PoliticsOnline is starting a social-activism Web site called Hope Plus, a virtual global community for those who want to take action and make change.

BBC News reports:

Founder Phil Noble was interviewed by UK e-democracy newsletter E-Government Bulletin about the plans for the site. ‘The idea is to create a world online Peace Corps or a global eBay for caring,’ Mr Noble told the newsletter. The concept was in part inspired by Mr Noble’s previous work with the BBC. He was a key advisor to the now defunct BBC Action Network, a nationwide portal for community activism. ‘I’d been throwing out the idea for a global network… and the consensus was - now was the time,’ he told E-Government Bulletin.

Noble has invited Barack Obama and Bill Gates to support the venture, which is scheduled to launch in December at the International Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. So far it seems like a promising project, especially if Noble can get those two big-names on board. Stay tuned for more on Hope Plus.

Help make a difference by making a movie. The YouTube Video Volunteers program gets users to help raise awareness for causes you care about and compete for recognition of your work on the YouTube homepage.

Each month, the channel will feature a different relevant issue on the Video Volunteers channel with a new guest curator. This month the issue is hunger, so YouTube is seeking submissions of homemade videos about organizations that are working to address hunger in America. Submit your under-three-minute video by November 21 to get a chance for a spot on the YouTube homepage. The top three videos will be featured at the end of the month.

To get you inspired, check out this video David Arquette made for the program:

If you live in NYC you may want to consider attending the Robin Hood Food for Good event to help feed New Yorkers in need. Through Robin Hood’s partnership with FreshDirect, a $50 donation provides a family of eight with a turkey and all the fixings. Your donation also includes entrance to this event, an open bar and entertainment. So not only will you get to go to a good party, you’ll also do good by helping those in need. And if you don’t live in NYC or can’t attend the event, you can still help feed a family by donating online.

Last year, Robin Hood invested $4.3 million in soup kitchens and food pantries in New York City and now, in this recession, the need is even greater. At Robin Hood, 100% of your donation goes directly to programs helping poor New Yorkers and every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to a matching grant. Dollar for dollar! That’s amazing.

Tonight, four very young artists will have their artwork displayed at the renowned Society of Illustrators and they will also receive a cash prize of $1,000 to be used toward their future education. The art show is sponsored by Henkel (the folks that bring us Dial soaps, Purex, and an array of other products) as part of the Henkel Helps Create! Kids’ Art Contest where children ages 2-18 were invited to create art that showcased thier unique visions for creating a better world, and to upload their creations into the virtual art gallery . Artistic submissions were judged by online visitors and the Henkel Celebrity Judges, who include contemporary artist Romero Britto, Fancy Nancy author Jane O’Connor, Sotheby’s Auction House Print Specialist Courtney Booth and Anelle Miller, Director of the Society of Illustrators.

Check out the work of the four winners by clicking here and also learn about future contests for your budding little artist.

The Food Network’s hugely popular show Iron Chef taped a special episode using produce from the White House garden to help promote local and organic food. The competing teams will feature Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse vs. Bobby Flay and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford.

The episode will also feature Mrs. Obama discussing her crusade to reduce childhood obesity through better school lunches, community gardens, farmers’ markets and exercise. Read the rest of this entry >>

Afraid to fly? Your phone might be able to help. Virgin Atlantic is introducing an IPhone app to help customers who are afraid to fly. The app includes a video-based in-flight explanation of a flight, frequently asked questions, relaxation exercises and a fear attack button for emergencies with breathing exercises. Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, said in a statement “the app will put many travelers at ease and enable them to prepare for their first Virgin Atlantic flight.”

The app is part of Virgin’s Flying Without Fear program aimed at helping customers deal with, as Virgin’s website explains it, “those strange noises that an airplane makes, turbulence” and helps people cope with “claustrophobia, panic attacks, anxiety, or the fear of losing control.”

The online lottery for tickets to the National Christmas tree lighting ceremony opened today at The National Tree. The National Park Service and National Park Foundation will distribute free tickets for 2,800 seats and 7,000 standing room only spaces for the December 3, 5pm National Christmas tree lighting ceremony through the lottery. The lottery ends Friday evening so if you want to attend, apply for the lottery now. And to get you in the spirit, let’s enjoy this classic tree lighting ceremony of sorts, shall we?

Ooh between that and sipping my coffee today out of one of those Starbucks red cups, I feel super jolly!

In addition to spreading holiday cheer, the National Park Service does all sorts of good stuff throughout the country like revitalizing communities, preserving local history, and celebrating local heritage, learn more by visiting their site.

The Giving Back Fund recently released their “Giving Back 30″ list in Parade Magazine naming Paul Newman as the most generous celebrity of 2008. Newman who passed away in September 2008, knocked Oprah out of the top spot by giving over $20 million to various charities including his own foundation. Check out this lovely tribute video made about Paul Newman and his Newman’s Own Foundation:

Second place went to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who have given away $13.5 million. Also on the list: Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Mel Gibson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Laurie and Larry David, and Drew Barrymore. Several authors made the list this year, along with representatives from the NBA, NFL and NASCAR. To see the complete list visit The Giving Back Fund’s web site.

Alec Baldwin is currently one of the best things on television and Steve Martin is legend, put those two together and you have, what I expect to be, a dream duo hosting the Oscars. It was announced yesterday that Baldwin and Martin will co-host the event. I think the Los Angeles Times put it best saying “With any luck, they will not only shepherd the by-nature unwieldy show through its multiple hours with minimum bumps and dead air, but they’ll also do it with the old-fashioned insiders’ charm that made the academy want to put the event on television in the first place.” Read the rest of this entry >>