I just learned another cool,new word.. Its 'wasta' (واسْطة) an arabic,word meaning connections.. Or 'pull' or grease Or something you get from connections rather than merit. I learned it at a really interesting workshop i'm attending on entrepreneurship and water at the Harvard Innovation lab. The workshop is with fellows of the I2 program…. Which has been set up to promote entrepreneurism in Saudi Arab

I was so impressed with the fellows and organizers of I2.. They were smart, visionary and hard working..They all had really superb technical backgrounds.. And were deep thinkers…i felt honored to be there.. Dr. Sindi,a the founder of I2 was an insipring woman…she'd jsut invented a disposable test for liver falure made of paper.. How cool is that..

One of my favorite talks of the workshop today was from His Royal Highness Fahad al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family, a stanfrod grad, social entrepreneur and tottally awsome and inspiring guy.. Hes The guy who told me the meaning of the word Wasta.. Or ,vitamin-W, His talk. Was aimed at the saudis in the audience encouraging them to move beyond privelidge and to come back and serve their country by inspiring their countrymen to innnovate, invent and give back.

Ok.. Its late and i need sleep.. More to orrow from the workshop !

Nite all, note sam

-me