Off To Bhopal

I'm off to Bhopal tomorrow as I won't be making it to DCE.Most probably I will be going to NIT Bhopal.I don't think I'll be able to post for a few days/weeks(maybe).I won't be getting a laptop right now but hopefully I'll be able to blog from the college computers.If you see a post in a few days,its good news.I will keep checking my mail though so you can obviously contact me via E-Mail.

Best Post Shock!

I recently did a SocialSpark sponsored post called Cisco Certification.I recently visited the opportunity page to see that my post was called 'the best post to date'.It was totally unexpected and unintended as this opportunity doesn't have a bonus(Sad!).Here's the screen shot showing that my post is the best to date-



You might have to zoom in to see the name of my blog clearly.I hope I manage to do something like this for an opportunity with a bonus.

Aamir:Movie Review

Cast-Rajeev Khandelwal
My Rating-4.4/5

Aamir is a movie which defies the basic conception related to a bollywood movie.This movie has no heroine.Neither does the protagonist sing songs and run around trees.The protagonist is a common man and not a super hero.The story is basically about a doctor named Aamir Ali who returns to India from London and gets into serious trouble.Generally,in bollywood movies the protagonist ends up beating up the villain even if he's a terrorist and the world's a better place.But this being the story of a common man,is very different.

The movie basically deals with religious fundamentalism.Aamir is threatened to work for some Muslim fundamentalists.He discovers a different Mumbai with small dingy lanes even Mumbai residents wouldn't have seen.He has a really tough time following their instructions but eventually does everything.He ends up making a really noble decision in the end.

The movie is a short movie,just about some 100 minutes long.Rajeev Khandelwal's acting skills are excellent.I'll give him 5/5 for his acting.Overall,the movie is not really meant for the masses,it is for the thinking minority.So if you have a good taste,as far as movies are concerned,you should watch it.

uBid-iPod Auction

I recently came across an iPod Auction through SocialSpark.The auction is being organized by uBid.There are over 1,000 iPods up for auction which means that anyone who bids has a good chance of getting an iPod.All auctions will start at $1.This means that bidders will decide the worth of each iPod.This means that you can get a great deal through uBid.Trust me,nothing's wrong with the iPods.Its just that one of their partners had a ton of excess inventory iPods and uBid is helping them liquidate the iPods.

uBid-About the Company

uBid.com sounds like something similar to ebay but is different.uBid is a 'Business 2 Consumer' site while eBay is a 'consumer 2 consumer' website.uBid offers a 100% fraud free guarantee and good customer service as uBid only deals with businesses.uBid is basically your inside connection to excess inventory from the world's most trusted brands.The uBid team works really hard and goes to wearhouses to get the best deals for its consumers.So hurry up and bid for your favorite iPod.

Using Your Motorola Phone As a Modem in Linux

I have a nice Idea GPRS plan through which I get unlimited surfing at a low rate.My Airtel Broadband was down yesterday for a while so I decided to use my Motorola L9 as a modem.On windows,the process is really simple.You just need to install Motorola Phone Tools from the CD bundled with the phone.Rest of the process is like an automated procedure.

Motorola Phone Tools is not built for Linux.I did not want to use emulation because I felt that there has to be something simpler and I found it.I found out that I was basically looking for 'wvdial'.Ubuntu has wvdial installed by default if it isn't installed,you can get it by running

sudo apt-get install wvdial

Now connect the phone to the computer in Data mode.Your next job is to edit the file wvdial.conf.To do that,run the following command in a terminal

sudo gedit /etc/wvdial.conf

Delete everything from the file and paste this into it-

[Dialer Defaults]
Modem = /dev/ttyACM0
Init1 = ATZ
Init2 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0
Init3 = AT+CGDCONT=3,"IP","*GPRS APN*",,0,0
Stupid Mode = 1
Modem Type = USB Modem
Phone = *99***3#
ISDN = 0
Username = *your number*
Password = *Passoword*
Baud = 460800

GPRS APN for Idea is "internet" and for Airtel,it is "airtelgprs.com".You can always check it up with your provider.The password for Idea is 1.Clarification:You have to replace *GPRS APN* with internet for Idea and airtelgprs.com for Airtel.

You can also run wvdialconf to make sure your Modem,Baud,Init1 and Init2 settings are best suited to your phone.Just run this command in your terminal

sudo wvdialconf /etc/wvdial.conf

The configuration part is done now.To connect to the internet,with the phone connected in Modem mode,run the following command in a terminal

sudo wvdial

I hope this guide was useful and if it was,Happy surfing.

World Series Of Mahjong

Mahjong is a popular tile game that originated from China.I've played Mahjong on my computer and many of you would have done the same.

MahjongTime.com will be having qualifying tournaments for the world series of Mahjong.It is a $1,000,000 event in Asia.You can gain entry to the tournament for as low as $4 and win as much as $500,000.There aren't too many participants so the chances of winning are very high.

Have a look at this video to get a better idea of the World Series Of Mahjong-



So sign up with Mahjong Time and start playing Mahjong now.

VIT Final Phase Counselling

I received a SMS today about the final phase of VIT counseling.There are still a few seats remaining and candidates with AIR under 11,000 have been called for counselling.This phase of counseling is remote counseling and candidates have to Fax their forms and a copy of a DD of Rs10,000 to VIT.Click on the link at the bottom of this post for full details.

Seat Availiability

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING-21

CIVIL ENGINEERING-21

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING-46

ELECTRONICS AND INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEERING-34

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-57

MECHANICAL AND ENERGY ENGINEERING-27

I won't be applying for admission as I feel that NIT Bhopal is a much better option than VIT.I'm not too keen to go to a college in South India either.They've been lots of debates on VIT on my blog,you're welcome to start another one.The comments are an eyeopener for me.

Click Here To Download Details Of Final Phase Of VITEEE 2008 Counselling

Miss USA Falls,Again

Miss Universe 2008 was organized on 13th July 2008.Miss Venezuela,Dayana Mendoza won the crown.A highlight of the event was the fall of Miss USA.She did get up quickly and clapped for herself.The recovery was impressive.Miss USA's fall pretty often but recoveries like this one are pretty rare.

Here's a video of Miss USA 2008 falling(and recovering) in the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant-

Miss USA Falls

Cisco Certification

You may be a software developer or a computer engineer but to be an Information Technology professional,a certification course is a good option.If you are looking to enhance your IT skills via a certification course,Cisco certification is meant for you.They offer good IT certifications which will update your IT skills.These courses will definitely lead to your career growth and success.These certifications act as a credibility builder in your career,field and industry.

Cisco certification even offers various specialist certifications like-

-Advanced Routing and Switching
-Data Center Switching Network Infrastructure
-Data Center Storage Networking
-Foundation for Channel Partners
-IP Communications Certifications
-VPN and Security Certifications
-Wireless LAN Certifications

Cisco certification offers great career opportunities and hefty packages.According to an annual salary survey conducted in 2007,the average salary of a CCNA professional is around US$74,810.What's even more exciting is that if the person has a professional-level CCVP voice-based certification beyond the CCNA, there is possibility of a 23 percent salary hike.

Here's what makes a Cisco certification special.The Cisco certification might look like a small piece of paper but trust me,its much more than that.Any degree can get you a job with a decent pay package but most of these are temporary.A Cisco certification will give you a career in IT and not just a temporary job.Thus,if you want a career in Information Technology,get yourself a Cisco certification.There are many more benefits that a Cisco certification can offer you about which you can read on the website.

AIEEE Counselling Ends

The 10 day long AIEEE counseling has finally ended.There are still a few seats in a few private colleges under Open category.This is good news for people waiting for allotment under Form 2 or the second phase of counseling.There will obviously be some dropout seats so don't loose hope if you haven't been allotted any institute through form 1.

Those who made it through Form 1,don't forget that you need to report to the allotted institute and get enrolled before 20th July 2008.As expected,Lovely Professional University still has 500+ seats available and half of them are under good branches.With a name like Lovely Professional University,not too many people will be tempted to join.I guess people feel that Amity university is better known and is better that low ranked private universities.

High Speed For $14.99/Month

Here's some unbelievable news.Charter internet is offering 5Mbps internet at just $14.99/month.If you purchase online,you will even get a $25 Shell Gas Gift card.

Some Benefits Of The Connection
-Automatic protection from viruses, hackers and spam.
-10 Email accounts+20 MB web space.
-Exclusive content on charter.net like news,weather and local movie listings.
-High speed downloads, obviously!!!

Hurry up,the offer ends on 31st July 2008.Find it too risky?There's a 30 day window for cancellation too.So don't miss this opportunity and get your self a Charter internet connection

MANIT Bhopal

As I mentioned before,I was allotted Energy Engineering at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology(MANIT),Bhopal.So I decided to go there to complete the admission formalities and ensure myself a hostel room.The campus is huge just like every engineering college.I reached there with all documents and drafts ready.The admission process took just 2 hours which included a long walk to and from the Dispensary for a medical examination and filling up of long forms.

About the course-Energy Engineering is a multi-discipline course that was started a year ago in MANIT.Other institutions that offer Energy Engineering are IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur. Generally, the IITans find themselves at NASA after Energy Engineering.The faculty is good as courses of many branches are a part of the curriculum.Overall,its a branch for tomorrow.I will be graduating after 4 years and by that time Energy will be a stream in demand.

I'm 99% sure that I'll be joining MANIT.I'll be sure after DCE counseling(if any) on 24th July.

The Worst Burglar Ever

I recent came across this funny video via a friend of mine.I feel that it is worth posting on my blog so have a look at it



Isn't this guy the worst burglar you've ever seen?

Windows Vista Small Business Assurance

I'm sure you would've heard about Windows Vista.For those who were sleeping around a year ago,when it was launched,I'll tell you what Windows Vista is.Windows Vista is Microsoft's latest operating system which is well known for its eye-candy which includes some really cool 3D effects.

On a daily basis you can encounter many problems with your PC specially if you switch to Windows Vista.There can be some compatibility issues with some of the software.Some hardware might not support windows vista.You can find yourself in head scratching positions if you face these issues at an odd time with nobody to guide you.

All you small business owners don't need to worry at all.Windows Vista customer service is always there to help you.Here is some good news for you.If you purchased a new PC with Windows Vista after July 1 2008,you are entitled to the Windows Vista Small Business Assurance.This offers you free support,compatibility assistance and many more benefits.

The Windows Vista Small Business Assurance is a really good initiative and the best part about it is that it is completely free.It is available till October 31 2008 so hurry up and make the most of this free service.

I hope you are not afraid of switching to Windows Vista anymore.I can assure you that your business will not suffer any loss of you switch to Windows Vista.

Windows Vista On SocialSpark

Recently,I was shocked to see a few Windows Vista sponsored posts on Social Spark.I guess Microsoft wants to create some buzz about latest offers from Windows Vista.Perhaps they want some positive reviews about Windows Vista.Thus they are even offering huge bonuses to good posts.

I'm not sure what exactly Microsoft can gain form Social Spark advertising.Perhaps this is an experiment to see if it works.Blog advertising is much cheaper many other forms of advertising but a company as big as Microsoft doesn't need to worry about advertising budget.I guess blog advertising is very effective in spreading buzz.Another interest could be of driving bloggers towards Windows Vista and convert them into Vista users by exposing them to various offers.They even have $50 posts for bloggers using Windows Vista.If that's the case,the attempt was useless in my case.

When people read articles/posts written by normal people and not Microsoft or their support staff,they believe what's written and understand it properly.Perhaps Microsoft want to reduce the anxiety in people's minds towards Windows Vista.

Zenni Opticals

When I was a kid,very few people wore spectacles and not much attention was paid to the design of frames.Times have changed and now,every second person I see wears specs.ZenniOptical.com provides really good and stylish prescription glasses at prices as low as $8.They have a huge selection of frames and lenses.

Some of you would have seen a report on Zenni on Fox.Others can click on the link to read about it.Its needless to say that Zenni is good as something featured on Fox is definitely great.

Sponsored By Zenni Opticals

If You're _____ and You Know It,Clap Your Hands

Here's a very simple question.

If you're _____ and you know it clap your hands

Think of an answer first and then have a look at this video.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na

Cast-Imran Khan,Genelia
Watch out for-Imran Khan,Genelia,Sohail Khan,Arbaaz Khan and Naseeruddin Shah
My Rating-5/5

I know that Nobody is perfect but after watching this complete entertainer,I feel that Aamir Khan is 'Nobody'.I had a glance at the TOI critics rating which was 2.5 but I didn't read the review.This movie is a must watch.I'm sure many of you will even watch it multiple times.

The movie is a romantic comedy with equal weightage the comedy part.While watching the movie,my eyes were glued to the screen and in no time the movie ended.Sohail Khan,Arbaaz Khan and Naseeruddin Shah were extremely funny and everyone in the hall(people of all age groups/IQs) was laughing which is a rarity as far as Hindi Cinema is concerned.

The story revolves around Imran Khan(Jai Singh Rathore aka 'Rats') and Genelia(Aditi aka 'Meow').It is the story of friends turning into lovers as expected.I won't give away the story too much as it might spoil your fun.

The music of the movie is really good.The music director A.R. Rahman has done a really good job.Unlike other composers,AR Rahman's music is not copied.There aren't too many songs which is good.I basically can't think about any thing for which I can deduct 0.1 from the rating.

The movie had an airport scene which is seen in many other Bollywood movies.But unlike other movies the scene wasn't simply a hero crying and pleading the airport officials to stop the plane or a hero running on the runway.Even the airport scene had something different about it.

I'm gonna control myself now and end this review before I give away the entire movie.So go and watch the movie.

Online Gambling News

Everyone knows about online casinos.There are thousands of Online Gambling websites on the web with different features.There's no point describing one of these websites.OG Paper(stands for Online Gambling Paper) is a world leading publisher of sports,gambling and entertainment news.They cover all sorts of casino games and Gambling news.You can find some great reviews about online casinos on this website too.

Overall,this 3 year old website is pretty useful for online gamblers.For the best news on online casinos and gambling,you can rely on OG Paper.I would suggest you to subscribe to their online newsletter.

Sponsored By OG Paper

AIEEE Central Counselling

I had my AIEEE central counseling today.It was a really tiring experience as over 400 candidates reported at the Delhi counseling center.Here are the details of the on-campus online counseling procedure.

Documents Required(With one copy)

-AIEEE Admit Card
-AIEEE Score Card
-Class X mark sheet and certificate
-Class XII mark sheet and certificate
-Demand Draft of Rs.15,000
-4 Photographs

First,you need to queue to get a token number.Then wait for your turn to get a file with a declaration form issued.After that,arrange all documents in the file and fill up the form.Now you need to get the documents verified and wait in a room for your file.Then you will be called to finalize your choices online.

Sounds simple?I reached the center at 9:30am.I got a token number at 11:00am(I was number 360).I got a file at around 2:30pm and the procedure of verification of documents took another 30-50 minutes.Finally,I entered the counseling room at 3:30 PM.And by the time I collected my fee receipt and completed all formalities it was 4:00pm.The people at the center had a time limit of 1 hour in mind and they were sort of giving the people taking more than that tough time.

Parents are not allowed in the counseling room.Thus I could hear people saying on the phone

Mummy,Silchar mein bharoon?.......

I was lucky to sit in front of the window so I just called my Dad in front of it and easily cleared a few doubts that had found their way into my mind all of a sudden.The on-campus online counseling website was 100 times better than the off-campus online one.Unlike the off-campus counseling,the on-campus one didn't reload the entire page in order to rearrange options.

Then you have to freeze your choices for Form1 and Form2 and to to an official to lock your choices and get a print-out of your form 1 and form 2.I was finished with everything by 5:15pm.

Here are some tips-
1.Don't fill too many choices in Form1 if you have hope from Form2 as if you get alloted to a crappy place by form 1,you won't be considered for drop-out seats.
2.Either reach the counseling center at 6:00 am or at 3:00pm.The reason being that the guy who reached at 8:30 am left at 10:30.I reached at 9:30 am and left at 5:15pm.A guy arrived the center at 4:00pm and left at the time I left.

The allotment is generally put up on the CCB website by 12 midnight.You can download the allotment letter and report at the institute by 20th July to complete admission formalities.

Update-I was alloted Energy Engineering at Maulana Azad NIT Bhopal.I never expected getting to a good NIT in a good branch with an All India Rank of 14191.

Good Web Hosting Reviews

It is difficult to look for a good web host without reading a few reviews.It is difficult to look for reviews of different hosts as not many websites review all popular hosts.But Web Hosting Geeks is an exception.The website has reviews of most of the top hosting providers.This makes the task of choosing your web host much simpler.

If you are looking for a good webhosting plan,use Webhosting Geeks to check out some great hosting reviews.You can have a look at their Bluehost Review to see the quality of the reviews.The reviews even have comments from actual customers so their accuracy can't be questioned.

The New Look

I've just changed my blog template.People with some knowledge of wordpress themes would know that this template is a Blogger adaptation of the wordpress theme,WP Premium by R.Bhavesh.There is a difference between the blogger adaptation and wordpress theme.This version has only 2 tabs in the top of the sidebar while the wordpress version has 3.

I found the blogger version of WP Premium on E Blog Templates.You can download the theme and read the customization instructions on this page.

The blogger navbar is hidden in the theme.This is a very common but dangerous practice as it is against the blogger policies.Thus I decided to make the navbar visible.Here's how to do so.Look for this code and remove it.

#navbar-iframe {
height:0px;
visibility:hidden;
display:none;
}

If you want to hide the navbar in any other theme just add this code to the HTML of the blog header.

#navbar-iframe {
height:0px;
visibility:hidden;
display:none;
}

Comments on my new template and my decision to switch to it are welcome.I have postponed my plan to shift to wordpress on my own hosting.More about it in later posts.

Firefox Did It

Its official.Firefox 3.0 has set the Guinness World Record for the most software downloads in 24 hours.Firefox was downloaded 8,002,530 times on download day(17th June 2008).If you've helped Firefox by downloading Firefox 3 on download day,you can download a certificate for your contribution.

Here's my certificate-

Messed Up Sources

MY Ubuntu 8.04 upgrade was messed up a bit.Since I couldn't update my installation,I updated the packages and it seemed to work.A few days ago,I was wondering why I still had Firefox 3 Beta 5.I checked my software sources to see that the sources were outdated.I was getting updates from the gutsy repositories.

Ankur suggested me to replace my 'sources.list' file to sort out the problem.I did so and it worked.Here's a guide for noobs on how to do so-

1)Boot from the Ubuntu 8.04 live CD.Select Try Ubuntu without making any changes to your computer.After the live session loads completely,open a terminal window(Applications->Accessories->Terminal).

2)Run nautilus in super user mode by running

sudo nautilus

Kubuntu users type 'sudo konqueror' and xubuntu users 'sudo thunar'.

3)Navigate to /etc/apt.Copy 'sources.list'.Then navigate to the partition with Ubuntu installed.Replace /etc/apt/sources.list with the file you just copied.

Now boot Ubuntu and go to System->Administration->Software Sources.Move to the 'Updates' tab.Make sure that 'hardy-security' and 'hardy-updates' are checked and 'hardy-proposed' and 'hardy-backports' are unchecked.

This solved the problem for me and I find no reason why it shouldn't work for anyone else.I hope this solved your problem.