Alan Gandy

Archive for August, 2009

I went to Thorpe Park recently with a friend and two of my kids. Nice day out – with all the usual things you’d expect from a trip to a theme park – expensive, long queues, screaming kids, and any excuse taken to get a little more money from you… We expect that – so nobody is surprised or disappointed by these things….

However, there was one thing I took exception to. On entering the park there is quite heavy security – understandable in this day and age – where guests are selected for additional checks and have to go through a metal de. Read the rest of this entry »

Every now and then I stumble on a real gem – today’s was Kiva. A site distributing micro-finance to mostly third world countries.

If you don’t know what micro-finance is – very simply, it’s a small loan – usually from a number of investors to small business owners. Its a way to help people and get most of your money back… It doesn’t get much more sustainable than that.

From just US$25 and make a real and lasting difference to someone who needs your help!

Visit the Kiva website and see how easy it is.

I recently watched the Channel 4 programme “How the other half live”. I have to say – it was a fantastic show. Reality TV at it’s best.

I think when people moan about reality TV they forget that some reality TV is enlightening for the viewers, and in this case especially the participants.

Mention reality TV and we think of the likes of…

• Big Brother – stick a bunch of weirdos in a house until they go nuts
• I’m a Celebrity – which should be called “I used to be a celebrity, please revive my career”
• Celebrity Love Island – place a load of wannabes and has beens and an island in the hope they shag each other..

Reality TV at its best like this  show can be fascinating…. Can’t wait to see the rest of the series. Well done Channel 4!