Delusions of Grandeur

That Familiar Bit O' Music

2011-06-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

“I didn’t go to the moon, I went much further – for time is the longest distance between two places – Not long after that I was fired for writing a poem on the lid of a shoe-box. I left Saint Louis. I descended the steps of this fire-escape for a last time and followed, from then on, in my father’s footsteps, attempting to find in motion what was lost in space – I traveled around a great deal. The cities swept about me like dead leaves, leaves that were brightly colored but torn away from the branches. I would have stopped, but I was pursued by something. It always came upon me unawares, taking me altogether by surprise. Perhaps it was a familiar bit of music. Perhaps it was only a piece of transparent glass – Perhaps I am walking along a street at night in some strange city, before I have found companions. I pass the lighted window of a shop where perfume is sold. The window is filled with pieces of colored glass, tiny transparent bottles in delicate colors, like bits of a shattered rainbow. Then all at once my sister touches my shoulder. I turn around and look into her eyes … Oh, Laura, Laura, I tried to leave you behind me, but I am more faithful than I intended to be! I reach for a cigarette, I cross the street, I run into the movies or a bar, I buy a drink, I speak to the nearest stranger – anything that can blow your candles out – for nowadays the world is lit by lightening! Blow out your candles, Laura – and so good-bye…..”

-The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams.

Highway Vagabonds

2011-03-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

Drifting on the unknown highways
yearning for new musical alleys
gypsy-fied and music-ised
we're cacoethes personified
Roving against the raging storms
We're the highway vagabonds

This spirit of vagabonding is merely the legacy of my father that runs in my blood and which is one of the countless things that make me feel proud of him. The rapture of exploration and drifting along the unknown highways is, one has to admit, matchless.

One of the initial clauses of the 'Life List' I wrote a couple of years back was to travel from Multan to Lahore on a bike and finally, after several set-backs and postponements, I managed to fulfill it - and I must confess, this wouldn't have been possible without the ardent company of my partner-in-vagabonding, Tariq.

So on the decided Sunday of 16th of January, 2011, we set out for Lahore, after initially receiving obstructions and finally listening instructions from our elders, in the company of our loyal bike. Unfortunately, the weather was not really favorable and Sun was constantly being eclipsed by the clouds, but we couldn't afford to delay the plan any more. Our first stop was Khanewal which was arrived at in almost an hour and the journey seemed like a piece of cake, which later proved to be not-really-the-case.

We were having a bit of a problem with the clouds because of their constantly forcing hide and seek with Sun, otherwise the conditions was quite smooth. Our next stop was Mian Channoon, the city famous for it's special 'burfi'. We smoked a couple of cigarettes there and after some 20 minutes, proceeded onwards. A resort that emerged in my mind on the road was Harappa, the ancient city which happens to be in ruins now, located in the suburbs of Chicha-Watni, after Mian Channoon. Tariq was a bit reluctant about that visit since it was neither initially included in the plan nor was allowed by time, but made up his mind after some consideration.

So, with all our eagerness we arrived at Harappa ruins, only to be disappointed. We had imaged some magnificent ancient curiosities to be found at that place, but it proved out to be quite insipid. The museum was also just a muse with nothing um about it. Photography, as usual, was not allowed inside the museum but it didn't bother us much since there wasn't much stuff worthy of being photographed (Nope, grapes are not sour; that was actually the case.) So, we decided that either this is a big and tasteless gag or most of the place hasn't been discovered yet. After departing Harappa, we tried out a short cut for Sahiwal. Now although it was a short cut but we are certainly misinformed by the guy at Harappa that the "road is newly constructed and very smooth" - another gag I'd say. What we were mighty glad about was that the bike survived the road without being punctured, otherwise we would've had to spend a night in some nearby village (not a bad idea, btw, is it?)

Another stop at Sahiwal and we were on the road again, by this time the Sun was near drowning and it was a pretty good sight. An idea the struck me late but still not-too-late was to take the photographs of the beauty surrounding us from both sides of the road while on the bike. Against my suspicion, this proved to be a pretty good idea and made some fine photographs. We made a stop at a petrol-pump after Okarah to capture further enchantment of the dying sun.

By the time we started, the sun had set and Winter evening was closing in it's chilly claws upon us. After continuing obstinately for another 45 minutes or so, we had to make another stop and warm ourselves up with some tea and dry fruit. It was some eight hours since we'd left Multan and Lahore was still some 50 to 60 km ahead and I now almost agreed with Tariq that spending more than an hour at Harappa was, after all, not a very good idea.

Anyways, with running noses and chilled bones and above all, with a sense of fulfillment, we continued with the adventure and after another hour or so, we entered Lahore and I don't think that the sight of Thokar Niaz bypass ever made us happier than now. The first thing after raiding the flat was, of course, to sip away hot coffee and narrate the cherished journey - finally undertaken.

A Night To Remember.

2011-03-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

I was half asleep when I heard my flat mates planning a Thursday night visit to Data Sahab, since Thursday night the usual shrine activities are at their peak. Of course, hearing this was quite sufficient to wither away the remaining half of the sleep and actually I was ready to leave before they could formulate the entire plan.

It was my first experience to visit Data Sahab with the proper intention to not only visit it but savour the atmosphere too. So we arrived there at around 11 am but at that place, there isn't really much sense of day and night. In fact, Thursday night is more marred with people from all walks of life more than any other day or night. Yes, from all walks of life. The rich, the poor, the young, the old, the saints and the sinners. Discrimination doesn't usually exist at such places, as I already stated the observation regarding Bulleh Shah's shrine.

I usually feel uneasy amid crowds but this place was amazing. Perhaps it was a peaceful indifference that renders you serenity. You can see people scattered all over the place, some alone and some aggrouped, some completely mute while others singing and reciting. The amalgam of all these activities creates a very peculiar sort of captivating atmosphere which you would seldom find anywhere else. You observe people in the crowd and you realize the worth of love, of peace, of the wisdom of life. That's what attracts people to such places, that's what revolutionises them from within. And that what they usually, and unfortunately, don't find within a mosque.

I got so absorbed in this ambiance that photography became a secondary motive. I just wanted to sit quietly in a corner and spend the entire night there. But after a couple of hours, the collective decision in favour of departure was announced and I had to join others. But before leaving, we relished the final treat of the eve - 'Mehfil-e-Samaah' which is organized every, again, Thursday night. It wasn't extraordinary but even with this ordinary Mehfil I could understand the transcendence brought upon by a real Mehfil. So with all the future planning in accordance, we took the way back. A night well spent!

Bulleh Shah's Land

2011-03-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

Later half of January and most of February was spent drifting on the road, quite literally. After having missed a golden opportunity to visit India and due to some other factors, I needed a lot of vagabonding-diversion - and Tariq, as always, was more than ready to accompany. In fact, these trips wouldn't have been possible without him. After riding a bike from Multan to Lahore, our next preference was to visit Qasoor - mainly due to Baba Bulleh Shah.

Bulleh Shah has a strange fascination for believers and non-believers alike. Although his life is enshrouded in countless myths like so many other saints, his teachings of love, wisdom and hope transcend the boundaries of caste, creed and nationality to elate everyone at a higher level of humanity. With all this reverence, there was an acute desire for adventure and exploration too.

So on the decided day, three of us - Tariq, me and our loyal bike - set for Qasoor around 10 am. After a smooth ride on a recently constructed road and under clam skies, we set out feet on Bulleh Shah's land around 11:30. Qasoor has some newly constructed buildings and roads which gives it a pretty decent look. The shrine however, sadly, looked like a castle, with all the barbed wires and security checks.

After relishing the delicious métier of Qasoor, 'andrassa' and 'falooda' we stepped into the castle-cum-shrine. A recently constructed beautiful mosque stands high adjacent to the shrine. One thing that fascinates about shrine - and I'm sure this is not an exclusive case - is the overall orphic atmosphere. The undiscriminating, peacefully indifferent and melodious aura does render peace to your heart - and that's the state of affairs of a lost individual.

Chal Bulleya Chal Uthay Chalyae Jithay Saray Anay
Na Koi Saadi Zaat Pachane, Na Koi Sanu Manne

Kalam-e-Bulleh Shah was engraved on the four sides and within the tomb and it is this kalam that fascinates you. We offered Fatihah, took photographs, made a video footage of some 10-15 minutes and after spending almost an hour and promising ourselves to read more about the life and work of Bulleh Shah, stepped out of the shrine with a feeling of satisfaction.

Our next sojourn was Kamal Chishti Shrine which happens to be at around a couple of miles from Bulleh Shah Shrine, located at a hill-top at a distance of exactly 100 stairs. A modest yet traditionally embellished little shrine was accompanied by a usual mosque and a graveyard. Kamal Chishti was a contemporary and a friend of Bulleh Shah. We spent almost an hour there, performing the usual activities after which, we set back from the land of Bulleh Shah. But before the final good-bye, we visited the marvelous Qasoor museum which deserves a separate post (following shortly, given that my sloth doesn't hinder).

Looking After Babies!

2010-01-27T10:26:00.000-08:00

For engineering students, afflicted by the demons of perpetual assignments, quizzes and above all, the hideous specter of mid terms, vacations are a dream worth cherishing. But when boredom plunges in, it takes a few instances in turning this pleasant dream into a horrible nightmare.

However, there are a few things that prove to be an adventure of lifetime in this dull and monotonous routine of life. Taking care of babies, in fact to be a bit closer to reality, to tackle the babies happens to be one of such tasks, some would like to call it a labor. And this requires even more courage and perspiration when their mothers, in moments of being typical women, are out on a shopping excursion. At least this is what my personal experience reminds me every now and then, whenever I find myself launched into such situation.

I have two married sisters and four cute little nephews. Although I like to call them little angels of my heaven, they can very efficiently prove themselves to be the demons of plunder and forebears of trouble.

One fine Sunday, it so happened that the mothers devised a usual runtime plan for shopping, and of course, I was supposed to take care of the babies. I was in the phase of formulating ways to tackle the situation tactically when Ukasha, the eldest of the four, realizing that his mother was on her way out without accompanying him, started crying with maximum volume. Other three, although not quite comprehending completely what had happened, merely followed their chief and started to rhyme his voice with quite impressive precision. The mothers, evidently used to such situations, got off and locked the door from outside. Now it was dear me and dare-them in the battle field.

I somehow calmed them down by distributing a handful of sweets among them and this first stage passed without any big trouble.

I left them playing in the T.V lounge, which I admit was a mistake, and started reading a book in the drawing room. Not more than a few moments had passed when my attention was diverted by a loud noise which was followed closely by a shrill utter of cry. I rushed out of the room to witness the scene which simultaneously surprised and scared me out of my wits. Khuzaima, the boxer, was riding poor Mas’ab who was yelling out helplessly. The actual source of noise, however, was elsewhere. It was the devastation of the beautiful mantel-piece into pieces by Ukasha, who was now standing boastfully in the manner of a king, analyzing the rubble of the conquered field. I, after an appreciable effort, managed to gather them in their sleeping room and for some time, tried to calm them down into repose. This, however, proved to be another feeble attempt at curbing the uncurbed and they kept giggling, laughing, pinching each other and crying at regular intervals, as if celebrating my helplessness!

I, finally, was compelled to give up the now-not-so-bright idea of making them sleep and decided to try my luck at something different. Observing, or having being made to observe, that they were fairly in mood of delighting and enjoying, I carried them into the lawn and freed them there. For some time, this proved to be a fortunate idea and everything went as good as it gets. Only after a while I realized that it was only a lull before the storm.

Saad was trying his best to get himself seated on the bike and Khuzaima was pulling his sleeve so that he may be given the privilege as well. I went towards them so that they may not throw themselves off the bike accidentally. They didn’t wait for my arrival and in the face of continuous jerking and tugging, the stand gave up. Khuzaima was, until that time, out of the range of the blast while Saad, fortunately, launched straight into my hands. My poor bike, though, sustained some serious injuries during this fiasco. I was in the process of condoling and mourning over the bike when I had to turn because of a bang. Before I could understand what hit me this time, there was another bang. Mas’ab, who usually happens to be the most peaceful of them all, had taken effective advantage of my diversion and indulgence in some other business and had shattered two vases to their doom!

Meanwhile, Ukasha was menacingly advancing towards the table upon which I had placed my book and glasses. I rushed towards him but, to my utter chagrin in this particular matter, the kid once again proving to be too bright and fast, had efficiently torn asunder a couple of pages out of the book with his cute little paw.

By this time, my patience had quite exhausted and I decided to leave the little rascals on their own, but I soon realized that they hadn’t decided the same about me. I brought my lunch and seated myself on the ground, placing the lunch alongside me. Khuzaima, after considering the meal with some curiosity, paced towards it in the manner of a food inspector who was there to analyze it. I tried to shoo him off with a small piece of bread but apparently his ambitions were higher than that. Other three, having witnessed this achievement of Khuzaima, decided to try their luck as well. The best thig that struct my mind was to give up and flee from the battle field. But as fate would have it, just when I was rising, Saad stretched his hand, or maybe we should call it claw, and the next instant, plateful of my favorite Chinese rice was on the ground, with the rice scattered all around. For some moments, all of us stood in utter silence, as if mourning at the funeral of the dear departed. Just when I was contemplating on my next strategy and the little imps on their next move, their was the blessed knock on the door. The mothers had arrived at the very climax of this episode.

Children were given ice-creams and sweets for their being staying at home and honoring their mamoon with their lively company while I, who had faced the music with perfect patience and forbearance, was not even considered worthy of a few words of gratitude. It wasn’t really needed, after all, as I had only performed my responsibility!

Celebrating The Poor Inferior Beings!

2010-01-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

You call this believing in God? You call this loving God? You call this giving up everything for him? This is deception, deception of your very soul, your very mind and heart, your very spirit! This is not love, this is not faith, this is not devotion – This is bargain, this is business, this is mechanical transaction! You don’t love him, you fear him! Your faith is only because of your petty emotions and wishes! It’s the manifestation of your slavish being! It crumbles the very moment your wishes shatter! Is this your faith and love, you mortal inferior being? ‘Tis a disgrace, a shame to love and faith! A degradation of soul! You love inferior beings like you and call it ‘unconditional’ love, but you love your God and entangle that poor thing in countless wishes and conditions?! This is the sham and shallow reality of your faith! To devote yourself to his commandments fearing the eternal damnation! Is this your devotion?! Pooh! I spit on you and your love! I trample such devotion! I despise such faith! All your beseeching, imploring and prostrating is not worth a false dime! If I were God I would throw you, yes you dreading and contemptible gamblers, in the deepest and the bleakest of the pits of HELL (along with your wet dreams of houries!)!!!

Let's Feel

2010-01-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Let’s
Devote a few moments
To enter in the charm
At the threshold of which
Are sacrificed all intellects
Enshrouded in the auras
Of mesmeric exults!

Let’s
Climb the blissful altar
At the summit of which
Stricken down is reason
Lay abase contentions
Amidst the exalted glow
Of euphoric elation!

Let’s
Escape the prison of time
And the conceiving reality
Hence create a feeling sublime
A kindling tryst of heart and mind
And neither think nor judge
Only feel and transcend
Into a rhapsody of life!

The Birth Of Tragedy: A Review

2010-01-13T05:11:00.000-08:00

Alright friends, I’ve finally finished this book The Birth of Tragedy, the first book by Fredrich Nietzsche. To understand it completely, I know, I’ll have to read it a few more times, but I’d discuss briefly whatever, little it may be, I’ve understood from it.

Most importantly in this book, Nietzsche discusses the difference between and Apollonian and a Dionysian character, with relation to the ancient Greek tragedy. An Apollonian character is a rational, sober, serene character while a Dionysian character is destructive, irrational, passionate and a rather savage character. In relation to arts, Apollonian arts are plastic or visual arts like painting or sculpture and Dionysian arts are non-plastic arts, most importantly music and ecstacy.

Tragedy is born with the combination of these two characters, more importantly Dionysian character. It’s like when the rational and contemplating side of man meets with his irrational and passionate side of existence that tragedy is created. Tragedy which as the pinnacle of passionate form of art and which made the awful existence endurable.

Nietzsche further emphasizes the importance of music in the phenomenon of tragedy. A true tragedy cannot be devoid of music, and only that music which emerges as the aesthetic and passionate call of the soul, not the contemplative and patterned music. It’s the very essence of a true tragedy. He further goes on to differentiate between the Apollonian and Dionysian characters by describing a true poet and a true dramatist:

“The aesthetic phenomenon is fundamentally simple: if someone just possesses the capacity to see a living game going on and to live all the time surrounded by hordes of ghosts, then that man is a poet. If someone just feels the urge to change himself and to speak out from other bodies and souls, then that person is a dramatist.”

And:

“Enchantment is the precondition of all dramatic art.” – p.38

This aesthetic phenomenon is not governed with contemplation or rationality. This comes straight from the depths of souls, pulled by the burning passions.

The aversion that Nietzsche has for Socrates is because Socrates was the forbearer of Greek rationality and logic, and by stressing upon these elements, he invoked an injurious blow on the tragic Dionysian character, hence playing the most prominent part in the death of ancient Greek musical tragedy. He called forth human faculties of rationality and logical argumentation while placing passions at a lower level, while in a true tragedy destructive passions have the foremost measure. This Socratic soberness continues to exert it’s influence till the present age. But, not all truths and secrets of nature and existence can be unveiled solely through logic and argumentation. At certain points intuitions and passions far surpass them in grandness to unwind the intricate riddles of existence:

“Perhaps there is a kingdom of wisdom which is forbidden to the logician?” p.63.

Finally, Nietzsche called for a return to Dionysian drama and believed that German artists and philosophers were uniquely suited to lead this rebirth of tragedy. Consequently, he dedicates this book to German composer Richard Wagner, who Nietzsche said could revive this tragic spirit.

(That’s all, I think. Hopefully, I’ll understand NiNietzsche’s philosophy more deeply with time and the review on the next book would be better)

Ancestral Illusions

2010-01-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

"According to the ideas of Lucretius, the marvelous divine shapes first appeared to the mind of man in a dream. It was in a dream that the great artist saw the delightful anatomy of superhuman existence, and the Hellenic poet, questioned about the secrets of poetic creativity, would have recalled the dream and given an explanation exactly similar to the one Hans Sachs provides in Die Meistersinger.

My friend, that is precisely the poet's work—
To figure out his dreams, mark them down.
Believe me, the truest illusion of mankind
Is revealed to him in dreams:
All poetic art and poeticizing
Is nothing but interpreting true dreams.

The beautiful appearance of the world of dreams, in whose creation each man is a complete artist, is the condition of all plastic art, indeed, as we shall see, an important half of poetry. We enjoy the form with an immediate understanding, all shapes speak to us, nothing is indifferent and unnecessary."

- The Birth Of Tragedy, Fredrich Nietzsche.

Nights Are Good!

2010-01-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

a little smoke, a warm cup of coffee, chilling coldness, mesmerizing sound of silence, clear sky paled by the bright and mysterious moon-light and the bittersweet memories - is enough to pin down the reason and compel you into passionate intentions/promises.

Winter Is For Jeans (A Tribute To Jeans!)

2009-12-12T03:41:00.001-08:00

After having passed quite a few days (which I don't feel appropriate to disclose :P) in a single jeans, I find it a moral and of course, physical, obligation to pay a tribute to this 'consecrated' piece of garment. Seldom has any other article of clothing consistently proven itself worthy of being the best booster of human laziness and coarseness.

Eat food and if nothing available to clean you hands, jeans it at your disposal. Feel cold, and jeans presents itself as thy humble shielder. Go to party, and jeans is the foremost code of conduct. Finally, after an uninterrupted sequence of detrition, if it gives in and wears out, it can still be put on with a distinguished quality of being an old jeans, respected and cherished just like old wine! Still not satisfied? Cut it down from the knees and use it as shorts! Or may be sew it up into a bag/shopper? It never gives up.

The more I contemplate on the multi-dimensionally utilitarian aspects of jeans, the more am I compelled not to break this perpetual stretch of days. :P

Is There Any Limit?

2009-12-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

During a recent conversation with a prominent religious scholar, who happens to be quite an educated person, the discussion got diverted to the ‘conspiracies’ of the Zionists and the Free Masons, thanks to the conspiracy-addicted friends. But I was amazed at the measure of serious interest that scholar had in these matters. I’m more than happy that for my own sake, I was able to overcome the overwhelming urge to laugh when he said with an all-wise expression:

“These people (the agents of the Free Masons) arrange scholarships like Full bright and Rhodes for the bright students of Islamic countries and while their stay in the Western institutes, manage to entangle in them sex scandals and take their snaps. Afterwards, when these students return to their countries, most probably to serve on important national and semi-national posts, they are black mailed by these agents and hence forced to serve their purpose!”

And all I could think was: “Is there any limit to the idiocy of these people?”

Nowhere Special!

2009-11-14T14:01:00.001-08:00

"Where you headed, cowboy?"
"Well, nowhere special."
"Nowhere special....I always wanted to go there."

- Blazing Saddles (1973)

Manifesto Di Antagonismo

2009-11-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

Go say your prayers in your hut
And let me smoke dope in the pub
I know the shallowness of your opinions
And the wry depth of your notions

The viciousness of the charades
Thrown upon the entangled souls
Tamed by the lame goals
Numbed after perpetual anguish

And yet the fear of damnation
Takes away the courage
Of recognition, of negation
And anguish seeps through

Some things remain unaltered
And yet until they remain so
I declare my antagonism
Conscious, open and stubborn!

Exam Days

2009-11-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

A cup of coffee

On an empty wrapper

Of cookies

And a pack in basket

Another started

Head on table, closed eyes

Trying to remember

The study chides!

Remembering The Titans

2009-10-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

It was just a random idea, as it happens mostly, and I decided to download a few classic songs from old Pakistani movies and enjoy the beauty of our own heritage. However, after listening just a couple of them, I sort of got obsessed to them and downloaded them one after the other, from the movies of Waheed Murad, Nadeem and Muhammad Ali during 60s and 70s, thanks to you-tube. Songs like tumhain kaisay bata doon tumhi meri manzil ho, ko ko korina, socha tha pyar na karain gay, sona na chandi na koi mahel jan-e-man, yay kaghzi phool kaisay chehray, mujhay tum dil say gira to rahay ho, jab koi pyar say bulay ga, han isi morr per, aey abray karam, kuch log rooth ker bhee etc. are matchless gems and unforgettable masterpieces.

I’ve been a fan of Waheed Murad ever since my childhood when I used to watch his movies on PTV, mostly on some important national occasion. However, it was during this recent revival that I realized the exuberance, maturity and mesmerism in the acting and dancing of this Marlon Brando and Elvis Presley of Pakistan. As seems quite evident, I now intend to watch more movies of Waheed Murad. Nadeem, Muhammad Ali and Shahid etc. were great actors but Waheed Murad was an entire phenomenon who glimmered on the skies of show business more than any other star and influenced an entire generation, and sadly faced a tragic end, quite parallel to Presley.

In the end, I think again Tariq would have to come to my rescue as non of my other friends have watched old Pakistani movies and listened songs like he has. Get ready for another ‘The Conversation’, mate! ;)

Purgatory

2009-09-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

There’s something strange and mesmerizing in these nostalgic afternoons. When you sit all alone is a silent room and no electricity is operating while you yourself are not sure whether the atmosphere is more cool or warm. And the echoing voices of some children playing in the neighborhood or birds chirping bring back so many flooding bittersweet memories. Then you get up and go out and watch the clear blue shining sky and the birds soaring towards it with enviable freedom. This perhaps reminds you of some book or a movie or simply a scene from your own past. Some of them moments that simply refuse to die and or even fade their intensity. Sometimes it takes you back to your childhood dreams and desires so valuable to you and you simply want to forget everything else and cherish them with all their exuberance. Then all of a sudden you return back to present and some recent failure, or perhaps a streak of perpetual failures, makes life look miserable. Fate seems determined to break you down. You desperately try to clutch at something bright. And you depart with mixed feelings about life, without realizing the smile on your face, helpless or hopeful.

Hunt!

2009-09-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

have you ever

felt the ecstasy

of surrounding the king

killing the queen

and hunting him down

like a helpless wretch?

under his very crown?

Time For Movie Reviews, Amigos!

2009-08-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

DEAD MAN (1995):

“The eagle never lost so much time as when he submitted to learn from the crow.”

Surrealistic, dark and deep - a masterpiece, and an underrated one. Johnny Depp is fabulous as always and at more than one places you are truly amazed. Dialogues are great and so is the acting. One of my favorite Depp movies.

ED WOOD (1994):

“Visions are worth fighting for. Why spend your life making someone else's dreams? “

Once again Johnny Depp eloquently proves himself to be one of the most versatile actors of his generation. A movie about an uber-enthusiatic yet untalented director, Ed Wood, who made some of the worse movies of all time. The combination of Depp and Burton plays it’s magic and Martin Langau as the unfortunate Bella Lugosi is simply amazing!

DON JUAN DE MARCO (1995):

Yes, it’s again Depp but this time the package incorporates THE KING, Marlon Brando! An interesting and fanciful story about a psychotherapist who, on the verge of retirement, becomes entranced with a new patient, a fervent young man who believes himself to be the world’s greatest lover. Good watch.

SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER (1993):

“May be it’s better not to be the best. That way, you can lose, and it’s still OK.”

How I loved this movie! Such an amazing movie with an awesome acting by Max Pomeranc as a 7-years old kid whose gift for chess is discovered and the near and dear ones try to polish it. He has to remain at the top while tackling with the problems that prodigies are destined to face. Based on the life of Josh Waitzkin, a young chess prodigy who is impressed by the legendary Grandmaster Bobby Fischer and tries to follow his genius. Emotional, intense, beautiful and exceptionally well done movie, which other than chess, depicts the relation of a father and a son. The black-and-white flashbacks depicting Bobby Fischer are great.

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (1983):

“Come to Laugh, Come to Cry, Come to Care, Come to Terms. “

Along with “Searching For Bobby Fischer”, this movie made it’s way in my list of all-time favorite movies. During the first half of an hour or so, I though this is an average overrated movie, but eventually I realized what a gem it was and there were moments when it brought tears in the eyes! – Basically, about the exquisite relation of a mother and a daughter but enshrouding other relations along the road. Jack Nicholson, as always, amazes with his cool and versatile acting while Shirley MacLaine is equally amazing.

And yes, I consider it’s score/theme to be among top 3 scores of all-time. You can lisen it here: Terms of Endearment theme

Conversation With A Theist Friend.

2009-08-28T01:38:00.000-07:00

(This conversation took place via SMS and includes several Urdu and even Punjabi words. So, read on your own risk!)

*Initiated in response to a usual bullshit religious SMS*

"Dude, don't send me such religious shit from now on. To be more precise, I'm an atheist."

"Atheist, eh? I'd say you merely give this name to your laziness. Are you sure you've read and have enough knowledge to refute all religious norms? This atheism is a baseless matter and is a mere fashion among Pakistani youth."

"Come around my blog sometime, and see how your dear religious friends get bashed. They are not able to answer the most basic questions and you ask ME about knowledge? I don't need to get complex with religion when it fails at the very foundations, now do I?"

"Yeah? If you really believe in atheism, who don't you preach it and tell people about the hazards of religion?"

"Dude, mujhay pagal mullay nain nai kata kay I start preaching atheism in this fucked up country. But yes, when I get out of this hell-hole, I DO intend to devote my abilities unveiling the hedious face of religion. You don't even need to suggest."

"Beta jee, main cheekain nikalwa don ga, I do promise. Aap nain bohat jaldi kee atheist ban'nay main, but abhee bohat waqat baki hay. If religion failed to answer your questions, it doesn't mean that religion does not have them. You may deny irrational religious things but almost every religion has rational practices. So be ready, I come on very hard on such issues. Pasay pan diyan ga, tay ron vee nai dyaan ga. Paki atheist are just half teetar tay half batair. Na teen main na tairaan main. So, be ready."

"Be my guest. I'll remember your 'paasay pen'nay wali baat' and give it to you after you terribly fail in the debate you're so eager for. Till then, so long!"

A Tribute To The Best: Bobby Fischer

2009-08-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

"The greatest genius ever to have descended from the heavens of Chess!"

My heart truly cried out when I came to know what became of the life of this legend, thanks to the Lords of this world. Bastards. Humans beings would never learn to respect and cherish the gems of their own species during their lifetime!

Contempt

2009-08-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

"Do you know what the word contempt means? *pause* It's the think of others as being beneath you, to be unworthy of being in the same room with you."

"I don't feel that."

"Well, you better start. Because if you don't think it's a part of winning, you're wrong. You have to have contempt for your opponents. You have to hate them."

"But I don't."

"They hate you. They hate you, Josh."

"But I don't hate them."

"Bobby Fischer held the world in contempt."

"I'm not him."

"You're telling me."

-Searching For Bobby Fischer (1993)

Unreasonable Man

2009-08-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

-George Bernard Shaw

Winnie the Pooh

2009-08-22T05:11:00.001-07:00

Watching Winne the Pooh makes me want to paint. It fills me with memories, with desire, with bliss!

Awe

2009-08-22T05:03:00.000-07:00

I have learnt to, kind of, enjoy this state of mind-floating when you're neither asleep nor awake. When your desperate efforts to cohere your thoughts and actions turn out to be futile attempts to grasp something solid while falling in a deep and dark and obscure void. It's like a pendulum swinging between the extremes of reality and subconsciousness; very seldom baring at the mean balanced level of cognizance. The uber-abrupt shifts that occur in the thinking process at that time is truly amusing to comprehend upon. In the end, it leaves you awestricken for the complexity and majesty of a human mind.

Knowledge

2009-08-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

There is no superior delight than willful acquisition of knowledge; and there is no ghastliest torture than the coercive attainment of it. It's a passion worth consuming for, but when passion and the acquisition of knowledge part ways, it's the purposeless and fruitless rolling of the stone of life, and the fate of Syssiphus coldly claws on. Purposelessness. Wretchedness. Weariness. Vicious circle. In the words of Bao Jee:

"You attain knowledge without passion and for money and it avenges. It takes revenge your entire life. You do this once and it humiliates and drags you at every turn of your life."

Knowledge is power. It is rewarding. It is a delight. It is euphoria. It blesses. It transcends. But, it's vindictive. It's spiteful. It's cold-blooded. It's a pursuer. It drives insane. It erodes.

The LIFE List!

2009-08-15T13:41:00.001-07:00

Inspired from the movie 'The Bucket List (2007)'

To score a 4.0 GPA in at least one semester.
To go to Lahore from Multan, or vice versa, on a bike.
To publish an article/essay in IEEE magazine.
To reduce my sleep under 4 hours.
To learn to play violin.
To break an important rule at university without being caught.

To own a beautiful library stuffed with classics.
To accompany my mother on a Hajj.
To grow the mango orchard, the one which was heaven for us kids.

To have a perfect family feast in that orchard.
To repair our good ole' house at the village.
To take a walk at a sea shore in a moon light.
To smoke a Cuban cigar with Italian coffee in a cold winter evening.
To ride an Arabian horse.
To spend a night in a desert under a perfect moon light and play guitar/violin all night.
To have a perfect dinner.

To visit childhood home at Bahrain.
To direct a movie worth an Oscar win/nomination.
To go on a voyage across Atlantic or Pacific (or if possible, both)
To make a scientific discovery or an invention or a contribution.
To write a literary/philosophical masterpiece.
To climb one of the most famous peaks in the world.
To go see penguins in Antarctica.
To go on a safari trip to Africa.
To see Australia.
To see Alaska.
To see Pyramids.

To make peace with myself.

P.S = Chance encounters and moody adventures are other than the list! =P

Lord AL PACINO

2009-08-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

"I really was an actor from streets, a gyspy, homeless and penniless. My education comes from the sixties. I lived in dives and dumps, in rooming houses and crappy hotels. To me, anything that had running water and a bathroom in the room was paradise."
- Al Pacino in conversation with Lawrence Grobel.

I thought my luck was quite high when I got my hands on 'The God Delusion' at Readings, but little was I aware that I was yet to encounter the actual treat! Buying this book would pulverize my budget but who the hell cared?! =P

Motivation!

2009-08-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

What became of thee?

Cinemania!

2009-08-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

It’s a passion, an emotional and intellectual involvement, an obsession – that’s how you can hint my relationship with movies, with this exquisite art of cinema. I sure would direct a few great movies if I live a bit longer.

Vacations have ended. This is the last day and I now intend to sum up a brief combined review of the movies I watched during these absolutely amazing vacations.

Psycho(1960) – “A boy’s best friend is his mother.”

Great classic by the master of thriller Alfred Hitchcock. Typical Hitchcock-ian twists and turns. Great acting, especially by Anthony Perkins as The Psycho.

The Shining(1980) – “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

By my favorite director and starring one of my favorite actors of all time. Jackie boy is one cool scoundrel! Amazing movie.

High Noon(1952) – “It takes more than big, broad shoulders to make a man.”

I watched the trailer of this movie a while back and since then, I was craving for this and these vacations finally got my hand on it. A movie about non-negotiable principles. Amazing classic with great soundtrack and almost flawless performance by Gary Cooper.

Sons Of The Desert(1933) – “Now here’s another nice mess you’ve got me into!”.

When it comes to comedy, a few names emerge in your mind and if Laurel and Hardy are not among them, you really have trouble with your taste. A classic among the comedies from the golden era. Loved it!

Gangs of New York(2002) – “That, my friends, is the minority vote!”

Martin Scorsese is a master of the art of directing. But when this masterfulness meets the acting genius Danial Day-Lweis, you well earn a masterpiece. That’s what happened in Gangs of New York. Leo DeCaprio played his role very well but DDL definitely stole the show!

The Hound of Baskervilles(2002) – “Keep cold reason above everything else!”.

A very good adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective masterpiece with one of my favorite fictional characters of all time, Sherlock Holmes, nicely played by Richard Roxburgh.

As Good As It Gets(1997) – “You make me want to be a better man.”

One of those movies that really have intensity of emotions hidden beneath the mechanical gestures and frozen discussions. Jack Nicholson again dominated, equally supported by Helen Hunt and the rest of the cast. This is one of those movies that make you re-evaluate your attitude towards life and everything related to it. I so love this movie!

Happy Potter and the Half Blood Prince(2009) – Probably the print wasn’t good or may be it really was that they failed to capture the true essence of the book, this movie was really not up to expectations, although it wasn’t much bad and I did enjoy it at times. Good watch.

Wall Street(1987) – “Money is one giant pain in the ass!”

One of those movies where you need to listen, understand and learn. Intellectually satisfying, thrilling, intriguing with an amazing acting by Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen and Martin sheen. “Capitalism at it’s finest!”.

The Bucket List(2007) – “When he closed his eyes, his heart was open.”

Watched this movie tonight and man, do I love this movie! Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, seldom can there be any better combination. A movie that makes you laugh, that makes you cry, that inspires and motivates you. It’s about the beauty of life and the relationships embroiled within it. Amazing movie, indeed.

“I want to laugh till I cry”.

Did watch a few more movies here and there but these were really worth cherishing. I yet have a stock of movies in my laptop and hopefully that would be quite sufficient for the fall semester.

A Spiritual Trip OR 'Umer and Tariq Go to A Sermon' =P

2009-08-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the evening of what people call ‘shab-e-baraat’ and I and Tariq were vagabonding around while all of a chance, we encountered the hustle and bustle at our town’s famous ‘peer sahab’s’ place. Keeping in accordance with the occasion, we figured it was to be a special ceremony of some kind so we decided to pull an entry, just to have some spiritual merriment.

So after magrib time, we reached at the place of Sheikh’s sermon. An entire field, which was once a play-ground, was facilitating a parking lot, while another one was filled with the mob, Sheikh’s dedicated followers. The guys giving directions observed us to be new-comers and directed us towards the instructions cell formed to instruct the newcomers. While the person there was earnestly and unfeignedly trying to unravel the spiritual dimensions of Sheikh’s personality and the miracles wrought upon his followers, I was trying my best to control my laughter, which actually happens to be one of my worst weaknesses. However, my artistic knack of forming extremely innocent and guiltless face at times overcame this weakness and we were instructed quite courteously.

The ground was already filled and Tariq suggested me to remain at the back, as he had figured that food was to be served at the rear and it would be quite facilitating in the end. The sermon was quite wishy-washy and I would skip the ridiculous details, for they are more of gestures than lecture. I, however, confirmed a few things I had heard about this place.

Prayer break was announced after a while and so we had some time to look around. The place was stuffed with all sorts of people, of all ages and all classes, illiterate and supposedly literate, those who were there for the showering of blessing as well as those for fun and food, like us.

After the prayer, to our disappointment, Sheikh blessed the mod with a rare opportunity and decided to continue his sermon. I had bad cold and was running high fever so I just dropped my head during the sermon and closed my eyes. Later, from the expressions of the people around, I figured they were quite impressed by my devotion and whole-hearted attention to the sermon. As for Tariq, he kept messaging on his cell all the time and, I’m sure, and I confirmed later, didn’t get a single world of what Sheikh said.

Finally, the sermon ended and food-time was announced and we were like getting back our life. We soothed our appetites with fine chicken rice and dessert and went our ways, having good feelings about the bechancing because of this last deal. Two things I've learned from this spiritual trip:

1- Knowledge is power and while ignorance may be a bliss for the ignorant, it can become a nightmarish hassle for the society.
2- No matter how many spiritual dimensions a gathering incorporates, when it comes to food-time, the picture is no different from any other mundane event!

A Few Questions For Theists!

2009-08-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

These are very basic questions. Basic, in a sense, that without clarifying them vividly, proceeding further would be a folly and escapism of superlative degree, and unfortunately, that’s all what I find in religious scriptures, in religious books, in religious people and everything related to religion. Proceed then, I demand unambiguous answer from you ‘believers’!

1- Why did God create us? i.e, What is the purpose of creation?
2- If God declares those with wisdom to be the truly steadfast followers of religion, why does religion transcend human wisdom?
3- (linked with the second question) Why does, on some points, religion is above human reason and rationality? i.e, Points where religion demands ‘Imaan bil-gaib’?
4- If the destination ordained by religion can not be arrived at ONLY through human reason and intellect, why is it imposed on humans? i.e, Why does God want humans to believe in things that transcend their understanding? What’s the purpose behind this?
5- God knows all about past and future, from infinity till eternity, then why does he still want humans to go through this all and in the end, punish countless and reward some? To satisfy his vanity? Only because he was ‘hidden and unknown’ and wanted himself to be recognized?

Sinner Saint

2009-08-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am a sinner
And I worship lord Lucifer
I am a saint
And I detest evil
Yet the clash remains
And resolves the quarrel
Shaping the wit
Of the dominating power
And the one who overshadows
execrates the other!

Faith and Reason

2009-08-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

"It’s irritating to witness/observe people rushing after ‘HOW’ when the actual quest of existence revolves around ‘WHY’, when the Riddle to the Being is associated with ‘WHY’. WHY are we here? If we are created by some Omnipotent and Omniscient Being, WHY were we created? ‘HOW’ comes after this, and investigating HOW before WHY is a bêtise, a grave error. It’s running in vicious circles, chasing your own tail, and exhausting yourself in futile exertion!....."

Read further at My Religio-Philosophical Blog

Self-made

2009-08-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

(Sipping away tea) “Sometimes I suffer from terrible thoughts. Sometimes I think they’ll drive me mad!”

(After a puff of cigarette) “Yeah, it happens.”

“Something troubles me and I think I should share it with you”

“Let it out”

(places the cup on the table and crosses fingers) “I see these people who are educated from best schools, who had libraries of books at their disposal ever since they encountered consciousness, who had all sorts of guidance showered upon them. Why didn’t this happen with us?”

“Well and good dude. But you see, the internal satisfaction you derive from the realization of your being a self-made person is quite sufficient to overcome all affluence you were deprived of. The sense of being a self-made person is what guarantees your sound and distinguished existence amid this insignificant herd. Be proud to be a self-made person, my friend.”

(nodding affirmatively) “There’s much sense in what you said. A point worth cherishing, indeed.”

Self-actualization

2009-08-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

"It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe."
-Muhammad Ali (Cassius Marcellus Clay)

Inferior Beings!

2009-08-01T16:33:00.002-07:00

(This is my short "tribute" to people, bloggers included of course, who render their best services to cry like infants and sissies about hardships, when actually they don't know a mote about hardships, and about other people!)

miserable wretches, with will fragile
seeking guidance from herd entire
weak beings, with contemptible existence
whimpering cretins, pale semblance

crying winos, a disgrace to dignity
elevate their pains, troubles, misery
and anticipate their share of mercy
mercy of superior beings!

they deserve their petty ignominy!
for they know no taste of vanity
despise them, disdain them!
their destination falls to declivity!

My Maxims - 1

2009-07-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

Contentment, taken in conventional religious and social sense, is a contemptible phenomenon. Avoid it. It rusts your abilities and barricades your energies.
Better to acquire might than to whimper for right. Better to gain strength from within than to seek ointment elsewhere.
Emotions are not bad but excess of everything causes destruction, brings downfall. Confine them as much as possible. Calmness is the most successful and effective weapon.
Try to remain silent and listen others. It satisfies vanity to negate the presented arguments sarcastically more than to present them in a flawless manner.
Fear of public opinion is the worst form of fear. Overcome it, for dogs keep barking and caravans keep moving.
There’s a sweet intoxication in intellectual exhaustion. Perfect ataraxis can be achieved only after perfect conflict.

Nemesis!

2009-07-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

An outcry, a confession
About the faith lost
A ferocious lamentation
On the agony caused
Right for painful vociferation
Negation of perpetual pause
Only I find shallow percepts
Monition of wrath, promise of respect
I try to grasp reason, justification, argumentation
For the mundane existence
I endeavor to retrieve, to arrive at a vindication
Behind YOUR sublime BEING
Yet all I incur is a void, enigmatic silence
A suppression, an woeful imbalance
Yes! YOU anger me!
Yet existence awes me
Inducing rupture of soul
Only I refuse to cede, I defy to proceed!
For I yearn not for HOW, I long for WHY!
‘tis a tribulation lacking purport
Divulge YOURS, or I define mine!
Reveal the prefatory, or I extirpate the edifice!
Give me reason, or I unleash mine!
‘tis a mock, me the subject;
A mock of will, a mock of eternity
Crushed beneath the superior hauteur
Promises of infinity, or forebodings of enormity!
If YOUR riddle evades my potential
Then your arrogation for adoration
For eternal reverence, humble prostration
For them I present my arrogant denial!

Ubermensch

2009-07-30T03:23:00.000-07:00

Lie down, let it be. No!
Fly high, resist the temptation
Will be thy weapon
Overcome the petty enticement
Pull the canvas of calm snow!
Subdue thus the emotional blow!
‘tis a passage that you define
Choose and thus pay for the opine
Accept the blame, arrogate the claim
Unleash the chaos or succumb to the contour
Freedom lies beyond what you prefer
Bleak anguish besieges the existence
Abandonment liberates the essence!
Salvation lies beneath the possession
Redemption dwells within crystal paragon!
Rip the abject mantle; vain morality!
Emerge out of temp motivity!
Life’s too short, greatness awaits
But dare to abide by audacious traits;
Know thyself!
And transcend to the Ubermensch
Or else degenerate
And be a scurvy worthless wretch!
To conduce an existence misfortunate!

Uberman Sleeping Schedule (USS)

2009-07-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

This is interesting. I read a bit about Uberman Sleeping Schedule (USS) and I've been following it for the past 40 hours, and man do I feel great!!!

I've slept 4 hours in last 40 hours and I feel perfectly well. I'm not sure whether this would work in the next few days, though I'm really optimistic about it. Let's see what happens.

An Ode to Night

2009-07-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

A dark parchment
host of bright spots
emcee, lord of mysteries
enigmatic concealer
of infinite secret ingredients
bosom filled with countless wonders
recessing all the weary drift
vociferous silence; causation of coherence
ensuing discernment, internal volition
'tis the sweet sound of muteness
of myriad recollections
entwining remorse, hope, passion
'tis the venomous obstructor
yet the soundest pardner

Will to Power

2009-07-27T01:07:00.000-07:00

"...do you want a name for this world? A solution for all its riddles? A light for you, too, you best-concealed, strongest, most intrepid, most midnightly men?--This world is the will to power--and nothing besides! And you yourselves are also this will to power--and nothing besides!"

-Will to Power, Frederich Nietzsche.

Poetry

2009-07-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Exuding poetry. I think I need a separate blog for poetry! =D

Even though many imperfections, these vacations are good, man! Lots of books, so many movies, poetry, writings, debates, programming blah blah blah!

Cold Blooded Anger!

2009-07-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

The bleak dense mist
overwhelms with the chilling numbness
enshrouding the burning glow
of anger, deprivation, depression
of perforated sanity

increasing possession of material
declining enchantment of realism
desperate efforts of tangency
all things amalgamate, mystifying vision
fumbled motions, displaced emotions

Goddess Ego impels 'them' all
into the dreary dungeon
for everlasting penalization
no exit for the intact, only ashes emerge
sacrificed for bleak existence

this being the dawn of freedom
of negation and resulting recognition
of evaluation, ensuing judgment
of gloating insanity, of triumphant anger
and out of ashes emerges detestation

Being and Nothingness

2009-07-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Driving all the night
embraced by sublime obscurity
we encounter a mesmerizing encounter
ne'er been there before
neither witnessed it again

a sojourn of hallucination
or a haven
where mirage strikes down reality
and reason lays abase
before the perpetual negation

souls entwined with material
yet mind drifted away
the guise of semblance it was
or perhaps contact of transcendence
of a subliminal cause

we had a secret rendezvous
with the beauty of impeccant Self
with capitulated pretensions
ne'er captured it before
neither flavored it again

(un-edited)

An Ode To Good Ole' Orient

2009-07-24T14:00:00.001-07:00

O ye! the jewel of the world
the golden kingdom
of boundless imagination
eke blissful cessation
of chivalric romance

Thou art
the pride of civilization
holier than thou
thy conjunction of transcendence
Blest spirit for abject decadence

the smiling dunes of gold
amidst the kisses o' wind
riding languid; beneath the shoures
of thy lustrous sonne
And heavenly oasis of life

jingling bells of caravans
maken melodye infatuating
urging auroras everlasting
surroundth dreams;
and promises of fortunes

Thy sweet aplomb wells;
doth deliverth the elixir of life;
enshroudth the parched soul
blessed immortal
hath descendth in thy embrace

(un-edited)

Might Is Right!

2009-07-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

Napoleon: [a cold ray of humor striking pallidly across his gloom] What shall we do with this officer, Giuseppe? Everything he says is wrong.

Giuseppe: [promptly] Make him a general, excellency; and everything he says will be right.

-The Man Of Destiny, George Bernard Shaw

Phobias

2009-07-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

This memory of mine, it really creates funny situations sometimes. I wonder if I'm gonna lose it all in a long run. Or may be it's absent mindedness. It so happens that I have my cell in my pocket and keep looking for it in the entire home. Or I lock the bike and put the keys on table and only after a couple of minutes, I'm totally blank about their whereabouts. Today mom asked me to bring a couple of thread-reels from market and one of them was supposed to be black (I forgot again, may be it was white) and another one was brown. I took the instructions carefully (supposedly) and after a while, standing inside the shop, I was cudgeling my brain as to what color I was supposed to get. Finally, terribly confused, I bought one black and one white.

Losing memory happens to be one of my worst phobias, others being geezerhood and insanity. I'd like to keep the chords of my mind intact as much as possible, to keep myself confined within the limits of what I consider sanity and normality and yeah, I'd like to die before old age, somewhere around 50-55 perhaps. Just like my father. Lead a life full of spirit and die while you're levelheaded and independent.

Extremism and Will Power

2009-07-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

There's a very intriguing relationship between Extremism and Will Power. They are the best allies and worse antagonists. Extremism can be harnessed only by will power and when they join hands, greatness is what awaits! That's the stuff glory is composed of, extremism, obsession and ruthless will power. Being a moderate eventually and, in most cases, inevitably leads down the road to hypocrisy, crossing the milestones of compromise, one after the other. You want to avoid it but you simply can't. That's a solid and brutal fact of life. In the words of Orwell, "Submission is the price of Sanity". It indeed is. Acceptance emerges out of the ashes of sacrificed instincts.

Captivity of Negativity!

2009-07-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Doctor: I will try, but I can't promise you.
T-Bag: Story of my life!

It so happens that for some individuals Nature ordains everlasting comradeship with misery and betrayal. For them, trying to get rid of this deep abrasion is merely running in a vicious circle and somehow, they are aware of it. They are aware of it. With this awareness goes any sense of catharsis and plunges in the impulse to hurt others. They want to inflict their pain on others as well. Gradually they turn like lepers and vermin for the moral beings and in retaliation, they do behave like freaks. They elevate among hatred, pain, treachery and wretchedness which become the corner-stones of their morality. There's no forgiveness, no sympathy and no promise for a normal life.

Here's to the life of T-Bag, my favorite character from Prison Break!

The horror - The Calmness

2009-07-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

"I've seen horrors... horrors that you've seen. But you have no right to call me a murderer. You have a right to kill me. You have a right to do that... but you have no right to judge me. It's impossible for words to describe what is necessary to those who do not know what horror means. Horror. Horror has a face... and you must make a friend of horror. Horror and moral terror are your friends. If they are not then they are enemies to be feared. They are truly enemies. I remember when I was with Special Forces. Seems a thousand centuries ago. We went into a camp to inoculate the children. We left the camp after we had inoculated the children for Polio, and this old man came running after us and he was crying. He couldn't see. We went back there and they had come and hacked off every inoculated arm. There they were in a pile. A pile of little arms. And I remember... I... I... I cried. I wept like some grandmother. I wanted to tear my teeth out. I didn't know what I wanted to do. And I want to remember it. I never want to forget it. I never want to forget. And then I realized... like I was shot... like I was shot with a diamond... a diamond bullet right through my forehead. And I thought: My God... the genius of that. The genius. The will to do that. Perfect, genuine, complete, crystalline, pure. And then I realized they were stronger than we. Because they could stand that these were not monsters. These were men... trained cadres. These men who fought with their hearts, who had families, who had children, who were filled with love... but they had the strength... the strength... to do that. If I had ten divisions of those men our troubles here would be over very quickly. You have to have men who are moral... and at the same time who are able to utilize their primordial instincts to kill without feeling... without passion... without judgment... without judgment. Because it's judgment that defeats us."
- Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, Apocalypse Now (1979)

The Hunch-Back of Notre-Dame

2009-07-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

"The owl goes not into the nest of the lark."

As promised, I'm back with a review about this book, which actually ended up among my top five favorite classics of all time. When I started reading this book, I did have some idea about it's literary and intellectual worth because of Victor Hugo's name that it bears. However, after somehow managing to finish it up, I was all praise for this flawless masterpiece.

The book takes you amidst the medieval Paris of 1485 around the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame. It's a sort of historical novel and at places, Hugo does take you through the history of ancient France generally and Paris particularly. With a handful of characters, only a master of his art can manage to create a chef-d'oeuvre like this one. Reportedly, Hugo confined himself within a room along with a bottle of ink and a cloak and refused to have any visitors or leave to house, except for nightly visits to the cathedral. And in that room he unleashed his creativity.

Quasimodo is our Hunch-Back. The beast with an innocent and pure heart. The ill-omened ringer of the Cathedral who's life is surrounded by hatred, anger, lost love and humiliation. He's elected the Fools'-Pope due to his perfect hideousness. It's heartrending to read at places when his deafness betrays him and his efforts to save his benefactress turn out to be futile and vain attempts. His heart is torn apart between the love and devotion for the Archdeacon, who brought him up when he was a helpless baby, abandoned in streets, and his reverence for La Esmeralda, the gypsy girl whom he tried to abduct and who later on saves him from public humiliation and almost death.

"Then from that eye, hitherto so dry and burning, was seen to roll a big tear, which fell slowly down that deformed visage so long contracted by despair. Perhaps it was the first that the unfortunate creature had ever shed."

The character of the Archdeacon is surrounded by certain mystery. He soul is trashed between his vows to remain celibate, pure and as per the strict moral standards of the clergy, and his unfortunate love for La Esmeralda. La Esmeralda proves to be one of those unfortunate creations of Lord who are destined to be denied of their right after they are within a few moments grasp of it!

"All was mingled, broken, floating, confusedly scattered in her thoughts. She no longer felt, no longer knew, no longer thought-at most, she only dreamed. Never had any living creature been plunged more deeply into annihilation."

Pierre Gringoire, the poet and the philosopher, remains true to his poetic come-what-may nature and emerges from the story as a sympathetic character. Although he abandons Esmeralda to the Archdeacon in favor of the goat Djali his reasoning for doing so is in keeping with his philosophic and optimistic outlook on life in that he cannot conceive of the extent of Frollo's approaching evil intentions.

The Cathedral of Notra Dame has a central significance in the novel. It's almost elevated to an important character and that's what Hugo actually intended. His love for the cathedral and the Gothic art exudes from this book and it was the outcome of this book that major renovations at Notre-Dame in the 19th century led by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc took place.

"When a man understands the art of seeing, he can trace the spirit of an age and the features of a king even in the knocker on a door."

The main themes of Hugo's book, besides the Gothic art, are social injustice prevailing before and during his time and the religious fanaticism that devoured the innocent populations of medieval era in the name of inquisition and witch hunt. Hugo's unique sharp and sarcastic mode of expression remains to be among the most distinguished features of this grand novel.

Marriage!

2009-07-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

"When a woman's bumped off, her husband is always the first suspect - which gives you a little side-glimpse of what people really think about marriage."
-Coming up for Air, George Orwell.

Religion and SMS Craze!

2009-07-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

"The first Indian lady-scientist who set her foot on the moon reported that from moon only two places of the Earth are bright while the rest is all dark. These two places are Mekkah and Madina. Hence she embraced Islam."

These and countless other messages hit the inbox of my mobile on daily basis and I'm, evidently, exasperated because when asked about proper reference about the claims these religious buffs make, they have no valid proof/data to support their ridiculous assertions. All they do is to start questioning your religious sincerity and all that, to your utter chagrin. I'm amazed, in fact appalled, at the level of prejudiced ignorance these people demonstrate, not knowing that they are actually making fools out of themselves while screaming such pathetic claims.

After the recent cartoons controversy of Denmark, the news that people in our part of the world cherished ecstatically was that the Danish cartoonist who committed this sacrilege was burnt down by some mysterious fire and the Danish governament is trying to hold back this news. The obvious questions arises: If Danish Govt. is trying to cover up this piece of startling information, how on earth each one of us is already aware of it? The answer is SILENCE! Questions about your religious affiliations!

Now the latest "scientific fact" that a friend of mine sms-ed me was that (to quote exactly) "Japanese scientists have proved that on the voice of Qur'aan and Adhan, water molecules make special edged geometrical shapes due to which a person feels peaceful because of the presence of 70% of water in our body. It has been proved under electron-microscope. Subhan-Allah. Spread widely (you can visit youtube to have it's video)".

Now that was a perfect reference. Youtube! Not on youtube, but a friend of mine found out this video somewhere else, but still, I can bet that more than 99% of those forwarding this message would stare back with point-blank face when asked about exact reference!

My friends, it's because of you people that the religion of Islam is being defamed in entire world. Believe me or not, it's a fact. Emotionalism, rashness and intellectual untrustworthiness is fast becoming the very recognition of the followers of Islam all over the world. All you guys are doing is to add severe insult to injury. I don't blame your intentions but you fellas really need to analyze, and I hope you cultivate this faculty of yours, your behaviour rationally and rather coldly!

Here's my sincere request to my imbecile religious friends: Stop stewing such crap unless and until you yourself verify the veraciousness of such claims. Doing otherwise would do no good. It would only make fun of your faith and depict your nuttiness and nothing else!

Peaceout.

Here's to your morality!

2009-07-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

A very good friend of mine, Salman Javaid, just surprised me with his morals yesterday. He quit his job at a call center and above it, turned down the 21000 rs. he was going to receive the very next day. The reason being that the people who hired him turned out to be a bunch of humbugs.

Now I'm not sure what I would have done under such circumstance. I do not follow any conventional morals and religious ethics prevailing in our society when it comes to decisions effecting my sole personality, but still, the decision this guy made was a brave one and I really appreciate and respect it. Here's to your morality, Salu!

Boredom

2009-06-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Last few days that I spent in Lahore, I came face to face with this ruthless and merciless phenomenon of existence, Boredom. Of course I could've indulged myself in books and that's the trick that almost always works, the scorching heat of June coupled with the unrelenting rhythm of load-shedding was enough to shoo away all faculties of rational thought. Sunday, 28th of June, was the epitome of boredom. I'm glad I survived that day, thanks to music and Internet. Besides that, the short-lived time that I spent with friends was awesome. I enjoyed it big time. (And I still intend to hold up my end of the deal, Fahad! =P)

I'm back home now for almost one and a half month. After an agonizing lack of prowess, I need to handle my time efficiently during these vacations. Lots of movies, a few good books, cartoons, JAVA and spending time at home with family -I hope I would manage things out properly. Let's see.

Question.

2009-06-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Charles: The answer is NO!
Michael: Answer to what?
Charles: You're thinking that you're dead. The answer is no.
Michael: Then why am I here?
Charles: I believe that's a question we all need to find an answer to!

-Prison Break, Season 4, ep.15.

One for the team!

2009-06-24T00:33:00.000-07:00

"Stand by your glasses steady and drink to your comrade's eyes. Here's a toast to the dead already. And hurrah for the next to die!"
- Theodore "T-Bag" Bagwell, Prison Break.

-----------------------------------------------------

We meet 'neath the sounding rafter,
And the walls all around are bare;
As they shout back our peals of laughter
It seems that the dead are there.
Then stand to your glasses, steady!
We drink in our comrades eyes:
One cup to the dead already-
Hurrah for the next that dies!

Not here are the goblets glowing,
Not here is the vintage sweet;
'Tis cold as our hearts are growing,
And dark as the doom we meet.
But stand to your glasses, steady!
And soon shall our pulses rise:
A cup to the dead already-
Hurrah for the next that dies!

There's many a hand that's shaking,
And many a cheek that's sunk;
But soon, though our hearts are breaking,
They'll burn with the wine we've drunk.
Then stand to your glasses, steady!
'Tis here the revival lies:
Quaff a cup to the dead already-
Hurrah for the next that dies.

Time was when we laughed at others;
We thought we were wiser then;
Ha! Ha! Let them think of their mothers,
Who hope to see them again.
No! stand to your glasses, steady!
The thoughtless is here the wise:
One cup to the dead already-
Hurrah for the next that dies!

Not a sigh for the lot that darkles,
Not a tear for the friends that sink-,
We'll fall, 'midst the wine-cup's sparkles,
As mute as the wine we drink.
Come, stand to your glasses, steadyl!
'Tis this that the respite buys:
A cup to the dead already-
Hurrah for the next that dies!

There's a mist on the glass congealing,
'Tis the hurricane's sultry breath;
And thus does the warmth of feeling
Turn ice in the grasp of Death.
But stand to your glasses, steady!
For a moment the vapor flies:
Quaff a cup to the dead already-
Hurrah for the next that dies!

Who dreads to the dust returning?
Who shrinks from the sable shore,
Where the high and haughty yearning
Of the soul can sting no more?
No, stand to your glasses, steady!
The world is a world of lies:
A cup to the dead already-
And hurrah for the next that dies!

Cut off from the land that bore us,
Betrayed by the land we find,
When the brightest have gone before us,
And the dullest are most behind-
Stand, stand to your glasses, steady!
'Tis all we have left to prize:
One cup to the dead already-
Hurrah for the next that dies!

-The Revel, (Bartholomew Dowling)

Screw it!

2009-05-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

"Hey punk!"
"What, prick?"
"Happy birthday."
"Ah, well, thanks."
"How about some night vagabonding?"
"Love that, man!"
"And what about tomorrow's exam?"
"Screw it!"
"Yeah, screw it!"

Exam days

2009-05-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

At times, it's depressing and rather infuriating when some self-righteous person (which in most cases would be a religious devout) links every good act and moral value (what ever that means) to religious teachings, to the belief in God and sole measure of the evilness of man is his lack of faith in God. But then, some times, this does afford you some enjoyment, you know. Comic stuff.

I have exams going on and today was the first one. Went not-so-bad. Doesn't feel like finals this time. I watched cartoons whole day and a couple of movies in the night before the exam. Felt great!

Besides this, I don't really have anything to write right now. I'm at "yo man's" place where I actually came for group-study thing (which actually never helped me :D) but right now, he's sleeping and I'm terribly entangled in the net of web! :S

Life - One View

2009-05-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

"My dear friend, what is this our life? A boat that swims in the sea, and all one knows for certain about it is that one day it will capsize. Here we are, two good old boats that have been faithful neighbors, and above all your hand has done its best to keep me from "capsizing"! Let us then continue our voyage—each for the other's sake, for a long time yet, a long time! We should miss each other so much! Tolerably calm seas and good winds and above all sun—what I wish for myself, I wish for you, too, and am sorry that my gratitude can find expression only in such a wish and has no influence at all on wind or weather!"

- November 14, 1881: Letter from Friedrich Nietzsche to Franz Overbeck.

Garden of Eden

2009-04-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

It was a late March morning and I had risen earlier then was my wont and apparently it was impossible for me to continue with my usual accursed lethargy. Something primitive and overwhelming was pulling the strings of my soul out there. I came out into the wild beauty of the wheat-fields and surrounding lush-green trees. Heaven was filled with dark clouds and rain was due any time. Cool and infatuating breeze of early morning was aromatizing the vivid colours under the influence of which, the wheat crop flowed like a river of gold. I stretched out my hand and felt this burning gold and absorbed it’s intoxicating fragrance. For a few everlasting moments, everything surrounding me transformed from ordinary mundane existence into a sublime glow. Terrestrial being was experiencing a heavenly joy and subject was in contact with the sacred. Nature stood unleashed and I could feel her stainless and exuberant beauty at it’s zenith. The brick-road leading to the mango orchard depicted the scene of the romantic road to the mysterious East. I had found my Garden of Eden!

....And Ideas are....

2009-04-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

A short excerpt from the book I’m reading these days, and one of the most impressive masterpieces of literature I’ve ever read:

“A solid mass may be demolished, but what can extirpate ubiquity? Let a flood arise, the birds will still be flying in the air long after the mountain has disappeared beneath the waters; if but a single arch above the surface of the destroying deluge, they will perch upon it, swim along with it, look with it at the subsiding of the waters, and the new world which arises from the chaos will awaken to see, hovering above it, winged and alive, the thought of the world that has been engulfed.”
- The Hunch-Back of Notre Dame.

I hope I would write a short review about this book after completing it (when ever that happens!)

A 'Prick' In Time

2009-03-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

It really makes me laugh out loud when I think about the planning I make, almost without any exception, about the countless tasks that I would execute, each weekend:

"Watch a couple of good movies, read a modest part of a novel or some other book that I bought a month ago, complete the remaining assignments and other pending study-related stuff and in the remaining time.........yeah well."

and then compare it with the actual weekend spent:

"I actually do watch a couple of movies and that's it. I sleep all day and doze all night amidst countless procrastinations. I 'intend' to read and 'imagine' to complete assignments and thus, the good weekend ends...with the same good ol' routine and a headache!"

A Night With A Faithful Companion

2009-03-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

An invisible cabin of wood
in the mist of obscurity
under the starry sky, in a damp night
falling snow about, wailing wind around
enshrouding silence within, engulfing peace without
rocking chair, serene warm fire-place
a fine cigar, a cup of seducing wine
intermingled scent of burning logs
chastened by the rage of embers
random thoughts, nothing to write
and no fears of being retrieved
we try to feel more, and think less
I, me and this faithful companion, solitude!

Bittersweet-ness

2009-03-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

so farewell then, for now
thus to meet;
at the bleak intersection
where love embraces death
and faith combats reason
entwined with the painful affliction
of decaying ecstatic desires
amidst the battle of memories
gloom and elation
and sweet intoxication
of the relentless glow of dominance

God of Self!

2009-03-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

I want a heart of stone
with frozen petty emotions
surrounded by the eternal thrones
above all the lowly deeds crimson
to overcome niggling Self!

To enjoy
the extreme arrogance of vanity
to savor
the utmost madness of insanity
above all the creature scurvy!

I want the lofty temple of ego
to be worshipped eternally
amidst the dreary existence
up and above to transcendence
to be a God of Self!

Scarecrow (1973): All Hail Al Pacino!

2009-02-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

Saw this remarkable yet overlooked classic today and boy awesome it was! Al Pacino, man, Al Pacino. He’s the GOD of acting. Gene Hackman was no less. Perfect combination and a suberp masterpiece. Plus, screw academy, Al Pacino transcends all awards and honors!

A beautiful and emotional movie portraying two lives coming together by chance and the impact that one life has upon the other. It’s about the things that we learn from others through this journey of life, and the things we teach them….intentionally or unintentionally. It’s about the beauty of friendship and trust.

Lion (to Max): You’re laughing, Max. And guess what? I taught you that!

Pacino’s meltdown at the fountain and Hackman’s drunk scene are two of the cinematic gems I’ve ever seen. One of Al Pacino’s most creative and brilliant characters ever and same goes for Hackman.

Lion: Hey Max, you ever heard the story of the scarecrow?

Max Millan: No.

Lion: You think crows are scared of a scarecrow?

Max Millan: Yea, yea, they're scared.

Lion: Yea? Why? Nope, cause they're not scared, believe me.

Max Millan: Yea, the goddamned crows are scared!

Lion: No! The crows are laughin'.

Max Millan: No, that's bullshit.

Lion: That's right, the crows are laughin'. Look, the farmer puts out a scarecrow, right, with a funny hat on it and it's got a funny face. The crows fly by, they see that, it strikes them funny, makes them laugh.

Max Millan: The goddamned crows are laughin?

Lion: That's right, they're laughin their asses off. And then they say, "Well, that ol' farmer Jo down there, he's a pretty good guy! He made us laugh so he won't bother him any more."

Max Millan: The goddamned crows are laughin...

Lion: Ooh, they're laughin...

Gran Torino - signs of a good year!

2009-02-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

After a pretty bad year for movies, 2009 starts with a great movie 'Gran Torino', once again proving Clint Eastwood's immense talents as an actor and director ( Let's for a while forget the bad acting by most of the characters and concentrate on the movie itself) The movie has quite similar themes to Eastwood's previously directed movies like 'Million Dollar Baby' and 'Unforgiven'. A lonely character consumed and wearied with the remorse and regrets of past mistakes and life he thinks was not the way it should've been, and in the end finally gets a chance to redeem himself off this burden. Of course, a great theme!

Other than this usual beautiful theme, the movie touches the emotional gap between generations and unsaid and unfulfilled love. The selfishness of human relations and the purity of human feelings, redemption and sacrifice. What the priest teaches in the church, Walt had practically experienced throughout his life, especially the years he spent in the Korean war. He despises the standards of the church and the priests. It's clearly manifested when the young priest asks him why does he dislike him so much and he answers:

"I think you're an over educated 27-year-old virgin who likes to hold the hands of superstitious old ladies and promise them everlasting life."

And:

Father Janovich: Let's talk about life and death.
Walt Kowalski: Life and death. What the hell do you know about life and death?
Father Janovich: I'd like to think I know a lot. I'm a priest....
Walt Kowalski: yeah, you get up and preach about life and death. But all what you know is what you've learned in the priest school. Right out of the rookie Preacher's Handbook.

And then the horrible incident that drags the priest a little towards reality out of the hypothetical world of Bible:

Father Janovich: I know you're close to these people, but this pisses me off, Mr. Kowalski. Damn all this.This just isn't fair!
Walt Kowalski: Nothing is fair, father.

It was one of those movies which I thoroughly enjoyed and loved because they are realistic about the joys and pains of life and because in the end, we have good lessons to learn from them.

The directing was superb, plot was good, dialogues and score was good and the only thing that went a little bad was the acting of most of the characters, but of course, that's not as important as other things. Eastwood does a superb job as an actor, director and producer as he always does and with this movie marking the start of 2009, one can hope good for this year while highly anticipated movies like "Public Enemies" and "Inglorious Bastards" are already on the list!

The Deeper Reality.

2009-02-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

“What is DEEPER REALITY? DEEPER REALITY is a blog devoted to what we may call deeper issues with the reality around us. It is perhaps delving deeper into what we can call existence. Deeper in science and deeper than where science would normally take us, into the realm what might be considered philosophical. It will be blog with multiple contributors and would be rich in content and as varied as the many thoughts of its authors.

So with this prologue, DEEPER REALITY is launched. Let’s delve deep!”
-Usman Saeed.

http://www.deeperreality.blogspot.com

Existence

2009-02-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

'Tis all a wasteland;
pale skies and baked sands
dried tears, looming demons of fatigue
laughters of insanity, veils of sanity
across the boarders of intrigue
under the guise of casualty

'Tis a toil without a point
desire without a hope
it's a relativity of ideas
painful incoherance of thoughts
axes of INFINITE and the ashes of TIME
amidst the delusions of fragrant auras

and the travellers moil on
one after the other, youth after the age
strides of body, leaps of mind
heavy sighs of silence
with all the souls intwined
yearning for eternity, fading into oblivion
what art thou, existence?

(un-edited)

Hard Times!

2007-11-21T03:25:00.002-08:00

It wasn’t unpredictable at all. All was pretty evident. A drowning man always catches at a straw. There is a category of men who can sacrifice themselves on their country and nation, but their is a broader class of those who can sacrifice their nation, country and anything on the altar of their own petty interests - and Pakistani nation is facing the same formidable situation by the hands of a tyrant and a handful of his puppies.

I used to advocate a peaceful revolution but their are situations when revolution through vendetta becomes inevitable and talking about peace merely means deluding oneself by false optimism, When upheavals become necessary for harmony and when bloodshed becomes the very cornerstone of justice.

As per the ministers of despotic regime, this is all undertaken is the best interest of country and nation. To be perfectly honest, I never understood this term - the best interest of nation. If rulers eat it’s in the best interest of nation, if they shit it’s in the best interest of nation, if they prostrate in front of US imperialism it’s in the best interest of nation and if they kill their own people in the proxy war of others, it also happens to be in the very best interest of nation - a matter of perspective, I guess. And I wonder how these imbecile bastards lock eyes with people while spewing such filth outta their dirty mouths!

Every step taken in the best interest of nation has drowned nation further in the abyss of destitution, social devastation and economic starvation. What rising stocks and foreign investment are you talking about? Those widening the gap between classes and causing class hatred rigorous than ever? Or maybe those benefiting only the 2% elite class of country and pushing the already starving common people into more obscurity and impoverishment? Spit on such progress and shit on those who boost about it!

They tackle religious terrorism with liberal fascism, or maybe they don’t have any other choice, as a puppet has no choice but to dance according to the will of the puppeteer. They lift people from their homes whenever they are ordered, throw them where ever they will and confine for a period unknown.

But then what do we do? There is a difference between “they” and “we”. We boost on being “we” but what are we doing to differentiate “we” from “they”? answer is, believe me, nothing! We dwell in New year, Valentine and Basant festivals while our brothers are brutally bombed, while our sons are barbarously mutilated, while our sisters are savagely ravished and why? Just because they fight to defend us! Yes, they fight for “we”!

Honestly, there are times, when one is truly ashamed of being a human - the best of creations!

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats
,I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I wasn’t a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

( Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984))

The Lost Paradise.

2007-11-21T03:23:00.000-08:00

Human being undeniably happens to be the most complex of all his ancestral evolutionary forms ever since the dawn of life. It was not too late when he perceived, quite instinctively, that this world is a creation merely for him. But why? What’s the purpose of his being created as a master of world? All his manoeuvre and endeavour ever since he has been casted into this strange wondrous globe revolves around this basic and eternal quest. He strives to win the battle of unknown during his exile in this lonely island to attain his long-lost status - He years for his lost paradise!

Unleashing his divinely gifted imagination, he commeced to ponder upon his very purpose of life. Every passing moment faded away into eternity, but he perpetually struggled to reach the horizon of this eternal reality. Countless lives lost in the infinite depths of the abyss of Time but this intrinsic quest continued on the boulevard leading to unknown destination. Milestones of centuries passed and his chase for everlasting solace remained uninterrupted.

Some called his life an illusion, but where’s the reality? Some referred to it as a stage bearing our performance merely for a few moments after which we have to go, but where to? Silence falls…..

Cave dwellings evolved into groups, groups gathered into villages, villages turned into towns and towns developed into cities. Terra incognita gradually unveiled itself but the mystery remained unsolved, the riddle remained unconquered.

I happen to be a human being and the sole purpose of my life is to resolve the mystery of life - to regain my lost Paradise!