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Open Channel: Why Bram Stoker’s Dracula Continues to Fascinate

Published

2 years ago

April 17, 2023

Bram Stoker’s classic novel “Dracula” has been captivating readers since it was first published in 1897. The novel has spawned countless adaptations, including stage plays, films, television shows, and even video games. Even after over a century, the story of Count Dracula, a Transylvanian vampire who preys on young women, continues to fascinate audiences.

In this article, we’ll explore why “Dracula” has endured for so long and what makes it such a beloved and enduring work of horror fiction.

The Creation of Dracula

Bram Stoker was an Irish author and theatre manager who wrote “Dracula” in 1897. The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire from Transylvania who travels to England to spread the undead curse. The book is written in an epistolary format, with the story told through a series of journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings.

Stoker drew inspiration from a variety of sources when writing “Dracula.” The character of Count Dracula was based on Vlad the Impaler, a real-life 15th-century ruler of Wallachia who was known for his brutality and cruelty. Stoker was also inspired by the Gothic literature of the 18th and 19th centuries, including the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”

The novel was not an instant success when it was first published. However, over time, it gained a following and eventually became a classic of horror fiction. Today, “Dracula” is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror novels of all time.

Why Dracula Endures

One of the reasons “Dracula” has endured for so long is its timeless themes. The novel deals with universal themes like good vs. evil, life vs. death, and the struggle between tradition and modernity. The character of Count Dracula represents the ultimate evil, and the heroes of the novel must band together to defeat him.

Another reason for the novel’s enduring popularity is its use of suspense and tension. Stoker was a master of building suspense, and “Dracula” is full of moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats. From the mysterious disappearances of young women to the final showdown between Dracula and the heroes, the novel is a thrilling ride from beginning to end.

The novel’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. “Dracula” has been adapted into countless films, TV shows, and other media, and the character of Count Dracula has become one of the most iconic figures in horror. The novel has also inspired a host of other vampire fiction, including the “Twilight” series and the TV show “True Blood.”

Why We Love Horror

One of the reasons “Dracula” and other horror fiction endure is our love of being scared. Horror allows us to explore our deepest fears in a safe and controlled environment. It can also provide catharsis, helping us to deal with our anxieties and fears.

Another reason we love horror is its ability to challenge our perceptions of the world. Horror fiction often deals with the unknown and the unexplainable, forcing us to confront the limits of our understanding. It can also provide a sense of escape, allowing us to briefly forget our problems and immerse ourselves in another world.

The Origins of “Dracula”

Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” was first published in 1897 and has since become a classic in the horror genre. But where did the inspiration for the iconic character come from?

Stoker’s inspiration for “Dracula” came from a variety of sources, including Eastern European folklore and history. Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, was a medieval ruler of Wallachia (now part of Romania) who was infamous for his brutal tactics and alleged fondness for impaling his enemies.

Stoker also drew inspiration from the 18th-century Gothic novel “The Vampyre” by John Polidori, which featured a similar vampire character. Stoker’s version of the vampire, however, was more complex and multidimensional, with an almost seductive quality that would become a defining characteristic of the modern vampire.

Adaptations of “Dracula”

“Dracula” has been adapted countless times for stage, screen, and other forms of media. One of the earliest adaptations was the 1922 silent film “Nosferatu,” which was an unauthorized adaptation of Stoker’s novel due to copyright issues. Despite this, the film has become a classic in its own right and is often cited as one of the best horror films ever made.

Other notable adaptations of “Dracula” include the 1931 film starring Bela Lugosi as the titular character, which solidified the image of the suave, sophisticated vampire that we know today. In more recent years, there have been numerous TV shows and films inspired by “Dracula,” including the popular TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the film “Twilight.”

Impact on Popular Culture

“Dracula” has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing countless works of fiction, film, and TV. The image of the vampire as a seductive and mysterious figure has become a staple of the horror genre, and many modern vampire stories owe a debt to Stoker’s original creation.

Beyond the horror genre, “Dracula” has also had an impact on popular culture in other ways. The concept of the “Dracula sneer” has become a cultural touchstone, and the character has been referenced in numerous songs, books, and TV shows.

Conclusion

From its origins in Eastern European folklore to its status as a pop culture icon, “Dracula” has had a lasting impact on our collective imagination. Whether you’re a fan of horror or just enjoy a good story, the tale of the vampire Count Dracula is sure to captivate and terrify you in equal measure.

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PM Kisan 14th Installment: Eligibility Criteria, Beneficiaries, and Installment Details

Published

2 years ago

May 10, 2023

alokcomosft

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM Kisan) is a government scheme launched in 2019 to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers in India. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive a direct cash transfer of Rs. 6,000 per year in three equal installments. The government recently announced the release of the 14th installment of the PM Kisan scheme, which is expected to be disbursed soon. In this article, we will discuss all the details about the PM Kisan 14th installment.

Expected Date of Release for PM Kisan 14th Installment:

The 14th installment of PM Kisan is expected to be released between April 2023 and July 2023. However, the exact date of release has not been announced by the government yet.

Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Scheme: To be eligible for the PM Kisan scheme, farmers need to meet the following criteria:

The farmer must be a citizen of India.
The farmer should have a valid Aadhaar card.
The farmer’s landholding should be in his/her name or in the name of his/her family members.
The farmer should not be a taxpayer.
The farmer should not be a pensioner.

If a farmer meets all these criteria, he/she can apply for the PM Kisan scheme.

Beneficiaries of PM Kisan Scheme: The PM Kisan scheme is aimed at providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers in the country. The scheme has also been extended to other categories of farmers and professionals who meet the eligibility criteria. The following beneficiaries are eligible for the PM Kisan scheme:

Self-help groups (SHGs) of farmers, which have been recognized by the government.
Farmer families that have retired from farming but still own land and are eligible under the scheme.
Professionals such as doctors, engineers, accountants, and architects who also own farmland and meet the eligibility criteria.

These beneficiaries are entitled to receive the cash transfer under the PM Kisan scheme.

How to Check PM Kisan Status and Installment Details: Farmers who have applied for the PM Kisan scheme can check their status and installment details on the official website of PM Kisan (https://pmkisan.gov.in/). Here are the steps to check your PM Kisan status and installment details:

Go to the official website of PM Kisan.
Click on the ‘Farmer Corner’ tab.
Select the ‘Beneficiary Status’ option from the drop-down menu.
Enter your Aadhaar number or account number or mobile number.
Click on ‘Get Data’.

Once you click on ‘Get Data’, you will be able to see your PM Kisan status and installment details.

Documents Required for PM Kisan Scheme: To apply for the PM Kisan scheme, farmers need to provide the following documents:

Aadhaar card
Land ownership documents
Bank account details
Passport size photograph

These documents need to be submitted along with the PM Kisan application form to avail of the scheme’s benefits.

PM Kisan Helpline: If farmers have any queries or face any issues with the PM Kisan scheme, they can contact the PM Kisan helpline at 155261 or 1800115526 (Toll-Free). Farmers can also send an email to pmkisan-ict@gov.in to raise their concerns.

Conclusion: The PM Kisan scheme has been a major source of financial assistance for small and marginal farmers in the country. The government’s decision to release the 14th installment of the scheme is expected to provide much-needed relief to farmers who have been struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme has also been extended to other categories of farmers and professionals, which has widened its reach and impact. With the PM Kisan helpline and the online portal, the government has made it easy for farmers to apply for the scheme and receive their benefits. The PM Kisan scheme has undoubtedly been a game-changer in the lives of farmers, and the government’s continued support is crucial in ensuring their welfare and prosperity.

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Instagram Introduces Notes and Other New Sharing Features to Enhance User Experience

Published

2 years ago

May 1, 2023

alokcomosft

Instagram, the popular social media platform, has recently introduced a new feature called Notes that allows users to share text updates with their followers. This feature has been long-awaited by users who have been looking for an easier way to share their thoughts and ideas on the platform.

In addition to Notes, Instagram has also introduced several other new sharing features that are designed to make the platform more user-friendly and engaging. Let’s take a closer look at these new features and what they have to offer.

Notes

Notes is a new feature that allows users to share text updates with their followers. This feature is similar to the status updates on other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and it allows users to share their thoughts, ideas, and updates with their followers in a more convenient way.

To use Notes, users can simply tap on the “Create a Note” option, which will open up a text editor. From there, users can type in their text update and customize the background color and font style to make it more appealing. Once the update is complete, users can then share it with their followers, who will see it in their Instagram feed.

This feature is especially useful for users who want to share longer-form content or updates that are more text-based. With Notes, users can now share their thoughts and ideas in a more engaging and visually appealing way, making it easier to connect with their followers and grow their audience.

Other New Sharing Features

In addition to Notes, Instagram has also introduced several other new sharing features that are designed to make the platform more user-friendly and engaging. These features include:

Story Replies

Instagram now allows users to reply to stories with photos and videos, making it easier to share their reactions and thoughts with the original poster. Users can simply swipe up on a story and select the camera icon to take a photo or record a video reply, which will then be sent to the original poster as a direct message.

Live Rooms

Instagram has also introduced Live Rooms, which allow users to go live with up to three other people. This feature is great for hosting live Q&A sessions, interviews, or group discussions, and it makes it easier to collaborate with other creators on the platform.

Vanish Mode

Vanish Mode is a new feature that allows users to send disappearing messages in a chat. When users activate Vanish Mode, the chat window will turn black, and any messages sent will disappear after they are viewed. This feature is great for sending sensitive or private information that users don’t want to keep on their device.

Conclusion

Overall, the new features introduced by Instagram are designed to make the platform more user-friendly and engaging. With the introduction of Notes, users now have a more convenient way to share text updates with their followers, while other features like Story Replies, Live Rooms, and Vanish Mode make it easier to connect with other users and share content in a more engaging way.

As Instagram continues to evolve, it’s clear that the platform is committed to improving the user experience and providing new and innovative ways for users to connect and share content. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional creator, these new features are sure to enhance your experience on the platform and help you grow your audience.

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Tinder’s New Verification Process Incorporates AI and Video Selfies for Enhanced User Safety

Published

2 years ago

April 26, 2023

alokcomosft

Tinder, the popular dating app, has announced a new verification process that incorporates AI and video selfies. The update aims to enhance the security and authenticity of user profiles.

Tinder’s previous verification process involved users uploading a series of photos to confirm their identity. However, this system was prone to abuse, with users frequently using fake photos or images of other people.

With the new AI and video selfie verification process, users will be prompted to record a short video of themselves performing a series of random actions, such as blinking or smiling. This video will then be compared to the user’s profile photos, as well as other publicly available images, to verify the user’s identity.

The AI component of the verification process will use facial recognition technology to match the user’s face in the video selfie to their profile photos. This technology has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, and is now capable of detecting even subtle differences in facial features.

The video selfie aspect of the new verification process is intended to prevent users from using photos that don’t accurately represent their current appearance. By requiring users to record a short video, Tinder can ensure that the user’s profile photos are up-to-date and accurate.

Tinder’s decision to incorporate AI into its verification process is part of a broader trend in the tech industry towards using artificial intelligence to enhance security and privacy. AI-powered authentication systems are becoming increasingly common in industries such as banking and finance, where security is of utmost importance.

The new verification process has already been rolled out in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The process will be gradually rolled out to other countries in the coming weeks.

In addition to the new verification process, Tinder has also announced that it will be introducing a number of other features designed to enhance user safety and security. These include improved reporting mechanisms for inappropriate behavior, as well as enhanced background checks for users who have been flagged for suspicious activity.

Overall, the new verification process and other security enhancements are a welcome development for Tinder users who are concerned about their safety and privacy on the app. By using AI and video selfies to verify user identities, Tinder is taking an important step towards making its platform safer and more secure for everyone.