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"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
| VBA's Positive News |
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Africa Peace Award for 2012 conferred on Ghana
The South Africa based African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Dispute (ACCORD), has conferred on Ghana the Africa Peace Award for 2012, Mr Billy Modise, the Trustee of the ACCORD announced in Accra on 8 June. According to Mr Modise, the award is given to individuals, institutions, and countries in recognition of their efforts to peace and for their pursuit of peaceful resolution of conflicts and reconciliation.
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Japan approves renewable subsidies in shift from nuclear power
Japan approved on Monday incentives for renewable energy that could unleash billions of dollars in clean-energy investment and help the world's third-biggest economy shift away from a reliance on nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster. Japan has huge potential to generate renewable energy from the sun, wind, and geothermal, analysts say.
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US builder confidence ticks up to five-year high
Confidence among US builders ticked up this month to a five-year high, an indication that the housing market is slowly improving. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index rose in June to 29, the highest reading since May 2007. The index has risen in seven of the past nine months..
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Turkey: Court bans mine exploration in village to protect organic agriculture
Aydin is a city in and the seat of Aydin Province in Turkey's Aegean Region. Aydın's 1st Administrative court put an end to mine exploration in the village of Kirazlı in a decision on 21 May, in part to protect the village's organic agriculture enterprises. The court cancelled the certificate to conduct mine exploration issued by the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry to Ali Haydar Polat in 2010, covering a 958-hectare area. Mine exploration activities had been troubling residents of Kirazli since then, which led to the filing of the suit for the cancellation of the certificate. The residents of Kirazli were very pleased with the decision.
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World Round-Up
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G-20 agenda getting over-burdened: PM
India on Tuesday took the G-20 to task when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the Plenary that the G-20 agenda “is getting over burdened. We need to refocus on a few goals rather than dissipating energies on too many fronts.”
He also announced that India would contribute $10 billion to the IMF’s additional firewall of $ 430 billion meant for the eurozone.
“The International Monetary Fund has a critical supportive role to play in stabilizing the eurozone. All members must help the Fund to play this role,” he said.
He strongly emphasised the need to provide liquidity to European banks without neglecting issues of solvency.
“A crisis in the European banking system can choke trade finance quite quickly, and end up choking economic growth not just in the eurozone but in the world in general,” he said.
The G20, he told the gathered leaders whose countries account for 80 per cent of global GDP, had to send “a strong signal to the markets that the eurozone countries will make every effort to protect the banking systems and the global community will back a credible eurozone effort and response.” But Europe would have to do its bit, too, he said.
The Prime Minister, perhaps relishing the reversal of roles in the sermonising by Europe to developing countries, rubbed in the message saying “… liquidity must be provided in parallel with effective adjustment programmes that ensure an early return to debt sustainability.”
But “effective adjustment” also means austerity, which means lower growth. So the Prime Minister said austerity alone would not solve the European sovereign debt problem.
“Financial markets normally favour austerity, but even they are beginning to recognise that austerity with no growth will not produce a return to a sustainable debt position,” he said.
Then he delivered a pointed message to Germany. “Austerity in the debt-ridden members of the eurozone can work only if surplus members are willing to expand to offset contraction elsewhere in the currency area.”
He then told the Plenary that while it was necessary to solve rich country problems “the less developed and developing countries are also facing serious problems because of the negative impact of the global crisis. Infrastructure investment in developing countries assumes special importance in this context.”
For this, he said they need long term capital and that the Multilateral Development Banks could play a major role in this context.
“We now need to take steps to substantially expand the resource base of Multilateral Development Banks so that they have the firepower to help developing countries pursue their development goals.”
Europe and developing nations
The World Bank President, Mr Robert Zoeliich, is believed to have said at the G-20 Summit that, as for conditionalities were concerned, Europe was getting away far more lightly than many developing countries had done. Senior government officials confirmed this.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19
An unexpected financial development will likely benefit you personally. It will have to do with a revenue stream or other income opportunity from your past. It's possible that, if this source of money temporarily stalled for any reason, you'll hear exciting news today about its potential return. Although you may have a frustrating conversation with a relative about a separate matter, focus on the promising shift today in money matters. It looks wonderful! .
Taurus April 20 to May 20
It'll be a good idea to remain realistic about how much of your personal ideology you can convey on the job. Sometimes, even if you don't agree with the methodology behind a job's execution, it's still necessary to conform to the expectations of an authority figure connected to the assignment. Today this will likely be the case. On a positive note, you'll sparkle when it comes to expressing a personal talent that not too many people are aware you possess.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
You might wrestle with a decision about spending money. It's possible that you have an opportunity to do something fun, but the thought of spending the extra cash is holding you back. If you have children, one of them might ask you for money to purchase something you feel is rather extravagant. Pay attention to your frugal thoughts to determine how much might be too much to spend on this item or event.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
You and a family member might not see eye to eye on a domestic matter today, and if so, try to remain polite as you voice your opinion. He or she may have more authority or experience about the situation and you might walk away from the conversation having learned something valuable. At the same time, it'll be fine to remind this relative not to speak to you in a patronizing manner. Respect is a two-way street.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
You might need to spend time studying or researching information in private in order to better understand a situation. It's possible that you'll feel a certain amount of mental frustration - as if there's a missing piece of data that you can't quite grasp and it's preventing you from gaining a thorough handle on something vital you're trying to comprehend. Be patient with yourself and do whatever intellectual digging is necessary. It'll come to you.
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‘Pratibha’s foreign trips boosted trade ties’
Facing criticism over her numerous foreign visits costing the exchequer Rs. 205 crore, President Pratibha Patil got some reprieve from industry chambers, which claimed that her trips had helped opened new vistas for bolstering trade ties.
Ms. Patil’s foreign trips had raised eyebrows when a query made under RTI revealed that Rs. 205 crore had been spent on her travel expenses since she assumed office in July 2007, surpassing the record of all her predecessors.
During her tenure, President Patil has undertaken 12 foreign trips, covering 22 countries across four continents and spending 79 days abroad.
Industry chambers — Assocham, CII and Ficci on Monday presented a booklet titled ‘Engaging the World’ to Ms. Patil on Monday.
The booklet said that during her visits, issues of concern to Indian industry were raised, MoUs were signed and trade and investment prospects of Indian industry were addressed.
“The impact of these state visits has been multi-pronged. New vistas have been opened for Indian businesses...,” Ficci secretary-general Rajiv Kumar said in a message in the booklet.
Mr. Kumar said that as an active participant in the President’s visits, Ficci was able to expand its reach to new regions, cultivate institutional cooperation and develop business synergies.
CII director-general Chandrajit Banerjee said the President’s visits provided good exposure and much-needed access and networking opportunities for the business delegates.
Echoing similar views, Assocham secretary-general D.S. Rawat said the visits to various countries have given a major fillip to the business houses in terms of enhancing their stature and credibility, which in turn has provided them the right platform for meeting their economic engagements in the countries visit.
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Get real!
Its not the reality shows on tv that impress me ; its those Unreal ones that try to push health products to naïve people who are always looking for quick simple solutions for their various requirements that leave me gaping! How can a machine that's rolling around your body remove body fat and give you a well toned body? A cup of magic potion promises to melt your fat and give you a figure that you been dying for?! How unreal can we get? The only universal truth being a boring repetitive method of adopting and following a healthy lifestyle: uninteresting but true!
Here, the most popular fitness and diet myths we have always bought we go busting…ready? Here we go..!
Who has not been confused by conflicting reports about what to eat? Let us look at some recent scientific evidence to clear up five very common nutrition myths
Myth 1: Calcium can guarantee strong bones.
Most adults should consume between 1000_1300 mg of calcium per day in order to promote good health, including bone health. However even this level of calcium intake should not be considered an insurance policy against bone loss. Its only when exercise, vitamin D and hormones pair up with calcium good bone health becomes a reality. Oversupplementing of calcium alone can damage kidneys and contribute to kidney stones; health experts caution against consuming too much calcium.
Myth 2: low-carb diets are the best for weight loss.
Several studies have researched and compared popular weight loss programs but none have emerged as a clear winner! This may be due to the fact that most people who adhere carefully to all restrictions lose weight initially. But the minute they digress to old habits it all comes back with a vengeance! So the earth shattering truth that is so boring is that those people who adhere life long to a balanced diet and regular physical exercise are the most successful at losing weight and keeping it off: regardless of what diet they follow! A diet that comprises of low fat food combined with plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains continues to have high success rates.
Myth 3: water is just as good as a sports drink for athletes.
This myth needs clarification; although water is a good hydrator for most people, athletes do not figure in this population. Highly competitive athletes may experience significant reduction of glycogen stores and dehydration during an intense prolonged competition or work-out. Sports drinks provide carbohydrates as well as electrolytes and fluid that replenish critical energy reserves and delay fatigue. If exercise is less than an hour and if moderate water will suffice but higher intensity work outs can be improved on only with consumption of sports drinks.
Myth 4: I eat only 1200 calories per day but I cannot lose weight.
Few people are good at estimating the exact portion of their food. This can cause them to underestimate the actual intake; result: heartache and disappointment. Only the measurement by a competent dietician can help you to reach your goals: also remember where those 1200 calories are coming from.. Suppose its a juicy burger with fries? Calories right but nutrition wrong!
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22
A difficult conversation with a friend might be necessary. It's possible that you'll feel underappreciated after having overextended yourself in order to help him or her. While you're always the first to lend a hand to someone in need, at the same time you don't like to feel taken for granted. If this is a situation you find yourself in now, you'll want to voice your feelings and give your pal a chance to make things right.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22
Although you might feel inhibited about approaching an authority figure connected to your career to speak your mind about a professional situation, it might be necessary. Remember that even if nothing else comes from this conversation, your boss will likely gain more respect for you because you had the ability to approach him or her in a respectful and responsible manner. Speak with clarity and confidence and remember that the greatest progress happens in small steps.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21
Try not to let any temporary setback or delay in a legal matter bring you down. Recognize it as an opportunity to be more thorough in your research and preparation for your case and adjust your approach accordingly. On a brighter note, an unexpected, but positive development at the office will change the atmosphere at work for everyone. You may have enjoyed a hint of this progress in the past, but today it'll come back, better than ever!
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
A temporary financial setback that has to do with a personal aspiration may frustrate you. Try to keep this in perspective and remember that it's not an indication of failure - only delay. A far better use of your time might be to enjoy a romantic date night with your sweetheart. He or she may surprise you with something you've wanted to do for ages. You might even decide to revisit an old hobby you used to enjoy together. .
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
There might be a difficult conversation ahead between you and a business partner or major client. It's possible that you've joined forces with someone who doesn't agree with or respect your line of thinking. It might not be possible to work together with this person if you can't find some middle ground. Do your best to reach a resolution but if you can't find a workable solution, you might decide to cut your losses on this alliance.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18
You might find yourself at an impasse if you're involved in any international work project. It's possible that, over a Skype meeting or conference call, you'll discover that someone overseas connected to this endeavor isn't as receptive to your ideas as you previously thought. Alternatively, you might be the one not gelling with your colleague's ideas. Thankfully, if you focus on an out-of-the-box solution that makes the most of everyone's creative energy, you could make this work.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20
This won't be an ideal day to move forward in an investment matter or a creative project that might require extensive venture capital to get off the ground. Instead, focus your energy on maximizing any unexpected opportunity to profit from a family collectible. It's likely to be something you've held on to for quite some time and if so, now will be an excellent day to have this treasure appraised. You might be pleasantly surprised. .
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Moral Story
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SMS
Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
Love--that divine fire which was made to light and warm the temple of home--sometimes burns at unholy altars.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
“The price of greatness is responsibility.”
Doctor : Do daily exercise you will maintain yourself,
santa : Yes doctor i am playing football,cricket,tenis daily,
Doctor : Where you play,
Santa : I am playing in my mobile phone.
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Branch or college? Make the right choice
Branch or college, and which branch is the best? The dilemma for an engineering aspirant seldom gets answered satisfactorily. Free suggestions from the near and dear ones, who gather information from unqualified people, further add to the confusion. Finally, what the information-hungry student gets is distorted information emanating from two or three different layers of non-professional counsellors.
So it becomes all the more important for some solid advice on the courses students wish to pursue and the college from which they should be studied. Qualified and professional advice is in favour of picking up the institution first.
“It gives you the kind of peers you would be keeping company with, as their influence is paramount in the coming four years. Good institutes and good company offer tremendous scope for upscaling one’s abilities,” says T. Muralidharan, an alumnus of IIT and IIM and Chairman of TMI e2E Academy that trains engineering graduates and make them industry-ready.
Good colleges not only have good buildings but established academic systems, qualified professors with vast experience, which is of immense value to a student. Institution’s name carries a lot of weight in the job market and the networking of the alumni also helps them initially as well as later in life, feels Hari Prasad Devarapalli from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
A good institution exposes students to various facets of life and not just academics.
With their associations with the industry students get a first-hand experience of the future job and have bright chances of internship in top companies.
The IITians, NITians and students from university colleges take pride in boasting about the institution even after passing out and that’s where they help out students from their alma mater.
When it comes to choosing a branch just don’t follow your peers or seniors as everyone has a different reason to choose a field of their study. Try to understand what interests you in a subject and what subjects you are good at.
“If you are not good in Physics Mechanical Engineering is not a good option,” says Venkatesh, an entrepreneur and a Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Madras.
He says elimination is the best option. Chemistry lovers can keep away from streams like Mechanical, Computer Science, IT or Electronics.
Key factors
“For those interested in Civil Engineering aptitude in Mathematics and Physics are very important,” says R. V. Chakrapani, Managing Director of Aarvee Associates and an alumnus of IIT Madras.
“The stream requires excellent analytical skills and one can find innumerable opportunities in sub-branches of Civil Engineering. Those interested in Electronics and Communication stream should have strong liking for Mathematics.
Unlike the popular perception there are few jobs in Computer Science but large numbers in the Information Technology. Most graduates end up in the IT sector and not core Computer Science jobs, says Mr. Devarapalli of TCS. In fact, students from all branches end up in IT jobs. So parents should keep in mind that every branch has potential to excel.
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Saina sets her sights on the Olympics
India’s champion shuttler Saina Nehwal is pleased that she featured in some big matches in the Thailand and the Indonesian Opens which she won recently before the London Olympics.
“This is what I was really looking for ahead of the Olympics next month. To play in big, tough matches in the Thailand and the Indonesian Opens,” Saina said on her return home after winning the above two tournaments. She was also referring to the quarter-final clash in the Indonesian Open which lasted 105 minutes. “I think it was the longest women’s singles match in badminton history. Well, this was one of the finest matches I played and I am really happy that I could come out a winner,” she said.
“The schedule was very demanding and tiring - playing 10 matches in the space of 14 days. Most of them were late night matches, I mean I was happy the way I recovered after every match and kept on fighting to score the big points,” the World No. 5 said on her recent successful Asian circuit.
“The two wins are really important for they give you the confidence in the preparations ahead of the Olympics. I have to really work harder to come up with another special performance in London,” the star shuttler pointed out. “I am aware that Olympics is different altogether. But, the fact that I had beaten some of the top Chinese shuttlers is equally significant. You know even when they are losing, they don’t give away easy points. They make you work really hard. That is the reason the wins against them are so satisfying,” Saina explained. “This is Olympics time. Everyone is preparing really hard for the big event. Every opponent happens to be very difficult,” she added.
“Well, once I enter the court, I tend to forget the strategies. For you have to play to your best and keep changing your game in the given situation. Definitely, it is good to enter a big event well-prepared. But, it doesn’t mean you are going to win it easily,” Saina explained to a query.
“Definitely, the win against Li Xuerui in the Indonesian Open final was very satisfying given the fact that she won so many titles this year including the All England champion. It was a great match by any means,” the champion pointed out.
Saina reiterated that she feels more comfortable playing in the Indonesian Open than anywhere else. “I love the crowds and the ambience there. Somehow, I feel like a champion. It was great to see them cheer me even when I am playing an Indonesian,” says the smiling champion.
The premier women’s shuttler from India insisted that rankings don’t matter to her at all. “It is important to keep winning. I don’t feel the pressure of expectations even after these two wins. Honestly, I play for myself and then think of anything else. So, I just want to enjoy every game and hope to have a good run over a week in Olympics,” Saina commented.
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Teri Meri Kahaani
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Teri Meri Kahaani
Movie Name : Teri Meri Kahaani
Release Date : May 11, 2012
Genre : Romance
Producer : Kunal Kohli, Sunil A Lulla, Vicky Bahri
Director : Kunal Kohli
Music Director : Sajid-Wajid
Cast : Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Neha Sharma.
Synopsis:
Supermodel Sanjana (Karisma Kapoor) and Rohan (Rajneesh Duggal), son of one of the nation’s foremost business tycoons have been one of the most popular couples in the social circuit. When Sanjana decides against flying to Paris at the last minut e- for a lucrative modeling assignment, she does so, not just because she cannot bear to stay away from her boyfriend, but more importantly because her instincts push her against going. But what her instincts cannot do is stop Rohan from getting kidnapped.
The high profile kidnapping creates chaos in Sanjana’s life. The kidnappers demand Rs 50 crores. The Police however believe that even paying the ransom will not bring Rohan back. Time is of utmost essence. Death stares Rohan in the eye. It is in this extreme trauma that Sanjana discovers something extraordinary. She sees visions of them together – sometime in the past – in different eras.
She is confused initially but in her visions lay definitive clues that could lead her to save the love of her life. As she follows clue after clue she gets closer and sometimes further away from the love that has been eluding her through the ages.
An enticing suspense thriller, Dangerous Ishq is Sanjana’s tryst with Destiny. Would she be able to unravel the past to save her future? Would she be able to rescue her love and expose his true captors?
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A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves to
death.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
PUPPIES FOR SALE
A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the Eyes of a little boy.
Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies."
"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money."
The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?"
"Sure," said the farmer.
And with that he let out a whistle,"Here,Dolly!" he called.
Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight.
As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared; this One noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up....
"I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt.
The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would."
With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands."
“The world is full of people who need someone who understands.”
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“The pleasures of the senses pass quickly; those of the heart become sorrows,but those of the mind are ever with us, even to the end of our journey.”
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