Cell Phone Services Down

One of the most annoying things to happen in Pakistan is when our Interior Minister chooses to shut down cell phone services because it poses as a security threats on occasions. So whether it be Eid, or Muharram, as in the case today, Imam Hussain's chehlum, cell phones services are completely down.

The reasoning for this is, according to our Interior Minister, is the terrorists use cell phones as a bomb device and a way to coordinate with one another where to attack and so on. I don't completely buy this at all as it shows how incompetent our security situation is, not to mention how inconvenient it is for the rest of us who rely on cell phone to get our jobs done. So basically, today, no cell phone services, and in addition to this, Pakistan is playing India in One Day cricket in India, so the nation will pretty much be focused on the match anyways.

Cheers. 

Life of Pi: Movie review

Dear all,

So much has been written about Life of Pi the movie and I for one was one of the most excited human being on the face of the planet waiting breathlessly for the movie to come out. Long ago, I had written a book review on Life of Pi and since then have been re-reading it and recommending the book to a lot of people. My own original copy was stolen by a very unkind guest at my house. :-)

I knew I would be experiencing a visual treat with the movie version of the book. Everything, in my opinion, was spot on. The acting, especially by Suraj Sharma, who plays the young Pi stranded on the boat, and Irfan Khan who plays the adult Pi, is top notch. Other notable mention is Tabu, who plays Pi's mother, in a short but effective role.

However, the stand out of the movie is Richard Parker, and I would forgot completely that the Bengal tiger we see on screen is computer generated. The entire movie is a visual masterpiece, and one is completely immersed in the movie. After Avatar, Life of Pi is that one movie where the technology of 3D is justified in the movie.

I won't get into the story, since everyone knows about it anyways, but I will say that it's an emotional and moving one, with an amazing message brought to screen in a very non-preachy way: There is a God who exists and is in control of our lives.

This is how Pi would spend his time on a lifeboat, attached to the smaller boat. The glow in the dark jellyfish just made for a spectacular scene. 

The Blue whale jumping out of the sea! 

Towards the end, when Pi is on an island, he waves his hand in a pool of freshwater, only to ignite the glowing jellyfish. 

From 2012 to 2013- Happy New Year

Hello friends, 

So we have finally entered the year 2013 and the world didn't end. 

It's been a very eventful 2012 for me, and honestly I don't even remember what resolutions I made in 2012 and this time I have made a resolution to not make any more resolution. I remember something about losing weight, being more diligent in my prayers and giving my best at work among others (I also remember something about reducing my consumption for chocolates and chocolate milk). 

Happy to say I did manage to lose about 8 kgs over Ramadan break and that made a whole lot of difference in my life. People complimented me left right center, and I was able to get back into my pants, jeans and shirts that were becoming tight for me, however, I have not reduced my consumption of chocolates/ chocolate milk. Though happily I've worked my butt off at work and have been asked by my chairman to take over greater responsibilities in place of my immediate boss. On the other hand sadly my diligence for my prayers has been wayward- somedays I manage to pray all 5 prayers on time, other times it not like this. 

However, the highlight of my life has been meeting a new friend B in July 2012 at the gym I go to. There are some people who come into your life for no good reason, while there are others who come into your life and completely turn it upside down and make you a better, happier person. B is one of them. B was the one who recommended I keep a stubble, and from that stubble I managed to keep a goatee. It's been the best suggestion  as much to everyone's surprise, they all loved it and told me I've become a completely different person in a much better way. It's because of him that I started enjoying life and seeing things in a new perspective. Watching movies, doing sheesha, eating out and doing things together has just been wonderful for me. 

In addition to this, I have to say that I enjoyed my annual vacations to Istanbul, Turkey. Having heard so much about it, I just fell in love with the city: the people, the culture, the weather, the food, the sights just the whole experience- including the Turkish Hammam. It was a brilliant trip and Istanbul sits right up there in one of my favorite cities in the world along with San Francisco and Damascus. :-) 

Another highlight of my life in 2012 has been me joining this Supper Club, where a bunch of us foodies get together to eat home cooked meals. We've had two opportunities- where one time we had Mediterranean cuisine and the second time we had oriental food. It will be my turn next and I can't wait to host everyone over at my place. 

I spent last night calling up all my friends world over- from Karachi, to Dubai, to London to USA. I called up others too in Saudi and Africa but calls were not going through. 

I do want to start my blog again, and even though I wish I could blog my heart out, there are two things I will not blog here: my marriage and my work place. However, I will try my level best to take my blog back to what it is was before: fun, informative, realistic, rib cracking and all the rest that goes with it. 

In the meantime, hope you've all have a fabulous 2013!

Mansour