Published in Sci-Tech World
Who hasn’t been disturbed by the events taking place in the past couple of weeks or so? With the Chief Justice of Pakistan being suspended, a popular television show banned and the offices of a television network attacked by police, one can’t help but what exactly is going on. One thing, though, is for sure — even those who claim to be extremely disinterested in the affairs of this country have had plenty to think about, given the recent developments on the political front.
Of course, there is a majority which is already politically conscious, though they may not necessarily belong to any specific party. The concern of such people is their country only and in the face of all these events, these people have taken to the internet. Proud Pakistanis is the website serving as central point of its first movement entitled “White Band for Justice.”
Why white band? “We choose to use the white band, as it signifies purity and justice while the latter part of the slogan is essential as it evokes national pride and patriotism, a core value which has for sometime disappeared from the emotions of all Pakistanis. It’s time to bring patriotism back into Pakistanis,” says the “about” section, explaining in detail what Proud Pakistanis is all about.
The website has various sections, each dedicated to a different aspect of this cyber movement. The main section is the blog, where news, updates and analysis from all over Pakistan are regularly posted. As of right now, news of statements given and protests taken out are only some of the types of news covered here. There are audio clips with some of the news items as well.
The section on the mailing list is next. It invites people to be a part of the Proud Pakistani mailing list at Google Group. This group is an effective outlet where people can vent out their frustrations regarding the current situation and share their views with other like-minded people. It is also a place one can use to keep him/herself updated as events are posted when they occur with subsequent comments by people. Many pertinent questions have also been raised here.
Another section is dedicated to a petition. The website invites all readers to read through the text of the petition and sign it if they agree with it. Basically the petition calls on the President to take five immediate and urgent steps which include the request that the media be permitted at the hearing of the reference. It is amazing to note that within a span of few days, a total of 630 signatures have been collected. If you refresh the page, you’ll notice that the number of signatures has increased.
Moreover, Proud Pakistani has a banner for the convenience of all those who either have their own blog or website. Such people can easily download the banner and put it up at a prominent position on their blog/website, etc.
Overall, the website allows users to be actively involved in it, whether s/he is posting a message on the newsgroup, writing a comment in response to a post on the blog or sending out a link to the petition to every contact in the address book. It also dispels the popular view that many Pakistanis are simply not interested in the political scenario of the country. Apparently they are, and are very active at that.
Visit Proud Pakistani to be a cyber activist
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Studying a publication
Ok, so you have decided that you want to write for a publication. You have loads of ideas and you can’t wait to sit in front of your PC, sort out those ideas and get those creative juices flowing.
But, wait a second! Are you just going to write something at random, and then search for a publication to submit it to? That’s not such a good idea. When you’re a freelancer the best approach towards writing is: write for a publication. Even when you’re thinking out ideas, you must have a certain publication in mind. So how do you come to know so much about different publications in the market and the kind of stuff they publish?
The basic question to ask yourself in this regard is: have you actually done a thorough study of the publication(s) that you want to write for? Or is it that you saw a certain publication on a newsstand, got attracted to the name and cover and decided to write for them? To ensure that you give the editor something worth publishing, it is always a good idea to study a publication thoroughly before sending something to be considered for publication. And this is one of the main tasks which will give you a very thorough and accurate idea of the different publications that are out there in the market and the material they publish.
Here are some different ways in which you can carry out such a study:
1) Subscribe to the publication: If you don’t already get that publication at your home, then it is a good idea to subscribe to it. Or if that isn’t possible, you can try to purchase a few back issues or get them from the library. You must have a few issues in hard copy.
2) Visit the publication’s official website: Some websites carry full text material of the contents of the publications, while others carry only a brief outline of the articles published. You can get a print-out of some of the issues’ contents if you cannot lay your hands on any copy of the publication.
3) Read carefully: Once you have laid your hands on the publication, the next step is to go through it. If you are seriously interested in writing for a publication, then you must read it carefully. Flipping through or reading only the by-lines and summaries will not help in any way.
4) Notice the different sections of the publication: If you simply cannot read everything, then look at the different sections which the publication has been divided into, and go through the ones which appeal to you. For instance, you may be very good at writing poems and so you may want to look at the poetry section. If you want to write reviews, you can go through the reviews section.
5) Note the topics: Once you have selected your section, the next step is to look at the different topics. If you are looking at the reviews section, you may notice which type of books, movies and websites have been reviewed. Are the books bestsellers or latest releases or classics? Are the movies those which have recently been premiered? Are websites related to a specific issue, or you can review fun websites as well? If you are looking at the articles section, you may want to note down things like whether or not articles are fiction or non-fiction, time-specific (related to Earth Day or various “Days” which are celebrated) or issue-specific (related to current news items like cricket or natural disasters).
6) Write down the guidelines: It is always advisable that you jot down some of the points you have discovered while going through your favourite section. You can later compile them to form your own writer’s guidelines. You can add or delete from these guidelines as you study successive issues. In fact that is precisely why you should study a number of issues rather than relying on one.
7) Look for official guidelines: Some publications have their own guidelines — this may include the email address to send the work to, the details you must supply when you’re submitting anything and/or any other things you need to take care of. Include this in your writer’s guidelines as well.
8) Sample writer’s guidelines: Here is an outline of some important details your writer’s guidelines must contain:
a. Section name
b. Topics covered
c. Possible new topics
d. Approve outline from the editor?
e. Word limit (approximate)
f. Email address to submit the work
g. Details to give when submitting work
Finished? Now you are ready to write down your article or outline. Keep those guidelines in front of you as you go to your PC and begin writing. Best of luck.
But, wait a second! Are you just going to write something at random, and then search for a publication to submit it to? That’s not such a good idea. When you’re a freelancer the best approach towards writing is: write for a publication. Even when you’re thinking out ideas, you must have a certain publication in mind. So how do you come to know so much about different publications in the market and the kind of stuff they publish?
The basic question to ask yourself in this regard is: have you actually done a thorough study of the publication(s) that you want to write for? Or is it that you saw a certain publication on a newsstand, got attracted to the name and cover and decided to write for them? To ensure that you give the editor something worth publishing, it is always a good idea to study a publication thoroughly before sending something to be considered for publication. And this is one of the main tasks which will give you a very thorough and accurate idea of the different publications that are out there in the market and the material they publish.
Here are some different ways in which you can carry out such a study:
1) Subscribe to the publication: If you don’t already get that publication at your home, then it is a good idea to subscribe to it. Or if that isn’t possible, you can try to purchase a few back issues or get them from the library. You must have a few issues in hard copy.
2) Visit the publication’s official website: Some websites carry full text material of the contents of the publications, while others carry only a brief outline of the articles published. You can get a print-out of some of the issues’ contents if you cannot lay your hands on any copy of the publication.
3) Read carefully: Once you have laid your hands on the publication, the next step is to go through it. If you are seriously interested in writing for a publication, then you must read it carefully. Flipping through or reading only the by-lines and summaries will not help in any way.
4) Notice the different sections of the publication: If you simply cannot read everything, then look at the different sections which the publication has been divided into, and go through the ones which appeal to you. For instance, you may be very good at writing poems and so you may want to look at the poetry section. If you want to write reviews, you can go through the reviews section.
5) Note the topics: Once you have selected your section, the next step is to look at the different topics. If you are looking at the reviews section, you may notice which type of books, movies and websites have been reviewed. Are the books bestsellers or latest releases or classics? Are the movies those which have recently been premiered? Are websites related to a specific issue, or you can review fun websites as well? If you are looking at the articles section, you may want to note down things like whether or not articles are fiction or non-fiction, time-specific (related to Earth Day or various “Days” which are celebrated) or issue-specific (related to current news items like cricket or natural disasters).
6) Write down the guidelines: It is always advisable that you jot down some of the points you have discovered while going through your favourite section. You can later compile them to form your own writer’s guidelines. You can add or delete from these guidelines as you study successive issues. In fact that is precisely why you should study a number of issues rather than relying on one.
7) Look for official guidelines: Some publications have their own guidelines — this may include the email address to send the work to, the details you must supply when you’re submitting anything and/or any other things you need to take care of. Include this in your writer’s guidelines as well.
8) Sample writer’s guidelines: Here is an outline of some important details your writer’s guidelines must contain:
a. Section name
b. Topics covered
c. Possible new topics
d. Approve outline from the editor?
e. Word limit (approximate)
f. Email address to submit the work
g. Details to give when submitting work
Finished? Now you are ready to write down your article or outline. Keep those guidelines in front of you as you go to your PC and begin writing. Best of luck.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Webwatch
Mysterious designs
http://plus.maths.org/issue38/features/nishiyama/
WHAT is so unusual about the number 6,174? At first sight, it seems like just another ordinary number but if you go through the content of this website you will discover that it is a really mysterious figure. The website goes to great lengths to explain how 6,174 is the number which turns up every time you apply certain formulae. Of course, some of the details are quite complicated, but if you are a number buff, you’ll have a great time here.
Exploration galore
http://www.exploretheabyss.com/
WHETHER oceanography is your domain or a general interest, this website is sure to keep you occupied. It basically features loads of photo galleries containing illustrations from the oceanic and deep sea life in New Zealand. There is a separate section which is dedicated to ocean expeditions as well.
Where’s the chemistry?
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff.html
HAVE you ever wondered why margarine melts if you put it in a hot frying pan? Or why do plastic bags remain intact even when you put everything imaginable inside them? Yes, all these and more interesting details are covered on this website which basically covers chemistry in our daily lives. Hence, you can see exactly how the principles of chemistry apply to all of us, whether we are at home or at the supermarket.
http://plus.maths.org/issue38/features/nishiyama/
WHAT is so unusual about the number 6,174? At first sight, it seems like just another ordinary number but if you go through the content of this website you will discover that it is a really mysterious figure. The website goes to great lengths to explain how 6,174 is the number which turns up every time you apply certain formulae. Of course, some of the details are quite complicated, but if you are a number buff, you’ll have a great time here.
Exploration galore
http://www.exploretheabyss.com/
WHETHER oceanography is your domain or a general interest, this website is sure to keep you occupied. It basically features loads of photo galleries containing illustrations from the oceanic and deep sea life in New Zealand. There is a separate section which is dedicated to ocean expeditions as well.
Where’s the chemistry?
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff.html
HAVE you ever wondered why margarine melts if you put it in a hot frying pan? Or why do plastic bags remain intact even when you put everything imaginable inside them? Yes, all these and more interesting details are covered on this website which basically covers chemistry in our daily lives. Hence, you can see exactly how the principles of chemistry apply to all of us, whether we are at home or at the supermarket.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Webwatch
Book stores no more!
http://www.freetechbooks.com/
WHETHER you are a student, teacher or professional in the field of computer sciences and information technology, this website will serve as an exclusive resource. Featured here are a variety of books which are mostly related to computers. The best part about this resource is that the books can be downloaded for. So it doesn’t matter if you are looking for a book on algorithms, data structures, programming, operating systems or artificial intelligence., ust click, and viola!.
Windy days
http://www.windhunter.org/
WHILE many developed nations continue to add to global warming, there are some companies which have taken the initiative to introduce environment-friendly machines. This website describes one such machine in detail — the maritime hydrogen generation system. You can find out more about its significance and the tasks it is required to perform. Moreover, the resource can answer all your questions because there is a list of frequently asked questions.
http://www.freetechbooks.com/
WHETHER you are a student, teacher or professional in the field of computer sciences and information technology, this website will serve as an exclusive resource. Featured here are a variety of books which are mostly related to computers. The best part about this resource is that the books can be downloaded for. So it doesn’t matter if you are looking for a book on algorithms, data structures, programming, operating systems or artificial intelligence., ust click, and viola!.
Windy days
http://www.windhunter.org/
WHILE many developed nations continue to add to global warming, there are some companies which have taken the initiative to introduce environment-friendly machines. This website describes one such machine in detail — the maritime hydrogen generation system. You can find out more about its significance and the tasks it is required to perform. Moreover, the resource can answer all your questions because there is a list of frequently asked questions.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Webwatch
Failed!
http://www.bigfix.com/softwaretruth/hearing-testimony-on-software-updates.php
SALESPEOPLE are paid to lie. How many of them actually choose to blow the whistle on how great these products really are? This website features video testimonials by various salespeople regarding different software so be sure to check it out.
Revving it up
http://www.new4stroke.com/
THIS website focuses on the Polish invention, a four-stroke engine. There are sections dedicated to its history, inventor and how it came about. You can also watch a prototype of it and learn in detail how it works.
http://www.bigfix.com/softwaretruth/hearing-testimony-on-software-updates.php
SALESPEOPLE are paid to lie. How many of them actually choose to blow the whistle on how great these products really are? This website features video testimonials by various salespeople regarding different software so be sure to check it out.
Revving it up
http://www.new4stroke.com/
THIS website focuses on the Polish invention, a four-stroke engine. There are sections dedicated to its history, inventor and how it came about. You can also watch a prototype of it and learn in detail how it works.
Practically yours
http://www.practicalphysics.org/
THE detailed sections on this website feature hundreds of experiments and simulations to help you experience physics as it is. Plus, there is a section on how science works for teachers who want to use a more practical approach to teaching physics. If you have done a unique experiment in your school, you can submit it to this website as well.
Videos galore
http://www.upyourvideo.net/
WELL, this website won’t be giving YouTube a run for its money but it is quite a worthy addition to the millions of video hosting websites around the internet. You can upload your videos in the categories of “Funny” and “Crashes.” The focus of the videos is basically on stunts, fights, crashes and the like.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Webwatch
Nutty mathematicians
http://www.numbernut.com/
If numbers are your passion, then this website is definitely for you. The content here pertains to both basic and advanced mathematics so you can make a good use whether you are a novice or an expert. Topics covered here include fractions, decimals, ratios and percentages. There is a glossary of useful mathematics-related terms along with a brief introduction to how mathematics is relevant in daily life.
Bugging you
http://www.thaibugs.com/
Interested in different forms of wildlife? This website has some excellent photographs of the various kinds of insects found in the forests of Thailand. There are over 2,000 photographs of insects like moths, butterflies, beetles and spiders. There are audio and video files of some insects as well if you have the time and the inclination to indulge in some multimedia. Facts and figures are also there on different insects.
Black out
http://www.thinktechnologies.com/portfolio/demos/Blackhole.html
Black holes have always been the centre of much interest and research among scientists. But if you happen to be one of those who can never understand what black holes are, then this website will apprise you of the basics. Here, the concept is explained with the help of animations and illustrations in simple language. Navigate your way through this entire tutorial to find out what black holes are and how they form.
What in, what’s out?
http://www.militantplatypus.com/blog/lists/50-things-we-know-in-2006-we-didnt-know-in-2005/ Now this is a really interesting list. Featured here are some of the inventions and breakthrough researches of 2006. For instance, did you know it was only in 2006 that scientists discovered certain chemicals in our tears are pain relievers? There are loads of such facts worth reading here.
http://www.numbernut.com/
If numbers are your passion, then this website is definitely for you. The content here pertains to both basic and advanced mathematics so you can make a good use whether you are a novice or an expert. Topics covered here include fractions, decimals, ratios and percentages. There is a glossary of useful mathematics-related terms along with a brief introduction to how mathematics is relevant in daily life.
Bugging you
http://www.thaibugs.com/
Interested in different forms of wildlife? This website has some excellent photographs of the various kinds of insects found in the forests of Thailand. There are over 2,000 photographs of insects like moths, butterflies, beetles and spiders. There are audio and video files of some insects as well if you have the time and the inclination to indulge in some multimedia. Facts and figures are also there on different insects.
Black out
http://www.thinktechnologies.com/portfolio/demos/Blackhole.html
Black holes have always been the centre of much interest and research among scientists. But if you happen to be one of those who can never understand what black holes are, then this website will apprise you of the basics. Here, the concept is explained with the help of animations and illustrations in simple language. Navigate your way through this entire tutorial to find out what black holes are and how they form.
What in, what’s out?
http://www.militantplatypus.com/blog/lists/50-things-we-know-in-2006-we-didnt-know-in-2005/ Now this is a really interesting list. Featured here are some of the inventions and breakthrough researches of 2006. For instance, did you know it was only in 2006 that scientists discovered certain chemicals in our tears are pain relievers? There are loads of such facts worth reading here.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Webwatch
Minute robots
http://www.molecularnanobots.com/
It seems there is no limit to the creativity of man – neither there is any limit to how small robots. This website is dedicated to the smallest robots in this world or molecular nanobots. It clearly states that nanobots are not a myth and are very much part of the scientific reality. Go through the stuff to find out more about what they are, what exactly they do and who’s behind creating robots. If you are a student of artificial intelligence, then this website is sure to help you.
Strangely yours
http://www.strangescience.net/
There are loads of websites around which feature scientific research. Have you wondered where all this research comes from? It certainly isn’t a matter of days or weeks. Research takes a great amount of time and effort and this particular website is dedicated to tracing the efforts of all those who have put in their time and energy towards discovering new scientific information which can help humanity.
http://www.molecularnanobots.com/
It seems there is no limit to the creativity of man – neither there is any limit to how small robots. This website is dedicated to the smallest robots in this world or molecular nanobots. It clearly states that nanobots are not a myth and are very much part of the scientific reality. Go through the stuff to find out more about what they are, what exactly they do and who’s behind creating robots. If you are a student of artificial intelligence, then this website is sure to help you.
Beyond Earth’s frontiers
http://www.exploremarsnow.org/
Once you go into cyber space, you’ll realise there is a vast number of websites dedicated to the exploration of Mars. This website, too, is one of them. Highly interactive in nature, it actually enables you to explore the various aspects of Mars while sitting at home. Some of the things you can find out in detail include the soil of Mars, its rocks, the greenhouse effect and the Mars base there which keeps on discovering new things about the planet.
Green thumb
http://www.greengeek.ca/
With almost everyone blogging their fingers off, why should environmentalists be left behind? Check this blog out which features news, views and analysis regarding the environment. The various posts are categorised into alternative energy, climate change, efficiency, green building and sustainability. There is a list of recommended books too. So if you’re into campaigning for a greener Earth, you’ll get loads of information here.
Strangely yours
http://www.strangescience.net/
There are loads of websites around which feature scientific research. Have you wondered where all this research comes from? It certainly isn’t a matter of days or weeks. Research takes a great amount of time and effort and this particular website is dedicated to tracing the efforts of all those who have put in their time and energy towards discovering new scientific information which can help humanity.
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