On May 25, 1961, President Kennedy issued a challenge to the American people: Land a man on the moon before decade's end. And Americans rose to the challenge with innovation, hard work, and self sacrifice unlike anything we've seen since.
Today, sadly, the American government doesn't inspire much today other than frustration and vitriol. We haven't solved the climate crisis. We are still chained to Big Oil. And what ever happened to reclaiming our position as the world's top educator?
So, into the inspiration void has stepped a not-so-unlikely predecessor to JFK: Google.
Today, one of America's most innovative, fast-moving companies issues a challenge for the world's entrepreneurs to send them the best of what they've got. Project 10 to the 100 is "a call for ideas to change the world by helping as many people as possible." Submissions are welcome in the categories of Community, Opportunity, Energy, Environment, Health, Education, and Shelter - and the winners (up to 5) split a $10 million top prize.
I don't know about you, but I'm inspired. Step back.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Portland Mamas
A dear friend of ours is moving with her two sons to Portland - still too far away from us, but at least we felt good about recommending an awesome resource for Pacific Northwest Moms: MomHub.
Founded by a business-school classmate with twin boys, MomHub is the perfect example of entrepreneurs succeeding by creating something that they themselves need. In this case, that something is a social network and robust community for parents in Portland. It's got book clubs, park recommendations, playdates by neighborhood, product reviews, and tons more (see our Babies 4 Peace product page). Just a truly cool resource all around.
The company has plans for expansion. Mystic, CT is a far way from Portland, but we're crossing our fingers and toes - what a great idea for bringing together like-minded Moms with energy, ideas, and support to share. We're so jealous of you lucky Portlandians.
Founded by a business-school classmate with twin boys, MomHub is the perfect example of entrepreneurs succeeding by creating something that they themselves need. In this case, that something is a social network and robust community for parents in Portland. It's got book clubs, park recommendations, playdates by neighborhood, product reviews, and tons more (see our Babies 4 Peace product page). Just a truly cool resource all around.
The company has plans for expansion. Mystic, CT is a far way from Portland, but we're crossing our fingers and toes - what a great idea for bringing together like-minded Moms with energy, ideas, and support to share. We're so jealous of you lucky Portlandians.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Babies 4 Obama
I hate to get political, but...
Babies 4 Peace was founded on the notion that world harmony is impossible without world health - or, more specifically, without a healthier planet. It's far too easy to imagine a world where countries, tribes, families begin fighting not over religion or nationality but over water and other natural resources. In fact, the warring has already begun in our own backyard with some Southern states fighting over access to reservoirs, dams and tributaries while others linger in darkness for weeks (even months) in the wake of 100-year storms that seem to come every 3 years these days.
What I'm saying is that we need a leader who understands the "trickle-down" impact of his environmental policy. It's not just about cleaner air, healthier animals, and smaller hurricanes. It's also about preventing wars 20 or 30 years from now between poor nations that peg their very survival to potable water that is growing more and more scarce each year.
One candidate promises to "develop a climate change adaption plan." (Huh? Who's got time for that Washington merry-go-round?) The other promises to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years, to make sure 10% of our energy comes from renewable sources within 4 years, to create 5 million green collar jobs...
I'll let you guess which candidate is which. All I'm saying is that "Babies 4 Obama" has a nice ring to it, dontcha think?!
Babies 4 Peace was founded on the notion that world harmony is impossible without world health - or, more specifically, without a healthier planet. It's far too easy to imagine a world where countries, tribes, families begin fighting not over religion or nationality but over water and other natural resources. In fact, the warring has already begun in our own backyard with some Southern states fighting over access to reservoirs, dams and tributaries while others linger in darkness for weeks (even months) in the wake of 100-year storms that seem to come every 3 years these days.
What I'm saying is that we need a leader who understands the "trickle-down" impact of his environmental policy. It's not just about cleaner air, healthier animals, and smaller hurricanes. It's also about preventing wars 20 or 30 years from now between poor nations that peg their very survival to potable water that is growing more and more scarce each year.
One candidate promises to "develop a climate change adaption plan." (Huh? Who's got time for that Washington merry-go-round?) The other promises to invest $150 billion over the next 10 years, to make sure 10% of our energy comes from renewable sources within 4 years, to create 5 million green collar jobs...
I'll let you guess which candidate is which. All I'm saying is that "Babies 4 Obama" has a nice ring to it, dontcha think?!
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