Since most cyberspace inhabitants would like me to keep my opinions to myself (apparently they don’t like my ass or what comes out of it, well hardy harr harr! I know people who enjoy wiping my crap but they’re found only in the meatworld!). I’ve decided to go back to the basics. Little old saqibby as I was nicknamed by much stronger bigger guys in high school ventured into the wild and wooly world of networked computers, dubbed the Information Super Highway by industry pundits during the late 90’s. We had gotten a PC for the house and at school the librarians would let you go online if your ID card had a star punched through it indicating that your parents had given you permission to surf the net. Of course those looking for porn were out of luck. In those days public use of the internet was filtered by installing curtailing software on the client PC. Much more sophisticated techniques are employed these days but the end results are essentially the same.
I took my first step into this brave new world by opening a hotmail account in the US. Many UCFers may be familiar with saqib82 at hotmail dot com. That account has been serving me well for the past decade. For the most part it’s relatively secure it’s been spoofed every now and then but the folks at hotmail are worth their mettle and manage to re establish my control over my inbox. Me being a CS major I also take a keen interest in safeguarding my online presence. A few years later I opened a yahoo email account I was attracted by the greater amount of storage space they offered. Then Google got into the act and starting offering Gmail. They took a novel marketing approach and only allowed users to sign up if they had an invitation from a current user. I remember feeling absolutely ecstatic when I got my invitation and happily sent out a half a dozen more to some of my undergrad classmates.
Gmail quickly proliferated the world wide web and the popularity of Google products cemented its share of the Cyberion market. Of course once the revenues started pouring in, thanks to innovative algorithms which made context sensitive advertisement that more effective, the other two giants namely Microsoft and Yahoo smelt blood. What followed will go down in the annals of nerd history. The founding member of the Yahoo behemoth and the CEO of the board of directors was sacked for repeatedly refusing Microsoft’s generous offer to buy out the company. The software leviathan hoped to forge a staging ground to take on Google and conquer its lucrative market share. Of course with any clunky apparatus that reeks of the evil empire its popularity goes way down and Microsoft’s ambition were snubbed by the maxi pad of flower power.
And that’s just me getting worked up about email!!!
Let’s not forget to mention websites. I remember taking HTML classes with my big sis at her uni (Hofstra out in L.I. Gooooooo Jets!). The instructor took us through the ins and outs of this simple yet vital markup language (XML on the other hand is a totally different ball game, Yikes!!!). I was messing around with my own website on geocities in no time. I even had a few clients (this was before the dot com burst I was also taking AP CS courses while in the 12th grade I know major dweeb alert is in order!). Of course I didn’t have any project management skills at the time and those initial initiatives went bust pretty quickly.
Now a days I use FrontPage to streamline my web developing endeavors. It’s sad to report that geocities will be decommissioned this summer. Yahoo is no longer willing to finance these free websites, which went a long way in defining what an online community could be. I’ve already shifted my operations to office live. Which is great because I get to tie in my newly inculcated project management capabilities with a really upbeat and professional looking website plus the “All Rights Reserved” banner at the bottom of the page makes me feel spiffy (take a look by clicking on the transformer icon, also check out my buddies book! His work has helped to clear up misconceptions between Muslims born and raised in western societies with people of other faiths and cultures. Plus he’s been assigned the post of Muslim chaplain at Yale, Squeeeeeee!!!) And also give it up for chatting software, they let you make an ass of yourself in real-time with your co-workers on hand to document how chubby your cheeks really are!!!!
However when it comes to serious work that involves your money, time and expertise we haven’t been able to break out of the Desi market. My dad is a CPA and is licensed to practice in the state of New York. This is the same state from which I earned my High School diploma with honors. The thing I like about the Farmingdale Public School District (which encompasses a large part of Nassau County, trendy!) is how they manage to instill well rounded views into their students. Those that are willing to put in the effort get a top notch education. Plus if you take AP level courses and take CLEP exams you’re able to shave off a year or two from your college education. Most of my classmates continued on in this vain. My family and I decided to take a different approach. We packed up our house, handed the keys to my youngest uncle and his family and shipped ourselves to Karachi. I had a blast studying software development at a preppy private Uni run by the folks at the University of Huddersfield (the vice chancellor is Patrick Stewart, no less, yay trekkies!) based in the UK. With my New England background coupled with the upper echelons of Sindhi elites I felt right at home. I was even made VP of the student body due to popular demand!
Of course there is a heart of a true nerd that beats within my chest. I had to find out more about my newly adopted profession and decided to go for my Masters in science. I approached one of the top Universities in the land to help me with this task. I was quickly inducted and made to perform in some very rigorous and challenging course work. Which I nailed every time. However my student leader years beckoned me and I had to do something outrageous in my final year. I decided to do opt for a thesis. Now for most Americans this is standard procedure when doing your masters. But unfortunately those students coming up from the local secondary schools and unis lack the research skills required to pull something like this off. There given two other alternatives, one is to do a research survey to hone their research skills, the other is a practicum which gives them the opportunity to manage a final year project by the undergrad students.
They typically perform in a group of four students, we love giving them a tough time just to see them sweat! But a thesis is mostly an isolated incident that starts off as a good idea but ends in an international disaster! (I couldn’t help getting worked up about US politics, for me a minority from the US, I had finally found my voice, sorry for bothering anyone that wasn’t my intention)
I coupled my research with some actual field work with regard to my industry experience all within the realm of Corporate Pakistan (take a look at where we stand CIOPakistan). Of course my findings are confidential because thanks to my Pakistani heritage I was able to garner some really moving SOB stories which I managed to put into my final report. Shhh this is a very depressing matter, no one must know! Let’s just say with the current humanitarian crisis, the worst in Pakistani history and a buckling economy this year just ain’t ours. Maybe we can play a round of shuttle cock next year? That’s the spirit! Pip, pip cheerio!
Me personally I would like to stop filming and work on my writing I am working on a sequel to my novel. I understand my writing skills are not up to par with other UCFers and I don’t mind being rejected by some of the biggest publishers of Science Fiction and Fantasy that’s why I am self publishing as a way to keep my skills fresh and up to date. Plus I am emotionally exhausted these days and have reverted back to my High School days paper or plastic, sir? Neither we want it digitized!!!!
UPDATE:
We the people...
A KEY FOR ALL TO ESCAPE THEIR PRISONS
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thanks for the hits
To commemorate over 5,000 hits at IDK (the lowest count in the UCF :D [probably my unabashed paki patriotism has something to do with it?] If you had grandparents who survived the bloodbaths you would understand where I am coming from, plus these custodians of Islamic ideals are considered great grandparents but certain youngsters).
I am giving readers a gander at our illustrious forefather. He looks dapper even on the fifty if I do say so myself. According to current exchange rates 50 rups equates to 63 cents, because $1= PAKRP. 80. Of course the one pictured on my blog is from the 70’s. That’s Urdu on the right and Bengali Sanskrit on the left (err, some things weren’t meant to be?) The currently issued 50 rupee note comes with anti-counterfeiting measures including some nifty holograms and uh no Sanskrit, sorry!
Also I know I have not been visiting other people’s blogs as frequently as I used to. That is because not only I am I planning my wedding, plus my move back to New England but I am also taking care of Dad. I have my family and relatives to help out but due to the demanding schedule I had to quit my job and help out with rehabilitating my father. He’s doing much better now but still has a long way to go. I like to give a shout out to the folks at Aga Khan University Hospital for doing a bang up job. I was pleased to work with such gentle and qualified professionals. Once again thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Also a shout out to the “Drug Dealers” for importing a smoother blend of chemo medicine from the UK. It’s much more effective yet gentler on the body. We’re so used to hearing horror stories of cancer patients losing their hair during treatment but my dad was saved from this fate thanks to the good work of chemists everywhere, especially refugees from a certain city ;) ;)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Here ye, here ye!
It’s show and tell yet again. I wanted to share a picture of my soon to be brother in law. Mind you after I am married (which is an event just around the corner, private ceremony has been deemed essential) I will have a total of five brothers in laws to contend with. So my hands are full yet my plate has been robbed of its food. Any who. Here’s a picture of my youngest brother in law.
I totally dig how he managed to sign the traditional Vulcan greeting. So very cool. I gift wrapped a special gift for him using rubber bands. Hope he likes it!
I totally dig how he managed to sign the traditional Vulcan greeting. So very cool. I gift wrapped a special gift for him using rubber bands. Hope he likes it!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I got me a white one!
By MOIN ANSARI
Tuesday, 28 April 2009.
WWW.AHMEDQURAISHI. COM
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The impact of the JF-17 Thunder deployment can be heard far beyond Islamabad and Peshawar. Pakistan has now joined the ranks of the very few countries of the world that can design, produce and manufacture airplanes. This positions Pakistan on new geostrategic map. Within a few years Pakistani exports of the new fighter aircraft will exponentially grow into huge volumes. The revenue from the export of JF-17 Thunder will be ploughed back into research and development and the purchase of the best technology money can buy.
After the 1965 war the U.S. placed an arms embargo on Pakistan. Despite being a founding member of SEATO and CENTO, Islamabad faced the American sanctions. During the 1971 war Pakistan was under another American arms embargo. During the 1990s, after winning the cold war for the USA, Pakistan was under U.S. sanctions and an arms embargo.
All this is history.
Today Pakistan is capable of producing as many planes as it needs–subject to production capacity constrains which can be ramped up if and when needed. The exports to many third world countries will expedite and enhance the production capacity of the Pakistan Air Force.
Now the Sri Lankans can have as many planes they want to fight the Indian sponsored Tamil terrorists. And the Middle Eastern Air Forces can begin flying the JF-17 Thunders without begging the U.S. And the small countries of Africa can own their own JF-17 Thunders without selling their souls to the Europeans.
Pakistan has not only designed and jointly built the JF-17 Thunder, it now has deployed its first squadron in Peshawar–all in record time, one of the shortest time lines in the history of aviation. This is a major milestone for the Pakistan Air Force and brings it one step closer to becoming a major producer and exporter of planes around the world. About 17 countries are interested in the JF-17 Thunder which was a major attraction at the Pakistani IDEAS 2009 defense show this year. The success of the indigenous JF-17 deployment is a success story in many aviation failures around the globe. The American F-111, the Israeli Lavi and the Indian Tejas are notable examples of abject failures. The most recent victims of failure is the American F-22 Raptor which was recently canceled by the U.S. Department of Defense.
This success story of developing and manufacturing advanced weapons in Pakistan is not limited to the JF-17 Thunder. The Nuclear bomb, the missiles and the tanks were all produced in record time, considering that Pakistan had only one dysfunctional Textile Mill, one dilapidated University, and one archaic Jute Mill in 1947. No other country has come so far in defense production in such a short period of time.
It took the Japanese from the Meiji revolution of 1893 to 1940 to produce the deadly aircrafts that devastated Pearl Harbor. The first American missiles and the entire Apollo program was built on Von Braun’s German technology. The Russian program was similarly also based on the German programs. In fact the first V2-rockets in the Museums in Washington are simply German rocket painted red 9for Russia) and other colors for America.
The acidity of the comments from across the Radcliffe Line is palpable. The Indian press is noticeable only by its asphyxiated constipation. The silence is deafening.
Pakistan rebounding from volatile events faced issues with many of its “allies” who were also the suppliers. The USA did not want to sell any arms to Pakistan. The UK and Russia did the same. Pakistan evaluated her dangerous geo political situation as well as a belligerent international atmosphere and made some strategic decisions. The sons and daughters of Pakistan pledged “Never again” and developed a comprehensive strategy to be self-sufficient in her defense needs. It created a Nuclear deterrent, indigenous Al Khalid Tanks and a missile program that is the envy of South Asia. Neither the mercenaries sent from the across the border, not the blackmail can now harm the fabric of the country.
The Pakistan Airforce knew its needs, and prioritized its requirements. Both Pakistan and China had been jilted and were looking for plane to build. The new plane has exclusively been designed for Pakistani needs–deep penetration into India. The JF-17/FC-1 is designed to be a cost-effective plane which can meet the tactical and strategic needs of the Pakistani Air Force.The project was originally expected to cost about U.S. $ 500 million, divided equally between Pakistan and China. Each plane will cost Pakistan about US$ 15-20 million. The JF-17 Thunder initial development project was completed in a record period of four years. However, later improvements to the project has taken up more time.
This is an excerpt from the original report. Please click here to read the entire report at source. The author is a Pakistani defense analyst. He also edits RupeeNews.com.
© 2007-2009. All rights reserved. AhmedQuraishi. com & PakNationalists
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium
without royalty provided this notice is preserved.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009.
WWW.AHMEDQURAISHI. COM
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The impact of the JF-17 Thunder deployment can be heard far beyond Islamabad and Peshawar. Pakistan has now joined the ranks of the very few countries of the world that can design, produce and manufacture airplanes. This positions Pakistan on new geostrategic map. Within a few years Pakistani exports of the new fighter aircraft will exponentially grow into huge volumes. The revenue from the export of JF-17 Thunder will be ploughed back into research and development and the purchase of the best technology money can buy.
After the 1965 war the U.S. placed an arms embargo on Pakistan. Despite being a founding member of SEATO and CENTO, Islamabad faced the American sanctions. During the 1971 war Pakistan was under another American arms embargo. During the 1990s, after winning the cold war for the USA, Pakistan was under U.S. sanctions and an arms embargo.
All this is history.
Today Pakistan is capable of producing as many planes as it needs–subject to production capacity constrains which can be ramped up if and when needed. The exports to many third world countries will expedite and enhance the production capacity of the Pakistan Air Force.
Now the Sri Lankans can have as many planes they want to fight the Indian sponsored Tamil terrorists. And the Middle Eastern Air Forces can begin flying the JF-17 Thunders without begging the U.S. And the small countries of Africa can own their own JF-17 Thunders without selling their souls to the Europeans.
Pakistan has not only designed and jointly built the JF-17 Thunder, it now has deployed its first squadron in Peshawar–all in record time, one of the shortest time lines in the history of aviation. This is a major milestone for the Pakistan Air Force and brings it one step closer to becoming a major producer and exporter of planes around the world. About 17 countries are interested in the JF-17 Thunder which was a major attraction at the Pakistani IDEAS 2009 defense show this year. The success of the indigenous JF-17 deployment is a success story in many aviation failures around the globe. The American F-111, the Israeli Lavi and the Indian Tejas are notable examples of abject failures. The most recent victims of failure is the American F-22 Raptor which was recently canceled by the U.S. Department of Defense.
This success story of developing and manufacturing advanced weapons in Pakistan is not limited to the JF-17 Thunder. The Nuclear bomb, the missiles and the tanks were all produced in record time, considering that Pakistan had only one dysfunctional Textile Mill, one dilapidated University, and one archaic Jute Mill in 1947. No other country has come so far in defense production in such a short period of time.
It took the Japanese from the Meiji revolution of 1893 to 1940 to produce the deadly aircrafts that devastated Pearl Harbor. The first American missiles and the entire Apollo program was built on Von Braun’s German technology. The Russian program was similarly also based on the German programs. In fact the first V2-rockets in the Museums in Washington are simply German rocket painted red 9for Russia) and other colors for America.
The acidity of the comments from across the Radcliffe Line is palpable. The Indian press is noticeable only by its asphyxiated constipation. The silence is deafening.
Pakistan rebounding from volatile events faced issues with many of its “allies” who were also the suppliers. The USA did not want to sell any arms to Pakistan. The UK and Russia did the same. Pakistan evaluated her dangerous geo political situation as well as a belligerent international atmosphere and made some strategic decisions. The sons and daughters of Pakistan pledged “Never again” and developed a comprehensive strategy to be self-sufficient in her defense needs. It created a Nuclear deterrent, indigenous Al Khalid Tanks and a missile program that is the envy of South Asia. Neither the mercenaries sent from the across the border, not the blackmail can now harm the fabric of the country.
The Pakistan Airforce knew its needs, and prioritized its requirements. Both Pakistan and China had been jilted and were looking for plane to build. The new plane has exclusively been designed for Pakistani needs–deep penetration into India. The JF-17/FC-1 is designed to be a cost-effective plane which can meet the tactical and strategic needs of the Pakistani Air Force.The project was originally expected to cost about U.S. $ 500 million, divided equally between Pakistan and China. Each plane will cost Pakistan about US$ 15-20 million. The JF-17 Thunder initial development project was completed in a record period of four years. However, later improvements to the project has taken up more time.
This is an excerpt from the original report. Please click here to read the entire report at source. The author is a Pakistani defense analyst. He also edits RupeeNews.com.
© 2007-2009. All rights reserved. AhmedQuraishi. com & PakNationalists
Verbatim copying and distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium
without royalty provided this notice is preserved.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Here are some goodies for you....
Also here is some more credible hours that I put into mi project:
From now on I'll try be nicer
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