Something is dangerously wrong with our democratic process. After more than 64 years of independence we still live in the in a so-to-say anarchy, where the elected members just think for themselves and their petty parties and give a damn for the people.

Recently, down South, we have seen elected MLA’s blindly supporting corrupted people like Yeddyurappa and Jagan Mohan Reddy and trying to create political chaos while the aam admi struggles to make ends meet. Thankfully, the  Lokayukta Santosh Hegde’s report brought down Yeddyurappa for involvement in using his powers for assisting illegal mining in Bellary. Strong case for the Jan Lokpal Bill, since our current justice system has too many loop holes. I still wonder if they will ever be arrested. The current government also did nothing against Suresh Kalmadi or A. Raja either who were finally arrested based on the CAG report.

Ex-Judge, Soumitra Sen’s impeachment just shows how deep the corruption runs in our country. I clearly understand why ‘Team Anna” wants Judges to be also covered by the Lokpal Bill. These instances are just bits and pieces of how corruption has destroyed the moral and ethical fabric of our society.

On another front, though we can’t categorise some acts as corruption but makes-no-sense acts. While people are dying of starvation in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati has crores to go on a statue building spree. She spent a whooping Rs 2,600 crore public money for constructing memorials of Kanshiram and other Dalit leaders.

So many of my friends have moved from Calcutta to find a livelihood somewhere else since we have no jobs here. The Ms. Bannerjee’s govt. is more busy with what to rename “West Bengal” even as a volatile mass of young people out of work, sit around doing nothing. Where will they end up? They have already created such a mess by naming Metro Railway stations after people, nothing against these great people.  Naturally, there is no sense of responsibility or common sense in these people who go about doing what they like.

The Justice System in India is walking on crutches because the protectors of justice, the police is more often than not busy taking bribes. In a simple example, the courts banned smoking illegal in public places long time back, but was never backed by the police. People break the law, and a small bribe would be enough to walk free.

I am unable to understand, to what means does it help a country, if aspiring pilots can procure fake pilot licences or housing flats are meant for war widows are gifted to politicians.

Sometimes I feel our great years were then when we didn’t have much. In my opinion I would blame the business class significantly that started taking undue advantage from political circles for favors, that was very quickly passed down to the common man. Today I have to pay a bribe to the police for something as simple as passport verification. My legal counsel would always suggest that I use touts, otherwise nothing moves in red tape.

On a funny note, after all these years it is amusing that the strongest political party, The Indian National Congress cannot find one person to lead apart from the Nehru/Gandhi dynasty and are again looking towards Rahul Gandhi to take them forward. The Indian film industry should better rename itself to Bollywood family business, coz that’s what it really is. Man, did we really are still in a kingdom ruled by hierarchy and not by Karma.

I don’t idolise Anna. I worship his ideals. For me he is a name that has brought out the smouldering frustration of a billion people who have to face corruption everyday and I have a gut feel that this time, the govt. will have to show a strong political will to crush corruption. Maligning Anna’s name wont do any good, Mr Prime Minister, it is not he that drives the thousands on to the streets wearing Gandhian caps but the daily corruption they face.

Jump to www.ipaidabribe.com where people post stories about their close encounters with the corrupt brigade or leave your comments, how you feel we can create a better society.

Children are the easy targets of the transferred anger of their parents or elders in the house. It should always be remembered the childhood is the most delicate and crucial period for growth. A little bit of heredity and lots of environmental experiences makes a person and their character.

Unlike the western countries, the fact that verbal abuse and domestic violence affects a child for the worse is less regarded and thought about in a country like India. Children who are sensitive should be taken care of more than the others. Especially the mother should always protect her child’s interest. Even though domestic violence are unavoidable sometimes, a child should never be made its victim. If a child should be scolded or punished for its mistake then it should always be given a reason. Unnecessary torture of a child gives rise to unnecessary complication in the mental growth of a child.

Windows 7 has some limitations. Starting up this netbook might take 10 or 15 seconds more than starting a regular laptop or desktop. Also you cannot change the wallpaper. I know this sounds irritating as we all like to personalize our desktop background.  However Windows starter or XP is better suited for net-books otherwise if you upgrade the windows version the performance of your netbook can go really slow. I have heard some people complaining about the small keyboard and the touchpad. Well I don’t find much difficulty with these; I have adjusted well with keypad and the touchpad. And also I can run 3 or 4 applications at time without any trouble.

Oh yes and I forgot to mention about the battery backup. Vicki is really envying my Astro for its amazing battery life which can run up to 5 hours when fully charged.

Overall Samsung N150 is a good buy if you are looking for something reasonable, handy and long lasting battery.

What is EVDO?

EVDO is the 3G service developed for CDMA by QUALCOMM. EVDO (also spelled EV-DO) stands for Evolution-Data Optimized. One of the main attraction of EVDO is it’s promise to deliver high speed connectivity on the move. But unfortunately, since BSNL’s EVDO service is still in early stages here in India, we need to wait a lot before we can enjoy the luxury of the fully fledged EVDO internet service. The good news is BSNL is continuously working on upgrading their towers with BTS(Base Terminal Station). A single BTS is capable of covering up to an radius of 5 to 7 Kilometers of even more. For EVDO to work properly, each tower needs to have its own BTS. The nearest tower near my place is Bhagajatin which is nearly 1-2 kms away. I believe with more towers the speeds will certainly increase.

How do I apply for a BSNL EVDO Broadband Connection?

Visit the main BSNL office in your area to get EVDO connection and apply got an EV-DO connection. They are most of the time short of Hardware, so it will take some time before you can buy one. If you already have a BSNL service (landline or post paid mobile), you just need to fill out a form. If you don’t have an existing service, you will need to give an address proof document also/either (photo copy of your passport, election id card, driving license etc.). The verification took a day after which I was called to the office and issued the EVDO card with a RUIM sim that enables me to use the Internet facilities almost all over India.

Why is my EVDO Internet access speed so slow?

If you are very near a tower but still experience slower downloads it might be due to absence of Edge. EVDO connects on 2 different technologies. one is EDGE and other is CDMA x 1, if the tower which you are connecting has edge enabled then you will be getting 2.4 mbps but if there is no edge tower then it will work on CDMA which is 144 kbps.

What are the costs?

The USB cost me around Rs.3000(including Rs.600 activation fee). They were also providing one Static IP for the fixed monthly charge of Rs. 150 per month. I went for a Rs.750 Unlimited monthly plan. They also have a cheaper Rs.199 a month plan with 500 Mb limit.

The new theme, visually a close spin-off from the earlier v2.0 theme boasts more Web 2.0, more socially connected and more machine readable (using micro-formats). Although under a bit of indecision, I finally decided to stick to the original pink theme. It’s easier on the eyes and does not cause distraction from the real content.

We are also proud to be running on WordPress 3.0, arguably the simplest to use of all CMS with wonderful power packed features. As a user, I love the new lighter interface, the contextual help on every, bulk updates so you can upgrade 9 plugins at once with a single click. I have also re-coded the HTML to support the great functionalities that HTML5 has to offer as more and more browsers start supporting them. I’ve also decided to dunk IE6 support.

Recently Mani has also started contributing some nice articles. The new theme gives her more space and individuality on the blog, so her followers can look forward to some quality articles from her.

Some more additions like the official Twitter button to count retweets and the Facebook like button gives the site amazing bookmark options. The most amazing thing about the Like button is that you can actually add a comment too while liking it. Two thumbs up to Facebook. They have really good user experience, one of the primary reasons I believe that have led to them flourishing so much.

Share your thoughts, add your comments or suggestions about the new WordPress theme.

Here’s a quick walk-through, how to add your WordPress feed to RSS Graffiti on Facebook:

1. Search for “RSS Graffiti” in Facebook Applications
2. The first step in installing an application onto your Facebook page is to go to that application. In the search results. Simply click on RSS Graffiti to begin the process of installing the application on your Facebook page.
3. Below the icon in the upper left-hand corner is a button that reads “Go to Application”. Simply click on the button to start the installation process.
4. You will need to authorize RSS Graffiti to access your Facebook page. You do this by clicking on the authorization button highlighted in the picture. This will result in a pop up message box that confirms you are granting permission. Once you have confirmed that RSS Graffiti has permission to access your page, you will need to grant it permission to allow constant authorization and permission to publish on your Facebook page. Once you have granted RSS Graffiti these permissions, you are ready to begin setting it up to automatically post your RSS feed to your Facebook page.
5. Set up the individual RSS feed you would like to install on your page (see hints below). I have Mani also posting on my blog so I used just my individual author feed, so her posts don’t cross-post on my Facebook wall. If you are the only poster just draw the main blog feed.
   

   How to add your feed in RSS Graffiti on Facebook

6. You are set. RSS Graffiti. You can also add other feeds later. The simple dashboard gives you a fair picture of how many articles it has posted on Facebook and when it last checked your blog feed etc. There is also a refresh link to force-check your feed right then.
   

   RSS Graffiti dashboard

RSS Graffiti is a really wonderful potential tool for social networking. If you found the article useful please share your comments below.

Hmm.. well I replied with these exact words “Girls love their fellow suitor to be strong and rescue them at the right time.”

But I gave it a second thought. Is it always so that girls fall for a hardy and overwhelming man? Hmm.. not exactly……don’t we girls just love being bossy at times? and wants things to go the way we want them to? The answer is, “yes of course”

Here is the list of five men (characters) who were undermined by the female lead in the film but didn’t lose their charm and anyone would just love to have him as a date, lover or maybe a life partner too.

5. Peter Parker

Please don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about Peter Parker with the ‘friendly neighbor‘ spider man powers, but just try to consider him as a simple boy next door.

Intelligent, not so smart, cute, caring and perfect for a long-term commitment. Peter is shy but you have to overcome that with your frankness.

4. Rizwan Khan

Innocent Rizwan from ‘My Name is Khan’ can be a perfect match for those who think love cannot be  more than a powerful connection between two souls.

I know Asperger’s syndrome can be hard to deal with in real life situations, but who can decline poor Rizzu’s dedicated proposals.

He has no male ego, will always follow your  instructions and will always be faithful.

3. Thomas Baile

Hannah’s best friend Tom is our next target. This fine gentlemen from the film ‘Made of Honor’ was so deeply in love with his best friend that he even agreed to become her maid of honor.

He did every arrangement for his best friend’s wedding , even arranged her bridal shower but couldn’t gather up the courage to propose to her directly.

It is very important to have some elements of friendship in your love relationship. And which other man can understand you and your taste better than your own best friend?

2. Andrew Paxton

Now this is a very profitable idea. He can be your secretary in office and the same at home.

Andrew agreed for a contract marriage with his boss, in the film ‘the proposal’,with the hope that he will be promoted to the editorial post.

If a handsome secretary could go to such an extent, then the ball is in your court girls.

1. And the winner is Park Sang-min

Park Sang-min from ‘My Little Bride’ is a combo pack of humor, love, care and pamper. He has an intensive strength of endurance. While he kept his love for Bo-eun a secret, he even tolerated her affair with the cute base ball player. Park Sang-min is both protective and considerate. He spoiled Bo-eun like a baby and loved her like a darling.

Someone like Sang-min will always be by your side no matter what.

1. STAR TREK Genre : Sci-fi

Now this is the first movie I saw in IMAX, since the first time Imax opened in Kolkata. I am not a follower of the Star Trek series but I understood the storyline since this film is not a sequel. I enjoyed the movie experience, the sound effect was terrific and it was a perfect popcorn movie.

I give it a  2.5/5

2. TERMINATOR Genre: Sci-fi, Action

If you have watched the last 3  terminator films then you must not miss this one. No doubt, this film is nothing compared to The Terminator 1 or The terminator: Judgment Day by James Cameron, but I really liked the character Marcus Wright played by Sam Worthington. Its depressing to see John Conner didn’t have much role to play in this film, I mean he should have been on a much stronger ground. The grip of the storyline was weak and somehow I felt the movie ended too fast. Nevertheless, it was a good action-packed watch during the weekends.

I give it a 3/5

3. The Proposal Genre: Drama, Comedy

A clean and complete drama with an obvious climax in the end but a perfect cast and some hilarious scenes. There was a good chemistry between all the characters and grandma Annie made an excellent ‘cupid‘. Ryan fits perfectly into the role of the ‘pitiful’ secretary but Sandra looks a little artificial after whatever she has done to her face. All in all, this movie is a great fun to watch with friends, family or just alone.

I give it a 3.5/5

4. Transformer 2 Genre: Sci-fi, Action, Adventure

Its a must see for those who have watched the first part and liked it. I personally have a liking towards robot movies. This film is slightly better than the last one in respect of the plot, visual effect and action.

I give it a 2.5/5

5. Those Lovely Bones Genre: Suspense, Thriller

It is a film adaptation of a best-selling novel.There is nothing much about this film except that it is a good thriller  watch when you don’t have anything else to do. Nonetheless,there is a good connectivity which can hold your attention till the end.

I give it a 2.5/5

6. Everybody’s fine Genre: Family, Drama

I usually don’t prefer dramas which lack humor but this movie had something special about it. It is original indeed in showing the life of an aged father and his grown-up kids who are busy with their own lives. It has some touchy moments and it also nicely brings out the typical situation a man faces in his old age.

I give it a 3/5

7.  The Hangover Genre: Comedy

Breath taking  comedy and a very intelligent plot. I really couldn’t figure out what would happen next until I reached the end part of the movie. Hollywood has made many comedy films set in Las Vegas  and this one tops the chart. So its definitely worth a watch!

I give it a 3.5/5

8. A Christmas Carol Genre: Animaton, Adventure

Based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens this  3D animation is a non-stop entertainment package. It has an outstanding 3D effect which gives goose flesh. All the 3D characters look so real. Its a commendable experience !

I give it a 4/5

9. Avatar Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action

The most publicized film of 2009 and also the highest-grossing films till now. Its still running in IMAX Kolkata (^O^)! My first experience of this 3D film in Inox forum was awful, there was something terribly wrong with the glasses or the screen.Then I watched it in IMAX for the 2nd time , pretty enjoyable. There was nothing extraordinary about the story and the 3D affect was not as good as that of Christmas Carols. I really wanted to see those creature running across my face, but except for the seeds from the sacred tree nothing else seemed to give a sense of touch. What I really liked about this movie is that it shows a strong bond between nature and the Navis. This holds some similarities with Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, where there was a constant fight between men who wanted to use the resources of the forest and the animals who wanted to protect their home. Anyways, to sum it up it was a great entertainment with a perfect balance of romance, emotion and action.

It definitely gets a 4/5

10. 2012 Genre: Action, Adventure

This film has received a mixed to negative reviews by critics. I feel it is one of the best ‘disaster films’ ever made. There are some jaw dropping visual effects through out the movie which won’t let you blink. There is nothing gore shown in this film, but yes its definitely is scary  to see so much of disaster and casualty. Above all I like this film and also John Cusack. I give it a 4/5

Hope you all liked my list, you can also share your 2009 favorites.

]]> http://www.merlinvicki.in/the-best-movies-of-2009/feed/ 2 http://www.merlinvicki.in/my-photoshop-works/ http://www.merlinvicki.in/my-photoshop-works/#comments Sat, 22 May 2010 16:46:31 +0000 Ranita Saha http://www.merlinvicki.in/blogs/?p=315 These are two of my photoshop works. I took the help of tutorials, I admit that……and it might also appear a bit amateurish. So excuse me for that, I am just a beginner.