Bill Gates speech: 11 rules kids did not and will not learn in school

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it! 

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself. 

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both. 

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss. 

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity. 

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them. 

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room. 

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life. 

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time. 

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs. 

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

The seashore!

I sat by the seashore, all alone tonight,
Thinking of you in the setting sun’s light,
You and I, baby, we were completely same,
Like a soul cloned in two bodies,
Like same heart, but different brains.

Remember the seaside, we used to enjoy,
Used to dance with the splashing waves,
We kissed lovingly under the moonlit night,
As I sang you serenades.

You held my hands, swore never to leave,
But all I hold now is sand,
The sand that, like your memories,
Is slowly slithering out of my hand.

Who knew you would do infidelity,
And run so far away from me,
Choosing death over me as your partner,
Leaving my soul to search for you longingly,

I feel like a pebble, sitting on the beach sand,
Orphaned and cold, ever since you left my hand,
These waves are all I have, for they took you away,
And so I await my turn, waiting at the shores for eternity.

                                                                                                                                (M.S Khan)

Dictator's Ship & its Crew - An Epilogue

The truth is harsh but it stands tall: dictators might get themselves beheaded under the 'constitutional guillotine' of article-6 but, what about the 'political crew' that endorsed their every action of vivacity? Do they deserve another chance? If dictators don't then, thumbs down to them too.


It seems like yesterday. Yeah! I remember that eve of October 12, 1999. The day my father heard a rumour of yet another military takeover. I was in second standard and was forcing my young mind to get a glimpse of a situation. As an innocent 'bacha', the first genuine thought that struck my mind was, "Why Pakistanis are fighting against each other?". The grown-up mind still seeks for a much 'simpler' answer, even to this date.


Each stage of life doesn't last forever as did my childhood, that faded away in a rush. Soon, I entered my 'mainstream teen life'. The time when I was revealed to the heroics of one man; General Musharraf. The man was a definite choice for my ideal. Bold, confident, patriotic and sincere; I became his eternal fan. After witnessing his fiery speeches in 'Jalsas' and his development proclaimations in 'Sarkari TV', obviously for an 'ordinary guy' like me, he was the voice of people for years to come.


Till the day, when it all went wrong. The dark year of 2-007 overshadowed his dominance. Later, in a 'comedy of errors' he lost his grip on CJ issue, Lal Masjid Operation, Benazir assassination - and most importantly he lost my respect. His mass oppression caused his decline and soon, he fell off his head.

'Ruthless' Musharraf as depicted in cartoon

February 18, 2008 elections marked a sunrise of a new dawn. When my 'freshly riped' mind came to know of some new faces in the political arsenal and of course, a new index term 'Jamhuriat and its Husaan'. Where the talk shows preached the beneficialness of the democratic system, my mind was puzzled on something else -  I came to know that 'General Sahib' was a 'dictator' - he wasn't a 'revolutionary reformer' or a 'enlightened moderator', a 'charismatic enigma' or a 'true commando' - he was just another dictator. The over-rated outspoken buffoon who robbed a poor country, and flew to London; as did Iskander Mirza during the first martial law or like most recent 'display of patriotism' of self-proclaimed 'sher', Nawaz Sharif.


Anyways, the word 'Dictatorship' - I thought I had heard this word somewhere. Yes! The great Roman emperor Julius Caesar, he was a dictator too; sadly got killed by a mob of parliamentarians. How could I not mention German der Fuhrer Adolf Hitler, who killed a millions, according to the 14th chapter, of my torn history book in class seven. But, why frequently uttering the the word in present times; I was surprisingly amused. Were the public masses of ours were cursed by slumber decade ago? Did the word actually existed in the Oxford dictionary when cope d'etat was in progress? 


As a student of science, I tried to adopt a more logical method to 'dissect' the new word. I suggested that 'Dictatorship' is popped up of two words - 'Dictator' and 'Ship'. Of course, a dictator needs a 'Ship (Country)' to drive it as its captain. To sail it to the 'destiny unknown' with his 'fictional wisdom'. But, it has turned out that dictator's ship wrecks over time and drowns in the deep blue sea; as far as the to and fro experiences of Pakistan, the country suffering in the hands of four military adventuresome, speaks for itself.


Those who know about ships can argue that captain is not only the guy responsible of a failure. There are many faces behind the scenes as well - the sailors, the seamen and midshipmen - what you can simply call a crew. The crew is the real supporting cast, so why blame only the captain? When other members had their golden times too. So why only blame the men in uniform when, others are stinging behind public's back too?



Take a look of  illuminating faces of some of these crew members and the history they share with their respective captains:-


1. Bhutto & Ayub Duo

"The dictator is the one animal who needs to be caged; He betrays his profession and his constitution. He betrays the people and destroys human values. He destroys culture. He binds the youth. He makes the structure collapse. He rules by fluke and freak. He is the scourge and the ogre. He is a leper. Anyone who touches him also becomes a leper. He is the upstart who is devoid of ideals and ideology. Not a single one of them has made a moments contribution to history " - (Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto)

Young Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto looks upon Ayub Khan as an inspiration

He might be the greatest orator in the national history but, it is hard denying the fact that he himself commenced his career in the political arena under the umbrella of the first and the only Field Marshall, General Ayub Khan.

President Ayub Khan and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto with other members of cabinet 

Bhutto became the youngest Pakistani cabinet minister when he was given charge of the energy ministry by President Muhammad Ayub Khan, who had seized power and declared martial law in 1958. He was subsequently promoted to head the ministries of commerce, information and industries. He became a close and trusted advisor to Ayub, rising in influence and power despite his youth and relative inexperience in politics. In 1962, he was appointed Pakistan's foreign minister, swift rise to power also brought him national prominence and popularity. 


The 17 day war against India in 1965, proved to be the rift between him and Ayub Khan. Bhutto blasted unpopular 'Tashkent agreement' labeling it as the surrender of Pakistan to India. He resigned in June, 1966 and expressed strong opposition to Ayub's regime.

General Yahya Khan transfers power to Bhutto after fall of Dhaka

Later, in the turn of events which involved the establishment of People's Party, Ayub's resignation, elections of 1971 and fall of Dhaka - Bhutto was sworn into power from 1972-77, the time during which he gave the nation it's 3rd constitution, which is still in practice. Bhutto's government was later overthrown by General Zia-ul-Haq in a bloodless coup. He was executed in 1979 after the Supreme Court of Pakistan sentenced him to death for authorizing the murder of a political opponent, in a move that many believe was done under the directives of General Zia. Thus, Bhutto is distinctive in being the only decorated leader that was perhaps, was built and sadly killed by two different dictators.




2. Nawaz & Zia Woo

“We want democracy and nothing else. I am here to play my role and also make my own efforts to rid the country of dictatorship.”- (Nawaz Sharif)

General Zia-ul-Haq having a nice chat with Punjab's Chief Minister Nawaz Sharif

'Sher-e-Pakistan' Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif served the country for two non-consecutive terms, as its Prime Minister. His political career started in Punjab during the tenure of General Zia-ul-Haq, who is credited to be his political father, guru and mentor. 

PML(Q)'s campaign poster directed towards Nawaz's loyalty

Under the provincial government of Punjab in 1981, he served as the Minister of Finance with additional charge of Minister of Sports. Sharif later, served as a Chief Minister of Punjab for two consecutive terms. Some critics blame Nawaz Sharif to be a progeny of Zia-ul-Haq, who supported the Martial Law by working for the dictator as Chief Minister of Punjab for about a decade. In 1988, Zia died in a suspicious plane crash the time when, Nawaz Sharif was seen as an active participant during dictator General's funeral. The action that was pointed by PML(Q) during its political campaign in 2008. The campaign posters showed him supporting Zia-ul-Haq and carrying forward his 'Islamization legacy'.


During his tenure as country's premier leader, Sharif gained unmatchable popularity and international acclamation  for ordering Pakistan's 1998 nuclear tests in response to India’s nuclear tests. His brother Mian Shahbaz Sharif served Punjab as its sole Chief Minister during both of his reigns. Sharif's second term came to a dramatic standoff when, Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf took control of the authority and overthrew the government on 12th October, 1999.

The tagline speaks for itself!

Following his removal by a military coup, Nawaz Sharif was charged with kidnapping, attempted murder, hijacking and terrorism after he allegedly tried to block Pervez Musharraf from landing his plane at Karachi Airport. In December 2000, Sharif began his exile in Saudi Arabia after being pardoned by Pervez Musharraf. 


Afterwards, Sharif's political ideology transformed dramatically overnight, and he decided to fight dictator's unlawful rule instead of repeating his previous feat; signing of charter of democracy with Benazir Bhutto was a proof in this respect. Sharif returned to Pakistan in September, 2007, as a new 'Champion of Democracy'. And still awaits for his third regime of ultimate power.

3. PML(Q) & Musharraf Affair

General Musharraf with other PML(Q) members addressing the public

The PML (Q) was the undisputed "King’s Party" of General Musharraf's administration. After the Nawaz Sharif government was overthrown by General Pervez Musharraf's coup in 1999, the PML (Q) came into existance when it split from the PML (N) after, creating yet another schism in the history of the PML. 

President Musharraf with then sworn Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat

Led by Mian Azhar and later Shujaat Hussain, the party was openly backed by General Musharraf. A political party with influential members such as the Chaudhary's of Gujrat, Pervaiz Elahi and Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain ; Chaudhary Ijaz ul Haq ; Humayun Akhtar Khan. The PML (Q) started as a small group of half a dozen like-minded people in the PML, in defiance of Nawaz Sharif and his family's monopoly on the party. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi came to the 'rescue of stability' of country and saw their new party PML (Q) win the general elections of 2002. The unpopular 17th amendment was overwhelmingly endorsed by members of PML(Q). 


Under Musharraf's authoritarian headship, PML(Q) government completed its allocated 5 years of rule - becoming the first and the only government to do so. The trio of Mir Zafar ullah Khan Jamali, Chaudhry Shujaat and Shaukat Aziz enjoyed the designation of being country's Prime Ministers. The other Chaudhry, Pervaiz Elahi served Punjab as its Chief Minister from 2002-2007. The Cinderella story ended when their later years of rule, were plagued by the curse of CJ issue, Lal Masjid and Bugti Operation. The President of the party Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi supported Musharraf step by step. They have been faithful to the general in even the most adverse circumstances.

Chaudhry Brothers are criticized for their unconditional support for Musharraf 

February 18, 2008 was the day which marked the decline of PML(Q). The party lost major parliamentarians in the 2008 general election, gaining only 49 elected seats, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the PML (N) opposition parties won the election. On August 18, 2008, President Musharraf resigned under the pressure of facing an impeachment. The day after, Chaudhry Shujaat declared 'to run the party without the assistance of under-hands.' - which were used before. PML(Q) now suffers from severe schizophrenia period, after facing numerous split-ups and is on the way to its 'much expected' drop-scene.


The truth is harsh but it stands tall: dictators might get themselves beheaded under the 'constitutional guillotine' of article-6 but, what about the 'political crew' that endorsed their every action of vivacity? Do they deserve another chance? If dictators don't then, thumbs down to them too.

“I want to say something on behalf of all Pakistanis!"- A Paki in New York

The US duo might have won the U.S Open final, but Aisam definitely won the crowd, and respect of millions.

Every time our nation is in a state of total despondency and hopelessness, something happens to make us hold our heads high and be proud of our homeland.


Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi delivered his message of love and peace loud and clear, and it had nothing to do with tennis, or even the US Open doubles title for which he put his heart and soul but didn’t succeed. 

After the final on Friday afternoon, the 30-year-old Pakistani star tennis player took the microphone and addressed the estimated 15,000 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, probably the biggest crowd to watch a Grand Slam doubles final and made sure the moment wasn't lost.

“I want to say something on behalf of all Pakistanis,” he said following Friday’s 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) defeat to the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike. “Every time I come here, there’s a wrong perception about the people of Pakistan. It is the wrong perception that Pakistan is being a terrorist country,” he told the crowd and the millions of people watching the final on television around the world.

“We are a friendly, loving, caring people and we want peace as much as you guys want it. May God love us all.” 

Later, Aisam expanded on what he had told the crowd. “There are extremists in every religion, but just because of them you cannot judge the whole country as a terrorist nation. I just wanted to get this message across as a Pakistani.” 

Aisam, Rohan, Mike and Bob Bryan pose with their trophies and Pakistani and the Indian flag are visible among several U.S flags.

The crowd jampacking the stadium responded by giving him a standing ovation and tears to Bob’s eyes. His doubles partner, Rohan Bopanna of India, stood by him. Together, they’ve formed the politically charged tandem known as the Indo-Pak Express. U.N. ambassadors from Pakistan and India—Abdullah Hussain Haroon and Hardeep Singh Puri, respectively sat side-by-side in the President’s Box, the second straight match they’ve attended together, cheering the same unexpected struggle their team brought to the greatest doubles team of all time, the Bryan brothers. 

The 16th-seeded Qureshi and Bopanna followed up their run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals with five wins in Flushing, the venue of U.S. Open tournament.

“They’ve proven that when Indians and Pakistanis get together we can raise fire,” Ambassador Haroon said. “I think on a people-to-people basis, they’re setting an example that the politicians should follow.” Prize money and rankings were never a motivating factor, Aisam said, only good news for his flood-stricken countrymen and a platform to express his message of American misunderstanding. 

He also defended the decision to build a mosque near the World Trade Center site. “For me, as a Muslim, that’s what makes America the greatest country in the world - freedom of religion, freedom of speech,” Aisam said. “If the mosque is built, I think it’s a huge gesture to all the Muslim community out there in the world. I would really appreciate it.” 

Aisam said he understands the reasons for sadness on 9/11 and that he accepts that it is when he comes to the U.S. that he has the most trouble with immigration checks. He said he had been stopped at airport immigration “every time” in New York - three hours at a time - including after his latest 15-hour flight for the Open. 

Aisam also said, “My parents are watching in Pakistan, and I love you all.”  

It was unusual that Ashe Stadium was nearly full even at noon, when the match started. “I could see a bunch of Indians and Pakistanis out there at 10:15 when we were warming up,” Bob Bryan said. “I was looking around and I’m like, ‘We’re not going to have this whole crowd on our side for sure.’” 

He also said Aisam’s statement to the crowd choked him up. “I could see him,” Bob said. “He was quivering a little bit. He was very choked up. Just to give that message to everyone was very heartfelt. What they are doing is a lot more important than winning the U.S. Open.” 

Added Mike, “A sport can bring people together. You know, these guys are going to be great for the game for a long time.” The Bryans said they are planning two fundraisers in the next month to raise more money for Pakistan flood relief.

The Champions and Runners-up of U.S Open Men's Doubles.

Aisam-ul-Haq, the bright young Pakistani tennis player, has given the nation a reason to smile this time around. Not only did he bring us honour and recognition by entering the finals of the US Open, but the way he held his ground and defended his nation is what makes him a true national hero.

No amount of diplomacy could have achieved what this tennis player did with a few simple sentences that were free of any intention of point-scoring or personal agendas.

Our political leaders should follow the example of this brave player who defended the honour of his nation on and off the turf. Keep the flag flying high, Aisam, the nation is proud of you.

Only God I Saw!

In the market, in the cloister — only God I saw.

In the valley and on the mountain – only God I saw.

Him I have seen beside me oft in tribulation;

In favor and in fortune — only God I saw.

Neither soul nor body, accident nor substance,

Qualities nor causes — only God I saw.

I opened mine eyes and by the light of His face around me

In all the eye discovered — only God I saw.

Like a candle I was melting in His fire:

Amidst the flames outflashing — only God I saw.

Myself with mine own eyes I saw most clearly,

But when I looked away into nothingness, I vanished,

And lo, I was the All-living — only God I saw.

                                                                                                             (Baba Kuhi of Shiraz)

Note:- 

Baba Kuhi is an Iranian Sufi poet-saint. He spent many years in retreat and prayer in a mountain cave just north of Shiraz. He died in 1050 A.D., and was buried just outside of Shiraz, on a hill called "the green old man" (Pir-i-sabz). It is said that just before Baba Kuhi died, he made a famous promise that if anyone could stay awake for forty consecutive nights at his tomb that person would be granted the gift of poetry, immortality, and his heart's desire.

"Evergreen Sayings"

"Stung by the splendor of a sudden thought." 

(Robert Browning)

"In literature as in ethics, there is danger, as well as glory, in being subtle. Aristocracy isolates us."
(Charles Baudelaire)

"The greatest inspiration is often born of desperation."
(Comer Cotrell)

"He just couldn't quite get his leg over."
(Jonathan Agnew - over Ian Botham's 'Leg-over incident')

Wake up the dawn and ask her why;
A dreamer dreams, she never dies
Wipe that tear away now from your eye.
(Noel Gallagher - for Oasis's song 'Champagne Supernova')

"Dr. Livingstone, I presume?"
(Henry Morton Stanley - on finding the lost David Livingstone in Africa)

"If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you."
(Oscar Wilde)

"In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are."
(Arnold H. Glasgow)

"Whenever I climb I am followed by a dog called 'Ego'."
(Friedrich Nietzsche)

"A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval."
(Mark Twain)

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

"Confidence... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live."
(Franklin D. Roosevelt)

"Nothing exists except atoms and empty space; everything else is opinion."
(Democritus)

"Just when you think you know the answers, I change the questions."
(Rowdy Roddy Piper)

"The important thing about that freedom train, is it's got to climb mountains. We all have to climb mountains, you know. Mountains that go way up high, and mountains that go deep and low. Yes, we know what those mountains are here at Glide. We sing about them."
(Reverend Williams - for movie 'The Pursuit of Happyness')

I met my Love after 7 years!

I met my love after seven years,

When my life had finally changed its' gears,

Frozen like statue;  my reaction was never clear,

Either recall my haunted past with fear,

or welcome the babe with holy cheer,

or sit idle and do nothing but stare,

I saw my love after seven years,

Her fluffy cheeks turned pale though,

Time is a foe; I realized too,

Eyes drenched with twilight,

Never dreamed to spare that cruel night,

Her smoky lips and golden hairs,

I saw my love after seven years,

The night when the moon glazed and stars twinkled,

What about me a loser? who musted and trembled,

I thought a lamp of hope would really lit,

But later it turned out nothing but shit,

For an instant I dreamed of her and me in a fairy ground,

Priceless palace where no one was there to found,

Dancing in her fingers a approached closer to her cheeks,

Woke up; The waiter brought me some kebabs and sheiks,

I ate them quickly as I was falling late,

My life, my love, my girl, my fate,

She smiled again as she used to do,

Her elegant feat stole my heart though,

Soaked in the memories of past,

The time me and her had a blast,

As every love story has a twist,

I wished I had never experienced that quest,

The envy of others caused my demise,

I wish now I had killed those three blind mice,

I claimed to be a man of versatile,

But never knew my love was too fragile,

At an instant, I caught an eye-contact,

Her elegant sight had the same impact,

Her fainted face soon revealed the time that had passed,

Me; out-smarted, out-dated and out-classed,

At an instant, she was gone,

Like a thrilling mist of Armageddon,
The die-hard patient then, searched for Teressa the nurse,

The moment his life was doomed with curse,

I resisted even though I wasn't that clever,

I believed that our love would live forever,

Shocked to death plus eager and keen,

D'you you really know what I mean?

History is mystery; either Nixon or Zedong,

I inquired myself, "Where did it all go wrong?"

The day I made a home of plastic clay;

Those noons when I heard depressing tunes of fray,
Those evenings I cried lonely in my loft,
You're my night angel that turned Lara Croft.
There are four and twenty million doors 
No matter my gardens grow the shiny ores,
I'm all done with life's endless corridor,
It now seems I don't care no more.
A flying dove dies as a rotten rover,
Oh boy! my love then flashed 'Game Over',
I met my love after seven years,
A night later; when I bursted with tears...!

(M.S.Khan)