Social SKY DIVE
Felix Baumgartner, the Australian dare devil jumped from a staggering 24 miles above the Earth beating the record of the Mexican Joe Kittinger of 19.5 miles set in 1960. Felix with his jump has broken the speed of sound and is the first man to do so. He on the other hand made new records in the world of social networking as well, after he landed to Earth.
Streamed by more than 130 digital outlets, over 7.3 million viewers were watching as Felix sat on the edge of capsule just before the jump. Before the jump when he was ascending in to space, the viewers on YouTube ascended with him to watch him live when the streaming links were heavily shared on Facebook and Twitter at the same time.
Facebook reported that after Felix landed, within 40 minutes, his image on his knees after the landing was shared 29000 times generating 216000 likes and 10000 comments just as fast as his jump.
Facebook was not the only site; Twitter showed that Felix’s jump was the most trending topic all over the world crossing Justin Beiber and seven National Football League games played at the same time. Celebrities, athletes from all over the tweeted on Felix and congratulated on his record breaking jump.
Monday, 22 October 2012
Happy Birthday Professor
On 22nd October one of the living legends of modern managing football, Arsene Wenger was born. Wenger when appointed by Arsenal FC in 1996 as the first foreign manager got criticism from the British media and the Arsenal squad of “Where did this schoolteacher come from?” and “Arsene Who?” was so not surprising.
The first of many things that Wenger changed was the diet of footballers. Players, who previously had steak before match and a bar of Mars after the match was removed from the menu. The Frenchman emphasized on having boiled vegetables, fish and rice which he got to know was the healthiest diet after spending two years in Japan.
The changes in diet was followed by squad, Wenger brought in the likes of Patrick Viera, Petit, Overmars and more French players to join the team was a stroke of genius and something that would eventually lead the side away from the 'Boring, Boring, Arsenal' and '1-0 to the Arsenal' chants of old. Much success would follow.
The first season under Wenger had nothing in it except some changes in expectations for the fans for the next season to come. Arsenal finished third and had no trophy. The next season was a massive turn around. Arsenal were already crowned the champions without playing the last two matches and won the FA cup two weeks later. Wenger’s plane had taken off. Today after 16 years Arsene Wenger has won three titles with Arsenal including an unbeaten season of Invincibles, four FA cups and Champions League qualification every year. His records and hard work with Arsenal FC has made him one of the best managers in England and around the world. The most successful manager in the history of Arsenal Fc is no birthday man. But as fan of Arsenal and Wenger I dedicate my blog to the Frenchman who made me love football. Happy Birthday Sir. In Arsene We Trust !
On 22nd October one of the living legends of modern managing football, Arsene Wenger was born. Wenger when appointed by Arsenal FC in 1996 as the first foreign manager got criticism from the British media and the Arsenal squad of “Where did this schoolteacher come from?” and “Arsene Who?” was so not surprising.
The first of many things that Wenger changed was the diet of footballers. Players, who previously had steak before match and a bar of Mars after the match was removed from the menu. The Frenchman emphasized on having boiled vegetables, fish and rice which he got to know was the healthiest diet after spending two years in Japan.
The changes in diet was followed by squad, Wenger brought in the likes of Patrick Viera, Petit, Overmars and more French players to join the team was a stroke of genius and something that would eventually lead the side away from the 'Boring, Boring, Arsenal' and '1-0 to the Arsenal' chants of old. Much success would follow.
The first season under Wenger had nothing in it except some changes in expectations for the fans for the next season to come. Arsenal finished third and had no trophy. The next season was a massive turn around. Arsenal were already crowned the champions without playing the last two matches and won the FA cup two weeks later. Wenger’s plane had taken off. Today after 16 years Arsene Wenger has won three titles with Arsenal including an unbeaten season of Invincibles, four FA cups and Champions League qualification every year. His records and hard work with Arsenal FC has made him one of the best managers in England and around the world. The most successful manager in the history of Arsenal Fc is no birthday man. But as fan of Arsenal and Wenger I dedicate my blog to the Frenchman who made me love football. Happy Birthday Sir. In Arsene We Trust !
Record
Breakers !
Watching the news all day in Pakistan is sad and depressing, the recent incident of Malala and the target killings of Karachi seem to never end. But in this darkest of screens Pakistani media was able to find some light. Pakistan may not be successful when it comes to Olympics but they sure were in breaking and making not one but 5 Guinness World Records.
It all started on Saturday 20th October 2012 when in Lahore Hockey Stadium a massive population of 42,813 gathered to sing the National Anthem of Pakistan. By doing so they set a new world record beating India who previously had the record of 15,243.
This wasn’t the end. On Sunday, a 12 year old girl, Mehak Gul, with her one hand set a new world record of arranging a chessboard in 45 seconds. Pakistani’s also showed why chapatti belongs to them. Mohammed Mansha while mixing, kneading, spinning and cooking took only three minutes and 14 seconds set a new world record of making chapatti breads. These records set by Mansha and Mehak were attempted for the first time so let’s hope they remain unchallenged and unchanged.
The current Pakistan smashed the previous Pakistan record when Ahmed Amin was able to land martial arts kicks in the punching bag 616 times. Previous record set by Pakistan was 612 kicks.
Daniel Gill and Mohammed Rizwan with their heads high, down, left, right and everywhere were able to manage 335 consecutive football headers between them to set a new world record in just 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
Engineering has been one of the strengths of Pakistan after its birth and the nation who faces load shedding everyday produced a talent like Mohammed Nauman who was able to light a household plug in just 35 seconds, new world record.
All these events were a part of Lahore Youth festival and were held under the watchful eye of the adjudicator of Guinness World Records, Gareth Deaves. He was shocked to witness the ignored Pakistani talent with no exposure.
Well done Pakistan, congratulations Pakistanis you have shown to the world that all is not wrong here. 99.9% of the Pakistanis are peace loving and contributing to the peace and welfare of the world.
Watching the news all day in Pakistan is sad and depressing, the recent incident of Malala and the target killings of Karachi seem to never end. But in this darkest of screens Pakistani media was able to find some light. Pakistan may not be successful when it comes to Olympics but they sure were in breaking and making not one but 5 Guinness World Records.
It all started on Saturday 20th October 2012 when in Lahore Hockey Stadium a massive population of 42,813 gathered to sing the National Anthem of Pakistan. By doing so they set a new world record beating India who previously had the record of 15,243.
This wasn’t the end. On Sunday, a 12 year old girl, Mehak Gul, with her one hand set a new world record of arranging a chessboard in 45 seconds. Pakistani’s also showed why chapatti belongs to them. Mohammed Mansha while mixing, kneading, spinning and cooking took only three minutes and 14 seconds set a new world record of making chapatti breads. These records set by Mansha and Mehak were attempted for the first time so let’s hope they remain unchallenged and unchanged.
The current Pakistan smashed the previous Pakistan record when Ahmed Amin was able to land martial arts kicks in the punching bag 616 times. Previous record set by Pakistan was 612 kicks.
Daniel Gill and Mohammed Rizwan with their heads high, down, left, right and everywhere were able to manage 335 consecutive football headers between them to set a new world record in just 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
Engineering has been one of the strengths of Pakistan after its birth and the nation who faces load shedding everyday produced a talent like Mohammed Nauman who was able to light a household plug in just 35 seconds, new world record.
All these events were a part of Lahore Youth festival and were held under the watchful eye of the adjudicator of Guinness World Records, Gareth Deaves. He was shocked to witness the ignored Pakistani talent with no exposure.
Well done Pakistan, congratulations Pakistanis you have shown to the world that all is not wrong here. 99.9% of the Pakistanis are peace loving and contributing to the peace and welfare of the world.
Trick or Treat
Halloween comes at the end of October and celebrated by millions throughout the world. Dressing up in costumes is amazing but for kids the Trick and Treat candy is the highlight.
It all started from 1911, Ontario, Canada when there was a publication which asked for kids to dress up, go to house by house and sing to ask for candies and nuts. Similar reports emerged from Chicago, it wasn’t called the trick or treat but the ritual had begun.
The Trick or Treat tradition was influenced by number of European immigrants that came to America in 19th century. In medieval times, poor individuals would go door to door and beg for food in return of prayers to the family’s dead relatives. They were given ‘soul cakes’ (bread with currants), this day was called Hallowmas, practiced as early as 14th century.
In England, children go door to door to collect pennies which they later spend it on fireworks. In Sweden children wear costumes to trick-or-treat on the Thursday before Easter, while Danish children do so on Shrove Monday, and Norway children do so between Christmas and New Year’s.
As reported by the National Confectioners Association there are currently about 80 percent of adults in the United States buy candy in anticipation of children trick-or-treaters on October 31st, and 94 percent of children participate in the ritual.
Halloween comes at the end of October and celebrated by millions throughout the world. Dressing up in costumes is amazing but for kids the Trick and Treat candy is the highlight.
It all started from 1911, Ontario, Canada when there was a publication which asked for kids to dress up, go to house by house and sing to ask for candies and nuts. Similar reports emerged from Chicago, it wasn’t called the trick or treat but the ritual had begun.
The Trick or Treat tradition was influenced by number of European immigrants that came to America in 19th century. In medieval times, poor individuals would go door to door and beg for food in return of prayers to the family’s dead relatives. They were given ‘soul cakes’ (bread with currants), this day was called Hallowmas, practiced as early as 14th century.
In England, children go door to door to collect pennies which they later spend it on fireworks. In Sweden children wear costumes to trick-or-treat on the Thursday before Easter, while Danish children do so on Shrove Monday, and Norway children do so between Christmas and New Year’s.
As reported by the National Confectioners Association there are currently about 80 percent of adults in the United States buy candy in anticipation of children trick-or-treaters on October 31st, and 94 percent of children participate in the ritual.
The Modern Superpower
Intelligent, Well-dressed, agile, independent and sharp-witted; The women of today is the new Super Power. Women have changed the world upside down and given competition to men in all departments since they have ‘come out’. Those women who still are tied to traditional responsibility of family and kids, kitchen and culinary can counter this men-dominant world where woman has to suffer. The dictum, ' women should be seen and not heard' is still very much alive! Men still find it very difficult to accept new ideas when it originates from a woman.
Women are now commonly found on two-wheelers especially in Asian countries like China and Malaysia in the past few years. Look at their economy and growth. However it is not possible for woman to reach on time to office after getting the kids ready to school and husband to work but it is possible for husbands to go to work on their own and help wife with kids if small for school to create enough time space for the woman of the house to reach office on time.
Women are happy to go out and compete with men while sharing the same stage then only will the differences in wages, equal opportunities and acceptance of women will decrease. The advantages for these women are that they are able to find the kind of man who after being her husband becomes not only a partner in marriage but also in life. And when every other woman is like that, it will be the Men who will have to change their backward ideas about women in order to have them, and have them happy.
The modern woman can easily handle the pressure between her family and her career interests. She can easily treasure both roles of wife and mother if given a chance. Today we need the women to step out since I believe they are the ones’ who can bring a change this world needs. Only mothers can make an army which man cannot.
Intelligent, Well-dressed, agile, independent and sharp-witted; The women of today is the new Super Power. Women have changed the world upside down and given competition to men in all departments since they have ‘come out’. Those women who still are tied to traditional responsibility of family and kids, kitchen and culinary can counter this men-dominant world where woman has to suffer. The dictum, ' women should be seen and not heard' is still very much alive! Men still find it very difficult to accept new ideas when it originates from a woman.
Women are now commonly found on two-wheelers especially in Asian countries like China and Malaysia in the past few years. Look at their economy and growth. However it is not possible for woman to reach on time to office after getting the kids ready to school and husband to work but it is possible for husbands to go to work on their own and help wife with kids if small for school to create enough time space for the woman of the house to reach office on time.
Women are happy to go out and compete with men while sharing the same stage then only will the differences in wages, equal opportunities and acceptance of women will decrease. The advantages for these women are that they are able to find the kind of man who after being her husband becomes not only a partner in marriage but also in life. And when every other woman is like that, it will be the Men who will have to change their backward ideas about women in order to have them, and have them happy.
The modern woman can easily handle the pressure between her family and her career interests. She can easily treasure both roles of wife and mother if given a chance. Today we need the women to step out since I believe they are the ones’ who can bring a change this world needs. Only mothers can make an army which man cannot.
Humor is Happiness
Humor not only makes you happy and gives you laughs for a short time but it’s a necessity or an addictive drug we cannot live without. Imagine waking up early, going to university/office, reading/working for 8 hours with breaks, going back to home, having dinner and going back to sleep. Well, probably that’s a life millions of people share in life but what makes it interesting on daily basis is the humor in life to entertain even the dullest form of life.
One thing is for sure that I can’t spend a day without laughing and cracking some jokes around. Life without jokes has no meaning to it and I would prefer dying than living if you take all the humor out of my life. I will love you if you put some more of humor in it. We all have a friend who is the clown of the group. Why not be that clown? Because the humor that clown provides is the unifying force between friends, even if the group has just one clown, because of him/her all the persons can have a good time as long as nobody is hurt.
If you are able to discover the everyday humor life has to offer, I bet you will start loving it despite all of its ups and downs. Life isn’t fair but it definitely is worth living but if we learn to see and discover things through humor it isn’t that bad after all. Take some time and think when the last time you laughed your tummy to pain was?
Humor not only makes you happy and gives you laughs for a short time but it’s a necessity or an addictive drug we cannot live without. Imagine waking up early, going to university/office, reading/working for 8 hours with breaks, going back to home, having dinner and going back to sleep. Well, probably that’s a life millions of people share in life but what makes it interesting on daily basis is the humor in life to entertain even the dullest form of life.
One thing is for sure that I can’t spend a day without laughing and cracking some jokes around. Life without jokes has no meaning to it and I would prefer dying than living if you take all the humor out of my life. I will love you if you put some more of humor in it. We all have a friend who is the clown of the group. Why not be that clown? Because the humor that clown provides is the unifying force between friends, even if the group has just one clown, because of him/her all the persons can have a good time as long as nobody is hurt.
If you are able to discover the everyday humor life has to offer, I bet you will start loving it despite all of its ups and downs. Life isn’t fair but it definitely is worth living but if we learn to see and discover things through humor it isn’t that bad after all. Take some time and think when the last time you laughed your tummy to pain was?
Rise and Fall
Not so long ago, let’s say five years back, BlackBerry also known as BB had its name right ahead in one of the most sophisticated, prestigious and sought after mobile phone company in the world. The BB targeted the business class people with elegancy, ultra-posh-ness and classy touch to it. Things were going pretty smooth for the RIM Ltd. (developer of BlackBerry) until Apple launched its Iphone followed by the powerful operating system of Android. The wars between Android and Iphone gained momentum but who suffered the most was the ultra-hot BlackBerry. BB who got no attention felt left out.
According to comScore RIM Ltd had an amazing 43% share of the market three years ago which soon was dominated by Apple and Google owned Android. Today Apple has a staggering 33.4% market share and Android continues to dominate the world by its 52.2% market share. BB is somewhere lost in its own bubble of attraction of the BBM, The BlackBerry Messenger. This is the only application from where RIM is earning profits from. Even that is being replaced by Applications like Whatsapp and Viber which are much cheaper than the BB services.
The fall of BB was because of two main reasons.
Firstly, the new smartphones in the form of Iphone and Android were so powerful that they easily took the place between the companies who offered BB to their employees to maintain a business relationship inside the firm. In case where the companies did offer only BB, employees used another smartphones to satisfy their requirements of leisure time which made the companies to come up with “any-phone policy”.
Secondly, BB lacked innovation and evolution of the period of time where Android and Apple had done wonders with their technology. Blackberry phones remained highly traditional with the same old design, same old interface and same old functionality. It did not evolve as per expected. All the BB users might feel sad but honestly there is nothing left in BB now what used to be the best brand at one time. I prefer a Nokia over the BB who has come up with the Windows Phone operating system where as I am still not sure what BB will come up with from which the people can use and say “yes, that’s something new and amazing”.
Not so long ago, let’s say five years back, BlackBerry also known as BB had its name right ahead in one of the most sophisticated, prestigious and sought after mobile phone company in the world. The BB targeted the business class people with elegancy, ultra-posh-ness and classy touch to it. Things were going pretty smooth for the RIM Ltd. (developer of BlackBerry) until Apple launched its Iphone followed by the powerful operating system of Android. The wars between Android and Iphone gained momentum but who suffered the most was the ultra-hot BlackBerry. BB who got no attention felt left out.
According to comScore RIM Ltd had an amazing 43% share of the market three years ago which soon was dominated by Apple and Google owned Android. Today Apple has a staggering 33.4% market share and Android continues to dominate the world by its 52.2% market share. BB is somewhere lost in its own bubble of attraction of the BBM, The BlackBerry Messenger. This is the only application from where RIM is earning profits from. Even that is being replaced by Applications like Whatsapp and Viber which are much cheaper than the BB services.
The fall of BB was because of two main reasons.
Firstly, the new smartphones in the form of Iphone and Android were so powerful that they easily took the place between the companies who offered BB to their employees to maintain a business relationship inside the firm. In case where the companies did offer only BB, employees used another smartphones to satisfy their requirements of leisure time which made the companies to come up with “any-phone policy”.
Secondly, BB lacked innovation and evolution of the period of time where Android and Apple had done wonders with their technology. Blackberry phones remained highly traditional with the same old design, same old interface and same old functionality. It did not evolve as per expected. All the BB users might feel sad but honestly there is nothing left in BB now what used to be the best brand at one time. I prefer a Nokia over the BB who has come up with the Windows Phone operating system where as I am still not sure what BB will come up with from which the people can use and say “yes, that’s something new and amazing”.
Football
Racism
The English football making huge strides against eliminating Racism is now seen as a truism. The cases of England and Serbian U-21, John Terry and Anton Ferdinand and Suarez and Evra incident proves that their attempts to kick racism out of football have been nothing but a waste of time.
The Football Association of England (FA) apparently has worked to eliminate racism but their recent verdicts on John Terry and Suarez incidents if compared are pointing fingers back to them only.
On 15th October 2011, Liverpool hosted their fiercest rivals Manchester United. Hours later, Luiz Suarez, Liverpool and Uruguay international striker was accused of racially abusing Manchester United’s Partice Evra. Not even a month after, Suarez was handed a 8 match ban by the FA and charged punishment of a £40,000 fine.
Apart from these punishments Suarez had to face the English media where he was called a RACIST and also the people who stood with Suarez. Never mind.
Terry incident took place 8 days after Suarez’s incident who was accused of hurling racist abuse at QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Despite this fact, the Englishmen did not face up to his charge in 2011 and the hearings kept on postponing only because Terry could represent his country to which the FA belongs in European country matches which clearly reflected nepotism.
Nepotism is another kind of racism in today’s world and if these bodies who govern the footballing world are like this Racism will only begin and never end.
The English football making huge strides against eliminating Racism is now seen as a truism. The cases of England and Serbian U-21, John Terry and Anton Ferdinand and Suarez and Evra incident proves that their attempts to kick racism out of football have been nothing but a waste of time.
The Football Association of England (FA) apparently has worked to eliminate racism but their recent verdicts on John Terry and Suarez incidents if compared are pointing fingers back to them only.
On 15th October 2011, Liverpool hosted their fiercest rivals Manchester United. Hours later, Luiz Suarez, Liverpool and Uruguay international striker was accused of racially abusing Manchester United’s Partice Evra. Not even a month after, Suarez was handed a 8 match ban by the FA and charged punishment of a £40,000 fine.
Apart from these punishments Suarez had to face the English media where he was called a RACIST and also the people who stood with Suarez. Never mind.
Terry incident took place 8 days after Suarez’s incident who was accused of hurling racist abuse at QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Despite this fact, the Englishmen did not face up to his charge in 2011 and the hearings kept on postponing only because Terry could represent his country to which the FA belongs in European country matches which clearly reflected nepotism.
Nepotism is another kind of racism in today’s world and if these bodies who govern the footballing world are like this Racism will only begin and never end.
Why Hybrid Cars?
The Hybrid vehicle after its introduction in 1999 by the Honda Motors did not become as popular as it is now today. Why? Because at that time the fuel was affordable and all they cared about was to have a powerful engine under the hood. Times have changed everything. Popular today is the one who has the most efficient engine in terms of fuel consumption under the hood.
Hybrid vehicles have the biggest market in the world now when it comes to cars. It uses the combination of mainly two sources which are electric motors and the internal combustion itself which work together.
Although Honda was the first company to launch a hybrid in the form of Honda Insight, the two seater car was branded by the critics as small and impractical. Jump on to today, every other car who isn’t a hybrid wants to become one and all the major Car manufacturing companies have turned their heads to hybrid engines.
Toyota Prius is the most-selling brand in the hybrid vehicle market. The Prius is nearly synonymous with the word “hybrid”. Prius costs around $24000 and gives an average of 50 MPG (miles per gallon). Not the highest average but this synergy vehicle with its drive and easy maintenance has won millions of hearts across the world.
The Hybrid vehicle after its introduction in 1999 by the Honda Motors did not become as popular as it is now today. Why? Because at that time the fuel was affordable and all they cared about was to have a powerful engine under the hood. Times have changed everything. Popular today is the one who has the most efficient engine in terms of fuel consumption under the hood.
Hybrid vehicles have the biggest market in the world now when it comes to cars. It uses the combination of mainly two sources which are electric motors and the internal combustion itself which work together.
Although Honda was the first company to launch a hybrid in the form of Honda Insight, the two seater car was branded by the critics as small and impractical. Jump on to today, every other car who isn’t a hybrid wants to become one and all the major Car manufacturing companies have turned their heads to hybrid engines.
Toyota Prius is the most-selling brand in the hybrid vehicle market. The Prius is nearly synonymous with the word “hybrid”. Prius costs around $24000 and gives an average of 50 MPG (miles per gallon). Not the highest average but this synergy vehicle with its drive and easy maintenance has won millions of hearts across the world.
Funny
in LAWS
We live in a world where Law and Order has the authority to set rules and regulations which we as the citizen of that country should follow. Lots of my friends have gone to Canada for their undergraduate studies and the laws they have told me about living in Canada are hilarious. Some of the weird laws that I got to know about are
1. In Nova Scotia a person is not allowed to water their grass when it's raining.
2. In Cobourg, Ontario if you have a water trough in your front yard, it must be filled by 5:00 a.m.
3. In Guelph, Ontario, the city is classified as a no pee zone.
4. In Toronto, Ontario, it's illegal to drag a dead horse down Younge St on a Sunday.
5. In Montreal, Ontario you are not allowed to wash your car in the street or park your car in a way that it blocks your own driveway.
6. In Ottawa, Ontario you are not allowed to eat ice cream on Bank St on a Sunday.
7. In Uxbridge, Ontario it's illegal to have an internet connection faster than 56k.
8. In Kanata, Ontario, believe this, it's illegal to have a clothes line in your back yard.
9. Finally, in Oshawa, Ontario it's illegal to climb trees.
Hard to see that those laws even don’t make sense. How could the authorities come out with something so stupid? I am pretty sure there are more of these laws in Canada. No wonder why Barney Stinson makes fun of Canada in the show How I Met Your Mother!
We live in a world where Law and Order has the authority to set rules and regulations which we as the citizen of that country should follow. Lots of my friends have gone to Canada for their undergraduate studies and the laws they have told me about living in Canada are hilarious. Some of the weird laws that I got to know about are
1. In Nova Scotia a person is not allowed to water their grass when it's raining.
2. In Cobourg, Ontario if you have a water trough in your front yard, it must be filled by 5:00 a.m.
3. In Guelph, Ontario, the city is classified as a no pee zone.
4. In Toronto, Ontario, it's illegal to drag a dead horse down Younge St on a Sunday.
5. In Montreal, Ontario you are not allowed to wash your car in the street or park your car in a way that it blocks your own driveway.
6. In Ottawa, Ontario you are not allowed to eat ice cream on Bank St on a Sunday.
7. In Uxbridge, Ontario it's illegal to have an internet connection faster than 56k.
8. In Kanata, Ontario, believe this, it's illegal to have a clothes line in your back yard.
9. Finally, in Oshawa, Ontario it's illegal to climb trees.
Hard to see that those laws even don’t make sense. How could the authorities come out with something so stupid? I am pretty sure there are more of these laws in Canada. No wonder why Barney Stinson makes fun of Canada in the show How I Met Your Mother!
It’s in the Game
Fifa every year is the most awaited Game of the Year according numerous reports in the world of cyber games. The football fans who are increasing day by day find Fifa the perfect answer to challenge their friends on the rival teams. I play Fifa all night with my friends because I love to watch and play football.
EA SPORTS FIFA 13 captures all the drama and unpredictability of real-world soccer, and is driven by five game-changing innovations which revolutionize artificial intelligence, dribbling, ball control and physical play. It is the largest and deepest feature set in the history of the franchise. These innovations create a true battle for possession across the entire pitch, deliver freedom and creativity in attack, and capture all the drama and unpredictability of the real-world game
FEATURES
Attacking Intelligence - Players have the ability to analyze space, work harder and smarter to break down the defense, and think two plays ahead Plus, players make runs that pull defenders out of position and open passing channels for teammates Complete
Dribbling - Face your opponent and use precise dribble touches combined with true 360-degree mobility with the ball. Be more creative and dangerous in 1v1 opportunities
1st Touch Control - A new system transforms the way players control the ball, eliminating near-perfect touch for every player, and creating more opportunities for defenders to capitalize on errant balls and poor touches to win back possession.
ENJOY THE GAME!
Fifa every year is the most awaited Game of the Year according numerous reports in the world of cyber games. The football fans who are increasing day by day find Fifa the perfect answer to challenge their friends on the rival teams. I play Fifa all night with my friends because I love to watch and play football.
EA SPORTS FIFA 13 captures all the drama and unpredictability of real-world soccer, and is driven by five game-changing innovations which revolutionize artificial intelligence, dribbling, ball control and physical play. It is the largest and deepest feature set in the history of the franchise. These innovations create a true battle for possession across the entire pitch, deliver freedom and creativity in attack, and capture all the drama and unpredictability of the real-world game
FEATURES
Attacking Intelligence - Players have the ability to analyze space, work harder and smarter to break down the defense, and think two plays ahead Plus, players make runs that pull defenders out of position and open passing channels for teammates Complete
Dribbling - Face your opponent and use precise dribble touches combined with true 360-degree mobility with the ball. Be more creative and dangerous in 1v1 opportunities
1st Touch Control - A new system transforms the way players control the ball, eliminating near-perfect touch for every player, and creating more opportunities for defenders to capitalize on errant balls and poor touches to win back possession.
ENJOY THE GAME!
English Premier League
After its birth in 1992, The English Premier League has become the English Popular League in the world. It is today the most-watched football competition around the world. Even in US where Fox Sports have published a record breaking viewership game after game. Why is this all happening and why will the number of viewers keep on rising of the English Premier League is due to following reasons.
The Teams – If you look at past and the biggest clubs in the history of football, you cannot ignore the impact of Manchester United and Liverpool Football Club. These two have been the powerhouse of English and World Football throughout many years but recently Liverpool has been off the pace but is being replaced by teams like Arsenal Fc, Chelsea Fc and Manchester City. All these teams are favorite to win trophies so the competition is always mouthwatering till the end of the season.
The Players – English Premier League is a home to number of talents on the pitch. Developed players like Van Persie, Rooney, Torres, Mata and Cazorla along with the young talents in the form of Jack Wilshere, Chamberlain, Oscar, Hazard, Cleverly makes it irresistible for the viewers.
The Fans- Soccer is nothing without its fans today not only in English football but throughout the world. They make it look beautiful than it really is. EPL fans are known for their passionate support, chants and songs. The example of Liverpool fans who for some years have not seen the glory they would have wanted but their support and the voice keeps on increasing day by day in the search of success which might not be far if the fans continue. The Newcastle United was relegated to a lower division 2 years back and still had the third most number of people to visit the stadium in the whole of UK.
The Money- Where at one stage the EPL was dominated by the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal with the talent they had on the squad sheet, money came in and changed the course of the league. Russian Billionaire bought the Chelsea Fc while Sheikh Mansour owned Manchester City. The money brought more talent outside the English football and thus it made EPL more competitive unlike Spanish Football where it still is two horse race between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
There are plenty of other little reasons why people love the Premiership. Soccer in England really is important to people, many people live, breathe and worship the game. There is something unique about the way the game is played and this inspires millions of people the world over.
After its birth in 1992, The English Premier League has become the English Popular League in the world. It is today the most-watched football competition around the world. Even in US where Fox Sports have published a record breaking viewership game after game. Why is this all happening and why will the number of viewers keep on rising of the English Premier League is due to following reasons.
The Teams – If you look at past and the biggest clubs in the history of football, you cannot ignore the impact of Manchester United and Liverpool Football Club. These two have been the powerhouse of English and World Football throughout many years but recently Liverpool has been off the pace but is being replaced by teams like Arsenal Fc, Chelsea Fc and Manchester City. All these teams are favorite to win trophies so the competition is always mouthwatering till the end of the season.
The Players – English Premier League is a home to number of talents on the pitch. Developed players like Van Persie, Rooney, Torres, Mata and Cazorla along with the young talents in the form of Jack Wilshere, Chamberlain, Oscar, Hazard, Cleverly makes it irresistible for the viewers.
The Fans- Soccer is nothing without its fans today not only in English football but throughout the world. They make it look beautiful than it really is. EPL fans are known for their passionate support, chants and songs. The example of Liverpool fans who for some years have not seen the glory they would have wanted but their support and the voice keeps on increasing day by day in the search of success which might not be far if the fans continue. The Newcastle United was relegated to a lower division 2 years back and still had the third most number of people to visit the stadium in the whole of UK.
The Money- Where at one stage the EPL was dominated by the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal with the talent they had on the squad sheet, money came in and changed the course of the league. Russian Billionaire bought the Chelsea Fc while Sheikh Mansour owned Manchester City. The money brought more talent outside the English football and thus it made EPL more competitive unlike Spanish Football where it still is two horse race between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
There are plenty of other little reasons why people love the Premiership. Soccer in England really is important to people, many people live, breathe and worship the game. There is something unique about the way the game is played and this inspires millions of people the world over.
RANGO
A chameleon going into the desert wearing Hawaiian shirt, Johnny Depp yet again has amazed the viewers with the animated character starring in and as Rango. I am a big fan of animated movies and when I saw the trailer of Rango, I knew this my kind of the movie. The movie I have been waiting for.
Depp stars as the title character, a chameleon who finds himself dwelling city lost in the desert. He stumbles across a dying town nearly devoid of water, its inhabitants desperate for the liquid. After accidentally killing one of the town's biggest threats and promises, he is crowned sheriff - and soon discovers that is not the lack of water due to natural events.
The movie Rango has shown the philosophy of many thinkers who have predicted that the future wars will be fought on water in a capitalist society. Rango is a complete family movie which the kids, teens and adults can enjoy at home or cinema. Easily the best animated picture of 2011. Rango is one of my favorite animated movies of all time and a not to forget the lead role played by Johnny Depp was classy. The visual effects are also stunning. The animators deserve credit for delivering a shockingly detailed and rich environment that look and feel real. Each character is unique and beautifully drawn. Highly-recommended, place Rango to the top half of your must-watch-list of movies.
A chameleon going into the desert wearing Hawaiian shirt, Johnny Depp yet again has amazed the viewers with the animated character starring in and as Rango. I am a big fan of animated movies and when I saw the trailer of Rango, I knew this my kind of the movie. The movie I have been waiting for.
Depp stars as the title character, a chameleon who finds himself dwelling city lost in the desert. He stumbles across a dying town nearly devoid of water, its inhabitants desperate for the liquid. After accidentally killing one of the town's biggest threats and promises, he is crowned sheriff - and soon discovers that is not the lack of water due to natural events.
The movie Rango has shown the philosophy of many thinkers who have predicted that the future wars will be fought on water in a capitalist society. Rango is a complete family movie which the kids, teens and adults can enjoy at home or cinema. Easily the best animated picture of 2011. Rango is one of my favorite animated movies of all time and a not to forget the lead role played by Johnny Depp was classy. The visual effects are also stunning. The animators deserve credit for delivering a shockingly detailed and rich environment that look and feel real. Each character is unique and beautifully drawn. Highly-recommended, place Rango to the top half of your must-watch-list of movies.
LEGENDARY REJECTIONS
Once you see a movie which you like, it gets hard to picture if the lead role or a major role in that movie was played by another actor. This blog has some information on the legendary roles turned down by legendary actors in the past and the reactions after turning down those roles.
Will Smith has starred in some of the biggest moneymaking blockbusters of all time, from 'Independence Day' to the 'Men in Black' franchise, but he had the opportunity to have another legendary franchise at one point in time.
Smith was originally offered the role of Neo in 'The Matrix,' before turning it down to make the notorious flop 'Wild, Wild West' alongside Kevin Kline. The huge success of the franchise hasn't seemed to bother Will all that much. Will has said, “You know, 'The Matrix' is a difficult concept to pitch. In the pitch, I just didn’t see it. I watched Keanu’s performance, and very rarely do I say this, but I would have messed it up."
With Academy Award acclaim from the outset of his career, thanks to penning and playing the lead in 'Good Will Hunting,' Matt Damon is no stranger to cinematic success, especially when you consider he has starred in the 'Ocean's' franchise, the 'Bourne' trilogy, and 'Saving Private Ryan.'
Damon did, however, pass up on two of the highest-grossing movies of all time. He turned down the lead in James Cameron's 'Avatar' (the highest-grossing film in history) due to a scheduling conflict with 'The Bourne Ultimatum;' and he passed on the role of Harvey Dent in 'The Dark Knight' due to filming conflicts with Clint Eastwood's 'Invictus.'
One legendary actor had the opportunity to play one of the greatest characters in cinematic history before another legend was handed the role of a lifetime.
Jack Nicholson, not Al Pacino, was the first one offered the role of Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather.' Nicholson turned it down because, as he once said, "I knew 'The Godfather' was going to be a great film, but at that time I believed Indians should play roles written for Indians and Italians should do the same." Considering Jack appeared in the likes of 'Easy Rider,' 'The Last Detail,' 'Five Easy Pieces,' 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' and 'Chinatown' within a handful of years of 'The Godfather,' he obviously survived passing on the role.
This is a hard switch to picture, but it would have definitely changed the face of one of the biggest comedy hits of all time. Johnny Depp was originally offered the lead in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' before Matthew Broderick ended up landing his career-defining role. Like Smith, Damon and Nicholson, Johnny Depp seems to have landed on his feet since then.
Kevin Costner was one of the biggest movie stars on the planet for the majority of the 80s and the early 90s. Sadly, Costner's reign took a devastating blow when he decided to pursue his disastrous passion project of 'Waterworld' (one of the biggest bombs in film history), instead of taking the legendary role of Andy Dufresne in 'The Shawshank Redemption.'
Once you see a movie which you like, it gets hard to picture if the lead role or a major role in that movie was played by another actor. This blog has some information on the legendary roles turned down by legendary actors in the past and the reactions after turning down those roles.
Will Smith has starred in some of the biggest moneymaking blockbusters of all time, from 'Independence Day' to the 'Men in Black' franchise, but he had the opportunity to have another legendary franchise at one point in time.
Smith was originally offered the role of Neo in 'The Matrix,' before turning it down to make the notorious flop 'Wild, Wild West' alongside Kevin Kline. The huge success of the franchise hasn't seemed to bother Will all that much. Will has said, “You know, 'The Matrix' is a difficult concept to pitch. In the pitch, I just didn’t see it. I watched Keanu’s performance, and very rarely do I say this, but I would have messed it up."
With Academy Award acclaim from the outset of his career, thanks to penning and playing the lead in 'Good Will Hunting,' Matt Damon is no stranger to cinematic success, especially when you consider he has starred in the 'Ocean's' franchise, the 'Bourne' trilogy, and 'Saving Private Ryan.'
Damon did, however, pass up on two of the highest-grossing movies of all time. He turned down the lead in James Cameron's 'Avatar' (the highest-grossing film in history) due to a scheduling conflict with 'The Bourne Ultimatum;' and he passed on the role of Harvey Dent in 'The Dark Knight' due to filming conflicts with Clint Eastwood's 'Invictus.'
One legendary actor had the opportunity to play one of the greatest characters in cinematic history before another legend was handed the role of a lifetime.
Jack Nicholson, not Al Pacino, was the first one offered the role of Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather.' Nicholson turned it down because, as he once said, "I knew 'The Godfather' was going to be a great film, but at that time I believed Indians should play roles written for Indians and Italians should do the same." Considering Jack appeared in the likes of 'Easy Rider,' 'The Last Detail,' 'Five Easy Pieces,' 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' and 'Chinatown' within a handful of years of 'The Godfather,' he obviously survived passing on the role.
This is a hard switch to picture, but it would have definitely changed the face of one of the biggest comedy hits of all time. Johnny Depp was originally offered the lead in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' before Matthew Broderick ended up landing his career-defining role. Like Smith, Damon and Nicholson, Johnny Depp seems to have landed on his feet since then.
Kevin Costner was one of the biggest movie stars on the planet for the majority of the 80s and the early 90s. Sadly, Costner's reign took a devastating blow when he decided to pursue his disastrous passion project of 'Waterworld' (one of the biggest bombs in film history), instead of taking the legendary role of Andy Dufresne in 'The Shawshank Redemption.'
Screen legend Sir Sean Connery could have had two late career blockbuster franchises under his belt in addition to his decades of hit movies. Connery was offered both the role of Gandalf in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and Morpheus in 'The Matrix' trilogy. In the years since turning down the roles, Connery has admitted to regretting his decisions.
Hard to imagine isn’t it?
GODFATHER of Movies
Is Godfather the Godfather of all Movies? I Say Hell Yeah it is. After watching The Godfather I have been recommending to all my friends to see it and they have come out with different opinions. Okay, Amazing, Slow, Boring, AL PACINO was god!
Is Godfather the Godfather of all Movies? I Say Hell Yeah it is. After watching The Godfather I have been recommending to all my friends to see it and they have come out with different opinions. Okay, Amazing, Slow, Boring, AL PACINO was god!
I don’t certainly know what your opinion on the movie is but the
next time someone comes to me say he/she didn’t like Godfather, I will just say
read my blog because this is why it is the best movie for me
1. The acting. One of the best and deepest casts ever assembled. Brando created one of the most iconic characters in the history of movies with a couple of cottonballs in his mouth and some specific mannerisms and speech affects.
2. The story, particularly the arc of Michael, who starts out appearing to be clean cut and innocuous - the "good" kid - who is slowly revealed to be the coldest and most ruthless member of the family.
3. The dialogue. The dialogue is compelling, intelligent, and thought provoking from the first scene to the last.
4. Great individual scenes -- Sonny beating the shit out of Carlo, ""Leave the gun, take the cannoli," the horse head, Michael shooting Solozzo and the cop, the final scene, the movie is full of indelible moments.
5. I think it might help to know that The Godfather essentially originated the mob movie genre. There had been movies about mobsters before, but this was original in not only making them portages, but giving them an internal moral code and an at least partially sympathetic gloss. It was a new and original angle at the time.
6. The direction -- the music choices, the cinematography, the look, sound and lighting that all created a specific mood and sense of time and place.
7. Movie Brain – people who watch movies and understand them are the only ones who are going to like the setup shown in Godfather. To like some movie as good as The Godfather, the viewers need to have a movie sense. They just cannot sit and watch the movie and comment on it. It is disrespectful.
1. The acting. One of the best and deepest casts ever assembled. Brando created one of the most iconic characters in the history of movies with a couple of cottonballs in his mouth and some specific mannerisms and speech affects.
2. The story, particularly the arc of Michael, who starts out appearing to be clean cut and innocuous - the "good" kid - who is slowly revealed to be the coldest and most ruthless member of the family.
3. The dialogue. The dialogue is compelling, intelligent, and thought provoking from the first scene to the last.
4. Great individual scenes -- Sonny beating the shit out of Carlo, ""Leave the gun, take the cannoli," the horse head, Michael shooting Solozzo and the cop, the final scene, the movie is full of indelible moments.
5. I think it might help to know that The Godfather essentially originated the mob movie genre. There had been movies about mobsters before, but this was original in not only making them portages, but giving them an internal moral code and an at least partially sympathetic gloss. It was a new and original angle at the time.
6. The direction -- the music choices, the cinematography, the look, sound and lighting that all created a specific mood and sense of time and place.
7. Movie Brain – people who watch movies and understand them are the only ones who are going to like the setup shown in Godfather. To like some movie as good as The Godfather, the viewers need to have a movie sense. They just cannot sit and watch the movie and comment on it. It is disrespectful.
Inside the Darkest Batman
To all the Christian Bale fans around the world, the book ‘Inside The Darkest Batman’ has shook the entertainment industry. The author Harrison Cheung spent nearly 10 years as Bale's personal assistant. His honest take on the volatile star is a true insider's view. In his book, Harrison not only relates first person accounts of Bale's notorious temper and intense dislike of publicity, but explains the details behind what shaped the man. From his very first acting experiences as Spielberg’s child star, to the triumphant successes that culminated with Bale becoming Nolan's pick for the darkest of Dark Knight.
Harrison Cheung, who was by the 38-year-old actor’s side for a decade, writes: Pity the fan who recognized Christian at a restaurant. Christian Bale refused to sign autographs while he was seated. He would lecture little girls about being rude and intrusive until tears streamed down their faces and their parents tugged them away from our table.
Furthermore the book on the other side tells the reader that Bale’s inspiration throughout his life was his father who died because of brain cancer at the age of 62. The current setback he is facing is the relationship between his mother and sister has not turned to be healthy after a clash where he was blamed to hit both of them in a hotel. Bale has not talked to her mother in 4 and half years despite numerous attempts by his mother to reconcile with the super star.
Leornado DiCaprio, another big name in the movie industry is an enemy figure to the British born American Psycho whom he has blamed for thwarting his career plans.
Cheung writes: “DiCaprio. The name burned Christian like a branding iron.
To all the Christian Bale fans around the world, the book ‘Inside The Darkest Batman’ has shook the entertainment industry. The author Harrison Cheung spent nearly 10 years as Bale's personal assistant. His honest take on the volatile star is a true insider's view. In his book, Harrison not only relates first person accounts of Bale's notorious temper and intense dislike of publicity, but explains the details behind what shaped the man. From his very first acting experiences as Spielberg’s child star, to the triumphant successes that culminated with Bale becoming Nolan's pick for the darkest of Dark Knight.
Harrison Cheung, who was by the 38-year-old actor’s side for a decade, writes: Pity the fan who recognized Christian at a restaurant. Christian Bale refused to sign autographs while he was seated. He would lecture little girls about being rude and intrusive until tears streamed down their faces and their parents tugged them away from our table.
Furthermore the book on the other side tells the reader that Bale’s inspiration throughout his life was his father who died because of brain cancer at the age of 62. The current setback he is facing is the relationship between his mother and sister has not turned to be healthy after a clash where he was blamed to hit both of them in a hotel. Bale has not talked to her mother in 4 and half years despite numerous attempts by his mother to reconcile with the super star.
Leornado DiCaprio, another big name in the movie industry is an enemy figure to the British born American Psycho whom he has blamed for thwarting his career plans.
Cheung writes: “DiCaprio. The name burned Christian like a branding iron.
“Over the years, Christian had
lost This Boy’s Life and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to DiCaprio.”
According to Harrison Bale has never cared what people think of him and probably this is the reason why he has able to develop a personality in himself which has made him one of the most successful actors of all time. His performances in The Machinist, American Psycho, The Batman Trilogy, 3:10 to Yuma and the Oscar winning ‘The Fighter’ overshadows all his flaws as a normal person. Some stars are born to perform only and Bale is one of them.
According to Harrison Bale has never cared what people think of him and probably this is the reason why he has able to develop a personality in himself which has made him one of the most successful actors of all time. His performances in The Machinist, American Psycho, The Batman Trilogy, 3:10 to Yuma and the Oscar winning ‘The Fighter’ overshadows all his flaws as a normal person. Some stars are born to perform only and Bale is one of them.
MARY – J
The Legalization of Marijuana in America in one of the longest unsettled dispute between the Government and the people. The consumption of cannabis in USA is highest in the world apparently. The Police system has flourished and grown over time to time with the number of people they catch and bring to prison everyday keeps on rising.
In my opinion the Government doesn’t want to legalize the marijuana even though its medical benefits over shadows its negative impact on a person’s health. Why they don’t want to be is very simple. Firstly if marijuana gets legalized, the production will rise which will cause the price to fall down economically. Secondly legalization of marijuana will make the firms accountable for their revenues and profits. Thirdly the marijuana has numerous benefits and since it’s a natural herb, the giant pharmaceutical companies making abnormal profits will be affected. Lastly the Police Department will suffer badly.
All these reasons are a disaster to the Government financially. Most of the incomes that Government hides are the black market income. Government is always involved because power corrupts.
Bob Marley, the African American singer with a Jamaican accent supported the legalization of marijuana all his life. I’d like to list some of the quotes by Bob on weed (another name for marijuana)
"Herb is the healing of a nation, alcohol is the destruction."
"Herb is the unification of mankind."
“When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself."
If something as bad as alcohol can be legalized in most parts of the world, why then its marijuana who has to suffer with the illegal-drug label to it? Marijuana, a herb, coming from God’s land, no harmful effect and most importantly no deaths reported to it is definitely more of a positive than a negative substance deprived from humans.
SUR KSHETRA
Okay, by the looks of it, the green and blue, something like Pakistan and India comes to the mind and this is what i am talking about. SUR KSHETRA is the name of a new musical reality show where contestants from Pakistan and India share the same stage to fight for the Best Singer Trophy. What makes it exciting is of course the rivalry between the two nations but what makes it silly is the competition they are in for. Best Singer as in Playback singer and when you look at the two nations they are definitely miles apart.
India has an edge because music is a very strong part of their culture and society. Their movie industry also known as Bollywood has a massive room for talent to appreciate especially play back. Now, look at Pakistan, Music here is quite different. It has no link with the movie industry also known as Lollywood, which people do not even know, exist or not. Our music is mainly pop based, rock or classical (sufi-istic). Pop and Rock can accompany all the new talent coming out of youth but remember these kids are not trained to sing. They just sing. What help them are the lyrics and the music but definitely they are not the playback type singers. And in India when you look at the youth, they prepare themselves for mostly making a name in the Bollywood so naturally their approach becomes the playback singer right from the start.
The competition for now is going head to head but all looks scripted when you consider the singers on individuality basis. India is way ahead than Pakistan and that is a fact we all Pakistanis have to consider while watching the show otherwise get your TV sets insured.
Okay, by the looks of it, the green and blue, something like Pakistan and India comes to the mind and this is what i am talking about. SUR KSHETRA is the name of a new musical reality show where contestants from Pakistan and India share the same stage to fight for the Best Singer Trophy. What makes it exciting is of course the rivalry between the two nations but what makes it silly is the competition they are in for. Best Singer as in Playback singer and when you look at the two nations they are definitely miles apart.
India has an edge because music is a very strong part of their culture and society. Their movie industry also known as Bollywood has a massive room for talent to appreciate especially play back. Now, look at Pakistan, Music here is quite different. It has no link with the movie industry also known as Lollywood, which people do not even know, exist or not. Our music is mainly pop based, rock or classical (sufi-istic). Pop and Rock can accompany all the new talent coming out of youth but remember these kids are not trained to sing. They just sing. What help them are the lyrics and the music but definitely they are not the playback type singers. And in India when you look at the youth, they prepare themselves for mostly making a name in the Bollywood so naturally their approach becomes the playback singer right from the start.
The competition for now is going head to head but all looks scripted when you consider the singers on individuality basis. India is way ahead than Pakistan and that is a fact we all Pakistanis have to consider while watching the show otherwise get your TV sets insured.
Cultured Tea
When the British left the sub-continent and Pakistan was created, they left something so refreshing that it instantly became a part of Pakistani culture, The TEA. Tea along with water and soft drinks is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Lahore was where Tea gained popularity among the locals and today Pakistan is one of the leading tea drinking nations in the world.
Most commonly the tea times in Pakistan are breakfast, lunch and evening. An average tea lover in Pakistan drinks tea three times but if that person is offered tea 5 or 6 times he/she wouldn’t mind having it. The labor forces addicted to tea or let’s just say it as Chai prefers much stronger and sweeter than the rest.
Karachi with its rising population and growing demand of Chai has the most number of dhabbas, a small café, usually run by Pathans, in Pakistan. One thing you will always see in a dhabba is that it’s never empty. You will find at least a customer or two having doodhpatti with and without paratha.
The tea used in Pakistan is the black tea. The cultured tea is the black tea with milk and sugar depending on the consumer’s choice. A very interesting aspect of the tea culture in Pakistan is that if a person is invited into a Pakistani home, they are offered a choice of beverage between tea and soft drinks. And as part of the culture in Pakistan, tea is offered to those that are hired for labor purposes. Chai and doodhpatti are the two most common names given for tea in Pakistan. Chai is an Urdu language word whereas doodhpatti is milk and tea merged into a single word.
I cannot see an end to this Tea culture Pakistan has and neither do I want to. The tea consumption within limits is not at all bad. In fact the tea culture has brought friends and families close together and is a reason to get break from the daily busy life.
When the British left the sub-continent and Pakistan was created, they left something so refreshing that it instantly became a part of Pakistani culture, The TEA. Tea along with water and soft drinks is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Lahore was where Tea gained popularity among the locals and today Pakistan is one of the leading tea drinking nations in the world.
Most commonly the tea times in Pakistan are breakfast, lunch and evening. An average tea lover in Pakistan drinks tea three times but if that person is offered tea 5 or 6 times he/she wouldn’t mind having it. The labor forces addicted to tea or let’s just say it as Chai prefers much stronger and sweeter than the rest.
Karachi with its rising population and growing demand of Chai has the most number of dhabbas, a small café, usually run by Pathans, in Pakistan. One thing you will always see in a dhabba is that it’s never empty. You will find at least a customer or two having doodhpatti with and without paratha.
The tea used in Pakistan is the black tea. The cultured tea is the black tea with milk and sugar depending on the consumer’s choice. A very interesting aspect of the tea culture in Pakistan is that if a person is invited into a Pakistani home, they are offered a choice of beverage between tea and soft drinks. And as part of the culture in Pakistan, tea is offered to those that are hired for labor purposes. Chai and doodhpatti are the two most common names given for tea in Pakistan. Chai is an Urdu language word whereas doodhpatti is milk and tea merged into a single word.
I cannot see an end to this Tea culture Pakistan has and neither do I want to. The tea consumption within limits is not at all bad. In fact the tea culture has brought friends and families close together and is a reason to get break from the daily busy life.
THE GAP
Real Madrid and Barcelona FC are the two heavy weights of world football. The best two clubs currently in the world are also known for their rivalry in Spanish football to what they as El Clasico when these two clubs meet each other.
Recently the El Clasico has become more like a Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. Messi, right-winger of Barcelona while Ronaldo cuts from the left flank for Madrid. The two best clubs having the two best players in the world is again no surprise. Real Madrid and Barcelona met on 7th October 2012 and the match ended as a draw 2-2. Two goals by Messi and two by Ronaldo.
When you look at Spanish football today all you see is Barcelona and Real Madrid whereas the rest 18 other teams competing in the same competition has no competition to offer to the likes of these two heavy weights.
You have to go back 8 years in 2004 when the last Spanish club to win The LA LIGA was not Barcelona or Real Madrid. It was Valencia FC. Unfortunately, these 8 years have been shared by Real and Barca. And by the looks of it 8 more years like these are very much possible. Spanish football viewers in the world have been declining because of this and the financial gap between the rest 18 and both these clubs have grown massively.
No club can match revenues like Real and Barca in Spain for what it has been called a two horse race. The footballing youth in Spain has one dream which is to play for either Real or Barca as professional footballer.
Real Madrid’s policy of winning throughout the years have been money orientated for which they have been criticized since they own half of the Spanish Stock Market, but what attracts footballers is the history and legends associated with this club. Players like Zidane, Suker, Casillas, Raul, Figo, Ronaldo have all worn the Real jersey. They have the most Spanish domestic titles and 9 times have been crowned European Champions which is the most. AC Milan follows Madrid by winning 5. Barcelona on the other hand is a club known to make legends and not buy them. A strong academy system has produced number of talents and the philosophy of their game plan is beautiful. Technically known as Total Football.
The concern here is that if these two clubs continue to dominate the Spanish Football, the Gap between these two will minimize over time but will grow a lot with other Spanish clubs in the country running for the same competition. I am not sure what will happen in future but I can sense it will be more harm than good and as a football fan it will be hard to swallow.
Real Madrid and Barcelona FC are the two heavy weights of world football. The best two clubs currently in the world are also known for their rivalry in Spanish football to what they as El Clasico when these two clubs meet each other.
Recently the El Clasico has become more like a Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. Messi, right-winger of Barcelona while Ronaldo cuts from the left flank for Madrid. The two best clubs having the two best players in the world is again no surprise. Real Madrid and Barcelona met on 7th October 2012 and the match ended as a draw 2-2. Two goals by Messi and two by Ronaldo.
When you look at Spanish football today all you see is Barcelona and Real Madrid whereas the rest 18 other teams competing in the same competition has no competition to offer to the likes of these two heavy weights.
You have to go back 8 years in 2004 when the last Spanish club to win The LA LIGA was not Barcelona or Real Madrid. It was Valencia FC. Unfortunately, these 8 years have been shared by Real and Barca. And by the looks of it 8 more years like these are very much possible. Spanish football viewers in the world have been declining because of this and the financial gap between the rest 18 and both these clubs have grown massively.
No club can match revenues like Real and Barca in Spain for what it has been called a two horse race. The footballing youth in Spain has one dream which is to play for either Real or Barca as professional footballer.
Real Madrid’s policy of winning throughout the years have been money orientated for which they have been criticized since they own half of the Spanish Stock Market, but what attracts footballers is the history and legends associated with this club. Players like Zidane, Suker, Casillas, Raul, Figo, Ronaldo have all worn the Real jersey. They have the most Spanish domestic titles and 9 times have been crowned European Champions which is the most. AC Milan follows Madrid by winning 5. Barcelona on the other hand is a club known to make legends and not buy them. A strong academy system has produced number of talents and the philosophy of their game plan is beautiful. Technically known as Total Football.
The concern here is that if these two clubs continue to dominate the Spanish Football, the Gap between these two will minimize over time but will grow a lot with other Spanish clubs in the country running for the same competition. I am not sure what will happen in future but I can sense it will be more harm than good and as a football fan it will be hard to swallow.
Is
it the Axe Effect?
The power of commercials in today’s world is so influencing that people start to believe anything. In recent years the axe commercials have taken the stage where even the dumbest man on earth can turn into a chick magnet after applying the body deodorant. Axe has become one of the best-selling products of 21st century but the question is that is it really living up to its expectation or not? In short how reliable is the axe effect? The answer is certainly NOT. The commercial is attractive but the product is no different from other deodorants. Secondly, the axe effect is not the sole factor to attract a woman, there a many different ways to attract a woman who still are not sure themselves which men to go for? Intelligent, hunk, good job, mother-less or all in one package? I believe the girls menu keeps on changing with the time passage since everything they move on should be in fashion. These days the “standards” is the popular take away deal. The axe effect is somewhat true if you consider maintaining standards which obviously involve smelling good while getting across a woman. Impressing a woman today is being the complete package since competition worldwide is rising whether its attracting a woman or a bank’s interest rate. The point is you just cannot go after using axe or old spice in front of a woman and ask “Can I buy you a drink?” What axe is trying to tell you is that if your arm pits are smelling good a girl might like you, but will she jump and land on you is certainly not going to happen in a million years unless the sex difference ratio decline to its minimum.
The power of commercials in today’s world is so influencing that people start to believe anything. In recent years the axe commercials have taken the stage where even the dumbest man on earth can turn into a chick magnet after applying the body deodorant. Axe has become one of the best-selling products of 21st century but the question is that is it really living up to its expectation or not? In short how reliable is the axe effect? The answer is certainly NOT. The commercial is attractive but the product is no different from other deodorants. Secondly, the axe effect is not the sole factor to attract a woman, there a many different ways to attract a woman who still are not sure themselves which men to go for? Intelligent, hunk, good job, mother-less or all in one package? I believe the girls menu keeps on changing with the time passage since everything they move on should be in fashion. These days the “standards” is the popular take away deal. The axe effect is somewhat true if you consider maintaining standards which obviously involve smelling good while getting across a woman. Impressing a woman today is being the complete package since competition worldwide is rising whether its attracting a woman or a bank’s interest rate. The point is you just cannot go after using axe or old spice in front of a woman and ask “Can I buy you a drink?” What axe is trying to tell you is that if your arm pits are smelling good a girl might like you, but will she jump and land on you is certainly not going to happen in a million years unless the sex difference ratio decline to its minimum.
BRAIN EATING AMOEBA
Pakistan has been recently hit with the Brain-eating amoeba disease which is a parasite found in fresh water scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri. The brain eating infection has caused 10 deaths in Karachi recently. This waterborne species of amoeba causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe infection affecting the central nervous system.
Since the disease finds its way through the nostrils, there is a high chance of getting the disease from the Wuzu which also involves washing the nostrils along with other practice before offering Salah. As a result of the outbreak, local officials will increase the amount of chlorine in the city’s water supply to prevent further infections. The officials also advised worshipers to use sterilized water instead. Now you wonder why the tap coming at our house via water tanks has been co chorionic these days.
To prevent the disease it is better to avoid swimming in freshwater lakes, rivers, hot springs, thermally-polluted water near power plants, and poorly chlorinated swimming pools. Otherwise, holding the nose shut or using clips worn during water activities may help prevent this infection. The disease symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck usually within two weeks after being infected. Furthermore the infection grows it gets from bad to worse. The infected person becomes unaware of its surroundings, confused and loses the focus from time to time. Hallucinations and seizures are also experienced and if the infection is progressing rapidly death can occur within a span of 3 -7 days.
Glad to see Pakistan Government has not taken this issue lightly at all. The WHO and Pakistani officials are working together to investigate the cases and working out steps to prevent further infections to the people of Pakistan.
Pakistan has been recently hit with the Brain-eating amoeba disease which is a parasite found in fresh water scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri. The brain eating infection has caused 10 deaths in Karachi recently. This waterborne species of amoeba causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe infection affecting the central nervous system.
Since the disease finds its way through the nostrils, there is a high chance of getting the disease from the Wuzu which also involves washing the nostrils along with other practice before offering Salah. As a result of the outbreak, local officials will increase the amount of chlorine in the city’s water supply to prevent further infections. The officials also advised worshipers to use sterilized water instead. Now you wonder why the tap coming at our house via water tanks has been co chorionic these days.
To prevent the disease it is better to avoid swimming in freshwater lakes, rivers, hot springs, thermally-polluted water near power plants, and poorly chlorinated swimming pools. Otherwise, holding the nose shut or using clips worn during water activities may help prevent this infection. The disease symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck usually within two weeks after being infected. Furthermore the infection grows it gets from bad to worse. The infected person becomes unaware of its surroundings, confused and loses the focus from time to time. Hallucinations and seizures are also experienced and if the infection is progressing rapidly death can occur within a span of 3 -7 days.
Glad to see Pakistan Government has not taken this issue lightly at all. The WHO and Pakistani officials are working together to investigate the cases and working out steps to prevent further infections to the people of Pakistan.
OPPAN GANGNAM STYLE
HIT IT
Sitting on an imaginary horse and riding it to the end of the world, Gangnam Style just after its release in mid-July has rocked the world of music in the period of only 2 weeks where it got 8 million view all over the world on YouTube. Written and performed by PSY, Park Jae Sung, Korean pop singer is also known for his sense of humor and comical dance moves.
The mass popularity of Gangnam Style is attributed to the “horse riding” signature dance where the performer shuffles his hand, neck and legs in a manner of the horse rider without sitting on a horse. It is not that difficult at all and each individual has comes out with its own version.
"Gangnam Style" is a Korean neologism referring to the upscale fashion and lavish lifestyle associated with trendsetters in Seoul's Gangnam district, which is considered the most affluent part of the metropolitan area. In colloquial usage, it is comparable to the English terms serpent “swag’ and ‘yolo’.
PSY’s Gangnam Style earned the title of “viral video” within days after its intensive coverage from various English language music blogs. In addition, the song's chorus hook “Oppan Gangnam Style” quickly became an in-joke among the English-speaking audiences for its misheard lyrics erroneously referred to as “Open Condom Style” or “Open Gundam Style,” which also went on to inspire several image macros and top-voted comments on the YouTube video page. In just two short months, Korean pop star PSY has gone from a relative unknown singer in the United States to having A-listers like Britney Spears and Ellen DeGeneres gush about his single, “Gangnam Style.” The Twenty20 World cup champions used the Gangnam Style celebration throughout the tournament to show their joy. Novak Djokovic recently did Gangnam Style after winning a Tennis tournament. I would not be wrong if I say 2012 belongs to the Gangnam Style in the music entertainment world we live in.
HIT IT
Sitting on an imaginary horse and riding it to the end of the world, Gangnam Style just after its release in mid-July has rocked the world of music in the period of only 2 weeks where it got 8 million view all over the world on YouTube. Written and performed by PSY, Park Jae Sung, Korean pop singer is also known for his sense of humor and comical dance moves.
The mass popularity of Gangnam Style is attributed to the “horse riding” signature dance where the performer shuffles his hand, neck and legs in a manner of the horse rider without sitting on a horse. It is not that difficult at all and each individual has comes out with its own version.
"Gangnam Style" is a Korean neologism referring to the upscale fashion and lavish lifestyle associated with trendsetters in Seoul's Gangnam district, which is considered the most affluent part of the metropolitan area. In colloquial usage, it is comparable to the English terms serpent “swag’ and ‘yolo’.
PSY’s Gangnam Style earned the title of “viral video” within days after its intensive coverage from various English language music blogs. In addition, the song's chorus hook “Oppan Gangnam Style” quickly became an in-joke among the English-speaking audiences for its misheard lyrics erroneously referred to as “Open Condom Style” or “Open Gundam Style,” which also went on to inspire several image macros and top-voted comments on the YouTube video page. In just two short months, Korean pop star PSY has gone from a relative unknown singer in the United States to having A-listers like Britney Spears and Ellen DeGeneres gush about his single, “Gangnam Style.” The Twenty20 World cup champions used the Gangnam Style celebration throughout the tournament to show their joy. Novak Djokovic recently did Gangnam Style after winning a Tennis tournament. I would not be wrong if I say 2012 belongs to the Gangnam Style in the music entertainment world we live in.
COLA WARS
People still think that Coca Cola and Pepsi are rivals but I would like to make sure them that their rivalry was put to an end when Diet Coke surpassed Pepsi as the second most favorite soda in America in March 2011. Not surprisingly this why you see Pepsi coming up with other brands it owns like Frito Lay, Quaker, Tropicana, to keep the company's revenue up.
A lot can be said on the gaffes that Pepsi made while handling and presenting their products to customers all over the world.
It all started in 1975 when Pepsi came in and gave competition to Coke when they held a blind taste test. The results were positive for Pepsi; more people liked the Pepsi than the Coke so in response Coca Cola came up with New Coke which turned out be a complete disaster. Pepsi flourished until they started making mistakes on their own.
Pepsi has this habit of endorsing their products with celebrities. They started with The King of Pop, Michael Jackson who got burnt while filming an ad which would leave him to eat pain killers with the rest of his life. Second was David Bowie, who sang a song for the Pepsi but unfortunately that same year Bowie was accused of sexual assault which resulted in dropping the ad immediately.
Then came the famous Madonna, she used Pepsi in her song ‘Like a Prayer’ which was banned and accused of being anti-Catholic. Pepsi was helpless.
In 1990, Pepsi and Diet Pepsi had a scare when consumers in more than 20 states found syringes in the brand's soda cans. Authorities eventually found video of a woman in Colorado who had been inserting syringes into cans.
In 1996, Pepsi had officially lost the war with Coke kicking it cans out of the market in the cover of Fortune magazine. Reports showed that Pepsi’s profits trailed by 47 percent to that of Coke. Later the CEO of Coca Cola came out with the statement which kicked Pepsi completely out “As they've become less relevant, I don't need to look at them very much anymore."
Pepsi was the drink in decline and probably it still is because I hate it when I ask the waiter to get me a coke and he replies “Sorry we have Pepsi only”.
People still think that Coca Cola and Pepsi are rivals but I would like to make sure them that their rivalry was put to an end when Diet Coke surpassed Pepsi as the second most favorite soda in America in March 2011. Not surprisingly this why you see Pepsi coming up with other brands it owns like Frito Lay, Quaker, Tropicana, to keep the company's revenue up.
A lot can be said on the gaffes that Pepsi made while handling and presenting their products to customers all over the world.
It all started in 1975 when Pepsi came in and gave competition to Coke when they held a blind taste test. The results were positive for Pepsi; more people liked the Pepsi than the Coke so in response Coca Cola came up with New Coke which turned out be a complete disaster. Pepsi flourished until they started making mistakes on their own.
Pepsi has this habit of endorsing their products with celebrities. They started with The King of Pop, Michael Jackson who got burnt while filming an ad which would leave him to eat pain killers with the rest of his life. Second was David Bowie, who sang a song for the Pepsi but unfortunately that same year Bowie was accused of sexual assault which resulted in dropping the ad immediately.
Then came the famous Madonna, she used Pepsi in her song ‘Like a Prayer’ which was banned and accused of being anti-Catholic. Pepsi was helpless.
In 1990, Pepsi and Diet Pepsi had a scare when consumers in more than 20 states found syringes in the brand's soda cans. Authorities eventually found video of a woman in Colorado who had been inserting syringes into cans.
In 1996, Pepsi had officially lost the war with Coke kicking it cans out of the market in the cover of Fortune magazine. Reports showed that Pepsi’s profits trailed by 47 percent to that of Coke. Later the CEO of Coca Cola came out with the statement which kicked Pepsi completely out “As they've become less relevant, I don't need to look at them very much anymore."
Pepsi was the drink in decline and probably it still is because I hate it when I ask the waiter to get me a coke and he replies “Sorry we have Pepsi only”.
We are not Different
It is no surprise that Pakistan is one of the most growing nations in terms of fashion and show biz industry. From music to TV shows, from movies to fashion shows, you name it and Pakistan have it. When you follow the celebrities of Pakistani industry, trust me they are no different than India or United States.
Recently, Azfar Ali, one of the renowned names in Pakistan TV industry as a director, has reportedly given divorce to his wife from whom he had 2 children with. The couple lasted 9 years. People in Pakistan have found it disgusting for such a renowned person to do it for another girl. Yes, Azfar Ali has married to Naveen Waqar, one of the most beautiful faces in the industry and a rising star. She started her career on radio as a RJ, later she was called on TV to host shows because of her beautiful outlook. Now Naveen Waqar features in some of the most viewed dramas in the country. She has grown as an actor day by day. People were excited to know who she was marrying but when her association with Azfar started and the divorce reports emerged, it was crystal clear Naveen pulled him out of one bag to another. I personally think we are a nation made on Islamic values and when such celebrities do such things our formation as a nation sounds a complete joke all over the world. We are no different than Western side of the world. That is a strong statement from my side but guess what everything which is in is fashion for me. People here make religion as a fashion too. The seasons are Ramzan and the two Eids. People here live for others they have a lot to criticize but not appreciate when someone does well. They have this nose-poking habit which has given the rise to stars like Veena Malik who i believe should be ignored if people of Pakistan actually hate her. I think if she has done what she feels is right then how can you say she has taken the wrong step, when clearly she has followed her heart. A simple message to all my Pakistani mates will be to unite as a nation for its troubles instead of uniting on things which do not matter at all for example the Pakistan India cricket match. That unity means something when it goes to all the troubles our country is facing not creating them.
Shortage..
According to Economics demand has a direct relationship with
price. Price follows the demand like a tail. I love Economics as a subject
although I know it is very hard but it teaches and makes you understand whats
happening around the world.
Recently i studied the growing economies of the nations and the rising demand for airline pilots. Being a commercial pilot for a recognized airline is a dream that people all over the world see including me. Not only you become a part of exotic locations and having pocket full of greens but the attraction of air hostesses makes it irresistible. The world needs better and qualified pilots. The rising demand all over the world because of growing economies, tourism, sports, fashion, media, politics has given birth to a question of whether the requirement of 460,000 new pilots will be met or not ? The figure comes from the Boeing, the world’s largest manufacturer of passenger planes. The biggest growth in demand for pilots will be faced by the Asia-Pacific region and mainly China. The biggest obstacle in meeting those figures today and in future will be the cost of becoming a pilot.In a third world country like Pakistan the costs are very high. As much as Rs.4 million ($42000) with no international recognition. Furthermore the threshold has been risen globally for all pilots from 250 hours of professional flying experience to 1500 hours. This is where people who even can afford to become a pilot back out. Those who do not back out look for jobs as an instructor just to somehow meet the 1500 hours threshold and it takes a lot of time.
There are doubts all over the world on how this requirement will be met because of the two major reasons stated above. People are in fear that if god forbid they do not meet the requirements they will look on to inexperienced pilots which can be a risk to several lives at one time. It is obvious that steps are to be taken by all the aviation throughout the world to ensure the standard of training provided to young cadets and more placement opportunities to complete their threshold as soon as possible.
Recently i studied the growing economies of the nations and the rising demand for airline pilots. Being a commercial pilot for a recognized airline is a dream that people all over the world see including me. Not only you become a part of exotic locations and having pocket full of greens but the attraction of air hostesses makes it irresistible. The world needs better and qualified pilots. The rising demand all over the world because of growing economies, tourism, sports, fashion, media, politics has given birth to a question of whether the requirement of 460,000 new pilots will be met or not ? The figure comes from the Boeing, the world’s largest manufacturer of passenger planes. The biggest growth in demand for pilots will be faced by the Asia-Pacific region and mainly China. The biggest obstacle in meeting those figures today and in future will be the cost of becoming a pilot.In a third world country like Pakistan the costs are very high. As much as Rs.4 million ($42000) with no international recognition. Furthermore the threshold has been risen globally for all pilots from 250 hours of professional flying experience to 1500 hours. This is where people who even can afford to become a pilot back out. Those who do not back out look for jobs as an instructor just to somehow meet the 1500 hours threshold and it takes a lot of time.
There are doubts all over the world on how this requirement will be met because of the two major reasons stated above. People are in fear that if god forbid they do not meet the requirements they will look on to inexperienced pilots which can be a risk to several lives at one time. It is obvious that steps are to be taken by all the aviation throughout the world to ensure the standard of training provided to young cadets and more placement opportunities to complete their threshold as soon as possible.
The
more the better
Today I’ll be discussing on the importance of learning foreign languages. I belong to a family whose mother tongue is Urdu and as a Pakistani i sometimes feel i should know languages like Sindhi, Pashto and Punjabi to know my country better. Furthermore learning international languages will make me understand the world and its people better. Let’s just move on to the general advantages since this blog does not belong to my personal desire.
The most important advantage as i discussed earlier is to increase the global understanding. When you talk about globe you talk about cultures, nations, economy, peace, politics, law. In short everything this world has. Learning another language gives the learner the ability to step inside mind and context of another culture. Without the ability to understand a culture on its own terms, the access to that culture comes to a dead end. Learning languages is also important because we all live in a world where nations and peoples are ever more dependent upon on another to supply goods and services, solve political disputes, and ensure international security. Lack of intercultural sensitivity can lead to mistrust and misunderstandings, to an inability to cooperate, negotiate, and compromise, and perhaps even to military confrontation. Intercultural understanding begins with individuals who have language abilities and who can provide one's own nation or community with an insider's view into foreign cultures, who can understand foreign news sources, and give insights into other perspectives on international situations and current events. For survival in the global community, every nation needs such individuals. A person competent in other languages can bridge the gap between cultures, contribute to international diplomacy, promote national security and world peace, and successfully engage in international trade."A different language is a different vision of life." - Fedirico Fellini, Italian film director.
Today I’ll be discussing on the importance of learning foreign languages. I belong to a family whose mother tongue is Urdu and as a Pakistani i sometimes feel i should know languages like Sindhi, Pashto and Punjabi to know my country better. Furthermore learning international languages will make me understand the world and its people better. Let’s just move on to the general advantages since this blog does not belong to my personal desire.
The most important advantage as i discussed earlier is to increase the global understanding. When you talk about globe you talk about cultures, nations, economy, peace, politics, law. In short everything this world has. Learning another language gives the learner the ability to step inside mind and context of another culture. Without the ability to understand a culture on its own terms, the access to that culture comes to a dead end. Learning languages is also important because we all live in a world where nations and peoples are ever more dependent upon on another to supply goods and services, solve political disputes, and ensure international security. Lack of intercultural sensitivity can lead to mistrust and misunderstandings, to an inability to cooperate, negotiate, and compromise, and perhaps even to military confrontation. Intercultural understanding begins with individuals who have language abilities and who can provide one's own nation or community with an insider's view into foreign cultures, who can understand foreign news sources, and give insights into other perspectives on international situations and current events. For survival in the global community, every nation needs such individuals. A person competent in other languages can bridge the gap between cultures, contribute to international diplomacy, promote national security and world peace, and successfully engage in international trade."A different language is a different vision of life." - Fedirico Fellini, Italian film director.
Indian
Hell
India is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia but the sad part is that they have a lot of poverty. According to a study by Bloomberg an amount of $14.5 billion in food was looted by corrupt politicians which actually belonged to the 350 million families living below India's poverty line of 50 cents a day.
“This is the most mean-spirited, ruthlessly executed corruption because it hits the poorest and most vulnerable in society,” said Naresh Saxena, who, as a commissioner to the nation’s Supreme Court, monitors hunger-based programs across the country. “What I find even more shocking is the lack of willingness in trying to stop it.”
Politicians involved in this remain unpunished because the Police, Law and Order system is also heavily corrupted. For seven years there have been NO convictions. None at all.
India runs the largest public food distribution system in the world since 1965. Still 21% of adults and almost half of India's children under 5 years of age are malnourished. Around 900 million Indians eat less than government-recommended minimums and growing prices of food through out the world means growing dependence on the subsidies. All the politicians and corrupt officials pay the government of India the subsidized rates and sell the food to traders at market rates. This is where they make big money. This is the where the problems lies. And it has to be dealt with as soon as possible to save million lives which are worthy of more than million dollars.
India is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia but the sad part is that they have a lot of poverty. According to a study by Bloomberg an amount of $14.5 billion in food was looted by corrupt politicians which actually belonged to the 350 million families living below India's poverty line of 50 cents a day.
“This is the most mean-spirited, ruthlessly executed corruption because it hits the poorest and most vulnerable in society,” said Naresh Saxena, who, as a commissioner to the nation’s Supreme Court, monitors hunger-based programs across the country. “What I find even more shocking is the lack of willingness in trying to stop it.”
Politicians involved in this remain unpunished because the Police, Law and Order system is also heavily corrupted. For seven years there have been NO convictions. None at all.
India runs the largest public food distribution system in the world since 1965. Still 21% of adults and almost half of India's children under 5 years of age are malnourished. Around 900 million Indians eat less than government-recommended minimums and growing prices of food through out the world means growing dependence on the subsidies. All the politicians and corrupt officials pay the government of India the subsidized rates and sell the food to traders at market rates. This is where they make big money. This is the where the problems lies. And it has to be dealt with as soon as possible to save million lives which are worthy of more than million dollars.
Sunday, 21 October 2012
MALALA
If there is anything more chilling than a teenage girl being shot in the head for merely demanding that she and other girls should be allowed to attend school, it is the twisted mindset that has buried the targeted attack on Malala Yousafzai in conspiracy theories. The initial outrage across Pakistan at the targeted shooting of the 14-year-old by the Taliban has degenerated into a slanging contest between ‘us’ and ‘them’. The ‘us’ are those who, at their generous best, see her shooting as ‘collateral damage’ — an inevitable by-product of drone attacks and Pakistan’s partnership in the U.S.-led war on terror. At their cynical worst, they see it as a western conspiracy to pressure Pakistan into conducting a military operation in North Waziristan. Some even claim the shooting was staged, and portray Malala and her father as western agents. On the other side are ‘them’, Pakistanis filled with revulsion that some of their fellow countrymen could target a child. But their hope that this would be a turning point has been belied; the ‘us’ are walking away with the narrative. The past few days have seen the reactivation of propagandists of the Pakistani establishment. Ironically, they did so at a time the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which claimed the shooting, began to feel the heat of public anger against it.
Once again, an opportunity to mould opinion against terrorism in Pakistan has come and gone. Clearly, it is not easy to abandon a studiously created narrative of a citadel of Islam that is built on the denial of geographical and historical moorings and an over-eagerness to align itself with the culturally alien Arab world. The Pakistan military has tried to sound committed to fighting terrorism, but it will take more than a few speeches by the Chief of Army Staff. Indeed, no one is convinced that the security establishment has turned its back on its strategic assets. Conveniently, the Army has declared it is for the political leadership to decide on a North Waziristan operation, knowing full well the limitations of these leaders, that too, in the months before a general election. There is no gainsaying that the civilian leadership should be more assertive, but it is also no secret that the current dispensation exchanged its right to frame security policy with the military for its survival. A year ago, an all-party meeting offered an olive branch to the Taliban as part of a ‘give-peace-a-chance’ strategy but in vain. The number of terror strikes has dropped but the clock continues to tick in the form of the quiet but steadily creeping radicalisation of society that provides terrorism its ideological space. It will take more than an operation in remote North Waziristan to deal with that.
If there is anything more chilling than a teenage girl being shot in the head for merely demanding that she and other girls should be allowed to attend school, it is the twisted mindset that has buried the targeted attack on Malala Yousafzai in conspiracy theories. The initial outrage across Pakistan at the targeted shooting of the 14-year-old by the Taliban has degenerated into a slanging contest between ‘us’ and ‘them’. The ‘us’ are those who, at their generous best, see her shooting as ‘collateral damage’ — an inevitable by-product of drone attacks and Pakistan’s partnership in the U.S.-led war on terror. At their cynical worst, they see it as a western conspiracy to pressure Pakistan into conducting a military operation in North Waziristan. Some even claim the shooting was staged, and portray Malala and her father as western agents. On the other side are ‘them’, Pakistanis filled with revulsion that some of their fellow countrymen could target a child. But their hope that this would be a turning point has been belied; the ‘us’ are walking away with the narrative. The past few days have seen the reactivation of propagandists of the Pakistani establishment. Ironically, they did so at a time the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which claimed the shooting, began to feel the heat of public anger against it.
Once again, an opportunity to mould opinion against terrorism in Pakistan has come and gone. Clearly, it is not easy to abandon a studiously created narrative of a citadel of Islam that is built on the denial of geographical and historical moorings and an over-eagerness to align itself with the culturally alien Arab world. The Pakistan military has tried to sound committed to fighting terrorism, but it will take more than a few speeches by the Chief of Army Staff. Indeed, no one is convinced that the security establishment has turned its back on its strategic assets. Conveniently, the Army has declared it is for the political leadership to decide on a North Waziristan operation, knowing full well the limitations of these leaders, that too, in the months before a general election. There is no gainsaying that the civilian leadership should be more assertive, but it is also no secret that the current dispensation exchanged its right to frame security policy with the military for its survival. A year ago, an all-party meeting offered an olive branch to the Taliban as part of a ‘give-peace-a-chance’ strategy but in vain. The number of terror strikes has dropped but the clock continues to tick in the form of the quiet but steadily creeping radicalisation of society that provides terrorism its ideological space. It will take more than an operation in remote North Waziristan to deal with that.
MESSI INSPIRES BARCELONA
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona won a nine-goal thriller, 5-4 against Deportivo La Coruna at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor on Saturday and go three clear at the top of La Liga. Tito Vilanova's side looked to have the game wrapped up as early as the 18th minute when Lionel Messi scored Barca's third goal after Jordi Alba and Cristain Tello had netted in the opening 10 minutes. But Deportivo responded with two goals of their own. First, Portugal forward Pizzi converted from the penalty spot in the 26th minute followed by an Alex Bergantinos effort 11 minutes later. Barca were back in control by halftime as Messi bagged his second of the night to give the visitors a 4-2 lead. The home side reduced the deficit
to one goal immediately after halftime with Pizzi scoring a second before Messi completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute. His teasing run followed by a thumping low drive past keeper Daniel Aranzubia looked to have finally settled matters. But Jodi Alba's own goal two minutes later once again threw the result into doubt. José Mourinho on managing star players José Mourinho's press conference antics urged on by their supporters, Deportivo searched for an equalizer but Barcelona clung on for the three points.
TWIN SEPARATION
The mother of conjoined twins has described her joy after a successful operation to separate them.Rosie and Ruby Formosa were born joined at the abdomen and sharing part of the intestine. The twins, now 12 weeks old, were operated on at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital the day after they were born on 27 July. Their mother Angela, from Bexleyheath in south-east London, said the "smiling bubbly babies" were doing well. Angela Formosa: ''They (doctors) didn't expect them to survive the pregnancy''The twins needed an emergency operation to separate them. Mrs Formosa, 32, said finding out the twins were joined had been a shock after her "textbook" pregnancy with first daughter Lily, now aged five. "At an early pregnancy scan they said the twins looked very close together so I went to King's College for another scan," she said. "Between 16 and 20 weeks we found out that they were joined - I didn't know what to think, I was shocked and I felt sad. “We expect that they will both be able to lead happy and normal lives”, Prof Agostino Pierro Paediatric surgeon "We didn't know what to expect until they were born - the doctors could not tell where they were connected. "They decided to deliver them early at 34 weeks," she added. "We expected them to be really tiny but they weighed 5lb 3oz (2.5kg)
each, so that was quite good actually." Talking about the operation, their taxi driver father Daniel Formosa, 36, said: "It felt as if we were just signing a life away. "But if they didn't operate they wouldn't have survived." The twins were operated on the next day by a team led by paediatric surgeon Prof Agostino Pierro. He said the girls had been joined by the abdomen at the level of the umbilicus. "The operation to separate the twins had to be performed as an emergency because of an intestinal blockage," he said. "We are delighted with the outcome of the operation. The twins were operated on by a team including surgeon Edward Kiely and Prof Agostino Pierro "The babies will need further treatment in the future, but we expect that they will both be able to lead happy and normal lives." Mrs Formosa said she and husband were happy and relieved to have the girls at home. "They are really well, they are putting on weight," she said. "They are normal bubbly babies who are starting to smile and cry when they want something." She added she was incredibly grateful to the hospital's staff. "What they have done for my two girls is amazing. When I was pregnant they were saying that the survival chances were quite low. "For them to have been operated on and doing so well - it is amazing."
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