Movies being a great entertainment can also press the panic button that can take things further and persuade us that any day a new strain of virus is waiting around a corner. Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Contagion’ is a movie, which sends shocks up the spine — not just because it’s scaring, but because it is pure, incisive, riveting cinema. The battle against the deadly virus draws out the best and the worst in people as they face the possibility of a swift and painful death.

Plot

A pretty blonde American coughs lightly as she reaches into the communal peanut bowl at an airport bar in Chicago. A feverish young man in Hong Kong stumbles back to his apartment to seek shelter in his girlfriend’s arms. A Japanese businessman collapses on a commuter bus, mouth foaming, as a fellow passenger records his ordeal on camera-phone.

Beth Emhoff (Gwyneth Paltrow) is a working mother from Minneapolis who has traveled to Hong Kong for a business meeting. On her way back, she makes a stop in Chicago. By the time she arrives home to her husband Mitch (Matt Damon) she has a fever followed by seizures, and then a massive brain hemorrhage that kills her. Shortly afterwards, his young son dies as well. Mitch resolves to do everything within his power to protect his teenage daughter (Anna Jacoby-Heron) from the virus.

Other characters are set in motion as well, almost too many to catalog: a World Health Organization official(Marion Cotillard) dispatched to China to determine where the virus originated; a doctor from the Centers for Disease Control tasked with containing the outbreak(Lawrence Fishburne); a CDC microbiologist hoping to unlock a vaccine(Kate Winslet); a muckraking blogger(Jude Law) with an eye for pharmaceutical conspiracies.

And surrounding them all, occasionally overlapping, a relentlessly expanding universe of victims.

Analysis

Steven Soderbergh is a rare film-maker who has moved fluidly and consistently between unconventional and even experimental independent production and major Hollywood studio films. Soderbergh never makes the same film twice, and over the decades he has dabbled in virtually every genre and style imaginable, from intimate dramas, to large-scale social problem films, to offbeat crime thrillers. Soderbergh has a star-studded cast, but gives none of them any big moments. The story skips from continent to continent, but Soderbergh always keeps us comfortably oriented.

The editing (by Stephen Mirrione) moves at a healthy jog, not a frantic sprint. Contagion goes fast but takes its time when the audience needs to understand something. The film’s most chilling images are not of the frothing, twitching infected, but of a civilization slowly disintegrating.

This is no special-effects extravaganza: Soderbergh and Writer Burns have crafted an even-tempered drama that flares only occasionally into brief violence.  Employing the high-definition RED digital camera that has become the favourite tool of Soderbergh, spares few sensibilities in outlining how quickly a contagion would cross international boundaries.

Soderbergh’s Contagion dexterously manages the multiple plotlines and keeps it just engaging enough on a human level that it doesn’t feel too emotionally distant without getting hung up in melodrama and pathos.

Consider this film as a wake-up call to the ethical responsibilities of ordinary citizens, scientists, medical personnel, pharmaceutical companies, and researchers in the face of a epidemic.

Verdict:

Like the virus it hunts, Contagion creeps under your skin.

The Dev team states, “Starting with redsn0w version 0.9.11b1, those with newer devices (iPad2, iPad3, and iPhone4S) can join the downgrade fun too! In a radical departure from previous versions of redsn0w, it now directly supports restoring IPSWs to your device.”

It is indeed a radical move by the Dev team. However, downgrading you A5 devices (iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPhone 4S) requires you have your SHSH blobs from older firmware version. If you don’t have the older SHSH blobs, this tool to downgrade your iOS won’t work at all. So, make sure you have the SHSH blobs first before you mess around. Here is the screenshot of “Even More” window that has just been added.
Important Note: Even though you can downgrade your iOS on your A5 devices using the latest (v0.9.11b1) redsn0w tool, the actual problem associates with the upgrading of your firmware version. Which means, regardless the fact that you are downgrading but it won’t stop you from updating you firmware version. So the bottom line is, if you are using iPhone 4S and relying on unofficial unlock methods (ex. Ultrasn0w), you might loose it just because your firmware is updated. So, be careful. Know what exactly you are about to do.

However, you are more than welcome if you want to try it on your A5 devices. Let us know, how did it work.

Download redsn0w 0.9.11b1 for OS X
Download redsn0w 0.9.11b1 for Windows

What happened to India after independence? How did we became a democratic nation? What makes democracy to still survive in India? The 893-page epic, “India After Gandhi” by Ramachandra Guha answers our quest for knowledge, about the events, thoughts and ideas that have shaped modern India.

The Paradox

India is a land rich in history, yet we have very few historians. Ram Guha complains that he had to struggle years for this book, because there are no biographies of many of the leading politicians of the last sixty years, the only exceptions being Gandhi, Nehru and his daughter Indira. If foreigner does not write a biography, it doesn’t get written. The great achievers, apart from politicians suffer the same fate.

A fine example is The Man Who Knew Infinity, the biography of the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) by American Robert Kanigel. We, Indians honor Ramanujan by releasing postage stamps, but don’t seem to feel that his life needs to be recorded. This has left a huge gap to know about our political and geographical shapes. Fortunately Ram Guha’s book serves as the bridge.

Analysis

The Beginnings

“India After Gandhi”  starts right from the Sepoy Mutiny days. Then, he starts recounting horrors of displacement in an inevitable and painful partition, and then Kashmir, the naga rebels and movies from various secessionist movements.

The British had left behind a curious state, without a uniform civil or criminal code. A third of India was ruled by princes who enjoyed considerable internal autonomy. In 1947 the 500-odd princely states were given the right to either accept India or Pakistan or seek independence. The integration of these princely states into India – with one glaring exception, Kashmir – was achieved much more quickly, and with less violence, than the transformation of the American colonies into the modern United States. These initial chapters, introduces us the great ‘V. P. Menon, the civil servant who masterminded the operation.

Legacy Of Nehru

The chapters that then follow gives credit to Nehru and his contribution to nation building. Guha somehow credits India’s strength to Nehru, which at times looks like a tribute. He fails to to identify Nehru’s failures in adopting a socialist stance which denied us any socioeconomic progress. However, the role of Nehru in the crisis of Kashmir, his failure to identify the alienation and disillusionment of leaders like Sheikh Abdullah, are characterized without any kind of bias.

Whatever his failings (and his ineffectiveness against government corruption was a significant failing), Guha writes, Nehru governed India as an elected leader, not as a Mughal emperor.

Hinduism and Regional Politics

Guha’s energy begins to flag when he turns to regional politics, especially about south India. He mentions which particular agitation catapulted which particular regional stalwart into prominence but can not help us make sense of the shifting coalitions and temporary administrations in which those stalwarts then played a part. Guha wrote little about Hinduism, especially about the part it played in the last thirty years.

The theories about caste or purpose of the religious fundamentalism, its pragmatic notions are not entirely left out, but it was dealt with caution.

The Emergency

It’s the period of history which challenges the nation’s idea of itself, in India’s case by demonstrating how thin the line is between “the world’s largest democracy” and a Third World dictatorship. Mrs. Gandhi, guided by P.N.Haksar, was merely following in her father’s footsteps. The parallel development of regional parties- which permitted India to shake off the legacy of Nehru family from being a sort of disguised One Party State- was something which the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty neither understood nor cared very deeply about nor promoted in any way.

These chapters were well handled. The legacy of India Gandhi, the way she used her power, her demise sort of has a ‘Godfather’ feel to it.

Srilankan Issue

We also do not get a clear understanding of the Sri Lankan problem and how it impacts on the history of the subcontinent, not least Rajiv’s own assassination at the hands of a Tamil and its impact on the country. The comprehensive, beautifully written, well-researched, all-encompassing history book just misses out this issue.

Democracy

The historic events regarding the development of constitutions, the survival of secularism, the depiction of the pain-staking first election process in the independent India, are explained in a breath-taking manner. These chapters are the one, readers might cherish. At the same time, Guha gives us the account of democracy in the present India.

Guha argues, men and women are more interested in how they can benefit from public office than in how the public can benefit from their service. One-sixth or more of candidates for elective office have criminal records, he notes. The average parliamentarian owns assets worth several hundred thousand U.S. dollars – an enormous sum in India. Almost all political parties have become family affairs, with sons and daughters inheriting seats.

The pace slackens a bit at the end with a detailed description in the field of Indian Cinema, art and culture. The “Entertainment Achievements” like Amitabh Bachchan at Tussads, might just put you off! Why should a foreign endorsement be a function of our pride?

The language is gripping, you will surely not feel like reading an old school history book. The book is available Amazon for less than $13.

Despite its mix of greatness and flaws, is it worth to read or buy the book? I’d say yes. Because, I have not found this book boring or tedious at any point, which is pretty good for any work of comprehensive history, much less that of such a huge and diverse country.

This book is of universal interest since it tells the story of how a group of incredibly diverse people have managed to remain united on the basis of a common idea of Indian. It’s hard to  find the proper balance in depicting the history of diversified community. Ramachandra Guha is one of those rare skilled historians, who gives us the uplifting and enlightening account of the world’s largest democratic nation.

Guha have enumerated many obstacles to give this grand history of India, which otherwise might have been narrated by a foreigner.

Earlier on February, we also reported on the new GEVEY Ultra S which could unlock the iPhone 4S GSM model with iOS 5.0.1 on certain firmware version. This time there are few additonal supported firmware has been included with the previous ones. Here is a little video by ApplenBerry where they demonstrates how it works.

GEVEY Ultra S  GSM model can unlock GSM iPhone 4S on iOS 5.0, 5.0.1, 5.1 and 5.1.1 with the modem firmware version 1.0.11, 1.013, 1.0.14, 2.0.10 and 2.0.12. So, if you are using iPhone 4S and recently updated your device with iOS 5.1.1, you still have the option to unlock your device. Remember, jailbreaking your device and unlocking are not the same. However, GEVEY Ultra S is a hardware based unlocking solution for iPhones. On the other hand Jailbreaking your iPhone may or may not be able to unlock your device.

What it is?
IP (Internet Protocol) address is an unique identifier for every single computer connected in any computer network which is used to communicate. It can be Internet or even Intranet (local network). IP address is basically a set of numerical values that identifies your computer within billions of computers connected in online. There are two different standards of IP addresses, one is IP Version 4 or IPv4 (ex. xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) and another one is IP Version 6 which is also known as IPv6 (ex. xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx:xxxx).

IP addresses also can Dynamic or Static. Dynamic IP addresses are very common and they are assigned by the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service. These IP addresses changes every time you connect and disconnect your computer from the network. Network devices like Routers can assign such IP addresses automatically.

On the other hand Static IP addresses are very rarer and you can understand from it’s name that it doesn’t change by itself and it needs to be configured manually. Web servers mostly uses such IP addresses. For an example, every web site you visit has it’s own IP address and mostly they are static. Domain names like google.com or yahoo.com are assigned with a very specific IP address. You can find any web site’s IP address very easily from this web site.

How to find IP address?
Finding IP address of your computer is as simple as it can get. There are various ways to find your computer’s IP address. However, the most simplest way to find your IP address is by visiting google’s home page. Here is what you should do.
Step 1: Go to Google’s home page.
Step 2: Type “ip”, “my ip” or “find my ip” in the search box and hit the enter button or click on “Google Search”.

Step 3: Take a look at the search result page. Right underneath the search box, google will display something like the image at the top. It should say, “Your public IP address is xxx.xx.xxx.xxx”. Here “x” represents the numerical value.

There you have it. This is how you can find the IP address of your computer using Google search. However, another easy way to find your IP address could be using the command prompt from your computer. However, command prompt may not give you the actual IP address if you are connected through a network device like router. It will give you the local IP address that router assigned to your computer.

A 27-year old teetotaler, with a rare type of cancer. Don’t worry, this  isn’t one of those struggling with cancer stories. Jonathan Levine’s ’50/50′ is inspired by a screenwriter Will Reiser’s own experience, who had 50/50 chance of surviving the cancer.

Adam(Joseph-Gordon Levitt) has to face his imminent mortality with the hepl of his friend Kyle(Seth Rogen), and Katherine (Anna Kendrick), a 24-year-old psychologist-in-training. His girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard) promises to stand by him through thick and thin but she doesn’t like to go into hospitals because they’re filled with so much negative energy. Adam’s controlling mother wants to move with him, but his ego don’t want her to take care of him. Adam finds hard to sort his emotions in response to the cancer. Did Adam came through his 50/50 survival percent or not?

Performance Analysis
Joseph Gordon-Levitt performance as Adam is impressive. He portrays Adam, as a bright young man who demonstrates courage and vulnerability in the face of death.

Seth Rogen as Kyle is both a blessing and curse to Adam. Rogen’s Kyle might only be able to relate to his buddy’s illness with nervous jokes, but he sticks with him through head-shaving and surgery and despair. Anna Kendrick’s Katherine is off-putting at first, but her character grows throughout the film. Anjelica Houston is perfect as the over-bearing mother of Adam.

Movie Analysis
Jonathan Levine and screenwriter Will Reiser wonderfully balances the tragedy with Rogen’s blunt comedy. Even though, the plot of the movie might seem simple and predictable, it doesn’t take you through the hysterical, wild weeping path of a cancer movie. He avoids sappy sentimentality, but evokes our true emotions. ’50/50′ is not a movie about suffering, it’s about someone fighting and dealing that suffering. 50/50 is a emotional wisdom.

Watch 50/50, and get acquainted with Adam. You will become a stronger person than you were before watching the movie.

MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use

In this post we will show, how to jailbreak A4 devices using the latest redsn0w tool. But before we get into the procedure, please make sure you backup all of your files from your idevices to your computer. This is a very simple yet very important issue that many of us don’t like to do quite often. It’s better to be safe than sorry later. So, just do it. It won’t take that long anyway.

Supported Devices: iPhone 4, iPad 1, iPod touch 4G and below. Remember this is a tethered jailbreak.

Step by Step Guide to Jailbreak iOS 5.1.1 on A4 Devices
Step 1: Download the latest version of Redsn0w on your computer (Mac or Windows).

Step 2: Download the iOS 5.1 IPSW file (not 5.1.1) manually based on your device (in this case A4 device only) that you want to jailbreak.

Step 3: Once you are done with all the downloading procedures, run the Redsn0w application.
Step 4: Click on “Extras” and from the new window click on “Select IPSW” button. Now, locate the IPSW file that you just downloaded on Step 2.

Step 5: At this point you would be taken back to the main window of Redsn0w. So, this time click on “Jailbreak” button. Do not forget to check on “Install Cydia” option available from next window.

Step 6: Now, you must follow the on screen instructions to put your device into DFU mode. Rest of the process would be done automatically.

Wait until the jailbreak process is done properly. Meanwhile you might see some white lines of codes passing through your devices’ screen which is very normal. Let it go on its own flow.

Once the jailbreak process is done successfully, your device will restart and you will see the Cydia icon on your screen. This is the indication that your device is jailbroken. Remember, this is a tethered jailbreak which means if you turn off your device manually or it gets shut off automatically for any reason, you need Redsn0w once again to restart your device. Don’t worry you don’t need to follow the same procedure again.

You can easily do that simply launching redsn0w and then clicking on “Extras”, from the next window select “Just Boot” and you would be back on track. This is pretty much it. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this issue. We would definitely be reporting on any developments regarding new jailbreak.

This new update applies for all iPhone, iPod Touch and iPads available in the market right now. This update is known as build 9B206 which includes couple of bug fixes like HDR photo issue, improved AirPlay, iPad network switching, an iTunes store fix, and improvements to Safari reading list syncing.

On our upcoming post, we would be writing on various jailbreaking procedure using different tools whenever it becomes available. So, these direct IPSW download links could be handy if you want to follow the step by step guide.

Download Links of iOS 5.1.1 (Straight from Apple)

• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 4 (GSM Model)
• iPhone 4 (CDMA Model)
• iPhone 3Gs
• iPad 3 (Wi-Fi Only)
• iPad 3 (GSM Model)
• iPad 3 (CDMA Model)
• iPad 2 (Wi-Fi Only)
• iPad 2 (GSM Model)
• iPad 2 (CDMA Model)
• iPad (First Generation)
• iPod Touch 4G
• iPod Touch 3G

Note: Like always, we check and cross check these download links before we make it public. Yet, it’s very much possible to make mistakes. So, please feel free to report us about any broken or incorrect links.

This IVI system will feature two independent displays. There would be a 9.2 inch touchscreen display which would be mounted on the dashboard of front seats and another display for backseats. It will help both the passengers and driver to enjoy their desired content.
The dashboard interface with the touchscreen feature will provide driver information system (DIS) navigation and UVO eServices for telematics. This will allow driver to use voice recognition, stolen vehicle location tracking, smartphone remote start services along with access to the internet. Backseat display supports various video file formats such as MPEG1/2/4, WMV9, Divx4/5/6, Xvid and H264, and excellent 3-D graphic performance and Bluetooth.

“K9 will not only maximize the safety and convenience of customers with the most competitive hi-tech profile in its class by cooperating with Intel on the IVI platform, but also establish K9 as a new standard in the large luxury sedan market by providing the best IT environment” said Chun-Kwan Seo, VP and head of marketing Domestic of Kia Motors Corporation.

Country Manager of Intel Korea, Hee-Sung Lee says, “The automobile is a state-of-the-art mobile device that is becoming a more integral part of our digital lives, Our engagement with Kia has resulted in an innovative, cutting-edge IVI system that is expected to provide a safe, aware, and compelling driving experience and we look forward to our continued collaboration on future connected car technologies.”

This ultra-slim, book-style case and keyboard currently supports the new third generation and older second generation iPads. Mysteriously, the first generation iPad remains out of their compatibility list. No reason was given.
Interesting enough, even though Logitech says it’s a “Solar” keyboard but in reality it’s not only a solar powered but also light powered keyboard which includes solar energy as well. It works pretty much in any condition where you have the light. It really doesn’t matter whether you have the sun light or regular light at home. It works flawlessly in indoor or outdoor, you name it.

Folio includes onboard solar cells that charge the built in Bluetooth keyboard in any lighting condition. Logtiech claims that once fully charged, the battery can last up to two years, even in complete darkness. However they didn’t forget to mention that battery life actually depends on the usage. In this case Logitech assumed that it would be something like two hours of average usage per day. I am pretty sure no one really uses their iPad like that. So from my understandings, you should not expect two year in any circumstances.

“Now that people are seemingly inseparable from their tablets, using them for everything from sending emails to watching videos, they want accessories powered to meet their needs,” said Alexis Richard, director of product marketing at Logitech. “The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio is a smart partner for your iPad. Its sleek built-in keyboard uses light to charge and it provides hassle-free protection for your iPad – both for the front and back. It gives you an ideal way to use and protect your tablet without adding bulk.”

This keyboard has two different stand positions just like the way you use your iPad on screen keyboard. You must use your iPad in horizontal mode to use the keyboard. However, when using on standard mode you can use the first row of the keyboard as multimedia control buttons either to playback or to control volume. It also has instant on/off function. Once you open the case the iPad wakes up automatically and goes in sleep mode if you close it.

The Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in May 2012, for a suggested retail price of $129.99. You can also visit the product’s home page to find more information.