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"Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't."
| VBA's Positive News |
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Afghan pride in football victory shows way forward toward normalcy - UN envoy
Citing Afghans' 'exuberant' display of national unity and pride at the war-wracked country's victory in a regional football championship as a 'welcome sign' on the gradual path to normalcy, the top United Nations envoy there also pointed to other recent political and security gains despite major challenges. 'In a display of national unity and national pride the streets filled with dancing, flag-waving crowds,' he said. 'Following decades of war which devastated the country's institutional and social fabric, the South Asian Football Federation Championship win was a welcome sign of Afghanistan's gradual return to normalcy and success on the international stage.'
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Canadian billionaire funds Rhodes scholarships for China, Russia
Billionaire Canadian philanthropist John McCall MacBain has donated 75 million pounds ($120 million) to help expand Oxford University's prestigious Rhodes scholarship programme to elite students from China, Russia, and Brazil. The century-old postgraduate award boasts a list of world leaders among its scholars including former US President Bill Clinton, six Commonwealth Prime Ministers including Australia's newly appointed Tony Abbott, three Nobel Prize laureates, and 18 Pulitzer Prize winners. 'It is great news for the UK and our world class, higher education system that such a prestigious programme looks set to be secured for the long term,' British Prime Minister David Cameron said in a statement.
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US home sales reached 6½-year high in August
US home sales rose last month to the highest level since February 2007 as buyers rushed to close deals before interest rates increased further. Sales of previously occupied homes rose 1.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million in August, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday. That level is consistent with a healthy market.
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Thailand: Exhibition to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the late Queen Sri Savarindira
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on 16 September 2013 presided over the opening ceremony for the exhibition titled '120th Anniversary World's Columbian Exposition: Siam: The Queen and the White City' at the Chicago History Museum. The exhibition is one of the activities to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of the Late Queen Sri Savarindira, the grandmother to His Majesty King Bhumibol.
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World Round-Up
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Former army chief, General VK Singh, commands new controversy
New Delhi: The government is unlikely to order a Central Bureau of Investigation or CBI inquiry into allegations of misuse of funds made against former Army Chief General VK Singh, say sources, despite a report recommending such action.
The Defence Ministry reportedly believes that such an inquiry will lead to more such demands, compromising and exposing the work of intelligence.
General Singh has been accused of misusing funds from a secret military intelligence cell that he had created.
The controversial cell had been accused of spying on the government.
An Army report on that secret cell has been received by the Defence Ministry, a government statement said today.
"The report impinges on matters of national security... the government will take a decision and further actions after careful examination of the report," it said. (Read full statement here)
The ministry, said sources, prefers that an internal mechanism to deal with the matter and has reportedly asked the Army why it has not taken action on its report yet if any officer has violated the law.
The Army does not need the Defence Ministry's sanction to act against allegedly errant officers.
According to the Indian Express, the army's inquiry against its former chief has revealed that a crore was given to a Kashmir minister to destabilise Omar Abdullah's government.
The minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir, has denied the charges. (Read Indian Express story here)
The newspaper also claims that officers have testified that General Singh used army money to fund an NGO that tried to legally block Bikram Singh from succeeding him as army chief.
Gen Singh has said his legal team is studying options.
The former chief, who has campaigned against corruption alongside Gandhian activist Anna Hazare post retirement, has suggested that he is being persecuted for revealing his political leanings.
He has not yet joined the BJP, but shared the stage recently at a Haryana rally with the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
There may be changes at your place of employment. For example, a co-worker suddenly may resign or you may report to a new supervisor because your current one will be out sick for a while. Another possibility is that your boss may announce the company is switching to a new software program that you will need to learn. On a personal note, you may be planning to entertain out-of-town relatives later in the week.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Plans for long-distance travel may occupy your thoughts at this time. You and your partner may want to visit friends or family members during the upcoming holiday season. Since travel rates tend to fluctuate, you may start planning now so you stand a better chance of getting a bargain. Turning to the job front, you may talk to your boss about the possibility of occasionally working from your home.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Your finances are in the spotlight. Thanks to a fortunate alignment between Venus and Jupiter, an opportunity to increase your income may soon come your way. It could be a new job or a promotion, or it may be a merit raise. On a different note, if you are in need of an extra pair of hands to support you at work or at home, you may have the chance to hire someone who will be a perfect fit.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Love may be in the air as Venus and Jupiter make beautiful music in your chart. If you had a date this past weekend, you may daydream about sharing your life with this person. Time will tell if this is your Mr. or Ms. Right, but meanwhile, you need to focus on your work. Changing topics, if a sibling asks you for investment advice, it may be best to refer him or her to a qualified financial planner.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may spend time engaged in intellectual pursuits. You may feel drawn to learn about different spiritual, cultural, or political philosophies, which may inspire you to research your family tree to learn about your ancestors. What you learn may be so interesting that you will want to share it with everyone you know. You may consider publishing a blog about it, but after some thought, you may decide to share it privately with your family members first.
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Before PM's U.S. trip, India rushes to ready nuclear deal
India is making a last-minute push to close a nuclear deal in time for a meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who has made atomic energy cooperation with Washington a hallmark of his tenure.
Under the proposed deal, India would contract Toshiba's (6502.T) U.S. nuclear unit Westinghouse for preliminary works, including information sharing, a senior Indian official said. The aim is to build nuclear plants in the state of Gujarat.
"I think we're close," National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon said on Friday. "I think they're hoping to do a pre-early works (agreement), which involves some transfer of proprietary information."
Singh is due to meet Obama in Washington on Sept 27.
Westinghouse were not immediately available for comment. After U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry raised the issue on a trip to India in June, the company said it expected the agreement to be finalised in September.
The value of the preliminary contract has not been revealed.
Indian officials say the proposed deal between Westinghouse and NPCIL would be the first time money is committed to a commercial U.S. nuclear supplier since Singh staked his career on a civil nuclear pact with U.S. President George W. Bush five years ago.
A commercial contract, however small, could breathe life into Singh's flagship policy as he nears the end of a decade in office amid grumbling in Washington that ties with India have failed to deliver rewards for U.S. businesses.
Many see the 2008 pact as Singh's crowning achievement, in one stroke ending years of isolation following atomic weapons tests in 1974 and 1998 and heralding a new era in the often fraught relations between the two democracies.
But on the nuclear front, progress has been slow because laws governing liability in the case of accidents took several years to finalise and when they came, put the onus on the equipment suppliers.
"Not just the U.S., ... Indian domestic suppliers, other foreign partners, all ask questions: how will this law work? How will it apply?" Menon said.
"They need to know in order to do business. We're in the process of addressing those questions, with them individually and as a whole, so that we ourselves also have clarity."Rules drawn up in 2011 limit the liability of suppliers and were seen as softening the law.
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10 foods that protect your heart
Heart disease is one of the most feared ailment and a side effect of sedentary lifestyle. You can control the effects of your lifestyle by eating the right food.
It's quite often difficult to change your lifestyle drastically in this competitive world. But you can surely change a little bit of eating and ensure you are protecting your heart.
Here's a list of food that can help you protect your heart.
1. Black beans: Black beans are packed with folate, antioxidants, magnesium which are good for lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. This in turn keeps your heart in safe zone. But if you are planning to use tinned beans, please drain the liquid and wash them before use to reduce the sodium content.
2. Salmon and tuna: These two fish are rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3, two important candidates who help heart.
3. Walnuts: A handful of them a day helps lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries. Replace them as mid-meal snacks instead of chips etc.
4. Oranges: They contain cholesterol-fighting pectin. The fruit is also rich in potassium that helps control blood pressure. Antioxidant hesperidin also helps lower blood pressure.
5. Carrots: Though sweet, they are good to control diabetes, which increases heart attack risk. They also help fight bad cholesterol.
6. Sweet potatoes: They are rich in vitamin A, fiber and lycopene making them a healthy substitute for the white brethren.
7. Oats: Oats in all forms help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol.
8. Flaxseeds: Fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and ALA - these three ingredients in these small seeds make them a powerhouse of health. Sure protector of heart if had spoonful in powdered form everyday in cereals or salads.
9. Chilli powder: Difficult to believe, but these Indian tasty spice actually protects heart and body from diabetes with its ability to spike up the natural insulin levels in the body.
10. Coffee: It can keep away type 2 diabetes, but people having high blood pressure should be cautious as it can have a counter effect.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
The attention will be on your personal goals. You may receive news that something you've been working toward for some time is finally becoming a reality. Another possibility is that you may decide to set new goals. For example, you may decide to return to school, obtain a driver's license, shop for a new car, or travel to a foreign country. Whatever your goal, be sure to set a reasonable timeframe because unrealistic expectations may lead to disappointment.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Your career will be in high focus. You may have a chance to spearhead a project or supervise an important assignment. This may provide the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate your leadership skills to your boss and show him or her that you may be ready to step up to a higher position. On the home front, you may consider creating a quiet space where you can unwind and relax at the end of the day.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You may be eager to expand your horizons. With Jupiter in your sector of long-distance travel, you may consider planning a trip to visit a foreign destination. Another possibility is that you may enroll in an educational program to develop skills that may help you excel at your job or just take courses in subjects you find interesting. With the Sun and Mercury in the most private sector of your chart, you may enjoy spending time alone.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
A professional partnership may require your attention. You and your partner may want to raise capital to fund a new endeavor or expand an existing business. As a result, you may invite potential investors to join the two of you for dinner later in the week. On a personal note, if you are waiting for a refund or a rebate in connection with a past purchase, the check may be on its way to your mailbox.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Your communication skills may be in demand at this time. You may pitch an idea, present a proposal, or negotiate a contract. You may be quite persuasive, thanks to Pluto's presence in your sign, and your boss may be impressed with your ability to win people over. Switching gears, you may attend a networking event to expand your business relationships. As it turns out, there may be an opportunity to develop a romantic one as well.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Someone on the job may entrust you with highly confidential information. A boss may assign you to a project that provides you with access to employee salaries, or an assistant may share sensitive information with you. You may be proud that your co-workers have so much faith in you. On an unrelated topic, if you have been working to resolve a personal challenge, your efforts may start to bear fruit now.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Your work assignments may be on the rise as Mars continues to stimulate this sector of your chart. As you successfully complete the tasks, you may feel you deserve a raise for the increased workload. However, you may decide to postpone asking for one until you know for sure that the increased workload is permanent. Turning to romance, you may be quite smitten with someone who comes from a different cultural background than yours.
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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
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
Santa asks Priest: Why did god make women so beautiful?
Priest: So that you will love them.
Santa thinks for a short time...
Santa: But why did God make them so dumb?
Priest: So that they will love you.
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Soon, CBSE schools to be graded
LUDHIANA: Grading of CBSE-affiliated schools, a move that the board will introduce shortly, has given parents a reason to cheer, but it has also made school managements nervous.
Schools will be graded on the basis of different aspects like academics, infrastructure, sports, qualification of teachers, overall performance in results and many more.
Parents in the city say this will make their task of selecting a good school for their children easier.
But, school managements say the move may spark off a competition between all schools to get A grade, as well as to maintain their performance.
"It has both positive and negative aspects. It will certainly end confusion and difficulties for parents, who go through a tough time while searching for a good school for their kids' admission. But I also feel it would increase our problems too. Every parent and student would like to go to A graded school and it won't be very tough to get admission in these school," said Isha Malhotra, a parent and resident of Kitchlu Nagar.
Mona Singh, principal of Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar, said, "It will ultimately lead to an unhealthy competition. As CBSE will examine performances of schools, students would
certainly be under pressure to perform and give their best. CBSE has been making efforts to give a stress-free environment to students, but such initiatives will add to the stress factor."
Regional head of CBSE RJ Khanderao said, "Under the planned grade system, the CBSE will grade each of its affiliated school on certain criterion like overall performance, infrastructure, qualification of teachers, sports and many other things. Schools will have to maintain at least 15% marks in each category, and 75% aggregate marks. This grading will be done once in five years and ranking would be updated on the website of CBSE. The board has taken this decision to make schools maintain good standards and help parents choose good schools for their kids."
"Everyone goes after the best. Once the plan is implemented, parents as well as students will be clear about their goals. But this would also add to their pressure. Getting admission in A graded school will become tougher. And when schools will have to maintain their performance, they will put more pressure on our kids," said Monika, a parent from Shastri Nagar.
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UEFA chiefs back winter World Cup in 2022
The 54-member federations of European governing body UEFA are unanimously in favour "in principle" of moving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to a different time of the year, UEFA president Michel Platini confirmed on Friday.The tournament, which is usually held in June and July, would run into scorching temperatures in Qatar and governing officials, including Platini and world governing boss Sepp Blatter, have entertained the idea of switching the tournament to what would be the European winter season.
"Concerning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, there are two things. First the FIFA president (Blatter) will speak about 2022 at the next FIFA executive committee meetings (October 3 and 4 at Zurich)."Also, the European federations have declared unanimously to be in agreement on the principle that they are not against playing the 2022 World Cup in winter, I said in principle, full stop." added the Frenchman at the ongoing UEFA meeting in Croatia.
"We do not know what will happen with the executive committee of FIFA, so it is difficult to say, I would say that the ball is at the feet of the president of FIFA." he added.On Thursday, FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce revealed that UEFA supported a move to winter and there was still plenty of time for all parties to agree.
Northern Irishman Boyce said that UEFA's members want world governing body FIFA to speak to the game's main stakeholders over when exactly the tournament should take place before announcing any alternative dates.
"What has come out of this meeting is an agreement by the UEFA countries that the World Cup cannot be played in Qatar in the summer. Everyone agreed on that," Boyce told Sky Sports News.
"But we don't want FIFA to make a decision yet about when exactly it will be played. We still have nine years to go and we think FIFA needs to help find a solution that will not cause too much disruption.
"There is plenty of time to do that." Qatar was awarded the right to host the 2022 tournament in 2010, but FIFA, UEFA and footballers' union FIFPro have since called for it to be moved to a different time of year.
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Warning
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Warning
Movie Name : Warning
Release Date : 27 September 2013
Genre : Thriller 3D film
Producer : Anubhav Sinha,Jitendra Jain
Director : Gurmmeet Singh
Music Director : Meet Bros Anjjan, Ankit,Sharib Sabri,Toshi Sabri
Cast : Santosh Barmola,Suzana Rodrigues,Manjari Fadnis,Varun Sharma,Jitin Gulati,Sumit Suri,Madhurima Tuli
Synopsis:
It was a reunion of seven friends. It was a joy ride on a luxury yacht through the middle of a beautiful ocean. It was time to remember the good old times. It was time to catch up on the lost five years. It was time to come face to face with unrequited love. It was Sara's first birthday. It was time for champagne. It was time for a swim. It was time for a disaster to strike.
Seven friends, Neck deep in water, oblivious of their geographical coordinates, unknown miles away from land with no way to get back on to the yacht while little Sara cries incessantly on board. Old conflicts resound and new ones emerge while a new predator comes to kill. This one eats flesh.
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The longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Five More Minutes
While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.
“That’s my son over there,” she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.
“He’s a fine looking boy” the man said. “That’s my daughter on the bike in the white dress.”
Then, looking at his watch, he called to his daughter. “What do you say we go, Melissa?” Melissa pleaded, “Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes.”
The man nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart’s content.
Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his daughter. “Time to go now?”
Again Melissa pleaded, “Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes.” The man smiled and said, “OK.” “My, you certainly are a patient father,” the woman responded.
The man smiled and then said, “Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here.
I never spent much time with Tommy and now I’d give anything for just five more minutes with him.
I’ve vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa. She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get Five more minutes to watch her play.”
Moral: Life is all about making priorities, and family is one and only priority on top of all other, so spend all time you can with loved ones.
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“Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.”
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