Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Ex-Press Secretary bashes Bush on War in Iraq
n a book due out Monday, former White House press secretary Scott McClellan offers a blistering review of the administration and concludes that his longtime boss misled the nation into an unnecessary war in Iraq.
"History appears poised to confirm what most Americans today have decided—that the decision to invade Iraq was a serious strategic blunder," McClellan wrote in "What Happened."
He added that "war should only be waged when necessary, and the Iraq war was not necessary."
McClellan worked for George W. Bush from 1999, when he signed on as a deputy in the Texas governor's press office, until 2006, when he was forced out as White House press secretary.
Read on here
"History appears poised to confirm what most Americans today have decided—that the decision to invade Iraq was a serious strategic blunder," McClellan wrote in "What Happened."
He added that "war should only be waged when necessary, and the Iraq war was not necessary."
McClellan worked for George W. Bush from 1999, when he signed on as a deputy in the Texas governor's press office, until 2006, when he was forced out as White House press secretary.
Read on here
Pakistan needs 159 years to catch up with industrialised nations
A World Bank body has said that Pakistan need 159 years to catch up with the industrialized nations of the world, and that the country could reach this milestone by 2050 if it maintained an annual growth rate of 8.3 per cent, and in 2100 if it maintained a growth rate of 4.9 per cent.
It said during the last 10 years Pakistan has maintained the maximum growth rate of 4.8 with an average of 1.8 per year, and that its per capita GDP in 2006 was 2206 dollars.
According to it, India with a per capita GDP of 3308 dollars can catch up with industrialised nations in 50 years. During the last 10 years, India had the maximum growth rate of 7.7 per cent, with an average of 4.9 per cent, the Dawn quoted the report as saying.
The report, prepared by the Commission on Growth and Development noted that China, which in 2006 had per capita GDP of 6621 dollars, can catch up with industrialised countries in 23 years.
The Commission is based at the World Bank headquarters in Washington.
During the last 10 years, China has had an average growth rate of 8.3 per cent, with a maximum of 10.1 per cent.
The report further said that among the Muslim nations, Malaysia was the closest to catch up with industrialised nations, as it can reach this milestone in 35 years, followed by Iran, which can reach there in 54 years. Egypt needed 118 years, it added
WHAT SHORCUT AZIZ GOVERNMENT CLAIMED - 7% GROWTH RATE
It said during the last 10 years Pakistan has maintained the maximum growth rate of 4.8 with an average of 1.8 per year, and that its per capita GDP in 2006 was 2206 dollars.
According to it, India with a per capita GDP of 3308 dollars can catch up with industrialised nations in 50 years. During the last 10 years, India had the maximum growth rate of 7.7 per cent, with an average of 4.9 per cent, the Dawn quoted the report as saying.
The report, prepared by the Commission on Growth and Development noted that China, which in 2006 had per capita GDP of 6621 dollars, can catch up with industrialised countries in 23 years.
The Commission is based at the World Bank headquarters in Washington.
During the last 10 years, China has had an average growth rate of 8.3 per cent, with a maximum of 10.1 per cent.
The report further said that among the Muslim nations, Malaysia was the closest to catch up with industrialised nations, as it can reach this milestone in 35 years, followed by Iran, which can reach there in 54 years. Egypt needed 118 years, it added
WHAT SHORCUT AZIZ GOVERNMENT CLAIMED - 7% GROWTH RATE
WE, THE BASTARDS
Looters and plunders of the nation has come up with something new from pandora box this evening.. they are now going to abolish all the subsidies that they are passing it own to common people. Now, how the hell are people gonna earn bread daily. As all know that most of pakistani nation is living under $2 daily. So, if subsidy on oil is gone.this means Rs.110+ Oil per liter. which means transportation cost will increase. which means food prices will rise.which means people are going to die from hunger soon.
They are making mockery of us,WE THE BLOODY BASTARDS OF THIS NATION-THE COMMON MAN. They think that subsidies are making huge impact on finances of government. Now, if government are not for making people life easy then for what its there? The taxes they were enjoying before subsidy from common bastards were too much compare to recent tax collection. So, they want to collect tax from people to run the government. They dont want to produce or manufacture anything to bring money to government finance.WHO THE HECK ARE WE? WE THE BASTARDS!!!
What Gilani Government said
The Gilani government has made a commitment to the World Bank to do away with subsidies on POL, electricity and wheat by December 2008, a World Bank official claimed on Tuesday.
The Resident Office of the World Bank in Islamabad arranged a press briefing here on Tuesday. Praful Patel, the Vice President of the World Bank, said on the occasion that the government had made a commitment to the WB to abolish subsidies on POL, power and wheat by the next financial year.
"In case such huge subsidies are abolished, the WB could provide assistance for some other new programmes," he added. He said that the WB had also asked Pakistan to utilise its resources available in the shape of Thar coal, and the bank was ready to provide support to Islamabad in this regard.
About the IPI gas pipeline, he said that if Islamabad sought assistance from the WB, it would consider it purely on technical basis without having any political angle. He said the present government required time for evolving its economic policies as the previous government had left the economy in a bad shape due to higher subsidies.
He said that a WB technical mission would start deliberations with the Pakistani authorities today (Wednesday) on budget related issues and devising targeted subsidy programme to reach out the poorest of the poor.
He said there were certain flaws in the existing arrangements, including the Utility Stores Corporation (USC), and there was a need for direct targeted programme to mitigate the miseries of the poor people in the wake of the rising POL and food prices. He said the WB would jack up its assistance to Pakistan to around $4.5 billion over the next three years. He said the bank would provide assistance for construction of dams.
They are making mockery of us,WE THE BLOODY BASTARDS OF THIS NATION-THE COMMON MAN. They think that subsidies are making huge impact on finances of government. Now, if government are not for making people life easy then for what its there? The taxes they were enjoying before subsidy from common bastards were too much compare to recent tax collection. So, they want to collect tax from people to run the government. They dont want to produce or manufacture anything to bring money to government finance.WHO THE HECK ARE WE? WE THE BASTARDS!!!
What Gilani Government said
The Gilani government has made a commitment to the World Bank to do away with subsidies on POL, electricity and wheat by December 2008, a World Bank official claimed on Tuesday.
The Resident Office of the World Bank in Islamabad arranged a press briefing here on Tuesday. Praful Patel, the Vice President of the World Bank, said on the occasion that the government had made a commitment to the WB to abolish subsidies on POL, power and wheat by the next financial year.
"In case such huge subsidies are abolished, the WB could provide assistance for some other new programmes," he added. He said that the WB had also asked Pakistan to utilise its resources available in the shape of Thar coal, and the bank was ready to provide support to Islamabad in this regard.
About the IPI gas pipeline, he said that if Islamabad sought assistance from the WB, it would consider it purely on technical basis without having any political angle. He said the present government required time for evolving its economic policies as the previous government had left the economy in a bad shape due to higher subsidies.
He said that a WB technical mission would start deliberations with the Pakistani authorities today (Wednesday) on budget related issues and devising targeted subsidy programme to reach out the poorest of the poor.
He said there were certain flaws in the existing arrangements, including the Utility Stores Corporation (USC), and there was a need for direct targeted programme to mitigate the miseries of the poor people in the wake of the rising POL and food prices. He said the WB would jack up its assistance to Pakistan to around $4.5 billion over the next three years. He said the bank would provide assistance for construction of dams.
Mahleej Sarkari Busted - Some Clips of Enlightened Moderation
Just came across some clips of our own MISS WORLD PAKISTANI.. thought to let you know that how far can we get..
Miss World Competition Part I
Miss World Competition Part II
For more .. try related videos in side bar
Miss World Competition Part I
Miss World Competition Part II
For more .. try related videos in side bar
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Half of Lahore population drinks water with faecal contents
Half of Lahore population has been drinking water having faecal contents, and even those living in the so-called posh areas are no exception.
According to a report of the Institute of Public Health, waste discharged from bowels (faeces) has been found in about half of the drinking water samples collected from almost all parts of Lahore. The samples tested by the institute were sent to it by different agencies including the city district government during the first two weeks of the month. IPH’s Epidemiologist Prof. Farkhanda Kokab says the institute had tested some 92 drinking water samples between May 1 and 15 and found faeces in 43 of them. "The presence of faeces in potable water is very dangerous and alarming. The authorities concerned must take a serious note of it and do the needful," she said and maintained that posh areas were no exception in this case. "The best solution to ensure the cleanliness of drinking water is to boil it," she suggested. Because of the poor quality of water being provided by the government agency, people are switching over to bottled water. The number of bottled water users is going up by the day and the number of such companies is also on the rise. The price of 1.5 litre bottle of water is Rs 30, or equivalent to one litre of milk. This price is about 70 per cent of the soft drink of the same size. Time is not far off when the water, milk and soft drinks will be available at about the same price. Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) Director (Monitoring) Dr Shagufta Shahjahan said the department carried out tests of drinking water samples collected from different parts of the province off and on. In Lahore, she said, 25 per cent water samples were found 'unfit’ for drinking in the last survey. She said the department had written to the city district government and Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) to chlorinate and clean the water supply lines. An EPD survey shows that the defective sewerage system is one of the main reasons of water contamination. Due to defective system, sewage mixes with the water supply lines. The survey suggests that the discharge of industrial effluents into the subsoil through holes should be banned in order to avoid ground water contamination.
Source : KHALEEJ TIMES
China Quake Ruining Couple's Wedding
Wang Qiang had just photographed the bride-and groom-to-be when the ground started shaking. He heard stones falling from the 100-year-old church nearby. "I shouted to people, 'Run! Run!'" said the photographer yesterday. "The ground shook and we couldn't see anything in the dust." Mr Wang's wedding shoots on May 12 in Bailu town turned into an eerie record of natural disaster.The church was a popular spot for wedding photos. The earthquake left it in tatters. "The building collapsed within 10 seconds," said Mr Wang, who lives in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, the hardest-hit region. Clouds of dust filled the air. When the dust settled, everyone stood up and realised they were safe, Mr Wang said.
Photos
Photos
Monday, May 26, 2008
Musharraf’s family in US supporting Obama
President Pervez Musharraf's family members here are supporting and giving donations to a US presidential candidate who strongly opposes the Bush Administration policy of supporting and keeping the retired general in the presidency.
Dr. Naveed Musharraf, President's real brother, and Irum Bilal Musharraf, his daughter-in-law, gave donations to Barack Obama, instead of offering support to Bush's Republican Party candidate, Senator John McCain.
The US Federal Election Commission records available to The News indicate that Musharraf's family has never been supportive of Republicans, in term of donations. They supported Senator John F. Kerry in his presidential bid against George Bush when he ran for his second term in 2004.
During a speech in the beginning of this year, Obama said the Bush administration should not make a choice between the extremists and Musharraf but the people of Pakistan. It is well known in the Pakistani community in the US that Musharraf's family, settled in the US, including his son Bilal, have been quietly asking him to revise his decision to continue fighting for his position despite the Feb 18 election results in which all the anti-Musharraf political parties won a heavy mandate.
Even Bilal was among the well-wishers offering the advice, a source close to family said. After the proclamation of the emergency, there was a tremendous rise in anti-Musharraf protests staged by Pakistani-Americans. When Stanford University students planned a similar protest, their colleague, Bilal, requested them to drop the idea saying he would personally convey their sentiments to his father, the source said.
Bilal has been a student at Stanford University that has a special admission quota for the children of world leaders. Dr. Naveed Musharraf, brother of Pervez Musharraf, is a US-citizen living in Chicago and is politically affiliated to the Democratic Party. He contributed for Obama when he contested for the Illinois Senate seat and gave donations to Senator Kerry when he made a presidential bid.
According to the election commission record, Irum resides in Oak Brook city of Illinois' state. There is another family member, Nancy Musharraf, but her relationship with President Musharraf could not be ascertained.
An anaesthesiologist by profession, Naveed has been living in Chicago for the last 34 years. His wife, Linda, a Philippino-American, died in 2005. His two sons: Zarar and Ather, are college students, according to a newspaper report. Naveed is member of a Chicago-based think-tank on South Asia, the South Asian Group of Action and Reflection.
Courtesy: The News
Dr. Naveed Musharraf, President's real brother, and Irum Bilal Musharraf, his daughter-in-law, gave donations to Barack Obama, instead of offering support to Bush's Republican Party candidate, Senator John McCain.
The US Federal Election Commission records available to The News indicate that Musharraf's family has never been supportive of Republicans, in term of donations. They supported Senator John F. Kerry in his presidential bid against George Bush when he ran for his second term in 2004.
During a speech in the beginning of this year, Obama said the Bush administration should not make a choice between the extremists and Musharraf but the people of Pakistan. It is well known in the Pakistani community in the US that Musharraf's family, settled in the US, including his son Bilal, have been quietly asking him to revise his decision to continue fighting for his position despite the Feb 18 election results in which all the anti-Musharraf political parties won a heavy mandate.
Even Bilal was among the well-wishers offering the advice, a source close to family said. After the proclamation of the emergency, there was a tremendous rise in anti-Musharraf protests staged by Pakistani-Americans. When Stanford University students planned a similar protest, their colleague, Bilal, requested them to drop the idea saying he would personally convey their sentiments to his father, the source said.
Bilal has been a student at Stanford University that has a special admission quota for the children of world leaders. Dr. Naveed Musharraf, brother of Pervez Musharraf, is a US-citizen living in Chicago and is politically affiliated to the Democratic Party. He contributed for Obama when he contested for the Illinois Senate seat and gave donations to Senator Kerry when he made a presidential bid.
According to the election commission record, Irum resides in Oak Brook city of Illinois' state. There is another family member, Nancy Musharraf, but her relationship with President Musharraf could not be ascertained.
An anaesthesiologist by profession, Naveed has been living in Chicago for the last 34 years. His wife, Linda, a Philippino-American, died in 2005. His two sons: Zarar and Ather, are college students, according to a newspaper report. Naveed is member of a Chicago-based think-tank on South Asia, the South Asian Group of Action and Reflection.
Courtesy: The News
Friday, May 23, 2008
New Pizza in the Town - Pizza Hashishiana
Person caught in Lahore while taking CHARAS (Hashish) in Jail
Shah Rukh Khan message to Kolkata KnightRiders
An SMS from the Kolkata Knight Riders Shah Rukh Khan has been leaked to the media. It’s an unusually long message revealing his anger, and exposing a very private side of the superstar.
SRK appears clearly frustrated with the Kolkata team. However, Shah Rukh comes across as a fighter, telling his boys not to give up till the very end.
The message was forwarded to The Telegraph newspaper by a member of the Knight Riders squad:
“Story time boys... I told you if you keep losing you have to bear with my long, boring msgs.... This is your punishment.... Many times I have made movies which don’t do well.... When I’m doing them, of course, I don’t know they won’t do well.... The story is written by somebody else and I just do my bit as an actor. But I have a way of dealing with flop stories..., I try my best to keep my character in the film at a level that it makes a failed story also special for me....
“I enjoy the work.... I make jokes about the failure.... And, of course, feel awful about it too.... So, right now, all of us have become part of a failed script... A bad IPL script.... Let’s try and keep our characters worthy of still looking back at this story and remembering it as a special story becos we all worked very hard at this....
“So, chin up and don’t spoil yr character in the next two games.... Let’s go out with a bang and not a whimper.... In films, we say u r only as good as yr last film.... So let’s make the whole world know how good we r in the last (maybe not) two games...
“Also, do ignore all this bit about Dada, me and John having issues.... It’s a normal thing in the world.... People like to hit you when u r down.... So, we will be hit.... No stress.... It will make us stronger.... The only way to avoid this is to win.... That’s one of the reasons why everybody likes to be a winner....
“On the other hand, the beauty of failure is that it brings people together.... So, let’s stick this out together.... You know me well enuff to know I am not the kind of owner who has issues with the team ‘cos of losses... I am too much of a sport myself to get beaten by defeats.... Like you guys are.... Like Dada and John....
“I am still trying to understand the code of conduct expected of me at the matches of the IPL.... ICC... Etc.... After I understand it, I will decide whether to accept it or not.... Till such time, I will be with you guys at the hotel... in the meetings etc., but won’t come for the matches.... So, please don’t ever feel it is anything to do with us as a team....
“I am as dedicated to my Knights as I am to my kids.... Only, I won’t be coming to the class room till the headmaster’s rules are understood by me.... I am a bit anti-Establishment kind of a guy, so I apologise for this quirk to u all.... So, head’s up.... Have a good match and let’s make 200 runs tomorrow.... This 150 seems to not work any more....
“We have nothing to lose now, except our character.... Let’s not lose that.... Lov... SRK.”
SRK appears clearly frustrated with the Kolkata team. However, Shah Rukh comes across as a fighter, telling his boys not to give up till the very end.
The message was forwarded to The Telegraph newspaper by a member of the Knight Riders squad:
“Story time boys... I told you if you keep losing you have to bear with my long, boring msgs.... This is your punishment.... Many times I have made movies which don’t do well.... When I’m doing them, of course, I don’t know they won’t do well.... The story is written by somebody else and I just do my bit as an actor. But I have a way of dealing with flop stories..., I try my best to keep my character in the film at a level that it makes a failed story also special for me....
“I enjoy the work.... I make jokes about the failure.... And, of course, feel awful about it too.... So, right now, all of us have become part of a failed script... A bad IPL script.... Let’s try and keep our characters worthy of still looking back at this story and remembering it as a special story becos we all worked very hard at this....
“So, chin up and don’t spoil yr character in the next two games.... Let’s go out with a bang and not a whimper.... In films, we say u r only as good as yr last film.... So let’s make the whole world know how good we r in the last (maybe not) two games...
“Also, do ignore all this bit about Dada, me and John having issues.... It’s a normal thing in the world.... People like to hit you when u r down.... So, we will be hit.... No stress.... It will make us stronger.... The only way to avoid this is to win.... That’s one of the reasons why everybody likes to be a winner....
“On the other hand, the beauty of failure is that it brings people together.... So, let’s stick this out together.... You know me well enuff to know I am not the kind of owner who has issues with the team ‘cos of losses... I am too much of a sport myself to get beaten by defeats.... Like you guys are.... Like Dada and John....
“I am still trying to understand the code of conduct expected of me at the matches of the IPL.... ICC... Etc.... After I understand it, I will decide whether to accept it or not.... Till such time, I will be with you guys at the hotel... in the meetings etc., but won’t come for the matches.... So, please don’t ever feel it is anything to do with us as a team....
“I am as dedicated to my Knights as I am to my kids.... Only, I won’t be coming to the class room till the headmaster’s rules are understood by me.... I am a bit anti-Establishment kind of a guy, so I apologise for this quirk to u all.... So, head’s up.... Have a good match and let’s make 200 runs tomorrow.... This 150 seems to not work any more....
“We have nothing to lose now, except our character.... Let’s not lose that.... Lov... SRK.”
Yet Again SECOND HAND stuff denied to Pakistan
The American government is said to have stopped Germany to contract a multi-million dollar deal for the sale of 800 Armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the Pakistan army, after getting annoyed with the recent moves of the new political government in Islamabad to strike peace deals with the Taliban in the tribal areas.
Earlier, the American state department which actually hold the license for the manufacturing and sale of these APCs, being prepared in Germany as a part of defence agreement, had granted the permission to the Germany authorities to provide these APCs to Pakistan. But, now all of sudden, it has reviewed its decision. The sources said, the only consideration behind this move was none other than the recent peace deals in the tribal areas of Pakistan, as the Americans were found to be annoyed with the new political government at Islamabad.
This recent move was actually being seen as an attempt to put pressure on the new leadership of the Pakistan army so that the peace deals should not be contracted with Taliban elements in the tribal and other parts of the NWFP.
Earlier, this deal was put on the hold because of the European Union concerns after President General Æ Pervez Musharraf had staged a mini coup on November 3, 2007 after he sacked the judges and suspended the basic human rights. These drastic steps against the political forces and the judges had greatly provoked the European union to slap sanctions on the supply of the military equipments to Pakistan.
But, sources said, now after the return of the new political government in Islamabad, the German government again gave indication to contract the supply of the APCs, but this time, it is said the Americans have stopped the Germany to supply the APC.
When contacted by The News, Brig Æ Samson Simon confirmed that there were certain EU sanction because of action taken on November 3. “All the military trading of the equipments have been put on hold including the deal for the 800 APC”, said Brig Simon who is the director of Eastern Management Services, a business partner of the German supplier Fahrzeugwerk Gmbh (FWW)—-confirmed. He, however, refused to make any comment that now this time the Americans were behind the sudden move to block the supply of these 800 modified APCs for their use in the tribal areas of Pakistan.
Earlier, sources said, the German army had abandoned using these APCs after upgrading their own war weapons after handing over those used weapons to the North bound official Armies and repair and overhaul workshops in the Northern of Germany. The Germany was ready to sell these second hand weapons to different countries after their upgradation including Pakistan. After initial negotiations, the Germans were ready to provide these modified weapons to the Pakistan army, so that it could fight in the tribal areas more effectively. Although, the Pakistan was also using its locally manufactured APCs in the tribal areas, but they were said to be not as effective as these German could be because of their standards and quality. These APCs were being sold at very cheap price, if compared to their actual prices of these items, so that Pakistan could effectively fight against the terrorists in the tribal areas of the country.
Earlier, in December 2007, the FWW had got obtained the export license from the Germany as well from the US state department was granted for Pakistan. But, all of sudden, the government of Pakistan was informed that because of the political situation in Pakistan arising out of the judicial crises, the firm was asked to postpone the release of APCs for the next two months. Before the suspension in the supply of these APCs, the Germans were offerings these weapons after repair and maintenance in the workshops of Germany. These APCs were to be modernize with engine, gearbox, braking and stearing system and suspension system and protection according to the requirements of the tribal areas.
But, sources said now the German firm has been told that it should not further negotiate the deal as the Americans who actually hold the licenses for the sale of the APCs were not ready for their immediate supply.
When contacted by The News, ISPR Major General Athar Abbas said, he did not have any idea about this proposed deal. He said, however, Pakistan was using the locally manufactured APCs in the tribal areas where the police and FC were given these machines to fight against the local fighters. He said he would check with the concerned officials and return the call to give the full version.
SOURCE: THE NEWS
RAUF KLASRA
Earlier, the American state department which actually hold the license for the manufacturing and sale of these APCs, being prepared in Germany as a part of defence agreement, had granted the permission to the Germany authorities to provide these APCs to Pakistan. But, now all of sudden, it has reviewed its decision. The sources said, the only consideration behind this move was none other than the recent peace deals in the tribal areas of Pakistan, as the Americans were found to be annoyed with the new political government at Islamabad.
This recent move was actually being seen as an attempt to put pressure on the new leadership of the Pakistan army so that the peace deals should not be contracted with Taliban elements in the tribal and other parts of the NWFP.
Earlier, this deal was put on the hold because of the European Union concerns after President General Æ Pervez Musharraf had staged a mini coup on November 3, 2007 after he sacked the judges and suspended the basic human rights. These drastic steps against the political forces and the judges had greatly provoked the European union to slap sanctions on the supply of the military equipments to Pakistan.
But, sources said, now after the return of the new political government in Islamabad, the German government again gave indication to contract the supply of the APCs, but this time, it is said the Americans have stopped the Germany to supply the APC.
When contacted by The News, Brig Æ Samson Simon confirmed that there were certain EU sanction because of action taken on November 3. “All the military trading of the equipments have been put on hold including the deal for the 800 APC”, said Brig Simon who is the director of Eastern Management Services, a business partner of the German supplier Fahrzeugwerk Gmbh (FWW)—-confirmed. He, however, refused to make any comment that now this time the Americans were behind the sudden move to block the supply of these 800 modified APCs for their use in the tribal areas of Pakistan.
Earlier, sources said, the German army had abandoned using these APCs after upgrading their own war weapons after handing over those used weapons to the North bound official Armies and repair and overhaul workshops in the Northern of Germany. The Germany was ready to sell these second hand weapons to different countries after their upgradation including Pakistan. After initial negotiations, the Germans were ready to provide these modified weapons to the Pakistan army, so that it could fight in the tribal areas more effectively. Although, the Pakistan was also using its locally manufactured APCs in the tribal areas, but they were said to be not as effective as these German could be because of their standards and quality. These APCs were being sold at very cheap price, if compared to their actual prices of these items, so that Pakistan could effectively fight against the terrorists in the tribal areas of the country.
Earlier, in December 2007, the FWW had got obtained the export license from the Germany as well from the US state department was granted for Pakistan. But, all of sudden, the government of Pakistan was informed that because of the political situation in Pakistan arising out of the judicial crises, the firm was asked to postpone the release of APCs for the next two months. Before the suspension in the supply of these APCs, the Germans were offerings these weapons after repair and maintenance in the workshops of Germany. These APCs were to be modernize with engine, gearbox, braking and stearing system and suspension system and protection according to the requirements of the tribal areas.
But, sources said now the German firm has been told that it should not further negotiate the deal as the Americans who actually hold the licenses for the sale of the APCs were not ready for their immediate supply.
When contacted by The News, ISPR Major General Athar Abbas said, he did not have any idea about this proposed deal. He said, however, Pakistan was using the locally manufactured APCs in the tribal areas where the police and FC were given these machines to fight against the local fighters. He said he would check with the concerned officials and return the call to give the full version.
SOURCE: THE NEWS
RAUF KLASRA
Thursday, May 22, 2008
India also to raise fuel prices sooner or later
As global crude prices shot to a record 135 dollar a barrel increasing import cost of state-run oil companies, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday said the government would not let them suffer.
"We will not allow oil companies to suffer," he told reporters at the fourth anniversary celebrations of the UPA government at his residence.
Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum lose close to Rs 600 crore per day on sale of petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene and in a few months would be left with no money to import crude oil and products, a scenario that may see auto and cooking fuel shortages in the country.
Petroleum Minister Murli Deora is due to meet heads of the three firms and then take them along to meet the Prime Minister to explain that the whopping Rs 200,000 crore under-realisation on fuel sales projected for the fiscal was unbearable and the government needs to act fast.
The Union Cabinet may be convened if Prime Minister agrees for a price rise, sources said, adding that a hike in the range of Rs 2 to 5 a litre was being suggested.
Deora on his part did not deny or confirm if price hike was on agenda. "We are discussing all possible measures to help and protect our public sector oil companies... some remedial measures need to be taken (urgently)," he said.
The three firms are losing Rs 16.34 a litre on petrol, Rs 23.49 per litre on diesel, Rs 305.90 per LPG cylinder and Rs 28.72 per litre on kerosene.
The three firms are faced with a huge liquidity crunch and are borrowing Rs 3,500 crore a month to meet day-to-day expenditure. With borrowings touching Rs 65,000 crore, the companies are now talking to banks to raise borrowing limit, said S Sundereshan, Additional Secretary in the Ministry.
Courtesy: THE HINDU
"We will not allow oil companies to suffer," he told reporters at the fourth anniversary celebrations of the UPA government at his residence.
Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum lose close to Rs 600 crore per day on sale of petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene and in a few months would be left with no money to import crude oil and products, a scenario that may see auto and cooking fuel shortages in the country.
Petroleum Minister Murli Deora is due to meet heads of the three firms and then take them along to meet the Prime Minister to explain that the whopping Rs 200,000 crore under-realisation on fuel sales projected for the fiscal was unbearable and the government needs to act fast.
The Union Cabinet may be convened if Prime Minister agrees for a price rise, sources said, adding that a hike in the range of Rs 2 to 5 a litre was being suggested.
Deora on his part did not deny or confirm if price hike was on agenda. "We are discussing all possible measures to help and protect our public sector oil companies... some remedial measures need to be taken (urgently)," he said.
The three firms are losing Rs 16.34 a litre on petrol, Rs 23.49 per litre on diesel, Rs 305.90 per LPG cylinder and Rs 28.72 per litre on kerosene.
The three firms are faced with a huge liquidity crunch and are borrowing Rs 3,500 crore a month to meet day-to-day expenditure. With borrowings touching Rs 65,000 crore, the companies are now talking to banks to raise borrowing limit, said S Sundereshan, Additional Secretary in the Ministry.
Courtesy: THE HINDU
Zardari says Pakistanis want Musharraf out
Giving enough hints that Pervez Musharraf's days in office may be numbered, Pakistan's ruling PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari today said there is "tremendous" pressure from people who want the President's ouster and that he has "no choice".
Describing Musharraf as a "relic of the past", Zardari in an interview to PTI, however, candidly admitted that the President still enjoys powers under the Constitution to dissolve parliament and dismiss prime minister.
To a pointed query if Musharraf's days as President are numbered, Zardari evaded a direct reply saying: "I don't know whether his days are numbered or my days are numbered or our government's days are numbered. Who knows that?"
"He still has 58(2b) and he has a tremendous amount of power behind him. If he moves, he moves," he said, referring to the President's powers under Article 58(2b) of the Constitution that allow him to dissolve an elected parliament and thus dismiss prime minister.
The "bottomline" is that people of Pakistan want Musharraf to go. "And I am the servant of the people, not the master of the people," the PPP Chairman said.
Read the full interview here
Describing Musharraf as a "relic of the past", Zardari in an interview to PTI, however, candidly admitted that the President still enjoys powers under the Constitution to dissolve parliament and dismiss prime minister.
To a pointed query if Musharraf's days as President are numbered, Zardari evaded a direct reply saying: "I don't know whether his days are numbered or my days are numbered or our government's days are numbered. Who knows that?"
"He still has 58(2b) and he has a tremendous amount of power behind him. If he moves, he moves," he said, referring to the President's powers under Article 58(2b) of the Constitution that allow him to dissolve an elected parliament and thus dismiss prime minister.
The "bottomline" is that people of Pakistan want Musharraf to go. "And I am the servant of the people, not the master of the people," the PPP Chairman said.
Read the full interview here
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Father & Son
An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along
with his 45 years old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on
their window.
The Father asked his Son, What is this?
The Son replied It is a crow. After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, What is this? The Son said Father, I have just now told you Its a crow.
After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the 3rd time,
What is this? At this time some expression of irritation was felt in
the Sons tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff. Its a crow, a
crow.
A little after, the Father again asked his Son t he 4th time,
What is this? This time the Son shouted at his Father,Why do you keep
asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times IT IS A CROW. Are you not able to understand this?
A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an
old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born.
On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page. When the son
read it, the following words were written in the diary :-
Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa,
when a crow was sitting on the window. My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged
him lovingly each time h e asked me the same question again and again
for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection
for my innocent child.
While the little child asked him 23 times What is this, the
Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times
and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4
times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.
So.. .....
If your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at
them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word, be cool, obedient,
humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents.From today say this aloud, I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered their
selfless love on me. They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make me a person presentable in the society today. Say a prayer to God, I will serve my old parents in the BEST way.
I will say all good and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how
they behave.
with his 45 years old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on
their window.
The Father asked his Son, What is this?
The Son replied It is a crow. After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, What is this? The Son said Father, I have just now told you Its a crow.
After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the 3rd time,
What is this? At this time some expression of irritation was felt in
the Sons tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff. Its a crow, a
crow.
A little after, the Father again asked his Son t he 4th time,
What is this? This time the Son shouted at his Father,Why do you keep
asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times IT IS A CROW. Are you not able to understand this?
A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an
old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born.
On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page. When the son
read it, the following words were written in the diary :-
Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa,
when a crow was sitting on the window. My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged
him lovingly each time h e asked me the same question again and again
for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated I rather felt affection
for my innocent child.
While the little child asked him 23 times What is this, the
Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times
and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4
times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.
So.. .....
If your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at
them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word, be cool, obedient,
humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents.From today say this aloud, I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered their
selfless love on me. They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make me a person presentable in the society today. Say a prayer to God, I will serve my old parents in the BEST way.
I will say all good and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how
they behave.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Bush Sorry for Sniper's Quran Blunder
President Bush has apologized to Iraq's prime minister for an American sniper's shooting of a Koran, and the Iraqi government called on U.S. military commanders to educate their soldiers to respect local religious beliefs.
Bush's spokeswoman said Tuesday that the president apologized during a videoconference Monday with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who told the president that the shooting of Islam's holy book had disappointed and angered both the Iraqi people and their leaders.
"He apologized for that in the sense that he said that we take it very seriously," White House press secretary Dana Perino said. "We are concerned about the reaction. We wanted them to know that the president knew that this was wrong."I
t was the highest level in a string of statements by U.S. officials trying to soothe anger over the shooting incident, particularly among Sunni Arabs who have become key allies in the fight against insurgents.Read the full story here at TIME
Bush's spokeswoman said Tuesday that the president apologized during a videoconference Monday with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who told the president that the shooting of Islam's holy book had disappointed and angered both the Iraqi people and their leaders.
"He apologized for that in the sense that he said that we take it very seriously," White House press secretary Dana Perino said. "We are concerned about the reaction. We wanted them to know that the president knew that this was wrong."I
t was the highest level in a string of statements by U.S. officials trying to soothe anger over the shooting incident, particularly among Sunni Arabs who have become key allies in the fight against insurgents.Read the full story here at TIME
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Salman Taseer & His Missing Family
People might have heard about Salman Taseer’s wife Aamna Taseer, his father in law M U Haq, who passed away over a month ago on March 31, and his son Shan Taseer. However, very few people know about his ‘son’ Aatish Taseer. According to the Asian News, Salman Taseer is also the father of the young Indian journalist Aatish Taseer. Aatish’s mother Tavleen Singh is an well-known columnist attached with the Indian Express. Aatish Taseer was born in 1980. It is the same year when Salman Taseer’s book “Bhutto: A Political Biography” was published in New Delhi by Vikas Publishers. Unlike Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, Salman Taseer has kept quiet on his reported relationship with either Tavleen Singh or Aatish Taseer. On the contrary, Imran Khan has always vehemently denied his relationship with Sita White or that he was the father of her daughter Tyrian.
Source : The Frontier Post
Source : The Frontier Post
U.S. soldier uses Quran for target practice; military apologizes
A soldier used the Quran -- Islam's holy book -- for target practice, forcing the chief U.S. commander in Baghdad to issue a formal apology on Saturday.
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Hammond, commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, flanked by leaders from Radhwaniya in the western outskirts of Baghdad, apologized for the staff sergeant who was a sniper section leader assigned to the headquarters of the 64th Armored Regiment. He also read a letter of apology by the shooter.
It was the first time the incident -- which tested the relationship between U.S.-backed Sunni militiamen and the military -- was made public since it was discovered May 11.
"I come before you here seeking your forgiveness," Hammond said to tribal leaders and others at the apology ceremony. "In the most humble manner I look in your eyes today and I say please forgive me and my soldiers."
Read the whole story here
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Hammond, commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, flanked by leaders from Radhwaniya in the western outskirts of Baghdad, apologized for the staff sergeant who was a sniper section leader assigned to the headquarters of the 64th Armored Regiment. He also read a letter of apology by the shooter.
It was the first time the incident -- which tested the relationship between U.S.-backed Sunni militiamen and the military -- was made public since it was discovered May 11.
"I come before you here seeking your forgiveness," Hammond said to tribal leaders and others at the apology ceremony. "In the most humble manner I look in your eyes today and I say please forgive me and my soldiers."
Read the whole story here
Sunday, May 18, 2008
PTCL 17 No More Free - Dial 1217 Now
As i see ad in todays paper. PTCL directory inquiry service is no more free. Now you have to dial 1217 to do inquiry. Long Live Monopoly!!!
Aitzaz Ahsan not to contest election - Breaking News
Just announced by Aitazaz Ahsan that he is not going to contest election due to judicial crisis. HIP HIP HURRAY!!! a classic act
Mob set dacoit on fire - a cruel act [Pic included]
As days past and people are getting more and more frustrated at the law and order situation in the country, here is the worst that just hit the towns. Now, dacoits caught by people are set on fire instead of giving them to police.
Is this due to no help from police to common man or is this lethal plague that has just started to fire?
Pakistan Political Science - A Mathematical Perspective
Pakistan’s heptagonal (a polygon with seven sides) political game has seven major players: Pakistan Army, America, the PPP, the PML-N, the presidency, the media and civil society. Game theory, a branch of applied mathematics, also provides some serious applications in the field of political science. To begin with, game theory assumes that each of the seven players shall always act to maximize their individual gains by anticipating the responses to their actions by one or other players in the game. Game theory, having made that assumption, then proceeds to “mathematically capture behaviour” of players in the game.
The Pakistan Army, for instance, having dominated Pakistan’s politics — and thus economics — is in the game to preserve its domination. America’s foreign policy is strictly based on realism, devoid of any moral or ethical dimension. America’s interest in this country revolves around the ‘war on terror’ and nuclear non-proliferation. As a consequence, the Pakistan Army and Uncle Sam are natural allies.
On November 28, 2007, the presidency’s de facto powers were no more. In the immediate future, the PPP and the PML-N, in order to maximize their own gains, shall snatch away the bulk of presidency’s de jure powers.
The Bush-Musharraf nexus can deliver little — if anything at all — towards advancing America’s regional strategic objectives. The nexus, however, lives on to forestall Democrats from highlighting Republican-made Pak-Afghan policy failures.
The PPP leadership is in the game to maximize its own gains. In that sense, restoration of the judges on PML-N’s terms will be a step in the wrong direction. At this juncture, I will introduce the game theory’s ‘perfect and imperfect information’ paradigm. I submit that PPP’s top leadership is taking actions based on imperfect information. To begin with, the PPP is failing to recognize the development of two other power centres in the post-March 9 Pakistan — the media and the lawyers-led civil society. I further submit that the PPP is taking actions and responding without anticipating — and modelling in — the responses of the media and civil society.
Yes, the PPP is expected to do nothing less than to maximize its own gains but there is even evidence that the PPP is playing the game based on imperfect information. The bulk of this ‘imperfect information’ seems to be originating from PPP’s un-elected decision-makers who are not fully cognizant of ground reality. Yes, the PPP is the only party that has won seats in all the four provinces but persistent decision-making based on imperfect information does not bode well for PPP’s future electoral prospects.
Pakistan’s game theory may soon have another player. On May 13, Jaipur, India’s ‘Pink City’, had blood on its streets — red blood. On May 14, “Indian military commanders lodged a new protest… with their Pakistani counterparts after soldiers came under fire from across the border for the second time in a week.” At a time when Washington feels it is losing leverage over Pakistan, America may — as it has in the past — signal India to pressurize Pakistan (in order to maximize America’s own gains).
Mian Nawaz Sharif, whether he knows it or not, is playing the game theory along the lines of what in political science is known as the ‘median voter theorem’. The theorem states that if a politician wants to maximize his or her votes then he or she should “commit to the policy position preferred by the median voter”. Rules of the game theory now dictate that isolating Nawaz would serve the interests of both the Pakistan Army and America.
Asif Ali Zardari, on the other hand, does not want to confront the presidency but is in direct confrontation with the ‘median voter theorem’. True, the PPP is not in need of votes in the foreseeable future but history stands witness that a political player adamant on confronting the ‘median voter theorem’ stands to hurt his electoral prospects.
Mian Nawaz Sharif, whether he knows it or not, is playing the game by the rules prescribed by the ‘Economic Theory of Democracy’. The theory recommends to all politicians to draw out a graph of ideological positions of voters and then to identify the median voter.
The PML-N seems to have drawn out just such a graph — at least mentally — and also identified the median voter.Asif Ali Zardari, on the other hand, is playing the same game based on strategies embedded in pure power politics, pragmatism, individual charm and realpolitik. Somehow, these strategies do not take into account the development of alternative — and intelligent — power centres, the media and civil society. And, that takes us back to game theory’s ‘imperfect information’ paradigm.
Well, there’s mathematics, applied mathematics and game theory. There also is calculus and vector calculus. Then there’s geometry, trigonometry and differential geometry. There was a time when none of this was applicable to Pakistani politics. And, then the president suspended the chief justice. Don’t throw game theory out the window. Remember, eight game theorists have won Nobel prizes.
Courtesy: Dr. Farrukh Saleem
THE NEWS on SUNDAY
The Pakistan Army, for instance, having dominated Pakistan’s politics — and thus economics — is in the game to preserve its domination. America’s foreign policy is strictly based on realism, devoid of any moral or ethical dimension. America’s interest in this country revolves around the ‘war on terror’ and nuclear non-proliferation. As a consequence, the Pakistan Army and Uncle Sam are natural allies.
On November 28, 2007, the presidency’s de facto powers were no more. In the immediate future, the PPP and the PML-N, in order to maximize their own gains, shall snatch away the bulk of presidency’s de jure powers.
The Bush-Musharraf nexus can deliver little — if anything at all — towards advancing America’s regional strategic objectives. The nexus, however, lives on to forestall Democrats from highlighting Republican-made Pak-Afghan policy failures.
The PPP leadership is in the game to maximize its own gains. In that sense, restoration of the judges on PML-N’s terms will be a step in the wrong direction. At this juncture, I will introduce the game theory’s ‘perfect and imperfect information’ paradigm. I submit that PPP’s top leadership is taking actions based on imperfect information. To begin with, the PPP is failing to recognize the development of two other power centres in the post-March 9 Pakistan — the media and the lawyers-led civil society. I further submit that the PPP is taking actions and responding without anticipating — and modelling in — the responses of the media and civil society.
Yes, the PPP is expected to do nothing less than to maximize its own gains but there is even evidence that the PPP is playing the game based on imperfect information. The bulk of this ‘imperfect information’ seems to be originating from PPP’s un-elected decision-makers who are not fully cognizant of ground reality. Yes, the PPP is the only party that has won seats in all the four provinces but persistent decision-making based on imperfect information does not bode well for PPP’s future electoral prospects.
Pakistan’s game theory may soon have another player. On May 13, Jaipur, India’s ‘Pink City’, had blood on its streets — red blood. On May 14, “Indian military commanders lodged a new protest… with their Pakistani counterparts after soldiers came under fire from across the border for the second time in a week.” At a time when Washington feels it is losing leverage over Pakistan, America may — as it has in the past — signal India to pressurize Pakistan (in order to maximize America’s own gains).
Mian Nawaz Sharif, whether he knows it or not, is playing the game theory along the lines of what in political science is known as the ‘median voter theorem’. The theorem states that if a politician wants to maximize his or her votes then he or she should “commit to the policy position preferred by the median voter”. Rules of the game theory now dictate that isolating Nawaz would serve the interests of both the Pakistan Army and America.
Asif Ali Zardari, on the other hand, does not want to confront the presidency but is in direct confrontation with the ‘median voter theorem’. True, the PPP is not in need of votes in the foreseeable future but history stands witness that a political player adamant on confronting the ‘median voter theorem’ stands to hurt his electoral prospects.
Mian Nawaz Sharif, whether he knows it or not, is playing the game by the rules prescribed by the ‘Economic Theory of Democracy’. The theory recommends to all politicians to draw out a graph of ideological positions of voters and then to identify the median voter.
The PML-N seems to have drawn out just such a graph — at least mentally — and also identified the median voter.Asif Ali Zardari, on the other hand, is playing the same game based on strategies embedded in pure power politics, pragmatism, individual charm and realpolitik. Somehow, these strategies do not take into account the development of alternative — and intelligent — power centres, the media and civil society. And, that takes us back to game theory’s ‘imperfect information’ paradigm.
Well, there’s mathematics, applied mathematics and game theory. There also is calculus and vector calculus. Then there’s geometry, trigonometry and differential geometry. There was a time when none of this was applicable to Pakistani politics. And, then the president suspended the chief justice. Don’t throw game theory out the window. Remember, eight game theorists have won Nobel prizes.
Courtesy: Dr. Farrukh Saleem
THE NEWS on SUNDAY
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Musharraf Song
Saturday steppin' into the club
And it makes me wanna tell the DJ
Turn It Up
I feel the energy all around
And my body can't stop moving to the sound
But I can tell that you're watching me
And you're probably gonna write what you didn't see
Well I just need a little space to breathe
Can you please respect my privacy
Why can't you just let me
Do the things I wanna do
I just wanna be me
I don't understand why
Would you wanna bring me down
I'm only having fun
I'm gonna live my life
Like I wanna do
I'm tired of rumors starting
I'm sick of being followed
I'm tired of people lying
Saying what they want about me
Why can't they back up off me
Why can't they let me live
I'm gonna do it my way
Take this for just what it is
Here we are back up in the club
People taking pictures
Don't you think they get enough
I just wanna be all over the floor
And throw my hands up in the air to a beat like (What?)
I've gotta say respectfully
I would like it if you take the cameras off of me
'Cause I just want a little room to breathe
Can you please respect my privacy
Courtesy: RUMOR has it!!! :P
And it makes me wanna tell the DJ
Turn It Up
I feel the energy all around
And my body can't stop moving to the sound
But I can tell that you're watching me
And you're probably gonna write what you didn't see
Well I just need a little space to breathe
Can you please respect my privacy
Why can't you just let me
Do the things I wanna do
I just wanna be me
I don't understand why
Would you wanna bring me down
I'm only having fun
I'm gonna live my life
Like I wanna do
I'm tired of rumors starting
I'm sick of being followed
I'm tired of people lying
Saying what they want about me
Why can't they back up off me
Why can't they let me live
I'm gonna do it my way
Take this for just what it is
Here we are back up in the club
People taking pictures
Don't you think they get enough
I just wanna be all over the floor
And throw my hands up in the air to a beat like (What?)
I've gotta say respectfully
I would like it if you take the cameras off of me
'Cause I just want a little room to breathe
Can you please respect my privacy
Courtesy: RUMOR has it!!! :P
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
TCS gift service
Jazz and TCS Sentiments Express bring you and exciting new service that makes it easier for you to choose the perfect gift for any occasion, any time. Simply dial 1400 to place your order or SMS Gift to 1400 for a list of gifts available.
Read the rest here
Read the rest here
Friday, May 9, 2008
3 Sealed Envelopes
There is a popular joke about a US president-elect who calls on his outgoing predecessor and asks him for some invaluable advice that could help the new chap deal with any future crisis. The old man pulls out three sealed envelopes marked 1, 2 & 3 from the drawer of the famed Oval office desk and hands them over to his successor with the explicit instruction to open one letter, and that too only in the given sequence, when faced with a major crisis.
Lo and behold, within weeks of the new president’s assuming of office, his government is besotted with a big crisis. So he opens the letter marked #1 and a small paper slip inside reads “Blame it on me”. The president gladly blames the crisis on his predecessor and walks away fairly unscathed from the situation. Sometime later, another major crisis hits his presidency. Out comes envelope #2 and this time the tiny slip inside reads: “blame it on the Congress”. And he does, and manages to survive again but not without a fair share of battering and bruising.
Sometime later another crisis and out comes the third and final envelope and this time it reads:"Prepare three envelopes".
Lo and behold, within weeks of the new president’s assuming of office, his government is besotted with a big crisis. So he opens the letter marked #1 and a small paper slip inside reads “Blame it on me”. The president gladly blames the crisis on his predecessor and walks away fairly unscathed from the situation. Sometime later, another major crisis hits his presidency. Out comes envelope #2 and this time the tiny slip inside reads: “blame it on the Congress”. And he does, and manages to survive again but not without a fair share of battering and bruising.
Sometime later another crisis and out comes the third and final envelope and this time it reads:"Prepare three envelopes".
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Yo know You Are an Asian When..
* When you tell your parents you got 98%, and they ask you what happened to the other two percent.
* There is a sale on any item, you buy 100 of them.
* You make tea in a saucepan.
* You never buy bin bags, but use your saved grocery bags for it.
* You put your clothes in suitcases instead of wardrobes.
* You have a 'Singer Brother' sewing machine at home.
* Your mother has a minor disagreement with her sister and doesn't talk to her for ten years.
* You call an older person you've never met before "uncle".
* You hide everything from your parents.
* Your mother does everything for you if you are male.
* You do all the housework and cooking if you are female.
* Your relatives alone could populate a small city.
* Everyone is a family friend.
* Everyone always called you for help on homework.
* You study law, medicine or engineering at university.
* You were thick so you studied computer science or business instead.
* You know no one who has studied music.
* You went to a university as far away from home as possible.
* You still came back home to live with your parents after you had finished.
* Your best friend got married at the age of 18.
* You like the meat well done.
* You eat onions with everything.
* You use chilli sauce instead of tomato ketchup.
* You fight over who pays the dinner bill.
* You say you hate Indian films/songs but secretly watch/hear them
* You avoid public places when with a member of the opposite sex, especially if there is an acquaintance within a 250 miles radius.
* You always say "open the light" instead of "turn the light on".
* You secure your baggage with a rope.
* You're walking out of customs with your trolley at the airport and you see all twenty-five members of your family who have come to pick you up.
* You get very upset when airlines refuse to accept your luggage which is just 80 lbs. overweight.
* You go back to your parents' country and people treat you like a member of the royal family.
* You ask your dad a simple question and he tells you story of how he had to walk miles barefoot just to get to school.
* Your Dad drives a Nissan.
* You're rich so he drives a Mercedes.
* You are ALWAYS taking off and putting on your shoes wherever you go
* When you were little you always wondered why your English friends waited until after breakfast to brush their teeth when you did it first thing in the morning
* To your English friends, oil is used purely for cooking and not as a grooming aid
* Your parents have nicknames but only because people they work with just stop when trying to read their names
* You have annoying nicknames like Chotu or Chicku
* Your parents call all your friends "Beta" (son/daughter)
* Your mother measures wealth in gold and diamonds
* Your parents drink 3 cups of tea a day
* Your parents compare you to all of their friends' kids.
* At least once a week your mom says, "I want to go to India/Pakistan"
* No one ever seems to call ahead of time to say they are coming over for a visit.
* Your parents worry what other people will think if you're not going to be a doctor/ engineer.
* You're parent's always say while shopping abroad, "It's cheaper in India/Pakistan"
US blames India,China for Oil Price Hike
White House has pointed a finger at India and China for the spike in oil prices even as it sought to clarify president George W Bush’s remark about Indian middle class contributing to rising food costs. A presidential spokesperson on Monday also stuck to its guns on bio-fuels asserting that US policy of promoting corn-based ethanol in motor fuel supplies was having only a “small impact” on world food prices.
“I would point out that obviously the demand for oil is growing around the world,” spokesperson Scott Stanzel told reporters when asked to comment on oil price hitting a record $120 a barrel Monday. “Many developing nations like India or China are having greatly increased demand, which obviously is having an impact on price,” he said.
Asked to clarify Mr Bush’s remark last week that growing prosperity of India’s large middle class is contributing to rising food prices around the world, Mr Stanzel said: “I can certainly clarify that. We think it is a good thing that countries are developing, that more and more people have higher and higher standards of living.”
Read the rest here ... THE ECONOMIC TIMES
“I would point out that obviously the demand for oil is growing around the world,” spokesperson Scott Stanzel told reporters when asked to comment on oil price hitting a record $120 a barrel Monday. “Many developing nations like India or China are having greatly increased demand, which obviously is having an impact on price,” he said.
Asked to clarify Mr Bush’s remark last week that growing prosperity of India’s large middle class is contributing to rising food prices around the world, Mr Stanzel said: “I can certainly clarify that. We think it is a good thing that countries are developing, that more and more people have higher and higher standards of living.”
Read the rest here ... THE ECONOMIC TIMES
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Elections in the jungle
I heard a story last night which quite nicely suits to nowadays situation. There was election in the jungle for the king slot. Monkey and a fox had a tough competition and finally Monkey won the crown.
When Lion heard the news, he told fox that he will eat her child 2 days later as he was fierce on her loosing. Hearing this, fox ran to the king (Monkey) and told him to rescue her and her children. Monkey, hearing this climbed on trees.. jumped here and there on some branches and then came down telling her that all will be fine till the day.. next day, fox came across in the lion's way and lion remembered her that he will eat her children the very next day. Fox again reach on to monkey and monkey did the same what he did yesterday.
Very next day, lion ate all of the children. Fox went to monkey with tears in her eyes that look what has happened..lion ate my children. Monkey told her,"Look, what can i do. I had a run here and there for you as you saw". :)
Same is situation nowadays in the country... just fit in, whoz is the monkey ,lion and the fox?
When Lion heard the news, he told fox that he will eat her child 2 days later as he was fierce on her loosing. Hearing this, fox ran to the king (Monkey) and told him to rescue her and her children. Monkey, hearing this climbed on trees.. jumped here and there on some branches and then came down telling her that all will be fine till the day.. next day, fox came across in the lion's way and lion remembered her that he will eat her children the very next day. Fox again reach on to monkey and monkey did the same what he did yesterday.
Very next day, lion ate all of the children. Fox went to monkey with tears in her eyes that look what has happened..lion ate my children. Monkey told her,"Look, what can i do. I had a run here and there for you as you saw". :)
Same is situation nowadays in the country... just fit in, whoz is the monkey ,lion and the fox?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Billboards vanish while (Porn) Cinema Owner was Chief Minister
Following the footprints of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) rulers, the NWFP coalition government, led by the liberal and progressive Awami National Party (ANP), has removed billboards in Peshawar featuring female models.
This news caught my eye and i was astonished that how come this can happen? You would be thinking that hey!! this is NWFP. this can happen as people are more religious here. but my friend this is height of hypocrisy. You wonder,WHY??
Here is the twist. Anyone ever went to Peshawar must have a name in their back of mind, SHAMA CINEMA.Gottcha!!!
This was the cinema which was popular for showing porn movies. i say PORN!!! Shama cinema owner was none other than Bilour, nowadays Chief Minister of NWFP. This cinema was popular for showing some other movie for couple of minutes and when all the lust-ful eyes gets focused, the reel will start rolling with some nude movie.bet on it?? ask anyone!!
Now, if the CM had a life of his own on these religious grounds,how can now he start doing something that he thinks will turn masses into happiness. He should have instead told these workforces who were told to remove these banners to clear the debris from the city, maintain the lines of electricity and phones etc... there is nothing more hypocrite than this one CM SAHIB..
Look at the child in peshawar.. What better can you do sir??
PORN AND HASHISH in cinema
This news caught my eye and i was astonished that how come this can happen? You would be thinking that hey!! this is NWFP. this can happen as people are more religious here. but my friend this is height of hypocrisy. You wonder,WHY??
Here is the twist. Anyone ever went to Peshawar must have a name in their back of mind, SHAMA CINEMA.Gottcha!!!
This was the cinema which was popular for showing porn movies. i say PORN!!! Shama cinema owner was none other than Bilour, nowadays Chief Minister of NWFP. This cinema was popular for showing some other movie for couple of minutes and when all the lust-ful eyes gets focused, the reel will start rolling with some nude movie.bet on it?? ask anyone!!
Now, if the CM had a life of his own on these religious grounds,how can now he start doing something that he thinks will turn masses into happiness. He should have instead told these workforces who were told to remove these banners to clear the debris from the city, maintain the lines of electricity and phones etc... there is nothing more hypocrite than this one CM SAHIB..
Look at the child in peshawar.. What better can you do sir??
PORN AND HASHISH in cinema
Hello World in 366 Languages - A Programmers Approach
"Hello World" is the first program one usually writes when learning a new programming language. The first Hello World program appeared in chapter 1.1 of the first edition of Kernighan & Ritchie's original book about C, "The C Programming Language", in 1978 and read like this:
main() {
printf("hello, world\n");
}
The programs in this collection are intended to be as minimal as possible in the respective language. They are meant to demonstrate how to output Hello World as simply as possible, not to show off language features. For a collection of programs that tell more about what programming in the languages actually is like, have a look at the 99 Bottles of Beer collection.
Read on for yourself
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Roti Or Killing Machine - Food for Thought
Imagine; one out of every two Pakistanis is short on food. Imagine; one out of every two Pakistanis is food-insecure. Imagine; one out of every two Pakistanis is managing to subsist on less than 2,350 calories per day. In March 2007, there were 60 million Pakistanis short on food. That number now stands at 77 million; a 28 percent increase in just one year.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), over the past year, "food prices in Pakistan have risen at least 35 percent, whereas the minimum wage has risen by just 18 percent, leading to a nearly 50 percent decline in the purchasing power of Pakistan's poor…" On March 27, the World Bank warned that "Pakistan must take immediate action to prevent its economy from collapse" and that "painful adjustments" would be needed to prevent a crisis.
All right, one out of every two Pakistanis is going hungry and what do we do. We go out and buy killing machines. Imagine, over the past five years our decision-makers have bought killing machines worth $4.55 billion from the US alone. All right, Pakistan is now officially more water-stressed than is Ethiopia. What have we done about it? Well, we have bought 500 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, 1,450 two-thousand-pound bombs, 500 JDAM bomb tail kits and 1,600 Enhanced Paveway laser-guided bomb kits. The bill: $667 million entirely paid with Pakistani national funds. All right, UNICEF says that 200,000 Pakistani children die annually because of unsafe drinking water--dysentery, diarrhoea, typhoid, and gastroenteritis. What do we do? We go out and buy 60 midlife update kits for F-16A/B combat aircraft. Total value: $891 million (of which $108 million was paid by the US under its Foreign Military Financing).
All right, we haven't built a major dam in 27 years but we have paid out a colossal $1.43 billion for 18 new F-16C/D Block 50/52 combat aircraft with an option to buy 18 more. Not just that, we have already transferred $298 million to the US treasury for a hundred Harpoon anti-ship missiles (of which 70 have been delivered) and $95 million for 500 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (of which 300 have been delivered).
What is the US up to? They have provided us $1.6 billion in Foreign Military Financing when they know very well that we actually need food for our undernourished citizenry and clean drinking water for our children.
According to the Pakistan Water Gateway, within the next 15 years at least "one out of every three Pakistanis will face critical shortages of water threatening their very survival." And, how are we preparing for that eventuality? Well, we have four Agosta 90B and three Agosta 70 class submarines. To be certain, an Agosta 90B has a crew of 36 plus five officers, so in effect 164 of our brother Pakistanis will be safe.
According to Gallup Pakistan, "Sixty-six percent of a national sample of respondents from the rural and urban areas of all four provinces say they have lately faced difficulties in obtaining atta (flour) for their daily food consumption." What do we do? We go out and buy six AN/TPS-77 surveillance radars for a cool $100 million.Roti or killing machines? The story doesn't end at $4.55 billion going into the U.S. treasury. Now we are looking at buying Class 214 submarines from Germany's Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, or is it France's Direction des Constructions Navales Services. Our new big-ticket idea will cost us Euro1.2 billion.
Roti or killing machines? Imagine; the Islamic Republic routinely submerges into absolute darkness of the Dark Ages while our Muslim leaders contemplate buying ultramodern Class 214 submarines featuring air-independent propulsion using polymer electrolyte module hydrogen fuel cells. Imagine; no roti, no pani, no bijli--and no justice. But, proud to be the 11th largest arms importer on the face of the planet.
Courtesy: THE NEWS ON SUNDAY by
Dr. Farrukh Saleem
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), over the past year, "food prices in Pakistan have risen at least 35 percent, whereas the minimum wage has risen by just 18 percent, leading to a nearly 50 percent decline in the purchasing power of Pakistan's poor…" On March 27, the World Bank warned that "Pakistan must take immediate action to prevent its economy from collapse" and that "painful adjustments" would be needed to prevent a crisis.
All right, one out of every two Pakistanis is going hungry and what do we do. We go out and buy killing machines. Imagine, over the past five years our decision-makers have bought killing machines worth $4.55 billion from the US alone. All right, Pakistan is now officially more water-stressed than is Ethiopia. What have we done about it? Well, we have bought 500 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, 1,450 two-thousand-pound bombs, 500 JDAM bomb tail kits and 1,600 Enhanced Paveway laser-guided bomb kits. The bill: $667 million entirely paid with Pakistani national funds. All right, UNICEF says that 200,000 Pakistani children die annually because of unsafe drinking water--dysentery, diarrhoea, typhoid, and gastroenteritis. What do we do? We go out and buy 60 midlife update kits for F-16A/B combat aircraft. Total value: $891 million (of which $108 million was paid by the US under its Foreign Military Financing).
All right, we haven't built a major dam in 27 years but we have paid out a colossal $1.43 billion for 18 new F-16C/D Block 50/52 combat aircraft with an option to buy 18 more. Not just that, we have already transferred $298 million to the US treasury for a hundred Harpoon anti-ship missiles (of which 70 have been delivered) and $95 million for 500 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (of which 300 have been delivered).
What is the US up to? They have provided us $1.6 billion in Foreign Military Financing when they know very well that we actually need food for our undernourished citizenry and clean drinking water for our children.
According to the Pakistan Water Gateway, within the next 15 years at least "one out of every three Pakistanis will face critical shortages of water threatening their very survival." And, how are we preparing for that eventuality? Well, we have four Agosta 90B and three Agosta 70 class submarines. To be certain, an Agosta 90B has a crew of 36 plus five officers, so in effect 164 of our brother Pakistanis will be safe.
According to Gallup Pakistan, "Sixty-six percent of a national sample of respondents from the rural and urban areas of all four provinces say they have lately faced difficulties in obtaining atta (flour) for their daily food consumption." What do we do? We go out and buy six AN/TPS-77 surveillance radars for a cool $100 million.Roti or killing machines? The story doesn't end at $4.55 billion going into the U.S. treasury. Now we are looking at buying Class 214 submarines from Germany's Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, or is it France's Direction des Constructions Navales Services. Our new big-ticket idea will cost us Euro1.2 billion.
Roti or killing machines? Imagine; the Islamic Republic routinely submerges into absolute darkness of the Dark Ages while our Muslim leaders contemplate buying ultramodern Class 214 submarines featuring air-independent propulsion using polymer electrolyte module hydrogen fuel cells. Imagine; no roti, no pani, no bijli--and no justice. But, proud to be the 11th largest arms importer on the face of the planet.
Courtesy: THE NEWS ON SUNDAY by
Dr. Farrukh Saleem
Friday, May 2, 2008
Nelson Mandela on terrorist list in US
Nobel Peace Prize winner and international symbol of freedom Nelson Mandela is flagged on U.S. terrorist watch lists and needs special permission to visit the USA. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice calls the situation "embarrassing," and some members of Congress vow to fix it.
The requirement applies to former South African leader Mandela and other members of South Africa's governing African National Congress (ANC), the once-banned anti-Apartheid organization. In the 1970s and '80s, the ANC was officially designated a terrorist group by the country's ruling white minority. Other countries, including the United States, followed suit.
Because of this, Rice told a Senate committee recently, her department has to issue waivers for ANC members to travel to the USA.
"This is a country with which we now have excellent relations, South Africa, but it's frankly a rather embarrassing matter that I still have to waive in my own counterpart, the foreign minister of South Africa, not to mention the great leader Nelson Mandela," Rice said.
Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., chairman of the House International Relations Committee, is pushing a bill that would remove current and former ANC leaders from the watch lists. Supporters hope to get it passed before Mandela's 90th birthday July 18.
"What an indignity," Berman said. "The ANC set an important example: It successfully made the change from armed struggle to peace. We should celebrate the transformation."
In 1990, Mandela was freed after 27 years in prison for crimes committed during the struggle against Apartheid, a repressive regime that subjugated black South Africans. In 1994, he was elected South Africa's first black president.
Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., called ANC members' inclusion on watch lists a "bureaucratic snafu" and pledged to fix the problem.
Members of other groups deemed a terrorist threat, such as Hamas, also are on the watch lists.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says "common sense" suggests Mandela should be removed. He says the issue "raises a troubling and difficult debate about what groups are considered terrorists and which are not."
When ANC members apply for visas to the USA, they are flagged for questioning and need a waiver to be allowed in the country. In 2002, former ANC chairman Tokyo Sexwale was denied a visa. In 2007, Barbara Masekela, South Africa's ambassador to the United States from 2002 to 2006, was denied a visa to visit her ailing cousin and didn't get a waiver until after the cousin had died, Berman's legislation says.
Courtesy: USA TODAY
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