Searching for hope in these troubled times? When you are stressed with the dailyness of your dental practice or the negative news in the media about the recession, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. TED and the internet come to the rescue with inspired talks by the world's greatest thinkers and doers.

I am constantly amazed at what if find on the internet.

TED is my latest find. TED is an acronym that stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Here is what they say about their web site:

Our mission: Spreading ideas.

We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other. This site, launched April 2007, is an ever-evolving work in progress, and you're an important part of it. Have an idea? We want to hear from you.

Here are just a few of the people who appear in 342 (and counting) approximately 18 minute video's on the web site; Seth Godin, Malcomb, Gladwell, Al Gore, Billy Graham, Stephen Hawkin, James Watson and Rick Warren.

Go to: TED: Ideas worth spreading

Five Samples:

Andy Hobsbawm says: Get creative| Video on TED.com

Doris Kearns Goodwin on learning the importance of work, love and play from past presidents | Video on TED.com

Jill Bolte Taylor's powerful stroke of insight | Video on TED.com

Stewart Brand on squatter cities | Video on TED.com

Dean Ornish on healing | Video on TED.com

and top ten highlights: TED | About TED | TEDTalks