Echo in the Steam Room

Frankly, My heart skipped a beat when I found out in the news room that many densely populated areas in Lahore were going to be without electricity for 22 hours on Tuesday. Thankfully that was just a crank.

But you find people talking about power cuts and protests almost all the time. Much of that is understandably derived from the dread of the heat to come in months like June and July. So, when I bumped into my watchman as I reached back from work the same day, I asked him if there was any electricity and his answer didnt let me ask him another question. "They sold the entire country to the US!" Being critical of elected governments is a practice all over the world and though I have no clue about the political affiliations of my watch man yet its in a way disturbing to see that people who have voted in the previous election are not happy with people who they themselves brought into power. It is probably for these common men that Government big wigs often are found saying ;" A bad democracy is better than dictatorship".

So, then there is always talk of India. And the recently US returned Foreign Minister has been heard saying that all concerns reagrding India's mischiefs in Baluchistan and FATA have been conveyed to the US. So, US could use its clout and ask India to behave. And within a day , television news headlines are all about Pakistan India ties improving.

No, not because of resumption of composite dialogue between the two countries but because Shoaib Malik, the cricketer and Sania Mirza ,the tennis ace are set to exchange wedding rings next month. It is a big deal for everyone. People are having a hard time figuring out , how to react. Some are amused while others irritated or may be plain jealous. Whatever the case, its quite childish to look for more in this case than just a marriage of two individuals from different countries, who have decided to live in another country after wedding than in their own.

We need to learn to take things in their stride. Its just Love going beyond borders.

Behind the Scenes

For the Better

All Happiness and Satisfaction!

Serious quarters in Pakistan have this greater realisation that it was basically the media hype that created some high expectations among the Pakistani people and intimidation within Indians that Pakistan could be rewarded by the US in the form of some civilian nuclear energy deal.

Well that didnot happen. But there is potetntial for a better relationship as more talks are due to take place in Islamabad.

The good thing though is that Pakistani Diplomats are not that disappointed.
They are on the same page with US high ups in that this strategic dialogue takes the feelings for each other to a next higher padestal, from where the possibilities are endless. Pakistan also feels that US has given her exclusive attention, for once putting Afghanistan and India on the side. And who doesnot like attention?

Is this all diplomatic rhetoric?? Only time will tell.

Redefining "Do More!"

The Pak-US strategic dialogue to be held on March 24 is significant in more ways than one.

Not only is it the first such interaction under the Obama administration but also it comes at a time when US has just begun to feel that its trust for Pakistan is strengthening.

Some of this gap has been bridged by the recent high level militant arrests from Pakistan.

The fact that United States has expressed willingness to speak to Pakistan, a country that it has always considered a difficult challenge to deal with, is an indication that the disconnect between the two has a chance of being corrected.

While US views these talks as a first step towards advanced strategic friendship, Pakistani side has high hopes from this visit.

Among issues such as economic development, aid, energy and water- Pakistan desires to settle the controversial Drone strikes issue with the US.

Many in Pakistan have been wondering why the US has been delaying the aid package to Pakistan.

US on its part wants a strong democracy in Pakistan.

But the buzz in the diplomatic quarters that Army Chief General Kayani is to play a dominating role in these strategic talks might not be seen as being in line with the demands of Kerry Lugar Bill.

US finds it reminiscent of dictatorship in Pakistan.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been speaking of asking the US to do more this time around. As Secretary Clinton prepares to welcome her counterpart with open arms, it remains to be seen how the two sides will be able to redefine their strategic relationship that can benefit the two nations and the region.

Indescribable

I haven't been able to think of any title for this post. Usually, that comes to mind sometimes at the beginning of the process to write something or midway....but this time there is such a stir that am simply without words.

Silence, no words ....that is such a strong language. Says so much, kind of talks to you. I am remembering my father silently today. I can't even describe the kind of bond that I had with him. But there is always a pull in blood relations specially parents.

I can't remember , how many times I told him while he was alive about the love I had for him and how thankful I find myself to him today.

As Sigmund Freud said: " I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for father's protection".

Writing on the Wall

My quest for mastering techniques to be able to use the great phenomenomal Face Book with decency surges because the more you think you are getting better at it ,there are episodes that kind of disgust you .

I mean, in these times when it is said that everyone and everyones's grand mother has a face book account, you still should not underestimate the importance of making that sweet phone call that would make all the difference rather than changing status.

Frankly, what's with the urge to tell people what you ate or what time you tumbled out of bed.....but then who am I to object because after all.....that is what social networking is all about!!

Poking, however, is quite an interesting feature.....quietly go on poking those people in your life!!

Take Care!
There are news that today's investigators and prospective employers go through face book accounts to get valuable untold ideas about applicants! Can you imagine that....you give so much about yourself without realising that not every one would see things the way you do. Interpretations differ you know!

Allow me to share some security issues that you should keep in mind....

Make Friends' List
You can do that by going to the 'Friends' tab on the Face Book homepage.

Who Can See What on Your Profile
Move your mouse to the extreme right upper corner of your profile, which says Account, click on Privacy Settings from there and then select Profile. This option helps you select who can see what on your profile and you can also check what does your profile looks like to others.

Block People
Honestly, I am not for blocking people. Learn to embrace socialising with open arms. But there is an option to be that rude.

To become invisible to certain people , by typing their names and selecting their profiles in the block list. Block list is present in 'Privacy Settings' under the Account option.

Stay Away from Unknown Applications
Put all the fan pages you have joined on limited profile by going on your friends list, selecting them and then licking on limited profile.

Enjoy this article by clicking on the link below. Its about people we all come across on face book and some of them scare us too!!


http://www.gq.com/entertainment/humor/201001/scary-facebook-friends-profiles#slide=19n

Naomi!.......She's so fly!

Being in one profession for 25 years is an achievemnt in itself . Dairy Khan pays tribute to Naomi Campbell for completing as many years in the modelling world and still selling by bringing you her images captioned by her sayings and bio facts.Naomi Campbell at the Elle Awards last month . She was awarded there for Outstanding Contribution to Industry. "I'm really happy that everyone came together and made it possible,”


"Anger is a manifestation of a deeper issue, ... and that, for me, is based on insecurity, self-esteem and loneliness.”


While holding court as queen of the runway, Naomi appeared in a smattering of television shows, music videos, and movies

She has been the face of the likes of D&G, Louis Vuitton and Gianni Versace. Versace never did a show without her.

"I haven't met her. She won't meet up with me.”

Naomi with Hugo Chavez, who she interviewed as contributing editor of none other than GQ!

"It's awful to see what happened and watch grown men crying on TV because they have nothing left"

"I never diet. I smoke. I drink now and then. I never work out. I work very hard, and I am worth every cent.”

To Victoria Beckham: So why exactly do they call you Posh?”

"I don't always wear underwear. When I'm in the heat, especially, I can't wear it. Like, if I'm wearing a flower dress, why do I have to wear underwear?”

”When I'm looking at this [devastation], it's like I'm looking at Africa or anywhere else in the world but here. It made me think about what I could do to help.”

After making her first cover appearance on the British edition of Elle, she went on to pose for Vogue, Sports Illustrated, GQ and many other magazines.

Elle’s editor at the time, Sally Brampton, said about Naomi, “Standing in the street with her was like being with a bird-of-paradise—a bird-of-paradise, while we were all just little brown birds.”

Simply Naomi!!Fashion coordinator Audrey Smaltz also commented in Harper's Bazaar on Campbell's magnetism on style show runways: "She's doesn't realize how wonderful she is ... She has terrific body language--most models don't--and can translate this into whatever she's wearing."

With Micheal Jackson in the video for "In the Closet" song on the album Dangerous. She charged Madonna six digit sum for being photographed in her controversial book.

She is of Chinese discent

"I'm so blessed to have been part of that era with such amazing women. It was just so much fun. We wanted to do things together. We wanted to hang out together. And we protected each other." Vanity Fair, September 2008

She has worked continuously since the beginning, never taking more than a very brief break and successfully keeping a firm hold on the spotlight for more than 20 years. Now that’s what legends are made of!

Naomi is no stranger to charity work. She is responsible for an incredible amount of fundraising and campaigning in South Africa—so much so that Nelson Mandela named her an honorary granddaughter in 1997.

"I make a lot of money and I'm worth every cent”

She co-wrote the 1997 novel Swan.

Naomi has graced more than 500 covers in her career.

"What is very scary is that you start to feel too confident and you start to feel indispensable.”

According to her official biography, Campbell is known as an aggressive and effective marketer of her own brand; among other ventures, she released her own perfume and cosmetics lines

Who's That Girl?
Naomi Campbell is as legendary as they come. A self-proclaimed diva, larger than life, relentlessly shocking, and beautiful, you can’t help but love to watch her—she is 100% supermodel icon.

Born on May 22, 1970, Naomi was often left with a nanny as a child while her mother, Valerie, traveled Europe with the Fantastica dance troupe to support her daughter. Fifteen years later, while Naomi was on a break from her ballet studies at London’s Academy of Performing Arts, Naomi’s world took a turn. A scout spotted her shopping in Covent Garden and, next thing she knew, she was on her first shoot for Elle, flashing her magnetic smile.

Naomi was the first black model to appear on the covers of Time magazine, and French and British Vogue.

Controversies

Her reputation as a prima donna was enhanced over the years when a string of personal assistants accused her of abusive behavior, several of them saying she had struck them with telephones. She's also known for her romantic dalliances with celebrities including actor Robert DeNiro and Italian millionaire Flavio Briatore.

Never Say Die!

The attack in Lahore on Friday was aimed at a security forces convoy but many victims are civilians

I have been trying to get my hands on a photo of a hoarding advertising Jashn e Bahaaran here in Lahore fro quite some time now.....but have failed in the endeavour. May be I wasn't trying enough.These hoardings have been sponsored by Lipton, the famous tea brand .....these signs look quite relevant because basant and bahaar (spring) apparently share the colour yellow with Lipton's logo.

But there was something strange in the air right from the start....the spring festival turned out to be quite low key.Back in the mid ninetys when this trend of corporate sponsorship in the country was still nascent, the response to such calls by the sponsors was quite cheerful and whole hearted. This has completely died down now.

The common man seems to be dragging their souls towards happiness....this decade has given the people a moto......stay happy. I mean the message seems to be "try hard and feel the happiness..try real hard..."we have seen people trying to define the term happiness and the emotion love, like never before. Pick up any website on the internet, any digest, any weekend news paper mag and even juice drink packs....they all ask you to practice happiness somehow!

And people tried ...they did try real hard ..not only because they succunbed to the force of the message that mass media campaigns employ to drum their adds but also because its a basic human need to feel the happiness....and in that bid over the last week I ahve been sitting in a fast food joint's window seat that gives a good view of the park in Lahore that is one of the venues of Jashn e Baharan events.....People come with expressionless faces ....take slow strolls in the park , give spiteful looks at the huge tea logo cut outs and leave.

That is beacuse they are all concerned about reaching home in one one piece...and what happened yesterday in Lahore was enough to shatter any kind of brave hearted Lahori. Just returned from the capital , I have never seen such a strange quiet in the city and that too on a Saturday over the past year I have spent here. But now people are not as free spirited as they once were-they are thinking twice....because they all know there are savages out there who can blow them off in seconds right in the heart of the city within seconds, within days and 7 times in a day.

The response of London to the July 7 attacks was appreciated by the world

Back in October when there was an attack in Shangla on a security forces convoy and I was asked by a London based journalist ' How did I feel on the roads in Pakistan?'.I had replied at that time that the life goes on ,,,,the spirit of Paksitanis is high, quite similar to the reslove that Londoners exhibited after July underground bombings, My interrogater had given a toughtful silent reply .....

But just some months later , I now feel that the resolve of Pakistanis is greater than any nation in the world. The way they bounce back every time their lives and the way of living is attacked is unmatched.

Why those Lipton hoardings caught my attention was because of the slogan inscribed across them in deep red, which justifies itself absolutely after Friday attacks:
Lahore Can Do That!

DOSE

So, as promised the loadshedding is here and it has been around for quite some days now - just giving an idea how sweltering it is going to get in the coming months. Although I am yet to read a little deeper into what does the decision taken by the Sindh Government embody yet trading centres in Karachi opening at 9 in the morning till 8 in the evening will interest people because there won't be any powercuts in that time period. That is what I call sensitivity.

As diverse as the facets of life, exhibiting sensitivity comes from within an individual and exist to different extents in different people.People have cried bitterly again in Lahore over the tragic blast in the posh Model Town. I spoke to one co worker whose home had been injured because of being close to the targetted Special Investigation Cell.

After learning from him that his kids were doing great and are not suffering from continuing horror attacks because of around 300 kgs of explosives going off next door, he surprises me with his sensitivity! He said no to the government assistance announced to repair damaged houses as a result of that blast. His reason? "My kids are alive, that's enough for me".That is his heart. I am talking about a man , who while at work heard the news of the blast in his area.

I guess we can all show senstivity by being thankful for what we have in life. Most important of all, a new day that we get every day in good health. Happiness, they say equals good health plus a bad memory. How important it is to have a bad memory? Well,this has interested philosophers for quite a while and none of them came up calling for sparing the almonds!

All the best,Qasim!
The way Qasim looked after me the night my body heated up to unbearable levels is something that can only be felt.That again was his sensitivity. These are small little things that make huge contributions. After years and years of detailed studies, humans have in a show of sensitivity to their own race, begun realising that success in this world is a step by step process and that it is very important to choose professions that one would love to go to in the morning.

I mean ...showing some sensitivity has miraculous effects on you....far far better than terrible anti biotics!

Bingo!

Best Picture
Avatar, The blind side, District 9, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Bastards, A Serious Man, Up in the Air.
Best Actor
Jeff Bridges, Colin Firth, George Clooney,Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Renner.
George Clooney nominated for Up on the Air.
Best Actress
Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Cary Mulligen, Gabourey Sidibe, Meryl Streep.
Best Direction
Avatar, The Hurt Locker, Inglorious Bastards, Up in the Air, Precious.

You will be able to see it for yourself tonight.....who takes home the Oscar from the above selected few. There must be plenty of special things about tonight's ceremony but here is how Vincent Canby, film critic captured the ususal mood at the big night of tinsel town:
"The solemnity of the annual Nobel ceremonies in Stockholm with the cheerful bad taste of the grand opening of a shopping centre in Los Angeles" .

Success, Fame and Riches
That is what getting an Oscar actually means....according to variety magazine , a win any major category boosts a film's revenue by 11 million dollars ! Anyone who wins a best actor or actress is instantly promoted to the A list. That ofcourse translates into millions of dollars of a raise in the actor(ess) fee.

More Movies
This year instead of usual 5, 10 movies have been nominated in the best picture category...simply to attract more film fans to tune into the ceremony.

Hilary Swank jumped from 1m$ to 8m$ after winning best actress.

Who decides?
Yeah....so who decides ...5835 members of the American Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Members nominate candidates in thier respective fields ...film editors vote for film editing,etc.Oscar winners are then chosen by a second round of voting where all members vote in each category.The results are then sealed in 22 envelopes!

No cheating?
What can one say when Alfred Hitchcock never won an Oscar...not even for Vertigo or The Birds! George C. Scott and Marlon Brando thought so little of the awards they refused to accept their best actor statuettes...

Judie Foster : Oscar is nothing but a silly bingo game!

But , Thanks Alot!
In 1935 after winning Clark Gable made the shoetest ever acceptance speech...all he said was "thank you".
Winners are told to limit their thank you speeches to 45 deconds or face the risk of the orchestra drowning them out.But, in 2001 Julia Roberts begans her best actress acceptance speech by speaking to the orchestra conductor first!

Julia Roberts

She had said " Sir, you are doing a great job but you are so quick with that stick.So, why don't you sit becuase I may never be here again".

The Orchestra let her finish.

True Story!

پنجگرایئں(نمائندہ) کرنٹ لگنے سے گدھا اور کتا جاں بحق۔ واقعات کے مطابق پنجگرائیں کے رہائشی مزدور محمد

ستم ولد محمد یسین قوم مصلی نے اپنی گدھا ریڑھی کو بجلی کے پول کے قریب کھڑا کر دیا۔ بجلی آنے پر پول میں کرنٹ آنے پر بائیس ہزار مالیت کا گدھا ہلاک ہو گیا۔ جبکہ ساتھ کھڑا کتا بھی ہلاک ہو گیا۔

Diarykhan feels this journalism. Just look at the amount of information that this three liner has in it .At the same time, it leaves your imagination stirred.....how did the dog next to the donkey die?

N.B. This is not made up. This story was actually filed by a correspondent in Panjgarain near Sargodha.

In Pictures

Last week of February saw UAE receiving heavy rains . These rains led the Dubai Police register some 170 traffic accidents on Sunday, the 28th of February 2010. Rescue teams were made in Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Alkhaima that worked round the clock to clear roads and help stranded motorists.Take a look ....

Global Village remained closed for a day in the wake of heavy rains. A woman died in hospital as a wooden part from the Indian pavilion fell becuase heavy winds.

Lucky to be on top! Some residents of Sharjah were trapped in their homes.

Facing risk of electrocution while in storm water.

Cars were submerged.

Brave driver in that white van.

Vehicles were used as stepping stone by many.

Self help, always a good idea.

Schools had to be closed. Some reached home after more than two hours.

Majority of home owners and businesses do not take out insurance.

Basic motor insurance does not cover flood damage.

This road turned into a river.

Special Thanks to Kashif ul Haq, good friend in Dubai for these exclusive photos.