M&M

The wall of M&M's at the M&M store in Las Vegas.

Some people say certain colors taste better. Some people say certain colors have personalities. Some people say there are, ahem, “benefits” to eating certain colors. How do you do yours? 

Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai China.

The theme of Pakistan pavilion at expo 2010 is "Harmony in Diversity". The pavilion area is around 2000 meter square. The design inspiration of the pavilion comes from  'the Lahore Fort, Pakistan'.

In the pavilion visitors will have a real Pakistani experience with Pakistani cuisine with genuine strong ethnic flavors and performances by national dancers.The pavilion will present a perfect blend of true Pakistani culture and the life of a typical Pakistani citizen through detailed multimedia presentations.

We wish Pakistan...All the very best.

Shanghai unveils World Expo

Since 1851 when the Great Exhibition of Industries of All Nations was held in London, the World Expositions have attained increasing prominence as grand events for economic, scientific, technological and cultural exchanges, serving as an important platform for displaying historical experience, exchanging innovative ideas, demonstrating esprit de corps and looking to the future.

China owes its successful bid for the World Exposition in 2010 to the international community's support for and confidence in its reform and opening-up. The Exposition will be the first registered World Exposition in a developing country, which gives expression to the expectations the world's people place on ChinaShanghai "has full confidence that the 184-day Expo will run smoothly," Han told Vicente Loscertales, secretary general of the Bureau of International Expositions, who oversees the work of organizers of each World Expo.

So what will Expo 2010 Shanghai China deliver to the world? There is no doubt the Chinese people will present to the world a successful, splendid and unforgettable exposition.

Moulin Rouge comes to Karachi.

After Smash hits, Phantom of the Opera, You only Marry Twice, Tom Dick and Harry & Bombay Dreams; Warid Telecom, Shah Sharahbeel and Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture Present a stage musical "MOULIN ROUGE" - NOW IN KARACHI! 

Moulin Rouge is a romantic musical based on a story of a young English poet named Christian who falls in love with the star of Moulin Rouge cabaret actress and courtesan Satine.

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With a total of 35 actors and a crew of 15 back stage artists Centre Stage Productions put up a phenomenal show.

Performances include matinée shows on 25th April, 2nd and 9th May. The play is on at arts council, Karachi from 22nd April-9th May. Now this is a must watch.

Subtitle Distraction!

Ever saw a movie in English language with English subtitles? Or even a movie in some other language you do understand but it has English subtitles sliding on the bottom?? Now of course I am not doubting my  ability to understand english. Its just that I dont need english subtitles but not all movies have an option of tuning them  OFF. Especially the ones you illegally download free from the internet, you dont often get a choice!

Yah so ever noticed that you keep your eye balls on the subtitles and in that course you actually start to miss whats going on? I get so annoyed with myself and try hard not to look at the subtitles again. While watching 'Finding Nemo' and its stupendous work of animation and excellent dialogues, I admit I could never fully concentrate on them. I even tried promising and disciplining myself over this issue but to no gain. In the end, i had to buy a DVD!

I guess I have just given a new advertisement idea for 'STOPPING VIDEO PIRACY'? maybe ...

Who to Compensate?

With the recent events of the volcanic ash cloud over the European Union which grounded more than 95000 flights as result of 6 six days ban imposed by the FAA, millions of passengers were stranded abroad. It is reported that while the flights were being cancelled, some airlines took it upon themselves as a moral obligation to provide their passengers/customers, some were least bothered.

So it all happened. Passengers were left with two choices. Wait where ever they are (extend their stay) until the airspace opens or ditch the flight and arrange other means to get home. One not so mobile BAE employee, travelling with his wife and two young daughters said:

' On the first day i waited. I camped at the Madrid Airport (Spain). Next morning i rented a car, then taxi, then ferry and then a taxi again to finally reach home after 5 days (Bristol, UK). The extended travel plans took about 1200 quids out of his savings account' 

Now in the aftermath of the volcanic event, angry passengers are demanding compensation from the airlines for the all extra expenses they incurred due to extended stay (accommodation/food for those who stayed and travel costs fro those brave ones who set out to find their own way). Passengers personal travel insurance is a 'no-blamer' since it conveniently ignores any compensations in the events of 'ACTS BY GOD'.

Now the European union aviation laws state that if a flight gets cancelled, the airline is responsible for all the 'reasonable' expenses, the definition of 'reasonable' is unclear. Many airlines argue that they have done their part when they provided free coffee/dinner and bedding to the stranded passengers at the airports. 

Ryan Air (the worlds most economical airline) CEO was reported as saying:

"A passenger payed 30 euros for his flight, i can refund him but i dont see Ryan Air paying thousand of Euros of compensation"

If we think from the business perspective, the aviation industry also took a billions of dollars of hit. Most national carriers are at the mercy of their governments to bail them out to be still operational. Ever their insurance policies ignores the 'ACTS OF GOD'. So is it fair to ask them for compensation? Think about the following cycle:

Airlines pay you the compensations --> Airlines Go Bankrupt --> Airlines Require government Bailout money --> Government uses the tax payers money (What else) --> Government raises taxes. 

So in the end, whose paying? The general people. So my advice to the passengers is, take the hit for now !

iPad- Not quite what we were expecting.

With Apple unveiling the iPad I so knew this would be the next hip thing with youth everywhere after apple notebook, iPod and the very chic Blackberry but surprisingly  in Pakistan it didn't become as popular as in US.  It was thought to be a perfect portable substitute for a PC and a phone in one.Perhaps it failed to meet the expectations. Its inability to multi task and the fact that its lacking an in built camera is one of the major drawbacks that has affected its popularity amongst locals. 

The iPad does not support Adobe Flash either which might make the browsing experience  troublesome.The fad for the gadget is seem to be fading before it even became the apple of the eye of many.