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"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
| VBA's Positive News |
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Poland bans Monsanto's genetically modified corn
A significant health freedom victory has taken place in the European nation of Poland, where all plantings of Monsanto's MON810, a genetically modified (GM) variety of maize (corn) that produces its own built-in Bt insecticide in every kernel, have been officially banned. According to reports, Poland's decision to ban MON810 makes it the first nation to formally acknowledge that Monsanto's GM corn is definitively linked to bee's Colony Collapse Disorder.
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Moody's 'very comfortable' with top Canada rating
Moody's Investors Service is 'very comfortable' with its top Aaa credit rating for Canada because the country's fiscal and banking strength give it room to react to risks arising from the European debt crisis and Canada's hot housing market, Moody's chief analyst for Canada said on Thursday. 'We still have a stable outlook on Canada and don't see any reason why that would change anytime soon,' Steven Hess said in an interview with Reuters.
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US: Deal discourages TV attack ads in Massachusetts Senate bid
In the tight Massachusetts Senate race, Republican incumbent Scott Brown and Democratic rival Elizabeth Warren signed a deal to discourage third party groups from running television, radio, and online ads in Massachusetts. At this point, at least, their pleas seem to have been heard and two are leading by example.
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World more peaceful in 2012 - survey
The world became a more peaceful place in the last year, a study showed on Tuesday, highlighting particular improvement in Africa. The Global Peace Index, produced by the Australia and US-based Institute for Economics and Peace, showed its first improvement in two years. Relations between countries were broadly improving, with leaders increasingly turning to diplomacy not violence.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Kalam opts out of Presidential race
In a rebuff to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and BJP, former President A P J Abdul Kalam on Monday announced that he would not contest the Presidential poll against UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee.
Issuing a formal announcement, he said he had taken the decision after considering “the totality of this matter and the present political situation“.
Mr. Kalam, who was propped up by Trinamool as a nominee for the Presidential poll to be held on July 19, said, “though I have never aspired to serve another term or shown interest in contesting the elections”, Mamata Banerjee and other political parties “wanted me” to be the candidate.
“Many, many citizens have also expressed the same wish. It only reflects their love and affection for me and the aspiration of the people. I am really overwhelmed by this support,” his statement said.
“This being their wish, I respect it. I want to thank them for the trust they have in me,” he said, adding, “I have considered the totality of this matter and the present political situation, and decided not to contest the Presidential election 2012.”
After Ms. Banerjee pushed his candidature, breaking ranks with UPA over the issue, the BJP also tried hard to persuade him to contest as Opposition’s common candidate against Mr. Mukherjee.
BJP leader L K Advani called him thrice and sent his close aide Sudheendra Kulkarni twice to convince him. However, he made clear to Mr. Advani that his “conscience” is not permitting him to contest, sources said.
The former President has been insisting that he could consider entering the fray only if there was surety about his victory.
Several opposition leaders talked to Mr. Kalam over phone yesterday to know about his plans.
BJP was more in favour of fielding Kalam than former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma, who is AIADMK Chief J Jayalalithaa and BJD head Naveen Patnaik’s choice.
Even JD(U), which wants a consensus for Mr. Mukherjee, may support Mr. Kalam as he shares a good equation with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Sometimes it's the wrong friends who get all the attention. This will be brought home today when a certain person leaves you hanging for the umpteenth time. You have overlooked the shortcomings for too long and need to ask yourself: why? People don't improve because you answer for them; people improve when they have to answer for themselves. Stop standing up for the fair-weather friends in your life and start standing by the friends who stand by you. You won't be disappointed.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Today you will get the push you need to take that big step over the threshold and into your new life. You have hesitated here for too long (since May 15) and have run out of excuses to procrastinate and to postpone. It won't be painless as this push stems from the loss of something secure, but you will soon discover that you are better off without it. If anything you will see your horizons broaden and your opportunities multiply now that you're free of those blinders you've been wearing.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
The new moon in Gemini will help you to right a very big wrong as long as you're willing to pick up the clue phone. Most people would ignore these subtle signals, but not you. You will always revisit a matter if it proves worthy of another look-see. This could come in the form of a half-remembered voice mail, an unanswered text message, or a nagging doubt that won't leave you alone. The only drawback is that you will have to take responsibility for having hurt someone's feelings - albeit unintentionally. Make the necessary apologies and you will be back in the good graces of someone who will prove to be a key player in the success of a future venture.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You beat out an opponent for the position and everyone agrees that you're the right person for the job. Unfortunately this won't stop your rival from pushing every button he or she can think of in order to get a rise out of you. Remember that this person can only win by getting you to lower your status, which means that you will have to learn to tune out the incendiary questions and ignore the cutting remarks. It won't be easy, given your sensitive nature. But that's what comes with being a winner and not a loser. It's your job to take the high road when others are scuttling along the bottom.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
You've never been careful about what you wished for because you knew you could always deal with what came true; however your personal fulfillment will come at the expense of somebody else's happiness today. Now it's true that we live in a highly competitive society where times are tough and the prizes are scarce. Yet you are a big believer in doing what's right, which is why Leo is the lion sign of the zodiac. Being lion-hearted means having the courage of your convictions and placing your trust in a higher power that ensures that what goes around comes around. Do the right thing and give that prized catch back to the person who needs it more than you do. Not only is it the karmically correct thing to do, but you will be amply rewarded for your noble gesture by your birthday.
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RBI keeps key interest rates unchanged
The Reserve Bank on Monday kept interest rates unchanged giving priority to checking inflation over growth, disappointing India Inc and retail borrowers who were expecting at least 0.25 per cent rate cut.
It also rejected the widespread demand for reduction in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to pump in more money into the banking system.
Unveiling the mid-quarter monetary policy review, the RBI said, “reduction in the policy interest rate at this juncture, rather than supporting growth, could exacerbate inflationary pressure“.
While the short term lending rate (repo) has been kept unchanged at 8 per cent, the CRR, portion of deposits banks are required to park with the RBI, will be 4.75 per cent.
The wholesale inflation was 7.55 per cent in May. At the retail level, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for May was 10.36 per cent.
High inflation: Pranab
RBI’s action, according to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, was influenced by the current price situation.
“(High inflation)...might have weighed their (RBI’s) decision making process...normally in mid-quarter review, it is not necessary for the Governor to consult the Minister,” he said in New Delhi after the policy announcement.
Mr. Mukherjee had said on Saturday that he was expecting the RBI to “adjust” the monetary policy to fuel growth.
Disappointing
Stock markets, which opened with gains in the morning on rate cut hopes and on positive developments in Greece, reacted negatively. The BSE Sensex fell sharply by over 200 points after the policy announcement.
Assocham President Rajkumar Dhoot said, “We are disappointed that RBI ignored all expectations, including observations of the Finance Minister about the need for a rate cut.”
Next review crucial: Rangarajan
Chairman of Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) C Rangarajan said RBI has probably decided to wait for more time before taking policy action.
“Perhaps the RBI wants to wait for some more time...the end of the quarter may be the appropriate time to make some decision,” he said, adding that the central bank might take some steps at the next policy review.
“I would think that six weeks from now, when the next review takes place...that would be the critical point...when policy decision would be clear,” Mr. Rangarajan said.
The only important decision that RBI announced in its mid-quarter review was to provide some help to exporters. It raised the export refinance credit limit from 15 per cent to 50 per cent with a view to releasing additional liquidity of about Rs 30,000 crore, equivalent to about 0.5 per cent of reduction in the CRR.
The decision, RBI said, would augment liquidity and encourage banks to increase credit flow to the export sector.
Countering the argument that high interest rate has been the reason behind the record dip in growth, RBI said the real effective bank lending rates are still lower than the high growth period of 2003-2008.
“This suggests that factors other than interest rates are the contributing more significantly to the growth slowdown,” RBI added.
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Eating fruits, veggies help kick the butt
Eating more fruits and vegetables may help you stay off tobacco for longer, says a new study.
The study, undertaken by University of Buffalo (UB) public health researchers, is the first on the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and smoking cessation.
The researchers surveyed 1,000 smokers aged 25 and older from around the country, using random-digit dialing telephone interviews, the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research reported.
They followed up with the respondents 14 months later, asking them if they had abstained from tobacco use during the previous month, according to a university statement.
"Other studies have taken a snapshot approach, asking smokers and non-smokers about their diets," said Gary A. Giovino, Buffalo head of the department of community health and health behaviour.
"What we didn't know was whether recent quitters increased their fruit and vegetable consumption or if smokers who ate more fruits and vegetables were more likely to quit," added Giovino.
The UB study found that smokers who consumed the most fruit and vegetables were three times more likely to be tobacco-free for at least 30 days at follow-up 14 months later than those consuming the lowest amount of fruits and vegetables.
These findings persisted even when adjustments were made to take into account age, gender, race / ethnicity, education, household income and health orientation.
"We may have identified a new tool that can help people quit smoking," said Jeffrey P. Haibach, study co-author and graduate research assistant in Giovino's department.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You are making the transition from student to master so it makes perfect sense that you would be suffering from performance anxiety now. It's important to remember that you have learned just about everything there is to learn about your area of expertise and that the next step lies in putting that knowledge into practice. One doesn't practice to make perfect as much as one practices in order to perfect. Trust in your talents and abilities and they won't let you down - as you will see on June 21 when a client will sing your praises.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
One never knows when one will encounter the next piece of sage advice. We assume that it will come from a best friend or a venerable mentor, but it can also pop up in casual conversation or even an off-handed remark. Sometimes we are surrounded by wisdom all the time, but we can't hear it unless we're in the right frame of mind. In any case, the penny will drop today and you will find the answer that you have been seeking for weeks. This will show you how to get back on track to living a higher purpose driven life. Think of it as the universe giving you its two cents' worth.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
You will wake up this morning full of regrets over a recent decision. As a Scorpio you won't like feeling like you gave away the store in a business deal and that the other side is now going to profit at your expense. However you may have been shrewder than you know. We live in a society of take, take, take, so it's very rare when someone actually strikes a fair bargain. Your bargain is fair and it signals to future buyers and clients that you do business in an honest and equitable way and that you're not just fixated on making a quick buck. This positive reputation will improve your reach and bring in the steady stream of customers that you desire.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You are close to winning your dispute, which is why someone else will do everything in his power to throw you for a loop. You may have thought that you had seen everything, but the revelation that a friend or trusted confidant has gone over to the other side will come as a shock. There will be time to deal with your feelings of betrayal later; but for now you really must focus on accomplishing your aim, which is complete and total victory. This should take place around July 6. Afterward you can listen to your friend's reasons for doing what he did. The story won't change your mind, but it may soften your heart.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Don't be surprised if you receive a job offer from your company's competitor today. You have a reputation for reliability, integrity, and high standards of excellence. So will you be interested? It can't hurt to interview. You could use the ego lift and it might be nice to see what your market value is these days. However you could also leave the meeting with an increased sense of self-worth. This could motivate you to meet with your own employer about restructuring your job or salary; and then again - it could motivate you to jump ship if you feel underappreciated. Take the next two weeks to study your options and then make up your mind.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
You will need to schedule some downtime if you're going to ask yourself to work as hard as you do. You're an Aquarius, an air sign, which means that your mind is always on the go. You can't help brainstorming, strategizing, or coming up with that next innovative formula for success. However that brilliant mind of yours is housed in a body, and bodies tend to tire out. Insomnia and excess nervous energy are surefire signs of fatigue, so if you have been suffering from these lately then it would be a good idea to book a weekend excursion or at least pop into a day spa. You need to recharge those psychic batteries of yours.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
The coast is clear so you can climb out of that foxhole you've been hiding in. The last couple of weeks have been tumultuous as you saw your private sanctuary turned into an occupied territory by unexpected guests. They may have been in-laws who were just passing through, a homeless pet that required foster care, or a crisis-ridden loved one in need of a couch to sleep on. Thankfully the storm clouds have moved on, lives have returned to normal, and the new moon shows that your house will finally be your home again. You will always provide a safe harbor in the storm. It's in your Pisces nature to be there for anyone in dire straits. But just remember to set a limit next time.
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Moral Story
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SMS
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love is jealous that any should come before her, or after. She would be all in all. If a man will trust her and live in her, he shall know all things.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“Managers help people see themselves as they are; Leaders help people to see themselves better than they are.”
Santa Driving On D Wrong
Side Of One Way Road,
&
He Became Upset & Said,
==> Shit,
I Think I Am Late To
The Function,
All R Coming Back
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Homeless topper now has funds to bank on
Drawing motivation from an article published in The Hindu on June 5, the Indian Bank has extended financial aid to S. Divya, a homeless 16-year-old who topped her school in the class X examinations.
On Wednesday, T. M. Bhasin, Chairman and Managing Director of the bank, presented her with a passbook and an ATM card to a savings bank account opened for her. The bank will bear the entire expenses of her education, which includes the tuition fees for classes XI and XII and also for graduation under merit quota.
A student of Chennai High School on Walltax Road, Divya, along with her younger siblings and grandmother, has been living on the streets for the past eight years. Fighting against all odds, Divya put in all her efforts to prepare for her annual examinations. Finishing most of her studies at school, she completed her homework either sitting under street lights or by borrowing a torchlight from a nearby shop.
The bank has now arranged accommodation for the family of five. Besides providing Rs. 1,000 for rent and Rs. 200 for electricity bills, the bank will also fund her tuition fees, stationary and school books, along with Rs. 500 for the maintenance of her uniform till the completion of her school education. The monthly amount for her school expenses has been left unspecified to help Divya's younger siblings as well. The bank has also not placed a bar on the amount for stationery.
Talking about the bank's initiative, Mr. Bhasin said, “I was very touched by the story published in The Hindu. I wanted to adopt her. But my colleagues thought it would be a better idea for the bank to adopt her. So from now on, she will be called the Indian Bank's daughter.”
Mr. Bhasin asked her to score at least 75 per cent in classes XI and XII and about 60 per cent in her graduation. In response, Divya said, “I'll make sure I get 85 per cent.”
When asked about her hobbies, Divya, whose favourite actor is Vijay, said, “I love talking. That's my hobby.” Earlier, her dream was to become an IAS officer but now, “looking at the suffering around her,” she wants to be a doctor. Which is why she has opted for the pure science stream in class XI, she said.
Admission process
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Indian teams dominate; boys in semifinals
Indian boys led the country's dominance in the South Asian junior table tennis championship entering the under-18 team semifinals with an all-win record here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex on Sunday.
As for the junior girls', cadet boys' and girls' categories, the host's teams continued the winning trend. Unlike in the junior boys' section, which is played in two stages, the other team events are decided in a round-robin league format. Here the teams will meet each other to decide the top three positions on the basis of points.
The Indian boys' team, comprising Sudhanshu Grover, Abhishek Yadav, Vivek Bhargava and R. Anandraj, first defeated Bhutan 3-0 and then ended the challenge of Pakistan with equal authority to repeat the scoreline. India, which topped the Group A league, will now take on the team which finishes second in Group B in the semifinals.
No cakewalk
Contrary to expectations, it was not a cakewalk for the Indian boys against both Bhutan and Pakistan. Though the home team was extended to the fourth game only once in its two matches — where R. Anandraj lost his second game before winning 3-1 against Khurshid Tabish of Pakistan — there were some hiccups for both Bhargava and Grover, who were extended after gaining good positions.
T. Reeth Rishya, the top junior of the country, played the lead role in the girls' team event as she anchored both the wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh to keep India on top of the league standings.
The results:
Boys: Junior: Group A: India bt Bhutan 3-0; India bt Pakistan 3-0. Group B: Nepal bt Bangladesh 3-0; Bangladesh bt Sri Lanka 3-0.
Cadet: First round: India bt Bangladesh 3-0; Bhutan bt Nepal 3-0. Second round: Bangladesh bt Bhutan 3-0.
Girls: Junior: First round: India bt Pakistan 3-0; Nepal bt Bangladesh 3-0. Second round: Bangladesh bt Pakistan 3-2. Third round: India bt Bangladesh 3-0; Sri Lanka bt Pakistan 3-0.
Cadet: First round: India bt Nepal 3-0.
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Teri Meri Kahaani
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Teri Meri Kahaani
Movie Name : Teri Meri Kahaani
Release Date : June 22, 2012
Genre : Romance
Producer : Kunal Kohli, Sunil A Lulla, Vicky Bahri
Director : Kunal Kohli
Music Director : Sajid-Wajid
Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Neha Sharma.
Synopsis:
Supermodel Sanjana (Karisma Kapoor) and Rohan (Rajneesh Duggal), son of one of the nation’s foremost business tycoons have been one of the most popular couples in the social circuit. When Sanjana decides against flying to Paris at the last minut e- for a lucrative modeling assignment, she does so, not just because she cannot bear to stay away from her boyfriend, but more importantly because her instincts push her against going. But what her instincts cannot do is stop Rohan from getting kidnapped.
The high profile kidnapping creates chaos in Sanjana’s life. The kidnappers demand Rs 50 crores. The Police however believe that even paying the ransom will not bring Rohan back. Time is of utmost essence. Death stares Rohan in the eye. It is in this extreme trauma that Sanjana discovers something extraordinary. She sees visions of them together – sometime in the past – in different eras.
She is confused initially but in her visions lay definitive clues that could lead her to save the love of her life. As she follows clue after clue she gets closer and sometimes further away from the love that has been eluding her through the ages.
An enticing suspense thriller, Dangerous Ishq is Sanjana’s tryst with Destiny. Would she be able to unravel the past to save her future? Would she be able to rescue her love and expose his true captors?
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A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves to
death.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The Power Of Words
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down
and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the
entire time.
This story teaches two lessons:
1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging
word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it
through the day.
2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.
Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time
to encourage another.
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“The pleasures of the senses pass quickly; those of the heart become sorrows,but those of the mind are ever with us, even to the end of our journey.”
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