iCheetah

The Journeyer

2006-09-15T10:12:00.000+05:00

Since yesterday, I have started reading Marco Polo's biography Description of the World translated by Gary Jannings entitled as The Journeyer.

I have come to know that this biography was actually written by a fellow prisoner of Marco Polo, Luigi Rustichello. One day, in prison, Luigi came to Polo and said,

Messer Marco, I am Lugi Rustichello, late of Pisa, and I have been a captive here since long before you arrived. I have listerend to you telling that hilariously ribald story of the Hindu with his ahem caught in the holy rock hole. I have heard you tell it three times now. Once to your fellow prisoners, again to the warder and yet again to the visiting almoner of the Brotherhood of Justice. You will soon be weary of the telling. Many more persons will want to hear that tale and all the other tales you have told, and any others which perhaps you have not told yet. Before you tire of the telling, or of the stories themselves, why do you not simply tell to me all your recollections of your travels and adventures? Tell them only the once and let me set them down on paper. I am a writer of some facility and much experience. Your tales could make a considerable book, and multitudes of People then can read it for themselves.

And so Marco did, and so Lugui did, and so the multitudes have done. Though many other journeyers before Marco had written of their travels, none of those works ever enjoyed the immediate and continuing popularity of his Description of the World.

So you too want to enjoy that book? Check the following links...

Encrypted Mobile Address Book (EMAB)

2006-09-14T06:33:00.000+05:00

I have developed a method with which I have created an Encrypted Mobile Address Book (EMAB).

The encryption is very easy. Just replace your contacts' names with their qualities. I show my Encrypted Mobile Address Book (EMAB) as an example.

Aflatoon [Plato/Moazzam]
Amrican Bhains [American Buffalo/Name Disclosed]
Amrican Murghi [American Hen/Name Disclosed]
Dentist [Talha Ashar]
Desi Bhains [Local Buffalo/Name Disclosed]
Desi Bakri [Local Goat/Name Disclosed]
Fast Tech Geek [Harris]
Guddu [Ahmad]
Khushia [Wajid]
Mota Haathi [Fat Elephant/Umair]
Prosecuters [Home phone]
Pappu [Ammar]
Taiz Gaam [Yasir]

Pioneers in Asia

2006-09-13T18:28:00.000+05:00

I am very proud to announce that we (Pakistanis) are the pioneers in Asia in Digital Payment of Utility Bills.

NADRA (National Database and Registeration Authority of Pakistan) has setup digital machines in every city of the country, which accept utility bills. Now anyone can pay his/her utility bills at NADRA Kiosk centers very easily. The most prominent part is that there are No Extra Charges for this digital payment and you can pay your bills anywhere in Pakistan.

There are machines installed which require your free registeration for the first time. If you are already registered, then you just insert your Identity Card in Machine and your bills are shown at the LCD screen of computer. The instructions are displayed in two languages, Urdu and English. Put your thumb at machine's scanner to identify yourself. Then touch the screen to select your desired options. Select your Electricity or Telephone bill and insert money in the machine. You bill is paid and a receipt is printed out for your record.

NADRA is going to exapnd its KIOSK centers. It's planning to use these machines for the purposes other than just bills' payment. Currently the machine only accepts Currency Notes, in the near future it's going to accept Cheques/Checks and Credit/Debit Cards too. They are planning to use these machines for booking of Bus/Air/Railway tickets, admission forms of Universities/Colleges, etc.

We should wait for a near bright digital future of Pakistan...

9/11

2006-09-11T06:19:00.000+05:00

11th September is a very important day for us (Pakistanis). On September 11, 1948 our beloved Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah died. Mr. Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, is my ideal. He was a great man who always walked along the right path and never left his mission. He bowed before none except Allah Almighty. He was acknowledged by great persons of the world. He worked for the independence of India and Pakistan. May his soul rest in heavens, in peace and at high place.

Five years ago, on 11th September 2001, World Trade Center and The Pentagon were attacked by some unknown people who banged their aero planes right into the WTC and Pentagon buildings. Soon the United States' government got the 9/11 phobia and worked her best to spread terror across the world. It attacked Afghanistan in search of Usama Bin Laden and Mulla Umer, but unfortunately/fortunately, the US army couldn't find Usama, yet they gave Afghanistan gifts of wounds, destruction, anarchy, terror, etc. People say that US govt. herself attacked WTC to find a lame excuse for attacking Afghanistan, some people say that George W. Bush attacked Afghanistan because he was sponsored by some Pharmaceutical companies, I don't know if it's true or not.

Meanwhile the world got the fever of Terrorism and the dictionaries were amended. Now the term terrorism defines Muslims, the word terrorist means a Muslim and a Terrorist Religion directs to Islam. Pakistanis and Arabs are seen with a biased eye that takes them to prison/death.

News media plays an important in this world. The western media has a significant control over the world and this media is controlled by some people who want to remake the world according to their desires. So the media spread Terror in the world with the help of US and some other governments. When brain washing of people completed, the US government got the support of its people and attacked Iraq. Now Iraq is in worse condition than Afghanistan. Daily several people die in bomb blasts and in attacks of unknown people. Again people say that US government is sponsored by some Oil companies that want to capture the oil of Middle East.

I want to clear one thing. I am not against of American or any other people, I blame those governments who want to run the world according to their wishes. When I say US, it means United States' government, not its nation.

What we can/should say in this scenario, is a vast topic. I will try to write my thoughts here in different posts. Because the discussion can be longer and longer, I have to talk about it, until I get some solution, or die like my ancestors, who couldn't stop the WAR.

My New Old Mobile

2006-09-03T13:34:00.000+05:00

Finally I got a mobile (Nokia 3310). Actually I have not bought it, it's gifted, instead it should be called "donated" :) My sis bought a mobile, but it was not according to her desire, so she thought of dumping it :D

Official ISSB Guide

2006-09-02T10:16:00.000+05:00

This text is taken from the Official Booklet provided by the ISSB.

CONTENTS

General :

Inter Services Selection Board is a feeder institution for the
academies of the defence forces of Pakistan i.e., Army, Navy and Air Force.

As a first step, the candidates are filtered through te respective
Services Selection and Recruitment Centres, established in all the major cities
of the country. Second phase of the selection process is the tests/interview at
ISSB followed by detailed medical examination.

Historical Background :

Selection of personnel for the armed forces, especially the
officers' cadre, is a sacred and delicate job, which requires expertise and
dedication. The composition and structure of the Selection System at ISSB is
scientific in its character and is almost universal in nature. It owes its
origin to various intelligence and personality tests introduced by modern armies
during the world wars and since then has undergone evolutionary changes to cope
up with the present day requirements.

At the time of independence, Pakistan Army inherited 52 and 53
Service Selection Boards, which were located at Rawalpindi. These boards later
moved to Lahore in September 1949. In May 1951, these boards were combined as
Inter Services Selection Board and moved to Kohat in April 1952. Its two
detachments were later established at Gujranwala and Malir in 1980 and 1987
respectively. A detachment has also been established at Quetta since 1999, which
functions in the month of March/April and August primarily for the selection of
PMA Courses only.

Aim and Role :

Aim of Inter Services Selection Board is to select potential
officer for the Defence Forces of Pakistan who have the requisite capabilities
to successfully complete their course of training at the Academies and also
possess physical, mental, social and dynamic qualities to make successful
leaders during peace and war.

Inter Services Selection Board primarily caters for selection of
candidates for training as potential officers for all three service of Pakistan.
Services Headquarters, however, plan the total number of candidates to be
tested/inducted in various types of courses as per their overall requirement
schedule.

COURSES :

Tests and interviews of following types of courses of the Army, Navy and Air
Force are conducted :-

Pakistan Military Academy (PMA)

Long Course
Graduate/Technical Graduate Course
Technical Cadet Course

Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC)

Army Medical Corps (AMC)
Army Dental Corps (ADC)
Army Education Corps (AEC)

JCOs/NCOs Short Commission

Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA)

Pakistan Navy (PN) Cadets Term (General Line Scheme)
Pakistan Navy (PN) Graduate Cadet Term
Operations (Ops) Branch
Supply and Secretariat (S&S) Branch
Electrical Branch

Short Service Commission

Technical
Engineering and Electrical Branch
Special Branch
Education branch

Direct Entry

Engineers and Electrical (E&L) Officers
Instructors (Education)
Special Duty (SD) List Officers
Grant of Regular Commission to Non-Regular/Short Service
Commission Officers

Pakistan Air Force (PAF)

General Duty Pilot

College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE)

Non-GD Courses

Administration and Services Department (A&SD)
Air Traffic Control (ATC)
Education Branch
Accounts
Air Defence
Meteorology

INELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

Following candidates are ineligible to appear in the ISSB tests :-

Those who do not fulfil the academic qualifications advertised by
respective services headquarters.
Those found medically unfit.
Those who have been twice screened out.
Those who have been twice Not Recommended by ISSB.
Those withdrawn from any training academy on disciplinary grounds
or found unsuitable.
Those dismissed from government service on disciplinary or
unsuitability grounds.
Those dismissed from Armed Forces on disciplinary grounds of
being unsuitable.

SELECTION SYSTEM

The selection technique followed by the ISSB is three-dimensional.
All candidates appearing before the ISSB are to take three different types of
tests, i.e., Psychological test, GTO test and Interview.

The Psychologist Officers, Group Testing Officers and the Deputy
Presidents, who are specialists in their respective fields, administer these
tests.

TESTS

President's Address

Tests start in the morning of the first day (the day after the
arrival) and is precede by the President's address which takes about half and
hour. In this address the President (or one of the Deputy Presidents) welcomes
the candidates, tries to relieve their natural anxiety and apprises them in
general and simple terms about the testing programme and procedure.

Psychological Tests

Psychological tests comprising intelligence and personality test
are conducted immediately after the President's Address. A brief description and
purpose of each test is as follows :-

Intelligence Tests

There are two main types; verbal and nonverbal. Candidates who fail
to come up to minimum requisite standards are screened out. They are allowed to
proceed back to their home after the test.

Mechanical Aptitude Tests

It is designed to asses candidates' basic mechanical sense.
Questions are simple and relate to observation and comprehension of simple
mechanical principles

Personality Tests

These are written tests of analytical/projective type. Responses
provide indications to the dominant traits and attitudes of a candidate's
personality.

Group Tests

In group tests, candidates are put through a number of standardized
situations to find out the degree of officer like qualities in a candidate i.e.,
team spirit, initiative, resourcefulness etc, and whether the candidate's
personality fits him for a practical role that an officer has to play in the
Armed Forces. For these tests, the candidates are divided into groups of Six to
Ten.

Group Discussion

This is an indoor test the candidates are seated in a circle and
are required to discuss a given subject informally. No chairman or leader is
appointed.

Group Planning

The group is given a definite problem of simple nature on a model, which the
candidates are required to discuss amongst them, (again without a leader) and
find a common plan of action.

Leaderless Group Tasks

There are three leaderless Group Tasks viz:

Progressive Group Task (PGT)
Half Group Task (HGT)
Final Group Task (FGT).

In these tasks, the group is presented with a series of practical situations
and left to solve them without a leader being appointed. Normally ,these
comprise obstacles over which the group is required to carry objects of
sufficient bulk and weight.

Command Task

In this task each candidate is in turn appointed the commander of the group
and given a practical task requiring use of several men.

Individual Obstacles

There are, at present, nine simple obstacles, which a candidate is required
to tackle in any order he likes. Besides confirming some of his other abilities,
it shows his physical endurance and courage.

Interview

Interview is conducted by the Deputy Presidents. Interviewer assess the
candidate more closely in an informal and objective manner. During the course of
interview, and interviewer discovers important influences on the
candidate's life or to what extent his personal efforts have controlled the
events.

TESTING PROGRAMME

Arrival Day

Reception
Allotment of Chest number
Photographs
Completion of Travelling Allowance Chits
Personal Information Questionnaire Proforma
Administration Staff's address
Completion of Board Questionnaires.

1^st Day

Opening Address by a Deputy President
Intelligence and Psychological Tests

2^nd Day

Briefing

Indoor Tasks

Group Discussion
Group Planning

Outdoor Tasks

Progressive Group Task (PGT)
Half Group Task (HGT)

Interviews

3^rd Day

Individual Obstacles
Command Task
Final Group Task (FGT)
Interviews (leftovers)

4^th Day

Conferences
Preparation of all the results
Dispersal of candiates

GUIDELINES TO PREPARE YOURSELF

At ISSB, we are looking for alert, motivated candidates who have the
potential to complete the long, arduous and extensive training, which faces all
newly commissioned officers in the service. The Selection Board is looking for
many things such as clear thinking, the ability to remain calm under stress and
strain, team skills and willingness to Participate. We don't want you to display
rashness or aggression; neither do we want you to be dull or spiritless. Be
honest, straight forward and frank. Don't display over-consciousness, false
projection of superficial behaviour. Certain private institutions and coaching
centres are established in the country to train the candidate for passing ISSB
tests. You are advised not to join these for training and guidance. The
training imparted in these centres is too restricted and brings in rigidity in
thought process. It mars the original personality of the candidates who are
caught in a dilemma when confronted with a new situation.

Appearance

You can tell a lot from a person's appearance. Show us you have go a sense of
personal pride.

Self Confidence

Self-confidence and maturity are largely the product of experince. You can
strenghen these qualities by particpating in-group activities, talking on
responsibility and excercinsing independence.

Academic Ability

Good academic results mean you will be good at absorbing the training of
advanced and sophisticated equipment. Make your English and Mathematics sound.

Leadership

If you possess the above qualities, you will have a greater potential for
leadership training. Try and seek out positions of responsibilty in academic,
youth, social or sports activities.

Fitness

Take adequate physical exercise in the run up before you report at ISSB.

Motivation

You should be convincing and sincere in your reasons for wanting to join
Armed Forces. Make sure you really know for What and why you are applying.

Awareness

We are looking for people with and awareness of the world around them, and an
interest in military matters. Discuss current affairs and defence issues with
your parents, teachers and friends and keep yourself up to date with good
newspapers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Arrival/Reception

In order to determine your suitability for commission in Pakistan
Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force, your tests and interview will be
held at ISSB Kohat/Gujranwala, Malir Cantt. You will be tested and interviewed
for four days, following the day of your arrival. You will be free to go home in
the afternoon of the fourth day. You will report to ISSB on date and time as
mentioned in the call up letter. During this time, ISSB buses are available ate
respective railway stations/General bus stands. You can travel in the ISSB bus
free of cost. The schedule of buses is as under:

Kohat Railway Station and General Bus Stand

First bus leaves at 1:00 PM

Last bus leaves at 3:00 PM

Gujranwala MP Check Post Rahwali

First bus leaves at 1:00 PM

Last bus leaves at 3:00 PM

Karachi Cantt. and Malir Halt Railway Station

Bus leaves at 2:30 PM

Normally, candidates who fail to report before 3:00 PM on the
specified date are not allowed to join the test. However, those reporting an
hour or so late due to circumstances beyond their control, may be accepted. Such
candidates will reach ISSB under their own arrangements. ISSB Kohat is located
at five kms from general bus stand. ISSB Malir is 5 kms away from Malir Halt
Railway Station and Bus Stand. Private wagons stand is located at 1-1.2 kms
distance towards Rawalpindi, from Gujranwala City Railway Station. Wagons pass
near the ISSB. If you report late and are not allowed to appear before the
Board, then the Board is not bound to test you on a subsequent date. If you fail
to report on the Specified Time and Date, ISSB will not be obliged to call you
again.

Boarding and Lodging

You will be provided boarding and lodging at ISSB free of cost. On arrival
day report after having your lunch. You need not to bring any bedding, you can
have your clothes washed and pressed on payment. Barber's services are also
available.

What to Bring with you?

You are advised to bring your clothing according to the prevalent weather.

Shorts White
Canvas Shoes
Socks White
Vest or Sports Shirt White
Pull over or Jersey (in winter)
Blue Pen/Ballpoint
Track Suit (female candidates)

Note: Above items less tracksuits are also available with ISSB canteen
on payment. Candidates are expected to appear before the Selection Board with a
clean and smart posture. In this regard, following dress may be worn during
Group Discussion, Group Planning and Interview with proper hair cut and shave :

Summer:- Shalwar Qamees / Shirt / Bush Shirt and Trousers

Winter:- Shalwar Qamees / Lounge Suit / Combination of Shirt, Trousers and
Pullover/Jersey

Documents Required

You are required to bring along the following original
documents :-

Matriculation Certificate (SSC / O Level)

Intermediate (HSC / A Level or Equivalent)

Degree or Marks Sheet

DMC or result card is acceptable for appearing candidates or
those not been issued with original certificate by respective boards, suerity
certificate is also required

Domicile must for all those candidates of remote areas,
eligible to apply on 45% marks in F.A / F.Sc.

Medical Facilities

The Government will not be responsible to pay any
compensation for any injuries sustained during the test. Every possible medical
assistance will, however, be provided free of charge. Serious candidates are
treated at CMH.

Recreation Facilities

TV, Radio, Newspapers and facilities for indoor games like
Badminton and Table Tennis are available to the candidates.

Travelling Allowance

Travelling allowance will be paid to you before departure.
This is equal to the fare between the place of your residence and ISSB. For this
purpose your place of residence will be consider the one, which has been
mentioned in your application. For journey performed by road, the allowance will
be calculated to the basis of bus fare. If the road journey is shorter than the
rail journey then the allowance will be paid on the basis of bus fare. You
will have to show your tickets in order to get the allowance. In case you are
serving in the Armed Forces, you should obtain a railway warrant from your unit,
as you are not entitled to travelling allowance. The candidate is allowed to
change his residential address, after written one on TA form by him.

Importance Telephone Numbers

Kohat

GSO-II (Selection) [-521-3821 (Military)] [9260085
(Civil)]

Duty Room [521-3823 (Military)]

Gujranwala

GSO-II (Selection) [-269-3814 (Military)] [296036
(Civil)]

Duty Room [-269-3830 (Military)]

Malir

GSO-II (Selection) [-495-3810 (Military)] [9247448
(Civil)]

Duty Room [-495-3804 (Military)]

Discipline

Use of unfair mean in Selection Boards' tests or
non-compliance of Board instructions will debar you for consideration for
commission. Candidates are not allowed to leave ISSB premises during their stay.
Any kind of breakage, especially of mess, ante room and living will be paid by
the concerned candidate, communication any (written/verbal) with
outsider/selection staff is strictly forbidden during the stay at ISSB.

CONCLUSION

We hope this booklet would have given you some idea
of what to expect and that it proves useful to you. You are advised no to
consult any coaching centre for guidance. It will not only adversely affect your
original performance but is also likely to mar your personality pattern. We wish
you all the success at ISSB. May Allah help and guide you in your future life.

Hot Downloads

2006-09-02T10:03:00.000+05:00

Report a Bad Link
Request for desired link

FileZilla 2.2.27
FlashGet 1.71
Google Video Player
Google Desktop Search
Google Toolbar
Greate News Feed Reader
IrfanView 3.98
Microsoft Arabic (Farsi, Urdu) TrueType Fonts
Nafees Web Naskh (TrueType Font)
Phonetic Keyboard Layout for Urdu
Urdu Naskh Asiatype (TrueType Font)
Winamp 5.2 Full
WinRAR 3.51
Yahoo! Messenger 8
Yahoo! Toolbar 6.2.4.0

Windows Media Player 11 without Validation

2006-09-02T09:35:00.000+05:00

Windows Validation? My Foot!

Do you want to install Windows Media Player 11 but can't validate your copy of Windows XP? No Problem, here is the solution.

Step1: Download WinRAR from here and install it.

Step2: Download Windows Media Player 11 from here. Its file name would be wmp11-windowsxp-x86-enu.exe.

Step3: Right Click on the saved wmp11-windowsxp-x86-enu.exe file, from the context menu select Extract to wmp11-windowsxp-x86-enu.exe. A folder with name wmp11-windowsxp-x86-enu.exe will be created here. Open it!

Step4: In the folder, Run the wmfdist11.exefile. This will install Windows Meda Format 11 to your computer.

Step5: In the same folder, Run the wmp11.exe file. This will install Windows Media Player 11 to your computer, without validating your copy of Windows.

Step6: No more steps:) Windows Media Player 11 is INSTALLED in your computer. If shortcuts of older versions are present on your Desktop, then click them to open Windows Media Player 11. Otherwise follow the steps given below.

Step7(a): To open Windows Media Player 11, Click on the Start Menu and then click Run. The Run Command Prompt will open. Type there wmplayer and hit Enter. The Program will open.

Step7(b): Or Open C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player folder and open wmplayer.exe file from there.

Did you face problems? Write in the comments below. I will try to do something.

First Post

2006-09-01T00:01:00.000+05:00

I have been blogging in Urdu on my Urdu Blog since 23-01-2005 and since then I have been thinking about blogging in English. Yet I couldn't do that till now.

Now I have started this blog and will try to seriously write here. I will write about myself, Technology, Pakistan and else.

Some Links:
http://www.pkblogs.com/urdublog
http://www.pkblogs.com/sada-e-urdu
http://www.pkblogs.com/icheetah
http://www.pkblogs.com/icheetah
http://www.google.com.pk/