Contributed by: Mishal Saeed on 5th Dec 2003 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Yesterday in the lecture hall, I happened to read an interesting quotation written on a desk..
I slept and dreamt that life is beauty
I woke and found that life is duty..
So who agrees? Any comments?
Replied to by Sajjad Ali Parmar on 6th Dec 2003 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Mishal, I think you both dreamt and found the right things. Life is beauty because we have free will, and life is a duty to me because I should be thankful to Allah every moment of my life, and everything that I do should be align to what is expected of me. I mean this is the best thing about life I think. I have free will and I have a few restrictions and that also for my good. By compromising on a few things not only do I make Allah Happy, but I remain satisfied and happy as well.
Replied to by Raza Ali on 8th Dec 2003 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Life is both beauty as well as duty. It is a balancing act, like walking the tight rope. Allah doesnt show Himself except in His creation, can you really know Allah anyway except by appreciating the beauty and perfection of His creation? Or can you just appreciate the beauty of the creation without fulfilling the duties imposed by The Creator?
Without appreciation for the beauty, the act of fulfilling the duty will become robotic and uninspiring. Without the balance of duty, appreciation of beauty will lead to over-indulgence. Beauty alone clouds the view and duty alone kills the spirit. According to The Quran we share our spirit with The Creator, if He is just, how can we be otherwise?
Further replied to by Mishal Saeed on 8th Dec 2003 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
I also agree with the statement, life is beauty and duty both at the same time...the actual magic actually lies in the fact that how one manages...
Secondly...when we say that life is beauty...or dream of a beautiful life..its not just like a fascinating one with few restrictions...or with few ups and downs....beauty lies in the eyes of the viewer and every one views life with its own point of view...so this again comes to everyone's own definition of the beauty phenomenon....life led with own will and few hardships...more or less restrictions... ups and downs...might be beauty but same kind of life is not led by everyone...
There is no need to mention I guess that what kind of a beautiful life 99 percent of people say in our own country ....in our own religion, are leading...so dreaming of a beautiful life is not that simple....all that glitters is not gold...the concept of beauty in life which we possess...might not be an exact concept...a comfortable life in all aspects like mentally, physically, religiously, socially and economically, comes under the definition of life lead with beauty these days...but a poor ratio of life led with such kind of a beauty is observed....
This comes to the conclusion that:
The people not having proper opportunities or TAUFEEQ of such kinda strategy of life, are leading their lives without any beauty??? Or the exact beauty of life lies in some other thing...like coming up with a real aim...a real objective...with belief..with faith..no matter how corrupt the system is, the desire for honesty and achievement of that...no matter how much an administration is involved in fraud, good will to repair the losses...the desire for "Jihad" (Holy War) ...self-control...only remembering Allah in losses, hard times and always maintaining relations with Allah's people...A big heart, no matter how small your house is..., or what is your status quo?...like what????
What is actually dreaming a beautiful life??? Life is beauty, this is understood and agreed but what kind of a beauty?
What is actually beauty to us?
13 members..13 concepts of beauty of life..14 crores of people...14 crore concepts...and so on!!!
Likewise is that life is duty....wat are the duties? We all know its a life of duty...but what is duty again? Sleeping, eating, studying, worldly achievements, marriage, kids...securing their future and going back....?
Or is it good for evil...and all written before in beauty context...is that duty???
Raza is right beauty of life and duty of life are interelated...if one is misbalanced other too..and misbalance starts even with the false image of B of beauty....and D of duty!!!
I know..the question asked was not this, but answer given is incomplete without the details of what exactly the beauty and duty of life to us is...? and to what extent are we coming up to that!!!
The Path of the Dhamma - Buddha
Contributed by: Sadaf Shaikh on 2nd Jan 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
I was reading about the life and teachings of Buddha and I thought I'd share some of his most profound sayings meant to guide his followers in their everyday life. "The path of the Dhamma" or Dhammapada in short, consists of 423 verses in Pali uttered by the Buddha on some 305 occasions for the benefit of a wide range of human beings. These sayings were selected and compiled into one book as being worthy of special note on account of their beauty and relevance for moulding the lives of future generations of Buddhists. These are some of the verses concerning the topic "Human Mind".
Cittavagga - The Mind(verses 33-43)
The fickle, unsteady mind, so hard to guard, so hard to control, the wiseman straightens, as the fletcher straightens the arrow.
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Like a fish that is drawn from its watery abode and thrown upon land, even so does this mind flutter. Hence should the realm of the passions beshunned.
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The mind is hard to check. It is swift and wanders at will. To control it is good. A controlled mind is conducive to happiness.
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The mind is very hard to perceive, extremely subtle and wanders at will. Let the wise person guard it; a guarded mind is conducive to happiness.
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Faring far, wandering alone, bodiless, lying in a cave, is the mind. Those who subdue it are freed from the bond of Mara.
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He whose mind is not steadfast, he who knows not true doctrine, he whose confidence wavers - the wisdom of such a one will never be perfect.
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He whose mind is not soaked (by lust), he who is not affected (by haunt), he who has transcended both good and evil - for such a vigilant one there is no fear.
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Realising that this body is (as fragile) as a jar, establishing this mind(as firm) as a (fortified) city, he should attack Mara with the weapon ofwisdom. He should guard his conquest and be without attachment.
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Before long, alas! This body will lie upon the ground, cast aside, devoid of consciousness, even as a useless charred log.
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Whatever (harm) a foe may do to a foe, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind can do one far greater (harm).
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What neither mother, nor father, nor any other relative can do, a well-directed mind does and thereby elevates one.
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The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
I was reading about the life and teachings of Buddha and I thought I'd share some of his most profound sayings meant to guide his followers in their everyday life. "The path of the Dhamma" or Dhammapada in short, consists of 423 verses in Pali uttered by the Buddha on some 305 occasions for the benefit of a wide range of human beings. These sayings were selected and compiled into one book as being worthy of special note on account of their beauty and relevance for moulding the lives of future generations of Buddhists. These are some of the verses concerning the topic "Human Mind".
Cittavagga - The Mind(verses 33-43)
The fickle, unsteady mind, so hard to guard, so hard to control, the wiseman straightens, as the fletcher straightens the arrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like a fish that is drawn from its watery abode and thrown upon land, even so does this mind flutter. Hence should the realm of the passions beshunned.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The mind is hard to check. It is swift and wanders at will. To control it is good. A controlled mind is conducive to happiness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The mind is very hard to perceive, extremely subtle and wanders at will. Let the wise person guard it; a guarded mind is conducive to happiness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faring far, wandering alone, bodiless, lying in a cave, is the mind. Those who subdue it are freed from the bond of Mara.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He whose mind is not steadfast, he who knows not true doctrine, he whose confidence wavers - the wisdom of such a one will never be perfect.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He whose mind is not soaked (by lust), he who is not affected (by haunt), he who has transcended both good and evil - for such a vigilant one there is no fear.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realising that this body is (as fragile) as a jar, establishing this mind(as firm) as a (fortified) city, he should attack Mara with the weapon ofwisdom. He should guard his conquest and be without attachment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before long, alas! This body will lie upon the ground, cast aside, devoid of consciousness, even as a useless charred log.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever (harm) a foe may do to a foe, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind can do one far greater (harm).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What neither mother, nor father, nor any other relative can do, a well-directed mind does and thereby elevates one.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
Expectations & Disappointments
All of the people who know me by now would know that I am kind of a free-minded writer...
I was just thinking....and...I realized how disappointing disappointment really is....and the root cause is expectation....
If we stop expecting...there wont ever be disappointment...but expecting is one of those things which one can't avoid....We are close to our parents and vice versa ....You expect....They expect...its only natural...
If one likes someone, the closer your get, both people start expecting stuff naturally..... husband and wife have expectations from each other....but if someone can set the mind somehow to not expect...then he would never be disappointed...amazing eh?
But what drives expectation....? It's LOVE...so if one starts avoiding expectation.... its possible that he also starts avoiding love....which means that even though he would never be disappointed...he would never love or be loved either ...sigh tough situation then...
A father expects from his son to obey whatever he says no matter what....a son expects the father to understand....but not many fathers & sons get satisfied do they?...... they usually are disappointed ....
The thing is....expectation is good....cos....we are not the sole human beings on this earth....and expectation is...supposed to be associated with someone else.....if you don't expect....you would usually be surprised hence....expecting is OK....but only if it is positive....
If negativity rules then for example one would expect to be fired from work everyday.... he would never be able to work to his potential....On the other hand if one expects that....a certain person is non-trustworthy and hence he can't trust him...then the same expectation becomes a power for us....
One cant be blind all the time....as take things for granted but in some places... there is no harm in having blind trust and expecting....so what if....your wife isn't how you like her to be...look at the good points.....so what if your parents don't understand that you've grown up and need your space.....Did you understand that they are making sacrifices for you when you were young and you needed guidance...and help to even walk....
It is all a world of expectations and disappointments....
Solution...None....
Expectation and disappointment go with one another...and if one keeps a negative attitude about it.....he will be expecting disappointment and a lousy life to live....On the other hand a positive attitude will keep him expecting....trusting everyone even the strangers which might be a harmful thing.....
So lets bring in religion here...which is teaches the lesson of BALANCE...the middle path....
I was just thinking....and...I realized how disappointing disappointment really is....and the root cause is expectation....
If we stop expecting...there wont ever be disappointment...but expecting is one of those things which one can't avoid....We are close to our parents and vice versa ....You expect....They expect...its only natural...
If one likes someone, the closer your get, both people start expecting stuff naturally..... husband and wife have expectations from each other....but if someone can set the mind somehow to not expect...then he would never be disappointed...amazing eh?
But what drives expectation....? It's LOVE...so if one starts avoiding expectation.... its possible that he also starts avoiding love....which means that even though he would never be disappointed...he would never love or be loved either ...sigh tough situation then...
A father expects from his son to obey whatever he says no matter what....a son expects the father to understand....but not many fathers & sons get satisfied do they?...... they usually are disappointed ....
The thing is....expectation is good....cos....we are not the sole human beings on this earth....and expectation is...supposed to be associated with someone else.....if you don't expect....you would usually be surprised hence....expecting is OK....but only if it is positive....
If negativity rules then for example one would expect to be fired from work everyday.... he would never be able to work to his potential....On the other hand if one expects that....a certain person is non-trustworthy and hence he can't trust him...then the same expectation becomes a power for us....
One cant be blind all the time....as take things for granted but in some places... there is no harm in having blind trust and expecting....so what if....your wife isn't how you like her to be...look at the good points.....so what if your parents don't understand that you've grown up and need your space.....Did you understand that they are making sacrifices for you when you were young and you needed guidance...and help to even walk....
It is all a world of expectations and disappointments....
Solution...None....
Expectation and disappointment go with one another...and if one keeps a negative attitude about it.....he will be expecting disappointment and a lousy life to live....On the other hand a positive attitude will keep him expecting....trusting everyone even the strangers which might be a harmful thing.....
So lets bring in religion here...which is teaches the lesson of BALANCE...the middle path....
The "1 Dollar" Story
Asalam-o-alaikum...
How are you....? Where have you been?
I missed you so much in the times when I needed your prayers. Just the aspect of you looking at me and wishing me to have a happy happy life....I missed that...
I love you for the care and the love you provided me...Where have you been...?
Oh ho Mr. Buttering-Me-All-Over...I have been to America to visit my elder son, I hadn't seen him for so long....
Oh ok...nani can't question that....well as long as it was just a visit I dont mind, dont ever leave me ....again ok.....
Hehe my son also expects my love and affection right?....Acha forget everything, look at this... I brought you something....
You mean from America....?
Yeah yeah.....from America....
Wow!! ....Does it have that America wali khushboo (scent) hehhe....?
But of course .....
Wow!!....Come on let me have it then....plz plz....
Ok here it is...1 dollar for you.....Wow!!....That is so cool Nani....Look mom look what I got from America....1 dollar....thats so cool Umar....hehe...I will save it....and never spend it, it will be in a sort of a dua (prayer) bag for me....hehe....You are such a flatterer Umar....
hehe...So i am....So I am...
So like Umar how much does it cost to study at FAST....Well whatever it is, it is less than 1 dollar...huh? Less than one dollar? Are you crazy....? I am not lying buddy....its less than one dollar...Umar you are crazy... have to say the most confusing things....
Oh Umar first job eh?...and all in this time of job saturation in the market.... 9/11 dude?.....You are lucky man...so how much is the package....well its less than one dollar...huh? Yes dude... its less than one dollar....you are never serious Umar....what is this ONE DOLLAR story.....everything you buy is less than one dollar....you earn less that one dollar also huh? How come...?
Oh Umar lush cell phone yaar....How much?....Nothing much buddy yaar... its less than one dollar....hahaha....yeah right... dont fuss ok no one is stealing it from you....I am very serious my friend....it is less than one dollar....oh please umar...
Hey Umar you bought a new car....yeah I did car financing...oh cool how much did it cost....? Oh less than one dollar....No way!!....I am not lying pal...its less than one dollar....If you dont wanna tell then say you dont ....why are you...creating such a fuss....oh my brother...I am telling as it is...it is actually less than one dollar....FINE ...Thank you that helped hehe....
Now what do I say to them? It is absolutely true ...all of the above is all true .... and the person who gave me that one dollar when I was young is my nani....and this post is a tribute to her love and care....This is still an ongoing cute habit of mine when she asks me what do I want for my birthday or any other moment....I say I havent recieved a dollar for quite some time....have been able to collect 11 notes of $1 each and savour them....knowing that they hold prayers from the deepest of places...of my Nani's heart...
In fact now that I write I remembered my Nani got real sick a few months back and I left 1 of the dollars with her....as a prayer back...so am left with 10 now....that should last a life time right? Hehe...
Love your elders and cherish their prayers....then see what happens in your life...just make them pray for you....Stuck to their feet and beg for prayers.....and see what happens....I am the most satisfied person I ever was....just after reminding myself about this all over again....Alhumdulillah!!!
How are you....? Where have you been?
I missed you so much in the times when I needed your prayers. Just the aspect of you looking at me and wishing me to have a happy happy life....I missed that...
I love you for the care and the love you provided me...Where have you been...?
Oh ho Mr. Buttering-Me-All-Over...I have been to America to visit my elder son, I hadn't seen him for so long....
Oh ok...nani can't question that....well as long as it was just a visit I dont mind, dont ever leave me ....again ok.....
Hehe my son also expects my love and affection right?....Acha forget everything, look at this... I brought you something....
You mean from America....?
Yeah yeah.....from America....
Wow!! ....Does it have that America wali khushboo (scent) hehhe....?
But of course .....
Wow!!....Come on let me have it then....plz plz....
Ok here it is...1 dollar for you.....Wow!!....That is so cool Nani....Look mom look what I got from America....1 dollar....thats so cool Umar....hehe...I will save it....and never spend it, it will be in a sort of a dua (prayer) bag for me....hehe....You are such a flatterer Umar....
hehe...So i am....So I am...
So like Umar how much does it cost to study at FAST....Well whatever it is, it is less than 1 dollar...huh? Less than one dollar? Are you crazy....? I am not lying buddy....its less than one dollar...Umar you are crazy... have to say the most confusing things....
Oh Umar first job eh?...and all in this time of job saturation in the market.... 9/11 dude?.....You are lucky man...so how much is the package....well its less than one dollar...huh? Yes dude... its less than one dollar....you are never serious Umar....what is this ONE DOLLAR story.....everything you buy is less than one dollar....you earn less that one dollar also huh? How come...?
Oh Umar lush cell phone yaar....How much?....Nothing much buddy yaar... its less than one dollar....hahaha....yeah right... dont fuss ok no one is stealing it from you....I am very serious my friend....it is less than one dollar....oh please umar...
Hey Umar you bought a new car....yeah I did car financing...oh cool how much did it cost....? Oh less than one dollar....No way!!....I am not lying pal...its less than one dollar....If you dont wanna tell then say you dont ....why are you...creating such a fuss....oh my brother...I am telling as it is...it is actually less than one dollar....FINE ...Thank you that helped hehe....
Now what do I say to them? It is absolutely true ...all of the above is all true .... and the person who gave me that one dollar when I was young is my nani....and this post is a tribute to her love and care....This is still an ongoing cute habit of mine when she asks me what do I want for my birthday or any other moment....I say I havent recieved a dollar for quite some time....have been able to collect 11 notes of $1 each and savour them....knowing that they hold prayers from the deepest of places...of my Nani's heart...
In fact now that I write I remembered my Nani got real sick a few months back and I left 1 of the dollars with her....as a prayer back...so am left with 10 now....that should last a life time right? Hehe...
Love your elders and cherish their prayers....then see what happens in your life...just make them pray for you....Stuck to their feet and beg for prayers.....and see what happens....I am the most satisfied person I ever was....just after reminding myself about this all over again....Alhumdulillah!!!
In the words of Baba Bulley Shah....
Well here is something that some of the new friends I have made through the blog world wouldn't know...I am a big fan of Bulley Shah...Havent read him as such but have just listened to him through...Abida Parveen....big fan of hers as well...in fact HUGE...fan...
Frankly, not all of it makes sense to me...but I try to ponder and make some sense out of it...the language is difficult but you can make it out if you know a bit of Sindhi and Punjabi....
Anyway, here is an excerpt....from Bulley Shah...sung by Abida Parveen in "Sadhe Weray..."
Jay Rab Milda naa tyan tou tyan
Tay Rab milda dagooyan Machyan noo
Jay Rab Milda Jungle phiryan
Tay Rab Milda Gayyaan Bachhyan noo...
O way Mian Bulleya Rab Unhaan noo milda
Attay Diliyyan sachyan acchyan noo...
Umm...basically the explanation is that if you are trying to find Allah meaning...understand Him...get Him into your heart then...you need to have a Pure & Clean heart...
The simplistic way of putting this was by Baba Bulley Shah telling that if Allah was to be found then He could be found in nature, in fishes etc Baba Bulley Shah is talking to himself and saying that I tried to wander around in jungles and if Allah were to be found there I could also try to find him in cows and buffaloes...meaning different parts of nature...Then comes the punchline...
Bringing to life a comment to himself 'O Mian Bulleya...' Allah is only found by people who have got a pure and good heart...The bottom line...there is no requirement to search for Allah in the life around you cos Allah lives inside your own hearts....its just about purifying it and keeping it clean so that you could find Him there...right there...inside you...nothing more closer...to you than Allah Saieen...
May Allah help us clean our hearts so that we could find Him and rather feel Him right where He really is...OUR HEART!!
Frankly, not all of it makes sense to me...but I try to ponder and make some sense out of it...the language is difficult but you can make it out if you know a bit of Sindhi and Punjabi....
Anyway, here is an excerpt....from Bulley Shah...sung by Abida Parveen in "Sadhe Weray..."
Jay Rab Milda naa tyan tou tyan
Tay Rab milda dagooyan Machyan noo
Jay Rab Milda Jungle phiryan
Tay Rab Milda Gayyaan Bachhyan noo...
O way Mian Bulleya Rab Unhaan noo milda
Attay Diliyyan sachyan acchyan noo...
Umm...basically the explanation is that if you are trying to find Allah meaning...understand Him...get Him into your heart then...you need to have a Pure & Clean heart...
The simplistic way of putting this was by Baba Bulley Shah telling that if Allah was to be found then He could be found in nature, in fishes etc Baba Bulley Shah is talking to himself and saying that I tried to wander around in jungles and if Allah were to be found there I could also try to find him in cows and buffaloes...meaning different parts of nature...Then comes the punchline...
Bringing to life a comment to himself 'O Mian Bulleya...' Allah is only found by people who have got a pure and good heart...The bottom line...there is no requirement to search for Allah in the life around you cos Allah lives inside your own hearts....its just about purifying it and keeping it clean so that you could find Him there...right there...inside you...nothing more closer...to you than Allah Saieen...
May Allah help us clean our hearts so that we could find Him and rather feel Him right where He really is...OUR HEART!!
A Man is known by the Company he Keeps
Contributed by: Umar Pirzada on 30th Jan 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
A thought crossed my mind...about how non forgiving the nature of a human is.... Remember the proverb "A man is known by the company he keeps" , "birds of a feather flock/fly together"....
Look at the following scenario which I think everybody would be familiar with....Some guy has a real bad reputation, people know he has been bad/crooked, has hurt people and overall he is someone who's company u can surely do without....who would be easily be a bad influence on anyone....
After a little while that bad guy grows up and realizes his mistakes and regrets on them and wants to be a different person....He gets in touch with a completely opposite natured person to him who is nice and respected in society and very much loved by people. The kind of person who everyone wants to be friends with ....usually such nice people are very forgiving and after listening to a sob story and how the bad guy has transformed....the nice guy would say ok so you have changed and I don't mind giving our friendship a shot. He would want to help him make that transition....but....
What about us, the bystanders, the world? When we see them as the best of friends what would we think....Would we think that the good person has finally given into the demon and has become a bad person cos after all 'that's the company' he has these days....or would we say that the bad person has turned over a new leaf...
A new person who knows the nice guy would think that the bad guy is a good person also. However if someone doesn't know the good guy (and knows the bad guy) he would assume that since he is around the bad guy's company....he must be similar in nature too.
Can we change that natural attitude we have?....I mean if God can give a second chance to us every time we show the least of regret....Cant we even be a little more caring and try and let go of hard feelings?....I think we can if we try.....and that would definitely make this world a better place to live in with more good people than bad.....
What usually happens is that this transition period for a bad person fails cos we, the people don't accept him as that different person....which is trying so hard to be...We r so cruel...
Further added by Tanya Ansari on 30th Jan 2004
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Thats soo true..i totally agree with Umar....i would like to add something too.....this negative attitude of ours towards a person who wants to "turn over a new leaf" so to say.....can actually make him go back to the way he was, that is being bad...by not giving him a chance to be a better person...we r actually proving him right...he'd be like...I was better off being mean and bad cuz that way i was treating them right...giving them what they deserve......
I mean who gave us the power to judge other people....u know......Islam teaches us tolerance and kindness.....and it also teaches us the fact that if someone does wrong to you, you forgive him and let Allah deal with that person's cruelty....Allah will judge us on our good/bad behavior and who are we to decide what that meanie deserves....Only Allah knows better as to what his punishment is...and like Umar mentioned if tht person later on regrets it....might be possible tht Allah forgives him.....so who r we to keep a grudge against him.....and most importantly......this is what umar and I were discussing the other day that it is very important to forgive ppl....and to ask for forgiveness from somebody who we have wronged.....cuz Allah has given precedence to "Haqooq-ul-Ibad" (The rights of people).....and since I am no angel......if somebody wrongs me I should forgive him/her.....maybe I'd be facing the same situation some day......which is really possible......
Further added by Mishal Saeed on 30th Jan 2004http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Well…its a real tragedy…and like mostly such kind of attitude is observed towards the person who wants to turn over…a new leaf...
and Umar is right when he says that we dont give chances…thats the thing, Chances, allowances and justifications… It might be repetition of the concept but that is the actual thing…
And I would just like to add that once realizing the general trend towards the affected person, why to regret n curse over the system again and again? We might not be able to change the system but why become a part of it? We can play our role well…as we play our roles in other aspects of our lives..
We wont be asked for the trend we went along but for our own individual deeds...Whatever one has to give that is the only thing that he can give to others...When one is friendly and kind towards people, its what he/she has…similarly when one treats them cruelly, its again the stuff he/she possesses....
So like definitely we get disheartened ,when we come across cruel attitudes towards ourselves or others, when we see injustice, chances not given but we can light a candle of hope and try to initiate a genuine attitude by giving chances and allowances…
I cant ask anyone to give me a chance or to forgive any other person until I make sure tht I do that myself too…People are cruel but once I decide that I wont be doing the thing that I curse…I can find some comfort! I can be the first step on the ladder...consequently we all...can...
Further added by Amber Ahmad on 30th Jan 2004 http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Yes, it is a tragedy and we should all give it thought...that are we not the ones who do this also? .... We often follow the trends of avoiding such people as the society tells us to do, if somebody is bad we play a vital role in making him worse, instead the negligence on the part of the so called good people make him go deeper and deeper in the domain of bad...I think what Islam teaches us is the best way to lead lives, we should not only try ourselves to be good but also preach others to stop doing bad and try to be good, and that is only possible if we practice being good and letting a fair hand to all,
It is very easy to criticize someone else...we sit on one bad deed of someone else for so long, and keep rubbing it in to him, and dont move on to find the good things that that person might have. I believe every person has goodness inside him....
A thought crossed my mind...about how non forgiving the nature of a human is.... Remember the proverb "A man is known by the company he keeps" , "birds of a feather flock/fly together"....
Look at the following scenario which I think everybody would be familiar with....Some guy has a real bad reputation, people know he has been bad/crooked, has hurt people and overall he is someone who's company u can surely do without....who would be easily be a bad influence on anyone....
After a little while that bad guy grows up and realizes his mistakes and regrets on them and wants to be a different person....He gets in touch with a completely opposite natured person to him who is nice and respected in society and very much loved by people. The kind of person who everyone wants to be friends with ....usually such nice people are very forgiving and after listening to a sob story and how the bad guy has transformed....the nice guy would say ok so you have changed and I don't mind giving our friendship a shot. He would want to help him make that transition....but....
What about us, the bystanders, the world? When we see them as the best of friends what would we think....Would we think that the good person has finally given into the demon and has become a bad person cos after all 'that's the company' he has these days....or would we say that the bad person has turned over a new leaf...
A new person who knows the nice guy would think that the bad guy is a good person also. However if someone doesn't know the good guy (and knows the bad guy) he would assume that since he is around the bad guy's company....he must be similar in nature too.
Can we change that natural attitude we have?....I mean if God can give a second chance to us every time we show the least of regret....Cant we even be a little more caring and try and let go of hard feelings?....I think we can if we try.....and that would definitely make this world a better place to live in with more good people than bad.....
What usually happens is that this transition period for a bad person fails cos we, the people don't accept him as that different person....which is trying so hard to be...We r so cruel...
Further added by Tanya Ansari on 30th Jan 2004
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Thats soo true..i totally agree with Umar....i would like to add something too.....this negative attitude of ours towards a person who wants to "turn over a new leaf" so to say.....can actually make him go back to the way he was, that is being bad...by not giving him a chance to be a better person...we r actually proving him right...he'd be like...I was better off being mean and bad cuz that way i was treating them right...giving them what they deserve......
I mean who gave us the power to judge other people....u know......Islam teaches us tolerance and kindness.....and it also teaches us the fact that if someone does wrong to you, you forgive him and let Allah deal with that person's cruelty....Allah will judge us on our good/bad behavior and who are we to decide what that meanie deserves....Only Allah knows better as to what his punishment is...and like Umar mentioned if tht person later on regrets it....might be possible tht Allah forgives him.....so who r we to keep a grudge against him.....and most importantly......this is what umar and I were discussing the other day that it is very important to forgive ppl....and to ask for forgiveness from somebody who we have wronged.....cuz Allah has given precedence to "Haqooq-ul-Ibad" (The rights of people).....and since I am no angel......if somebody wrongs me I should forgive him/her.....maybe I'd be facing the same situation some day......which is really possible......
Further added by Mishal Saeed on 30th Jan 2004http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Well…its a real tragedy…and like mostly such kind of attitude is observed towards the person who wants to turn over…a new leaf...
and Umar is right when he says that we dont give chances…thats the thing, Chances, allowances and justifications… It might be repetition of the concept but that is the actual thing…
And I would just like to add that once realizing the general trend towards the affected person, why to regret n curse over the system again and again? We might not be able to change the system but why become a part of it? We can play our role well…as we play our roles in other aspects of our lives..
We wont be asked for the trend we went along but for our own individual deeds...Whatever one has to give that is the only thing that he can give to others...When one is friendly and kind towards people, its what he/she has…similarly when one treats them cruelly, its again the stuff he/she possesses....
So like definitely we get disheartened ,when we come across cruel attitudes towards ourselves or others, when we see injustice, chances not given but we can light a candle of hope and try to initiate a genuine attitude by giving chances and allowances…
I cant ask anyone to give me a chance or to forgive any other person until I make sure tht I do that myself too…People are cruel but once I decide that I wont be doing the thing that I curse…I can find some comfort! I can be the first step on the ladder...consequently we all...can...
Further added by Amber Ahmad on 30th Jan 2004 http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Yes, it is a tragedy and we should all give it thought...that are we not the ones who do this also? .... We often follow the trends of avoiding such people as the society tells us to do, if somebody is bad we play a vital role in making him worse, instead the negligence on the part of the so called good people make him go deeper and deeper in the domain of bad...I think what Islam teaches us is the best way to lead lives, we should not only try ourselves to be good but also preach others to stop doing bad and try to be good, and that is only possible if we practice being good and letting a fair hand to all,
It is very easy to criticize someone else...we sit on one bad deed of someone else for so long, and keep rubbing it in to him, and dont move on to find the good things that that person might have. I believe every person has goodness inside him....
Indian Cricket - The 'CHAPPELL' Theory
Indian cricket has been in the doldrums for quite a while to be frank and with cricket nothing less than religion in their country, the media & the fans wouldnt let them go off the hook so easy.
Some people blame the coach, in fact quite a lot of them blame poor Greg Chappell. He didnt know what he was up against before taking over the job. I am sure the big money was involved with India being the worlds biggest commercial capital at least when it comes to Cricket.
Arright so what has Chappell done. Lets see. The first and most controversial thing he did was get rid of Saurav Ganguly as he didnt envision him in his team. He had his reasons, the lethargic cricketer, a weaklink in the field and a misfit according to him in the middle order with Sehwag, Tendulkar opening. The lack of form also led to his misfortune and Chappell got him out.
Dravid has been my personal favourite player cos I am a big fan of people with STRONG temparent. I think every team should make their captain a player who is mentally strong. That should be top priority, second priority being experience. Dravid took over the reins of captaincy and well has been an average captain to say it safe based on the results. But you need to give him more time, I feel. He is the best choice currently.
Next, Chappell realized they need a genuine allrounder. He tried searching but apparently to no considerable talent available he decided he needs to explore the available options. If Irfan Pathan could develop as a better batsman or Dinesh Mongia develop as a better bowler, he could have that allroounder he wants in his team for the world cup. Thats what he did.
That plan has backfired I feel, for various reasons. Irfan Pathan was developing into a great bowler. Excluding the nippy pace, he was looking in the moulds of a certain Wasim Akram and hence the go-to guy for a wicket. The extra responsibility of batting affected his bowling big time. One down in the batting lineup is a position where the likes of R. Dravid, Ponting, Lara play not to mention a few players in the world who bat lower in the order even though they should play No. 3. Anyway, Irfan Pathan was experimented with there to avoid the new ball and maybe get in at a time where he could play his shots and gain confidence. Not to be ...he absolutely lost confidence in his abilities and that left him bowling indifferent as well and led to missing out the position of being the lead bowler. Sad...but its not over...he should develop.
D. Mongia can not be a genuine bowler but he can occasionally turn his arm over and for that matter so can Yuvraj (when fit), Sachin & Sehwag. So, I feel the Chappell theory though honest needed a different approach.
I must mention here that the Indian unit is definitely the most talented when it comes to batting and that area just needs some consistency in performance. Its the bowling thats the problem and wasting a resource such as Irfan pathan will hit them bad. Hopefully it is realized in time and he can get back to concentrating on his bowling.
The strategy in yesterday to go in with 5 bowlers was a very good ploy, I think. An Indian team with the batting lineup they can afford to go in with that. Even though it backfired with some out-of-the-ordinary batting from Kemp but I think they should stick to that formula. They need options while bowling and the likes of Zaheer Khan and Kumble should play to provide that extra edge.
If Yuvraj is fit, the lineup looks killer on paper:
Sachin, Sehwag, Dravid, Yuvraj, Kaif, Dhoni, Irfan, Kumble, Agarkar, Harbhajan, Zaheer
Waiting in the pavilion is Ganguly, M. Patel, Sreesanth, D. Mongia. I think they have the side for the world cup. I really feel the experimenting needs to stop. In my proposed 11 for India you got 5 of the world's best batsmen. Dhoni an explosive 'bat-anywhere' guy and then extra bit of batting from Irfan, Kumble, Agarkar. The bowling looks good too. Batting is their strength and they need to play their matches around that. Ganguly plays in my squad just cos he got experience and can replace an injured guy in there whenever required. Of course differences with the coach can make way for another played who could be anybody really. They got an extra keeper/batsman in D. Karthik as well.
They need to implement the same and let them play together for a while to build up for the world cup. Thats their best option according to me. The experimenting has to stop, NOW!
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
Some people blame the coach, in fact quite a lot of them blame poor Greg Chappell. He didnt know what he was up against before taking over the job. I am sure the big money was involved with India being the worlds biggest commercial capital at least when it comes to Cricket.
Arright so what has Chappell done. Lets see. The first and most controversial thing he did was get rid of Saurav Ganguly as he didnt envision him in his team. He had his reasons, the lethargic cricketer, a weaklink in the field and a misfit according to him in the middle order with Sehwag, Tendulkar opening. The lack of form also led to his misfortune and Chappell got him out.
Dravid has been my personal favourite player cos I am a big fan of people with STRONG temparent. I think every team should make their captain a player who is mentally strong. That should be top priority, second priority being experience. Dravid took over the reins of captaincy and well has been an average captain to say it safe based on the results. But you need to give him more time, I feel. He is the best choice currently.
Next, Chappell realized they need a genuine allrounder. He tried searching but apparently to no considerable talent available he decided he needs to explore the available options. If Irfan Pathan could develop as a better batsman or Dinesh Mongia develop as a better bowler, he could have that allroounder he wants in his team for the world cup. Thats what he did.
That plan has backfired I feel, for various reasons. Irfan Pathan was developing into a great bowler. Excluding the nippy pace, he was looking in the moulds of a certain Wasim Akram and hence the go-to guy for a wicket. The extra responsibility of batting affected his bowling big time. One down in the batting lineup is a position where the likes of R. Dravid, Ponting, Lara play not to mention a few players in the world who bat lower in the order even though they should play No. 3. Anyway, Irfan Pathan was experimented with there to avoid the new ball and maybe get in at a time where he could play his shots and gain confidence. Not to be ...he absolutely lost confidence in his abilities and that left him bowling indifferent as well and led to missing out the position of being the lead bowler. Sad...but its not over...he should develop.
D. Mongia can not be a genuine bowler but he can occasionally turn his arm over and for that matter so can Yuvraj (when fit), Sachin & Sehwag. So, I feel the Chappell theory though honest needed a different approach.
I must mention here that the Indian unit is definitely the most talented when it comes to batting and that area just needs some consistency in performance. Its the bowling thats the problem and wasting a resource such as Irfan pathan will hit them bad. Hopefully it is realized in time and he can get back to concentrating on his bowling.
The strategy in yesterday to go in with 5 bowlers was a very good ploy, I think. An Indian team with the batting lineup they can afford to go in with that. Even though it backfired with some out-of-the-ordinary batting from Kemp but I think they should stick to that formula. They need options while bowling and the likes of Zaheer Khan and Kumble should play to provide that extra edge.
If Yuvraj is fit, the lineup looks killer on paper:
Sachin, Sehwag, Dravid, Yuvraj, Kaif, Dhoni, Irfan, Kumble, Agarkar, Harbhajan, Zaheer
Waiting in the pavilion is Ganguly, M. Patel, Sreesanth, D. Mongia. I think they have the side for the world cup. I really feel the experimenting needs to stop. In my proposed 11 for India you got 5 of the world's best batsmen. Dhoni an explosive 'bat-anywhere' guy and then extra bit of batting from Irfan, Kumble, Agarkar. The bowling looks good too. Batting is their strength and they need to play their matches around that. Ganguly plays in my squad just cos he got experience and can replace an injured guy in there whenever required. Of course differences with the coach can make way for another played who could be anybody really. They got an extra keeper/batsman in D. Karthik as well.
They need to implement the same and let them play together for a while to build up for the world cup. Thats their best option according to me. The experimenting has to stop, NOW!
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
"PAPA! Aap ka phone hay!"
What ringtone do you have? Is it the Nokia Tune? Or a DESI CHEAPOO Indian Filmi Song maybe? hehehe....
Ever since the evolution of CellPhones we have got ringtones. It started as just something that comes with the phone. Practical people just like myself look for simple ringtones, as long as they could hear its ringing or if there is an sms. I basically have set phone profiles which I keep for different places...Outdoor, Office, General and Silent. I also have a Meeting profile and also use it during a seminar i m attending etc. Sounds hectic switching profiles everytime I switch to one of those situations but with shortcut keys and habit, its cool. I dont disturb anyone with my tones and rather just make sure I know it rang or beeped.
Unlike people who make sure everyone knows they have a cellphone with the oddest of tones. Of course that has reduced with the mobile snatchers on the lookout. But still you get to hear the most funny and strangest of ringtones while travelling in a bus.
The one ringtone that made me write this post is what I am going to end this post with as well...hehe...I was travelling in a train yesterday and there it went "PAPA! Aap ka phone hay!". I thought its a cute little daughter cutely telling her father that the phone is ringing but it went again repeated with the same scale and tone and I realized this guy is amazing. He recorded his daughter's voice with the whole sentence and kept it as a ringtone...cute daughter with a cuter DAD. Now thats what I wanna be too...hehe...
Can't wait for Mahnoor to start talking...the first words become the RINGTONE as well...
"BABA! Tahaan jo PHONE AAHAY! " (Sindhi version...)
Ever since the evolution of CellPhones we have got ringtones. It started as just something that comes with the phone. Practical people just like myself look for simple ringtones, as long as they could hear its ringing or if there is an sms. I basically have set phone profiles which I keep for different places...Outdoor, Office, General and Silent. I also have a Meeting profile and also use it during a seminar i m attending etc. Sounds hectic switching profiles everytime I switch to one of those situations but with shortcut keys and habit, its cool. I dont disturb anyone with my tones and rather just make sure I know it rang or beeped.
Unlike people who make sure everyone knows they have a cellphone with the oddest of tones. Of course that has reduced with the mobile snatchers on the lookout. But still you get to hear the most funny and strangest of ringtones while travelling in a bus.
The one ringtone that made me write this post is what I am going to end this post with as well...hehe...I was travelling in a train yesterday and there it went "PAPA! Aap ka phone hay!". I thought its a cute little daughter cutely telling her father that the phone is ringing but it went again repeated with the same scale and tone and I realized this guy is amazing. He recorded his daughter's voice with the whole sentence and kept it as a ringtone...cute daughter with a cuter DAD. Now thats what I wanna be too...hehe...
Can't wait for Mahnoor to start talking...the first words become the RINGTONE as well...
"BABA! Tahaan jo PHONE AAHAY! " (Sindhi version...)
LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE
Contributed by: Shamsuddin Rattani on 30th Jan 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called "Smile." The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.
"I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope." We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!):
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology.
The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called "Smile." The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.
Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did.
I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling".
His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.
The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.
I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.
I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."
I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.
"I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope." We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.
I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.
Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
HABIT - Putting things on Hold
Putting things on hold has been one of my oldest habits that I do regularly. Umm lemme elaborate a bit to clarify. There is a natural thought process for me that when I get something new umm....for example a new coffee mug (with the lid), I would say I am looking for a job anyway, I will launch this mug with my new job and not use it now. If I have to get me something for example new shoes...I say I ll get them when things are better financially (even though I can afford the shoes now) and when I have a new job...I will buy em.
When it comes to buying a new belt, new clothes, similiar thoughts go through my head.
What does this do? It makes me wait and wait and try to use things more than their actual usable life normally. Shoes become real shaggy until I decide on ok....whether the job comes or not...I need to get new shoes now to make this job look good anyway.
I think it contradicts another natural thought which says "Live life as it is by the minute..." The above habit doesnt let me do that now does it? In a confused state about this... What if the better days never come and am stuck with shaggy stuff all my life?
I also just noticed...I couldnt give any examples of something other than 'Looking for a new job...' even though there are heaps of others ...umm...well arright arright so I am looking for something of a more challenging a job role these days, that is true...Heheh...thats allowed right...? But still there are no another examples to tell....
Does anybody else have a similiar habit?
Stupid post with no head or tail...I just noticed... I guess one can have their off days. At least I didnt start with 'dont know what to write...', or 'havent you noticed that sometimes you are at a loss for words....' hehehe....religious bloggers...recognize this? heheh...
When it comes to buying a new belt, new clothes, similiar thoughts go through my head.
What does this do? It makes me wait and wait and try to use things more than their actual usable life normally. Shoes become real shaggy until I decide on ok....whether the job comes or not...I need to get new shoes now to make this job look good anyway.
I think it contradicts another natural thought which says "Live life as it is by the minute..." The above habit doesnt let me do that now does it? In a confused state about this... What if the better days never come and am stuck with shaggy stuff all my life?
I also just noticed...I couldnt give any examples of something other than 'Looking for a new job...' even though there are heaps of others ...umm...well arright arright so I am looking for something of a more challenging a job role these days, that is true...Heheh...thats allowed right...? But still there are no another examples to tell....
Does anybody else have a similiar habit?
Stupid post with no head or tail...I just noticed... I guess one can have their off days. At least I didnt start with 'dont know what to write...', or 'havent you noticed that sometimes you are at a loss for words....' hehehe....religious bloggers...recognize this? heheh...
Razzaq's TEST limitations
Abdul Razzaq, the best of the Paki allrounders has been held in the spotlight at Test match level again. This isnt the first time when he has been questioned about his place in the test side. He brings in a bit of medium pace, nothing special, and batting at No.6 or 7 as the situation requires.
However, the makeup of the Paki cricket side in recent times has made them go for 3 genuine bowlers since Razzaq is an automatic choice it seems. I think he is a bit overrated to be called the 4th bowler or first change. Thats how he is being played at the moment when it comes to bowling. He is more of a stop bowler who should play as a 5th option in test matches. There is no doubt that on moving wicket in England or Australia he would be the automatic choice as all rounder but now in the presense of Shoaib Malik, I think the Paki team is blessed. They could utilize them better by choosing between them according to the pitch or the situation rather than playing them both together and compromising on a genuine test batsman or wicket taking bowler. Thats where the team seems lacking the moment. Saying that if Malik could start opening the batting successfully then there is no issue, we could get the extra bowler we need.
Anyway, there is no doubt about Razzaq's talent and he is definitely an automatic choice in any one-day side of the world. In fact both Malik and Razzaq make it into any side of the world in ODIs but for test matches you need specialists.
The skeleton make up of the Paki test Team should be:
Two Genuine openers, The big 3, The allrounder, Keeper, 3 pacemen, 1 spinner. Very similiar to Australia it seems but we have the talent to fill those spots easily. You need attacking wicket taking bowlers to get 20 wickets in a test match, its an age old formula.
There needs to be better utilization of resources rather than players playing on reputation.
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
However, the makeup of the Paki cricket side in recent times has made them go for 3 genuine bowlers since Razzaq is an automatic choice it seems. I think he is a bit overrated to be called the 4th bowler or first change. Thats how he is being played at the moment when it comes to bowling. He is more of a stop bowler who should play as a 5th option in test matches. There is no doubt that on moving wicket in England or Australia he would be the automatic choice as all rounder but now in the presense of Shoaib Malik, I think the Paki team is blessed. They could utilize them better by choosing between them according to the pitch or the situation rather than playing them both together and compromising on a genuine test batsman or wicket taking bowler. Thats where the team seems lacking the moment. Saying that if Malik could start opening the batting successfully then there is no issue, we could get the extra bowler we need.
Anyway, there is no doubt about Razzaq's talent and he is definitely an automatic choice in any one-day side of the world. In fact both Malik and Razzaq make it into any side of the world in ODIs but for test matches you need specialists.
The skeleton make up of the Paki test Team should be:
Two Genuine openers, The big 3, The allrounder, Keeper, 3 pacemen, 1 spinner. Very similiar to Australia it seems but we have the talent to fill those spots easily. You need attacking wicket taking bowlers to get 20 wickets in a test match, its an age old formula.
There needs to be better utilization of resources rather than players playing on reputation.
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
Looking for Life on Other Worlds
Contributed by: Amber Ahmad on 7th Feb 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
I got to read an article regarding "Looking For Life on Other Worlds" and I just had this idea that what would be the effect on our lives if we find out some life on other planets, quoting the writer "Despite the outlandish claims of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), humans have yet to detect even a single microscopic organism of extra-terrestrial origin.
Thus, one of the most sacred questions of human race remains unanswered: Are we alone in theuniverse? "So are we alone ? (As humans) Are we not enough for each other? Yes the scientists have detected surface features on Mars associated with recent flow of water, and the possibility of a liquid water ocean underneath the icy surface of Jupiter`s moon, has given some hopes in the efforts to search for life on other worlds.
But the actual question we have to ask is that what is life? Would life everywhere be based on the same chemistry as life here on Earth? How common are the ingredients that make up life on Earth? Well very hard questions, but I just wondered that what would any of us feel to if for example any alien say from MARS would appear in front of us and try to communicate, what would the language be? What would the reaction be? Screams, or smiles and welcome hands (well if they would have hands) interesting to think na? ......May be they are more educated, civilized and maybe they have more technology? Seems like any english fiction movie na? But do we really believe in this, scientifically yes we can believe that life exists on other planets too but does our religion give any idea or belief in these extra terestrial life forms?
Do we really believe in the thoery of EINSTEIN that "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” Think about it, waisay bhee History testifies to the fact that free thinkers are the key people who help developing a society technologically and scientifically and ofcourse "Free Thought is Key to Progress"
I got to read an article regarding "Looking For Life on Other Worlds" and I just had this idea that what would be the effect on our lives if we find out some life on other planets, quoting the writer "Despite the outlandish claims of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), humans have yet to detect even a single microscopic organism of extra-terrestrial origin.
Thus, one of the most sacred questions of human race remains unanswered: Are we alone in theuniverse? "So are we alone ? (As humans) Are we not enough for each other? Yes the scientists have detected surface features on Mars associated with recent flow of water, and the possibility of a liquid water ocean underneath the icy surface of Jupiter`s moon, has given some hopes in the efforts to search for life on other worlds.
But the actual question we have to ask is that what is life? Would life everywhere be based on the same chemistry as life here on Earth? How common are the ingredients that make up life on Earth? Well very hard questions, but I just wondered that what would any of us feel to if for example any alien say from MARS would appear in front of us and try to communicate, what would the language be? What would the reaction be? Screams, or smiles and welcome hands (well if they would have hands) interesting to think na? ......May be they are more educated, civilized and maybe they have more technology? Seems like any english fiction movie na? But do we really believe in this, scientifically yes we can believe that life exists on other planets too but does our religion give any idea or belief in these extra terestrial life forms?
Do we really believe in the thoery of EINSTEIN that "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” Think about it, waisay bhee History testifies to the fact that free thinkers are the key people who help developing a society technologically and scientifically and ofcourse "Free Thought is Key to Progress"
The Point of View
Sorry folks, but just have to promote these two other blogs which are close to me. I have to do this once and never do it again. Then if somebody finds it well and good, I wont promote it on my diary again.
The Point of View started as a yahoogroup and still is there. I took over the name in Feb 2002 and the next member came in around September 2002. The idea was to get rational thinkers out there, hopefully young so that positive dialogue could take place. The 'off-the-usual' type of discussions to healthy conversations for solutions. It took a while to get people to join as I wasnt sure if it was a loserly idea or a great one. Anyway I decided to go on with it and got in some good friends of mine and they loved the idea. The Point of View evolved with healthy discussions on various topics. It was fun.
It was slow but it was fun. We eventually managed to get some get togethers in as well and it was pretty good. With orkut evolving I managed to make it more public with a community as well. But unfortunately, priorities changed and tough work schedules and advanced studies led people to move out of the scene and POV is headed towards a silent death.
The Point of View Blog is an honest effort to revive the discussions and also make our conversations available for public viewing and comments. In this process, also trying to find newer members who would be interested to actually post on the blog.
So, thats that, a brief boring promotion. At least pay one visit. I have posted some conversations and contributions from different people from the yahoogroup on the blog to at least get it started. Lets see how it develops. I wont let it die its silent death though. Hopefully, there would always be someone to post or comment.
Thanks for going through this post till the end. Means a lot.
The Point of View started as a yahoogroup and still is there. I took over the name in Feb 2002 and the next member came in around September 2002. The idea was to get rational thinkers out there, hopefully young so that positive dialogue could take place. The 'off-the-usual' type of discussions to healthy conversations for solutions. It took a while to get people to join as I wasnt sure if it was a loserly idea or a great one. Anyway I decided to go on with it and got in some good friends of mine and they loved the idea. The Point of View evolved with healthy discussions on various topics. It was fun.
It was slow but it was fun. We eventually managed to get some get togethers in as well and it was pretty good. With orkut evolving I managed to make it more public with a community as well. But unfortunately, priorities changed and tough work schedules and advanced studies led people to move out of the scene and POV is headed towards a silent death.
The Point of View Blog is an honest effort to revive the discussions and also make our conversations available for public viewing and comments. In this process, also trying to find newer members who would be interested to actually post on the blog.
So, thats that, a brief boring promotion. At least pay one visit. I have posted some conversations and contributions from different people from the yahoogroup on the blog to at least get it started. Lets see how it develops. I wont let it die its silent death though. Hopefully, there would always be someone to post or comment.
Thanks for going through this post till the end. Means a lot.
6 thinking hats
Contributed by: Raza Ali on 27th Feb 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
6 thinking hats
by Dr J. Kaya Prpic for the Department of Civil Engineering at Monash University.
"Put on your thinking hats"
To be an effective problem based learner you need to develop your thinking skills. The notion of six thinking hats comes from Edward De Bono (For a more detailed discussion about the six thinking hats, read Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono, 1985).
There are six metaphorical hats and each defines a certain type of thinking. You can put on or take off one of these hats to indicate the type of thinking you are using. This putting on and taking off is essential, because it allows you to switch from one type of thinking to another. When done in your group, everybody should wear the same hat at the same time.
The white hat
Think of white paper, which is neutral and carries information.
The white hat covers facts, figures, data and information. Too often facts and figures are embedded in an argument or belief. Wearing your white hat allows to present information in a neutral and objective way.
Questions you might ask while wearing your white hat include:
What information do we have here?
What information is missing?
What information would we like to have?
How are we going to get the information?
When all your group members put on their white hats, they focus directly on the information. For the moment everyone looks to see what information is available, what is needed, and how it might be obtained. Proposals, opinions , beliefs and arguments are put aside.
The red hat
Think of red and fire and warm.
The red hat covers intuition, feelings, hunches and emotions. Usually, feelings and intuition can only be introduced into a discussion if they are supported by logic. Often, the feeling is genuine but the logic is spurious. Wearing the red hat allows you to put forward your feelings and intuitions without the need for justification, explanation or apology.
Putting on my red hat, you express what you feel about the project.
My gut-feeling is that this will not work.
I don't like the way this is being done.
This proposal is terrible.
My intuition tells me that prices will fall soon.
The red hat allows feelings, as such, to come into the discussion without pretending to be anything else. It is always valuable to get feelings out into the open.
The black hat
Think of a stern judge wearing black robes. The black hat is the hat of "caution" and "judgement".
Wearing the black hat allows you to consider your proposals critically and logically. The black hat is used to reflect on why a suggestion does not fit the facts, the available experience, or the system in use.
Wearing your black hat you might consider the following:
Costs. (This proposal would be too expensive.)
Regulations. (I don't think that the regulations would allow ? )
Design. (This design might look nice, but it is not practical.)
Materials. (This material would mean high maintenance.)
Safety issues. (What about handrails?)
Mistakes can be disastrous. So the black hat is very valuable. It is the most used hat and possibly the most useful hat. However, it is very easy to overuse the black hat. Caution, used too early in the problem solving process, can easily kill creative ideas with early negativity.
The yellow hat
Think of sunshine.
The yellow hat is for optimism and the logical positive view of things. Wearing the yellow hat allows you to look for benefits, feasibility and how something can be done.
Questions you might ask while wearing the yellow hat include:
What are the benefits of this option?
Why is this proposal preferable?
What are the positive assets of this design?
How can we make this work?
Yellow hat thinking is a deliberate search for the positive. Benefits are not always immediately obvious and you might have to search for them. Every creative idea deserves some yellow hat attention.
The green hat
Think of vegetation and rich growth.
The green hat is specifically concerned with new ideas and new ways of looking at things. This is the hat for:
Creative thinking
Additional alternatives
Putting forward possibilities and hypotheses
Interesting proposals
New approaches
Provocations and changes
The green hat makes time and space available to focus on creative thinking. Even if no creative ideas are forthcoming, the green hat asks for the creative effort. Often green hat thinking is difficult because it goes against our habits of recognition, judgement and criticism.
Questions you might ask while wearing your green hat include:
Are there any other ideas here?
Are there any additional alternatives?
Could we do this in a different way?
Could there be another explanation?
The blue hat
Think of the sky and an overview.
The blue hat is the overview or process control. It is for organizing and controlling the thinking process so that it becomes more productive. The blue hat is for thinking about thinking. In technical terms, the blue hat is concerned with meta-cognition.
Wearing your blue hat, you might:
Look not at the subject itself but at the 'thinking' about the subject.
Think about the thinking being used during a group meeting
Set the agenda for thinking
Suggest the next step in the thinking, " I suggest we try some green hat thinking to get some new ideas"
Ask for a summary, conclusion, or decision, "Could we have a summary of your views?"
6 thinking hats
by Dr J. Kaya Prpic for the Department of Civil Engineering at Monash University.
"Put on your thinking hats"
To be an effective problem based learner you need to develop your thinking skills. The notion of six thinking hats comes from Edward De Bono (For a more detailed discussion about the six thinking hats, read Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono, 1985).
There are six metaphorical hats and each defines a certain type of thinking. You can put on or take off one of these hats to indicate the type of thinking you are using. This putting on and taking off is essential, because it allows you to switch from one type of thinking to another. When done in your group, everybody should wear the same hat at the same time.
The white hat
Think of white paper, which is neutral and carries information.
The white hat covers facts, figures, data and information. Too often facts and figures are embedded in an argument or belief. Wearing your white hat allows to present information in a neutral and objective way.
Questions you might ask while wearing your white hat include:
What information do we have here?
What information is missing?
What information would we like to have?
How are we going to get the information?
When all your group members put on their white hats, they focus directly on the information. For the moment everyone looks to see what information is available, what is needed, and how it might be obtained. Proposals, opinions , beliefs and arguments are put aside.
The red hat
Think of red and fire and warm.
The red hat covers intuition, feelings, hunches and emotions. Usually, feelings and intuition can only be introduced into a discussion if they are supported by logic. Often, the feeling is genuine but the logic is spurious. Wearing the red hat allows you to put forward your feelings and intuitions without the need for justification, explanation or apology.
Putting on my red hat, you express what you feel about the project.
My gut-feeling is that this will not work.
I don't like the way this is being done.
This proposal is terrible.
My intuition tells me that prices will fall soon.
The red hat allows feelings, as such, to come into the discussion without pretending to be anything else. It is always valuable to get feelings out into the open.
The black hat
Think of a stern judge wearing black robes. The black hat is the hat of "caution" and "judgement".
Wearing the black hat allows you to consider your proposals critically and logically. The black hat is used to reflect on why a suggestion does not fit the facts, the available experience, or the system in use.
Wearing your black hat you might consider the following:
Costs. (This proposal would be too expensive.)
Regulations. (I don't think that the regulations would allow ? )
Design. (This design might look nice, but it is not practical.)
Materials. (This material would mean high maintenance.)
Safety issues. (What about handrails?)
Mistakes can be disastrous. So the black hat is very valuable. It is the most used hat and possibly the most useful hat. However, it is very easy to overuse the black hat. Caution, used too early in the problem solving process, can easily kill creative ideas with early negativity.
The yellow hat
Think of sunshine.
The yellow hat is for optimism and the logical positive view of things. Wearing the yellow hat allows you to look for benefits, feasibility and how something can be done.
Questions you might ask while wearing the yellow hat include:
What are the benefits of this option?
Why is this proposal preferable?
What are the positive assets of this design?
How can we make this work?
Yellow hat thinking is a deliberate search for the positive. Benefits are not always immediately obvious and you might have to search for them. Every creative idea deserves some yellow hat attention.
The green hat
Think of vegetation and rich growth.
The green hat is specifically concerned with new ideas and new ways of looking at things. This is the hat for:
Creative thinking
Additional alternatives
Putting forward possibilities and hypotheses
Interesting proposals
New approaches
Provocations and changes
The green hat makes time and space available to focus on creative thinking. Even if no creative ideas are forthcoming, the green hat asks for the creative effort. Often green hat thinking is difficult because it goes against our habits of recognition, judgement and criticism.
Questions you might ask while wearing your green hat include:
Are there any other ideas here?
Are there any additional alternatives?
Could we do this in a different way?
Could there be another explanation?
The blue hat
Think of the sky and an overview.
The blue hat is the overview or process control. It is for organizing and controlling the thinking process so that it becomes more productive. The blue hat is for thinking about thinking. In technical terms, the blue hat is concerned with meta-cognition.
Wearing your blue hat, you might:
Look not at the subject itself but at the 'thinking' about the subject.
Think about the thinking being used during a group meeting
Set the agenda for thinking
Suggest the next step in the thinking, " I suggest we try some green hat thinking to get some new ideas"
Ask for a summary, conclusion, or decision, "Could we have a summary of your views?"
Bob Woolmer & All-Rounders
I am not sure if somebody else noticed the two terms being found together a lot some place else. I will consider the two stints of Bob Woolmer as coach with South Africa and Pakistan.
I dont know if its cos of the selectors of each country or if Bob had a role in it, but I have seen All-rounders getting more chances and more development under Bob Woolmer.
Take the time at South Africa where he got famous as the first laptop coach. Bob found and played players like Hansie Cronje, Jacque Kallis, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Brian McMillan & to some extent even Pat Symcox. The expermenting with Nicky Boje paid off, he is a better batsman as well. In fact in such a jam packed talented batting lineup I remember a day when Mark Boucher came out as a Nightwatchman heheh...He rocked the scorecard with a well made century. I think the highest score as a nightwatchman. He has left the worm inside the South African team and they realize the importance of Allrounders in the game. You see Graeme Smith trying to turn his arm over and Nel trying to improve his batting.
Now currently with the Pakistani team he can take credit for sticking with Shoaib Malik and then bringing in M. Hafeez and grooming him. Razzaq had made his spot before him but I think there has been improvement in his bowling. The coach plays the role of a strategist a lot of the time and I think his strategy revolves a lot around all rounders. I dont think we could see a Pakistani team going to the field with only 3 specialist bowlers confidently and actually winning a test match as well. 3 specialist bowlers meant going with Razzaq, Malik & Hafeez as all rounders to support your specialists. Not that is a bad strategy but you need at least 4 bowlers who you could turn around to get a 5 wicket haul. None of the above 3 qualify for that. Even with playing with 3 allrounders we require at least 1 bowling all-rounder.
So, its still a learning curve for Bob. One-days is a different story. Your batting all rounder can get in 10 overs without taking wickets that works too. But in test matches you need 20 wickets to win. Its as simple as that. It worked with South Africa cos there was a bit more class involved when we talk about all rounders. With Pakistan, you need to exploit the talent of Fast Bowling available.
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
I dont know if its cos of the selectors of each country or if Bob had a role in it, but I have seen All-rounders getting more chances and more development under Bob Woolmer.
Take the time at South Africa where he got famous as the first laptop coach. Bob found and played players like Hansie Cronje, Jacque Kallis, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Brian McMillan & to some extent even Pat Symcox. The expermenting with Nicky Boje paid off, he is a better batsman as well. In fact in such a jam packed talented batting lineup I remember a day when Mark Boucher came out as a Nightwatchman heheh...He rocked the scorecard with a well made century. I think the highest score as a nightwatchman. He has left the worm inside the South African team and they realize the importance of Allrounders in the game. You see Graeme Smith trying to turn his arm over and Nel trying to improve his batting.
Now currently with the Pakistani team he can take credit for sticking with Shoaib Malik and then bringing in M. Hafeez and grooming him. Razzaq had made his spot before him but I think there has been improvement in his bowling. The coach plays the role of a strategist a lot of the time and I think his strategy revolves a lot around all rounders. I dont think we could see a Pakistani team going to the field with only 3 specialist bowlers confidently and actually winning a test match as well. 3 specialist bowlers meant going with Razzaq, Malik & Hafeez as all rounders to support your specialists. Not that is a bad strategy but you need at least 4 bowlers who you could turn around to get a 5 wicket haul. None of the above 3 qualify for that. Even with playing with 3 allrounders we require at least 1 bowling all-rounder.
So, its still a learning curve for Bob. One-days is a different story. Your batting all rounder can get in 10 overs without taking wickets that works too. But in test matches you need 20 wickets to win. Its as simple as that. It worked with South Africa cos there was a bit more class involved when we talk about all rounders. With Pakistan, you need to exploit the talent of Fast Bowling available.
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
Published Articles on Sportingo
Its an amazing feeling. I have published some articles on Sportingo.com. Never imagined, it could get as serious as that. Well, I recently separated by Cricket Comments ("Rantings") from my personal blog to another blog address, CricketUmar.
Even though I never promoted that blog seriously, but I enjoyed getting my EXPERT comments on cricket out and about for public view. I managed to attract some attention from an editor at Sportingo from that blog. Guess what I have started publishing expert comments on the game. Have been making the big headline in the cricket section for two straight days. Its just an amazing feeling. I never imagined it go as serious as that.
Basically, I blog on CricketUmar and copy-paste on Sportingo. They fix it up a bit (read 'A LOT') for publishing and then it gets published. Its fun and good to get the attention as well. Learning the roads of serious writing as well.
If you are cricket fan maybe you could become a regular reader of My articles at Sportingo. Not marketing the website, rather am sharing what I have been enjoying for the past few weeks or so... hehe and marketing myself a bit too....there is no harm in that right...
Will be sharing something about another one of my writing & group activities...in my next post. For now, I have managed to created a blog address for that as well. Its called The Point of View. More in the next post.
Even though I never promoted that blog seriously, but I enjoyed getting my EXPERT comments on cricket out and about for public view. I managed to attract some attention from an editor at Sportingo from that blog. Guess what I have started publishing expert comments on the game. Have been making the big headline in the cricket section for two straight days. Its just an amazing feeling. I never imagined it go as serious as that.
Basically, I blog on CricketUmar and copy-paste on Sportingo. They fix it up a bit (read 'A LOT') for publishing and then it gets published. Its fun and good to get the attention as well. Learning the roads of serious writing as well.
If you are cricket fan maybe you could become a regular reader of My articles at Sportingo. Not marketing the website, rather am sharing what I have been enjoying for the past few weeks or so... hehe and marketing myself a bit too....there is no harm in that right...
Will be sharing something about another one of my writing & group activities...in my next post. For now, I have managed to created a blog address for that as well. Its called The Point of View. More in the next post.
Lessons of Life - Aziz Premji
Contributed by: Shamsuddin Rattani on 31st May 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Address by Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Corporation, in the "Shaping Young Minds Program" (SYMP) organized by the All India Management Association (AIMA) in collaboration with the Bombay Management Association (BMA) on February 9, 2004 at NCPA in Mumbai on "My Lessons in Life"
Lessons of Life:
I am very happy to be here with you. It is always wonderful to be with young people. The funny thing about life is that you realize the value of something only when it begins to leave you. As my hair turned from black, to salt and pepper and finally salt without the pepper, I have begun to realize the importance of youth.
At the same time, I have begun to truly appreciate some of the lessons I have learnt along the way. I hope you will find them useful when you plan your own career and life.
The first thing I have learnt is that we must always begin with our strengths. From the earliest years of our schooling, everyone focuses on what is wrong with us.
There is an imaginary story of a rabbit. The rabbit was enrolled in a rabbit school. Like all rabbits, it could hop very well but could not swim. At the end of the year, the rabbit got high marks in hopping but failed in swimming. The parents were concerned. They said, "Forget about hopping. You are any way good at it. Concentrate on swimming." They sent the rabbit for tuitions in swimming. And guess what happened? The rabbit forgot how to hop! As for swimming, have you ever seen a rabbit swim? While it is important for us to know what we are not good at, we must also cherish what is good in us. That is because it is only our strengths that can give us the energy to correct our weaknesses.
The second lesson I have learnt is that a rupee earned is of far more value than five found.
My friend was sharing me the story of his eight year-old niece. She would always complain about the breakfast. The cook tried everything possible, but the child remained unhappy. Finally, my friend took the child to a supermarket and brought one of those ready-to-cook packets. The child had to cut the packet and pour water in the dish. After that, it took two minutes in the microwave to be ready. The child found the food to be absolutely delicious? The difference was that she has cooked it! In my own life, I have found that nothing gives as much satisfaction as earning our rewards. In fact, what is gifted or inherited follows the old rule of come easy, go easy. I guess we only know the value of what we have if we have struggled to earn it.
The third lesson I have learnt is no one bats a hundred every time.
Life has many challenges. You win some and lose some. You must enjoy winning. But do not let it go to the head. The moment it does, you are already on your way to failure. And if you do encounter failure along the way, treat it as an equally natural phenomenon. Don't beat yourself for it or any one else for that matter! Accept it, look at your own share in the problem, learn from it and move on. The important thing is, when you lose, do not lose the lesson.
The fourth lesson I have learnt is the importance of humility.
Sometimes, when you get so much in life, you really start wondering whether you deserve all of it. This brings me to the value of gratitude. We have so much to be grateful for. Our parents, our teachers and our seniors have done so much for us that we can never repay them. Many people focus on the shortcomings, because obviously no one can be perfect. But it is important to first acknowledge what we have received. Nothing in life is permanent but when a relationship ends, rather than becoming bitter, we must learn to savour the memory of the good things while they lasted.
The fifth lesson I learnt is that we must always strive for excellence.
One way of achieving excellence is by looking at those better than ourselves. Keep learning what they do differently. Emulate it. But excellence cannot be imposed from the outside. We must also feel the need from within. It must become an obsession. It must involve not only our mind but also our heart and soul. Excellence is not an act but a habit. I remember the inspiring lines of a poem, which says that your reach must always exceed your grasp. That is heaven on earth. Ultimately, your only competition is yourself.
The sixth lesson I have learnt is never give up in the face of adversity.
It comes on you suddenly without warning. One can either succumb to self-pity, wring your hands in despair or decide to deal with the situation with courage and dignity. Always keep in mind that it is only the test of fire that makes fine steel. A friend of mine shared this incident with me. His eight-year old daughter was struggling away at a jigsaw puzzle. She kept at it for hours but could not succeed. Finally, it went beyond her bedtime. My friend told her, "Look, why don't you just give up? I don't think you will complete it tonight. Look at it another day." The daughter looked with a strange look in her eyes, "But, dad, why should I give up? All the pieces are there! I have just got to put them together!" If we persevere long enough, we can put any problem into its perspective.
The seventh lesson I have learnt is that while you must be open to change, do not compromise on your values.
Mahatma Gandhiji often said that you must open the windows of your mind, but you must not be swept off your feet by the breeze. You must define what your core values are and what you stand for. And these values are not so difficult to define. Values like honesty, integrity, consideration and humility have survived for generations. Values are not in the words used to describe them as much as in the simple acts. At the end of the day, it is values that define a person more than the achievements. Because it is the means of achievement that decide how long the achievements will sustain. Do not be tempted by short cuts. The short cut can make you lose your way and end up becoming the longest way to the destination.
And the final lesson I learnt is that we must have faith in our own ideas even if everyone tells us that we are wrong. There was once a newspaper vendor who had a rude customer. Every morning, the Customer would walk by, refuse to return the greeting, grab the paper off the shelf and throw the money at the vendor. The vendor would pick up the money, smile politely and say, "Thank you, Sir." One day, the vendor's assistant asked him, "Why are you always so polite with him when he is so rude to you? Why don't you throw the newspaper at him when he comes back tomorrow?" The vendor smiled and replied, "He can't help being rude and I can't help being polite. Why should I let his rude behavior dictate my politeness?
In my youth, I thought of myself as a rebel and was many times, a rebel without a cause. Today, I realize that my rebellion was another kind of conformity. We defied our elders to fall in line with our peers! Ultimately, we must learn to respond instead of reacting. When we respond, we evaluate with a calm mind and do whatever is most appropriate. We are in control of our actions. When we react, we are still doing what the other person wants us to do. I wish you all the best in your life and career. I hope you achieve success in whatever way you define it and what gives you the maximum happiness in life. Remember, those who win are those who believe they can.
Azim Premji
March 22, 2004
Address by Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Corporation, in the "Shaping Young Minds Program" (SYMP) organized by the All India Management Association (AIMA) in collaboration with the Bombay Management Association (BMA) on February 9, 2004 at NCPA in Mumbai on "My Lessons in Life"
Lessons of Life:
I am very happy to be here with you. It is always wonderful to be with young people. The funny thing about life is that you realize the value of something only when it begins to leave you. As my hair turned from black, to salt and pepper and finally salt without the pepper, I have begun to realize the importance of youth.
At the same time, I have begun to truly appreciate some of the lessons I have learnt along the way. I hope you will find them useful when you plan your own career and life.
The first thing I have learnt is that we must always begin with our strengths. From the earliest years of our schooling, everyone focuses on what is wrong with us.
There is an imaginary story of a rabbit. The rabbit was enrolled in a rabbit school. Like all rabbits, it could hop very well but could not swim. At the end of the year, the rabbit got high marks in hopping but failed in swimming. The parents were concerned. They said, "Forget about hopping. You are any way good at it. Concentrate on swimming." They sent the rabbit for tuitions in swimming. And guess what happened? The rabbit forgot how to hop! As for swimming, have you ever seen a rabbit swim? While it is important for us to know what we are not good at, we must also cherish what is good in us. That is because it is only our strengths that can give us the energy to correct our weaknesses.
The second lesson I have learnt is that a rupee earned is of far more value than five found.
My friend was sharing me the story of his eight year-old niece. She would always complain about the breakfast. The cook tried everything possible, but the child remained unhappy. Finally, my friend took the child to a supermarket and brought one of those ready-to-cook packets. The child had to cut the packet and pour water in the dish. After that, it took two minutes in the microwave to be ready. The child found the food to be absolutely delicious? The difference was that she has cooked it! In my own life, I have found that nothing gives as much satisfaction as earning our rewards. In fact, what is gifted or inherited follows the old rule of come easy, go easy. I guess we only know the value of what we have if we have struggled to earn it.
The third lesson I have learnt is no one bats a hundred every time.
Life has many challenges. You win some and lose some. You must enjoy winning. But do not let it go to the head. The moment it does, you are already on your way to failure. And if you do encounter failure along the way, treat it as an equally natural phenomenon. Don't beat yourself for it or any one else for that matter! Accept it, look at your own share in the problem, learn from it and move on. The important thing is, when you lose, do not lose the lesson.
The fourth lesson I have learnt is the importance of humility.
Sometimes, when you get so much in life, you really start wondering whether you deserve all of it. This brings me to the value of gratitude. We have so much to be grateful for. Our parents, our teachers and our seniors have done so much for us that we can never repay them. Many people focus on the shortcomings, because obviously no one can be perfect. But it is important to first acknowledge what we have received. Nothing in life is permanent but when a relationship ends, rather than becoming bitter, we must learn to savour the memory of the good things while they lasted.
The fifth lesson I learnt is that we must always strive for excellence.
One way of achieving excellence is by looking at those better than ourselves. Keep learning what they do differently. Emulate it. But excellence cannot be imposed from the outside. We must also feel the need from within. It must become an obsession. It must involve not only our mind but also our heart and soul. Excellence is not an act but a habit. I remember the inspiring lines of a poem, which says that your reach must always exceed your grasp. That is heaven on earth. Ultimately, your only competition is yourself.
The sixth lesson I have learnt is never give up in the face of adversity.
It comes on you suddenly without warning. One can either succumb to self-pity, wring your hands in despair or decide to deal with the situation with courage and dignity. Always keep in mind that it is only the test of fire that makes fine steel. A friend of mine shared this incident with me. His eight-year old daughter was struggling away at a jigsaw puzzle. She kept at it for hours but could not succeed. Finally, it went beyond her bedtime. My friend told her, "Look, why don't you just give up? I don't think you will complete it tonight. Look at it another day." The daughter looked with a strange look in her eyes, "But, dad, why should I give up? All the pieces are there! I have just got to put them together!" If we persevere long enough, we can put any problem into its perspective.
The seventh lesson I have learnt is that while you must be open to change, do not compromise on your values.
Mahatma Gandhiji often said that you must open the windows of your mind, but you must not be swept off your feet by the breeze. You must define what your core values are and what you stand for. And these values are not so difficult to define. Values like honesty, integrity, consideration and humility have survived for generations. Values are not in the words used to describe them as much as in the simple acts. At the end of the day, it is values that define a person more than the achievements. Because it is the means of achievement that decide how long the achievements will sustain. Do not be tempted by short cuts. The short cut can make you lose your way and end up becoming the longest way to the destination.
And the final lesson I learnt is that we must have faith in our own ideas even if everyone tells us that we are wrong. There was once a newspaper vendor who had a rude customer. Every morning, the Customer would walk by, refuse to return the greeting, grab the paper off the shelf and throw the money at the vendor. The vendor would pick up the money, smile politely and say, "Thank you, Sir." One day, the vendor's assistant asked him, "Why are you always so polite with him when he is so rude to you? Why don't you throw the newspaper at him when he comes back tomorrow?" The vendor smiled and replied, "He can't help being rude and I can't help being polite. Why should I let his rude behavior dictate my politeness?
In my youth, I thought of myself as a rebel and was many times, a rebel without a cause. Today, I realize that my rebellion was another kind of conformity. We defied our elders to fall in line with our peers! Ultimately, we must learn to respond instead of reacting. When we respond, we evaluate with a calm mind and do whatever is most appropriate. We are in control of our actions. When we react, we are still doing what the other person wants us to do. I wish you all the best in your life and career. I hope you achieve success in whatever way you define it and what gives you the maximum happiness in life. Remember, those who win are those who believe they can.
Azim Premji
March 22, 2004
Lara, A 'CLASS' Act
West Indian batsmen of all ages have been known for their unique style of batting, not always by the book but sheer talent and class. The names Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Desmond Haynes all remind you of STYLE on the cricket field.
Brian Lara is a surviving member of the dominant era of West Indian cricket and the innings seen yesterday and continued today was another one of his great knocks. His 35th century brings him level with the great Sunny Gavaskar and one short of The Little Master Sachin for the most ever.
He eventually got out at 216 but it was more of the Dominant aspect of the innings. You see hours and hours of batting in the sun but this innings was very fluent in fact it was the 6th to 7th fastest hundred reached. It consisted of an over of Danish Kaneria going for 26 which included 3 beautiful sixes from Lara and 2 boundaries.
Brian Charles Lara has the highest and only score of 400 in an individual innings and 2 of the 3 highest ever innings scores, the other one also a record breaking 375. The wonderful aspect of both scores was that it was seperated by 10 years of consistency and greatness. An era of West Indian cricket underlined by Lara. He also has a 500 in first class cricket. Talk about ability to stay on the crease and nothing old-fashioned about it. None of the innings were a 900 minute innings just blocking around. He makes sure as long as he is on the crease he makes the fielding side go on the back foot.
Hopefully, he could play as long as possible cos whenever he leaves the game, he will surely be MISSED. He will be remembered as a CLASS ACT.
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
Brian Lara is a surviving member of the dominant era of West Indian cricket and the innings seen yesterday and continued today was another one of his great knocks. His 35th century brings him level with the great Sunny Gavaskar and one short of The Little Master Sachin for the most ever.
He eventually got out at 216 but it was more of the Dominant aspect of the innings. You see hours and hours of batting in the sun but this innings was very fluent in fact it was the 6th to 7th fastest hundred reached. It consisted of an over of Danish Kaneria going for 26 which included 3 beautiful sixes from Lara and 2 boundaries.
Brian Charles Lara has the highest and only score of 400 in an individual innings and 2 of the 3 highest ever innings scores, the other one also a record breaking 375. The wonderful aspect of both scores was that it was seperated by 10 years of consistency and greatness. An era of West Indian cricket underlined by Lara. He also has a 500 in first class cricket. Talk about ability to stay on the crease and nothing old-fashioned about it. None of the innings were a 900 minute innings just blocking around. He makes sure as long as he is on the crease he makes the fielding side go on the back foot.
Hopefully, he could play as long as possible cos whenever he leaves the game, he will surely be MISSED. He will be remembered as a CLASS ACT.
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
The First Lady in My Life
Contributed by: Mahjabeen Umar on 21st May 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
After 21 years of marriage, I discovered a new way of keeping alive the spark of love. A little while ago I had started to go out with another woman. It was really my wife's idea.
"I know that you love her," she said one day, taking me by surprise. "But I love YOU," I protested.
"I know, but you also love her."
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
"What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
"I thought that it would be pleasant to pass some time with you," I responded. "Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment then said "I would like that very much."
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.
"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting". We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.
After we sat down, I had to read the menu to her. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entree, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me.
A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said." Then it's time for you to relax and let me return the favor," I responded.
During the dinner we had an agreeable conversation, nothing extraordinary - but catching up on recent events of each others lives. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you". I agreed.
"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.
A few days later my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.
Some time later I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined.
An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I was almost sure that I couldn't be there but, nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant to me. I love you."
At that moment I understood the importance of saying, in time: "I LOVE YOU" and giving our loved ones the time that they deserve.
Nothing in life is more important than God and your family and friends.
Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off 'til "some other time".
Someone once said "I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I think this is true with your in-laws, grandchildren, sisters, brothers and your friends. Anyone that means something to you-you should spend time with them and let them know how much they mean to you as often as you can.
After 21 years of marriage, I discovered a new way of keeping alive the spark of love. A little while ago I had started to go out with another woman. It was really my wife's idea.
"I know that you love her," she said one day, taking me by surprise. "But I love YOU," I protested.
"I know, but you also love her."
The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.
"What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
"I thought that it would be pleasant to pass some time with you," I responded. "Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment then said "I would like that very much."
That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's.
"I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting". We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.
After we sat down, I had to read the menu to her. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entree, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me.
A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said." Then it's time for you to relax and let me return the favor," I responded.
During the dinner we had an agreeable conversation, nothing extraordinary - but catching up on recent events of each others lives. We talked so much that we missed the movie.
As we arrived at her house later, she said "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you". I agreed.
"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.
A few days later my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.
Some time later I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined.
An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I was almost sure that I couldn't be there but, nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant to me. I love you."
At that moment I understood the importance of saying, in time: "I LOVE YOU" and giving our loved ones the time that they deserve.
Nothing in life is more important than God and your family and friends.
Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off 'til "some other time".
Someone once said "I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I think this is true with your in-laws, grandchildren, sisters, brothers and your friends. Anyone that means something to you-you should spend time with them and let them know how much they mean to you as often as you can.
Today Cute...Tomorrow CUTER...
Didnt know how to express the cuteness of my daughter in a title...she is Mashallah heading towards exploring each and every corner of the CUTENESS domain. With more sense coming into the head she now has the ability to decide what is cute and what is not.
After doing something new like picking up something to eat of the floor, or pushing something off the table...she has this LOOK of trying to guess how people react...if they react...'AWWW....such a CUTIE baby..." well she makes a mental note...'THIS IS CUTE!!'... Smart Kid eh? Well its in the genes...
Today another cute move...I would say the cutest as yet from my point of view...
I was leaving for work and mommy was carrying her as both of them come for the usual goodbyes...today however...as I started the wave of my hand...rather than her usual waving back...she started CRYING...well...it was more of 'PLEASE DONT GO....WHAAANN!!...WHAAAAN!!" Damn...the work...and the job...Why do I have to leave my kid in distress hehehhe....
But walked on...realizing...shes got to learn...if Baba doesnt work...then...who will sponsor her diapers !!! hehehe...well take it for me...diapers are the most heart-affecting expenditure of the month even though they are not really that big but somehow the peers who create peer pressure...talk about 'DIAPER BUDGETs' and keep diapers as seperate Entity as soon as the kid comes to life...so She's got to know...There is no such thing as a DIAPER tree...
Anyway, thats the CUTENESS for today...will chip in with more...cant help it...I guess...its a great experience...FATHERHOOD...
P.S. For those people who are asking for Mahnoor's PICS...LAY OFF ok...my daughter doesnt come on the internet with her pic....NAZAR LAGTI HAY!!! I have been strong on it as till now...She is too cute for public view...
After doing something new like picking up something to eat of the floor, or pushing something off the table...she has this LOOK of trying to guess how people react...if they react...'AWWW....such a CUTIE baby..." well she makes a mental note...'THIS IS CUTE!!'... Smart Kid eh? Well its in the genes...
Today another cute move...I would say the cutest as yet from my point of view...
I was leaving for work and mommy was carrying her as both of them come for the usual goodbyes...today however...as I started the wave of my hand...rather than her usual waving back...she started CRYING...well...it was more of 'PLEASE DONT GO....WHAAANN!!...WHAAAAN!!" Damn...the work...and the job...Why do I have to leave my kid in distress hehehhe....
But walked on...realizing...shes got to learn...if Baba doesnt work...then...who will sponsor her diapers !!! hehehe...well take it for me...diapers are the most heart-affecting expenditure of the month even though they are not really that big but somehow the peers who create peer pressure...talk about 'DIAPER BUDGETs' and keep diapers as seperate Entity as soon as the kid comes to life...so She's got to know...There is no such thing as a DIAPER tree...
Anyway, thats the CUTENESS for today...will chip in with more...cant help it...I guess...its a great experience...FATHERHOOD...
P.S. For those people who are asking for Mahnoor's PICS...LAY OFF ok...my daughter doesnt come on the internet with her pic....NAZAR LAGTI HAY!!! I have been strong on it as till now...She is too cute for public view...
FHEW!!!
The long awaited MS Research that I was trying to complete is in. I have submitted it to my advisor just now. I am sure there will be some scrutiny and not-meeting-expectations advice but just sending in the first version has set me on my way.
Believe it or not, I should have completed my MS degree around 3 years back. Call it laziness or as I put it...lower priority for a while as I started by married life...its been a thorn in my back for quite some while. All wasnt my fault also. There were 3 changes of advisors and 3 different topic changes as well due to various problems. Details would only make me suffer once again, hence wont go into them.
I have finally managed to complete something and am hoping the blood and sweat I have given to my university both as employee and student can find its way somewhere. I really need the extra consideration this time to get this over with.
Lets see what develops but guess what? If all goes well I will actually be a "MS degree" holder from FAST NU. Isnt that an achievement? Well it is for me...cos only I know how tough it has been.
FHEW!!!!
Believe it or not, I should have completed my MS degree around 3 years back. Call it laziness or as I put it...lower priority for a while as I started by married life...its been a thorn in my back for quite some while. All wasnt my fault also. There were 3 changes of advisors and 3 different topic changes as well due to various problems. Details would only make me suffer once again, hence wont go into them.
I have finally managed to complete something and am hoping the blood and sweat I have given to my university both as employee and student can find its way somewhere. I really need the extra consideration this time to get this over with.
Lets see what develops but guess what? If all goes well I will actually be a "MS degree" holder from FAST NU. Isnt that an achievement? Well it is for me...cos only I know how tough it has been.
FHEW!!!!
A beautiful sentiment...
Contributed by: Amber Ahmad on 10th June 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am,when an elderly gentleman, in his 80's, presented to have sutures (stitches) removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease. As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound,I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him. "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back tears as he left. I had goose bumps on my arm and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."
Quote for the DAY
"You have not lived; until you have done something for someone, who can never repay you."
It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am,when an elderly gentleman, in his 80's, presented to have sutures (stitches) removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.
On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.
The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease. As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound,I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him. "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back tears as he left. I had goose bumps on my arm and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."
Quote for the DAY
"You have not lived; until you have done something for someone, who can never repay you."
The ART of giving it away...
If you are guessing this is going to be a SARCASTIC piece of writing...YOU ARE RIGHT!!
Second Test Match, PK vs WI, DAY One.
The openers are settling down, good to see. Both of them played well, got runs on the board. The pitch wasnt really helping the bowlers either but they played well. The heart of the batting lineup followed, everybody chipped in with something. The day ended with Pakistan 263/4. Doesnt look that great now does it?
What went wrong, everyone chipped in with a few runs but NOT ONE out could be called a beauty from a bowler or the bowler beat him with mind games or something of the sort. It was economical bowling to say the least, nothing special. No such thing as a classy spell. All outs were GIVEN away by the batsmen. Lack of mental strength. Thats the problem.
The last score I heard today was 338/7. A batting wicket, a good toss to win, a long batting lineup and a mediocre total as yet. Unless, there is some magic by Razzaq and the bowlers Pakistan should be bowled out near 400. Mediocrity on such a pitch especially after a great start. I was expecting at least 5 sessions of batting and a score near 600 but not to be.
You expect your big guns to score big also and batsmen live for playing on such wickets to get the big ones, get back on track. Its not only about giving your wicket away, its all about a change of attitude I suddenly noticed in Younis Khan when 2 wickets were down. He suddenly was looking to quicken the rate. They were going along fine. If they had ended the day at 200/2 (even though thats not possible) they wouldve been better off rather than losing crucial wickets of the two Y's of Paki lineup. Sometimes you need to ask them WHY oh Y?? Whats the hurry? Look for the big one.
The headline today says, 'Farhat Leads batting dominance'. Firstly there was no DOMINANCE if you ask me. 263/4 doesnt say dominance anywhere and secondly 74 is not a dominant Test Score. Appreciating MEDIOCRITY is the worst that one can do.
Have a simple attitude while batting 'Let them get you out, DONT GET OUT YOURSELF!!'. How difficult is that? The talent prevails and you will score runs naturally. I think all batsmen have natural talent to do that, but you dont give your wicket away and if you think you runs would not come naturally, well you shouldnt be part of a international cricket side. We have a long way to go. This Paki batting lineup needs a lot more mental strength to play in Test matches. I dont know how you build that up, but we need that bad.
People can now looking forward to a batting coaching lesson from Brian Lara when he comes in to bat. Being a PAKI fan, I would hope that doesnt happen and our 3 man bowling attack can do the same they did in the previous test. But I think they should miss that extra bowler they could have had in this match.
Anyway, comments are comments. They arent there to offend anyone, its just how I feel about things and they are just not right at the moment. Mental toughness is the ask of the hour. I dont know how you develop that but one way to do it is change of attitude,
"DONT GIVE IT AWAY...Let them TAKE IT!!!"
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
Second Test Match, PK vs WI, DAY One.
The openers are settling down, good to see. Both of them played well, got runs on the board. The pitch wasnt really helping the bowlers either but they played well. The heart of the batting lineup followed, everybody chipped in with something. The day ended with Pakistan 263/4. Doesnt look that great now does it?
What went wrong, everyone chipped in with a few runs but NOT ONE out could be called a beauty from a bowler or the bowler beat him with mind games or something of the sort. It was economical bowling to say the least, nothing special. No such thing as a classy spell. All outs were GIVEN away by the batsmen. Lack of mental strength. Thats the problem.
The last score I heard today was 338/7. A batting wicket, a good toss to win, a long batting lineup and a mediocre total as yet. Unless, there is some magic by Razzaq and the bowlers Pakistan should be bowled out near 400. Mediocrity on such a pitch especially after a great start. I was expecting at least 5 sessions of batting and a score near 600 but not to be.
You expect your big guns to score big also and batsmen live for playing on such wickets to get the big ones, get back on track. Its not only about giving your wicket away, its all about a change of attitude I suddenly noticed in Younis Khan when 2 wickets were down. He suddenly was looking to quicken the rate. They were going along fine. If they had ended the day at 200/2 (even though thats not possible) they wouldve been better off rather than losing crucial wickets of the two Y's of Paki lineup. Sometimes you need to ask them WHY oh Y?? Whats the hurry? Look for the big one.
The headline today says, 'Farhat Leads batting dominance'. Firstly there was no DOMINANCE if you ask me. 263/4 doesnt say dominance anywhere and secondly 74 is not a dominant Test Score. Appreciating MEDIOCRITY is the worst that one can do.
Have a simple attitude while batting 'Let them get you out, DONT GET OUT YOURSELF!!'. How difficult is that? The talent prevails and you will score runs naturally. I think all batsmen have natural talent to do that, but you dont give your wicket away and if you think you runs would not come naturally, well you shouldnt be part of a international cricket side. We have a long way to go. This Paki batting lineup needs a lot more mental strength to play in Test matches. I dont know how you build that up, but we need that bad.
People can now looking forward to a batting coaching lesson from Brian Lara when he comes in to bat. Being a PAKI fan, I would hope that doesnt happen and our 3 man bowling attack can do the same they did in the previous test. But I think they should miss that extra bowler they could have had in this match.
Anyway, comments are comments. They arent there to offend anyone, its just how I feel about things and they are just not right at the moment. Mental toughness is the ask of the hour. I dont know how you develop that but one way to do it is change of attitude,
"DONT GIVE IT AWAY...Let them TAKE IT!!!"
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
Ashes Buildup - MY VIEW
The last Ashes series was definitely one of the best series I have ever seen. It was well hyped and a very good time for both teams as both were peaking especially the underdogs England. It was surprising to see their comeback after the 1st match. Anyway, what about this year?
These marketeers are really good I must say. I was also part of the hype that they have been creating by saying this and that. It was only today when I sat and just when through the two teams and I said WOAH!!! Who expects England to retain the ashes? The only advantage they have right now is that they hold the trophy so a drawn series or a won series gets them home DRY. But to draw a series either you draw ALL MATCHES or win at least one. How does anybody expect they'll win one match leave a series?
Sorry for the pessimism, but I dont see one good thing for them this year. There is no M. Vaughn and his innovative leadership. Taking nothing away from Flintoff he has yet to prove his captaincy characteristics. But with no Trescothick you have new untested opening pair and then you have missing Simon Jones, the difference in the last series. He was the dark horse who took reverse swinging crucial wickets. There is no such dark horse here other than a mediocre Panesar. People may rate him high but those people compare him with mediocrity of Giles. So I dont agree.
On the other hand, you have a peaking Australian side with all the morale on their side. Plus the charged up visions of losing the ashes last time. At home, I must add. This is going to be nasty, bad and dont be surprised if you see Englishmen crying in Australia.
Well so much for spoiling the hype, but when I write, its the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth....
ENJOY the Battering, ENGLAND.
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
These marketeers are really good I must say. I was also part of the hype that they have been creating by saying this and that. It was only today when I sat and just when through the two teams and I said WOAH!!! Who expects England to retain the ashes? The only advantage they have right now is that they hold the trophy so a drawn series or a won series gets them home DRY. But to draw a series either you draw ALL MATCHES or win at least one. How does anybody expect they'll win one match leave a series?
Sorry for the pessimism, but I dont see one good thing for them this year. There is no M. Vaughn and his innovative leadership. Taking nothing away from Flintoff he has yet to prove his captaincy characteristics. But with no Trescothick you have new untested opening pair and then you have missing Simon Jones, the difference in the last series. He was the dark horse who took reverse swinging crucial wickets. There is no such dark horse here other than a mediocre Panesar. People may rate him high but those people compare him with mediocrity of Giles. So I dont agree.
On the other hand, you have a peaking Australian side with all the morale on their side. Plus the charged up visions of losing the ashes last time. At home, I must add. This is going to be nasty, bad and dont be surprised if you see Englishmen crying in Australia.
Well so much for spoiling the hype, but when I write, its the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth....
ENJOY the Battering, ENGLAND.
Formally published at SPORTINGO.com
Take a break from perfection...to enjoy the BUMhood...
Nice subject eh? Take a break from perfection...to enjoy the bumhood...
Well frankly I enjoy being a BUM at times...just waste time do nothing, watch tv, sleep, play games on my PC and be unknown to the world...its refreshing at times...Although not always possible to do. Some people get so stuck with their lives & routine that they cant seem to take a break and eventually exhausting themselves each day...not being able to enjoy the small things in life...advice to those people...take a break....perfection is a great thing to look for but its not really possible...we are only human...might as well take some time out from the routine to enjoy the good things...
BUMhood according to me is not a bad thing...its not the literally explained BUM that is a waste of life...and rather its just a little timeout...its very addictive though and there is a very fine line...in avoiding a situation of taking a break towards BUMhood and to try and get something done heheh...
Routine is a great thing but only if you dont have to compromise on the good things of life...the joy aspects...enjoying the smile of your kid...the 'romantic' in the husband-wife relationship...the expression of love for your parents...the much-look-forward-to brotherly talk with your siblings...
Saying all that all of the above are as important as your own life also...spending time with yourself is as important as anyone else and this all can only be done if you take a break from spending that extra effort on making something PERFECT...which really has no real meaning in life if the people around you have missed you all their lives cos of your priorities....
Mental Note: GIVE A LITTLE MORE TIME TO MYSELF....
Well frankly I enjoy being a BUM at times...just waste time do nothing, watch tv, sleep, play games on my PC and be unknown to the world...its refreshing at times...Although not always possible to do. Some people get so stuck with their lives & routine that they cant seem to take a break and eventually exhausting themselves each day...not being able to enjoy the small things in life...advice to those people...take a break....perfection is a great thing to look for but its not really possible...we are only human...might as well take some time out from the routine to enjoy the good things...
BUMhood according to me is not a bad thing...its not the literally explained BUM that is a waste of life...and rather its just a little timeout...its very addictive though and there is a very fine line...in avoiding a situation of taking a break towards BUMhood and to try and get something done heheh...
Routine is a great thing but only if you dont have to compromise on the good things of life...the joy aspects...enjoying the smile of your kid...the 'romantic' in the husband-wife relationship...the expression of love for your parents...the much-look-forward-to brotherly talk with your siblings...
Saying all that all of the above are as important as your own life also...spending time with yourself is as important as anyone else and this all can only be done if you take a break from spending that extra effort on making something PERFECT...which really has no real meaning in life if the people around you have missed you all their lives cos of your priorities....
Mental Note: GIVE A LITTLE MORE TIME TO MYSELF....
Are we happier than our fore fathers?
Contributed by: Amber Ahmad on 31st July 2004 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
Well the question that made me write, just came while some of our old family members like my mom's uncles n aunts were discussing that "humaray zamany main yeah hota tha, woh hota tha, beemaree nahee thee, hum sabh chotee chotee baat par khush hojatay thay etc etc..."
While they were talking about it, I was thinking, are we happier today? Say it the other way, are we happier than our fore fathers? Today we have lots of luxuries n easiness in life, fridge khola thanda pani hay, TV for entertainment, music, gas n electricity most of the time, we follow the trends in fashion as much as we can, spend a lot of amount of money on junk food, have a car to drive to any place we like, but still after all that are we happier.
What I feel no we are not, today we have lots of other issues to settle, other life problems which make us uneasy at the time we sleep, we dont have peaceful sleeps any more these luxuries are helpful no doubt but they are also tking away the small happiness from us, today we have the best doctors to serve us but at the same rate the number of illness n diseases is increasing, so the ratio remains the same.
Any ways think abt it "ARE WE HAPPIER THAN OUR FOREFATHERS?
Well the question that made me write, just came while some of our old family members like my mom's uncles n aunts were discussing that "humaray zamany main yeah hota tha, woh hota tha, beemaree nahee thee, hum sabh chotee chotee baat par khush hojatay thay etc etc..."
While they were talking about it, I was thinking, are we happier today? Say it the other way, are we happier than our fore fathers? Today we have lots of luxuries n easiness in life, fridge khola thanda pani hay, TV for entertainment, music, gas n electricity most of the time, we follow the trends in fashion as much as we can, spend a lot of amount of money on junk food, have a car to drive to any place we like, but still after all that are we happier.
What I feel no we are not, today we have lots of other issues to settle, other life problems which make us uneasy at the time we sleep, we dont have peaceful sleeps any more these luxuries are helpful no doubt but they are also tking away the small happiness from us, today we have the best doctors to serve us but at the same rate the number of illness n diseases is increasing, so the ratio remains the same.
Any ways think abt it "ARE WE HAPPIER THAN OUR FOREFATHERS?
Problems with the Beard on DADDY
My plan of growing a beard a bit longer has gone to vain. At least for the moment. My daughter turned 10 months today and it was a decision of growing a longer beard or spending some 'GOO GOO GA GA' talk time with my daughter. I have decided on the latter.
You see when you talk 'babytalk' with a baby its better that she is carried in your arms to make a closer eye contact and nothing else in between. But the closer she gets to your face, the closer she gets to PULLING YOUR BEARD!!! OUCH!!!
Yes people, the plan is a flop for now. I havent called it quits but I have realized this plan needs to wait until she grows to understand that IT HURTS. Scolding and too much snubbing is a bad idea for a growing child as told by experts. So the beard growing plan is off for now.
I got the beard trimmed to more of a SHAIKH level...heheh...actually a bit more. My wife says I have also trimmed 2 years off my face. It was a comment in the most 'monotonous' of tones not giving any impression if that was good or bad. So far there werent any indications of her expressions on the beard. Maybe I will find out in a week or so, what she REALLY thinks heheh...
Anyway, the longer version of the beard is out....and a trimmed one is stuck to my face for now...
You see when you talk 'babytalk' with a baby its better that she is carried in your arms to make a closer eye contact and nothing else in between. But the closer she gets to your face, the closer she gets to PULLING YOUR BEARD!!! OUCH!!!
Yes people, the plan is a flop for now. I havent called it quits but I have realized this plan needs to wait until she grows to understand that IT HURTS. Scolding and too much snubbing is a bad idea for a growing child as told by experts. So the beard growing plan is off for now.
I got the beard trimmed to more of a SHAIKH level...heheh...actually a bit more. My wife says I have also trimmed 2 years off my face. It was a comment in the most 'monotonous' of tones not giving any impression if that was good or bad. So far there werent any indications of her expressions on the beard. Maybe I will find out in a week or so, what she REALLY thinks heheh...
Anyway, the longer version of the beard is out....and a trimmed one is stuck to my face for now...
Food for Thought
Contributed by: Sadia Munir on 13th June 2006 at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/thepointofview
I came across an interesting passage while reading Resurrection by LeoTolstoy and thought of sharing it with all of you.
"There is hardly a superstition more common or more generally accepted than that which attributes definite traits of character to every individual, which affirms that a man is kind, wicked, wise, foolish, energetic, and so on. This is all wrong. We may say of a man that he is more frequently kind than cruel, oftener wise than foolish, or more energetic than apathetic, and vice versa. But it could never be true to say of one man that he is kind and wise, and of another that he is wicked and foolish. Yet this is our method of classifying mankind, and a very false method it is. Men are like rivers. The water is alike in all of them; but each river is narrow in some places and wide in others; now swift and now sluggish, sometimes clear and sometimes turbid; cold in winter and warm in summer. The same may be said of men. Each man bears within himself the germs of every human quality, displaying each in turn. We often say of a man he's not like himself, and yet we know him to be the same individual."
I came across an interesting passage while reading Resurrection by LeoTolstoy and thought of sharing it with all of you.
"There is hardly a superstition more common or more generally accepted than that which attributes definite traits of character to every individual, which affirms that a man is kind, wicked, wise, foolish, energetic, and so on. This is all wrong. We may say of a man that he is more frequently kind than cruel, oftener wise than foolish, or more energetic than apathetic, and vice versa. But it could never be true to say of one man that he is kind and wise, and of another that he is wicked and foolish. Yet this is our method of classifying mankind, and a very false method it is. Men are like rivers. The water is alike in all of them; but each river is narrow in some places and wide in others; now swift and now sluggish, sometimes clear and sometimes turbid; cold in winter and warm in summer. The same may be said of men. Each man bears within himself the germs of every human quality, displaying each in turn. We often say of a man he's not like himself, and yet we know him to be the same individual."
A Rat Race
I feel in this world of today....a world of high speed running and no looking back....we all are part of a race, a rat race....
A race which starts from a conventional start line....but the goal is not to get to the finish line....but just....to get ahead of the person next.....no matter who....no matter what....its not about finishing the race cos the race only ends with death....the objective is to go ahead of the person ahead of you...
This could be by jumping over, crumpling the person ahead or giving him a hard nag in the ribs to make him stop and gasp for breath....no rules apply...
What this does is that we lose focus as to what we are here for......there is supposed to be a reason right?
Where are we heading....as Muslims....?
Where are we heading....as Pakistanis....?
and Where are we heading....as Humans......?
Do we really know...? or for that matter do we even care? Is this what we are here for....?
What if the finish line is the same as the start line just like most races.....are....? What are we running towards?
Do we know where we are going....It is important to explore and find out....
Believe me its important....to know where we are headed....just running wildly with a materialistic/worldly....approach....is not going to get us anywhere...
A race which starts from a conventional start line....but the goal is not to get to the finish line....but just....to get ahead of the person next.....no matter who....no matter what....its not about finishing the race cos the race only ends with death....the objective is to go ahead of the person ahead of you...
This could be by jumping over, crumpling the person ahead or giving him a hard nag in the ribs to make him stop and gasp for breath....no rules apply...
What this does is that we lose focus as to what we are here for......there is supposed to be a reason right?
Where are we heading....as Muslims....?
Where are we heading....as Pakistanis....?
and Where are we heading....as Humans......?
Do we really know...? or for that matter do we even care? Is this what we are here for....?
What if the finish line is the same as the start line just like most races.....are....? What are we running towards?
Do we know where we are going....It is important to explore and find out....
Believe me its important....to know where we are headed....just running wildly with a materialistic/worldly....approach....is not going to get us anywhere...
Men are just Happier People
Men Are Just Happier People.
What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life. Your belly usually hides your big hips. One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 23 minutes.
No wonder men are happier.
(Source: http://www.jokes.com)
What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life. Your belly usually hides your big hips. One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can "do" your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 23 minutes.
No wonder men are happier.
(Source: http://www.jokes.com)
Official Launch of The POV Blog
Well finally we have managed to touch the blog world as well. This is an introductory blog.
The Point Of View or POV is a group of young thinkers and was built in 2002. This group consisted of people who think and like to express about various things in life. Along with being good observers we also learnt the art of listening during our 'email' conversations.
There were discussions, meetups held very often at different places. A constructive activity which should be little part of everyone's life if not more. Then as we grew up, priorities changed, time consumed on top priorities and POV led a quieter track. Jobs, higher studies took away the little few minutes we spent discussing on topics with different people on the group.
Frankly, we havent really been that active for quite some while and this just might be a slow start as well. I am trying to get all the group members to find some time and participate on the blog so that others could also know what we are talking about. Maybe this blog may become popular with newer additions as well but I am very choosy with who becomes a POVian and frankly it does have a bit of a bias as well.
At this moment in time, I have just logged our presense for now. I may start copying some of our previous discussions to get this blog started a bit. Lets see how this develops.
The Point Of View or POV is a group of young thinkers and was built in 2002. This group consisted of people who think and like to express about various things in life. Along with being good observers we also learnt the art of listening during our 'email' conversations.
There were discussions, meetups held very often at different places. A constructive activity which should be little part of everyone's life if not more. Then as we grew up, priorities changed, time consumed on top priorities and POV led a quieter track. Jobs, higher studies took away the little few minutes we spent discussing on topics with different people on the group.
Frankly, we havent really been that active for quite some while and this just might be a slow start as well. I am trying to get all the group members to find some time and participate on the blog so that others could also know what we are talking about. Maybe this blog may become popular with newer additions as well but I am very choosy with who becomes a POVian and frankly it does have a bit of a bias as well.
At this moment in time, I have just logged our presense for now. I may start copying some of our previous discussions to get this blog started a bit. Lets see how this develops.
Say a little prayer for ME!!!
I have been waiting for something to happen for quite a while now. No details now, but it is something that I really really want to happen. I usually pray for 'BEHTRI' (meaning for the better) from Allah and in this case have been doing the same for quite a while. But there are those days when my prayers really mean 'ISSI mein BEHTRI' (better in 'this' only) :$ ....hehehe...
So a request to whoever gets to read this...'Send out a little prayer for me...for ISSI mein BEHTRI!!'...Thanks...
Daaaaieeemnn the desperation...
So a request to whoever gets to read this...'Send out a little prayer for me...for ISSI mein BEHTRI!!'...Thanks...
Daaaaieeemnn the desperation...
Pakis win despite Lara's fight
A great spirited effort from the Pakis showed they still have it to win test matches. Frankly, I hadn’t lost hope. Great bowling performances from the two pacers Umar Gul and Shahid Nazir who bowled with discipline. With Yousuf’s masterful performance with the bat, the West Indies might just feel they didn’t have enough sting in their bowling. However on the same topic, I think West Indies are on track to become a good unit overall.
Lara displayed a bit of class in his fight but a clever bowling change of Hafeez showed innovativeness from Inzi and it did the trick to get him. Thats why if Hafeez can prove himself at the opener's spot he has a great future with the team in both forms of the game.
Important things to learn from the match from the Paki Point of View is that you definitely need a better opener than Imran Farhat. Don’t be surprised if Yasir Hameed gets the nod in the next match. Moreover, its tough to take a person like Razzak out of the team but I think his bowling doesn’t have the sting to be the 4th bowler in test matches. He may be a block bowler as a 5th option but not the 4th. We definitely need another pacer in the side and Niazi should get his due chance to play. Malik has proved his worth. He is become more of a consistent performer with the bat which is great news for Pakistan.
Lots to look forward to. I would go for 2 changes for the next match. Niazi for Razzaq and Yasir for Imran Farhat.
Well done PAKIS !!!
The First Step
Every journey begins with a first step...well good news...my daughter is off on the journey of life now...OH YEAH!!! The first steps are in...
After weeks of focus by all family members the fear of falling is gone...she can get off a seat and walk at least 10-12 steps. Its an amazing feeling...inexplainable...
Almost 10 months now, she is mashallah growing up nice and fine. 2 teeth out as well, it was a happening weekend to say the least. Last week she would stand up from the seat and scream with fear and cry with a sense of being unsure of what to do next. Its amazing nature how she wanted to get up and take that first step and the next followed automatically. Called all 4 of her grandparents immediately and let them know how it all happened. They deserve the happiness more than anyone.
On a sadder note...10 months have passed so quickly...sigh...so will the upcoming ones...hopefully I can enjoy fatherhood to the full...
Alhumdulillah for this blessing...
After weeks of focus by all family members the fear of falling is gone...she can get off a seat and walk at least 10-12 steps. Its an amazing feeling...inexplainable...
Almost 10 months now, she is mashallah growing up nice and fine. 2 teeth out as well, it was a happening weekend to say the least. Last week she would stand up from the seat and scream with fear and cry with a sense of being unsure of what to do next. Its amazing nature how she wanted to get up and take that first step and the next followed automatically. Called all 4 of her grandparents immediately and let them know how it all happened. They deserve the happiness more than anyone.
On a sadder note...10 months have passed so quickly...sigh...so will the upcoming ones...hopefully I can enjoy fatherhood to the full...
Alhumdulillah for this blessing...
A tribute to a great man - M.A. Razaq
Arright people pay tributes to superstars and heroes and celebrities etc and for various reasons which could include their inspirational character, their work, their services to society etc. My tribute today is for the CEO/owner of my company. No this is no buttering attempt to get me a raise hhehe...I have his attention due to my contributions anyway, Alhumdulillah. This is more of how he made a difference in my life today.
Mr. M.A. Razaq is a man with a dream. An ex-employee of 28 years from General Motors, this man came to Pakistan to give something back to the country of his origin. Its as simple as that. I could go on and on about how he could have invested money anywhere but he came to Pakistan and etc etc but I wont. Its today that he made me realize so much about life and how to achieve content and pride in what you do.
Without going into details, yesterday was a mentally tiring and frustrating day. A day which brought low self-esteem and dissapointment. I had asked Allah to send some motivation to bring me back to life again, I needed it bad. Guess what? An AD-HOC meeting called by the CEO to address the whole company this morning.
I hadnt realized this was the answer to my motivation call from Allah until Mr. Razaq reminded everyone of the values of our company. Words like Integrity, Pride in your work, Respect, Discipline etc are the core values of our company. He brought me to a revision of so many things I believe in and I wanted to thank him for that.
Due to the nature of work and the environment we live in, any form of appreciation might just be taken as a buttering attempt and negative politics would step in. Hence I decided I blog about it. I dont think we have any bloggers in my office at least and even if they are, its my blog I can write what I want without any material benefits expected.
There is much more to this man than what it shows, its an honour to share his dream and be part of it. Nobody knows how much I live or how long I work for this company but Mr. M.A. Razaq, you have made a difference at a very crucial moment in my life. So thank you and may ALLAH bless you and grant you a fulfillment of your dream of a progressive Pakistan. You have played your part Sir, you surely have.
Mr. M.A. Razaq is a man with a dream. An ex-employee of 28 years from General Motors, this man came to Pakistan to give something back to the country of his origin. Its as simple as that. I could go on and on about how he could have invested money anywhere but he came to Pakistan and etc etc but I wont. Its today that he made me realize so much about life and how to achieve content and pride in what you do.
Without going into details, yesterday was a mentally tiring and frustrating day. A day which brought low self-esteem and dissapointment. I had asked Allah to send some motivation to bring me back to life again, I needed it bad. Guess what? An AD-HOC meeting called by the CEO to address the whole company this morning.
I hadnt realized this was the answer to my motivation call from Allah until Mr. Razaq reminded everyone of the values of our company. Words like Integrity, Pride in your work, Respect, Discipline etc are the core values of our company. He brought me to a revision of so many things I believe in and I wanted to thank him for that.
Due to the nature of work and the environment we live in, any form of appreciation might just be taken as a buttering attempt and negative politics would step in. Hence I decided I blog about it. I dont think we have any bloggers in my office at least and even if they are, its my blog I can write what I want without any material benefits expected.
There is much more to this man than what it shows, its an honour to share his dream and be part of it. Nobody knows how much I live or how long I work for this company but Mr. M.A. Razaq, you have made a difference at a very crucial moment in my life. So thank you and may ALLAH bless you and grant you a fulfillment of your dream of a progressive Pakistan. You have played your part Sir, you surely have.
PK vs WI - Tough one to Call
The series which could have easily been labeled as a preparation for the World Cup for Pakistan is much more now of TOUGH CALL. With the exclusion of the SPEARHEADs of the Paki Bowling attack and the Performance of Windies at the Champions Trophy I think we are better off playing safe on the preview if not giving Windies a bit of an edge here.
The Windies are a different team when it comes to Test Matches, I think they are also a confidence team and they are no where short on confidence at the moment. The players dont change much from both formats hence the current confidence carries to the Test matches as well. The likes of Gayle, Chanderpaul and Lara, being lefties, should easily handle the only proven threat of the Paki Leggie Kaneria at this moment. Their only concern could be their bowling and lack of wicket takers but I would look forward to seeing the growth of Jerome Taylor and consistency of Fidel Edwards.
For the Pakis they need at least one of their backup pace bowlers to come up big otherwise there could be long days in the field for them. Umar Gul will lead the attack with two unturned stones. I am expecting calls for Samiullah Niazi & Shahid Nazir to accompany Umar and Kaneria. Pakistan's strength is their batting and all the big guns need to fire.
Its an age old fact that Bowlers win you test matches and I dont think Pakistan has the bowling this series to take those 20 wickets unless of course one of the dark horses come to life. Its going to be a long series for Pakistan, I think but hopefully a learning one for everyone.
As for batting, we shouldnt expect much changes from the One Day lineup from Windies other than players playing their own positions now. Pakis however should play the recalled Hameed instead of Imran Farhat with Hafeez. Being a die-hard Pakistani fan I ll just post my preferred lineup for Pakistan which is:
Openers: M. Hafeez & Yasir Hameed
Middle Order: Younis Khan, Inzimam, M.Yousuf,
Lower Middle Order: K. Akmal, A. Razzaq
Lower Order: Shahid Nazir, Umar Gul, Samiullah Niazi, Kaneria
NOTE: Shoaib Malik goes missing it seems but he might replace Razzaq to give another spin option rather than replacing a genuine pacer in Nazir/Niazi which usually is what we are inclined to. He should not replace Yasir Hameed. We need to establish a genuine opening pair and Hameed should play.
The attitude of the selection team should be THINK WORLD CUP. We need openers and fast bowlers. The attitude of the players has to be PLAY TO YOUR BEST.
Series Starts SATURDAY, 11th November.
The Windies are a different team when it comes to Test Matches, I think they are also a confidence team and they are no where short on confidence at the moment. The players dont change much from both formats hence the current confidence carries to the Test matches as well. The likes of Gayle, Chanderpaul and Lara, being lefties, should easily handle the only proven threat of the Paki Leggie Kaneria at this moment. Their only concern could be their bowling and lack of wicket takers but I would look forward to seeing the growth of Jerome Taylor and consistency of Fidel Edwards.
For the Pakis they need at least one of their backup pace bowlers to come up big otherwise there could be long days in the field for them. Umar Gul will lead the attack with two unturned stones. I am expecting calls for Samiullah Niazi & Shahid Nazir to accompany Umar and Kaneria. Pakistan's strength is their batting and all the big guns need to fire.
Its an age old fact that Bowlers win you test matches and I dont think Pakistan has the bowling this series to take those 20 wickets unless of course one of the dark horses come to life. Its going to be a long series for Pakistan, I think but hopefully a learning one for everyone.
As for batting, we shouldnt expect much changes from the One Day lineup from Windies other than players playing their own positions now. Pakis however should play the recalled Hameed instead of Imran Farhat with Hafeez. Being a die-hard Pakistani fan I ll just post my preferred lineup for Pakistan which is:
Openers: M. Hafeez & Yasir Hameed
Middle Order: Younis Khan, Inzimam, M.Yousuf,
Lower Middle Order: K. Akmal, A. Razzaq
Lower Order: Shahid Nazir, Umar Gul, Samiullah Niazi, Kaneria
NOTE: Shoaib Malik goes missing it seems but he might replace Razzaq to give another spin option rather than replacing a genuine pacer in Nazir/Niazi which usually is what we are inclined to. He should not replace Yasir Hameed. We need to establish a genuine opening pair and Hameed should play.
The attitude of the selection team should be THINK WORLD CUP. We need openers and fast bowlers. The attitude of the players has to be PLAY TO YOUR BEST.
Series Starts SATURDAY, 11th November.
TV - You can actually live without it
Yeah you read right...I have just realized that we can live a life without a TV. A thought unimaginable a few days back. Its very recent that our TV malfunctioned. Now call it laziness or rebellion but I havent gone to get it fixed.
I just realized what a different person I could be without a TV in my life. Talked to my wife and she has no problems as long as I get her PC fixed. Thats going to happen very soon also. But leaving all that I ve realized I spend more 'attentive' quality time with my family, I get a good night's sleep, too good in fact hehe...getting late to work for the last few days....and more importantly I get less lazy for prayers. In fact on most times I am ready for prayers before the time, which is great.
Not that I was someone who would watch just anything on TV, but I had enough of my fixed TV channels to be labeled a TV BUM if I get the time. The last week has showed how the quality of life could be improved.
Even after saying all that, I think I will get the TV fixed cos I have decided I might just sell it off for a TV Tuner box. We need the sports, news and religious channels to stay in touch with the outside world but can do without a TV, I think. We could hook up the TV Tuner card with PC for the same. I dont want to sound like an extremist and deprive my family of a normal life but role of the TV in our lives can definitely be reduced than what it is currently.
Besides that I could use the extra dough saved from the sale of our TV as well.
In fact anybody interested in buying a 21" Flatron, Dawlance TV. Outside warranty but only used for 21 months so it is quite fresh. Been to the workshop only once... hehehe....CONTACT ME...
I just realized what a different person I could be without a TV in my life. Talked to my wife and she has no problems as long as I get her PC fixed. Thats going to happen very soon also. But leaving all that I ve realized I spend more 'attentive' quality time with my family, I get a good night's sleep, too good in fact hehe...getting late to work for the last few days....and more importantly I get less lazy for prayers. In fact on most times I am ready for prayers before the time, which is great.
Not that I was someone who would watch just anything on TV, but I had enough of my fixed TV channels to be labeled a TV BUM if I get the time. The last week has showed how the quality of life could be improved.
Even after saying all that, I think I will get the TV fixed cos I have decided I might just sell it off for a TV Tuner box. We need the sports, news and religious channels to stay in touch with the outside world but can do without a TV, I think. We could hook up the TV Tuner card with PC for the same. I dont want to sound like an extremist and deprive my family of a normal life but role of the TV in our lives can definitely be reduced than what it is currently.
Besides that I could use the extra dough saved from the sale of our TV as well.
In fact anybody interested in buying a 21" Flatron, Dawlance TV. Outside warranty but only used for 21 months so it is quite fresh. Been to the workshop only once... hehehe....CONTACT ME...
HAIR Banned...
Lovely news for HAIR haters...Darrell Hair has been banned from international umpiring....finally justice is served. The bad guy is out of the building and the good guys can take over. Darrell Hair was not only a bad thing for the game but also a bad influence on fellow umpires.
Asian teams can take a sigh of relief for a lot of reasons and in fact it was their vote that took the voting to 7-3 in favour of HAIR banned. Only Australia, New Zealand and England favoured HAIR.
Anyway, life goes on, cricket moves on and I am sure not much would be missed. Cricket can get back to a game of less controversy from now on.
Asian teams can take a sigh of relief for a lot of reasons and in fact it was their vote that took the voting to 7-3 in favour of HAIR banned. Only Australia, New Zealand and England favoured HAIR.
Anyway, life goes on, cricket moves on and I am sure not much would be missed. Cricket can get back to a game of less controversy from now on.
Time is so Precious...or is it?
I am sure everyone is familiar with the phrase 'Life in Karachi is too busy, no time at all...' We get to hear that a lot no matter who the person is or what walk of life he is part of. In fact we use to our own advantage where the situation arises but is that really true?
I seek to question that phrase after visiting a late night valima reception on Friday. We reached at 10:30pm much late according to my standards and we entered an empty lawn. We were maybe the 4th couple to enter...It was well after 1:15am that we were able to quickly have dinner and leave and reach home by 2:00am. Apparently the night before, the shadi which we did not attent took an hour longer than this. Are we the same Karachiites? So busy that there is no time at all? I DONT THINK SO!!!
There is no consideration for somebody else's time. The sad thing was that this wasn't an emergency delay but rather a 'well-planned in advance' delay. Almost 4 hours were wasted which could have been only 1 or maybe 2 at the max. Everything goes untidy the next day, my young daughter's sleep schedule, our own sleep schedule and a tired and lousy saturday. Chores left unattended and postponed to next saturday and what not? No wonder our country and people arent progressing...we waste too much....and time is not the only thing...
WASTE NOT ...WANT NOT....is the thought for today....
I seek to question that phrase after visiting a late night valima reception on Friday. We reached at 10:30pm much late according to my standards and we entered an empty lawn. We were maybe the 4th couple to enter...It was well after 1:15am that we were able to quickly have dinner and leave and reach home by 2:00am. Apparently the night before, the shadi which we did not attent took an hour longer than this. Are we the same Karachiites? So busy that there is no time at all? I DONT THINK SO!!!
There is no consideration for somebody else's time. The sad thing was that this wasn't an emergency delay but rather a 'well-planned in advance' delay. Almost 4 hours were wasted which could have been only 1 or maybe 2 at the max. Everything goes untidy the next day, my young daughter's sleep schedule, our own sleep schedule and a tired and lousy saturday. Chores left unattended and postponed to next saturday and what not? No wonder our country and people arent progressing...we waste too much....and time is not the only thing...
WASTE NOT ...WANT NOT....is the thought for today....
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