X-cite launched the new Jamie Oliver home cooker from Philips yesterday afternoon at Gaucho grill, the Avenues.

Jamie Oliver’s home cooker will give you an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. Easily create your home made meals from scratch and have one thing less to focus on. It cuts, cooks, and stirs for you so you can enjoy other things you like.

These are the highlights of the home cooker:

• The Home Cooker allows you to leave during cooking
• Always the exact temperature you need
• Timer up to 99 minutes, with ready signal
• Automatic shut down
• Cutting and slicing directly into the pan
• XL feeding tube for all your ingredients
• Unique combination for perfect end result
• Pasta insert, steaming basket and tray for different recipes
• Jamie Oliver recipebook full of variety and inspiration
• 2 cutting and slicing speeds
• 5 different discs that slice, shred and cut julienne
• Dishwasher safe parts for easy cleaning
  

A demonstration was done to show how easy the product is to use, and I loved it because even people who don’t know how to cook, can easily cook a meal with this home cooker!

After the launch, lunch was served with a side of entertainment by the great juggler Sir Julian from Germany. It was a perfect way to end the afternoon. Thank you x-cite, Gaucho Grill, Philips, Jamie Oliver, and last but not least Sir Julian for putting together an unforgettable afternoon.

I am now going to take you in on a tour of how Kitco biscuits are made:

It all Starts with Sanitation.

Then the raw materials are mixed together and placed into a huge mixer.

After the raw materials are mixed, they are spread out onto a sheet ready to be placed into the molds.

After the biscuits are molded into shape they go through the baking oven.

They are then baked at a certain temperature and sent out the other side of the oven ready to be put together.

The biscuits are then lined up perfectly ready to be frosted and packaged shut.

They are ready to be shipped!

As for the Kitco potato chips, the process is quite different:

Fresh potatoes are brought in and put into a huge machine. The machine washes, peels, and mashes the potatoes.

The potatoes are then cut, seasoned according to flavor, and dumped into a deep fryer coming out perfectly crispy.

The chips are then packed, and put into boxes.

And I’ll let you on a little secret, remember one of our childhood favorites?

These colorful chips that we used to love so much, actually still love so much, look like little pasta before they are baked.

After the baking process, they get all puffy and packaged into this electric blue pack which we all love!

When all the production is finished, the boxes are packed into the back of the truck and are ready to be shipped off but, what amazed me is that the shipment is not only Kuwait bound, these boxes are shipped all over GCC countries as well as Lebanon, and Jordan.

The machines are checked every day and properly maintained every 15 days.

This process in not easy as it takes up a lot of time and here we are consuming all this hard work in a matter of seconds.

Nothing is always at it seems. Next time you look at any object, no matter what it is, try to find out the story behind it and you will be just as amazed as I was. Thank you Kitco for giving me this opportunity, wishing you many more years of success.

I recall similar sad story about another young man passing away in Kuwait due to consuming large amount of energy drinks couple months ago, at least that’s what initial autopsy has suggested back then. Banning energy drinks for those who are below 16 may not be our solution, not anymore. I really wish if some expert from medical community would chime in and explain to us how energy drinks may have caused these fatalities?

Note: On a side note, I’d like to take a moment to express my deepest condolences to the families for their loss.

Read more here [link] and here [link]

Of the many options available for a Europe Vacation, Italy is one of the most popular for a reason; it offers a wealth of history, culture, and attractions to suit the tastes of just about everyone. While most any itinerary to Italy can be fabulous, it pays to talk with others who have already been there. I researched some tips for you if you are ever planning a great Italy vacation:

1. Look into flying in and out of Rome (Fiumicino Airport), which is typically cost-effective compared to other options. Consider calling the airline several weeks before you depart to see if you can select your seats; otherwise, you may show up at the airport and get a middle seat for a nine-hour flight!

2. Spend a few days in Rome (which is nowhere near enough time to see everything you’ll want to see, but it’ll at least give you a flavor for the capital city). The most favorited sites in Rome include the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Trastevere (a medieval neighborhood just west of the river that runs through the city), and just about every piazza you can wander into!

3. The Vatican is worth a visit if you have time, but make sure you buy your ticket online well in advance. If you don’t, you’ll wait in a HUGE line outside. Use a guidebook instead of purchasing a tour at the Vatican because the tours are sold out by the time you reserve a ticket online.

4. Tuscany is a must-see! This is going to be a highlight of your trip. Be sure to rent a car so you can drive through the tiny towns sprawled along the Tuscan hillside. Stop in Lucca for an afternoon and rent bikes to ride along the old city walls. Check out the old skyscrapers in the medieval town of San Gimignano, and ask for a room with a view of the countryside if you stay the night. Other highlights in Tuscany include Sienna, Pisa, and tons of castles, and medieval hamlets.

5. Florence is also a popular city in Tuscany, but you don’t really need a car to get there. Train travel to Florence is fast and affordable, and you can easily take a cab or bus to your hotel. Il Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo‘s David are must-sees, but the best site in Florence is a sunset trip to Piazza Michelangelo, which overlooks the entire city.

6. If you can make it to Pompei during your trip, you won’t be sorry. It is absolutely amazing how much of this ancient city still remains. I highly recommend renting an audio guide before you check out each villa and building — hearing the stories of the city’s inhabitants is fascinating.

7. Eat gelato as much as you can!

Italy is a beautiful country, and the people are very accommodating even if you don’t speak the language. If you’re looking for a great Europe vacation, it’s hard to go wrong with a trip to Italy.

As the days pass we are more prone to waking up with lots of sun, and extreme heat.  While some people prefer heat, others are terrified of it! Just as I am terrified of heights, and some people terrified of the dark, there are actually people terrified of heat!

The heat from the sun provides a replenishment of vitamin D. The heat from a cook stove adds unique texture and flavor to blended foods. The heat from a fire can warm a home, and the warmth from a car’s heater can allow occupants to stay comfortable even on the coldest days. Yet for every benefit expressed by the presence of heat there are those who fear it. When the fear becomes profound it is known as Thermophobia.

As essential as heat is to the successful application of living there are those that will only eat raw cold foods. There are those who will wear more clothing instead of turning up the heat, and there are some that cannot fathom intentionally enjoying the heat of the sun.

This fear is often linked to the potential damage caused by heat.  For instance the sun may be feared because of the potential of skin cancer. A stove may be feared because of the potential of blisters and burned flesh. Hot foods may be avoided because they might burn the mouth. A fireplace may be avoided because of a potential for a home-destroying fire.

This fear may be the result of a person instance of obsessive/compulsive disorder. It can also develop as a result of observing someone else who has this fear. Finally the fear may be the personal result of pain or suffering caused by an encounter with heat sometime in the past.

As an individual consistently resists sources of heat their fear often grows to include other fears.

As with most phobias there is generally a very visible reaction to the fear. In this case an individual with Thermophobia will stay away from the stove (some will not own one), they will never light a fire and their drinks will be either tepid or cold. They may move to a moderate climate that does not get too hot and they will stay out of direct sunlight.

A person with this fear will likely struggle socially because they cannot agree to engage in activities where heat may be present. This could include a refusal to visit a restaurant, sporting event or outdoor gathering if the sun will be out at the time the gathering takes place.

Much of the fear associated with heat can be defused by learning precautions that can allow you to coexist with heat and not get burned. This means learning how to tell when heat may be oppressive as opposed to simply casting natural warmth.

Fear of the sun’s heat can be calmed with the use of appropriate clothing, sun screen and knowing when to find shade.

In some cases this will be a good start, but you may need the help of a therapist to assist you deal with the fear and manage subsequent encounters that may leave you feeling vulnerable.

We all have fears, so if you know anyone who is thermophobic, help them overcome it.

Now I’m quite curious to know what made them take this step now? What are your thoughts? Will this help BBM regain lost users and popularity?

Now this makes me wonder, were these shoes made for walking or displaying? Let’s just hope it doesn’t turn into a trend “Habbah” in Kuwait (just like women bags) because that will be a hell expensive one! What do you say?

Thanks [Mervat]

If you want to be a lucky winner with ShoeboxNY, visit any of the stores and enter the draw. Best of luck to everyone!

When I hear Bali, I think paradise. That is why our second destination for this summer is: Bali, Indonesia.

It’s more than a place: it’s a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind. Yes, Bali has beaches, surfing, diving, and resorts great and small, but it’s the essence of Bali – and the Balinese – that makes it so much more than just a fun-in-the-sun retreat.

It is possible to take the cliché of the smiling Balinese too far, but in reality, the inhabitants of this small island are indeed a generous, genuinely warm people. And there’s an awful lot to do in paradise:

1.)    Go surfing in Uluwatu, Bignin, or Balangan. Or if you don’t know how, learn in Kuta, Legian, and Canggu. Bali boasts some of the world’s best surf spots.

2.)     Escape to Menjangan Island and go snorkeling in the clear waters to see the abundant marine life. If you visit in the spring, make sure to catch hundreds of deer swimming to the island.

3.)     Relax and take in a spa and massage treatment in the midst of Bali’s beauty or practice yoga and meditate in Bali to find your inner self.

4.)     Climb Mount Batur’s black sand and lava at dawn to see the sunrise. After that walk around the shores of Lake Bratan in scenic Bedugul.

5.)     Go cycling and see Bali’s beautiful rice fields, rainforest, or mountainous terrain. If you’re a thrill-seeker, try one of the downhill tracks.

6.)    Visit the Tirta Gangga water palace, a maze of pools and fountains surrounded by lush gardens with stone statues. The complex is simply beautiful.

7.)     Visit the scenic fishing village of Jemeluk, learn freediving in Amed, and dive the famous USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben: it’s an unbelievable experience.

8.)     Dine at one of the many restaurants on the beach in Jimbaran Bay. Eat freshly caught prawns, squid, and fish at candle-lit tables overlooking the ocean.

9.)     Grab a coffee and watch Bali’s most beautiful sunset at the Rock Cafe. You’ll feel like James Bond as waves spray you after crashing against rocks the cafe is situated atop.

Bali is truly considered a paradise destination and the best thing about it is that it remains one of the cheapest travel destinations in Asia. Hotels, food and transport are all inexpensive in US dollar terms.

Accommodation is usually the greatest expense in Bali but meals (food stall) meals can cost you as little as US$2 (less than 10,000Rp per meal), but even if you dine in decent local restaurants, you still won’t be spending much more than US$10 per day (around 30,000Rp per meal) on food.  A midrange budget starts at about US$40 per day, which will get you an air-conditioned hotel room, an occasional tour and car hire. Midrange accommodation is more expensive in Balinese resorts, so budget for around US$50 per day there. Top-end travellers will end up spending anything between US$50 and US$250 per day, although if you stick to the best of the luxury resorts, that figure can blow out to US$2000 a day. Stay tuned, tomorrow we’re going to…

Thanks to [hawkindia2000] for sharing.

“The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton

As summer vacation is approaching and everyone is so busy thinking of where to go, I decided to do some research and highlight several countries/islands/towns that are worth visiting this summer. Everyone usually goes to well-known touristic spots, but did you ever stop and think that there actually might be somewhere better? Travelling is not just for fun or to change your mood, travelling or seeing places is an important part of our education. One cannot believe a fact to be true unless one sees it. The education that we receive from schools and colleges does not provide clear knowledge or idea of places. That’s why the first destination spot I picked for this summer is: Vietnam! Yes, that’s right – Vietnam.

Vietnam’s history is one of war, so it’s amazing to see how much this country has evolved from being a war-zone for so many years and then blooming to become one of the top most visited touristic destinations in magazines worldwide.

Vietnam has around 3.3m tourist arrivals every year. These tourists arrive to Vietnam waiting to unfold its true treasures at:

Halong Bay: There’s nothing quite like Halong Bay first thing in the morning. As the mists clear, hundreds of huge karst towers appear, looming high above the boat. In the soft morning light it’s like waking up in a watercolor painting of a mythical land.

Hanoi: Motorbikes piled high with people, produce and even animals zip through the streets. It’s crazy, haphazard and somehow it works. The best way to take it all in is from a rooftop cafe. Order an extra strong coffee and watch the chaos unfold below.

Mekong Delta: This massive area of floating markets, emerald rice paddies and lush islands is home to some of the friendliest people on earth. Take a boat trip to one of the sleepy islands to get a front row view of life on the Delta, and meet the people who call it home.

Sapa: Head to the hills and see the colourful villages of Vietnam’s minority groups – the Zay, and the Blue and Black H’mong. The area is remote so the best way to experience it is on an overnight trek, spending the night as a guest of a local family.
Qui Nhon: Quaint Qui Nhon is a sleepy beach town off the main tourist trail. It’s worth coming here just for the drive. The road hugs granite cliffs that plunge into the South China Sea, and islands, lagoons and sand dunes slowly give way to sugar plantations and rice fields.

Hue: Jam-packed with imperial sites, Hue is one for the history buffs. Explore the Citadel with its ruined Forbidden Purple City before embracing your inner emperor and taking a dragonboat cruise down the Perfume River.

Hoi An: This shoppers’ paradise is home to more boot makers, tailors and handicraft than you could visit in a lifetime. While you wait for your suit to be made, hire a bicycle and explore the Old Town – the streets are blissfully car free.

Ho Chi Minh City: Still known as Saigon to most, HCMC is a city on the go. It’s fast-paced, exciting and full of amazing sites. Temples and markets collide with churches and skyscrapers for a heady mix of traditional, colonial and modern.

Mai Chau: Mai Chau feels a million miles away from the bustle of Hanoi. Misty mountains and emerald rice paddies contribute to the air of peacefulness. Be sure to look out for the traditional fabrics woven by the White Thais that call this area home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HrGrS6Ntlk

It did look hot, especially the front. As I said the design looked like a hybrid or I better say a combination of other sport cars. I’m pretty sure people on the street will think it’s Ferrari or Aston Martin and only those with trained eyes will perceive that it’s a Jaguar. As I understood there are three models as follow;

3.0L V6 S/C 340 HP and accelerates from 0-100 Km/Hr in 5.1 secs.
3.0L V6 S/C 380 HP and accelerates from 0-100 Km/Hr in 4.8 secs.
5.0L V8 S/C 495 HP and accelerates from 0-100 Km/Hr in 4.3 secs.
I also read online that Jaguar F-Type has won the prize for the best car design in 2013. Now this is all good but what surprised me is the price tag, they said the basic V6 model costs KD26,000, V6 super-charged for KD 29,000 and the V8 for KD35,000 (I can imagine the look on your faces right now). They said they have one right now for test-drive and anyone can book a time, that’s cool because I’d like to see how this car feels on the street with regards to smoothness, performance, stability, acceleration and of course engine sound.

I can’t stress enough how many times this topic has been brought up but no proper action has been taken! Have you noticed how the number of cars on the road is increasing by the day causing more traffic and more road rage? Have you noticed that even with the new cameras and traffic laws people are still driving like crazy? Kuwait’s streets have become really unsafe due to those few people who feel that they are better than the law and everyone else on the street. According to recent studies by the Traffic Department, Kuwait is moving in to top the record in world traffic deaths. Studies show that there are 75,194 accidents taking place on Kuwaiti roads annually, which is 206 accidents per day on average, or 8.5 per hour. Fatalities have climbed to 493 per year, averaging 1.3 per day. And it was also shown that among the top 20 causes for deaths in Kuwait, traffic accidents rank at No. 8!

Using mobile phones while driving and not adhering to basic safety standards like wearing seat belts were identified as important causes for road accidents. Let’s add to the list: children sitting in your lap while driving, racing, and chasing other cars in hopes of finding a “companion.” And just recently the Chairperson of Traffic Safety Society in Kuwait has stated that Kuwait has broken the world record in the number of traffic deaths. He said 17 deaths are recorded in every 100,000 accidents, and blamed the Kuwaiti roads which can only accommodate 700,000 vehicles, while 1.6 million vehicles ply the roads. And to add to the problem, about 80,000 cars enter the roads every year.

Follow the traffic laws people, respect other drivers, and respect the streets. There is no difference between getting somewhere in 15 minutes or getting there in 5 minutes. Eventually, you will reach your destinations. Let’s just try to reach them while we’re in once piece.

There’s a virus going around, I know because I’ve had it for three days now. I thought I was just getting sick with the normal influenza but it turns out I had the stomach flu. For those who don’t know what stomach flu is I just want to give a quick brief because the virus has been going around Kuwait and I need you all to stay safe.

Stomach flu is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a number of factors including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Stomach flu actually refers to the irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines (the gastrointestinal tract). Irritation may be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites in spoiled food or unclean water, or another trigger such as lactose intolerance, which causes a reaction to dairy products. Symptoms of stomach flu include: abdominal cramps, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. You may also have fever, headache, and swollen lymph glands, depending on the type of bug that causes it.

Stomach viruses are notorious for spreading rapidly because of poor hand washing, and making poor choices of food and drinks.

So please readers, please avoid junk food (as much as we all love it), please avoid eating any greens outside the house because you never know if they are washed properly or not and always try to maintain good hygiene. A tip for all of you: always keep Dettol wipes with you! They will come in handy, that’s from experience! Wishing you all good a day and good health!

Say goodbye to Joe’s Jeans and hello to Franklin & Marshall at 360 Mall. I’m F&M fan, well I’m A&F, G&G and Hollister fan as well since they all fall under the same category and have almost similar sport-casual-oriented clothing style.

Joe’s Jeans was closed for good at 360 Mall and was replaced with Franklin & Marshall. Now is it me or is it true that many stores are either closing down or being replaced with other stores in several malls over Kuwait? I can relate as to why this is happening because since Grand Avenue has opened many malls have turned into ghost malls and we have addressed this in a previous post titled “Do they even make any money?“. Expect more to come I say.

Note: Picture above from archive.

The weekend is almost here and my friend is standing next to me, asking me the same question I hear almost every week – what are you up too this weekend? I smiled and asked the same question back. “I’m probably going to head to the beach.” Why do we always just do the typical things to do here in Kuwait and then we end up complaining that “there isn’t much to do,” and “let’s travel for the weekend for a change.”
There are things to do; we just choose not to do them. So, I put together a list of the things I decided I’m going to do on weekends from now on:

1.)    Green Island! Even though my parents used to take us there when we were kids, I haven’t stepped foot in Green Island since (and I bet a lot of you haven’t either). Green Island is the perfect spot to spend the whole day and enjoy your time with family and friends. This beautiful Island is open from 8 AM – 11 PM daily with an entry fee of just 1 KD. There are many activities for children as well as adults, and on both sides of the Island there are restaurants serving local and international dishes, as well as other attractions like a theatre where concerts and plays are exhibited live, and a tower 35 meters high from where you can have a good view of the city. Contact No: 22526153

2.)    Paint Ball. Feel like killing someone? LOL, take them out to the paintball field and shoot them! Besides relieving stress, this activity is good exercise as well as an excellent experience if you’ve never tried it. The field is 5000 square feet and they will provide you with a variety of action packed games, guns, and equipment. Call 22431101 for more information.

3.) Remember the story behind the House of Mirrors? 77 tons of mirror and 102 tons of white cement have been used to create the mosaics that decorate the entire house. I heard that Lidia Al- Qattan, the owner, is very friendly and anyone is welcome to visit at any time. But try to make sure to call ahead of time (22518522) just so that you’re not intruding. The address is Qadsiya, Block 9, Street 94, House 17.

4.)    An all-time favorite and really fun activity to do: Ice Skating! Since summer is starting now and the heat can be quite unbearable, staying indoors is always an option. The Skating Rink has been around since 1980 and has hosted numerous amounts of Kuwaiti/Non-Kuwaiti Artists and always has some really nice activities going on. There are two rinks inside and a nice cafeteria for snacks. The skating rink is located on the 1^st ring road on Al Soor Street. For more information call: 22411151.

5.)    A great way to spend a quiet evening is at the dancing fountains. This musical dancing fountain is one of the world’s largest fountains and is located in Kuwait City. It was established in 1983 and covers an area of 16,000 m². The main fountain has 220 subsidiaries all distributed through three major fountains. It operates by 22 organized circuits that control the water up – flow to multiple heights reaching 35 m. The fountain garden contains green spaces and family seating areas. In addition, children’s playgrounds and a cafeteria for light food, pastries and a variety of drinks.

6.)    Another great stress reliever after a tiring week at work is at the shooting range. Mayadeen Public Shooting Range offers a number of different facilities and weapons for your use. They give you a quick brief on how to shoot and safety tips and you’re ready to go! Call 24759999 for more information and take a group of friends and go let off some steam.

7.)    Interested in learning something new? Join a class whether it’s a fun dance class or a new language you want to take up, learning something new is always fun. For language classes contact Berlitz on 22320118 and for dance classes contact The Palms: 25646266 or Kuwait Bachata Club: 66991983

8.)    Like tours? Nuzha Touristic Enterprises offers full and half-day boat trips, as well as trips to Bahrain and Qatar, and boat trips for special occasions. There is also a daily ferry to Failaka Island from Ras Al Ardh. Recently there is a trip to Failaka each Saturday costing KD 15 (KD 10 for children) including lunch. The boat leaves from berth G6 at Marina Crescent, Salmiya. To book call 224 4988 or 484 8161. Small water taxis run throughout the day from the tourist enterprise office in Shaab, across the bay to the towers. The cost is 500 fils. Boats can also be taken for bay trips from a small jetty on the south side of Marina Crescent. The trip lasts for about 20 minutes, costs KD 1, and enables you to enjoy spectacular views of Kuwait City and the towers. A number of dhows are also available for hire through local travel agents or the hotels. These can be chartered for social and business functions, and for day trips to Kubbar Island. Catering can be provided if required. Radisson SAS organizes tours out into the Arabian Gulf for a few hours during the day. Booking is essential.

These are just a few of the activities that can be done on the weekends, if I hear about anything new I’ll be sure to let you know. Have a good rest of the week and if you do something different this weekend please share with us!

The other facilities that guests can benefit from includes wireless internet access, DVD player with 42” LCD TV, minibar, tea & coffee facilities, automatic blinds, a writing desk and safe large enough for your most important belongings. There are also non-smoking rooms available and guests can request adjoining rooms, or a room with disabled access. The hotel houses 8 restaurants/cafe’s (Italian, seafood, International cuisine, healthy and light bites, Arabian and steakhouse). There’s also an exquisite SPA, I saw the pictures and it does indeed look relaxing. Outside there’s a nice walkway, chalets, tables overlooking the sea, and a private beach.

It’s great to see yet another 5-star hotel opening in Kuwait to offer tourists and locals more options. I’m definitely going to try book for the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel sometime this summer, I’m also planning to try their steakhouse next weekend.

Note: Pictures are from Jumeirah Messilah official website.

[Show as slideshow]

“Run the first mile with your legs, the second mile with your mind, and the third mile with your heart.”

On May 18th 2013, at 8 AM Ecco will be hosting, for the first time, its 10 kilometer race in Kuwait at the Mishref Track. With this 10 K run, Ecco will be presenting its new Biom line that would prepare runners for the track ahead. There will be 6 winners, three males, and three females which will be recieving trophies according to their ranks; as well as, receiving vouchers to purchase their very own Ecco Biom pair of running shoes. Registration fees are 15 KD so if your interested visit their website or any of the Ecco branches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkIVyGJZx6U

We all had childhood favorites, my list includes KDD chocolate ice cream, Kinder Surprise, and Kitco Chips. So imagine my surprise when I go down to the baqala for an all time favorite and end up with (See video above).

The bag was empty! Completely empty except for two little crumbs at the bottom. Are Kitco seriously packaging air filled bags? That’s exactly what their doing! My question is, if I were to file a lawsuit, would I win? 

Update: During my visit to the Kitco Factory, I learned that this air-filled bag is a very rare case and can only happen to one out of a million people.

Hi everyone. I received an email about dead dolphins washing up on the shore in Abu Hassaniya area. Apparently, every year around this time (December- May) more and more dolphins are being washed up on shore and no one knows the case behind it. Kuwait Times have published something regarding this issue , and it would be nice to know exactly what is going on because its so sad to see this happen every year.
Thank you [TK] for the tip.

Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the exclusive importer of BMW Group vehicles in Kuwait, revealed the all-new MINI Paceman at a unique activity at Avenues Mall, where visitors and media got the chance to interact with the brand. With all the driving excitement of a Sports Activity Coupé and the hallmark MINI go-kart fun driving experience, the seventh addition to the MINI family is set to turn heads in Kuwait. Shoppers will have the chance to interact with the brand’s newest addition and experience the new MINI Paceman for themselves via a host of fun, creative, eye-catching stunts, including pop art and interactive drawing screens,. Entitled “Design with Bite,” the activation will form part of a region-wide road show, which includes visits to six countries across the MiddleEast.

The seventh model in the MINI family has a unique character all of its own, while displaying clear ties to the inimitable style of the British brand.  On the outside, the MINI Paceman offers a unique combination of sporty and extrovert design with two elongated doors, large new horizontal taillights and sloping roofline. The fresh and individual character of the MINI Paceman comes across most prominently when the car is viewed from the side.  It is also highly customisable, and available in eight body finishes and a choice of seven light alloy wheels in four colours.  The roof and exterior mirror caps can be painted in the chosen body colour, white or black.

Commenting on the launch of this car in Kuwait, Mr. Yousef Al Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, said: “MINI has achieved phenomenal success in Kuwait over the years, helping to make it the most successful small premium car brand in the world and across the Middle East. Unique, yet typically MINI, the MINI Paceman opens up the brand to a whole new audience segment that has been looking for a MINI that combines the sportiness and space of an SUV, with the sleek design of a coupé. We are confident that this new addition will prove highly popular among MINI fans here in Kuwait and will mark a new and exciting chapter in MINI’s illustrious history.”

ذهبت ليلة أمس الاول لمشاهدة الجزء الثالث والمنتظر لدى الكثيرين فلم الشخصيات الخارقة “آيرون مان 3″ او كما نطلق عليه “الرجل الحديدي” في سينما مرينا مول  في تمام الساعه 10:30 مساء. نعم احب ان احضر لمشاهدة هذه النوعيات من الافلام في اول عروضها لاتمكن من الاستمتاع بها قبل امتلاء صالات العرض في عطلة نهاية الاسبوع. حسنا كما نعلم ان سلسلة الرجل الحديدي قد حققت نجاحا كبيرا وارباحا قياسية في اول جزئيين لها واستمر هذا النجاح في الفلم الذي جمع الشخصيات الخارقة “ذي افينجرز” ولكن كما نعلم ان كلما زادت الاجزاء لأي فلم “ناجح” اصبحت المحافظة على هذا المستوى اكثر صعوبة لان النجاح برأيي يتطلب الخروج عن العادة بشئ جديد كليا يدهش المشاهد. ا

ا

شخصيا ذهبت لمشاهدة الفلم من دون مشاهدة دعاية الفلم “تريلر” كي لا اكون انطباعا عن الفلم وبالتالي قد تكون توقعاتي كبيرة وبالتالي قد تخيب آمالي بعد ذلك. حسنا عليى الاعتراف ان الفلم كان بالفعل مدهشا من ناحية الرسوميات بالاضافة لحس الفكاهة الذي احسن المخرج استخدامه لاضافة لمسات من كوميديا الموقف ولكن شعرت ان هذا الجزء لم يأتي بشئ جديد ومختلف يميزه عن الاجزاء السابقة بل اعتبره الكثيرين خطوة للوراء. القصة كانت بسيطة جدا ولم تكن بها حبكة وكانت الكثير من الاحداث متوقعة وظهر الرجل الحديدي ضعيفا وكانت فكرة العدوا “ماندرين” تفتقر للابداع برأيي. كذلك غابت النجمة الشقراء الممثلة “سكارلت جوهانسون” والنجم “سامويل جاكسون” في هذا الجزء ولم تبين الاحداث سبب غيابهما من ناحية القصة. نعم كان هناك الكثير من الاثارة والحركة ولكن كما قلت لم يكن هناك عنصر المفاجأة وكانت الاحداث متوقعة وغير مبهرة كما في الاجزاء السابقة, ولكن كما قلت تحقيق النجاح يصبح اكثر صعوبة بلا شك في كل جزء جديد, فقد يكون هذا الجزء ممتازا للاشخاص الذين لم يشاهدوا الجزئيين السابقيين. حصل الفلم على تقييم 7.9 في موقع الافلام الشهير “آي ام دي بي” والجدير بالذكر ان الفلم قد عرض بالكويت بليلة قبل الولايات المتحدة.ا

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke1Y3P9D0Bc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2-j3z_Nms0

So, who did it better – Messi or Ronaldo?

Address: Al Tijaria Tower Mezzanine 1, Al Soor Street, Kuwait City.

Phone: 22968085

A friend to our blog sent us photos for 2014 Porsche Cayman and Cayman S launching event in Kuwait at Al Raya hotel yesterday, he says the event was entertaining. I find Porsche Cayman one of the great looking sport cars and the new generation looks even greater. Aesthetics aside, performance was also improved big-time, they say Porsche Cayman S 2014 has 3.4-liter engine that produces 325-horsepower and accelerates from 0-100 KM/Hr in merely 4.4 secs (with PDK), that’s fast enough in comparison with other similar sport cars. I find Cayman getting better and better over the year that it’s almost getting ahead of the 911, but of course Porsche won’t let that ever happen. Though personally there are number of things that I think Cayman supersedes the 911. Let’s see;

• Obviously cheaper than 911 by KD10,000+
• Better Fuel Economy; it consumes less gas.
• Bigger luggage space; yes you can put more stuff.
• Lighter; I read it’s lighter than 911 by about 70KGs.
• Sounds better; many car experts agree with that.

I guess 911 fans are pissed at me but I’m just trying to expain why I find Porsche Cayman appealing and not just the ‘Poor’s Man 911′. Anyhow, I called Posche Center to inquire about the price, they said the 2014 model starts at KD18,222 and adding the S will increase the price by around KD4,000 , so that’s KD22,000 in cash and in full.

Thanks [Basel]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kqOxyLc4Kc