Banksy the graffitist at work..

He’s the most successful graffitist ever, the elusive outsider who has become the UK's unlikeliest national treasure. Banksy is a sought after modern day artist whose work can be found and viewed for free in and around London, Palestine and the world.



His work has sold for $1,870,000 at Sotheby’s in New York, or £636,500 at Sotheby’s in London, as Banksy’s and collectors such as Brad Pitt and Christina Aguilera are falling over themselves to buy them, would I row across a scummy canal to stencil a wall only a handful of people will see? Would you? So why the cold trips to Camden to paint illegally on a hidden wall?

“I still paint graffiti because I genuinely think the side of a canal is a more interesting place to have art than a museum,” he counters. “And the fact of the matter is, if you exhibit in a gallery you have to compete against Rembrandt, but if you paint down an alley you only have to compete against a dustbin. I guess it’s the art equivalent of hanging around with fat people to make yourself look thin.”

CCTV cameras are one of his obsessions at the moment; they are, he says, one of the worst things about modern Britain.

“The amount of security cameras gets on my nerves. Obviously from a professional point of view, but also on a more philosophical level. I don’t understand why Britain has embraced cameras more than anywhere else — is it because we’re desperate to feel we still matter and we quite enjoy the idea someone is always watching us? I hate it when they say, ‘If you’ve done nothing wrong then you’ve got nothing to hide.’ Everyone’s got something to hide, otherwise there’s something really wrong with them.”

More of this article and to see Banksy in action click here.. Banksy in "the world’s first street-art disaster movie" - Times Online

Fifa warns of fake World Cup tickets being sold on the internet

Thousands of fake or bogus tickets for the football World Cup this summer in South Africa are being sold on websites including Gumtree and eBay for many times their face value.
Fifa, the competition organiser, said that sellers were seeking to profit from fans desperate to get to the now sold-out England group games, semi-finals and finals.
The Metropolitan Police central e-crime unit said: “Tickets will only be issued in South Africa for the World Cup. So anyone claiming to be able to supply tickets will be either supplying counterfeit tickets or nothing will be received.
“Given that tickets for the World Cup can only be collected in South Africa, it appears that any site offering tickets will have criminal intent
Fifa confirmed that it would not issue paper tickets until a few weeks before the competition starts — supplying them to the original applicant at collection points in South Africa. It said that if tickets listed for sale at sites other than Fifa’s are not fakes, they must have been allocated to other names, and should not be resold.
Fifa said: “Genuine tickets are sold online exclusively via the official website Fifa.com. A special team from Fifa’s legal affairs division is working with international authorities to monitor the internet for such illegal offers and to take action to combat them.”
Nevertheless, companies in Britain and overseas are openly reselling tickets for sold-out matches at a hefty mark-up.
Fifa’s rules state that tickets may only be used by the ticketholder named at the time of purchase, whose name will be printed on the ticket. Some resellers may attempt to have the name changed to the new buyer’s by abusing Fifa’s ticket transfer policy. This permits name changes for non-commercial reasons, such as illness.
The seller behind the first World Cup ticket listing viewed on eBay, the auction website, admitted to this. “kobi5842” wanted a starting bid of $3,400 (£2,223) or a “buy it now” price of $5,400 (£3,531) for two tickets to the World Cup final with a total face value of $1,200. He wrote: “I will try my best to personalise the tickets to the buyer of this auction, but I won’t refund the sales amount in case Fifa does not agree.”
This user’s account was suspended by eBay for suspected fraud after our intervention. However, he was back online at the time of writing, with a “100 per cent positive” feedback rating. eBay said: “In accordance with English and Welsh law, eBay UK strictly prohibits the resale of tickets to the Fifa World Cup. We do not allow anyone to list or purchase such tickets on eBay.co.uk and we prevent users from bidding on or buying tickets from sellers outside of the UK.”
No such measures were in place at Gumtree.com, the listings site, where you found “Mark” offering “VIP Suite” tickets to all England matches, and various others, for £2,500 each. He posted two mobile phone numbers and an e-mail address as contacts. Another user claimed to have “bought lots of tickets trying to ensure I gained a good selection of games”, leaving 22 for resale.
Gumtree said: “We were alerted to a small number of ads which have now been removed, and we have updated our detection technology... we always do our very best to prevent ads selling football tickets from appearing on the site.”
England fans hoping to buy valid tickets should go to Fifa.com on April 15 when returns may be available. Tickets are still available as part of travel packages from Fifa-approved tour operators.
Fans pay dearly $895 (£587) — the amount Global Tickets in Manchester is selling category 1 tickets for England v USA for, against a face value of US$160 (£105)

Source: worldcupticketservice.com

Kuwaiti Climber Zed Al Refai Leads Kuwaiti Group up Kilimanjaro

Kuwaiti climber Zed Al Refai, nicknamed Zeddy, is currently leading an international team of friends to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, in honor of Kuwait's National and Liberation days on February 25 and 26.

Al Refai, who has already climbed Kilimanjaro four times, told the Arab Times: "I am going with friends because I try to introduce these kinds of trips to them as much as possible....We are going to be 12 people on the trip, seven Kuwaitis including one Kuwaiti woman...Riad Malallah, who is one of my closest childhood friends and has travelled with me many times, will be with us including other members of Kuwait Extreme Team and friends from the UAE, Syria, America and Canada. Not all of us have had experience in climbing mountains before but most of us have had hiking experience so we are going to help each other out. I believe it is going to be a good experience for all of us." One member of the party is Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, an Arab adventurer and co-founder of Musafir. He's climbing to raise cash for the Malaria Consortium, to help defeat malaria in Tanzania.

Among active Arab mountaineers, 46-year-old Zed Al Refai is the most prolific. He began hiking and climbing as a college student in New Jersey, making trips to New England, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest. After a trekking trip to Nepal in the 1990s, Al Refai began thinking about climbing Mount Everest. In 1999 he ascended Denali, the highest peak in North America, and embarked on becoming the first Arab to climb not only Everest but also the Seven Summits. He climbed Mount Everest in 2003 on his third attempt and completed his Seven Summits quest in 2004 by climbing Aconcagua, becoming the 119th climber to complete the list and the 79th to complete the list with Carstensz Pyramid as the Oceania high point.

Al Refai organized this Kilimanjaro trip to raise awareness of ecological issues that he, as a mountaineer, has seen first-hand. He says, "...one of the reasons we are going to Kilimanjaro is to spread awareness about the glaciers that are melting so fast that it is said they will disappear in less than ten years." In Kuwait he lectures at schools "to motivate kids to be adventurous and discover the world. My lectures also spread awarenss about the protection of the environment, climate change and reducing our waste." He also notes that Kuwait has a scarcity of water yet its consumers are one of the largest wasters of water in the world. Al Refai's hope is that the 12 people climbing Kilimanjaro, with its disappearing glaciers and ecosystems, with him will in turn affect more people.

Today the Kilimanjaro party climbed to the top of Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending down to 12,960-foot (3,950-meter) Barranco camp below the Breach Wall. Most of the party felt light-headed atop Lava Tower and two members had headaches and nausea. Tomorrow the group will try for the summit.

Photograph above: Zed Al Refai on the cover of Arabian Man magazine after his successful ascent of Mount Everest.

Quiz Night at KLT

KD 1000 is up for grabs as KLT returns one if its favourite, one night only productions, the TV quiz show. This year the evening enititled 'The Fillionaire Deal' and is a mixture of two popular formats 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' and 'Deal or No Deal' The event starts at 7.45pm on March 11. Registration to play closes at 7.30pm. Tickets can be booked online www.theklt.com
Tickets are KD 5 per person including food and drinks in the interval.
Box office tel. 99373678

Kuwait Little Theatre
Main Street,
Ahmadi.

Homework woes..

We, parents, all need a little help when it come to getting kids to do homework so I've posted a few FREE websites here. They are suitable for different age groups and kids seem to love doing their homework on the PC.

Spelling
www.timesspellingbee.co.uk/training/spellingchallengemini.aspx


Maths (you get one free test per day which lasts about 7 mins or you can sign up for unlimited tests/time for a reasonable fee)
http://ixl.com/math


English, science and maths.
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/bitesize


If you have more pls share :O)

Biggest spray party in the world...

Got this pic from the BBC News site, Kuwait made the international media. I have to admit it looks like great fun!

Gordon Ramsay's Indian recipes

Gordon Ramsay's 10 easy Indian recipes recipe | Recipes - Times Online
A link to wonderful Indian recipes. Gordon knows his stuff.

What not to do when there's a sandstorm...

I would say Westerners who've been here a week or two...

Thanks Wael :O)

Son of Hamas founder spied for Israel for more than a decade

Son of Hamas founder spied for Israel to stop bombers - Times Online

Mosab Hassan Yousef, a 32-year-old convert to Christianity, now lives in California.

Ads on this site are randomly selected by Google not me

I've noticed that I have some odd ads on here. These ads are randomly selected by Google, I bear no responsibilty if you do not find a friend or don't wish to book a hotel in the occupied territory. If anyone knows how I can pre-select ads pls let me know.

Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah

Cordially invites you to a jazz concert given by Kuwait Jazz Collective at 7pm on March 3.

Al Maidan Cultural Centre, Abdullah Al Salem School, Maidan Hawally, near Sha'ab Leisure Park. Tel. 25636528, 25636561.

Email: membership@darmuseum.org.kw
www.darmuseum.org.kw

Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah

Cordially invites you to a musical concert. Egyptian Philharmonic Society will present Trio Recital at 7pm on March 1.
The Philharmonic Piano Trio was founded in 2004 and has earned recognition on international stages. The repertoire of the trio includes works by European classical composers and Egyptian composers.
Maestro Ahmed El Saedi, violinist Alexandra Mak, cello Victoria Kapralova, pianist Mohamed Saleh.

Al Maidan Cultural Centre, Abdullah Al Salem School, Maidan Hawally, near Sha'ab Leisure Park. Tel. 25636528, 25636561.

Email: membership@darmuseum.org.kw
www.darmuseum.org.kw

Kuwait Motorcross Racing

Info, map, race details, chat forum, etc.
http://www.rideon-q8.com/

or feel free to contact Sulaiman N. Al Musallam
Email: Sulaiman@RideOn-Q8.com
Mobile: 99073372

50% off at The Scientific Center

The Scientific Center Kuwait is offering discounts of up to 50% on individual attraction tickets as well as the combo tickets for all visitors from February 25th to March 1st. The first day of celebrations will also mark the beginning of our ‘Name the Penguins’ contest. Visit the 8 African penguins in the Aquarium, choose names and enter the contest using the interactive screens! 8 winners will win a Samsung laptop and a $300 (cashU) card. The African penguins are officially sponsored by ExxonMobil.
Tickets can be bought online from their website which could help bypass the queues.
www.tsck.org.kw/eticketing/mainpage.asp
Choose the National and Liberation Day promotion option.

I wonder if any of you know your penguins?

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY & HAPPY LIBERATION DAY

If you are allergic to silly string, shaving foam and anything else that makes a horrid mess when squirted from a can.. STAY AWAY FROM THE GULF ROAD MAYHEM!!!! If you don't want to spend two days trying to clean the gunk of your car.. STAY AWAY FROM THE GULF ROAD MAYHEM!!!! Keep your car doors locked and windows closed if you do happen to venture out in that direction. Bewarned you could get stuck in the unmoving traffic jam for hours there.

Other than that have a great holiday. Hope the weather improves. I'll be at the Hilton chalets chasing my daughter around on her new bike, which has a completely different braking system to her last bike...Yikes!

Coming to Kuwait..Takashi's Castle

Looks like a crazy, fun thing to do...Rumour has it that it's not the original Takashi's Castle but a local knock-off which still could be a lot of fun, if they do it right.
Will be staged 17,18 and 19 March at Kuwait Sporting Club.
To join in, as a contestant, it's KD 10 or for a group of 6 it will be KD50, male or female entrants permitted (seems there will be an all-ladies competition also) all contestants must over 14 years. To view tickets are KD 1 or KD 2.

First prize is a ticket for the Real Madrid versus Barcelona match on April 11th.
Second prize is two tickets to Dubai for three days (doesn't specify if hotel is included) and to runner-ups an assortment of laptops, ipods, mobile phones.

Tickets and info near Virgin Megastore at Marina Mall. Tel. Ahmed 67657183






















Thanks to
www.twitter.com/KuwaitPaperDump

Indo-Pakistani border crossing, the nightly closing ceremony at Wagah Attari

For the past 60 years, a strange yet fascinating nightly border-closing ritual takes place in one of the world’s hottest borders, the Indo-Pakistani border, at Wagah Crossing (the only road border between the two countries):

As twilight approaches and the gates are about to close between India and Pakistan, the guards on either side face off in an elaborate show of martial bravado and chest-puffing that nonetheless includes that most basic of fraternal gestures: the handshake.

Hundreds of spectators from both countries cheer as their men in uniform strut, goose-step and stamp their feet like impatient bulls. Individual guards on either side break ranks and power-walk toward one another as if to collide head-on, but stop just short of the line dividing their homelands and glower fiercely through their mustaches.

Patriotic songs boom through loudspeakers as the national flags are lowered at exactly the same speed and the gates finally swing shut.

The tightly choreographed ceremony is part colonial pomp, part macho posturing and part Monty Python’s Ministry of Silly Walks. The rowdy tourist crowds eat it up.

NBK credit card holders

Exclusive dining offer for NBK credit cardholders

Use your NBK credit card at the above Al-Essa Int’l Group of restaurants and get up to 20% discount (10% as an instant discount, and 10% as NBK Rewards points)

- Offer is exclusive for all NBK Credit Card holders: (Visa, Master Card, and Diners Club).

- The Al Essa Group of restaurants are Waterlemon, Living Colors, The Spice Club, The Shogun Lounge, Casper & Gambini, Zahr El Laymoun, and Café Blanc.

- Offer valid from 28th January – until 28th February, 2010.

Laki card holders

Enjoy an extra special National Day on Thursday Feb 25th when paying with your Laki Titanium MasterCard credit card at any of the following restaurants in The Avenues Mall: P.F. Chang’s, Noodle Factory, Brasserie de L’Etoile and Pizza Rustica

Dine for KD 20 or more at any of the four restaurants and enjoy KD 10 off your bill when you pay with your Laki Titanium MasterCard credit card. In addition redeem 10% of the amount paid in NBK Rewards points at the NBK rewards partner restaurants.

For more information call 1801801

Terms and Conditions:

- Offer is valid on Thursday February 25th 2010
- Minimum bill must be over KD 20
- Payment must be made with your Laki Titanium MasterCard credit card
- This offer is valid for all Laki Titanium MasterCard credit card holders only at participating restaurants
- All NBK terms and conditions apply


LWDLIK- Brasserie de L'Etoile have the most amazing goat's cheese salad and their foie gras is fabulous too.

Only in Britain...

Kuwait International Rally 2010

Ceremonial Start Location : Kuwait Towers
Date: Thursday 4 March 2010
Time: 15:00

Official Start Location : Jaber Al Ahmad International Circuit (opposite 360 Mall 6th ring on airport side)
Date: Thursday 4 March 2010
Time: 15:30

Tel. 25355511, 25355522

www.q8racing.com

The Kuwait Motor Sports Club (KMSC) has announced initial details of the 2010 Kuwait International Rally, the second round of this year's FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), which takes place on March 4-6.

The event returned to the regional series in 2009 after an absence of 13 years and again features a ceremonial start under the famous Kuwait Towers from 3pm on Thursday, March 4th. There will then be two days of gravel special stage action in the Kuwaiti deserts on March 5th and 6th. Teams will be permitted two days of reconnaissance on Tuesday, March 2nd and Wednesday, March 3rd.

The ceremonial start will take place adjacent to the famous Kuwait Towers from 3pm on Thursday, March 4th and teams will then head straight into a purpose-built timed spectator stage at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Circuit from 3.30pm.

To raise the level of the event and make the special stages more challenging, changes have been made to the Al-Salmi, Alatraff, Sulibikhat, Al-Metlaa and Shooting Club stages.

The ceremonial finish is planned at the Kuwait Towers from 5.30pm on Saturday (March 6th). The service area and rally headquarters will be based at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex for a second year.

The 2010 Kuwait International Rally will run under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister Al-Shaikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and under the presidency of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Dawood Al-Sabah, President of the KMSC and chairman of the organising committee.

"We are delighted to be hosting the second round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship for a second year," said Sheikh Ahmad Al-Dawood Al-Sabah. "Our team is currently working to finalise the format of the event and we are looking forward to welcoming the region's top drivers to Kuwait again."

The Kuwait International Rally ran for the first time in 1984 and was won by Lebanese driver Michel Saleh in a Toyota Celica GT. The UAE's Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Qatar's Saeed Al-Hajri won the next four events in the 1980s, but the event did not run between 1990 and 1994 after the Iraq invasion.

Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Bakhashab won the rally when it returned to the regional series in 1995 and Ben Sulayem secured his fourth victory the following season. The Kuwait Rally didn't run again until the KMSC hosted a candidate rally for re-inclusion in the MERC in 2008.

Yazeed Al-Rajhi held off Dubai's Sheikh Suhail bin Khalifa Al-Maktoum to win the new-look event and Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah secured his first win with new Italian co-driver Giovanni Bernacchini last year on his way to a sixth MERC title in seven years.

The closing date for entries was Wednesday, February 17th. Further details and entry concessions are available from the Kuwait Motor Sport Club, PO Box 29, Salmiya, 22001 Kuwait, Tel: + (965) 253 55511 and 253 55522, Fax: + (965) 253 55566, E-mail: admin@q8racing.com or q8racingclub@yahoo.com

Previous winners
1984 Michel Saleh (RL)/Tony Samia (RL) Toyota Celica GT
1985 Mohammed Ben Sulayem (UAE)/John Daniels (GB) Toyota Celica GT
1986 no rally
1987 Saeed Al-Hajri (QA)/Ronan Morgan (IRL) Porsche 911 SC RS
1988 Mohammed Ben Sulayem (UAE)/Ronan Morgan (IRL) Toyota Celica Turbo
1989 Mohammed Ben Sulayem (UAE)/Ronan Morgan (IRL) Toyota Celica GT4
1990 no rally
1991 no rally
1992 no rally
1993 no rally
1994 no rally
1995 Abdullah Bakhashab (KSA)/Bobby Willis (GB) Ford Escort RS Cosworth
1996 Mohammed Ben Sulayem (UAE)/Ronan Morgan (IRL) Ford Escort RS Cosworth
1997 no rally
1998 no rally
1999 no rally
2000 no rally
2001 no rally
2002 no rally
2003 no rally
2004 no rally
2005 no rally
2006 no rally
2007 no rally
*2008 Yazeed Al-Rajhi (KSA)/Steve Lancaster (GB) Subaru Impreza
2009 Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QA)/Giovanni Bernacchini (I) Subaru Impreza N14

*ran as an MERC candidate event and not a round of the MERC

Kuwait Zoo

My blog is not a business, merely a source of info and leisure in English. And today I stumbled across a great website, here in Kuwait, doing the same. It's a lively website with lots of info and fun stuff.
www.kuwaitagenda.com
In particular I like the Kuwait zoo article which has convinced me to go for a visit during the spring break from school.
www.kuwaitagenda.com/en/travel-a-leisure/general/465-kuwait-zoo.html
The above link includes opening times, map, etc.

Thank you Kuwait Agenda and keep up the great work.

Kuwait English School Fete on 6th March

KES will be holding it's yearly fete on Saturday 6th March 2010 from 11am-3pm. The proceeds will go to the Red Crescent and Water Aid.

There will be games, face painting, sports activities, items for sale, school band, cafe, food stalls and many other fun activities for you and your family.

If you wish to have a vendor's stall at the fete please email kesfete2010@yahoo.co.uk.
If you or your company wishes to make a donation for the raffle please contact Mr Mahmoud through the school.

Contact tel. 25655216/18 Fax. 25629356

KES is located next to Selwa park in area 11, street 9.

Free Parent Training Workshop

This workshop series will be given by respected American psychologist Dr Vincenza Tiberia who has over 30 years experience in the treatment of educational, emotional and behavioural issues.
Al-Razi Center, Al Jawhara Bldg, passed La Baguette on the right side, Baghdad Street, Salmiya.

The fifth lecture of a the series is called "Social Skills and Interpersonal Relationships" it will be held on Saturday, 6 March at 7pm-8pm.
Topics included "bullies and bullying, following instructions, accepting criticism, getting along with others and conversational skills"

Arabic translation will be provided.
Parents and educators are invited to attend.

You must call to register.
Al-Razi Center tel. 2571141, 25737773
or Rima 97656522

Sadu Weaving Workshop

Sadu House is ready to start Sadu weaving workshops in the first week of March 2010. These workshops are led by Kuwaiti master weavers who teach the traditonal craft of Sadu weaving on a ground loom. Students can complete up to four pieces and will receive a workshop completion certificate. An excellent opportunity to learn a traditional craft and take some souvenirs back home.
Please reserve your place by emailing saduweaving@gmail.com kindly include your mobile number and landline telephone numbers to allow the Sadu House staff to contact you.
Sadu House entrance on corner of National Museum, Gulf Road, Kuwait City.

Madinat Al Hareer or City of Silk project

Madinat Al Hareer (Arabic meaning "City of Silk") is a proposed 250 square kilometer planned urban area in Subiya, Kuwait, an area just opposite Kuwait City which, upon construction, would include the Burj Mubarak Al Kabir, a natural desert reservation of 2 square kilometres, a duty free area which will be beside a new airport, in addition to a large business center, conference areas, environmental areas, athletic areas, and areas that concentrate on media, health, education, and industry. The City of Silk will also include numerous tourist attractions, hotels, spas, and public gardens. The city will be built in individual phases with total completion within twenty-five years. The development will cost an estimated 25 billion Kuwaiti Dinars (94 billion USD).

As of July 27, 2008 the government of Kuwait has already approved the project with some of the project funding coming from the budget surplus over the course of 2007 and 2008. Construction on the actual site has also begun; this is seen through bridges, highways and roads being laid down as basic infrastructure to facilitate future construction of structures within the city.

The British Institute of Vocational Training

"At BIVT we live our mission. Top professionals from all walks of life share their knowledge and experience with you all day, every day. We believe that learning and life go hand in hand.
In this frantic, digital world your time is precious. New skills are demanded daily to keep ahead of the game. Each of our sessions has been specifically designed to enhance your knowledge and creativity through visual, aural, kineasthetic and technological interaction.
Enjoy creating your personalised programme by choosing from our many dynamic half-day seminars or accredited courses at advanced, intermediate or foundation level. Our programme advisors will be delighted to assist you in your choices and we value your suggestions.
As a Member of BIVT you will eligible to visit the Members Club at the Blue Cafe where academia meets bohemia and sparkling conversation abounds.

Floor Plan of BIVT

Floor 2 holds the Professional Development Suite for Professional Business Management, Languages, Business English, Media, Computing, Speech Studio and Reception.

Floor 1 holds the Life Style Suite for Parenting, Journalism, Photography, the Project Room and Reception.

The Basement holds many beautiful areas for relaxation and retreat.

Our Saturday seminars will begin on 7 March. We are delighted to welcome the playwright Chevalier Dr Jeoffry Du Cann Grenfall Hill to Kuwait for a weekend of seminars and training programs for teachers, students and guests on 25-27 of March .

Also in March the So You Think You Want To Be A…… (businessman, boss, actor, broadcaster, musician, etc.) series for young adults will begin. Professionals will present humorous true life stories and tips for making career choices."

Tel 25756110 or pass by BIVT in Salmiya area 3, street 5, building 3.
Email: admin@britvoc.com

Turn left on Gulf road by Pizza Hut then second right at Castello Restaurant, Can't miss it, it has a batman sign on roof stating BIVT and is REALLY beautiful. We have 70 vocational courses. We have our first ONE DAY ONLY Saturday Seminars starting on March 6 with 'SO YOU WANT TO BE IN BUSINESS' ... In the morning with top business consultants (bit like Dragon's Lair but lots of training tips and very nice) and THE WEST END WORKSHOP for adults with professional performers in the afternoon. Light lunch included. Courses run all week.



www.britvoc.com

Rehearsals for 'The Gondoliers'

Every Sunday evening rehearsals will be held at the New English School in Jabriya 7-9pm. All welcome.
The Ahmadi Music Group will be staging this opera by Gilbert and Sullivan in May 2010.
www.ahmadimusicgroup.com

The Gondoliers tells the story of Marco and Giuseppe Palmieri. In the true spirit of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Topsy Turveydom", one of them is the rightful King of Barataria – but nobody knows who, as their father was partial to a few too many drinks, and mixed up which of the babies was the heir to the throne and which was his own son. As Barataria needs a king to put down unrest in the country they both travel there to take up the reins of government jointly, until they can find out who is the real heir. But only their foster mother, presently at large, knows which one is the true king.
It turns out that the real king was wed in infancy to the beautiful daughter of the Spanish Duke of Plaza Toro, and so it seems he is an unintentional bigamist. When the young Spaniard and the two Venetian wives all show up wanting to know which of them is queen, complications arise. No worries: The true identity of the king is revealed, and all is combed out spectacularly well by the end.

The original production of this show at the Savoy Theatre in 1889 ran for 554 performances and (according to the Gilbert and Sullivan archive) was performed privately to Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. Sadly, this was the last of the Gilbert and Sullivan shows written before they began to fall out - reportedly over the cost of a new carpet for the Savoy Theatre.

I'm liking this idea..

TASTE OF KUWAIT - FOODIE EVENT

WHERE & WHEN?

Dates: From Wed March 10, 2010 until Sat March 13, 2010.
Times: 12:00pm until 11:00pm (last order at 10:00pm)
Location: Safir International Hotel, at Bneid Al Gar

Reservations can be made on the website http://www.tasteofkuwait.com/

OUR THEME

On our first event we will have a classy high-end restaurant theme, where we invite 20-24 restaurants to participate. This will give our visitors the chance to taste the wonderful dishes of some of Kuwait's finest restaurants in one place!

Taste of Kuwait is to be an annual event where different restaurants from Kuwait get together to introduce new recipes and a wide variety of different delicious tapas from their menu. By attending our venue, the customer gets the chance to taste a variety of different cuisines in one location! Our location for the first event will be a 2,400 m² venue on AlSafir International’s land (Bneid Al Gar Area) right on the Gulf Rd. The venue will host restaurants that are Kuwaiti-based (therefore no franchises allowed), with preference to unique and niche restaurants operated by Kuwaiti chefs and/or managers.

Restaurants that have been operational for more than 18 months have to provide dishes that are not on their menu. Restaurants that have been operational for 18 months or less will be encouraged to develop new dishes to introduce in this venue, but are not obliged to.

Our visitors will have the option to make reservations ahead of time (reservations will be open around a month in advance) to ensure a place in our venue; walk-ins and last-minute reservation will be accommodated based on availability. A table will be prepared for our visitors and their party upon their arrival. All dishes will be listed in a menu indicating what dish belongs to which restaurant. Prices on our menu will not exceed KD 2 per dish. The guest will be able to select his choice of numerous dishes; however a minimum charge per person will be applied. At the end of the experience, each guest will be gifted an event bag that will include a “goody item” such as a couple of cookies or a cupcake from participating bakeries as well as literature from our sponsors, a coupon booklet designed by us for all sponsors and participating companies, and much more.

In the end, Taste of Kuwait is going to offer locals and tourists a unique experience they will remember and keep coming back for in future venues!

LWDLIK update..Just booked my table, there is a KD 1.500 entrance fee and a minimum order of KD 5. The yummy menu is on the website.

The Longest List of Places to See and Things To Do in Kuwait

Found this wonderful, lengthy list of all the places to visit here in Kuwait. Some of the contact tel numbers might need the new prefix before them (google can help with this), probably best to give them a call to make sure the details are still valid, opening times, etc . But from glancing through seems like a great list. I have to admit there are things on this list I've still yet to do.

www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1111252

Thanks LtWharf.

Are Muslims getting a fair deal in India?

That will be the subject being debated at The Doha Debates, St. Stephen's college, Delhi, India. The programme will be shown on BBC World News Saturday, Feb 20 at 09:10 GMT repeated 22:10. Sunday, Feb 21 at 02:10 GMT repeated 15:10.

"In a fairly argumentative country like ours, where quibbles can snowball into rivalries and then riots, India has yet to master the art of peaceful disagreement. The Doha Debates can help us achieve it." The Hindustan Times.

Religious demographics of India in 2001 as follows;
Religious Data Composition and Religious Composition Population (%)
Hindus 827,578,868 = 80.5%
Muslims 138,188,240 = 13.4%
Christians 24,080,016 = 2.3%
Sikhs 19,215,730 = 1.9%
Buddhists 7,955,207 = 0.8%
Jains 4,225,053 = 0.4%
Other Religions & Persuasions 6,639,626 = 0.6%
Religion not stated 727,588 = 0.1%

Total 1,028,610,328 100.0%


www.thedohadebates.com

Check the website if you would like to see some of the other previous debates on extremism or with Hamas leader Dr Mahmoud Zahar. Even if you miss this one I'm sure you will be able to see the whole debate again on the website.

Show your support for the environment

I just received a txt msg from a friend requesting support by attending and spreading the word..

My dear friends

I need your support by attending and spreading the word through ur network of friends, family, school office ...anyone and everyone who cares about the environment.
On March 3 the gardens are once again at risk throughout Kuwait. Please tell us with a 'yes' or 'no' if you can show your support for Green Kuwait by gathering with us, dressed in Green on Feb 24, from 4-6 pm next to the Sheikha Salwa Hall on the Gulf Road walk path. We desperately need numbers to show the Government removals teams we are doing no harm in using the property around our homes for gardens and play areas for our children!

Hanan
Ham@bsk.edu.kw

The Fine Arts and Crafts Association

The Fine Arts and Crafts Association is holding its first exhibition for embroidery art, drawing, knitting and egg painting this week to spread awareness of the activities of the society. The first showroom will be held in the astronomer's house, Adel Al-Saadoon, on Saturday 20th of February 2010 from 10 am in the morning till 8 pm in the evening.

Address: Fintas, Block 4, Street 9, House 21 (Aladdin's house)

Found this on Mark's blog www.248am.com thought it might be of interest to my readers also.

I've always wanted to have a look inside :O)

Adorable..

And who knew that Larry Springer could actually be a nice guy?

LoYAC Annual Music Evening 2010

LoYAC's Annual Music Night will be donating funds to victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
Date & Time: 23rd Feb 2010, 7pm.
Location: Abdulaziz Hussien Theatre - Mishref.

Many musicians from LoYAC will be performing traditional Arabic music and folklore. We are anticipating having people sing songs for Fairuz, Rashed Al Majed, Shereen, Abdel Halim and many more. We will also have instrumental pieces that will be played. Our pianist Faisal will be performing as well. Faisal has been sent on several scholarships through LoYAC internationally.

The tickets cost 5 KD, and 20 KD for corporate donations, the tickets are available at LoYAC, Bayt Lothan, Gulf road, Salmiya.

Tel. 25723606 , 25727399


For those not yet familiar with LoYAC;

LoYAC - Lothan Youth Achievement Center
Lothan Youth Achievement Center for both genders (13-27 years) is a non-profit organization founded in 2002.
Mission Statement:
"We strive to provide the youth with unique opportunities to help them evolve into highly effective young leaders"
Our Goals :
•Peace is our prime awareness message
•Professional competence of youth
•Help youth find their sense of purpose
•Empowering youth to unleash their creativity
•Promote drama and performing arts
•Physical well-being for youths
•Local and worldwide partnerships
•Most reputable and recognized youth organizaton worldwide
•Distinguished research center for youth related issues
•Fully integrated headquarter

www.loyac.org

Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah

Cordially invites you to a lecture by H.E. Ambassador Dr Janos Hovari on 'Ottoman Trade Routes from the Arabian Gulf to Central Europe in the 16th-17th Centuries' at
7pm on Monday 22 Feb.

H.E. Dr Janos Hovari is the Hungarian Ambassador to Kuwait. Prior to his diplomatic career he was an academic concentrating on the Ottoman empire.

Al Maidan Cultural Centre, Abdullah Al Salem School, Maidan Hawally, near Sha'ab Leisure Park. Tel. 25636528, 25636561.

Email: membership@darmuseum.org.kw
www.darmuseum.org.kw

Posh shop in Liverpool, England.

Had to share this with you :O)

Zain Kid's City starts 18 Feb

I've just found a half page ad for Zain Kid's City in Arabic. There is nothing in the English newspapers regarding this, so again Hala Feb 2010 are disregarding the huge non-Arabic speaking community here. I'm furious! I'm going to find out whose in charge and give them a piece of my mind and if they don't speak English then I will get my husband to do it..

They have advertised games, face-painting, characters, slides, football and much more. Will be from 18 Feb probably till after National Day (though doesn't specify) My husband called tel. 22424563 which was on the ad and they had no clue how many days it will run for.

Supposedly it's in a big tent located between the Scientific Club and 360 Mall. Looks like you take the 360 Mall turning from the 6th ring and go straight ahead at the roundabout should be in front of you.

Helping Haiti- Everybody Hurts

This is a clip of the new song by various artists which hopefully will generate more funds for Haiti. It can be bought on itunes, amazon.com, HMV.com, play.com and a few more places. Go join their Facebook page Everybody Hurts. You can have a little quiz with your friends and see how many stars they recognise from only listening to the song. (I only managed 5 when watching the clip :O)

1/2 price Mondays at the cinemas..

On Mondays at the Cinescape movie theatres (not IMAX) all movies (not 3-D) are 1/2price, yes 1/2 price all day. And as a school holiday is fast approaching it might be an option for one of those days. Have posted the cinescape website again for timings, location and more info.

http://www.cinescape.com.kw/

'Where The Wild Things Are' is a family movie showing at most locations now. A popular kids book by Maurice Sendak, now made in to a movie. I've seen the trailer looks very cute. Tried to post a clip of the movie here but the clip is too large. If you google it you can see the trailer on YouTube.

Helpful site for expats

Lots of very interesting and helpful details on visiting and living in Kuwait. Clinics, maps, touristic places to visit, info on various beaurocratic formalities, etc. When the page opens scroll up on the left bar and change to English.

www.e.gov.kw

Have put this site to the test. Wanted to complain to someone about the lack of English info for the Hala Feb and National Day festivities. Could not complain to the Ministry of Information as site is in Arabic (some how I thought it would be in Arabic and English but no) so have sent it to the Head of the Amiri Diwan....should I start packing???

Coming soon Alice in Wonderland

Looks fabulous but might be a little scary for younger kids. Hope it will be the 3-D version. Look out for dates it's playing in Kuwait on the Cinescape website.
www.cinescape.com.kw
Be patient will not be released here before March 4, 2010.

Great escape from the National Day madness..

This sounds perfect. Well away from the Gulf road. Golfing for him and massage for her.

For only KD 99 package includes:

1 bedroom VIP villa
Breakfast for two
Lunch or dinner buffet for two
1 massage session of your choice valid for one month


www.saharakuwait.com

Kuwait Little League Baseball

This is a fun thing to do with the kids. It may be too late to register your kid to play this year as they only play in winter. But they still have matches on that you can go and watch. You can see the schedule on their site along with maps and contact details.
www.q8ll.org

Kuwait Netball Association

Kuwait Netball Association games are played on Tuesday evenings between 7pm-8.30pm. To register and learn more pls email kuwaitnetball@hotmail.com. New players always welcome.

Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah

Cordially invites you to a music concert.

The Secrets of the Cello, Wednesday 17 Feb at 7pm.
Performance by Arzigul Akhmadieva on cello and Valentine M Baginska on piano.

Al Maidan Cultural Centre, Abdullah Al Salem School, Maidan Hawally, near Sha'ab Leisure Park. Tel. 25636528, 25636561.

Email: membership@darmuseum.org.kw
www.darmuseum.org.kw

Their website needs updating but some interesting stuff.

Parent Training Workshop

This workshop series will be given by respected American psychologist Dr Vincenza Tiberia who has over 30 years experience in the treatment of educational, emotional and behavioural issues.
Al-Razi Center, Al Jawhara Bldg, passed La Baguette on the right side, Baghdad Street, Salmiya.

Fourth lecture of a series is called "Sleep requirements and sleep disorders" it will be held Saturday 20 Feb at 7pm-8pm.
Arabic translation will be provided.
Parents and educators are invited to attend.

You must call to register.
Al-Razi Center tel. 2571141, 25737773
or Rima 97656522

Aftermath of hitting turbulence on Kuwait Airways flight

This was the aftermath of clear air turbulence on a KU flight from Dacca to Kuwait. The passengers are looking very pale and subdued. Nasty burn on one of the crew who must have had hot liquid in his hand that shot up over his face and neck. Always keep your seatbelt fastened whilst seated.

Attention dog owners...

According to PAWS the government in Kuwait regularly and routinely puts poison in the streets to kill the feral cats. Unfortunately dogs that have been out walking have innocently picked up this poison and died. Please be careful when walking your dogs that they do not touch or try to eat anything from the ground.

PAWS Kuwait
www.paws-kuwait.org

LWDLIK- Hmmm.. not sure it's put down for the feral cats or the rodent problem. Careful with your dogs and watch out for your children too, make sure they are washing their hands thoroughly after playing outside.

Camel Racing - Crown Prince Cup Feb 13 at 3.30pm

The Crown Prince Cup race will be held Feb 13 at the Martyr Sheikh Fahad Al Ahmed Al Sabah Track at the Camel Racing Club at 3.30pm.
I have no other info so if anyone out there knows exactly where that is pls let us know ASAP.
Thanks.

Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah

Cordially invites you to a lecture by Dr Alain George on 'The rise of Islamic Calligraphy' Feb 15 at 7pm.
Dr George joined the University of Edinburgh in 2007 as lecturer in Islamic Art. After completing his Ph.D at Oxford.
His primary research area is the early Islamic period with a special focus on Arabic calligraphy. He is currently preparing a book dealing with the genesis of this art form and exploring its relationship with other scribal traditions. He is also interested in the formation of an Umayyad visual identity during the first century of Islam.

Al Maidan Cultural Centre, Abdullah Al Salem School, Maidan Hawally, near Sha'ab Leisure Park. Tel. 25636528, 25636561.

Email: membership@darmuseum.org.kw
www.darmuseum.org.kw

Zain Al Sabah talks to Oprah about Kuwait

This is quite an old show but controversial to say the least..

Need inspiration? Meet Nick Vujicic live in Kuwait..

If you haven't already seen the courageous Nick on YouTube yet...



He is here in Kuwait on 14 Feb 5pm-8pm at Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shuhada Street, Murgab, Kuwait City.
Nick is the most exceptional motivational speaker you will ever come across.
He will share with you key values and attitudes that will give you the insight to draw strength from every circumstance.

Here's their registration link:
http://nick.vigorevents.com/kw
or to register and for more details go to Marina Mall dome area next to Le Notre (look for the 'Live a Life without Limits' poster)
Tel.66991200
Corporate in-house bookings tel.99992791

I wouldn't be surprised if Nick is selling out fast....Got my ticket :O)

Show Jumping Competition 12 & 13 Feb

To be held at Kuwait Riding Center starts at 2pm and is on for two days.
www.kuwaitridingcenter.com
There is conflicting info on site and in newspaper so let me double check timings with KRC. Also the KRC map is not working so will get you directions, fee, etc.

Ok thank you Ahmed at KRC..


No entrance fee and starts at 2pm on 12 & 13 Feb.

Tel.475-1551/2/3

Ambassador Claims Fiancee Hid Beard Under Niqab

Dubai: An Arab ambassador said he decided to call off his wedding immediately after he discovered that his wife-to-be, who wears a niqab, was bearded and cross-eyed.
The ambassador claimed that the bride's mother deceived his mother, when she went to see his Gulf national wife-to-be, by showing her pictures of the bride's sister.
The Arab man, who also holds the title of minister plenipotentiary, claimed to a Sharia court judge in Dubai that the bride's family showed his mother photos of the bride's sister and not the woman he was going to marry.
Sources close to the case told Gulf News that the groom only saw the woman a few times. He did not realise that she had a beard because she wore the niqab the few times he met her, added the source.
"Every time the couple met, the bride would do her best not to reveal her entire face. After the ambassador and the woman, who is a physician, signed the marriage contract, the groom was sitting with the bride… he claimed to the Sharia court officials that when he wanted to kiss his wife-to-be, he discovered that she was bearded and cross-eyed as well," claimed the source.
The ambassador then decided to call off the wedding party and lodged a divorce claim alleging that he was tricked by his parents-in-law and incurred emotional and moral damage.
In his lawsuit, the groom also asked the bride to repay him his Dh500,000, the amount which he claimed he spent on jewellery, clothes and gifts.
During the trial, the bride asked the judge to dismiss the groom's lawsuit and demanded him to pay her alimony after the Arab called off the wedding party.
Gulf News also learnt that the ambassador requested the Sharia court to refer the Gulf national woman to a specialist to have her examined for hormonal deficiencies.
The court referred the bride to a specialist who countered the ambassador's claims and reported that she did not suffer any hormonal problems.
The court divorced the couple and rejected the groom's request that the pre-marriage gifts be returned.

If you don't believe me..
www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/man-claims-fiancee-hid-beard-under-niqab-1.580722

Thanx Joel.

OCTIUM Jewelry at 360 Mall

Octium presents the work of various exclusive jewelry designers from around the globe. The store was beautifully designed by Jaime Hayon, a Spanish-born designer. Hayon's design offers an innovative approach to the interior.



It reminds me of old Hollywood glam, it's gorgeous.



Steer your beloved Valentine in this direction for a little trinket or two. One for you and one for your little princess.

Octium is hosting a jewelry show of exquisite pieces by Crivelli and Cantamessa from 9 Feb til 13 Feb, open from 10am-10pm. Visit the boutique to view a fabulous collection of unique pieces and adorable children's jewelry.
Tel. 25309888