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“Life itself was only futility, vain words, a squabble of cap and bells. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Canada's organic market growth driven by broad-scale support
Canada's organic market grew to $3.7 billion in 2012, with national sales of certified organic food and non-alcoholic beverages reaching $3 billion. Canada's organic food market value tripled since 2006, far outpacing the growth rate of other agri-food sectors. A diverse consumer base is driving the sector, with 58 per cent of all Canadians buying organic products every week.
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UK recycling rate increases faster than any other EU country
The UK increased its recycling rates faster than any other nation in Europe during the first decade of the 21st century, putting it in the top ten EU countries for recycling. In 2001 just 12 per cent of UK waste was being recycled or composted, but by 2011 the rate had risen to 39 per cent, the average for EU countries. One major factor in the UK's progress has been the contribution of Wales, which now recycles 54 per cent of its waste.
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Thai Muslims debate their future as peace talks raise hope
There are signs that the government has become more conciliatory since it agreed to hold talks in February with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), a major rebel group. Few details have emerged from two preliminary rounds of peace talks, brokered by neighbouring Malaysia, between the government and the BRN. Some rebels have called for a degree of self-rule. On Wednesday, Thai officials will sit down for a third round of talks with the BRN to try to resolve Southeast Asia's deadliest internal conflict.
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Australia: New model to save farm biodiversity
Farmers in one of Australia's biodiversity hotspots are starting to be paid annually for the work they do as stewards looking after their land. A new scheme is using philanthropic funds to bring a balance between conservation and agriculture in Tasmania's midlands district. The scheme was launched in one of the few intact native grassy woodlands remaining after 200 years of grazing.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Advani’s intervention fails to move Bihar chief minister
PATNA/NEW DELHI: Viewing NarendraModi's projection as BJP prime ministerial candidate as inevitable, JanataDal (United) has decided to withdraw from the NDA any day after Friday which could deal a big blow to the NDA but would also remove possibly the last major hurdle to SanghParivar's plan to project Gujarat CM as their PM candidate.
Sources in the JD(U) said that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar is convinced that BJP will declare Modi its PM candidate, and is set to announce his split with the NDA any day after the conclusion of the last leg of his public outreach, Seva Yatra, in Katihar on Friday.
Significantly, although L K Advani appealed to Nitish Kumar and JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav not to act in a hurry and repeated the assurance that BJP would not decide on its PM's candidate without consulting them and other NDA partners, the BJP leadership was reconciled to the impending collapse of the 18-year-old partnership. It is an eventuality that will trim the already lean NDA and which will leave it with only Shiv Sena and Akalis as worthwhile allies.
Bihar CM, who has publicly announced that JD(U) would not brook Modi becoming BJP's PM candidate, was unmoved by a last-ditch plea by Advani not to leave the NDA. Sources said that the BJP veteran, told the JD(U) chief and Bihar CM that BJP would take no decision on the PM candidate without consulting them and other NDA partners.
The sudden intervention by Advani, who appears virtually isolated in the BJP, failed to shake Kumar's conviction that BJP would go to polls with the Gujarat CM as its PM candidate. He was also unimpressed by the counsel from certain other quarters that he could afford to wait as the decision on Modi's candidature would be taken only by the end of this year.
As a precursor to the decision which will mean end of the successful BJP-JD(U) coalition in Bihar and result in the loss of support of BJP's 91 MLAs to BJP government, Kumar has asked JD(U) MPs and MLAs to be present in Patna on Saturday for discussion.
The JD(U) chief is also expected to be in Patna by Friday.
With 118 MLAs in the 243-strong Bihar Assembly, there is no threat to Kumar's chief ministership. He can find support from among the six Independents most of whom are already aligned with the JD(U). He appears safe also because BJP alone has the strength to bring a no-trust motion against him. Even his "secular" rivals would be loath to go along with a move to destabilize a CM who has taken on Modi.
In any case, Kumar, who precipitated a confrontation with BJP over Modi in June 2010 when he was in dire need of the support of BJP's 55 MLAs, is ready to for a showdown, fully convinced that he will be better off politically.
BJP did not seem unduly perturbed either. The party that has decided to stick to Modi reckoning that the risks from this — loss of allies like Kumar and a greater Muslim consolidation in favour of Congress — are worth their while, and now views JD(U)'s departure virtually a fait accompli.
The JD(U)-BJP alliance had swept the last Lok Sabha polls, winning 32 of the 40 seats. BJP's own share was 12 , and the party is hopeful that the Modi factor can help it post a double-digit tally independently of Kumar's appeal.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
The ideal opportunity to speak your mind is approaching as Mars and Uranus will begin moving into a favorable alignment. Your direct approach and willingness to speak candidly about what you really think can help you make a strong point that will be heard. Not everyone listening will agree or like what you have to say, but don't let that concern you. You don't have to be pushy, but speak up and continue to stand behind your opinion.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
You may find yourself making an unplanned purchase as Mars and Uranus align. This alignment is favorable so whatever you must buy, it's likely to be for pleasure - enjoy it! You may also be the recipient of a random act of generosity from an unexpected or anonymous source. Whether it's a gift, money given or that you'd forgotten was coming to you, useful information, or something as simple as a free coffee, take it in grateful stride and pay it forward.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Opportunities to socialize with a whole different group of people than you are used to will arise as Mars and Uranus prepare to team up. Be on the lookout and take advantage of invitations if you want to meet new people. Better yet, don't wait to be included but show interest and create an opportunity on your own initiative. You may not be sure you fit in at first, but it'll be more exciting than awkward if you just trust yourself and stay confident.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
That wild idea about your career direction that pops into your head now and then may be starting to get a little traction as Mars, the planet of motivation and instinct, connects with Uranus, planet of the unusual and unexpected. You don't have to do anything crazy, but do allow yourself to think innovatively about where your life and career are going, even if it seems a little frightening to contemplate leaving the beaten path. Make decisions on the matter from your gut instincts.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Keep your focus on the bigger picture throughout the weekend. Connect with others and get involved in things that matter to you on the larger scale, whether it's a world cause, or a community project, or as simple as a neighborhood block party! You can make a unique contribution just by being authentic as well as showing up when it really counts. You may find yourself receiving even more than you gave out to others.
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Sun to pay $550m to Pfizer, Takeda
MUMBAI: India's largest drug maker by market capitalization Sun Pharma on Wednesday said that it will pay Pfizer and Japanese drug maker Takeda $550 million jointly to settle a patent infringement suit in the US on generic pantoprazole, an anti-acidity medicine. This is part of $2.15 billion damages which Israeli drug maker Teva and Sun Pharma will pay jointly to settle a lawsuit related to acid-reflux drug Protonix to Pfizer and Takeda Pharmaceutical. Takeda, Pfizer's partner on the drug, will receive 36%, or about $774 million from the settlement.
The patent on Protonix was held by Nycomed, now a Takeda subsidiary. Protonix was licensed to Wyeth, which is now part of Pfizer. The patent expired two years ago. In cases of at-risk launch of generic drugs in the US, the innovator companies can claim a liability based on the loss of profit, loss of revenue and a penalty. This is one of the biggest settlements paid by a domestic company to settle a patent infringement suit, and raises questions on the aggressive strategy followed by Indian companies to launch drugs at-risk. Teva, the world's largest generic drugmaker, will pay $1.6 billion—half this year and the rest by October 2014. Sun Pharma will pay $550 million this year, a company statement said.
Pfizer won a protracted 10-year legal battle in April 2010 when a New Jersey jury ruled that Teva had infringed the Protonix patent. Teva started selling a generic version of the drug in 2007, while Sun Pharma sold the generic version for over two years, starting 2008.
Analysts say that the settlement amount being huge will impact Sun Pharma, and may derail its proposed acquisitions. "It will be tough on Sun Pharma. The amount is quite big," said Ranjit Kapadia, senior VP at Centrum Broking, who tracks the pharmaceutical industry.
The market has been abuzz with speculation recently that Sun Pharma is readying for a big-ticket acquisition. Sun Pharma's founder and MD Dilip Shanghvi in a call with analysts on May 28 said that the company's cash on hand as on March 31, is around $1.3 billion, of which its subsidiary, Taro's component is $650 million. Shanghvi said this had raised expectations of an acquisition (in the market), but the talk is "mere conjecture''.
Under the terms of the litigation settlement between Sun Pharma, and Wyeth, (now a division of Pfizer) and Altana Pharma AG, (now Takeda GmbH) the parties have dismissed all their claims, the statement added. In 2005, Wyeth and Altana had filed a patent infringement suit against Sun Pharma after it filed its abbreviated new drug application for pantoprazole. Sun Pharma launched its generic pantoprazole in US on January 30, 2008. In April 2010, a jury determined that Altana's patent is not invalid. On June 3 this year, the court began to assess the damages that Sun Pharma owed for infringing Altana's now expired patent.
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Make time fly at the gym
We've all been there and experienced it. Time seems to come to a standstill when we are at the gym, especially the treadmill. It's a classic case of relativity as the genius Albert Einstein put it, "When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, you think it's only a minute. But when you sit on a hot stove for a minute, you think it's two hours."
When this happens, we keep dragging ourselves throughout the workout. Here's a list of tips to keep you motivated from start to finish:
Update your playlist
Why subject yourself to the mercy of radio or music that's not to your liking being played at the gym? Make a special playlist for the gym with up-tempo tracks. Lookout for list of songs online that work perfectly well for gymming.
Take short breaks
Working out continuously seems like an arduous task, if you're not fully charged. Taking short breaks will certainly help break the monotony. Besides, pushing your body to its maximum and giving it short recovery periods, aids in faster weight loss. Also, as you're concentrating on switching your pace, resistance and incline, you won't realise the time.
Watch your favourite TV shows
If health doesn't seem like a motivating enough factor to head to the gym, then perhaps, catching your favourite show just might do the trick. When you are engrossed watching your show, you won't realise how time flies on the treadmill.
Get yourself a gym buddy
How about going to gym along with your partner or friend? Working out won't seem such a boring task when you have company. You can amplify the intensity of your workout by challenging and competing with each other. Also, if you do feel lazy to go to the gym alone, the lure of company should be motivating enough. In fact, you can motivate each other, if either of you is lagging behind.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You're good at playing by the rules but the union of Mars and Uranus building now encourages you to dare to break, or at least bend, one or two of them. The career goals that you want to achieve can benefit from outside-of-the-box thinking in your approach, but you'll have to be willing to risk making a mistake. You'll get ahead by taking the initiative to show something about you that is unique. Even if it's not everyone's cup of tea, the right people will notice.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Today will be an ideal time for a quick getaway with a significant other to someplace that's fun and sparks your curiosity. Better than a traditional romantic trip might be a tour of an interesting town or landmark that engages both your mind and body. If you are interested in meeting someone new, get out of town! You may meet that interesting someone who stands out from the rest, and may also have an easier time relaxing and just being the real you.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Your intuition will be even sharper than it already is as Mars and Uranus pair up. While you tend to have penetrating and thoughtful insight, now is not the time for analysis as much as it is action. Make that bold move you've been contemplating, at work or in your financial life. Don't just be randomly impulsive; follow your instincts with purpose, and even if the outcome is a surprise, it's sure to be a delightful one.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
As Mars and Uranus get friendly over the next three days, the time will be ripe for spontaneous romance. Surprise a significant other with a night out or a special gift. Don't worry about planning an elaborate date - it doesn't have to be expensive or intricate, so just keep the focus on lighthearted fun and let the sparks fly. But be sure to stay your usual flexible self - you may just find yourself on the receiving end of a partner's romantic surprise instead!
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Be innovative in whatever projects you have on your plate, especially at work. A new approach, a new perspective, or just a new way to use the materials you work with every day can bring surprising success and spark others' interest. Your sign, Capricorn, is known for a love of tradition, so take what you have gained from your past and bring it into the future. Bring the uniqueness of who you are and where you come from to the table and give it a twist.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Bring out your playful side! It's time to get spontaneous as Mars and Uranus will align. Although you already have a more unique perspective than most folk, the heavens encourage you to try something new for fun that is playful and creative enough to get you into a different mode of thinking. Trying a new sport or hobby can be not only fun and shake things up, but also can clear your mind for the epiphanies that want to come through.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You may be in the mood to stay in with Mars traveling through your home sector, but as Uranus adds a dash of inventiveness, you'll be in the mood to have fun and do something spontaneous. Investing in a home improvement project that's more creative than utilitarian may turn out to be incredibly enjoyable and even a bit cathartic. Spending active play time with your family at home will also bring out the best in you.
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Moral Story
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SMS
True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
“Why is it," he said, one time, at the subway entrance, "I feel I've known you so many years?"
"Because I like you," she said, "and I don't want anything from you.”
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.
The Perfect Son.
A: I have the perfect son.
B: Does he smoke?
A: No, he doesn't.
B: Does he drink whiskey?
A: No, he doesn't.
B: Does he ever come home late?
A: No, he doesn't.
B: I guess you really do have the perfect son. How old is he?
A: He will be six months old next Wednesday.
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Rajasthan University to pitch for sports category
JAIPUR: Rajasthan University is wondering how to fill up seats earmarked for the Sports category. Over the years, the number of students admitted under sports category has declined which was reflected in performance of 30 different sports team participated in the several competitions held throughout the year.
The Rajasthan University Sports Board is planning to revamp the facilities and make additions to the existent set-up. "Last year, we had minimum number of students under this category.
This year, we are expecting the number to swell considering the massive improvement in the facilities from new sports equipments or kits, renovating grounds, floodslights on the tracks and a proposal of sports hostel in on the cards," said Mahendra Singh Chundawat, secretary, university sports board.
RU has no set code for students seeking admission under the sports quota. It means that endless number of students can take admission under sports category.
The board has made three broad categories for students: Those candidates represented India in an individual capacity or as a team member at international level and those who hold any position nationally can have direct entry in any department or subject.
Candidates who participated at the national level and at inter university level can get additional 5% marks. "An allotment of 10% seats have been reserved for such candidates along with an increase in the number of additional perks for benefit of students have been added this year," said Chundawat.
The sports authority has seven coaches, including two staffers from RU staff at present. Six teachers of physical education will join soon. This year RU has won position in basketball, volleyball, handball and hockey (both male and females) out of 30 sports.
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Dhoni & Co. firm contenders for Champions Trophy title
BIRMINGHAM: From the galleries across the grounds in England and Wales where the Champions Trophy matches are being played, to media briefings, team hotels, tube stations and even the streets of London, Cardiff and Birmingham -- the decibel is on the rise in the United Kingdom majorly because of the Indian team.
MS Dhoni & Co seem to be everywhere, in apparel stores, pubs and restaurants, city centres and sundry public places across the three cities. Just a week ago, if they were conspicuous by their absence, preferring to stay only inside their hotel rooms and avoiding any fan or media interaction, they're suddenly back in the focus now after winning two successive matches and being tagged -- unanimously -- as firm contenders for the Champions Trophy title.
"They're a bunch of very talented guys and a very good team," said Dwayne Bravo, after the loss to India on Tuesday evening in London. "Most people said India is not going to be good in these conditions and team can roll over them. But I don't agree with that," he added.
India are looking good, no doubt. If it was exceptional batting alone that saw them emerging superior to South Africa in Cardiff, London was about some exceptional bowling too. "Most of them play short, fast bowling very well and India always play spinners better," explains Bravo about this new-look side.
Apart from winning the two matches so far, India have looked, by a fair distance, the most challenging team to beat in the tournament. Whether a stand-in opener or stitching a five-bowler specialist attack, adjusting to the weather or getting the spot-fixing controversy off their back, they've done what it takes to be seen as the strongest team in the Champions Trophy so far.
"You've got to give credit to them. Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja -- they have very good players all around," says Bravo.
Perhaps, in being able to make the most out of the resources available has been one of the reasons for Team India looking so good here. But more importantly, the secret lies in the manner MS Dhoni has marshalled his resources.
Talking to this young bunch, accommodating their weakness, backing their strengths, and above all, not letting any unrelated issue get to them at this point of time has mostly been Dhoni's doing.
Talk to any member of the Indian team informally, and the respect he has for Dhoni shows almost immediately. The skipper's conflict-of-interest theories notwithstanding, the mentoring he's done so far is reminiscent of the way Sourav Ganguly handled his younger bunch in the days post the match-fixing scandal in 2000.
It is very likely that India can win this tournament, firstly because they look in good form, and also because some other -- usually strong ODI sides -- are looking unbalanced at the moment because of injuries and player unavailability. If India do win, it will be another feather in Dhoni's glowing cap.
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Enemmy
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Enemmy
Movie Name : Enemmy
Release Date : June 21, 2013
Genre : Crime, Thriller
Producer : Yogeeta Bali
Director : Dileep Shukla
Music Director : Bappa Lahiri, Gourov Dasgupta
Cast : Suniel Shetty, Kay Kay Menon, Mithun Chakraborty, Mahaakshay Chakraborty, Johny Lever, Uvika Chaudhary, Zakir Hussain, Mumait Khan, Akshay Kapoor, Priyanka Upendra
Synopsis:
A thriller set against the backdrop of the battle between the Mumbai mafia and cops, Enemmy is the story of four intrepid CID officers (Suniel Shetty, Kay Kay Menon, Johny Lever and Mahaakshay), who are entrusted with the responsibility of cracking down on the underworld and cleaning up the city by any and all means possible.
When the four cops initiate an investigation and manage to nab Mukhtar Memon (Zakir Hussain), a crime lord, everyone heaves a sigh of relief. However, the relief is short-lived and after a brief spell of peace, the gang wars start again, shocking everyone.
Deciding to up the ante, the dynamic political leader R.G, who had unleashed the CID sleuths, sends in a CBI officer (Mithun Chakraborty) to Mumbai to get to the bottom of things. However, what the officer discovers is that the gang-war is merely a façade to find out about a heist, in which two truckloads of hard cash were stolen from Memon, who will stop at nothing to get his money back.
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the longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The important things in life
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
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“Never tell your problems to anyone...20% don't care and the other 80% are glad you have them.”
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