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“To be a successful father... there's one absolute rule: when you have a kid, don't look at it for the first two years. ”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Vatican City: 100,000 attend Syria peace vigil
Tens of thousands of people filled St Peter's Square for a four-hour Syria peace vigil late Saturday, answering Pope Francis' call for a grassroots cry for peace that was echoed by Christians and non-Christians alike in Syria and in vigils around the world.
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China August exports beat forecasts, point to stabilization
China's exports rose more than expected in August, boosted by improving demand for the country's goods in major markets and adding to evidence that the world's second-largest economy may have avoided a sharp slowdown.
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Democratic Republic of Congo says to return to negotiations with rebels on Monday
Democratic Republic of Congo said on Friday it would return to negotiations with eastern rebels next week after regional leaders set a two-week deadline for peace talks to end an 18-month-old rebellion. Francois Mwamba, spokesman for Congo's delegation in Kampala, told Reuters that Ugandan mediators were due to present a draft peace deal on Monday and the two sides would then have two weeks to present their amendments.
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China: Beijing takes measures to fight smog
The Chinese capital will limit cars, outdoor barbecues, and coal burning under new measures to reduce air pollution that exceeded recommended World Health Organization levels by nearly 40 times in January. Coal use for electricity consumption in Beijing will be reduced by 13 million metric tons by 2017 from the 2012 level, while limits will be put on outdoor barbecues in suburban areas and the number of cars will be kept below 6 million, the city government said in a statement.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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Jairam Ramesh rejects concerns over Land Acquisition Bill
Rural development minister Jairam Ramesh firmly rejected the industry's concerns over the new land law and said state-run firms such as NTPCBSE 2.95 % had a worse record than private firms in displacement of people, which contributed to the growth of Naxalism.
He said the new acquisition process would be a key plank of the Congress party's campaign strategy. Ramesh urged the industry to look beyond the government to procure land for projects. "Indian companies still believe that they can use government to forcibly acquire land. That era is over. You cannot do forcible acquisition," Ramesh told reporters on Sunday.
"The cost of land is only a small fraction of the total project cost," Ramesh said responding to criticism that land would become too costly. He said land accounts for 1-4% of the total project cost. In the past, it has been delays on account of inadequate compensation that have pushed up the cost of procuring land.
He was sharply critical of state firms. "Government-run companies have acquired a lot of land, leading to conditions that have fostered Naxalism. The record of public sector in displacements is worse than the record of the private sector. This is a sad truth. That more displacement has been caused by government and public sector projects than the private sector projects.
Jharkhand is the prime example. Odisha is the prime example. Chhattisgarh is the prime example. Particularly in the Naxal areas. And this is why Naxalism has grown in these areas," the minister said. As an example, Ramesh refers to NTPC's recent experience in Jharkhand: "If there is firing in an NTPC project and people get killed in that firing, they cannot acquire the land.
It happened in Jharkhand last month. They went to acquire the land in Hazaribagh district. There was police firing. One man was killed. How can NTPC go and acquire the land?
"If this land acquisition law is properly implemented, it will defeat Naxalism. The 1894 Land Acquisition Act had a very important play in encouraging Maoist activities. With a humane, sensitive and responsible land acquisition policy, a lot of your problems relating to Naxalism would go," he said.
Congress is eyeing the tribal vote — the last time it held electoral sway in tribal country was in the 1980s. "Tribals will be with you. It is a fact that many of the tribals have been displaced and they have not got proper compensation. They have not got Rehabilitation and Resettlement, particularly in mining of coal and irrigation projects," he said, adding that party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi backed the new law.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
You may be curious or conversational in relationships, as Mercury begins a two-and-a-half week visit to your love sector. Compromise and communication enhance romance, so openly discuss your thoughts and desires. Flirty conversations or cheeky texts are fun ways to stay in touch and show you care. On another note, the ongoing cycle of Saturn in your investment sector (October 2012 - January 2015) reminds you to prioritize long term financial plans.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
New ideas about scheduling can help you adopt a more stable daily routine. With Mercury now in your health and work sector until the end of the month, you're in a cycle where it's possible to create better balance between work and wellbeing responsibilities. On another note, relationships will get serious as the extended cycle of Saturn in your partnership sector (October 2012 - January 2015) helps you be firm about limits - and commitments - in love.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may be increasingly diplomatic now that Mercury is in Libra. Friends, family, and colleagues will appreciate your fair approach. If negotiating, be prepared to compromise. Mercury also activates your creativity and children sector. For the rest of the month you may be inspired to develop a creative talent, or spend extra quality time talking to or reading with younger children. Saturn's ongoing cycle in your health sector (October 2012 - January 2015) helps you commit to sustainable wellbeing routines.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Communication with family or flat mates, especially about domestic matters, will be in the spotlight. Mercury's presence in your home and family sector, from now until the end of the month, may inspire you to compromise for the sake of harmony or talk openly about a sensitive subject. You may find yourself in the role of peace keeper or diplomat with family. On another matter, the influence of yesterday's Mars/Saturn alignment lingers, encouraging a conservative, cautious attitude to finances.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 You may need to choose between fulfilling a personal desire and keeping a commitment at home or with family. The energy of yesterday's Mars/Saturn alignment continues, and you may need to make a tough choice. If so, be upfront about practical limits - there is only so much you can do at any given time. You may need to make a personal sacrifice to ensure fulfillment of a long held domestic dream. Be clear about what you really want.
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Raghuram Rajan can’t fix nine-and-a-half years of ruin
If we accept that the markets are manic-depressive, we should discount the ecstatic welcome given to Raghuram Rajan on his taking over as Reserve Bank of India Governor last Wednesday (September 4). If you ask yourself how many century-on-debut cricketers went on to become truly great cricketers, you will know what I mean.
A century on debut always means public expectations are too high, and hence unlikely to be met in most cases. More critically, we all know how rapturously P Chidambaram’s reforms of August 2012 were received by the market. We also know where the rupee stands, where growth is headed, and where inflation is stuck even after a year of so-called “reforms”.
Raghuram Rajan can, of course, be an exception to the rule, but one has to understand the limitations of what a central banker can do when faced with a recalcitrant government – as Duvvuri Subbarao did.
The first thing to remember is that the RBI’s impact on the economy is through its control of the banking system. It can impact the economy through interest rates, through the pre-emption of bank money, by controlling the rate of credit growth, and by prescribing tough conditions for bank functioning that can have the effect of pepping up or tapering down economic activity – in specific sectors, or through the economy.
For example, by curbing how banks lend money for property purchases under the 80:20 scheme, it can curb credit to this sector. But it can’t end all speculation in realty on its own. There is enough black money in the economy to stymie the RBI.
Conversely, what lies outside the banking system is beyond the control of the RBI. The prolonged bout of inflation, for example, had its origins in excess government spending, which the RBI can partially restrain by raising rates, but a larger part of the price rise came from government actions such as raising minimum support prices for foodgrain heftily in 2008 and later, et al. These raise prices directly.
The second thing to note is that the RBI can act on the demand side of inflation, but not the supply side. If prices rise, the RBI can raise rates or restrict credit directly to some sectors or even the whole economy so that demand is damped down.
But if supply stays constricted, this won’t be enough to curtail inflation. Only government action, and the right incentives, can increase supplies to reduce prices. Inflation in recent years has been driven not by rice and wheat, but protein-based foods such as milk, veggies, eggs, meat, pulses, etc – where demand cannot be constrained any further by monetary measures. You have to increase supplies to bring down prices. The RBI can do nothing about that. The third thing is that the RBI cannot do much about business confidence.
A key reason why the economy is slowing down is that businessmen are not keen on investing due to uncertain policies and court interventions in various sectors – from mining to spectrum – resulting from executive failures. The RBI can, of course, improve economic confidence by running stable policies and bringing down inflation, but this won’t work if the government inspires no confidence. Also, whatever the RBI does to curb inflation can be undone by the government. For example, you can’t bring down real estate prices if a Land Acquisition Bill seeks to restrain land supplies by artificially jacking up how much should be paid for acquired land.
The fourth point is that the global economy can have an impact on us, RBI or no RBI. If Ben Bernanke starts reducing bond purchases and raises interest rates, capital will flow out. The RBI can at best try to stem the outflows by raising interest rates – but this will work only in the long term. It is only by being an attractive long-term destination for investment that capital flows will be less volatile. That lies in the government’s domain.
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Scientists warn smoothies can be between-meal sugar bombs
Two U.S. nutrition experts say consumers need to remember that otherwise healthy fruit juices and smoothies can be loaded with fructose sugar.
Fructose occurs naturally in fruits, but it is still a sugar -- and can be found in high levels in drinks that are often consumed between meals.
"Smoothies and fruit juice are the new danger," said Barry Popkin, a professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina.
Popkin and fellow researcher George Bray told the British newspaper The Guardian they were disturbed at the latest sales pitch from beverage manufacturers who portray fruity drinks as a way to meet the minimum daily guideline for fruit and vegetable consumption.
"Pulped-up smoothies do nothing good for us but do give us the same amount of sugar as four to six oranges or a large coke," said Popkin. "It is deceiving."
A major problem, the researchers said, is that drinks don't fill people up like, for example, eating a piece of fruit. The result is downing a heavy dose of fructose between meals and still eating the same amount for lunch or dinner as they normally would.
Popkin and Bray, who publicly raised concerns about high-fructose corn syrup in soft drinks in 2004, suggested drinking more vegetable juices and eating an orange or an apple between meals.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Mercury's cycle through your money sector, between now and the end of the month, may renew your curiosity for your financial affairs. This cycle represents a once-a-year opportunity to organize financial papers, attend to contracts or other monetary documents, and generally get on top of financial planning. Discuss your plans with trusted confidants as an outsider's opinion may prove invaluable. On another note, Neptune's ongoing cycle through your relationship sector (2011 - 2025) encourages trusting your intuition in love.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
With Mercury in Libra, you may consider a new idea, or want more time with friends and family. You're increasingly curious and willing to listen to the input of others. Thought provoking and wide ranging discussions help you consider both sides of a current situation. Venus will enter your money sector tomorrow. The next four weeks will provide fertile opportunities to enhance your financial affairs. You may need to more fully investigate a money matter before finalizing your commitment.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 Venus will enter Scorpio tomorrow and you'll start a four-week cycle in which love, beauty, and pleasure become increasingly important. Venus' magnetic qualities may help you attract support, affection, or a luxury experience. You may be inclined to save for a special indulgence, as quality counts. If you're overdue for personal pampering or quality couple time, consider a weekend treat. On another note, Saturn's extended cycle through your sign (October 2012 - January 2015) helps you make practical choices for long term stability.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Friendships and social connections may be more interesting between now and the end of the month, as Mercury activates your social sector. Networking and promotion events will feed your curiosity and may even lead to new contacts. You may benefit from a proactive approach to engaging with interesting individuals - in person or online via social media. Switching focus now, the ongoing cycle of Uranus in your children sector (2010 - 2018) suggests a flexible or spontaneous approach to managing children.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
True friendships shine even in difficult times. Under Saturn's cycle through your social sector (October 2012 - January 2015), you may uncover hidden support. Saturn's connection to time suggests this cycle highlights friends who deserve your loyalty, and friendships you've outgrown. On another note, Mercury in your career sector, from now through the end of the month, will encourage learning and discovery. A short professional course may be worth your time - and ensures your skills are as up to date as possible.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 You may need to prioritize long term life and work goals under the ongoing cycle of Saturn in your career sector, October 2012 - January 2015. First, clarify your intentions so you know what you're working toward. Time management is your key to success, so plan to be upfront about limits and commitments at work. In addition, Venus will enter your career sector tomorrow. This gives you a four-week cycle in which to enhance your public image and create supportive professional partnerships.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
Your commitment to study, travel, teaching, or writing plans may be tested. Saturn's extended cycle through your learning and discovery sector, October 2012 - January 2015, will help you make practical choices about these topics. However, you may need to delay some goals to ensure proper completion of others. On another matter, Mercury has started a two-and-a-half week cycle through your debt sector. New organization regarding taxes, inheritances, wills, and couple or family finances is possible.
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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.
In an interview, Interviewer: How does an electric motor run?
Sardar: Dhhuuuurrrrrrrrrr. .....
Inteviewer shouts: Stop it.
Sardar: Dhhuurrrr dhup dhup dhup...
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Delhi University cutoffs go crazy, hit 100% in Ram Lal college
NEW DELHI: Ram Lal Anand has done an SRCC this year. The college set the cutoff for its computer science course at a perfect 100% (for non-science aspirants), just like SRCC had done in 2011, as Delhi University declared the first cutoffs for admission it undergraduate course. The cutoffs, for inexplicable reasons, were released very late on Wednesday night.
Although it's an all new undergraduate programme in the university from this year and number of seats in many courses has risen significantly, the legacy of high cutoffs continues. That is true particularly for courses such as Journalism and English, for which students were earlier admitted through centralized entrance tests. Cutoffs touched a new high for both courses, with Lady Shri Ram setting the bar at 97.5%-98.5% for Journalism and Hindu at 97.75%-98.5% for English — equaling those of Economics and Commerce.
Overall, securing a seat in a DU college would gets even harder despite many popular colleges trying not to raise the bar too high. Cutoffs in off-campus colleges continue to rise significantly, with some colleges registering an increase of 14%.
At the 20-odd colleges that used to admit students for English honours through a centralized aptitude test, even students with average scores stood a chance. But not this time. With the entrance test for Journalism and English gone, cutoffs have hit the roof. While LSR's journalism cutoff touches those of both bachelors in commerce and economics, at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce it is 97.5%.
Similarly, the cutoff for English at LSR is 97%, at Hindu it is 97.75%-98.5% and at DCAC it is 95%. All three were CATE colleges where students scoring 60% in class XII could were eligible for the entrance test.
Even for non-CATE colleges, English seats have got dearer with Deshbandhu's cutoff spiraling by 10% to 85%. At ARSD, it is 90%, up by 6%. Seven out of the eight North Campus colleges — such as Hansraj, Kirori Mal, Miranda House, Ramjas, Daulat Ram and IP College — have set the cutoff for English at more than 92%.
Though commerce continues to record high cutoffs in the most campus colleges, there are off-campus colleges and Daulat Ram which have lowered the bar by as much as 3% (Laxmi Bai). Hindu recorded the highest cutoff in the subject, higher even than that of SRCC, at 96.75-99.75.
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Brazil beat Uruguay 2-1 to enter Confederations Cup final
BELO HORIZONTE: A towering Paulinho header saw Brazil edge out Uruguay 2-1 on Wednesday in an ill-tempered Confederations Cup semifinal in Belo Horizonte to set up a final with either world champions Spain or Italy.
Fred scored from close range two minutes from half-time to calm home nerves for the five-time world champions and Confederations title holders after Diego Forlan had first missed a penalty for Uruguay.
But Edinson Cavani pulled a poachers strike out of the bag three minutes after the restart and thereafter the Samba stars were rocking before Paulinho rose high to plant a firm close-range header past Fernando Muslera in the Uruguay goal to cement a barely deserved victory.
Matches between the South American neighbours have long been tense affairs - not least since the Uruguayans shocked the Brazilians in the 1950 World Cup final in Rio to deny their hosts a first title.
But what gave this meeting added spice as both nations limber up for next year's World Cup were pre-match comments by Uruguayan skipper Diego Lugano labelling Brazilian starlet Neymar a diver.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) issued a furious rebuttal of the claim, but there was clearly no love lost between the sides as they snapped into tackles and scrapped for every smidgin of territory.
Brazil made a sluggish start and Lugano was to the fore as he won a penalty for the Uruguayans after 16 minutes.
The veteran defender tussled with Chelsea centreback David Luiz in the box and went down - but Chilean referee Enrique Osses quickly spotted that Luiz had tugged on his rival's shirt and gave the spotkick.
Uruguay's record goalscorer Forlan stepped forward but placed his low kick too close to Julio Cesar, the Brazilian keeper diving away to his left to push the ball round the post and elicit a deafening cheer from a 60,000 crowd at the Estadio Mineirao.
Around twice that number were in the streets, kept out by a police cordon as they joined yet another protest against crumbling public services and government corruption as well as the multibillion bill for staging major sporting events.
Police said beforehand they expected trouble but Brazil, mindful of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's urging them to make their countrymen proud, finally awoke from their nervy slumbers and took the lead two minutes before the break with their first chance of note aside from a speculative Oscar effort over the top.
Neymar chased a long punt down the left and stretched to flick the ball across goal for Fred to poke home a scissor kick finish from the edge of the six yard box, sparking pandemonium in the crowd.
By then, Neymar had certainly spent some time on his back - yet the Barcelona-bound 21-year-old was a marked man as Cavani earned a booking for yanking him back.
Yet Brazil were still nowhere near to finding the flowing form which had brought three wins and nine goals in the group stage and three minutes after the restart Uruguay were level through Cavani, the Napoli man threading a left-foot strike past Cesar.
Some dreadful defending saw the hosts fail to clear their lines as Luiz, Thiago Silva and Luiz Gustavo lost their bearings and Cavani drilled in hard and low to stun the home support.
Forlan then had a half-chance to atone for his earlier faux pas but fired straight at Cesar.
Scolari reacted to a increasingly leaden showing taking off Hulk, replacing him with local favourite Bernard.
Scolari also took off Oscar and sent on Hernanes in an attempt to inject some fresh drive.
Yet it was Uruguay who were turning the screw with first Luis Suarez heading fractionally over from a Forlan cross on 73 minutes before Cavani turned Hernanes inside out and slid an effort just wide as the Uruguayans attacking trident almost embarrassed a shaky home back four.
But with four minutes remaining Neymar whipped over a corner from the left and Paulinho outjumped Martin Caceres and seal their place in the final.
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Grand Masti
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Grand Masti
Movie Name : Grand Masti
Release Date : 13 September 2013
Genre : Bollywood adult comedy
Producer : Ashok Thakeria,Indra Kumar
Director : Indra Kumar
Music Director : Anand Raj Anand,Sanjeev Darshan
Cast : Vivek Oberoi,Ritesh Deshmukh,Aftab Shivdasani,Sonalee Kulkarni,Bruna Abdullah,Karishma Tanna,Kainaat Arora,Maryam Zakaria,Manjari Fadnis
Synopsis:
GThree married guys Vivek Oberoi as Meet,Aftab Shivdasani as Prem and Riteish Deshmukh as Amar go out on fun experience in their college reunion in Shree Lalchand University of Technology and Science(SLUTS),finally to be trapped in a danger.
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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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“If you think you can win, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory. ”
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