Visualizing Globally at **Global Village**

As I said in my previous post, these are the photos of the Global village:

Rides

Watches

Titanic?? 🙂

Aren’t these cute?

Beautiful

These photos are captured by my dearest friend, Ayisha.i.photography:

Description: Photography is an art of capturing moments. Some photographers capture the drama of the moment, some capture the beauty, some capture the mood, some capture the essence. My mission is to make memorable moments, everlasting.
Gear used: Nikon D3000 [Lenses: 18-55mm & 70-300mm]

Ayisha handles all types of photography that includes:
-Events (Corporate, Personal, Schools, Festivals)
-Family (Portraits, Picnics, Get-together)
-Portfolios (Fashion, Model, Conceptual)
-Product (Conceptual, Artistic, Commercial)
-Facebook profile pictures too.

For bookings and further information email Ayisha at : ayisha.i.photography@gmail.com or

you can simple browse through her facebook page Ayisha.i.photography: http://www.facebook.com/Ayisha.i.photography to view photos taken by her.

P.S.: Ayisha is based in U.A.E.

Najma Aijaz, 3rd April, 2012

Read Full Post »

Global Village- it’s a crazy place where people smile and laugh and are generally pleased.

Since childhood, every year I used to visit the Global village with my family. It was held every February as the weather at that time of the year in Dubai is cool and breezy, ideal for strolling in an open area.

For those who aren’t aware of what global village is:

Since there are people from many nationalities living in the U.A.E. there are  merchandises from different countries at the many national pavilions in Global Village.  Other than that there are breathtaking live performances, mouth-watering cuisine and authentic handicrafts,  thrilling rides, games and firework displays, to complete ones visit.

We lived in Fujairah, which is a 2 hour drive from Dubai. So I remember waking up at about 11 on a Friday for Friday prayers then getting ready to go to Global Village which opened at 4 p.m. Almost every time we reached on time because we had to go back to Fujairah too.

Firstly we used to head straight towards Pakistani pavilion, being Pakistanis, for food (as the clothes and accessories over there were ones we had already seen and  bought from Pakistan on our vacations.) I was proud that people shopped for marbles and clothes from Pakistan’s pavilion.  Each country’s pavilion demonstrates it’s culture:

Pakistani Pavilion

Indian Pavilon

Outside the African pavilion

Our next stop used to be the Indian pavilion because of it’s desi songs and dances. Then we used to head towards Chinese, Singaporean, Sri lankan (I insisted because those days my best friend was Sri Lankan), Japan, Syria, Jordan, Malaysia for shopping. There were scarfs, home items, and very many unique things. Like, there used to be a locket which had a grain of rice with our name on it. The man at the shop used to write whatever we asked for and placed the rice in a transparent locket. I don’t know what it’s called though. Some kind of calligraphy perhaps? 

Chinese pavilion

Towards the end we used to walk through the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia,Iraq, U.K., Kenya, France, Vietnam’s pavilions, not really with the intention of buying anything just plain sight seeing.

Our last stop used to be the rides section.

When we grew up I got to go twice to the Global Village in a year. One with my family and the other with my friends. Those days there wasn’t any entry fees so it was an ideal place for school-goers and teens. I remember I went with all of my 30 classmates and we wore our sunglasses at 10 p.m (we thought we looked cool and different :)).  No, I’m not being immature, I’m having fun. You should try it 😛 (Anonymous) 

  In the next post I will post more pictures of the Global Village taken by my dearest friend, Ayisha from Ayisha.i.photography.

Najma Aijaz, 2nd April, 2012

Fun. It’s this crazy thing where people smile and laugh and are generally pleased. I could have sworn I saw you smile at least once. 🙂  (Aggy Bird quote)

Read Full Post »

Information for new script writers by Umera Ahmed

Pir-e-Kamil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Umera Ahmed is one the most famous Pakistani writers. I am a big fan of her stories. Many of her books have been shown on T.V. as soaps. Personally my most favourite book of hers is Peer e Kamil (SAW) and my favorite soap, written by her is Dur re Shehwar (from Hum T.V.)

I have read English books all my life and I cherish those times of reading. Since I have moved to Pakistan I get to read story books in Urdu as well. It’s totally a new experience and I am loving it. This is because the books written by Pakistan authors have stories that I relate to, at times.

Just like the story of Duur re shehwar for example, it’s a story of how daughters think that  their dad IS the most lovable man in this world (no doubt he is) but sometimes when they get married they start comparing their husbands with their fathers. They think about how their fathers took care of their every need without reconsidering anything while their husbands may not be like that. It’s a beautiful story with amazing dialogues and cast.

Duur re shehwar

Najma Aijaz, 31st March 2012

Umera Ahmed has posted information which new script writers may find it helpful:

By Umera Ahmed: 

A lot of young writers have been writing to me for seeking some advice on their scripts. Some need help in approaching a particular channel or director. Then there are those who want me to work on their storylines and ideas or help them write a script.

It is not possible for me to read and give feeedback on your scripts( don’t get heartbroken,plz). I am also unable to offer you any help as far as writing a script is concerned( scriptwriting can’t be learnt in a day or two). There are many books in the market that will help you better than my councelling or advice. NCA and NAPA are conducting scriptwriting courses and workshops on a regular basis now. Getting yourself enroled for one such courses would indeed benefit you.I generally do not work on others’ ideas but I am open to reading them and I don’t mind if you send them to me just for the sake of sharing.

However, I would still like to help you get your first break. So let me be a facilitator and streamline the whole procedure for you. I am providing you with the email addresses of some of the top directors and producers alongwith the content managers of the major entertainment channels. I have informed them about this thread and have requested them to give you a quick feedback on your oneliners/scripts.

Write a oneliner/synopsis/summary of your story alongwith a cover letter containing some info about yourself and your contact details and email it to the person you want to work with.

My personal recommendations….

Those who are interested in writing telefilms should send their ideas to ARY, TV One, Hum TV, Mehreen Jabbar and Abdullah Kadwani. For serials you can write to Abdullah Kadwani, Babar Javed or Momina Duraid .

1 Abdullah Kadwani ak@7thsky.biz 7th Sky Entertainment

2 Aamra aamra.s@hum.tv Hum TV

3 Asghar Mirza miim72@yahoo.com TV ONE

4 Atif Hussain atifhussain23@hotmail.com Individual

5 Babar Javed babarjawaid@hotmail.com AB Productions

6 Erum Shahid erum@arydigital.tv ARY

7 Faysal Manzoor faysalmanzoor@hotmail.com 7th Sky

8 Haissam Hussain haissam100@hotmail.com Individual

9 Haseeb Hassan haseeb.hasan@geo.tv Geo TV

10 Mehreen Jabbar mj@mehreenjabbar.com Individual

11 Momina Duraid mominaduraid@gmail.com Moomal Productions/Hum TV

12 Samreen Noman samreen.nauman@arydigital.tv ARY

13 Saife Hassan saifehasan@yahoo.com Individual

14 Shahid Bhanji shbhanji@gmail.com Hum TV

15 Sarmad Khoosat sarmadkhoosat@gmail.com Individual

I thank all my directors, producers and channel representatives for their positive and prompt response.

Read Full Post »

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus… So?

The debate about whether to study in co-education or not is a question many students face in Pakistan. I wonder why is it such a big question anyway. This topic is talked about many times at colleges for debate competitions. I find it quite irritating (as there are so many other interesting topics for debates). I mean I never considered this issue when I was thinking about which university to join. The students here may have their reasons.  But personally I don’t really see this a  ‘big’ issue to consider when opting for a university. This debate has been going on for quite a while now.

 Every now and then when I come across someone going to join a uni. they have this ‘decision’ to make among many others. All I think students should look for is good quality education. And they can have fun in either of the systems. 

single gender college

co-education

Najma Aijaz, 28th March 2012

Read Full Post »

Monal, Islamabad, Pakistan

‘The Monal is situated at a great place. The quality of food served is good and it is worth the price they quote. This is an excellent place for people who want some isolation away from the hustle of Islamabad city. It is best to visit the place for dinner. The view at night is definitely enjoyable and you feel good while having your food ‘:  Rabia T

The Best place, not only to dine out with evening city lights but to do a wonderful brunch on Sundays as well with pristine Margalla landscapes around. Food is very consistent and delicious: Ali H. 

• Islamabad trip- An evening in Monal! (sairaalikhan.wordpress.com)

Read Full Post »

R.A. Creation’z – Your ultimate style destination

Tired of roaming in endless shops and still not finding the perfect gift…not finding the perfect Accessoryto go with your oh so beautiful dress….not finding what u really want or were expecting to get….

Roam and look no further….R. A. Creation’z gives you the ultimate solution!

I always liked having hand-made products for myself so I was really excited when I saw what R.A. Creation’z has to offer: http://racreationz.shutterfly.com/ Even if you don’t plan on buying anything. It’s still worth it to have a ‘look’ at some of the products: 

Color me spring collection

‘You can browse for accessories, gifts, home decor and order the exact item you want and can get it customized to your own personal taste…all from the comfort of your home!!!’

HOW TO ORDER:

Note the product name and call or sms on 0321-2037175 to place an order
DELIVERY:
Through TCS (Additional Charges depending on the order) 

Najma Aijaz, 25th March 2012

Read Full Post »

Style of teaching matters.

During the time when I was studying for CAT (Certified Accounting Technician) I came across one sir’s style of teaching which kind of impressed me.  The reason why I observe all my teachers’ style of teaching is because I personally enjoy teaching.

Sir Shahid taught us Management Accountancy and I wasn’t surprised when 90% of the students passed at his subject while at the other classes, the ratio was 70%.

And I am not exaggerating.

Firstly, he gave us a test after every chapter. (Not a big deal, I know.. read on.)

Sir Shahid divided the class into equal numbers and so two groups were hence formed. The test used to be 10 marks each and whoever got below 7 had to attempt a retest the following week together with the test of that week.  This was the first way he urged students to pass the test in the first attempt to avoid the burden of two tests. And this worked with the lazy students: 

Secondly, the group which had the most number of failed students (below 7) in a month had to give another group a party. So there was a tea party every month. And per person it didn’t cost a lot.  Everyone tried not to get below 7 and even urged the procrastinators of the group to get above 7. Gradually, the number of students with below 7 marks, became really very less. And somehow the students who may have failed other subjects, passed Mr. Shahid’s subject of Management Accountancy. 🙂

I miss the ambiance, the enthusiasm he generated in his class. He actually made his subject a lot more interesting than it would have been without him. 

Najma Aijaz, 21st March 2012

Read Full Post »

The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

Read Full Post »

Book Review: The Geography of Bliss

Book Review: The Geography of Bliss.

Read Full Post »

Teaching is Beyond the Classroom

Lesley Carter shares her teaching experience:

Read Full Post »