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“Don’t try to understand everything because sometimes it is not meant to be understood, but to be accepted.”
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Gauge of US economy posts solid February gain
A measure of the US economy's health rose in February by the largest amount in three months, suggesting growth should rebound following a severe winter. Economists said the better-than-expected increase indicates any weather-related problems the economy is experiencing now will be short-lived and the economy will be poised for better growth in the second half of this year.
Better news on the US economy drives stocks higher
The stock market got a bounce on the first day of spring. Signs that the US economy is emerging from a winter chill drove major stock indexes higher Thursday. Investors were encouraged by an increase in manufacturing and a rise in a key index of economic indicators. 'The economy is likely to have a good bounce in the springtime,' said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital. 'The market is reacting to the good economic news.'
How the small farmer feeds the majority of the world
Despite the proliferation of factory farming, it's still the family farmer that grows food for our planet. As a result, the United Nations designated 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming to highlight how small farmers play a major role in making the world a better place. As the planet becomes more urbanized and modernized, it's clear that we can't allow the family farm to become extinct.
US First Lady to avoid politics on Beijing visit
First Lady Michelle Obama plans to avoid politics and focus on education and people-to-people contacts on her first visit to China. Mrs Obama's schedule includes a speech to Chinese and American students at Peking University and visits to the cities of Xi'an in the west and Chengdu in the southwest. On Friday, she is to spend the day with Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping. 'I think this is a very good opportunity to improve the China-US relations, as the First Lady can represent the soft side of diplomacy,' said Wang Dong, a political scientist at Peking University's School of International Studies.
Video of the Day:
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| World Round-Up |
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Jaswant may quit BJP, contest as Independent from Barmer: Sources
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Barmer: Senior leader Jaswant Singh is likely to quit from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contest as an Independent from his home town of Barmer in Rajasthan, sources say. Despite making it clear that he wanted to contest from Barmer as it would be his last Lok Sabha elections, the BJP gave him a ticket from Dahod in Gujarat.
A miffed Singh said that he would decide his next course of action on March 24 even as a rattled BJP leadership said that the party would find another another role for him. The veteran leader said, "There is a real and a fake BJP. I cannot decide which is which but the people will. I have fought for the real BJP till now."
Singh's supporters on Saturday targeted BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Barmer and tore up the campaign posters to protest against the denial of ticket to the senior leader who is currently a Lok Sabha MP from Darjeeling in West Bengal.
They also burnt Modi's effigies at several places in Barmer. Several posters of Jaswant Singh have also been put up in Barmer.
Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley hinted that the BJP is unlikely to re-think its decision denying Jaswant Singh a ticket from Barmer as the party has also named Colonel Sona Ram Choudhury as its candidate from the constituency.
"I regret that we were unable to accommodate a senior leader like Jaswant Singh. However, the party will make place for him in some other position," said Jaitley.
BJP President Rajnath Singh said that the party would utilise Jaswant Singh's experience.
"Jaswant Singh is a very senior leader and the party values and respects him. BJP will utilise his experience to the fullest," he said.
Earlier, BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani too had expresssed his unhappiness over not being allowed to contest from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh after he was given a ticket to contest from his traditional seat of Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
Advani later relented and agreed to contest from Gandhinagar but not before Modi, Sushma Swaraj and Venkaiah Naidu met and mollified him.
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Astrology
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Aries March 21 to April 19 This may be an exciting and ambitious time for learning new skills or delving into new uncharted areas. This will be most evident in your pursuit of philosophy or spiritual information, or may apply to legal matters, financial transactions, estate dealings, and tax investigations. Your ruling planet, Mars, may guide you to find a creative method for stitching up any loose ends. You'll instinctively know the right thing to do and act accordingly.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
 You may find yourself working hard to bridge matters between your partner and your family. There may only be so much that you can do in this matter, but your efforts will not go unnoticed. More than likely this may be about doing the right thing and keeping all parties happy, but you may also see that the only way forward is for some compromise on both sides. If you can use your persuasive powers to enlighten others, you'll find the common ground.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
 You may be on a mission to figure out some piece of your health status. In an effort to provide maximum coverage for yourself, you may have to do some research. Of course this may mean approaching insurers, physicians, and other large organizations. You may be contacting health insurers or medical records for important data for making an important decision. This same type of energy may also be useful for putting together charitable events for organizations.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
 Take your time when making financial decisions that could impact your vacation plans. This may be particularly useful if you are investing in a trip for the future. You may find that details are hard to come by or that details do not fall into place as easily as you would have hoped. Do not despair. As long as you are diligent and dedicated to the effort, you should do quite well. Nothing comes too easily, especially if it is worth having.
Leo July 23 to Aug. 22
 This may be one of those days when you are glad that you have the natural tenacity to stick with the program and get done what has to get done. You may be especially driven to wrap things up, but complications may invariably clog your progress somewhat. Rather than allowing yourself to get discouraged, take heart and work though the challenges with grace under pressure. If you remain cognizant of your backing family, you may be quite pleased with the outcome.
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Raghuram Rajan asks youths to join public service
Mumbai: Even as some former bureaucrats face CBI heat, Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan has called upon the youth to join public service so that they can leave an imprint on the society at large.
Addressing the students of the RBI-run Indira Gandhi Institute for Economic Research (IGIDR) on their convocation day, Rajan admitted that in the current environment, "it is tough to be an honest public servant."
"The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) comes after you. You are an honest guy and you don't get credit...Of course, it's hard being honest and many people would get influenced by the environment around them. But when you do public service, there is a hope that you can leave some imprint," Rajan told the IGIDR students as their chancellor.
It can be noted that CBI has filed a preliminary inquiry against former Sebi chairman C B Bhave, considered by many ministers and industry leaders as one of the most upright civil servants, alleging criminal conspiracy in granting licence to Jignesh Shah promoted MCX-SX stock exchange.
The CBI action has been criticised by many, including Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, apart from noted banker Deepak Parekh, among others.
"I am not saying private service does not leave an imprint. But sometimes it is easier in public service to make the difference, partly because you may be an entrepreneur of ideas and if you can make those ideas take, you will have influence," he added.
It can be recalled that in his first interview after being appointed the Governor last September, Rajan had told a magazine when asked why he left his cushy academic life in the US, "I don't want to make it sound as grandiose as giving back..."
"If I woke up at age 65 and saw either a very successful country or a very unsuccessful country, either way I'd have tremendous regret in not having played a part, either for the good or preventing the bad," he had told the magazine.
According to him, it is wrong to think about public sector as only from what it rewards one or with a 'what's in it for me' attitude.
"The right way to think about is that there is a lot for you and it's not about today, it's about eternity...it's about your legacy and to some extent the more good you can do in shaping people and in making life better and public sector jobs have that capacity.
"The more the world be better off, the more you will feel that you have made a difference and that is a good feeling to have. I won't look at purely a trade off or sacrifice. I would see it as perhaps a way of fulfilling your self," Rajan concluded.
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Top 7 food pairings for slimmer waistline
Food pairings play more important a role than you think in ensuring a slimmer waistline and peachier skin. Here are the top 7 matches that are healthy for you
Green tea + lemon = A healthy heart
Since it is rich in powerful antioxidants like catechins, green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks. And when you add lemon juice to it, you do your heart more favour. After brewing yourself a cup of green tea, squeeze some lemon juice (you can also use an orange, lime or grapefruit).
Broccoli + tomatoes = Cancer control
Broccoli and tomatoes are both cancer-fighting agents, but research shows eating them together offers more protection. Tomato and broccoli at the same time are effective at slowing the growth of cancerous prostate tumours than eating either vegetable alone. Eat at least one and a half cups of broccoli and two and a half cups of fresh tomato (or one cup of fresh tomato puree).
Red bell peppers + black beans = Improved immunity
You'll absorb more immuneboosting iron by adding in some red bell peppers. Iron in beans exists in a form called non-heme iron that's harder for your body to absorb than the one found in red meat. However, adding a dose of vitamin C-rich food like red peppers converts the iron into a type that's easier for the body to use and boosts immunity.
Avocad0 + green salad = Complexion protection
Absorb more skin-protecting plant compounds called carotenoids from your vegetable salad by adding a little avocado. Carotenoids reduce free radical damage to effectively protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. A recent study showed, people who ate avocado in their salad of lettuce, spinach, and carrots absorbed up to 15 times more carotenoids than those who didn't eat their salads with avocado.
Apricots + almonds = A tip-top ticker
This power pair helps prevents LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidising, a process that happens whenever LDL reacts with free radicals. And oxidised LDL is harmful because it encourages dangerous plaque build-up in the arteries. However, in a recent study, researchers found that the phytochemicals in almonds reduced LDL oxidation when paired with the antioxidant vitamins E and C, both of which are found abundantly in apricots.
Garlic + onions = Head to toe protection
These aromatic veggies both contain a number of organosulfur compounds, heart healthy plant chemicals that help keep arteries flexible and free of plaque. Some of these compounds have even been studied for their power to detoxify carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) in the body. Eating both at the same time means you're covering your bases and boosting your chances of getting more of these healthful compounds, she says.
Cinnamon + whole grain toast = Speedier slimming
Sprinkling cinnamon may help keep your blood sugar at a healthier level, which prevents dips in your energy and spikes in your hunger level. It has been found to slow the rate of stomach emptying after meals and reduces the rise in blood sugar after meals to negate more noshing later. Experts say you will seize more protective compounds if your cinnamon is fresh.
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Virgo Aug. 23 to Sept. 22  This should be a fabulous day to put your head down and complete a few paperwork projects. Writing and details may be important and necessary so hunker down and crank out the documents. You may also find, however, that the process has a certain satisfaction to it and that you actually enjoy seeing the progress you have made. Hard work does have its rewards. You may feel a strong sense of accomplishment once you have completed the job.
Libra Sept. 23 to Oct. 22 Watch for activity between you and your business associates. The topic of finances and budgets are likely, so if you can prepare accordingly, you'll be glad you did. This may be an important time for you to be well prepared. Gather your details, figures, records, and financial transactions so that you are completely ready with the right answers at the right time. You may have to negotiate with your friends to get the process to work properly. This may be a good time to exercise patience and compassion as you work forward.
Scorpio Oct. 23 to Nov. 21 As one of your ruling planets, Mars, moves into your career sector, you may be far more engaged in the daily activities of your job than usual. As such, this may be a marvelous opportunity to gain real measurable progress on your current workload. By the time the day is done, you may be able to look back with a genuine feeling of satisfaction. You may be willing to work extremely hard at accomplishing your work, but try to avoid becoming a steamroller.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
 You may be on the last leg of a successful business trip and still have a few loose ends lingering. The sooner you can get some of those details ironed out, the better you will feel about your travels. As arduous as it may be, the job really will not be complete until the paperwork is done. Get your trip report filed early so you can kick back and relax knowing you did the right thing.
Capricorn Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
 You may feel pulled in two directions as work and group projects demand as much of your time as your significant partner. If you can find a way to satisfy both ends of the spectrum, you'll feel much better and probably accomplish a lot more. Be responsible to your friends and work associates and compassionate to your sweetheart. This may be one situation where you truly can dance at all weddings and keep everyone happy.
Aquarius Jan. 20 to Feb. 18  If you find yourself having to make a decision between work and pleasure, you might actually do better if you lean on the side of responsibility. The fun and easy times will always return, but this may be a better time for putting in a few extra hours at the office until you are more confident that you are covered there. A little extra effort may go a long way, at least for appearances sake.
Pisces Feb. 19 to March 20  If you are out and about, either traveling or attending a conference, take the extra step to keep up your exercise routine. Even though you may be working out on unfamiliar turf, it will still be important to get the workout in, especially because the exercise boosts your ability to concentrate. This will be a worthy pursuit and significantly impact your effectiveness on the job. However, it may be wise to tone down your routine just a notch so you aren't over-extending yourself.
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Moral Story
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SMS
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
When one loves somebody everything is clear -- where to go, what to do -- it all takes care of itself and one doesn't have to ask anybody about anything.
LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
Be known for pleasing others, espcecially if you govern them...Ruling other has one advantage: you can do more good than anyone else.
Hitler says,
"There is no word like IMPOSSIBLE in my dictionary"
Sardar says:Ab bolne se kiya fayidah?
"Jub kharidi thi tab hi check karna tha na":D
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Archives' book on Bihar in DU M Phil syllabus
PATNA: Indirectly, CM Nitish Kumar ought to get credit for launching multi-pronged Bihar Diwas celebrations in 2012 that included government support to publications of books having bearing on various aspects of Bihar life and culture, as the department of history of Delhi University has this year put one such landmark book in the series in its syllabus for MPhil course and research on regional studies.
The book is 'The Making of a Province, Select Documents on the Creation of Modern Bihar, 1874-1917,' which has as its chief editor Ashok Aounshuman, associate professor of history at B R Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur. His two assisting editors are Srikant and Abhay Kumar, and the book has been brought out by Bihar State Archives (BSA).
First, Bihar, comprising present day Odisha and Jharkhand, was carved out of the then Bengal on March 22, 2012, but the making of what is called 'modern Bihar' became a reality only after it got its Patna high court in 1916 and Patna University in 1917, setting the course for the future growth trajectory of the province.
"Yes, the department of history of Delhi University has included the book in its regional studies section for M Phil syllabus. Moment should be seen as recognition to the meaningful efforts that went behind the book that is exhaustive in scope and also very comprehensive. Overall, the credit for it should go to CM Nitish Kumar for initiating multi-dimensional celebration of Bihar Diwas in 2012. It made the book possible," said Aounshuman.
In his foreword to the book, the CM noted, "The work, in a thematic framework, traces the evolution of movement for the separation of Bihar from Bengal, and in the process, it enters into some interesting by-lanes of the movement."
As BSA director Vijoy Kumar puts it, "Sources used are indeed extensive, ranging from unpublished official records and sources to newspaper reports, letters to editors, articles, comments, extracts of books, memoirs, speeches and advertisements etc. collected from various archives and libraries across the country."
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World T20: India strangle Pakistan with spin in opening game
DHAKA: Be it Friday or any other day, be it T20 or 50-over cricket, Pakistan still can't beat India in World Cups. The Men in Blue won their ninth World Cup contest against their arch-rivals and the fourth in the ICC World T20 when they emerged victorious in a turbo-charged opening Super-10 clash at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday by seven wickets with nine balls to spare.
Scorecard | Super 10 Stage Standings | Match in Pics
Rohit Sharma (24; 21 balls, 1x4, 2x6) and Shikhar Dhawan (30; 28b, 5x4), who have endured a lean period as an opening pair since November 2, set the base for the win by putting on 50 for the first wicket in eight overs.
And while Dhawan perished while attacking a short ball off Gul and Rohit chopped Ajmal on to the stumps, thereby wasting another good start, the chase of 131 was never going to be an issue. India's two in-form batsmen Virat Kohli (36*; 32b, 4x4, 1x6) and Suresh Raina (35*; 28b, 4x4, 1x6) applied the finishing touches on a tricky wicket with decent turn and spongy bounce.
Their unbeaten 66-run stand in 8.2 overs took care of a mini collapse which occurred after Yuvraj Singh (1) was out bowled playing across the line off Bilawal Bhatti. His repeated dismissals to full deliveries raises question marks over his eyesight and reflexes.
They say when in doubt, have a conversation with your inner self and go with your gut feeling. Earlier, Indian skipper MS Dhoni did just that and against conventional wisdom, on a dew-laden outfield, his decision to field a three-pronged specialist spin attack paid rich dividends.
The trio of R Ashwin (4-0-23-0), Amit Mishra (4-1-22-2) and Ravindra Jadeja (4-0-18-1) applied the squeeze on the Pakistan batsmen. After being put in to bat, the 2009 champions just couldn't break free and managed only 130-7.
Ashwin's tactic of bowling round the wicket at the batsman's pads cramped the Pakistanis and Ahmed Shehzad felt the pressure. He called Kamran Akmal for a suicidal single and turned back, only to leave the wicketkeeper stranded. The chaotic start to the innings was symbolic of the way Pakistan batted throughout the 20-over stretch as they lost wickets at the wrong time throughout their innings.
The reinvented and rejuvenated Mishra flighted the ball generously and his dismissal of Shehzad, where he drew the batsman forward, and beat him in flight, was vintage leg-spin bowling. Jadeja too bowled flat and fast and didn't allow the batsmen to use their feet. Barring the fourth-wicket stand of 50 between Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal 33 (30 balls, 2x4), Pakistan just could not get any momentum and without Sohaib Maqsood's cameo 21 (11b, 2x4, 1 x6), they would have ended with an even lower score.
India now face West Indies at the same venue under lights on Sunday, while Pakistan will face Australia in a must-win game earlier on the same day.
Key Moments
Dhoni's decision to bowl first
With dew being a huge factor, Dhoni played his cards perfectly by employing his spinners first up. The spinners - R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra - choked the flow of runs to restrict Pakistan to 130. None of the big hitters, including Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi, could break the shackles.
Mishra bowls a classic beauty
The leg-spinner bowled an absolute beauty to lure the in-form Ahmed Shehzad out of his crease. The ball, a legspinner's classic, spun past the dangerous batsman's bat as he danced down the wicket. Dhoni completed an easy stumping to peg the Pakistanis back to 47 for 3.
Raina makes most of reprieve
India were not quite out of the woods following Yuvraj Singh's cheap dismissal when Shahid Afridi, fielding at slip, due to an injury, spilled a sitter offered by Suresh Raina off Mohammad Hafeez. The left-hander captalised on the reprieve and went on to make 35 in his 66-run stand with Virat Kohli.
Blunting the Ajmal factor
There was only one bowler who could win it back for Pakistan. But the Indian batsmen made sure that Saeed Ajmal didn't cause much damage by treating him with caution. Ajmal finished with figures of 4-0-18-1, but clearly Pakistan didn't get enough runs.
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Youngistaan
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Youngistaan
Movie Name : Youngistaan
Release Date : March 28, 2014
Genre : Drama
Producer : Vashu Bhagnani
Director : Syed Ahmad Afzal
Music Director : Jeet Ganguly, Sneha Khanwalkar, Shiraz Uppal, Shree Isshq
Cast : Jackky Bhagnani, Neha Sharma, Farooq Sheikh, Boman Irani, Kayoze Irani, Meeta Vasisht.
Synopsis:
Youngistaan is an upcoming Bollywood film directed by Syed Ahmad Afzal releasing on 28 March 2014. It stars Jackky Bhagnani, Neha Sharma, Farooq Sheikh and Kayoze Irani in lead roles.
The film is a love story set against the backdrop of Indian politics. The first trailer of Youngistaan was unveiled at a suburban multiplex in Mumbai on 1 February 2014. Farooq Shaikh died on 27 December 2013, Youngistaan would be his last film he acted in.
The film is believed to be a remake of the 2010 Telugu film 'Leader' written and directed by Sekhar Kammula with debutant Rana Daggubati in lead.
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The least used letter in the alphabet is Q.
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" INSPIRING STORY "
Give time to our family
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.”
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked.
My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.”
She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “I would like that very much.” That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.
When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.
She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel’s. “I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, “she said, as she got into the car. “They can’t wait to hear about our meeting.”
We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print.
Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. “It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,” she said.
“Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor,” I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation – nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other’s life.
We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” I agreed.
“How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,” I answered. A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack.
It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: “I paid this bill in advance.
I wasn’t sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.”
At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: “I LOVE YOU” and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”
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“You can’t live your life for other people. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts some people you love.”
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