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The Wondrous world of science


Running fuel cells-----on coal!
Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy that can then be used for various purposes. There are various types of fuel cells available, such as hydrogen cells that generate energy by oxidizing hydrogen with oxygen to form water, generating electricity in the process. The costs of electricity produced by fuel cells has dropped from about $1,000 per kilowatt in 20002 to about $50 per kilowatt presently, and new technologies are being constantly explored to bring down the costs further. Fuel cells are used to run cars and buses, boats and submarines.
Now researchers at Georgia Tech in USA have developed an exciting new type of fuel cell which uses coal gas for its operation. Coal is first gasified and the resulting coal gas then used in the fuel cells. The new fuel cells promise to provide electricity more cheaply and efficiently than hitherto possible.
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The wondrous world of science


Optical fiber communications-----exciting breakthrough
Information is transmitted today form one place to another by pulses of light that travel through fiber optic cables. The optical signal is relayed across a certain distance in a thin flexible glass fiber cable, almost as thin as a human hair. In the process of transmission, it can become weaker and gets distorted, so researchers have been looking for ways on how the strength of the optical signal could be boosted. With advances in technology, the costs of fiber optic cables have dropped sharply over the last decade and it is cheaper now to have fiber to the home than to use copper for telephone communications and other information transmission needs.
Intense research on new ways of amplifying optical signals has now led scientists at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology to develop a new method of amplifying the optical signals so that they are carried to a distance which is four times farther than is presently possible up to 4,000 kilometers without signal weakening or distortions!
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The wondrous world of science


Adjust focus-----after taking photograph!
We have often experienced the frustrating experience of taking a photograph and then discovering that the focus was not quite right. The photograph had to be discarded. Now an exciting new development in camera technologies means that you may never have to experience this frustration again-----you can adjust the focus after the photograph has been taken! This allows you to readjust the focus in the photograph on the foreground, medium or background objects.
 You can also it so that all objects are in good focus. Both 2D and 3D photographs are possible from the same shot, and you can also take photographs in low light conditions. Normal digital cameras combine all the rays together to one amount of light. The new “light field” camera however records the colour, intensity and vector position of the light rays separately, thereby allowing the data to bee manipulated by the software embedded in the camera. The new camera has been launched in June 2011 by a company “Lytro” based in Mountain View, California and will be available in the shops later this year.
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Ramazan Moon


Sighting the new moon is usually a quiet affair in Pakistan for 10 months of the Hijri calendar. Yet when it comes to the Ramazan and Shawwal crescents, this country’s divines make a spectacle of it. An effort on Friday by the Senate’s standing committee on Religious Affairs to try and ensure the entire nation observes the start of Ramazan and the celebration of Eidul Fitr on the same day failed as clerics ended up taking pot-shots at each other. Scholars from Peshawar’s Qasim Khan Mosque an institution that has often disagreed with the central Ruet-i-hilal Committee’s decisions said they would not accept the committee’s authority; Mufti Popalzai, representing the Peshawar mosque, accused the committee of being a ‘government body’ and chided it for ‘disregarding Sharia’. The suggestion by a committee member that Met office data should be taken into account when deciding on the moon resulted in an ugly spat, with the Qasim Khan contingent saying science could not be trusted in this matter. A subcommittee will now meet to try and bring together the seemingly irreconcilable ulema.
Moon-sighting is a strange, perennial dilemma in Pakistan. Condemning the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee over 10 days before the start of Ramazan is jumping the gun. But as this is a nation that has seen three Eids in one year, the possibility of two perhaps denotes progress. There may be a sectarian angle to the spat, as Ruet Chief Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rahman and the gentle men from the Qasim Khan mosque belong to two different schools of thought. However, the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee does feature members from all the major Muslim schools of thought from across Pakistan. Factionalism and disagreement for the sake of disagreement should be shunned. If it helps, the committee should meet in Peshawar in order to strengthen unity. 
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Mango forever


 M
ango (Mangifera Indica, Linn), a member of the Anacardiaceae family, is widely grown in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world for its delicious and irresistible fruit. What the apple is for the temperate region, mango is for the tropical and subtropical areas. Thus it is often termed ‘the apple of the tropics’.
Mango requires a frost-free climate and rich, fertile soil; given its ideal conditions, a mango tree, we are told, can survive for more than a hundred years and still bear that unique fruit which has no rival in color, flavor, fragrance and test. Indeed, in our part of the world mangoes are revered as the ‘king of fruit’ and the melodious ‘coo’ of the koel is a signal for millions of mango lovers to plan mango parties and mango festivals. Choicest mango varieties are presented to friends, relations and even to the foreign dignitaries, who have developed a taste for this delicacy.
Mango is propagated by seed and also by grafting which results in ‘qalmi’ mangoes that have a unique flavor and mouth watering taste. Indeed, Pakistani mangoes are believed to be the best in the world. According to the international food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), during the year 2007, Pakistan ranked as the fifth producer of mangoes in the world, following India, China, Mexico and Thailand.
In Pakistan, Punjab is the major producer of quality mangoes followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistan’s Sindhri mango (from Sindh), and Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol (from Punjab) are famous all over the world. Other mangos from Pakistan are: Alphanzo, Benganpali, Dasehri, Fajri, Langra and Samar Bahisht.
In 2008-2009, Pakistan’s annual production of mangoes was 1,727,932 tons of which 73,437,152kgs were exported. We have the honour of exporting mangoes to over 40 countries including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Kuwait, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the United Kingdom.
Nutritionally, mango provides energy, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, fat, protein, vitamin A, beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, Phosphorous, potassium, and zinc in variable amounts. The peel contains pigments that are believed to have antioxidant properties.
Mango flowers leaves and fruit (both ripe and unripe) are used to treat hordes of diseases and also form part of many herbal treatments in the eastern system of medicine. The tender leaves are prescribed in diarrhea and diabetes, the bark of the tree is considered an efficacious remedy in diphtheria. The dried leaves are believed to control diarrhea and chronic dysentery.
 The unripe fruit is anti-scorbutic; the ripe is considered to have diuretic and laxative properties; some also believe it to be a mild aphrodisiac. Its high calorie content makes it a good source of energy. The Gallic acid contained in the peel and leaves is beneficial in hemorrhages. According to the late Hakeem Mohammad said, a great advocate of herbal medicine, eating jaman after mangoes helps in digestion.
Mangoes are used in a variety of desserts; the sweet pulp flavors ice-cream, cakes, amrus, sherbets, milkshakes, lassies and squashes and many other delectable goodies. The wood of the mango tree is used to make door-frames, items of crude furniture and agricultural tools in the rural areas. However for our country, the biggest benefit of mangoes is the foreign exchange they earn.
Luckily, our mango-crop during the last four or five years has shown an upward trend. Problems like pest infestation and diseases can be tackled with the recommended pesticide and a constant vigil is therefore required during the fruiting season. Quality control has to be maintained to meet production and export targets; this can be ensured by following the recommended sanitary and phytosanitary measures to up hold the international quality control standards. 
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Most beautiful Picture


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The wondrous world of science


One of the most exciting advances in science during the last couple of decades has been the development of nanotechnology. It is now finding myriad applications in medicine, food, water purification, cosmetics, electronics and many other fields. The US has the largest share (28 per cent) in the nanotechnology market, followed by Japan (24 per cent), and Europe (25 per cent, main players Germany, France and UK). Nanomaterials owe their special properties due to their size. They are typically between one nanometer (mm) and100nm in size. One nanometer is  on-billionth of a meter. The relative scale can be judged from the statement that a nanometer is of about the same proportion to a meter, as a marble is to the earth.
The emergence of this field was triggered by two major advances in the 1980s. The first was the development of the scanning tunneling microscope in the early 1981 which allowed images to be seen at the atomic level. The second was a serendipitous discovery of molecular “carbon footballs” in 1985 by Harry Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Robert Curl, who together won the 1996 Nobel Prize In Chemistry. A host of developments followed carbon nanotubes, thin carbon sheaths (grapheme), and different methods to develop useful nanomaterials.
The applications in medicine include improved drug delivery of nanomedicines due to improved absorption in the human body. Their use in medical imaging can provide better pictures of cancerous tissues. Suitably engineered nanoparticles can deliver drugs, heat, light, and other materials only to diseased cells without damanging healthy tissues. In the field of electronics, lighter display screens have been developed that consume less power, including flexible display panels made from nanowires. High density memory chips and much smaller transistors used in integrated circuits are being developed so that much smaller and more efficient computers can be produced. The marked size of nanoelectronics is presently estimated to be above $4 trillion.
In food science, nanotechnology is finding applications on improved methods to grow and store food. Silver nanoparticles have been incorporated in plastic storage bins so that harmful bacteria are killed on contact. Zinc oxide nonoparticles incorportated into packaging plastic films block Uv light, and provide anti-bacterial protection while making the films stronger and increasing their stability. Pesticides incorporated in nanocapsules release the toxic materials only in the stomach of insects that consume them, thereby protection the plants (and us) from their harmful effects.
Nanosensors are being developed that recognize when individual plants need water, fertilizers or nutrient and trigger their  release as and when needed, thereby optimizing the growth of each plant and reducing the consumption of water, nutrients and fertilizers. Nanofood  products are estimated to have a market size of about $20 billion.
Other applications of nanotechnology include the development of bulletproof paper made from nanocellulose which is stronger than steel, new light weight and stronger materials used in space craft and aeroplanes, and longer lasting light weight batteries. Nanotechnology has also been used for the economical production of stronger light weight textiles, tennis racquets and other sports goods. Textiles using nanotechnology are estimated to have a market size of $115 billion.
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Documenting distinctive pleasures

 “I suddenly understood that a photograph could fix eternity in an instant,” once quoted French photographer Henri Cartier Bresson, the father of modern photojournalism. The histori-an Peter Galassi stated, “The surrealists recognized, in plain photographic fact, and essential quality that had been excluded from the prior theories of photographic realism. They saw that ordinary photographs, especially when uprooted from their practical functions, contained a wealth of unintended, unpredictable meanings.
For most people ignorant to the field of photography, merely rearranging a point of view is what the profession is all about a practice that, needless to say, is quick to discount photography as a creative process. This is an untrue fact, as there are a host of photographic elements that may take years to master, such as the effect of timing, lighting, composition, depth of field, shutter speed and more.
In fact, it is only recently that photography, as an art form, has taken root and gained prominence in Pakistan. Islamabad’s Tehzeeb Art and design cafe and gallery recently exhibited photographs titled, ‘personal encounters on the journey of life’ by the photography duo, Mickey and money. Viewing each of these unprecedented photographs signifies and understanding of creating dialogue, for each image speaks to its onlookers in a pleasingly intimate fashion.
Glance quickly at the exhibition, and it becomes quite apparent that the dyad has chosen to photograph people, landscapes, architecture and faces in their immediate or actualized spaces. Hence, the space in which their subjects are shot captures the essence of their lives, whereas moods of solitude and serenity are effectively captured in their landscape photographs. Themes such as ‘M.girl’ (girl in the news), ‘Christian bridal’ and bohemian rhapsody’, in addition to the vast array of faces and places, are also an integral part of the display.
The images can be categorized into three groups: fashion photography, photojournalism and fine art photography. Quite interestingly, they all stand in contrast to each other; in the last group, the photographs are created in accordance with the vision of the photographer whereas in the former two, it is the visual account of faces, locations and gestural movements that is deeply focused on.
‘Morning glory’ is a splendidly simple yet powerful shot, showing the sun rising over the plains whereas ‘Maid of honor’, taken at the Abdullah Ghazi Mazaar in Karachi, sensitively portrays an elderly woman with a nostalgic yet critical  gaze there is enough detail present in this photograph for one the sense both the texture of her skin and the worries in her life. In contrast, Mickey and Momey’s ‘M.girl’ series is trendy, modish and voguish. The images have their own aesthetic appeal, with the catchy assortment of clothes and poses being enhanced by the unique backdrop of newspapers, arranged in every possible direction.
Mickey and Momey have exhibited their work in Islamabad after eight years, and this diverse collection is an acclamation of their expertise in the complex field of photography.
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Confessions of a Scared Girl


Confessions of a Scared Girl
Nine-year old Noor (not her real name) promptly wipes
The windscreens of cars waiting by the traffic signal, desperate to earn up to Rs200 before the day ends. She is clad in a tattered blue shalwar kameez with a sordid bright red scarf, foaming barefoot on the scorching streets of Karachi. Carrying a windscreen wiper in her dainty hands, she waits for the signal to turn red and pounces on the cars at each available opportunity. Once her job  is done, the little girl accepts some Rs10 from the drivers.
Noor is a street girl. She migrated to Karachi with her elder sister after the floods hit sindh last July. She recalls being thrown into a truck and, after a long journey, disembarking at a dilapidated yellow house. Her sister was taken to a different part of the house while she was locked in the store with two young girls. Noor was then placed under the supervision of a lady who asked her to call her Amma.
Her innocent smile and sparkling eyes make one wonder what else fate has in store for her. It takes just a cup of tea and a few biscuits to engage her in a comprehensive conversation during which she gives us and insight into her life, and conveys her insecurities about the future. She nibbles the biscuits quickly and drinks her tea while it is still hot. She likes the treat and says, “We don’t get much to eat and Amma beats us if we ask for more.” Noor lives in a scruffy area in Saddar and earns Rs100 to Rs200 daily.
“I was studying in the village, but I’ve not been to school since I came here. Amma beats me whenever I mention school.” She looks away hopelessly. When asked if she knows where her sister is, she replies, I used to hear her shout and cry every night, but now she’s gone. I fear I’ll be sold, too.”
Noor eats more biscuits. It is apparent from her hands and face that she is suffering from severe malnutrition. Her skin Is sunburn and lips are parched. Upon inquiring about her friends, Noor says that she has many but that she has to obey the or they get physical with her, which she doesn’t like. “When I get into a quarrel with my friends, they pull my hair and scratch my face; the male ones hit and fondle. So I try not to fight.” She shows me some scratches. Noor aspires to become a doctor and wants to return to the village with her sister. She’s hopeful that one day, things will get better. Noor is one of the thousands of children who were abducted during last year’s floods and were forced into beggary, prostitution and trafficking. It’s time the government took notice of this growing abuse and saved so many innocent lives from this pit of eternal devastation.
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Teachings for us to follow:

Keep away from prohibited things and you will be among the best of worshippers.”

“Be content with what Allah has given you, and you will be among the richest of people.”

“Love for other people what you love for yourself.”

“Do not laugh too much, for excessive laughter deadens the heart.”

“Wrongdoing will be multiple darkness on the Day of Resurrection.”

“Fear Allah and treat all your children fairly.”

“Fear the Fire, even if by giving half a date (in charity).”
“Fear the prayer of the oppressed.” 
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Teachings for us to follow:

“Obey Allah and Allah will reward you.”

“If you are shameless, you would do as you wish.” 

“Make sure your food is good (halaal and bought with halaal earnings), and you will be one whose prayers are answered.” 

“Fear Allah wherever you may be.” 

“Follow up a bad deed with a good deed, to waive it out.” 

“Mix with people with a good attitude.”
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sufi poetry

He who is stricken by Love
Sings and dances out of tune.

He who wears the garb of Love
Gets blessings from above.

Soon as he drinks from this cup
No questions and no answers remain.

He who is stricken by Love
Sings and dances out of tune.

He who has the Beloved in his heart,
He is fulfilled with his Love.
No need he has for formality,
He just enjoys his ecstasy.

He who is stricken by Love
Sings and dances out of tune.
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Earn It Yourself
For Mahmood, everyday is long day. He gets up early in the morning to attend his BBA classes, which lasts till the afternoon. That done, he heads towards the tuition centre where he teaches commerce subjects until ten at night. After a quick dinner, he settles down to his studies and it's seldom that he sleeps before one in the morning.
The Only son of his parents, Mahmood has high ambitions and likes a luxurious lifestyle. Once he figured that his parents couldn't afford to send him to a prestigious institute, he set out to find a scholarship. Alongside he found a job so that he could contribute to his household finances as well cater to his personal needs such as a swanky cell phone and a wardrobe.
"I get a sense of achievement and financial independence whit what I do. Unlike my friends.I don't have to ask my parents for pocket money for every little thing that i crave
. "
The young lot of today is slowly discovering the virtues of earning money during their academic year. A number of them give tuitions/coaching to juniors, some work at restaurants, while others make good use of the internet and design web pages. A few are enterprising enough to bring in ad revenue by offerings to host commercial sites. Young people with a flair for fashion and who have some capital-have ventured into wardrobe designing as well and are actually able to generate a decent enough revenue. A lot of credit for the trend to earn extra money goes to the king of lifestyle that youngsters nowadays like to adopt.
The spread of consumerism in Pakistan has meant that the4 choices in life have increased manifold. Luxuries have turned into necessities, more so for youngsters. They want their Play station, video games, other various flashy gadgets, tickets to the movies and branded wear that few parents can afford.
Exposure to the world outside, courtesy the internet and the explosion in satellite television has put pressure on parents who have to cope with demanding children. Predictably, the standard answer to most demands is, 'earn-it-yourself, which is exactly what youngsters have begun to do.
Yasir is one such example. While money isn't exactly an issue at home, the 18-year-old's spendthrift lifestyle had his parents worried, and so, a condition was suggested
: if you want the latest MP3 player, or the PS2, you have to earn it, literally. Resultantly, Yasir is now coaching his juniors on how to use computer.
But his parents are happy. "He has finally stepped into the real world and has started to take responsibility," says Yasir's Mother. "Although I don't expect him to shoulder the burden of the household, he should at least be in a position to realize the importance of money, because one day he will have to run a house, “she says
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Think Positive

Think Positive

In the future, you will be able to control the cursor on your screen using not your mouse, and not gestures, but your thoughts! Your brain waves have already been translated into images and even motion in other contexts: sensors placed on the brain can pick up electric fields and be used to navigate wheelchairs and manipulate toys. However, this time around "electrocorticography" is being used to control cursors, according to a paper published in the Journal of Neuroengineering. 

This will help disabled people to use computers and in the future it might even allow us to play games and do our work using our thoughts alone. Now, as they say, "think positive"!
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Tonight

Tonight

Do not strike the chord of sorrow tonight!
Days burning with pain turn to ashes.
Who knows what happens tomorrow?
Last night is lost; tomorrow's frontier wiped out:
Who knows if there will be another dawn?
Life is nothing, it's only tonight!
Tonight we can be what the gods are!

Do not strike the chord of sorrow, tonight!
Do not repeat stories of sufferings now,
Do not complain, let your fate play its role,
Do not think of tomorrows, give a damn--
Shed no tears for seasons gone by,
All sighs and cries wind up their tales,
Oh, do not strike the same chord again! 
 
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