Today, Saqi007 first showed us the path to heaven and then when he was about to take us there, decided to steer the wheel just enough that we missed to direct flight to heaven... (though I'm not sure if we gonna get direct flight or some connecting ones :D)
Now the exact details: today me, Saqi007 and Bhatti were traveling on RIV1800 to attend one of afridi's proud son and our colleague, Tahir Afridi (I doubt if anyone be proud of him besides himself or Suleman) On our way, we were going at high speed touching 80km/hour on single road, when suddenly out of no where (like in every Pakistani road) a steep road depression appears and for some reason, Saqi007 decided to steer car wheel to left where on road side, there wasn't any protection.. when we were about to loss control of car and take direct flight to heaven on Hazrat Israel's hands, he decided not to give us honor and corrected the mistake... RIV being a namak-halal car, responded, and with little skid, saved us from not lossing control and going off road in ditch..
The beauty of this trip wasn't that we missed the heavenly trip once but twice... both the time, brilliant Saqi007 tried and then failed to give me and Bhatti (you can not define Bhatti in simple words, he is nice and courageous fellow with a wonderful heart)
Ohh one more thing, if you plan to go to Terbella, please be sure that you gonna encounter speed breaker after every 5KM, so don't get frustrated.. and one more thing, no suicider can reach there as he gonna blew himself up on one of these speed breakers... :D
By the way, the best fish I've ever eaten is from a road-side hotel there... If you ever go there, do try their BBQ Fish.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Cloud Computing: what it is actually?
I wasn't actually sure what value "cloud computing" is to bring into IT services when we already have taken software to service level.. but there was always had the over-sight of buying a service but not using it, which means you're paying extra for something you're not using.. and this is where "Cloud Computing" comes in to save your bucks. So in other words: it is a service where you "Pay As You Grow".
A technical definition could be: Cloud computing is Internet- ("cloud-") based development and use of computer technology ("computing"). In concept, it is a paradigm shift whereby details are abstracted from the users who no longer need knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure "in the cloud" that supports them. It typically involves the provision of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources as a service over the Internet.
Typical cloud computing providers deliver common business applications online which are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers. These applications are broadly divided into the following categories:
- Software as a Service (SaaS),
- Utility Computing,
- Web Services,
- Platform as a Service (PaaS),
- Managed Service Providers (MSP),
- Service Commerce, and
- Internet Integration.
Here I would like to share one of the best explanation of "Cloud Computing" available over internet, do visit this video tutorial to understand what value this new idea of service can bring to reliable and cost-effective online services, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdBd14rjcs0 , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdFFApphXtk&feature=related
A technical definition could be: Cloud computing is Internet- ("cloud-") based development and use of computer technology ("computing"). In concept, it is a paradigm shift whereby details are abstracted from the users who no longer need knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure "in the cloud" that supports them. It typically involves the provision of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources as a service over the Internet.
Typical cloud computing providers deliver common business applications online which are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers. These applications are broadly divided into the following categories:
- Software as a Service (SaaS),
- Utility Computing,
- Web Services,
- Platform as a Service (PaaS),
- Managed Service Providers (MSP),
- Service Commerce, and
- Internet Integration.
Here I would like to share one of the best explanation of "Cloud Computing" available over internet, do visit this video tutorial to understand what value this new idea of service can bring to reliable and cost-effective online services, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdBd14rjcs0 , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdFFApphXtk&feature=related
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Microsoft Exchange 2010 buzz grows louder...
The release-to-manufacturing (RTM) buzz around Microsoft Exchange 2010 is starting to grow louder from various partners and customers it could be finalized any time now, maybe even before this month is up.
Exchange Server is directly and indirectly at the crux of a number of new and recently announced products from Microsoft. The company’s Mac Business Unit announced on August 13 that the 2010 version of Mac Office will include Outlook, rather than Entourage, as its new e-mail client. The next Mac Office release also will feature improved Exchange and Exchange Online connectivity, the Softies said. (Microsoft Mac Office customers who need better Exchange connectivity now can use the just-finalized Entourage Web Services, Microsoft officials said.)
Additionally, Exchange ActiveSync licensees Nokia and Apple are both expected to tout the ability of users to sync with their corporate mail systems as part of their forthcoming Nokia Mobile Office and Apple Snow Leopard releases.
As many as 1 million testers have been test-driving the public beta version of Microsoft’s on-premise Exchange Server 2010 product since April of this year. Another 5 million or so testers have been working with the cloud-based complement in the form of Outlook Live, which is a slightly modified version of the Exchange Online product.
The Exchange team has said to expect the product to RTM before the end of 2009. More recently, company officials said to expect Microsoft to “launch” Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 and Exchange 2010 together via a series of “business launch” events, which kick off in the U.S. on November 9.
The Exchange 2010 release includes new, integrated e-mail archive functionality; the ability to see text previews of voice mail; a new “Conversation View” feature; customizable call-routing menus; and a “MailTips” feature designed to help stamp out e-mail “faux pas.”
More than a few testers report having been impressed with the Outlook Web Access (OWA) improvements that Microsoft has made as part of the 2010 release. The new and more robust OWA supports Firefox and Safari.
Exchange 2010 is a 64-bit-only release. Other caveats: Users who want to run Exchange 2007 and Exchange 2010 together must upgrade to Exchange 2007 Service Pack (SP) 2. And Exchange 2007 also won’t work at all on Windows Server 2008 R2, so users who want to run Exchange on the latest and greatest Windows Server release have no choice but to upgrade to Exchange 2010. In-place upgrades from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2010 seemingly are prohibited.
When asked Microsoft officials whether Exchange 2010 is ready to get the RTM designation real soon now. A corporate spokesperson replied: “We have said that Exchange 2010 will become available in the second half of 2009. There’s nothing additional to share at this point.”
Note: Source taken from ZDNet blog.
Exchange Server is directly and indirectly at the crux of a number of new and recently announced products from Microsoft. The company’s Mac Business Unit announced on August 13 that the 2010 version of Mac Office will include Outlook, rather than Entourage, as its new e-mail client. The next Mac Office release also will feature improved Exchange and Exchange Online connectivity, the Softies said. (Microsoft Mac Office customers who need better Exchange connectivity now can use the just-finalized Entourage Web Services, Microsoft officials said.)
Additionally, Exchange ActiveSync licensees Nokia and Apple are both expected to tout the ability of users to sync with their corporate mail systems as part of their forthcoming Nokia Mobile Office and Apple Snow Leopard releases.
As many as 1 million testers have been test-driving the public beta version of Microsoft’s on-premise Exchange Server 2010 product since April of this year. Another 5 million or so testers have been working with the cloud-based complement in the form of Outlook Live, which is a slightly modified version of the Exchange Online product.
The Exchange team has said to expect the product to RTM before the end of 2009. More recently, company officials said to expect Microsoft to “launch” Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 and Exchange 2010 together via a series of “business launch” events, which kick off in the U.S. on November 9.
The Exchange 2010 release includes new, integrated e-mail archive functionality; the ability to see text previews of voice mail; a new “Conversation View” feature; customizable call-routing menus; and a “MailTips” feature designed to help stamp out e-mail “faux pas.”
More than a few testers report having been impressed with the Outlook Web Access (OWA) improvements that Microsoft has made as part of the 2010 release. The new and more robust OWA supports Firefox and Safari.
Exchange 2010 is a 64-bit-only release. Other caveats: Users who want to run Exchange 2007 and Exchange 2010 together must upgrade to Exchange 2007 Service Pack (SP) 2. And Exchange 2007 also won’t work at all on Windows Server 2008 R2, so users who want to run Exchange on the latest and greatest Windows Server release have no choice but to upgrade to Exchange 2010. In-place upgrades from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2010 seemingly are prohibited.
When asked Microsoft officials whether Exchange 2010 is ready to get the RTM designation real soon now. A corporate spokesperson replied: “We have said that Exchange 2010 will become available in the second half of 2009. There’s nothing additional to share at this point.”
Note: Source taken from ZDNet blog.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The 62nd birthday of Pakistan
Not sure what it was like exactly 62 years before; what a farmer was thinking of new country who lost land in partition, what were the feelings of 7 year old girl whose father is killed just a week before and her mother is trying to tell her that they would be moving to new village in Pakistan, I wonder what would a mother felt for this new born nation who lost her only son killed by sikhs, I wonder what father would be thinking of future of his new born son, I wonder what the independence fighter was thinking at this time and I wonder.............. what Quaid-i-Azam would have been thinking.?
Is this the country they all looked and scarafice for...? Is this the president we wished to have for this country? Is this the state of affairs we wanted for our country and for us?
So many question could be raised and yet the answer would be simple.... I JUST LOVE THIS COUNTRY.. not matter what it has to offer... Our love to this country is like a monther's love for his only child...
Is this the country they all looked and scarafice for...? Is this the president we wished to have for this country? Is this the state of affairs we wanted for our country and for us?
So many question could be raised and yet the answer would be simple.... I JUST LOVE THIS COUNTRY.. not matter what it has to offer... Our love to this country is like a monther's love for his only child...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Gwadar may lose business to Iranian port of Chabahar - Part 2
The Chabahar Port and Chabahar Region
Chābahār (Persian: چابهار), previously also Bandar Beheshti, is an Iranian city and a free port (Free Trade Zone) on the coast of the Gulf of Oman.
Chabahar is situated on the Makran Coast of the Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran and is officially designated as a Free Trade and Industrial Zone by Iran's government. Due to its free trade zone status, the city has increased in significance in international trade. The overwhelming majority of the city's inhabitants are ethnic Baluchis speaking the Balochi language.
Economic significance
Chabahar is the closest and best access point of Iran to the Indian Ocean. For this reason, Chabahar is the focal point of Iran for development of the east of the country through expansion and enhancement of transit routes among countries situated in the northern part of the Indian Ocean and Central Asia. The hope is that with the development of transit routes, and better security and transit services, the benefits will reach the area residents.
Chabahar's economic sectors are fishery industries and commercial sector, fishery sectors with largest amount of country's fish catch, mainly located out of the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone. Growing commercial sector located at free trade area with high potentiality to turn to a place that would connect business growth centers in south Asia (India) and Middle East (Dubai) to central Asian and Afghanistan market. Government plan to link Chabahar free trade area to Iran's main rail network which is connected to central Asia and Afghanistan would provide more capability for Chabahar to foster faster logistics sector that is a basic to achieve better position comparing to its competitor (Pakistani port of Gwadar)
Chabahar Port a symbol of the new Iran-India strategic alliance
India is helping develop the Chabahar port and that would give it access to the oil and gas resources in Iran and the Central Asian states, in this it is competing with the Chinese which is building the Gwadar port, in Pakistani Baluchistan.
Iran plans to use Chabahar for transhipment to Afghanistan and Central Asia while reserving the port of Bandar Abbas as a major hub mainly for trade with Russia and Europe.
India, Iran and Afghanistan have signed an agreement to give Indian goods, heading for Central Asia and Afghanistan, preferential treatment and tariff reductions at Chabahar.
Work on the Chabahar-Melak-Zaranj-Dilaram route from Iran to Afghanistan is in progress. Iran is with Indian aid upgrading the Chabahar-Melak road and constructing a bridge on the route to Zaranj. India's BRO is laying the 213-kilometer Zaranj-Dilaram road. It is a part of its USD 750 million aid package to Afghanistan.
The advantages that Chabahar has compared to Gwadar are the greater political stability and security of the Iranian hinterland and the hositlity and mistrust that the Pakistani Baluchis hold against the Punjabi dominated Pakistani Federal government. The Baluchis consider Sino-Pak initiative at Gwadar as a strategy from Islamabad to deny the province its deserved share of development pie. They also look with suspicion on the settlement of more and more non-Baluchis in the port area.
The Chabahar port project is Iran's chance to end its US sponsored economic isolation and benefit form the resurgent Indian economy. Along with Bandar Abbas, Chabahar is the Iranian entrepot on the North - South corridor. A strategic partnership between India, Iran and Russia to establish a multi-modal transport link connecting Mumbai with St. Petersburg. Providing Europe and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia access to Asia and vice-versa.
NOTE: The resource taken from wikipedia.
Chābahār (Persian: چابهار), previously also Bandar Beheshti, is an Iranian city and a free port (Free Trade Zone) on the coast of the Gulf of Oman.
Chabahar is situated on the Makran Coast of the Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran and is officially designated as a Free Trade and Industrial Zone by Iran's government. Due to its free trade zone status, the city has increased in significance in international trade. The overwhelming majority of the city's inhabitants are ethnic Baluchis speaking the Balochi language.
Economic significance
Chabahar is the closest and best access point of Iran to the Indian Ocean. For this reason, Chabahar is the focal point of Iran for development of the east of the country through expansion and enhancement of transit routes among countries situated in the northern part of the Indian Ocean and Central Asia. The hope is that with the development of transit routes, and better security and transit services, the benefits will reach the area residents.
Chabahar's economic sectors are fishery industries and commercial sector, fishery sectors with largest amount of country's fish catch, mainly located out of the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone. Growing commercial sector located at free trade area with high potentiality to turn to a place that would connect business growth centers in south Asia (India) and Middle East (Dubai) to central Asian and Afghanistan market. Government plan to link Chabahar free trade area to Iran's main rail network which is connected to central Asia and Afghanistan would provide more capability for Chabahar to foster faster logistics sector that is a basic to achieve better position comparing to its competitor (Pakistani port of Gwadar)
Chabahar Port a symbol of the new Iran-India strategic alliance
India is helping develop the Chabahar port and that would give it access to the oil and gas resources in Iran and the Central Asian states, in this it is competing with the Chinese which is building the Gwadar port, in Pakistani Baluchistan.
Iran plans to use Chabahar for transhipment to Afghanistan and Central Asia while reserving the port of Bandar Abbas as a major hub mainly for trade with Russia and Europe.
India, Iran and Afghanistan have signed an agreement to give Indian goods, heading for Central Asia and Afghanistan, preferential treatment and tariff reductions at Chabahar.
Work on the Chabahar-Melak-Zaranj-Dilaram route from Iran to Afghanistan is in progress. Iran is with Indian aid upgrading the Chabahar-Melak road and constructing a bridge on the route to Zaranj. India's BRO is laying the 213-kilometer Zaranj-Dilaram road. It is a part of its USD 750 million aid package to Afghanistan.
The advantages that Chabahar has compared to Gwadar are the greater political stability and security of the Iranian hinterland and the hositlity and mistrust that the Pakistani Baluchis hold against the Punjabi dominated Pakistani Federal government. The Baluchis consider Sino-Pak initiative at Gwadar as a strategy from Islamabad to deny the province its deserved share of development pie. They also look with suspicion on the settlement of more and more non-Baluchis in the port area.
The Chabahar port project is Iran's chance to end its US sponsored economic isolation and benefit form the resurgent Indian economy. Along with Bandar Abbas, Chabahar is the Iranian entrepot on the North - South corridor. A strategic partnership between India, Iran and Russia to establish a multi-modal transport link connecting Mumbai with St. Petersburg. Providing Europe and the former Soviet republics of Central Asia access to Asia and vice-versa.
NOTE: The resource taken from wikipedia.
Gwadar may lose business to Iranian port of Chabahar - Part 1
The Gwadar Port that was envisioned to become a trans-shipment port and shipping hub for the landlocked Central Asian States (CAS), Afghanistan and Western China may lose this opportunity to the fast developing Iranian port of Chabahar, a Gwadar Port official said.
The Gwadar Port is yet to become fully operational. The running of the port affairs was given to Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), one of the biggest port operators, so that it will fetch considerable business for making Gwadar Port a success.
The PSA has not fulfilled its business plan of making the port fully operational by 2008. The PSA says the government has failed to provide basic infrastructure including road and rail links that are the main impediments in Gwadar Port development.
To ensure that the port stays a viable destination the Gwadar Port official suggested resuming container business immediately even if in small amount through PSA or if they fail through own resources.The government should bear the cost of road transportation to resume export activity from Gwadar Port, he said.The official suggested restricting PSA to the present terminal and the areas adjacent to the terminal handed over to them may be retrieved and handed over to Gwadar Port Authority.
The official further said that master plan of Gwadar Port need to be approved, presently it is approved in principle but nothing so far has been done. Master Plan will protect the entire east bay and coastline east of Surbandar. By securing Master Plan, the basic theme of converting Gwadar Port into a hub port will be secured.
In order to attract sustainable business like Afghan Transit Trade or container cargo at Gwadar Port, one of the viable options is to complete road connectivity of the Port with Chaman and Afghanistan followed by shifting total or part of Afghan transit trade to Gwadar Port.
The land required for Free Zone has been dropped due to its high cost (Rs 6.7 billion). It is suggested that the concerned agency at the Federal Government level may be requested to remand the case to the District Government authorities for review and submission of a workable plan, the official said.
The construction of East Bay Expressway may be undertaken on a fast track as the present arrangement for passage of the cargo truck within town has lot of repercussions. The concerned agency may be directed to execute the development work on priority.
According to government official it is justified to extend Rs.585million subsidy to the Gwadar Port to make it viable. Government supported Port Qasim for ten years to make port fully functional, he reminded. Similarly this will help the Gwadar Port to operate and serve the basic purpose of the port and generate revenues and job opportunities for the people.
He further stated that Stevedoring/Clearing/Ship Agency License to be given to locals and training should be given to the locals in cargo handling to reduce their grievances.It is learnt that Port of Singapore Authority is trying to attract Afghan Transit Trade and get mining sector to export copper and chrome from Gwadar Port. In this regard PSA is briefing the government of Balochistan to work on connectivity.
It is also said that PSA is pursuing the government to add Gwadar Port in Afghan Trade Notification so that some trade should be started from Gwadar as well.However ports and shipping industry shows reservation on PSA’s role and said that PSA submitted plan for 40 years specifying business in Gwadar.
According to the PSA business plan the port was to be operational by 50 percent in 2007 and 100 percent in 2008 and had indicated business comprising of coal and container cargo.The plan also indicated approximate revenue generation for Gwadar Port Authority during the period 2007 and 2008. But PSA, so far relied totally on TCP to have business and lucrative subsidies. It has totally failed in bringing in business to Gwadar Port specially containers.
However PSA says that ports are not run in isolation, port are catalyst for trade and in the absence of basic infrastructures, free zone industrial areas and most importantly the connectivity links to the ports which are major hurdles in running the ports. PSA has fulfilled all agreed requirement but government so far has failed to fulfil the agreed requirements of the ports.
NOTE: The resource taken from thenews.
The Gwadar Port is yet to become fully operational. The running of the port affairs was given to Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), one of the biggest port operators, so that it will fetch considerable business for making Gwadar Port a success.
The PSA has not fulfilled its business plan of making the port fully operational by 2008. The PSA says the government has failed to provide basic infrastructure including road and rail links that are the main impediments in Gwadar Port development.
To ensure that the port stays a viable destination the Gwadar Port official suggested resuming container business immediately even if in small amount through PSA or if they fail through own resources.The government should bear the cost of road transportation to resume export activity from Gwadar Port, he said.The official suggested restricting PSA to the present terminal and the areas adjacent to the terminal handed over to them may be retrieved and handed over to Gwadar Port Authority.
The official further said that master plan of Gwadar Port need to be approved, presently it is approved in principle but nothing so far has been done. Master Plan will protect the entire east bay and coastline east of Surbandar. By securing Master Plan, the basic theme of converting Gwadar Port into a hub port will be secured.
In order to attract sustainable business like Afghan Transit Trade or container cargo at Gwadar Port, one of the viable options is to complete road connectivity of the Port with Chaman and Afghanistan followed by shifting total or part of Afghan transit trade to Gwadar Port.
The land required for Free Zone has been dropped due to its high cost (Rs 6.7 billion). It is suggested that the concerned agency at the Federal Government level may be requested to remand the case to the District Government authorities for review and submission of a workable plan, the official said.
The construction of East Bay Expressway may be undertaken on a fast track as the present arrangement for passage of the cargo truck within town has lot of repercussions. The concerned agency may be directed to execute the development work on priority.
According to government official it is justified to extend Rs.585million subsidy to the Gwadar Port to make it viable. Government supported Port Qasim for ten years to make port fully functional, he reminded. Similarly this will help the Gwadar Port to operate and serve the basic purpose of the port and generate revenues and job opportunities for the people.
He further stated that Stevedoring/Clearing/Ship Agency License to be given to locals and training should be given to the locals in cargo handling to reduce their grievances.It is learnt that Port of Singapore Authority is trying to attract Afghan Transit Trade and get mining sector to export copper and chrome from Gwadar Port. In this regard PSA is briefing the government of Balochistan to work on connectivity.
It is also said that PSA is pursuing the government to add Gwadar Port in Afghan Trade Notification so that some trade should be started from Gwadar as well.However ports and shipping industry shows reservation on PSA’s role and said that PSA submitted plan for 40 years specifying business in Gwadar.
According to the PSA business plan the port was to be operational by 50 percent in 2007 and 100 percent in 2008 and had indicated business comprising of coal and container cargo.The plan also indicated approximate revenue generation for Gwadar Port Authority during the period 2007 and 2008. But PSA, so far relied totally on TCP to have business and lucrative subsidies. It has totally failed in bringing in business to Gwadar Port specially containers.
However PSA says that ports are not run in isolation, port are catalyst for trade and in the absence of basic infrastructures, free zone industrial areas and most importantly the connectivity links to the ports which are major hurdles in running the ports. PSA has fulfilled all agreed requirement but government so far has failed to fulfil the agreed requirements of the ports.
NOTE: The resource taken from thenews.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Afghani Food...
After over 7 years I believe, entered in a Afghani restaurent though there was nothing purely afghani as such except they were playing afghani songs and waiters were afghani too... Last time I went to "Kabul Restuarent" in F-7 and turn out to be worst experience of all, maybe it was the food we ordered or maybe because I was paying :)
We started off with normal order but end up ordering on each serving of "Kabli Palow", and one each serving of Afghani tikkah and Afghani kabab. This was maybe 3rd time, I was eating kabli palow, if you like sugar in rice then must try this. They have carrots cooked with raisens, which leaves a sweet taste in thin cutted carrots slices. Then kuftay is offered which can be mixed with these rice to reduce the sweetness of rice, if you mix rich with it, you might like it for sometime.
I wasn't sure it either Afghani tikkah or Afghani kabab but one of them was very tasty, so if you're there next time the hint to order right tikkah or kabab is to just ask this to customer... bhai sb, wo kon say kabab ya tikkah hain jis ke sekh per tamator bhi lagay hotay hain :D .. hain agar wo iss baat ko sunay kay baad aap ko aik ghoore maray tu mai kuch nahe kah sakta ;)
First time in restaurent they were playing music in right volume for sometime.. Its a nice spot to visit if you want personal attendence as we were the only visitors there at that time ;). The food turn out be not as bad as I first thought...
And for the first time, took kawa after food in Afghani or I should say Iranian style - white gole (sugar) under my tongue and drinking tea. Do try this if you're in some Afghani or Iranian restaurent, surely it would be good experience.
NOTE: Another blog on food.... Please stop it man!
We started off with normal order but end up ordering on each serving of "Kabli Palow", and one each serving of Afghani tikkah and Afghani kabab. This was maybe 3rd time, I was eating kabli palow, if you like sugar in rice then must try this. They have carrots cooked with raisens, which leaves a sweet taste in thin cutted carrots slices. Then kuftay is offered which can be mixed with these rice to reduce the sweetness of rice, if you mix rich with it, you might like it for sometime.
I wasn't sure it either Afghani tikkah or Afghani kabab but one of them was very tasty, so if you're there next time the hint to order right tikkah or kabab is to just ask this to customer... bhai sb, wo kon say kabab ya tikkah hain jis ke sekh per tamator bhi lagay hotay hain :D .. hain agar wo iss baat ko sunay kay baad aap ko aik ghoore maray tu mai kuch nahe kah sakta ;)
First time in restaurent they were playing music in right volume for sometime.. Its a nice spot to visit if you want personal attendence as we were the only visitors there at that time ;). The food turn out be not as bad as I first thought...
And for the first time, took kawa after food in Afghani or I should say Iranian style - white gole (sugar) under my tongue and drinking tea. Do try this if you're in some Afghani or Iranian restaurent, surely it would be good experience.
NOTE: Another blog on food.... Please stop it man!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Steaks inside CAVE...
Let me start this blog by saying; there are couple of good steak houses in Islamabad and let's say CAVE is one of them. Maybe not only because of food taste but the arrangements they put in for nice, cozzy cave-like environment. Though the music they were playing was good but the volume again was too high. The table attendent was very helpful in selecting the food of your choice, though it is bit tricky process to order one unlike other Pakistani restaurents.
Now to order steak, you start first selecting from their 3 classic cuts:
a. House Sirloin
b. Club Steak
c. Tenderlion Stea
Then you move on to pick any two of fresh made sides from:
a. garlic mashed potato
b. baked potato
c. creamed spinach
d. sessional vegetables
e. cruncy or cruncy onions rings
f. french fries ...
Then you've to decide, how you want your steak to be cooked as medium rare, medium, medium well done, or well done. Though I tried two different steaks (not that I eat both of them, actually just took the bite from other), and there was no difference of cooking at least. I ordered well done (rather very well done) and other ordered medium - I didn't see any major difference, so it turn out to be more like menu part rather a practical one :).
Now comes the steak which I choose, I went for "Cave's Royal Steak", flame grilled topped with spicy sauce (it was flamed and definitely spicy... mera tu nahe pata per Khan sb. was burning like hell :) and Asif was just looking at steak, I think planning whether to take the risk of taking bite or not...) But one thing is certain, the taste was good and I liked every bite of it with french fries) I, this time took beef after a long time not chicken :D .
If you like spicy then try ordering Cave Sizzler and Twin Steak which comes as grilled cut in two, one topped with mushroom and other with creamy black peppercorn sauce (the spicy sauce).
In short, nice spot to be with anyone.. Just don't forget to select the right table to avoid loud music. :)
Now to order steak, you start first selecting from their 3 classic cuts:
a. House Sirloin
b. Club Steak
c. Tenderlion Stea
Then you move on to pick any two of fresh made sides from:
a. garlic mashed potato
b. baked potato
c. creamed spinach
d. sessional vegetables
e. cruncy or cruncy onions rings
f. french fries ...
Then you've to decide, how you want your steak to be cooked as medium rare, medium, medium well done, or well done. Though I tried two different steaks (not that I eat both of them, actually just took the bite from other), and there was no difference of cooking at least. I ordered well done (rather very well done) and other ordered medium - I didn't see any major difference, so it turn out to be more like menu part rather a practical one :).
Now comes the steak which I choose, I went for "Cave's Royal Steak", flame grilled topped with spicy sauce (it was flamed and definitely spicy... mera tu nahe pata per Khan sb. was burning like hell :) and Asif was just looking at steak, I think planning whether to take the risk of taking bite or not...) But one thing is certain, the taste was good and I liked every bite of it with french fries) I, this time took beef after a long time not chicken :D .
If you like spicy then try ordering Cave Sizzler and Twin Steak which comes as grilled cut in two, one topped with mushroom and other with creamy black peppercorn sauce (the spicy sauce).
In short, nice spot to be with anyone.. Just don't forget to select the right table to avoid loud music. :)
Monday, April 27, 2009
"Bubblo" is gone... at last!
With staying over 2 years, he at last left me or I should say taken away from me. He served me with honor and dignity; never fell apart when I'm on it. I was his 3rd or 4th owner but maybe the best one in all, the proof of his loyalty towards me is that he never died on me... True subordinate.
He was old but stylish, expensive to maintain but not heavy on my pocket (as company was responsible for its maintenance;) ), multi-dimensional and multi-purpose (from Ansar to highest management, everyone has one way or the other has benefited from his services), last but not least many become trained drivers with his help.
Another introduction of Bubblo could be that he was daring friend of bubbly; I wonder what she would do without him... I tried getting feedback from bubbly's current owner and he thinks, without him, she might loss the interest in her life and spirit. :S
Now those of you who're not familiar with this Bubblo and Bubbly term, well these are two cars... One which was my official car and other is Tahir's (earlier owners was famous dirt-track winner - AbdKhan, who almost accident her over 10 times, ab pata nahe yea bubbly kay chal challan aysay thay yea iss kay driver kay, her ache ghari ko dekh kar uss ke taraf kichtee chali jati thi, for accident of course :) aaj kal ghare Tahir kay pass hai aur us kay chal chalan ka sab ko idea hai.. ;) ). Bubbly kay karnamoo say tu aap sab wakeef he hoin gay, those of you who're not familiar with Bubblo's activities... One thing which you must have noticed all the time, that Bubblo was also parked behind Bubbly. Inn douno ka pyar jo sacha tha.. :D And this simply was his only activity :)
Now as Bubblo is retired from his services, I will be driving a more sophisticated and fresh blood car, which we call here "RIV", now what this stands for? let this be secret for time being...
My best wishes for Bubbly and its new adventures.
He was old but stylish, expensive to maintain but not heavy on my pocket (as company was responsible for its maintenance;) ), multi-dimensional and multi-purpose (from Ansar to highest management, everyone has one way or the other has benefited from his services), last but not least many become trained drivers with his help.
Another introduction of Bubblo could be that he was daring friend of bubbly; I wonder what she would do without him... I tried getting feedback from bubbly's current owner and he thinks, without him, she might loss the interest in her life and spirit. :S
Now those of you who're not familiar with this Bubblo and Bubbly term, well these are two cars... One which was my official car and other is Tahir's (earlier owners was famous dirt-track winner - AbdKhan, who almost accident her over 10 times, ab pata nahe yea bubbly kay chal challan aysay thay yea iss kay driver kay, her ache ghari ko dekh kar uss ke taraf kichtee chali jati thi, for accident of course :) aaj kal ghare Tahir kay pass hai aur us kay chal chalan ka sab ko idea hai.. ;) ). Bubbly kay karnamoo say tu aap sab wakeef he hoin gay, those of you who're not familiar with Bubblo's activities... One thing which you must have noticed all the time, that Bubblo was also parked behind Bubbly. Inn douno ka pyar jo sacha tha.. :D And this simply was his only activity :)
Now as Bubblo is retired from his services, I will be driving a more sophisticated and fresh blood car, which we call here "RIV", now what this stands for? let this be secret for time being...
My best wishes for Bubbly and its new adventures.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Is it Afghani or Pakistani Food...
If you love taking food that looks like Afghani but taste like Pakistani food then try visiting "Baithak" in blue area, Islamabad. One of the best cuisines of Islamabad, there you get both variety and taste under same roof. Though one might not find it very lavish and decorated but its a worth spending dinner place. If you're sitting at ground floor, high volume music might over-kill your taste buds :)
Today while coming to office from blue area in evening, encountered a pretty strange incident which I've saved for some other day :)
Now about the food, if you're first timer there then order "Tawa Chicken", you might love this.
But today, we ordered "Chill Man Biryani", this is their house speciality and taste good, and Cheese naan for starter - recommended for those who're on dieting but want to taste something good.. I wasn't on dieting or anything, so it was a starter for me at least.
Then comes the "Reshmi kabab" as side dish, its with boneless chicken cubes, marioated in some 'secret recipe' of their (at least what they claim, not sure what is so special but again this was good). This is one of the dash for 2nd visit of Baithak, order "Gosht-e-Bedamijaan" now on menu, they advertise following recipe boneless mutton and mutton machli cooked in almonds, mushrooms and gravy flanored with cream and yoghurt... Actually this dish is cooked and offered with chicken only...
So if you plan to spend a night with different taste then do try this cuisine.
Today while coming to office from blue area in evening, encountered a pretty strange incident which I've saved for some other day :)
Now about the food, if you're first timer there then order "Tawa Chicken", you might love this.
But today, we ordered "Chill Man Biryani", this is their house speciality and taste good, and Cheese naan for starter - recommended for those who're on dieting but want to taste something good.. I wasn't on dieting or anything, so it was a starter for me at least.
Then comes the "Reshmi kabab" as side dish, its with boneless chicken cubes, marioated in some 'secret recipe' of their (at least what they claim, not sure what is so special but again this was good). This is one of the dash for 2nd visit of Baithak, order "Gosht-e-Bedamijaan" now on menu, they advertise following recipe boneless mutton and mutton machli cooked in almonds, mushrooms and gravy flanored with cream and yoghurt... Actually this dish is cooked and offered with chicken only...
So if you plan to spend a night with different taste then do try this cuisine.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Power of NO!... Part 1
On March9, 2007, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry said "NO" to then President Pervez Musharraf's request that he resign, and his defiance sparked a revolution of lawyers who refused to allow guns to drown out the voice of the law. Justice Chaudhry said: "I felt that I was only doing the duty of my conscience." But as the rule of man threatened to overwhelm the rule of law, his defiance guided Pakistan's march to justice. "It was the proclamation of a new manifesto for Pakistan, a declaration that the pursuit of justice can not be subverted."
Quaid-i-Azam in his speech on Criminal Law Emergency Power Bills on Feb 6, 1919 said:
"No man should lose his liberty or be depreived of his liberty wihtout a judicial trial in accordance with the accpeted rules of evidence and procedure... the powers which are going to be assumed by the executive, which means substitution of executive for judiciary, such powers are likely to be abused, and in the past we have instances where such powers have been absused... there is no precedent or parallel that I know of in any civilized country where you have laws of this character enacted...
it imperils the liberty of the subject and fundamental liberties of a citizen."
Some declared this decade the era of independence of judiciary and it was achieved in what Helen Keller best discribed words "We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough".
Quaid-i-Azam in his speech on Criminal Law Emergency Power Bills on Feb 6, 1919 said:
"No man should lose his liberty or be depreived of his liberty wihtout a judicial trial in accordance with the accpeted rules of evidence and procedure... the powers which are going to be assumed by the executive, which means substitution of executive for judiciary, such powers are likely to be abused, and in the past we have instances where such powers have been absused... there is no precedent or parallel that I know of in any civilized country where you have laws of this character enacted...
it imperils the liberty of the subject and fundamental liberties of a citizen."
Some declared this decade the era of independence of judiciary and it was achieved in what Helen Keller best discribed words "We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough".
Thursday, April 9, 2009
TomTom pays Microsoft and settles patent-infringement dispute
Microsoft and TomTom have settled the patent-infringement suits (and countersuits) between the two vendors, Microsoft announced March 30.
Microsoft is not paing TomTom, but TomTom is paying Microsoft an undisclosed amount as part of the deal. Here is Microsoft’s official statement:
“The cases have been settled through a patent agreement under which TomTom will pay Microsoft for coverage under the eight car navigation and file management systems patents in the Microsoft case. Also as part of the agreement, Microsoft receives coverage under the four patents included in the TomTom countersuit. The agreement, which has a five-year term, does not require any payment by Microsoft to TomTom. It covers both past and future U.S. sales of the relevant products. The specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.”
There has been much speculation that TomTom was unwilling to license at least four of Microsoft’s patents because of incompatibility of those licenses with GNU General Public License terms. But TomTom officials have declined to discuss the case publicly in any way over the past month, so no one knew for sure.
Microsoft’s statement specifically mentions that TomTom is taking pains not to violate the GPL version 2 terms via the new licensing arrangement forged between the two companies> TomTom is removing from its products the functionality that seemingly infringed on Microsoft’s file-allocation table (FAT) patents:
“The agreement includes patent coverage for Microsoft’s three file management systems patents provided in a manner that is fully compliant with TomTom’s obligations under the General Public License Version 2 (GPLv2). TomTom will remove from its products the functionality related to two file management system patents (the “FAT LFN patents”), which enables efficient naming, organizing, storing and accessing of file data. TomTom will remove this functionality within two years, and the agreement provides for coverage directly to TomTom’s end customers under these patents during that time.”
Bottom line: TomTom — unlike some other companies developing around Linux which have signed patent-licensing deals with Microsoft — isn’t licensing Microsoft’s FAT as part of this agreement.
What’s your take? Is the settlement good or bad for Linux vendors who might be in Microsoft’s sights?
NOTE: Source taken from ZDNet
Microsoft is not paing TomTom, but TomTom is paying Microsoft an undisclosed amount as part of the deal. Here is Microsoft’s official statement:
“The cases have been settled through a patent agreement under which TomTom will pay Microsoft for coverage under the eight car navigation and file management systems patents in the Microsoft case. Also as part of the agreement, Microsoft receives coverage under the four patents included in the TomTom countersuit. The agreement, which has a five-year term, does not require any payment by Microsoft to TomTom. It covers both past and future U.S. sales of the relevant products. The specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.”
There has been much speculation that TomTom was unwilling to license at least four of Microsoft’s patents because of incompatibility of those licenses with GNU General Public License terms. But TomTom officials have declined to discuss the case publicly in any way over the past month, so no one knew for sure.
Microsoft’s statement specifically mentions that TomTom is taking pains not to violate the GPL version 2 terms via the new licensing arrangement forged between the two companies> TomTom is removing from its products the functionality that seemingly infringed on Microsoft’s file-allocation table (FAT) patents:
“The agreement includes patent coverage for Microsoft’s three file management systems patents provided in a manner that is fully compliant with TomTom’s obligations under the General Public License Version 2 (GPLv2). TomTom will remove from its products the functionality related to two file management system patents (the “FAT LFN patents”), which enables efficient naming, organizing, storing and accessing of file data. TomTom will remove this functionality within two years, and the agreement provides for coverage directly to TomTom’s end customers under these patents during that time.”
Bottom line: TomTom — unlike some other companies developing around Linux which have signed patent-licensing deals with Microsoft — isn’t licensing Microsoft’s FAT as part of this agreement.
What’s your take? Is the settlement good or bad for Linux vendors who might be in Microsoft’s sights?
NOTE: Source taken from ZDNet
Sunday, April 5, 2009
I see blood on streets now, what you see?
Got up late this Sunday, had few things planned for the evening and dinner. When I come downstairs, only plan I had in mind was how much to eat in lunch as today one our favorite Sunday food was prepared. I walked into the lounge, saw a head line something like "20 killed in suicide attack on imam bargah in Chakwal" (now death toll has risen to over 30), my first thought was... Not again! Though, this is becoming a daily routine but one wish to see people smiling and enjoying their lives on TV not death. The unfortunate fact is not even a single missing day, you see TV reporting deaths across Pakistan.
Few facts, Do you know:
- What effects will have it on new generation, especially children aged between 7-12, at this age they learn and build personality from their surroundings and experiences.
- What effects it will have on youth, they want to see a bright future ahead (they always have ambitious goals) to play a constructive role for their community and country. Patriotism is always at pick in this age.
- What will happen to those, who're building their career, they're the most delicate ones… Most in this age are either experience a bitter reality of life and sometime they become over sentimental and disappointed to see chaos, destruction, lawlessness and discrimination in society. The research shows they're the most unhappy age-group in this world.
- Then comes the lot, who is recently married and have couple of kids... At this stage of life, you're most venerable to leave your homeland or lost the love and passion for the country. Because right now, you're not focusing on yourSELF but children you've and for their future, you're always willing to compromise yourOWN.
- Those who've married children, either telling their sons and daughters to leave the country for better future or either telling them to do everything possible for secure future. They're venerable to force their children to leave something big for something small (money).
- Senior citizens, they're the only hope of putting pause to everyone’s live. They always have some stories to tell to their grand children of good old days, if they're optimistic then they would tell them that time will come back, we only have to work together and love each other for what we're... not to hate for what we aren't.
The tragedy of today's Pakistan is that a Muslim is killing other Muslim for the name of Islam. And the biggest tragedy of all is "we remain silent to everything".
I regret to write about deaths, dishonorable acts, mayhem, tragedy but what else I should write, when I only see this around me...
Few facts, Do you know:
- What effects will have it on new generation, especially children aged between 7-12, at this age they learn and build personality from their surroundings and experiences.
- What effects it will have on youth, they want to see a bright future ahead (they always have ambitious goals) to play a constructive role for their community and country. Patriotism is always at pick in this age.
- What will happen to those, who're building their career, they're the most delicate ones… Most in this age are either experience a bitter reality of life and sometime they become over sentimental and disappointed to see chaos, destruction, lawlessness and discrimination in society. The research shows they're the most unhappy age-group in this world.
- Then comes the lot, who is recently married and have couple of kids... At this stage of life, you're most venerable to leave your homeland or lost the love and passion for the country. Because right now, you're not focusing on yourSELF but children you've and for their future, you're always willing to compromise yourOWN.
- Those who've married children, either telling their sons and daughters to leave the country for better future or either telling them to do everything possible for secure future. They're venerable to force their children to leave something big for something small (money).
- Senior citizens, they're the only hope of putting pause to everyone’s live. They always have some stories to tell to their grand children of good old days, if they're optimistic then they would tell them that time will come back, we only have to work together and love each other for what we're... not to hate for what we aren't.
The tragedy of today's Pakistan is that a Muslim is killing other Muslim for the name of Islam. And the biggest tragedy of all is "we remain silent to everything".
I regret to write about deaths, dishonorable acts, mayhem, tragedy but what else I should write, when I only see this around me...
Friday, April 3, 2009
My Islam, Your Islam, their Islam... How many Islams are there?
Islam has given right of property to women when girls were buried alive on their birth, Islam gave woman the right to testify when they were not considered the entity of any value; Islam even gave her the rights either she wants to give birth and feed her own child or not. This is where Islam has put “aurat” (woman) over 1400 years back.
Islam gave her voice and status to speak up for herself. Iqbal once said, if Muslim women knew the rights given to them by Islam, their husband would ask their permission first before even leaving home. And now where we stand today? In confusion, either to portray us as moderates for western world or fundamentalists for Islamic world.
Islam was and is a progressive religion; just compare teachings of Muhammad (PBUH) which were introduced almost 1400 years back with Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism. Islam was way ahead in terms of giving rights to woman, labor, deprived, prisoners and pagans even. Now we live in a society were Muslims are killing other Muslims in name of Islam and jihad (holy war).
Today, a disturbing video showing a teenage girl being flogged by Taliban fighters has emerged from the Swat Valley, offering a shocking glimpse of militant brutality in the once-peaceful district, and a sign of Taliban influence spreading deeper into the country.
The two-minute video, shot using a mobile phone, shows a burka-clad woman face down on the ground. Two men (one who might be her brother) holding her arms and feet while a third, a black-turbaned fighter with a flowing beard, whips her repeatedly.
"Please stop it," she begs, alternately whimpering or screaming in pain with each blow to the backside. "Either kill me or stop it now."
A crowd of men stands by, watching silently. Off camera a voice issues instructions. "Hold her legs tightly," he says as she squirms and yelps.
Reached by phone, Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan claimed responsibility for the flogging. "She came out of her house with another guy who was not her husband, so we must punish her. There are boundaries you cannot cross," he said. He defended the Taliban's right to thrash women shoppers who were inappropriately dressed, saying it was permitted under Islamic law. Later he said, the Swat girl would have been stoned to death if the Qazi had been present.
He claimed that girl had the illicit relationship and that’s why she was awarded punishment of less than 40 whips and both the man and the girl confessed their sin prior to the awarding of the punishment.
No matter whatever the case was, publicly humiliating the girl (female) in front of “na-marams” is totally unacceptable and non-Islamic. Don’t forget, in our society woman is given/offered more respect than in western countries, we respect and honor all relations associated with females whether that is mother, sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and daughter.
Islam gave her voice and status to speak up for herself. Iqbal once said, if Muslim women knew the rights given to them by Islam, their husband would ask their permission first before even leaving home. And now where we stand today? In confusion, either to portray us as moderates for western world or fundamentalists for Islamic world.
Islam was and is a progressive religion; just compare teachings of Muhammad (PBUH) which were introduced almost 1400 years back with Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Judaism. Islam was way ahead in terms of giving rights to woman, labor, deprived, prisoners and pagans even. Now we live in a society were Muslims are killing other Muslims in name of Islam and jihad (holy war).
Today, a disturbing video showing a teenage girl being flogged by Taliban fighters has emerged from the Swat Valley, offering a shocking glimpse of militant brutality in the once-peaceful district, and a sign of Taliban influence spreading deeper into the country.
The two-minute video, shot using a mobile phone, shows a burka-clad woman face down on the ground. Two men (one who might be her brother) holding her arms and feet while a third, a black-turbaned fighter with a flowing beard, whips her repeatedly.
"Please stop it," she begs, alternately whimpering or screaming in pain with each blow to the backside. "Either kill me or stop it now."
A crowd of men stands by, watching silently. Off camera a voice issues instructions. "Hold her legs tightly," he says as she squirms and yelps.
Reached by phone, Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan claimed responsibility for the flogging. "She came out of her house with another guy who was not her husband, so we must punish her. There are boundaries you cannot cross," he said. He defended the Taliban's right to thrash women shoppers who were inappropriately dressed, saying it was permitted under Islamic law. Later he said, the Swat girl would have been stoned to death if the Qazi had been present.
He claimed that girl had the illicit relationship and that’s why she was awarded punishment of less than 40 whips and both the man and the girl confessed their sin prior to the awarding of the punishment.
No matter whatever the case was, publicly humiliating the girl (female) in front of “na-marams” is totally unacceptable and non-Islamic. Don’t forget, in our society woman is given/offered more respect than in western countries, we respect and honor all relations associated with females whether that is mother, sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and daughter.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Drone attacks on our sovereignty or...?
This question has always come to mind that how is that possible the Americans keep on attacking our sovereignty and we keep quite. There is huge probability that our government and our defense forces want Americans to clean our dirty laundry. If we do, that might result in re-precautions which we can't control like extensive terrorist activities throughout Pakistan. At least for time being, we can claim that we're not involved and blame Americans for violating our boundaries.
Simple fact, which we should not forget is that we want to wipe out these militants and control this sudden surge of militancy through out Pakistan. Unfortunately FATA or tribal agencies are not in our control; even so, our cities like Attock, Gilgit, D I Khan, Parachinar etc. are going through everyday violence. When we're not in position to control violence in main cities then controlling it outside almost becomes impossible.
Today, a suspected U.S. drone fired two missiles at an alleged hide-out connected to a Taliban leader who has threatened to attack Washington, killing 12 people and wounding several others. This time again, we had the official condemnation followed by "nothing".
The attack came a day after Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a police academy in the eastern city of Lahore, saying it was retaliation for U.S. missile strikes on militant bases on the Afghan border.
The point is that we need to once for all declare, what we want for our nation. As Albert Einstein said, “Not until we dare to regard ourselves as a nation, not until we respect ourselves, can we gain the esteem of others, or rather only then will it come of its own accord”.
Simple fact, which we should not forget is that we want to wipe out these militants and control this sudden surge of militancy through out Pakistan. Unfortunately FATA or tribal agencies are not in our control; even so, our cities like Attock, Gilgit, D I Khan, Parachinar etc. are going through everyday violence. When we're not in position to control violence in main cities then controlling it outside almost becomes impossible.
Today, a suspected U.S. drone fired two missiles at an alleged hide-out connected to a Taliban leader who has threatened to attack Washington, killing 12 people and wounding several others. This time again, we had the official condemnation followed by "nothing".
The attack came a day after Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a police academy in the eastern city of Lahore, saying it was retaliation for U.S. missile strikes on militant bases on the Afghan border.
The point is that we need to once for all declare, what we want for our nation. As Albert Einstein said, “Not until we dare to regard ourselves as a nation, not until we respect ourselves, can we gain the esteem of others, or rather only then will it come of its own accord”.
Monday, March 30, 2009
A trip to "Chilla Gahh"...
After working on the short movie last year - The Job Opening, this time we decided to work on a documentary. There were multiple destinations in mind but then decided to opt for something which I've not heard off even living in Islamabad for over 18 years. The place is "chilla gahh" at 1 hour distance from imam Bari's (r.a) shirine, it was the place there he worshiped called chilla of 12 years continuously in a deep cave. it is a great place for his devotes
A Brief Introduction
Bari Imam (1617 to 1705), whose real name is Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, was born in 1026 Hijra (1617 AD).His father, Syed Mehmood Shah, shifted his family from Jhelum District to Baghan village, presently called Aabpara. At that time, it was a barren land. Soon after the arrival of Bari Imam’s family, his father started farming and also kept some animals. Shah Latif helped his father in grazing the animals, but left his father at 12 and came to Nurpur Shahan. From Nurpur Shahan, Bari Imam went to Ghaur Ghashti (now known as Attock) where he stayed for two years for learning fiqh, hadith, logic, mathematics, medicine and other disciplines, because at that time Ghaur Ghashti was great seat of learning.
He was the first spiritual guide of Gohail Shahi as well. As Gohar Shahi states in his book about Bari Imam that at the age of 34 Bari Imam appeared before me (Gohar Shahi) and said: "My son your time has come, your must go to the shrine of Sakhi "Sultan Bahoo" Sahib to receive the Sacred Inner Dimensions of Spiritual Knowledge."
It is said that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was devoted to spreading his empire, originally built the silver-mirrored shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam [RA]. It has been renovated and is now is maintained by the government.
Now the Trip
The Sunday, as usual is a busy day for me... Start off early (at least, tried), went out with greatest living mother - my mother. Came back, rushed to office to get some print outs about Bari Imam then received the call that curtain tailor is here, so rushed back to home and after long discussion and confusion, decided for the design which isn't so far used in any home window.
As soon as he left, Tahir came out, not to mention that Billie chicken-out of this plan (reason - I should rather not mention here). We rushed to market to pick second film for our other cam-recorder, just as backup plan. Picked Sohail, who after sitting in Bubbly, opened up the sandwich box and start eating ;).
We reached to Bari Imam Shrine, paid a visit there, filmed a bit and then moved on to our destination - chilla gahh.
First we thought it wouldn't be a difficult trip and we will reach at top in no time... but when we started, we were unable to anticipate the distance that we might have to cover and it was never ending hiking :). The fun started, when we reached almost to half-way, not to chilla gahh but "langer khana" and tell this to Sohail, you must have seen his face at that moment. :)
At one point, I literally thought of going back but for love of documentary, decided otherwise. I was walking after a long time, so stamina was out of question. I like taking physical pain, so started enjoying walk and view after sometime. Took some interviews on my way to langer khana, this is an interesting spot, where you will see people sitting and queued up for "mannats", had another detailed interview with munzim of this langer khana. Then me and Tahir without waiting, move ahead to Chilla Gahh.
Before, I tell anything about the Chilla Gahh (which is a cave) where Bari Imam prayed for over 12 years. I would just say, this is unbelievable that someone could stand there for entire day, not to mention Bari imam did it for almost 12 years. One can only go into this cave side-ways, you can't turn back 180 degree, it is astonishing that someone could go through such intense physical endeavor to achieve his ultimate goal - his God's blessing. The baba (or fakir) who stand there is someone you can talk and pass good time, if you're some scientific guy then better not talk with him because sometimes he go beyond logic and sense :)
There is some interesting story of tiger and elephant (I believe snake too), we interviewed him and got some of his insight on how he came here and stayed here for over 26 years now. You would see many of these people in different parts of the world, where their ultimate goal is to serve the people who come to pay visit to sufi saints like bari imam. They've always some interesting stories to share, do talk with them if you get time and courage. They would try to look mysterious and divine, maybe some of them are but not this fella we talked at chilla gahh (this is my opinion, you reserve the right to reject it).
I'm becoming strong believer of this rhetoric (at least for time being), that why struggle to live our life here, when we can live forever hereafter.
A Brief Introduction
Bari Imam (1617 to 1705), whose real name is Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, was born in 1026 Hijra (1617 AD).His father, Syed Mehmood Shah, shifted his family from Jhelum District to Baghan village, presently called Aabpara. At that time, it was a barren land. Soon after the arrival of Bari Imam’s family, his father started farming and also kept some animals. Shah Latif helped his father in grazing the animals, but left his father at 12 and came to Nurpur Shahan. From Nurpur Shahan, Bari Imam went to Ghaur Ghashti (now known as Attock) where he stayed for two years for learning fiqh, hadith, logic, mathematics, medicine and other disciplines, because at that time Ghaur Ghashti was great seat of learning.
He was the first spiritual guide of Gohail Shahi as well. As Gohar Shahi states in his book about Bari Imam that at the age of 34 Bari Imam appeared before me (Gohar Shahi) and said: "My son your time has come, your must go to the shrine of Sakhi "Sultan Bahoo" Sahib to receive the Sacred Inner Dimensions of Spiritual Knowledge."
It is said that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was devoted to spreading his empire, originally built the silver-mirrored shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam [RA]. It has been renovated and is now is maintained by the government.
Now the Trip
The Sunday, as usual is a busy day for me... Start off early (at least, tried), went out with greatest living mother - my mother. Came back, rushed to office to get some print outs about Bari Imam then received the call that curtain tailor is here, so rushed back to home and after long discussion and confusion, decided for the design which isn't so far used in any home window.
As soon as he left, Tahir came out, not to mention that Billie chicken-out of this plan (reason - I should rather not mention here). We rushed to market to pick second film for our other cam-recorder, just as backup plan. Picked Sohail, who after sitting in Bubbly, opened up the sandwich box and start eating ;).
We reached to Bari Imam Shrine, paid a visit there, filmed a bit and then moved on to our destination - chilla gahh.
First we thought it wouldn't be a difficult trip and we will reach at top in no time... but when we started, we were unable to anticipate the distance that we might have to cover and it was never ending hiking :). The fun started, when we reached almost to half-way, not to chilla gahh but "langer khana" and tell this to Sohail, you must have seen his face at that moment. :)
At one point, I literally thought of going back but for love of documentary, decided otherwise. I was walking after a long time, so stamina was out of question. I like taking physical pain, so started enjoying walk and view after sometime. Took some interviews on my way to langer khana, this is an interesting spot, where you will see people sitting and queued up for "mannats", had another detailed interview with munzim of this langer khana. Then me and Tahir without waiting, move ahead to Chilla Gahh.
Before, I tell anything about the Chilla Gahh (which is a cave) where Bari Imam prayed for over 12 years. I would just say, this is unbelievable that someone could stand there for entire day, not to mention Bari imam did it for almost 12 years. One can only go into this cave side-ways, you can't turn back 180 degree, it is astonishing that someone could go through such intense physical endeavor to achieve his ultimate goal - his God's blessing. The baba (or fakir) who stand there is someone you can talk and pass good time, if you're some scientific guy then better not talk with him because sometimes he go beyond logic and sense :)
There is some interesting story of tiger and elephant (I believe snake too), we interviewed him and got some of his insight on how he came here and stayed here for over 26 years now. You would see many of these people in different parts of the world, where their ultimate goal is to serve the people who come to pay visit to sufi saints like bari imam. They've always some interesting stories to share, do talk with them if you get time and courage. They would try to look mysterious and divine, maybe some of them are but not this fella we talked at chilla gahh (this is my opinion, you reserve the right to reject it).
I'm becoming strong believer of this rhetoric (at least for time being), that why struggle to live our life here, when we can live forever hereafter.
Do they want to bring war inside our cities?
Today I planned to write about our Sunday visit to "Chilla Gahh", Bari Imam but today in morning something happened and decided to write about it. Later today or some other time would give full detail of exhausting but wonderful hiking trip.
Early morning around 7:30 AM, police training school in Lahore was under attack by dozen of terrorists (who might be fighting a holy war of some kind) killing over 15 and wounding over 50. The latest news is that this operation is over now. No question about the incompetence of our intelligence services where over dozen armed men can enter and create this havoc.. Luckily this time they're able to capture few but there is no confirmation from the operation in-charge though TV channels showed a arrested terrorist.
Now the government need to rethink once again about security situation of Pakistan and Punjab in particular, keep in mind that since the governor rule is imposed, two major incidents have took place in heart of Pakistan - Lahore. And ironically both the times main casualties were of security personnel. Are we so ill-equipped that our police can not defend some handful terrorists, remember these are the same people who've defend us from looters, thieves, decocts etc.
Where we would stand if our protectors can be protected.
Early morning around 7:30 AM, police training school in Lahore was under attack by dozen of terrorists (who might be fighting a holy war of some kind) killing over 15 and wounding over 50. The latest news is that this operation is over now. No question about the incompetence of our intelligence services where over dozen armed men can enter and create this havoc.. Luckily this time they're able to capture few but there is no confirmation from the operation in-charge though TV channels showed a arrested terrorist.
Now the government need to rethink once again about security situation of Pakistan and Punjab in particular, keep in mind that since the governor rule is imposed, two major incidents have took place in heart of Pakistan - Lahore. And ironically both the times main casualties were of security personnel. Are we so ill-equipped that our police can not defend some handful terrorists, remember these are the same people who've defend us from looters, thieves, decocts etc.
Where we would stand if our protectors can be protected.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pakistani Food Chain - Savour Foods
I'm not sure if you ever visited a place full of people all the time and ordering the same food every time they come to that restaurant... If not then "Savour Foods" is that spot, go there once and see that almost everyone will be ordering the same.
This restaurant is a good success story for any one who wants to start off with no serious investment, the owner of Savour foods did the same and today now owns 4 successful restaurants.
Anyways, now about the food, the specialty is nothing but simple "Pulao Kabab", but I always order Special where I've option of selecting chicken pieces of my choice. This is one restaurant in Pakistan, where you will find people from all walks of life - rich, poor, CEO, the niab kasid... I mean everyone. They all come for the love of food and simplicity which it has to offer.
There is nothing special or different about this pulao kabab or special, you would get the same taste whenever you come.
So if you're visiting from outside Islamabad and Rawalpindi then do visit this place for lunch or dinner. You might not find it a lavish place to take someone special but you would certainly find it worthy of every penny.
This restaurant is a good success story for any one who wants to start off with no serious investment, the owner of Savour foods did the same and today now owns 4 successful restaurants.
Anyways, now about the food, the specialty is nothing but simple "Pulao Kabab", but I always order Special where I've option of selecting chicken pieces of my choice. This is one restaurant in Pakistan, where you will find people from all walks of life - rich, poor, CEO, the niab kasid... I mean everyone. They all come for the love of food and simplicity which it has to offer.
There is nothing special or different about this pulao kabab or special, you would get the same taste whenever you come.
So if you're visiting from outside Islamabad and Rawalpindi then do visit this place for lunch or dinner. You might not find it a lavish place to take someone special but you would certainly find it worthy of every penny.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Pakistan Day for Pakistanis
Quaid-i-Azam on Chittagong, March 23, 1948 said, "The story of Pakistan, its struggle and its achievement, is the very story of great human ideals, struggling to survive in face of great odds and difficulties".
And this is my story and this is your story; and unless we don't succeed, our country can't.
Pakistani survival is very much dependent on its citizen's well being, no nation can survive or strieve unless they all have common goal for it. We can not split ourself in Punjabis, Baluchis or of any origin if we want to move forward as one soul and body. Quaid-i-Azam rightly said in reply to the Civic Address presented by the Quetta Municipality on June 15th, 1948. "We are now all Pakistanis--not Baluchis, Pathans, Sindhis, Bengalis, Punjabis and so on--and as Pakistanis we must feet behave and act, and we should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else."
Long Live Quaid's Pakistan.
And this is my story and this is your story; and unless we don't succeed, our country can't.
Pakistani survival is very much dependent on its citizen's well being, no nation can survive or strieve unless they all have common goal for it. We can not split ourself in Punjabis, Baluchis or of any origin if we want to move forward as one soul and body. Quaid-i-Azam rightly said in reply to the Civic Address presented by the Quetta Municipality on June 15th, 1948. "We are now all Pakistanis--not Baluchis, Pathans, Sindhis, Bengalis, Punjabis and so on--and as Pakistanis we must feet behave and act, and we should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else."
Long Live Quaid's Pakistan.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Dinner with Italian Food
Every weekend, I've regular dinner some place with college buddies, colleauges and friends. Thought why not write about it? Islamabad do have places for good food and drinks, of course not in comparison of Lahore or Karachi but still it has something good to offer from desi to internation food.
Almost all fast food chains are here in twin cities including some new domestic chains. We've a restaurent in F-10 Markaz - Italian Oven, though it said to be "Italian" by name but actually offer more international and local food than Italian :).
I've visited this restaurent numerious times in past and as they've long list of offerings, one could easily try out new dishes with totally a different taste and ingredeints. Yesterday, I first took the fruit salad and then ordered "Chicken Maskava", it is chicken stuffed batter fried top with florentine sauce, the sauce was amazing. I took the serving the french fries - my favourite of course. If you're found of well-cooked dinner than it won't be a bad idea asking for well-cooked chicken and you would loved it with sauce.
So next you're there, do try... Chicken Maskava.
Yesterday, had late night dinner with Sohail because of some family commitments. And it was very long time I had a good chat with this very good friend of mine (who mostly don't know what to say and where; but speaks damn good ONLY WHEN it's directly related to him or his business ;) otherwise bhai saab is very "bholo palwan") and this time, I enjoyed food and talk with him, maybe because he didn't talk about business yesterday... just kidding yar!
Almost all fast food chains are here in twin cities including some new domestic chains. We've a restaurent in F-10 Markaz - Italian Oven, though it said to be "Italian" by name but actually offer more international and local food than Italian :).
I've visited this restaurent numerious times in past and as they've long list of offerings, one could easily try out new dishes with totally a different taste and ingredeints. Yesterday, I first took the fruit salad and then ordered "Chicken Maskava", it is chicken stuffed batter fried top with florentine sauce, the sauce was amazing. I took the serving the french fries - my favourite of course. If you're found of well-cooked dinner than it won't be a bad idea asking for well-cooked chicken and you would loved it with sauce.
So next you're there, do try... Chicken Maskava.
Yesterday, had late night dinner with Sohail because of some family commitments. And it was very long time I had a good chat with this very good friend of mine (who mostly don't know what to say and where; but speaks damn good ONLY WHEN it's directly related to him or his business ;) otherwise bhai saab is very "bholo palwan") and this time, I enjoyed food and talk with him, maybe because he didn't talk about business yesterday... just kidding yar!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Judiciary restored once again...
“We are under a Constitution, but the Constitution is what the judges say it is, and the judiciary is the safeguard of our property and our liberty and our property under the Constitution”.
Charles Evans Hughes quotes (American Jurist and Statesman. 1862-1948)
Today every Pakistani should be proud of the fact that we've first time achieved something for our nation which wasn't expected from us. We in past, never stood by anything and never fought for just cause that ended in success. The always went through half way, never able to go to the distance to achieve our objectives and goals. Never behaved like a nation, never worked as one unit, never felt as Pakistani... I'm hoping this change, this time will bring positive change for every Pakistani.
Long Live Quaid-i-Azam's Pakistan.
Charles Evans Hughes quotes (American Jurist and Statesman. 1862-1948)
Today every Pakistani should be proud of the fact that we've first time achieved something for our nation which wasn't expected from us. We in past, never stood by anything and never fought for just cause that ended in success. The always went through half way, never able to go to the distance to achieve our objectives and goals. Never behaved like a nation, never worked as one unit, never felt as Pakistani... I'm hoping this change, this time will bring positive change for every Pakistani.
Long Live Quaid-i-Azam's Pakistan.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Is this attack on Pakistan Cricket or Pakistan?
A commando like operation started and ended within 30 minutes, leaving us with long trail of debate, finger pointing and dead bodies. The future of Pakistan cricket is at stake now, the irony of this matter is that few months back when Mumbai attacks took place on Nov 26th last year, Pakistan was asked for soul searching and today when we’re attacked, India is advising us for another soul searching…
Pakistan these days is facing Political, Judicial, Economic, Security and now sport crisis. How fragile this country really is? This country is now a center point for any kind of politico-socio-economic crisis, any research student would love to visit and to learn, how possibly a country could stand against all these crisis?
My opinion; this attack is an open war on Pakistan and Sri Lanka; the issue should be taken up to international level. Let’s take a brief pre-tour analysis, do we know India used all its diplomatic strength of highest level to convince Sri Lanka not to tour Pakistan. Earlier they tried to isolate Pakistan politically when Mumbai attacked took place and before tour started, used all their diplomatic strength to isolate Pakistan sport-wise.
Match was immediately called off and players were flown off from stadium by PAF helicopter for flight to UAE and Pakistan cricket team is there at air port to see off the SL team.
Few Question:
Pakistan these days is facing Political, Judicial, Economic, Security and now sport crisis. How fragile this country really is? This country is now a center point for any kind of politico-socio-economic crisis, any research student would love to visit and to learn, how possibly a country could stand against all these crisis?
My opinion; this attack is an open war on Pakistan and Sri Lanka; the issue should be taken up to international level. Let’s take a brief pre-tour analysis, do we know India used all its diplomatic strength of highest level to convince Sri Lanka not to tour Pakistan. Earlier they tried to isolate Pakistan politically when Mumbai attacked took place and before tour started, used all their diplomatic strength to isolate Pakistan sport-wise.
Match was immediately called off and players were flown off from stadium by PAF helicopter for flight to UAE and Pakistan cricket team is there at air port to see off the SL team.
Few Question:
- Why suicide jacket was there? Were they trying to give impression/deception that internal elements are involved in this attack, remember suicide bombers do not carry jacket, they wear it to be used.
- At number of occasions after Mumbai incident, Indian think tanks suggested that some lesson should be taught to Pakistan and today’s attack seems to be an absolute play-back of Mumbai attack
- Dozen people were involved in today’s attack, suicide attacks are never carried out by that many people who’re operating carrying suicide jackets but not using it. And this isn’t a trademark of extremist operating in Pakistan.
- Is this retaliation of Mumbai attack? Huge possibility that some element of Indian backing is involved, a clear message to Pakistan and Sri Lanka is sent; we can response to former and always listen to us for later.
- Is there any possibility of Tamil Tigers? Very unlikely, Tamils have only operated once outside SL killing ‘Rajiv Ghandi’ mostly because they don’t have enough resources to operate outside.
- Is this the same network that operated in Mumbai? I don’t think so, mostly it seems to be a response of what happened last year, this isn’t a Pakistan styled operation where mostly attacks come in form of suicide bombing. The network has some linked to India and our government whether they’ve any proof or not, should raise their fingers to Indian. Last year, when Mumbai incident took place, it was Pakistan whose image was degraded and today; it’s again Pakistan who is facing the music. India is telling us what to do and what not to do? Someone rightly pointed out that our house isn’t in order, how could we defend ourselves from outside threats.
- The future of Pakistan Cricket? It is bleak and not sure if anyone will be ready to tour Pakistan in near future. If any country that could visit Pakistan under these circumstances that could either be Bangladesh or SL itself
- Why Indian media always play role of devil for us? The media represent the psyche of the nation, no matter what we do, I’m afraid we might never make good friends with Indians. We’ve always tried to have bilateral relations on balanced grounds but all our efforts are considered as our weakness. Another wakeup call for our government to rethink their strategy in dealing with India.
Having said everything; above all, this was a security lapse. Only few days back, all top security officials were reshuffled by the Governor and this also effected the operation of the police responsible for providing security to this players. Only handfuls of security personals were there at that time of incident and guess what, we promised Sri Lankan a VVIP security protocol. Where they were, guarding Governor House?
Who is responsible: I will only point finger to Governor or head of province. The police officers with their capacity defended and lost their lives. They were outnumbered by these terrorists, who operated freely and at will. They came, they killed and they left. We didn’t anything to stop it or even apprehend them later. All police officials were their on scene after the incident was over and no one bothered to aggressively go after them.
Tribal or Taliban elements are not involved in it for multiple reasons. First, they don’t have any direct reason to destabilize the Punjab government or Pakistan Cricket. Secondly, they don’t operate the way this operation was conducted. Third, the operation was carried out like commandos; look at the video the way the carried out all this. Fourth, their faces where more like Punjabis than tribal’s.
This indeed a very sad incident that could have far reaching consequences for Pakistan, and Pakistan cricket in particular. Now the biggest question remains, how to control this monster or menace of terrorism was once knocking at our door and now on its way to destroy the real foundations of this country. The only way out is to understand the importance of being one nation and to be one - Pakistani.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
small effort, big change
Sometimes, your minor act could play a major role in someone's life. Your extra money, time could save someone's education or future. Your slight attention could bring smile on someone's face. Your support could help someone rebuild his career. Your few sentences could shake someone's life for good. Your gental touch could make all the difference in someone's feeling.
I sometime feels what I'm doing with my life, what I had plan and where actually I'm heading? How could one possibily live life for himself when people out there needs him for their survival, maybe we don't care anymore. But what I've witnessed today, one could easily comment, we're not emotionally dead.
I sometime feels what I'm doing with my life, what I had plan and where actually I'm heading? How could one possibily live life for himself when people out there needs him for their survival, maybe we don't care anymore. But what I've witnessed today, one could easily comment, we're not emotionally dead.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Google Latitude launches; Social networking meets maps
Just in case you have ever wanted to know your friends’ precise movements–every location, every right turn, every trip to Starbucks–Google has launched Latitude, a new feature for Google Maps that runs on your PC and mobile device. Latitude is more evidence that social networking tools will increasingly be layered on top of existing apps.
The early reviews are good (Techmeme). Google Maps gets social. And more importantly, Google has done the social networking thing on its own terms and from a position of strength (Maps, see Google Mobile blog).
Link Google Maps Latitude up with Twitter and Facebook in some mashup and I’ll be able to tell when my friends hit a public bathroom in Grand Central. Great isn’t it?
I have to wonder. I sat through an information security conference at Wharton last Friday and was struck by the privacy concerns around social networking. Big point: If you’re hometown, birth date and name are all on Facebook for the world to see an intuitive hacker could get guess the first five numbers on your social security number rather easily. What happens when that data is scraped in some algorithm?
Right now Latitude–and other features of its ilk–are nice toys. Increasingly I wonder about potential privacy issues.
Needless to say Google has addressed those issues:
Latitude is a new feature for Google Maps on your mobile device. It’s also an iGoogle gadget on your computer. Once you’ve opted in to Latitude, you can see the approximate location of your friends and loved ones who have decided to share their location with you. So now you can do things like see if your spouse is stuck in traffic on the way home from work, notice that a buddy is in town for the weekend, or take comfort in knowing that a loved one’s flight landed safely, despite bad weather.
And with Latitude, not only can you see your friends’ locations on a map, but you can also be in touch directly via SMS, Google Talk, Gmail, or by updating your status message; you can even upload a new profile photo on the fly. It’s a fun way to feel close to the people you care about.
Fun aside; we recognize the sensitivity of location data, so we’ve built fine-grained privacy controls right into the application. Everything about Latitude is opt-in. You not only control exactly who gets to see your location, but you also decide the location that they see. For instance, let’s say you are in Rome. Instead of having your approximate location detected and shared automatically, you can manually set your location for elsewhere — perhaps a visit to Niagara Falls. Since you may not want to share the same information with everyone, Latitude lets you change the settings on a friend-by-friend basis. So for each person, you can choose to share your best available location or your city-level location, or you can hide. Everything is under your control and, of course, you can sign out of Latitude at any time.
Those settings are critical. After all I’d rather not let the world know I’m in Rome and my house is unattended for two weeks. That’s just me. The folks that worry about this stuff may tinker with Latitude, but shy away (it’s going to be a great teenager tracking device in the future). The rest of the folks that Twitter every movement (even bowel once in a while) will find Latitude impressive.
NOTE: Resource taken from ZDNet.
The early reviews are good (Techmeme). Google Maps gets social. And more importantly, Google has done the social networking thing on its own terms and from a position of strength (Maps, see Google Mobile blog).
Link Google Maps Latitude up with Twitter and Facebook in some mashup and I’ll be able to tell when my friends hit a public bathroom in Grand Central. Great isn’t it?
I have to wonder. I sat through an information security conference at Wharton last Friday and was struck by the privacy concerns around social networking. Big point: If you’re hometown, birth date and name are all on Facebook for the world to see an intuitive hacker could get guess the first five numbers on your social security number rather easily. What happens when that data is scraped in some algorithm?
Right now Latitude–and other features of its ilk–are nice toys. Increasingly I wonder about potential privacy issues.
Needless to say Google has addressed those issues:
Latitude is a new feature for Google Maps on your mobile device. It’s also an iGoogle gadget on your computer. Once you’ve opted in to Latitude, you can see the approximate location of your friends and loved ones who have decided to share their location with you. So now you can do things like see if your spouse is stuck in traffic on the way home from work, notice that a buddy is in town for the weekend, or take comfort in knowing that a loved one’s flight landed safely, despite bad weather.
And with Latitude, not only can you see your friends’ locations on a map, but you can also be in touch directly via SMS, Google Talk, Gmail, or by updating your status message; you can even upload a new profile photo on the fly. It’s a fun way to feel close to the people you care about.
Fun aside; we recognize the sensitivity of location data, so we’ve built fine-grained privacy controls right into the application. Everything about Latitude is opt-in. You not only control exactly who gets to see your location, but you also decide the location that they see. For instance, let’s say you are in Rome. Instead of having your approximate location detected and shared automatically, you can manually set your location for elsewhere — perhaps a visit to Niagara Falls. Since you may not want to share the same information with everyone, Latitude lets you change the settings on a friend-by-friend basis. So for each person, you can choose to share your best available location or your city-level location, or you can hide. Everything is under your control and, of course, you can sign out of Latitude at any time.
Those settings are critical. After all I’d rather not let the world know I’m in Rome and my house is unattended for two weeks. That’s just me. The folks that worry about this stuff may tinker with Latitude, but shy away (it’s going to be a great teenager tracking device in the future). The rest of the folks that Twitter every movement (even bowel once in a while) will find Latitude impressive.
NOTE: Resource taken from ZDNet.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Change Now, or Never
In muharram, I realized that one should do something within his power to at least help someone get education. You would see many in Pakistan who would commit to do good and in fact at times, speak louder than you, maybe just to convince everyone around that they're more keen in making difference than anyone on this table and make no judgment on his/her commitments.
Most of us want to be a contributing factor or I should say influential factor, all of us wants to lead but non wants to follow. We (including me) wants to achieve everything without experiencing the effort or dedicating required to reach our goals.
We set long term goals but miss our milestones completely. Rethink.
Most of us want to be a contributing factor or I should say influential factor, all of us wants to lead but non wants to follow. We (including me) wants to achieve everything without experiencing the effort or dedicating required to reach our goals.
We set long term goals but miss our milestones completely. Rethink.
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Murree Trip
The plan was something like this:
- We will leave for Murree at 6:00 PM on Saturday, Jan 17th., have dinner at Mall road and will stay in Punjab Hut and next day a trip to Ayubeya, PC Bhurban (Golf Club) and Patriata was also planned in this trip, on our return to Murree on Sunday, Jan 18 we'll again have a dinner at some place in Mall road.
Now this is what actually happened (I'll write it in detail so get a mug full of hot coffee and enjoy)
I would divide this trip in following parts:
1. The Plan
It was late Friday night, around 2:30 AM that Tahir said, Shirazi bhai: I'm not sure if office one-day trip will go or not, why not plan one of our own. I had some commitments for the weekend but thought WHY NOT!, so he called Sohail, Billie and Asif. Out of all, Sohail as usual came up with an excuse from this advanture trip (fearing that we might be going on his car ;) ). Anyways, all 4 of us were ready for this trip, expecting some good time.
2. The Night before "The Day"
Now starts the first 12 hours of our trip, Asif was supposed to pick us in his car ["Mian Jee", that's what he calls it and don't know why this Male name; why not Suzzy, Pinky or Bubbly for that matter ;)] . My plan was to inform everyone at home around 5:30 so new ideas could come up from there :). After telling everyone at home my plan, Tahir called and told me that Asif is on workshop fixing his car, this was annoying especially at this 11th hour. Anyways, plan was to go ahead so I waited home then after a while I receive another angry call from him, saying that we must postpone this trip and bla bla (or I should say Rora Rora - as he is Pushton). Anyways, I decided to cool him a bit so we should be in good mood before the trip start. So I went to the office, reaching there I realized Asif is in office and Tahir seems to be in OK mood (though playing game), long story short we had a go ahead. Now they were to pick me around 8:00 PM, I went home and waited for them. By the way this was the 4th time, I left home for Murree :) for ths particular trip, I came back to home and my niece (Laraib) said "Aap wapis ah bhi gahay"? that was sarcastically said because she was bit annoyed of me going out and coming in again and again. Anyways, I waited again and after 10 minutes delay they came.. Now this time, I said everyone Allah Hafiz and left. We only went 3-4 KM away that requirement of digial camera came up, again we went back to my place for picking the digital camera (which by the way, only took 3 pictures in entire trip), imagine me, entering home for 5th time without even going 10KM away from home, this time everyone looked at me with surprise that what is going wrong here... This time, I will not write the expression I got from everyone, one could easily imagine... especially from Laraib :D
At that time, I already started having bad feeling about the trip... But whats the fun if you only have good feeling about any trip ;)
The trip started, we reached Punjab Hut on time using new road to Murree (I won't recommend anyone going on that road when its showing), checked-in there, it was a nice guest house running under Punjab Regiment administration. We first decided to have walk (go on foot) for dinner (Murree mall road was almost 5-6 KM away) then after analyzing the weather by our Tour Encyclopedia and guide - Billie, the Doug - we decided to take car instead. Thanks for this Billie that has saved us from Tahir's misadventure program ;).
After reaching there, it took us some time to get parking in right middle of Mall... The one thing you would notice in Murree is that you would see more Lahories there than natives ;)... So chachora pun is all around, but not all Lahories are chachorays - some of them are "SUPER CHACHORAYS" ;). It is just a joke about Lahories, honestly like Pakistan they're the real life of Pakistan - heart.
We did some shoping for dry food, cloths etc. After short-listing over 10 restaurants, we decided to enter in only one that was now open (the funny part is all restaurants start closing one-by-one during our short-listing) :) Anyways, we had food, exchanged jokes, sms etc. Also made tiny tony plan for Sunday, and of course cursed each other that it not too cold here and its not snowing - what the hell!
Anyways, after having dinner around 12:30 AM midnight, we again had a walk in rain and coffee. Decided to heads back to Punjab Huts and have some cards game. On our way, snow fall started (my first 1mm snow experience). We had a good time there, shouting and taking pictures in weirest angles :), then called AbdKhan and updated him on snow...
We reached Punjab Huts and found that light is gone, ironically we asked earlier one of their staff about it and he said "sir, pechlay 2 months main, idhar light sirf 1 ghantay kay lehay gahe hai". Now we returned to play cards, there was no light... We then went out and have some dry fruits in cold which we bought from Murree Mall road for around 350Rs., the reason for writing the price is that we ate almost 200Rs. dry-fruits standing on that poor guy's stall without paying him for anything ;).
3. "The Day"
- Planned trip to Ayubeya
We planned our trip of Sunday for Ayubeya, Patriata and Bhurban. We slept for 3-4 hours and staff came to wake us up for early breakfast which we told him to bring around 8:30 AM (one important thing, this might be the only mess in Army where kitchen opens around 8:00 AM otherwise you can get breakfast as early as Fajar prayers), we had breakfast and then suddenly snow fall started for 20-30 minutes followed by rain, the weather was turning out to be great so we decided to have coffee before we leave. And there was a James bond pursuit of a girl by one of our trip-mate :) Obviously nothing happened at the end of the day.
We left Huts around 11:30 and went straight towards the Ayubeya, snow started on our way there and only after 6 KM away from Murree, we had to stop at a spot where our car was skiting to much. So we had a break there and enjoyed the snow and everything. Then we decided to go ahead by foot and see all those people who've come from different parts of Pakistan (by people, one can guess what I meant ;)) Around 2:00 PM, we decided to go to PC Bhurban side, at that time everything was OK but suddenly show started and everything changed.
- Record braking Snow Fall
The best and most intensive snow fall, I've ever experienced. In less than 2 hours, we had around 10-12 inch snow and it was still going on... Our car was now stuck, the good news; we were not the only one. Only 4X wheelers and cars with chain rolled around tires were doing well. Asif did a pretty good job trying to keep his car on road, we spend next 2 hours pushing car and then walking on snow... It was one of the most delightful daylight moments and I loved it... Peaceful, calm, fresh and above all "very quite", there were only three people walking on that road and it was snowing. On could even hear the snow-flakes coming down, it was the silence that made our day.
At last we reached Murree, Asif was already there on his car (the delightful moment for him was driving car on 60KM on his heavy snow, that crazy fellow drived his car on 3rd gear... oops! what he was thinking? At least I would not be wasting this moments getting him out of some ditch) Anyways, we postpond our plan for having dinner in Murree though I was in mood of sticking with plan but after seeing everyone's face, decided not to raise this option.
- Traffic Jam
From Murree to Islamabad, it generally takes 40 minutes at max and on Sunday, it took us over 7 hours. It was cold but we enjoyed it, the worst part of this entire trip was rackless driving or I should see irresponsible driving of our citizens, because of double lane: almost over 2 thousands cars have to wait over 7 hours in bad weather. Like always we were running short on fuel ;) I was sitting on most confortable seat on the car, being the senior most, I earned it :).
- Accident
At main signal of my home, we were standing at the signal. Suddenly a taxi banged into us, the hit was so hard that I was holding my wallet and it slipped out of my hand. We went out; Tahir was for first 2 minutes, storm on that driver and Asif was surprise and shocked, not because of anything but why on standing car? I'm impressed with his good nature of not taking these troubles way to serious. In short we (Asif) decided not to get any money from him considering he was poor and could hardly afford his own demage. By the way, the car was badly hit from rear but luckly it was merical that nothing serious happend.
Salient Features of this Trip:
- First time bought bakery chips for 40Rs/pack :)
- First time, I saw such an extensive snow fall
- My longest wait in traffic jam, around 7 hours.
- Longest time that took me to reach Islamabad from Murree, around 10 hours.
- Meet two minor accidents.
- First time, didn't helped people in trouble... Maybe because we were badly caught in snow as well.
- I bought my first Chitrali cap and Billie promised me another (which I know is a gollie) :)
- We will leave for Murree at 6:00 PM on Saturday, Jan 17th., have dinner at Mall road and will stay in Punjab Hut and next day a trip to Ayubeya, PC Bhurban (Golf Club) and Patriata was also planned in this trip, on our return to Murree on Sunday, Jan 18 we'll again have a dinner at some place in Mall road.
Now this is what actually happened (I'll write it in detail so get a mug full of hot coffee and enjoy)
I would divide this trip in following parts:
1. The Plan
It was late Friday night, around 2:30 AM that Tahir said, Shirazi bhai: I'm not sure if office one-day trip will go or not, why not plan one of our own. I had some commitments for the weekend but thought WHY NOT!, so he called Sohail, Billie and Asif. Out of all, Sohail as usual came up with an excuse from this advanture trip (fearing that we might be going on his car ;) ). Anyways, all 4 of us were ready for this trip, expecting some good time.
2. The Night before "The Day"
Now starts the first 12 hours of our trip, Asif was supposed to pick us in his car ["Mian Jee", that's what he calls it and don't know why this Male name; why not Suzzy, Pinky or Bubbly for that matter ;)] . My plan was to inform everyone at home around 5:30 so new ideas could come up from there :). After telling everyone at home my plan, Tahir called and told me that Asif is on workshop fixing his car, this was annoying especially at this 11th hour. Anyways, plan was to go ahead so I waited home then after a while I receive another angry call from him, saying that we must postpone this trip and bla bla (or I should say Rora Rora - as he is Pushton). Anyways, I decided to cool him a bit so we should be in good mood before the trip start. So I went to the office, reaching there I realized Asif is in office and Tahir seems to be in OK mood (though playing game), long story short we had a go ahead. Now they were to pick me around 8:00 PM, I went home and waited for them. By the way this was the 4th time, I left home for Murree :) for ths particular trip, I came back to home and my niece (Laraib) said "Aap wapis ah bhi gahay"? that was sarcastically said because she was bit annoyed of me going out and coming in again and again. Anyways, I waited again and after 10 minutes delay they came.. Now this time, I said everyone Allah Hafiz and left. We only went 3-4 KM away that requirement of digial camera came up, again we went back to my place for picking the digital camera (which by the way, only took 3 pictures in entire trip), imagine me, entering home for 5th time without even going 10KM away from home, this time everyone looked at me with surprise that what is going wrong here... This time, I will not write the expression I got from everyone, one could easily imagine... especially from Laraib :D
At that time, I already started having bad feeling about the trip... But whats the fun if you only have good feeling about any trip ;)
The trip started, we reached Punjab Hut on time using new road to Murree (I won't recommend anyone going on that road when its showing), checked-in there, it was a nice guest house running under Punjab Regiment administration. We first decided to have walk (go on foot) for dinner (Murree mall road was almost 5-6 KM away) then after analyzing the weather by our Tour Encyclopedia and guide - Billie, the Doug - we decided to take car instead. Thanks for this Billie that has saved us from Tahir's misadventure program ;).
After reaching there, it took us some time to get parking in right middle of Mall... The one thing you would notice in Murree is that you would see more Lahories there than natives ;)... So chachora pun is all around, but not all Lahories are chachorays - some of them are "SUPER CHACHORAYS" ;). It is just a joke about Lahories, honestly like Pakistan they're the real life of Pakistan - heart.
We did some shoping for dry food, cloths etc. After short-listing over 10 restaurants, we decided to enter in only one that was now open (the funny part is all restaurants start closing one-by-one during our short-listing) :) Anyways, we had food, exchanged jokes, sms etc. Also made tiny tony plan for Sunday, and of course cursed each other that it not too cold here and its not snowing - what the hell!
Anyways, after having dinner around 12:30 AM midnight, we again had a walk in rain and coffee. Decided to heads back to Punjab Huts and have some cards game. On our way, snow fall started (my first 1mm snow experience). We had a good time there, shouting and taking pictures in weirest angles :), then called AbdKhan and updated him on snow...
We reached Punjab Huts and found that light is gone, ironically we asked earlier one of their staff about it and he said "sir, pechlay 2 months main, idhar light sirf 1 ghantay kay lehay gahe hai". Now we returned to play cards, there was no light... We then went out and have some dry fruits in cold which we bought from Murree Mall road for around 350Rs., the reason for writing the price is that we ate almost 200Rs. dry-fruits standing on that poor guy's stall without paying him for anything ;).
3. "The Day"
- Planned trip to Ayubeya
We planned our trip of Sunday for Ayubeya, Patriata and Bhurban. We slept for 3-4 hours and staff came to wake us up for early breakfast which we told him to bring around 8:30 AM (one important thing, this might be the only mess in Army where kitchen opens around 8:00 AM otherwise you can get breakfast as early as Fajar prayers), we had breakfast and then suddenly snow fall started for 20-30 minutes followed by rain, the weather was turning out to be great so we decided to have coffee before we leave. And there was a James bond pursuit of a girl by one of our trip-mate :) Obviously nothing happened at the end of the day.
We left Huts around 11:30 and went straight towards the Ayubeya, snow started on our way there and only after 6 KM away from Murree, we had to stop at a spot where our car was skiting to much. So we had a break there and enjoyed the snow and everything. Then we decided to go ahead by foot and see all those people who've come from different parts of Pakistan (by people, one can guess what I meant ;)) Around 2:00 PM, we decided to go to PC Bhurban side, at that time everything was OK but suddenly show started and everything changed.
- Record braking Snow Fall
The best and most intensive snow fall, I've ever experienced. In less than 2 hours, we had around 10-12 inch snow and it was still going on... Our car was now stuck, the good news; we were not the only one. Only 4X wheelers and cars with chain rolled around tires were doing well. Asif did a pretty good job trying to keep his car on road, we spend next 2 hours pushing car and then walking on snow... It was one of the most delightful daylight moments and I loved it... Peaceful, calm, fresh and above all "very quite", there were only three people walking on that road and it was snowing. On could even hear the snow-flakes coming down, it was the silence that made our day.
At last we reached Murree, Asif was already there on his car (the delightful moment for him was driving car on 60KM on his heavy snow, that crazy fellow drived his car on 3rd gear... oops! what he was thinking? At least I would not be wasting this moments getting him out of some ditch) Anyways, we postpond our plan for having dinner in Murree though I was in mood of sticking with plan but after seeing everyone's face, decided not to raise this option.
- Traffic Jam
From Murree to Islamabad, it generally takes 40 minutes at max and on Sunday, it took us over 7 hours. It was cold but we enjoyed it, the worst part of this entire trip was rackless driving or I should see irresponsible driving of our citizens, because of double lane: almost over 2 thousands cars have to wait over 7 hours in bad weather. Like always we were running short on fuel ;) I was sitting on most confortable seat on the car, being the senior most, I earned it :).
- Accident
At main signal of my home, we were standing at the signal. Suddenly a taxi banged into us, the hit was so hard that I was holding my wallet and it slipped out of my hand. We went out; Tahir was for first 2 minutes, storm on that driver and Asif was surprise and shocked, not because of anything but why on standing car? I'm impressed with his good nature of not taking these troubles way to serious. In short we (Asif) decided not to get any money from him considering he was poor and could hardly afford his own demage. By the way, the car was badly hit from rear but luckly it was merical that nothing serious happend.
Salient Features of this Trip:
- First time bought bakery chips for 40Rs/pack :)
- First time, I saw such an extensive snow fall
- My longest wait in traffic jam, around 7 hours.
- Longest time that took me to reach Islamabad from Murree, around 10 hours.
- Meet two minor accidents.
- First time, didn't helped people in trouble... Maybe because we were badly caught in snow as well.
- I bought my first Chitrali cap and Billie promised me another (which I know is a gollie) :)
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