Cinnabon Landed in Karachi

Cinnabon, the American chain of baked goods kiosks has landed in Karachi by opening its first kiosk at Dolmen City Mall with another franchise due to open in a few weeks at the Atrium Mall. The company's signature item is a large cinnamon roll originates from Seattle USA.

Cinnabon chose Lahore as the location for its first franchise in Pakistan in 2010. At present, it has two outlets in Punjab’s capital. “We were planning to open one in Karachi for a few months but just had to work out all the details,” the CEO for Cinnaworld, Yasser Khawaja, told The MediaXpress. “It is just a great brand, its unique taste, in my opinion, is very well suited for our taste buds.”

But there were some mothers who were cautious about feeding their children ‘too much sugar’. “It is definitely very tasty but not something I would let my son have every day without fear of him developing a sugar problem,” mused guest Mrs Iftikhar.

On the menu, Cinnabon offers three flavours of its specialised rolls, classic smothered with cream-cheese icing, chocolate and pecan. Other items include mini-cinnamon rolls, lattes, cinnamon sticks and iced beverages (slushies). A single cinnamon roll costs between Rs250 and Rs310, depending on the flavour of your choice. A box of six costs Rs1,320. A mini roll is priced between Rs175 and Rs230 while a pack of nine will cost Rs1,510.

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Debenhams to open in April at Dolmen Mall

Debenhams, a British retailer is to open its first outlet in Karachi in April 2012 stated by British Ministers who flock to the City's Dolmen Mall Sea View for the Media Launch of the store. Debenhams was founded in the eighteenth century as a single store in London and has now grown to around 160 shops worldwide and also listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

The UK Minister of State for Trade & Investment Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint and Cabinet Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi accompanied by other British Ministers descended on the city for the store’s media launch which held on the top floor of the Harbour Front building, which also houses a mall.

The store would be spread over 27,000 square feet and is still under construction which would open doors for its customers in April. The store would be expensive carrying expensive brands which at present, majority of British citizens are not able to afford.

The price strategy for the market will not be different from what customers pay in the UK or any of its 65 franchises around the world. Betty Jackson, John Rocha and Pineapple are some of the brands that people will find in Karachi. Green said some of the largest British high-end brands were interested in doing business in the country. “We are working towards doubling the flow of trade between Pakistan and England.”

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Memphis Tax Solutions Launched

Memphis,TN, January 14, 2012 – Amanullah Sajwani, President and CEO of Reliable Accounting Solutions, Inc. www.reliableaccountingsolutions.com, a Memphis, TN CPA firm has announced that he has formed Memphis Tax Solutions, to offer discount tax preparation services to small businesses with their tax needs. The tax service fits well with our company goals, offering access to experienced tax specialists at reasonable prices so that everyone can feel comfortable using a tax preparation service without paying outrageous prices.

“I am excited to be launching Memphis Tax, our tax preparation service company,” said Amanullah Sajwani. “As Reliable Accounting Solutions grows we have begun to divide our services into separate entities in order to showcase our individual specialties. Our experienced tax preparers will continue to offer great service at a discount price but will now be more easily recognized by the public rather than as just another division within a larger corporation.”

About Memphis Tax:

Memphis Tax is a full service, discount tax preparation service firm specializing in tax preparation. They have experienced tax preparers who are registered with the IRS. Whether a client has a 1040EZ, a joint tax form with rental properties, capital gains and a list of complicated forms or if a client is a business owner with special tax situations; Memphis Tax Preparers are able to meet their needs. They are also offering 20% off on tax preparation and referral fee.

Make an appointment to get your taxes prepared quickly by calling 1-800-991-0902 or visiting one of their offices in your area. Find more at www.memphistaxsolutions.com

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NADRA Verification Tools

CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) is the core product of NADRA issued to a valid/legitimate citizen of Pakistan. It is a blend of state-of-the-art technology and well-defined business rules to guarantee its authenticity and validity.

Every genuine, 18 Years and above, citizen of Pakistan is eligible for the NADRA Card where each card has a verified photo, information, signature and finger prints that undergo clearance from NADRA technological ware houses backed up by the large centralized national database in the world Verisys. Each NADRA card integrates biometric technologies such as Automated Finger Identification Systems (AFIS) and Facial Recognition Systems and is capable of providing identity verification to all integral Government departments and Corporates.

Now it provides you with number of tools to verify the issued CNIC to avoid any fraudulent activities for bringing in transparency, validation, elimination of fraud & forgery.

1- CNIC Verification
This tool will search and verify the National Identity Cards database. You can now verify the CNIC of any person via SMS by entering their CNIC number and sending it to 7000. In response you will get name and father’s name of that particular CNIC number holder (in urdu fonts).

Charges: Rs. 10 plus tax per Message (Around Rs. 12 including taxes)

Corporations can now verify CNIC, Academic Qualifications, Antecedents Verification and Referral verification through http://verify.pk

2- Vehicle Verification
Call CLPC number 021-35662222 and give number plate, chassis number and engine number to get information about your car status.

Islamabad residents can send their car registration and chassis number through SMS to 8521 to get car details within 20 seconds

3- SIM Registration Information
Ever wonder how many SIMs have been issued on your or your family's National Identity Card. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has developed a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) information and Verification system to address associated risks on security and to ensure subscription regulations in cellular sector.

Check it Online: http://www.pta.gov.pk/668/
SMS: Write your CNIC (without dashes and space) and send it to 668

4- SIM Information
To find out the current owner’s name of the SIM that you are using, simply send a blank SMS to 667. This SMS will return owner’s information with details – So if this is your name, then nothing to worry about, and consider yourself safe. Otherwise get it registered by visiting your mobile operator's franchise as soon as possible.

5- Snatch/Theft IMEI Search (PTA)
You can search Stolen Mobile using IMEI Number or Call 24/7 helpline +92 3566 2222. So be careful and before purchase any second hand set check carefully. Just dial *#06# and note down IMEI number of your cellphone,

Check Online: http://www.pta.gov.pk/imei/imei.asp
CPLC Site for Online Mobile Theft Complaint: http://www.cplc.org.pk

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Work from Home And Make Money Online

If you believe that you have a skill that you can utilize to earn money online by working from home than why not make a try. oDesk.com is a tremendous resource for those seeking freelance work from home.

If you are good in writing, accounting or if you are a web programmer, a software developer, looking for web design jobs, or just simple data entry, oDesk is the place to find work. Compared to Adsense which is really a wastage of time.

You can start earning by making a profile of yourself on oDesk, give a oDesk ready test and start bidding for the projects. Getting hired on oDesk is a bit daunting task but you can pursue the following guidelines to make it an easy one.

1- Your oDesk Profile

• Ensure that you choose your screen name wisely. Stay away from the cutsie names like PuddinPie4856, and socially inappropriate names (use your imagination). Pick something short and to the point.
• Upload your picture, if you don't have a nice one then better dont put it or use someone else. Photo increase the chances of getting the project.
• Choose your skills wisely and focused on your area of expertise. Avoid, for example, choosing data entry as a skill, when what you really want is a web design job.
• Keep your hourly wage low in the beginning as you are a new comer.
• Everyone has to take a standard proficiency test to be able to work through oDesk. This test is not difficult, but must be passed before you can be available to work. There are numerous optional tests that will showcase your abilities. Take as many of these as you can. If you score well, the scores will be displayed on your profile page. Lots of high scores are very attractive to buyers. Here’s a hint: Open a second browser window while you are taking a test. You can then search for answers when you get stuck.

2-Applying For a Job on Odesk

• Bid low and competitive for all projects to increase chances of getting hired. Tip: You can also setup your brothers or sisters profile and bid for the projects again from their profiles at different rates
• Do read the job application and its requirements properly
• See that your cover letter is free from grammatical errors and that you also provide samples of your relevant work
• Write your Skype Id with your cover letter
• Keep communication open
• Read feedback provided by previous contractors
• Only bid for projects where the employers have oDesk verified payment method
• Many employers don't prefer giving upfront payments
• Keep a friendly and professional demeanor

3- While On Job

• Keep Communication open until the job is complete. If the buyer stops responding to emails then stop working
• Never accept work outside of oDesk from an oDesk buyer unless he is from the same country and can send you payments through low cost domestic money transfer services
• Never make arguments with your employer on payment, you can see his payment history by reading the feedback provided to him by previous employers
• As in any job where boss rules, the same is the case with the oDesk employers
• Be prepared to work, and work hard. 

Finally, Payment Withdrawal

Wire Transfer in PKR is the cheapest way of withdrawing funds to your bank account from oDesk wallet. You can receive oDesk payments from all major Pakistani banks. The first withdrawal is free of cost but there is a charge of almost $4.99 per withdrawal  from the second time.

See you on oDesk!

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