The Other Side: “Slavery”

Published February 5, 2010 Bo 3zez , The.Debate Leave a Comment
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This post is a short response arguing “the other side” of FaithQ8’s post entitled “Slavery”.

FaithQ8, in her most recent post, shed some light on a hurtful truth that encompasses Kuwait and its society. However, as any diligent writer would know, there are two sides to every story. This is the other side.

I must say that I find that title of the original post (and the quite clear message it sends)  to be somewhat misleading. The world slavery ultimately means that one has no freedom and no means by which to attain it. However, in the porters’ situation highlighted by my fellow writer, those employees are under a contract, nothing more, and therefore can leave at any time. Therefore, the term slavery is out of context here.

Although I do not doubt the credibility of the writer, I do feel that some reports can be inaccurate and exaggerated. However, no one can argue that 17KD a month is a dismal salary that leaves no room for any sort of needs, let alone luxuries. Having said that, we cannot attribute the inhumane crimes some of these “workers” commit to be acts of desperation, and we certainly cannot condemn it to be the fault of the employers. I truly cannot see how robbery, murder and brutal rape of children and woman are acts that would want me to raise the pay of these workers. In fact, if anything, banishing them seems to be a more graceful solution.

Yes, many companies take advantage of government grants, and deny the basic rights of porters. Nevertheless, hasn’t the Kuwaiti government donated more than its share of effort and money to every poor country in Africa, and to every crisis-hit area of South Asia? In terms of turning a blind sight, the Kuwaiti government has certainly paid attention to help a starving world.

As for the working conditions and incompetence that my fellow writer mentions (the vacuum story), I ask: is it not out of sympathy that porters are given a job (on the lowest level) even if they cannot handle it? I find it hard to imagine another job that requires any less competence.

We mustn’t be so naïve as to think that those who are pressured into such situations always deserve our sympathy. I absolutely agree that the working conditions in Kuwait are traitorous and in need of change. But I also realize that it is those porters who have chosen to work in Kuwait.

If anything, I praise my country for given everyone not just a chance, but a choice as well.

(As I said, every diligent writer needs to argue the other side, and so please note that this post is an argument, and not a belief statement.)

Top Ten Underrated TV Shows

Published February 3, 2010 Bo 3zez , The Top Tens Leave a Comment
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Last night, the LOST season 6 premiere reminded us what great TV is. Unfortunately, some brilliant TV shows go unnoticed. So let’s take a look at the Top 10 underrated shows on TV. Please note that this only includes shows in the past few yeasr.

10-Da Ali G Show – Underrated by: Actor/Producers.

Sacha Cohen’s Ali G was one of the quickest, smartest, and funniest talk shows (?) on TV. It successfully moved from the UK to the US, and made an international brand out of itself. However, Sacha’s creativity became his enemy as he went on to focus on his other characters Borat and Bruno. Eventually, Da Ali G show was pulled of the air.

9- Extras-Underrated by: American Audience.

Ricky Gervais is a master of dry comedy. Extras was his second show (after the original Office), and it was highly rated by TV critics. The reason it is on this list is because it never got the same love from the general audience. Perhaps the reason it wasn’t a hit in the U.S. was that it aired on HBO, and perhaps it was just because the audience “didn’t get it” (watch show for reference).

8- Tonight Show with Conan O’brien- Underrated by: Network (NBC).

The world is still dismay at the NBC late night schedule fiasco. How can Conan O’brien have TWO goodbye shows within 12 months? The answer lies within the stupidity of NBC executives. I won’t go into the details of why Conan’s show was cancelled after only 7 months, but rest assured that “Coco” will find another place where his talents are truly appreciated. (Fox?)

7- My Name is Earl: Underrated by: Network (NBC)

This down to earth comedy was a hit when it first started. True, it did lose some of its appeal after 4 seasons. However, it was doing a heck better than “Community” or “Parks”. NBC, somehow, got it wrong- again. If the show were given time to recover, and at least one more season to wrap up, audiences wouldn’t feel betrayed by the Network- again.

6- Flight of the Concord- Underrated by: General Audience.

Never heard of it? That’s ok, neither have 5.95 billion others. This show is definitely unique and has a taste of its own. If you like dry comedy that relies on awkward situations (queue “The Office”), you would love this show. The random songs in the middle of episodes give it a little extra.. something. Sadly, it will not be returning for another season. However, I still advise you to check it out on DVD (or other illegal ways).

5- The IT Crowd- Underrated by: International Audience

Yet another British hit show on our list. The IT crowd was your typical sitcom+laugh reel show. Or was it? What made this show so great were the characters. Go youtube some of its episodes, and you’ll see what I mean. However, the personality of the show did not find appeal within international audiences. In fact, NBC shot an American pilot for this show. Apparently, it was so bad it never aired (thank god!).

4- Top Gear- Underrated by: International Audience

Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the best Car Show to grace our TV screens. From Botswana to Japan to the North Pole, there hasn’t been any place (or anything) the Top Gear Trio haven’t adventured. So before you start telling me this show gets the love it deserves, allow me to explain why I think it’s underrated. It is beyond me why this show hasn’t got the international recognition it deserves. It’s true; Clarkson is a condescending when it comes to anybody other than Brits, but nevertheless, this show is pure entertainment. For being one of the most entertaining shows on TV for the last decade, Top Gear is criminally underrated overseas.

3- Breaking Bad- Underrated by: General Audience

One of the best Dramas. Ever. Simply reading the synopsis for an Episode of BB is far more exciting that watching a whole season of “Gossip Girls” (10 overrated shows, anyone?). This show was praised in Awards (Emmy’s), but is still finding it hard to gain the huge popularity it deserves. I mean come on, the show is about a Chemistry teacher who turns into a drug dealer! How can you NOT watch that?

2- Whose Line is it Anyway?- Underrated by: General Audience/Network (ABC)

A very close contender to being the most underrated TV show on our list. “Whose Line”, in case you don’t know, is an improv comedy half-hour show. It is not exaggerating to say you will be laughing your heart out watching an episode of this show. The problem, however, was that this show did not follow a story line or a plot of any kind. This meant the audiences watched it on and off. Eventually, ABC moved around so much that it lost most of its audience. Soon after it ended, Whose Line became a youtube phenomena- proof that ABC mishandled the show.

1- Arrested Development- Underrated by: General Audience

For the second time, Arrested tops our top 10 list. This time, for the wrong reasons. This has to be the most underrated show in TV history. The strange thing about Arrested is that it became HUGELY popular AFTER it was cancelled! Fox tried to keep the show on as long as it could, but the rating were simply too low. Most people found the show’s plot to be “too complicated” (queue “Lost”), and lost interest in the show. Maybe that explains why DVD sales of this show are still through the roof. In fact, the show became so popular, there is going to be an AR movie coming very soon. If only people realized the treasure that was buried beneath them before it was gone. We could’ve had much more than 3 seasons.

Think we got this list all wrong? Leave us a comment and tell us what your lists looks like!

The Man in Detroit

Published January 27, 2010 Bo 3zez Leave a Comment
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(1 Minute Read)

In Detroit, my two friends and I went  into a mosque for afternoon prayer. By the time I was done praying, the mosque was almost empty. As I waited for one of my friends to finish his prayers, I noticed a man walk in on crutches, the same you would use for an injured leg. He walked until he stopped by the left wall. He took a minute to breath, and turned around. I thought he was looking for a chair. However, he took a quick look at the two chair beside me and my friend, and turned to ready himself for prayer.

To my amazement, he left the crutches on the wall, and stood more upright than most men. With an “allahu akbar” he began to pray. I kept wondering how he was going to kneel and sit. Nothing could interrupt my stare as I saw that man do all the parts of the prayer perfectly. He kneeled, sat, and did Sujood. My friend had literally dropped his jaw.

You must be wondering now why we were so amazed. There are thousands of people who use crutches in the world and still pray diligently.

But this man, an African American Muslim who stood upright and straight, and kneeled before his creator- this man had only one leg.

Indeed- the Lord Giveth, and the Lord Taketh Away.

Top Ten Essentials for Getting a Job

Published January 25, 2010 Bo 3zez , The Top Tens 1 Comment
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The Economic Recession has hit the job market hard. In an increasingly competitive market, graduates fresh out of college are finding it difficult to secure a job. Here is a look at the main essentials a college graduate needs in order to be employed.

Let’s get down to business-

10. Presenting yourself: Dressing well, combing your hair, and looking sharp may seem a little superfluous. However, these things are a reflection of who you are. You must present yourself in a suitable manner.

9. Professionalism: Following on the same line as the previous point, a job candidate must be professional in their behavior at all time. Amateur mistakes WILL cost you a job if you’re careless. Remember that being professional means watching out for small details such as arriving on time, speaking formally to employers, and maintaining overall good conduct.

8. Relative interest in job position: it is crucial for a job candidate to be interested in the job for which they are applying. If you are engineering major, don’t go applying to a marketing position. Employers will only be interested in you if you show that you are genuinely interested in them.

7. Personality: find a job that suits your personality. If you are a likable, smooth talking person, it may not suit you to apply for “behind closed doors” position. In general, employers like to see ambition, determination, and a strong team work ethic from fresh university grads.

6. GPA: Many people might list GPA as number 1 on the list. However, GPA is just an indicator of your understanding of related work knowledge. It goes without saying that a higher GPA will present you with more opportunities. However (!), this is not absolutely crucial nor is it in anyway a decisive factor.

5. Networking: As they say in business, “it’s all about WHO you know!”. Build your contact list as much as you can, and make sure it is with people who can introduce you to opportunities. The equation is simple –> Job Opportunities= (People you Know) X (all other factors).

4. Strong Educational Background: with the current economic climate, this factor has become especially important. Employers look at your school name as a signal of credibility for the quality of your education. You better forget people telling you “you just have to be a U.S. or U.K. graduate”; those days are gone. (Obviously, higher degrees will earn you more points)

3. Distinctive Resume (Extracurricular Activities): And I don’t mean printing it on pink paper. Most job candidates look about the same on paper. A resume is chance for you to show how you stand out. Include any exceptional volunteer work, club affiliations, and unique interests and hobbies you have. In college, take the chance to explore some extracurricular activities. Employers find that candidates with more E.A’s have more passion and interest for their work. Do not underestimate those things!

2. Outstanding interview: the interview and your resume go hand in hand. Remember that job interviews are a CHANCE to present a case for why you should get this job! Make a great impression, and leave them thinking that you are the perfect candidate. Elaborate on your resume, highlight your strengths, and present your personality.

1. Related Work Experience: the head of H.R. at one of the biggest oil companies in Kuwait told me once that he would hire a person with a 3.0 GPA and relative work experience, over a 4.0 with no experience. Do not fear, however, most college grads lack any sort of professional experience. Therefore, seize the opportunity and find an internship in the summer, or a part time position somewhere in order to truly stand out from the rest of the pack!

There you have it: 10 essentials for getting a job. And in case you were wondering, here are my sources:

1- T. Flanagin, PhD Management, University of Illinois.

2- Isam Al Sager, CEO, National Bank of Kuwait.

3- Heba Bourosly, Head of Recruiting, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait

4- K. Behbehani, Head of HR and Marketing, PIC

Please feel free to tell us if we missed anything, or if you think we should order the items differently!

Opportunity in Disaster

Published January 22, 2010 Bo 3zez 2 Comments
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(2 minutes read)

The tsunami that hit Southeast Asia in 2004 left over 200,000 people dead. The destruction was unprecedented in recent history, and the shock was on a level the human mind cannot comprehend. While the world scrambled in despair to try and help the devastated nations of Sumatra and Indonesia, capitalist fundamentalists (Of the Milton Friedman/Chicago School of Economics) sought to seize “the opportunity” to implement an extremist capitalistic free market economy. The tsunami has created a shock that broke down that region of the world into pieces. The way to rebuild it, according to free market thinkers, was to implement an extreme free market economy. And they did. Privatization soon became synonymous with solutions to worldwide chaos. But capitalism turned out, in fact, to be their catalyst. (Refer to “The Shock Doctrine” by Naomi Kline for more information on Shock Theory in Economics)

It is a classical business view to find opportunity in disasters. In the most simplistic (and pessimistic) way, it could be done through setting up fake charities that would collect money solely for profit. Free profits, as a businessperson would call it.

In more traditional cases, one would create a problem and be paid for its solution.

Fredrick Douglas, a famous slave essayist, mentions in one of his essays how white people would encourage slaves to run away from their masters. Later on, they would recapture them and return them for the reward.

If we review the facts in history, we would find that many of the heroes we perceive are indeed the villains.

On a side note (an essential one), I encourage you to help in the relief effort for Haiti. My favorite foundation is the stillerstrong Charity for the children of Haiti. (Don’t be put off by the comedic picture there, its Ben Stiller’s after all)

http://www.stillerstrong.org/

The Difference Between Japan and Kuwait

Published January 1, 2010 Bo 3zez 1 Comment
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(2 minute read)

A few days ago my friend (HJ) and I were talking to a Japanese lady at a store. As you would expect from a tourist, I asked her how to say some words in Japanese. After teaching me how to say hello and thank you in Japanese, I wanted to know how to say “How are you?” as a greeting in her language. I was stunned when she told me that in Japanese culture people do not use questions and inquiries as a form of greetings. In fact, in Japan, people start the conversation with a simple “Hello” or “Hi”, and jump right into the point.

Such is Japanese culture: efficient. Words, like resources, are used optimally in Japan. Time is seldom wasted on superfluous matters.

In Kuwait (and the Arab World), a conversation is precluded by countless questions about one’s health, life, work, etc. This is true even for close friends who see each other weekly. In Kuwait, if a conversation lasts an hour, 59 minutes are used to ask about you, your dad, your mom, your aunt, uncle, brother, sister, cousins, and any other form of immediate and non-immediate family one can think of. This would be fine if the person asking those questions actually cares about those people. But 99% of the time, these questions are asked as part of a social contract.

Such is Kuwaiti (and Arab) Culture: inefficient, time wasting, and filled with techniques to make even the simplest matters complicated.

Midway through the last century, Japan was hit by TWO nuclear bombs. Today, they are an economic giant and a model example of development and growth in the world.

In Kuwait, we still think blocking the road for 3 hours on new year’s eve to be “fun”.

Have an efficient 2010.

- Hashim

Why Blog?

Published October 14, 2009 Bo 3zez Leave a Comment
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The answers to that question could fill a hundred pages of Google search results.

The opportunity to share one’s words with the rest of the world is such a dazzling prospect that, after only a few years of its creation, the word “blog” has become a household term. I’m blogging about this, and you’re blogging about that, and the world is blogging about the world.

I haven’t posted anything for a while because, in truth, I didn’t feel that I had anything substantial to contribute. Blogging has become a means of transmitting thoughts, opinions, critiques, news, and even personal updates (although twitter/facebook has taken the lead on that). But really, there are critics to give critiques, CNN to give us the news, columns and newspapers for people’s opinion, and real life interaction to update people on what is going on in your life.

Blogging, simply, is a new perspective. Have you ever sat down and looked at a complete stranger and thought, “That person has a life of their own. They have their thought, friends, family, hobbies that are completely unrelated to mine.” Personally, I find it mind blowing to think about how obsessed we have become with our own life that we actually find it fascinating to think that other people have a life of their own.

And so enters the world of weblogs; a chance to see the world from a completely new angle, and a glimpse into the thoughts and lives of other people through meaningful discussions. When reading these words, and any other blogs, you are, reader, looking at the world through the eyes of a stranger, if only for a few minutes.

And so, no matter the ridiculous nature of the blog posts, the constant criticism of the blog or the limited number of readers for a certain blog, blogs will continue to grow for now, because we humans love to see how other people are living on this planet.

And so blogging is truly summarized in the slogan of the original MadReds Blog… to “See life OUR way.”

- B.A.

(The Lack of) Innovation in Kuwait

Published June 9, 2009 Bo 3zez Leave a Comment
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bo3zez_icon

Finally, I got wordpress back after having to buy a new laptop because my old one crashed (Mac vs PC anyone?)

Summer is a time of ideas. I’ve noticed that most people set the summer to be a time to DO and start something new.

Every year when I go home for the summer, people tell me about the unreachable goals and unrealistics tasks they set themselves for the next couple of months… They realize of course that what they set out to is probably undoable, but whoever said thinking and dreaming is a crime? If anything, its a blessing.

However, in Kuwait, ideas are born, but they never grow. They stay as they are, thoughts that linger for a while until they die. Why, you wonder? Because Kuwait, like the rest of the gulf, has a ” nay-sayer ” mentality- and that is innovation’s worst enemy.

These days when one comes up with an idea and proposes it to others, the only response he/she gets is a list of obstacles, and a bunch of discouraging words that set a tone of disappointment. Is it hate of innovation? Discouraging others to follow an idea, no matter how stupid, helps absolutely no one.

We are taught from an early age that dreams should be realistic. Yeah, that doesn’t make sense. But that’ts how, in my honest opinion, Kuwaitis are brought up. We are told there is a socially acceptable plan that we have to stick to, and that dreams should remain just that.. dreams. And so, we kill inovation, and build a fear of failure and a fear of the abnormal, even if it has a potential to be successful.

We have become a society of average men and women.

And so I hope that the next time you, my fellow Kuwaiti, come up with a bright idea, I really hope you go along with it, ignore the no-can-doers and find a way to make it work. You might fail- hats true, but you might very well succeed, and that is all that matters.

The box… think outside it.

Top Ten Sports You Have To Try

Published April 27, 2009 Bo 3zez , The Top Tens 2 Comments
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Here are your top ten sports to try before you die:


10- Crab Racing- Sports don’t get any tenser than this! Crab racing is.. well.. racing crabs against each other. Just something to think about next time you’re on the beach.

crab-racing3

9- Zorb Ball- Basically, you role down a hill in a giant inflatable ball. There actually is an official zorb ball website, and it’s a professional sport in New Zealand. Gota go there sometime.

zorb-ball2

8- Rugby- Perhaps the most famous of sports on this list. I’ve played rugby when I was in the U.K. at school. Let me tell you right now, do not attempt to play this sport if you care about your body and health. For those who don’t know, Rugby is basically American Football without the protective gear, and half the rules.

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7- Underwater Hockey- Slightly less aggressive than the previous one. Underwater hockey is a no contact sport where contestants try to manoeuvre the hockey put underwater in a pool. I’ve always wondered what Canadians do when they go crazy.

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6- Mountain Unicycling- Yes, it is exactly like it sounds. If you are up for some danger (and stupidity), this is the sport for you. I think the picture explains it all.

mountain2

5- Jeu de Paume- French for “game of palm”. This sport is the mother of tennis, racquetball, and squash. All you have to do is smack a ball with your palm against a wall. By the way, this was in the Olympics until 1908. Classic game I tell ya.

4- Segway Polo- probably my favourite on this list. This game is the result of technological inventors with time on their hands. They have taken probably the classiest and most historic sport (Polo), and gave it a little twist where they have replaced horses with, yes you guessed it, Segways. I really really wanna try this soon.

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3- Shin Kicking- I also really wanna give this one a go. As a central defender in football, shin kicking comes naturally to me. This game is actually played professionally in Wales and England. Crazy Brits.

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2- Wife Carrying- Got a wife? Love physical competition? Then why not try to carry her over a dangerous terrain and obstacles and try to get to the finish line as fast as you can without dropping her. Oh and by the way, the rules don’t say the wife has to be your own. I’m just quoting the rules here.

wife-carrying2

1- Cell Phone Toss- I wasn’t really sure if this should be number one, but then I thought about how much practice I have already had with this sport. How many times have you tossed your cell phone in frustration? Now you can do it as a sport. The winner of the last International Mobile throwing championship (yes, its real) threw his phone 89 meters!

cell-phone-throwing2

Which one do you wanna try?! Let us know!

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