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“Nothing in the world is ever completely wrong. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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US: Nyad celebrates historic swim from Cuba to Florida
Amid cheers, applause, and whoops of joy Tuesday, Diana Nyad launched what promised to be a dayslong celebration of her 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida -- a record she finally set 35 years and four tries after her first attempt. 'More than the athletic feat, she wants to send a message of peace, love, friendship, and happiness ... between the people of the United States and Cuba,' Jose Miguel Diaz Escrich, the Hemingway Marina commodore who helped organize the Cuba side of Nyad's multiple attempts, said Monday after Nyad landed in Florida. Nyad is an author of three books, a motivational speaker, and has been a reporter and commentator for NPR.
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European Union Q2 growth revised upward slightly
The European Union's statistics office on Wednesday revised its second quarter economic growth estimate up slightly in the latest sign that the bloc has left a protracted recession behind. The 27 countries' combined gross domestic product grew 0.4 per cent in the second quarter compared with the previous three-month period, when it shrank 0.1 per cent, Eurostat said. The agency, which had last month estimated growth of 0.3 per cent, said the revision was due to more complete data from several member states, with household spending underpinning the economic momentum in many countries.
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Australia: Ord sandalwood harvest begins after a 14-year wait
The first commercial harvest of Indian sandalwood for Tropical Forestry Services (TFS) has begun in Western Australia's Ord irrigation scheme. TFS manages the world's largest plantation of Indian sandalwood, with operations in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. It's expected the first harvest will cover 144 hectares of trees, which were planted in 1999 and 2000.
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Khi Solar One: Abengoa installs South Africa's first concentrating solar power tower
As South Africa works to generate 17,800 MW of renewable energy by 2030, Spanish firm Abengoa is installing two concentrating solar power plants in the Northern Cape that will contribute 150 MW of solar to the region. One of those plants, the Khi Solar One, just reached a major milestone towards its completion as officials celebrated the installation of the concentrating solar power plant's (CSP's) 205-meter-tall superheated steam solar tower.
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World Round-Up
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Missing coal files: PM uses silence as a weapon, says BJP leader Arun Jaitley
New Delhi : In a scathing attack on the Prime Minister in connection with missing coal allocation files, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley has said Dr Manmohan Singh uses silence as a weapon of concealment.
The buck stops with the PM who was in charge of the coal ministry between 2006 and 2009, said Mr Jaitley on NDTV's The Buck Stops Here, just a day after Dr Singh invited top BJP leaders for a dinner meeting to try and end the coal stand-off in Parliament.
The BJP alleges that a lot of the missing files relate to coal block allotments made during the PM's tenure.
The CBI, which is probing "coal-gate" says precious coal blocks were allotted arbitrarily to beneficiaries close to the government, allegedly costing the country thousands of crores.
"After the files disappear, the (coal) minister comes and makes an inaccurate statement saying, all these files are pre-2004 allocations.
We now find out that the crucial files are between 2006 and 2009.
Then the Prime Minister resorts to his ultimate weapon, that which is silence, because the cruelest of concealments can be made through silence. He resorts to that weapon," Mr Jaitley told NDTV.
"Who are the targets of investigation? Either the beneficiaries or the decision makers.
The decision makers could be in the PMO, they could be in the Coal Ministry, they could be in the Screening Committee, or they could be the minister.Now between these so called targets of investigation, who is the person who has made these files to disappear?"
The remarks come on the back of reports that a CBI investigating officer, KR Chaurasia, had documented the "requirement" to question the Prime Minister, but the agency's Director, Ranjit Sinha, said it was unnecessary at this stage.
In Parliament on Tuesday, Dr Singh, who had earlier defiantly said that he is "not the custodian of files", said in a statement, "at this stage, it would be premature to say that files are missing or that there is something fishy."
The opposition said the PM had been "economical with the truth.""The PM should volunteer himself for CBI questioning so that the truth comes out," said Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
The recent new moon may inspire you to eat well and exercise more. The better you get at time management, the easier it is to balance work and personal responsibilities. You could start by being firm about your goals and clear about limitations when setting schedules. A new can-do attitude toward colleagues or staff may improve the atmosphere at work. Attention to detail creates order and improves efficiency. Organization and a plan help you achieve your goals.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
The fresh energy of yesterday's new moon encourages new organization in schedules relating to children, creative projects, and personal hobbies. Rather than detracting from the fun, a little order helps you make the most of relaxation and quality time. On another note, you're already under the influence of next Monday's Mars/Saturn alignment, which encourages clarifying commitments with family or your partner, especially around domestic plans. Be patient when setting goals about your home or living space.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You're motivated to act on bright ideas about home or family, as the activating influence of yesterday's new moon lingers. There's no guarantee things will work out perfectly, but action and effort may be enough to help refresh a stagnant domestic or family situation. Switching focus, tomorrow's Sun/Jupiter collaboration indicates a take-charge attitude may improve your financial situation. With Jupiter offering blessings with money, it's up to you to make it known what you need - and deserve.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
A new opportunity or invitation may appear as you start to feel the gifts of tomorrow's expansive Sun/Jupiter alignment. You're blessed with a lucky quality, and may receive support for a pet project. Jupiter represents adventure and growth, suggesting an exciting possibility lies just outside your comfort zone. On another note, Uranus's extended cycle through your career sector (2010-2018) will continue to encourage innovation at work. Explore an unconventional professional possibility.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 The devil might be in the detail, but it's the details that now provide clues to help you solve a financial puzzle. The lingering influence of yesterday's new moon helps you tackle a particularly intricate money matter. Adopting a new financial strategy may help you achieve your money goals, but to do so you need information. Consider keeping a spending diary or a detailed cash flow spreadsheet. It might require daily effort, but it will be insightful.
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Now, Moody’s warns on India’s sovereign rating
New Delhi: Moody’s Investors Service Inc. has put India on notice, warning that the country’s sovereign rating outlook will depend on the depth and extent of the current economic downturn and the trends in the balance of payments situation.
India’s sovereign credit profile in the fiscal year to 31 March will depend on the growth outlook in the US, the European Union and China, the interest rate outlook after US quantitative easing tapers off and the trend in commodity prices, as well as domestic factors such as farm output, domestic interest rates and the 2014 national election, the rating agency said.
The warning comes a day after Standard and Poor’s maintained its negative outlook on India’s BBB minus rating, the lowest investment grade.
Foreign funds pulled a net $2.3 billion from Indian bonds and stocks last month, exchange data shows, amid speculation the US will trim monetary stimulus, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.
Moody’s and Fitch Ratings still have a stable outlook on India at their lowest investment grade rating.
The Indian economy grew at its slowest pace in four years at 4.4% in the June quarter, compared with 4.8% in the three months ended March, belying hopes that the economy has bottomed out.
India’s growth slowdown appears to be steeper, its exchange rate depreciation has been among the steepest, and inflation and fiscal metrics remain weaker than its peers, Atsi Sheth, vice-president at Moody’s, said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Indian economy should not be viewed through the prism of current account and fiscal deficits alone, according to Chandrajit Banerjee, director general of lobby group Confederation of Indian Industry. “The rating agencies should look at the fundamentals of the economy and the medium-term prospects,” Banerjee said in a statement.
The country’s economic risks have risen due to slowing growth, rising inflation, a high current account deficit, a sharply depreciating rupee and fluctuating equity markets. The US economy grew at its fastest pace in more than two years at a revised 2.5% in the June quarter, compared with an earlier estimate of 1.7%, bolstering the case for the US Federal Reserve to wind down its monetary stimulus programme.
HSBC’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, a gauge of factory activity, shrank in August for the first time in more than four years, and auto sales, a bellwether of consumer demand, continued to struggle, reinforcing fears that India will post its sharpest decline in economic growth in more than a decade.
Indian currency and equity markets have seen huge volatility after US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke in May indicated a tapering off of its bond-buying programme. The rupee, which posted its biggest single-day fall in 20 years to 68.85 against the dollar on 28 August, has since recovered, closing at 67.09 against the dollar on Wednesday.
The country’s fiscal deficit in the April-July period was 62.8% of the full-year target, compared with 51.5% during the same period a year ago, official data showed on 30 August. The government has exhausted 73% of its revenue deficit target in the four months, compared with 61.3% in the same period a year ago.
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How yoga keeps you fit and healthy
Everything we do calls for stress and constant running around. In the middle of all this chaos, yoga is a great way to connect with your inner self and stay healthy at the same time.
Through its deep breathing, stretching, mindful exercise, yoga is also an effective method to keep most stress-related diseases at bay. In fact, no matter what your lifestyle, you could learn a thing or two from this ancient exercise form that benefits your mind and body, both. Here's looking at why yoga is meant for people of all shapes and sizes...yes, even you!
Yoga helps combat stress. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that yoga has a positive impact on various kinds of neurological disorders. Their findings suggest that yoga might help patients in fighting with the symptoms of neurological disorders such as acute headache, psychological depression and so on. Published in the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine, this study revealed that women, even beginners, who practice hatha yoga may boost happy hormones by diminishing stress levels.
Yoga helps asthma patients. According to a research study presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Seattle, adults who suffered from asthma experienced "increased quality of life and reduced asthma symptoms after 10 weeks of yoga practice".
Yoga helps in battling weight loss in middle age. While on the one hand yoga helps increase strenght and flexibility, it also helps with weight loss when you reach middle age, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in Seattle. Researchers studied that people who are overweight in their middle age and who practised yoga daily for over a decade lost considerable amount of weight.
Yoga even helps cancer patients fight fatigue. Cancer survivors who practice yoga are able to sleep better and fight fatigue more efficiently, according to a recent study. Yoga helps reduce stress levels and boosts the immune system. Thus yoga forms like hath yoga are increasingly recommended to all cancer survivors, combined with restorative breathing exercises to help improve their sleep patterns.
Tips for Starting Yoga. We recommend a few things to keep in mind: Go for a style that suits your body type: Yoga classes and asanas may differ for people with different body types. Some may only focus on meditation and deep breathing, whereas others might focus on rigorous and strenuous yoga moves. You and your body type are unique: Understand this: Yoga is not only about flexibility. Don't try and idealise images and postures as presented in glossy health magazines. Those are people who have attained this kind of flexibility after years of practice and fitness routine. Go at your own pace.
Maintain your own pace: There is no need to rush into any kind of asana or yoga pose too soon. Use straps, blocks or other tools to suit your needs and requirements. Ask your yoga instructor for help and make sure you take adequate rest and proper precautions. Listen to your body: Don't force yourself into any of the asana. Try and read your body signals and stop when you think you can't take it anymore.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Yesterday's new moon in your sign continues to bring new focus and a fresh, clean energy. You can now banish bad habits and adopt healthy new ones. A new style is possible, especially as your thoughts and ideas about yourself evolve. You may also want extra time to focus on personal projects and plans. On another note, this weekend's supportive Sun/Jupiter pairing highlights friendships. It's a great weekend to arrange a social event or catch up with friends.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You may receive recognition for past professional success. A Sun/Jupiter alignment encourages growth and expansion at work, and with regards to life direction, making it a lovely time to explore a new career opportunity or take on a new project. You may also consider a work-related study or travel offer. A promotion, pay rise or new power at work is possible. Under such a lucky alignment, a little effort can take you a long way toward professional success.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You're fast approaching a professional turning point. Next Monday's Mars/Saturn link brings a reality check that may help you be honest about what is - or isn't - working career wise. A new perspective highlights new possibilities, and as you realize what's truly important you'll find it easier to set clear goals - and stick to them. Good time management is imperative, so be firm about what you can or can't do - and in what time frame. Structure supports success.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Yesterday's new moon may inspire you to adopt more efficient strategies at work. With career in the spotlight, consider how much you enjoy - or don't enjoy - your job, and review where it may take you. You may be motivated to streamline your goals or better organize your work space and routines. On another note, with Mars in your travel sector between August 27 and October 15, you may be restless for adventure. If so, organize your next exotic holiday.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 You may be lucky in love as the Sun and Jupiter align, especially if you focus on possibilities rather than problems. A generous gesture is a thoughtful way to show how you feel. If you're out to impress, think meaningful, rather than monetary. Switching focus now, the extended cycle of Uranus in your domestic sector (2010-2018) brings the need for change and increased independence at home and with family. If you want more freedom, consider where you could cut ties.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 An upcoming Mars/Saturn alignment may create tension, and your commitment - to your job or a relationship - may be tested. If you consider long term consequences you'll make practical, mature choices. It may be up to you to set clear expectations about future plans and long range timing. On another note, the ongoing influence of Jupiter in your day-to-day sector (June 2013-July 2014) means everyday life is busy. Knowing what you want makes it easier to organize your schedule.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
The recent new moon may help you re-energize key personal and professional partnerships. An analytical quality will help you focus on practicalities and logistics, at work and in your private life. Details matter, so it's important to deal with minutiae. New organization in close relationships is possible, especially as you step away from idealistic tendencies and focus on facts. On another note, the extended cycle of Neptune in your sign (2011-2025) will continue to encourage you to trust your instincts.
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Moral Story
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SMS
"Two sweet words difficult to say in life:
1. "Hi" for the FIRST time to unknown person.
&
2. "Bye" for the LAST time to loved ones."
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love--that divine fire which was made to light and warm the temple of home--sometimes burns at unholy altars.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.
SANTA went to court
JUDGE:
"Order ! Order !"
SANTA:
"1 Pizza, 2 Dosa, 3 Idli & 1 Cold-drink !"
JUDGE:
"Shut Up !"
SANTA:"No,No..7-Up!
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Delhi University, JNU students’ unions finalize list of poll contestants
ANEW DELHI: The final lists of contestants for students' union elections in Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University were declared on Wednesday but things didn't progress too smoothly at JNU.
There was a heated exchange of words between the election committee the newly-formed Concerned Students when a member had his candidature for the post of general secretary in the central panel cancelled. Late Wednesday evening, the EC called an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.
In all, 162 candidates are in fray for Delhi University Students' Union Elections for the four posts, while 22 candidates have filed nominations for the central panel of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union elections scheduled for September 13. The election offices of both the universities issued the final list of candidates on Wednesday. In DU the candidates will have till Friday to withdraw their candidatures.
Nominations of 44 candidates have been found valid for the post of president for DUSU, while 34 are in fray for the post of vice-president. For secretary and joint secretary there are 50 and 34 candidates respectively.
Out of 44 candidates, 13 are female candidates for the post of DUSU president. The final list of candidates after the withdrawal will be announced on Friday.ABVP has filed 10 nominations for the four posts in DUSU, they will have to withdraw six of the candidates.
NSUI too has filed around 12 candidates for the four posts. AISA however has filed nomination for just four candidates for the posts and they are the final candidates.
In JNU, 103 candidates have made the final list of nominations for the posts of councilors in the different schools with the maximum - 33 - for the School of Languages.
The new groups this time include Concerned Students; and what was JNU-SFI last year, is now the Democratic Students' Federation (DSF). The presidential debate is on September 11 and voting is on 13.
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Nadal crushes Robredo, meets Gasquet in US Open semi
Merciless Rafael Nadal crushed Spanish compatriot Tommy Robredo, the shock conqueror of Roger Federer, 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 to reach a fifth US Open semifinal.
The 12-time Grand Slam title winner will face Richard Gasquet for a place in Monday's final after the French eighth seed clinched a rollercoaster 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3 win over David Ferrer, the Spanish fourth seed.
World number two Nadal, the 2010 champion, took his hardcourt streak this year to 20-0 and his match record to an astonishing 58-3 with nine titles since his return in February after a seven-month injury layoff.
In a ruthless one hour, 40 minute demolition of Robredo, who had knocked out five-time champion Federer in the fourth round, the 27-year-old French Open champion took his perfect run of unbroken service games to 67 at the tournament.
He romped through the first set in just 22 minutes, allowing Robredo only five points, and was 2-0 up in the second before the 31-year-old got on the board.
Another break in the seventh game helped Nadal on his way to a two-set lead and breaks in the fifth and seventh games of the third helped put Robredo out of his misery.
It was the shortest US Open quarterfinal since 1988, when Ivan Lendl beat Derrick Rostagno.
Nadal finished with 28 winners to Robredo's 10 and didn't give up a single break point as the world number two claimed an eighth win in eight meetings against his countryman, who has only won one set during that one-sided series.
"I am very happy to be in the semifinals. I think I played my best tennis of this US Open. It's good to feel better with every match," said Nadal.
Gasquet, 27, whose only previous appearance in the last four at a major was at Wimbledon in 2007, is the first Frenchman to get to the semi-finals in New York since Cedric Pioline in 1999.
The victory was only his second in 10 meetings with Ferrer, a series which had also seen him claim just two sets out of 20.
Next up is Nadal, against whom he has lost all 10 meetings as a professional, although he did beat the great Spaniard in their junior days.
"I beat him when I was 13 in a junior tournament in Tarbes in France. Rafa is a good friend of mine so it'll be great to play him," said Gasquet.
Nadal said he remembered that 1999 defeat. "I lost 6-4 in the the third set. It was a great match and was one of my first international tournaments. It was like the World Cup of junior tennis," he said.
"Richard played amazing that day -- it was a great battle for me." Gasquet had fought out the longest match of the tournament to see off Milos Raonic in the fourth round but showed no ill effects from that four-hour, 40-minute slugfest as he raced through the first two sets against Ferrer.
His majestic one-handed backhand was working overtime as Ferrer, a semifinalist in 2007 and 2010, struggled.
But the 31-year-old Spaniard summoned up his trademark pugnacious instincts to claw his way back before Gasquet recovered with a crucial break in the sixth game of the decider when Ferrer double-faulted.
He took the match courtesy of a swinging forehand winner. In a tight contest, Gasquet finished with 52 winners to Ferrer's 40 with the Frenchman collecting just five points more.
"I played a great match at the start despite the wind in the stadium. But David is a great fighter and I was a little tired after a big match with Raonic," said Gasquet.
"I got the break in the final set and it's an amazing feeling to be in the semifinals. I have played a lot of five sets in my career but I still needed to play big to get the victory."
Ferrer admitted his sluggish start contributed to his eventual downfall.
"Richard played a very good game with his backhand, and was serving very good in important moments," he said.
"I tried to do my best. I fought until the last ball." The two remaining quarterfinals will be played on Thursday when top seed Novak Djokovic, the 2011 champion who has not dropped a set so far, takes on Russian 21st seed Mikhail Youzhny, a two-time semifinalist.Defending champion Andy Murray, the third seed, meets Stanislas Wawrkinka, the ninth-seeded Swiss.
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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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a cat has 32 muscles in each ear
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Hospital window
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.
The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.
Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it.
In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by th! e window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window.
The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”
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“Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
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