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“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Africa: The 'underground forests' that are bringing deserts to life
They call it the 'underground forest', and it has proved, literally, to be an answer to prayer, both for one young Australian and for countless people living in one of the hungriest corners of the planet. For it has enabled millions of hectares of severely degraded land to produce good harvests, spurring a grassroots agricultural revolution that -- almost unnoticed by the outside world -- is spreading across West Africa's Sahel.
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Toronto, Ontario, Canada: GO Transit expands Quiet Zones to all rush-hour trains
GO Transit is rolling out Quiet Zones across all its train lines starting 15 July, following a warm reception to a pilot project on the Barrie GO line this year. Quiet Zones will be in effect on the upper levels of coaches on all seven GO lines during weekday rush hours, said Mary Proc, vice-president, customer service for GO.
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UK: Volunteers recognized as 'green heroes'
'Green heroes' have been recognized for their voluntary services to the environment by the National Trust. A group of green space guardians, a red squirrel champion, and a passionate birdwatcher have all been selected for praise in the charity's annual awards. 'Being a volunteer is in our national DNA and it's great that these awards recognize and celebrate the commitment, passion and determination of the people that care for the green spaces that matter so much to them,' said Helen Timbrell, Volunteering and Community Involvement Director at the National Trust.
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US: Another banner year for California rooftop solar
On the 10th of July, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released its annual progress report for the California Solar Initiative, and it's more good news for solar in the Golden State. For example, in 2012, the amount of solar installed on California's rooftops in major territories grew by 391 MW -- a 26 per cent increase from the amount added in 2011. As of the end of the first quarter 2013, an estimated 1,629 MW of rooftop solar have been installed in those territories, roughly equivalent to three traditional fossil fuelled power plants -- but clean and emission-free.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Modi hits out at UPA, says PM is sitting on files as he can't take decisions
New Delhi: Getting into election mode after his elevation in the BJP, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over various issues including the downturn in economy, falling rupee and corruption. "Power production is in a limbo in the country. There are buyers, producers but there is no power production, because PM is sitting on the file as he can't take a decision," Modi said.
"India's PM is an economist, yet the country's economy is in such a bad condition. Very soon, dollar rate will touch the age of the Finance Minister," Modi added.
Hitting out at the Congress-led UPA, Modi said the government hides behind the veil of secularism whenever India faces any problem. "Congress always wears the burka of secularism whenever they face problem. In the name of secularism, Congress government can't play with poor, teenagers and daughters of the country," Modi said.
Modi, while addressing the party workers for the first time after taking over as the Bharatiya Janata Party's 2014 election campaign chief, said the country does not need many acts, but action.
Alleging that the government is arrogant, Modi said, "What kind of arrogance is this? Even after committing so many mistakes, the government is not willing to admit them."
Expressing surprise over CBI giving a clear chit to former railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Modi said, "CBI saved former railway minister; constitutional agencies are being used by the government for its own gains."
Modi also ridiculed Congress for not fulfilling the promise of bringing down the inflation in 100 days. "Congress promised that they will bring down inflation in 100 days, but it didn't happen, it should answer. UPA government should be accountable to the promises made to the people of the country."
Alleging that the Congress always plays votebank politics, Modi said, "UPA government believes in vote bank politics. As a result of the vote bank politics country is suffering from the current crisis. Till we don't get rid of the Congress we won't be able to progress."
Terming Congress as shameless, Modi said, "We need account of 'Garibi Hatao' programme started by the Congress 35 years ago. The Congress doesn't trust its own coalition partners."
Modi also highlighted the fisherman killing by Italian marines and said, "Italians came and killed our fishermen, SC had to intervene to get the perpetrators back to India."
Taking a dig at UPA government's ambitious food security programme, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said India's priority is skill development and merely bringing in the Bill would not feed the needy.
The government's decision to rush through an ordinance to put into effect its ambitious food security scheme was also slammed by Modi. "Congress decided to bring in an ordinance because it does not trust its allies anymore. It's all a fight for credit and deprives their partners of the credit" he quipped.
"Instead of distributing the grains to the poor, the government let it rot and later gave the rotting grains to liquor manufacturers despite SC orders," Modi added.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
The golden triangle in the sky between three planets - all in water signs - will help open up an easy flow of sensitive support in a domestic matter. You and your clan will be particularly close now, thanks to the effects of Jupiter moving through your home and family sector. There might be extra compassion extended either from a family member to you, or vice versa. Whatever the case, it'll help strengthen your bond even more.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
A brilliant communications related opportunity is on the horizon and you may hear news of it as early as today. If you're a writer, or in the broadcasting, film, or television industry, there's every indication that this prospect will bring extraordinary success your way. In addition, you'll be at your best if you're slated to give any speech or presentation in front of a crowd. Your words will be inspiring.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Financial prosperity is closer than you think. A promising new assignment may come your way or, even better, a brilliant promotion that will elevate your status and enhance your earning power. This will be your year to experience glorious financial gains, thanks to Jupiter working his way through your earned income sector. Make the most of it now, as Jupiter will receive incredible support from both Saturn and Neptune.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Now that Jupiter will be in Cancer, there's no limit to the personal expansion in store for you. Today and tomorrow, be on the lookout for romantic opportunity that comes from someone who is from a different religion, culture, or part of the world. In addition, you might begin a creative endeavor that has the potential for a global reach. Success will be guaranteed this year in almost anything you set out to do. All you have to do is believe in yourself.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Now will be an ideal time to trust your gut when it comes to a potential investment. You might be in the process of quietly doing research either on your own, with a relative, or even a financial planner. Know that anyone who advises you during this time may be idealistic but will also have your best interests at heart. In the end, if you feel right about a prospect, then you'll know it's time to move forward with it.
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Microcar market: Japanese automakers eyeing Indonesia, India
TOKYO: Japanese automakers like Honda Motor Co and the Toyota-Daihatsu group have a problem: the smallest cars they make are very big in Japan - and only Japan.
Consider Honda's hi-tech N BOX, a four-passenger microcar that combines some of the utility features of a much larger SUV - the seats roll down to load a bicycle or two - and the fuel-sipping economy of a tiny, 660-cc engine.
For the first half of 2013, the zippy N BOX was the best-selling car in Japan's popular vehicle category that now represents almost 40 percent of vehicles on the road.
But outside Japan, the concept of the so-called kei car, a term derived from the Japanese word light, is mostly unknown. Now that could change. The Japanese auto giants are considering exporting the technology to emerging market countries.
"We have fairly low-priced cars in those markets already, but in India and markets like Indonesia, we need even smaller, even more affordable cars," Honda's chief spokesman Masaya Nagai said.
Rising fuel costs and a fast growing middle class in the world's second and fourth most populous states make them likely to be the first microcar customers. As a first step, companies such as Honda have designed their kei cars - the kei is pronounced like the letter "k" - in a way that makes its easier to produce them overseas.
"We spent a long time nurturing the kei car technology in Japan, and we think it has the potential to be useful not only in developed markets but also in emerging markets," Honda's Chief Executive Officer Takanobu Ito told reporters in June.
Honda is not alone. Toyota Motor Corp is using technology from its affiliate Daihatsu Motor Co, a kei-car specialist, to develop minicars for Indonesia.
Mitsbubishi Motors Corp is looking at selling kei-concept cars in Africa, where President Osamu Masuko plans to attend a distributors' conference this month. Nissan's Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga also said last month that kei cars have a potential of going global.
While few Japanese carmakers have tried to popularize microcars outside of Japan, there are exceptions. Suzuki Motor Corp and Daihatsu have targeted India and Southeast Asia since the early 1980s, building a credible presence although their technology differs from that used to build Honda's kei.
More recently, General Motors Co and its Chinese affiliate Wuling have been making an aggressive push for micro minivans in China. Their next bet is India. Honda believes its advanced microcar technology and the favourable marketing conditions in India and Indonesia mean that the time is right to export the kei concept.
Joost Geginat, an autos market expert with Roland Berger consultancy in Singapore, predicts Japanese companies will invest a total $1.8 billion to produce kei-concept cars in Indonesia.
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Top 20 tips for a stress-free life
Stress is the leading cause for all your troubles ranging from bad skin to landing you in the hospital due to heart or any other ailment.
In this rat-race world, from a kindergarten kid to a retired person has stress. Want to cut down your risk due to problems caused by stress and simultaneously increase your longevity, then follow these easy stress-free tips by Dr. Vihang Vahia - Psychiatrist at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai.
Tip for a stress-free life # 1: Follow a routine
We all go through some critical moments, wherein we have to prove our best; it can be in a meeting or during examination. In order, to avoid being a victim of stress, due to such situation, always make a point to establish a routine.
A proper routine will help to make your task very easy. If you are facing a tough situation, then don't worry too much about it. Worrying can cause mental problems and hamper your performance. Just treat your every tough situation just like your favourite routine to put you into a calm state.
Tip for a stress-free life # 2: Start your day early
Make a point to get up earlier in the morning. Starting your day early will help to keep you distraction free, as you don't have to worry about delay, deadlines, traffics, etc.
Tip for a stress-free life # 3: Make a list
Make a list of all the things which make you happy and beam positive energy from you. This technique will help to ease your stress in a positive manner. Just look at all the stressful situation and come up with a good solution for each of it.
Tip for a stress-free life # 4: Accept the problem
If you are struck with a bad situation, accept and find a solution for it, instead of running away. Accepting your problems positively will just make you strong enough to face tougher situations in future.
Tip for a stress-free life # 5: Care for yourself
In stressful situations most of the times we end up least bothering about ourselves, either by eating unhealthy meals or by ignoring our sleep. This ignorance can more harm you, and will weaken your power to deal with stress. Thus, even if you are stressed, make sure you don't harm yourself with the situation you are going through.
Tip for a stress-free life # 6: Meditate
Meditation is one of the best ways to lead a stress-free life. A simple, 20 minutes meditation will make your refresh and relaxed. Besides, it also helps to reduce your anxiety, tension and stress.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
A significant opportunity may arrive, thanks to a friend. This pal may connect you with someone in his or her social circle who has the power to help you launch a personal aspiration, much to your delight. This might eventually lead to a successful partnership - either business or personal. Today expect a positive conversation between you and this new alliance. Before you know it, a verbal or written agreement may be the result.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You're unstoppable these days when it comes to professional growth. Not only is a promotion, award, or significant elevation in status likely, but you're likely feeling extra blessed for having found your calling in life. Today and tomorrow you might receive incredible validation from an authority figure connected to your career. This will be a person you hold in high regard, and his or her praise will mean the world to you.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 An opportunity to study, travel abroad, or expand your horizons in another way might be appealing. In fact, there may be a situation that feels like a dream come true for you that's about to happen. You're in an incredible cycle of being able to create something solid out of an idealistic goal now, so don't discount your ability to make it happen. There will be extraordinary support as well - either from a spiritual advisor or mentor. Have faith.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
There's no shortage of sensitive feelings these days for you. A rare and beautiful golden triangle is forming in the sky between Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune. This pattern will heighten your emotional side as well as allow your compassionate nature to flow freely. You may feel prompted to help ease the suffering of someone close - possibly even a relative who is experiencing personal difficulty. Your kindness will be rewarded tenfold.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
You and your spouse or partner might enjoy an even closer bond. Jupiter will be moving through your relationship sector, opening up expansive opportunities for you and your mate to relate in a more emotional way. Lucky for you, Jupiter will be in this part of your chart for an entire year! You'll both experience a greater capacity for connecting to each other in a way that engenders sensitive communication and empathy.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 There's no shortage of work for you these days. In fact, you might have your pick from a slew of select assignments since the boss holds you in high esteem these days. You've proven that you're capable of exerting disciplined, responsible, and committed effort in order to get any job done. He or she might pile more on your plate, but you're willing and ready to take the extra projects. You're on the verge of major reward - keep working hard!
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Single and looking for love? Well if so, you're in luck. With Jupiter touring your romance sector until next July, you'll have a once-in-twelve-year opportunity to attract the love of your life. Are you already married? Then this might be a year you consider starting a family, or adding to your clan. In addition, a new creative project might be on the agenda, but either way, your capacity for joy will be expanded. You are blessed!
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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.
After an accident,
A v.angry driver: I showed u d headlights
& told u 2 go by side.
Santa: I also started d wipers
& said No, no..No no. :D
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New Girls' Hostel ready at L D Engineering College
AHMEDABAD: The new girls' hostel at L D Engineering College is now ready for inhabitation along with a new four story building.
This is the first time that the college will have a girls' hostel. Both buildings will be inaugurated on July 18. The total cost of the construction of hostel and the new building was Rs 30 crore.
The UG girls' hostel has 49 rooms which can accommodate 146 students. The PG girls' hostel can house 250 students. The new building will have laboratories and classrooms, and will also be housing first year students.
For non-local female students of the college, finding accommodation used to be a real problem as the college did not have its own hostel.
These students who took admission were housed at the government hostel near Law Garden, but only limited numbers could get accommodation in that hostel.
Principal of the college M N Patel said, "This is the first time we are having a girls' hostel. Female students coming from out of town used to face boarding problems.
We've appointed a female warden and female security guards for the hostel."
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Review the review system, Australia moans after defeat
MELBOURNE: Cricket's Decision Review System and the continuing struggles of Australia's brittle batting order bore the brunt of frustrations Down Under on Monday after the tourists' heart-breaking 14-run defeat in the first Ashes Test.
In Pics: DRS howlers in first Ashes Test
The DRS, roundly criticised throughout the seesawing clash over five days, ultimately decided the match in Nottingham on Sunday when the technology picked up a nick from wicket-keeper Brad Haddin that umpire Aleem Dar had failed to detect.
The caught-behind decision captured Australia's final wicket and justly handed England a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series, but the manner of victory left many purists cold.
It also left local media seething after England tailender Stuart Broad was allowed to remain at the crease when Dar missed a thick edge, a costly oversight that Australia were unable to appeal, having used up their DRS quota.
"What a tragedy that this brilliant first Test ended with the umpire decision review system making the final decision," prominent Australian cricket writer Malcolm Conn wrote in Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper.
"Dar gave (Broad's) most obvious of edges not out and Australia had used both its reviews so the decision stood.
"This is wrong. The DRS was originally introduced to get rid of the howler but in this match all matter of margin calls were judged by technology while the howler stayed.
"Until cricket finds a way of using technology to get rid of the howler then the game will continue to make a fool of itself."
EMOTIONAL MAN
Despite the controversies, which also saw England batsman Jonathon Trott out lbw after the operator of the "Hot Spot" technology failed to analyse the correct delivery, both captains backed the system and said it had not influenced the result.
England skipper Alastair Cook, who had two referrals in hand when Haddin was dismissed, said the use of the review was a skill in itself.
Opposing skipper Michael Clarke had failed to master it, cricket pundit Robert Craddock told cable broadcaster Fox Sports.
"We in Australia have acted more on impulse. Michael Clarke is a very emotional man... I think Australia needs far more calculation than what they have at the moment," Craddock said.
Wicket-keeper Haddin was Australia's leading second innings scorer with 71, and teenage spinner Ashton Agar top-scored in the first innings with a brilliant 98 on debut at number 11, but their heroics underlined the failings of the team's established batsmen.
After moving to 84 without loss in pursuit of 311, Australia lost six wickets for the addition of 80 runs to leave Haddin and the tail facing a veritable mission impossible.
Batsman Ed Cowan's twin failures through rash shots in both innings came in for a storm of criticism and some media called for the exiled Dave Warner, set to tour Africa with Australia A after punching England batsman Joe Root in a boozy bar-room incident, to be quickly re-instated.
"Australia came so close despite some major deficiencies in its top order," the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper said.
"They are major deficiencies that have been bubbling along and band-aided for several series. Major surgery is required before the second Test at Lord's to fix it."
The second Test starts on Thursday.
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Ramaiya Vastavaiya
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Ramaiya Vastavaiya
Movie Name : Ramaiya Vastavaiya
Release Date : July 19, 2013
Genre : Romance film
Producer : Kumar Taurani
Director : Prabhu Deva
Music Director : Sachin-Jigar
Cast : Girish Kumar,Shruti Haasan
Synopsis:
The story starts in a jail, where prisoner Muthupandi (Prabhu) is telling his life story to a police officer (Vijayakumar). Muthupandi is a self -made, Hard working man, who dotes on his only sister Kavitha (Trisha Krishnan). Their mother died when Kavitha was little and it was Muthupandi who brought her up with a lot of love and care. Kavitha’s best friend Lalitha (Richa Pallod) is getting married; 15 days before her marriage she takes Kavitha to her house. This is the first time Kavitha has been away from her brother. At first she refused because she doesn't want be away from her brother.
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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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“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”
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