First, a quick sports update. My touch football team suffered another crushing loss. Although I had 4 receptions, on defense a heartbreaking play on a bomb was crushing. Although I clearly got a hand on the ball, it was not enough to alter the trajectory, allowing the receiver to catch the deflection for a touchdown. We lost 49-0.
I shall unleash my fury today on the kickball field. The pain suffered on the gridiron shall be avenged.
On a less depressing note, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the Pakistani Spectator. A fellow by the name of Ghazala Khan contacted me . He is interested in hearing the stories of bloggers around the world.
I happily agreed to be interviewed since I believe in the power of the internet to bring people closer together. When people develop a better understanding of each other, society benefits.
I now consider the Pakistani Spectator a friend of the Tygrrrr Express.
Below is the interview.
http://www.pakspectator.com/interview-with-blogger-tygrrrr-express/
Interview with Blogger Tygrrrr Express
By The Pakistani Spectator • Jul 17th, 2008 • Category: Interviews • (3,398 views) • No Responses
Would you please tell us something about you and your site?
My site is the Tygrrrr Express.
During the week I blog about politics. Mainly I stick to American politics, occasionally delving into the Arab-Israeli conflict. I write from a Jewish perspective. I am politically conservative. On the weekends, I either write about American football, or other lighthearted human interest stories.
Do you feel that you continue to grow in your writing the longer you write? Why is that important to you?
I believe growth is important in anything, be it financially, spiritually, intellectually, or in any other way. One either grows or dies. There is no inbetween. I have grown rapidly since I began 16 months ago, but I am always learning.
I’m wondering what some of your memorable experiences are with blogging?
I have had the chance to meet many people I admire, and conduct quality interviews with them. I have also met many nice people over the blogosphere, and look to meeting more.
What do you do in order to keep up your communication with other bloggers?
It is difficult to keep in touch, as it is with people in real life. People spend so much time on their own blog that they often do not have time for others. I try to send emails to other bloggers just to say hello.
What do you think is the most exciting or most innovative use of technology in politics right now?
I think You-tube is fun, but photo shop is the one that is really interesting. It allowed people to see that Iran only launched three missiles instead of four. Playing with photography allows for creativity. People respond to various stimuli, and anything creative will set them apart. I know that is a boring answer, but when all is said and done, individuality is the key.
What do you think sets Your site apart from others?
I believe my strange sense of humor allows me to tackle serious issues with a more lighthearted perspective. Some things, such as tragic deaths, will never be funny. However, most things are less serious than people make them out to be. I bring a fun side to the issues of the day.
If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
I am a pretty ordinary man. I would say I have been blessed with the best friends a guy could ask for. All of my friendships are long term, spanning a couple decades, and more. I am only 36, and have had several friends for over half of my life.
What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
People can read my blog for that answer.
If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for – what would your top 3 choices be?
I have never been to Australia, Europe, or Israel. I am visiting Israel in 3 weeks, and am very excited.
What is your favorite book and why?
I like the Iliad. It is a book about war between mythological creatures.
What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
How they treat people.
Is there anyone from your past that once told you you couldn’t write?
Not that I recall. If they did, I ignored them thankfully. 
How bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
The key is to write well. Everything else will fall into place.
Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
Not at all. It takes me about 30 minutes to write a column. It comes naturally to me.
What role can bloggers of the world play to make this world more friendlier and less hostile?
Nations can fight, but individuals do not have to blindly follow their nation. I can be friends with any good person. I know little about Pakistan, but would be honored to make friends with Pakistani bloggers.
Who are your top five favourite bloggers?
In no particular order, I like Mary Katharine Ham, Hugh Hewitt, Michelle Malkin, and other American political bloggers.
Is there one observation or column or post that has gotten the most powerful reaction from people?
I have had several columns that have gotten attention. Rather than pick one, I just hope people take the time to read them for themselves. It is like trying to choose which child is the favorite. I cannot do so.
What is your perception about Pakistan and its people?
The few experiences I have had with people from Pakistan have been very positive. I find Pakistanis to be very intelligent and hardworking people. I find them to be good people, and the ones I have met have been very friendly.
Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger?
I think many bloggers are unique in their own way. Each human being is a creature of God, and there are so many “diamonds in the rough.”
What is the most striking difference between a developed country and a developing country?
I would say that a combination of democracy, freedom, resources, and technology can all play a role. China is very advanced in many ways, but still needs to become more democratic. They have phenomenal human capital. South Africa had many fabulous resources such as diamonds, but Apartheid slowed their rise as a developed nation. What I love about America is that we are free. We are not perfect, but freedom is a good start.
What is the future of blogging?
It will only grow bigger. There are no limits to how high the sky is for the blogosphere.
You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
I do not discuss my job on my blog. I mention what industry I am in, but not my company name. I do not mention the names of my family, friends, or loved ones. Their private lives stay private. Other bloggers choose to reveal everything. I prefer to let the readers judge my writing, not my personal life.
What are your future plans?
To be a husband and father, succeed in my professional life, and grow my blog. Most importantly, I wish to be a respected member of my community.
Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
I would like to thank the Pakistani Spectator for asking such valuable questions. I suspect I have made a new friend today. May God bless all good people of the world, wherever they live.
eric
I’d love for you to do an interview with Ghazala Khan. There’s so much we all would like to know about Pakistan. I worked with Pakistanis in the shipping biz, and like most Indians I know, they were cordial, witty, smart, worldly, and pleasant folks. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of mistrust between Americans and Pakistanis these days. It is understandable, but again unfortunate. I have to admit, good ol’ ultra-liberal Jersey McJones was very uncomfortable doing business with Karachi. It’s a shame. If our good host can communicate with bloggers over there, boy o’ boy does that ever show there’s hope.
I’m very proud of the Black Tygrrrr for this post, and proud to be a patron of this blog.
Excellent post, JMJ
I think we oughta slap the Pakistani leadership upside the head and ask em whats up ?
Maybe we could gain some insight from the Pakistani spectator as to why Al Queda and the Taliban are being allowed to literally get away with murder in their country and make the North their own little sanctuary ?
I’d love to understand that a little better myself, Micky.
Just the same, I remember, some years ago, a reporter asked Kissinger what the most dangerous place, most likely nuclear conflict on Earth was in the then upcoming century, and he said it was between India and Pakistan. THAT is what I’d like to know more about.
JMJ
FEAR.
I’m willing to bet.
The pain of the crushing football loss was avenged. I unleashed rage and fury on the kickball field, and the pink team built a 4-0 lead, prevailing 4-2.
Our team, the Ballbusters, is solid.
eric
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