25.5.10

Dawn Life Styles Special: Phone Packages

23.5.10

Laser invented: Fifty years and beaming

Like all modern inventions that have revolutionised the world of entertainment, science, technology and medicine, the birth of laser is of great consequences. The invention celebrated its half century on May 16 this year, for it was exactly 50 years ago when Theodore Maiman demonstrated the first functional laser by switching on a gadget at Hughes Research Laboratories and watched as pulses of pink hued light sprang from ruby crystals.

Although it seems straight out of a comic book—since we mostly see lasers in them or in science fiction movies—the laser has become a very important part of our lives. For example, the internet, which we all rely on for communication, depends on lasers which help carry data across—countries and continents—on fibre optic cables. At the supermarket, it helps cashiers process our shopping faster, and in our living rooms it helps play our CDs and DVDs. Cancer patients owe the laser their lives since it helps in treating the disease and other ailments.

The story of the laser is similar to the one of the integrated circuit. It began with Albert Einstein’s theory of stimulated emission, in which basically a photon interacts and excites an atom which then emits or projects an identical photon. This theory was put to the test in 1953 by US Physicist Charles Townes who developed a ‘Maser’ (Microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation). This used microwaves to excite atoms, although it wasn’t exactly the laser. Townes then used visible light instead of microwaves and the acronym of Laser was born (light replaced microwave).

When the invention was announced, newspapers excitedly displayed headlines bearing that ‘death ray’ from science fiction movies was here. One couldn’t blame them; it was after all the height of the Cold War where the Soviets were constantly defeating the US on many technological platforms. But the first laser mean was developed at Bell Laborites in 1960 and, since then, more than 10 Nobel Prizes have been awarded for its research and development. The world owes this technology a great deal, so much so, that in fact when man went to the moon in 1969 he placed a mirror on its surface so that lasers from the Earth could be shot on it so that time could be measured. Laser also helps us to track and measure the distance and orbit of the moon.

But perhaps the laser’s biggest contribution lies in its use in computer technology. The top-of-the-line laser research revolves around ‘femtosecond’ lasers which are used to provide denser storage on computer hard drives. In fact, prototypes and initial lasers of these kinds have increased hard disk performances by up to 100,000 times.

From science fiction to reality, we continue to discover the true potential of lasers that will help us progress further. Fortunately—and hopefully—the laser weapons that we see in comics and geeky movies are still years away.

22.5.10

Coke Studio Season 3: Press Conference.


It's safe to say that Coke Studio has become a summer staple for music lovers across Pakistan—and perhaps the world.  They load up their mp3 devices, computers, and phones with songs from the first two seasons, and nearly everybody has their very own personal favourite Coke Studio track.

Photograph by Kohi Marri
Just recently Coke Studio announced its highly anticipated return in a press conference.  It was attended by the house band, featured artist and the guest musicians; and members of the Coca Cola company as well. At its centre of all was maestro Rohail Hyatt, whose constant presence, influence, and guidance has churned out some of the most interesting music to be heard on the airwaves for a while now. It's interesting to keep in mind how Coke Studio came about and the core idea behind it. According to Rohail "I was making an album with Rahat [Ai Khan] and listening to the recordings, I realised nobody would hear see how this was all put together and made. I was sort of privileged to have seen the process and that's what is at the core of Coke Studio."

Coke Studio is not just interesting in its content, it is also interesting in how musicians are paired with each other to bring out some of the finest fusion tracks to be heard. Which is why this time around there are many musicians and many interesting combination of musicians. This year it features Abida Parveen, Amanat Ali, Arieb Azhar, Arif Lohar, Aunty Disco Project [A.D.P], Entity Paradigm [E.P], Fakir Juman Shah, Karavan, Meesha Shafi, Noori, Rizwan & Muazzam, Sanam Marvi, Tina Sani and Zeb & Haniya as the main artists.

Also returning is the house band, however with some interesting new additions this time around, Asad Ahmed on guitar, Babar Ali Khanna on dholak, Jaffer Ali Zaidi on the keyboard, Javed Iqbal on Violin, Kamran “Mannu” Zafar on Bass, Louis “Gumby” Pinto on Drums, Omran “Momo” Shafique on guitar, Saba Shabbir on backing vocals and Zulfiq “Shazee” Ahmed Khan on multi percussions. Newcomers include Sanam Saeed, Sikander Mufti, Zoe Viccaji. Guest musicians include husband and wife duo Ali Kazim on vocals and Noor Zehra Kazim on sagar veena and also welcomes back guest musicians Baqir Abbas on the flute and Sadiq Sameer and his rabab.

The renowned classical singer Tina Sani brings with her not only her voice but also an awe-inspiring presence. What was her Coke Studio experience like? "It wasn't strange or awkward. It just felt normal, we came in to play music and we did." The venerable artist added that, "To be very honest, I actually had a lot of fun doing this."

Arif Lohar, who collaborates with Meesha Shafi, said that "Coke Studio is a beautiful panel whereby we can share cultural activities." The cultural icon added that, "I think this is a brilliant step by Rohail Hyatt not just in terms of music but also in terms of national pride as well." He added that it was important to bring older artists into the limelight for newer generations.

For Omran Shafique, it was exciting being here third time around. "It doesn't get old," says the Mauj frontman, "It's as exciting as it was." Omran enjoys being one of the few musicians who are not only part of the house band but have also been a part of Coke Studio as a part of a band as well. Which does Omran prefer? "I enjoy being in the house band more, simply because it helps me to interact with more musicians, which has always been a goal of mine."

Also this year sees the Aunty Disco Project get their break in Coke Studio. What's it like for them to hit the big time? "It's absolutely terrifying," says Omar Bilal Akhtar, in a good way of course. The band was disappointed in not being able to make it last time around and Omar is quick to address that. "I think our expectations were out of whack, last time around. We needed to be in this position, in our career, to be a part of Coke Studio."

EP returns not only to the limelight in general, but also makes an appearance in Coke Studio along the way. "I think it's an enormous opportunity  and it's something with great meaning,"  says the EP singer, Fawad Khan. However, it's not only Coke Studio that the band have been busy with. "We're going to be releasing our first video [from the upcoming album] very soon, it's in the editing stage at this moment," said Fawad.

Qawwals Rizwan and Muazzam recalled when they were called for the project. "When Rohail bhai called us, it was a great feeling and when we showed up to perform it was an even greater feeling," said Rizwan and Muazzam. The duo, who have been signed to Peter Gabriel’s influential Real World record label, were also excited about playing fusion music with some of the best musicians. "They're all professionals," added Rizwan and Muazzam, "who play some of the best music around."

Tanseer Daar from Karavan added, "It takes you away from your routine, it's something that will stay with me forever now." And what about the band itself? "The album is out, we're doing another video soon."

This is a very special return for Noori to Coke Studio. Their contribution and collaboration last year were extremely well received with a memorable performance with the venerable Saieen Zahoor. How can one top that? You make it a family outing. Joining the brothers are their parents, Ali Kazim and Noor Zehra Kazim—who brings with her a custom made, one of a kind instrument, the sagar veena. "It was an enjoyable experience, particularly it was because with my sons and my wife was playing," says Ali Kazim, father to Ali Noor and Ali Hamza. Was it last year's show that convinced him to come on the show with his sons? "To be honest, it was my two sons that convinced me, I'm not a trained singer by any sort and I admit I was a bit nervous." And adds, "My wife on the other hand is a trained classical singer and musician."

Finally, Rohail Hyatt himself shared what was it like producing Coke Studio for a third time around. "First time we had no idea what we were doing, but we did it anyways." He added, "Second time around it was iffy and difficult. We had a lot more of folk music in and it was very, very risky." However it seems that the second Coke Studio paid off as the third time around there was a very much relaxed atmosphere in Coke Studio 3. "But it was still as risky as ever and I wasn't trying to do another season 2." He also added that in the journey of Coke Studio if the first two was all about starting a journey and opening doors, the third one is about exploring. Season 2 explored a lot of interesting folk and modern combinations, in particular the epic combination of Noori and Saieen Zahoor, and the Zeb and Haniya track Paimona. Is this why they are more folk heavy this time around? "Oh we're not folk heavy, we're more balanced," Rohail said, adding that the key is not having more folk artists but having more combinations of different kinds of artists—thereby creating diversity. Coke Studio is an interesting concept and although it gets bigger and better how can it grow and evolve? "I think the next logical step would be to have these performances live," he said. "It makes sense."

Photograph by Kohi Marri
Finally, at the press conference, there was also a sneak preview of the third season. From what one heard it was clear that Coke Studio is fast becoming a musical experience that would rival even the greatest music from anywhere around the world.

21.5.10

The Laser: Still Beaming at 50

Like all modern inventions that have revolutionized the world of entertainment, science, technology and medicine, the birth of laser is of great consequence. The invention celebrated its half century on May 16 this year, for it was exactly 50 years ago when Theodore Maiman demonstrated the first functional laser by switching on a gadget at Hughes Research Laboratories and watched as pulses of pink hued light sprang from ruby crystals.

Although it seems straight out of a comic book—since we mostly see lasers in them or in science fiction movies—the laser has become a very important part of our lives. For example, the internet, which we all rely on for communication, depends on lasers which help carry data across—countries and continents—on fibre optic cables. At the supermarket, it helps cashiers process our shopping faster, and in our living rooms it helps play our CDs and DVDs. Cancer patients owe the laser their lives since it helps in treating the disease and other ailments.

The story of the laser is similar to the one of the integrated circuit. It began with Albert Einstein’s theory of stimulated emission, in which basically a photon interacts and excites an atom which then emits or projects an identical photon. This theory was put to the test in 1953 by US Physicist Charles Townes who developed a ‘Maser’ (Microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation). This used microwaves to excite atoms, although it wasn’t exactly the laser. Townes then used visible light instead of microwaves and the acronym of Laser was born (light replaced microwave).

When the invention was announced, newspapers excitedly displayed headlines bearing that ‘death ray’ from science fiction movies was here. One couldn’t blame them; it was after all the height of the Cold War where the Soviets were constantly defeating the US on many technological platforms. But the first laser mean was developed at Bell Laborites in 1960 and, since then, more than 10 Nobel Prizes have been awarded for its research and development. The world owes this technology a great deal, so much so, that in fact when man went to the moon in 1969 he placed a mirror on its surface so that lasers from the Earth could be shot on it so that time could be measured. Laser also helps us to track and measure the distance and orbit of the moon.

But perhaps the laser’s biggest contribution lies in its use in computer technology. The top-of-the-line laser research revolves around ‘femtosecond’ lasers which are used to provide denser storage on computer hard drives. In fact, prototypes and initial lasers of these kinds have increased hard disk performances by up to 100,000 times.

From science fiction to reality, we continue to discover the true potential of lasers that will help us progress further. Fortunately—and hopefully—the laser weapons that we see in comics and geeky movies are still years away.

15.5.10

Showcase

Book publisher Puffin Books has compiled a list of all-time best books for children. The 70-odd books mentioned in the list contain such classics as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island and the tear-jerking classic Watership Down. The list also contains The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a bedtime book which according to the publisher is sold once every 30 seconds around the world. The entire list comprises categories, such as adventure, weird and wonderful, mischief and mayhem, to name a few. According to the publisher, Roald Dahl sells more books every year than any other author in children’s categories and his sales went up by more than 35 per cent in 2009. The list can be obtained from the Puffin website www.puffin.co.uk/.

Developed at the Georgia Tech Centre for Music Technology, Shimon is a four-armed robot that can listen to music, analyse it and play along with other musicians. Ryan Nikolaidis, a PhD student at the Georgia Tech Centre for Music Technology, programs and plays music along with Shimon. “We’re interested in improvising like a human but playing like a machine,” says the programmer. The robot is programmed to mimic the musicians’ ability to listen to music, analyse the structure and then become a part of music by improvising along with it. The robot uses complex algorithms in its understanding of music. Besides playing along with musicians, it also interacts with them by bobbing its head when it sees them and hears them play.

Scientists have uncovered the remains of what appear to be a giant duck-billed dinosaur. The Gryposaurus monumentensis, as it is being called, was unearthed in Utah, the United States, and scientists are assuming it was around 30 feet long. The skull not only features a large and prominent duck-bill but also some 800-odd teeth as well. Gryposaurus monumentensis roamed this region in what is now the United States on the lookout for food 75 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period. “We know the area was wet, humid and swampy,” says paleontologist Terry Gates of the Utah Museum of Natural History, one member of the research team studying the fossil skull. “There were lots of plants, but we don’t know yet what they ate.”

From The Incredibles to Mission Impossible, director Brad Bird has been confirmed to direct his first ever live feature film in the guise of Mission Impossible 4. Actor and star Tom Cruise confirmed the news amid much speculation in and around Hollywood as to who would direct the fourth instalment of the action adventure franchise. This would be the first time Bird directs a live-action feature, he is known primarily for directing The Incredibles, Ratatouille and The Iron Giant. The first Mission Impossible was directed by Brian De Palma, whereas the second was directed by John Woo. Although JJ Abrams directed the third, he has opted to remain on board as a producer only.

2.5.10

Kamijee -- Jeevan

Kamijee’s understanding of the music genre and his experience is collected in his new album, Jeevan. It spans over 10 tracks of diverse compositions that are inspired by classical and contemporary music.

The album also features eight musicians across each of these tracks, which goes to show the diversity available in one album. According to his website, “Jeevan is an album that explores various themes. But mostly it is about our true companion that goes with us on the journey of life. This companion is time.”

The title track features Rahat Ali on supporting vocals whereas the track itself is a power ballad complete with prevailing guitars provided by Sayyam from the band Gurus Trilogy. It immediately sets the tone of the album and is clearly the track which has received the most attention.

The following track, Tum Ho Khafa, features Ali Raza on vocals. Though the track is more of the same, it is the vocal camaraderie featured on the track between Raza and Kamijee that plays out interestingly. The lyrics of the song are provided by Shoaib Mansoor.

Kamijee has a unique sound, and at the beginning of the third song, at the strum of the sitar (played by Imdad), you realise the effort he has put in to make each song sound unique. Again, Sayyam’s guitars under careful direction by Kamijee, bring about a powerful force within the song. This time they are accompanied by the vocal rendition of Mohammad Ali.

Na Janey features Glen John (Gurus Trilogy) on vocals whilst Sayyam continues to rock it out on the guitars. The track has a foot-tapping melody, making it probably the most infectious track on the album.

Arooj Aftab is featured on the ever-so-tricky English track. It’s not surprising that Kamijee ventures towards the English language on this album, he’s spent the last six years abroad and the album itself is available on iTunes and Amazon. Unfortunately, this is one track sticks out like a sore thumb. Not because it’s bad, but because it has a feel unlike any of the other tracks. But a good effort put into it nonetheless.

Half-way through the album is You & Me, a track that shows off the musical prowess of Kamijee. A pure fusion and progressive track, it is short and sweet, which makes you want to put it on repeat.

Rahat Ali joins in again on Har Dum, a special track as it features Oud Guitars as played by Naser Mua. The sound of the album changes drastically here and gone are the harsh, loud and rocking guitars. In its place is a much mellow sound as Kamijee lets us hear his melancholy side.

Yeh Shaam features Hamza Jameel on vocals as Sayyam returns for guitar duty. One of the poignant Vital Signs tracks, it has been covered on and off by various young bands. Kamijee’s cover doesn’t sound drastically different, however it does sound more rocky compared to the ballad that it originally was. Definitely an interesting cover to listen to.

And now for the remix. DJ Ali Mustafa provides a sped-up, remixed, popped up version of the title track, Jeevan. Clearly a bid to try on the Indian market, the song feels rather like a cheaper version of the title track which is light years ahead.

Finally, at the end of the album there is a track written especially for Junaid Jamshed. Allah Hu is a somber yet powerful number written by Kamijee himself. It sounds as if at the end of the album he is giving thanks for the chance given. It makes sense as this album is a worthy listen from start to finish.