2:48AM - Entertaining Kuwait since 2003

The video above is of the new Zain commercial, while the one below is the original from 1973. Same song, same singer. Its cool seeing the same thing but 35 years apart. Big difference of course is that the singer (Abdul Karim Abdul Kader) is much older, but I also noticed how the girls skirt is now much longer and Abdul Kader is no longer sitting next to her but standing a couple of meters away. Imagine a remake of Bye Bye London today, the whole play would probably take place at a Starbucks.

I don’t like the Ruby Tuesday on the Gulf Road for numerous reasons so when I saw the one at Avenues opening I didn’t think much of it. That is until I heard that the Ruby Tuesday in Avenues was owned by someone else. Turns out there is a new owner of Ruby Tuesday in Kuwait and the previous owner is not letting go of the brand which makes things a bit of a mess. Anyway the Ruby Tuesday at the Avenues is the first location opened up by the new owner and I passed by and had dinner there tonight and I liked it.

Ruby Tuesday is located in the food court but its a big location and has an amazing view of the 5th ring road. The decoration was very cozy, the service was very friendly and the food was great. Overall it was a huge contrast over the Gulf Road version and I would definitely go back.

Update: According to a reader both the previous owners and the new owners are legit Ruby Tuesday franchise holders. If that is the case or not, it doesn’t change the fact that the new Ruby Tuesday at the Avenues follows the original US franchise a lot closer in my view. So far the menu seems to be exactly the same as the US one which you can view [Here]

Update2: I got the following in my email today…

Dear Mark,

National Arabic Company holds the master franchise in the middle east, they gave Sultan group a sub-licance to operate in the avenues. NAC is monitoring the Avenues Branch. The menu MUST be the same. There are no options regarding that.

thanks

While out playing with my Tamiya Frog today I hit this big rock and ended up dislocating the drive shaft from the rear axle and ripping up the joint boot. Its not a problem though since I already took apart the rear of the Frog and will fix it and put it back together again tonight. Just need to pass by the My Toy workshop in Muthana and pick up some grease and a new joint boot. This is what I love about these RC cars, you can take them apart and put them back together or swap out parts when something goes wrong just like real cars.

I needed to get a 7up so I went downstairs to the coke machine under my house and put 100fils in it and nothing happened. I put another 100fils and it still wouldn’t give me a 7up. The machine ate my money so I hit it a few times and pressed the money return button a few times and ended up getting KD1.200 back in change!

Dunning in a Bentley GT convertible, only in the UAE… [YouTube]

Just wanted to share two more commercials which I think are also really great. I love how the fan walks into the room in the commercial above!

Update: Here are some more…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7No9jQHoDg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlWp7uanYcc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By6_nhzJOCY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH5I1xRmwhQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OUO-QX2esc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5yIxQU5tfA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH_iyWijV44
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzmtPaUk7xI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaZSRyj7zvA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHQOcKUj5ps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUsSWOfLOdE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJbQVqL_8o4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FryfCujh2hU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhhbdTXK16c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpQS04leUAo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQxv8L6B0Os
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJjoTNseTPc

This is definitely definitely definitely one of my favorite ad campaigns ever. Burger King hired independent researchers to travel to remote places around the world and find people who have no clue what a McDonalds or Burger King is and who have never eaten a burger and then have them try both the Whopper and the Big Mac and see which one they preferred. Its pure GENIUS! Its a very short touching and entertaining documentary which you can watch on the Whopper Virgins site and although I hate Burger King in Kuwait I think I am going to go have a Whopper for lunch tomorrow.

I LOVE IT so watch it! [Link]

I am having a hard time figuring out if this tshirt is ugly in a good way or bad way… Note: I would get it if I thought I could pull it off but since I can’t I won’t.

The process of making a hot dog is incredible, although some people will definitely find it gross. Not for the faint of heart! [YouTube]

This is a new and lavish limited edition book with tons of pictures from behind the scenes of the movie Godfather. The book is limited to 1000 copies and they are all signed. Problem is it costs KD190! [Amazon Link]

Here is a link with information about the book. [Link]

Pictures of the 2010 Mercedes E-Class have leaked online. Can Mercedes seriously get any duller with their designs? [Link]

I am selling my limited edition 20th Anniversary Mac due to the fact I no longer have room for it. If anyone is interested contact me. It comes boxed and in working condition. [Email Me]

Update: I Sold it!

I just found out that Office Depot is going to be opening up in Kuwait at the Avenues. Alshaya will be bringing the brand over which is great but I think there are more important things to get first like Wendy’s, Cheese Cake Factory, Best Buy or even a Costco!

I’ve had this cookie recipe ever since I was in university and when used with proper ingredients it never failed me. Problem is I can’t find good chocolate chips in Kuwait. My favorite used to be Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks but all I can find in Kuwait are the Nestle and Hershey ones which suck. Anyway I baked some cookies today (used the Hershey chocolate chip) and I think they came out a 2.5 out of 5. I might be able to score a 3 if I use better brown sugar next time but it would still be a hopeless case without the proper chocolate. Maybe I should just order packs from Amazon..

My favorite cookie recipe

1 cup (2 sticks) (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup (150 grams) white sugar

1 1/4 cups (270 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 3/4 cups (525 grams) all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking soda

1 1/4 teaspoons (6 grams) baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups (375 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 165 degrees celsius. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper (or use non stick cookie pans).

In a mixing bowl cream the butter. Add the sugars and beat until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time making sure to beat well after each addition. Add vanilla and beat until incorporated.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and beat until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using. The cookie mixture will be moist and hold together.

Using two tablespoons, drop about 2 tablespoons of dough (38 grams) on the prepared baking sheets. Do not flatten cookies. Bake on the center rack of oven for 12 minutes, or until golden brown and still soft when gently pressed.

Makes about 48 cookies.

I just found out my contact us form wasn’t working probably for a couple of months now I am guessing. If you previously emailed me using the contact us form and never got a reply back its probably because I never received your email. The form is working now. [Link]