Last Day to Register for Bark in the Park Doggy Event on Nov 3rd

Future Shorts - The World's Biggest Pop Up Film Festival at CAP, Kuwait

Contemporary Art Platform location [link].

Happy Halloween

IKEA International Squash Tournament 2012

Musallam Al-Barrak Former MP and Leader of the Goverment's Opposition Arrested

KUWAIT TIMES: Members of the State Security yesterday arrested former MP and prominent opposition leader Musallam Al-Barrak after producing an arrest warrant issued by the public prosecution on accusations that he undermined the status of HH the Amir. Two hours after Barrak told hundreds of his supporters who gathered at his residence that he was ready to give himself up to face interrogations if authorities produced an original warrant arrest, two ranking state security officials arrived at his residence in Andalous. They gave Barrak, who has been a lawmaker since 1996, the warrant and after inspecting it with his lawyers, he declared that he was ready to go with the state security members.

Barrak is accused of undermining the status of the Amir after making remarks deemed offensive to the Amir at a public rally on Oct 15. Barrak had warned the Amir against changing the controversial electoral law. The former lawmaker was taken in a black van and member of the scrapped 2012 National Assembly Obaid Al-Wasmi insisted to ride with him in the van, which the policemen allowed. Barrak turned himself in peacefully to the state security officials who were offered tea at the former lawmaker’s residence before they drove away with the man who is considered the main voice of the Kuwaiti opposition.

Ahead of the arrest, Barrak told hundreds of his supporters to join in large numbers the opposition’s next demonstration on Nov 4 and denied that the opposition was plotting against the Amir or the ruling family. “Such claims were promoted by the corrupt media and their cheap methodology. We, and the whole world, wonder how can such claims be true, even by 1 percent, since the Amir has left on a special vacation?”, he asked.

Barrak had warned that security forces cannot arrest any individual without having a legal arrest warrant. “A police patrol came to my house on Thursday accompanied by press photographers but they did not have a formal warrant, so I refused the verbal arrest orders”, he said, adding that like many others, he too has heard about orders to arrest him. He said many police patrols have been showing up outside his house and whenever he asked to see official warrants, they simply left.

“Yes, I took part in the ‘A Nation’s Dignity’ march on October 21 near Kuwait Towers and the majority MPs met at my diwaniya. I also received the arrested MPs after they were released,” Barrak boasted. “Why haven’t I been arrested so far, if such orders have been issued? Security forces were wonderful in handling the incident and, after all, they are only following orders. But all I want them to do is to show me an official arrest warrant as stipulated by law”, he had demanded.

The public prosecution is expected to start interrogating Barrak today and will either release him on bail or detain him pending further interrogations. Last week, authorities arrested three former MPs – Falah Al-Sawwagh, Khaled Al-Tahous and Bader Al-Dahoum – and released them on KD 5,000 bail each after five days in jail. They were also charged with undermining the status of the Amir.

In a related development, the government is expected to issue today the Amiri decree inviting voters to elect a new Assembly which paves the way to start registration of candidates amid expectations of a wide boycott.

By B Izzak and A Salehm Staff Writers

Go to Harrods, Drink Coffee and Get Ripped Off! Not part of the Holiday Plans?

Q20 were 3 pieces of dates, normal dates - not exquisitely embroidered with edible gold thread. Coffee was not disgustingly expensive poop imported from Sumatra.

Un-flipping-believable!

As, Makhzoomi, an  amusing Instagrammer said "2timing fudruckers!!" 

I kind of feel like I should apologise, being British and all, but as it is no longer owned by the Brits one has to agree with Makhzoomi. Outrageous!

Thanks for the photo Fatima2T.

Jimmy Fallon's Hilarious Halloween Disasters Hashtags

Oh man, this had me crying..

PAWS Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt

PAWS Kuwait’s AMAZING RACE – Registration required
Posted on October 24, 2012 by Paws - Kuwait
PAWS Kuwait’s AMAZING RACE - Registration form on PAWS Kuwait website [link].

Our first ever city wide scavenger hunt in association with K-Lue. Please visit www.k-lue.com for examples of previous race events

Venue:

Location: Kuwait Wide – Starting Point to be revealed
Date: Saturday, 24th November, 2012
Start Time: 10am
Teams: 4-6 people (including driver)
Participants: Open to All Ages

Get your team together of 4-6 people (including driver)’ and register on form (PAWS Kuwait website)

Harvey Nics Opens on....

Chanel for the Circus Lovers?

Visit to the Dickson House with Friends of DAR

B.Fit

K-Cats Presents The Biggest CFA Cat Show in the Middle East

This is the 2nd CFA cat show to be held in Kuwait and the largest cat show ever to be staged in the middle east. We are flying 8 CFA Judges to Kuwait for this very special event. We are looking for sponsors and also we have a few tables available for rent in the show hall. Details are available on K-cats website
 
 Unlike other animal exhibitions in Kuwait, the cat show is licensed and officiated by the most famous cat registry in the world, the Cat Fanciers Association. 

All cats will be competing for titles over 2 days, 1st and 2nd of February 2013. We have exhibitors coming from Europe and USA as well as other arab and asian countries. We also have a class for Household pets. All cats entered in this category will be handled by all 8 judges and will receive rosettes. It can be a lot of fun.
 
This year we are also featuring a very special ring, sponsored by K-cats. This class is for our special needs kitties and is open to all all cats/kittens who are physically challenged (missing an eye or a limb) but who never the less enrich the lives of their owners.  We call this class the NPBP class  or to give it the full title.. Not Perfect But Purr-fect. K-cats are offering 10 of these special cats free entry to this ring on Saturday 2nd February.
 
Our entries are now open. Please note this is an official show and as such ALL cats must be entered in advance. Please visit our website
 www.k-cats.org for more info and link to the entry form.. Closing date for entries is January 10th or once we reach our entry limit.

Embassy Warning and Rumours of Another Demonstration Tonight in Kuwait

25 October 2012

Embassy Notice 38/2012

Demonstration Notice

Please be aware that planned demonstrations may occur tonight, Thursday, 25 October 2012 at the Al Irada Square in front of the National Assembly. 

Glow in the Dark Roses by Interflora

Bizarre!

Eid Al Adha Festival at AWARE Center

May your Eid be Blessed with Peace, Love and Happiness

Grand Cinemas Launches its First Location in the Prestigious Al Hamra Tower, Kuwait

Kuwait Times - Selim Ramia & Co announced yesterday that Grand Cinemas, the region’s leading theatre chain, will open its doors to the public for the first time in Kuwait on October 26th. Located in the country’s tallest skycraper, Al Hamra Tower, the new cinema will offer Kuwait residents an unforgettable experience, starting with the exclusive release of the highly anticipated James Bond film, Skyfall. In keeping with this desirable address, Grand Cinemas at Al Hamra Luxury Center offers customers only the best. With eight spectacular screens and the first Grand Class theatre for VIP luxury, the cinema has a total of 1450 seats. From the moment consumers enter the spacious, stylish main lobby, they can feel the Grand Cinemas difference. All screens are uniquely equipped with the latest digital technology, including 4K projectors capable of a whopping 8 million megapixels – a first in Kuwait. The signature Grand Class theatre offers film buffs superior comfort and exclusivity with an elegant private lobby, deluxe leather recliner seats and a personal waiter service.

As would be expected of the largest cinema chain in the Middle East, the new location enjoys lavish designs and installations, an unparalleled variety of concession offerings, as well as a comprehensive array of services, including online booking, kiosk ticket purchase, a mobile application for booking on the move and an award-winning Facebook community. “I’m proud to lead Grand Cinemas into Kuwait and to share this experience with consumers. We chose the site very carefully: a prime location, located in a landmark tower,” says CEO Selim Ramia. “With the inauguration of our newest location in Al Hamra Luxury Center, we hope to usher in a new age in movie-viewing in Kuwait. We guarantee that all our customers will experience a high standard of service and look forward to welcoming a new set of film-goers to the Grand experience.” To kick off celebrations, Grand Cinemas Al Hamra Tower has been scheduled for the year’s biggest titles. Following Skyfall, which premieres on October 24th at a red carpet screening, moviegoers can look forward to blockbusters such as the Twilight finale and The Hobbit; plus all the Hollywood, Arabic and 3D exclusives that patrons have come to expect from the regional leader in entertainment.

Tickets Selling Fast for Mad Muscials 8

www.stagedinkuwait.com

Maury Make-over Time Again

OMG poor Maury I've never seen this look before. The 'OH NO! Not me next' look.

Half way done. 

I'm so glad he can't see what's going on down there. 



Such a good doggie.

Another great experience with Animal Care Kuwait mobile grooming services Tel. 5001 5757. They come to you. 

Sky News - Kuwait Protests: Tear Gas And Stun Grenades Used

Opposition activists were marching against planned changes to election laws ahead of polls due to take place in December.

About 100 protesters and 11 police officers were injured as Kuwaiti police used tear gas and rubber bullets during clashes with demonstrators, according to witnesses and officials

Tens of thousands of people had gathered across the capital, Kuwait City, to march on the Seif Palace, which houses offices for the emir, crown prince and prime minister, as part of a protest against changes to the electoral law, which the opposition has described as a "coup against the constitution".

But several groups taking part in the so-called Dignity March were quickly surrounded by riot police who used tear gas and stun grenades in an attempt to disperse them, witnesses said.

The director of the Kuwait Society for Human Rights Mohammad al-Humaidi said on Twitter: "The number of wounded protesters in hospital has exceeded 100 after riot police attacked them."

Former opposition MP Abdullah al-Barghash said he saw a number of injured men being taken to hospital in ambulances.

"The way demonstrators were dealt with is unprecedented in Kuwait," Barghash said as he led several hundred protesters, some wearing orange straps to signify the call for change.

Most of the injured suffered from tear gas inhalation or from baton bruises, a medical source told Reuters.

As the clashes took place, the emir received members of the ruling Al Sabah family, which has been in power for over 250 years, who reiterated their loyalty to him, official news agency KUNA reported.

The opposition decided to take to the streets after the government announced last week it was calling elections for December 1 and would alter the electoral law "to preserve national unity".

The changes will allow voters to choose only one candidate per electoral district, making it difficult for the opposition to build political alliances.

"The decree is void, void," some protesters chanted during the protest.

The emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who is referred to as "immune and inviolable" in the constitution, dissolved parliament on October 7. It was the sixth time the oil-rich state and key US ally had disbanded its legislature since early 2006.

However, the Gulf nation's oil wealth and a generous welfare state have so far helped Kuwait avoid the kind of "Arab Spring" protests that toppled leaders elsewhere in the region.

Is Kuwait Falling Apart at the Seams?

Tonight, one day after the Amir's speech and plea for unity, a mass protest against the Amir's decision to change the election law took place. Which is well within the Amir's right to do so; however a huge number of Kuwaitis took to the streets to protest. The change in the law would likely retake the majority back from the government opposition Islamist bloc. 

So was that really what the protest was about? Some think not.

Now if the crowd had stayed at Irada Square - where a gathering was scheduled and would have been legal - instead of moving on to the parliament building and heading and congregating at the Kuwait Towers - would the police have reacted so harshly? Remember parliament was trashed by protestors not so long ago.

In England, if demonstrators deviate from the planned and approved route or location they too will see a side of the police that nobody wants to see.

Sabah Al-Salem University City

Gulf Road Protestors Just before the Kuwait Towers

Above video at @ 21.20

Getting rowdy

Below video @ 21.44

Silence

And that's it folks looks like it's all over 

Video of Huge Number of Protestors in Kuwait City They Are Continuing to Gather at Kuwait Towers

Seems location changed from Irada Square to Kuwait Towers. Things look controlled and quiet but protestors are continuing to arrive and rumours on Twitter say Musalem Al Barak former MP and leader of the opposition is heading to the Towers.

For those still not sure what's going on there are anti-government protests taking place. They started in various locations but have based themselves now at the Kuwait Towers. People have reported some injuries took place, tear gas and noise bombs were used at other locations.

Pics in From Demos in Kuwait City Security Forces Out in Huge Numbers

Great pics by @Nashmiq8 but people please stay safe and well away from this area.

Stay Away From Irada Square in Front of National Assembly Building, Kuwait City Warns British Embassy. Security Services Readying Themselves for Demonstrations Tonight

21 October 2012

Embassy Notice 34/2012

Demonstration Notice

Please be aware that planned demonstrations may occur this evening Sunday, 21 October 2012 at different locations - the Al Irada Square in front of the National Assembly in Kuwait City, the Kuwait Justice Palace downtown Kuwait City and the Kuwait Cabinet Office. These demonstrations may spread to surrounding areas of Kuwait.

In line with our existing Travel Advice, we advise British Nationals to avoid areas where there is a potential for large public gatherings and demonstrations to occur, to take sensible precautions for their personal safety, and to follow news reports. 

The above email was received by me earlier today. They are usually pretty accurate. 

Saw this pic posted on Twitter along with this comment - Military police & other security forces blanket portions #Kuwait City.

Beware People and Dog Owners - Unleashed Pit Bulls in Salwa Block 10 Attack a Small Dog and Owner

The horrific story as printed by the small dog owner, Narine, on her blog Humans and Animals.

"I was planning to walk my dog -on a leash- the day before yesterday. We stepped out of our building’s back side door, which takes you to an open land that the residents use as a parking lot, and then there is an extension to that parking lot separated from the main one by a long and a tall fence. My dog -a very friendly small Japanese spitz- started sniffing around as usual and we were both enjoying the sunlight.
Then we suddenly heard a woman screaming at the top of her lungs. The sound was coming from the extended parking, but I was not able to see through the fence. All I know that the very next moment (although it must have taken at least 5-7 seconds to happen), a young brown pitbull dog shows up in a very close proximity to us. And then another followed. And then finally the owner. The owner, a young woman was screaming: “oh my god, oh my god” and calling their names and trying to grab the collar of one of them and pull. The two dogs were obviously off leash and without muzzles walking in a public area, with the owner having no control whatsoever on them physically or verbally." 

To read more and see pics of this terrifying ordeal ...[link]. 

LWDLIK - This is very sad news. As a dog owner and animal lover it makes spitting mad to hear of owners being so irresponsible with their animals and letting them off their leash. Especially pit bulls who are notoriously aggressive and should be muzzled. Hope Cutie and Narine recover soon from this horrendous experience.

Halloween is Here at Dean & Deluca Get a Complimentary Carving Service with Every Pumpkin @The_ Avenues

Asian Workers are NOT Your Slaves, Punch Bags or Concubines

“Marissa,” was left half dead in the South Surra area earlier this month. 

Patrol officers found her lying near the King Fahad Expressway opposite Kuwait International Fairs Ground. She was brutally raped and left for dead by a lance corporal in the Kuwaiti police force.

Every day in the newspapers there are reports of domestic workers committing suicide, getting raped, beaten, murdered, not paid and forced into prostitution. Is there no humanity, legal recourse and compassion? How can anyone condone such atrocious behaviour and allow it to go on and on?

The situation has gotten much worse. Maids are terrified to report such crimes at police stations because they don't trust the police. I've heard of two maids being sent back to their country of origin, mighty quick, because allegedly they were pregnant 'bad' girls. But the other side of the story is that the employer's sons or husbands were sexually harassing and raping the maids. 

No more lies please.

The crimes, deceit and absolute disdain for human life is sickening and must change. Laws must be enforced and the victims' aggressors brought to justice and made to pay for their crimes.

We can no longer stand by and let defenseless women and fellow human beings suffer at the hands of these callous monsters. 

If you would like to sign a petition against such injustice please follow this [link]

Beach Soccer Cup Starts Today

Today is the day we kick off with the Beach Soccer Cup 2012. Applebee's is a proud sponsor of the event that will run from the 20th - 24th October. Join the action at Marina Crescent Beach and for real neighborhood action! Opening Ceremony @ 3pm @ Applebee's Bnaid al Gar and the games start at 6pm @ Marina Crescent Beach.

Slow Response to Gas Leak Slammed

KUWAIT TIMES: Chairman of the Environmental Voluntary Committee (EVC) of Ali Sabah Al-Salem (Um Al- Haiman) area, Ahmed Al-Shurai said that Wednesday’s leak of hydrogen sulfide gas from a Rawdhatain oil well was shocking for everyone. “All of a sudden, we realized that we lack environmental crisis management techniques and skills.

We realized that the Environment Public Authority (EPA) was nothing but a useless body incapable of preventing such disasters,” he stressed. Around 230 people were treated at the Jahra Hospital after they inhaled the gas that had leaked from the Al-Roudhatain oilfield, the Health Ministry’s acting undersecretary Dr. Khaled Al-Sehlawi said. He said all the patients were discharged except five who continue to be hospitalized for further medical tests and follow up. Sehlawi also assured all citizens and expatriates that the symptoms could be easily treated by washing with cold water. Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) yesterday said that no one was injured in the gas leak. KOC told KUNA that the hydrogen sulfide percentage in the atmosphere was recorded as zero in the vicinity of the oil well, which means that the area is safe.


Continued..[link]







LWDLIK - Thanks Jadzia..

Hotel Transylvania in Cinemas Here From 25th October

James Bond 007 Skyfall by Adele

Thanks Noha :O)

Super Brand Bazaar Exhibition 2012 Oct 21 - 24 at The Convention Centre & Royal Suites opposite Movenpick Hotel in the Free Trade Zone.

Another Sad Day for the Middle East

BEIRUT (Reuters) - A huge car bomb explosion in Beirut on Friday killed a top Lebanese security official whose investigations implicated Syria and Hezbollah in the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri seven years ago.

The rush-hour bomb in the centre of the Lebanese capital killed eight people and wounded about 80 others, heightening fears that Syria's war is spilling over into Lebanon.

Amir's Speech Live on TV

The Amir is addressing the many problems Kuwait is facing. It is in Arabic - will give you a summary later. 

LWDLIK - An impressive speech addressing the political turmoil in Kuwait. Basically saying that there are those that are unpatriotic and not to be swayed by their rhetoric. Kuwaitis should stay loyal to Kuwait even when it is under threat by 'neighbouring' countries. 

The Amir's speech was carefully crafted and the gist is clear. Kuwaitis should stand united, support the country and the Amir, as it always has. 

Dar al-Athar Children's Art Workshop

The Children's Art Workshop on art presentation is for children ages 8 - 12 and will start from 9:30 am to 
11:30am at Amricani Cultural Centre on Saturday, October 20th 2012.

LWDLIK - It's a great way for your child to learn about Islamic culture, art and history. Trips to places of interest this year include Arab Fund Building, Sadu House and the Maritime Museum. Fun and educational :OD