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MunVaRay

Hey there! 👋 I'm a solution architect by day, diving deep into the world of tech. My tech love affair doesn't end with the workday; I'm always learning to code 💻, buried in my Kindle📚 and Audible🎧 libraries, or tuning into the latest podcasts 👂 to keep up with tech trends. But there's more to me than just tech! I'm on a mission to decode myself, physically 💪, mentally 🧠, and spiritually 🌟. Think of me as a human machine in beta-testing—constantly updating and troubleshooting to operate at my best 🔧. And yes, I have a soft spot for humor too 😄. OMG! Yes this is the alt-ego here. 🫠

Pride and Puzzlement

April 17, 2024•126 words

🌟 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 ...

The Curious Afterlife of Your Ex-Phone Numbers

April 16, 2024•234 words

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...

Secret Lines and Sesame Street

April 15, 2024•443 words

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 ...

Light Up Your Garden: The Enchanting World of Firefly Petunias

April 5, 2024•1,766 words

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 101

April 2, 2024•366 words

🌐 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...

Salesforce 101

March 27, 2024•271 words

🌟 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...

AWS 101

March 14, 2024•364 words

🌐 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...

CTRL + ALT + DEL | Pakistan Rebooted

February 12, 2024•751 words

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 ...

Examining the PPP 2024 Manifesto through a Climate Justice Lens

February 3, 2024•612 words

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. This journey led me to the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) 2024 manifesto, a document outlining ambitious plans for climate resilience and sustainable development. While my first essay laid the groundwork for understanding the core issues of historical emissions, unequal impacts...

A Curious Dive into Climate Justice

February 1, 2024•600 words

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...

Beyond the Main Character

January 31, 2024•789 words

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...

Impulses - Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024 at 2:14 PM

January 30, 2024•230 words

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...

Thought of the day - Friday, Jan 26, 2024 at 1:16 PM

January 26, 2024•135 words

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...

Things to do in Allen Texas in 2024

January 26, 2024•395 words

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...

Whispers of the Mother

January 25, 2024•243 words

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...

Dear Pakistan of 2023,

January 4, 2024•542 words

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 ...

Concluding My Cultural Treasure Hunt

December 27, 2023•331 words

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...

The formula that works for me!

November 25, 2023•350 words

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...

Beyond the Capes and Aisles

November 16, 2023•498 words

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...

Trust, Typos, and Tech Tools Thursday ⛈️🧑‍💻⚙️

November 16, 2023•266 words

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,...

Building a new unRaid NAS 🛠️💾

November 14, 2023•702 words

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...

Exploring the Unthinkable: Fascinating Insights from a Journey into the Brain 🧠

November 9, 2023•577 words

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...

Sharing images through Google Drive 🖼️💾🔎

November 6, 2023•72 words

Here's a helpful tip for sharing images 🖼️ through Google Drive: To make sure an image from Google Drive is visible when shared, modify the URL. Locate the part of the URL that says file/d/<imageid>/view?usp=sharing. Change this touc?export=view&id=<imageid>. This adjustment ensures that the image is directly accessible to others. 👍For example, the URL https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lbz3MPIRK_bKT1ox/view?usp=sharing should be changed to https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view...

Customer Experience in the Metaverse 🌌🕶️🛍️

January 15, 2022•749 words

🤖 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...

Customer Service in the Age of Social Media 📱🤝🌐

December 16, 2021•306 words

🌐 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...