Thursday 26 May 2011
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Guide To Picking Up Women
Breaking the ice with that new girl doesn’t have to be a nerve-racking experience. When you introduce yourself to a girl, it doesn’t need to include a cheesy, creepy pick up line. It can be sincere and honest.
Be Confident
I can’t stress how important this is. Girls love confident guys. Be careful not to go to far with it though. Conceit is a complete turn off. You want confidence to completely be a part of who you are. Talk, walk, eat, sleep, work and play confidently.
Be Well Groomed and Well Dressed
This sounds obvious but let me tell you the logic behind it. A guy who has the time to groom and time to coordinate clothing obviously does well enough at work or school to afford such time. Dressing well by matching color or style suggests intelligence and creativity. Desirable traits in any potential date.
Get Rid of Bad Odors
This is a complete turn off for a girl. Bad odors equals bad hygiene in the mind of a girl. Make this one a lifestyle change. Shower and bath regularly, brush and floss your teeth, use deodorant(novel idea) and wash your clothes. If your first impression is a bad smell, good luck getting a second date.
No Corny Pick-Up Lines
Don’t even try this, even if your temped to. They don’t work, they never did work, they never will work.
Be Assertive
This is similar to confidence. Being assertive is to be full of direction and intent. For example: Your going on a date with a girl and haven’t decided where you are going to take her for supper. You pick her up and ask her where she would like to go. She says “I don’t know, where would you like to go?”. Now you could just reply “I don’t know either”, and have a bit of a fight about where you both would like to have supper or you could be assertive and say “If it really doesn’t matter to you, I know of this great place downtown with incredible pasta.”
Eat and Exercise to Good Health
If you look unhealthy, then you probably are unhealthy. No girl searching for a prospective date is going to be interested in you if you appear unhealthy. Healthy looking skin, hair, eyes, body will all be definite pluses.
Have Intelligent Conversation
This one can take a little while to master. Basically what you want to do is find out at what level of intelligence she is at and talk to her at that level. If she is talking about pompoms and candy canes don’t talk to her about rocket science. Get the idea? You want to find things you have in common. Ask open ended questions. “So you have just moved in from the east? That’s great, I have always wanted to travel that way. Tell me about why you moved?”
Try Matching Yourself to Girls You Plan to Approach
If you rate yourself as a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10, and you are trying to meet girls that are 9’s, good luck. Matching yourself up will go a long way to being successful. Now if you don’t know what you are find a good friend, who is a girl and get her honest opinion.
Be Honest, Be Yourself
There are two ways to communicate. You communicate with what you say and with your body language. If what you say doesn’t line up with how your acting, you will be perceived as a liar. Your body language is hard to manipulate and tends to be the most honest part of your communication. If you think you need to act like someone else to meet a girl, then maybe you should just let someone else pick her up.
Lower Your Standards
Still having difficulties? Maybe your shooting too high. Dating and making first introductions is a tough thing to do and is not something you know instinctively. Getting some practice under your belt can be a real confidence builder. Besides that, a date is only a date, not a life long commitment. Relax a bit, don’t take things too seriously. Just because your friends don’t approve of how some girl looks doesn’t mean she has nothing to offer. Go and have a little fun, loosen up a bit and you may find that the girl you pick as a second choice should have been your first.
Be Bold About Your Shortcomings
Are you going bald? Then shave off all of your hair! Hiding things you are insecure about makes you appear insecure. Placing those things in plain view that most would find to be a disadvantage demonstrates courage and boldness. Turn your disadvantage into an advantage.
If You Live With Mom, Move Out!
This is totally unsexy. You will have a very difficult time picking up a girl if this is your situation.
Get a Job
Hmmm….if I laze around the house, dodge bill collectors, play video games all day, bum money off my friends, then I should still be able to pick up a decent girl right? Not!! This should be self explanatory, but for those of you who still don’t get it, here it is. A job equals success, ability to provide, responsibility, maturity, and a drive to better ones self. All of which are good things.
Be a Responsible Citizen
Why do I even need to mention this one? Be responsible, pay your bills, keep your commitments, resist violence. Are you one of those guys who always manages to get into fight everywhere you go? This is totally wrong. Your tendency towards violence will scare anyone you are near to. Total turn off to a quality girl.
Don’t Be a Cheapskate
If you ask a girl out to dinner, be prepared to pay for it. Also take her out to a place that you would probably only frequent a couple of times a year because it is a little expensive. This doesn’t mean you need to dump your whole paycheck on dinner, that would just be stupid. Any girl who cares about you, even a little, would never expect you to do that. Basically, don’t take your date to the place where you hang with the guys, take her to a place that is a little more special. The extra thought will win you points.
Give Compliments
Most people are insecure and generally have low opinions of themselves. A compliment is a real ray of sunshine if it is delivered in a sincere manner. There is nothing wrong will approaching a girl you don’t know and saying, “I saw you in class yesterday wearing your hair up, and it really made you stand out. I just thought I would let you know.”. I have yet to meet a sane girl who dislikes genuine compliments.
Give Gifts
Now lets be sensible about this one. You are either on a first date with a girl or you are just trying to meet her. Do you think it is appropriate to buy her a diamond ring? Nope. If you do you will come across as mentally deficient. A small, cute, reasonably insignificant gift would be perfect. Something that says, “Hey, I like you”. Flowers?
Be Polite and Go Through the Formal Introductions
The “Hi my name is ….”, and the “I work at so-and-so doing this”, and the “It’s very nice to meet you, by the way what is your name?”. This formal routine can be a lifesaver for any guy who can’t get two words out because of nervousness. You can rehearse this over and over because when the moment of truth comes to approach the girl, your structured introduction won’t come off phony. The formality is structured.
Don’t Come On Too Strong
If you NEED a girlfriend then don’t go looking for one. Spend some time thinking about why you have to have one. If you have to have a girl and go looking for one, girls will spot your baggage a mile-a-way. Who wants to start a relationship will a whole lot of neediness and clinginess from the start?
Stay Away From Drugs and Go Easy On the Alcohol
Quality girls don’t want guys who are into illegal stuff. Getting wasted on alcohol and barfing all over the back seat of the car is not cool. It makes you a slobbering idiot and someone who needs to be babysat, again, not cool. Don’t snort, smoke or shoot up. Enjoy a few drinks responsibly and get a cab home. Only scumbag girls like drugs and would have you as a supplier if they can’t get the stuff for free. Don’t touch these girls with a ten foot pole, even if they are hot. Don’t worry after a couple of years doing meth, they won’t look so hot anymore.
When Getting Turned Down, Do So With Grace
Getting all weepy eyed or ticked off will just make you look like a moron. The unexpectedness of your request may have prompted an automatic “no”. Maybe after some time she may change her mind. Leave the door open and don’t burn any bridges. Keep in mind she may have a single friend who might take you up on your offer and you certainly don’t want to look bad in front of her either. Oh, by the way, girls do talk to each other.
Don’t Blast the Market Like a Telemarketer
Don’t ask every girl that crosses you path out on a date. This looks desperate and can be crippling if you get a reputation for asking anyone out. A girl likes to feel special. If she is just number 11 on your list of girls to ask out, there’s really nothing special about that. Single out a few girls you are interested in and pursue them. Be sensitive about your timing.
Know That Some girls Will Never Make Good Decisions About Men
Sometimes you just have to face facts. If you find the perfect girl, she’s perfect for you, your perfect for her, she may still turn you down. There’s nothing you can do about it. Let it go and move on.
Let Things Happen Naturally
Forcing something to happen because you don’t feel like things are going right will bring your momentum to a hasty stop. Let your first conversation take on a life of it’s own, let it flow and don’t force anything. If things aren’t going as you would have hoped, you can always find a new date. Nothing says you can’t turn her down.
Be a Happy-Go-Lucky Guy Who Rarely Gets Angry
This is good advice for living, not just picking up girls. People want to be around other people who are happy. When is the last time you remembered wanting to hang around anyone who was depressing and prone to fits of rage? Never! Angry men are a scary proposition for a single woman.
Know That Your Potential Date Has Almost Certainly Already Sized You Up
Girls are extremely perceptive. You will be more successful in meeting a girl by applying this list long before you see the girl you are interested in. Girls will have already compared you to this list long before you ask them out.
Be Passionate About What You Like but Don’t be Obsessive
It’s ok to like sports and fishing, those are both really fun things. But when you are obsessive about them you are most definitely going to neglect the girl, and girls will sniff this out early about you. Your passions should be balanced by the passions of your new date. If you really like a girl, then things that are of interest to her should be of some interest to you. Strive for balance.
Have a Positive Outlook on Life
This is always good advice. Doom and gloom is very unattractive, unless your goth.
Be Spiritually Grounded
Now, I’m not saying you have to the most religious guy at church, or that you should be attending any particular church. What I am saying is that believing in something that is bigger than you, knowing your place in the universe can be a very appealing quality. It speaks to enlightenment and wisdom, both desirable qualities.
Get Comfortable With Being Turned Down
It is a part of the game to be turned down. Don’t get too frustrated or depressed about it. Sometimes the problem isn’t you!
Be Confident
I can’t stress how important this is. Girls love confident guys. Be careful not to go to far with it though. Conceit is a complete turn off. You want confidence to completely be a part of who you are. Talk, walk, eat, sleep, work and play confidently.
Be Well Groomed and Well Dressed
This sounds obvious but let me tell you the logic behind it. A guy who has the time to groom and time to coordinate clothing obviously does well enough at work or school to afford such time. Dressing well by matching color or style suggests intelligence and creativity. Desirable traits in any potential date.
Get Rid of Bad Odors
This is a complete turn off for a girl. Bad odors equals bad hygiene in the mind of a girl. Make this one a lifestyle change. Shower and bath regularly, brush and floss your teeth, use deodorant(novel idea) and wash your clothes. If your first impression is a bad smell, good luck getting a second date.
No Corny Pick-Up Lines
Don’t even try this, even if your temped to. They don’t work, they never did work, they never will work.
Be Assertive
This is similar to confidence. Being assertive is to be full of direction and intent. For example: Your going on a date with a girl and haven’t decided where you are going to take her for supper. You pick her up and ask her where she would like to go. She says “I don’t know, where would you like to go?”. Now you could just reply “I don’t know either”, and have a bit of a fight about where you both would like to have supper or you could be assertive and say “If it really doesn’t matter to you, I know of this great place downtown with incredible pasta.”
Eat and Exercise to Good Health
If you look unhealthy, then you probably are unhealthy. No girl searching for a prospective date is going to be interested in you if you appear unhealthy. Healthy looking skin, hair, eyes, body will all be definite pluses.
Have Intelligent Conversation
This one can take a little while to master. Basically what you want to do is find out at what level of intelligence she is at and talk to her at that level. If she is talking about pompoms and candy canes don’t talk to her about rocket science. Get the idea? You want to find things you have in common. Ask open ended questions. “So you have just moved in from the east? That’s great, I have always wanted to travel that way. Tell me about why you moved?”
Try Matching Yourself to Girls You Plan to Approach
If you rate yourself as a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10, and you are trying to meet girls that are 9’s, good luck. Matching yourself up will go a long way to being successful. Now if you don’t know what you are find a good friend, who is a girl and get her honest opinion.
Be Honest, Be Yourself
There are two ways to communicate. You communicate with what you say and with your body language. If what you say doesn’t line up with how your acting, you will be perceived as a liar. Your body language is hard to manipulate and tends to be the most honest part of your communication. If you think you need to act like someone else to meet a girl, then maybe you should just let someone else pick her up.
Lower Your Standards
Still having difficulties? Maybe your shooting too high. Dating and making first introductions is a tough thing to do and is not something you know instinctively. Getting some practice under your belt can be a real confidence builder. Besides that, a date is only a date, not a life long commitment. Relax a bit, don’t take things too seriously. Just because your friends don’t approve of how some girl looks doesn’t mean she has nothing to offer. Go and have a little fun, loosen up a bit and you may find that the girl you pick as a second choice should have been your first.
Be Bold About Your Shortcomings
Are you going bald? Then shave off all of your hair! Hiding things you are insecure about makes you appear insecure. Placing those things in plain view that most would find to be a disadvantage demonstrates courage and boldness. Turn your disadvantage into an advantage.
If You Live With Mom, Move Out!
This is totally unsexy. You will have a very difficult time picking up a girl if this is your situation.
Get a Job
Hmmm….if I laze around the house, dodge bill collectors, play video games all day, bum money off my friends, then I should still be able to pick up a decent girl right? Not!! This should be self explanatory, but for those of you who still don’t get it, here it is. A job equals success, ability to provide, responsibility, maturity, and a drive to better ones self. All of which are good things.
Be a Responsible Citizen
Why do I even need to mention this one? Be responsible, pay your bills, keep your commitments, resist violence. Are you one of those guys who always manages to get into fight everywhere you go? This is totally wrong. Your tendency towards violence will scare anyone you are near to. Total turn off to a quality girl.
Don’t Be a Cheapskate
If you ask a girl out to dinner, be prepared to pay for it. Also take her out to a place that you would probably only frequent a couple of times a year because it is a little expensive. This doesn’t mean you need to dump your whole paycheck on dinner, that would just be stupid. Any girl who cares about you, even a little, would never expect you to do that. Basically, don’t take your date to the place where you hang with the guys, take her to a place that is a little more special. The extra thought will win you points.
Give Compliments
Most people are insecure and generally have low opinions of themselves. A compliment is a real ray of sunshine if it is delivered in a sincere manner. There is nothing wrong will approaching a girl you don’t know and saying, “I saw you in class yesterday wearing your hair up, and it really made you stand out. I just thought I would let you know.”. I have yet to meet a sane girl who dislikes genuine compliments.
Give Gifts
Now lets be sensible about this one. You are either on a first date with a girl or you are just trying to meet her. Do you think it is appropriate to buy her a diamond ring? Nope. If you do you will come across as mentally deficient. A small, cute, reasonably insignificant gift would be perfect. Something that says, “Hey, I like you”. Flowers?
Be Polite and Go Through the Formal Introductions
The “Hi my name is ….”, and the “I work at so-and-so doing this”, and the “It’s very nice to meet you, by the way what is your name?”. This formal routine can be a lifesaver for any guy who can’t get two words out because of nervousness. You can rehearse this over and over because when the moment of truth comes to approach the girl, your structured introduction won’t come off phony. The formality is structured.
Don’t Come On Too Strong
If you NEED a girlfriend then don’t go looking for one. Spend some time thinking about why you have to have one. If you have to have a girl and go looking for one, girls will spot your baggage a mile-a-way. Who wants to start a relationship will a whole lot of neediness and clinginess from the start?
Stay Away From Drugs and Go Easy On the Alcohol
Quality girls don’t want guys who are into illegal stuff. Getting wasted on alcohol and barfing all over the back seat of the car is not cool. It makes you a slobbering idiot and someone who needs to be babysat, again, not cool. Don’t snort, smoke or shoot up. Enjoy a few drinks responsibly and get a cab home. Only scumbag girls like drugs and would have you as a supplier if they can’t get the stuff for free. Don’t touch these girls with a ten foot pole, even if they are hot. Don’t worry after a couple of years doing meth, they won’t look so hot anymore.
When Getting Turned Down, Do So With Grace
Getting all weepy eyed or ticked off will just make you look like a moron. The unexpectedness of your request may have prompted an automatic “no”. Maybe after some time she may change her mind. Leave the door open and don’t burn any bridges. Keep in mind she may have a single friend who might take you up on your offer and you certainly don’t want to look bad in front of her either. Oh, by the way, girls do talk to each other.
Don’t Blast the Market Like a Telemarketer
Don’t ask every girl that crosses you path out on a date. This looks desperate and can be crippling if you get a reputation for asking anyone out. A girl likes to feel special. If she is just number 11 on your list of girls to ask out, there’s really nothing special about that. Single out a few girls you are interested in and pursue them. Be sensitive about your timing.
Know That Some girls Will Never Make Good Decisions About Men
Sometimes you just have to face facts. If you find the perfect girl, she’s perfect for you, your perfect for her, she may still turn you down. There’s nothing you can do about it. Let it go and move on.
Let Things Happen Naturally
Forcing something to happen because you don’t feel like things are going right will bring your momentum to a hasty stop. Let your first conversation take on a life of it’s own, let it flow and don’t force anything. If things aren’t going as you would have hoped, you can always find a new date. Nothing says you can’t turn her down.
Be a Happy-Go-Lucky Guy Who Rarely Gets Angry
This is good advice for living, not just picking up girls. People want to be around other people who are happy. When is the last time you remembered wanting to hang around anyone who was depressing and prone to fits of rage? Never! Angry men are a scary proposition for a single woman.
Know That Your Potential Date Has Almost Certainly Already Sized You Up
Girls are extremely perceptive. You will be more successful in meeting a girl by applying this list long before you see the girl you are interested in. Girls will have already compared you to this list long before you ask them out.
Be Passionate About What You Like but Don’t be Obsessive
It’s ok to like sports and fishing, those are both really fun things. But when you are obsessive about them you are most definitely going to neglect the girl, and girls will sniff this out early about you. Your passions should be balanced by the passions of your new date. If you really like a girl, then things that are of interest to her should be of some interest to you. Strive for balance.
Have a Positive Outlook on Life
This is always good advice. Doom and gloom is very unattractive, unless your goth.
Be Spiritually Grounded
Now, I’m not saying you have to the most religious guy at church, or that you should be attending any particular church. What I am saying is that believing in something that is bigger than you, knowing your place in the universe can be a very appealing quality. It speaks to enlightenment and wisdom, both desirable qualities.
Get Comfortable With Being Turned Down
It is a part of the game to be turned down. Don’t get too frustrated or depressed about it. Sometimes the problem isn’t you!
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Making the Legend Live - Munich Disaster - Busby babes
Making the Legend Live
On the evening of Feb. 6, 1958, a chartered plane carrying United's young team — England's champions, known as the Busby Babes, after their manager, Matt Busby — stopped off in Munich on its way back from Belgrade, where United had drawn with Red Star, securing a place in the semifinals of the European Cup (the precursor to the Champions League). Conditions were dire, with slush on the runway and snow in the air, but after two failed attempts to take off, the pilots tried again. The plane never made it, clipping a house at the end of the runway and crashing. Seven of United's players were among those who died in the crash. An eighth, Duncan Edwards, just 21, who men of a certain age will tell you with iron conviction was the greatest footballer England ever produced, died two weeks later. Busby was terribly injured and was administered last rites but survived.
The horror shocked Britain. Even those who didn't follow football or weren't from Manchester had loved the Babes, who had brought a sense of glamour to a nation that was still struggling to lift itself from the drabness of the postwar years. I was just 6 at the time, and the Munich disaster was the first time I realized that really bad things could happen. We lived in the suburbs of Liverpool — both my parents had been born in the streets next to Liverpool's stadium — so United wasn't our team. But our next-door neighbors, a retired railroad worker and his wife, were big United fans, and I can remember, when I got home from school the day the news broke, feeling a child's surprise at seeing adults so visibly distressed. A few weeks later, we all crowded into the only house on our street with a TV to watch United's second string try to win the FA Cup, only to cruelly lose to Bolton Wanderers.
Yet out of the ashes, Busby rebuilt the club. By the mid-1960s, he had formed a thrilling new team around three players known in United legend as "the Holy Trinity": George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, who was just 20 when he was hauled from the wreckage of Munich. Even I, a die-hard Liverpool fan (which is why this article is written through gritted teeth) loved seeing them play. In 1968, 10 years after Munich, they positively murdered Portuguese champions Benfica to become the first English side to win the European Cup. As the game ended, Busby marched across the field to embrace Charlton, two survivors united in a moment of shared joy and grief.
On the evening of Feb. 6, 1958, a chartered plane carrying United's young team — England's champions, known as the Busby Babes, after their manager, Matt Busby — stopped off in Munich on its way back from Belgrade, where United had drawn with Red Star, securing a place in the semifinals of the European Cup (the precursor to the Champions League). Conditions were dire, with slush on the runway and snow in the air, but after two failed attempts to take off, the pilots tried again. The plane never made it, clipping a house at the end of the runway and crashing. Seven of United's players were among those who died in the crash. An eighth, Duncan Edwards, just 21, who men of a certain age will tell you with iron conviction was the greatest footballer England ever produced, died two weeks later. Busby was terribly injured and was administered last rites but survived.
The horror shocked Britain. Even those who didn't follow football or weren't from Manchester had loved the Babes, who had brought a sense of glamour to a nation that was still struggling to lift itself from the drabness of the postwar years. I was just 6 at the time, and the Munich disaster was the first time I realized that really bad things could happen. We lived in the suburbs of Liverpool — both my parents had been born in the streets next to Liverpool's stadium — so United wasn't our team. But our next-door neighbors, a retired railroad worker and his wife, were big United fans, and I can remember, when I got home from school the day the news broke, feeling a child's surprise at seeing adults so visibly distressed. A few weeks later, we all crowded into the only house on our street with a TV to watch United's second string try to win the FA Cup, only to cruelly lose to Bolton Wanderers.
Yet out of the ashes, Busby rebuilt the club. By the mid-1960s, he had formed a thrilling new team around three players known in United legend as "the Holy Trinity": George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton, who was just 20 when he was hauled from the wreckage of Munich. Even I, a die-hard Liverpool fan (which is why this article is written through gritted teeth) loved seeing them play. In 1968, 10 years after Munich, they positively murdered Portuguese champions Benfica to become the first English side to win the European Cup. As the game ended, Busby marched across the field to embrace Charlton, two survivors united in a moment of shared joy and grief.
Friday 20 May 2011
Thursday 19 May 2011
Wednesday 18 May 2011
5 Best To-Do List Applications for Your iPhone
You may have been using the standard calendar integrated with your iPhone for managing your to-do list. The calendar application is okay for managing daily routine.
But when it comes to manage your professional meetings or business conferences then definitely you will need an efficient application that can make you punctual and well prepared.
While spending some time exploring the best suitable to-do list application for my iPhone, I came across some good applications.
Some of these applications are good for general use whilst others are well suited for respective particular purposes.
I am sharing here my list of top 5 to-do list applications.
For the people who love to travel or have to travel frequently, this application is very helpful for managing their travel plans.
A nice collection of several useful to-do lists is available with it. Just fill out the needed information like departure time, the things to do before leaving your place, necessary equipments and accessories, etc in respective lists.
For sure, these lists not only help you to manage your travel plans but also keep you relaxed. J
ust check and verify the list before leaving – happy travelling.
Cost: $0.99-$2.99
Company: Quinn Genzel
Download here: Packing & Packing Pro
This one is definitely deserve to be in top five because of its excellent user interface design. Really an awesome to-do list application!
Everything from large icons, layout buttons, functionality, to sliders has been designed perfectly. Filters available with this application make it easy to spot any event smoothly.
There are four filters named – Inbox, Action, Next and Someday. Inbox contains everything there in your different to-do lists; Action filters the stuffs that should be done as soon as possible.
Next is the place where you can place the task that needs to be done later on and finally the Someday – this filter filters the tasks that are necessary but not right now.
Cost: $0.99
Company: bitAlpha
Download Here: iTunes Store
While the main purpose behind the development of this application was to work like a conjunction between ZenBe Mail app and ZenBe List app but it has become a very popular to-do application for iPhones.
Equipped with some unique as well as very useful features like splendid interactivity, this application lets you to share your to-do lists with other iPhone users.
If you are planning a party, just make the list of needed stuffs and share it with your friends.
Cost: $2.99
Company: ZenBe
Download here: iTunes Store
First and the most exciting feature of this application is that it is freeware application. You may not find the design of this application quite impressive but it’s true that you can’t avoid its functionality.
A slightly bland design with mono color gradient along with strange looking calendar is what that slanders its great functionalities. After all, nothing is free in this world.
Cost: Free
Company: Equantech
Download here: iTunes Store
A bit expensive application but it offers great features like Push Notifications, Rescheduling, Super easy navigation, and superb task listing and moving experience.
Cost: $9.99
Company: Appigo Inc.
Download here: iTunes Store
But when it comes to manage your professional meetings or business conferences then definitely you will need an efficient application that can make you punctual and well prepared.
While spending some time exploring the best suitable to-do list application for my iPhone, I came across some good applications.
Some of these applications are good for general use whilst others are well suited for respective particular purposes.
I am sharing here my list of top 5 to-do list applications.
Packing and Packing Pro
Packing and Packing Pro
A nice collection of several useful to-do lists is available with it. Just fill out the needed information like departure time, the things to do before leaving your place, necessary equipments and accessories, etc in respective lists.
For sure, these lists not only help you to manage your travel plans but also keep you relaxed. J
ust check and verify the list before leaving – happy travelling.
Cost: $0.99-$2.99
Company: Quinn Genzel
Download here: Packing & Packing Pro
eTodo
eTodo
Everything from large icons, layout buttons, functionality, to sliders has been designed perfectly. Filters available with this application make it easy to spot any event smoothly.
There are four filters named – Inbox, Action, Next and Someday. Inbox contains everything there in your different to-do lists; Action filters the stuffs that should be done as soon as possible.
Next is the place where you can place the task that needs to be done later on and finally the Someday – this filter filters the tasks that are necessary but not right now.
Cost: $0.99
Company: bitAlpha
Download Here: iTunes Store
Zenbe Lists
Zenbe Lists
Equipped with some unique as well as very useful features like splendid interactivity, this application lets you to share your to-do lists with other iPhone users.
If you are planning a party, just make the list of needed stuffs and share it with your friends.
Cost: $2.99
Company: ZenBe
Download here: iTunes Store
Things-To-Do
Things-To-Do
A slightly bland design with mono color gradient along with strange looking calendar is what that slanders its great functionalities. After all, nothing is free in this world.
Cost: Free
Company: Equantech
Download here: iTunes Store
Todo
Todo
Cost: $9.99
Company: Appigo Inc.
Download here: iTunes Store
Replace Newer, Older And Home Links With Shiny Buttons In Blogger
Since most of you appreciated the Arrow Head Read More Buttons, I thought why not create some buttons for the Newer, Older and home Links that appear below each posts in Blogger. I have created various flavors of these buttons and I hope you will like them.
This set consists of 8 Image Button Sets termed as Previous, Home and Next and categorized according to size as small, medium and large.
Check them together,
Monday 16 May 2011
Dilemma of meeting prayer commitments at work
What if a believer who is an employed worker, has prayer times colliding within his working hours for example Maghrib Salaah. In extenuating circumstances due to work becoming busy what is the very latest time he can afford to pray until OR as soon as the sky is completely sun set is Maghrib Salaah no longer permissible for that particular day?
Al-jawaab billaahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah Taa’la's guidance)
There are no justifiable (extenuating) circumstances or allowances for missing a Salaah; for this reason, the Ulama say a person cannot work in a place which doesn't provide you with provision to offer your Salaah on time. Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Amr (Radi Allah Anho) said that the Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, "The time for Magrhib continues until the twilight disappears”. On the bases of the previous Hadith, this is the conclusion what the scholars have agreed upon unanimously. You will see that for this reason the Hanafi school of thought normally prays Maghrib immediately after sunset. I would say that as a result we should pray Maghrib just after the sunset and should not delay it for more than an hour after sunset.
(VERILY, ALLAH TAA’LA IS ALL-KNOWING!)
Sunday 15 May 2011
Failure and Success
Today we live in a materialistic world, where the aim of society is to gain as much wealth as
possible, for this is the way to success. Success is defined by how many college degrees you have,
how much property you own, how much money you have, and so on.. In short, the more dunya you have,
the more successful you are. This shows the real narrow-mindedness and heedlessness. It is as if
only the rich, powerful and famous are successful while everyone else is not. In fact, this is a
form of discrimination.
Allah in His Glorious Book revealed a different formula for success. It is contained in one of the
shortest surahs (chapters) in the Qur’an, a chapter most Muslims have memorized and frequently
recite in their prayers. The great tragedy is that the meaning this surah should have in our lives
has been lost.
The surah is Surat al-`Asr – the chapter entitled “The Declining Day”:
“By time, indeed humanity is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds
and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Qur’an, 103)
This surah is the 103rd chapter of the Qur’an. It is one of the shortest chapters, but it is also
among the most comprehensive and discussed. The surah before it is Surat at-Takathur and after it
is the Surat al-Humazah. One of the miracles of the Qur’an is the sequence of chapters; although
they were revealed at various times and places, every surah has a connection to the surah before it
and after it. It seems as if they were actually revealed together. Subhan’Allah, such consistency
can never be found in human speech. The chapters before and after Surat al-`Asr mention that the
human being has been deluded by their search for wealth; money has given them a false security of
being successful.
Allah (swt) mentions in the last verse of Surah at-Takathur that, “Then, on that Day, you shall be
asked about the blessings you enjoyed” (Qur’an, 102:8). Surat al-`Asr starts with the greatest
blessing that we as human beings regardless of age, sex, color, caste, religion enjoy—TIME. Allah
(swt) swears by time, which shows that:
Time has a lofty status in the sight of Allah;
Allah is asking us to contemplate on the passage of time;
The time which we waste will never come back;
Time is a witness to many human beings being in a state of loss;
In concordance with the last verse of Surat at-Takathur, it shows that by time people become
distracted by the dunya and forget their real purpose in life.
As we move into the second verse, we find another correlation between the previous surah and this
one. The central theme of the previous surah was at-Takathur which essential means the following:
The desire to have more;
Competing with others to get more;
Utilizing inappropriate means to win others over;
Taking pride in what you have.
So essentially, it is gaining in this “life” that is meant by takathur. However, the central theme
of Surat al-`Asr is khusr (loss). Khusr essentially means losing everything. Subhan’Allah, Allah
shows us in a subtle yet powerful way that seeking the dunya is one of the main causes of loss. If
you reflect on this verse, it seems to be referring directly to this day and age, another miracle
of the Qur’an. By default, human beings are losers, and on the path to destruction. However, Allah
is the Most Merciful; as a sign of His Mercy, He revealed the secret to success in the final ayah
(verse) of Surat al-`Asr.
This last verse essentially shows the minimum that we need to do to attain the pleasure of Allah.
This verse also removes the doubts in the minds of many Muslims that just believing is enough. Even
Shaytan (Satan) believes in God, so how can just believing be enough? The four criteria for going
to paradise by earning Allah’s Mercy are the following:
1. Belief. Believing in Allah, His Books, His Prophets and Messengers, His Angels, the Day of
Judgment, and divine decree. This belief is based upon sure knowledge; therefore we should strive
to attain the necessary religious knowledge.
2. Righteous deeds. Belief mandates knowledge, and knowledge mandates action. We should accompany
our belief with righteous deeds done for the sake of Allah. Prayers, fasting, hajj and all the
other obligatory acts of worship should be done only for the sake of Allah and in the way that was
demonstrated by Muhammad ﷺ. However, every good that Allah loves and is pleased with is also
considered an act of worship, and therefore is rewardable insha’Allah. The obligatory deeds are the
minimum.
3. Calling others to the truth. The use of “wa tawaasi (and advise)” in the verse shows
continuity. We should be calling others to the truth at all times, regardless of whether they
accept it or not.
4. The straight path is not easy. There will be difficulties, which causes some people to leave
the path. We should be patient in calling to them, asking them to be patient, and persevere through
the troubles. Patience is in obeying Allah, not disobeying Him, and persevering through calamities
over which we have no control.
This surah is a conclusion to the message in the four surahs preceding it:Surat al-Zalzalah, Surat
al-`Adiyat, Surat al-Qari`ah and Surat at-Takathur. Surah al-`Adiyat and Surah at-Takathur show the
sorry state of the human beings, while Surat al-Zalzalah and Surat al-Qari`ah show the reality of
the Day of Judgment. The conclusion is that human beings are in loss, except for those who follow
the prescription in Surat al-`Asr. Therefore, this chapter has been precisely placed in the Qur’an
as miraculous guidance. The irony of the surah is that this is the surah we often read when we
are “too busy,” when we just need to get our prayers out of the way and do “more important” things.
We are reciting that time is passing and mankind is in loss – and we are also demonstrating that very well! May Allah save us all. This surah also places a great emphasis on da`wah (calling to the truth) and patience. Even though da`wah and patience are already righteous things, they are mentioned separately as they are
sometimes neglected. Islam is a social religion. Not only should we do what is proper, but we
should also encourage others to do so. At times, we justify not doing da`wah. Start doing da`wah –
it’s a must. You can share the message of this surah with everyone, to start!
We need to fulfill all four conditions to meet the criteria for success. Human beings are losing,
but we have the formula to the exceptions! We might think this formula strange, but a famous saying
of Muhammad ﷺ can serve as motivation to us all, “Islam began strange, and it will become strange
again just like it was at the beginning, so blessed are the strangers.” [Muslim]
Let us reflect on Surat al-`Asr the next time we recite it. Let us study a tafsir (explanation) of
the Qur’an. We ask Allah to grant us barakah (blessings) in reciting and pondering upon the Qur’an,
and we ask Allah to make us among those for whom the Qur’an will intercede on the Day of Judgment.
Ameen.
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possible, for this is the way to success. Success is defined by how many college degrees you have,
how much property you own, how much money you have, and so on.. In short, the more dunya you have,
the more successful you are. This shows the real narrow-mindedness and heedlessness. It is as if
only the rich, powerful and famous are successful while everyone else is not. In fact, this is a
form of discrimination.
Allah in His Glorious Book revealed a different formula for success. It is contained in one of the
shortest surahs (chapters) in the Qur’an, a chapter most Muslims have memorized and frequently
recite in their prayers. The great tragedy is that the meaning this surah should have in our lives
has been lost.
The surah is Surat al-`Asr – the chapter entitled “The Declining Day”:
“By time, indeed humanity is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds
and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Qur’an, 103)
This surah is the 103rd chapter of the Qur’an. It is one of the shortest chapters, but it is also
among the most comprehensive and discussed. The surah before it is Surat at-Takathur and after it
is the Surat al-Humazah. One of the miracles of the Qur’an is the sequence of chapters; although
they were revealed at various times and places, every surah has a connection to the surah before it
and after it. It seems as if they were actually revealed together. Subhan’Allah, such consistency
can never be found in human speech. The chapters before and after Surat al-`Asr mention that the
human being has been deluded by their search for wealth; money has given them a false security of
being successful.
Allah (swt) mentions in the last verse of Surah at-Takathur that, “Then, on that Day, you shall be
asked about the blessings you enjoyed” (Qur’an, 102:8). Surat al-`Asr starts with the greatest
blessing that we as human beings regardless of age, sex, color, caste, religion enjoy—TIME. Allah
(swt) swears by time, which shows that:
Time has a lofty status in the sight of Allah;
Allah is asking us to contemplate on the passage of time;
The time which we waste will never come back;
Time is a witness to many human beings being in a state of loss;
In concordance with the last verse of Surat at-Takathur, it shows that by time people become
distracted by the dunya and forget their real purpose in life.
As we move into the second verse, we find another correlation between the previous surah and this
one. The central theme of the previous surah was at-Takathur which essential means the following:
The desire to have more;
Competing with others to get more;
Utilizing inappropriate means to win others over;
Taking pride in what you have.
So essentially, it is gaining in this “life” that is meant by takathur. However, the central theme
of Surat al-`Asr is khusr (loss). Khusr essentially means losing everything. Subhan’Allah, Allah
shows us in a subtle yet powerful way that seeking the dunya is one of the main causes of loss. If
you reflect on this verse, it seems to be referring directly to this day and age, another miracle
of the Qur’an. By default, human beings are losers, and on the path to destruction. However, Allah
is the Most Merciful; as a sign of His Mercy, He revealed the secret to success in the final ayah
(verse) of Surat al-`Asr.
This last verse essentially shows the minimum that we need to do to attain the pleasure of Allah.
This verse also removes the doubts in the minds of many Muslims that just believing is enough. Even
Shaytan (Satan) believes in God, so how can just believing be enough? The four criteria for going
to paradise by earning Allah’s Mercy are the following:
1. Belief. Believing in Allah, His Books, His Prophets and Messengers, His Angels, the Day of
Judgment, and divine decree. This belief is based upon sure knowledge; therefore we should strive
to attain the necessary religious knowledge.
2. Righteous deeds. Belief mandates knowledge, and knowledge mandates action. We should accompany
our belief with righteous deeds done for the sake of Allah. Prayers, fasting, hajj and all the
other obligatory acts of worship should be done only for the sake of Allah and in the way that was
demonstrated by Muhammad ﷺ. However, every good that Allah loves and is pleased with is also
considered an act of worship, and therefore is rewardable insha’Allah. The obligatory deeds are the
minimum.
3. Calling others to the truth. The use of “wa tawaasi (and advise)” in the verse shows
continuity. We should be calling others to the truth at all times, regardless of whether they
accept it or not.
4. The straight path is not easy. There will be difficulties, which causes some people to leave
the path. We should be patient in calling to them, asking them to be patient, and persevere through
the troubles. Patience is in obeying Allah, not disobeying Him, and persevering through calamities
over which we have no control.
This surah is a conclusion to the message in the four surahs preceding it:Surat al-Zalzalah, Surat
al-`Adiyat, Surat al-Qari`ah and Surat at-Takathur. Surah al-`Adiyat and Surah at-Takathur show the
sorry state of the human beings, while Surat al-Zalzalah and Surat al-Qari`ah show the reality of
the Day of Judgment. The conclusion is that human beings are in loss, except for those who follow
the prescription in Surat al-`Asr. Therefore, this chapter has been precisely placed in the Qur’an
as miraculous guidance. The irony of the surah is that this is the surah we often read when we
are “too busy,” when we just need to get our prayers out of the way and do “more important” things.
We are reciting that time is passing and mankind is in loss – and we are also demonstrating that very well! May Allah save us all. This surah also places a great emphasis on da`wah (calling to the truth) and patience. Even though da`wah and patience are already righteous things, they are mentioned separately as they are
sometimes neglected. Islam is a social religion. Not only should we do what is proper, but we
should also encourage others to do so. At times, we justify not doing da`wah. Start doing da`wah –
it’s a must. You can share the message of this surah with everyone, to start!
We need to fulfill all four conditions to meet the criteria for success. Human beings are losing,
but we have the formula to the exceptions! We might think this formula strange, but a famous saying
of Muhammad ﷺ can serve as motivation to us all, “Islam began strange, and it will become strange
again just like it was at the beginning, so blessed are the strangers.” [Muslim]
Let us reflect on Surat al-`Asr the next time we recite it. Let us study a tafsir (explanation) of
the Qur’an. We ask Allah to grant us barakah (blessings) in reciting and pondering upon the Qur’an,
and we ask Allah to make us among those for whom the Qur’an will intercede on the Day of Judgment.
Ameen.
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Friday 13 May 2011
Friday the 13th Unlucky For Blogger
Well, technically it started on Thursday the 12th, but as Blogger was down more than half of today and so far three of my posts haven't been restored I'm going to ascribe it to the old superstition anyway. Now, it so happens that as a software developer I'm incredibly paranoid about relying on cloud computing and back up my posts to text files so the articles can't be lost, but at this point I'm still not sure whether I'll need to repost them. They disappeared, then reappeared briefly, and are now gone again.
So is there any evidence that unlucky things happen on Friday the 13th, aside from the far too many sequels that have been made about a certain hockey-mask-wearing machete-wielding maniac? According to this Slate article at least one study has tentatively concluded yes, though as usual with anything paranormal the sample size is too small and there are a number of other variables that could be in play besides the date.
It turns out there is one reputable study that has tried to assess whether or not luck actually does go bad on Friday the 13th. (I'm not sure which is more surprising: that someone actually spent time researching this or that I could find only one such study. This is, after all, a world that has studied even how chewing gum distributes saliva around the mouth.) The 1993 study, published in the British Medical Journal, compared hospital admissions for traffic accidents on a Friday the 13th with those on a Friday the 6th in a community outside London. Despite a lower highway traffic volume on the 13th than on the 6th, admissions for traffic accident victims increased 52 percent on the 13th. "Friday the 13th is unlucky for some," the authors concluded. "Staying at home is recommended." How you escape the bad luck at home they didn't explain.
At any rate, remember when I said in my last site update that I wasn't moving Augoeides to Wordpress? This outage has me reconsidering, except that I would still have to move about 500 articles over and that's a serious pain. If anyone knows a good way to do it automatically feel free to let me know in comments, but otherwise I'm not going to just abandon everything I've posted here and start over even though I'm none too happy with Google's service at the moment.
So is there any evidence that unlucky things happen on Friday the 13th, aside from the far too many sequels that have been made about a certain hockey-mask-wearing machete-wielding maniac? According to this Slate article at least one study has tentatively concluded yes, though as usual with anything paranormal the sample size is too small and there are a number of other variables that could be in play besides the date.
It turns out there is one reputable study that has tried to assess whether or not luck actually does go bad on Friday the 13th. (I'm not sure which is more surprising: that someone actually spent time researching this or that I could find only one such study. This is, after all, a world that has studied even how chewing gum distributes saliva around the mouth.) The 1993 study, published in the British Medical Journal, compared hospital admissions for traffic accidents on a Friday the 13th with those on a Friday the 6th in a community outside London. Despite a lower highway traffic volume on the 13th than on the 6th, admissions for traffic accident victims increased 52 percent on the 13th. "Friday the 13th is unlucky for some," the authors concluded. "Staying at home is recommended." How you escape the bad luck at home they didn't explain.
At any rate, remember when I said in my last site update that I wasn't moving Augoeides to Wordpress? This outage has me reconsidering, except that I would still have to move about 500 articles over and that's a serious pain. If anyone knows a good way to do it automatically feel free to let me know in comments, but otherwise I'm not going to just abandon everything I've posted here and start over even though I'm none too happy with Google's service at the moment.
Thursday 12 May 2011
Top 10 Reasons why you must Post Frequently!
This is how this simple yet most effective trick works:
- Robots visit blogs periodically depending on how often the blog is updated
- The faster a blog updates the faster it is crawled and indexed by Search Engines
- Since there is big competition amongst search engines themselves so they always look into more updated content and try their best to provide the searchers with the most up to date content
- By posting more your blog becomes an encyclopedia for Google where it can find variety of topics
- The smaller your number of posts and posting frequency, the smaller you get in the eyes of search engine robots.
- Robots are more like school teachers they love you when you provide them with complete homework on time and they penalize you (lower your ranking) when you turn lazy.
- When you post more, your readers will remain active and would often visit your blog and read your feeds. Thus you multiply Pageviews and page impressions. As a result revenue through Ads blossom.
- The only thing with which you can beat any competitor is by turning your blog into an Encyclopedia of your selected Topic. Remember the weakest point on a competitors side is always laziness so make his dumbness your strength and burst him with tonnes of articles and grab all his readers and traffic. That is surely legal!
- When you update more, your readership would increase because readers would often check back to see if you have something new to share. Subscribers mean a lot!
- Frequent updates when shared on Twitter and Facebook will surely expand your followers/ fans list.
Medicine Containing Gelatine
ASSALAAMU ALAIKUM
I need some advice about taking some medicine. I have been subscribed tablets which contain gelatine because of a disorder which I suffer from. I have been taking these for the past 5 years and the doctor has told me that it is important to take the medication if I am to lead a healthy life. Does the Shari’ah permit me to take these tablets for the reason that there is no other alternative? Or will I be sinning my whole life by consuming gelatine intentionally?
Sister Samra Said (Northampton)
ANSWER
First and foremost, sister, you are NOT consuming gelatine intentionally because you are left with very little choice – consuming gelatine intentionally would be a major sin.
Every Muslim is under obligation to abide by the rulings of Shari’ah, especially in the areas of food and medicine, which is favourable to a healthy life style in diet and therapy. If gelatine is derived from a Halaal source then its usage is obviously permissible; on the other hand, if the source is Haraam or Mashqook (doubtful), then it will be considered Haraam.
I believe that you have been let down sister because it is the duty of a Muslim to produce Halaal pharmaceutical and medicinal products for the society, especially, other Muslims. The overall answer to your question is that there is a difference of opinion among jurists.
Some do not consider medicine to belong in the category of a persuasive necessity like food and in support of their position they quote the Hadith on the authority of Hadhrat Ibn Masood (Radi Allah Anho) that, "Assuredly Allah (Taa’la) did not provide a cure for you in what He has prohibited to you." (Al- Bukhaari)
Other jurists consider the need for medicine equal to that of food, as both are necessary for preserving life. In support of their position that prohibited food substances may be used as medicine, they argue that the Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) allowed Hadhrat Abdul Rahman bin Auf and Hadhrat Zubair bin al-Awwam (Radi Allah Anhuma) to wear silk because they were suffering from scabies.
I am of the latter view because even Allah Taa’la, out of His infinite Mercy and Providence, has granted us concessions in cases of awful and ordinary needs which include the important principle - "Necessities overrule prohibitions".
I would suggest that if a comparable medicine is available in tablet or liquid form it would be advisable to ask for that instead of taking capsules containing gelatine, however, Islam teaches us that life is important but when in an emergency and faced with a choice of life or death, the issue of whether a medicine is Halaal or Haraam is not of major importance.
“What is important is your life,” adding that Halaal products need to be consumed if available. Mufti Ebrahim Desai of South Africa, a renowned scholar and Mufti (in Islamic law, attorney who writes his opinion (fatwa) on legal subjects for private clients or to assist judges in deciding cases) is also under the same notion that if there is no adequate alternative, it is permissible to use such medicines. I’lI pray to Allah Taa’la that he restores your health fully. Aameen
I need some advice about taking some medicine. I have been subscribed tablets which contain gelatine because of a disorder which I suffer from. I have been taking these for the past 5 years and the doctor has told me that it is important to take the medication if I am to lead a healthy life. Does the Shari’ah permit me to take these tablets for the reason that there is no other alternative? Or will I be sinning my whole life by consuming gelatine intentionally?
Sister Samra Said (Northampton)
ANSWER
First and foremost, sister, you are NOT consuming gelatine intentionally because you are left with very little choice – consuming gelatine intentionally would be a major sin.
Every Muslim is under obligation to abide by the rulings of Shari’ah, especially in the areas of food and medicine, which is favourable to a healthy life style in diet and therapy. If gelatine is derived from a Halaal source then its usage is obviously permissible; on the other hand, if the source is Haraam or Mashqook (doubtful), then it will be considered Haraam.
I believe that you have been let down sister because it is the duty of a Muslim to produce Halaal pharmaceutical and medicinal products for the society, especially, other Muslims. The overall answer to your question is that there is a difference of opinion among jurists.
Some do not consider medicine to belong in the category of a persuasive necessity like food and in support of their position they quote the Hadith on the authority of Hadhrat Ibn Masood (Radi Allah Anho) that, "Assuredly Allah (Taa’la) did not provide a cure for you in what He has prohibited to you." (Al- Bukhaari)
Other jurists consider the need for medicine equal to that of food, as both are necessary for preserving life. In support of their position that prohibited food substances may be used as medicine, they argue that the Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) allowed Hadhrat Abdul Rahman bin Auf and Hadhrat Zubair bin al-Awwam (Radi Allah Anhuma) to wear silk because they were suffering from scabies.
I am of the latter view because even Allah Taa’la, out of His infinite Mercy and Providence, has granted us concessions in cases of awful and ordinary needs which include the important principle - "Necessities overrule prohibitions".
I would suggest that if a comparable medicine is available in tablet or liquid form it would be advisable to ask for that instead of taking capsules containing gelatine, however, Islam teaches us that life is important but when in an emergency and faced with a choice of life or death, the issue of whether a medicine is Halaal or Haraam is not of major importance.
“What is important is your life,” adding that Halaal products need to be consumed if available. Mufti Ebrahim Desai of South Africa, a renowned scholar and Mufti (in Islamic law, attorney who writes his opinion (fatwa) on legal subjects for private clients or to assist judges in deciding cases) is also under the same notion that if there is no adequate alternative, it is permissible to use such medicines. I’lI pray to Allah Taa’la that he restores your health fully. Aameen
In the Land of the Ayatollahs, Tupac Shakur is King
“In some ways, Tehran reminded me of communist East Europe: the heavy police presence; the box-shaped cars dating back several decades; the unattractive concrete buildings and streets, many of them not well kept. In other ways, Tehran reminded me of Lahore, Pakistan: a sprawling metropolis bustling with life and activity; vibrant market places that constantly bombarded the senses with an eclectic and colorful blend of exotic sights, smells and sounds; slow-moving traffi c forever expelling exhaust fumes into the air whilst its drivers sounded their horns endlessly, for no apparent reason.
If there is something aesthetically pleasing about Tehran’s landscape, then it is unquestionably the snow-capped mountains that hug the northern part of the city. On a clear day they can be seen from the city centre and greatly enhance its scenic location. One aspect of Tehran that makes an immediate impression on the British tourist is the sight of heavily armed police. Compared to the United Kingdom, there is a much larger police presence on the streets. Tehran’s streets may well be safer because of this police presence, but they certainly didn’t arouse a feeling of safety and wellbeing in me. I held my breath and quickened my pace every time I passed a stationary offi cer slouched up against a wall with his gun lazily pointing in my direction, paranoid that his lethal weapon might go off at any moment.
Without a doubt though, the most unforgettable aspect of Tehran is the appalling and reckless standard of driving one encounters. There is only one golden rule of driving that everyone must be aware of: that there are no rules - no speed restrictions, no adherence to traffi c signals or road signs (they are just there to make the place look pretty), no lane discipline on multi-lane roads (again the dividing lines are simply there for show), even the distinction between road and pavement is blurred with motorbikes traveling on both. If one looks carefully enough, sometimes you could see the difference between a wealthy Tehranian and a poor one.
Many working-class Tehranian men wear counterfeit Western designer clothes. Heaven forbid their rich counterparts be seen in anything other than the real thing. As required by law, the women were all dressed in various forms of the hijab. Women from poorer backgrounds tended to cover from head to toe in black robes. This is the image the West has of Iranian women.
Women from the upper-classes tended to fulfi ll their legal obligations by simply wearing headscarves. Many also were heavily made-up. Their clothes, less likely to be hidden under black robes, were again of Western origin—no skirts, but plenty of jeans and designer tops. There was a vast array of counterfeit Western designer clothing for sale in the market stalls. European designer labels dominated the imitation couture market with Versace, Armani, and YSL heading the list. It was only in the booming counterfeit sports clothing area that American labels such as Nike seem to outsell European counterparts such as Adidas (which also sold very well).
It was close to 9 am when I awoke the following morning. I stumbled out of bed and opened the curtains. Before me stood the great city of Tehran. The morning rush hour was in full swing, people hurriedly making their way to work. The untidy streets and concrete buildings were not overly impressive, but neither had I expected them to be. The weather was dull and overcast and not too unlike the weather I had left behind in England. I quickly changed and made my way to the hotel’s dining area to have breakfast. The hotel’s website had promised a “free American buffet breakfast” for every guest.
The fact that this Iranian hotel chose to Americanize one of its services was both odd and intriguing. After all, was this not the country that tops the world league in anti-US rhetoric? A nation that once famously branded America the “Great Satan”? Such is our impression of Iran in the West that I half expected to see anti-American demonstrations the moment I touched Iranian soil. Yet here I was on my very fi rst morning in Iran having American culture shoved down my throat (quite literally!). Well, not quite.
The American buffet breakfast turned out to be a selection of Iranian pastry. Not that there was anything wrong with the pastry, mind you. However, I did wonder why this Iranian hotel would choose to package this part of their service in this way. In part, I assumed the hotel establishment thought it might appeal to foreign guests, especially from the United States. But that could not be the whole reason. I could see the odd European and Japanese guest in the dining area, but I did not see any Americans.
The overwhelming majority of the hotel guests were native Iranians. I assumed they were middleclass businessmen in Tehran on business. It was these people such services were designed to attract. I was sure of it. As trivial as it may seem, this aspect of the hotel’s marketing is in fact signifi cant. Despite all the anti-American rhetoric that has emanated from the Iranian regime over the past few decades, America still appeals to certain sections of the Iranian population. If the name attracted suffi ciently negative connotations, would the hotel use it? I would argue not.
There must be something in the word America, which the hotel management believes will act as an inducement to certain sections of the local market. If this is the case, then what is it about America—the brand name (not the country) — that certain segments of the population fi nd so appealing? Why is it that despite over two decades of hostility and unfriendly relations between the world’s superpower and this nation, parts of the population are still drawn to America? What is it about this unique brand that enables it to survive and fl ourish in the most hostile of environments?
These questions are important because America has been able to transplant various aspects of its culture into foreign lands and integrate them into alien cultures in a way that is unparalleled in human history. Even amongst nations and cultures where America, the country, is deeply unpopular (such as Iran), aspects of American popular culture (whether it be drinking Coca-Cola, wearing jeans, or watching a Hollywood movie) still manage to fuse themselves (to varying degrees) into the everyday lives of ordinary people, without them even stopping to think about the apparent contradiction. I am not inferring some sort of hypocrisy on their part but a curious baffl ement at the unique power of this discourse that creates such a paradox.”
This is an extract from the critically acclaimed book In the Land of the Ayatollahs Tupac Shakur is King: Refl ections from Iran and the Arab World by Shahzad Aziz. Using the cities and cultures of the Middle East as a backdrop, Shahzad Aziz travelled on a personal journey to explore Iran and the Arab world, particularly the relations between East and West. Serious debate is interspersed with witty travel dialog as he covers a variety of issues facing the Muslim world today—including the War on Terror, the Arab-Israeli confl ict, martyrdom, Islamic reformation, globalisation, identity, gender representations of women and the Western view of the Muslim world.
Shahzad Aziz read law at Brunel University in London and graduated from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University, where he received his M.Phil., in criminology. He currently practices as a barrister specializing in human rights and asylum law.
If there is something aesthetically pleasing about Tehran’s landscape, then it is unquestionably the snow-capped mountains that hug the northern part of the city. On a clear day they can be seen from the city centre and greatly enhance its scenic location. One aspect of Tehran that makes an immediate impression on the British tourist is the sight of heavily armed police. Compared to the United Kingdom, there is a much larger police presence on the streets. Tehran’s streets may well be safer because of this police presence, but they certainly didn’t arouse a feeling of safety and wellbeing in me. I held my breath and quickened my pace every time I passed a stationary offi cer slouched up against a wall with his gun lazily pointing in my direction, paranoid that his lethal weapon might go off at any moment.
Without a doubt though, the most unforgettable aspect of Tehran is the appalling and reckless standard of driving one encounters. There is only one golden rule of driving that everyone must be aware of: that there are no rules - no speed restrictions, no adherence to traffi c signals or road signs (they are just there to make the place look pretty), no lane discipline on multi-lane roads (again the dividing lines are simply there for show), even the distinction between road and pavement is blurred with motorbikes traveling on both. If one looks carefully enough, sometimes you could see the difference between a wealthy Tehranian and a poor one.
Many working-class Tehranian men wear counterfeit Western designer clothes. Heaven forbid their rich counterparts be seen in anything other than the real thing. As required by law, the women were all dressed in various forms of the hijab. Women from poorer backgrounds tended to cover from head to toe in black robes. This is the image the West has of Iranian women.
Women from the upper-classes tended to fulfi ll their legal obligations by simply wearing headscarves. Many also were heavily made-up. Their clothes, less likely to be hidden under black robes, were again of Western origin—no skirts, but plenty of jeans and designer tops. There was a vast array of counterfeit Western designer clothing for sale in the market stalls. European designer labels dominated the imitation couture market with Versace, Armani, and YSL heading the list. It was only in the booming counterfeit sports clothing area that American labels such as Nike seem to outsell European counterparts such as Adidas (which also sold very well).
It was close to 9 am when I awoke the following morning. I stumbled out of bed and opened the curtains. Before me stood the great city of Tehran. The morning rush hour was in full swing, people hurriedly making their way to work. The untidy streets and concrete buildings were not overly impressive, but neither had I expected them to be. The weather was dull and overcast and not too unlike the weather I had left behind in England. I quickly changed and made my way to the hotel’s dining area to have breakfast. The hotel’s website had promised a “free American buffet breakfast” for every guest.
The fact that this Iranian hotel chose to Americanize one of its services was both odd and intriguing. After all, was this not the country that tops the world league in anti-US rhetoric? A nation that once famously branded America the “Great Satan”? Such is our impression of Iran in the West that I half expected to see anti-American demonstrations the moment I touched Iranian soil. Yet here I was on my very fi rst morning in Iran having American culture shoved down my throat (quite literally!). Well, not quite.
The American buffet breakfast turned out to be a selection of Iranian pastry. Not that there was anything wrong with the pastry, mind you. However, I did wonder why this Iranian hotel would choose to package this part of their service in this way. In part, I assumed the hotel establishment thought it might appeal to foreign guests, especially from the United States. But that could not be the whole reason. I could see the odd European and Japanese guest in the dining area, but I did not see any Americans.
The overwhelming majority of the hotel guests were native Iranians. I assumed they were middleclass businessmen in Tehran on business. It was these people such services were designed to attract. I was sure of it. As trivial as it may seem, this aspect of the hotel’s marketing is in fact signifi cant. Despite all the anti-American rhetoric that has emanated from the Iranian regime over the past few decades, America still appeals to certain sections of the Iranian population. If the name attracted suffi ciently negative connotations, would the hotel use it? I would argue not.
There must be something in the word America, which the hotel management believes will act as an inducement to certain sections of the local market. If this is the case, then what is it about America—the brand name (not the country) — that certain segments of the population fi nd so appealing? Why is it that despite over two decades of hostility and unfriendly relations between the world’s superpower and this nation, parts of the population are still drawn to America? What is it about this unique brand that enables it to survive and fl ourish in the most hostile of environments?
These questions are important because America has been able to transplant various aspects of its culture into foreign lands and integrate them into alien cultures in a way that is unparalleled in human history. Even amongst nations and cultures where America, the country, is deeply unpopular (such as Iran), aspects of American popular culture (whether it be drinking Coca-Cola, wearing jeans, or watching a Hollywood movie) still manage to fuse themselves (to varying degrees) into the everyday lives of ordinary people, without them even stopping to think about the apparent contradiction. I am not inferring some sort of hypocrisy on their part but a curious baffl ement at the unique power of this discourse that creates such a paradox.”
This is an extract from the critically acclaimed book In the Land of the Ayatollahs Tupac Shakur is King: Refl ections from Iran and the Arab World by Shahzad Aziz. Using the cities and cultures of the Middle East as a backdrop, Shahzad Aziz travelled on a personal journey to explore Iran and the Arab world, particularly the relations between East and West. Serious debate is interspersed with witty travel dialog as he covers a variety of issues facing the Muslim world today—including the War on Terror, the Arab-Israeli confl ict, martyrdom, Islamic reformation, globalisation, identity, gender representations of women and the Western view of the Muslim world.
Shahzad Aziz read law at Brunel University in London and graduated from Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University, where he received his M.Phil., in criminology. He currently practices as a barrister specializing in human rights and asylum law.
Selling alcohol
Dear Shaykh! I have always wanted to help my father who indeed is a great dad. However, recently he purchased a shop which is licensed and sells alcohol. My dad says that I am only serving customers and not consuming the alcohol. Must I honour my father’s wishes? I really need your help; what should I do?
ANSWER
First and foremost, according to a Hadith in Al-Tirmidhi, it has been narrated by Hadhrat Abu Darda (Radi Allah Anho) that alcohol is the key to all evil; this is consuming it or selling it. It is totally Haraam to sell alcohol and the income earned is also Haraam.
It is Haraam for a Muslim to sell something that is Haraam for him to eat or use. The Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “If Allah Taa’la makes Haraam the consumption of something; He also makes Haraam its transaction.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith no. 2546)
Islam is a consistent religion. When it says that something is bad and forbidden, then it wants Muslims to avoid it for themselves and for others. If a Muslim sells Haraam things, he is not only inconsistent in his behaviour; he is also ridiculing the law of Allah Taa’la. He does not care what is right and what is wrong. It is right if other Muslims avoid business with this person. This will be a good reminder for this person to come back to the rules of Allah Taa’la.
Hadhrat Anas (Radi Allah Anho) says that the Holy prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) cursed ten people in connection with wine; the wine-presser, the one who has it pressed, the one who drinks it, the one who conveys it, the one to whom it is conveyed, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who benefits from the price paid for it, the one who buys it and the one for whom it is bought. (Al-Tirmidhi) My advice to you is that within the boundaries of respect to your father, tell your dad that you cannot sell alcohol as it contradicts the teachings of Islam.
(VERILY, ALLAH TAA’LA IS ALL-KNOWING!)
ANSWER
First and foremost, according to a Hadith in Al-Tirmidhi, it has been narrated by Hadhrat Abu Darda (Radi Allah Anho) that alcohol is the key to all evil; this is consuming it or selling it. It is totally Haraam to sell alcohol and the income earned is also Haraam.
It is Haraam for a Muslim to sell something that is Haraam for him to eat or use. The Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “If Allah Taa’la makes Haraam the consumption of something; He also makes Haraam its transaction.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith no. 2546)
Islam is a consistent religion. When it says that something is bad and forbidden, then it wants Muslims to avoid it for themselves and for others. If a Muslim sells Haraam things, he is not only inconsistent in his behaviour; he is also ridiculing the law of Allah Taa’la. He does not care what is right and what is wrong. It is right if other Muslims avoid business with this person. This will be a good reminder for this person to come back to the rules of Allah Taa’la.
Hadhrat Anas (Radi Allah Anho) says that the Holy prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasullullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) cursed ten people in connection with wine; the wine-presser, the one who has it pressed, the one who drinks it, the one who conveys it, the one to whom it is conveyed, the one who serves it, the one who sells it, the one who benefits from the price paid for it, the one who buys it and the one for whom it is bought. (Al-Tirmidhi) My advice to you is that within the boundaries of respect to your father, tell your dad that you cannot sell alcohol as it contradicts the teachings of Islam.
(VERILY, ALLAH TAA’LA IS ALL-KNOWING!)
Women visiting graveyards
Are Muslim women allowed to visit the graveyard?
This is a controversial topic as to say, and, I quote a Hadith which has been recorded by Imam Tirmidhi (Alayhi Rahmah) that Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radi Allah Anho) said that the Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasulullaah(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'May Allah Ta'ala curse women who visits the graves.' THIS HAS BEEN GRADED AS A SAHIH HADITH
However, many of the Ulama are of the opinion that the above law has been obliterated by the following narration recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih Muslim; on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ood (Radi Allah Anho) that the Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasulullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) mentioned, 'I had prevented you from visiting the grave, (as of now) you all should visit it for it reminds one of the Aakhirah.' (Sahih Muslim)
The Ulama further state that if a woman visits the grave to remember death and soften without crying, then, there is nothing wrong with that bearing in mind that they are mature (old). However, it is Makrooh (not permissible) if they are young! (Shaami Vol. 1 - Maajidiyya and Umdatul Qaari Vol. 8)
But, they shouldn't make it in to a habit - i.e. visit it frequently as a Hadith says:
Women are prohibited to frequently visit the graves. The Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasulullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said that, 'Allah (Taa'la's) curse be upon the women that (frequently) visit the graves and illuminate them.' (Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim)
Verily Allah Taa'laa knows best!
This is a controversial topic as to say, and, I quote a Hadith which has been recorded by Imam Tirmidhi (Alayhi Rahmah) that Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radi Allah Anho) said that the Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasulullaah(Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'May Allah Ta'ala curse women who visits the graves.' THIS HAS BEEN GRADED AS A SAHIH HADITH
However, many of the Ulama are of the opinion that the above law has been obliterated by the following narration recorded by Imam Muslim in his Sahih Muslim; on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ood (Radi Allah Anho) that the Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasulullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) mentioned, 'I had prevented you from visiting the grave, (as of now) you all should visit it for it reminds one of the Aakhirah.' (Sahih Muslim)
The Ulama further state that if a woman visits the grave to remember death and soften without crying, then, there is nothing wrong with that bearing in mind that they are mature (old). However, it is Makrooh (not permissible) if they are young! (Shaami Vol. 1 - Maajidiyya and Umdatul Qaari Vol. 8)
But, they shouldn't make it in to a habit - i.e. visit it frequently as a Hadith says:
Women are prohibited to frequently visit the graves. The Holy Prophet, Hadhrat Muhammad-ur Rasulullaah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said that, 'Allah (Taa'la's) curse be upon the women that (frequently) visit the graves and illuminate them.' (Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim)
Verily Allah Taa'laa knows best!
Monday 9 May 2011
Pictures Of 2011 Royal Wedding Of Kate Middleton & Prince William
After months of waiting, Kate Middleton and Prince William today tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.
Newly wed Prince William and his new wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, wave as they travel in the 1902 State Landau carriage along the Processional Route to Buckingham Palace.
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Pictures - Dead Osama Bin Laden's Images
This is just a lame way to merchandise some of Osama Bin Laden's pictures.
USA Regime trying to advertise their super power. 
Most Funny Dead Osama bin Laden Merchandise, Funny Osama Bin Laden, Funny Dead Osama Bin Laden's Images, Most Funny Dead Osama Bin Laden Merchandise Pictures, Most Funny Dead Osama Bin Laden Merchandise Photos, Most Funny Dead Osama Bin Laden Merchandise Images, Daily Updated Funny Pictures
Sunday 8 May 2011
Manchester United are champions in waiting
Manchester United are champions in waiting
Manchester United are within a solitary point of what appears certain to be a record 19th league title after a fully deserved 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.
The victory, secured thanks to goals from Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic, gives Sir Alex Ferguson's side a six-point lead with two games remaining in the Premier League season. Only a minor miracle will now prevent them from securing a fourth league title in five seasons, and surpassing the overall record they currently hold with Liverpool.
Manchester United are within a solitary point of what appears certain to be a record 19th league title after a fully deserved 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.
The victory, secured thanks to goals from Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic, gives Sir Alex Ferguson's side a six-point lead with two games remaining in the Premier League season. Only a minor miracle will now prevent them from securing a fourth league title in five seasons, and surpassing the overall record they currently hold with Liverpool.
Friday 6 May 2011
Sony's PlayStation Network, Qriocity Close to Returning
Sony appears to be close to ending a two-week long outage of its PlayStation Network. The company said late Thursday that it is in the final stages of internal testing of the new system, but it stopped short of saying when the popular online gaming service would resume operations.
Sony has been forced to build a new system after a large and embarrassing security breach forced it to take the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services offline on April 20. The full extent of the damage done in the attack is still being investigated, but Sony has confirmed that personal information from 77 million accounts was obtained in the attack.
"We've been working around the clock to rebuild the network and enhance protections of your personal data," the company said in a blog posting. "It's our top priority to ensure your data is safe when you begin using the services again."
The new system includes more firewalls and additional software that should alert system administrators about suspicious activity.
On Sunday, the company said it was planning to bring the PlayStation Network and Qriocity back online in stages. Online gaming and access to unexpired movie rentals will be the first services to return on the PlayStation Network, while Qriocity users will be able to use the Music on Demand service, the company said. Other functions, including the PlayStation Store, will be available by mid-May.
Also on Thursday, Sony began offering U.S. users a year-long subscription to an identity theft protection program. The service includes monitoring the Internet for exposure of users' personal information, and a US$1 million insurance against losses arising from identity theft. Services for users in other regions are due to be announced soon.
Sony CEO Howard Stringer also chose Thursday to make his first comments on the attack.
"As a company we -- and I -- apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused by this attack," Stringer said in [< href=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/05/05/a-letter-from-howard-stringer/>a letter posted</a] on the PlayStation blog. "Our investigation is ongoing, and we are upgrading our security so that if attacks like this happen again, our defenses will be even stronger."
Stringer's letter repeated that the company has found no evidence to date of the loss of credit card information or the fraudulent use of cards stemming from the recent attack.
Martyn Williams covers Japan and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Martyn on Twitter at @martyn_williams. Martyn's e-mail address is martyn_williams@idg.com
Sony has been forced to build a new system after a large and embarrassing security breach forced it to take the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services offline on April 20. The full extent of the damage done in the attack is still being investigated, but Sony has confirmed that personal information from 77 million accounts was obtained in the attack.
"We've been working around the clock to rebuild the network and enhance protections of your personal data," the company said in a blog posting. "It's our top priority to ensure your data is safe when you begin using the services again."
The new system includes more firewalls and additional software that should alert system administrators about suspicious activity.
On Sunday, the company said it was planning to bring the PlayStation Network and Qriocity back online in stages. Online gaming and access to unexpired movie rentals will be the first services to return on the PlayStation Network, while Qriocity users will be able to use the Music on Demand service, the company said. Other functions, including the PlayStation Store, will be available by mid-May.
Also on Thursday, Sony began offering U.S. users a year-long subscription to an identity theft protection program. The service includes monitoring the Internet for exposure of users' personal information, and a US$1 million insurance against losses arising from identity theft. Services for users in other regions are due to be announced soon.
Sony CEO Howard Stringer also chose Thursday to make his first comments on the attack.
"As a company we -- and I -- apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused by this attack," Stringer said in [< href=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/05/05/a-letter-from-howard-stringer/>a letter posted</a] on the PlayStation blog. "Our investigation is ongoing, and we are upgrading our security so that if attacks like this happen again, our defenses will be even stronger."
Stringer's letter repeated that the company has found no evidence to date of the loss of credit card information or the fraudulent use of cards stemming from the recent attack.
Martyn Williams covers Japan and general technology breaking news for The IDG News Service. Follow Martyn on Twitter at @martyn_williams. Martyn's e-mail address is martyn_williams@idg.com
Wednesday 4 May 2011
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