Yes, we have an abiding interest in pre-history, but, honestly, we only include this so we could write that headline.

Mark Twain once said one should never confuse a banker with someone who's trying to help you. You can be the exception that proves the rule by making small short-term loans to entrepreneurs around the world through Kiva.Org. Kiva, a micro-finance organization, brokers loans from folks with a few bucks they can spare to other folks who need a small sum to start, stock or expand their businesses.

From earlier this afternoon until now Roseline Osarenkhoe, a green grocer from Benin City, Nigeria has already had her her small loan request go from 56% funded to 100% underwritten. It's a beautiful thing.

When Cultures Collide: Read an interesting blog post at Kiva Chronicles about the clash of cultures that can occur when a borrower from another culture wants to fund something that some of the American lenders find reprehensible. (South American entrepreneur needed a loan for his cock-fighting establishment, resulting in panties a-twist). The outcome is indeed enlightening.

Image: Nigerian Roseline Osarenkhoe's small loan was funded through Kiva.org today. (Kiva)