#ripplitcal

The Problem

Inertia is a powerful force and overcoming it is not easy. Not acting on some of these current issues is akin to knowing that a violent crime is going to be committed and doing nothing to prevent it. While it does seem a rather drastic description of apathy, it is tantamount to having the blood of the crime on our hands as well.

The Experiment

So, it is imperative that we do something about it. We have decided to use the #RippleEffect of Internet Marketing through word of mouth to try and make a difference. With the help of concerned individuals, who don't want the proverbial blood of the crime mentioned above on their hands, we can make a difference. It's not enough to simply "tweet" about issues or "like" them when posted on social networks - it's important to impact change. 

Likes and Tweets just show our awareness; they don't change the ground realities for the people who are actually affected. We need to change their lives for the better, or the like and tweet is simply an echo wafting through the digital universe and over time it will fade like the screams of the victims we did not act in support of. 

We want to utilize the social network to motivate people to act and make a difference. We hope that our actions will inspire like-minded people who care enough to overcome the inertia that plagues our humanness.

As part of our commitment, we will continuously show you what we all were able to accomplish, the impact it made, and how we can continue to work to resolve the problem. 

The Proverbial Pebble Throw

How am we going to achieve this?

First, we will highlight 5 issues that we are aware of that need urgent attention.

Second, we will ask people to use RipplIt to vote and pick the issue they want to address initially.

Third, we will go through the same process of picking a solution that we will implement to alleviate the issue.

Fourth, our belief is that you will join us in not only participating in the voting exercise, but also give your time (and possibly resources) to fix the problem with a solution as selected by you. You won't be asked to do anything that we won't be doing ourselves.

The Issues

- Protecting our planet from pollution and over-consumption

- Use of Mobile Devices and Driving

- Animal Cruelty

- Women's Rights and Safety

- Protecting Children from Predators

The Hope

And if we, can make a difference and provide the model for others to follow, we can create #TheRippleEffect !

I found this lovely cafe called Maka Maka in Desapriya Park. Maka Maka is a quaint little cafe attached to a store just a stone throw from Priya Cinema. The place has a beautiful vibe, ideal for visiting with your special someone or a dear friend as you can get cosy and chat up a storm. I really liked the place. Even the food is amazing and comparatively inexpensive. The coffee there is just splendid. The Lemon Muffin I had was quite good too, but I wish it had been a little more lemony. That place is truly refreshing. The cafe has an interesting seating arrangement – you can sit inside or in the verandah –perfect utilization of space! Even the window sills have been utilised to provide sitting space. I especially liked the French windows, but would have loved them more had they been a little wider. The young man behind the counter seemed to love his job and explained the menu to us enthusiastically. The decor and the perfect accentuation of interiors is what really excited me. Inside, pretty paintings adorn the walls and there are comfy low chairs to sit on. The verandah seating steals the show though. You would love to sit and have a cup of coffee as you spend time with friends or read a book and since the crow pull is still lower you will not even get pushed again and again. In case you go in a group of 3-5 people grab the balcony that overlooks the park –a  lovely little nook to sit in. I look forward to visiting this place on a rainy evening and just relax and watch the world go by.

- By Manisha Todi

The most consistent team of IPL 7 will be up against the most resilient side of the current edition when Kings XI Punjab lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders in the first qualifier of the IPL on Wednesday at the Eden Gardens. The match was scheduled to be held on Tuesday but was called off due to incessant rainfall for the past few days in the city. A double washout would mean Punjab would make the finals without a ball being bowled as they are sitting at the top of the points table with Kolkata placed second.

Kings XI Punjab have been the most outstanding team this season to finish top of the points table, courtesy a superlative batting show from Glenn Maxwell. On the other hand, Kolkata were written off midway into the tournament with just two wins from first seven matches but they bounced back in superb fashion to seal a playoff berth. Later, Yusuf Pathan's destructive 22-ball 72 against Hyderabad fired them up to second spot ahead of Chennai on the basis of a better net run rate. Their 4-wicket triumph over Hyderabad was their seven win on the trot.

Punjab may be the heavyweights but they would be wary of KKR's momentum and it would be quite a challenge for George Bailey's men to breach their opponent's fortress at the Eden Gardens. Yusuf Pathan will be a threat in the ranks of KKR, quite the same way Maxwell is in the KXIP line-up, in what promises to be yet another run feast with both teams boasting of powerful batting line-ups. Under overcast conditions, the slow bowlers could play a crucial role and the KKR camp would have an extra edge in mystery spinner Sunil Narine who has the Purple Cap. They also have left-armer Shakib Al Hasan in a potent spin attack.With Mitchell Johnson spearheading the pace department, KXIP pacers have most number of wickets (62) but at the same time, their spinners have the fewest (24). In terms of batting, Shaun Marsh, who has been a consistent performer for KXIP with about 2000 runs, has been benched with Maxwell and Miller stealing the show.

KXIP have lost to KKR, the second team after Mumbai Indians to have beaten the table-toppers this season, and the home side would surely fancy their chances with a vociferous crowd behind them. KKR look a more balanced side of the two both in batting and bowling. But previous laurels won't matter in the play-offs as both the teams will have to start from zero. The cricket fans in Kolkata will not want another washout and would be praying to the Rain Gods for a rain-free day.

"Bistro by the Park" is on park street and if you are a college student like me studying somewhere in that area, its a great place to get a bite to eat. Do drop by at Bistro and check out the place. You get shisha, bar service and really good food. you can sit back enjoy the music, ambiance and even do a little karaoke if you'd like.

Why would you go to Bistro by the Park and not any other hookah joint ?

- The service is excellent. 

- The ambiance is great.

- There continental and Italian food is delicious

- You get iPad instead of menu cards to place your orders

 - They also serve non vegetarian food and alcohol unlike most hookah places. 

Give this place a shot, you can sit back and unwind after a tough day at college.

So here's something about me: I love Anime. Now not many of you would know what Anime is, so for the uninitiated, Anime is nothing but an animated rendition of Japanese comics, which are known as Manga. They are what you could call the Japanese version of cartoons, with Manga being the equivalent of comics. Comics and cartoons focus mainly on superhero themes and/or humorous ones. Now, while Anime doesn't neglect these two genres, it also includes nearly every genre you could think of. While cartoons are mainly for kids, Anime caters to individuals from every age group. This is what is so appealing about it. My association with Anime began when I was four. I was hooked onto this Anime called Dragon Ball Z, which is one of the most popular Anime ever created. Later on, I went on to see more popular and acclaimed Anime, such as Death Note, FullMetal Alchemist, and Cowboy Bebop. Anime has been an integral part of my life for one reason- it teaches me how to better myself as a human being. Goku taught me never to give up, even when the odds are against you. Naruto taught me that it's not circumstances that shape you, it's how you react to them. Luffy taught me that as long as you have the will to do something, it is never impossible. Hayate taught me that hard work always pays off. These people have influenced my life in a myriad of ways, probably more so than any living or real human being has. So, have you started watching Anime?

My first brush with Amigos happened yesterday afternoon for lunch. Following an official meet, my friend and i wanted to have lunch at a nice place before heading back home. I remembered seeing Amigos around the area and we headed straight there.

The way Amigos is written itself exudes peppiness, energy and informal fun. The Best Mexican Food in Kolkata .... is undoubtedly served here. We were greeted by a waiter within seconds of our entry and shown to a table. Fresh Lemonade and Iced Tea with Nachos Fiesta was immediately ordered and delivered. I must emphasize that these are the best Nachos served in the City - topped with Cheese, Olives, Jalapeños, and accompanied by Cheddar Cheese Sauce, Salsa, Re-fried Beans, and Sour Cream. The Corn Chips were crisp, thin, and tasted great when coupled with salsa that was bursting with flavor. Awesome stuff! 

For our vegetarian mains we ordered Burrito Rollos stuffed with refried beans, Mexican rice, bell peppers, and mixed vegetables. Next up was the Veg Chile Rollenos which was a dish comprising of Whole Jalapeño Chilies stuffed with Cheese and served up with Mexican Rice,Tacos and refried Beans .... again delicious. We were stuffed but could not finish our feast without a sweet ending; so we ordered the Chocolate Mousse which was decadently delicious and beautifully presented. The cheque is presented in a sombrero, which just adds an entire level of peppiness to the ambience - beautifully done with paintings, vintage installations, guitars and on-loop Mexican pop music. Yesterday, I had a short-lived yet fantastic trip to Mexico. Like my friend put it, 'Sugar and Spice, and Everything Nice'!!

I, being an outstation student, am planning  on sending my mother a beautiful bouquet with a teddy bear, some chocolates, and a small message via ferns and petals online booking this mothers day. Since she loves pudding I make I will make some too and send it along for a personal touch. However, I feel that this effort isn't enough to truly show her how much I love her and how appreciative I am of how she has moulded me into what I am today. I love her from the core of my heart. What are you planning on doing this mother's day?

I visited the new Japanese restaurant in forum mall today, "Matsuri". A must try is the Sushi. It was just fabulous and delicious. The service is excellent. Most of their dishes are oil free which is so good. I also tried the strawberry milkshake. It was just 'aah!' So tasty! If you haven't tried Japanese food yet and you ever want to, Matsuri it is!