My Unusual $100,000 Birthday Present (Plus: Free Round-Trip Anywhere in the World) 384 Comments

Written by Tim Ferriss Topics: Filling the Void

Soon 33 years young. I’ll be back on the playa in August for Burning Man.

33. I’ll turn a glorious 33 this weekend.

It’s going to be a great natal year–I can already feel it. Repeating numbers (born in ’77) are good luck. Perhaps it will be good luck for you, too: in this post, I’m giving away a round-trip ticket anywhere in the world and more.

But back to that strange birthday gift…

Much to the chagrin of my momma-san, I’ve become quite difficult to buy presents for. Some friends even think I’m impossible to find presents for.

It’s not entirely true. I love handwritten letters, home-made brownies (like Fred Wilson), girlfriends dressed in next to nothing, and–most of all–when people do something nice.

Before we move on (wait for it, wait for it), please watch this super-short movie trailer:

In lieu of gifts this year, my birthday wish is to help high-need kids in public schools take field trips.

Can you imagine never having the chance to go to the aquarium or natural history museum? “Never” as in, literally, never in your life?

That’s unacceptable.

Since I am turning 33 this year, please help choose a field trip to support here with a tax-deductible $33 donation (or any other amount). Feel free to give from $10-$10,000 in the “Give to the most urgent project” field, whatever you can afford.

If we run out of field trips (which would be awesome), we’ll focus on reading projects. Literacy = the most fundamental path out of poverty.

Beyond the good karma and thank-you letters you’ll receive from the kids:

Incentive #1 – The trip: Donate before this Sunday at 12 midnight PST, and I’ll pick one of y’all randomly. You’ll get a round-trip ticket anywhere in the world that Continental or Star Alliance fly, whether Rome, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, or hundreds of other awesome locations. There is no expiration date on the trip, so you can take your time.

Incentive #2 – How it becomes $100,000: I will match every dollar donated, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000 total. That means that if the field trip gifts (donations) total $50,000, I will write a check for $50,000, all of which will go to public school kids in need. Remember, it’s tax-deductible.

Please go to this page and look around. Seriously, take a peek.

The goal is to get approximately 1,500 donors at an average of $33 each, which will add up to $50,000 and, matched, add up to $100,000.

Incentive #3 – If you want to get some goodies, please help spread the word. Tell people I’m matching donations and get them to this post or this DonorsChoose.org link (same as above). Leave a comment below telling me what you did to spread the word (Facebook, Twitter, e-mail blast, add to your e-mail signature, encourage employees/friends to do the same, etc.).

The three most die-hard promoters will get pairs of my favorite sunglasses on the planet: Maui Jim’s. Grand winner will get a VIP gift card (good for any pair, including $300+ models) and two runners-up will get a pair of $200+ sunglasses of my choosing.

###

Beyond the bribes, you’ll feel awesome about yourself for doing some real good for little ‘uns who have so little. Trust me.

Superman is not coming to help these kids, nor is the government — will you step up for even two minutes?

I hope to help with the bigger policy changes, but, as one politician said, “Show me a movement first and then I can respond.”

I think that’s doable, and this little experiment could be exhibit A.

###

Note for Non-US readers from Baahar:

“For people from outside the US: during the checkout process on donorschoose.org, it asks for your address. I couldn’t proceed at first because my postal code was too short, and there was no message to indicate what the problem was. Type a 5 digit number to pass that stage.”

Posted on July 22nd, 2010

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384 Comments

Jason — July 22nd, 2010, 1:15 pm

This is great! I will blow up Twitter about this. Thanks for the opportunity!
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Bill Covert — July 22nd, 2010, 1:16 pm

Hey Tim… Happy 33rd! I’ve got you by 10 years. Yes ~ of course I’ve read your book. May I give you a gift? http://www.acceleratorforsuccess.com It’s the best strategies I have from my time as a National Trainer for Tony (peak performance) Robbins, and as a protege of Jay (The marketer) Abraham. Enjoy it, and hope to meet you somewhere while traveling the world. ~Bill
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Steve — July 22nd, 2010, 1:17 pm

Happy Birthday Tim,

Thanks for all that you do man; you’ve inspired so many and given back to so many. Keep kicking ass.

-Steve
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Jose — July 22nd, 2010, 1:17 pm

I am in, posted it to su.pr It’s great seeing your efforts evolve and continue with your success and time.

A true role model!

- Jose
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Steve — July 22nd, 2010, 1:18 pm

Happy Birthday Tim,

Thanks for all that you do man; you’ve inspired so many and given back to so many. Keep kicking ass.

Going to make my donation right now!

-Steve
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jestyn — July 22nd, 2010, 1:20 pm

done – hope you make treble
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Nathan Gal — July 22nd, 2010, 1:21 pm

Happy birthday mate…any dates/news for the new book yet???
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Kelly — July 22nd, 2010, 1:21 pm

This is such a great initiative. Thank you, Tim, for starting this! Oh, and happy birthday
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Nate — July 22nd, 2010, 1:22 pm

FBing this. Thanks for the opportunity and Happy Birthday!
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A — July 22nd, 2010, 1:22 pm

What’s the best nation in the world?… donation
What’s the best city in the world? .. generosity
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Sean Garnsey — July 22nd, 2010, 1:22 pm

Hey Tim!

I want to say that I think this is a totally awesome thing that you’re doing, I myself have just graduated from Summit Preparatory Charter High School– Emily, (the first girl)in the movie is a good friend of mine!

I have had the best high school experience I could have possibly imagined at Summit, and I feel that Charter schools are one of the best alternatives for students seeking higher education and supportive teachers.

–IN FACT, if it weren’t for my Junior year AP English Language and Composition class, I wouldn’t have read The 4-Hour Work Week, which really changed how I see the world. It’s because our teacher had us form groups of 4-6 students to read a non-fiction book together and have discussions about it. It was the best read I’ve ever had.

Thank you so much for everything, Tim!
I will certainly donate soon

-Sean Garnsey
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- Tim Ferriss — July 22nd, 2010, 2:26 pm
  
  Sean!
  
  So great that you posted about Summit Prep. This is the model we’ll need to embrace on a larger scale. Thanks for sharing and the kind words
  
  Tim
  Reply
Jesse Luna — July 22nd, 2010, 1:23 pm

Tweeted it out. Good luck on the fundraising and hope you have a rockin’ birthday.
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Todd Herman | The Peak Athlete — July 22nd, 2010, 1:24 pm

Great idea Tim! I just started doing some work with some inner city kids in NYC and it’s been a fantastic experience.

Consider me a donatee!

Happy 33! But, 34 is even better.

- Todd
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Coop — July 22nd, 2010, 1:26 pm

Sweet idea.
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Filip Mares — July 22nd, 2010, 1:26 pm

Re=tweeted and share don Facebook. Great incentives to donate. Donating too.
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David Trotter — July 22nd, 2010, 1:27 pm

Live to be 34…and you’ll do something that even Jesus didn’t pull off.
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Julie Wilson — July 22nd, 2010, 1:28 pm

I posted on my Facebook page, sent it to a columnist I know (Amy Alkon) who will hopefully feature it on her blog, posted it on my LinkedIn page and am putting it on my blog (papergowntales.com).

-Julie
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Adam Bate — July 22nd, 2010, 1:28 pm

Will definitely help spread the word and add my $33.

Great cause and great incentives – definitely the most inspiring birthday present I’ve seen. Awesome idea!
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Jens Dalsgaard — July 22nd, 2010, 1:29 pm

That is at really good idea. I have mainly focused on the poor food being poured into school children. Most times you can not call it food at all.

I’m glad that their possibilities to be taught are also in focus.

Heres hoping you will have to write a big check!

Here in DK you don’t have to pay for education, and you even get money from the state while studying. Not a lot, but enough to get by without the need to have a job while studying.
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Joshua — July 22nd, 2010, 1:30 pm

Tim, I just donated 33 bones so the kiddies could walk with the dinosaurs. I don’t see it has being register under your name. I hope you’ll be able to match.
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Phil Rodemann — July 22nd, 2010, 1:31 pm

What a great gift. I tweeted and posted to my Facebook page. Discussing amount to donate with my better half…
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Edward Stedman — July 22nd, 2010, 1:35 pm

Tim, thanks for raising awareness at the detrimental decline in the quality of education children are receiving in this country. As a father, my wife are already seriously considering the benefits that home schooling will offer our child. Thanks for being a part of this cause. Regardless of any prizes that may be offered (thank you for your generous heart), my family will be making a contribution. Thanks for matching it. You are a true 2.0 philanthropists. Thank you for the continued education and motivation.
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Chris Schaefer — July 22nd, 2010, 1:35 pm

Gave all that I could. It’s so great that you’ve been able to create this incredible movement. Thanks for all of the information.
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David — July 22nd, 2010, 1:36 pm

Happy Birthday Tim. I don’t know your mailing address so I hope a comment works too.

You’ve helped me make the decision to see Europe last summer and now I am living in argentina publishing one book and writing two more.

Your blog posts on exercise and fat loss helped me develop a plan that has gotten me from 24% bodyfat to 15% and I’m still going.

The value you’ve just added to my life through your work is amazing and I hope to continue raising my own capacity to add value as well.

Thanks and have a nice birthday.

p.s. I’m glad Matisyahu got into the promotion of the film. He deserves more attention as an artist.
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Aylon Pesso — July 22nd, 2010, 1:38 pm

This is an absolutely incredible way to use your birthday to help out others.

Just like you’ve inspired me in almost all other facets of my life, you’ve now made me think of even more ways to help out others on what is known as something is supposed to be an almost selfish day.

I just donated, and posted this on facebook, and I started and will continue to tell my friends about all the great work you are doing.

I hope to do something similar one day soon, and rally up support for great causes.

Thank you Tim!
-Aylon
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Skyler Meine — July 22nd, 2010, 1:38 pm

Tweeted it out. Good luck.
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Ladee Rickard — July 22nd, 2010, 1:38 pm

Happy Birthday, Tim. Adding my donation and sent to my twitter, facebook, linkedIn, and email list.
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Ashley K. — July 22nd, 2010, 1:39 pm

Donations in lieu of material gifts are some of my favorite ways to honor birthdays and other gift-giving occasions. For this past Mother’s Day, I donated to Room to Read in honor of her gift to me: a passion for reading and learning. I did similarly for Father’s Day, for his inspiration to just keep pushing on.

I’m only too happy to do so in honor of your birthday. I may not know you personally, but your book and your blog and your mission has inspired me to reevaluate my choices in life in light of a mission that asks more of me than to just “show up and punch in.”

I know the kids who receive the product of these donations will be thrilled, and I’m happy to see that a public figure like yourself seems to genuinely support causes like these.

Happy birthday, Tim, and many happy returns!
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Karol Gajda — July 22nd, 2010, 1:39 pm

Nice! Donated and tweeted!
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Luso — July 22nd, 2010, 1:39 pm

1977 – great vintage year. ; )

Also turned 33 a few days ago. Got a great feeling about things this year!

Count me in. I will donate $33. Unfortunately I am not able to personally donate more at this moment. But I will spread the word and ensure a few thousand from network donations. What goes round comes around.

Luso
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Dave — July 22nd, 2010, 1:40 pm

Happy Birthday Tim, awesome idea!

I would love to see you fork over $50,000 on your own birthday.
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Jeff — July 22nd, 2010, 1:41 pm

Very generous birthday idea! I’ve posted it to Twitter/FB and an aggregator site and committed you $33 towards that 100k gift.

It’s very frustrating to see a country of such great wealth align its priorities so that children have to bank on a lottery to get a decent education.
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David — July 22nd, 2010, 1:42 pm

oh, and one more thing for a blog post idea:

how do you go about connecting with organizations and starting your own fundraisers? A case study based upon this one and several others would make a tight blog post. It will really help those of us who are just starting to figure out what we would like to support and don’t know how to do begin leading these kinds of efforts
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Casey Brinkley — July 22nd, 2010, 1:43 pm

Tweeted, posted it on Facebook & told all of my “peeps.” Great work and I look forward hearing about you reaching your goal soon!
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Marco Díaz Calleja — July 22nd, 2010, 1:43 pm

Hi Tim,

Can international users participate?

I’m glad to help. I live in Mexico City but I fear this could be an exclusive deal for United States citizens .
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Raina Gustafson — July 22nd, 2010, 1:47 pm

Happy Birthday, Tim! Mine’s tomorrow.
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Rad Harrell — July 22nd, 2010, 1:49 pm

Tim.
Happy Birthday!! That’s awesome. You’re efforts have impacted me greatly (personally and professionally) so thanks for being born.

This is an amazing idea. I posted to our blog http://www.talentsoup.com/blog
our twitter feed, and our facebook page.

I’m thankful for your giving heart!
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Benny the Irish polyglot — July 22nd, 2010, 1:52 pm

Lá breithe shona duit! (Happy Birthday!)
Have fun on the playa – I’m sure you are looking forward to it after all the hard work on your book this year You deserve it!
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Tyler James — July 22nd, 2010, 1:53 pm

Hi Tim,

Kudos to you for making a difference. You got a “Torontonian” on board – donated to the Aquarium trip!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book The 4hr Workweek … gave me a good kick in the pants to build out my own boutique agency. I’ll be venturing out on my own this fall, breaking free of SouthWestern Ontario, assuming the role of “Chief Digital Nomad” for my agency.

That round-trip ticket would sure come in handy!

I have no doubt in my mind that your “following” will meet your challenge and hit the $50K goal.

All the best!
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John — July 22nd, 2010, 1:55 pm

Happy Birthday Tim

I sent a tweet and facebook update. I also donated my company’s internet marketing pro plan. 3 to 5 staff members focused on driving traffic to the donorschoose.org page. I have also instructed my staff to include the link in their email signatures.
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Ken Duncan — July 22nd, 2010, 1:58 pm

Tim,
Spread the good karma and gave 50 bucks. Hope it gives the kids a great time! Have a happy birthday and since mine is coming up I might try something similar!
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CL — July 22nd, 2010, 1:58 pm

Thank you for promoting DonorsChoose! It’s a great website and with the nation-wide funding crisis, we need all the help we can get. I’m fundraising with it for my local school district. I hope that everybody can lend a hand.
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Benjamin Hurt — July 22nd, 2010, 1:58 pm

Actions Taken:

$33 Donation in Tim’s name
Shared through facebook + link
Shared through Twitter + link
Shared through every email contact I know + link

Actions to be taken:

Trip with Tim via Continental or Star Alliance NOT to Rome, Tokyo, or Buenos Aires – but to feed children in need.

I know the trip is selected at random, but in the spirit of giving it is the only appropriate reaction.

Tim, email me for details on how I spread the word for you today and how my company, Impact Foods, is planning a trip this winter to begin fulfilling our mission of eradicating hunger. We would love to partner with one of those airlines if you have a contact over there.

Thank you for your selflessness – from Room to Read to this most recent project.

- Ben Hurt
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craig — July 22nd, 2010, 2:03 pm

Awesome work Tim. Great ideas on getting people involved.
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Shashi — July 22nd, 2010, 2:05 pm

I donated, shared the message on facebook and tweeted it.

Like Seth a few days ago (http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/07/its-not-my-birthday.html), it’s your turn to give your birthday away! Happy to see such gestures.

Have another great trip round the sun.
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Ines — July 22nd, 2010, 2:05 pm

I turn 40 this weekend and will think about a similar initiative…greetings from Potsdam
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Curt Rapp — July 22nd, 2010, 2:07 pm

Tim (and all),

Seeing this post and your commitment, just touched off a slew of emotions. I’ve known for some time now that children and their education are very important to me. But this really hit home to see these facts presented. I’ve rationalized and made excuses for not doing anything, but that is over. With this economy taking my job down the tube I have ample time (while I build my muse) to impact kids in my area. Whether I end up with Big Brothers Big Sisters or just substitute teaching, I am going to impact my community.

Thanks for setting so many examples for me and others.

Kind Regards,

Curt Rapp
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James — July 22nd, 2010, 2:07 pm

I have created a campaign of my own on our website to raise pledges from my friends and family, and will then match any amount I receive by 7/31. Great cause!
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Tom — July 22nd, 2010, 2:13 pm

Donated, tweeted, told all my friends! Excellent way to give back Tim!
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jason — July 22nd, 2010, 2:14 pm

Hey Tim! What a great idea! I donate every month to donors choose (although I do try to keep it in the local Tampa area with only a few exceptions.) It is a fantastic way to help tomorrows generation and support our teachers in what they think is best for the kids.

I have it linked to my facebook (which is linked to my LinkedIn) so that it reminds as many people as I can do. Maybe it’s time to setup twitter too.

Best of luck. I truly hope you get well over 50k in donations this weekend!

Jason
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Don — July 22nd, 2010, 2:14 pm

What a cool idea! It felt so good to be able to complete one of the donation. I posted it to Twitter and Facebook. Thanks for supporting education.
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Ron — July 22nd, 2010, 2:14 pm

Happy Birthday Tim! Like you I was born in ’77. So we share more and more things. I have email blasted all I know as well as Facebooked and Linkedin and put a note into my companies blog as well.
I love the birthday idea.
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Lukas — July 22nd, 2010, 2:20 pm

I love to be able to donate money for education on the other side of the planet.
Maybe I should set up something like DonorsChoose.org in Germany.
Anyway, thank you for inspiring so many people (again) and turning idea into action (not only your own, but mine).
Have a great year.
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Travis — July 22nd, 2010, 2:21 pm

Tim,
I have been emotionally moved recently by kids in my line of police work and I am going to donate to this cause. I have read your book and I am going to look into some of your suggestions on charities to help. You are a role model of mine and I have learned alot from your life! Thank you very much! I will be facebooking this donation and this will motivate me to start a twitter account right now!
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Lucia — July 22nd, 2010, 2:23 pm

Happy B-day (well this weekend). I donated some $$ and oh: I don’t expect anything back. Did it because I care about those children. Great initiative!
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Adam — July 22nd, 2010, 2:24 pm

Donated and re-tweeted. Thank you for drawing more attention to this cause.
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meredith — July 22nd, 2010, 2:24 pm

Happy Birthday….”the mind is a beautiful thing” and so are kids. As a grandmother I know the importance of field trips and kids. Love them both!
Thanks for inspiring me. I am also spreading the word via Facebook, Twitter and a personal email to my son who knows how meaningful field trips are to my little granddaughter…added my $33 to Most Urgent…Literacy project..
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baahar — July 22nd, 2010, 2:45 pm

Wonderful initiative. I will tweet about this until Sunday and spam a few forums on Etsy too. I also donate a few of my items …

For people from outside the US: during the checkout process on donorschoose.org it asks for your address. I couldn’t proceed at first because my postal code was too short and there was no message to indicate where the problem is. Type a 5 digit number to pass that stage.
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Bombchell - in Atlanta — July 22nd, 2010, 2:46 pm

Happy Birthday, and great idea
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Jason H. — July 22nd, 2010, 2:53 pm

You’ve convinced me… Happy Birthday Tim!! I made my donation and the kids are the ones who will reap the benefits of your birthday. Much more rewarding than a cake anyway!!
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Bill Lyons — July 22nd, 2010, 2:54 pm

Hey Tim,

Happy B-Day!

I was also born in 77 and will be 33 in November!

I just ‘LIKED’ your FB Fanpage, Added it to my Fanpage which goes out to @bill_lyons Twitter & your FanPage http://www.facebook.com/timferriss.

The post should show on my website link above next to my name.

$100K no problem!
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dean — July 22nd, 2010, 2:56 pm

Thanks Tim for helping others in need and inspiring others to give… I wouldn’t have donated to a worthy cause today if it weren’t for your reminder…
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Nick — July 22nd, 2010, 3:07 pm

Happy B-day Tim! DOnated some $$ to a school up here in Norcal. Great idea.

FB’ed
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Eric — July 22nd, 2010, 3:13 pm

Awesome idea, Tim. This really showcases your generosity.
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Steve — July 22nd, 2010, 3:15 pm

Happy birthday Tim. Thanks for bringing these projects to our attention. I enjoy your posting but I enjoyed reading about the school projects even more! Better get your checkbook out, I think you might reach that goal.
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Justin — July 22nd, 2010, 3:15 pm

A great initiative! Donated and thanks for introducing me to the site!
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John Fotheringham — July 22nd, 2010, 3:31 pm

?????????????????And a big ????, too.

Great birthday gift idea. And thanks for turning us on to “Waiting for Superman”. Can’t wait to see it (though it looks like Seattle is falling behind in the pledge rankings…)

And speaking of rankings, that is my only potential beef with the “American kids are falling behind other countries” issue. While it is certainly true that most of our public schools suck (and are getting worse year by year), using standardized test scores as the measure for success only makes matters worse. Once schools and students are rewarded or penalized based on test scores alone, school becomes more about memorizing and cramming (as they tend to be in Japan, Taiwan, Korea and China) and not about learning to learn as they should be.

Fortunately, the donations you’re talking about actually address the root cause: getting students excited about learning and providing them opportunities to learn outside of bland textbooks and classrooms.
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Rhiannon — July 22nd, 2010, 3:35 pm

This is refreshing. Confidence without a knowledge base is scary.

“Either the kids are getting stupider every year, or something is wrong in the education system” ~ Geoffrey Canada
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M Staples — July 22nd, 2010, 3:37 pm

Happy Birthday, Tim! Here’s to many more.

How I’ve promoted this awesome initiative: I started with a retweet from my personal twitter, and Liked the post on FB. I bumped up the post someone did of it on Reddit, and built a Squidoo lens (http://www.squidoo.com/one-simple-way-to-make-a-100-000-difference-to-public-schools). Btw, any monies the Squidoo page makes is going to DonorsChoose. After that, I sent an emailed my one non-work email list with the info. Somewhere in there, I made my donation, as well. Tonight, I’ll retweet from the twitter of the muse I’m building.

Enjoy your day, and the difference you’re making. You’ve earned it.
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Scott Gould — July 22nd, 2010, 3:44 pm

Congratulations and happy birthday Tim.

Scott
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Azstrel — July 22nd, 2010, 3:48 pm

Thanks Tim, Happy birthday to you.

I admit to feeling super lame at 35 when I see what you have and are doing in life. And to see what you are capable of…just Awesome, my friend. Good Job!

I created a white elephant party for my 30th where every one went home with a present!

Oh well, I know better than to compare. This is the last time.

Here is to your super successful Charity Campaign and to a gnarly Burning Man For you!
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Grant Schultz — July 22nd, 2010, 3:52 pm

“To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.” – Mark Twain

Judging by the cited statistics in the video, Americans have ignorance and confidence down pat. And that, my friends, drives ambition.
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Huey — July 22nd, 2010, 3:52 pm

Penblwydd hapus (happy birthday) Tim,

I just linked your facebook page and donated some dollars.

p.s. I saw that the publishing date of your new book has been moved from September to December 14th. Say it isn’t so(. I can’t wait that long
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MJ — July 22nd, 2010, 3:56 pm

Happy Birthday Tim. I would like to thank you in behalf of all of the teachers and students who will benefit from your generosity!

http://www.donorschoose.org/mj.coward
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Scott Temby — July 22nd, 2010, 3:57 pm

Tim:

In light of what your book, blog and references to other valuable information have done for me, the least I could do for your birthday was to honor your request for a donation to donorschoose.org.

I posted it on my facebook page and sent out an e-mail blast to my personal e-mail contacts.

If we can’t help our family, friends and kids, who can we help!?

BTW – Happy Birthday!
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Nick — July 22nd, 2010, 4:00 pm

Just posted it on my Facebook, but everyone who can help some kids play chess like I did as a kid in school is great.
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Peter — July 22nd, 2010, 4:00 pm

Happy Birthday.
Encouraging donation and giving away your own money as a birthday celebration is cool like Fonzie. (Yes I have just read the comment rules)
I need to think about what I can do on my birthday.
Happy Karma.
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Ryan — July 22nd, 2010, 4:12 pm

Happy birthday Tim!

I interact with a lot of recent high school grads and folks that haven’t even received a GED (but in their mid-20s or older) and have noticed their struggles over the years. Your focus on education is very inspiring. I went ahead and finished out the Alice in Wonderland project. I hope they really enjoy it.

Keep up the awesomeness.
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Ryan — July 22nd, 2010, 4:14 pm

Tim this is awesome. I think it is incredible how you use your influence online to do some many good things. Keep up the great work.
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Stuart — July 22nd, 2010, 4:16 pm

Birthday wishes from the UK Tim. Hopefully this will inspire others to give as well as receive on their birthday. A few $$ are headed across the pond.
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Hartley Steiner — July 22nd, 2010, 4:20 pm

I am passionate about education in our country too — and am happy to spread the word. Happy Birthday – and on behalf of moms everywhere, thank you.

Hartley Steiner
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Toni, Ed.D. — July 22nd, 2010, 4:28 pm

Congrats on your birthday! You have really found a better way of celebrating than most.

I have donated, tweeted, and FB’ed… your challenge and the trailer.

The movie really touches me as during my research I spent over a year sifting through this data… but seeing the faces of this truth is far more difficult. I have given most of my life to education and technology, so seeing the current state of schools breaks my heart. But seeing those that are willing, wanting, and able to do something about it brings me hope.

If there is anything you need in your future endeavors along this line… I’m in, at any level.
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Cameron Benz — July 22nd, 2010, 4:36 pm

Happy Birthday Tim! I just turned 33 this week as well.

Excellent plan. I’m in, but will have to do it tomorrow when I actually have my wallet handy (don’t ask).
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Andrew Barbour — July 22nd, 2010, 4:52 pm

Done and done. Just gave $33 towards helping kids learn chess. Thanks for giving people an new perspective on birthday gifts.
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Cameron Benz — July 22nd, 2010, 5:09 pm

Oh and almost forgot, while I like the Maui Jim’s, I found the Oakley Nanowire 2.0 to fit my head much better and absolutely LOVE them.
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Sarah W — July 22nd, 2010, 5:19 pm

Is it possible to add one of my kindergarten classroom’s projects to your giving page? THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! ) Here are the links to our projects…
Comfy Cozy Reading Corner http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=407915
When I Grow Up I Want to Be…
http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=407918

Also, not sure if you know about this already, but BING is giving away $3 free giving codes to anyone who goes to their website. Maybe you can retweat this and all of your followers can get those giving codes and use it towards projects on your giving page!! Here’s the link for the BING giveaway:

http://www.discoverbing.com/education/searchwithpurpose/?form=MFEHPG&publ=DBING&crea=TEXT_MFEHPG_Cause_Hero_DSE_1x1&fbid=aKUoDlgEW9k&wom=false
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Nicolas Luna Hisano — July 22nd, 2010, 5:37 pm

hi tim

happy birthday!!!!!!!
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Alex Thompson — July 22nd, 2010, 5:37 pm

Tim, I am not one to post kudos, I just sit back and silent unless I see something to debate about. But the combination of the video and your post really tugged the heart strings and I want to say thank you for standing up in the gap and doing something about it. Thank you. I am in.
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Jeffery Patch — July 22nd, 2010, 5:38 pm

Happy Birthday Tim.

I gave $33 to a classroom in Illinois that is looking to use new media technologies in their multi-cultural class. This is a wonderful idea you are promoting in lieu of the normal selfish b-day requests most people look for.

I also spread to nearly by 3,000 followers on Twitter & Facebook.

I hope we max out all of these donations!
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Cory Jones — July 22nd, 2010, 6:05 pm

Tim Ferriss, Happy Birthday!

I Posted this on Facebook. I will push it out a few more times. Thank you for everything!
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ChrisGo — July 22nd, 2010, 6:10 pm

First post, long time reader…

Great idea & great cause!

I retweeted your post and facebooked your posts’ link. Then when I went to Donorschoose.org I tweeted and facebooked that I gave and did so motivated by your post. Third, I emailed a few people who I shared your book with to do the same.
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Rolfski — July 22nd, 2010, 6:19 pm

Congratulations with your birthday Tim, I appreciate what you do for your country but let me challenge you:

Give me one good reason why I should donate as a Western European to the public schools of the richest country in the world. A country that, if I should believe you, apparently failed to get their education system right although they have the most resources in the world…

Why oh why should I donate money to fix a system that shouldn’t lack any resources at all in the first place while there are so many educational backwater countries that could really, really use my euro’s?

Don’t forget who your audience is Tim. Don’t ask this from people who read your blog but live outside US, some in countries that barely have an educational system at all….
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- Tim Ferriss — July 22nd, 2010, 6:38 pm
  
  Hi Rolfski,
  
  In that case, I’d encourage you to give your euros to the “educational backwater countries” that need it more. That wouldn’t bother me one bit.
  
  That said, I think it’s easy for countries without 50 states, state legislature, and 300+ million people to criticize a country that, while it’s made plenty of mistakes, has done pretty well for one created in the late 1700′s. Our education is, however, f*cked up. No doubt. Hence this initiative and my other attempts to correct it.
  
  Tim
  Reply
Cristina F. — July 22nd, 2010, 6:29 pm

I wish you had posted this earlier in the week. I would have had more time to advertise.
As it is, I have tweeted it, posted it on Facebook, Sent an email to RoadID.com to see if they will tweet and share it (b/c they have larger followers/friends than me) also I found out the donorschoose.org is featured, in part by, NPR.
So I wrote them a little story they could choose to publish, either by their facebook page or NPR.com at their Tell Me More segment, hopefully.
They originally did an interview with Charles Best who created the Donorschoose.org site.
And donate I will, while doing a little something something at my blog.
I find new ideas in your blog everytime you publish and I really try do “do” and not “have” nowadays. Saving money and decluttering my life . Thank you.
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Schmidty - Man Vs. Style — July 22nd, 2010, 6:40 pm

Happy Birthday Tim.

Great idea, and I think its awsome that you are matching it .

Have a great weekend.
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Greg Peters — July 22nd, 2010, 6:44 pm

Done, and happy birthday. Great choice for a present! I’ve posted the link to facebook and re-tweeted
Reply
Tim Ferriss « Petitemuscle's Blog — July 22nd, 2010, 6:54 pm

[...] Tim Ferriss July 23, 2010 — petitemuscle My Unusual $100,000 Birthday Present (Plus: Free Round-Trip Anywhere in the World) [...]
Ty K. — July 22nd, 2010, 7:21 pm

Sent this link to the 50,000+ subscribers on my product’s mailing list. This is the first email to this list unrelated to my business. I’m happy it can be something positive and productive.

Brainstorm: I use Aweber for my list. Maybe these types of charity announcements could be offered to customers for delivery to their lists. Marketing emails need a little heart. A DonorsChoose link would be perfect.

Happy Birthday.
Reply
Karen — July 22nd, 2010, 7:24 pm

What do you get the man who has everything? Nothing. Let him give to others who are not as fortunate. Such a fantastic idea and a great way to give back, Tim.

Happy Birthday!

I hope the donors get more than the $100 000 and some of your wealthy friends boost that number up even further! I can’t imagine that some people have never been to a museum before. It really hits home how rich we really are.
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John Crestani — July 22nd, 2010, 7:39 pm

Exciting stuff, I dontated your darn $33…but just because its your birthday. Also I just hired my first full-time employee today and my business website/system is 95% complete and almost completely automated following your advice in the book. Ridiculous income. All nighters setting this up. This is going big. I’m super stoked.

I definitely come from the other frame of reference though as I really think non-government-run school initiatives are the way to go. Just as pumping more water through a leaky hose only creates a bigger problem. Its the hose (or the educational system in this case) that is the problem, NOT the amount of money they have at their disposal.

The answer to education is NOT money. Most of your testimonials have proven that businesses, innovation, and change, can be created without large amounts of money. Its the people at top that are the variable holding back our educational system. The bureaucrats…

(Uh oh Im about to start on a pseudo-libertarian rant again…I’ll spare you)

But what we need are PEOPLE and INNOVATIVE people to somehow be incentivised to contribute their MINDS to creating SYSTEMS that are more condusive to teaching kids to be leaders, rather than followers.

A systemic towards a privatised school system will allow for freer system and more trial and error moving towards successful ways to run schools. Free the markets! Happy birthday Tim and I look forward to being on the “Rich Jerk” side of the business soon, not the “loooooser” side.

Best,
JC
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John P — July 22nd, 2010, 7:55 pm

Happy 33rd B-Day and thanks for your efforts on a good cause. I will FB, Tweet and e mail to help get the word out.
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David Turnbull — July 22nd, 2010, 8:48 pm

Donated. Was very happy to support a kindergarten class that needed money to buy reading material. I’m all for that.
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Toshi O. — July 22nd, 2010, 8:58 pm

Brilliant! It just seems to work.

It’s said that Jesus lived to be 33.
YOU could outlive JESUS!

Toshi O.
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Benny — July 22nd, 2010, 9:06 pm

I just turned 33 on July 21 so I felt like this was destiny telling me to donate as well when I saw what you did for your birthday gift.

As of this time it’s up to $11,007 total.

I’m sure hoping, as well as others are, to see it get up to $50,000.
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Leah — July 22nd, 2010, 9:12 pm

In CAD $ you’re 34.4:) HBD Tim. up the ante and challenge your readers to bid on that plane ticket? the additional funds could go towards the ‘ultimate’ field trip. hold a contest for the kids to design their own field trip. Engage them, encourage creativity and integrate it in to their curriculum.
I’m just saying…we don’t really need that ticket, make us work for it.

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
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Eddie — July 22nd, 2010, 9:14 pm

Happy Birthday buddy!
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ShaolinTiger — July 22nd, 2010, 9:18 pm

Happy birthday Tim and good luck with the fund raising, you got 1 year on me and it’s my girlfriends birthday today too!
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Ron Turner — July 22nd, 2010, 9:24 pm

Hello Tim from China! Hope you will have a killer birthday! So being affiliated in the teaching profession, I was glad to see this post! I have seen first hand the slighting of education in our country, and glad to see such actions have been set in motion to make an impact! As much as I hope this helps kids in need, I hope some awareness is also shed on how under-equipped and inexperienced many of our teachers are as well. I would love to see some things done down the road to better enable the teachers as they are the most crucial element in the childrens’ success!

I just made my donation, and am spreading the news by posting info on my Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Stumble, and LinkedIn pages, as well as backlinked info on the Youtube Trailer video feedback as well. Also sent out a mass email asking for donations, and will create a YouTube video as well this weekend! Lastly, I will email some bloggers with weight (ie: Mark Cubans of the world), and request assistance as well!

Best of luck, and thanks again for all you do!
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KH — July 22nd, 2010, 9:29 pm

@SarahW I just got $3 free from BING and directed it towards Tim’s goal!
How fantastic.
Happy Birthday Tim and Thanks Sarah

KH
(an around the world trip would be….. extraordinary… i would love to plan my muses from a remote location. what do you say?)
x
Reply
David W. Alderman — July 22nd, 2010, 9:41 pm

Just in case you’re feeling old, I’d like to point out that you’ve actually finished 33 years….you’re starting your 34th year!

Posted the info on Facebook – THANKS FOR BEING AN INSPIRATION!
Reply
ShaolinTiger — July 22nd, 2010, 9:43 pm

BTW gave $37 to finish off one of the projects, will also be pimping it on Twitter/Facebook etc.

Come on people, donate more!
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Andrew — July 22nd, 2010, 10:47 pm

Hey Tim,
I think this is cool and I am always impressed by your ideas to connect people because that is really the core to all you do and I think it is what is needed in this world.
I hope that the kids I helped will be able to enjoy and be as amazed at the Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival as I was when I went in High School over 10 years ago. If you have not gone to see anything there I highly recommend it. Close to Northern California and totally worth the drive from the Bay even though the I-5 corridor kinda sucks. Except for the stop in Chico of course
Happy Bday and I hope you live it well.
Peace,
Andrew
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Maxim — July 22nd, 2010, 11:25 pm

Tim, happy birthday!

You’ve done plenty of cool things for your age, but it’s only the beginning! So, keep the good pace and all the best!
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Jonas Sandström — July 22nd, 2010, 11:39 pm

Happy birthday Timmy!

Made a smaller donation. To think I almost went “I’ll do it later” but then I realized, later will probably turn to never.

Take care,
Jonas
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William J. Raitt — July 23rd, 2010, 12:01 am

Tim,

Big fan and thanks for the “Delivering Happiness” book recommendation, finished it in 2 sittings and loved it.

I wish there were some way to track the progress like in affiliate marketing from each user on here and publish the results as I would kick some butt. Pitting people against eachother in fundraising efforts would be a good idea for a site..Lets talk:)

Already Tweeted this, posted it on my FB and personally emailed over 1,000 of my closest friends and family who are very very generous. I was only able to pitch in $33 as I am in between jobs.

I was really happy to see you do a post like this as I came from a lower middle class family and my Mom made too much for financial aid and additional support but barely enough to keep us clothed..No Joke there are some serious problems in our education system on all levels.

Keep a look out for CollegeLiberty.com as this will one day be what I give back to the world.

Keep on doing the right things and please keep leading by example as this world needs more celebrities like yourself to use your connections for bettering us all.

Cool Sun Glasses and round trip anywhere in the world would be great but the most important thing is getting these kids some culture and trips to museums:)
-Will
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Diggy — July 23rd, 2010, 12:02 am

Hey Tim,
Great gesture here! Made a small donation! I’m sure you will reach your target very soon:)

Happy Happy birthday!
Cheers
Diggy
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Sunny — July 23rd, 2010, 12:11 am

I’ll definitely be making this known to my friends and the people on my site.

I’ll pose a question to you though…. I’m an about-to-graduate entrepreneur and my main three focuses are Travel, Adventure, and Entrepreneurship….Whats the best gift you’ve recieved or treated yourself to that falls somewhere inside that realm?
Reply
Venice and the Power of Giving | Lodmell & Lodmell — July 23rd, 2010, 12:13 am

[...] week I began reading his blog. And he is doing something pretty cool for his 33rd birthday (See his unusual $100,000 birthday request). He is asking for people to donate $33 to a charity focused on helping students who have never [...]
Douglass Lodmell — July 23rd, 2010, 12:41 am

Great birthday idea bro. I just matched your $100,000 challenge with my own clients and friends. I will match them up to $100K, and with your match we can turn $1 of giving into $4 of gift. Thanks for the inspiration. Doug Lodmell
Reply
- Tim Ferriss — July 23rd, 2010, 9:10 am
  
  Wow! Thanks so much, Douglass! Let’s make it happen!
  Reply
Natalie Sisson — July 23rd, 2010, 12:58 am

Love this initiative and HAPPY FRICKIN Birthday Tim. 77 is the best year ever. I too am 33 and you’ve just given me a great idea for my upcoming cycle of Africa to raise awareness for the education of young girls in developing countries.

I donated and hope that you achieve your goal, you’re 65% of the way there right now, when you do surely that will be the best birthday present ever.

Charity Water also do a similarly great thing by suggesting you donate the age of someone’s birthday to give clean water around the world. Let’s keep this planet rocking!

Natalie
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Josh — July 23rd, 2010, 1:55 am

congrats on the big 33 i am turning the big 22 this week 0_o
my friend just left to japan yesterday for architecture internship he signed up 4 ken-do
i am going bak to ny for the 2nd time this time for the money and a bolder lifestyle experiment in a month from now and am currently designing a plan to launch 2 businesses, i am in Bangalore at the moment

hay time is their a law against selling “proud supporter or ________ movement” merchandise or can you just write on your site that you are not formally affiliated but are doing this to help bring awareness of the movement through selling products that advertise its existence
i figure i would ask you this since internet law is a mysterious subject and its hard to find information online, if you have a clarification, insight, or link you can refer it would help me out a ton.
MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO YOU MR FERRISS..
something SUPER NINJA SECRET TECHNIQUE that will guarantee a smile

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9NMtVYKip4w/SkmG7vFmEKI/AAAAAAAAAIk/RUjXcsKxxo0/s400/I_can_always_make_you_smile_by_Praerion.jpg
Reply
wuyebeihong — July 23rd, 2010, 1:58 am

Tim Ferriss, Happy Birthday!

I Posted this on Facebook. I will push it out a few more times. Thank you for everything!

…

Welcome return visit
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Pooja Warier — July 23rd, 2010, 2:51 am

Done. Happy birthday!
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Erin — July 23rd, 2010, 3:02 am

Donated.
Dugg.
Twitted.
Posted.
Happy Birthday Tim.
Go have a Okunomatsu Daiginjo Shizukusake Juhachidai Ihei.
Reply
Flow4Co » Blog Archive » Rare and unusual birthday present — July 23rd, 2010, 3:04 am

[...] response to his call (we got pitched through twitter > stumpleupon) which you can review here (please do and start [...]
DaVaun Sanders — July 23rd, 2010, 3:12 am

Happy Birthday Tim!

I was in a slump working on my novel revisions and took a break to read your blog. This was just the shot in the arm I needed to go get ‘er done…

Tweeted, fb’ed, and email is sent out. My gf will do the same. Going to ask editors for the blogs I freelance for at PhxSoul and Hustletown Chronicle to post the trailer too.

I donated to the one Arizona project I found…great to be a part of this despite all of the negative happening in the state!

thanks,
-DaVaun
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Yavor Ivanov — July 23rd, 2010, 3:41 am

Happy 33 birthday Tim!

I really like what you do. When I saw my RSS this morning I was dealing with bunch of ugly work stuff and when I saw your generosity it kind of touched me so I got to the site and supported the most urgent.

Spread the news via the usual twitter/facebook/other social networks stuff

I’ll setup a special page on our site (svejo.net) which is the biggest social media in Bulgaria with over 2 million visits from all over the world. Hope this will help!

Cheers!
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Yavor Ivanov — July 23rd, 2010, 4:28 am

Happy birthday Tim!

Spread the word through the social networks!

Will also setup a page on Svejo about it hope it will help spread the word.

Cheers and have fun!
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alita hawksworth — July 23rd, 2010, 5:05 am

I’m sharing your message on twitter: http://twitter.com/achgcs/statuses/19333601377

I also turned 33 this year! Keep up the great works!
ACH
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Michael — July 23rd, 2010, 5:26 am

Great stuff. Donated, posted on facebook and set my mother who is a teacher to circulate.
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Christopher — July 23rd, 2010, 5:37 am

Dentists became main-stream in the US by educating children on the benefits of mouth care. Educating children is the way to make lasting change in society. Glad to have learned about donorschoose.org. Thank you Tim.
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Monsieur J — July 23rd, 2010, 6:07 am

Just happy birthday Mr Ferriss
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Dustin — July 23rd, 2010, 6:26 am

Donated and retweeted. Great b-day gesture, Tim. Wish I had the money to do the same!

Keep up the inspirational good work!
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Akash S — July 23rd, 2010, 6:47 am

great effort and happy to donate to help celebrate your bday!
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AdventureRob — July 23rd, 2010, 6:48 am

Happy Birthday Tim ^_^

What an honourable gift you are offering here. I hope it makes a genuine difference to many children. However having confidence (which American kids are best at) is nothing to be sniffed at, you can go a long way just with confidence.
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Julie C — July 23rd, 2010, 6:58 am

Hi Tim!!!

I’m so excited about this project. Totally lovin’ it.

Happy Birthday. You’ve got my $33, enthusiastically. I can’t believe that ON TOP of this awesome project, you’re offering a round trip ticket. Simply put, YOU DA MAN!

Congrats on 33.

Julie
Reply
Pam Mark Hall — July 23rd, 2010, 7:36 am

Tim,
Happy Birthday. Your mother and I are proud of you. This is the right way to use your notoriety! Keep up the good work.

Pam
Reply
Eric — July 23rd, 2010, 7:39 am

Happy Birthday -

…And what a badass way to celebrate it! I donated and spread word on Facebook. Hope this project exceeds our hopes!

–eric
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Skye — July 23rd, 2010, 7:42 am

Happy Birthday Tim, I’d like to thank you for the 4 Hour Work Week. I just got it a couple weeks back, and I’ve already read it twice. Thanks for everything you do.

I just donated, tweeted, FB posted, and e-mailed my friends about this amazing gift.
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Greg Z. — July 23rd, 2010, 7:43 am

Tim:

I think you’re doing a tremendous thing for your birthday. I volunteered a year of my life after college for the City Year division of Americorps in Philadelphia. I ran a team of seven people in a South Philadelphia high school tutoring and mentoring students that desperately needed the help.

My team helped students get scholarships, get into college and we culminated our year by organizing 2,000 people to clean up a large section of South Philadelphia, collected enough paint donations to paint two huge murals in the school. We also pioneered an after school program that taught students poetry and reading and writing skills through hip hop and rap.

The reason I went into all of that is because of what you said that politician had said to you. The movement already exists in Americorps. City Year and Teach For America are just two giant examples of a movement in our society designed to fix a broken system.

You can find out more about City Year here:

http://www.cityyear.org/default_ektid13307.aspx

Happy Birthday Tim. Your book and blog have been a huge help to me in my personal and professional life. Thanks.
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Fred Avolio — July 23rd, 2010, 7:44 am

I tweeted it and put it on Facebook. Great idea.
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Ashely — July 23rd, 2010, 7:48 am

You are something pretty special, Tim Ferriss… It’s posts like this that
really make me realize that. I have the drive to move people and to bring
good things to those who cannot for themselves, but I don’t have near the
influential power that you do! Thanks for sharing; Finding this read in my inbox this morning definitely brightened my day.

I turn 33 in November, so here’s to a lucky
year for us both.

Happy Birthday!

AA
Reply
Jake — July 23rd, 2010, 7:48 am

Happy Birthday Tim, great way to celebrate! I made a donation, as well as the standard RT/FB/Digg…emailing my coworkers as well!
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Travis and Robin — July 23rd, 2010, 7:48 am

Happy Birthday Tim!

Done and done. We always love jumping on your band wagon. Any time we donate to help kids with your matching dollars we double our investment! No brainer…seriously, no brainer.

PS: Thanks for your inspiration and allowing us to live the lifestyle we do now. You were a huge help.
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SAS — July 23rd, 2010, 7:49 am

Hey Tim,

This is great. I’ll make a donation pronto.

I’m in the midst of starting a online non-profit that accomplishes something very similar to this only with different ‘clients.’ If you have any ideas and/or would like to help out with (advice, rec’s, anything), please reach out.

Keep up the good work.
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jack — July 23rd, 2010, 8:00 am

It is good to see you having fun. After the last string of posts I was starting to wonder if you were going to start looking at BMW’s.
If you aren’t traveling as much I’d be happy to write a post on traveling in America for you.
Enjoy Burning Man
Reply
Frost & Spence — July 23rd, 2010, 8:04 am

Now this is a charity that we can wrap our hearts (and FB and twitter etc) around!
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Mike Bowerman — July 23rd, 2010, 8:07 am

Nice one Tim, I will donate, Facebook, and email some friends on this one. The film trailer is brilliant — I’m especially looking forward to hearing from Geoffrey Canada, quoted in the trailer, whose Harlem Children’s Zone is among the most inspirational examples of personal leadership I’ve ever come across.

In education, Doug Lemov’s work is comparably inspiring. A self-described mediocre teacher, Lemov became a successful education consultant but was frustrated as he wasn’t able to help schools do the one thing they all wanted to do — improve teaching. In the mountains of research on education, the factor that makes the biggest difference is the teacher — bigger than social or economic background, student past performance, or anything else. Poorly performing students walking into a great teacher’s class can be transformed — but nobody knows how to “make” a great teacher. Experience doesn’t do it — after three years, teacher performance levels out and stays at the same level until retirement.

So Lemov set out to find out how to make great teachers.

He looked for the outliers — classrooms where students shone on standardized tests in poor areas where all the other classrooms were low-performance, consistent with results in impoverished communities. Then he went to the schools and watched what the great teachers were doing — how they made eye contact with students, how the used their voices, how they stood still when they gave instructions, made their praise specific, didn’t let students skip answering questions in class — in all he defined 49 specific behaviours that great teachers do, and which can be learned, and has compiled them into a book — Teach Like a Champion — and applied them at the charter program Uncommon Schools.

By making more great teachers, Lemov’s work will be critical to transforming education not only in the U.S., but around the world.

A brilliant NYTimes article on his work is here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/magazine/07Teachers-t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine
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Chris Carter — July 23rd, 2010, 8:09 am

Happy Birthday, Tim.

This project is big. VERY big. It reminds me of that saying ‘be the change you want to see in the world’. You are being that change, Tim, and I’m so glad to help.

Cheers,
Chris
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Kristin Hansen — July 23rd, 2010, 8:25 am

Heard you “dated” one of my coworker’s friends…
Although that is neither here nor there
Pleased to be a
Part of this initiative
You can thank me later with a pair of sunglasses

Blogged the link
Invited others to do the same
Reposted link to facebook
Tweeted
Happy to help!
Distributed via LinkedIn
Argue this is the most creative comment so far!
Yours truly, Kristin
Reply
Jeff — July 23rd, 2010, 8:29 am

Great idea! I’m in! Thanks for keeping me inspired. My buddy and I are constantly keeping each other from becoming the bald man in the sports car, and we’re much better off for it.
Reply
tara — July 23rd, 2010, 8:31 am

thanks for doing this tim! and happy birthday! now, can you put your facebook buttons back so we can send this farther pls?? thx
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Justin Unertl — July 23rd, 2010, 8:31 am

Awesome idea. I posted on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. Let’s get to $50k.

-Justin
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Tara — July 23rd, 2010, 8:47 am

Hey Tim,
Thanks for showing me DonorsChoose.org.
Happy Birthday – 1977!
Reply
Patrick Flynn — July 23rd, 2010, 8:48 am

I have been lurking around here reading this site for a while and this inspired me to act.

Your book (among others like Power of Now & Four Agreements) has helped me refocus my life and I thought I should get you a birthday gift!

I have been going through divorce, and since I moved out I have actually started to donate money to different causes. Although it is tough monetarily, I would rather give the $33 to these kids than blow it on some drinks at a bar. Thanks for putting a worthy cause out there for people to give to!
Reply
Lisa Gustafson — July 23rd, 2010, 8:56 am

Tim, first of all happy birthday! I donated $33, tweeted, FB and Linked In your wonderful cause. Your generosity is admirable. You are wonderful for doing this. I have been following you for a few years now since I read 4 hour workweek and love your work. Keep it up!
Reply
William Hertling — July 23rd, 2010, 8:57 am

I donated, I posted to Facebook, and I posted to my Twitter feed. I hope it all helps!
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Michele — July 23rd, 2010, 9:09 am

Wow! This is absolutely amazing. I am a teacher and am so stoked about this. Words can not even begin to describe how appreciative I am as well as other teachers to receive all this generosity. The best part is to see the students reaction to all the wonderful materials we receive from Donors Choose and all the generous donors. Thank you to all. And a huge thank-you to you Tim Ferriss. Happy Birthday!
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Star — July 23rd, 2010, 9:22 am

Hi Tim! Happy annual date of birth!!

I gave $33 to the most urgent project and it looks like you’re almost halfway to the goal of $50,000! So exciting!!!
I should really give more often. Even when I’m a bit low on cash, nothing boosts you up better than some good karma.
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Andy — July 23rd, 2010, 9:26 am

Happy B-Day Tim!

You rock for setting a great example. Keep it up.

- Donated
- Posted it to my Facebook wall
- Dug it.
- Will email it to my huge email list.
- Will pray for your success this year and the hope you reach your goal of $50K donations to give $100K in benefits!!!!!

Good luck!
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John Sprock — July 23rd, 2010, 9:38 am

Hey Tim,

Thanks for posting this. I just made a donation. Heard you met Jordan Harbinger and crew at Summit Series. Would have loved to have been there.

Happy Birthday,
John
Reply
Doug B — July 23rd, 2010, 9:38 am

Great idea! I donated, posted on FB and Twitter as well. Also bumped the digg and reddit posts (they beat me to the punch!).

Also thanks for having the 4HWW book in both print and audio. I love listening to it as a reminder to keep the motivation up and going, while still being able to reference the book!
Reply
Sheryl Lyon — July 23rd, 2010, 9:41 am

Happy Birthday!

Retweeted and posted to Facebook.
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Stephen — July 23rd, 2010, 9:43 am

Happy birthday Tim,
I don’t have much, but I donated what I can. I’m pushing on facebook for others to follow my lead.

Thanks again for the opportunity,
Stephen R.
Reply
Anthony — July 23rd, 2010, 9:51 am

Happy Birthday Tim, couldn’t decide which one, so gave a little to all… except the one making the kids read Shakespeare, thats just mean
Reply
Laura C. — July 23rd, 2010, 10:00 am

Wow, this was an amazing idea! I’ve donated and posted to my Facebook. I’m going to encourage others to donate so that you can exceed your goal by Sunday.

My 28th birthday is coming up in a couple months and now you’ve given me the idea to do something similar. Thanks for all of your inspiration, and have a fantastic birthday Tim!
Reply
Liz — July 23rd, 2010, 10:10 am

Happy Birthday! I found DonorsChoose through Groupon a few months back and think it’s a great site! I donated yesterday before your birthday challenge and donated today to one of the classroom projects in your list. I posted on Facebook, and am going to put a link to this on my business website (I already snuck in a link from my ex-husband’s business website because his will reach more people… (It’s okay, he’ll like it.)
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Chris — July 23rd, 2010, 10:21 am

Tim, you rock dude. The world is better off with you here, and that’s awesome. I gave $33 as suggested but I think I want to give more.

So when I gave it put a literacy cause as the most needed fund – I guess that means all the field trips are funded? If so that’s great.

Happy birthday
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Jasmin — July 23rd, 2010, 10:42 am

Happy Birthday Tim! With all this good karma you’re sure to have a goodie!!

I couldn’t possibly choose a project, there are so many great causes and so many kids who deserve better. So I took the easy way and donated to the most urgent project. And I’ve posted on FB for all to join in.

Peace,
Jas
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Phil — July 23rd, 2010, 10:50 am

Hey Tim,

Just out of curiosity, what day is your birthday? July 24th? The reasons I ask is a) you’re my hero b) I turn TWENTY-three on tomorrow (the 24th). You may be exactly 10 years older than me. That’d be cool.

Best wishes,
Phil
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kare anderson — July 23rd, 2010, 11:01 am

a bountiful birthday to you – for all that you give us I trust you are getting those special gifts you described…
i saw that documentary and loved it… and if you care about underserved/poor yet high-performing high school students getting into a top school see what some hardworking, dedicated people started a few years ago to make it more likely to happen:

Quest Bridge
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vadim — July 23rd, 2010, 11:17 am

happy birthday man

you are one of the most influential persons of my life, and for me it’s an honor to say to you these birthday words

am myself from 1977, and having mine in few weeks
buddy be good!
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Bill Soroka — July 23rd, 2010, 11:19 am

You’re a constant inspiration, Tim! The book has changed my life and I use it as a guide when building my business models on my journey. Philanthropy is an integral part of the overall plan and I am so glad to see so many people on board with it. I donated, FB’d it, and my most effective tool, texted it to my contacts. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of something great…again. Happy birthday!.
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Jason Perdue — July 23rd, 2010, 11:27 am

Tim,
I wrote a post just this morning that in part talked about the failing education system in the US. Thank-you for sharing the trailer, I look forward to seeing it. Also thank-you for the incentive program. I have already re tweeted the link. Enjoy your birthday!

Jason
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Renae — July 23rd, 2010, 11:28 am

Happy Birthday Tim!

What a great birthday request! I will pass along the message!

I actually spearheaded a fundraising effort to send my best friend to Burning Man this year for her 30 birthday. I am pleased to say that we covered the cost of her event ticket, plane ticket, and some supplies. People have such generous hearts and can make big things happen when grouped together!

We would be honored to extend some playa hospitality to you in BRC!! Please come by the Perpetual Virgins camp at 6:04 & F… I’ll have a cold beer waiting for you! )’(
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Brook — July 23rd, 2010, 11:53 am

First of all I made the donation to a literacy project on DonorsChoose.org. The project is my mother’s. She works at a high poverty elementary school in Bakersfield, CA and has been working really hard to make my sister’s upcoming San Francisco Wedding amazing. The least I can do for her hard work and dedication to literacy is try to promote this funding opportunity. I have already posted the project to Face Book, e-mailed it to all of my contacts, I am making Flyers for mailbox and Starbuck’s postings, and if the project isn’t funded by 7/31 I plan on promoting it at my sister’s wedding as well (she won’t mind).

http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=408152
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matt haines — July 23rd, 2010, 11:53 am

Donated, tweeted, facebooked it. Happy birthday!
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Ken Morimoto — July 23rd, 2010, 11:54 am

Hey Tim,

Happy Bday! Gave to the charity and also posted on Facebook.

Thanks for matching!

Have a good one!

Ken
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Jeffrey Poirier — July 23rd, 2010, 12:03 pm

Hey everyone. Congrats to you all for supporting Tim’s idea here. Even though I’m struggling a little financially at the moment, I can swing $33.00. Consider it done.

This will be promoted on my Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blog, Website and any other means that I can come up with. Take care everyone and Cheers!!

Jeffrey Poirier
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Carl Nelson — July 23rd, 2010, 12:34 pm

I truly appreciate your dedication to education and literacy in the fight to alleviate poverty.

Shared, pushed, FBed, etc.
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Joeann Fossland — July 23rd, 2010, 12:59 pm

Tim, You are one of my heroes! Love, love, love this! I have made a donation and posted on twitter, my facebook profile and my facebook biz page!!!!
You rock! Will continue to share the news. No doubt in my mind you’ll raise WAY MORE than $100,000. Thanks for being an inspiration
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Denise — July 23rd, 2010, 1:11 pm

Happy Birthday Tim!
I actually just learned about a program that donates books for literacy just for reading books online! (I work at a library system, and the info came from our Youth Services dept.)
It must be kismet!
http://www.wegivebooks.org/
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luis — July 23rd, 2010, 1:15 pm

Vamos todos a aportar aun un dolar, espero llegar a sentir la vida como tu la sientes
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Josh Bulloc — July 23rd, 2010, 1:46 pm

Tim,

It seems like you are out there to help others from your book to this charity. Keep it up.

Josh Bulloc
Kansas City, MO
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Juan — July 23rd, 2010, 1:49 pm

Happy 33rd Tim! And many more on channel 4 as we used to say as kids.

Thanks for sharing this awesome idea. As a father very involved in my daughter’s school, I applaud your efforts to help – together we make a difference.

And if you couldn’t give much $$, please try to give some time to your local school as a volunteer. So many ways to help inspire kids and help them grow.

I’ve shared this effort with my Facebook friends and look forward to hearing the great outcomes.

Parabems Tim Ferris
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Tom J Wright — July 23rd, 2010, 1:51 pm

I’m diggin’ this site. I’m diggin’ the book. I’m diggin’ it all.

Let’s DO THIS THING!!!
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Jimmyj — July 23rd, 2010, 2:03 pm

Just gave $50 to a classroom in Maine to help with spelling. Thank you Tim for putting this out there! U r awesome!
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Matt S. — July 23rd, 2010, 2:07 pm

Tim – I told them all that reading is better than friday night, Facebook and Twitter combined. And if they don’t believe it, donate and find out.

You’ve got a lot going, but take a look at The Fresh Air Fund.

(To my mind) The most effective way get kids out from the grips of inner city poverty – for good. Talk about bang for your buck. Sponsor a child to go to ‘camp’ in the summer and they will very likely build a long term relationship with the host family that can last 20 or more years.

In our case 24 years and counting. He came to us when he was four from Bushwick in Brooklyn, born to a drug addicted mother and long gone father, he is now living in suburban New Jersey with his family of four trying to make sure his kids get better cards.

Cheers.

http://www.freshair.org/
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Tina — July 23rd, 2010, 2:28 pm

Unusual? Maybe more like unusually awesome! I just turned 34 and have not managed to make nearly as significant an impact on the world as you clearly do. This is an incredible mission and I hope the donations keep rolling in. I’ve done what I can by re-tweeting your message forward to my friends and followers. From there it will be distributed to my own personal website, through Facebook, Myspace, and to all my fishy friends.
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Heather Allard — July 23rd, 2010, 2:30 pm

Happy 33rd birthday, Tim! Gosh, you’re a young’un!

I donated to your cause, tweeted it and posted it on Facebook & LinkedIn. I hope it helps!!

I hope your birthday and year ahead are filled with love, laughter & happiness.

Love,
Heather
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Michael — July 23rd, 2010, 2:38 pm

Hey Tim,

Happy Birthday this weekend. I am glad I am not the only one getting older this weekend. I will be one year younger than you. I hope you have a great weekend full of life.

Michael
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Patrick Carter — July 23rd, 2010, 2:52 pm

Happy Birthday Tim,

I so cannot believe you are going to be 33. Not from the fact that you look much older with the receding hairline but more importantly I cannot believe how much good you have accomplished in just 33 short years. You helped so many people escape their jobs and pursue their passions with your book. (I am one of them) You built schools in Vietnam and so much more. Truly Tim the greatest and most motivated people in history would be lucky to only accomplish one of those tasks but yet you keep find ways to help so many. Thank you so much for caring about all of us and putting your time and money where your mouth is and leading by example. It has truly been a blessing knowing you and I can’t wait to see in what other ways I can make an impact through your projects to help so many less fortunate than me. You are such an inspiration.

THANK YOU!

-Patrick
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Ki'une — July 23rd, 2010, 2:53 pm

I’m always down for for doubling down on a charitable donation!
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Nick — July 23rd, 2010, 3:46 pm

Done – nice work
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Aaron — July 23rd, 2010, 3:50 pm

Tim,

Happy birthday! Great idea! I threw a $50 spot on it. Hopefully you’ll continue the private activism vs. the political activism(unless it’s dismantling the Department of Ed).

Although it takes more effort than passing blanket laws and new taxes, I think it’s fairly obvious which one is more effective and which one is more enjoyable for donors and recipients alike.

Kudos to you Tim, happy birthday.
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baselinedenver — July 23rd, 2010, 4:39 pm

Ya got me.

My wife is a teacher, and teaches at a lower income (primarily minority) middle school. One of my favorite books ever was the Autobiography of Malcolm X- so a teacher wanting to buy those for the class?

Ya got me. And if you haven’t, read the book.
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Jesse Walters — July 23rd, 2010, 4:42 pm

Happy Bday Tim!

I was able to get a friend to donate and put this post up on his fb page. I also tweeted, fb’d, myspace’d (not sure who checks myspace) and spread the word via gmail, and greader (shared between my friends). Not to mention my donation of course!

I just finished, 3 Cups of Tea, and thought this was a perfect way to contribute to children!

Overall, we reached over 1,000 peeps and will be receiving additional support!

Thanks for the opportunity,

Jesse Walters

btw, 4hww taught me how to create a product and effectively market it on-line. Thanks for this info also!
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Dave Boucaut — July 23rd, 2010, 4:51 pm

Tim youre killing me. How about a update on the book please ?
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Kim — July 23rd, 2010, 4:51 pm

Tim,
I just wanted to let you know that your birthday gift has helped fund my classroom project on Donor’s Choose!! Thank you so much for your generosity and for making a difference in so many childrens’ lives. It is because of the kindness of donors like you that engaging materials are being provided to children in schools all across the country. We couldn’t do it without your support.
I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
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wuyebeihong — July 23rd, 2010, 5:13 pm

Tim,
I wrote a post just this morning that in part talked about the failing education system in the US. Thank-you for sharing the trailer, I look forward to seeing it. Also thank-you for the incentive program. I have already re tweeted the link. Enjoy your birthday!
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Katie Joy — July 23rd, 2010, 5:13 pm

Tim,

Happy Birthday this weekend! xx

You are Awesome! Thanks for being so inspiring.

And hey! We almost share the same birthday!

I’ve just celebrated my 35th here in Thailand (on the 22nd July)…
and spending a month here.

I’ve gladly donated toward your cause, which is something I value dearly… reading and education is the greatest asset for personal empowerment!

I’m also prepping a few email blasts to my list.

Thanks for being so great!

Cheers to another fantastic year for you!

Katie Joy =)
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Sima — July 23rd, 2010, 5:18 pm

Dear Tim,
Happy Birthday! I haven’t read your book yet or know too much about you, but your hobbies touched me as I care about children’s education. Within framework of a charter school, I want to develop a curriculum incorporating Vedic Math and yoga.

Yes, I am a new age type chick, who’s happy to see the sweeping changes you’ve made to people in true Indigo style. I told Jason Fried author of Rework the same thing and as always we’ll all expect greater things from you in the next 33 years.

Take care
S
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Tracy — July 23rd, 2010, 5:26 pm

Happy Birthday! This is a great way to get help to the students and schools who need it most. Working on my TESOL Master’s naturally led me to donate toward providing dictionaries for ESL students and their families. This is such a huge need. Also, having taught in the public school before, I can attest to the fact that teachers do give out of their own pockets for their students and classrooms. By promoting giving in this way, you are helping so many students and teachers–and making a difference in people’s lives.

Thanks!
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Valerie — July 23rd, 2010, 5:40 pm

Lots of good opportunities to give, thanks for the link. It was a difficult choice.

Happy Birthday to you! 33? You’re still wet behind the ears… and you’ve accomplished so much. That’s outstanding.

Our schools face a LOT of challenges. My husband is a 5th grade teacher in a Title 1 school. The biggest challenge is not having inadequate supplies, books or computers, the biggest challenge is discipline. Combine that with the fact that most of the kids come from homes with barely literate parents (usually moms who starting having children as teens), who don’t support their childrens’ education and you have a recipe for disaster that no amount of money is going to solve. Sadly, this is an issue that most politicians want to ignore, and sticking their heads in the sand won’t help the problem.

I wish I had a solution. I know change can be effected. I’ve enjoyed hearing the stories from my husband and his colleagues about the kids he’s helped — not only with academics, but with self-confidence and behavior issues. He has more kids come back to visit him than all other teachers in his school. Some just to say, “Hi!” and other to show him their report cards and honor roll certificates. My husband has a unique Socratic teaching style and has very firm classroom rules which are enforced consistently. I know he’s earning lots of good karma each year with all the positive change he creates.
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Mike — July 23rd, 2010, 6:11 pm

Tim,

As a teacher I think this is an awesome idea for a birthday present. Happy birthday and thank you very much. I made my donation and linked your page to my Facebook. I hope you reach your goal.

Mike
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JLF — July 23rd, 2010, 6:17 pm

Happy birthday Tim! Been following and giving to DC for a few years now – helped them with the Amex challenge but it’s been a couple years since I have given- priorities shifted. Thanks for redirecting my attention. Keep up the good work. At this point, wouldnt expect anything less from you. BTW – 333 just seems more symmetrical to me.
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Angelo — July 23rd, 2010, 6:45 pm

Great birthday gift idea, Tim!
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rbonhardt — July 23rd, 2010, 6:46 pm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Tim as always you are an inspiration. As an Economics major at Elon I wrote my senior thesis on the effectiveness of our country’s educational system and it’s ability to teach our country’s youth to think critically, as an entrepreneur would; free of guidelines (instead of simply the ability to remember things and follow rules as on standardized tests). So obviously when I saw this post I was encouraged to participate. I have done the usual as promoting it through email, Facebook, and Twitter; however I have taken it one step further.

After reading your book last year I took some time off (3 months mini retirement across the US) to explore, think about goals, and create a muse. Via many suggestions in your book (elance, elimination, 80/20, VA’s/interns, etc.) I now have my own site which will launch in 3 weeks: a hybrid of a social networking and event management site which will serve as a virtual assistant and guide to everything going on in each user’s area. One thing I am doing through the site’s blog is donating 10% of the site’s revenue each month to an announced charity. After reading this blog post I have decided for DonorsChoose.org to be the charity for the first three months (more than a month since there will be a building period) and this will be announced on iAmPlayground.com’s blog which will bring more press to this wonderful philanthropy.

P.S. If you go on iAmPlayground.com or click on the link from my name you will not find as much information until the site kicks off as I am packaging the marketing for the first two months after reading your post “How to Create a Global Phenomenon…”
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Rebekah — July 23rd, 2010, 7:41 pm

First off- Happy Birthday!!! I hope it is wonderful!

Most important for me tonight is to say a big, huge, “THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!” I am one of the teachers whose grant proposal you chose for your Give-Back page. I was trying to find funding for the tools to make my classroom whiteboard interactive, but the price tag was hefty. Of the $1200 I needed I had received about $300 from family, friends, and former students’ families as well as putting some of my own money into it. When I went to bed last night I was still at $886 to raise. But when I awoke this morning I saw some nice-sized donations from complete strangers including people living in Europe. I hope you can imagine my surprise and joy! I continued to work this morning on grad school, work, and my business and watch the donations pour into my proposal. Within just 12 hours, I had received full funding for this dream. It is no longer going to be a dream, and in just a few weeks my students and I will be travelling together down the road of learning thanks to your kindness and the generosity of all who gave because you “found” my proposal.

On behalf of a classroom of WONDERFUL children, their families, and myself (and my own family), please accept my sincerest and deepest thanks!!!
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Casey — July 23rd, 2010, 8:15 pm

Happy Birthday Tim!

Your book and your blog has literally changed my life and introduced me to so many other great resources, writers and people (Ramit Sethi among them).

Thank you for doing great things and keep it up!

- Casey
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Kelley Bieringer — July 23rd, 2010, 9:11 pm

I LOVE DonorsChoice.org. Every month, I give $120 to art projects. As a former art teacher, it’s a great way to keep giving back. The money goes directly to the classroom, with no administrative costs to get in the way. This is such a fabulous birthday present. I’ll be giving an extra $33 this month for a field trip in your honor.
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Jay Veltz — July 23rd, 2010, 9:16 pm

Tim – Nice work wielding your powers for good. Through $33 in the pot and got the word out to al my FB friends.

Cheers

Jay
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Graeme — July 23rd, 2010, 9:33 pm

Happy Birthday Timmy! Best of luck for your birthday present

p.s. Love those glasses too
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This gives me warm fuzzies (and maybe a trip around the world) « The Charlie Channel — July 23rd, 2010, 9:51 pm

[...] You can follow Tim Ferris and find out more about this program at this link [...]
charlie — July 23rd, 2010, 10:11 pm

So, a while back I posted here that my wife and daughter and I were doing it – we were renting out our house, and moving to San Francisco for six weeks. Well, we are here and loving it. The heat index at home is over 100 degrees every day, so we love the cool and the fog of San Francisco in the summer (Mark Twain – “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”. We are loving it, and it is all thanks to the inspiration you provided in the Four Hour Work Week. We’ve got just over a month left here in SF, and we are having a blast (I keep hoping to bump into you at the Village Market on California, but I guess that would make for a REALLY small world) So, checking in on your blog and saw your fundraising challenge. How could I do anything but donate? We are, right now, doing something amazing thanks to you. So, of course I had to donate. It’s a brilliant idea and I think I will steal it come Christmas and birthday time. So, in order to shake off the glaring sun here in SF (ok, that might be a slight exaggeration) I would love to win sunglasses!

I have donated, first and foremost.

I emailed every person in my address book who might actually read my email and go donate (just over 40 people)

I told my wife about it (which doesn’t really count as another donation, but she will sprend the word through her contacts and blog, etc)

I spread the word on twitter (I’ve only got 100 followers, but if a few follow through, it’s all to the good.) (@charliephoto)

My twitter feed is linked to my Facebook page. (I’ve got some ungodly number of “friends” on Facebook, but maybe fifty will pay attention)

I wrote a post on my blog (www.thecharliechannel.com) about your fundraiser and told every one to go donate.

I bumped the Stumbleupon and Dugg the Digg.

I am sending good San Francisco mojo your way, for whatever that is worth.

And finally, as a 38 year old lifetime athlete who in the last year competed in his first sprint triathlon, swam a 2.4 mile open water event (a mile more than my previous longest distance and my second open water swim ever… all in less that a year of swimming for the first time since high school… thank you Total Immersion), who is running longer distances than he ever has in his life, and who plans on sucking ever bit of living there is out of my life, let me send my good thoughts to you on your 33rd birthday. I plan on kicking ass and having fun every day of my life and your books will help. I’m sure I will see you along the journey. Keep the good ideas coming.

I’ll keep passing the word of this great fundraiser until it is over. Then I’ll still tell people to go to donorschoose.org and give.
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- Tim Ferriss — July 23rd, 2010, 10:39 pm
  
  To all and Charlie, thank you so much for your support! And to Charlie specifically, be sure to grab dinner at The Front Porch in the Mission around 29th betw Mission and San Jose. Delicious
  
  Pura vida,
  
  Tim
  Reply
Laurence — July 23rd, 2010, 10:16 pm

You’ve gone and made me all mushy… Thanks for that. Happy 33rd… hope it’s a stellar one.

Cheerzzz

L
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Gerard Dypiangco — July 23rd, 2010, 10:41 pm

Happy Birthday, Tim. As an elementary school teacher in Los Angeles I have been fortunate to have had 24 of my proposals funded through DonorsChoose.org. Now my wife, also a teacher, had her first proposal posted today.

http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=405431
She is requesting a comfortable rug where her kids can sit and read.

I hope you have a chance to add it to your list.

Thanks!
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Joshua Currier — July 23rd, 2010, 10:46 pm

Hey, I just started reading your book and I’m already jacked up on your stuff. This was my first time on your site and when I saw “Round-trip ticket”, I was immediately thinking of the challenge you gave to your students and I told myself, “Whatever it is, I’m doing it!” So, I put it on Facebook, Myspace, Linked In, and then sent an email to my friends and family. Posted a blog on my site, and then submitted it to about 30 social bookmarking, blog, status, and Article sites. (Nothing on Twitter as I don’t have an account yet, don’t judge me).

I want some of those glasses!! As a trophy and a reminder!!

I’ll be happy if I don’t win with just this, means someone went out there and crushed it!!! I’m going to see if I can’t get my local radio station to mention this later.

Honestly, I haven’t even finished reading the book and I think its the most influential thing I have or will ever read. Can’t wait to get into some more of it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!!!
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Anon — July 23rd, 2010, 11:01 pm

I don’t think that I will be able to persuade all of my Etsy friends to donate and I also don’t have that many Twitter followers and no Facebook account at all and I guess the folks in the forums my brother hangs around will also contribute … BUT I had an idea which deprived me of last nights sleep, because I was overly exited and had to open up an account, write a task description, check every few minutes whether the task was approved, etc. ( all on the tiny screen of my iPod Touch)

So far I invested 10 USD and am about to get 95 donation codes from all over the world utilising that link you tweeted about earlier. I hope to God this is legal Because I want to get codes worth 999 USD

ps.st: maybe you should not publish this comment .. I don’t want to start a chain reaction here

###

Tim: I’ll just change your name. That should do it
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David O'Connor — July 23rd, 2010, 11:44 pm

Great Idea for a birthday gift. Hopefully this idea catches on for everyones birthday.
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Ouliana B. — July 24th, 2010, 12:04 am

Happy Birthday snake! 1977 -year of snake – have no clue what it means but I was born that same year and also consider myself super lucky.

I was born and raised in Moscow Russia (well at that time it was still the “all-no- so-mighty” USSR (-;). I now live in the SF Bay Area work for a pretty popular company that makes pretty popular i… products and enjoying it.

When I am not at work the rest of my free time is occupied with my two sons under the age of 3. A few weeks ago I was preparing for my way overdue vacation and I really needed a non-mom/non-baby book. Per recommendation of my good friend, I picked you! Well next best thing – your book hee-hee. And it was the best I could read on the beautiful beaches of Ibiza, Spain. Oh man, I tell you – vodka can give you a buzz but if one reads your book on the beach of Ibiza – the adrenalin of inspiration beats any the buzz – loved it – super inspired, thank you! Spasibo! gracias!

Have a terrific Birthday or in Russian it sounds like this “S dn’iom rojdeniya!” Per your wishes, here are some lucky repeating numbers for you and all the kiddos you are supporting -

33 – $ amount I am donating tonight – wish I can do more but daycare costs are heavier than gold

88 – number of my facebook and twitter friends -Yeah, not so many but these friends are all over the world – a few on each continent – and one of these guys recommended your book

266 – emails in my address book I’ll send this to (could be some overlap with above but that’s ok, we’ll get them using the Shawshank Redemption style)

20,000 – number of people I am running the SF Marathon this Sunday – I’ll print your blog/site on my t-shirt for everyone to see! – the da** Russian raises the bar people – bring it on (((-:

Enjoy your Birthday!
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Ulrich Roth — July 24th, 2010, 1:38 am

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!! Lass es krachen…

Viele Grüße
Ulrich
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Dallas Carter — July 24th, 2010, 1:39 am

Aloha mai e Tim,

Hau’oli l? h?nau (Happy birthday!)

Ive been a long time fan of your book and this blog but never posted. Thank you for THIS wonderful post. Its pretty kick ass that you are helping students out!

I read your book awhile ago and it changed my life dramatically. I want you to know that not only did it inspire me to take charge of my financial life but it also continued to inspire as I changed my health as well.

I used to weigh 360 pounds, had a very low paying teaching job, with very little self confidence or esteem. In the last 4 years I have lost 190 pounds (without surgery!!) and with the inspiration of your book, I turned my experience into a muse. I started a business in the weight loss and fitness industry about a year and half ago and have since doubled my teaching income. Needless to say I left the teaching job and now not only do I have great health and wonderful income but I get to do things that really matter to me. . . Help others (especially in the native Hawaiian community) and spend time with my beautiful wife and children.

I loved your post awhile back about traveling to Maui Come visit again e kama’aina!!!
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Dallas Carter — July 24th, 2010, 1:40 am

Aloha mai e Tim,

Hau’oli la hanau (Happy birthday!)

Ive been a long time fan of your book and this blog but never posted. Thank you for THIS wonderful post. Its pretty kick ass that you are helping students out!

I read your book awhile ago and it changed my life dramatically. I want you to know that not only did it inspire me to take charge of my financial life but it also continued to inspire as I changed my health as well.

I used to weigh 360 pounds, had a very low paying teaching job, with very little self confidence or esteem. In the last 4 years I have lost 190 pounds (without surgery!!) and with the inspiration of your book, I turned my experience into a muse. I started a business in the weight loss and fitness industry about a year and half ago and have since doubled my teaching income. Needless to say I left the teaching job and now not only do I have great health and wonderful income but I get to do things that really matter to me. . . Help others (especially in the native Hawaiian community) and spend time with my beautiful wife and children.

I loved your post awhile back about traveling to Maui Come visit again e kama’aina!!!
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- Tim Ferriss — July 25th, 2010, 11:19 pm
  
  Wow — congratulations, Dallas! I will most definitely be visiting Maui in the upcoming year (that’s the plan, at least), so I hope to bump into you and congratulate you in person!
  
  Tim
  Reply
Jimmy — July 24th, 2010, 4:10 am

Happy Birthday Tim! Although I’m not where I want to be in me life you have give me a certain perspective, thank you.
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Martin von Wolfersdorff — July 24th, 2010, 6:41 am

Happy birthday Tim!

What a great idea to raise funds for education! Our 15 months old twins Fleur and Maurice are the greatest joy we have and I want to support children in need.

Donated $33 and posted your link to LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Keep up the inspiration!

Best wishes,
Martin
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Deanna — July 24th, 2010, 7:16 am

Happy Birthday, Tim! You are a delight. Thank you for everything. My boyfriend and I have just finished the 4HWW and our ideas are coming quick. I’ll keep you updated.

As for your fundraiser, I’ve donated $33. I’m so grateful that you’ve chosen to support this cause.

I’ve updated my facebook status twice now and also emailed my contact list.

Also, I wanted to pass along to you something that benefits teachers: HUD offers a 50% discount from the list price of some foreclosed homes to pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, firefighters/emergency medical technicians, and law enforcement officers. If that is too insane to register the first time I said it: fifty-percent off the list price of a home.

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/reo/goodn/gnndabot.cfm

Have a wonderful birthday and thanks for this fundraiser! x
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Brook — July 24th, 2010, 7:46 am

Don’t forget, the philanthropy can continue…After August 31 Sonic will have their Limeaides for Learning initiative running. Pull those tabs and vote for DC projects. Thanks Tim for creating a new Donor base! You, and all these people that you have inspired to donate, are amazing!
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Kate B. — July 24th, 2010, 7:48 am

Thanks for reminding me to take the time to give back. It felt great.
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grubbypaws — July 24th, 2010, 8:12 am

had no idea you were a Leo. grats!
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Rhonda Swan — July 24th, 2010, 8:32 am

Tim, Feliz Cumpleaños from the UNSTOPPABLE FAMILY.

You were the inspiration for my family to travel the world and leave all our material “possessions” behind. We have completed month 20 and are not stopping anytime soon! We have made giving part of our lives as well and your birthday gift to needy children is impressive!

We are encouraging all our UNSTOPPABLE FAMILY followers on our blog, FB fan page, Twitter and through You Tube to participate in your birthday wish.

If you do not have enough donations to hit $100,000 we will fullfill on that wish and match the remaining.

You kick ass Tim! Enjoy Burning Man…stay hydrated!

Rhonda Swan~ Mother of the UNSTOPPABLE FAMILY
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JoAnn — July 24th, 2010, 9:11 am

Fine job, Tim.
Have a great BD!
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Nick — July 24th, 2010, 9:19 am

Donated and posted link on my Facebook page. Happy Birthday!
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Dawn Yellott — July 24th, 2010, 10:12 am

I’ve dontated and will post a link to my FB page! What an amazing thing to do for you birthday Tim!
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Kim Kash — July 24th, 2010, 10:13 am

Just put this on my Facebook page. What a fabulous thing! Thank you for every inspirational thing you do.
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Mark — July 24th, 2010, 10:31 am

I’m in for some cash. I figure, I have consumed your book (3 times), almost every book you and Kevin have recommended in your random show – and think that the ideas have increased the value of my business by about $1M thus far (although that of course isn’t cash yet). Also, understanding how to take an idea, use systems and outsourced labor to make it come to fruition and make money . . . I didn’t come up with that, you did!

Last weekend I read this blog – came up with an idea for a sales training product in my industry. 2 Hours later I had the software spec’d out. By Monday I had a developer hired. By Tuesday I had it paid for by a vendor that just wants their name on it.

Production Date = 45 days
Cost to me = $0
Expected year 1 net profit from effort = $150K

. . . so you deserve a gift from me, as a thank you if nothing else! More importantly, those kids do.

I love your take on things . . . I love making money too, but my goal ultimately is to give it all away (and we do a lot of that even now). I saw my father make and lose $1M+ 3 different times in the 80′s (when that was a ton of cash). He took a nap on my couch in my apartment when I was 21 and died. About 2 months prior to that he said that the biggest regret he had in his life was that God entrusted him with all that money and he never did anything for anyone when he had the opportunity.

Keep up the good work Tim – Happy B-Day.
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Brook — July 24th, 2010, 10:54 am

Wow Mark, what a wonderfully touching and inspiring story! I continue to be amazed at the work and love that philanthropists share with teachers trying to make a difference. Take care.
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Constantin — July 24th, 2010, 10:56 am

Happy birthday, Tim!

I want to congratulate you for thinking about others more than you think about yourself. Especially now that it’s YOUR birthday.

I wish you good health and happiness as I’m sure these are contagions.

Thank you for this awesome initiative!
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Mike Burngasser — July 24th, 2010, 11:34 am

The tiny amount of money we can donate is nothing compared to the earthquake impact it will have on these kids’ lives.

If we can all get together and “plant the seed” for future learning, the changes we’ll see are gonna blow our minds!

Ever seen a 7 year old use a computer? It’ll blow your hair back and fry your mind!

Let’s give these kids what they need, and get out of their way…

The results will be incredible!
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Peatt Raftis — July 24th, 2010, 11:48 am

I am so pleased to have been shown this incredibly worthwhile cause. I feel great being able to help in ways that often go over-looked.
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Andrew Allen — July 24th, 2010, 11:53 am

Great cause. Happy to help…off topic but eagerly awaiting a more detailed explanation of your diet program. I am 2 months into it, have lost 28 pounds and eaten well over 100 cupcakes…very happy.
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Suz deMello — July 24th, 2010, 11:55 am

I’m 55 and have to agree with you about the repeating numbers. Shall indeed donate. Trips to the Griffith Park Observatory are among my favorite memories of elementary achool.
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Steve in Japan — July 24th, 2010, 11:58 am

Great way to put some money to work! I donated today.
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DynastyDC — July 24th, 2010, 12:41 pm

Happy Birthday. Wishing you many blessings.
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Brent — July 24th, 2010, 12:53 pm

Great cause. Donation complete. Happy Bday Tim! May you have many more revolutions around the sun !

Brent
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Steve L — July 24th, 2010, 1:44 pm

Tim! Happy Birthday!
I just donated to help kids get books in Missouri. Reading is the most powerful way out of poverty consciousness. Thanks for caring about it!
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Matthew Geyster — July 24th, 2010, 2:26 pm

Hey Tim,

This was a great idea. I’m envious on how you use you social brand to get word out like this. Awesome work.

Matt Geyster
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Kainoa — July 24th, 2010, 2:27 pm

My birthday is this week, although I seriously need to take some leaps and get out of the rut im stuck in because I’ve celebrated my last two in the same night shift hell hole. Hopefully with your ideas on lifestlye design ingrained into my mind I will soon be competing in serious amateur golf tourny’s all over the world instead of working my life away! Happy B-day Tim and thanks for all the insight!
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Ramona — July 24th, 2010, 2:43 pm

Mike, I am a teacher in Ca. and have been blessed by the kindness of DC philanthropists. I received an iPad through the site, which was an amazing tool in the classroom, my students learned so much….to say the least my hair was blown back and my mind a bit fried to see the potential of these kids unleashed by technology. Over the summer I brought the iPad home. My 5 year old is reading fluently thanks to reading apps and my 3 year old has mastered letter, number, and shape recognition and how to play the piano all because of this tool. Technology is revolutionary in the classroom and significantly alters a child’s ability to learn! Thanks for supporting public education!
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Carla Clayton — July 24th, 2010, 2:55 pm

Tim,
Happy Birthday. As a former school teacher, I am touched by this birthday gift you are giving. The video brought tears to my eyes. To see that we live in a country with so much abundance, yet our children suffer. In my own community, field trips are being cut to make up for budget deficits. Field trips open a child to the possibilities! I will spread the word on my blog, Twitter, Facebook and Linked in.
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Linda B — July 24th, 2010, 3:01 pm

Happy Birthday Tim,

Wow, in 1977 I was traveling all over the world. Now I am the Director for an International project that supports conservation projects and integrates health care in the (very poor) villages surrounding national parks in Africa and Asia. I love your Mission, your cause, and most importantly, your birthday gift to the kids. Of course I donated to the environmental education project.
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Monika — July 24th, 2010, 4:39 pm

Please! Do not make this into “social experiment” on FB,Twitter…e.t.c..
I will never donate a penny in the future!

Happy B-Day! and congratulations on a wonderful idea!
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Natalie Bauer — July 24th, 2010, 5:27 pm

Happy Birthday Tim! May all of your wishes come true.

I love this idea for celebrations.

Thank you for your book 4HWW and for being an inspiration.

Spread the word on Twitter, Facebook, Stumble Upon and Digg. I hope everyone blows your goal out of the water.

Donated to ‘Most Urgent’ which happened to be Reading En Espanol. Humorous considering the extent of my Spanish is “Donde esta el bano?” “Cuatro cervezas por favor.” And an unpleasant statement that I thought meant something akin to have a nice day which I shouted down the street in Varadero; turns out the sentence ends with ‘mother’. Oops.

Alles gute und liebe zum Geburtstag!
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Doc Kane — July 24th, 2010, 7:14 pm

Happy Happy, Joy, Joy, Happy Happy, Joy!

Dang, for some reason I didn’t know you were that young!

Cheers,
D
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Brent Southwell — July 24th, 2010, 7:14 pm

Tim,

Great idea! I hope more folks will step up so that you can write that big matching gift! I just donated 5 minutes ago!

I have utilized many of the ideas, techniques etc in my business and personal life that I learned by reading your book. It is a shame that so many kids can’t read or don’t enjoy reading because of their poor education.

Take care,
Brent
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L Story — July 24th, 2010, 7:39 pm

I am really excited about this. I grew up in Dallas and we went to the symphony each year, which I would never had that opportunity otherwise. I know that this opportunity had a huge impact in my life. Music is a wonderful part of my life and the life of my family.
I hope my small gift will have the same impact on someone else.

I have posted my request for help with this “Great Opportunity” on my blog, my twitter, my FB page, my personal email and business email. I am still trying to think of other ways to get this information out. Can’t wait to see how much $ this generates.
Thanks for all you do
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Dan Calle — July 24th, 2010, 7:48 pm

Thanks Tim! And Happy Birthday.

I’ve donated and am encouraging everyone I can reach to donate.

You inspired me to launch PayItOutward.org and Tim Ferriss’s Give-Back Birthday is the first featured charity on the site.

I’ve tweeted it, dug it, emailed it, added it to del.icio.us, posted it to my personal blog at http://blog.danandem.com, and of course I’ve posted it to my FaceBook page multiple times, as well as posting it on the walls of a couple of influential bloggers and encouraged all who see it to re-share it.

And if I think of anything else, I’ll do that too.
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Hector Adrian — July 24th, 2010, 8:09 pm

Happy Birthday, Tim.

Changing more lives by the day. We all love you, man.
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charlie — July 24th, 2010, 8:17 pm

Thanks for the recommendation, we will make sure to visit The Front Porch!
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D. Richardson — July 24th, 2010, 9:34 pm

Mr. Ferriss,

As a teacher in an urban school, I would like to thank you for your efforts in celebration of your birthday. With increasing budget cuts, providing quality education is a challenge that educators face daily. I was not able to benefit from your giving page because I am focusing on mathematics and technology this year with an extreme classroom makeover to become eco-friendly. Good Luck, Be Blessed and Thank You.

http:/donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=388356
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Dylan Joshua Di Martino — July 24th, 2010, 9:55 pm

First off, very informative post on your part.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
I plan on donating and have spread this message via Facebook!

Happy Birthday Tim.

‘some pursue happiness, others create it.’ ~unknown
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Jennifer Barry — July 24th, 2010, 10:33 pm

That’s cool, my birthday was the 24th. I have donated to a literacy project here in Texas, and my Twitter and Facebook updates promoting your project will go up shortly.
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Rosalind — July 24th, 2010, 10:54 pm

beautiful idea.

thank for sharing it.

Rosalind
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Cole — July 25th, 2010, 12:01 am

Hey mate,

While I am a regular follower of your blog I don’t usually comment, but I’d just like to say that I think what you’re doing is really great. I’m not sure whether it’s because I just got a new job or because it’s such a great cause but I actually donated twice to two fantastic opportunities. And while having a new job might seem like I’m going in the wrong direction, I can assure you I’m closer to my personal business objectives than ever before. Most importantly though, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you have a great day and continue to be an inspiration to both myself and all the people you’ve helped both directly and indirectly.

Cheers,
Cole
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Lance S — July 25th, 2010, 12:35 am

Great idea Tim. I did something similar for my own birthday last year. It was a pleasure giving to Donorschoose in honor of your day.
I support our educational systems, both directly and indirectly, through crits and donations. One of my favorite is a supplemental arts program in Austin called Lupe Arte.
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Pamela J — July 25th, 2010, 5:50 am

Happy Birthday Tim!!!

What a wonderful way to start your personal “new year”.

Your generosity will bring big smiles to so many children and teachers. Bravo!
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Laura Wood — July 25th, 2010, 5:51 am

33 already?
It feels like just yesterday that I discovered the first episode of Trial by Fire and reviewed your amazing techniques on my website, this crazy guy Timothy Ferris that by far had the coolest outlook on learning. Love it, keep up the awesome work! You are so inspiring, and I hope to oneday be as streamlined as you-this payday, my coworkers and I are all going to donate to this cause! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
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Bart C — July 25th, 2010, 6:13 am

Tim

A random act of kindness that affects the lives of kids is truly a love of humanity.

Tim Ferriss – A good man doing Great things.

Bart
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Bruce Muzik — July 25th, 2010, 8:08 am

Done… Great way to start a Sunday. Happy Birthday Tim and see you on the Playa…

Bruce
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Action Verbs Transform MBA Essays | MBA in the USA - Cultural consulting by Grayson Leverenz — July 25th, 2010, 9:48 am

[...] pieces of media stood out to me this weekend. Tim Ferriss introduced me to the upcoming film, Waiting for Superman, a documentary exploring the failing US primary education system. The movie trailer taught me that, [...]
Pri — July 25th, 2010, 9:56 am

Fantastic – happy to pitch in.

Happy Birthday!
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Norman D — July 25th, 2010, 10:09 am

Hey Tim!

I see that your posts have become more and more regular. Does this mean that you are done writing your book? And if so, when is it going to be released?
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- Tim Ferriss — July 25th, 2010, 11:12 pm
  
  Not done yet! Just waiting for the edited manuscript to come back to me for final pass. These blog posts are a nice break for me Thanks for asking, and more to come soon…
  Reply
Jonathan Shidler — July 25th, 2010, 11:23 am

I am glad I now been informed that this sort of project exists.

Field trips are one of THE best way to make something stick in the head of a student, the act of seeing something actually working out in the world is electric.

I went from a private Montessori school with nearly weekly trips to the hospital, laboratories, museums, aquariums, parks or trips to work on the Montessori ranch (as part of the method laid down by the good doctor).

When I had to go to public school in a very cash strapped district, I noted a severe lack of field trips (as well as books for that matter) and any other kind of experience based education.

When we finally got to go back into private school in high school after a long dry-spell, we were promised at least two field trips per year to which we received three for my whole four years (one of the trips being the senior trip to Disneyland which being a Southern California resident doesn’t really count as ‘mind-blowing’). I know this is a frivolous complaint in the face of people who have never in their lives had the opportunity to see a museum or an art gallery while in school. However my experience from going with an abundance and then without any really gives a clear perspective on how important it is to get out and see things actually working and moving.
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Gina Hickerson — July 25th, 2010, 11:38 am

Happy Birthday Tim!
You picked one of my projects for your Birthday giveback page. Thank you so much it was funded! I love that so many donors told about their love of literacy! It does a teacher’s hear good. I want to thank you for doing this for your birthday, it is a great way to give back! Especially to those of us that teach at high-needs schools. Thank you and Happy Birthday!
http://www.donorschoose.org/hickerson
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Tam — July 25th, 2010, 11:50 am

Fantastic idea – I love harnessing the power of social networking for great causes! Kudos, and happy birthday!
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L Story — July 25th, 2010, 12:08 pm

Tim, Happy Birthday
I posted last night and for some reason I can’t find it. I shared that every year we took a field trip to the Symphony in Dallas. It was wonderful and changed my life. Hoping this will change others lives as well.
I did share this through my blog, twitter, face book, business email and personal email.
Thank you for making a difference.
Lori
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Parish — July 25th, 2010, 12:47 pm

Donation complete. Great birthday idea! I’ll steal it for my next one.

Thanks for the ‘Delivering Happiness’ book recommendation, btw. I was literally taking notes every few pages on ways to improve my own company. Brilliant read.
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sharddhe — July 25th, 2010, 12:53 pm

Happy Birthday Tim,

Great idea to celebrate a birthday.

Keeping Rocking
“The child learns to worship money and the things which money can buy; he admires cruelty and cunning, rather than Sympathy and Love. So, the Home, the School and the Society have to rise and take up this challenge posed to the future of this great land.”

Atharva Veda
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D. Richardson — July 25th, 2010, 1:39 pm

Mr. Ferriss,

As a teacher, I would like to say thank you for your support and bringing awareness to education and the challenges that we face. With increasing budget cuts and shortfalls, it is difficult to provide quality education to our students. I did not benefit from your current giving page because I am focusing on mathematics and technology projects this year. If you have the time, please take a look at my extreme classroom makeover to bring modern technology into my room and decrease the amount of paper used in my classroom. Go Green! Thanks

http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=388356
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Doug — July 25th, 2010, 2:26 pm

it is a good idea you have. The government is definitely not coming to the rescue of these kids. In fact, the Obama administration has defunded the voucher programs in DC depicted in the video. His kids get the best education, but rest assured his definition of hope does not include the kids of D.C. I only mention this because of the hopeful parents shown in your video. Obama has dashed their hopes. And here is Super Tim in his Vibram Five Fingers to the rescue! Good deal.

Happy Birthday!
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Stephan — July 25th, 2010, 3:02 pm

Happy Birthday Tim!
If I was a little closer I might send you some baking, but I have a feeling that customs would eat it before it made it to you.

I don’t expect to win anything for this, but I did want to pass along that I have tweeted about this many times now and posted it to my facebook page and will see how far I can blast this across the major corporation I work for before people get annoyed and I get an email from HR. I know the work email will be after the matching timeframe, but I am sure you will more than welcome as many donations as you can get.

Children discovering the joys of learning is so important and is something I will happily donate to over and over.

Regards,
Stephan
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Ray — July 25th, 2010, 3:02 pm

Happy Birthday Tim! My donation was sent to the kids in Ohio.
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Jackie — July 25th, 2010, 4:53 pm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!! I facebook’d, email blasted and re-posted the link on facebook. You are an inspiring individual. Thank you for sharing your design!
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David Smith — July 25th, 2010, 5:37 pm

Great idea Tim…just left my donation. Happy Birthday!
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Bharat — July 25th, 2010, 5:55 pm

Namaste Tim,

Happy Birthday, God Bless you !
I am from third world country (India), I came to this country 3 years back because of exceptional opportunities and its true, even though sever economy has change people think about USA, but it still remains land of opportunities, I still believe people like Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and you Tim, are result of the same education system who continue to set examples, I never went to field trips, and millions of third world contry student dont, but its important to explore beyond books. I have dontated and called each of my friends in US (I dont have that many) Indian folks cant dontate that much, I have asked few of them to donate what ever they can, I am on facebook and twitter but again not that many friends, but I think everyone needs an opportunity to donate and some how my message is conveyed to them. Many of my friends started reading your book, I give only one gift to everybody on their birthday, “Four Hour Work Week”, many people have changed there lives with your books, and i am passing on the word, I really wish you long and meaningfull life from bottom of my heart, you have changed me and millions of others, and continue to do so.
God Bless you Tim !

Bharat
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Nancy Carroll — July 25th, 2010, 5:59 pm

As a mom and teacher, I can’t wait to see this movie. Whooohooo!
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Matthew Bailey — July 25th, 2010, 6:09 pm

Done and Done. Hope you reach the $100K and it looks like it will! Congrats! I shared it via Facebook
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Scott Dinsmore — July 25th, 2010, 6:10 pm

Here’s to an amazing first 33 Tim. Happy birthday! I can only imagine what you are going to learn, do and teach us all in the 33 to come. So far it been an awesome ride. I love your cause. Donating now and am about to get all over Twitter and Facebook! Have you ever seen the documentary A Right Denied? It’s made by value fund manager Whitney Tilson who directs all his charitable energy toward just the cause your talking about. Check it out: http://www.arightdenied.org/. Perhaps you crossed his path when you were out in Omaha a couple years back. Awesome work on this cause. So needed.

Btw, just put my Vibrams (kso’s) to my biggest test yet…Lake Tahoe Rim Trail 50k(31 mi) trail run. My feet were on fire by the end but what an experience! And no knee probs. Thanks for getting me hooked.

Feliz Cumpleanos!
Scott
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Christie — July 25th, 2010, 7:53 pm

Donated. Happy 33rd Birthday, Mr. Bond!
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Grayson Leverenz — July 25th, 2010, 8:35 pm

Happy Birthday, Tim! My husband and I collect our change in a pot by the front door. Feng Shui says, with the right intention, the ritual invites prosperity into your home, and I truly believe it works. We decided to give the money away every few months; thank you for the perfect opportunity! I am thrilled that our donation will be doubled thanks to your amazing birthday wish.
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Tatiana — July 25th, 2010, 8:39 pm

Hey Tim:
Your influence has inspired us to continuously improve our lives and the people that surround and work with us.
we retweeted your links in all our personal accounts, as well as the vacation rental facebook and twitter accounts sites . hope it helped..

Happy Bday from Florida..
Diego y Tati
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Autumn — July 25th, 2010, 10:08 pm

Happy Birthday! What a great way to celebrate. I love this idea and was happy to help.
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Evgenia — July 25th, 2010, 11:25 pm

Hey, Tim, Hello and Happy Birthday!
Good wishes from the center of Russia.
Come to us, if it’s on the way
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rosalind — July 25th, 2010, 11:32 pm

not happy, not subscribed to any posts according to your site but am receiving scads of junk mail updates on posts to this topic, over 35 so far. please sort out your subscribe function!
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Nabilah — July 26th, 2010, 12:01 am

Happy Birthday to you Tim, hope you had a blast! Just donated all the way from Kuala Lumpur.
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maffia machiaveli — July 26th, 2010, 1:44 am

33!! Happy birthday from a spanish fan Tim (by the way I’ll turn 33 this weekend too!)
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Anon — July 26th, 2010, 2:23 am

I collected donation codes worth 759 US so far and redeemed them. The rest of the codes will most probably come in today, that is after your deadline. I will redeem them for other projects then.

Here is the data, in case you are interested. First I thought of Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, but you have to be in the US to post a task there. Besides, their terms of agreement is intimidatingly long Looking for alternatives I found shorttask and microworkers. I liked Microworkers more, because sign-up is easy and you don’t have to fill tons of information to get registered. When posting a task it takes some time till they approve it. They check it for violations (e.g., asking for personal information is not allowed) and even correct the text to make it more understandable. You can price a task for as low as 0.10 USD (which I did for my task), but have to give at least 0.30 USD if you want your workers to be only from the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Regarding the fees:

*You will not be charged for tasks you rate Not-Satisfied
*You will be charged only for tasks you rate Satisfied (7.5% fee)
*Campaign approval fee is $0.75″

I still hope that I didn’t do something illegal. From my point of view, I did bing.com a favor and paid for their advertisement

Again, you don’t have to publish this comment and can delete it along with my previous one. Happy birthday and best wishes !!
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Yukie — July 26th, 2010, 3:30 am

Otanjobi Omedeto Tim

Your article made me feel that I am lucky one and now living the greatest year too. So, thanks a lot and have a wonderful B-day
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Adam Lamotte — July 26th, 2010, 4:03 am

Hi Tim

I thought this was odd.

The large advertisement up the top right of your page was advertising suicidegirls(dot)com.

I don’t think you would want that associated to your site.

Sorry for creating a comment on this.

Adam
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Sebastien — July 26th, 2010, 4:32 am

Happy Birthday from Belgium, Tim! Looking forward to your soon-coming book!
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Amanda Fox — July 26th, 2010, 10:09 am

Dear Tim,

Thanks to your birthday request, My friend Ms. F.’s classroom project was funded. Thank you for supporting the students of Kansas City, Missouri. This is a brilliant idea!!!

Happiest of birthdays!

Most sincerely,
Amanda
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Amar dave — July 26th, 2010, 10:30 am

I would encourage everyone to donate, as I have seen kids do wonder once they get the required support, my father used to donate for a girls education and she went on to become a engineer. Think about it if she would not have received that support she would have been illiterate.
Great work tim
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baahar — July 26th, 2010, 10:31 am

Thanks for changing the names, but with the first post there is still the link to my blog and with the second the link + gravatar. I don’t want to be a pain, but still …

I see that the donation page is not closed yet. In this case, I might manage to redeem the rest of the codes too.

I guess short comments get published automatically, so I have to write a little more.

I stumbled upon this article recently .. fascinating stuff about how language affects the culture of the people who speak it. In case you haven’t seen it yet:

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/AIKfOM/online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467304575383131592767868.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_newsreel_lifeStyle

(I post the link directly here, as I’m confident that this comment will be deleted. Please?)
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baahar — July 26th, 2010, 10:32 am

Oh, bummer .. I give up
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Jim Farrell — July 26th, 2010, 12:25 pm

Terrific, Tim. One of the school administrators featured in the video–Michelle Rhee of the Washington, DC system–is really shaking things up in my hometown. She just fired over 100 non-performing teachers over the weekend, and has the teachers union going apoplectic. Some call her policy “scorched earth”. I say it’s about time.
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- Tim Ferriss — July 26th, 2010, 10:03 pm
  
  Michelle Rhee is a superstar. I agree with you — “scorched earth” my ass. Bad teachers should be fired just like any bad employee, if not sooner. It’s one thing if someone screws up your paintjob or your tax deductions; it’s quite another if they screw up your kids.
  
  Tim
  Reply
Jools Stone — July 26th, 2010, 2:07 pm

Hi Tim, just wanted to say that your book inspired me to start blogging. Mine’s about train travel and discovering the world, you and others might like it.
Jools
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Allen Rogers — July 26th, 2010, 4:12 pm

Happy birthday Tim. This is a very inspirational and generous idea for a birthday. I donated to a school in my home town of Austin, TX. You’re right. I did feel very god about it. I posted it on Facebook and Twitter, and I challenged my friends do donate too. I just finished reading 4HWW and I am working on developing and implementing my plan. I hope to be able to copy your generous idea for my next birthday (at least the matching part–maybe not the plane ticket and sunglasses). That gives me almost a year. Here’s to success and generosity!
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Mike Love — July 26th, 2010, 5:37 pm

Fantastic. Such an excellent idea and a great way to take action to make a difference. I received a very nice e-mail thanks from the Texas school teacher, Mrs. Moore which just made my day. And by the way Happy Birthday, Tim!
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Chris — July 26th, 2010, 6:51 pm

Tim,

I will see you at burning man this year!!! I am from Nevada and go every year!! You should do a post about it… one of the most creative venues on the planet… among other things… I have posted this to my twitter, facebook and I will be talking about on my show this week. We host a TV SHOW in Denver, CO that is seen by thousands of people… It will air this Saturday. If you want to see the show go to http://www.biznessblogtv.com and you can view last weeks show.

I am reading this on the 26th…. I hope I did not miss the cut off….

Happy birthday….

Blessings,

Chris Miller
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Jose Vilches — July 26th, 2010, 9:30 pm

I’m late for the round-trip offer but still wanted to contribute with something, so I donated to the “Books, Books, Books, Everywhere” project. This was a very cool and noble idea for a birthday present… hope you had a blast on Sunday. Keep inspiring people!
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Chris M — July 27th, 2010, 12:51 am

Hey Tim,

I promoted your effort both on twitter and facebook. Although I think the prizes are wonderful, I do not want to put forth my name (if picked) for one of the prizes. I would rather someone else less fortunate and more deserving to enjoy the free trip and other prizes rather than myself. I think what you are doing is far beyond great and is much needed.

I would very much like to help further with this cause and extend my helping hand past the check and do more. Please contact me if this is possible. Thank You very much.

Chris
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Marco — July 27th, 2010, 12:52 am

Mr. Ferris,

You are a very good hobbit. Happy birthday!
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AM — July 27th, 2010, 6:12 am

So cool you are doing this. I’ve been twittering your campaign using our photography business account @jasonscottphoto, but I am also a teacher and have lots of projects posted on DonorsChoose at http://www.donorschoose.org/mrsmaiolo – I have 4 new Literacy projects that should be posted in the next couple days and I would love if you could add them to your giving page. Thanks for all you are doing to help teachers and students!
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Bill — July 27th, 2010, 10:01 am

Well Happy Birthday! I sincerely wish you well! I hope your 33 is better then mine. It’s been a rough 33 for me but I’ve still got a few months left. Well I shouldn’t complain. I’ve built a pretty successful business from nothing and cleared 7 figures a year. But it’s been rough losing money this year. I just found your book laying in the guest room the other day and yeah I need a break from this work stuff. It’s funny how now that I have money it doesn’t matter to me. I was so hard core about getting a mil in the bank. Now it’s draining out and I don’t really care. I need something exciting to do. You are right about just needing more money and delayed gratification. 2 weeks a year on the beach and 50 grinding it out ain’t a good way to live. It’s just going to be tough to ditch all these employees with houses and kids and stuff. I feel like I’d be letting them down. I’m pretty sure I could make a lot and minimize my work load and live like I should, it’s just giving up on this place and all these people that work here. It’s not like there are jobs out there for them. Maybe I’ll just blame it all on you. Do you have any experience with this? Have you just shut down a company and walked away leaving a group of people that have depended on your business?
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AJ Bless — July 27th, 2010, 12:06 pm

Tim, Once again you come up with another great idea. I would also like to give praise to all the others who donated for such a worthy cause. It amazes how much time volunteers spend in the schools and how much of their personal money teachers spend to provide our kids with the proper education.

Tim, I’m a longtime follower and will continue to be. Keep up the great work and bringing more posts. The Random Episodes are too far in between.
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DynastyDC — July 27th, 2010, 12:33 pm

Thank you for the matching donation. I appreciate the DonorsChoose.org gift code.
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Mike Bowerman — July 27th, 2010, 12:43 pm

Thanks for the DonorsChoose $50 — used for a literacy project for a grade one class.
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Ms. C. — July 27th, 2010, 1:39 pm

Tim,
I am a special education teacher in Harlem who just had my project funded on donorschoose.org. Thank you so much for spreading the word about the many wonderful projects on this website! One of my donors mentioned your blog as the reason that they found my project page. My students will now be receiving 33 sets of guided reading books to help them learn how to read! Amazing!

Happy Birthday!
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Wayne — July 27th, 2010, 2:47 pm

Happy birthday, Tim! I’m a ’77 model too.

So here’s what I did: I facebooked, attached the link to my email signatures, spread the word at work and among friends, AND I set up a gmail account (SupportLiteracy@gmail.com) with an autoresponse that included a link to your donorschoose page.

I had a creative intern make a poster board that said the following: Support High Poverty Schools — Email: SupportLiteracy@gmail.com.

Then I stood on a street corner for an hour! Hope it helped!
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Wayne — July 27th, 2010, 2:53 pm

errrr . . . ChooseLiteracy@gmail.com
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Yukie — July 27th, 2010, 4:28 pm

Thank you Tim
Your $50 gift code went to Little Things Matter (special education).
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David O'Connor — July 27th, 2010, 4:48 pm

Tim,

Your birthday was awesome. You took a simple idea and turned it into helping many children educational programs. And then you added even more. I used your $50.00 gift code on “Help Make the Music Come to Life in Our Classroom”. Nice Job!
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Suz deMello — July 27th, 2010, 5:36 pm

Hey, Tim, hope you’re having a great day. I used my giftcode and made the donation in your honor, using Amy’s email addy. Hope that works for you!

Regards,
s
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Justin Yin — July 27th, 2010, 6:01 pm

Hey, just wanted to join the others in saying how awesome I think it was that you gave us the choice for donating with the $50 gift card. I knew I was going to forget so I immediately went online and donated to a wrestling program in need. You’re doing amazing things, man.

Thank you!!!
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- Tim Ferriss — July 27th, 2010, 8:49 pm
  
  Thanks so much, Justin! Wrestling is a FANTASTIC choice
  
  Tim
  Reply
Bleicke — July 27th, 2010, 6:35 pm

Hey Tim (and others interested in charity, development)!

Do you know about http://openfarmtech.org? It’s a project developing open-source tools and documentation on how to build advanced civilization from scratch with very few resources and materials. Basically you invest in a few basic tools and build your way from there.

They already completed a machine that makes bricks from earth so you can build a house wherever you have this $5,000 machine. When this project is finished it will enable people to build an entire village and local economy from nothing but empty land.

They’re suggesting the project might take 5 years and $400,000 – $800,00 to develop all 40 components. Those include the brick machine, water rigs and wells, a tractor (already built one), solar power components, heating, gardening and haying equipment, chicken incubators, drainage systems, sewage, machine shop tools, kitchen, live stock, grains, greenhouses (already built one), 3D-printer, electronic circuits and much more. In short, with all 40 projects you can build a modern city from scratch.

With only 5 or 10 you could already get a roof over people’s head and feed them, which would be a major improvement for billions of people. And remember: Once one of these projects is researched, everyone can download complete manuals for free, since it is open source, and build it for material and labor costs. From locally available resources like earth and wood.

This is better than giving people a fishing rod. It’s an open-source fishing-rod-workshop-kit. So if you want to invest somewhere to enable people in poor conditions or areas to help themselves, check this project out.

Disclaimer: I’m not actually a member of this project, I just love the idea. Give people the knowledge and tools to help themselves – for free.
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Sophia — July 27th, 2010, 7:57 pm

Tim this is such a generous deed! I was a kid who didn’t grow up with much either. I just happened to live in a town & county with a great and financially abundant school system. Now I’m growing 2 businesses and pushing them into empires all because people believed in me and wanted to show me the world. We have to believe in and encourage our youth.

My fiance and I will be making our donations tonight

You are truly special.

Ms. Sophia
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Benny — July 27th, 2010, 8:09 pm

Love the idea of the $50 gift for us to use on any program we want. I will definitely use it soon!!
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Vanessa — July 28th, 2010, 7:20 am

Dear Tim,

Thank you for sharing your birthday with us and to you and your readers so much for the amazing outpouring of generosity over the last week. I was introduced to DonorsChoose about a year ago but have never seen such a tremendous response to donate to schools in need. Your actions are truly awe-inspiring.

For those of you who are interested in supporting DonorsChoose more, there are many more opportunities to support projects:

Sign up for a monthly automatic donation and receive a free $50 donor card: https://secure.donorschoose.org/donors/lastingImpact.html?execution=e1s1

Switch your search engine to Bing for a free $3 Donor Card:
http://www.discoverbing.com/education/searchwithpurpose/?form=MFEHPG&publ=DBING&crea=TEXT_MFEHPG_Cause_Hero_DSE_1x1&fbid=VXkBxNYr0bX&wom=false

If you have an Android or iPhone, download the CauseWorld app to donate karmas to DonorsChoose and many other charities for free: http://www.causeworld.com

On a personal note, I have become a patron to a high school science teacher in Colorado who touched me with her story and dedication to bring modern science to a rural school. Through your generosity Tim, the stars are aligning so that all of her current projects are going to be funded.

Please know, that you and everyone who has donated has changed a life and made it better. The short term payoff of knowing you have helped is nothing in comparison to how many lives you have improved and will prosper in the years to come. Thank you, Vanessa
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Brigette — July 28th, 2010, 6:50 pm

As a teacher, I am truly touched that you would donate your money to help in our classrooms. I also appreciate all of your fans for graciously dedicating their time and money to help make a difference in children’s lives. I posted how wonderful this idea was on facebook with a link to your blog. I wanted people to know there are celebrities in this world making a difference!
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Michael — July 29th, 2010, 8:18 am

Posted this on facebook. Donating as soon as I can get to a credit card. Happy Birthday Tim! Great to see someone making a difference .
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Dan — July 29th, 2010, 10:57 am

Tim, you are the man! Great example for others. Thanks for all you do.
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Kathryn G — July 29th, 2010, 2:22 pm

Hi Tim,

Happy birthday and thank you for a wonderful (and successful) birthday challenge. One of my grant requests was funded, in part, by your readers. I was hoping that you could add another proposal for my students to your challenge.

Happy 33rd! May your next year be filled with joy!
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Ian Adair — July 29th, 2010, 2:51 pm

Tim,

Happy birthday bro! I turn 36 on Sunday and life just gets better. As a fundraising professional turned public school teacher I cannot tell you enough how awesome this gesture is. Kids need field trips, current technology, performing arts programs, and hands on learning. Keep passing the good karma around. Education can never have enough champions!

Not to self promote too blatantly, but I have a blog dedicated to helping public school teachers and administrators with fundraising and resource development, http://ianadair.wordpress.com/

Your book changed my professional outlook on life- looking forward to the next one.
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japes — July 30th, 2010, 12:25 am

Tim,

Happy Birthday!

The book was awesome…And thank you for a new breath of life.
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Alice Zhou — July 30th, 2010, 1:38 am

Hi Tim,

I just finished reading your book in Chinese, and was totally stoked by the ideas! I can’t believe how young you are…. some of your humour got lost in the translation, but most of it was kept in tact.

I’m surprised to find you on social media since you advocate a low info diet, I’ve just edited my facebook friends from 600 to 464. Are you a burner?? I’m trying to organize some friends to go this year. Went 2 years ago and had SUCH a blast, would love to meet you on the playa.

Happy belated birthday! I think it’s an amazing contest, I just found out about it now, but did retweet it.

Please keep on passing the good word.

PS: Your book is near the front door of Chapters book store in Canada, but sold for $26… which I find it strange because on amazon it’s only $12 something in US. Right now the exchange rate is about equal. You might want to look into that.
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Michelle — July 30th, 2010, 2:11 am

Hi Tim,

Great idea! You’ve inspired me to give to this project and to do something similar on my birthday.

When I was in public school in Oregon it was fabulous, but two years behind me when my little brother was going through high school, many budget cuts had already been voted in (so we could pay less tax) and were taking their toll – and it just kept going from there!

Way to promote positive change!!
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SM — July 31st, 2010, 5:17 am

Dude- Very cool. Helping the minds of the future. I may do something like this for my 52nd next year or our 10yr old good way to get her started. I’m not the social media type but have told a few friends. Here’s to writing that 100K check.

Happy Birthday! MYMAN
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Ron — July 31st, 2010, 7:22 am

Bon Anniversaire Tim
Your book, life by your own choices are trully inspiring.
Be the next 33 years, even greater! And yes, it’s good to be a kid
Enjoy!
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Chris — July 31st, 2010, 1:03 pm

what a fantastic idea Tim, a wonderful way of utilizing social media to help kids less fortunate. happy birthday btw
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Joe M — July 31st, 2010, 3:10 pm

Awesome. It would be sweet if to hear feedback like 6 months from now how the projects go. I hear it’s not too hard to hire cheap VA’s to do work like that .

It would also be sweet if they had an timer by the donation amount.. like “As of 3:09:55pm PST or something. (I see that it updates the amount automatically after sitting there a while 10-20mins depending on when donations are made obviously) but still’d be cool to have. I wouldn’t mind hooking donorschoose.org if there was connection and interest.

- Joe M
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Taking Control « Dinner on the Table — July 31st, 2010, 5:49 pm

[...] it. Aside – Tim Ferriss, the author, really does make sense. And seriously, he’s only 33? Pretty cool idea for a birthday [...]
meredith — July 31st, 2010, 6:28 pm

Did I win? I’m an active grandma who would love to see the world and will be there for people/children…….
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Chris — July 31st, 2010, 11:24 pm

Tim,

Donated to the site… Also mentioned your efforts in our tv show this week! Usually get thousands of hits during the month! I will let you know any feedback that we get. Also I hope this is okay,,,, not sure how else to get you the link… but here is the link to the show!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qujA28mMIPk

Cheers

Chris
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Lynelle — August 1st, 2010, 3:49 pm

LONDON – San Francisco HOUSE SWAP
Can anyone recommend a virtual assistant who can find me a house swap in London (trading my 3 BR in Marin County outside of San Francisco) for four months from September – December? Any tips or pointers? Virtual assistants to recommend?
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Jack — August 1st, 2010, 7:10 pm

Thanks for posting this. I’m making my way through your book (got it this afternoon, and on pg 57 now) and came across the link to your blog and saw this posting. Cool birthday idea, and I’m really enjoying the book so far. Throws a lot of my ideas about the world on their head.

Anyway, Happy Birthday, and best wishes toward the kids these donations go to help!
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bontem — August 4th, 2010, 3:35 am

Faced it, Tweeted it, stumbled it and will reblog it.
Great initiative for a very symbolic 33rd year.

“because they take themselves so lightly angels can fly”
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Jason Martin — August 4th, 2010, 11:39 am

Hi Tim,

Happy belated birthday (late is better than never)!

It doesn’t surprise me at all that you go to the Burn after reading the 4HWW!
Do you remember the two semi trucks welded to each other in the shape of a “S” at BM2008? It was amazing to watch the sunrise from the top of that!!

Burning Man is amazing, this will be my 6th consecutive one. I find it is the perfect place to release and clear my mind for a week.

I go by the playa name “Conscious Pilot”. At the Burn, I like to gift my Visual talents (VJing, projector art) for theme camps such as the Opulent Temple.

Tim, can I buy you a refreshment at Center Camp? I’d like to say “Hi” at the burn if you can find a few minutes in your busy schedule!

If you will be able to meet up for a quick drink, please e-mail me at (jason.carter.martin@gmail.com) as to what time will be good for you. Any time between Tuesday and Sunday during BM will work for me!

Thanks, and hope I can buy you a chai tea @ the burn!

Jason
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R Graham — August 4th, 2010, 1:11 pm

Someone helped me along the way in life. Even my meager donation will surely help someone else. I like what you did here. Pay it forward is not just the name of a move. . .
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Seth — August 5th, 2010, 11:01 am

Tim, Happy Birthday Man!. I’m one year behind you. I like the cause your promoting here. Keep up the good posts and good work.
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Sam — August 7th, 2010, 9:41 pm

Hope you have a great year ahead in year 2011 as you gets one year wiser! Bless You!
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Chris — August 8th, 2010, 5:33 pm

I’ve read your book and followed you for a few years and love the whole journey. I hope to one day help street kids in the Philippines as they have no government aid there. Cheers to your philanthropic ideas!
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Bum — August 11th, 2010, 11:20 am

Would love to help, but am flat broke. It’s true what they say, can’t get nothin done without money.
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Yadgyu — August 14th, 2010, 10:24 pm

I really do not understand the point of this.
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Jeff Merten — August 15th, 2010, 7:45 am

What a cool way to celebrate your birthday! Have a fantastic year. Donated to site and posted to facebook.
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LISA — August 15th, 2010, 11:13 pm

Happy HAPPY Birthday!
Incredible idea… kudos, again
What you give, you receive… multiple times over… lets keep the flow of energy going
Lisa
Xx
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Travis and Robin — August 16th, 2010, 8:32 pm

So out of curiosity, and because no one else has asked…here is the $64,000 question:

Who won the round trip ticket?

We will use it wisely and timely…promise!

Travis and Robin
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- Tim Ferriss — August 17th, 2010, 12:07 am
  
  Haha… it’s in the post that follow this one…
  Reply
Travis and Robin — August 17th, 2010, 11:00 am

Glad I asked! We were in the middle of a mini-mini retirement, and didn’t check email, so I missed your gift. So, after reading the post I scanned back through email and sure enough…$50 gift card!

Thanks for matching our donation and then some!

Happy Birthday, and thanks for everything Tim!

Travis and Robin
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Heather Newman — August 18th, 2010, 1:35 am

I love your book and have started putting it to good use. doesn’t surprise me that you are a burner too. I’ve been struggling to figure out next steps as of late and this has opened a new door. I seem to find the people on the playa that I should – I look forward to seeing you out there either way have a great one.

cheers
hedda
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Danica — August 18th, 2010, 4:21 pm

Dude! I hope I cross paths with you in the desert!

Though I guess it’s a little creepy to run up to randoms and go, “hey you kinda look like tim ferris I read your book you’re my hero OMG” while wearing a tutu and not much else… heh heh heh…

Look out for a bike with deer antlers on it. Yep, that’s me. in the sea of 40 000 other people.

Actually I met one of my other favourite bloggers out in the desert! But he was a very identifiable splash of pink, one John Halcyon Styn.

Anyways. Have fun out there!! and happy birthday and good luck with your birthday gift!
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$5,000 – How Should We Spend It? « miltownkid.com — August 20th, 2010, 3:16 pm

[...] idea I had was trying to contact Tim Ferriss (for example), letting him know about the competition (he’s hardcore about education reform too) and getting him to feature St. Marcus and some other schools of his choosing in a blog post [...]
Jamal Hamou — August 21st, 2010, 2:11 am

Great idea!

Looks like I missed the boat on the ticket but decided to contribute anyways.

Glad you met your goal!

Jamal
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CaptiousNut — August 21st, 2010, 7:53 am

The educational system fails even those who ostensibly do well in it.

Making marginal improvements for the poorest, broken-home children and slapping yourselves on the back for it might do nothing but keep the larger beast of Big Education alive.

The educational goals of a society ought to be based on *ideals*, not on clearing the low-hurdles set by abject Big Government failure.
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Jobi — August 21st, 2010, 10:56 am

Tim,
I would like to invite you to help light Black Rock City while you are on the Playa. You’ve probably seen us Lamplighters before in our white robes hanging around a thousand hurricane lanterns nightly for “illumination, navigation, and celebration.” It is a big job but many hands make light work. Not to mention that it is fun and makes you feel good.

We meet every evening at 5pm (4pm on Burn Night). Find us at the Lamplighter Chapel that borders Center Camp on the 5 o’clock side. It takes a couple hours. Once you’ve done it you will be presented with schwag that give lets you chill in the two story Lamplighter Lounge (with lots of shade and couches) and drink off the bar for the whole week.

We also throw two open-invite parties, the Sangria Soiree (Monday 10pm) and the Bloody Mary Brunch (Wednesday noon). Bring your own cup.

Ask for Jobi around camp, I’d love to swap some travel stories!
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Sherry Prescott-Willis — August 22nd, 2010, 1:55 pm

Hi Tim, what a wonderful birthday gift idea! Happy Birthday, hope it’s a great year for you and what an inspiration — you are transforming people’s lives through your book and now through your donation initiatives. I think I was one of the last people in Silicon Valley to read your book, but have tried to incorporate some of your concepts in my life. With two young kids, we are valuing education and teachers more than ever and look forward to our son’s first day of kindergarten tomorrow!
I will tweet, facebook and blog about your birthday program!
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Alex — August 22nd, 2010, 5:12 pm

The sad fact remains that you live in the most prosperous nation in the world and yet it can’t (or won’t) fund a good quality education for the next generations to come.
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muhammad yasir — September 9th, 2010, 4:23 am

This is such a great initiative. Thank you, Tim, for starting this! Oh, and happy birthday. you may live long
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muhammad yasir — September 9th, 2010, 4:25 am

glade to see thanks for this and happy happy happy birth day. you may live long……
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radiant — September 21st, 2010, 12:28 pm

Heya Tim. I know this post is from a long time ago, so a belated happy birthday to you!

I can’t believe… you’re a month younger than me, and you’re so much more successful. I’ve been reading your book and I’m amazed at your discoveries and knowledge. I’m definitely going to apply what I’ve learned from your book and try to get somewhere in life.

Cheers!
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muriel — September 24th, 2010, 9:10 am

Great initiative,

I saw the preview, I feel like crying, as a teacher I feel we cannot let this happen…

Happy birthday 33, 34 ect!
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Rob LaDuc — October 1st, 2010, 7:49 am

Happy Birthday Tim! I am a new fan that has just read the 4-hour Workweek & ordered your new book already. With your inspiration, I have been trying to simply my life and be truly grateful for all the blessings and opportunities that I have.

I have donated & posted on Facebook – trying to encourage as many people as possible to get involved, donate, and watch “Waiting For Superman”. If everyone could contribute just a little… it could have a huge impact!

Thanks for your inspiration!
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Isabelle — October 1st, 2010, 10:01 am

Happy Birthday Tim! I love your 4 Hour Work Week and am buying your 4 Hour Body to support you and LEARN! Thank you for all your ideas and encouragement.

I gave today, in honor of my best friend Carol, who was just admitted to hospice today and is very close to death. She has been the most amazing friend and loves to read and write and learn…therefore, this opportunity to give in her honor is such a privilege! Thank you very much for your kind, generous heart, your horizon thinking and leadership and opportunity to give on a large scale! Best wishes for a happy birthday Tim!
Isabelle
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Johnny Jen — October 1st, 2010, 10:10 am

“I gave to this project because Timothy Ferris, author of the 4-hour workweek inspired me to be generous through his own generosity.

For two birthdays in a row now he has been matching donations making my $33 donation, $66. Thanks Tim, and thank you to DonorsChoose for making it easy to make a difference.”

Dude seriously Tim, not to sound like your greatest fan in the world, but you seriously inspire me to be a better person. Because of you I quit my stressful job, moved to the islands of Thailand, found and pursued my dreams of becoming a scuba diving instructor, and started training in MMA and Muay Thai.

I sincerely hope that you have an amazing year because you truly deserve it bro.

Warm Regards,

Johnny Jen
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- Tim Ferriss — October 1st, 2010, 10:44 pm
  
  Thank you so much for your kind comment, Johnny. I’ve been very fortunate in life, and I’m just doing my best to help in some small way.
  
  Keep up the low kicks!
  
  Tim
  Reply
SM — October 1st, 2010, 12:07 pm

Happy Birthday and what a wonderful gift idea! So much better than that extra piece of something you just don’t need and will only stick in a drawer.
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sonia z — October 2nd, 2010, 5:55 am

Also born in 1977. Facebook and twitter shared.
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Mark Combs — October 6th, 2010, 11:21 am

Just gave some cash today . . . sorry Tim, I promised to do this a while back but it slipped my mind . . . but remembered today. Happy B Day
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