The first Office Depot in Kuwait is now open at the avenues phase II near au bon pain and also near the soon to be opened Fantasy world.

Thanks Om Hamoody

Yes, According to Jordan’s TV Saudi Arabia will not allow old people along with the kids to do Hajj this year, this prevention will insure that the Swine flu virus will not get spread. and its part of their preventive plan for this year which is already made by the Health Ministry.

Rumors have been circulating about the acquisition of Zain’s african assets by Vivendi. Our source told us that Vivendi has backed out and stopped the negotiations. However, other operators have expressed interest and Zain are considering potentials deals and will only accept offers that increase Zain’s shareholders value.

An official announcement by Zain will be out about this matter soon, to put an end to the speculations.

Another source just told me that one of the upper management at Zain is planning a trip to europe, to try to get one of Vivendi’s main rivals to be a strategic partner by offering them a 25%, or above, share of their african assets.

I find this idea unique and interesting. Instead of flowers now you can send fruit baskets and a bouquets of fruits. It’s available in Kuwait next to AlMowasat Hospital. The company has a dealer in Kuwait, so you can choose the bouquet and get it delivered all online. I haven’t tried it yet.

Their phone # 25723888 and their Website

Thanks Fawaz

It seems that the UAE based telecommunication company, Etisalat, messed up big time. They sent out a message to all of it’s 100,000 Blackberry subscribers urging them to update their mobile with the latest Etisalat patch: “Etisalat network upgrade for BlackBerry service. Please download to ensure continuous service quality.”

The application slowed mobiles’ performances and drained their batteries. After a closer look at the patch they found out that it contains an application that allow the company to intercept and get a copy of each email and sms sent. This option is turned off by default, However, it could be turned out remotely if they wanted to.

“he said that once installed, it potentially gives Etisalat the power to view all emails and text messages sent from the BlackBerry.”

“I don’t think it’s been designed for a large scale deployment,” he said. “They have released it as an upgrade across all UAE BlackBerry handsets, all of which have tried to phone home to this one registration server at the same time, and that has effectively brought the server to its knees. When the BlackBerry cannot register itself, it tries again and this causes the battery drain.” – Nigel Gourlay

Source

Thanks Hamad

It’s been a while since the death of Marwa Alshirbini, the hijab martyr, as they refer to her now, but the incident still lingers and comes to mind every once in awhile.

Marwa AlShirbini was killed in a court room in Germany, her killer is Alex W. He was on trial for cursing and yelling offensive words at Marwa when she was with her 3 year old child at the play ground in dresden, Germany.

On the first day of trials he openly stated “You don’t have the right to live here.” and on the day of the appeal, at the court and right infront of the judges, he jumped Marwa and stabbed her 18 times, Killing her right in front of her husband and child.

When the police intervened, they shot Marwa’s husband in the leg, thinking he was the criminal, but then after overcoming their prejudice, they arrested Alex, the Islamophobic.

It’s been reported in the papers that the number 112 will replace the existing 777 as the new emergency number. I didn’t know at first why would they change the existing one, especially since it’s already well known all over Kuwait. But then my friends told me that the # 112 is recognized world wide, and has been implemented and used in over 50 countries.

Another theory for the change: so they could use these numbers 777*****.

The number 777 will work till the end of the year, forwarding calls to the new number, once it’s launched. An awareness campaign will be launched once the change take place.

Remember the Oum Kalthoom Exhibition that took place in Bahrain? Well it’s going to take place in Kuwait soon, on the 8th of July at the new 360° Mall to be specific. It’s going to last for awhile so no rush, but you gotta pass by it if you’re ever there, especially the photo gallery, take a look at them. I like looking at old pictures so I really enjoyed them back in Bahrain.

Thanks Bo9ale7

Who is that person???
Read the rest of this entry »

For the full version either click on the picture or HERE, it’s in pdf format.

Thanks Taymoor

This is shocking, but according to TMZ, The legend that is Michael Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest and has just died. He was only 50 years old.

Rest of the article:

“We’ve just learned Michael Jackson has died. He was 50.

Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. We’re told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.

A source tells us Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived. A cardiologist at UCLA tells TMZ Jackson died of cardiac arrest.

Once at the hospital, the staff tried to resuscitate him but he was completely unresponsive.

We’re told one of the staff members at Jackson’s home called 911.

La Toya ran in the hospital sobbing after Jackson was pronounced dead.

Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince “Blanket” Michael Jackson II.

Story developing…”

TMZ & CNN

Thanks INM

Mariah Carey released her first single “Obsessed” a week or so ago, it’s off of her new album “Memoirs of an imperfect angel.” The song took some time to grow on me. I think it’s fun, relatively brave and confrontational for Mariah, as she used to be subtler at her jabs in the past.

I think the new album is going to be very good and I’m kinda hopeful that it’ll have better vocals than E=MC² (her previous album). But the album cover is disappointing to say the least, I mean it just looks wrong.. and IMO she could’ve been much more interesting visually.

The new album Memoirs of an imperfect angel is going to drop on the august 25th 2009.

Just got this via email from Bechara:

The design incorporates high end indoor entertainment facilities that are expected to raise the volume of visitors by at least half a million visitors per year.
It will be divided into 3 major zones: INFUNITY, THE BOWL ROOM and THE FREEZE CLUB.

THE BOWL ROOM
“The Bowl Room”, with an area of 2 576 m², is offering 20 high-tech bowling alleys along with a VIP section bowling alley to accommodate guests’ special needs.

THE FREEZE CLUB
“The Freeze Club”, with an area of 1 500 m², is targeting the teenagers’ generation with a range of entertainment offers that have been tailored to suit their taste with electronic games, soccer network games, internet area and many more.

INFUNITY ZONE
“Infunity”, with an area of 5 000 m², is specialized for the family. It includes a series of unparalleled trend-setting rides, ranging from a Roller Coaster, Disko, Top Dancer and indoor go cart. As well as offering skill redemption games, driving, shooting simulators, wall climbing, performance stage, foam factory and many more. We will also have events and birthday party facilities available.

Thanks Bechara
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For those looking for a good source of medications and nutritional stuff for their birds and animals, this pharmacy is for for your animals and birds.

From their site:

ALWAZZAN Vet Pharmacy, for veterinary medication and nutrition Pharmacy specialized for Birds and Animals hobby – Established in Kuwait since year 1992 (with a partial asistance of Pharr Road Animal Hospital) As Family Business owned by Alwazzan, with the aim of supports and develop the Pigeon hobby and Sport, hence then we have expanded to other products to include Birds, Falconry, Poultry, Pets, And Farm Animals.

With a wide range of Feed additives to specialized feeds, veterinary pharmaceuticals and some Accessories necessary for the hobbyist.”

LINK

Thanks INM

Alshaya got a franchising agreement to get the American eagle to the Middle east:

“The company, headquartered in Kuwait, plans to open a series of AE stores throughout the Middle East in the next several years, CEO Jim O’Donnell told investors in a conference call. American Eagle won’t have to invest any capital and will have minimal involvement in operations, he said, but the deal could generate “significant” returns. ” – SOURCE

“Alshaya will open a series of American Eagle Outfitters stores throughout the Middle East over the next several years. The first store is slated to open in early 2010.” – SOURCE

“Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid,” read a club statement.

“At Cristiano’s request – who has again expressed his desire to leave – and after discussion with the player’s representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

“Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.”

Ronaldo’s future at United has been the subject of constant speculation with Real trailing his signature for the last three summers.

Real have now agreed £80million offer for the Portuguese ace and United have given the World Player of the Year permission to talk to the Spanish titans.

Ronaldo will now head to the Spanish capital to hold discussions with Real and undergo a medical.

Real have already snapped up Brazilian superstar Kaka in a world-record deal, but a move for Ronaldo would eclipse that deal.

Thanks Fawaz

SOURCE

From ESPN:

“I can officially say I’m a Real Madrid player. My professional link with AC Milan finishes now, but my sentimental link will never end,” he said.

“Real Madrid intend to build a great team, with historic players such as Raul and Casillas. We will make history again, both in Spain and Europe. I guess the sport project is very good.

“Now another chance came up and AC Milan is in a big crisis (financially). For me, the sporting project (at Madrid) is interesting and will be an important boost to continue my career in the highest level.”

“Kaka could now become the first of a new wave of ‘Galáctico’ signings, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery all linked to the Spanish giants since Perez’s unopposed re-election as the club’s president last week.”

LINK

Wataniya has finally launched it’s blackberry service. For more information check Z District’s Blog.

Thanks HBZ

Congratulations to the winning parties and better luck next time for those who did not get it right this time. Excerpts from the BBC news article:

“The leader of Lebanon’s governing pro-Western coalition has claimed victory over a Hezbollah-led bloc in the country’s parliamentary election.

Saad Hariri said his 14 March alliance would retain its majority in the 128-seat parliament.
A key Christian ally of the Hezbollah-led alliance, which is supported by Syria and Iran, admitted defeat in Sunday’s elections.

The Christian vote was said to be split evenly between the two camps.

Hezbollah fielded only 11 candidates, though it is a powerful member of the broader opposition coalition, which Mr Aoun’s group and the mainstream Shia movement Amal.

The current majority in parliament was swept to power in 2005, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in a car bombing in Beirut.

The bombing forced Syria to withdraw its troops from Lebanon after a 29-year presence amid accusations of Syrian involvement in the attack.

The government in Damascus has strongly denied the claims.”

I just asked one of my christian Lebanese colleagues “Mabrook?” and she said ever so sadly “NOO!!”

SOURCE

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors Corp. took a key step toward its downsizing on Tuesday, striking a tentative deal to sell its Hummer brand to a Chinese manufacturer, while also revealing that it has potential buyers for its Saturn and Saab brands.

China’s Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. said Tuesday afternoon that it reached an agreement to acquire the brand from GM for an undisclosed ammount. The Detroit automaker had announced Tuesday morning that it had a memorandum of understanding to sell the brand of rugged SUVs, but it didn’t identify the buyer.

Thanks Taymoor

SOURCE