Web Surfing for the Soul

The Internet offers nearly limitless potential for our cognitive surplus, or free time. Here are some sites that author Clay Shirky suggests are worth a diversionary visit—or are at least better than watching Jersey Shore

Clay Shirky's site suggestions:

Grobanitesforcharity.org: Fans of pop singer Josh Groban raise money for underfunded charities

dbskexclusive.net: Admirers of DBSK used the Korean boy band's site to protest imports of American beef

Kiva.org: Lenders who want to finance entrepreneurs across the globe to fight poverty

Care2.com: Citizens interested in promoting a green lifestyle, in addition to human rights concerns

Ushahidi.com: African activists who track political violence in Kenya, Congo, and elsewhere

NetSquared.org: NGO activists and supporters looking to team up with like-minded neighbors

CouchSurfing.org: Residents offering a night's stay to complete strangers, including intrepid travelers

DonorsChoose.org: Philanthropy-minded individuals looking to help students in need

PickupPal.com: Commuters dedicated to the improvement of the carpooling system

idealist.org: A project of Action Without Borders that connects volunteers with organizations

Business Exchange

Track and share business topics across the Web.