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“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please..”
| VBA's Positive News |
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US: New York City's Mayor Bloomberg says city air is cleanest in decades
New York City's air quality has reached the cleanest level in over half a century, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Thursday, as he credited the city's sustainability programme PlaNYC for helping to bring about dramatic reductions in air pollutants. The level of soot pollution has dropped by 23 percent since 2007, while the levels of sulfur dioxide in the air have dropped by 69 percent since 2008, said Bloomberg, who is leaving office at the end of the year after serving three four-year terms.
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Palestinians want Israel peace deal in nine months
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pledged Thursday to continue recently resumed negotiations with Israel with 'an insistence on success' and the aim of reaching a permanent peace accord within nine months. 'Our objective is to achieve a permanent and comprehensive agreement and a peace treaty between the state of Palestine and Israel that resolves all outstanding issues and answers all questions, which allows us to officially declare an end of conflict and claims,' he said.
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Cuba approves more private businesses, new regulations
Real estate agents, auto body workers, and home builders can come out of the shadows in Cuba's expanding private economy under rules announced Thursday that allow 18 new categories of independent employment under President Raul Castro's economic reforms. The number of approved independent employment activities rises to 199 with the newly legalized professions, which also include rental agents, repair and maintenance service providers, iron workers, and welders.
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Rises in UK productivity, service output signal stronger recovery
British services output inched up in July and productivity rose across the economy for the first time in two years in the second quarter, suggesting the country's recovery is moving onto a firmer footing. 'The UK recovery is showing signs of becoming sustainable as improved optimism feeds through to the hard data and the return of growth kick-starts productivity,' said Rob Wood, an economist at Berenberg.
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Video of the Day:
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World Round-Up
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China welcomes adoption of Security Council resolution on Syria
The council on Friday voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2118 aimed at ridding Syria of chemical weapons.
The vote came after the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an international chemical weapons watchdog, agreed on a plan to destroy Syria's stockpiles by mid-2014.
"We are heartened to see that the Security Council has just unanimously adopted Resolution 2118, bringing the Syrian situation back to the track of peace from the verge of war and presenting a new opportunity for seeking a political settlement of the Syrian issue," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the council after the vote.
"This is the first time that the Security Council has taken a joint major action on the Syrian issue in more than one year," he said.
"In dealing with the Syrian issue, the Security Council must bear in mind the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, act with a sense of responsibility to the Syrian people, the world and history, and ensure that any decision it takes can stand the test of history," he said.
Wang said China welcomed the fact that the Syrian government joined the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) not long ago.
"Resolution 2118 has set out the overall objective of the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria and the roadmap for the follow-up work," he said.
"We hope that the relevant parties will stay in close cooperation, fulfil their respective responsibilities and implement the OPCW decision and Security Council resolution in a comprehensive and accurate manner so as to eventually achieve a proper settlement of the issue of chemical weapons in Syria," Wang said.
The top Chinese diplomat said neither Syria nor the Middle East region could afford another war, and political settlement was the only way out of the crisis.
He urged a cease-fire and cessation of violence in Syria as soon as possible, as well as efforts to put an end to the crisis through dialogue and to rebuild homes for Syrian people.
China hoped the international community would build consensus and promote the early convening of the Geneva II conference, he said.
As a permanent member of the Security Council, China stood ready to work with all parties and make unremitting efforts for comprehensive, proper and long-term settlement of the Syrian issue, he said.
After the session, Wang also briefed media at the UN headquarters in New York on the Chinese goverment's position on the Syrian conflict.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
Handle your willpower with care, Aries, because you're likely to be confronted with powerful circumstances that might challenge your plans for diplomacy. Slowing down may be tough for you, but intelligent, and necessary. It would be wise to prepare for the ultimate compromise that may be hard for you to swallow, yet will yield solid progress. If you need to make a serious decision, it would be wise to seek counsel who can help you see through a new objective lens.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Today you'll want to be sensitive to your level of vitality so you can preserve your focus for your most pressing concerns. You may realize you need to up your game to be effective in the office. Your personal assistant or co-worker might be instrumental in helping you navigate through a demanding legal complication. You'll want to be sensitive to the guidance you've given because he or she is likely to have the finesse to guide you in the right direction, if you can remain patient.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 Fasten your seat belt with matters of the heart - it's going to be a bumpy ride as the Sun steps on Pluto's territory. You may reach a financial impasse that requires a detour to your final destination. It's like being on the yellow brick road and suddenly encountering the Wizard of Oz. You're not in front of Oz yet, but you're close. You can ensure yourself a safe trip if you tread gently, and graciously meet the demands of your VIP.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
Your security may be shaken by the demands of your business partner, loved one, or head supervisor. If you're not willing to compromise, you might be given an ultimatum. You have the wherewithal to master rocky territory, but you may have to keep your feelings to yourself to avoid an unnecessary conflict. Indulge in a deep breath, Cancer, and you'll realize how strong you can be. If you are an artist, your agent or manager might lead you to a fabulous opportunity to market your vision.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 A special agreement might bring up a sensitive topic with the management at your workplace. It may come down to politics, although if you look deeper, you may realize changes have been brewing for a long while, and the time has come to assess how you fit in. You might be full of ideas, but it may be best to keep your opinions to yourself until you get a fuller picture of what's in store for your position. You can harness your focus with a sweat dripping work out.
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P Chidambaram: In talks with RBI for priority sector status to export lending
Finance minister P Chidambaram has confirmed that the finance ministry is in a conversation with the Reserve Bank of India to include exports credit in the priority sector category.
“As you know the ministry of finance supports it. But there are some issues which have to be resolved. There is a fear that if you include exports in the priority sector, some other elements in the priority sector may get affected,” Chidambaram said at a conference organised by Federation of Indian Export Organisations on Friday.
Currently, banks have to set aside 40% of their net credit for lending to priority sectors, including agriculture, micro and small enterprises making the cost of funding cheaper for them.
The finance minister also said he feels 59-60 would be the “right” level for rupee against the dollar. While talking at the conference, Chidambaram said even at these levels, the rupee would still be extremely competitive for export purposes.The rupee had hit an all-time low of 68.85 on August 28, but since then gained 9%.
According to the finance minister, global markets have started showing signs of recovery, which is a big opportunity for Indian exporters. “In the US economy, there is an upswing. In Europe too, some countries are showing better growth rate and Japan is bouncing back. So, there is a better opportunity for exporters,” he said.
The finance ministry will also urge Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (Irda) to allow exports up to R1 crore to be automatically covered under the Exports Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) scheme. Under the current norms, only R50 lakh worth of exports are covered automatically by ECGC.
Answering a query by one of the exporters at the gathering, Chidambaram confirmed there is no case for a rollback of export duty on iron ore. “We have looked in to the matter carefully and the decision has been taken. Profit margins are very high, international prices have risen upto levels in the month of April and we have also looked at the quantity which has risen in August and September. Therefore, the decision has been taken that at present there will be no rollback on export duty," he said.
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Why you must eat eggplant
It may not be a very glamorous food, but eggplant is packed with fiber and contains the whole gamut of B vitamins, which give you all the energy you need.
Its deep purple color is evidence that it has powerful antioxidants to protect brain cells and control lipid levels. So the next time you see it on the table, don't make that I-don't-want-to eat-it face. We give you ways to jazz up the boring veggie and tell you why you should eat eggplants!
Why eggplants are good for you
Reduced risk of cancer
When used properly, eggplant can provide many health benefits, including being important in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Eggplant has been found to be especially useful in the treatment of colon cancer due to the high amount of fiber found within eggplant.
Fiber is important in the treatment of colon cancer because it is a relatively porous nutrient, and because of this, as it moves through the digestive tract, it has the tendency to absorb toxins and chemicals that can lead to the development of colon cancer.
For best results, individuals who are interested in reducing their risk for the development of color cancer should be sure to include the skin of the eggplant during consumption. Research has found that the skin of eggplant may contain more fiber that the actual eggplant itself.
Eggplants help weight loss
As stated above, eggplant contains high amounts of fiber, making it a great food in the fight against cancer. But, the fiber found in eggplant has other uses-namely, its ability to be a useful tool for people who are trying to lose weight.
Fiber is a relatively "bulky" food, meaning that is takes up a lot of room in the stomach. Therefore, by eating eggplant in a salad or appetizer before a meal, dieters are likely to have a greater feeling of satiety, and generally eat fewer calories (thereby achieving a substantial weight loss with time).
In addition, fiber is slow digesting, and takes a long time to move from the stomach to the digestive tract. Because of this, the eggplant keeps dieters feeling full for a longer period of time-and therefore, they won't be as tempted to snack between meals, which will again aid in weight loss.
Eggplants for better skin tone
Finally, eggplant contains a high amount of water-and similarly, aside from fat and bone, our bodies are composed of almost primarily water. Water has important roles in a variety of pathways through the body, but has been found to be especially important in the maintenance of healthy skin and hair.
Individuals who are dehydrated are more likely to exhibit hair that is thin, dry and has split ends, along with skin that appears to be flaky, dry, with a greater number of lines and wrinkles.
Consuming adequate amount of water through either water itself or through food items such as eggplant can not only improve the quality of your hair and skin, but also the general performance of your body.
For best results, eat the eggplant raw-research has found that cooking it removes some of the water that is so beneficial.
How to eat eggplants: Eggplant is a very versatile vegetable. It can be baked or roasted for an entree or mixed into a dip or side dish.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
A battle of wills might test your integrity as a money making endeavor is challenged by the demands of your children, a romantic relationship, or serious creative endeavor. You may be eager to stimulate your cash flow, especially through socializing in high circles, but the waters run deep and fast in the river of your creative devotion. Your ruler, Mercury, has just entered intense Scorpio and will soon be dancing with inspiring Neptune. Someone special might become your dream catcher and breathe life into your wildest imagination.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Today you would be wise to be gentle with family, especially your parents. Your mother or father may demand your attention with a pressing concern that has likely been building under the surface for a long time. Initially, you may be tempted to resist the situation, or avoid it all together, as you may be frustrated with lack of progress. Breathe, Libra, because there is an answer. You'll need to have your wits about you, because you'll likely be the one most equipped to come up with a sensible solution.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
 A private matter regarding your relationship might be approaching the moment of confrontation, where you feel it may be time for a serious talk. Hold on to your opinions as you go through the rounds of negotiation. A settlement might be involved, with severe limitations. Look for the bottom line of how this might impact you, and respect the implications. Mercury has just entered Scorpio, so your thinking will likely be more clear than usual. Your salesmanship will be striking as you can easily impress people with your genuine confidence.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
A collective endeavor or plan for your future may be halted by a financial reality that won't budge. Keep sight of your dreams, Sagittarius, even if from afar. It may behoove you to make a deeper commitment to your values, especially when it comes to your material well being. If you can be ruthlessly practical in regard to money, you may come to the answers you need by process of elimination. Hold on to your dignity, and let that become your most valuable possession.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 As the Sun courageously prepares to confront Pluto, now in Capricorn, your professional image may be challenged by the relentless forces of your new emerging life. You would be wise to look for signals that guide you closer to the fulfillment of your deepest ambitions, even if it requires you to make major adjustments along your career path. There may be an investment in the works that might feel overpowering. If you let today's circumstances take their natural course, you may realize your strength runs much deeper than you thought.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
 Everyone has skeletons in their closet, Aquarius, and with mysterious Pluto peering in the attic of your chart (as of 2008), you might become increasingly aware of the power of your dark side. Today Pluto will cast its shadow on the Sun, and you may feel forced to see what is normally hidden. The stark reality may challenge your faith, but your optimism will rise to the surface once you accept the truth with open arms. A solution to a gripping concern might present itself, if you're willing to surrender.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
You may have to put a personal investment on hold while you address the bigger needs of your business or your employer. If you work for a large establishment, it's likely you've survived sweeping managerial changes. If you're an entrepreneur, banks and investors might be overhauling their policies, making it difficult for you to solidify your business plan. If you reach an obstacle that seems insurmountable, have courage and flow with the fiercest wind, because the big boys will likely be your compass.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.”
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Good relationships are like trees
They demand attention & care in the beginning
but once they blossoms
they provide U shade in all situations of life .
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who
will have sought and found how to serve.”
Husband sent a text to his wife at night,
"Hi I will get late, please try and wash all my dirty clothes
and make sure you prepare my favorite dish before I return."
He sent another text,
"And I forgot to tell you that I got an increase in my salary
at the end of the month I'm getting you a new car"
She text back, "OMG really?"
Husband replied,
"No I just wanted to make sure you got my first message".
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Patna University beckons students from outside, again
PATNA: In what appears to be a significant development, 96-year-old Patna University (PU) has, of late, started attracting boys and girls from other states to its undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
At least five students from Delhi, Dehradun, Pune, Aligarh and Varanasi have enrolled themselves for MSc (geology) course this year. PU economics department head Asha Singh said at least three students from other states had applied for admission to MA, but they could not get themselves enrolled due to considerable delay in admission. Similar view was expressed by PU English department head Arun Kumar. A student from outside has, however, got himself enrolled for doctoral research this year, he said.
The number of girls from outside the state seeking admission to Magadh Mahila College has increased this year. A good number of students from Nagaland, Meghalaya and Maharashtra have been admitted to three-year degree courses, said college principal Dolly Sinha.
Till a few decades ago, several students from outside the state used to join various courses in PU. The university had a cosmopolitan character having even a sizeable number of teachers from different states. Popular teachers like N S Nagendranath and R Rangachariar (both in mathematics), Gyan Chand (economics), N L Nadda (commerce), A S Mehta (botany), A S Altekar (history) and V K Menon (political science) had all come to PU from far-off places and contributed significantly to the growth of this university. At that time, a large number of students from other states and also from other countries used to study in PU. But gradually, this cosmopolitan character of the university was lost somewhere. "Delayed academic sessions and scarcity of teachers proved deterrents for the scholars coming from outside," said PU's English department head Arun Kumar.
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Lionel Messi answers tax charges in court
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has appeared in court to answer charges of evading 4.16 million euros (5 million dollars) in taxes in a case that stunned the sporting world.
Dressed in a dark jacket and white shirt, the 26-year-old Argentine international made no comment before or after the closed-door hearing on Friday at a court in Gava, the coastal suburb of Barcelona where he lives.
Testimony by the four-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award revealed his desire to resolve the matter, Messi's lawyer, Cristobal Martel, told reporters after the hearing.
"It showed little intent to defraud and great intent to resolve the situation with the tax office instead of entering into a bitter battle with the state," the lawyer said.
Crowds of reporters and fans gathered outside the court where first Messi's father Jorge Messi and then the player himself were quizzed on charges of evading tax on the striker's image rights to the tune of 4.16 million euros.
They have denied wrongdoing, pointing the finger at a former agent of the player.
The court said Jorge Messi paid the tax authorities five million euros in August -- the 4.16 million euros claimed by the taxman plus interest -- which is likely to significantly reduce any sentence should they be found guilty.
Lionel Messi's form on the field has scarcely been affected, with the Barcelona forward scoring 10 goals in just seven matches this season as the Spanish champions remain unbeaten.
"I am not worried, I'm always on the sidelines of all that, just like my dad. We have our lawyers and our advisors who handle these things. We trust in them and they will solve the issue," he said in July.
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella also appeared unconcerned Friday, calling up Messi for next month's World Cup qualifiers despite having already secured a place at the 2014 finals.
Nor do Messi's legal problems appear to have tarnished his image among Barcelona fans.
"What I want is for this to be resolved quickly so Messi can relax and focus on the football," said one fan outside the court, Joaquin Bosch, 60, wearing a Barcelona shirt.
The case began in June when a prosecutor accused the Messis of evading tax by ceding the player's image rights to "purely instrumental entities" in Belize and Uruguay.
According to the prosecutor's report, Messi "obtained significant income" from image rights between 2006 and 2009 for which he failed to pay required taxes.
The news caused astonishment in Spain where Messi is seen as a more humble figure than other football stars, particularly his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He has a very professional image, of being focused on what he does and very close to the public," said Carles Canto, a marketing expert for IMG Consulting.
Despite the initial consternation, the player's popularity doesn't appear to have diminished.
"Messi's image amongst Barcelona fans is so solid that it is very difficult for it to be clouded by this case," said Enric Baneres, a sports journalist for Catalan daily La Vanguardia.
"Tax evasion is something so common in Spain, like the siesta or paella, that the people are very permissive with it."
According to a document sent by Messi's father to the court, obtained by Catalan daily El Periodico, his former agent Rodolfo Schinocca was put in charge of organising the "structure and management" of the income from Messi's image rights.
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Besharam
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Besharam
Movie Name : Besharam
Release Date : 2 October 2013
Genre : Bollywood romantic action comedy
Producer : Himanshu Mehra,Sanjeev Gupta
Director : Abhinav Kashyap
Music Director : Lalit Pandit
Cast : Ranbir Kapoor,Pallavi Sharda
Synopsis:
Babli (Ranbir Kapoor) is a street smart car mechanic living in a Delhi orphanage. He is charming and lives life to the fullest. He also steals cars to support his orphanage.
He has no sense of right or wrong till he unwittingly hurts the love of his life, Tara (Pallavi Sharda). Babli realizes that there is no right way of doing the wrong thing. Babli sets out to fix all the wrongs in his life and he continues to be shameless about it.
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the average person falls asleep in 7 minutes.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
A gift of love!
“Can I see my baby?” the happy new mother asked.
When the bundle was nestled in her arms and she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face, she gasped.
The doctor turned quickly and looked out the tall hospital window. The baby had been born without ears.
Time proved that the baby’s hearing was perfect. It was only his appearance that was marred.
When he rushed home from school one day and flung himself into his mother’s arms, she sighed, knowing that his life was to be a succession of heartbreaks.
He blurted out the tragedy. “A boy, a big boy … called me a freak.”
He grew up, handsome for his misfortune. A favorite with his fellow students, he might have been class president, but for that.
He developed a gift, a talent for literature and music. “But you might mingle with other young people,” his mother reproved him, but felt a kindness in her heart.
The boy’s father had a session with the family physician. Could nothing be done? “I believe I could graft on a pair of outer ears, if they could be procured,” the doctor decided.
Whereupon the search began for a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man. Two years went by.
Then, “You are going to the hospital, Son. Mother and I have someone who will donate the ears you need. But it’s a secret,” said the father.
The operation was a brilliant success, and a new person emerged. His talents blossomed into genius, and school and college became a series of triumphs.
Later he married and entered the diplomatic service. “But I must know!” He urged his father, “Who gave so much for me? I could never do enough for him.”
“I do not believe you could,” said the father, “but the agreement was that you are not to know … not yet.”
The years kept their profound secret, but the day did come … one of the darkest days that a son must endure.
He stood with his father over his mother’s casket.
Slowly, tenderly, the father stretched forth a hand and raised the thick, reddish-brown hair to reveal that the mother had no outer ears.
“Mother said she was glad she never let her hair be cut,” he whispered gently, “and nobody ever thought Mother less beautiful, did they?”
Real beauty lies not in the physical appearance, but in the heart.
Real treasure lies not in what that can be seen, but what that cannot be seen. Real love lies not in what is done and known, but in what that is done but not known.
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“Too many people go through life waiting for things to happen instead of making them happen! ”
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