the taste of tea Mar 29, 2006 12:26 am 336 Views hmmmmm boring at the office when i was left alone by our co workers.I'm thinking to have a cup of TEA. I switch on the electric stove an a pot with water just enought for my needs. Then back to my desk very busy chatting with my friend in FFF website till i'm off for lunch. I went home at 1:00PM and back at 5:00PM in the office. When i opening the door suddenly heart shaken me,,, oh oh oh ay ay ay i remember the electric stove un-attended for five hours. Still switch-on the A/C, pot is burn black but still in good shape ,, oh the electric stove and the stainless steel pot doesn't give me a problem otherwise whole building caught fire.fire tracks sound like this wow wow wow wow..... 4 Comments

Most KU students back early marriage, against ‘polygamy’; 50pc believe in marriage out of love: Mar 28, 2006 8:27 pm 253 Views Most KU students back early marriage, against ‘polygamy’; 50pc believe in marriage out of love: study KUWAIT (KUNA): A field academic study revealed Monday that many of the younger generation reject marriage of convenience, high dowries and polygamy. The study was conducted by Dr Essa Mohammed Al-Ansari, assistant to the Kuwait University deputy rector for academic services, and KU professor Dr Ali Assad Watfa. It is entitled “KU students’ view towards marriage customs”. The study noted that the stances of the university students towards marriage are considered a norm for value and cultural changes in the modern Gulf societies. Dr Al-Ansari told KUNA that the majority of students involved in the study support early marriage, relatives’ marriage and marriage out of love. He added that the students are strongly against marriage of convenience, high dowries, and friendship between the two sexes, polygamy and marriage to foreigners. This, he said, indicates a deep transformation in the stances of students towards marriage and their acceptance of new marriage patterns, such as marriage out of love. Dr Al-Ansari said the study, conducted on 714 KU students, reveals that 96.4 per cent strongly oppose business marriage, whereas 81.5 per cent of students are against high dowries. Up to 65.3 per cent of the students are against polygamy. 80.7 per cent of questioned females are against polygamy against only 43.7 per cent for questioned males. About 66.8 per cent of questioned males are supporting early marriage against 57.10 of female students. Refuse Furthermore, 53.7 per cent of students in the study are with marriage to relatives, including 58.4 per cent of questioned male students and 50.4 per cent of females. As for the marriage from non-Kuwaitis, Dr Al-Ansari said that 60.4 per cent of the students refuse this phenomenon whereas 39.6 per cent approve it. He added that 71.3 per cent of the questioned female students are against marriages to non-Kuwaitis compared to 45.1 per cent of the male students as this would have a negative impact on women in general and their position in the Kuwaiti society while the Kuwaiti men can enjoy all the privileges even when married to a non-Kuwaiti. The study also revealed that 50 per cent of students believe in marriage out of love. Up to 52.2 per cent of questioned male students are with this kind of marriage compared to 49.2 for the questioned female students, although students refuse friendship between the two sexes, by a majority of 67.3 per cent. 2 Comments

China says to ban sale of human organs Mar 28, 2006 8:22 pm 291 Views BEIJING, March 28 (Reuters) - China said on Tuesday it will ban the sale of human organs and strengthen oversight of its transplant market, which critics say has become a haven for illegal trade and centres on organs of executed prisoners. Ministry of Health regulations that take effect on July 1 require the written consent of donors and restrict the number of hospitals allowed to perform transplant operations. Cases must also be discussed by an ethics committee, said the regulations posted on the ministry's Web site (www.moh.gov.cn). The World Health Organisation (WH called the new rules, which lack the authority of a full law, a positive step. "Some brokers worldwide were exploiting loopholes in the legal framework in China," said Luc Noel, of the WHO in Geneva. "China was known as a place where foreigners can purchase organs, particularly from executed criminals." Vice Minister of Health Huang Jiefu has said that most human organs used for transplants come from executed prisoners. Rights groups say an estimated 5,000 to 12,000 are put to death in China each year -- more than anywhere else in the world. "It raises concerns because of the ability for someone who is submitted to the constraints of jail to express any will of his own," Noel said. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman said there had been cases where organs of executed prisoners were used without their consent, but said such instances were rare and were against the law. "There are only a few cases of this kind. The same strict procedures apply to using organs from executed criminals as using them from deceased volunteer donors," Qin told a news conference. "It is slander to say that China tries to take away the organs of death penalty victims," he said. "In China, if you want ... to donate or receive transplant organs, you must go through strict formalities." Human rights have said China makes widespread use of executed prisoners' organs and allege that hospitals have turned to lucrative organ sales and transplants to raise funds. In 2003, doctors had to remove the eyes of nine cataracts patients after cornea transplant operations in the eastern province of Jiangsu were botched by hospital mismanagement and unlawful cooperation with "non-medical organisations", state media reported. At least 2 million patients in China require organ transplants annually, but only 20,000 receive them due to donor shortages. 3 Comments

U.S. shuts Peshawar mission in Pakistan after threat Mar 28, 2006 8:19 pm 265 Views PESHAWAR, Pakistan, March 28 (Reuters) - The United States has temporarily closed its consulate in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar after the mission received a threat, the U.S. embassy said on Tuesday. "They received a specific and credible threat," embassy spokeswoman Nida Emmons told Reuters in Islamabad, without elaborating on the nature of the threat at the mission in the capital of North West Frontier Province. Emmons said the consulate had been closed "until further notice", while U.S. and Pakistani authorities coordinated on security measures. "They may have received bomb threats, but the threat was not so great for them to take such a drastic step," said Malik Zafar Azam, a Law Minister in the Islamist-led provincial government. NWFP's provincial government is led by an anti-American Islamist alliance, and anti-American sentiments have been further stirred by the conflict in adjoining tribal regions straddling the Afghan-Pakistan border, where Pakistan, Afghan and U.S. troops are fighting Taliban and al Qaeda-inspired insurgents. Azam suspected the mission's closure could possibly have been ordered in anticipation of some action by the United States that could provoke a backlash. "There is something suspicious going on. Something they do not want to tell the public. We feel it is an indication of some big danger ... We are looking into this carefully," he said. The United States has maintained its consulate in Peshawar since the 1950s mainly because of the strategic importance of the region during the Cold War and because it lies on the main overland route to Afghanistan. The consulate was particularly busy during the 1980s when the United States covertly funded a guerrilla war against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. 1 comment

Kuwaiti Customs and Courtesies Mar 27, 2006 8:43 am 324 Views AS A MALE, DO: Respect the privacy and protected role of Kuwaiti Women. AS A MALE, DO NOT: Try to date a Kuwaiti woman. Try to engage a Kuwaiti woman in conversation unless you have been formally introduced. Stare at Kuwaiti women or maintain eye contact with them. Talk in public to professional women, even non-Kuwaiti women, except on business. Kiss, touch or show affection toward any woman in public, including a non-Kuwaiti woman. Ask a Kuwaiti direct questions about his wife or other female members of his family. Expect a Kuwaiti to introduce you to any veiled woman. ► Conversation DO: Open conversation with small talk and pleasantries; i.e., ask "How are you today?" or "How is your health?" Follow the conversational lead of the Kuwaiti; discuss what he brings up. Talk to a Kuwaiti as an equal. Avoid arguments. Place your feet flat on the floor if you're sitting in a chair, or fold them under you if you are sitting on the floor. Maintain eye contact. Look for subtle or double meanings in what a Kuwaiti says. Kuwaitis often answer indirectly. DO NOT: Show impatience or undue haste. Ask direct personal questions, especially about female family members of Kuwaitis. Discuss political subjects. Discuss religion, unless you know what you are talking about. Try to convert a Muslim to your faith. Patronize or talk down to a Kuwaiti, even if he doesn't speak English well. Say "no" when a Kuwaiti asks a favor of you, or admit you don't know the answer to a question. Instead respond with a "definite maybe", e.g. you'll look into it or you need to take it up with your superiors. Move away from a Kuwaiti who stands close to you during conversation. It's customary for a Kuwaiti to stand about one foot apart to size each other up before entering a business or personal relationship. Touching and patting may be a part of this process. Point the soles of your feet at a Kuwaiti when you are sitting with him. To do so implies you are placing him under your feet, an insult. Be offended when a Kuwaiti shows great interest in your social, personal, professional, and academic background. Kuwaitis do not enter personal or business relationships casually or lightly as we do in western culture. ------------------------------------------------- ► Hospitality Kuwaiti host-guest rules apply not only within the home but also to chance meetings in restaurants and casual invitations to lunch. The inviter is always the host. If you meet by chance in a cafe or restaurant, the person already there is the host and usually pays the bill. "Splitting the bill" is contrary to Kuwaiti custom. AS A GUEST, DO: Arrive on time and expect a meal if you are invited to a Kuwaiti home. (Remember Kuwaitis usually give approximate times but will welcome guests warmly whenever they arrive) Understand that if your wife or a female friend accompanies you, she may be separated from you during the visit to join the women in their living area. Always use your right hand in eating, drinking, offering, passing or receiving anything. Try all different foods offered to you. You may ask about a dish that is unfamiliar to you. Fill your plate and eat heartily. Take seconds, even if only a small amount. It's a compliment to your host. Compliment your host on the food and wish him always a full table. Take your leave promptly after the second or third round of coffee or tea after a meal. Kuwaitis usually socialize before the meal, not after. Plan to return the hospitality. AS A GUEST, DO NOT: Feel obligated to bring a gift. If you do bring a gift, make it a gift for the children, which is always appreciated. Praise too much any possession of your host; he may give it to you. If he does, you are expected to give something in return. AS A HOST, DO: Accompany your guest outside the door or gate when he leaves. AS A HOST, DO NOT: Appear anxious to end the visit. Ask or expect a Kuwaiti to uncover his head. ---------------------------------------------- ► Religion Kuwait, being a part of the Arab world, is governed by the religious beliefs of the Islamic religion. Although Kuwait is an orthodox Islamic state, it is not so puritanical as other Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia or Qatar. To deface any religious object or to defame any portion of the Islamic religion is a grievous offense. DO: Understand and respect the devoutness of Muslims. Respect the requirement for Muslims to fast from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Following Ramadan is the festival known as Eid Al Fitr, which is officially celebrated for three days after Ramadan ends. DO NOT: Enter a mosque (the Muslim place of worship) during prayer times if you are not a Muslim. Pass in front of a prayer rug while Muslims are in prayer. Stare at Muslims praying or take photographs of them praying. Muslims pray five times a day facing towards Mecca, Saudi Arabia, wherever they may be. Offer food, beverages, or tobacco products to Muslims during hours of fasting. Eat, smoke or drink anything in public (or in vehicles) during the day in the holy month of Ramadan. Display a crucifix or Star of David in public, even jewelry. Distribute non-Islamic religious literature. Criticize in any way or try to convert a Muslim to your faith. 4 Comments

Kuwait local dress Mar 27, 2006 7:25 am 331 Views ____________________ Local Dress? To find out what the local girls wear under the abaya . 10 Comments

Russian Tactics Mar 27, 2006 4:06 am 565 Views The problem with the Iraqi army is that they were using Russian defense tactics: 1. Engage the enemy. 2. Draw him into your territory. 3. Wait until winter sets in. 46 Comments

10 reasons why saddam is leaving kuwait . Mar 27, 2006 4:02 am 328 Views 10) Sears 2 for 1 sale on Scuds is over. 9) American troops capturing Air Force generals before he can shoot them. Only way to get those damn CNN crews out of the country. 7) No more Kuwaiti VCRs to steal. 6) Special war reports keep pre-empting "Alf." 5) War not as fun when other side shoots back. 4) Top Secret "play dead and whine" defense not working. 3) Economy hurting; hard to pump oil from burning wells. 2) Albert Goldman and Bob Woodward threatening to write books about him. 1) Siskel and Ebert gave the war a "thumbs down." [sa kuwait jokes] 11 Comments

no ...... ayoko !!!!! Hindi Mar 27, 2006 3:31 am 280 Views No ayoko !hindi! HINDI! Blogs > pillowrock > B. L. O. G. > let the issue rest let the issue rest Watch Post | Post a comment pillowrock Ask me for a photo 3/25/2006 10:40 pm [post a] i certainly agree with pareng elek when he said we should let the issue rest especially now that EY is out of Sallie's hands. Enough has been said and done. Enough of this fighting and bickering. Enough of this torturing and word war. GIVE PEACE A CHANCE THIS TIME, IF NOT FOR LONG, THEN AT LEAST FOR A WHILE tama na tong awayan na ito. wala namang magandang patutunguhan ang lahat. kaya nga gusto ko na ring makipagbati kay celia mareng celia, (o ayan, di na kita tinawag na zorayda ha) makikipagbati ka ba sa akin? basta pramis wala ng siraan at laitan, handa akong maging kaibigan ka. Request Review mareetez 213 posts View my blog 3/26/2006 12:32 am [add a comment] [quote ] pillowrock, isang magandang hakbang [tama ba yun tagalog ko] ang pakikipagbati lalo na ngayong lenten season. Request Review jeanie41464 61 posts View my blog 3/26/2006 12:43 am [add a comment] [quote ] uuuyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! Request Review mhandymickey Ask me for a photo 113 posts View my blog 3/26/2006 2:35 am [add a comment] [quote ] wala po akong masabi kungdi............. nyahahahahahahahahahahha !lagi mo po ako pinapatawa, sir sawamat!!!!!!! ano vey???????? lol Request Review eagle_claw Ask me for a photo 2 posts 3/26/2006 1:10 pm [add a comment] [quote ] Just the right thing to do,pillow...ang makpagbati na Request Review Edit Post Hide Post 1 comment 12 Comments

Life in Kuwait Mar 27, 2006 1:21 am 301 Views General: Kuwait lies at the head of the Arabian Gulf, between latitude 28 and 30 north and longitude 46 and 48 east. The land area of Kuwait is approximately 7,500 square miles, or roughly the size of Wales and is for the most part, flat. It has no rivers and no lakes. It is bounded on the west and north by Iraq, on the east by the Arabian Gulf and on the south by Saudi Arabia. There are nine islands, the largest of which are Failaka, Bubiyan and Warba, although none of them are inhabited. The government has set a population limit of 1.2 million of which 600,000 will be Kuwaiti. The Head of State is the Amir, who has appointed a Prime Minister (who happens to be a relative) to oversee all things political. The country is split for administrative purposes into five Govenerates, being Capital, Hawalli, Farwaniya, Jahra & Ahmedi, however a look at a map will see three distinct areas of habitation, (1) the city and its suburbs, stretching south to the 6th ring road, (2) a strip stretching from Messilah and heading south to Ahmedi, and (3) Jahra in the West. Click here for a selection of maps of Kuwait Or here to learn more about Kuwait's Government Language: Arabic is the official language although English is very widely used and all road signs etc. are bilingual. English is also the official language for major contracts. Kuwaitis do not expect westerners to know their language and there is generally little difficulty in making oneself understood in English. It does however help oil the wheels if one comes out with the odd phrase or two of Arabic, particularly those of courtesy and greeting. Do not be afraid that by using the odd phrase an Arab will assume that you have a wide knowledge of his language and will launch into a long spiel by way of a reply; it rarely happens that way. The more usual reaction is that he gives you an appreciative smile and then proceeds to show you how good his English is. Most people on arrival soon pick up phrases like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and also acquire the ability to count, i.e., to find out prices; it is also necessary to learn a new set of written numbers as our so-called "Arabic numerals" are different from theirs. Beyond that stage, few expats venture and even fewer delve into the mysteries of the Arabic alphabet which is written from right to left. Hindi and Tagalog are also widely spoken in their own respective circles. Climate: The ambient temperature is hot (to say the least) in summer, with official temperatures of 50°C being registered and 55 being the unofficial high in July and August. Humidity at this time of year is usually very low, due to the Northwesterly winds being hot and dry. Southeasterly winds, usually hot and damp, occur during July and October. Humidity can reach the 90% range at this time, making it extremely unpleasant, and spectacle wearers should take care when leaving air conditioning as a thick fog soon appears. What may also surprise you is how cold a winter morning can be. It has been known to approach zero, however hell very rarely freezes over. Sand storms are frequent especially in summer. Rain is almost nonexistent and comes in short bursts, when it can be bothered, and amounts to some six inches a year, however, due to poor drainage floods do occur, especially in low lying areas such as underpasses and basements, and deaths were reported last year due to not realizing that the road under a bridge isn’t actually flat. Summer is deemed to run from May to October & Autumn and Spring can be equated to an English summer, only dry! As an obvious word of warning, if you are a little thin on top (or have short cropped hair), wear a hat; a sun burnt scalp is not pleasant. Todays Weather Social Customs: The lack of provision for social life arises from a basic cultural difference in Arab life in that they are extended- family-orientated and have fewer social contacts outside the family circle, whereas the reverse is true for Westerners. The Arabs spend most of their time visiting family members’ homes and have less need for external provisions for social life of the kind we would take for granted. A further, direct consequence is that social contact between Arabs and Westerners is largely nonexistent, no matter how friendly they are in work. Another constraint on social life is that a bachelor is considered a dangerous man to an Arab and as such is a threat to his wife and daughters. He is therefore to be avoided socially. Such social gatherings that do exist are segregated into "families" and "bachelors", often by simply restricting bachelors to the most unpopular times of day or week. Some of the more enlightened clubs and hotels are free from this practice. Segregation of the sexes is a fact of life and Arabs will defend their opinions on the subject with all the fervour of someone who knows that not everyone agrees with it. Even in relatively liberal and cosmopolitan Kuwait, some are required to wear the veil and many wear the obayah. In court, the testimony of one man is as good as that of two women. The effect of this on Western women is less than in some other Middle Eastern countries since possibly the average Kuwaiti is more tolerant and in any case, he is outnumbered by more liberal expats. It is not so vital for women to cover up legs and arms, although some discretion is needed and one would not venture into the more traditional shopping areas like the souks or into a Co-op clad in shorts (then again neither should men). Conversely, in the hotels and more fashionable suburbs, the range of clothes worn is almost of Western standards. Western women never, however, feel entirely comfortable in the presence of a majority of Arab men as the latter’s upbringing probably gives them some strange notions about women, particularly non-Moslem ones. It is suspected that inside the Arab home, women play a much more dominant role than outside; this gives them a curious advantage in that they are treated to a Westerner’s eyes, with an exaggerated old-world courtesy. Hospitality and generosity are usually deeply ingrained and genuine, and considered high virtues. A person who regularly practices these virtues gains the respect and reputation of not having been negligent in assuming his or her responsibility. Perhaps because of their extensive contact with other cultures while trading and schooling abroad and because of the potentially potent mix of diverse ethnic and religious groups, Kuwaitis have a long tradition of tolerance. Kuwaiti culture and domestic politics are able to accommodate citizens and groups whose ethnic homelands may be rivals. The tolerance extended to these and others, however, must function within the bounds of Arab traditions, Muslim ideals, the security of the entire group, and respect for public honour and face. A feature of the Hejira calendar is the holy month of Ramadan which according to the lunar cycle should run for 28 days. During this period Muslims are required to fast by day, however they make up for this by partying all night, and Ramadan can be thought of as a month of Christmases. The fasting is taken very seriously and in public places, which includes offices, even non-Muslims must abide by Islam which means no eating drinking or smoking (although due to a Sept. 1995 law all public smoking is now illegal) during daylight hours, although for the expat a room is normally set aside for meals, hidden from normal view. Everyone in Kuwait is greeted with a handshake and entering a meeting, you will be expected to greet everyone in the room this way. When attending meetings, or any social gathering, it is considered discourteous to refuse tea (chai) when offered. As Kuwait is an Islamic state, the importation, production and sale of alcohol is prohibited. (But it still happens) and it is considered discourteous to show the soles of one’s feet. Time and Hours of Business: Local time is 3 hours ahead of GMT. The Hejira calendar is in use, so the weekend is Thursday and Friday, however for some companies you can expect to work some of Thursday. Government departments work 7.00 till 2.00 Saturday to Wednesday except Ramadan which changes by 11 or 12 days each year depending on the cycle of the moon, in 1999 will be around December 20th for 28 days, and all are shut for public holidays, most of which also change except 1st January. Banks open 8.00 till 2.00 Sunday to Thursday, some also open one evening a week (usually around pay day) but this practice is variable and taken on chance. Shop hours are an unknown quantity but core hours are definitely 9.00 till 12.00 and 4.30 till 9.00 Saturday till Thursday, Friday is pot luck. The larger food stores stay open all day and the Sultan Centres are open 24 hours. (See Shopping) Public Holidays: Fixed dates include: New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Kuwaiti National Day (Feb 25), Liberation Day (Feb 26) Variable holidays are based on sighting the moon and include: Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), Islamic New Year, Birth of the Prophet & Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet). Health and Hygiene: There are apparently no real health risks in Kuwait, however vaccination against TB is recommended, and cholera and yellow fever is required for those coming from infected areas. The major exception is a particularly nasty strain of flu which is prevalent at the end of Summer, when the temperature drops, this can cause great discomfort and sleepless nights, with the possibility of a couple of days off work to the less robust. Another problem is that of dehydration and as a consequence plenty water must be drunk, especially for those with jobs having an outdoor involvement. Note that all residents in Kuwait must undergo an AIDS test, with a positive result meaning immediate expulsion. (See also Medical Facilities.) 11 Comments

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