Vintage and classic cars show

While a majority has a hobby of changing to new models as and when these arrive in the market, a few take pride in their pride possession of vintage and classic cars. These elegant looking majestic and robust cars still display that awe and a feeling of richness despite became decades old.

In Pakistan, there are a few enthusiasts too who are maintaining their vintage cars and take pride in riding these majestically, despite being overtaken by flashy and new cars. It is that feeling of riding a different machine, that has been otherwise lost in time. See the slideshow below of the prized possession of some in Karachi, Pakistan.

Label: Vintage Cars

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Creative And Useful Kitchen Gadgets

Once you take a look at this collection of bizarre and sometimes useful kitchen gadgets you will realize that the human imagination has no limit. The S’mores cooker is by far my favorite, and the automatic potato peeler is downright lazy, but the Wave Box, or portable microwave is pretty special.

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SOURCE : TECHZUG

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Blackbird SR-71 RC model

SR-71 Blackbird was once the backbone of the USAF surveillance fleet and it roared as master of the skies. Now one can only watch its RC models as the Blackbird has been phased out of the service.

Herein under is a video of the RC model for those who loved the Blackbird for its unique shape, black body and extremely powerful thrusts.

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Spectacular virgin lakes of Pakistan

Whenever we write a post, we always try to mention the best of the best as the names of the very best are known to a majority and thus attract lot of visitors. But I am writing this post to introduce some unfamiliar names, which after reading the post may become best of the best one day or someday for someone or everyone.

Pakistan is naturally gifted country. Its northern areas are rich in natural and scenic beauty, which are unparalleled and unmatchable. These natural treasures are hidden far beyond and behind majestic snow covered mountains rising more than 10,000 feet. Only those who have flare for danger laden adventure can reach these destinations.

One of my Flickr friends Asif Saeed, barely 28 years, is one such person who has not only reached these beautiful places, but has also captured the blue icy waters of some of the spectacular scenic and virgin lakes that a few have attempted before. 

These lakes, perched in quietness and stillness of time since ages, have now been explored and courtesy people like Asif, we have a chance to dream of places that have never been visited before or very seldom visited by adventurers. I hope by watching the photographs below, many who love nature in its pure form will plan to come to these remote areas of Pakistan and enjoy that great feeling amid towering snow clad mountains on the shores of some of most awesome virgin lakes of the world.

Ansoo and Sat Sri Mala Lakes

"Ansoo" and "Sat Sri Mala" lakes were discovered just two years back. These lakes are located at far off deserted and extremely difficult areas that can become dangerous if one is not fully equipped and require proper guidance and planning as there are no lodging facilities available. Camping is the only solution, but it is so windy and ice cold out there that one has to be really prepared to camp.

Ansoo Lake is in shape of eye and most of its water is frozen but a portion of it looks like "tear" from far off place. Ansoo means tear so that’s why this lake has been named as Ansoo lake.

Located at an altitude of 16,492 feet in the Kaghan Valley near the Malika Parbat mountain of the Himalayan mountain range and some 12 hours difficult and treacherous trek from the famous Saif ul Mulook Lake, itself located at 12,000 feet. The trek from Saif ul Mulook Lake is generally snow covered for most part of the year and can be accessed from mid-July to mid-August only. Although one can hire horses, but almost one third of the trek has to be footed anyway.

  

Sat Sri Mala Lake

Another lake about which I came to know is "Sat Sri Mala". These are seven different lakes in steps. Water from each lake falls in the next one so that’s why named it Sat Sri Mala. "Sat" means seven and “Sri” means head in local language.

Rama Lake

Rama Lake is located on top of beautiful Astore Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The Rama is situated in Choungrah Valley. It takes half hour to reach the Rama. Rama Valley is thickly forested with huge pine, cedar, fir and juniper trees. 

Trek to Rama Lake

The valley is about 3300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level and thus is snow covered for 7-8 months of the year. In summer, it becomes lush green. From here one can trek to east side of the Nanga Parbat (also known as the Killer Mountain), the world's 8th highest mountain.

Gitidas Lake

Gitidas Lake is yet another beautiful lake located near the famous Lulusar Lake which in itself is the biggest natural lake in scenic Hazara. Lulusar Lake feeds roaring Kunhar river which is its main source. One comes across magnificent view of the lake through a jeep trek on the banks of the lake that takes you to Babu Sar Pass. The journey is full of excitement.

Saral Lake

Saral Lake is usually referred as the Hidden Pearl of Kashmir. Crossing the Saral Pass at a meager height of 13,600ft and descending into a valley guarded by high passes lies hidden dream like Saral Lake of unsurpassed beauty. 

This lake can be accessed from Kaghan valley and Neelum valley. One can take the trek from Besal in Kaghan valley and camp at Dodipatsar Lake for overnight stay. Resuming the journey next morning, one journeys into Neelum valley to reach Saral Lake. From here one can trek to Neelum Valley or to Kaghan Valley via Nurinar river following jeep road to Jalghad. From Saral Lake one may explore yet another beautiful Ratigali Lake.

Dodipatsar Lake

Dodi Pat Sar is located ahead of Naran and Jalkand near Basal Camp which is at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The lake and surrounding area has been declared as National Wild Life Park. One can conveniently reach Basal Camp but from hence forward, there is a continuous trekking of about 5 hours, on average, to Dodi Pat Sar base camp. From the base camp still a breathtaking journey of about an hour takes you to the legendary Dodi Pat Sar which is at a height of 15,000 feet above sea level.

In the local language Dodi means milky, Pat mean water and Sar mean lake. So Dodi Pat Sar means “The Lake of Milky Water”. This splendid lake resides in the lap of the snow covered mountain peak. The snowy mountain peak sheds its reflection in the lake giving an impact of milk contained in a lake, which makes up its name. In ancient times this place was known as “Purbi Narh”. Purbi was an aboriginal tribe living in the vicinity of this lake and Narh, in local language, means the water passage moving down the mountain peak.

Chitta Khatta Lake

Kashmir is blessed area from nature and well known for the its virgin beauty Chitta Khatta Lake is the diamond of Neelam Valley's crown, Chitta Khatta lake is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level in upper Neelam Valley of Azad Kashmir , Pakistan. The main highlight of the lake is its extra ordinary milky white colour of water from where lake's name was derived, Chitta (white), other than the fact that this beautiful lake was visited seldom and it was not known a few years from now. It also has no visible outlet (just like Kutwal Lake and Sheoshar Lake).

For this trek one has to reach Kel in Neelam valley, which is a day’s travelling from Muzaffarabad, in the Kel. Jeeps are available for the upper Domel Village besides Shountar Nalah and the jeep trek starts from Kel, where Shounter Nalah falls into Neelam River.

The trek of lake starts from Chitta Khatta Village, located at 8,000 feet, which is located about one km before Upper Domel village. Chitta Khatta village and Neelam Village are two small villages across the Shountar Nalah on the right (these are very obvious, one cannot miss them). Another indication is the Chitta Khatta Nala that falls rather sharply adjacent to the Chitta Khatta village. From the road one has to descend first to reach the Shountar Nala. This descend is not more than 100 feet. From here one has to cross the Shountar Nala through a wooden bridge and then continue parallel to the Chitta Khatta Nalah crossing Chammar Fall and onto the Lake.

Kutwal Lake - Haramosh Valley

Kutwal Lake is yet another breathtaking and awe inspiring lake of the Haramosh Valley. One can reach Haramosh Valley both from Skardu and Gilgit. From Skardu one has to go to to Sassi from the where the trek to Kutwal starts. But it is better to start from Gilgit as Sassi is just an hour drive from Gilgit. Jeeps can take you till village Dassu. 

After Dassu its all trekking up to lake. It takes about 6-9 hours from Dassu to Kutwal village and yet another 5 hourse up to the lake. Therefore one has to plan for at least three days round trip with appropriate gear, tentage and eatables.

Attributions:
All photos are courtesy Asif Saeed (Flickr)
Trek map of Haramosh Valley courtesy Junaid Khan
Video courtesy YouTube

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Postage stamps of Pakistan – 1960 and my collection

1960 was a busy year for the Pakistan Post as it issued stamps on numerous occasions as compared to just two occasions in 1959. The issues included 6 sets of stamps and three individual stamp issues.

The first set of two stamps was issued on 10^th January to commemorate the Armed Forces Day. The stamps bearing the logo of the Armed forces badge were in green and blue backgrounds and had the face value of Ana 2 and 14. These stamps were on sale till end February 1962.

The second set of four definitive stamps was issued on 23^rd March 1960 showing the map of the then West Pakistan. The deep purple stamp was of the face value of 6 paisa, while the brown red stamp was of 2 Ana, the deep green stamp was of 8 Ana and the blue coloured stamp had a face value of Re1.

The third set of two stamps was issued on 7^th April on the eve of the World Refugee Year. The 2 Ana stamp was in rose carmine colour, while the 10 Ana stamp was coloured green.

On the eve of celebrating the golden jubilee of the famous Punjab Agri College Lyllpur, later renamed as Faisalabadafter the King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, a set of two stamps showing the building of the college were issued on 10^thOctober. The blue and carmine red was for 2 Ana, while the blush green and red velvet coloured stamp was worth 8 Ana.

The fifth occasion was the commemoration of the Revolution Day on 27^thOctober. The theme for the stamps was based on the land reforms, rehabilitation and reconstruction initiated by the military government of General Muhammad Ayub Khan. The 2 Ana stamp was brown dominated with a tinged of pink, while the 14 Ana was ultra-marine blue with green tinge. Te stamps were withdrawn from sale at end June 1962.

King Edward Medical College of Lahore is a prestigious medical college of Pakistan, established in 1860. On the eve of its centenary celebrations, a set of two stamps was issued on 16^th November 1960. The stamps bore the symbol of caduceus, attributed to Hermes in Greek mythology. It is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings and is normally attributed to the discipline of medicine, health and cure. The 2 Ana stamp was with a blue background while the 14 Ana stamp had an emerald background.

The single stamp issue on 5^th December was of 14 Ana face value and was in orange red in colour. The stamp showed the map of south Asia and the sea with a ship on the eve of the International Chamber of Commerce CAFEA meeting.

The last stamp of the year was issued on the eve of the Third Pakistan Boy Scouts National Jamboree on 24^th December. The stamp with a green background valued 2 Ana bore the image of the famous Zamzamma gun which is now placed as the relic of the past in front of the Punjab University and the national College of Arts Lahore on the famous Mall Road. The gun is also knwn as the Kim’s Gun, after the famous British writer Rudyard Kipling who defying all rules of the then British government sat beside the gun and wrote his fascinating stories, and Bhangian de Tope(Bhangi’s gun) referring to the era when the gun was captured by the Sikhs and came under the possession of the Bhangi clan.

My collection includes stamps from all issues of the 1960, except one from the set of stamps issued on the eve of the centenary of the King Edward Medical College.

References:

Decade of Development – Ayub’s 10 years

Faisalabad – Pakistan’s Manchester

Lahore (Lhor Lhor hai)

Zamzamma

Postal Stamps of Pakistan – 1959 and my album

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Most Weird Futuristic Cell Phones

1. The Natural Year Phone by Je-Hyun Kim

This was created in the name of recycling... after all, how durable do we want our devices to be when they become near-obsolete in five years? The phone is made of hay (or should we say of "weed"?) and completely disintegrates in two years' time - only the screen and soft keys remain behind, and even these may be subsequently recycled. However, we have doubts about its practicality. Just one of those "nice to see, good to hold... but no thanks!" pieces of technology

(designer: Je-Hyun Kim)

2. Window Phone by Seunghan Song

What features would you like on your phone today, mister? The weather? Done! The Brits may like this glass cell phone concept, as it will predictably predict even the most unpredictable English weather, if such a thing is at all possible.

(designer: Seunghan Song)

3. Cell Phone Inspired By Chinese Scrolls, by Yun Liang

A roll-out display and cute buttons placed on the scroll are definitely hot-looking... but imagine using this piece on an everyday basis. If you'd need to pull the display out in a jiffy, then the tactile bit for keypad will last as long as you treat the baton well. Key words… treat the batonwell.

(designer: Yun Liang)

4. Easy Tiles Phone by Tzu-Fu Wang

What would you do if you didn’t have the iPhone or its cool apps and games to while away your time? Sorry, didn’t meant to scare you… lemme rephrase, your iPhone is SAFE and SOUND, but give the Easy Tiles Phone a second’s thought. Easily upgradable apps that slide in and around the phone, make this one of those DIY thangs that give you total control to upgrade the gizmoas you like. Let's also assume you have a postal address in Utopia and upgrades are dirt-cheap!

(designer: Tzu-Fu Wang)

5. Radia - Circular Cell Phone by Michael Laut

Who says cell phone has to be rectangular? An oddball round shape can also be suitably scintillating. No kidding, but this one might be a feasible design for Paris Hilton, who loves to talk in circles... literally!

Designer: Michael Laut

And we’ve barely even scratched the (non-scratch) surface! Here’s still more…

Weirdest Shape For A Cell Phone:
Bracelet Phone by Tao Ma (more info). Combine the two and you have... handcuffs!



Weirdest Material For A Cell Phone:
Maple Phone by Hyun Jin Yoon & Eun Hak Lee - more info:



Weirdest User Interface for a Cell Phone:
A Finger Touching idea by Sunman Kwon:

Source: Techzug

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F4 Phantom - maiden flight of RC version

At first I thought it to be real F4 Phantom - but it turned out to be a perfectly made RC model. Those who have seen F4s, would know how real it looks.

Watch the video below of a twin turbine F4 Phantom RC airplane's maiden flight:

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Dream of flying in transparent airplane coming true

Ever dreamt of flying in a see through airplane? Well since the early 1900s, we have been seeing and flying capsule shpaed steel body airplanse with small windows to peep outside. Perhaps no one ever wanted more of an airplane except for on board cabin facilities, and of course younger air hostesses.

But there are people who have been dreaming - dreaming of designing an airplane of a different kind. An airplane from which people could actually look outside from everywhere and enjoy being flying like a bird. The dreamers have been the designers of the famous French Airbus, who have come up of such an airplane that affords almost 360 degree outside view to its passengers. 

The aircraft’s bionic structure mimics the efficiency of bird bone which is optimized to provide strength where needed, and allows for an intelligent cabin wall membrane which controls air temperature and can become transparent to give passengers open panoramic views. The “smart tech zone” is tailored towards the more functional oriented passenger with a chameleon style offering, to meet individual needs ranging from a simple to a complete luxury service, but all allowing you to continue life as if on the ground.  By offering different levels of experience within each zone, airlines would be able to achieve price differentials and give more people access to the benefits of air travel with minimal environmental impact.

For oversize people, who always lament of smaller seats, there will be innovative seats that will automatically adjust to the body shape and weight of a passenger and allow a much luxurious and comfortable posture for a long tireless flight. 

The aircraft will be laced with gadgets which will operate from the heat generated by the passengers' bodies. There will lesser noise and lesser environmental pollution as new technologies will be used to cut down external exhausts from fuel burns.

Dream of flying at night in a starry night - you will as if you are lying outside your picnic tent with stars above in the loneliness of a quiet place of your choice.

Personalized zones replace traditional cabin classes to offer tailored levels of experience. While taking a hop between destinations, according to Airbus, passengers in 2050 could join an interactive conference; enjoy a game of virtual golf; read the kids back home a bedtime story; and recharge in a ‘ vitalizing seat’ whilst watching the planet spread out beneath their feet.

Watch the interactive video below to see what is in the store for you in 2050.

For more details visit airbus official notification at: Airbus presents a panoramic view of 2050

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A Cook and Her Books: Lemon Glazed Cookies

Lemon Glazed Lemon Cookies by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books

 It's easier to bake in the summer than the colder months. I know that sounds strange, but with the busy-ness of the school year, baking projects tend to be rushed and compartmentalized, without the spontaneous "gee, I think I'll bake cookies today" moments that I love. So, even though it heats up the house, we're baking cookies today - the homemade slice and bake kind. And they're lemon - which is turning out to be my theme ingredient this year - lemon glazed tea loaves, lemon ice cream, lemon pound cake, lemon pudding...

Glazed Lemon Cookies

adapted from Susan Purdy's The Family Baker

Yield: about 40 cookies

Cookie dough

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 egg

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Glaze

3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1. For the cookies: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth and well blended. Beat in the egg, lemon extract, lemon juice and lemon zest. Scrape down the bowl and beater and add flour, confectioners' sugar, cornstarch and baking soda, beating everything together until fully incorporated.

2. Dust a countertop with a small amount of flour and turn dough out. Knead lightly and shape into a log. I like a square cookie, so I square the edges. You can divide the dough into two logs, if that works better for your refrigerator. Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours or overnight. You can also double wrap the dough logs, place in a freezer container, label and freeze for up to 2 months. If using frozen dough, set out on counter while the oven preheats, to make the dough easier to slice.

3. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350. Line baking sheets with Silpats or parchment paper. Place cookie dough log on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice 1/4-inch slices. Place on prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 or until the cookies are a light golden brown on the edges. While cookies are baking, make glaze by combining lemon juice, confectioners' sugar and lemon zest. Use a spatula to gently remove the cookies from the baking sheet and place them on a wire rack set over wax paper or foil (to catch drips) to cool slightly. Use a brush to spread glaze on cookies while they're still warm. Let cookies dry and place them in airtight containers for storage. It's a good idea to put parchment paper or waxed paper between the layers of cookies.

Posted by Lucy Mercer at: A Cook and Her Books: Lemon Glazed Cookies

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Awesome Thrifty Watch Phone

Thrifty Quad Band Watch Phone with Bluetooth - bringing you the functions of a modern cell phone in a convenient wrist watch form.

This thrifty watch phone is a quad band GSM (850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz) unlocked phone that can be used from anywhere across the world. Stick in a SIM card and you gain instant access to an amazing communication device that works like a cell phone on your wrist. This thrifty watch phone also includes a clear and accurate 1.3 inch touch screen LCD displaythat allows for easy menu navigation and quick dialing without even having to use the included stylus, just use your fingers!

What else does this thrifty watch phone have to offer?

Easy Communication: Make and receive calls directly from the watch phone itself with the built-in MIC and speaker, use the wired earphones, or even the included wireless Bluetooth earset. This thrifty watch phone also includes a long list of caller options that makes communication as easy as a cell phone, including speed dialing, caller ID, call waiting, call divert, call barring, and much more.

Comfortable and Light: Because wearing a watch all day might be tiring, this thrifty watch phone comes with a light watch frame and elastic wrist strap that is as comfortable as it is durable. Along with 12 different strap sizes, finding the most cozy and most appropriate fit is as easy as can be.

Full Multimedia Center: This thrifty watch phone is a full multimedia center that features a camera, video player/recorder, and audio player/recorder. Easily capture photos, video, and audio - all with just the click of a button. This thrifty watch phone also allows you to playback all your media files directly from the 1.3 inch LCD display or even transfer them to your computer for later viewing.

If the beautiful outer design doesn't immediately grab your attention, then this thrifty watch phone's wide range of functions surely will. Available in our warehouse now, order today and we'll express ship it out tomorrow! Brought to you by the leader in China Electronics - Chinavasion.

At a Glance...

*Watch, cell phone, MP3 player, video camera, media player, and PDA all in one

*Quad band (850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz) unlocked watch phone

*Free 2GB micro SD card and and Bluetooth earphone

*Accurate and responsive touch screen for smooth navigating

*Best thrifty watch phone yet

Source: Techzug

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