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“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Liberia's President marks decade of peace
Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf celebrated a decade of peace on Sunday by attending a prayer service. The service at Saint Peter's Lutheran Church in Monrovia marked the 10-year anniversary of a peace accord signed in Accra, Ghana. Sirleaf, who won a share of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 before being elected to a second term, has been praised for consolidating peace, attracting foreign investment, and securing debt relief.
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Liberia booming but still needs peacekeepers: President
Speaking on the 10th anniversary of the end of 14 years of on-off civil war, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf told Reuters peace, investment, and an eightfold-fold increase in government revenues were concrete signs of recovery. The West African country -- stabilized by a UN peacekeeping mission and under of the leadership of Nobel Peace Prize winner Sirleaf since 2006 -- is slowly recovering and has since lured major investors.
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North Korea agrees on talks on family reunions
North Korea on Sunday accepted a South Korean offer for talks on reuniting families separated by war, but proposed separate talks on resuming lucrative tours to a scenic North Korean mountain in an apparent effort to link the two discussions. Last week, the two Koreas agreed to work toward a resumption of a jointly run factory park in North Korea, raising hopes for improved ties between the rivals. Seoul subsequently proposed Red Cross talks Friday on restarting the reunions.
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South Africa: Corporates and NPC's join forces to help feed the homeless
One of the more innovative collaborations that took place this Mandela Day was a team of corporates and non-profit organizations who cooked up a feeding scheme for the Cape Town homeless. Led by Sekisa Foods NPC (not for profit company), a social enterprise that produces organic food products, the volunteers made soup for hundreds of homeless and needy Mandela Day recipients.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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BJP keeps UPA guessing as Congress hopes to pass Food Bill in LS
New Delhi: The United Progressive Alliance has been hopeful that its ambitious Food Security Bill will be passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday but the Bharatiya Janata Party has kept the Congress guessing over it. The government has agreed to some amendments to win over key allies and has already spoke to Samajwadi party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and the Telugu Desam Party, which has been constantly disrupting the House.
The main opposition BJP has, however, said that it will protest against the suspension of TDP MPs who have been disrupting proceedings and it has already taken the position that no bill should be passed during din in the House.
ALSO SEE Food Bill is for the whole of India, not targeted at polls: Delhi CM
While the revised bill may or may not be passed, but Delhi, Haryana and Uttarakhand will becomes the first states to unveil it today.
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will officially launch the food security program from Delhi's Talkatora stadium later today (August 20), which is also late Prime Minster Rajiv Gandhi's 69th birth anniversary.
The scheme is being rolled out using the ordinance promulgated in July this year as it is believed to be the game changer for the Congress in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
ALSO SEE Food Bill likely to be passed in LS; Delhi, Haryana set to unveil it
Delhi will be one the first states to implement the legislation and Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that it is an all-India Bill and is not targeted at elections. "We are well prepared for the implementation of the Bill. There may be some issues in the beginning, but they will be rectified. The scheme is based on the Aadhar Card. The Public Distribution System has been working for several decades, this will be an add on to it. We have identified the families. Families earning over Rs 1 lakh will not be covered," she said.
Earlier, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had sounded optimistic that all parties would support the bill and was open to discussion. "By and large everybody will support the bill. The main opposition BJP said they have options. An ordinance has been submitted and that will be discussed. Just because of ordinance I don't think all parties should come and stamp it. Still we are open to discussion," he said.
Left leader D Raja said the bill in the present form is unacceptable. " The bill in the present content is not acceptable to us. This bill has to be drastically ammended."
The Samajwadi Party said the Congress is in a hurry to pass the bill and making it a political issue. SP leader Naresh Aggarwal said, "They are making this a political issue and not thinking about the farmers. This issue needs to be seriously thought about. If farmers lose their lands, they might end up committing suicide."
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You may feel inspired to redecorate your home in a big way. For example, you may want to paint accent walls using bold colors, purchase new living room furniture, or transform a basement into a family room. As it turns out, your idea may be more than your budget can handle right now, so you may have to wait to do it. In the meantime, you may spend many happy hours visiting online shopping and decorating sites.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Thoughts of travel may be uppermost in your mind at this time. You may dream about visiting an exotic destination, taking a luxury cruise vacation, or checking into a top-rated spa for a relaxing retreat. When you mention this to your partner or significant other, you may be surprised to learn that he or she shares this same dream. Although it may take some serious juggling on your part to coordinate your schedules, the opportunity to make new memories with your partner may be all the motivation you need. .
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 A close friend or sibling may suddenly announce his or her engagement. The happy couple may invite you to be a member of the bridal party. Although you may want to accept immediately, you may hesitate because you may not be sure you can afford all of the expenses associated with the role. However, once you learn they plan to have a small, inexpensive wedding, you may feel more comfortable and honored to be a part of their special day.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
There may be changes on the career front at this time. Your boss may announce that he or she is leaving the company. This news may be quite unexpected, and you may wonder how this will affect your job. To your surprise, your boss may invite you to work for him or her at this new company. You may want to discuss this opportunity with your romantic partner or a trusted friend before you make a final decision.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may decide to go back to school and will prepare to do so at this time to pursue an academic degree or a certificate. It may be a part-time program. Another possibility is that you may take courses for your own personal enrichment. You may enroll in a workshop that teaches you how to restore old wood furniture, or you may study a foreign language because you intend to travel to another country.
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Home loans to get costlier as banks start increasing rates
Home loan equated monthly installments (EMIs) and interest rates on new loans are set to rise as the rupee slides to record lows virtually every day. The rupee hit a new historic low on Tuesday, breaching the 64 mark against the dollar in early trades.
Many private lenders have already hiked their base rates - the rate to which all loans are linked. The base rate is the rate below which a bank cannot lend, and an increase in the base rate would imply an increase in lending rates for home loans, car loans and personal loans as well.
On Monday, private lender Axis Bank increased its base rate by 25 basis points to 10.25 per cent. HDFC Bank, YES Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Andhra Bank have hiked their rates earlier this month.
Consumers would start feeling the pinch once bigger lenders like State Bank of India and ICICI Bank (the country's largest public and private lender, respectively) announce rate hikes.
ICICI Bank on Friday raised interest rates on fixed deposit by 0.25-0.75 percentage points mainly on short-term deposits, which is been seen as a precursor to rate hikes.
To defend the rupee, the Reserve Bank has taken measures to bolster short-term rates and squeeze the liquidity in the system. That has pushed India's benchmark 10-year bond yield rose to its highest level since the pre-Lehman crisis.
The benchmark 10-year bond yield rose to 9.48 per cent on Tuesday, indicating that borrowing costs are headed higher.
"Things are not good. Yields are rising so banks are sitting on huge mark to market losses. Incremental leading will be difficult," S.L. Bansal, managing director of Oriental Bank of Commerce, told NDTV.
The central bank, in its last policy review, kept the repo rate, or the rate at which it lends to the system, at 7.25 per cent. It kept the cash reserve ratio, the amount of deposits banks park with RBI, unchanged at 4 per cent.Post the RBI policy, SBI chairman Pratip Chaudhuri had said that bankers will wait for two to three weeks before taking a call on increasing lending rates.
"These steps (RBI's) might be temporary. Unless they linger for very long, none of the banks will increase their loan price. We have reasonably stable source of funds, so we can wait for some time," he added.
However, with no signs of a reversal in RBI policies (announced on July 15) lenders may be forced to hike rates.
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Baking soda for your skin
Never heard baking soda and skin care being mentioned in the same sentence? Baking soda is known for being a staple in the kitchen but it's also one of the most useful and not to mention inexpensive ingredients around when it comes to DIY skin care! Grab a box of baking soda from your kitchen and get ready to see some big changes courtesy these baking soda beauty fixes!
Face wash
Make a thick paste out of two teaspoons baking soda and one teaspoon warm water. Wash your face with water and apply the mixture that you have prepared in gentle circular strokes. Rinse off the mixture with warm water.
Exfoliate
Baking soda makes for an excellent as well as gentle exfoliator. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to your cleanser and massage face gently to slough off dead skin cells. If you have oily skin, you can add one-teaspoon baking soda to two tablespoons of uncooked oats. Mix this with water and scrub your face and skin in circular motions gently. Oats combined with baking soda is great for deep cleansing and clearing clogged pores.
Footsie
While leading busy, stressful lives, its our feet that take the biggest beating. It's sad that the feet do not even figure in most people's list of skincare. Treat your feet to a baking soda and warm water soak. Baking soda will clean your tootsies and also soften the skin. Mix half a cup baking soda for every four liters of water in a tub and soak your feet for at least half an hour. Moisturise your squeaky clean, soft feet with a thick cream.
Bathing soda
Baking soda makes for a great detox bath. Indulging in a detox bath every once in a while is good for your skin since it helps in purging your body of toxins. Add one or two cups of baking soda along with two cups of Epsom salt in your bath and soak in for about 30 minutes. Make sure to sip on water all through or you might feel terribly dehydrated
Soothe a sunburn
Relieve irritated, itchy and sun burnt skin with baking soda. Soak a clean cloth in baking soda and water to make a cool compress or run a lukewarm bath with half a cup baking soda in it to soothe irritated skin especially when there's no aloe Vera on hand.
Cuti care
Dip your nail brush in baking soda and scrub your nails and cuticles to give them a good washing. If you are suffering from nail fungus (a persistent problem with ladies who love their acrylic nails), then mix two parts baking soda and one part water and make a paste. Apply generously on the infected nail and leave it on for 10 minutes. Do this twice a day till the fungus is gone.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
An unexpected expense connected to children, travel, education, or your home may take you by surprise. You may have to scramble to come up with the money, and there is a good chance you may have to put it on your credit card. Luckily, the Sun enters Virgo tomorrow and will shine its spotlight on you until September 22. Consequently, it may be easier to promote yourself, so if you need to earn extra money, opportunities to do so may come to you during this time.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
You may feel pulled in different directions as you try to manage competing demands in your professional and personal lives. You may have an opportunity to work on an important project that may help advance your career, but it may also require you to travel or work late hours. As a result, you may have to reschedule family plans. Fortunately, your family may be so supportive of your goals that they may not mind at all.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 A creative endeavor may finally come together at this time. If you have been working on an idea for a writing project, an out-of-the-blue inspiration may bring it into perfect focus. Although you may be eager to get back to work on it, job obligations and prior social commitments to a partner, sibling, or friend may get in the way. Since you may not be willing to wait, you may decide to work on it during your lunch hour.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You may discover an error on a credit card statement or a household bill. For example, a merchant may have billed you twice for the same purchase, or your utility company may have added a late fee. After you get a credit for the mistaken charge on your credit card, you may decide to call the utility company. It may turn out that your check did arrive late, especially if you mailed it while Mercury was still retrograde. Going forward, you may decide to pay your bills online.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
You and a partner may be at odds about a home-related decision. Although the two of you may agree it’s time to purchase a large appliance, you may not agree on the budget. Your partner may want to shop in high-end appliance centers because he or she feels there may be a better selection, but you may prefer to shop in warehouse stores that offer big discounts. As a compromise, the two of you may agree to keep an open mind and shop in both types of stores.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Your daily routine may be subject to interruptions at this time. Travel delays, unexpected company, and phone calls from friends or family in need may interfere with your normal schedule. As a result, it may not be easy to stick to an exercise schedule or meditation practice now, so you may decide to devote extra time to it this coming weekend. Yesterday’s full moon in Aquarius may have coincided with a personal decision related to a romantic or professional relationship.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You may learn of a substantial increase in the premium for your car or life or health insurance. Another possibility is that you may receive an additional tax bill. Either way, this news may come as an unwelcome surprise to you because money may be a bit tight now. Consequently, you may decide to schedule an appointment with an insurance broker to see if you can get a better rate, or you may join a professional organization or large association that offers insurance discounts to its members.
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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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Delayed session at Allahabad University may hit studies hard
ALLAHABAD: Already struggling with a sordid Teachers-Taught-Ratio (TTR), Allahabad University authorities now have another problem at hand. The problem relates to delayed beginning of the new academic session. Even as the month of August is about to close, the varsity and department authorities are yet to complete admission process for various courses.
During the academic session 2012-13, the AU authorities had not only completed the admission process by this time of the year, but classes had also commenced in almost all the departments. But, this year, the undergraduate admissions are still not complete and all the departments are conducting postgraduate admissions. This means that UG classes (for part-I) would commence only after the first week of September and so would the MA/MSc/MCom-I classes.
Although many faculty members claim that they have already started teaching work for students of part-II and III, the ground situation is very different. "Although part-I students of our department have not arrived, not all teachers are taking their classes as many of them are engaged with conducting admissions for PG courses," said a student of BA-II.
This delay in undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at AU could prove costly for the students. The fact that the admission work started late due to delay in declaration of the entrance test results and because admissions have been suspended owing to the students' agitation, there is fear that academic activities on campus would come on track only by October end or November. Moreover, the varsity authorities would be faced with the pressure of holding elections for students union on the campus in the month of September.
Students are also worried over the fact that October, too, is slated to have very few working days. "The first fortnight of October will go in holidays. It is Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and the eight-day autumn break is expected to start from October 5. Then it's Dusshera on October 14 - within two days of the proposed reopening of the varsity after the autumn holidays and as such most students will not turn up before that. This will be followed by Id-ul-Azha around October 16. I fear the classes will not start properly till November," said Shalini, a BA-III student of AU. Her worries seem reasonable for if one takes the four Sundays into consideration, the varsity is scheduled to remain closed for 15 days in October.
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Virat Kohli has makings of a good captain, MS Dhoni says
NEW DELHI: Indian skipper MS Dhoni is a busy man for most of the year. His fitness methods, he says, help him endure the hectic grind of the international cricket calendar. These days, he is going easy on his body, recovering from the rigours of the last season, and playing a lot of badminton to hone his reflexes. He is also keenly observing how his young team is shaping up ahead of the 2015 World Cup.
Dhoni, for one, is pleased to see deputy Virat Kohli easing into the leadership role. "Virat has changed a lot over the last year. The best thing about him is that he is very expressive, and that helps a captain. His approach towards his game and also the way he operates in the field has changed. He now has all the ingredients to lead a side and has led well in Zimbabwe," Dhoni said while speaking at a promotional event on Monday.
India's young crop has delivered results in the absence of stalwarts like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj and Dhoni clarified fit and in-form players - not age or experience - was the guiding factor, apart from top-class fielding skills.
"It doesn't matter if one is 40 or 42 years of age as long as he is fit and in form. I don't agree I am only keen on forming an all-youngsters team. Since cricket is a more skill-oriented game, if there is one department where a player can perform in every game it is fielding. And to be a good fielder, one has to be very fit. I will like to keep players who can save runs and are not below average as fielders," the captain said.
What about the long rope given to some younger players? "If a player is spotted as someone who has the talent to deliver and sustain pressure, he will be given a longer rope. But the individual has to perform to justify his selection," Dhoni said.
Dhoni remains a person who sets short-term goals. For him, thoughts of the much-hyped tour to South Africa in late November can wait. He has some unfinished business with the Australian team before that. "We haven't done well against them in ODIs at home. We need to fix that first. The series is happening when the dew factor comes into play and the toss plays a greater role. A lot of work needs to be done for that series too," he said.
Dhoni has his own ways to stay fit too. As he gets his head clear ahead of another hectic season, he isn't going through the rigorous fitness drills of a modern cricketer but is instead spending more time playing other sports like badminton to ensure his reflexes are razor sharp.
"I want my body to recover. Anyway, with the Champions League coming up, we will have to hit the gym as the professional trainers arrive. For the time being, I am trying to play other sports. In fact, I have been playing a lot of badminton since last week. That can work for the eyesight and footwork as well," Dhoni said.
Known for his outside-the-box moves on the field, Dhoni certainly doesn't belong to the old school of cricket pundits.
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Madras Cafe
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Madras Cafe
Movie Name : Madras Cafe
Release Date : August 23, 2013
Genre : Political espionage thriller
Producer : John Abraham,Ronnie Lahiri,Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
Director : Shoojit Sircar
Music Director : Shantanu Moitra
Cast : John Abraham,Nargis Fakhri
Synopsis:
As per John Abraham, "Madras Cafe brings us closer to what changed the political history of India."
The film, set in India and Sri Lanka, is a political spy thriller set against backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war.Vikram Singh (John Abraham) is an Indian Army special officer who is appointed by the intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing to conduct covert operations in Sri Lanka shortly after Indian Peace Keeping Force was forced to withdraw.As he journeys to Sri Lanka, with the intention of disrupting a rebel group, he discovers the larger issue. There he meets a British journalist (Jaya) who wants to reveal the truth about the civil war, and in the process he uncovers a conspiracy.
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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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