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“Life itself was only futility, vain words, a squabble of cap and bells. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Oasis of peace in the desert brings hope to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
At first glance, Ein Prat, one of the many natural and historic sites hidden in the northern Judean Desert, looks like any other picnic site around the world. What sets Ein Prat -- or Wadi Kelt, as it is known in Arabic -- apart from other parks is that it is one of the few Israeli-run sites that Israelis and Palestinians can access equally, and that it has the potential of becoming an oasis for peace.
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United Nations sponsored International Day of Peace - 21 Septembers
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people. This year, world leaders, together with civil society, local authorities, and the private sector, met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. It is in the context of the Rio+20 Conference that 'Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future' is the theme chosen for this year's observance of the International day of Peace.
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UK: Retailers fuel recovery hopes
Britain's retailers of sporting goods reported higher sales during the Olympics in August and manufacturers' order books improved this month. 'The level of retail sales is still hovering around considerably higher levels than it averaged in 2011, indicating there has been some more momentum to consumer spending recently,' said BNP Paribas economist David Tinsley. In addition, the CBI's monthly industrial trends survey showed factory orders improved more than expected in September.
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India: Monsoon rains plentiful for fourth straight week
India's monsoon rains were 44 per cent above average in the week to 19 September, its weather office said, and were the best since June. It was the fourth consecutive week of plentiful rainfall. The rains are vital for the 55 per cent of India's farmland that has no irrigation. This year, the monsoon's late revival has already erased apprehensions of a nationwide drought, said D S Pai, a forecaster at the India Meteorological Department. A pick up has raised prospects for winter-sown crops and have also led to higher water levels at reservoirs.
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World Round-Up
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Khar seeks realistic achievable plan from U.S. on Afghanistan
The visiting Pak Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has sought a reliable and achievable plan from the US on Afghanistan and pushed for a free trade agreement between the two countries.
In what officials described as a “frank and open discussion” on the present state of relations and the challenges and opportunities ahead, Ms. Khar in her meeting with members of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee urged Senators to clarify exactly what it wants in Afghanistan, and outline a realistic plan to achieve it.
This would instil confidence in the allies, especially Pakistan, Ms. Khar said.
While the U.S. intends to end its military engagement in the region, this is Pakistan’s neighborhood and it would be left to deal with the consequences of any actions or decisions that are made now, she observed.
“I am encouraged by the frank discussion that we had -- I think it is important to have discussion because we had too much mistrust and fears which have inhibited the course of our relations in the past,” Ms. Khar told reporters after the meeting.
During her meeting, Ms. Khar made a strong case for greater market access for Pakistan products in the U.S.
Pakistan is hopeful that at some point soon the two countries will negotiate a free trade agreement that would open up both Pakistani and U.S. markets to products made by the other, she said.
In the short term, Pakistan is urging the U.S. to put together a trade package that would give greater access to Pakistani products now and thus strengthen the Pakistani economy, she said, arguing that a democratic and economically viable Pakistan is the strongest weapon to defeat the terrorist threat in South and Central Asia.
Ms. Khar expressed satisfaction that the Pak-U.S. bilateral relationship had weathered a very difficult period over last 18 months, and that relations were clearly improving, laying the foundation for an even more robust special relationship between the two nations in the future.
On the question of cross border insurgency and the use of IEDs in Afghanistan, Ms. Khar prescribed more information sharing and coordination of actions at all levels.
Reiterating that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the national interest of Pakistan, she said Afghanistan is a sovereign and independent nation and Pakistan will treat it as nothing less.
Pakistan continues to advise against an exclusive reliance on use of force in Afghanistan, the foreign minister said adding that the process of reconciliation must move forward, and it must be Afghan-led and Afghan-based.
Later at a press stake out, Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Kerry, characterized the U.S. relationship with Pakistan as very important, recognized the need to build mutual trust, critical to the outcome of the lingering Afghan war.
Responding to questions on increasing demand of lawmakers to cut US aid to Pakistan, Kerry argued that this is not going to happen as this is not the view of the majority.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Don't be too surprised if you find yourself in the midst of a lively discussion with your partner. The planets that rule communication will be in a squabble. This may present an interesting set of circumstances that raises your involvement. It may be that you have different views or simply that a great surprise may be in store. As the Sun slips into Libra in your relationship sector, you might be in for some rather provocative conversations.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You may discover that a recent project has shifted and you may have to adapt to a different schedule. You may also find that one of your appointments was cancelled or unexpectedly changed. At first glance the surprise change may feel a bit disruptive, but as the dust settles you may begin to count yourself lucky as events may unfold that you were unaware of. It may be all about timing, which, even though may be a jolt, can leave you in a much better spot.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 It would be wise to keep a pad of paper nearby as you may witness some positive activity that you want to note. You may find that conversations with your co-workers yield a clever new approach to a business venture or other group project. You may feel especially compelled to work with others, or better yet, to play with others. Group activities or outings may be the ideal outlet for such wonderfully electric energy. This could be quite fun if you can find the right event.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Career opportunities may be coming fast and frequent as your career sector has brilliant potential. This would be an excellent time to be fully engaged at the workplace and to view all your conversations there as significant. It may be that a new regional office opens and you are in line for a promotion. It may be wise to consult family members since your plans may invariably affect them as well. This could be a great boost for all.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may be quite likely to express your opinions today. Whether you are out and about exploring or traveling, you may come to a point where you are very eager to speak up. Self-expression can be a wonderfully liberating experience if you can frame it in the proper context. If you can remain positive and engaged in your subject matter, you should be quite convincing. You may find that the more unusual ideas that come to you are the most widely noticed.
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Honda aims to double global auto sales in 5 years
Honda is aiming to double its global auto sales to more than 6 million vehicles over the next five years as the Japanese automaker gears up for ambitious growth after bouncing back from last year’s disasters.
“We have now reached the stage of going on the offensive,” Honda Motor Co. president Takanobu Ito told reporters Friday, as he announced his worldwide target for the fiscal year ending March 2017. The automaker sold 3.1 million vehicles for the fiscal year through March 2012.
The remodelled Fit subcompact, which will be rolled out globally starting next year and sold as the Jazz in some regions will also help boost growth, Ito said at Tokyo headquarters. The Fit range of cars will also include a new small sport-utility vehicle, he said.
Mr. Ito said model development will get quicker at Honda as its engineers in all regions take part in the effort from the start, while adapting designs and other features to customer needs in each market.
Japanese automakers have been bouncing back from the global production disruptions caused by the disaster in north-eastern Japan and Thai floods last year that froze parts supplies.
Also included in Honda’s medium-term strategy:
A fuel-cell vehicle in 2015 in Japan, U.S. and Europe.
Maintaining production of 1 million vehicles in Japan, which has suffered stagnant demand.
Strengthening the tiny “mini-car” line-up in Japan, introducing six such new models by the end of 2015.
Offering more hybrids, including a plug-in early next year in the U.S.
Ito did not give prices for the new green car offerings. Cost is one obstacle for such technology becoming more widespread.
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Green tea boosts memory
Scientists now have an explanation for why green tea is good for the brain -- it lies in the chemical properties that affect the production of brain cells, improving memory and spatial learning.
"Green tea is a popular beverage across the world," said Yun Bai, professor from the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
"There has been plenty of scientific attention on its use in helping prevent cardiovascular diseases, but now there is emerging evidence that its chemical properties may impact cellular mechanisms in the brain."
Yun's team focused on the organic chemical EGCG, (epigallocatechin-3 gallate) a key property of green tea.
While EGCG is a known antioxidant, the team believed it can also have a beneficial effect against age-related degenerative diseases, the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research reports.
"We proposed that EGCG can improve cognitive function by impacting the generation of neuron cells, a process known as neurogenesis," said Yun.
"We focused our research on the hippocampus, the part of the brain which processes information from short-term to long-term memory."
The team found that ECGC boosts the production of neural progenitor cells, which like stem cells can adapt, or differentiate, into various types of cells.
The team then used lab mice to discover if this increased cell production gave an advantage to memory or spatial learning, according to a Medical University statement.
"We ran tests on two groups of mice, one which had imbibed ECGC and a control group (without ECGC)," said Yun.
"First the mice were trained for three days to find a visible platform in their maze. Then they were trained for seven days to find a hidden platform."
The team found that the ECGC treated mice required less time to find the hidden platform. Overall the results revealed that EGCG enhances learning and memory by improving object recognition and spatial memory.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Today will be perfect timing for working on finances. You'll have useful energy in your income sector that bodes well for researching and investing. It would be wise to get background information before you charge ahead, but these remain strong for you. Even money from outside sources may be more likely. Look for unexpected assurances from institutions or large organizations, such as insurance claims and the like. This can be one of your strongest abilities, so it would be wise to focus and find the gold.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You might want to be aware of how you speak as the energy of the day can be a wee bit flighty. Be careful what you say, and to whom. This is not something you need to worry about, just a word to the wise that may pay off down the road. Your partner may throw you a few curve balls and you might have to dodge them. Diplomacy may work wonders right about now.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 This may be an excellent time to wrap up projects and set new goals. You'll likely benefit if you put time and energy into serving others. Community organizations and charities may benefit the most under your gentle and firm hand. Giving may simply feel like the right thing to do, so indulge the moment and go with it. New initiatives may feel especially good as old ones wrap up. All endings yield new beginnings. How exciting!
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Any sort of conversation you can have with business associates may turn up a new venture that may be quite creative and somewhat unusual. This should be an auspicious time for getting out and getting things moving. You may want to look around and see what appears new and innovative and pour your energy into that area. You never know what may come about. The current theme is all about connection in your daily routine, and that is where you should put your effort.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Conversations with family members may border on the absurd, but the current theme of the stars suggests that you go with the flow and not rock any boats. You may be cast into the midst of a family discussion regarding future plans or events. This may be an event that brings into account the larger family and even extends to cousins and relatives you don't encounter on a regular basis. How nice to re-connect with the far-flung parts of your legacy.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Correspondence such as letters, emails, and text messages may carry an extra weight today, sentiments to engage and bring into your life. You have a great verbal, communicative quality and it would be wise to emphasize that right now. Travel and education may also form the backdrop for any such conversation, so be mindful and go with the flow.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Finances and unusual business ventures may be part of your conversations today. As unusual as the opportunities may be, they may very well be worth pursuing, especially if they involve money or backing from other sources. Entertain all possible projects. Events and proposals may seem a bit odd or out of character, but they may be worth pursuing anyway. Trust your instincts on this one, and you may be surprised.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
Some scientists decided to do the following experiments on a dog.
For the first experiment, they cut one of the dog's legs off, then they told the dog to walk. The dog got up and walked, so they they learned that a dog could walk with just three legs.
For the second experiment, they cut off a second leg from the dog, then they told the dog once more to walk. The dog was still able to walk with only two legs.
For the third experiment, they cut off yet another leg from the dog and once more they told the dog to walk. However, the dog wasn't able to walk with only one leg.
As a result of these three experiments, the scientists wrote in their final report that the dog had lost it's hearing after having three legs cut off.
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Helping students reorient themselves
ACHOTI (CHHATTISGARH): Budding technocrats in various Indian Institute of Technologies (IITs) and National Institute of Technology (NIT), including the one in Raipur, are now-a-days not only taking lessons for becoming efficient engineers but are also striving to develop a scientific temper and becoming better human beings by rationally looking within themselves.
'Jeevan Vidya', the Baba Nagraj philosophy of life, which was first adopted by Achoti Ashram near Raipur in Chhattisgarh, has now become mandatory in many technical universities across the country. The seven-day course aims at "evaluating oneself in all states that one inhabits: within the self, with body, family, society, nature and existence and find answers to all questions that one may be concerned with."
The ministry of human resource development had mooted the idea for inculcating human values among technocrats in 2001 by setting up a National Resource Centre for Value Education in Engineering ( NRCVEE) at IIT Delhi. In the past decade, NRCVEE's recommendation for introducing a compulsory 100 minimum class per week in value education has become immensely popular and achieved desired results.
And if the claims of NIT, Raipur, which is a pioneer in introduction of the course, are believed to be a testimony, the institute is turning out "better and enlightened technocrats" today.
"The course has led to a major rethink among the students. They have been reflecting on what their goals are, the place of money in life, the joy one derives in relationship, and in seeking knowledge and not merely on jobs and the money they get out of it. They have become relaxed and more sensitive to relationships with their friends and family, and regarding society and nature," says Dr Sameer Bajpai, associate professor, Civil Engineering, NIT, Raipur.
Domendra Aosariya, a NIT pass out told TOI that after attending these classes, he developed self-confidence and his aggressive and short-tempered behavior mellowed down to a great extent.
Another former student, Hitvallabh Shukla, who now works as a business analyst in Delhi said, "While studying in highly competitive courses we unknowingly start aspiring to become something special for gaining excellence. This becomes self-destructive and a source of constant tension and uneasiness".
Som Abhiuday, one of the members of Abhiudyog, which organises classes of Jeevan Vidya in Achhoti, said the seven-day camp aims at developing a dialogue "between what one wants and what one wants to be". The popularity of the course is catching on by the day and Raipur Indira Gandhi Agriculture University is also set to introduce Jeevan Vidya from the next semester while many other higher education institutes are in touch with the ashram for starting the course.
'Jeevan Vidya', the Baba Nagraj philosophy of life, which was first adopted by Achoti Ashram near Raipur in Chhattisgarh, has now become mandatory in many technical universities across the country.
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England can hope for a relatively easy start
England returns to a city from which it departed with heads held high in April. Back then, Andrew Strauss’s men had to win the second Test here at the P. Sara Oval to draw level the series at 1-1 and hold onto its No.1 ranking in the game’s longest version.
The goal was secured but if the Sri Lankan capital’s positive vibe still doesn’t rub off on the visitor, the current squad led by Stuart Broad, can also bank on history to bolster its spirits, stepping in as it does with the tag of being defending champion in the ICC World Twenty20.
However, gearing up ahead of its opening match — a Group A fixture against Afghanistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium — here on Friday, Broad’s men will be aware that an estranged team-mate, holding a microphone in a television studio, will cast a huge shadow.
The KP factor
Kevin Pietersen will be missed and despite the adage ‘sticks and stones hurt but words don’t’, he stumped himself by sending inappropriate texts that amused the South Africans and angered the British.
The ‘whys’ and ‘whats’ can be debated but England will miss its key batsman, who is also a link between the winning exploits in the tournament’s previous edition in the Caribbean during 2010 and the joy at the P. Sara Oval, a few months back. Pietersen was the ‘Player of the tournament’ in the West Indies and his scores of 151 and an unbeaten 42 secured victory over Sri Lanka here.
In the pre-match press conference, Broad, dealing with the inevitable query on Pietersen, said: “KP has been around for a long time. He has done fantastically well for us. It matters with ECB at the moment that he’s not here. We have to put up with that and get on with it. The 15 guys who are in the squad are up for the challenge and hopefully we will have a really good three weeks.”
Broad’s men now have the unenviable chance of proving that England can move on without its biggest force-multiplier and players like Jonny Bairstow and Eoin Morgan have a massive platform to emphasise their credentials.
In its recent Twenty20 jousts against South Africa back home, England levelled the series at 1-1 and men like Craig Kieswetter and Jos Butler had their moments.
That positive air continued in the warm-up ties here thanks to victories over Australia and Pakistan.
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OMG Oh My God
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OMG Oh My God
Movie Name : OMG Oh My God
Release Date : 28 September 2012
Genre : Comedy
Producer : Akshay Kumar, Ashvini Yardi, Paresh Rawal
Director : Umesh Shukla
Music Director : Himesh Reshammiya
Cast : Paresh Rawal, Mithun Chakraborty, Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Prabhu Dheva.
Synopsis:
OMG Oh My God is an upcoming Bollywood comedy drama film directed by Umesh Shukla, and produced by Akshay Kumar.
The film features Mithun Chakraborty and Paresh Rawal in lead roles, with Akshay Kumar in a cameo role. It is adapted from a highly acclaimed Gujrati play named "Kanji Virrudh Kanji".
It also includes influences of Paresh Rawal's Hindi play "Krishan vs Kanhaiya". The film is scheduled to release on 28 September 2012.
Producer Akshay Kumar announced the film in 2010. When the promos of the movie were released at first, people heard actor Salman Khan's voice and assumed that he was playing a role in the movie or maybe he was the narrator.
Later, the director Umesh Shukla went on to clarify that Salman's voice was only being used in the promos of the movie.
The director was quoted telling IANS, "He (Salman) will not be narrating in the film.
He has that notorious voice. My film is a light-hearted comedy and we need someone who can do justice to the visuals."
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the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Great people are always humble
Lord Raama, the paramaathma, was ofcourse the greatest warrior ever. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita remarks “I am Raama among warriors”. He learnt all the Shastras and unparalled Dhanurvidya under the guidance of the great Vasishtha. He was also given super-human powers like bala, ati bala by the great Vishwamithra, the Rishi of Gayathri manthra. Vishwamithra maharshi also taught him all the secret astras that ever existed, which only he in this whole universe knew (he originally learnt it from Lord Shiva). In addition to these, Agasthya mahamuni gave him many additional powers.A few glimpses of Lord Raama’s valour:
With one arrow Raama kills taataki, the mighty raakshasi.
With two simultaneous arrows he kills subaahu and throws Maaricha seven seas away.
Effortlessly lifts the Shiva dhanush, which was pulled to the court by around 50000 well built people.
Raama kills Khara, Dhushana, their 1000 brothers and their army in 14 minutes single handed.
Despite being such a great warrior, he never displayed in strength on his own to show others. The anger on the samudra stands as a good example for this quality of Raama:
Raavana gives 30 days time to sita maata to decide if she will marry him, else will kill her. Bharata took word from Raama saying that if he does’nt return on the next moment of 14 yrs of aranyavaas, then he will sacrifice himself. Raama and his army reaches the shores of ocean with barely 30 days in hand. They have to cross the ocean, defeat Ravana & his army, take sita back to ayodhya in around 30 days time. With such a press for time and given the strength of Raama, Lakshmana suggests Raama not to spend time asking ocean God for way, but to order him.
What Raama does is unbelievable. Though he had the strength and power to control the ocean God, he did not do it. He did penance on the shores of the ocean for 3 long days to give them a way. Finally after 3 days Raama gets angry on the ocean and to make remember his duty, aims an astra at him and immediately ocean God appears and suggests a way of crossing him…
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“Never tell your problems to anyone...20% don't care and the other 80% are glad you have them.”
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