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“Success is how high you Bounce when you hit Bottom.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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US: Automakers report sales increases despite storm
Major automakers are reporting sales increases for October despite losing three days of business to the punishing rain and wind from Superstorm Sandy. Toyota said its sales rose almost 16 per cent for the month, while Volkswagen reported another strong month with sales up 22 per cent. Chrysler sales rose 10 per cent, General Motors was up 5 per cent, and Ford rose slightly. The results show that Americans continue to buy new cars and trucks at a strong pace.
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US economy adds 171K jobs, economy strengthening
US employers added 171,000 jobs in October, and hiring was stronger in August and September than first thought. The solid job growth showed that the economy is strengthening slowly but consistently. Since July, the economy has created an average of 173,000 jobs a month. That's up from 67,000 a month from April through June.
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Website in Africa set up exclusively to fact-check public debate
The first website in Africa set up exclusively to fact-check public debate, www.africacheck.org, has been launched. The website has been devised by the AFP Foundation [a non-profit arm of Agence France-Presse, a French news agency] and will be run in partnership with the journalism department of the University of the Witwatersrand. 'Fact-checking is a growing trend in the media, and in wider society, around the world.
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Light from first stars detected in cosmic 'fog'
New research from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has now gotten closer than ever before to describing when that first star flickered on, a new study says. Based on data gleaned from jets of high-energy radiation emitted long ago, scientists say they now know that stars were present at least as early as 500 million years after the big bang, which gave birth to the universe some 13.75 billion years ago.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Police files closure report in Amar Singh case
In a relief for Amar Singh, the Uttar Pradesh Police has submitted a closure report in a district court in Kanpur in the three-year-old fraud and embezzlement case against the Rajya Sabha MP, citing lack of evidence.
The police submitted the report in the court of district judge on Friday, official sources said on Saturday.
The complaint was lodged by Shivakant Tripathi during the BSP regime in 2009 accusing Amar Singh of misusing his office during his stint as chairman of Uttar Pradesh Development Council and alleging a scam of Rs 500 crore, they said.
In the complaint, large scale money laundering was alleged by floating 55 companies and later merging them. The case lodged by Babupurwa police on October 15 included charges under Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Prevention of Corruption Act.
Sources in the court of district judge said the Investigating Officer (IO) in the case has submitted a closure report and a notice has been issued asking the petitioner to present his side on November 29.
DIG Amitabh Yash had on Friday night confirmed that the case had been given to the local police for investigation. He, however, declined to give details. Attempts were made to reach CO Babupurwa but to no avail.
Mr. Amar Singh, who was once a prominent SP leader, was expelled in February 2010 for “anti-party” activities.
Mr. Tripathi said he will file a protest petition either on Saturday or on Monday. He had submitted 1,500 pages of evidence against Mr. Amar Singh in his FIR to the police.
In his complaint, the petitioner had alleged that Mr. Singh had claimed his property to be worth Rs 32 crore when he fought the Rajya Sabha election.
However, when he was made Uttar Pradesh Development Council Chairman, he declared his property worth Rs 500 crore, Tripathi alleged.
Initially, the UP police had transferred the case to Kolkata Police stating that many of the companies mentioned in it were having their registered office there.
But, the plea was turned down by Kolkata Police which stated that allegations mentioned in the case originated in UP after which Babupurwa Police in Kanpur was directed to investigate. However, immediately after this the state government had directed the Economic Offences Wing to investigate the case.
In between Amar Singh filed a plea in Allahabad High Court seeking direction to quash proceedings against him.
In his plea, Mr. Singh had contended that since the Enforcement Directorate had found that the allegations against him were baseless, all proceedings against him should be quashed. On October 12, the court rejected his plea and directed a probe by a state agency.
On October 28, the state government had directed the EOW to transfer the case to Babupurwa police station immediately. Five days after that circle officer Babupurwa Pavitra Mohan Tripathi, who was investigating the case, submitted the closure report in the court on Friday. Keywords: former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, closure report, embezzlement case, Amar Singh case, money laundering case.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Use this magnificent day to flesh out an idea with co-workers that'll help you approach a vital assignment in the most organized, efficient way possible. Not only will this endeavor be a success, since everyone will work together smoothly, you'll also impress the boss with your ability to take a concept and perfect it. In addition, if you have a meeting scheduled with a VIP about a work assignment, or a review, expect a positive outcome.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
If you're involved in a creative communications endeavor that has potential for a global reach, today will be an ideal day to promote your plan and spread your message to others. You might also schedule a phone call or meeting with internationally based contacts who have the power to help you secure a solid foundation around this venture. Also, if you hope to break ground in the publishing or advertising industries, expect progress now.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Expect progress in a family financial or real estate matter. You might have a conversation with a relative about estate planning or you might even decide to refinance your home and spend time today comparing rates with various lending institutions. You'll have a powerful edge in communication around any financial situation so it'll be a great time to make a decision about long term assets. It's also possible that an elderly relative will offer you sage investment advice. Take it!.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Anticipate sound communication between you and your partner. Consequently, if there's a vital decision you need to make together, or a significant conversation you've been meaning to have, today will be an ideal time to approach your mate. It will also be a perfect time to make a written commitment to anyone - whether in business or in your personal life. If you sign any contract today it'll be favorable.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 If you're about to accept a new job or freelance assignment, today will be a positive time to negotiate your salary for this project. You'll convey how indispensable your specific talents are to the success potential of this endeavor and it'll be clear to those in a position of authority that your productive, highly organized approach to this task will be worth any extra compensation. Be sure to ask for what you know you're worth!
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Galaxy Note II sales cross 3 m mark
Samsung Electronics Co. said Friday it has sold more than 3 million Galaxy Note II smartphones in a little over a month after its launch, as the company vies to keep its lead over rivals during the crucial holiday quarter.
The South Korean firm, which was the world’s largest maker of smartphones in the July-September quarter, said it took 37 days for the oversize smartphone to reach the sales figure.
The Note II was released first in South Korea in September and in the U.S. and other countries in the following month.
Samsung’s Note category took off in the market, overcoming skepticism about its big size making it look awkward when held close to the face.
The Note was one of the few 5-inch smartphone in the market when the first model was unveiled last year, making some people believe it would become a “tweener” that is neither a tablet nor a smartphone.
But phone manufacturers began to expand screen sizes this year. Even Apple released a bigger iPhone this year.
The Note series is one of the two key mobile devices from Samsung on the high-end smartphone segment, along with flagship Galaxy S III smartphone, helping Samsung rake in profit for the business division that is responsible for more than 70 percent of the company’s quarterly sales.
The latest iteration of the Note features a screen measuring 5.5 inches diagonally and a digital pen for note-taking.
The South Korean firm is pinning its hope on the Note II and the S III to maintain its market lead during the crucial fourth-quarter holiday season, when a number of new gadgets are vying for attention from consumers in the crowded market.
Research firm IDC said Samsung topped the global smartphone market in the July-September third quarter with 56.3 million sales, more than double Apple’s 26.9 million iPhone sales. The two companies controlled combined 46 percent of the global smartphone market, according to IDC.
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How to improve balance in older people
Falling down and losing balance is one of the most common problems with old age. As age progresses, parents will complain of loss of balance and dizziness.
Falls can lead to complications that in turn can lead to disability. Hence with the help of our fitness experts we build a good foundation based on exercise that build and strengthen your muscles. Here are some interesting exercises that will help you re-gain your footing.
Strength and conditioning coach, Arnav Sarkar gives you a practical guide to boost your muscle groups. He explains, "With loss of activity the body starts losing strength, endurance and flexibility, and thus basic movements like walking become a challenge for some. The best way to combat this is to keep exercising and focus on working all the major muscle groups."
He lists basic exercises to follow, "A basic exercise that should be a staple would include squats, do half range or sit on a chair if normal full range is not possible. Besides do some lying hip extensions, light to moderate weight training, and of course do some stretching, cardiovascular activity like walking, climbing stairs to keep your body strong and not let things like balance become an issue for you."
Jordyn Steig, our fitness guru, expert columnist and founder of Wellistic Wholeness, breaks down the facts further he says, "Fit people in general fall less often than those whose muscles are weak and joints are less mobile. Almost any exercise will enhance older people's agility and keep their muscles and bones stronger than they would be if they remain sedentary."
Jordyn says, "The best way to remain light on ones feet and learn how to naturally react to being thrown off of our centers, which causes falling, is to engage in exercise which destabilises the body. Destabilising the body simply means ensuring that whatever exercise one is doing, the body needs to stabilise itself rather than letting the floor or a fixed object like a bench or a stool hold our bodies still."
He lets you in on his personal preference, "I tend to use an exercise ball to lie or sit on or a wobble board to stand on or hold straps (like the TRX Suspension Training System) to allow clients to pick one foot off the ground or stand on their tip-toes for every possible exercise during a workout.
The basic effect is to require our core muscles to stabilise our body. When these methods are practiced regularly, I see a very quick change in a person's coordination and agility, as well as an increase in mobility in their joints. This decreases the chances of falling when one is slightly knocked off their centre and also makes a person, supple, fit, and strong."
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
An intense conversation with your sweetheart might be in order. If you engage in an honest, open discussion about a serious topic that's affecting both of you, today's energy will support your communication endeavor helping to bring you closer together as a result. Today might also be the time to get serious about a decision you need to make on behalf of a child. You'll instinctively know what's in his or her best interests and will plan accordingly.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
If you spend time with a sick or troubled relative today you'll certainly make a difference. Your words will not only lift up this family member but will provide strength and a new perspective that may also promote healing. It's also possible that you will be the lucky recipient of potent advice from someone in your clan and if so, you might decide to keep the conversation private. A family or real estate decision made now will be sound.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Any speech, presentation, or lecture you deliver will certainly pack a punch - in a good way! Mercury, the planet of communication, will be at a gorgeous link to Pluto, now in your message sector. You'll speak with magnetism and conviction and your words are sure to leave an indelible mark on your audience. If you're looking to convince anyone about one of your schemes, this will be the day to speak up.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Expect to make a momentous stride in the attainment of a professional goal, thanks to your ability to speak with charisma and presence to VIPs. Your voice will be commanding, however, at the same time it'll be captivating and you'll speak with a level of confidence and authority that others are sure to notice and respect. It'll be difficult for anyone to say no to you with this kind of energy. Don't just think big, speak big!
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 If you're involved in any legal matter or court case, today will be an exceptionally strong day to meet with your attorney and discuss the matter or to appear in front of a judge if need be. Mercury will be in the area of your chart ruling the legal system and will make a perfect link to Pluto. With this energy you can be sure that justice will prevail and your legal representative will speak with conviction on your behalf.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 If you're in the midst of a sensitive research project or investigation, today might lead to a lucky break. It's possible that you'll discover behind the scenes information previously hidden. With this new data in hand you will either make a significant stride in your enquiry or solve a puzzle that has baffled you. Since detective work will be second nature, you might also interview someone who you feel has information that can help fill in any blanks..
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Expect a social day filled with group activity. The difference however, is that instead of drawing a crowd that simply wants to have fun, you're likely to wind up engaged in a profound conversation with your friends and partner as you socialize. You might discuss an array of serious topics, but all of them will have an intense, emotional element that will deepen the bond you share with each other.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Every king was once crying baby,
& every building was once a map..
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its not important what u r today..
but where u reach tomorrow.. = ).”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Relationship is like a violin,
Music may stop now n then,
But strings are attached forever.
So if u r in touch or not,
U r always remembered. .
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“There is great comfort and inspiration in the feeling of close human relationships and its bearing on our mutual fortunes – a powerful force, to overcome the “tough breaks” which are certain to come to most of us from time to time. All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Santa has to sell his dog. Banta wants to buy it.
Banta: Is this dog faithful ?
Santa: Yes, I have sold it 3 times earlier also. It is so faithful, everytime it returned back to me.
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Patna University to launch course in disaster management
PATNA: PU vice-chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh announced here on Friday that the varsity would launch a full-time course in disaster management from the next academic session (2013-14).
Necessary formalities for drafting syllabi and framework of the course have already been initiated and the state government has assured all technical assistance to the course.
He was speaking as chief guest on the opening day of the three-day 34th Indian Geography Congress of the National Association of Geographers, India (NAGI), organized by Patna University (PU) geography department.
Inaugurating the meet, International Geographers' Union secretary general Michael Meadows underlined the role of geographers in reducing the risks of natural disasters and ensuring sustainable development of the society. He said that human-induced activities have accelerated the incidence of natural and man-made hazards in recent times.
He further pointed out that though there are evidences of climatic changes in the geological past also, the phenomenon has accelerated in the last 100 years. He called upon the geographers to develop a global understanding of the hazards and adopt a holistic approach towards their reduction.
Earlier, Bihar State Disaster Management Authority vice-chairman A K Sinha delivered the keynote address.
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Indo-Pak series could have been longer: Zaheer Abbas
KARACHI: He is glad that Indo-Pak bilateral cricket is finally set for revival come December, but former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas is not particularly pleased with the short duration of the series.
While welcoming the BCCI announcement that it had got clearance to host Pakistan for a short one-day series from December 25, Zaheer said he hoped for a full series.
"While it is a very good thing that finally bilateral cricket matches are being revived after nearly five years but the duration of the series has disappointed me given the importance of Indo-Pak cricket contests," he said.
"Any bilateral contest is welcome but I would have thought that after such a long break, both countries should have played a proper Test series and found a window for this in their busy schedules," he added.
Zaheer said the duration of the series was too short. "But anyway I hope that very soon the two boards will schedule a full Test series because it has been a long time since we played Tests against each other and that is the real challenge of cricket," he noted.
Another former Test captain, Hanif Mohammad also welcomed the decision by the PCB to send its team to India in December to revive bilateral ties.
"It is a good decision although India has not come to Pakistan since 2006 but someone has to take the initiative and it is good we did it. Because I have always felt Indo-Pak cricket contests only further popularise the sport in the subcontinent and bring in new talent," Hanif said.
Zaheer also advised the Pakistan Cricket Board to appoint a local person as the batting coach of the national team.
Zaheer's comments came despite he being a member of the coaching committee appointed by the board to scrutinise, shortlist and recommend candidates for the batting coach position.
The committee has invited interested applicants from Pakistan and outside the country to apply for the position by December 5.
"I just feel that we should have a local person as batting coach because we have produced some great batsmen in our country and one of them can easily enough do the job for the national team," Zaheer said.
The former captain, who himself scored prolifically in a illustrious career is a member of the committee that also includes former Test captain Intikhab Alam and Colonel Naushad Ali.
Zaheer, who was also on the committee when it appointed Dav Whatmore as head coach of the team in March, said the Australian needed to be given proper time to prove his credentials with the team.
"Immediately after he took charge we won the Asia Cup but I still feel he needs to be given more time to prove himself. We should not jump to conclusions about his value to the team," he added.
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Jab Tak Hai Jaan
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Jab Tak Hai Jaan
Movie Name : Jab Tak Hai Jaan
Release Date : November 13, 2012
Genre : Romane
Producer : Aditya Chopra
Director : Yash Chopra
Music Director : A R Rahman
Cast : Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma, Anupam Kher, Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh.
Synopsis:
Jab Tak Hai Jaan is an upcoming 2012 Indian romance film directed by Yash Chopra and written and produced by Aditya Chopra under their production banner Yash Raj Films. The film features Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in lead roles, making it the first film to pair Khan and Kaif and the second collaboration between Khan and Sharma after Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. It was Yash Chopra's fourth film to feature Shahrukh Khan in the lead role, the former returning as a director after eight years post Veer-Zaara which released in 2004. Jab Tak Hai Jaan is Yash Chopra's last directorial venture before his death on October 21, 2012, just three weeks before the release of the film. Yash Raj Films has always been very secretive about the stories of their films. However, it has been revealed that Anushka Sharma, who is playing the leading role in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, works for Discovery Channel and makes a documentary on Shahrukh Khan's life in the film.
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the least used letter in the alphabet is Q.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
A story for Passover
A good Passover story should always involve cakes. Austrian baker Manfred Klaschka is the subject of this year’s story. He was in the news because of his most recent catalogue of cake designs; Klaschka is a pastry specialist. Of course, Austrian pastries are famous the world over. Now, pastry baker Manfred Klaschka’s most recent catalogue of such tasty delights was in the news this week because it included cakes decorated with swastikas – as well as one with a baby raising its right arm in a Nazi salute. Herr Klaschka insists he is not a Nazi. After the news story broke, he even met with a Holocaust awareness group, and apologized for what he had done, and he then baked a cake to say he was sorry – a cake with Jewish and Christian symbols. The point of the story – the bit I found interesting – is Herr Klaschka’s explanation for what he did. "I see it was a mistake, anyone who knows me knows what kind of person I am. I am no Nazi", said Klaschka, who had earlier said he was just a pastry maker fulfilling his customers’ wishes. Fulfilling his customers’ wishes? There is a market in Austria in 2011 for cakes with babies raising their arms in Nazi salutes, cakes with swastikas on them? There are parties where people serve such cakes? Maybe birthday parties for babies?
f course there are such people, and there are such parties, and because of that, there is a market – there is consumer demand – for swastika cakes. Which is why Herr Klaschka was happy to bake them. And not only in Austria.
You may remember the case of the Campbell family from New Jersey.
When Kurt Waldheim was exposed as a war criminal his popularity rose. The neo-Nazi Freedom Party headed by the late Jorg Haider, won 27% of the vote in the 2000 elections and became part of the coalition government – the first time since 1945 that Nazis had sat in a European government.
But this never happened in New Jersey – which is why I want to talk about the Campbell family. The Campbell family in New Jersey made the news back in 2008 when they tried to get a birthday cake made for their son — they have a son and two daughters — at the local Shop Rite in Holland Township.The store refused their request. And the reason was that Mr. Campbell wanted the cake to read "Happy birthday Adolf Hitler". Because, you see, his son’s name was Adolf Hitler Campell. One of the daughters is named is named JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell. Well, you get the point.
When I read about the Austrian baker Manfred Klaschka, I thought – here was a marketing opportunity for him. He would have happily baked a cake for the Campbell family. So what does all this have to do with Passover? This week, when we are forbidden to eat Sachertore or Linzer tort or even the delightfully named Punschkrapfen, we might want to pause and think about something we say every year at the Passover seder: 'In every generation it is the duty of man to consider himself as if he had come forth from Egypt'. Because in this generation, as in all others, there are those who order custom-made swastika cakes. There are those who name their children after Adolf Hitler. And there are others who fire anti-tank missiles at school busses with Jewish children in them.
Because there are those who are building nuclear weapons, having told the world that their intention is to wipe the Jewish state off the face of the earth. Because people like that make Pharaoh look like a nice guy. Because getting out of the house of bondage, out of slavery in Egypt, was not the end of the story for the Jewish people, but was the beginning. It is a story of a never-ending struggle for freedom, for dignity, for respect, for human rights, that has universal resonance and meaning — for all people, everywhere, always.
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“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.. ”
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