A lifer expat mummy in Kuwait blogging on things to do in Kuwait for kids and adults, places to visit, fun and cultural events, general info, shopping bargains and interesting stuff. Email: LWDLIK@gmail.com
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Free Aqua Park Tickets at TSC
Offer valid at all TSC Sultan Centers and TSC Wholesale Centers from June 24th till August 31st, 2010. [link] to the Aqua Park site for more details. Tuesdays from 2PM are ladies only days and Fridays are family days. Park opens at 10AM.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Highest Paid Footballers in the World
Credit Crunch? Recession? Pah! Those words mean nothing to the guys that pay top player’s wages!
Always an interesting piece of discussion is who are the highest earning players in the world – a subject closely tied with football boots thanks to megabucks sponsorship deals – we knew as soon as the latest players ‘rich list’ hit our desks, we’d have to share it with you guys!
10. Samuel Eto’o (Internazionale, Cameroon) €13.8m/£12.3m.
Anyone who’s been watching Puma Football adverts recently know that the Inter marksman is a valuable asset for them, endorsing the v1.10 speed football boot and a central figure in all the company’s football based promotions, Puma likely pay top dollar to retain his services.
9. Frank Lampard (Chelsea, England) €14.2/£12.6m.
Frank ‘Super Goals’ Lampard also makes it into the top 10 for the first time.
After John Terry’s media circus, Lampard has become the sole marketable English face of Chelsea football club, and has seen new deals from the likes of EA sports (Appearing on the cover of FIFA 10) as well as increasing his value to Chelsea and adidas.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona, Sweden) €14.5m/£12.9.
The big Swede with the Big ego has stolen a place in the top 10. Mostly thanks to his huge €9.5m yearly salary, the skillful marksman has been a model posterboy for Nike for a few seasons – wearing the Mercurial Vapor range.
Interesting fact – he also has the name ‘Zlatan’ trademarked, on the basis that it will most likely be perceived as Zlatan Ibrahimovic! Bonkers!
7. Carlos Tevez (Manchester City, Argentina) €15.4m/£13.7m.
A surprising entry at number 7 is Man City’s Carlos Tevez. The subject of several protracted transfer saga’s seem to have put the Argentine in a very favourable position, commanding a considerable wage indeed. Also, Nike have Tevez as the leading figure for their Tiempo Legend line.
6. Ronaldinho (AC Milan, Brazil) €17.2m/£15.3m.
Former highest earner in the World Ronaldino can take solace in the fact he’s surprisingly earning roughly the same as he was in 2008 – it’s just everyone else around him has started to earn more!
Ronaldinho is still a big draw, and thanks to his resurgence at AC Milan, here’s hoping he’s still among the cream of the crop for a couple more years, at least!
5. Thierry Henry (Barcelona, France) €18m/£16m
Henry has crafted a very marketable persona for himself, France’s all-time highest goalscorer has deals with Gilette and is the most marketable face Reebok have in their roster .
Whilst he maintains wearing the SprintFit boots, Reebok are also considering bringing out a range of ultra-light gloves for Henry to wear during the summer’s tournament – for enhanced grip and control on the ball!
4. Kaka (Real Madrid, Brazil) €18.8m/£16.8m
Kaka was the subject of a high-spending Manchester City bid, who were reportedly ready to offer the Brazilian £500,000 a week wages – which would have made him the runaway leader of this chart – settled for a more humble 4th spot in the chart.
As the face of the adiPure III and a modeling contract with Armani, Kaka also knows how to bolster his wage with his good looks!
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Por) €30m/£26.8m
The Most Expensive Player in the World is surprisingly not the highest earning! ‘CR9′ earns a reported €13m wage from Real Madrid, with a €1 billion buyout clause (that’s right. Billion.).
Ronaldo’s now famous physique has also seen him offered ludicrous ‘Spokes-person’ contracts from Pepe Jeans & Emporio Armani, as well as his mind-blowing deal with Nike to keep promoting the Mercurial Vapor range.
2. David Beckham (LA Galaxy, Eng) €30.4m/£27.2m
Beckham is the only player in the world to retain the exact same position in the list. Sticking at number 2, Beckham has retained his value as a figurehead and marketable player.
Through his often discussed LA Galaxy wage, Beckham earns an astronomical figure and deals with adidas (and his own line of Predator_X boots) David Beckham soccer academies and Beckham fragrances subsidise this figure. Though, Pepsi recently announced they would be ending their association with Becks, so maybe he’ll have to make that money back selling the design for his next tattoo to Coke!
1. Leo Messi (Barcelona, Argentina) €33m/£29.5m
An unbelievable straight-shot into number one is Messi! The young Argentine is in utterly sensational form as of late – and as such has quietly become one of the most marketable figures on the planet.
Barcelona give the starlet a €10m basic salary, €4m in bonuses. The 22 year old adds to that with from personal sponsors including adidas with his own personal adiZero, Pepsi, Gillette, Gatorade, Konami, Air Europa, Telefonica/Movistar, SportCenter/ESPN, Damm, Danone, Lody For Men, Storkman, Repsol YPF, SanDisk and Mirage/Seiko! Unbelievable!
(Just to save you all the trouble of Google-ing it: Storkman is some sort of smart/casual menswear range)
For comparison – here’s the same list from 2 years ago, the amounts of money involved is so radically changed, it’s untrue!
10. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool & England) £7.7 million
9. John Terry (Chelsea & England) £7.7 million
8. Fabio Cannvaro (Real Madrid & Italy) £7.9 million
7. Zinedine Zidane (Retired) £8.5 million
6. Thierry Henry (Barcelona & France) £8.6 million
5. Michael Ballack (Chelsea & Germany) £9.1 million
4. Wayne Rooney (Man Utd & England) £9.3 million
3. Ronaldo (AC Milan & Brazil) £12.7 million
2. David Beckham (LA Galaxy & England) £15.8 million
1. Ronaldinho (Barcelona & Brazil) £16 million
LWDLIK- Which I think, husband dear, proves my point that the English players (4 in last year's list) are spoilt, paid too much, afraid of injury (worried that if they play too hard any future marketing deals will go bye-bye).
Always an interesting piece of discussion is who are the highest earning players in the world – a subject closely tied with football boots thanks to megabucks sponsorship deals – we knew as soon as the latest players ‘rich list’ hit our desks, we’d have to share it with you guys!
10. Samuel Eto’o (Internazionale, Cameroon) €13.8m/£12.3m.
Anyone who’s been watching Puma Football adverts recently know that the Inter marksman is a valuable asset for them, endorsing the v1.10 speed football boot and a central figure in all the company’s football based promotions, Puma likely pay top dollar to retain his services.
9. Frank Lampard (Chelsea, England) €14.2/£12.6m.
Frank ‘Super Goals’ Lampard also makes it into the top 10 for the first time.
After John Terry’s media circus, Lampard has become the sole marketable English face of Chelsea football club, and has seen new deals from the likes of EA sports (Appearing on the cover of FIFA 10) as well as increasing his value to Chelsea and adidas.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona, Sweden) €14.5m/£12.9.
The big Swede with the Big ego has stolen a place in the top 10. Mostly thanks to his huge €9.5m yearly salary, the skillful marksman has been a model posterboy for Nike for a few seasons – wearing the Mercurial Vapor range.
Interesting fact – he also has the name ‘Zlatan’ trademarked, on the basis that it will most likely be perceived as Zlatan Ibrahimovic! Bonkers!
7. Carlos Tevez (Manchester City, Argentina) €15.4m/£13.7m.
A surprising entry at number 7 is Man City’s Carlos Tevez. The subject of several protracted transfer saga’s seem to have put the Argentine in a very favourable position, commanding a considerable wage indeed. Also, Nike have Tevez as the leading figure for their Tiempo Legend line.
6. Ronaldinho (AC Milan, Brazil) €17.2m/£15.3m.
Former highest earner in the World Ronaldino can take solace in the fact he’s surprisingly earning roughly the same as he was in 2008 – it’s just everyone else around him has started to earn more!
Ronaldinho is still a big draw, and thanks to his resurgence at AC Milan, here’s hoping he’s still among the cream of the crop for a couple more years, at least!
5. Thierry Henry (Barcelona, France) €18m/£16m
Henry has crafted a very marketable persona for himself, France’s all-time highest goalscorer has deals with Gilette and is the most marketable face Reebok have in their roster .
Whilst he maintains wearing the SprintFit boots, Reebok are also considering bringing out a range of ultra-light gloves for Henry to wear during the summer’s tournament – for enhanced grip and control on the ball!
4. Kaka (Real Madrid, Brazil) €18.8m/£16.8m
Kaka was the subject of a high-spending Manchester City bid, who were reportedly ready to offer the Brazilian £500,000 a week wages – which would have made him the runaway leader of this chart – settled for a more humble 4th spot in the chart.
As the face of the adiPure III and a modeling contract with Armani, Kaka also knows how to bolster his wage with his good looks!
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Por) €30m/£26.8m
The Most Expensive Player in the World is surprisingly not the highest earning! ‘CR9′ earns a reported €13m wage from Real Madrid, with a €1 billion buyout clause (that’s right. Billion.).
Ronaldo’s now famous physique has also seen him offered ludicrous ‘Spokes-person’ contracts from Pepe Jeans & Emporio Armani, as well as his mind-blowing deal with Nike to keep promoting the Mercurial Vapor range.
2. David Beckham (LA Galaxy, Eng) €30.4m/£27.2m
Beckham is the only player in the world to retain the exact same position in the list. Sticking at number 2, Beckham has retained his value as a figurehead and marketable player.
Through his often discussed LA Galaxy wage, Beckham earns an astronomical figure and deals with adidas (and his own line of Predator_X boots) David Beckham soccer academies and Beckham fragrances subsidise this figure. Though, Pepsi recently announced they would be ending their association with Becks, so maybe he’ll have to make that money back selling the design for his next tattoo to Coke!
1. Leo Messi (Barcelona, Argentina) €33m/£29.5m
An unbelievable straight-shot into number one is Messi! The young Argentine is in utterly sensational form as of late – and as such has quietly become one of the most marketable figures on the planet.
Barcelona give the starlet a €10m basic salary, €4m in bonuses. The 22 year old adds to that with from personal sponsors including adidas with his own personal adiZero, Pepsi, Gillette, Gatorade, Konami, Air Europa, Telefonica/Movistar, SportCenter/ESPN, Damm, Danone, Lody For Men, Storkman, Repsol YPF, SanDisk and Mirage/Seiko! Unbelievable!
(Just to save you all the trouble of Google-ing it: Storkman is some sort of smart/casual menswear range)
Messi magic.
For comparison – here’s the same list from 2 years ago, the amounts of money involved is so radically changed, it’s untrue!
10. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool & England) £7.7 million
9. John Terry (Chelsea & England) £7.7 million
8. Fabio Cannvaro (Real Madrid & Italy) £7.9 million
7. Zinedine Zidane (Retired) £8.5 million
6. Thierry Henry (Barcelona & France) £8.6 million
5. Michael Ballack (Chelsea & Germany) £9.1 million
4. Wayne Rooney (Man Utd & England) £9.3 million
3. Ronaldo (AC Milan & Brazil) £12.7 million
2. David Beckham (LA Galaxy & England) £15.8 million
1. Ronaldinho (Barcelona & Brazil) £16 million
LWDLIK- Which I think, husband dear, proves my point that the English players (4 in last year's list) are spoilt, paid too much, afraid of injury (worried that if they play too hard any future marketing deals will go bye-bye).
InFUNity at 360 Mall
Just tried the rollercoaster at InFUNity in 360 Mall, it's awesome...I screamed like an extra for a horror movie and not a peep from my 7 year old..BEWARNED it's not for wimps or pregnant women. They have an interesting looking enclosed play area (something like Mcdonalds but bigger and better) for younger kids which is KD 3 for all day (which for peace and quiet thro lunch and a whole day with out being bullied into buying a toy or spending hours and KD 20 in Claire's, I thought was pretty good value).
The spinning coaster is KD 1.500 for a scary, heart-churning, face-whitening experience. (It's a spinning roller coaster and really quite fun once it's over and you realise you are not going to die).
We were four and as we purchased a KD 5 card got a bonus dinar (so the ride cost us KD 1.250 each).
They have lots of great stuff for the kids; there's bumper cars, climbing wall and an assortment of fun fair rides for the bigger kids, like me :O)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Harry Potter Fans Deemed Too Heavy for 'Wizarding World' Ride
Most people remember the feeling of not being tall enough to ride an amusement park ride, but some would-be riders of the signature attraction at Universal Studios' new "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" theme park in Orlando are being turned away because of their girth. The ride, "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey," employs individual restraints to keep each guest tucked in to his or her seat, but the restraints aren't large enough to accommodate heavier riders.
Universal seems to have anticipated this issue, stationing staff "wizards" and test-seats along the line and at the entrance to Forbidden Journey. Riders test their ability to fit in the seats, as well as the restraint (which must click three times to be deemed safe and for the potential rider to be allowed into the attraction).
One Harry Potter fan, Jeff Guillaume of Lansing, Michigan, expressed disappointment on his "Harry Potter" fan site after he failed the test. Guillaume is 5'8" and weighs 265 pounds, and says the restraint wouldn't fit over his torso, though he reports that other rides at the park have special cars reserved for bigger riders.
Universal, which doesn't have "specific weight limits (just the test seats and a requirement that riders be at least 48 inches tall), says the "body dimension" restrictions are "to ensure the safety of our guests. It's #1."
That's all fine and good, but considering the average weight of an American man is 191 pounds (and rising: in 1960 it was 166 pounds), "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" could be turning away quite a few potential revelers.
Universal isn't the first theme-park operator to deal with issues raised by the growing rate of obesity in the United States. In 2007, Disney had to modify the "It's a Small World" ride after weighted-down boats began regularly getting stuck in the plume.
One Harry Potter fan who was unable to ride "Forbidden Journey" when his seat test yielded only two clicks of the restraint, is turning the incident into a personal motivational challenge. Banks Lee, who says he's 6'2? and approximately 310 lbs, has decided to diet and exercise until he can get on the ride (and hopes to continue his quest even after meeting that goal.) He's even started a blog: Banks Lee and the Three Clicks: My Journey to Fit on an Enchanted Bench, where the Orlando resident is documenting the long walks and sensible diet that he hopes will lead to a ride on "The Forbidden Journey."
Universal seems to have anticipated this issue, stationing staff "wizards" and test-seats along the line and at the entrance to Forbidden Journey. Riders test their ability to fit in the seats, as well as the restraint (which must click three times to be deemed safe and for the potential rider to be allowed into the attraction).
One Harry Potter fan, Jeff Guillaume of Lansing, Michigan, expressed disappointment on his "Harry Potter" fan site after he failed the test. Guillaume is 5'8" and weighs 265 pounds, and says the restraint wouldn't fit over his torso, though he reports that other rides at the park have special cars reserved for bigger riders.
Universal, which doesn't have "specific weight limits (just the test seats and a requirement that riders be at least 48 inches tall), says the "body dimension" restrictions are "to ensure the safety of our guests. It's #1."
That's all fine and good, but considering the average weight of an American man is 191 pounds (and rising: in 1960 it was 166 pounds), "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" could be turning away quite a few potential revelers.
Universal isn't the first theme-park operator to deal with issues raised by the growing rate of obesity in the United States. In 2007, Disney had to modify the "It's a Small World" ride after weighted-down boats began regularly getting stuck in the plume.
One Harry Potter fan who was unable to ride "Forbidden Journey" when his seat test yielded only two clicks of the restraint, is turning the incident into a personal motivational challenge. Banks Lee, who says he's 6'2? and approximately 310 lbs, has decided to diet and exercise until he can get on the ride (and hopes to continue his quest even after meeting that goal.) He's even started a blog: Banks Lee and the Three Clicks: My Journey to Fit on an Enchanted Bench, where the Orlando resident is documenting the long walks and sensible diet that he hopes will lead to a ride on "The Forbidden Journey."
'Working to protect Kuwait's habitat' by Olivia Kimble.
You are invited to AWARE diwaniya next Tuesday for "K'S PATH - Working to protect Kuwait's Habitat" by Olivia Kimble.
The Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitat is an organization bridging the gap between animals and humans in Kuwait. The last two decades have seen significant change in Kuwait. Several severe environmental catastrophes coupled with the military devastation from the 1991 Gulf war have had a cataclysmic effect on Kuwait’s ecosystem. If you are interested in the topic get to the AWARE Center on June 29th at 7:00pm.
Here's a [link] to K'S Path's interesting website.
The Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitat is an organization bridging the gap between animals and humans in Kuwait. The last two decades have seen significant change in Kuwait. Several severe environmental catastrophes coupled with the military devastation from the 1991 Gulf war have had a cataclysmic effect on Kuwait’s ecosystem. If you are interested in the topic get to the AWARE Center on June 29th at 7:00pm.
Here's a [link] to K'S Path's interesting website.
Friday, June 25, 2010
1001 Inventions and the Library of Secrets
Might take a while to download properly but it's free (lower the sound, minimise, go do something else for a while and then replay it :O) It's an interesting snippet of the area's scientific discoveries. And it does what it sets out to achieve; it makes me want to learn more about the area's other pioneers such as Ibn Sina, Al Khwarizmi and Ibn Al Haitham. Strange and ironic that Ibn Sina discovered the distillation process for alcohol.
Oscar-winning actor and screen legend Sir Ben Kingsley has taken the starring role in the short feature film about the scientific heritage of Muslim civilisation. The mini-movie, entitled 1001 Inventions and the Library of Secrets, accompanies a global touring exhibition that this currently open to the public at the Science Museum in London.
Thanks Lynne and Mr Ghandour.
Ideas for teenagers this summer..
I am trying to get some ideas of things to do for my teen aged daughters (15,18) while they are visiting Dad in late July and august. Do any of the women who do lunch in Kuwait have teen age daughters who will be in Kuwait in late July and August?
Thanks, Sandra
Thanks, Sandra
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Top Five Scams in the Middle East
Written by Adam Gonn
As three Iranians go on trial for trying to swindle a UAE bank out of $4 billion, The Media Line explores some of the most outlandish scams in the Middle East.
Magic Money
In July, 2009, two men where arrested in Abu Dhabi, for trying to sell a money multiplying powder to an undercover police agent.
The men, from the UAE's capital, made claims the magical blend would double any amount of money when sprinkled over banknotes in a closed bag.
The scam worked by dusting some of the powder on the notes they wanted to double, then placing the notes in a bag while their victims were asked not to open the bag until the blend took effect. The money was then switched with fake notes covered with powder and closed in the bag.
The usual method involved giving the victims, most of whom came from the northern emirates, an initial “demonstration” of the powder’s inflationary properties, before asking them to hand over a large number of notes. The single largest swindle involved $1.6m.
A regional paper quoted a local police officer as saying ‘a massive number of people have lost money to them.’
Laboratory tests showed the powder consisted of flour and washing powder.
The Bullet Proofing Stone
A 52 year old Yemeni man was sentenced to six months in jail by a court in Dubai, for attempting to sell an onyx which, he claims, bullet proofs the bearer.
‘I am willing to prove to the world that it's a bulletproofing onyx stone... I am ready to face a death sentence if that's what it will take for me to prove that the stone is unquestionably bulletproofing’ the defendant said, though the judge refused to allow for a test of the stone's alleged capabilities.
During the hearing, the defendant argued that the stone proved bulletproof when he tried it four times on sheep.
The Yemeni man had put an advertisement in a local paper stating that he was selling the stone for approximately $490,000 at a stand he had at a local fair. As for the origin of the stone, the defendant claimed he had found it in Yemen without providing further details.
Disclosure: It should be noted the stone was never proven not to make its bearer bullet proof.
The Billion Dollar Heist
Following two separate scam attempts within less than thirty nine hours, police in Abu Dhabi arrested five suspects who allegedly tried to withdraw $42bn from the country’s central bank.
The first attempt involved the manager of a local bank, who together with two men visiting from abroad allegedly forged documents showing that the UAE Central Bank owed the leader of their group $14.4bn.
When arrested the bank manager was reported to have admitted that a foreign woman persuaded him that the Central Bank held 44 boxes containing $14.4 billion and that he would get 20% of the money if he was willing to help.
The second attempt involved two men who also produced forged documents claiming the Central Bank owed them $28 billion. One of the suspects was visiting the country and admitted that he was asked to withdraw the money for a third party in return for 1% of the sum. The role of the second suspect was to show the man visiting the way to another emirate to the premises of the central bank.
The primary police investigation alleges that both attempts were masterminded by the same sixth person living in another country in the region.
The Dream Job
An Australian man, R.K. thought he had landed a dream job when through the help of a recruitment agency, he'd been offered a $300,000 a year job in the Middle East.
R.K, a structural mechanical engineer has worked in mines all over the world. After paying $600 to have his CV put in front of key employers in the Gulf region he was delighted when he got a call from a man claiming to be the head of human resources with the Ajman Petroleum company, in the United Arab Emirates, offering him a highly paid supervisor’s position.
The HR head asked for $1,546 to acquire the Australian's visa and other documents. R.K who has worked previously in Asia, but not in the Middle East, didn’t think much of the request and sent the money.
But it wasn’t until he was asked for another $6,695 to cover a range of other things including airfares, that alarm bells began to ring and he realized that he had been the victim of a so called Nigerian scam.
Ajman Petroleum states they have never heard of the HR head.
Red Mercury
In April 2009 Saudi Arabia was buzzing with rumors that the mythical substance “red mercury” could be found in old sewing machines from the brand Singer. The price of machines subsequently skyrocketed from $53 to $53,000. The rumors which started on the internet, claimed that foreign buyers ranging from Swiss and American experts to wealthy Kuwaitis were traveling around the Kingdom looking for old sewing machines. As a result of the rumors, people started to search markets and even rob tailors to get a hold of the machines.
Reports of the so called 'red mercury', first appeared in Western and Russian media during the 1980s without specifics as to what the object was and what it looked like. Despite this, the reports claimed the material to be a key ingredient in the construction of nuclear weapons. It has never been proved that “red mercury” actually exist, this has however not stopped rumors circulating that it can be used to summon genies, extract gold, locate buried treasure and perform various types of magic.
According to rumors one should be able to determine the existence of the mercury in the machine's needle by using a cell phone. If the line is cut while holding the phone close to the needle, it's a sure sign of the presence of “red mercury”. The rumors did not however provide any guidance on how to extract the substance from the machine.
Have comments? Email editor@themedialine.org.
As three Iranians go on trial for trying to swindle a UAE bank out of $4 billion, The Media Line explores some of the most outlandish scams in the Middle East.
Magic Money
In July, 2009, two men where arrested in Abu Dhabi, for trying to sell a money multiplying powder to an undercover police agent.
The men, from the UAE's capital, made claims the magical blend would double any amount of money when sprinkled over banknotes in a closed bag.
The scam worked by dusting some of the powder on the notes they wanted to double, then placing the notes in a bag while their victims were asked not to open the bag until the blend took effect. The money was then switched with fake notes covered with powder and closed in the bag.
The usual method involved giving the victims, most of whom came from the northern emirates, an initial “demonstration” of the powder’s inflationary properties, before asking them to hand over a large number of notes. The single largest swindle involved $1.6m.
A regional paper quoted a local police officer as saying ‘a massive number of people have lost money to them.’
Laboratory tests showed the powder consisted of flour and washing powder.
The Bullet Proofing Stone
A 52 year old Yemeni man was sentenced to six months in jail by a court in Dubai, for attempting to sell an onyx which, he claims, bullet proofs the bearer.
‘I am willing to prove to the world that it's a bulletproofing onyx stone... I am ready to face a death sentence if that's what it will take for me to prove that the stone is unquestionably bulletproofing’ the defendant said, though the judge refused to allow for a test of the stone's alleged capabilities.
During the hearing, the defendant argued that the stone proved bulletproof when he tried it four times on sheep.
The Yemeni man had put an advertisement in a local paper stating that he was selling the stone for approximately $490,000 at a stand he had at a local fair. As for the origin of the stone, the defendant claimed he had found it in Yemen without providing further details.
Disclosure: It should be noted the stone was never proven not to make its bearer bullet proof.
The Billion Dollar Heist
Following two separate scam attempts within less than thirty nine hours, police in Abu Dhabi arrested five suspects who allegedly tried to withdraw $42bn from the country’s central bank.
The first attempt involved the manager of a local bank, who together with two men visiting from abroad allegedly forged documents showing that the UAE Central Bank owed the leader of their group $14.4bn.
When arrested the bank manager was reported to have admitted that a foreign woman persuaded him that the Central Bank held 44 boxes containing $14.4 billion and that he would get 20% of the money if he was willing to help.
The second attempt involved two men who also produced forged documents claiming the Central Bank owed them $28 billion. One of the suspects was visiting the country and admitted that he was asked to withdraw the money for a third party in return for 1% of the sum. The role of the second suspect was to show the man visiting the way to another emirate to the premises of the central bank.
The primary police investigation alleges that both attempts were masterminded by the same sixth person living in another country in the region.
The Dream Job
An Australian man, R.K. thought he had landed a dream job when through the help of a recruitment agency, he'd been offered a $300,000 a year job in the Middle East.
R.K, a structural mechanical engineer has worked in mines all over the world. After paying $600 to have his CV put in front of key employers in the Gulf region he was delighted when he got a call from a man claiming to be the head of human resources with the Ajman Petroleum company, in the United Arab Emirates, offering him a highly paid supervisor’s position.
The HR head asked for $1,546 to acquire the Australian's visa and other documents. R.K who has worked previously in Asia, but not in the Middle East, didn’t think much of the request and sent the money.
But it wasn’t until he was asked for another $6,695 to cover a range of other things including airfares, that alarm bells began to ring and he realized that he had been the victim of a so called Nigerian scam.
Ajman Petroleum states they have never heard of the HR head.
Red Mercury
In April 2009 Saudi Arabia was buzzing with rumors that the mythical substance “red mercury” could be found in old sewing machines from the brand Singer. The price of machines subsequently skyrocketed from $53 to $53,000. The rumors which started on the internet, claimed that foreign buyers ranging from Swiss and American experts to wealthy Kuwaitis were traveling around the Kingdom looking for old sewing machines. As a result of the rumors, people started to search markets and even rob tailors to get a hold of the machines.
Reports of the so called 'red mercury', first appeared in Western and Russian media during the 1980s without specifics as to what the object was and what it looked like. Despite this, the reports claimed the material to be a key ingredient in the construction of nuclear weapons. It has never been proved that “red mercury” actually exist, this has however not stopped rumors circulating that it can be used to summon genies, extract gold, locate buried treasure and perform various types of magic.
According to rumors one should be able to determine the existence of the mercury in the machine's needle by using a cell phone. If the line is cut while holding the phone close to the needle, it's a sure sign of the presence of “red mercury”. The rumors did not however provide any guidance on how to extract the substance from the machine.
Have comments? Email editor@themedialine.org.
Navigate and win a trip for two and KD 1000 with FUTURE
If you have or purchase a Nokia GPS-enabled E52, E66, E71, N86, N97, 5230, 5800, X6, 6720 classic or 6730 classic you can enter this fun competition. By using the built in Ovi Maps and Voice Navigation to find secret outlets and get there first. 30 runners-up will win great prizes too; 32" LCDs, mini Hi-Fi music systems, portable Sony DVD players and the list goes on and on...
The race will start on July 2nd at 5PM from Future outlets in Souk Sharq, Marina Mall and Al Kout.
Sounds like fun..Don't get too excited by the pic above (or too lost) as the race is within Kuwait only..Good luck!
FUTURE Tel # 1844442
wap.future-club.com
http://www.fcc-kuwait.com/
The race will start on July 2nd at 5PM from Future outlets in Souk Sharq, Marina Mall and Al Kout.
Sounds like fun..Don't get too excited by the pic above (or too lost) as the race is within Kuwait only..Good luck!
FUTURE Tel # 1844442
wap.future-club.com
http://www.fcc-kuwait.com/
iPhone 4 at X-cite stores tomorrow
They are taking bookings from 5pm tomorrow at the Avenues store.
Customer service 1803535.
I love my iPhone 3G but I would really, really love an iPhone 4, 16GB is KD 299 at X-cite stores.
Customer service 1803535.
I love my iPhone 3G but I would really, really love an iPhone 4, 16GB is KD 299 at X-cite stores.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Karaoke Contest at Avenues X-Cite Store
Attention: All you songbirds out there….
Be one of the top 3 winners and get a Mediacom Karaoke System.
Register at X-Cite store on 25th June from 7PM onwards. Contest will start at 8PM til 9.30PM on 25th June.
Special discounts offered on Karaoke systems whilst contest on.
Tel. 1803535
Be one of the top 3 winners and get a Mediacom Karaoke System.
Register at X-Cite store on 25th June from 7PM onwards. Contest will start at 8PM til 9.30PM on 25th June.
Special discounts offered on Karaoke systems whilst contest on.
Tel. 1803535
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Arabia 3D IMAX at The Scientific Centre
On 24th June go deep into the heart of an exotic land and experience the mystique of ARABIA. With the full force of IMAX cinematography, ARABIA will have you riding the dunes with a camel caravan, diving into the treasure-laden Red Sea, exploring the ruins of a towering lost city, hurtling back into the Islamic golden age of invention, and meeting the young Arabians transforming tomorrow's world. You will also join in the extraordinary pilgrimage known as the Hajj, where each year 2-3 million Muslims arrive in the holy city of Makkah to reaffirm their faith, creating the largest single human gathering on Earth.
LWDLIK- Got an invite to the premiere which was very nice of them. However, in all honesty and I'll understand if I'm struck off the invite list, this is like a not very good ad for Saudi Arabia. Doesn't show twentieth century progress or religious tolerance that I believe it should for a film that was supposed to improve relations and inform Westerners on Islam and Arabia after the 9-11 catastrophe. If they were to show it for FREE it would be a much better idea and the quality and content would be unnoticable. Plus great PR. Go on Mr. Al Mutawa do it.. show it for FREE!
LWDLIK- Got an invite to the premiere which was very nice of them. However, in all honesty and I'll understand if I'm struck off the invite list, this is like a not very good ad for Saudi Arabia. Doesn't show twentieth century progress or religious tolerance that I believe it should for a film that was supposed to improve relations and inform Westerners on Islam and Arabia after the 9-11 catastrophe. If they were to show it for FREE it would be a much better idea and the quality and content would be unnoticable. Plus great PR. Go on Mr. Al Mutawa do it.. show it for FREE!
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Brazilian Carnival at Aquaventure Waterpark Thursday 1st of July 7:00 pm - midnight.
As well as having some great discounts on this summer they also have some fab evenings planned this one sounds like a lot of fun.
Brazilian night with fabulous firework display, laser show, dolphin show, fire breathers and jugglers.
Enjoy this spectacle and so much more including:
• 10 Rides and Slides
• Children’s Activities
• Mercado da Noite (Night Market)
• Latin Dance Lessons
• Live Music
• Brazilian Inspired Food Stations
• Capoeira Performers
• Carnival Parade
Evening admission price* - AED 150 for adults and AED 120 for children between 3-11 years
Limited Tickets available at Aquaventure Ticketing Plaza or book direct on 04 426 1000
(Subsequent events planned for 8th/ 15th / 22nd / 29th July and 5th August)
As well as having some great discounts on this summer they also have some fab evenings planned this one sounds like a lot of fun.
Brazilian night with fabulous firework display, laser show, dolphin show, fire breathers and jugglers.
Enjoy this spectacle and so much more including:
• 10 Rides and Slides
• Children’s Activities
• Mercado da Noite (Night Market)
• Latin Dance Lessons
• Live Music
• Brazilian Inspired Food Stations
• Capoeira Performers
• Carnival Parade
Evening admission price* - AED 150 for adults and AED 120 for children between 3-11 years
Limited Tickets available at Aquaventure Ticketing Plaza or book direct on 04 426 1000
(Subsequent events planned for 8th/ 15th / 22nd / 29th July and 5th August)
Toy Story 3 in 3D
Can't wait for this.. Imagine Buzz coming at you in 3D :O) But my fav is Mr Potato Head...
Cast
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Keaton.
Director
Lee Unkrich
Genre
Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy.
Run Time
103 Min
Arriving at Theatres On
24/06/2010
Synopsis
As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of his loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future.
Cast
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Whoopi Goldberg, Michael Keaton.
Director
Lee Unkrich
Genre
Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy.
Run Time
103 Min
Arriving at Theatres On
24/06/2010
Synopsis
As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of his loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Neuro-Training Free Session
An email from a dear friend of mine who practises reiki, NLP and other baffling but interesting stuff.
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a controversial approach to psychotherapy and organizational change based on "a model of interpersonal communication chiefly concerned with the relationship between successful patterns of behaviour and the subjective experiences (esp. patterns of thought) underlying them" and "a system of alternative therapy based on this which seeks to educate people in self-awareness and effective communication, and to change their patterns of mental and emotional behaviour".
The co-founders, Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder, claimed it would be instrumental in "finding ways to help people have better, fuller and richer lives". They coined the title to denote their belief in a connection between neurological processes ('neuro'), language ('linguistic') and behavioral patterns that have been learned through experience ('programming') and that can be organized to achieve specific goals in life.
NLP was originally promoted by its co-founders in the 1970s as an effective and rapid form of psychological therapy, capable of addressing the full range of problems which psychologists are likely to encounter, such as phobias, depression, habit disorder, psychosomatic illnesses, and learning disorders. It also espoused the potential for self-determination through overcoming learned limitationsand emphasized well-being and healthy functioning. Later, it was promoted as a "science of excellence", derived from the study or "modeling" of how successful or outstanding people in different fields obtain their results. It was claimed that these skills can be learned by anyone to improve their effectiveness both personally and professionally.
Despite its popularity, NLP has been largely ignored by conventional social science because of issues of professional credibility and insufficient empirical evidence to substantiate its models and claimed effectiveness. It appears to have little impact on academic psychology, and limited impact on mainstream psychotherapy and counselling. However, it had some influence among private psychotherapists, including hypnotherapists, to the extent that some claim to be trained in NLP and apply it to their practice. NLP had greater influence in management training, life coaching, and the self-help industry.
LWDLIK- Thank you Wikipedia and Amir.
Hello every one,
I proudly announce that we are having a neuro-training free presentation on 19th June 2010 at Al Zohair Holistic Center in Salmiya- from 6 pm till 7 pm.
It's the first time in Kuwait and we are showing you how easy simple modules can be so powerful and will blow your mind by the amazing results (step up to change your life.. it's free).
Pls confirm your seat as limited seating available.
Contact 978 42424 for more details.
Amir
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a controversial approach to psychotherapy and organizational change based on "a model of interpersonal communication chiefly concerned with the relationship between successful patterns of behaviour and the subjective experiences (esp. patterns of thought) underlying them" and "a system of alternative therapy based on this which seeks to educate people in self-awareness and effective communication, and to change their patterns of mental and emotional behaviour".
The co-founders, Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder, claimed it would be instrumental in "finding ways to help people have better, fuller and richer lives". They coined the title to denote their belief in a connection between neurological processes ('neuro'), language ('linguistic') and behavioral patterns that have been learned through experience ('programming') and that can be organized to achieve specific goals in life.
NLP was originally promoted by its co-founders in the 1970s as an effective and rapid form of psychological therapy, capable of addressing the full range of problems which psychologists are likely to encounter, such as phobias, depression, habit disorder, psychosomatic illnesses, and learning disorders. It also espoused the potential for self-determination through overcoming learned limitationsand emphasized well-being and healthy functioning. Later, it was promoted as a "science of excellence", derived from the study or "modeling" of how successful or outstanding people in different fields obtain their results. It was claimed that these skills can be learned by anyone to improve their effectiveness both personally and professionally.
Despite its popularity, NLP has been largely ignored by conventional social science because of issues of professional credibility and insufficient empirical evidence to substantiate its models and claimed effectiveness. It appears to have little impact on academic psychology, and limited impact on mainstream psychotherapy and counselling. However, it had some influence among private psychotherapists, including hypnotherapists, to the extent that some claim to be trained in NLP and apply it to their practice. NLP had greater influence in management training, life coaching, and the self-help industry.
LWDLIK- Thank you Wikipedia and Amir.
Baking Classes at Tavola
Pics of students course work above.
Tavola (link to their Facebook page for more details)
Under Ghazali Bridge-Reem Center Shop 3
Shuwaikh, Kuwait
Phone: +96524825761
Mon - Thurs: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat - Sun: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Another bizarre fatwa..
Just found this on the Gulf News website [link] very strange..After the fatwa to kill Mickey Mouse and another to ban Valentine's Day this one takes the prize..
GN.
Saudi women plan to turn a controversial fatwa (religious ruling) to their advantage and launch a campaign to achieve their long-standing demand to drive in this conservative kingdom.
If the demand is not met, the women threatened to follow through the fatwa which allows them to breastfeed their drivers and turn them into their sons.
The campaign will be launched under the slogan: "We either be allowed to drive or breastfeed foreigners," a journalist told Gulf News.
Amal Zahid said that their decision follows a fatwa issued by a renowned scholar which said that Saudi women can breastfeed their foreign drivers for them to become their sons.
"As every Saudi family needs a driver, our campaign will focus on women's right to drive," she said.
The controversial fatwa, which was regarded as both funny and weird, issued recently by Shaikh Abdul Mohsin Bin Nasser Al Obaikan, member of Saudi Council of Senior Scholars and adviser to the king, has sparked a debate in society.
The renowned scholar said Saudi women can breastfeed their foreign drivers for them to be become their sons and brothers to their daughters.
Under this relationship, foreign drivers can mix freely with all members of the family without breaking the Islamic rule which does not allow mixing of genders.
Breast milk kinship is considered to be as good as a blood relationship in Islam.
"A woman can breastfeed a mature man so that he becomes her son. In this way, he can mix with her and her daughters without violating the teachings of Islam," the scholar said.
Al Obaikan based his fatwa on a Hadith (saying) of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) which was narrated by Salim, the servant of Abu Huzaifa.
Later, Al Obaikan clarified that his fatwa was being distorted by the local media which ignored the condition that the milk should be drawn out of the woman and given to the man in a cup to drink.
Speaking to Gulf News, a number of Saudi women condemned the fatwa. Fatima Al Shammary was quoted by the local Arabic daily Al Watan as saying the fatwa was "ridiculous and weird".
"This fatwa has become a hot topic of debate among women. Is this is all that is left to us to do: to give our breasts to the foreign drivers?" she said.
Another Saudi woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, questioned: "Does Islam allow me to breastfeed a foreign man and prevent me from driving my own car?
"I have not breastfed my own children. How do you expect me to do this with a foreign man? What is this nonsense?" she said.
Another woman said the fatwa should also apply to the husbands who should be breastfed by housemaids. By doing so, all will be brothers and sisters," she said.
Hamid Al Ali, a journalist for an electronic newspaper, recalled that an Egyptian driver who had a crush on a female teacher he drives to school asked her to breastfeed him. When she retorted angrily, he said: "I want to be your son."
Saudi writer Suzan Al Mashhadi sarcastically asked Al Obaikan: "Do the women have to breastfeed the driver in the presence of their husbands or can they do this alone?"
"Who will protect the wife if the husband entered the house unexpectedly and found his wife breastfeeding the driver?" she asked.
GN.
Saudi women plan to turn a controversial fatwa (religious ruling) to their advantage and launch a campaign to achieve their long-standing demand to drive in this conservative kingdom.
If the demand is not met, the women threatened to follow through the fatwa which allows them to breastfeed their drivers and turn them into their sons.
The campaign will be launched under the slogan: "We either be allowed to drive or breastfeed foreigners," a journalist told Gulf News.
Amal Zahid said that their decision follows a fatwa issued by a renowned scholar which said that Saudi women can breastfeed their foreign drivers for them to become their sons.
"As every Saudi family needs a driver, our campaign will focus on women's right to drive," she said.
The controversial fatwa, which was regarded as both funny and weird, issued recently by Shaikh Abdul Mohsin Bin Nasser Al Obaikan, member of Saudi Council of Senior Scholars and adviser to the king, has sparked a debate in society.
The renowned scholar said Saudi women can breastfeed their foreign drivers for them to be become their sons and brothers to their daughters.
Under this relationship, foreign drivers can mix freely with all members of the family without breaking the Islamic rule which does not allow mixing of genders.
Breast milk kinship is considered to be as good as a blood relationship in Islam.
"A woman can breastfeed a mature man so that he becomes her son. In this way, he can mix with her and her daughters without violating the teachings of Islam," the scholar said.
Al Obaikan based his fatwa on a Hadith (saying) of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) which was narrated by Salim, the servant of Abu Huzaifa.
Later, Al Obaikan clarified that his fatwa was being distorted by the local media which ignored the condition that the milk should be drawn out of the woman and given to the man in a cup to drink.
Speaking to Gulf News, a number of Saudi women condemned the fatwa. Fatima Al Shammary was quoted by the local Arabic daily Al Watan as saying the fatwa was "ridiculous and weird".
"This fatwa has become a hot topic of debate among women. Is this is all that is left to us to do: to give our breasts to the foreign drivers?" she said.
Another Saudi woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, questioned: "Does Islam allow me to breastfeed a foreign man and prevent me from driving my own car?
"I have not breastfed my own children. How do you expect me to do this with a foreign man? What is this nonsense?" she said.
Another woman said the fatwa should also apply to the husbands who should be breastfed by housemaids. By doing so, all will be brothers and sisters," she said.
Hamid Al Ali, a journalist for an electronic newspaper, recalled that an Egyptian driver who had a crush on a female teacher he drives to school asked her to breastfeed him. When she retorted angrily, he said: "I want to be your son."
Saudi writer Suzan Al Mashhadi sarcastically asked Al Obaikan: "Do the women have to breastfeed the driver in the presence of their husbands or can they do this alone?"
"Who will protect the wife if the husband entered the house unexpectedly and found his wife breastfeeding the driver?" she asked.
Does Hijab Represent Oppression or Liberation of Women?
You are cordially invited to our diwaniya entitled, "Does hijab represent oppression or liberation of women?" by Sharifa Carlo. Muslim women living in a wide variety of countries wear the scarf/veil. Why do women choose to cover themselves? Surely does this confirm they are oppressed and submissive? What is it like to be a covered woman? How are they treated by Muslims and Non-Muslims? In her 20-minute presentation, Sharifa Carlo will answer all these questions and many more. All are welcome on June 22nd at the AWARE Center at 7:00pm
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Has Kuwait got talent?
It seems everyone is eligible. Have no idea who these people are so please be cautious. Don't let your children or young adults go alone to interviews, etc..
Good luck!
Thanks DG x
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Pottery Barn Kids and Home are opening at 6PM today in Avenues
1) Enter their raffle you could win a shopping spree. Forms available in stores, no purchase necessary.
2) Complimentary in-store design services.
3) Complimentary decorating classes. Contact store for times and to reserve your place.
Tel. 22581940 or 22233700
World Peace Meditation Hour
Sunday 20th June, 2010
7pm-8:30pm
Zumerida (on Al Taawen St, with palm trees on the roof)
EVERYONE WELCOME
Our outer world is a reflection of what lies within our collective inner worlds. By directing our thought in specific, positive ways, we have the potential to guide the world towards becoming a more loving place.
World Meditation Hour began in 1978 when people from all over the world (whether regular meditators or not) were invited to collectively meditate for one hour for world peace on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Over the years this practice has become very popular. It has now spread to over 100 countries around the world and about 9000 Raja Yoga Centres and over a million people participate in this special meditation for world peace.
Whether or not you know how to meditate, you are invited to join us on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 7pm for the opportunity to spend 60 minutes of your time radiating peace, love, care and compassion to our fragile world.
PROGRAM
7pm – Welcome and introduction to the evening - sharing of thoughts to set the theme for your meditation experience.
7:30pm-8:30pm – World meditation hour with music, guided commentaries and deep silence.
8:30pm – We suggest you leave in silence and carry away the peace
We will start promptly in order to respect everyone’s time.
FREE-OF-CHARGE
All activities conducted by Harmony House are FREE-OF-CHARGE, and offered as a community service. Everyone gives of their time freely, not because they are free, but because they realise there is a deeper purpose to life; that by sharing time and experiences from the heart, there is an immense reward of joy and happiness.
Contact: 2573 8522 for more information
Bhasma Festival 2010
Dr KTB Menon Memorial Dance and Music Festival. At 6.30PM on June 18th, American International School auditorium in Maidan Hawally. Bhasma is a socio-cultural organization engaged in introducing and presenting the cultural heritage of India.
The programme will include a exclusively choreographed Jugalbandhi of Kathak and Bharatnatyam which are two classical dance art forms of India.
HE Ajay Malhotra, the Indian ambassador to Kuwait, will be guest of honour at the occasion.
Entry is free.
For more info call Vijayn 97204538/25649486 or email bhasmakuwait@yahoo.co.uk.
The programme will include a exclusively choreographed Jugalbandhi of Kathak and Bharatnatyam which are two classical dance art forms of India.
HE Ajay Malhotra, the Indian ambassador to Kuwait, will be guest of honour at the occasion.
Entry is free.
For more info call Vijayn 97204538/25649486 or email bhasmakuwait@yahoo.co.uk.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pat on the back from Animal Friends League of Kuwait :O)
YOU Have Raised KD66,214.800!!
It has been a tough few months and our main objective has been to raise enough funds to rebuild. We had hoped to raise KD50,000 but what we believed to be the impossible has happened. We have not only reached our goal but have surpassed it by a substantial amount. The extra funds have allowed us to start building a large addition. Our cats will now have new catteries and staff have new medical facilities including a seperate surgical room. The rebuilding and new building are well on their way. We hope to have our soft opening in mid-August and our official opening in September. Look for an invitation to our Rebuild Bash to thank all of you for your amazing support.
Animal Care Is Now Boarding
We have switched the management of our boarding over to Animal Care at the Royal Animal Hospital. Profits go to support K'S PATH and Animal Friends. They will open for boarding on 15 June and have started taking bookings. You can call 6657 2920 to inquire.
For more info here's FB page [link]
LWDLIK- 'We' is AFL not me. Although I may have played a teeny part in the efforts to rebuild. Great news AFL my faith in mankind is restored.
It has been a tough few months and our main objective has been to raise enough funds to rebuild. We had hoped to raise KD50,000 but what we believed to be the impossible has happened. We have not only reached our goal but have surpassed it by a substantial amount. The extra funds have allowed us to start building a large addition. Our cats will now have new catteries and staff have new medical facilities including a seperate surgical room. The rebuilding and new building are well on their way. We hope to have our soft opening in mid-August and our official opening in September. Look for an invitation to our Rebuild Bash to thank all of you for your amazing support.
Animal Care Is Now Boarding
We have switched the management of our boarding over to Animal Care at the Royal Animal Hospital. Profits go to support K'S PATH and Animal Friends. They will open for boarding on 15 June and have started taking bookings. You can call 6657 2920 to inquire.
For more info here's FB page [link]
LWDLIK- 'We' is AFL not me. Although I may have played a teeny part in the efforts to rebuild. Great news AFL my faith in mankind is restored.
No vuvuzelas please!
For those who don't ride on the crest of every Internet-football-hot-topic wave, the unrelenting foghorn-esque noise you have heard at World Cup games is produced by an instrument known as a vuvuzela -- a three-foot-long plastic trumpet traditionally blown throughout games to create an atmosphere. However, by pumping out sound up to 130 decibels -- 10 decibels above the human pain threshold -- they also are associated with causing hearing loss and communication problems on the pitch.
Some 20 years after being introduced to the game in the early 1990s, the instrument came to prominence on the world stage during the 2009 Confederations Cup. TV stations were upset by the "goat being slaughtered" timbre, while players complained that they couldn't hear themselves think over the din. "It doesn't allow you to concentrate and it's unbearable," Spanish player Xabi Alonso said at the time. FIFA head honcho Sepp Blatter, however, pooh-poohed calls to ban the vuvuzela for World Cup 2010, insisting that we should not attempt to "Europeanize" the African tournament.
As expected, the vuvu has caused quite a kerfuffle at WC 2010 thus far. The drone has been giving TV networks and commentators grief, and FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke has reportedly toyed with the idea of handing out free earplugs in stadiums to avoid the barrage of lawsuits from the newly hard of hearing.
World Cup organizing committee head Danny Jordaan addressed the issue Sunday, and refused to rule out a ban.
From the AFP:
"We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or during stadium announcements. I know it's a difficult question," he added, saying that "we're trying to manage the best we can.
"We heard from the broadcasters and individuals and it's something we are evaluating on an on-going base.
Jordaan told the BBC in an interview that he had to consider the option of banning the trumpets.
"If there are grounds to do so, yes," he said, asked if a ban was an option.
France captain Patrice Evra added fuel to the fire, claiming that the vuvuzela is the reason his side were so awful on Friday night:
"We can't sleep at night because of the vuvuzelas. People start playing them from 6 a.m. We can't hear one another out on the pitch because of them."
The vuvuzela is clearly much more than an irritating novelty; it's a divisive issue that is threatening the health of fans, affecting the quality of performances and ultimately putting people off of tuning in (will you honestly feel enthused to watch Slovakia vs. Paraguay knowing you'll have to endure 90 minutes of the sound of an angry beehive going through a blender?).
Yet at the same time, Blatter is right (for once) when he says we should not impose Western values on South Africa. A ban would rob the tournament of part of its cultural identity, leaving thousands of locals perplexed: could you imagine being told by an international body that you could no longer drink beer at American football games, or fall asleep during baseball? The South Africans wouldn't take too kindly to having a national institution removed.
As a compromise, perhaps the vuvuzela could be adapted so it isn't quite so loud? Or maybe it could be adjusted to produce a nice noise like the sound of John Mayer gargling honey?
AP
Some 20 years after being introduced to the game in the early 1990s, the instrument came to prominence on the world stage during the 2009 Confederations Cup. TV stations were upset by the "goat being slaughtered" timbre, while players complained that they couldn't hear themselves think over the din. "It doesn't allow you to concentrate and it's unbearable," Spanish player Xabi Alonso said at the time. FIFA head honcho Sepp Blatter, however, pooh-poohed calls to ban the vuvuzela for World Cup 2010, insisting that we should not attempt to "Europeanize" the African tournament.
As expected, the vuvu has caused quite a kerfuffle at WC 2010 thus far. The drone has been giving TV networks and commentators grief, and FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke has reportedly toyed with the idea of handing out free earplugs in stadiums to avoid the barrage of lawsuits from the newly hard of hearing.
World Cup organizing committee head Danny Jordaan addressed the issue Sunday, and refused to rule out a ban.
From the AFP:
"We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or during stadium announcements. I know it's a difficult question," he added, saying that "we're trying to manage the best we can.
"We heard from the broadcasters and individuals and it's something we are evaluating on an on-going base.
Jordaan told the BBC in an interview that he had to consider the option of banning the trumpets.
"If there are grounds to do so, yes," he said, asked if a ban was an option.
France captain Patrice Evra added fuel to the fire, claiming that the vuvuzela is the reason his side were so awful on Friday night:
"We can't sleep at night because of the vuvuzelas. People start playing them from 6 a.m. We can't hear one another out on the pitch because of them."
The vuvuzela is clearly much more than an irritating novelty; it's a divisive issue that is threatening the health of fans, affecting the quality of performances and ultimately putting people off of tuning in (will you honestly feel enthused to watch Slovakia vs. Paraguay knowing you'll have to endure 90 minutes of the sound of an angry beehive going through a blender?).
Yet at the same time, Blatter is right (for once) when he says we should not impose Western values on South Africa. A ban would rob the tournament of part of its cultural identity, leaving thousands of locals perplexed: could you imagine being told by an international body that you could no longer drink beer at American football games, or fall asleep during baseball? The South Africans wouldn't take too kindly to having a national institution removed.
As a compromise, perhaps the vuvuzela could be adapted so it isn't quite so loud? Or maybe it could be adjusted to produce a nice noise like the sound of John Mayer gargling honey?
AP
Depression :O(
Along with lactose intolerance I have dealt with depression. And as I recognised it in two friends of mine recently I think it should be discussed and brought out in the open. It is never beneficial to try and go it alone. It is important to recognise that you need help and seek it out.
Firstly, to discuss it with a dear friend is helpful and get another perspective on how you are feeling and what you should do. Depression can be physically and mentally paralyzing, it's hard to think or care about what to do about how you are feeling.
I remember a long time ago a very beautiful friend of mine telling me that she was comfortable just wallowing in her own self pity, alone sad and crying. I helped her pack her bags to leave Kuwait for good. She's fine now living in Cyprus, still has episodes but it's not the diagnosis or Kuwait that's the problem but how YOU choose to deal with it. Every day is a battle when you are depressed and the battle will eventually wear you out.
I did do therapy - just the one session - where I moaned, whined and complained about my 'imagined' terrible life. And I, now, know why the therapists let you do all the talking in that first session because as I heard myself I had an epiphany and could not believe what I was complaining about.
No, I wasn't cured but didn't go back for therapy. I worked very hard on getting back my self-esteem, having happy positive people around me, getting out of the house, laughing and enjoying life. But if it hadn't worked I would have definately looked for other solutions. Depression is not anything to be ashamed of and there is help at hand.
Symptoms of Depression
Do you have symptoms of clinical depression? Sure, most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. And feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. That's when it's time to seek medical help.
If left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen and last for years. They can cause untold suffering and possibly lead to suicide. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression. Unfortunately, approximately half the people who experience symptoms never get diagnosed or treated for their illness.
Not getting treatment can be life threatening. More than one out of every 10 people battling depression commit suicide.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, making decisions, fatigue and decreased energy, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness, feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism, insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping, irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
overeating or appetite loss. persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment, persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts.
Help is at hand in Kuwait at Soor Centre [link] and Al-Razi Counseling Center Al-Jawhara Towers, First Floor, Baghdad St. Salmiya, 22034 Kuwait. Tel. 2571-1411, 2573-7773. There's also Grace (American therapist) tel 97410789 or 25632387.
Here is a link to a site that shows the psychologists (only meds no therapy) and therapists (only therapy no meds) available in Kuwait, their contact numbers and office address [link].
Here's another sufferer's tips that might be helpful [link].
LWDLIK- It's the wasted months and years spent sad and alone (even in a room full of people) that are the heartbreaking symptoms. The endless crying and pain of what should have, could have been and the 'why me' questions.
My depression was brought on partly due to my painful quest to have children, the miscarriages, the failed IVF attempts. I did finally have a child but the depression didn't lift and the fatigue of finally having a child with colic and not getting any sleep left me at the brink of losing the plot completely. I should have been ecstatic at having my beautiful baby but was so tired I could barely function. I tried B-12 jabs, St. John's wort, evening primrose, B-complex, yoga and exercise. Eventually just getting out of my pyjamas, taking a shower, putting some lipstick on and getting out to share some moans and laughs with the girls got me through. I do, still, take lots of supplements from vit B-complex, vit C, calcium with vit D, iron, etc., to phyto-estrogens (Evecare) and I do think they help. Try to learn to be happy and appreciate what you have.
Thanks to my husband, gorgeous daughter, great friends and family I'm really well now and watch out for those cloudy days knowing that they will pass. Just getting out to see my girlfriends for coffee, thinking positively or a meal out with family or friends and a good laugh will chase those clouds away.
Hope this helps :O)
Firstly, to discuss it with a dear friend is helpful and get another perspective on how you are feeling and what you should do. Depression can be physically and mentally paralyzing, it's hard to think or care about what to do about how you are feeling.
I remember a long time ago a very beautiful friend of mine telling me that she was comfortable just wallowing in her own self pity, alone sad and crying. I helped her pack her bags to leave Kuwait for good. She's fine now living in Cyprus, still has episodes but it's not the diagnosis or Kuwait that's the problem but how YOU choose to deal with it. Every day is a battle when you are depressed and the battle will eventually wear you out.
I did do therapy - just the one session - where I moaned, whined and complained about my 'imagined' terrible life. And I, now, know why the therapists let you do all the talking in that first session because as I heard myself I had an epiphany and could not believe what I was complaining about.
No, I wasn't cured but didn't go back for therapy. I worked very hard on getting back my self-esteem, having happy positive people around me, getting out of the house, laughing and enjoying life. But if it hadn't worked I would have definately looked for other solutions. Depression is not anything to be ashamed of and there is help at hand.
Symptoms of Depression
Do you have symptoms of clinical depression? Sure, most of us feel sad, lonely, or depressed at times. And feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. That's when it's time to seek medical help.
If left untreated, symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen and last for years. They can cause untold suffering and possibly lead to suicide. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is often the biggest hurdle to the diagnosis and treatment of clinical or major depression. Unfortunately, approximately half the people who experience symptoms never get diagnosed or treated for their illness.
Not getting treatment can be life threatening. More than one out of every 10 people battling depression commit suicide.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, making decisions, fatigue and decreased energy, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness, feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism, insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping, irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
overeating or appetite loss. persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment, persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts.
Help is at hand in Kuwait at Soor Centre [link] and Al-Razi Counseling Center Al-Jawhara Towers, First Floor, Baghdad St. Salmiya, 22034 Kuwait. Tel. 2571-1411, 2573-7773. There's also Grace (American therapist) tel 97410789 or 25632387.
Here is a link to a site that shows the psychologists (only meds no therapy) and therapists (only therapy no meds) available in Kuwait, their contact numbers and office address [link].
Here's another sufferer's tips that might be helpful [link].
LWDLIK- It's the wasted months and years spent sad and alone (even in a room full of people) that are the heartbreaking symptoms. The endless crying and pain of what should have, could have been and the 'why me' questions.
My depression was brought on partly due to my painful quest to have children, the miscarriages, the failed IVF attempts. I did finally have a child but the depression didn't lift and the fatigue of finally having a child with colic and not getting any sleep left me at the brink of losing the plot completely. I should have been ecstatic at having my beautiful baby but was so tired I could barely function. I tried B-12 jabs, St. John's wort, evening primrose, B-complex, yoga and exercise. Eventually just getting out of my pyjamas, taking a shower, putting some lipstick on and getting out to share some moans and laughs with the girls got me through. I do, still, take lots of supplements from vit B-complex, vit C, calcium with vit D, iron, etc., to phyto-estrogens (Evecare) and I do think they help. Try to learn to be happy and appreciate what you have.
Thanks to my husband, gorgeous daughter, great friends and family I'm really well now and watch out for those cloudy days knowing that they will pass. Just getting out to see my girlfriends for coffee, thinking positively or a meal out with family or friends and a good laugh will chase those clouds away.
Hope this helps :O)
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Come on England..
Few cupcakes to celebrate the draw (could have, should have been a win) :O(
And to celebrate the World Cup End of Term Party at school.
Hope the kids at KES enjoyed them, I heard Mr Richmond thought they were yummy.
If Mr Richmond let's me know where to send them, so he doesn't have to share with 20+ kids, I'd be happy to send him and his lovely family a tray full :O)
Thank you and Mrs Sheila for being such great teachers to my pumpkin..
I know there are lots of super teachers out there and we are very grateful for all you do. I know I moan about the long holidays you guys get but you really do deserve them. Hope you enjoy your hols and come back nice and refreshed for September.
Ladies - Summer beauty tips to avert disaster..
This is a great website for beauty tips and new products. Many you can find here some you may have to stock up on when on your holidays or ask a kindly travelling friend to get for you...[link]
And here's my fav that I shall be investing in ASAP..The L'oreal eyeshadow primer. Top tip is cellulite always looks better in brown :O)
AWARE Summer Arabic Courses 2010
AWARE Arabic Language Courses will begin on June 20th until July 29th, 2010. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed & courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, ...cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community. They cater to teachers, travellers & those working in the private business sector. AWARE Arabic course highlights:*Introductory to Level 4 Arabic language basics* Better prepare you for speaking, reading and writing Arabic*Combine language learning with cultural insights* Taught in group settings * Provide opportunities to interact with Western expatriates and native Kuwaitis/Arabs.
The AWARE Center is located in Surra, between the 4th ring & the 5th ring, Block 3, Surra street, Villa 84. You can call them for more details at 25335280 or 25335260 Sun-Thur 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
The AWARE Center is located in Surra, between the 4th ring & the 5th ring, Block 3, Surra street, Villa 84. You can call them for more details at 25335280 or 25335260 Sun-Thur 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
World Cup Calendar 2010
For absolutely the coolest world cup calendar for 2010 click here [link] and just place cursor on team...
Movenpick Bida'a, Applebees, TGIF, Crowne Plaza and many more restaurants and cafes will be showing the world cup live :O)
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Killing Fields Of Kuwait
I received this from a concerned reader who seems to care more passionately than some here. For which, as a mother of a Kuwaiti, I am grateful as I would love my child to experience the fascinating and beautiful birds that reside and migrate through Kuwait. I did a post a while ago [link] about the 'ONLY' form of tourism I've ever seen advertised on the internet for Kuwait....bird watching ..yes I know I thought it was quite amazing myself. And, maybe, if the country wants to develope tourism then it's best not to kill off the wildlife before the tourists get here.
Apparently this concern was also published in Bazaar (great free magazine found in Starbucks) so hopefully with enough attention brought to this sad subject there may be a laws implemented and enforced to protect these lovely birds.
Apparently this concern was also published in Bazaar (great free magazine found in Starbucks) so hopefully with enough attention brought to this sad subject there may be a laws implemented and enforced to protect these lovely birds.
- I am from South Africa, a world in one country because of the rich diversity it offers both its residents and visitors. Believe me, it has plenty to offer no matter what your interests, sports or hobbies are. We are blessed in South Africa with a truly magnificent and rich wildlife heritage with large areas of land set aside as game reserves which are conserved and protected so that all of its people and of course the many thousands of visitors who visit annually, can experience and enjoy the wildlife our country has to offer. A lot of effort has gone into conservation, protection and bio-diversity projects and as a result this is one of the major tourism income generators for our country. Our people care deeply and respect this wildlife treasure and do all they can to ensure it is protected and can be enjoyed for many generations to come.
South Africa has a rich diversity of birds, almost 950 species of which a big percentage is made up of migrants from the northern hemisphere. These migratory birds undertake epic journeys when they fly south at the end of their breeding season in September to spend time enjoying the southern hemisphere summer before returning north in April to again commence another breeding cycle in the northern hemisphere summer. In South Africa we have very strict firearm laws; who can own them and where they can be discharged as a result indiscriminate shooting of wildlife is just not heard of or even seen.
Migration occurs in many different species from mammals and birds to insects and fish and it is one of the greatest and most remarkable spectacles on planet earth. Only 2-months ago, Kuwait experienced what must have been one of the biggest Painted Lady (these are medium sized brown butterflies that almost everyone must have noticed) migrations to have been seen in many years. Thousands of butterflies flying across Kuwait in a north westerly direction over at least 3 to 4 weeks was a spectacle to behold.
I am a birder and photographer and am astounded that our migratory birds choose to fly through Kuwait on their way to and from their breeding grounds in the north. Astounded in that they cover unimaginable distances across the most hostile habitats and environments in their quest to sustain and increase the species and humbled that I have the opportunity whilst living and working in Kuwait to be a witness to this migration. Most Kuwaiti’s are oblivious that this phenomenon occurs in their country twice a year. When we show locals and school children our pictures of birds taken in Kuwait, most do not believe that they have been taken in Kuwait, so already there is an opportunity to educate. We are a small and dedicated group of birders and photographers in Kuwait trying to spread the awareness about birding through the various local conservation organisations, our Blogs, talks at the Aware Center, articles in newspapers and magazines and our annual Kuwait Bird Report, but it is a long road and one that we will not give up on.
However, what tears me and my birding (both local, ex-pat and the many visiting international birders we have hosted each migration) colleagues apart the most; is that the wildlife (and especially birds) we protect so vigorously in South Africa as well as in Europe appears to be held in contempt by a minority who have absolutely no respect for others, their environment and the value of life of animals and birds that deservedly share this world with us.
The shooters of Kuwait are a minority group of people who are selfish and consider that migratory birds are just there for them to kill relentlessly and indiscriminately for no apparent reason other than boredom and target practice. Some birds admittedly are killed for the kitchen, but usually as many as possible. Self restraint and preservation is not a consideration and I have seen photographs of hunters standing proudly with their spoils all neatly lined up row after row, like the arrested drug smugglers in the Kuwait Times - what is the pride in that? Gone are the days when hunting was considered a regal sport and sport of kings with horses and falcons. Now it is 4 x 4’s with people and guns hanging out of the windows racing at speed across the desert often in competition with other shooters chasing and killing Turtle Dove, Bee-eaters, Sandgrouse, Bustards and when these can’t be found anything else that sadly comes across their path whether it has nutritional value or not. If not this method, then setting up huge rings of spotlights at night in the middle of the desert to create a false illusion of daylight and a safe landing place for sandgrouse and plovers, only to shoot every single one when they come in to land. Or camping outside a desert oasis, in comfortable chairs with umbrellas shooting anything that flies over and not even bothering to pick up or look at what they have killed.
However, it is not only 4 x 4’s but shooters head out to sea in boats with shotguns shooting terns that breed on the off-shore islands during the height of summer. If that isn’t enough then it is much more fun to go stomping across the breeding grounds to see how many eggs you can break – come on, what is going on here?
I ask myself is this behavior just isolated to Kuwait? I have travelled to Bahrain, UAE and Oman and have not witnessed such uncaring and lawless behavior. Is it the attitudes of those people that is different, is it because Conservation and Protection is enforced and taken seriously by the authorities and are the laws tougher regarding the ownership and use of firearms?
Whilst birding in Oman last year, I visited the Khawr Rawri Nature Reserve. A signpost at the entrance, that I wish we could see all over Kuwait, read:
Sultanate of Oman - Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs
Khawr Rawri Nature Reserve
Nature Reserve according to Royal Decree (49/97)
The almighty God said “There is not an animal on the earth, nor a bird on the wing which is not part of your community” (The Holy Koran, Sura 6, Aya 38)
It is strictly prohibited to:
• Fish without obtaining a permit
• Cut or damage trees and plants
• Hunt, disturb or harm birds or collect their eggs
• Graze any animals within the Khawr boundaries
• Dump waste and drive off the roads
People contravening these regulations will be liable for prosecution in terms of the laws and regulation of the Sultanate of Oman.
-Protection of the environment is the responsibility of us all.-
Kuwait has the potential to have a rich avian biodiversity if we can nurture and protect rather than slaughter. This could become a fantastic revenue generator for birding related tourism that could be on par with or surpass Israel – normally considered as the Number 1 birding hotspot that international birders flock to each migration. However, but no-one wants to stand watching and photographing birds while shotgun pellets rain down on them as happened to our group last weekend. We should be doing all we can to protect species which generally have the odds stacked against them, together with a human population that is expanding exponentially and is taking more than it gives back to Planet Earth.
Kuwait finds itself on one of the major bird migration routes in the world and could lead the way with conservation and firearm policies that others would look up to and follow to ensure that migratory as well as resident birds are protected and given a safe passage when they stop over to rest and replenish in this marvel called migration. If the powers that be could take note, there is much to be done and so much opportunity to put Kuwait on the international birding map.
Perhaps Kuwait should be lumped with Malta and fall under the microscope of world’s environmental and conservation attention due to the indiscriminate and incessant killing of migratory birds? This could hopefully spur the authorities together with the dedicated public organisations (of which there are many) that are committed to bring change through consolidated action to halt the shooting, setting aside reserves to ensure protection and preservation of all species and embark on a national educational awareness program to promote eco-tourism in Kuwait with the objective of ensuring that Kuwait has a sustainable conservation heritage that all Kuwaitis could enjoy and be very proud of.
But until that happens, I feel completely helpless, outraged and get sick to my stomach when I see mine and my countries future generations wildlife heritage getting blown out of the sky by people who don’t know where these birds have come from or where they are going to and actually do not really care either way.
So,the killing fields in Kuwait will continue every Spring and Autumn of every year until something is done, or there are no longer anymore birds left to kill.-
A Kuwait Birder
[link]
Where were these people when I needed them? - Party House Events
These prices are very good for an organised (headache-free) kid's party and I should know.. [link]
New DISCO PARTY is great for teens 13 and older who want a more grown up party. There will be dancing to popular songs with their friends, colored laser lights, games, prizes , drink & snack table & more. Call 6606 2217 for more info.
Perfect workout t-shirts for me :O)
Sorry pic's not so clear it says Qwitter with the Twitter bird
dead on it's back or having a long nap.
My thoughts entirely :O)
If you're interested I saw them in the menswear dept at Centrepoint, KD 4 each. Not sure if I know too many guys that would wear a diamante t-shirt though..
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Loub got to be joking..
Louboutin $1950 or KD 571.
Is it just me or are there others out there that think sometimes 'the' designers get a little too sure of themselves and design the ugliest item ever and put their very swish name on it just to see if muggins will buy it. Ok... I know I'm guilty of drooling over some of their truly gorgeous creations (don't tell Villa Moda those saliva stains over half the stock was me) but this Loub is just plain ugly.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
TONI&GUY Hairdressing in Kuwait
Located at Al Corniche Club, Gulf Road, Shaab. They have 20% off your first visit during the month of June if you join their FB page [link] Tel. Al Corniche: 25663286. Mobile: 66187070
Home Exchange?
I'm always planning the next holiday and came across this which looks like it might be a great idea 'IF' I can find someone who wants to swop with us.
I mean how many people want to come to Kuwait in the summer for two-three months (tea-totalling employees checking out the area before moving family out... maybe, someone posted here with the US army..maybe, relatives that you'd rather not have stay in the house with you ..LOL.. very likely).
I have perks to offer maid, cook, driver with car, olympic pool, sea view, gym, kid's sports room, six-a-side football pitch, a great complex with maintenance, etc..
I've used a holiday lettings agency many times before to rent accomodation and it has always a great experience. My recommended one would be http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/
Hmmm.. will chat with the husband and see what he thinks..
Has anyone out there used this home exchange site or know someone who has? [link]
I mean how many people want to come to Kuwait in the summer for two-three months (tea-totalling employees checking out the area before moving family out... maybe, someone posted here with the US army..maybe, relatives that you'd rather not have stay in the house with you ..LOL.. very likely).
I have perks to offer maid, cook, driver with car, olympic pool, sea view, gym, kid's sports room, six-a-side football pitch, a great complex with maintenance, etc..
I've used a holiday lettings agency many times before to rent accomodation and it has always a great experience. My recommended one would be http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/
Hmmm.. will chat with the husband and see what he thinks..
Has anyone out there used this home exchange site or know someone who has? [link]
Mulberry Rocks.. Maybe..
I bought a Mulberry bag in England last year it was barely used but had several unexpected faults. One was that the handles made tiny punch holes in the flap of the bag, another was that it leeched color from other bags ie. it was a white patent leather bag and I placed it next to a black bag and there was colour transference. Not good. So a friend was going to the UK and offered to return it via post.
I got this email from them..
"Dear Kim
Thank you for returning your East West Bayswater in patent for our attention and appraisal.
We are always grateful for any feedback from our customers and would like to thank you for taking the time and trouble to return your item to us.
We pride ourselves on our reputation for quality products and service and as you can imagine we take this extremely seriously. All our components, material and products undergo rigorous quality checking before during and after production. However unfortunately from time to time a product slips through our carefully maintained quality net but we would like to assure you this is rare.
Unfortunately it is not possible to repair the item and, no longer being part of our stocked range, we are unable to offer an exact replacement. Please choose an alternative from our current collection or we can issue vouchers for £450.
Kind Regards
Kate Peters
Senior Repairs and Returns Administrator
Tel 01761 234206 / 01749 822131
Fax 01749 346789
Email katep@mulberry.com"
Well I read through the email several times and, to me, it looks as if I may be able to choose any bag. Can that be? I've seen a gorgeous coral ostrich Bayswater for a lot of money - do you think they mean I can have that one as a replacement? I've asked them let's see what they say. Because if that's true then Mulberry sure as hell has the best customer service I've ever experienced and I will tatoo their logo across my left boob and become a life-long devotee.
LWDLIK update- :O( No, has to be 450 GBP only. Still pretty darn good customer service..Oh well.
The exciting ‘High School Musical Summer School’
If you would like your son or daughter to attend this exclusive High School Musical- themed summer school, where students cover scriptwork, acting, dancing, singing, costume-making, setwork, propwork and producing a mini- production of High School Musical, please visit the BAIA Office in Salwa, Area 1, Street 1, opposite the British School of Kuwait. Open 09.00-17.00 Sundays to Thursdays.
The course is divided into two categories: 4-7 years old and 8-15 years old.
The 4-7 years old course costs KD90 and will run from 14.00-17.00 every Sunday to Thursday from 21 June to 8 July.
The 8-15 years old course costs KD150 and will run from 14.00-20.00 every Sunday to Thursday from 21 June to 8 July.
All participants will be taught by professionally qualified tutors in an exciting and challenging atmosphere, learning to use all aspects of the theatre while building confidence, making new friends and improving performance and communication skills. It is a opportunity not to be missed for all ages.
We look forward to meeting you at High School Musical Summer School.
Sarah Tulaimat
BIVT Administrator
25756110/40
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Van der Sloot can't seem to avoid murder charges
LIMA, Peru - The young Dutchman suspected in a U.S. teen's disappearance in Aruba was delivered to Peru yesterday to face charges in the murder of a 21-year-old woman found with her neck broken in his Lima hotel room.
Joran van der Sloot, 22, told Chilean police he did not kill Stephany Flores but did say that "he met her and at some point they went to a casino," said Fernando Ovalle, a Chilean police spokesman.
The woman's father, Ricardo Flores, told the Associated Press that video cameras tracked the couple as they walked before dawn Sunday to van der Sloot's hotel from the casino where they met playing poker.
In Peru, murder carries a prison sentence of up to 35 years.
Van der Sloot, who looked frightened, wore a bulletproof vest and was driven to a police post in Tacna near the border.
Col. Manuel Malaver, chief of Interpol in Peru, said that after a medical check, van der Sloot would be taken to Lima and charged with murder.
Van der Sloot has not spoken with or even acknowledged reporters. He remains the prime suspect in the May, 30, 2005, disappearance - five years to the day of Flores' slaying - of Alabama teen Natalee Holloway on the Dutch island of Aruba.
U.S. prosecutors charged van der Sloot with wire fraud and extortion Thursday, saying $15,000 had been transferred to a Netherlands bank account in his name, allegedly for promising to provide information about the Holloway case.
Flores was found dead Tuesday in the Lima hotel room where van der Sloot had been staying since May 14.
LWDLIK- What a slime ball!! I remember the American victim's mother on Oprah pleading for information on her missing/dead daughter, it was heartbreaking. And now he went out and murdered another poor girl. His friends and family who lied for him to get him off the first time should go to jail.
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