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“ Whatever may be our condition in life, it is better to lay hold of its advantages than to count its evils.”
| VBA's Positive News |
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Growth top goal for big UK firms for first time since 2011
Big companies in Britain say expansion is their top priority for the first time in 18 months, a survey showed on Monday, in another sign the country's economic recovery is on a solid footing. 'The mood among corporates has been transformed in the last year,' said Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte. 'This quarter's survey reveals a broad-based optimism and a new focus on growth among the UK's largest businesses.'
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Chemical weapons inspectors outline Syria plan
Inspectors who will oversee Syria's destruction of its chemical weapons said Sunday their first priority is to help the country scrap its ability to manufacture such arms by a 1 November deadline -- using every means possible. On Friday, the UN Security Council ordered the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to help Syria destroy its chemical weapons by mid-2014. On Sunday, inspectors met with media in The Hague to explain their current plan of action, which is to include an initial group of 20 leaving for Syria on Monday.
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Foreign minister: Iran open to negotiations
Iran would open its nuclear facilities to international inspectors as part of broad negotiations with the United States that could eventually restore diplomatic relations between the adversaries and those talks have the backing of the nation's supreme leader, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Sunday. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is the nation's ultimate decision-maker, also has given his approval for elected leaders in his country to engage the West over the nuclear program, Zarif said.
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Birth of China's greatest teacher celebrated
Confucius, China's greatest philosopher, educator, and thinker, was born some 2,500 years ago and his birthday will be celebrated next Tuesday, the 27th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar. The thinking of Confucius (551-479 BC), or Confucianism, became the cornerstone of traditional Chinese society and endures today. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) it was the official state ideology.
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World Round-Up
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PM, Sonia pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat; Rahul missing
New Delhi: All eyes are on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as he visited Rajghat on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti to pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi.
But conspicuous by his absence was Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. Rahul's absence raised many eyebrows as it came just before the Prime Minister's meeting with him ahead of the Congress core group meet.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh arrived back in India from the US in a combative mood. He has indicated that he is unhappy with the timing of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's sudden outburst against the ordinance shielding convicted politicians and will meet him at 9:45 am on Wednesday.
At 6 pm, the Cabinet will meet to take a final call on withdrawing the ordinance. The question being asked is whether the Prime Minister is bowing to Rahul's wishes.
"I am not a master of what people say. It has happened.
When I go back I will try to find out the reasons why it had to be done this way and how we will handle it," the Prime Minister said on Tuesday. Many feel that Rahul Gandhi, by registering his opposition publicy, when the PM was abroad, has undermined Dr Singh's authority.
Responding to that the PM has said that he has seen many ups and downs and doesn't easily get upset. "I think, I have been used to ups and downs and I don't get easily upset," he said. When Rahul and Manmohan Singh meet early on Wednesday morning, it would be to find a meeting point.
The Prime Minister will explain to Rahul that the ordinance is not shielding criminals while Rahul is expected to be apologetic, yet stick to his stand that the ordinance was wrong.
What is clear though is that in a rare assertion Dr Manmohan Singh made it obvious that he is unhappy with Rahul's outburst, which happened while he was abroad.
Back home it gave yet another handle to the Bharatiya Janata Party to ask him to step down but much to Congress's relief, the Prime Minister ruled out a resignation.
"Well, there is no question of resigning. I said I will put all these issues before my Cabinet colleagues," Manmohan Singh said.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Watch out for wishful thinking and the proverbial rose-colored glasses today. You might be okay to err on the side of optimism but you do not want to operate blindly. Information you get from others may not be entirely objective, so be mindful if they seem to be pushing an agenda without obvious cause. On the other hand, you may also be vulnerable to interpreting information you receive with your own spin and trying to make it mean something that may simply not be true.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Don't be too unnerved if you struggle with insecurity or doubt today; you may not be able to find reassurance from others with Venus and Neptune at odds. Last week's eclipse in Taurus will continue to serve as a prompt for personal growth and change. This can make you feel exhilarated but a little uncertain, as you don't know yet how you'll change. Rest easy knowing that it will be all under your own direction; it will just take time to adjust to your new perspective.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You are naturally a great conversationalist and can usually get along well with others, but take care not to overdo it today. If you are trying to make a favorable impression, sincerity will get you a lot farther than charm with Venus and Neptune in tension with each other. Don't manipulate conversations and don't allow others to do so either. Keep the communication as direct as possible to avoid confusion or disenchantment from either side.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
A disappointment may prompt you to look at your expectations of a certain person, people, or relationships in general and think twice about them. You try to protect yourself from getting hurt too easily by others' thoughtlessness, but if it's part of a repeating pattern, you may be in with the wrong crowd or expecting too much of others. Give the benefit of the doubt today to someone who lets you down if it's a rare occurrence, but be mindful of neglecting your own needs for someone else's needs.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 Someone's enthusiasm for an investment idea may be nothing more than a get-rich-quick scheme or fad. This could be especially convincing if a lot of people in your circle of friends and acquaintances seem to be on board. Listen to the ideas if you like, but be sure to investigate them on your own later, when the glow of possibility dies down a bit. Your own hopefulness may also work against you, so don't act on any ideas impulsively.
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Microsoft investors push for chairman Gates to step down
New York: Three of the top 20 investors in Microsoft Corp are lobbying the board to press for Bill Gates to step down as chairman of the software company he co-founded 38 years ago, according to people familiar with matter.
While Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer has been under pressure for years to improve the company's performance and share price, this appears to be the first time that major shareholders are taking aim at Gates, who remains one of the most respected and influential figures in technology.
A representative for Microsoft declined to comment on Tuesday.
There is no indication that Microsoft's board would heed the wishes of the three investors, who collectively hold more than 5 percent of the company's stock, according to the sources. They requested the identity of the investors be kept anonymous because the discussions were private.
Gates owns about 4.5 percent of the $277 billion company and is its largest individual shareholder.
The three investors are concerned that Gates' role as chairman effectively blocks the adoption of new strategies and would limit the power of a new chief executive to make substantial changes. In particular, they point to Gates' role on the special committee searching for Ballmer's successor.
They are also worried that Gates - who spends most of his time on his philanthropic foundation - wields power out of proportion to his declining shareholding.
Gates, who owned 49 percent of Microsoft before it went public in 1986, sells about 80 million Microsoft shares a year under a pre-set plan, which if continued would leave him with no financial stake in the company by 2018.
He lowered his profile at Microsoft after he handed the CEO role to Ballmer in 2000, giving up his day-to-day work there in 2008 to focus on the $38 billion Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
In August, Ballmer said he would retire within 12 months, amid pressure from activist fund manager ValueAct Capital Management.
Microsoft is now looking for a new CEO, though its board has said Ballmer's strategy will go forward. He has focused on making devices, such as the Surface tablet and Xbox gaming console, and turning key software into services provided over the Internet. Some investors say that a new chief should not be bound by that strategy.
News that some investors were pushing for Gates' ouster as chairman provoked mixed reactions from other shareholders.
"This is long overdue," said Todd Lowenstein, a portfolio manager at HighMark Capital Management, which owns Microsoft shares. "Replacing the old guard with some fresh eyes can provide the oxygen needed to properly evaluate their corporate strategy."
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How daily meditation can improve your health
Most often than not, we take for granted this simple and important ancient technique of meditation and how it can improve your health.
Since stress is the major cause of 21st century lifestyle diseases, the age-old technique of meditation comes to your rescue. Here is how you can meditate and also find out the health benefits of meditation.
Health benefits of meditation:
Stress: Meditation can help prevent stress and slowly release pent up stress.
Sensory organs: Meditation opens up your senses and makes your five senses receptive.
Reduce anger: While reducing stress, meditation also reduces anger.
Make better decision: With daily meditation, you have a calm approach and sharpened alertness and you are now better equipped to make better decisions.
Sense of completeness: With reduced anger, low stress levels and increased capacity at work, you will feel you can complete a lot more in your day. With a clear mind, you can think of ways objectively.
Happiness: All these positive traits will only heighten your sense of happiness. Daily meditation ensures to fight stress and control rage hence releases happiness hormones.
Sleep: Relaxation from daily meditation helps you fall asleep quickly and naturally. Since your mind is clear of worried thoughts you can easily fall asleep, peacefully.
Meditation is:
-Letting go of the anger from the past
-Letting go of the events of the past
-Letting go of all the planning for the future
-Accepting this moment
-Living every moment totally - with depth
Meditation technique for beginners:
1) Find a quiet and isolated place away from distractions.
2) Sit crossed legged on the floor and relax your hands on your knees.
3) Gently close your eyes and inhale slowly (short breathes). But you need to inhale from your nose and exhale from your mouth.
4) Slowly increase the capacity of oxygen; this will help rejuvenate the lungs.
5) Pay attention to every breathe you take.
6) You can also play slow instrumental music to help you focus and calm our senses.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
Someone may look like he or she is in a position to help you advance in your career, but all may not be as it seems. This person may not be the advocate for you that he or she seems to be, or if so, may not be able to help you as much or in the ways that are being promised. Don't rely on someone entirely, even with helpful intentions, or you may get disillusioned quickly today.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Be mindful today of how much you are giving or being asked to give, especially in work matters. You tend to be very helpful and supportive to co-workers and team members, but if you feel like you've been doing more of the work or carrying more of the load than is your fair share, you may feel resentful. Be your helpful self but don't let others take advantage of you, even those who don't mean any harm.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 You may have to dig deeply for inspiration in any creative endeavors, with Venus and Neptune at odds with each other today. It may seem like all the ideas you have are out of reach or just not satisfying for reasons you can't determine. If a project can wait, you may have more luck as Saturn approaches a supportive relationship to Neptune near the end of the month, but if not, try not to let lofty expectations sour your creativity.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
You tend to be quite generous and open with others, a trait that will be magnified with Venus and Jupiter traveling through your relationship sector. You may feel, however, that you are the only one giving in a certain relationship as Venus and Neptune square off today. Check your expectations; you may be hoping for something that you didn't realize until that need was not met. Talk it out with your partner, if needed.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 Listen carefully to others today. Someone may give something a certain spin that will not be entirely accurate in order to convince you of something. Although it may not be intentional, you may be easily deceived today, especially if you really want to believe something is true. Try hard to stick to the facts and take extra care that you are on the same page with someone and not just assuming that you are.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 You may feel restless today with a longing you can't quite understand. You may find it difficult to feel truly satisfied with anything you do to relieve this feeling. If it comes up, you may want to avoid the temptation to spend money shopping, as it may actually make the problem worse. Instead, an attitude shift may make all the difference if you can achieve it. Think less about what you are lacking and more about where you are abundant.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
If anyone, especially a family member, requests your help today, you may feel unable to refuse, with Venus and Neptune squaring off. You tend to be kind and giving to others anyway, but be especially careful today that you don't sacrifice too much of yourself and your own needs for the sake of another. Offer your help and support if you feel you can give it freely, but beware of doing it out of guilt or obligation, as resentment likely will creep in.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
"Distance is to love like wind is to fire...it extinguishes the small and kindles the great!!
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“Leaders aren’t born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”
One woman told another : "My neighbour is always speaking ill of her husband,
but look at me, my husband is foolish, lazy and a coward;
but have I ever said anything bad about him?"
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TimesPro courses on retail banking in Jaipur
JAIPUR: Bringing quality education on banking and financial industries (BFSI), TimesPro, a flagship brand of Times Centre for Learning (TCL), is now offering courses on retail banking in Jaipur. A state-of-the-art learning centre has been opened in the city along with six other such facilities in the country.
TimesPro aims to skill the industry and transform graduates to professionals by courses in media, organized retail, hospitality and healthcare apart from offering education in BFSI.
"Our clear advantage is our relationships with the industry which would certainly help students in getting employment. Also, our courses are tailor-made as per the needs of industry that imparts all the relevant professional skills to them," said Deepak Lamba, president, TCL.
Apart from conducting regular classes at centres, TimesPro will tie-up with graduate and post graduate colleges and educational institutions.
Through these partnerships institutions can get the access of TCL courses and can make it as part of their curriculum. Average duration of classes will be six months with tuition fee likely to remain Rs 80,000 to Rs 85,000.
TimesPro delivery methodology includes: instructor led training, guest lecturers, demos, onsite visits and an e-library of 4,000 books. Expert faculty form metros too take lectures and give presentations through videoconferencing.
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We're very keen on SA tour: Virat Kohli
NEW DELHI: Doubts over India's much-hyped tour of South Africa later this year has not only ruffled feathers in the rainbow nation, Indian players too are following the developments with some concern as the BCCI and Cricket South Africa try to reach an agreement over the itinerary.
Top Indian batsman and ODI vice-captain Virat Kohli made it obvious how much the young team wanted to have a pow-wow with the top Test side in the world, and in their own backyard.
"We are looking forward to the South African tour. I think that tour will set the standard for our young team to go forward. Hopefully, we get to play some games there. I am not somebody who can take a call. All we can do is to be prepared if at all a decision comes. We had this tour in mind for a long time. Let's see how things work out," Kohli said at a promotional event on Tuesday.
However, one of India's most prolific batsman over the last two years, also realises that there is a job in hand -- the limited-overs series against Australia at home. For him, the Aussies, even without their regular skipper Michael Clarke, are always a formidable opposition.
"They have quite a few match-winners in their side. And since all of us are pretty much fresh from a two-month break, it's important to hit the strides early. A winning start will set the tone for the rest of the hectic season," Kohli reckoned.
Talking about the return of Yuvraj Singh to the national side, Kohli said: "I never had doubts about Yuvraj's comeback. I knew if he gets to play a few domestic matches, he would make it into the side. But what pleased the most was the fact that he shut himself completely out from the world and went to France to train. Both him and Zaheer have put in the extra effort. Yuvi has lost weight and looks much fitter."
Kohli has had some unpleasant exchanges with the Australian team and the fans during his first visit Down Under in 2011-12. And even as he assumes a more mature and controlled demeanour on the field, Kohli is sure he won't give up on intimidating the opposition.
"It's not just Australia. If a team tries to bully you or sledge you, you can't just let that happen. You have to give it back," he says, while asserting, "Virat Kohli is not the brash young kid because he wore tattoos on his body and fancy hair styles when he first arrived. I am not about funky T-shirts as well. I am what I do on the field and the amount of effort I put in."
Kohli has recently left behind mega brands like MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar with a record-breaking marketing deal. He, however, makes it clear that his on-field record is what he is more concerned about. "I don't care where I am placed as a brand. But I surely do want to match Sachin and Dhoni's exploits on the field."
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Boss
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Boss
Movie Name : Boss
Release Date : October 16, 2013
Genre : Drama
Producer : Ashwin Varde
Director : Anthony D'Souza
Music Director : Meet Bros Anjjan, Chirantan Bhatt, P.A.Deepak, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Cast : Akshay Kumar, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shiv Pandit, Mithun Chakraborty, Danny Denzongpa, Johny Lever, Parikshit Sahani, Ronit Roy, Sonakshi Sinha (Item Number)
Synopsis:
Akshay Kumar will play a kind hearted Haryanavi gangster, apparently known as Boss and Mithun Chakraborty will enact the role of his father. Shiv Pandit will portray Akshay Kumar's younger brother's role in the film and Aditi Rao Hydari is paired opposite him. Danny Denzongpa will play Boss's mentor and Ronit Roy will play a ruthless police officer who is pitted against Boss. The film's trailer which was released on 27 August got tremendous response from audience and critics alike. It crossed 3 million views in just 10 days. Ronit Roy, who plays the role of a police officer up against the titular character, Boss marking the first instance where he is the antagonist of a film. It is also the second consecutive instance where his role is that of a cop with Shootout at Wadala being the last one where he portrayed the role of Inspector Raja Ambat, based on real life encounter specialist, Raja Tambat.
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the names of all continents both start and end with the same letter.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Great people are always humble
Lord Raama, the paramaathma, was ofcourse the greatest warrior ever. Lord Krishna in Bhagavadgita remarks “I am Raama among warriors”.
He learnt all the Shastras and unparalled Dhanurvidya under the guidance of the great Vasishtha. He was also given super-human powers like bala, ati bala by the great Vishwamithra, the Rishi of Gayathri manthra.
Vishwamithra maharshi also taught him all the secret astras that ever existed, which only he in this whole universe knew (he originally learnt it from Lord Shiva).
In addition to these, Agasthya mahamuni gave him many additional powers.A few glimpses of Lord Raama’s valour:
With one arrow Raama kills taataki, the mighty raakshasi. With two simultaneous arrows he kills subaahu and throws Maaricha seven seas away. Effortlessly lifts the Shiva dhanush, which was pulled to the court by around 50000 well built people. Raama kills Khara, Dhushana, their 1000 brothers and their army in 14 minutes single handed.
Despite being such a great warrior, he never displayed in strength on his own to show others. The anger on the samudra stands as a good example for this quality of Raama:
Raavana gives 30 days time to sita maata to decide if she will marry him, else will kill her.
Bharata took word from Raama saying that if he does’nt return on the next moment of 14 yrs of aranyavaas, then he will sacrifice himself. Raama and his army reaches the shores of ocean with barely 30 days in hand.
They have to cross the ocean, defeat Ravana & his army, take sita back to ayodhya in around 30 days time.
With such a press for time and given the strength of Raama, Lakshmana suggests Raama not to spend time asking ocean God for way, but to order him.
What Raama does is unbelievable. Though he had the strength and power to control the ocean God, he did not do it. He did penance on the shores of the ocean for 3 long days to give them a way.
Finally after 3 days Raama gets angry on the ocean and to make remember his duty, aims an astra at him and immediately ocean God appears and suggests a way of crossing him…
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“Like a ghostly roll of drums remorselessly beat the measure of life.”
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