THE BRONTE SISTERS

Being a student of English Literature I have always been impressed by the writings of the Bronte Sisters ........Emily , Anne and Charlotte Bronte.They lived with thir father,brother and aunt at Howarth near Yorkshire,England.All three of them died at a young age and remained ill all throughout their lives, yet they were able to write few beautiful books of English Literature.Their mom and two older sisters died at a young age,their dad Patrick Bronte was a priest who was not very involved with their lives.Their aunt Elizabeth Barnwell raised them.All of them attended local girls boarding school in Yorkshire.Their brother Barnwell was an artist.The Bronte sisters played on the hills and trees and had imaginary friends.Their books reflect either their own life stories or of the imaginary friends they had.

Charlotte Bronte wrote 'Jane Eyre' a beautiful book about a shy girl ,it is sort of her own autobiography.'Wuthering Heights' is the only book written by Emily Bronte which is the story of a rich girl and a villager Heathcliff.Anne Bronte's book 'Agnes Grey' is about a lady who took care of others.

These three sisters led a very quite life,they were mostly self taught but they have written some of the great books of English Literature.

MY BIRTHPLACE..................PAKISTAN THE BEAUTIFUL

I am extremly proud of my adopted country United States of America,a land of opportunity which gave me respect and confidence.I am also proud of my birthplace Pakistan which turns 65 years old today....................Pakistan maybe dirty,messy and crowded,streets may have garbage stains of "paan" on them,walls would be dirty with posters and slogans written on them.There may be too many uninvited guests ringing door bells all the time,traffic may be too loud and out of control.People may hate to stand in line,aunties would love to ask too many wierd questions,it may have loadshedding and water shortage problems,it may also suffer from pollution and has too many corrupt leaders ............BUT................this land has people with the biggest hearts!! People know how to entertain a guest,neighbours help neighbours,Grand Parents are always present to give "duas" and friends will come to help you when ever and where ever.This is the land of "moong phali walas" and "kulfi cart walas",it is the land of kids playing cricket on every street corner.It is where teenagers love to dance on the musical tunes from Bollywood and Lollywood,where "luddo","hop scotch" and "tag" are highly competitive games.It is a beautiful land which produces world's best cotton and lawn fabric and home of some amazing "tailor masters".It is the country which produces the best samosas,kabab rolls,chicken tikkas,chilli chips and spicy corn.It is where weddings are a grand 12 day celebration.It produces the best TV dramas ,very funny political comedy shows and beautiful ghazals.People enjoy the sound of "dholak",smell of henna and saffron,colors of kites,warmth of velvet "razaaies"( wool comforters),camel footprints near Arabian Sea and the beauty of lake "Saif ul Mulk".It is the land of River Ravi,Landikotal Market and Karakoram Highway.It is a land once loved by Mughal Emperors and Sufi poets.It has one of the best telecomunication systems in the world.

It is where people enjoy "gola gandas" snacks and drink tea all day long.It is where everyone has many cousins and friends,where kids collect "Eidee" instead of gift.It has the beauty of fresh flower garlands,colors of bangles,clay pottery and brilliance of "truck art" .........everything makes it special!!!!

PAKISTANI FILM LAMHA VIES FOR A SPOT AT NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL

About 3,000 movies were entered at the NEW YORK CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (NYCIFF) from which they narrowed it to 100 films which will be screened during the festival in the second week of August 2012.This is an annual event which is held every year at Times Square."Lamha" is a Pakistani film produced by Meher Jaffri and penned by Summer Nicks.It is story of a Pakistani lady,how her life changed after an accident.........story of loss,forgiveness and redemption...........story of human emotions and the harsh realities of life.The star cast includes Amna Sheikh and Mohib Mirza.The film is also nominated for few awards at the NYCIFF.Mansoor Mujahid is the debutant director of this movie.
The movie Lamha will be screened in Detroit,MI at AMC Southfield on 19th August 2012 at 3;00pm to 6;00pm for a one day exclusive event.
ticket $10,english subtitles...........limited seats

NO MEDAL ,NO WORLD RECORD BUT A WINNER........AFGHAN FEMALE SPRINTER TEHMINA KOHISTANI

She is an Afghan female sprinter who represented her country in the London Olympics 2012.She ran 100m race did not win any medal but was very happy........."I am happy because I participated in these games,I represented my country"said Tehmina Kohistani."It was so hard for me to train at Kabul Stadium,people yelled at me,screamed at me,said I should not participate in sports",explained Ms Kohistani."I got upset ,I had tears in my eyes but I did not give up,well this is my victory to represent women of my country",said the proud athlete.She is the fourth women to represent Afghanistan in olympics and the only one in London 2012.

FROM BIRYANI KHOKA ,KARACHI TO BIRYANI CART,NY

I still remember eating the most delicious Biryani at a Students Biryani Khoka in Bohri Bazar,Karachi.Khoka is like a small cart where Biryani cooked in a huge iron pot or 'degh'is served and people stand or sit around the cart to eat it.It started as a small business which extpanded all over the country and even outside Pakistan.Birayni is a chicken and rice dish with tomatoes,spices and potatoes.It is one of the most popular dishes in Pakistani Cuisine.

When I read about the Biryani Cart in NY near 6th ave and 46th street,I got very excited that my favorite dish Biryani has made its journey to United States and it is sold out of a Biryani Cart.This Biryani Cart was started by a Bangladeshi American. Chicken,Goat and Vegetable Biryani is served here along with yogurt and chutney.Kati Rolls and Tandoori Chicken is also sold at the NY Biryani Cart.It is quite popular around town and was also nominated for the "Vendy Award"!