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“The goal is the same: life itself; and the price is the same; life itself.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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America's new love: Water
It wasn't too long ago that America had a love affair with soda. Now, an old flame has the country's heart. As New York City grapples with the legality of a ban on the sale of large cups of soda and other sugary drinks at some businesses, one thing is clear: soda's run as the nation's beverage of choice has fizzled. In its place? A favourite for much of history: Plain old H2O.
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Manitoba: Canada: Province to introduce smoking ban at beaches, playgrounds
Manitoba will ban smoking at provincial park beaches and playgrounds beginning in the summer of 2014, Water Stewardship and Conservation Minister Gord Mackintosh and Healthy Living, Seniors, and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau said on 7 March. 'Like many other parents, I want to stop cigarette butts from ending up in our waterways, along our beaches and in the playgrounds where we take our kids,' Mackintosh said.
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Quitting smoking helps hearts, even with weight gain - Journal of the American Medical Association
People who have quit smoking have a lower chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke than current smokers -- even if they put on a few extra pounds in the process, according to a new study. Although the long-term cardiovascular benefits of kicking the habit have been well-established, researchers said it's been unclear how the weight gain that often accompanies quitting fits into that picture.
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US: Bullish retail sales bolster economic outlook
Retail sales expanded at their fastest clip in five months in February, the latest sign of momentum for an economy facing headwinds from higher taxes and pricier gasoline. The solid sales last month comes on the heels of strong gains in employment and manufacturing. The upbeat report helped to lift to the dollar to a seven-month high against a basket of currencies.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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PM sends a stern warning to Italy, asks it to send marines for trial
New Delhi: India took a stern stand against Italy on Wednesday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warning it of consequences if doesn't send its marines to India to face trial in the fishermen killing case. In fact, sources have indicated that the Ministry of Home Affairs has informed the Ministry of External Affairs that Italian envoy Daniele Mancini should not be given diplomatic immunity. Sources say he may even be expelled soon.
Parliament on Wednesday remained stalled over the diplomatic issue as the Opposition demanded specific actions from the Government of India against Italy. Amidst an uproar in the House, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sent out a warning to Italy. Manmohan Singh accused Italy of violating "every rule of diplomatic discourse" and asked it to send back the two marines undergoing trial for killing Indian fishermen, failing which there will be consequences on bilateral ties.
Responding to the issue raised by the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament, Singh noted that the country is agitated over Italy's action which is "unacceptable" and said the government will pursue diplomatic channels to bring the two marines back. Urging the Italian authorities to respect the undertaking given to the Supreme Court, he said they should return the two accused - Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone - to stand trial here for the incident of February last year.
"They have violated every rule of diplomatic discourse and call into question solemn commitments given by an accredited representative of a government," Singh said in the Lok Sabha which witnessed uproar during Question Hour as well as Zero Hour.
The Prime Minister, who made a similar statement in Rajya Sabha, said the government has already made it clear that this action by the Italian government is "not acceptable". "If they do not keep their word there will be consequences for our relations with Italy," Singh said firmly, adding that bilateral relationship has to function on the basis of trust.
Assuring Parliament that the government would continue to urge Italy through diplomatic channels to send back the marines, he wanted the members to act and speak together while dealing with the matter with the seriousness that it deserves.
Meanwhile, sources have told CNN-IBN that the Home Ministry has informed the Ministry of External Affairs that Italian envoy Daniele Mancini should not be allowed to invoke diplomatic immunity since he had given a sovereign undertaking to the Supreme Court and has violated it. The government is likely to move an application in the Supreme Court in this regards.
This came as the Italian ambassador justified Italy's action and said that he is confident that both the countries will resolve the crisis over the marines. He said he working with India on the issue. "There are some difficulties between the two countries, we are working with the Indian institutions and the government on this in order to do whatever we can and overcome this. I am confident that like two mature democracies we will be able to overcome these difficulties," he said. Sources say that India may expel Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini and a decision on this is likely to be formalised within a week.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy also met the Prime Minister and discussed the issue. After the meeting Chandy said the marines will have to come back to India to face trial in the Kerala fishermen murder case.
Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai has said the Italian government's stand is completely unacceptable. "We have made our position clear and have conveyed to the Italian government that the content of their note is completely unacceptable and as soon as we receive a reply from the Italian side, we will take a decision," he said.
All eyes are now on the Government of India as to what action it will take against Italy to make sure the marines are sent to India for trial in the fishermen killing case. The Supreme Court had given them permission to stay out of the country only till March 22. The two marines are facing trial for killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast in February 2012, mistaking them for pirates.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Today you may begin to implement the plans you made earlier this week. With your sign ruler Mars and Uranus transiting Aries now, you'll have the energy and technical knowledge necessary to succeed. Follow your instincts, and find meaning in unusual circumstances that come to your attention. You may not be aware of all events going on behind the scenes now, but your hunches will be dependable enough to lead you farther in the right direction.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
The teamwork you have enjoyed recently will continue today. You will have opportunities to offer your talents and other resources to groups. You may bring balance and harmony back into your daily surroundings by acting as a mediator between members of your group who have differences of opinions. The people you work with will find your words soothing and inspirational, and you likely will restore peaceful relationships within your workplace.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Your Mercury sign ruler will appear to be stationary in the sky today as it prepares to change from retrograde to direct motion tomorrow. As a result, you may feel unable to move forward as quickly as you would like today. For the past three weeks you likely have felt detached from your work or may have been physically absent from it. That likely will change tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy the down time the universe provides so that you will have a manageable re-entry period.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
With your ruling luminary, the moon, in steady and well-grounded Taurus today, you may be the one who friends and co-workers seek out for helpful and practical advice. The stars also suggest that you'll have a great grasp on big-picture issues and popular trends that include everything from fashion to religious expressions. If your work in any way depends on a keen understand of the public's wishes, you will be the go-to girl or guy now.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Although you're happiest in a leadership role, there will be areas outside of your specialty where you can benefit by learning from those with different kinds of experience than your own. Today you'll enjoy an opportunity to learn more about contracts, investments, and taxes as they relate to your own business or those of your clients. You also might attend a training program or be involved in another venue that prepares you for recent legal changes in these areas that will impact your finances this year and in the future.
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Bharti Airtel’s brand director Bharat Bambawale quits
NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel's brand director Bharat Bambawale, credited with the company's ongoing 'Jo Mera Hain Wo Tera Hain' campaign, has quit, joining a growing list of top-level executives who have exited the country's top mobile operator in the last couple of months.
Bambawale had joined Bharti in August 2011 from JWT ( London), where he was the global team leader for Unilever's haircare portfolio.
He was not available for comment. A company spokesperson confirmed his exit.
Bharti Airtel, which has reported fall in net profit for 12 consecutive quarters now, has lost a number of senior officials in recent months.
Sanjay Kapoor quit as chief executive of Airtel's India operations in January and has been replaced by Gopal Vittal. Prior to that Vittal was the company's director for special projects.
Last week, Samsung India announced that it has roped in Vineet Taneja, Bharti Airtel's former operations director for South India and Sri Lanka, to head its mobile and digital businesses here. Taneja was senior to Vittal by two batches at Hindustan UnileverBSE 2.35 % where both began their careers as management trainees.
Banbawale's resignation comes close on heels of Bharti restructuring its operations, leading to him reporting to Manoj Kohli, who took over as the managing director of the world's fourth largest mobile operator by customers on March 1.
So far, Bambawale, who was overseeing the Bharti brand across India and Africa, as well as global finance head Srikanth Balachander and innovation head Jai Menon were reporting to executive chairman Sunil Mittal. Bharti had brought Bambawale on board just after the launch of its popular 'Har Ek Friend Zaroori Hota Hai' campaign in 2011.
Following its success in India, he extended campaigns that promote usage of data to all African countries where the telco has operations.
Bambawale is also credited with tweaking the 'Har Friend Zaroori Hai' and 'Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera' for African users. For instance, the 'Padi Na Good Thing O' campaign in Nigeria features a local unknown singer, Half Dollar, who is helped by his friends to land a lucrative recording contract.
ET recently reported that Vittal's appointment as chief executive would force the company to reshuffle its top deck here and that K Srinivas, who was acknowledged to be the No.2 position in Airtel's Indian and South Asian operations after Kapoor, would be given a senior role outside its Indian operations.
Srinivas was senior to Vittal when both worked at the Indian arm of UnileverBSE 2.35 % as well as the latter's earlier stint with Bharti AirtelBSE -1.45 % during 2006-08.
Bharti has announced that Srinivas would be take over as director, special projects and be responsible for 'evaluating potential investment opportunities and developing business case across various lines of business'. In his new role, Srinivas reports to Mittal.
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The goodness of coconut water
Coconut water is healthy and delicious. No wonder so many people swear by it.
Coconut water has many health benefits and one of them is losing weight quickly. Yes, you heard that right. Thus 'nut' is packed with anti-aging properties and has the right number of calories to keep you going.
The water inside the green coconuts is ones to be had. One cup of this water has around 46 calories compared to 550 calories that coconut milk has.
Coconut water is very hydrating and was given to soldiers during the World War when saline was not obtainable.
The water contains no fat and consists mostly of natural sugars and minerals. Coconut water is very rich in magnesium and potassium, as well as being very high in fibre.
It is so hydrating because of the electrolyte composition, which is very similar to human plasma. Staying hydrated will help you feel full for longer, which in turn will reduce hunger and sugar cravings.
This will effectively lead to you eating less, which means your total calorie consumption will go down. Drinking this water will known to flush out toxins which will help you to lose weight faster and also reduce those cravings and hunger pangs.
So, the next time you feel thirsty or feel a hunger/craving pang, go get this nature's pure drink and sip it.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Although you have been somewhat distant from your business and personal partners for the past three weeks, this will begin to change today. Your sign ruler, Mercury, is in an apparent holding pattern today and will begin direct motion tomorrow. At that time, you will be more available your partners than in the recent past. They will appreciate your attention, and you'll be glad to be firmly on their side again too. Absence really does make hearts grow fonder.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You will be able to guide others through challenging circumstance today. These may be health related or connected with training groups or new hires in the skills necessary to their work. In the process you may encounter individuals who need extra help with the tasks at hand. A recent financial responsibility may have lightened, and you'll now consider spending on a special item for your significant other or invest through a different business associate.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Your Mars sign ruler will be strong in Aries today. You likely will enjoy excellent health and excess energy, but you may be tempted to take risks and overstretch your physical limits. Approach strenuous new physical activities slowly and with caution. Your social life tonight might also impact tomorrow's activities in unexpected ways. Do all things in moderation and keep your eyes wide open for situations that it would be better to avoid.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You may become aware of changes in your cash flow or investments today. Your personal and joint finances with your significant other or a business partner may be involved. You will want to inform them if you have concerns, as they may have a simple explanation for these situations. The stars suggest that more than one contractual or financial arrangement you have with others will come to an end but that fresh ones can begin as soon as tomorrow.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Your planetary ruler Saturn will continue a lengthy meet-up with the cosmic change agent Pluto today. Saturn is retrograde or in apparent backwards motion. This is an astrological signature for withdrawal from particular life areas and return to previous ones. You may lose interest in your current friends or teams and connect with others that are a better fit with your personal development goals. Explore your options now, but you may find your current situation more attractive when Saturn returns to direct again on July 7.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Your astrological sector of career and other public activities will be highlighted today. You may sense that significant events have been going on behind the scene, and these will be confirmed now through direct and forthright communications. Your employer may be local but others at a distance might make the financial decisions that impact your cash flow. However, the stars signal that your income may originate in multiple locations and that most likely will continue. Your work goals may need to be revised accordingly when you learn all the facts.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Your goal today will be to put finishing touches on existing projects so they can be completed. Soon it will be time to launch new personal goals, but your schedule needs to be clear for that to happen. You may also need to rearrange your home or office to accommodate your new interests and activities. Get ready for a lengthy period of personal growth, when your home can fulfill more functions than it does now.
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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
“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.”
Gang of SARDARS broke a Bank.
Instead of cash they found Botles full of Chilled Red Wine,
Happily they drank & went away.
Next day Headline : Blood Bank Robbed.
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Kids unaware of CBSE's online classroom
LUDHIANA: In an effort to reach its students in a more casual way and to let them understand study projects and various subject oriented topics, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) logged on to YouTube to start its own channel - CBSEChannel - on the video sharing portal. While CBSE became the first board in the country to have taken such an initiative by launching the channel earlier this month, the students are mostly uninformed about the helpful move.
The schools have not made any efforts to inform the students about the YouTube channel, which renders the initiative useless. CBSE affiliated schools can post videos produced by them on various topics like educational projects, social issues, personal grooming, general knowledge and other issues concerned with students. Children can look up the channel for interesting information on subjects, general awareness and other issues common during adolescence.
Class XI student at a CBSE school in the city Gurkeerat Singh said he has not heard about the channel yet. "I am sure it would benefit us in terms of academics and personal grooming, but the board should inform students, so that they can avail the facility," he added.
The board's move is expected to help students in their studies as well as their personal life. The channel will include videos that motivate students to concentrate on their studies and help them resolve their doubts over important concepts. Videos of meaningful skits on drug abuse, female foeticide and other social issues held at CBSE schools will be uploaded on the channel for students.
"Is there really such a YouTube channel started by CBSE?" asked Class XII student Paras Kapoor, who quite likes the idea of online learning and finds theoretical work boring.
Another Class XII student
Harmanpreet Singh happened to know about the CBSEchannel on the video sharing portal. "Yes, I am aware of this channel and have even browsed it to look for a chemistry project. The other stuff, including motivational videos that guide students, is very helpful for us," he added.
"If the board is providing a facility for students, it must inform us as well, or else the initiative wouldn't serve purpose. It is an innovative and interesting way of teaching and counselling students on various social and emotional issues," said Class XI student Parteek.
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Bayern book Champions League last eight spot despite 2-0 defeat by Arsenal
MUNICH (Germany): Arsenal became the last English club to bow out of the Champions League on Wednesday despite a 2-0 second-leg win at Bayern Munich as the Gunners lost their last-16 tie on away goals.
Having beaten Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg in London three weeks ago, Bayern had been odds on favourites to finish the Gunners off in the Bavarian capital to go into Friday's quarterfinal draw.
Arsenal took the fight to their German hosts with striker Olivier Giroud giving the Gunners an early lead before centre-back Laurent Koscielny netted with 86 minutes on the clock to set up a frantic finish, but the 3-3 aggregate score saw Bayern sneak through.
Much had been made in the build-up of Arsenal's "Mission Impossible in Munich" with the Gunners needing three goals at Bayern's fortress-like Allianz Arena, but Arsenal quickly dismissed any notion this tie was already decided.
The game was just three minutes old when Tomas Rosicky found space, Theo Walcott fired in a cross and Giroud drilled his shot into the roof of the net, seized the ball and sprinted back to the halfway line.
It was the first time Bayern had conceded a goal inside the first 15 minutes this season and there were plenty of blank expressions in the Munich ranks.
Bayern responded by playing predominantly in Arsenal's half, but Rosicky, who took the place of the injured Jack Wilshere behind Giroud, was at the centre of everything the Gunners did with the hosts clearly rattled by the opening goal.
The patience and composure which has left Jupp Heynckes' side 20 points clear in the Bundesliga suddenly seemed to desert them.
Bayern did begin the second half with intent as both Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos fired wide, while right-winger Thomas Mueller twice forced Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski into diving saves.
Munich controlled possesion, but poor final passes kept offering Arsenal some hope with Bayern missing injured France star Franck Ribery on the left wing while suspension meant Bastian Schweinsteiger was absent in midfield.
Robben let a golden chance go begging with 67 minutes gone when he got in behind the Arsenal defence, but he fired straight at Fabianski.
With 10 minutes left substitute Gervinho came perilously close to adding Arsenal's second, but the ball harmlessly rolled out of play for a goal-kick.
The second goal finally came when Santi Cazorla's corner fell to Koscielny, who beat Bayern's Javi Martinez to head into the bottom right corner.
There was plenty of pushing and shoving in the Bayern goal when goalkeeper Manuel Neuer briefly laid on the ball to eat up a few seconds with the Arsenal players desperate to kick-off again, but the third goal ultimately eluded them.
While Arsenal are the last English team to exit the Champions League, Bayern join Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund in the last eight.
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Mere Dad Ki Maruti
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Mere Dad Ki Maruti
Movie Name : Mere Dad Ki Maruti
Release Date : 15 March 2013
Genre : Drama
Producer : Ashish Patil
Director : Ashima Chibber
Music Director : Sachin Gupta
Cast : Saqib Saleem, Rhea Chakraborty, Ram Kapoor, Prabal Panjabi, Ravi Kishan.
Synopsis:
Y-Films are ready with their latest release Mere Dad Ki Maruti, which stars Saqib Saleem and Rhea Chakraborthy, with Ram Kapoor as the Dad. It looks to be a fun caper during the wedding season in Chandigarh where the Maruti goes missing and it is up to Saleem to get it back. The album is expected to be the baap of all music albums, with Sachin Gupta at the helm and Panjabi MC making a guest appearance with his song ‘Haay’. The album is unabashedly entertaining and there’s not a dull moment throughout these tracks. Sachin Gupta has created an album that works with the young-theme and managed to do something new with the stock Bhangra numbers that we often here.
I was immediately excited from the initial trailer to hear the full, Punjabiyan Di Battery, and it’s a funky track that launches you on the dance floor from the opening tumbhi strands. Honey Singh chimes in with his safer rap verses, and then the real star of the show emerges – Mika. This is a much better song where Mika can show off his vocal prowess and some of the usual swagger. It’s a real feat to have Singh and Mika on the same track and they don’t sound like they are trying to outdo each other too much. The arrangements are fabulous, and the tempo keeps the party going right until the bridge where it speeds up. Kumaar’s lyrics are quirky and celebrate all that Punjabi spirit which is complemented by Mika and Honey Singh’s vocals. Keep this on your most played list.
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the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Lesson Learned
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad.”
“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.
“Oh yeah,” said the son.
“So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.
The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
“We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
“We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
“We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”
The boy’s father was speechless.
Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”
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“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.”
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