Khaleejesque Magazine Launch at 360 Mall

To celebrate the launch of the magazine, Khaleejesque is going to have an event to showcase the print magazine in 360 Mall on the 5th and 6th of February from 10am-10pm.

Meet the talented team behind Khaleejesque, walk around the make-shift magazine installation, get a digital snapshot from BonkerBox and make sure to grab a free copy of the first print issue.

Khaleejesque has, until now, been exclusively an online lifestyle magazine and fountain of information, events and articles on interesting people in the GCC area. Now we have a fabulous free magazine to grace our coffee tables too :OD

If Only for One Night - Luther Vandross

With Valentine's Day approaching and Liberation Day not far behind here's one of the few songs that can evoke in me strong feelings of love and pain. A reminder of the long six month seperation from my husband during the Invasion of Kuwait in 1990/1. Have to keep the hankies nearby everytime I hear it.  I give you Mr. Luther Vandross.


Yep, it's the first two lines that get me everytime.

And another song is Oleta Adams - Get Here.

The HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY To-Do List for Men

My top ten list of great Valentine gifts...

A trip for the two of you, anywhere, even if it's Dubai for the night. As long as it's away from normal routine and the kids are not with you.

Try Fly Dubai or Jazeera they both have some great last minute deals for this month.

2. Dinner for two at a fab restaurant, The Regency Hotel has a romantic evening with piano, chocolates and roses. Top tip do NOT take the kids, do NOT play with your phone thro dinner, do NOT talk about work. Do reminisce about when you met and how lovely you both still are, try to remember cute stories about the two of you.

3. Red roses the biggest bunch you can afford. You will be rewarded.

4. A nice piece of jewelry that you know she'll like, if you are not sure which piece to get then move on to number 5. If it comes from Octium in 360 Mall I can tell you she'll love it!

5. Godiva chocolates or Fauchon, both are excellent and so beautifully packaged they can not fail to impress and make anyone feel special.

6. Have the kids sleep over at a friends or in bed early and cook her dinner. Stick to something simple maybe buy some fois gras or pate as a starter, beef tenderloin and aspargus as a main, strawberries dipped in melted chocolate for dessert.
TV and mobile must be switched off. Nice music and candles. Voila!
(It's at number 6 because it really depends how well you pay attention to the recipe).

7. Run her a nice bubble bath and sprinkle a few rose petals on top. A little back rub would be good too. Whilst she's in the bath order in her favourite food for you to have together later.

8. A nice lunch somewhere just the two of you. If he's too busy or tired after work then try to meet up for a special lunch.

9. If you have to have dinner with kids then after they sleep put on a good movie (not Terminator 3) and make some popcorn and hold hands at home. Go get her hot cocoa with extra marshmallows before bedtime. Should give her at least a single red rose.

10. A red Maserati would be perfect.

Hope my husband's reading this..

This list has been repeated from last year as it really can't get any better and my husband has still not seen it. Will have to email it to him... Good luck ladies :OD

"How people treat you is their karma. How you react is yours." ~Wayne Dyer

'I'm going to destroy America and dig up Marilyn Monroe': British pair arrested in U.S. on terror charges over Twitter jokes

By Richard Hartley-parkinson
Last updated at 7:02 PM on 30th January 2012


Two British tourists were barred from entering America after joking on Twitter that they were going to 'destroy America' and 'dig up Marilyn Monroe'.
Leigh Van Bryan, 26, was handcuffed and kept under armed guard in a cell with Mexican drug dealers for 12 hours after landing in Los Angeles with pal Emily Bunting.
The Department of Homeland Security flagged him as a potential threat when he posted an excited tweet to his pals about his forthcoming trip to Hollywood which read: 'Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America?'

Leigh Van Bryan was due to go to Los Angeles with his friend Emily Banting but was stopped when he arrived in the U.S. over tweets he had sent

Offending tweet: Mr Bryan told security officials that 'destroy' is slang for party in the UK, but that was not enough to convince them

After making their way through passport control at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) last Monday afternoon the pair were detained by armed guards.
Despite telling officials the term 'destroy' was British slang for 'party', they were held on suspicion of planning to 'commit crimes' and had their passports confiscated.

Leigh was also quizzed about another tweet which quoted hit US comedy Family Guy which read: '3 weeks today, we're totally in LA p****** people off on Hollywood Blvd and diggin' Marilyn Monroe up!

THE WORDS THAT COULD LAND YOU IN HOT WATER

The Department of Homeland Security was recently criticised over false accounts it set up on Twitter.

These are then used to scan networks for 'sensitive' words and then for tracking the people who use them.

Online privacy group, the Electronic Privacy Information Centre requested information on the DHS's scans, which it says the agency announced in February last year.

The group claims that a request under the Freedom of Information Act to access the documentation has gone unanswered.

The words deemed as being sensitive by the DHS include:

• Illegal immigrant
• Outbreak
• Drill
• Strain
• Virus
• Recovery
• Deaths
• Collapse
• Human to animal
• Trojan

Federal agents even searched his suitcase looking for spades and shovels, claiming Emily was planning to act as Leigh's 'look out' while he raided Marilyn's tomb.
Bar manager Leigh, from Coventry, and Emily, 24, from Birmingham, were then quizzed for five hours at LAX before they were handcuffed and put into a van with illegal immigrants and locked up overnight.
They spent 12 hours in separate holding cells before being driven back to the airport where they were put on a plane home via Paris.
Leigh, an Irish national, and Emily arrived at Birmingham Airport last Wednesday afternoon.
Emily said: 'The officials told us we were not allowed in to the country because of Leigh's tweet. They wanted to know what we were going to do.
'They asked why we wanted to destroy America and we tried to explain it meant to get trashed and party.
'I almost burst out laughing when they asked me if I was going to be Leigh's lookout while he dug up Marilyn Monroe.
'I couldn't believe it because it was a quote from the comedy Family Guy which is an American show.

As a result of this message, the pair's luggage was searched for spades

'It got even more ridiculous because the officials searched our suitcases and said they were looking for spades and shovels. They did a full body search on me too.
'We just wanted to have a good time on holiday. That was all Leigh meant in his tweet. He would not hurt anyone.'
Leigh posted the tweet on January 16 before the pair flew to LA last Monday.
Leigh said: 'It's just so ridiculous it's almost funny but at the time it was really scary. The Homeland Security agents were treating me like some kind of terrorist.

Paperwork handed to Mr Van Bryan confirms that he was questioned by the Department for Homeland Security before entry to the U.S. was denied

'I kept saying to them they had got the wrong meaning from my tweet but they just told me "you've really f***** up with that tweet boy".
'When I was in the van I was handcuffed and put in a cage. I had a panic attack but the worse was yet to come.
'When we arrived at the prison I was shoved in a cell on my own but after an hour two huge Mexican men covered in tattoos came in and started asking me who I was.
'They told me they'd been arrested for taking cocaine over the border.
'When the food arrived on the tray they took it all and just left me with a carton of apple juice.'
After 12 hours in custody they returned to the airport where they were handed documents which stated they had been refused entry to the US.
Emily's charge sheet stated: 'It is believed that you are travelling with Leigh-Van Bryan who possibly has the intentions of coming to the United States to commit crimes.'
Leigh's charge sheet, alongside a police mug shot and finger print, added: 'He had posted on his Tweeter website account that he was coming to the United States to dig up the grave of Marilyn Monroe.
'Also on his tweeter account Mr Bryan posted that he was coming to destroy America.'
Leigh and Emily have now been told they must apply for visas from the US Embassy in London before flying to the US again.

Hmmmm?.. To Detoxing, Organic Food and Exercise

Valentine's Day Romantic Dinner at The Regency Hotel

For Valentine's day on 14th February at the Silk Road restaurant the culinary team will create a memorable evening with a tempting 4 course menu for this special occasion complimented with live piano, candle lit dinner and giveaway chocolates and rose stems for your special one. KD 40 per couple. Tel. 25766666

Happy Valentine's Day.

New Year, New You: 10 Steps Toward Better Communication

Try these 10 tips to expand your communication skills and improve your relationships. The benefits have infinite value.

1. Take Control Where You Can. Remember what is true: we have no control over what other people say or do, but we do have control over how we choose to react, respond and engage.

2. Be Clear. If you expect to be understood, you must express yourself clearly. Make an effort to learn how to communicate to the best of your ability.

3. Be Proactive to Avoid a Misunderstanding. If you're unclear about what someone says, ask them to clarify in the moment. Don't wait for the misunderstanding, instead, catch it before it happens.

4. Remember the Golden Rule. Use yourself as the gauge for how what you are saying or doing may be received. Picture yourself on the receiving end of your comments or actions, and decide if that is indeed how you want to handle the situation.

5. Determine the Worth. Remember that none of us is exonerated from making a mistake. Consider forgiving a mild offense immediately and moving on. Your energy is precious and should not be wasted.

6. Be Honest With Yourself. If you find that conflict surrounds or follows you, acknowledge that the common denominator is you. You don't have to share that finding with anyone, just note it and make adjustments immediately.

7. Pay Attention to How You Are Received. What matters in communication is not what you intended, but how it is received. This is a common and tricky issue. If you find yourself constantly assuring others that you were well intended, you may be a person who needs to better connect how you mean to impact people with how you are actually impacting them.

8. Study Your Weaknesses. Knowing and acknowledging your own flaws in communication is key. Are you best with the written word, or prefer the open word? Know your strengths, but stay open to moving and improving your weaknesses.

9. Stay Committed. Commitment is the only guaranteed way to change the pattern of your own life and, in turn, make your relationships with others the best they can be. Commit to making some changes in the way you deal with and react to people. All of us could use some adjusting.

10. Be Alert. Most of the conflict with the people around us can be avoided, but not without you making the effort to see to it first. If we've heard it once, we've heard it one million times. Life is short, so make an effort to see where and how you can better communicate.

Aston Martin will Debut its First Production V12 Zagato at the Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance in February.

The Concours d’Elegance, in its third year, is the only event of its type in the Middle East.

Aston Martin says it will build no more than 150 V12 Zagato sports cars, which come with a price tag of more than $500,000 and are powered by 520-horsepower V12 engines.

The limited-production V12 Zagato (150 cars maximum) will make its first customer deliveries in late 2012.

Carrying on the partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato that started over 50 years ago with the DB4 GT Zagato, the V12 Zagato, hand-assembled at the company’s global headquarters in Gaydon, England, is based on the V12 Vantage and features a hand-crafted aluminum and carbon-fibre body along with a bespoke interior. Powering the sports car is a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.

First seen in prototype form at last year’s Villa D’Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, the V12 Zagato was awarded the coveted Design Award for the concept and prototypes class. Just a week later, the car made its racing debut at the gruelling Nürburgring 24 Hour race.

Following “extremely positive initial customer reaction,” says Aston Martin, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at £330,000 ($520,000).

Camel Fetches Record KD 2 million in Auction Public Awestruck as Seller Insists on Cash

 

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 3: A camel named Bedour entered the Guinness Book of Records when it was purchased for 2 million dinars cash after the seller refused to take a cheque or ATM card during the Safat Camel Auction in Sulaibiya, reports Al-Shahid daily.

According to the seller, the camel is expensive because it’s unique and exceptionally beautiful, which makes it different from other camels and on par with camels the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his companions rode. He affirmed that this revelation is verifiable and has already been established. Therefore, the camel is worth the amount he collected from the purchase, the seller noted.

He reiterated that the value of the camel has nothing to do with quality of its meat, hyrax, milk or urine but its offspring and byproducts. He said the buyer will recoup the KD 2,000,000 with huge profit, stressing that mere onlookers were surprised that the camel had been sold for 2 million, which is almost enough to buy a private jet and way beyond the prices of latest automobiles.

He claimed the camel originates from camels the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his companions owned. He also said the buyer could insure the camel just like human beings, cars and houses, even though he refused to mention profit he made through the deal.

Quote of the Week - “Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant”

Justice Louis Brandeis coined this marvelous phrase:  In praise of transparency and honesty in public policy and in refererance to the benefits of openness and transparency.  

Freakonomics

Freakonomics - Just been watching the movie on TV, it's really interesting.

What is Kendo?

The “Way of the Sword”

Kendo is a sport based on the Japanese martial art of sword fighting. It is estimated that there are more than six million kendoka practising Kendo around the world. The majority are in Japan where the sport is very popular, but there are dojos in almost every country, such as our dojo in Kuwait.
Kendo players, or ‘kendoka’ wear a traditional uniform consistingof a jacket called a kendogi, and a pair of loose trousers called a hakama. To protect themself, the kendoka wears a helmet, called a ‘men’, a chestplate called a ‘do’ and padded gauntlets called ‘kote’.
The sword, or ‘shinai’, used for fighting is made from flexible pieces of bamboo, so that full strikes can be made upon the opponent without serious injury.

Kendo Equipment

 

Kendo Uniform

The kendo uniform consists of a thick cotton top called a keigoki or kendogi, and a pair of loose trousers called a hakama.

 

Kendo Armour

Over the top of the uniform is worn the armour. This consists of three items:

• A head and face protector called a men
• A chest protector called a do
• A pair of padded gauntlets called kote

These three items protect the target areas of the kendoka: head, chest and hands.

 

Kendo Sword (Shinai)

Kendoka fight using a bamboo sword called a shinai.


With thanks to www.kuwaitkendo.com/kendo/

For more information about the Kendo classes at the Radisson Blu Hotel contact 25673000 ext 3888 (The Viking Club).

Mike Tyson in Mecca?

Mono-Print and Mixed Media Classes with Thuraya Al-Baqsami

Mono-print and Mixed Media classes with Thuraya Al-Baqsami
11 am – 1 pm // February 6, 7, 8, 9 (Monday – Thursday) at 
CAP Contemporary Art Platform, Shuwaikh, Kuwait. Call 24925636.

Map

Essential and Proper Stimulation for Healthy Brain Development in Children

TEDxRainier - Dimitri Christakis - Media and Children

 

LWDLIK - Quite fascinating! Not completely surprising though. I met an old friend in the supermarket about 5 years ago and he was intrigued at how well my daughter spoke (I had thought pretty average), he told me that his child at 4 years old was still unable to talk and so he and his European wife had taken the child to the doctor. The doctor said the child needed to be tested for autism. When they took the child to be tested the doctor performing the tests asked if both parents were working, yes they were. The doctor then asked approximately what amount of time each day was spent talking, playing, interacting and reading to the child; very little. That was the problem, not autism. You can't really expect your maid to have time, interest or capabilities to engage your child and teach them all they need to know.

 

KidZania is Coming to Town

KidZania Kuwait. I have just seen their recruitment ad in the Arab Times..Yay! Can't be too long now til they open in phase III of Avenues, the rumour is June :OD

Previous posts on KidZania Dubai [link].

Your kid can become a doctor, a banker, a policeman, a DJ or one of over 90 other adult roles in a fun and safe environment that helps their creativity, stimulate their imagination and expand their experience as they play and learn at the same time. My daughter had the most fabulous time at KidZania Dubai she didn't want to leave, she spent two full days there.



Hairdressers





Photographers




Radio hosts




Dentists




Firemen or women



Mechanics



Artists

Salsa & Bachata Dinner Dance Party at Movenpick Hotel, Bida'a

Friends are an Awesome Investment :OD

"Money might make you wealthy - but friends make you rich."

S.P.E.A.K (ing) Out for Mental Health in Kuwait

S.P.E.A.K

Standing for Psychological Education and Awareness in Kuwait is an awareness campaign that aims to eliminate the stigma against mental illness, its various treatments as well as psychology as a science and discipline. Our aim is to stand for and promote equality and respect for those individuals suffering from a mental illness. Secondly, we aim to encourage the seeking of treatment ranging from medication for serious mental illness to marital and family therapy. Finally, they seek to promote psychology as an academic and occupational choice.

S.P.E.A.K has been founded by two young Kuwaiti ladies Alaa Alhomaizi and Dalal Alhomaizi. They have been working on this project for two years now and thankfully received a lot of support from the Kuwaiti community and their university in the US (Northeastern University).

























Yes they're twins..

This is their Facebook page [link] where you can find info and dates on their next seminar and meetings.  They are Twittering @ SPEAKuwait

S.P.E.A.K also offers a forum online where questions and topics may be asked and discussed [link].

A website is to follow shortly.


LWDLIK - What a wonderful campaign :OD

Cozmo Bowling Competition on Facebook

[link]

Rules:

1.The participant has to post his highest score when he is playing bowling.

2.the picture should view the participant’s face with the score, the reciept no. should and age should be written in the description of the photo.
3.Photoshop pictures are not allowed

4.If there is more than one winner “for each age category” we will consider the person with highest likes.

5.The winner should be the same person who is in the picture

6.The picture should be in one of our branches

7.The participant should be fan of our FB page

8.No professional or bowling association players are permitted to participate in the contest.

9.Who is 13 years old and bellow will win PS 3

10.Who is between 14 years old and 17 years old will win IPAD II

11.Who is 18years old and over will win I phone 4S

12.The winner will receive a unique No. from us on his FB account as a msg

13.The winner should submit the unique No. and the Game receipt in order to get his prize.

14.Civil ID is required to collect your prize

Starting Date: 25/01/2012

Ending Date: 27/02/2012

 

Books about Kuwait, the People and the Region

There are many books written over the past few years of life in Kuwait and the region, some are detailing the Invasion of Kuwait, others deal with some of the harsh realism of Kuwait today and one I've come across, by a local author, is tackling the interesting subject of Khadija; The Prophet's wife.

I haven't managed to read them all but hopefully I shall get around to doing so one day.. 

Letter Home by Karen Alanizi   





















Small Kingdom by Anastasia Hobbet



Suitcase Filled With Nails by Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield




Why did I choose Kuwait by Samah Oueslati.
(Available at That Al Salasil bookstore
located in Avenues Mall, phase2.




Khadija: The First Lady of Islam by Maxine Meilleur




I have been assured by the authors, of the ones I haven't read, that the subjects are dealt with respectfully and I do hope so.  

Beauty & The Beast 3D has been banned by MOI Censor Committee

I've heard everything now..

[link]

Grease - Showing Tonight at Cinemagic :O) Better Shape Up!

  

• • When

    Today
  • Time

    19:30 until 21:30

• Description

  Director: Randal Kleiser Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton John Country: USA Release: 1978 Genre: Comedy / Musical / Romance Language: English Running Time: 110 minutes Rating: E Synopsis: A Hollywood classic, Grease tells the story of good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. But when they unexpectedly discover they're now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?

[Map]  Above the LG/Mothercare showrooms in Salem Mubarak Street, old Salmiya take the lift by the popcorn stand to the roof. Fee is usually KD 1.

British Ladies Society Valentines Ball at the British Embassy

The British Ladies Society  are pleased to announce the Valentines Ball will be held in the gardens of the British Embassy on Friday 17th February. 
  
Please email specialevents@theblskuwait.com to register with your Civil ID/passport number for each person as well as a contact number.  You will then receive full details of where and when to collect your tickets.

Blatant Disregard for the Law and a New Pedestrian Crossing

Great to see a policeman giving a ticket to this car in front of Souk Safat Block 9 for being parked illegally and astoundlingly what happen prior has to be one of the worst cases of disrespect for the law. This car above pulled up in front of a white Mercedes that was getting a ticket, the owner of the Mercedes was talking to the policeman but the policeman still gave him a ticket. This grey car then parks in front of that scene, the driver and female passenger must have seen what was happening but regardless parked the car and walked straight past the policeman into the building down the road to the right of photo. Unbelieveable!

Better news...Just down the road and round the corner, in front of the Commercial Bank HQ in the city, is a new pedestrian crossing with lights and stripes and all. And I stopped when it was green and let the nice, wary-looking people gingerly cross. Not unusual, you might think, but highly unusual for Kuwait. Was a little worried that some car might hit me in the behind this being a new concept to many. So very happy to see these being introduced and people paying heed. Will now tell any visitors or newcomers to Kuwait that there is, now, a chance that cars will stop for you at a pedestrian crossing. Becareful  though just because one car stops doesn't mean others will.  

World Class Acting Workshop at BAIA

BAIA (the British Academy of International Arts) is holding a world class acting workshop over three days starting Thursday 2 February. Ms Nona Shepphard, Associate Director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), will share her expertise as actor, director and playwright.


The workshop will involve learning how to transform the written text into a successful performance. Ms Shepphard is head of the audition panel at RADA and will also discuss how best to prepare for auditions. This workshop is a rare opportunity and a must for anyone interested improving their acting skills and/or considering a career in Theatre.


For more information please contact

BAIA the British Academy of International Arts
Box Office
Salwa Block 1, Street 1, Villa 32
Kuwait
Mob +965 6005 2087


 www.thebaia.com

A Few Tips on Giving Condolences to Kuwaitis in Kuwait (Azza)

Prior to meeting my Kuwaiti in-laws I had only ever been to give condolences (azza)  twice in Kuwait. One time to a dear friend who almost burst out laughing when she saw us (some blonde British friends and I) gingerly enter the room. We had no clue how to wear the abaya, scarfs sliding off our heads and the hem of the abaya almost tripping us up. No wonder she found it so funny. We thought she'd lost the plot trying to stop herself from laughing at such a solemn occassion but we didn't realise how strange and awkward we looked.

Have just been to give condolences this morning and I'm still not completely au fait with it all. I seem to go quite often now. But with a little tutoring from my beloved in-laws I'm getting a little better. I spent some time learning the Kuwaiti condolence phrase "adtham allah ajerkom." It wasn't easy; my sister-in-law gave me many lessons over the phone and one day I heard a room full of laughter it seems she had me on speakerphone - to the amusement of her family - I was making a horrible mess of it. So once it was almost perfect I tried it out on a few people at azza whilst my sister-in-law held her breath :OD

Some tips..

Firstly; dress code black abaya, if you don't wear hijab then scarf is not required (certainly not at the ones I've been to).

Secondly; leave your handbag in the car and lock the car. You cannot manage bag, abaya, hand-shaking and kissing - it's almost impossible, something will give, usually you tripping on the abaya.

Thirdly; it's not necessary to condole everybody just the main family but if in doubt go for all those that stand for you, shake hands and kiss them.Don't forget the old ladies unable to stand that are sat with them. And if you can manage a decent suitable phrase or two in Arabic or English it would be well received. Keep it brief.

Fourthly; no need to stay long. Sit for a short while and as soon as more visitors come in you can make an exit. I'm in and out in 10 minutes if it's a large crowd and 15 minutes for a smaller affair. Most importantly you were there. Only close family will stay for the three days.

Many azzas now have valet parking (nice touch) as the parking can be difficult otherwise.

Do not go on the morning of the first day. I made this mistake at the azza for my sister-in-law's mother-in-law. I had made plans to swing by to give condolences and then meet some friends for lunch at Avenues. So I put on respectful make-up but no lipstick, figured I could do that after the azza.

I thought I was being pretty smart getting duty and a lunch with the girls squeezed in that day. No...not recommended at all. The first day is when the men (sons, husbands, brothers) come back from the graveyard and into the ladies azza. And, of course, to see grown men so upset and crying and the daughters knowing their mother was really gone and buried - is just heartbreaking. There was much wailing and lots of tears. It was such a sad scene.

I had no idea and will keep my condolence giving to day 2 or 3 from now on. Needless to say I was very late for lunch and my face and eyes were red, swollen and blotchy. Lipstick wouldn't have helped.

Hope this helps the uninitiated. However this is for the Sunni azza I have heard the Shiite azza is a whole different matter - I've heard there's a whole lot of loud wailing, the louder the better.

2 New Alshaya Restaurants? Looks like it...

Texas Roadhouse Restaurant

Pei Wei Asian Diner


I noticed Alshaya advertsing on Monster.com for staff for these two restaurants and the location is Kuwait. So could be that both will be opening here in the near future. Yay! Both look great.

2012 Burns Supper

Calling All Tango Lovers! 2nd Argentine Tango Seminar 2012

Directly from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the land of the beautiful tango, come two talented instructors, Oscar Gauna & Cecilia Diaz Gauna, to teach the elegant style of Argentine Tango for the second time in Kuwait. This intensive tango seminar is perfect for amateurs & aficionados alike. Don't miss out on this AMAZING opportunity to learn one of the world's most beautiful dance styles. Limited seats available, so make sure to book.


-Level 1: Beginners

-Level 2: Advanced Beginners (For those who took the Tango seminar in October).

-Mondays: There will be optional "Lady Styling & Techniques" for beginners, advanced beginners and intermediates.

-Wednesdays: There will be an optional "Milonga" seminar for advanced beginners consisting of 4 classes.


What you will need:
For men: Shoes that don’t obstruct you from making pivots, like trainers or shoes with thick rubber soles.


For women: If possible, shoes with at least small heels, which hold your feet properly. No flip flops, platforms or trainers with thick soles.

For everyone: The eagerness to have fun learning a beautiful dance.


When: Beginning Monday, January 30th
Where: Argentine Embassy, Mishref, Block 6, Street 42, Villa 57, Basement Salon
For more information or to book your spot at the seminars kindly send an mail to: LauraSPereyra@gmail.com


Via GIK

Happy Chinese New Year - Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Chinese Zodiac - DRAGON

PERSONALITY
Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.

While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren’t applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast!

HEALTH
Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies.

CAREER
Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, and sales person.

RELATIONSHIPS
Dragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.

Dragons and the 5 elements

METAL Dragons – Years 1940 and 2000
Metal strengthens this already strong sign. Metal Dragons are more determined and they’ll fight for what they believe in. They enjoy the company of those who feel mighty enough to challenge their beliefs. They’re true leaders and usually find plenty of others willing to follow.

WATER Dragons – Years 1952 and 2012
Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved.

WOOD Dragons – 1904 and 1964
Wood Dragons also are willing to entertain the opinions of others. Their artistic side is strong, and Wood Dragons enjoy being creative and innovative. They get along with others, but will always be the dominating force.

FIRE Dragons – 1916 and 1976
A Fire Dragon’s emotions can flare instantly. Fire Dragons put themselves on pedestals, and because they react quickly and recklessly, they sometimes make wrong decisions. Fire Dragons need to slow down and keep their tempers in check as that’s when they’re best.

EARTH Dragons – Years 1928 and 1988
More rooted in the ground, Earth Dragons make better decisions because they act more rationally. Earth Dragons are level-headed and able to control their behaviors. They’re more supportive of others, but they prefer being admired by others.
Compatibility

Dragons are compatible with the Monkey or Rat and incompatible with the Ox and Goat.

 

To check your own sign [link].

 

LWDLIK - I'm  a tiger and husband's a rooster, he's got no chance LOL :OD

 

A Classroom Full of Macs in Kuwait

The writing training center at Gulf University. A room filled with new Macs. There's space for 24 students. This takes teaching to a new level.

LWDLIK - Thanks John had to borrow this one, quite impressive stuff. Nice to know GUST is offering great technology for the fees they charge. Wouldn't it be great if all schools in Kuwait had this. Shouldn't be so difficult surely, rich country like Kuwait keen on developing and progressing. Ok so I'm slightly delusional ;O) but still hopeful. Sometimes seems hope and oil is all Kuwait has. Time for some doers, movers and shakers!