Thursday, July 30, 2015
Good Morning Boogie Wonderland Weekend
It is impossible to be in a bad mood after a dose of E,W & F.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Kuwait Global Technopreneurship Challenge 2015
Kuwait Global Technopreneurship Challenge 2015
As Kuwait University celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the College of Engineering and Petroleum, it is proud to host this global innovation and entrepreneurship event, Kuwait Global Technopreneurship Challenge 2015.
Our world is facing 14 Grand Challenges that threaten our very existence and our way of life. If you want to be part of the solution, join the Kuwait Global Technopreneurship Challenge KGTC 2015.
You can work with a team at your school, university or community (even from different institutions and countries) to produce a solution for one of the featured challenges.
You need to watch online lectures, answer the quizzes and submit all the course assignments in a timely manner.
Solutions should be original, innovative and possess clear business value. Teams with the best solutions, as judged by a global team of academics and industry leaders, will be invited to Kuwait to participate in the finals where they will be given the opportunity to pitch to investors to increase their chances to commercialize these solutions.
Duration: 1 July to 16 Nov 2015
Awards: All participants completing the Challenge (by submitting the final assignment) will receive a certificate and prizes will be awarded to the best teams (more details below).
Join us to have fun, discover your true potential and develop your entrepreneurial acumen!
Featured Grand Challenges to Choose From
Eligibility Criteria
- Team of 3-5 participants with at least one member with an engineering backround (an engineer or an engineering student)
Projects will be judged against the following criteria:
- How well does the proposed project address the Grand Challenge
- Originality and innovativeness of the business model
- Technological feasibility
- Economic viability
- Desirability of the proposed solution, product, process or service
- Environmental sustainability
- Clear market segment identification
Awards
All participants who complete the preliminary course will receive a certificate of completion.
Teams that achieve the best results in the preliminary stage of the challenge will be given travel assistance to Kuwait to attend a number of workshops conducted by international experts aimed at further developing their Technopreneurial Skills and projects.
This will be followed by a final pitching session where the winning teams will receive the following:
- Champion: KWD 1,500
- 1st Runner Up: KWD 1,250
- 2nd Runner Up: KWD 1,000
- Judges' Choice Award: KWD 500
International Advisory Committee
- Assoc. Prof Dr. Richard Buckland, University of New South Wales (Australia)
- Dr. Hans Hoyer, Secretary General of Global Engineering Deans Council (USA)
- Asst. Prof. Dr Jennifer DeBoer, Purdue University (USA)
- Mr. Rajesh Nair (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
- Prof. Dr. Takayuki Saito, Shizouka University (Japan)
Saturday, July 25, 2015
11th Grader's Worst Day Ever Poem Goes Viral
Worst Day Ever?
by Chanie Gorkin
Today was the absolute worst day everAnd don't try to convince me that
There's something good in every day
Because, when you take a closer look,
This world is a pretty evil place.
Even if
Some goodness does shine through once in a while
Satisfaction and happiness don't last.
And it's not true that
It's all in the mind and heart
Because
True happiness can be attained
Only if one's surroundings are good
It's not true that good exists
I'm sure you can agree that
The reality
Creates
My attitude
It's all beyond my control
And you'll never in a million years hear me say
Today was a very good day
Now read it from bottom to top, the other way,
And see what I really feel about my day.
Friday, July 24, 2015
Art in Practise @NuqatME
Art in Practice: A hands-on workshop of art applications for children
Maha AlEssa
Who can attend?Open for children ages 8 to 11
Brief
Students will learn about artists who use abstraction to emphasize the importance of feelings and ideas, applying these ideas in a variety of ways to their own work. For the creation of their art projects students will gain exposure to the different styles of several iconic artists to draw inspiration.
The artists and styles we will explore include Salvador Dali's transformations of realistic figures, Charles Demuth's precisionist style, and Georgia O'Keeffe and Helen Frankenthaler's abstract color studies. Other projects give students a chance to abstract a face as they create a Pablo Picasso-style portrait, and paint a historical mural on Mission life in the style of Diego Rivera.
Objective
To provide an introduction of concepts, vocabulary, and skills through looking at modern artists who use abstraction to emphasize the importance of feelings and ideas; exploring concepts such as form, movement, rhythm, unity, and utilizing the knowledge in creating a variety of applied art projects.
Outline
August 10: Surrealism – Legends
August 12: Abstract landscapes- Landscape Design
August 15: Cubism – Self-portrait
August 17: Number Designs – Poster Design
August 19: Organic and Geometric Shapes – Interior Design
August 22: Symbolic Colors – Habitats Study
August 24: Mural – Urban Design
August 26: Form in nature – Garden Design
August 29: Repetition of shape – Tea Party
August 31: Optical Illusions – Print Making
Workshop language
English & Arabic (Bilingual)
Price $365
Bookings can be made through their website www.nuqat.me
To know more about the workshop instructor Maha Al Essa:
Twitter: meemalessa
Instagram: meemalessa
Facebook: meemalessa
Website: www.meemalessa.com
Youtube: meemalessa
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
GAP Casting Call Returns by Popular Demand
Is your child amazingly awesome, brave, curious, confident, carefree, eager, fearless, funny, loving, loud, proud, blunt, thoughtful, honest, modest, kind, quirky, clever and cool? Are they wonderfully-naïve-yet-independent, unstoppable and perfectly imperfect kids?
On July 30th Gap is launching Casting Call 2015 in UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, the widely popular contest that celebrates kids being kids, by inviting parents to submit photos of their children for the chance to win Gap Gift Vouchers, as well as the opportunity to be featured in a leading magazine and select Gap store window displays.
“Casting Call is one of our favorite programs at Gap and we think that it’s a favorite for parents around the world as well,” said Olivia Doyne, Senior Director of Global Marketing at Gap. “By celebrating kids and their individual personalities and interests, we hope to encourage them to always believe in their unique selves.”
Casting Call 2015 Submission Process
As part of the submission process, Gap is asking parents to submit one photo of their child between July 30th and August 17th, 2015. Details on how to enter can be found on https://www.facebook.com/GapMiddleEast
Entry Phase: From July 30th – August 17th 2015 parents can upload one photo of their baby (ages four and under) or child (ages five to 12) along with contact information. Submissions are accepted on Gap Middle East’s, Casting Call App. A jury panel consisting of 5 influencers/ editors will then select the top 20 finalists, 5 per category (Boy, Girl, Baby Boy, Baby Girl).
Fan Voting Phase: From August 24th – August 29th, fans can vote on the Casting Call App for their favorites for each category.
Winner Phase: In September 2015, the four winners will be announced on the page, the winners will then participate in a photo-shoot taking place in UAE.
Families are welcome to drop by the Gap stores with their little ones in Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, Villaggio Mall in Qatar or The Avenues Mall in Kuwait on August 1st, 2015 for the Casting Call launch event. There will be a professional photo-shoot opportunity and fun kids’ activities.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Facebook Photo Gets Australian Girl Deported From UAE
An Australian woman has been released from an Abu Dhabi jail and deported after being arrested for posting an image on Facebook of a vehicle blocking two disabled car spots at her apartment block.
Jodi Magi was arrested and jailed on Monday for writing "bad words" on social media, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.
The 39-year-old artist posted a statement on Facebook on Tuesday night, saying that she had been released.
"After 53 hours in custody, having been shackled at the ankles, strip-searched, blood tested, forced to sleep on a concrete floor without a mattress or pillow and having no access to toilet paper or eating utensils, I can happily say I AM SAFE & OUT OF JAIL AND ABU DHABI!," Magi's statement said.
"If you think what happened to me was insane, spend a couple of days in an Abu Dhabi jail; I have nothing to complain about compared to the vast majority of women I met whose only crime was being poor, marrying the wrong guy, getting pregnant outside of marriage or/and being victims of rampant and systemic police corruption.
"I know 1000% after hearing their stories that I would never have been released in such a speedy fashion without a) my Australian nationality, b) the media coverage (surreal), c) the belated efforts of the embassy and d) all of the support from my friends as well as people I have never even met."
Magi was found guilty at a trial last month, but when she attended an Abu Dhabi court to pay a fine on Monday, she was detained by officials.
The photo at the centre of the case reportedly showed a vehicle without any disabled stickers, blocking two car spots reserved for those with disabilities at Magi's apartment block.
The number plate of the car was reportedly blacked out in the photo, making the vehicle difficult to identify. The photo has been removed from Facebook since it was posted in February.
On Tuesday, Magi defended her post.
"Obviously, I think a $3600 fine and deportation with a complimentary incarceration period was an extreme reaction to a jpg of a car when I did not swear or mention a single name and blocked the registration plate," she said in her Facebook statement, adding that she has travelled to Laos.
On her personal website, Magi said she moved to Abu Dhabi in 2012, where she taught Emirati women graphic design.
LWDLIK - So be warned!
Monday, July 13, 2015
UAE Woman Killed By Firing Squad For Stabbing to Death Expat Teacher in Mall
The sentence was carried out on Monday morning after being approved by President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
State news agency WAM said UAE Attorney General Ahmed Al Dhanhani confirmed the execution. Death penalties are carried out by firing squad.
Alaa Al Hashemi was found guilty last month of stabbing Ryan to death in a toilet cubicle on December 1, 2014.
Al Hashemi was dubbed the ‘Reem Ghost‘ because footage from the scene showed her calmly leaving the mall in a niqab and abaya.
Ryan was shopping when she was stabbed to death in the toilets of the Reem Island shopping centre in December 2014.
![]({"default":{"load":"default","w":"30","h":"18","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AAcTOqv.img?h=179&w=300&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f"}})
© Provided by 7 Days
Prosecutors earlier said Ryan was targeted because she spoke with an American accent.
Al Hashemi, 30, was also convicted of planting a bomb outside the home of an Egyptian-American doctor at a tower on the Corniche. It was found by the doctor’s young son but failed to go off.
Al Hashemi was also convicted of sending money to Al Qaeda in Yemen, in the knowledge it would be used for terrorist acts.
A further charge said the woman had used an online account to spread information that ridiculed and harmed the UAE.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Omar Sharif and Faten Hamama - A Love Story That Defied Social and Religious Barriers
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| Omar Sharif and Faten Hamama were the film industry's dream couple for 20 years. |
It was her first kiss on the big screen, and it was with her future husband, making it one of the most highly anticipated and romantic kisses of its time. It was 1953, the golden age of Egyptian cinema, where a 23-year-old graceful and feminine actress by the name of Faten Hamama was a big star and had finally consented to her first ever kiss in a feature film, Siraa fil Wadi (Struggle in the Valley) directed by the late legendary Youssef Chahine. The kiss was to be with a relatively unknown but good-looking co-star of 23 by the name of Michel Demitri Shalhoub, who later changed his name to Omar Sharif.
Sharif's brooding dark eyes dominated the scenes as they captivated his leading lady, giving the audience a peek into one of the Arab film industry's hottest couples and preserving for generations to come scenes from a fairy tale love story that lasted for over 20 years and defied social and religious barriers. The two icons divorced in 1974 after working together in a collection of the best films of the golden age of Arab cinema. Both have garnered local and international awards for their contribution to film, and will be honoured again at the Dubai International Film Festival. Hamama will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and Sharif will be honoured with a retrospective of his work and a showing of his latest film, J'ai Oublié de te Dire (I Forgot to Tell You).Hamama, dubbed "the lady of the Arab screen", remarried, became a recluse, coming out of her extended hiatus for just a handful of Egyptian film and TV projects and never seems to look to the past. Sharif, one of Hollywood's most famous Arab actors, never remarried, continued his career on the international arena, and frequently returns to this chapter of his life. "I had a couple of adventures with women, but not the great love. I had a great love once with my wife that has to be said," Sharif told the media just two months ago on the red carpet of the Venice Film Festival.
Their love story began when Chahine offered an unknown actor, Shalhoub, the starring role opposite the widely popular Hamama in his movie on the condition that she approved him for the part. By 1953, Hamama had over 40 films to her name, making her debut at the tender age of seven when she appeared in the film Yawm Said (Happy Day) in 1939. Shalhoub was just starting off with no previous films to his credit.
The story of their first encounter has been repeated so often that it has become synonymous with their love story. Shalhoub, fluent in three languages, Arabic, English and French, out of nervousness upon meeting Hamama started to recite Shakespeare's Hamlet soliloquy of "To be or not to be ..." Despite the fact that Hamama didn't speak any English at the time, she liked what she saw, and Shalhoub got the role.
The film, with themes of class struggles and corruption, went on to win local awards and was nominated at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955. It also launched the on- and off-screen pairing of the two main stars. Raised a Roman Catholic and from a wealthy family, Michel Shalhoub converted to Islam and changed his name to Omar Sharif in order to marry his leading lady, who was Muslim and from a conservative and less wealthy background.
Crowned the "dream couple" by film critics and fans, the two stars, Sharif with his superb physique, style and grace, and Hamama with her soft voice, delicate features and raw emotions, sizzled on the screen in numerous blockbusters, including the romantic musical Ayyamine el helwa (Our Best Days), 1955, the war drama Ard el Salam (Land of Peace), 1957, and the Arabic remake of Leo Tolstoy's 1935 novel Anna Karenina, Nahr el hub, 1961, their last film together before their divorce. They have one son, Tarek Sharif, born in 1955, who appeared at the age of eight in Sharif's film Doctor Zhivago (1965).
Hamama remained quiet about their break-up, preferring to just stick to her motto of "Art is all that elevates and inspires the human feeling - And all that falls by the feeling does not belong to art". Sharif, on the other hand, blamed his constant travelling when he was shooting David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia, the film that went on to win the 1962 Best Picture Oscar. "It separated me from my wife, from my family. We didn't see each other anymore and that was it, the end of our wedding," he said. "I might have been happier having stayed an Egyptian film star."
Rym Ghazal
LWDLIK - RIP Omar Sharif. An unforgettable contribution to cinema.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Monday, July 6, 2015
Good News for Those With Sensitive Skin and Eczema - AVEENO™ The Natural Oatmeal Formula Recommended by Dermatologists Arrives in the Middle East
5 July 2015, Kuwait City, Kuwait: After much anticipation amongst fans of natural skincare, the beauty and wellness brand AVEENO™ has just announced the arrival of its uniquely formulated skincare products to the Middle East.
AVEENO™ products actively relieve and protect skin by replenishing and locking in moisture for a full 24 hours. It is also suitable for the treatment of extra dry, itchy and irritated skin through its distinctive formula of natural Colloidal Oatmeal blended with rich emollients. AVEENO™ Baby™ complements the core range and is developed for babies’ sensitive skin. Formulated with naturally active Colloidal Oatmeal, it nourishes and helps protect babies’ sensitive skin.
The foundations of the AVEENO™ brand are deeply rooted in a belief that centuries-old remedies hold the key to human wellness. For over 60 years AVEENO™ scientists have been experimenting with the natural properties and chemical compounds of oats, renowned for their ability in providing relief to those suffering from dry and irritated skin.
These experiments have led to the development of a natural skin soother containing 100% Colloidal Oatmeal. Oatmeal baths have long been recommended for people with a variety of sensitive skin conditions, providing a soothing effect while improving the skins’ protective barrier. Today the AVEENO™ range still maintains its original skincare philosophy and all products contain naturally active Colloidal Oatmeal and oat extracts to nurture and transform skin to an enhanced state of natural health and beauty.
Speaking about the launch of AVEENO™ in the Middle East, Kuwait based Dermatologist Dr. Mohammed Al-Enezi said: “Research in this region has shown that the hot, dry climate coupled with the prevalence of air conditioned environments has led to an increase in dry, irritated skin amongst the population, most notably in babies and toddlers. This is a welcome new product for the soothe treatment of irritated and extra dry itchy skin, especially amongst those who prefer a more natural and sustained programme.”
AVEENO™ believes that nature has the power to nourish, soothe, and even transform by using ACTIVE NATURALS™ ingredients. A core priority for the skincare company is to advance the knowledge and understanding of the role and benefits of naturally active ingredients in skincare by working closely with dermatologists, skincare professionals, and medical practitioners.
The full AVEENO™ Active Naturals™ collection is now available in selected pharmacies across GCC and includes:
The Daily range for normal to dry skin
The Skin Relief range for extra dry itchy skin
The Dermexa specialised range for dry itchy, irritated skin
AVEENO™ Baby™ for babies with sensitive skin
In Kuwait, AVEENO™ is available in all large pharmacies.
For a full list of stockists in GCC please visit www.aveeno-me.com
The No Maid Diet
Our maid has gone on leave for two months and left us to fend for ourselves. Normally, I would be at the end of my tether by now but this year I think it may be the best thing that's happened to my husband and daughter. So far Team W is doing very well; much better than expected. Daughter is a getting to be a dab hand at vacuuming, washing dishes and bed-making, and husband is being surprisingly compliant and trying his darndest to keep the captain of the ship happy. I usually lose 5-6 kg on the no maid diet but it might be considerable less if they continue to be so helpful.
I'd forgotten how satisfying doing your own housework can be ( I know who thought I'd ever say that) but I think the house is the cleanest it's been in years. Although after another month I'm sure the novelty will have worn off and we shall all be delighted to have our Shandha back.
Currently, a happy mummy with a disappearing big fat tummy.
A Good Wife's Promise To Bury All Her Husband's Money With Him
“There was a man who had worked all of his life and has saved all of his money.
He was a real cheapskate when it came to his money. He loved money more than just about anything, and just before he died, he said to his wife, ‘Now listen, when I die I want you to take all my money and place it in the casket with me. Because I want to take all my money to the after life.’
So he got his wife to promise him with all her heart that when he died she would put all the money in the casket with him. When one day he died.”
Adam D via Flickr
“He was stretched out in the casket, the wife was sitting there in black next to their best friend. When they finished the ceremony, just before the undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, ‘Wait a minute!’
She had a shoebox with her, she came over with the box and placed it in the casket. Then the undertakers locked the casket and rolled it away.”
Robert of Fairfax via Flickr
“Her friend said, ‘I hope you weren’t crazy enough to put all that money in there with that stingy old man.’
She said, ‘Yes, I promised. I’m a good Christian, I can’t lie. I promised him that I was to put that money in that casket with him.’”
Rap Genious via Amazon
‘You mean to tell me you put every cent of his money in the casket with him?’
‘I sure did,’ said the wife. ‘I got it all together, put it into my account and I wrote him a check.’”
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Review: Trampo at Promenade Mall, Hawally :O)
Super bouncy fun for kids of all ages. Supervised by trainers. Sessions are charged by the hour and start at KD 4.250, the second hour is KD 3.500. Extra charges for Clip and Climb area. A party room is available if you're planning a birthday party. Non-slip socks are provided. Best to Whatsapp 60694352 ahead to book or check availability as it's getting very popular. Great, healthy exercise without them even realizing it. My two kids did two hours and wanted to do more even though they were red and sweaty. It's located on the 3rd floor at Promenade Mall (next to Plaza Mall) off the 3rd Ring Road in Hawally. It's a nice new mall with quite a few shops open and more to open shortly.
Gets a kiddy vote of 10/10 and from all the smiling faces and the laughing - that's pretty unanimous. Plus on the same floor is a small ice rink for the kids to really cool off in after all that jumping.
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| Clip and climb area for the daredevils |
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Update: Trampo has now opened branches at Marina Mall (in Baroue next to Excite) and a super duper skate park at Murouj at Sahara Golf Course near 6th Ring Road.
www.trampo.com for availability.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Friday, July 3, 2015
Pick Yo Restaurant :O)
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| Click to enlarge |
As well as having the most delicious frozen yoghurt and toppings it has a range of healthy quinoa salads, sandwiches, freshly squeezed juices and coffee. Not always easy to get parking at the Sharq branch but as my daughter is addicted it has become a regular must do; so try behind the building there's usually somewhere available there and walk through The Oasis hotel you'll find Pick Yo next door.
Happy to see they also have a branch in Kaifan Co-op, Hateen Co-op and a new one just opened at Qortuba Co-op. And they have delivery.
The prices are reasonable for excellent quality, healthy deliciousness. Guilt-free was so very hard to find but not anymore. 10/10
For Those Of Us That Live With The Chronically Late
I woke up at 6 am this morning, three hours before I’m supposed to be in the office, and was still 10 minutes late to work.
This is pretty standard for me. I’m almost always a few minutes late. I don’t mean anything by it, and I certainly don’t think I deserve a different set of rules than everyone else — it’s just the way I am.
I wake up early and try to fill the time before I leave for the office with as many activities as possible: a short workout, breakfast, catching up on the news, daydreaming while struggling to put my socks on, etc.
I’ll look at the clock and think, “Oh, I still have plenty of time.” One or two tasks later, I’ve only got 40 minutes to get to work and a 45 minute commute.
This has been the case with every single job I’ve ever had and is typically true when it comes to social meetings as well. I’m habitually unpunctual, and apparently I’m not alone.
As management consultant Diana DeLonzor states:
Most late people have been late all their life, and they are late for every type of activity — good or bad.So if you’re chronically late, I feel for you and sympathize with the onslaught of criticism you likely receive on a consistent basis.
Surprisingly little scientific research has been done on tardiness, but some experts subscribe to the theory that certain people are hardwired to be late and that part of the problem may be embedded deep in the lobes of the brain.
I know you’re not a lazy, unproductive, inconsiderate or entitled person. I know you’re not attempting to insult anyone by your tardiness.
Your lateness is simply a consequence of your psychology and personality — nothing more, nothing less.
With that said, while those of us who are continuously tardy should work to overcome this trait, there are also hidden benefits.
Chronically late people aren’t hopeless, they’re hopeful.
People who are continuously late are actually just more optimistic. They believe they can fit more tasks into a limited amount of time more than other people and thrive when they’re multitasking. Simply put, they’re fundamentally hopeful.While this makes them unrealistic and bad at estimating time, it also pays off in the long-run in other ways.
Researchers have found optimism has a myriad of physical health benefits, from reducing stress and diminishing the risk of cardiovascular disease to strengthening your immune system.
Indeed, happiness and positivity have been linked to a longer life in general.
Maintaining a positive outlook is also vital to achieving personal success. Research shows happiness increases overall productivity, creativity and teamwork in the workplace.
All of this makes a great deal of sense, as a study conducted at San Diego State University has also connected lateness with Type B personalities, or people who tend to be more laid-back and easygoing.
In other words, people who are habitually late don’t sweat over the small stuff, they concentrate on the big picture and see the future as full of infinite possibilities.
Time is relative, learn to live in the moment.
We should also note punctuality is a relative concept. Time and lateness mean different things in different cultures and contexts.In the United States, we often interpret lateness as an insult or a sign of a poor work ethic.
When people are late, it’s assumed they feel their time is more important or valuable. Americans believe time is money and money is time.
But if you head over to Europe, it’s almost as if the notion of time magically mutates each time you enter a new country.
In Germany, the land of perpetual efficiency, punctuality is of the utmost importance.
When Russian President Vladimir Putin was late to a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for example, she left because that’s how Germans roll.
If you venture over to Spain, however, you’ll find time has taken a completely different character. The Spanish run by their own clock and are famous for eating dinner at 10 pm.
Sail on down to Latin America, and you’ll discover punctuality bears little to no importance.
The point here being, we all do things our own way.
It’s fair to contend unpunctuality is bad for economic growth and that schedules are vital to maintaining efficiency.
But when we look at the fact Americans work extensive hours yet exhibit low levels of productivity, this argument feels somewhat empty and void.
As both societies and individuals, we all need to find the healthy balance between punctuality and lateness. Schedules are important, but breaking them isn’t the end of the world.
People with a tendency for tardiness like to stop and smell the roses, and those with a propensity for punctuality could learn a thing or two from them (and vice versa).
Life was never meant to be planned down to the last detail. Remaining excessively attached to timetables signifies an inability to enjoy the moment.
Living in the present is vital to our sanity. Sometimes it’s much more beneficial to go with the flow.
We can’t spend all of our time dwelling on the past or dreaming of the future, or we end up missing out on the wonderful things occurring around us.
John Haltiwanger
LWDLIK - Seems I'm the one with the problem being the absurdly, punctually obsessed one.
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