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“If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all.”
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VBA's Positive News
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Peru to auction $7 billion in infrastructure projects by 2014
Peru plans to open bidding on 16 infrastructure projects totaling $7 billion by the end of the year, the country's finance minister said on Thursday. The planned projects include a $5 billion electric rail line in the capital of Lima and a new airport in Peru's biggest tourist destination Cuzco. The works would help close Peru's infrastructure gap, which analysts put at about $30 billion. Peru's economy is one of the fastest growing in Latin America.
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German consumer confidence heads higher
German consumer confidence is continuing to rise on the back of a strong labour market and the prospect of more robust economic growth, a survey showed Tuesday. The GfK research institute said its forward-looking consumer climate index rose to 7 points for August. That's the highest level since September 2007.
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UK consumer confidence at highest in more than three years
British consumer confidence has jumped in July to its highest in more than three years, a survey showed, in an early sign that the economic recovery is gaining steam in the third quarter. The GfK survey, one of the first economic indicators on the July-September period, chimes with upbeat industry data on retail sales and factory orders over the past month.
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Mysterious giant magnet attracts rock-star status in journey to lab
It skipped tolls. It had a Twitter hashtag and a GPS tracker. The 50-foot-wide, 15-tonne electromagnet attracted a sensation wherever it went during its slow, delicate 3,200-mile journey from New York to suburban Chicago. The land-and-sea trip culminated when scientists threw a big welcome for the mysterious, shrink-wrapped cargo on Friday as it arrived at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory to help study blazing-fast particles.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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n an open letter, Modi questions Congress's motives for creating Telangana state
Ahmedabad:Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has hit out at the Congress-led UPA government for timing the Telangana decision just before the crucial 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Though Modi welcomed the decision on Telangana by calling it 'victory of people's power' but he did not waste the opportunity to criticise the Congress for delaying the decision over the statehood for Telangana over all these years.
"Instead of facing the people of Andhra Pradesh all these years, Congress hid behind committees and reports. Will they apologise to people of Andhra Pradesh for this?" Modi asked. His comments were in line with his party's stand. Earlier BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said that the BJP welcomed the decision, but added the BJP will look at the decision and then give its reaction.
Earlier on Tuesday, Congress Working Committee unanimously passed a resolution for the creation of Telangana by dividing Andhra Pradesh, the contentious issue of Hyderabad was also discussed and the proposal is to make it the joint capital of Telangana and Seemandhra.
Here is the full text of the letter:
Dear Brothers and Sisters from all regions of Andhra Pradesh,
Namaskaram! I am looking forward to interacting with all of you on 11th August at the Nava Bharath Yuva Bheri Public Rally in Hyderabad.
During the public meeting at Hyderabad, I was hoping to share my thoughts on the issue of statehood for Telangana as well as on all of your concerns on a roadmap for all the regions of Andhra Pradesh.
However, in the wake of the sequence of events, the Congress Party has done in the last few days what it shied away from doing in the last 9 years- to work overtime on a decision over Telangana. It is an undisputable fact that Congress Party has neither been consistent nor transparent in its conduct over the creation of a Telangana state. Thus, a Party and a Government that has betrayed the people on the issue of Telangana time and again can hardly be trusted on this issue this time around.
It is equally true that the BJP has been forthcoming and transparent in its support for statehood to Telangana.
The BJP is the only party with the strongest record on the creation of small states. It maybe recalled that it was the NDA Government under the leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee that created three new states of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand (then known as Uttaranchal) and Jharkhand in 2000 thus giving a new ray of hope to the aspirations of the people in these areas.
Friends, the same Congress party that won in 2004 on the promise of Telangana has played cynical games with the aspirations and sentiments of the people for nine long years. Now, at a time when there are only a few months left before the people of this country vote again, the Congress Party is rushing to announce Telangana. This raises serious concerns on the seriousness and intentions of the Congress.
After winning handsomely in Andhra Pradesh under the leadership of Dr YS Rajashekhara Reddy in 2004 and 2009, the Congress has turned its back on this state since the former Chief Minister died. In December 2009, the then Home Minister Shri P Chidambaram announced the commencement of the process for statehood to Telangana only to be withdrawn hastily. The Congress party then sought to buy time by creating another committee on the question of Telangana. But, it remained indifferent to the collapse in administration, political violence and the unfortunate specter of suicides by youngsters of Telangana. Meanwhile, governance came to a standstill in Andhra Pradesh.
While we welcome any forward movement on the issue of Telangana, we yet again ask how real is the intent of the Congress and the UPA Government this time around.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
With the Sun working in a harmonious angle to the unpredictable planet Uranus, you may expect random acts of kindness and unexpected encounters with new people. You may want to view these opportunities as marvelous gems that dropped into your world. Think of the potential for you and your projects. Can you imagine how a personal connection could spice up your life right now? If you find yourself in this position, be sure to get email addresses and contact information, as you just never know what will unfold.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
A warm and harmonious connection between the Sun and Uranus may bring new life to your family sector. You may make a connection or work on a project that has favorable results for expanding your house or improving the quality of your family. Your strong appreciation of the home may be highlighted during this time as friends and acquaintances may stop by unexpectedly and light up your day. Surprises may occur out of the blue and a helping hand may be there just when you need it.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 This may be a time to pay special attention to all forms of correspondence that come your way. Emails, text messages, and the like may bring fruitful connections and information that proves very useful. The same may be said for you. If you have an important piece of news that needs to get out, you may be surprised by the beneficial timing of events. Timing may make all the difference, so pay heed.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
As your career continues to evolve and change, you may be surprised by a pleasant turn of events there. Uranus, which is known for delivering unexpected news, and the Sun will be in a harmonious connection, and you may just get that tap on the shoulder. The benefit may appear in your paycheck or somehow affect your income, so you will want to watch for any news on that front. The same may be true for promotions, transfers, and the like.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Today may present you with a magical connection to someone who may be able to open new doors for you. You may find that the person sitting next to you on the plane or across the room has a missing piece to your personal puzzle. You may be able to see how all of the pieces of your plans simply fit together as connections and common goals bring new people into your life at the most opportune times.
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Sebi seeks max punishment for Sahara top brass for contempt
Market regulator Sebi on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that Sahara chief Subrata Roy, along with three directors, should be punished for failing to comply with the apex court’s directions to refund the balance R19,000 crore that it had collected from the public in 2008-09, violating investor protection norms.
Sebi senior counsel Arvind Dattar sought maximum punishment for Roy and others under Section 12 of the Contempt of Court Act, which provides a maximum punishment of a six-month jail term and a fine.
Refuting Roy’s contention that he being a shareholder cannot be penalised for non-refund by Sahara India Real Estate (SIREC) and Sahara India Housing Investment Corp (SHIC), the market regulator said that Roy held a 70% stake in the companies and was liable for contempt of court, punishable up to to six months’ imprisonment or fine.
“There is wilful, deliberate and continuous disobedience of the court’s three orders” and “he can’t escape his liability by saying I am just a shareholder,” Dattar argued, adding that “they (Sahara) have told the Registrar of Companies that Subrata Roy wielded significant influence in the Sahara companies.”
Contending that the Sahara Group was a single economic entity and Roy was managing it, and that he stood at the same footing as the other three directors, Sebi argued that Sahara has not contested its claim that Roy was central to the working of the group and directed its operations.
“Keeping in mind the magnitude of the fund collected by the companies, it is a fit case for imposing maximum punishment on Roy and companies... there cannot be a clearer case of contempt. Non-payment of funds amounts to contempt,” Dattar told a bench of justices KS Radhakrishnan and JS Khehar.
“By virtue of being promoter of the companies, he holds the same position as that of directors of the companies and he is also liable for contempt. He is liable for punishment along with other directors of the companies,” he added.
During the argument, the bench asked Sebi to address the court on whether the refund can be recovered from other group companies and adjourned the matter till August 6.
Sebi contended that action can be taken against other companies as the money collected was invested in other companies of the group, which is headed by Roy.
The apex court was hearing Sebi’s argument on its second contempt petition, which alleged the two firms had failed to pay the amount within the time-frame fixed by the apex court on December 5.
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Health benefits of having oats daily
Oats are rich in fibre and a good source to boost your energy. But there are several other reasons why you must include oats in your daily diet.
We give you 13 reasons to have oats daily, whether it is for breakfast or as a snack.
Improves immune system
Oats contain a fibre called beta glucans which has been extensively studied over the years. Beta glucans is also present in yeast, barley and different mushrooms. Why is it important? Well, beta glucans is known to fight viruses, bacteria and parasites there by boosting your immune system.
Great for weight loss
Oats and fibre are synonymous with each other. Digestion of oats is a slow process; when you consume oats the body will absorb it steadily. Since the process is a slow one you feel satiated and full for a longer duration. In simple words, oats reduces your hunger pangs and prevents you from indulging in oily and salted food.
Improves digestion
Since oats have a rich source of fibre, it aids digestion. It works for constipation and also works as a natural laxative. While over the counter laxatives may provide quick relief it tends to reduce body weight drastically too, but oats maintains healthy body weight. Consume oats to improve your bowel movements, as it acts like a natural scrub for the intestines.
Oats for diabetics
Oats contains the lowest amount of glycemic index, that is, it has the least effect on blood sugar levels. For diabetics, it is important to increase your intake of oats as it controls the glucose levels in the blood. Oats also absorbs sugar which reduces the dependence of releasing insulin.
Cuts the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
Oats reduces your dependence on insulin and can improve insulin sensitivity. In a study, there was approximately 40 percent reduction of insulin dosage. Oats are one of the diabetes friendly ingredients you must have.
Reduces high blood pressure
Consuming oats on a daily basis can help in lowering systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Under the supervision of a doctor, you may be able to completely stop having medication if you continue to have oats.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You may want to pay attention to legal affairs during this time. Surprises may be likely as the Sun and Uranus align in a harmonious connection that could unfold in a favorable outcome for you, particularly regarding money from outside sources. Perhaps you are awaiting news of a grant reward or a financial investment that shifts your plans considerably. If you have done your background work, you may be pleased by the gift of good timing.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Today may be an excellent time to explore your relationships with others to see what surprises they may have in store. Uranus and the Sun will be in a pleasing alignment to each other and that can spell surprise. You may find that your partner has a wonderful new connection that will open a door for you and your career. Or you may be surprised by people you meet at a social engagement, where casual conversations open doors to a new realm of business projects.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Career options may surprise you as they open up new ways to connect with others. You may be well situated for working with the public, allowing you to help out in kind and generous ways. Community service may bring surprising results, especially as it may place you in the spotlight in your main career. This very admirable trait may find you in a new position among your peers at work as you lead the way.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Today may be the day to capture all your thoughts on paper or another format. Your creative sector may be especially active and worthy of your attention, so take note. Out-of-the-blue thoughts and flashes of inspiration may be quite surprising, especially if they occur in the context of education, religion, or some other form of learning. This could be an opportunity to finally come to terms with a new way forward. You would be wise to try and remember what comes your way today.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Be on the lookout for any connection to outside resources. If you have been working toward raising funds or looking for a helping hand from family members, this may be an ideal time for that to occur. As Uranus drifts through your family sector, you may get just the boost you need from an unlikely relative. You would not be the first person to get help from a willing supporter, so enjoy the luck and be sure to express your thanks.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 A surprise text message may bring a smile to your face, especially if it comes from your romantic partner. An invitation to an unexpected lunch might fit the bill or a simple expression of affection might light up your day. Correspondence may be the source of great surprise, as Uranus moves through that sector of your life lately. Just when you least expect it, your cell phone may indicate that a wonderful message awaits you.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You may find a surprise while working through your financial investments. This may be a payout or a tax break, such as a health care deduction or other similar bonus. The same may apply for an unexpected insurance payout that allows you to invest for another rainy day down the road. The news may be a pleasant surprise, as the Sun and Uranus work together for you in your financial sector.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Each successful person has a painful story.
Each painful story has a Successful ending.
Accept the pain and Taste the success..”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love will not serve those who do not live for her, and in her, and to whom she is not the breath of life.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
Manager asked to santa at an interview
Can you spell a word that has more than 100 letters in it?
Santa replyed: -P-O-S-T-B-O-X.
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IIT-M faculty may play truant, officially
CHENNAI: Faculty members at IIT-Madras focusing on research projects may soon be able to forego classroom duties.
Teachers at the institution, proposing various solutions to promote research and deal with increasing workload on faculty members, suggested that researchers be spared from spending long hours in classrooms if they are working on intensive projects.
They also said the number of courses that faculty members take should be divided among two or more teachers.
They made the suggestions to an expert panel following the recruitment of 22 teachers last month. Some departments have already adopted individual models to focus more on research .
IIT-M estimates that a faculty member spends a minimum of six hours in classrooms a week and teaches three courses each semester. Every faculty member has five research scholars to guide.
But faculty members usually spend much more time than in just guidance of research scholars as they have related work like evaluation as well as administrative duties.
Similar suggestions in the past could not be implemented because of staff shortage. IIT-M has 530 faculty members and 7,800 students. It has a sanctioned strength of 800 faculty members.
The institution decided to enroll more students in 2010, resulting in a 54% increase in admissions, but faculty strength remained at 450, roughly the same as previously.
"If a department has more than one faculty member for a specialisation, one can be spared from classroom duties in the first semester and another can be given the same opportunity the next semester," a professor said.
IIT-M director Bhaskar Ramamurthi indicated that the proposals may only be implemented as a stop-gap arrangement and said the institution did not plan to introduce them at the policy level.
"Departments come up with internal arrangements so teaching and research are not compromised," he said. "Teaching and research should go hand in hand. We had 600 doctoral scholars in 2007 and the number had now gone up to 1,800. Our PhD and MS students make up 30% of the student strength. Increasing enrolment has also resulted in IIT-M acquiring more faculty members and PhD students."
Not all faculty members support the proposal to reduce classroom hours. A senior professor said IIT-M's academic freedom allowed teachers to start new programmes in specialised fields.
"The rationale is to give students the opportunity to work on projects with their teachers while also attending classes," the professor said. "If an ambitious professor doesn't want to teach students, it will be a loss to the student community. Unlike institutions like Defence Research Development Organisation , IITs are part of the public education system."
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Dawood man called aide in Mumbai over fixing arrests
NEW DELHI: The arrest of cricketers and bookies for spot-fixing so rattled underworld don Dawood Ibrahim that the very day the first arrests took place, a D-company associate from Pakistan called up his henchman in Mumbai to ask whether a key bookie, Ashwini Aggarwal alias Tinku Mandi, was one of those taken into custody.
The conversation, recorded by Delhi Police on May 16, 2013, took placed between Firoz Farid Ansari (arrested from Mumbai) and Salman (based in Pakistan). That was the day when Delhi's police chief Neeraj Kumar held a press conference to announce the arrests. Mandi was arrested the same day.
"This phone conversation shows the high level of anxiety in the Dawood syndicate regarding the arrests. In this call, Salman asks Firoz to find out the truth behind rumours that Mandi had been arrested as at that point of time, the details of the arrested persons had not been aired by the media," states the chargesheet in case, accessed exclusively by TOI.
Delhi Police claims Firoz has a long association with Dawood. According to underworld bookie Ramesh Vyas, Feroz is the successor to Chhota Shakeel's trusted aide Mir Zahid alias Chote Miyan, who was gunned down in 2009 by shooters of the Chhota Rajan syndicate over control of Mumbai's betting territories. Police say it leaves no doubt that it was the Dawood-Chhota Shakeel syndicate operating through Dr Javed Chutani and some other India, Pakistan and Dubai-based men, that was controlling the fixing/betting activities and Firoz was part of it.
The chargesheet gives a detailed account of how this cricket fixing racket was controlled by Dawood, based in Pakistan, and how Delhi Police managed to stumble upon it intercepting calls on a few phone numbers. The chargesheet adds that D-company operatives use voice over internet protocol (internet based calls) to interact with their men in Dubai and India.
"On March 26, 2013, at 2132 hours, a call between two international numbers +923333206**** (Pakistan) and +97156136**** (Dubai) of a duration of 160 seconds was intercepted. The Dubai number was found to be in touch with certain Indian numbers, prominent amongst them belonging to Ashwani Aggarwal alias Tinku Mandi. Thereafter, various numbers revealed in the background analysis as belonging to Mandi were also taken on lawful interception. The monitoring of these numbers led to the revelation of the international conspiracy of fixing/betting in the then commenced season of Indian Premier League cricket tournament and flow of illegal money generated by this organized criminal activity through hawala channels between India, Pakistan and Dubai. Once this conspiracy had taken a cognate form, this instant case had been registered," says the chargesheet.
Mandi is an associate of underworld conduit Dr Javed Chutani, a Pakistani who works from Dubai and with other members of the Dawood-Chhota Shakeel syndicate based in Pakistan, Dubai and India. "He was working on behalf of this syndicate for orchestrating spot/session fixing in IPL matches for making windfall gains from illegitimate betting markets," it adds.
The Central Intelligence Agencies confirmed on May 31, 2013 that the mobile number +923333206**** was being used by Pak based underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. The CIA also confirmed that the Dubai number +97156136**** was being used by one Doctor, a cricket bookie and hawala operator based in Dubai.
"In the absence of any voice sample of Dawood Ibrahim, efforts were made to locate such people who may be familiar with Dawood and can identify his voice. After intensive effort, a witness was located who has had a long association with this most wanted criminal. This witness was requested to join investigation and the call was played to him in the presence of another independent witness. The witness identified and confirmed that the voice on the Pakistani number was indeed that of Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar. The name and other details of this witness, who has identified the voice of Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, is not being revealed at this moment for security reasons," says the chargesheet.
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Chennai Express
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Movie Name : Chennai Express
Release Date : August 9, 2013
Genre : Comedy
Producer : Gauri Khan
Director : Rohit Shetty
Music Director : Vishal-Shekhar
Cast : Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Sathyaraj, Manorama.
Synopsis:
The filming began at Mehboob Studio in Mumbai on 5th October 2012 . The lead actor was dressed in black casuals and the actress in a South Indian attire, wearing Kanjeevaram saree. Filming was done at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station with minimum crew members. These working stills of the lead actor were unofficially released in mid-October 2012. In November 2012, the cast and crew was off to Goa for the first filming schedule. The railway station of Vasco da Gama was used as a double up, portraying Kalyan. A romantic scene on board a train passing next to Dudhsagar Falls was also shot. In December 2012, the team was off to Jakarta for some scenes. By early January 2013, the next schedule was supposed to happen in Ooty but Khan opined that the opted place would be too far from commercial venue, Mumbai.
Hence, recreation of the lanes of Ooty along with some of its tourist spots, was constructed as a set on the outskirts of Panchgani in Wai by art director Narendra Ruharikar. It took over 40 days to make the set at an estimated cost of INR1.5 crore (US$260,000). The Wai schedule of filming ran for entire month of March 2013. A 10-day shooting schedule began in Munnar, Kerala from mid of April 2013, scenes were canned at Devikulam Lake, Meesapulimala, Wagavara and Kannimala. The shoot had to be stopped for a few days due to the heavy rainfall and the schedule was slightly extended until end of the same month. A press conference was also held in the town Munnar. In May 2013, certain scenes were canned in North Goa The lead actress wrapped up all her portions of shoot on 25th May 2013. Khan flew to Hyderabad by end of May 2013 for remaining filming.
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The smallest bones in the human body are found in your ear.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Keep your dream
I have a friend named Monty Roberts who owns a horse ranch in San Ysidro. He has let me use his house to put on fund-raising events to raise money for youth at risk programs.
The last time I was there he introduced me by saying, “I want to tell you why I let Jack use my horse. It all goes back to a story about a young man who was the son of an itinerant horse trainer who would go from stable to stable, race track to race track, farm to farm and ranch to ranch, training horses.
As a result, the boy’s high school career was continually interrupted. When he was a senior, he was asked to write a paper about what he wanted to be and do when he grew up.
“That night he wrote a seven-page paper describing his goal of someday owning a horse ranch. He wrote about his dream in great detail and he even drew a diagram of a 200-acre ranch, showing the location of all the buildings, the stables and the track.
Then he drew a detailed floor plan for a 4,000-square-foot house that would sit on a 200-acre dream ranch.
“He put a great deal of his heart into the project and the next day he handed it in to his teacher.
Two days later he received his paper back. On the front page was a large red F with a note that read, `See me after class.’ “The boy with the dream went to see the teacher after class and asked, `Why did I receive an F?’
“The teacher said, `This is an unrealistic dream for a young boy like you. You have no money. You come from an itinerant family. You have no resources. Owning a horse ranch requires a lot of money.
You have to buy the land. You have to pay for the original breeding stock and later you’ll have to pay large stud fees. There’s no way you could ever do it.’ Then the teacher added, `If you will rewrite this paper with a more realistic goal, I will reconsider your grade.’
“The boy went home and thought about it long and hard. He asked his father what he should do. His father said, `Look, son, you have to make up your own mind on this.
However, I think it is a very important decision for you.’ “Finally, after sitting with it for a week, the boy turned in the same paper, making no changes at all. He stated, “You can keep the F and I’ll keep my dream.”
Monty then turned to the assembled group and said, “I tell you this story because you are sitting in my 4,000-square-foot house in the middle of my 200-acre horse ranch. I still have that school paper framed over the fireplace.” He added, “The best part of the story is that two summers ago that same schoolteacher brought 30 kids to camp out on my ranch for a week.”
When the teacher was leaving, he said, “Look, Monty, I can tell you this now. When I was your teacher, I was something of a dream stealer. During those years I stole a lot of kids’ dreams. Fortunately you had enough gumption not to give up on yours.”
“Don’t let anyone steal your dreams. Follow your heart, no matter what.”
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“Every failure redirects and opens a new path; every step on the new path, after failure, will turn into success. So the beginning of success starts with failure.”
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