Search: “kuwait”

Soon I think we will be getting live traffic updates while on the road via these digital signs as pictured above. I also think the camera’s (pictured below and taken from Marzouqs blog) are somehow related to the new traffic monitoring network. Both the cameras and the digital signs use the same style of metal frame and they’ve both appeared at nearly the same time so I am guessing they must be connected somehow. The digital sign above was taken on the istiqlal highway but I’ve seen the same frame being built in a few more locations including the beginning of the 4th ring road in Salmiya, on the Gulf Road heading towards scientific center before Marina Mall and I’ve also seen it across from KFC on the Gulf Road heading towards Salmiya and the beginning of the Istiqlal Highway in Kuwait City.

I got a chance to check out G-FORCE Auto Worx in the Free Trade Zone yesterday; as they were having a photo-shoot to get ready for their launch in July. The owners have gone all out putting together an unbelievable garage (4wheel dyno, Ferrari-approved prep/paint booth) that is levels above the current offerings in Shuwaikh. In addition to the garage, there is a showroom on the first floor that is going to have some very interesting sports cars for sale and a store carrying racing memorabilia (sadly, the signed Schumacher racing suit is not for sale), gear (shoes, racing suits, helmets) and aftermarket parts (rims, exhausts, etc).

One of the biggest issues with modifying cars in Kuwait is the lack of a capable garage; and GForce is looking to fill that void. They are setting up to be a car-lovers haven and I will be getting more info on the garage, showroom and shop as they get closer to launch.

More pictures below.

Posted by K.

I just heard that the former Crown Prince and Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah has passed away. I am trying to find some news about this online but as of this post no online news site has posted about it.

Update: The news has started appearing online. [Link]

Looks like its going to a food day on this blog. I hate it when I post about a certain topic and then by coincidence end up with a number of posts around the same topic, in this case food. A reader (SJM MUKI) just emailed me the flyer of the new fondue at Häagen-Dazs here in Kuwait and from the picture it looks reallllly good. According to the flyer the fondue costs KD7.500 and is enough for 4 people.

A reader in the forum (aglocogirl) just posted pictures of the Beef Festival menu at Cheeburger Cheeburger in Souk Salmiya. I already reviewed them when they first opened and their burgers were pretty ok but now with the Beef Festival they’ve heavily discounted their prices which makes them more tempting.

20 ounce burger was KD3.250 and now is KD1.750
3/4lb burger was KD2.450 and now is KD1.450
1/2lb burger was KD2.250 and now is KD1.250
1/3lb burger was KD2.050 and now is KD1.150
5.5 ounce burger was KD1.750 now is KD1.050

That prices are pretty cheap specially for the super large 20 ounce burger which I think I have to try. Oh and I haven’t forgotten about The Burger Challenge, I should start passing by more burger joints again very soon.

There is a new Kuwaiti female video blogger that goes by the nickname Litharia1. She has a few videos on YouTube all uploaded within the last 3 days. I think its kinda fishy, I think its like the Kuwaiti version of lonelygirl15. Anyway here is a link to all her videos. [Link]

update: She seems legit, I got three emails from people who went to school with her.

update2: Sadly due to threats, Lama had to remove the videos and shut down her account.

A reader sent me the following pictures which he took with his phone while visiting an Alghanim Electronics showroom. It seems they are selling HP supplies which are not meant for resale. If it was a small shop in Hawalli I would expect this.. but they’re not a small shop in Hawalli.

What a trip! Just got to Syria, my day was full of adventure but will post about that once I get to Kuwait. Just checked in to my hotel and am going to walk around the city now. (Posted from my Nokia E61i)

Speed Racer is getting released in Beirut tonight (two days ahead of US release) and even though there are demonstrations and strikes taking place at the moment the movies are open as usual. Hopefully it will turn out to be good since I’ve always been a fan of the original cartoon. Will post my feedback later tonight.

update: I just got back from watching Speed Racer. I was the only one at the premier I guess because of all the rioting and blocked roads today in Lebanon. The movie was over 2 hours long but it was pretty good. I was worried the style of the movie would turn out childish but it was actually cool. Its extremely colorful, like you need to be on acid to watch this movie kind of colorful. The races are action packed and super fast and my favorite character Racer X was really cool. Only thing disappointing is that they didn’t play the Speed Racer theme song as often as I would have hoped for. The movie should be watchable in Kuwait with only 1 scene that would probably be cut and its a kiss in the last scene of the movie.

Yesterday Vodafone released the following press release:

Vodafone today announced it has signed an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in ten of its markets around the globe. Later this year, Vodafone customers in Australia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Turkey will be able to purchase the iPhone for use on the Vodafone network.

Hopefully Zain will also sign an agreement with Apple to sell the iPhone in their markets which would include Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. I doubt Wataniya would get the rights to the iPhone since they are not located everywhere.

A forum member called Kuwait posted about what looked like to him new speed cameras that were being installed on Beljaat Street. The new kind of cameras are overhead and there were three of them, each covering a car lane and each would be facing the rear of the cars as they passed by. He didn’t have time to take a picture so if anyone could take one and send it to me that would be great. Send the picture to [email protected]

To me they don’t sound like speed cameras, I mean why would they put one for every lane when currently they put one camera for all the lanes? But it does sound like some kind of license plate tracking system maybe?

Here is a link to the original post in the forum. [Link]

update: I didn’t notice this but Some Contrast actually posted about this today and has pictures. Turns out its not new cameras but a new traffic light system. More info on their blog. [Link]

A friend of mine sent me this picture by MMS. He found this store in Muthana Complex in Kuwait City.

Thanks Saleh!

In addition to the 3g iPhone, here is a short list of the upcoming phones I am looking forward to:

SE Xpreia X1:
After the release of the iPhone, Sony Ericsson have thrown out their usual styling and gone back to the drawing board with their Xperia X1. How different is this phone from its siblings? Considering that only thing SE about it is the logo, as the X1 is powered by Windows Mobile and manufactured by HTC; it should be a significant shift from previous phones. Which could result in a good thing for hardcore SE fans, as they are throwing in every imaginable concept (multiple panels and navigation) into a fairly cooling looking phone. Truth be told, I honestly have no idea what the phone is capable of (outside of dialing/sms), but it looks pretty cool doing it. And with a name like the Xperia X1, it better live up to the hype.

More info [here]

Google Phone (et al):
Now this isn’t really a phone as much as it is the brains behind it.. Late last year, Google launched Android, their open-source (anyone can tinker away) platform for telephones. Android is the basis for the OHA (Open Handset Alliance), which is also in collaboration with 30 mobile/technology companies (which will bring the Gphone to life).

What this means for the actual consumers? We are getting a phone powered by Google; in which any inspiring programmer can change/add/create applications for the public. In essence, you would be able to buy a compatible android phone, and put together your own phone system (or download one) .

One of the first phones rumored to be released is the HTC Omni/Dream..  And seeing how HTC made the Xperia X1 (above) for SE, it should be a very interesting first attempt at a Google Phone.

More info [here]

Nokia Liam (e71)
Saving the best for last, the Nokia e71 is the successor to the e61i; the best Nokia phone I have used since the days of the 6110/6310i. In addition to having the same reliability, extended battery life and qwerty keyboard of its predecessor, its also rumored to have GPS, Wi-Fi, HSDPA, and 3.2 megapixel AF camera in addition to a faster processor in a slimmer case.

More info [here]

Posted by K.

The people from FASTtelco have responded to our post ‘FASTtelco hates bloggers’; We have included FT’s response (and our reply) below. As it is a fairly long post (contrary to usual 248am postings), you will need to click ‘Continue reading‘ for the rest of the post.

Before Kuwaitina .. I would have considered that one of the weirdest sandstorms I have ever seen. The dust went from maroon to orange to yellow to white and then decided to leave altogether.. Apparently it rained, which in turn brought the dust down.

Posted by K.