Astroscope

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

This is the period of self-control and calm. Your friends and elders will enjoy your success with you. You will enjoy love and respect from higher authorities. Be sure to invest some money in business or home affairs. This will also be a more positive change for students. Enemies won’t dare harm you, so don’t lose your self-confidence. You may be forced to compromise your morals under the influence of greed.

Taurus (April 21 – May 20)

Try to be practical this month. Avoid investing money for any sort of short-term benefit, though there is still a chance for a rise in income. It is more beneficial to concentrate on enjoying both your family and social life. If working, you may lose a chance for promotion due to dishonesty. Be aware of surreptitious enemies as they could destroy your plans and ruin happiness. Try to be more analytical and avoid an aggressive attitude.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

After a positive start, you will encounter a minor setback this month. You may lose confidence and in turn rush unnecessarily due to bad decisions which can only lead to failure. Try to maintain an easy temperament and stay vigilant. A strong para-psychic experience could result in major changes within your friend circle or with co-workers. This is a prime time to invest in real estate.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Income and expenses will balance each other out. You may experience delays and ups and downs in education or business. Wise decisions could shelter you from overspending. Investments in long-term savings will prove beneficial. This is not a good time for a career change. Try to control your aggression. Your sibling could provide good support.

Leo

(July 23 – August 22)

It’s finally time for any property investments to come to fruition. You should gain success through aggressive mentality and attention to detail. Friends and family will offer whatever assistance you need. Your opponents will not dare to face you. Don’t get involved in a love affair. Students will see unexpected positive results. Try to control your speech and egoistical thoughts. Unexpected expenses are also possible.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21)

You will be inclined towards unproductive pursuits with consequences which may leave you in an unnecessarily bothered state. You could experience a major alteration within your immediate family. Avoid business-related travel as there is a danger of losing money. Major ups and downs are possible at your place of work. Continue working hard and keep a grasp on your integrity. Don’t get involved in any new ventures.

Libra (September 22 – October 20)

Don’t get involved in any new projects this month. This period is good for family happiness, otherwise, your workload and outside activities could develop frustration. Your subordinates will also extend their full support. You should see a steady rise in income, and hard work will reward you with an extra bonus. Your partner should achieve success during the second half of the month.

Scorpio (October 21 – November 20)

You should feel quite comfortable right now. You will meet some influential people which could produce both a rise in status and income. In fact, there is a probable chance of gaining a promotion. You might even join profitable deals. Travel should prove very relaxing. Others will appreciate your social and religious work. Overall, this month will be very pleasant yet hectic.

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

You will feel helpless and miserable this month. Major outcomes will fluctuate, with hardly a fruitful result to show for your efforts. If you maintain your health, you may be able to snatch a good opportunity later on. If expecting, take extra care of yourself. Your wits will not be able to boost your luck, though you are far from helpless. The stars simply do not favor you right now, so it’s best to maintain a sense of patience.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 21)

Life will be complicated after the second week of the month. Both your credit and reputation are in danger, and differences of opinion with your partner could make the situation even worse. However, friends and co-workers will be the best advisers to alleviate any further turmoil. A lack of confidence may force you to compromise your morals, but you should still be able to defeat your enemies. This is a good time to invest in real estate.

Aquarius (January 22 – February 18)

All your hard work will pay dividends this month as the power of artistic expression and interpretation is in your favor. Empathic actions will offer good rewards. A pleasant journey or change in the workplace could also occur due to good news from afar. A relaxed state of mind is also indicated. You will maintain an edge over your competitors. A change in relations with your partner is possible.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

You should experience a mixed bag this month. There could be many opportunities coming your way, but you may not be able to utilize them. Health problems may disturb you, with this period especially not favorable for heart patients. There may be a rise in status, but without much financial benefit. Stay positive, however, as good things are possible during the last few days of the month. Happy days are just around the corner, don’t worry!

Business Opportunities

16-Room Motel for Sale with 2 bed/2 bath mobile home on 1.6Ac lot in McCormick, SC. Great location. Recently updated. Increasing revenues $140k. Owner financing. Potential for expansion. Check out www.bar-melinn.com. Call 240-357-7023.

Convenience Store for Sale in Kingstree, SC (Hwy 52). Currently closed so can re-open as another business. Includes 3-bedroom apartment w/ separate entrance & electric meter. Asking $140k OBO. Contact Jerry Morris at oakterracevillage@yahoo.com.

For Lease: Independent hotel in Richburg, SC. Call or text 864-649-6299. C-Stores for Sale: Forest City, NC $179,000 + Inv, Annual $641,906, no gas; Jonesville, NC $850,000, Leased, Reduced!; Winston Salem, NC $229,000 + Inv, Annual $1,500,000 Fuel Gals 374k; Contact: County South: 704-4404433 or Countysouth.biz.

25-Room Motel for Sale with living quarters in Dublin, VA. Perfect for owner/operator. Serious inquiries only. Contact 540-674-7523.

For Sale: High Volume Liquor Store/Party Shop in South Carolina. $1.5 million + inventory. Email york8445@yahoo.com.

Start Your Own Tutoring Business: 10 years of experience. We can help you from A to Z to set up your tutoring business or help improve your existing business. Call Nirmala 919-672-4724.

Employment Opportunities

Hotel Help Wanted: Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single/Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte (Airport Area) & Winston-Salem (Near Hanes Mall). Accommodations provided. Call 704-626-4849 between 4-8pm.

Looking for live-out Nanny to take care of 1 year-old & help with basic housework in Concord, NC. Text/call 804-501-9629.

Manager / Front Desk needed for Franchise Hotel in Rock Hill, SC. Accommodations Provided. Call 803-517-4662.

Live-out Nanny needed for 13 month-old and 4 year-old in Hillsborough, NC. Vegetarian Hindi speaking family. Duties include light chores. Competitive pay. Call 631746-5259.

Cashier Wanted for Convenience Store near Kannapolis, NC. Very attractive salary! Accommodations provided. Text or Call 704-701-9482 s Eyebrow Threader s Licensed Esthethcians for Triangle Town Center Mall (Raleigh,NC)

Hotel Help Wanted: Looking for Manager & Front Desk for properties in Charlotte. Contact Nita Shah at 704502-2630 or gm.nita.shah@gmail.com Hiring Threading Specialists at Jill's iBrow Threading Salon Fayetteville, NC. Call 336-686-7007.

Gas Station / C-store Help Needed at stores near Huntersville & Northlake areas. Must speak English. Family friendly oriented people. Call 704-402-4661.

Looking for live-in nanny / au pair in North Raleigh to assist in taking care of 2 toddler boys and newborn boy. Will have own private room and bathroom. High compensation. Please call Aman 919-671-7580.

Looking for GMs to operate franchise motels in Richburg, SC. Legal status & fluent English required. Accommodations provided. Call 864-694-6299 and leave message.

Experienced Threading Practitioners or Licensed Estheticians Needed in Charlotte & Raleigh. Full or parttime. Great pay & flexibility. $250 signing bonus and/or referral bonus. Call 980-225-4575 or email mariag@idolizespa.com.

Help Needed at Perfume Stores in Charlotte & Pineville. For details, please call Veer Singh at 415-265-8686.

Front Desk Manager & Housekeeping wanted for Hotel in Florence, SC. Must have legal status, fluent English and basic computer skills. Accommodation Provided. Call 843-409-3119.

Looking for Entry level Sales & Marketing person with college degree in related field. Must be fluent in communication and familiar with MS office & computers. Should possess great personality & be able to work in team environment. Willing to sponsor if candidate is suitable to company requirements. Contact Raj at 336-558-3410 or rajm@amerifabintl.com.

Front Desk / Manager Wanted for Franchise Hotel in Fort Mill, SC. Must have legal status, computer skills, fluent English, and previous hotel experience. Text or leave message at 704-302-3318.

Hotel Help Wanted: Front Desk / Manager, Night Auditor & Housekeeper (Single / Couple) for franchise hotels in Charlotte, Gastonia, High Point, NC & Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Call 704-460-0379 between 6-9pm.

Front Desk Manager Wanted for franchise hotel in Columbia, SC. Accommodations provided. Fluent English required. Text or Call 704701-9975.

Need live-in vegetarian cook/housekeeper in North Florida starting in September with managing kitchen, laundry, & household clean up. Please contact 704-907-6399.

Front Desk Help & Housekeeping / Laundry needed for Franchise Hotel in Concord, NC. Accommodations provided. Call Rick 704-772-5554.

Looking for Couple to manage 27room independent hotel in Richmond, VA. Includes Front Desk and Housekeeping. Must be legal and speak fluent English. Accommodations provided. Call 804517-7484.

Gas Station / C-Store Help needed in Greensboro, NC & surrounding areas. Multiple positions available from cashiers to managers. Must have prior experience & speak English. Great pay! Call 336-509-4054.

Call : 773-503-8848 or 773-507-8848

Email: feah7189@gmail.com

For Immediate Hire: Accounting manager (must have experience). Hotel GMs - Wyndham, Choice, and Hilton brands (must have experience). Front Desk (multiple locations). Pay rates higher than the competition. Contact 704-649-6833 or abcone@abcinns.com .

Help Needed for Front Desk & Laundry at Economy Franchise Hotel in NC. Accommodations provided. Contact 704-465-8129.

Now Hiring Housekeeping Couple, Laundry & Front Desk for Motel in Greenville / Simpsonville, SC. Accommodations provided. Call or text 828-386-5184.

Now Hiring Part Time & FullTime Sales Associates for Men's Retail Clothing Store in Pineville, NC, Attractive salary! Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including weekends & speak fluent English. Contact Nick: 276618-1166 or suitcityusa@gmail.com.

Matrimonials

Looking for Bride, age 28 – 34 from Southeast USA for US born Rajput Physician son. 43, 6’1”, settled and practicing in NC. Never married. Father, sister, and brother-in-law are also physicians. Contact 304-575-1251 or sinra193@gmail.com.

Seeking US citizen bride for 40-yearold divorcee. MBA in Business, very intelligent, currently living in India. Two brothers in India and one settled in the United States. An older divorcee woman is fine. Contact sister-in-law at 979-402-4420.

Call Bob!

Atkinson Properties Group 919-362-6999

SERVICES

Affordable Wedding Photography: 20 years of experience in Indian wedding photography. Specializing in film & digital photos. Engagement, Wedding, and Receptions. Contact Vivek at 347-321-4746 or email: vivekweddingmemories@gmail.com Pari Beauty in Matthews: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Massage for newborn and mom & other services. 33 years of experience. Special Deals & Great Service. email: gescpl@gmail.com or call: 704-846-7912.

Gujarati Priest: Devendra Dave Independent priest. Ganesh, Randal, Navratri, Diwali's Laxmi & Sharda Pujas, Satyanarayan Katha, Weddings, Vastu, Baby Shower, Funeral Seva. Call Daveji 704-7803563. God Blessings to All.

Indian Astrologer and Spiritual Healer in Glen Allen, VA. We do horoscopes, birth charts, negative energy removal, black magic removal, etc. Contact 804-738-0034 or astroprataprajusa@gmail.com.

Gujarati Priest in NC & SC for Ganesh, Randal, Laxmi, Sharda Pujan, Satyanarayan Katha, Wedding, Vastu, Baby Shower, Hawan, Grah Shanti. Kishor Trivedi: 336-774-0597 Cell: 336-486-7925 EMail: kishor7@juno.com.

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CPA/Accounting Services: Licensed CPA serving East Coast businesses. Services include bookkeeping, payroll, tax, accounting, and IRS services. Contact 202-743-2499.

Saree Draping: specializing in draping sarees, dupattas and jewelry for Weddings, Engagements, Baby showers, Birthdays, etc. Contact Rital Patel: info@bridaldraping.com or www.bridaldraping.com.

Priest: Ganesh, Shiv, Lakshmi, Randal, Paduka Pujans; Wedding, Baby shower, Housewarming, Satyanaryan Katha, Mundan & Yagnopavit; Navchandi, Tarpan, Garud Puran, Havans, etc. Online puja also available. Call Rajendra Bhatt 732-841-7832.

Neeta's Beauty Parlor: Open 7 days a week. Full service. Located near the Hindu Center of Charlotte. Call 704-968-0270 for an appointment.

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Green Banks

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Green banks across the US

The U.S. had about two dozen green banks operating in early 2023 in at least 18 states and the District of Columbia – most of them focused on accelerating the transition from fossil fuel use to clean energy. And more were being developed.

In 2022, those banks used US$1.51 billion of public money to mobilize $3.12 billion in private investment. Since 2011, they have brought in a total of $14.8 billion.

Each bank is slightly different. Connecticut’s was the first state-run green bank in the U.S. It started with a renewable energy focus but expanded to include sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, water, waste and recycling projects. Michigan created a nonprofit green bank called Michigan Saves that provides financing for energy efficiency. Hawaii’s state-run green bank boosts solar energy use.

At the local level, Maryland’s Montgomery County has been financing rooftop and community solar, energy efficiency and electric vehicle charging infrastructure through a green bank since 2016.

Finance New Orleans is a particularly instructive comparison – the 40-year-old housing finance agency recently transitioned to a climate-oriented business model to finance energy efficiency, stormwater management and green infrastructure projects for homeowners, businesses and local governments.

A green bank for sustainable housing

The new Massachusetts Community Climate Bank is solely dedicated to climate-friendly and resilient affordable housing to meet the goals of the state’s Climate Plan for 2050.

That might include upgrading insulation and windows in older housing complexes to make them less leaky on hot and cold days, transitioning to electric household appliances such as heat pumps or adding solar panels and electric vehicle chargers.

Residential buildings are one of Massachusetts’ largest sources of greenhouse emissions, accounting for 19% of the total. Making housing more sustainable would cut those emissions and also help cut emissions in other sectors. For example, rooftop solar panels can reduce the demand for electricity from natural gas-fired power plants, allowing the state to close the plants or run them less often.

The challenge is that the finance industry tends to view new technology and low-income households as risks.

Green banks are able to use public money to “de-risk” such investments. For example, they can lend at low rates to private or local lenders on the condition that they lend money at affordable rates for customers to electrify their heating. Other financial instruments include loan guarantees, securitization and co-investment.

Massachusetts’ green bank started with an initial $50 million in state funds, but it expects to grow by attracting both private investors and federal funding.

The timing is strategic. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress in 2022, includes funding for green banks. Among other commitments, it creates a $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, $20 billion of which is earmarked to be awarded to nonprofits to invest indirectly in green projects through other local financing entities –including green banks.

Lessons from green banks around the world

The Climate Policy Lab at Tufts University, where we work as researchers, studies green banks around the world.

We have found that by following a few foundational principles, green banks can increase financing for climate priorities while remaining financially viable and without creating housing debt that owners can’t pay back. These organizations should:

• Have a clear, well-defined mission.

• Be profit-making, but not profit-maximizing.

• Address market gaps rather than competing with private investment.

• Be flexible enough to use a variety of financial instruments.

• Have an independent, stable and nonpartisan governance structure to ensure stability.

The Massachusetts green bank has a sector-focused mission that targets a market gap. Its focus on affordable housing could be clarified even more by tying it to the state definition of disadvantaged communities. The New York Green Bank does this by aiming to have $100 million – about 35% of its total – invested in green housing to benefit disadvantaged communities by 2025.

Focusing the Massachusetts bank’s climate mission will involve some tough decisions. For example, Connecticut’s Green Bank supports gas appliances above defined energy efficiency thresholds, but there is an argument for leapfrogging gas entirely to support the electrification of heating and cooking instead.

What else should green banks prioritize?

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is important for curbing future climate change, but communities will also have to adapt to the climate impacts ahead.

The fact that the Massachusetts green bank is dedicated to affordable housing is already one adaptation. People who have homes are far more protected from climate impacts than those who do not. And if those homes are powered by clean energy with lower utility bills, low-income residents can more easily afford to cool their homes in extreme heat waves.

Green banks could also fund climate resilience, such as adding green spaces around buildings for natural cooling. Research shows that affordable housing in the United States is often in highly vulnerable locations, such as those at risk of flooding.

The Connecticut Green Bank, for example, is piloting “Property Assessed Resilience,” which allows homeowners to borrow for flood protection upgrades and benefit immediately from increased property valuations and reduced insurance premiums. They can repay over decades through modest increases in their property tax bills.

Focusing on the scarcity of affordable housing can reduce both emissions and socioeconomic inequity simultaneously. In our view, that is the holy grail of climate policy.

Article courtesy of The Conversation (theconversation.com)

Tarun Gopalakrishnan is a Research Fellow, Climate Policy Lab, Tufts University

Bethany Tietjen is a Research Fellow in Climate Policy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University Seth Owusu-Mante is a Research Fellow in International Development, Tufts University