In a move that feels a bit like an early holiday gift, VMware announced that starting today 11/11, its popular desktop virtualization software, VMware Fusion (for Mac) and VMware Workstation (for Windows and Linux), are now free for all users. That’s right — free, no fine print. This shift is a pretty bold pivot for VMware. After a rocky year in the enterprise space, where it faced some backlash over its hypervisor approach, it looks like VMware is trying to reset its image, especially with ind...

Overcoming addiction isn’t easy. For anyone trying to stay sober, the fight against cravings and the risk of relapse can feel relentless. Vivitrol injections are a treatment option that offers hope by reducing cravings and blocking the effects of alcohol and opioids, making it easier to stay on track. Disclaimer: I do not own or have any affiliation with Vivitrol or its manufacturer, Alkermes, Inc. The information shared in this article is based on personal experience, research, and general kn...

Are Computers Learning to “See” Like Us Technology has been on an exciting journey, and lately, we’re seeing a shift that feels almost… human. Just as our brains are wired to prioritize visual information, computers are doing the same—focusing more on specialized visual processing and less on sheer CPU horsepower. Nvidia’s potential new CPU, reportedly aimed at competing with Intel and AMD, is a sign of this shift. But what does this mean, and why does it feel so different from the CPU wars we ...

For decades, Afghan migrants have faced unimaginable hardships, forced to flee their homeland due to war, poverty, and political instability. Their journeys, often filled with hope for a better life, lead many into dangerous situations, seeking refuge across perilous borders. One such tragedy unfolded at the Iran-Afghanistan border, where Afghan migrants were massacred, an event that shocked those aware of it. Yet, the real tragedy lies in how little attention this incident has received on the g...

Introduction As the 2024 presidential election approaches, many Muslim Americans find themselves grappling with difficult questions about their role in the political process. As a Pakistani-American Muslim living in the U.S., I initially opposed the idea of supporting the Green Party, which had gained traction in some circles of the Muslim community as a form of protest against the mainstream political choices. After discussions with friends and family, I reluctantly began to consider this as a...

Sometimes, as I wander through these busy streets, caught in the unrelenting demands of daily life, I pause and ask: What am I really pursuing? What does it mean to live well, to feel truly fulfilled? In this land of dreams and ambition, the idea of eternal love—love without beginning or end—often whispers to me from the quiet corners of my mind. Why does this notion resonate so deeply? In a world where everything has a lifespan—careers, gadgets, even relationships—this timeless love stands out...

Your Brain is a Soap Opera on Repeat If you’ve got ADHD, you probably know how weird things can get. Like, here’s the scenario: you get mad at someone, right? Maybe it’s something small, maybe not, but you’re mad. And then… whoops, you’re not. You’ve moved on. Your brain’s already jumped to the next thought, like "Did I ever finish that snack in the fridge?" Honestly, it’s like ADHD gives you this weird ability to just forget being mad, like some emotional superhero who can’t hold a grudge. No...

Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane with Vince McMahon Watching the Vince McMahon documentary on Netflix was like opening up a time capsule filled with wrestling moves and nostalgia. It took me right back to the 90s when, like every other kid, I was obsessed with pro wrestling. Whether it was trying out a Stunner on my cousins, perfecting the Rock Bottom with my friends, or throwing my brother around on our parents' bed like we were at WrestleMania—it was a golden time. I mean, who didn’t want to be...

Wolverine and Jean Grey's Confusing Relationship There’s something fascinating about certain relationships in comic book lore—the ones that never quite fit into a defined category, always teetering between friendship and something more. One of the most compelling of these dynamics is the story between Wolverine and Jean Grey. Their connection is intense, filled with longing, but never fully resolved. It's a perfect example of how sometimes, no matter how strong a bond feels, you can be left won...

After almost 20 months, it’s time to say goodbye to a client I’ve had the pleasure of working with since November 2022. It all started with me coming in to offer some architecture advice before they signed off on a deal. Little did I know that what was supposed to be a short engagement turned into a full-on project that’s taken us right up to now, September 2024. We quickly realized this project was way bigger than anyone thought, and it grew from there. Fast forward, and today the client is li...

Their story highlights both the struggles and the strength that come with building a relationship around neurodiversity. ...

Book Review: Dirty Laundry by Richard Pink and Roxanne Emery After discovering my ADHD "superpowers" later in life, like many millennials, I immediately jumped online to learn more about others' experiences with late diagnoses. To my surprise, I found there wasn’t much out there. Why is that? Dirty Laundry by Richard Pink and Roxanne Emery tackles this head-on, explaining how shame keeps so many of us quiet. I had already been introduced to the concepts of shame and vulnerability through Brene...

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou ...

Ah, the sweet scent of political relevance—Maulana's sudden importance seems to have everyone in Pakistan buzzing, from Imran Khan to Asif Zardari, and even the 'madaris'. It's almost as if overnight, the Maulana has become the most sought-after guest at this chaotic political circus. It’s genuinely amusing, isn’t it? Just a few weeks ago—scratch that—even just a few days ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone giving him more than a passing glance. But now? Everyone’s scrambling to get on hi...

Freezing Time and Living Longer I recently stumbled across this mind-bending Kurzgesagt video, and it really got me thinking about time and how we experience it. You know how some animals just zip through life? Like, take a fly—one minute it’s buzzing around like it owns the place, and the next, it's gone. On the flip side, you’ve got the tortoise, just taking it easy, living for what seems like forever. It’s almost as if time is moving differently for them, based on how fast or slow they’re li...

When you learn something new and feel so emotionally excited to share it, you can't help but tell others, hoping they'll finally understand what you've been dealing with. You thought they would share your excitement and relief at finally having an explanation. But instead, you find yourself having to defend your intentions, as if you're using this newfound understanding as an excuse. You've spent your entire life struggling with something you couldn't name, and now that it all starts to make se...

As a big fan of Marvel and X-Men, I wanted to get up to date with the latest storylines. However, I quickly realized that if I want to start from the Age of Krakoa storyline, which is just concluding, there's a lot of reading ahead. The sheer number of books, omnibuses, and volumes can be overwhelming. Since I prefer collected editions and specifically volumes over single comics, I embarked on extensive research to compile a list that would help me and others navigate through this era of X-Men. ...

Yeah, I must admit, I was naive to trust Bilawal’s words after watching him on a few podcasts before the 24 elections in Pakistan. https://munvaray.com/49343/examining-the-ppp-2024-manifesto-through-a-climate-justice-lens He seemed so convincing in all those discussions and made me buy his manjan, but once he realized he couldn’t secure the top spot, he disappeared. There's no need for him to apologize or explain—he probably won’t. We can all see how much 'leverage' PPP has. In a few months, ...

A Journey Through Time Growing up, I always looked up to my older cousin, who was more like an older brother without the bossiness that usually comes with that role. Back in the 90s, he was abroad for his studies, and I could barely see him. When he visited home, I would wait eagerly, looking out from our balcony. Those moments of anticipation were pure excitement. Who hasn’t wrestled with their siblings or cousins during the Hulk Hogan days? We certainly did, and those memories are golden. Fa...

As a big fan of Marvel and X-Men, I wanted to get up to date with the latest storylines. However, I quickly realized that if I want to start from the Age of Krakoa storyline, which is just concluding, there's a lot of reading ahead. The sheer number of books, omnibuses, and volumes can be overwhelming. Since I prefer collected editions and specifically volumes over single comics, I embarked on extensive research to compile a list that would help me and others navigate through this era of X-Men. ...

This infuriating video featuring Sahil Adeem popped up on my feed recently. Now, I don’t usually follow him or the channel, but this time the internet was in an uproar, so I thought, why not check it out? Uh! #Cringe, Big mistake. What I witnessed was nothing short of a disaster. Here’s the lowdown: Adeem had previously made a ridiculous statement claiming that 90% of women are 'jahil' (ignorant, illiterate, rude). In this latest episode, a brave woman asked him to apologize for his previous re...

سنا ہے کہ ایپل، گوگل Gemini میں دلچسپی رکھتا ہے۔ ایپل کو میٹا لاما نے کچھ متاثر نہیں کیا، اور اب Siri کے پیچھے گوگل Gemini کا استعمال ہو سکتا ہے۔ ہو سکتا ہے کہ ایپل کی باقی Apple Intelligence بھی اسی پر چلنے لگے۔مزہ تب آئے گا اگر ایپل آپ کو "Bring Your Own AI" کا آپشن دے۔ اس طرح صارفین اپنی پسندیدہ AI ٹیکنالوجی کا استعمال کر سکیں گے، جو کہ واقعی ایک انقلابی قدم ہو گا۔ لیکن، میرا خیال ہے کہ اتنی بڑی کمپنیاں صارفین کو مکمل آزادی دینے کے لیے تیار نہیں ہوں گی۔ وہ ہمیشہ اپنے کنٹرول میں سب کچھ رکھیں گ...

I recently joined a live session of a podcast by a stand-up comedian and satirist on YouTube, and let me tell you, it was a riot. The host, known for his razor-sharp roasting skills, invited his followers to join the session live on air. It was the perfect blend of humor and interactivity, with the host sharpening his jokes and fans throwing back some solid comebacks. Everything was going great – people were taking the jabs in stride and dishing them right back. Then, it happened. A young lady ...

Dealing with the Hypocrites Who Criticize Your Happiness I'm mad and pissed off. It's incredibly maddening when people enjoy their own happy moments but feel the need to criticize others for sharing theirs, especially by using serious issues like the situation in Palestine as a weapon. You post something about your personal happiness, and immediately these assholes jump in with, "Why are you celebrating when children are dying in Palestine? You should be doing something about it instead." They...

It struck me that HubSpot could be the crucial component Google needs to create a seamless B2B2C solution. When you look at the competition, AWS has Connect and Contact Lens, Microsoft has Dynamics and Nuance, and Salesforce boasts Service Cloud Voice (SCV), Omni, and Einstein. These platforms provide robust customer service and engagement stacks. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) needs to develop a similarly comprehensive solution to stay competitive. Recently, Google has been making some big moves...

I'll start with the famous golden words from Baldev Singh: "Ja Simran, ja jeele apni zindagi." These words have always resonated with me. They echo the freedom and joy of living life on your own terms—a concept that's both liberating and daunting. As we go through life, it's easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of responsibilities—work, family, bills. It often feels like there’s no time left for ourselves. But here's the thing: once you've got your family fed, healthy, and the bills ...

Elon Musk's meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang is an interesting development that shows how tech companies work with national governments. The shifting dynamics of global tech leadership and Musk's engagement with one of China's top officials are not just about business. Musk's visit to China, his second in less than a year, comes at a crucial time. China has promised a welcoming environment for foreign businesses, stressing an open market and better service guarantees. This is significant f...

مجھے بار بار صدا نہ دے. میری حسرتوں کو ہوا نہ دے. میرے دل میں آتشِ عشق ہے. میری آگ تجھ کو جلا نہ دے. ...

I always try to exercise caution in my communication, particularly when it comes to delegating roles or expressing needs within a project. For instance, I consciously avoid making statements such as, "We really need you for this specific aspect of the project." My concern is that such expressions might confine someone to a narrowly defined role, potentially causing them to lose sight of the broader value they bring. This could lead to a reduced sense of their overall contribution, which I find c...

🌟 Feeling a mix of excitement and skepticism today! I've just received an invitation to be profiled in the Who's Who in America's 2024 edition. It’s truly an honor to be recognized, and part of me is thrilled at the possibility! 🎉 However, I can't shake off a bit of doubt – am I really deserving of this recognition? As a small-time technologist, it feels surreal to be considered alongside some of the most influential figures. And, of course, there’s that nagging worry: I hope this isn't one of ...

Have you ever thought about what happens to your old phone numbers once you're done with them? It's worth giving it some thought, because just like expired domain names, scammers and spammers are quick to claim these abandoned numbers. Imagine this: your old number is still floating around on the internet, and even though you’ve moved on, someone might stumble upon it and try to reach you. But instead of finding you, they end up talking to a debt collector or, even more bizarrely, connecting to...

When you're a junior engineer at a tech giant, you never expect your daily tasks to intersect with global security issues—let alone involve troubleshooting for figures like the Secretary of Defense under President Obama back in 2010. But life has a funny way of dialing up the unexpected. It was just another day at the office when I was handed what was possibly the highest-profile job a voice engineer could get: fixing a secure communication line used by none other than Robert Gates himself. No ...

As an amateur gardener with a modest backyard, I recently stumbled upon a gem in the realm of gardening that immediately caught my eye - the Firefly Petunia, also known as the "night-glow" petunia. These fascinating flowers, celebrated for their ability to emit a soft, luminescent light at night, were introduced to me through a blog post last year, sparking an instant fascination. Eager to delve into this new gardening venture, I quickly placed an order for these enchanting blooms. Just a few da...

🌐 GCP is Google's suite of cloud computing services, offering a wide range of tools and services for building and running applications in the cloud. With its vast ecosystem, it can be daunting to know where to begin. That's why I've curated a focused learning path to help you navigate GCP with ease and unlock its world of possibilities! 🚀 Think of GCP as a massive toolbox filled with various tools (services) that enable you to build and run applications efficiently in the cloud, without worryin...

🌟 Jumping into Salesforce? 🚀 It's way easier than you'd expect, and I'm here to share why and how! After navigating through the maze myself, I discovered tons of resources like Trailhead's game-like learning and supportive communities. I'm passing these gems on because I know how tricky starting can feel. If my journey can ease yours, that's my goal achieved. Let's dive in together and make this learning curve a fun ride! 🎓✨ For someone with basic CRM or technology understanding, here's a focus...

🌐 I've been receiving a ton of questions from folks asking about the best way to start learning Amazon Web Services, AWS (referred through the blog). 🤔 AWS is a comprehensive cloud computing platform provided by Amazon, offering a wide range of services for storage, computing, networking, and more. With the vast AWS ecosystem, it can be daunting to know where to begin. That's why I've curated a focused learning path to help you navigate AWS with ease and unlock its world of possibilities! 🚀 Thi...

As a former Karachiite, the recent political developments in Pakistan hold a special significance for me. Observing from afar, the unfolding scenario post-election paints a vivid picture of a nation at a critical crossroads, seeking to redefine its democratic identity. This reflection offers a glimpse into the complex tapestry of Pakistani politics, where the aspirations of its people for a more transparent and accountable governance system are becoming increasingly evident.In a surprising turn ...

Building upon my initial exploration of climate change, ignited by a surprisingly profound YouTube podcast by Shehzad Ghias and his guest Bilawal Bhutto, I have delved deeper into the intricacies of this global challenge. My updated response to this post: https://munvaray.com/53037/re-examining-the-ppp-2024-manifesto-through-a-climate-justice-lens This journey led me to the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) 2024 manifesto, a document outlining ambitious plans for climate resilience and sustain...

Climate change wasn't initially a topic I followed closely. But then, a casual YouTube podcast featuring Shehzad Ghias - a Pakistani comedian, and Bilawal Bhutto, the PPP leader himself piqued my interest. They discussed the issue in a surprisingly insightful way, sparking a curiosity that sent me down a rabbit hole of internet research. While I'm by no means an expert, I was struck by the concept of climate justice. The numbers paint a stark picture: since the Industrial Revolution, the world...

As a solutions architect, my life's work revolves around constructing frameworks, finding fixes, and piecing together the elements that turn chaos into order. This pursuit, while professionally rewarding, quietly seeped into the fabric of my social existence, shaping not only how I viewed problems but also how I engaged with the world around me. Here, I reflect on my transformative journey – from striving to be the main character in every narrative to embracing the role of a supporting character...

So here I am, thinking about impulsivity, and it's like waves crashing in my mind, one reckless decision after another. It is this jigsaw, and sometimes I shove the pieces in without looking, without thinking, and wow - the picture, it's all wrong, isn't it? Sideways glances from colleagues because I've put the bars in a place that's, well, offbeat, let's call it that. It's those moments, and I'm sure there was another, right? It's on the tip of my tongue, this... this other thing I did. Hold on...

Was I indifferent to competition, joking that everyone else is vying for second place? Ha, perhaps that was a bit over the top – I apologize for that. Seriously though, each one of us is uniquely outstanding in what we bring to this project for our client. Our presence here, especially considering the challenging times (yes, I'm referring to those dreaded layoffs), speaks volumes about our individual capabilities and contributions. I want to express my sincere respect and appreciation for eve...

Ok since you insist on visitng Allen, TX, against everones advice. Here are some places and things to do here. Hope you have a good time here and please keep our city safe. Allen Community Ice Rink: Perfect for ice skating enthusiasts, this rink offers lessons, skate rentals, and other amenities. It's located at 200 E Stacy Rd #1350. The Village: This shopping center houses over a hundred stores, including beauty salons, restaurants, and fashion outlets. It's at 190 E Stacy Rd. TopGolf: A fun...

It's been quite unsettling lately with all these news stories about assassinations and murders linked somehow to India. There's been a worrying increase in such incidents over the past few months, not just in India, but also plots unfolding in the USA and Canada. Similar things have been happening in Pakistan for years too. Just look at today's news, for instance. Cyrus Sajjad Qazi, the Foreign Affairs Secretary, spoke about catching two Indian agents involved in target killings in Pakistan. Sh...

Its just so frustrating when someone doesnt value you as a human being. What i mean is that when others take you for granted. Like they just come, take whatever, and go their way, and that also after complaining and emotially draining you. When your world is this small, it feels very alone in times like these. When you have only a few things to look forward to. When you have lowered your expectations in life to such a degree that anything can make you feel better, you still ge disappointed, no...

Dear Pakistan, My heart sinks as I type this, my fingers heavy with a disappointment you know well. I left your soil almost two decades ago, seeking brighter horizons, yet a part of me will always bleed green and white. So, it’s with a heavy dose of hope and a growing dread that I embark on this mission – to find accomplishments of yours in 2023 that make your people raise their heads high. I scoured news, devoured analyses, and spoke to friends back home. While Arshad's Silver was a historic ...

People like this are basically just claiming power in any way they can. They have no authority, they have no influence, so they use whatever means they have to force society to acknowledge their existence so that they can feel a sense of control over their environment. ...

My recent quest for a Ms. Marvel action figure led me on an unexpected journey across countless Walmarts and Targets. Imagine my amazement 😲 when, after visiting what felt like the 20th store, I finally struck gold at the Walmart in Sugarland on Alt-90 Highway. Not just one, but multiple Ms. Marvel figures! And there, nestled in their modest comics section, were Ms. Marvel comics too. It suddenly made sense – Sugarland, with its vibrant Pakistani community, kids mirroring Ms. Marvel's age and ba...

Each morning, I gently start my day around 6 am, allowing myself time to wake up and enjoy a quiet morning coffee. It's important for me to monitor my health, so I regularly check my weight and blood sugar levels, using Janumet as part of my healthcare routine. Recognizing the importance of sobriety in my life, I've chosen to abstain from alcohol and receive monthly Vivitrol shots. Mental well-being is a key aspect of my journey, so I engage in weekly therapy sessions and meet with my psychiatr...

Imagine my surprise when the new superstore next door was more puzzle than one-stop solution. I'm usually a Walmart and Target kind of person, but this new place caught my eye, especially with the holiday buzz. 🎄 Armed with a list of about 10 grocery items, I ventured into the superstore, only to find three of them. Disappointed but not deterred, I headed to their toy section. Here's where my heart was set on finding something very special – Ms. Marvel action figures 🦸‍. You see, Ms. Marvel isn...

I recently had a laugh with a product I bought from Amazon. The warranty card? It hilariously directed me to 'gamil.com' instead of 'gmail.com'! 😒 Yet? 😂 I do this all the time myself. Trust in the Digital World This got me thinking about trust in our digital world. We all lean on giants like Apple, Google, or Microsoft with our data without a second thought. Big names, big trust, right? But what about the underdogs? 🤔 In my quest for the perfect digital tool to store notes, docs, and photos,...

Hello *everyone!👋* Just wanted to share my latest project: building a custom NAS from scratch. It's been quite a journey, turning a pile of parts into a fully functioning storage beast. Here's a rundown of how it all came together. 🛒 The Hardware List Base Machine: Acer Aspire XC XC-1660G-UW91 (-94 or simiar) x1 Memory Upgrade: Crucial RAM 64GB Kit (2x32GB) DDR4 3200MHz CL22 Desktop Memory CT2K32G4DFD832A x1 SAS to SATA Cables: OIKWAN Mini SAS to 4 SATA Cable x2 Power Splitter Cables: SDTC T...

Today, I found myself engrossed in a remarkable book titled "Unthinkable" by Helen Thomson. Each chapter unfolds like a captivating mystery, leaving me with an array of thought-provoking questions. One particular aspect that struck me was in Chapter 8, where Thomson delves into the perplexing world of Cotard’s syndrome. This condition leads individuals to firmly believe they are deceased, a concept that was entirely new to me. It made me wonder: could individuals in a vegetative state, seemingly...

🤖 Very soon, virtual reality will have a major influence on how companies interact with customers. Due to the immersive nature of virtual reality technology, customers will be able to experience products and services before they buy them. This has an impact on customer service interactions since sales that succeed will be driven by client education, not persuasion.  With VR technology being so accessible, every brand is going to have a presence in this space. Therefore, successful brands need t...

🌐 With the rise of social media, the way we interact with each other has changed. It’s now more common for people to have passive conversations online, rather than talking in person or on the phone. This change has affected customer service, as companies are now dealing with customers through social media channels instead of traditional ones like phone or email. This shift can be difficult for companies, as they need to adapt their customer service strategies to account for the way people are u...