I ♥ UK

Moments & Memories
`05 -`06


A picture is worth a thousand words.
But a word is worth more than a thousand pictures.

Love.


I ♥ UK


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I love GB! / I hate GB!

I ♥ GB!
I x GB!

i.e.

I love Great Britain.
I hate Good Byes!


See you on the other side of the pond!

.See

Can I Stomach It?

Abs vs. Guts

On the eve of my "Last Supper in UK" as I devoured the second-last piece of my lovely Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken, it dawned on me that I didn't care about my disappearing abs anymore. A year of being perfect was finally coming to an end.

Perfectly healthy.
Perfectly punctual.
Perfectly smiley.
Perfectly academic.
Perfectly beautiful.
Perfectly imperfect.

And it felt less like a year, and more like an era.
Don't get me wrong. London is lovely.

Perfectly lovely.

But sometimes, you don't need abs.
Instead, you need guts.

The guts to decide, change and evolve.

Besides, I think I need more guts than abs to survive in Pakistan!
And if guts are all that important...
Then, abs are just icing on the cake `innit?

;o)

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Religion & Bondage

Windowsill - 19/9/2006

Only the one who inflicts pain can give pleasure?

First of all;
A brigade of apologies for the extended absence. As aforementioned; I was busy being domestic. But thinking. Always. From a past experience which reflected upon my past life.

I understand that this post is going to bring with it a lot of flak, dismissal & commentary. Hence, I write.

As I said, I was thinking. How religion is, after all, a form of holy bondage. I'm not talking about a certain religion; but any religion. Before you initiate a fitwa on me, hear me out. First of all, have you tried it? If you haven't, then don't knock it till you try it. Maybe you will understand.

Bondage is not sex.
It's submission.

Total and utter submission of the senses to an entity you entrust solemnly and completely. Its almost like surrendering to control; surrendering to the powerful; surrendering to a demigod; surrendering to fate.

It is the absolute freedom of choosing a choice that binds you.
Binds you to rules, shackles and boundaries; within which you are promised to be happy, satisfied & content.

Wait a minute...
I thought we were talking about Bondage here.

According to a famous lady who can shackle me anytime she wants:
"Poor is a man whose pleasure depends on the permission... of another"


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My Daily Agenda

This is what my daily agenda looks like.
From morning to evening.
Blame it on the kid!


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And the DISTINCTION goes to...

What is A Distinction?

Main Entry: dis·tinc·tion
Pronunciation: di-'sti[ng](k)-sh&n
Function: noun

Following are 5 definitions of "distinction", courtesy of Merriam Webster :

1 a archaic : DIVISION b : CLASS 4
2 : the distinguishing of a difference distinction as to race, sex, or religion>; also : the difference distinguished distinction between imply and infer>
3 : something that distinguishes distinctions>
4 : the quality or state of being distinguishable distinction of facial features in the twins>
5 a : the quality or state of being distinguished or worthy
b : special honor or recognition distinction> distinctions> c : an accomplishment that sets one apart distinction of being the oldest to win the title>

So,
Is it about being... Different? Unique? Interesting? At least, I thought so. And hence, I thought all of us were distinct. In all our beautiful, lovely & whimsical ways!

Distinct & Distinctively Deserving Distinctions.

And I still believe that. But I believe in an order. The order which says that being distinct garners you a distinction and not the other way around.

Be bold. Be brave. Be distinct.
It just might save us from extinction.

Speaking of which;
I finally got my MBA Degree with Distinction.

And, yes;
I couldn't be happier!
I just couldn't...
( And now I feel like I just gave an Oscar speech that was 5-minutes-too-long! )

Thank You!
Thank YOU!
THANK YOUUUUUUU!!!!

:o)


.

"Dil Chahay" by Sahill

Sahil "Dil Chahay"

I don't endorse songs an anymore...
but this was just too darn good.

Besides,
This song helped me pack!

Enjoy


.

I Am Moved

Ex-Room
19th September, 2006

I Am Moved; Yet Again...

Oh how I never tire of moving!
Please don't laugh at the granny suitcases...

I had a brilliant Last-Night-In-London Experience.
It will show up in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way in an upcoming post!

;o)


Next post: From Oxford!

Scissor Sisters @ Trafalgur Square

Sister & Sisters

First of all; I was to apologise for my hiatus from my pride & glory;
My blog!
I was just so darn busy with family, that's all!
However; amongst spending all that quality time with my wonderful sister, I fished out some time to watch The Sisters in concert.
And they were amazing...

Not as much as my sister;
but still BLOODY amazing!

First of all, the show was opened by The Euro-Queen of Pop Kylie, which was an event in itself! The show was just fantastic. Old songs from their debut album mixed with some awesome tracks from their upcoming Ta-Dah!, the show was brilliant!

I think this is going to be a nice finale for my lovely London Heat!
Sister, Sisters & Summer!

The show was sponsored by Motorola SLVR Red: Red Square

And;
I Do Feel Like Dancing!




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3G

3G without Technology

My Mum & Dad are coming over to London tomorrow. That's 3 Generations coming together after a long time. Hence, I will be taking a few days off from all Technology to be all domesticated, rural and tranquil.

I seriously doubt that its going to last long...
But I am a little excited to see my parents after almost a year!

Sorry for the lack of updates.
I am a busy domestic & a proud uncle at the moment!

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Object

Just when I thought I was becoming this deep, philosophical thinker type, I discovered:

An
Object
Of
Extremely
Technical
&
Sensual
Desire

I love the sin of shallowness.
Although Beauty is only skin-deep, yet it covers us all.


.

Scary

Art by Saad Zuberi

Call me Mona L.

As an avid reader of my blog, you must already know that my lovely camera-phone got stolen last week. Since then, there has been a shift in blog-flavour. I show less and say more. Please suffer with me till I gather the finances to get another. Donations will be accepted!

But that got me wondering. What if I did get everything I wanted. A better phone? A better profession? A better life? Would that make me a better person? I find all that scary...

Beauty is scary because of disease.
Money is scary because of corruption.
Fame is scary because of scandal.

This sketch, which I call Mona L. on Crack, got me thinking. Would Mona Lisa be like this if she were alive today. Famous, giddy & obviously devoured by celebrity?

She would have a lot of fans but no friends.
And having more fans than friends is a little scary.


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Picture of A Picture

Picture of a Picture
Photo of a Photo
Person of A Person

Have you ever taken a Picture of a picture? Photo of a photo?
It is almost the same as its content but slightly different at the same time. The lighting, situation and focus make it a slight variant, yet its almost the same. Such is the case of Salman & I.

We met 6 months or so ago. Through friends. When I first met him, he was shit-ass worried and scared. Scared of getting his hair-wet in the London rain right before we were about to go out clubbing with common friends.

And I though;
Is this guy for real?

What I found out that he was. Not only real but also genuine, caring, best, loving, beautiful, sexy, crazy, loud and extremely self-centred.
In short, a fully certified betch!
And I love him for it...

We were. We are. Will always be.
Picture of a picture. Person of Person.
Different photos but the same image.

Go on and rock Manchester babes! :o)

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Same Dance. Different Floor.

Floor vs. Ground

Everything in this photograph I made. I designed. I own.
The furniture, the lighting, and even the floor.
It's been a year that I stepped back on this floor.
I don't know if I am the same person any more.

It's easy to be the same person, on a different floor.
Can I be a different person, on the same floor?

I don't know.

I am tired of floors.
I need ground.
New ground.
To break it.


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My Childhood

Photo by Khurram Zulfiqar

Hide & Seek

You just never know what you may find in other people's Orkut albums. Friends, family, celebrities, art, porn, your ex, your ex's ex and even yourself! The latter of which can be traumatic as your friend would have probably chosen your most horrific photo and would have captioned it "BaaaSt FriEEAAnD".

But sometimes, you find something so disarming that it leaves you a little bewildered. I found a tiny close-up of my childhood in my friend Khurram's album. This beautifully taken photograph of a vibrant wildflower that grows in Islamabad. They grow in damp dingy corners. In those perfect places where I used to hide when I played Hide & Seek when was a young enough to play Hide & Seek. Not the Hide & Seek we play it with exes, lenders & dissertation supervisors; but the one we played when we were 10 and counted to 10.

Yes. I remember; Hiding in the bushes and finding these dainty little flowers scattered in grassy shrubs amongst which I used to hide. I always thought they looked like splatters of colour on the grass that mother nature left behind when she was painting herself. I guess that is how I remember my childhood as well. Splatters of beautiful colour that I left behind as I paint my life, hiding & seeking...

Let's just see how long it takes till I am found.

The Fifth Element?

LoveLife

I think I am getting in the habit of writing story inspired posts. Whether, its a movie, photograph, book or a song; It's art. And all art tells a story. We as human beings are none other than stories. Some being more interesting, famous or memorable than others. Still stories of love. Stories of life...

That brings me to another lovely story I observed in Luc Besson's The Fifth Element. First of all, I am an authentic "Luc-Fanboy". The art direction, as gorgeous as Milla Jovovich herself, provided by Jean Giraud (Moebius) and Jean-Claude Mézières. The costumes and music, as sexy as Mr. Willis himself, provided by none-other than the French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, who also designed the now infamous Madonna Cone-Bra.

I observed some lovely thoughts in the film; First of all that Man has so many machines that produce death, but only man can produce life. Second, Man has so many mahcines that make hate, but needs a man to love. Of how supreme evil can only by conquered by true love.

Some remarkable thoughts on the Sci-fi front as well...
Of how man imagines evil only in a human form without even considering how meteors, which are the primary threat to the earth's existence, can also be a form of a higher level; and not merely astronomical hazards. I have tons of films which depict natural phenomenon as miracles of God, but never a movie which shows the supreme death that can be caused by a meteor; as a phenomenon of pure & supreme evil. Brilliant...

Makes me think of how evil can be external, higher & supreme.
Also, makes me think of how God can be natural, fragile & within.

But all that is my quasi-philosophical hoo-haw! How can you not like a movie where 2 people are kissing while the whole world is coming to an end. It's philosophical, melodramatic and oh-so-French!

According to Luc;

The Fifth Element
"There is no future without it"

Lurv-LEEEEEE!!!
And I agree...

p.s.
If u are a Luc fan, something to look forward to.
Just for the Madonna voice-over alone!

.

Here & There in Russell Square

3 Pegs in A Square

Sometimes you just meet people, out of the blue.

Their sense of humor is ludicrous.
Their language is foul.
Their opinions are loud.
Their character;
Well, let's just say...
not much to talk about!

In short,
Somettimes you just meet people, out of the blue.
Who are, just like you!

I didn't meet one.
I met two!

Shahpar & Salman.
I mean, who else would frolick in the parkwith me on a Sunny Sunday afternoon. Well, I guess a lot of people would like that `eh...? ;o)

But,
Would u help me scare off all those annoying little 3 year olds hogging the fountain before I make an entry? No?

Well,
These two would.
And I love them for it...

I guess all of us are just pegs in a square!

We don't fit...
We ARE fit!


Luv u BETCHES!
X x X x X x X


p.s.
The Holding Hands picture is called PSEUDO-HONEYMOON/SHAADI.com
.

Laundry

Change is all I have.

I had been trying to collect some change to do a big load of laundry. Since I was being a big busy social whore, I just did not have the resource to do so.

No Change. No time. No laundry.

Funny thing happened to last night.
And it all changed in a split-second...
My social & financial accessibility was ripped for me.

That is...
My phone and my wallet got stolen.
At a cumulative loss of £3 and 400+ contacts spanning 3 continents.

And I was sad, but only for that split-second. Then I felt something weird. Almost an elation. It resembled emptiness but filled with satisfaction. Space! I felt space, after a long time. Living, breathing, thinking & loving space. Minimal and stripped, I opened up my mind's address book after a long long time; and suddenly I found out that the very few people who pop-up in your mind at moments like these, are really the ones who matter. And I found out that I still had quiet a few... in my heart and on my mind instead of on a computer chip. Between you and me, I'd rather keep them there.

I think I was just tired of carrying those 400 people around in my pocket all the time.
And they made my ass look big!

So here I am...
Writing on a Friday night.
Feeling a little changed?
Doing laundry & being happy...

I don't have any cash, but I have a lot of change.

And as they say,
Change is always good!

:o)


.

Crash

Maybe Tomorrow...

The poster is of a scene, precisely when I cried for the first time, out of happiness, in a film when I watched Crash. I don't know why? Maybe because I am human. Maybe because I am a race. Maybe because I will know better soon. Maybe tomorrow...

Memorable Quotes from Crash

"It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."

"Oh, my God. What the hell is wrong with you people? Uh-uh! Don't talk to me unless you speak American!"

And the film ends with one my favourite songs of all time.
Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow

A lovely film.
The only film which is so expertly written that acting is always trying to catch-up in its excellence. I think the underlying reason for this brilliance of acting by everyone in the film is because everyone is acting out their race. Race is so intrinsic to me. To us. To the world. It divides on a primal level. More than ideas. More than boundries. More than gods. I have travelled so far and wide. Through races & spaces. But like I say, at the end of the day;

every1 is pink inside...


.

Lovely Sounds of Sex in the Future

Making Love in a Starship...

That is exactly how Justin Timberlake's new album feels like.
Beautifully fututristic songs flow & float like water bubbles.
Merging & seperating, defying gravity.
The sounds twist & embrace.
The view is an unearthly vista of earth...
Through a starship window.

As FutureSex/LoveSounds plays in the background.

One of the most important & entertaining releases of 2006 yet.
This sophomore doesn't dissapoint.

Favourites:
SexyBack, What Goes Around, My Love, LoveStoned


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Older

SOAS, Russell Square, London

Well,
A lot of people prefer older men...

No?

Mermaids & Madonnas

Turn back time
or
Time to turn back?

I am definitely positive that I am feeling homesick now.
Mermaids, Madonnas, Movement & Memories...

Yes.
I did watch The Little Mermaid recently.
Which lead me to think about some stuff...
About parents, rebellion & escape.

I think I have been moving too much.
Swimming through time, places and people.

Just hoping to wash ashore, soon...

Paolo

Miss You Paolo!
Have fun in Italy.
London is waiting...


:o)

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The Devil's Wardrobe

Satan's Little Helper

Reading The Devil Wears Prada…

The interesting thing about this book is how it disguises its depth in superfluous fashion statements. Very intelligently written in a multitude to layers, I found The Devil Wears Prada to be more about the rewards & regrets of working with an extremely demanding boss and how it takes a toll on one’s social, personal and love-life.

Question of Life: Is life passing you by on your commute to work?


A lot of scenarios were plucked right out of my life when I was working with McCann-Erickson.

Putting your best friend on hold, forever.
Being too busy to even TXT your lover.
Fast food, smoking & sleep-deprivation.
Health? Whatever.

The fashion aspect of this book, although very entertaining, just acts as, well… a dress. Like a stage costume. The personality, body & soul of this book is firmly planted in how much opportunity cost we pay for who we want to be?

What you do vs. Who you are?

.

An Asian Wedding

No more An-tease. Please!

One social event I wasn't kicked out of at least...
It was my sister's husband's mother's sister's daughter's wedding.
(I think!)
Oh, you know.
These Asian Weddings!
But it was wonderful...

Apart from the random vampire Aunties running around hunting for young virgin blood for their elegible and "oh-so-good-looking-accomplished-&-obedient" sons.

Apart from Uncles who always ask,
Q: "Where are you going in life son"?
A: Ermm... home?

Apart from over-zelous-&-hyper-kids charged up on Coca-Cola in their feeders!

Yes it was wonderful.
A Very Asian Wedding indeed!


p.s.
The food ROCKED!


----------

Suited & Booted

Me and my nephew got the chance to play-dress up. According to GQ monochrome is the look for this coming winter; Hence, instead of contrasting, we decided we will just contrast. Damn! I have to say the he looks better because of those damn curls. Either way, the results are as follows:

The Monochrome Look

And then he proceeded to steal my glasses;
Again!

Mr. David Hasselhoff himself

I don't stand a chance...
Boooohooo!


.

Dissertation, Done.

.



Establishing Global Brands in Developing Markets
Building, Sustaining & Translating Multinational Cellular Brand Equity




.

Snakes On A Blog!

Cheese Snakes!

Lol!
I loved this movie.
Complete brainless entertainment. Like one of those best buddies of yours who never take themselves seriously & are always the life of a party. This film is just that buddy!

Just Eat it. Enjoy it.
And don't count the calories.
It's cheesecake after all...


The super cheesy but extremely catchy title track:
MP3: Cobra Starship - Bring it (Snakes On A Plane)
Video: Cobra Starship - Bring it (Snakes On A Plane)

C'mon Bring it!

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Freedom 86-2-06

A Personal Anthem
Christie Turligton in George Michael's "Freedom 90"


Finally, Freedom.

I think I have been waiting to write this post,
for almost 20 years...

From 1986 to 2006

My formal education ended today.
I handed in my dissertation.

From my first day at pre-school; which I remember,
to my MBA, a personal academic goal.
Completed.

I cried the first day of school.
I cried the last.

:o)

Finally,
Freedom.

-----

Like David Fincher, my favourite director, refused to show George Michael's face in his proclamation that was "Freedom 90", I do the same. Freedom doesn't have a face, because feelings don't have faces. They are perfect, true & unqiue in their being. If freedom did have a perfect, true & unique face; it sure would be Christie Turlington's, one of the best faces in the world. Not to mention, one of the best feelings too.

Umrao Man!

After Rekha & Aishwarya, I am proud to present:

Umrao Salman
Coming Soon...

----

p.s.
Jani!
Couldn't help it...
Lol!

;o)

References:

Rekha

.Aishwarya



.

Dissertation, China & The End.

The Dissertation Teaser: #2

Almost Done!

So close, yet so far!
I think I sorted out my dissertation-2-print woes...
I guess Kinko's is it then. They gave me a good quote; So, I'll probably go with them.
It is going to cost me an arm and a leg;
triple digit ££££ But, what to do?

As relegions says;
"Pursue Knowledge, even if you have to go to China!"

Trust me! Right now; going to China would be cheaper!
Either way, I heard that the university-office printer died! :o)
Good riddance I have to say...

Appropriately playing a song which automatically popped in my head as I was wrapping up. Nadia Ali of the band IIO, of "Rapture" fame, is quiet a stunner. Click to enjoy...

Nadia Ali of IIO - "At The End"

Confessions...

.
A lot of people have complained that I never tell enough about myself.
Well, I guess I don't...
.
Life is poetry.
It's what you make of it...
.
Following is my "Confessions" series.
I think it pretty much wraps everything up;
Whatever, Wherever, Whoever...
I am right now.

And as life,
.
It's what you make of it!

.

Confession #3/3: Jump!

Brighton Beach,

Brighton.
15.7.06

"There's only so much you can learn in one place
The more that I wait,
the more time that I waste

I haven't got much time to waste
It's time to make my way
I'm not afraid of what I'll face
But I'm afraid to stay
I'm going down my road and I can make it alone
I'll work and I'll fight till I find a place of my own

Are you ready to jump
Get ready to jump
Don't ever look back oh baby
Yes, I'm ready to jump
Just take my hand
Get ready to jump!"



.

Confession #2/3: Live To Tell...

London Dawn,
Random Apartment, Russell Square.
20.8.2006

"I have a tale to tell
Sometimes it gets so hard to hide it well
I was not ready for the fall
Too blind to see the writing on the wall
A man can tell a thousand lies
I've learned my lesson well

Hope I live to tell
The secret I have learned, 'till then
It will burn inside of me"


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Confession #1/3: Rain...

London Summer Rain,
My Window Pane.
21.8.06

"Rain,
Feel it on my finger tips
Hear it on my window pane
Your love's coming down like...

Rain,
Wash away my sorrow...
Take away my pain"


.

5,4, 3.. 2... 1: Diss . Err. Tay. Shun!

The Dissertation Teaser

My Summer Project

Was not partying every bloody night.
Was not laying on the beach all day.
Was not flirting with anything that moves.
Was not blogging about it all.

Was my beloved dissertation that is almost finished now.
(Contrary to popular belief)

As I was writing it all day, I actually never had the stamina to write about it. I think there is only one or two complaint posts about it.

Well, its almost done.
Just like the summer...

-----

At the moment, I am under panic-attack mode! The printer as the unversity refuses to print-out my dissertation as it is "too big" for it (no pun intended!). Aaaargh! Currently, I am desperately trying to find a printer to do it for me. I heard Kinky's... I mean; Kinko's is good! So, looking into that...

Hahahahah...
Kinko's!

-----


AS1D Hates Printer*

My thoughts during my dissertation-2-print ordeal:

pritner:
ummm... this printer runs small.
i don't THINK u'r gonna FETT!
i mean,
your dissertation is kind _BEHG!_

me:
oh…
Oh…
OH!
Btw BETCH!
FEKKKKKK UUUUUUUU!!!!!!!
FEKKKKKK UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!
FEKKKKKK UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!

* inspired by "Kelly Loves Shoes"





.

Comments OPEN!

Say it before it's too late!

AS1D is now OPEN to comments...

Say it.
Own it.
Keep it.





.

Fascist Fashion

Yet Another Disaster...

The clothes make the man...



I rest my case.


.

DIOR clothes look so good?

Do they?

Brighton Revisted

Birghton Pier

Sussex And The City

Although I love London, but I think I have impregnated myseld with a certain intimacy for Brighton has grown within me. The city is small, unpretentious and friendly. Kind of like me actually. Hence, I relate.

I mean, how can you not love a city which has a shop called “Sussex And The City”.
I rest my case!

Walking & Watching Brighton



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My Nephew

My Substitute for Love

I traveled round the world
Looking for a home
I found myself in crowded rooms
Feeling so alone

I had so many lovers
Who settled for the thrill
Of basking in my spotlight
I never felt so happy
The face of you

My substitute for love
Should I wait for you
My substitute for love
My substitute
for
love