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Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.
| VBA's Positive News |
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US: Chicago Board of Trade to quote wheat futures in Australian dollars
For the first time the US Chicago Board of Trade will post daily wheat futures in Australian dollars per tonne as well as the current US cents a bushel price. 'The big thing behind having an Australian dollar wheat swap is that they've taken the currency risk completely out of the equation and for those that each morning convert from US cents per bushell into Australian dollars per tonne, that will be done for us,' said Farmanco grain marketer, Mae Connolly, from Western Australia.
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Loggerhead turtle's epic Pacific journey
A juvenile Loggerhead turtle is generating excitement among marine scientists in French Polynesia as she continues an epic swim across the Pacific in what appears to be a straight line. Ariti, as she has been named, was the first Loggerhead to be treated at the sea turtle rehabilitation clinic in Moorea, which has been operating for nearly nine years. Since her rehabilitation she has been tracked over more than two thousand kilometres, and after passing by Cook Islands, Niue, and Tonga, she appears to be heading to feeding grounds off the coast of Fiji.
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Canada: Community Shared Agriculture brings farm-fresh produce to city kitchens
Kawartha CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) is spearheaded by Shannon Holton, who, along with a friend who farms in the Kawartha Lakes area, founded the programme in 2008, whereby people in the city buy a share of the harvest to support area farmers. Produce comes from a core of 10 farms, but as many as 25 can contribute, explains Holt. These farms use 'organic growing principles' -- which means no chemicals, no GMOs (genetically modified organisms), and low energy inputs.
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India: A second chance for Tibetan youth in exile
A Second Chance is a new programme near Delhi that caters to unemployed young Tibetans and dropouts living in exile in India. For two years, 21 Tibetan refugees will learn new skills, get practical job training, mentorship, and internships, and, hopefully, jobs that can help them be self-sufficient. A Second Chance is affiliated with a larger programme started last year by the Tibetan exile administration to encourage job readiness and entrepreneurship among Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal, and Tibet experts are hopeful it will help a new generation of young refugees find meaningful employment and keep them out of poverty.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Food Bill likely to be passed in LS; Delhi, Haryana set to unveil it
New Delhi: The Congress is hopeful that the United Progressive Alliance's flagship scheme Food Security Bill will be passed in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The government has agreed to some amendments to win over key allies Samajwadi Party and Telugu Desam Party. The government has already spoken to SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and TDP, which has been constantly disrupting the House.
The revised bill may or may not be passed in the Lower House, but Delhi and Haryana are set to unveil it today *August 20), which is late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary.
ALSO SEE Govt likely to make changes in Food Security Bill, seeks Mulayam's support
The Congress has been ruling Delhi for the last 15 years and is all set to roll out Food Security legislation which can be seen an obvious attempt both at political symbolism and ownership of the law. The party hopes that the bill will be the game changer in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and Delhi is taking advantage of the Food Security Ordinance promulgated on July 5 even as the revised bill is yet to be passed by Parliament. As Parliament disruptions have become a norm, the Prime Minister on Monday held a meeting with key players to hammer a consensus.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kamal Nath said if the amendments are workarable, the government will accept it. "If they are workable amendments, we accept them and it will be officially moved by the government,' he said.
ALSO SEE Government to accept all 'workable' amendments in Food Security Bill: Kamal Nath
The landmark legislation, believed to be pushed aggresively by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is expected to be put to vote on Tuesday. The bill will legally entitle 67 per cent of the population of 5 kilograms per person rice, wheat and millets at Rs 3, Rs 2 and Rs 1 respectively. Poorest of the poor families will continue to receive 35 kilograms per household per month. Under the bill, pregnant and lactating women will get additional Rs 6000. Children between 6 months and 14 years will be entitled to free ration, hot cooked meal.
According to the bill, the existing allocations to states will be protected. The estimated annual food grain requirement is 612.3 lakh tonnes and total expenditure is Rs 1,24,724 crores. The state governments are free to frame their own criteria or use the SECC to identify beneficiaries.
ALSO SEE Food Security Bill will push India towards malnutrition: Modi
After the meeting, there were some indications that the government may be open to accepting some of the amendments moved by the opposition parties. If that happens then both the scope and the coverage of the law is set to change and the Congress will have to share credit with the Opposition.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
This may be an ideal time to pause and reflect on your health routines. You may be a very active and engaged individual on a regular basis, but something about a new approach may be tempting you. A simple shift in your diet may be the right method or perhaps a new exercise regimen that allows you to work on a new set of muscles. You may be on to something quite positive as you begin to see the results of your labor in your daily lifestyle.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Working with others may be one of the best ways to advance your career. You may not want to give up your autonomy, but the simple act of collaboration may considerably enhance your own output. Teamwork has its advantages if you can manage to let others share in the process. There may be enough praise and acknowledgement to go around. Oftentimes the suggestions of others can open your eyes to new concepts and bring your own creativity to new heights.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may be full of advice and insights as your ruling planet, Mercury, moves through your home sector. You may be trying to implement a new routine for family members or rethinking your room plans. Your active imagination may be alive with creative plans for decorating or organizing. Skills you may have adopted at work may also be useful on the home front. If a method can be effective at your work place, you may find the same results at home.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You may be quite vocal in discussions with investors concerning budgetary matters. You may be especially attuned to the finer details and intricacies of all things financial. You may be making decisions on where to invest for your own personal gain or the most beneficial for your organization. Either way you should not be surprised if the topic of money becomes your theme of the day. It may be wise to follow your intuition, which may be strongly attuned to these matters lately.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may be feeling bold and in charge as your ruler, the Sun, lingers in Leo. Your mind may be buzzing with thoughts of how to move forward and expand your view of things. You are rarely bashful or reluctant to incorporate new ideas and the day may feel right for exploring come new options regarding your spirituality. This may be an excellent time for investigating some new alternatives for enlarging your beliefs. You may be just curious enough to try something new and completely different.
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Low growth in India has implications for BRICS: Rob Davies
The current low growth in the Indian economy has consequences and implications for all the members of the BRICS nations, which calls for consolidation in our partnerships to establish a new growth trajectory, South African Trade and Industries Minister Rob Davies has said.
Also read: Activity in BRICs shrinks for first time in 4 years
Davies said this during a press conference here yesterday at the two-day BRICS Business Council meet that ends today.
"While emerging economies and BRICS countries continue to be the places where there is growth in the world economy, what we have seen is that the levels of growth are not what they were a couple of years ago," Davies said. "That is a fact and it has all kinds of consequences. So if there is lower growth in India or China or Brazil, as there is (in India), it has consequences and implications for all of us.
"The implications for us are that we need to strengthen and consolidate our partnerships so that we can establish a new growth trajectory in all of our countries that is mutually beneficial", he said.
It also accelerates the need for us to build (a) new kind of symbiotic basis on which we can move further, Davies said as he described the current world economic crisis as the greatest since the 1930's.
The South African minister said the inaugural meeting of business leaders from the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries was one of great importance for the Council, which was established at the BRICS Summit held in Durban a few months ago.
"We as trade ministers have been meeting over the years and discussing ways in which we need to promote BRICS cooperation in the area of trade and investment. "One of the very important conclusions that we have come to is that we are all industrialising economies in the BRICS group. We need to promote a pattern of interaction in the area of trade which supports value-added production to each of our economies, " he said.
Davies said the trade ministers had formed the Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues (CGETI) which will meet in November in South Africa to discuss a study that has been initiated on how to promote trade in value-added products.
Davies was joined by the chairman of the Brics Business Council, South African mining magnate and philanthropist Patrice Motsepe, who was co-chairman of the India-South Africa CEO Forum until last year with Ratan Tata. Motsepe said there would be no duplication with the work of that body and the Council.
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Avoid these foods to avoid constipation
Constipation is an uncomfortable condition. Previously, we covered the foods that you must eat on a regular basis to tackle constipation.
On the other side of the healthy-unhealthy food spectrum, there are also some popular foods that you should avoid if you want to stay away from constipation. We give you 5 foods to exclude from your diet.
Processed food: Whether it is frozen foods or burgers and pizzas, it is going to make your mornings hard to get through, literally.
When food is preserved and ready to eat, vital nutrients are drained out, plus the ingredients used are cheap. For example, all purpose flour or maida is used practically in all pizzas, breads and instant noodles.
Bottomline: Processed food has less fiber hence they linger in your system causing discomfort.
Bakery goodies: Nankhatais, kharis and tea biscuits are rich in sugar and fat. They may go well with tea and coffee, but lack fiber. But there's a solution to these good old treats, increase your fiber intake, and balance it out.
Bottomline: Sugar may go straight to your thigh, but it can also be the cause of constipation.
Red Meat without supplementing meals with vegetables: If you consume pork or beef regularly, without veggies on the side, you may have already experienced constipation. Make it a habit to accompany this precious chunk of meat with salad, cooked vegetables, and whole grain cereal; something that is rich in fiber.
Bottomline: Guess how long it takes to digest meat? No, you're wrong, it takes 90 hours to partially digest meat.
Caffeine: So no one can give up coffee, black tea and colas. They give you the much needed buzz to start your day and keep you going through strenuous meetings, commutes, and just about everything else. Unhealthy dependency aside, caffeine dehydrates the human body and dehydration is one of the main causes of constipation.
Bottomline: If you're addicted to caffeine, it's better to cut down and supplement it with food rich in fiber.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
You may want to think long and hard before you cast your opinions or speak your mind, especially with your partner who may have radically different ideas than you. This may be the time to exercise restraint and hold your thoughts to yourself. Although you may have excellent ideas that you bring to the conversation, your comments may be viewed as critical and, therefore, taken the wrong way. This may also be the right time to clear the air and state your opinions in a new manner.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Working on a team may be one of the most effective ways to move your ideas to the next level. Just a simple collaboration may be all you need to shift the whole dynamic of your plan. The outside objectivity of another set of eyes can offer a marvelous new vista of possibilities you had not thought of prior to working together. Even if your opinions are strong and rooted, you may do well to co-create this time since the sum may be greater than the parts.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 A little bit of research can go a long way toward setting your agenda at the office. You may be quite happy you did your homework on a hot topic at work. When you arrive very prepared and ready to wow people, you may be able to take great satisfaction having all the right answers. You may leave quite an impression if you can deliver the right piece of information at just the right time. This may be the ideal time to be ultra-prepared.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
The travel bug may be one all too familiar to you, but your willingness to get up and go may also have an impact on others in your household. You may find yourself in much better shape if you can let your family know your plans well in advance. No one likes surprises, especially if it shifts their plans because you are on the road. You may be happy you took the time to provide an update on your plans.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 If your curiosity is piqued, then, by all means, follow it. This may be especially the case with legal matters or those that involve large institutions such as universities or government agencies. If you can do some prep work such as investigating your options and alternatives, you may find yourself in much better shape. You may want to locate paperwork, letters, and any form of correspondence so that you have the details to support your case. You may be quite happy you took the time to prepare ahead.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Financial conversations can sometimes be awkward or touchy, especially if they involve joint investments or budgets. You may find yourself deep in the middle of this type of dialogue with your significant partner. This can be an opportune time to use your knowledge of the finer details to get across your point of view. You may find that giving up a little ends up getting you a lot. Diplomacy may be your best tactic when dealing with all topics about money.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You would do well to step carefully around conversations with your partner. You may be happy you took the time to go the extra steps when gathering background details and facts. As always, the better informed you are, the stronger your case can be seen. Curious Mercury in your relationship sector may come to your aid with just the right piece of information to convince your partner of your intentions. If you can spend some time in preparation, you may fare much better.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Life has a value only when it has something valuable as its object.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"True love doesn't mean being inseparable; it means being separated and nothing changes."
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit for doing it.”
Museum Watchman: That's a 500 year old statue you have broken.
Funny Short Man: Thanks God! I thought it was a new one.
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CBSE plans regional summits on well-being, health
NAGPUR: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be organizing its second 'International Life Skills, Values, Gender, School Health and Well-being Summit' next month, with a change in format. The summit for 2013 has been planned over two stages, with the first being a regional level event to increase visibility throughout the country. For schools in Nagpur, the two-day regional summit shall be held at Pune, while the international summit of the same duration is scheduled at New Delhi.
CBSE announced last week that a total of 14 regional level summits will be held in collaboration with a private entity, Expressions India (EI). According to its web site, EI is a community-based outreach programme for promotion of life skills education, school health and community wellness. EI says it was launched by a group of "dedicated mental health professionals for creating awareness, responsibility and empowerment among school going adolescents, their parents and teachers".
In the summit, every school has been requested to send five representatives - four students and one teacher. The summit shall discuss various issues related to the theme and how it is relevant to adolescents. CBSE director Sadhana Parashar reminded schools that the central board has introduced the summit's theme as "an integral part of the curriculum, in tandem with educational reforms to empower the affective domain of the learners, so that they are able to develop a sense of self-confidence, eco-sensitivity and right approaches to life processes, health well-being and gender".
With crime against women on the rise, school principals acknowledge that gender sensitization is rather important. Reena Dargan, principal of Ira International School, says gender sensitization has to be taught to kids as well. "It is all about respecting the opposite sex and there is no age connection to it due to changing social set up. Whether the person is your classmate, friend, colleague or spouse, respect has to be mutual and not stereotyped. Why should women only cook food or hang the clothes to dry? This stereotypical view about females has been imbibed in us and that needs to change. Sometimes males say if females want a level playing field then they should do similar kind of work, but females are not built for heavy muscular work, hence this kind of comparison is unfair," said Dargan.
Lucky Sadrani, vice principal of Podar International School, said, "Gender sensitization is the need of the hour as it will bring change in attitude and perception of students, especially boys. With proper education, they'll become more sensitive and more concerned about issues affecting females. They'll become more vigilant against prevailing biases and awaken to emerging opportunities."
CBSE will be announcing a detailed schedule of the summit shortly and, in the meantime, has requested schools to complete registration by August-end.
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Sachin Tendulkar's comment blown out of context: Sourav Ganguly
KOLKATA: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Monday said batting master Sachin Tendulkar's comment that selectors need to look beyond statistics while picking fresh talents has been blown out of context.
"I was there when he made the comments and also read his interview. It has been completely blown out of context. It was a completely harmless statement made by Sachin. He said it in a completely different context," Ganguly said on the sidelines of a programme.
Two days back, Tendulkar had courted a controversy when he said selectors needed to give importance to a player's skills and ability to absorb pressure, rather than going by the scorebook.
"It's about vision. When it comes to selection, one has to analyze a player. Even if he fails in a few matches, one needs to see if he has the ability to withstand pressure and execute at the international level. I have seen players who are exceptionally good at the domestic level not being able to perform as well in international cricket," Tendulkar had said at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka State Cricket Association in Bangalore Saturday.
Ganguly, and other Indian captains like Mohammed Azharuddin, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble were also present at the Bangalore function.
On Tendulkar's likely 200th Test appearance in the coming South Africa trip, Ganguly said the record would be unbreakable.
"It would be an unbelievable achievement. I don't think it will be possible to break that record," he said after inaugurating "Sahanubhuti", a benefit exhibition of paintings and sculptures for rehabilitation of Uttarakhand flash flood victims at Emami Chisel Art gallery.
Ganguly also hoped India would do well in South Africa.
"India have done well in last 4-5 months, so there is a lot to hope, for South Africa provides the best bowling conditions and I hope India have a good season there".
The talismanic cricketer said he has not shown any disrespect to stylish former Indian batsman VVS Laxman by naming him the 12th man of a dream Test team he chose during an interaction with a television channel.
"Selecting such a team doesn't mean showing disrespect to any player. It doesn't make any player bigger or smaller."
Ganguly denied reports that he may participate in a dance reality show.
"It's completely news for me. I can't dance, only my wife can, I am not a part of any such programme," he added.
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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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Unless food is mixed with saliva you can't taste it
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" INSPIRING STORY "
The Wet Pants
There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet.
He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It’s never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it..
When the girls find out, they’ll never speak to him again as long as he lives. The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, “Dear God, this is an emergency!
I need help now! Five minutes from now I’m dead meat.” He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.
As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy’s lap.
The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, “Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!”
Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out.
All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful.
But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else – Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. “You’ve done enough, you klutz!”
Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”
Susie whispers back, “I wet my pants once too.”
Moral: All of us go through all good and bad things in life. We should always remember how we felt when we were in same condition and should not mock others for being in it.
Always try to understand their situation as if you are in it and help much as possible praying to god that today you are in a condition to help someone who needs it.
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At one point in your life you either have the thing you want or the reasons why you don't.
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