Appreciate the beauty of Mathematics...?

A few days ago, read the following in a novel and have been trying to figure it out since then

"The mathematics of love defy arithmetic”

Maybe the author needed to come up with an intellectually deep crap with no meaning at all and succeeded at itJ. Or maybe, I am not just philosophical or intellectually sound enough to understand the gravity of a world class quote! Or maybe I have forgotten the beauty of mathematics!

Which reminds me (and I won’t try to be coy about it) that I once used to be good at mathematics. But in the past few days, I had to revise maths related topics which I had once partially studied and I couldn’t get around to doing it! Whenever, I would open the book to go through the topics, everything would seem proportional to intergalactic space in terms of size and complexity. I am still trying to get my rusted brain to recall all the calculus and statistics once learned. I wonder what Pascal, Pythagroas, Archimedes would do when they suffered from algebra-block and weren’t able to solve one equation? Or maybe, they never suffered from such symptoms, because then their names wouldn’t be metric or theorems!



So while I try to swim to prevent drowning in the mathematical sea of equations, every one try to figure out the strange quote!

Sports Round Up

So, Pakistan had an amazing, much needed victory against the boys from the Caribbean last night. The last over was a treat to watch and proves the point that anything can happen. Before the 50th over started, the commentator said it’s not T20 that they can score 17 runs in the last over. But our ‘boys’ proved him wrong to the relief of all the Pakistani cricket fans. Still, two more matches left in the series and hopefully we’ll keep the winning performance going.

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice at the same place (not sure if it’s true), but it needs to be seen in ICL best of the three finals between Lahore Badshahs and Hyderabad Heroes. Last time, Lahoris had a very favorable track record but managed to lose 2-0 in the finals. This time of the year, after the dismal start to the series they finally seem to be in control by reaching the final.


As for the tennis (a post about sports without Federer would seem incomplete (A)), can Federer win the Master Cup title to become the 3rd person to achieve the glory of having 5 or more titles at year end remains to be seen? Things don’t seem to be going his usual way with him looking tired and trying hard to win. Let’s see what destiny has in store for him.

War on Terror or War for Terror?

Found this in Reader's Digest Asia issue





Don't think I need to add anthing more!

Jiss rizq say aate ho parwaz mein kootahi

A big shot of a major bank threatened that if a part of the system didn’t work accurately, one whole team in the bank will be out of work. What I find strange is our mindset, even of the highly educated. We’d rather rely on a mortal being or a man-made system for providing livelihood rather then the Ar-Razzaq (The Sustainer) who arranges for a person’s rizq even before comes into this world. We’d rather use or try to find sources to get out CV in the right hands. We’d rather not pray to the Almighty for blessing us with ways to earn legal income.

As a nation, we depend on Uncle Sam and others to aid us in need at a much larger cost to us. The economical situation is at its worst everywhere in the world but it’s only us who are out their begging bowls pleading the developed countries to bail us out. Nobody wants to work hard and help the country but Everybody wants to live in luxury. I believe I am doing the same because what we all know best is: to talk. Just go on uttering nonsense and consider your part done. That’s why the talk shows are so popular in our part of the world

Anyways, all this reminded me of something I heard a month back.

‘Allah has promised to provide us rizq but we spend our life worrying about work and finding means to earn a living. Allah has not promised to enter us into Jaanah without good deeds. But knowingly, we continue to run after what has already been promised instead of working towards what has not been promised.’

I know we can’t earn without making an effort but let us not put all our efforts in it. May Allah give us the spiritual intellect to labor and make our efforts towards what He wants.

P.S Photo taken from flickr

I-don't-know-what-I-want-to-write-about

It's been quiet a while since my last post. A lot has happened and a lot more has changed. A few months back my friends were talking about being depressed and considering the possibility of getting high on Xanax (I am not sure about the name!). In reality, they weren’t going to try it out (right, guys!) but it became a joke such that whenever something goes a bit down in my life I comment about needing ecstasy!

So here I am thinking why we, who are (mashAllah say) blessed with so many good things in life are not contend with what we have and suffer from the ‘Why me?’ syndrome? Well, I think I know the answer but still it doesn’t stop me from wondering and going through the same cycle of negative feelings.

Anyways, before this post get more miserable and upset the balance of happiness in my life, there’s a website named Big White Wall acting a support group for people through emotional crisis where you can make a brick and vent out the all the anger and frustration from inside you through writing. Because letting it all out is the first step towards sanity.

Have a nice weekend :)

Caribbean (not-so) cool

Since the time I went to dentist early this year (it was my first time and the experience is nothing to write about), I have become pretty religious about brushing so that further visits could be avoided. Even though he told me that a visit after every 6 months is required for dental hygiene and once a year is mandatory! I am not sure if it was his marketing gimmick or a serious advice but I told him prevention is better then cure so I'll try brushing all the time!


We've always used Colgate or Aqua Fresh but I like trying different and new brands so the other day I bought Colgate Caribbean Cool which promised to make my teeth sparkling white and had the taste of fruits. Unless you like drinking papaya juice or a strong bitter fruit punch, I bet you wouldn’t want to waste your money on it and there’s no hint of mint as advertised. I used it only thrice because I thought maybe if I continue using it, I’ll get used to it! But every time I felt like throwing up and had to give it up. Now I have the whole tube with me and since there’s no accounting for tastes maybe some one might like it! Dare to try, anyone?

Obesity Control

I am going through a quarter life crisis! Well, it was me trying to be a drama queen but the issue is sitting continuously around for 9 hours or more, 5 days a week has started to show off on me.

I could never understand female obsession with dieting, trying to look stick-thin, have flat board tummys and wear size 0. Until the reality hit..that I was gaining weight and needed to take measures. It started at the beginning of the year; at first, I was in delusion that a bit of fat wouldn’t hurt (thinking it was really needed!). But then coming from a family where mostly people don’t suffer from (over)weight issues, it was a real blow because at every meeting I would be reminded that I am becoming fat day by day. And now, sometimes people come up and tell me their stories of how they lost weight and what I can do. The weird part is that now that I’ve put on a few kgs, my BMI has become normal where previously it was always underweight. And the weirder thing is that I feel lethargic now then I used to be when I was studying and working at the same time.

So, I have a plan. Well, I have had this plan since the last 6 months but it never goes into play because remember the laziness I mentioned above. The plan was simple: Go for half an hour walks in the morning and then continue to increase this time. Issue is even when I get up early in the morning; I don’t feel like going out to walk or have the energy to do so and sleeping again seems the best idea at that time. As for strolling at home, it isn’t as charming. So, I am still trying to figure out what to do? Previously, I had tried doing the ab-crunches because they look really cool and have the potential to achieve more in less time. But, I gave up in two days because they took a lot of effort to perform. Then, I decided to stick to my first option of walking because I love to walk!

As for these days, I am cutting down in chocolates and fats (Haven’t had a bucket full of fries since ages:(:’( ! And I take the stairs whenever I can (lots of people can vouch for that!). Besides all these efforts, I am still eating as I used to do because there’s no way I can stop it, right! Discussing with others members of the fair sex, I realized all of us working are concerned or worried about the same issue! We all talk about walking, exercising daily, joining a gym and the likes but never get around to doing it because of lack of time or effort on our behalf!

Let us see what becomes of my plan of going back to size zero days! And if anyone has any safe ideas for achieving it in least possible time, do let me know :)!!!!

P.S No plans for achieving the above though!

RF is back!

“I want that trophy,” RF said.

And he got it; that too, in straight sets beating 6th seeded Andy Murray! The year that didn’t start well for him, ended with a bang!

Today, Roger Federer became the first person in the history of tennis to win 5 consecutive US open titles. With this, he also holds the record of possessing 5 consecutive Wimbledon titles. The dual record of being victorious in two grand slams events 5 times is another triumph which no one holds in the tennis world. Too much talk about records, huh? Here comes another one, he is just one grand slam title behind Pete Sampras. Looking forward to him equaling and breaking the record next year and specially winning on clay! Cherry on top would be getting his No. 1 spot back :)

From the home front, Shoaib Akhtar is back in the news with his performance (not with the ball though). I wonder how come he didn’t pull a hamstring this time!

And I wonder...

Sometimes I wonder...

What's correct? Doing the right thing for the wrong reasons or doing the wrong thing for the right reasons?

Does the end really justify the means?

Any ideas..?

Pakistan Medaless

And my sports streak is back again. Beijing Olympics 2008 has ended without our dear homeland winning a single medal. However, we did create a record of finishing 8th in hockey for the first time in Olympics. As the saying goes, "baad naam na hoon gaye tu kia naam na hoga." However, I think we would have all preferred the naam or in fact the inaam this time.

Nations which are less then or quarter to our size such as Togo, Jamaica, Trinidad/Tobago; or war ridden as Afghanistan; or much less prosperous then us like Ethiopia have made their countries proud by winning medals. If the countries with much less resources and development can strive for glory why can’t we try and use our energies in sports department? May be if our country provides better opportunities for sports and cultivate the gaming atmosphere, we might end up having less frustrated and misguided citizens (and possibly less suicide bombers!).

I loved the Olympics medal awarding ceremony where the winners’ country flags would be hoisted and national anthem played. Looking forward to seeing the “Parcham-e-sitar-0-hilal” flying high at Olympics and hearing the tune of “Pak sar zameen” at London, 2012 and beyond!

Alvida, Adios, Au revior…

Even though I am not at all into politics but living in Pakistan you do get sucked into the political affairs drama. When I first learned about the history of Pakistan in Class IX, I wondered if any head of our state left with grace and dignity except Jinnah(who died..and while searching for a link, I realized there's no official site for our father of nation :S). Otherwise, as far as I know no government was free from controversy. Prime Minister and President either had to be murdered, thrown out from office or the army would take over and impose martial law. And adding to this list now, is our dear old ex-President Musharraf, preacher of enlightened moderation, who decided to resign (I think this has happened for the first time because no matter what happens in our country, no ones leaves the kursee!) instead of facing impeachment charges.

All his supporters thought that being a soldier; he wouldn’t give in and leave his office but defend himself! Alas, it didn’t happen. However, I am surprised about the reaction from acquaintances and friends of mine who wanted him to stay. And then there are SMSes(?) going around saluting him and his efforts and wishing him luck. According to a survey, 63% of the Pakistanis were in favor of his resignation and since Pakistan’s literacy rate is around 40%, should I assume that the educated/literate class didn’t want him to leave..?

As for me, I considered him to be a lesser evil among the leaders we have. But will never forget (and forgive) his actions in Lal Masjid case and handing of Pakistani citizens to US of A in the name of ‘War against Terror’. He is/may be responsible for other erroneous decisions and mishaps such Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhaamd Chaudry suspension, Dr Abdul Qadeer case but nothing justifies killing innocent civilians or be a partner to it.

And now he’s off to Umra and may seek asylum in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, USA or Great Britain. [Source: Dawn News]. So it’s ma’as-salama, güle güle and goodbye Mr. ex-President.

King Fed losing his throne?

I have a confession to make; I am a total sports buff be it played on ground or on paper! I am into cricket, tennis (with my heart & soul!), soccer (when it's world cup time), gymnastics, figure staking, sudoku to name a few! In my second life, I wouldn't mind being a tennis champion :)


Even though I have always watched tennis but I got addicted to it because of Roger Federer who (according to me) is the best sportsman I have ever seen. He has broken various records, won major titles in a row, and has been World No 1 tennis player since 2004. I won't go into details of his achievements because it can be easily googled. However, he lost three grand slams this year: Australian Open,Roland Garros French Open (oh yeah, he never was able to beat Nadal on clay) and unbelievingly Wimbledon (winning it would have resulted in amazing record of winning 6 Wimbledon titles in consecutive years). But you have to give credit to him because when asked about his failure at the end of the game, he said "I'll be back next year!!"

But now his dominating rule on men tennis world has come to an end as world No 1 spot has passed to Nadal (?..ATP Ranking still shows him as No 1!). But if you’ve seen him play, you must have noticed that he is a versatile player who makes his opponents run all over the place. And I have rarely seen him lose control of himself. And the best one is he also doesn't grunt (or make weird noises) when he serves or return a volley!

However, coming to his personal life he was born in Basel, Switzerland on 8th August, 1981 (and that’s why I am writing this on his birthday!) Happy Birthday RF :). Today he’ll also be carrying his country (Switzerland) flag in the Olympics for the second time. And for all his lady fans out there, he is dating a swiss tennis player Miroslava “Mirka” Vavrinec (who happens to be 3 years older then him :S)

The gecko crusade!

Have you ever noticed females and lizards can't stay in the same room? It's like a universal phenomenon between the fair sex and the reptile where the ultimatum is always 'It stays or I stay'. So it happens that even though I don't suffer from herpetophobia, I am still not their fan and don't like to in be the same social gathering as them!

Now the other day, after coming back from work I was ready for a hot, steamy bath when I noticed a baby lizard on the bathroom ceiling challenging me to come inside!So I rushed out telling Ami to do something about it. (I have problems killing roaches, unless it’s a baby roach). She asked to me to get a jahroo (broom) so that she can bring the lizard down and get rid of it. (All of you must have seen the broom attached to long pole which is used for cleaning the fans and room ceilings). But since our ceiling is a bit out of reach because of the long walls, the task fell on poor me as Ami wasn’t able to reach it! Imagine my disgust trying to hit Lizzie Junior to get her to come down and face the music.

Well, at first I was just hitting the places in its vicinity and even then I was not technically screaming but my mouth would continue to emit noises that can be considered close to it. However, it was having no affect on LJ (the name reminds me of MJ from Spider Man!) who continued to roam freely. So after a lot of discussion (read arguments) where Ami kept telling me to beat it rather then hit close by it (I had this feeling LJ wouldn’t mind taking revenge by falling on me!) I finally struck it. And viola! LJ came crashing down to the floor. And I forgot to mention, large quantities of insect killing spray was used before all the adventure began and LJ took to the heart her fall from grace (ceiling) and kept withering and finally breathed her last.

Here ends my killing spree and finally I was able to take a bath peacefully without any reptiles around me.

P.S For all those who like/adore lizards, I am sorry for killing a member of the family. But it can surely be termed as a collateral damage! Also pictures taken from google images!

Donate by playing for free!

“Feeling guilty about wasting time on computer solitaire? Join the growing guilt-free multitude at FreeRice.com, an online game with redeeming social value.”

USA Today

While going through Reader's Digest Asia a few months back, I came across a small advertisement about a website called FreeRice which claimed to donating rice to feed hungry people around the world, if you play the vocabulary game on their web site. I was skeptical at first but knowing RD Asia would not print anything that they don't consider authentic, so I gave it a shot.

A bit of googling concluded that it's supported by UN Food Programme and sponsors such as Uniliver provides the rice to be sent to the needy. Also, rice is taken from the developing countries thereby minimizing the cost of reaching the famished. [Source: UN Food Programme].

The game is straightforward; you are given a word and multiple choices to select the correct meaning. For every correct reply, 20 grains of rice are donated and you can play as long as you want without the need to register and provide any details about you. It’s a great vocabulary booster and there are options to start from zero vocab level and let it judge your ranking and query for words within that range. Or, start from a specified level and proceed from there on. Also, you can set the option for quizzing you again on the words for which you answered incorrectly to assess your memorizing quality.



Killing two birds by one stone was never that easy. On one hand you are contributing to a cause, while on the other hand you are playing a game to exercise your mind and learn a few new words. So whoever is studying for their SAT/GRE/IBA and LUMS, get smart and save money (from Anees Hussain :P). And whoever tries, do let me know your vocabulary levels!

Wild Fire

After the euphoria of the first post has dimmed and the overwhelming response received (I can take a few liberties here as the writers do when they blend fact and fiction) has truly surprised me, I have been busy thinking about my second entry. A few things did come up like the faux pas committed at our new PM # 26th first speech to the nation. It is at the same time both hilarious and shockingly disgraceful that mismanagement could occur at such a high level. It makes you wonder (oh well, we already know!) how the state matters are decided and executed when the dear PM gets this type of treatment.

But coming to my post, if you were thinking that I am going to discuss and play the blame game, be assured this is not going to be the case. Our TV channels are welcomed to all the discussions, debates, so called behas-o-mubahisa on talk shows where each person is out there to ridicule and degrade everyone else.

Being an ardent reader that I am, today I'll share with you my thoughts about a book that I recently read. It’s called Wild Fire by Nelson De Mille. I have read a few novels by the author including May Day, Plum Island, The Lion’s Game, Up Country and Night Fall. I got hooked on from Plum Island, where John Corey a NYPD cop, a smart aleck filled with dry wit and disrespect for the authority is convalescing from gun shot wounds to no-man’s-land (go figure it out ;) ) and stumbles on a homicide. However after the post-9/11 era, author has really gone after Muslims and Islam. His two novels The Lion’s Game (where a Libyan terrorist named Asad Khalil comes to US of A, causes loads of destruction in the land of dreams and escapes as well!) and Wild Fire are based on portraying Muslims as the worst threat to the whole world which needs to be eliminated.

In the novel, De Mille uses a rumor by the name of Wild Fire (started after 9/11) and I quote from his notes

“I personally believe that some variation of Wild Fire (by another code name) actually exists, and if it doesn’t, it should”

Wild Fire actually is a pro-active response to nuclear terrorism where all the Islamic heads of the states (no other country can be held responsible for a nuke war; even the one who has used them!) are warned that if they use weapons of mass destruction (WMD is the best excuse to invade any other country and free them!) on the US of A soil, at most 100 Muslim cities and other targets will automatically be retaliated against using nuclear retaliation.


And the point to note is that even in a nuclear war, they plan to save the oil reserves for themselves and plan on bombing the areas which doesn’t affect oil. Now, any attack on US of A will be assumed to be by Muslims so you can try guessing what happens next! Ten points to anybody who can guess the ending! I haven't been a spoilt sport and given the plot away because there is much more the story :)

The book also discusses the conspiracy theory that the 9/11 was caused by US administration so that they get an excuse to declare war on Iraq. Overall, the novel is OK but the Wild Fire plan; sourness against Muslims did really put me off. He has also tried portraying where all Americans don't hate Muslims and vice versa and people are concerned about loss of innocent human lives etc etc to balance out the negativity i guess. John Corey (if you have ever read him before) is good as ever though.

Disclaimer: All views expressed above are mine and do not constitute marketing/publicity stunt for the author. Freedom of expression exists and I have a right to comment on what I like and what appalls me. You either hold the same views or totally against it. There is no fuzziness in between! Also, I copied the comics from web and I didn't intend to violate any copyright or any other infringements laws knowingly or unknowingly.

P.S. Plum Island and Mayday is missing from my collection. Anybody who has them knowingly or unknowingly can/should return it. No harm will be done to him/her.

Hello World :)

The day or rather the evening has arrived.

Finally, I am on the blogosphere waves which took quiet an effort. First, I have lazy bones and the thought of getting down and writing a whole post seemed such a big effort :). Today, at work reading Love in the time of cholera and listening to Alvida from Life In a Metro, a bulb went up in my mind about putting the time to better use and start blogging! (Those who are wondering why I was reading a novel while at office; well, it's another story).

However, note to all wanna-be bloggers: All the artistic blogging address names are taken so all of you should just hurry up. I began with rambler and a few others which were already in use. So I contacted one of my colleagues Rabia and we both ventured on a journey to find the best original and innovative address. She came up with loads of suggestions but to our dismay all were unavailable. After an hour of this activity, I ended up following my backup plan and keeping my nick as my blog address.

So, here I am and just got another tip from the guru (Rabia) who tells me that the first blog should an introduction to what you’ll be blogging about. Right now I don’t have a clue. I just have a vague plan and I plan to write about anything/everything that inspires/motivates/delights/angers/saddens me. Or maybe all the posts will be decided on spur-of-the-moment (SOTM). And as my friends and I know SOTM plans are the best ones we have ever made. Hopefuly, the same can be said of my posts.