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A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
| VBA's Positive News |
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International Day of Happiness - The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal
On this first International Day of Happiness, let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want,' -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon message for the International Day of Happiness, 20 March 2013.
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UK: Positive messages set to lift mood at central London station
Commuters at Liverpool Street station will get a break from advertising that suggests 'we're not good enough' as people gather to display positive messages, say organisers of an event on the first International Day of Happiness. The United Nations' first ever International Day of Happiness is on Wednesday.
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Scotland: Episcopal church opens doors to Aberdeen Muslims
A Scottish Episcopal church has opened its doors to the local Muslim community in what has been hailed as an event of 'global significance'. The Rector and congregation of St John's Episcopal Church in Aberdeen have offered the hand of Christian fellowship -- and part of their church building -- to the hundreds of Muslims attending the neighbouring and overcrowded mosque in the city's Crown Street. Chief Imam Amed Magghabri said: 'What happens here is special and there should be no problem repeating this across the country. The relationship is friendly and respectful.
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UN officials welcome Pope Francis' commitment to support the poor and hungry
United Nations officials have welcomed Pope Francis' public commitment to support those who live in poverty and suffer from hunger, and expressed their readiness to work with the new leader of the Catholic Church on these issues. 'We look to Pope Francis to champion the rights and needs of the most vulnerable children, women and men everywhere,' said the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Jose Graziano Da Silva, who attended the Pope's inaugural mass at the Vatican.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Mulayam once again holds the ace as UPA-II's fate hangs in balance
New Delhi: The UPA-II regime continues to be on life support as it is now completely dependent on outside support after the DMK pulled out.
The UPA-II, after DMK's withdrawal, is now banking upon the man who has always helped the government survive in crisis, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is once again holding the aces. Mulayam with his 21 MPs is the oxygen supply that the UPA needs.
That is one reason why the Congress leadership went out of it's way on Wednesday to pacify Mulayam in his battle with Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath, who himself had apologised to Mulayam and his men, went to the extent of personally accompanying Beni to express this regret.
"If my actions have hurt any one, then I express regret," Beni Prasad said after SP MPs demanded his resignation for linking Mulayam to terrorists.
But this regret isn't good enough for Mulayam as he is now asking for an apology inside Parliament as well. In fact, the SP Parliamentary board will meet on Thursday morning to chalk out its plan of action.
Aware that Beni's comments against Mulayam have touched a raw nerve within the SP, the BJP immediately attempted to widen the schism. Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said, "Mulayam is a respected leader of this country. The minister who made these statements must resign."
But it remains to be seen whether Mulayam Singh, the man who has bailed out the UPA on multiple occasions in the past, will think any differently this time.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Your dynamic get-up-and-go style will know no bounds and you'll courageously initiate a personal endeavor. Expect to launch this project fearlessly, but at the same time, do your best to ensure that you don't move forward in haste. There's a sense of urgency in the air and it's possible that you may have such little patience that all you see is the finish line. If that's the case, you might slip and fall before you get there.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You might experience a frustrating sense of restless energy - one that you wish you could express but somehow can't. If this is a containment of ambition or personal drive, ask yourself why you're holding it in. Is it out of fear? If so, then now will be a good time to assess what stands in the way between you and your personal success. All the tools are available to you and a promising opportunity is on the horizon. Grab it.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 When it comes to your social circle, expect plenty of buzz. Mars and Uranus will collide in the part of your chart that rules friends, offering the potential for sudden chaos between you and a pal. You may feel more argumentative than usual or find yourself in a position where you need to stand up for yourself. If you feel that a friendship has devolved into nothing more than constant conflict, you might decide to detach yourself from this person altogether.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
A sudden career breakthrough is possible and you may do something out of character that takes you to new professional heights. Mars will be in your career sector, a once-in-two-year cycle that promises success if you launch anything new related to your goals. Today, Mars and Uranus will connect and this might lead to a sudden change - one that arrives before you're prepared. The ride will be thrilling but may feel bumpy at first. Buckle up!
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 If you've been itching to travel, now may be the time to take the plunge and go for it. Practical concerns may not seem to trouble you as much, and if so, this might be exactly what you need to let go of. You're being called to courageously explore a new path now. Whether that's achieved through an educational pursuit, spiritual study, or travel will be up to you. However, the end result will be the same: excitement and enlightenment.
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Ahmedabad tops in buying imported lingerie: eBay
In 2012, Ahmedabad topped among Indian cities in the purchase of imported lingerie through eBay, says the 5th edition of the annual eBay Census Guide released on Wednesday.
The 2012 census of the online marketplace further reveals that the city is the seventh largest ecommerce hub in the country with electronic items leading its purchases. Lifestyle products lead among goods sold from the city, says the eBay census.
The eBay survey has revealed many other interesting trends about online trade by Amdavadis. Giving details of the buying and selling trends, Shivani Suri Dhanda, head, Brand & Acquisition Marketing, eBay India, said that of the goods purchased from the city, lifestyle items led with the largest share in domestic purchases (48%) as well as imports (44%).
“Strangely, femme fatales of Ahmedabad are picky about their chemises for they imported the most lingerie. And Indian men owe their addictive aura to Ahmedabad as the city sold most men’s perfumes,” Dhanda said while releasing the eBay census report in the city on Wednesday.
She further said that the city had sold the maximum cotton fabric through eBay in the country. “At the same time, Ahmedabad had exported the most beaded metallic bracelets to bohemian chikas offshore,” Dhanda added.
The census has also revealed that the city buys mostly men-oriented products. While wristwatches seem to be a favourite with Old City dwellers, western Ahmedabad seems to like buying wallets online.
Incidentally, the eBay census this time is more area specific in what it says about the shopping habits of Ahmedabad residents.
For instance, buyers from Satellite Road purchased the maximum 8GB pen-drives in the city while most optical mouses were bought from the CG Road area. The Sabarmati area of the city stands apart for its love of home fragrances purchased online.
Dhanda also revealed the top five items bought by Amdavadis through eBay.
“The five items purchased the most from the city in the last 18 months are talcum powder, mobile screen protectors, modems, men’s fragrances and tablets. The top five imports by the city are nail art, handbags, skincare travel kits, men’s tees and radio-controlled toy helicopters,” she said.
Amdavadis are also good businessmen, Dhanda said. “The top five sold items from the city are 16GB micro SD cards, colour ink cartridges, diamond jewellery sets, women’s casual pants and men’s floaters. The top five exports from Ahmedabad are natural diamonds, salwar kameez, temporary tattoos, sarees, pantyhose and tights,” said Dhanda. She added that Amdavadis’ most favorite brands are Sandisk, Samsung, Apple, Nokia and Sony.
The findings of the 2012 census are based on an analysis of all online buying and selling transactions by Indians through eBay India between July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.
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Exercises for staying mentally fit
Staying fit mentally is as important as maintaining our physical health. It is vital to exercise our brain regularly just like we exercise the rest of our body.
According to studies, physical activity and brain exercise programs help reduce anxiety and depression in individuals. Moreover, such programs also play a key role in enhancing the plasticity of the brain which is its ability to continue to develop and change throughout your life.
Due to this unique physical process of brain plasticity, people can grow and develop their mental capacities throughout their lifetime. There are various ways by which you can stimulate your brain to strengthen its functioning and remain fit mentally. Read on...
Solving puzzles: Did you know that brain growth in humans is a continuous process? Even in old age, studies have shown that the brain can rewire itself and grow new neurons or brain cells. Whatever, age-related memory loss occurs is due to the lack of adequate mental stimulation. Stimulating your brain with crossword puzzles or Sudoku helps to improve brain function and prevent any form of cognitive decline.
According to Cognitive Rx, such exercises particularly help to improve your left brain function which uses logic, knows facts and is detail oriented. You can even add complexity to such exercises by choosing puzzles with hidden themes.
Strategy games: Games of strategy like card games or board games are regarded as great brain stimulators. This is because they enable a person to think in logical patterns. With advancement of technology, computer or gaming systems also offer a great opportunity to challenge one's cognitive functions. However, it is imperative to avoid playing the same games at all times. Strategy games should be subjected to frequent alterations in terms of nature of the games and complexity.
Cardiovascular fitness: An effective way to boost your mental fitness is by indulging in cardio trainings. Besides improving your mental health, such form of exercises also prevents the fall of brain cells with age. Hence, cardio workouts are regarded as a great way to prevent age-related memory loss like Alzheimer's disease.
Neurobic exercises: These exercises involve intentional stimulation of the brain for increased mental fitness and flexibility. Wondering what is so specific about these exercises? For an exercise to be regarded as neurobic, it involves using more than one of your senses at a time for performing an ordinary work. Taking a shower with your eyes closed or using only visual cues while eating are all examples of neurobic training. This also involves breaking routine habits in an unexpected, novel way like taking a new route to work.
Relaxation techniques: The beneficial effects of relaxation techniques for stree relief have been known since a long time. Merely grabbing a few extra hours of sleep is not sufficient to combat stress. You need to activate the natural relaxation process of your body with the help of specific techniques.
This involves practicing deep breathing techniques, meditation, visualization, rhythmic exercises and yoga postures. All these fitness modules will enable you to overcome stress when it becomes overwhelming at times.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Avoid any sudden, impetuous decision to invest your money. Although it's possible that you'll be presented a sound investment, you'll be likely to quickly reach into your pocket or write a check without doing due diligence. If so, you won't take into account any potential risk and whether or not it's worth taking. In addition, if you're filing a tax return, don't rush. You might feel as if you've covered every angle, but today, it's likely that you'll feel more impatient.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Expect a shakeup in the relationship department. Although this might be exactly what you and your mate need to liven up in what might otherwise be a partnership that has gone stale, whatever happens may still come as a shock to your system. Mars and Uranus will collide in your relationship sector, offering plenty of excitement but also a possible shift in the behavior of your mate. Whether this is a positive change or one that you don't agree with remains to be seen.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You may decide to try a radical new diet or exercise plan. Although this may be cutting edge and very exciting, be sure to do your research before you jump in to make sure that it's safe. Even if others have responded well, it doesn't necessarily mean that this will be the right approach for you. The positive side of today's energy will be that you'll be extremely motivated to make a potent change in your health. Good for you!
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Are you single? Then today might be your lucky day. A sudden love connection will be possible and if you meet anyone, expect him or her to instantly sweep you off your feet and leave your heart racing. Mars and Uranus will connect in a sizzling way, promising a heart thumping day when it comes to romance. You'll definitely feel more adventurous and liberated in your pursuit of pleasure. Think outside the box - love may arrive in the strangest place.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Don't be surprised if a relative displays out of the ordinary behavior today. He or she might even have a reckless outburst, overreacting to a situation in a way that shocks you. You'll want to avoid the crossfire if anyone in your clan gets wrapped up in a heated argument. If you're asked to take sides, gracefully remove yourself from the situation. Things may escalate and you certainly don't want to be caught in the middle.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Although you'll have plenty of courage to speak your mind, today you might push the envelope a little too far during a conversation. Being passionate about your ideas is one thing, but trying to force someone else to agree with everything you say is another thing entirely. Calm your excitement slightly and you'll enjoy stimulating dialogue with just about anyone. In addition, don't rush around today. A frenetic link between Mars and Uranus might leave you more accident prone than usual.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You'll have plenty of fighting spirit when it comes to marketing one of your talents - particularly if it's an unusual one. A take charge, entrepreneurial attitude will prevail and it will be the perfect time to run with your high level of ambition. When it comes to your finances, avoid reckless spending. You'll have plenty of optimism that whatever you spend you'll make back tenfold and that might be true. Still, don't make any risky moves with your money. You may regret it.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
Some scientists decided to do the following experiments on a dog.
For the first experiment, they cut one of the dog's legs off, then they told the dog to walk. The dog got up and walked, so they they learned that a dog could walk with just three legs.
For the second experiment, they cut off a second leg from the dog, then they told the dog once more to walk. The dog was still able to walk with only two legs.
For the third experiment, they cut off yet another leg from the dog and once more they told the dog to walk. However, the dog wasn't able to walk with only one leg.
As a result of these three experiments, the scientists wrote in their final report that the dog had lost it's hearing after having three legs cut off.
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Punjab introduces scholarship in name of Nobel laureate Hargobind Khorana
CHANDIGARH: Punjab finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa on Wednesday added a Nobel touch to his budget by introducing a scholarship in the name of Punjab's Nobel laureate Hargobind Khorana for brilliant students.
The scheme will provide financial assistance to brilliant children studying in government schools. Those who get 80% or more marks in matriculation examination will be given an annual assistance of Rs 30,000 for their two-year senior secondary education. The FM has provided Rs 8 crore for the scheme.
Khorana was a biochemist who shared the 1968 Nobel prize for medicine with Marshall W Nirenberg and Robert W Holley for research that helped to show how the nucleotides in nucleic acids, which carry the genetic code of the cell, control the cell's synthesis of proteins. Khorana was born in Raipur village, now in Pakistan, in undivided Punjab in 1922.
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At Ferozeshah Kotla, spotlight on Shane Watson
NEW DELHI: Mickey Arthur carefully picked out the seat closest to the emergency exit as the Aussies trooped into the team bus following a two-hour workout at the Ferozeshah Kotla.
As everyone sank into their own worlds, the coach seemed swamped by the now-customary sea of cellphones. Everyone started texting except Arthur. He seemed lost in thought instead, gazing out of the window; scowling, frowning, scratching his head.
The bus didn't move. The team was waiting for censured vice-captain Shane Watson, who is back in India after being the face of 'HomeworkGate' and the primary target of Arthur's now notorious 'line-in-the-sand' moment.
Axed from the Mohali Test over disciplinary issues, Watson - who left the team in a huff and then complained about the 'harsh' punishment - may now find himself captaining the squad in Delhi if regular skipper Michael Clarke's degenerative back condition doesn't show signs of improvement.
That eventuality may undermine the team management's fierce focus on 'right attitude' but there doesn't seem to be an alternative. By all accounts, Clarke is trying hard to get fit. "At the moment Shane is not captain of the team," said opener Ed Cowan, who was sent in to parry media questions on Wednesday.
"Mike (Clarke) is expected to play. The best possible medical team is working on his back. He has been playing with pain for a year now and he has got used to it."
It's a peculiar state of affairs for this once-formidable team. Wednesday's nets saw - again coincidentally - Clarke and Watson spurning the opportunity to interact in public. Watson did have a chat with Arthur just before his batting session, though, while worryingly Clarke didn't warm up, field or bat. He was busy having sessions with the physio. In case he can't take the field on Friday, the 'TINA' factor at play may see Watson don leadership duties in spite of his poor form.
"There are expectations the vice-captain will step up if the captain is injured," said Cowan, "If you're in, you're in, and Shane has shown he wants to be a part of the scheme of things. We will accept him because he is such a great player and good leader. He is a very different leader to Michael but we're hoping Michael is fine for this Test."
Even with a bad back, Clarke may score more runs than most others in this struggling Aussie batting line-up. Watson has averaged only 25.20 since becoming vice-captain, and the fact that he cannot bowl negates his all-round contribution. His last Test ton was the 126 against India in Mohali in October 2010. In fact, he has only two Test tons from 40 Tests and averages 36.02.
Arthur told members of the Australian media earlier that Watson's form was a concern, but they could look past him if it came to the captaincy.
"He looks like he's going to get runs every time... he just hasn't kicked on. I'm comfortable that if Pup doesn't come up, he (Watson) could do the job. You would have to assume that because he is still vice-captain that we probably wouldn't go past him, but again that would be a discussion."
If Clarke does get fit, there may be no space for Watson in the XI. The last Test saw Brad Haddin flying in and captaining the side for a while when Clarke left the field. Cowan agreed Australia's rotating cast of characters and inability to settle down to a regular combination had been a factor in the defeats.
The musical chairs will continue in Delhi too, with Starc needing surgery on the bone spurs in his ankle and Pattinson back for selection. Watson's elevation to captaincy, though, could be a dramatic and controversial decision. Maybe, in the team bus, it wasn't lost on Arthur how coincidence and irony have been Australia's two constant companions on this tour. Where they once played mind games on opponents, now they play mind games with each other. As India chase a 4-0 score line in the last Test, all the Aussies can pray for is an honourable exit, hopefully with lessons learnt.
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Himmatwala
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Himmatwala
Movie Name : Himmatwala
Release Date : 29 March, 2013
Genre : Action
Producer : UTV Motion Pictures and Vashu Bhagnani.
Director : Sajid Khan
Music Director : Sajid-Wajid
Cast : Ajay Devgan & Tamannaah.
Synopsis:
Himmatwala is a upcoming Bollywood action romance comedy drama movie 2013 and this action romance comedy movie Himmatwala is directed Sajid Khan and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur and UTV Motion Pictures and also written by Sajid Khan.In this action romance comedy movie Himmatwala the lead roles are playing by the stars and they are as Ajay Devgan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Paresh Rawal, Mahesh Manjrekar, Adhyayan Suman, Zarina Wahab, Leena Jumani.Basically this action romance comedy movie Himmatwala is a official remake of the blockbuster of the same name Himmatwala which came in the year of 1983 and which itself was a remake of a Telugu film Ooriki Monagadu which came in the year of 1981 and also in this action romance movie Ajay Devgan will be seen as an action hero…
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the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Great people are always humble
Lord Raama, the paramaathma, was ofcourse the greatest warrior ever. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita remarks “I am Raama among warriors”.
He learnt all the Shastras and unparalled Dhanurvidya under the guidance of the great Vasishtha.
He was also given super-human powers like bala, ati bala by the great Vishwamithra, the Rishi of Gayathri manthra.
Vishwamithra maharshi also taught him all the secret astras that ever existed, which only he in this whole universe knew (he originally learnt it from Lord Shiva).
In addition to these, Agasthya mahamuni gave him many additional powers.A few glimpses of Lord Raama’s valour:
With one arrow Raama kills taataki, the mighty raakshasi.
With two simultaneous arrows he kills subaahu and throws Maaricha seven seas away.
Effortlessly lifts the Shiva dhanush, which was pulled to the court by around 50000 well built people.
Raama kills Khara, Dhushana, their 1000 brothers and their army in 14 minutes single handed.
Despite being such a great warrior, he never displayed in strength on his own to show others. The anger on the samudra stands as a good example for this quality of Raama:
Raavana gives 30 days time to sita maata to decide if she will marry him, else will kill her. Bharata took word from Raama saying that if he does’nt return on the next moment of 14 yrs of aranyavaas, then he will sacrifice himself.
Raama and his army reaches the shores of ocean with barely 30 days in hand.
They have to cross the ocean, defeat Ravana & his army, take sita back to ayodhya in around 30 days time.
With such a press for time and given the strength of Raama, Lakshmana suggests Raama not to spend time asking ocean God for way, but to order him.
What Raama does is unbelievable. Though he had the strength and power to control the ocean God, he did not do it.
He did penance on the shores of the ocean for 3 long days to give them a way.
Finally after 3 days Raama gets angry on the ocean and to make remember his duty, aims an astra at him and immediately ocean God appears and suggests a way of crossing him…
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"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."
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