As Egypt begins to rebuild itself after its dramatic revolution earlier this year, young Egyptians are emerging with promising high-tech start-up companies that will hopefully set a precedent for a new economy.

Although Egypt is suffering from high unemployment and a dramatic drop in tourism, some in Egypt see an opportunity to rebuild a new economy that is innovation and competition in the global market.

One young  startup company created by 25 year old Mostafa Elbeltag tracks road and traffic conditions in Cairo by allowing drivers to report to others on current road conditions. Drivers can use the website or their smartphone app Bey2ollak to report and read traffic updates before leaving home or work. Since launching in October, Bey2ollak has over 50,000 registered users.  Elbeltag hopes his success is a sign for good things to come in Egypt.

“We are proud of what we did in the revolution. It was a spark of hope that we can do better and build a better country. It means a lot to be starting a business at this optimistic time, although we know there are difficult times ahead.”

To read more about Egypt’s young entrepreneurs, click here.

• Putting the 'mobile' in Internet – http://ow.ly/5L53f #
• Do you engage your elected officials through social media? http://ow.ly/5K2Il If not, here is a directory to help you: http://ow.ly/5K2Na #
• Wired WI statement on Senator Herb Kohl’s opposition to proposed AT&T – T-Mobile USA merger: http://t.co/F1ly0Hm #
• With tiny tweets, Walker carves online presence – http://ow.ly/5JhQh #
• Blog: Making the most out your social media use http://ow.ly/5J8I4 #

Wisconsin Senator Herb Kohl on Tuesday submitted a letter to US Attorney General Eric Holder and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing his opposition to the proposed AT&T – T-Mobile USA merger now under review by the Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission. Thad Nation, executive director of Wired Wisconsin, issued this statement in response to the news:

“I am disappointed by Senator Herb Kohl’s decision to withhold his support for a merger that can provide real benefits to Wisconsin residents. As proposed, this merger would enhance and improve access to wireless broadband for Wisconsin residents through private sector investment in critical infrastructure, especially in rural areas.

“Individuals in many parts of Wisconsin often lack access to high-speed Internet, quality cell service and other amenities. This merger would help to change that by providing improved services and access to people throughout Wisconsin. Because of this identified, statewide need, I do not agree with Senator Kohl on this matter and I believe this is the wrong decision for Wisconsin consumers.”

 

When posting blogs, tweets, and Facebook comments, timing is everything. Depending on whether your goal is to have the most traffic or most re-tweets, the timing of these posts should be a priority. Several info-graphics recently released by KISSmetrics illustrate how to make the most of your social media use. Their research findings can be used a guide for social media users. Their findings include:

-The average blog post gets the most traffic at 11am, but the most comments around 9am.

-Email opens and clicks are highest in the morning

-The best days to tweet are in the  middle of the week , while the best time aroun 5pm

-Except for Saturdays, the best time to post on Facebook is at noon.

Here is just one example of KISSmetrics info-graphs on using social media:

As more individuals, groups, and organizations utilize social media, it is important to consider what kind of impact you want your emails, tweets, and Facebook posts to make. Timing is just as important as the content itself. Don’t let your blog posts and tweets become lost in the sea of social media.

Click here to learn more about KISSmetrics study on the effectiveness of blogs, emails, Twitter and Facebook.

The concept is simple, but developers of Historypin  are hopeful their impact will be huge. The new website launching this week seeks to spark intergenerational conversation and interest in history using old photographs and Google Maps.

Users of Historypin will able to take old photographs and “pin” them to locations using Google Maps. Anyone with an account will be able to submit pictures along with a brief caption of each one. History enthusiasts will then be able to search for photographs by location and date.  By setting the search parameters, you can pull up old pictures, overlaid on top of a present-day Google street views and maps

Several museums and libraries have already hopped on the project as they view this as an opportunity to preserve history in the age of social media.

Already honored with the 2011 Webby for Best Charitable Organization/Non-Profit, the website plans to expand to audio and video clips in the future.

To learn more about Historypin, click here.

• Internet becoming expansive place for good-doers – http://ow.ly/5BOgJ #

Just as the Internet has become infinite resource for information, entertainment, and shopping, it has also has become a place for those looking to help and serve others give back in meaningful ways without having to donate money. Here are several ideas for those looking to give back without just pulling out your credit card:

1.       Offer your skill set. Websites including VolunteerMatch help pair professionals looking to donate their time with local nonprofits in need of expertise.

2.       Give your time. Can’t offer a service trip to Africa? No worries. Organizations such as Infinite Family allow you to tutor a South African child via video chat 30 minutes a week.

3.       Go shopping. Can’t get enough of online shopping? Online shopping sites such as WeCare and Buy4 allows shoppers to donate a portion their purchases to the non-profit or charity of their choosing.

4.       Give a gift. If you want to do more than write a check. Oxfam allows good do-ers to buy essentials like baby blankets and school supplies online.

5.       Get a deal. If you’re a fan of Groupon, try another deal site Common Kindness in which buying a coupon also means giving back to others.

6.       Use a search engine. Instead of Google, try GoodSearch which donates to the charity of your choice with any simple search.

7.       Play a game. Online games just don’t have to be a way to procrastinate. The highly addictive FreeRice game donates 10 grains of rice for each correct answer.

To read more about how the Internet can facilitate social change, click here.

• How to Protect Your Company’s Passwords – http://ow.ly/5y1mC #
• La Crosse area schools delve into iEducation – http://ow.ly/5y1k7 #
• Miron's use of iPads keeps $24M Green Bay project on track – http://ow.ly/5y1iL #
• President Obama to hold first ever Twitter town hall meeting tomorrow – http://ow.ly/5xjFT #

President Obama became one of Twitter‘s newest members last month when he sent his first tweet on Father’s Day. Soon Twitter users can have exclusive access to President Obama when he holds the first presidential Twitter town hall meeting Wednesday.

Twitter users will be able to ask President Obama questions relating to the economy and jobs using the hashtag #AskObama during the town hall meeting starting at 2pm ET. The event will be hosted by Twitter co-founder and executive chairman Jack Dorsey.

To read more about the first ever presidential town hall meeting, click here.

• We at Wired Wisconsin wish you all a safe and joyous 4th of July weekend! #
• 3 Simple Ways Tech Can Grow Greener Cities – http://ow.ly/5tWX0 #
• Wisconsin is ahead of neighboring states on tech exports, study says – http://ow.ly/5tWpx #
• Lawmakers, experts discuss importance of regional broadband access – http://ow.ly/5tWnt #
• Wired Wisconsin: Wisconsin's high-tech exports outpacing national average – http://ow.ly/5thzY #
• What a great panel discussion today on the future of broadband. Hoping to do another soon. Stay tuned for details. #
• Reps Molepske and Krug joke that expansion of broadband to rural areas is one of few things they actually agree on. #
• Panelists are giving final remarks and talking about what the future of central WI looks like with expanded broadband http://t.co/zEZNA8L #
• Panelists are now discussing whether or not fixed versus mobile broadband is best or if you can have them both. #
• "Internet isn't waiting for you to get high speed Internet. It assumes you have it already." Zach Brandon to Broadband attendees #
• Barb Fleisner, Exec Dir of Centergy, explains how broadband expansion in rural areas is needed for business retention http://t.co/McICULG #
• Joe Brickweg from Marshfield Clinic is explaining how broadband is necessary for the future of the healthcare industry. #
• Zach Brandon with Wis Tech Council is explaining the importance of broadband expansion to business development. #
• Portage County Executive Patty Dreier is giving a welcome to our panel attendees. #
• Our broadband panel is just about to get under way. Great turnout this morning! #
• Heading to Stevens Point to get ready for tomorrow's panel discussion on broadband. Join us at 8:30am at UWSP if you are free! #
• Live in the Portage County area? Have plans for Wed morning? Join us for a panel discussion on the future of broadband. http://ow.ly/5rd62 #