Apple apologizes for slowing down older iphones

In what appears to be an attempt at damage control, Apple has apologized to its users for slowing down older iPhones.

The Cupertino based company released a blog post yesterday titled “A Message to Our Customers about iPhone Batteries and Performance” explaining the reasons behind slowing the phones down.

Rumblings about Apple deliberately slowing the older iPhones have been around for a few years.

This didn’t sit well with the consumers, as to them, it seemed like an underhanded attempt to push them towards buying the latest iPhone.

The rumors were largely ignored by Apple, until a recent article put a spotlight on this issue, highlighting the relationship between iPhone’s performance and the battery condition.

Apple’s Justification

According to Apple, the older iPhones’ batteries degrade to the point where it risks shutting down on its own. Apple’s blog post says,

We initially thought this was due to a combination of two factors: a normal, temporary performance impact when upgrading the operating system as iPhone installs new software and updates apps, and minor bugs in the initial release which have since been fixed.

We now believe that another contributor to these user experiences is the continued chemical aging of the batteries in older iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s devices, many of which are still running on their original batteries.

Decreasing Performance

Rumors had it that every major iOS update under clocks the processor bit by bit so that it uses less power and thus keeps the battery going for a while longer. This has the adverse effect of making the apps launch slower and making it feel sluggish in general.

To some extent, they did decrease performance with iOS 10.2.1. As the blog says, after the update:

iOS dynamically manages the maximum performance of some system components when needed to prevent a shutdown. While these changes may go unnoticed, in some cases users may experience longer launch times for apps and other reductions in performance.

In other words, they admitted that the performance was reduced deliberately to “prevent a shutdown”. Apple isn’t the only company that manufactures smartphones, and none seem to have the issue of these “shutdowns “and neither has any other company received such allegations. This just seems to be Apple’s justification to a PR disaster.

Remedy

On the plus side, Apple has decreased the price of replacement batteries from $79 apiece to $29. So if you think your iPhone’s battery is getting worse, it’s better to get a replacement with the lowered price.

Additionally, a software update in 2018 will let the users monitor the condition of their iPhone’s battery “So they can see for themselves if its condition is affecting performance.”

What do you think about Apple’s attempts at fixing things? Is it good enough? Sound off in the comments.

Two sides of the coin- An Asian Woman

Women of Asia, a mystic individual that has been much ignored in many aspects of the society ! Women of south Asian countries mostly like in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh or Nepal mostly live a life full of compromises with sons, daughters, parents, husbands, brothers and other correlated.

Mostly women in less privileged areas do have a happiest phase of life till the age of 15-18 after that as she grows up, relatives and community start putting their nose into her marriage without asking for her permission or will. Even some unfortunate couples are get married at the age of 8 or 10 and reunite after they mature up. 

Education is also not considered important for women and some stay illiterate, others graduate secondary or higher secondary and less graduate as professionals. Similarly, jobs are not well defined for women mostly women are being displayed as center of attraction on various positions.

About Health, pregnancy and fitness issue I hope very few men know the importance for women and its benefits. In fact, she has to live inside a home mostly so her most abundant world is at home.

Look! I am not being feminist and I also do accept that there are some issues with men and children as well. But look a women give birth to healthiest nation and society. So if the foundation is weak a very tall and glorious building might fall on any stage any time.

So let’s aware our community that although men and women are mostly different in many aspects but their game of success is partner base it means we have to keep balance. In one place a man gets priority and in other a women while in Education, Health, marriage, divorce, desires, wishes and will they have equal rights as men do.

Thank you share if you like it.

Photography of Nature, Pakistan.

 Photography has always been one of my favourite hobbies. I do go for hike to natural areas like hills, lakes, Rivers and meadows to see how nature is patternized. Therefore, I take no time in taking photos I just randomly capture events occurring all around me beyond its category and scale. I always keep my camera ready for taking video and photo shots. I recently took some photos, I am here sharing with you with individual details, so lets see.

This first photo was taken on river's bank in Swat valley Pakistan. In this photo you see a red dragonfly sitting on stem. It had been sitting on twig for a very long time moving its head and still yet. Those photo has been captured with Nikon D5200 DSLR and 70-300 mm Lense in macro option with a manual mode. Dragonflies are known for its unique flight principles which introduced the cobra flight in aerodynamics. These insects are incredible in flight. They have fast and sheer flight experience throughout the sea of air.

A red dragonfly somewhere in Swat valley Pakistan.

You might have seen lots of Sunsets specially on beaches but in hilly areas like Swat Valley Pakistan its pretty amazing in summer to witness these kind of sunsets. The trees, dim color of the sky, the sun and clouds gives you a perfect shot for movies. specially in songs visual production. During the sunsets the best part is chirping birds and flying birds in the sky. It gives somewhat a background music to the whole scene with disturbing its consistency and relevance. Thats why I say go and watch a sunset in every corner of the world.

A beautiful view of sunset somewhere in Swat valley, Pakistan.

Lets see next. You might have seen lots of insects but they have great diversity in Metamorphism and its adult stages. Variety of insects are found on earth's crust. They say after plants the most abundant is insects class of animals. The following insects as you see looks like a 1980's model Wagon with two divided front glasses a well designed roof and great black and orange color. Now you see nature? its amazing and beautiful. It has couple of antenna for catching may be wifi signals, I am just joking the capture surrounding sound waves and also can detect storms rain etc through humidity factors in air. But anyways  observe such natural animals and keep sharing them with the world out there.

A well patternized insect somewhere in Swat Valley Pakistan.

A bird in next photo is wonderful. Her eyes, tail and beak is exceptional. her design and  grace as you see is amazing. I captured this shot in Lorman Mississippi, USA when I was studying there in Alcorn State University, MS. This bird was waiting for some worm beside a small pond in the same area. Her eyes dragged me into herself. Nature is a perfect beauty you can deny this.

A blackbird at Alcorn State University, MS USA

This was all for today, hope to see you again with a new and different adventure ahead with some new ideas, till then take care and see you.

Thank you so much for reading.

HOLI FESTIVAL MS, USA 2016 (Travel Blog)

Indian Holi Festival at Sitaram Temple, Jackson MS USA (2016)

Sitaram Temple is a beautiful and huge temple in Jackson Mississippi, USA which is center to many Hindu communities in Mississippi USA. Every year Holi (Colors) festival is celebrated in Sitaram Temple with a huge diversity including Indians, Americans, Pakistanis and other ethnic groups.
This temple has a central building, an Indian ancient Karnata style architecture where a Maha Pandit always greets the worshipers or visitors. Mostly photos are forbidden inside the building where Grand Lords and gods' statues are being displayed. Its a beautful place for religious celebrations.

In Holi festival Kids, women and men visit this place and gather here till 12:00 pm. Food stalls are being displayed to serve Indian traditional food, Dresses and Jewelries. In fact, Sitaram Temple becomes a mini India on this day.

Inside Sitaram Temple Jackson, MS USA 2016.

Luckily, I was invited by my Indian Professors at Alcorn State University, MS USA Mr &Mrs Panicker (South Indian family). I visited and enjoyed the dances, live concert, music, colors sprays, people, food and everything. I specially loved Mango Yogurt Juice, Wadapao and many other south Indian dishes. The dresses were awesome. The people were so friendly. Although, I was from Pakistan but still they let me go inside and it was super amazing.
I will remember this day of my life as experiencing a culture where my great great grandpas used to live together. Thank you all Indians and thank you America.

God bless the United States of America.

Inside Sitaram Temple, Jackson MS USA (Open Food and Entertainment Area)

Holi festival at its peak (Colored clothes as you see behind

Photo with a group of Indian friends on occasion of Holi in Sitaram Mandir, Jackson MS USA. Colors, Dances, Music, company, food and amazing people a perfect company so far.

From Right to left: 

Nitin, Enayat Ullah, Wei Lee, Naveed Khan, Mariana Montero, Akshay Swaraj and Matthew Phan.

UVA Football Fans Flock to Annapolis for Chilly Military Bowl

UVA Football Fans Flock to Annapolis for Chilly Military Bowl.

http://www.nbc29.com/story/37153126/uva-football-fans-flock-to-annapolis-for-chilly-military-bowl

The temperature is expected to be in the twenties for today's Military Bowl in Annapolis between Virginia and Navy.

Virginia sold out its allotment of tickets for the game.    The game should be close to a sellout at the 34,00-seat Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.

It's a 1:30pm kickoff televised by ESPN.

Virginia will be aiming for its first bowl game win since 2005.   It's UVa's first bowl game appearance in six years.

A day Ago:

Navy vs. Virginia, Military Bowl: Prediction, odds, pick, line, live stream, watch online

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/navy-vs-virginia-military-bowl-prediction-odds-pick-line-live-stream-watch-online/

Navy and Virginia don't have far to travel for what should be a great atmosphere in Annapolis when they meet in the Military Bowl. This is Navy's second appearance in the Military Bowl in the last three years, and it's the 40th meeting between these two historic programs, though the first since 1994.

Viewing information

Date: Thursday, Dec. 28 | Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium -- Annapolis, Maryland
TV: ESPN | Live stream: Watch ESPN, Watch ESPN apps

Storylines

Navy: The 2017 season has been one of the toughest challenges for Ken Niumatalolo, the winningest coach in the history of Navy football, in the entirety of his decade-long career as coach of the Midshipmen. After back-to-back division titles, Navy went 4-4 in American Athletic Conference play and its 6-6 overall record was the worst finish since going 5-7 and missing the postseason in 2011. Navy dropped its second straight to Army for the first time in decades and enters this bowl game with three straight losses, desperately in need of some good fortune after a season defined mostly by injuries and close losses.

Virginia: The Wahoos are bowl eligible for the first time since 2011, finally breaking back into the postseason in Year 2 with Bronco Mendenhall at the helm. Mendenhall was 11 for 11 making the postseason as a head coach at BYU and it wasn't until last season (2-10) that he experienced a holiday season without a bowl game. The importance of reaching bowl eligibility was mentioned and stressed after Virginia punched its ticket with win No. 6 against Georgia Tech on Nov. 4, but after that, the season finished with three straight losses to Louisville, Miami and Virginia Tech. This is a big spot for a senior-laden group to go out on a high note with a bowl win, particularly with a game that's in close proximity to its fans and alumni base. 

Prediction

This line has jumped all over the place. Virginia opened as a two-point favorite and now Navy is a narrow favorite, by one or 1.5 points, as we approach kickoff. I think the oddsmakers had it right to begin with and Virginia, though losers in their last three, is the better team in this matchup. The Wahoos have already faced the option offense once this year, beating Georgia Tech 40-36, and I think that preparation helps them in the matchup against Navy. The Midshipmen are playing at home and Malcolm Perryis a dangerous threat against any team, but I think Virginia has a talent edge that will make the difference in a close and competitive game. Pick: Virginia -2.5

So what side do you need to be all over in the Military Bowl? Visit SportsLine now to get a strong pick for Navy vs. Virginia from insider Emory Hunt, who's on a 14-5 run in college football against the spread picks. 

Serena Sarangi Star 2017- A music initiative by Serena Hotels.

SERENA SARANGI STAR 2017

Serena Sarangi Star 2017 a music initiative taken by Serena Hotels in Pakistan announced online applications for local bands. The advertised news spread over the social media and many bands applied online in this emerging initiative.

In online application form along with basic information, every band had to submit an original song or cover not more than 5 min. My team YOon Band also applied in Serena Sarangi Star. About 54 Bands from Paksitan applied in this contest. In jury members Serena Hotels gave the charge to Mr. Nizar Lalani (Music Director), Sarmad Ghafoor (Musician) and Ali Noor of Noori Band (Vocalist). All three judges went through submitted tracks and selected the best 3 Bands out of 54.

1.Sannan Mahboob & Yoon Band. (Islamabad/Swat based)
    2. Gohar e Nayab and band (Faisalabad)

    3. Ahad John and Band (Faisalabad)

The results were announced on social media and the selected bands were called for a grand mega concert to Islamabad Serena Hotel on 9th November 2017. I along my band, Yoon Band went to Islamabad Pakistan. Serena Hotel arranged a pick and droop service for us and so we stayed at Serena Hotel a night before the mega concert.Till late night we enjoyed the company and then we rehearsed for a couple of hours.

Next day, on 10th November 2017, everybody was ready for the show at 2 pm. Bureaucrats, International Ambassadors, Photographers, administration and audience gathered in Concert arena. The stage, lighting system, sound system and decoration was working perfectly.

Each band was given 10 min to display and sing their songs on stage with live music. Students from Gilgit School of Music also performed at the beginning and closing ceremony of the concert. We performed after Ahad Jones and Band. In our performance we sung a fusion of Pushto Folk songs, A semi classical ghazal in Pashto and a sufi song of Junoon Band live as well. The audience and administration admired all the bands including us.

When all the performances were over, CEO Serena Hotels Mr. Bolani and Jury members gave away the winning trophies to all three bands. Certificates were also given to all of us. It was a very happiest day for me and my team.

After the performance media reports were carried on, interviews, meeting delegates and new people from the industry we went room and slept as we were tired.

Now we (Yoon Band) have some really great plans ahead for our audience. Hopefully the listeners of Yoon band will love our upcoming album and song with Serena Hotel Pakistan.

Thank you for reading ! ask your questions in comments below.

A FORGOTTEN HOLY KINGDOM- The Uddhiyan Ancient Kingdom (Current Swat Valley, Pakistan).

THE UDDHIYANA KINGDOM- A forgotten Holy Land

Swat Valley is stretched in Northen East Hilly parts of KP Pakistan. Swat is beautiful valley known as Switzerland of Asia. This valley has approximately 19 Lakes situated in higher altitudes, few steep snow peaks like the Falakser Peak and Mankial Peak, Forests, Swat river-known as Suvastu in Indian ancient manuscripts, a small capital city-Mingora, sub valleys, Treks, Skiing resorts, Hiking destinations, music and ancient remains to 4 ancient civilizations of the World.

A coin of  Mecedonian Era.

INDO GREEK ERA, ALEXANDAR The Great’s INVASION:

This era begins at the end of  4 Century BC. An ancient city Bazir/Baira was unearthed recently which has traces of Indo-Greek civilization during the age of Hindu King Menander and a Greek Buddhist King who ruled on this Kingdom after two centuries of alexander’s invasions as coins of Alexander’s age were excavated. Bazira is the city which was conquered by the Macedonians lead of Alexander the Great. This city has been discovered in Barikot situated near River Swat’s bank.

The ancient Baira/Bazira is spread on 12 hectares including acropolis. This city was well flourished during 3 Century BC during Mauryan period while the city walls trace back to 1100-1000 BC. This city has been a fusion to Hindu and Greek civilizations as signs have been revealed. This research has been conducted by Italian Pakistan Archaelogical Mission since 1955 while in 1984 they embrassed huge successes in uncovering this great valley. Director of Italian Mission Dr. Luca Maria Olivieri has conducted his research on this valley in many aspects. While in local authors Mr. Fazal Khaliq has written a book; The forgotten Holy Kingdom of Uddhiyana with a comprehensive details.

This place needs more exploration and excavation which might reveal much more history gold in near future. Archaeological students might have great treasure of knowledge here. Foreigners should visit and study these sites as they are open to public. A museum in Swat valley keeps all excavated materials from these sites. Some of the materials have been displayed in Rome Italy as well.

In above photo as you see a Hindu god's statue

HINDU GANDHARA CIVILIZATION (IN SWAT VALLEY).

Gandhara is Indo Aryan ancient mahajanapad (Great realm) which is these days been discovered mostly in Peshawar, Swat valley, Charsadda, Buner, Timergara etc. This was a stretched kingdom from Jalalabad, Afghanistan to the current KP region of Pakistan. This happened in the period of Achaemenid and Hellenistic period. Its capital was the modern day Charsadda, KP Pakistan but later the capital was moved to modern days Peshawar, KP Pakistan as signs has been excavated. This Kingdom survived from 1500 BC to 535 BC. Its government was a monarchy system which was succeeded by Achaeenid Empire of ancient era in 6^th century BC.

According to Hindu ancient scripts Gandhara existed in Zoroastrian Avesta which states that Gandhara was the sixth beautiful place created by Ahura Mazda. But this Kingdom was also conquered by Alexander the great of Greece and became part of Maurya Empire which led to Indo Greek Kingdom. Gandhara got prosperous in Kushan Empire during 1-5^th Century BC. While Buddhism thrived till 8^th or 9^th century followed by Muslim civilization in this area.

BUDDHISM CIVILIZATION: 8^th or 9^th Century AD.

This civilization began almost 2300 year ago under the Mauryan King Ashok or Ashoka who was a Hindu King. Buddhism has deep roots in this valley as you will see in photos here. Here begins the story of Kingdom of Uddhiyan in this valley. The Buddhist sage Padmasambhava is said to have been born in present day Town of Chakdara at Swat valley. Padmasambhava is known as Goru Rinpoche in Tibetan who introduced Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet. Buddhism got flourished in this area including parts of Punjab Pakistan as well.

From the ancient manuscripts of Chinese travelers who crossed this valley several times at their advent to India and middle east describe this valley as the most peaceful valley with chirping birds, warm and cold springs, crytal clear water rivers, fresh air and high mountains. They have been telling in their stories that when this valley was used to be crossed during journey in the morning time bells of monasteries use to create sound like a music.

ISLAM ARRIVAL IN THIS VALLEY OF SWAT: 10^th Century AD

Gandara remained a largely Hindu Buddhist land until around 10^th Century Sultan Mahmood of Ghazna from Aghanistan conquered this region. And he introduced Islam here as an ancient mosque of Mahmud of Ghazna has been also discovered. There was then a settlement between Muslims and Hindu-Buddhist emigrants. Most Buddhist in current days Punjab, Sindh and KP turned Hindus from 600 CE. Buddhism was practice in Sindh until in 710 CE the Arab Umayyad Caliphate conquered Sindh as well. These regions then predominantly  were muslims. From this Muslim advent again in history the Mughal Era begins lead by Delhi Sultanat. The Mughal Empire which consisted modern days Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and some parts of Afghanistan began in 1526 CE and ended in 1857.

So, as you have watched photos and read few details about this area, please help this area to be explored more and more as it has been a home to 4 great civilizations of the world i.e. The Greek, The Hindu, The Buddhists and The Muslims.

This blog is based on research work of Dr.Luca Maria Oliveiri and Fazal Khaliq.

Thank you for reading.

Mirza Ghalib (The Great Poet of Subcontinent-India) 220th Birthday.

Mirza Asad Ullah Khan Ghalib born 27 December 1796 and died 15 February 1869 was a great Poet of Urdu and Persian during the last tenure of Mughal Kingdom of India. He used his name Ghalib-Urdu word means Dominant and Asad- means the lion mostly.

His honorific was Dabir-ul-Mulk, Najm-ud-Daula. During his lifetime the Mughals were eclipsed and displaced by the British and finally deposed following the defeat of the Indian Rebellion Movement 1857, events that he described. Most notably, he wrote several ghazals during his life, which have since been interpreted and sung in many different ways by different people. Ghalib, the last great poet of the Mughal Era, is considered to be one of the most popular and influential poets of the Urdu language. Today Ghalib remains popular not only in India and Pakistan but also among the Hindustani Dispora around the world.

Mirza Ghalib was born in Kala Mahal, Agra into a family descended from Aibak Turks who moved to Samarkand (in modern-day Uzbekistan) after the downfall of the Seljuk kings. His paternal grandfather, Mirza Qoqan Baig Khan, was a Saljuk Turk who had immigrated to India from Samarkand during the reign of Ahmad Shah (1748–54). He worked at Lahore, Delhi and Jaipur, was awarded the subdistrict of Pahasu (Bulandshahr, UP) and finally settled in Agra, UP, India. He had four sons and three daughters. Mirza Abdullah Baig Khan and Mirza Nasrullah Baig Khan were two of his sons. 

Mirza Abdullah Baig Khan (Ghalib's father) married Izzat-ut-Nisa Begum, an ethnic Kashmiri and then lived at the house of his father-in-law. He was employed first by the Nawab of Lukhnow and then the Nizam of Hyderabad, Deccan. He died in a battle in 1803 in Alwar and was buried at Rajgarh (Alwar, Rajasthan). Then Ghalib was a little over 5 years of age. He was raised first by his Uncle Mirza Nasrullah Baig Khan.

At the age of thirteen, Ghalib married Umrao Begum, daughter of Nawab Ilahi Bakhsh (brother of the Nawab of Ferozepur Jhirka). He soon moved to Delhi, along with his younger brother, Mirza Yousuf Khan, who had developed Schizophrenia at a young age and later died in Delhi during the chaos of 1857. 

In accordance with upper class Muslim tradition, he had an arranged marriage at the age of 13, but none of his seven children survived beyond infancy. After his marriage he settled in Delhi. In one of his letters he describes his marriage as the second imprisonment after the initial confinement that was life itself. The idea that life is one continuous painful struggle which can end only when life itself ends, is a recurring theme in his poetry. One of his couplets puts it in a nutshell:

قید حیات و بند غم ، اصل میں دونوں ایک ہیں

موت سے پہلے آدمی غم سے نجات پائے کیوں؟

Transliteration in Hindi

क़ैद-ए-हयात-ओ-बंद-ए-ग़म, अस्ल में दोनों एक हैं

मौत से पहले आदमी ग़म से निजात पाए क्यूँ?

Translation in English

The prison of life and the bondage of grief are one and the same
Before the onset of death, why should man expect to be free of grief?

Ghalib's view of world as he sees world is like a playground where everyone is busy in some mundane activity and merrymaking rather than something of greater value as he wrote:

باغیچۂ اطفال ہے دنیا میرے آگے

ہوتا ہے شب و روز تماشا میرے آگے


Transliteration in Hindi

बागीचा-ए-अत्फ़ाल है दुनिया मेरे आगे

होता है शबो-रोज़ तमाशा मेरे आगे।


Translation in English

Just like a child's playground this world appears to me
Every single night and day, this spectacle I see.

At the age of thirty he had seven children, none of whom survived (this pain has found its echo in some of Ghalib's ghazals). There are conflicting reports regarding his relationship with his wife. She was considered to be pious, conservative and God-fearing.

Ghalib was proud of his reputation as a rake. He was once imprisoned for gambling and subsequently relished the affair with pride. In the Mughal court circles, he even acquired a reputation as a "ladies' man". Once, when someone praised the poetry of the pious Sheikh Sahbai in his presence, Ghalib immediately retorted:

How can Sahbai be a poet? He has never tasted wine, nor has he ever gambled; he has not been beaten with slippers by lovers, nor has he ever seen the inside of a jail.

؎ اگ رہا ہے در و دیوار سے سبزہ غاؔلب

ہم بیاباں میں ہیں اور گھر میں بہار آئی ہے

He died in Delhi on 15 February 1869. The house where he lived in Gali Qasim Jaan, Ballimaran, Chandni Chowk, in Old Delhi known as the Ghalib Haweli has now been turned into 'Ghalib Memorial' and houses a permanent Ghalib exhibition.

FOR MORE DETAILS SEARCH ABOUT HIM OR WATCH BIOPIC MOVIES ON HIM.

Photography is reflection of your soul.

A DAY OUT FOR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION:

We all have tough lives. We earn, study, work and give time to our hobbies. I am a biologist I do go for hiking and trekking to explore nature and learn from it. Anyways, I am now sharing my experience of a day out for photography last spring 2017. 

Nature is perfect and beautiful. It has discipline, Unity, love, peace, music, patterns and consistency in every aspect. It has a full code of conduct to teach us. As I live in Northern Part of Pakistan, The Swat Valley I capture moments of every animals and glimpse of every plant/tree.

So lets begin with the first photo. As you a migratory bird locally known as Bulbul (Nightingale) is waiting for insects to feed in spring season. These birds migrate from Europe/Russia in spring and breed in these beautiful valleys. They whistle sweet melodic sounds and chirp in the morning with a sunrise. They are one of the most beautiful wild birds.

Another photo is representing a farming life somewhere in the hills of Swat Valley, Pakistan. These domesticated running birds known as Chickens. They are enjoying the outside farm area. In this valley most of hilly people keep the as pets for eggs. They use their eggs either for breeding or food. Anyways, you will see hundreds of home here with chickens being kept as pets. Its famous here that small kids keep one or two chicken as pets by a specific name and grow with this culture. Now a days this hobby is limited to some extent.

Another photo is revealing the beauty of wild plant. This plant has a good medicinal value in many drugs. Although it has thorns and tough stem. Such plants are short in height and have long photo periodicity. They tend to stay redish orange and green color. Grazer never mess with these plants due to thorns. As kids we used to eat and swallow its leaves just for fun. No side effects. Further researches and study can reveal more of its facts and uses. But this photo is one of my favourites.

The next photo as you see is a mustard plant. There are songs about this flower in the folk music of Northern areas of Pakistan. It has economic values. In these valleys mustard are used as food. Some people extract from it mustard oil from its seeds using homemade machines. The buds and flower in the photo is beautiful. Its all about nature's perfection. They are similar species as found in Europe, Australia or American region. I think its use and consumption is quite similar across the globe. For me this photo means a lot.

In this photo you see a home built with mude and stones having a roof of mud. A girl is playing on roof while the colors of wall are representing the culture. Trees surrounds the house and windows are open to fresh air. To the front of this home there is a stream of fast water and has Trous (Solomon Trouts). These people use fish and vegetables mostly for food. Yogurt shake, Bread and meat are mostly used. They access to pure honey. In short, its a perfect wild life.
 But never mind just enjoy and lets move to the next photo.

Wow, this one is super amazing photo. I don't know how I captured it but I did. A honey bee is diving into the flower for nectar. This Asian honey bee which has quite good variety of honey production valley. People farm these bees by ancient principles of Apiculture. No modern techniques are used I don't Know why. But at the end honey from these valleys come to the city market and sold in recommended prices. One more thing, these bees sting very hard.
So you never mess with its hive.


You might have seen many beautiful places, but count this scenery as one of it into your memories. These are the Mankial Peaks located in North of Swat Valley. These hills are famous for lakes. Its said in the ancient Chinese manuscripts that Buddha (Padhma Sambhava) was born in a Lotus Flower lake which situated at the bottom of these snow peaks known as Mahodand (Fish lake) now. But I captured this scene at quite a huge distance.


Now, here comes the beautiful sunset of the Mingora City of  Swat valley. This city is capital city of huge population. But still it has a fresh water river, couple nearly situated valleys, some ancient remains sites, some old architecture and modern buildings/stations. In the photo you see hills which are connecting link with neighboring districts the Dir and Chitral. This sunset remains only for 20 min which beautiful. Its also one of my favorite photo.


So thank you, this was all for today. I will be keep sharing with you all more of my natural, artistic and beautiful trips. By the way, all these photos are being taken by me so ask for permission if you need them for any project.

God bless you all.

Folk Music of KP, Pakistan.

Folk Music (A review):

Folk music is local or regional music which tends to show the culture, dress and language of a particular community. Folk music has been experimented with other genre like Rock, Pop, Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop and many more and it went awesome. Folk has a sweet melody in all regions across the globe which hides your childhood memories, your lifestyle and your desires within itself.

Somehow, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is a Northern Province in Pakistan with snow peaks, lakes, forests, rivers, springs, green farms, valleys and Treks. This province has an influence from ancient Afghanis, Tajik, Indians, Chinese, Greeks and Persians. Majorly, Pashto, Chitrali, Urdu, Saraiki, Gujro, Persian and Hindko languages are spoken in which Pashto is the most abundant language.

Like food and dress this region has it own folk music and instruments which are being brought to TV through various shows. The main melody is the upbeat style music. The main constituents of this folk music are string instruments a Rubab-ancient Afghan isntrument and a chitrali Sitaar. Indian Hormonium is also used as keys instrument. The drums are of various kinds like Tabla or Pitcher covered with elastic rubber stretched over its opening. The lyrics are mostly anonymous and being sung for centuries.


There are stories for kids, stories of legends and story of history of this nation beautifully arranged in poetic way of the songs. A specific kind of dances are shown with music. A place where people used to perform music or performing music even today is called Hujra where kids and men gather and listen to variety of songs. These songs are called (Sandara-Singular or Sandarey- Plural). The poetry tends to spread love, faith and unity.

There is another aspect of this folk music that is Spirituality where Sufi poets are being sung and their message is much appreciated. While this music has been undiscovered for so long as Afghanistan and this Northern Part of Pakistan has been in war for a very long time.

Many artists are struggling on streets to find a way out to express themselves but may be they will die undiscovered this way. Unfortunately, education standards are not upto the mark thats why most of the talent is being wasted in street.

I have a vision to initiate a music academy for street kids and orphans through my Music Band The Yoon band which will surely create some great artists in upcoming 20 years.