Final Cleansing

The last day of this year. Finally. I am here in beautiful beautiful London with my favorite people doing my favorite things. I can't ask for me. Okay, maybe a pop career. But besides that, I am in homoheaven. London is the meeting point of the world. It's one of the only metropolises. And I love it, never got sick of it.



Let this year go and disappear into oblivion. Fade away. Let it wash through me. Bring on the new year and let's love!

Music: You Won't Forget About Me - Dannii Minogue Vs. Flower Power

Jerry! Jerry!

Can't muster up many words. Saw Jerry Springer: The Opera. It was a little bit above OK. That it would be more of a treat. I enjoyed it because of its satire and cultural analysis. The script could've been better. At one point it turns very religious. Deep but provocative. Not as fab as Mama Mia.

Music: DJ - Jamelia

Laughter And Activism

Today, I have had the grandiose honor of experiencing, what I think, is the best commediane on the planet. Yes, I experienced, in second row, a live stand-up comedy session by none other than Margaret Cho.

For those of you who do not know her, that is because she is sort of anti-establishment and really into political commentry, mixed it with civil rights activism, raw humor and a little bit of impersonations. The perfect mix. Get her collection, you will not be disappointed!

I love a woman with a smart mouth and a cause.

Music: Freedom - WHAM!

Amsterdam: The Real Land Of The Free

After a 6 hour trip, while listening to the simply beautiful sounds of Natalie Merchan on B rails and a few minutes of solace in this fast-paced trip, we arrived at one of the best places to be in the world, if not the one. Amsterdam is a city unashamed of its liberalism, from its red light district to its drug laws.
I feel like Amsterdam is the ample example of how everywhere should be. Almost nothing is forbidden, therefore, many of its inhabitants do not feel the need to try things out, because everything is right there. We marvelled at the freedom and the beautiful little city that is Amsterdam. I think everyone should visit the lowlands to experience the standard of living there. How the canal intercept with the brick roads and there is an air of tolerance. Nothing beats the Prinsengracht.


Music: Break Your Heart - Natalie Merchant

Luxembourg: The City Of Boredom

I have always been fascinated with the idea of tiny countriesm whether it is Kuwait or Andorra. So, I took it as a great chance to visit Luxembourg when I was visiting the lowlands. Dragging all my friends with me, for my pursuit of finding out about the country that boasts the best standard of living. As we arrived at the train station, we headed to the most boring city I have seen in Europe. It was very traditional and lacked modernity. The one good hotel was not that good. The people looked German but spoke French. The city was a center of private banking and we couldn't find an ATM. No one was walking in the streets and the shops looked like they haven't changed in 20 years. All of which were in the Hermes calibre - definately not a place for pranksters like us. I wish I would've understood the culture here, but I had one day and I couldn't ask for more. There were fabulous manors and the people looked old-school rich. The kind of rich that frown upon jeans. All the people who worked were either Belgian or of Arab descent. It's like they like the way they live and they don't want anything else. They want to stay the way they are.




Music: No Good Advice - Girls Aloud

Brussels: A Beautiful Surprise

We escaped closed London on Boxing Day to explore Brussels. I never heard of any Belgian city as a tourist attraction, but decided to take the chance to see something new. Afterall, that is how I discovered the city of lush - Barcelona.

On the way to the hotel everything looked dim and not so lively. But once we entered a street that looked like a huge christmas tree with fabulous lights and an urban feel, we felt we have embarked of something special. We later found out the that christmas tree shaped road is one of the two visible man-made objects from out space, the other is the Great Wall.

The people were alive and festive, the city was decorated like someone would decorate a home and the Belgians are really friendly. I loved it. It was like a tiny Paris without the attitude. One waiter at a Steak House cracked a joke every time he came to serve us and people are really caring, even bouncers. We met people, visited historical sights and saw the sheer beauy that was Brussels. The city was filled with musuems and great statues. The one that stuck out and is the symbol for Brussels, is a statue of the little boy that's pissing in a fountain. It was in all the sovenier shops and such.


Did you know that the Belgians created the Smurfs and Tin Tin? I would recommend Brussels to anyone. It truly is the heart of Europe.

Music: Only U - Ashanti

Waking Up Late

Don't you hate when you wake up and find that you missed something really important. When even the alarm didn't wake you up and, as a result of that, you disappointed someone and lost an opportunity. Hate that feeling! Other than that I had a blaze day. Plus, I forgot my phone at home, so it was surreal and serene today. The second half of the day was productive and I plan to pull an all-nighter now. That is in preperation for Grad School applications and the nearing trip, which is tentatively titled The Recapturing Glee Vacation. I'll get back at you.

Music: The Beautiful Occupation - Travis

Counting Down

Today, I counted down to many things: days to my trip, days to the new year, hours at work, minutes for Little Caesar's to arrive (compliments of this marvelous site), the hours I want to go to sleep, the MP3 downloads, the UK chart and more things I can't remember. I just want to get rid of this horrid year. I can't wait.

I love it when VH1 goes on random trips of old and new videos. I remembered many early 90's songs I want to get. Can't wait for the notorious HMV offerings.

I realized, I have always fallen in love during summer, never in winter. Not that I am superstitious or anything, I just wonder how it would feel like.


Music: Mr. Jones - Counting Crows

Brown Skin

There is something about brown skin that is so appetizing. I don't know what it is. Any shade of brown really, there's something rich and beautiful about. Sensuality is also enhanced with that kind of texture. I don't know what I am talking about here, I couldn't elaborate without delving deep into the personal. Listen to the song of the day and you'll know what I mean.

Music: Brown Skin - India.Arie

Sweet Music

I had an Ipod and I have a mini Ipod now. I like my mini because it carries a limited number of songs so I can take my faves with me. But I can't deal with the older one and anything MAC operated really. I stick to Creative Nomads. First, because they are more relaible and less fad-y. Second, because they make models that carry my load of music (Currently using the 60GB Zen), which aptly fits my music collection. I am an album freak, I don't just listen to hits. I have to have every diva album with me at all times. lol.



Music is everything. I have learned that. Pick up a random old release of someone you like and see what I mean. I love re-discovering artists. For example, Kelis's debut is one of the best records of recent years, it's a shame that people only know "Milkshake." and it's followers.

Music: Overload - Sugababes

The Trouble With Closet Cases

Closet cases make me sick. They do not want to struggle with the community or strive for more. They only come out to have a good time, meet others in chat rooms or whatever. They never think that, maybe if we work together, we can achieve some sort of liberalism that will allow us to live our lives equally. It's all about equality.
Of course, personal reputation comes in and then thier peity surfaces out of nowhere. I seriously cannot take anyone who lives in darkness and only meanders out to get some booty. Thier cowardice is so unattractive. I don't know how they get any.
Get up and do something... a little help can go along way.

Visibility is key.

I love heteros who are allies to the cause of equal rights. That is the most unselfish thing one can do. They are the white people who stood in the marshes to protest slavery and ask for equality. I am glad I have the priviledge to be surrounded by the few of these peeps in this country. I appreciate you and I love you.

Read on.

Music: Coming Out Of Hiding - RuPaul

Zip Me Up Before You Go-Go

Oh, I also was glued to VH-1 today watching a documentary on George Michael. He talked about WHAM!, the Sony fiasco, the "lewd" act, coming out, love, life and progress. DJ Neil Fox and and ultimate fag hag Geri Halliwell offered insight.

Tommy Mottola, the CEO of Sony Records and former Mariah Carey hubby, is the enemy of popular music. I am not surprised that Michael Jackson called him the devil. He worked to ruin George Michael's career, then came his attempt at wiping Mariah Carey out post-divorce and now he is working on erasing Michael Jackson. Who does he think he is? George, Mariah and Michael are legends of our time. Now Mottola is married to Thalia (aka J.Lo wannabe).

George Michael on being gay: "If there is something that will bring you joy and love, of course you will be proud of it."
.

The whole Beverly Hills bathroom thing stems from xenophobia. Why would anyone send a SWAT team to see if a man is playing with his willy in a public bathroom. Aren't there other things the police should be handling in Los Angeles?

Get GM's new album, it's so good.


Music: Amazing - George Michael

Ahmadi: A Better Place

I was invited to a Barbeque in none other than Ahmadi and was hesitant to go at first. But then decided it would be an experience. I have some recollection visting Ahmadi once before and was amazed by its environment. I mean, a place that I thought was a desert-ghetto, turned out to be one of the best places to live in Kuwait.
The homes co-exist differently from most Kuwaiti living areas. Most houses are basic and consist of one floor and there's always a big backyard. Plus, it's filled with expats and KOC employees that the aura is more accepting and extremely laid back. I have to say now I love Ahmadi, contrary to what most people within the ring roads think, it is a better place to live in. Maybe the part I saw was different, but still, it's good enough.
This morning I woke up with the worst every hang-over, though. I never used to have them but they keep popping back.

Music: Celebration - Kylie Minogue

Talk About The Weather

I woke up at around 2:23 pm not feeling anything. It came as a surprise to see all the accidents and swerving left and right on the fifth ring road. I heard the weather was bad and they were calling for schools and work to shut down until conditions get better. This comes as somewhat of chuckle to me as I have lived in Upstate New York for 4 years were snowstorms are there all the time. I don't understand how someone can skid due to rain. I reason that maybe the windshield wipers couldn't clear the rain from the driver's sight, which lead to an accident. I don't know, it's just that this is nothing to me.

Sometimes the winter here is so nice it makes one almost want to forgive Kuwait.

Enjoy the weather. Grab a hot drink (or Bailey's, if available) and snuggle up with your partner or teddy or whatever you kids snuggle up with these days.

Music: Afrodisiac - Brandy

Stalking 101

Some stalkers are weird
some are alarming
some are sad
some are a great compliment
some are bad
some are nice
some are gracious
some make you sigh
some are scary
some are sly
some are well-intentioned
some are not
some are funny
you ain't gettin' any


I didn't feel like writing a post so I did an impromptu poem (if you can call it that)

Music: Breathe - Telepopmusik

Around The World

I have been rehashing my memory as to what countries I have visited because of a certain site that collects all the locations that you have been and gives you a great highlighted map or world travels. Russia and Canada are always a plus, they make you look like you've been around the world, even if you have stopped at Moscow for a day and drove through the border to Toronto. But, unfortunately there is a 24 hour universal rule.

I have always be fascinated by visiting places. I don't know why...being a part of my community we always seek escapism. I am hoping to notch up Belguim and Luxembourg through Eurostar on my London trip. Luxembourg always stuck out on maps, I wanna know more about it ... and also the ever-so-fabulous - Andorra.

I have 16 countires now. And yes, Kuwait counts.
My workmates seem to have stuck to that number, too.

Leave me a comment telling me how many you've been to including the names of the out-there ones. Lesotho, anyone?

Music: Around The World - Lisa Stansfield

Not A Blast From The Past

Seeing people who have drifted away is always hard. Like relatives who were once a very important part of your life and now you have lost contact for any reason. It brings back nostalgic feelings that I hate. I am never happily-nostalgic, maybe because I feel like the bond was never given enough time and effort to evolve.
This time I saw everyone at once; cousins, friends and extended relatives. I felt like I wanted to engage in conversation but I have no idea of what was going on thier lives for a while now. So I just give my best smile and hope that maybe one day people will come together.
I do miss most of them and maybe one day we can sit around and rejoice and remenisce.


Music: The Wind - Mariah Carey

Soccer Sucker

Am I the only one? I don't understand soccer. I just don't.
Yay, so someone kicks a ball into a net and everyone is ecstatic. I never understood sports.

Kuwait wins over Saudi Arabia 2-1 and everyone is happy. This sudden spurt of nationalism causes an outbreak of festivities in the streets and everyone is proud to be Kuwaiti. I am sorry, but because one footballer has the right pair of legs does not, and should not, be the reason for patriotism.

Did we forget that we are a country within the breach of human rights? Did we forget that women cannot vote still and are second-class citizens? Did we forget that the religious right are telling us what to do, how to do it and when to do it? And a lot more...

So next time you go out waving the flag remember the above.

Disclaimer: I have nothing against sports fans, I just am commenting on the patriotic reaction that resulted from the win.

Music: Golden - Jill Scott

Air Apply

I am sending all my applications by FedEx. I just noticed that if you look at the FedEx logo you will see, through optical illusion, that there is an arrow between the E and the X. I didn't know it was there. But, then again no one I told knew it existed.

Meanwhile, Grad School applications are dull and tiring, especially american ones. Why the hell do they want to know what race I am, what my parents make and if they also graduated my college. They take so much information for what. You don't need to know my father's fax number to admit me. One of them asked for a photocopy of every document. How about you slap $5 on the admissions fee for a year and get yourself a nice photocopier and employ a person to do it. If you get 4,000 applications a year that'll be $20,000. With that, you can also hire a private investigator to get that information for you about the person without them having to go through the hectic process of paperwork. How about that?

The one Canadian university I am applying to was a delightful breeze. When you are asked about your sex, you can either tick female, male or other. Now, that is a university that takes a holistic approach. Yay, Canadia...

Music: Eight Easy Steps - Alanis Morissette

Bring Me Water

If we are experiencing a water shortage, than what is happening in other countries. I mean how hard is it for a tiny "oil-rich" country to get water. Do we have the right facilities? I don't know anything about this. Maybe our land is drying out, isn't there a way to make the Gulf's water OK for use. I never forget getting into the showers at a hotel in Ibiza and noticing that the water I am cleaning with is from the sea. It had some salt in it. How does that work? and is it OK? If Spain is doing it, I am sure its not danger. Or maybe not. I don't know what I am going on about here. This all sprung from the fact that I need to store my fridge with small water bottles.


Music: Emerge - Fischerspooner

She Works Hard For The Money

200 KD for what? why are we giving every Kuwaiti citizen 200 KD? Are we living in a perfect society were there is no more room for improvements. I am sure that this money can be used to the benefit of the country in many other ways.

With those millions that are going to waste at Marina Mall and smuggled whiskey. There are better things to do with them. To name a few:

-Revamp the disgrace that is Kuwait University

The philosophy program is not allowed to contemplate the existence of god, what do they philosophize about then?

-Decrease the illiteracy rate

Especially with women (From The World Factbook: Kuwait: total population:78.6%male:82.2%female:74.9%)

-Launch a campaign to combat police brutality

We've all seen the Bluetooth videoclips of assault and such. Kuwaities get nothing compared to people who have left thier families in order to work for a better wage, which is not all that anyway.

-Donate to Human Rights Organizations

The Human Rights Organization in Kuwait was only approved this year.

-Build better roads to solve the traffic problem

Try driving somewhere at 1pm or trying to avoiding the pot holes in sub-streets.

-Create a shelter where battered wives or daughters can find refuge

So many people that have voice that are unheard in the chauvinistic society

-Send more people to college

This always benefits the country, since our education system is not exactly stellar.

-Do something about inflation

It's cheaper everywhere else. Remember when a Pepsi was 20 fils?

-Fund culture and art organizations

Refer to any KTV channel or just turn on your car radio.

-Get better healthcare

Yes, its all free, but Kuwait has more oil than it can handle. The public hospital situation is tired. No lines, no proper appointments and sometimes really bad doctors.

-Try to boost tourism like Dubai has done

Why are we not better? They have building rising by the day and it has become a beautiful place for anyone to have fun in the sun. Even Star Jones went thier for her holiday and Mariah played a gig there, while we are still negotiating whether Nancy Ajram has too much cleavage.

This list is every-expanding. I will update frequently.

Music: Chewing Gum - Annie

The Schengen States

The European Union is a great idea. Europe is a continent that reached some of the best standards of living earth has seen, when it comes to all of society. But, why is it so fucking hard to get a visa there. I had to go get one for someone and the things they want. The Belgian one wants travel insurance and a bank statement. The Greek Embassy wants a photocopy of every page of the passport. The German wants travel information from vouchers to tickets. The list goes on. The most lenient, I heard, are the French and Spanish ones. But they also require more than two weeks (in this case 19 days) to review the application and travel documents.

I also went to The American Embassy and that made the EU ones look easy. Being a male in the worst age bracket, I had to sit in a waiting room until my number (not my name) is called in order to enter, get this, another waiting room. Have my fingerprints taken and face an interviewer who has an I've-heard-it-all-before look on her face and half a month later, still no call. I felt like I was a criminal or something.

But, you gotta love the Brits. The British Embassy had a straightforward application. I went in, paid and got a 5 year visa a couple of hours later.

All I wanted was a vacation. Even The South African Embassy was all Schengen-y. That's why I am definately going to be in London Town for new year's. The Brits understand that I have a right to party!

Music: There's Got To Be A Way - Mariah Carey

Seperation Of Mosque And State

A constitution should never be linked directly under a religion. Religion is something you believe in for yourself and chose to implement on your daily life. If you are Muslim - work on yourself and do not enforce your beliefs on anyone else. Also, do not assume everyone is just like you. Many people have different definitions of religion. So if you want to have a long beard and a knee-length dishdasha, then do so. But do not tell me how to live and how to lead my beliefs. There are Kuwaiti christians and there were Kuwaiti jews who left for fear of being ostracized. There are also many Kuwaiti athiests and agnostics who do not speak up because they are afraid of prosecution. When a liberal disagress with you they usually have a live and let live perspective, but when an Islamist disagrees with you then, in most cases, they retort to violence. That's why I think laws should not come from religion they should come from the well-educated people of the country.

Music: Kind & Generous - Natalie Merchant

Sister Act

Remember Sister Act? I just got the Sister Act box set from Amazon.co.uk and had a fabulous night with it. I saw both movies and I am in awe of Whoopi Goldberg, who continues to be one of my favorite actresses. I read her autobiography "Book" back when it was released and I admire her for being a strong woman in an industry that praises bulimic bimbos.

The movies were a treat. I heard Matt Damon once say, when doing promo for The Bourne Supremacy, that there were only two great sequals: The Godfather 2 and the New Testement."

Erm...Hello... what about Sister Act 2: Back In the Habit? I really loved watching young Lauryn Hill struggle to be heard. and when they all do the finale with a little What Have You Done For Me Lately by Janet Jackson. Great movie, great concept and I get a kick of all the religious anecdotes.

Music:A Deeper Love - Aretha Franklin

Funny Or Not

Stole this from someone else's blog. Its a an anti-Arab joke. Read...

The Saudi Ambassador to the UN has just finished giving a speech, and walks out into the lobby where he meets President Bush.
They shake hands, and as they walk the Saudi says, "You know, I have just one question about what I have seen in America."
President Bush says "Well your Excellency, anything I can do to help you, I will do".
The Saudi whispers "My son watches this show, 'Star Trek', and in it there are Russians, and Blacks, and Asians, but never any Arabs... He is very upset... He doesn't understand why there are never any Arabs in Star Trek".
President Bush laughs and leans toward the Saudi, and whispers back, "It's because it takes place in the future...."


Music: Drop Dead Gorgeous - Republica

The Day After

Hungover and recovering. Great party, great people, great air. Time for work.

Don't you hate it when an awful ex calls you after 4 years wanting to get back. I feel like Gloria Gaynor.


Music: Lose My Breath - Destiny's Child

I Know Where It's At

Remember All Saints? The lesser-known British girl band that were into combat gear and sang great soul tunes? I am so into thier Video Collection right now. In celebrations of Shaznay Lewis's album Open, which is fantabulous - she was always the one with the talent. The other three white girls capitalized on her talent. The left her out always and approached the record company without her. That's why their movie Honest tanked.

Well, the band and their 2 albums were great. I wish they'd come back for more. But for now Shaznay's is fab.


Music: Black Coffee - All Saints

Brandy And Wine

For this new month, I wish for it to escalate into being the perfect leeway for a better year. I am not asking for a grand year, I just want one of those better years like 2002 or 1999. Because 2004 has been the worst year ever. No contest. I am so glad to see it go. During new years I want to be with my closest of friends dancing in a club while drunk on red wine.

Meanwhile, Brandy's new album is nothing short of a gem. I love her tribute to the 90's and her newfound grace. Pick it up.

Music: Should I Go - Brandy