Monday, January 28, 2013

Make life happen: Finding peace through chaos

 
Living in London spoils you. You can expect your mobile phone to work; water will come out of your bathroom tap and when you switch on the lights at home after a long day, there will be electricity.
Visiting Karachi, on the contrary, has been a shock. I’ve been told to be careful at least a dozen times, was stuck in chaotic traffic as roads were blocked and my mobile phone was switched off because it was a public holiday. Life does not always go as planned. The general expectation is that your day will rarely turn out as you like.
How well are you coping with the chaos in your life? People I’ve been speaking to find themselves frustrated and angry on a daily basis. The feelings are understandable given that most of us need a bit of security and certainty in order to thrive (though some of us thrive in chaos). So, let’s look at how we can help ourselves cope with this daily uncertainty a little bit better.
Manage your internal state
Things are challenging indeed, and there is no denying that. However, I will assert that it is how we relate to the situation that affects our peace of mind to a greater extent than what is actually going on. If you keep reminding yourself how bad things are, then you are sending an internal message to yourself to be ready for trouble. The consequence of this is that you will be anxious and fearful all the time — even when there is no need to be. You cannot be telling yourself that things are bad and then expect to feel good. It just won’t
happen.
The first step to staying calm through chaos is to notice your own internal dialogue. Do you wake up wondering what will go wrong today? Or do you hope that you will have a good day? Begin each day by reminding yourself of five things that you are grateful for. Go on, write them down, and make sure to choose things that you are actually grateful for. It can be anything from a nice cup of tea to having a peaceful morning. Developing a grateful state of mind will go a long way in keeping you calm and focused in a chaotic environment.
Make contingency plans
Facing the prospect that things could go horribly wrong is challenging. One very effective method to remain calm and productive is to make contingency or alternative plans. Making such plans will provide some peace of mind because you will know that you have another option of getting things done if your initial plan does not work out.
For example, you could speak to your colleague about arranging a phone or Skype meeting in case roads get blocked. Maybe plan a range of lessons for the kids in case schools are closed. Making alternative plans will be challenging in the beginning but think of it as learning a new skill. In time, it will become a valuable skill that you will benefit from in a lot of situations.
Spread your efforts
Do you find that your work is being affected in these challenging times? The answer to that is probably yes. One way to combat this ongoing disease is to spread your efforts. Pursue at least one project of an autonomous nature. Take on something that doesn’t require too much of an external influence — something that you can do even while other things have to be on hold.
This could be the perfect opportunity to brush up on some skills or to learn something new. Think about going back to school, practicing your art, or perhaps working from home. If you can find something that will meet your interests and your needs, then you will have a safety net when things become challenging in the outside world.

Pay no attention to me, I am just a Pakistani citizen

I am nothing but a pawn to be thrown around in a game I do not choose to play.
Nothing I own belongs to me.
I have surrendered it all to the chaos I call my homeland.
Consider my cell phone. I pay a considerable sum to be able to connect with the people in my life. I part with hard-earned cash every month in order to make calls and send text messages upon my will. It is my security against inconveniences and possible emergencies.
Yet, I wake up every week to news that my right to communicate via cellular networks will be denied for the day.
I am not given a reason why I cannot utilise a service I pay for. I do not get any apology for this forced deprivation in a day and age characterised by constant communication.
I have zero evidence that the nuisance of suspended cellular service has minimised crime or violence around me.

On the contrary, I feel more unsafe than ever.
My cousin is a medical student in the local education system, but his efforts or concerns are meaningless before his administration’s whim. After waiting for notification on exam dates for weeks, he is informed forty eight hours before his first scheduled test, instead of the two week notice required.
When he frantically calls all stops to prepare, his exam is cancelled the night before due to ‘worsening conditions’ in the city. A day before the second exam, he is informed that this too has been postponed because the date conflicts with a religious holiday expected long before any exam dates were announced.
He, too suffers because the decision makers forgot to consult their calendar while doing their job.
There is no meaning to the agony that hundreds of students endure, not knowing whether tests their futures depend on will occur according to a volatile, idiotic schedule.
We may despise the system all we want, but we will remain victims.
Every summer I donate to flood drives, knowing that I will do so next summer too, and the one after. There will be no precautions taken, no lessons learnt from the destruction of thousands of homes and livelihoods.
I am painfully aware that government promises to take flood prevention measures are laughably empty.
In my home and at my workplace, I sit through electric load shedding that lengthens every year.
When I venture out on a street, I am embroiled in traffic jams that occur because a government official is expected to drive through the area.
What do I gain by wasting my time and resources so that he can pass conveniently?
There is no answer.
As a lowly citizen, the system does not care about, I am not entitled to ask questions anyway.
However, there are certain roles I can still claim. I have the right to be taxed, year after year, without receiving any benefits in return. I may partake in much hyped protests that yield no results. I can avoid minor charges by bribing the local policeman whenever needed. I may buy pirated films and music, or purchase stolen car parts for a fraction of their price in the thriving black market.
I have the option to utilise corpses of my beloved as props to cry out against never-ending persecution following more deadly bomb blasts. If I have the right connections, I can possess a gun with or without the required license.
If I am a politician, I can push the masses to risk their lives while sitting in my bulletproof car. If I am the president, I can make noble statements about democracy and revenge, and then watch my people die one by one from the windows of my mansion, guarded so heavily that it renders neighbouring streets useless.
As a citizen of my country, I am disgusted by how unimportant I am.
My facilities are not mine to have.
My plans fail in an instant as riots break out around me.
My safety is in jeopardy every instant, everywhere.
My hopes have been dashed too many times by too many statesmen.
My pride, my autonomy, my wealth is an illusion.
I am nobody.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Will we see Big B, Bollywood divas in Adnan Sami’s new album?

Singer-composer Adnan Sami plans to invite Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and beauties like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone to feature in the music videos of songs from his new album Press Play.
The album, which was released ahead of schedule to beat piracy, is doing well.
Each of the songs is now expected to get a music video. Each of the tracks in the album will feature one Bollywood diva dancing with Adnan in the music videos.
The names on the list include Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Sonakshi Sinha, Sonam Kapoor and Asin. Talks are on with several actors for what promises to be Adnan’s personal multi-starrer, said a source.

“Years ago when Adnan did the album Tera Chehra, he got Rani Mukerji, Ameesha Patel and many other screen queens of that phase to do music videos. Now Adnan’s new album, which is his most personal and autobiographical album to date, has received a warm reception. Adnan and his music company Universal have decided to carry the eleven tracks of Press Play forward with top notch music videos, directed by the biggest names in the business,” said a source very close to the project.

While the Bollywood divas are being pressed into action for romantic tracks like Kudi Tight, Main Tere Paas Hoon and Karun Na Yaad, Adnan plans to persuade his wife Roya to make an appearance in the video of the song dedicated to her.
For another song, Baba, dedicated to Adnan’s deceased father, he intends to invite Big B.
Years ago, Amitabh featured in Adnan’s song Lift Kara De. While the earlier song was fun all the way, this time it would be a far more meditative and sombre coming together of the two artistes.

Questioned about his lofty plans for the music videos to support his new album, Adnan said: “I do have plans, major plans. The response to the album has taken all of us by surprise. We never expected it would conquer the premature internet exposure so gloriously. Now I plan to take the songs forward and would be roping in my friends from the film fraternity.”

Independent woman? The reason you should expect plenty of sons

 
If you are a woman and have ever felt that nature has perhaps not been impartial in giving you a fair share of faculties, look no further.
As the work of Dr Valerie J Grant, an evolutionary psychologist at The University of Auckland in New Zealand, has determined, there is strong evidence to suggest that the sex of a newborn is determined in large part by the personality traits and hormonal profile of the mother. In a paper that has given her worldwide renown, Sex determination and the maternal dominance hypothesis, Dr Grant explains how.
The maternal dominance hypothesis
On the basis of the results coming from a series of studies carried out over a 30-year period, various social scientists have identified ‘consistent, statistically significant evidence’ to support the view that there is a “maternal involvement in the predetermination of the sex of her infant.”
What is this maternal involvement?
As incredible as it sounds, the maternal involvement at hand is that women with dominant personality types have consistently been found to be as much as 80% more likely to give birth to sons.
How come?
• Dominance is a personality trait in humans that is characterised by sub-traits such as being “influential, ascendant, prevailing, authoritative or high-in-control.” In their entirety, a dominant person is an individual who can be found “acting overtly so as to change the views or actions of another.”
• As such, dominance in humans is underpinned by the hormone testosterone, with a high correlation between scoring high on dominance personality tests or other markers and serum (blood) testosterone levels.
• The sex of an infant is determined by whether, at the time of conception, the woman’s eggs are fertilised by a sperm bearing an ‘X’ (female) or ‘Y’ (male) chromosome. According to Dr Grant, high testosterone levels at this time in the woman will prime her to be receptive to the latter (Y chromosome) and lead to the development of a male infant.
• In her paper Dr Grant identifies: A meta-analysis of all studies showed that women who later bore sons were significantly more likely to have scored higher on the tests of dominance than those who later bore daughters.
But that’s just the half of it. Dr Grant refreshes the maternal dominance hypothesis with studies showing that personality traits and an individual’s hormonal profile are rooted in a ‘complex two-way interaction between biological as well as environmental influences.’ In other words, any changes in an individual’s status-quo that is tied to dominant behaviour is likely to be accompanied with changes in testosterone levels. Think of a divorced, single-mother previously working to raise several children, now getting married to a wealthy and protective man. According to Grant’s work, with the ceasing of dominant-status their would likely be a decline in its hormonal basis (testosterone.)

As such, small to moderate variations may occur across the lifetime of a woman. For a small percentage of women who are at either end of ‘high dominance’ or ‘low dominance’ these fluctuations may be inconsequential. For the vast majority, however, even very small variations in the amount of testosterone will suffice to “take them either side of a critical threshold.. (leading) to the conception of a male or female infant.”
And that’s good news too, since, as evolutionary biologists are quick to point out, it seems like nature has endowed women with the power to strongly influence the sex of the infant in favour of the one their personalities are most suited to raise.

Farooq Mengal goes from dramas to film

After being closely associated with the Pakistani drama industry for the past few years, producer-director Farooq Mengal has now decided to steer the wheel into another direction and shoot a feature film. Titled Hijrat, the Quetta-based director’s debut film is about a love triangle with a backdrop of human rights issues. It is set to release in October this year.
“The film is based on romance and commitment essentially but we also wanted to explore the background of human rights issues in Pakistan,” says Mengal. He feels Pakistani dramas and films have been focusing on such issues lately and this has to do with the changing face of cinema in the country. “In today’s times, we have an endless list of problems in this country and I think we have to find stories from this society so the audience can relate.”

The film’s cast includes new as well as experienced actors; Shahzad Sheikh (actor Javed Sheikh’s son), Noman Ijaz, Rabia Butt, Azra Aftab, Ayub Khoso and Wiam Dhamani, the Moroccan actor who is also appearing in Shehzad Rafique’s film, Ishq Khuda.
A quality project
Speaking about the project, Mengal reveals that he has been planning this film for quite some time; it took him a few years to make the transition from dramas to films. He feels multi-tasking — being a producer and director both — can only really work and seep rewards if you have a dedicated team to support you.
Mengal has made a conscious effort to inject new actors in Hijrat. “Film-making today is different from what it once was — we have to make sure films are up to modern standards,” he continues, referring to how India has evolved and kept up with the ever-changing world. “This new school of thought and attitude which allows new talent to emerge and come forward is very good for our film industry.”
In order to make a quality film, he has imported first-rate production and film-making equipment from India. “You can witness the difference in our economy. If you make a good quality film, it could potentially run in cinemas for several weeks,” he says.
Ayub Khoso, a Baloch actor who has appeared in several prominent films and dramas, says Hijrat is unique because it exemplifies the changing trends in Pakistani cinema; there are new actors in the industry with a renewed excitement and passion for the art.
“I think there is new energy today when it comes to films and how people want to push this industry forward,” says Khoso, pleased with the advancements the Pakistani entertainment industry has made. “There are several people with decent backgrounds who are now making films.” He feels scripts cannot be restricted to just people residing in Pakistan but should also be applicable to people around the globe.
Khoso believes this sudden rise in interest in film-making can be attributed to the success of our drama industry. “Initially, our film-makers were just very experienced. And now, people who have actually studied what film-making is and are very knowledgeable, have entered the field,” he continues. “So the current environment exudes confidence that we can make good films. However, although confidence is good, overconfidence is always a bad thing.”

Transforming women into equal citizens

The forthcoming election is cause for good cheer. If all goes according to plan, it will be the first time in Pakistan’s 66-year history that a civilian government has lasted a full term and transferred power to another through elections. This is a significant step forward for the country’s nascent democracy.
But how inclusive will this democracy be? So far, the numbers suggest that a big demographic — women — will be drastically under-represented. The latest draft electoral rolls include 47.77 million men, but just 36.59 million women. Gender divisions in Pakistan are roughly equal, which means that around 10 million women are unaccounted for, and will, therefore, be unable to vote. Where are these missing women?
The most obvious reason that these women are not registered to vote is that the electoral roll is tied to the NADRA system, and in many parts of the country, women are less likely than men to have signed up for a computerised NIC. It is not uncommon for men to actively discourage their wives, sisters and daughters from voting or registering for a CNIC, in order to limit their participation in public life. The numbers have not increased despite door-to-door campaigns by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). According to reports, men frequently do not report the existence of female members of their families. This can either stem from the belief that women should not engage in politics, or from a desire to protect female relatives from government interference by keeping their existence off records. In conflict-ridden areas, such as Fata and Balochistan, people may feel that they do not want to be registered with a government they do not view as legitimate. Most ECP employees going from house to house are male, which does not help with access to women.

With just a few months to go before the election, there is a limited amount that can be done about these lost female voters. In order to vote, they must have a CNIC. If they do not have one, the ECP has little choice other than to refer them to NADRA. But putting the technicalities of registration aside, there are also social constraints on women. In the more conservative areas, they may be unable to leave the house on their own. The 2008 election saw many reports of village elders in the northwest deciding that women should not cast their votes. Polling stations in themselves may be difficult for lone women to broach, as they are staffed by and crowded with men.
So, what can be done? In the short term, separate female-only polling booths staffed by women may encourage those women who are registered to come out and cast their votes. Some areas already have segregated polling stations, but last year’s by-elections showed that provisions were not made across the board. In the longer term, both, government and society, need to re-evaluate how they see this sizeable demographic. After all, women make up half of all potential voters. If they were seen as the serious electoral force that they could be, it could transform politics and society.
The introduction of quotas for female parliamentarians has had a broadly positive impact. A raft of pro-women legislation has been introduced, including the criminalisation of acid violence and the introduction of anti-harassment laws. How effectively these policies are implemented is a separate issue that comes down to an underfunded and broadly misogynistic police force and court system. However, in addition to improving implementation, the leading parties would do well to increase awareness of these policies and reach out to the untapped female vote.
While quotas of women in parliament have been successful, a proposal for quotas of female voters has been roundly rejected. The ECP proposed last year that results of polls be deemed invalid if less than 10 per cent of the votes were cast by women. Despite hopeful initial signs, in the end, the proposal was deemed too controversial and it was voted down by all the political parties. Ten per cent is a dismal figure, considering that women are actually 50 per cent of the population. It is depressing — yet, sadly unsurprising — that even achieving such a small percentage would probably have been too much in some areas.
Pakistan’s public life has always been full of articulate, forthright women. Benazir Bhutto made history in 1988 when she became the first woman elected to head a Muslim country. Fatima Jinnah was a key figure in the Pakistan movement, alongside her brother. Today, activists such as human rights lawyer Asma Jahangir enrich public debate, both within Pakistan and internationally. Women such as Hina Rabbani Khar and Sherry Rehman are at the forefront of politics. So, it is easy to forget that the majority of women are disenfranchised and disempowered.
Reserving seats for women in the upper and lower houses is an important part of the process of equalising society. But those women who do make it to the top of public life are invariably from the upper echelons of society, where gender subordination is somewhat less prevalent. The next vital step towards equality will be encouraging direct participation from the vast majority of women, who are not drawn from these privileged backgrounds but still make up half the country’s population.
Across the country, patriarchy is deeply entrenched. Honour crimes, forced marriages and sexual violence are endemic. Among vast swathes of the population, women are seen as property and treated as second-class citizens, unable to choose when they become pregnant, let alone who they vote for. Recalibrating how politics and society sees women will be a huge task. If Pakistan can take its notable successes — prominent and inspirational women at the front of public life, for a start — and translate it into meaningful change at the grassroots level, it would be a major step forward politically and economically. Until then, we are some way off from transforming women from a voiceless and disenfranchised mass into the stakeholders and equal citizens they deserve to be.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Street 1 Café: Thumbs up for coffee and breakfast


Islamabad is definitely stepping up its game with restaurants, terrace cafes and shisha bars opening left, right and centre. However, they can’t all justify their high prices and dull food.

Twice during my trip to Islamabad this winter, I happened to stop over at Street 1 Café for lunch on one occasion and breakfast on the other. I have to mention, I am a huge caffeine addict and after having tried every other coffee house in London (not to mention my obsession with my Nespresso coffee machine), my taste buds have become accustomed to a good cappuccino or latte and Street 1 Café does the trick.
Street 1 Café opened in 2011 in one of Islamabad’s chicest districts, Kohsar Market, which is quite the place to go for people watching (or to be seen). It took me by surprise as it not only attracts all kinds of Isloo-ites but the food, coffee and modern art deco ambience all rate high on the comment card.
The place was buzzing at lunch time. I decided to go for the Beef Onion Steak and a latte. If you are not too hungry, I would suggest skipping the appetiser and ordering a main course; the selection of (complimentary) bread gets you going till your food arrives. I have to admit that I usually go for chicken steaks whenever I am out in Islamabad and this was the first beef steak I tried, it was wonderful. It was juicy, succulent and cooked perfectly from medium to well done. The steak came with a generous helping of fries and vegetables. However, the steak would have been more enjoyable if it was a sizzler and they could work more on presentation.

Finally, the most important thing, my coffee was delicious (though it took ages to cool down!) accompanied by a biscotti; perfect to kill the winter chill that hit Islamabad this time.
My next visit to Street 1 Café was for breakfast. My friend had been raving on about the Chocolate Pancakes so I decided to order those and of course, a coffee. You should expect a very generous and chocolatey helping of pancakes stacked and filled with melted chocolate. The overdose of chocolate and the latte definitely got me buzzing for the rest of the day. I would also suggest trying their omelets.
Both my visits to Street 1 Café have been delightful. The staff is attentive and the rest rooms are well kept (a rare quality in restaurants these days!). If you prefer to get some time to yourself, mornings are usually the time to go. If you are looking for a more buzzing atmosphere you should try the evenings. The seating is very comfy and the outdoor setting is ideal for sunny days. This is a café I will be going to very often during my visits to Islamabad!

Prices per head:
Breakfast: Rs350 to Rs500
Lunch/Dinner: Rs800 to Rs1000

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy always wears Pakistan!


Academy award and Emmy Award winning film-maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has made us proud yet again. On Tuesday, she was given the prestigious Crystal Award in recognition for her efforts in promoting human rights and women’s issues through her films at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.
Staying true to her sense of style and love for Pakistani designers, Obaid-Chinoy yet again wore clothes and accessories from local designers. The beautiful Swarovski Pakistani flag-themed clutch she carried is a hand designed piece made by Samia and Azmay Shahzada, and her stunning gold jumpsuit and sherwani coat paired were from Nida Azwer’s Atelier creation. At other ceremonies and international red carpet events, she has worn Bunto Kazmi, Maheen Karim, Fashion ComPassion and Mahin Hussain.

As she tweeted her excitement about being at the ceremony, she told The Express Tribune: “The crystal award is special because this is the first time a Pakistani is being honoured at the World Economic Forum. I feel proud to represent my country and showcase the fact that educated empowered women are making strides in Pakistan.”
She added that she feels humbled by the opportunity to represent Pakistan, and that the award embodies the sentiments that guide her work as a film-maker. “I firmly believe that the pursuit of art and film can change the world by promoting dialogue and acting as a catalyst for change,” she said.
The Crystal Award — introduced by the World Economic Forum in 1995 — honours personalities who are committed to improving the state of the world and are, hence, regarded as both cultural leaders and global citizens.

Apart from Sharmeen, awards were also presented for the role of arts in the society to big names like actor-model Charlize Theron for her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, and artist Vik Muniz for his membership in the Global Agenda Council.
The award pays tribute to the decisive role culture and art play in the creation of global understanding and peace and is presented every year at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.
At the end, Obaid-Chinoy said, “[On Tuesday], I spoke about the power of film in changing mindsets of Pakistani people and the fact that documentaries can be used to spread the word at the grassroots level — people who put their lives at risk every day to bring change in their communities.”

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Bestsellers Designer Clothes 2013
















Fall Winter 2013






Handbags have become something of a status symbol


 if you are carrying a stylish handbag or clutch, it can surely make a fashion statement.



While men fail to understand the relationship a woman has with her arm candy, handbags are slowly becoming a collectible accessory by slaves to fashion. Drawing inspiration from the international market, our old and new local artisans are now beginning to understand the worth of this accessory and are investing their resources to create their own unique collections.

Existing names

Krizmah and Polly & Me depict the culture, nature and folklore of the valley of Chitral through their bags using similar techniques; while their artisans are based in Chitral, Krizmah stocks its collection at Labels in Lahore and the Australian duo Polly & Me stocks its merchandise in Islamabad. Their bags are not only aesthetically pleasing but have also become a style statement over time.

Mahin Hussain, on the other hand, is one of the pioneers in the country when it comes to handbag designing. By using various kinds of fabrics and embellishments, she has aimed to create bags with a young and fun vibe. Her multi-coloured bags with gota and embroidery, for instance, can be paired with both eastern and western wear. Her latest collection for August 14 received rave reviews in Karachi and is still available at The House of Ensemble in Lahore.

New labels

After stocking in various countries across the globe, Ayesha Mustafa, founder of Fashion Compassion, brought her accessories to Pakistan. With the determination to initiate a socially responsible business, she created calligraphy-plated handbags and clutches which attracted a lot of attention and now she is back in Pakistan with the aim of bringing them back in style.


Nickie Nina, who launched their Royal Military collection earlier this year at Sunsilk Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) Week, keeps the focus on fine leathers, velvets and silks to create their elegant bags. “We have tried to make a luxury line for bags in Pakistan,” says Mehru Khan from Nickie Nina. “As far as the materials are concerned, we are using high quality fabrics.” An attractive entry to their collection is the Owl Insignia clutch. They are available at all Nickie Nina outlets, but can be made-to-order as well.

At Bridal Week 2012, they launched their collection of boxed clutches using jamawar, leather and velvet with crystal embellishments — formal and to be accessorised with evening wear. “No one makes structured clutches here [in Pakistan], hence we decided to custom-make them for our clients,” Khan added. Apart from bags, the design house has also created fur-lined notebook sleeves for college students and young professionals.

Showcasing her Colonial Transgression collection at Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) 4, Misha Lakhani included some beautifully worked clutches with her elegant collection. “My inspiration was autumnal ‘70s colours such as Bordeaux, Prussian blue, black, ivory, petrol green, rusts and some orange. There’s a combination of appliqué, zardosi and doree work on the clutches as well,” she says.

“I think it’s quite elegant to pair a bejeweled clutch with an unadorned outfit,” she adds. “It helps transition a day-look into an evening one.”

Wardha Saleem, on the other hand, showcased her clothing line collection Folk Play at FPW4 with the help of her friend Tapu Javeri. “The bags used in this collection, to complement my clothes, were a new range of Tapu Javeri clutches,” she said, adding they are yet to be launched in the market. “The whole idea of using these clutches with my Folk Play range was to show the complete look as Tapu’s clutches coordinated very well with the theme which is associated with fun memories of childhood.”

Rolling Stones nominated for four NME music awards


Veteran British rockers The Rolling Stones, who celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, were nominated for four NME music awards on Monday.

The Stones, back in the limelight after a photo book, greatest hits album, documentary film and mini tour to mark their 2012 golden jubilee, were shortlisted for best live band, best book, music moment of the year and best music film.
They were one of four acts with four nominations each. The others were LA sisters Haim, an up-and-coming band tipped for the top by several industry polls, Australian rock band Tame Impala and British alternative hip hop artist M.I.A.
Music magazine NME’s nominations were decided by fans voting online, and the winners will be announced at The Troxy in east London on February 27.
“When I first heard it was four things, I thought, ‘Ooh, blimey! That’s very nice!’” Stones lead singer Mick Jagger said.
“It’s funny, because when we were rehearsing at Wembley Arena last year, it was where we used to do the NME Pollwinners,” he said, referring to concerts the magazine staged in the 1960s featuring acts voted on by NME readers.
“We remembered, it was the first time we ever played ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, at one of those Pollwinners concerts!”
Nominated three times was another comeback king David Bowie, who took the music world by surprise earlier this month by releasing his first new music in a decade and promising a studio album in March.
“All the early plaudits will go to Haim, Tame Impala, M.I.A. and the legendary Rolling Stones … but it’s testament to the exquisite taste of the NME audience that artists as wide ranged as Frank Ocean, Jake Bugg, Pussy Riot and David Bowie are recognized too,” said NME editor Mike Williams.
Russian punk band Pussy Riot were shortlisted in the music moment of the year category for a protest against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s main cathedral that landed some of them in jail.

Rounding out the category was Bowie’s comeback, the Olympic Games opening ceremony, The Stone Roses reuniting to play Heaton Park in Manchester and Green Day’s secret set at the Reading Festival.
Following are the NME Awards 2013 nominees in the main categories:
BEST BRITISH BAND:
- Arctic Monkeys; Kasabian; The Vaccines; Biffy Clyro; The Maccabees; The Cribs
BEST ALBUM:
- Channel Orange/Frank Ocean; Jake Bugg/Jake Bugg; Given To The Wild/The Maccabees; An Awesome Wave/Alt-J; Come Of Age/The Vaccines; Lonerism/Tame Impala
BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND
- The Killers; Tame Impala; The Black Keys; Odd Future; Crystal Castles; Foo Fighters
BEST TRACK
- R U Mine?/Arctic Monkeys; Don’t Save Me/Haim; Bad Girls/M.I.A.; Inhaler/Foals; Best Of Friends/Palma Violets; Elephant/Tame Impala
BEST MUSIC FILM:
- Searching For Sugar Man; LCD Soundsystem: “Shut Up And Play The Hits”; Hit So Hard : The Life & Near Death Story of Patty Schemel; Marley; The Rolling Stones: “Crossfire Hurricane”; Led Zeppelin: “Celebration Day”
BEST SOLO ARTIST:
- Jake Bugg; Noel Gallagher; Florence Welch; Miles Kane; Grimes; Paul Weller
BEST NEW BAND:
- Alt-J; Peace; Palma Violets; Django Django; Alabama Shakes; Haim
BEST MUSIC VIDEO:
Oblivion/Grimes; Bad Girls/M.I.A.; Where Are We Now?/David Bowie; R U Mine?/Arctic Monkeys; Don’t Save Me/Haim; Feels Like We Only Go Backwards/Tame Impala
BEST LIVE BAND:
- The Maccabees; The Cribs; Blur; Biffy Clyro; Foals; The Rolling Stones
BEST DANCEFLOOR ANTHEM:
What You Came For/Mosca featuring Katy B; Sweet Nothing/Calvin Harris featuring Florence Welch; Gangnam Style/Psy; Bad Girls/M.I.A.; In Paris/Kanye West and Jay-Z; Losing You/Solange
MUSIC MOMENT OF THE YEAR:
- David Bowie returns; The Stone Roses play Heaton Park; Olympics opening ceremony; The Rolling Stones play London’s O2 Arena; Green Day’s secret set at Reading Festival; Pussy Riot’s punk prayer
HERO OF THE YEAR:
- David Bowie; Bradley Wiggins; Pussy Riot; Barack Obama; Frank Ocean; Dave Grohl

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Pakistani Salwar Kameez Dresses by Indian Online Fashion Stores | Pakistani Dresses by Indian Designers


Pakistani fashion trends are changing and the industry in transition state. Number of new brands have been established and lots of talented and genius fashion designers appears in last decade. Although the fashion has adopted a new state style and look but the position of cultural dresses still secure. Now days girls have started to wear jeans and other western dresses but still shalwar kameez is the most wearable dress in Pakistan. Pakistani Shalwar Kameez is famous in all over the world where Pakistani’s exists they prefer to wear their own cultural dresses especially ladies always prefer to wear shalwar kameez. It is comfortable, good looking and stylish in its style and pattern. It minimizes the body vulgarity because Pakistani Shalwar Kameez patterns has been designed keeping that point in view. In Pakistan more than 90% women and girls wear salwar kameez. There are different designs and styles in salwar kameez. Like Patiala Salwar, Sindhi Salwar, Dhoti cut Salwar, Baggy Salwar and many others. Today here at the platform of she9 blog we will present some gorgeous and fabulous shalwar kameez designs which we especially collect for this wedding season. Women can use these beautiful shalwar kameez dresses in wedding parties as well. Let’s have a look at entire collection. You will like all the shalwar kameez dresses 2012.


Pakistani Dresses By Indian Designers

In this collection most of dresses consists of chooridar shalwar kameez and some with latest trouser shalwar with loose bottom. Kameez patterns are so nice and look like a semi frock style but it was being modified. The skin fit pattern of kameez is looking marvellous. The general theme of this collection is unique and different from current trend. The designer use single color base fabric to design kameez and use lace, thread embroidery and ready-made embroidered stuff to decorate the kameez. The collection has almost all type of beautiful colors with fabulous patterns. You will find all type of sleeve and neck patterns in this Pakistani Shalwar Kameez collection like full sleeve with loose and skin tight pattern, half sleeve and even sleeve less kameezes are being included in this collection. The embroidered design at bust and borders are looking marvelous and enhancing the beauty of dresses. This collection surely adds some more beautiful shalwar kameez variety in your cupboard.




Long Neck Pakistnai Dress




Pakistani Dresses for Indian Girls



Thread Embroidery Salwar Kameez



Long Pakistani Shirts


Indian Pakistani Dresses for Party Wear



Pakistani Dresses at Indian Online Store



A-Line Shirt with Churi-pajama




Beautiful Neck-Line



Long Shirt with Long Neck


Indian Pakistani Dresse

Simple and Beautiful Mehndi Designs | Simple Mehndi Designs by Saima Khan


Makeup has become an essential for women in all over the world. Girls used various types of cosmetics and natural abstracts to become beautiful. Mehndi is one of them natural abstracts used to draw different tattoos, patterns and designs on hands, feet and on other parts of the body. It is famous in all over the world but in South Asia it’s become a tradition. This craze evolves courage and guts to become a mehndi artist in young girls and Saima Khan is one of them.
Here we have some Simple but Beautiful mehndi designs by Saima Khan for you. Hope you will like the work of Saima Khan


Simple Floral Mehendi

This is a simple mehndi design occasionally used to draw for parties or casually. Saima Khan got a good hand and she had a variety and quality in her work. She has beautifully drawn this floral design. This is an Indian mehndi design covering palm and wrist and looking marvelous.



                                                          Beautiful Mehndi


This is an Arabic mehndi design; usually draw as a bridal mehndi design or for wedding parties. Saima Khan really has a good technique and sense to draw such a strong mehndi designs. Design covers both side of hand, fingers and wrist. Sharp red color mehndi paste has been used for this Arabic mehndi design.



                                                    Simple Back Hand


             


                                                Simple Front Hand


Saima Khan  has a variety in her hand and she can draw all types of mehndi designs like Indian, Arabic and Pakistani. This Pakistani mehndi design has been beautifully drawn by the artist. This floral design is really looking great, covering fingers, palm and wrist. Usually mehndi designs have drawn with thick mehndi paste in Pakistan to give strong visual impact.


                                                           Simple Bridal



                                                              Beautiful Mehndi Art



Simple but Beautiful


Good mehndi artist can draw every type of mehndi designs and especially they have skills to draw beautiful bridal mehndi designs. Bridal mehndi designs have usually drawn on both hands and arms with a thick and rich designing work. These are some of her simple but beautiful mehndi designs including Indian bridal mehndi design and Arabic bridal mehndi design.