It is very frustrating how most of the things that everyone talks about these days are marriage & relationships. Just because one is not married, does not justify being bombarded with those classic questions / comments from family members or family friends:
"Your friend Bu-Shama got married recently, come on get your act together and follow his footsteps, what do you think of the following girl ....."
"Inshallah next year, we see you with your wife when you come visit us!!"
"What are you waiting for, just tell us which girl you like and we will hook you up!!"
Why cant they just let nature take its course? What if the person has a plan in his mind but does not want to share it? What if the guy already has a girlfriend / potential wife, who is not ready to get married yet?
Why put single men and women who are eligible for marriage into so much pressure?!
It would be nice to live your day without worrying too much about relationships, drink your cup of coffee without having to waste the caffeine on answering the mundane questions you get, and sleep at night without trying to find a way for people to just leave you alone!!!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Marina's Inventions
I have been looking for this device but I do not think it has been invented yet, or maybe I am not looking hard enough.
I want a Bluetooth enabled storage device - preferably 60 GB or more.
I think it will be so cool to have such a device, where I can simply enable blue tooth whenever I want and exchange files wirelessly. I will not need a USB, and I will be able to transfer documents from my phone directly to the storage device without having the computer be the middle man.
If anyone has stumbled across what I am talking about, please post a comment.
Speaking of inventions, over the past month or so Marnia FM, a local Kuwaiti Radio Station, has been asking people about their ideas for new inventions. You would think that the listeners must have some imagination and think of things that are really amazing or interesting atleast to actually share with other radio listeners, but sadly this is what I have heard so far - A flying car, A car than can park on its own, A car that goes wherever I tell it to ... And the list goes on and on with these boring, car oriented inventions!!!!
Once the car inventions cooled off, I started hearing those food related ones - I want a fridge that prepares food for me, I want a device that prepares Kuwaiti food in a touch of a button !!!!
In conclusion - the listener's creativity is limited to both cars & food !!! Oh wait that sums a big part of Kuwaiti life !!!! Sad, but to a large extent true :(
I want a Bluetooth enabled storage device - preferably 60 GB or more.
I think it will be so cool to have such a device, where I can simply enable blue tooth whenever I want and exchange files wirelessly. I will not need a USB, and I will be able to transfer documents from my phone directly to the storage device without having the computer be the middle man.
If anyone has stumbled across what I am talking about, please post a comment.
Speaking of inventions, over the past month or so Marnia FM, a local Kuwaiti Radio Station, has been asking people about their ideas for new inventions. You would think that the listeners must have some imagination and think of things that are really amazing or interesting atleast to actually share with other radio listeners, but sadly this is what I have heard so far - A flying car, A car than can park on its own, A car that goes wherever I tell it to ... And the list goes on and on with these boring, car oriented inventions!!!!
Once the car inventions cooled off, I started hearing those food related ones - I want a fridge that prepares food for me, I want a device that prepares Kuwaiti food in a touch of a button !!!!
In conclusion - the listener's creativity is limited to both cars & food !!! Oh wait that sums a big part of Kuwaiti life !!!! Sad, but to a large extent true :(
Monday, October 10, 2005
I hope this message goes to them and their superiors!!!
Them: The cops in charge of issuing driving licenses in Kuwait.
Why: I could not believe how corrupt and inhuman they are!!!
What happened: Many Indians working in Kuwait complained on numerous occasions that they have failed the driving test although they:
a) Have an Indian driving license and have been diving there for more than five years.
b) Paid for and taken driving lessons in Kuwait (Kindly note that paying for these lessons is quite a financial burden on many of them).
c) Swear that they performed very well on the driving test and were sure about passing but the cop was just inhuman and did not want to make them pass.
I am not sure how the Indians react so calmly when these cops insult them too (happens quite often apparently that I wish these cops would rot in hell), but simply imagining myself in their shoes makes me furious, so I wonder how they must really be feeling!!!
What makes it even worse is that I was told that these cops usually get paid on the side to issue a license. They don't seem to get paid directly, but a middleman collects the money from the Indians and takes care of the cop to issue them a license !!!
If thats how the hard working Indians are treated in Kuwait, how on Earth would one expect them to save their money and invest in Kuwait!!!
Why: I could not believe how corrupt and inhuman they are!!!
What happened: Many Indians working in Kuwait complained on numerous occasions that they have failed the driving test although they:
a) Have an Indian driving license and have been diving there for more than five years.
b) Paid for and taken driving lessons in Kuwait (Kindly note that paying for these lessons is quite a financial burden on many of them).
c) Swear that they performed very well on the driving test and were sure about passing but the cop was just inhuman and did not want to make them pass.
I am not sure how the Indians react so calmly when these cops insult them too (happens quite often apparently that I wish these cops would rot in hell), but simply imagining myself in their shoes makes me furious, so I wonder how they must really be feeling!!!
What makes it even worse is that I was told that these cops usually get paid on the side to issue a license. They don't seem to get paid directly, but a middleman collects the money from the Indians and takes care of the cop to issue them a license !!!
If thats how the hard working Indians are treated in Kuwait, how on Earth would one expect them to save their money and invest in Kuwait!!!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Do your job right... You might get a ...
NOBEL PRIZE !!!
Although I believe this guy ( Mohammed El Baradei) did a great job as head of the IAEA to handle the various nuclear weapon related issues this year, he was still just doing his job!!!
It is not fair that he gets the Nobel prize while various less visible activists who are actually sacrificing their lives to spread peace do not get anything!!
He is of Arab descent and I am really proud that there is an Arab personality like him, but he just does not deserve it in my opinion. Whether he deserves it or not should not undermine what he has accomplished. He should become an inspiration to Arabs and I hope to see more people like him in the Arab world and can accomplish their dreams without the need to live abroad.
Wishful thinking!! I hope not.
Although I believe this guy ( Mohammed El Baradei) did a great job as head of the IAEA to handle the various nuclear weapon related issues this year, he was still just doing his job!!!
It is not fair that he gets the Nobel prize while various less visible activists who are actually sacrificing their lives to spread peace do not get anything!!
He is of Arab descent and I am really proud that there is an Arab personality like him, but he just does not deserve it in my opinion. Whether he deserves it or not should not undermine what he has accomplished. He should become an inspiration to Arabs and I hope to see more people like him in the Arab world and can accomplish their dreams without the need to live abroad.
Wishful thinking!! I hope not.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Put more money or else we will freeze your account!!!
To avoid a crash in the Kuwaiti Stock Market "God forbid" I decided to save some money in the bank and get minimal heartbreaking interest. The opportunity cost was so high and it was hard for me to take that decision, yet I knew it was the right thing to do.
I figured I will open a new account in a bank that is not my main one, in order to forget about the money and not be tempted to invest it in equities.
A year and a half passed by and I was quite impressed with my ability to forget about my money for so long. However, when I checked my account online to see how much interest I managed to collect, I was shocked that my actual gains were so much lower than I had calculated / anticipated. I went to the bank the next day and they told me that your account was frozen and that's why you did not get the interest you had in mind!!
Why the hell did the bank freeze my account? I am giving them a chance to utilize my funds for lending and trading, yet they were so greedy and did not want to pay me interest after 6 months, the time it took to declare my account frozen !!
Why do Kuwaiti banks do that? Why not take a fee and keep my money slowly growing?! Is freezing an account a threat to enforce regular deposits into an account?!?!? Is this the only way to be competitive!!! Cant they enhance their services and offer more products to entice people to save?!?
I figured I will open a new account in a bank that is not my main one, in order to forget about the money and not be tempted to invest it in equities.
A year and a half passed by and I was quite impressed with my ability to forget about my money for so long. However, when I checked my account online to see how much interest I managed to collect, I was shocked that my actual gains were so much lower than I had calculated / anticipated. I went to the bank the next day and they told me that your account was frozen and that's why you did not get the interest you had in mind!!
Why the hell did the bank freeze my account? I am giving them a chance to utilize my funds for lending and trading, yet they were so greedy and did not want to pay me interest after 6 months, the time it took to declare my account frozen !!
Why do Kuwaiti banks do that? Why not take a fee and keep my money slowly growing?! Is freezing an account a threat to enforce regular deposits into an account?!?!? Is this the only way to be competitive!!! Cant they enhance their services and offer more products to entice people to save?!?
Friday, September 16, 2005
Good Arab Comedy... Please !
I love Saturday night live, the Simpsons and Futurama and I sometimes wish we had similar shows running all year long in the Arab world.
We need some good comedy for a change, something that you can simply relax watching. I wish we he had our comedians collaborate in creating a funny Arab cartoon like the Simpsons for example. Block 13 was a good start, but it was too Kuwaiti oriented.
I have met quite a few people in Kuwait who are genuinely funny. They will say the funniest jokes / stories and make the most hilarious comments on anything.
Arabs from all nations have their share of comedians, but most of them have not been in a position to use their comedy professionally. We need to laugh and loosen up a bit, cause that will most probably ease our melancholic lives.
I feel Arab blogs should aim for creating networks of people with common abilities and capabilities and brainstorm to create something unique such as an Arab comedy blog. Such platform may be used to connect the funny Arabs to collaborate in creating a new hit and open new doors for so many others from promoters to financiers.
Blogs in our part of the world should aim for the next step and become a platform for new ideas and a workbench for innovation.
Just a suggestion.....
We need some good comedy for a change, something that you can simply relax watching. I wish we he had our comedians collaborate in creating a funny Arab cartoon like the Simpsons for example. Block 13 was a good start, but it was too Kuwaiti oriented.
I have met quite a few people in Kuwait who are genuinely funny. They will say the funniest jokes / stories and make the most hilarious comments on anything.
Arabs from all nations have their share of comedians, but most of them have not been in a position to use their comedy professionally. We need to laugh and loosen up a bit, cause that will most probably ease our melancholic lives.
I feel Arab blogs should aim for creating networks of people with common abilities and capabilities and brainstorm to create something unique such as an Arab comedy blog. Such platform may be used to connect the funny Arabs to collaborate in creating a new hit and open new doors for so many others from promoters to financiers.
Blogs in our part of the world should aim for the next step and become a platform for new ideas and a workbench for innovation.
Just a suggestion.....
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
He played against an Israeli Player - Who cares!!?!?!
I don't get it!! Why is Kuwait banning a young talented player from tennis because he played against an Israeli opponent!!! Who cares!!?!?!?!!
I was furious to hear about this whole incident and I could not believe how stupid this country has become.
Palestinians are negotiating / working / playing sports with the Israelis, yet for some outdated law, Kuwaiti players are not allowed to do so!!!!!
Is it because the tennis association is so worried about the Islamic parliament members making a big deal about this whole incident and potentially removing them from their seats!!!
Why should a young talented player be punished for the shallow minds of some people in his society!???!!
Should I be banned from working in Kuwait because during my college years I worked on a project with an Israeli!!!
I really think we should do something about this. We cannot just let this kid be a scapegoat for a society controlled by stupid, short minded individuals, by a law that does not consider today's realities, and by the shear selfishness of the Kuwaiti Tennis Association, who are simply worried about their positions!!!!!
I was furious to hear about this whole incident and I could not believe how stupid this country has become.
Palestinians are negotiating / working / playing sports with the Israelis, yet for some outdated law, Kuwaiti players are not allowed to do so!!!!!
Is it because the tennis association is so worried about the Islamic parliament members making a big deal about this whole incident and potentially removing them from their seats!!!
Why should a young talented player be punished for the shallow minds of some people in his society!???!!
Should I be banned from working in Kuwait because during my college years I worked on a project with an Israeli!!!
I really think we should do something about this. We cannot just let this kid be a scapegoat for a society controlled by stupid, short minded individuals, by a law that does not consider today's realities, and by the shear selfishness of the Kuwaiti Tennis Association, who are simply worried about their positions!!!!!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Its all about the money!!!
..... dum dum duh dee dum dum
Life on the KSE (Kuwait Stock Exchange) -
An IPO a day,owners cash out and potentially rip people off!!
Most of the IPOs that came to market recently are really shady companies in my opinion. The owners plan to make full use of the high liquidity out there and possibly run with your money!!
IPO anything from schools to dry cleaning stores and you can become a rich person over here !!!
Kuwaitis are generally thought to be good investors around the GCC, but they also have this quality or weakness (depending on your view), which is the love for money no matter how unethical the methods for getting it. Most have a gambling mentality that is not healthy at all in this market - A market that moves on fundamentals (good) but in trance with rumors and and what "lead spears" tell them (really bad).
Many Kuwaiti investors are aware that some of the companies are just another empty pistachio shell, yet they are willing to put their money because they know that an IPO in the short run will make them rich.
How short is the short run? I challenge every investor out there. When do you take your money out?
I feel that the potential for this country is huge, however, not every stock should benefit from this potential. There are some crazy multiples, shady accounting and greedy people in Kuwait and this post is just a reminder of the ugly side. I am still investing in this market, but I urge people to watch out and really consult with the experts out there. By expert, I mean someone in a foreign bank who had experienced booms and busts and hedged the risk of his / her investor base.
I also suggest watching the movie "Bolier Room" because I believe a lot of boiling and cooking is going on in this market. Don't wanna see average Abood & Hamood be burnt and ask the Government to compensate them for their losses!!!
Life on the KSE (Kuwait Stock Exchange) -
An IPO a day,owners cash out and potentially rip people off!!
Most of the IPOs that came to market recently are really shady companies in my opinion. The owners plan to make full use of the high liquidity out there and possibly run with your money!!
IPO anything from schools to dry cleaning stores and you can become a rich person over here !!!
Kuwaitis are generally thought to be good investors around the GCC, but they also have this quality or weakness (depending on your view), which is the love for money no matter how unethical the methods for getting it. Most have a gambling mentality that is not healthy at all in this market - A market that moves on fundamentals (good) but in trance with rumors and and what "lead spears" tell them (really bad).
Many Kuwaiti investors are aware that some of the companies are just another empty pistachio shell, yet they are willing to put their money because they know that an IPO in the short run will make them rich.
How short is the short run? I challenge every investor out there. When do you take your money out?
I feel that the potential for this country is huge, however, not every stock should benefit from this potential. There are some crazy multiples, shady accounting and greedy people in Kuwait and this post is just a reminder of the ugly side. I am still investing in this market, but I urge people to watch out and really consult with the experts out there. By expert, I mean someone in a foreign bank who had experienced booms and busts and hedged the risk of his / her investor base.
I also suggest watching the movie "Bolier Room" because I believe a lot of boiling and cooking is going on in this market. Don't wanna see average Abood & Hamood be burnt and ask the Government to compensate them for their losses!!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Ana Warak Ana Warak.. 7atta Al Gomar ... Ana Warak Ana Warak
I do not understand how this lady can be singing such a song, cause following a man in such context is simply stalking!!!! She is planning to follow her man anywhere, even if he goes to the moon!!! Give the lad some personal space for God's sake!!!! Not sure if this song sends the right message to women on how to get a man?!?!. She obviously thinks that a "Ghaneema Bul Reesh" approach will get her somewhere!!! Men need their personal space and a smart woman will give her mate the right proportion of such space. Very few woman seem to do that in our culture though, but the ones that do will surely win their partner's love for a long time. The "Reely 3ela Reelik" phrase needs to be removed from a woman's mind and its use in our culture.
Woman unlike men however, seem to like being stalked!!! Ladies seem to confuse the stalker with prince charming. A guy who follows a girl from the mall to her car and then to her house will surely score high in his first love test!!! Unless the guy is not good looking at all, this stalking experience will rarely fail!!!
I am not sure I undestand this opposing perception towards stalking, however, I strongly advise stalking women who stalk the elegible bachelor at work to limit their exposure!! Such limitiation will only increase your chances.
As for the men, since this stalking thing works on your side, stalk the woman who seems interested from Marina Mall to Subahiya and you will rarely regret it. Your intentions better be sincere though, cause if not I hope she has a brother who kicks your ass you filthy animal !!! :)
Ana warak ana warak.... " I cant get this song out of my head now!!!"
Woman unlike men however, seem to like being stalked!!! Ladies seem to confuse the stalker with prince charming. A guy who follows a girl from the mall to her car and then to her house will surely score high in his first love test!!! Unless the guy is not good looking at all, this stalking experience will rarely fail!!!
I am not sure I undestand this opposing perception towards stalking, however, I strongly advise stalking women who stalk the elegible bachelor at work to limit their exposure!! Such limitiation will only increase your chances.
As for the men, since this stalking thing works on your side, stalk the woman who seems interested from Marina Mall to Subahiya and you will rarely regret it. Your intentions better be sincere though, cause if not I hope she has a brother who kicks your ass you filthy animal !!! :)
Ana warak ana warak.... " I cant get this song out of my head now!!!"
Friday, June 10, 2005
Good Luck!
I wish you all the best and I hope you get some rewarding news for your hard solid effort.
This post is dedicated to the most talented and hard working people I know.
This post is dedicated to the most talented and hard working people I know.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Friday Morning Thoughts
Miss the one who reads my blog but not advised to comment :)
Tough Saturday is tomorrow :(
Kuwait vs. Saudi - Hope we win
I gotta send some work emails!
Will Kuwait in a decade be something remotely close to Dubai or very close to Saudi!!
Will machboos sushi become a trend?
Will I achieve my goals before I am 35?
Is it true that men peak at 25!!??!?!
Tough Saturday is tomorrow :(
Kuwait vs. Saudi - Hope we win
I gotta send some work emails!
Will Kuwait in a decade be something remotely close to Dubai or very close to Saudi!!
Will machboos sushi become a trend?
Will I achieve my goals before I am 35?
Is it true that men peak at 25!!??!?!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
So Happy for the Ladies - They Deserve it
Hope women vote wisely and make an enlightening difference.
With the achievement of such a major milestone I foresee a glorious future for Kuwait.
The campaigns should see some interesting changes:
Will the billboards have pictures, or is it against Shareeaa?, wait I thought pictures are against Shareeaa too, according to some interpretations. Silhouettes might work!!
A woman's voice is considered "Awrah" according to some views, so will her voice be dubbed during campaigning!! Mike Tyson's voice should work, don't you think??!?!?
I am so happy for the ladies, but I hope there are not too many strings attached to these rights.
One last point:
Think we might have less single woman in this country too.
There will be more interaction between the sexes at campaign headquarters / debates and as a result more men and woman with similar views will probably meet and hence increase the probability of falling in love and tying the knot.
A better society starts from a compatible marriage to begin with!!
With the achievement of such a major milestone I foresee a glorious future for Kuwait.
The campaigns should see some interesting changes:
Will the billboards have pictures, or is it against Shareeaa?, wait I thought pictures are against Shareeaa too, according to some interpretations. Silhouettes might work!!
A woman's voice is considered "Awrah" according to some views, so will her voice be dubbed during campaigning!! Mike Tyson's voice should work, don't you think??!?!?
I am so happy for the ladies, but I hope there are not too many strings attached to these rights.
One last point:
Think we might have less single woman in this country too.
There will be more interaction between the sexes at campaign headquarters / debates and as a result more men and woman with similar views will probably meet and hence increase the probability of falling in love and tying the knot.
A better society starts from a compatible marriage to begin with!!
Friday, May 06, 2005
Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous Kuwaitis
KTV presents
Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous Kuwaitis
10 PM KT
14/5/2005
Today's episode - The richest family in Kuwait
Now before you run to your TV, think about it, can we ever have such a show in Kuwait!!!
Although I believe such a show would be a hit, it can never be made in a society that strongly believes in the evil eye.
Imagine if we can see inside the real estate, examine the cars and get a rough figure on screen of the wealth those people have. Get answers on where do they spend their money? And where do they travel? Maybe have an investigative reporter describe how did they really make their money, and who was ripped off within the family, and interview them!
I think such a show will be tantalizing viewers, since Kuwaiti society is very keen about minding other people's business.
Will anyone agree to be in such a show?! The evil eye and envious mentality will surely hinder participation.
" Mashalla he has all that" will surely be repeated so many times but oh boy will the majority of the viewers be boiling with envy.
I do not understand the envious nature of Kuwaiti society. Everyone or atleast most people are well off, yet they envy others all the time. You can even see that in the stock market as many people refuse to buy certain stocks because they are affiliated with a certain family that they do not like purely because that family is successful!
Would such a show increase this nature, or would it reduce it as more people can better assess and understand how rich our richest people are? I think we will be shocked with the riches of certain families and disappointed with the riches of others. Probably be laughing at the ill taste and nouveau riche habits of some too.
We might learn a lesson from success vs. Failure in establishing wealth, but I bet it will be a tough lesson to teach Kuwaitis to learn to be less envious!
Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous Kuwaitis
10 PM KT
14/5/2005
Today's episode - The richest family in Kuwait
Now before you run to your TV, think about it, can we ever have such a show in Kuwait!!!
Although I believe such a show would be a hit, it can never be made in a society that strongly believes in the evil eye.
Imagine if we can see inside the real estate, examine the cars and get a rough figure on screen of the wealth those people have. Get answers on where do they spend their money? And where do they travel? Maybe have an investigative reporter describe how did they really make their money, and who was ripped off within the family, and interview them!
I think such a show will be tantalizing viewers, since Kuwaiti society is very keen about minding other people's business.
Will anyone agree to be in such a show?! The evil eye and envious mentality will surely hinder participation.
" Mashalla he has all that" will surely be repeated so many times but oh boy will the majority of the viewers be boiling with envy.
I do not understand the envious nature of Kuwaiti society. Everyone or atleast most people are well off, yet they envy others all the time. You can even see that in the stock market as many people refuse to buy certain stocks because they are affiliated with a certain family that they do not like purely because that family is successful!
Would such a show increase this nature, or would it reduce it as more people can better assess and understand how rich our richest people are? I think we will be shocked with the riches of certain families and disappointed with the riches of others. Probably be laughing at the ill taste and nouveau riche habits of some too.
We might learn a lesson from success vs. Failure in establishing wealth, but I bet it will be a tough lesson to teach Kuwaitis to learn to be less envious!
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