Death in Cyberspace

Our digital trace is an important corroboration of our very existence.

Keeping the aspects of “Identity Theft” aside, the internet is a substantiation to life itself!

An average keen internet user may have multiple e-mail address, social networking profiles on 2 or more websites, frequent status updates on Twitter, BBM  etc, etc

When the owner therein is eliminated these fragments of his/her cybernetic nuances are just another tiny speck lost in cyberspace.

Granted the mortality rate amongst the majority of internet users is considerably low, so to develop a statistic in “post-death” ACTIVE internet accounts is difficult.

I was always curious as to what happens to the individuals internet accounts once they have passed away. If the individual hasn’t shared passwords with anyone (which is usually the case) what can their loved ones do about their various present digital whereabouts.

In the sad and shocking death of Bilal Riaz, one does ponder over the elimination of the deceased accounts.

So whats the procedure? If for example, a deceased John Doe’s loved ones would like to delete all his internet accounts, how would they initiate such a task without knowing any passwords/secret questions. Should they submit a death certificate to Mark Zuckerburg as proof to immediately delete John Doe’s account!

Yeah, I agree its not such a big deal, most websites have a time limit of inactivity which automatically terminates the account. But, for the sake of sentimentality, the birthday reminders of the deceased, his/her still existing profile do evoke the need for such measures now, don’t they?

Twitter

Yup! I have offically joined the Twitter bandwagon!

I just created my official Twitter account a few mins ago.

I suppose there are people out there who would follow what I’d do, what I’m thinking . . .so you know, why not ? I mean I already have this blog and all, why not tweet?

You can find me @msr701.

I’m not expecting a considerable response or anything. (*self pitying faux laughter*)  I don’t know how to start tweeting to begin with!

So do bear with me if it gets boring. Send me some pointers, I have yet to sync my phone with Twitter, but I have added a widget to this site.

Wish me luck!

RE: Adam B. Ellick’s NY Times Article

There is no conspiracy people!

The Taliban are the enemy.

Islamic Extremism is the enemy.

There are no external forces playing havoc. (apart from some gunrunners seeking profit by selling arms)

For gods sake you so-called “educated” and “Taliban apologists”: stop blaming the West or stupid conspiracy theories you  tend to always lay claim to!

I can’t believe Ali Azmat deflects criticism against the Taliban and blames external elements for the state of affairs in the country today!

Let me give an excerpt from the article:

” While Pakistani journalists, playwrights and even moderate Islamic clerics have boldly condemned the Taliban, the nation’s pop music stars have yet to sing out against the group, which continues to claim responsibility for daily bombings. “

America is our friend during this crisis our country faces. We have the same enemy:  The Islamic terrorists!

I feel so disappointed and angry at the same time when the “bubble gum” pop stars of our country, on whom legions of young unperturbed minds follow, give such sweeping statements against America and try to redeem the Taliban. Fuck the Taliban!

But there is hope! Thank goodness for Fasi Zaka and Nadeem Farooq Paracha for being clear-headed and actually saying what the Taliban actually do.

What did that A-hole; Ali Azmat mean by saying; “Taliban are not our problem? What world are they living in?” Ali Azmat is clearly completely coopted – confusing logic and waffly statements, he couldn’t even condemn the girls schools being destroyed. Pathetic.

That is because Ali Azmat is a fan of that conspiracy theorist superstar Zaid Hamid. Mr Hamid takes the cake for being the most absurd and obnoxious TV stars blinding the nation with utter bull.

Well listening to him and Ali Azmat one really wonders where the hell is this urban middle class heading towards. It is now beyond  the state of denial and in fact in an alternate universe.

Well, Zaid is just the crust of the problem. He is just a symbol of a society gone nuts, totally.

I heard this nonsense about America with the help of Hindus and Jews is engaged in a war to defeat and perhaps convert all Muslims.

PAH fucking LEEEEZ!!!

Initially, I thought this type of crazy talk is limited to a very tiny tiny segment of the society. But to my horror, these outrageous notions has become a mainstream argument – accepted by society in large. In fact, even in the United States, most Muslims seem to be buying into this notion.

So, all I can say is that Muslims have become increasingly weird, and obsessed with conspiracy theories instead of standing in front of the mirror and owning up to it. So, be it Zaid or Ali Azmat, Pakistani society is trying desperately to set itself on fire.

Wake the fuck up people!!

On a more positive note, we have  an intellectual savior in the form of Nadeem Farooq Paracha. I follow Nadeem Farooq Paracha’s articles with great enthusiasm and completely agree with most of his views. He is one of the few rational and  cerebral individuals out there.

Pakistanis are a very confused dominion. They don’t know who to blame or what to stand for. Why the fuck can’t they accept the truth for once, eh? Why can’t we own up to the fact that we are the problem, it’s because of our leniency towards extremism that we see all carnage today! Islamic extremism is a parasite which should have been dealt with wayyyyy back during Zia’s regime.

I really hope, this article might inject some sort of wake up call to all of ya’ll!

2009: The Year of Viccaji’ness’

As I’ve mentioned in my earlier posts, Rachel Viccaji was undoubtedly the breakout star of 2009. She left us all in astonishment with her critically acclaimed performance in Nida Butt’s blockbuster hit musical, “Mamma Mia” as well as crowd pleasing LIVE musical performances.

I must also mention Zoe in this regard, since this was equally her year as well! She also had an integral role in “Mamma Mia”, along with her younger sister. The year, 2009 was her ascension towards her destined music career.

Check out Rachel’s sister: Zoe Viccaji’s song “Thinking About You”  and you’ll realize the incredible talent hidden within Pakistan!!

“Thinking of You”  is *the* song for this holiday season.

It’s a tender and heartfelt ado to a relationship’s closed chapter. You really do feel her pain in the lyrics. Though she means no harm, nor any resentment to her ex-high school sweetheart, the listener isn’t so forgiving. What a douche bag to lose a girl like Zoe!

In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this song hits a new peak of professionalism.

It’s hard to choose a favorite among so many great tracks, but “Not Ready” is one of the best, most powerful songs ever written about self-preservation, dignity. Its universal message crosses all boundaries and instills one with the hope that it’s not too late to better ourselves. Since, it’s impossible in this world we live in to empathize with others, we can always empathize with ourselves. It’s an important message, crucial really. And it’s beautifully stated on the song.

I recently heard her Zoe’s single, “Memories”. I think she has really identified into their own, commercial and artistically. The song, though still not completely produced because of the meager packaging and short length, still manages to deliver clear, crisp sounds, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. Notice how in the middle of the song Zoe progresses into a  slightly faster, more intense acoustic strum, which then quickly subsides. The “angel” and “hot chocolate” references easily blend into the overall theme of “Memories”. Is this song about her being a guardian angel or vice verse ?

(Note: I’m not the least bit qualified within the realm of conventional music criticism, hence I might have mistaken the themes of ex-relationships of “Thinking about You” to “Memories”. I apologize for the mistakes in my judgment, if any.)

She’s been compared to Diana Krall, but I think Zoe’s lyrics have a far more bitter, cynical sense of humour hidden in the songs.

To categorize her as a run of the mill jazz musician is an understatement. Her voice is soft and fragile, and I guess that’s her unique selling point. A slight whisper, a higher note, that’s all she needs to make her songs exquisite and complete.

There is something about Zoe that just puts her listeners at ease. Listening to her songs is like the feeling you get when one of those nippy breezes just stingles your spine and gives you goosebumps. (but in a really really good way)

I’ve listened to her songs like a million times now! They are always a part of every play-list I make.

Credit must be given where it’s due = ENTER: ” Shahzad Hassan ” (a.k.a Shahi), whose pristine and solid production values have molded Zoe’s songs to the level of successful actualization they are today.

The Viccaji sisters have truly brought an evolution to Pakistani pop music.

Cyrus Viccaji is also worthy of being mentioned. An accomplished and artistic filmmaker with a knack for capturing the right shot at the right moment! GEO is lucky to have you Cyrus!!

Renowned photographer Amean J. ’s website also has Cyrus and Zoe’s picture as part of his portfolio. Speaking of photographs, nothing beats Fayyaz Ahmed’s photoshoot during Zoe’s recording sessions with Shahi.(Fayyaz hasn’t impressed me apart from that particular photoshoot of his, I rather prefer Kohi Marri’s photography. But that’s just me. Sorry Fayyaz.)

God bless the VICCAJI family.

My name is MSR701 and I am a Chocoholic.

Sounds like an opening from an AA meeting, doesn’t it?

On any given time, our family fridge is stocked with Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, KitKat Chunky, mini packs of Mars, Smarties, Bounty, After Eight, limited quantities of Godiva and Lindt reserved for special occasions, M & Ms, etc. All thanks to transit flights at the Dubai Duty Free!

I’m a sucker for British chocolates. American manufactured KitKat isn’t as sexy(yep chocolate is a amazing aphrodisiac for me) as the British one. I’m not a spoilt bitch or anything but I rather drink my piss than eat any other Cadbury’s Dairy Milk unless it isn’t made especially for the Queen of England.

I aint showing off. This isn’t some moment of triumph for me, like ooooh I eat imported chocolates, I’m soooo cool, this that. Fuck You! No, I am not showing off! In fact this post is to reveal how susceptible I am to sweets. When you’ve put on twenty pounds in a span of 3 weeks you know intervention is long overdue!

So I’m starting my own spin on the 12 step program to completely eliminate chocolates from my diet. Let’s see how long I stay on the wagon.

Too many references to addicts.

I made this decision a longtime back actually. It was the second week of  September 2009. And you know what ? It’s fucking hard!!! I mean eliminating one craving ignites multiples of others!

I never thought I would say this, but I bought my first pack of Marlboro lights.

I aint a smoker! Never was. Hated it since High School. I was the one telling my friends how badly it screws up our uterus, heart disease, cancer, yak yak, blah blah,

Talk about hypocrisy!

I keep telling myself, this is only temporary. Once I get that taut flat sexy stomach back (hopefully by the end of ‘09) I’m gonna give up smoking and start a more healthier craving, no seriously, I really am!

This is only temporary.

I just smoke one or two fags a day. Two a day, tops! Whenever I get my choco cravings I’ll smoke a fag and I swear it works like magic! hey hey hey!! I’m not endorsing it k!! Smoking is fucking bad bad bad!!! It’s just till the end of the year.

Godddddddd, I don’t know, maybe I should start masturbating whenever I get a craving for chocolates instead of smoking.

State of the Union

Alot has changed since my last post.

2 weeks back my friends and I were planning to attend Nida Butt’s Mamma Mia during their showings. Sadly the current instability in the country, the threats facing schools and the risks of being in public places forced us to cancel our plans for security reasons.

My dad told me that the only places we can go now are the Clubs ( Karachi Gymkhana, Defence Golf Club,etc) since resturaunts seem out of the question considering the alert level of our country has been raised quite a notch above.

My baby brother hasnt attended school for the past 2 weeks. At a briefing for the parents earlier this weekend, the principal made sure all necessary security measures have been taken into action for the protection of the students. Since when has entering a private school ever felt like entering a consulate or an Embassy, because that is exactly how it looks from outside; a fortress!

But first, let’s consider the situation. Should we give in to these terrorist’s demands?  Isnt that exactly what they expect us to do;  to be scared, to barricade ourselves behind iron gates and rent-a-cops! Our fear, the complete chaos upon our day to day activities implies that these fucking islamists have acheived their purpose. We cannot let them succeed that easily!

Don’t misread the above paragraph. Certainly, security measures have to be taken nevertheless.

and

We must never forget that we are the target and that the bearded and ninga fucks are the enemy!

“I See Real People”

I took my younger brother to Musiqa on Sunday. Actually, he took me. He wanted me to enjoy his favorite movie with him, “The Sixth Sense.” I think he likes it because the kid is in charge.

I picked him up from the Karachi Boat Club, where he was having his rowing class. Our chauffeur was driving the Black Lexus Harrier, my baby brother likes riding in it because it’s high off the ground so he can see everything.

But today, he asked if it would be okay if we just walked up to the DVD store from Clippers which is near the lane along Jimmy’s Studio and the French Bakery. So I motioned to our chauffeur to follow us even though the lane was one way, but then my brother asked would it be okay if he didn’t follow us because people are looking at the car and he didn’t really like that, so I said fine and told the chauffeur to meet us at Musiqa. But he asked if it would be okay if the chauffeur met us somewhere else in case he ran into some friends and he didn’t want to be seen getting into that car. So I said “Well, what if it begins to rain, what will we do then?” He reached into his pocket and took out a Metro Radio Cab card which my mom gave him as a souvenier from when she must have been cleaning her purse and held it up and said “This.” He placed it in my hand and I said thats very nice but what country are they from? “They’re for buses and Taxis!” he laughed. “Mom said you never saw one before!” and he continued laughing all the way up to the store.

Ramadan 101

I don’t know if alot of boys read my blog or not, but I’m sure all of you must know that we girls don’t fast for like seven or so days in the month since Aunt Flow has been visiting us. Well, I sort of use that excuse to last me the entire month!

Apart from my mom and my few best friends, no one knows I just can’t or don’t fast. And since this blog is anonymous I’d like to keep it that way.

Yes, hiding this little “religious handicap” can be difficult. I have to sneak in food from the kitchen to my room without my servants or my dad knowing. Other than that, all restaurants don’t serve anything up until 6:00 p.m.

This month was quite educational in that sense. I discovered quite a few places where sinners like me can go to fill up during the lunch hour. Masooms, Kitchen Cuisine, Hob Nob and Desserts are just a few places that make fresh sandwiches, pizzas, etc all day long. I mean yeah it’s not an actual meal but snacks can help alot.

Don’t take this in the wrong sense but I find the whole going out with friends for iftar really tacky. Unfortunately a bunch of us went to Pizza Hut on Zamzama a few days back for Iftar and all I could surmise was; Pizza Hut during Ramzan are a bunch of crooks!

How do I explain that ordeal ? The chicken pieces on the Fagita slice are as if the chef had counted and placed them, the bread crust was hollow! To top it off they would just continue serving us the same flavors everytime. Like I told them to stop serving me the Super Supreme for the second time in a row and give us a new flavor and that would’nt budge into them.

Rachel Viccaji

This multi-talented piece of work burst onto the scene during Nida Butt’s version of “Chicago” in the fall of 2008. Though we all remember the model period too, when we could see Rachel’s face plastered on billboards sporting an ice-cream brand.

2009 was her cementing era. Rachel’s Plan B and the parts in ADP (Aunty Disco Project) have highlighted her status as the next big thing, the “it” girl of the Paki entertainment scene. Recently she performed five songs with “I don’t give a flying funk”.

A flair for music and stage must run in the Viccaji genes as Zoe Viccaji is equally a force to be reckoned with. We saw glimpses of Zoe following the aftermath of the Shanaakht festival this spring, as she came in support of the Citizens Archive Foundation at the Karachi Press Club.

Coming back to Rachel and 2008. where we were left in awe at her critically acclaimed performance in “Chicago”. She truly was Katalin Helinszki.

I’m sure Lyceumites all over are proud to have her in their alum. Well folks, not only is she multi-talented in the field of music and theater, but must sure have bagged some As in her O levels to secure an admission to Karachi’s prestigious Advanced level School, The Lyceum.

Talent scouts, Acting Agents look out for Rachel Viccaji!

If you are a  fan of Rachel check out T2F, The Second Floor as she is a frequent visitor and Szabist, where Rachel is currently studying. Who knows, you might be lucky and get an autograph or a picture with this celebrity.

We are sooo looking forward to her performance in the uber-hyped “Mammia Mia” this October. We absolutely loved Rachel’s version of “Sex is on fire” during one of Rachel’s Plan B gigs.

Schedule some new shows for the fans ASAP !!

Sorry people.

I apologize for the lack of posts recently.

Am out of town till mid August.

I’m having a ball of a time here !! I really don’t want to go back, the weather here is like AC weather, the people here are wonderful and every second guy here is sooooo ridiculously good looking !!

godddddddd, i really needed this vacation.

Will update all of you once I reach khi.