In the political rhetoric of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), analyses of class and institutions are conspicuous by their absence. PTI has simplified the complex political-economic debate into the good-guys-versus-bad-guys anecdote.  In PTI’s dictionary, good guys are those who are ‘honest’ and bad guys are those who do ‘corruption’ as pastime; all the trouble in which Pakistan finds itself today is because ‘bad’ guys rule the country. And PTI is very clear on this – bad guys are either from PML-N or PPP, period. PTI loves to note that the hereditary chain of command in the power structure of the major political parties’ namely, the PPP and PML-N, is the ultimate factor behind their poor governance. Moreover, PTI avows that it is an alternative political force because it spurns dynastic politics and status quo forces. After reiterating these hackneyed points over and over again, PTI acolytes assume that they have intellectually conquered the political argument. Therefore, for all sane and rational minds there is only one option left, that is, to join the cheerleading squad of Khan sahib. However, before one might think of doing this, it is pertinent to ask: what’s inherently flawed in dynastic politics and who are the real status quo forces? Dynastic politics The problem with dynastic politics is that it rotates around an individual and ‘he’ (gender imbalance noticed) is the main force in the ‘party’. The policy decisions of whom to support and oppose, politically, are based on personal preferences and dislikes of the party chief. Moreover, a dynastic leader is not open to any kind of criticism internally or externally; he aggressively attacks all those who dare to express any kind of disapproval of him. He sacrifices political principles for ‘power’; as a ramification, a dynastic leader can’t remain consistent in his political positions. Therefore, it is essential to not reduce dynastic-style politics to only hereditary politics because, in essence, what’s problematic in dynastic politics is its particular style and approach towards politics and society. As far as PTI is concerned, let’s face it, Imran Khan is the heart and soul of the PTI. In fact, Imran is tantamount to PTI. A slight change in his mood translates into a shift in PTI’s policy. Not to mention, he never gets tired of distinguishing himself from the masses and the rest of his party personnel. Narcissism is part and parcel of Imran’s political arguments. This methodology or lack of it, towards politics reveals the ‘dynastic’ mindset of Khan sahib. Furthermore, PTI’s record in keeping political consistency is at par with other major political parties – if not worse. The PTI chief claims to be an unwavering crusader of ‘peace talks’ with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He earnestly disapproves any questions raised on his simplistic assumption that peace talks with the TTP are tantamount to sustainable peace in the country. In fact, he blocks any prospects of fruitful discussion on this issue by labelling those who express their difference of opinion with him as ‘dollar-khor’. This is another reflection of Imran’s un-democratic attitude towards politics because, instead of providing a logical rebuttal of the argument, he seeks refuge in personal attacks. Inconsistency in policies Even on his most notable policy proposal, he couldn’t keep consistency in his approach. He has exempted a few groups from his ruthless criticism, most notably, Tahirul Qadri and our security establishments; both seem to disagree with Imran on this issue, at least on the surface, yet Imran remains silent with them. Qadri is very truculent in his opposition to peace talks with the TTP. It is of paramount importance to notice that the luminary advocacy of annihilation of the TTP, via military operation, by Qadri has gone unnoticed from Imran. He does not get unduly enraged by Qadri’s proposal of military operation against the TTP, as he does when some liberals make the same demand. Moreover, security institutions are the most eager among all state institutions to launch an operation against the TTP. They also seem to have strong reservations on the current peace-talks with the TTP but Imran never expresses his bemusement towards them. It is worth asking that, if PTI’s politics is consistent and based on issues, then shouldn’t PTI criticise all those who are trying to oppose the ‘peace-talks’ with the TTP? The fact is that Imran has become desperately hungry for power; therefore, he is not bothered about consistency in his political positions anymore. He is willing to sacrifice consistency in his party policies as a trade-off for becoming the next prime minister of Pakistan. As a result he is strategically exempting all those from his merciless criticism who can potentially catalyse his journey towards prime minister-ship. Moreover, we are observing that all those who were politically estranged before are becoming active again. They are sensing it is a good time to get close with Khan sahib because they know he will shake their hand and ignore what he said about them in the past, as long as they make the right appeal to his hunger for power. Status quo forces Another major claim of the PTI is that it is an anti-status-quo party. Political opposition to PPP and PML-N is conceived as anti-status-quo by the PTI. In truth, every political party provides challenges and opposition to their counterpart parties because they all contest for supremacy in political power. In fact, PPP and PML-N both contest against each other too. Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and other mainstream parties also contest against the PPP and PML-N; does that mean they are all anti-status-quo? Moreover, PPP and PML-N were not in power for many years in Pakistan but the power structure of the state did not change in favour of the people in the absence of these two parties. Therefore, it is essential to not reduce status quo forces to PPP and PML-N. I find the following remarks by Voltaire very useful in identification of status quo forces:

“To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticise”

It’s sad that even with the leaps and bounds mankind has made in technology, there are no special offerings for the disabled or the visually impaired. However, with the launch of a new phone by a British company called ‘OwnFone’, their dilemma with technology is finally over. This new cell phone uses a braille board and finger pads to communicate efficiently and  also includes the option of adding raised text so anyone, who can’t read braille, can still make a call.  Moreover, this wonder phone includes many common apps such as messaging and email services while some sets even have the option to play music. Tom Sunderland, Founder of ‘OwnFone’, stated that this is a big achievement for his company. He further added that his company is planning to kickstart a campaign that will help him advertise his product internationally. More importantly, he wants to make the product accessible to a relatively larger number of people. The concept of braille phones is not new and many companies are currently engaged in introducing such devices. But this phone is the very first one that is available for sale. It can be purchased at a very affordable price of approximately £60 (Rs9000) and also gives user the option of adding pictures and customising the colour and body of the phone. Unfortunately, due to supply constraints, the phone is currently not available worldwide. Those interested in purchasing, however, can place an order through their official website. For a society to progress, it is imperative to include all sections of the population. Providing supportive tools like the braille phone is a step in the right direction and will do wonders in harnessing their potential.

Dear Finance Minister, I belong to the class of ‘common men’; some people also call us ‘mango men’ or ‘aam admi’. Ours is a species that is found in abundance everywhere in Pakistan. If you ever look out of your bullet proof BMW, you will notice one of my fellow beings selling something or the other on a footpath. We are also found polishing shoes, unloading trucks, offering window covers during a traffic signal, pouring hot tea in a cup at a tea stall, pushing a fruit or vegetable cart or driving a donkey cart loaded with a number of things. There is nothing special about us. You may have walked past us while being escorted by your bodyguards and may not have noticed us at all; like walking past a heap of rubbish without giving it a second look. I am not sure you are aware of our existence, which is why I am writing to you to today. What makes me believe that you, dear sir, are unaware of our existence, is the fact that the new budget, rumoured to be presented by your government this month, is heavily loaded with a number of taxes. People also say this budget proposes to raise prices to an even higher level. Had you known of our existence and deplorable conditions, Mr Finance Minister, I am sure you would have presented something more favourable; something that would leave us with something to eat, air to breath and hope to live. But alas! I have been told that you do not know the problems of the common man and that is why you think that a price hike will not affect us. But, Sir, we do exist. We, the common people, make up a larger portion of your population than the elite class or the businesses you purport to placate. Yes, I am not as literate as those sitting those air-conditioned cars, Sir. I do not understand the tall claims made by your government about the GDP improving, the changes in the growth ratio, the dollar prices or inflation. Such information has no value to commoners like me or to 90% of Pakistan that is like me. All that matters to us is that last year, we used to purchase two loaves of baked bread at a price at which we can only buy one now. Formerly, we used to be able to get a little more oil for cooking but now, with every passing day, the quantity of oil decreases. My wife says,

“The day is not far when we will have to cook food in water.”

How ironic is it that Spain had a new king just hours after the country’s football team relinquished their crown in Brazil? And how symbolic is it that it happened at the Maracana Stadium? Oh the Maracana. While Brazil still sees ghosts of 1950 and Uruguay, there will be new skeletons in the closet for Spain for years to come at this iconic venue, for this is the ground that finally saw the end of Spain’s glorious era. All great teams have a cycle. And alas, Spain’s has ended. It was Chile, one of the teams Spain defeated on the way to World Cup glory four years ago that put the final nail in the coffin. And so, tiki-taka, the short passing style of football that has become the symbol of Spanish football, has seen its day. Simply put, Spain’s football has become stale and outdated. Teams have worked their way round it. Last year’s 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final should have set alarm bells ringing. It did not. [embed width="620"]http://vimeo.com/71240647[/embed] When Luis Aragones picked his side for Euro 2008, little did he know that he was setting in motion a style of play that was to characterise an era of football. There was originally an outcry over the exclusion of star striker Raul Gonzalez. But what Aragones laid the foundation of was cemented by his successor Vicente Del Bosque. The “false nine” system was developed whereby the team could play without a true centre-forward. It blurred the lines between midfield and attack. But Spain’s success was going side by side with the enormous success Barcelona was achieving simultaneously under Pep Guardiola. Lionel Messi was not only the core of Spain’s side but was also the core of the Barcelona side. Spain might have lost their first game of the previous World Cup too but their level of football was simply on another planet. Tiki-Taka was at its peak. Everyone wanted to mimic Barcelona. Opposition teams would simply tire out in the face of relentless possession. The central midfield duo of Xavi and Andres Iniesta was probably the best midfield partnership of recent generations. Spain scoring a paltry eight goals from their seven games on the way to glory four years ago is symbolic of an emphasis on patient passing and playing without a true number nine. Opposing defenders did not know who to mark. Strikers did not matter. An overloading of midfield made Spain unbeatable. It was a Spanish version of the Total Football which Johan Cruyff brought to Barcelona all those years ago which eventually bore fruit. The defence too was impregnable. Indeed, Spain has already conceded more goals in this World Cup so far than they did in Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012 combined. This time round though, every aspect of the team has lacked the finesse that brought comparisons with the victorious Brazil side of 1970. Iker Casillas, the man who saved his country in countless penalty shootouts and whose wonderful save from Arjen Robben helped win the World Cup final, was a pale shadow of his former self. A nightmare against Holland in the opening group game was followed by another inept display against Chile. Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos, two of Spain’s most formidable centre-backs, could not deal with the pace of Arjen Robben and Alexis Sanchez. Spain’s slow style was bowled over by speed and penetration against Holland and additionally intense pressing by Chile. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1zd8ng_spain-vs-netherlands-13-june-2014-match-highlights_sport[/embed] Rather than going for fresh blood, Bosque stayed loyal to the old guard. Why change a winning formula? Except that these were tired and ageing legs. That much was evident from Barcelona’s worst season in half a dozen years. At 34, Xavi no longer commands a game the way he used to. He was dropped for the second game but by then it was too late and Koke, considered to be the heir to the former for the national team, was only brought on as a substitute against the South Americans. Additionally, the decision to play Diego Costa as a real number nine smacked of a lack of planning. The Brazilian-born striker has barely played with his adopted country, yet he was expected to fit in seamlessly. Unlike club football, international football requires a long time-frame of synchronisation. To play a complex role in a Spanish national team where a forward is starved of space and opportunities while barely being acquainted with the side is a big challenge for any player. Yet, Bosque decided to stick with the Chelsea-bound striker. The Spanish national team as a whole has failed to see the changes the game has experienced in the last two years. By the time Spain beat Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final, football was at its zenith. But what goes up has to come down. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xrhykl_spain-vs-italy-goals-highlights-euro-2012_sport[/embed] The following season, Bayern Munich played a German upgrade on the Spanish tiki-taka. The Bavarian side played with power and speed to add to the possession to complete a treble, thumping Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League along the way. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14a0ii_bayern-munich-vs-barcelona-7-0-champion-league-2013_sport[/embed] Subsequently, a Guardiola-managed Munich was thrashed by Real Madrid recently. It became increasingly clear that the Spanish model had become archaic. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1s51hd_bayern-0-4-real-madrid-highlights-all-goals-29-04-2014_sport[/embed] Indeed, the German national team has followed suit. The 23-man squad includes only one recognised centre-forward, Miroslav Klose, while Thomas Mueller plays a role comparable to the false nine. Bosque did not budge though. With no backup plan and an overly predictable style of play, teams could thoroughly prepare on how to face them. So much so that Holland manager Louis Van Gaal publicly informed weeks in advance that he had switched to a 5-3-2 formation to counter his upcoming opponents. The 5-1 humiliation to Holland also showed a group of players who, the majority having won three major tournaments in four years, did not appear to have the hunger to further motivate themselves. There was no urgency in their play. Chile could smell blood. They hunted in packs and were duly rewarded. Outrun, out-thought and outscored, Spain was to become the third reigning champions of the last four world cups to be eliminated at the group stage. When the dust settles, Spain can take solace from being the best international team of recent times, for symbolising an era of football and can rebuild with the next generation. Koke, De Gea and the injured Thiago are all below the age of 24. Football has moved on. Possession is only nine-tenths of the law. The term applies to the beautiful game as well.

Aitchison College has boasted its majestic red brick buildings and traditions for over 125 years now. As we all know, generation after generations have followed the footsteps of their fathers and matriculated from the college. Recently, the new rule approved by the Board of Governors (BoG) of Aitchison College states that kinship has been abolished, so that merit may be ensured during the admission process. In my opinion, abolishing kinship is completely absurd. I, as an old boy (a term we use for ourselves after passing out from the college) think that the college builds pedigrees. Aitchison is not just an academic institution where the only achievement you aim for is good grades. Parents from all over Pakistan send their children to Aitchison so that their children may be groomed into ‘gentlemen’, as we like to call it. Merit was never sidelined, but neither was kinship. I don’t see the point in changing a long standing rule that has guaranteed success for these years. The new rule means that now my son will not be given preference when I prepare him for admission to the college. Hailing from a family that has attended the institute for generations, am I now to expect that being an alumnus of one of the most prestigious institutes in the country has no bearing on the future of my children? Is alumni status not worth anything anymore? All the accolades and honours that I’ve achieved so far are just mere pieces of paper? Will the college administration not honour them anymore? As an old boy I have been taught to spread what I learnt during my time at Aitchison and who better to pass it onto than my own son. I know that I would do my best to raise my son as a gentleman because I like to believe I am one and the credit for that goes to Aitchison College. Looking at the situation from this perspective, does the honourable governor, Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, not comprehend the fact that any Aitchisonian would want to do the same? Kinship in its own way ensures that the boys being admitted are being well-groomed at home, in addition to being groomed by the institute. The tradition of kinship is not new or unique to Pakistan; prestigious academic institutions like Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge University all practice the same. Yes, merit should prevail at one of the most prestigious institutions of Pakistan, but who decides how accurate or fair this new system of meritocracy is? The new system dictates that children will sit for a six hour exam and the ones who ace this written exam will be admitted to the college in descending order. A local newspaper claimed that anyone with strong sources can get their son admitted to the college without making him sit for the admission test. On the contrary, I, being kin, had to give the admission test thrice before being granted admission. Every individual in my batch gave the written test before being admitted. What is the point of levelling such baseless allegations on an institution of its repute? Several newspapers report that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Lahore attended the board members’ meeting in which this rule was approved. Why does anyone who holds the GOC Lahore’s office become a board member? What does this military office have to do with a semi-public academic institution? In my personal opinion, the governor should focus more on introducing a system based on meritocracy to the Punjab government rather than an institution that has stood by a tradition, even before the creation of Pakistan. Kinship is more than just merit. During my time at the college, we were taught to respect peons and sweepers. We were taught to refer to them as chacha jee, thus diminishing class divide. Kinship does not create class divide, it promotes a better, more refined class of Aitchisonians.

If you haven’t seen the new advertisement from the Procter and Gamble-owned Always, then you need to see it. This advert, which explores what it means to do something ‘like a girl’, topped the Campaign Viral Chart, bumping Activia’s Shakira video off the first place. It has been shared 536,519 times in the last few days, and it is definitely something everyone should watch. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20i0zy_the-video-will-make-you-proud-to-run-like-a-girl_fun[/embed] Directed by the award winning filmmaker, Lauren Greenfield, who also directed the famous documentary, The Queen of Versailles, this commercial begins with a bunch of grownups entering the studio and being asked to demonstrate how to run, fight and throw like a girl. And the result is what you would expect: they start running, throwing and fighting inefficiently, showing weakness in all their movements. Then a bunch of young girls are asked to do the same thing, and they, unlike the adults, throw and run powerfully. When one of the little girls is asked if doing something like a girl is a bad thing or a good thing, she replies saying that she doesn’t know what it means, but that,

“It sounds like you are trying to humiliate someone”.

Summer vacations always bring out an all-new, never-known-before side to kids. Some days are filled with frantic fire fighting and others are just an awe struck pause at what these little ones are capable of. The absence of a school routine and the luxury of designing their own days brings all sorts of surprises. Here are some fun rules I observed this summer: 1. If you haven’t used your toothbrush as a tummy scrub, you’re under utilising its potential. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="350"] Photo: Giphy[/caption] 2. Lessons in Physics: All balls, when are thrown upwards towards the ceiling, bounce back. Except the play dough ball. And the second play dough ball. And the third one too. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="320"] Photo: Tumblr[/caption] 3. If you can’t break into an incurable, contagious and uncontrollable giggles right in the middle of a crying spell, that’s just downright sad! [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="303"] Photo: Mashable[/caption] 4. If you take less than five seconds to forget what you were fighting over with your friend and suddenly jump to making new plans with them, you’ll end up being friends with them for a long time. This doesn’t apply to parents though. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="256"] Photo: Neogaf[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="200"] Photo: Neogaf[/caption] 5. Let the older kids negotiate snacks, junk food, parties and what not. Just use that time to grab whatever spoils they’ve left unattended. Once they’ve negotiated, just demand your share and both ends shall be secured. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo: tumblr[/caption] 6. In times of parent trouble, head straight for the grandmother’s room, right under the quilt - stay there for as long as possible and  you’re safe! [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="200"] Photo: Tumblr[/caption] 7. When bored, just shout ‘lizard’ or ‘spider’ and run screaming in whatever direction you want to take the kiddie train to follow. Improvise ahead. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Photo: tumblr[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="325"] Photo: tumblr[/caption] 8. Monsters do exist and it is up to you to take them down whenever, wherever and however. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Photo: Tumblr[/caption] 9. No matter what the adults believe, the world under the dining table and the bed is REAL. Just make sure you have the invisible safe with you for all times when the usual becomes boring. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Photo: Mashable[/caption] 10. Most importantly, you need to perfect the art of faking a hurtful wail for times when all else fails. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Photo: tumblr[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="150"] Photo: Mashable[/caption] I am not a fan of summer camps and structured activities during the holiday season. Holidays belong to the little ones as much as school days belong to us. It is much easier involving kids in our activities of the day rather than especially going out of the way to get these little ones enrolled in places like summer camps where they will be kept busy and entertained. Let them explore. Let them create. They find their own ways of entertainment. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] Photo: buzzfeed[/caption] Of course there are situations where this doesn’t apply and I respect that. However, I can assure you that there is some pleasure (and long term value) in involving the kids, in small ways, in everyday household chores. Besides helping them discover their interests, it also helps develop a bond between the parents and children, which goes a long way. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] Photo: PBH2[/caption] For times when the house crystal is at threat of being broken, there is always the option of the faithful outdoor world! Let them dig up the lawn, collect snails, water plants, chase monsters or create their own kingdom – mums  are better off looking away lest they find out about the various new species of germs about to enter the house. Ignorance is real bliss here. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="275"] Photo: PBH2[/caption] One important mum lesson I learnt is, no guilt for their boredom. In fact, it is perfectly alright to let them experience boredom here and there. It makes them creative. While they come up with their own new games, we just need to keep an eye on them – which we are wired too well to do anyways. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="300"] Photo: pbh2[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="280"] Photo: pbh2[/caption] Kids are pretty good at busting boredom – theirs and ours. And what’s not to handle about a little mess; it’s just some soiled shoes, stinky and sweaty hugs anyway! Oh and let’s not forget the cobwebs from under the beds. That is just part of the everyday life of a mother and it won’t last very long so you know how the saying goes, if you can’t beat ‘em’, join ‘em. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="298"] Photo: Tumblr[/caption] The final day saver is good old caffeine. As long as mum’s supply of caffeine is intact, the summer cannot really go wrong. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Photo: Pinterest[/caption]

Last year, they were celebrating Eid in the comfort of their respective homes, surrounded by friends and family. This year, they will have to make do with whatever they can in their camps. Last year, they had new clothes to wear and new toys to play with. This year, the children will find themselves lingering around camps, not really sure of what to do. Many might not even be aware that it is Eid. Such is the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan. Imran Khan announced that he will spend his Eid day with the IDPs. Although this is a great gesture and we should be happy that at least one figure of authority had the sense to do this, it still makes one wonder why the premier of the state has not followed suit. Imran wasn’t the one who displaced these people; he wasn’t the one who gave the final go-ahead to the military to take charge of their houses and leave them without any shelter. Yet he stands with them today. Where is Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in all this? A quick glance through the news tells us that the ‘representative of the people’, the head of the state, will be spending this Eid outside his country with Saudi royalty. I have nothing against Mr Nawaz as an individual and he can spend his Eid wherever he wants but he is no longer just a politician or a member of the national assembly; he is the prime minister of our country now. I don’t see why our figures of authority have to be reminded that their country is in a state of war, that there are people who have sacrificed their homes for the sake of a brighter future. Does he not have any responsibility towards these people, towards the IDPs? Shouldn’t he at least offer to spend some time with them? These questions are mindboggling and no one is willing to answer them. A couple of days ago, I came across the story of five-year-old Aneela, who is from North Waziristan and is currently living in an IDP camp. The report brought tears to my eyes. Here was a girl who was living in such harsh conditions, with meagre resources, and she had absolutely no idea why she was there and not in her own home. I saw her on television, playing with stones instead of toys, eating leftover food when she should have been eating delicacies like sheer khurma and mithai. For her, this year’s Eid will not bring any new dresses; her hands will not be decorated with henna. She is a five-year-old child. Does she really deserve this? This is not just about Aneela; it is for every child and adult living in the hell-hole of a camp. All of them have the same sorrows, the same miseries. In this time of need, we have seen how the civilians have come forward to help them. We have seen NGOs working day and night to rehabilitate the IDPs. We have seen donation camps set up in all major cities of Pakistan, with people contributing enthusiastically, whatever they can. The masses feel the pain of their fellow Pakistanis and they are willing to share their Eid with them, keeping aside all their religious and ethnic differences. But are our leaders willing to do the same? I ask all our politicians, MPAs and MNAs to keep their political agendas aside and join Imran Khan in his call to celebrate Eid with the IDPs. Instead of just giving away gifts as a political gimmick, go and spend time with them. Make them feel that their sacrifices are being appreciated. I don’t know about the rest, but the prime minister should have had more sense than to accept an invitation to Saudi when his own people were suffering. He should have been here with his people in this hour of need. Not gallivanting across the globe. This post originally appeared here.

As the English Premier League season has started, and looks very exciting already with the clubs and respective fans eagerly waiting to have a look at the new signings, Manchester United fans might be most anxious about the new season. United’s seventh position in last season’s league, their lowest ever in EPL history, and the sacking of former manager, David Moyes, hasn’t helped them in regaining much of their glory. But with Louis Van Gaal taking the hot seat at Old Trafford this season, after a successful World Cup campaign with the Netherland team, glory seems hopeful (a tad bit). Van Gaal looks more focused and composed as the United manager because United won all the friendly matches during the US tour, defeating clubs like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, A S Roma and Liverpool in the final of International Champions Cup 2014. But the task still remains a tough one, especially since the new season has already started poorly for United, with no wins in three matches. Most of their experienced defenders, like Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić, and Patrice Evra, have left Old Trafford while other non-performing players like Nani, Anderson, Wilfried Zaha, Shinji Kagawa, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernández were let go by Van Gaal. Similarly, as the summer transfer window is bustling away, Gaal has signed attacking stars like Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao (on loan), and quality young defenders in Marcos Alberto Rojo, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw. Besides that, Van Gaal has revealed his play strategy of a 3-5-2 system to make good use of his strikers. So, in order to make this play strategy successful, the wing backs would have to work extremely hard moving up and down the field, especially considering the internal competition present between Mata, Wayne Rooney, Van Persie and Falcao regarding attacking positions. But if Gaal truly wants glory, he could also change the play and morph it into a 4-3-3 system – in my opinion this strategy suits United and its players as well. With Rooney named as the new team captain, fans eagerly await to see if the Red Devils can establish themselves again as a force to be reckoned with in the English game. One cannot doubt the Dutch coach, considering his past record, glory fans have yet to see if he can do wonders with his new club as he did with his previous ones. Let’s keep those fingers crossed and hope for the best!

On September 16, 2014, the stars once again aligned themselves for 34-year-old Shahid Afridi who was appointed as Pakistan’s T20 captain. It is believed that he will retain this position until the T20 World Cup in 2016. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in true Pakistani fashion, has decided to adopt the ‘live for the moment’ mentality with absolutely no regard for the future of T20 cricket in the nation. What is the point of employing the same individuals in the same positions time and again and expecting different results? Was it a lack of better options that forced the board to make this decision and will it back-fire for the men in green? Shahid Afridi has not led a side since 2011. Moreover, in the 19 T20 Internationals in which he captained the side, Pakistan won 8 and lost 11. Over the last year, Afridi has taken 10 wickets in 11 T20 internationals, and scored 173 runs. His form as a bowler has dipped considerably and unfortunately he will never attain any realm of maturity with the bat. He self implodes nine out of 10 occasions and gets going about once every other series and yet has the most loyal fan base a cricketer could hope for. There is no doubting his energy on the field or his commitment to the nation but every cricketer has their moment and Afridi’s time has passed. When Mohammad Hafeez quit from his post as captain after the 2014 T20 world cup loss, it was like watching a tape on rewind. Every time the cricket team fails at a major world event, we do not look to groom and solidify a team for the future, we believe in putting bandages over bullet wounds to stop the bleeding. Hafeez, in my opinion, was better suited for the job. One man was not to blame for the performances of 11 other players. Pakistan never looked to rectify their mistakes and build for 2016, but to make radical changes because somehow that would fix the problem. It wasn’t the first time we had seen this and it definitely won’t be the last. Shahid Afridi has been appointed T20 captain because, as it stands, he looks to be Pakistan’s best option but the problem with this is that it leaves no place for grooming a future leader. Many looked to Ahmed Shahzad as a potential captaincy option, believing that his religious preaching antics cost him the post. In hindsight, Afridi has said and done several questionable things in his cricketing career, biting balls just being the tip of the iceberg. 2016 is two years away – that is two years the management could have used to build a team and groom a young captain. Are we simply afraid to let someone inexperienced take the reins? T20 is the shortest and most aggressive of all formats; is it really that detrimental to have a young, upcoming star attempt to take control? If not now, then when? Pakistanis love going head to head with Indians in cricket. Here’s a thought, if the almighty MS Dhoni can attempt to groom Virat Kohli, why couldn’t the Pakistani board see potential in his twin (Ahmed Shahzad)? There is no doubt that he must learn professional etiquettes, that it will take time for him to grow but what is going to happen if we keep reverting back to the old? Once Hafeez, Afridi and Misbah all retire, in a span of a few years, Pakistani cricket will be leaderless and in shambles. As it stands, the PCB has made its decision and one must accept that the glorified cheerleader is going to lead this nation in the shortest format of the game. With Waqar Younis back on the management side and their past history, one hopes that with time both have moved on. Only the 2016 World Cup will determine if the PCB’s decision has left the cricket team more sorry than safe.

This past Monday I watched CNN’s Don Lemon question Sam Harris sympathetically, almost apologetically, about Ben Affleck’s defence of the Muslims of the world. Lemon asked Harris loaded questions, encouraging him to spew his ignorant half-true rhetoric about Islam. And this claim I do not make condescendingly, rather Harris’ knowledge appeared lacking because of its biased subjectivity rather than studied objectivity on the subject of Islam, his simplistic rambling sounded amateurish and very myopic. A discussion on religion within the same religion is fundamentally complicated, let alone in comparison to other religions, hence to make the dialogue intellectual and fair, the media must play a responsible role and have a scholar on Islam to discuss it, or at least defend it, rather than an atheist who gets his knowledge about Islam from Fox News. To seek clarification on the claims that Harris made, I talked to a prominent Islamic scholar, Dr Aslam Abdullah. Harris claimed that the concept of jihad, martyrdom, sex slaves and death to apostates are central to the doctrine and practice of Islam, unlike any other faith. Also, he clearly stated that such verses must be ‘retired and shelved’ from the Quran. To this Dr Aslam says,

“Harris made the pivotal mistake of singling Quranic verses out of their historical context, a mistake that extremists also commit. The verses referring to fighting the enemies refer to a condition where the animosity of the power elites against the emerging movement of dignity and peace led by Muslims had assumed a violent situation. It is in this context that Muslims were asked to defend themselves. ‘Infidel’ is a term that Harris used; a term nowhere to be found in the Quran or Hadith, however the term that the Quran uses to describe those who reject the Muslim call of peace and dignity is kafir, which literally means those who consciously cover up the truth. Harris missed the basic Quranic principles of peace, compassion and mercy. The Quran does not call for the death of apostates, or aggressive or preventive wars, however it allows the community to take up arms under the authority of legitimate elected Muslim rulers for defensive purposes only; to stand up against all those who are violently bent on destroying peace. If a country practices stoning to death, or kills apostates, it is a problem of that country and not Islam, this imperative distinction must be made. Islam in its concept of martyrdom emphasises the principle that America takes pride in: give me liberty or give me death.”

“In pre-Islamic times, it was a common practice to sexually and physically exploit those who were considered slaves; it was norm of the times to treat them as sex slaves. The dawn of Islam established the rules of marriage and declared physical relations outside the marriage as illegitimate. Islam encouraged the previous owners of female slaves to free them and give them the option to marry whomever they wanted to marry. Sex slavery was abolished. Islam also abolished the idea of prisoners of war to be taken as sex slaves. It asked the Muslims to either return the prisoners voluntarily or in exchange of Muslim prisoners. Harris got it entirely wrong on this issue.”

“We then must retire ninety percent of the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu scriptures that advocate violence, seventy percent of the Old Testament that condones violence and lays the principle of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth or stoning to death.”

An exclusive interview with the brains behind the anti-Malala day. Two days ago, the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation headed by Mirza Kashif Ali, celebrated ‘I Am Not Malala day’. It’s said that the association, which represents a network of some 150,000,000 private schools in Pakistan, is planning a ‘Pro-Polio day’ for its next stunt, followed by a ‘Flat Earth day’ in solidarity with the members of the Westboro Baptist Church in the United States. After chairing a panel consisting of six middle-aged men at the Islamabad Press Club, where not a single woman was present in the audience, Ali told The New York Times,

“We are all for education and women’s empowerment.”

“But the West has created this persona who is against the Constitution and Islamic ideology of Pakistan.”

“It is clear that Malala has a nexus with Salman Rushdie and is aligned with his club.”

“I am not sure, but it is either the Sind Club or the Manchester United Football Club. Both are well known for their anti-Islam, anti-Pakistan content.”

“Why should I read books? There is no need to read books. Pakistani students only need to know what happened in the seventh century. And since there were no books at that time, there is certainly no need to expose students in Pakistan to books.”

“That is not true. Of course I know how to read. It’s only girls who should remain illiterate in this day and age.”

“We hope to make it even bigger and better next year. We’ll hold anti-Malala processions, anti-Malala debates in all the schools, and we will produce a film about why Malala’s message of universal education for children is a Zionist, American plot. I will star in this film as the hero exposing Malala’s evil plot to the world. Salman Rushdie will be approached to play the role of Malala. Malala’s father will be played by a Christina Lamb.”

Google unveiled its new 5.0 also known as Lollipop at its I/O in July, this year. The reception was amazing and like many others I could not wait to give it a hands-on trial. Finally on November 2, Google released the source code for Lollipop and so began the race between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to roll-out updates. As most OEMs would take three months to rollout the update, Nexus and Google Play edition devices have the edge of being first in line and receiving the update within days. I have been using Lollipop for a few days now and it’s amazing. Google has long been the ugly duckling and they had this ‘we don’t care what people think about us’ attitude but the new design methodology and designing ethics under the ‘material design’ idea proves that Google has moved on from that attitude. The new material design is sweet, smooth and pretty. Everything flows like butter with those gorgeous animations which take you all the way from the point of touch to the point of action. Material design is by far the best thing that has happened to Android. Everything is now flatter and smoothed out. It feels as if Google has moved on from the shady college years and become this mature young adult who just got his first job. So you see a lot of maturity. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="584"] Photo: Hassam Tahir[/caption] This is Google’s stock version of Lollipop – basically the Google Now launcher. The first thing you notice is that everything has become lighter from the earlier darker themes; so it will take some time to get used to it. A lot of developers are still working on adopting the new material design. Social networking apps such as Twitter and Tumblr have also been updated to the new design methodology. Google now has to work on this further. As of now we don’t know how Google will convince developers to follow their ethics as they can’t enforce it because that would go against their new slogan ‘All together, not the same’. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="587"] Photo: Hassam Tahir[/caption] Google has partnered with some developers to bring this consistency in design and animation. The apps in the pictures above are some of the updated ones that are using the methodology and everything looks nice, clean and consistent. The notification bar can now change colours according to the app. This, however, does not seem to work in all apps yet. The cleaner look has its disadvantages as well like the upper border of the apps look bigger now and it seems as if they are wasting too much screen real estate. Also, there is less information is now shown so I do believe they could have easily fit in two more message threads in apps. Taking a look at the image below you will realise that two extra threads could easily have been placed in the SMS app, which can be annoying. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="255"] Photo: Hassam Tahir[/caption] The stock app has improved vastly and now has blocking and archiving tools by default. The next thing that has significantly changed are the notifications and lock screen. Notifications had always been a strong point in favour of Android but had been lagging behind in recent times. It takes the lead once again with Lollipop. We have an all new notification bar which is transparent and double finger swipe brings in the power options. Power options are the same, except for cast screen and flashlight which weren’t available before as a power option The lock screen now shows your notifications, they are intractable and you can dismiss them or just swipe down to have look at them. This concept has been adopted from Apple’s iOS. Although there weren’t any system settings for this, by adding widgets third party apps do bring notifications to your lock screen. Speaking of widgets, you can no longer add them to the home screen; this was one of those distinguishing features between Android and Apple products – the feature will definitely be missed. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Hassam Tahir[/caption] Lollipop now uses ‘smart notifications’, showing you the most important notifications first. It’s basically a ranking of notifications based on your priorities. You can also manually set priority apps for notifications. There are also these new ‘interruptions’ settings under which there is the ‘priority mood’ which you can turn on indefinitely or for a specified time or for a pre-set day and time (which could be recurring) and notifications only from your priority apps will be displayed. Also you can shutoff notifications completely under the same settings. They also introduced this ‘heads-up notification’ which shows you the notification without you leaving any app or going through the notification bar and you can interact with the notification there. This also works during calls, so if you are playing a game you won’t be disturbed by a ‘phone call receiving screen’ but get a heads up notification. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="399"] Photo: Hassam Tahir[/caption] We also have new multitasking panels – in the form of cards, and this lets you close apps by swiping left or right. Lollipop also has a new keyboard, with better and precise predictive texting. There is also a new ‘users’ functions for people who share their phones. Each user can use the phone and install his or her own set of apps onto it without affecting the other user’s apps. The device administrator can set limitations for other users. The guest account is populated by default. This feature however is more useful on tablets because phones are not normally shared between people. What I noticed, however, was that it takes quite a while to shift between users and the user cannot be logged off unless you restart your phone. Lollipop is an effective new software that every Android user should use to see what new things Google has to offer. Sure, it might take you some time to get a hang of it, but it’s worth the trouble!

A muttering, foetal Katniss Everdeen confronts us from within the dark underbelly of District 13 in the opening shots of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I catapulting us into an unequivocal new era for The Hunger Games saga. From these first scenes, the tone is set for a grittier exploration into the dirty tactics of war and the casualties suffered by those unwillingly swept up in its path. Set predominantly in the subterranean world of District 13 – once thought to have been annihilated by the Capitol – now the nucleus of Panem rebel activity, Mockingjay Part I is quite literally a world apart from the pageantry and spectacle of the two previous instalments. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: The Hunger Games Official Facebook Page[/caption] Spearheading the rebel effort in 13 is President Alma Coin (a measured, charismatic Julianne Moore) whose district has weaponed up and hunkered down, ready and waiting to be led into battle by their returning Mockingjay. But once rescued by Coin, along with tribute Finnick (Sam Claflin) and formerly flamboyant chaperone Effie (Elizabeth Banks), Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) struggles to fulfil her role as the poster child of a war she never intended on waging. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: The Hunger Games Official Facebook Page[/caption] It is only the revelation that Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) is still alive and being used for propaganda in the Capitol’s media campaign, combined with a trip to the decimated District 12, that sets Katniss off on a journey of self-rediscovery. There follow some exquisite, at times darkly humorous scenes that address the manipulation of the media and its darlings by both sides – a theme touched upon in previous films – but this time eschewing the easy markers of good and evil by bringing the focus on the individual instead. Now that the Games have been committed to memory by the fateful trajectory of Katniss’s arrow in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, there is understandably a dearth of heightened life or death tension that inherently propelled the earlier films forward. While this element is initially replaced by a call-to-action for our reluctant heroine Katniss, it is unceremoniously diminished as her leadership qualities seem only really spurred on by witnessing atrocities (insert dramatic but contrived scenes portraying the beastliness of the Capitol) and this can come across as false. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: The Hunger Games Official Facebook Page[/caption] Despite this, there are several great action sequences involving a dam, bomber planes, a rescue mission and an animal-based danger point that our modern audience can relate to, at least more so than the concept of the Quarter Quells. Beautifully shot, you cannot fault these sequences on the CGI, which is great across the board – from the movements of hovering jet planes right down to the harrowing scenes of death and destruction in the districts ravaged by the rule of President Snow (a welcome return by the legendary Donald Sutherland). The build up of the film certainly owes a lot to its older cast members. The late great Philip Seymour Hoffman reprises his role as the avuncular yet shrewd Plutarch Heavensbee – who, along with Jennifer Lawrence, gives these films a solid grounding and without whom there would be a distinct lack of gravitas in key scenes. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: The Hunger Games Official Facebook Page[/caption] In the grand scheme of young-adult fiction film franchises, critics tend to abhor the customary hacking of the final book into two lucrative films as a cynical studio money-making scam, ultimately scorning part I as a dragged out, superfluous affair while fans, on the whole, relish the chance to eke out their enjoyment as long as possible. [embed width="620"]http://vimeo.com/110983424[/embed] As someone who is definitely not in the target demographic for these films, I cannot claim to be a diehard fan but, in my mind, this is the best film yet and possibly of all these young adult franchises, ever.

Saif Ali Khan’s re-entry was a success back in the early 2000s. The hero who had fallen flat in the 90s was seen in a completely new light in movies like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Dil Chahta Hai, Hum Tum, Salam Namaste, Kal Ho Na Ho, Race and Love Aaj Kal etcetera. And in movies like Omkara and the likes, he overshadowed anyone else who may have been in the film with him.  Unfortunately, nowadays I feel Saif Ali Khan’s performance is a bleak reminder of the hero he was in the 90s – none of the movies he is doing have any nostalgic value or cinematic value nor have they brought in good business; examples being Humshakals and Bullet Raja. On the contrary, Govinda, who was seen in a negative role in Kill Dil recently, has re-launched himself with a bang, with critics applauding his work. This time, in the movie Happy Ending, Govinda is all set to play for the front-row audience. After all, he’s the king of comedy. Let’s see if they both, Govinda and Saif, got their share of brownies this time! [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x27lxrt_happy-ending-2014-hindi-movie-official-trailer-%E1%B4%B4%E1%B4%B0_shortfilms#from=embediframe[/embed] Happy Ending is based on the life of a writer called Yudi (Saif Ali Khan), who published his last book five and a half years ago which turned out to be a major hit. Unfortunately, after that, he couldn’t publish any book and making ends meet became a task. His stardom, as a writer, starts to fade away and then enters a new romantic author in the limelight of the literary world called Aanchal (Ileana D’Cruz). Aanchal gets everything that Yudi once had as an upcoming writer. Soon after, Armaan (Govinda) comes into Yudi’s life. Armaan is the superstar of Bollywood and wants Yudi to write a fresh script (copy of multiple Hollywood blockbusters) for him. Having no other choice, Yudi accepts his offer and starts to alter his lifestyle and terms. The rest of the movie is the journey of how Yudi, as a writer and a person, learns how to end some things and start new things. Performances wise, Saif stands tall and delivers a dependable performance. One can easily recall the comfort he had in the movies Cocktail and Love Aaj Kal. Govinda, as always, is hilarious and owns every scene he is featured in. Nachcho Saaray G Phaar Kay is a song of the film that provided the perfect entertainment to the audience and credit for that goes solely to Govinda. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that if given a good script and the opportunity of outdoing himself, Govinda can still be in the race of the most entertaining actors in the industry. Kalki Koechlin is a revelation, she looks adorable, highly irritating and fits her role perfectly. Ileana is okay too; in fact, she is improving as an actress and is able to handle serious roles quite well. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x28elez_g-phaad-ke-official-full-song-video-happy-ending-govinda-saif-ali-khan-ileana_music[/embed] Ranvir Shorey, who plays Saif’s best friend, delivered some good performance. Some of his scenes are truly amazing, especially, (spoiler alert) the scene where his wife tells him that she’s pregnant. There are some surprise packages in the movie like appearances by Kareena Kapoor and Preity Zinta. Preity has an extended role and she looks good but the fact that she is ageing is pretty obvious. The dialogues are fresh, some of which require reading between the lines, but they go along with the mood of the movie. Content wise, Happy Ending will make you feel ‘happy’ at the ‘end’ of the movie. It’s an entertaining romantic comedy with a few hummable songs. I would rate it a 3.5 out of five on the basis of decent performances, a good script, nice music and lightness of the theme. And no, it’s not based on the American TV show, Californication, which most people think it is.

For the second time in a row and third overall, Portugal and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned as the best player in the world, beating the likes of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer at the glitzy gala in Zurich, Switzerland. The result comes as little surprise as the Portuguese has had a remarkable year, winning three trophies for his club – UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup – and netting an astounding 54 goals in 60 appearances for club and country during the voting period (November 30, 2013 to November 21, 2014). On the other hand, Messi has not lived up to his own astronomical standards as Barcelona failed to win any trophy and the Argentine having to wear the consolatory second-place medal in the World Cup. Although he did win the Golden Ball for his achievements in Brazil, the feat was not enough to put him in any real contention for the biggest award on the planet. Even though Neuer lifted gold in Brazil for his country, his heroics would never have been enough to win the award keeping in mind that the last keeper to lift the prize was Russia’s Lev Yashin back in 1963 and also the competition he had was from the best duo in the beautiful game’s history. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Lionel Messi (L) and Manuel Neuer.[/caption] Thus it was Ronaldo’s year through and through. The Portuguese netted a record 17 goals in the Champions League to break Messi’s previous tally of 14 and guided Los Blancos to La Decima, which included the goal from a penalty in the 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final. In addition to that, Ronaldo was awarded the LFP trophies for best goal, best forward and best player at the end of the 2013-14 season – a feat never before achieved by any player. The sheer persistence and the determination shown by the winger certainly wins him this accolade as the Madeira-born had to endure serious injuries in the closing stages of last season, which saw him miss the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in addition to the four games since his departure from the Borussia Dortmund clash in the Champions League. Adding to his misery, his team’s dismal performance in the World Cup saw them exit the group stages on goal difference. However, he battled through and came back even strongly to silence his critics and ensure that his name is embedded for the second time running on the world’s most prestigious football award. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="587"] Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his penalty to cap Real Madrid's victory in the Champions League final. Photo: Reuters[/caption] The winger broke the age-old record of most hat-tricks (23) in the La Liga, previously held jointly by the legendary Telmo Zarra and Alfredo Di Stefano and also struck 17 times during the opening 10 rounds of the current La Liga season to set a new record in the Primera division. He also captained Real Madrid to victory at the Club World Cup and his goal against Eibar on November 22, 2014 saw him become the first player to score against every single side he has faced in the La Liga. Statistics and records are quite inspiring but are not the only criterion to be called the world’s best and even though Ronaldo has by far excelled in the world of football, he certainly has achieved even more. Many had thought that with the Portuguese nearing the declining stages of his career, he would always be second-best to the four-time World Player of the Year, Messi. Ronaldo however, proved otherwise and set the stage for an even more interesting debate – has Ronaldo evolved into a more complete footballer both on and off the field? [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo attempts an acrobatic shot on goal during their Champions League final soccer match against Atletico Madrid at the Luz Stadium in Lisbon May 24, 2014. Photo: Reuters[/caption] Critics always drew stark contrasts with the humble Messi to the poseur Ronaldo, brandishing the money and the might of Real Madrid. Ronaldo was always looked at as a man who had been gifted the power, with the whole team performing blue-collar roles to allow the Portuguese to shine; however, his will and persistence has changed the scenario entirely. The winger has not only demanded to be recognised as the world’s best – especially ahead of the crowd favourite Messi – he has also has laid the foundations for a spectacular season which would require a lot more from Messi and others to overcome. Regardless of whatever the future beholds, the tale of Ronaldo has certainly not entered its dying phases but has embarked upon a new journey of greater challenges and unprecedented heights. It would be quite interesting to see the battle for the greatest player of all-time unfold as the ‘Argentinean genius’ and the ‘goal-scoring machine’ look to add more trophies to their names. [poll id="372"]

Murders are easy to commit but hard to cover up these days. That’s what I thought until I started watching the new mystery-thriller drama, How to Get Away with Murder. This new thriller has not only revolutionised the television landscape but contradicts my humble statement completely. [fbvideo link="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=657310781007656&set=vb.611490952256306&type=3&theater"][/fbvideo] The series is about five freshman college students and their mysterious criminal law professor who get embroiled in a dangerous murder plot. The show stars Academy award nominee, Viola Davis, as Professor Annalise Keating, a sophisticated defence attorney who runs her own law firm. The series also stars Alfred Enoch, Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King and Karla Souza. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="577"] Photo: Facebook page[/caption] When I first heard that Viola Davis was returning to television, I was on cloud nine! I am a huge fan of hers and admire all of her work in both, television and film. And what makes How to Get Away with Murder a stellar television series is none other than the legendary Viola Davis. Her character, Annalise Keating, has been portrayed as a powerful middle-aged woman who does not take no for an answer. In today’s television shows, we get to see very few female leads, especially black women. In that respect, it is quite an accomplishment to see black American women as inspiring as Viola Davis in a big role on the small screen. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo: Facebook page[/caption] Jack Falahee, who plays the character of Connor Walsh in the show, is also a great addition to the cast. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="400"] Photo: Facebook page[/caption] Another thing I felt that How to Get Away with Murder did was suppress the modern-day stereotype that women cannot stand up for themselves. The show indirectly empowers those underprivileged women and young girls who are incapable of leading independent lives. In this regard the show seems quite promising and has had a lot to offer fans in the first season thus far. The series has managed to generate a huge fan base, in a very small span of time, owing to its unique storyline and plot twists. The steady ratings are proof of the show’s success. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Facebook page[/caption] I, for one, am obsessed with this show. When law and murder go hand in hand, you know there is something going on, something far more deadly! The show has a unique plot that can grab anyone’s attention. That being said, I strongly believe that the second season will be even more of a success. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Facebook page[/caption] For those who enjoy 45 minutes of never-ending entertainment, I strongly recommend you watch this show. Trust me, once you watch the pilot episode, you will be begging for more. Although there are moments in which I feel the show tacitly condones murder cover ups, I believe it is more a twist of law that comes into play. How to Get Away with Murder has already been nominated for the Golden Globes among many other accolades. The second part of the first season is eagerly awaited and you guys have lots to catch up on. This weekend, buy the series, sit back and allow yourself to be captivated. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

Up until a few years ago, we only had to deal with the ever-increasing benchmark set by the oldest female in the house, usually the mother(monster)-in-law. The vicious cycle of the saas bahu was a daily opera limited to the confines of respective households and, eventually, the daughter-in-law came to accept that she was ‘not good enough’. When Fariha cooked her umpteenth daig of biryani, this time to perfection, with the rice not sticking to each other like khichdi and the yellow masala gleaming like sunshine, at some level she hoped her mother-in-law would finally let out a whistle. Instead, her mother-in-law ignored looking her in the eye and said,

“Are you bringing some raita to swallow this down?”

“She did it for me so I will do it for her of course. But, mine was years ago and there was no Pinterest,” she exclaims adding, “Too many references, too many expectations!”

“The problem is not with social media. It’s when you put up your pictures you want everyone to like them and leave ‘aww’ comments on them. You are opening it for the world to comment and some will say bad things. For example, my party was perfect but I got criticised for spending too much.”

“We are constantly stretching ourselves to create content for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and so on. And the internet is never happy, like my mother-in-law!” says another housewife, requesting not to be named.

Apple’s at it again. Yet another array of Apple’s sleek, sharply presented devices was released a few days ago for the viewing pleasure of an audience in San Francisco. Apple has introduced the new iPhone 6S along with the iPad Pro, which will be available to consumers in a couple of weeks. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="320"] Photo: Reuters[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="594"] Photo: Reuters[/caption] Although there is significant debate regarding the vitality of Apple’s product features, there is no doubt in its unparalleled success in recent years. Apple rose to eminence back in 2007, all thanks to its iPhone, the device that revolutionised the phone industry forever, paving the path for the era of smartphones. No one could have conceived that a company which had to be rescued by its rival and whose own co-founder was fired would one day amass so much success that it would eventually surpass the wealth of America’s government. Also, there should be no doubt that as the CEO, Steve Jobs rightly upheld and implemented the beliefs of the company; the belief to produce reinvented, revolutionary products and as he phrased it, “Put a ding in the universe.” The iPhone along with the iOS, and later even the iPad, were true innovations, something the world had never experienced before. So the question now remains, is Apple still the pioneer of revolutionary products? At first glance, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the new iPhone 6S and the former iPhone 6. Take a peek inside and none of the specifications would surprise anyone in this age, except maybe for the A9 processor. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="427"] Photo: Digital Trends[/caption] Let us talk about the innovation. What does Apple have in store for us? Frankly speaking, nothing. It’s playing the same catch-up game with the higher-end Android devices in terms of features. Force touch has been re-introduced as 3D touch, a technology which existed in the BlackBerry Storm. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Reuters[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Crackberry[/caption] Live photos? Already exists in the Lumias and HTC. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Mashable[/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Macworld[/caption] Siri? Present in almost every Android device with Google Now. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Reuters[/caption] The list goes on, but I am merely pointing out that instead of being the game-changer, Apple has taken an unusual turn in recent years. It is losing the race in terms of innovation. Perhaps it has gotten too comfortable at the top. Has Apple arrived at a point where it cannot innovate any further? Or perhaps it doesn’t feel the need to innovate, given that it rakes in huge profits every year. It could be argued that Apple devices do not really need such an accelerated hardware. They work smoother than most Android devices, albeit having lower grade specifications. To put it simply, imagine a Rolls Royce compared to a Toyota Crown. The Crown, despite having an abundance of cutting-edge technology, would still not come close to the renowned quality of a Rolls Royce. However, this does not account for the absence of innovation. Furthermore, Apple’s newest tablet graced the audience as well. The iPad Pro, an enlarged, business-oriented tablet, brings the familiar name of Microsoft’s Surface Pro to mind. It seems that Apple is now borrowing ideas from other companies. Perhaps they’ll fare much better than Microsoft in terms of sales of their new tablet. Their stocks have been predicted to rise by 33 per cent in the next 18 months, given the quite marvellous reputation of the previous iPads. So, what does this new iPad have in store for the user? Well, it’s bigger, lighter, and faster. That’s all that matters now, right? Among Apple’s most remarkable qualities is its marketing capabilities; it can rename the oldest, most useless of technologies and the common man will perceive it as a technological breakthrough. Take for example the Apple Pencil, which brings to the mind a rather natural feeling of literally working with a pencil on your iPad, although it is after all just a fancily named stylus. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="599"] Photo: Reuters[/caption] Another example might be of the previously mentioned 3D touch. These names automatically create a good first impression in the minds of the audience, no matter the usefulness or pragmatism of the technology itself. Perhaps this is the reason why Apple receives exceedingly high numbers of pre-orders every year. The fact of the matter is that Apple is not reinventing, it is merely revamping. It has become part of the mainstream, although it is continually performing well. The questions that remain are that without the introduction of new inventions and innovated products, what does the future hold for Apple? Can it continue to relish in success by simply adopting older technologies and features? The answer is not so clear, but if I were to take a guess, I would say that Apple would still be among the stars in the coming years. However, to remain at the very top, it must reintroduce its lost and outstanding qualities.

The man who used to wear jet black sunglasses, a traditional Sindhi cap, and sometimes a cowboy hat has finally managed to defeat the Asif Ali Zardari camp after his long campaign that featured statements against the top Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership. Yes, I am talking about the Army officer turned politician Dr Zulfiqar Mirza. Those who know him closely since his student days will not disagree that Mirza was born with a rebellious spirit. The former home minister earned his MBBS degree and joined the Pakistan Army in 1980 in the medical corps. But his defiant nature led to his expulsion in 1985, after he refused to vote in the referendum held by Ziaul Haq. In politics too, he rebelled against Zardari and was thrown out of the PPP. He has been challenging the PPP leadership verbally for the last few years but succeeded only in the recent local body elections. His hard-earned success came in the face of winning all 14 wards in the Badin municipal committee, the area where PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto, had campaigned before the local government (LG) elections. Just before the LG polls, Mirza had announced that he would be forming his own party. However, I believe that was a mere political statement. I do not think he will create his own political party in the near future. But, in the long run, he could gather enough political clout to give the PPP some competition in Sindh. His wife Dr Fehmida Mirza and son Hasnain Mirza are still part of the parliament on the PPP ticket, and will remain there unless the PPP leadership expels them. I am fascinated by the thought of what the family can do as a political unit. With Zulfiqar’s fiery passion, Fehmida’s shrewdness and Hasnain’s idealism, the family could change the face of politics in Sindh. However, I cannot ignore the fact that Mirza is not against the ideology of PPP. He is just opposed to Asif Ali Zardari and his close aides. His point of difference is mostly based on personal interests, not ideological politics. Let’s not forget that Mirza is a traditional status-quo politician. He is not some avant garde hero just because he has challenged Zardari. He does not care about reforming the PPP for the concerned masses. Moreover his political capital only extends to the boundaries of Badin since he has had close contact with the people of Badin over the years. Everywhere else, Zulfiqar Mirza’s name evokes little to no emotion. The reasons why Sindh has been supporting the PPP for decades are two-fold. The first one is their deep love for Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and his daughter Benazir Bhutto. The second is the fact that they do not have another viable alternative to turn to. Despite PPP’s deplorable governance, it has been achieving success in Sindh. This is because no other party has challenged its hegemonic hold. Zulfiqar Mira could, he if had the political will. Soon after winning the LG polls in Badin, Mirza told the media,

“PPP did not lose, it is a defeat for the Zardari gang.”