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“I honestly think it is better to be a failure at something you love than to be a success at something you hate.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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US jobs growth stronger than expected in June
US job growth increased more than expected in June. The employment report also showed weekly hourly earnings rose by the most since November. That, combined with other relatively upbeat data on housing, auto sales and manufacturing, makes it more likely the Fed will proceed with its tapering plan in September.
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Thailand focuses on developing an economic partnership with Poland
Thailand is ready to develop relations with Poland into an economic partnership. Both countries have agreed to increase bilateral trade from 732.4 million US dollars now to one billion dollars by 2018. In order to achieve the bilateral trade target, both countries will open up more trade opportunities for each other. Thailand stressed its readiness to serve as Poland's gateway to ASEAN, and it also regards Poland as Thailand's gateway to central Europe.
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Active brain 'keeps dementia at bay' - US researchers say
Keeping mentally active by reading books or writing letters helps protect the brain in old age, a study suggests. A lifetime of mental challenges leads to slower cognitive decline after factoring out dementia's impact on the brain, US researchers say. The study, published in Neurology, adds weight to the idea that dementia onset can be delayed by lifestyle factors.
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US: Goats invade airport to prevent fires
Passengers flying out of San Francisco International Airport recently might have caught a glimpse of something bizarre: goats munching away at overgrown weeds. Mr Fuzzy, Cookie, Mable, Alice, and nearly 400 other goats were chomping on brush as part of the airport's unique -- and environmentally friendly -- approach to fire prevention. When the goats aren't clearing brush at the airport, they are busy doing similar work on the side of California's freeways, at state parks, under long-distance electric lines, and anywhere else with overgrown vegetation.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Mamata suspects Bengal is ruled by CPM, reiterates she would protest protests
Mamata Banerjee has said the West Bengal government has failed on so many accounts that it couldn't be a Trinamool Congress government.
Last Sunday, when Kolkata streets were flooded in just an hour of monsoon rain, Mamata said the Left was behind this. "First they clog the sewerage and the Communist Party of Monsoon or CPM in short starts raining," her close aide told reporters standing in knee-deep water. He however said the government will utilize the water by inviting the Padma Hilsa to the Trinamool-ruled state. "We don't say Trinamool-ruled, please! We don't rule. We are servants of the people and we prefer the word Trinamooled," said Atamam-ul Huda, Trinamool spokesperson in fluent Bengali.
"I suspect the Left Front people are ruling the state. Our slogan is 'Ma, Maati, Maanush'. Does this government look like it cares for any of the three. Isn't it clear that this government is CPM conspiracy?" she wrote on her Faceheart profile. The Bengali word 'book' means heart, and adhering to her principle of opposing all things American, Ms Banerjee calls Facebook, Faceheart.
She agrees that she is the chief minister of Bengal but she says she does the politics of principles and not of partisan parties. "I have always opposed government policies. Opposing anything and everything is the essence of my politics. I will not stray from my principles just because I have become the chief minister," she told reporters.
In recent times, Ms Banerjee has opposed panchayat polls during Ramzan, American snooping program called Prism, Indian snooping programme called CMS, rising chicken prices.
"She even opposes the opposition to rape. When some women started protesting against the gangrape of a girl in Barasat, she quickly protested against the protests," said her close party colleague Shotrughan Mitra.
"Are all women in the state being raped," she asked, addressing a Trinamool Congress rally in North 24-Parganas's Minakhan.
"These channels have colluded with the opposition and are running a smear campaign against the government. By doing so, they are disrespecting the soil of Bengal," she said. "They blame me for everything. Now, they are even blaming me for rape. As if it was I who went to rape... only if I were a man."
The things she doesn't oppose, she abides only reluctantly. And judiciary is something no one opposes, so when the courts recently refused to extend panchayat poll dates, she decided to abide by court orders but opposed the election commission.
"I will reluctantly abide by the order because it is a court order," she told Trinamool workers. And then got after the state election commissioner, Mira Pandey, whose was appointed during the Left Front regime. The chief minister said: "I did not appoint her. Else, the situation would not have come to such a pass."
Not to be left behind, her loyal ministers have also understood the wisdom behind her opposition. Recently, a minister in her government accused the CPM of hiring rapists to rape women in the state to malign Mamata. She herself has said the media reports about West Bengal are untrue.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
There may be some exciting news on the horizon that will be connected to your home or office. As today's new moon joins Jupiter and Mercury in your real estate sector, you may decide to put your home on the market or look for office space. Another possibility is that you may decide its time to give your home a fresh new look. If you plan to upgrade your kitchen or bath, you may be able to borrow money to pay for it now that Saturn will move forward in the financing sector of your chart.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
A sibling may invite you to come along on a family camping trip. Although you may like the idea of spending time in nature, you likely prefer the comfort of a hotel. Fortunately, today's new moon will occur in your sector of ideas and short trips while Saturn will move forward in the partnership area of your chart. If you suggest renting a recreational vehicle so everyone can enjoy the best of both worlds, you may be surprised at how quickly everyone agrees with you.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Thoughts of money may be uppermost in your mind now. You and a business partner may be on the brink of a new financial arrangement that might increase your earnings as today's new moon illuminates your income sector. If you are in the market for a new job, this new moon may open doors that lead to steady employment. Also, since Saturn will be direct, a promised bonus or commission may come to you.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Today's new moon in Cancer will shine its spotlight on you and encourage you to initiate new beginnings. If your heart is set on a new job, home, luxury purchase, or a trip abroad, opportunities may start to come your way. You also might feel an urge to make a change in your personal appearance, but with Mercury retrograde it may be best to wait until after it goes direct on July 20. Finally, if you're on the fence about a romantic partner, you may make a decision now that Saturn will move forward in your romance sector.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Powerful intuitive insights may come to you now that will inspire you to explore your psychic ability. At first you may consider self-study, but after some thought you may decide that it would be best to learn from an experienced teacher. With today's moon lighting up the intuitive sector of your chart, the next two weeks will be very favorable for embarking upon a new spiritual path. With the help of Saturn, now moving forward in the heavens, you may find a class or mentor close to home.
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Car companies dial telematics for mass models
CHENNAI: An entertainment and communication console that seamlessly connects the phone with the car?
The mobile phone-enabled 'integrated' system is a given in many high-end luxury cars but after the Ford EcoSport, the trend is now finding converts in mass market cars as well.
As the mobile becomes a one-stop entertainment-cum-communication device, car companies are looking at ways to extend that connectivity to the vehicle too.
Not a cheap technology, this has so far been the premise of high-end cars including the just-launched Mercedes Benz A Class.
But after the Ford EcoSport's SYNC system , more volume car makers are starting to wonder if the technology can come to less pricey brands in India.
Said Kenichiro Yomura, president & CEO, Nissan Motor India, "We are studying that kind of possibility and will definitely try to introduce those sort of features in India. In Japan we have the 'CarWings' (vehicle telematics ) system which allows you to communicate between the car and the service centre for example. We provide this option in many models in Japan because scale makes the technology affordable and we are studying to see if it will work for India as well."
Ford and Nissan aren't the only volume car brands that are looking at Bluetooth and telematics as the ultimate bells and whistles for car buyers. General Motors India packs in Bluetooth, USB port and an MP3 (though no telematics) player as part of its entertainment package for the Sail hatchback and notchback and the Cruze and Captiva.
Vehicle telematics is already a favoured option in a number of high-end cars. The Honda CRV and Accord for instance come with Bluetooth interface.
Ditto for the Mercedes Benz A Class on which the iPhone can be synced seamlessly offering music playback on the head unit, audio streaming and text messages are displayed in the CD display if the Bluetooth message access profile (MAP) is supported by the mobile phone.
Said Mercedes Benz MD & CEO Eberhard Kern, "The Bluetooth and phone compatibility option is standard in the A Class and it allows you to play music from your iPhone and use the contact list to make calls etc. It's a seamless integration of entertainment and communication between the phone and the car."
Car manufacturers have been tying up with software makers to integrate the mobile with the car, making the car an extension of the entertainment-cum-communication device.
Ford, for instance , is working with Microsoft globally which has powered its SYNC integrated communication and entertainment technology for the EcoSport.
And Apple reportedly announced at its developers' meet last month that it plans to link its iOS7 mobile operating system with the tech-entertainment systems of passenger cars. and is in fact talking to a number of car companies about possible alliances.
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The truth about energy drinks
An instant boost from sugar and caffeine does more harm than good
They come in cool colours, and with cooler promises. Youngsters are besotted by an array of energy drinks lining the shelves alongside aerated drinks. But does a dose of energy these cans and bottles offer really help? Read on to know...
Caffeine kicks and sugary threats
Energy drinks have a very high content of caffeine and sugar that work at making you feel fresh and energised. And too much of caffeine can cause jitters, a fast heartbeat, and trouble sleeping, warns Dr Mursalin Shaikh.
Also, though the sugar provides a burst of energy, watch out for a phenomenon called as 'sugar crash' — when this energy wears off. This makes one feel very tired all over again. Thus, they are definitely not meant for sporting activities, stresses Deepshikha Agarwal, a sports nutritionist. "And the presence of quinine, that's used in drinks for giving them the fizz, is anyway bad for the bones," she says. Further, the high sugar content can lead to weight gain, and also cause cavities, informs Dr Ather Wani, a dentist. "Do not have them too often, and whenever you do, make sure you rinse your mouth," he says.
Addiction trouble
Caffeine can be addictive, whether it's tea, coffee or energy drinks. So in case you don't happen to find one, you may get headaches, become cranky and or feel tired for a few days. A pediatrician, Dr Bhandarkar says that as these drinks taste sweet, children are also attracted to them. However, parents should definitely discourage younger children from having both, sports as well as energy drinks, "As it can cause electrolyte abnormalities. Hence, while it's a strict no-no for younger children, in case if teens, involved in sports and physical activities, subscribe to it, it should only be under supervision."
Source of vitamins and amino acids
Most energy drinks claim the presence of vitamins and even amino acids, popular with those high on body building. "However, it's much cheaper and safer to get the from multi-vitamin supplements instead," urges Dr Shaikh. Or better, follow a well-balanced diet and opt for alternatives in form of natural juices. Agarwal recommends grape fruit juice and orange juice as good alternatives to replenish the lost electrolytes after a physical activity.
Go natural
Energy drinks should not be confused with sports drinks, says Agarwal. The former doesn't replace water and minerals one loses when we sweat. In fact the caffeine can actually make you more dehydrated. Simply drink water instead.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
An opportunity to realize a professional goal may soon be within reach. If you have been working to advance your career, today's new moon in your sector of hopes and aspirations will open doors that help turn your dreams into a reality. Although interviews and negotiations may go more smoothly now that Saturn is moving ahead in your communications sector, if possible it may be best to wait until Mercury goes direct on July 20 before formally accepting an offer.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You may find yourself in the limelight. A local newspaper or radio station may interview you about your involvement in a charitable endeavor or a community project, or you may give a presentation that earns you a standing ovation. With today's new moon joining Jupiter and Mercury in the fame, status, and career sector of your chart, news may spread quickly. This publicity may lead to a prestigious job opportunity, and with Saturn marching forward in your money sector, it may offer an impressive salary as well.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Activities connected to teaching, speaking, and publishing may offer a new path to success as the new moon suggests a fresh start in this area of your chart. For example, you may present a lecture or facilitate a discussion. It may be so successful that you might decide to expand it into a workshop and offer it at different venues. With Saturn advancing through the area of your chart connected to self-promotion, you might decide to record it as a video and publish clips online as a way to generate business.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
If you plan to open a retirement account or apply for a student loan or mortgage, you may be able to secure the best rates during the next two weeks, thanks to a new moon in this area of your chart. Likewise, if you plan to create or modify a financial partnership, this influence will help you establish a profitable agreement. However, with Mercury retrograde until July 20, pay careful attention to the fine print. Fortunately, you may receive support from Saturn as it moves forward through the sector of your chart related to hidden matters.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Your most significant relationships will be in the spotlight as today's new moon will occur in the partnership area of your chart. If you're in a long-term romance, you may consider making the union permanent. Consequently, you may announce an engagement or a wedding date, or you may just suddenly elope. Either way, you'll be so happy that it may feel like a dream, but with Saturn moving forward through your sector of hopes and dreams, it may actually be a dream come true!
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 If hiring a new employee is on your to-do list, you may have your choice of candidates, thanks to Jupiter's recent entry into this area of your chart. Since Saturn will move direct in the career and status sector of your chart, this new hire may be the result of a recent increase in your responsibilities. With so many individuals to interview, you may feel it will take a long time to find the right person. Fortunately, today's new moon in your work sector will usher in the perfect person for the job much sooner than you think.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Romance and children may feature prominently in your life. Whether you are single or spoken for, your love life will get a boost as today's new moon stimulates this sector of your chart. If you plan to add to your family, the next two weeks may be helpful for conceiving a child. Already expecting? You may be surprised with a baby shower. If you plan to adopt a child, and that includes one from a foreign country, the process may become smoother now that Saturn will move forward in your sector of legal matters and foreign affairs.
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Moral Story
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SMS
"Heart Touching SMS:
Boys sometimes Misunderstand the Friendship as Love.!
But, Girls always Misunderstand the Love as Friendship..."
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
“Every couple has ups and downs, every couple argues, and that’s the thing—you’re a couple, and couples can’t function without trust.”
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
"The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it."
Wife: I wish I was a newspaper
so I would be in ur hands allday.
Husband: I too wish that u were
a newspapers so I could have
a new one everyday.'
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Varsities waive fees of meritorious students
MANGALORE: Providing fee concession for meritorious students seeking admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses is the new mantra of educational institutions of DakshinaKannada district to attract meritorious students from different parts of the state.
Manipal University which offers 330 courses doesn't charge fees from meritorious students seeking admission to UG professional courses under its merit-cum-means scholarship.
GK Prabhu, registrar, MU, told TOI that students who get high ranks in the MU's entrance exam for UG professional courses are eligible for these scholarships. These students' family annual income should be less than Rs 5 lakh to get 100% fee waiver. In all, the UG Courses University has reserved 5% seats for merit-cum-means scholarship candidates in the scheme launched in 2002, he added.
Based on the students' family annual income, MU waives UG courses fees between 10% and 100% for those who perform well in the MU entrance examination.
Prabhu said, "This concept of providing concessions was introduced to attract quality students. This will encourage competitiveness in the university among other students also to perform well in academics."
Nitte University provides more than 50% concession in fees for meritorious candidates seeking admission to courses - BSc in Medical Science, BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, MA in Journalism and Mass Communication and MA in Media Production and Integrated Marketing Communication.
Interestingly, Alva's Education Foundation (AEF), which has 28 educational institutions, is home to 18,000 students and it currently provides free education to 3,000 students who have done well in academic examinations in various courses. "We provide free education, hostel and food facilities for these 3,000 meritorious students to motivate them," said M Mohan Alva, chairman, AEF.
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Defiant Lisicki revels in 'drama queen' role
LONDON: Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki insisted on Friday that she will not turn off the waterworks despite locker room resentment over the German's reputation as a drama queen.
The permanently smiling German, who tackles France's Marion Bartoli in Saturday's championship match, has won an army of British fans with her emotional run to a maiden Grand Slam final.
But the 23-year-old is reportedly unpopular with many women players on the tour who feel she exaggerates her back story which includes five painful months on the sidelines after suffering a potentially career-ending ankle injury.
Some rivals are weary of Lisicki's "having to learn to walk again" summary of her return to action.
After Thursday's semi-final, Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska only managed a cool, abrupt handshake with Lisicki with half her back turned after the German had theatrically collapsed to the Centre Court turf in celebration.
"Should I just be there and dance? What could I do?," said Radwanska.
"I didn't feel like that (warmly congratulating her opponent) at that point."
But Lisicki hit back on Friday.
"That's just myself. I enjoy myself out there. Why shouldn't I show it?," she said.
"I'm an emotional person. It helps me stay relaxed and to enjoy the game and play my best tennis. I won't change anything."
Lisicki, the first German woman in a Grand Slam final since Steffi Graf in 1999 and bidding to become the first from her country to win Wimbledon since 1996 when Graf also triumphed, has her compatriots on her side.
Graf sent her a good-luck message before the semi-final, while three-time champion Boris Becker has also been passing on tips.
"I have just spoken to Boris. I asked him a couple of questions, how it was for him. He won the first final he was in so that's pretty good," she added.
Lisicki also said that her hay fever is now under control despite the grass pollen which usually makes her trips to Wimbledon a private misery.
"I have learnt how to cope with it. When I was first here, maybe five years ago, I was really struggling with my allergies. But now I know what to do, what to take to keep those allergies down. I'm on medication," she said.
If she wins on Saturday, she said she will dedicate the trophy to her mother and father, Richard and Elisabeth.
"My parents did everything possible so I could play tennis, that's what I appreciate so much. My dad worked from eight in the morning until nine in the evening to make it all possible," she explained.
"We had to cancel tournaments because we couldn't afford to go there. So to get to this point means a lot to us."
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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Movie Name : Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Release Date : 12 June 2013
Genre : biographical, sports film
Producer :Viacom 18,Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Director : Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Music Director : Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Cast : Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor and Meesha Shafi. Milkha Singh
Synopsis:
‘Milkha Singh’- for some the name evokes a faint memory from the pages of history. All that is most remembered is that Milkha Singh, hailed as the Flying Sikh, was a famous athlete who infamously lost the penultimate race of his life. “The one who lost the 400 meters finals at the Rome Olympics” is an involuntary response when the name Milkha Singh is mentioned. The film attempts to understand a catastrophic loss that was deemed a sure victory and explores through the darkness of disgrace; Milkha’s redemption, the redemption and catharsis that come when he confronts his past.
Milkha ironically finds himself in a place wherein he had lost his all – Pakistan - a place where he witnessed the bloody massacre of his entire family. The demons hidden in some dark corner of his consciousness come alive. This iridescent tale winds through the plagues of a bloody civil war, a lost childhood, homelessness and petty crime to victories hard won and easily lost. It draws an intricate image of human trials, setbacks and fate leveraged against the sheer power of will. He evocatively illustrates that true victory lies in racing with one’s troubles and not in running away from them. Milkha flies, falls and rises, bruising his soul but not his will to survive. Milkha Singh the world champion in 400 meters lost the most important race of his life - the 1960 Rome Olympics - but won in LIFE.
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The Statue of Liberty's tablet is two feet thick.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Hospital window
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.
The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man couldn’t hear the band – he could see it. In his mind’s eye as the gentleman by th! e window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.
She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”
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“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose.”
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