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"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't."
| VBA's Positive News |
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Turkey: Kurdish leader calls talks 'historic step'
Imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan has called talks with Turkish officials aiming to halt a decades-long conflict a historic step and urged all sides involved to show 'care and sensitivity'. His brief message was conveyed Saturday by three pro-Kurdish legislators who were allowed to travel to his prison island off Istanbul to confer about the peace process.
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Happy families are the key to a good life, new Australian research reports
Happy families are the key to a good life, accordingly to new research reported in the Journal of Happiness Studies. Men and women involved in the study were asked to imagine themselves being 85 and near the end, and to rank the 30 things they regarded as important for a good, worthwhile life. Gaining wisdom and living a moral life were both in the top 10 requirements for a worthwhile life, and were rated as being more important than being respected. 'We focused on conceptions of a good life, or what people think will make their lives worthwhile,' said Dr Gregory Bonn, a lecturer in psychology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, who led the study.
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US: White House directs open access for government research
The White House has moved to make the results of federally funded research available to the public for free within a year, bowing to public pressure for unfettered access to scholarly articles and other materials produced at taxpayers' expense. 'Americans should have easy access to the results of research they help support,' John Holdren, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, wrote on the White House website.
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Democratic Republic of Congo neighbours agree not to support armed groups
Eleven African countries signed a United Nations-drafted peace deal on Sunday to stabilize the troubled Central African country of Congo, where rebels allegedly backed by neighbouring countries last year threatened to oust the government. Opening the agreement-signing meeting at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said peace, security and cooperation framework for Congo would bring stability to the region. Congo's neighbours collectively promised to not interfere in the internal affairs of the Congo. They also agreed to not tolerate or support armed groups.
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World Round-Up
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Centre expected trouble after two executions, says Shinde
Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said here on Sunday that the Centre was “expecting something after two executions [Ajmal Kasab’s in November 2012 and Afzal Guru’s earlier this month]” and it was sending out alerts. “The culprits will be apprehended soon”, he asserted.
Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab was hanged in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and Guru for the attack on Parliament in 2001.
“We have got some evidence that is being examined in forensic labs. Soon, we will get the results and the culprits will be apprehended soon,” Mr. Shinde, who is on a two-day visit to West Bengal, said at a press conference.
On the opposition of certain State governments to the setting up of a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), he said: “I will pursue the issue with the Chief Ministers who are opposing it; I will have to talk to them….They all belong to the Opposition and not the Congress”.
Asked about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s opposition to the proposal, he said he would take up the issue with her. “Mamataji is very cooperative with the NCTC. She was also cooperative on [the issue of] the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. I am confident where the country faces a difficulty she will cooperate”.
As for the Maoist problem, he said the Centre “is very tough on Naxalite terror.”
As for the charge of the Opposition parties in the State that law and order was deteriorating, he said he would certainly take note of it and discuss the matter with the Chief Minister. The Congress submitted a memorandum to the Minister.
On whether he was concerned over the situation in the Darjeeling hills, where the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has renewed its demand for a separate State, he said: “In the country there are so many problems. One is worried about all of them but the problem needs to be solved”.
Visits coastal outposts
The Home Minister also reviewed coastal security along the India-Bangladesh border in the State’s North 24 Parganas district on Sunday. He visited a floating border outpost and the Sunderbans, where there are three floating outposts. He said he planned to visit another six.
Mr. Shinde said he would pay another visit to the coastal areas with Ms. Banerjee on Monday: “I understand the problems there [coastal areas] since I have been visiting the border areas lately…. I had visited the Bangladesh-Meghalaya border last month”.
“The Minister [Mr. Shinde] visited a floating border outpost, Sagar, and interacted with the officials and jawans of the Border Security Force deployed there,” B.D. Sharma, Additional Director General, BSF (East), who accompanied Mr Shinde, told The Hindu.
The Minister also visited the riverine Shamshernagar border outpost, located on the southern-most tip of the Sunderbans. He spoke to villagers as well as BSF officials posted there. Security in the coastal areas remains a concern and it with this in mind that Mr. Shinde had chosen to visit the Sunderbans and review the situation there.
The three floating border outposts in the Sunderbans, Mr. Sharma said, were flat-bottomed vessels that can carry a BSF platoon and keep a vigil along the narrow creeks and forests along the India-Bangladesh border. Mr. Shinde is scheduled to inaugurate a coast guard station at Fraserganj in the Sunderbans region of South 24 Parganas on Monday. Ms. Banerjee will be present at the event and a meeting between the two leaders and senior officials will be held to review coastal security in the region.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
The concern that kept you awake last night will likely not manifest as you imagine. Changes in employment, benefits, and joint financial matters will take more time to settle. The final result will not be either so confusing or as ideal as you and some others believe. However, as always, it will be a good thing to track your money and those that manage it for you today. Keep to your meditation schedule and expect good outcomes.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You'll enjoy a leisurely day without much activity because most of the action at work will take place behind the scenes in locations far from you. Today will be a good time to review investments and other financial matters with your business and personal partners. Comparison shop for items you use on a daily basis including your means of transportation, phones, and electronics that you use to communicate or related software for them.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 The stars hint that you will make an important decision about your health care today that can have a long-term impact on your overall well being. You might adopt a new diet or exercise program or begin to participate in an active sport that will enhance your health. You may also begin seeing a new traditional or alternative health care provider or two that include dentists and optometrists as well as Tai Chi instructors.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Your moon ruler will begin a transit of Cancer. It will bring you special cosmic blessing for approximately two and one-half days. During this period you'll feel more at home wherever you are. Your sensitivity to the situations you encounter will be enhanced, along will your usual excellent nurturing skills. Your connections with the public and ability to understand their needs will be excellent too, so your talent for bringing in customers and sales for your employer will be excellent.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Today you could be tempted to overspend while in social settings or on vacation, and when contracting for personal services. If time allows, check out prices before making a commitment or signing long-term contracts. Get at least three estimates before hiring contract services for yourself or family members. Extended conversation with close friends now could lighten your day and strengthen bonds with a special companion who may soon also be a new romantic interest.
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Birla to Vie With Billionaire Ambani for Setting Up Indian Banks
Indian billionaires Kumar Mangalam Birla and Anil Ambani may set up banks in the world’s second- most populous nation after rules for procuring licenses were eased to allow new entrants.
Companies with a 10-year track record and “sound credentials” can apply by July 1, the Reserve Bank of India said in a statement on Feb. 22. Foreign ownership will be capped at 49 percent for the first five years, and the lenders are required to set up one-in-four of their branches in villages with less than 10,000 people, according to the statement.
New banks may help Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who resumed opening up the $1.8 trillion economy in September, to boost credit growth in rural areas as he seeks to revive a market expanding at the slowest pace in a decade. Only 35 percent of India’s adult population has accounts with lenders and other financial institutions, according to the World Bank, compared with the global average of 50 percent.
“Total banking licenses are likely to be limited,” Siddharth Teli, an analyst at Religare Capital Markets Ltd. in Mumbai, said in a note to clients yesterday. “Companies with strong non-financial promoters, a diversified shareholding and a niche retail presence in semi-urban areas have an edge.”
Birla’s Aditya Birla Group and Religare Enterprises Ltd., controlled by the billionaire brothers Malvinder and Shivinder Singh, said they will apply for licenses. Ambani’s Reliance Capital Ltd. (RCAPT) also plans to apply for the permits, Chief Executive Officer Sam Ghosh said.
Increasing Money-Flow
“The only purpose of the banking system is to increase the flow of money into the system,” Shachindra Nath, group chief executive officer at Religare, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India last week. “It’s genuine for the government and RBI to expect that newcomers bring that in.”
Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd. (SREI) also plans to apply for a banking permit, Chairman and Managing Director Hemant Kanoria said in an interview. Setting up lending operations would help Srei “substantially” because of its rural operations, he said.
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. (MMFS), a unit of India’s largest tractor maker, is keen to set up a bank, said Managing Director Ramesh Iyer.
“With the economy growing, rural India is emerging as the new frontier,” Ajit Mittal, a director at Indiabulls Group, said in a telephone interview. “Setting up branches there will be a good proposition for groups with requisite skill sets.”
Public Sector
State-run companies will also be allowed to set up banks, according to the rules. Still, the licenses are unlikely to be issued until late 2014 or early 2015, said A.S.V. Krishnan, a Mumbai-based analyst at Ambit Capital Pvt. India has 26 state-run banks, accounting for 76 percent of outstanding loans as of March 31, according to the central bank. The country’s 20 private lenders, led by ICICI Bank Ltd. (ICICIBC), held 19 percent of bank credit, while 40 foreign banks accounted for the rest.
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10 foods that protect your heart
Heart disease is one of the most feared ailment and a side effect of sedentary lifestyle. You can control the effects of your lifestyle by eating the right food.
It's quite often difficult to change your lifestyle drastically in this competitive world. But you can surely change a little bit of eating and ensure you are protecting your heart.
Here's a list of food that can help you protect your heart.
1. Black beans: Black beans are packed with folate, antioxidants, magnesium which are good for lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. This in turn keeps your heart in safe zone. But if you are planning to use tinned beans, please drain the liquid and wash them before use to reduce the sodium content.
2. Salmon and tuna: These two fish are rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3, two important candidates who help heart.
3. Walnuts: A handful of them a day helps lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries. Replace them as mid-meal snacks instead of chips etc.
4. Oranges: They contain cholesterol-fighting pectin. The fruit is also rich in potassium that helps control blood pressure. Antioxidant hesperidin also helps lower blood pressure.
5. Carrots: Though sweet, they are good to control diabetes, which increases heart attack risk. They also help fight bad cholesterol.
6. Sweet potatoes: They are rich in vitamin A, fiber and lycopene making them a healthy substitute for the white brethren.
7. Oats: Oats in all forms help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol.
8. Flaxseeds: Fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and ALA - these three ingredients in these small seeds make them a powerhouse of health. Sure protector of heart if had spoonful in powdered form everyday in cereals or salads.
9. Chilli powder: Difficult to believe, but these Indian tasty spice actually protects heart and body from diabetes with its ability to spike up the natural insulin levels in the body.
10. Coffee: It can keep away type 2 diabetes, but people having high blood pressure should be cautious as it can have a counter effect.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You may be in interesting but unusual circumstances that are outside of your comfort zone today. These might be connected with a situation in your immediate environment such as a weather related incident with power outages. That may also be an uncommon event related to housing and property or a unique social situation. These learning experiences will be valuable the future. Follow the leads and excellent advice on how to proceed from the experienced people around you now.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You won't wander too far from your home or workplace today, but your contacts through various electronic devices will be primarily with people that live far away or in another country. After working hours you may develop a desire for ethnic food and make dinner reservation at your favorite foreign restaurant for you and your partner. A risky investment may begin to show returns soon and just in time to cover an unexpected household expense.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You'll be drawn to familiar people and places today. You may become nostalgic for an earlier time and visit nearby relatives or contact them by phone. While on the job you will concentrate on completing your current project or assignment and bringing it to a successful close. However, your employer is likely to make a few more changes that will delay the completion a bit longer. Communications between the two of you will be excellent and you'll be pleased with the final results.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You'll lend your energies to business and personal partners and let them set the agenda for the day. This could provide you with good opportunities to discuss a financial matter that may be troubling you, but test those waters carefully before jumping in: There is also cosmic potential for you to draw fire from an angry individual today because of something you say or write. Wait a while longer to ask for a raise or to announce an increase in your fees for products or services.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Your Saturn ruler forms a challenging aspect with transforming Pluto today. You might revise your personal plans due to changes in your employer paid benefits. However, your revenue streams appear secure where you are employed and you may find other options besides a job change to access those benefits. Hasty actions can backfire now, so take your time before making a final decision. There are cosmic opportunities for collective actions around this matter that have not been explored yet.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Events going on behind the scenes now will have an influence on your career and other public activities in the near future. However you won't collect all necessary facts to understand your options for another three weeks. Avoid becoming concerned about the workplace. Too many decisions have not been made yet for you to concern yourself with them. Challenges with electric and electronic devices now will be quite enough to keep you and tech support busy most of the day.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Today you are likely to experience personnel changes in organizations that you currently do business with. Some may be support personnel, but others could be management. One fresh arrangement could impact your travel plans or a pending legal matter in your own company. It might be easier to communicate with foreign contacts now than local ones. A person you meet in a public place can have a positive influence on your career goals.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Life has a value only when it has something valuable as its object.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
Santa asks Priest: Why did god make women so beautiful?
Priest: So that you will love them.
Santa thinks for a short time...
Santa: But why did God make them so dumb?
Priest: So that they will love you.
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Childrens adalat for effective RTE implementation on March 3
MANGALORE: As school admission season is fast approaching, organizations working in the field of education, are gearing up to hold a Children's Adalat to ensure the effective implementation of Right to Education (RTE) Act.
The Dakshina Kannada District Federation of Education Resource Centres and many other like minded organizations have decided to hold the adalat, where parents can find solutions to their problems related to obtaining admissions to primary schools under RTE quota. The adalat will be held in the city on March 3.
President of the federation Umesh Nirmal told TOI that there are several confusions regarding the implementation of RTE Act. "The adalat will focus on violations on part of private schools with regard to ensuring seats for poor children.
Parents and others, who have specific cases of violations of RTE rules, can submit it before the adalat with documents. Issues will be discussed in the adalat and suitable action will be taken to ensure justice," he said.
Chairman of Karnataka Commission for Protection of Child Rights, state coordinators of Campaign Against Child Labour - Karnataka and RTE Vigilance and Monitoring Committee will be taking part in the adalat, he added.
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David Beckham shines on debut as PSG beat Marseille
PARIS: David Beckham made an immediate impression on his Paris Saint-Germain debut in the Ligue 1 leaders' clash against arch-rivals Marseille on Sunday with a cheeky piece of skill creating the second goal in a 2-0 win.
The former England captain was named among the substitutes for "Le Classique" before eventually entering the fray 15 minutes from time as he featured in Carlo Ancelotti's plans for the first time since his feted arrival at the end of January.
Beckham was fourth off the PSG team bus as it arrived at the 48,000-capacity Parc des Princes in the south-west of the city on Sunday evening with cameras focussed on his every step in the French capital.
The midfielder, sporting a wide grin, then emerged from the home changing room for the pre-match warm-up displaying typical British grit as one of just a handful of players without a hat or jogging trousers despite the freezing, snowy conditions.
While Marseille players were jeered vociferously as they went through their paces prior to kick-off, Beckham's every move on the pitch was captured with French broadcaster Canal+ revealing that one camera -- dubbed "Beck-Cam" -- would be set aside solely to follow the ex-Manchester United star.
The 37-year-old was then officially presented to the home fans minutes prior to the start of the match before returning down the tunnel as wife Victoria, wrapped up warmly to combat the cold, watched on from the stands.
Beckham's former Real Madrid teammate, former Brazil World Cup winner, Ronaldo was also honoured ahead of kick-off.
The hosts took the lead on 11 minutes as Lucas Moura's effort was turned into his own net by unwitting Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou for an own goal.
The opener was greeted with delight from Beckham, sat next to Jeremy Menez on the bench, with former England striker-turned-TV presenter Gary Lineker tweeting: "Superb fist pump from Beckham for PSG's opening goal".
The midfielder acknowledged the warm reception afforded to him with an appreciative wave to the crowd as he began to warm up along the touchline five minutes after half-time.
Asked by a touchline reporter just past the hour mark as to why PSG appeared to be labouring following the break, Beckham responded: "It's football. There are always difficult moments."
Beckham was finally summoned from the bench to replace Javier Pastore in the 76th minute, becoming the 400th player to wear PSG colours as he strode onto the pitch.
His first involvement in French football was to spray a pass, delivered with trademark precision, to Ezequiel Lavezzi out on the wing only for the Argentine to miscontrol and concede possession.
Beckham's first interaction with Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw the league's top scorer misplace a pass in the former's direction, drawing sarcastic whistles from supporters.
But the midfielder then played a key role in PSG's second goal, exchanging passes with fellow substitute Menez before the French international sent in a low cross that was directed beyond visiting goalkeeper Steve Mandanda via Ibrahimovic's knee.
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I, Me Aur Main
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Movie Name : I, Me Aur Main
Release Date : 1 March 2013
Genre : Romance Drama
Producer : Goldie Behl & Shrishti Behl Arya
Director : Kapil Sharma
Music Director : Falak Shabir, Sachin-Jigar, Gourav Dasgupta, Raghav Sachar
Cast : John Abraham, Prachi Desai, Chitrangada Singh
Synopsis:
I Me Aur Main is an upcoming Hindi film starring John Abraham who plays the role of Ishaan- a charismatic, good-looking music producer from Mumbai. He lives a sheltered existence, is the centre of his life, the apple of his mother's (Zarina Wahab) eye, always protected by his elder sister Shivani (Mini Mathur) and stays at his girlfriend Anushka's (Chitrangda Singh's) house. He takes them all for granted! One day his life falls apart like a house of cards. At this point, his new neighbour Gauri (Prachi Desai) comes into his life and from her he learns the importance of relationships. He starts taking initiatives towards mending and maintaining his past relationships. Ishaan begins to truly fall in love with Gauri. There comes a point when he has to make a choice between his love that made him a better person or being a better person by taking responsibility of the actions he has done in the past.
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The longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Five More Minutes
While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.
“That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.
“He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”
Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?” Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”
The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content.
Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?”
Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.” The man smiled and said, “OK.” “My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded.
The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here.
I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him.
I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa. She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”
Moral: Life is all about making priorities, and family is one and only priority on top of all other, so spend all time you can with loved ones.
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“Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.”
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