Wishing all of you a Happy, Prosperous and Joyful New Year 2009.
December 31, 2008
December 25, 2008
Athirapally Falls
Welcome to Kerala, God's Own Country. People from around the world visit here to enjoy the natural beauty of Sea, Mountain, Jungle, Tea Garden , Backwaters, Waterfalls and city life all in one place.
Recently, we went to Athirapally, a beautiful waterfall around 70 kms from Cochin, the heart and financial capital of Kerala. Well Cochin in itself has lots of tourist attaction including Hill Palace, Jewish Synagouge, St. Franci's Church, Bolgatty Palace and so on. But coming back to Athirapally the beautiful waterfall offers lots of place to relax and ly around, take bath in the water and enjoy the natural scenary. Here are some snapshots from our visit:
Recently, we went to Athirapally, a beautiful waterfall around 70 kms from Cochin, the heart and financial capital of Kerala. Well Cochin in itself has lots of tourist attaction including Hill Palace, Jewish Synagouge, St. Franci's Church, Bolgatty Palace and so on. But coming back to Athirapally the beautiful waterfall offers lots of place to relax and ly around, take bath in the water and enjoy the natural scenary. Here are some snapshots from our visit:
 |
| Athirapally |
Enjoy and Please Comment
December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
Christmas is a season of sharing - sharing good wishes, love, and gifts. So here I am wishing all of you
Merry Christmas
December 21, 2008
My Experience in Blogging
I have been an irregular enthusiast of blogging and sharing my views online. The concept of blog has really hit me well. I have been on and off blogging for long now may be 3 years or more. Initially, my idea was to make website using softwares containing blogs and photo galleries and so on. But as I tried, I learnt that website designing is not my cup of tea primarily because of my lack of knowledge of beauty and secondly due to lack of time for me to learn things like php or mysql.
Anyways with all this I made my first site on ifastnet.com which went ad-free to ad-supported within few weeks of my first website (blog + pictures). Then I moved to 110mb.com where after after 10 or so posts in next few months the sql database went paid. All my efforts on blogging got over. But I didn't loose my heart, my next stop was X10hosting which was going on well but for its 30 days forum login policy was really a pain in the neck and my laziness took over me and my account got disabled. I applied for reactivating the account but nothing happened. Finally I moved to freehostia.com where you can find my blog on http://planetshiv.freehostia.com. Here you can still find my unmaintained blog.
Well you may ask why I left from there?
The answer is simple, wordpess gives me too many options to handle and things get really complicated with more and more plugins to achieve functionality. Recenlty, I was doing plugin maintaince I deleted one of the photo plugin. Even after reinstalling I coudn't correct the things, so I decided that wordpress may be a little complicated for me. So my options for simple blogging tool based sites were freewebs.com and blogger.com. As I have tried out blogger.com using my gmail account for few days so I stuck with this blog and site and here I am to share my views with you.
Anyways with all this I made my first site on ifastnet.com which went ad-free to ad-supported within few weeks of my first website (blog + pictures). Then I moved to 110mb.com where after after 10 or so posts in next few months the sql database went paid. All my efforts on blogging got over. But I didn't loose my heart, my next stop was X10hosting which was going on well but for its 30 days forum login policy was really a pain in the neck and my laziness took over me and my account got disabled. I applied for reactivating the account but nothing happened. Finally I moved to freehostia.com where you can find my blog on http://planetshiv.freehostia.com. Here you can still find my unmaintained blog.
Well you may ask why I left from there?
The answer is simple, wordpess gives me too many options to handle and things get really complicated with more and more plugins to achieve functionality. Recenlty, I was doing plugin maintaince I deleted one of the photo plugin. Even after reinstalling I coudn't correct the things, so I decided that wordpress may be a little complicated for me. So my options for simple blogging tool based sites were freewebs.com and blogger.com. As I have tried out blogger.com using my gmail account for few days so I stuck with this blog and site and here I am to share my views with you.
September 13, 2008
My New Budget Computer (below INR 30k)
My old reliable IBM R40e has worked for me for a long lime now 4 years+ and I felt now its time to go for a new system. The question between laptop and desktop was something which made me give a thought and I finally settled for a desktop, as i don't move around a lot and will be able to enjoy some gaming as well.
Next question of branded PC vs. assembled PC, the answer was simple for me as with assembled PC gives me option to select the specific component and build my pc as per my specs. Dell gives similar option but then things go in premium in such case.
Now before moving any further, let me specify my requirements. I want a mid range computer which can play some games (not necessary at best settings), can multitask without much problems, normal office work and a bit of ansys and matlab simulation.
With current generation of Intel C2D performing better than Phenom tricore processors in all aspect except multitasking Intel C2D was my choice. Out of which C2D E7200 offers best VFM with 3MB L2 cache @ 2.53 MHz and fabricated with 45 nm technology which keeps the processor really cool.
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As, I don't have any plan to overclock a basic mobo from Asus P5KPL CM served my purpose well. It has Intel G31 chipset supporting 1600 MHz (OC) / 1333 MHz FSB speed is yet another VFM product.
The cabinet and PSU are critical and based on the power requirement of the system I opted for zebronics Bijli cabinet with 450W Zebronics PSU (with 20A / +12V on power rail) is real steal. Bijli cabinet has 120mm LED fan in front providing inlet air and 2 side outlet and 1 rear fans helps in maintaing the complete cabinet really cool.
320GB SATA Seagate Baracudda was my choice for HDD while only available boxed SATA DVD writer from LG was my choice. I wanted to buy Samsung DVD writer but due to non-availability of same I had to be happy with LG DVD writer.
Corsair known for their memory product was my choice for RAM 1GB 800MHz twin packing RAM was my first choice. Had Kingston RAM been readiliy available in Cochin, I would have purchased the same, but anyhow few hundred bucks spend here doesn't matter much.
Standard Optical tilt wheel USB mouse and Multimedia keyboard from Logitech is my current input devices.
Monitor from AOC 913 FW (19" TFT) really caught my attention by its looks and performance and best buy award by Digit in its May 08 issue confirmed by selection.
In order to protect the full system APC 650 VA UPS was my choice with no second thought. It has 3 UPS cum Power surge outlet for my cabinet, monitor and speaker (old mercury 2.1 ) and 1 Power surge outlet for cable modem.
The full system costed me INR 29400/-. Due to money constrain, I didn't buy a graphic card which will come in next couple of months, but for now this my new system:
1. Intel C2D E7200 processor
2. Asus P5KPL-CM motherboard
3. Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400 ram (2 x 1GB)
4. Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 320 GB SATA hard drive
5. LG SecurDisc SATA boxed 20X DVD writer
6. AOC 19" TFT (913 FW) monitor
7. Zebronics Bijli cabinet with 450 W PSU.
8. Logitech MM keyboard and Optical tilt wheel mouse
9. APC 650 VA UPS.
<strong>Total Cost incl taxes on Sep 08 : INR 29400 (less than 30K).</strong>
So here is my first post from new PC. Many more to come. Please keep reading for more.
Next question of branded PC vs. assembled PC, the answer was simple for me as with assembled PC gives me option to select the specific component and build my pc as per my specs. Dell gives similar option but then things go in premium in such case.
Now before moving any further, let me specify my requirements. I want a mid range computer which can play some games (not necessary at best settings), can multitask without much problems, normal office work and a bit of ansys and matlab simulation.
With current generation of Intel C2D performing better than Phenom tricore processors in all aspect except multitasking Intel C2D was my choice. Out of which C2D E7200 offers best VFM with 3MB L2 cache @ 2.53 MHz and fabricated with 45 nm technology which keeps the processor really cool.
<!--more-->
As, I don't have any plan to overclock a basic mobo from Asus P5KPL CM served my purpose well. It has Intel G31 chipset supporting 1600 MHz (OC) / 1333 MHz FSB speed is yet another VFM product.
The cabinet and PSU are critical and based on the power requirement of the system I opted for zebronics Bijli cabinet with 450W Zebronics PSU (with 20A / +12V on power rail) is real steal. Bijli cabinet has 120mm LED fan in front providing inlet air and 2 side outlet and 1 rear fans helps in maintaing the complete cabinet really cool.
320GB SATA Seagate Baracudda was my choice for HDD while only available boxed SATA DVD writer from LG was my choice. I wanted to buy Samsung DVD writer but due to non-availability of same I had to be happy with LG DVD writer.
Corsair known for their memory product was my choice for RAM 1GB 800MHz twin packing RAM was my first choice. Had Kingston RAM been readiliy available in Cochin, I would have purchased the same, but anyhow few hundred bucks spend here doesn't matter much.
Standard Optical tilt wheel USB mouse and Multimedia keyboard from Logitech is my current input devices.
Monitor from AOC 913 FW (19" TFT) really caught my attention by its looks and performance and best buy award by Digit in its May 08 issue confirmed by selection.
In order to protect the full system APC 650 VA UPS was my choice with no second thought. It has 3 UPS cum Power surge outlet for my cabinet, monitor and speaker (old mercury 2.1 ) and 1 Power surge outlet for cable modem.
The full system costed me INR 29400/-. Due to money constrain, I didn't buy a graphic card which will come in next couple of months, but for now this my new system:
1. Intel C2D E7200 processor
2. Asus P5KPL-CM motherboard
3. Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400 ram (2 x 1GB)
4. Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 320 GB SATA hard drive
5. LG SecurDisc SATA boxed 20X DVD writer
6. AOC 19" TFT (913 FW) monitor
7. Zebronics Bijli cabinet with 450 W PSU.
8. Logitech MM keyboard and Optical tilt wheel mouse
9. APC 650 VA UPS.
<strong>Total Cost incl taxes on Sep 08 : INR 29400 (less than 30K).</strong>
So here is my first post from new PC. Many more to come. Please keep reading for more.
August 09, 2008
10 ways to get rid of telemarketers
All of us in our life face a telemarketer from 'n' number companies. I know that they are not bad people but usually their pestering causes us to get upset and give away foul words. well, there are ways to pester them and get rid of them. I am sure atleast one of this will work out best for you.Just go on read them
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 1:</strong></span>
When they ask, "How are you today?"
-- tell them something like... "I'm so glad you asked because no one there days seems to care,and I have all these problems; my arthritis is acting up, my eyelashes are sore, my dog just died...."
You get the idea.
<span style="color: #ff0000;">
<strong># 2</strong></span>
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong>If they say they're Shiv Kumar from XYZ Company, ask them to spell their name.Then ask them to spell the company name. Then ask them where it is located.
Continue asking them personal questions or questions about their company for as long as necessary.
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 3:</strong></span>
Cry out in surprise, "Shiv! Is that you? Oh, my goodness, Shiv, how have you been?"
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Hopefully, this will give Shiv a few brief moments of pause as she tries to figure out where the heck she could possibly know you from.
<strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"># 4:
</span></strong>
If some phone/mobile or other such telemarketer calls trying to get you to sign up for the Family and Friends plan, reply in as sinister a voice as you can,"I don't have any friends... would you be my friend?"
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 5:
</strong></span>
If they want to loan you money, tell them you just filed for bankruptcy and you could sure use some money.
<strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"># 6:</span></strong>
Tell the telemarketer you are on "home arrest" and ask if they could bring you a case of beer and some chips.
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 7:
</strong></span>
After the telemarketer gives their spell (see # 2), ask him/her to marry you. When they get all flustered, tell them that you could not just give your credit card number to a complete stranger.
<strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"># 8:
</span></strong>
Tell the telemarketer you are busy at the moment and ask them if they will give you their home phone number so you can call them back.
When the telemarketer explains that they cannot give out their home number, you say, "I guess you don't want anyone bothering you at home, right?"
The telemarketer will agree and you say, "Now you know how I feel!"
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 9:</strong></span>
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong></strong></span>Insist that the caller is really your buddy, Preeti, playing a joke.
"Come on, Preeti, cut it out! Seriously, Preeti, how's your dog?"
And last but not least...
<strong>
<span style="color: #ff0000;"># 10:</span></strong><strong></strong>
Tell them to talk v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y, because you want to write every word of your conversation down.
<span style="color: #000080;"><em>Disclaimer: Nothing is my own. I have copied it from some old mail I got long back.</em></span>
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 1:</strong></span>
When they ask, "How are you today?"
-- tell them something like... "I'm so glad you asked because no one there days seems to care,and I have all these problems; my arthritis is acting up, my eyelashes are sore, my dog just died...."
You get the idea.
<span style="color: #ff0000;">
<strong># 2</strong></span>
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong></strong></span><strong></strong>If they say they're Shiv Kumar from XYZ Company, ask them to spell their name.Then ask them to spell the company name. Then ask them where it is located.
Continue asking them personal questions or questions about their company for as long as necessary.
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 3:</strong></span>
Cry out in surprise, "Shiv! Is that you? Oh, my goodness, Shiv, how have you been?"
<!--more-->
Hopefully, this will give Shiv a few brief moments of pause as she tries to figure out where the heck she could possibly know you from.
<strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"># 4:
</span></strong>
If some phone/mobile or other such telemarketer calls trying to get you to sign up for the Family and Friends plan, reply in as sinister a voice as you can,"I don't have any friends... would you be my friend?"
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 5:
</strong></span>
If they want to loan you money, tell them you just filed for bankruptcy and you could sure use some money.
<strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"># 6:</span></strong>
Tell the telemarketer you are on "home arrest" and ask if they could bring you a case of beer and some chips.
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 7:
</strong></span>
After the telemarketer gives their spell (see # 2), ask him/her to marry you. When they get all flustered, tell them that you could not just give your credit card number to a complete stranger.
<strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"># 8:
</span></strong>
Tell the telemarketer you are busy at the moment and ask them if they will give you their home phone number so you can call them back.
When the telemarketer explains that they cannot give out their home number, you say, "I guess you don't want anyone bothering you at home, right?"
The telemarketer will agree and you say, "Now you know how I feel!"
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong># 9:</strong></span>
<span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong></strong></span>Insist that the caller is really your buddy, Preeti, playing a joke.
"Come on, Preeti, cut it out! Seriously, Preeti, how's your dog?"
And last but not least...
<strong>
<span style="color: #ff0000;"># 10:</span></strong><strong></strong>
Tell them to talk v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y, because you want to write every word of your conversation down.
<span style="color: #000080;"><em>Disclaimer: Nothing is my own. I have copied it from some old mail I got long back.</em></span>
July 11, 2008
Enhancing Firefox functionality
Firefox is one of the most popular browser and rapidly gaining popularity. One of the important factor which drives this popularity is its active team of developer and huge support base.
The team of developers have made firefox customizable to such an extent that each installation of firefox is unique and different from other in looks, performance and functionality.
Over a period of time of using firefox, I have understood that firefox is beyond one persons understanding for its features and functionalities. However, using my limited knowledge of firefox, i thought of sharing my experience on customizing, my firefox.
I have already written a post on <a href="http://planetshiv.freehostia.com/2008/top-10-plugins-for-firefox/" target="_blank">Top 10 plugins for firefox</a> and this post will help is customizing and enhancing firefox to another level.
<strong>Apart for browsing and checking webmail, firefox can also do a lot of added functionality. I have noted a few of them.</strong>
1. <strong>Firefox as Mail client</strong>:
You need not install a seperate client for using pop3 mail services. Simply install <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5593" target="_blank">Simple Mail</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5593] and you get a simple working mail client in your favorite browser. Enjoy
2. <strong>Firefox as RSS reader</strong>:
We all subscribe to various RSS feeds of news, blogs, articles and much more. People end up having numerous RSS feeds. Just install <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/424" target="_blank">Wizz RSS news reader</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/424] or <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/77" target="_blank">Sage</a> [ URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/77] and you get a very good RSS Feed reader within your browser. Both of them support customization, arranging as per your preference, grouping the feeds and so on.
3. <strong>Firefox as FTP client</strong>:
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/684" target="_blank">FireFTP</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/684] is amm excellent FTP client which support normal FTP as well secured FTP and various other file transfer protocols, with option to customize proxy and many more features is perhaps one of the best light weight FTP client and as it is integrated to firefox, it eliminates need of a seperate software.
<!--more-->
4. <strong>Firefox as Bittorrent manager</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4844" target="_blank">Foxtorrent</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4844] is an a bit torrent client add on which installed makes firefox as a bittorrent client. As i have not used this addon, i don't know much about it. However, the review looks encouraging
5. <strong>Firefox as Blog Editor </strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1730" target="_blank">ScribeFire</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1730] is a full-featured blog editor that integrates with your browser and lets you easily post to your blog. You can drag and drop formatted text from pages you are browsing, take notes, upload images, and post to multiple blogs.
6. <strong>Firefox as IRC client</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/16" target="_blank">ChatZilla</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/16] provides all the usual IRC client features: multiple servers, a built-in list of standard networks, easy searching and sorting of available channels, logging, and DCC chat and file transfers, plus easy customization with JavaScript plug-ins and CSS styling.
7. <strong>Firefox as Download Manager</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201" target="_blank">Down Them All</a> [ URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201] is the only download manager / accelerator integrated to Firefox without using any external software. It support resume, pause, multi download, spped control, prioritization, etc.
Well these are few application / software substitutes which are available as add-on to Firefox and eliminates the requirement of various softwares. Experiment them and choose what you like most. Keep them all or keep some, Enjoy firefoxing.
Note: <em>I use firefox 2 and these work with it, if you are using other version , just do a bit searching, you will be able get the equivalent substitute.
</em>
The team of developers have made firefox customizable to such an extent that each installation of firefox is unique and different from other in looks, performance and functionality.
Over a period of time of using firefox, I have understood that firefox is beyond one persons understanding for its features and functionalities. However, using my limited knowledge of firefox, i thought of sharing my experience on customizing, my firefox.
I have already written a post on <a href="http://planetshiv.freehostia.com/2008/top-10-plugins-for-firefox/" target="_blank">Top 10 plugins for firefox</a> and this post will help is customizing and enhancing firefox to another level.
<strong>Apart for browsing and checking webmail, firefox can also do a lot of added functionality. I have noted a few of them.</strong>
1. <strong>Firefox as Mail client</strong>:
You need not install a seperate client for using pop3 mail services. Simply install <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5593" target="_blank">Simple Mail</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5593] and you get a simple working mail client in your favorite browser. Enjoy
2. <strong>Firefox as RSS reader</strong>:
We all subscribe to various RSS feeds of news, blogs, articles and much more. People end up having numerous RSS feeds. Just install <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/424" target="_blank">Wizz RSS news reader</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/424] or <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/77" target="_blank">Sage</a> [ URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/77] and you get a very good RSS Feed reader within your browser. Both of them support customization, arranging as per your preference, grouping the feeds and so on.
3. <strong>Firefox as FTP client</strong>:
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/684" target="_blank">FireFTP</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/684] is amm excellent FTP client which support normal FTP as well secured FTP and various other file transfer protocols, with option to customize proxy and many more features is perhaps one of the best light weight FTP client and as it is integrated to firefox, it eliminates need of a seperate software.
<!--more-->
4. <strong>Firefox as Bittorrent manager</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4844" target="_blank">Foxtorrent</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4844] is an a bit torrent client add on which installed makes firefox as a bittorrent client. As i have not used this addon, i don't know much about it. However, the review looks encouraging
5. <strong>Firefox as Blog Editor </strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1730" target="_blank">ScribeFire</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1730] is a full-featured blog editor that integrates with your browser and lets you easily post to your blog. You can drag and drop formatted text from pages you are browsing, take notes, upload images, and post to multiple blogs.
6. <strong>Firefox as IRC client</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/16" target="_blank">ChatZilla</a> [URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/16] provides all the usual IRC client features: multiple servers, a built-in list of standard networks, easy searching and sorting of available channels, logging, and DCC chat and file transfers, plus easy customization with JavaScript plug-ins and CSS styling.
7. <strong>Firefox as Download Manager</strong> :
<a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201" target="_blank">Down Them All</a> [ URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201] is the only download manager / accelerator integrated to Firefox without using any external software. It support resume, pause, multi download, spped control, prioritization, etc.
Well these are few application / software substitutes which are available as add-on to Firefox and eliminates the requirement of various softwares. Experiment them and choose what you like most. Keep them all or keep some, Enjoy firefoxing.
Note: <em>I use firefox 2 and these work with it, if you are using other version , just do a bit searching, you will be able get the equivalent substitute.
</em>
July 03, 2008
Top 10 Plugins for Firefox
Well there are so many similar list on web, so whats the meaning of one more top 10 plugins for firefox.
Firefox is an versatile, secure and fast browser in itself and when supplemented with addons, it becomes great. Here are the best 10 addons for firefox.
The fact is that I am just sharing my perception as a common user, whose primary interest is to browse at faster speed with easier downloading of files, without being annoyed by intrusive pop-ups and other ads and of course discover new sites of mmy interest.
So here is my top 10 plus a bonus 1 plugins. I have just put them in alphabetical order. I have downloaded and saved the plugins (*.xpi files) and install them locally as when required. In order to locally install firefox plugin is <strong>Coming Soon.</strong>
1. <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865" target="_blank"><strong>Adblock Plus</strong></a>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865)
<blockquote>Ever been annoyed by all those ads and banners on the internet that often take longer to download than everything else on the page? Install Adblock Plus now and get rid of them.</blockquote>
This plugin is very efficient in blocking all the common pop-ups and banners which usually divert our focus from the content to the ads. It has available preset settings suitable for most users. Advanced users can fine tune the settings, add more banners in the blocked list by a simple right click and do much more.
2. <strong><a href=" https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6349" target="_blank">Bug Me Not</a></strong>:- URL: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6349)
<blockquote>Bypass compulsory web registration with the context menu via www.bugmenot.com</blockquote>
Time and again while browsing we come accross such sites which allow bots to browse the content but restrict common users. Usually all major forums on the web operate in this way. So, whats the solution, register on the site to see the content. But, not any more; A simple right click in login password box will log you in using the user submitted login and password. In case, the combination of login password fails, it tries with multiple sets of login and password.
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3. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1368" target="_blank">Colorful Tabs</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1368)
<blockquote>The most beautiful yet the simplest add-on that makes a strong colorful appeal. Colors every tab in a different color and makes them easy to distinguish while beautifying the overall appearance of the interface
</blockquote>
Colourful Tabs makes imparts colours (either randomly or generated by URL) to all the tab and makes them distinct and easy to identify. Also options include fading of colours and proving background pictures for tabs. In short, makes the browsing more colourful.
4. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/26" target="_blank">Download Status Bar</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/26)
<blockquote>View and manage downloads from a tidy statusbar - without the download window getting in the way of your web browsing.
</blockquote>
Start downloading and an annoying pop-up reports that downloading has started and block the page being browsed. This add-on converts the pop-up box into a bottom status bar, which makes the managing of download easier. You can set the colour as well as many other features so that suit your requirement. Makes tidier downloading with better browsing experience.
5. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006" target="_blank">Video Download Helper</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006)
<blockquote>The easy way to download and convert Web videos from hundreds of YouTube-like sites. This works also for audio and picture galleries.
</blockquote>
This is web content extraction tool which is able to extract flash videos (.flv) from Youtube and hundereds of similar site. It can also download flash files (.swf) and variety of Images and other video formats. It is now capable to convert videos to various formats automatically while downloading. Great for you tube fans.
6. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201" target="_blank">Down Them All</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201)
<blockquote>The first and only download manager/accelerator built inside Firefox!
</blockquote>
As the quote from its webpage, states it is the only download manager build inside firefox. Other similar download manager requires external download manager to carry out such task. Like any professional download manager, DTA allows user to pause, resume, prioritiize, set number of threads of download and even schedule the download. This is a must for all the download fanatics, who keep on downloading loads of software, videos and songs.
7. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1269" target="_blank">Fasterfox</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1269)
<blockquote>Performance and network tweaks for Firefox...</blockquote>
This add-on helps in enhancing the performance of firefox by using tweaking various features such as simultaneous connections, pipelining, cache, DNS cache, initial paint delay, etc. It comes with few preset setting for common users and advanced users can tweak to their satisfaction too.
8. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419" target="_blank">IE Tab</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419)
<blockquote>IE Tab - an extension from Taiwan, features: Embedding Internet Explorer in tabs of Mozilla/Firefox...</blockquote>
An essential add-on to browse IE only sites. Time and again you must have faced garbled sites which work well in IE but not in other browser, but not any more. This addon enables Firefox to render these sites nicely. Also, a great tool for developers, who can use the same browser to test web pages for IE and Firefox.
9. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/636" target="_blank">PDF Download</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/636)
<blockquote>PDF Download relieves the pain experienced when encountering PDF files on the Web. Whenever you click on a PDF file, PDF Download lets you know before trying to open it, and then offers you choices such as downloading, opening, or converting it straight to HTML.
</blockquote>
Everyone must have observed how firefox becomes sluggish or even crashes when opening PDF files. Well, this addon solves the problem. Whenever it detects any pdf file is being opened, it takes control and gives option to download, open or convert as HTML. This prevents browser from becoming sluggish. It also tells the size of file at the beginning and helps preserve bandwitdh from being consumed by relatively less useful files.
10. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4429" target="_blank">Secure Login</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4429)
<blockquote>Secure Login is a login extension for Mozilla Firefox integrated password manager. Its main feature is similar to Opera's (the browser) Wand login.</blockquote>
This addon integrates with password manager of firefox and provides login at single click. Ideally suited for common user and requires no configurations. It also provides access to the saved passwords. This feature helps in protecting from login data theft on websites using javascript and cross-site scripting. It also provides a number of other features like automatic login, customizable interface, etc.
11. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/138" target="_blank">Stumble Upon</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/138)
<blockquote>StumbleUpon discovers web sites based on your interests, learns what you like and brings you more.
</blockquote>
One of the most interesting way to browse internet and discover new sites of your interest. Simply install SU toolbar, create a login, select the areas of your interest and start stumbling. This toolbar has as such no performace enhancement feature but makes the browsing all more interesting. You can also submit new sites for other to view it, make friends with similar interests, make groups and even allows you to write blog. This is my favorite add-on on firefox and recommended to all.
<em>Well this is my list, for sharing, hope you liked at least some of these add-ons and definetly use it for your enhanced browsing experience.</em>
Firefox is an versatile, secure and fast browser in itself and when supplemented with addons, it becomes great. Here are the best 10 addons for firefox.
The fact is that I am just sharing my perception as a common user, whose primary interest is to browse at faster speed with easier downloading of files, without being annoyed by intrusive pop-ups and other ads and of course discover new sites of mmy interest.
So here is my top 10 plus a bonus 1 plugins. I have just put them in alphabetical order. I have downloaded and saved the plugins (*.xpi files) and install them locally as when required. In order to locally install firefox plugin is <strong>Coming Soon.</strong>
1. <a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865" target="_blank"><strong>Adblock Plus</strong></a>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865)
<blockquote>Ever been annoyed by all those ads and banners on the internet that often take longer to download than everything else on the page? Install Adblock Plus now and get rid of them.</blockquote>
This plugin is very efficient in blocking all the common pop-ups and banners which usually divert our focus from the content to the ads. It has available preset settings suitable for most users. Advanced users can fine tune the settings, add more banners in the blocked list by a simple right click and do much more.
2. <strong><a href=" https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6349" target="_blank">Bug Me Not</a></strong>:- URL: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/6349)
<blockquote>Bypass compulsory web registration with the context menu via www.bugmenot.com</blockquote>
Time and again while browsing we come accross such sites which allow bots to browse the content but restrict common users. Usually all major forums on the web operate in this way. So, whats the solution, register on the site to see the content. But, not any more; A simple right click in login password box will log you in using the user submitted login and password. In case, the combination of login password fails, it tries with multiple sets of login and password.
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3. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1368" target="_blank">Colorful Tabs</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1368)
<blockquote>The most beautiful yet the simplest add-on that makes a strong colorful appeal. Colors every tab in a different color and makes them easy to distinguish while beautifying the overall appearance of the interface
</blockquote>
Colourful Tabs makes imparts colours (either randomly or generated by URL) to all the tab and makes them distinct and easy to identify. Also options include fading of colours and proving background pictures for tabs. In short, makes the browsing more colourful.
4. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/26" target="_blank">Download Status Bar</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/26)
<blockquote>View and manage downloads from a tidy statusbar - without the download window getting in the way of your web browsing.
</blockquote>
Start downloading and an annoying pop-up reports that downloading has started and block the page being browsed. This add-on converts the pop-up box into a bottom status bar, which makes the managing of download easier. You can set the colour as well as many other features so that suit your requirement. Makes tidier downloading with better browsing experience.
5. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006" target="_blank">Video Download Helper</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3006)
<blockquote>The easy way to download and convert Web videos from hundreds of YouTube-like sites. This works also for audio and picture galleries.
</blockquote>
This is web content extraction tool which is able to extract flash videos (.flv) from Youtube and hundereds of similar site. It can also download flash files (.swf) and variety of Images and other video formats. It is now capable to convert videos to various formats automatically while downloading. Great for you tube fans.
6. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201" target="_blank">Down Them All</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/201)
<blockquote>The first and only download manager/accelerator built inside Firefox!
</blockquote>
As the quote from its webpage, states it is the only download manager build inside firefox. Other similar download manager requires external download manager to carry out such task. Like any professional download manager, DTA allows user to pause, resume, prioritiize, set number of threads of download and even schedule the download. This is a must for all the download fanatics, who keep on downloading loads of software, videos and songs.
7. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1269" target="_blank">Fasterfox</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1269)
<blockquote>Performance and network tweaks for Firefox...</blockquote>
This add-on helps in enhancing the performance of firefox by using tweaking various features such as simultaneous connections, pipelining, cache, DNS cache, initial paint delay, etc. It comes with few preset setting for common users and advanced users can tweak to their satisfaction too.
8. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419" target="_blank">IE Tab</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419)
<blockquote>IE Tab - an extension from Taiwan, features: Embedding Internet Explorer in tabs of Mozilla/Firefox...</blockquote>
An essential add-on to browse IE only sites. Time and again you must have faced garbled sites which work well in IE but not in other browser, but not any more. This addon enables Firefox to render these sites nicely. Also, a great tool for developers, who can use the same browser to test web pages for IE and Firefox.
9. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/636" target="_blank">PDF Download</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/636)
<blockquote>PDF Download relieves the pain experienced when encountering PDF files on the Web. Whenever you click on a PDF file, PDF Download lets you know before trying to open it, and then offers you choices such as downloading, opening, or converting it straight to HTML.
</blockquote>
Everyone must have observed how firefox becomes sluggish or even crashes when opening PDF files. Well, this addon solves the problem. Whenever it detects any pdf file is being opened, it takes control and gives option to download, open or convert as HTML. This prevents browser from becoming sluggish. It also tells the size of file at the beginning and helps preserve bandwitdh from being consumed by relatively less useful files.
10. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4429" target="_blank">Secure Login</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4429)
<blockquote>Secure Login is a login extension for Mozilla Firefox integrated password manager. Its main feature is similar to Opera's (the browser) Wand login.</blockquote>
This addon integrates with password manager of firefox and provides login at single click. Ideally suited for common user and requires no configurations. It also provides access to the saved passwords. This feature helps in protecting from login data theft on websites using javascript and cross-site scripting. It also provides a number of other features like automatic login, customizable interface, etc.
11. <strong><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/138" target="_blank">Stumble Upon</a></strong>:- (URL : https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/138)
<blockquote>StumbleUpon discovers web sites based on your interests, learns what you like and brings you more.
</blockquote>
One of the most interesting way to browse internet and discover new sites of your interest. Simply install SU toolbar, create a login, select the areas of your interest and start stumbling. This toolbar has as such no performace enhancement feature but makes the browsing all more interesting. You can also submit new sites for other to view it, make friends with similar interests, make groups and even allows you to write blog. This is my favorite add-on on firefox and recommended to all.
<em>Well this is my list, for sharing, hope you liked at least some of these add-ons and definetly use it for your enhanced browsing experience.</em>
June 17, 2008
Review of "Sarkar Raj"
I just happened to watch this movie last Saturday and after watching I feel this movie needs to be there in my blog.
<strong>Start with Rating: 9 of 10</strong>
<strong>Team:</strong>
Director: <em>Ram Gopal Varma
</em>Music: <em>Bapi-Tutul</em>
Background Music: <em>Debashish Mishra</em>
Lyrics: <em>Prashant Pandey, Sandeep Nath
</em>Cinematography: <em>Amit Roy
</em>Starring: <em>Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Tanisha, Rajesh Shringapure, Dilip Prabhawalkar </em>
<strong>Story:</strong>
This is the sequel of the movie "Sarkar" (2005), where a new angle of power politics is shown. Anita Ranjan<em> (Aishwarya)</em> of a MNC Shepard Power Plant wants to set-up a huge power plant industry which will solve all the power problems of Maharastra. Sarkar <em>(Amitabh</em>) is not in favour of the project as it will displace 40000+ villagers from their land, but Sankar <em>(Abhishek)</em> is able to see the long term profit for the state.
Sankar convinces Sarkar to support him and goes to village to gain support of the villagers. But Somji <em>(Rajesh Shringapure)</em> has other plans and things are not that simple. Lot of dirty politics is in the play to displace the Legacy of Sarkar and as the plot unfolds, one realizes that the things are not as it looks but everything is being played as a master game.
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I will not write about the climax as that is most interesting and enchanting part of the movie. The climax in itself deserves a rating of 10+ out of 10.
This political thriller is backed by very solid performance of the Bachchan family. Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya all three of them do a wonderful performance. The close-ups of the face used throughout the film to bring out the intesity and emotions by Cameraman and Director have just added glitter to this golden movie. Performance of Amitabh and Aishwarya are par excellence but it the Legendary Amitabh Bachchan whose performance again tells us why he is actor of the millennium. Rajesh Shringpure and Tanisha have also done their act very well. In fact there is not a single performance in the movie which worth praising.
The close-up shots which are used in abundance and background music of the movie are perhaps best in the recent times.
<strong>Ram Gopal Varma</strong> has once again shown his caliber and understanding of film making and its direction. The Director of movies Satya, Company, Rangeela and Sarkar is back again with the bang. He has used the script to the perfection, extracting the best from his actors, proving twist and turns in the sequence which will hit you hard and thrill you to the edge of your seat. May be he has flawed in Aag but yes he is back with bang.
The only downside in the movie is rather not so excellent script. Of course, it’s better than many recent hit movies but at some places the script is not upto the mark specially
1. Abhishek falling in love with Aishwarya within a short time after the death of his wife and yet to born child.
2. Another unconvincing plot, why is Sarkar or Sankar not able to know the mole in their house. Don't they employ informers and spies for all their information and networks?
3. Aishwarya character could have been made stronger and more emotional.
Music is just normal but background scores are mind blowing.
Overall, the movie is great watch, any time, any day and any where. Definitely not to be missed.
<strong>Start with Rating: 9 of 10</strong>
<strong>Team:</strong>
Director: <em>Ram Gopal Varma
</em>Music: <em>Bapi-Tutul</em>
Background Music: <em>Debashish Mishra</em>
Lyrics: <em>Prashant Pandey, Sandeep Nath
</em>Cinematography: <em>Amit Roy
</em>Starring: <em>Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Tanisha, Rajesh Shringapure, Dilip Prabhawalkar </em>
<strong>Story:</strong>
This is the sequel of the movie "Sarkar" (2005), where a new angle of power politics is shown. Anita Ranjan<em> (Aishwarya)</em> of a MNC Shepard Power Plant wants to set-up a huge power plant industry which will solve all the power problems of Maharastra. Sarkar <em>(Amitabh</em>) is not in favour of the project as it will displace 40000+ villagers from their land, but Sankar <em>(Abhishek)</em> is able to see the long term profit for the state.
Sankar convinces Sarkar to support him and goes to village to gain support of the villagers. But Somji <em>(Rajesh Shringapure)</em> has other plans and things are not that simple. Lot of dirty politics is in the play to displace the Legacy of Sarkar and as the plot unfolds, one realizes that the things are not as it looks but everything is being played as a master game.
<!--more-->
I will not write about the climax as that is most interesting and enchanting part of the movie. The climax in itself deserves a rating of 10+ out of 10.
This political thriller is backed by very solid performance of the Bachchan family. Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya all three of them do a wonderful performance. The close-ups of the face used throughout the film to bring out the intesity and emotions by Cameraman and Director have just added glitter to this golden movie. Performance of Amitabh and Aishwarya are par excellence but it the Legendary Amitabh Bachchan whose performance again tells us why he is actor of the millennium. Rajesh Shringpure and Tanisha have also done their act very well. In fact there is not a single performance in the movie which worth praising.
The close-up shots which are used in abundance and background music of the movie are perhaps best in the recent times.
<strong>Ram Gopal Varma</strong> has once again shown his caliber and understanding of film making and its direction. The Director of movies Satya, Company, Rangeela and Sarkar is back again with the bang. He has used the script to the perfection, extracting the best from his actors, proving twist and turns in the sequence which will hit you hard and thrill you to the edge of your seat. May be he has flawed in Aag but yes he is back with bang.
The only downside in the movie is rather not so excellent script. Of course, it’s better than many recent hit movies but at some places the script is not upto the mark specially
1. Abhishek falling in love with Aishwarya within a short time after the death of his wife and yet to born child.
2. Another unconvincing plot, why is Sarkar or Sankar not able to know the mole in their house. Don't they employ informers and spies for all their information and networks?
3. Aishwarya character could have been made stronger and more emotional.
Music is just normal but background scores are mind blowing.
Overall, the movie is great watch, any time, any day and any where. Definitely not to be missed.
June 06, 2008
Orkut offers new themes
I don't know if any one of you have noticed. Orkut for India is now orkut.co.in and besides adding new features like customized apps and option to invite friends from Hotmail, AOL and Rediff. They have made option of changing themes available to the Indian Users. In the initial phase, this will be available for selected Indian users and later extended for all Indian Users.
Here are some snapshots of the few of the new available themes
[gallery=2]
Now this make me think whether orkut is trying to become similiar to facebook. May be or maybe not, but with added feature, its definitely delight for the users for orkut users, specially Indians for whom by large Orkut is the only social networking site.
BTW you can add me as a friend. My orkut link is <a href="http://www.orkut.co.in/Profile.aspx?uid=7969783907907728993" target="_blank">here.</a>
Here are some snapshots of the few of the new available themes
[gallery=2]
Now this make me think whether orkut is trying to become similiar to facebook. May be or maybe not, but with added feature, its definitely delight for the users for orkut users, specially Indians for whom by large Orkut is the only social networking site.
BTW you can add me as a friend. My orkut link is <a href="http://www.orkut.co.in/Profile.aspx?uid=7969783907907728993" target="_blank">here.</a>
May 24, 2008
1st Wedding Anniversary
Just few days back on 12th of May 2008, we had our 1st marriage anniversary. With few of my colleagues, we went to our favorite North Indian Dhaba in Cochin and had a custom made dinner. The dinner was delicious, while the environment was also calm. With all the regular customers of the dhaba gone, it was all for us. Having dinner in traditional dhaba style was fun. Though no hungama and sound but still it was memorable and sweet.
Here are photos from our first anniversary
[gallery=1]
Here are photos from our first anniversary
[gallery=1]
May 23, 2008
Does God Exists
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; color: #222222; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #222222;">An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, The Almighty. He asks one of his new students to stand and.....</span></span></strong>
<strong>Prof : So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Is God good?
Student: Sure.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm?
Student is silent.</strong>
<strong>Prof: You can't answer, can you?
Let's start again, young fellow. Is God good?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Is Satan good?
Student: No.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From...God...</strong>
<strong>Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: So who created evil?
Student does not answer.</strong>
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<strong>Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir.</strong>
<strong>Prof: So, who created them?
Student has no answer.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No, sir.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Yes Faith. And that is the problem science has.</strong>
<strong>Now the student said can I ask something to you Professor.</strong>
<strong>Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Student : And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Student: No sir. There isn't.</strong>
<strong>(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)</strong>
<strong>Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.</strong>
<strong>(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)</strong>
<strong>Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?</strong>
<strong>Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something.
You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light... But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?</strong>
<strong>Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?</strong>
<strong>Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?</strong>
<strong>Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.</strong>
<strong>Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?</strong>
<strong>(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)</strong>
<strong>Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?</strong>
<strong>(The class is in uproar.)</strong>
<strong>Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?</strong>
<strong>(The class breaks out into laughter.)</strong>
<strong>Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?</strong>
<strong>(The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable.)</strong>
<strong>Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir... The link between man & god is FAITH. That is all that keeps things moving & alive. . </strong>
<strong>
</strong>
<h2><strong>By the way the student was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, a great scientist in himself also known as Missle man of India.</strong></h2>
<strong>Prof : So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Is God good?
Student: Sure.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't. How is this God good then? Hmm?
Student is silent.</strong>
<strong>Prof: You can't answer, can you?
Let's start again, young fellow. Is God good?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Is Satan good?
Student: No.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From...God...</strong>
<strong>Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: So who created evil?
Student does not answer.</strong>
<!--more-->
<strong>Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir.</strong>
<strong>Prof: So, who created them?
Student has no answer.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No, sir.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith.</strong>
<strong>Prof: Yes Faith. And that is the problem science has.</strong>
<strong>Now the student said can I ask something to you Professor.</strong>
<strong>Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Student : And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.</strong>
<strong>Student: No sir. There isn't.</strong>
<strong>(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)</strong>
<strong>Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.</strong>
<strong>(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)</strong>
<strong>Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?</strong>
<strong>Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something.
You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light... But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?</strong>
<strong>Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?</strong>
<strong>Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?</strong>
<strong>Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.</strong>
<strong>Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?</strong>
<strong>(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)</strong>
<strong>Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?</strong>
<strong>(The class is in uproar.)</strong>
<strong>Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?</strong>
<strong>(The class breaks out into laughter.)</strong>
<strong>Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?</strong>
<strong>(The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable.)</strong>
<strong>Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir... The link between man & god is FAITH. That is all that keeps things moving & alive. . </strong>
<strong>
</strong>
<h2><strong>By the way the student was Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, a great scientist in himself also known as Missle man of India.</strong></h2>
May 22, 2008
My experience with Free Hosting
I have been trying to host personal website consisting of few static pages, a blog and a gallery time and again. I didn't want to spend any money directly in this task. Bring a non computer guy and with little knowledge of programming except in HTML, C, C++, VB, I was faced with really a tough task. I made numbers of sites using DreamWeaver and finally settled on 110mb.com with shivkr.110mb.com but unfortunately they went paid for Database and my site become defunct. Again the search for a free web site initiated. I tried number of them, including x10hosting.com (good one), freehyperspace.com, freejoomlas.com, directspace.net, awardspace.com, free-space.net (application rejected), free-web-hosting.biz, iifree.net, sitewith.us and many more ... I also tried www.freehostia.com but it had one database in free account so, i couldn't have both blog and gallery on the site and i didn't try at the first stance.
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With time I understood, that Content Management Systems are much better tools than trying to integrate many PHP softwares on a single site. I also learned that Wordpress itself is a very good CMS basically for blogging but can have few static pages and can have gallery by using plugins. So I decided to go with Wordpress, one of the most easy CMS.
Still, my search for reliable free host continued. Then my long time companions in free web hosting www.free-webhosts.com and www.freewebhostingtalk.com reminded of many sites including fatehost.com, byethost.com, 000webhosts.com, Xpesshost.com, vlexo.com, profusehost.net, etc. but each come with limitation like their banner ads or restricted file types and so on.
After lots of research in reliability, speed and functionality of web sites, I have decided that <a href="http://www.freehostia.com" target="_blank">www.freehostia.com</a> serves my purpose well. It has really fast FTP server, no ads on my site, supports 1 MySQL database but the max size is 10 MB, which is more than sufficient for my hosting also comes with no limitation of file types. Only limitation I found was 500 KB file size but thats good to maintain the site as web hosting site otherwise people will spam the service and use it like file hosting site, which will hurt the interest of other web site.
Its control panel is quite advanced and i am still learning about it and may be will write a guide on it later. But for now let me enjoy my new website and see how long it lasts. (Lots of modification in themes and plugins to be done...)
<!--more-->
With time I understood, that Content Management Systems are much better tools than trying to integrate many PHP softwares on a single site. I also learned that Wordpress itself is a very good CMS basically for blogging but can have few static pages and can have gallery by using plugins. So I decided to go with Wordpress, one of the most easy CMS.
Still, my search for reliable free host continued. Then my long time companions in free web hosting www.free-webhosts.com and www.freewebhostingtalk.com reminded of many sites including fatehost.com, byethost.com, 000webhosts.com, Xpesshost.com, vlexo.com, profusehost.net, etc. but each come with limitation like their banner ads or restricted file types and so on.
After lots of research in reliability, speed and functionality of web sites, I have decided that <a href="http://www.freehostia.com" target="_blank">www.freehostia.com</a> serves my purpose well. It has really fast FTP server, no ads on my site, supports 1 MySQL database but the max size is 10 MB, which is more than sufficient for my hosting also comes with no limitation of file types. Only limitation I found was 500 KB file size but thats good to maintain the site as web hosting site otherwise people will spam the service and use it like file hosting site, which will hurt the interest of other web site.
Its control panel is quite advanced and i am still learning about it and may be will write a guide on it later. But for now let me enjoy my new website and see how long it lasts. (Lots of modification in themes and plugins to be done...)
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