Legal staff in govt agencies demand salary increments

Enough already....


Legal staff in govt agencies demand salary increments:

Govt’s failure to fulfil its promise condemned

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 30:

"The legal staff in 52 government agencies gathered Sunday at the Ministries Complex in protest of the government’s alleged failure to fulfill its promise to raise their salaries to be equal to those given to their counterparts at the Fatwa and Legislation Administration.

Board of Director of the Legal Staff Union Hamad Al-Wardan condemned the government for neglecting their rights, asserting they will continue holding protest actions until their demands are met. He also criticized the government for appointing expatriate workers to replace those who are on strike in public agencies, stressing this step is unconstitutional and contravenes the international treaties, as well as the regulations of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Meanwhile, Media Campaign Director General at the union Ahmad Al-Kandari said the legal staff will resign en masse if the government continues to ignore their demands, in addition to holding a series of strikes."

Ok, if the government wants to give more they should give it to people who deserve an increase like those who actually show up to work and actually work. It shouldn't go to the people who are always late or absent, they surely don't deserve one fil more and they are the ones who are probably protesting. There should be conditions for increases.

Al Yaal

Al Yaal

Join us at the Al Yaal Volunteers' Hour - An orientation for new volunteers: Tuesday, Nov 1st, 5.30 pm to 7 pm

You are cordially invited to the Al Yaal Volunteers' Hour to be held Tuesday, 1st November 2011 from 5.30 pm to 7 pm at en.v's offices in Bneid Al Gar. Learn about Al Yaal's volunteer opportunities, clean-up schedules and progress to date. RSVP: Email admin@alyaal.com to confirm your attendance.

Al Yaal Volunteers' Hour is a monthly social gathering inviting potential volunteers to join future beach and island clean-ups. It is held on the first Tuesday of each month, except national holidays.

Al Yaal is Kuwait's First Nationwide Marine Conservation Initiative. They organize volunteers and clean up the many beaches throughout Kuwait and so much more.

Check out their facebook site:

http://www.alyaal.com/

There is so much to do but so little time for me to do it...

Volunteering with Operation Hope

I finally did it! I finally woke up to join the volunteers at Operation Hope. After finding the location I met with the other ladies and sorted through donated clothing. They are presently sorting second hand clothing to be resold in a second hand shop being set up on their premises. I brought my own bag of donations to help the cause.

We sorted through mens, womens and childrens clothing as well as some accessories. I had a great time there even though it only lasted about an hour. They were sorting out of a newly built building which will serve as the clothing store. I will write more about the new project soon. Now that I feel comfortable with the place and their cause I have 2 truckloads of donations. I was waiting for a good cause to donate them to and I found it.

Proceeds will go toward helping the needy. Items donated help the people in the deportation centers, women with illegitimate babies, street cleaners and the needy women. I will try to go every Saturday from now on Inshallah. Operation Hope will have a booth at the winter bazaar in the middle of November too.

For anyone who works in the retail sectors, Operation Hope needs donations of racks and hangers for displaying the clothing so if anyone knows a contact from Al Shaya or some big retail chain that can donate racks and hangers please let me know. It will help a great bit!!! I will post more information in the future as it progresses.

I love volunteering, just wish I had more time to do it.

Samsung overtakes Apple as top smartphone maker in Q3 -

Ha! I made the right choice when I picked this phone. Everyone I know has a Apple this or that and I hate being the same as everyone.

Samsung overtakes Apple as top smartphone maker in Q3 - Retail - ArabianBusiness.com:

Shin Jong-Kyun, president of Samsung Electronics mobile business, speaks at the launching event for its new smartphone 'Galaxy S2' in Seoul. (AFP/Getty Images)Samsung Electronics Co overtook Apple Inc as the world's top smartphone maker in the July-September period with a 44 percent jump in shipments, and forecast strong sales in the current quarter in a clear warning to its rivals.

Samsung only entered the smartphone market in earnest last year, but its sales have skyrocketed thanks to a sleek production system that rapidly brings new products to market. Apple introduced its first iPhone in 2007.

"In the handset division, Samsung has no real rival models to challenge its products except for the iPhone 4S. Apple and Samsung will continue to dominate the market in the fourth quarter," said Kim Hyun-joong, a fund manager at Midas Asset Management, which owns Samsung shares.

Profits from the South Korean firm's telecoms division, announced on Friday, more than doubled from a year ago to a record 2.5tn won ($2.2bn) and accounted for 60 percent of Samsung's total profit, offsetting a plunge in earnings from its bread-and-butter memory chips.

Too bad I don't know how to use the damn thing and it came with NO directions.

Manga Sushi- Dubai

My daughter is obsessed with Japan so on her birthday I think we will take a trip to Dubai to eat at the Manga Sushi rstaurant.


I heard about it from Dubai One station a while ago but haven't gone to Dubai recently. It's all decorated in Anime and sounds like a place my daughter would definitely go crazy for.

Where: Beach Park Plaza Center , Jumeirah Beach Road
Times: 6 p.m. - midnight
Phone: 04 342 8300

Omar Sharif slaps woman in Qatar

Qatar has all the fun!

"Hollywood legend Omar Sharif lost his cool at a film festival in Qatar this morning ... and angrily slapped a woman right on the red carpet.

Sharif was at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival for a screening of one of his movies ... when a woman approached him on the red carpet ... and tried to take a picture with the 79-year-old actor.

Sharif -- who was nominated for an Oscar in 1962 for his role in "Lawrence of Arabia" -- lashed out in Arabic ... telling the woman to wait her turn ... and then slapping her.

Moments later, the woman smiled and posed for a photo with Sharif like nothing ever happened.

It's unclear if Sharif made contact with the woman's face -- but one reporter who was at the scene tweeted, "Omar Sharif just hit a woman. Very stupidly, in front of a camera."

Sharif has a long history of getting physical with people -- back in 2003, he attacked a cop in a Paris casino and in 2007, he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery for beating up a Beverly Hills parking attendant.

Calls to Sharif's camp have not been returned."

Funny S*%t......... You can find the video on Youtube......

Desert Biking Club of Kuwait

For those who enjoy bike riding.....

The Desert Biking Club of Kuwait gathers together for recreational cycling , you can find more info on their blog: http://www.dbck99.blogspot.com/

Feel like Dancing?

Time to Bachata!

Dream Location

I want to be here!!!!!

Qatar film Festival

Qatar Film Festival.....


It's the third year for the Tribeca FIlm Festival in Qatar.....wow, even Qatar has a red carpet event like Dubai. Mashallah, the itty bitty country of Qatar is making it's way toward the top of the GCC countries. Kuwait, well they have..... um....... still thinking...... looks like I will have to get back with an answer.

Events from the Japanese Society

A couple events sponsored by the Japanese society:

Operation Turtles:

When: Staurday, October 29, 2011
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Beach Park, Shuwaikh

Kimono Show:


When: Tuesday, November 15 @ 7:30 p.m.

Where: Abdullah Aziz Hussein Theater- Mishref (next to Mishraf co-op)

Sounds like fun!!!!

P.A.W.S- Puppy Ball

Something to do that gives back to the animals......

Eid on Nov 6

Prepare for Kuwait to close for 10 days or more until they feel like going back to work....

Eid on Nov 6:

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 25, (KUNA): The crescent of Dhu Al-Hijja will appear on Wednesday, 28th of Dhu Al-Qa’ada (Oct 26) at 10:56 pm, making the first day of Eid Al-Adha on Nov 6, Meteorologist Adel Al-Saadoun said on Tuesday.

Speaking to KUNA, Al-Saadoun said the crescent will not appear in Kuwait, while it will be seen west of the Arab World.
He added that Waqfat Arafat will be on Saturday, Nov 5 and Eid Al-Adha will be on Sunday, Nov 6.

If you have any Ministry work to get done better do it ASAP, we all know what happens to Kuwait before and after Eid holidays, they stop working the week before and continue slacking well after the holidays. In reality they are always slacking, but they justify it because there are holidays, what's their excuse for slacking during the rest of the year?

EEK! Expats Magazine

Cool little e-magazine.

Yesterday I finally received my e-magazine from EEK! It's really interesting and full of information. In order to sign up you just send an email to: info@expatserviceskuwait.com they responded back to my email within a couple of hours.

Job Fairs

For those out there looking for a job there will be 2 hiring events in November.

KBOSS
Date: November 5th, 2011
Time: Between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Hilton- Mangaf

Items to bring:
1. Clear copy of pp page
2. Clear copy of DL
3. Apply online ahead of time; www.ittsystems.com/careers.htm

If you can't show up then you can email: joshua.saye@itt.com or clifton.regis@ittmeo.com

From what I've heard it seems KBOSS will be hiring 1800 Philipinos so that doesn't leave much hope for Americans who need a job. I really hope that's not true but these days the focus is on money not helping out fellow Americans but I'd still try.

AECOM- Afghanistan

When: November 4-6, 2011
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Where: Al Manshar Rotana Hotel (965 2392 1000)

Bring resume/cv and other relevant documents.
They are looking for every position, especially mechanics
Please apply: www.aecom.com

Operation Hope helping the Needy

We've all seen the street cleaners and I've seen the documentary that DesertGirl posted. They are lowly paid and barely survive in Kuwait. Operation Hope provides clothing, toiletries and much more to needy people. They are always looking for volunteers and donations. Winter is coming and they will start providing winter kits. If you read information on their website it may seem as if it's a missionary type of operation. It's not about religion it's about helping people in need.

I have a lot of donations to submit, Inshallah I will volunteer this weekend as they are looking for people to help prepare winter kits. I will post more info in the future.

Links:

http://www.operation-hope-kuwait.com/

operationhopekuwait@yahoo.com

Landmark to spend $136m to whip Fitness First into shape

More fitness centers coming soon....

Landmark to spend $136m to whip Fitness First into shape - Healthcare - ArabianBusiness.com:
Landmark Group plans to spend as much as AED500m ($136m) on expanding its Fitness First chain of gyms across the Middle East, the COO of the fitness group has told Arabian Business.

Landmark, which bought up the regional rights for the UK-based chain of fitness centres last year, plans to open 100 new branches over the five years, including 35 in the UAE.
“We’ve got 13 clubs in the UAE at the moment and we’ve got big plans for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah – we’re looking at all of the other emirate states to open clubs,” said George Flooks, COO of Fitness First Middle East. “Over a five year period we will look to get ourselves to 35 clubs in the UAE.

“The broader strategy is 100 clubs in five years, that’s across the Middle East. We’ve got the rights to 21 countries so places like Kuwait, Egypt etc. Saudi is a big target market for us; they have the population for us so you could quite easily get 50 clubs into Saudi,” he added.

I hope they open one in my area since most of the cool gyms are in Salmiya. I just want Zumba in my area pleaaaassssseee....... With more gyms coming maybe the prices will drop.....

Maternity Hospital beach clean Up

Al Yaal ( Kuwait's First Nationwide Marine Conservation Initiative ) volunteers will be cleaning up the beach beside the maternity hospital on October 22, 2011, from 6:30 a.m.-9 a.m. If it wasn't so early I might come out there but that's my only day off.

Maternity Hospital beach map and directions: Route A: From Gulf Road

- Take Jamal Abdul Nasser Street from the Gulf Road.
- Head straight from the roundabout
- At the next (smaller) roundabout, turn right.
- Head straight ahead from the next roundabout.
- When you reach another roundabout, take the left towards the beach
- Enter maternity hospital parking to access the beach

Route B: From 80

- Take road 80 (towards Jahra) (towards Shuwaikh medical area)
- Join the Jahez street on the right and head straight until you reach a roundabout.
- Head left from the roundabout
- At the next (smaller) roundabout, turn right.
- Head straight ahead from the next roundabout.
- When you reach another roundabout, take the left towards the beach
- Enter maternity hospital parking to access the beach

Route C: From Road 30/40 to join 80 (thereafter follow directions mentioned above)
If you are taking Road 30 or 40, accessing the Fourth Ring Road heading towards Sulaibikhat. When you reach the United Nations roundabout you can connect to Road 80 at a right turn - OR - when you reach Mohammed Bin Qassim Street (on the right) you can take the coastal line and access 80.

For those early birds who would like to join the volunteers I commend you!

Woman executed for killing husband

KSA doesn't play around when it comes to sharia law unlike Kuwait.

Woman executed for killing husband:

RIYADH, Oct 19, (AFP):

A Saudi woman convicted of burning her husband to death was beheaded on Wednesday, the interior ministry said.
Ghazala bint Nasser al-Balawi was condemned to death after being found guilty of killing Ali al-Shehri by pouring petrol in his house, setting it on fire after having locked the man inside asleep, it said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency.

Her beheading in Riyadh brings the number of executions this year in the ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom to 65.
Last week, the UN human rights office expressed concern over the rate of executions in Saudi Arabia, and called for an immediate halt to the practice.
The UN statement came after the kingdom beheaded 10 men — eight Bangladeshis and two Saudis — on the same day.
Rape, murder, apostasy, armed robbery and drug trafficking are all punishable by death under the oil-rich Gulf state’s strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law.

Not even Wasta can save your head in countries that actually enforce the law.

70's Kuwait

Seems like Kuwait was one 'groovy' place in the 70's. These pics are from the National Geographic Magazine circa 1969 and were brought to light by DesertGirl. This all happened before the onset of the Islamic Revolution. People living in Kuwait had the Gazelle club (pictured below) which was a happening place. Booze flowed, dancing and parties took place.

National Geographic photo of the Gazelle Club..

The people were probably a lot nicer back then too.

Sisqo in Qatar

Ahh yes, Sisqo, reminds me of the good ole' 90's......

" The American singer, Sisqo, is set to perform in Qatar next month, at the third edition of the Hip Hop and RnB night, ‘The Red Carpet’ to be held at the Sheraton Doha Hotel on November 10.
The singer, best known for his hit ‘Thong Song’, will perform on the evening, which will begin at 8pm and close at 3am.
Tickets for the event are available from Virgin Megastores at Villaggio and Landmark, the Sheraton and online from www.tasaker.com. Tickets are priced at QR150 for presales, QR250 on the door, and QR350 for VIP access.
The event is being organised by Golden Relations, and officials expressed their excitement at bringing Sisqo to Doha for the party.
“Sisqo is best known as the lead singer of R&B group Dru Hill. He rose to popularity after the release of his solo debut ‘Unleash the Dragon’ featuring the novelty song ‘Thong Song’ and another runaway hit ‘Incomplete,’ said a spokesperson, adding “recently, the singer also invaded television with an appearance at the UK reality TV show Celebrity Big Brother.”
Previous Red Carpet events have welcomed the likes of Hot Rod from G-Unit Records, and have also showcased local talent such as Keyali Mayaga and Trak."

I can just picture a group of Qatari guys dressed in their dishdashas rememebering the days when they studied abroad and were dancing to the "thong song'.

Animal Market next to Friday Market

On my day off I woke my husband up early so we could go to the animal market to look at fish. I want to buy a new set up and fill it will non-aggressive fish. The pet store in Fahaheel had no fish so we had to drive to the Friday Market area to look at fish and tanks. I finally found one shop that had guppies that were really colorful. I decided to wait and bring my mom who is the "animal expert". She knows all about fish and what kind of tank I will need. Next Saturday Mom!

The aisle of the market...
The saltwater aquarium...

Regular fish.......

I thought these were cool..

Goldfish..One of the birds hanging around...

The market is probably closed on Fridays. Don't be shocked at the condition of the animals as no one regulates these places. I've been there when Beladiya came and made some of the people take cages down but of course that lasts until they leave then they go back to operating the same way. I will be posting more pics......

Qatar- 60% salary Hike

And they said Kuwaiti citizens are the highest paid?

Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - Qatar:

60% salary hike for Qatari staff

Sheikh Fahad bin Mohamed bin Jabor al-Thani

Doha Bank has decided to increase the salaries of its Qatari employees by 60% in line with the Emiri Decree that raised the nationals’ salary in the government sector.
Doha Bank Board of Directors presided over by chairman Sheikh Fahad bin Mohamed bin Jabor al-Thani decided to increase the salaries of the Qatari employees by 60% on both the basic pay and social allowance.

“The decision has been made out of the bank’s commitment to invest in national manpower,” Doha Bank said.

“This increase will provide a perfect work environment for Qatari employees, and will attract the national competencies to work in Doha Bank. It will also contribute to the development of the banking sector and the economic boom in Qatar,” the bank said.

Qatari citizens didn't even have to protest to receive their increases. Of course there are only a handful of Qatari citizens compared to the expat population and with the new natural gas discovery they are buying up the world. Ma'shallah.

Public sector ‘pay’ one of the highest in world

They are actually comparing KD to the US dollar? Really?

Public sector ‘pay’ one of the highest in world:

Disparity justifies protests: MP

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: As per a study conducted by MP Ahmad Al-Saadoun, recent increments have pushed the average monthly salaries of Kuwaitis working in the public sector to KD 1,598 to become one of the highest in the world, reports Al-Rai daily.

The study indicates that Kuwaitis working in Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and its affiliates in the oil sector receive average salaries and allowances worth KD 4,800, equivalent to $210,000 a year, which is more than half the annual salary US President Barack Obama receives, which is $400,000.

It also revealed the average monthly earnings of Kuwaitis working in the government sector is thrice the average monthly earnings of their expatriate colleagues, which is $ 591.5. The vast difference in the average salaries of personnel working in different sectors of the country is evident, notwithstanding the similar qualifications they hold, indicating the series of protests and sit-ins is justified by workers who feel they are unjustly treated.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) requires the government institutions to activate cabinet’s decision and retire workers serving in various departments for more than 30 years, reports Al-Moustaqbal daily.

The decision follows failure and slackness by some government agencies to implement the CSC decision due to pressures from senior government officials.

Yes in dollars they are making a crapload of money but we are in Kuwait, they use KD which means 1 KD spends like one dollar. Everything here is so freaking expensive so in REALITY they are not making that much in Kuwait compared to the US. DUH!!!!!!!!!!!

Who the hell are those people making over 1500 KD? My sister's husband works in the MOH and makes 450 KD and when my husband worked in immigration he was getting less than 700 KD. I'd like to know in which sector do they make over 1500 KD? Everyone knows that people working in the oil companies get paid a lot and have cushy jobs and not everyone gets into those companies without a lot of WASTA.

Citizens, legal experts decry ‘rising cost’ of hiring maids

Citizens, legal experts decry ‘rising cost’ of hiring maids:

Some embassies accused of engaging in illegal practices

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: A number of citizens, legal experts and officials in charge of the affairs of expatriate workers have expressed their disappointment on the rising cost of hiring domestic workers, which now stands at KD 700 per worker, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

These people pointed out the exorbitant recruitment fee is a burden to the citizens, especially those with limited income. They also criticized the lack of laws on domestic employment; hence, decisions are taken randomly, to the detriment of both the employers and the employees. They stressed the need for Kuwait to learn from the experiences of other GCC countries, which have effectively dealt with domestic labor issues like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

Accusing some embassies of countries that send domestic workers to Kuwait of engaging in illegal practices, these people claimed the embassies have conspired with the recruitment firms to increase the fees for hiring household workers.

On the other hand, some owners of the recruitment firms have denied wrongdoing and blamed the embassies for the rising cost of hiring domestic workers. They alleged some firms offer the services of a maid, who escaped from her sponsor, to two or more employers in order to charge higher fees. They added some citizens and expatriates prefer absconding household workers to take advantage of their inability to file a complaint to the security authorities if their rights are violated.

Yeah I know this feeling by experience, in 2007 I paid an agency 350 KD for a Philipino domestic helper and a few months ago I had to pay 750 KD for her replacement. It took me a couple months of saving before I could afford to pay the agency. I think the government should get involved and control these agencies that inflate the prices.

Govt fails in bid to stop Kuwaiti men from marrying expat women

I didn't know the government was trying to stop this....

Govt fails in bid to stop Kuwaiti men from marrying expat women:

Divorce rate among Kuwaitis climbs

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: A joint committee comprising representatives from the ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs failed to accomplish its main goal, according to official records, in curbing the phenomenon of Kuwaiti men marrying non-Kuwaiti women to reduce the number of unmarried Kuwaiti women, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
In 2008, the committee compelled Kuwaitis who wished to marry non- Kuwaitis to seek official approval for registration of the marriage, which was not obtainable in many cases. The situation led many people to seek court rulings against the committee to acknowledge their marriages. Now, statistics from the legal notarization administration indicate the committee’s efforts have failed and the number of Kuwaiti men marrying their women compatriots has fallen steadily since 2007.

The figure was 9,664 in 2007, which reduced to 9,238 in 2008, and 8,516 in 2009, and then it slid to 8,429 in 2010.
Meanwhile, the number of Kuwaiti men marrying non-Kuwaiti women has somewhat increased since 2007 when the figure was only 1,187. A slight decrease was recorded in 2008 with 1,113 marriages, while 2009 witnessed a spike pushing the number to 1,379, which declined to 1,227 by the end of 2010.
It also revealed the number of divorce cases between Kuwaiti couples was considerably higher than marriages between Kuwaiti men and non-Kuwaiti women in 2010, indicating 63 percent of Kuwaiti couples ended up in divorce, even as marriage among Kuwaiti men and non-Kuwaiti women was roughly 13 percent.

I wonder how many of those divorced had arranged marriages? I would think those types of marriages account for most of the divorce rate considering they marry someone who they don't really know.

Kuwaiti royal gets ‘death’ for killing nephew

I doubt anyone will ever see the noose in Kuwait any time soon, especially if you are a 'royal'. Only KSA follows through on their death sentences with beheadings.

Kuwaiti royal gets ‘death’ for killing nephew:

Open to appeal

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 13, (AFP): Kuwait’s lower court on Thursday sentenced to death a member of the ruling family for killing his nephew, also a royal, a court statement said.
Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Al-Sabah was convicted of shooting 52-year-old Sheikh Basel Salem Al-Sabah to death at the latter’s palace on June 19, 2010, the statement said, apparently over a dispute on board membership in a sports club. The uncle had asked his nephew to come out with him for a private talk, but is said to have shot the victim five times as soon as they were alone.

Verdicts in Kuwait are issued in writing.

The verdict must be upheld by the appeals and supreme courts to become final. If confirmed, the sentence must be signed by HH the Amir in order to be carried out.
Sheikh Basel is the grandson of late former Amir Sheikh Sabah Salem Al-Sabah and the son of late minister of defence and interior Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah.
Kuwait, where death sentences are carried out by hanging, has had no executions since 2007 although a large number of prisoners are currently on death row. Authorities have given no reason for this.

If you read the newspapers frequently the you already know that 9/10 citizens get off from every crime they commit mostly due to "lack of evidence" or police messing up the initial investigation. Until the old laws are put in place no one is afraid to beat the hell out of someone or even kill because they know nothing will happen. Rapes and violence run rampant here.

Sanitary conditions at MOH- clinics

On Monday I had to take my kids for their residency medicals. We went to the one in Fahaheel and where do I start? I guess we went there during the time when the maids get theirs done. First of all it's so crowded you can hardly breathe. There are seperate areas for men and women. I lined up with my kids in the womens section. As I watched the nurses take blood I was again shocked to see they never change their gloves. YUCK! One after another giving blood and still the same gloves.

When it was our turn I asked the nurse to change her gloves as she had a brand new box of gloves next to her. She snatched off her gloves and was yapping in her language to the other nurse, obvisouly complaining. Do they not understand how nasty that is and that they are in contact with bodily fluids from people from third world countries who might have some disease?

At least in America we are vaccinated against common diseases but how effective are the vaccinations against uncommon ones? As we moved on to the x-ray we entered a room with 40 maids all wearing orange gowns. Is this what prison looks lik? I must say the ministry did provide clean gowns the last couple of times I've been there but do they change each time to cleans ones, who knows? I refused to have my kids undress and put on those gowns which pissed off the maid barking out directions.

Once we reached the x-ray room the women who I assume to be Kuwaiti were nice and once she saw me whip out my alcohol swabs to clean the machine she cleaned it herself. Gross! They don't swab down the machines either unless you request it. That's the problem in Kuwait, there is no department that makes sure everyone follows rules. It is the Ministry of Health but of course citizens don' have to go through those medicals so they don't care.

I really would like to work for baladiya, I wonder if they are hiring?

If anyone has to do medicals you can request them to change gloves and clean the machines.

New Kuwait International Airport

Foster+Partners won the design for the new Kuwait International Airport......

“Kuwait International Airport will be an iconic new gateway to the State of Kuwait, with a design that is rooted in a sense of place, responsive to the climate and inspired by local materials and architectural traditions. Designed to increase the airport’s capacity to 20 million passengers per year. The strategic aims of the project are matched by a state-of-the-art terminal building, providing passengers with the highest levels of comfort and operational efficiency and latest technology. Through it’s newest design approach and technical considerations, this project aims to support the State’s policy in transforming Kuwait into a financial and economic center.

Will it take 20 years to complete?

Commercial visit to ‘work’ soon for some nationalities

I figured it wouldn't last long, just like all the other moves they made. Just close the country to everyone, assess the situation of people in the country, deport those who are illegal, get things in order and then open the country back up to people.

Commercial visit to ‘work’ soon for some nationalities:

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor will soon allow the transfer of commercial visit visas to work permits for the citizens of the European Union member states, America, Japan and the other countries exempted from visa fees, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs Jamal Al-Dosari.

Disclosing the ministry intends to coordinate with its interior counterpart to lay down a mechanism for such transfers, Al-Dosari said this step is in line with the agreement that Kuwait had previously signed with 38 nations to exempt their citizens from visa fees. He affirmed the decision will be announced officially after the meeting between the two ministries.

On the other hand, the Economic Reform Panel at the Consultative Committee for Handling Economic Positions has asked the public institutions to submit their suggestions to be included in the report on ways to address the economic problems of the country. Sources said the report will be forwarded to HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah upon completion. Sources added the panel will meet on Thursday to finalize its report.

So much for Kuwaitization. Even KSA is doing a better job of getting rid of excess people in their country.

AWARE Center- Arabian Nights Cultural Festival & Mini Exhibition

Something to do on a Friday evening.....

AWARE Center:

21 Oct 2011, 3:00 p.m.

This event is being organized by the AWARE Center to inform & provide our western expatriate community with access to the availability of social, recreational & volunteer-related opportunities throughout Kuwait. A variety of cultural items will also be available for purchase. Entry is free. All are welcome! For further details contact info@aware.com.kw

Enjoy!

‘Pay hikes to up inflation by 40 pc’

The ripple effect is coming.....

‘Pay hikes to up inflation by 40 pc’:

Realistic study on ‘demands’ vital

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 9: The government’s response to strikes and pay hike demands will cause an economic disaster and the inflation rate will jump to record levels, “almost as high as 40 percent in case salaries are increased without a realistic study,” reliable sources told Al-Shahed daily.

Prices of 94 percent commodities in the market increased by nearly 70 percent and they may rise by another 30 percent by January next year, said sources, adding “the middle class would be completely crushed as people in this segment won’t be able to afford such high prices.”

Sources called on the government to curtail expenditure and avoid the coming crises, saying the amount of money being spent is outrageous, considering the fact that there are no achievements to show for it.

The current salaries guarantee a good life to citizens, so there is no need to increase salaries and harm our economy, they said.
Sources explained that nearly KD 9 million will have to be added to the budget in case salaries are increased. Moreover, this will lead to a hike in inflation and the State will have to intervene and spend public money once again.

Nearly 95 percent of Kuwaiti employees in the government sector are convinced that salary hikes without increase in productivity would be a huge mistake that will cost the country and the coming generations dearly.

Sources also criticized the Kuwaiti workers unions for ignoring the higher interests of the country.

"Salary hikes without increase in productivity" nice way of saying you get paid even more to do nothing.

Campaign against cross-dressers

I sure wish this group would have seen the 3 guys/girls that were shopping in Payless (before the building burned down). On Saturday as we were looking for shoes in Payless my daughter comes around the corner telling me to look at the 2 guys wearing dishdasha, as they passed I couldn't figure out if they were girls dressing like guys or guys dressing like girls. They were shopping for high heel womens shoes. As I stood close enough to hear them speak one walks in front of me wearing a baseball cap with long straightened hair and boobs. WTH? I never thought boobs would go with dishdasha.

Campaign against cross-dressers:

Campaign against cross-dressers

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 9 : Some activists have launched a campaign on the social networking site ‘Facebook’ against cross-dressers under the slogan, ‘I am a man’, reports Al-Dar daily.
The founders of this page say they are bent on getting rid of this strange custom “in our society which has been imported from the West in the name of fashion.”
This custom has lured our youth to imitate women in the way they cut their hair, dress or in the manner they speak, they say

From what I could tell one had some sort of wig on that was short like guys hair and the other had a cap on with it's long hair stuffed inside. When I came to Kuwait in 2004 I never saw it even though I'm sure it was there but it was taboo to come out dressed as a girl. Now it's like 'woohoo I want to be a girl so I'm going to Thailand and get fixed up because no one in Kuwait cares.' Now I'm waiting to see them wear heels with dishdasha hehe.....

Mothercare/Payless building in Salmiya BURNS!!!!!!!!!!!!

As we were driving back home via Gulf Street the burnt building caught my attention, then I realized it was the Chicken Tika/Mothercare/Payless building. OMG!!!! I was there on Saturday looking for shoes for my son and now the top half is completely melted!!

The bottom stores are closed and I'm sure the stores have water damage. It looked like a war zone with bowling balls on the ground obvisouly blown out of the windows and the windows in Chicken Tika were also bown out. The restaurants on the first floor had the doors open and all you could smell was smoke. That sucks as the building was renewed a few years back and now the top is melted.

Where Chicken Tika used to be....

Completely melted...

More damage......

Bowling balls on the ground, like they were blown out the windows.....

The bowling alley gutted..........

That really sucks for the business owners, it was in the heart of Salmiya. Well now they have a reason to re-build, after all it was an old building with a new front. Do they have insurance?

Will Payless have a "Smokin' Hot Clearance" Sale?

Hijab Rules

I thought this was cute and explains everything.....

Speaking of plucked eyebrows, whenever I go out I scan all the women's eyebrows trying to find one who doesn't pluck and I have to say I haven't found one yet. Even the most religious looking women have perfect plucked eyebrows. Is there anyone out there who doesn't pluck?

Pro Kart Kuwait

I've seen the track from the highway and when we came back from Farwaniya I saw the exit to get to the track, I will try to check it out on my day off as I love racing.

Karting dream in Kuwait became true, a professional pro karting circuit is open now, if you want to live the real completion racing challenge visit us at Jaber AlAhmad International Circuit located on the 6Th motorway between 50& 55 roads at the opposite side of 360 Mall.

Pro Kart circuit is opened all week days, special programs could be arranged for groups , schools,universities and teams wishing to participate in the championships (corporate) , 14 years old drivers are permited to race (male& female)

Check out their link:

www.prokartkw.com

Want to complain or praise services in Kuwait? Service Hero is here!

Doing some internet surfing I found this rating website. Looks pretty cool and I got to complain and also praise some of the companies I've visited.

"Welcome back to Service Hero, the only index in the Arab world that measures service quality across different sectors or industry categories. Voting for your 2011 Service Hero will begin in the fall. Over 400 total brands were voted by you in 2010, and we hope you help us increase that number for 2011.

Through Service Hero, consumers like you are able to rate service quality for places you frequent, like your bank, café or car garage. Your votes allow companies to learn about their strengths and weaknesses and how they compare with competitors. Your votes also provide industry averages and an overall country average which can be compared on a global scale.

The Service Hero survey is conducted in a unique way; all voting and open-ended commentary are done online in order to make voting easier, quicker and to ensure higher quality data.

Voting will take place between October 1 - November 30, 2011. To ensure accurate and fair findings, Service Hero has an Independent Advisory Council in place."

www.servicehero.com

~HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE PARTY~ With DJ BRUCE / DJ LUI & DJ GOOSA

For those who still party, here's one on Halloween.......

~HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE PARTY~ With DJ BRUCE / DJ LUI & DJ GOOSA:

TRUESOUND ENTERTAINMENT"
PRESENTS

***~HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE PARTY~*** 27th oct 2011 , From 8pm - 4am Thursday..!

With DJ BRUCE (TRUSOUND ENTERTAINMENT) / DJ LUI ( SECRET SOUND SERVICE) & DJ GOOSA(UK)..!!

SPINNING SUM CRAZZY DEEP / TECH & PROGRESSIVE HOUSE MUSIC ..!!

NEW SOUND / LIGHTS / & DJ EQUIPMENT..!!

BEST DRESSED COUSTUME WINS A CELL PHONE..!! SO PARTY PEOPLE DRESS TO IMPRESS , OR DRESS TO SCARE THE SHITT OUTA SOMEBODY..!!

TICKETS : COUPLES : 10KD
SINGLE GIRL : 5KD
SINGLE GUY : 10KD ..

Inclusive of soft drinks & Snacks..!

Buzz DJ BRUCE on 66627086 to get hold of tickets or futher info..!! LIMITTED TICKETS so get them at the earliest..!!

Party On!

Govt eyes increasing fees of services in view of salary hike

For every action there is a reaction, and here it comes to those who insisted on getting more money. Now you will pay more for services so in the end you are no better than before. You would think that these people who protest have seen this happen many times before and that they would just be happy with what they have. Any time there is extra money given something increases.

Unfortunately everyone else has to pay for their increases. We aren't the ones who whined and complained and cried to get a few extra KD yet we will pay for it in the end. Thanks a lot guys!

Govt eyes increasing fees of services in view of salary hike:

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 5: The government intends to increase the fees for services provided to citizens and residents to compensate for the salary increments granted to employees in the public sector, reports Al-Rai daily quoting reliable sources.

Sources explained the government was supposed to take this step four years ago to cover its budget deficit and ease its financial burdens, considering the pay raise proposals approved in the last 15 years without any increase in fees for various public services. Sources said the executive authority believes this is the right time to implement the proposal, because the Privatization Law allows it to do so, in addition to the absence of a taxation system in the country.

Sources disclosed the price and size of gas cylinders will be changed, just like other GCC countries. Sources said the price of gas cylinders for home use will increase by 25 to 50 percent, while those in restaurants and shops will increase by 100 percent as they come in different shapes and sizes. Sources pointed out the price of gas cylinders in Kuwait is the lowest in the region.

And so in the end you are still making the same money and maybe less once the prices are increased. Good job!

Market Place Q8

I found a new website called Market Place Q8, it's a new Kuwaiti auction site. There are only a few items listed so far but it's a new concept.

Check out the link:

http://www.marketplaceq8.com/

The new Kuwaiti eBay perhaps?

For the bedoos, no auctioning off sheep or goats. lol

ABHA pain continues...

I posted about my unfortunate trip to ABHA before Ramadan, well due to the pain in the same tooth I had to go to my regular dentist now that he's back in town. After all the pain and suffering from ABHA it seems the dentist did not fix my cavity correctly. A week ago I started feeling pain in the same tooth so I made an appointment with my regular doctor.

Last night I discovered that the ABHA dentist did not clean the cavity correctly. This meant I had to have the whole procedure done again. Thanks a lot ABHA clinic. Where did he get his dental license from?

No matter what pain I'm in I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO ABHA.

I will say Thank You to Dr. Fadi Syriani at the International Clinic, you are my hero and a great dentist! I just wish I didn't have to drive to Salmiya.

Kuwait's Wataniya plans second listing in Qatar

I didn't know Wataniya was majority-owned by Qatar.

Kuwait's Wataniya plans second listing in Qatar - Markets - ArabianBusiness.com:

Kuwait's National Mobile Telecommunications Co (Wataniya), which is majority-owned by Qatar Telecommunications (Qtel), plans to launch a dual listing on the Doha exchange by the year-end, its chief executive said on Tuesday.

"(The) Qatar listing is still on the cards, but has taken a bit of time because of issues between the exchanges. They have asked for more information," Scott Gegenheimer told reporters on the sidelines of a conference. "It's planned before the year-end."

The dual listing is meant to give Qataris access to the company's stock without going to the Kuwaiti market, said Gegenheimer.

The executive said Wataniya, which also operates in North Africa, the Maldives and the Palestinian Territories, still intended to launch an initial public offering for its private mobile operator, Tunisiana.

Mashallah, Qatar is buying up the world.

AWARE Center

THe AWARE center is having some great events this month.

AWARE Center:

AWARE Members Guided Tour:

"Kuwait Old City" Saturday, October 15, at 9:00am This tour will include historical sites in Kuwait City. Put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes for an enjoyable day out to learn about Kuwait's past. (Transport, Tour Guide & Buffet Lunch Included) Fees apply. Bus Departure from AWARE: 9:00am (Fee: 5KD for our members)

Great for people new to Kuwait.

Islam-inspired comic superheroes head to US

Something Kuwait can be proud of.......

Islam-inspired comic superheroes head to US - Arts - ArabianBusiness.com:

Even US President Barack Obama took notice of them. Now, New Yorkers may do, too, as the Arab world’s first superheroes make their screen debut at the New York Film Festival.

Naif Al-Mutawa yesterday presented “THE 99,” his series starring supernatural characters. His creations have also appeared as comics, alongside Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. They are based on the 99 attributes of Allah mentioned in the Koran, such as wisdom, generosity and tolerance.

Batina, which stands for the Hidden, is a Burqa-wearing character from Yemen, while Hazel-eyed Widad, or the Loving, has long lustrous brown hair and originates from the Philippines. The giant Jabbar, or the Powerful, is a native of Saudi Arabia and resembles the Hulk. His sneeze can bring down a house and his touch can shatter a brick. These are some of Al-Mutawa’s heroes on a mission to conquer evil.

Click on the link to read the full article or click below to visit the 99 website.....

http://www.the99.org/

Thank you Mowasat Hospital

I must say this last weekend has really tested my faith. My daughter had swelling in her leg, thinking it was minor I took her to the government clinic- no insurance. They Egyptian doctor acted like it was minor and sent her for a shot and dressing of the wound. The next day I headed back to the clinic for the second round and saw that her leg was even more red and swollen. I decided she needed a hospital with real doctors.

She ended up at Mowasat Hospital in Salmiya. What was minor turned into a 4 day hospital stay and minor surgery. I must say that Mowasat is excellent place for kids. The nurses station has paintings and the nurses are great. They checked in on my daughter often and the housekeeping kept everything clean and sanitary. If you needed a nurse they would arrive immediately after you pushed the button. I would compare it to the states.

They treated her kind when she was crying about going to surgery and made sure she had everything she needed. Everyone there was really great and I would like to thank the staff at Mowasat for easing a scary situation.

I really hate the government clinics now. They cost me 24 hours of medical treatment for my daughter because of their stupidity. They could have at least given me a referral to the hospital instead of treating it as a minor scrape. I wonder how many people have suffered even more due to the carelessness of these so-called "doctors". I guess you get what you pay for. Free health care equals low quality service. Adol and surgery syrup or a shot in the butt is not always the answer to someones illness. No wonder why you hardly see Kuwaiti people there. I am now afraid to ever go back to anything government.

Is there anyone who really regulates the hospitals and clinics?