Get Your Chakras Tingling

Iftar at The One Restaurant :O(

Disappointing Iftar buffet at The One restaurant, Marina Mall. KD 9.500  for a choice of a glass of laban or jelab, one type of soup, 4 medium sized bowls of salad, around 10 choices of main course at least 4 were vegetable and 1 rice, 6 different desserts, no fruit or tea and coffee.

Sadly, my daughter is like me - when she's hungry there is no reasoning with her. It looked interesting enough but sadly failed to impress - except for an outstanding lemon curd tart that was excellent. Broccoli soup, broccoli salad and broccoli au gratin - great for broccoli lovers perhaps if they like over salted broccoli soup and oily broccoli salad. The fish couscous smelled too fishy to even sample, the beef was okay but again too salty for my liking.  

There were only three tables occupied and one table was a couple that had finished their meal. One was a single gentleman who arrived half way thru our meal. However the 3-4 staff that were on duty did not once come and attend to me with the heavy lidded chaffing dishes. I had to ask the waitress to come and hold the lid of the soup tureen as there was no where to place it.

A previous lunch meal, a couple of weeks ago, was a chicken pasta that was seriously horrible but I put it down to ordering badly. And on another occasion the afternoon tea pastries and scones were stale. 

As a 'once' veteran fan of The One restaurant -  a restaurant that used to deliver great food and service - you get a big thumbs down.

2/10

Make Mine a Double Scoop

Japanese Commuters Join Forces to Push 32 Ton Train Away From Platform to Free a Trapped Woman

Japanese commuters teamed up to heave a 32-ton train carriage away from the platform to free a woman who had fallen between the train and the platform at rush hour.
In a nightmarish scenario, the woman, who is in her 30s, slipped and fell into the eight-inch gap between the carriage and the platform edge at the busy JR Minami-Urawa station north of Tokyo.
But she escaped unscathed after around 40 commuters joined forces with officials to push the train carriage - which has a suspension system allowing it to lean to either side - away from the platform, allowing the woman to be pulled out.

 

Heroic effort: Commuters joined forces with rail officials to heave the train away from the platform after the woman got stuck between the carriage and the edge

The crowds in the station applauded as she made it back to safety unharmed.

 

The commuters' heroic effort was captured on camera by a newspaper photographer who was in the station at the time, and the resulting photo was published in Japan's largest daily newspaper, the Yomiuri.

LWDLIK - If we work together anything's achievable.

 

Rockin' Grandma

Here's a grandma who won't be telling you to "turn that racket down" any time soon.
The staff of Coalition Drum Shop was in for quite the surprise when this innocuous-looking lady strolled in. "We have no idea where this lady came from, what her name is, or where she went but she rocked our faces off."

Chris Froome - The Making of a Tour de France Winner

Video [link]

David Kinjah can still remember the day 17 years ago when an 11-year-old boy and his mother came to see him in the village of Kikuyu, in the hills 40km northwest of the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Kinjah, 42, was an elite Kenyan rider back then and was asked by Froome's mother if he would show her son how to ride and stay safe on the country's pothole-riddled roads.
Now that boy is about to make history and win the 100th Tour de France.
"He was an energetic boy with a little BMX and he was just bike mad," said Kinjah, who coaches a group of young riders called the 'Safari Simbaz'.
"He got a lot of strange looks from people being the only white kid in the village, it was unusual. But he quickly learned to speak Swahili and some of our regional language Kikuyu and he was completely comfortable. The best language he spoke was the language of the bicycle. That was all he was interested in."
Soon Kinjah and Froome were embarking on gruelling 70kms training sessions together and when the teenager left Kenya to go to another school in South Africa, he still kept coming back in the holidays.

A group of cyclists train in Kenya, where Chris Froome learned to ride

"I always thought that my training would be too hard for him, but he never flinched, never complained. Chris knew what he wanted and he worked hard to get there. But back then you could never have predicted that he would go on to top the world of cycling. It was always cycling, cycling, cycling with us but we had such fun together."
Froome has gone on to dominate this year's Tour de France and his progress is followed closely in the village of Kikuyu, where local riders gather at Kinja's house to watch coverage of the race on the only TV with a satellite feed.
"At 3pm every day we stop what we are doing and we watch the Tour. We're very proud of Chris. He hasn't changed one bit. He's not the kind of guy to walk on people's heads, he respects everybody. He never stops working hard, that's why he is where he is today."
As we chat, I notice Kinjah's beautifully stitched cycling shoes. He's proud to wear them, he tells me, because Froome wore this exact pair in last year's Tour where he finished second behind Bradley Wiggins.
"Chris likes to send me some of his stuff that he wears. We have the same size feet, a perfect fit really. I like cycling in them because it makes me feel the weight of the Tour de France. I can feel the weight of that history when I ride here in Kenya and it makes me feel honoured."

Chris Froome and his Sky Procycling team members during stage 16 of Le Tour

One question Kinjah is tired of answering, however, is the issue of doping in cycling. He's adamant that his protege has got where he is today through nothing more than hard work.
"People should not judge a book by the cover. They don't know Chris Froome and they don't know where he has come from and where he has been," he said.
"He wants to win seven Tours so he can delete the Lance Armstrong wins and put them all back clean. That's what he wants to do."
Kinjah plans to celebrate his friend's victory with a 'yellow jersey ride' on Sunday and he's predicting Froome's success will have a huge impact on African cycling.
"The potential is here, there is so much talent. It's only a matter of time before we find another Chris Froome.
"I'm proud of what he has achieved. His mother was a marvellous woman, she got into cycling too and helped us greatly. She would be very proud of what her boy has done with his life."



 

Former President George Bush Snr and his Terrible Sock Vice

 

Eelya Kasablak Young Girl in Kuwait with Big Soccer dreams

Email LWDLIK@gmail.com for more details.

UK Airport Police Can Check Your Phone According to the Anti-Terrorist Act

Amazingly, I have no problem with this.

 

Omni Hotels & Resorts Sweepstakes and 25% Summer Discount to Loyalty Programme Members

Just booked our hotel for NY and LA it's got to be Omni Hotels & Resorts with the 25% summer discount and  a very attractive loyalty programme. Quick, easy and free to join. These are some of the benefits
Become a member right now and take immediate advantage  of these exclusive benefits: • Complimentary 3MB Wi-Fi service • Complimentary morning beverage delivery on your next stay • Complimentary pressing of two items • Complimentary bottled water on night of arrival • Complimentary weekday  newspaper of your choice • Complimentary shoe shine • The opportunity to earn  free nights • Healthy options from  Omni's Stay Well  Program • Eco-friendly housekeeping options • Exclusive member-only offers • Express check-in and check-out on your next stay • Customized room preferences • Evening housekeeping service, including turndown • Service of Loyalty Ambassador* • Exclusive reservations: 800-FOR-OMNI
Omni Hotels & Resorts is also running the “Omni Summer Passport Sweepstakes“! Your chance to win roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to your choice of five Global Hotel Alliance destinations!

 

LWDLIK - So happy we're getting free wifi it was so expensive at the Hilton on our last trip to NY.

Drawing Classes at Bayt Lothan, Salmiya

SUMMER COURSES: We are pleased to announce the "Foundations of Drawing" Group Class that will be instructed by Mr. Abdullah Al-Jeeran. For more information please call us at 25755866 / 25755877

‪

Bellagio Here We Come...

Getting very excited about our holidays now. Just got a fantastic deal for the magnificent Bellagio at KD 75 per night. www.lastminute.com 

And we are definitely going to get tickets to see the Micheal Jackson One Show. Woohoo!

Check out this awesomeness....

Good Game: Tabletop, Board, War and Card Games for All

Here at Good Game we are all about imagination and community. We want to be a haven for hobby gamers and role-players, where like minded people can get together for an afternoon of good gaming. Whether you want to lead an army of superhuman space soldiers or sneak into a dragons den to steal her horde, you can always find people to share the experience with at Good Game. All our games are stories waiting to be played. Whether you want to compete or cooperate Good Game is the place for you. We hope to see you and most of all we hope to have fun.

http://goodgamekw.com/goodgame/



LWDLIK - Pretty cool.

The Extraordinarily Lovely People of Kuwait Society Guardians of the Disabled at their Graish Party

Look at those wonderful huge smiles please show your support if you're an Instagrammer. Many thanxxxx.

 

Arab Driving School

The Indomitable Nelson Mandela and the Poem That Inspired Him and a Nation

If you haven't seen the film I highly recommend it.

Should Sleeping Daddies be Left to Lie?

This pic is not the lady looking for her father
just a pic of a sad little girl.

From Expat in the City
 

I am half American, half Kuwaiti. I live in the U.S. I was adopted at 3 days old by a wonderful family. I never knew either of my birth parents, but when I turned 18 I located and met my birth mother. She lied to me about who my biological father was, she took it to her grave. She is now deceased. Through much determination and digging, I recently discovered my birth father was from Kuwait. I have no idea who he was, as I don't know his name. I have closure in this situation since I now know where I came from, but there is a lingering need to still find out who he was. I have no idea how to go about doing that. I have a few clues to follow, but that's it. My birth mother was in Kuwait for about 7 months in 1979 and was involved with a Kuwaiti man. She came back to the U.S. pregnant. I'm not sure if my birth father even knows I exist. If anyone knows anything that can possibly help me, please let me know! Thanks!

_______________________________________________

 

A reader commented (see above) on the post: Half and Half: When your Dad is Kuwaiti and your Mom is not... a few days ago and I've wanted to help her find closure ever since.  Not knowing what to do as an American myself I've Tweeted out for information to our followers, given her Fajer's email (legal counsel) from Mark's blog and put my excellent research skills to good use. 

 

The truth is that she knows very little about her Father but she is desperate to try and locate him.  Her Mother was a 19 year old American girl visiting Kuwait in 1979 with a friend.  Her name is Judy and she had red hair, white skin and blue eyes.  She was put up at the Sheraton Hotel the entire time of her stay.  Apparently Judy fell in love with an older Kuwaiti man and became pregnant after a seven month relationship.  

Mark of www.248am.com also published the story. I was surprised at some of the comments it got. I mean why would she lie when the truth can be verified by DNA. Why shouldn't she try to find out the truth she has every right, doesn't she? How many men can afford to put a woman up in the Sheraton for 7 months but can't afford child support, a gift at Eid or a postage stamp for a letter.

Have found a blog via www.248am and kindly posted by CrazyinKuwait called Kuwaiti Children Left Behind. Might be helpful to a few.


And here's a daddy who is trying to do something about his lost little girl...


http://www.losttrekkers.com/detail.asp?iType=112&iAd=10139




 

Project Dara'a

Fancy dara'a time is upon us. Mother-in-law's Ramadan reception is a dara'a only dress code. The hunt is on and I am gripped with the fear of disappointing those who think I can do this. And, ridiculously,  I get these moments of complete and utter madness where I think I can do a much better job than some of the ugly dara'as (darars?) that I've seen for extortionate prices. A dara'a is a traditional dress worn by Kuwaiti females especially during Ramadan. Fashion slightly influences it's style from season to season.

The first stop is Souk Safat AKA Block'at, the fabric souk in the city. Once you get there you will have choice overload, your mind will go blank and/or your intended plan gets changed a few hundred times. You can, if you are a lot smarter than me, go upstairs after buying fabric and have a tailor stitch it for you. But I've had some bad experiences at tailors so if anyone's going to muck it up might as well be me.

Now one can never really be overdressed in Kuwait - there's always someone in the room with a bit more glitz on than you (not always tasteful but glitzier). And as I've already been versed on how 'kashka' it should be - I'm going for over-the-top 'Hareem Alsultan' style.

1. Choose a gorgeous fabric in a nice bright colour that looks stunning on you ;O)

Consider the weight of the fabric as if too light it won't fall properly and will need lining. A contrasting brocade is always a nice touch IMHO.

Loose armholes, waist and flowing is the general idea.

Attention to details is what lets most darars I've seen down. It looks great and on closer inspection there are flaws.

A shawl collar made of Indian brocade. Lined in cotton for comfort from the heat and any scratchy fabric.

And now to go over the top with some cute baubles. Not a great pic still only pinned together at neck and strip of baubles needs sewing on.

Okay coming together quite nicely and now for a matching clutch bag. It's amazing the things you can learn to do on YouTube.

Will post the final pics in a few days.

Angry Mother of Twins Throws Flaming Diapers at Late Night Firework Shooters

 

Police were called to a Hillcrest neighborhood early this morning when neighbors reported that a local mom of twins began throwing flaming dirty diapers at a group of people setting off fireworks.
The woman, Ernie Orsborn, became angry over fireworks going off in her neighborhood while her two young children were trying to sleep. Records show repeated calls to 311 reporting the firework violators between 8:30p.m. and 1 a.m.
Around 9:00 Orsborn posted to her twitter account: “I mean, if you like fireworks, go to Pops on the River and let us abstained sip our wine in peace as babies sleep.”
Witnesses tell us that sometime around 1:30 a.m. she decided to take measures into her own hands.
“I heard her yell, you want to see fireworks, here you go assholes,” a neighbor tells us. “Suddenly I see her holding a diaper bin and a lighter. She started pulling them out one by one and lobbing them over the fence at a group of drunk men shooting bottle rockets at each other. I sort of wanted to go help her throw them.”
None of the individuals shooting the fireworks sustained any injuries, although several did have large amounts of child fecal matter on their faces. Police say that the men promptly put away the fireworks and apologized to the angry mother. None of the men are pressing charges according to police.
As of this morning several bottles of wine, fresh fruit, and pastries have been set outside Orsborn’s house. Neighbors additionally tell us the men in question have spent much of the morning quietly washing Orsborn’s car, weeding her flowers beds, and pruning her rose bushes while their wives and girlfriends watch from across the street.

LWDLIK - Love this story but my fav part is how nice the guys were about it.


 

Bravo! 12 Years Old Egyptian Boy Puts Egypt Right

This 12 years old boy is just stunningly, incredibly smart. Listen to him as he excoriates the Muslim Brotherhood, relentlessly dissecting their power grab for Egypt.

Dear Muslim Readers, Friends and Family

Not Just A Pop Up at Dar Al Funoon

Happy Birthday America

Las Vegas Here We Come..

Holiday time  approaching again. This year it's the US. I had thought we'd get better value for our money, I could be wrong, seems New York doesn't know there's a recession on. Seriously, around KD 100 ++ for a room per night - there are cheaper with shared bathroom (shared what? Haven't done that since school) or we could stay in Queens. Nope has to be the big city or nada. We've got to fly into NY and after a long flight from Kuwait will be in need of some time to conquer the jet lag before the next 5 hour flight. NY is the best place for that and there's always something to do at 4AM. www.hotels.com has a stay 10 nts and get 1 free loyalty programme. www.lastminute.com is the least confusing because they add all the taxes in - so no surprises. www.priceline.com is just very confusing. www.kayak.com is handy for comparing prices. Sometimes, it's worth checking the hotels own site for offers as they are not paying an agent fee and have price guarantees. 

So hopefully once New York goes on sale I can get that booked. Husband is scaring me with wanting to stay and vote but I scared him right back saying we can go ahead of him and seeing as he hates to think we might have fun without him; he's reconsidering.

Las Vegas is booked www.booking.com  I kid you not we have a hotel room for 11 nts for KD 160 with a pool (just as well as I've heard it can be as hot as Kuwait in summer). The main reason for Vegas is that my preciousness has a ticket for her favourite boy band, One Direction, which (tickets not band) are like gold dust. But our fairy godmother, Darling Debbie, managed to arrange them. So one very excited little girl, who will be going to the concert with her dad. Mummy will be at the spa. Have been playing on Facebook's My Vegas game  which allows you to gain 'real' free meals and stuff for your stay in Vegas. You've gotta love Vegas. I'm working hard on free tickets for a Cirque de Soleil show. It might take me 2-3 weeks of continuous play but I am determined. There are also a few sites where you can pre-book tickets for shows, tours and get some pretty good discounts. I'm toying with the idea of letting my husband actually gamble as the comps are fantastic. (Comps are free stuff given to people who play in the casinos then to keep the players interested the casino dolls out dinners, show tickets, rooms at the hotel. etc.) Yes, I know the casino ALWAYS wins :O)  Feels a bit better if you're tummy's full of comped filet mignon.

We need to get to LA too so I'm looking at apartments for a week. There are some pretty good deals on www.holidaylettings.co.uk, which I've used a dozen times and found some lovely places to stay. Can't wait to get on a tour bus and go see the sites.

A friend just sent me this on FB so will give it a try whilst I'm there I only just qualify for a couple ;0)

Keep this list and send a copy to your senior friends and relatives.

"As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy's recently, I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less. When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over age 55 get 10% off everything on the menu, every day.

Being of 'that' age myself, I figured I might as well ask for the discount too.

This incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and howsome of them start at the young age of 50."

This list may not only be useful for you, but for your friends and family too.
Dunkin Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55 .

If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for FREE.

YOU must ASK for your discount!

RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: .33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I ever see one again.

RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)

GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)

TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+

Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members

Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT ;:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)

NOW, go out there and claim your discounts - - - - and remember ----

YOU must ASK for your discount ---- no ask, no discount.



LWDLIK - Will let you know how I get on.