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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

After a thrilling week of Champions League football, we take a look at what makes a real footie fan… lets see how many you can check off… !

10- You’ve been to one of the following venues: Old Trafford, San Siro, or Camp Nou- because you gotta be where the game is.

9- You know where Ronaldo (the Brazilian) plays now, and where Ronaldo (the Portuguese) use to play- because you have to follow the world game.

8- You’ve gotten into a serious fight about a football issue- because you’re either a scouser, or know a scouser.

7- You can remember transfers, their fees, and dates off the top of your head- because loving the game is living it. (Arjen Robben to Chelsea anyone?)

6- You play footie when/where you’re not suppose to- because I’m not really sorry I broke a piece of the chandelier, Mrs. Friday. (Playing some footie is always worth the sacrifice).

5- You spend more money than you should on football gear- because you dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

4- You’ve missed class, appointments, or a flight to watch a game- that’s why I don’t travel on weekends, or Champions league weeks.

3- You are familiar with the following terms: Gaffer, Giggsy, Cattanacio, come home, full-back, Ibra, skipper, Pichichi, and Gaza- because you have to speak the language to love the game.

2- You know the theme song for Match of The Day- because you want to see every kick of the ball.

1-You NEVER called the game soccer- because that’s not what it’s called!

So.. are you a real football fan? Here is you’re score card:

0- Ever seen a football match?

1-3 You know who David Beckham is, but have no idea what position he plays.

4-6 You probably play the game regulary, but couldn’t care less who won or who scored. For you football is a hobby.

7-9 You watch the games, konw the names, and play the sport.. but you probably couldn’t tell me what Hull City’s last game result was… could ya?

10- A die hard football fan forever. You go to the away games, watch the friendlies, know all the players (even the reserves), and could probably tell me who Beckham scored his wonder goal against. For you, it’s football, football, football, than whatever else is going on in life.

… That you have to go back and see.

As E.R. came to an end this week after 15 great seasons, we take a look back at some shows that ended, but you absolutely have to go back and see again.

10- Joey -

I still don’t understand why this show got canned after just 2 seasons. It’s everything we love about Joey from Friends, and then some more.

9-Futurama-

Futurama has always been a favorite. It’s definitely a show to go back and see, even though most fans probably know the script by heart.

8- E.R.-

After the show ended this week, fans have to go back and watch the early seasons that made E.R. stay on for 15 years. An immortal show that TV fans will never forget.

7- Prison Break-

Let’s face it, the first season of Prison Break was out of this world, but from then on it went downhill. And like E.R., you have to revisit the early days to re-catch the essence that made Michael Scofield the genius he is.

6- That 70′s show-

The show that is for all decades. That 70′s is just one of those shows that never gets old, no matter how many times you go back and see it.

5- Boston Legal-

Although it ended recently, fans will always have a sense of nostalgia as they look back at the 5 seasons of BL that enriched the intellect. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of Alan’s long long speeches in court.

4- Late Night with Conan O’Brien-

Yes, I realize Conan will be back in June for The Tonight Show, but still… Late Night was the definition of Unique. Conan’s brand of comedy is something that cannot be recreated anywhere, and we will always always always miss him on our screen after midnight.

3- Seinfeld-

I think I’ve seen “The Contest” episode at least 10 times. From season 1 to 9, Jerry and Co have given us week after week of originality about.. well.. nothing. That’s why we all love this show and will continue to watch it religiously.

2- Friends-

Do I really need to explain? 5 years after it ended, Friends is still being aired around the world. 4 different channels in the U.S. alone air Friends reruns daily. Really, will Chandler’s jokes ever get boring?

1- Arrested Development-

Simply the BEST comedy ever on T.V. AR is unique, original, witty, refreshing, and absolutely hilarious. No show has even come close to being as clever as Arrested. Buy it, download it illegally, or find it on T.V… any way you do it, you have to go back and see this show. But be warned, you will get addicted. I would put my money on saying that there won’t be a show as good as A.R. for at least another 10 years. Classic.

Did we miss one? Tell us what you think!

Here are the top ten reasons one should continue their higher education outside of Kuwait… here we go:

10- Learn a new language- because English is not optional these days.

9- Learn how to cook- because at one point or another, you’ll get sick of pizza, and Chinese food.

8- Multinational friendships – because you’ll end up doing a presentation with a guy from Spain one day.

7- Watch Lost (and primetime TV) on time- because you won’t have to wait to download it (illegally) the next day.

6- Learn the value of a dollar (pound/dinar) – because you pay the rent and bills

5- Living in a foreign culture- because it will make you find the positives in your own culture.

4- Signing you’re rent check- because it will make you feel like you’re finally independent.

3- Be your own man (woman) – because you make ALL the decisions now.

2- Great education- because, lets face it, what we have in Kuwait isn’t all that great.

1- You’re not in Kuwait- because we all need to see things from a different perspective every once in a while.

10- The only sport you like is football (soccer).

9- You never bought an “Original” software, game, or CD.

8- You’ve seen every movie showing in the cinema for any certain week.

7- You celebrate everything by eating out. (The bigger the celebration, the more expensive the food)

6- You JUST woke up and it’s 7:30 pm.

5- You order food at 3 in the morning.

4- You’ve changed your cell phone at least three times in the last week.

3- “There are games OTHER than Winning Eleven?!”

2- You’re on Facebook 24/7 but have no idea who Mark Zuckerberg is.

1- You disagree with every –single- thing on this list.

Not true? Give us your opinion then.