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“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
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US home builder confidence soars to seven-year high
For the first time in seven years, most US home builders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index leaped to 52 this month from 44 in May. A reading above 50 indicates more builders view sales conditions as good, rather than poor. The index hasn't been that high since April 2006.
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Canada: Home builders are back - and they've brought jobs with them
Canadian housing-starts numbers for May came in at an annualized rate of 200,200 -- miles above the 179,000 that economists had anticipated. After a six-month slowdown (average starts of 183,000 over that period), the home builders are suddenly back -- and they've brought jobs with them. '[The housing data] reinforces our view that the economy will continue to grow more quickly in the second quarter than the [Bank of Canada] projected in its April Monetary Policy Report,' said Deutsche Bank chief Canadian economist John Clinkard in a note to clients.
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Finland has one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates
For 75 years, Finland's expectant mothers have been given a box by the state. It's like a starter kit of clothes, sheets, and toys that can even be used as a bed. And some say it helped Finland achieve one of the world's lowest infant mortality rates. It's a tradition that dates back to the 1930s and it's designed to give all children in Finland, no matter what background they're from, an equal start in life.
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Thailand commended for human rights promotion in ASEAN
Amnesty International has shown interest in opening its Southeast Asian regional office in Bangkok, particularly because of Thailand's openness concerning human rights issues. Thailand has also been commended for its important role in the promotion and protection of human rights in the ASEAN region.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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May rejoin the NDA if LK Advani returns at the helm of the BJP: JD(U)
Patna: A day after walking out of NDA, JD(U) President Sharad Yadav on Monday said his party could consider coming back to the alliance if veteran BJP leader LK Advani returns at the helm of the party.
"We will consider rejoining NDA if LK Advani returns to helm of the party. We had fought 2009 elections projecting Advani as our Prime Ministerial candidate," the JD(U) chief said.
The statement comes even as both the BJP and the JD(U) have been taking potshots at each other after the split.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar accused its estranged ally of "betraying" and "cornering" elders in the party in an oblique reference to Advani over the Narendra Modi issue.
Nitish said the BJP never made an effort to address the JD(U)'s concerns. "If Atal ji not well, at least Advani could have addressed the concerns raised in the alliance.
If they are moving forward without addressing the concerns raised by the alliance, then what could we have done.
The central BJP leaders kept calling, asking us not to take a decision. But they were never ready to give us an assurance on what they will do about our concerns," Nitish said.
Nitish also clarified on his 2003 speech on Narendra Modi released by the BJP. Nitish said praising Modi then was protocol.
"When I used to visit other states as a railway minister, those speeches were never political. It's part of the protocol to praise the host state and not to speak against them," Nitish said.
However, hitting back at Nitish Kumar for accusing that the BJP does not respect its elders, Sushil Kumar Modi said that people of Bihar will get to see the 'real' face of Nitish Kumar very soon as the BJP will 'expose' him.
"Nitish Kumar's allegations accusing that the BJP does not respect its elders are completely baseless and we really respect LK Advani," he added.
Modi said that the way in which BJP ministers were dismissed was very insulting. The BJP has also called for Bihar Bandh on June 18 to protest against the "betrayal of the people" by the Janata Dal (United).
Nitish Kumar on Sunday ended his 17-year-old alliance with the BJP and making it clear that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's elevation has filled the JD(U) with apprehension about the future of the alliance, also accusing the BJP of succumbing to the 'autocratic personality cult' with no respect for democratic process.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You may be able to finalize plans for an eagerly anticipated trip. Whether you travel by plane, train, or automobile, your destination may include a stay at a posh hotel or luxurious resort. On another note, your ability to express your needs may be strong, and with the Sun and Jupiter combining forces in your communications sector, your confidence and enthusiasm may make you feel unbeatable. As a result, negotiations connected to a publishing, prenuptial, or entertainment-related agreement, including catered events, may reach a successful conclusion at this time.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
The spotlight will be on your income. You may learn that a raise or other benefits are coming to you, such as health insurance, an expense account or a new office. Another possibility may be an opportunity for a new source of income connected to real estate. If you are trying to sell or rent a property, you may receive a solid offer now. Since Mercury turns retrograde on June 26, you may want to negotiate the terms and execute the agreement sooner rather than later.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may be ready to announce your engagement, wedding date, pregnancy or new home purchase. In fact, you may be so excited that you decide to throw a party to celebrate. Although you may prefer to host it in a restaurant with all of your friends and colleagues, your budget may be a bit tight. As you think it over, you may decide to have a house party and limit the guest list to family and close friends. To your delight, your co-workers and colleagues may show their support by arranging a luncheon or after work gathering to celebrate your happy news.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
A trusted colleague may provide you with the inside track regarding a potential job opportunity. This may be a lateral move or it may be a promotion, but either way it may come with a salary increase. On another note, if you have been working on a creative or media-related endeavor, you may wrap it up at this time. With Jupiter poised to enter Cancer on June 25 for a yearlong celebration of your sign, you may be very excited about going public with this project.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 A financial benefit may come to you through a large group or organization. You may enjoy a steep discount on foreign travel by signing up for a group excursion or be entitled to members-only rates for sporting events or concert tickets. On the domestic scene, you may consider welcoming a pet into your home. At first, your heart may be set on a dog or cat, but you finally may decide to set up an aquarium with colorful coral and a variety of tropical fish.
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AirAsia India appoints TCS' S Ramadorai as Chairman
MUMBAI: AirAsia on Monday said that the company has appointed Tata Group veteran, S.Ramadorai as the chairman of its India operations, nearly three months after the union government allowed the Malaysia based airline to set up operations in India.
The announcement comes a day after Tony Fernandes, Chairman of AirAsia announced that Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus - Tata Sons was appointed as the Chief Advisor to the new airline.
S.Ramadorai is currently vice chairman at Tata Consultancy Services, where he was CEO from 1996 until 2009. He is also a cabinet ranked official in Manmohan Singh's government as he is an advisor to the Prime Minister in the National Council on Skill Development.
"I would like to confirm Ramadorai as chairman of AirAsia India, a giant of Indian industry, and man from the South," Fernandes said on micro blogging website Twitter.
"That completes our team. Advisor, chairman, CEO and the board. Quite a heavyweight team for super exciting AirAsia India," Fernandes added on Twitter.
AirAsia had received approvals from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board in March this year to set up airline operations in the country. AirAsia had formed the joint venture with Tata Group and Telestra Tradeplace after the government relaxed foreign direct investment in the aviation sector.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh had told reporters last week that all the matters on AirAsia India were resolved. "All matters on AirAsia India have been resolved. The proposal has been sent to the home ministry for security clearance. Once the ministry's nod comes, the civil aviation ministry will give its clearance", he told reporters.
Ramadorai is the fourth person from the Tata group to hold a position in the airline joint venture after Ratan Tata as chief advisor, and R Venkataraman (former executive assistant to Ratan Tata) and Bharat Vasani (chief legal counsel of the Tata Group), who are directors on the board.
AirAsia India is a joint venture of Air Asia, Tata Sons and Arun Bhatia of Telestra Tradeplace with 49:30:21 holding.
On Sunday Tony Fernandes promised 'Nano' airfares once it begins operating flights in the country which is expected by the fourth quarter of 2013. "Persuading Tata to be advisor has not been easy. Critical, we have someone of his massive experience to help me chart AirAsia India with Mittu (Chandilya) and myself," Fernandes had tweeted yesterday.
On Sunday, Fernandes had also said that the chairman is a towering figure in the country. "Our chairman is someone who has redefined many parts of India. A towering man who brings unbelievable experience to the Air Asia India board", he tweeted.
AirAsia is expected to bring in competitive pricing in the Indian aviation market, once it begins service later this year. Last month, Fernandes had named Mittu Chandilya as the CEO of AirAsia India.
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Are fruits a good breakfast substitute?
Most of us rely on fruits for 'healthy breakfast substitutes' without really checking up on how healthy that is.
Do you always end up eating a piece of fruit for breakfast, due to lack of time? Many of us, though being aware of the importance of breakfast, tend to avoid eating a healthy breakfast.
The basic excuse we give to avoid a healthy breakfast is 'lack of time'. But if you feel that by adding fruits for breakfast you will get a healthy breakfast, then you need to read what Ms. Eileen Canday - Chief Dietician at Breach Candy Hospital says...
She says, "Essentially, it (fruits for breakfast) affects your body by not giving you all the vitamins and minerals you need to make it through your day."
On the other hand, when you have a complete breakfast you not only get vitamin C, but you also get calcium, fiber, and protein. This helps better prepare your body for the day's activities.
This leads us to staying powerful throughout the day. If a piece of fruit doesn't have enough nutrition, how could it possibly keep you full until your next meal? It's only when you combine fruit with high fiber breakfast foods such as oatmeal, wheat, or even bran, you will stay full longer.
When you add more fiber to your breakfast, you're able to better ward off hunger pains. When you combine these high fiber foods with fruit, you get a breakfast that has more of the nutrition your body needs.
Of course, the most important reason a breakfast of fruit isn't enough is because you aren't consuming sufficient calories or protein. Breakfast is the most significant meal of the day.
By consuming more calories first thing in the morning, you are better able to work off those calories throughout the day. This is a much enhanced option than consuming most of your calories in the evening.
Protein is essential to keeping you full for longer as well. A breakfast that lacks protein will have you feeling hungry by noon, even earlier.
So save fruits as mid-day snacks or add-ons for meals, but avoid using fruits as breakfast substitutes. Find 5-10 minutes to eat a nutritious well-balanced healthy breakfast, and you'll be in better control of your weight and health.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You may find yourself in the limelight as the Sun and Jupiter unite in your sector of status and reputation. You may earn a promotion, make partner, win an award, or receive an appointment to a community advisory board. If you are pursuing an educational degree, you may make the dean's list or receive recognition for a specific academic achievement. On a personal note, a sibling or partner may be so proud that he or she may organize a small party to celebrate your success.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
A major goal connected to publishing, teaching, or speaking may come to fruition at this time. Although you may be eager to share the news with everyone, it may be best to wait until you iron out all of the details. If a contract is involved, you may want to consult with a legal expert to review the agreement and, if necessary, negotiate the terms. Since Mercury stations retrograde on June 26, you may want to do this right away so you can execute the agreement before then.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 A treasured family heirloom may come to you at this time. It may be a ring or other piece of jewelry or it may be a household item such as a clock, teapot, or dinnerware. As a result, you may be inspired to research your family's history and create an album featuring photographs of everyone in your family tree. Turning to finances, you may want to increase your contribution to your 401(k) or pension plan. However, you may decide to meet with a financial expert first to be sure you understand any potential risks to your investment.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Your most significant relationship will be in the spotlight. Plans for a honeymoon, anniversary or romantic getaway may be on your agenda as the Sun and Jupiter cuddle up in the partnership sector of your chart. Faraway shores may appeal to your sense of adventure, and you and your partner may enjoy researching a variety of possible destinations. On another note, you may search online for decorating tips to help you create a space in your home where you can relax or meditate.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 You may be very enthusiastic about a new exercise program that benefits the mind as well as the body. You may learn about it from a romantic partner or close friend who invited you to work out with him or her. On the career front, you may have an opportunity to work from home. For example, you may be able to work remotely at your current job a few days every month, or you may have an idea for a home-based business. Either way, your interest may be piqued.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Love may be in the air as the Sun and Jupiter snuggle up in your romance sector. If you have been dating someone for a while, you and your partner may decide to take it to the next level. If single, a romantic interest may catch your eye at this time. You may meet this person through your job, and if so, try to be discreet about it. At work, a superior may demonstrate his or trust in you by sharing confidential information.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You may make plans to have your boss and co-workers over for dinner this weekend. While you may be happy at the thought of entertaining, you may be torn between cooking or catering. You may prefer to cook because it's more economical, but you may feel there won't be enough time to make sure the house is spotless. Fortunately, if you confide your dilemma to a sibling or other family member, he or she may offer to do the cleaning so you can devote your time to creating a memorable menu.
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Moral Story
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SMS
When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"The end of a relationship is not always a failure. Sometimes all the love in the world is not enough to save something. In these cases, it is not a matter of fault from either person. Some things cannot be, it's as simple as that.”
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
Good leaders have integrity. Integrity is simply about being real at all times, even when no one is watching. This means strictly adhering to your moral principles at all times. Leaders who say one thing and do another lower trust and destroy the cohesiveness of the team.
I bought a new printer because
it was cheaper than ink refills.
Now I'm wondering how long before
new cars are cheaper than fuel.
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CBSE to stop publishing sample papers for classes XI and XII
NEW DELHI: Have the Central Board of Secondary Education students cracked the code to score high in the Board exams? The board feels so and has decided to stop publishing the popular sample papers for classes XI and XII from next year as the number of high scorers have increased significantly in the recent years and that the sample papers have contributed to this trend. In fact the increase in the number of high scorers has been significant since 2011. In 2013, 44,676 (5.03%) students scored 90% and above as against 15,839 (2.5%) five years back. Even the number of students scoring 95% and above have increased from 1020 (0.16%) in 2009 to 7231 (0.81%) this year.
The in last meeting of the governing body of the board the issue was discussed and it was decided that the sample papers will no longer be made available to the senior secondary students. The sample papers have been on print for over 20 years and used to give the pattern of questions that can be expected. In fact many private publishers also publish their own versions of sample papers based on these sample papers as they are very popular among the students.
As per CBSE the decision is taken as many students restrict their studies to the sample paper solving and yet score high marks without really knowing the complete syllabus. The board feels that without the sample papers the students will have to go through detailed studies instead of selective mode.
"Students are increasingly getting selective in their studies and the sample papers seem to have been contributing to this. It's not a healthy academic practice as students need to study in a comprehensive manner. Therefore, the sample papers hence forth will not be available. The board has initiated a number of exam reforms which include higher order thinking skills, value-based questions and open-text based assessment so that the assessment system is enhanced," said chairman of CBSE, Vineet Joshi.
In fact, the increase in high scores at class XII level is also indicative of the high cutoffs for admissions at undergraduate level in popular colleges across India.
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'Smiling' Pinki has a date with big stars at Wimbledon
LONDON: Pinki Sonkar is all set to travel from the dark bylanes of Mirzapur to the most coveted event in the English summer calendar - Wimbledon. In a rare honour, the 11-year-old Indian will flip the toss coin at the gentlemen's singles final this year on centre court. Before heading to UK, Pinki will travel to Madison Square Park in New York for a Wimbledon celebration with former tennis superstars Monica Seles and Jim Courier.
On July 7, Pinki is likely to meet top players like Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic - depending on who manages to tame the grass court here. She will be assisted in her on-court duties by Andrew Jarrett, championships' referee and the chair umpire. After the formalities, she will watch the match with a lunch thrown in at the legendary competitors' restaurant.
Pinki was born with a congenital deformity called cleft lip and her story had earlier taken her to the blinding spotlight of the Oscar night in Los Angeles. Emmy-winning director Megan Mylan's 39-minute documentary 'Smile Pinki', on Pinki's journey from social ostracization and humiliation (after being born with a cleft) to acceptance (post-surgery), won an Oscar for Best Short Documentary in 2008.
Pinki, however, has Smile Train to thank - the world's largest cleft lip and palate non-profit organization. Smile Train has been selected as the charity partner at this year's Wimbledon. Pinki is one of their most well-known patients.
In 2007, Pinki was given the opportunity through Smile Train to receive a life-changing free cleft repair surgery. Since the surgery, she lives a life free of shame and isolation. Dr Subodh Kumar Singh, who performed the surgery, will be travelling with her to London. Smile Train India chief Satish Kalra told TOI that the centre court event will bring the issue of cleft lip in front of the whole world.
"Wimbledon finals are watched by 300 million people across 70 countries. At present Smile Train conducts 125,000 surgeries a year with $70 million raised through charity. In India alone, 50,000 children undergo this corrective surgery but there is a backlog of 10 lakh. Hopefully, we will be able to raise more funds to increase the number of surgeries in India to 70,000 annually and 150,000 globally."
Dr Singh, who works at the GS Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital in Varanasi, and on whose work the documentary is based, said: "Pinki exemplifies strength, courage, and dignity every day of her life," said Dr Singh. "Cleft has become a major cause of children falling out of school, unable to bear the humiliation of their classmates. It mars the personality of the child who suffers tremendously from low self-esteem. They don't get good education or good jobs".
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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 : Ashu Trikha
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.
The question is...who is crazy enough to steal from the king of the city
underworld? Thus begins a cat-and-mouse game between the characters of the
film that keeps the story line interesting right to the logical end of the film.
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An ostrich's eye is bigger than it's brain.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Boy’s Job Appraisal
A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and pulled it over to the telephone.
He climbed onto the carton so that he could reach the buttons on the phone and proceeded to punch in seven digits (phone numbers).
The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation.
Boy: ‘Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?
Woman: (at the other end of the phone line): ‘I already have someone to cut my lawn.’
Boy: ‘Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now.’
Woman: I’m very satisfied with the person who is presently cutting my lawn.
Boy: (with more perseverance) : ‘Lady, I’ll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of Palm beach , Florida.’
Woman: No, thank you.
With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver. The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy.
Store Owner: ‘Son… I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job.’
Boy: ‘No thanks.’
Store Owner: But you were really pleading for one.
Boy: No Sir, I was just checking my performance at the Job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady I was talking to!’
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“No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they’d die for.”
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