Got a New and Innovative Idea?

How many times have you "invented" a new gadget, an innovative approach, or a cool concept that you were sure only you had conjured? Then how many times have you simply tucked that great idea away only to discover just a few years later that some other genius thinker took YOUR idea and ran the distance with it?! And is making oodles of money in the process.

Well, no more creative com padres! Because the Cade Museum Foundation -- the organization that's spearheading the building of one of Gainesville's new favorite, as yet, not broken ground 'attractions' is offering the The Cade Prize for Innovation, the first annual prize rewarding all those incredible ideas you kept to yourself.

A whopping $50,000 is the top prize for the top entry submitted by an ingenious and enterprising Floridian. The judging process starts with the first must-do step of submitting a 500-word summary is due Wednesday, March 31. (A complete step-by-step calendar is on the The Cade Prize website.)

The goal of Cade Prize competition is an incredible one indeed - "to strengthen and develop the long-standing culture of innovation in Gainesville and Alachua County and to harness the tremendous job-creating potential of the brilliant ideas spring forth from this region every day."

Sounds like this initiative will make us all winners in the long run.

If you are interested and need additional information, then contact Monika Oli, the Foundation's Program Director by phone: 352-381-7100 or by e-mail: moli@cademuseum.org

Not too long ago, the three R's stood for Reading, Writing and Arithmetic and was synonymous with the basic foundations of education. Call it progress, or simply label it a sign of the times, but if you ask any elementary school student today what the three r's stand for they'll proudly announce REDUCE! REUSE! and RECYCLE! -- with an occcasional "dude" thrown in at the end of the enthusiastic chant.

This earth and environmental friendly wave is riding high here in Gainesville. As a matter of fact, we are the midst of our 40 days of Change celebrating the 4oth Anniversary of Earth Day. The University of Florida Office of Sustainability (sounds official doesn't it?), kicked-off the celebration March 16 and created a comprehensive daily calendar of "green" activities to encourage kids of all ages (yes, that means you too) to learn how fun and moreover, easy it is to be conscious and caring of our planet.

Today, for example, is Meatless Monday -- admittedly some people in Texas or Nebraska probably will balk at this one -- but fear not, there is balance here too as the Chili Cook-off and Springs Celebration was just two days ago.

Walking tours of the incredible and expansive Paynes Prairie State Park Preserve as well as films and seminars on various topics such as raised bed veggie gardening as well as herbal nourishing and healing are also features on the 40 Days marquee. While the celebrations, activities and hoopla officially ends April 24, it is of course the hope that many of the sustainable principles and green practices promoted during the 40 Days campaign will be lifelong lessons.

Catch the green wave, it's coming your way...today.

Gainesville's First Environmental Film and Arts Festival

Eighteen screenings of 12 films in 10 days. The Gainesville Environmental Film and Arts Festival began on March 19 and ends this Sunday, March 28. Subjects of the films range from reducing plastic dependence to the debate on organic, with plenty of areas of interest in between.

On Saturday, there will be an extra showing of DIRT!, a documentary that shows this underestimated (and perhaps under appreciated) resource is much more interesting than we thought (did you know it's made from the same elements as the stars?). It will be shown at the Hippodrome Theatre at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for this show are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students and $3 for children 12 and under.

Also on Saturday is Ecofest which takes place at the outdoor Sun Center around the Hippodrome in downtown Gainesville. The event will feature special activities and demonstrations for all ages.
There will also be bands playing all afternoon.

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.-- Alachua County Environmental Protection Department will sponsor a project to collect, recycle, treat and properly dispose of hazardous waste and electronic equipment.

5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.-- Marty Henneka will be leading a session of Nia Moving Meditation. Nia is a movement practice that offers a philosophy to enhance your physical potential.