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“Discussion is an exchange of knowledge, argument is an exchange of ignorance....!.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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US homebuilder confidence at 5-year-high in August
US homebuilders grew more confident in the housing recovery in August, as many reported that prospects for sales are the best they've been since the home bubble burst five years ago. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index has been trending higher since October and only dipped once since January -- suggesting a turnaround in housing is solidifying after years of stagnation. Many economists believe that housing construction could contribute to overall economic growth this year for the first time since 2005.
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Australian court upholds logo ban on cigarette packs
Australia's highest court upheld the world's toughest law on cigarette promotion Wednesday, prohibiting tobacco company logos on cigarette packs. Starting in December, packs will instead come in a uniformly drab shade of olive. Tobacco advertising was banned from Australian television and radio in 1976. Restrictions on advertising have tightened over the years to include print ads, the Internet, and retail outlets.
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Doom and gloom: Olympic wins trump critics
For skeptics, the Olympics were deliciously doomed: London's transport network would surely fail, Britain's athletes would flop, rain would prevail, and terrorists would strike. But then the sun came out after months of sodden skies, vehicles moved briskly, there were no attacks, and British athletes reeled in a shocking 65 medals. On Monday, as international athletes and visitors poured out of London and the city's 8 million residents resumed their normal lives, British officials hailed the 2012 Olympics as an unqualified success.
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Ugandans celebrate first Olympic gold medal in 40 years
Uganda's only medal winner at the London Olympics cried tears of joy as hundreds of people welcomed him home on Wednesday with celebrations of music and dance in honour of the African nation's first gold since the 1972 games in Munich. Stephen Kiprotich's victory in the men's marathon race also was Uganda's first medal of any kind since the Atlanta Olympics 16 years ago and was deeply felt by the nation.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Pak Hindus will get long-term visas as per rules: Govt
With several hundred Pakistani Hindus arriving in India following alleged persecution, the government on Thursday said they will get long-term visas to stay in the country if they apply under stipulated rules.
“So far, no one has applied for long-term visa.
Basically, we have norms for the long-term visa. If they apply under them, they will get it,” Union Home Secretary R K Singh told PTI here.
He was replying to a question on the possibility of India granting long-term visas to those Pakistani Hindus who have come to the country in last few days.
Most of these people have come on a month-long visa ostensibly for pilgrimage and many of them have reportedly expressed their desire not to go back to Pakistan.
Almost all Pakistani Hindus, before leaving that country, had to give an undertaking to the authorities there that they would not seek asylum from the Indian government and that they would return to Pakistan within 30 days.
Head of such a group, Anup Kumar had alleged that Hindu families were not safe in Pakistan, since kidnapping of young Hindu girls and brides by fundamentalists at gunpoint had become a routine affair.
He did not rule out the possibility that majority of the community members would never like to go back to Pakistan under the prevailing circumstances.
Keywords: Pakistani Hindus, Pak Hindu pilgrims, Wagah border post, migration issues, India-Pakistan ties
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You may feel challenged to find a compromise with your partner or even with your friends and family. This may be nothing to fret about, but it may be a slight bump in the road that may require a conversation to clear the air and set the responsibilities straight. It might be a simple communication snag that you need to discuss. Your best approach may be to slow down and listen.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
This could be an ideal time for getting in shape. Exercise is favored for this period so give your body the gift of attention. Not only will the extra effort pay off down the road, but you may find this is a good time to start new habits. It could be a simple shift in your diet, such as dropping one habit and starting another. You may instinctively know what you need, and if so, simply follow your instincts.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 WThis may be just the day to get your ideas out there in a constructive manner. You may be particularly inclined to express yourself and show your staff or co-workers your dedication to results. You may still want to have fun, while a simple conversation might help to set the record straight. Ultimately, though, you may want to attain a level of accountability that leaves nothing to the imagination and lays all your cards on the table.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You may be motivated to get work done around the house during this period. You may redecorate or simply rearrange furniture. New colors and furniture or even a few small accents may help to shift the mood of your place dramatically. If you have to make choices, follow your instincts on what matters the most.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 This should be excellent celestial weather for you, especially if you are in the mood to speak or deliver a presentation. You can be highly effective when it comes to setting the facts straight, and the time may be perfect for just that. You may appear to be particularly serious or at least determined to get the message right. One of the best aspects of this climate may be your ability to strike the fine line of balance.
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Outgoing BBC chief to head New York Times
The New York Times Company has roped-in outgoing BBC head Mark Thompson as its next president and chief executive, saying his experience in digital media on a global scale made him the “ideal candidate”.
Mr. Thompson, the outgoing director-general of the BBC, will join the company in November. In addition to his executive roles, he will also sit on the board.
Mr. Thompson’s appointment was announced by Arthur Sulzberger Jr., the chairman of the Times Company and the newspaper’s publisher on Tuesday.
The 55-year-old Mr. Thompson will join the company at a time when it faced challenges posed by changing reader habits and a shifting advertising market. Last month, it reported a net loss of $88 million for the second quarter of 2012.
“Mark is a gifted executive with strong credentials whose leadership at the BBC helped it to extend its trusted brand identity into new digital products and services,” Mr. Sulzberger said in a statement.
“Our board concluded that Mark’s experience and his accomplishments at the BBC made him the ideal candidate to lead the Times Company at this moment in time when we are highly focused on growing our business through digital and global expansion,” he said.
The Times has been without a chief executive since Janet Robinson left in December 2011. Since then, Mr. Sulzberger has said the company was looking for a candidate with experience in the digital world and across multiple platforms, The New York Times reported.
“The New York Times is one of the world’s greatest news providers and a media brand of immense future potential both in the U.S. and around the world. It is a real privilege to be asked to join the Times Company as it embarks on the next chapter in its history,” Mr. Thompson said.
“I’m particularly excited to be coming to The New York Times Company as it extends its influence digitally and globally,” he said.
Mr. Thompson started his career as a production trainee at the BBC in 1979 before leaving in 2002 to become chief executive of Channel 4 television.
At the beginning of July the BBC announced that George Entwistle would replace Mr. Thompson as director general on September 17, 2012.
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4 Foods for a raging libido
If you feel that your relationship is turning from deeply-in-love to boring, it isn't because you want to make it dull.
The reason is that you simply find yourself in no mood for romance. Grab these foods to spice up your relationship and sex life.
The reasons for a lacking libido can range from too many things on your to-do list and working too many hours to your hormones being out of whack. This is where food plays a role.
Here are four delicious items you can work into your diet that will increase your libido, and help you work out of your clothes...
1. Watermelon
Coined 'the new Viagra', watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that relaxes blood vessels thereby increasing your sex drive.
2. Aparagus
Asparagus is high in the B vitamin folate that helps increase your production of histamine. Histamine is important for increasing the sex drive in men and women.
3. Avocados
Loaded with potassium, avocados boost libido for both sexes. And they're rich in folic acid that provides energy and stamina - both of which are important once your libido is restored.
4. Chillies
If you like it hot and spicy, this one will bring a smile on your face! Chillies contain capsaicin, a chemical which also increases blood flow and triggers the release of mood-enhancing endorphins that naturally pump up your libido.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
This may be an excellent time for getting your books straight and aligning your financial affairs. Your keen eye for detail may come in handy as this alignment favors harmony, duty and precision. This may be an especially strong drive on your part, so it may be wise to look at ways to stretch your dollars while making gentle inquiries into new financial programs. You will be wise to play it safe and limit your risk. As long as you study the fine print you should do quite well.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Today you may decide to begin a new action plan. You just can't go too far in this economy, unless you're willing to embrace innovation. With Mars in Libra, partnering up with established Saturn, this might be a day when you want to break free from the pack and make your mark. Can't afford to hire employees? Reel in some apprentices to help you. They will be thrilled to be a part of your new start up.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 The time may have come to finish a big project or wrap up an area of your life to make room for new and fresh projects. This will be a day of completion, laced with a deep sense of duty and accountability - a time to reap and a time to sow. You may find yourself saying good-bye to a long-term association, which may feel quite liberating in the long run. New beginnings wait around the corner, and that will feel good.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Hot deals and contracts may take up a significant part of your time. This may be about clinching the deal and making sure all the details are clear. You may find that the best connections are those that require the most work. Connections and reconnections may eventually pay off in a big way if you can remain focused and diligent. You may have the fervor to pursue this and not mind the pressure at all.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Hard work may have never bothered you, which is to your credit and persistence. Career matters will be front and center as your ruling planet, Saturn, aligns nicely with Mars, the great motivator in your career sector. You may get a promotion, or the option for one may become your primary drive. Those who work with you may be impressed by your strong ethic. They may feel relieved that you are at their side.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 You may have your eye on what's next. You may be making plans for travel or returning to school. The current cosmic weather provides the perfect backdrop for both. Adventurous and exciting, these times are ideal for stretching out and exploring. You may even feel a certain sense of responsibility toward broadening your skill set through classes or exposure to new cultures and lifestyles. This may be all about filling up your experience resume. .
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
This may be a time for taking care of legal matters such as coping with a close relative's health care proxy or other administrative task. Your sensitivity to other's needs may compel you to offer your help. You may be very familiar with the complexities and can offer just the right insight to complete the necessary paperwork. Insurance claims, taxes, and other clerical obligations may occupy much of your time under these cosmic skies.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Having someone wonder where you are when you don't come home at night is a very old human need.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
The real leader has no need to lead--
he is content to point the way.
BOSS to an employee....
"Do you believe in life after Death?"
EMPLOYEE.....
"Certainly not! There's no proof of it",
he replied.
BOSS: "Well, there is now. After you left
early yesterday to go to your uncle's
funeral, he came here looking for you.
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Anant scholarship aims at helping meritorious students
The Anant scholarship aims at helping meritorious students, who come from families with a monthly income less than Rs 5000, to help them continue their higher education.
The scholarship disbursement ceremony was held on August 3 at Netaji Indoor Stadium in the presence of eminent guests such as NR Narayana Murthy, chairman, Emeritus-Infosys Technologies Ltd; Sovan Chatterjee, mayor of Kolkata; Prof DP Tripathi, MP Rajya Sabha and Ravindra Chamaria, chairman, Infinity Group.
Gokul Agarwalla, management consultant of the US, Md Asif Iqbal, associated with PricewaterhouseCoopers also spoke on this occasion. The guests were felicitated by Nupur Chamaria.
The goal of Anant is to assist 1,00,000 students by 2020, leading to a marked development of the nation. Anant opens an account for the students where they send their annual scholarship amount of Rs 6000 in an installment of Rs 500 per month. Anant gives preference to physically-challenged students and provides 50 per cent of the scholarship to girl students.
This CSR initiative of the Anant group which began last year, gave out scholarships to over 5000 students from various schools of West Bengal in 2012. Jadavpur and Presidency Alumni Associations, NCE Bengal, Lady Brabourne College and other reputed organisations are the academic partners of Anant. Some of the donors of Anant are Bengal Chambers, Rupa, Srei Foundation, TCI, Srijan, Orion, etc.
Saba Afren and Pradyut Kr Gorui, recipients of the Anant scholarship, talked about how Anant is paving their way to a brighter future. The mayor and Tripathi praised the efforts of the Infinity Group.
NR Narayana Murthy asked the scholars to keep in mind the efforts of Anant and also to work for the society once they attained success in life. He added, "Like the Infinity Group, more people should spend money on education."
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Tendulkar back to business
An afternoon suffused with Independence Day warmth gained an added allure as Sachin Tendulkar had a nets session at the National Cricket Academy here on Wednesday and began his preparations for a hectic season.
By opting to train on a public holiday, the maestro perhaps hoped for some time away from the media bandwagon. However there was no way he could escape the spotlight and as journalists and photographers hung around, a lone fan too clung to the adjoining wall for a while.
Tendulkar last turned out in India colours during the Asia Cup at Dhaka in March and then he played the IPL before enjoying his annual European holiday. The two-month lay-off from the game hardly showed as he batted with ease for close to an hour against Zaheer Khan and a group of Karnataka bowlers.
In perfect sync
The feet moved, the hands followed and the bat’s sweet spot was in play again as cover drives flowed. There was the odd doubt when the ball nipped back but Tendulkar deftly revealed his mastery as he rocked back and played the dab-shot with felicity. The spinners were given the odd charge and then he took a break to chat with Zaheer.
He was not done yet though, and soon it was time to warm-up against throw-downs from NCA’s coaching assistant D.V.G.I. Raghavindraa. Tendulkar had two sessions of 20 minutes each and also discussed his trigger movement and the forward stride with Dinesh Nanavaty, who is part of the academy’s coaching staff.
Finally when Tendulkar strode towards the NCA office, he was asked by television crews about Independence Day and the Rajya Sabha MP replied: “This is the 65th anniversary and it’s a momentous occasion for us. Hope we keep progressing.”
And as usual there was no running away from the mix of memories and milestones that Tendulkar evokes and he was reminded of his first Test century scored at Old Trafford (Manchester) on August 14, 1990. Caught unawares and lost in thought, Tendulkar paused a bit and then said: “Oh! yeah that was way back in 1990. Coincidence, what else can I say, wonderful memories!”
Tendulkar will be at the academy till Saturday, while the first Test against New Zealand commences at Hyderabad on August 23.
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Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
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Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
Movie Name : Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
Release Date : August 24, 2012
Genre : Romance, Comedy
Producer : Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sunil A Lulla
Director : Bela Sehgal
Music Director : Jeet Ganguly
Cast : Boman Irani, Farah Khan.
Synopsis:
Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is an unconventional romantic comedy about a 40-something Parsi couple, played by Boman Irani and Farah Khan. So I expected the music to be fun and light-hearted. And I was definitely not disappointed.
Piano, guitar and harmonica lead you into the song Ishq mein tere bina as Shreya Ghosal and KK hum Ram pararara tarara. The expert duo’s smooth rendition of the breezy number makes it the quintessential romantic song. The melody itself is quite average, but hummable. The highlight is the chorus portions sung by KK and Shreya together.
Kafir andhere is a typical sad song. But poetic lyrics like Teri yaadon ke rafta rafta, gali gali kona kona phirta hoon lapata make it sound better. KK adds depth with his low range rendition and then ups the ante by slipping into high-pitched singing with great ease.
Kukuduku is the most adorable song on this soundtrack. Mohit Chauhan is an apt choice to sing this one and sounds perfect as Boman’s playback voice. Words like gadhera and daffar, add a lot of zest to the track. The use of English words (balloon, percent and others) also make it a fun listen. Amitabh, who is known for quirky lyrics, should be commended for keeping it light this time around.
The title track of Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi has a very familiar tune. The energy is infectious and sweet though. The digital beats interspersed with really short shehnai sounds followed by the rapping before the antara make it entertaining.
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The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Learn and Earn
Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company
together just after graduation. Both worked
very hard.
After several years, the boss promoted Jing to
sales executive but Chuan remained a sales
rep.
One day Chuan could not take it anymore,
tender resignation to the boss and complained
the boss did not value hard working staff, but
only promoted those who flattered him.
The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard
for the years, but in order to help Chuan
realize the difference between him and Jing,
the boss asked Chuan to do the following.
Go
and find out anyone selling water melon in the
market? Chuan returned and said yes. The
boss asked how much per kg? Chuan went
back to the market to ask and returned to inform boss the $12 per kg.
Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same
question? Jing went, returned and said, boss,
only one person selling water melon. $12 per
kg, $100 for 10 kg, he has inventory of 340
melons.
On the table 58 melons, every melon
weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South
two days ago, they are fresh and red, good
quality.
Chuan was very impressed and realized the
difference between himself and Jing. He
decided not to resign but to learn from Jing.
My dear friends, a more successful person is
more observant, think more and understand in
depth. For the same matter, a more successful
person sees several years ahead, while you
see only tomorrow.
The difference between a
year and a day is 365 times, how could you
win?
Think! how far have you seen ahead in your
life? How thoughtful in depth are you?
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“Its better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and despair....!”
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