She… designed a life she loved: had to do this but mexico is below
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I think every book loving blog on the Internet is doing this right now, but hey, I like to participate. So here we go!Take a look at this list and see which ones you’ve read. Here’s what you do:* Bold the ones you’ve read* Italicize the ones you want to read * Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in* Highlight those you haven’t heard of (I’m going to put in capitals. I haven’t figured out how to type in color yet!)* Put a couple of astericks by the ones you recommend. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien) 7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)8. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)12. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)14. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)17. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)20. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)58. The World According to Garp (John Irving)79. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)**95.
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The biggest plus is that the growth rate of GDP has improved from 7.5 per cent in 2004-05 to 9 per cent (Quick Estimate) in 2005-06 and, according to Advance Estimate, to 9.2 per cent in 2006-07. The average growth rate in the three years of the UPA Government is, therefore, 8.6 per cent. In the three years of the UPA Government, the growth rate in manufacturing has accelerated from 8.7 per cent to 9.1 per cent and further to 11.3 per cent. The services sector continues to maintain impressive growth and has recorded, in the three years, a growth rate of 9.6 per cent, 9.8 per cent and 11.2 per cent respectively. Average growth during the Tenth Plan period is estimated at 2.3 per cent, which is below the desired level of 4 per cent a year. To continue with the report card, per capita income in 2005-06, in real terms, increased by 7.4 per cent, and the savings rate has been estimated at 32.4 per cent and the investment rate at 33.8 per cent. Until February 2, 2007, bank credit, year on year, had grown by 29.6 per cent. Consequently, average inflation in 2006-07 is estimated at between 5.2 and 5.4 per cent, which is higher than 4.4 per cent last year. The Approach Paper to the Eleventh Plan states that the Plan will aim at putting the economy on a sustainable growth trajectory with a growth rate of approximately 10 per cent by the end of its period. Among the other objectives of the Plan are growth of 4 per cent in the agriculture sector, faster employment creation, reducing disparities across regions and ensuring access to basic physical infrastructure as well as health and education services to all. In 2006-07, the GBS was fixed at Rs.172,728 crore and, of this, support to the Central Plan was Rs.131,284 crore. For Bharat Nirman, as against Rs.18,696 crore (including the NER component) in 2006-07, I propose to provide Rs.24,603 crore in 2007-08, which marks an increase of 31.6 per cent. In 2007-08, I propose to enhance the allocation for education by 34.2 per cent to Rs.32,352 crore and for health and family welfare by 21.9 per cent to Rs.15,291 crore. Hence, I propose to increase the allocation for school education by about 35 per cent from Rs.17,133 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.23,142 crore in 2007-08. Further, I propose to increase the provision for strengthening teachers training institutions from Rs.162 crore to Rs.450 crore. The transfer to Prarambhik Shiksha Kosh will increase from Rs.8,746 crore to Rs.10,393 crore. Schemes for this purpose are under formulation, and I propose to double the provision for secondary education from Rs.1,837 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.3,794 crore in 2007-08. In order to fund this programme, I intend to create a corpus fund of Rs.750 crore this year, and add a like amount to the fund every year over the next three years. I propose to enhance the allocation for the Mission from Rs.4,680 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.5,850 crore in 2007-08. As regards the Total Sanitation Campaign, I propose to increase the provision from Rs.720 crore this year to Rs.954 crore next year. I propose to increase the allocation for NRHM from Rs.8,207 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.9,947 crore in 2007-08. For the year 2007-08, I propose to step up the provision for the AIDS control programme to Rs.969 crore. To achieve the goal of eliminating polio, I propose to provide Rs.1,290 crore in 2007-08. I propose to increase the allocation for ICDS from Rs.4,087 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.4,761 crore in 2007-08. I therefore propose to make an initial allocation of Rs.12,000 crore (including NER component) for NREGS. I propose to strengthen this programme by increasing the allocation from Rs.1,200 crore in the current year to Rs.1,800 crore (including NER component) next year. Hence, I propose to increase the allocation for Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojana from Rs.250 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.344 crore next year. I propose to enhance the allocation from Rs.4,595 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.4,987 crore 2007-08. In respect of schemes with at least 20 per cent of the benefits earmarked for SCs and STs, I have increased the allocation to Rs.17,691 crore. I propose to enhance the allocation from Rs.35 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.88 crore in 2007-08. I propose to increase the provision for these scholarships from Rs.440 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.611 crore in 2007-08. I also propose to make a separate provision of Rs.91 crore for similar scholarships to be awarded to students belonging to socially and educationally backward classes. Last year, I made a modest contribution of Rs.16.47 crore to the equity of the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Hence, I propose to provide a further sum of Rs.63 crore to the share capital of NMDFC. I propose to make a provision of Rs.108 crore for a multi-sector development programme in these districts. I propose to make the following allocations: Pre-matric scholarships Rs.72 crore Post-matric scholarships Rs.90 crore Merit-cum-Means scholarships at graduate and post-graduate levels Rs.48.60 crore Women 39. The outlay for 100 per cent women specific programmes is Rs.8,795 crore and for schemes where at least 30 per cent is for women specific programmes is Rs.22,382 crore. The total budget allocation in 2007-08 for the North Eastern Region, culled out from allocations under different ministries/ departments, has increased from Rs.12,041 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.14,365 crore in 2007-08. The target of Rs.175,000 crore set for 2006-07 will be exceeded comfortably and is likely to reach Rs.190,000 crore. For 2007-08, I propose to fix a target of Rs.225,000 crore as farm credit and an addition of 50 lakh new farmers to the banking system. The two per cent interest subvention scheme for short-term crop loans will continue in 2007-08, and I am making a provision of Rs.1,677 crore for that purpose. A special plan is being implemented over a period of three years in 31 especially distressed districts in four States of the country involving a total amount of Rs.16,979 crore. I propose to provide Rs.153 crore for this scheme. As against an outlay of Rs.7,121 crore in 2006-07, the outlay for 2007-08 will be increased to Rs.11,000 crore. Of this, the grant component to State Governments will be Rs.3,580 crore, an increase from Rs.2,350 crore. I propose to allocate Rs.100 crore for the new Rainfed Area Development Programme. I propose to provide 100 per cent subsidy to small and marginal farmers and 50 per cent subsidy to other farmers. I propose to enhance the provision for ATMA from Rs.50 crore to Rs.230 crore next year. I propose to make a provision of Rs.500 crore for the scheme. In order to augment its resources, I propose to allow NABARD to issue rural bonds to the extent of Rs.5,000 crore. In 2006-07, out of a corpus of Rs.10,000 crore, NABARD has so far issued sanctions for Rs.8,440 crore and will achieve its target. Keeping in view the growing demand for these funds, I propose to raise the corpus of RIDF-XIII in 2007-08 to Rs.12,000 crore. I propose to continue the separate window under RIDF-XIII in 2007-08 with a corpus of Rs.4,000 crore. The Central Government will bear 50 per cent of the premium of Rs.200 per year per person and I would urge the State Governments to come forward to bear the other 50 per cent on behalf of the beneficiaries. Taking into account the annual cost to the Central Government, I intend to place a sum of Rs.1,000 crore in a fund that will be maintained by LIC. For example, gross domestic capital formation (GDCF) in 2005-06 grew by 23.7 per cent over the previous year to Rs.11,47,254 crore. Government will provide equity support of Rs.16,361 crore and loans of Rs.2,970 crore to CPSEs. Further, in the current year, we have restructured eight CPSEs with a cash infusion of Rs.1,590 crore and non-cash sacrifices of Rs.1,612 crore. I propose to increase the budgetary support for APDRP from Rs.650 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.800 crore next year. Having regard to the pace of implementation under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana and the annual target, I propose to increase the allocation from Rs.3,000 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.3,983 crore in 2007-08. So far, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given Rs.2,072 crore as viability gap funding but has also received Rs.1,900 crore as negative grant. I propose to increase the provision for the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) from Rs.9,945 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.10,667 crore next year. So far, under the viability gap funding scheme, 37 proposals have been received of which 21 proposals have been granted ‘in-principle’ approval with a total project cost of Rs.9,842 crore and an estimated viability gap funding of Rs.2,521 crore. I propose to increase the provision for these parks from Rs.189 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.425 crore in 2007-08. Against a provision of Rs.535 crore in 2006-07, I propose to provide Rs.911 crore in 2007-08. I propose to enhance the allocation for the sector from Rs.241 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.321 crore next year. Following the credit policy for small and medium enterprises (SME) announced in August 2005, outstanding credit to the SME sector increased from Rs.135,200 crore at end December 2005 to Rs.173,460 crore at end December 2006. I propose to make a provision of Rs.22.50 crore. I propose to increase the provision for building tourist infrastructure from Rs.423 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.520 crore in 2007-08. The Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) scheme provides finance at a rate of 4 per cent to the weaker sections of the community engaged in gainful occupations. Each fund will have an overall corpus of Rs.500 crore, with initial funding to be contributed by the Central Government, RBI and NABARD. I propose to increase the allocation for Defence to Rs.96,000 crore. I propose to increase the allocation for e-governance from Rs.395 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.719 crore in 2007-08. The Central Government supports e-governance action plans at State levels, and I propose to increase the allocation for such support from Rs.300 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.500 crore in 2007-08. I also propose to provide Rs.33 crore for a new scheme of manpower development for the software export industry. I propose to increase the allocation to Rs.5,800 crore in 2007-08. I propose to make an initial provision of Rs.50 crore for beginning work on this mission. Once a tripartite MoU is signed among the three stakeholders, I propose to grant an interest free loan up to Rs.2.5 crore to each ITI for upgradation and revision of courses. I estimate the cost to Government at Rs.150 crore per annum rising to Rs.450 crore per annum when the scheme is fully rolled out. I propose to provide in 2007-08 Rs.150 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Rs.350 crore to the Delhi Government for the Games. Similarly, I propose to provide Rs.50 crore for the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 to be held in Pune. As in the last two years, I propose to make a special grant of Rs.100 crore to recognise excellence. In 2006-07, the Centre will give to the States as their share of taxes and duties Rs.120,377 crore. Besides, total grants and loans, both under Plan and non-Plan, to States and Union Territories will increase from Rs.90,521 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.106,987 crore in 2007-08. VAT revenues of the implementing States increased by 13.8 per cent in 2005-06 and by 24.3 per cent in the first nine months of 2006-07. Consequently, the CST rate will be reduced from 4 per cent to 3 per cent with effect from April 1, 2007. Based on Revised Estimates, I am happy to report that the revenue deficit for the current year will be 2.0 per cent (against a BE of 2.1 per cent) and the fiscal deficit will be 3.7 per cent (against a BE of 3.8 per cent). Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the Budget Estimates for 2007-08, the total expenditure is estimated at Rs.680,521 crore (including Rs.40,000 crore for the SBI share acquisition) . The total revenue receipts of the Central Government are projected to be Rs.486,422 crore and the revenue expenditure to be Rs.557,900 crore. Consequently, the revenue deficit is estimated at Rs.71,478 crore which is 1.5 per cent of the GDP. The fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs.150,948 crore, which is 3.3 per cent of the GDP. Gross tax revenue has grown by 19.9 per cent, 20.0 per cent and 27.8 per cent in the first three years of this Government. The tax to GDP ratio has increased from 9.2 per cent in 2003-04 to 11.4 per cent in 2006-07. In order to take one more step towards comparable East Asian rates, I propose to reduce the peak rate for non-agricultural products from 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent. I propose to reduce the duties on most chemicals and plastics from 12.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Keeping in mind the need for a differential, I propose to reduce the duty on seconds and defectives of steel from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. Last year, I reduced the excise duty on all man-made fibres and yarns from 16 per cent to 8 per cent. To further encourage this industry, I propose to reduce the customs duty on polyester fibres and yarns from 10 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Consequently, the customs duty on raw-materials such as DMT, PTA and MEG will also be reduced from 10 per cent to 7.5 per cent. I propose to bring down the duty on cut and polished diamonds from 5 per cent to 3 per cent; on rough synthetic stones from 12.5 per cent to 5 per cent; and on unworked corals from 30 per cent to 10 per cent. To augment irrigation facilities and processing of agricultural products, I propose to reduce the duty on drip irrigation systems, agricultural sprinklers and food processing machinery from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent. While specified medical equipment attract a concessional duty of 5 per cent, other equipment are taxed at 12.5 per cent. I propose to bring down the general rate of import duty on medical equipment to 7.5 per cent. In order to make edible oils more affordable, I propose to exempt crude as well as refined edible oils from the additional CV duty of 4 per cent. I propose to reduce the duty on pet foods from 30 per cent to 20 per cent. I propose to reduce the duty on watch dials and movements as well as umbrella parts from 12.5 per cent to 5 per cent. In order to promote research and development, I propose to extend the concessional rate of 5 per cent duty available to public funded research institutions to all research institutions registered with the Directorate of Scientific and Industrial Research. For the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, I propose to reduce the duty on 15 specified machinery from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent. Hence, I propose to levy an import duty of 3 per cent, which is the WTO bound rate, on all private import of aircraft including helicopters. Taking a leaf out of the report, and in order to conserve our natural resources as well as to raise revenue, I propose to impose an export duty of Rs.300 per metric tonne on export of iron ores and concentrates and Rs.2,000 per metric tonne on export of chrome ores and concentrates. Hence, I propose to reduce the ad valorem component of excise duty on petrol and diesel from 8 per cent to 6 per cent. Keeping in mind the special needs of several sectors and the interest of the consumers, I propose to grant relief from excise duty in deserving cases, especially job creating sectors: I propose to raise the exemption limit for small scale industry (SSI) from Rs.1 crore to Rs.1.5 crore. This year, I propose to fully exempt from excise duty biscuits whose retail sale price does not exceed Rs.50 per kilogram. I propose to reduce excise duty on umbrellas and parts of footwear from 16 per cent to 8 per cent. Hence, I propose to reduce excise duty on plywood from 16 per cent to 8 per cent. Accordingly, I propose to reduce the present rate of excise duty of Rs.400 per metric tonne to Rs.350 per metric tonne on cement which is sold in retail at not more than Rs.190 per bag. Hence, I propose to increase the specific rates of excise duty on cigarettes by about 5 per cent. Similarly, excise duty (excluding cess) on biris, which was last fixed in 2001, will be raised from Rs.7 to Rs.11 per thousand for non-machine made biris and from Rs.17 to Rs.24 per thousand for machine made biris. However, in the case of pan masala not containing tobacco, the duty will be reduced from 66 per cent to 45 per cent. However, I also propose an optional composition scheme under which service tax will be levied at only 2 per cent of the total value of the works contract. I propose to exempt service tax on services provided by Resident Welfare Associations to their members who contribute Rs.3000 or less per month for services rendered. In order to encourage small and medium enterprises to invest and grow, I propose to remove the surcharge on income tax on all firms and companies with a taxable income of Rs.1 crore or less. Taking into account its recommendations, the best international practices and the need for a simple tax regime, I propose to introduce a benign assessment procedure for assessees engaged in diamond manufacturing and trading who declare profits from such activities at 8 per cent or more of the turnover. Our analysis shows that the effective rate of tax paid by all corporates, thanks to numerous tax concessions and exemptions - several of them well-intended - was only 19.2 per cent. Without altering the overall limit of the special reserve equal to twice the net worth under section 36(1)(viii) of the Income Tax Act, I propose to stretch out the period by restricting the deduction to 20 per cent of the profits each year and limit the benefit to banks and certain financial corporations. In December 2006, I put a limit of Rs.50 lakh per investor per year with respect to capital gains bonds issued by NHAI and REC under section 54EC of the Income Tax Act. Having regard to the capacity to pay, I propose to raise the rate of dividend distribution tax from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent on dividends distributed by companies. I propose to address this distortion by raising the dividend distribution tax on dividends paid by such entities to 25 per cent for all investors. While the cess of 2 per cent on all taxes to fund basic education will remain, I propose to levy an additional cess of 1 per cent on all taxes to fund secondary education and higher education and the expansion of capacity by 54 per cent for reservation for socially and educationally backward classes. My tax proposals on direct taxes are estimated to yield a gain of Rs.3,000 crore.
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It’s with great sadness that I write about the passing of another Bodybuilding Legend.Ray Stern has passed away this week at the young age of 74.A wrestler, bodybuilder, and industry entrepreneur (Ray opened the very first co-ed gym and the first gym with child-care), Ray may best be remembered recently for his extensive magazine photo coverage with his ever present ear-to-ear smile.For those of you not familiar with Ray or those that just want to read about his colorful career, SLAM Sports has a great article about Ray here: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/03/06/3704134.htmlR.I.P.
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Taken a Ferrari for a test drive- um no lay down when your dreaming5. Taken a candle lit bath with someone- maybe…depends on who’s reading this8. Hugged a tree- crap, someone saw? Seen the Northern Lights-many times, more beautiful with someone beside ya15. Grown and eaten your own vegetables- yep, hated weeding th4e garden grr!18. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon- once, and no I still won’t marry you22. Held a lamb- yes, still can’t eat lamb chops33. Visited all 50 states- nope but a lot of them, thanks dad41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced- again- is this a serious question?42. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country- um hey…mexico44. Stolen a sign- I should post a pic- Red Deer city limits sign was the bar counter top in our house when I was 1846. Taken a road-trip- baaa haaa haaa, sooo many!48. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them- yep, good times54. Played in the mud- yep! Taken a martial arts class- couple times, 71. Been in a movie- yep, Clint Eastwood- the movie sucked!!!74. Gone without food for 5 days- does having surgery count if they gave you jello and iv?77. Ridden a gondola in Venice- nope love to though80. Gotten a tattoo- yep, any longer and I woulda bolted81. Eaten shark- yes but they said it was chicken! Eaten fugu (pufferfish)- no way hosea!89. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country- no100. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking…all too often…and then I hammed it up more103. Held someone while they were having a flashback- no but does a diabetic seizure count?108. Broken someone’s heart- um…mean girl here!111. Ridden a bike- yep in 1980 or something…ha ha112. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild- um… Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon- no but I took a pic of it a week ago122. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states- no124. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days- and stay in the canoe? Eaten kangaroo meat- gross127. Eaten sushi…some but i am a pansy128. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about- yes130. Eaten fried green tomatoes- yep, mmmmm134.
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I think every book loving blog on the Internet is doing this right now, but hey, I like to participate. So here we go!Take a look at this list and see which ones you’ve read. Here’s what you do:* Bold the ones you’ve read* Italicize the ones you want to read * Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in* Highlight those you haven’t heard of (I’m going to put in capitals. I haven’t figured out how to type in color yet!)* Put a couple of astericks by the ones you recommend. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien) 7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)8. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)12. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)14. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)17. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)20. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)58. The World According to Garp (John Irving)79. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)**95.
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The biggest plus is that the growth rate of GDP has improved from 7.5 per cent in 2004-05 to 9 per cent (Quick Estimate) in 2005-06 and, according to Advance Estimate, to 9.2 per cent in 2006-07. The average growth rate in the three years of the UPA Government is, therefore, 8.6 per cent. In the three years of the UPA Government, the growth rate in manufacturing has accelerated from 8.7 per cent to 9.1 per cent and further to 11.3 per cent. The services sector continues to maintain impressive growth and has recorded, in the three years, a growth rate of 9.6 per cent, 9.8 per cent and 11.2 per cent respectively. Average growth during the Tenth Plan period is estimated at 2.3 per cent, which is below the desired level of 4 per cent a year. To continue with the report card, per capita income in 2005-06, in real terms, increased by 7.4 per cent, and the savings rate has been estimated at 32.4 per cent and the investment rate at 33.8 per cent. Until February 2, 2007, bank credit, year on year, had grown by 29.6 per cent. Consequently, average inflation in 2006-07 is estimated at between 5.2 and 5.4 per cent, which is higher than 4.4 per cent last year. The Approach Paper to the Eleventh Plan states that the Plan will aim at putting the economy on a sustainable growth trajectory with a growth rate of approximately 10 per cent by the end of its period. Among the other objectives of the Plan are growth of 4 per cent in the agriculture sector, faster employment creation, reducing disparities across regions and ensuring access to basic physical infrastructure as well as health and education services to all. In 2006-07, the GBS was fixed at Rs.172,728 crore and, of this, support to the Central Plan was Rs.131,284 crore. For Bharat Nirman, as against Rs.18,696 crore (including the NER component) in 2006-07, I propose to provide Rs.24,603 crore in 2007-08, which marks an increase of 31.6 per cent. In 2007-08, I propose to enhance the allocation for education by 34.2 per cent to Rs.32,352 crore and for health and family welfare by 21.9 per cent to Rs.15,291 crore. Hence, I propose to increase the allocation for school education by about 35 per cent from Rs.17,133 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.23,142 crore in 2007-08. Further, I propose to increase the provision for strengthening teachers training institutions from Rs.162 crore to Rs.450 crore. The transfer to Prarambhik Shiksha Kosh will increase from Rs.8,746 crore to Rs.10,393 crore. Schemes for this purpose are under formulation, and I propose to double the provision for secondary education from Rs.1,837 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.3,794 crore in 2007-08. In order to fund this programme, I intend to create a corpus fund of Rs.750 crore this year, and add a like amount to the fund every year over the next three years. I propose to enhance the allocation for the Mission from Rs.4,680 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.5,850 crore in 2007-08. As regards the Total Sanitation Campaign, I propose to increase the provision from Rs.720 crore this year to Rs.954 crore next year. I propose to increase the allocation for NRHM from Rs.8,207 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.9,947 crore in 2007-08. For the year 2007-08, I propose to step up the provision for the AIDS control programme to Rs.969 crore. To achieve the goal of eliminating polio, I propose to provide Rs.1,290 crore in 2007-08. I propose to increase the allocation for ICDS from Rs.4,087 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.4,761 crore in 2007-08. I therefore propose to make an initial allocation of Rs.12,000 crore (including NER component) for NREGS. I propose to strengthen this programme by increasing the allocation from Rs.1,200 crore in the current year to Rs.1,800 crore (including NER component) next year. Hence, I propose to increase the allocation for Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojana from Rs.250 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.344 crore next year. I propose to enhance the allocation from Rs.4,595 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.4,987 crore 2007-08. In respect of schemes with at least 20 per cent of the benefits earmarked for SCs and STs, I have increased the allocation to Rs.17,691 crore. I propose to enhance the allocation from Rs.35 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.88 crore in 2007-08. I propose to increase the provision for these scholarships from Rs.440 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.611 crore in 2007-08. I also propose to make a separate provision of Rs.91 crore for similar scholarships to be awarded to students belonging to socially and educationally backward classes. Last year, I made a modest contribution of Rs.16.47 crore to the equity of the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Hence, I propose to provide a further sum of Rs.63 crore to the share capital of NMDFC. I propose to make a provision of Rs.108 crore for a multi-sector development programme in these districts. I propose to make the following allocations: Pre-matric scholarships Rs.72 crore Post-matric scholarships Rs.90 crore Merit-cum-Means scholarships at graduate and post-graduate levels Rs.48.60 crore Women 39. The outlay for 100 per cent women specific programmes is Rs.8,795 crore and for schemes where at least 30 per cent is for women specific programmes is Rs.22,382 crore. The total budget allocation in 2007-08 for the North Eastern Region, culled out from allocations under different ministries/ departments, has increased from Rs.12,041 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.14,365 crore in 2007-08. The target of Rs.175,000 crore set for 2006-07 will be exceeded comfortably and is likely to reach Rs.190,000 crore. For 2007-08, I propose to fix a target of Rs.225,000 crore as farm credit and an addition of 50 lakh new farmers to the banking system. The two per cent interest subvention scheme for short-term crop loans will continue in 2007-08, and I am making a provision of Rs.1,677 crore for that purpose. A special plan is being implemented over a period of three years in 31 especially distressed districts in four States of the country involving a total amount of Rs.16,979 crore. I propose to provide Rs.153 crore for this scheme. As against an outlay of Rs.7,121 crore in 2006-07, the outlay for 2007-08 will be increased to Rs.11,000 crore. Of this, the grant component to State Governments will be Rs.3,580 crore, an increase from Rs.2,350 crore. I propose to allocate Rs.100 crore for the new Rainfed Area Development Programme. I propose to provide 100 per cent subsidy to small and marginal farmers and 50 per cent subsidy to other farmers. I propose to enhance the provision for ATMA from Rs.50 crore to Rs.230 crore next year. I propose to make a provision of Rs.500 crore for the scheme. In order to augment its resources, I propose to allow NABARD to issue rural bonds to the extent of Rs.5,000 crore. In 2006-07, out of a corpus of Rs.10,000 crore, NABARD has so far issued sanctions for Rs.8,440 crore and will achieve its target. Keeping in view the growing demand for these funds, I propose to raise the corpus of RIDF-XIII in 2007-08 to Rs.12,000 crore. I propose to continue the separate window under RIDF-XIII in 2007-08 with a corpus of Rs.4,000 crore. The Central Government will bear 50 per cent of the premium of Rs.200 per year per person and I would urge the State Governments to come forward to bear the other 50 per cent on behalf of the beneficiaries. Taking into account the annual cost to the Central Government, I intend to place a sum of Rs.1,000 crore in a fund that will be maintained by LIC. For example, gross domestic capital formation (GDCF) in 2005-06 grew by 23.7 per cent over the previous year to Rs.11,47,254 crore. Government will provide equity support of Rs.16,361 crore and loans of Rs.2,970 crore to CPSEs. Further, in the current year, we have restructured eight CPSEs with a cash infusion of Rs.1,590 crore and non-cash sacrifices of Rs.1,612 crore. I propose to increase the budgetary support for APDRP from Rs.650 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.800 crore next year. Having regard to the pace of implementation under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana and the annual target, I propose to increase the allocation from Rs.3,000 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.3,983 crore in 2007-08. So far, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has given Rs.2,072 crore as viability gap funding but has also received Rs.1,900 crore as negative grant. I propose to increase the provision for the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP) from Rs.9,945 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.10,667 crore next year. So far, under the viability gap funding scheme, 37 proposals have been received of which 21 proposals have been granted ‘in-principle’ approval with a total project cost of Rs.9,842 crore and an estimated viability gap funding of Rs.2,521 crore. I propose to increase the provision for these parks from Rs.189 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.425 crore in 2007-08. Against a provision of Rs.535 crore in 2006-07, I propose to provide Rs.911 crore in 2007-08. I propose to enhance the allocation for the sector from Rs.241 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.321 crore next year. Following the credit policy for small and medium enterprises (SME) announced in August 2005, outstanding credit to the SME sector increased from Rs.135,200 crore at end December 2005 to Rs.173,460 crore at end December 2006. I propose to make a provision of Rs.22.50 crore. I propose to increase the provision for building tourist infrastructure from Rs.423 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.520 crore in 2007-08. The Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) scheme provides finance at a rate of 4 per cent to the weaker sections of the community engaged in gainful occupations. Each fund will have an overall corpus of Rs.500 crore, with initial funding to be contributed by the Central Government, RBI and NABARD. I propose to increase the allocation for Defence to Rs.96,000 crore. I propose to increase the allocation for e-governance from Rs.395 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.719 crore in 2007-08. The Central Government supports e-governance action plans at State levels, and I propose to increase the allocation for such support from Rs.300 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.500 crore in 2007-08. I also propose to provide Rs.33 crore for a new scheme of manpower development for the software export industry. I propose to increase the allocation to Rs.5,800 crore in 2007-08. I propose to make an initial provision of Rs.50 crore for beginning work on this mission. Once a tripartite MoU is signed among the three stakeholders, I propose to grant an interest free loan up to Rs.2.5 crore to each ITI for upgradation and revision of courses. I estimate the cost to Government at Rs.150 crore per annum rising to Rs.450 crore per annum when the scheme is fully rolled out. I propose to provide in 2007-08 Rs.150 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Rs.350 crore to the Delhi Government for the Games. Similarly, I propose to provide Rs.50 crore for the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 to be held in Pune. As in the last two years, I propose to make a special grant of Rs.100 crore to recognise excellence. In 2006-07, the Centre will give to the States as their share of taxes and duties Rs.120,377 crore. Besides, total grants and loans, both under Plan and non-Plan, to States and Union Territories will increase from Rs.90,521 crore in 2006-07 to Rs.106,987 crore in 2007-08. VAT revenues of the implementing States increased by 13.8 per cent in 2005-06 and by 24.3 per cent in the first nine months of 2006-07. Consequently, the CST rate will be reduced from 4 per cent to 3 per cent with effect from April 1, 2007. Based on Revised Estimates, I am happy to report that the revenue deficit for the current year will be 2.0 per cent (against a BE of 2.1 per cent) and the fiscal deficit will be 3.7 per cent (against a BE of 3.8 per cent). Mr. Speaker, Sir, in the Budget Estimates for 2007-08, the total expenditure is estimated at Rs.680,521 crore (including Rs.40,000 crore for the SBI share acquisition) . The total revenue receipts of the Central Government are projected to be Rs.486,422 crore and the revenue expenditure to be Rs.557,900 crore. Consequently, the revenue deficit is estimated at Rs.71,478 crore which is 1.5 per cent of the GDP. The fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs.150,948 crore, which is 3.3 per cent of the GDP. Gross tax revenue has grown by 19.9 per cent, 20.0 per cent and 27.8 per cent in the first three years of this Government. The tax to GDP ratio has increased from 9.2 per cent in 2003-04 to 11.4 per cent in 2006-07. In order to take one more step towards comparable East Asian rates, I propose to reduce the peak rate for non-agricultural products from 12.5 per cent to 10 per cent. I propose to reduce the duties on most chemicals and plastics from 12.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Keeping in mind the need for a differential, I propose to reduce the duty on seconds and defectives of steel from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. Last year, I reduced the excise duty on all man-made fibres and yarns from 16 per cent to 8 per cent. To further encourage this industry, I propose to reduce the customs duty on polyester fibres and yarns from 10 per cent to 7.5 per cent. Consequently, the customs duty on raw-materials such as DMT, PTA and MEG will also be reduced from 10 per cent to 7.5 per cent. I propose to bring down the duty on cut and polished diamonds from 5 per cent to 3 per cent; on rough synthetic stones from 12.5 per cent to 5 per cent; and on unworked corals from 30 per cent to 10 per cent. To augment irrigation facilities and processing of agricultural products, I propose to reduce the duty on drip irrigation systems, agricultural sprinklers and food processing machinery from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent. While specified medical equipment attract a concessional duty of 5 per cent, other equipment are taxed at 12.5 per cent. I propose to bring down the general rate of import duty on medical equipment to 7.5 per cent. In order to make edible oils more affordable, I propose to exempt crude as well as refined edible oils from the additional CV duty of 4 per cent. I propose to reduce the duty on pet foods from 30 per cent to 20 per cent. I propose to reduce the duty on watch dials and movements as well as umbrella parts from 12.5 per cent to 5 per cent. In order to promote research and development, I propose to extend the concessional rate of 5 per cent duty available to public funded research institutions to all research institutions registered with the Directorate of Scientific and Industrial Research. For the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, I propose to reduce the duty on 15 specified machinery from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent. Hence, I propose to levy an import duty of 3 per cent, which is the WTO bound rate, on all private import of aircraft including helicopters. Taking a leaf out of the report, and in order to conserve our natural resources as well as to raise revenue, I propose to impose an export duty of Rs.300 per metric tonne on export of iron ores and concentrates and Rs.2,000 per metric tonne on export of chrome ores and concentrates. Hence, I propose to reduce the ad valorem component of excise duty on petrol and diesel from 8 per cent to 6 per cent. Keeping in mind the special needs of several sectors and the interest of the consumers, I propose to grant relief from excise duty in deserving cases, especially job creating sectors: I propose to raise the exemption limit for small scale industry (SSI) from Rs.1 crore to Rs.1.5 crore. This year, I propose to fully exempt from excise duty biscuits whose retail sale price does not exceed Rs.50 per kilogram. I propose to reduce excise duty on umbrellas and parts of footwear from 16 per cent to 8 per cent. Hence, I propose to reduce excise duty on plywood from 16 per cent to 8 per cent. Accordingly, I propose to reduce the present rate of excise duty of Rs.400 per metric tonne to Rs.350 per metric tonne on cement which is sold in retail at not more than Rs.190 per bag. Hence, I propose to increase the specific rates of excise duty on cigarettes by about 5 per cent. Similarly, excise duty (excluding cess) on biris, which was last fixed in 2001, will be raised from Rs.7 to Rs.11 per thousand for non-machine made biris and from Rs.17 to Rs.24 per thousand for machine made biris. However, in the case of pan masala not containing tobacco, the duty will be reduced from 66 per cent to 45 per cent. However, I also propose an optional composition scheme under which service tax will be levied at only 2 per cent of the total value of the works contract. I propose to exempt service tax on services provided by Resident Welfare Associations to their members who contribute Rs.3000 or less per month for services rendered. In order to encourage small and medium enterprises to invest and grow, I propose to remove the surcharge on income tax on all firms and companies with a taxable income of Rs.1 crore or less. Taking into account its recommendations, the best international practices and the need for a simple tax regime, I propose to introduce a benign assessment procedure for assessees engaged in diamond manufacturing and trading who declare profits from such activities at 8 per cent or more of the turnover. Our analysis shows that the effective rate of tax paid by all corporates, thanks to numerous tax concessions and exemptions - several of them well-intended - was only 19.2 per cent. Without altering the overall limit of the special reserve equal to twice the net worth under section 36(1)(viii) of the Income Tax Act, I propose to stretch out the period by restricting the deduction to 20 per cent of the profits each year and limit the benefit to banks and certain financial corporations. In December 2006, I put a limit of Rs.50 lakh per investor per year with respect to capital gains bonds issued by NHAI and REC under section 54EC of the Income Tax Act. Having regard to the capacity to pay, I propose to raise the rate of dividend distribution tax from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent on dividends distributed by companies. I propose to address this distortion by raising the dividend distribution tax on dividends paid by such entities to 25 per cent for all investors. While the cess of 2 per cent on all taxes to fund basic education will remain, I propose to levy an additional cess of 1 per cent on all taxes to fund secondary education and higher education and the expansion of capacity by 54 per cent for reservation for socially and educationally backward classes. My tax proposals on direct taxes are estimated to yield a gain of Rs.3,000 crore.
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It’s with great sadness that I write about the passing of another Bodybuilding Legend.Ray Stern has passed away this week at the young age of 74.A wrestler, bodybuilder, and industry entrepreneur (Ray opened the very first co-ed gym and the first gym with child-care), Ray may best be remembered recently for his extensive magazine photo coverage with his ever present ear-to-ear smile.For those of you not familiar with Ray or those that just want to read about his colorful career, SLAM Sports has a great article about Ray here: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/03/06/3704134.htmlR.I.P.
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Taken a Ferrari for a test drive- um no lay down when your dreaming5. Taken a candle lit bath with someone- maybe…depends on who’s reading this8. Hugged a tree- crap, someone saw? Seen the Northern Lights-many times, more beautiful with someone beside ya15. Grown and eaten your own vegetables- yep, hated weeding th4e garden grr!18. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon- once, and no I still won’t marry you22. Held a lamb- yes, still can’t eat lamb chops33. Visited all 50 states- nope but a lot of them, thanks dad41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced- again- is this a serious question?42. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country- um hey…mexico44. Stolen a sign- I should post a pic- Red Deer city limits sign was the bar counter top in our house when I was 1846. Taken a road-trip- baaa haaa haaa, sooo many!48. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them- yep, good times54. Played in the mud- yep! Taken a martial arts class- couple times, 71. Been in a movie- yep, Clint Eastwood- the movie sucked!!!74. Gone without food for 5 days- does having surgery count if they gave you jello and iv?77. Ridden a gondola in Venice- nope love to though80. Gotten a tattoo- yep, any longer and I woulda bolted81. Eaten shark- yes but they said it was chicken! Eaten fugu (pufferfish)- no way hosea!89. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country- no100. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking…all too often…and then I hammed it up more103. Held someone while they were having a flashback- no but does a diabetic seizure count?108. Broken someone’s heart- um…mean girl here!111. Ridden a bike- yep in 1980 or something…ha ha112. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild- um… Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon- no but I took a pic of it a week ago122. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states- no124. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days- and stay in the canoe? Eaten kangaroo meat- gross127. Eaten sushi…some but i am a pansy128. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about- yes130. Eaten fried green tomatoes- yep, mmmmm134.
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