google has another big idea...

there's been a recent call to action from the people over at google. they've put together a contest of sorts--asking for big ideas on ways to "help as many people as possible." guidelines are pretty vague (intentionally, i think) but the video below is cute and gives good examples of what types of ideas they're looking for. additionally, ideas must fall into the following categories:

~community: how can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
~opportunity: how can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
~energy: how can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
~environment: how can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
~health: how can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
~education: how can we help more people get more access to better education?
~shelter: how can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
~everything else: sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.



google is committing $10 million to bringing the winner's ideas to life. they'll select 100 candidates, which the voting public will whittle down to 20. (i'm getting my reality show fix without a t.v.here!). then google will select up to 5 winners, based on the expense of their ideas.

i don't have an idea, but i'm looking forward to following this contest. entries must be submitted by october 20, voting begins on january 27, 2009. you can sign up for reminders to vote and read more about the contest by clicking here.