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“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Canada: 'Poverty rate' drops to lowest level ever
It is a well-established principle of social justice that a society should make its first priority improving the lot of the worst off among it, and is to be judged by how well it does in this regard. The news on this front is remarkable, even extraordinary. In 2011, the latest year for which StatsCan has figures, the proportion of the population living on low income -- that is, with incomes below the agency's Low Income Cut-off (LICO) -- fell to its lowest level ever. At just 8.8 per cent, it beat the previous record of 9.0 per cent, set in 2010. As recently as 1996, it was at 15.2 per cent. In 1965, the first year LICO rates were calculated, it was 25 per cent.
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Canada's police-reported crime rate falls again, dropping to lowest since 1972
Canada's police services are once again reporting fewer crimes, a continuing trend that has cut the national crime rate to its lowest level since 1972. The police-reported crime rate fell by three per cent in 2012 compared with the previous year, Statistics Canada reported Thursday. The severity of crimes committed was also down by three per cent in 2012, according to StatsCan's Crime Severity Index (CSI). Police-reported crime has been on a steady decline since peaking in 1991.
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US: Consumer sentiment rises to highest level in six years in July
US consumer sentiment rose in July to the highest level in six years as Americans felt better about the current economic climate. 'This high level of confidence points toward a continued expansion of consumer spending in the year ahead,' survey director Richard Curtin said in a statement.
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Viet Nam: Hybrid buses improve air quality in Hanoi
Siemens and the Viet Nam Motors Industry Corporation (Vinamotor) are launching the first hybrid bus with a combined electric/diesel drive in Hanoi. The project is the first of its kind in Viet Nam. The buses consume up to 50 per cent less fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by the same amount.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Keep candidates with criminal background out of fray: Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday directed party leaders of five election-bound states to keep candidates with criminal background out and ensure that blocks have a say in their selection.
Rahul, who met AICC general secretary secretaries in-charge and the chairmen of the screening committees for Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, discussed the party strategy for the Assembly polls in these states which are due this year.
Sources said that Rahul told the leaders to ensure the party does not give tickets to people, who have proven criminal background and against whom the courts have already passed strictures.
His emphasis on denying tickets to those with criminal background assumes significance as it comes in the wake of recent court orders aimed at stopping criminalisation of politics, some of which have created quite a stir among the political parties.
He also told the leaders that it was important that the block Congress in all these states have a larger say in the selection of candidates as they are more related to their MLAs and know more about them.
Rahul's emphasis on taking the ticket distribution during elections at the grass roots is not new. He has been maintaining in the party meetings that candidates should not be decided from Delhi or the state headquarters but that the decision-making should percolate down.
Sources said that the meeting discussed the "process, procedure, general guidelines and deadline issue" for various activities that take place during the elections.
AICC general secretary in-charge for Delhi Shakeel Ahmed could not attend the meeting as he was was abroad but all others including B K Hariprasad (Chhattisgarh), Mohan Prakash (Madhya Pradesh), Gurudas Kamath (Rajasthan) and Luizinho Falerio (Mizoram) attended it.
C P Joshi, who is the in-charge of the screening committee for Chhattisgarh, V Narayanasamy for Delhi,
Ajay Maken for Rajasthan and Madhusudan Mistri for Madhya Pradesh were also in the meeting along with all members the screening committees and AICC secretaries in-charges of the states.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You will be quite motivated to make your home reflective of your evolving lifestyle and taste this week, so get to work. With Mars, your guardian planet, due to spend quite a bit of time in your home sector, a trend that started on June 24 and will go until August 27, you can accomplish a lot. Someone connected with home (your landlord, roommate, family member) may provoke you this week, and you may lose your temper on Wednesday, July 31, when Mars will challenge Uranus.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury are stirring up excitement in your third house of travel; so if you can get away this coming week, do, for you'd have an outstanding time. At work, you may be asked to learn a new way of communicating. For instance, you may be asked to be a spokesperson for your company, even though you've only written the company newsletter until now. Or, you may be asked to learn about social media and head up the company's effort. Something new seems to be underway - you will find the change a breath of fresh air, too.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You have been on a mission to make more money, and finally, this week, you are likely to see results. Mars will, admittedly, raise your expenses, but you have no reason to fear, as Jupiter is standing by to bring you more cash over the long run. You are valued, and with each passing day, your stock is rising in the competitive marketplace. The work you did throughout last year is about to pay off, and soon you will have an exciting, sustained moment in the sun, dear Gemini.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You have certainly had a hard time in recent years, but beautiful aspects this week should help you erase at least some of those memories. First, your magnetism and attractiveness will be very high now that Mars is orbiting close to Jupiter, and both are in Cancer. This would be the right week to circulate socially if you are single. Mars rules your career too, and here you have vacillating energies, most notably on July 31, when Mars and Uranus will be in harsh conflict. As a result, you may be tempted to give a client or boss a piece of your mind, but if so, hold back.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 With several planets locked away in a private part of your chart, you may feel the need to hibernate this week, and if so, decline social obligations. There's no reason to be out and about seeing friends if don't feel up to it. By all means, do not travel for business or pleasure on Wednesday, July 31, when Mars and Uranus will be at loggerheads. People around you will have a short fuse, and besides, you may have mechanical problems with your car.
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Competition Commission of India seeks market share details of Jet-Etihad
NEW DELHI: Jet Airway's ambitious plan to fly from 23 Indian cities to Abu Dhabi after the deal with Etihad clears Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) hurdle may prove to be the next stumbling block after the "effective control" issue.
The Competition Commission of India has sought detailed response from Jet and Etihad on the combined market share the two airlines expect to have on the India-Abu Dhabi and beyond routes to places like North America and Europe where other Indian carriers also fly.
Jet has sought time till August 5 to reply to CCI queries. It wants to get FIPB nod when the board meets on Monday.
Since FIPB and market regulator SEBI had raised concerns about "effective control and ownership", some changes are learnt to have been made in the structure of the deal.
"Etihad will now have two directors on the 10-member board, instead of four proposed earlier. This will limit their say in the airline post deal.
Big ticket appointments will be made by majority of votes and that should give Etihad say in the airline commensurate to its 24% stake in Jet," said sources.
Whether the new structure satisfies fears of an Indian carrier Jet Airways losing effective control and ownership to a foreign airline Etihad that has 24% stake in it will be known next week, but the two partners may face heat from competition angle too.
"The Jet-Etihad deal has no implications for the domestic travel market.
But it may have a significant impact on international travel market as Jet plans to fly from 23 Indian cities to Abu Dhabi and then provide connectivity to North America and Europe.
Air India flies to both these continents. Jet also plans to fly between Abu Dhabi and other points in the Gulf where all Indian carriers that fly abroad go at present," said sources.
Indian low-cost carriers, for instance, have expressed fears that they could lose business on Gulf routes if Jet-Etihad combine resorts to dumping of prices to get traffic.
AI, on the other hand, has said it will lose business to Europe and Americas. AI has gone to the extent of saying it may have to shut down non-stop flights to US after Jet develops a base in Abu Dhabi.
"CCI will look closely at these fears of Indian carriers. But this issue will come after FIPB and Sebi have taken a call on their doubts," said sources.
Incidentally, CCI chairman Ashok Chawla is a former aviation and finance secretary and would be examining the deal from all perspectives.
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Gymming at home
Mumbaiites are opting for the convenience of a home gym for a healthier lifestyle...
A gym at home is no longer a luxury that only the super-rich can afford. It is not a far-off dream anymore. There are many households who have incorporated a gym, however small, within their homes just for the benefits it offers. We spoke to actors Tusshar Kapoor, Jackky Bhagnani and singer Babul Supriyo about their gyms.
Tusshar Kapoor has a gym built in the front courtyard of his palatial bungalow in Juhu. "A gym at home is extremely beneficial and now I have the luxury of gymming whenever I want, for as long as I want, in the comforts of my home," smiles Tusshar. He is all body and brawn now, almost unrecognisable from his 'cute kid on the block' days of Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai.
The perfectly fit athletic body is swathed in a light gray T-shirt and we can see the rippling muscles as he pumps the irons to some fast foot-tapping music, while his trainer Pramod Dadlani guides him. The mirrors all around magnify the interiors of the gym. Tusshar reveals, "I am very much into fitness and am very regular about my training." Talking about his favourite equipment in the gym Tusshar says, "The treadmill gives me a high, a rush."
He is a very sports -oriented person. He says, "For five days I do weights and the other two days in the week I do cardio, yoga or play squash. I was under trained around two years back and Pramod changed my body type. I tease him by calling him a 'kasai' because he is very strict. I do not have a body-builder type of a body , rather, mine is athletic. The body-builder physique is just not in my genes."
All the balanced dieting and the rigorous workout the fine actor is following shows, and we will all get to see a new Tusshar in his forthcoming movies.
Many would not know that singer Babul Supriyo is a fantastic cook and they say that people who cook well, like eating well too. "I was growing fat and needed to lose weight. The success of Kaho Na Pyar Hai helped me earn money, so I enrolled myself into a posh gym in Juhu. But then just 'joining' didn't make me lose weight! A home-gym was something that became necessary to continue my workouts easily and to fulfill my desire to be healthy and slim." He bought all the equipment from Toronto. "My trainer Shyam Rahate and my interior designer Paresh Brahmbhatt helped me create this gym," says Babul. He confesses, "I still have a long way to go to reach my goal but my home-gym inspires me to keep at it."
He has a multi-gym, a treadmill, a cross-trainer, a cycle, a spinning bike that he purchased recently, weights and benches. "I also have a steam, Jacuzzi and massage shower unit that I use to reward myself whenever I manage a good hard workout," he smiles. He believes that just like everything else, gymming is not about how long you are at it but rather what all you are doing. "I try and stick to my regime," he says. Babul is looking forward to his maiden film as a hero that will be released next Friday. Five years ago Jackky Bhagnani used to be 130kgs.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
This is a week to mingle. See if a club or group you belong to is having an event, and if so, decide to go. You would make fantastic contacts, thanks to Jupiter AND Mars in Cancer, and you'll benefit in ways you'd never quite anticipate. Look up friends and industry colleagues you've not seen in a while, and plan a lunch or dinner, too. Wednesday, July 31 could bring sudden, jarring news about money, so brace for that - you won't likely be able to delay sending that payment.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Your ruler, Venus, is acting shy these days, by remaining in Virgo in a rather private part of your chart. You may feel a need to simply sit back and enjoy the silence. Considering what a strenuous year you've had so far - no one would blame you. The start (Sunday, July 28 / Monday, July 29) and end of the week (August 2) have lovely Venus aspects, perfect for enjoying an indulgence, such as a visit to a luxury spa, a pair of good tickets to the ballet or Broadway show, or for scheduling a fine meal with the one you love. Mid-week, however, won't be so calm. Mars will be in hard angle to Uranus, so your partner may be in a fierce mood, and your boss will be cranky, too.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You have a number of exceptional career opportunities coming up after the new moon August 8, and you need to be ready to roll when the calls come in. If you want to take a vacation, choose to go this week, because after this, your schedule will be stacked with professional interviews and meetings. Your friends will tell you that nothing special happens in anyone's career in August, but you will prove them wrong. Start sending out feelers now. If you can go on a trip, choose a location on foreign shores, to a place near water, for if you do, planets in Cancer will make the experience divine. The start of the week brings sweet communication between Venus and Jupiter, and by Friday and Saturday, charming interplay between Venus and Mars.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You have been focused on financial negotiations and arrangements over past week, and don't let up. You have an extraordinary chance to increase your holdings by suggesting clever solutions, and you can overcome any roadblocks you might encounter. No one's happy day will be Wednesday, July 31, when Mars, in your jointly shared financial house, will be at odds with Uranus in your house of love. An unexpected development is likely to come up that will cost you a pretty penny, so be ready.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
If you have a spouse or established steady lover, or if you have a business partner, agent, manager or lawyer, you will find your partner to be a gem to you this week. You will be very aware that this person's focus is on your interests, and this person's energy and optimism will be attractive to you. Most of the planets are cheerful this week except for Mars and Uranus, when these two will clash on Wednesday, July 31. You might have an altercation with a co-worker, or a family member (most likely a parent).
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Tasks have piled high, possibly at work and also at home too, but throughout, you seem cheerful and grateful for having so much to do. At work, your contribution is clearly valued, and in fact, if you ask your family or roommate, the people you live with will also say that you are an inspiration. If you have a partner at work, or, at home, a spouse or steady sweetheart, you will get quite a bit of support from your partner. If you are dating, tread carefully, as Mars will be at harsh angle to Uranus, the latter being in your love sector.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
The planets have been cooking up a divine setting for romance, and they will make sure their plans are in place as you begin this week. With four planets acting like loving fairy godmothers to encourage you to couple up, you might as well give in and devote your time to love, sweet love. If you work in the creative realm, as many Pisces do, you will outdo yourself this week. Set aside time to tinker with your current project, as the results will impress you as much as others. Financially, you need to brace for a large expense that may come up due to Mars' harsh angle to Uranus.
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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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University of Pune to offer postgraduate course in aviation
PUNE: University of Pune (UOP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Germany-based pilot training and flight institute to offer a two-year postgraduate course in aviation starting September 1.
The course, which will award MTech (Aviation) degree for students with eligibility of BE or BTech, envisages on-site aviation training at the institute's facility in Germany for three semesters in addition to a six month study at the UOP's department of technology.
The students returning to India after their on-site training at the flight school in Germany — FFL — will be asked to undergo tests by director general of civil aviation (DGCA) to secure an Indian flying licence.
Talks with DGCA on the proposal were in progress, said vice-chancellor of UOP Vasudeo Gade.
The degree would also entitle the students to apply for a European flying licence on approval from the German aviation regulator, he added.
Representatives of FFL including its chief executive officer Ulrich Langenecker were present on the occasion of signing of the MoU at UOP, who noted that the demand for trained pilots would increase considerably in view of the growing aviation industry, adding that the onsite training of UOP students in Germany will also involve soft skills, ground studies and team building activities.
In order to facilitate visas and work permits for the aspiring UOP students, the FFL has approached the German embassy in New Delhi to provide earning opportunities for them while pursuing their studies in Germany, the officials said.
Gade said the new MTech course will not only involve pilot training but also the engineering aspects to facilitate job opportunities in flying as well as ground engineering and allied services.
The UOP's affiliation with FFL will add a new dimension to the university's future vision, he said, adding the students will be undergoing an extensive 800 hours of flying exercises and will provide a trained manpower to the country's aviation industry.
The two-year course will have an estimated fees amounting to 70,000 euro — approximately Rs 55 lakh — in addition to the expenses on account stay in Germany.
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Slow-starting Bolt blasts to victory in London
LONDON: Olympic champion and world record holder Usain Bolt stormed to victory in the 100m at the London Diamond League meeting on Friday as he returned to his brutal, stunning best.
The Jamaican superstar warmed up for his world championships bid in Moscow next month by sparkling in front of a packed crowd at the London Olympic Stadium.
He won in a season-best 9.85sec despite making a lacklustre start and performed a lap of honour in front of a packed 60,000 crowd.
Returning to the scene of his golden Olympic treble a year ago, the fastest man on earth blew his rivals away with at the Anniversary Games event.
American Michael Rodgers (9.98) and Jamaica's Nesta Carter (9.99) also dipped under ten seconds.
"I love coming here. The fans give you so much energy and this is what makes me run faster," said Bolt.
"I felt good tonight and I am pleased with the time I did even if I was a little slow off the blocks and I had to play catch up. There is a lot of room for improvement. I am getting there and Moscow is going to be great."
Having been beaten by American Justin Gatlin in Rome earlier this year, Bolt was a man on a mission. And he did not let his worldwide fan club down.
The global audience may have been a fraction of the near one billion armchair supporters who watched in awe last summer but there was still a special atmosphere inside the stadium.
Bolt, who 24 hours earlier spoke openly about his despair at the latest drugs controversy to rock athletics with sprint rivals Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell implicated, had been paraded around the stadium beforehand.
The 26-year-old, six-times Olympic gold medallist stood on a mock fighter jet and held the Jamaican flag aloft, taking the applause of the sun-drenched supporters as he was driven around the stadium.
Bolt had already seen compatriot Warren Weir win the 200m.
Weir finished a tenth of a second ahead of another Jamaican, Jason Young in a time of 19.89.
Olympic champion Kirani James beat a high-class field to win the 400m.
The Grenadian timed his run to perfection to surge through down the straight and win in 44.65.
Nick Symmonds beat American rivals Duane Solomon and Brandon Johnson to win the men's 800m in 1:43.67.
Ukraine's Bohdan Bondarenko leapt to high jump success but failed with two audacious attempts at a new world record of 2.47m.
Poland's Piotr Malachowski won the men's discus with his third round throw of 67.35m.
Czech star Zuzana Hejnova set a new season's best of 53.07 in the women's 400m hurdles as she powered her way to victory to beat Britain's Perri Shakes-Drayton for the third time this year.
Shakes-Drayton, who also set a personal best time of 53.67, said: "I gave it everything, and just went for it but it just wasn't enough."
American Brenda Martinez convincingly won the 800m in 1:58.2 while Kenya's Mary Kuria produced a strong run to deny Morrocan rival Ibtissam Lakhouad in the women's 1500m.
American Shannon Rowbury surged to a season's best of 8:41.46 in the women's 3000m while Cuban Yarisley Silva proved strongest in the pole vault with a new Diamond League record of 4.83m.
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Chennai Express
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Movie Name : Chennai Express
Release Date : August 9, 2013
Genre : Comedy
Producer : Gauri Khan
Director : Rohit Shetty
Music Director : Vishal-Shekhar
Cast : Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Sathyaraj, Manorama.
Synopsis:
The filming began at Mehboob Studio in Mumbai on 5th October 2012 . The lead actor was dressed in black casuals and the actress in a South Indian attire, wearing Kanjeevaram saree. Filming was done at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station with minimum crew members. These working stills of the lead actor were unofficially released in mid-October 2012. In November 2012, the cast and crew was off to Goa for the first filming schedule. The railway station of Vasco da Gama was used as a double up, portraying Kalyan. A romantic scene on board a train passing next to Dudhsagar Falls was also shot. In December 2012, the team was off to Jakarta for some scenes. By early January 2013, the next schedule was supposed to happen in Ooty but Khan opined that the opted place would be too far from commercial venue, Mumbai. Hence, recreation of the lanes of Ooty along with some of its tourist spots, was constructed as a set on the outskirts of Panchgani in Wai by art director Narendra Ruharikar. It took over 40 days to make the set at an estimated cost of INR1.5 crore (US$260,000). The Wai schedule of filming ran for entire month of March 2013. A 10-day shooting schedule began in Munnar, Kerala from mid of April 2013, scenes were canned at Devikulam Lake, Meesapulimala, Wagavara and Kannimala. The shoot had to be stopped for a few days due to the heavy rainfall and the schedule was slightly extended until end of the same month. A press conference was also held in the town Munnar. In May 2013, certain scenes were canned in North Goa The lead actress wrapped up all her portions of shoot on 25th May 2013. Khan flew to Hyderabad by end of May 2013 for remaining filming.
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A female ferret will die if it goes into heat and cannot find a mate.
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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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