Dr. Arnab Pal | AP

Install WordPress on Your Computer Using WampServer

2013-11-23T13:13:00.004+05:30

http://sixrevisions.com/web-development/install-wordpress-on-your-computer-using-wampserver/

What is WampServer? WampServer is an easy to use web server package that allows you to configure Apache, MySQL and PHP in your local machine to match that of your live web server. It’s free to download, and since WampServer installs quickly and easily, it’s very user-friendly even for those who are not familiar with server administration and server management.
Why would you want to set up a web server on your computer? Best practices dictate that you should never do on-the-fly updates on a website that is in production (i.e. websites that are already up online and are being used by your site visitors) without first testing it either offline or on another remote web server.

Having a web server in your computer means that you can test your work and perform web development tasks offline, not only making it convenient for times when you don’t have internet access, but also ensures that your site upgrades won’t unexpectedly cause major downtimes when you update your site.
Furthermore, you can develop new PHP/MySQL applications offline without having to spend any money on domain names and web hosting; you can just spend your hard-earned dough after you finish your app!
This guide covers the installation and configuration of WordPress on your personal computer using WampServer.

Objectives

In this guide, you will install and set up WampServer, set up a website, and manage your MySQL database.
As a working example, we will use WordPress, an open source publishing platform that uses PHP and MySQL. However, the steps for installing any PHP/MySQL project or creating your own PHP/MySQL apps will be very similar, so even if you’re working with Drupal, Magento, Joomla!, or a custom app, this guide will still be useful to you.
We will also cover how to sync our local website files with our live production server so that once we are done with our offline work, we can quickly and easily commit them to our live website.
Here is what we will cover and do in this WampServer guide:

Download and install WampServer
How to use your local (localhost) web server
Set up WordPress
Set up PHP configuration settings
Manage the local website
Managing the local MySQL database
Syncing your local files with a live server using FTP
Syncing your MySQL database with a live server using MySQL export/import

Let’s get started, shall we?

Download and Install WampServer

First, get yourself a copy of WampServer by visiting the WampServer download page found at the following URL:

http://www.wampserver.com/en/download.php

At the time of writing this guide, WampServer 2.0i is the latest version and the one you will want to download. By downloading WampServer 2.0i, you will be installing the following:

Apache 2.2.11 (the web server application)
PHP 5.3.0
MySQL 5.1.36
phpMyAdmin (a convenient web interface for managing our database)

When you download WampServer from the URL provided above, you will be taken to SourceForge to download WampServer.

Once downloaded, run the installer.
Click Next past the first screen and agree to the license agreement.

Choose your installation directory. The default is c:\wamp — I would recommend using the default location to avoid any potential issues.

In the Select Additional Tasks dialog, you can choose if you would like to have a Quick Launch icon and a Desktop icon so that you can quickly open WampServer once it has been installed.

The final screen before the installation process is a recap of your installation options. If you’re happy with it, just click Install.

During the installation process, you will be asked to set your mail() settings, which is a PHP function that deals with sending emails from a PHP app. I left mine at the default settings.
Note: Getting the mail() function to work correctly in a local environment is often tricky, so don’t get surprised if mailing functions don’t work!

All done? You can click Finish to launch WampServer.

Upon successful installation, you will now notice a new icon in your taskbar that looks like this:

Using Your Localhost Web Server

The first thing we should do is check to see if WampServer is installed properly. Open up your web browser and navigate to http://localhost.
If WampServer is turned on and is working properly, you will be looking at the default Server Configuration page.

On the Server Configuration page, you will see what extensions are installed, some basic tools for managing your localhost web server, your existing projects, and the phpmyadmin link (which we will use later on).

Create a Directory for Your Website Files

I have already created a directory for my website files (which is called a project in WampServer).
All you have to do to create a project is simply make a folder inside C:\wamp\www. I called my directory, website — and thus, the project is called website as well. Next time we go to http://localhost, that project will be listed under Your Projects.
To navigate to our project directly, we can use http://localhost/website, where website is the name of the folder we made. For example, if you create a folder called foo, then we go to that project by going to http://localhost/foo.

Setting Up WordPress

To get the ball rolling, we are going to quickly set up a WordPress site in our localhost web server.
First, download WordPress.
Once downloaded, extract the WordPress files to your newly created c:\wamp\www\website folder.

Creating the WordPress MySQL Database

First, you should create your WordPress database on your live production server as sometimes a webhost will give your database a prefix name automatically (e.g. db01_wp_mydatabasename). If you have full control of the naming conventions of your MySQL databases in your live production server, then don’t worry about this.
If you already have a WordPress database in your live production server, name your localhost web server’s WordPress database the same name.
Instead of dealing with the command line, we will use phpMyAdmin, which is a GUI that runs in your web browser that will easily help you manage your MySQL databases.
We need to navigate back to http://localhost and then click on the phpmyadmin link towards the bottom of the Server Configuration screen, under Your Aliases.
Once phpMyAdmin launches, create a new database with the same name as your live setup. Here, I just called my database wordpress, but I advise you to name it something else so that you reduce the chances of a successful bruteforce MySQL attack.

Install WordPress

Now browse to http://localhost/website and follow the prompts to set up WordPress.
When you get to the database screen, we will be setting the MySQL username to root and we won’t set a password. We are using these details because we have not set up any users in our localhost MySQL database yet.

If the database is created successfully, you will be prompted to continue the installation. Just click Run the install to install WordPress on your localhost web server.

If everything goes according to plan, you’ll see the Success! screen. Excellent, everything is now set up for WordPress.

To confirm that WordPress has been installed successfully in your localhost web server, check that your WordPress database tables are present in your WordPress database by going back to phpMyAdmin.

Set Your PHP Configuration Settings

Because we are wanting to make our localhost web server 100% compatible with our live production web server, we should make sure our PHP config file (php.ini) is the same as our live server. This is a best practice to ensure that what we are looking at when we are developing stuff on our computer is going to work exactly the same when we commit our files to the live production web server.
If you don’t have access to your php.ini file (which is typical in shared hosting), you can create a PHP file in your live production web server that has the following PHP function in it:

Once done, navigate to that file in your web browser, and you will be presented with information regarding PHP configuration settings in your web host.

This can be a tedious task, but you want to make sure that the settings match. Not everything needs to match exactly and I have found that in most cases, it is only necessary to make sure safe_mode is set, magic_quotes_gpc is set and try to match the PHP version if you can.
Note: If you have a different PHP version on your live server, you could install that version on WampServer because, unless you run a VPS or a dedicated server, you won’t be able to update your web host’s PHP version. However, I should recommend that you should be using PHP 5 (the latest version); if your webhost is running PHP 4 (or lower) and doesn’t have the option for PHP 5 — it’s time to consider switching to another host.

Common WampServer Administration Tasks

There are a bunch of other things we can do to customize our localhost web server. Here are a few common tasks that you might want to perform.

Enable Apache’s mod_rewrite

If you are wanting to use pretty URLs (i.e. http://localhost/website/blog-post instead of http://localhost/website/?p=132), you will need to enable the Apache mod_rewrite module.
To enable mod_rewrite, click on the WampServer icon in the taskbar, mouse over Apache and then Apache modules. Find rewrite_module in the list and click it. You will need to then click Restart all services to start using mod_rewrite.

Creating New MySQL Users

To make everything easier, we will create a MySQL user with the same details as our live server’s WordPress MySQL user. Browse to http://localhost/phpmyadmin again and click on your WordPress database to select it (you only have one database so this should be easy).
Next, click on the Privileges tab at the top of the screen, and then click Add a new User.

I gave my new user the same name and password as my live MySQL user. I also set my user for any host. For my localhost database, I am safe to click the Check All option at the bottom, which grants my new MySQL user all privileges for my WordPress database. However, on a live production server, you should minimize the amount of privileges you give your MySQL users to improve security.

Configuring the WordPress Install to Match the Live Server

We will edit our WordPress config file (wp-config.php) to match the new database details. For other websites that are not running WordPress, the process will be much the same.

This has been a long setup process so far, but what you have now is a local website that has the same configuration as your live server.
Whenever you want to add another website, it is as simple as creating another folder in your c:\wamp\www folder.

Syncing Your Websites

Syncing your website files is quite easy. With all the settings the same as your live website, FTP is the best option.
You might be thinking, what about direct file paths though? As long as you have used relative paths to set your document root where needed, then you will be all set.

Exporting MySQL Databases

When it comes to your database, you have a few options. The easiest option is to just use phpMyAdmin and export your database into a ZIP file or a SQL file, then import it into your live production server.
To do this, first browse to http://localhost/phpmyadmin and select your WordPress database.
In the top menu, click th Export tab.
On the Export screen, you have several options. At the top of the screen, you will see the Export section. This is where you will select what tables you want to export. Beside this section is the Options section. I have found that phpMyAdmin has all the settings needed already set by default.

The main area to look at is the Data options. If you require the data on your local database to be imported on the live server, then tick this box. If you don’t, only an empty table will be created.
While it is possible to export all the data and structure at once for the entire database, I recommend only updating what has changed in the database. This is especially important with active websites that allow users to write data (such as WordPress) as you don’t want their data overwritten or lost.
A good rule is to always replicate data from your live website to your local development website, but only send the changed structural data back. Also, back up your live database before any changes.

Importing MySQL Databases

Most web hosts will have phpMyAdmin available to you. To import the data to the live site, access phpMyAdmin and select your database. In the top menu next to the Export link, there will be the Import tab. Before you do anything, you should backup your database first!
Importing a MySQL database on a live site is very straightforward. Browse for your ZIP file or SQL file that you should have somewhere in your computer from the export process above. Make sure the option for Partial Import is selected, as this will cater to any timeout issues if you have a large database. Then just click the Go button towards the bottom of the screen.

If all goes well, you will have updated your database. If anything is not right, simply restore you backup and determine what the issue was before retrying the import process.

Conclusion

No matter what your needs are, setting up a localhost web server is a useful and safe measure to take. I would also try to set up a live dev site when working with a client website before pushing any major updates so that you can be doubly sure that your changes are safe in the actual production environment.
Take the time to set up your development environments and make this part of your web development process. If you do, you will never have that moment where tragically, live data is lost or a website is down for hours/days because of an erroneous development foul-up on a live website.

60 Beautiful High Resolution Paper Backgrounds

2013-11-23T13:11:00.002+05:30

http://www.photoshoproadmap.com/Photoshop-blog/60-beautiful-high-resolution-paper-backgrounds/

60 high resolution textures and backgrounds

The following images are a small preview of the complete texture.

Click on each image to go to the texture download page.

155+ High Quality Categorized Photoshop Text Effect Tutorials

2013-11-23T13:09:00.002+05:30

http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2013/06/photoshop-text-effects.html

Metal, Gold, Copper Photoshop Text Effects

Quick Tip: Create a Steel Text Effect in Photoshop

Here you get some quick tips for creating raw and cool steel typography.

Perfect Gold Text Effect in Photoshop

This tutorial will teach you to design typography with shining gold text.

Create a Cinematic “Sergeant America” Text Effect in Photoshop

Create a Crisp Metallic Text Effect in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial, Gianluca Giacoppo will explain how to create a crisp, metallic text effect using just a couple of layer styles in Photoshop.

Chain Text

This photoshop text effects tutorial will teach you to add a chain to text. The technique can also be used for non-text designs.

Quality Styles (Gold, Chrome, Glass and more)

This is a pack of 16 quality styles for Photoshop. Use the gold, chrome, stone, copper, metal styles and all the others for your web or print work! by GraphicRiver (premium Photoshop Add-on – price $5 )

Create a Metallic Type Treatment Using Photoshop and Cinema 4D

In this tutorial we will explain how to use Cinema 4D and Photoshop to create metal textured 3D typography that includes ornate and decorative swirls.

Bling Text Effect

This tutorial will show you how to make those popular diamond/gold bling bling text.

How To Create A Gold Text Effects In Photoshop

In this photoshop text effect tutorial we will show you how to create a nice gold text effect using this powerful tool. Once you are done, you’ll be able to save this style and apply it wherever you like.

How to Create High Quality Metal 3D Text in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to create the 3D text shape and give it a high quality metal look using pure Photoshop.

Bling Bling Simple Gold Text Effect

This Photoshop text effect tutorial explains how to make a simple gold text effect by using some layer styles, namely the Gradient Overlay layer style!

Smooth Chrome Text

Fire, Smoke, Water, Frost, Ice Photoshop Text Effects

Create an Ice Cream Type Treatment in Photoshop

This is a creative typography effect that will be great for a summer poster!

Create a Smoke Text Effect Using Photoshop’s Non-Destructive Tools

Smoke effects can be hard to make, here is how to do it right!

Create a Glowing Liquid Text with Water Splash Effect in Photoshop

Frosted Glass Text Effect

Stunning Text on Wild Fire Effect

Ice Photoshop Text Effects

Aqua Text Effect

Stunning 3D Effect

Reflective Liquid Type

Tutorials on creating metal type abound online, as do variations on simple liquid effects. Most are fairly short, offering a good foundation for the reader on how certain effects are achieved but fail to take that extra step (or few steps) to make the piece really shine…

3D Photoshop Text Effects

CREATE A REALISTIC WOODEN 3D TEXT IMAGE

Easy X-Ray Typography In Photoshop

Create a 3D Text Effect Using Photoshop Layer Styles

Create an Awesome 3D Text Effect with Abstract Brush Decoration in Photoshop

Scrabble Tiles Text Effect

Steampunk Type Treatment

3D Text Shatter Effect

This photoshop text effect is made in two programs, Cinema 4D and Photoshop.If you haven’t heard of Cinema 4D before it is a relatively easy to use 3d application, it is quite similar to 3dsMax or Maya. I will go pretty in depth with the Cinema 4D part, for all the inexperienced users, so bare with me if I go too slow.

Dimensions – 3D Generator Action

The Photoshop Action ‘Dimensions’, helps you to generate whatever you want (text, image, shape, etc,) in 3D by GraphicRiver (premium Photoshop Add-on – price $5 )

Unique 3D Text – Xara 3D + Photoshop Tutorial

Fresh Typographic Effect

How to Create Explosive Photoshop Text Effects in Cinema 4D

3D Text Effect 2

Create a Spectacular Grass Photoshop Text Effects

Papercraft Text Effect

Create a 3D Flowery Text Effect

Realistic Chrome and Glossy Plastic Text Effect

How to Create a Realistic 3D Stone Text Effect

How to Create High Quality Metal 3D Text in Photoshop

Wood, Fabric, Texture Text Effects with Photoshop

Easy Furry Text In Photoshop

This is an amazing fur text effect that will work well for toy posters and the like!

Create a Knitted Argyle Text Effect Using Filter Forge and Photoshop

Create a Bloody Text Effect in Photoshop Using Layer Styles

Create a Stitched Denim Text Effect in Photoshop

In this tutorial, psd tuts will explain how to combine Photoshop filters, brushes, and vector shapes to create a stitched denim text effect using Photoshop CS6.

Design a Skin-Textured Typography Scene

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a 3D-looking textured text effect in Photoshop without the need for any 3D tools or applications.

Vintage Letterpress

22 actions make it simple to create that vintage wood type letterpress look. Simply select the layer and hit play! Complete with 11 different textures and 2 sizes of each. Great for print or web! Works on ALL layer types (text, vector & raster). by GraphicRiver (premium Photoshop Add-on – price $5 )

Wooden Text Effect in Photoshop

Create a Stitched Text Effect for an iPad Wallpaper

In this tutorial we will show you how to create a custom stitched text effect for an iPad Wallpaper.

Furry Text

Create a Baseball-Inspired Text Effect in Photoshop

Applying texture to a text effect can be a lot of fun. In this tutorial we will explain how to create a baseball-inspired text effect using layer styles, patterns, and brushes.

Light, Glass Text Effects with Photoshop

Create Abstract Layered Text with Decorative Lighting Effect in Photoshop

How to Create Shiny Retro Text with Photoshop

Create Glossy Plastic Text in Photoshop

Liquid 3D Type

Create a Neon Text Effect in Photoshop

In this tutorial Michael Kruiswijk will show you how to make a neon text effect in Photoshop using layer styles and textures. Let’s get started!

Lighting Shutter Text Effect Tutorial

In this photoshop text effects tutorial artist will teaches you how to create this beautiful slow shutter text effect.

Glowing and Sparkling Intense Light 3D Logo

Premium glass text styles

6 high detailed text styles – clear glass #1, #2, metal, gold, tin and chrome. Works with thin and bold fonts. Some text effects used two piled up layers. by GraphicRiver (premium Photoshop Add-on – price $5 )

Stunning Neon Light 3D Typography

Suspended Photoshop text effects

Grunge, shattered Text Effects with Photoshop

Create an awesome broken plate typography effect

Create a Grungy Style Text Effect Inspired by “Infamous 2? Game in Photoshop

Create a “Real Steel” Film Poster Inspired Text Effect in Photoshop

Create a Dawn of War Style Effect

Create a Yummy Cookies Text Effect in Photoshop

Create Creepy, Branch Based Typography

Graffiti with Photoshop

Create an Awesome Grass Texture in Photoshop

Watercolour, Retro, Floral Photoshop Text Effects

Create a Distressed Vector Typographic Poster Design

How to Create the Aura Text Effect

How to Create a Colorful Text Design in Photoshop

Useful Photoshop Text Techniques

Candy Cane Text

Create a realistic folded paper text in Photoshop

Impressive-Looking Photoshop text effects

Image Inside Text

40+ Gorgeous and Artistic Typography Tutorials Using Photoshop

2013-11-23T13:07:00.000+05:30

http://www.tutoriallounge.com/2010/02/40-gorgeous-and-artistic-typography-tutorials-using-photoshop/

Create and Then Shatter a Grid, while Making a Typographic Poster

Print design for the web

Digitising a bespoke font

Create your own fanzine

Three-dimensional type

Design your own hand-drawn font

A – Typography

Create a Spectacular Flaming Meteor Effect on Text

Super Cool Frilly Bits Typography

How to Create a Richly Ornate Typographic Illustration

Create a Trendy Typographic Poster Design

The Subway Types

How to make a Typographic, Retro, Space Face

3D Typography in Photoshop

How To Create Great Typographic Wallpaper In Photoshop

Colorful Typography

Design and make a portfolio book

Ornate Lettering Tutorial 2

Masking with type

Designing a Typographic Concept Poster

Poster From the Words

Distorted type effects

Trendy Graffiti Text Tutorial

Dynamic Recessed Watercolor Typography in Photoshop

Create a Steam Powered Typographic Treatment – Part I

How to Design a Stunning, 3D, Sunset Type Illustration

Create Destructive Black and White Lettering with a Dramatic Splash Effect

Create a Layered Glowing Text Effect

Simple paragraph rule text effects

Create Arabic type

Classic Photoshop Tutorial: Master 3D type effects

Ornate Lettering Process

Design organic type

A Slick Supernatural Text Effect

Easy way to create a 90′s design in Photoshop

Create a Crispy-Crust Text Effect with Flower Texture in Photoshop

Design a Grunge-Style Abstract Typography with Rusted Metal Texture in Photoshop

Create a Simple, Professional Typographical Design

Creating a Typographic Wallpaper

How To Use Type on Paths and Shapes in Photoshop

Hell of Tutorial in Photoshop

60 High Quality Photoshop PSD Files For Designers

2013-11-23T13:04:00.001+05:30

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/60-high-quality-photoshop-psd-files-for-designers/

Photoshop .PSD file reveals the techniques used on a specific design, it also tells us the style of the creator and most of the time there is something new we can learn from it. In today’s post, we want to bring to your attention some of the high quality and professionally designed Photoshop .PSD files that you can download. We suggest you consult the author before using them for commercial purposes. Full list after jump.

35 Beautiful Vintage and Retro Photoshop Tutorials

2013-11-23T13:02:00.002+05:30

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/14/30-beautiful-vintageretro-photoshop-tutorials/

Vintage and Retro Photoshop Tutorials

Colorization Tutorial
This short tutorial showcases a method for colorizing a black and white photo to achieve an aged, vintage look.

Wicked-Worn Vintage Pop Art Design
Mesh vintage pop art with grunge to create a unique mash-up of the two popular design styles.

Retro Grunge Poster
Wield the Pen Tool and utilize some free brushes and textures to achieve this retro-grunge hybrid look-and-feel.

Vintage Film Style Video
Use a stock image of an old TV and Photoshop CS3 Extended to play vintage-style video clips inside the TV.

Give Your Photos a Retro Comic Book Effect
Here’s another method for creating a retro-stylec comic book effect to your photos using Photoshop.

WWII Airplane
Recreate the World War II airplane brushed-metal texture and paintings in this excellent Photoshop tutorial that involves using Noise and Blur filters.

Cool Vintage Collage Design
In this Photoshop tutorial, you will learn how to use old advertisements, hand-written text, and patterns to create a vintage design.

Pin-up Effect
This video tutorial showcases how you can create the classic 50′s pin-up effect using some Photoshop filters and Blending Modes.

Radio Knobs/Dials of the Past
Learn how to design old-school radio knobs/dials in this Photoshop tutorial by skillfully using of the Marquee Tool in Photoshop.

Turn of the Century Vaudeville Poster
Create a beautiful turn-of-the-century poster geared towards intermediate to advanced Photoshop users.

Virtual Letterman Jacket
In this Photoshop tutorial, you will learn how to design retro-style varsity/letterman lettering using some ingenious Layer Styles.

B-movie poster art
In this tutorial, you can learn the techniques involved in recreating B-movie posters from the golden age of cinema.

Gigposter Design
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create a retro-styled poster using Photoshop and Illustrator.

Vintage Polaroid Effect
This photo treatment tutorial shares a method for creating a vintage look using modern, colored digital photos.

Photoshop Vintage Effect
Learn how to age modern digital pictures by adjusting contrast, saturation, and Curves in this short step-by-step Photoshop tutorial.

Vintage Fifties Letter
Create this aged letter envelope by following this Photoshop tutorial that’s aimed at intermediate Photoshop users.

Vintage Truck
In this short Photoshop tutorial, you’ll learn some techniques on how to use colored digital stock images to give it a vintage/retro look-and-feel.

Make it worn
Learn how to create a worn look-and-feel web design background, using detailed from scanned book pages.

Comic Book Photo Effect
Learn how to take ordinary photos and give it a retro-styled, pop art comic book effect.

Vintage collages in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you can gain insights and learn useful methods on how to achieve a vintage collage.

Make your own pop art
Learn the techniques involved in creating your own classic 50′s style pop art.

Hot Chick on a Muscle Car
Create a retro-styled post card using stock photos that are linked to by the author of the tutorial.

Retro Wallpaper/Poster
This step-by-step tutorial walks the readers through the process of creating a retro wallpaper/poster.

Retro Style Game Controller
Illustrate an old-school gaming console joystick using Photoshop with this wonderful tutorial.

Retro Stars
Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool to create stars and then add multi-colored streaks to it, to achieve this popular ’80′s look and feel.

Sweet Radio Station Advert Design
Learn how to create a radio station advertisement with retro curves with the help of Illustrator (or download them from vector stock sites).
Pop Art Inspired by Lichtenstein
Create Lichtenstein-style pop art design by studying this Photoshop tutorial geared for intermediate designers.

Retro Lighting – Ford Mustang
You can utilize the Custom Shape Tool for elements of the design to recreate this 70′s inspired design.

Mix Cool Retro Curves into Your Photographs
Combine retro with modern design styles and elements to create this stunning photo effect.

Photoshop Serigraphs
Learn how you can take a portrait to recreate this Andy Warhol inspired pop-art.

Retro Sunflower Design
Remake this sunflower-themed retro wallpaper using ready-to-use Photoshop brushes, the Ellipse Marquee Tool, and custom shapes from the Custom Shape Tool.

Retro Summer Poster Illustration
Utilize some of Photoshop’s vector tools to create a summery retro poster illustration.

3D Retro Strip
Use the Pen Tool to create 3-dimensional retro strips.

Abstract Retro-Pop Wallpaper
This tutorial shows readers how to design a colorful retro-pop wallpaper using stock photo for texture and the RNS Bobo Dylan Font.

100+ Seamless Patterns Great for Creating Website Backgrounds

2013-11-23T12:56:00.002+05:30

http://webdesignledger.com/freebies/100-seamless-patterns-great-for-creating-website-backgrounds

Seamless patterns are a great way to add interest and detail to a web design background. In this post we’ve rounded up over one hundred seamless patterns. You’ll find a wide variety of styles such as vintage, florals, and stripes. All of these are of very high quality so you can use them as is or use them as a foundation for your own background.

Seamless Tile BirdsNberries

Patterns .34 (14 patterns)

Patterns .36 (25 patterns)

GypsyGarden

Floral Patterns (15 patterns)

Swirls (8 patterns)

Vivid Red (5 patterns)

Grungy Teal (5 patterns)

Floral Vector Pattern

Different Pattern

damask wallpaper

floral wallpaper

Flock Wallpaper Pattern

Cherry blossom pattern

Seamless Damask Pattern

Textured Stripes (6 patterns)

ETC Grunge Stripes (12 patterns)

Here's some other articles that you will definitely find useful.

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40+ Beautiful Patterns and Textures for Ornate Backgrounds

200+ Beautiful Seamless Patterns Perfect for Web Design

25+ Best Space Scene Photoshop Tutorials

2013-11-23T12:54:00.002+05:30

http://www.beautifullife.info/web-design/25-best-space-scene-photoshop-tutorials/

Create a Detailed Meteorite and Surrounding Space Environment in Photoshop by PSDVault

Design a Beautiful Cosmic Space Scene in Photoshop by Blog.SpoonGraphics

How to Make Amazing Outer Space by PhotoshopStar

Very Easy Heroes Eclipse in Photoshop by Abduzeedo

Create Awesome Abstract Nebula Circle Shape in Photoshop by PSDVault

Create a Supernova and a Ringed Planet in Photoshop by PSD Tuts

Really cool Eclipse Effect in Photoshop by Abduzeedo

Create a Realistic Outer Space Scene in Photoshop by Fudgegraphics

Create a Red Giant Star in Photoshop by PSD Tuts

Create a Spectacular 3D Space Explosion by forcg.com

Fiery Photoshop Space Explosion Tutorial by PSD Tuts

Quick and Effective Planet, Star and Meteor Impact Creation in Photoshop by PSDVault

Making of Fiery Planets Collision by 10 Steps

Space Environment by fxencore

Space Explosion Photoshop Tutorial by Smashing Magazine

The Beauty From The Outside by Photoshop-Garden.com

Recreating Solar Eclipse in Space by PhotoshopStar

Creating a Galaxy in Photoshop by H1DD3N.R350URC3

Planet Ring Tutorial by Solar Voyager

Create a Realistic Space Scene from Scratch with Photoshop by Six Revisions

Easily Create Planetary Ring via Cloud and Twirl Filter in Photoshop by PSDVault

Draw a Realistic Planet with Waterstream Texture In Photoshop by PSDVault

Create a Planet and Outer Space Scene by 2torial Blog

Helio Nebula Tutorial by tsarye

Create a Realistic Nebula Scene From Scratch by PSDVault

Nebula Brushing Tutorial by ladyrapid

Planet Tutorial by superiorgamer

Free Space Inspired Template [ Free CSS Template ] by BFT

70 Photoshop Tutorials For Creating Perfect Typography

2013-11-23T12:51:00.002+05:30

http://creativenerds.co.uk/tutorials/70-photoshop-ttorials-for-creating-perfect-typography/

1. Smoke Type in Photoshop in 10 Steps

In this tutorial it will show you how to create a smoke typography effect playing with some brushes and adjustment layers. It’s a very easy tutorial and you will be able to do the whole process in 5-10 minutes.

2. Dramatic Text on Fire Effect in Photoshop

Flames are particularly hard to render in Photoshop, but in this tutorial It will show you how to use a photograph of fire to set text to the match. You will render the look on a nice dark background with a gorgeous text effect to complete the image.

3. Colorful Glowing Text Effect in Photoshop

It’s a wondeful little style that could easily be integrated into any dark graphic design where some upbeat text is needed.

4. Colorful Glowing Text Effect in Photoshop

It’s a wondeful little style that could easily be integrated into any dark graphic design where some upbeat text is needed.

5. Create a Layered Glowing Text Effect

This tutorial covered some simple steps and effects to achieve the below stylish result.

6. How to create a simple and elegant text effect

In this tutorial It will show you how to create an elegant text effect in only 13 steps. It will use Illustrator to realize the outlined text.

7. Create a New Retro Text Effect in Photoshop

Faking aged, printed media has been massive since the ‘grunge’ style first became mainstream years ago. Textured work with a vintage feel is still very popular, but more recently it’s the ‘new retro’ style that’s captured the imagination. The general idea is to create a vision of the future… from the past. This effect is good for all sorts of projects, flyers, websites, posters. It works particularly well with music based projects. I’ll take you through the motions for type and, if you dig then I’ll show you how to incorporate images next time.

8. How to Create Eroded Metal Text with Photoshop

In this tutorial It will show you how to create an eroded metal text effect. Throughout this tutorial you will make use of various drawing techniques, channels, and patterns.

9. Stylish Floral Typography

This tutorial will teach you how to create a very appealing and slightly abstract text effect that looks like the text is made from plants and flowers; you really have to see it to know what I mean.

10. Candy Coated Photoshop Tutorial

In this tutorial It will teach you how to make a web 2.0 logo so damn sugary sweet it’ll give your website a cavity. Then It will give you the PSD, the font, and all the patterns used in the image so that you can play with it yourself.

11. Create a Cool Wet Ink Typography Effect in Photoshop

Follow this Photoshop tutorial to create an awesome distorted type design. Using a range of Photoshop brushes we’ll create the appearance of printed type that has come into contact with drops of water, breaking up the text with oversaturated drips, runs and splats.

12. Basic Candy Cane Text Effect in Photoshop

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a candy cane like text effect with the help of some simple Photoshop techniques.

13. Suspended Text Effect

Here’s how to make a suspended translucent text effect. As for me it looks wonderful.

14. How to Create a Copper Photoshop Text Effect

This is a strong and eye-catching text effect, though relatively simple to create. We’ll be using bevel and emboss styles, pattern overlays, and combining different techniques to mock-up the text into a related background.

15. Create a Stunning Text on Wild Fire Effect

Fire text is one of the most classic technique that you can see in Photoshop tutorials. I am trying out another version here using some real fire images, mix with filters and blending methods. Here we go!

16. Photoshop Tutorials: Colorful Light Burst Text

In this Adobe Photoshop tutorial, You are going to see how to engulf text in an explosion of light and color.

17. Plastic Jelly Styles

In this Adobe Photoshop tutorial, You are going to see how to engulf text in an explosion of light and color.

18. Text Effect Quickie: Delicious Chocolate Text

Learn how to quickly design some delectable, rich dark chocolate flavored text! A single look at text like this will make any chocolate lovers mouth water instantly!

19. How to Put Smokin’ Bullet Holes and a Wanted Sign into a Piece of Wood

Ok, so this tutorial is like three tutorials rolled into one. you’re going to make an awesome wood emboss effect, put bullet holes into the wood, and finally smoke ‘em up to a gnarly Wyatt-Earp-just-walked-past look.

20. Grungy Rusted Carbon Fiber Text Effect

In this Etc Tutorial it will be creating a grungy rusted carbon fiber text effect. It will also be creating the accompanying rusted metal background effect seen in the preview.

21. Lost in Space Typography in Photoshop

So in this tutorial it will show you how to create an easy and super quick text effect in Photoshop. It will play with Brushes, Blend Modes, basic filters like Blur and Liquify, and also text.

22. Transparent Glass Lettering in Photoshop

In this tutorial, it will use some super layer effects and a bit of extra magic to make a lettering style that looks transparent and stunning. Because there is so much use of layer styles, you need to download the sample PSD from the link at the bottom of the tutorial in order to follow along.

23. Wood Inlay Text

In this Photoshop tutorial It will show you how to create a wood inlay effect using wood textures, layer masks and a few creative selection techniques.

24. Decorating Text

Creating text and then decorating it is often a daunting task, not knowing what colors to use and how to achieve effective results with the resources you have is often hard to overcome.

25. Super Easy and Cool Flower Text Effect in Photoshop

In this tutorial It will show you how to create a very simple but at the same time really cool effect in Photoshop. It uses some stock photos and just play around with them, also we will pay with some Layer Styles and brushes.

26. How To Create A Gold Text Effect In Photoshop

One of the best features of Photoshop is the Layer Styles. You can create all sorts of effects â€“ plastic, glass, water, ice, metal, and many more. In this tutorial, It will show you how to create a gold text effect. It will use only Layer Styles, and once our new style is created, we will be able to save the style and apply it wherever we want.

27. Design a Golden Flame Text Effect in Photoshop

In this tutorial, It will show you the process involved in creating this golden flame text effect with soft smoke texture in Photoshop.

28. Smashing Your Creative Block – Photoshop Tutorial

The question arises so much nowadays, How do you overcome your Creative Block? Its made simple for everyone today and a Photoshop Tutorial to smash your creative block. It uses simple and easy techniques to create a smashing composition text tutorial. It won’t take you to long to finish and you will learn that it is pretty easy to create this effect. Have fun.

29. 80’s Style Design Using Photoshop

The 80’s have always had an iconic impact on Pop Culture. I have been seeing a lot of 80’s inspired designs on the internet, but never found a tutorial. So, here’s a simple tutorial inspired by the 80’s. This is just a basic design to get you started, and Adobe Photoshop is all that’s required (and very few stock images). And of course, a lot of modifications can be done with this technique.

30. Design a God of War III Inspired Cracked Text Effect in Photoshop

In this tutorial, It will show the processes involved in designing a God of War III Inspired Cracked Text Effect in Photoshop. I personally have been a fan of the God of War Series for a long time and got the inspiration for this tutorial from the game title text effect,

31. Creating A Retro Grunge Poster

This tutorial is an add on from the Poster article the other day, we will create a Retro/Grunge style poster using the pen tool some textures and playing with text to make it look more retro.

32. Reflective Liquid Type by Al Ward

33. Amazing Video-Game Text Style in Photoshop

It will show you how to create a text effect in Photoshop based on the DVNO clip by Justice and of course some 8 and 16 bits video game opening screens. It will play basically with some basic filters like Gaussian Blur, also with Blend Modes to the light effects.

34. Creating the Sky Logo

35. Candy Coated

36. Patriotic Text Using Displacement Masks

37. Water Color Text

38. How to Create a Richly Ornate Typographic Illustration

39. retro

40. Old Style Typography Sign in Photoshop

41. Create a Stunning Retro Futuristic Typography

42. Create a Glass Text effect in Photoshop and Shatter it

43. Super Easy Neon Style in Photoshop – Screencast

44. PSDSPY

45. Gooey Text Effect

46. *Bling Bling* Simple Gold Text Effect

47. Awesome Floral Type in Fireworks and Photoshop in 5 minutes

48. Create a Trendy Typographic Poster Design

49. Text Effect Quickies: Bubble Text

50. Create a Spectacular Grass Text Effect in Photoshop

51. Spray Paint Text

52. Design a Chilling and Icy Text Effect in Photoshop

53. A Slick Supernatural Text Effect

54. How to Create Furry Text in Photoshop

55. Create A solid Colorful Text Effect

56. Create a Trendy Galactic Poster Design in Photoshop

57. Shiny Calligraphy Text Effect in Photoshop

58. Design a Super Delicious, Shining and Glossy Text Effect in Photoshop

59. How To Create a Realistic Golden “Bling” Text Effect

60. Quick Grungy Poster

61. Designing a Typographic Concept Poster

62. Create a realistic leopard fur typography in Photoshop

63. Text In Stitches

64. Text Effect Quickie: Moon Shine Text Effect

65. Creating a Typographic Wallpaper

66. Awesome Milk Typography Effect in Photoshop

67. Metal Text Tutorial

68. Abduzeedo’s Text Effect Tutorials

69. Hell of Tutorial in Photoshop

70. Dynamic Recessed Watercolor Typography in Photoshop

50 Stunning Photoshop Text Effect Tutorials

2013-11-23T12:48:00.001+05:30

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/03/04/50-stunning-photoshop-text-effect-tutorials/

Photoshop’s text and layer tools can be used to create some really awesome effects. We’ve put together a list of 60 of the best tutorials we could find to help you stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques. You’ll find some really cool grunge and glass styles (plus a few surprises!) and learn how some of the best designers create their unique effects.

Courtesy: LemonDesign
Instead of listing 100 plus tutorials that you’ll bookmark never to come back, we’ve decided to take you through the basics of typography, hopefully inspiring and then teaching you. Typography is an art just like any other. You have to feel the form, admire the curves and connect with the flow.
You may want to take a look at the following related posts:

Introduction to Typography

Typography is the art of arranging type, designing type, and modifying type glyphs. The arrangement of type involves the selection of typefaces, point size, line length, line spacing (leading), adjustment of space between groups of letters (tracking) and adjustment of space between pairs of letters (kerning).
Here are some resources to give you further insight:

The Wisest Mind Has Something Yet to Learn

And we, too, never stop being inspired, learning and creating:

How to Choose the Right Type

Guess if you can, choose if you dare. Typeface can make or break your design. Let the type speak for itself: its dimensions, curves, strength and space should define your purpose.

On choosing type, from iLoveTypography
How to Choose a Typeface
15 tips to choose a good text type
“What Font Should I Use?”: Five Principles for Choosing and Using Typefaces
From kerning to hierarchy: this is one resource you will surely bookmark

Resources to Live by

Finding quality fonts can be overwhelming because there are literally millions out there and finding the right one is a painful process. Here are a few resources I use to find a font for a project I am working on.

Here Come the Tutorials

Now that you understand the importance of typography, let’s move on to the awesome Photoshop tutorials we were talking about. The above resources on type were pretty general, whereas these tutorials deal mainly with text effects that you could use in posters, magazines or whatever you wish. The basics of typography apply to most of the work you will do with the tutorials below.

Go Crazy with 3D

3D texture
Create amazing 3D-textured text with Illustrator and Photoshop in this in-depth tutorial.

Create a spectacular flaming meteor effect on text
Take typography one step further by having text falling from the sky in a burning inferno. Yes, this is the text-on-fire tutorial to end all text-on-fire tutorials. It uses a little Illustrator for the text and a lot of Photoshop to burn up the screen!

Funky 3D-style letters
A straightforward guide to creating funky 3D-style letters.

How to create high-quality metal 3D text in Photoshop
This tutorial shows you how to create 3D text and give it a high-quality metal look using only Photoshop.

Light and shade
In this tutorial we are going to take some very basic principles of light and shade to make a rather impressive-looking text effect.

Create Destructive Black and White Lettering with a Dramatic Splash Effect
Learn how to make some expressive lettering, which includes thoughts connected with a central word. You’ll turn standard text into a stunning, destructive illustration, and give it a final unique look.

Chunky 3D letters
Create big chunky 3D letters with this colorful tutorial!

Stunning 3D effects in 30 minutes
Together, with a pinch of this and a dash of that, we’ll figure out how to create this cool effect in just 30 minutes.

How to Quickly Create a Stylish Retro Text Effect
Learn how to create a quite cool retro text effect. You will learn how to use the Perspective tool to create depth and how designers can use default gradients in unusual ways.

3D text with a touch of grunge
A pretty detailed tutorial that shows you how to create grungy 3D text.

Design soft stylized 3D type
Learn the basics of creating polished 3D type using Illustrator and Photoshop.

Create a 3D flowery text effect

Create a dream-like design with 3D typograph
This detailed tutorial shows you how to create a 3D typography-based design. All the elements revolve around the theme of dreaming.

Elements of Nature

Quick and dirty Photoshop text effects from scratch (six tutorials in one)
Learn how to make six different effects using just layer styles. So really, this is like six tutorials in one!

Create a spectacular grass text effect in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a rather cool-looking grass text effect.

Plastic text
Turn text into plastic using Photoshop’s layer styles.

Icy cold
Get ready for winter: create icy cold text!

Paint-splodged text
This is a quick text effect tutorial. It shows you how to simply create paint-splodged text.

Text in stitches
In this Photoshop tutorial, you will learn how to convert text to a path and stitch that path using a custom brush set.

Wet watercolor
A watercolor on wet paper effect. Experiment to create different painting effects.

How to create a gold text effect in Photoshop
Learn how to create a gold text effect. I personally love this effect, so subtle yet powerful.

Colored chrome
Make chrome text and then color it!

Reflective liquid type
Create liquid text, a very handy trick.

Wood inlay
A decorative wood-inlay text effect.

Paper-craft text effect
In this tutorial, you will learn how to create paper-craft text effects.

Dramatic text-on-fire effect in Photoshop
Learn how to use a photograph of fire to strike text to the match. This is a beautiful tutorial, a must-see.

Grunge & Co.

How to Create a Copper Photoshop Text Effect
This is a strong and eye-catching text effect, though relatively simple to create. You’ll be using bevel and emboss styles, pattern overlays, and combining different techniques to mock-up the text into a related background.

Vanity License Plate
In this tutorial you’ll learn how to create a custom vanity license plate using a few basic Photoshop tools a piece of reference material and some creative layer stylings.

Star Wars text effect
A step-by-step guide to creating a Star Wars text effect.

Create a trendy typographic poster design
Using simple shapes, you can produce some great-looking contemporary designs that create a big impact on posters; another good example being the recent Trendy Geometric Lines tutorial.

Graffiti with Photoshop
When you don’t have the guts to pull this off in the real world, Photoshop to the rescue. Learn how to make graffiti with Photoshop.

Super-cool frilly bits typography
In this tutorial, you will learn how to mix some vectors with letters to create a really nice design. This one is a personal favorite.

Typography wallpaper in Photoshop
Why not design your own typographic wallpaper from now on?

Dirty grunge text
Create dirty grunge text in Photoshop.

Rusty text
Make text rusty by following this easy tutorial.

Warm neon glow
Six simple steps to create a warm neon glow.

Floral
Learn how to make stylish floral typography.

Splattered blood
Blood-splattered mafia-style text!

Worn and torn
Create worn and torn text with this easy-to-follow guide.

Grunge rubber stamp.
Create a grunge rubber stamp effect in seven simple steps.

Distorted letters
Learn to distort letters using Photoshop brushes with this amazingly easy tutorial.

Decorative text
Learn how to decorate text with colorful floral patterns in this tutorial.

Rough metal
Create a rough-metal text effect with this tutorial.

Light and Glass

A slick supernatural text effect
Create a smoky night effect with text, giving it an eerie supernatural feel. It’s a good exercise in using the wave distortion filter.

Smoke type in Photoshop in 10 steps
Learn how to create a smoke typography effect by playing with some brushes and adjustment layers. It’s a very easy tutorial, and you will be able to finish the whole process in 5 to 10 minutes.

Moonshine effect
In just a few simple steps, you can add a soft, calm, easy-going moon-like text effect.

Transparent glass lettering in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you’ll use some super layer effects and a bit of magic to make a lettering style that looks transparent and stunning.

Scan-line text
Create a style dubbed “Scan-Line Text,” which is basically text that glows like bright scan lines, with a smart reflection as well. Learn how to create this amazing yet simple effect with this easy-to-follow tutorial.

Create a layered glowing text effect
In this tutorial, we will create this effect using very basic Photoshop tools and layering effects.

Vibrant pop text effect
In just a few moments, you can add a vibrant splash to your text that will really give your design a pop-culture flavor!

Slow-shutter effect
Learn how to create this beautiful slow-shutter text effect.

Colorful glow
A colorful, glowing text effect, great for integrating in designs with dark backgrounds.

Retro and Vintage

Colorful retro text
A colorful retro text effect using both Illustrator and Photoshop.

Colorful watercolor
Learn to make a colorful and distinctive watercolor text effect with this tutorial.

Experiments

Furry text
Create a tactile, furry text effect that looks like the real thing!

Wrapped parcel
A cartoon-like wrapped-parcel text style.

Barbed wire
Wrap your text in barbed wire!

Light burst
An amazing light-burst effect!

Sand writing
Learn how to write a message in the sand with Photoshop.

Flower text
Create a pretty floral text effect. It looks difficult but is surprisingly easy!<!–

21 Professional Facial Photoshop Retouching Tutorials

2013-11-23T12:43:00.000+05:30

http://smashinghub.com/21-professional-facial-photoshop-retouching-tutorials.htm

Create Digital Makeup

Change Hair Color

Whiten Teeth to Improve a Smile in Photoshop

Photo Retouch Add Makeup And Create Clear Face in Photoshop

Quick and Effective Facial Photo Retouching

How To Digitally Paint Lip Gloss with a Tablet

Easy Digital Nose Job in Photoshop

Retouch Yellow Skin

Basic Retouch and Colorization

Professional Photographic Retouching

Artificial Smooth Skin

Superb Skin Airbrush Technique

Simple Facial Photo Retouching

Remove Blemishes in Photoshop

Age Progression – Photoshop Tutorials

Virtual Makeup In a Snap

Super Fast and Easy Retouching

Reducing 5 O’clock Shadow And Beard Stubble In Photoshop

Make Skin Smooth and Beautiful in Photoshop

Photo Retouching – Skin Photoshop Tutorial

Fast Facial Retouching

33 Stunning and Beautiful Photoshop Photos Effects Tutorials

2013-11-23T12:39:00.000+05:30

http://smashinghub.com/stunning-and-beautiful-photoshop-photos-effects-tutorials.htm

Here’s a compilation of 33 Impressive Photoshop Photo Effects you can take into reference.

Design Surreal Composition Fallen Angel’s Dream Fly

Adding a Fantastically Shining Effect on a Scene
Develop your Perfect Paradise in Sky
Flower Decoration Techniques for Images in Photoshop

Create a Dark and Surreal Poster Using Your Own Portrait
Develop a Great Colorful Image Poster in Photoshop
Fantastic Disintegration Effect in Photoshop
Create a Sweetie Fruit Background for an Image
Broken Glass Photoshop Photo Effect
Create an Adrenaline Filled Car Chase Scene
Create a Magical Flaming Heart Illustration in Photoshop
How to Create a Nuclear Disaster Landscape
Marvelous Appearance Transformation for Car
Create a Movie Scene for a City
Create an Imaginative Golden Apple Tree in Photoshop
Professional Poster Creation using Photoshop
Create a Destroyed City Scene using Photoshop
Awesome Avatar Transformation using Photoshop

Create an Energetic Athlete Scene using Photoshop
How to Combine Different Sceneries in Photoshop
Photo Manipulate a Stunning Underworld Scene
Awesome Christmas Card Creation – Snow Scene in Photoshop
Turn Images Alive in Paint using Photoshop
Matrix Bullet-Time & Zombie Photoshop Tutorial [Video]
Quick HDR Effect Photoshop CS5 Tutorial
Apply a Quick & Easy Vintage Photo Effect
iPhone Promotion Poster Design
Change Smoke into a Dazzling Unicorn in Photoshop
Lomo-Effect on Photographs in Photoshop

60+ Vintage, Retro, and Pop Art Styled Photoshop Tutorials

2013-11-23T12:36:00.001+05:30

http://www.allgraphicdesign.com/graphicsblog/2009/01/11/60-vintage-retro-and-pop-art-styled-photoshop-tutorials/

60+ Vintage, Retro, and Pop Art Styled Photoshop Tutorials

Adobe Photoshop Retro Vintage Design Tutorials

I found over 60 Adobe Photoshop tutorials that will teach graphic designers and web designers how to make retro, vintage, and pop-art styled layouts and designs. If I have missed any, please feel free to comment about an addition that you would like added.
A Retro Colorization Tutorial

A Retro Wallpaper/Poster Step By Step Photoshop Tutorial

Amazing Retro Rainbow Curves

B-movie Poster Art

Cabaret Vintage Effects Tutorial

Car Vector Vintage Style Photoshop Tutorial : Car Vector Tutorial

Comic Book Photo Effect

Create a Vintage Looking Image with Photoshop

Create an Abstract Retro-Pop Wallpaper

Create a Wicked-Worn Vintage Pop Art Design

Creating A Retro Grunge Poster

Creating A Cool Vintage Collage Design In Photoshop

Create a Vintage Film Style Video Using Photoshop CS3 Extended

Create a Vintage Polaroid Effect

Craft a Vintage Fifties Letter

Create a Retro Hollywood Signature

Creating a Vintage Image Style

There is also a Vintage Truck Tutorial that goes along with the above tutorial.

Design a 3D Retro Strip : Photoshop Tutorial 20

Design a Retro Summer Poster Illustration

DIY vintage T-shirts

Fantastic Retro Wallpapers Creation Tutorial

Gigposter Vintage Poster Design

Give Your Photos a Retro Comic Book Effect

Hot Chick on a Muscle Car with Worn Vintage Effect

How to Make Pop Art Images in Photoshop [Video]

How to Make Circle Pixels (Pop-art Style)

How to Make Retro Celebrity Wallpaper Design

How to Create a Super Retro Style Game Controller

Make Your Own Pop Art Photoshop Tutorial

Make a Turn of the Century Vaudeville Poster

Make it Worn Vintage Retro Photoshop Tutorial

Mix Cool Retro Curves Into Your Photographs

Photoshop Serigraphs Retro Vintage Style

Photoshop Elements: Photochrom Vintage Postcard

Photoshop Fine Art Effects Cookbook

Photoshop Tutorial: Old Fantasy Map of Your Area

Photoshop Tutorial: Add a Quick Retro Look to your Images

Photoshop Tutorial: Sweet Radio Station Advert Design

Pop Art Inspired by Lichtenstein

Pop Art Photoshop Tutorial

Pin-up Effect

Retro Dot Photo

Retro Photo Photoshop Tutorial

Retro / Vintage Tutorial

Retro SunFlower Design

Radio Knobs/Dials of the Past (A Photoshop Tutorial)

Retro Effect Part 1

Retro Wallpaper Photoshop Tutorial (VIDEO)

Retro Lighting : Ford Mustang : Part 1

Retro Stars Photoshop Tutorial

Retro Splash Display Design Tutorial

Retro Text Effect Tutorial

Super Retro Game Cartridge Design

Transform a Photo in Illustration, Retro Style

Two-Color Technicolor Photoshop Tutorial

Vintage Collages in Photoshop

Vintage Effect Tutorial [Video]

Vintage Heart Design Photoshop Tutorial

Vintage Look Tutorial for Photoshop

Vintage Tutorial

Virtual Letterman Jacket

WWII Airplane

[tags]vintage photoshop tutorials, retro photoshop tutorials, retro tutorials, vintage tutorials, retro photoshop, vintage photoshop, photoshop tutorials, adobe photoshop tutorials, pop art tutorials, popart tutorials[/tags]

Homeopathy - A Panacea

2013-10-18T17:10:00.001+05:30

Homeopathy: a treatment for all

Homeopathy is in deed the safest and the most economic therapeutic measure for any disease, be it simple fever or be it cancer. All around the world people adopt Homeopathy because it has zero or negligible side-effects; it's curing-effect is long-term, even permanent sometimes and it is pocket-friendly.

I can see a new trend everywhere now-a-days. There are some business-minded homeopathic doctors who having a healthy financial background start up their own well-furnished clinics or private companies. But are those clinics worth it? Umm... I don't think so.

The funny thing is that they charge thousands of Rupees for medicines which actually cost mere hundred Rupees. Is it ethical? The people who go there, I feel pity for them. How easily they are slaughtered in the name of treatment!

The truth is that - Homeopathic medicines were always cheap and will always be that way. So, if you are thinking that very costly medicines mean faster cure and better result, sorry to disappoint you. You are being cheated.

-Dr. Arnab Pal, BHMS (Homeopathic Physician)

www.daph.in

Adobe Flash Player 11.1 for LG Optimus Net P690

2012-06-30T13:55:00.002+05:30

Requirements:

Root Privileges
RootExplorer apk

Instructions

Download com.adobe.flashplayer_111102059_11.1.102.59.apk
Download lib.zip
Install com.adobe.flashplayer_111102059_11.1.102.59.apk but don’t launch it yet!
Copy with RootExplorer or any other file manager lib-files from lib.zip to /data/data/com_adobe_flashplayer/lib/
Fix permissions for lib-files as on screenshot below.
That’s all. Flash will work in any browser you will use.

Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1539549

Make your Android (LG OPTIMUS P690) alive again part 2

2012-06-22T21:34:00.000+05:30

List of all firmware available for P500/P690 (list of codes)
Link deprecated. If I will found more, I notify you.

http ://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/csmg/b2c/client/ezlooks_model_list.jsp?model=LGP500&country=CZ

NOTE: Seems, that there is also possible select your country code, for FW selection. Just add "&country=XX" at the end of url. For example

Code:

http ://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/csmg/b2c/client/ezlooks_model_list.jsp?model=LGP500&country=GR

will search greek versions of FW.

If you want different type of phone, just replace P500 with your type.

Code:

http ://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/csmg/b2c/client/ezlooks_model_list.jsp?model=LGP500

Download link is

Code:

http://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/swdata/WEBSW/LGP500/XXXXX/V10a_00/V10A_00.kdz

where XXXX is code from link above. For example:

I want to original LG firmware for czech republic.
1) Open http://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/csmg/b...p?model=LGP500
2) In browser I will start search czech/cze and it finds something like

Code:

CDMA LGP500 ACZEBK CZE/CZECHO - Unbranded FW
CDMA LGP500 ATMCBK TMC/T-MOBILE(CZECHO) - Branded T-Mobile fw
CDMA LGP500 AVDZBK VDZ/VODAFONE(CZECH) - branded Vodafone fw

where ACZEBK or ATMCBK or AVDZBK are code for download link.
3) Go to

Code:

http://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/swdata/WEBSW/LGP500/ACZEBK/V10a_00/V10A_00.kdz

for download unbranded LG firmware for czech

It's not confirmed, but you can also try V10x for new version of firmware. Maybe it will work, maybe not.

IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
For different version you have to change also path in url!! ex:

Code:

For V10a_00
http://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/swdata/WEBSW/LGP500/ACZEBK/V10a_00/V10A_00.kdz
or for V10f_00
http://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/swdata/WEBSW/LGP500/ACZEBK/V10f_00/V10F_00.kdz

Based on post on androidforum.cz from u.david

Using of application which xda-dev user Crecked did

Application downloads last firmware based on steps described below (How to get stock FW, which should be in my device) By this application you can download proper firmware just by inserting of your device type and serial number. For proper use you need installed .NET4 and disable firewall (or at least make rule for this app).

[THREAD]Application for download Original LG Firmware

How to get stock FW, which should be in my device (FW that LG update tool provide me)

Someone sad that following worked, someone that not. You must try and you will see...

1) Get serial number of your phone
2) Enter it in URL csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/svc/popup/model_check.jsp?model=&esn=

Code:

csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/svc/popup/model_check.jsp?model=LGP500&esn=000KPPB001234

3) Show page that you get in source-code view

Code:

 
 
 
LGP500 
ASEABK 
123456789012345 
000KPPB001234 
20101201 
SEA 
20101203 
N 
HUB 
LG0000440022331

4) select & copy number between elements (123456789012345)
5) Enter this number to csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/csmg/b2c/client/auth_model_check2.jsp?esn=

Code:

csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/svc/popup/model_check.jsp?esn=123456789012345

If it won't work, you can try new link provided by kutysam (make thanks him on some of his post please)

Code:

http://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/csmg/b2c/client/auth_model_check2.jsp?esn=123456789012345

6) Show page as source-code view

Code:

 
 
 
OK 
123456789012345 
LGP500 
ASEABK 
000KPPB001234 
20101201 
V10E_00 
http://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/swdata/WEBSW/LGP500/ASEABK/V10e_00/V10E_00.kdz 
http://csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/swdata/WEBSW/LGP500/ASEABK/V10e_00/V10E_00.kdz 
GLOBAL/GLOBAL 
 
 
N 
N 
EG 
GSM

7) You have all needed information about your firmware. If you have older firmware, just replace some letters in FW link.

Code:

csmg.lgmobile.com:9002/swdata/WEBSW/LGP500/ASEABK/V10c_00/V10C_00.kdz

Sniffing of communication of LG Update client

If above not working as you expected, you can take a look on communication between client-server.

1) Download and install membrane-monitor
2) Configure it as proxy (LG client gets configuration from your default browser, so just set your browser to connect through membrane-monitor)
3) Turn on filter on lg server (create rule for filtering *lgmobile.com*)
4) Start client
5) Watch messages between client and server. If your LG client works fine, you can get download link for your latest firmware.

For flashing of firmware take a look on Zecanilis's post [HOWTO] Flash original firmware on P500

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865479

Make your Android (LG OPTIMUS P690) alive again part 1

2012-06-22T21:31:00.001+05:30

BOOT LOOP? AUTO RESTARTING? BRICKED?

1) If it's not possible connect to phone via ADB (in Adroid SDK/tools run "adb shell") at all you will try next steps. If it will work, you can use another, verified tools like custom recovery or KDZ_FW_UPD (search on forum for more) [HOWTO] Flash original firmware on P500, )

2) If you fail in previous step, you can try enter into emergency mode manually and try to flash ROM with KDZ_FW_UPD:

Download KDZ updater and uncompress it
http://www.4shared.com/file/UleS4dP3/KDZ_FW_UPD_EN.html
Install msxml.msi from the uncompressed directory
Charge your battery to almost full state (I'm not sure, but it can be reason if phone doesn't start)
Turn phone off somehow (remove battery etc.)
Install drivers properly
- Get rid of all usb drivers like Nokia, microsoft visual ++ run time environments
- Install the LG drivers by selecting the update manager from the lg site
- Disable LGE Virtual Modem. In your Windows operating system, go to Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager > Modems > Right click on LGE Virtual Modem and click Disable.
Press and keep pressed "Volume up"+"Return" and connect USB cable to phone
Yellow screen with text emergency mode should appeared
Shake the handset (I know, it sounds ... strange, but it helps for ones, so... why don't try it?) UPDATE: Read some quotes on bottom.
Run KDZ_FW_UPD.exe (Has administrator).
Select Type : 3GQCT (I have one report that CDMA mod works too)
Select PhoneMode : DIAG (in case of fail try EMERGENCY, and as last chance use CS_EMERGENCY)
I Recommend do not switch phone off. There was some people, which done it and after they were not be able to turn it on again. If flashing failed, just select some another mode and try it again, again, try shake/connect disconnect, again, again....
In KDZ file : Choose the ROM file you downloaded in the first step
Press Launch software update
Shake the handset (I know, it sounds ... strange, but it helps for ones, so... why don't try it?) UPDATE: Read some quotes on bottom.
Make sure that all update was done successfully. Phone should restart itself automatically
Disconnect the USB cable from the phone
Press the three button combo for HW reset of device i.e volume up + home + power button

List to do based on Zecanilis's [HOWTO] Flash original firmware on P500

3) Still no success? Wait for more "What I can do" or just go to LG and let repair on them.

Source:
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f282...avido-1166478/ (included file named "Flash help.txt" in application)
http://android.modaco.com/content/lg...erence-thread/

Check the "Make your Android (LG OPTIMUS P690) alive again part 2" too.

Android: UNLIMITED INTERNAL MEMORY

2012-05-20T23:40:00.003+05:30

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON: http://www.xperiablog.net/2011/12/12/link2sd-guide-never-worry-about-internal-memory-limits-again/

Works with ANY Android device.

One of the most common gripes we hear from Sony Ericsson Xperia owners is that it doesn’t take too long before you fill up the phone’s internal memory. Whilst most of the 2011 Xperia range has a 1GB ROM, only around 380MB can be used for apps or games. Obviously manually moving your apps to the SD card is one answer to this problem, but this can be a pain to manage and sometimes part of the app will remain in internal memory.

To get round this problem, we’ve written the following guide on Link2SD. In layman terms, Link2SD uses a secondary partition on your SD card and uses it as another segment of internal memory. Link2SD moves and links apk files, dalvik-cache (.dex) files and lib files onto this partition, which the OS mounts on boot. The great thing is that these linked apps remain available when your phone is connected in mass storage mode as Android only unmounts the first partition. Also, you don’t need to worry about linking something you weren’t meant to as Link2SD doesn’t allow you to link certain system applications.
Link2SD allows you to cherry-pick which apps/games to move to the SD card, you can auto-link new installs and the whole thing is wrapped in a user-friendly user interface. We’ve been using Link2SD for a while now and it’s a godsend, especially for the Xperia PLAY where we tend to download a lot of games. If you’re constantly managing your internal memory we highly recommend you give Link2SD a try, see the full guide below.

Guide to using Link2SD on your Xperia smartphone

This guide may seem lengthy, but trust us when we say it is straightforward. All steps have been documented which makes it look daunting. Read each section carefully and follow the steps outlined to install Link2SD.
1. PREPARATION
Please make sure you have completed all of the following before starting the tutorial.
On your PC:
– Install the necessary drivers for your Xperia smartphone onto your PC/laptop. The easiest way to do this is to ensure that Sony Ericsson PC Companion is installed on your PC. Once installed, connect your phone to complete the process.
– Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard onto your PC or laptop.
On your Xperia:
– Enable USB de-bugging mode: Setting –> Applications –> Development –> Tick ‘USB debugging’
– Enable the ability to install unknown apps: Setting –> Applications –> Tick ‘Unknown sources’
– Install Link2SD from Android Market onto your Xperia smartphone. It is a free download.
2. ROOT
Rooting your handset gives you the permissions necessary to install custom software on your handset.
a) First, download the ‘Xperia 2011 Easy Rooting Toolkit’ from here.
b) Extract the RAR file using WinRAR or 7-Zip.
c) Connect your Xperia to your PC.
d) Click on ‘RUNME.bat’ from the extracted RAR file, which should give you the following screen. Just press any button to let the program do its work.
e) When finished you should see the output as per the picture below. The phone should now be rooted, make sure you restart your handset before the next step.
3. BACKUP MEMORY CARD
As we will be creating a partition on your microSD memory card, make sure you create a backup just in case anything goes wrong.
a) Create a new folder on your PC and name it anything you want, such as ‘SD_Backup’
b) Connect your phone to the PC, navigate to your memory card and copy the contents to the backup folder.
4. CREATE SECONDARY PARTITION
You now need to create a secondary partition on your microSD memory card that will enable you to use Link2SD.
Note: We will use MiniTool Partition Wizard to create a secondary partition on your microSD card. This partition can be ext2, ext3, ext4 or FAT32. We will use FAT32 as it is supported on all phones and should lead to less troubleshooting later. You can use any partition manager of your choosing, but the steps below guide you through MiniTool Partition Wizard.
There is no need to wipe your memory card when going through this process, just ensure you have at least 0.5GB to 1.0GB of free space to make it worthwhile. You also do not need to use a microSD card adaptor as the process below creates the partition whilst the phone is connected to your PC.
a) Connect your handset to the PC via USB and then launch MiniTool. You should see the details pop up under ‘Disk 2′.
b) Click on the memory card under Disk 2 in MiniTool and then in the left pane, press ‘Move/Resize Partition’. On the blue bar under ‘Size and Location’, move the right arrow towards the left to create the size of the secondary partition desired. In the example below we created a secondary partition with 1018.63MB of space. This value can also be typed in manually in ‘Unallocate Space After’.
c) Once this is done you should see that your memory card is now split into two partitions under Disk 2 of MiniTool. Right click this new partition and then press ‘Create’.
If you see this pop-up below, just press ‘Yes’ to continue.
d) You should then see this ‘Create New Partition’ window. Under ‘Create As’ click Primary and then under ‘File System’ click FAT32. Leave the cluster size as default and you can assign whichever drive letter you want. Once finished press OK.
e) This should bring you back to the main MiniTool screen. Now hit the ‘Apply’ button on the top-left of the screen, denoted by a tick symbol.
This will bring up another pop-up window and will take several minutes to both resize and create the secondary partition.
If successful, you should see message below. Congratulations your card is ready to use in conjunction with Link2SD. Restart your handset before moving to the next step.
5. LINK2SD
This application makes it easy for users with root privileges on their phone to move applications to the SD card.
a) Open the Link2SD app on your phone. You should be greeted with the following menu, check the FAT32 option and click OK.
You will then see the Superuser Request, click ‘Allow’.
Once you see the following message, restart your phone. The app should now be ready to use.
b) To make sure everything is installed correctly. Click the Menu button and go to ‘Storage Info’. This will show you the internal memory and your two partitions on the memory card. In our case, you can see that the second partition has 1GB free.
c) Now you need to move the apps of your choice to the memory card. Click the Menu button and press ‘Multi-select’.
Choose which apps you want to move by clicking the tick box next to the app. System apps are greyed out and cannot be selected. Link2SD can only move apps that are already on the internal memory. If you have apps already on your SD card, you will need to move them back to the internal memory before you can link them with Link2SD.
If you want to move all of your apps, pressing the menu button will bring up another menu allowing you to do this.
d) Once you have chosen which apps you want to move, you then need to hit the menu button and press ‘Actions’, which will bring up the following menu. Press ‘Create Link’.
Leave all three check boxes ticked and press OK. Link2SD will now do its work and move/link the selected apps to your memory card.
Once finished, you should see that the apps you have moved have ‘Linked -> SD Card’ in red font in the Link2SD app list. Reboot your phone.
e) Congratulations your phone is now using Link2SD! You should now go to Settings by pressing the menu button and configure how you would like Link2SD to work. The main decision here is whether you want to Auto Link newly installed apps to the memory card. Given that you’ve gone through the hassle of installing Link2SD we suggest you enable Auto Link and make worrying about your internal memory a thing of the past.

Sweet Honey

2012-04-18T14:34:00.003+05:30

Awesome Natural Remedies with Honey
Flu, Colds & Cough Medicine – Honey and lemon juice sipped several times a day.
Cuts & Burns – Apply Honey.
Hangover – Weak solution of black tea mixed with honey 2-3 times a day or eat honey on toast.
Energy Drink & Afternoon Fatigue – 2-3 teaspoons of honey in a glass of water sprinkled with cinnamon powder. Or, mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 glass of water. Drink daily for one week for a real boost!
Pain Relief – 3 tablespoons of honey in hot or boiled water and drink.
Anxiety, Insomnia and Nervous Tension - 1 tablespoon of honey at dinner. Or, mix and store 3 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 cup of honey. Take 2 teaspoons of this mixture before bed.
Impotence – Take 2 tablespoons of honey before bed.
Burns – Apply to burn, cover with a soft bandage.
Asthma – 1 teaspoon of honey with ½ teaspoon cinnamon just before going to bed.
Allergies, Headaches & Stuffy Nose – chew on honeycomb.
Constipation – 2 teaspoons of honey 3 times a day
Nappy Rash, Eczema and Itchy Skin – Apply thin layer of honey are washing the area with oatmeal (1 tablespoon of oatmeal with 1 cup of water).
Bee Stings – Apply honey!

WARNING! Never give honey to an infant under 12 months.

ROOT LG OPTIMUS NET

2012-04-15T12:50:00.002+05:30

From: http://mygame.forumotion.com/t139-testedroot-optimus-net

Copy the links to your address bar.

1. Download Superoneclick 2.2 [By xda-developers]

This is what will root ur device so download from here :-

www.4shared.com/file/ICp5e5Fc/SuperOneClickv22-ShortFuse.html

After downloading extract it anywhere you please. Now go to ur system folder i.e where you have installed your OS (i.e Win xp, win 7 etc) Lets say its in the 'X' Drive. So go to X:/WINDOWS/system32/cmd.exe and copy it, now go to where you installed Superoneclick. Inside the folder there'll be a folder as "ADB" open it and paste the 'cmd.exe' you copied.

2. Now you need the LG ADB Drivers

Download the drivers and install it:-

http://www.junefabrics.com/bin2/LGDriver.exe

It is recommended that you restart after installing the drivers.

3. Connect your Device

After installing the Drivers Connect Your Optimus Net using the data cable. In your Device go to settings>Applications>Development>USB Debbuging. Check the box beside it. It will give you a warning just click OK. When you connect your Device you will see 'Turn USB storage on" option DO NOT TURN IT ON. After connecting you will see in the notification bar that "USB Debbuging On" it means you have done evrythng ok uptil now.

Now before rooting Go to settings>Storage>Unmount SD Card it will ask you if you want to unmount click OK. After it is unmounted you can begin rooting. MAKE SURE YOU UNMOUNT THE SD CARD OTHERWISE IT MAY BE COMPLETELY ERASED.

4. Now Let's Root

Now Go to the ADB folder. Remember the cmd.exe you pasted there? Click on it.

WINDOWS 7 USERS MAKE SURE BEFORE CLICKING CMD YOU RIGHT CLICK AND CLICK ON 'RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR' AND ALLOW

In the commands write the following:- [Give the exact spaces i have given OTHERWISE IT WILL NOT WORK!!]:-

adb devices (press enter)(after this command you should see your device id)
adb shell (press enter) (after this command you should see $ sign)
$ echo 1 > /data/local/lge_adb.conf (press enter)

DO NOT CLOSE THE WINDOW JUST MINIMIZE IT!!

Now go to Where you extracted Superoneclick and click on superoneclick.exe.

In the window on the Top Left hand Side of the window there will be an option 'ROOT'.
CLick on it!
When the process completes you will see a Dialog box asking that the rooting is done and if you want to install Superuser,click on OK both times. After this make sure YOU RESTART YOUR DEVICE. Once you restart you will see a new app as Superuser in the Menu. Click on it and click allow when it prompts.

Hence, you have a rooted Optimus Net do whatever you want

Post replies and tell me if it worked

Oh and if you want to know about some cool apps for root users heres a guide:

www.addictivetips.com/mobile/top-15-apps-to-install-after-rooting-your-android-device/

ADDITION BY ME

Sometimes you may get stuck at Step # 7.
If it happens:
0. keep cmd and superuser opened
1. turn off the device
2. turn it back on.
3. run adb.exe
4. now execute from the 'adb shell' command.
5. you will see a # in stead of $.
6. this time phone will be rooted.
ENJOY. - Arnab Pal

How to Move All Unmovable or Unsupported Android Apps to SD Card

2011-11-15T20:43:00.001+05:30

In most of Android phone we face a common issue of low internal phone memory. Even after using Apps2SD you can't move all apps to external memory. Here I'm telling you method and apps which enable you to get more space by moving apps which not officially support to move on SD.

Its very useful to you to get more free internal phone storage space when you running out of application storage. Here how to do it. We need two apps for this one to enable force move to sd even app doesn't support App 2 SD feature and second to move the manually when done.

Step1: Download and install Move2SD Enabler from link given below. Install and before open the app, make sure to enable USB debugging enable and give root permission to this app. Run the "Move to SD" app and set the default install location as "External" so that ALL* apps, including those not yet support it, install automatically/CAN BE MOVED to your location choice. You must select external to unlock move to SD card. Now click apply and exit the app.
After you set to External, now you ready to move your all installed apps to your external memory MicroSD card. You can move almost all apps even they not support move to SD feature. For example you can move Google+ app or Google Maps which not support Apps2SD, or UC Browser, Smart Keyboard, Antivirus app etc.
Also if you wants to save all apps to internal phone memory, this app will also do this for you. But I think no one wants this. To revert back to default you need to set Auto and it'll be on default settings as before. Remembered this will not support for protected app and for system apps. Move2SD Enabler support all Android 2.2+ device.

Step2: Now you ready to move all of your installed apps to your external memory SD card. To do this you need a well known app App 2 SD. Using App 2 SD you can move only app which officially support App 2 SD features but now you'll also able to move almost all installed apps. If you've already installed this app (or download latest App 2 SD Pro 2.32 below), just open it and you'll see all new apps are listed in Movable tab which was not there before. Yes its magic of Step1 i.e Move2SD Enabler.

Now tap on any listed app which you wants to Move to SD card. This will open Application Info page and now select "Move to SD Card" to move app to external memory. It'll take few seconds to complete the process. Now go back and repeat same process for all listed app you wants to move.
After moving all unmovable apps now your internal phone memory has lots of free space. Though I'v tested it in most of common app and working fine but if you face any issue like force close after moving app t SD, than just move it back on phone.

Download Link Free Move2SD Enabler 0.9.6 and App 2 SD Pro 2.32:
Move2SD Enabler 0.9.6 beta.apk (74.6 KB)
App 2 SD Pro 2.32.apk (250 KB)

SMS limit from 100 to 200

2011-11-03T16:55:00.000+05:30

SMS limit up after Trai’s Tughlaq test

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Smaller curb

New Delhi, Nov. 1: The telecom watchdog has doubled to 200 the number of text messages that can be sent from one SIM card a day, giving in to consumer groups and political parties which felt the 100-message limit was too restrictive.

The new cap of 200 text messages kicked in from today.

The previous limit of 100, set by Trai in September to curb pesky commercial messages, had drawn widespread condemnation.

People with hearing impairment, school authorities, college students, teenagers and political parties complained about the ceiling. The watchdog also appeared to have failed to factor in bereaved individuals who may need to reply to more than 100 condolence messages a day. Legal and political battles also started brewing over the ceiling limit of 100.

Industry lobby Cellular Operators’ Association of India had asked regulator Trai to reconsider its move, saying such a ceiling may pose a potential challenge to the “fundamental rights” of ordinary users. “There could be a situation where a customer has exhausted the limit and suddenly some emergency occurs,” the association had said.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray’s son Aditya had planned to file a petition before Bombay High Court challenging the move. Aditya said today he had raised the issue with telecom minister Kapil Sibal during a visit to New Delhi last month. “This is a win for the technological freedom of the youth,” Aditya said this evening.

The Congress and the BJP, which have used bulk text messages as a way to reach out to people, also planned to raise the issue with the government through their MPs.

“The authority has received representations from some of the service providers and consumers to increase the limit of 100 SMS per day per SIM. The authority considered these representations and decided to increase the limit of 100 SMS per day per SIMto 200 SMS per day per SIM,” said the telecom regulator in its amendment to the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations.

Trai had already exempted various service providers, including dealers of telecom operators, e-ticketing agencies, those providing directory services like Justdial and social networking sites like Facebook, from the 100-SMS-a-day limit. The exemptions will continue with the new amendment.

“The increase in per day SMS limit is clearly intended at addressing the problems faced by the consumers. In this regard, the increase to 200 is welcome,” said Raj Singh, managing director of 2ergo India, a mobile marketing solutions company.

More spam

Doubts have been expressed whether the new rule will lead to flooding of the mobile inbox with unwanted messages and spam.

Companies sending commercial text messages use servers and message gateways located overseas, over which the Indian regulator does not have any hold, to send marketing text messages.

“In spite of the restrictions put in place by Trai on SMS usage, consumers are still receiving SMSes and the government seems to be helpless,” said Hemant Joshi, partner at Deloitte Haskins and Sells.

However, when it comes to sending marketing messages using a SIM card, Trai’s rules are effective.

“Commercial messages can be sent only by registered telemarketing firms to customers who have registered to accept such messages. The increased limit will not lead to any higher influx of commercial messages,” said Nilangshu Katriar, director telecom at Ernst and Young.

Trai has also imposed a 5 paisa termination charge on mobile operators for commercial text messages originating from their network, which will also deter telemarketing firms from using normal SIM cards to send bulk messages.

Penalty limit

The penalty for violating the text message limit has been set between Rs 25,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh. Telemarketers can also be blacklisted for two years after the sixth instance of violation.

Trai last month said Vodafone had deducted Rs 50,000 from some telemarketers’ security deposit for violating guidelines for pesky calls and SMSes and deposited the amount with the regulator.

Original Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111102/jsp/frontpage/story_14697494.jsp

for JG

2011-11-02T18:14:00.000+05:30

Jeet Gannguly: Back to Bollywood

2011-09-13T09:33:00.001+05:30

Melody maker

Jeet Gannguli on composing for Mahesh Bhatt and more.

You are composing for Mahesh Bhatt’s Blood Money. What kind of music will it be?
There are four songs in Blood Money. There’s a sad song, a sad romantic song, an out-and-out romantic song and a Sufi number. Maheshji and I had a few sessions where we discussed music. He asked about my likes and dislikes in music. Actually, Bombay directors don’t discuss the storyline. They like to keep it under wraps. Maheshji asked me to compose whatever I felt like but he briefed me about the mood.... He gave me a lot of freedom. He was always open to suggestions. He insisted that I use the song Khujechhi toke raat berate from Josh in Blood Money. So the lyrics go Jo tere sang kati raate. He likes Swapno nil from Poran Jai Joliya Re and also Boro eka eka lage amar from Saat Pake Bandha. I might use them in other Hindi films. I have also used Ferari mon from Riingo’s System. It’s there in Blood Money as Gunah kiya tere dil ne. I loved the song so much that I requested Maheshji to let me use it in the film.

Will this be your second Hindi film after Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai?
Not really.... I had composed for a film called Tere Liye with newcomers, before Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai. Yash Chopra’s Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai was my first break in Bollywood. I used to work with Pritam then.
You use a lot of Hindi words in Tolly songs...
Yes, like the title track of Paglu which goes Paglu thoda sa karle romance. The Dui Prithibi song with Koel (Mallick) and Jeet also has a smattering of Hindi. And why only Hindi? I have also used English words, like Oh my love in Amanush. Even Javedsaab (Akhtar) used Bengali in the song Hey shona in Ta Ra Rum Pum. See, today’s college crowd uses Hindi and English words, the lingo has changed and they are my target audience.
You mostly compose for romantic films. Isn’t it a pressure to sound different every time?
Honestly, I want to do music for different films now, otherwise it becomes very monotonous. Currently, I am doing the music for Sandipan Roy’s Ekla Akash and I am enjoying it very much because the subject is very different. Goutamda (Ghose) will lip-sync for a song, which is a great feeling.
Do you watch all the films that you compose for?
Not all, I watch some. I watched Prem Amar because I had done its background score too. That’s the only film for which I did the background score. I usually don’t do the background score because then you have to devote a lot of time to the film and you cannot take up any other film. It’s too taxing. You have to listen to the story, sit with the director after the film is complete and decide when the music will be in and out, and then compose the theme. Then you sit in the mixing studios for another three days. If I do four films a year then it’s possible to do the background score, but I do more than three. I did it for Prem Amar because I cannot say no to Raj (Chakraborty, director) as he is very passionate about his projects.
When do you do your homework?
On the flight from Mumbai to Calcutta and back. Believe me, that’s when I compose songs in my mind. When Raj narrated the story of Chirodini... Tumi Je Amar he wanted something different. I wondered what songs to give a boy who rides a bicycle and falls for a rich girl studying in an English-medium school. I was on the Kingfisher flight to Mumbai and I heard their track Ooolalala, and I immediately composed Ooo lalla, I love you my Soniya. After getting off the plane, I called Raj and sang it on the phone. He liked it and the rest is history! I don’t sit and think about what to compose, a tune might come to me when I am on my morning walk!
Who’s your inspiration?
I love Sudhin Dasgupta and Panchamda’s (RD Burman) music. I loved the combination of Sudhin Dasgupta and Arati Mukhopadhyay. They rocked. I was a student of Carlton Kitto as a kid and I learned singing from my mother (Mina Gangopadhyay). My father (Kali Gangopadhyay) was an arranger and accordionist, and played with Panchamda.
Isn’t it difficult for you to compose music for Bengali films sitting in Mumbai?
No, Calcutta is just three hours away for me. I shifted to Bombay in 1996. I live in Andheri and that’s my base now. I am comfortable. I might compose the music for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next film starring Boman Irani and Farah Khan. Bela Bhansali is the director.... So I have learnt to bridge the gap between Bombay and Calcutta. Besides, I am very comfortable working in Calcutta. Being a Bengali boy from Baranagar, I feel at home here.
His starry favourites:
Prosenjit: Keura from Refugee
Mithun Chakraborty: Merechhi parar rock e adda from Minister Fatakesto
Dev: Bhojo Gourango from Challenge
Jeet: Khujechhi toke raat berate from Josh

Kushali Nag
Which is your favourite Jeet Gannguli song? Tell t2@abp.in

Original link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110913/jsp/entertainment/story_14497930.jsp

Demon Depression

2011-08-14T10:40:00.001+05:30

Mind the scourge

More and more Indians are falling prey to depression — and the country’s mental health services are sadly ill-equipped to tackle the problem, says T.V. Jayan

Savitri Gupta, a 40-year-old housewife from a well-to-do family at Preet Vihar in East Delhi, should thank one of her neighbours for being alive today. It was on his advice that Gupta, who had withdrawn into a shell, was finally taken to a psychiatrist six months ago. She was found to be suffering from severe depression and was on the verge of committing suicide. The treatment brought her back to normalcy, much to the relief of her husband and in-laws who had misjudged her listlessness as a ploy to avoid the everyday grind of household chores.
Sangeeta Pokhriyal, 36, who lived just a kilometre away in the neighbouring locality of Surajmal Vihar, wasn’t so lucky. Last week she committed suicide after strangling her six year-old daughter. She was said to be suffering from severe depression.
Pokhriyal is among the thousands of victims of depression who die, or at the very least, lead disturbed, diminished lives. Indeed, it’s estimated that severe depression accounts for nearly 8,50,000 deaths globally every year.
A recent study in the BMC Medicine Journal, covering 18 nations, showed that nearly 121 million people are suffering from depression at present. The study, which included data gathered from Pondicherry, extrapolated that nearly 9 per cent of Indians suffer from moderate to severe forms of depression.
Though most psychiatrists in India question this extrapolation, they admit the data are quite close to that thrown up by earlier studies, which indicated that nearly 6 to 8 per cent of Indians suffer from moderate to severe forms of depression at any given time.

DOWN AND OUT

According to the International Classification of Diseases, depression is defined by the following symptoms

● Persistent sadness or low mood
● Loss of interests or pleasure
● Fatigue or low energy
● Disturbed sleep
● Poor concentration or indecisiveness
● Low self-confidence
● Poor or increased appetite
● Suicidal thoughts or acts
● Agitation or slowing of movements
● Guilt or self-blame

You know you are

● Not depressed — if you have fewer than four symptoms
● Mildly depressed — if you have four symptoms
● Moderately depressed — if you have five to six symptoms
● Severely depressed — if you have seven or more symptoms

Dr B.M. Suresh, a clinical psychiatrist at the Bangalore-based National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), who has co-authored research papers on the prevalence of mental disorders in the country, says 20 to 30 per cent of Indians run the risk of a bout of depression in their lifetime. “As the life expectancy increases the incidence of depression is bound to go up,” says Dr Suresh, who, however, holds that Pondicherry cannot serve as a representative sample as the Union territory has unusually high levels of alcoholism and very high suicide rates.
Depression manifests itself in different ways. Some feel sad, others become aggressive. While some lose their appetite, others binge eat. Some may have disturbed sleep and others may find it hard to stay awake. Social withdrawal, diminished sex drive, suicidal tendencies and lack of concentration are some other telltale symptoms (see box).
The good news is that depression can be treated. “Whatever be the symptoms, it’s possible to treat depression by simply bringing the levels of a brain chemical — serotonin — back to normal,” says Dr Om Prakash, associate professor of psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences in Delhi, who treated Gupta.
The treatment is not expensive either. The most commonly used antidepressant — fluoxetine — costs just a few rupees, says Dr Prakash.
What worries experts is not so much the number of people suffering but the fact that very few of them receive treatment. “It doesn’t matter whether 6 per cent or 9 per cent of Indians suffer from depression. The fact is, 80 per cent or more people suffering from moderate to severe depression in this country receive no treatment or counselling,” says Dr K.S. Shaji, head of psychiatry at the Thrissur Medical College in Kerala.
If treated, depression can be cured in six months. Even in the case of people who haven’t been treated, it may vanish in one year to 18 months, says Dr Sanjay Pattanayak of Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, in New Delhi. But if left untreated, the chance of recurrence is very high.
One reason many patients don’t receive the treatment they need is that there simply aren’t enough psychiatrists. At present India has only 4,000 psychiatrists for a population of 120 crore, that is, there is one psychiatrist for every 3,00,000 people. As compared to this, the US has 30,000 practising psychiatrists for a population of 30 crore. “Besides, nearly 90 per cent of Indian psychiatrists practise in the metros and big cities. Most districts don’t have a single psychiatrist,” points out Dr Shaji. In the smaller states there may be just one or two psychiatrists, adds Dr Prakash. For example, while Uttarakhand has one psychiatrist, Sikkim, which has the highest suicide rate in the country, has two. Even a relatively big state like Orissa has just six psychiatrists — four in Bhubaneswar and two in Cuttack.
Experts say that paucity of psychiatrists apart, mental health services in the country are plagued by a multitude of problems. First of all, it has never been a priority area for successive governments at the Centre and the states. “A mere Rs 89 crore was allocated for mental healthcare in the 10th Five Year Plan. Though it was increased to Rs 1,000 crore in the ongoing 11th Plan, this too is woefully inadequate,” says Dr Suresh.
The Medical Council of India (MCI), which sets the curriculum for medicine courses in the country, too has not made psychiatry a part of the undergraduate syllabus. After much prodding from the psychiatric community, the MCI recently made it a two-week elective to be undertaken during internship before they get the degree. This is not enough, say experts. “In the UK, all medical undergraduate students have to spend three months each in medicine, surgery and psychiatry as interns before they pass out,” points out Dr Suresh.
Psychiatrists also feel that general practitioners should be sensitised about psychiatric disorders. “I fail to understand why a GP — who is comfortable with prescribing drugs for hypertension or diabetes or even cardiovascular diseases — does not prescribe medicines for depression,” says Dr Prakash.
Indeed, more often than not, when a person suffering from depression goes to a GP, he or she is given multi-vitamin pills or iron tonics to “take care of the lethargy or low energy”. What they fail to understand is these are physical manifestations of a mental problem, says Dr Prakash, and unless the root cause is addressed they will never go away.
There is some glimmer of hope, however. In certain states, non-government initiatives to treat mental disorders are coming up. These organisations screen the rural population for psychological problems and offer medical help and counselling. For example, Sangath, an NGO in Goa, is training a large number of health volunteers who work with medical staff in state-run primary healthcare centres in identifying those who need psychiatric help.
In Kerala, two organisations — Mehac Foundation and Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT) — have set up a number of free clinics in rural areas. MHAT, which operates in three northern Kerala districts, has 26 rural clinics and treats more than 1,000 patients a month. “Reaching out to the patients and their families is important as they refuse to come for treatment because of the social stigma attached to psychiatric illnesses,” says Dr Manoj Kumar, a psychiatrist who founded MHAT.
“Of course, our work is only a drop in the ocean,” Dr Kumar says.
That maybe so. But it is certainly worth emulating to contain the burgeoning problem of depression in the country.

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