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"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't."
| VBA's Positive News |
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Oil saving win-win drives Saudi solar power boom - analysis
A slide in solar power costs and a surge in oil prices over the last few years has made solar power a win-win strategy for Saudi Arabia: saving billions of dollars of crude for export while making electricity at less than half the cost. Riyadh plans to install 41,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power over the next 20 years, but to date has built only 12 MW -- or less than even Britain installed in early May.
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Japan mulls talks with North Korea, surprising allies
Japan's government is looking into re-opening official talks with North Korea to resolve questions over the abductions of Japanese citizens decades ago. Chief Cabinet spokesman Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday that high-level talks with the North are possible if they would lead to a breakthrough on the abductions. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has indicated he is open to holding a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un if such a breakthrough could be made.
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US home sales tick up to highest in 3 ½ years
Sales of previously occupied US homes ticked up last month to the highest level in three and a half years, helped by a jump in the number of houses for sale. The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that sales rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.97 million, up from 4.94 million in March. Home sales have risen 9.7 per cent in the past 12 months, evidence that the housing market is still improving.
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Thailand: Buddhist leaders urged to promote education
The Bangkok Declaration of the Tenth Anniversary Celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak calls on Buddhist leaders to strengthen their ongoing noble mission to promote education, as well as social and humanitarian development for sustainable world peace. The Bangkok Declaration was issued at the conclusion of the celebrations and meetings of Buddhist leaders and representatives from 87 countries in Thailand on 21-22 May 2013.
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World Round-Up
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LK Advani backs Nitin Gadkari to head BJP state elections panel
New Delhi: Senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani is not ready to opt out of the race for the Prime Minister of India.
Advani has recommended that former BJP president Nitin Gadkari be named as the head of party's election committee for five states elections later in the year.
Advani reportedly made the recommendations to mend his relationship with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which places immense trust on Gadkari. Moreover, RSS's blessings are a must for anyone from the BJP aspiring to become the prime minister.
On Wednesday BJP leader Sushma Swaraj has clearly said that no name has been finalised by the BJP for the PM candidate.
Sushma's statement clearly showed that Advani 's name has also not been ruled out and now it seems that he is very serious about being in the race as he has asked BJP President Rajnath Singh to name Gadkari as the head of party elections management committee.
Gadkari is very close to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Advani is trying to get closer to him which can help him in the PM race.
Advani's recommendation is also targeted at Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi who is slowly emerging as the frontrunner to be the BJP prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
But no senior BJP leader is willing to openly comment on the race of PM candidate within the party.
In fact, a large group of BJP leaders is backing Modi and is in favour of giving him the charge for the Lok Sabha election campaign.
The argument behind such a move is that if Modi is able to get votes for the party then even the JDU, a staunch opponent of the Gujarat Chief Minister, will find it difficult to stand in his way.
But the Advani group is of the view that the five state assembly elections later in 2013 are a crucial test and will prepare the pitch for the 2014 Lok Sabha election.
So the Advani group had forwarded Gadkari's name to make life difficult for Modi.
If Gadkari is made the campaign in-charge for state elections, then he will also claim that he should be given the same responsibility during the Lok Sabha election.
Even Gadkari is eyeing the responsibility but does not want to openly join the Modi vs Advani tussle. He also does not want to been seen as a candidate of the Advani group.
But the final decision of this issue will only be taken during the June 8-9 BJP National Executive meeting in Goa.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
AThe full moon lunar eclipse of May 25 will be strong for at least four days, and so if you have not yet heard about an imminent long-distance trip, you may hear soon. Jupiter, still in Gemini, will create some of the most fortunate days of the year for you this coming week. The first five-star day will arrive on Monday, May 27, when Mercury will align with Jupiter in Gemini. This day would be ideal for a speaking or writing venture. You may be interviewed by the press or be given an exciting project - one way or another, you'll be happy. Your health may show signs of an upswing, too.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You have started to think about finances, and all those calculations you were doing lately will start to pay off. Jupiter, the giver of gifts and luck, will meet with Mercury on Monday, May 27, bringing very good news about a negotiation or other financial matter. The following day, Tuesday, May 28, Venus will align with Jupiter, making this a great day to discuss money. Because Venus is your ruler, May 28 may be a five-star day for all kinds of fantastic news many levels. This is a week to think big and broad, and to go after your dreams.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 The Sun (authority), Venus (love and beauty), Mercury (news), and Jupiter (luck happiness) are all in Gemini, so life is about to become incredibly sweet. You have what everyone wants, but rarely gets: control over events, and an element of enormous luck as well. Mercury is your ruler, and with Jupiter now linking to Mercury in Gemini on Monday, May 27, for the first time in your own sign in 12 years, this week you are likely to be the recipient of exceptional news - on a scale of 1 to 10, this is a 10! To add icing to the cake, on Tuesday, May 28, Venus will also align with Jupiter in Gemini, bringing you a chance at love and personal happiness.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Planets are starting to stack in your area of privacy, so this week you may want to be off by yourself, to experiment on a creative, writing, or research project. Time in solitude will produce great results. If you can go to a secluded cottage in a natural setting where you can think and work undisturbed, that would be ideal, now and in weeks ahead. Monday and Tuesday bring sublime, five-star aspects. First, on May 27, Mercury will combine with Jupiter, bringing you happy news from someone who has been pulling for you from behind the scenes.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 This week you will be given an extraordinary chance to make a career victory, on the day Venus aligns with Jupiter, Tuesday, May 28. Indeed on that day, all the work you've done in the past will start to add up to something big professionally. The day before, Monday, May 27, Mercury will also align with Jupiter, bringing you good news on the financial front, most likely in terms of salary or fees you charge. A friend or even a casual acquaintance will likely be very instrumental in bringing you the victory you see this week.
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Capital goods will perform on capex push: Axis Cap
Notwithstanding the current flogging, Nandan Chakraborty of Axis Capital says market will see a bull run after elections.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Chakraborty estimated FY14 Sensex EPS at 1450. He remains bullish on midcap consumer durables and said performance of capital goods stocks will depend on capex initiatives.
Also read: Best to stay with pharma, IT, consumer stocks now: Religare
Below is the verbatim transcript of his interview on CNBC-TV18
Q: It has been a tumultuous kind of week, tactically how would you approach the market now?
A: We are only looking at the real bull market post elections because that is when hope of a real huge earnings growth starting because the capex bits have to be in place.
This year there will be some amount of misallocation of funds, in the sense money will have to go into consumption because it is a pre-election year. For example, things that need to be done, like the KG-D6 gas, it needs to be viable, you cannot have it at USD 4 mmbtu. At the same time, you cannot increase it because of various reasons. So, things like that have to be fixed.
I am looking at a real bull run immediately after elections or that could even be discounted before the elections knowing that new government twill come into place. This year it is difficult to forecast a bull market but I cannot forecast a bear market either. So, I would look at it as flat and more of stock picking rather than a market call this year.
Q: Markets have turned volatile globally again - In the case of some volatility in the next few weeks, how do you see India doing in a relative sense? Do you see India’s downside being protected by the recent improvement in some of the macro parameters?
A: Absolutely. As a matter of fact India is a little bit enigmatic in a sense. What happens is whatever affects the fundamentals of India, affect India technicals differently. For example, whenever risk on money comes into India, commodities rise and therefore our fundamentals worsen but to an extent we still do much better because the price to earnings (P/E) effect offsets the earnings per share (EPS) effect.
This year our forecast for INR is roughly to be about more than 55 plus for FY14, to depreciate to that extent, which then lifts your EPS because you have a lot of commodities in the basket, oil and gas, metals and to an extent IT, Pharmaceuticals and so on. With that our forecast for Sensex EPS is Rs 1,400-1,450 odd for FY14 and Rs 1,700 odd for FY15, which is amongst the highest in the street. A lot of it is because we have taken a rupee depreciation call. Then, what happens is that EPS lifts but your P/E corrects to a certain extent because of the hurdle rate of investing into India.
Therefore, you need to find stocks, which for a foreigner has to also beat the rupee depreciation and still do well which is possible.
Q: In terms of the stock picking theme that you are talking about, how do you approach midcap this year because they have not done well, the market has been narrow, midcaps have been lagging - can you still think of a case for midcaps this year?
A: Absolutely. Although I cannot name stocks, we have in our basket midcaps for example in the consumer durable space, there are a number of them which we are bullish on and the minute the cycle turns there will be a massive operating leverage coming into consumer durables.
There are also good companies on the capex side. There are many manufacturing companies which have got massively hit in multiple ways because of massive power shortage and power costs in South India for example, the weak growth domestically and the weak exports. So there a lot of these companies which have been multiply hit which can then shoot up.
Q: It has been a disappointing week in terms of earnings from the capital goods pack, when can you expect any performance from that entire sector to come through and contribution for the market by extension?
A: Fundamentally, capital goods will start performing once the new government comes in, on a secular basis; For example things like railways, oil and gas etc the amount of money they will spend over 4-5 years is humungous, which will be more than what we have spent in the previous periods on things like roads and power generation and so on. This year the government will open its spigots now although it remains to be seen how much they can. However, private capex may take some time this year. So it depends on how much the government opens its spigots and therefore how much feeds into the private sector this year.
Q: Talking about these gold related stocks because that is the asset class that cracked first, any thoughts on that space because ownership and interest is quite high on some of these gold related names?
A: I am not allowed to talk stock specific so I would not like to comment on that. However, what I like is what the RBI has done which is basically changed the rules although it does not affect the larger players like Titan Industries and so on, which anyway can import gold directly but at least some of the other jewelers.
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10 foods that protect your heart
Heart disease is one of the most feared ailment and a side effect of sedentary lifestyle. You can control the effects of your lifestyle by eating the right food.
It's quite often difficult to change your lifestyle drastically in this competitive world. But you can surely change a little bit of eating and ensure you are protecting your heart.
Here's a list of food that can help you protect your heart.
1. Black beans: Black beans are packed with folate, antioxidants, magnesium which are good for lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. This in turn keeps your heart in safe zone. But if you are planning to use tinned beans, please drain the liquid and wash them before use to reduce the sodium content.
2. Salmon and tuna: These two fish are rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3, two important candidates who help heart.
3. Walnuts: A handful of them a day helps lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries. Replace them as mid-meal snacks instead of chips etc.
4. Oranges: They contain cholesterol-fighting pectin. The fruit is also rich in potassium that helps control blood pressure. Antioxidant hesperidin also helps lower blood pressure.
5. Carrots: Though sweet, they are good to control diabetes, which increases heart attack risk. They also help fight bad cholesterol.
6. Sweet potatoes: They are rich in vitamin A, fiber and lycopene making them a healthy substitute for the white brethren.
7. Oats: Oats in all forms help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol.
8. Flaxseeds: Fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and ALA - these three ingredients in these small seeds make them a powerhouse of health. Sure protector of heart if had spoonful in powdered form everyday in cereals or salads.
9. Chilli powder: Difficult to believe, but these Indian tasty spice actually protects heart and body from diabetes with its ability to spike up the natural insulin levels in the body.
10. Coffee: It can keep away type 2 diabetes, but people having high blood pressure should be cautious as it can have a counter effect.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
For a full year, since last June 2012, you've had Jupiter, the good fortune planet, in your lofty tenth house of career reputation, helping you make a big name for yourself. Now, just as Jupiter gets ready to move to another part of your chart next month, not to return to your career house until 2024, he will bestow two amazing gifts to use in your professional life. Circle, Monday, May 27, when Mercury will link to benefic Jupiter, to bring exceptional news and opportunity to your career. This is a massively important day for you, and you may get sensational publicity. Make calls and arrange meetings. If signing a contract soon, do so Monday, May 27. The following day, Tuesday, May 28, Venus the natural ruler of your house of salary will receive Jupiter as well, making it another fantastic day to negotiate a deal or bargain. Days as special as May 27 and 28 come rarely, so make the most of them.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
This week will please you. Venus, your guardian planet, will meet with Jupiter in your house of foreign people and places, bringing a cornucopia of cosmic goodies to you, especially if you find you need to travel. Spin your compass - it matters not where you go, only that you do! If you cannot travel a far distance, you can consider booking a bed and breakfast in a nearby setting with the one you love. Or, it may be that you will play host to people from afar who will come to see you. All types of foreign people will be lucky for you now, even those who live in your country. In your career, if you apply yourself to a publishing or broadcasting project, it may become a jewel in your crown. Financially, it appears you'll have news - or a check - to celebrate by time the week is out, and the money you receive will likely be sent to you in one large amount.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Finances will certainly be at the heart of your thinking this week, and your concentrations on these matters will pay off. With Mercury about to conjoin Jupiter, the good fortune planet, May 27, and with Venus about to conjoin Jupiter the following day, Tuesday, May 28, you've rarely seen such a high probability for making a killing! If you need to sign a contract, do so on Monday, May 27. You and your partner will see eye to eye this week, a great time to negotiate. The full moon lunar eclipse that came May 25 set this financial trend in motion - you can get a lot done this week and leave the month a lot richer than when you started.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
As a Sagittarius, you always need the feeling of freedom and independence, but now you are likely seeing the ways that commitments and collaborations can be heaven-sent as well. Thanks to the lunar eclipse of May 25 last week, you began to think about your relationship in serious terms. Is your other your one true love? If so, this week may mark the time of moonlight, roses, and an engagement or marriage. Two extraordinary days, both major features of 2013, are due: Mercury will align with Jupiter on May 27, and the Venus will align with Jupiter, May 28. Jupiter is the giver of gifts, happiness, and luck, and is your ruling planet, too. With these fantastic aspects happening in your house of serious commitments, you can turn love into a forever, ever affair. If you are married, it's time to think big and draw up new goals together. If you are not serious about anyone, this same energy can turn a business alliance both serious and profitable. Finally, Monday, May 27, may be a stellar day for your career.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 The coming week should bring good news on several fronts. The full moon lunar eclipse of May 25 that just occurred Saturday lit your house of confidential matters and may have brought you in contact with medical personnel (or soon will this week). If you need to address a health matter, this is the week to do it. Working alone is also favored this week, so you may consider taking your work to the library or home to concentrate without distractions. When it comes to creative ideas, be a powerhouse in the early part of the week. When Mercury conjoins Jupiter, May 27, you'll find clients accept your ideas and approve the needed funding. On the following day, Tuesday, May 28, Venus will conjoin Jupiter, and love will surround you - it may be a person at the office who catches your attention.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 No matter how busy you may be at the office, make time for love. You now have four heavenly bodies stacking up in your house of romance, so it would be a shame not to use the energy of these planets to full effect. You are moving into a period where the universe will work hard to introduce you to someone special soon, and before long you may be walking on air. You will have to do your part by being willing to circulate as much as possible in the coming four weeks. This week, on Monday, May 27, Mercury will conjoin Jupiter, and you may get an exciting text or email. You may also receive good news about money on the same day. On Tuesday, May 28, you may experience one of the very most romantic days of the year. Look your best. As an Aquarius you have not had jewel-like aspects this bright in ages. Take full advantage of them!
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Your career is about to thrill you so if you didn't already get stunning professional news in the latter part of last week, expect the first part of this coming week to bring it. You may have been trying to start a home improvement project, too, but have been continually sidetracked by other events lately. Four friendly heavenly bodies have arrived in your home sector now, and more will be on the way next month. At long last, you can be enormously productive, so if you need to hire a contractor, painter, designer, or other professional, schedule now so that you won't have to choose an alternative if your favorite supplier is booked. Monday, May 27, would be a superb day to choose furniture or other items for the home. On May 28, you may get outstanding favor from a parent or other family member, or may host a beautiful event for friends at home.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Life has a value only when it has something valuable as its object.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
Santa asks Priest: Why did god make women so beautiful?
Priest: So that you will love them.
Santa thinks for a short time...
Santa: But why did God make them so dumb?
Priest: So that they will love you.
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CET set to re-start BArch after one year
BHUBANESWAR: Students who want to pursue their career in archeology in the state can once again take the OJEE route, as it is going to conduct admission in the bachelor in archeology course in state-run College of Engineering and Technology (CET) for 2013-14 academic session, after a gap of one year.
Two colleges - government-run CET in Bhubaneswar and private college Piloo Mody College of Architecture in Cuttack - offer BArch course in the state with 40 and 200 seats respectively. This year about 10,000 students have applied through OJEE to take admission in the course.
"We are hopeful that this year we will be able to take students in BArch course in CET and the students will take admission through OJEE. After the OJEE results are declared in the first week of June, counseling for the course will begin," said OJEE secretary Priyabrata Sahu.
The admission was postponed last year following a stay order by Odisha high court and the matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court.
The admission was stalled due to a disagreement between the two colleges over qualifying entrance tests.
While the private college has been taking students for 200 seats from the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), the government-run CET wanted to take students from OJEE as well.
"A large number of students were deprived of an admission to the government college, which is offering the course at a low price.
For admission to the pending seats, the government is planning to approach the court soon and is hopeful that the matter will be solved before the counseling begins," a senior the OJEE officer said.
Authorities of Piloo Mody College of Architecture refused comment in the matter.
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Mahesh Bhupathi's tennis league to rock Asia
BANGALORE: Mahesh Bhupathi is poised to serve another ace. In a glitzy event in Paris late on Friday, the 38-year-old doubles specialist linked arms with German tennis legend Boris Becker and American Justin Gimelstob, a former pro and member of the ATP board, to launch a star-studded International Premier Tennis League. IPTL has it all - big bucks, superstar roster that brings together the best of men's and women's tennis in a made-for-television package that is set to rock Asia in December 2014.
World No.1 Novak Djokovic called the veteran Bangalorean's gameplan for the league 'revolutionary' while Rafa Nadal, the king of clay, backed the initiative, saying it would be a "big success".
Six teams from six cities across Asia will make the playing field for the inaugural year of the competition. Bhupathi hopes the field will expand in the coming years. Teams will draft between six to ten players each at an auction in January in Melbourne a little before the Australian Open. The total salaries would cost each team between $4 and $10 million. Top players are set to make in excess of $1 million. There will be five categories of players and every category will have a base price. Players will be slotted on the basis of ranking, popularity and potential.
"We've signed multiple players across all categories and expect to have over 100 players signed and available on the day of the draft for owners to pick from," the Indian ace said.
Bhupathi has signed on the biggest names in the men's and women's game for his league. Besides Djokovic and Nadal, he has US Open champion and Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray, big-serving Czech Tomas Berdych, athletic Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Serb Janko Tipsarevic among his elite players.
The one ace missing from the marquee pack is the seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer of who Bhupathi said, "Roger won't be participating in the inaugural year."
Among the women it will be American Serena Williams, Russian beauty Maria Sharapova, Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, Li Na, Caroline Wozniacki and Sam Stosur to name a few. Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and the lovable Aussie Pat Rafter are among the legends set to take centre stage.
IPTL facts
— Six teams from six Asian cities to compete in franchise-based league
— Six to ten players will be picked in an auction in January with total salaries in the range of $4 to 10 million
— Top tennis stars like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, Janko Tipsarevic, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Li Na, Caroline Wozniacki and Sam Stosur have confirmed their availability. Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Pat Rafter are expected to be some of the senior stars.
— Bangalore, Kolkata, Osaka, Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore, Manila, Hong Kong, Dubai and Doha are cities in the running for the league
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Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
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Movie Name : Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Release Date : May 31, 2013
Genre : Rom Com
Producer : Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta
Director : Ayan Mukerji
Music Director : Pritam
Cast : Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kalki Koechlin.
Synopsis:
When Dharma Productions announced YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI no one expected it to be hyped the way it is at this stage. Despite boasting of the successful reunion of Ranbir Kapoor and young talented, director Ayan Mukerji, after WAKE UP SID, the film was more in the news for its lead stars, real life ex-couple, Ranbir-Deepika, back together on the big screen.
However it was Pritam's music, especially Badtameez Dil, (and Ranbir's dancing!) that just took the nation by storm and hyped the movie to great heights. So let's check out the audio which is being touted as the first real blockbuster album of the year.
It's all out fun, frolic, celebration and innocent naughtiness that one encounters in the chartbusting party trumpet loaded number, 'Badtameeez Dil', that is so very addictive that even when one fails to grab the mad gibberish but highly endearing lyrics at one go, still one gets instantly hooked to it. Benny Dayal is outstanding and it's his show all the way, although Shefali Alvares does join him briefly and does a good job.
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On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily!
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Five More Minutes
While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.
“That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.
“He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”
Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter.
“What do you say we go, Melissa?” Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”
The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content.
Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?”
Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.”
The man smiled and said, “OK.” “My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded.
The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here.
I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him.
I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa. She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”
Moral: Life is all about making priorities, and family is one and only priority on top of all other, so spend all time you can with loved ones.
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“Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.”
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