IMmachine

People of Pakistan. A Comparison.

2011-02-13T12:36:00.000-08:00

So, i often thought why people of Pakistan are so quick to provoke. Why do they lose their temper so quickly? Why they are not patient and discipline. Why dont they follow rules? Why that Pakistan is a country where dirt originates, traffic is a complete mess and most importantly there is no respect for your fellow citizens. Well, everybody may approach the issue in their own way. Some might object that’s not the case. Some may agree with me. I still cannot comprehend the attitude associated issues with people. After thinking for some time I still couldn’t reach to a conclusion behind this mess.

After living in UK for the past 6 month I can already tell the problem isn’t with the country. It never was. The problem is not with the people either. Ever since i was little i remember seeing everything in Pakistan as a joke from the candy corner to the rules that ought to be abiding by the road users. So then, is the problem related to the management who failed to comply and enforce it successfully onto the nation? There is more to it than that. Everything in Pakistan is about money. The country is in such a state that no one cares about the rules and regulations let alone follow them. It all comes down to the Government. Let me give you an example. I was on my way back to London from Manchester. The coach i was in announced that seatbelt is absolutely necessary and anyone who found without wearing it will be fine £200. That is bloody too much considering the ticket only cost £25. The end result was everyone had to wear it. There were no exceptions. Similarly, there are fines and penalty for breaking the law elsewhere and the fine may go up to £1000. With that amount of money haunting you, one wouldn’t dare to do anything stupid unless its a drunk or an idiot. The emphasis here is that there are hard set rules and everyone follows them otherwise u get knocked cold by the Government.

So why is Pakistan so different? Why are the people always in a rush? So eager that the cant even stand in a proper line or park properly? The problem is so deep that you may find yourself digging it until to the very core of the earth. The problem is the corrupt Government. Like they say ‘Money is the root to the evilest way’. Its the money and power that has completely blinded the higher ranks. One such example, i should say prime example, is Zardari. Anyone who does something wrong gets away with it either because he has contacts or he is extremely rich.

I could write on more but for some reason im getting frustrated and angry. I should stop here. Its a pity i have to go back to that country.

Speed Limit Race!

2011-01-27T07:26:00.000-08:00

Its funny. People just dont give a break :D

Life and People in London!

2011-01-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

It already has been 5 months since I arrived in London but strangely I never thought about writing bits about the people here. So, let’s get on with it. Unlike most people in Pakistan, the majority or should I say almost every person is very patient. I have never came across a single person who showed signs of agitation, frustration or anger whether they be on road (driving) or in everyday life. Sure, there may have been exceptions but I guess I can’t stick with 62 million people every hour of the day. Apparently, there was this one time when I was in student centre in my university and I had to visit the centre for 2-3 times because I kept missing documents needed for my ID card. On my 4th visit, I seemed to have frustrated two girls standing at the entrance for God knows what purpose. If the purpose was to greet the students, clearly, they failed miserably.

Anyways, when it comes to driving, everyone follows the rules and stick and stay where they are supposed to be. Unlike Paki’s, they give way to others without making an arse out of themselves even if the other person is doing something… bizarre. People here are extremely helpful and friendly. I have yet to encounter any incident that involves ‘racism’. But chances are slim not that I care or anything. Though something tells me it’ll be awful as fuck. The best bit is everything goes according to your plan. If they say a document will be ready in 2 days. It will be ready in 2 days. I am getting accustomed to how things work here. It’s pleasant and fast. Transportation is relaxed, well other than in peak hours. I have not travelled on buses so can’t comment on that.

Ohh, and we have adequate electricity here. Laters!

Free for another post!

2011-01-07T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, been busy so cudnt bounce back. Anyways, I just got my first assignment back (did I tell u im a graduate student doing Energy and Environment?) and I was very glad with the result (72%) although the marks were little less than I was expecting considering the effort of one and a half month that gone into completing it. Well, guess I’ll ask my professor when he gets back. No biggie :-). My focus now has shifted onto the second task in hand. That is, to what extent the energy security consistent with the carbon emission reduction? Well, its proving to be rather difficult for me atm since I cant seem to find the starting line. Been brainstorming for few days now. I guess, I’ll start writing it to see where it leads and how I could handle it later on. But for now, I have asked my friends for a get together in City library so that we could discuss it.

Do pray for my success. I hope and wish for a better future for all of us. Later.

Tomb Raider 2011 Reboot Screenshots!

2011-01-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

By the looks of the screenshots the game really does look epic. It feels as if Lara will struggle for her life coupled with a paranormal aura of the area and classic graphics. The game looks promising.

Gallery: Tomb Raider Gallery

Half Life 2: Episode 3 Concept Art

2010-12-31T09:51:00.000-08:00

The conncept art for Half Life 2: Episode 3 (finally) has been uncovered via the 2008 IntoThePixel E3 art gallery. It shows Gordon Freeman standing close to that worm :D (yea i call it a fat worm) in a massive ruins of the Citadel.

Just to remind you, Valve said they won't be showing Ep. Three at the E3 this year (damn).

Fate/Zero getting an anime!

2010-12-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

Best anime of all time: Fate/Stay Night now has a green light for its prequel. Its called Fate/Zero. The story is set a decade before Fate/stay night and reveals the 4th Holy Grail War that sets the stage for the war in the software.

Cant wait.

More info @ Fate/Zero

Prototype 2

2010-12-12T18:10:00.000-08:00

Murder your maker was indeed Prototype 2. U get to play with a solider Sergant James who was oversee in some war only to return to find himself in a mess. His family was killed by Alex so he injects himself with the same virus to take down Alex.

Listening to Roger Waters at 4 AM.

2010-12-10T20:26:00.000-08:00

Its Friday today. Well, it already was past 12 when I left laptop to go to sleep. So that makes it Saturday. It was 3 in the morning when my brother called me to check if I was asleep. We both couldn’t sleep so he asked me to check the TV if anything worth watching was on. Nothing was on it so we shut it off. I went to the kitchen to get some cake. When I came back my brother told me to play Roger Water’s Amused to death on the iPod. Room was very dimly lit and when the music played. I cant tell you how good that felt. It was as though u were a feather that drifted away with the breeze. It felt soothing and relaxing. Its 4:07 AM atm and the music is still playing as I write this down.

Somehow I feel light. I feel calm. I must be mad, blogging at this hour. But then again, who cares. I have a moment that was worth sharing. So i did.

Next time if u cant sleep. Try listening to Roger Waters. Im sure u'll go to sleep quickly.

Im going now.. i think i should sleep now. Laters!

5 minutes off my mind.

2010-12-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

Silence fell at night

When I woke up

Heard u were gone

I lay there on my back wondering

Why am I alone now?

When we spent time together

You never cared nor spoke

You never once understood me

I cried, felt pain and fear

As I see you walk away

Come back. That’s all I cud say.

Tears roll down my cheek

Brining with them a ray of hope

Life is lived once, not twice

I don’t need you, I don’t want you

Cried silently as I spoke those words

Gingerbread Launcher for Android 2.2

2010-12-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

For those who cant wait to have a go at the newest Android OS ie, 2.3 gingerbread. This application, which can be found in Android market, could give a taste of the new OS. Just search for 'gingerbread Launcher'.

You dont need a rooted phone for this to work.

Source @ Lifehacker

Someone is targeting... Batman!

2010-12-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

From the looks of this teaser. Someone in Arkham city is hunting.. or at least trying to hunt batman.

Ohh it seems like Joker is back again. >.< And hes on drip.

New Details on Tomb Raider Reboot.

2010-12-07T17:29:00.000-08:00

New details are out for the young Lara croft. The game will have an open end world with base camps where Lara could upgrade her skills and equipments. Free aiming is back instead of the 'lock-on' target system. Lara will require food and water to survive.

Ohh and did i tell u that she wil be 21? :D Yea baby. Hot hot!

Tomb Raider: New Game: How it all began?

2010-12-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Forget everything you know about Lara Corft.. says Crystal Dynamic. The game will simply be titled Tomb Raider and it will be an origin story of how Lara Corft came to be such a hot babe :D. The game will show inexperienced Lara Croft struggling both physically and emotionally to survive after a brutal storm destroys the boat she was travelling on.

Read the full article @ Gamespot

My Own Shop for Custom T-shirts!

2010-12-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

Finally, i have been trying to get it up and running and finally i managed to do it. Have a look at my shop for the custom t-shirts. I can design any t-shirt according to your suit and taste provided u dont like the ones i have already made.

A sample :)

Do leave comments and suggestions.

Thanks.

Link to shop @ IMmachine shop

Things that i like and hate about htc Desire.

2010-12-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

After switching over to Android from iPhone was a bit tough for me. Android, at first, was difficult to navigate and/or approach to applications but that washed away after little use. I am quite happy with the overall package Desire provides although there are some holes that needs to be covered. I hope the new OS (2.3 gingerbread) does that.

Right, lets move onto things that i like and dislike.

Things that i dislike:

1. Not Stable:

It is not stable. I am not sure what is not. It could either be OS 2.2 Froyo or the applications themselve. Since im new to this whole android thing. I find it a bit disappointing when u look at the cost of the phone (400£) and compare it to iPhone 3G/3GS. iPhone's OS is 'alot' stable and faster than Android's.

There have been numerous occasions where application just stopped working all of a sudden and i had to force close it.

2. Battery Life

It sucks. If your going to stuff in all sorts of widgets, media player, browsing, games and camera in a phone. Why wont u fit it with a better battery? Phone keeps dying after every 7-8 hours of use. That really needs to be sorted out.

3. Music Player:

Its just average. Nothing like iPod.

Things that i like:

1. Home screens:

Ohh Joy, Probably the best thing about owning a desire is its home screens. Its soo much fun just going through them even if your not doing anything. U cud easily spend a day doing all sorts of stuff on it. You can increase or decrease the home screens according to your taste. The maximum number of screens are 7.

This one have 6.

2. Customization:

Although the Android market is very small compared to iPhone's but that doesnt come into consideration when you start customizing your phone. There are awful lot of variety to chose from. Like for example, there are tons of different widgets that allows you to customize your weather/clock on homescreen. Widgets for docks, icons, wallpapers, battery, lock screen, quota usage, memory usage, music players, navigation and what not.

Some of them completly changes the layout of your desire and the way it works.. Launcherpro Plus for example. It adds dock at the bottom and provides smooth and fast animations to your menu.

Overall, the phone still has some problems but the overall package doesnt let you bother it.

Some of my Favourite Animes.

2010-12-04T17:11:00.000-08:00

I have been watching animes from sometime now. Thought I shud share some of my favourite with you lot.

1. Fate/Stay Night

Its simply the BEST Anime ever made. No matter how many times i watch it... or how many times i listen to its Sound tracks, there is always room for more.

Storyline:

It’s about a war for Holy Grail among 7 Masters and their servants. Each pair must eliminate other in order to obtain the Holy Grail.

This anime has the best storyline thats soo in-depth... it will suck u right in. The relationship that build-up with the passage of time.. and how they make up for each other weaknesses.. is just outstanding. The anime has such a strong feeling of storyline progression, action and romance that u feel involved.

Animation is superb.. the voice over’s are amazing.. and soundtracks.. GOD.. i cant tell u how good they are. They feel perfectly in sync with the scenes and are very touchy.

The best bit about the anime I find particularly attractive is that the action starts right off from the start and goes on till the last episode. The pace of the story has been brilliantly done.

This anime speaks for itself.

It is highly recommended.

Other favourite animes are with no particular order:

Code Geass
School Rumble
Bleach
Sora No Otoshimono
Full Metal Alchemist
Full Metal Panic
Vampire Knight
Lunar Legend tsukihime
Ouran High School Host Club
Elfen Lied

and the list goes on. I dont even remember half of them :P

Murder your Maker.. Prototype 2?

2010-12-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

By the looks of the teaser trailer. It looks pretty much like Prototype. Glimpse of New York city with the same red web we know from Prototype, the first game.

Lets hope it is. I loved killing people :P

Survey - What wud u like to see in Assassins Creed 3?

2010-12-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Ubisoft is considering cooperative online multiplayer, a crafting system for bombs, and improved Eagle Vision in the next Assassin's Creed sequel, according to a UK marketing survey currently being taken.

I tried to take the survey but it said i didnt fit its demographic criteria whatever the helll that is.

i would love to play it in cooperative mode. Must be hell lot of fun.

you can find the survey here

Let me know what u guys come up with.

Source @ kotaku

The Spire.. game like portal?

2010-12-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

The Spire is an upcoming adventure game that is played in first person.

A man is stuck in a deep facility somewhere in Antarctic, who has lost his memories. Not only that but when he wakes up he finds a weird tool attached to his arm which works like the gravity gun from Half-Life 2.

Sadly the release date is TBA.

Source @ kotaku

Team Fortress 2 Beta.. and People.

2010-12-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Right, Most of you probably have heard about the online shooter game TF2 or Team Fortress 2 by Valve. It is now in Beta stage. That means that valve is asking people to play the game to try out new changes in the system and/or gameplay mechanics. For instance like the three different new versions of Natascha and some map tweaks.

Head over to Valve for more info @ Team Fortress 2 Beta

Closest Uncharted game for iPhone/iPad?

2010-12-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

Check this game out for iPhone and iPad. Rip off ehh?

How to increase HTC Desire's battery life.. it really works.

2010-12-02T05:20:00.000-08:00

I was searching the internet for ways that could improve htc Desire's battery life when i stumbled upon this article. I tried what it suggests and it really did work for me. Battery life has improved significantly.

Here is what u have to do:

1. Turn your device ON and Charge the device for 8 hours or more
2. Unplug the device and Turn the phone OFF and charge for 1 hour
3. Unplug the device Turn ON wait 2 minutes and Turn OFF and charge for another hour Your battery life should almost double, we have tested this on our devices and other agents have seen a major difference as well.

Try it. just follow these steps ONLY.

Source @ Desire's battery life

How to customize HTC Desire Sense ui and Widgets.

2010-11-30T07:36:00.000-08:00

Right, i have been quite annoyed with my HTC Desire performance and battery life. It stuttered sometime with obvious hint of lag. So i talked to one of my friend and he showed me how to fix it while adding eye candy. Lets begin:

1. Go into settings. Then Applications. Check the box that says 'Unknown Sources'.

2. Go to Market and download ASTRO file manager.

3. Once thats done. Leave it be for now.

4. Go to 4shared and download Launcherpro Plus and Beautiful Widgets.

5. After they are downloaded, connect your phone to your computer and create a folder named APK files as shown in this picture.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

6. Copy the two downloaded files in this folder. Disconnect your phone.

7. Open up ASTRO from your phone's menu and it will display the list of folders. Locate the one u named APK files and there should be two files in it.

8. Install them separately.

There u go. A completely different experience for your HTC Desire. The animation is ALOT better and smooth now. Unfortunately i cant post the Screen shot of mine because for the screen capture software to work u require a rooted phone.

Example of before and after this setup:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Enjoy. Please leave comment and i'll get back to you incase u need any help.

Thanks to Shani bhai for this awesome guide.

Making of - Pagani vs Lamborghini: Need for Speed Hot Pursuit

2010-11-29T08:15:00.000-08:00

Its really amazing how much effort and time they put into making of this video. Check out it out.