-Sheesha - bad for health but is it good for the mind? Do you take an extra dose before posting at PP and what’s your favourite Sheesha flavour? -How many sheesha puffs can u take before getting dizzy (for me, it’s around 3)?
A relaxant, and judging by the opinion many here have of me I might as well have some relaxant before I log on
Flavour is dependant on the brand. Nakhla make the greatest lemon and banana flavour ever. Their liqourice is also something that I delve into when the mood is heavy and something strong is required.
Overall favorite would have to be the al Fakher mint with a tinge of lemon. Succinct and sweet, when made right it effervesces in the mouth endlessly.
I can smoke a whole Sheesha by myself, no sweat
-What made you cut your long locks of hair and for once go for the normal look? Any plans on growing your hair again?
It was the spur of the moment. I entered the barbers’ content on getting a trim but the moment I sat down I knew I had to go bald. And that is exactly what I am now.
Regarding regrowing - the plan changes with my mood. Often.
-What do you recognise in yourself as the pitfalls and trademarks of teenage?
The tendency to be temperamental and impulsive. In teenage everything is first judged upon an emotional level and then rationally. Also a tendency to chase all that is chased by those of similar age from recreational drugs to skirts.
Perhaps not quite a trademark, but I recognise in myself a hunger for knowledge. I strive at all times to better my understanding of everything I know, challenging all that I come across. The thought that I have not nearly enough years in me to appreciate all the heights that mankind has achieved already saddens me. But that is again a trademark of teenage; I am at once a dreamer, and a moment later in turmoil. I would like to believe, however, that there is a method to my madness.
-Philosophy on life and such?
Do it to the extreme or not do it at all. Moderation is for the weak.
-Favorite poet?
A few to mention. Have only recently been exposed to Yeats and he does feature highly. Robert Browning is one poet whose poems I have probably enjoyed the most.
Then, of course, Shakespeare’s sonnets also deserve a mention.
-Can democracy really work in Pakistan and why or why not?
The fallacy of democracy is only accepted by the educated, ironic as it is. Education, therefore, is the key for Pakistan to take the next step forward as a nation.
-Have you always been a deep thinker Z?
Once, as a child, I was told that humans only use 5% of their brain. Ever since then I have been striving to do justice to my mind. Curiosity is what fuels my thoughts. Curiosity of everything. I believe it to be my greatest strength at this stage.
-Your dream car?
Ferrari Enzo. Can you put a price on perfection? Ferrari did with its $500, 000 starting price. Less than a thousand Enzos were ever manufactured making it the rarest supercar ever.
-Why the interest in poker?
Because poker is a lot like life. I’m a player and women are the casinos
Besides, I feel there is more mental stimulation in poker than in chess. It is, perhaps, the only game in the world where deception and lying are favorable traits. Once a man can master the art of bluffing, there is nothing in the real world that can deceive him.
-If you had a choice to spend your lifetime in Lahore or Ilford, which would it be and why?
Anywhere but Ilford. I’ve had to endure a lot of difficult times here in East London and will take any opportunity to leave.
-What's the logic behind this famous trademark of yours- ""?
It was mecnunK off whom I picked up the
-Have you ever been in love?
Yes, I am a teenager.
Last film you watched?
The Constant Gardener.
-What are your thoughts on the ever widening generation gap between younger and older members of society and how can they understand/respect each others perspectives?
Speaking from personal experience, here in the UK, our forefathers came to this country mostly in the 50s and 60s. They slept fewer hours than the number of jobs they had a day. Food was no guarantee.
My generation is almost embarrassingly luxurious in comparison. We are, therefore at polar opposites from the previous generation.
This does mean that there are huge discrepancies in our views and thoughts. For example, whereas the older generation was content to work and work alone, the current generation is exuberant to the point of arrogant.
To respect each others’ views would require empathy from the old and sympathy from the young.
-How true are you to the persona you have on Pakpassion in real life personality?
As true as is possible, that is if I were to interpret the image ppers have of me correctly.
-You come across as a very intelligent chap here, was that due to sheer brilliance of your mind, god given abilities, your own interest in attaining knowledge, or educational institutions?
Everything is of course god given but I feel more than anything it is my hunger for knowledge that drives me forever on.
-What would you say is the biggest problem Asians are facing in the UK at the moment and what would you suggest to sort it out?
Identity. Personally speaking, I’m too Pakistani to be English, and too English to be Pakistani. I’m lost somewhere in the middle.
How do you give someone an identity? You make sure that we don’t make the same mistake as our fathers and leave this country before the next generation becomes too attached. Being completely honest, I would rather be Pakistani than English.
-z10 is to , as Benigni is to Sellers. What are your thoughts?
Sage is to , as Blair is to Bush. Your thoughts?
-If you were James Bond, who would you have as your Bond girl and what special gadget would you take on your mission?
Rachel McAdams. Is there a gadget that guarantees privacy?
-Your favourite posters on PP?
There are many that deserve a mention but the PPers of whose posts I enjoy reading most would be ggm, marooned, sage, comma, DM and entralinks. No apologies for omissions, expectant as the rest are.
-When did you first get into following cricket and how?
The first time I watched a cricket match I was in Pakistan and the Pakistani team was in India. The first test match I ever saw had Shoaib yorking Tendulkar first ball. I was hooked.
-I am confused where you are from in Pakistan: Lahore, Sahiwal or where? You seem to have family everywhere.
I think I have family in every city of Punjab. My father is originally from Bahawalpur, an average city to the south of Multan.
-Favourite cartoon from childhood days?
X- Men. Which kid didn’t like wolverine? The guy was the complete hero.
-Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Aspirations etc
Hopefully not here. GA is not a good role model
In terms of aspirations I would dearly love to learn to play the piano, as well as learn to ride a horse, two skills that I aspire to almost obsessively.
I would also like to one day perhaps play in the world series of poker against the best of the best but that is more of a distant dream than an aspiration.
-Pontificate on the purpose of dreams
Without dreams life would be bland and monotonous. It is the exuberance at the achievement of a dream and the tragedy of failure that make life what it is.
-How have u become so powerful on PP?
I would like to thank every PP’er and his keyboard. I couldn’t have done it without you.
-Why cricket?
Great question waisay. Being Pakistani it was the logical sport to follow I guess. I think it was also because the Pakistan team was brilliantly talented when I first started to watch in 99.
-Are the young posters on PP (me, Cavyboy, Abdul, Rob) a good or bad thing for PP?
It’s always good to hear the views of the young and unaffected. They usually bring something new and fresh to the discussion.
-A bit about yourself: what you do and what you don't do (I leave it open to your interpretation)
I’m 18 years old and am an A level student. In my last year with final exams coming up this May/ June.
Living in London and have been here for all of my 18 years.
I also work at a travel agent as a courier more than an agent actually. I am, forever, on the London underground going from embassy to embassy collecting/ dropping off tickets/ passports/ visas. It is safe to say that the Saudis are the worst communicators of all the embassies. Embarrassingly bureaucratic too.
It doesn’t really bother me much though; I prefer time wasting in central London than sitting in an office with the boss.
Waisay, what were you expecting, Teamy?
-Do you think calling those older than yourself mian is slightly inappropriate? Because usually it’s used by elders to refer to younger ones...
I do not know of the usual usage of the word but I say it to all I respect. Apologies to all those who feel offended (read MIG)
-You seem to come about as level headed, maybe a bit too level headed at times! Are you the same in real life?
There is an old Arab proverb: ‘The best answer comes from the man who isn't angry’
I try and maintain my cool in all situations and being in east London, where I have known people to have been shot because they looked at someone the wrong way, it is an extremely important attribute.
Besides, more often than not I feel pity not anger at the opposing view.
Should one strive for perfection or betterment?
Perfection. It cannot be achieved, of course, but I’m a romanticist.
-Are you really satisfied with your career path? If given a choice would u like to be something else, like a writer or a cricketer?
I have chosen finance as my course of study at university and not a day goes by when I do not chastise myself for this career path. It was the sensible choice but it doesn’t satisfy the ego or the dreamer in me. Fame is an ambition, as is power, to tell the truth.
A writer, perhaps. Cricketer, no way.
Of all things the two careers that I entertain most is one of a scholar and the other of an entrepreneur. Both require inspiration that I’m lacking currently.
-Do you have any ideals or role models?
None, whatsoever. Call it arrogance or vanity but it dictates that I need none.
-Zain bhai: rank the following in order you would give up if you had to: (e.g. from the easiest to the hardest to give up): Sheesha, gals, pp or cricket.
From the easiest it would be:
Cricket
PP
Sheesha
Gals
-Your views on Mods?
They do the job required admirably. There have been occasions where disagreements have arisen but I have always appreciated the consistency in decision making from them.
Individually, MIG and Oxy are two that have a good sense of humour and entertain most PPers royally. Oxy is one who I feel says it as he sees it, certainly a favorable trait.
Saj is a gentleman of a poster who enjoys a good level of mutual respect with all posters. Nauman and entra also deserve a mention for their hard work in keeping pp running.
-Tell us something about you, your childhood, present, future goals, favourite place/food etc.
My childhood has been largely unspectacular. There have been fights, loud arguments with parents and even bouts of large scale depression and confusion that I take no pride in from my childhood. There have also been academic achievements of note in the same period of childhood so all was not as bad as it seemed.
The present has been about discovery. Discovering new schools of thought, discovering a long term relationship, and even perhaps finally discovering myself.
What tomorrow brings, I do not know.
-Is the notion true that old posters/buddies are getting lost/distant as so many people are joining PP? Also the quality of posts going down because of the same reason?
The notion is a tad flawed. Old posters are not becoming more distant from each other but more distant from newcomers. Certainly, when I joined just under a year ago the older PPers were perhaps far more welcoming than they are now.
There was a feeling of comfort and of a tight knit group. The problem is the group has become tighter so as to refuse entry to newcomers.
To answer the second part of your question I think the vast majority of posters are of a good standard and quality is not only produced by those who have been here longer. You get your fair share of idiots but then they are there in every community.
-Have you ever felt there is something missing from your life, something you have to do or need to have, but just can't gather what exactly it is? A sense of being incomplete in a way if you may?
There have been times when I am confused to the point where I am lost but it I bring it upon myself. These days I am constantly living with the sense of restlessness and confusion with myself. As I’ve been told, the answer lies inside me, and only when I know myself will I attain peace enough to endure the restlessness.
-Name five posters and then five things they do or have like none other on this forum.
ggm – wisdom
entralinks – the Jewish connection
DM – for the sheer control over this language
Noddy – inside information
Saj – ownership
-Since signing up on PP, how much have you changed, the way you think about people on internet, what changes in your view have come about in your thinking, discussing matters, handling tricky situations (getting warned by mods and being on the edge), making adjustments, getting various labels, maintaining friendships etc?
I have perhaps developed more in my 11 months on Pakpassion than ever before as a person. I have learned much, been exposed to much more and perhaps have for the first time found those who have as much a desire as me to discuss for the sake of discussion.
Being warned by mods was perhaps a testing time as there was a major breakdown in communication. I had my own view and the mods had a very different outlook. It was resolved and I am grateful to Saj who showed the way for both sides.
Getting labels does not bother me much. I do it to others as much as everyone does to me so one must learn to take as well as one gives. Besides, how much can a label on an internet site really hurt?
-Having experienced it, how do you explain the situation where both parties are right in a way from their respective ages and points of view, how do you think one should approach it when something's at stake?
Only one can be a winner, which is most likely not you, your one bad move can go against you, what goes in your mind at this time? You won't submit neither change, but then also realize perhaps a sacrifice has to be made, how do you explain that feeling?
What is the way out? Do things remain as they were? Do you start to feel a kind of fear or be uncomfortable trying to be extra careful, being more of against what you naturally are?
I have always tried to maintain a stance from where I feel I am correct and I will not budge. There are times when submission should be undertaken and there are times when one must back his own convictions and stand firm.
After a disagreement of course it cannot be the same. There is not that level of formality or perhaps even mutual respect left. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth for both sides.
I will always try to remain true to myself first and foremost. Every other concern is relegated.
-What does z10 stand for?
A moment of inspiration that I can’t possibly explain.
Thank you all for your questions.
A relaxant, and judging by the opinion many here have of me I might as well have some relaxant before I log on
Flavour is dependant on the brand. Nakhla make the greatest lemon and banana flavour ever. Their liqourice is also something that I delve into when the mood is heavy and something strong is required.
Overall favorite would have to be the al Fakher mint with a tinge of lemon. Succinct and sweet, when made right it effervesces in the mouth endlessly.
I can smoke a whole Sheesha by myself, no sweat
-What made you cut your long locks of hair and for once go for the normal look? Any plans on growing your hair again?
It was the spur of the moment. I entered the barbers’ content on getting a trim but the moment I sat down I knew I had to go bald. And that is exactly what I am now.
Regarding regrowing - the plan changes with my mood. Often.
-What do you recognise in yourself as the pitfalls and trademarks of teenage?
The tendency to be temperamental and impulsive. In teenage everything is first judged upon an emotional level and then rationally. Also a tendency to chase all that is chased by those of similar age from recreational drugs to skirts.
Perhaps not quite a trademark, but I recognise in myself a hunger for knowledge. I strive at all times to better my understanding of everything I know, challenging all that I come across. The thought that I have not nearly enough years in me to appreciate all the heights that mankind has achieved already saddens me. But that is again a trademark of teenage; I am at once a dreamer, and a moment later in turmoil. I would like to believe, however, that there is a method to my madness.
-Philosophy on life and such?
Do it to the extreme or not do it at all. Moderation is for the weak.
-Favorite poet?
A few to mention. Have only recently been exposed to Yeats and he does feature highly. Robert Browning is one poet whose poems I have probably enjoyed the most.
Then, of course, Shakespeare’s sonnets also deserve a mention.
-Can democracy really work in Pakistan and why or why not?
The fallacy of democracy is only accepted by the educated, ironic as it is. Education, therefore, is the key for Pakistan to take the next step forward as a nation.
-Have you always been a deep thinker Z?
Once, as a child, I was told that humans only use 5% of their brain. Ever since then I have been striving to do justice to my mind. Curiosity is what fuels my thoughts. Curiosity of everything. I believe it to be my greatest strength at this stage.
-Your dream car?
Ferrari Enzo. Can you put a price on perfection? Ferrari did with its $500, 000 starting price. Less than a thousand Enzos were ever manufactured making it the rarest supercar ever.
-Why the interest in poker?
Because poker is a lot like life. I’m a player and women are the casinos
Besides, I feel there is more mental stimulation in poker than in chess. It is, perhaps, the only game in the world where deception and lying are favorable traits. Once a man can master the art of bluffing, there is nothing in the real world that can deceive him.
-If you had a choice to spend your lifetime in Lahore or Ilford, which would it be and why?
Anywhere but Ilford. I’ve had to endure a lot of difficult times here in East London and will take any opportunity to leave.
-What's the logic behind this famous trademark of yours- "
"?It was mecnunK off whom I picked up the
-Have you ever been in love?
Yes, I am a teenager.
Last film you watched?
The Constant Gardener.
-What are your thoughts on the ever widening generation gap between younger and older members of society and how can they understand/respect each others perspectives?
Speaking from personal experience, here in the UK, our forefathers came to this country mostly in the 50s and 60s. They slept fewer hours than the number of jobs they had a day. Food was no guarantee.
My generation is almost embarrassingly luxurious in comparison. We are, therefore at polar opposites from the previous generation.
This does mean that there are huge discrepancies in our views and thoughts. For example, whereas the older generation was content to work and work alone, the current generation is exuberant to the point of arrogant.
To respect each others’ views would require empathy from the old and sympathy from the young.
-How true are you to the persona you have on Pakpassion in real life personality?
As true as is possible, that is if I were to interpret the image ppers have of me correctly.
-You come across as a very intelligent chap here, was that due to sheer brilliance of your mind, god given abilities, your own interest in attaining knowledge, or educational institutions?
Everything is of course god given but I feel more than anything it is my hunger for knowledge that drives me forever on.
-What would you say is the biggest problem Asians are facing in the UK at the moment and what would you suggest to sort it out?
Identity. Personally speaking, I’m too Pakistani to be English, and too English to be Pakistani. I’m lost somewhere in the middle.
How do you give someone an identity? You make sure that we don’t make the same mistake as our fathers and leave this country before the next generation becomes too attached. Being completely honest, I would rather be Pakistani than English.
-z10 is to , as Benigni is to Sellers. What are your thoughts?
Sage is to , as Blair is to Bush. Your thoughts?
-If you were James Bond, who would you have as your Bond girl and what special gadget would you take on your mission?
Rachel McAdams. Is there a gadget that guarantees privacy?
-Your favourite posters on PP?
There are many that deserve a mention but the PPers of whose posts I enjoy reading most would be ggm, marooned, sage, comma, DM and entralinks. No apologies for omissions, expectant as the rest are.
-When did you first get into following cricket and how?
The first time I watched a cricket match I was in Pakistan and the Pakistani team was in India. The first test match I ever saw had Shoaib yorking Tendulkar first ball. I was hooked.
-I am confused where you are from in Pakistan: Lahore, Sahiwal or where? You seem to have family everywhere.
I think I have family in every city of Punjab. My father is originally from Bahawalpur, an average city to the south of Multan.
-Favourite cartoon from childhood days?
X- Men. Which kid didn’t like wolverine? The guy was the complete hero.
-Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Aspirations etc
Hopefully not here. GA is not a good role model
In terms of aspirations I would dearly love to learn to play the piano, as well as learn to ride a horse, two skills that I aspire to almost obsessively.
I would also like to one day perhaps play in the world series of poker against the best of the best but that is more of a distant dream than an aspiration.
-Pontificate on the purpose of dreams
Without dreams life would be bland and monotonous. It is the exuberance at the achievement of a dream and the tragedy of failure that make life what it is.
-How have u become so powerful on PP?
I would like to thank every PP’er and his keyboard. I couldn’t have done it without you.
-Why cricket?
Great question waisay. Being Pakistani it was the logical sport to follow I guess. I think it was also because the Pakistan team was brilliantly talented when I first started to watch in 99.
-Are the young posters on PP (me, Cavyboy, Abdul, Rob) a good or bad thing for PP?
It’s always good to hear the views of the young and unaffected. They usually bring something new and fresh to the discussion.
-A bit about yourself: what you do and what you don't do (I leave it open to your interpretation)
I’m 18 years old and am an A level student. In my last year with final exams coming up this May/ June.
Living in London and have been here for all of my 18 years.
I also work at a travel agent as a courier more than an agent actually. I am, forever, on the London underground going from embassy to embassy collecting/ dropping off tickets/ passports/ visas. It is safe to say that the Saudis are the worst communicators of all the embassies. Embarrassingly bureaucratic too.
It doesn’t really bother me much though; I prefer time wasting in central London than sitting in an office with the boss.
Waisay, what were you expecting, Teamy?
-Do you think calling those older than yourself mian is slightly inappropriate? Because usually it’s used by elders to refer to younger ones...
I do not know of the usual usage of the word but I say it to all I respect. Apologies to all those who feel offended (read MIG)
-You seem to come about as level headed, maybe a bit too level headed at times! Are you the same in real life?
There is an old Arab proverb: ‘The best answer comes from the man who isn't angry’
I try and maintain my cool in all situations and being in east London, where I have known people to have been shot because they looked at someone the wrong way, it is an extremely important attribute.
Besides, more often than not I feel pity not anger at the opposing view.
Should one strive for perfection or betterment?
Perfection. It cannot be achieved, of course, but I’m a romanticist.
-Are you really satisfied with your career path? If given a choice would u like to be something else, like a writer or a cricketer?
I have chosen finance as my course of study at university and not a day goes by when I do not chastise myself for this career path. It was the sensible choice but it doesn’t satisfy the ego or the dreamer in me. Fame is an ambition, as is power, to tell the truth.
A writer, perhaps. Cricketer, no way.
Of all things the two careers that I entertain most is one of a scholar and the other of an entrepreneur. Both require inspiration that I’m lacking currently.
-Do you have any ideals or role models?
None, whatsoever. Call it arrogance or vanity but it dictates that I need none.
-Zain bhai: rank the following in order you would give up if you had to: (e.g. from the easiest to the hardest to give up): Sheesha, gals, pp or cricket.
From the easiest it would be:
Cricket
PP
Sheesha
Gals
-Your views on Mods?
They do the job required admirably. There have been occasions where disagreements have arisen but I have always appreciated the consistency in decision making from them.
Individually, MIG and Oxy are two that have a good sense of humour and entertain most PPers royally. Oxy is one who I feel says it as he sees it, certainly a favorable trait.
Saj is a gentleman of a poster who enjoys a good level of mutual respect with all posters. Nauman and entra also deserve a mention for their hard work in keeping pp running.
-Tell us something about you, your childhood, present, future goals, favourite place/food etc.
My childhood has been largely unspectacular. There have been fights, loud arguments with parents and even bouts of large scale depression and confusion that I take no pride in from my childhood. There have also been academic achievements of note in the same period of childhood so all was not as bad as it seemed.
The present has been about discovery. Discovering new schools of thought, discovering a long term relationship, and even perhaps finally discovering myself.
What tomorrow brings, I do not know.
-Is the notion true that old posters/buddies are getting lost/distant as so many people are joining PP? Also the quality of posts going down because of the same reason?
The notion is a tad flawed. Old posters are not becoming more distant from each other but more distant from newcomers. Certainly, when I joined just under a year ago the older PPers were perhaps far more welcoming than they are now.
There was a feeling of comfort and of a tight knit group. The problem is the group has become tighter so as to refuse entry to newcomers.
To answer the second part of your question I think the vast majority of posters are of a good standard and quality is not only produced by those who have been here longer. You get your fair share of idiots but then they are there in every community.
-Have you ever felt there is something missing from your life, something you have to do or need to have, but just can't gather what exactly it is? A sense of being incomplete in a way if you may?
There have been times when I am confused to the point where I am lost but it I bring it upon myself. These days I am constantly living with the sense of restlessness and confusion with myself. As I’ve been told, the answer lies inside me, and only when I know myself will I attain peace enough to endure the restlessness.
-Name five posters and then five things they do or have like none other on this forum.
ggm – wisdom
entralinks – the Jewish connection
DM – for the sheer control over this language
Noddy – inside information
Saj – ownership
-Since signing up on PP, how much have you changed, the way you think about people on internet, what changes in your view have come about in your thinking, discussing matters, handling tricky situations (getting warned by mods and being on the edge), making adjustments, getting various labels, maintaining friendships etc?
I have perhaps developed more in my 11 months on Pakpassion than ever before as a person. I have learned much, been exposed to much more and perhaps have for the first time found those who have as much a desire as me to discuss for the sake of discussion.
Being warned by mods was perhaps a testing time as there was a major breakdown in communication. I had my own view and the mods had a very different outlook. It was resolved and I am grateful to Saj who showed the way for both sides.
Getting labels does not bother me much. I do it to others as much as everyone does to me so one must learn to take as well as one gives. Besides, how much can a label on an internet site really hurt?
-Having experienced it, how do you explain the situation where both parties are right in a way from their respective ages and points of view, how do you think one should approach it when something's at stake?
Only one can be a winner, which is most likely not you, your one bad move can go against you, what goes in your mind at this time? You won't submit neither change, but then also realize perhaps a sacrifice has to be made, how do you explain that feeling?
What is the way out? Do things remain as they were? Do you start to feel a kind of fear or be uncomfortable trying to be extra careful, being more of against what you naturally are?
I have always tried to maintain a stance from where I feel I am correct and I will not budge. There are times when submission should be undertaken and there are times when one must back his own convictions and stand firm.
After a disagreement of course it cannot be the same. There is not that level of formality or perhaps even mutual respect left. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth for both sides.
I will always try to remain true to myself first and foremost. Every other concern is relegated.
-What does z10 stand for?
A moment of inspiration that I can’t possibly explain.
Thank you all for your questions.
