Category: Miscellaneous

Steve Jobs for President!

I use Apple computers all the time. It was Apple which popularised podcasting, our listeners get the Grassroots Channel through Apple’s iTunes software and Apple machines and programmes help me with everything from making films to making christmas cards. So Steve Jobs has had quite an impact on my quality of life (thanks Steve).
From time to time I also visit a rather odd site called Longbets.org. It’s a place where people make long term predictions about the world and – to add a little jeopardy to this intellectual game – they bet against each other on the outcomes. It’s not another online gambling site, more an extension of futurology.

So prediction 244 left me a little taken a back:

Steve Jobs will be nominated for President of the United States, by one of the two major political parties in 2012

WOW! Well Steve if you are pondering a presidential punt perhaps this is not the best way to start. The prediction comes from a man who lists among his achievements writing a Brooke Shields tribute song.

The BURA Awards for Community Inspired Regeneration – enter now!

If you think you’ve been involved in a great regeneration project which has been driven and inspired from the grassroots here is a chance for you to get national recognition – but you’ll have to act quickly.
The British Urban Renewal Association is working with the Department for Communities and Local Government to recognise “outstanding grassroots regeneration projects; the schemes that address local issues and as a result are raising community spirit and improving quality of life.”
The site for entries is here and the entry pack here. You might think we’re bonkers telling you on the day entries close to get your form in. It’s not that bad. I’ve just spoken to Rob Brady at BURA who tells me their real concern is to get people involved. If you’re interested then give Rob a call (number on the Bura website) to let him know that a late entry is coming I’m certain he’ll be delighted to hear from you.

If you go for it please let us know – and good luck.

Birmingham – Time for free wi-fi?

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.

The Big Debate Birmingham – Michael Lyons meets Digby Jones

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