For those of you wondering what SPAM may have to do with Karachi and why I’m bothering to make a post out of this one, here’s a snapshot of a message I JUST got. We can’t do much about the SPAM but this one caught me a bit offguard. See what you think. And as much as I thought I’d keep the senders number there just for kicks, well, I don’t know – what do you think? But for those of you who may miss the reference in the title, the correct spelling is “wrappers”!!!

Despite all this craziness, for anyone who eats TastyGold, do you really hold onto the wrappers?!?!?!?

I’ve been meaning to post this picture a few days back but since early this month Dunkin Donut, Tipu Sultan has moved to the end of the block next to the Habitat showroom.

As it seem the corner plot where once stood a gas station and the Dunkin Donuts locations is being torn down for some construction. The new location sports a bright new look, definitely a refreshing change

After what seems like a huge void in the Pakistan team’s activity in the cricket arena, Srilanka has arrived to provide us with some much needed playing relief.

What is of even more importance is the fact that after the Asia cup, Pakistan will get another crack at the spin sensation Mendis who totally bamboozled them the last time around.

The two ODI’s are to be played in our lovely National Stadium here in Karachi and tickets have been on sale at various Alfalah branches, surprisingly to some lackluster response.

Tickets are available in the denominations of Rs1500 for the Javed Miandad, Hanif Muhammad and Fazal Mahmood enclosures. For First class enclosure the rates will be Rs 400 and First class ‘B’ enclosure the rates will be Rs250. Rates for Quaid-e-Azam and family enclosures will be Rs 150. The General enclosure will be Rs 50 only

The first match is today and I for one will be there to see our “boys” back in action, come on people of Karachi lets enjoy something we all love collectively.

Currently SL is 86/1 after a blazing start!!!

The famous fountain that was stolen sometime ago is back in commission and was seen at its full glory tonight. Unfortunately I couldn’t take any pictures.

The question here is whether the authorities were able to recover the stolen parts of the fountain, or is it just another huge bill waiting to be settled?

Some ideas come to mind on improving the Karachi Zoo:

• More trash bins
• Better uniforms for staff, plus increase their salaries to reflect a higher quality of care
• Add more animals to the zoo
• Replace the elephant that passed away a while ago
• Improve the infrastructure in the surrounding areas – making it easier to access the zoo
• Consider adding an aquarium; hire a good marine biologist and since we’re on the sea make a nice saltwater aquarium.
• Increase the admission by at least 10 to 20 rupees (thereby generating funds to make improvements)
• Participate in cultural events and spread awareness of the Karachi Zoo
• Promote the zoo in local and area schools
• Allot school days, where the zoo is closed to the public and only students can enter using a special pass.  In exchange for full-day access, schools could then donate larger sums of money rather than just the admission fees
• Fund raising drives from time to time
• Schedule animal shows
• Establish a gift shop like most other zoos in the world

According to Daily Jang’s site a young man commits suicide because of poverty and jobless. Should we expect more such cases in future because of current economic situation or is there any way to help those people?

Karachi is the city of more than 12 million people. If 1% total population(120,000 people) save Rs.1/- daily, then we can save 3.6 million in a month.

What do you people think? There is need for such activity or we should rely only on Government?

 The Second Floor, a non commercial venture, is the only space in history of the city which in such a short span of time (App. 1.5 Years) has brought some of the nationally and internationally noted figures, including scientists like, Dr. Atta-Ur-Rahman people of international fame like David Barsamian, countries most celebrated and internationally renowned film makers, writers, poets, artists, social workers, human right activists, intellects, technologists and many others to it’s floors for the people of the city to hear them, question them and even sit over a cup of coffee to exchange thoughts with them, all in an effort to bringing like minded people from all segments of the society together. (more…)

IBA(Karachi) Social Sciences is organizing a documentary competition with collaboration of Samaa TV on national level. Submissions are open till 28th February. The theme of the competition is ‘Justifying violence’.

Besides getting a chance to be heard and open your minds and to other new perceptions, the winners will also be awarded money.

1st Prize-Rs 25,000
2nd Prize Rs 15000
3rd Prize Rs 10,000

In addition to this the top three documentaries will be aired on SAMAA TV, along with any others that are chosen.

More information about the competition at: http://sites.google.com/site/ibasocialsciences/Home/events

A very small news item caught my attention today.

Daily Dawn reported that the body of a newborn baby was found in a drain in the limits of the Kalri police station on Friday.

A relief association volunteer told Dawn that the child was given ablution and buried in the Mewashah graveyard after conducting legal formalities. Since no post-mortem examination was conducted, it was left undetermined how and when the baby boy had died.

While all Pakistanis are busy denouncing Israeli aggression in Gaza and the continued murders of men and women, its about time we take stock of what is happening in our own backyard. We may not be able to do much for the children that are dying in Gaza but can’t we do something about those who are dying right here, in our own communities for various reasons.

Anyone planing to go out of city or to receive a relative or friend from the airport can forget about it.

The lawyers’ movement is once again making sure it does all in its power to agitate the commuters on the busiest road of the city.

Shahra-e-faisal is closed for public traffic beyond the Drigh Road station due to a demonstration by the lawyers. Traffic is being diverted on Rashid Minhas Road which is causing great inconvenience to the commuters. A friend called and said he had to navigate through Gulshan to get to his home across the airport.