“Success is how high you Bounce when you hit Bottom.”     VBA's Positive News Iran hints direct talks with US are possible Direct talks between Iran and the United States are possible, but any such breakthrough would have to be approved by the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's foreign minister said Monday. The comments by Ali Akbar Salehi were a first sign Tehran may seek diplomatic overtures with what it long considers a nemesis in Washington. Khamenei rebuffed President Barack Obama's outreach in 2009.      Google gives $23 million to spur innovation in charities Google is announcing $23 million in grants to spur innovation among charities and increase education for girls and minority students in science and technology. Seven nonprofits will win the first Google Global Impact Awards on 4 December.        Canada: BMO profit rises on wholesale banking, better loans Bank of Montreal's quarterly profit rose 41 per cent, topping estimates, as wholesale banking income doubled and loan-loss provisions plunged. The company is Canada's fourth-largest bank.  Canadian auto sales reach near-record for November Vehicle sales in Canada grew 3.8 per cent last month as an industry-wide rebound and strong demand for new cars lifted sales to the second-best November on record.    Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + Opposition seeks rollback of FDI          The Opposition parties on Tuesday went hammer and tongs against the government for its decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail even as the much demanded debate under rule 184 (that entails voting) began on the issue in the Lok Sabha. They wanted the government to withdraw the decision. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, a constituent of the United Progressive Alliance, and the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party (who extend outside support to the UPA) claimed that the move would lead to many small traders losing their jobs, farmers being badly hit and all profits being siphoned off by retail giants like Walmart at the cost of the Indian people and consumers. While the DMK’s T.K.S. Elangovan made it clear that the party, though opposed to FDI, would not vote against the government, the SP and the BSP remained noncommittal on the issue of voting. BSP floor leader Darasingh Chauhan kept the government and Opposition parties guessing by announcing that the party’s strategy would be out on Wednesday at the time of voting. Earlier, initiating the debate on the motion, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj recalled that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha had, in 2002, opposed FDI in retail. She wanted to know what had changed for the government to decide to implement it now. When large supermarkets were a failed concept in the Western countries, how could the UPA-II regime claim that it would create job opportunities here, Ms. Swaraj wondered. She said the BJP was not opposed to FDI per se and offered to travel with Dr. Singh around the globe to invite investments in other sectors like infrastructure. Ms. Swaraj said the foreign retail chains would not buy products from small and medium farmers at all. Saugata Roy (Trinamool Congress) wondered out loud as to why the government took important decisions, such as the Indo-U.S. civil nuclear deal and FDI in retail, ahead of the Presidential elections in the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was on the board of WalMart before she had joined the American government, Mr. Roy alleged, adding that her May 2012 visit to India was to make UPA-II agree to FDI in retail, a move that would benefit for the U.S. “Does the government of India have to respond to American urging?” Mr. Roy said. SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said the decision on FDI in retail was not in the interest of the country as it would affect 20-25 crore people and their families connected with the small retail trade besides increasing unemployment: “I am not speaking for [the government] or against you. Please reverse the decision on FDI and call for an all-party meeting.” Mr. Mulayam Singh asked why, if the decision would increase employment opportunities as claimed by the government, could it not allow retail chains all over the country rather than just those cities with a population of above 10 lakh. He warned that small traders might commit suicide because of its decision on FDI. T.K.S. Elangovan (DMK) said the decision would affect a large chunk of farmers and small-time traders. “We will watch you [government] and correct you. We don’t want to go with the BJP [by opposing the government]”. The DMK member also made it clear that the party would not allow FDI in Tamil Nadu. Darasingh Chauhan (BSP) said WalMart would only act as a commission agent between the farmers and the consumers and asked the government not to continue the decision to allow FDI in multi-brand trade in haste. He reminded the government that the Britishers entered India to do spice trade and later brought the entire country under their control. Basudeb Acharia of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) criticised the government for not showing empathy for the plight of poor farmers in the country. He asked why, if the FDI in retail trade decision was in the interest of the country, were so many people opposed to it.  Astrology   Aries March 21 to April 19 Since you'll be focused on creating a sense of well-being today, it will be important that you find time for activities you enjoy. This would be an excellent time to take an exercise class, book a massage, begin a new health protocol, or simply enjoy the company of friends or a pet, if you have one. You may also benefit from organizing your work or living space. Try to do something to make your life more comfortable and easy now.                                               Taurus April 20 to May 20 You might learn a lot or benefit from sharing with your partners today. You may discover better ways to understand each other or come to an important agreement with clients or in a close personal relationship. If you are thinking about reaching out to a potential new contact, this would be a perfect day to pick up the phone and plan a future meeting. You are in for a couple of great days ahead, when you will be able make favorable alliances.                                      Gemini May 21 to June 20 You may find new ways to improve your health or boost your energy level today. If you come across an interesting article or product, this would be a good time to take notice. Whatever you discover now might prove beneficial for you in the long run. You may also enjoy the company of co-workers or be able to convince them to join you in taking a fitness class together. Over the next few days, your work relations should improve, and this in turn will help you to become more productive.                               Cancer June 21 to July 22  You'll be very in-sync with people in your life, and even with the larger world today. You may intuitively think of someone, then suddenly get an email or phone call from him or her. Or somewhere in your day you might run into someone that shares mutual friends with you. You might experience a sense of magical synchronicity that makes you feel more connected to others. Take whatever you experience now as a sign that you're on the right path.                                                          Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  You will be in a very creative and fun loving mood, but you'll also feel the need to challenge yourself by becoming more organized and productive. Try channeling part of your energy toward taking small steps or making adjustments that will lead you closer to your goals. This might include simply deciding to give up a sweet indulgence in favor of something more healthy, or accepting a professional opportunity. You have a marvelous opportunity to switch things around in your favor now.                               BUSINESS+VE                                                                              GMR told to hand over Male airport to MACL       Maldives, on Tuesday, asked GMR-led consortium GMR Male’ International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (GMIAL) to surrender control of the Male airport and handover the management to state-run Male Airport Corporation Ltd (MACL) by Saturday for a smooth transition. Maldives, on Tuesday, asked GMR-led consortium GMR Male’ International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (GMIAL) to surrender control of the Male airport and handover the management to state-run Male Airport Corporation Ltd (MACL) by Saturday for a smooth transition. But GMR made it clear that it had legal backing to continue operation. The chief executive officer (CEO) of GMIAL, Andrew Harrison, in a statement, said that the acting Transport Minister, who was also the Defence Minister, called on him at the Male’ airport on Tuesday and asked him that MACL would operate the airport from Saturday morning in line with the Government of Maldives communication to the consortium. “The Minister wanted a smooth transition as the airport operations should not be affected, and suffer in any way. Passengers should not be inconvenienced and, therefore, all activities would be allowed to continue as is,” Mr. Harrison said. The meeting was attended by the Acting Transport Minister, the Chairman of Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, GMR’s lawyer in Maldives and three members of MNDF. “According to their legal advisors, the injunction issued by Singapore High Court does not prevent them from taking over the airport, and the injunction cannot be applied to a sovereign state. They proposed offering 100 per cent employment in MACL to all staff currently working for GMIAL, and an announcement to that effect would be made tomorrow (Wednesday) by the MACL board. The offer included both local and foreign staff at their existing terms and conditions, including salary,” Mr. Harrison said. However, GMIAL made it clear that it would continue. “The injunction clearly prevents Maldives from taking the action outlined in their notice issued to us stating that the airport would be taken over at the end of the 7-day period. We remain resolute in our position, and there is no question of an offer being made and certainly no question of any alleged offer being accepted as we will simply not agree to our rights nor the injunction being undermined in any way,” the GMIAL CEO said. He said GMIAL’s lawyer clarified that the injunction was to be honoured. “The Acting Transport Minister explained that he was not a legal person and he would, therefore, arrange for his legal team to meet our lawyer tomorrow (Wednesday) to discuss the legal matters and in the meantime he stated that we should maintain dialogue,” Mr. Harrison said. “We will always maintain dialogue but our legal position is very clear and we will not compromise on our legal position which is clearly supported by the injunction,” he added. HEALTH+VE                                                              Best vegetarian sources of protein       Perhaps one of the most neglected meal components - Protein is the reason behind muscle regeneration, performance, and upkeep. Without it, you will find it impossible to get fitter. Animal protein helps maintain a well-balanced diet for most non-vegetarians. But what about the vegetarians? Does one really need to switch meal preferences to gain the maximum protein punch? Not at all. Today we bring you the best vegetarian sources of protein that will help you gain muscle tone and maintain good nutrition. Read on... Whole grains: Although a fine line between carbs, cereal and protein - whole grains like quinoa and barley are excellent sources of protein. At approximately 18gms of protein per cup of cooked quinoa, this wonder grain is one of the best vegetarian sources of protein. Unfortunately, quinoa isn't easily available in India, since it's a South American crop. However, some premium stores do stock it. Failing that, barley or jowar and other whole grains are also sufficient vegetarian sources of protein. Soy: A wonderfully versatile ingredient, soy in all its shapes and forms is a great protein source for vegetarians. Drink soy milk, stir in tofu with your salads, or simply munch on soy nuts. You'll find that soy products can be roped in with just about any meal or snack - from vegetarian biryanis to light noon-time salads...Even mid-evening beverages. One cup of tofu contains approx. 18-20gms of protein. Most packaged tofu and soy milk is fortified with even more nutrients that would serve a vegetarian well. Nuts and seeds: These are protein sources that even non-vegetarians can't ignore. Nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts and seeds like flax, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin are protein and energy powerhouses. However, nuts are also high in fat, so munch on the side of caution. You can even make your own homemade nut butters by simply grinding the nuts of your choice with a dash of olive oil and some more flavourers. Sprouts: Although technically, sprouts come under the beans, legumes and lentils category in vegetarian protein sources, they deserve a special mention. You can sprout already healthy ingredients like alfalfa, mung beans, chickpeas, peas, and soyabeans. These sprouts are highly nutritious and rich in protein. Eat them raw with salads, or mix them in with a spicy, hearty dish - either way, your day's protein requirements can be sufficiently met with these wonder sprouts. Do remember that for people with acidity, sprouts aren't the best protein sources. Beans and lentils: Chalk one up for Indian cuisines, because our diets are already rich in these hearty vegetarian protein sources. Whether it's the ever-loved Rajma Chawal or the various East coast beans and lentil curries with kokam and tamarind, beans and lentils are an intrinsic part of our food culture. And rightly so. One cup of beans (kidney, black, red) contains approximately 15gms of protein. These do not, however, perform as optimally as dairy and soy sources of protein. Therefore, vegetarians must still take care to include all the other protein sources mentioned here. Dairy : Dairy has recieved some bad press recently (Re: Lactose intolerance being more common than we think). However, if you do not have any digestion problems or adverse reactions to natural whey protein and simple plain yogurt, we say give it a try. Whey protein is simply the leftover residue from the cheese-making, paneer-making process. Resort to artificial (closest to natural state) whey protein only if you aren't getting enough protein in your daily diet. Yogurt is easier to digest than milk, and is a great protein source for vegetarians.       Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  This will be a wonderful day to focus on your personal needs, instead of pushing beyond your limits. You're in need of a little rejuvenation, so take care of yourself in small ways. Spending time by yourself or lavishing yourself with a health or beauty treatment might prove beneficial. This is also a day when you might make important decisions about your personal life or in the lives of others. Still, there's no need to rush to conclusions. You'll find better days later this week to make them.                                Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 You're going through a transitional phase, so take time to explore your options and feelings before you decide to come to conclusions. Whatever you learn today, or over the next few days, might provide major revelations that you haven't even thought of before. This is your time to consider things, instead of making decisions. A perfect opportunity will surface next week, so just sit back and take it all in. Then soon after, you'll be ready to decide your next best move.                               Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 You may find an ideal situation is offered to you today. While you're on the brink of making an important life decision, it's probably best if you put it off till tomorrow or a few days from now. Although it's very tempting, the planets suggest you take a few days to weight the cons and pros. Don't allow yourself to feel pressured to make a decision now. Whatever is truly best for you will come back around or provide a window of opportunity when you feel more certain.                             Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 With the Sun in Sagittarius, it's clear you're doing well. However, the planets suggest that you may be regretting a recent decision or expenditure. If so, you may have to cut back on a few of your favorite things to balance it out. Still, no real worries here, because you're about to make more money than you have in some time. Today you'll get a little reality check from the stars, helping you to make wiser decisions and investments in the future.                              Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 Today you'll find a little help from your friends, so take advantage of any social opportunity they extend to you. This would be a great time to set up appointments to meet with them or their connections a few days from now, or even next week. Your friends are capable of blazing new trails for you by connecting you to just the right people. This might also be a day when you decide how to market yourself or begin to collaborate with others.                                 Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  You may find an opportunity today to shine in the public eye by showcasing a talent. If you've been working on a creative project, you'll finally begin to make progress. You may find people suddenly coming out of the woodwork that want to help you now. Yet if there is a situation brewing where you can collaborate, it's probably best you team up. You may also discover ways to finance your project, by applying for grants or initiating a kick-starter fundraiser.                        Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  You'll find plenty of inspiration to expand your professional goals today. You might also come in contact with VIPs that can help you bring your dreams into reality. If you have an interest in promoting or marketing yourself or expertise, you'll find marvelous suggestions from others about how to proceed. Over the next few days, you'll find a brilliant opportunity to connect with just the right person. So take time to organize your thoughts and ambitions before you decide just who you wish to collaborate with.                                   Moral Story     SMS   “Every king was once crying baby, & every building was once a map.. . 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 orders pizza. Waiter: Sir shud i cut it into 4 pieces or into 8 pieces? Santa: 4 hi karde 8 khaye nahi jayenge.

EDUCATION +VE Campus selection going strong at SHIATS           ALLAHABAD: In the ongoing campus placement and interviews being organised by authorities of Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS), nine students have secured jobs. Dean career planning & counseling centre Ashok Tripathi informed that Zan Info Solution Pvt Ltd organised campus interview for students of MCA, BTech (ECE) and BTech (EEE).   After the final personality development round, Kabita Gorain, Anamika Kumari, Mrigank Bhardwaj, Shalini Bharti, Swati Asthana, Komal Singh, Prashant Gaurav and Nidhi Singh were selected for jobs in the company. Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration) of SHIATS S B Lal informed that the 16th Sam Higginbottom music competition will be organised by the Student Christian Movement unit at the institute on December 5 at Yeshu Darbar premises. The programme will start at 1 pm and the competition will comprise solos, duets, group band and choirs in Junior I, Junior II and senior categories. SHIATS Vice Chancellor and Bishop, Yeshu Darbar Bishop Dr Rajendra B Lal will grace the occasion. A number of entries have been received from across the city. Lal also said the competition was dedicated to founder of the agricultural institute and its basic aim was to encourage and identify talent among the youths. SPORTS +VE Shane Warne Ashes comeback talk sets media abuzz         SYDNEY: Shane Warne on Wednesday apologised to Australia Test skipper Michael Clarke after comments about a possible dramatic return for next year's Ashes series against England sparked a media frenzy. "Sorry @MClarke23 if you woke up to calls!!!! See you soon buddy," he tweeted to the skipper, a close friend. The 43-year-old leg-spinner, regarded as one of the game's greatest players, quit Tests in 2007 but captained the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals for four years, winning the inaugural tournament in 2008. Now preparing for another season in Australia's Big Bash League with the Melbourne Stars, he told News Limited newspapers that he had "absolutely no doubt" he could bowl successfully at Test level again. Warne said that if Clarke suggested his services were needed after the Test team's recent bowling struggles against South Africa, he would give it some serious thought. "If your best friend says, 'Mate, I want you to seriously consider making a commitment to Australian cricket and coming back out of retirement', (to) make myself available for selection, that's a different scenario," Warne said. "From a purely bowling perspective, I don't think my form would be the concern, it's just the time and actually making that commitment again." He added that he felt the urge to play the five-day game again while watching the third and final Test against South Africa in Perth when the Australian attack struggled to make an impact in the Proteas' second innings. "I felt like I wanted to jump off the couch and grab the ball," he said. "I really felt for Michael Clarke from a captaincy point of view. "When you've got international bowlers bowling one or two full-tosses an over and half-volleys, I felt for Pup, I really felt for him." Australia lost the third Test on Monday by 309 runs and the series 1-0, missing out on the chance to return to the top of the international rankings. But with Australian media buzzing about a possible return, Warne, who remains Australia's highest ever wicket-taker with 708 Test scalps, took to Twitter to hose down the speculation. "Clarification guys & thankyou for the kind words, but... I was asked 'could' I play not 'would' I play. yes, I could. didn't say I would!," he tweeted. In a second tweet, he added: "It was a hypothetical question re if Michael Clarke asked me. Read my quotes 'I'm not asking Michael to ask me' Hope I didn't disappoint!" The speculation saw Warne's fiancee Liz Hurley, the English model and actress, take to Twitter to give her opinion. "Hmmm....good question re who would I support if @warne888 played in the Ashes," she said. "I think I'd want @warne888 to bowl brilliantly but be let down by all his Aussie team mates so England won but he was Man of Every Match." Australia play five Ashes Tests against England in July and August next year, desperate to win after suffering back-to-back series defeats against their oldest rival.       Khiladi 786  Khiladi 786  Movie Name :   Khiladi 786   Release Date :   December 7, 2012 Genre :  Action / Comedy Producer : Akshay Kumar Director :   Ashish R Mohan Music Director : Himesh Reshammiya Cast : Akshay Kumar, Asin, Himesh Reshammiya, Paresh Rawal, Ileana D'Cruz   Synopsis:    Khiladi 786 is an upcoming Bollywood action comedy film directed by Ashish R Mohan, featuring Akshay Kumar in the title role alongside Asin playing the female lead; Mithun Chakraborty, Paresh Rawal and Himesh Reshammiya will also appear in pivotal roles. It will be produced by Eros International, HR Musik Limited and Hari Om Entertainment. The film marks the return of Akshay Kumar to his famous Khiladi film series after 12 years since he acted in Khiladi 420. The first teaser of movie was released online on 4 October. It got 1.5 million views in 5 days and some industry watchers expect this film to be the biggest opener of Akshay Kumar's career. The full trailer revealed on 12th November 2012, whilst the film is expected to release on 7th December 2012.       the least used letter in the alphabet is Q. " 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? Of 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.

“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.. ”