. The way we look at it - nothing better than helping someone help themselves while out on an adventure and exploring the world!!

Travellerspoint Wiki/AdSense Program
Yes, I'm almost done! Promise! We reached our $100 threshold on June 12th, which meant the payment hold was removed so the funds could be processed. Those funds are now being audited by AdSense to ensure no click discrepancies. (Part of their T&Cs.) Even though the threshold was reached mid-month, they do their reviews at the end of each month. Sorry - we have to wait just a little bit longer. Not my fault. I'm as anxious to make those first Kiva loans as all of you. The good news - the ending balance for June was $117.28 which ain't all bad!!!

Once again, a very large THANK YOU to all who have chosen to participate!!!!

ps: Sorry - our musical entertainment for this month had to cancel... Oh well... Maybe next month...

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!! remains copyright of the author Isadora, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Suddenly, the entrance door opens and a head peaks in. "Are we in the right place for the TP Foundation presentation?" "YES! Contestants, ermmm, I mean members, come on down!" replies Isa (sounding a bit like Bob Barker on the Price Is Right morning game show). Slowly the members file in and find their seats. "Alrighty, let's get this party started, shall we?!" With that, Isa begins the presentation...

Once again, I welcome everyone to the monthly installment of the TP Foundation's blog. I have good news and I have bad news. Which would you like first? (A call for bad news first echoes through the auditorium.) Okay, bad news first, it is. Always a good choice - get it over with and then move on. I like your thinking! The bad news: Our membership has remained unchanged since April. Where is everybody? Hello... Can anybody hear me?? This is a great cause, people! I don't mean to be pushy but... (With that, Isa now decides she better rephrase her comments and find a way to bring more members into the Foundation's fold. So, here goes...)

I have been trying to come up with creative ways to entice more members to participate in the Foundation program without violating the Terms & Conditions of both AdSense and TP itself. Unlike the Photo Competitions, we can't offer hotel accommodation vouchers nor travel logs nor even upgraded photo space. Frequent flier miles would have been an option had the airlines been cooperative - they weren't. So, given those "can not do" items, what can I do? I need some input from you. To help out, here is a short list of what we (again) can not do:

• Contests - nope - out of the question.
• Advertisements on every page - nope.
• Mass PMs/e-mails - nope.
• Holding members for ransom - nope again.
• Giving the Overlords lots of code to write - good luck with that.
• Threatening to break TP - been there, done that to no avail.

If anyone has suggestions that do not go against the (AdSense/TP) T&Cs or the list of "nope" things, please contact me via PM or at foundation@travellerspoint.org. I have contacted Bono and Eric Clapton about a benefit concert (they owe me some favors) but it seems they are incognito at the moment. Go fig...

For those of you who are new to the foundation blog and would like more information about it's workings, please see the In For A Penny, In For A Pound and For What It's Worth... entries. Also check out the Travellerspoint Foundation wiki page and the Join the Travellerspoint Foundation thread.

Oooohhh, almost forgot the good news!!! As of right this minute, we have $89.16 in the Foundation account. We are so close to our first $100.00 goal!!!! Rather like the Timex watch that just keeps on tickin', hopefully, our members will just keep on clickin'!

So, I now leave you with our entertainment for this evening... Please give a round of applause for the Derek Trucks Band performing I Wish I Knew!!!!!!! (And, that's just my two cents worth...)

I wish I knew how it would feel to be free
I wish I could break all the chains holding me
I wish I could see everything I had to see
Sing it loud, sing it clear, for the whole round world to hear

I wish I could share all the love that's in my heart
Remove all the bars that keep us apart
I wish you knew how it would feel to be me
Then you'd see, and agree, everyone should be free

I wish I could give all I'm longing to give
I wish I could live like I'm longing to live
I wish I could do everything that I could do
Though I'm way overdue, I'd be starting anew

I wish I could be like a bird in the sky
How sweet it would be if I found I could fly
I'd soar to the sun and look down at the sea
And I'd sing 'cause I know
I sing because I know
I sing because I know
I sing because I know everyone should be free

Guess what? It's graph time!!!!

Is Anybody Out There? remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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I realize everyone who has already joined the Foundation, and those considering the option, are curious about the timeline between "now" and the Foundation's first loans to Kiva's Entrepreneurs. Honestly, there is no "clear-cut" answer to that question. Wait! Don't go away yet - I can explain.

• The Google Adsense program, for the US, has a $100 threshold for automatic bank transfers. (Meaning - the account has to reach $100 before they release the funds for automatic transfer.) Presently, we're sitting at $55.65 so just a few more clicks and we're there.
• When the threshold has been reached, Google audits the funds prior to release. This can take up to 30 days. (Hey, it could be less - we'll find out.)
• Following the release of funds, there is a short transfer period before the funds are received by Kiva and distributed to the chosen Entrepreneurs.

Though "our" world may be filled with instant gratifications, those receiving our contributions have rarely known such a luxury. And, as much I wish I could snap my fingers so we could make those loans more quickly, I can't. So, please have patience with the process. We will do good in the world. Promise.

Oh, one last comment on the $100 threshold and auto banks transfers... Yes, the Foundation could have opted for receiving "hold-in-your-hand-made-of-real-paper checks for smaller amounts, which may have hastened the first loans. Ultimately, the checks would have to clear (taking 7-10 days) before the money could be transferred to Kiva. Also, I did not want to be the one to break the news that a check had been lost in the mail. The thought of being tarred and feathered or hung by the yardarm was not very appealing. (Cocktails at sunset - yes, hung by the yardarm - I'll pass.)

Okay - now that you've gotten the "bad" news, I do have good news!

• Kiva has granted permission for TP to use the photos of the recipient Entrepreneurs in creating a "money trail". That's all I'm going to say about it at the moment but it should prove to be pretty cool visually. (See, something to look forward to, right?!)
• Both the blog and the AdSense account have been "connected" with Google Analytics so we should get some pretty groovy graphs as time goes on. Also, the blog has been connected with Feedburner so someone - ANYONE - subscribe to the blog! Please. I'm on my hands and knees, begging! (I'm wearing kneepads so I can wait. Oh, now that just sounds wrong... Just the same - subscribe or I'll send out the TP Pirates to find you...)
• I know there was something else but until I think of it...

I leave you with tonight's performer who is none other than the illustrious James Taylor. So... Hit it Sweet Baby James!

When you're down and troubled
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights...

Again, a very large THANK YOU to all who have joined the cause and that's just my two cents worth....

(Hope you all enjoyed the music and for more information, check out the Travellerspoint Foundation wiki page and the Join the Travellerspoint Foundation thread.)

Oooohhhh - almost forgot the pretty graphs of April's activities... Can't have that now can we?!

For What It's Worth... remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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My name is Gretchen Wilson-Kalav (aka TP's Isadora). Some of you may know me because I am also one of the TP Resident Janitors (Moderators). Recently - okay, it was February 12th to be exact - I was asked if I would be willing to help with the creation of the Travellerspoint Foundation. Upon reading the project's proposal, it was a no-brainer and my answer was a resounding yes. So, here we are launching the Travellerspoint Foundation Give Us Your Money Good Will All Around The World Project.

In a nutshell... The project, if you choose this assignment, is this:

• You donate your AdSense earnings to the Travellerspoint Foundation.
• The TP Foundation will use that money for loans to Kiva entrepreneurs.
• Repaid loans plus all the new deposits will be "recycled" into new loans.

Now, this is where they are letting me say a few things about the Kiva Organization. Kiva's Mission Statement: "To Connect People Through Lending For The Sake Of Alleviating Poverty." It's a very simple concept that works. Through Kiva, individuals and teams (like the Travellerspoint Team which the Foundaion will be a member of) are able to make small loans to entrepreneurs (small business owners, individuals, coops, etc.) around the world. Working with their partners, expert microfinancing institutions, the organization sets up a repayment schedule and disperses the money to the recipients. These recipients are people/groups whom we, the lenders, have chosen from the numerous profiles found on the Kiva website. Repayment periods are usually 6-12 months in length and the repaid money is available for use in the form of new loans at that time. Requested loan amounts range from $500-5000USD and it can take several contributors (like us) to reach that total for one recipient. By becoming a member of the Travellerspoint Foundation Project, all of those AdSense cents we earn will add up and help others across the globe to look poverty in the eye and say "Hey, I just kicked your ass with a little help from some new friends". Please, check out the Kiva Organization for more information on who they are and what they do. Then, come on back, sign up and let's make some loans!

The current plan is that during the early stages of this project the entrepreneurs will be chosen from the Kiva Travellerspoint Team's already existing group of recipients (given that they have not received 100% or their financing at that time). For more information about the Travellerspoint Team on Kiva, please click here. I am of the belief that, as the TP Foundation contributions grow, (at least) one high-risk loan should be made periodically. It's nice to play it safe but being a global (online) community, we can show that everyone deserves a chance to succeed. As needed, the Foundation will decide when new recipients need to be added to the pool to keep the loans flowing.

If you want to dive straight in and switch your Adsense earnings over the TP foundation, here's how you do so:

• Go to your profile page.
• At the very bottom of the page, where you can put in your Adsense Publisher ID (note: this is only available to members who have achieved Full Member status), put in the TP foundation ID: 1326685919872860

So, there are the basics of the project and for those of you who have not checked out the wiki page and introductory thread, go now! Hurry! Okay, finish reading this and then go. This blog has been created to give everyone updates on the TP Foundation, contributions, recipients, paybacks, statistics, pretty graphs and anything else we feel like adding to it. If you have suggestions and/or comments, please contact us at foundation@travellerspoint.org.

Hey Animaniacs - it time to sing!!! (You know them - Yakko, Wakko & Dot.)
It's a great big universe
And we're all really puny
We're just tiny little specks
About the size of Mickey Rooney.
It's big and black and inky
And we are small and dinky
It's a big universe and we're not.

Thank you for reading all the way to here and that's just my (oops, I mean our) two cents worth.....

See you soon with more updates!!

G.

ps: Here are a couple of pretty graphs to show what 1 then 2 then 3 and finally 4 contributors have earned since March 7, 2009.

The starting balance was my paltry earnings of $13.50. Peter began adding on March 7th, Sam I Am on March 16th and Dr. Pepper bringing up the rear on March 17th. The March 31st graph end points were charted at 2:00pm CDT and the day ain't over yet. Thank you kind Overlords!!!

Just a quick update as the day (March 31st) is now over - the balance in the account was $25.28 - enough to make one loan.

In For A Penny - In For A Pound remains copyright of the author Foundation, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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