Between Pakistan & Korea

The Weather Outside

After a hard day’s work in some tall building, sitting inside some cubicle cut off from the view outside, you wrap up for the day to head home. A thought that might cross your mind as you get up to take the elevator down, is perhaps – how is the weather outside? It would be terrible if you get caught in sudden rain without an umbrella, or get stranded due to snow.

On another day, you take that morning flight to attend some meeting in another city, and then have to rush back by the evening flight to complete some pending work in your office before heading for home. Just because you did not bother to catch up on the weather report, you had to face a hailstorm, and rain, and some cold and fever, and of course a severe headache. Had you known that roads would be closed due to snow, you may have traveled a day earlier to get to the meeting in time.

Weather information seems to have become critical to our functioning, since this has a bearing on all aspects of our fast-paced lives. It is now possible to keep a check on weather reports through our mobile phones, by installing some package that provides regular weather information. Companies that provide these services are expected to grow since these packages are bound to be used by ever increasing populations.

At the same time, dependence on weather reports is also expected to create other problems, since people might mechanically reach out for their mobile phones to see the weather report, even though they may probably be standing in the rain. So a bit of common sense never hurt anybody, and this knowledge must always be stored at the back of the mind, despite all the tools at hand. We must not lose the capability to feel the weather through our own system.

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment Tagged With: Mobile phone, Rain, Weather

War Of Words

During ancient times, it was not possible to communicate anger to people who were beyond the range of hearing. It was necessary to physically travel to the person to vent out the anger. By the time the person got close enough to the other person, the anger might have evaporated and forgotten. Anger management was a lot easier during those times. The trick was probably to either swallow the anger, or let it pass, unless of course the person was within the range of hearing, in which case he gets the full blast of the anger as it was vented out.

Later, as the world developed, and people started using messengers to carry their missives to distant locations, it became easier for people to vent their anger through the missives, which could be carried by the messenger on horseback to the recipient in the distant land. Carrier pigeons were also used for the purpose by many innovative people. Venting out anger, the war of words, had become a lot easier through such methods. The situation has advanced a lot more today, with the development of technology. The war of words now happens through many different media that are widely used today.

It happened through newspapers and radio, and then through the telephones. Later television became a medium for the venting of anger. And now the internet has completely transformed the manner in which the war of words is handled. People extensively use all that the internet can provide in their war of words. Hence the venting of anger now happens through emails, through internet messengers, through blogs, though spam, through social networking sites, and so on. Even the mobile phone was not left unaffected, since these phones now carry the internet with them. Most people on this planet are now just a flip of a switch or a mouse click away from the either end of the war of words. It was never so easy before to vent out anger and get on with life. When the war is in words it is dangerous.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: Anger management

Events To Remember

From a certain perspective, our entire lives are a chain of events tied together by spaces of intervening and uneventful periods. Many events repeat each year, like birthdays and anniversaries. Some events occur once in a lifetime, like graduation. Many events, like weddings, occur for most people, while some events occur only for a very few, like a journey into space. People cherish their events, and look forward to each event with excitement. People who are busy resort to reminders for dates so that they do not miss any event. It is customary for most people now to mark personal events on a calendar which could be either printed or in digital form in their computers or mobile phones.

In addition to the events of our own selves and our family members, we also like to keep track of the events of our friends, colleagues, neighbors, employees, bosses, and so on. Many of us even keep track of the events, like birthdays, of our pets. Calendars are indeed one of the most commonly used items since they keep track of all these events together at one common place. Many events need advance preparations, with several elements involved for successful execution of the event.

For large events, these preparations become more intricate and complex in view of the number of elements and variables involved. Management of events has now become big business, with several event management companies doing brisk business. Event management is even taught as formal courses in several institutions grooming people for the hospitality sector. Event management companies are able to provide all the services starting from the concept to completion of the event. The charges for these services are often high. These companies are able to function profitably since people prefer to outsource the event management function to third parties, who will then take care of all the aspects for the event. It is a big convenience for people, since they can then stop worrying and be like guests at their own event. Definitely the events are to be remembered.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: Event planning

Crime Never Pays

All over the world, there has been an increase in prices of all goods and services which are used by large populations for survival. Even the prices of food have risen sharply at international levels. If we regularly keep track of the news, we often notice that there has been a corresponding increase in the cases of crime. This is particularly true in most of the under-developed and developing countries where the masses continue to struggle with issues of survival on a regular basis.

There are regular reports of all kinds of petty crimes including stealing, snatching, mugging, stabbing, looting, pick-pocketing, forgery, fraud, and so on. All newspapers scream news of crimes from their front pages. Television news adds more to sensationalize these crime stories. People are advised to be scared and not move around freely, and ‘look to left and then look to right’ before taking out their mobile phone from their pocket. Women are advised to stop wearing jewelry or keep it covered if they are moving around in public places, otherwise they can become victims of chain snatchers. People are regularly advised not to talk to strangers, otherwise they can be cheated and conned. All kinds of criminals seem to be on the loose, and when caught, some of these even turn out to belong to prosperous and respectable families.

The internet also seems to have become a hotspot for all kinds of cyber crimes. Emails seeking personal information seem to be doing the rounds by the billions each day. Imagine the plight of victims who lose all their life’s savings to internet crime. People are advised to be suspicious before clicking on any link, even if it is from a source they trust. Otherwise, they stand the risk of some spy ware getting installed on their computer, which can steal all their passwords. Viruses can also be downloaded which can completely destroy the computers, or make them work like slaves. However, in the end, all criminals get caught, and crime never pays. This is the ultimate end of criminals and crime.

Filed Under: Culture Tagged With: Computer crime

News Channels And Portals Are In An Increase To Cater To The Demand Of The Masses

News channels and portals are increasing as people want to stay connected with the happenings across the world. Regional language news channels are also in demand. News portals in different languages are also in demand. With mobiles equipped to telecast live news and mobiles internet, people can get the latest news on the move. There is a huge demand for quality news channels and portals. However, not all channels and portals have a success story.

Very few news channels and portals succeed as it understands the pulse of the audience and cater to their need. Others though invest huge amount and fail to understand the need for quality news and news readers, by providing anything and evrything on news. With so many news channels coming up there is a huge demand for talented journalists and news readers. There are lot of courses available now-a-days to take this as a professional career. However, lack of on the job training results in failures. News channels concentrating on increasing TRP’s (Television Rating Points) provide sensational news and try to bring in larger than life picture of things happening around the globe. Though this might increase the channel TRP in the long run the reliability and trust in the news channel is lost and thus ultimatly they loose their name and fame.

The best way to increase TRP is to provide accurate information and build the trust of the audience as a quality news channel. Training new employees and having experienced journalists and news readers helps the channel to boost their TRP. News channels should strive to provide true information and avoid misleading reports which can create confusion. In crisis situations people turn to media either to news channels or news portals and misleading or partial truth can result in disrupting the peace in the society. Strict laws can also help in regularizing the content and help maintain peace. Though there is freedom of speech, under fundamental lawa, as provided by the government, it should be used to promote good cause and in creating awareness rather than disrupting the normal life of people.

Filed Under: Culture Tagged With: News broadcasting

Visit Pakistan to Climb

Are you a serious climber? Do you plan on climbing the most challenging mountains in the world? For some people, climbing is a simple hobby. For others, it’s a mission in life. Climbing can be a fun, exciting and exhilarating adventure.

If you love a good challenging climb, then consider visiting Pakistan. Pakistan boasts several mountains that are over 7000 meters. These mountains attract international adventurers and mountaineers.

K2 is the most famous of these mountains. At 8,611 meters, K2 is known to be the second highest mountain on earth. Mount Everest comes it at first. It’s also the 22nd most prominent mountain in the world. It’s Pakistan’s high point. K2 is located in the Karakoram Range and is on the border between Pakistan and China. The mountain is also known as Savage Mountain. It’s a difficult ascent.

If you aren’t afraid to risk your life, know that K2 has the second in highest fatality amongst mountains that are 8000 meters high. Think about it this way: for every four who have reached the summit, one person has actually died trying. Annapurna has the highest fatality rate. However, understand that K2 has never been climbed during the harsh winter. Many people do believe that K2 is the most dangerous and difficult climb in the world. In July 2010, 302 people have finished the climb with at least 77 people who have died trying.

That still hasn’t stopped climbers from attempting in K2. Pakistan has a lot to offer to adventurers. There are also other regions to visit in Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located in the north west of Pakistan is a hotspot for explorers. There are also Buddhist ruins at Shahbaz Garhi. Pakistan has so much to offer to the international adventurer. If you’re into exploration and have an adventure streak, then consider visiting Pakistan.

Filed Under: History, International Affairs Tagged With: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Savage Mountain, Shahbaz Garhi

Travel to Pakistan

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Pakistan has so much to offer. If you’re seeking the gateway to the Ancient World, then visit Pakistan. Pakistan was ranked in the top 25 percent of all tourist destinations just based on heritage sites, according to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. Pakistan has 5,000 year old city ruins to mangroves. The five top spots to visit include Lahore, Taxila, Karimabad, Lake Saiful Muluk and Taxilia. The country also has fairs, arts and craft shows, religious festivals, folk festivals, sporting events and various historical museums. Pakistan is a diverse country with a colorful history. It’s become a definite tourist hot spot for adventurers and foreign travelers alike.

The major attractions in Pakistan are ancient remnants of what once was. They are also categorized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Consider visiting the Indus Valley Civilization’s archeological ruins located in Moenjodaro. Head to the Buddhist ruins located at Takht-i-Bahi and other remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol. Check out Lahore’s Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort. Go to the historical monuments of the ancient city of Thatta. Head to Taxila’s ruins from the Gandhara Civilization.

Adventurers can challenge themselves at different spots, such as the Kunhar River, K2 or the mountain range surrounding around K2. Many mountaineers visit Pakistan to take a shot at climbing K2; however, the fatality rates are high. One out of four climbers dies when attempting the mountain.

Pakistan has so much to offer. From archeological ruins to adventures, there’s tons of places to go and explore. The tourism industry is the next best thing in Pakistan. With its diverse people, cultures and landscapes, Pakistan attracts curious travellers from around the world. When visiting Pakistan, make sure to seek out all of the country’s unique jewels and see things that you most likely can’t find anywhere else on the planet.

Filed Under: Culture, History, News Tagged With: Indus Valley Civilization, Lake Saiful Muluk, Pakistan, Shalimar Gardens

Visit South Korea

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So, you’ve decided that you want to visit South Korea. When’s a good time to visit, you may wonder? It actually depends what you want to do in Korea. Let’s learn more about the four seasons and what Korea has to offer during these times.

Spring
A great time of year to be in Korea is during the Spring time. This is when temperatures are warm and not smoldering hot. Keep in mind that yellow dust from China blows over South Korea making it a difficult time to breathe.

Summer
Avoid South Korea during the Summer, except if you just plan on visiting the beaches. Summer is rain season that begins in June and turns into a virtual steam bath from July to August. South Koreans have to deal with extreme humidity. Temperature can raise as high as 35 degrees Celsius.

Fall
With fall beginning in September, it’s quite possibly the best time of the year to be in the country. The humidity and temperatures are tolerable. Nice days are common and beautiful fall scenery becomes the backdrop of your vacation.

Winter
If you love to go skiing or want to visit the hot springs, then consider visiting Korea at this time. KOrea invented ondol which is known as floor heating. This actually helps melt any frozen floors outdoors. Keep in mind that January to February can be freezing cold because of the Siberian winds that blow from up north.

So, consider visiting Korea during the Fall if you’re just looking for decent weather to do moderate activities. If you’re into winter sports, you may want to visit during the winter time, but be well equipped to deal with the bone biting weather. Spring is a wonderful time of year, but you may want to stay indoors when the yellow dust blos over. Just avoid the summer, if possible.

Filed Under: Culture, History Tagged With: Asia, China, Korea, North Korea, South Korea

South Korean Nightlife

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Do you love going out at night? Then you may want to consider visiting South Korea, a country that has so much to offer, including a nice night life. You can find Western Bars in South Korea, but going to a Korean bar can be a unique experience. Visit a hof, or a typical beer place that serves beer, along with side dishes. The side dishes are customary. Many hofs now have high tech gadgets used for entertainment.

If you want to go to a night club, then visit a booking club. This is basically the Korean equivalent of a night club. The interesting custom at a booking club is the way to meet a new person is to be introduced by waiters. Booking clubs are known to be a little more expensive than hofs or normal bars, but can be a fun way of meeting new and exciting people. There is not only a cover charge, but also alcohol and side dishes that are expected to be ordered. Also, there’s other customary things that a booking club offers, such as creating a high status table by ordering expensive liquor and fruit plates. Items, like Scotch whisky, is marked up.

Locals go out to eat at Korean grillhouses throughout the city where mixing hard liquor and beer is encouraged. Bonding over food and liquor is a cultural norm in South Korea.

Karaoke is also very popular and available at places called noraebang. Larger spots also offer English, Japanese and Chinese songs.

When your in Korea, keep note of a few important etiquette points. You’re supposed to fill other people’s glasses and not your own. Keep your eye on other people’s glasses and fill them as soon as they become empty, rather than before they become empty. Also, use both hands when pouring drinks. Turn away from seniors when drinking as a sign of respect.

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment Tagged With: Asia, Karaoke, Korea, North Korea, South Korea

Things to Do in South Korea

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Area you visiting South Korea for the first time? There are various sights that are popular to visit in South Korea. South Korea can be a beautiful and enchanting place that has so much to offer to travelers. From an exciting night life to natural parks, South Korea has various adventures for tourists to enjoy. There are numerous options on what you can do in South Korea.

Visit the beautiful Seoraksan National Park with its majestic mountain views located in Gangwon-do Inje-gun Buk-myeon. Consider Hallasan National Park at the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Jeju-si Haean-dong. There are numerous historical, natural and cultural spots located in seemingly every corner of Korea.

There are the UNESCO designated sights which are composed of cultural world heritage sites, natural world heritage sites, memory of the world register and intangible cultural heritage spots. There’s also numerous historical spots that include palaces, fortresses, gates, museums, monuments, demilitarized zones and hanoks or traditional houses. If you’re interested in seeing the culture of Korea, visit folk villages, temples, holy sites and cultural districts. South Korea also has 20 national parks and various cultural highlights that include mountains, forests, botanical gardens, waterfalls, valleys, rivers and lakes and observatories. There are numerous coastal highlights, such as beaches, islands, fishing villages, ports and harbors and light houses. Natural wonders exist, including rare animals and plants, ecological tourist sites and caves.

South Korea also has themed travel, including eco-tourism, cruise tours, transit tours, walking tours, city tours, Taekwondo, temple stays and traditional cultural activities. If you want to go for a spa vacation, there’s also spots you can go for solely for beauty.

South Korea can cater to anyone’s preferences. Their traveling and tourism is very accommodating. Consider visiting to South Korea, especially if you want a diverse vacation with numerous options.

Filed Under: Culture, History, News Tagged With: Korea, North Korea, South Korea, Taekwondo, UNESCO