In Every Cloud There Is A Silver Lining

How many times have we heard that phrase? It is one we most often take for granted. But in studying people who have obtained success, I've found, that this credo is heeded to in one form or another on a consistent basis. They have learned to look for the opportunity in everything. A failed business or marriage. The loss of a job. When things appear to be at their worst, instead of wallowing in their misery, most high achievers get moving.

I have read this over and over in countless personal development books and heard it many times from various speakers in different seminars but it was still flying right under the radar screen. Until...

At the end of last year, I was stricken with an illness that totally shut me down for several months. It wasn't serious, thank God, but it changed life the way I knew it. Initially, I was devastated, but after a brief moment I realized that being upset about it and playing the victim was not going to benefit me. So I got busy. I looked for the opportunity in the moment. I began reflecting on my life up until that point and what things I really needed to change. I looked at things that I needed to tie up or difficult conversations I needed to have with people and I GOT BUSY. The opportunity that existed in the moment was for me to overhaul my life. I put an end to stupid and ridiculous conversations with people, I found ways to lower my stress level and began to build them into my life on a consistent basis. I radically changed my diet to one that focuses on health and nourishment instead of comfort and pleasure. I used the time to get clarity and direction on what I wanted out of life and for my business and clients and most importantly, I used the time to finish my book which up until that point was only a quarter of the way finished and I had been working on it for over 3 years. In two months, I had finished the whole thing!

Now how's that for a silver lining in the cloud? I, personally, finally got it. I applied what I had heard over and over and it powerfully changed my life. In every crisis there is opportunity. I emerged from my crisis with greater clarity, and intent. I feel stronger and less willing to tolerate anything that isn't serving me well. I grew so much in such a short time that I wouldn't have changed a thing about it. It was literally a blessing in disguise. And yes, I was sick, and yes, it sucked but from where I stand right now, it was all worth it.

There is always something good in everything. When a situation seems bad, learn to look for the good in it. What is the opportunity? If you miss this, the situation will defeat you. You become a victim to your circumstances. Be proactive. Take charge. Look for and seize the opportunity you have been given. Always ask yourself, What is the gift that exists here? If you've lost your job, perhaps you have been given the gift of time to spend finding out what you really want to do in life. Is it time to start your own business? Is it time to find a better job that pays you what you're worth? If you experience an illness, perhaps it is a reminder that you need to slow down and focus on what really matters. Perhaps you have been working too hard and missing out on valuable time with your family. Whenever a difficult time in life appears, ask yourself, What is the opportunity God has given me in this moment? It's a simple question, but so powerful. Only you can answer it. But whatever you do, don't miss it!

Coping With Complexity -- Making Peace With "Less Than Omniscient" Knowledge of Complex Systems

How can we cope with the complexity of our lives without losing hope for the future? I think this is one of the premiere burning questions of the twenty-first century.

One strategy that I apply on a daily basis is to find a subset, a piece of the overall complexity that I can master well. Then I make my peace with my limited efficacy. As simple as that.

I tell myself not to get upset because I cannot understand everything in the overall picture and I live with that self-made contract as well as the uncertainty.

That way complexity still exists but it does not bother me as much because I feel I've chosen my own limited engagement on my own terms, with my free will.

Although my knowledge is still not perfect, I feel that my control over my life is nevertheless at a level that satisfies me and helps contain my techno- and existential anxieties.

For example, just because I'm not in full command of the complex steps involved in passing a bill in Congress, it does not mean that I cannot pick up the phone and register my opinions with my representative. I know and do that much.

Or I still do not know how to configure all the settings on one of those higher-end all-digital treadmill machines but I know how to start it manually, bring it up to a certain speed, and then stop it when I want to. Life is not an all-or-nothing proposition. It never was and never will be.

I will participate in the world and become involved in it to the extent that I can.

I will not accuse myself for not being "omniscient" about all these complex systems with no end. To the extent I can do that, the world ceases to be a complex enigma.

Tent Trailers Make Camping Fun for the Whole Family

When you're out on your own, camping could be fun even with very little at hand. You can make a meal over a simple campfire, and a comfy living area out of a pack tent. As long as the weather is good, you can hike for miles and stop anywhere you want, without needing a roof over your head. But once you're camping with family, you'll find that your outdoor needs have grown just a little more complex. When you've decided that you want your family to experience the great outdoors, it's time to look into tent trailers.

Tent trailers are by no means a substitute for "roughing it," or the simple pleasures of getting by on your own in nature's own cradle. However, not everybody likes "roughing it" right off the bat - some need ties to their urban roots, and for such people, modern conveniences like a stove, a portable outhouse and even a working television are indispensable.

This is where trailers come in. Trailers are extensions, usually for family vehicles like minivans or small SUVs; they are hooked up to the back of the vehicles and then towed to wherever the camping spot will be. Trailers are good for storing large equipment that would not fit inside the family car, like fishing gear, bedrolls, large pots and extra luggage. They can also be towed through rough, bumpy mountain trails without being unbalanced or detached from the main vehicle.

They are convertible into living spaces, and so although they are wheeled and outwardly seem like vehicles themselves, they are also called "tents." Some makers of modern trailer tents claim that you can turn a trailer into a tent in a matter of minutes - and this is true! Collapsible compartments create more room for people to move around inside the trailer, so that there is plenty of space to sleep. A good alternative to getting bitten by insects or worse, just when you think you're safely locked away in your snug sleeping bag, right under the stars!

Another major convenience is that you don't have to spend hours putting up a tent for everyone in the household. The tent is pretty much already there! If putting up the tent is no longer on your list of things to worry about, you can spend more valuable family bonding time fishing, hiking or just playing games out in the open.

Pick a good model from the plentiful selection of tent trailers in the market, and make "roughing it" a whole lot easier and more fun for the family!

Budget Holiday in Berlin, Germany

When it comes to finding a budget holiday in Berlin, Germany there are a number of things that you will need to take into consideration. Certainly by meticulously planning your vacation to this city you will ensure that you get the best deals possible. Once you have your itinerary organized you can then start to book your flights and accommodation well ahead of the time that you are due to go away.

In fact in a lot of cases the further ahead a person is able to book their accommodation and flights then they often have the chance of being provided with much better deals than they would receive if they left everything to the last minute. Probably the best way of ensuring that you remain within your budget when it comes to arranging a vacation to Berlin in Germany is to arrange it online.

The first thing that you need to do once you know the dates of your vacation is to start looking for hotels or accommodation that is within your budget restrictions. However although you are looking for the most affordable hotels possible it does not mean that you have to restrict yourself to the ones that are within your budget constraints.

It is important that you also check that they have all the right kind of amenities for you and also find out the location of the room within the hotels complex. If you are arranging this vacation as a romantic break then you do not want to be in a room that is close to the sound of traffic, but rather have one that provides you with beautiful views of the city instead.

There are a number of sites on the internet today which can offer you a vacation package to Berlin at rates that are likely to sit very happily into your budgetary constraints. Often after only a few minutes you will soon find details of various hotels and flights that will help to ensure that you have the best vacation possible without it breaking the bank.

Certainly for those who are looking for the best budget holiday in Berlin, Germany that they can find it may take some time but it will be worth the effort in the end. Berlin since the wall came down has become one of the fastest growing regeneration areas in Europe today, but it still contains some of the oldest and most beautiful buildings and architecture to be found in Europe today. Plus it has so many museums that it will take a person at least 6 months for them to visit them all.

Camp Cooking Made Easy

Camp cooking can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be. If you want to prepare quick and simple but nutritious meals while you are camping, camp cooking doesn't even have to require a fire. But if you are interested in fueling your camping trip with a feast, camp cooking can allow you to make hot, healthy foods that are as good as you can make them at home in your own kitchen.

Camp cooking does not have to be limited to sandwiches and baked potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil. Almost any cooking method you use in the kitchen can be duplicated around the campfire. For example, use a dutch oven or pit cooking to bake your food. You can also easily fry foods in a pan over a grill, or boil, braise and roast. What type of camping cookware is best for you? Camp cooking and clean-up can be easy or a hassle, it all starts with great camping equipment.

Some pots/pans come in sets that mate together or "nest" for storage and even allow you to tuck a canister of fuel inside them. This comes in handy when you're looking to save room while camping.

Following are some camping items to take with you if you are planning on preparing some meals around the campfire. These common kitchen items will allow you to duplicate tasty meals while you are out of doors.

• Salt and pepper


• Other of your favorite herbs and spices


• Cooking oil


• Pot holder


• Hand-held can opener


• Aluminum foil


• Tongs and spatula


• Cutting knives


• Cutting board


• Mixing bowl


• Paper or plastic silverware, plates and cups

If you have just a few campers and are looking for some simple camp cooking, try the easy and quick technique of tin can cooking. All you will need is a clean tin can – a one gallon size can works well. Your source of heat can be a small campfire, or if wood burning is prohibited, a small buddy burner will work well, which can be found at sporting good stores or online. Place your meal in the tin can and simply heat the contents of your can over a flame. You will have a hot meal ready in minutes. This technique works great for soups, beans and tuna fish.

A more time-consuming camp cooking technique that also produces tasty meals is pit cooking. Pit cooking is great for items that can be wrapped in aluminum foil to be cooked. It is also a great camp cooking method if you are using a dutch oven or cast iron cookware. Pit cooking warms your food by heating rocks and coals that are buried in the ground. As the rocks cool off, their emitted heat cooks the food. To pit cook, first dig a hole that is about three times larger than your cookware. Line the pit with rocks and build a fire in the middle. Once the fire has burned rapidly for about an hour, push the hot coals and rocks into the center. Layer your wrapped food or covered skillets on top of the rocks and coals and place more on top. After a few hours, you will have some delicious camp food to enjoy.

A Secret Hidden from Mankind- An Absolute Must Read for Everyone!

Many human beings live their life in oblivion as they do not know some of the greatest secrets of living the life of their dreams. You can positive in your outlook but that's not the only ingredient to succeed in life. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team he locked himself in his room and cried and what was about to come made history. He is one of the best players ever produced on this planet. Every time someone thinks of basketball only one name comes to mind and that's Michael Jordon. Now what did he know or do? This is the great secret of the great people read on to find out how it can help you as well-

Walt Disney was fired by the editor of a newspaper because he, Disney, had "no good ideas". And later on in life as we all know and almost every kid is aware of the name Walt Disney. And Disney land is a master piece of creativity. Through out time we have witnessed some great miracles. Now the question I want to ask you now is that what we call a miracle really a miracle? Well this is just a small evidence of the power of the human mind. The secret you are about to discover now can give you almost anything and everything.

Now it's time to reveal the greatest secret. This is the grand daddy of all. This is what has been hidden from mankind since ages. This secret would give you almost anything and everything you've ever desired. This has been used by some of the greatest thinkers and achievers since ages. These secrets are so powerful that they can get you almost anything you desire, wherever you desire, whenever you desire them. Think of it this way it's like your own personal grand genie but this time you do not have 3 but unlimited number of wishes. It can change your life overnight and after you discover this it will be an absolute life transforming event.

Camping Describes A Wide Range Of Activities

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity, in which the campers get away from civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or more nights at a campsite. It may be combined with hiking either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location. The idea of sleeping outdoors in a sleeping bag or in a tent on the hard ground, cooking a can of beans over a fire and using the bathroom outside were not necessarily what the majority of people might want to do on their holidays. It might have been ok for the young, energetic and childless people out there, but for the average family or older generations, camping was something that was seldom thought of as entertainment.

Many campgrounds have sites with special facilities such as fire rings, barbecue grills, bathrooms and utilities, but not all campsites have similar levels of development. Although those who find romance in the sleeping bag under the stars can still rough it any time they want to, even the hard core roughing it camper will likely find some tools, products or gadgets that they would love to have on their next trip. From the wide variety of locations and venues that are available, not just in the country, but internationally, to the wide range of camping products that are now made, you can virtually create the experience that you and your family may not have even thought to dream of yet.

If you haven't considered camping as a vacation possibility for you and your family before now, take a moment to think about what it could look like. You arrive at a facility with a reservation for the spot that you would like. That spot could be anything from a parking space for your recreational vehicle to a gorgeous lakeside campground. It could be cabins with indoor plumbing, a site that has group facilities nearby, or a true wilderness location where you can get as close to nature as you'd like. When it comes time to have the next meal, your options are also incredibly varied. Depending on the habitation you've chosen, you could find yourself doing anything from cooking over an open flame to using your own high-tech portable oven or grill that provides you with comforts similar to those of home.

But one of the best aspects of camping is the endless array of locations and activities available at each of the different sites. You can find sites at some of the most beautiful natural locations in the world. But that's not all. Whether your family would prefer to go to the mountains, by a lake, near the sea, or near a historic or tourist location, you can incorporate a number of fun activities into your camping experience. Horse-back riding, boating, hiking, swimming, and any number of games and sports are all possibilities that will satisfy the vacation dreams of every member of your family.

Slow Down and Accelerate Your Life

With the everyday running around of modern society, do you ever feel as if your life is spiraling out of control? This is certainly not an uncommon feeling in our rushed and hurried world. You may feel as if every little problem that occurs in your life builds upon another one. You may feel, as if you can never get off the roller coaster. You may feel as if you have lost control of the direction of your life. All these feelings are based on choices you have consciously or subconsciously accepted.
Every event, every action, and every word spoken shifts and affects you in some way. Human beings are not made of concrete, so even the most insignificant thing that happens to you can profoundly shift the direction of your life. It is discovering the occurrence and understanding these events that allows you to take control of your life.

You are never going to be able to slow the world down, but even the ancient Greeks knew that the key to self-knowledge is being able to examine yourself. Hypnosis opens the door to that better self-awareness. Even in sleep, our mind is attempting to give us guidance on how to deal with our life's issues. In those moments between consciousness and sleep, the mind attempts to sort through your day's events and rationally put them into context.

Sometimes the mind has a difficult time doing this sorting. Self-hypnosis can allow you to create a bridge between the subconscious and conscious minds. By increasing your understanding of the effect small events have on your life, you increase your ability to deal with them. Soon, sometimes in a matter of weeks, you can gain a greater sense of control over your life.

Like anything else in your life, you have a choice. Do you choice to allow your life to spin out of control or do you take action and become the master of your fate? Only you can answer that question.

Paris Hilton - What's Next?

Well, anybody deserves second chances, perhaps even a third chance. But second chances are rare these days, especially in Hollywood. The competition is too high and the risks of not even scratching the surface of luck are immense. But we can never know what the odds are for Paris Hilton when she tries to take center stage again.

Maybe the jail sentence that is due on June 5 is the turn of her career, maybe even her life's. But that of course depends much on Paris Hilton. Alter all, it is her life, and hers alone. No matter how many of us wish her luck or at least that she learns from her lessons, only she can realize things and really appreciate the events that are within her grasp. She alone is in control of her life, much as you alone could make decisions for yourselves.

So what's next for her after she serves her time in jail? We'll never know and what we are about to tell you in the following paragraphs are only hopeful and realistic assumptions of what she might face in the very near future.

Forty-five days are not long enough for most ordinary people who were used to some forms of pain and sufferings. But when we're talking about someone who has been living in a life of opulence and who have probably never seen the sight of the slum, the prison may be like the hell on earth for her.

You may have watched movies set in women's facilities, at least they're better than those of the men's correctional. But the thing is- this is Paris's fist time to suffer days without luxury, not even make up or hair dye. for her case, it may even be too impossible to live without a mobile phone or her luxurious dresses. Of course she's in jail and it is not possible for her to receive special treatments. What's worse is that her inmates might even take advantage of her publicly known weaknesses which could turn jail into something she would never want to ever think again once she comes out, if she comes out.

We can all remember that when her case was filed, she suffered some sort of emotional disturbance which led her psychiatrist to say that she is "emotionally distraught and traumatized". Understandably, she might not have understood reality before her case came into court. That could have been an eye-opener for her, slapping her in the face while living the marks- "you are not invincible".

The thing is she was living an unrealistic life in her fantasyland neighborhood where everyone seems to have taken flattery as a basic survival technique. Add this with the fact that she has always been a heedless brat who can do everything she can because she uses money as her license. These are enough reasons why she never understood that drunk driving does not go unpunished, even if she were the princess of her fantasyland.

Or maybe she can still be invisible after she got out of her jail. She might come back in the Hollywood and go back to her old ways as if nothing happens. Well, we really can't teach an old dog new tricks, can we? So it is still possible that she might not learn a lesson or two in the jail and we will all pretend that she never got a sentence and she never served her time inside. Then she could return to her fantasyland and regain her throne as the table-dancing queen.

This jail stuff could create some damages though. The media might lose interest on her after a while which of course leads to lesser news about her. Then we will all be safe again in our own homes, staying focused on our own businesses. In that case, her popularity could shrink and she'll just go down to history as the Hilton hotel heiress who somehow managed to get jail for a mentor.

Additionally, young Americans who see her as a role model might become enlightened of what image of a role model they should have. Of course, older people understand that someone spotted for hitting marijuana or someone who popularized herself on all wrong methods should never be someone everybody looks up to. But these young Americans, especially female teenagers, might need some lessons still before they get the real distinction of a role model.

For Paris Hilton, this might be the end of the road for everything but so long as we are letting her image enter our homes, she will always stand in the middle of the road waving her well-pampered hands toward us.

The Most Awesome Sight In The Natural World

A close-up and personal view of a Humpback Whale in full breach will take your breath away!


The sheer majesty of a 52 foot, 50 ton creature leaping clear out of the ocean is something that simply cannot be described in words.


But I can tell you how it makes you feel.

Goose-bumps rise all over your body, your heart pounds with the excitement, your eyes widen in awe and amazement, you feel humble and small - yet privileged that, like this whale, you are a part of something remarkable and important. You are a living creature on this wonderful planet - and being alive is a joy!
You will return to your home and your job and your everyday life, inspired and renewed by what you have seen. And the memory of it will stay with you forever.

The humpback whale is a magnificent and fascinating creature.


It uses complex, cooperative feeding techniques.


It sings the most amazing, beautiful and haunting songs.


And it is one of the great acrobatic entertainers of the ocean, often leaping (breaching) clear out of the water.


I know that Dolphins leap clear of the water too - but dolphins are not 52 feel long, and they don't weigh 50 tons!


The sight and sound of a humpback in full breach is incredible! Everybody should see it at least once in their lifetime.


And these days its not difficult to arrange.


Humpbacks are creatures of habit - they are fairly easy to find. You can see them in several places around the world -and at all times of the year.


The best places I know of are listed below. If you know any other great spots - send me an email!

Alaska.


Huge numbers of Humpbacks live in Alaska. The majority of them migrate south for part of the year - to Hawaii, California, Mexico etc. But a substantial minority stay in Alaska all year round. Alaska has several fabulous humpback watching cruises on offer.

Australia.


Each year from late July through to early November, humpback whales arrive in Hervey Bay - 300km north of Brisbane. There is no better place to enjoy their acrobatic antics than from a whale-watching cruise in these warm, clear, protected waters.

California.


From late April to early December, large numbers of Humpbacks spend the summer feeding off the coast of California. They can be seen from the shore, from the highway, from lodges and hotels around Monterey Bay. This generation of whales has never been hunted by man here (since whaling ended in these waters) so they have no fear of us. Some of them are very curious about boats, and will spend hours mooching around and even gently brushing against boats in the area. This provides amazing opportunities for people to get very close indeed to these majestic mammals. Best idea - book a boat trip with a knowledgeable local whale-watching skipper. And take plenty of film for your camera!

Hawaii.


Around 4,000 to 5,000 humpback whales - two-thirds of the North Pacific population spend the winter in Hawaii. They migrate from Alaska, a 3,000 mile swim! They can be seen from most of the islands in Hawaii - both from the shore and from the numerous boat trips available.


Great tip! Join the Hawaii Humpback Whale volunteer program.


Every year in Hawaii, volunteers gather to count the humpback whales for a scientific project to help preserve this endangered species. Anyone can volunteer, the atmosphere is friendly and great fun, and there is a real buzz in the air as the count gets underway. Volunteers get to see the whales - they provide a vital service, and they have a fabulous time too!

Iceland.


Iceland is the fastest growing whale-watching location in the world. It is a stunning and logical place to watch some of the best Humpback Whale antics on the planet - But I personally recommend you Don't go there! Why? Because Iceland has just renewed its policy of killing whales for profit. I cannot recommend a location where such a policy exists. I have started a petition on my website, objecting to Iceland's official whaling policy. I would love to visit Iceland - But not until the Killing Ends!

Ireland.


The West Cork area of Ireland is gaining popularity as a place for spotting Humpback and Minke whales. Humpbacks are not as common here as in some of the other destinations on this list - but if you happen to be in Ireland at the right time, take a boat trip in West Cork - there's a good chance of seeing some action!

Maine.


The coast of Maine sees its share of Humpbacks from May through October.


The Bar Harbour area has some good vantage points onshore, and some very well organised boat trips to get you close to the action.

Massachusetts.


The World Wildlife Foundation reckons Gloucester MA is one of the top five places in the world for whale watching.


Gloucester is on the southern shore of the rocky Cape Ann Peninsula - which is close to two important summer feeding areas for the whales. No other New England port has closer access to so many humpback whales.


Whale watching is popular now all over the world - but in Gloucester Massachusetts it has been popular for decades. Knowledgeable local skippers will take you to the action.

South Africa.


I have no personal experience of whale-watching in South Africa - but I hear it's superb! If you have been there and would like to tell me more about it - please send me an email.

Tonga.


In Tonga you can actually swim alongside the Humpbacks!


Visit this wonderful Island Kingdom December through February for the swim of your life!

Forget about all of these Sea-World aquarium places with preforming killer whales! A killer whale splashing around in a swimming pool bears no comparison to the sight of a humpback leaping from the open ocean!