Tuffam: jashan a Milad

Tuffam: jashan a Milad

Prices fluctuate slightly on modest trade

The rates moved cautiously on the cotton market on Tuesday in the process of modest trading, dealers said.The official spot rate was unchanged at Rs 5,200, dealers said. In Sindh, seed cotton prices were unchanged at Rs 2200 and Rs 3000 and in the Punjab, rates held the overnight levels at Rs 2200 and Rs 3100, they said.In the ready business, over 6,000 bales of cotton finalised between Rs 3800 and Rs 5600, they said.Some brokers said that no major change was seenin the present outlooks as needy buyers were looking some active to meet urgent needs. In fact, both buyers and sellers were facing financial crisis ahead of bank closing, they said.Cotton analyst, Naseem Usman said that leading participants may indulge in fresh deals at the beginning of the New Year.Reuters adds: Cotton futures rose for a second straight session on Monday, hitting their highest levels in 2-1/2 weeks, as traders squared books ahead of the New Year and a US government report showed a continued shortage of high-quality cotton.March cotton on ICE Futures US settled up 0.31 cent, or 0.49 percent, at 63.97 cents per lb, after rising as high as 64.44 cents a lb, the highest level since December 10.The following deals reported: 200 bales from Chichawatni (low quality) at Rs 3800, 400 bales from Fort Abbas at Rs 5200, 400 bales from Faqirwali at Rs 5200, 600 bales from Haroonabadat Rs 5200-5400, 400 bales from Chistian at Rs 5215, 200 bales from Multan at Rs 5300, 200 bales from Hasilpur at Rs 5400, 400 bales from Fazilpur at Rs 5500, 400 bales from Ghazi Ghat at Rs 5500, 600 bales from Mianwali at Rs 5500-5550, 600 bales from Rajanpur at Rs 5500-5600, 400 bales from Shadan Lund at Rs 5600, 600 bales from Rahim Yar Khan at Rs 5600 and 400 bales from Sadiqabad at Rs 5600, dealers said.===========================================================================The KCA Official Spot Rate for Local Dealings in Pakistan Rupees---------------------------------------------------------------------------FOR BASE GRADE 3 STAPLE LENGTH 1-1/32"---------------------------------------------------------------------------MICRONAIRE VALUE BETWEEN 3.8 TO 4.9 NCL===========================================================================Rate Ex-Gin Upcountry Spot Rate Spot Rate DifferenceFor Price Ex-Karachi Ex. KHI. As Ex-Karachion 28.12.2015===========================================================================37.324 kg 5,200 135 5,335 5,385 -50---------------------------------------------------------------------------Equivalent---------------------------------------------------------------------------40 kgs 5,573 145 5,718 5,771 -53===========================================================================News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

TAPI gas line: Draft investment pact to be signed

The Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has been informed that the draft investment agreement of the multi-billion dollar TAPI gas pipeline project will be signed in the second week of January 2016 during the upcoming meeting of the steering committee of theproject.Sources said the ECC meeting presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was submitted a proposal on Turkmenistan Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project.Ministry of Petroleum has also informed the ECC that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has also shown interest in financing Pakistan's portion of the project's equity.The Ministry presented summary to the ECC for approval of Pakistan's share of equity. The preliminary technical study for the project with theassistance of transaction advisor ADB has been completed.The meeting was further informed that after Turkmenistan agreed to become the consortium leader for TAPI project with 85 percent contribution of equity and the responsibility for project development and operation, TAPI ministerial level (steering committee) in 2015 decided that the rest of the equity would be shared equally by Afghanistan, Pakistan and India - 5 percent each in the project company which amounts to $200 million each.The project has an estimated cost of $10 billion and the four countries negotiated the draft TAPI shareholders agreement (SHA) and investment agreement (IA) after the approval of equity structure.Ministry of Petroleum further informed the ECC that draft shareholders agreement was signed by the parties subject to approval of respective competent authorities, while draft investment agreement would be signed by all parties in upcoming meeting expected to be held in the second week of January, 2016.The investment agreement primarily sets out the manner, mode and mechanism through which ISGS, GAIL, AGE and Turkmengas and CLG (Consortium Leader Group) would subscribe additional shares of the TAPI Company. The IA also sets out the steps to be taken for transfer of the new shares to the subscribers.The agreement will also set out the number of shares to be subscribed. Originally all TAPI parties equity share in the Project Company was envisaged at 25 per cent however with Turkmenistan as Consortium Leader, it was agreed that 85 per cent equity share will be taken by Turkmenistan and rest will be equally divided among the three buyers (ie Afghanistan, Pakistan and India).The Ministry of Petroleum maintains that despite reduction in equity share, Pakistan was successfulin pursing Turkmenistan for inclusion of some special rights of minority shareholders.The investment agreement sets out the steps to be taken for transfer of the new shares to the subscribers. The Agreement will also set out the number of shares to be subscribed and the consideration to be paid by each subscriber.The ministry added that parties have agreed that equity, for Pre-FID (final investment decision) phase, will be provided in four equal quarterly installments by each party starting January 2016 in advance. Turkmengas, being CL, has proposed an implementation schedule which aims to achieve financial close by December 2016. AgreedPre-FID budget is US $226 million and Pakistan's share is USS 12 million.Afghanistan has intimated that out of its 5 percent share, 2 percent will be provided by government and remaining 3 percent will be financed through Asian Development Bank (ADB). Ministry of Finance has indicated that the amount be treated as subordinated loan, though no terms and conditions and tenor for the subordinated loan have been communicated in this regard.Since the expensed out amount has been converted into government of Pakistan equity in the project company through ISGS, it is recommended that the amount may be treated as equity instead of subordinated loan. The ECC has approved Pakistan share of $200 million equity, draft shareholders agreement and investment agreements and release of $12 million for pre-FID.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Ways To Make Money Online - Which Online Business Has The Best Credibility And Trust?

Working from home could be the answer to all your problems if you find yourself unable to equilibrium your career and family. These who want to begin this journey, or anyone already on the way, can benefit from the information provided below. However, some online business opportunities can be scams, to know which ones to trust ask questions. Before you ask, hereare some tips:You must go to any limit when you are working to help make your customers satisfied. Try such as an unexpected free present with their orders, like a thanks card with purchases or another type that shows them how much you value their enterprise. Customers love knowing they are appreciated, and they really like freebies. This helps show customers you appreciate their company, and do not take them for granted.Becoming a member of home-business discussion groups is a great way to learn more about running a home-based business. These sites are easily found through Internet searches and offer information that can be very beneficial toyour business. Additionally, there are many onlineblogs that you will find helpful.Ways To Make Money Online TipIf you are drawing a blank when considering whatto sell, think about whether there is a need in your life that is certainly going unfilled. When you have recognized a need, you can be more successful in product choice. It stands to reason others can benefit from it as well if it improves your lifestyle.Ways To Make Money Online TipIf one of your products is not available for any reason, post that information on your website. Back-ordered items are a nuisance to customers, and it can really upset them. This is why if their product is on back-order, you need to allow your customers to have the opportunity to select another product.Ways To Make Money Online TipDeclare the launching of your home dependent business to everyone you understand with a quick and enticing e-mail. Offer a discount or totally freeitem to your first clients to jump-start your business. Promote these people to share your name. Word of mouth can help make your business prosper in a big way.If you choose to run a home-based business, thereare many things you can do to save money. One particular strategy is to save your invoices. You should keep all invoices from business expenses so you can use them in tax reductions. Keep every receipt, you may never know what you can use for tax deductions. If you fail to save these items, you may burden yourself with more income tax than you need.Learn the Most Innovative Way to Become Successful from Your Home, First ClickGOLDEN DISCOVERYRight Now, and Claim Your Free Reporton the Secrets Most People Will Never Know.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Marc_Drouinaud/1770740

Develop Online Success Whilst Wintering in the Sun

For several years I had two dreams, to succeed in one was to winter somewhere warm the other was to build a hobby business. So with planning and determination I am succeeding in my goals.I must say the transition to living and spending our first Christmas in Spain has gone smoother than I expected. There were minor hiccups along the way, like no electricity for the first 4 days of our move. Luckily there was a brilliant street light outside the property which illuminated outside and inside the house, together with a few candles. Cold showers were a bit of a nightmare but the weather was warm and sunny.Yes and now at the end of December the sun continues to shine virtually every day; hours ofwarm brilliant sunshine and blue skies with a temperature of 18-20 degrees.We are exploring beautiful isolated coves and deserted beaches, sleepy towns with parks and pretty squares. Making friends and learning a smattering of Spanish; early days yet! Learning what supermarkets stock by scrutinizing the packaging earnestly. Drinking coffee, vino, or beer at the street cafe's and bars. Tasting the food, and exploring the harbours and huge markets.The street markets beat anything I have seen in England. The streets are closed off, even what appears to be major roads. Stalls are arranged in lines for miles; spilling into any small street or squares along the way. In our area there are 3 of these huge markets a weekDozens of stalls are laden with fruit and vegetables, there are alsoclothesstalls with jumbled piles of clothing selling at 1 or 2 Euros, however anyone makes a living I don't know. Thenneatly arranged clothing hanging in rows; kitchenware, buttons belts scarves you name it they are all on display! Everything you could think of, they are all there in triplicate! Crowds compete for space jostling with shopping-trolleys, baby buggies, or standing chatting to friends, certainly quite an experience!Affiliate Marketing is the method I chose to build my hobby business, because I could earn as I learnt the techniques of building an online business. It doesn't happen overnight, but it is a fascinating hobby you can turn into a business. A mentor or coach makes learning much easier as you follow a tried and tested path. Products are provided, some training and tools too. To find your affiliate program search Google there are programs in most niches. Or look at magazines and book-stores for ideas.So whatever your dream, plan to make it a reality, the adventure is worth it. Don't let your dreams wither and die, and then live with regrets.You too could build a hobby business and work from a laptop anywhere you wish. So whatever your dreams are make a plan and make them happen, make 2016 a year to remember!Some books you may like to read:Think and Grow Rich" byNapoleon Hill."Ask for the Moon and Get It!" byPercy Ross"Awaken the Giant Within" byAnthony Robbins."The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" byJoseph Murphy."Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" bySusan Jeffers.."SEO Step by Step" byCaimin Jones."500 Social Media Marketing Tips" ByAndrew Macarthy"Turn Your Computer Into a Money Machine" byAvery Breyer"The Which Guide to Buying Property abroad"Hello My name is AnneSo if you really are Serious about Replacing Your Day-Job & Working at HomeLOOK NOW at my Mentor - Sarah Staar's AMAZINGVIDEO COURSES showing you exactly how she has become a SUPER AFFILIATE and HOW YOU CAN TOO!FREE VIDEOS:http://www.developonlinesuccess.com/hsaplnewMore FREE VIDEOS:http://www.developonlinesuccess.com/rythj2SPEND YOUR WINTERS in SPAIN like we do!Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anne_O'Dwyer/1211696

Day of Arafah

No smartphones, gadgets, connection etc on the plain of#Arafah matter. Rather it is our connection to the Creator Allah that’sof paramount importance.May Allah give the Hujjaj the tawfeeq to utilise the blessed day properly, ameen.On this blessed day while a few millions will be on the plain of Arafah crying and begging to Allah, let us also occupy ourselves in Dua. If we cannot exert ourself in Ibaadah the most we can do is stay away fromSin.Maulana Arshad FakirMake this Day of #Arafah, a day of renewal of your faith in your heart & actions, a day of repentance & a day to get closer to the Almighty.Mufti Ismail MenkPlease remember me, my family and the ummah in your Duas.

Common Health Issues During Hajj

RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONPeople from all over the world bring with them all kinds of infections, and the unavoidable closeness of the hundreds of thousands of Hujjaj facilitates easy spread of those illnesses. Fatigue, and lack of sleep from the physically demanding regimen of Hajj rites as well as the over-enthusiastic exertions in salah and devotions, lower one’s immunityand resistance, thereby making one more vulnerable to disease. Acute respiratory infection is very common. Epidemics of flu-like illnesses are also very common.The key point here is that nearly all-upper respiratory tract ijifections (URI) are viral. They will resolve spontaneously, and require no antibiotic treatment. Patients should seek care only if they experience symptoms consistent with complications of URI such as prolonged illness with purulent nasal secretion, fever, and facial pain; isolated sore throat with fever; shortening of breath; productive cough with fever or shortening of breath, or the subjective feeling of a severe illness. Try symptomatic measures to minimize the symptoms of sore throat or flu, as follows:Drink lots of clear fluids (water, juice, Sprite).Take acetaminophen or paracetamolto reduce pain and fever. For a coughtry an over-the-counter cough suppressant. For sore throat: gargle with salt water; suck on ice cubes or lozenges; drink hot water with lemonand honey. Wash your hands often. Flu is spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. It may also spread by hand contact.HEAT ILLNESSESNot all types of heat illnesses are mentioned here to avoid confusion or unnecessary details. It should be made clear, however, that heat can present major challenges to persons making Hajj, and that they should take such illnesses seriously.HEAT EXHAUSTIONCommonly caused by dehydration and loss of body salts. It is manifested by weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomitting, and diarrhea. An increased body temperature and pulse rate may be present. The treatment of heat exhaustion is by resting, getting out of the heat/sun, sponging the body with water and fanning it, and aggressively replacing fluids and salts. If not taken seriously, this can progress to heat stroke. Patients diagnosed as suffering from heat exhaustion should be admitted to hospital where they are covered with large sheets of wet gauze and fans used to aid cooling. IV-fluid should be administered and a fluid balance chart kept monitoring urine output. Nearly all patients recover and are discharged within 24 hours. Patientsmust be transferred immediately to the nearest health care center.HEATSTROKEIn this condition the body loses its ability to regulate temperature and the body temperature soars, often to above 106 degrees. Sweating may ormay not be present. The hallmarks ofheat stroke are physical collapse andmental deterioration ranging from confusion to coma. This is a medical emergency and must be treated aggressively with rapid cooling and IV-fluids if available. If not, death or permanent damage to the kidneys, heart, or liver may result. Emergency treatment can consist of cooling in whatever water is available or removing clothing and wetting/fanning the body. If able to drink, give the victim water, or oral rehydration formula.All patients diagnosed as suffering from heat stroke should be cooled onthe specially designed Makkah Body Cooling Unit (BCU). This achieves rapid reduction of the body temperature by evaporation from the warm skin; the skin temperature is kept at 30-32 C (84-90 F) to enhance vasodilatation and increase the heat flow.PREVENTING HEAT ILLNESSEven marginal dehydration interfereswith the body’s ability to regulate temperature. It also makes a mild diarrheal illness more likely to become serious. In hot climates you should always consume enough water so that you must urinate every two to three hours. If your urine becomes dark yellow it means that you are getting dehydrated or that you are getting jaundiced! Here are some preventive measures that help you reduce the burden of heat:* Don’t be exposed to direct sunlight but rather use an umbrella or other protective gadget* Don’t leave your kids is unventilated vehicles* Drink plenty of water, even if you arenot thirsty (preferably Zam-zam water)* Keep a close watch on children to be sure they do the sameReduce physical activities by:* Not walking for long periods. Rather ride any available vehicle* Trying to avoid crowded places as much as you can and not rush when performing rites* In case of weakness (e.g. chronically-ill patient) and if you can’t handle the crowd during stoning, it is permissible for you to go to Mina at the end of the night to stone the Jamra before the arrival of the crowd* Taking enough time for rest and sleep as neededSource: alinaam.co.za

Blessed places where Duas are accepted

While writing a letter to the people of Makkah, Imaam Hasan Al-Basri (RA) advised them of the following 15 places in Makkah where duas are accepted:1.Inside the Baitullah2.At Multazam3.In Arafat4.In Muzdalifah5.In Mina6.While performing Tawaf7.While performing Sa’ee8.At the hill of Safa9.At the hill of Marwa10.At the well of Zam Zam11.At Maqam of Ibraheem12.Under the Meezaab or aqueduct of the Ka’bah.13.Near the big Shaytan14.Near the middle Shaytan15.Near the small ShaytanIn some other narrations places and instances such as Rukne- Yamani, Mataaf (where tawaf is commenced), near Hajr Aswad and on first sighting the Baytullah are also mentioned.Source:A Guide to Hajj by Maulana Yakub Ismail Patel Kawiwala

Virtues of performing Hajj

Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall remain from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.’Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “Verily there shall be no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Jannah“Hazrat Ayesha(radhiyallahu anha) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafaat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His pride remarks to the Angels: “What is the desire of these servants of mine.”“Hazrat Talhaa(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “Apart from the day of the battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaytaan is seen more humiliated, more rejected.More depressed and more infuriated,than on the day of Arafaat, and indeed all that is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on that day) and Allah’s forgiveness of the great sins of the servants“. (Mishkaat)Hazrat Ibn Shimaastah(radhiyallahuanhu) reports we were present around Hazrat Amr Ibn al-Aas(radhiyallahu anhu) before he passed away. He cried for a long time and then related the story of his embracing Islam. He said: “When Allah caused Islam to enter my heart, I came to Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and said: ‘O messenger of Allah, put forth your hand that I may swear allegiance. ‘When Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhiwassallam) stretched forth his hand, I withheld mine. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) inquired: “What troublesyou ‘O Amr?” I said: I went to make a condition that Allah shall forgive my previous sins”. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) replied: ‘O Amr, do you then not know that Islam washes away all sins committed in disbelief, and that the Hijrat (migration) washes away all sins committed before Hajj?”Hazrat Sahl bins Sa’ad(radhiyallahuanhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “When a Muslim shouts Labbaik, then verily every stone, tree and all the ground to his right and to his left recites the same, and this continues till that cry reaches the end of the earth“.Hazrat Abu Moosa(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “The Hajji shall intercede on behalf of four hundred families or he said four hundred people from his family, and verily does he return from Hajj (sinless) as on the day his mother gave birth to him.”Hazrat Ibn Umar(radhiyallahu anhu)report that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “When you meet a Hajji (on his way home) then greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to beg forgiveness of Allah on your behalf before he enters his home, for his prayer for forgiveness is accepted since he is forgiven by Allah for his sins.”Hazrat Buraidah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “The expenses incurred during Hajj is like that incurred in Jihaad; rewarded seven hundred times.”Hazrat Jaabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “A Hajji never becomes poor and destitute.”Hazrat Aayesha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that she once sought permission from Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) to go for Jihaad. Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “You Jihaad is Hajj.”Hazrat Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Whoever desires to perform Hajj, should hasten towards performing it.”Hazrat Abu Hurairah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “Whoever sets forth in a journey to perform Hajj andpasses away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Haaji until the day of Qiyaamah; and whoever sets forth to perform Umrah and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mu’tamir until Qiyaamah; and whoever sets forth on a journey to fight in the way of Allah and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mujaahid until the day of Qiyaamah.”Hazrat Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that a Sahabiyah (a Muslim lady who saw Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) once said to Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam): “O Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam), the obligation of Hajj has come at a time now when my father is a very old and weakly man. He is unable to remain seated on a camel (or horse). Can I then proceed to perform Hajj on his behalf?”Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Yes, you can.”Another Sahabi(radhiyallahu anhu) also came with a similar request: “O Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam), my sister made vow thatshe would perform Hajj. Now she has passed away. What should we do?”Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Should she have passed away while she owed someone something, would you havesettled that debt?”The man replied: “Yes indeed.”Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “This is a debt due to Allah. Settle it.” (Mishkaat)Hazrat Jaabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports: “Verily Allah causes three people to enter into Paradise throughone Hajj; The deceased, (on whose behalf this Hajj is being performed) the Haaji performing it and he (the heir or others) who makes possible its performance (by financial aid).”Source: Al-Islaah publications

PRGMEA for formulation of sector-wise policies

Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has underscored the need of formulation of sector wise policies with the consultation of stakeholdersfor bringing boom in export of the country, said Chief Co-ordinator Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Ijaz A Khokhar.Talking to Business Recorder hereon Tuesday, the formulation of sector wise policies would not only help in increasing exports but also supportive in minimising the problems confronted by the business community, he said.Ijaz said the government should take drastic steps for enhancing exports and address the problems of industrial sector on top priority basis for larger national interests.Despite of certain hurdles the business communityengaged with readymade garments was making strenuous efforts for enhancing the export for the larger national interests, he said.Ijaz said that due to non-availability of latest fabric locally, the garment sector currently have a limited product line for export market adding that foreign buyers were demanding new garments on G3, G4 and technical fabric raw material which are not available and produced by Pakistani weavers so far.There was a dire need of formulating a aggressive marketing plan at the earliest possible for garment export to gain the maximum benefits of GSP status he said.We have suggested that zero rated facility (no payment no refund) should be granted for garment sector to ensure utilisation of all capital for increasing business activities, he pointed out.Ijaz said, at present, more than 30 percent cash flow is blocked since long in the shape of sales tax refund and custom rebates which is adversely damaging cash liquidity for boosting business.He said our value-added products are unable to fetch high value due to the poor packaging and under the circumstances there is need of setting upa product and packaging centre for ensuring better packaging.Our Research and Development (R&D) is very weak due to the high cost of utility and allied factors andunder the circumstances government should announce special R&D support fund for innovation of new product and up gradation of workplaces and if government announce special package of concessions export could be enhancedUS 7 billion dollars, he maintained.Sialkot has become fourth largest producer of readymade garments and sportswear, particularly in Martial Arts Uniforms and Sialkot has become fourth largest producer of readymadegarments and sportswear, particularly in Martial Arts Uniform, he added.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Over Rs 624m released for food security projects

The government has so far released Rs 614.219 million for different developmental projects of the National Food Security and Research Division under Public sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2015-16 against the total allocation of 1,545.700 million.According the data of Planning Commission of Pakistan, the government has released Rs 179 million for research for agriculture development programme as against the total allocation of Rs 428.229 million.In order to reduce reliance on import of edible oil and to reduce huge import bill, the government has released Rs 117.500 million for the promotionof olive cultivation on commercial scales across the country against the total allocation of Rs 300 million.The government has released Rs 80 million for promotion of hybrid seed production in the country in order to indigenization of hybrid seed production for enhancing crop production against the total allocation of Rs 200 million for current fiscal year.Rupees 40 million were released for national pesticide residues monitoring system whereas the government had allocated Rs 100 million for the projects for current fiscal year.In order to enhance food group exports by fulfilling the WTO standards, the government has initiated a special programme for strengthening of SPS facilities and quality inspection services in compliance with WTO and establishment of an integrated national animal and plants health inspection services and released Rs 45.700 million.A sum of Rs 20 million was also released for Pak-China cooperation for agriculture research and development for sharing the expertise and knowledge of Chinese agri-sector whereas the government has allocated Rs 50 million for the project in its current PSDP.In order to exploit the true livestock potential existing in costal belt of Balochistan province, the government has released Rs 14.57 million for establishment of livestock research institute, Turbat, against the total allocation of Rs 36.432 million.Meanwhile, Rs 14.296 million was also released for strengthening of costal agriculture research station in Bhawani, Balochistan, against the total allocation of Rs 35.740 million.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Minister pledges latest agri tech

Punjab Minister for Cooperatives and Prisons Iqbal Channar has said that the new technologies must be introduced in the field of agriculture for the benefit of farmers and prosperity of the countryand research and inventions of scientists should be encouraged.He was addressing Pakistan’s biggest three-day International Symposium on recent advances in Molecular Biology entitled “Advances in Molecular Biology of Plants and Health Sciences” at National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology here on Tuesday.PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, DeanFaculty of Life Sciences Dr Javed Iqbal Qazi, Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik from FC University, Dr Ahmad Mukhtar Khalid from University of Sargodha, CEMB Director Prof Dr Tayyab Husnain,faculty members and over 100 scientists from USA, Germany, Japan, Iran, KSA as well as from different prestigious institutes of Pakistan were present on the occasion.Addressing the ceremony, Channar said that the federal and provincial governments had adopted agriculture-friendly policies and the prime minister had announced Rs 341 billion historical package to aid farmers.He applauded the efforts of organizers for organizing symposium and appreciated the productive idea of Dr Tayyab Husnain to bring the alumini back giving them a chance to present theirresearch.He also appreciated the efforts of CEMB scientists in fields of agriculture and health and stressed that such applied research is essential to solve the problems of common man. He congratulated CEMB scientists on achievement of high yield BT cotton and recombinant Hepatitis vaccine.He said that symposium will provide platform for new international collaborations and students would benefit from experience of research scholar from different parts of world. Dr Tayyab Husnain in his welcome address said that the idea behind this international symposium was to gather scientists; share science and search ways to collaborate.He said that the participation of such a large number of Molecular Biologists from Agriculture and Health side in this symposium was a good omen and showed the magnitude of the interest of the participants.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Sindh government urged to announce sustainable

Participants of a round table dialogue have demanded the Sindh government to announce Sustainable Agriculture Policy on urgent basis and asked the federal government to revisit Seed (amendment) Act 2015 in order to make it pro-peasants and small farmers.The dialogue in the follow-up of the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit for the adoption of 2030 agenda was organized by Society for Environmental Actions, Reconstruction& Humanitarian (SEARCH) and NGOs Development Society (NDS) at a local hotel, here on Tuesday.Speaking on the occasion, President of SAFWCO, Suleman G Abro said the SDG-2 provides an opportunity to initiate a discourse in Sindh because despite rich in fertile land and productive resources, 72 percent population of Sindh is food insecure.The SDG-2 provides a clear guideline for formulating sustainable agriculture policy in Sindh, he added.Professor Ismail Kumbhar of Sindh Agriculture University said that the recent reports, CSOs and experts are of view that our federal and provincial planners and governments only see natural resources including seeds, land, water and other productive resources as capital for businessmen and investors, not as basic needs and livelihoods for citizens or their indispensability to the economy and food security.Punhal Sario, President Sindh Hari Porhyat Council, said the man behind the plough is alwaysignored and the government has been facilitating the handing-over of our productive resources to the foreign corporate world.He said as per 18th Amendment, agriculture and food security is subject of the province, but there is no comprehensive sustainable agriculture policy of Sindh yet.Waheed Jamali, Executive Director of SEARCH Pakistan, said the Sindh government certainly has a lead role in efforts to improve the lives of the peasants, fisher folks, small farmers, pastoralists, growers and farm-labours, but the government cannot solve problems alone.There must be the coordinated action that pulls together a global and national partnership of government institutions, grass root organizations,CSOs, academia, experts, and individuals in order to unite their energy and ideas into a common effort.Deedar Ali Bhutto, Director Agriculture Department(Extension), Dr Islamu Din Majeedano. an agronomist from Agriculture Research, Mumtaz Mangi from UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Mustafa Baloch, Regional Head of SPO, Jai Parkash President Press Club Hyderabad, Samad Soomoro of Labour Department were the guest speaker in discussion.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Fauji Fertiliser achieves ISO 27001: 2013 certification

In recognition of the commitment to global standards for information security best practices, Fauji Fertiliser Company Ltd has become one of the first organisations in fertiliser industry in Pakistan to achieve ISO 27001:2013 certification for its Information Security Management System (ISMS) under the leadership of Dr Mukhtar Hussain, CIO Fauji Fertiliser Company Ltd.According to an announcement of the company here on Tuesday, SGS (UKAS accreditation body) carried out an extensive audit and recognised ISMS of IS Division in line with the requirements ofthe ISO 27001:2013 standard.For this achievement, FFC Information Systems Division also shows its gratitude to ITnIS Consulting for providing consultancy for ISMS certification process. FFC received its official certificate of registration in December 2015 having a validity period of three years.As a result of the achievement of this milestone, Fauji Fertiliser Company Ltd is now able to systematically identify and combat an entire range of potential threats and risks to its information assets.It has further strengthened its commitment to providing its stake holders with the necessary levels of assurance regarding the way the information is managed and secured, it added.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Flung From Pluto (Quantum Ripples in Time)

I live in the present as most people do here on earth if not everyone, which can be referred to as pragmatism, or logic, although I have experienced, as have my countrymen, what is theory to humans, and common practice to us: stemming from the present into the past, as well as into and perhaps the future. I am stirred for the most part by the here and now, what I'm accustomed to, even though I have come to realize the present and the future are well-appointed by God. Let me explain where what I am leading up to:Through a ripple of time, a ripple in space and time, nearly 1500-years ago, our spacecraft landed on Earth. We traveled 15.5 billion km from Earth's sun, in a matter of hours, not at its likely occurrence of several years. It was the year 488 A.D., when we came.As I meditate and think back, the year now being 2015, the Picks from upper Scotland invaded Britain, as did in time the times of the Angles from Sweden and Denmark, and the Saxons from East Germany. Back then the land mass wasn't divided as it is today, this is to my best recollection.Back then I still recall the limping, the hungry, the thirsty, the grim, the dusty and the sentimentality of the age, -notwithstanding, the horror of Warlike men from the North, now called Vikings in and around 790 A.D., and then after 828 A.D., when England became united, thus they were much like the ISIS are today. Both Godless, swollen with the devils breathe, bands inhabiting earth, with no rules, indifferent to their fellow men, no limits, or discipline. Which leads me to my next thought:I am a prudent being, I'm also impetuous, and jourmission was to investigate the ripples in time and space. But as you may have already figured out I was left behind, and once left behind, there was no escaping Earth's gravity, its several layers of atmosphere. We are a long-lived race that had come from a planet half the size of Pluto, as I say in nearly the speed of light. All the same, I have always yearned to be reunited-yet on the other hand excluded this possibility of being reunited to the underworld of our little planet, although I've just read a scientist has discovered V774104, this is my world, a tiny oval dwarf planet, Pluto minor, it could be called and would stand up to that name.I made my way hobbling through the centuries, as if they were a descending staircase. But how this all came about was: one evening I had fallen to sleep, after having several horn-cups of sherry, when I awoke, it was a mid-summer's nightmare. Ilooked around in vain for my spouting friends, I had come with. And they were glowing in a heap of fire, as if they were the fuel. In a word, those whodid not escape on our spacecraft, were roasted alive, and I had but a moment before I'd be lain outstretched before those cannibalistic mongrelized primitives.Since then I have learned to look like humans, disguised myself somewhat. Now I am old, about to die of old age, and I shall explain one of the mysteries our race discovered, or think we have, we can put it into the basket of Quantum Theories, if not plain physics, we learned everything that is supposed to happen in the Universe, has, it is all written, done, in the ripples of space, should you be able to scrutinize one you would be able to step back to let's say: 790 A.D., or to the end of time. The end of time is simply a mathematical equationin light-years, which stretches from one boarder to another. If we are to stay in our time, or Earth time, then time is 2015. And in week it will be 2016. But at the end and beginning of God's light-years, it is quite different.#4915/11-20-2015 (Revised, 12-26-2015)Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dennis_Siluk_Dr.h.c./5005

A Short SF Vignette - The Hidden Scrolls of Mars (Earth Time, 100,000 BC)

"I hope, nobody finds these writings! If one does, it means someone else between Earth and Mars or some other planet has been here, and God help them if they have no way off this planet. That is to say, they'll most likely have to face these awful solar winds and storms which you will find out are quickand intense. They have stripped away most of Mars' atmosphere, edged rock formations, rivers. I am the last person left here, most of us left, escaped to earth a decade ago. Earth is quite primitive to our race yet it is rich with life. We look more like the Cro-Magnon, and they, well, only time will tell, I venture to say, an earlier stage of mankind.From my radio reports, some of our spacecraft had an emergency landing on an asteroid. What their fate will be, time will tell.I am Commander Mruts, I stayed behind, voluntarily, for the simple reason-if not, then what? And someone had to man the last of Mars' stations, and monitor what needs checking, watching, observing. Although I get updates from Earth and the Asteroid.They have now been gone five years. I am writing these scrolls out, for posterity, should anyone find them in the future. I do understand our astronauts,and those civilians on those spacecraft's, were hurled through space, it turned out to be a nasty trip, with a comet nearly shifting the ships courses as it orbited by. The Asteroid, will not allow the Martians to live much longer I am told, their supplies are down, as is their fuel, and there appears to be no escape, or launch ability.We call Earth the blue planet, and Mars the red planet. At one time Mars was shrouded in thick gases which supported our presence, and we had much water on the surface, many rivers. Like Earth,at one time our presence of air, I mean its content was antiquated, our Co2 level & O/O2, level within the atmosphere was like Earth's is today ((the oxygen within the air consisting of 21% of the atmosphere by volume) (a diatomic gas)), today on Mars that number is less than 5% of Earth's, and our water supply on the surface is completely frozen solid. And the atmosphere is so thin, being removed from high, to higher altitudes yearly, through interactions with the sun, we have built underground abodes, which supply most of our daily survival needs.On the other hand, as I have been informed, Earth has a global magnetic field that continues to operate and protect the life within its climate system, but I suppose it could in time be altered in a very similar manner Mars' has been. Should their moon be kicked off its orbit, or an asteroid half the size of Pluto tumble outside its belt, sideswipe it, and move it a foot here or there, consequently, their moon protects them quite well from the sun, and its orbit; yet at present, makes it favorable to light the night, and shade the day for Earth, how fortunate, God has been gracious to theEarthlings.On another subject, we must mingle with the Neanderthal, which we call their primitive race, and what will we get in the future is any man's guess. Perhaps we'll all die out, and God will take a few of our DNA, and their DNA, and implant them into a new kind of man! Who's to say?Again I stress, I hear oxygen and carbon dioxide are plentiful on Earth, this is important as is water for the planet life overall, which keeps this balancebetween mammals and vegetation and flora.I must say, alas, our magnetic field is crushed, so there is no coming back to Mars other than for old time sake, and so here goes 4.5 billion years of history, to a nearly unusable, unstable, unpredictable planet, other than holding down a station for whatever purposes. I mean we are 50-million miles from Earth, and 43-million milesfrom the sun, kind of lost in the Gobi Desert of space.I hate going out to the surface, hard to breath, and the temperature is above 150c at present. But reader, do not dismay, I volunteered for this, someone had to."UpdateIn the year, 2050 A.D., the scrolls of Mars were found, during an exploration of the planet by none other than an old space dog and his astronaut master, Staff Sergeant Hector Hecker, of the U.S.A Independent Space Continuum, (privately owned by Donald Frump, a billionaire), whom was from St. Paul, Minnesota; the dog, weather-beaten wentby the name Max III; Max's great grandfather fought in the Afghanistan War, and thus, Max III is now in the annals of Interplanetary Space Exploration. As for the Staff Sergeant he didn't do the finding, and well, -dogs have their rights too.#4919/11-21-2015 (Reedited and revised slightly,12-28-2015)Note: The original ten SF Stories called:'Out of Time Warps & Space'('The Huancayo Analects') 11/2015 Copyright © ByDennis L. Siluk, Dr. H.c.Commentary on the Ten SF Vignettes(... Also considered: 'The Huancayo SF Analects')While up in the Mountains of Huancayo, Peru, the Andes, in November of 2015, there was a few weeks I was ill, and boredom crept in; not being a SF writer per se, but interested in physics, and Quantum theories, and the cosmos, I figured I knew enough to write a few tales of SF. During my 10-week stay I had written a little over a hundred poems, and I had dog-eared myself out on poetry, and so these ten vignettes came to me night and day, for three days, between the 20th of November, and the 22ed. Thus, they came to mind, one after the other, and for the quick and short reader, these SF Vignettes might be your cup of tea, if not, then it is better you seek a novel. Each story is a quick read, as they were meant to be. And vastly different. And I hope imaginative. Being not my genre, you may have to look over a few incidentals,like: details, and description. But the storylines areinteresting, if not entertaining.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dennis_Siluk_Dr.h.c./5005

Shifting Job Gears

How To Land A Job You Are Overqualified ForJust like when taking a long bike ride, you might want to lower the gears so you can enjoy the ride at a different pace, you may find yourself wishing to change the pace at which you work. Call it "consciously cutting back", but women across the world find themselves still wishing to work, but notwanting to do so with as much responsibility, not at the same breakneck speed as before.If you are in the job market but are making a conscious decision to bring your level of responsibility down, you may be surprised to find that convincing an employer to hire you for a position requiring less responsibility can be a challenge. At first you think "well of course they would be happy to have all of my knowledge and experience but in a less prominent role; they are getting a bargain!" And while yes, they are, sometimes employers can be reluctant to hire an overqualified candidate for various reasons. However, by following these tips below you can overcome this perception by making your over qualification a strength.Here are 4 tips for landing a job that you are overqualified for:1. Use Your Cover Letter To Sell Your Over QualificationYou can use your cover letter to convince a potential employer that your high qualifications are something they desire. If you explain your motivation well in the cover letter, the employer will see how your over qualification can be a strength.When you are writing the cover letter, stay away from any words that make your amount of experience sound like a handicap. Instead, explainhow your amount of experience can enhance their company's goals. Also, when writing your cover letter you should assure the employer that you're not going to leave anytime soon. Some hiring managers are afraid that you may leave if you get bored or if a better job offer comes along. You could try highlighting your commitment to your previous jobs to show them you are here to stay.2. Scale Down Your ResumeYou don't want to lie on your resume, but there are some details you can leave aside if you want to getconsidered for these positions. Doing this may prevent the hiring manager from skipping over your resume at first glance. For example, leave out the graduation date from your alma mater and only include the last 15 years of your career. This will leave the age of your career and years of experience to assumption. This, along with the impression that your last 15 years of experience gives, will help score you an interview.3. Alleviate The Employer's Worries In The InterviewDuring the interview, articulating your motivation in a clear and positive way that dispels any of the employer's worries is important. Here are some tips to help you:*.The goal is to convince the interviewer about your true intentions and give compelling reasons about why you are interested in the job.*.You need to be explicit about why you're not interested in higher positions anymore.*.You should talk about why the responsibilities ofthis new job appeal to you with emphasis on the ones that the employer worries will bore you.*.If the interviewer is hesitant to ask questions regarding you being overqualified, address any possible concerns head-on without being asked.If you don't get the chance to alleviate their worries at the interview, you never will.4. Consider Downgrading Your Position Over TimeDowngrading little by little over time is an effectiveway to move towards a lower position. If your last job was at the VP-level you may find it hard to get hired to a positions with less managerial responsibilities. You can first downgrade to a senior-level managerial position and show dedication and commitment in that role and afterwards make the move to the targeted position. A potential employer will find this transition more palatable and you will have proof that you can take on a lower position and still be dedicated in that role.So if you're making this transition to a position you are overqualified for, I hope these tips prove useful to you. If you want help with this transition, seeking advice from a career expert can go a long way. May your transition be successful and bring you closer to your career goals!Danielle Dayries is the CEO/owner of the locally-based outplacement firm, DMD & Associates, Inc. Her firm is engaged by companies worldwide to deliver outplacement programs that empower those affected by a reduction in force to get back towork quickly, while helping companies protect their brand and limit legal exposure. She is a board member of several Society of Human Resource Chapters, speaks throughout the United States about career transition topics and is published in multiple publications. Contact her through her websitehttp://www.dmdcareerconsulting.comand LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmdandassociates).Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Danielle_Dayries/1276748

What Every Equity Release Company Should Have

When you begin searching for an equityrelease plan that will suit your needs, it is important that you also look for the right provider to make your financial dreams a reality. Given the importance of this decision, it's a very good idea to do some shopping around. Don't worry about offending somebody by taking time to decide your financial future. Rushing your decision might make somebody else happy but you might notmake the best possible choice as a result. Look for certain specific criteria before doing business with an equity release provider.The first point to look for is a provide that offers a plan that will suit your needs and make your interests a priority. Of course, every provider will get something out of the deal. It's all part of doing business. However, you should not suffer to plumpup their bank account. Both parties concerned should come out on top.Independent financial advisers are your best bet. Their independence means that they have no official ties to financial institutes. This means that they can provide you with ample information and advice on a variety of plans without making you feel pressured or forced into a certain decision.Regardless of the provider you choose, you need tomake sure that they include a "no negative equity guarantee" in the agreement. This policy ensures your financial protection. As time progresses, this policy will ensure that you will never owe more than the value of your home - no matter how muchtime passes. This means that your family won't be burdened by any debt upon your passing. Similarly, you won't be financially crippled if you need to be relocated to a long-term care facility.When you sit down for a meeting with any adviser, and you notice that it feels like they are trying desperately to talk you into something - run! You should feel in control of the conversation, and theyshould be following your lead - not the other way around. Those who bombard you with an endless supply of facts and figures could possibly be trying to hide something. This is what makes it so essential that you prepare a list of questions before you enter your meeting and make sure that they answer each and every one of your questions clearly. They should be more than understanding when you tell them that you need time to think and discuss the matter with your family. If they seem disappointed or in a hurry, you might be better off with a different professional on your side.Get independent financial advice about home equity release (http://www.talkequityrelease.co.uk)Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Larkin/1943433

Ihram

Ihrâm literally means to make something harâm upon oneself. By adopting ihrâm (donning the two sheets, making niyat and reciting the talbiya, certain things which were halâl (allowed) now become harâm (not allowed) upon that person. Thus, we can say that ihrâm is a state(condition) which a person has subjected himself to and he can reverse this state only if particular rites are performed.Furthermore, the two sheets a Haji or Mu’tamir wears is also called ihrâm because it reflects ones intention andstatus.Once a person adopts an ihrâm, it must not be ended abrubtly without completing the intended haj or umra.This applies even if a person has committed an act which will render his ihrâm fâsid.However;*.if a muhrim was unable to make wuqûf of Arafah, he should then perform the acts of umra and terminate such an ihrâm.*.if a muhrim is prevented from performing haj or umra, than such a muhrim can end the state of ihrâm by offering a sacrifice within the boundaries of the haram.*.It is wâjib to perform the Qadha of any ihrâm terminated without performing the rites of the intended hajj or Umra.CONDITIONS OF IHRÂM:*.To be a Muslim.*.To form an intention and to recite the talbiya or any other zikr that is an acceptable substitute for the talbiya.WÂJIBÂT OF IHRÂM:*.To adopt ihrâm from the miqât.*.To stay away from that which is prohibited in ihrâm.SUNAN OF IHRÂM:*.To perform ghusl or wudhu.*.To apply itr before making an intention for the Ihrâm of Haj or Umrah.*.To use two sheets as the dress for ihrâm.*.To perform two rakâts salâh as sunnat of ihrâm.*.To recite the talbiya as reported in the hadith .*.To recite it loudly.*.To recite it thrice.Source:www.everymuslim.net

The Internal Dimensions of Hajj

The ultimate destinationYou are the luckiest person in the world. Allah has invited you personally to His House.What is Hajj? Hajj in the Arabic language means aim, destination or purpose (qasd). The reason is clear: Hajj is the ultimate journey of loving submission (‘ubudiyah) and conscious surrender (riq) to Allah. Itsultimate destination is your encounter with the House of Allah (Bayt al-Allah) – the Ka`bah – with both your physical body and, more importantly, your heart (qalb).Ibn al-Jawzi (rahimah al-Allah) relates a story of an old, blind woman who was journeying to Hajj years ago with a caravan. Throughout the journey, she keeps asking: “Are we at the house of my Lord?” Time and again, she is told, “No, mother, we are not there yet.” As the caravan nears Makkah, she is informed that they are almost there. Finally, they enter Masjid al-Haram. She is led to the Ka’bah. Touching the Ka’bah, she cries, “Baytu rabbi? The House of my Lord?” Weeping, sheclings to the cloth of the Ka’bah – and dies.The woman realized with her heart (qalb) the true significance of visitingthe House of her Lord.Allah has invited you to His House, which He has called the al-Bayt al-‘Atiq – the ancient, liberated and liberating house. Your journey is oneof freedom and liberation. For as your body leaves its material house to journey to Allah’s House, your heart is meant to disengage from the lower self (nafs), the shaytan, and the world (dunya) and journey to Allah.The ultimate reward for a Hajj mabrur is to return home with the purity of a newborn child. What could be a greater incentive! But beware, for Hajj is a selective process. Only a few will attain a Hajj mabrur, which is a Hajj performed correctly, without any disobedience to Allah and without indulging in anyargumentation. Be prepared. Be vigilant. Be focused. This will be one of the greatest – and sweetest – struggles of your life. And though you will long and dream for the rest of your life to come back, you may never return again.May Allah allow our bodies to journey to His House; may He permit our hearts to find Him, the Lord of the House. Ameen.The most sacred spaceYou will be journeying from your earthly house to Makkah, your spiritual home, the most beloved place to Allah in all of space and time. Allah himself has decreed it to be so since the beginning of creation.There is no place more blessed, morebeautiful, more virtuous, more exalted than Makkah. Every inch and every corner of Makkah is a haram, a sanctuary made sacred by Allah. Themore you revere Makkah, the more you will be ennobled by Allah. We must take the greatest of care to never think casually of our sojourn inMakkah or live within its precincts in disobedience or negligence.Some reports teach that it was in Makkah that our father adam (‘alayhi al-salam) longed to go back to paradise and be in the presence of Allah. To console his loneliness, Allah commanded him to do tawaf around the space of the current Ka‘bah. And adam did, and felt whole again.Other texts teach that Nuh (’alayhi al-salam), Ibrahim (’alayhi al-salam), and many Prophets before them (’alayhim al-salam), all did tawaf around Allah’s sacred House. Their spiritual energy and legacy fills the air. You will be walking in the footsteps and the heart-steps of Rasulullah (sallalahu’alayhi wasallam) and his noble companions.Shelter, solace and sightHajj and its rites are described in various and powerful ways by Allah and his Rasul (sallalahu ’alayhi wasallam). Through these descriptions, we gain insight into the deeper meanings of Hajj. The rites of hajj are described, for example, as manasik, masha‘ir and mashahid.Mansak (plural manasik), usually translated as ritual, connotes shelter (maskan) and tranquility (sukun). The rites of Hajj are residences of shelter and tranquility for the heart.Mash‘ar (plural masha‘ir) connotes feeling and experience. The rites of Hajj cause the heart to feel and experience the sweetness of nearnessto Allah.Mashad (plural mashahid) is to witness with the heart the blessings of Allah at every station – to see, with one’s inner sight, Allah’s will as the Decreer of decrees and the Causer of causes.Each word connotes a different inner dimension of Hajj, as the movement, not only of your body or limbs, but of your heart. For as your body journeys from one place to another, so too must your heart travel throughvarious stations (maqamat), each of which will provide it with shelter, solace and inner sight.Become angelicHajj is your chance to become an angel and to live with the delight of an angel.In tawaf, you will be mirroring the worship of the angels, the mala’ikah, those heavenly creatures created of pure light and enveloped in the worship of Allah. Texts teach that the Ka‘bah is connected in an imperceptible way to the Bayt al-Ma‘mur, the heavenly Ka‘bah of the angels, around which they are constantly in tawaf. Seventy thousand angels perform tawaf around this house and are replaced with others, never to return.Around the Ka‘bah, we are in a heavenly dimension. Near the Ka‘bah are the Hajar Aswad, or blackstone, and the Maqam Ibrahim, both gems from jannah. We are taught that the hajar was darkened by the sins and transgressions of man. Its heavenly light is now folded from us. The hajar will be rendered into a person in the afterlife by Allah and will witness on behalf of those who approached it with truth and sincerity. The hajar can be said to take a picture recording of your heartas you stand before it. Kissing the hajar is the most profound renewal of your covenant with Allah and a pledge of love, dedicated obedience and soulful allegiance to Him.THE JOURNEY BEGINSEntering into IhramAs you near the miqat, your heart willtremble and tremor. Is this really happening? Is my heart getting closer and closer to His House? Soonyou will enter Allah’s haram. It is only fitting that you enter into a state, both externally and internally, that justly corresponds to this honour. Beyond the miqat, there is only talbiyah.The essence of Hajj is the journey of our hearts away from the house of our lower selves (nufus) with its passions (shahawat), inclinations (ahwa’) and attachment to the created world (khalq) to the haram and, ultimately, the House of Allah. We must leave our attachments to receive the greatest connection. We must leave to arrive.Ihram is from haram. Both meanings, to be sacred and to be forbidden, are carried in it. Through the ihram, the heart is meant to leave the temporary and the finite – to make it, in a sense, “forbidden” – andto prepare for the sacred audience of Allah’s presence.The muhrim has disengaged from everything and anything that distracts him or her from Allah and, consequently, from remembrance, peace and stillness. The muhrim has left his or her home taking taqwa or Allah-consciousness, the best sustenance, as a provision.Beginning TalbiyahOne enters into ihram with talbiyah. Talbiyah is the heart’s most profound surrender to the invitation and call of Allah: Here I come to You, my Lord, here I come – fully and forever.With the talbiyah, we proclaim that no associate (sharik) or attachment will distract us from seeking Allah. Our hearts will not see, hear, obey, or be lured to another, besides Him. Therecitation of this talbiyah is to be said with constancy and conviction, and not intermittently and infrequently.Talbiyah is essential to focusing our hearts. It will remind us of the purpose of our journey; it will facilitate us in foregoing our rights, demands and expectations while yet rendering fully the major and minor rights of others; it will dispel distractions; and it will make all obstacles easy, even pleasurable.There is no praise (hamd) and no dominion and power (mulk) except that Allah owns it. Everything, whether tangible or intangible, belongs to Him. In fact, we are in praise of Him by Him.MinaMina, or Muna, means desire, hope, longing.Some texts teach that it was in Muna that adam ( ‘alayhi al-salam) longedand desired to journey back home to paradise and to be, once again, in Allah’s presence.It is in Muna that the journey begins. The day spent in Muna, termed the day of tarwiyah (meaning, in par

Correcting Our Outlook

The lifestyle that we have become accustomed to has spoiled us and we except a limousine to be waiting at the airport to whisk us away and drop us right outside the Haram. There is a system to everything that we must realize and we must be prepared to allow it to run its own course. We need to realize that we are servants whom the Master is allowing to come visit His House andnot the other way around.Presidents and kings of this worthless and temporary world make their visitors wait for hours without explanation and we expect the Master of the universe to cater to our every need. To be allowed to come to Hajj is indeed a blessing for which we should be ready to bear double if not triple the usual burden.Hajj is a journey and act of worship and there is always trial in worship no matter what form. If people desire luxury and comfort they are welcometo stay in their beds because no one is forcing them to go to Hajj. However, people must be prepared for hardship if they have already taken the first steps toward anything.Source:the Urgency of Hajjfrom the Discourses of Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmed(db)

Spiritual Advice for Hajj

Allahسبحانه وتعالىsays in the Holy Qur’an:الْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُومَاتٌ فَمَن فَرَضَفِيهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلاَ رَفَثَ وَلاَ فُسُوقَ وَلاَ جِدَالَ فِي الْحَجِّ وَمَا تَفْعَلُواْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْلَمْهُ اللّهُ وَتَزَوَّدُواْ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَى وَاتَّقُونِ يَا أُوْلِي الأَلْبَابِThe season of Pilgrimage is the months known; wherefore whosoever ordaineth unto himself the pilgrimage therein, there is no lewdness nor wickedness nor wrangling during the pilgrimage, and whatsoever of good ye do, Allah shall know it. And take provision for the journey, for verily the best provision is abstainment; and fear Me, O men of understanding![al Baqarah 2/197]In the verse related to Hajj, the need to performtawaaf(ritual walk around the Holy Ka’ba),sa’ee(ritual walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa), stoning of the shayaateen are not mentioned, rather Allahسبحانه وتعالىmentions the need to abstain from 3 acts :1. Lewd talkThis means any talk which is rude, indecent, offensive or vulgar. To speak in such a manner violates the sanctity of Hajj. It does not befit a Muslim to speak in a lewd manner – it only suggests a filthy heart and mind. This prohibition during Hajj also includes speaking of conjugal relations between husband and wife which under normal circumstances would be permissible.2. SinningThis includes any act of disobedience to Allahسبحانه وتعالىespecially not lowering one’s gaze. During Hajj, being such a large gathering of men and women, the need to lower one’s gaze becomes allthe more important. Not lowering one’s gaze not only destroys the sanctity of Hajj, but one’s attention is diverted from Allahسبحانه وتعالىto the creation. Nothing is achieved by the stray gaze – it is an arrow which only returns to pierce one’s own heart.3. ArguingThe Hajj journey makes the most patient and forbearing of people irritable because one’s sleeping and eating patterns are disrupted. In such a state and in such a large gathering of people one may be easily provoked and get into an argument. At such times one should exercise patience and self-discipline and remind himself by saying ‘I am in Hajj’ i.e. I am in a sanctified state.These 3 sins reflect the 3 categories of sins a Muslim should avoid throughout his life i.e.• Sins of the tongue• Sins of the flesh• Sins against fellow MuslimsDuring Hajj these 3 sins are especially dangerous yet so easy to commit. If a person engages in any of these there is a great danger that all of the reward for Hajj will be destroyed. As well as fulfilling all the rites and rituals of Hajj, it is necessary to refrain from the above sins for an accepted Hajj.[This short excerpt is based on a brothers’ majlis (gathering held for spiritual training) held by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq on 6th February 2001].Source:Content Soul

Annual de-silting: IRSA reduces water discharges

The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has reduced water discharges from Tarbela and Mangla dams to the minimum to close the irrigation canals for a month long annual de-silting and maintenance purposes of water ways across the country.According to 28th December water report of Water and Power Development Authority, IRSA is releasing 12,000 cusecs from Tarbela dam on the river Indus and 10,000 cusecs of water from Mangla dam on the river Jhelum in consultation with the provinces.The lowering of water outpouring from dams has drastically reduced production of cheap hydel power generation from about 3,500 MW to only 1000 MW that might increase loadshedding in the country though power consumption has appreciably come down in winter.Meanwhile the Punjab Irrigation department has announced its closure schedule of more than two dozen main irrigation canals off-taking from various barrages and head-works on the river Indus, Jhelum, Chanab and Ravi in the province.It has already closed canals emanating from Marala headwork and Qsdirabad barrage on riverChanab, Baluki on river Ravi, Rasul headwork on river Jhelum.The department will close Sulemanki on 30th December, Taunsa 31st December, Thal canal on 13th January, Sidhnai canal on 10th January, Panjnad January 3, Trimmu on January 10, and Islam headwork on January13.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Sale of second-hand apparels up in city

The current cold wave has given boost to sale of warm apparels in the city and traders selling second-hand clothes are nowadays doing a roaring business.Expressing happiness over the increase in demand of warm apparels, traders dealing in second-hand apparels said that jackets, sweaters,mufflers and even woolen socks are in great demand nowadays.Besides, motorcyclists are thronging markets selling second-hand apparels for buying woolen caps, gloves and other warm clothes, they said, adding that earmuffs which are worn to protect ears, especially from cold, are highly popular among motorcyclists.A shopkeeper said that the recent cold wave in the city has increased the sale of warm clothes manifold and as such their prices have also been increased considerably.Almost all markets of the city selling second-hand clothes have been flooded with all kinds of warm clothes which include woolen jackets, cardigan, gloves, caps, mufflers.Meanwhile, some customers complained that the prices of warm clothes this year were much than last year.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Innovation in Agriculture

One of the most important areas where innovationis needed is the agriculture sector in order to meet the growing needs of food for the world population that has crossed the seven billion mark and will reach nine billion within the next three decades. For this the biggest challenge is access to water. Food prices have been rising at an alarming rate in most countries, making life miserable for the poor billions. The highly controversial building of dams in India, which would divert water from Pakistan, could eventually lead to a nuclear conflagration between these two nuclear states.In an earlier article I have emphasised how innovation has become a key factor for socioeconomic development today. One of the most important areas where innovation is needed is the agriculture sector in order to meet the growing needs of food for the world population that has crossed the seven billion mark and will reach nine billion within the next three decades. For this the biggest challenge is access to water.About 98 percent of water on our planet is seawater, another one percent is brackish water (having more salt than freshwater but less than seawater) and only about one percent is freshwater. As global warming results in increased water shortages, people must look for alternative ways to grow crops.According to the 2006 UN report, two out of every three persons on our planet will be living under water-stress conditions by 2025. There are about 1.5 million new mouths to feed every week, aggravating the situation. Clearly science has an important role to play in developing processes that will allow the world population access to water for agriculture, drinking and for other needs.The unsustainable use of water and land has led to increased volume of food crops over the last several decades. This is a bubble, stretched to a point of bursting, and it could send the world spinning into a crisis of unprecedented magnitude.The World Bank has estimated that about 175 million people in India are able to eat from grain crops only due to overpumping – water being pumped from underground aquifers much faster than it is replenished. The water table is therefore receding at an alarming rate. Saudi Arabia had become self-sufficient in wheat by using water from an aquifer.Join us on FacebookThe source, however, is running dry, so that the wheat production could stop before long. The unpredictability of weather pattern is another serious factor that can send us over the precipice. The 2010 heatwave in Moscow caused a loss of 40 percent of their hundred million ton grain crop.Had this happened in India, China or the US, it could have had a devastating impact on the worldgrain production.Food prices have been rising at an alarming rate in most countries, making life miserable for the poor billions. The highly controversial building ofdams in India, which would divert water from Pakistan, could eventually lead to a nuclear conflagration between these two nuclear states.About two-third of our planet is covered by water but it is saline, making it useless for most agricultural purposes. However, you may have noticed that some plants, such as mangroves, can grow well with seawater near the seashore or under the sea. Nature has evolved certain genetic mechanisms that make them salt tolerant.Some other plants, known as ‘halophytes’, can grow in coastal regions, deserts, marshes, brackish aquifers and even in seas and oceans, and can serve as sources of food and oil. Growingthem in such areas will not compete with land used for food crops.The identification of salt-tolerant genes and their incorporation into wheat, maize or rice can also impart salt tolerance into food crops, thereby allowing them to be grown in seawater or brackish water. Some halophytes can also help remove salt from soils affected by salinity.The process of reverse osmosis has been widely employed for the production of drinking water from seawater. It involves pumping saline water through a polymeric membrane that results in the salt remaining on the one side and purified water being pumped through to the other side of the membrane.However the process is expensive since it consumes a considerable amount of energy. The membrane used is also costly and it has to be regularly replaced because it has a limited life.Join us on TwitterAn exciting breakthrough has occurred in this field, involving a ‘going with the flow’ (forward osmosis) approach instead of trying to oppose it. This involves placing a high concentration of another solute (such as sugar) on one side of the membrane with saltwater on the other side.This results in the natural forward flow of water from the side containing saltwater to the side containing the solute, such as sugar, resulting in aprocess for the preparation of soft drinks from seawater through ‘forward osmosis’.This process harnesses the energy gradient, instead of opposing it, and therefore consumes upto 80 percent less energy because the pump pushes water through the membrane in the same direction as its natural flow tendency.Hydration Technology Innovations in Albany, Oregon, USA was one of the first companies to use this technology. US soldiers started using ‘X-packs’ that contain sugar and flavours on one side of the forward membrane.When such packs are dipped in seawater, or even in a dirty puddle of ordinary water, they suck pure water molecules into the pack leaving salt and dirtparticles behind, thereby creating a pure sweet flavoured drink.A fact associated with the production of fruits, vegetables and other food crops is that most crops are seasonal. This is because there are certain underlying chemical mechanisms that control the time when plants should flower so thatinsects may be attracted for propagation. Scientists have been trying to understand how these functions are regulated, and the genes responsible for the process.Xing Wang Deng, the Daniel C Eaton professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at Yale and colleagues have discovered the precise gene (named DET1) responsible for regulating these functions in plants.By controlling these biological clocks that nature has built into plants, it has now become possible to obtain crops throughout the year, instead of only having the crops in certain seasons. The day is not far when you will have mangoes, for example, available around the year instead of just in the summer months.The roadmap for agriculture and other important fields for Pakistan was built under my supervisionas part of a two-year long exercise which involvedconsultation with thousands of scientists, agriculturists, industrialists and government officials.It led to a 320-page document ‘Technology Based Industrial Vision & Strategy for Pakistan’s Socio-economic Development’ that was approved by the cabinet in 2007. It is time we integrated it into our national development plans and implemented its recommendations.There is urgency to act before it is too late. Answers lie in education, curbing population growth, adoption of modern and sustainable farming techniques, restoration of nature’s balances by cutting carbon emissions, afforestation, restoring soils, and adopting water conservation methods at all levels.The present government has committed to increasing the allocation to education to four percent of GDP but this has not happened in reality.The previous government too had committed through a cabinet decision to increase the allocation to education to seven percent of GDP but that proved to be hollow words, because there was no intent to invest in education. It is time we woke up from our slumber and invested heavily in education, science, technology and innovation so that we can stand with dignity in the world.December, 2015By:Atta-ur-RahmanSource:The NewsJOIN US ON FACEBOOK

July-November palm oil import down 10 percent

The country's palm oil import slumped by 10 percent to $720.383 million in July-November 2015, official figures said.Palm oil import decline stood at $76.939 million in July-November 2015 as compared to $797.322million in July-November 2014, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics said.In terms of quantity, palm oil import soared by 18.11 percent or 179, 499 tons to 1,170,712 tons in July-November 2015 from 991,213 tons in July-November 2014, according to PBS.In November 2015, palm oil import declined by 22 percent or $33.883 million to $121.455 million from $155.338 million in November 2014.Palm oil import volume grew by 0.12 percent or 246 tons to 212,491 tons in November 2015 from 212,245 tons in November 2014.Import of soybean oil shot up by 140.25 percent or$49.927 million to $85.525 million in July-November 2015 from $35.598 million in July-November 2014.Import volume of soybean oil mounted by 161.28 percent or 58, 878 tons to 95,384 tons in July-November 2015 from 36,506 tons in July-November 2014.In November 2015, import of soybean oil rose by 1481.40 percent or $15.851 million to $16.921 million from $1.070 million in November 2014.Soybean oil import volume increased by 2071.41 percent or 22,610 tons to 23,701 tons in November2015 from 1,091 tons in November 2014.News SourceNews Collated byPAKISSAN.com

Are You a Domestic Terrorist?

Many people tend to become worried when they see widespread military activities taking place across the country. These people are generally concerned that our government is taking unnecessary actions intent upon curving their constitutional liberties. Usually these fears materialize in the form of our National Guard Units being deployed to various locations. I feel thatwe as survivalists often don pointed tin hats as we conceive possible scenarios for potentially dangerous situations. However with that being said the government frequently oversteps their bounds and fosters the tin hat scenario.Unfortunately or fortunately according to how oneviews it, domestic military exercises are necessary in order to maintain an effective fighting force. No one can argue the value of a fictional training exercise where some extremist might hit a school with mustard gas however as with any exercise of this nature we find people complaining of identifying these exercise actions with possible identification with the right wing, pro second amendment or tea party members. In fact, although I can understand the need for these typesof exercise I too get a little peeved at the insinuation that gun supporters are the potential problems and not the individuals that use them.One particular guard training scenario last year involved an elaborate plot to employ biological weapons in order to advance the groups beliefs onpreserving the second amendment and our constitutional gun rights. This scenario was set in a local school environment where the exercise displayed an actual feel of the real thing. In an exercise conducted by the Ohio National Guard last year the gun rights supporters were portrayed as domestic terrorists. The bad point here is that those people who choose to exercise their second amendment constitutional rights are being portrayed as some sort of domestic terrorist.This Portsmouth mock disaster was staged in order to see how the first responders and the Ohio Army National Guard would react to such a scenario where the local school officials were plotting to employ biological, chemical and radiological agents against the community in general.The local Portsmouth police chief responded to concerns on this exercise as the reality of the world today and condoned it as being prepared. He concluded his news release to the public with a reminder that there is domestic terrorism taking place in America as he speaks. The exercise in itself may not have been so bad however depictingsecond amendment supporters and gun advocates as the villain was totally inappropriate and wrong. Notes in the documents that were released on the exercise, state that the Second Amendment supporters with the 'anti-government'attitude were the groups portrayed as the domestic terrorists.During the progression of this exercise it was reported that one final document contained remarks from the first responders as they entered the classroom. According to the report those responders who entered the classroom made note of the writing that was on the blackboard which made statements about protecting the second amendment and Gun Rights. In addition, notes were made of the school lunch menu and the related instructions discovered that pertained to the poisonous compound ricin. It was indicated inthe exercise that William Pierce the notorious neo-Nazi was the fiction right-wing terrorist leader.When the authorities were questioned on using gun advocates as the bad guys the people responsible refused to comment and ended any discussions. To me it is a scary situation when law enforcement and the military are being brainwashed into believing that Second Amendment advocates are their enemy. In my opinion this is totally wrong on many counts. These types of action are inappropriate and unnecessary. Perhaps some imaginative alternatives should be used instead of condemning one of the largest voter ballets in the nation. Debates may be raised on capital Hill as tothe need for gun control but facts and figures do not lie. Since America does not have a universal gun registry such as is found in many foreign nations there is not a simple answer to how many guns are actually in the hands of the citizens. According to the Geneva based small arms survey estimates range at about 270 million guns. Folks that makes us the best-armed civilian population in the world.Copyright @ 2015Http://www.survival-training.infoArticle Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joseph_Parish/24208

Enjoying the Outdoors at Mont Royal Park Montreal

Mont Royal is undoubtedly the crowning glory of the city of Montreal. Ifyou have never been to this particular Canadian city, the mountain is 'the' landmark to look for when you arrive in the city. The mountain is really not hardto spot as it is ubiquitous from any spot in downtown Montreal.Mont Royal is home to a park that bearsthe same name and sits on its peak. Although the park is not entirely the product of Mother Nature, city dwellers nevertheless absolutely adore this fantastic green space, which was landscaped by none other than Frederick Law Olmsted, renowned for designing the Central Park in New York City.Getting to the mountain is a dream experience for any hiking and outdoor enthusiast. If you would like to observe the sweeping cityscape of Montreal,make your way to the different lookout points, all sitting on the top of the mountain summit. The viewpoints to choose include the Kondiaronk (Chalet), Crags Trail and Camillien-Houde Drive. There are several hiking paths that lead to Mont Royal Park. One of the most used ones is the Olmsted Road way. If you are nervous about hiking because you have not done it before, heading to the Mont Royal summit makes a great hiking introduction. The hike takes only about 45 minutes and covers approximately 6 to 7 kilometers (4 miles).Aside from the amazing panoramas of Montreal, Mont Royal Park offers a lot more! It is essential a huge lush playground that hosts activities like picnicking, horseback riding, jogging and cycling.Fortunately, the park is a tourist attraction worth visiting year round. If you happen to come to Montreal during the winter, the park is a perfect place to enjoy tobogganing and cross-country skiing without having to drive far out from Montreal.Beaver Lake is one of the top sites to see while here. This beautiful man-made lake is surroundedby a playground and a pavilion, which in turn houses tourist amenities like restrooms, outdoor equipment rental shops and a restaurant bistro. The Smith House is another famous landmark in Mont Royal Park. This heritage building welcomesvisitors to the park and offers insights and more information about Mont Royal. The Smith House is also home to the lovely restaurant and terrace called Café Smith.Even bird watchers will absolutely love Mont Royal. In fact, birdwatching is a major tourist activity of the mountain park. If you are a lover of the adorable flying feathered creatures, then consider following the Bird Feeder Circuit, which showcases the wide variety of bird species inhabiting the mountain. Running along the Olmsted Road, the circuit is open from November to April.To reach Mont Royal Park by public transport, look for Bus No. 11 using the STM bus schedule. This specific bus service picks up passengers fromMetro Mont-Royal and Côte-des-Neiges Road; and goes all the way to the top of the mountain at the park. Another option is to rent a car and drive to the summit. There are pay parking spaces on some streets around the park and near attractions like Smith House and the Beaver Lake. You can rent a parking spot for the entire day for just under 8 US dollars. Once there you are free to explore and experience all Mont Royal Park has to offer!http://yourbesttraveler.comTRANSFORMING THE WAY WE TRAVELArticle Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Nagib_Georges_Araman/2070485

How To Remove Popcorn Ceilings

It's something that buyers cringe seeingwhen previewing homes for sale. The dreaded (and dated) popcorn ceiling. It's a job that, with a little time and effort, can easily be tackled by a homeowner. But, can also be hired out at a reasonable price to a professional. Having a smooth ceiling can make a big difference in any room. A do-it-yourselfer can easily tackle the popcornceiling removal, but it will take some time, manual labor and also a variety ofsupplies. The hardest part about the job is usually looking up at the ceiling for an extended period of time.One problem that may come up when investigating the removal of a popcorn ceiling is if the ceiling has been painted over. If paint has beenapplied to the popcorn ceiling texture, then it will prevent water from being absorbed into the texture(making removal more difficult). Additional items may be used to aid in the removal of the popcorn texture. Usually, a chemical stripper applied to the area will aid in the breakdown of the paint barrier.If you decide to remove the popcorn ceilings yourself, then make sure to wear a respirator or dust mask as well as eye protection. Keeping the section that you are working on damp will aid in reducing the dust created by the removal of the popcorn ceiling.Here are 7 Steps to Help in Removing Popcorn Ceilings:Step 1: Before tackling the project of removing popcorn ceilings, it must be determined if it contains asbestos. If the home was built before 1978, then sending off a few samples for testing is a must. Any EPA certified testing lab should be able to test the samples. Keep in mind that the popcorn texture that contained asbestos could still be purchased off of store shelves even into the 1980's. Should your ceiling contain asbestos, thena certified asbestos removal contractor should be hired to complete the job. Keep in mind that by law, any material that contains over 1 percent asbestos must be removed by an asbestos removal professional. Leaving an asbestos ceilingin place doesn't inflict much harm, it's when the asbestos is disturbed that it poses a greater healthrisk.Step 2: The next step of the project is to prepare the room. To do this, all light fixtures should be removed (but make sure to turn off the power before this is done). If any furniture is in the room, then it can be either removed or covered. Next, put up plastic sheeting on the walls and flooring attached with painters tape to catch all of the popcorn ceiling residue.Step 3: Begin to wet the ceiling. A garden sprayer is a perfect tool for this step as you work in an areaof 4 to 5 square feet at a time. Just be careful not toover-wet the ceiling area.Step 4: Scrape, scrape, scrape. The 'popcorn' like material can be removed by scraping the ceiling with a joint knife or another similar tool. If an areapresents difficulty in removing the popcorn ceiling, then additional water may be needed to wet the area more thoroughly.Step 5: Cover any nail holes or bare joints with joint compound. Then, sand the ceiling in preparation for priming and painting.Step 6: Paint or texture coat the ceiling. Visit a paint store professional for suggestions on paint. Most professionals will suggest a drywall primer to be applied first followed by a ceiling paint or conventional paint. Keep in mind that a flat finish usually hides imperfections better than other typesof paint finishes.Step 7: Clean up! The chances are that the space is dramatically updated by the removal of the popcorn ceiling. Now it's time to clean up and enjoy the fruits of your labor.The removal of dated popcorn ceilings can make abig difference in just about any space and the smooth ceiling will add value to the home.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rick_Toney/2103701

7 Things Any One Year Teaches You to Be Thankful For

ANY one year in the time that is our livesis 365 days full of life - each day possibly a whole motion picture epic in and of itself. These things and many more we can be thankful for.1. A NEW FRIEND MADEWe meet new people all the time, but there's a particular person you've met this year that's changed your life for the better. Or perhaps it's the case that a person you knew or knew of has now come to take a significant role in your life. And the hope remains, that there is a person you're yet to meet who will make your life ever so sweet.2. A GOAL ACCOMPLISHEDSomething differentiates the year from past years. Something accomplished makes this year significant. And this significant thing is sufficiently big to cause us to be in awe of what we've accomplished. What a blessing that we can do a thing that remained elusive. One goal achieved holds us open to the hope of the next goal to be achieved.3. A FEAR (OR CHALLENGE) CONQUEREDSome things seem impossible to conquer, until someone inspires us to break through the glass ceiling. Or perhaps we had no choice but to punch on through the fear. Whatever, it's a wonderful thing to be thankful for - a fear conquered - not least for the confidence it proffers us in taking on and vanquishing future fears.4. A GOODBYE SAIDLife is replete with loss. We are required to say goodbye. And what on earth is there to be thankful for in that? Simply this: that we miss them in the first place, that they meant and still mean so much to us, speaks volumes for our love and for the love we experienced. Let's praise God for the glory encased in love.5. A STRUGGLE ENDUREDSome years are defined by struggle, and most years feature a significant struggle that our lives were called to bear for that time. Thank God for thestrength he gave you; that you did not give up; thatyou remain in contention of the prize at hand.6. ONE MORE YEAR EXPERIENCEDOne more year on this glorious earth! One more year to stow as a mishmash of experience, and yet we do not yet know what eternal significance is laden in our experience. Thank God that you experienced all the bigness, consciously, in all the myriad little moments of one year.7. HOPE OF ANOTHER YEAR AHEADThis is our hope. No matter how bad life seems there's typically a drive within us to remain alive. We ought to thank God for such a prospect.© 2015 S. J. Wickham.Steve Wickham is a Baptist pastor who holds Degrees in Science, Divinity, and Counselling. Steve writes at:http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com.au/andhttp://tribework.blogspot.com.au/Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_Wickham/145110

Health Guidelines For Hajj And Umrah

The more physically fit you are, the easier it would become to perform the many rituals associated with Hajjand Umrah. If you have decided to perform a walking Hajj, then it wouldbe very important for you to be as fit as possible. This will require walking as much as possible, starting about 6 to 8 weeks before departure, walking greater and greater distances as the time of departure arrives….The performance of Hajj is obligatory on all adult Muslims who have the means to make the trip to the Holy City of Makkah. Umrah is regarded as a minor pilgrimage withonly part of the required rituals performed. Whosoever enters the Mi’qaat (boundary of the Holy Land) has to perform Umrah, which includes Tawaaf (seven circuits around the Holy Kabah) and Sa’i (seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Murwa).Good health makes it easier not only to enjoy Hajj and Umrah in the pleasure of Allah Subahanahu Wata’ala but also to make maximumuse of the opportunity to make as much ibadah as possible.Health plays a major role in fulfilling the requirements of Hajj and Umrah as Hajj and Umrah can be physically demanding depending on circumstances prevailing at the time.The following is a guideline and must be accompanied by your own Doctor’s advice pertaining to your own health needs.PHYSICAL FITNESSThe more physically fit you are, the easier it would become to perform the many rituals associated with Hajjand Umrah. If you have decided to perform a walking Hajj, then it wouldbe very important for you to be as fit as possible. This will require walking as much as possible, starting about 6 to 8 weeks before departure, walking greater and greater distances as the time of departure arrives.A brisk walk for about an hour three times a week would be sufficient to prepare for a walking Hajj. During Hajj and Umrah, the footwear for men is specified in that the high arch on the top of the foot needs to be exposed. The sandles or slippers thatare used need to be broken-in well before Hajj and Umrah. Using your new sandles well before departure helps to make the feet accustomed to the footwear. Women may wear any comfortable footwear. Total distanceto walk – approximately 10 – 12 kilometres to Arafat and 10 – 12 Kilometres back to Makkah.Men are not allowed to cover their heads during Hajj and Umrah. Furthermore, in the case of Hajj, men may have shaven their heads recently from the performance of Umrah. It would therefore be advisable to expose the head to the sun whilst exercising before departure so that the head (scalp andface) and neck can become accustomed to the sun. This can alsobe done in Saudi Arabia before Hajj starts.The sooner exercise is started, the better. For those who can, brisk walking, stationary cycling, swimming, etc. would be excellent forms of exercise. Even if one is not performing a walking Hajj, these exercises will help tremendously.Tawaf – approximately 200 metres to 2 kilometers depending on the crowd present and where it is performed, e.g., 1st floor of the Haram.Sai (Safa – Marwa) – approximately 3.5 kilometers.Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallum often spoke of the importance of physical fitness in general.Physical fitness is therefore very important.CLIMATE IN SAUDI ARABIAJeddah is on the coast of the Red Sea and therefore enjoys a slightly humidclimate in summer. It becomes less humid in winter.Makkah is about 70 kilometers inland. It has an escarpment around it. One of the most famous sources of drinking water is from the Holy well of Zam Zam . There is very little vegetation in and around Makkah due to the low rainfall. The Great Arabian Desert is all around Makkah. The climate is dry. Temperatures are extremely high, usually in the forty degree Celsius range and sometimes going into the fifties in summer.Medina is situated about 500 kilometers north and is about 150 kilometers from the coast. It is a large oasis with the Great Arabian Desert all around it. Because of the numerous wells providing excellent water, it has date orchards spreading out on to the outskirts of the city. The climate is dry and hot, the temperatures not reaching as high as in Makkah. In winter, it can become cool to cold especially around Tahadjud and Fajr times.DRINKING WATERWater obtained from bore holes is brought to the hotels in tankers. Water is stored in huge tanks on the top of hotels.Drinking water has to be bought in the form of bottled water. However, Zam Zam is available freely in Makkah and in Medina. Since this is an opportunity to drink as much ZamZam water as possible, plastic containers easily obtainable can be filled with Zam Zam water and brought to the room.Because of the hot weather conditions, it becomes necessary to drink water in abundance. Less urineis passed due to the hot conditions. The body conserves water by concentrating the urine. It is not good to pass very concentrated urinefor a variety of reasons. Drink enough water so that the urine is clear. Passing clear urine indicates good hydration.Drinking brackish water can causes a sore throat, stomach cramps and a cough from the irritation in the throat. The sore throat can be confused with a throat infection. Zam Zam water is abundantly available in both the Haramain. ZamZam water is also available from taps outside the Haram Shareef. Plastic containers may be purchasedoutside the Haram Shareef, either empty or full of Zam Zam water. ZamZam water that is available in storage containers in the Harram Shareef is cooled in cooling chambers. Ice is not added to the Zam Zam water. Every group of Zam Zam water containers in the Haram has one container that does not have cooled water. Arabic writing on the container would indicate which container has Zam Zam water that is not cooled.Although the authorities provide disposable cups for drinking Zam Zam in the Haram, people unfamiliarwith this practice often mix the used cups with the unused ones resulting in confusion. If one is unsure, rinse out the cup well before use. It is through the sharing of cups that infections can spread from one pilgrim to another. People come from all parts of the world with different hygienic control. What one may find offensive may be quite normal for another. The important thing to do is to avoid picking up infections from this source.The Hajj authorities in Saudi Arabia do an excellent job of keeping the Zam Zam water area and containers as clean as possible. Clean drinking cups are always available. Despite hundreds of thousands of people going through the Harram, the authorities keep the facilities exceptionally clean.Drink adequate amounts of fluids especially water throughout your stay.CONTROL OF EXISTING HEALTH PROBLEMSIt is very important for anyone who takes regular medications to have enough supplies available for use during their stay in the Holy land.Medications are available from Pharmacies. Please take a prescription from your doctor with you in case your medication gets misplaced or runs out. The names of the medications may be different andcan be confusing. It is far better to take adequate supplies of your own medications. Make sure that you continue to take your medication regularly.ArthritisArthritis needs to be controlled well before departure. Your Doctor is the best person to ask for guidance on medication. Please do not take advise from people who are not properly qualified. The treatment of the arthritis would involve decreasing the inflammation in and around the joints that are affected. Once the inflammation has settled, then light exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint would help tremendously. Again be guided by a Doctor with the help of a Physiotherapist.Start treatment well before departure.People who suffer from arthritis of the weight-bearing joints should lose weight if they are overweight. Less weight would result in a decrease in load bearing on the joints.Control arthritis well before departure.Care of the backMost people would travel with heavy suitcases when going overseas. Going to Makkah is no exception. In most cases, it will be found that most of the clothes taken will not be used. Travel light.Back strain is a common problem. Most people suf