“If you don’t take a chance, you don’t stand a chance.”    VBA's Positive News Australia: Horticultural industry vital to a smart desert town  Re-establishing a vibrant horticultural industry has been identified as a key priority for Central Australia over the next five years. A draft plan for a better and more resilient Alice Springs was launched over the weekend at the EcoFair in Alice Springs. The roadmap sets the goal having 50 per cent of all fresh produce locally supplied to Alice Springs by 2033.       Cleantech turnaround report shows global renewable energy recovery  Despite challenging market conditions, key indicators show signs of improvement in the clean tech sector, according to Ernst and Young's newly released annual cleantech industry performance report. Noting a bounce back in market capitalization, boosted by energy efficiency companies and renewables, the financial performance of public pure-play (PPP) cleantech companies has improved while their number has grown globally, the document concludes.      Canadian home sales edge higher in July from June: CREA   Sales of existing homes in Canada edged up in July from June and were much higher than a year earlier, the Canadian Real Estate Association said on Thursday. The industry group for Canadian real estate agents said sales activity was up 0.2 per cent in July from the month before. Actual sales for July, not seasonally adjusted, were up 9.4 per cent from a year earlier.  Queensland, Australia: Farmers get helping hay Six road trains loaded with donated hay are on the way to properties in the grip of drought in north-western Queensland. The high profile Buy A Bale campaign, in one month, has already raised more than $300,000 worth of in-kind donations for drought-affected farmers, including fodder from as far away as Gunnedah and Moree.       Video of the Day:

World Round-Up

Political + 'Narendra Modi, not Manmohan Singh, gave us hope'       If India needed to hear a speech from its Prime Minister then the one at Red Fort was surely not the one. I for one opted for the speech at Lalan College in Gujarat. At least it gave me hope, made me optimistic and left me a little more confident of what this country is capable of. Narendra Modi surely didn't ask that national media to beam his speech live but aren't we all glad they did. In its first ever direct head on encounter, Narendra Modi has been able to show how insipid and hopeless Dr Manmohan Singh's speech was. Those who falsely criticize Narendra Modi for giving wrong facts or spinning stories must be disappointed today. Tearing into the Food Security Bill Narendra Modi has been able to show to the country why this rushed law will do more damage than benefit. Forget the poor, today I have clarity why the Congress led UPA only had electoral politics in its mind when they introduced the ordinance. Why should the Centre not consult those who will be the most crucial delivery agents in this program, yes I am worried about how the states will cope with pressures of an ill-designed program. It will not only leave the poor in the lurch but also put the states in a precarious position when it comes to food procurement. I am so glad that there is a state leader of national stature like Narendra Modi who has made clear his stand, yes I support the law but not in its present form and the only way to move forward is to consult the states and arrive at a better program. What did our Prime Minister say? Just that we have introduced the Food Security Bill, that's it! Why an Indian citizen feels their trust has been broken? Look around you, tell me why you should not feel angry with the dynastic nature of everything the Congress-led UPA does. If the recent cases of corruption were not enough then now the Damad episode of Robert Vadra is surely the last nail in the coffin. Just his proximity to the first family is enough to make hundreds of crores without ever having any qualification or a business model to make so much money? Yes I am angry and disappointed that my Prime Minister did not address this and that is also why I would rather hear a Narendra Modi who helps me articulate why this present government is a liability to the nation. Will I not want Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister? Yes I will and yes I can. The Lalan College speech will surely go down in the history books as one of the turning points in the history of India. It has for the first time provoked Indians to make a choice, decide their fate and show that they want a better and stronger India.  Narendra Modi's open challenge for a debate between Delhi and Gujarat has to be taken in the right spirit. For way too long we Indians have shied away from confronting facts, there is at least someone who says debate with me on merit and facts. He is not running away, instead he is inviting an open debate. I think India is ready for it as much as it is ready for Narendra Modi. Lastly, just like Narendra Modi I am not just disappointed with the Prime Minister's speech but also angry with it. I woke up early to listen to a person who rarely speaks. He left me more disgusted with our style of national politics as if average citizen does not matter. As if we do not need to be talked to. And look at the other speech at Lalan College, it talked of development, future plans, urbanisation, job creation, building trust and most importantly it spoke with me, the average Indian. Narendra Modi may not be liked by the Congress and those politicians who cannot deal with his straight talk. But I do, as an Indian, an average citizen who does not care about the past but about my future. He is one leader who gives me confidence, hope and inspiration that India is for Indians First, lndia First has to be the motto and the Indian constitution the only holy text.  Astrology Aries March 21 to April 19 You might have noticed a significant increase in writing opportunities ever since Jupiter, the planet of expansion, entered your message sector last June. You'll still have a little more than two solid months ahead to enjoy this cosmic support, so be sure to make the most of it. Finish that novel you've always wanted to write, and tend to contracts and any kind of verbal agreements.                                            Taurus April 20 to May 20 Since last June you've enjoyed an exceptionally positive run when it comes to your earning power. Not only is it likely that you've made more money over the last year, but your talents are likely to be appreciated more. You'll continue to enjoy this lucky streak until late June of this year, but now is not the time to rest on your laurels. You're setting yourself up for what could be a new financial era for the next twelve years. Make it outstanding.            Gemini May 21 to June 20 You've won the cosmic jackpot this year, thanks to lucky Jupiter moving through Gemini since last June. Not only has this blessed cycle opened up your sense of optimism for all good things, but it's likely that you've also forged positive new alliances both personally and professionally. These relationships will continue to benefit you for the next twelve years! While Jupiter remains in Gemini for the next two months, take care that all of this personal expansion doesn't reflect in your waistline. You might overindulge.                             Cancer June 21 to July 22  Have you noticed that lately, if you go through an experience that seems hopeless, just when you feel all is lost somehow, someway, you're magically rescued? You can thank Jupiter for this phenomenon. Since last June Jupiter has graced the area of your chart that rules everything hidden - as well as hidden protection. Until late June of this year, you'll continue to enjoy compassion and benevolence from anonymous sources. Accept it with grace and gratitude.     Leo July 23 to Aug. 22  Don't discount the lucky break you can receive from a friend or other social contact these days. Be sure to circulate and continue to network since, until late June, you'll continue to benefit from the help your pals can provide. One of them might be instrumental in helping you achieve a personal goal, much to your delight. This is also a fabulous time to launch a website or social media campaign. Your popularity will soar!       BUSINESS+VE Rupee hits a record low of 62 per dollar; sensex tanks over 400 pts      The rupee on Friday hit a record low of 61.82 per dollar, dropping past the previous low of 61.80 hit on August 6. Meanwhile, the BSE benchmark index Sensex fell by 435.30 points, or 0.75%, to 18,929.82 in early trade at 10.30 am on Friday. Earlier, rupee had recovered by 10 paise to trade at 61.33 against dollar on increased selling of the US currency by banks after RBI announced stern measures to curb forex outflow amid weakening of the US currency overseas. Dealers said selling of the American currency by banks and exporters after the RBI announced stern measures on Wednesday to support the rupee and dollar's weakness against other currencies overseas helped rupee to trade a shade higher. The Reserve Bank on Wednesday reduced the limit for overseas direct investment (ODI) by domestic companies, other than oil PSUs, under the automatic route from 400% of net worth to 100% to curb forex outflow. Oil India and ONGC Videsh are exempt from this limitation. The rupee had lost 24 paise to close at an all-time low of 61.43 against he US currency in the previous session on Wednesday after July inflation rose to a five-month high. Forex market remained closed on Thursday on account of Independence Day.   HEALTH+VE 7 Day flat belly diet plan       Here is an exclusive plan to help you shape up in 2013... Celebrity trainer James Duigan's Clean & Lean diet plan can help you lose all the unwanted flab. The diet involves cutting out 'toxic' foods that encourage the body to store fat - including alcohol, sugar and processed foods. Meals on James's diet plan are full of fish, lean meat - including turkey and chicken - and fresh, preferably organic vegetables. James says, "My diet works on the principle that your body's natural state is lean and fit, not sluggish and fat. But processed foods and drinks and excess sugar pollute the body, causing fat to cling to the hips, thighs, bum and tummy. However, as soon as you stop doing the wrong thing, your body responds very quickly, and you'll get lean fast. But you have to believe you can do it. It doesn't matter how often you have failed in the past. What matters now is focusing on what you want and taking action." Food rules Make these changes to your diet to lose weight and get a flat tummy fast! 1 Cut the C.R.A.P: Avoid the four main food groups that cause fat to cling to our bodies: caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol and processed foods. 2 But allow yourself a weekly cheat meal. Once a week, enjoy an indulgent meal of whatever you fancy, from creamy pasta to a slice of chocolate cake with cream. As ong as you're eating clean, healthy food the rest of the time, an occasional high-fat treat actually speeds up your metabolism. 3 Take fish oil supplements: They burn fat and supply essential fatty acids. 4 Always have breakfast: Eat within one hour of waking up. If you don't have time for a proper breakfast, just grab a piece of fruit and a few nuts. 5 Don't eat after 8pm: Eating a large meal in the evening when your body is slowing down or sleeping is a bad idea for your digestion and weight. Five food swaps for flat Abs Bad croissants: Full of fat, sugar and no goodness Milk Most non-organic milk is filled with hormones Standard yoghurt Most are full of sugar Margarine Full of chemicals Beer High sugar and calories Better wholemeal bread: Fibre is good for digestion Organic milk It's chemical-free Organic yoghurt It's free from pesticides Olive oil spread Full of essential fatty acids Organic cider Less alcohol and calories. Best spelt bread: No tummy-bloating gluten Organic almond milk: Doesn't contain lactose that can cause bloating Organic full-fat yoghurt Makes you feel full and is less sugary than low-fat options Organic butter Natural and additive free Good red wine Grape skin contains resveratrol, a great antioxidant Tummy toning moves James Duigan says, "Exercise smarter, not harder. So, if you are trying to lose weight, don't go mad with exercise - get more out of less." These moves can help you get a flatter tummy as they reduce levels of stress hormones in the body, which encourage fat around your middle. - Inhale through the nose, then lower your bottom down as far as is still comfortable while exhaling l Pause for a few seconds, then inhale as you come up Energy push Great for digestion - breathe slowly and repeat 20 times - Take a comfortable stance with feet shoulder width apart, arms in front of you, palms facing down - Inhale and pull hands back towards your shoulders - Exhale, pushing your arms back out to starting position Leg tuck Great for lower abs - repeat 10 times - Lie back, feet on floor, knees bent l Inhale then bring knees into your chest as you exhale - Inhale again as you return your feet to the floor       Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  Your career is on fire! Not only have you enjoyed an exceptional run over the last several months, but until late June you'll continue to benefit from this lucky break. Jupiter, the planet of prosperity and abundance, is now in your career sector. Promotion, honors, and a greater respect for your professional achievements are all yours to enjoy. Remember to make this stretch of time count since it will set up your career prospects for the next twelve years.   Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Are you enrolled in an adult education course, university, or certification program? If so, you're in luck. The potential you have to succeed in your learning experience is incredible. Until late June you'll continue to benefit from this mental edge. You may also find that you have a special connection with a mentor. Also, an overseas trip will be possible if you haven't already traveled recently. This will be a remarkable experience - so if opportunity knocks, be sure to take it! Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 If you're married, it's possible that your spouse will enjoy a significant boost in his or her earning potential. A raise or an increase in benefits at the work place will delight both of you to no end. You may also notice that you've made smart investments over the last several months and that now they're beginning to pay off. An increase in dividends, royalties, or even a windfall is likely. You are blessed.   Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 A close alliance has become a source of even greater joy over the last few months. Jupiter, your ruling planet, is now in your partnership sector, which offers you exceptional benefits by joining forces with others. In terms of business, you might have made a few contacts that are proving to be extraordinary. They might even have international ties, but either way it's positive. In your personal life, your relationship with a spouse or partner is likely to improve as well.                        Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 There's no shortage of work for you these days. In fact, you may have such an abundance of assignments to choose from that you have found yourself in the enviable position of having to turn down work! Remember not to take on more than you can realistically handle now since it'll be difficult to refuse a project that gets you excited. These days, it appears they all do. Still, choose wisely and do your best on whatever jobs you accept.    Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  Romance has been a focus for you since last June, thanks to a lucky tour of Jupiter through your romance sector. If you're single, this might have been a time when more potential suitors have captured your attention. You might have even fallen in love and are now in an extremely happy relationship. If this hasn't happened for you yet, don't be discouraged. Jupiter will remain here until the end of June. Love may be closer than you think.    Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  Home expansion might have been a focus for you over recent months. If you moved, it's likely that you experienced it as an upsize - either with more living space or a situation that makes you exceptionally happy. Alternatively, you may have opened up your home to a relative or decided to take in a roommate. You might also be in the midst of a renovation. Whatever the case, your living situation has improved and will continue to get even better.           Moral Story     SMS   “Life is very similar to a boxing ring.. Defeat is not declared, when U fall down.. It’s declared, when U refuse to get up...”      LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS Love will not serve those who do not live for her, and in her, and to whom she is not the breath of life.   LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS  Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.     A blond went to police station and registered a complaint Blond - Sir I am getting Threats on my phone. Police: Who the hell is threating you?, tell me we will take action against them. Blond : Sir telephone people... They are threating to cut if the bill is not paid.

EDUCATION +VE ​Nasa to send 'Star Trek replicator' to space station       Nasa is to send a 3D printer to the International Space Station to allow astronauts to create their own spare parts and tools, paving the way for technology to print engines and even entire spacecraft in orbit. Engineers at the US space agency are testing a new 3D printer that can manufacture plastic objects in low gravity. It will allow astronauts to make everything from replacement buckles and toilet pipes to repairing damaged parts of the space station and spacesuits. Made in Space CTO Jason Dunn (left) and Mike Snyder prepare the first 3D printer for space. (Made in Space) The technology, which is already being compared to the replicator in the science fiction series Star Trek, is due to be sent to the International Space Station in June 2014. Nasa hopes that it could pave the way for more advanced 3D printers that can produce rocket engine parts and even entire spacecraft while in orbit. Astronauts will also be able to design their own products to help them solve any problem they may face. The system should help to reduce the amount of replacements and spares that need to be transported to the ISS from Earth. It should also help get the astronauts on board the space station in emergency situations. In 1970, the crew of Apollo 13 had to resort to duct tape, the cover of a flight manual and a plastic bag to repair the carbon dioxide filter in their spacecraft after an oxygen tank exploded. Earlier this month Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano had to abort a spacewalk after water began leaking into his helmet through the ventilation system that provided him with air and Nasa was forced to send a repair kit up in a supply shipment. In the future, astronauts would simply be able to print off replacement parts and the tools they needed to solve such problems.      SPORTS +VE Adhiban storms in to third round of World chess cup     Grandmaster and former national champion B.Adhiban made the most of his opportunities to beat Brazilian Grandmaster Alexander Fier in the second round and advance to the third round of the chess World Cup here. After drawing the first game as white Adhiban made good use of his opportunities as Fier went berserk while trying to attack and lost a piece and the game soon after. The other Indian left in the fray -- Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran -- again did well to hold the Russian world number nine Sergey Karjakin to tie the two games match 1-1 and set up a tie-break contest to start with the rapid games. Chinese teenage sensation Wei Yi continued with his demolition act and ousted highly-regarded Alexei Shirov of Latvia after winning the second game. In the first round, Yi had beaten Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia. Among the higher seeds, Levon Aronian of Armenia, Alexander Grischuk of Russia, Fabiano Caruana of Italy and Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine cruised in to the third round effectively at the expense of Mikhail Markovof and Dariusz Swierczof of Poland, Yu Yangyi of China and Ray Robson of United States respectively. However, Gata Kamsky of United States and former world champion Vladimir Kramnik of Russia were stretched to the tiebreaker by Russians Alexander Shimanov and Mikhail Kobalija. Among other fancied players, Anish Giri of Holland accounted for Li Chao of China for the second time in two days while Hikaru Nakamura of United States did not disappoint his fans and moved to the last 32 defeating Eltaj Safarli of Azerbaijan by 1.5-0.5 margin. Adhiban stole the thunder showing determination and skill to hold a difficult position against Fier. It was a Four Knights opening by Fier that gave excellent position to the Brazilian as white but he soon crumbled impatiently while going for a quick checkmate with a piece sacrifice. Adhiban digested the extra piece with remarkable ease and proved that white’s attack was only optical. Sasikiran went for the trusted Breyer defense as black against Karjakin and the Russian could not do much despite having the experience of playing at the top level. The game was drawn in just 23 moves. Important and Indian results round 2 game 1: Evgeny Tomashevsky (Rus) beat So Wesley (Phi) 1.5-0.5; Alexander Morozevich (Rus) beat Rafael Leitao (Ger) 1.5-0.5; Gata Kamsky (Usa) v/s Aleksandr Shimanov (Rus) 1-1 goes to tiebreak; Alexei Shirov (Lat) lost to Wei Yi (Chn) 0.5-1.5; Alexander Grischuk (Rus) beat Dariusz Swiercz (Pol) 1.5-0.5; Krishnan Sasikiran (Ind) drew with Sergey Karjakin (Rus) 1-1, goes for tiebreak; Fabiano Caruana (Ita) beat Yu Yangyi (Chn) 1.5-0.5; Julio Granda Zuniga (Per) beat Peter Leko (Hun) 1.5-0.5; Anish Giri (Ned) beat Li Chao (Chn) 2-0; Leinier Dominguez Perez (Cub) beat Alexander Onischuk (Usa) 1.5-0.5; Ray Robson (Usa) lost to Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukr) 0-2; Hikaru Nakamura (Usa) beat Eltaj Safarli (Aze) 1.5-0.5; B Adhiban beat Alexandr Fier (Bra) 1.5-0.5; Anotn Korobov (Ukr) v/s Baadur Jobava (Geo) 1-1, goes to tiebreak.     Chashme Baddoor Chashme Baddoor  Movie Name :   Chashme Baddoor   Release Date :   5 April 2013 Genre :  Comedy , Drama  Producer : Viacom 18 Motion Pictures Director :   David Dhawan Music Director : Sajid-Wajid Cast : Ali Zafar, Siddharth, Taapsee Pannu, Divyendu Sharma. Synopsis: Sid, Jai & Omi are three friends, who live together in a small house in Goa, India. Omi and Jai lead a carefree life, Large on wants, needs and everything else. The only thing that seem to keep Omi and Jai going are the women in Goa. Sid is their sober roommate, who leads a simple, straight forward and humble life. The two womanizing slackers attempt to woo “Seema” the new girl on the block, while their quite roommate Sid is the one to win her heart. Green with envy, the two men set into motion a wild and devious plot to break the lovebirds apart.            August has the highest percentage of births " INSPIRING STORY "     Keep your dream   I have a friend named Monty Roberts who owns a horse ranch in San Ysidro. He has let me use his house to put on fund-raising events to raise money for youth at risk programs.   The last time I was there he introduced me by saying, “I want to tell you why I let Jack use my horse.   It all goes back to a story about a young man who was the son of an itinerant horse trainer who would go from stable to stable, race track to race track, farm to farm and ranch to ranch, training horses. As a result, the boy’s high school career was continually interrupted. When he was a senior, he was asked to write a paper about what he wanted to be and do when he grew up.   “That night he wrote a seven-page paper describing his goal of someday owning a horse ranch. He wrote about his dream in great detail and he even drew a diagram of a 200-acre ranch, showing the location of all the buildings, the stables and the track.   Then he drew a detailed floor plan for a 4,000-square-foot house that would sit on a 200-acre dream ranch. “He put a great deal of his heart into the project and the next day he handed it in to his teacher. Two days later he received his paper back. On the front page was a large red F with a note that read, `See me after class.’ “The boy with the dream went to see the teacher after class and asked, `Why did I receive an F?’ “The teacher said, `This is an unrealistic dream for a young boy like you.   You have no money. You come from an itinerant family. You have no resources. Owning a horse ranch requires a lot of money. You have to buy the land.     You have to pay for the original breeding stock and later you’ll have to pay large stud fees. There’s no way you could ever do it.’ Then the teacher added, `If you will rewrite this paper with a more realistic goal, I will reconsider your grade.’ “The boy went home and thought about it long and hard. He asked his father what he should do. His father said, `Look, son, you have to make up your own mind on this. However, I think it is a very important decision for you.’ “Finally, after sitting with it for a week, the boy turned in the same paper, making no changes at all. He stated, “You can keep the F and I’ll keep my dream.” “Don’t let anyone steal your dreams. Follow your heart, no matter what.”

“Life isnt about learning how to weather the storm. its about learning how to dance in the rain.”