Happy Listening...:)

Even though I had so many preplanned on-my-list ideas to write about, but this one just occurred to me today, and was so indulging that I thought to pen it immediately. So, without any further delay, this post will be discussing my recent addition of songs. Probably two days ago, I devoted some leisure time to update my iPhone playlist along with downloading its latest software version. Although, I am not yet sure of how well this new iOS 9.1 version will be…but I really got delighted with my updated playlist. Actually, today during my to-and-from NYC Path ride I got some extra time to enjoy my all new favorites back-to-back in their totality. The experience was so amazing that it got to be shared! 

Since I am born and raised in Pakistan, my hearing-buds are more inclined towards our traditional/regional music. Although I do adore American Singles (sounds weird but you got my point), my selection is limited. This time, strangely the ratio was 12:2; 12 being from my traditional Indo-Pak origin. But since music has its own universal language, therefore this article should be informative for all…supposedly :) 

OK, now getting onto my list:

1. “Agar Tum Saath Ho” (from Tamasha); 5:41
It's a mellow-toned soulfully sung number by the great Alka Yagnik . It beautifully praises love cravings, yet advising to stay strong even during their absence! A must-have if you need something to be playing softly at the back, while you are straightening your thoughts or…hmmmm even hair :)   

2. “Chali Kahani” (from Tamasha); 5:19
A typical high-note Sukhwinder song with AR Rahman’s upbeat orchestral style music, which seems to be pounding the roof, yet at the same time piercing though one’s soul. For the rock-sufi lovers, it’s a  delight! About the lyrics, I am not too sure...they seem to highlighting some important religious and traditional incidents, but who needs to focus on the lyrics…just watch the calories burned during your run with this hardcore AR Rahman song. 

3. “Gallan Goodiyaan" (from Dil Dhadakne Do); 4:38
I know it falls under the category of comparatively ‘old’ songs, but I, for some reason, always hesitated in getting just another festive-wedding song. Looking at how this song maintained its unique little place in my mind, I admit that I was wrong in underestimating its gleeful nature. So, a lyrical delight by Javed Akhtar with the power to turn your mundane commute into a happy-go-lucky drive.

4. “Gulaabo" (from Shaandaar ); 3:01
A make-no-sense song that I kept overlooking to add to my playlist, but with a deep gulp, looking at its short timespan, I got it, and now I am loving it! Again, like "Gallan Goodiyan", it has something that distracts your mind, and makes stuck-at-queue-standing a little fun. 

5. “Halka Halka Suroor" (by Farhan Saeed); 4:20
A passionate remix of a Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s qawali by a Jal member! Don’t know when it got released and how was it received in Pakistan, but I…I am loving it! Having been a fan of the original version, I must admit that Farhan, being so naive in this field (compared to Khan Saab), did complete justice, to his max!  While diving into this soulful, yet spiritually revenging song, one can only longs for its extended version. A must-have to gather your shattered parts!

6. “Heer Toh Badi Sad Hai" (from Tamasha); 5:26 
A Punjabi-upbeat song, but unlike the feel, it’s not celebrating a wedding, instead it’s uniquely describing the downtimes of a girl. So, girls buck-up, steer out of your Gulzar-times and indulge into this new full-of-life heartbreak-song. If you are someone who could zone-out of its lyrics, then probably you’ll start dancing…I couldn't help my foot-taping. It’s a fun-sad song:)

7. “Sorry” (by Justin Bieber); 3:21
The title says it…Salena please come back now! Besides asking for a sincere apology, its music is so hmmmm...unexplainable, that I was continually tapping my head. So, guys gear up, make a silly-sad face and just lip-sink/play/forward this song to unwind your twisted ties. Best of luck!

8. “Nahin Nigah Mein Manzil" (Faiz by Abida Parveen); 8:47
I accidentally came across this ghazal while searching for Abida Parveen on YouTube. I liked the title, played it, and instantly decided to download it. It’s a nice, relaxing, spiritually uplifting, yet heartwarming take by Faiz Saab on an average person’s struggle, strive, and wishes, which undoubtedly is justified by Abida Parveen’s deep husky voice. To truly dive into this ghazal’s soul, I would recommend to close your eyes while freeing yourself from the worldly stuff…better, hear it during bedtime;...get inspired and start dreaming!

9. “Ishq Barse" (from Raajneeti); 3:06
One of my old-favorites, finally found it in good quality, and immediately downloaded it. This is one of my tested make-me-feel-good songs. I never really concentrated on its lyrics, I think they are in some traditional Indian language, but doesn't matter…for me, its all about music! It’s a nice upbeat, live-it-up, high-spirited song. It always reminds me of my good-times, but the catch is...play it in high volume!  

10. “Zaroori Tha" (by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan); 5:16

Another soulful, yet comparatively old song that I always enjoyed listening but never got chance to dedicate a spot for it on my playlist. Finally did it…and am happy! It’s a very heartening, mellow song dedicated to explain the realities to the parted-ones. Strangely, I always objectify this concept with rail-tracks…meant to stay parallel but never meet! Ok, might be I am wrong…but it’s really a must-have to satisfy your inner ghazal-lover while not intertwining into complex, old-school, hardcore Urdu/Persian poetry. Trust me, unlike other ghazals, just hearing ones would be enough to understand its essence!    

11. “Raitaa Phail Gaya” (from Shaandaar); 3:14
Another make-no-sense, Punjabi-feel, festive, must-have song! Seriously, after listening to Abida Parveen, NFAK, and RFAK, one needs a doze of such out-of-this world ‘spilled-yogurt’ song. No more convincing, just get it, mute the outside world, and play it at high volume. Yummmyyy :)

12. “Shakar Wandaan" (from Ho Mann Jahaan); 3:47    

Undisputedly it falls under the category of my recent-most-favorite song. It’s a sufi, hard rock, festive, feel-happy, upbeat, CokeStudio-genera number that got the power to light up even the darkest of our moments. Seriously, can’t be stressed more…a must-have!  

13. “Style” (by Taylor Swift)
Besides thinking of her Styles-times, one can’t help praising this uniquely crafted memoir. It perfectly syncs in with her already lofted standards set by "Blank Space" and "Bad Blood"! With all TS speciality high-low notes, it definitely is a hearing pleasure that can make you procrastinate on your next due assignment.   

14. “Woh Humsafar Tha Magar" (by Quratulain Balouch); 6:26   
Last but not the least, I know this one has already received probably infinite praises and love, but I just got to mention it, since I downloaded it now! So, any of you who have been humming/adoring it, while keeping it at layaway, get it! A truly justified refreshing take on split-ends:)  

So, that was the end of my recent addiction…ooopps, a typo, meant addition. Great things need to end :) I know this list has many songs which had been ‘out’ there but not ‘in’ there…it rhymed so well that didn't wanted to split it! I actually was referring to time-tested hit numbers which I just never downloaded on my devices. So, guys, stop procrastinating and always promptly update your playlists…I think that’s the most (financially) cheapest way to stay lively! 

Let me know what have you been hearing = enjoying recently?     

Until next time, 
Happy listening :) 

It's OK, It's NYC...

To NYC...With Love! 

Here comes my next blog post…I know this time it's a little early compared to my previous a-post/month trend. I am really working on to be more devoted towards my writing passion and build a habit of at least a-post/week. That’s enough about my plans, now lets get dive into today’s post. No secrets, its all about the most mesmerizing city in the world, New York City (NYC)…super excited to write and share it!

I am really fortunate to be living at just a train-ride (~15-mins) away from my favorite place. I literally enjoy the liberty to just hop-on/off the Path and get myself mesmerized by NYC’s charms! In fact, I roughly drafted this post while riding the 33rd-Street Path back home to Journal Square. 

Besides centering on any specific niche, this article is more like a well-thought hand-written love letter by me to one of the world’s greatest cities, NYC. Without any doubt, it was a daring job on my side, but had no option. I always wanted to pen my NYC-observations. Being a Pakistani immigrant (for now good 15-years), provided me with an edge of global perspective. But considering the seriousness of this topic, I thought its better to have some expert consultation, therefore following, it’s-OK-it’s-NYC, observations are based on the suggestions as proposed by Me, Myself, and I…(I know its hard to be funny…just trying:)    

Without any further delay (sounds like I am anchoring a show), following are some of my most significant observations that fit-in the ‘OK’ criteria for NYC. I am sure I’ll still be missing many routine-facts. Writing on NYC is like choosing an infinitely plausible topic, as each person has his/her own perception! So to keep life easier, I distributed my observations under three categories—1) Dressing; 2) Commuting; 3) Culture.  

1) DRESSING: 
So, in terms of dressing, for NYC, it’s OK to…   

• …wear red shoes, jumbo heart-shaped sunnies with messy pink hair.

• …wear old-trusty black all year round for chic day/evening look; don't trust random fashion statements like: ‘gray is new-black’ or most recent one ‘caramel is new-black’. Q: If everything is being compared to black, why not just wear black?  

  

  old-trusty Black, always works!

• …keep your chin-high, back-straight and simply pound the pavement confidently, as  NYC sidewalks are the global runways…any fashion or better all fashion is accepted; a self-checked fact!

• ...have a road named as Fashion Avenue and a neighborhood as Fashion District...all hails to fashion!

  

  Yes, NYC actually has its own Fashion Ave.

• …wear anything or in extreme situations nothing, because no one is going to judge you the way you dress-up…keep aside the frozen stares! 

• …confidently wear worn-out clothing, bags, and shoes, especially leather…it’s actually  thought to be classy. There is no 'can' or 'can't' fashion statement...for NYC, any style is part of either in or upcoming trend! 

• …play safe and wear clothing in shades of black, gray or monochrome to blend in, whereas, to satisfy look-at-me mode, dare to wear bold, neon colors in floral prints…my suggestion: green pants, red shirt, and yellow scarf…I actually saw a guy wearing this combo in Subway.

2) COMMUTING: 
In terms of commuting, for NYC, it’s OK to…   

• …tow your own baggage, so carrying two shoulder totes along with a cross-body bag is a normal sight. 

• …carry a Le Pliage tote to blend in the I-know-where-I-am-headed crowd. 

• …always check all traffic signal lights before crossing any road, don't just rely on the red-hand and white-man as sometimes they aren't working.

• …not cross the zebra-crossing because someone just ran through it…trust me native New Yorkers are a pro at sensing traffic flow. 

• …consider Yellow Cab and Empire State Building equivalent in terms of importance as Double-Decker bus and London Bridge are in London.  

Yellow Cab: a NYC Icon!

• …ride a bike or more specifically CitiBike in a dress/suit, a great way to transform daily work commute into workout sessions. 

• …walk with an unstoppable or brakes-failed attitude…strangely in NYC, everyone, all the time, is rushing, imitating to be rushing to blend-in, or forced to walk fast out of peer pressure…don’t know the answer to this myth yet!      

• …run and get bumped on a sidewalk, just don't be late to work!

• …commute to and from the airports with your big luggage bags, in a local train or a bus…anything that saves money is practical. 

  

  Luggage, luggage...everywhere!

• …witness large rodents (rats, mouse or mice…can’t distinguish) cursing their way along the lines at Subway and Path stations; don't be frightened they can’t jump onto to the platform; just be sure to stand behind the yellow-line. 

3) CULTURE: 
So, in terms of culture, for NYC, it’s OK to…   

• …have a ‘no-pants’, ‘no-shirts’ or ‘no-shave’ days…literally, they are the part of community wellbeing on the basis of equal rights and freedom of expression. 

  

  Just wear confidence!

• …to overhear a conversation and make a comment or two…no one is supposed to mind it…supposedly! 

• …bring your umbrella and water bottle from home. I know it sounds cheap but trust me no one wants to spends $10-$15 on an umbrella and $2 on a 1/2-liter Poland Spring water bottle from sidewalk vendors.

• …sit on a sidewalk, with your boyfriend, two dogs, two luggage bags and just a note in front saying, ‘any help is appreciated’…be innovative for $$. 

  

  Everyone needs $$, true!

• …relax, chat, eat, and even enjoy free public wifi at designated small sitting areas in middle or sides of wide two-way roads.

• …attract customers to buy high-end luxury brands by displaying fairytale decor in display-windows of big departmental stores, especially during Holiday season. The store management actually keeps the windows hidden under a veil until they are completed and then organize a Window Display Opening Ceremony, where all the media is invited and a part of sidewalk is separated by a chain for the visitors to slowly walk, take pictures, and enjoy the display, while not disturbing the without-brakes on-foot traffic.  

Xmas window decor...keep dreaming:)

• …nickname Times Square as the Center of Universe…it’s so packed and vibrant with visitors' influx from around the world, from all walks of life and culture, unstoppable traffic, lively billboards, escalating skyscrapers, mesmerizing lights…it truly feels that the whole wide world got shrinked into that little square. No doubt, with so much foot-traffic, Times Square is a place for world’s most expensive billboards and world's largest New Year's Eve party!   

@ Times Square...it's always party time!

• …check weather on daily, preferably two or three times a day, from more than one reliable source or else you’ll yelling “weather people cannot be trusted” (a common NYC saying) or if in a pleasant mode, chanting “rain, rain go away"! 

• …kiss or hug in local trains or any public places, specifically for same sex…Lady Liberty sure showers its blessings everywhere!

• …go to Korea, China, and Italy towns (to name a few) and spike-up your tastebuds with their authentic cuisine while indulging into their rich culturally vibrant atmosphere. A side note: it's true that the food at these places is a bit expensive, but for a travel-lover like me its still on budget, compared to the roundtrip cost to these countries (just sharing my thought)!  

  

  My favorite...China Town!

• …always ask “is it free”, before getting into or buying any offer.

• …expect surprises and shocks at every nook and corner. Example: a cutout-cardboard window display of NYC architecture near Flatiron Building.   

  

  Cardboard-cutout exhibit praising NYC architecture!

   

P.S. I know all KDrama lovers had instantly picked on my inspiration for this post’s title, coming straight from It’s OK, That’s Love…which in fact supports my position, after all I shared all OK-facts about our lovely NYC :)

Wake-Up PAKISTAN: Call for STUDENTS’ SEXUAL HARASSMENT Rights

While working on my grad-thesis, centered on comparing sexual harassment policies of the universities in the United States and Pakistan, interestingly I came across many alarming facts. While, Title IX by the US is well-known to provide much needed protection to the students, by at least requiring all educational institutions to have a well-disclosed sexual harassment policy, contact information of the designated expert, procedure to deal with such scenarios, penalties for the proven accused, protection for the victim, and the right to pursue this issue if not satisfied from the institution's decision. In contrast to the aforementioned students' rights, there is no such initiative or any policy enacted by the government of Pakistan. 

After meeting the administrators from two large public sector universities, it became evident that most institutions have only a Disciplinary Committee (DC), which is brought together on as-needed to deal with these crucial issues. The structure and functioning of this aforementioned DC is solely designed by the respective institute, as there are no rules and regulations presented or imposed by the Pak government.

Being alarmed from the universities' current need-based procedure, I went to the Ombudsman Office for Women Harassment to inquire on any in-place or prospective public policies. But unfortunately my shocked position further elevated, as I was very confidently told by their representative that (my only hope) the Act for Women Protection at Workplace-2010 is applicable only to the employer and employee relationships…not the students. The universities are not considered the workplace for students because they are not making any earnings from there, instead are paying to receive intended services. Furthermore, I was told that their office has at least made three attempts to contact the higher officials to expand the 2010 Act to include students, but in vain. Which clearly implies that Pak government is either reluctant to deal with this issue, or is considering it to be simply not that important!

Having said that, it should be apt and clear that the government’s silence cannot make its citizens stop! Instead, students and the society should make collaborative efforts, and be vocal and loud on this very intimate issue, as it directly correlates to our comfort, progress, and survival. 

Last but not the least, enough has been said on personal and official grounds to prove and support the sensitivity of this immediate-attention-requiring stoical stigma. Now it’s the high time for the Pak government administrators to galvanize all necessary reforms to guarantee the much-needed protection for their students, who undoubtedly are our future. 

I really wish that my this article can add the final spark to this already flaming issue and can motivate the authorities to break-free of any apparent resistance and guarantee safe campus life!