When Life doesn't deal the right hands!

What one needs to understand is that life 'rarely' deals the 'right' hands.....most of the times, most of us have to make the best of what we have. Be happy and content with what you have....never take anything for granted......never take even the smallest gesture of kindness for granted....because 'nothing' is forever.....the only thing constant in life is 'change'.

Most of all, do not take time for granted and make the most of each and everyday of your life. Thank Allah everyday that He has been kind enough to grant you one more day.

People lose each other. 'Lovers' seldom meet.....for things as fickle as 'money', or maybe they were just not strong enough to face the hardships that 'true love' usually entails. It ain't easy sticking it out and thats how it is. But in your heart, with all the regrets, one feels that maybe it was just 'not' meant to be.

Then people lose their loved ones. I have recently seen an aunt pass away (my mother's cousin). She was a 'gem' of a person. Such a selfless person. I can only recall her ever 'smiling' face. And then seeing her lying helpless in those white sheets sent chills through my spine. This is where we will all land up one day. I hope we are duly prepared. How helpless we all are? Then there is the hauntingly beautiful smile of the three year old who passed away in the arms of her helpless parents. An emptiness which I hope time will help to fill.

But this is an everyday story. How helpless we feel when we hear of the bomb blasts victims. Families and hearts left incomplete. Many lose their only source of livelihood. Many are left with an empty heart longing to hold their nears and dears ones 'one more time'. How 'senseless' it all is?????

With all these miseries, woes and much more, one needs to still stand up and face it. This is how this 'life' is. If it was meant to bring 'all completeness', it would have, but this life is just 'temporary' and no one will ever feel a complete sense of fulfillment. So one has to be content with what one has and see the glass completely full instead of half full! Life is all about hoping, positive thinking, hard work, and a passion and determination which can meet all hardships. Bad times change. They do. The sun does rise again. And it rises with new hopes everyday.

Just sit down to think, what have we done 'unwisely' in our lives. And do not make the same mistakes again. Help people and do it for the love of Allah. Most of all, think optimistically because Allah's resources and blessings are unlimited (unlike what most Economists think). He has enough for all of us. But he gives it in due time. We need to make ourselves worthy of it.

I end these random thoughts with the famous quote by Khalil Gibran:

'Seek not the ways of love for if love finds you worthy, it will come your way'.

Rain......the beautiful rain!

There is nothing as pretty and refreshing as a much awaited 'summer rain'. Its amazing how it transforms people's moods, making them smile, many eat samosas, thank each other or maybe just go out for a drive together with their families.

After I enjoyed the rain today with many other Lahoris, I decided to ponder into what 'rain' is all about. There are certain countries in the world, especially in temperate Europe where rain is actually not welcome since they have too much of it. Hence the children poem, 'rain, rain go away'. They wait for the sun to come instead. But in certain others, like those in Africa having deserts highly revere the rain. Even in the sub-continent, rain is welcomed with a lot of euphoria.


Then I came across the beautiful quotes associated with dancing and walking in the rain.

'Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain'.

In many quotes, rain is symbolized as hope against the misery of the sun.

But then there are many whose hearts bleed and they love the rain because it hides their tears. In some quotes, rain is symbolized as being something dark and dreary in their lives. And leaving somebody in the rain is actually considered leaving someone alone.

But no matter what, rain definitely brings a person closer to nature and to the divine, for it falls on us like a blessing.

Now there are random images that I can think of; the beautiful song 'Tum se hi' from 'Jab we met'; 'Tujhay yaad na meri aye' from 'Kuch Kuch hota hai'; Nargis and Raj Kapoor in 'Barsaat'; Guns & Roses 'November rain'; such amazing songs with such amazing imagery; .

Rain has always been an epitome of charged emotions; whether it be love and romance or to hide the tears of sorrow!

And how can I forget the beautiful rainbows!

Hoping that each rain brings smiles and blessings in your lives and washes away your tears.

Do share what you people associate with the rain.

Whats with the weight?

A person's weight in recent times has become an obsession with many people around the world.
To add to the hype, the female actresses and models around the world are making women even more conscious by reducing their weight to such an extent where they start looking like starved skeletons. This effects not only women but also the men who start expecting that their wives should look just as slim as the woman on screen, not realizing that those women are actually paid millions to look the way they do.

This over hype has resulted in thousands of products cropping up that are promoted to ensure that you will become socially more acceptable if you use their product. These products include medicines, oils, liposuction, stomach banding, herbal products, sauna belts and the list goes on.

Wanting to lose those unnecessary kilos becomes such an obsession with some that they start using any product that comes their way. Sometimes, these have such horrifying side effects that people end up facing serious health problems.

The World Health Organization's facts about being overweight are quite startling. Its a fact that if you are overweight, that is weigh over and above your acceptable, healthy weight, you are part of more than one billion people around the world. And if you are clinically obese, that is at a stage where your weight is causing serious health problems, you are part of 3 million people around the world. Obesity causes serious health hazards like diabetes, heart problems and strokes.

Another major concern in present times is the increase in child obesity. Children nowadays are eating foods rich in carbohydrates but not getting enough exercise. Being burdened under the pressures of extensive school work, spending evenings in tuition centers and the remaining on the computer or on play stations are not giving children enough opportunities to shed the calories they gain. Furthermore, the present trend of eating fast foods from many restaurants also encourage the use of fried food and foods rich in carbs. This is further effecting healths of our younger ones.

The present life styles is the major reason attributed to such a rapid rise in obesity. Eating energy rich foods but low in nutrients has become the call of the day. Furthermore, our more than busy lifestyles do not give people enough time to exercise. With more education and development, people are preferring jobs in the tertiary sector, where most jobs are white collared. Such jobs are less physically demanding but more stressful, resulting in further weight related problems. The use of automated transport and present technological developments is further reducing the need for walks. Imagine in present times, we do not even like walking to the TV to change the channel and gradually over time, we might even stop using the remote altogether and just speak a single word or show a hand gesture to change the channel.

The important aspect is that what are the safest ways of losing weight:

Firstly, at least half an hour of exercise everyday. Although, in present times, exercise is available in many forms including gyms and home exercising equipment but nothing beats the usefulness of a 'morning walk'. Furthermore, a bicycle may be used to travel to nearby places. Its refreshing, a good exercise and also helps to save fuel.

Secondly, change your diet patterns. Reduce the use of fried food. Reduce the intake of animal based fats and move towards vegetable based facts. Reduce the use of sugary and fatty foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts. Include foods in your everyday diet that are high in fibre but low in fat. You may also consult a nutritionist to develop a balanced diet plan. Use of products like green tea is also considered extremely helpful in absorption of fats, although green tea has multiple benefits to keep the body healthy.

The most important aspect to losing weight is to educate yourself in 'what foods contain what?'. Understanding ingredients and nutritional information is extremely important to know what you are eating. In present times, many companies write chemical formulas in their ingredients instead of the actual term. Especially, with the present discouragement of doctors in use of animal fat and other harmful ingredients, companies are adopting this practice which misleads the consumer. Its always better to search out the term on the Internet and find out what it stands for.

Take care of your own good self and start moving towards a healthier life style!

The Earth Song

Global warming and what man is doing to the environment has always been of deep concern to me. Its shocking to see the horrible impacts of recent developments on the Earth.

At this moment and as an awakening, I would like to share one of the most meaningful videos that Michael Jackson ever made.

As I always say, Mother Earth is calling to us but are we ready to pay heed?

The lyrics are as follows while you may watch the video by clicking on the link below

Earth Song Lyrics

What about sunrise
What about rain
What about all the things
That you said we were to gain
What about killing fields
Is there a time
What about all the things
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the blood we've shed before
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth this weeping shore?

What have we done to the world
Look what we've done
What about all the peace
That you pledge your only son...
What about flowering fields
Is there a time
What about all the dreams
That you said was yours and mine...
Did you ever stop to notice
All the children dead from war
Did you ever stop to notice
This crying Earth this weeping shore

I used to dream
I used to glance beyond the stars
Now I don't know where we are
Although I know we've drifted far

Hey, what about yesterday (what about us)
What about the seas (what about us)
The heavens are falling down (what about us)
I can't even breathe (what about us)
What about Africans (what about us)
I ain't even you (what about us)
What about nature's worth (ooh ooh)
It's our planet's womb (ahat about us)

What about animals (what about it)
We've turned kingdoms to dust (what about us)
What about elephants (what about us)
Have we lost their trust (what about us)
What about crying whales (what about us)
We're ravaging the seas (what about us)
What about forest trails (ooh ooh)
Burnt despite our pleas (what about us)

What about the holy land (what about it)
Torn apart by creed (what about us)
What about the common man (what about us)
Can't we set him free (what about us)
What about children dying (what about us)
Can't you hear them cry (what about us)
Where did we go wrong (ooh ooh)
Someone tell me why (what about us)

What about babies born (what about it)
What about the days (what about us)
What about all their joy (what about us)
What about the man (what about us)
What about the crying man (what about us)
What about Abraham (what about us)
What about death again (ooh ooh)
Do we give a damn

Watch the Video!

Are we ignoring the grander story?

There is a grand but a simple story. A story that we all know, but usually forget in our everyday lives.

The story goes: Once upon a time the first man, Adam was created. Then, from his rib, Eve was created. They lived happily in heaven till the serpent tempted them to eat the forbidden fruit. The creator, Allah became angry and sent them down to Earth. Both were punished and regretful. They asked for forgiveness and after many a years, they did get it. But they were told to stay on Earth for a prescribed time and then come back. And whoever did good deeds would live happily ever after in Heaven and who ever did more evil deeds would forever be burnt in the fire of Hell.

It was meant to be as simple as that! But humans had other plans on hand. They decided to create more complex stories which would overtake their lives. Although these stories were less trivial in comparison to the grander one, but these smaller ones overtook the original, grander story. These stories became more important than what the man was supposed to do.

Firstly, man started running after money. Money, a commodity man started killing, murdering and stealing for, was already prescribed and promised by the Creator. But humans thought otherwise. They thought they could have more of it.

Then, humans started running after power. It became important who was in power. In most countries, people with extremely low levels of morality became Heads of States. And thousands perished in these political wars. Some died a silent death while others sacrificed it for a political cause.

Then, humans did not want to live happily with each other anymore. They started hating people for their colour, race and religion. They made borders to confine themselves to their own special places. They started despising each other and decided they had to have wars just to have more money, land or oil. They thought that they could destroy an entire nation by exploding nuclear bombs. They started torturing war victims in the most inhumanly ways possible.

Then, humans became selfish. They wanted to protect their own personal property, space, family and nobody else mattered. It became okay not to speak against injustices as long as they were safely sitting in their comfy homes. It became okay to hear that hundreds had perished in bomb blasts since this was a 'regular, everyday news'.

It became more important to get degrees, accumulate as much wealth as possible and to have a feeling of a 'never ending world'.

But that is not what was promised. It was said by the Creator that this world is only temporary and similar to an illusion.

But men and women lost themselves in this illusion and forgot about the grander story. They forgot about what is temporary and what is to stay forever.

Live your life but don't forget the original grander story. Because it is your deeds that you will take with you in the Next World and not your accumulated wealth.

Hoping that all of you think good and do good. Make a conscious effort of doing at least one good deed everyday!

Keep smiling and keep spreading smiles :)

Federer is the man!

And so Federer wins yet again; his 15th Grand Slam title. Roddick had to say to his fellow American, 'Sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off....' and Pete had to give a smile in return. Roger must have been proud of himself when he broke Pete's record of winning 14 Grand Slams. But the beauty of it all is that, Roger says that he does not play tennis to make records but for the passion of the game.

I couldn't help feeling bad for Andy Roddick. Throughout the match, he had his emotions under control but gave in to them when he lost. He gave Roger a tough fight. This was the third time he lost in a Wimbeldon final and each time to the same man, Federer.

Wimbeldon is always a treat to watch but Nadal was definitely missed this time around. This was because Nadal-Federer matches create the same thrill as did Pete and Aggassi matches till a few years back.

Well! Federer you are the man and Congrats to everybody who is a huge fan!

Why people are converting to Islam?

I have recently been seeing videos and reading stories of people who have converted to Islam.

All of them felt that Islam gave them answers to questions which none of their religions could answer. It gave them peace and calmness in their lives.

I will firstly speak of Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson, who converted to Islam in the 1980s. In 1989, he went to perform the pilgrimage in Mecca. He feels that Islam has made him complete as an individual. He had always been of the opinion that his brother, Michael should convert to Islam and most o f the problems in his life would be resolved. He even brought him many books on Islam which Michael used to read with a lot of interest. There are many news items that confirm that Michael did convert to Islam in November 2008 and changed his name to Mikael. He even asked for a Muslim burial in his will.

Jermaine, who is now named as Muhammad Abdul Aziz, was also part of the Big Brother program in which Shilpa Shetty was involved. He says that it was the prayers and fasting that allowed him to stay calm throughout the show. He became known for his soothing temprament and resolved many racial disputes within the house. He always says that Islam made him a better person.

Secondly, as Guantanamo Bay is closing down and people are being sent home, both prisoners and military people, the stories are leaking out. I recently read and saw an interview of a guard at the Bay who has converted to Islam. This person tells that hatred for the Muslims was ingrained in their head before taking them to the Bay. And with all the tortures taking place, he could not understand the smiles on some prisoner's faces. He says in in his interview that he used to think that being in control, he was unable to smile; what was in these people's faith that made them smile even in such adverse circumstances.

He finally realized the truthfulness of the Islamic faith, said the Sha'ada (Kalima) and entered into the fold of Islam. This person is now more at peace with himself and feels since he has become a Muslim, Allah has opened many new doors and opportunties for him.

I saw a video of a 13 year old boy converting to Islam. He said that he had never really believed in a religion before and once he started researching about Islam, found it out to be the truth and converted

Then, there is this young teenage American girl who never felt any connection to any divinity when she was a Christian and knew she had to convert to Islam. She converted to Islam but had still not revealed it to her parents and has been waiting for the right moment to do that.

I even read about a young American University professor who felt that her previous religion, Christianity never answered the questions that she had in her mind. But Islam has granted her completeness and shown her the truth.


When discussing this topic, I cannot forget to mention Yousuf Islam, who was earlier the rock star, Cat Stevens. He converted to Islam very many years back and has been preaching it since then.

Islam, right now is the fastest growing religion in the world!

The magic of Federer! Will it work this time too in the Wimbeldon?

Roger Federer is currently ranked at Number 2 in the world. He has stayed at Number 1 for 237 weeks consecutively. He has been in the maximum number of Grand Slam Finals that is 20, and has won 14 Grand Slam titles.

Federer is considered by many as one of the greatest tennis players in present times.

His rivalry with Rafael Nadal (also known as the King of the Clay) and ranked at Number 1 at present, has given audiences an opportunity to watch some excellent tennis. Their Wimbeldon final last year is hailed as one of the most thrilling matches in lawn tennis history. Unfortunately Nadal withdrew from the Wimbeldon due to his recurring knee injury.

Federer will now be playing Andy Roddick in the Wimbeldon final. This will be Andy's third Wimbeldon final. He lost the first two to the same man he is going to face in the final, Roger Federer.

Lets wait for the final to see whether the Federer magic works again or not!

Who do you think will win? Please vote now!

Venus vs. Serena Williams--- yet again in the Wimbeldon Final!

One thing for sure in the Wimbeldon's women Final is that a William is going to win.

This is because once more Venus and Serena are going to face each other in a gruelling match to be held on coming Saturday in the beautiful Wimbeldon courts.

The three times before that the two sister have faced each other in the Wimbeldon final have been very thrilling matches; twice Serena has won while last year Venus defeated her sister to take the Wimbeldon title.

Who do you think will win this Saturday's match? Do vote in the poll?

Before you decide, lets compare stats of both the sisters:

Venus Williams:

-Currently ranked at Number Three.
-Has won 17 Grand Slam titles.
-Won Wimbeldon 5 times.
-Style of playing is suited to grass which shows in the number of wins she has had on Wimbeldon.

Serena Williams:

-Currently ranked at Number Two.
-Has won 20 Grand Slam titles.
-Has been the recent most woman to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously.
-Won Wimbeldon 2 times.
-Excellent serve, extremely good volley style and one of the most powerful backhands.

The two sisters have met in 20 professional matches before and the score is tied 10-10. Lets see in whose favour do the numbers move.

Harry Porter's Magic or Twilight's Love Fantasy!

Recently, the 'Twilight' euphoria has overtaken the youth in many countries. Everybody is speaking of Edward's and Bella's beautiful love story. The girls are trying to find a vampire as cute as Robert Pattinson.

All this hue and cry has left the magic boy in the lurch! Harry Porter's new film was delayed by eight months from its premiere because Twilight was being released in those dates. Hence, the fear also lies within the Harry Porter circles.

The delay in the movie for so many months is being viewed so negatively that people are actually considering boycotting Warner Bros.

It seems no matter how many potions or magic spells Harry Potter tries, the magic has just fizzled out. This could have also happened because the last Harry Potter book is already out. The cat is already out of the bag!

Well! it seems no matter how much magic you create, nothing beats a beautiful and heart touching love story!

What do you think! Along with commenting, also vote in the poll given to show your preference of movies.

Take care and keep smiling!

More details on: http://movies.msn.com/mom-pop-culture/harry-potter-lost-magic/story/?GT1=28101

What do we do when we don't get what we want?

The question is:

What do we do when we don't get what we want?

Do we cry, do we go quiet, do we feel frustrated or do we start fighting with others.

Well we might do this and much more!

Actually, just like the immune system in our body that fights the attack of germs when we get hurt and helps in the healing, the mind also has defense mechanisms to protect us at times of frustration. These defense mechanisms protect our ego at times when we do not meet our goals.

Basically, psychology tells us that there are eight defense mechanisms that different people adopt depending upon their personality and situation.

Lets find out what they are:

1. Aggression: Most people who are short tempered tend to take out their frustrations by displaying aggressive behaviour. The target of their aggression would not necessarily be the source of their frustration but might be other people and things.

In sports, such people usually act like spoil sports. Some famous lawn tennis players, in their times, have displayed extremely aggressive behaviour on the Tennis courts. Such people might break their rackets or throw balls at someone or simply might just give someone hell. The anger covers their frustration.

Sometimes anger on the boss might be taken out on the subordinates since people usually refrain from answering back to their bosses. Impossible deadlines from the bosses are taken out on the people working in levels below a person.

Children sometimes ruin a board game like chess or monopoly when they feel they are losing.

2. Regression: This is a defense behaviour when the person starts behaving in a childish or immature manner when unable to achieve their objective. They might cry, whine and act like babies. Such people are better known as 'cry babies'.

Sometimes they might also become stubborn in their attitude. For example a younger sister saying that she wants the same bag as the elder sister and she will not eat unless or until she gets it. In such a state, a person displays extremely irrational behaviour.

3. Rationalization: This is defensive behaviour in which people reslove frustration by inventing plausible reasons for being unable to attain their objectives.

For example a person who did not do well in the exams might say that he did not have enough time for practice.

4. Withdrawal: Sometimes people may withdraw from the situation and redefine their objectives.

For example a person who did not get a promotion that he was expecting might change his career entirely and start his own business, with a feeling that he was not appreciated enough.

5. Projection: This is what majority of people 'love' to do. That is, put the blame on others.

In many instances people put the blame for their failures on others. Failure in exams was because of the loud music coming from the brother's room. An assignment was not completed because the group members did not work. This defence mechanism helps us to overcome our own feelings of inadequacy.

However, in my personal opinion, a person can only be successful in life if he or she starts owning his or her actions. Take ownership of not only your successes but also your failures so that you can improve.

6. Autism: So what happens when you couldn't get the person you had a crush on. This could be a film actor, a neighbour or a senior in your college. Well, if you can't have them, start fantasizing about them. What's better than daydreaming about how you and the person lived happily ever after in your own fairytale. This is similar to building your own 'Utopia'.

7. Repression: This is behaviour in which people avoid the tension arising from frustration by repressing the unsatisfied need. This involves plucking out the desire from your conscious mind.
People usually manifest their repressed needs in a socially acceptable way, also known as sublimation.

For example, a woman who is unable to bear children might start working in a kindergarten.

8. Identification: People sometimes resolve feelings of frustration by identifying with other relevant people. These might be characters in movie or in an advertisement. People might consider buying the product from the advertisement or adopt behaviour portrayed by the charecter in the movie in order to relieve themselves of frustration.

People, in different situations, may exhibit varying behaviour. However, the personality of a person is also detrimental in deciding which defense mechanism he or she adopts.

What are tears?

The question is what are tears and why do we cry?

The simple answer is when we get physically hurt.

But tears can also flow when we hurt inside. We can also cry when we feel helpless; helpless to change how things are; helpless to help a loved one when they are dying of an incurable disease; helpless to see a loved one in pain and anguish.

We also cry when we feel; feel other people's pain and suffering; feel when people die of hunger and thirst; feel when people find no other way out then ending their lives and relieving themselves of abject poverty, abuse and helplessness.

Its okay to cry and its okay to feel! It just shows that we are human!

Dedicated to people in love

The sonnet I am about to share is William Shakespeare's Sonnet number 116.

This sonnet speaks about love and how it never changes. It remains even to the edge of doom. It speaks about love being an everlasting mark. It considers that love can face any storm and hardship and still not alter.

This has been my personal favourite for many years and I will today share it with all you on my own personal blog space. I am dedicating this to all people in love!

William Shakespeare's SONNET 116

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Message in a bottle!

If you have something special to say to someone or maybe to everybody, try this really cute website, 'Message in a bottle'. Its a really great way of letting your messages reach everybody!

Not only do you send messages but can also standby and read. You can also anonymously send messages around the world.

Do try it!

The link is:

http://www.oceangram.com/

This also reminded me of the famous Mel Gibson film, 'Message in a bottle'!

Stay smiling :)

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Is this fair?

As I was sitting down and thinking about what to write about, I suddenly remembered an article that I had once read in a newspaper.

It was written by a young girl who had seen some unfair things happen but did not react at the right moment. She then went onto relate what had happened.

This article touched me very strongly too as I feel very strongly about this issue.

Well, this is about shopping in one of the better departmental stores in one of the better areas. Now, a young girl, carrying her little brother and a Rs. 10 note decided to get a packet of biscuits for her brother. She went in and slightly bedazzled by the size of the place started searching for the place where she could find the biscuits. While she was roaming about, one of the so-called 'Aunties' who felt that it was beneath her that such a poor girl be shopping in the same place as her decided to go to the manager. She went to him and said, 'Dekhey na, yeh log yahan bhi aa gaye hain.....Tauba meri'. (These poor people have come here too).

The manager was only but happy to oblige. He went to the little girl and pushed her out of the store. The girl kept screaming that I am not here to steal, only to buy biscuits but the manager paid no heed. He went back to the too full of herself 'Auntie' and pacified her that he had thrown out the dirt and there was nothing for her to worry about.

At this time, some of the people including the author felt helpless and felt that whatever happened had been unfair but nobody spoke up.

The author was still in a frenzy of thoughts when another so called 'Auntie' caught her attention. This particular woman was out to shop only for soaps and shampoos. She had two trolleys filled up with them and was now standing at the counter. Now, when they started billing, the bill came around to Rs. 24,000. But the lady had only Rs. 20,000. Now, the very same manager with a big smile on his face said, 'Don't worry, you come here so regularly, you can make the payment later'. The woman, with a face saying that 'Look, this is the respect I have in the society' walked out of the store with her head held high, as stiff as a steel rod.

Now what happened here? A person who had money could not get what she wanted and another who did not have the money walked out with the things she could not pay for. I ask you Why?

And do you think this is fair?

The 'King of Pop' is dead

This morning when I received the SMS saying, 'Michael Jackson is dead', my immediate reaction was 'Oh! My God, he was not that old'. Well, it seems he was only 50.

But then I sat down to think about his life and I remembered that in the 1980s, there was no bigger phenomenon than 'Michael Jackson'. He taught the youth how to 'break dance' and was actually the King of the Pop. I remember how youngsters used to gather in market places to perform the break dance and anybody who could move that way actually used to attach the word 'Jackson' to his name.

I remembered his songs; 'Thriller' with its spine-chilling ending; 'Billy Jeans', 'Just beat it' were some of his original hits. He introduced innovative ideas in all his song videos for example, lights would come on anywhere he would walk...wow! what a phenomenon.

Then I remembered his more somber and mature songs of later years. His very famous 'Black and White' was a beautiful song to bridge the gap between different races. Then his song, 'We are the world' had such meaningful messages that I had used it for a student presentation on environment. It had gone....'Lets make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race....'

Then I thought about his more than famous estate, 'The Neverland', the name taken from the famous story 'Peter Pan'. He had probably made this to relive his childhood and to allow other children to enjoy theirs. Well, at Neverland, he had his own amusement park including a roller coaster, his own railway line and his own airport.

It should have been a place that would be brimming with joy but the last fifteen years of his life were only but joyful. Too many plastic surgeries gone too wrong had brought an artificiality to his face, the neverending child molestation charges (nobody knew the truth behind...maybe they were just publicity stunts) then his unsuccessful marriage with Lisa Elvis Presely. He was even charged by 'Child Protection' agencies for putting the life of his child in danger by showing him to the public outside his window. Its seems with all this behind him, he died of a broken heart.

But then, for a few days I had been hearing that there was going to be a huge 'Michael Jackson Relaunch' where he would be performing concerts all around the world. But I believe God had other plans of him.

No matter what, Michael Jackson's contribution to the world of Pop has no parallel.

Match fixing allegations in Wimbeldon

After cricket, now Lawn Tennis.

Yes! authorities at Wimbeldon are searching into a possible match fixing that took place in an entry level match.

American player Wayne Odesnik lost straight sets to an Austrian player in an entry level match. The bettings in this match were unusually high and a company Betfair made $ 350,000.

What alarmed the authorities was that there were unusually high bettings for an entry level match. Betttings were as high as 1 million pounds; while usually in a match like this, bettings do not go above 10, 000 pounds.

This matter is still under investigation and yet to be completely proven?

Its sad to hear news like this, especially when it comes to Cricket and Lawn Tennis. I hope and I pray that all players in all sports keep their honesty and integrity above setting a price for selling their conscience.

Macbook transforms into a spaceship

The latest Macbooks have an extra feature. They can turn into space ships. If you do not believe it, follow the following link:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=adf_1245828170

Its amazing :)

Twitter is tweeting and everybody is taking notice!

Twitter is the best example of social media in present times. It is giving people freedom to express themselves through words, images and videos.

At present, it has millions of members and this number is expected to increase even more.

Lets take the Iranian revolution for instance. There are strict regulations imposed by the Iranian government to stop people from expressing themselves. It is at this time that social media like Twitter are allowing news to leak out. People are sharing their distress and suffering through links on the site. And others are passing the word. And also consoling with them.

But the problem is that as words and news is passed around, it may get distorted and misinterpreted and the real picture might not come forth. Its just like the game we used to play when we were young, 'Chinese Whispers'. The message passed around used to get distorted by the time it used to reach the last person.

And who takes advantage of these distortions and exaggerations? Maybe the governments of other countries who have political interests. Maybe the opposition within who want power.....Question is who will decide the fate of the Iranian people? The people themselves, the present government, the opposition or other countries...

Coming back to the Tweeting....the Twitter is playing such an amazing role that even the US parliament is beginning to take notice.

Also known as the 'SMS of the Internet', Marketers are predicting that Twitter might even make it to Fortune 500 one day.

Iranian Revolution and the Twitter

The situation in Iran is extremely heart breaking and saddening, with innocent people being killed for political reasons.

In these times, when there is are strong regulations on media within the country, social media tools like Twitter are allowing the Iranian people to speak out and tell the world the truth behind the stories. For example, it has been through such social networks like Facebook and Twitter that we got to see the killing of the young Iranian girl, Neda.

It has been really tragic how her family has been asked to leave their house and to grieve alone.

This message goes out to the people of Iran that you are not alone.

But it is also important that such social media act responsibly and do not exaggerate, exploit or misrepresent the truth.

The story of the 'determined' frog

Once upon a time there was a land of frogs, where all the frogs used to live happily together. However, their happiness was not to last long when one day a sly fox came into their area. His intentions were to bring discontentment in the hearts of the frogs.

So, he told them that although they were having a good life in the pond, but there was nothing better than climbing the tree next to the pond. Nobody in the frog community had ever climbed the tree, so there were many who thought they could do it.

So, they started to try to climb the huge tree. Firstly, the stronger ones tried but couldn't do it after multiple tries. Then all the other frogs kept on trying. People started to become disheartened and kept saying that 'This was Impossible'.Many gave up and went back home with a heavy heart.

Then one fine morning, a little froggy started approaching the tree. Everybody looked at her and started laughing. Everybody kept saying how, when the best failed, could a little froggy climb the tree. The kept calling out to her but she did not pay any heed.

She started trying and trying and trying. By evening, she had tried multiple times and now had found a way to climb up and eventually before night fall, she climbed up and reached the top.

Everybody cheered and called out to her but she did not listen. This was because the little froggy was deaf. The only reason she made it up the tree was because she could not hear all the disheartening and discouraging remarks of the other frogs.

REMEMBER, in life when you become focused and determined to achieve something great then never pay heed to all those who stop you and tell you that its NOT possible.

Unexplained mysteries

I have always had curiosity to know about unexplained phenomenon like UFOs, crop circles, ghosts and jinxed places. There are so many mysteries in this world that have gone unexplained.

Bermuda triangle is one that that has never been explained till date. Is it the magnetic field or something else, nobody knows. Where do all the air crafts and ships disappear, one wonders.

Then I can never forget the story I read when I was really young. It was about a cursed mummy from Egypt which was never to be brought out of its burial place. But the archaeologists did take it out. Well, the result was that everybody that had touched that mummy died in a mysterious way. Some were killed in a car accident while some died of a fatal disease or heart attack. Despite such incidents, this mummy was to be transferred to America to be kept in the museum. But it never made it. Wondering why? Well, this mummy was being carried on the ship called 'Titanic'. Now that's eerie.

Then, there are the crop circles. Nobody knows how they are made. Overnight, patterns and designs appear in the fields. They are huge and amazingly accurate in their symmetry. Nobody knows who is behind them. Although people who have investigated them have reported a weird sound when they are being made and a very strong force pushing the crops down. Wonder who is behind them. And I have always wondered why most of them appear close to the Stonehenge.

Then, there are people who have been helped by people who died a long time ago.

The most unexplained phenomenon is the existence of aliens and UFOs. There have been thousands of sightings all around the world. Some people also admit that governments of certain countries even have some bodies of aliens. But is this true, most people do not know. Even if it is, it is kept as a secret.

I was just watching a documentary about a boy in Nepal who started meditating in May 2005 and continued meditating for more than three years WITHOUT ANY FOOD AND WATER. Amazing!

I have also seen a news clip about a blind boy who can do everything perfectly by using the power of Echolocation. This is the same ability with which blind dolphins find their way across water. Wow!

Proud to be a Pakistani

Today, I walked on the streets and the road with my head held high. After all we are the best. After all we are the champs. I congratulated everybody I met. It was indeed a festive occasion.

What makes me a proud person today. It is not only that we won the trophy, but more so, HOW we did it.

Today, I can proudly say that we are an HONEST nation, that does not shirk on the duties and responsibilities given to them. We are HARD WORKING and strongly believe that its only this and not any other short cuts or loopholes that will bring us true rewards. We do NOT BOW DOWN under pressure, no matter how strong the opposing tide is. We display PERSEVERANCE when the time demands it. We are UNITED when moments of happiness and sorrow strike us; we are together. We believe in ONE ALLAH who is the mightiest of all and the only one to guide us.

Today, I feel, no problem is big enough for us and very soon all our uncertainties and problems will be resolved. We will once again live under a peaceful, blue sky. We will once again enjoy the mountains and valleys whose beauty has no bounds. We will very soon, Inshallah, step out of our house without any fear other than that of the Almighty.

Here is to HOPE, PEACE, HAVING FAITH, to always BELIEVING and to always be ALIVE IN YOUR HEART!

Yes, we won!!!!

What a day, what a match and what a victory!!! A special day for all Pakistanis. What wonderful moments. Truly amazing.....the Pakistani cricket team gave us so much to cheer about.

We had to go to a wedding, but like a 'true Pakistani', I refused to budge from the TV screen until the last ball was bowled and the Cup was safely home.

All through the way, we could see people dancing on the streets. They only let us pass when we showed them the V sign. That is all that those people wanted. To share their happiness.

Even at the wedding, people were happier. More than the mehndi, they were congratulating each other on the amazing victory. The DJ took out time to actually call out 'Pakistan Zindabad'.

Tonight, each and every house is rejoicing here in Pakistan. A much awaited and a much deserved victory. We are all together today as a nation, as one. At times of happiness and sorrow, we are all together.

Here are three cheers for the Pakistani team and CONGRATULATIONS to everybody!!!!!

Feelings about the Pakistani final match

Today is the final Pakistani T-20 match. All eyes will be on the screen after 8:30 p.m. All hearts are beating and we all have our fingers crossed. It has been a long struggle. Our team always performs when we are least expecting it and that is what they showed us by reaching the finals.

Reaching the finals was not only about cricket. For us Pakistanis, it was a breather..... like a cool breeze when the weather is just too hot. It was a refreshing news at a time when all we hear is sad and distressing news....when we are at war with elements we cannot even comprehend.

In these times of uncertainty, we are all together as a nation....praying from our hearts that we win. This will be a win for all of us......this will allow us to feel that we can do it again and prove to the world that we are still Number One.

Here is to the Pakistani team and here is to winning, Inshallah!