Clinton warns of Iran sanctions

EU forces big mobile price cuts

NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- Suspected Maoist rebels in eastern India who held up a train carrying 300 passengers Wednesday ended their siege after a four-hour standoff, officials said.

An election official in Maharashtra Wednesday says Maoist rebels seized the train as India continued to vote.

No one was hurt, said A.K. Chandra of India's east-central railway. The suspected rebels seized the train, apparently to protest that some former comrades are taking part in general elections that are under way in the country.

The Maoists didn't want the former rebels "to join the mainstream, and, therefore, stopped this train," said Sarvendu Tathagat, deputy commission of the Latehar district in the state of Jharkhand.

Jharkhand is a mineral-rich state where rebels -- known as the Naxalites -- claim to have been fighting for the rights of the poor and the dispossessed who have not benefited from the state's resources.

About 300 men, apparently unarmed, boarded the train, disabling its braking system as it passed through a dense forest.
The hijackers released the train after "persuasion" by area villagers and railway officials, Chandra said.
"They wanted your (media) presence," he said of the hijackers' possible motive.
Jharkhand has seen stepped-up deadly attacks by rebels while the country is in the midst of month-long general elections. The second round of the elections begin Thursday.
On April 16, when the voting began, suspected rebels triggered an explosion that forced a bus carrying border security troops to stop in the same Latehar district.
When the troops stepped out, the attackers killed at least six in a three-hour gun battle.
And in neighboring Bihar state, suspected Maoists, who had called for a general strike, set ei ght trucks on fire, shot dead a driver, and blew up a government office on Wednesday, police said.
The Maoist insurgency has claimed more than 6,000 lives since the late 1960s. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called the rebels India's biggest security threat.
The elections, covering more than 3 million square kilometers of the planet, will run until next month in several stages of scattered polling. Then, elections officials will count the vote electronically in a single day -- on May 16, three days after the last round of polling.
It is an exercise that India undertakes every five years for its 1 billion-plus population. This year, the country is voting in 543 boroughs of the Lok Sabha, or the lower house of the Indian parliament.

Stop Thinking Start Doing

Stop Thinking Start Doing...This is the way I believe we should live like.  By thinking too much about doing something, we end up not doing it; thus, we regret not doing it or hope for another chance to do it.  Unfortunately, if we hope for another chance, when that chance comes, we may end up not taking it.  This is because we had more time to think about it, making us hesitate to doing it, and we keep putting it off.

Someone once told me, "the more you think about it, the more you miss."  To me, this is so true.  If you think about things too much, you end up missing out.  We should not miss out on anything.  Thinking about something leads to over-analyzing, which forces us to find something to fear about doing that thing.  This is why we should be spontaneous, and when something comes to mind, we should just do it.

We should do it before we have a chance to think about it, before our peers advise we should not.  Too many factors in the equation can cause conflict, which can lead to more analyzing, which in turn will give more cons than pros as to why we should do it.  In the battle of negative versus positive, negative always wins.  Negative is the bad apple that spoils the bunch.  Throughout time, bad has always overpowered good, not the other way around.  Thereby, we cannot keep the door open for negativity to enter; we have to get on it right away before the negativity can come through.

This is why people lack confidence.  This is why people lack assurance.  People think too much and don't do enough.  Before the negativity can come in, we need to stop thinking and start doing.  When given an opportunity, that is the door opening to invite you in.  We need to let go of our thoughts and accept that invitation.  It's like the movie Yes Man, we need to say "yes" to the opportunity, and greatness will come.  Why?  Because YOU accepted the invitation.  YOU said "yes".  Therefore, you will become successful.  And guess what?  YOU will NOT regret it!

Also, thinking causes you to hold back.  That's because if you think too much, you will find reasons not to do.  You will find more reasons to not do than you will to do.  So jump at the opportunity!  This is the opportunity telling you to take it!

The world is a negative place, all with the down economy, unemployment, corrupt governments, etc.  Do NOT be part of the negativity!  Rise above it.  Don't think about it, DO IT!

I really believe in Stop Thinking Start Doing.  This is why I decided to put it on a T-shirt.  I feel the need to share this with the world, for the good of the human race that each person will achieve what they are capable of, and not thinking about it, but doing it!

So please check out my Zazzle store with the Stop Thinking Start Doing T-shirt.  Also, I have a coffee mug with this saying.

By not thinking but instead doing, you will achieve something great, and you will feel great about yourself!

Motivating Yourself to Lose Weight

Life is tough, and you need energy and motivation to work.  There are times we want to do something to lose weight, but we can’t because of that lack of will to do so.  Success comes to those who stay motivated and work towards their goals whether it is related to business or weight loss.  When one is motivated from inside, that person can undertake any job and succeed with flying colors.

There are strategies to help you get inspired and motivated to pursue your goals.  Some are listed below.  Read on and prepare yourself for a new life.

• Take a break- When you do not feel like doing anything, you may need a break.  Hard work takes a lot of our energy, and the body gives signs that it needs a break from its routine.  Take one or two breaks from work so your mind and body can relax.  If you work out, take a break from your workout schedule to give your body some rest. 

• Start from smaller things- Setting big goals is good but they should also be achievable.  Once you set small goals and achieve them, a sense of confidence is instilled in your mind and you become ready to set bigger goals and work towards them.  Working out for two hours at a time may not be your cup of tea.  Start with half an hour and then move forward.

• Bring some changes in your sports and fitness routine- You need to find out what you can do best.  If you think running is a better form of exercise, make sure you add it to your fitness routine.  Make changes in your work out regime frequently so you don’t get bored.  Variety will work for you.

• Reward yourself- Motivation comes from rewards.  When you do not feel like doing anything, reward yourself with something you like.  Take a Jacuzzi bath, get a massage, or treat yourself with some tasty food, just to revive your mood.

• Make weight loss programs pleasurable and not painful- It has been proven by Psychologists that people tend to connect their actions with either pain or pleasure.  When you find yourself lacking in motivation, you must think about the results that will keep you motivated.  When you don’t feel like going to the health club, think about the benefits it will bring to you and not about how boring it will be for you to run on the treadmill.  You really need to motivate yourself to lose weight and get yourself a good and healthy life.

So to recap, motivation is what it takes to accomplish your goals.  To stay motivated, you need to take breaks so you can refresh and be ready to continue with achieving your goals.  Also, start small.  Don’t bite off more than you can chew.  Get out of routine and try new things as this will make life more interesting.  Reward yourself for a job well done, and finally, have fun.  This will make you want to go out and achieve your goals.  This is what motivation is all about.

Are Your Employees Motivated?

In today’s hectic world, it is not uncommon for people to lose enthusiasm for their work. At a time when employers are looking for ways to cut costs and people around us are losing their homes and jobs, the desire to work efficiently is faltering among many employees. The last thing companies can afford is lost passion and productivity among employees. In fact, at this crucial time companies should encourage employees to be more creative and productive to fight the financial crunch.

With the right approach, employers can motivate their employees to give their best to their work. The following tips will help.

• Try to identify employee problems and show concern for them. Do your employees really feel respected and heard? Take some time to interact with them and address their problems. Informal interaction lets you get to know them as individuals and understand what you can do to motivate them. If you can inspire your employees to take suitable steps, they will bring more energy and passion towards their work.

• Build up and communicate your organizational vision to your employees. Employees will be better motivated if they are well acquainted with the purpose and goals towards which they will work for their company. Speak out a clear vision with enthusiasm and passion to see your employees working to the best of their ability. Instill confidence in every employee that their work really makes a difference.

• Employers should address the inefficient teamwork. Working with an effective team can yield remarkable improvements in motivation and morale, but on the contrary, even if the most motivated employee is part of a dysfunctional team, that employee will probably not be able to maintain enthusiasm for his or her work.

• A team leader’s behavior and attitude sets the basis for the whole organization; therefore, be the role model. Employees constant watch their employers and take the lead if their leaders are enthusiastic. Engage troops with enthusiasm and observe what is happening around you carefully.

• Respectful communication is very important. Intimidation and fear can motivate employees to take action, but the results are not sustainable. Therefore, respect the difference of opinions. Employers should truly foster the right to have various opinions. By giving employees freedom to work towards their goals, you can see premium results.

• Employees should be able to bring their creativity to their work. They will be inspired to work better if they have challenges to meet. By allowing them to make decisions and encourage mutual problem solving, you can see the difference in the quality of their work. You should also encourage feedback and suggestions to let them know their opinion matters.

These tips will encourage better morale in the workplace. Management style is a vital factor when it comes to employee motivation. Thereby, how an organization is run can be a deciding factor in how employees feel about doing their job. If employees are not happy, they will not be motivated to do well, which will eventually lead the company as a whole to not do well. It is up to you, the employer, to decide how you will motivate your employees to be a driving force to the success of the company.

Diet Motivation- Tips for Successful Weight Loss

Diet motivation may be necessary for those who have difficulty in following a meal plan for losing weight.  If you are on a specified meal plan then diet motivation can assist you with setting up a clear-cut weight loss goal that will make you determined to accomplish it in any way.  If you are having trouble following a meal plan, it is important for you to consider some tips for successful weight loss.     

Tips for Successful Weight Loss

Set reasonable weight loss goals:  Do not set unrealistic goals like losing around 30lbs in two months.  You will get under extreme pressure to do all the things at once that will eventually mess up your chances to achieve desired success.

Simply focus on health and create sensible meal plans -- set achievable, small goals such as shedding off five lbs or dropping off one dress size.  It will reduce your stress and fears, and you will feel confident and easy.

Measure your body:  When on a diet, it is imperative that you measure your entire body, including your waist, hips, bust, upper arms and butt.  After every two weeks, re-measure your body, as just losing half an inch can do wonder.

Change your attitude:  Shedding off weight is a gradual procedure, so be prepared and don’t quit prior to achieving your goal.  This will include changes in your lifestyle and will certainly not happen overnight.  There is a more likely chance of keeping off the weight when you drop it slowly and in a healthy way.  If you try to hurry, you may make some fatal mistakes that could further affect your health.  If you try short cuts to lose weight such as potions, diet pills, magic formulas, or whatever they try to sell you on those late night infomercials, those short cuts could actually hurt your diet motivation.  This is because when you stop taking these short cuts, you will start putting back on the weight you lost without even realizing it.  On the other hand, when you follow a healthy, sensible, and slow weight loss program of about 1 lb each week, you would not feel the pressure of doing it.

Setback, no big issue:  It is quite obvious that you will face certain temptations.  This happens in all circumstances.  It is perfectly ok.  Just do not allow even a single splurge to turn into all out binge.  Do not see it as failure and a reason to give up all of your efforts.  Ignore it and continue on with your diet plan.

Do not forget to reward yourself:  Remaining on diet is one the toughest tasks to do.  Thus, small rewards every now and then can actually serve as the incentive to keep going.  Set small goals and reward yourself when you accomplish them.  Rewards can be in form of a massage, a pair of stylish footwear, a hot bath, or even a pair of jeans.  Take it and wish yourself success on what you have achieved so far.     

Diet motivation is of utmost importance to a healthy and fit body.  Try it an you will be happy you did, not to mention feel good about yourself.                   

Regain Your Motivation

Do you ever feel that you have lost your motivation and you want to get it back?   Often times, people feel that their motivation levels are decreasing or diminishing.   When a situation like that occurs, you may feel struck and not able to move forward.   This could gradually lead to frustration.

If you want to regain your motivation, you should not forget that inspiration is different from motivation.   Motivation is the external source that encourages a person and gives that person ideas; whereas, inspiration is something that comes from your own self and ideas and encouragement is your own.   When all this comes from inside, you will be inspired to work.   Inspiration leads one to take action which is the key of achieving what you want.  Whether it is about making changes in your life, expanding your business, or getting closer to the dreams, inspiration is the key.

Inspiration drops when one indulges in monotonous routine.   Doing the same thing again and again decreases inspiration in a lot of cases.   When the inspiration wanders off, the drive to work towards the goal also decreases.   Sometimes people just want to take a break and reevaluate what they are making out of their lives.   This is a good way to regain that lost inspiration because you will be able to figure out what changes can be made in your actions and plans.

Taking break from work means different things for different people.   You should figure out what that break means for you.   You may also decide to take a break for rejuvenation and to have fun.   Knowing what you will do when you take a break is important, and you should decide on that beforehand.   Taking a break from what you are currently doing can lead to a feeling of apprehension. All the fears and thoughts that you are wasting time on will be realized.   Therefore, you just need to keep moving and face your fears head on.

Identify Your Motivation

• Examine-Check what you like doing the most.   Every job has something that you will find thrilling.
• Brainstorm- Think about all the tasks that you have undertaken and the things you like doing.
• Initiate- Do the things that you like doing and this will help you in regaining the lost motivation.

Motivators to One’s Success

While evaluating the tasks that motivate you, consider the following motivators:

• Does your life need organization?   Is disorganization stealing your motivation?
• Did you take a break recently?   All of us need to take a break for rejuvenation.
• Do not give up on the work you have undertaken in a jiffy.   Try to be a person who can see through positivism in every situation.   Also, try to give your best shot in everything that you do.

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