Online Shopping - The Successful Revolution

With all the doom and gloom lingering in the air over the economy and it's less than robust recovery it's easy to focus on the negative. Things are falling apart as we speak some say.

While this may be true on some level I always try to keep in mind that - at least in my opinion - the world is constantly changing and evolving on multiple levels simultaneously. While one aspect may be in retreat another will be advancing. The secret is to try to focus on and be aligned with the advance and not the retreat. Although it is true that sometimes a strategic retreat is the wisest option in reality this is still, in the big picture, a push forward, a commitment to keep trying even though at the moment it might make sense to pull back and take stock.

When you slow down and shift your focus away from the negative it's easier to detect the bright spots.

Despite the economic recession, online retail in the U.S. grew 11% in 2009, according to a March 2010 report from Forrester Research. More than 150 million people — about two-thirds of all Internet users in the U.S. — bought something online last year. It's a staggering leap for an industry used by 27% of the nation's online population a decade ago.

Imagine that. Smack dab in the middle of what some are calling the 'Great Recession' online retailing is growing at 11%.

Finding those bright spots can help to stimulate your thinking and maybe even come up with new ideas that lead to new success. It's hard to believe that it's been 15 years since Amazon.com made it's debut on the web helping to usher in the age of internet shopping. Online shopping is now part and parcel of everyday life but it wasn't that long ago that even the simple idea of buying a book online was revolutionary.

What's your big idea?

What makes Judge Judy so successful?

If you watch TV chances are at some point you've come across the notoriously acid-tongued Judge Judy. With equal parts wit and bootstrap compassion she effortlessly dispatches those poor souls who find themselves in her court. Although the show may seem silly to some it is no joke in the ratings department routinely beating Oprah for the title of Queen of Daytime TV.

The 67 year old has been on TV for fourteen years and shows no sign of slowing down. Why would she when the runaway success of her show and four best selling books have landed her in the Forbes Top 100 Richest Celebrities in Hollywood. She works 52 days a year , shuttles her 11 grandchildren around in her private jet and has a $45 million a year contract that runs through 2013. Not a bad gig.

So what makes her show so successful?

"She is the epitome of tough love," Gallagher says. "But she knows love isn't just about tenderness; sometimes love is best expressed by a swift kick in the tush. She holds people to account for their bad behavior. Judge Judy understands that some people change when they see the light, but most people change only when they feel the heat."

Read the rest here and decide for yourself what makes Judge Judy such a hit. Maybe you'll be able to glean a few lessons from her success without having to face her in the courtroom.

U2’s Bono and wife holiday with billionaires in France

The Rising Star

U2 front man Bono was spotted on Larry Ellison's yacht the 'Rising Sun' with Roman Abramovich.

Windstar Cruises on Travel + Leisure's 2010 Top 5 List of Small-Ship Cruise Lines

SEATTLE, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, is recognized as one of the "Top 5 Small-Ship Cruise Lines" in the 15th annual "World's Best Awards" voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. The "World's Best Awards" acknowledges the top hotels, destinations, airlines, cruise lines, outfitters, and transportation companies in the world.

"Windstar is honored to be recognized again by the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure," said Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar Cruises. "We look forward to continuing to deliver unforgettable experiences to our guests on our luxurious ships."

Windstar's commitment to providing guests with the most casually elegant and memorable cruise vacation has consistently placed Windstar on the prestigious Travel + Leisure "World's Best" list year after year.

The readers of Travel + Leisure rated contenders in the small-ship cruise category on a variety of criteria including cabins, food, service, itineraries and destinations, activities, and value. The survey was developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure in association with ROI Research Inc. Readers were invited to participate in the survey through Travel + Leisure magazine and online at TravelandLeisure.com from December 15, 2009, through March 31, 2010. A list of winners in every category can be found on the magazine's website www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. Winners will also be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure on newsstands July 23, 2010.

Windstar recently released its 2011 and Winter 2012 season featuring new itineraries in the Baltic, Holy Land, Europe, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean along with its captivating Signature Collection Host Series line-up of distinguished hosts who will lecture on winemaking, culinary arts, photography, gardening and wealth management.

Windstar is currently implementing its next phase of its Degrees of Difference initiative adding amenities and enhancements to the fleet in the areas of dining, accommodations, entertainment, spa, fitness and shore excursions which will be completed during the summer of 2010.

In addition to Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards," Windstar has been recognized by some of the most notable names in the travel world. Windstar was selected for the fourth consecutive year in 2010 as the "Best Small/Mid-Size Cruise Line" by Celebrated Living, American Airline's publication for first class passengers. Windstar was acknowledged as one of "The World's Best Cruise Lines" by Conde Nast Traveler on their 15th Annual Gold List along with all three ships selected for the magazine's "Best Small Ships" list in 2010. Windstar was chosen as one the "Top 10 Cruise Lines" by Gayot.com in 2010. Windstar was also voted the "Most Popular" cruise line in the small-ship category by Zagat and received high marks in the categories of Top Overall, Top Cabins, Top Service, Top Dining and Top Facilities. Windstar recently received a "Favourite Small-Ship Cruise Line" award in the U.K.'s Conde Nast Traveller's Readers' Travel Awards and was listed in their "Top 100 of the Best the Travel World has to Offer." Windstar was also honored as the "Most Romantic Cruise Line" by Porthole Magazine for the fifth time in a row.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense and their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. For more information including rates and itineraries contact a professional travel agent or call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245. Visit Windstar Cruises online at www.windstarcruises.com.

Windstar is a division of Ambassadors International Cruise Group, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassadors Cruise Group, LLC.

SOURCE Windstar Cruises

Seabourn Sojourn's Inaugural Bargain Fares

Offer includes two Caribbean schedules on Seabourn's newest luxury vessel the 'Soujourn'.

Little Saba delivers a mountain of delights

The Dutch island near St. Maarten has an easy charm, but it also is rugged and unforgiving, with a landscape that demands respect.

An island not for the faint of heart...

The test begins on the flight over. Saba's runway was built in 1963 on the longest, flattest piece of land engineers could find, and it's not very long -- about 1,300 feet at the island's northeast corner. At the end is a 90-degree plunge into the sea. Mess up, and you've messed up dearly.

Bermuda's 'Endless Summer' Offer - Free Nights and Free Meals

Via bermudatourism.com...

If you can tear your eyes away from Bermuda’s stunning beauty, treasures abound on our island paradise. Seven challenging golf courses. Snorkeling and scuba diving. Spas to pamper you. And of course, Bermuda’s eclectic fusion of traditions, arts and cuisines.

Now, at 18 of Bermuda’s finest hotels, the summer has never looked more inviting as we announce our “Endless Summer” offer --participating hotels are offering a free night or nights depending on your length of stay.

And, as an extra bonus, visitors who take advantage of this offer are eligible...

You can find out the rest of the details here.