Does your back ache from shoveling? 
Do you have a huge driveway that never seems to end? 
Is it too cold for you to go outside and clear the snow?
Or maybe you’re just lazy? 

If so, RoboPlow is just what you need! 

RoboPlow is essentially a robot that will do the shoveling for. I haven’t tried it myself, but from what I can see it seems pretty awesome. It was only a matter of time until a machine was built that would do the shoveling for us. 

This just makes my nerdy self anticipatea future technological innovations in winter machinery even more. 

‘Stones into Schools’ has continued the story of Central Asian Institute where the ‘Three Cups of Tea’ left off in 2003. This narrative real life story weaves together many personal fascinating stories of the people who have been involved in this remarkable two-decade humanitarian effort. It shows how Greg and his fellow colleges, through determination and hard work, were able to establish schools for children in some of the remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan (and in some of the disputed territories) through this institution.  Its motto and message of ‘Promoting peace with books, not bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan’ on the book cover of this novel has reached far and touched the hearts of many. This project also provided some of the financial and moral support system as scholarships and incentives to poor families of girls’ in order for them to pursue higher education to attain their personal career goals. Greg, being an expert in relating to human nature and psychology, was able to recruit local members wisely to his team who fit their roles precisely and were skilful in surviving and adapting to the harsh terrains of the Himalayas and Northern Mountains as well as understanding the prevalent strong local traditions and cultural practices. Gradually, he was able to built strong relationships with Islamic Clerics, militia commanders and tribal leaders which allowed the school building process to become more efficient and smoother.

Throughout his novel he has placed great emphasis on providing education to girls, as he says repeatedly, mantra-like, and believes that “If you educate a boy, you educate an individual, but if you educate a girl, you educate a community.” His constant effort of building schools in almost every underprivileged district of the Northern regions and his extra-ordinary work in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan after a massive earthquake of 2005 has earned him the Sitara-i-Pakistan (Star of Pakistan), one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, on March 23rd 2009.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story of a great humanitarian achievement. It has enabled me to know more about the culture, geography and the disturbing history of Afghanistan. It showed me how so much more can be achieved through education and literacy than weapons and wars and that there is a dire need for it throughout the world. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passion to reach out to people through teaching and want to feel inspired in making a positive difference to the future generations of this planet, although it may only be a drop in an ocean.

According to New York Times these two novel series “have done more to advance US interests in the [Pakistan] region than the entire military and foreign policy apparatus of the Bush administration”.

Three Cups of Tea
By: Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

“One mans mission to promote peace...one school at a time”

“When your heart speaks, take good notes”- Judith Campbell

In 1993, Greg Mortenson an experienced mountain climber ventured to Pakistan in hopes to attempt to climb the second highest mountain in the world, the K2.  Due to some circumstances he was unable to reach the top of the mountain and so on his descent downhill he lost his way and his porter. Being quite fatigued, sick and cold he wandered aimlessly to a village in a remote place in Pakistan known as Korphe. The people of the village took great care of him and nursed him back to health. Due to the great generosity and hospitality showed to him by the very poor people, the humbled Mortenson made a promise to the village leader, Haji Ali. In the short time that Mortenson spent in Korphe he soon learnt that there was no school for the children. As this dialogue between Hijai Ali and Mortenson describes the situation,

“Haji Ali, avoiding Mortensons eyes, said that the village had no school, and the Pakistani government didn’t provide a teacher. A teacher costs the equivalent of one dollar a day, he explained which was more than the village could afford” (Mortenson, 32).

This was the circumstance of the village and so the promise was a token of his appreciation and thankfulness for all of their assistance in his time of need. Moretnson promised Haji Ali, that one day he would come back to Korphe and build a school for the children.  It is this promise, this bond that changes his life and the lives of the children of Korphe, forever. Because promises are sealed with a bond.

Mortenson then went back to the States to raise money to build the school in Korphe. On his way to building the school he is faced with trial, tribulations and heartbreaks. Many times because of the various difficulties that come into his path he thinks of giving up altogether but he never does. Mortenson continues to preserve. He believes in the following Persian proverb quite profoundly and it helps overcome the hard times, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” Once Mortenson collects the amount he needs to start the building of his school through various fundraisers and sponsors he heads back to Korphe, Pakistan. The people of Korphe at first were quite skeptical of Mortenson’s return, but when he does return with the building supplies they are overjoyed and welcome him wholeheartedly.  They are so happy because there is a chance that their children will be given what they have for so long been denied, education! The following describes how Haji Ali feels about education:

    He picked up the dog-eared, grease spotted Koran and held it before the flames.
    “Do you see how beautiful this Koran is?” Haji Ali asked.
    “Yes.”                                                                                                                                         
    “I can’t read it”, he said. “I can’t read anything. This is the greatest sadness in my life. I’ll do   
     anything so the children of my village never have to know this feeling” (Mortenson, 153).

The main themes in the book are: the importance of education, persevering and working towards the betterment of humanity.  The adhesive glue which brings everyone in the village together is the notion of a school; a building which will promote and pass on knowledge which will better their society. The desire to better their childrens lives is the driving force which pushes everyone in the village to help out Mortenson in every way that they can. This shows the reader that the desire and the wishes that the parents of the children in Korphe have are not unfamiliar to the wishes many of our own parents have for us. The parents in Korphe similar to most of our parents want a better life for their children and they are ready to make any sacrifice so that their children can have the finest.  Suban Allah, I’m amazed how this yearning for knowledge brings people together throughout the world. 

Mortenson, is an embodiment of change and the positive impact one person can have on the world. The following saying by Rabindranath Tagore describes Mortenson quite eloquently, “Not hammer-strokes, but dance on the water, sings the pebbles into perfection”. Mortenson is the co-founder of central Asia Insitiute which is a non-profit organization. As of 2010 the organization has overseen and built over 171 schools in remote places of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Take a minute to think, this all began with one man’s promise to a village leader and now look at the amazing developments which are making the world a better place.  

The title, Three Cups of Tea is taken from a Balti proverb but I’m not going to tell you the meaning behind the title, you have to read the book to find out!!

“I will build a school”, Mortenson said. 
“I promise” ( Mottelson, 33). 
 Indeed, Mortenson does build a school. 
Where children now have a future, 
Where when they are presented with new notebooks or sharpeners
It truly lights up their world.  
Children are now given a chance, 
a simple chance; which can ultimately change their lives.
Greg Mortenson inspires me.
I wish that you too can become inspired by reading this amazing book. 

I have been skeptical of Islamic conferences for a while, doubting their true impact on individuals. To me it was all a show; a display of the Ummah, a way to find your significant other, a place to shop and perhaps catch a lecture or two.

I attended this year’s Reviving the Islamic Spirit. A conference I had always looked forward to when I was younger not for the lectures but for the sheer spectacle. It was a big Islamic show, and to my young eyes that was more than enough. Even now, looking at my 12 year old sister as she sits patiently in her seat staring up at Sheikh Hakim Abdul Jackson, wide-eyed and excited; I know she doesn’t understand the brevity of his words at all. She enjoys the show of it all. Claps enthusiastically, beaming from ear to ear, when two brothers from Montreal accept Islam on stage. She enjoys the bazaar, asking for brightly coloured hijabs to add to her slowly growing collection.

Whereas I feel a little bereft, feeling as though I should be much more touched spiritually by this conference. I sit in the lectures, stoically listening. I am not moved to tears, I don’t stand up when the men convert. I felt emotional only when Sheikh Habib Ali Jifri speaks, his sincerity is obvious. His words emphatic, they are not meant to stir a great emotion in us. Rather, he speaks sense and from the heart. He makes us nod our heads in agreement, “yes!” I think, “this is what RIS is to me”. 

After the conference is finished I sit in my bedroom, staring at my prayer mat lovingly set out with my oversized chaddar folded in a corner to the side. I am sitting cross legged after praying fajr. I miss that feeling of having a ‘deen boost!” from RIS. I remember in days gone by how energized I felt after the conference, how ready I was to take on the world. How the words of Sheikh Hamza and Zaid would fill my heart and mind. I would search their talks online, reliving my experience. A smile on the corner of my lips. For days (months, even) afterward I would regale those who didn’t attend not with the knowledge I had gained- but with the speedy cognition of my reignited heart. How I felt, rather than what I learnt, was far more important.

And for so many this is what RIS is about. The “deen boost” a figurative kick in the pants. It gets their gears crunching, their heart beating. Their blood running with love of Islam. That’s great! “If that is what RIS is for you,” I said, “Then go for it. May Allah bless your time during the conference”.

But now I feel like it is but another mire of knowledge. Insights are gained, Ambassador Shabazz was most illuminating- refreshing even. But I don’t feel that ummah kick anymore. It’s just a point of interest in my year, no longer the highlight of my year. And yes, it has become that time to meet old friends, purchase that hard to find hijab, and steep myself in an environment full of Muslims.

                                                                                    *

I’m sitting cross legged on my prayer mat, it faces my window. I look out onto the unseasonably warm December sky. Rain splatters my window, I think of all the things that surround my life right now. Fear, love, war, hatred, forgiveness, stagnation, a sexualized society, tuition fees, family, fights, happiness-  Allah.

I think I’ve come to that point, inshAllah, where I don’t need a yearly conference to reignite love of my faith.

I’m already there.

Junaid Jamshed was a Pakistani pop-singer who had achieved great fame in his profession. In 2004, he denounced music and devoted himself to singing naats (nasheeds in Urdu). He has since become immensely popular in naats almost as much as he was as a pop artist. A great reason behind this is his beautiful voice which presents the lyrics in a melodious tune.  

Honestly, from the albums I have heard which consist of all except for Haadi-ul-Anaam there are several tracks that I like from each album. I would recommend any of his albums to any Urdu comprehending individual. They consist of no musical instruments relying solely on vocals. They are an amazing alternative to music. He has a few Punjabi naats and English nasheeds as well, but they are few and his Urdu nasheeds are much better.

The following are his albums:
·         2005 - Jalwa-e-Janan (English: The Sight of the Beloved) 
·         2006 - Mehboob-e-Yazdaan (English: The Beloved of God)
·         2007 - Badr-ud-Duja (English: The Night's Full Moon)
·         2008 - Yaad-e-Haram (English: Remembrance of Haram)
·         2009 - Badee-uz-Zaman (English: The Wonder of the Age)
·         2010 - Rahmatul-lil-Alameen (English: The Mercy to the Universe)
·         2010 - Haadi-ul-Anaam

 

When I was little and all of my friends were listening to the newest Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys songs on their walkmen, I was listening to Sound Vision. This wasn’t my choice—my dad continuously tried to convince me that Dawud Wharnsby was indeed much cooler than the music everyone else was listening to. How he found out about Wharnsby, I don’t even know, but I’m glad he did.

Let’s fast forward to the present day, where I don’t have to rely on cassettes to hear what I want. Now I can go to Youtube and hear anything I want. Let’s get real though. In my humble opinion there are few things that are better than these old school tracks that I usually end up going back to.

I know a lot of people don’t listen to musical instruments, so rest assured that Wharnsby’s tracks are made of just his voice and the voices of a small choir.

Not only are his tracks pleasant to listen to, but more importantly, each one has a significant meaning. Whether it be a story about a prophet pbuh, or the city of Madina, or being thankful, each of the nasheeds leaves a lasting impression.

Some of my favourites include:

The beautiful story of Yusuf (pbuh)
Full of humility
Madina-tun-Nabi
What did I do today

 If you're looking for a gift that is totally magical and will keep all the family amused then you have found it all in the Kymera Magic Wand Remote Control!

Utterly astounding, this beautifully crafted gizmo looks like the kind of thing you might find in Diagon Alley. The difference is you use it to control your television, Sky, digibox, stereo or any other infra-red device via various abracadabra-ish gestures. Simply swish, whirl and flick to change channels, adjust volume and much more. if you are lucky enough to have remote controlled curtains, fireplace or any other appliances around the home, then the opportunities for showing off your magic wand really are limitless. Your swish really is its command.

Totally button-free, the Wand can ‘learn’ up to 13 infrared codes from your existing remote(s) and fling them into the ether when you perform one of 13 predefined gestures.

You can assign various functions to various moves: flicks to turn on and off; spins to control volume; big swishes to mute and so on. You’ll be flicking just for the fun of it. Better still, rival wizards will be unable to mess with the telly or digibox unless you show them your moves. 
To add to its supernatural nature, the Wand also features a ‘heartbeat’ in the form of various pulses that confirm gesture recognition and tell you when the batteries are low. It even goes into sleep mode after 60 seconds of inactivity and ‘wakes’ when you pick it up.

The Wand is set to become the remote control of choice for any gadgeteer with Potter-esque aspirations. So set aside your Muggle instincts and go totally wizard! 

Here are just some of the many excellent reviews for the Kymera Magic Wand -

"It would make a perfect gift for budding wizards - if they can prise it out of their parents' hands, that is" Daily Mail

"Simply wave the kymera wand and watch in awe as the television changes channel as if by magic" The Independant

"Oh my goodness, it's brilliant" BBC

"Harry Potter fans will certainly go wild over this" Ubergizmo

I’ve done a review before of G.HOST a virtual computer where one could save files and have a desktop that could be viewed on any computer via the internet and an internet browser. After further use I found it to egregious to upload and use a slower desktop on the net and it eventually went under.

But, wait the dream isn’t over. It actually got way better. Introducing Dropbox! It’s a tiny application that creates a folder on your computer and backs up whatever you put in it online. When you download this application to another computer you use the same folder appears on that computer with what you had already put on it. So, now all you have to do is save to that folder for it to be easily accessible on all computers you use Mac or Windows! But, wait there’s more you can access all subfolders and files by visiting dropbox.com and signing in for those computers you use but don’t own. Life really can be this easy. Sign up and check it out. Chances are you’ll love this virtual USB drive.

If you sign-up using the link below both you and I get an extra 250MBs of space! You initially start off with 2GBs.

http://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTMwMDI4NDU5