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Tongue Depressors & Ice Cream Sticks October 16, 2005

Posted by atharkhan in : Personal, Review , 5comments

If you have ever wondered what its like to stick a couple of Tongue Depressors or even Ice Cream sticks up your nose, let me tell you…. NOT FUN! :-)

I got Sinus Surgery 4 days ago. I will spare you the details but the one thing I HAVE to mention is that having two of these things on either side of the nasal septum as splints feels like someone stuck something up your nose… which is what they did anyway. Okay, so it is what it feels like. The point is that it doesnt really hurt too bad but it sure is irritating!

Now, some of the “higher end” splints have a tiny straw like passage on the sides to allow for breathing while other “Wal-Mart” types do not. I am not sure which kind I have. I will find out tomorrow when they yank them out.

I really shouldnt complain about this procedure at all. This whole thing was a joke compared to the kind of pain I was expecting. Sure, there was a lot of pain (and nausea) but it really wasnt even close to what I expected. And, I had a good friend around to pamper me so it was even easier to get through it. All in all, it hasnt been too bad so far. But then again, its only day 4. There are plenty of days left to go before everything is normal again.

Pakistan Earthquake - American Corporations Respond October 12, 2005

Posted by atharkhan in : Personal , add a comment

I am trying to compile a list of US Corporations that have offered assistance to those affected by the earthquake in Pakistan.

This is what I have so far:

Please post your comments below if you know of other organizations that are doing the same. I will add them to the list.

Thank you.

Pakistan Earthquake - A Sample Letter You Can Send to Your HR/Marketing Department October 12, 2005

Posted by atharkhan in : Personal , add a comment

If youre wondering how to approach your employer, school or any other organization, here are a short and a long sample letter created by Laiq K. Chughtai.

Please feel free to copy the text, and make any changes you like. Then send it any organization that would be receptive to it.

1. Short Version

Dear ,

As you are aware, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, hit Pakistan on Saturday, October 8th. This is the worst national disaster in Pakistan’s history; and it is fast becoming one of the deadliest earthquakes on record. Over 30,000 lives have been lost already and it appears that the final death toll will be much worse. Tens of thousands of survivors have experienced serious and crippling physical injuries while their homes, livelihoods and possessions assets have all been wiped out. As of right now, approximately 50,000 people are injured and 4.5 million people are homeless.

Several major US companies such as Intel, Qualcomm, Cisco and Applied Materials have stepped forward in establishing donation and donation matching programs. I request that also consider providing assistance in this human tragedy. Many local and international relief agencies such as the Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps.org/), Relief International (www.ri.org), Islamic Relief Worldwide (www.irw.org), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (www.ifrc.org) have a presence on the ground in Pakistan. A donation matching program can be established with any one of these or other organizations.

Please let me know if I can provide any assistance.

Thank you,

2. Long Version

Dear ,

As you are aware, a devastating earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, hit Pakistan on Saturday, October 8th. This is the worst national disaster in Pakistan’s history; and it is fast becoming one of the deadliest earthquakes on record. Over 30,000 lives have been lost already and it appears that the final death toll will be much worse. Tens of thousands of survivors have experienced serious and crippling physical injuries while their homes, livelihoods and possessions assets have all been wiped out. As of right now, approximately 50,000 people are injured and 4.5 million people are homeless.

The most urgent task at hand is to rescue the people (especially children) who are still buried under the rubble. Those who have been rescued need access to clean drinking water, food, clothing and shelter. The lack thereof poses a serious hazard of cholera and pneumonia. With the harsh winter climate less than six weeks away, time is of the essence. But perhaps the most difficult task in this horrendous ordeal is the rehabilitation of several million people who have lost their homes, their families and in some cases even their towns where entire generations have perished.

Any government or infrastructure would require assistance with a disaster of such magnitude. The Pakistani government, along with the governments of many nations including the US, has started major relief operations in conjunction with international relief organizations. There is however a serious need of economic and technological assistance to sustain the search & rescue and rehabilitation missions.

Several major US companies such as Intel Corporation, Cisco Systems and AMAT have stepped forward in establishing donation and donation matching programs. has a great track record in stepping forward as a company to assist in humanitarian relief following natural disasters anywhere in the world, be it Katrina in the U.S, the Tsunami in Asia or the earthquake in Gujarat, India. I sincerely hope that will keep that tradition alive during this on-going human tragedy.

Many local and international relief agencies like the Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps.org/), Relief International (www.ri.org), Islamic Relief Worldwide (www.irw.org), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (www.ifrc.org) have a presence on the ground in Pakistan. A donation matching program can be established with any one of these or other organizations.

Thank you,