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“To be a successful father... there's one absolute rule: when you have a kid, don't look at it for the first two years. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
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McDonald's closing all restaurants in Bolivia as nation rejects fast food
Bolivia has rejected McDonald's. The rejection of the fast food system stemmed from Bolivian's mindset of how meals are to be properly prepared. The time it takes for fast food to be prepared throws up a warning flag in their minds. Bolivians seek well-prepared, local meals, and want to know that their food was prepared the right way.
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UK: New concept supermarket aims to be both ethical and affordable
A new supermarket that aims to make ethical shopping accessible to everyone is set to launch its first store in Brighton later this year. HiSbe, which stands for 'how it should be', will stock everyday items but with high ethical standards and aims to be as transparent as possible to help people make informed choices. As a community interest company, profits will be distributed in the interests of customers, not just for the benefit of shareholders.
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Canada: Ontario's first vegan food truck hits Hamilton streets
Chase and Cindy Thomson have the first vegan truck in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 'We really needed to change our lives,' said Cindy, a health professional. 'We thought about what makes us happy.' Cindy, who is used to facilitating meetings at work, busted out the poster paper one night and the couple brainstormed ideas for a new business. Chase loves to cook and Cindy loves working with people, and with Hamilton's bustling food truck culture, Karma ChaMEALeon fit the bill.
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Ontario, Canada: Hamilton's economy 'set all kinds of records' in 2012, EcDev director says
The city of Hamilton's director of planning and economic development delivered a state of the union address on city finances about local growth. He said that in 2012 'we set all kinds of records' and cited $1.5 billion in building permits as one new record for the city. Everson also said that Hamilton saw $423 million in commercial growth in 2012, another new record. Hamilton also had the second lowest tax increase among major Ontario municipalities, according to Everson. He cited a Conference Board of Canada report that said Hamilton is the fastest growing economy in Ontario for 2013 at 2.5 per cent.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Uttarakhand: Congress, TDP leaders come to blows over relief work
Dehradun: As the security personnel risk lives for those affected by the fury of floods in Uttarakhand, shameful, petty politics was on display at the Jolly Grant Airpot in Dehradun on Wednesday.
Politicians from the Congress and Telgu Desam Party (TDP) came to blows over who would ferry back a batch of pilgrims rescued from the disaster zone.
Both parties have already been engaged in a war of words over relief but it finally came to blows.
TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, in fact, has written to Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde over what he alleges is inadequate arrangements made for their return.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that the incident was "very unfortunate" and there should be "no politics over calamities".
Commenting on the scuffle, Naidu said, "Andhra Pradesh government failed to help those stuck in Uttarakhand. Congress government and Centre is not doing enough for pilgrim." Congress is the ruling government in Andhra Pradesh, while TDP is the main opposition.
"V Hanumantha Rao (of Congress) started abusing me and he used unparliamentary language. We are helping the flood victims. Why is Hanumantha Rao, along with his aides, interfering," senior TDP leader Ramesh Rathod told CNN-IBN. Rathod can be seen in a footage of the airport exchanging blows with Rao.
However, Rao made similar allegations against the TDP leader and said, "TDP people provoked us over boarding pass issue. They are making things political. I ask N Chandrababu Naidu, as a senior leader, why are you doing such politics?," he further told CNN-IBN.
They started squabbling over who will transport Andhra Pradesh pilgrims back to the southern state. Fourteen pilgrims hailing from Andhra Pradesh are believed to have died in Uttarakhand and 430 people are still not accounted for after the rain and landslides battered the hill state over a week ago.
Quoting reports received from collectors of different districts, a release from the State Disaster Management Commissioner's office here today said as many as 2,616 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh were stranded in Uttarakhand after the natural disaster. Of them, 1,239 pilgrims have returned home, while 933 were reported to be safe though they have not reached their native places.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Jupiter has just entered your home and family sector and the next few days could offer opportunities to improve family ties. In general, you should enjoy positive feelings toward family members and receive much emotional support from them. They in turn will feel support from you. Also, if you have been considering moving to a new and larger home or doing some renovations on your current home, now will be a terrific time to get those plans underway.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You will have strong opinions today and a need to voice them to anyone who will listen. With a positive influence from Jupiter, whatever ideas you express should be met with enthusiasm from others. If you are scheduled to make a presentation or submit a manuscript, today will be an ideal day to deliver. With your unusual optimism today, your ideas could be met with some skepticism from others, but your charm and positive energy should win them over.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Jupiter will be shining a spotlight right now on your financial sector, so it could be an extraordinarily good time to bring more stability to your financial situation. Consider any adjustments you could make now that would have a positive impact on your long-term financial picture. Your finances could improve quite suddenly now and windfalls are possible. Keep your spending in check however. Heightened optimism you may be feeling about your finances could lead to a shopping spree and overspending.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
With the expansive possibilities offered by Jupiter joining the Sun in Cancer, you could be at the beginning stages of personal growth on many levels. Consider which interests and activities in your life reinforce who you are, as you'll likely experience significant development in these areas. You will be especially optimistic about the future today and ready to take on new challenges. Other people may be attracted to your enthusiasm, which can open new doors to professional and social arenas.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 It may seem as if life is moving at such a fast pace these days that a respite is necessary for you to regain some focus. Once daily obligations are met, be sure to make some time for yourself. Self-nurturing and relaxation will be especially beneficial for you today. Perhaps you can plan a last-minute weekend getaway. A few days in the mountains or at the beach may give you the solace you may be seeking for your body and mind.
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EcoSport is biggest test for Ford India MD Joginder Singh
The EcoSport is perhaps the biggest test of Joginder Singh’s career at Ford. Singh, who is the President and Managing Director of Ford India, is a Ford veteran, having worked for the company across Europe and USA before coming to India. He says when Figo hatchback was launched three years back, it quickly became a volume model for the company and EcoSport could well become a gamechanger for Ford in India. But Singh is cautious – about giving out sales targets, when speaking about rivals and even when quizzed on localisation content of the new compact SUV. Which is just as well, since the SUV space is where all the action is right now and competitors are likely hanging on every word he speaks.
Renault Duster is the one car which is most likely to get impacted by EcoSport and we hear Renault has already planned a significant facelift for the Duster this year.
Firstpost interviewed Joginder Singh. Here are excerpts from an interview:
Why is EcoSport so important for Ford’s India success story?
EcoSport is a gamechanger product for us, just like the Figo was when it was launched three years back. Then, our 30,000 sales volumes were tripled in no time because of Figo launch. EcoSport will be a volume product in our showrooms along with the Figo now.
What are your sales and production targets for EcoSport?
We cannot speak of sales targets. But we have invested $142 million to expand capacity at our Chennai facility for EcoSport’s domestic sales and exports to various countries. We will satisfy demand.
Will EcoSport triple volumes, like Figo did?
We have seen immense customer excitement and interest for this car. Can’t comment on volumes though.
Why is the one litre Ecoboost engine variant priced higher than the 1.5 litre when both run on petrol but only the one litre variant enjoys lower excise benefit?
We have offered 10 variants in diesel and petrol options and tried to offer value for money in each. Several factors have to be balanced when pricing is done.(declines to specifically answer this question any further).
The Utility Vehicle market is slowing down now because of excise flip-flops and also because price differential between diesel and petrol fuels is narrowing. Does this worry you?
We have made sure there is flexibility at the two facilities of Chennai and Sanand between diesel and petrol models and engines. So either can be made on the same line and anyway, we need to keep in mind the demand from export markets as well.
When do exports begin and to which countries?
Right now, the focus is on domestic market but exports will begin soon. Markets like Australia and New Zealand should be first.
Will you export right hand drive or left hand drive vehicles? And what is the localisation level on EcoSport?
Both right and left hand drive cars will be exported. And localisation level is sufficient.
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Will eating corn make me fat?
It's difficult to say no to a delicious, piping hot corn on the cob seasoned with spices in this monsoon weather. But lately, it seems that many people are more reluctant than eager to take a bite.
This is because of the latest health buzz that eating corn will make you fat. As a matter of fact, nowadays many people have parted ways with corn altogether because of the fear of weight gain. Today, we take a look at this dilemma and help you answer the question: Will eating corn make me fat?
Tender corn has about 1/3rd the calories of dry corn. At 125 calories per 100 g, it contains about 5 g of protein and negligible amount of fat.
Bangalore-based Registered Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Sheela Krishnaswamy answers the top 5 FAQs on corn for us:
Corn is full of natural sugars and carbs; does this make it unhealthy? Corn is not at all unhealthy. Since it's rich in carbs, it's a great source of energy. High in nutrients, corn is extremely rich in Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin C, which helps in fighting diseases and generating new cells. High in fibre, corn also helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the body by reducing the levels of blood sugar in diabetics too. A whole grain product, it can be easily included in a healthy diet.
If raw and fresh corn is healthy, then why is popcorn unhealthy? Popcorn is not unhealthy either. It's a great filler between meals, as long as it's unbuttered and contains less salt. The buttered and salted popcorn should be restricted because of the fat and sodium content in it. Also, since popcorn is normally eaten while watching television or a movie, there's a greater chance of eating large quantities of popcorn because one is more engrossed in the film rather than the quantity of popcorn eaten. Excess intake of fat and sodium has its consequences on health, as we all know.
Will eating corn chips make me fat? Yes, if the chips are fried and it's consumed in large quantities and the excess calories are not burnt off, they are sure to make you fat. Weight gain is not about just one food, but an energy balance.
Are cornflakes healthy? Cornflakes are very low in fat and contain mostly starch. Also it's eaten in combination with milk, which brings in a balance of carbohydrates and protein.
Regular consumption of corn, in moderate quantities, has been associated with better cardiovascular health. How true is the statement? Corn by itself cannot protect the heart. But yes, it's as good as any other grain like brown rice, wheat, ragi, jowar, etc.
Corn can be used in many ways - as a breakfast cereal, as a snack (boiled corn / corn cup / popcorn), as part of a salad or soup, as an ingredient in a baked dish, etc. At the risk of sounding cliched, weight loss or gain is not about one single food. It's about a healthy lifestyle.
Bottom-Line. Add corn to your meals and snacks to receive its health benefits. Just watch the amount you eat and practice portion control when eating corn and it will not make you fat!
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Today you might consider paying special attention to friends or the people around you who support your interests and passions. This may include individuals or groups of like-minded souls that understand your goals and encourage your efforts to reach them. If you are in the midst of exploring new interests, support from your friends will be especially beneficial. Technology and social media will be useful tools to reach out to friends today to make those connections.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
With Jupiter currently in your career sector, if you are considering a job change, now is the time to explore all avenues. Jupiter is the planet of opportunity, and promotions or job offers may come from out of the blue. If you are happy in your current job, then today will be a great day to schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your career path. Take advantage of networking opportunities as they will be particularly effective now in building a client base.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 With Jupiter in your sector of spiritual pursuits, you might find yourself questioning your own religious or spiritual beliefs today. Your mind will be particularly open to new ideas that can take on special meaning if you consider their effects on you personally. Teachers or mentors may also offer valuable insights into realms you might not have previously considered. You will be especially inquisitive today, and books or movies will have the power to open your eyes to new ideas.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
With Jupiter's positive influence, now may be the time to enter a business partnership if you have been considering doing so. Financial arrangements with one person or a group could prove to be very beneficial if you are careful to thoroughly understand the details of the arrangement. Your general optimism now may cause you to overlook important details in business negotiations, but if you proceed with caution, a pending contract will likely yield positive results.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
Jupiter is currently shining a spotlight in your relationship sector. If you are not currently in a relationship, you may meet someone special as people will be drawn to your enthusiasm and positive outlook on life. If you are currently in a relationship, now will be a valuable time to examine the strengths and weaknesses in the relationship and make some necessary improvements. With cooperation from your partner, steps taken now can greatly strengthen your relationship down the road.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Today will be good day to spend some time focusing on the daily habits that contribute to, or detract from, your overall health and well-being. A new diet or exercise regimen might be in order and, with help from Jupiter, your chances of sticking with any changes made are good as long as you are realistic about the program. Your motivation will be high today, so start by making some small changes to your lifestyle that will be easy to implement.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You will enjoy expressing yourself creatively today. If you work in a creative field, opportunities to take your work to new heights may appear. If you work with children or young adults, your input will be particularly important to them and you may find that especially rewarding. Your mood in general today will be lighthearted and fun, so you might plan an evening out. An uplifting movie or a comedy club might provide particular enjoyment.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love is jealous that any should come before her, or after. She would be all in all. If a man will trust her and live in her, he shall know all things..
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
In an interview, Interviewer: How does an electric motor run?
Sardar: Dhhuuuurrrrrrrrrr. .....
Inteviewer shouts: Stop it.
Sardar: Dhhuurrrr dhup dhup dhup...
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Delhi University cutoffs go crazy, hit 100% in Ram Lal college
NEW DELHI: Ram Lal Anand has done an SRCC this year. The college set the cutoff for its computer science course at a perfect 100% (for non-science aspirants), just like SRCC had done in 2011, as Delhi University declared the first cutoffs for admission it undergraduate course. The cutoffs, for inexplicable reasons, were released very late on Wednesday night.
Although it's an all new undergraduate programme in the university from this year and number of seats in many courses has risen significantly, the legacy of high cutoffs continues. That is true particularly for courses such as Journalism and English, for which students were earlier admitted through centralized entrance tests. Cutoffs touched a new high for both courses, with Lady Shri Ram setting the bar at 97.5%-98.5% for Journalism and Hindu at 97.75%-98.5% for English — equaling those of Economics and Commerce.
Overall, securing a seat in a DU college would gets even harder despite many popular colleges trying not to raise the bar too high. Cutoffs in off-campus colleges continue to rise significantly, with some colleges registering an increase of 14%.
At the 20-odd colleges that used to admit students for English honours through a centralized aptitude test, even students with average scores stood a chance. But not this time. With the entrance test for Journalism and English gone, cutoffs have hit the roof. While LSR's journalism cutoff touches those of both bachelors in commerce and economics, at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce it is 97.5%.
Similarly, the cutoff for English at LSR is 97%, at Hindu it is 97.75%-98.5% and at DCAC it is 95%. All three were CATE colleges where students scoring 60% in class XII could were eligible for the entrance test.
Even for non-CATE colleges, English seats have got dearer with Deshbandhu's cutoff spiraling by 10% to 85%. At ARSD, it is 90%, up by 6%. Seven out of the eight North Campus colleges — such as Hansraj, Kirori Mal, Miranda House, Ramjas, Daulat Ram and IP College — have set the cutoff for English at more than 92%.
Though commerce continues to record high cutoffs in the most campus colleges, there are off-campus colleges and Daulat Ram which have lowered the bar by as much as 3% (Laxmi Bai). Hindu recorded the highest cutoff in the subject, higher even than that of SRCC, at 96.75-99.75.
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Brazil beat Uruguay 2-1 to enter Confederations Cup final
BELO HORIZONTE: A towering Paulinho header saw Brazil edge out Uruguay 2-1 on Wednesday in an ill-tempered Confederations Cup semifinal in Belo Horizonte to set up a final with either world champions Spain or Italy.
Fred scored from close range two minutes from half-time to calm home nerves for the five-time world champions and Confederations title holders after Diego Forlan had first missed a penalty for Uruguay.
But Edinson Cavani pulled a poachers strike out of the bag three minutes after the restart and thereafter the Samba stars were rocking before Paulinho rose high to plant a firm close-range header past Fernando Muslera in the Uruguay goal to cement a barely deserved victory.
Matches between the South American neighbours have long been tense affairs - not least since the Uruguayans shocked the Brazilians in the 1950 World Cup final in Rio to deny their hosts a first title.
But what gave this meeting added spice as both nations limber up for next year's World Cup were pre-match comments by Uruguayan skipper Diego Lugano labelling Brazilian starlet Neymar a diver.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) issued a furious rebuttal of the claim, but there was clearly no love lost between the sides as they snapped into tackles and scrapped for every smidgin of territory.
Brazil made a sluggish start and Lugano was to the fore as he won a penalty for the Uruguayans after 16 minutes.
The veteran defender tussled with Chelsea centreback David Luiz in the box and went down - but Chilean referee Enrique Osses quickly spotted that Luiz had tugged on his rival's shirt and gave the spotkick.
Uruguay's record goalscorer Forlan stepped forward but placed his low kick too close to Julio Cesar, the Brazilian keeper diving away to his left to push the ball round the post and elicit a deafening cheer from a 60,000 crowd at the Estadio Mineirao.
Around twice that number were in the streets, kept out by a police cordon as they joined yet another protest against crumbling public services and government corruption as well as the multibillion bill for staging major sporting events.
Police said beforehand they expected trouble but Brazil, mindful of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's urging them to make their countrymen proud, finally awoke from their nervy slumbers and took the lead two minutes before the break with their first chance of note aside from a speculative Oscar effort over the top.
Neymar chased a long punt down the left and stretched to flick the ball across goal for Fred to poke home a scissor kick finish from the edge of the six yard box, sparking pandemonium in the crowd.
By then, Neymar had certainly spent some time on his back - yet the Barcelona-bound 21-year-old was a marked man as Cavani earned a booking for yanking him back.
Yet Brazil were still nowhere near to finding the flowing form which had brought three wins and nine goals in the group stage and three minutes after the restart Uruguay were level through Cavani, the Napoli man threading a left-foot strike past Cesar.
Some dreadful defending saw the hosts fail to clear their lines as Luiz, Thiago Silva and Luiz Gustavo lost their bearings and Cavani drilled in hard and low to stun the home support.
Forlan then had a half-chance to atone for his earlier faux pas but fired straight at Cesar.
Scolari reacted to a increasingly leaden showing taking off Hulk, replacing him with local favourite Bernard.
Scolari also took off Oscar and sent on Hernanes in an attempt to inject some fresh drive.
Yet it was Uruguay who were turning the screw with first Luis Suarez heading fractionally over from a Forlan cross on 73 minutes before Cavani turned Hernanes inside out and slid an effort just wide as the Uruguayans attacking trident almost embarrassed a shaky home back four.
But with four minutes remaining Neymar whipped over a corner from the left and Paulinho outjumped Martin Caceres and seal their place in the final.
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Ghanchakkar
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Movie Name : Ghanchakkar
Release Date : June 28, 2013
Genre : Romance, Comedy
Producer : Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur
Director : Rajkumar Gupta
Music Director : Amit Trivedi
Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Saqib Saleem, Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor.
Synopsis:
Ghanchakkar movie is a quasi-realistic urban comedy-thriller highlighting the absurdity of certain real human situations.
Emraan plays the title character in Ghanchakkar - a suave, master safe cracker wants to retire from a career in crime, he decides to team up with two dangerous criminals to commit one last heist. A bank robbery that will ensure that he never has to worry about money again! Everything goes according to plan.
Sanju is given the task of hiding the money till things cool down and the booty can be split. Two months later the associates return to collect their share of the loot, but Sanju refuses to even recognize them! What dangerous game is Sanju playing?
Ghanchakkar is a crazy, quirky rollercoaster suspense ride that will surprise, shock and entertain the audience at every turn.
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The first letters of the months July through to November spell JASON.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Helpless love
Once upon a time all feelings and emotions went to a coastal island for a vacation. According to their nature, each was having a good time.
Suddenly, a warning of an impending storm was announced and everyone was advised to evacuate the island.
The announcement caused sudden panic. All rushed to their boats. Even damaged boats were quickly repaired and commissioned for duty.
Yet, Love did not wish to flee quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realised it was time to leave. Alas, there were no boats to spare.
Love looked around with hope. Just then Prosperity passed by in a luxurious boat.
Love shouted, “Prosperity, could you please take me in your boat?” “No,” replied Prosperity, “my boat is full of precious possessions, gold and silver
There is no place for you.” A little later Vanity came by in a beautiful boat. Again Love shouted, “Could you help me, Vanity? I am stranded and need a lift.
Please take me with you.” Vanity responded haughtily, “No, I cannot take you with me. My boat will get soiled with your muddy feet.” Sorrow passed by after some time.
Again, Love asked for help. But it was to no avail. “No, I cannot take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself.”
When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it did not look around, hardly concerned about anyone.
Love was growing restless and dejected. Just then somebody called out, “Come Love, I will take you with me.”
Love did not know who was being so magnanimous, but jumped on to the boat, greatly relieved that she would reach a safe place. On getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge.
Puzzled, Love inquired, “Knowledge, do you know who so generously gave me a lift just when no one else wished to help?” Knowledge smiled, “Oh, that was Time.”
“And why would Time stop to pick me and take me to safety?” Love wondered.
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and replied, “Because only Time knows your true greatness and what you are capable of.
Only Love can bring peace and great happiness in this world.”
“The important message is that when we are prosperous, we overlook love. When we feel important, we forget love.
Even in happiness and sorrow we forget love. Only with time do we realize the importance of love. Why wait that long? Why not make love a part of your life today?”
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“If you think you can win, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory. ”
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