An Egg a Day! - Cheese & Mushroom Omelet

I was pleasantly surprised to receive my free sample of Nature’s Ranch extra large eggs. As per mentioned on their fb page they were considerably larger in size as compared to the regular eggs you get in the market. The eggs were very clean and hygienically packed. They even had small expiry dates printed in pink on them! And the best part is you can get them delivered to your home as per your need (weekly, bi-weekly etc)

The eggs kept lying in my fridge for 2 days until I finally decided to make a cheese & mushroom omelet (ala Espresso style) with them. Following is the list of ingredients I used:  

2-3 eggs

1 tbsp milk or water2 tbsp butter
Green onions (finely chopped)
Cheddar cheese (sliced or shredded)
Sausage slices (optional)
Button mushrooms (sliced)

Salt & pepper

Method

Slice the mushroom and sauté them with butter in a frying pan for 3 minutes. Take them out in a bowl and add shredded cheese and chopped green onions and mix them with the mushrooms. Now break the eggs in a separate bowl mix one tablespoon of water, a pinch of salt and give it a good whisk. Melt 1 tbsp remaining butter in same pan on medium heat. Add the egg mixture, tilting to coat base evenly. The eggs will begin to set after 1 minute. When almost set, top evenly with cheese & mushroom mixture. Fold over and cook for another 1 minute. Carefully slide onto the serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.

The omelet turned out perfectly and I must say the eggs were quite wholesome as I couldn’t finish all of it.

An Evening with Zoe Viccaji & Tapal Green Tea!

I was thrilled to be invited to Zoe Viccaji’s album launch by the Tapal Green Tea team earlier this week. The event took place at one of the local clubs and was attended by celebrities from both music and acting circles. The red carpet started at 7:30 pm with friends and fans expressing their views and wishes for Zoe’s new album Dareeche. The setting was very casual and hip keeping in mind the young fan base of Zoe. There was also a "fan wall" and fun sign boards and frames to pose for pictures. Zoe’s soothing vocals kept playing in the background creating a serene musical environment. This was followed by Zoe’s live performance during which she sang couple of songs from her new album. I particularly loved her version of the famous Junoon number: neend aati nahi 

Ever since Zoe started singing at Coke Studio I have been following her and have found her music to be maturing with time.  Her new album Dareeche is a combination of originals and some famous covers as well. Ab aaoo na has a classical/folk touch to it with very soothing vocals. Another favorite is Raat Gaye which is a soft fun ballad. The album includes other hits like jis ne bhi aana hai, ishq kinara and the mesmerizing covers bichra yaar and neend aati nahi.

The event was hosted by Tapal Green Tea and we were served with endless cups of their entire green tea range :) recently launched in new contemporary packaging. The flavors available are: Jasmine, Lemon, Elaichi and Moroccan Mint. Personally I love the Moroccan Mint flavor as it has just the right hint of peppermint to make my tea even more refreshing. Green tea has been known to lower cholesterol, diabetes, stress and is full of antioxidants making it a super food/drink. So try replacing green tea with some of your regular cups of tea and reap the benefits! Some pics from the red carpet: 

Can Democracy Wait?

It’s been more than a week since 14 August when all these inqilabi and azadi marches started their journey towards the capital. For the past week there has been nothing on TV and newspapers except for news updates and developments on these marches. Even those who weren’t part of any of them were sunken deep into the ever changing situation. These protests have made an entire city hostage, life has literally come to a still and everyone is hoping for it to end soon.

No matter how much we despise them and hold them responsible for derailing democracy and putting up unconstitutional demands they somehow make sense as most of their demands are what we as average Pakistanis also want. The only difference between them and us is that we are willing to wait another 5 years for the sake of democracy just as we have been waiting since the last 60 years!  We don’t want any protests, rallies, dharnas or any kind of systematic changes during this period as we believe that just by letting democracy run smoothly we can achieve these goals magically.

If we want true democracy in Pakistan we have to set some things right first, otherwise the argument that “give democracy sometime” will never hold true as it will always be derailed by similar protests. To make democracy work we have to make some very solid changes in our justice system as well. The justice system in Pakistan is one of the most corrupt in the world. Common people like us are so afraid of police stations and courts that we rather not report petty crimes (mobile snatchings, thefts, deception, over-pricing) at all just to avoid the hassle and have almost no hope of any kind of recovery whatsoever. There has never been a single fully independent case hearing of the innumerable corruption cases against former/current politicians. Can they get away with anything? Even murder? 14 people were killed by police and still no FIR was registered just because the people involved are above the law? Still we want things to settle down and this fiasco to end.

Electoral reform is the foremost demand in both these protests. If we do not make changes in the election system these protests will occur every 5 years after General Elections. So either we make these changes now or keep on dragging the system for another term with similar protests every year weakening democracy further.

The azadi march was announced 2 months ago after failure to negotiate terms with government on their very valid demands; but government never paid any heed to it. Not even the opposition who is now very active in trying to sort things out between the two just to save the “system”. Similarly the other march started merely because people were killed and timely justice was not served. Regardless of the number of people protesting on streets, it is a democratic government’s responsibility to give people their rights and fulfill their justified demands.

However this drama ends, one thing is for sure, people won't tolerate incompetent and corrupt rulers anymore. Even if things settle down they won't last much long until another group stands up against the same rotten system. So might as well elongate this protest and set some things right, even if it calls for an interim government for some time. Democracy can wait.

Oh captain, my captain! RIP Robin Williams

Watching Robin Williams movies was a memorable part of my childhood. My first Robin flick was Aladdin. I was fascinated by the Genie and loved him to the core. So much so that I insisted on having a blue genie cake, a genie school bag and getting genie merchandise from everywhere. It was every kid’s fantasy to have a funny wish granting genie as their best friend.  It was later that I realized Genie was Genie only because of Robin Williams and his awesome sense of humor. Even the role was specifically written for him and only he could pull it off like the way he did. He just knew the right things to say at the right time. He was “wonderful! magnificent! glorious! and punctual!” So many jokes that didnt make sense to me as a child now seem so hilarious that I must recommend all of you to re-watch this master piece!

Mr. Williams has definitely been a favorite part of our childhood memories, with hits like Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Good Morning, Vietnam etc. Another great movie was the Dead Poets Society with Robin at his best. He plays the role of an inspiring teacher who ignites the love of poetry among his students and teaches them to live spontaneously. "Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary" is one of the most inspiring quotes from his movies. He was brilliant in playing the utterly hiarious nanny in Mrs. Doubtfire. He touched hearts with his role of a loving father who would give up everything for his children. Other hits like Good Will Hunting, Jumanji, The Bicentenial Man and many more are all reminders of how versatile an actor he was.  

Despite brining happiness to people all over the world, Robin himself suffered from depression. And that is what ultimately took his life. He bought a certain energy and realism to all his performances. He played a prominent role in bringing fun and happiness to our childhood and has created lasting memories with his mesmerizing performances which will always be cherished.

"Musalmano Q Mobile chahiye??"

Browsing through TV channels post iftar yesterday, I came across an array of the so called “Ramzan transmission” on various channels. Though this has been going on a regular basis since past few years, this year it seems to have a multiplied effect. Previously as I remember the programs involved a scholar discussing issues or answering related questions from the audience in accordance with religious teachings; then maybe some naat would be recited and it was over after iftar time.

Ok I know these shows lacked the drama, excitement and emotional factor but at least they were decent and were more suitable for Ramzan. These days Ramzan shows are purely entertainment based with very little knowledge for viewers. They lack any form of inspiration or feel good factor. The flashy over the top comments, humour and dialogue remind me of a third class movie or theatre show. Pinpointing people on their clothes, making fun of appearances and also trying to create a class divide (the same old posh areas vs downtown areas debate) is not inspirational or spiritual by any means! Are they trying to imply that only people from posh areas behave decently and talk politely whearas downtowners can get away with any kind of lewd remarks, obnoxious behaviour and below the belt jokes. 

Most of these programs have similar stage sets, similar format, similar sponsors and amazingly similar looking anchors!!! (makes me wonder how is that possible? Maybe plastic surgery!)

The programs usually start with a discussion among the hosts and a bunch of molvis clad in colorful intricately embroidered kurtas, followed by a recitation/naat session. After iftari starts the quiz show (ala Neelam Ghar) with gifts for everyone. People go crazy to get a chance to participate in the mindless quiz session in pursuit of getting either a mobile phone, a lawn ka jora or a bottle of sharbat! so much so that often they sound like beggars! Sometimes they are also required to perform some utterly insane tasks like gobbling up mangoes, standing on one leg and hanging from monkey bars. 

Keeping in mind the spirit of Ramzan, what is the point of giving gifts to people from well off backgrounds over totally nonsense Q/A ? Isn’t Ramazan all about sharing with those who cannot afford? Why can't all the sponsors and channels donate gifts or money to orphanages and hospitals or NGOs instead and also have live shows with them? TRPs and advertisement is important for brands but why can't they think of other creative and sensible ways to make their brands standout? I as an individual would never think of buying a Q Mobile for the distorted image of the brand these programs have created in my mind. 

Some would argue that our people are deprived of entertainment and this is the most appropriate form of good family fun. I agree that there are very limited entertainment avenues for middle class in particular but then again there could be other ways to make TV shows more appealing and tasteful. I do not blame the audience since they don’t have much choice. It is the responsibility of TV channels and brands to put together their efforts and money in coming up with creative quality content and most importantly educate their audience.

Well thought out CSR campaigns have proven to be very effective for goodwill of a company as well as making it a compassionate brand. Why cant we make TV shows like The Oprah Winfery Show or the Aamir Khan Show(Satyamev Jayate) from across the border. Another very good effort was by one of our very own FMCG brands giving tribute to mothers all over through the brilliant Ariel Maa show. All of these shows have worked wonders for their sponsors along with generating very high viewer ship, TRPs and credibility. Moreover they have made a difference in people's lives and have changed or rather challenged mindsets. 

In a society like ours media is a big influencer and has great power to change mindsets. It’s not only dramas and live shows but also commercials which affect our choices and decisions. Instead of producing mediocre run off the mill TV shows our media industry should now evolve into an effective medium for both entertainment and education of society. After almost ten years of free independent media we certainly expect some change. 


Published in Express Tribune on 20, July 2014
Losing our religion one Ramazan transmission at a time 

The Bling in Prints!

Eid is just around the corner and like everyone else the window shopping bug also bit me! Went on quick after iftar "malling trip" to DMC (malling: finally coined the term after endless trips to the malls :p)  

A hard to miss observation were the jewelry inspired prints at most fashion retailers. Among other prints like folksy ethnic prints, geometrical vibes, vintage coin prints and paisleys, jewelry prints have already made a strong statement internationally in the spring/ summer 2014 trends. And they are finally in our part of the world with a good variety to choose from. 

Nishat

Nishat has introduced some very bold jewelry prints to catch on with the trend. Prints comprise of enlarged pendants, necklaces and jewels on the neckline and all over the shirt. While they are very eye catching with a rich color palette, the prints are for the dramatic modern woman who dare to be different. 

So Kamal

Another shop tucked in the corner of DMC is the So Kamal store. Their jewelry prints are subtle and sort of have a classy touch to them. The imagery of subcontinental jewelry also ads a traditional touch to the prints. Fresh colors and traditional print elements make the jewles shine.    

Gulabo

Gulabo has already taken digital prints to a new level with their love for Pakistan and all things Pakistani. They came up with their Jhumar shirt way back in April 14 and are trend setters for print inspirations.  

Khaadi 

While Khaadi being the mass retailer that it is their jewelry print kurta is by far the most wearable and also affordable, nothing too fancy or bright just the right amount of color and print. It can worn casually or dressed up for occasions.  

The Fault in Our Stars - the movie

Among the list of books that have been successfully made into movies, the toppers for previous year were:  Twilight Saga, Hunger Games and Life of Pi. This year movie-book fans are looking forward to the movie version of the much acclaimed 2012 young adult novel "The Fault in Our Stars" by Printz award winner and famous vlogger, John Green. The book has gained immense popularity and a cult following within young readers all over the world, with exclusively designed merchandise and clothing by the fans.

Those who have read the book will agree that it is a brilliant piece of literature combining life's tragedies along with everyday humour.The title of the book comes from a famous line of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: "the fault dear Brutus is not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underling". The story is narrated by a 16 year old terminally ill girl, Hazel who falls in love with an amputated 17 year old cancer patient Augustus whom she met at a support group for cancer patients. Since both of them are facing the same disease it sort of makes the chemistry between them work wonders. With witty intelligent lines like "I am a grenade and at some point I'm going to blow up and I would like to minimise the causalities". The book is far from being just a teenage romance or a cancer book. The story dwells upon friendships, emotions, and family ties. Not only for teenagers but also for adults, the book provides a deep perspective into the lives of young cancer patients, their hopes, their fears and most importantly their drive to maintain sanity with doses of humour. For me the best part of the book was simplicity of the plot, characterisation of the main protagonists and how the author has woven the story around the biggest tragedy of life with humour.

The book had generally received positive reviews from The New York Times; the Time magazine declared it number one on their list of best fiction books of 2012.  Now the movie with Shirline Woodley as Hazel and Willem Dafoe as Peter Van Houten,  in pipeline is intended to be released sometime next year. Young fans from all over the world are excited for its release and hoping it would turn out to be equally fantastic as the book itself.