Why I Love Being an Only Child

Hey there guys. See, I keep my promises. Oh and Lubaina, this goes out to you. Stay awesome: 3

You've already read why I hate being an only child. Here are the reasons why I love being an only child. I hope you enjoy them. Oh and I'm not a hater, k? I'm not negative. :P

So here are the reasons why I love being an only child... (Note* They are in no specific order)

1. Not having to share Mom and Dad.
   Honestly, I love this part of being an only child. Why? Because I love my parents so much I can't imagine having to share their love. I remember a cute and short message I read online where a kid tells his mom that he loves her more than she loves him. The mom asked why, to which that cute young kid replied "You have many kids but I only have one mom". Well although that's sort of out of context, but I guess you understand what I'm trying to say.
2. Peace
   Not having siblings and external family at home makes life so much more peaceful. I can come home and relax. I can study in any room I want solely because of the reason that I don't have to worry about someone blasting the stereo on full or just being plain old noisy.
3. Having a voice at home
   I'm not sure if all only children experience this, but I have a major say in what happens at my home. Reason being that since there are only 3 stakeholders, my parents think that my point of view is vital. However, if there had been more kids, I'm pretty sure that my voice may not have been heard.
4. No rivalry
   I don't have to compete for my parent’s acceptance. I never have to hear comparisons like "Look at your older brother and how he's excelled at everything". I set my goals along with my parents without any rivalry or fire within myself to be better than my siblings. Oh but like I mentioned in my "why I hate being an only child post", my parents generally do expect more from me because I'm their only child.
5. People calling you lucky
   Hahaha, I know I said that I didn't like it when random people call me lucky because I'm an only child. But secretly, it does feel nice when someone says "Woah, you're lucky". I swear- I feel an innate spark of happiness.
   
   
6. Not having to face sibling fights
   you might recall me saying that sometimes I feel a void within myself because I don’t have a sibling. Oh that’s nonsense cause most of the time – I love the fact that I don’t have any siblings. Whenever I hear a friend complaining how their sibling tags along with them everywhere, or how younger always get out of problems easily – I always take a second out to thank God for my fortune.
7. No one to mess around with your stuff
   I don’t have to worry about putting a password on my phone, laptop or locking my secret stash of chocolates. It’s all hassle-less. Awesome, no?
8. Not having to share stuff
   Not having anyone to mess around with your stuff is for things that solely belong to you, but common territory objects like the television, the landline phone, my room, the swing in our balcony, etc. I don’t have to worry about TV and computer times set out for each individual sibling. I can use it whenever I am free (read as: whenever mom lets me).

I know you must be thinking why I’ve only mentioned 8 reasons explaining why I love being an only child, while I’ve listed 10 reasons for hate. Well, sometimes you can’t express your love for some things. This is one of those things and one of those times. However- I LOVE BEING AN ONLY CHILD WAY MORE THAN I HATE BEING ONE. I swear.

The Billboard Top 100 till 10th August 2013

Again, this is another post for "The teenager" which i thought i should share here. Enjoy

I usually find myself in search of the latest music so that I can upgrade my playlist. One of my primary stops is the Billboard top 100. Being a music freak, I love listening to all sorts of music. Here is my review to the current top 10. Hope you like it.

At number 10, we’ve got American country music duo Florida Georgia Line with their hit single “Cruise”.  By April 2013, "Cruise" had become the best-selling song by a country duo in digital history. Furthermore, the song got 4 out of 5 stars by Billy Dukes of Taste of Country. This lyric heavy summer song has a feel good feeling to it making you feel some somewhat happy. Liv Carter of Urban Country News gave the song a 'thumbs-up,' calling it "one of those disposable-yet-enjoyable country summer songs which will not only enjoy a healthy chart run, but find itself on radio playlists for many more summers." I agree with Liv Carter. And I give this song 8.5/10 but highly recommend it to all of you.

Next we’ve got Can't Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Ray which is from the collaborative album – The Heist by American rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis. The catchy chorus is in the voice of featuring singer Ray Dalton along with the additional vocals of Susanna Wetzal. The song reached number one on Billboard top 100 previously, making it Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s 2^nd number one hit in USA and their 3^rd number one in Australia. "Can't Hold Us" was generally well received by music critics. Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song four stars out of five, praising its "infectious, soul-soaked piano line and beats more vibrant than Rio de Janeiro's finest carnival floats". A fresh rap which is a must hear according to me. I absolutely love “GOOD” rap with a great hook, a great chorus and great binding in the whole song, and this is indeed the WHOLE package. I give this a 9.5/10. Must hear. Okay?

"Cups" (also known as "Cups (Pitch Perfect's When I'm Gone)") is a song by American actress Anna Kendrick from the film Pitch. Anna Kendrick’s song - serving as the 2013 CONCACAF official song, is a cover for Lulu and the Lampshades' song "Cups (You're Gonna Miss Me). The chart performance of Cups is quite commendable. Adding to that, it’s a light and breezy song with a matching beat which adds more feel to it. Kendrick’s’ voice adds volume to the song and for me it gets a 7/10. But hey, maybe you’d think otherwise.

In at number 7, we’ve got Holy Grail by Jay Z Featuring Justin Timberlake. Containing elements of Nirvana's 1991 hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit", this song has done well with the charts and has a smooth touch to it. Andy Gill of The Independent described the song as "smooth and mellifluous," while Rolling Stone's Simon Vozick called it a "surprisingly moody opener." DJ Booth praised the track as an "appropriately bombastic intro to an epic LP." Couldn’t have said it better. A must hear. I give this song a 8.75/10. Cheers.

Number six is american singer and song writer, Bruno Mars -with “Treasure” from his hit album Unorthodox Juke box. This song is a typical Bruno along with an old time flash back. But nonetheless gives a good feel and might make you get up dance along. Great vocals to go along with great lyrics. Reviews for treasure are accordingly to the great music. Jason Lipshutz of Billboard wrote that one "gets the feeling that 'Treasure,' with its grand harmonies, classically kooky hooks and slyly sexual undertones, is the musical mode that makes Mars the happiest." Rolling Stone's Jody Rosen commented that 'Treasure' is a creamy Michael Jackson/Prince-schooled disco soul. Very few would be able to pull of this genre of music, but mars has done it greatly. Hats off. I give this a 9/10. 

At number 5, we’ve got - Get Lucky Daft Punk Featuring Pharrell Williams. Although I don’t really like disco funk, I’ll do my best not to be biased. This funky song is the lead single from Daft Punk's fourth studio album Random Access Memories. Get lucky has received critical acclaim from media outlets and music critics. Rolling Stone reviewer Will Hermes giving the song a four-star rating out of five, described it as "an old-school disco jam" and called it "formidable". The song brings back a fresh breath of old school air, but as the song progresses, it kind of grows on you. So now comes my rating. If you’re into jazz, old school disco, etc then this is the song for you, if you’re not then try some of the other music. I give this song 6 out of 10 only because I feel the beat could’ve been much better and gripping.

American Indie rock band, Imagine dragons is at number four with their single Radioactive. Containing cryptic lyrics of apocalyptic and revolutionist themes, this alternative rock song with elements of electronic rock and dubstep has been critically acclaimed all around the world. Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio gave the song a rating of 4.5 out of 5, calling it "hook-y [and] emotional", and stated that the "drama" and "excitement" of the song would allow "Radioactive" to appeal to both alternative pop fans and hard rockers. Best of both worlds, eh? They’ve targeted two distinct genre listeners. That’s an accomplishment in its own. The hypnotic chorus, as called by AbsolutePunk just gets you glued and hooked onto the song. The band has been successful at producing a song which never fails to take off. This is a song which will make your fists rise into the air. This powerhouse song is something out of this world and I consider it a must hear. This gets a 10 on 10 from me. Must hear, got it? 

American recording artist Miley Cyrus with “We Can’t stop” from her upcoming fourth studio album Bangerz is number 3 on the billboard top 10. I am surprised to see this here. Maybe it’s cause the name sells and Miley has made a big name for her back in her Disney years and her attempts at staying in the news. According to me the song lacks flow and doesn’t sound right as a whole. This pop, R&B and dance song has failed to amuse me and keep me listening for more than 40 seconds, but for the sake of this review I heard it out and was still not impressed. The song received mix reviews from music critics across the globe. Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone gave the song a two-star rating out of five, commenting that Cyrus' "attempt at club-entering swag is adorable, but there's still a bit too much Disney in her voice to fill the track. Its lyrics – "Can't you see it's we who 'bout that life?" – would be an odd fit for any singer." Ouch. Well now it’s my turn- I give this song 4 out of 10 and question its presence on the charts.

Im sure all the boy band loving freaks are gonna give out a big screech when they hear who’s on number 2 on the Billboard top 10. At number 2 we’ve got English-Irish boy band One Direction with their song “Best Song Ever”. According to me, the first half of the song had more of a adult touch to it and got my hopes up for a more mature song, but as a whole the song gives a 1D feel. It’s a light and soft song which is what the teen girls around the world are crazy for. One direction delivers, however it lacks “catchiness”. As far as critics and artists are concerned, the song has received mixed reviews. Although the song’s title is superficial, it doesn’t fulfill its name and that’s why Click Music reacted negatively to the song, giving it 1 and a half stars out of 5, describing it as "tiresome" and called the song's writers "creatively barren", accusing them of plagiarism of "Baba O'Riley". Click also called the song a representation of "the laziest, most mind-numbing trends in modern pop". However, teenage girls don’t care, right? Why? Because they can’t get over how dreamy 1D is. Now as far as my rating is concerned, I’m giving it 6 out of 10 for lack of originality and lack of catchiness. Slow songs can’t be catchy too and can manage to stick to your head.

 

We’ve got to number 1. *drum roll please*. Number one on Billboard top 10 is "Blurred Lines" a song recorded by American R&B recording artist Robin Thicke. The song features guest vocals from American rapper T.I. and American singer and producer Pharrell. The song is pretty catchy giving a feel as if it’s off the streets. Not bad. Simple lyrics and straightforwardness is what this song is about.” I feel so lucky. You wanna hug me. What rhymes with hug me?” is my favorite part because of the humor. Critical reactions to the song were mostly positive. The song got 4.5 out of 5, from Bill Lamb from about.com. Billboard 100’s Chris Payne compared it with Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie" (a musical hit) and called it a "bubbly bit of disco-shuffling R&B". I liked Blurred lines and feel that it deserves 9 out of 10.  Im sure you’ll like it too.

Billboard has done a good job at listing the top 10, however Miley’s appearance on the charts has come off as a disappointment. The best on the chart according to me would be, Radioactive by Imaginative Dragons, while the worst is “We can’t stop” by Miley Cyrus. Now what are you waiting for? Go and listen to these great tunes. You wont be disappointed.

#Throwback #Let's go back, back to the begining

Again, this was an article for The Teenager too. Hope you enjoy it.

We’re only half way through 2013 yet we’ve been able to encounter great music releases. Not only have we encountered great music releases, we’re moving towards the return or a flashback of an old era. Artists who we thought would never come up with new albums are back into the business. The artists we missed so much are back for us. This is not like a #throwbackThursday. No this is much more than that; this is another chance for us to enjoy our old time favorite legends. Come to think of it, I haven’t really named anyone yet.

Well here they are, all those boy band lovers, the girls who scream on the top of their lungs for people like ‘Nsync, Westlife and bands of the sort are going to go crazy on the 30^th of July, 2013. Backstreet boys are back. They’re back with a follow up of their album “This is us” which was released in 2009. Another noteworthy fact is, this will be the first album featuring all five original members in six years since Kevin Richardson left the group in 2006 to focus on his family and pursue other interests. Furthermore, this is their first independent release since 2010. This album is much different from their previous music. Richardson said "We want it to be a personal album about what’s happening in our lives now. A.J. is getting ready to be a father. Howie, Brian and myself are fathers already. So we’re just trying to make it a personal record." Good to see that the band is out of its teenage years. 

OMG. They're back :D

Remember the era of watching Lizzie McGuire on Disney? Hahaha neither do we cause Disney was not so kind enough of showing it in Pakistan. But we do love Hillary Duff for the roles she’s played in countless movies. Mother to be, Hillary Duff, is planning to head back to the recording studios to come up with a new album. This will be her first album of new music since 2007. Although, she is due to give birth to a baby boy, she is not willing to let the pregnancy get in the way of her new album. "I want to get into the studio. I want to start recording. Even if I just mess around and kind of get myself in the swing of it. Before I got pregnant I was thinking about making a record, so I still want to do that" was what the actress/singer-turned-writer had to say. Although the date of release for her album is to be announced, we have strong beliefs that it will come around by the end of 2013.

Hillary Duff and her bundle of joy. Cute isn;t he?

Although we never thought the Akon era ended, but the five-time Grammy Awards nominated hip hop/R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman had not been able to pop up with a new album since Freedom which was released on December 2^nd, 2008. But worry no more. Akon is back in the studio and is working on his fourth album, Stadium which will be released on the 2^nd of December, 2013. 

Konvict. B|

Guess who's coming to town?

I know this news is very old, but i thought I'd share it with you guys here. I wrote this for a local upcoming magazine - "The Teenager" about a month ago. Still relevant so here it is. Hope you guys like it.
 
At the end of fiscal year 2012, Burger King reported it had almost 12,700 outlets in 73 countries. Sounds pretty boring, eh? But, what you’re about to read next wont. Burger king will now be operating in 74 countries. Again, you’re compelled to say “so what?” Well, I’ve got some great news to all you burgers out there along with all of you food lovers. The 74^th country Burger king will operate in will be PAKISTAN. See I told you there’d be good news. 

If the crown doesnt mean your king, then i dont know what does.

Long waited fast food chain Burger King is now finally coming here in Pakistan. The first outlet will be opened in the mid of 2014. It will be managed by MCR, the same company which manages the Pizza hut chain in Pakistan. To be precise they’re planning on opening their first outlet in K- Town. This will give the karachites an edge over the Lahoris in the “Karachi –vs – Lahore” arguments. Needless to say, this will give the karachites the chance to chant out “Lahore, Lahore hai. Jitna bara Lahore hai, utna Karachi mein Johar hai.” Cheesy yet funny, isn’t it?

Although I’ve been to burger king a lot of times, heck I was there every other day to enjoy their milkshakes and ice cream (which I absolutely love and miss); I never really tasted their burgers because of the Haraam issue in western countries, people in the middle east were much more lucky. Along with me, several other people had faced a similar dilemma. However most of the Pakistani people, have never been to a burger king franchise. But we finally get the chance to taste their meaty delights and enjoy eating in a fast food joint taken for granted in developed countries around the world.

The news of Burger king coming into town spread viral within a day when a person happened to come across the Help wanted advertisement by BK in a leading newspaper and happened to upload it on Facebook. The amounts of shares, likes and comments on that picture show how excited people are.  However, the burgers in Karachi are highly worried about where Burger king will locate. Competitor Hardees, decided to set up their first branch in North Nazimabad which is far for the burgers of Defence and Clifton who fear leaving their territory so that they can prevent themselves from contamination from the mailas (I’m not saying non defence people are mailas, im just stating their views). Burgers in Karachi fear that Burger King will do the same. We do not have any information on where Burger king is locating in K- town, however we do believe that it’s a step forward in globalization for Pakistan. Who knows? Maybe Baskin Robins, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Wendy’s and other famous chains will decide to expand into Pakistan. That sounds like delicious news for everyone.
For now, we wait until Burger king launches its first branch in Pakistan. We wait for their whoopers, we wait for their milkshakes we wait for their advertisements and we wait to hear their motto, "Have it your way". 

Doesnt this make your mouth water?