Categories
Information Kuwait Movies

Cloverfield premiers in Kuwait on 24/01/08

Cloverfield

I just found out Cloverfield will get released at the movies here in Kuwait on the 24th of January. There shouldn’t be anything to cut from it so I will probably watch it here unless I find out otherwise. [Link]

Thanks Kuwait

Update:
For some reason Cinescape has removed Cloverfield from the coming soon list. I guess it was a mistake from their side.




Categories
Information Interesting

The IKEA Naming System

Karlstad

I’ve always wondered what was the logic behind the name of some items at IKEA. They always have Scandinavian names but what do they mean? According to Wikipedia it turns out there is a format IKEA follows. Firstly most of the names are usually either Swedish, Danish, Finnish or Norwegian in origin. Secondly most of the names are based on a special naming system which IKEA has put in place and is as follows:

Upholstered furniture, coffee tables, rattan furniture, bookshelves, media storage, doorknobs: Swedish placenames

Beds, wardrobes, hall furniture: Norwegian place names

Dining tables and chairs: Finnish place names

Bookcase ranges: Occupations

Bathroom articles: Scandinavian lakes, rivers and bays

Kitchens: grammatical terms, sometimes also other names

Chairs, desks: men’s names

Materials, curtains: women’s names

Garden furniture: Swedish islands

Carpets: Danish place names

Lighting: terms from music, chemistry, meteorology, measures, weights, seasons, months, days, boats, nautical terms

Bedlinen, bed covers, pillows/cushions: flowers, plants, precious stones; words related to sleep, comfort, and cuddling

Children’s items: mammals, birds, adjectives

Curtain accessories: mathematical and geometrical terms

Kitchen utensils: foreign words, spices, herbs, fish, mushrooms, fruits or berries, functional descriptions

Boxes, wall decoration, pictures and frames, clocks: colloquial expressions, also Swedish placenames

via




Categories
Information Kuwait Personal Shopping

Aramex Shop & Ship Problems

WIRED

I really really really hate Aramex. I stopped using them for my important packages ages ago and instead started using U Shop We Ship who are much better. I now only use my Aramex account for my magazine subscriptions and it seems I can’t even trust them with that anymore. Today I got a package after not getting anything for 2 months and it turns out I have 2 months worth of magazines missing! I have been trying to call them since morning to try and see what happened but their lines are all busy, ALL THE TIME! I can’t understand why people still use Aramex, USWS isn’t perfect, they have their own issues but at least packages get shipped promptly from the US and do arrive in Kuwait on time. Where are my magazines???




Categories
Blog Info Complaints Personal

Screwed both ways

If I post something negative about a place in Kuwait, some people get the impression that I am out to hurt that place. If I post something positive about a place in Kuwait, some people get the impression that I was paid to do so. It’s pretty fucked up really.

Last week I posted two negative posts about Sultan Center, one regarding their eggs, the other about how they stole the Kellogg’s mascot. One reader told me if I hated Sultan that much I should just stop shopping there. What kind of mentality is that? Its kinda like how if I post something negative about Kuwait people come and tell me to get the fuck out if I don’t like it.

I only shop at Sultan Center and I have been a customer ever since they opened up their Salmiya branch back in the 80’s. When I encounter a problem at Sultan Center I complain, I have the right to as a customer. If I complain it doesn’t mean I hate the place, it means I want the place to improve.

Same with my Bazaar posts, some people get the impression I hate Bazaar. I don’t.

One reader asked why I don’t contact customer service when I have a complaint instead of posting it on the blog? Well three reasons. First the obvious which is I need content for the blog. Second is the fact that I am used to sending emails to customer service only to have them ignored and the third and final reason is that problems get fixed quickly after I post about them on the blog.

So from now on if I say good things or bad things about a place or product I hope there will be no misconception.




Categories
Movies Personal

Movies I watched this holiday

the girl next door

The good: The Girl Next Door
Extremely shocking and stomach turning. Not for the squeamish. Based on the true story of Sylvia Likens whom you can get more info about from the Crime Library.

The bad: Bee Movie
Not near as funny as the least funniest Seinfeld episode. I watched it at The Avenues movie theater which I think is just a fantastic looking place. By far the best theater I have ever been to anywhere.

The ugly: Shoot ‘Em Up
What a b-rated piece of trash this movie turned out to be. Definitely one of the worst movies I have seen this year. No plot, fake cheesy action and terrible acting by everyone except for Monica Bellucci, but thats because she had major cleavage through out the movie. I also just found out she is married to the french guy who stared with her in the movie Irréversible which you should watch instead of this crap.




Categories
Information Interesting Shopping

Saddam’s yacht for sale

Saddam Yacht

And because the former dictator had reason to be paranoid, the boat has bulletproof glass, closed-circuit television, storage space for a large cache of weapons, including heavy machine guns and surface-to-air missiles, and a secret passage that runs the length of the boat for easy access to a fast patrol boat and a mini-submarine pod for emergency exits.

Maybe we could all pitch in and buy the yacht and then take it out to Kubbar where we spend the whole day partying on it. At the end of the night we burn the yacht to symbolize our hatred to Saddam but we keep the mini-submarine since thats just too cool. [Link]

via




Categories
Guest Bloggers Internet Kuwait

Current DSL Prices.

Here is an updated list of current DSL pricing:

Internet Prices

As I have said in the past; I wouldn’t suggest signing up with United Networks or FastTelco due to their incapability to deliver promised speed, provide sufficient support or maintain a stable network.

The most enticing ‘offer’ (we still pay too much) is the 4mb connection from Qualitynet at 900KD. As you would be looking at a download speed of roughly 400+ KBPS. Although, I am not sure if most telephone lines are capable of handling that speed. Come to think of it, ISPs could offer a 1000MB connection knowing that your telephone line will tap out at 3MB.

With Info-Connect 2008 only two months away, I would suggest extending your subscription until you can make use of the offers there.




Categories
Sports

We came 17th!

Red Bull sent us the results of the Flugtag and we weren’t last we actually came in 17th place! Pretty cool.

1 THE FLYING STARS
2 OPTICAL BOYS
3 BLACK PEARL
4 MISHAAL AL NAJADI
5 AMZN
6 THE PHOENIX
7 eL ¼
8 THE RED CARPET TEAM
9 THE FLYING PIRATES
10 NISSAN ZEPPELINS
11 DRAGON FLY
12 CIRQUE DU SULTAN
13 HUNGER 7
14 BLIZZARD
15 BUTTER FLY
16 THE FLYING MUMMY
17 IMPERIAL 27
18 HKM 3
19 DIET CENTER
20 B-TUNES
21 FLYING ANGELS
22 DREAM TEAM
23 BENQEEZ
24 FLYING LOGISTICS
25 DIVAS TEAM
26 4TH RING
27 PIRATES OF THE ARABIAN
28 AUTO TECH




Categories
Cars & Bikes Events Kuwait

Kuwait International Automobile Exhibition

car show

Probably the only exhibition at Mishref that is worth going to and its going to be held from November 28th till December 4th. One automotive event I am surprised they haven’t repeated again is the 4×4 one that was held at Marina Crescent like 2 years ago. [Link]




Categories
Technology

Nokia N810 Portable Internet Tablet

N810

I just found out the Nokia N810 got released. I saw pictures of it previously but I thought it was going to come out some time next year, guess I misread. The N810 has built in wifi, GPS and a keyboard (finally). I always disliked the earlier models because the lack of a keyboard so its cool they finally installed one. The tablet is selling on Amazon for $459. [Amazon Link]




Categories
Kuwait Movies

Embassy of the Republic of Poland

I just got the following email which I found strange since not only is the event in a few hours but its also being held nearly at the same time as the premier of the movie Sharq.

in the name of

Dear Lovers of cinema,

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland, in cooperation with the Kuwait Cine Club, has the pleasure to invite You to the screening of the film “In the name of” directed by Beata Hughes.

The event will take place at the premises of the Kuwait Cine Club (map enclosed) on Sunday, November 18th at 7 p.m.

The film tells a story of three women and their struggles on the path to fulfillment and happiness. Its aim is to indicate that every human being has a potential that can develop into a passion, individual’s fight against the odds and standing up to mediocrity. One can also give up one’s dreams and follow the crowd’s expectations.

The film could be described as minimalist, with hidden meanings, surreal and open for interpretation.

During the event a discussion with film’s director and cameraman are planned.

Hope to see You on Sunday evening,

Best regards,

Watch the trailer [Here]




Categories
Interesting Internet Kuwait

It’s the fastest ever

Countdown timer

Just a reminder, don’t forget to check www.itsthefastestever.com at 9PM tonight for the launch of Zain’s new product. The site will be up only from 9PM to 10PM so don’t miss it.




Categories
Motorbikes Personal

Night Rider

Night Ride

I just got back from a late night ride. I hadn’t ridden since the beginning of summer and ever since TriStar had picked up my bike and serviced it last week my bike has been begging to be taken out. Tonight was his lucky night.

I was walking Geo and noticed the weather was just amazing so when I got home I suited up and went out for a ride. Salmiya was deserted and I had all the streets to myself so I took full advantage and rode up and down at my pace enjoying my time. I was a bit rusty so I felt a lot more comfortable riding alone with no traffic just in case I made a mistake.

One thing I realized, the weather is a lot nicer in shorts and a tshirt. My full bike gear which includes thick riding pants and a thick riding jacket kinda made things hot but it still felt great riding. I think I will do this every night, its very peaceful and mind clearing.




Categories
Information Kuwait

Orange Taxi’s

orange cab

I just found an article by mistake on the Kuwait Times website on the demise of the orange taxi’s. Although I’ve never used them before I’ve always been intrigued by them. According to the article though they might not be around for much longer, with no help from the government and a lot more competition, the orange taxi’s are quickly losing ground to buses and jawal taxis. [Link]

Picture by mahooya




Categories
Animals Travel

The London Zoo

London Zoo

We decided to pass by the London Zoo today since its in Camden Town close to where we wanted to do some shopping. The zoo is larger than the Kuwait Zoo (duh) but much smaller than the San Diego Zoo. They have an incredible gorilla exhibit surprisingly with around 3 gorillas. The zoo looks like it was built in a forest, the whole area around the zoo is a huge green park with hills and trees and the inside of the zoo is the same. The zoo is actually split in two with a canal passing through, you need to cross a bridge to get to the other side, very cool. There are a couple of more pictures if you click on continue.