As 2008 winds down, we thought it would be fun to pick our own "People of the Year." We selected twelve categories and individuals based on their outstanding achievements during the past year. We would love to read your comments on who you would have picked! Over the years, I have greatly admired and respected these individuals’ contributions to society.

The Arts: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
This choice was easy and a no-brainer. As a champion for the downtrodden around the world, Jolie is a role model that everyone in Hollywood should attempt to emulate. Pitt, with his passionate commitment to New Orleans, completes the perfect movie star couple. Their love of family only adds to the mix.

Blogs: Andy Towle (www.towleroad.com)

With thousands of new.blogs flooding the Internet every day, it’s tough to make a mark. However, Andy Towle of Towleroad.com has developed a large and loyal readership, growing his blog into a successful media enterprise. His blog is substantive, fun, informative and impeccably designed. He finds important and timely news, often hidden in the vastness of cyberspace, and provides compelling opinion. He also posts a healthy dose of beefcake, a welcome relief from the complexities of the world. His work to raise awareness of hate crimes continues to be among the best in digital and traditional LGBT media. Throughout this year, as I worked to establish my own blog, Andy has been an inspiration and a friend.

Politics: John Edwards
John Edwards is my choice for President of the United States. No candidate has set the pace on substantive issues in this election more than John Edwards. From the war in Iraq to poverty to HIV/AIDS to global warming, he has been out front with detailed plans and innovative proposals. His populist message is long overdue in American politics. Besides, this man can win in November.

International Politics: Prime Minister Gordon Brown
In the year of Bush, Chavez and Ahmadinejad, the soft spoken intellectual Prime Minister Gordon Brown reassures the world that is possible to have intelligent and powerful leadership. He is a breath of fresh air in a time when most doubt leadership in government. His speech to the Terrence Higgins AIDS Trust was exceptional. In his short time as Prime Minister, the world has taken notice of this extraordinary leader.

Congress: Speaker Nancy Pelosi
It is not possible to overestimate the historical significance of Congresswomen Nancy Pelosi becoming the first woman to be Speaker of the House. That alone would make her a top choice. She has proven to be a tough and effective Speaker who has done her best to hold together a divergent Democratic Party. We can only hope that the next election will give her the majority needed to be more bold and innovative.

Local Government: Mayor Rocky Anderson of Salt Lake City
In October, Mayor Anderson gave the speech of the year against the Iraq War and the plight of America. His powerful, uncompromising voice is urgently needed and is inspiring to many Americans. The fact that he represents conservative Salt Lake City makes his courage even more profound.

Citizen Activism: Phill Wilson
For more than two decades, Phill Wilson has battled against the AIDS epidemic. He has become the leading voice in the African-American community in this fight. He was diagnosed with HIV in the mid-1980s and lost his partner Chris Brown to the disease. That did not stop Phill from founding the Black AIDS Institute and being a powerful voice for those who have none. He is a true hero.

Corporate Leadership: Leo Hindery
Business leader Leo Hindrey is John Edwards’ top economic adviser and has consistently fought for corporate responsibility, championed economic policy that supports poor and middle class Americans, and advocated for intelligent trade strategies. He has been extremely influential in developing Edwards’ economic positions. As CEO of InterMedia Partners and former CEO of the YES Network, he has lent his significant corporate credentials to causes of economic fairness and change. Leo and his wife, Patti, have also been committed to advancing LGBT rights. I am proud to have worked with this powerful leader for the last ten years.

Environmental Activism: Al Gore
What can one say after an Oscar and the Nobel Peace Prize? His work on global warming might save future generations from the horrors climate change. There is simply not enough praise that can be given to this man right now. We are blessed to have him press us to do better.

Human Rights: Burmese Monks
They came by the thousands, walking through the streets in their colorful robes, quietly and peacefully pleading for freedom for the people of Burma. Rarely has the world witnessed such courage and dignity. They marched despite knowing that the government would round up thousands to torture and kill those who opposed the military junta.

Science: Dr. Mathilde Krim
As we commentate over 25 years since the start of the AIDS epidemic, we have to think of Dr. Krim. As founder of AMFAR, she has endlessly worked day and night to fight this battle. She has been in the forefront of reform at the FDA, fundraising for research and ending discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS. She will go down in history as one of the great leaders during this epidemic.

Music: Dave Koz
Dave Koz is "Mr. Smooth Jazz." Besides being the best sax player in the country, he has done more to bring smooth jazz to the masses than anyone in years. His company, Rendezvous Entertainment, has signed some of the leading stars of smooth jazz. His all-jazz cruise is always sold out and his radio program is heard by millions across the country. In addition, this musical genius found time to release two of his own albums this year.