For me, there were a few things that ruined the World Cup this year. Here are the top 10:

10- Opening Ceremony- Let’s start from the beginning. The opening ceremony was dull, boring, and so very uncreative. The fact that there was a giant bug roaming around the stadium (which was half empty), and a hundred people dancing randomly on the pitch summarizes the “organization” of the opening ceremony. Side note: the closing ceremony was much much more exciting.

9- The Jabulani- Ah yes, the much talk about Jabulani ball. Tests were conducted, experts had their say, and footballers voiced their concern, but FIFA and Adidas were too stubborn to listen. It is still debatable whether the ball actually made any difference. But the fact that so many players (especially ‘keeprs) complained about it left us wondering every time a long shot came in, whether that was a spectacular effort, or just the “Jabulani effect”.

8- All those Flops- The names Rooney (and half the England Team), Anelka, and Van Persie all come to mind. Simply put, this World Cup big stars failed to shine on the biggest stage of all. Some seamed hampered with pressure, others just disinterested with the game, and most just simply couldn’t live up to expectations. The fact that Thomas Muller and Diego Forlan collected the golden prizes of this World Cup shows you how many flops this tournament had- no offence to Muller or Forlan.

7- France- Yes, the whole team. The fiasco that emerged from Les Blues was a disgrace to French football. While the world tried to focus on some much awaited football, the French were left occupied with mutiny and disrespect. Ireland was laughing its heart out.

6- Raymon Domenech, Fabio Capello, and Dunga- three coaches who made some awful decisions both in tactics and team selections. The fact that these coaches left out key players (Walcott, Ronaldinho, Pato, Nasri, Benzema) ment that we were starved for real talent this World Cup. Fabio Capello’s tactics is a whole different story, especially for English fans.

5- (The Lack Of) Video Technology and Poor refereeing- It was 1966 all over again. Did it cross the line? This time, the whole world was sure that Lampard’s dipping effort crossed the line- well the whole world except for the referee and his linesman. But little blame can be placed on the officials. A lot of blame, however, can be placed on Blatter and (yet again) FIFA’s stuborness. As for some of the refereeing decision, were all left to wonder: How did Klose get sent off? How was Tevez’s goal not offside? All those penalties in the Spain Paraguay match? Why was the US’s goal disallowed? Oh, and Mr. Webb, how did you not send off 4 players from Holland (and a couple from Spain) in the final

4- Empty Seats- in 2006, I couldn’t remember a single game in which there were more than a few empty seats. This year, there were empty seats even in the quarter finals! In the last 16 game between S. Korea and Uruguay, there were more empty seats than occupied ones in the front row. It was an embarrassment for football, and probably caused by really high ticket prices.

3- Fernando Torres, Keita, Robben, Vidal (and many more)- All of the aforementioned players have one thing in common. I’ll give you a hint, they all do their diving at sea level. Anyone?  All of those players used play acting (Cheating?) to cause the sending off of opposition players. All of those players are a sorry excuse for professionals. And all of those players were hailed by their countrymen for all the wrong reasons.

2- The Netherlands in the Final- anti football was a common strategy (theme?) this World Cup for small teams. But for a team of the magnitude and history of Holland to play the way they did in the final is a disgrace to the “beautiful” game. In every way possible, the Oranje kicked and harassed the Spanish players and the Officials. It was a sad sight to see, and it (almost) ruined the Final.

1- The Vuvuzela- and could it be anything else. To be completely honest, this whole list was compiled just so that I can say how much the Vuvuzela ruined this World Cup. It is no understatement to say that I would have enjoyed each and every game ten times more had this “instrument” been absent. Elephants and bee hives are among animals compared to the Vuvuzela. The 5 foot horn drowned any hint of atmosphere from the crowd, and it annoyed the hell out of pundits and commentators on the pitch. It was simply a stupid stupid idea that ultimately ruined this World Cup for me, and for about 100 million other people.

So what else ruined YOUR World Cup experience? Drop us a comment and let us know!

And on a completely related note, here is the current top ten Habbat (Habbas?) in Kuwait.

10- Sweatpants (Sweats) - Let’s starts with the basics: Sweatpants. Yes, I admit they are comfy, warm (in Kuwait?), durable, and easy to wear and match. But all of that does NOT mean you can wear them to every-single-place you go. Sweats might be alright when you’re heading to the store for a snack, or when you’re hanging out with your friends, but it’s not alright to wear them to restaurants, malls, or, and I hope to never see this, weddings.

9- GYMs; Fitness- I’m not an obese blob blogging from my mother’s basement. I have nothing against being in shape. But I’m certainly against abusing steroids and growth hormones for the sake of looking “good” (notice the quotation marks). I’m 90% certain that most people who join a GYM in Kuwait do it just so that on a random day if somebody mentions it, they can say, “Yeah, I hit some dumbbells at Oxygen le3dailya”.

8- Studying Abroad- Perhaps the most positive item on this list. I bet that, if you’re Kuwaiti, you know at least 5 people who are currently studying abroad. All of a sudden, everybody wants to go to school in California, or Miami, or any other place that people seem to think is cool. But perhaps this is one trend I’m not too eager to stop right now.

7- Every boy (and girl) is an expert on football and loves Barcelona- I think the title is self-explanatory. I get why everybody thinks they’re a football expert sometimes (myself included), but I’m not exactly sure why suddenly everyone started loving Barcelona. Girls especially! To all self proclaimed Catalonians, I’ll concede that you are real Barca fans if you can name three players who have played for BOTH Barcelona and Real Madrid.  Google is not allowed.

6- Ray Bans- Yes, they are very stylish. No, you don’t have to have one because you want to look as cool as your friend (he’s not that cool, by the way). Yes, they’re a nice accessory. No, you don’t have to own five pairs. Yes, they’re necessary for Kuwait’s sun. No, it’s not cool to wear them indoors.

5- Red Bull- I’m starting to think the majority of Kuwaiti teenagers actually believe they’ll have wings if they drink Red Bull. (They won’t, just to be clear). The point of energy drinks is to revitalize your body and mind when you’re feeling depleted. So, Red Bull consumers of Kuwait, why do you drink it 3 times a day, while you’re eating, walking, shopping, or just breathing? Jack Bauer is up 24 hours saving America, and I’ve never seen him touch an energy drink.

4- A&F, American Eagle, and Ralph Lauren- If you’re wearing sweats and Ray Bans, you’re probably also wearing an a-bit-too-tight A&F Polo. I’m starting to think Kuwait exists in a world where only Ralph Lauren, American Eagle, and A&F sells clothes. Oh, and if you’re buying the fake, unauthentic, crap, than that’s just… sad.

3- Mac- Mr. Steve Jobs, I salute you. You are the master of creating overpriced gadgets that Kuwaitis must have on their quest towards the peak of Mount Coolness. “Hello, I’m a PC” .. “And I’m a douche- I mean Mac, sorry.” (Commercial reference, anyone?)

2- Pinkberry- Maybe the forbidden fruit in Heaven wasn’t an apple, but rather a spoonful of Pinkberry frozen yogurt. I haven’t tried this frozen sensation yet, but it can’t be so good that people are willing to line up for hours across the Avenues just to get a bite, can it? I’m just starting to wonder whether this particular bubble will ever burst.

1- The Blackberry- Dear Mr. Blackberry (I’m assuming you named you’re little invention after yourself), You don’t know who I am but I know who you are and I know what you done. You had sex with my mother and then you stole my dad’s money all away. So he got angry and he killed my mother and then he killed himself, too. All I know is your name. But one of these days I’m going to find you and I’m going to give you this letter so you’ll remember what you done to me [and my cyber friends]. You killed my [social life], Mr. Blackberry.” – Lost reference, anyone? Sawyer, revenge, all that stuff? No? Anyone?

So, there you have it. If any of these habbat applies to you, let us know, we won’t judge. No, we will. But tell us anyway.

* This list was compiled by an impartial panel of 7 individuals.

J.P. beleived in that philosophy.

Directly across the street from where I live in Champaign, Illinois, there is the 18 story tall Burnham building. The recently finished apartment building is one of the tallest buildings on the University of Illinois campus. So when my friend called me to tell me that a PhD student had jumped from the 18th floor of the Burnham building, the first thought that popped into my head was “he chose the right building”.

Emergency workers respond to the report of a person who jumped Thursday from an upper floor of the 18-story Burnham310 building in Champaign.

This man used a fire extinguisher to break a window in the 18th floor hallway. He then jumped, intending to commit suicide. Unfortunately for him, he landed on the ceiling of a four story adjacent building. He was not dead (ironic imprecision from a Civil Engineering PhD student). But being the determined man he is, J.P. got up, dusted himself off, and jumped again from the 4th floor. Unfortunately, he AGAIN did not die.

60 seconds later an ambulance picked the man up, and looked optimistic to save his life. But J.P. was strong and determined enough to finish off the job in time. He was finally successful. He died in surgery.

J.P’s determination will live on, even though it was the thing that ultimately killed him.

The End.

Story in the news: http://www.news-gazette.com/news/courts-police-and-fire/2010-04-01/person-jumps-upper-floor-burnham-310-building.html

The rationale of handing citizens an enormous 5000 KD is hard to see, yet alone defend. However, in his post, M.R. makes a few assumptions based on “slippery slopes” arguments. Here is a clarification of why those arguments are flawed.

The recent inflation in Kuwait was not an effect of the increase in Salary. At that time, the Kuwaiti Dinar was tied with U.S. Dollar in the currency exchange (perfect correlation). Therefore, when the dollar depreciated, so did the K.D. Kuwait immediately untied its currency from the U.S.D., and hedged it with the Gold market, a very smart move.

In essence, it was the economic crisis in the world that caused the massive inflation in Kuwait, and not an increase in consumer income. One cannot make the assumption that increasing consumer income lead to an increase in demand and therefore an increase in prices, since the 50 KD initial increase is too insignificant on the national scale to cause such a rift.

M.R. suggests that the 5000 KD proposition is a ridiculous mistake that has no upside. However, we have to realize that, in theory, the 5000 K.D. solution is plausible. Kuwait operates in a moderate capitalist economy. In a capitalist state, consumer purchasing power is the main driver of the economy. Governments have a job in maintain consumer purchasing power (create jobs, enterprises, policy, etc). Thus, if the government can afford it, handing citizens a healthy amount of money to sustain purchasing power is theoretically the right decision. It would certainly go a long way to revitalize a slowly dying economy.

M.R. goes on to say that when the government hands over money, it’s never the solution. But if we take a look at how the U.S. handled its recent financial crisis, we might reconsider that suggestion. The U.S. government “handed over” a massive 700 billion dollars for different part of the financial sector, and that made a remarkable impact in securing some of the biggest financial institutes in the world.

In essence, the 5000 KD plan is certainly not based on a well-thought out plan. But we cannot ignore that, in theory, it makes perfect sense for a capitalist economy.

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

The Ricky Gervais Show is basically a cartoon. BUT, it’s of a special kind. Simply put, a few years ago, Gervais and his two mates Steve Merchant and Karl Pilkington started uploading podcasts where they would talk about random stuff for half an hour or so. HBO took those podcasts and turned them into a cartoon where an animated version of the three Brits sit around and talk. I know, it doesn’t sound funny at all. But TRUST me! This show is hilarious. (Unless of course you think Comedy is subjective??? No!)

It’s not the sort of show you watch because you want to see a series of comedic events, with a plot forced to merge them together. It’s more of a show you watch over some coffee and tea, and when you have some free time to kill. Basically, it’s not serious, it’s pointless, it’s absolutely ridiculous; and that’s what makes it fantastic. Of course, I can’t write about this show without highlighting Mr. Karl Pilkington, who is a comedy genius without even realizing it, which makes him more of a genius (I think I’m starting to be too liberal with the word “genius”, but you get the point.) He is undoubtedly the star of this show.

Pilot episode airs today, Friday the 19th, but can be seen online on TV.com and HBO (only if you’re in the U.S.)

Catch this show if you want some lighthearted laughs.

Here is the link for the pilot (Again, only for the US)

http://www.tv.com/video/36244/episode-1?o=tv&tag=content_wrap;episode_header

P.S. I might have overrated this show, since I have only watched one episode. But I’d put my money on saying it’ll stay funny for at least a while.

Oprah was right: Kuwaitis live like a congregation of Paris Hiltons; most of them anyway.

In case you didn’t know, Oprah has ALLEGEDLY said something along the lines of:

“In Kuwait, Egyptians build the houses, the Indians clean the streets, the Filipinos raise their children, the Indonesians cook the food and the Americans handle defense while they just act like Paris Hiltons.”

In general, Kuwaitis have responded negatively to these comments. Blogs are all raising anti Oprah campaigns, and I have already been invited to about 3 different facebook groups all demanding an apology from Oprah.

But to be honest, I don’t see where all this commotion is coming from. The statement is actually quite accurate. Before you start sending the hate mail, let me try to explain.

1-Kuwait is a dependent nation: Kuwait may have an independent government, but the economy, labor force, and consumer products are ALL dependent on other countries. The point is highlighted quite clearly in that quote. However, in fairness Kuwait is a tiny country with limited resources (other than the huge Oil reserves of course). On the other hand, it is easy to see that Kuwait’s economy would be much stronger if there were a stronger national labor force.

2- Kuwait’s Society is very privileged: Except for the part “Filipinos raise their children” (which is not totally inaccurate), I can’t disagree with the fact that the people of Kuwait have learned to rely on others for everyday chores. That is not to say that this is bad. My opinion is: if you can afford a rest, than why not buy it. In theory, the fact that all the small details of life are left to others to handle in Kuwait, Kuwait’s society is left to develop in the important departments. That’s only in theory though.

3- Kuwait is influenced greatly by the West: and so is the rest of the world. I probably sound like every other conservative Kuwaiti, but the youth in Kuwait have become playing dough shaped and molded by the shallow perspective of Western society. This is a generalization, I know. But you can’t blame for thinking that a lot of Kuwaiti girls try to look and act like Paris Hilton, and a lot of Kuwaiti guys try to look like.. well.. Paris Hilton! I don’t mean this literally, of course, and neither does the original quote. I’m just scratching my head trying to figure out why half the people in Marina Mall or the Avenues look like they just came from an Elton John party in West Hollywood. Having said that, I still believe Kuwait’s youth are capable of achieving great success if guided in the right direction.

I seriously doubt that Oprah said those things (she’s not that stupid), but nevertheless, it gave us a chance to reflect on our society, and how the rest of the world perceives us.

So what does everyone else think? Is Kuwait really as described in that quote?

Note: I’m not defending Oprah, I actually resent her, but more on that later.

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.)

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!

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.

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!