Motivational video I received from a friend




About Nick:
Imagine being born without arms. No arms to wrap around someone, no hands to experience touch, or to hold another hand with. Or what about being born without legs? Having no ability to dance, walk, run, or even stand on two feet. Now put both of those scenarios together: no arms and no legs. What would you do? How would that effect your everyday life?

Imagine being born without arms. No arms to wrap around someone, no hands to experience touch, or to hold another hand with. Or what about being born without legs? Having no ability to dance, walk, run, or even stand on two feet. Now put both of those scenarios together: no arms and no legs. What would you do? How would that effect your everyday life?

Meet Nick Vujicic... Born in 1982 in Melbourne, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic (pronounced Voy-a-chich) came into the world with neither arms nor legs. Having had an uneventful pregnancy and no family history to expect this condition, imagine the shock his parents felt when they saw their first born, brand new baby boy, only to find he was what the world would consider imperfect and abnormal. A limbless son was not what nurse Dushka Vujicic, and her husband Pastor Borris Vujicic had been expecting. How would their son live a normal happy life? What could he ever do or become when living with what the world would see as such a massive disability? Little did they know that this beautiful limbless baby would one day be someone who would inspire and motivate people from all walks of life, touching lives all over the world.

Throughout his childhood Nick dealt not only with the typical challenges of school and adolescence such as bullying and self-esteem issues; he also struggled with depression and loneliness as he questioned why he was different to all the other kids surrounding him; why he was the one born without arms and legs. He wondered what was the purpose behind his life, or if he even had a purpose. After a lot of frustration and feeling like the odd one out in school, at seven years of age Nick tried out some specially designed electronic arms and hands, in hopes that he would be more like the other kids. During the short trial period of the electronic arms, Nick realized that even with them, he was still unlike his peers at school, and they turned out to be much too heavy for Nick to operate, effecting his general mobility quite significantly.

As Nick grew up he learned to deal with his disability and started to be able to do more and more things on his own. He adapted to his situation and found ways to accomplish tasks that most people could only do by using their limbs, such as cleaning teeth, brushing hair, typing on a computer, swimming, playing sports, and much more. As time went by Nick began to embrace his situation and achieve greater things. In grade seven Nick was elected captain of his school and worked with the student council on various fund-raising events for local charities and disability campaigns.

According to Nick, the victory over his struggles throughout his journey, as well as his passion for life can be credited to his faith, his family, his friends and the many people he's encountered during his life who have encouraged him along the way.

After school Nick went on with further study and obtained a double bachelor degree majoring in accounting and financial planning. By the age of 19, Nick had started to fulfill his dream of encouraging others by sharing his story through motivational speaking. He found the purpose of his existence, and also the purpose in his circumstance. Nick wholeheartedly believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we encounter in our lives and that our attitude towards those struggles that can be the single most effective factor in overcoming them.

In 2005, Nick was nominated for the "Young Australian of the Year" Award, which is a large honor in Australia. The award honors a young person for their excellence and service to their local community and the nation, as well as their own personal accomplishments. Nominations for this award are only given to truly inspirational people.

Now at 27 years old, this limbless young man has accomplished more than most people even twice his age. Nick recently made the massive move from Brisbane, Australia to California, USA, where he is the president of an international non-profit organization, and also has his own motivational speaking company; Attitude Is Altitude. Since his first motivational speaking engagement back when he was 19, Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story with millions of people, speaking to a range of different groups such as students, teachers, youth, business men and women, entrepreneurs, and church congregations of all sizes. He has also told his story and been interviewed on various televised programs worldwide. However, Nick's speaking engagements have gone beyond purely motivational speaking, he has had the opportunity to speak with several leaders, including the vice president of Kenya. This year alone Nick is set to speak in over 20 countries.

People ask Nick, "How can you smile?" Then they realize there's got to be something more to life than meets the eye if a guy without arms and legs is living a fuller life.

Nick shares with his audiences the importance of vision and dreaming big. Using his own experiences in worldwide outreach as examples, he challenges others to examine their perspective and look beyond their circumstances. He shares his view of ceasing to see obstacles as problems, but instead begin to see them as opportunities to grow and reach out to others. He stresses the importance of how attitude can be the most powerful tool we have at our disposal and illustrates how the choices we make can have a profound effect on our lives and the lives of those around us. Nick shows through his own life that the major keys in fulfilling our biggest dreams are persistence and choosing to embrace failure as a learning experience, rather than allowing the guilt and fear of failure to paralyze us.

How does Nick Vujicic feel about his disability now? He accepts it, embraces it and oftentimes pokes fun at his own circumstance as he shows off his many tricks. He meets challenges with his special blend of humor, perseverance and faith always encouraging those around him to examine their perspective as they develop and define their vision. Using those new definitions he challenges each person he meets to make changes in their lives so that they can begin the path to fulfilling their biggest dreams. Through his amazing ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his incredible sense of humor he captivates children, teens and adults alike, Nick is a true inspirational and motivational speaker.


souce:
http://attitudeisaltitude.com/

If God should speak...

Our Father who art in Heaven. . . .
Yes?
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying. . . .
But you called Me.
Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven...
There, you did it again.
Did what?
Called Me. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven. . . " Here I am. What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting my duty done.
All right. Go on.
Hallowed be thy name.
Hold it. What do you mean by that?
By what?
By "Hallowed be thy name."
It means....it means....good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?
It means "honored," "Holy," "Wonderful."
Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "Hallowed" meant before. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you going to do about it?
Do? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.
Have I got control of you?
ll, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you. What about that habit of lust you have? And your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money......all on yourself. And what about the kinds of books you read?
Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those phonies at the church.
Excuse me....I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
Oh, all right! I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others. I haven't thought about it until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I'd like to, you know, be really free.
Good, now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together....you and I, some victories can truly be won. I love you, you know.
Look Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.... Give us this day our daily bread.
You need to cut down on the bread too...You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize Me Day?" Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed you know. That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep on praying. I'm interested in the next part of your prayer....Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try me and see.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
What about Mary?
See I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why she's told lies about me, cheated me out of money... She never paid back that debt she owes me. I've sworn to get even.
But your prayer......What about your prayer?
I didn't mean it.
Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun carrying the load of bitterness around inside is it?
No, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I made some plans for ol' Mary! She'll wish she never did me any harm.
You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you are already. But I can change all that.
You can? How?
Forgive Mary. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Mary's problem and not yours...You may lose the money, but you will have settled your heart.
But Lord, I can't forgive Mary.
Then I can't forgive you.
Oh, you're right! You always are. And more than I want revenge on Mary, I want to be right with you....All right! I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable, now that I think about it. Some way, some how, show her the right way.
There now! How do you feel?
Hmmm....not bad. Not bad at all, In fact I feel pretty great. You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can't remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.
You're not through with your prayer.....Go on.
Oh, all right.....And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Good...good. I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
Quit hanging around the wrong places, watching inappropriate movies and television, listening to sinful conversations; hanging around the places where Playboy and Playgirl are sold. Change some of your friendships. Some of your so-called friends are beginning to get to you. They'll have you completely involved in wrong things before long. Don't be fooled. They advertise they're having fun, but for you it would be ruin. Don't use me for an escape hatch.
I don't understand.
Sure you do, You've done it....lots of times. You get caught in a bad situation, you get into trouble and then you come running to me. "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?
Yes, and I'm ashamed Lord. I really am.
Which bargains are you remembering?
Well, when the woman next door saw me backing away from the neighborhood bar....I'd told my husband I was going to the store....I remember telling you, "Lord don't let her tell my husband where I've been. I promise I'll be in church every Sunday."
She didn't tell your husband, but you didn't keep your promise, did you?
I'm sorry Lord, I really am. Up until now I thought if I just prayed the Lord's prayer every day, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.
Go ahead. Finish your prayer.
Oh yes....For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever and forever. Amen.
Do you know what would bring me glory? What would make me really happy?
No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you. I can see what a mess I've made out of my life, and I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers.
You just answered the question.
I did?
Yes, the one thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you truly love me. And I can see that happening between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way....well, there's no telling what we can do together.
Lord, let's see what we can make of me, OK?

Yes, let's see......

Pictures say more than a 1000 words

A flood of toxic sludge

On Monday, October 4th, a large reservoir filled with toxic red sludge in western Hungary ruptured, releasing approximately 700,000 cubic meters (185 million gallons) of stinking caustic mud, which killed many animals, at least four people, and injured over 120 - many with chemical burns. The 12-foot-high flood of sludge inundated several towns, sweeping cars off the road as it flowed into the nearby Marcal River. Emergency workers rushed to pour 1,000 tons of plaster into the Marcal River in an attempt to bind the sludge and keep it from flowing on to the Danube some 45 miles away. The red sludge in the reservoir is a byproduct of refining bauxite into alumina, which took place at an alumina plant run by the Hungarian Alumina Production and Trading Company. A criminal probe has just been opened by Hungarian authorities.

A flood of toxic sludge by Boston.com with incredible photos about the catastrophe

 

 Something to think about:

185 million gallons of toxic mud flooded in 10 minutes... To give perspective on this. The Gulf Oil Spill released an estimated
205 million gallons of oil over the months it was uncapped.

 

All time Olympic medal list - not included 2010

Like everything the Olympics comes down to finances as well just like many things in this world.
If you have money as a country you can build world-class ranks etc, you can afford to pay excellent trainers and if you personally have lot of money or your parents then you can pursue sport careers, train hard for the Olympics. No surprise even the Russians go to the US for training in certain sports.
Many countries like the US, Germany, Canada etc put an enormous effort to train and qualify more athletes improving the chances for them for medals. There are hundreds of them on the Olympics while many other countries can only send maybe 10 athletes, that is a big difference.
In my opinion it is already an achievement for all those countries that can send athletes who qualify only to participate no matter where they land on the rank.

Im kinda disappointed in the US broadcasting... they cut most of other countries athletes out to show theirs... I know they have so many but still I am used to watch all kind of nations and now I can barely see some out of North America.
In one minute I am watching speed skating next minute jumps two minute later figure skating... it is kinda dizzying.

Oh and about the comparisons i would say it is better to compare results in the unified medal table ... not all countries have a chance to shine on winter olympics.

I think Hungary has nothing to be ashamed of. Being about the size of an average-sized state in the USA in the combined list Hungary is on the 9th place from all the participant countries with almost 500 medals all together.

I am currently working on updating the English version simultaneously with the Hungarian one :D Thanks for your patience.

Legitimite question of Jay Leno

You have to scroll down to get this Jay Leno common sense ... its worth reading and thinking about!!

        Very interesting perspective by Jay Leno...

        I hope you will all read to the end. Jay Leno puts it into perspective and makes us think about the pathetic media negativity.  That's right, Jay Leno!!

        Jay Leno wrote this; it's the Jay Leno we don't often see....

        "The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?

        "The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President.  In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

        "So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'
        "Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

        "Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

        "Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

        "Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

        "Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present ident ification papers as we move through each state?

        "Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

        "I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

        "Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

        "Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.

        "Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

        "This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

        "How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

        "Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

        "Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

        "I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this th e same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?

        "The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

        "Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

        "Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.

        "They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than

        honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

        "So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?  Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!

        "Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage.  Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

        "We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.

        "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

        Jay Leno
        2007