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