Aashika...Hot babe...New Photoshoot Pic

After 7 days on the beanbag, I think...

... if you ain't in love with what you're doing, stop doing it.

Amazing Drawing With a Ballpoint Pen

The Wandering Falcon - A Review

Jamil Ahmad, the author of the book in question, was a discovery of ‘Life’s Too Short Literary Review’, a short story competition by and for Pakistani writers. This is Ahmad’s debut novel and revolves around the lives of people in the tribal areas of Northern Pakistan before the Taliban.

The book was tipped by Guardian as ‘one of the hottest debut of 2011’. Though I enjoyed the book, it was far from being hot. A little warm maybe, but definitely not hot (even though it is sizzling in Karachi). Maybe my feelings have to do with the last book I read, A Visit from the Goon Squad, which was fast paced, fascinating and quite hot.

The Wandering Falcon actually shares some similarities with A Visit from the Goon Squad; it is a collection of short stories, which are linked yet separate. It is the story of a young boy,Tor Baz (Wandering Falcon), who is almost the protagonist. His parents are stoned to death in the very first story on charges of adultery. As we witness his growth from a frightened child to a confident man, we get a glimpse of different facets of tribal life. Ahmad has littered the entire book with tribal anecdotes and stories which both lend authenticity and give an insight into the customs and traditions of the people who, to most of us, are merely victims of drone attacks.

This book made me realize how easily we put people into boxes and label them; ‘people living in the tribal areas are terrorists who live their lives according to barbaric customs’. The author tries to change our perspective with each story. There is the story of Tor Baz’s mother who runs away with her lover, because her husband is impotent, and remains in hiding for six years only to be hunted down by her father and husband. Or that of the gypsy tribe consisting of women, children and cattle, who are shunted between the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan, only to be mercilessly shot down in the name of law. Or the young woman who fears her husband might bring in another wife on the insistence of his mother because she has not borne him a son. Or the woman who is married off to a man who cares more for his dancing bear than his wife.

Jamil Ahmad has told, through his work, that there is more to the people living in the Northern areas of Pakistan than Taliban. It is the tale of honesty and bravery, of hardships and trials, of loyalty and treachery. Most of these stories depict the misery and poverty which hangs over them, day after day and their struggles to make ends meet. Some of the very moving and disturbing stories are those of the women, who always end up paying the price for mistakes men make. No matter where a woman lives; in the city or in the mountains, much of her suffering is common.

The timing of the book is perfect and I’m sure it will gain attention in the West. Each story is linked to the other through various characters and yet can be read separately also. Tor Baz features in most of the stories and through him we meet the subedar Ghuncha Gul, the two faced Mullah Barrerai,  the mountain guide Sher Beg and his daughter Sherakai, and Shah Zarina among others. 

Even though The Wandering Falcon did not leave me in awe, but unlike other books which have come out in the recent past by Pakistani writers, this collection of stories is both fantastical and yet, very real at the same time which made it an enjoyable read.  

“One lives and survives only if one has the ability to swallow and digest bitter and unpalatable things. We, you and I, and our people shall live because there are only a few among us who do not love raw onions”.  [Excerpt from the book]

Watch Tornado Oklahoma May 24, 2011 (video)

Tornado Oklahoma May 24, 2011 - ดูคลิปทั้งหมด คลิกที่นี่

After 7 days on the beanbag, I think...

...that the movie you must watch this week is Fast Five, the fifth movie in the Fast and the Furious series. And the best place to watch it, in Karachi, is at the Atrium Cinema in Saddar. In case you haven’t been there yet you are missing out on one of the best things that has happened to Karachi recently (besides the book fair at Frere Hall). You can sink into purple couches which line the waiting area and soak in the cinematic atmosphere while munching on delicious honey roasted popcorns. The reasons to watch Fast Five are the same as the last four; sexy cars, sexy women and sexy Rio. After watching this movie, you might get tempted to emulate Vin Diesel but in Karachi it’s impossible, unless you’re a mini bus driver.

Talking of movies, hubby dear and myself also saw The Fighter last week. Based on the true story of a boxing champion and nominated for an Oscar in various categories, the film failed to impress. It made me realize that almost all Hollywood movies nominated for Oscar this year were either true stories, animations or remakes like The King’s Speech, 127 Hours, The Fighter, True Grit (remake), Toy Story 3, and The Social Network. The biggest movie industry has run dry of ideas? Or does the audience want to watch feel-good movies where the underdog comes out the winner; something they all want to relate with. I’m no expert at movies but the most memorable movies (both art films and Hollywood ones) which I’ve seen did not, always, end up happily ever after.

But what does really end happily ever after? And why are we always searching for it? Isn't being happy enough? Why are we so afraid of grief, pain, loss, change? I think unhappiness is the bigger villain. We, as humans, can and do overcome grief or loss (brought about by a tragic event like death; devastation due to war or a natural disaster, divorce) or change (both intentional and unintentional) but what we impose on ourselves in unhappiness. The spectrum can range from ‘didn’t get the job I wanted’ – ‘ I don’t have a better car/house’ – ‘ We can’t go on a vacation abroad like everyone else’ – to - ‘I can’t buy this bag/shoe/jewellery’. These wants which we convert into needs are the impediments to happiness. In this day and age of consumerism, unhappiness is rampant. I’m also a victim of this, some of the times, but I’ve realized that if it is the bag I carry that will make someone like me, that someone is just not worth the effort.

Sounds like I'm on the road to self-actualization? Far from it, I’m afraid. There are times when I succumb to the consumerism monster and end up indulging in retail therapy. But it doesn’t bring me real joy. Real joy is in simple things like sharing a moonlit night on the terrace with hubby dear or sitting on the steps of the staircase in Frere Hall with the mural of the great Sadequain in view or reading a good book.

Which reminds me, when was the last time you read a good book? Or any book for that matter. Maybe you don’t own a comfortable beanbag in which you can snuggle in and read?! There is no bigger misfortune than being literate and not reading. I don’t know how so many of you hope your children will become readers when they don’t see their parents with a book, ever.

The ever glamorous Imran Khan was in town this weekend. His party, Tehrik-e-Insaf, staged a protest against drone attacks and so far, from what I’ve seen on TV, it was a success. It goes to Imran Khan’s credit that people braved the heat (Saturday was the hottest day in Karachi in 20 years) and drove out to support him. Is he the change this country needs? If we can make someone shameless like Zardari, our president, we can definitely give a chance to Imran Khan. And according to Wikileaks, he is the only person in Pakistani politics who is not for sale. So do yourself a favour, and vote in the next election.

Have a safe week; look for joy in the simple things and if you can’t find it, look harder!

[Note: While I was editing this piece, Karachi was rocked with bomb blasts at a naval base, PNS Mehran, at 10pm. We, yet again, become victims of America’s war on terror and pay the price. And then America has the audacity to tell us we’re not doing enough to combat terrorism. It’s America who is the biggest terrorist and we are bearing the consequences of their brash actions].

Pakistan Paindabad!

10 Best Pocket-size Camcorders

Life is too short and special moments come rare in life. If you want to capture your special moments and wish to save these moments forever as lifetime memory, camcorder is must-have for you. The following list will help to decide which camcorder is best for you according to your requirements.

1. Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG-10
Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 is high definition 720-p MPEG-4AVC/H.264 pocket size camcorder
Features

• It’s 10 megapixel camera shots excellent photos, just like a digital camera and can be kept at any angle for a clearer view.

• One can also edit images after transferring it to PC.

• Its 5x optical zoom will remind you the best 10 big zoom cameras, as it is somewhat parallel to them.

• It also features image stabilizer function and stereo recording.

• It’s a complete pocket size camcorder; one can easily carry it anywhere.

• It produces video files that one can be easily handled on the web.

2. JVC PICSIO GC-FMI
JVC PICSIO GC-FMI is a stylish pocket size camcorder that can shot 8MP still images and record 1080p full HD video.
Features

• It has 2 inches color LCD monitor.

• Its 4x digital zoom lens can easily shot distant objects.

• It features menu-lens that is simple and easy in operation and image stabilizer helps to enhance the quality of images and recordings.

3. Kodak Zi8
Kodak Zi8 is a pocket video camera that can capture HD quality 1080p video.
Features

• Kodak have efficiently tackled the concern of most of the people i.e. storage capacity. Its SD/SDHC card slot can record up to 10 Hours of HD videos as it has capacity of 32 GB. Its 5 MP still camera captures images with superb quality.

• Built-in image stabilizer of Zi8 helps to record sharper videos and blur free images. Smart face tracking captures images with best light.

• It also features 2.5 inches, color LCD screen.

4. RCA EZ409HD
RCA EZ409HD small wonder is the best pocket size camcorder.
Features

• It is best for recording due to 1080p HD.

• It features 12 megapixel camera and 2x digital zoom lens.

• It has 2 inches display screen.

5. Aiptek Action HD GVS
Aiptek Action HD GVS can capture stunning HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second.
Features

• It is especially designed to record the fast action events; its HD 720p is absolute for the sports events.

• Apart from this one can capture still images with its 5 megapixel camera.

• 5x optical zoom lens helps to take the pictures with superb quality.

• Aiptek Action HD GPS also features 3 inches LCD display.

• Do not worry about the space, it has internal memory; 128 built-in, 90MB for storage as well as 32 GB SD card slot in the form of external memory. Hence, one can record enough video and can take enough pictures with HD GVS.

6. Samsung HMX-U10
Samsung HMX-U10 is an ultra slim camcorder.
Features

• Its full HD 1080/30p and 720/60p helps to record the high quality videos.

• Its 32 GB memory enables to record video for 4 Hours.

• Still photos can be captured with its 10 megapixel.

• Being slim in size, it is a pocket size camcorder.

7. Sony MHS-PM5 Bloggie
Sony Bloggie is 2.2 inches wide and can easily fit into pocket and bag.
Features

• Wana record high quality video! It’s possible now, as it has 1920×1980 HD recording. High quality still images are also possible with 5 mega pixel CMOS sensor that captures crispy images.

• Other features includes 2.4 inches LCD and 4x digital zoom lens, built-in USB, built in PMB portable software for easy up-load to web. Sony MHS-PM5 Bloggie has everything that you can dream of.

8. Flip Ultra HD
Flip Ultra HD is simple and thin. Its incredible HD makes it a worthwhile camcorder.
Features

• Its 2x digital zoom lens has the capability to access the distant objects.

• Ultra HD has 2 inches LCD screen with resolution of 1280×720.

• Its image stabilization yields blur-free images.

• Now you can capture your favorite and precious moments with this pocket size camcorder.

9. Creative labs Vado HD (2nd gen)
Creative labs Vado HD (2nd gen) is a pocket video cam. You can easily take it with you on the go.
Features

• It can record the high quality 720p HD video with resolution of 1280x720p.

• Its lens can zoom up-to 2x.

• One can also edit movies with Vado HD and playback video on HDTV.

• It features 2-inches antiglare screen and has built-in speaker and microphone.

10. Flip Mino HD
Flip Mino HD is a pocket size camcorder with digital zoom lens. It is among the top 10 valentine’s gadget gifts for women because women love to capture their special moments on special occasions.
Features

• It is sleek and stylish, one can carry it any where.

• Its image stabilization produces high quality results.

• Its digital zoom lens grasps the distant object on LCD screen.

• It consists of Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam

Wendy Fitzwilliam (born October 4, 1972 in Diego Martin) is a former Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe, the third woman of African heritage to capture the Miss Universe crown and the second Miss Universe in history from Trinidad and Tobago.







Courtesy of Wendy

Miss World 2007 Zhang Zi Lin @ Cannes 2011

 

La Maison D'Angkor Hotel , Boutique Hotel under $200

 

La Maison D'Angkor Hotel

No. 71, National Road No. 6, Village Kaksekam Khum Srage, National Road 6, Siem Reap, Cambodia

La Maison d'Angkor resort has been open since January 2005. It is situated in Siem Reap, the cultural heartland of ancient Khmer civilization. This hotel is an ideal venue for exploring the Angkor complex and its surroundings. Located only 10 minutes from the entrance to Angkor, La Maison d' Angkor resort and its garden compound offer a home full of serenity for travelers after a long day of sightseeing. The garden is large, with spacious green areas inviting guests to relax in an air of serenity. There is an outdoor pool with ample space for sunbathing, and the location is in a quiet spot, a little away from the center of town and the active nightlife. This makes it a perfect relaxing retreat. It is not yet a firm mark on the tourist trail, so the best advice is to stay here before everyone else discovers it! To proceed with your reservation at La Maison d`Angkor Hotel, simply enter your desired dates of stay and submit our secure online booking form.

Swimming Pool

Balcony Deck

Swimming Pool

Deluxe Room

Bathroom

Restaurant

Junior Suite Bungalow room

Junior Suite Bungalow room

Junior Suite Bathroom

Hotel Du Cadran , Boutique Hotel under $200

 

Hotel Du Cadran

10 Rue Du Champ De Mars, 07. Tour Eiffel - Invalides, 75007 Paris

This boutique design hotel is located next to the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars. It offers rooms with a elegant decor and contemporary furnishings.

Guest rooms at the Cadran Hotel are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and satellite TV. They each have a private bathroom with a hairdryer.

A breakfast buffet is served in the Cadran's modern dining room, which features modern artwork and varnish hardwood floors. The hotel also provides a bar and a 24-hour front desk.

Guests of the Hotel du Cadran can easily visit the Rue Cler market. The hotel is just a 2-minute walk from Ecole Militaire Metro station, which provides access to the Opera Garnier and Place de la Bastille.