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"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
| VBA's Positive News |
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Israeli President says he met Palestinians leader
Israel's President says he has been meeting with the Palestinian leader -- a rarity with peace talks frozen -- and believes he wants peace. Shimon Peres says he has met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials several times in recent months.
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Tanzania gas reserves nearly triple on new finds
Tanzania has nearly tripled its estimate of recoverable natural gas reserves to up to 28.74 trillion cubic feet (tcf) from 10 trillion. The government raised its estimate after huge recent discoveries in the east African country's deep-water offshore region. The discovery confirms East Africa's status as one of the world's fastest-growing gas hubs.
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Kenya port cargo volume seen rising after expansion
Cargo volumes through Kenya's Mombasa port, a gateway to several countries in east Africa, are expected to rise in coming months after its handling capacity tripled following its expansion to accept bigger vessels, a senior ports official said on Tuesday. Apart from Kenya, the port handles cargo to and from Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. Kenya and its neighbours Ethiopia and South Sudan plan to build a second port, Lamu, which began in March. It is expected to serve oil-rich South Sudan better, as well as Ethiopia.
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US charitable giving approaches $300 billion in 2011
United States donations to charity rose to $298.42 billion last year a study released on Tuesday said. Giving by Americans increased 4 per cent in 2011 compared with 2010, with individual donations accounting for nearly three-quarters, according to the 57th annual report by the Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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NDA’s prime ministerial row hots up
Raising Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s pitch for a secular prime ministerial candidate for 2014 elections, JD(U) leader Shivanand Tiwari on Wednesday said BJP will have to decide whether it wants to form a government or remain in the opposition as the country is not in favour of a “fanatic face“.
“BJP had realised in 1996 itself that they cannot form a government in the country on the basis of their hardcore Hindutva agenda and, hence, NDA was formed after it agreed to drop the three contentious issues of Uniform Civil Code, withdrawal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and construction of Ram temple,” he said here, maintaining that the changed stance had the backing of RSS.
In reply to a question, Mr. Tiwari said JD (U) will not compromise on the secular framework based on which it had become a part of NDA. “We will not compromise whether our government remains in Bihar or not,” he said.
Mr. Tiwari said that few post-poll surveys had pointed out that had the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee “dismissed” the Narendra Modi government after post-Godhra riots, the NDA would not have lost the 2004 general elections.
He said while Mr. Vajpayee had asked Mr. Modi to follow the ‘Raj Dharma’ and wanted the government to go, the move was “vetoed” by BJP leaders like L K Advani.
“People who voted for BJP due to liberal face of Vajpayee went away from it after Gujarat riots and the floating votes went to Congress because people do not accept fanatic politics,” he said.
“Those people in BJP who want the party to come to power will have to realise that they cannot do it by putting a fanatic face in the front,” Mr. Tiwari said in an apparent reference to Mr. Modi.
Reacting to Mr. Tiwari’s statement, BJP leader Balbir Punj said here, “This is a needless controversy. Nobody has a right in this country to give fatwa as to who is secular and who is not. People have their opinions.”
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
The Sun will begin its annual return to your domestic sector today, shifting your focus onto your personal life. As it sheds light to your very foundation, you may see cracks in the walls of family matters. No need to worry here - this will be a time to patch things up and build more solid relationships. Make an effort to create happy moments with loved ones, and you will gain the respect you deserve.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You will have a good idea about what you want to do and enough planetary magic to make your dreams come true. With ruler Venus perfectly in sync with Uranus today, you will be wise to mix business with pleasure. Share your money-making ideas with a friend who has the connections you need. Then pick up the phone to plan a business date or send an e-mail that inspires others to support or help your new venture.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
With Jupiter in Gemini and the Sun entering your financial sector, you likely will see new possibilities. Your ruler Mercury is in harsh aspect to Saturn today, which might cause you to doubt yourself. This will be a test, however, so do not get caught up in the worry game. Confront obstacles and delays head on, and realize that these challenges will prepare you for greater success.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
The Sun enters Cancer today, recharging your life force and personal power. Celebrate your mind/body/soul connection by booking a massage, yoga class, or a nurturing dinner with loved ones. You don't need to cook, but you'll probably want to share your care and passion for food with others. Reserve a table at your favorite restaurant. This will be one of your best days all year for a family get-together.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
You may feel like spending time alone today. Visiting a retreat or spa or just disconnecting from email and Facebook could prove therapeutic now. If you allow yourself to look inward, you likely will resurface with a major energy. You will gain more personal insight and balance by being with yourself than with others now. Forget social obligations for now; just go with your natural flow.
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Inflation at current level is not acceptable: Subbarao
Under attack for not reducing interest rates, Reserve Bank of India Governor D. Subbarao, on Tuesday, said inflation at current levels was unacceptable and monetary tightening was required to ensure sustainable growth.
“We want to support growth in the medium-term with low and stable inflation, which is possible only with tightening, but inflation at the current level is not acceptable,” he said at a function organised by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber here.
He went on to say that “we would like to believe that the policy rate hikes have helped in moderating inflation...we look at all indices, be it WPI or CPI, in policy-making. Those wanting to gauge our responses should look at them; don’t criticise us for confusing...”
On Monday, the RBI had stunned markets and industry by leaving all key rates and cash reserve requirements for banks unchanged despite widespread expectations of rate cut. Irked by the policy decision, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma had said he would take up the matter with the Finance Minister and the RBI Governor.
The wholesale price index-based inflation rose to 7.55 per cent in May, while GDP growth last fiscal plunged to a nine-year low of 6.5 percent.
Discounting fears that the country was heading to a 1991-like condition, when the government had to pawn the sovereign in offshore banks, the Governor said, “we are not at a 1991-like implosion situation in 2012 (and that) our growth story is still credible but not inevitable. We need to work hard.”
On the sharp fall in crude and other commodity prices, he said this had been undone by the sharper decline of the rupee.
The sharp depreciation of the rupee over the last few months was driven by a combination of global as well as domestic factors and the future exchange rate movement would depend on fixing these issues, Dr. Subbarao said.
While the high current account deficit and the higher trade deficit, driven by rising imports led by gold and oil, were the domestic factors, the ongoing eurozone crisis was one of the crucial international issues responsible for the rupee depreciation, he said.
“While the rupee depreciated in the August-December period of last year due to global factors, the depreciation from March till date was due to both global as well as domestic factors,” Dr. Subbarao said.
Drawing a comparison between the currencies in the BRIC bloc, he said the Brazilian real had witnessed the largest depreciation followed by the rupee during this period. Dr. Subbarao said that the growing current account deficit, the relative inelasticity of imports and high inflation had negatively impacted the rupee.
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Why eat three bananas a day
British and Italian researchers have found that eating three bananas cuts the risk of a stroke.
They said that having one banana for breakfast, one for lunch and one in the evening would provide enough potassium to reduce the chances of suffering a blood clot on the brain by around 21 per cent.
The findings suggest that thousands of strokes could be prevented by the consumption of other potassium-rich foods such as spinach, nuts, milk, fish and lentils, reports the Daily Mail.
Although some previous studies have suggested bananas could be important for controlling blood pressure and preventing strokes, results have not always been consistent.
In the latest research, scientists analysed data from eleven different studies - dating back to the mid-Sixties - and pooled the results to get an overall outcome.
They found a daily potassium intake of around 1,600 mg, less than half the UK recommended daily amount for an adult of 3,500mg, were enough to lower stroke risk by more than a fifth.
The average banana contains around 500 milligrams of potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure and controls the balance of fluids in the body.
Too little potassium can lead to an irregular heartbeat, irritability, nausea and diarrhoea.
Researchers from the University of Warwick and the University of Naples said,"Potassium intake in most countries is well below the recommended daily amount."
But if consumers ate more potassium-rich foods and also reduced their salt intake, the annual global death toll from strokes could be cut by more than a million a year.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Today might seem challenging, but it does not need to be so. Instead of giving in to gloomy feelings, take a step back to assess your situation. If you feel insecure about yourself or are worried about family matters, realize things likely are better than you imagine. Embrace the delays and setbacks you encounter now, and then take the bold step to right the wrongs in effort to create more harmony.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You will be more popular today than you have been in some time. A sparkling planetary alignment between Venus and Uranus is capable of ushering in a whirlwind of social and business opportunities. Take advantage of every offer or new connection that you possibly can. You most likely will be able to exercise your charm and diplomacy to ensure a productive, fun-filled day.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
You may find yourself in a leadership role today. Ruler Mars is in sync with Mercury and will provide you with sharp insight that others will notice. Whether you have a perfect solution for a personal project or administer sound advice to a friend, the ideas you share today will be brilliant. Your upbeat outlook will impress and likely will inspire others to follow your positive lead.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
The Sun makes its annual return to your transformational sector today, creating the perfect opportunity to make long-term changes. Your evolution over the next four weeks may be intense, but it will be worth it. Look deeply to your core and release things you no longer need. This could include people, useless belongings, or heavy emotional attachments. Your future will brighten as you lighten your load.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
The Sun enters your partnership sector today, shifting your focus from work and onto personal relationships. Make an effort to show a loved one you care and you will get the same in return. This will be one of the best days to connect with others, so make the most of it. If you are a freelancer, reach out to past and potential future clients to grow your business. If your goals are taxing your current relationship, let them simmer.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
The Sun makes its annual return to your house of work and wellness today, focusing your efforts on becoming more healthy and empowered. Set some self-improvement or career-related short-term goals that you can accomplish within four weeks. Then get ready for fun. Ruler Uranus connecting with Venus tonight might bring unexpected pleasure. Plan a night out or invite someone special over. This will be a day to share and enjoy.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You likely will feel more passionate and playful today as the Sun enters Cancer, your house of romance and pleasure. If you have a crush on someone, let him or her know about it. This person may feel the same about you. If you want to work on a personal project, this will be an opportune time to begin. You will be in touch with your feelings, creative potential, and talents now, so the possibilities will be endless.
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Moral Story
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SMS
All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love will not serve those who do not live for her, and in her, and to whom she is not the breath of life.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“When the effective leader is finished with his work, the people say it happened naturally.”
Once sardarji entered a cybercafe to check his mails.It was crowded so he had to wait.As he waited he saw a man checking his mails.He stood behind him and watched.The man typed his password and was waiting when sardarji cried out "Yes yes I know your password.I can read your mails now.
"Surprised the man asked "Oh yeah, tell me what is it". Sardarji replied " Five stars."
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Making an informed course choice
Admission trends in Chennai’s arts and science colleges this year indicate growing interest in humanities.
Three weeks after the Plus Two results, the arts and science colleges in Chennai are abuzz with anxious students and parents. Students are eagerly looking forward to entering the portals of a collage to pursue higher education. Yet, those who attend college counselling sessions present a picture of confusion when it comes to choosing a course.
“Humanities see an upward trend this year and science courses are having a slow pick-up,” observes R.W. Alexander Jesudasan, principal of Madras Christian College (MCC). The trends keep changing each year, says Ridling Waller, principal of Women’s Christian College, Nungambakkam. Physics and Chemistry did not have many takers in the past, but are preferred by many this year. Plant biotechnology has had a lukewarm response. “English, BBA, BCA and History had intense competition this year,” she informs, adding that “Of course there is a big race for admission to all the four streams on Commerce.” WCC has launched B.Com (Honours) degree this academic year and the intake for the same is 30.
G. Rani, principal of SNDB Vaishnav College for Women, Chrompet, says her institution has been constantly upgrading and restructuring the curriculum to include the latest developments in the respective fields of study. In humanities, English literature, History and Economics seats have already been filled up in this college. Computer applications, Information systems management and BBA are the other courses preferred by many students this year. Year after year, the Commerce department (the college offers four different specialisations) has been receiving the highest number of applications, and after the college launched the B.Com (Hons.) course, the rate has gone up further.
“Our college caters mostly to students from the labour class. These students prefer to take up Tamil Literature or History (the college has Tamil and English medium) as they can do B.Ed and become eligible for teaching positions in government schools,” says A. Thamizharasi, principal-incharge, Bharathi Women’s College, Broadway. Commerce and Computer Science are preferred by those who have secured good grades, she says.
The top five courses this year are Commerce, English literature, Statistics, Mathamatics and Journalism, says Prince Annadurai, admission officer, MCC. The college has been successful in implementing online application submission this year, enabling students from rural areas and other parts of the country to apply on time.
Visual Communication and Journalism is offered by many colleges. The students are increasingly getting interested in media studies and communication. “Our visual communication department is very well equipped and our fee structure is highly affordable too, and we have a fairly good number of applications for this course,” says Dr. Rani.
“The number of applications we have received for Journalism has been high this year,” says Dr. Waller.
“Lack of awareness and career guidance is the main reason why students either chose only the most popular streams such as commerce or computer applications or they simply remain undecided about career choice. Let aptitude and passion for the subject guide them,” says P.T. Vijayashree, principal of KRMM College of Arts and Science, Adyar.
The scope for higher education and research and also job opportunities are good for those who opt for humanities courses, she says.
“If students make informed career choices, it will be much easier for themselves as well as the college managements. In order to ease out the tension, we conduct career counselling for students in our campus,” says Dr. Vijayashree. Once students make an informed choice of courses and do the necessary homework about institutions and courses available, they can avoid the stress and woes that they otherwise undergo.
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Yuvraj: Big challenge for me to play for India again
Recuperating from what he describes as a shock that only a cancer patient can understand, star left-hander Yuvraj Singh says he hopes to be back in action for the World Twenty20 Championships in September even though it would be a “big challenge” for him.
“Playing for India is going to be a huge challenge for me because the body has been under a lot of shock, which nobody can understand except me,” Yuvraj told ICC Cricket 360 show.
“Only a cancer patient can understand what he is going through. So it’s going to be a big challenge for me to come back and play for India again,” he added.
The all-rounder refused to commit to when he anticipates returning to the cricket field, stating that he is keen to avoid coming back prematurely.
“Well I can’t really give a timeframe but I have to see how my body is recovering and how fast I can come on the field. Actually I don’t want to rush and I don’t want to come back at 75 per cent fitness.
“I might take six months, I might take two months. So I don’t know. But the day I feel 100 per cent I surely will be back,” he said.
“I think (the) favourites are India because we’ve got the biggest hitters — biggest hitters in town that’s what I want to say. Hopefully I should be back by then.
“I’m not saying I’m the reason, it’s just that I feel we have the strongest side and if we can sort out our bowling in T20s I’m sure we can be a strong unit. There are other strong teams like Australia, South Africa, which always compete at the top level at world events,” he said.
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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 Bahrii
Director : Kunal Kohli
Music Director : Sajid-Wajid
Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Neha Sharma.
Synopsis:
Teri Meri Kahaani is an upcoming Hindi romance drama film, produced by Sunil Lulla, Vicky Bahri and Kunal Kohli and directed by Kunal Kohli. The film stars Shahid Kapoor opposite Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles, paired together for the second time after Kaminey. It is known as "thrice upon a love story", as the premise is set between 1910, 1960, and 2012. Each character plays a different role in each time period. Expected to release sometime in June 2012, the theatrical trailer was revealed on 6 April 2012, along with Housefull 2 in cinemas.
The filming started in May 2011. A sequence in England has already been shot. In March 2012, it was announced that in the 1960s segment of the film, Shahid Kapoor would play a struggling musician, whilst Priyanka Chopra plays an actress. It was also announced that in the 1910s segment of the film, Shahid Kapoor plays a Muslim poet. Some of the parts of the film has been shot in Aurangabad City (Maharashtra) & Deogiri Fort.
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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 Lazy Farmer
The rain gods had been smiling the whole night. The roads were muddy and the potholes were filled to the brim. It was the day for the market and Raju the farmer was riding his cart along the country road. He had to reach the market early so that he can sell his hay.
It was very difficult for the horses to drag the load through the deep mud. On his journey suddenly the wheels of the horse cart sank into the mire.
The more the horses pulled, the deeper the wheel sank. Raju climbed down from his seat and stood beside his cart. He searched all around but could not find anyone around to help him. Cursing his bad luck, he looked dejected and defeated.
He didn’t make the slightest effort to get down on the wheel and lift it up by himself. Instead he started cursing his luck for what happened. Looking up at the sky, he started shouting at God, “I am so unlucky! Why has this happened to me? Oh God, come down to help me.”
After a long wait, God finally appeared before Raju. He asked Raju, “Do you think you can move the chariot by simply looking at it and whining about it? Nobody will help you unless you make some effort to help yourself.
Did you try to get the wheel out of the pothole by yourself? Get up and put your shoulder to wheel and you will soon find the way out.”
Raju was ashamed of himself. He bent down and put his shoulder to the wheel and urged on the horses. In no time the wheel was out of the mire. Raju learnt his lesson. He thanked God and carried on his journey happily.
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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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