Kyle MacDonald a 26-year-old blogger from Montreal set out to barter one red paper clip for something and that thing for something else, over and over again until he had a house.
It began when MacDonald, an aspiring writer and salesman, advertised in the barter section of the Craigslist Web site that he wanted something bigger or better for one red paper clip. He traded it for a fish-shaped pen, and posted on Craigslist again and again. He the exchanged the pen for a ceramic knob then a camping stove, a generator, a beer keg and Budweiser sign, a snowmobile, a trip to the Canadian Rockies, a supply truck and a recording contract. The next thing you know he traded for a year’s rent in Phoenix.
His adventure became an Internet blockbuster and he became and international celebrity appearing on TV in Canada, Japan and on “Good Morning America.” The story was featured last summer on ABC’s 20/20 which is the video you are watching.
You can read all about it at MSNBC http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13804920/
Check out the blog that outlined his project: http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/
The History of Paper Clips:
In 1899, Johan Vaaler, an inventor in Norway, patented the paper clip – and it’s been used for more than just trading for a house or holding papers together. Check out the 149 things to do with a paper clip chat on FACEBOOK. During the five-year Nazi occupation of World War II, Norwegians weren’t allowed to wear buttons imprinted with the king’s initials. Loyal Norwegians wore paper clips to symbolized solidarity and oppose the occupation.
Also on this date:
Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal become the first explorers to reach the top of Mount Everest
In 1968 The ( TILA ) Truth In Lending Act passes into law with regulations designed to protect consumers in credit transactions
In 1999 The Discovery Space Shuttle completes the first docking with the International Space Station
In 2004 The World War II memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is dedicated to veterans from World War II
Today is also
International Jazz Day
While you are thinking about ways to promote your business, check out Quirky Marketing Calendar ~ How to Use Zany and Non-traditional Holidays to Promote Your Business 365 Days a Year for More great marketing ideas.
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