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Is the "Coffee Party" the Next Big Thing?

Source: CBS - Looking for change, but not quite ready for a revolution? Disappointed in President Obama and Congress, but not ready to turn your back on Washington? Prefer a double, non-foam latte over a cup of Earl Grey? The Coffee Party might be for you.

Months after the Tea Party erupted onto the national scene at health care town halls, an alternative, more pro-government group of citizens is emerging to say they're angry, too -- they just want less yelling and more talking.

Just as the Tea Party organized to remind the Republican Party what its conservative base stands for, the Coffee Party movement is organizing to represent citizens who believe in government solutions for national problems but aren't necessarily enthralled with Democratic leadership. After gaining steam online over the past few months, the Coffee Party is launching its first national event this Saturday: National Coffee Party Day.

What is the Coffee Party, and How Did it Start?

The Coffee Party is a loosely organized movement that has yet to adopt a platform -- but it has a message that its members feel is resonating across the country.

It started with a Facebook note from Annabel Park, a documentary filmmaker from the Washington area, who felt like venting about the Tea Party. She was inundated with feedback from people who agreed that the Tea Party did not represent the America they knew. The sentiment snowballed into a Web site that attracted 170,000 visitors in its first week and Facebook page that as of Friday morning, had more than 110,000 fans -- just beating out the number fans of the Tea Party Patriots page.

Park explains the movement in an introductory video on the Web site: "We object to obstructionism and extreme political tactics that are, I think, are fear based, not reality based and in many ways just deliberate misinformation," she says. "So we're organizing. We want people to understand that we're voters... We need everyone engaged in the political process. That is the only way our government can function, as an expression of our collective will."

The Coffee Party is about open discussion and deliberation for the purpose of solving common problems. The group welcomes everyone and embraces diversity -- ethnic, geographical and even political diversity. There's one caveat Park gives in her opening statement: "If you don't believe the government has any role, than yeah, you should join the Tea Party."

What's Going on Saturday?

This Saturday, local Coffee Party organizers will hold more than 350 meetings, in nearly every state, for the Coffee Party National Kick Off. National organizers are encouraging local leaders to convene groups of no more than eight people at a local coffee shop to discuss the issues that matter to them.

"We just wanted to find a way to make it fun and bring back that feeling of civic pride that pretty much all Americans had in 2008," Eric Byler, one of the leaders of the national Coffee Party, told Hotsheet. "What I saw was people who were really, really proud to get a chance to vote for John McCain -- after eight years, to vote for a war hero -- and people proud to vote for the first 21st-century, multi-ethnic, citizen of the world candidate. I felt so good about our democracy in 2008... we're just trying to bring people back in."

The groups on Saturday will be encouraged to come to a consensus about what issues matter to them the most. Each group will take a picture at the coffee shop with a sign that reads "coffee and..." with the issue of their choice. National Coffee Party organizers will collect the pictures on their Flikr account to create an "issues mosaic."

Shouldn't Voters Seeking Government Solutions be Happy with Washington Right Now?

The issues likely to come up at Saturday's meetings could very well arise at a Tea Party meeting.

"We want jobs with decent pay for all Americans," the Coffee Party declares on its Facebook page. "We want affordable health care and education. We want our government to cut wasteful spending and practice fiscal discipline. We want regulation of Wall Street to protect consumers and promotion of financial literacy."

The coffee partiers share a lot of the same grievances as tea partiers -- even though they are much more likely to have voted for President Obama.

But the recession hit everyone, explains Frances Lappe, a best-selling author and follower of the Coffee Party movement. Liberals and conservatives alike are hurt by a government that caters more to special interests than its citizens, she said, especially in a time of economic hardship.

Lappe is releasing a second edition of her book "Getting a Grip," which explores the process of creating a "living democracy." The aftermath of the 2008 election compelled Lappe to update her book, which was written during the Bush era.

"I, too, was in some way lulled into the idea that a change at the very top could bring about the kind of systemic, cultural change I believe is very necessary," Lappe told Hotsheet. "Clearly, changing the president is not going to do it. In a way, the disappointment that many have felt is the greatest gift Obama has given us -- to disabuse us of the notion there is a quick fix."

Nothing will change, Lappe says, until power is no longer concentrated in the hands of the few and the wealthy.

Health Benefits of Kindness by Mr. Positive

I have been a subscriber to the Mr. Positive daily newsletter ever since I bumped into my friend and Mr. Positive himself, David Boufford, last summer. I couldn't believe it, I met someone even more positive than me! David has dedicated his life to helping people see the affirmative side of things. I am grateful to know him and to read his e-letter first thing in the morning. I just had to share this one from yesterday morning...

Source: MrPositive.com - I met a homeless man last night who said "Hey do you have any spare money?" my first reaction was 'Heck no, I don't have any 'spare money' in these tough times and I felt bad for not helping but it sure seemed true in that moment.

Then as I proceeded to process my transaction at the ATM machine I realized that while I may not have a bunch of 'spare money' right now - all my needs are met and I even have enough to share.  I am truly blessed. His question also reminded me of the golden rule to treat others as you would like to be treated and to absolutely be grateful for all I have right now.

So, as I was getting back in my car I happily slipped him some cash and thanked him for the opportunity to share. As a bonus I instantly I felt good...but I didn't know that I was receiving health benefits too! Then this morning while searching for something inspiring to share I found this report on the "Health Benefits of Kindness" and with Random Acts of Kindness Week coming up (Feb. 15-21) I thought how perfect...Here's to kindness, your health and well being!"

Health Benefits of Kindness - www.actsofkindness.org

Numerous scientific studies show that acts of kindness result in significant health benefits, both physical and mental. Here are some key points:

*Helping contributes to the maintenance of good health, and it can diminish the effect of diseases and disorders serious and minor, psychological and physical.

*A rush of euphoria, followed by a longer period of calm, after performing a kind act is often referred to as a “helper’s high,” involving physical sensations and the release of the body’s natural painkillers, the endorphins. This initial rush is then followed by a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being.

*Stress-related health problems improve after performing kind acts. Helping reverses feelings of depression, supplies social contact, and decreases feelings of hostility and isolation that can cause stress, overeating, ulcers, etc. A drop in stress may, for some people, decrease the constriction within the lungs that leads to asthma attacks.

*Helping can enhance our feelings of joyfulness, emotional resilience, and vigor, and can reduce the unhealthy sense of isolation.

*A decrease in both the intensity and the awareness of physical pain can occur.

*The incidence of attitudes, such as chronic hostility, that negatively arouse and damage the body is reduced.

*The health benefits and sense of well-being return for hours or even days whenever the helping act is remembered.

*An increased sense of self-worth, greater happiness, and optimism, as well as a decrease in feelings of helplessness and depression, is achieved.

*Once we establish an “affiliative connection” with someone – a relationship of friendship, love, or some sort of positive bonding – we feel emotions that can strengthen the immune system.

*Adopting an altruistic lifestyle is a critical component of mental health.

*The practice of caring for strangers translates to immense immune and healing benefits.

*Regular club attendance, volunteering, entertaining, or faith group attendance is the happiness equivalent of getting a college degree or more than doubling your income.

Source: Luks, Allan. The Healing Power of Doing Good: The Health and Spiritual Benefits of Helping Others. New York: iUniverse.com, 2001. Our thanks to the Niagara Wellness Council, Niagara Fall, NY, for compiling this list from Luks’ book. The Niagara Wellness Council may be reached by email at niagwellness@opticlick.com.

Random Acts of Kindness Week, Feb 15-21, more info www.actsofkindness.org

Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch Take on Mt. Kilimanjaro to Raise Awareness

Source: USA Today - Enduring cold, little sleep, and, now, a blizzard, actors Jessica Biel and Emile Hirsch join United Nations Foundation exec Elizabeth Gore and others on a most challenging quest to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.

The reason for this extreme adventure?

To raise awareness and funds for the global clean water crisis (over 1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water) says Biel in an interview with People magazine:

"Meeting the people and community in Tanzania … has been an invaluable and eye-opening experience for me," Biel says after landing there Tuesday. "My hope is that others will be inspired to find ways that they can help; starting simply in their homes and continuing to other parts of the world. We are all in this together."

To follow their expedition and support the cause with a donation of water, visit www.summitonthesummit.com.

Kentucky Couple Win $128M Powerball Prize

Source: Yahoo – A central Kentucky autoworker is lucky he held on to the $128 million Powerball ticket he bought on Christmas Eve during some last-minute shopping — after all, it was printed by mistake.

Lottery officials said Rob Anderson and his wife, Tuesday, were winners of the largest jackpot in the state's history.

On Wednesday the couple was introduced at the state lottery headquarters in Louisville. The Andersons said they didn't initially believe they had won the $128.6 million jackpot after buying lottery tickets together for 12 years.

"We didn't hit it, that's not us," Rob Anderson said he told his wife after showing her the winning ticket the morning after the Dec. 26 drawing. "Something's not right!"

Rob Anderson, 39, said the winning ticket was a misprint that he decided to keep while buying stocking stuffers at a Georgetown, Ky., gas station. He wanted to buy $1 lottery tickets for three people, but the clerk goofed.

"The clerk ran the $3 Quick Pick but he put it all on one ticket, and I was like, doggone it, I needed three separate tickets," Anderson said.

The clerk asked him if he wanted to keep the ticket, which had three sets of random numbers.

"Yeah, I got a couple extra dollars," Anderson said, and he bought three more tickets to give as gifts.

When he arrived at home, he tossed the ticket on his dresser and didn't think about it until the Sunday morning after the drawing. When he remembered it, he checked the Powerball numbers and they matched one of the sets of numbers on the botched ticket: 32-36-37-41-53 and Powerball 30.

The couple, who work at a plant building seats for Toyotas, said they were hesitant to go public about the winnings. They declined to say if they had children.

"We're really grounded people," Rob Anderson said. "My wife taught me well, so to speak, to hang on to that dollar and see how far it gets you. We'll still clip coupons and still look for the clearance rack."

He said they would like to go back to school. His proposed major? Finance.

Tuesday Anderson said they have a dream of visiting Hawaii and she wants a new car.

The couple said they haven't decided if they'll return to work and whether they'll take a lump sum payment, which would be worth about $63 million.

Prior to this jackpot, the largest ever won in Kentucky was $89.3 million in 1996.

Ode Magazine

Source: Ode Magazine - Ode is a print and online publication about positive news, about the people and ideas that are changing our world for the better.

Ode was founded in the spring of 1995 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands by Jurriaan Kamp and Helene de Puy. Kamp, a former editor and correspondent with the leading Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad, and de Puy wanted to create an alternative to mainstream publications, a magazine that was open to new inspirations and new visions from around the world. The cover of the first issue - a close-up image of a radiant woman laughing out loud - captured the joy and spontaneity they wanted Ode to embody.

For the first nine years of its existence, Ode was published in Dutch. But in the summer of 2004 Kamp and de Puy, who are partners in marriage as well as in publishing, moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to launch the English-language edition of the magazine. Ode now appears ten times a year in both English and Dutch, with a worldwide circulation of more than 100,000. Over the past 12 years, Ode has helped make the 'alternative' media space more mainstream. The magazine profiled people like clown-doctor Patch Adams, guru Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil long before more conventional publications made them household names.

During this time, Ode also built a community of readers who are passionate about the magazine and the issues for which it stands: positive social, environmental and economic change. Because these readers have a lot to say for themselves - and to each other- Ode created a new website that allows them to communicate, socialize and contribute to Ode. Odemagazine.com's mix of print and online journalism with user-generated content and social networking makes it unique on the Web.

In print and online, Ode's aim is to bring a new reality into view, to explore opportunities for positive change in our daily lives and our daily minds.

Humanity 2.0: Jeff Skoll Makes Movies That Matter

Source: Ted.com - Film producer Jeff Skoll talks about his film company, Participant Productions, and the people who've inspired him to do good.

Why you should listen to him:

Jeff Skoll was eBay's employee number 2 and president number 1. He left with a comfortable fortune and a desire to spend his money helping others.

The Skoll Foundation, established in 1999, invests in, connects and celebrates social entrepreneurs - offering grants to people who build businesses, schools and services for communities in need. Every year, it presents the Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford, and runs Social Edge, a networking site for social entrepreneurs.

His production company, Participant Productions, is what Skoll calls a "pro-social media company," making features and documentaries that address social and political issues and drive real change. His film North Country, for example, is credited with influencing the signing of the 2005 Violence Against Women Act. Participant's blockbuster doc, An Inconvenient Truth, is required viewing in classrooms around the world, and has unquestionably changed the debate around climate change. [All of Participant Media's films are outstanding and for the betterment of humanity] 

The clip below is from a few years back, but the story it tells is more than relevant today, not to mention the fact that Participant Media has continued to create telling film for the betterment of our planet, including The Soloist, Food, Inc., The Cove and many more:

Thousands Watch Rose Parade in Pasadena

Source: LA Times News - The 121st Rose Parade kicked off just after 8 a.m., led by grand marshal Capt. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, the hero pilot who guided a US Airways plane to a safe landing in the Hudson River last January after a bird strike knocked out its engines.

After a tough year that left many wishing for uplifting news and more heroes, spectators said they appreciated the choice of "Sully."

"How wonderful to have someone as grand marshal who saved lives. It goes right along with the theme of the parade," said Margo Bishop of San Clemente, who comes to the parade every year with her friend, Jan Horner of Altadena.

The 2010 parade, with the theme of "A cut above the rest," honors "everyday heroes." The lineup offers plenty of other champions to admire, some in the flesh and some made of plants.

The Subway Restaurants float presents portraits of famous athletes, crafted of onion and poppy seed. The West Covina entry honors the Tuskegee Airmen and features 15 veterans from the original World War II fighter group of African American military men -- as well as airplanes made of carnations and eucalyptus. Perched atop China Airlines' float is "Nezha," aka "The Third Prince," a character from Chinese mythology who subdued demons.

Not to mention the hundreds of horses and tuba players marching with the 41 floats, 22 marching bands and 23 equestrian units. Tournament of Roses officials estimate that it takes 18 million flowers and 5,000 gallons of glue to make it all happen.

This year, the parade and the Rose Bowl game that follows will honor the late Gary J. DiSano, the president of the Tournament of Roses who died Sept. 20, just three months before he would have presided over the parade. His wife and children will travel the parade route in the president's car.

For the second time, tournament officials will allow television viewers and other parade watchers to vote on a "Viewer's Choice" award on the website of KTLA-TV Channel 5, which televises the parade.

Steve Lopez on Nathaniel Ayers

Source: LA Times - I heard that Nathaniel Ayers, musical genius and inspiration behind the film the Soloist, performed at Agape in Culver City on the eve of Christmas along with Rickie Byers Beckwith. Wow, how I would have loved to be there! Anyhow, here's a clip from 60 Minutes demonstrating the beautiful friendship formed between LA columnist Steve Lopez and the schizophrenic homeless musician Nathaniel Ayers. Steve Lopez has chronicled the life of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, who sleeps each night on one of skid row's most dangerous streets, in his columns listed here.

Boeing's 787

Source: WIRED - Boeing's 787, as innovative inside as outside - "Oh sure, Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner is made of composite materials and it's super fuel efficient, but unless you own an airline, the only thing you care about is how comfortable it is. Boeing knows this, and has striven to give passengers an experience unlike any other airplane.

The aerospace company decided an all-new airplane needs an all-new interior and went all-out to make the 787's interior as innovative as its airframe, aerodynamics and engines. From the air you breath to the turbulence you (won't) feel to the windows you look through, the passenger experience promises to provide something new at every stage of your flight.

"When you go inside a 787 mockup, you get this 'wow!'" said airline analyst Scott Hamilton, who got to see a demo interior at Boeing's facility near Seattle.

You know the 787 is something different the moment you step inside.

Boeing wastes no time giving passengers a new experience. As soon as you board the Dreamliner, you're greeted by an open area just inside the door. The ceiling resembles a skylight, complete with blue LED lighting that mimics the sky.

"They've designed this kind of lounge area instead of coming in next to a galley," Hamilton says. "It really gives you a welcoming area instead of entering into somebody's kitchen."

Of course, it's up to the airlines buying the planes to decide what you see, and some of them may well modify the boarding area and other features of the plane. But even if they muck it up completely, there's still a lot of "wow" in the 787 cabin.

The onboard lighting is one of the coolest features.

Anyone who has flown across more than a couple of time zones knows how difficult it is to sleep, and to be awakened with the flick of a switch that floods the cabin in fluorescent white light. Boeing's LEDs allow the crew to adjust the lighting to match different phases of the flight.

The light is fairly standard during boarding and while cruising. During meals it is adjusted to warmer tones. Once you're done eating and want to tilt the seat back and relax, the cabin can be bathed in a relaxing lavender hue. When it's time to sleep, the lights are turned way down.

But it's how the crew wakes you that's the best part of the Dreamliner's lighting.

Instead of flicking the lights on and flooding the cabin in light, the cabin will brighten slowly, with the light transitioning from the purples and oranges of a sunrise to yellows, and eventually white against a blue sky. Boeing's thought is mimicking the light schedule of your destination, some of the dreaded jet lag can be alleviated

Sleep time brings up another innovation.

Gone is that dreaded moment when, after you finally fall asleep, that passenger in the window seat raises the shade to make sure the Pacific Ocean is still there and fills the cabin with sunlight. The windows of the 787 don't have shades. They use an electrochromic dimmable system.

You can let in all the light you want -- or none at all -- at the flick of a switch. Of course, the crew has a master switch, so when it's time to sleep, that guy in the window seat can only get just enough light to confirm the Pacific hasn't gone anywhere without bothering everybody else.

He'll have a better view, too. The 787's windows are 65 percent bigger than the windows in other planes. Boeing made them taller, so kids and NBA players can enjoy the same view as the average passenger.

Boeing spent a lot of time focusing on how passengers perceive the cabin.

Let's face it: you're sitting in a tube. It's only so big -- the fuselage is 18 feet 11 inches wide -- and there's only so much space you can use. Things are always a little more spacious in first class, but Boeing wanted to make sure even those of us crammed into coach feel like we have more room.

To do that, Boeing's designers gave the 787 an open, airy design. It's another reason for the skylight-like lighting.

"The upper ceiling designs are arched in such a fashion that you get a much more open feeling than you do in a typical wide-body airplane," Hamilton says.

Even the overhead bins have been redesigned.

To accommodate the trend of more carry-on bags due to baggage fees and the unwillingness of some passengers to part with their luggage, Boeing made the bins about 30 percent bigger. They're easier to load because they lower when opened and tuck away when raised. That should be a big help for people who don't understand what a carry-on should be and make it easier for the rest of us to stash our stuff and get out of the aisle.

The composite structure of the 787 means the Dreamliner is lighter and more aerodynamic, which is a boon for airlines. But the composite construction means the airframe isn't prone to corrosion like aluminum. That means the crew can increase the humidity of the cabin, reducing that parched feeling you have after a long flight.

And thanks again to the composite fuselage, the interior cabin pressure can be increased. This means the cabin will be pressurized to an altitude of 6,000 feet instead of the typical 8,000 feet. These combined factors should make breathing much more comfortable and lead to fewer headaches, fatigue and other health issues common to many passengers.

Another factor that often leads to headaches and general annoyance is noise, especially if you're sitting behind the engines. The new serrated engine nacelles on the 787 make the plane quieter -- both for passengers and those who live in the plane's flight path. Even the fan blades inside the engine are designed to be quieter.

One of the more innovative passenger comfort systems on the 787 is the computer-controlled turbulence-reduction system.

Boeing claims the Smoother Ride Technology will provide an eight-fold reduction in the number of people experiencing motion sickness. Sensors throughout the airplane detect subtle changes in air pressure indicative of turbulence and direct the fly-by-wire flight controls to move flaperons on the wings to counter the vertical motion. It won't eliminate all the bumps, but Boeing says it will work especially well on the moderate turbulence that causes most airsickness.

All of this technology puts the 787 well ahead of the competition, Hamilton says. He points out that if you only know the standard airline interior, you won't feel like you're missing anything. But even the most modern of interiors in other airplanes doesn't compare.

"Airbus had done a complete makeover of the A320 interior in 2007," Hamilton says. "But it's a conventional looking interior. It's very good, but having been inside the 787, you just get that 'wow' factor."

And the new interiors will make the airlines happy as well. From the windows to the bathrooms and everything in between, the 787 interior is designed to be easier to clean and cheaper to repair or replace.

The Dreamliner is two years overdue and Boeing has lost orders because of those delays. But Hamilton and others say once the flight test is finished and the first loads of passengers have flown on the new airplane, most of the bad memories should be erased.

He says there are likely to be a few more hiccups between now and then, but is confident both the airlines and the flying public will appreciate the new design.

"Boeing is going to have a real winner on its hands," he says.

We'll find out in nine months. That's when Japan's All Nippon Airways starts service with the first passenger carrying 787.

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Jonas

Source: Examiner - "Kevin Jonas, 22, of the Jonas Brothers, has married fiancé Danielle Deleasa, 22, on Saturday, December 19, 2009 according to a report on People.com. The couple was married at the Oheka Castle, a chateau in Long Island, New York. Prior to the wedding, Jonas had Deleasa sing a prenup.

Kevin Jonas is the eldest of the three wholesome Jonas brothers and the first to get married. Danielle Deleasa is a former hairdresser from New Jersey. Deleasa wore a beautiful Vera Wang gown in the Disney-like wedding.

A blizzard threatened to put a cancel the festivities, but the wedding went forward as scheduled. It was attended by about 400 friends and family members. Kevin's brothers Joe and Nick served as best men.

The Jonas Brothers are Disney television stars, touring entertainers, popular singers and heartthrobs. The brothers have a wholesome, clean-cut image and have been wearing purity rings, a sign of their vow to abstain from sex until marriage.

May Kevin Jonas and Danielle Deleasa and all people be blessed with lives full of love, peace and joy."

Future President to Ride a Virgin Before Taking Office

Upon reading the article's title, I presume that the prudent reader would output a sharp galvanic skin response should his/her palm be hooked up to the proper measuring device - we mean virgin as in Richard Branson's "private spaceliner" Virgin Galactic.

Yes ladies and gentlemen we have evolved technologically to a point in which the wealthy can now micro-vacation via sub-orbital spaceflight and likely in full orbit around the Earth sometime very soon. I personally think private space exploration is awesome and it is highly probable that it's part of "the master plan" behind our survival as a species, well, unlike cloning humans for instance. 

So why should it be mandatory for our next President to take a little trip into sub-orbital space before being sworn into office? Simply, so that the citizens of our country can be 100% certain that our chief-to-be has personally witnessed our marvelous planet from the proper perspective - one of awe, beauty, balance, and most importantly without these imaginary lines we call borders. From this higher vantage point, how could a leader fail to realize that we are all one people?

Really, how many more years can a modern leader (especially one who grew up so freely fortunate in the USA) justify war? All this seemingly progressive chatter about healthcare, the economy, stimulus, green technology, etc... what does it matter when our leaders, one after another, continue to put GUNS and BOMBS and God knows what else in the hands of our KIDS to go "RESCUE" aka MURDER poor villagers on the other side of planet Earth? All these politicians, lobbyists, governors, senators, policy makers, etc., what are they doing really? If they can't come together and force the decision makers to end the killing of human beings, then they shouldn't hold their positions for a day longer.

What do you think we can do about it that we haven't already tried? Let's come together and get creative. Feel free to respond with your thoughts below. In the meantime, just picture our next President elect flying up in one of these before he/she can be sworn in:

Carbon 14 Will Award 50K Toward Your Action

Are you doing something good for the environment and wish you had a few more bucks to assist you in doing more good?

Well, the eco-chic watch brand Carbon 14 wants to help and they're putting their money where their mouth is - they've recently announced that they will be giving away a top prize of $50,000 toward your Environmental action or cause! Oh yes, 20 finalists will receive the Carbon 14 watch of their choice.   

If you, or someone you know, is doing something extraordinary, make sure to submit the cause or action (by nominating yourself or others) and how the 50K award will help out.

According to the C14 website, this opportunity is for everyone, and that means everyone - not just the eco-geeks who seem to be inventing the next fuel-efficient jet (although their submissions are also encouraged!) Don't feel shy at all about submitting your action even if you simply want to make your house or yard more environmentally friendly - you can still enter and win!

Most important of all, we need YOUR help in identifying worthwhile environmental causes. We have created an interactive discussion forum for each nomination, so you have the ability to share your ideas and comment on other's nomiations.

They need to get all your nominations by February 28, 2010 - then the voting begins. Who are the judges? Find out for yourself - we've included pics of a few of them above, recognize anybody?

So make sure to tell your friends, neighbors, and everyone you know to vote for your idea. The Top 20 nominees who receive the most votes will be reviewed by a panel qualified judges. Check out the panel of judges below. From those Top 20 nominees, the judges will choose the Top 5 finalists - then through another round of voting YOU will decide who wins the C14 $50000 Environmental Award.

Check out the the contest rules and deadline dates here.

If I Was in LA

California Dreamin' is a song by The Mamas & the Papas, first released in 1965. The song is #89 in Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The lyrics of the song are about a man in a cold winter landscape longing for the warmth of California.

According to John Phillips in a Bravo documentary, and Michelle Phillips in an NPR piece, the song was written in 1963 while they were living in New York. He dreamed about the song and woke her up to help him write it. At the time, the Phillipses were members of the folk group The New Journeymen which evolved into The Mamas & the Papas.

They earned their first record contract after being introduced to Lou Adler, the head of Dunhill Records, by the singer Barry McGuire. In thanks to Adler, they sang the backing vocals to "California Dreamin'" on McGuire's album This Precious Time. The Mamas and the Papas then recorded their own version, using the same instrumental backing track to which they added new vocals and an alto flute solo by Bud Shank. McGuire's original vocal can be briefly heard on the left channel at the beginning of the record, having not been completely wiped. The single was released in late 1965 but it was not an immediate breakthrough. After gaining little attention in Los Angeles upon its release, Michelle Phillips remembers that it took a radio station in Boston to break the song nationwide. By early 1966, the song peaked at #4 and stayed on the charts for 17 weeks. Source: Wikipedia

Green Holidays

Hot Mom's Club - "The holidays are a time of joy and thanksgiving and this year, you can also make it a time of renewal for the planet. Without going to too much trouble, you can implement several “green” aspects into your holiday preparations and celebrations.

Technology to Save Energy: You are going to be on the computer anyway, so consider sending holiday greetings to family and friends via e-mail. For lot’s of holiday fun, check out elfyourself.com to turn yourself and family members into elves for the holidays-virually.

Reuse It: If you prefer to send hand-written notes, make your own cards with paper you already have. Or look for holiday cards printed on recycled paper. Eliminate envelope waste by sending postcards or folding and sealing notes so you can address them on the outside. Every bit of paper you save, really adds up and it saves you money on postage!

Recycled Party: When hosting holiday parties, use reusable glass or plastic ware, and recycled paper napkins. Marcal Small Steps, brand is made from 100% recycled paper rather than from trees, making your party so-eco-chic-green and festive. At biodegradablestore.com, you can find various biodegradable paper plates and cutlery to keep your party green through and through.

Bag It: Lately everyone seems to be remembering their reusable grocery bags at the grocery store, but we also need to keep in mind that when shopping for gifts and holiday decorations, to carry our own canvas bag or backpack, or reuse shopping bags. One smart choice is Chico Bag’s

Non-Material: Any mother will tell you that, they’d prefer receiving gifts of your time or services. Consider a free breakfast in bed or perhaps a lunch date. Save valuable resources and share some quality time with a loved one. Consider gift certificates – for restaurants, movies, babysitting, etc. – or give consumable items such as baked goods.

Give What is Needed: Resist the urge to spend money on fad gifts that may not even get used; instead, give gifts that are on someone’s list and are possibly made locally or in the U.S.A. This conservative approach results in happy gift recipients and a happy planet (less waste).

Re-gifting is not a crime: Pass along hand-me-downs and heirlooms as special gifts for family members. These are also called “story gifts” because they carry stories with them, and often invoke treasured memories. Share a story and some history with a loved one!

It’s a Wrap: According to the Medical University of South Carolina, waste output increases 25% during the holiday season. When wrapping gifts, consider re-using packaging from previous years or maybe even use the funny pages from the newspaper or use recycled wrapping paper. Get creative and use unique containers to hold gifts, such as cloth sacks or boxes from other products. Save countless trees and give your creativity muscle a boost!

Ever-Green: Everyone loves the smell of fresh cut holiday trees, however, Consider alternatives to a cut tree, such as a live tree, decorated houseplant, or artificial tree. To maintain that reminiscent evergreen odor, consider tree-scented air fresheners or candles. Check out EarthKind’s website for some eco-friendly options, earthkindstore.com. *Remember to recycle your Christmas tree when you can no longer use it. Many neighborhoods have tree recycling programs.

Decorate with Nature: Use natural items from around the house to decorate your tree such as, popcorn, berries and outdoor greens. Mother Nature will be so proud!

Buy Energy-Saving “LED” Holiday Lights: Now you can decorate your house with LED lights that use 90 percent less energy than conventional holiday lights, and can save your family up to $50 on your energy bills during the holiday season. LED lights are available at many major retailers, including Target, CostCo, and Ace Hardware.

Buy Organic or Locally-Grown Produce: and cook at least some vegetarian meals-make the most out of food resources and fuel. Support local family farmers who grow sustainable meat and produce. Not only does it taste better, you’ll be doing your part for the planet too. Consider preparing food that does not have to be refrigerated to lower the amount of power wasted by continually opening and closing the fridge. Give away untouched leftovers and unwanted gifts. Others less fortunate than you could be very appreciative of these re-given gifts.

Fair-trade Chocolate: Fill your stockings with Fair-Trade Chocolate and you can eat your way to a better planet. Consider Divine Chocolate whose mission is to improve the livelihood of smallholder cocoa producers in West Africa by establishing their own dynamic chocolate brand.

Cool House: Take a pledge this New Years’ to reduce your home energy use by buying energy-efficient light bulbs. Installing only 6 compact fluorescent light bulbs will save the average American family $60 per year. For example, if there’s a fire in your fireplace this Christmas, turn down that thermostat! Lowering the temperature even five degrees can take 10% off your energy bill.

Papa's Perfect

Leon C. Kolb, 91, was peacefully born into eternity, December 1, 2009, from his home in North Hollywood, CA.

In celebration of his new life, a private service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday December 7th, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, followed by a burial service at Forest Lawn.

It is no coincidence that the celebration of the Pearl Harbor Survivor's new life will be taking place on the 68th anniversary of the date which will live in infamy. Leon Kolb (Papa) was aboard the Battleship USS Oklahoma that fateful Sunday morning when the Japanese torpedoed and eventually sunk his ship.

According to the Daily News, Papa, wearing white shorts and a regulation U.S. Navy T-shirt, was ordered out of the ship's magazine by men who wouldn't survive the day. Then he remembered his ring [Nana's engagement ring which was in his locker a few decks below] - followed by a biblical injunction never to look back - and scrambled to safety over the rising port gunwale.

"I saw a picture of Lot’s wife turning to go back, she turned into a pillar of salt. And I took that as God's message: Don't go back. If I had, I would have been buried in salt water with the rest who had gone down."

The attack lasted 12 minutes. Of the 1,300 sailors on the USS Oklahoma, a third were lost...

"I lost the ring, but got the girl," he said. Papa and Lucille Kolb (Nana, now 98) recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary together, Wow!

Exactly a year ago, I moved back to LA after hearing an inner voice tell me that I was to be near my grandparents in order to watch over them. The calling was so loud and clear, that I had absolutely no problem leaving behind a cozy setup and beautiful community just north of the Golden Gate bridge. I even recall telling a friend that I felt that I was supposed to move next door to my grandparents and become best friend's with my amazing grandfather, which is exactly what I did.

Most people who have been lucky enough to meet a grandparent or two, much less spend a significant amount of time with them, can tell you of the unique connection that exists between them. In a healthy situation, the love shared between a grandparent and grandchild is one of the purest, non-judgmental, unconditional forms of love one can experience. It's no wonder why in many cultures around the world, grandchildren are raised by their grandparents.

A few months ago, I asked Papa if he could tell me what his happiest moment was in life. He said, "I have never had more joy in all my life than cheering for you at all your baseball and basketball games as a kid and all through high school." I wanted to melt from feeling like the luckiest person in the world, and for being so grateful for having so much love in my life and for my desire to share that love with everyone around me. Papa should have won an award for longest streak without missing a grandson's sporting event, from t-ball to varsity volleyball, just amazing! 

A few weeks back, and after a six day sleepover at Kaiser hospital, we became well aware of Papa's weakening heart and overall condition. In fact, on the second day there, the doctor made it seem like he was going to go that day, so the rest of the family including Nana drove up from San Diego. But I knew Papa better than that. He wanted to launch from home, on his terms not Kaisers and he counted on the family to help him make that happen. Later that evening, sitting in the dark beside his bed, I scribbled the following in my notebook:   

When I heard Nana tell Papa that he was the best husband in the world, I couldn't believe my ears. Holding back her tears, she spoke with supernatural strength. There was so much love happening that I'm sure I will continue to process it into the future. Why do I feel sad? Because my loved one may be getting close to stepping into the unknown? This unknown has no pain, no suffering, no embarrassment, only joy. Papa has prepared for this journey for a long time. Man, he took up his cross with dignity, love, honor, respect and without complaining.

He has helped me become more of the man that I am to be. I am so grateful for his showing me the way, the truth and how to live a simple and noble life.  The doctors say his heart is weak but his Heart has never been stronger! He is the strongest man I have ever met, a true gentleman, so beautiful, elegant, proper, and caring for everyone else. The way he lit up when my sister Tala entered the hospital room yesterday was extraordinarily special. He was so excited to speak with her about all the current unfolding of her life. I think I remember him shouting my goodness in his burly Oklahoma accent, when I told him that she was driving up from San Diego to see him.

The breathe of life is so powerful. Even with a weak heart and drowning lungs, this man loves to breathe! I love him. He is my hero, my teacher, my legend, my DNA, my role model, my Papa. Papa has taught me how to respect people, make them laugh, lift them up, and treat them fairly. Yes, he was fair to everyone. He was tolerant of different faiths and appreciative of different cultures. Papa was organized, meticulous, patient, supportive and he had no problem asking for help when he needed it, which was rare. His hands are so rugged and strong maybe from 11 years in the navy, 26 as an LA City firefighter and many more pulling electrical wire and cutting down trees, just for kicks. Yea, he's my papa...

Earlier that same night, the nurse wheeled in his special low-sodium dinner with a very special pack of salt free seasoning, Papa's Perfect. I couldn't believe my eyes! It was a divine message confirming that Papa was going to recover well enough to be discharged and sent home, where he wanted to be all along. And he did. And two weeks later, he agreed to let me drive him down to San Diego to spend Thanksgiving with the entire family. As he always did, he said the blessing over the dinner table and was able to spend intimate time with his beloved Lucille, which would be their last.

After having breakfast with Papa yesterday morning, I came home and set some time aside to pray especially for him, a few others and for peace on earth. Shortly after, I gathered my things and headed out the door for a lunch meeting in Silver Lake. As soon as I walked out the front door, my phone rang. Papa's caregiver, Karl, called me to mention that Papa just walked from the kitchen to the living room, sat down in his chair and since seems a little drowsy, which was nothing new. I told him that I would stop by for a second to check things out before heading out to my meeting. We looked at each other in the eyes and I asked him if everything was all right. I could here something different in Papa's breathing, it was soft and extraordinarily peaceful. I knew that it was time. I looked up at Karl and said these are final breathes aren't they. He nodded. We held hands and prayed in gratitude and love for the accomplished man before us. Still sitting perfectly upright, his breathe quieted until it stopped. Papa was finally called home.