Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 16, 2009 in Blogging Tips
Well, this is what I faced on one of my wordpress blog hosted on yahoo server. It was running 2.1 and suddenly yahoo auto upgraded it to wordpress 2.8.5.
After the sudden upgrade, it was very difficult (nearly impossible) to make new posts. The browser was freezing. There was 1000s of “custom fields” on the page which was taking long time to load and in turn was making the window unusable.
I started searching on web for the possible solutions but was not able to get any concrete one. The problem was there even after upgrading it to 2.8.6. I was however able to make the post by forcing the window to stop page download in between.
I was finally able to solve the problem. I am sure it is not the correct way of doing it but I am now able to make the posts without any problem.
If you have a similar type of problem then:
Lookout for this line “add_meta_box(’postcustom’, __(’Custom Fields’), ‘post_custom_meta_box’, ‘post’, ‘normal’, ‘core’);” in “edit-form-advanced.php” which will be there in wp-admin folder.
Comment this line like below:
//add_meta_box(’postcustom’, __(’Custom Fields’), ‘post_custom_meta_box’, ‘post’, ‘normal’, ‘core’);
Upload the file to the server.
This is going to solve the problem temporarily. However, you would not be able to see “custom fields”.
If anybody has any better solutions then do let me know.
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 13, 2009 in Mobile

Wireless phones that we use do affect the functioning of the brain. They, in fact, impact the brain biologically. It is of course a bit too early to say if causes any health risk. This has been highlighted in Swedish medical research report.
Fredrik Soderqvist, Orebro University, analyzed the blood samples from the adult wireless phone users and had discovered that they had increased levels of the protein known as transthyretin, which is found in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier protecting our brain against any harmful substances existing in the blood system.
Based on findings, one can observe that our brain gets affected by the microwaves emanating from the cell phones as well other wireless telephones. These can cause other unknown effects claims Soderqvist, who had carried out the research for his doctoral thesis.
He said that children and teenagers as well as others must use these cell phones carefully. “Children may be more sensitive than adults to radiation from wireless phones” says Soderqvist in news release from the university.
He also carried out a survey for his thesis of wireless phone users about self-health and also found that children as well as teens who regularly made use of such devices suffered more problems pertaining to health. He also gave lower rating for these users with regard to their well-being as compared to those who did not use them.
Soderqvist further says,” The connection was strongest regarding headaches, asthmatic complaints, and impaired concentration.” He also says, “more research is needed to exclude the effects of other factors and sources of error, even though it is difficult to see how this connection could be fully explained, especially among children and adolescents.”
Soderqvist also observed that the “threshold (safety) valves in place today protects us from warming, a so-called thermal effect .But if there are mechanisms that are independent of warming, it is not certain that today’s thresholds provide protection. And it maybe that these effects that will not be perceived until later on in the future.”
Source: healthfinder.gov
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 12, 2009 in World Economy
The term developing economy is used to refer to countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which are economically backward as compared to developed countries. They have much to achieve in terms of economic growth and development. They lag behind the developed countries such as US and UK on account of many reasons which shall be highlighted in this article.
The levels of economic development do vary among the developing countries so there cannot be a prescribed criteria for deciding which countries are in the developing stage. Compared to the developed counties they are far behind in technological and other sectors.
The World Bank defines low as well as middle income countries as “developing”. Much would depend upon how much Gross National Product (GNP) they generate.
What are the facets of developing economy?
The developing countries or economies have too much to achieve in the sphere of industrial and agriculture sphere. They have to make tremendous efforts to feed their millions of people.
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 11, 2009 in Getting into Roots

They call it a “pharm” party. No, it is not pin-the-tail on the donkey. Bored, in the mood to experiment, feeling like adults teens get together and put all the prescription medication they can find in the house in a big bowl and start taking pills. It is a “pharmacy” party and it can be deadly!
Teens’ testing the next new thing is not new; just look back to the “baby boomers” and their experimentation with LSD, cocaine, and marijuana. Self medicating with interesting plants and roots is as old as man. The rub, today’s “pharm” parties are likely to kill before the night is out especially it they are mixed with alcohol.
Teens know that over-the-counter medications and certainly, prescription medication have effects on the body. They know that most of the medications in an average family’s medicine cabinet have many potential mind altering effects. Little Johnny takes Ritalin for his ADHD and teenage brother Marc is pretty sure that if one is good, three or four is better. “Mom’s Xanax makes her mellow and happy, think of the high I can get. Here let’s mix them together, it will be cool” is truly scary.
All medications have effects. That is what they are designed for, to affect the person taking them in a particular way. Blood pressure medicine should lower blood pressure, anti-depressant should lift the mood, and insulin should lower the blood sugar. These medications also have bad or negative side effects even taken as written: sedation, nausea, confusion, lightheadedness, memory loss are just a few examples. Overdosing (too many) or mixing medications increases the risk of respiratory failure (stop breathing) and death exponentially.
Talk to your teens and be an example. If our parents take a medication for anything and everything a child will learn that this is normal. Normal means okay, okay means I can do it too. Is that the message you want to convey. Use medications properly, if one is good, two is NOT better. It is like speed limits, the amount limit is there for a reason and taking more is like running off the road. Lock up medications. Not a cheap locking drawer, a real lock to protect small children and your teens. Out of sight is out of mind.
Ask you’re teen why they want to get high? You might be surprised by the answers. The answer should not lead to a pharm party. Be safe.
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 11, 2009 in Personality Development
In modern day and age, one has to practice diplomacy as it is essential to get one’s way in a world that is highly competitive. What you say matters a lot. One has to be careful while conveying issues as they would have an impact on one’s surroundings. Building up of personal relationships depends upon your choice of words, how you convey them to the concerned person.
Why be diplomatic?
It is essential to be diplomatic as what we convey does influence others actions. Much has to be accomplished in our daily lives, and we need to interact with others in order to achieve it. We may have to convince others and also get our way.
In the arena of international politics, much is conveyed diplomatically. Countries have to foster relations between each other and naturally they have to be very careful in their public dealings. Diplomacy plays an important role in striking deals. Senior leaders of various countries do not convey much in their talks. They have to be careful in what they say. They do not reveal or convey everything. They play with words. In fact, they do a lot of “sweet talk”.
Advantages of being diplomatic
Disadvantages of being diplomatic
How to cultivate diplomacy?
Of ten the art of diplomacy is innate in one’s personality. From childhood itself they learn to be diplomatic, as their parent speak in that manner. For those who are unable to be diplomatic, they can learn from speech making courses which teach them about how to convey things.
Many institutions conduct courses in speech making. They teach students how to convey effectively in few words. Even in universities students take up courses in speech making and in conversation techniques. Many would like to learn how to make conversation in public dealings. Many people who socialize a lot do attend such courses in order to be more popular on the social circuit front.
Diplomacy is essential in our personal as well as official dealing with others. One can get messages across more effectively.
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 10, 2009 in Entrepreneurship
Intrapreneurship can be defined as a tactic employed by people to ensure that others, especially employees, are making the most out of their commercial or industrial talent. When this is done, employees are better facilitated to work to their best capacity and therefore ensure that the company develops better and more successful products.
Corporate strategy is the art of examining current business factors as well as those anticipated in the future based on customer relations and competitors in an effort to make the business better and to develop it. It involves visualizing other effective roles the company can play to ensure that it reaches its targets and goals, while at the same time ensuring that customers and employees are happy and satisfied.
According to research, most successful business people started their careers as employees who put an effort in their work and further developed their skills by getting creative and helping their employer. However, a person cannot realize their potential unless the employer supports and facilitates the entire process.
When a company uses intrapreneurial techniques as their corporate strategy, they encourage their employees to take initiative and therefore give them a sense of decision making. When an employee is given this responsibility, they treat it with respect and try their best to ensure that they do not let down the firm. The firm encourages this and therefore empowers its employees to bring forth new ideas and facilitate their implementation.
When creating a corporate strategy, firms should create an environment where employees are not afraid to bring good ideas to the table. Once the ideas have been brought forth, decisions should be made to ensure that no good idea is ignored or lost. The company should be willing to spare resources to ensure that ideas from employees are discussed and considered. Therefore, one of the most important factors to consider is creating an environment where employees are free to bring forth good business ideas and ensuring that the ideas, if viable, are implemented and incorporated into the running of the business.
Another important factor to consider is the process of decision making. This should be expedited to ensure that ideas do not wear off before they are implemented. Employers should set aside resources to ensure that all good ideas are implemented. Other than that, the company should be willing to break tradition and embrace new ideas that might change the work environment for the better. Research shows that intrapreneurship thrives more on freedom and initiative as opposed to traditional policies. When this is done, companies are more open to new business ideas and therefore business growth and development.
When supporting intrapreneurship, it is very important to understand where to draw the line. Some businesses fail because they embrace every idea that comes their way before conducting thorough research on the effect of that idea into the business. Before implementing a new business idea, a firm business case should be presented and all the pros and cons discussed to find out what that business idea will do to the company. After consultations and research, a final decision should be made for the good of the company.
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 10, 2009 in Entrepreneurship
Those that are new to entrepreneurship may have misconceptions on what it is all about. However, there is great need to know what myth is and what fact is so that success can come.
This is a look at the top ten myths that need to be dispelled:
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 9, 2009 in Getting into Roots
The mentor plays an important role in one’s performance levels. The guidance and advice given by the mentor who guides a person to the finishing line is essential in order to be a winner. Every individual who wants to attain heights needs a mentor, someone who is more experienced and well –versed in the area of work or field
An athlete needs a person to guide him or her in order to win. The expert advice given by the mentor enables him or her to perform well in the sport. The team leader is the person who chalks out the strategy. For example, an aspiring tennis player seeks guidance from his or her coach, who has the necessary expertise to ensure that the respective athlete performs well.
Why a mentor?
A mentor is somebody who shares his knowledge and experience with the aspirant. He or she guides the aspirant to make sure that the aspirant performs well in his or her arena of work. Well-known athletes, actors, and even in the corporate world, one has a mentor to help.
What does a mentor do?
What qualities should a mentor have?
Benefits of having a mentor
A mentor is essential in every sphere of work or game. One needs an experienced person to guide them well, otherwise it is difficult to win.
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 7, 2009 in Web Marketing
Although not many people know this, there is a difference between SEO and SEM. Contrary to belief, they are not two words portraying the same message. Search Engine Optimization can be classified under the larger category referred to as Search Engine Marketing. SEO requires content providers to deal with titles, meta tags, html coding as well as keyword density. SEM on the other hand involves the use of paid subscriptions, article directories and submitting content in search engines. Search engine optimization is the actual activity of making money online by trying to rank high on search engines such as Yahoo and Google while search engine marketing is the business of making money online. Implementing the techniques of marketing by optimizing keywords is search engine marketing.
Search engine marketing involves all activities that can be used to promote a website, a business or earn a website owner income. SEM involves activities such as paid inclusions, which involves paying search engines to make it easier for a website to be found by internet users. For some search engines, this is the only way that websites can get listed. Most website owners prefer paying because it means their sites will be listed sooner than others and internet users will be able to keep track of changes being made on the site. Another aspect of SEM is placing advertisements on the website to market a product or website. Pay per click is another SEM technique used by search engines and website owners to generate traffic for websites. In this case, payment is made per every click of the advertisement.
Both SEO and SEM techniques are drawn towards generating traffic to a website, promoting a product and bringing up profits. One of the biggest differences in these two techniques is the SEM is almost guaranteed and takes place immediately but SEO requires more work, monitoring and patience to yield results. SEM is more expensive because it is a fast and reliable way of promoting a website. SEM mainly gets people to click on a website link. After that website users have a little time to convince users that they can find what they are looking for on that website. This is where SEO comes in. SEO techniques have to be applied to make sure that users get what they are looking for and will come back to that site to look for further information in the future.
The purpose of SEO is to make a website more usable by search engines and internet users. SEO is directly related to SEM because without it, the marketing techniques will not be implemented to achieve the final desired goal. In addition, without SEM, a website would probably never be viewed and that would make all SEO attempts futile. Search engine optimization can be termed as a cheaper and long term answer to increase traffic generation and promote a website. SEM includes the efforts put in to ensure that the website is actually visible to internet users. SEO is a free technique that consumes much more time than SEM and does not offer any guarantees to promote a website.
Posted by Amitabh Shukla on November 7, 2009 in Web Marketing
Phrase based indexing and retrieval is a system designed by Google to retrieve information by using phrases to list, rank, define and search documents on the internet. It looks at how the phrases are used on the internet and determines whether they are good or valid phrases to be on the web. This system also considers how frequently a phrase has been used and determines their significance on the internet and also compares how certain common phrases are used in place of or together with other phrases. If a certain phrase is used very frequently, it may be used to determine relation in content for web contents or simply web pages that will produce the same search results. The phrase based indexing and retrieval system can also use this same technique to determine any spam activity based on how many times a phrase is used on one document.
This information retrieval system is used mainly to capture spam documents that contain many repetitive key phrases but very little useful content. Such pages stuffed with keywords can easily be eliminated this way. This technique has been helpful when searching websites that contain many ‘honeypots’. These are phrases that advertisers use frequently and therefore pay website owners to incorporate in their pages. A page with too much of this offers no real information to internet users and is therefore considered as spam. The phrase based indexing and retrieval system has also been used to detect duplicate content, identify spam and rank pages in terms of popularity hence make more use of pages that users want to use.
Another important role played by phrase based indexing and retrieval system is exploring documents that are on the internet and put together the phrases that appear in the same documents. It searches for the exact keyword and any other common phrases that appear on both or all documents. This technique ensures that search results yielded put together these documents because they more likely than not have related information that users can use. It also determines in what order documents should appear on the results page.
Phrase based indexing and retrieval system may sometimes get mixed up when a term is common in two or more different scenarios. In this case, the search engine will create clusters or groups of documents that are related and will all appear on the search results page although the order in which they appear will be based on the most common context. The system will create different clusters and give them individual cluster names and the documents with the most used phrase in each cluster are displayed on the results page. Google will then determine how the results will be presented and show those in the results page. This gives the internet users a broader results page and ensures that they get what they are looking for. Google’s aim at designing this system was to identify and deal with spam documents as well as ensure users get the most out of their search results.