Pak Heritage
Friday, August 29, 2008
One of the earlier recorded monument goers was Herodotus, the Greek historian who voyaged to Egypt 2400 years ago to stand in awe before the pyramids. One of the valid causes around the world these days is raising awareness about historic monuments and national sites in need of repair. Awareness can make the difference.
As a traveler, I have been all over the country paying tribute to Pakistan’s wealth of ancient sites. Starting from Karachi where 600 buildings have been listed by a heritage foundation to Multan and Lahore with their own distinct architectural style to Peshawar where legendary character of Qissa Khwani bazaar is changing and its old landmarks like city walls are disappearing. I also touched Thatta, Ptttan Munara, Uch Sharif, Sialkot, Nandna (in Salt Range) and Mansehra in the way. In my pursuit, I have traced the routes followed by conqueror Alexander the great and Chinese traveler Hieun Tsiang in the part of the world we call home. I have seen many extraordinary sights feeling comfortable and at peace and completely in the grip of history as I stood before each of them.Pakistan Federal Archeology Department identifies over 350 sites of irreplaceable and intrinsic value ranging from ruins in Mohenju Daro, Harappa and Texila to the tomb of the only Mughal Emperor (Jehangir) in Pakistan that has been rated third in the Subcontinent after Taj Mahal and Qutab Minar. The heritage sites in Pakistan are fast falling apart. Pilfering pollution, harsh climate, over development, lack of funds and expertise for maintenance, neglect and apathy of all concerned and law and order situation in the country all add up to crumbling monuments and disappointing travelers.
History and archeology make for good tourism that is largely a function of prosperity. The more money people have the more of it they will spend on travel and other intellectual pursuits. Today, worldwide tourism is an unprecedented 4.4 trillion dollar industry expected to be 10 trillions by 2010. Now once every beach, airport and other conventional tourist spots feel crowded like a cinema hall, people are constantly looking for quite unique and brand new destinations where they can see things and experience cultures that are not possible at home. Last year 90 million people came to Asia alone. But the irony is that outside world does not know about Pakistan or has a distorted image of it hence tourists cannot plan to visit. The tourism department foreign missions abroad, national airline. hotels and even the private sector and multinational giants of tourism could do a lot more than what they are doing to promote this industry. After all Pakistan has much more to offer than many other countries combined together.
This is the paradox and the joy of Pakistan a young national forged in the crucible of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Some of the initial human history began here. The cultures are expressed in beautiful mosques, gardens tombs, forts, temples, monasteries, palaces, havelis, and other Islamic, pre Islamic, Hindu Sikh and British architectures. All these are the magnificent vistas of a land of mountains and plans, fields and orchards, farmland and sweeping river valleys. But all this has to be opened to the rest of the world.
No ordinary coldness of phrasing can express the surprise and delight with which one makes acquaintance with the heritage sites spread all over Pakistan.
posted by Shirazi @ 6:22 PM,
, links to this post
Technology Can Save Us - or Ruin Us?
Two articles {Why Technology Hasn’t Saved Us From Inflation (but still can) and How Technology Is Costing Companies Millions . . . Maybe Billions} have appeared this week and are creating waves. Those who are following the evolution of technology are discussing and giving various viewpoints.
Chris Anderson of Wired wrote an article in Newsweek entitled Why Technology Hasn’t Saved Us From Inflation (but still can). It essentially says that technology could have prevented our current problems with energy, the environment, and the economy - but political issues got in the way.
Shelly Palmer wrote a post entitled How Technology Is Costing Companies Millions . . . Maybe Billions . It chronicles an experience with a call centre over a customer loyalty program where a seemingly simple request was met with unthinking humans who could only read canned answers off a script, and a system that apparently could not do a simple task. The experience undid years of goodwill.
I think, usefully employed, technology can help in big way.
posted by Shirazi @ 6:20 PM,
, links to this post
Beyond Chilas
Before leaving Chilas, visit to the famous inscriptions on the rocks is a must. Ancient inscriptions around Chilas date back in a period around first century BC. The most interesting thematic inscriptions are itched onto the faces of rocks between the KKH and the Indus River below Chilas town. One of the most interesting rock drawings we saw depicts two figures dressed in robes -- presumably Buddhist monks -- approaching a stupa in order to worship.
The larger figure with a shaven head is carrying some sort of offering. The stupa to which theoffering is being made consists of a rectangular foundation with a ladder leading up to the path for circumambulation, which is surrounded by a railing. The dome of the stupa is decorated with a zigzag line, may be indicating a garland, and is surmounted by a small rectangular shrine and a vertical shaft with three horizontal discs. The architectural and stylistic features of this stupa drawing are similar to those of stupas found in the Swat Valley and other parts of ancient Gandhara in north-western Pakistan. Above the human figure making an offer and to the left of the dome of the stupa is a drawing of a single pillar with a capital (apparently a wild goat or ibex, which is the most common animal in rock drawings in the area) on a rectangular platform.
The mountain glen sets the tone after leaving Chilas for going to Naran via Babusar. We were on a four wheel driven jeep. In the beginning, the surrounding of Chilas are dry and the mountains rocky. Greenery is limited. As one moves farther from Chilas while zigzagging on hilly road, the greenery increases. Small villages show their distinct beauty. High mountains and clear and cool water torrents flow alongside the track. There are fruit trees (grape, apple, walnut and pear) in the way and some trees are so spread out that their branches touch the ground and touched the jeep as we passed by. Natural landscapes fascinate the hearts. At places jeep passes through water that flows on the road. Water is sweet and too cold to keep hands in it for a long time. The surroundings of the passageway are populated and people are seen busy in their work: agriculture. The innocent faces of kids and their activities reflect the district personality. The verdant mountains are on both sides of the track. The Rocky Mountains are hidden here and there among the lush green patches. The natural beauty of this territory compels the viewers to praise the Great Creator. This is the route up to the Babusar village -- the last habitat (with tea shops and small eating joints for occasional travellers mostly) before the Babusar top.
Leaving behind the village for Babusar top, the track continuously ascends and the jeep moves even slowly on the track. The cool air is penetrating and adds up to the beauty. The jeeps in the area mostly are without tarpaulin or hard roof. The gorgeous natural view attracts so no one wants to miss these views by sheltering. The clouds moves along and it happens sometime that one find his head in the clouds. The entire belt is shrouded in fortress of clouds and at some places we were unable to see landscapes for quite a distance. One of the magnificent views is of Nanga Parbat -- ninth highest peak of the world at an altitude of 26,656 feet above sea level and the westernmost bastion of the Himalayas. No other mountain within 100 kilometres comes anywhere near its size.
Babusar pass is on of the most beautiful passes in Pakistan. Small colourful flowers bloom here and there. It looks like someone has covered the mountains with green velvet layers and the flowing river increase many fold its splendour and majesty. Every scene is lovely on its own. There is snow on the Babusar top that glitters like pearls among the green mountains. It May, it was cold like a December night in Lahore or Lala Musa. I wished to have a home there, where I could take pleasure from the natural beauty of this area, but the locals live tough life, without simplest of the modern day civic amenities. But some of the more traditional food is still on offer in eating joins in the area: apricot noodles, apricot soup, apricot bread, apricot tea -- the secret of long life in the valley is attributed to apricots. In fact, the diet of people in the area as a whole is famous for its health giving properties. One of the best sites to stay at Babusar top is from where rivers (Kunhar and Chilas) originate.
At places the track down the top is so narrow that the four wheels of jeep could barely fit on it. There are mountains on one side of the track, many hundred feet deep ditches on the other side, and the river flows underneath. A spot in the way, namely, Khari is so dangerous to cross by the jeep that I still remember. It is on this route that the nerves are sharply tested. Gripping the jeep bars with full force, I forgot everything except the name of Allah Almighty. With the help of Allah, we crossed the place safely. Later, the skills of the driver were praised by every one! Due to the dangerous track, most people do not prefer this route and they come from the Naran side and return well before the top and they are deprived of the sights near the Babusar top. That is one thing that makes this jaunt more beautiful and fulfilling.
Next in the way is Lulusar -- a beautiful rectangular lake, about half a mile wide with sheer green mountains rising from the opposite side. The water is clear but dark green with the perfect reflection of the white snow in that depth of green. At various points, not far from the water's edge were icebergs, the tips of the glaciers, which had slid into the lake and not yet melted. Before arriving at village Jhalghat, we saw a beautiful circular hole of green water in the way side track. There are many local legends attached with this hole. Some people think that it is the footprint of a jinni that had been mentioned in the romantic tales of Saif ul Muluk and Princess Badar Jamal; others think that something has fallen from the sky which made this hole. The valley is most beautiful where river and track are almost at the same level. The mountains peaks covered with clouds make the place even more exquisite. We spent the night there.
Fresh, we started for Lalazar next morning. Now the track gets wider as well as is in better condition. The most fascinating thing about Lalazar is its curved path around a mountain towards its top. Lalazar is a beautiful spot covered with pine and spruce, with meadows full of flowers.
After spending few hours, we left for Naran and made it in the evening. Naran is the centre of tourism in the Kaghan valley. I was reminded of a British writer James Hilton who travelled to this remote valley in 1931 and found a place so beautiful, so wild and so remote that he named it Shangri-La, an earthly paradise. So apt! The river takes a leisurely bend forming islands and pools and bubbles over rocks. Taking quick round of the Lake Saif ul Muluk, we started our journey back.
Back in to the real life, we went our separate ways: some back to Shinkiari, some stayed in Abbottabad and some went to other stations, places where one lives the real life. Heavenly! The world is etched in my mind ever since.
posted by Shirazi @ 6:07 PM,
, links to this post
Why We Love {or Don't}
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
True love between men and women is the foundation of a conjugal relationship. Why you love (hate) your spouse? We have received following answers to email question from cross section of cyber society.You can add more.Women
Reasons: Why I love my husband?
- He does not trust me.
- He has a big ego that does not let him budge.
- He is selfish.
- He does not brush his teeth.
- He cares more for his parents then for me.
- He comes home to sleep only; spends all quality time outside doing business and with friends.
- He has a crush on every woman he meets.
- He is adict.
- He smells.
- He is always comparing me with wives of others.
- He is a cheat.
- After 36 years of marriage, there are more things that I dislike about my husband than I like. He seems to live in his own world and I am just a part of it.
- All he knows about me is that I have boobs.
- I thought he loved me but after marriage it came out that he married to get imigration papers. Now that he is settled, he is looking for even greener pastures.
- My husband and me fight all the time.
- He says that I have pimples on face, no lustre on it, circles round eyes.
- My husband is a wonderful, charming, loving guy to every one, but when it comes to me, he can be a son of a …
Reasons: Why I love my wife?
- She has earned my full trust over time.
- She is a wonderful p[erson and sincere friend.
- She is very caring: helps me get ready for the day, day after day.
- She takes care of our home.
- She is respectful to my parents.
- She is easy to to talk to and participate positively and keenly.
- She is very beautiful.
- I always find neat home, when I come back after work.
- She cooks good.
- She always calls me fom home to remind to take my lunch on time.
- She has become my best friend over time; she listens, she shares.
Reasons: Why I do not love my wife?
Labels: Lifestyle, Society, Women
posted by Shirazi @ 8:22 AM,
, links to this post
You Are Invited
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
You are invited to contribute your thoughts in general. In particular, write how you blog? Why?
How blogging matters in life and work? Success stories, motivations and inspirations. Answer these questions and more (add what you feel is important dimension) in a post and send in word document.
Read some of the writers bloggers (Every blogger is a writer. No?) who have already contributed and criteria for inviting bloggers to join Fine Art of Blogging.
posted by Shirazi @ 10:50 PM,
, links to this post
How Tom Peters Blogs
Tom Peters says, (100 was to Succeed # 29), “Blogging, I firmly believe, is the premier emergent marketing-brandbuilding-lovemarkcreating tool of our times! It is the premier way to have intimate-engaging-informative-WOWing" conversation with clients and prospects! This all goes double for small … Do you see blogging in these exalted lights? If not why not? Please… Blog as if your professional success depends on it.
Let me add this, Blog As If Your Social Life Depends On It. It does, only replace clients and prospects in what Tom Peters wrote with friends and may be crushes (they know who they are).
posted by Shirazi @ 10:00 PM,
, links to this post
The Leaders
"Women wear the pants, pay the bills and compete with the big boys,” is a cry in Candace Bushnell's new novel Lipstick Jungle, “The women in this book are not looking to be swept off their pedicured feet, nor are they content to be the proverbial woman behind every great man.”
The other one, The Opt-Out Revolution by Lisa Belkin. Like Opt Out Revolution, the assertions in Lipstick Jungle have also created a great debate; attention, criticism both by men as well as women.
The questions here are do women need big men for success and self-actualization? Do men make women glow? How else can they shine with the fullness of life? Or axiom like men and women complementing each other still holds some water.
What you think who should lead?
posted by Shirazi @ 12:44 PM,
, links to this post
InfoSec 2008 - 4th International Conference on Information Security, Islamabad
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Since its an established nationwide event, distinguished Pakistani & international speakers will participate. Agenda.
Those interested in attending to reach out to following with my reference.
KHAWAJA Mohammad Ali, CISA
Regional Coordinator
National Response Centre for Cyber Crimes (NR3C)
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
Government of Pakistan
Karachi Regional Office
Direct: +92.21. 9266 007
PBX: +92.21. 926 NR3C
Fax: +92.21. 9266 733
Emai: khawaja.ali@nr3c.gov.pk
posted by Shirazi @ 11:51 AM,
, links to this post
My Network
Saturday, August 23, 2008
{This article is written on the recomendation of and dedicated to Shama} A wise person once said that human beings are social animals. This axiom surely rings true for those who have integrated information technology into their lives and are forever online. Now, with the advent of cyber networking, the term socialisation is taking on a whole new meaning.
Internet marketers say that social networking is one of the fastest growing online trends. The number of social networking sites seems to be growing daily. Nielson/NetRatings issued a study in May this year showing that the “top 10 social networking sites saw traffic grow 47 per cent over the last year, with MySpace seeing the biggest growth (367 per cent increase) and MSN Spaces (286 per cent) being second on the list. Hosted blogging systems were included in the study,” reads the report.
So how does it work? Social networking sites allow users to create free online profiles where they can display biographical information, photos, hobbies, interests, swap information, throw trolls and flames, and much more. After completing an online profile, users can connect or network with other users’ profiles. As they connect with more and more people, their network keeps expanding. By adding just a few friends to their network, users can end up being connected to thousands of other people across different cultures and societies. These networks can then be used for fun, for bringing together specific groups and arranging activities, and also for serious business networking.
The social networking trend through technology started back in 1998 when Amazon.com acquired PlanetAll. That was a pioneer site, providing the foundation of sharing contact information, basic biographies, and expanding networks through friends’ networks. This was followed by a mushrooming growth of social sites. Now social networking websites claim to have attracted millions of registered users across the globe. That is one reason marketers are looking at these sites with interest.
Like many others, I have been paying attention to social networking on three different sites — Orkut, Facebook and Gather — in the past couple of weeks. I have answered more requests to be “friends” than I ever did in the past and I have been looking at other people’s friends to see if I know anyone. I have also asked a few to join my network of friends. Who does not need more friends? In addition to this activity, I have been reading about other people’s experiences.
Orkut is still an invite-only website popular among Pakistani students and young people, in general. Facebook has been opened to common users only recently and is not yet well-known in this part of the world. Previously, Facebook was for students of educational institutions that were registered with the service. Gather is more erudite and a newer launch.
Orkut does a few things in different ways by trying to deal with different human emotions. It is faster than other similar social networking sites. Unlike most services focusing on promoting a single type of social connection, Orkut allows three aspects of users’ lives: personal, social, and professional. Killers like karma ratings, communities or flagging through “hot” and “crush” lists make it different (call it cool). Everything else is almost the same: the user interface with photo thumbnails and many other features are similar to that of Friendster and its predecessors.
Initially, only 1,200 invitation were sent out mostly to Google staffers. The rest followed through invitation by initial members. Orkut, like all social networking services, has been designed to promote a set of predetermined behavioural traits instead of enabling users to do what seems most interesting and useful to them. Email me if you still need Orkut invitation.
Facebook is another extremely popular site among students in a more connected world. Now open to everyone, Facebook was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg of Harvard University. It kept expanding to schools, colleges and universities over time. None of the Pakistani universities were on the network though.
On September 11, 2006, Facebook announced that it would officially open to all internet users, a move that was hardly met with approval by current users. Soon after, Facebook opened registration to anyone with a valid email address. It “is a social utility that connects you to the people around you,” reads the home page of the service. One of my online friends told me that the service now lets anyone sign up outside the listed networks. Thus, I joined.
Another comparatively recent entry in the ever-growing list of social networks is Gather. This site has combined features of weblogs and social sites. What’s more Gather members are paid for their participation with “Gather Points” or cash for most frequent contributors. Though at the moment the “Gather team is working out system to make payments to members in most countries including Pakistan,” explained a Gather staffer when I asked about payments.
“Gather is a place for you to connect with people who share your passions. It is a place where you can contribute thought, art, commentary, or inspiration,” writes Thomas Gerace, founder and CEO.
What are the reasons to flock on social networking sites, besides massaging one’s ego and reaching out to kindred spirits? Peter Kollock looked into the motivations for participating in online communities and interactive sites. In his research paper titled “The economies of online cooperation: gifts and public goods in cyberspace”, he outlined three motivations: “Anticipated reciprocity — the expectation that one will receive useful help and information in return. Indeed, there is evidence that active participants in online communities get more responses. Increased reputation — in general, individuals want recognition for their contributions. Sense of efficacy — individuals may contribute valuable information because the act results in a sense of efficacy... a sense that they have had some effect on this environment.”
Here in Pakistan, we are just beginning to get ready to jump on social networking bandwagon. User interest in social networking websites is growing with an increase in members — a great starter in a conversation that will go on for quite some time.
Where is your cyber social circle?
posted by Shirazi @ 10:55 AM,
, links to this post
Spreading the Blog Love
Friday, August 22, 2008
Join this meme and spread some blog love and discover some nice bloggers in the process!
Copy Here
(Pls. don't remove) Credits: Elements/Paper by Dani Mogstad/ Layout by JennyL
Rules:
1. Don't remove the credits when you post the image
2. Please link back to the person who tagged you and pass this tag to many of your friends
3. If you have more than one blog, please post this to all of your blogs so your other blogs can be listed to the master list too.
4. Remember to come back here at A SLICE OF LIFE (pls. don't change this link)and leave the exact post url so I can add you to the master list to help increase our rankings and improve our Technorati Authority.
6. Spread the BLOG LOVE FEVER!!
1.Jenny Said So 2.) Simply Jen 3.) This and That 4.) Bargain.Sales.Deals. 5. A Slice of Life 6.) Aussie Talks 7. When Mom Talks 8. Mommy Talks 9 Aggie Shoots. Aggie Scraps 10 All Kinds of Me Stuff 11 The Salad Caper 12. Winding Creek Circle 13. InkBabyStudios 14. Me and Mine 15. Creative in Me 16. For the LOVE of Food 17. Little Peanut 18. Pea in a Pod 19. It’s Where the HEART Is 20. Around the World 21. SugarMagnolias 22. Nita's Random Thoughts 23. Nita's Corner 24. Nita's Ramblings 25. Batuananons 26. Thomas Web Links 27. Filipino Online Community 28. Thomas Travel Tales 29. Bohol Paradise 30. My Wandering Thoughts 31. Arts and Entertainment Center 32. Great Finds and Deals 33. Make Money Online 34. Entertainment News and Beyond 35. Erlinda's Wandering Thoughts 36. TnT Kit 37. Aha Mama! 38. A Zone for Digiscraps 39. RazorianFly :] 40. WebGeek Journal… 41.All About The Memories 42. Spymama 43. Alamak OiOi 44. HasH's Personal Blog 45. MommyAllehs Up-Close and Personal 46. All About Kawaii 47. My Photographic Sketch 48. Embrace Simplicity 49.WilStop 50. Fun.Fierce.Fabulous 51. Kidd Designs 52. Me,Myself+2 53. Anygen's Journey 54. Ultimate Food Cooking Guide 55. Moments of My Life 56. Insights from the Grocery Cart 57.Beauty of Life 58.Jona's New Life 59.Money Maker 60.Creations 61. Quicker8 62. The Daily Matters 63. Make Every Day Your Lucky Day 64. Triz Designs 65.Pinaymama's Diary 66. A Mother's Journal 67.Simple Life, Simply Me 68. Life Expressions 69.Asawa's Love Book 70. Pinay in States 71. Blessings in Life 72. Thoughts and Beyond 73. Journey in Life 74. Tere’s World 75. A Mother's Simple Thoughts 76. Tech Stuff Plus 77. Unique You 78. My Blogging Experience 79. Pinay dot US 80. My Blog Entry 81. Byaheng Pinay 82. A Pet's Life 83. My Journey to Momhood 84. Straight from the Heart 85. Anything and Everything in Between 86. Living A' La Mode 87. My Crossroads 88. A Beautiful Life 89. Race Corner 90. Moms... Check Nyo 91. My Wanderings 92. Picture Clusters 93. Maiylah's Snippets 94. Free Blogger Templates 95. joys IN LIFE 96.Life is What we Make it 97. Pinay WAHM 98. Life Realities 99. Hailey's Domain 100. Hailey's Bits and Beats 101. When SAHM-one Speaks 102.Jean's Live it Up... 103. Motherhood Unscripted 104. Ivory Tasks 105. I Play Mom 106. Juls Random Thoughts 107. A Grateful Heart 108. The Real Deal The Real Me 109. Biz-N-Honey 110. Aeirin's Collections 111. Blessings and Beyond 112. Mommy Earns Money Online 113. Pinay Mommy Online 114. Pinay Mommies Community 115.Everything Has A Reason 116. A Moment to Exhale 117. Room of Sphere Ideas 118. Jenny's Wandering Thoughts 119. Rumination 120. OnlineBiz and Resources 121. Digital Life Scraps 122. Lourdes' Mia 123. A Matter of Perspective 124.My Colorful World 125. HeartishMy Not So Pvt. Space in th Web 126. Fine Art of Blogging 127.
posted by Shirazi @ 11:04 AM,
, links to this post
Wonders of Cell Phones
Advancement is a must if mankind is going to survive in the long term. Multifunctional mobile phones with cameras are one example. They are the hottest gadgets these days, making communications faster and easier.Primary function of most phones with cameras is simple: Point, click and send. Features depend on what handset manufacturer offer and they vary greatly. No matter what functions one wants in a phone, style and appearance is important to just about everyone. Some of the latest phones include highly fashionable and functional features that make the latest technology more usable -- swivel-style mechanics, 360 degrees rotating screens, vertical left turns and much more. Ever-shrinking microchip technology and huge sums being pumped in to research in the field has already made camera phone one of the newest and coolest pocket gizmo. Now the trendy camera pooches have also appeared in the market. What is more, Internet devices, music players and even good old television are poised to merge together with mobile phones already equipped with cameras.
As per reports, billions of mobile phones with camera have been sold worldwide. Mobile phone companies are always planning to launch new handsets, with newer innovations. Given the exponential growth and usability improving every day, industry executive are expecting that camera phones will surpass the need of digital cameras in less than a decade.
The difference in use of mobile phones with camera in America or in Japan and other developed countries and Pakistan is obvious. What is amazing, however, is the popularity of mobile phones with cameras in otherwise low tech Pakistan.
Locally the main users of the mobile phones with camera so far are 'stylish' people and youth. It is not so much of an issue whether or not some one uses a phone with camera compared to whether or not they actually have one. Azmat Hayat, a vendor in Hafiz centre says, "People do not buy camera phones for the camera. They buy phone that should have camera along with it. But camera phones are certainly common among those who can afford them (and now a large number can) and they are high on the wish lists of those who still do not have them. They are considered cool or just plain fun. For them having camera phones is a lifestyle."
"Visit any campus and see how people use the phones with camera. There is great peer pressure to join the picture messaging crowd, notwithstanding interpretability and multiple standards,” says Ali, “It is my hobby. I have been changing my mobile every six-month till I bought my present camera mobile.” About use he thinks that more sophisticated usage of the camera phones have not yet crossed the seven seas though it is growing.
In developed countries, cameras phones are being successfully used as business tools particularly for real estate, public safety, insurance, marketing, construction and advertising. Newspapers are publishing front-page pictures shot by amateur photographers using cameras built in their mobile phones, showing how advances in technology can assist traditional media in collecting and printing news. In Japan, it has already become common to sell pictures to television stations and other media channels. Industrial spies, disgruntled employees, criminals and irresponsible pornographers are abusing camera phones as well. Teachers have caught students sending photos of answers to another student across the same examination hall. The proliferation of mobiles with cameras is bringing more opportunities to use mobile phone devices in different capacities. Technology, however, is not the issue here. Usage of the mobiles with camera is.
The very technologies that make such mobile phones with camera so simple, tempting, and seductive can also be used to deceive wilfully. It is possible for any one to pretend to be in any desire situation from heavy traffic to thunderstorm during a mobile phone call – a software has appeared that would generates fake background noise while the users may actually be elsewhere. The software can even create the sound of another phone ringing to provide a handy excuse for cutting short a call. Developers of such software are also human like all others!
Imagine what the growing presence of cameras phones with the ability to snap any one distribute or store those images can do in a conservative society like ours. It reminds of paparazzi culture -- freelance and curious photographer roaming everywhere every time.
Use of Mobile phones with cameras has been banned in Saudi Arabia. Many sensitive businesses in the West have also banned camera phones on the job due to mounting suspicions that the high tech gadgets may pose threats to closely guarded trade secrets. More are considering doing that.
Banning the use of the technology is never the answer. It does not work. Instead, preventing abuse of technology must be done through education, awareness and at appropriate level. So how can we respond appropriately? We should definitely note that people have a right to choose, and need to maintain degree of privacy and security. Beyond that, we should encourage more openness instead of any mania. No body would like returning to the days of the mailing pictures via snail mails but first more purposeful usages of camera phones have to be found. Till then they are a fad among high-end consumers segment of the market?
How do you use your mobile phone with camera?
posted by Shirazi @ 9:40 AM,
, links to this post
A Technological Warfare Concept Endemic to the Information Age
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
This comment led me to article by James Andrew Lewis and I asked him to give his opinion. James Andrew Lewis says,
Here's a piece from a few years ago (pdf) that looked at cyber terror from a strategic perspective. I started out believing in cyber terror and wanted to review all known cases to look for patterns. I found that there weren't any cases, and in the following five years there still aren't any.
That led me to 2 questions: why haven't terrorists tried this (they're smart and active, so they’re choosing to do something else); and if a country launched a cyber attack, in what ways would US military capabilities be diminished. You could ask different questions about information warfare or intelligence-and hacking is the most successful form of signals intelligence in history and the US is the chief victim, but that’s not terror.
My questions remain open-if cyber terror is so easy and so powerful, why hasn't anyone tried it, what would have to change to get them to try it, and even if they tried it, would it succeed?
On the other hand my question to the students of strategic studies and national security is, in what ways would military and or economic capabilities be diminished if any countery launches a cyber attack on another?
Thanks to James Andrew Lewis (a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic & International Studies and director of their Technology and Public Policy Program. His experience with the U.S. Foreign Service and Senior Executive Service includes negotiations on arms transfers, advising the U.S. military, and developing new policies for national security and technology.)
posted by Shirazi @ 12:14 PM,
, links to this post
Blogging Made Easy
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Blogging to me, is coming together in this large, vast world to share opinions, ideas, stories, and inspirations. It is the opportunity to have friends that you'd have otherwise not met. People share their personalities and photos with the world in hopes that other like-minded people will feel the same, or maybe differently. A blog to me, is a forum with an unlimited amount of possibilities as to what you can put on there for the world to see. Be it an online journal, a place to share family pictures, or a place to rant and rave about work and others of life's misgivings.
They also ask how do I make blogging easy. Well, I could say that I make blogging easy by taking whatever information I can find and sharing it with my readers, in my own voice. I put my personality out there and others do the same. Blogging is easy and I would encourage everyone out there to get a blog. If not to chronicle day to day activities, then to say something! Have a voice and be heard!
Blogging matters in life because it gives us an out. We can vent here and community members can laugh or cry with us, or agree or disagree.
I first started a "blog" around 1999/2000, the site was globalcrap.com. I raved about work and other stuff like that. People emailed submissions to me for posting and that was that. Back then, if you got a link from someone, that person was probably your real life friend. Then, when you linked to people, it wasn't because they paid for the link, it was because you genuinely liked what they had to say. This site was taken down immediately after my manager asked what it was. I replied that I didn't know and took the site down before he could find out for himself. I wish now that I would've kept it alive and going. It was all written in basic HTML and was updated by hand.
After that, I started tinkering around with blogs in December of 2005, at lonelynomore.net. I got the site name because I was reviewing dating sites and making fun of personal ads (I know, rotten, right?) at the time. Also, the domain name idea came from the Rob Thomas song of the same name.
Afterwards, I moved on to Yes, Mistress over at ClevelandBrew.com. They imported all of my posts, if you'd like to check them out. I was frankly evil in what I've said over there. Especially to the guy that hit my new car four days after I got it.
Then it was Earsucker.com. I love this site, it's all about music and the such. Hop on over sometime and say hi.
Now I have this blog. I'm happy that I can share some aspect of my life with you. Also, I've guest posted at ICYDK.com and PureBlogging. Hang around a while and see what happens next! :)
posted by Shirazi @ 10:27 PM,
, links to this post
An Alternative
This is another alternative to OLPC and a solution to the cheap computing problems faced by the third world. I don't agree with this person for the following reasons:
1. "But the developing world is not just "village kids", but rather motivated, ambitious people engaged in business, agriculture, commerce, healthcare, finance and education."
- the OLPC and other similar initiatives are directed towards children and students and not business so I don't know why he is making this point.
- the "ambitious people engaged in business, agriculture, commerce, healthcare, finance and education" in countries like pakistan typically already have and already use computers so they don't really need OLPC type machines.
2. The solution offered by him is not really feasible as the mainframes required for thin clients are expensive. The thin clients must be bought on top of buying and maintaining the mainframes. What about the so called "IT ecosystem" that he talks about? If such an ecosystem is needed then wouldn't that also apply to his solution. Mainframes also require specialized knowledge and staff for maintenance and that's another expense. I am sure his company will also be happy to provide expensive repair and maintenance for their solution :)
3. Finally, the world is moving towards web based solutions. The kids need familiarity with computers and access to a web browser. Applications likes Google docs provide similar functionality to applications that may be offered by mainframes via thin clients. With OLPC type machines the children don't have to go into a computer lab and access information via thin clients. They can use their laptops at home and have access to information and applications at any time.
$100 laptop' to sell to public
posted by Shirazi @ 9:40 AM,
, links to this post
Socrates
Monday, August 18, 2008
After the award of death sentence to Socrates, his followers started endeavouring to get his sentence cancelled and went to those at the helms of the affairs. The authorities argued that Socrates has corrupted the Athenian youth and he speaks against beliefs and gods of the masses. That is why he has rightly been sentenced to death? When nothing else worked the followers of Socrates resorted to requests and appeals that his life be spared.Authorities agreed that they will let go of Socrates only if he apologises. Happy on their success, supporters came to Socrates and narrated how the negotiations had gone asking him to make an apology. No way! Socrates would not budge.
“You are unreasonably defying,” they bickered. “No I am not. You want that I should apologies from these egalitarians. Never! I prefer death over apologizing from those lovers of democracy.” He told them the truth.
Socrates drank poison calmly, never reneging upon his beliefs in front of democracy aficionados. What were the views to Socrates about democrats most of us do not know.
posted by Shirazi @ 8:10 AM,
, links to this post
Google Maps
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Google has recently enabled map editing features in a wiki like fashion for Pakistan. The official announcement is here. Anyone with a Google (Gmail) Account can add roads, landmarks and more to the map and moderate the entries made by other people like here is a portion of Main Boulevard in Gulberg, Lahore. View this to get start.
Follow the link to Pakistan’s mapmaker wiki page and discussion thread from here.
In order for this to work, we will have to contribute to it collectively. Use your Google Account to log into http://www.google.com/mapmaker, you will see an interface very similar to Google Maps with added controls to find and add features. You can add features such as Placemarks (mark a location such as a business or school); draw roads, rivers; draw regions to mark areas such as a park or neighborhoods.
posted by Shirazi @ 2:08 PM,
, links to this post
Happy Independence day
posted by Shirazi @ 8:00 AM,
, links to this post
Chauvinism and or Feminism
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Feminism was more of a revolution than an evolution. Feminism aspired toward a society in which men and women have equal opportunities and little or no difference in their roles. Feminism elevated career fulfillment above the care of children and families in the lives of women and everyone else. Biological mothers still had a sense of honor about child-raising in Feminist practice, but fathers were freed from their traditional role by a culture that was cheerleading for single motherhood and recreational sex. Feminist culture guides most developed societies today, and intentionally or otherwise promotes the self-fulfillment of women through careers, divorce, recreational sex, and single motherhood. 50 % of the children now live with only one biological parent.
What is a better choice; Chauvinism or Feminism?
posted by Shirazi @ 3:13 PM,
, links to this post
Power Tools
Throughout the last century the use of power tools has increased exponentially. Though tools have been there since the dawn of civilization, the conventional tools in present age has come to the point where they encompasses every thing; ok almost every thing. The term tools are used for wide range of products that help in so many different things in daily life.
Have a look at Black & Decker Power Tool and see what they are offering and how. Black & Decker is the world’s largest producer of power tools and accessories. It’s household products business is the U.S. leader and among global competitors in the small household appliance industry. With products marketed in over 100 countries and approximately half of its revenues from outside the United States, Black & Decker's product lines hold leading market share positions in their industries. The company has a history. Explore the site and see their contributions in different fields including inventions. Also check their wide range of tools.
I am wondering home one can live without some of those tools.
posted by Shirazi @ 1:48 PM,
, links to this post
Confessions
Saturday, August 9, 2008
When I started blogging, I didn’t think about how many comments I was going to get every time I posted an entry, or how much I was going to earn from plugging ads, or if I would spark heated debates with my written thoughts, or if I would eventually get published by The New Yorker, or if I will meet legions of friends through my site.Honestly, I never thought of that.
I was already deep into blogging in 2002 when I realized that, back then, most bloggers utilized weblogging as a tool to share personal commentary relating to politics, science and technology, business, and all of those boring (but important!) stuff (which probably didn’t or couldn't get published in the dailies). For a while, I actually felt embarrassed at the way I used the blogosphere for my own purposes. In a world of Instapundit, Daily Kos, and (later on) Engadget dot coms, I was an insignificant soon-to-be ex-partygirl (I was getting married!) making like Doogie Howser MD on Bravejournal.
That’s right, I was a diarist. I still am. Though my thoughts do not, say, influence the voting public, I’ve long ago ceased to apologize for my cyber-existence. What was the harm in publishing my personal prattle?
After a while, though, I did give up. Blogging was a novelty then, and nobody read me. I lost steam.
Moving to Blogger.Com, I laid my other site to rest and started anew with Confessions of a Domesticated Party Girl in 2004. This came in the wake of some sudden personal shifts in my life. I was a new mom, in a country thousands of miles away from home, unfamiliar with all things domestic, and facing an uncertain future. The vast, wide cyberspace was my sounding board – and boy, did it listen! Blogging was my happy place – a launch pad for putting my thoughts out there, existing, even as my suddenly mundane life swallowed and hid me from the rest of the world.
Nothing much has changed since then. My blog still revolves around my love-hate relationship with my domestication and its effects on my (and my husband's) sanity. I write about my daughter (she never runs out of things for me to blog about). I write about food, friends, family, Fendi, good (and not-so-good) finds and fortune, my fears, and my faith (whew, lots of Fs in there). Sometimes, I even surprise myself (and my readers, too) with some serious two unsolicited pennies on various issues.
So what changed? Well, it came in the form of Marikit.Net when Marikit Tin offered me to join her community. To me, that meant three things: one, that people were *gasp* actually reading my blog; two, it was an honor to be writing alongside these inspiring women (one of the highest points in my blogging career, thus far), and; three, that I can be more than just a prattling sahmmy (stay-at-home mommy).
Yes, one of the most significant things I've learned from blogging is that: you can take it to a higher level. My blog, perhaps, is not unlike most online diaries out there - we're probably writing about the same things, expressing the same thoughts, subscribing to the same promo and ad tools, or using the same blog template. However, I realized that, once you commit to honing your craft, finding your voice, and writing to please, nay, affect any soul who happens to stumble upon your space (consequently reaching back out to you, feeling with you, connecting with you), then you will have taken your blog towards a higher level of skill - that, to a fine art.
Now, I’ve spread my wings. I write with a wonderful group of wives at WifeSpeaks.Com on weekly topics about the joys and challenges of being a wife and mother. Likewise, together with some of my most opinionated friends from the University, we started Change of Engagement, a group blog that tries to deliver some targetted stabs to the heart of Philippine politics. Finally, being an expatriate myself, I also contribute some articles to PINOYExpats, an e-zine geared towards Philippine expatriates and immigrants worlwide. Indeed, the world could be made cozier, more personal, more relevant, by a simple mouse click on the "Post" or "Publish" button.
Right now, my light-brown canvas of a blog is still a work-in-progress - still painting my world as I see it, still trying to find that perfect frame. In spite of that, I am thankful that this medium has allowed me to connect with my family, my friends, and even perfect strangers. Interactions, relationships, respect: these are what gives blogging its soul. Like any work of art, blogs need to be beheld so as to derive meaning. Connections.
As I think about it now, I still don't go crazy if I get only a few comments every time I post an entry – my Statcounter says people have passed by, and that already makes me happy. I still don't think about how much I am going to earn from plugging ads - I guess, a dollar a month for the next three thousand months will eventually buy me a Fendi. I have neither sparked any major debates yet (I think) nor has The New Yorker acknowledged my existence (Yet). However, I will continue blogging because of my need to exist. Like paintings on the wall, my storytelling will be my legacy to my daughter, proof that I lived my life to the fullest (despite the housework), and a wish that she will find her own voice someday.
The people I've met through blogging, real, talented, and courageous people willing to share their lives and passions out in the open, I cherish them. I can't be inspired, challenged, and awed enough by their unique personal masterpieces.
Simply put, my take is: in the blogging world, it's absolutely no fun to party alone.
posted by Shirazi @ 10:55 AM,
, links to this post
Your Home Page
Homepage, also called as a default page, "is the main page or the first page of a Website that a browser opens with, or where the browser will return if the Home button on the Navigation toolbar is pressed." Good homepage should attract, hold the attention of the visitors and direct them to content within the rest of the site. Webmasters and designers obviously go a long way in their endeavors that users make their sites' Homepages as their own, apart from tweaking them for the search engines. Most Websites have options like this: 'Make us your home page, click here to make us your home page, click to make this as a default page. But that is not enough particularly with savvy and choosy users.
Typically, a homepages provides background of the Website they belong to and links to other information sources. Homepages are more general in focus and introduce the main concepts, rather than focusing specifically on one subject. Users have the option to set the homepage {click on tools on the browser toolbar, Internet options, and Use Current or Use Default (that in case of Windows is MSN homepage) or Use Blank} of their choice; some do it and some others do not bother.
One wonders what users look for when they select homepages on their own machines. Having seen a lot of homepages, I have been asking a few of the Internet users what theirs is. Why they like it? Why did they prefer it and what they use it for? Empirical observations show that over 65 percent users just leave it as whatever it was when they got their computer. Mostly, it is MSN homepage in case of local users because it comes with the Windows operating System. "They simply may be casual or may be lacking know how to manipulate and set their homepage afresh, says Webmaster Fauji Foundation Hospital Site Zahid Shazad.
Out of those who change their home page, some 15 percent have a blank page and the rest (20 percent) have selected their most favorite site's home page as their. Aamir Waqas, a working journalist says, "I have set my browser to open as blank page when I launch it. I like it uncluttered and simple. I have to work on different sites they are all bookmarked in Favorite cache. I just point my mouse to any one I want to explore and it opens. It is simple."
Besides contents, the convenience matters. Users prefer to do their job with least possible clicks. Dr. Farid Abbas, a research fellow who writes research based case studies for post graduate students in one university says, "I have set Yahoo Mail as my home page because I find it easy to go to my inbox that is at Yahoo. But I keep changing it. When I am doing some project, I have the home page of related site."
Search the net is one major activity online. Every user searches the net for one thing or the other. One study says that "75 percent of Internet users gather web contents, while 25 percent search for specific items." Hence many users are found with search engine set as home page on their machines; Google at the top.
Design of the home page is one of the major attractions for the young users – the fraternity that have diverse interests and activities online. Some love to search things they like online, others like the news about games that a few of the portals display in their ever rotating tiles. Those who are found of sending greeting cards have sites, which offer the greeting cards facility, as their home page. I found a couple of young users having sites as their home pages that dish out similies, new one every day.
Those who have their own Websites, personal or business, like to see own page first and set them as default. "It is an ego boaster to see ones own name, product or company, says Dr. Muhammad Anwar, a sociologist.
The phenomenon of selecting home page has taken a new dimension with new surge of self published Websites called Web logs (blogs). According to Technorati, a company considered authority on what is going on in the Blogosphere, "The current number of blogs is now over 8 times bigger than the 500,000 blogs it measured in June, 2003. The company tracked 3 million blogs as of the first week of July 2004, and has added over 1 million blogs to its stable since then. Another report says that new weblog is created every 5.8 seconds. That roughly translates into 15,000 new blogs every day. Many Internet users are maintaining their own blogs and of course they like to set them as their home pages, for increasing their hit counts if nothing else.
Blogs are ultimate in customisation. Users can link all what they need on one page. (Yes, I too have linked every thing I need on the Internet including search facility on my blog and have set that as a home page.) Home pages of the Websites are being used to construct identity of people or products. Every one of the Webmasters and marketers is vying for users' attention. On the other hand, much choice is available to the users and when they come to a site, "almost 8 out of 10 of the Internet users are saying this: I have been lead here, now what next.
Tell me why I should visit here again; let alone making this my home page." More choice the users have, choosier they will become and this will go on and on. So what is your? You are welcome to make my home page as yours.
posted by Shirazi @ 10:31 AM,
, links to this post
Fat Burner
Friday, August 8, 2008
I have always been thinking that I am not chubby, I only look chubby. But only those who are suffering may appreciate the physical as well as social problems of those extra contours around the waist and elsewhere. If you are the one suffering, have a look at Fat Burner - one of the best resource for me and all those like me is fat burner.
A fat burner is a dietary supplement that contains certain herbs and or chemicals that may increase energy, stimulate metabolism, and/or suppress appetite. Every single one of the thousands of fat burners available all claim that they will help you lose weight. With so many different types of fat burners you would think that everybody could find the right product to help them attain their weight loss goals. But finding the ‘right’ fat burner is often difficult. What may work for me, may not work for you.
Mind you, there are no miracle pills, magic pills, or fat melting pills. Supplements are used to supplement or assist your diet and exercise program. Explore the site and see what can work for you best and try that.
posted by Shirazi @ 2:08 PM,
, links to this post
Mobile Matters
Primary function of most phones with cameras is simple: Point, click and send. Features depend on what handset manufacturer offer and they vary greatly. No matter what functions one wants in a phone, style and appearance is important to just about everyone. Some of the latest phones include highly fashionable and functional features that make the latest technology more usable -- swivel-style mechanics, 360 degrees rotating screens, vertical left turns and much more. Ever-shrinking microchip technology and huge sums being pumped in to research in the field has already made camera phone one of the newest and coolest pocket gizmo. Now the trendy camera pooches have also appeared in the market. What is more, Internet devices, music players and even good old television are poised to merge together with mobile phones already equipped with cameras.
As per reports, billions of mobile phones with camera have been sold worldwide. Mobile phone companies are always planning to launch new handsets, with newer innovations. Given the exponential growth and usability improving every day, industry executive are expecting that camera phones will surpass the need of digital cameras in less than a decade.
The difference in use of mobile phones with camera in America or in Japan and other developed countries and Pakistan is obvious. What is amazing, however, is the popularity of mobile phones with cameras in otherwise low tech Pakistan.
Locally the main users of the mobile phones with camera so far are 'stylish' people and youth. It is not so much of an issue whether or not some one uses a phone with camera compared to whether or not they actually have one. Azmat Hayat, a vendor in Hafiz centre says, "People do not buy camera phones for the camera. They buy phone that should have camera along with it. But camera phones are certainly common among those who can afford them (and now a large number can) and they are high on the wish lists of those who still do not have them. They are considered cool or just plain fun. For them having camera phones is a lifestyle."
"Visit any campus and see how people use the phones with camera. There is great peer pressure to join the picture messaging crowd, notwithstanding interpretability and multiple standards,” says Ali, “It is my hobby. I have been changing my mobile every six-month till I bought my present camera mobile.” About use he thinks that more sophisticated usage of the camera phones have not yet crossed the seven seas though it is growing.
In developed countries, cameras phones are being successfully used as business tools particularly for real estate, public safety, insurance, marketing, construction and advertising. Newspapers are publishing front-page pictures shot by amateur photographers using cameras built in their mobile phones, showing how advances in technology can assist traditional media in collecting and printing news. In Japan, it has already become common to sell pictures to television stations and other media channels. Industrial spies, disgruntled employees, criminals and irresponsible pornographers are abusing camera phones as well. Teachers have caught students sending photos of answers to another student across the same examination hall. The proliferation of mobiles with cameras is bringing more opportunities to use mobile phone devices in different capacities. Technology, however, is not the issue here. Usage of the mobiles with camera is.
The very technologies that make such mobile phones with camera so simple, tempting, and seductive can also be used to deceive wilfully. It is possible for any one to pretend to be in any desire situation from heavy traffic to thunderstorm during a mobile phone call – a software has appeared that would generates fake background noise while the users may actually be elsewhere. The software can even create the sound of another phone ringing to provide a handy excuse for cutting short a call. Developers of such software are also human like all others!
Imagine what the growing presence of cameras phones with the ability to snap any one distribute or store those images can do in a conservative society like ours. It reminds of paparazzi culture -- freelance and curious photographer roaming everywhere every time.
Use of Mobile phones with cameras has been banned in Saudi Arabia. Many sensitive businesses in the West have also banned camera phones on the job due to mounting suspicions that the high tech gadgets may pose threats to closely guarded trade secrets. More are considering doing that.
Banning the use of the technology is never the answer. It does not work. Instead, preventing abuse of technology must be done through education, awareness and at appropriate level. So how can we respond appropriately? We should definitely note that people have a right to choose, and need to maintain degree of privacy and security. Beyond that, we should encourage more openness instead of any mania. No body would like returning to the days of the mailing pictures via snail mails but first more purposeful usages of camera phones have to be found. Till then they are a fad among high-end consumers segment of the market?
How do you use your mobile phone with camera?
posted by Shirazi @ 9:21 AM,
, links to this post
Burn the Fats
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Obessity is a general problem and most people want to brunt that extra fat and many others need to but the fact is that losing weight is a difficult issue. Along with regular exercise and will to shape up, one of the best ways to lose weight is through Xenadrine RFA-X.
Xenadrine RFA-X consists of DMAE and Coleus forskholii. These are two awesome fat burners that promote long term fat loss. Xenadrine RFA-X is expected to be a good fat burner. Stay tuned to sybervision.com and wait when this diet supplement is officially released. It will be available for $60.
Sybervision.com - unbiased source for diet pill, wrinkle cream, and acne treatment reviews – is one of the best places where weight watchers can learn about effective and useful products and see how they are doing for others. That help users to make informed health decision.
Explore the neatly laid out site and see what they are offering and how. Better still, read the reviews and see what will work best for you.
posted by Shirazi @ 2:52 PM,
, links to this post
Coins of Pakistan
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Time was changing when I opened my eyes to this world; everything seemed to be going ‘online’. But still it was not that bad - we still were living our offline lives too. It was time when stamp collection, reading books in their ‘hard copy format’, gaming (offline) with hands and feet involved, making scrap books, collecting dolls, coin collection were few of the more common hobbies instead of chatting, surfing online and downloading music.I inherited not the coin collection hobby but the coins themselves from my sis (and probably my parents too since she cannot collect coins issued years before her).
I remember years back when someone would come from any foreign land me and my siblings’ would surely ask for some coin tokens to add up in our collection. And it used to be great time of pleasure for me to open up my sis’ stamp and coin collections whenever she was away, as a feast.
To date, State Bank of Pakistan has issued numerous (and many uncountable too) coins of different denominations; from Takka to Paisa, 5 paisa’s to 50 paisas’s and then quarter rupee to 5 rupee coin. Since, I’ve a 100 Rupee coin too; so I guess, as commemoration, larger denominations in fewer amounts were issued too. Interestingly, whether 25 paisas or 50 paisas, the term Paisa was more popular, but I came across a 10 Pice too issued in 1961. I guess people were more comfortable with paisa than pice! Quarter rupee or ‘aadh pao’ was an interesting term too
English, Urdu, Bangla and Arabic are some of the main languages inscribed on these coins from time to time. With language, size and shapes also saw no restrictions but the rounder coins remained the most popular with issuing authorities. In the 1970’s and 1980’s the one rupee coin was of much better size than today’s 5 rupee coin and the value matters too (Ouch at Rupee devaluation).
Coins were used as phone tokens too back in time till early 80’s - now the calling cards rocks. While I was looking for coins online, I found an interesting site showing off real ancient coins such as this billon, issued in 1200’s by a Sindh ruler, with a horse embarked on it and even a coin from Akbar’s time too.
The oldest coin, I have, is from early times of Pakistan i.e., 1948. Other notable coins are the ones issued to commemorate 100th birth celebrations of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1976 and Allam Iqbal in 1977, Islamic Summit conference 74, Beginning of Al-Hijrah in 1401 and even one coin with the slogan that “Pedawar Barhao” jo aaj tak na barhii!
For some reasons, amongst most Pakistanis, metallic and plastic money is still not popular; it’s more of a burden than ease.
I wonder if, over time, our coins would come cherished as collectable items some time. After all, in countries like USA, UK, Canada, rare coins, stamps and even game tickets are sold for hundreds of dollars, and more!
Asma Mirza blogs at FunInLife and also at Metroblog Islamabad.
posted by Shirazi @ 1:08 PM,
, links to this post
Pet Pests
posted by Shirazi @ 1:06 PM,
, links to this post
Advertising
Friday, August 1, 2008
Now, a new change is coming in. Feminist Naomi Wolf says that the beauty myth isn't good for men or women. "It prevents (men) from actually seeing women... in suggesting a vision in place of a woman, it has a numbing effect, reducing all sense but the visual..."
That's a fairly poignant statement regarding the numbification of society because marketing images portray impossible-to-achieve beauty and the representation of women as playthings.
posted by Shirazi @ 9:49 PM,
, links to this post
What is a blog to you?
Internet is a lonely place without Blogging; a fine art, science, also economics. Blogs are different to different people. Fine Art of Blogging asks you to share your views on what is a blog to you?
Please contribute your thoughts on blogging in general. In particular, write how you blog? Why? How blogging matters in life and work? Success stories and inspirations. Answer these questions and more (add what you feel is important dimension for you) and email me.
Fine Art Claimer
My blogs are a resource for my writings. More often, I blog informally, sharing impressions, generating ideas to see how they invoke reactions, keeping track of others’ work in the fields of my interest, or simply ranting or pointing out things that come to my attention.
Also, I use blogging as a platform to prune ideas. This is where I meet others and share experiences. “I am neither geek, nor nerd, I am not a hacker, a phreaker, a programmer or any variety of technoid dweeb.”
