Around the World on a Mac (The official Apple Store Event)

You’ll enjoy this! It’s a short (9:30) movie I  created  as a celebration of what has been achieved by going around the world promoting the work of Street Kids International.

The opportunity to also present this movie in key Apple Mac stores is a great way to promote individual freedom and raise awareness into issues of marginalized youth worldwide.

I changed my life to empower others, and you can change a young person’s life too forever.

Here’s how you can help: It costs about £35 ($60) to train a street child, to equip him or her with the tools to give them the opportunity for the kind of  future that they can only dream of.

Please help me to help Street Kids by following this link Donate

“Dylan the Rat” The RamblingRat theme song

The RamblingRat project arrives in Sackville New Brunswick Canada to meet folk musician Pat Le Poidevin. Pat plays to RadioRatcast to promote awareness into marginalized youth from around the world. Pat plays “Dylan the Rat” a song that is about the RamblingRat projects lead character “Dylan” who is a lovable cartoon rat who helps all the rats in need that he meets on his travels around the world. This has inspired the CJ Skatepark in Canada to use “Dylan” in a new book that will help kids to learn how to skateboard safely. Pat has an exceptional voice and his love of playing the Ukulele really shows. Most of Pats work is inspired by children’s stories that just come to him in his sleep.

Port Hawkesbury Canada

Jimmy Rankin plays his single “Slipping Away” to raise awareness of streetKids International.
Jimmy plays to Radio Ratcast in Port Hawkesbury Nova Scotia Canada which is Tim Dennis’s media channel for the RamblingRat overland project.

For more information about Jimmy Rankin and his new Album “Edge of Day” www.jimmyrankin.com

Family home totally lost in fire.

Before i started this round the world trip i had to make the decision to sell my house and what to do with all my possessions, what to keep and what should go. I had to think long and hard about this and we somtimes create a too stronger bond to possessions than we should. For Mr and Mrs Kean and their teenage sons and daughter, they had no choices – whilst they were at work and their sons skiing the house they live in tragically caught fire.

I had met the Keans the evening before for the first time as the two dogs from the house where i am staying had run over the nearby frozen lake to the Keans house and Mike and i had driven over the hill to collect them. We drove up on top of a knoll where they had built a fabulous home on a plot with the most incredible view! They had designed and built this home with their own hands and with many personal touches. I met Mr and Mrs Kean briefly as we loaded one of the dogs from our house (being Jack – our other dog Jill had run back home), on leaving i mentioned how lovely their house was. Within 14 hours of this we had recieved news that the house had totally been lost in a fire and nothing had been saved,  and the very upsetting news was that three dogs had died in the house, two of thier own and one of their friends that they had been looking after.

Kristina Willing and myself decided to drive over to see what we could do. On arrival it was very upsetting because the house had completly gone – just the foundations and the last of the wood burning away. Kristana hugged them and quickly swung into action by asking if they needed coffee or food, they didn’t know what they needed but thought they would go to thier daughters house who lived over the road but was away in Vancouver. Kristina and i went into town to get coffee and and some lunch like salad and sandwiches, as well as a meal that could be put in the oven for later.

On our return to thier daughter’s home more friends had arrived to help so we stayed for lunch and to discuss who was going to help with what and the community help was starting to put its arms around the Kean family.

The “Smithers” community is incredible and i would also say that when i have been on my travels it has been all the small towns where i have had the biggest support. It is strange how you can live in a big city with so many people and not even know who your neighbor is. You only realize how warm and friendly small communities are because it is the best way to survive. They are not as competitive, usually have longer standing roots within the community and, most importantly, are very close to nature. 

Over the next couple of days they had been found a tempory home where they can have their own space again. All the family members, the adults and teens alike, have lost everything too.  Just think about it… you only have what you are wearing left in the world! Everything else has gone.

I had made my very first apple pie with pastry on the top and bottom layer with some assistance from Mike Willing. I made two pies, one for the Keans and one for us, i was not sure how it would taste but it sure smelt homely. Kristina Mike and myself took it to the Keans shelter home and we were welcomed in. They looked a lot calmer now and were amazed at the out pour of love from everyone, they opened cupboards in the kitchen and said “Just Look” full of food wow and furniture in the rooms too.

I know the Keans don’t know me well and i am a very transient figure to them and i have been thrown into a very strange relationship with them, one that is just another human wanting to do what feels natural… and it is good.

I want to send my love to the whole family and i wish you the best for what has been a very challenging start to 2009 but i know things will be ok for you.

Love Tim Dennis

Tim Dennis sponsors projects in Peru

Tim Dennis has joined with www.kiva.org to support two projects; these Micro loan projects are both in Peru South America. 

Kiva is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.

A micro loan is a small some of money that you lend to an individual that is paid back over an agreed term.

Kiva have been a key tool for this since 2006 to bring people from poverty to our personal laptops and give the man on the street the opportunity to lend directly to the person in need, this kind of lending is usually the only way someone in their position can borrow money.

I personally like the concept of micro loans, i like the fact that the money that you give goes directly to the person setting up their own project, you have the ability to follow the progress of this project to the end of the loan time frame, you can then reinvest with the same or another individual or group. 

So if you too would like to try this then go to www.kiva.org and create a profile and start lending.

Below are the details for you to look at. 

 Ketly, Sponsor 1

Ketly is 22 years old, single, and lives with his parents and siblings who support him in his endeavors. He owns a motorcar, which for the past year he has used to transport passengers to various corners of the city. He enjoys the personal rapport he establishes with his clients and has earned a good profit with his business. He administers his own daily earnings and does not have much economic overhead right now so he is doing well at work and personally. This is first loan with MFP and he has committed to his communal bank to make the payments timely. With the requested funds he will repair his motorcar and buy spare parts to build up a second one.

Name: Ketly

Location: PUCALLPA, Peru

Primary Activity: Motorcycle Transport

Loan Requested: $200.00

Repayment Term: 5 months – details

Repayment Due Dates

Mar 15, 2009 $30.43

Apr 15, 2009 $31.14

May 15, 2009 $32.99

Jun 15, 2009 $33.79

Jul 15, 2009 $35.10

Aug 15, 2009 $36.55

Loan Use: To repair the motorcar

Date Posted: Jan 2, 2009

Date Funded: Jan 3, 2009

Tim Dennis Joins www.kiva.org to assist Peruvian community.

  Group Sponsor 2

The Iris Lanao Village Bank (named for FINCA’s Executive Director) is made up of 23 members, who are beginning their fourth loan cycle. All of the group members are from the Chiara District, located one hour outside of the city of Ayacucho. Most of the local community members are farmers or raise animals. The group members are involved in a variety of different business activities. Some sell dry goods, small animals, food, sweets, grains, or firewood, while others are farmers.

Gabriela is 33 years old and married with two children. Gabriela has a store where she sells dry goods and vegetables. She also grows corn and potatoes, which she sells in the markets in the city of Ayacucho. Rosa is 36 years old and married with six children. Rosa has a store in the Kishuar community, located 30 minutes outside of Chiara. She also farms and raises animals. Luzmila is 26 years old and lives with her partner and their three children. Luzmila raises guinea pigs (a Peruvian delicacy) and also buys guinea pigs from other farmers, selling them in the city of Ayacucho.

The group members are requesting different loan amounts, like 300 (US$ 100), 450 (US$ 150), 600 (US$ 200) or 900 (US$ 300) soles. “Iris Lanao” is requesting a total of 14,500 soles in loans. The loans will be used to buy animals, rice, sugar, sweets, firewood, clothing and grains. Some of the group members dreams are for their children to get an education, to expand their businesses, to get ahead in life and to have all the basic necessities.

Group Name: Juana Gabriela Tucno Vilca Group

Group Members:  Juana Gabriela Rosa,  Toribio,  Gloria,  Julia,  Luzmila,  Enma Isabel,  Aydee,  Bernardina,  Maura,  Adelaida,  Maria Julia,  Guillerma,  Rosa Margot,  Juan,  Leonidas Teodoro,  Gregorio,  Florentino,  Elsa, Saul,  William Wilfredo,  Norma,  Alejandro,

Location: Ayacucho, Peru

Primary Activity: Farming

Loan Requested: $4,700.00

Repayment Term: 5 months – details

Repayment Due Dates

Mar 15, 2009 $783.33

Apr 15, 2009 $783.33

May 15, 2009 $783.33

Jun 15, 2009 $783.33

Jul 15, 2009 $783.33

Aug 15, 2009 $783.35

Loan Use: Buy animals, rice, sugar, sweets, firewood, clothing, and grains

Date Posted: Jan 1, 2009

Date Funded: Jan 3, 2009

I am really excited to be working with these two projects and i will follow the progress and keep you informed as to how they are getting on with their projects.

Tim Dennis 2009

On December the 6th 2008 i was traveling from Fairbanks Alaska south west towards Anchorage,

not far from Nenana i had stopped to assist a family that had slid off the road and down an embankment 

I helped to get their car safely back onto the road.

I did not realise how this had affected them and how much this had meant to them and thier family and friends, i have recieved some lovely comments from the Durrells and friends and wanted to post them for you all to see, I am very happy that i could help them that cold night and would hope somone would also help me in the same situation.

Thank you to you all for you kind words   Love from Tim Dennis

Raymond, Michelle and Family

radcm@yahoo.com 

Hi Tim,

I am sorry it has taken so long to get to your website. (I finally got a wireless adapter for my computer here in the motel.

I want to say thank you for your kindness 

My family and I are from Maine and New Bruswick Canada. I am in the US Air Force and we have just moved to Eielson AFB, Alaska from Langley AFB, Virginia.

We had been traveling since November 20th. We arrived by Ferry into Whittier AK and were heading for Eielson (just outside Fairbanks). The drive from Anchorage had not been too bad. We had seen little traffic and the roads were passable. We were driving a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan that we had not put snow or all weather tires on yet. We had made it about 25 miles north of Nenana. This about where you start down out of the mountains when heading toward Fairbanks. There was about an inch or so of snow on the roads and we were on a very windy part of the road.

The road had got a little worse and I had slowed down to around 45MPH. Our heater had turned intermittent on us just before we reached Nenana and we considered stopping there, but wanted to make it to Eielson that night. In hindsight I wish we had stopped.

Ahead I saw a sign signaling a hill with a 6% grade and I took my foot off the gas, the last time I looked at the speed we were going 40MPH. We started down the hill and I immediatly began to worry. I saw a sign ahead showing multiple turns. The first was to the left and we made that one fine. The second was to the right and I could feel the van starting to slip. By the time we made it to the third turn my speedometer read 65. I was doing my best to slow down without losing control of the van but nothing was working. At the start of the turn I lost complete control. I told my wife to hold on and we spun around 180 degrees and continued down the hill backwards. My front left tire hit the snow on the side of the road and caused the rear of the van to “slingshot” backwards off the road. The side of the road sloped away at about 30 degrees and I thought for certain we would roll. My only concern was for my wife and two kids in the back. Fortunately though the snow piled up beside us as we slid and prevented the van from rolling. When we came to a stop we were facing back up the way we had come and were about 20 feet off the road. The engine was running and for the moment the heat was working. My wife and I took a quick assesment of the inside of the van and noticed that our 5 month old was still sleeping and our 2 year old was still watching Spongebob on our portable DVD player. Neither seemed to have a clue that anything happened.

Due to the angle we were at and the snow piled up beside us I could not get out the drivers door so my wife and I switched places. I tried to open her door but again, due to the angle, the door kept slamming shut so I climbed out the window. While I was climbing out a car passed heading towards Nenana and I tried to wave him from the window. Our lights were on and shining up onto the road but he didnt stop.

I walked out onto the road and finally got to a spot where I could get one bar on my cell and called my friend in Anchorage and asked him to call to Fairbanks for a tow truck to pull us out. He said he would and I went back to the van. When i got back another vehicle was coming so my wife started flashing the lights and they stopped. It was another van with some people coming from Anchorage. The didnt have a tow rope but offered to help. About that time we saw lights coming from the direction of Fairbanks and we started waving.

A vehicle pulled up and the first thing I thought was “This guy is ready for anything”. It only took a short time to realize I wasnt far from wrong.

Tim jumped out and immediately offered his assitance. A short while later and my van was back on the road.

I tried to offer compensation for his time and help but he would have none of it. All he asked is that I visit his website.

I would like to thank both him and the other family that stopped to help us. Often times in situations like this people who have the ability to help, for whatever reason simply dont. However there are some people who, no matter what they have been doing, no matter how tired they are, see a need that they can fill and put down whatever they are doing and help. Tim mentioned that he had just driven the Dalton Highway, and while I have never driven it, I am sure that he was probably tired and wanted to make his destination for the night. Yet he stopped to help a family driving from Virginia who were not prepared for the weather or the road conditions. Many would say that it served us right to have to sit in the snow, but there are some that have the compasion to help no matter what. I can only hope that should I come across a similar situation that I have that same compassion, even if it’s only to offer a warm seat in my vehicle while waiting for their vehicle to be rescued.

Tim, My family and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts! My God bless you and yours!

2008/12/15

Karen Durrell

http://kad45@verizon.net

As parent/grandparent of this family, I certainly would like to add my “2 cents worth” of thank yous to you for “aiding and abetting” them in their distress. Thank you! Thank you!. We had been following them via phone calls all through their trip and had not heard from them for a couple days – past their call-in times agreement – and knew something was wrong. So, many many thanks for helping them. God surely had a plan for you and for them!

2008/12/16

Phillip Durrell

philatcal@yahoo.com 

Hi Tim,

Raymond’s dad here. Thank you so much for helping our children and grandchildren out in their time of need. Family and friends back here in Maine really appreciate what you did for them. May God’s hand of protection and blessing be upon you as you continue to journey around the world. If you’re ever in the vicinity of Calais, Maine, I would like to shake your hand, and I bet my wife would give you a big hug!

2008/12/16 Pastor Chip Howell

chipjudy1@msn.com 

Hey Tim

Both Ray & Michelle

grew up in our church and we had been praying for them and their boys as they traveled across the country. As it turned out you were one of the answers to those prayers. Thank you so much for your willingness to be a help. May God bless you and protect you on your journey. That is a serious looking buggy you have. take care, God Bless.

Chip Howell

http://www.ramblingrat.com | tim@ramblingrat.com 

From Tim to Raymond Michelle family,Karren and Phillip Pastor Chip

Thank you for all your kind words of thanks, i would help anyone in need my whole life has been rewarded and guided by these acts.

Taking this journey around the world is showing me that we all have the same needs and love will bring us together.

2008/12/20

Phil Durrell II

p.durrell@freenet.de 

Thank You Tim,

For helping my Little Brother.

As an American living in Europe I know that this is not something that is Standard, Usually it causes Grid Lock on the highways over here cause everybod drives by super slow to see exactly what happened but not to even think of helping. If yoou are every in Germany let me know Dinner is on me.

Phil Durrell II

(bet you never thought such an act sould go around the world did ya!!!!)

Psilodigm (pronounced: sаɪ’loʊ’dаɪm) is a musical project that started towards the end of 2007 in Leicester, England, UK, as an experimental ‘project’ that allowed the artist to practice audio/recording techniques with a motiv.

It consists of one main composer and a handful of contributors.

There is no specific genre for Psilodigm because influences range from the extremes of black and grindcore metal to the most relaxing and ambient artists, so there no telling what the next songs style will be… enjoy!

Tim Dennis with Jim Broadhead

I would like to thank Jim Broadhead and all of his staff in the three stores that they run in Calgary for sponsoring my trip from Calgary to Toronto.

Jim and i had a lot in common both having a background in logistics, he and his staff went out of ther way to help the expedition by liasing with Tilley to replace my hat and other items for the road.

I was overwhelmed by his kindness when he insisted on helping me further, Pipe Stone Travel Stores are now sponsoring my drive from Calgary to Toronto. He has a genuine desire to help other travelers and like Tilley he really has a passion for people who help people linked with travel.

This more than compensates for all the stuff stolen from my vehicle in Calgary and even when i feel like i am in a place that is challenging i meet other like minded people.

Thank you Guys

Pipestone Travel Store is a privately owned specialty shop located in Calgary, Alberta. We have become the “go-to” store for people in Calgary & Area wishing to purchase high-quality travel-related clothing, electrical adapters, personal care accessories, luggage, day packs & carry-on bags.

Our product lines are represented by the most respected manufacturers in the industry including:

• Tilley Endurables Hats & Clothing
• Eagle Creek Travel Gear
• Ex-Officio Clothing
• Austin House Travel Essentials, and
• Glensport Authentic Travel Wear

www.travelstorecalgary.com