Podnosh

Once famous for the Sale of the Century, Norwich is proving that it has a grasp on the technologies of the century – effortless communication.

According to the BBC, the city has made 200 wi-fi aerials free to use in key parts of the city. It is something which Birmingham must watch and consider following (quickly). After all our most famous mayor, Joseph Chamberlain, built his reputation (and gave Birmingham a competitive advantage) by understanding the value of universal access to essential key economic resources, like and gas and clean water. Today these include quick, reliable, low cost communciations, whether in cyber space or real space.

Some of you may be interested in an event organised for September 11th 2006 which will see Sir Michael Lyons meet Sir Digby Jones (and others) to debate  “If a City Region is the answer what is the question?”.  Here’s the link for The Big Debate Birmingham.
For some background reading on the topic why not try this recent IPPR analysis of how the government has given new powers to Ken Livingstone in London

I’ve just read of a new link between technology and philanthropy – vending machines which allow you to donate your change to a charity or social project.

It’s a very simple idea and perfect for those of us who would rather press a button at eye level than bend down to scoop some coppers from the machine.  So how could we use it here? Why not put them in every car park in Birmingham? Perhaps the Mailbox or the Bullring could lead the way.  Each month the machines could promote and benefit a different local charity. The council could even stipulate these machines in any planning application for car parking. For a little more detail have a gander at this

http://socialedgetechnology.blogspot.com/2006/08/spare-some-change.html 

I just wanted to draw your attention to the work of Clare Mulvaney.  Clare is on a 10 month world trip interviewing social entrepreneurs and active citizens.

You can keep track of who she meets and what she makes of them through her blog  at:

http://exceptional-lives.blogspot.com/ 

Our latest programme for the Grassroots Channel hears about a huge event in September (13th to 16th) which will bring hundreds of residents from different European Cities to Birmingham. The Residents University is organised by R4R Europe (a development from the orginal Birmingham based R4R). If you’re involved in regenerating your neighbourhood the chances are very high that you’ll find this event inspiring and educational.

I experienced a smaller R4R event in Dortmund earlier this year and came away exhausted but hugely encouraged by the range of practical work being done in many neighbourhoods (and also how good we are in Birmingham!).

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