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“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: New Chinese garden, multicultural fest winners in $1 million vote
A multicultural festival, a Chinese garden, and alleys turned into 'urban trails' are among the ideas that will be funded through a new inner-city process that allows citizens to vote on how tax dollars are spent. Among the ideas approved: Pilot project for a Chinese garden (C$10,000); A grant for a multicultural festival (C$20,000); Ten solar-powered trash compactors that alert city staff when they need to be emptied (C$44,000); Reserve fund for a multicultural community centre (C$112,000); A pilot project for a network of 'Urban Trail' alleys, where two local alleys will be transformed into bright, paved trails (C$230,000).
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Sweden: Scientists say existence of new element confirmed
Scientists in Sweden say they have confirmed the existence of a new chemical element, but its name may need some work. Researchers at Lund University said Tuesday their find backs up claims by teams in Russia and the United States a decade ago that had remained unverified until now. The Swedish scientists say they conducted experiments which allowed them to detect the 'fingerprint' of the short-lived but super-heavy element that's been dubbed ununpentium. The element will likely get a new name if the discovery is formally approved by experts from the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics and Chemistry.
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Chile: The sharpest photos of space ever
A team of astronomers from the University of Arizona, Italy's Arceti Observatory, and the Carnegie Observatory has developed a new camera system that can record images in visible light twice as sharply as the Hubble Space Telescope. This is really impressive, considering Hubble is up in space and doesn't have to take pictures through Earth's turbulent atmosphere; this new system operates from a telescope in Chile's high desert.
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Netherlands: In Peace Palace address, Ban appeals for political solution to Syrian conflict
As the latest escalation in Syria 'has raised the spectre of chemical warfare,' Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today 28 August urged members of the Security Council to explore all diplomatic options to bring all Syrian parties to the negotiating table, stressing there is no military solution to the crisis. 'We must pursue all avenues to get the parties to the negotiating table,' Mr Ban said in his remarks at a ceremony marking the centennial of the Peace Palace in The Hague. 'Here in the Peace Palace, let us say: Give peace a chance. Give diplomacy a chance. Stop fighting and start talking.'
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Live: Parliament discusses economic crisis, falling rupee
New Delhi: Lok Sabha is adjourned after uproar by members on the falling rupee and economic crisis.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kamal Nath says that the Prime Minister will make a in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Union Minister Anand Sharma clarifies his statement to check gold import in the Rajya Sabha. He says its for the Reserve Bank of India to decide and that it is out of his jurisdiction.
Left leader Basudeb Acharya raised concern over the country's economic situation in Lok Sabha and demanded the Prime Minister to make a statement in the House.
"It is a concern that despite the announcement of 10 steps by the Finance Minister, the value of rupee declined. This is because of the new liberal policy of the government," he said.
Janata Dal united leader Sharad Yadav said the currency fall leads to major problems for the state.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaks in the Rajya Sabha on the economic crisis.
He said, "We do not deny that domestic factors are hurting economy. Global factors like the US stimulus issue is also hurting economy."
Trinamool Congress leader Sougata Roy demanded a statement from the Prime Minister on drastic steps being taken by the government to boost the economy.
"The chances of war in Syria will raise the oil prices," he said.
The Opposition has cornered the government over the economic crisis and falling rupee in Parliament. On Wednesday, the rupee closed at an all-time low of 68.80 versus the US dollar.
The rupee is continuing with its free fall and markets are also plunging. BSE Sensex has gone below 18,000 mark and Nifty below 5,400 mark in this month.
Meanehile, the Lok Sabha is likely to discuss Congress Vice President Raghul Gandhi's pet project Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill on Thursday. After the passage of the Food Security Bill, the Congress is looking forward to the passage of this Bill in the Monsoon Session.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Expect a constructive day ahead - one where you'll be able to organize yourself at home and feel more efficient as a result. In addition to this, you may have a productive conversation with someone who does work for you around the house. This could be a gardener, housekeeper, or even contractor. Your dialogue will leave you feeling confident that you have the right person on task for the job. You'll also find that you enjoy this person's company on a personal level.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
If you've recently started to date someone new, you and this special someone may delight in the fact that you have so much in common. Communication between you will be especially lovely today, and it's possible that you'll discover a kinship both in work and family values. Also, if you're involved in any type of creative writing or communications project, expect to make significant progress today. Words and ideas will flow.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You might make a vital decision today with a relative about money. There may be some type of family collectible or other possession that has value, and recently this has come to your attention. If so, it's possible that you and your clan will decide to either get this appraised or sell it. You might also move forward with plans to buy or sell property, and if so, now will be an ideal time to sign contracts related to this matter.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You'll have an exceptional edge today in all matters of communication. Mercury, now in your message sector, will make a perfect link to Jupiter, now in Cancer. The ability to convey your ideas or promote them will be spectacular, so be sure to use this cycle to your best advantage! In addition, if you're in the midst of negotiating a contract or about to sign important documents, expect the outcome to be favorable.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You might come up with a brilliant idea that revolves around a way to monetize one of your talents. If so, this will be an ability you have that you typically keep under wraps - one that others may not even know you possess! Now, you'll have the confidence and the plan to make this idea public and when you do, it'll only enhance your sense of self-worth. Trust your talent and your money making ability.
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Impact of RBI measures: Rupee at 67/USD; IOC, BPCL, HPCL rally
NEW DELHI: State-run oil marketing companies such as ONGC, HPCLBSE 0.24 % and BPCLBSE 0.13 % bounced back with gains of 2-4% in morning trade on Thursday, after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) opened a forex swap window for OMCs to calm volatile forex markets.
Indian rupee also managed to bounce back on RBI measures and was trading around sub 67 levels after slipping to a fresh record low of 68.80 per dollar in the previous session. The partial-convertible rupee was trading at 67.20 against the US Dollar, up 160 paise from its previous close of 68.80 at 09:20 a.m.
At 09:20 a.m.; the BSE Oil & Gas index was trading 1.03 per cent higher as compared to 0.7 per cent gain in the S&P BSE Sensex.
ONGCBSE 1.78 % rallied over 2.5 per cent in trade to touch its intraday high of Rs 250. The stock pared some of the gains and was trading 1.3 per cent higher at Rs 247.05.
BPCL which plunged the most among OMC stocks bounced back over 3 per cent in morning trade today to touch its intraday high of Rs 277. The stock, however, pared some of the gains and was trading 1.2 per cent higher at Rs 272.30.
HPCL also rallied over 3 per cent in morning trade after a steep fall in the previous session. The stock was trading 1.2 per cent higher at Rs 165.95.
OMC stocks came under considerable pressure in this week weighed down by sharp depreciation in rupee and rising international crude oil prices.
According to analysts, a depreciating rupee and rising international crude oil prices are like a double whammy on oil and gas companies as cost of importing oil beyond a historic high of Rs 7,000 per barrel.
"The oil import demand is also playing a role as far as the rupee is concerned. Crude oil prices have been going up pretty steeply in the last few weeks and with the rupee depreciating there is a double whammy kind of an impact," said Aditi Nayar, Economist, ICRABSE 1.01 % in an interview with ET Now.
This has put enormous pressure on India's current account deficit considering the fact that the country imports nearly 80 per cent of its oil demand, since the government pays for keeping domestic retail prices artificially low.
To address this issue and reduce volatility in the forex markets the Reserve Bank of India set up a swap window for oil companies to ease the pressure on the battered rupee.
Oil companies, which need copious quantities of dollars, can now go to this new window, thereby reducing some of the volatility in the market, ET reported.
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7 steps for a healthy heart in your 30s
When you enter your 30s, life gets more and more stressful and complicated. Your career has gained momentum, perhaps you're married and have children, a mortgage, some other loans.
Before you know it, stress adds up and raises the risk of heart problems.
There are many ways to avoid the risk of heart problems at this age and enjoy your life. Practice these seven steps to live life without heart problems just like you lived at your 20s.
Getting away from the office or family tensions is not easy, but try to change how you handle them. The more you relax, the more easily your body will be able to regulate stress levels.
Research suggests that exercise, in any form, is the best way to de-stress and relax. Select something you enjoy and stick to it.
Exercise regularly whether to deal with stress or to just get fitter. It's a smart move to have a healthy heart in your 30s.
Even a 15-30 minutes exercise session, every day, will be beneficial for your heart, and will also prevent you from putting on extra weight and thereby compounding any potential health ailments.
Eat healthy
Try and avoid those unhealthy food items during the weekend with your friends and family.
These unhealthy foods can add up to your calorie and cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart problems. Instead opt for a diet full of protein, omega 3 or healthy food restaurants like Gostana.
Sleep well
Sleeping less than five hours a day, can increase the risk of stroke or cardiac arrest. Make sure you sleep well, maintain a daily bed time and wake up time and avoid smoking or consuming alcohol in excess, or heavy food before going to sleep.
Breakfast is essential
Never skip your breakfast. It is indeed very important to eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast. A good breakfast gives your body that much needed fuel to get active and stay fit.
Birth control needs some revamping
You should reconsider using contraceptives like pills and the patch, if you have high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease.
According to Dr. Goldberg, using these may worsen the case if you have any heart ailments. Hence, talk to your gynecologist before trying any contraceptives. (as mentioned in fitnessmagazine.com)
Limit sugar and salt intake
Intake of sugar can raise your cholesterol and triglycerides level and salt can cause high blood pressure. You don't have to completely avoid salt and sugar but limit your daily intake to avoid heart problems. Cut off from indulgences in cakes, pastries and creamy food items.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You might be asked to take on a role in a group or organization. If you're asked to make a presentation, you can be sure that you'll captivate your audience while providing new and valuable information. Also, your social life will receive a welcome boost in another way. You and a pal might join forces to help make a shared aspiration become reality. Now will be the time to have important conversations around this matter.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You have every opportunity to make significant strides in your career, thanks to the help of Jupiter, now at the top of your chart. This once-in-twelve-year event will continue to provide expansive prospects for growth until July 2014! Today, Mercury will be at a friendly angle to Jupiter, allowing you to move forward with any contract or negotiation related to your professional advancement. Expect positive results.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 If you've got a media appearance scheduled, expect it to go off without a hitch. In fact, you'll have an extraordinary edge in all matters of communication that allow you to broadcast your message in a more public way now. Use this to promote yourself or a project that's important to you. Socially, you might discover a deep connection with someone who is from another part of the world or has a background quite different than your own. You'll become fast friends.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
With Mercury at the top of your chart, it's easy to get the attention you deserve from a VIP. Not only will you easily schedule that vital meeting, but now will be an ideal time to pitch an idea to your boss - the one that'll help you reach your latest professional goal! You may also have a conversation about your benefits package or insurance connected to your employment. Thinking about contributing to an IRA? Your company may offer a match!
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
If you're in the market to hire an agent, publicist, real estate agent, or even an attorney, today will be an ideal time to schedule an interview. You and this person will likely hit it off and feel as if you share a similar mindset. In addition, if you're married it's possible that you and your mate will decide to learn something new together. This could be anything from a new language to a spiritual workshop. Explore your horizons!
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 There's no shortage of work for you these days, thanks to Jupiter touring your workaday sector. You're in the enviable position - until July - of possibly having so much work that you need to turn down assignments. Today, you might decide to tackle a project that requires a complete overhaul. Luckily, you'll have the perfect plan ready to implement and will easily handle this endeavor. Your co-workers will marvel at your efficiency.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You and your sweetheart may have had lovely, heartfelt conversations lately that brought you closer. Mercury, the planet of communication, will now be in your partnership sector, which allows you to listen to your mate with greater focus. You'll experience a mutual feeling of hearing each other and being heard in return. Today Mercury will be at a friendly angle to Jupiter in your romance sector. The dialogue between the two of you may turn toward lighthearted banter.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"Distance means so little when someone means so much."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.
ALittle Johnny wanted to be an accountant, so he went for an aptitude test:
Tester: If I give you two Rabbits, and two rabbits, and another two rabbits, how many rabbits have you got?
Little Johnny : SEVEN!
Tester : No, listen carefully again. If I give you two Rabbits, and two rabbits, and another two rabbits, how many rabbits have you got?
Little Johnny : SEVEN!
Tester : Let's try this another way. If Igive you two bottles of beer, and twobottles of beer, and another two bottles of beer, how many bottles of beer have you got?
Little Johnny : SIX.
Tester : Good! Now, if I give you two Rabbits, and two rabbits, and another two rabbits, how many rabbits have you got?
Little Johnny : SEVEN!
Tester : How on Earth do you work out that three lots of two rabbits is seven?
Little Johnny: I've already got one rabbit at home!
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IITs restart preparation courses to fill up quota seats
MUMBAI: Hamstrung by the lack of qualified candidates to fill up the mandatory quota seats, the Indian Institutes of Technology have not only lowered the cut-offs for the reserved category students but also restarted the year-long preparatory courses.
But not all campuses will run these courses. This year, the IITs have decided to take turns to run the bridge programme.
For the first time, some of the IITs have outsourced the preparatory course to their counterparts in other tech schools.
For instance, IIT-Roorkee is holding these classes for not just their students but also those of IIT-Delhi and IIT-Mandi.
IIT-Madras is conducting 'prep classes' as they are known, for its candidates and those of IIT-Bombay, IIT-Hyderabad and IIT-Gandhinagar. Apart from running the course for its candidates, IIT-Kharagpur is also training students of IIT-Patna and IIT-Bhubaneshwar.
Preparatory courses are special coaching classes for reserved category students who fail to make the grade despite a substantial lowering of the cut-off marks.
These students are taken in when there are not enough candidates to fill up the quota seats.
This year, 276 physically disadvantaged candidates and 200 scheduled tribe students will undergo the preparatory course.
"There are very few students undergoing the preparatory programme this year. While it goes on to show that applicants are more prepared, we also felt that makes sense to share the work-load and bunch students instead of running the programme for a handful of students on every campus," said IIT-Bombay director Devang Khakhar.
Sources said the idea came up when the new IITs complained of faculty and space shortage for holding these extra classes. "Later, when the older IITs decided to shoulder the responsibility, some felt that candidates could be grouped and there is better utilization of resources," he said.
For quota students who fall short of the mark, the IITs generously reduce cut-offs and conduct special coaching for them for a year.
The arrangement started in the mid-90s after the IITs wrote to the government for permission to run a programme to help quota students lagging behind in the JEE race. But the same was discontinued two years ago.
Each year, the IITs provide concessions to quota students.
They lower entry levels for them, going as slow as 50% below the last general category student's marks to do justice to the quota.
But to reach the colleges' full capacity, scores are relaxed once again and students are selected to be coached in maths, physics and chemistry for a year before they can join the IITs after clearing an internal test.
"After successful completion of preparatory programme, you must join the institute where you have been allotted a seat originally," reads a notice by the IITs to the candidates.
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Sports minister asks IOC to step in for athletes
NEW DELHI: The sports ministry has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to intervene in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)-fuelled impasse which has led to India's continued suspension from the Olympic movement.
Sports minister Jitendra Singh, in a letter to IOC president Jacques Rogge, has requested the world Olympic body to announce an interim measure, something on the lines of a nominated ad hoc body, whose presence and sanctity will allow Indian sportspersons to compete internationally under the Indian flag.
"We would urge that the sportspersons should not suffer due to the sins of their administrators," Singh said in the strongly-worded letter sent to IOC office in Lausanne on Wednesday. TOI has a copy of the letter.
The letter comes on the heels of IOA's special general body meeting on August 25, where the Indian body controversially proposed to allow tainted officials to contest elections to IOA and national sports federations, by referring the issue of chargesheeted officials to a self-appointed ethics commission.
Taking strong exception to the proposal, the minister wrote, "We are a little disappointed with the result... We think it falls far short of what the IOC had proposed to the IOA... We would request your intervention to resolve the standoff between the IOC and IOA at the earliest," the minister said in the letter.
"As you are aware," the minister explained, "few of the current elected members of the IOA have been accused of criminal offences and corruption.
The IOA in the general body has adopted a resolution by which such tainted persons can contest elections and each such election will be referred to an ethics commission, appointed by the IOA itself, which will adjudicate on their eligibility within 60 days."
"If the matter is to be referred to an ethics commission... I would like to urge against it," said the minister recommending instead that the commission "be truly independent and that its members be given a suitable and fixed tenure so that they can decide without fear and favour."
Expressing reservations about the veracity of a self-styled ethics commission, the sports minister went as far as suggesting that the selection of the commission be taken out of the purview of the IOA and given to an independent collegium.
Also, that under no circumstances should a member elected be permitted to hold office till the ethics commission has delivered its judgment.
Underlining the ministry's fears, the letter continued, "Our concerns arise out of the suspicion that this process is easily subverted. First, the integrity and standing of the ethics commission itself will be suspect and then, since the elected members will be holding office during the 60-day period, they will be in a position to influence the commission.
In the process, the very reason for the inclusion of this clause may be defeated," the minister reiterated.
Saying that the Indian government supports the original line adopted by the IOC that 'tainted' persons should not be permitted to contest IOA elections, the minister also sought to allay doubts that IOC's proposed rule could be misused.
"The fears are totally misplaced," he said.
"Our contention is that there is nothing illegal or discriminatory in the clause originally proposed by the IOC," the ministry statement added.
"When we talk of charges framed, it is after the court has looked at the evidence and determined if there is a case made out.
It is not arbitrary and the chances of misuse are severely limited. In any case, the decision of the court can itself be challenged," the minister's letter said.
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Zanjeer
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Zanjeer
Movie Name : Zanjeer
Release Date : September 6, 2013
Genre : Action, Thriller
Producer : Reliance Entertainment, Puneet Prakash Mehra (Hindi) ,Sumeet Prakash Mehra (Hindi), Amit Mehra (Telugu), Flying Turtle Films
Director : Apoorva Lakhia
Music Director : Anand Raj Anand, Meet Bros Anjjan, Chirantan Bhatt
Cast : Ram Charan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt (Hindi), Srihari (Telugu), Prakash Raj, Mahi Gill, Ankur Bhatia, Atul Kulkarni , Tanikella Bharani (Telugu)
Synopsis:
Zanjeer (English: Shackles; titled Toofan in Telugu) is an upcoming Indian action film directed by Apoorva Lakhia, shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu. The film marks the Bollywood debut of popular Tollywood actor Ram Charan in the lead role along with Priyanka Chopra. Prakash Raj joins the cast after success in Hindi films, like Wanted, Singham, and Dabangg 2. It is a remake of the 1973 Hindi film of the same name. The Hindi version of the film is to be dubbed in Chinese as Chialo Kaxlaug. The Telugu version of the film is to be dubbed in Tamil and Malayalam. The release date is scheduled for September 6, 2013
Zanjeer in USA by BlueSky. The first look and official theatrical trailer of Toofan (Telugu version) have been launched by Reliance Entertainment on its YouTube Official Channel on 25 March 2013 to rave public response, featuring Ram Charan, Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Raj and Srihari. Ram Charan's Toofan First Look Trailers and Wallpapers have been released on March 25, 2013
The First look and theatrical trailer of Zanjeer (Hindi version) was released on 4 July 2013. The dubbing process started from 26 March 2013, where Sanjay Dutt plays the role essayed by Srihari. Sanjay Dutt finishes Zanjeer filming - with only a few days left at his disposal before he returns to jail.
The Telugu version of the film is titled Toofan and is in Post Production stage. The director planned in for a 25-day schedule in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh from November 14 to December 5, 2012. Priyanka Chopra joined the shooting, her first schedule for this film. It was reported that Ram Charan has done some risky stunts for Zanjeer.
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The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The pretty one, very inspiring
It had been a very long night. Our black cocker spaniel ‘Precious’ was having a difficult delivery. I lay on the floor beside her large four-foot square cage, watching her every movement. Watching and waiting, just in case I had to rush her to the veterinarian.
After six hours the puppies started to appear. The first-born was black and white. The second and third puppies were tan and brown in color. The fourth and fifth were also spotted black and white. “One, two, three, four, five,” I counted to myself as I walked down the hallway to wake my wife, Judy, and tell her that everything was fine.
As we walked back down the hallway and into the spare bedroom, I noticed a sixth puppy had been born and was now laying all by itself over to the side of the cage. I picked up the small puppy and laid it on top of the large pile of puppies, who were whining and trying to nurse on the mother. Precious immediately pushed the small puppy away from rest of the group. She refused to recognize it as a member of her family.
“Something’s wrong,” said Judy.
I reached over and picked up the puppy. My heart sank inside my chest when I saw the little puppy had a cleft lip and palate and could not close its little mouth. I decided right there and then that if there was any way to save this animal I was going to give it my best shot.
I took the puppy to the vet and was told nothing could be done unless we were willing to spend about a thousand dollars to try and correct the defect. He told us that the puppy would die mainly because it could not suckle. After returning home, Judy and I decided that we could not afford to spend that kind of money without getting some type of assurance from the vet that the puppy had a chance to live. However, that did not stop me from purchasing a syringe and feeding the puppy by hand. Which I did every day and night, every two hours, for more than ten days. The little puppy survived and learned to eat on his own as long as it was soft canned food.
The fifth week I placed an ad in the newspaper, and within a week we had people interested in all of the pups, except the one with the deformity. Late one afternoon I went to the store to pick up a few groceries. Upon returning I happened to see the old retired schoolteacher, who lived across the street from us, waving at me. She had read in the paper that we had puppies and was wondering if she might get one from us for her grandson and his family. I told her all the puppies had found homes, but I would keep my eyes open for anyone else who might have an available cocker spaniel. I also mentioned that if someone should change their mind, I would let her know. Within days, all but one of the puppies had been picked up by their new families. This left me with one brown and tan cocker as well as the smaller puppy with the cleft lip and palate.
Two days passed without me hearing anything from the gentleman who had been promised the tan and brown pup. I telephoned the schoolteacher and told her I had one puppy left and that she was welcome to come and look at it. She advised me that she was going to pick up her grandson and would come over at about eight o’clock that evening.
That night at around seven-thirty, Judy and I were eating supper when we heard a knock on the front door. When I opened the door, the man who had wanted the tan and brown pup was standing there. We walked inside, took care of the adoption details and I handed him the puppy. Judy and I did not know what we would do or say when the teacher showed up with her grandson. At exactly eight o’clock the doorbell rang. I opened the door, and there was the schoolteacher with her grandson standing behind her. I explained to her the man had come for the puppy after all, and there were no puppies left. “I’m sorry, Jeffery. They found homes for all the puppies,” she told her grandson.
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“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”
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