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05 May 2012

Short Story 1 - Two Falcons

Short Story

Once there was a king who received a gift of two magnificent falcons from Arabia. They were peregrine falcons, the most beautiful birds he had ever seen. He gave the precious birds to his head falconer to be trained.
Months passed and one day the head falconer informed the king that though one of the falcons was flying majestically, soaring high in the sky, the other bird had not moved from its branch since the day it had arrived.
The king summoned healers and sorcerers from all the land to tend to the falcon, but no one could make the bird fly.


He presented the task to the member of his court, but the next day, the king saw through the palace window that the bird had still not moved from its perch.


Having tried everything else, the king thought to himself, "May be I need someone more familiar with the countryside to understand the nature of this problem." So he cried out to his court, "Go and get a farmer."
In the morning, the king was thrilled to see the falcon soaring high above the palace gar-dens. He said to his court, "Bring me the doer of this miracle."


The court quickly located the farmer, who came and stood before the king.
The king asked him, "How did you make the falcon fly?"


With his head bowed, the farmer said to the king, " It was very easy, your highness. I simply cut the branch where the bird was sitting."




We are all made to fly -- to realize our incredible potential as human beings. But in-stead of doing that, we sit on our branches, clinging to the things that are familiar to us. The possibilities are endless, but for most of us, they remain undiscovered. We con-form to the familiar, the comfortable, the mundane. So for the most part, our lives are mediocre instead of exciting, thrilling and fulfilling.
So let us learn to destroy the branch of fear we cling to and free ourselves to the glory of flight.

Ten Common Driver Mistakes


1) Failing to pay attention-Zone out
 Stay relaxed but totally focused
 Concentrate on the journey not your pending issues

2) Driving while drowsy
 Take breaks frequently or as required
 Make sure to get adequate rest before long trips

3) Becoming distracted inside the car (cell phone, radio, passengers)
 Avoid using cell phone while driving
 Plan the trip and study your trip prior to commencing

4) Failing to adjust to adverse weather conditions
 Slow down in rain
 Allow longer stopping distances
 Adjust for poor visibility

5) Driving aggressively (tail gating, running red lights and stop signs)
 Allow yourself ample time to make the trip
 Remain calm and drive with a safety cushion

6) Making assumptions about other drivers intentions
 Drive defensively
 Allow cushion for the unexpected
 Make your intensions clear. Use turn signals etc

7) Speeding
 Obey the traffic signals
 Remember the speed limit is the legal limit in ideal conditions

8) Changing lanes without checking blinds
 Signal, check mirrors then use quick glance
 make lane changes gradually

9) Driving while upset
 Avoid this

10) Ignoring essential auto maintenance (brake lights, bald tires etc)
 Do weekly maintenance checks
 Replace brake pads if required. Replace tires when worn out.SSV