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“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure!”
| VBA's Positive News |
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India: Sikkim aims to go fully organic by 2015
The north eastern hill state of Sikkim aims to go fully organic by 2015. At present, 50,000 farming families in Sikkim are into organic farming. By 2015, it plans to be converted into a certified organic state, sources said. In 2003, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling constituted the Sikkim State Organic Board, after which over 8,000 hectares was covered under organic certification. Under the scheme, the state banned the sale of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
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Australia: Mentoring puts indigenous teens on positive life path
Rugby league stars are spearheading a ground-breaking 'school-to-work' scheme by helping indigenous teens move successfully from the classroom into employment or further studies. Some of the game's big names have signed on as ambassadors for the Learn Earn Legend Programme, which, according to a federal Department of Education website, aims to motivate young indigenous Australians to 'stay at school, get that job, and be a legend for themselves, their family, and their community'.
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Canada second quarter growth beats analysts' expectations
The Canadian economy grew at an annualized 1.8 per cent in the second quarter, exceeding market expectations and matching a recent forecast by the central bank, helped by strong investment by companies in new machinery, equipment and buildings. The Statistics Canada data released on Friday showed the pace of growth beat the 1.6 per cent median forecast of analysts in a Reuters survey.
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US: Retailers report best sales growth since March
A group of 18 retailers ranging from discounter Target to club-operator Costco reported August sales on Thursday that rose 6 percent -- the industry's best performance since March -- according to trade group International Council of Shopping Centers. At the same time, the government released numbers showing that Americans spent in July at the fastest clip in five months. The gains in August are better than the growth 4- to 5-per cent gain Wall Street predicted at the beginning of the month. And it was the best performance since March, when stores collectively posted a gain of 6.8 per cent. Except for a shopping lull in June, stores have seen a healthy pace of anywhere from 4 per cent to nearly 7 per cent growth since the beginning of the year.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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BJP to continue to stall proceedings in Parliament: Venkaiah
Sticking to its demand for resignation of Manmohan Singh for irregularities in coal block allocation, BJP on Saturday vowed to continue its “parliamentary tactic” of stalling proceedings and challenged the Congress to seek a fresh mandate from people.
BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP M Venkaiah Naidu said his party was not demanding the resignation of Congress-led UPA government merely on the alleged “coalgate” scam but also on a “series of scams and issues,” including the 2G spectrum allocation.
“This UPA government has become a burden on the country and it should go. BJP is demanding not just the resignation of the Prime Minister, but that of the entire cabinet. This is culmination of so many scams and scandals including 2G and Adarsh Housing,” he said.
Speaking to reporters here, Mr. Naidu said the Singh-led government had also failed on the fronts of economy, agriculture and inflation.
He claimed that Congress was not in a position to face the polls as “people are waiting to teach them a lesson.”
On his party’s persistent stalling of the proceedings of both the Houses of Parliament, he said, “We do agree” that business should carry on but the government was “bulldozing” the opposition.
“They don’t act after a debate; don’t adhere to accountability. This Parliamentary accountability is as important as debates,” he said.
Defending the continued stalling of Parliament, Mr. Naidu said his party “cannot remain mute spectators to loot of nation’s wealth.”
He said besides Prime Minister’s resignation, all the coal allocation licenses should be revoked and a re-auction held besides conducting an independent inquiry into the matter.
Mr. Naidu also slammed Prime Minister and the Congress leaders for “criticising,” CAG.
Hitting out at Congress’ criticism of BJP for disrupting Parliament, he said the former had resorted to similar tactics as opposition and stalled proceedings on “flimsy grounds,” including on issues like the Babri mosque demolition which he recalled had happened during the Congress rule in 1992.
“When Congress disrupts, it is in nation’s interest and when we do is it a crime?” he said, while asking Congress not to “preach sermons,” to his party.
Asked if he foresaw mid-term polls, he replied: “We don’t know how long this government will survive” and BJP will evolve its strategy accordingly.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Early in the week you'll still have time to take advantage of last Friday's perfect full moon. If you act by Tuesday any inconspicuous negotiations that have been in the works around a major career move are likely to meet with success. In addition to this, a bold exchange on your part may help you nab an investor for a new business idea. By Thursday and until October 2 you'll have exciting prospects for romance.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
A media opportunity might surface early this week, thanks to the lingering vibration of last Friday's full moon. You may complete an interview that'll reach an international audience, either through the Internet or another form of media. Whatever this is, you're sure to be in the spotlight. Starting Thursday and for the next few weeks you'll also enjoy greater harmony on the home front. You might even splurge on a new piece of furniture or redecorate a room.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 If you didn't receive the spectacular career news promised from last Friday's full moon, this week's aspects might help piece it all together. You may find yourself in the spotlight since an authority figure will sit up and notice your efforts. An unflinching decision to transform your strategy on an assignment might be the key to your success. Aim for Monday or Tuesday to present this idea to the team you're collaborating with. It will garner exceptional praise.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
This week, if you plan to take an exam, or if you're ready to submit a proposal to your professor for a thesis, you'll still have the glowing energy of last Friday's full moon to help support your efforts. Through Wednesday your mind will be vigorous, so be sure to use this spectacular energy! On Thursday and until October 2 expect a positive a shift in finances. Venus will tour your earned income sector and you may find an additional revenue stream.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Your financial landscape will continue to change this week - for the better. Last Friday's full moon in the area of your chart that involves joint resources was supportive. Early this week you might consolidate debt or pay off a loan in its entirety. Midweek you may successfully negotiate financial terms for a freelance assignment. By Thursday when Venus enters Leo you'll know money is on an upswing. Until October 2 you'll exude so much allure, others will find you irresistible.
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Tata does not rule out automobile factory in West Bengal
Outgoing Chairman of Tata Sons Ratan Tata kept West Bengal’s hopes on an automobile unit alive and said that a factory here could not be ruled out.
“We have no difference or bias”, he said, adding that that he had no sense of anger, just sadness that something could not be done in the State. .
“The case (Singur) is sub-judice today, and whatever the outcome is, I think, we will respect the law of the land, and the wishes of the Bengal government, “he said responding to queries on the Singur issue by shareholders at the annual general meeting of Tata Global Beverages (TGB).
A violent agitation led by the Trinamool Congress against alleged forcible acquisition of land at Singur led the Tatas to relocate a nearly completed project in October 2008. Revealing his diehard optimistic side, he said: “One day when we believe that the environment is friendly at the political level and we will be here... the people have always been friendly,” he observed, adding that it was out of his affinity for the state that he tried to bring the small car manufacturing facility here.
He also announced that there were no plans to shift the company’s registered office.
“From time to time, I will be here to attend meetings.. next year, perhaps, I will sit with you, ” he said. In his initial remarks and later responding to shareholders queries, he said that the rupee depreciation had been beneficial to TGB, which was now the world’s second largest tea company.
He pointed out that TGB had ceased to be just a tea company few years ago. It had emerged as an integrated beverage business with presence in branded good-for-you beverages. On the Starbucks joint venture, he said that this would cement the company’s position in the market. Elaborating on this point, TGB’s new Managing Director and CEO Harish Bhat said that the launch of the first outlet (under this joint venture) was likely in 2012. It entered into a JV with Starbucks Coffee, USA, in 2011-12 for establishing Starbucks outlets across India. TGB’s subsidiary, Tata Coffee, would source coffee to supply Tata Starbucks, and also export it globally.
He said that operations in U.S. markets had been hit due to high commodity prices. It was good in markets such as the U.K., where the Tetley brand did well. Referring to China operations, Mr Bhat said that the instant tea joint venture was expected to commence operations.
Mr Bhat said that this was a milestone year as it marked 25 years of brand Tata Tea and 175 years of the Tetley brand.
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Fitness facts all women must know
Not finding the time for fitness due to household chores and grocery shopping? To ward away hazardous ailments and keep yourself toned, it is important to adhere to a set fitness regime.
Many Indian women, particularly after reaching a certain age, feel that good looks do not matter much. However, the discussion here is not about good looks but of health. A fitness routine is as important for older women as it is for a teenager or a young girl. Regular physical activity will not only help you tackle weight-related issues but will also enable you to prevent conditions associated with weight gain, like rheumatoid arthritis and varicose veins. Still not motivated enough? Here's a list of some important fitness facts for women that will help you to get moving.
Avoid obesity: With the dangerous bulging obesity ratios in India, recent statistics revealed that almost one in six women in the country are overweight and are in dire need to trim for avoiding health hazards associated with obesity. This is due to the increased adoption of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits.
30 minutes a day: Your fitness level can be improved by merely adding a few minutes of movement into your daily routine. According to fitness experts; just 30 minute workout for 5 days a week is sufficient to overcome the adverse effects of inactivity and sedentary lifestyle. You can also incorporate minor changes in your daily lifestyle like taking the stairs instead of the lift, parking the car in the last row of the parking lot and walking briskly for a few minutes between your parked car and your office.
The importance of de-stressing: Women are more prone to stress and pressure as compared to men and this, in turn, leads to various health issues. Work on basic relaxation and breathing techniques whenever you can - even while performing your regular chores.
Muscle and joint pain: Be careful not to neglect any kind of muscle tightness or joint pains as everything in your body are interlinked with each other. Overlooking such fitness factors may affect the proper functioning of other body joints and muscles as well. Hence, ensure that you address such issues at the earliest.
Cardio and weight training: The ideal fitness program for women should include exercises that increase their muscle tone and elevate their heart rate. A continuous, repetitive aerobic workout plan that affects all the large muscle groups in their body is the best option, when coupled with adequate strength training to retain and develop bone density.
Consistency: To see any form of measurable changes in your fitness levels, you should continue your workout and fitness program for a minimum of 12-13 weeks.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
A significant alliance that formed during last Friday's full moon may continue to benefit you this week. If this is a business arrangement and you haven't finalized the paperwork yet, sign by Wednesday for the greatest success potential. Negotiation will be smooth and you'll both feel eager to move forward. Mercury will be strong in Virgo all week, making beautiful aspects to several planets. You'll be in command of your thoughts and a dynamo in conversation.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
The motivation you have to spearhead a moneymaking effort with a relative might pay off this week. On Monday Mars will be at a perfect angle to Pluto. The sale of a family collectible or a new business venture with a relative may turn a profit if you take action now. By Thursday your attention might turn to romance. Take it slow but if you feel a friendship growing into something more, you'll have exciting potential.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Last Friday's full moon in your romance sector was so perfect - it was a gift. This week you'll see it's the gift that keeps on giving. If you're dating someone special it's likely that your feelings have grown for each other. You also have a magnetizing ability to pull anyone toward you now that Mars is in Scorpio. Until October 7 you'll continue to enjoy incredible powers of attraction. You'll feel alive and ready to fall in love.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
A positive shift in your domestic scene will be on the horizon this week, thanks to the continuing effects of last Friday's full moon. While a move is possible, it's just as likely that you'll hear positive news from a relative. By Thursday and until October 2 there will be exceptional progress in any legal matter you might be involved with. Compromise will be easier to reach, and if you're involved in any international business it might begin to turn a profit.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 This will be an incredible week to finalize a contract or other negotiation. Last Friday's full moon in your communication sector will still offer benefits - especially early this week. In addition, there will be perfect aspects to Mercury throughout Wednesday helping to ensure you're in the driver's seat. After Thursday you might hear news about a forthcoming inheritance, tax check, or royalty payment owed. A promising source of money from a source besides your income may arrive anytime until October 2.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 If you haven't already discovered a new source of income, a conversation early in the week with an authority figure connected to your career might open up an opportunity. You might, for example, share with your boss an idea that will take advantage of a talent you don't currently utilize on the job. He or she is likely to show interest. On Thursday and until October 2 you'll feel closer than ever to your mate.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
This week, you'll feel energized - ready to turn the page and begin a new chapter in your life. Last Friday's full moon in Pisces was impeccable, which translates into magnificent news for you. A major media or broadcasting opportunity is likely to surface and this might include an option to partner up with an international source. After Thursday and until October 2 you'll have an easy time hiring employees to help you maximize this venture. .
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Moral Story
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SMS
“3 nice thoughts-
“Kill the tension before tension kills YOU”.
“Reach your goal before goal kicks YOU”,
“Live LIFE before LIFE leaves YOU”:-).”
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
Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
One tourist from U.S.A. asked to Santa: Any great man born in this village???
Santa: no sir, only small Babies!!!
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Now, Mangalore University plans to set up a science center to boost research
MANGALORE: Mangalore University is planning to set up a science centre exclusively for students and research scholars attached to its various science departments.
Vice-chancellor TC Shivashankara Murthy told TOI that the centre would be set up under the Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) scheme of the department of science and technology, government of India. Under the scheme the varsity will get Rs 9 crore, of which the varsity has received Rs 3 crore.
The vice-chancellor added that Rs 3 crore would be spent on buying eight highly sophisticated equipments for the centre. "These equipments will help students conduct various researches and we will spend 10% of the grants for giving boost to research works undertaken by the university," he said.
At present, there are 385 research scholars in the varsity and we will give Rs 8,000 as stipend per month for selected 28 research scholars. "The science center will be set up in the renovated old Kannada department block," he added.
The varsity is also planning to distribute 145 laptops among teaching staff on the occasion of its 33rd foundation day of MU on September 10. "This is aimed at easing various works related academics," he said. The cost of each laptop is Rs 46,000. Nitte University vice-chancellor S Ramananda Shetty will be the chief guest at the event.
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Novak Djokovic rolls on in New York
Defending champion Novak Djokovic needed only 99 minutes to win and didn’t face a single break point as he beat Rogerio Dutra Silva at the US Open on Friday, breezing into the third round.
As Djokovic blasted past the Brazilian, three other former champions also advanced - Andy Roddick, Juan Martin del Potro and Lleyton Hewitt.
Roddick, having announced this tournament will be his last, dominated Australian Bernard Tomic 6-3, 6-4, 6-0, ensuring his career stretches into at least one more match.
Asked whether he got emotional while preparing for what could have been his final appearance, Roddick said - “I’ve been trying to be good all day. Had a rough patch there, about 15 minutes before the match. Made the mistake of walking by one of the TVs while they were doing slow, dramatic things. I assume it was set to an ‘80s ballad. It got me a little bit.”
Not only was Tomic outclassed, but by the late stages, TV commentator John McEnroe said the Australian maybe should be fined for lack of effort.
Tomic initially responded casually, saying - “He’s probably right.” But when pressed some more, Tomic bristled at a reporter and said, “That’s how I play. If you think that’s that, it’s up to you. What is your name?” When the reporter told him, Tomic replied - “I’ll remember you.”
Del Potro downed Ryan Harrison of the United States, 6-2, 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 while Hewitt showed his trademark grit to outlast Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4.
Ferrer, Isner through
David Ferrer progressed to round three by beating Igor Sijsling of the Netherlands, 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (12).
Among the other leading men’s seeds, Janko Tipsarevic comfortably beat Brian Baker of the United States, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 while leading local hope John Isner suffered a rare tiebreaker loss but still defeated Finnish veteran Jarkko Nieminen 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3.
Li Na exits
On the women’s side, the main upset was Laura Robson beating China’s Li Na 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2. Having ended the career of Kim Clijsters in the previous round, Britain’s Robson can make it a hat-trick over former grand slam tournament winners when she faces defending champion Sam Stosur in the next round.
“I have had a fairly tough draw, haven’t I?” Robson said.
Ranked 89th, Robson had never been past the second round of a major tournament or knocked off a top 10 opponent before this year’s Open.
“I have had lots of tough matches against some very experienced opponents, so the way that I see it, it was time to start winning a few of them,” Robson said.
The seventh-seeded Stosur was pushed for the first time in this year’s Open by No. 31 seed American Varvara Lepchenko, but the Australian dominated the second set for a 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory.
Stosur has never faced Robson or really watched her play for long.
“She’s full of confidence and had two very, very good wins,” Stosur said.
World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka kept up her imperious form by sweeping past Zheng Jie of China 6-0, 6-1 to move into the fourth round. The Belarusian has lost only six games over her three matches.
Four-time major champ Maria Sharapova, the No. 3 seed, ended the surprise run of Mallory Burdette, needing 58 minutes to win 6-1, 6-1. Fifth-seeded Petra Kvitova, the 2011 Wimbledon champ, also advanced with a 6-4, 6-4 win over France’s Pauline Parmentier.
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Raaz 3
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Raaz 3
Movie Name : Raaz 3
Release Date : 7 September 2012
Genre : Thriller, Suspense
Producer : Mahesh Bhatt , Mukesh Bhatt
Director : Vikram Bhatt
Music Director : Jeet Ganguly , Mithoon , Rashid
Cast : Emraan Hashmi , Bipasha Basu , Esha Gupta , Jacqueline Fernandez
Synopsis:
The story revolves around Maithli (Bipasha Basu), an actress at the height of her success. She gets offered the best roles and wins all the awards she's nominated for.
In addition, she also has a passionate affair with a handsome director named Aditya (Emraan Hashmi). This all ends when a younger actress, Sanjana (Esha Gupta) makes her film debut.
Suddenly, Maithli seems forgotten and everybody only wants to work with Sanjana. Soon enough, Aditya also leaves Maithli for Sanjana, and Maithli sees her career fading away and she slowly becomes crazy.
She begins to turn to black magic and makes it her goal in life to destroy Sanjana and get back the man she loves, Aditya.
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The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Keep your dream
I have a friend named Monty Roberts who owns a horse ranch in San Ysidro. He has let me use his house to put on fund-raising events to raise money for youth at risk programs.
The last time I was there he introduced me by saying, “I want to tell you why I let Jack use my horse. It all goes back to a story about a young man who was the son of an itinerant horse trainer who would go from stable to stable, race track to race track, farm to farm and ranch to ranch, training horses. As a result, the boy’s high school career was continually interrupted. When he was a senior, he was asked to write a paper about what he wanted to be and do when he grew up.
“That night he wrote a seven-page paper describing his goal of someday owning a horse ranch. He wrote about his dream in great detail and he even drew a diagram of a 200-acre ranch, showing the location of all the buildings, the stables and the track. Then he drew a detailed floor plan for a 4,000-square-foot house that would sit on a 200-acre dream ranch.
“He put a great deal of his heart into the project and the next day he handed it in to his teacher. Two days later he received his paper back. On the front page was a large red F with a note that read, `See me after class.’
“The boy with the dream went to see the teacher after class and asked, `Why did I receive an F?’
“The teacher said, `This is an unrealistic dream for a young boy like you. You have no money. You come from an itinerant family. You have no resources. Owning a horse ranch requires a lot of money. You have to buy the land. You have to pay for the original breeding stock and later you’ll have to pay large stud fees. There’s no way you could ever do it.’ Then the teacher added, `If you will rewrite this paper with a more realistic goal, I will reconsider your grade.’
“The boy went home and thought about it long and hard. He asked his father what he should do. His father said, `Look, son, you have to make up your own mind on this. However, I think it is a very important decision for you.’ “Finally, after sitting with it for a week, the boy turned in the same paper, making no changes at all.
He stated, “You can keep the F and I’ll keep my dream.”
Monty then turned to the assembled group and said, “I tell you this story because you are sitting in my 4,000-square-foot house in the middle of my 200-acre horse ranch. I still have that school paper framed over the fireplace.” He added, “The best part of the story is that two summers ago that same schoolteacher brought 30 kids to camp out on my ranch for a week.” When the teacher was leaving, he said, “Look, Monty, I can tell you this now. When I was your teacher, I was something of a dream stealer. During those years I stole a lot of kids’ dreams. Fortunately you had enough gumption not to give up on yours.”
“Don’t let anyone steal your dreams. Follow your heart, no matter what.”
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“We can win life by all means if we simply avoid two things in our lives.“Comparing with others” and “Expecting from others.” ”
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