Spotted at Tauheed Commercial Area, DHA, Karachi
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Where’s the rest of them dummies?
This was a photograph I snapped outside a store on Zamzama, whilst trying to navigate my way through the one-way streets. The lower portions of these dummies were just standing around, quite freaky until I realized how they were probably just waiting to be picked up… ;-)
News Spews
Good evening ladies and gentlemen, you’re watching your computer screen, and these are the headlines.
*Play instantly addictive theme music*
The leaders of two major Pakistani political parties cannot come to a decision regarding the restoration of the judiciary, hence further negotiations have been suspended. The decision will now be made by the political leader who wins three games of Bluff in succession.
Another suicide blast has taken place in the country, making Pakistan a more valuable ally in the United States led War on Terror. The blast is expected to help increase U.S. aid in the country.
In the world of sports, Shahrukh Khan was jumping around like a monkey in the stadium today. Shoaib Akhtar and Shahrukh Khan are expected to attend the seminar ‘Learn How To Behave Like An Outta Control Celeb!’
And in the business sector, petrol prices have been increased once again as Pakistan remains adamant to not explore alternative sources of energy.
Stay tuned for further updates. Now a message from our corporate-blood sucking sponsors.
*Fade out to instantly addictive theme music*
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Germany: Land of the ......
Warning: This post is all about sex, if this makes you uncomfortable please feel free to skip this post. Oh who am I kidding, this kind of warning will only attract people to read it rather then turn them away If people continue to smoke with all those warning signs on the side of the cigarette packs, they will keep on reading this post as well.
The internet has made it so easy to read the news from around the world. I am not talking about the headline grabbing news, but the local news that is only published in the newspapers of that particular country/city, like the Metropolitan page that comes with Dawn here in Karachi. After going through the news sites of different countries, I have come to the conclusion that Germany is probably the horniest country in the world. I mean the amount of sex related news coming from Germany is one thing, but the kind of news it is will even put America and other western countries to shame.
Consider this, in UK, one of the contestants in the Big Brother show simulated having sex with a toy, and the station got so many complaints from the viewers that they had to issue an apology. Even the contestant who did that issued an apology on air. When the same show started in Germany, it featured in the first episode lesbian kissing scenes, a woman masturbating and reaching an orgasm in the bathroom, kinky spanking scenes in sauna and oral sex. All this was from the edited version that was shown on air. The show was so raunchy that one viewer thought he had tuned into a porno channel by mistake.
The government in Germany has legalized prostitution and it has become an industry in itself. An entrepreneur tryed to cash in the football world cup by opening up a three story brothel just yards away from the main stadium in Berlin. The football fans came in to negotiate the prices and have sex.
Since the brothels in Germany have legal status, some of the techniques that the owners come up with are very creative indeed. For instance, a brothel next to an unemployment office started offering a special discount for all those who are jobless and since then its business is booming. I guess the jobless people collect their unemployment cheques from the government and then spend it over at the brothel next door.
The brothels have also started advertising in the mainstream media. A German lifestyle magazine sold out on the first day when the readers discovered a full page ad with a coupon that offered “half an hour free sex with a lady of your choice”
A German inventor has invented robot sex doll that breathes harder and gets warm during sex. It also has an artificial heart inside which beats faster during sex. It is selling for £4,000 with optional extras such as large breasts. However the inventor is still not satisfied and will only be happy when his “dolls will be better than the real thing.”
I always used to think that having more sex makes a person happy and its people who have sex less often are the ones that are usually frustrated. If this was true, then how come Germany started the two World Wars??? Or maybe all this started after the end of the Second World War and the responsibility of it falls on the Allied forces who can think of this as the only way to keep the Germans from starting a third one. It looks like the plan is working brilliantly. I just hope they don’t have similar plans for Iraq and Afghanistan.
The internet has made it so easy to read the news from around the world. I am not talking about the headline grabbing news, but the local news that is only published in the newspapers of that particular country/city, like the Metropolitan page that comes with Dawn here in Karachi. After going through the news sites of different countries, I have come to the conclusion that Germany is probably the horniest country in the world. I mean the amount of sex related news coming from Germany is one thing, but the kind of news it is will even put America and other western countries to shame.
Consider this, in UK, one of the contestants in the Big Brother show simulated having sex with a toy, and the station got so many complaints from the viewers that they had to issue an apology. Even the contestant who did that issued an apology on air. When the same show started in Germany, it featured in the first episode lesbian kissing scenes, a woman masturbating and reaching an orgasm in the bathroom, kinky spanking scenes in sauna and oral sex. All this was from the edited version that was shown on air. The show was so raunchy that one viewer thought he had tuned into a porno channel by mistake.
The government in Germany has legalized prostitution and it has become an industry in itself. An entrepreneur tryed to cash in the football world cup by opening up a three story brothel just yards away from the main stadium in Berlin. The football fans came in to negotiate the prices and have sex.
Since the brothels in Germany have legal status, some of the techniques that the owners come up with are very creative indeed. For instance, a brothel next to an unemployment office started offering a special discount for all those who are jobless and since then its business is booming. I guess the jobless people collect their unemployment cheques from the government and then spend it over at the brothel next door.
The brothels have also started advertising in the mainstream media. A German lifestyle magazine sold out on the first day when the readers discovered a full page ad with a coupon that offered “half an hour free sex with a lady of your choice”
A German inventor has invented robot sex doll that breathes harder and gets warm during sex. It also has an artificial heart inside which beats faster during sex. It is selling for £4,000 with optional extras such as large breasts. However the inventor is still not satisfied and will only be happy when his “dolls will be better than the real thing.”
I always used to think that having more sex makes a person happy and its people who have sex less often are the ones that are usually frustrated. If this was true, then how come Germany started the two World Wars??? Or maybe all this started after the end of the Second World War and the responsibility of it falls on the Allied forces who can think of this as the only way to keep the Germans from starting a third one. It looks like the plan is working brilliantly. I just hope they don’t have similar plans for Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Funny stufff
As usual, I found some more funny stuff on the Web.
Yes, this is what our first impulse is when we get there. It’s a good thing they’ve put up this sign otherwise I don’t know how we could resist taking a sip.
After three continuous day of “Anal Exams” May 29 better be the last day of school
This is what I call “Full Service Client” or “We will not stop until you are satisfied”.
Iraqi shoe bomber- Preliminary Investigation
Just got this in my mailbox:
Result of Preliminary investigations:
The shoe tossed by Iraqi journalist at George Bush has been linked to Pakistan.
It is said to have been made in a factory near Lahore. Officials have said that a clear link between ISI and shoe thrower could NOT be established however some lower level ISI officials may be involved. According to an anonymous source in Iraqi government, the shoe “bomber” has “stated” that he was imparted training on pelting stones, shoes and similar objects in some camp in North Western part of Pakistan run by retired army officers from the elite Pakistani group SSG and the ISI.
President Zardari and Chief of the Army General Kayani have assured full support in investigating the matter. In a recent action, Government of Paksitan has sealed the local operations of English Boot House and Service Shoe industries (owned by current defense minister) and would be holding trials against the Factory owner located in Muridke near Lahore.
Result of Preliminary investigations:
The shoe tossed by Iraqi journalist at George Bush has been linked to Pakistan.
It is said to have been made in a factory near Lahore. Officials have said that a clear link between ISI and shoe thrower could NOT be established however some lower level ISI officials may be involved. According to an anonymous source in Iraqi government, the shoe “bomber” has “stated” that he was imparted training on pelting stones, shoes and similar objects in some camp in North Western part of Pakistan run by retired army officers from the elite Pakistani group SSG and the ISI.
President Zardari and Chief of the Army General Kayani have assured full support in investigating the matter. In a recent action, Government of Paksitan has sealed the local operations of English Boot House and Service Shoe industries (owned by current defense minister) and would be holding trials against the Factory owner located in Muridke near Lahore.
Bush gets whacked by size 10s.
A surprise visit by US President George Bush (also referred to as "the Great bastard") to Iraq has been overshadowed by an incident in which two shoes were thrown at him during a news conference.
An Iraqi journalist was wrestled to the floor by security guards after he called Mr Bush "a dog" and threw his footwear, just missing the Great Bastard. In Iraqi culture, throwing a shoe at someone is a grave insult to someone.
An Iraqi journalist was wrestled to the floor by security guards after he called Mr Bush "a dog" and threw his footwear, just missing the Great Bastard. In Iraqi culture, throwing a shoe at someone is a grave insult to someone.
In the middle of the news conference with Iraqi Prsident Maliki, Iraqi television journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi stood up and shouted "this is a goodbye kiss from the Iraqi people, dog," before hurling a shoe at Mr Bush which narrowly missed him.
With his second shoe, which the Great Bastard managed to dodge, Mr Zaidi said: "This is for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq." (Number of Iraqis dead so far= 100,000+)
Mr Zaidi, a correspondent for Cairo-based al-Baghdadiya TV, was then wrestled to the ground by security personnel and hauled away.
"If you want the facts, it's a size 10 shoe that he threw," Mr Bush joked afterwards.
With his second shoe, which the Great Bastard managed to dodge, Mr Zaidi said: "This is for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq." (Number of Iraqis dead so far= 100,000+)
Mr Zaidi, a correspondent for Cairo-based al-Baghdadiya TV, was then wrestled to the ground by security personnel and hauled away.
"If you want the facts, it's a size 10 shoe that he threw," Mr Bush joked afterwards.
According to me, it would have been much better if the shoe had actually hit Bush. that way, the security forces would actually have an excuse to drag off Mr. Zaidi, the reporter and detain him. He has still not been released, despite mass protests (with 10,000 + people) calling for his release. While being detained, Mr. Zaidi has also reportedly suffered a broken arm and several broken ribs as well.
Journalist Muntazar Al-zaidi with his arm raised in preparation for throwing his shoe at the Great Bastard.
Unfortunately, the Great Bastard still has enough sense to duck when Al-Zaidi throws him a small farewell present.
Useful Site of the Day: Karachi Metro
Here’s a useful site I came across today for people of Karachi. It’s called Karachi Metro and tagline says “The simple way to find that restaurant’s number.”
While it won’t be able to compete against a comprehensive directory such as Karachi Snob, but from the looks of it, that’s not what the site owner is aiming for. But, where Karachi Snob gives you many different options and layers and layers of information, this site feels like Google of Karachi’s restaurant directory, simple and to the point. According to the person running this site, “Karachi Metro came about in 2005 when I got tired of calling PTCL “17″ to get a restaurant’s number. They never seem to have any of them! Kmetro is a simple, clean space where you can find phone numbers to popular spots in Karachi. Get in, get your number, order your meal. Really helps during lunch time at the office, too.”
The main page shows all the restaurants’ phone numbers sorted alphabetically along with a tag for whether the restaurant delivers or not and in some cases a link to an online copy of their menu. On top there is a search box where you can quickly search for a restaurant if you know the name. Then there is a list of categories which will quickly show only those restaurants which fit a particular category such as, Chinese, Italian, Fast Food etc. There’s also “I am craving” button if you can’t decide and want to go by author’s favorite restaurants in different categories.
It’s really simple and fast, however, it will only work if it’s updated regularly.
While it won’t be able to compete against a comprehensive directory such as Karachi Snob, but from the looks of it, that’s not what the site owner is aiming for. But, where Karachi Snob gives you many different options and layers and layers of information, this site feels like Google of Karachi’s restaurant directory, simple and to the point. According to the person running this site, “Karachi Metro came about in 2005 when I got tired of calling PTCL “17″ to get a restaurant’s number. They never seem to have any of them! Kmetro is a simple, clean space where you can find phone numbers to popular spots in Karachi. Get in, get your number, order your meal. Really helps during lunch time at the office, too.”
The main page shows all the restaurants’ phone numbers sorted alphabetically along with a tag for whether the restaurant delivers or not and in some cases a link to an online copy of their menu. On top there is a search box where you can quickly search for a restaurant if you know the name. Then there is a list of categories which will quickly show only those restaurants which fit a particular category such as, Chinese, Italian, Fast Food etc. There’s also “I am craving” button if you can’t decide and want to go by author’s favorite restaurants in different categories.
It’s really simple and fast, however, it will only work if it’s updated regularly.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
India getting ambitious?
I just read in today's Dawn that last night Indian fighter planes crossed over the Indo-Pak border and violated our airspace. This happened in two separate locations, the azad kashmir (AK) and Lahore sectors. The planes were then chased away by PAF fighters. Indian authorities claimed navigational errors and said that the planes had inadverately crossed the border. Given the current level of tensions between India and Pakistan, analysts have described as ‘meaningful’ the ‘inadvertent’ intrusion of Pakistan’s airspace in two different sectors on the same day for the first time in recent memory. All I have to say to this is "WTF??!!". I mean, Pakistan has agreed to India's demands for cooperation and even raided the Lashkar camps, now what else is it supposed to do? Jeesh...
Saturday, December 13, 2008
My War on Terror
These are just some funny pictures i found on the 'Net, and since so many of them are to do with the War, you can guess why I gave it this title.
Darth Ladin??
I guess the family lamb got bored in a cave.
Who said Chinese dudes don't look gay on broomsticks? Now speaking of gay:
Mmmmmmm...yum!I guess Bush really was desperate for some oil.
It might just hit the batter in the balls. Now thats a security risk.
Who says soldiers don't get tired on duty? Nappy time!
"Fire when ready captain." And drop my screaming ass into the flames of Baghdad. I wonder if he'll actually survive takeoff?
I bet the photographer found a good shot.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Why Nandos WHYYY??
I really hate Nando’s here in Karachi because they manage to ruin the one thing I love the most on their menu, every single time. I am talking about their Pita Meal. Of course this is beside their awesome chocolate cake slice which is really really good.
For some reason they make the Pita bread so soggy that it is impossible to pick it up in your hand and eat it like you are supposed to. The moment you pick it up it starts falling into pieces, with chicken bites falling down and the sauce going all over your hands and then Mayonnaise coming out from the middle as well. Before you know it, you are eating what is supposed to be a sandwich with a fork and knife.
For some reason they make the Pita bread so soggy that it is impossible to pick it up in your hand and eat it like you are supposed to. The moment you pick it up it starts falling into pieces, with chicken bites falling down and the sauce going all over your hands and then Mayonnaise coming out from the middle as well. Before you know it, you are eating what is supposed to be a sandwich with a fork and knife.
Arizona Grill…. we absolutely make sure you’ll love our food
The service levels of Arizona Grill have really gone down the tubes. It seems like they are having trouble handling the success that they’ve had. Although the quality of the food is still superb, especially the steaks are to die for, but to wait for 50 minutes for the steak to arrive is absolutely pathetic, considering that you have already had to wait 25-30 minutes to get the seat because of the “No reservation over the weekend” policy.
Hmmm…. maybe that is why the steak tastes so good, because they starve you beforehand..
Hmmm…. maybe that is why the steak tastes so good, because they starve you beforehand..
Passport office Trip
I was dreading going to renew my passport this whole week. My passport is about to expire so I thought I better get it renewed in case I need it in an emergency, but my previous experience when I went with a friend to have his passport renewed was enough to make me put it off.
Today I finally decided that enough was enough and went to Awami Markaz for the renewal and surprisingly it took me less than half an hour to get everything done, and I didn’t even had to hire an agent. The NADRA system is efficient and has finally managed to get rid of the agent culture that used to be part and parcel of getting anything done at passport office before. Now you can do everything on your own and don’t even need any documents or photographs, just keep your original NIC and passport and you’ll be done in a jiffy. Now if they can do the same things with the driving license office, it’ll be wonderful as my license will expire next year and I will have to go thru that hassle again. Maybe till then the system would’ve changed. Who knows.
Today I finally decided that enough was enough and went to Awami Markaz for the renewal and surprisingly it took me less than half an hour to get everything done, and I didn’t even had to hire an agent. The NADRA system is efficient and has finally managed to get rid of the agent culture that used to be part and parcel of getting anything done at passport office before. Now you can do everything on your own and don’t even need any documents or photographs, just keep your original NIC and passport and you’ll be done in a jiffy. Now if they can do the same things with the driving license office, it’ll be wonderful as my license will expire next year and I will have to go thru that hassle again. Maybe till then the system would’ve changed. Who knows.
How to loose potential customers………………… the Zong way
First up, open up only one customer service center for a city as big as Karachi. This will make sure that the entire center is jam packed so that when the customer who books their favorite number online and goes to pick it up gets daunted and returns without getting the connection. If this doesn’t deter the customer, he will try to go back to the website to edit his booking and have the SIM delivered to his home for an additional charge, only to find out that once you have booked the SIM there is no way to go back and edit it, meaning if you made a mistake, that’s it, you are screwed.
If the customer still really wants that number and decides to come back and brave the crowd to finally get to the counter after waiting in the line, tell him he can only get one connection per NIC. When the customer asks for the reason given the website states that each customer can book up to ten connections per NIC, tell him you can book 10 but get only 1!!!!!
After that when the customer finally selects one number from the multiple numbers that he has booked, tell him he cannot get this number because “we have sent it to our franchise to sell it out.” When the customer blows his fuse and asks how can you sell it when he already has it booked since the last 3 days, tell him that it is still booked under his name but “we have sent it out to our franchise to sell it out.”
When you see that the customer is getting really angry and will not leave without getting his number give him the SIM that you just told him a minute ago that you have sent it to a franchise.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the great Chinese strategy to capture the market and become its leading player.
If the customer still really wants that number and decides to come back and brave the crowd to finally get to the counter after waiting in the line, tell him he can only get one connection per NIC. When the customer asks for the reason given the website states that each customer can book up to ten connections per NIC, tell him you can book 10 but get only 1!!!!!
After that when the customer finally selects one number from the multiple numbers that he has booked, tell him he cannot get this number because “we have sent it to our franchise to sell it out.” When the customer blows his fuse and asks how can you sell it when he already has it booked since the last 3 days, tell him that it is still booked under his name but “we have sent it out to our franchise to sell it out.”
When you see that the customer is getting really angry and will not leave without getting his number give him the SIM that you just told him a minute ago that you have sent it to a franchise.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the great Chinese strategy to capture the market and become its leading player.
Where to get your reading fix in karachi
Since I am into books, I thought why not write a post about the places where I go to buy these books. I’ve searched on the net trying to find some good bookstores besides the ones that I go to, but sadly, there isn’t much information about them considering the size of the city that we live in. I don’t know whether it’s the lack of interest in reading or the lack of interest of these small bookshop owners into using the net as a marketing avenue. Anyway, here goes, the list of places where I go to satisfy my craving for books. Note that I mostly read fiction, so this list is based on that:
First of all, there’s Liberty Books, the best place to go to buy any book you need, because of their huge collection and helpful staff, although sometimes they are overzealous in their helpfulness and end up chasing the customer away. Of course you have to pay the top buck to get your books from there as not only are they the most expensive, but they don’t usually offer discounts at their stores either. They do have a bargain basement at their Clifton shop near BBQ Tonight, but the books that they have there are just not worth the trip. But if you want something that you can’t find anywhere else, you will probably find it Liberty. Just be ready to pay the top price for it.
Another way to go is to shop at Liberty’s online store, where you get free delivery anywhere in Karachi and you get 20% off on each and every item. The good thing about shopping online is that you can shop at your pace, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, without any pushy sales guy giving you advice on which books you should buy. You can check out the ratings of the books on other websites, read reviews, before making the purchase and if you are on their mailing list you will get regular emails of the new arrivals which you can purchase with a few clicks while sitting in your home/office. Although there are a few kinks in their site, for instance while browsing thru the books, you get three options for sorting the books, i.e., by price, by newest arrival and by title, but these don’t work out the way it should as they only sort out the 12-15 books that are displayed on that particular page and not the entire category.
Another draw back is their delivery times, I’ve ordered books that have been delivered the very next day and for some I’ve had to wait for over a week, sometimes even two to three. This you don’t know when you order, however from my experience I’ve realized that it’s best to order in small lots. If you order one or two books and those too from the new arrivals, you will get the fastest delivery times. If you go for 8 to 10 books in an order and they are mixture of new arrivals and published previously then you better be ready to wait for your delivery.
The reason that I have been able to come up with is that they don’t have a central stocking warehouse or if they do, it doesn’t have the entire collection. Therefore they ask their various bookstores to send them the books and once they have all the books they will send them to you. Also, while ordering they won’t tell you whether the book you are ordering are in or out of stock. My last order, which compromised of 9 books, was delivered after over a week and that too after I’ve called them two or three times, in two batches. Out of nine two of the books weren’t delivered. When I called them up about it, I was told that they are out of stock so I can either order some alternate books or ask for refund. If they can work out these kinks, they’ll be one of the best option for a bookie like me.
Third stop is the Paramount Books, located in PECHS, they are famous for their annual book fair in August every year where they offer big discounts on all their wares. I only go to their annual book fair so I don’t know what kind of discounts if any they offer. They also have an online book store, but navigating thru the site is so tedious that I’ve never bothered to order any book online thru them.
Next up, we have Time Books and Stationers, located near National Stadium, next to Time Medico. This is an excellent stop and has recently become my number one shop for books. Reason being that their prices are below Liberty in most of the cases plus the owner will give you 8-10% discount, but you’ll have to ask for it. So lets say The Bourne Identity, which I was browsing at Liberty Online was priced at Rs425 and after 20% discount it will come down to Rs336. I found the same book at Time Books priced at Rs375, and after 10% discount I was able to get it for Rs340. But you’ll have to be careful because some of the books, for instance A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammad Hanif, are priced at same rate here as at Liberty so for those you’ll be better off getting from Liberty Online and get 20% off rather than 10% at Times. Needless to say it’s better to come here rather than going to the Liberty’s brick and mortar stores, where prices are fixed. If you can’t find something here then go to Liberty.
These are the only places I go to buy new books. However more than half of the times I buy used books in order to avoid a big dent on my wallet. My most frequented hangout for used books during my school days used to be Khori Garden. It had the most amazing collection at the most amazing prices and in the most amazing condition. Almost all of the books there used to be in brand spanking new condition at throw away prices. However after coming back to Karachi, I haven’t been able to go there because of the traffic congestion in that area, lack of parking places, lack of time needed to go there during weekdays.
Nowadays, I think the best option for used books has to be the Sunday Bazar in DHA. You get tons and tons of books there, the only problem is that it’s only on Sunday and if you don’t live in that area, then it’s a long ride to and from and parking is a mess!! But it’s all worth it when you can get 3-4 books for the price of one that you’ll buy at Liberty or other places.
So what do you do if you want to buy used books during weekdays?? Well, if you in Clifton/Defence area, there are a few used book shops in Khadda Market, plus one at Boat Basin. And if you are on the other side of the bridge, then you cannot go wrong by going to the University Road, next to Bank Al-Falah and opposite Bait-ul-Mukarram Masjid, where you’ll see different book walas selling their books on thellas on an empty plot. You can get a paperback here anywhere from Rs20 to a maximum of Rs100 in very good condition and if you sister or wife likes to read Archie comics, then check out these prices, Rs25 for singles and Rs50 for doubles.
There are two ways to go around shopping here. You can either spend time to go thru the entire collection of each and every thellay wala and find the stuff that you like, or, you can fix a price with someone, give them a list of books that you want, and he’ll arrange them within a day or two. You can come back, check the condition of the books that he has arranged, take what you like, and leave what you don’t. Personally I prefer this method as it saves a lot of time.
So there, I think that about sums it up for the places I go to take care of my fix for reading. If anyone who reads this and thinks that I have missed some stops, feel free to post them in the comments section.
First of all, there’s Liberty Books, the best place to go to buy any book you need, because of their huge collection and helpful staff, although sometimes they are overzealous in their helpfulness and end up chasing the customer away. Of course you have to pay the top buck to get your books from there as not only are they the most expensive, but they don’t usually offer discounts at their stores either. They do have a bargain basement at their Clifton shop near BBQ Tonight, but the books that they have there are just not worth the trip. But if you want something that you can’t find anywhere else, you will probably find it Liberty. Just be ready to pay the top price for it.
Another way to go is to shop at Liberty’s online store, where you get free delivery anywhere in Karachi and you get 20% off on each and every item. The good thing about shopping online is that you can shop at your pace, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, without any pushy sales guy giving you advice on which books you should buy. You can check out the ratings of the books on other websites, read reviews, before making the purchase and if you are on their mailing list you will get regular emails of the new arrivals which you can purchase with a few clicks while sitting in your home/office. Although there are a few kinks in their site, for instance while browsing thru the books, you get three options for sorting the books, i.e., by price, by newest arrival and by title, but these don’t work out the way it should as they only sort out the 12-15 books that are displayed on that particular page and not the entire category.
Another draw back is their delivery times, I’ve ordered books that have been delivered the very next day and for some I’ve had to wait for over a week, sometimes even two to three. This you don’t know when you order, however from my experience I’ve realized that it’s best to order in small lots. If you order one or two books and those too from the new arrivals, you will get the fastest delivery times. If you go for 8 to 10 books in an order and they are mixture of new arrivals and published previously then you better be ready to wait for your delivery.
The reason that I have been able to come up with is that they don’t have a central stocking warehouse or if they do, it doesn’t have the entire collection. Therefore they ask their various bookstores to send them the books and once they have all the books they will send them to you. Also, while ordering they won’t tell you whether the book you are ordering are in or out of stock. My last order, which compromised of 9 books, was delivered after over a week and that too after I’ve called them two or three times, in two batches. Out of nine two of the books weren’t delivered. When I called them up about it, I was told that they are out of stock so I can either order some alternate books or ask for refund. If they can work out these kinks, they’ll be one of the best option for a bookie like me.
Third stop is the Paramount Books, located in PECHS, they are famous for their annual book fair in August every year where they offer big discounts on all their wares. I only go to their annual book fair so I don’t know what kind of discounts if any they offer. They also have an online book store, but navigating thru the site is so tedious that I’ve never bothered to order any book online thru them.
Next up, we have Time Books and Stationers, located near National Stadium, next to Time Medico. This is an excellent stop and has recently become my number one shop for books. Reason being that their prices are below Liberty in most of the cases plus the owner will give you 8-10% discount, but you’ll have to ask for it. So lets say The Bourne Identity, which I was browsing at Liberty Online was priced at Rs425 and after 20% discount it will come down to Rs336. I found the same book at Time Books priced at Rs375, and after 10% discount I was able to get it for Rs340. But you’ll have to be careful because some of the books, for instance A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammad Hanif, are priced at same rate here as at Liberty so for those you’ll be better off getting from Liberty Online and get 20% off rather than 10% at Times. Needless to say it’s better to come here rather than going to the Liberty’s brick and mortar stores, where prices are fixed. If you can’t find something here then go to Liberty.
These are the only places I go to buy new books. However more than half of the times I buy used books in order to avoid a big dent on my wallet. My most frequented hangout for used books during my school days used to be Khori Garden. It had the most amazing collection at the most amazing prices and in the most amazing condition. Almost all of the books there used to be in brand spanking new condition at throw away prices. However after coming back to Karachi, I haven’t been able to go there because of the traffic congestion in that area, lack of parking places, lack of time needed to go there during weekdays.
Nowadays, I think the best option for used books has to be the Sunday Bazar in DHA. You get tons and tons of books there, the only problem is that it’s only on Sunday and if you don’t live in that area, then it’s a long ride to and from and parking is a mess!! But it’s all worth it when you can get 3-4 books for the price of one that you’ll buy at Liberty or other places.
So what do you do if you want to buy used books during weekdays?? Well, if you in Clifton/Defence area, there are a few used book shops in Khadda Market, plus one at Boat Basin. And if you are on the other side of the bridge, then you cannot go wrong by going to the University Road, next to Bank Al-Falah and opposite Bait-ul-Mukarram Masjid, where you’ll see different book walas selling their books on thellas on an empty plot. You can get a paperback here anywhere from Rs20 to a maximum of Rs100 in very good condition and if you sister or wife likes to read Archie comics, then check out these prices, Rs25 for singles and Rs50 for doubles.
There are two ways to go around shopping here. You can either spend time to go thru the entire collection of each and every thellay wala and find the stuff that you like, or, you can fix a price with someone, give them a list of books that you want, and he’ll arrange them within a day or two. You can come back, check the condition of the books that he has arranged, take what you like, and leave what you don’t. Personally I prefer this method as it saves a lot of time.
So there, I think that about sums it up for the places I go to take care of my fix for reading. If anyone who reads this and thinks that I have missed some stops, feel free to post them in the comments section.
V-Track-No we don't.
It seems like I have been little harsh on Trakker (a local vehicle tracking company). So what if their customer service reps were a little off when it came to the initial setup, at least they haven’t caused any gaffe afterwards.
I was thanking my lucky stars that I went with them after my experience with another tracking company named V-Track, who had installed their system in my friend’s car. A couple of weeks ago, I was roaming around with my friends on a Saturday night. Since it was just the four of us, we decided against playing cards or go bowling because they are more fun when there are more people involved. One of my friends hadn’t seen the Lyari Expressway yet so we decided to head over there. On the way we called V-Track’s hotline and asked them whether Lyari Expressway was one of their no-go areas (they shut down the car if it goes outside Karachi) and were informed that since this is within Karachi limits its okay to travel on it without informing them. Fair enough, we got on the expressway. Half way through, we got a call from V-Track (same representative) asking us our current location, which was really weird because they are supposed to be tracking the car and should know where we are. Anyway, after confirming everything is okay and giving us detailed information about their 7 exit points where they shut down the car, he hung up.
We got off the expressway and headed towards the Mai Kolachi Road. As we were passing the Lyari area our car was shut down. It shouldn’t have been a big deal if it weren’t 2 o’clock in the morning and all those news headlines about Arshad Pappu and Rehman Dakait’s gang war started flashing in our minds. We immediately got out of the car and started walking towards a chai ka dhabba which was a few meters away. Once we got there, my friend started calling the V-Track’s rep and literally started abusing him for shutting down the car even though he was told twice not to do that. Even then it took them a good 15 to 20 minutes to turn the car on.
During this period a couple of policewala on motorbike stopped by and after inquiring that the car belongs to us, asked us to move it as this is not a safe area and then sped off themselves.
Later on my friend told us this is the third time this has happened and the other two locations were near Mazar-e-Quaid and Bahadurabad. Imagine if this would have happened if my friend’s wife was with him. We told him that he should take this thing off as this is really dangerous especially in a city like Karachi, but according to him, it’s his company’s policy to have the tracking device installed by V-Track and he is helpless about it.
I was thanking my lucky stars that I went with them after my experience with another tracking company named V-Track, who had installed their system in my friend’s car. A couple of weeks ago, I was roaming around with my friends on a Saturday night. Since it was just the four of us, we decided against playing cards or go bowling because they are more fun when there are more people involved. One of my friends hadn’t seen the Lyari Expressway yet so we decided to head over there. On the way we called V-Track’s hotline and asked them whether Lyari Expressway was one of their no-go areas (they shut down the car if it goes outside Karachi) and were informed that since this is within Karachi limits its okay to travel on it without informing them. Fair enough, we got on the expressway. Half way through, we got a call from V-Track (same representative) asking us our current location, which was really weird because they are supposed to be tracking the car and should know where we are. Anyway, after confirming everything is okay and giving us detailed information about their 7 exit points where they shut down the car, he hung up.
We got off the expressway and headed towards the Mai Kolachi Road. As we were passing the Lyari area our car was shut down. It shouldn’t have been a big deal if it weren’t 2 o’clock in the morning and all those news headlines about Arshad Pappu and Rehman Dakait’s gang war started flashing in our minds. We immediately got out of the car and started walking towards a chai ka dhabba which was a few meters away. Once we got there, my friend started calling the V-Track’s rep and literally started abusing him for shutting down the car even though he was told twice not to do that. Even then it took them a good 15 to 20 minutes to turn the car on.
During this period a couple of policewala on motorbike stopped by and after inquiring that the car belongs to us, asked us to move it as this is not a safe area and then sped off themselves.
Later on my friend told us this is the third time this has happened and the other two locations were near Mazar-e-Quaid and Bahadurabad. Imagine if this would have happened if my friend’s wife was with him. We told him that he should take this thing off as this is really dangerous especially in a city like Karachi, but according to him, it’s his company’s policy to have the tracking device installed by V-Track and he is helpless about it.
Spiralling downwards
This occurred with an acquaintance a couple of weeks back, and shows the true form of “jis ki lathi, uss ki bhens!”(the cow belongs to whoever has the stick). Here’s how he puts the entire event in his own words:
“I was driving back home when a car came 2 a sudden halt in front of me near the commercial area. The guy stood there 4about a minute not being able to decide where to go. I simply honked at him couple of times….guess that’s what annoyed him. He followed me and while I was entering my home, he came n slightly bumped my car from behind which sent me in a fit of rage. I followed him n blocked his car a few 100 yards from my house and got out of the car to bash him up or give him a few slaps, the next thing I know he fired three shots at me one of which pierced my knee n put me through an agonizing ordeal to recover from”
Guess nowadays, you can’t even correct anyone…..
This reminded me of a similar incident that happened with me earlier this year. I was going to pick up my son from his school with my wife. The person ahead of me, in a vehicle that had government number plate was crawling at slow speed blocking the road up ahead. I honked the horn to which he moved a little giving me space to squeeze by him. After a minute, I noticed he was speeding up behind me, honking his horn, making me wonder what the hell is wrong with this asshole. When I gave him way to over take my car, he slowed down next to me and asked me “Why were you honking your horn at me?” The question took me by surprise and I replied, “Cuz you were blocking the way”.
At that point he picked up a gun and pointed it to my face and told me there was a pothole on the road that’s why he had to slow down. The exact thought going thru my mind was “How the fuck was I supposed to see what was in front of your car, you asshole” but thankfully the barrel of the gun staring down at me made me keep my mouth shut. Then he told me if I ever do that again, he’s going to shoot me (WTF!!) and drove away.
What is happening to us? Have we really forgotten that one day we have to answer for whatever we do in this world?
“I was driving back home when a car came 2 a sudden halt in front of me near the commercial area. The guy stood there 4about a minute not being able to decide where to go. I simply honked at him couple of times….guess that’s what annoyed him. He followed me and while I was entering my home, he came n slightly bumped my car from behind which sent me in a fit of rage. I followed him n blocked his car a few 100 yards from my house and got out of the car to bash him up or give him a few slaps, the next thing I know he fired three shots at me one of which pierced my knee n put me through an agonizing ordeal to recover from”
Guess nowadays, you can’t even correct anyone…..
This reminded me of a similar incident that happened with me earlier this year. I was going to pick up my son from his school with my wife. The person ahead of me, in a vehicle that had government number plate was crawling at slow speed blocking the road up ahead. I honked the horn to which he moved a little giving me space to squeeze by him. After a minute, I noticed he was speeding up behind me, honking his horn, making me wonder what the hell is wrong with this asshole. When I gave him way to over take my car, he slowed down next to me and asked me “Why were you honking your horn at me?” The question took me by surprise and I replied, “Cuz you were blocking the way”.
At that point he picked up a gun and pointed it to my face and told me there was a pothole on the road that’s why he had to slow down. The exact thought going thru my mind was “How the fuck was I supposed to see what was in front of your car, you asshole” but thankfully the barrel of the gun staring down at me made me keep my mouth shut. Then he told me if I ever do that again, he’s going to shoot me (WTF!!) and drove away.
What is happening to us? Have we really forgotten that one day we have to answer for whatever we do in this world?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Decision Time
A beautiful woman was walking on the roof of a building. She slipped and fell. An American man was standing in his balcony. He reaches out and catches her. She says: ‘Oh thank you, you saved my life; I’ll do ANYTHING for you…’
The man says: ‘Okay then, kiss me.’
She says: ‘You PIG!! NEVER!!’
So he drops her….
She continues to fall… Suddenly a German man catches her from his balcony. She says: ‘Oh thank you, you saved me, I’ll do anything you want…’ . The German says: ‘Fraulein, kiss me.’
She replies: ‘Oh you nasty pig!!! NEVER!’
So the man says: ‘Fine!!!’ and he also drops her.
While falling she thought that it would have been better if she had kissed one of those men instead of dying now.
A third man catches the woman from his balcony and saves her. She says: ‘Oh thank you, you saved my life, I’ll Kiss you!!
The man replies: ‘Astaghfar Allah’and drops her!!!!!!!!
Moral of the story:1) A successful policy of company A doesn’t necessarily work for company B
2) The decision taken at THE RIGHT time is the ONLY right decision
The man says: ‘Okay then, kiss me.’
She says: ‘You PIG!! NEVER!!’
So he drops her….
She continues to fall… Suddenly a German man catches her from his balcony. She says: ‘Oh thank you, you saved me, I’ll do anything you want…’ . The German says: ‘Fraulein, kiss me.’
She replies: ‘Oh you nasty pig!!! NEVER!’
So the man says: ‘Fine!!!’ and he also drops her.
While falling she thought that it would have been better if she had kissed one of those men instead of dying now.
A third man catches the woman from his balcony and saves her. She says: ‘Oh thank you, you saved my life, I’ll Kiss you!!
The man replies: ‘Astaghfar Allah’and drops her!!!!!!!!
Moral of the story:1) A successful policy of company A doesn’t necessarily work for company B
2) The decision taken at THE RIGHT time is the ONLY right decision
Comic humour
I just got this in the mail and its' HILARIOUS!if anyone knows where I can get more of these, do tell me at faiz93@hotmail.com or faizumz@live.com
Mating Kings
Just read somewhere that lion mate over 50 times a day and are likely to forgo eating. Well, humans would also gladly skip a meal or two for sex but FIFTY FUCKING TIMES!!!!!! No wonder they are called Kings of Jungle!!!
ROWRRRRRRR!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
15 great ways to get revenge
The Internet is a great tool. If you are screwed over by someone, you now only have to Google the best way to get back at them…. here is a sample of the things you can do to get even.
1. Revenge on a dirty roommate - using a hairdryer blow flour or powder under their door to give everything an awesome white coat…
2. Revenge on a neighbor - write a nasty message on your target’s lawn in weed killer, they’ll never get rid of the bald patches…
3. Revenge on anyone who doesn’t live with you - put gelatin down your target’s toilet, in a few days it’ll get solid…
4. When your roommate goes away, water his/her carpet and sow mustard and cress seeds for a lush shag pile…
5. Revenge on a neighbor - replace weed killer with plant food - they’ll curse their green fingers…
6. Float unwrapped chocolate bars and toilet paper in your neighbor’s pool…
7. Get as many alarm clocks as possible, set them for different times throughout the night and hide them on your roommate’s room…
8. Fill your coworker’s umbrella or coat hood with hole-punch waster, or even better four for a sudden blizzard…
9. Take your friend’s bike, get a ladder and raise it over a lamppost so that it passes through the whole in the middle of the bike frame. Hide and witness their frustration…
10. Take your boyfriend’s favorite clubbing shirt and use an ultraviolet pen and write what’s on your mind, under any black light your message will appear…
11. Revenge on golfers - put dog crap in golf holes…
12. Make up elaborate flyers for a wild party at your enemy’s home and wait for the guests to arrive…
13. Place a singles ad with your ex’s phone number in newspapers and websites…
14. Subscribe your enemy to every form of junk mail you can lay your hands on, the more embarrassing the better…
15. Subscribe your ex to all sorts of weird sex magazines but send them to his neighbor’s…
1. Revenge on a dirty roommate - using a hairdryer blow flour or powder under their door to give everything an awesome white coat…
2. Revenge on a neighbor - write a nasty message on your target’s lawn in weed killer, they’ll never get rid of the bald patches…
3. Revenge on anyone who doesn’t live with you - put gelatin down your target’s toilet, in a few days it’ll get solid…
4. When your roommate goes away, water his/her carpet and sow mustard and cress seeds for a lush shag pile…
5. Revenge on a neighbor - replace weed killer with plant food - they’ll curse their green fingers…
6. Float unwrapped chocolate bars and toilet paper in your neighbor’s pool…
7. Get as many alarm clocks as possible, set them for different times throughout the night and hide them on your roommate’s room…
8. Fill your coworker’s umbrella or coat hood with hole-punch waster, or even better four for a sudden blizzard…
9. Take your friend’s bike, get a ladder and raise it over a lamppost so that it passes through the whole in the middle of the bike frame. Hide and witness their frustration…
10. Take your boyfriend’s favorite clubbing shirt and use an ultraviolet pen and write what’s on your mind, under any black light your message will appear…
11. Revenge on golfers - put dog crap in golf holes…
12. Make up elaborate flyers for a wild party at your enemy’s home and wait for the guests to arrive…
13. Place a singles ad with your ex’s phone number in newspapers and websites…
14. Subscribe your enemy to every form of junk mail you can lay your hands on, the more embarrassing the better…
15. Subscribe your ex to all sorts of weird sex magazines but send them to his neighbor’s…
Mobilink GPRS and Sony Ericsson GC79 connect card
Onwards with my quest to be connected all the time, every time, I’ve taken another step. After the failed experiment of the VPTCL, which neither gave constant speed, and nor was it true wireless, because you have to carry the huge set around with you, and the battery wasn’t that good either.
The only option at my disposal was to setup a Wifi network at my place and have either the regular dial-up, or DSL. Setting up the Wifi itself is expensive, add to that the huge amount the ISPs are charging for DSL every month, and I had to scratch that option.
The last resort, came in the form of a company that I love to hate. Mobilink, or as is popularly known here, Maybe-link. After being frustrated by their “Network Busy” messages, I threw away the cell phone connection I had and switched over to Ufone, vowing never to return to it, no matter what.
But after it’s launching of GPRS and being the only company in Pakistan that gives the option of unlimited GPRS for a fixed monthly amount, I had to give in and return to its customer service for a new connection. I was intrigued by their offer especially when it came with a GPRS connect card that would make my laptop connected to the net, wherever I go. I collected all the details and then started doing my research, which was a good thing because it saved me from being ripped off.
Mobilink are offering their GPRS connect card, which is basically Sony Ericsson’s GC75 card with a Mobilink sticker on it for Rs. 12,700 (inc of taxes). If you go to any mobile store in Karachi, you can get SE’s GC79 card for around Rs. 8,000. When I asked the Mobilink representative about this difference, he made up a story of how the card that they are offering is compatible and if I buy the card from outside, I will have problems with the settings and it won’t work. It sounded like a lot of BS so I decided to buy the GC79. I bought it from a Sony Ericsson shop in Clifton Center, and bought a zero line rent Mobilink Indigo post paid connection with GPRS activated.
The installation was simple, you install the software and plug in the card, it asks you the APN of the service provider and the username and password. I checked out Mobilink’s site and the APN was there. For post paid users, the APN is “connect.mobilinkworld.com”. The site said to leave the username and password blank. I did just that and guess what, it didn’t work. I called the helpline and asked for the username and password to which I was told it is “mobilink” for both fields. I didn’t argue as to why it was stated blank on the website because I was in a hurry to see the results.
After putting in the right information, I was immediately connected and ready to surf. The speed isn’t that bad, it is almost 75% of what I get with the Cyber Hi Speed that I use at home, which is not bad, plus I get the freedom to roam around anywhere without wires.
However, I tried it again last night and it wouldn’t connect to the network, same result this morning. But right now I am connected and everything seems okay. I am giving mobilink the benefit of the doubt as this might be a one off problem. Will try again tonight and see if it works.
Hopefully this will end better than the VPTCL experiment and this could be it for my search to wireless connectivity until the government decides to reduce the DSL rates.
The only option at my disposal was to setup a Wifi network at my place and have either the regular dial-up, or DSL. Setting up the Wifi itself is expensive, add to that the huge amount the ISPs are charging for DSL every month, and I had to scratch that option.
The last resort, came in the form of a company that I love to hate. Mobilink, or as is popularly known here, Maybe-link. After being frustrated by their “Network Busy” messages, I threw away the cell phone connection I had and switched over to Ufone, vowing never to return to it, no matter what.
But after it’s launching of GPRS and being the only company in Pakistan that gives the option of unlimited GPRS for a fixed monthly amount, I had to give in and return to its customer service for a new connection. I was intrigued by their offer especially when it came with a GPRS connect card that would make my laptop connected to the net, wherever I go. I collected all the details and then started doing my research, which was a good thing because it saved me from being ripped off.
Mobilink are offering their GPRS connect card, which is basically Sony Ericsson’s GC75 card with a Mobilink sticker on it for Rs. 12,700 (inc of taxes). If you go to any mobile store in Karachi, you can get SE’s GC79 card for around Rs. 8,000. When I asked the Mobilink representative about this difference, he made up a story of how the card that they are offering is compatible and if I buy the card from outside, I will have problems with the settings and it won’t work. It sounded like a lot of BS so I decided to buy the GC79. I bought it from a Sony Ericsson shop in Clifton Center, and bought a zero line rent Mobilink Indigo post paid connection with GPRS activated.
The installation was simple, you install the software and plug in the card, it asks you the APN of the service provider and the username and password. I checked out Mobilink’s site and the APN was there. For post paid users, the APN is “connect.mobilinkworld.com”. The site said to leave the username and password blank. I did just that and guess what, it didn’t work. I called the helpline and asked for the username and password to which I was told it is “mobilink” for both fields. I didn’t argue as to why it was stated blank on the website because I was in a hurry to see the results.
After putting in the right information, I was immediately connected and ready to surf. The speed isn’t that bad, it is almost 75% of what I get with the Cyber Hi Speed that I use at home, which is not bad, plus I get the freedom to roam around anywhere without wires.
However, I tried it again last night and it wouldn’t connect to the network, same result this morning. But right now I am connected and everything seems okay. I am giving mobilink the benefit of the doubt as this might be a one off problem. Will try again tonight and see if it works.
Hopefully this will end better than the VPTCL experiment and this could be it for my search to wireless connectivity until the government decides to reduce the DSL rates.
Unbelievable - Mobile Numbers of Girls For Sale
I was shocked to read this entry by Ghazala Khan on The Pakistani Spectator. It’s amazing that the frustration level of males in our city has stooped so low that now the phone numbers of girls are being sold to whoever is willing to pay the price and if the price is high then a vague description of how the girl looks is also provided.
How can these guys do such things? Don’t they have any fear of God? Don’t they believe in as you sow so shall you reap?
Mobile Numbers of Girls For SalePosted by Ghazala KhanSaturday, December 15, 2007
For the last two weeks, I was harassed, annoyed, cajoled and threatened by some anonymous and obnoxious calls by some five or six persons on my cell number. Initially when one or two guys called me, I took it as routine missed calls in which people tried to exploit the fluke. But then it became a norm, and I was really listened to some horrible music.
It’s hard to believe but every day in the last two week, I received some 30 or 40 wrong calls on average from different unique numbers on my mobile phone. The experience was horrible. Every one was polite initially. Their objective was same and that was to strike a lasting friendship with the girl on the other side of the mobile. The frightening thing was that though they didn’t know my name and whereabouts (though some pretended that they knew), but they were roughly aware of my visage.
The method of every person was more or less same, though some tried to innovate it. Average callers called me, apologized to me for disturbing me, then asked for my permission to say ‘something’, and then they introduced themselves, and then told me that how lonely they were, and how badly they wanted a sincere friend like me. Initially I didn’t talk to them, and I used to cut off the connection, as soon as I realized its yet another wrong call.
But when it went out of hand, then I tried to reason with the callers. They took it as a cue for further advances. They poured sagas of love and humanity and friendship in my ear, and they quoted the verses of Ghalib and Zauq. They sent me the sms full of love and romance quotes, and they sent me flowers, and roses and hearts in sms. I was thoroughly insulted through mobile mania. Then I let loose my anger, and whoever called me received my severe abuse and rebuttal. I thought that it would shut their mouths tight, and they would look elsewhere.
I didn’t know how wrong I was. Curse unleashed right after that. People started sending me salacious text messages and they sent me nude pictures. I disabled the mms service, but I couldn’t figure out, how to block sms. I, then pleaded with Mobilink support, and they promised to look into the matter. I gave them numbers, but in vain. My suffering continued.
Then I went to the local Mobilink office and went straight to their regional manager. I put forward the lewd text messages displayed on my mobiles in front of him, and then described the whole situation. Perhaps that was the way to do it, actually, as he at once ordered his staff to block all the numbers and trace their owners. He promised me that all the numbers would be blocked in half an hour. I thanked him and came back. But the calls didn’t stop to my utmost agony.
I selected one caller, and pretended a friendship with him. I talked with him a little, and even called him once or twice, and he was ecstatic. After some calls and chats, I casually asked him as from where exactly he has got my number. He tried to circumvent the answer, but at last told me that actually he purchased my number from an Easy Load Center of Jazz for Rs. 50. Yes, I went there to re-charge my balance, I recalled in my mind. Upon my shocking voices, he said that it was fast becoming a lucrative business as not only the Easy Load owner sells the numbers, they also sell the visage and figure feature of ladies for extra charges. I knew right there, that the only option I had was to get a new number. That’s what I did.
Easy Load is now an Unbearable Load for Me.
How can these guys do such things? Don’t they have any fear of God? Don’t they believe in as you sow so shall you reap?
Mobile Numbers of Girls For SalePosted by Ghazala KhanSaturday, December 15, 2007
For the last two weeks, I was harassed, annoyed, cajoled and threatened by some anonymous and obnoxious calls by some five or six persons on my cell number. Initially when one or two guys called me, I took it as routine missed calls in which people tried to exploit the fluke. But then it became a norm, and I was really listened to some horrible music.
It’s hard to believe but every day in the last two week, I received some 30 or 40 wrong calls on average from different unique numbers on my mobile phone. The experience was horrible. Every one was polite initially. Their objective was same and that was to strike a lasting friendship with the girl on the other side of the mobile. The frightening thing was that though they didn’t know my name and whereabouts (though some pretended that they knew), but they were roughly aware of my visage.
The method of every person was more or less same, though some tried to innovate it. Average callers called me, apologized to me for disturbing me, then asked for my permission to say ‘something’, and then they introduced themselves, and then told me that how lonely they were, and how badly they wanted a sincere friend like me. Initially I didn’t talk to them, and I used to cut off the connection, as soon as I realized its yet another wrong call.
But when it went out of hand, then I tried to reason with the callers. They took it as a cue for further advances. They poured sagas of love and humanity and friendship in my ear, and they quoted the verses of Ghalib and Zauq. They sent me the sms full of love and romance quotes, and they sent me flowers, and roses and hearts in sms. I was thoroughly insulted through mobile mania. Then I let loose my anger, and whoever called me received my severe abuse and rebuttal. I thought that it would shut their mouths tight, and they would look elsewhere.
I didn’t know how wrong I was. Curse unleashed right after that. People started sending me salacious text messages and they sent me nude pictures. I disabled the mms service, but I couldn’t figure out, how to block sms. I, then pleaded with Mobilink support, and they promised to look into the matter. I gave them numbers, but in vain. My suffering continued.
Then I went to the local Mobilink office and went straight to their regional manager. I put forward the lewd text messages displayed on my mobiles in front of him, and then described the whole situation. Perhaps that was the way to do it, actually, as he at once ordered his staff to block all the numbers and trace their owners. He promised me that all the numbers would be blocked in half an hour. I thanked him and came back. But the calls didn’t stop to my utmost agony.
I selected one caller, and pretended a friendship with him. I talked with him a little, and even called him once or twice, and he was ecstatic. After some calls and chats, I casually asked him as from where exactly he has got my number. He tried to circumvent the answer, but at last told me that actually he purchased my number from an Easy Load Center of Jazz for Rs. 50. Yes, I went there to re-charge my balance, I recalled in my mind. Upon my shocking voices, he said that it was fast becoming a lucrative business as not only the Easy Load owner sells the numbers, they also sell the visage and figure feature of ladies for extra charges. I knew right there, that the only option I had was to get a new number. That’s what I did.
Easy Load is now an Unbearable Load for Me.
Build It and they'll come.
If you’ve ever driven in Karachi, the one thing that bothers you most out of the list nuisance are those people who need to catch the bus and who think that it’s their right for the bus to stop wherever they are standing. It is a common sight to see a bus stopping to pick up 3 or 4 different passengers standing apart all within a few steps of each other.
When the government started the Urban Public Transport system with those green air conditioned busses and educated drivers and conductors, there was hope that maybe just maybe things will change, however it was quickly realized that educating the driver and conductor is not going to do any good when our public is full of educated jahils. Pretty soon these busses also started following the old trend of stopping everywhere to pick up the passengers.
This time around CDGK has taken a new path and a couple of months ago and built brand spanking new bus stops throughout the Signal Free Corridor between Sharah-e-Faisal and SITE. These bus stops were not only good to look at but practical as well. They provide a clean place to rest yourself, provide shade from the sun during the day, and a well lighted place after sunset. I was a little skeptical at first, whether our public will use them as previously such exercises from the government had gone down the drain. But this time it was a little different as people started gathering at these stops. So I guess that old saying was correct that if you build them, they will come, or in this case, they will use it.
When the government started the Urban Public Transport system with those green air conditioned busses and educated drivers and conductors, there was hope that maybe just maybe things will change, however it was quickly realized that educating the driver and conductor is not going to do any good when our public is full of educated jahils. Pretty soon these busses also started following the old trend of stopping everywhere to pick up the passengers.
This time around CDGK has taken a new path and a couple of months ago and built brand spanking new bus stops throughout the Signal Free Corridor between Sharah-e-Faisal and SITE. These bus stops were not only good to look at but practical as well. They provide a clean place to rest yourself, provide shade from the sun during the day, and a well lighted place after sunset. I was a little skeptical at first, whether our public will use them as previously such exercises from the government had gone down the drain. But this time it was a little different as people started gathering at these stops. So I guess that old saying was correct that if you build them, they will come, or in this case, they will use it.
The good thing about these stops are that they are brought in and only assembled at the site, which means putting it up is very easy, and in a day they can erect many of these stops. The stops are also designed keeping in mind the advertisers in order to make them self sufficient. However, what I still have to see is how they will hold up if and when the rioting happens, because most of it as you can see in the pic is made of clear glass/plastic.
Anyway, now that CDGK has seen that the idea works, they are expanding it to more places besides the signal free corridor. There’s also a rumor going around that Jahangir Siddiqui, a prominent Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) broker has bought stake in the company who has the contract for these stops and is planning on putting em up through out Karachi. Once they are erected, then they’ll start renting them out for ads to the marketing companies and start earning revenue from it.
I hope they succeed, as not only do these bus stops give a good look to our city, but also are a much better and safer alternative to those huge billboards for the advertising companies.
Super Enterprises=Super lousy Service
The Nikon dealer for Pakistan, Super Enterprises are either the most unprofessional Nikon dealers in the world or they’ve taken money from Canon to give the lousiest customer service ever in order to convert all Nikonians to Canonittes!!!!
This was the first time I was dealing with them. I wanted a wireless remote for my D80, so I tried calling them up last week. However, the UAN number that is listed on official Nikon website didn’t worked. Being the persistent kind, I googled up their Lahore office’s phone number, called them up and asked them to give me some other number of Karachi office besides the UAN which doesn’t work.
Then I called the Karachi office and asked them whether they have the wireless remote in their stock for D80. They said they’ll have to confirm the availability and prices from their Head office in Lahore and I should check back after half an hour.
One hour and three phone calls later they confirmed that yes they have it in their stock in Lahore and the price is Rs. 1,800 and if I order it today (which was Friday) I can have it by Tuesday. I confirmed then and there because I really needed it.
Today when I called up before going to pick it up just to make sure that they have received it from Lahore, I was told that it will be with them in the next 2 hours, however the price has gone up to RS 3,800!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was dumbstruck and said that you just confirmed me when I ordered that it was Rs 1,800 how can the price increase by over a 100% during 2-3 days??? To which I was told that the head office has instructed them that this remote came in the later shipment so the price of it is now Rs. 3,800 and that I can have it within the next 2 hours but I’ll have to pay the new price!!!!!!!
Is this blackmailing or what!!!!!!!
This was the first time I was dealing with them. I wanted a wireless remote for my D80, so I tried calling them up last week. However, the UAN number that is listed on official Nikon website didn’t worked. Being the persistent kind, I googled up their Lahore office’s phone number, called them up and asked them to give me some other number of Karachi office besides the UAN which doesn’t work.
Then I called the Karachi office and asked them whether they have the wireless remote in their stock for D80. They said they’ll have to confirm the availability and prices from their Head office in Lahore and I should check back after half an hour.
One hour and three phone calls later they confirmed that yes they have it in their stock in Lahore and the price is Rs. 1,800 and if I order it today (which was Friday) I can have it by Tuesday. I confirmed then and there because I really needed it.
Today when I called up before going to pick it up just to make sure that they have received it from Lahore, I was told that it will be with them in the next 2 hours, however the price has gone up to RS 3,800!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was dumbstruck and said that you just confirmed me when I ordered that it was Rs 1,800 how can the price increase by over a 100% during 2-3 days??? To which I was told that the head office has instructed them that this remote came in the later shipment so the price of it is now Rs. 3,800 and that I can have it within the next 2 hours but I’ll have to pay the new price!!!!!!!
Is this blackmailing or what!!!!!!!
Only in--KARACHI!!!
You know your from Karachi when:
You get shocked when someone stops at a yellow light.
You never really know what to say when someone asks you what there is to see in Karachi.
You give "missed calls".
You've never really seen a tourist.
You feel you never have to wait in line if you are with "lay-diss" (ladies).
You've bought a dvd of a movie that hasnt even been released yet.
You actually go "out for coffee".
You used to go for tutions even though didnt need them.
You say that you really like that restaurant/shop and someone says "oh yea, my family owns that".
You roll down your car window and you can actually touch the car next to you.
You go by landmarks not street names.
Your only argument in the Lahore/Karachi debate is "well we have a beach".
You never realized that North Nazimabad was actually in the North.
You never have dinner before 1am in wedding season .
You blame everything on K.E.S.C
Your school closes everytime it rains.
You get shocked when someone stops at a yellow light.
You never really know what to say when someone asks you what there is to see in Karachi.
You give "missed calls".
You've never really seen a tourist.
You feel you never have to wait in line if you are with "lay-diss" (ladies).
You've bought a dvd of a movie that hasnt even been released yet.
You actually go "out for coffee".
You used to go for tutions even though didnt need them.
You say that you really like that restaurant/shop and someone says "oh yea, my family owns that".
You roll down your car window and you can actually touch the car next to you.
You go by landmarks not street names.
Your only argument in the Lahore/Karachi debate is "well we have a beach".
You never realized that North Nazimabad was actually in the North.
You never have dinner before 1am in wedding season .
You blame everything on K.E.S.C
Your school closes everytime it rains.
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