Chocolate & Controversy

Angel In Disguise

2005-04-19T18:08:00.000+03:00

These days everyone is releasing a greatest hits collection. It seems that even those who had one great hit a couple of misses and a myriad of b-sides and remixes are releasing a collection, The Very Best Of Dr. Alban anyone?. Back in the day, a collection was an anthology, only a few greats reached that level of grandiosity. Now even Britney is scurrying to put one together at any chance. They have become big business. As a consumer, one would want a collection of supposed sure-fire hits than an album that requires time to digest.
However, as a result of this overproduction of ‘greats’ the title has become sort of a cliché and only a few hold as much substance as The Immaculate Collection or #1s.
This one, however, is a keeper. Brandy, after four amazing albums in a row, released the hits that made her a voice of a generation.
Bursting onto the scene with the innocent and instantly infectious “I Wanna Be Down,” Brandy has yet to release a miss. Even when the sales went down, she released one of the best albums of 2004 – Afrodisiac.
This Best Of includes all the hits from the global number one “The Boy Is Mine” with Monica to the heavy on staccato “What About Us?.”
The ballads a ever-present with “Have You Ever?,” “Almost Doesn’t Count,” and “Brokenhearted” with Boyz II Men front man Wanya Morris.
It comes as no surprise that this record embodies 90’s nostalgia as the feminine urban sound was kept alive by Brandy, her duet mate Monica and the late Aaliyah.
Tracks like “Baby” and “Best Friend” will bring back memories. The collection also includes a remix of “I Wanna Be Down” with Queen Latifah.
Other cuts that did not make albums are also included like the Phil Collin’s cover of “Another Day In Paradise” with brother Ray J and Quincy Jones’ rehashing on “Rock With You.”
The latest hits “Who Is She 2 U” and the Kanye West aided “Talk About Our Love” add some new sounds.
Brandy has always created music for the people. Great melodies, simple lyrics and groovy sounds are all part of what makes Brandy still a star.
This album is a record to listen to and a record of our times. Brandy is set to switch labels after this package, let’s just hope she continues her legacy.

Music:

U Don't Know Me
Brandy
Best Of Brandy

Feeling Anew

2005-04-18T21:15:00.000+03:00

As you can tell, if you are an avid reader of Chocolate & Controversy, that I have changed the look of my mind-wanderings (blog). SheWrites recommended a new counter and when I inserted the script everything disappeared and nothing functioned, much to my faith in my HTML expertise.
So, I decided that I never really liked the other layout I just picked it because of haste. Plus, I feel rejuvinated these days. New school, new crush, new Mariah album, new trip, new summer, new issue of Q magazine and a new more optimistic outlook. Partly because I decided because intellegence and conservativism will never find a middle ground, so why bother?

Or, maybe it's the centrum speaking.

This new look marks a change. You like?

P.S. I am adding the album title and sleeve to my daily music choices because it's important and I want to. The last one is the album title.

Music:

Alright
Supergrass
I Should Coco

Officially Infatuated

2005-04-17T19:33:00.000+03:00

Girls, Boys, Trannies and the Intersexed: I am officialy crushing. I thought, due to recurrent heartache, the butterflies that once fluttered so freely in my stomach have forever cocooned. You see, I haven't felt like this in a long time and I thought that it had faded by reason of my aging and my disblief in true love and/or the monogamous bond. Although the latter still subsists, I am happy that I am feeling alive in that sense.

The ever-present prude in me will get the best of me, I know. For I am not used to starting it. But curt SMS and some he-said-she-said should do the work. Let me tell you, it's a great feeling. I want everyone to have a crush and have it reciprocated. I feel like Katrina did when she found her Waves.

You make me love this song.

Music:

We Belong Together
Mariah Carey
The Emancipation Of Mimi

Sidewalk Of Shame

2005-04-16T19:19:00.000+03:00

I am having parking problems because our sidewalk and the whole block's is under construction. Which is fishy, since the sidewalk/car parking space was in perfect condition and new. I mean, it was as great as a sidewalk can get minus the pink paint. Why are they re-doing it? Those workers digging under the hot sun, making noise and causing detours, for what? The thing was almost in mint condition. Must be some new business venture to make some rich man richer. I know this land has given us black gold, but I am not sure it is in the right hands.

Music:

Galang
M.I.A
Arular

Glossed Out

2005-04-15T18:55:00.000+03:00

I came to have a party / Open up the Bacardi

Let me just tell you peeps, that I know how to throw a wicked party! Fabulous time, woke up with many great sms compliments and many empty cups and cigarette butts everywhere and the stench of the morning after. Delightful!

Music: Get Your Number - Mariah Carey & Jermaine Dupri

Emancipation Proclamation

2005-04-11T19:09:00.000+03:00

Never ceases to amaze me , you are my diva.

Music: Stay The Night - Mariah Carey

April Recommendations

2005-04-10T17:51:00.000+03:00

This lull of summer's arrival never gets old. April is here making friendships florish and the clothes shed. I sit here in my spring stupor and a pealing tan - the haribinger of glee. Here are the recommendations for April:

The Emancipation Of Mimi

For obvious reasons. But, the Voice is here to bestow upon us a gift so irridescent it shifts as you listen. More to come on the album in the form of a humungous review. I'll keep you posted.

Let It Die

Covers are rarely made better than the original. This Canadian songtress rehashes the Bee Gee's "Inside And Out," with excellnce. The album is surprisingly laid back considering the fact that she was Peaches' roommate and buddy.

Will & Grace

The funniest thing on TV. It is seriously the only DVD that made me laugh hard since the last season of Ab Fab. I still think it should have been called "Jack & Karen." Season 5 is out now on DVD and if you want it you're gonna have to .co.uk it.

Maxtor OneTouch Storage

Just imagine what you can do with 300GB: backup all your mp3's, limewire more porn, store all your documents and still you have more than enough.

Thing: Partying
Let go and dance. If they see us dancing maybe they'll want to, too. You know how it's contagious. Play Janet's "The Pleasure Principle" and let me see your feet try to avoid a-tapping.

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April's De-commendation: Wristbands
I know the Live Strong wristbands around for a while now, why the sudden hype in Kuwait. The idea was well-intentioned, but now its out of proportion. Five KD for a Malaysian imposter, no thanks. These people (the makers and the some of the wearers) wouldn't know a good cause if it raised its high heel and bludgened them.

Get them and tell me what you think!

Music: Inside And Out- Feist

Tanning Oil

2005-04-09T18:38:00.000+03:00

Today, I was laying by the beach watching what is visible of Kuwait City and I wondered for a minute: what would other tiny countries do (like, say the Armenia-Nauru-Dominica's of the world) with our country's wealth if it was available to them. I mean there is so much money in this small fenced desert by the shore, yet we fall pray to the shackles of a plutocracy and, more importantly, the pestilence of conservatism that holds what should be a thriving society captive to a "moral" conduct that was never there to begin with.
In my contemplative session, I realized that conservatism is purely a control issue. It is a method for the priviledged (the rich, men, ...etc.) to inflict a supposed social construct in order to control the power and corner it to thier side in insularity. That way, the rich get richer at the expense of the poor and underprivildged (for example: if women do not vote - a man's vote has more value, since the rest of the population has been "morally" eradicated). Becuase, I know for a fact that under this sun with this much oil pumping, Kuwait can easily be a better polished Seychelles in tourism, thus bringing in money rather than just wasting it. But, we are here trapped under the instructions of narrowminded bigots who wave the flag of thier interpretation of organized religion whenever science proves them wrong.

Music: Rome Wasn't Built In A Day - Morcheeba

Rock Electronica

2005-04-08T19:39:00.000+03:00

Amidst the rise of the chill-out genre, Moby prospered with his pop-leaning yet smooth electronic sounds. It was only until Play came out that Moby found his niche among the myriad of chill compilations and trip hop creations. Slightly over-hyped, Play made him a household name with its blues samplings and lounge grooves. Then 18 came, which wasn’t received as warmly with its off-kilter experimentalism.
His eclecticism doesn’t wane with his latest offering. Hotel merges the old Moby with his rock roots. The album is a direct tribute to Moby’s idols from David Bowie to New Order, who receive a rehashing of “Temptation” on this record.
“Raining Again” offers a glimpse of the entire album as it follows the intro, with it’s Brit-rock influence. The stirring “Beautiful” continues this trend. Then you see recent inspirations like the Travis-tinted “Where You End” and the Coldplay soundscape of “Slipping Away.”
Moby’s new wave inspiration is made visible by “Spiders.”
Unlike his other efforts, the vocals on this record are primarily Moby’s from the politically-anxious first single “Lift Me Up” to the aforementioned tracks. Then there are the damsel-fronted elevator favorites such as “Dream About Me” and “Temptation.” The tribute to 80’s ambient-dance with a Donna Summer touch “Very” is the stand out track. The others fall below average with their mellow demeanor and filler content.
Moby’s catalogue doesn’t far short of the making of a music legend, from his groundbreaking innovation to his ear for marketable songs. In pop culture he also remains one of the true liberal voices standing up against Eminem’s much-celebrated bigotry and continuing to voice his opinions whether in promotional interviews or his CD booklets. Not bad for a self-proclaimed geek.
Along with this CD comes another that features down-tempo mood music with elegant consistency. Hotel is definitely a rise from 18 but not quiet Play. Get it if you like the singles.

Music: Very - Moby

Bull Ship

2005-04-07T18:49:00.000+03:00

Really, doesn't make a difference. Magazine and electronics are not sent internationally and that's how its good. Other than that, if you use DHL straight from Amazon.com then it's faster and for the same price. Probably one of the most over-hyped services. Plus, the service is trash, have you ever tried calling them?

Music: Black Horse & The Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall

Mimi's Emancipation

2005-04-06T18:49:00.000+03:00

I am very grateful right now, for I have in my hands the long-awaited highly-anticipated The Emancipation Of Mimi. I have been talking about it on my rant-a-thon (blog) for a while now, and I have been waiting for it since Charmbracelet came out. Mariah looks like a million bucks on the cover and the songs are of a calibre all her own. Today, even my friends knew not to make any Mariah comments. I love pop music, I love glossy music and I love happy divas and I am not afraid. Doesn't mean I can't appreciate Kid A or Tidal, I just simply love music whether consider mainstream or deep or whatnot. I am not here to be "credible," I listen to be taken somewhere. And, in my culture, diva-worship is as evident as cruising. You can tell alot about a person by thier diva.
Reasoning aside, I love the album and I think anyone missing it for fear of being typecast as a radio-bunny is missing out on the Voice of our times. It's more than I expected and Mariah never lets us down. You all secretly hummed a Mariah tune or two in your lifetime so stop clutching your Norah Jones CD and let go. Maybe you'll be Emancipated.

Plus, I am giving free copies of the album when my package from the US arrives, so sign up if you want one.

Music: Mine Again - Mariah Carey

The Plague Of Conservativism

2005-04-05T00:35:00.000+03:00

I woke up to the sound of a Kansas churchie equating homosexuality to pedophilia and bestiality, while the liberal guy in the box next to him on the MSNBC screen sat quiet (because we are polite and understand what freedom of expression is all about).
Then I found out that Al-Tabtabaie is being sued for saying that being giving women thier political rights homosexuality and bastard children will be on the rise. Great news that Tabtabaie is being taken to court, not so great news for that cause. Kuwaiti liberals are not liberal enough, actually they are just like the conservatives. What's wrong with gay people and aren't bastard children just as human? Set your priorities straight. There are millions of things that Tabtabaie said that are worth a fight, plus if anyone would ask him for the research I am sure he won't be able to fetch.
Then, a veiled women cut me off on the street and then refused to acknowledge my discontent because I am a male. Now, if you are veiled to detract sexual attraction from the "uncontrollably"-horny hetero-male, then why do you need to apply pounds of vivid make-up? Doesn't that defying the whole purpose. As tantalize would say... such a useless-a.
And, today, Bush is still ruling, Eminem is still selling, Women can't vote, and my friend was recently ticketed for having a tiny women's rights sticker on the car not on any windows. I have seen some pretty big stickers on the backshield that surely block the driver's view that have gone un-ticketed, if you know what I mean.
I am seriously considering Scandinavia, anyone wanna come? We can start a Kuwaiti diaspora.

I felt better when I stumbled on this site. I love liberals, we speak the truth.
Check this out.

Music: I Don't Think We've Met - Nikka Costa

The Big Issue

2005-04-04T10:55:00.000+03:00

I have always made sure I collect everything that Mariah graces the cover of. So far, I have done a good job. But, this time, I don't know how I am going to lay my hands on this one. The Big Issue is a magazine sold only in London and by homeless people trying to work, hence the "working not begging" motto. Thier articles are well-written, too. All my fellow peeps are stateside and around here. I want it! It's not like I can Amazon.co.uk it.

Music: It's Like That (David Morales Club Mix) - Mariah Carey

Get Gone

2005-04-03T23:57:00.001+03:00

"Welcome to the freakshow, here we go"

I don't give a flying fuck about the pope. First, I am not catholic and second I don't think he is of that importance to hog all the news all the time. Did everyone forget how much of a homopobic sexist he was? Seriously, CNN, BBC and all other news channels, not all your viewers are christian. I'm glad this shegang is over and lets get back to real politcs. The guy was a speaking corpse anyway.

Music: Go Gone - Estelle

No Fool No More

2005-04-01T04:44:00.000+03:00

It's April's fools and I haven't been fooled. I get fooled one way or another every year. This time I haven't been... is it because I have out-witted everyone or is it because of Kuwait's impact on downspiraling someone's social life. Lol, I don't know but, hey, I never liked April's fools.

Music: Lift Me Up - Moby

Moonshine

2005-03-31T09:29:00.000+03:00

When you have been looking for a party all your life and enjoying its atmospheric joy, you forget that simpler things minus some luggage can be quite as satisfying. For example, sitting outdoors under Kuwait's almost-full moon on a huge comfy pillow, secluded from all its third-worldedness and oppression, alongside some of your favorite people talking and rejoicing is a great feeling. Try it.

Music: Dancing In The Moonlight - Toploader

Saturated Community

2005-03-30T10:52:00.000+03:00

It is coming to a point that I am disliking closet cases as much as homophobes. I mean, why is it that within the community, and especially here, no one finds the need to create a better bond between us. Why is it that we are quick to snap at each other and disragard each other. No one has a sense of communtiy, that they relate to a certain person because of orientation and they have thier back. It's like black-on-black crime, it crumbles the community, gives us a bad name, and we don't get anywhere. So much bitching, no doing.

Music: 1 Thing - Amerie

Istanbul: Where East Meets West

2005-03-29T18:47:00.000+03:00

My travels have always been centered around Europe, for it's great venues and open-ness. I admire modern civilizations. I thought Istanbul, being the connecting point between Asia and Europe, wouldn't be that much of a far cry. I was wrong.
You see, my visit was short but in a couple of days I found myself bored in a metropolis. This hasn't happened to me since Cairo.
The architecture and museums speak of a great civilization, but an economic dowspiral and fundementalist agenda has brought down a nation that once ruled the world. Overtly Anatolian types scurrying towards Istanbul for a better living, however the city, its music and its residents echo a certain sorrow about the country's deterioration and ever-so-evident thrive to get to be a Schengen State. In my decision, it is far away from that. Crime is high, poverty is high and human rights are virtually absent. Even the newly installed Metro system (due to EU pressures) wasn't recommended or heard of when I was there.
This is not to say that Turkey is not a treasure of past glories, ancient art and the workings of a past civilization.
It was worth the visit just to see it. It is a georgraphical joint of two very different continents.
The food is fleshy, the clubs play Turkish music and rarely play pop, The cabs gyp you, and the beggars will not leave you alone. Plus, the chances of finding someone who understands English are slim.

Music: Back To Basics - Shapeshifters

The Right To Speak

2005-03-28T02:55:00.000+03:00

You guys, as bloggers and blog-readers we should stand up for this man who is being punished for merely speaking his mind, which is what we are all doing now. If we don't stand up for our right to freely speak, then we will be the next target. We are not under Taliban rule, we have a great Constitution that protects us, let's make use of it.

I am offended that Al-Tabtabaie pressed for only veiled women to be allowed to vote, no one is jailing him.

So, please take the time out to sign this.

Music: Right To Be Wrong - Joss Stone

Special Occasion

2005-03-25T10:11:00.000+03:00

I haven't seen Mariah in such top for since Butterfly. That's my diva!

Music: It's Like That - Mariah Carey

Tea & Sympathy

2005-03-24T19:39:00.000+03:00

British R&B is on the rise, what with Jamelia conquering the charts and many other bands that have given life to union jack soul. One of those bottom-dwellers that are sung heroes is Beverley Knight. Entering a market that is not very friendly to soul and excelling throughout time. One might remember Knight from her past victories, such as her debut album Prodigal Sista, which made the MOBOs happy but failed to cross borders, stating this is not to undermine the quality of this soultress's efforts.
Who I Am, her second album, managed to establish profound ground and further launch her name. Garnering hits such as the loud perseverance anthem “Get Up!” and the ballad “Gold.” She also notched up another hit with “Shoulda Coulda Woulda,” empowering many and building a number of admirers. Who I Am was a sophomore effect that did not suffer from the infamous downfall.
Knight revisits the charts with the new hit song “Come as You Are,” which surprises everyone as it is a tribute to rock music and is a strikingly defined tune.
This third album, Affirmation, is both a departure from older albums and an enhancement of previous styles. As “Not Too Late for Love” portrays an escalation from latter singles in the way of soul balladry.
There are some stand-out tracks on Affirmation. The breath-taking “Tea & Sympathy” takes center stage along with the melancholy bliss of “Salvador,” which displays a lot of pain for a long lost friend from AIDS.
The ground-stomper on this release is without doubt the Robyn cover “Keep This Fire Burning,” with its tight beats and lyrics it is destined to become a single.
Other triumphs include 'Straight Jacket' and 'Fatal Factor.' Otherwise the album settles with mediocre ditties like 'First Time' and 'No One Ever Loves In Vain.'
Knight has released her best album yet, however is will be hard to determine whether she will marvel in the world of Javines and Jamelias. “Keep This Fire Burning” is the treat that describes Beverly. It is a track strong on melody and lyrics, but doesn't concentrate on the general mass's yearning for something glitzy and hip. Knight is not afraid to play with beats and genres to carve out beats that are consistent and delicious. Sometimes Knight's balladry turns out to be flavorless and MOR. However, the other tracks make up for it.
Affirmation is an evolution to the better.

Music: Salvador - Beverley Knight

Safety In Numbers

2005-03-22T18:07:00.000+03:00

Day of the month: 22
Songs on iPod: 7791
Countries visited: 18
Days to travel: 3
Countries visited after trip: 19
Days until The Emancipation Of Mimi: 21
University acceptances: 3
MP's who have said they will vote for women's rights: 31
Number of J.Lo engagements: 5
"It's Like That" chart position: 17
University rejections: 1
TOEFL score: 657
Universities waiting on: 5
Mariah's octave range: 7
Meals eaten: 1
Countries in the world: 193 (I stand by Taiwan not being a part of oppressive China)
Height in feet: 6
House at work: 4
Outside Temperature: 26
Years in waiting for the right to vote for women: 40
Colors in my rainbow: 6

Music Where's The Love - Hanson

Miss Understood

2005-03-21T18:54:00.000+03:00

This is a diva. A woman so strong and talented, struggled with infamy, yet her Voice shines surpassing the sexism and racism she has always faced. Everyone is like "I hate how she became a slut." Really? Why is a woman revealing her sexuality undermine her talent. I know it's usually ugly people who have a problem with sexually open people. You see, not everyone can be a slut and enjoy it at the same time. I never heard anyone call Ricky Martin a slut, even though we all know what his best asset was.
Mariah faces everything and yet she comes back with her 10th album looking as glorious as she does. I admire her and I am happy to say that I have been a fanatic. Remember how "Always Be My Baby" made us feel all giddy inside, or when "Hero" stood as an anthem for a generation. How she managed to become the best selling female artist of all time at a time when street cred and grunge were in.

Mariah, I love you. Thank you for being unabashedly feminine without trying to win over the critics. Mozart would've played the same music in a thong, but the hetero male establishment tries to end a female artist's career when she is in charge, whether sexually or musically.
Everyone, get this CD and see what I mean when it comes out on April 12.
Further on Mariah as the day approaches soon.

Music: We Belong Together - Mariah Carey

Cocoon Cousin

2005-03-20T19:13:00.000+03:00

Let personal history register that I have the coolest cousin in the world. I had never known that a metamorphasis from a butterfly to a cocoon would be better than the vice versa. Even though I tease her this blogette is dedicated to her fabulousness. If Kuwait weren't so untoward advancement and a center of gossip mayham Id's post her pic. I love you, La Chica (also psuedonymed Emeralda).

Music: Cannot Contain This - Moloko

General Joy

2005-03-18T18:55:00.000+03:00

The artist who made the piano rock and roll is back. After releasing a greatest hits collection of reconstructed ubiquitous feminine anthems such as “Precious Things” and “Jackie’s Strength,” Tori Amos returns to full-lengthers with The Beekeeper.
Although her absence wasn’t a long one, Amos regains her position as a prolific songwriter by delivering nineteen tracks on this release.
In the fashion of its travelogue predecessor Scarlet’s Walk, The Beekeeper crams in more material than needed at times. While Amos’s musical flow never falters, the incessant wailing does not stray too far away from Scarlet’s Walk.
The Beekeeper starts off strong with the shiny “Parasol” and then grooves with “Sweet The Sting.” The lead single also offers first-listen refuge with its half radio-friendly presence, much like “A Sorta Fairytale.”
However, it does not take a while for Amos to rove into hyperbolic stupor with her collaboration with now it-boy Damien Rice on “The Power Of Orange Knickers,” where Amos slips on a pair to dissect the definition of a terrorist. Only Amos can get away with that artistic lunacy without sounding eerie for the sake of. Later Amos attempts being, get this, a car in an endeavor to understand a struggle in a relationship on “Cars And Guitars.”
Then Amos delves into Daphne Du Maurier's classic novel on “Jamaica Inn.”
Further down come the tracks that could have been b-sides yet are used as fillers on the recent records. “Barons Of Suburbia” ends with wails, while “Mother Revolution” has a strong message with a bushed sound.
Romanticism takes affect with “Ribbons Undone” – a track with references to her daughter. “Original Sinsuality” investigates piety and redefinition.
Lazing in her new Cornwell, England residence, Amos boasts on “Ireland” about driving there in her Saab. Did anyone inform Amos that Ireland is part of an island?
There are some tracks that break that continuity evident lately on Amos’s records. “Hoochie Woman,” examines infidelity with a reggae tint. Also, “Marys Of The Sea” has a mild operatic feel.
The Beekeeper is somewhat of a Scarlet’s Walk part two. Not that that is a bad thing, its just redundant for an artist known for her innovation. Although Amos’s piano melodies never lose their solemn grandeur, this release is recommended to the fans only.

Music: Sweet The Sting - Tori Amos

Complimentary Massage

2005-03-17T19:14:00.000+03:00

Rejuvination is always good for a person. I do it every know and then. They serve as chapter breaks to my autobiography. I went for a shave today and the guy was amazed that I want to remove all facial hair including my moustache. He asked in his Desi-accentedness "You are not Kuwaiti?" I muttered "Yes" and stopped at reasoning. What was great is the massage you get after shaving. I mean, I think this is exclusive to Kuwait. The barber shaves then gives a complimentary massage after the heated towel routine. Why? Just do what was asked of you (I was in a hurry). But, I have to say I do like it.

Music: I Can Make You Feel Good - Kavana

Acceptance Letter

2005-03-16T20:41:00.000+03:00

I have to say that there is only a few things sweeter than watching the acceptance letters from Grad School applications roll in. It's like a huge the surprise and the more choices one has the more intriguing the pursuit. Two down, waiting on seven. keep 'em rollin'!

Music: As - George Michael & Mary J. Blige

National Diva

2005-03-15T20:07:00.000+03:00

Lulwa Al-Qatami

When I grow up, I want to be her.

Music: Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead

Freedom Of Speech

2005-03-13T19:05:00.000+03:00

I don't know what to say, I mean, this blog thing is amazing, It's an outlet like no other. Even when you know that just your friends are reading it, at least you've made your statement for the day and can rest assured that you got your message across... somehow.
I love it and do it all the time as my fellow bloggers would agree. I mean the internet is a medium unlike any other. It has challanged many societies to either get with the game or get left behind.
But then, a fellow blogger gets attacked for his freedom of expression. I do not take this threat lightly as it is a call to censor bloggers - the only true voice coming out of Kuwait. Tata is one. Freedom of speech is, again, a basic human right.
Iran has recently arrested a prominent blogger and jailed him for almost a decade for expressing himself. Isn't that scary? I mean we are not Iran but how far away are we?
We are becoming more and more of a conservative society and I wonder if we are about to be censored.
I feel like it's an attack on the blogging community.

The constitution protects us. Stay proud and stay loud.

Music: Sleeps With Butterflies - Tori Amos

Regurgitation

2005-03-12T18:31:00.000+03:00

Success in not always a measure of talent when it comes to showbiz. Consider Jennifer Lopez. A multi-million selling persona in different industries from cosmetics to audio, yet she lacks the diligence and talent behind an artist. Even her execs realize that so they rely heavily on image and packaging to market Lopez.
Her ear for hits is so in limbo that she has to copy and steal to achieve chart success. Firstly, she stole the Ja Rule remix idea from Mariah Carey’s Glitter by way of Tommy Mottola (Carey’s ex-hubby) and released it as a remix of “I’m Real.” Now, if you change the melody and the lyrics of a song isn’t that a whole other song and not a remix?
Then, more recently, she released a song already recorded by another artist. This time Usher’s “Ride” becomes Lopez’s “Get Right.” The latter is probably one of the worst pop songs ever released. It sounds like an annoying ringtone that never stops. The remix with Fabolous doesn’t lose the horrid horns and adds irritation.
Lopez’s new album Rebirth is really not what it claims to be. It is better than the vile This Is Me…Then but way down from J.Lo.
Mid-tempo tracks that wouldn’t be the light of day if it weren’t for Lopez’s image like “Step Into My World” and “Hold You Down” featuring Fat Joe are plain and featureless. Even when Lopez tries to muster up some spice with the funk-laden “Whatever You Wanna Do” she falls flat on her face with dreary lyrics and a bleak chorus.
Then the rest of Rebirth relies solely on hype from “I, Love” to “Ryde Or Die.” Even when she manages to catch some mid-tempo flow on “I Got U,” she loses it from the ghastliness of the record.
To further the painful trip through this effort, J.Lo unapologetically attempts mimicking Prince on “Cherry Pie,” which is more balderdash and less “Raspberry Beret.”
It comes as no surprise that Lopez continues to release filler after filler and then the filler remixes. Celebrities like her are walking conglomerates. Her face is trademark and her talk is the PR. No wonder that she can cross borders from being a singer to an actress to a fashion designer. When it comes to music, however, she is nothing special. Her vocal ability sounds like a Karaoke hopeful and her dancing is passable, but no Janet Jackson.
On the last track on Rebirth Lopez asserts “(Can’t Believe) This Is Me.” To tell you the truth, we can’t either.

Music: Keep The Fire Burning - Beverly Knight

Here Comes The Rain

2005-03-11T19:02:00.000+03:00

There's something cleansing about it. Like earth is given a shower or being fed.
We are almost in the ides of March and its wet out. It's pouring rain and I am loving it. I have always loved it and never understood why some don't. I can hear the rain right now and I am inside. It seems like the perfect time to be in love, doesn't it?
When I lived in London, I used to walk in the rain while listening to the song of the day. Embrace it.

Music: Raincloud - Lighthouse Family

Ain't Wacko

2005-03-09T20:58:00.000+03:00

I do believe he is a kid at heart.

The world will never now how much Michael Jackson has marvelously reconstructed the popular culture that we thrive upon. I love Michael. I don't care what people say and I will stand up for him because I understand his huge impact on music. With the hordes of fanatics, I have followed his career step by step and went back to catch a glimpse of the superstar that he is.

I detest people who immediately resort to pedophilia or plastic surgery anecdotes when his name is mentioned. Firstly, plasic surgery is not a bad thing. If I fucking want a beak instead of a mouth then it is my right to do so. Why can't anyone understand that? Second, I do not believe that he is guilty and I know that the American judicial system, that boasts of its just ways, is, in reality, defunct and racist.

R. Kelly, James Brown, Mystikal, Tevin Campbell, ODB, every rapper, OJ, and the list goes on.

You see, Justin Timberlake and Usher are only downgraded cheap copies of what he has created. No one can be him.
He has always offered us the best music and, as a result, the best days. And to this minute if you play "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" or "Smooth Criminal" at a get together everybody will get up and dance. That reminds me of another thing -- his dancing. I don't have to explain.
Or that smooth surrender of "I Can't Help It" and "Off The Wall."

Martin Bashir to me is what Michael Moore is to republikkkans. His documentary was evil and skewed for ratings (that is, of course, unlike my great Moore).

I love MJ. I remember as an insecure closeted skinny boy with big-ass headphones finding escapism in Michael as he says: "If they say 'why? why?,' tell 'em that it's human nature."

Leave him alone. The Jackson family are my royalty and he is the King.

Music: Human Nature - Michael Jackson

March Recommendations

2005-03-08T20:11:00.000+03:00

Heightened paranoia and not-so-radical activism opened March. But, that didn't stop me from my dosage for popular culture. So, as goes, here are the recommendations for March:

Puddle Dive

Sudden feminist urges with a dash of Knuckle Down hype made this the #1 spinner in my car stereo. This is so raw and folk, yet easily digestable. It marks Ani's progression from folkster to punk with a cause. I can just see her selling this out of the trunk of her hand-painted car by a lesbian coffeeshop in Buffalo, NY. There are songs about societal hygiene standards ("Pick Yer Nose"), the menstraul cycle ("Blood In The Boardroom"), showbiz stratification ("Egos Like Hairdos") and a coming-to-terms poem ("My IQ"). All without sounding slapstick. Download them.

Surrender Dorothy

Read March 4 posting for details.

Iron Jawed Angels

More suffragist stuff. At the Oscars I was surprised that Hilary Swank one, but after seeing this I understand how much of a great actress she is. This is a really great movie. Why aren't there more womyn movies out there?

iPod Photo

I succumb. I have always been against iPods because they are Macs and they have the tendancy to release your music library which is not fabulous if you are a music maniac. But this 60GB baby can carry all of my music (which apparently totals to 23 days of listening) and display the album covers and other photoes you store. Plus, you can shuffle and charge through USB. You still can't retrieve your library like with Creatives, but, no pain no gain.

Thing: Activism
Think blue and help get the vote. Half a democracy is not a democracy.

Get them and tell me what you think!

Music: Cherry Blossom Girl - Air

Queen Of The Ocean

2005-03-07T19:29:00.000+03:00

For a minute there, it looked like the ocean. Waves of people dressed in every shade of blue. All ages and all denominations. This is what it should be like. But it wasn't. The colorful array we presented was much too much for some and we had to leave.
It was great seeing everyone from back in school and such. It was better seeing the younger generation show up with force... or was it because they were given time off? Nonetheless, we made the point clear. I am glad they kicked us out, just for them to know of our presence and how it's gaining resistance.
The youngsters yelled, but what amazed me and almost shook me to tears (if it weren't for my knowing that the naysayers would make me the counter-arguement of women's rights) is that the old school suffragists who have had no support for 40 gruelling years. Seeing the one who started the movement with a veil burning haribinger clutching to her chair refusing to leave the parliament. How, in her old age, she managed to make an example that hasn't been met up. She was there lovely, blonde, strong, shrewd and insistant to get the vote even though it won't do her all that good now. Our Susan B. Anthony.

I take pride in you and I admire everything you are about. I know the road you took hasn't been an easy one. And as the first suffragist of this ailing system I bow down to you as you have done more to this country than any politician, to me.

In her spirit, let's keep it going and lets not stop. Let her see what one day she has always wished and worked hard for. We did it for 1 day, she did it for 40 years. We surely can cram in some more, and I have to say it was fun. Wasn't it?

Music: Push & Pull - Nikka Costa

Double A-Side

2005-03-06T19:56:00.000+03:00

Embarking on an indepedance plea and trying to love being single is so hard when you hear the song of the day. I mean I am in region where my love is loathed and the possibility of finding someone who is compatible is close to nil. As I enjoy outness with frivolity and am not prepared to compromise. I want to go back where a rainbow shines.

I feel like a single that wants to be a double A-side. For those who are music-literate.

Music: Full Moon - Brandy

Suffragist On The Loose

2005-03-05T03:23:00.000+03:00

Sorry for my absence, but I have been working on something that is of grandiose importance. Please join in:

Day Of Solidarity. 8 am in front of Parliament this monday. Stand up for women's rights now. Ask for equality and wear blue.

Music: I'm Every Woman - Chaka Khan

Surrender Dorothy

2005-03-04T20:45:00.000+03:00

Alana Davis is one of the rare artists that have managed to bridge the gap between folk and soul without faltering. Ever since her striking debut, Blame It On Me, Davis has conjured up a mixture unlike any other. The beats are heavy on acoustic, yet never denying its deep-rooted soul. The New York native created a mold that is somewhere between Bill Withers and Jewel, without being as oblique as Tracy Chapman.
But as with many artist who dare to create a template all their own, the likelihood of maintaining a long career is cut down. Consider Ben Harper and Maxwell, they have delivered new sounds yet are pigeonholed into somewhat of a novelty cliché. Remember how Erykah Badu was titled the Miss Cleo of hip hop?
After Elektra records decided to disregard earthier tones to big beats, tossing the careers of both Davis and Chapman out of the window, many artists started grasping how unpredictable the music industry is.
Davis started her own record company named Tigress Records, under which she released this album. Following the footsteps of the woman who gave her her first hit “32 Flavors.”
With Surrender Dorothy being her first record post-emancipation we notice a more relaxed and organic Alana Davis, even more so than her debut.
The album does not have evident radio-hits like “I Want You” or “Crazy,” but it does have grabby tunes like “Letter” and the touching “Right There.”
Here Davis concentrates on making a record more sonically flowing than anything else. Even the cover version of Bob Marley’s “Nice Time” is safely tucked away as the last bonus track.
Then there are more rock influenced ditties like “The Benefit,” which gives the record an edge without straying too far away. “Vision” is an ode to life without direction, yet with a goal.
On the other hand, there are the low-tempo tunes that compose Davis an amazing talent shying away from the Joss Stone tactics of American Idol-esque aerobics.
This time, Davis delivers sincere emotion with subtlety on “Stay” and the earnest “Right Here.”
“Jaded (Goodbye)” is another track that deals with lost love almost with barefaced stance. While the standout award goes to “Desert Rose (Higher Than A Lover),” which rises with a subdued yearning.
Davis is an example of how faulty the music biz is. This fruitful young talent that has had every door shut at her face for refusing to comply to hype standards. Do yourself a favor and pick one of her albums up while she is still subsiding as an under-publicized indie.

Music: Letter - Alana Davis

Black Is Beautiful

2005-02-28T18:34:00.000+03:00

I remembered National Day, Liberation Day, Valentine's Day and my ex's Bdays. However, I forgot the most important thing about February. This past month was Black History Month and I didn't celebrate like I did in my college years. Watching blaxploitation movies and attending activist events. It passed me. Maybe because no one here thinks its of importance. But the black movement was a human rights movement and it broke many barriers in the civil rights medium. I am proud of all of the figuregheads of that time from Martin Luther King Jr. to Fredrick Douglass to Rosa Parks. It takes strength and courage to be like them and still to this day Black people suffer from discrimination and prejudice in White America, or should I say Red State America.

This is a picture of Rosa Parks getting fingerprints after being arrested for refusing to get up out of her seat in a bus for a white woman.

Music: Everyday People - Arrested Development

An Award Dubya Deserves

2005-02-27T19:39:00.000+03:00

Graffiti in Bratislava.
Beating such established Hollywood hunks as Colin Farrell and Vin Diesel, President Bush won the Golden Raspberry Award on Saturday for Worst Actor of the year for his appearance in Michael Moore's documentary 'Fahrenheit 9/11.' Britney Spears won Best Supporting Actress for the same flick.

I love the liberals, even when we are political we are creative.

Music: Overrated - Siobhan Donaghy

This Liberation

2005-02-26T21:22:00.000+03:00

Foam everywhere, flags on everything and smile on veiled faces and others. That's how I picture my country to be (minus some things). But, it is only for one day and the social constraints still hold us down. Like woman being harassed and whatnot. However, as a staunch liberal on liberation day, I refuse to take its existence seriously. I enjoyed the celebrations, I did. But at heart I am yearning for a day when this country realizes its grand mistakes. Liberations day? I don't feel liberated.

Music: Galvanize - The Chemical Brothers

This Independence

2005-02-25T20:21:00.000+03:00

It is independance day and I don't feel independant. It's nice to see the celebrations, but the people are rejoicing for something that they don't know about. However, it is a time to reminisce about the fact that Russia vetoed Kuwait's validity as a sovergien country so the local tribal government had to seek civilized means (like establsihing ties with local parties that were denied speech and democratic methods) to lead the country, thus differentiating us from other totalitarian regimes in the region. That's why, children, Kuwait was accepted exactly 44 years ago as an independant country.

Music: Erase/Rewind - The Cardigans

Sinking In Corruption

2005-02-23T03:12:00.000+03:00

I detest this society we've created and the things that come with it. I cant understand how everyone is okay with this cesspool of indecency our predecessors created, much ado to other interventions. This system is corrupt and this society is that of liars. We have gotten so used to covering up things that we lie to ourselves. I do not wish to take part in this atrocity. I think I'll move on...

Music: Brazen (Weep) - Skunk Anansie

Riverdale Syndrome

2005-02-22T19:52:00.000+03:00

I have been watching the much-talked-about OC, which, even though I have been watching it, is not really that fabulous and sometimes downright boring. I am having a hard time appreciating anything American. It all looks cookie-cutter to me. I feel like all teen dramas fall pray to the Riverdale Syndrome of the same template. Other than the fact that Adam Brody (the geeky, sarcastic urban outfitters-clad hottie) is on the show playing Seth Cohen, the show is not really all that new. The Archie resemblance applies to all those American shows. Check this out:

Archie

The all-american boy looking for the special all-american girl.
Beverly Hills, 90210: Jason Priestly
Dawson's Creek: Joshua Jackson
Friends: David Schwimmer
Saved By The Bell: Mark-Paul Gosselaar
The OC: Benjamin McKenzie

Veronica

The rich bitch who is really a great friend deep deep deep inside.

Beverly Hills, 90210: Shanon Doherty (later: Tiffani-Amber Thiessen)
Dawson's Creek: Michelle Williams
Friends: Jennifer Aniston
Saved By The Bell: Tiffani-Amber Thiessen
The OC: Rachel Bilson

Jughead

The geeky best friend who is always the bane of comic relief

Beverly Hills, 90210: Brain Green
Dawson's Creek: James Van Der Beek
Friends: Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow
Saved By The Bell: Dustin Diamond
The OC: Adam Brody

Betty

The undecided doe-eyed virgin.

Beverly Hills, 90210: Tori Spelling
Dawson's Creek: Katie Holmes
Friends: Courtney Cox Arquette
Saved By The Bell: Elizabeth Berkley
The OC: Mischa Barton

Reggie

the jock who everyone hates yet is never out of the picture

Beverly Hills, 90210: Ian Zeiring
Dawson's Creek: John Wesley Shipp
Friends: Matt LeBlanc
Saved By The Bell: Mario Lopez
The OC: Chris Carmack

Music: Sugar Sugar - The Archies

Second-Class Citizens

2005-02-21T20:40:00.000+03:00

Even if it boasts so, Kuwait is not a real democracy. For many reasons, but the most evident one is the fact that almost half of the population cannot vote merely because they have a reproductive organ. Why? isn't that where all humanity comes from? It is a sad sad state that we are in. When a man who dropped out of school at 16 and cannot read with a criminal record can vote, while a woman with a PhD can't. What level of extremist sexism have we reached? I am appalled at anyone that has power and makes woman second-class citizens. Keep your feminism soaring still, we need you. Read on...

in 2003:

-at least 4 million women and girls were sold into sexual slavery each year;
-two-thirds of the world's 875 million illiterate adults were women;
-510,000 women die each year from pregnancy-related complications;
-women are four times more vulnerable than men and 1.3 million die each year as a result of HIV/AIDS;
-an estimated 25 to 30 percent of all women experience domestic violence; and
-130 million women were victims of female genital mutilation.

Music: Can't Hold Us Down - Christina Aguilera

Questionable Pride

2005-02-19T01:05:00.000+03:00

Waht should it be? As most of my readership knows that I take pride in titling my blogs. I do so carefully for each one with as much musical and political connotation as possible. But for today's blog I am in a dilemma. My ceebs thinks I should call it cheekily "Comfort Me," when I addressed the happenings of the day to him.
You see, today was a day of people asking me to strengthen my relationship with them and, as of lately, I have followed a more solitary approach. The have promised to better things. All my figureheads, from familial ones to an ex to a friend. I don't know what to do. Or maybe I should forgive all and start a new page. But I know my deep-rooted anger is rearing its ugly head. I want thing to be better. But it was only when I showed all those people that I am not in need of them did they exhibit this yearning for strengthening ties. Is it sincere? Questions and no answers. I feel better now about these situations, though. At least none of them were unapologetic. But they all had to happen at the same time. Why? Am I becoming increasingly arrogant and proud?

More questions, but I have answered the first one.

Music: 4 Page Letter - Aaliyah

Partied Out

2005-02-18T18:34:00.000+03:00

Dry mouth, many regrets, eye-headache and still in jeans. I am experiencing the ultimate hang over. The one that makes you never want to drink anything Russian again. I am totally partied out.
The music was fabulous and the crowd was mostly eager to dance. The theme was misunderstood but, then again, this is Kuwait.
It's nice to meet fellow bloggers. We've created somewhat of a community and I love it.

The bad thing about it was ex drama. I mean, I feel like I should never get into relationships because of the clingy ex phenomenon that has haunted me from all of them. I said things I shouldn've said and I give the ex way too much of my time. I don't care if you want back, I don't. But, I have to say that I felt I had proven my point.

I had the last laugh.

Music: Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls

The Grand Plan

2005-02-17T01:40:00.000+03:00

Sometimes the planning is more fun than the party, if you know what I mean. On a totally different note: The grammies have lost all credibilty and have become a boring institution all about music industry politics. Who decides, anyway? Probably some boring old music gits who think the dull Norah Jones is god's gift to thier Bang & Oulefsen.

Music: Love The One You're With - Will Young

Within Breach

2005-02-16T18:26:00.000+03:00

Al-Watan:

Twenty eight homosexuals were detained recently by Salmiya security authorities on charges of creating disturbance to a number of residents in the area. The detainees were congregating at a fast food restaurant on Al-Balajt Street in Salmiya.

Meanwhile, the Director of Hawalli Intelligence Department Sheikh Colonel Ahmad Al-Sabah affirmed that he issued orders to his officers to focus on apartments located in the governorate, in order to make certain that those apartments are not used for illegal activities or as brothel houses.

Now they are arresting people for being gay? And what do brothels have to do with gay people? Are gay people sexual nymphs rotting in cesspools of dirty intercourse? This is in complete breach of human rights and it is happening right here. I am livid. Someone do something.

Music: Volcano Girls - Veruca Salt

Three Things

2005-02-15T17:24:00.000+03:00

THREE THINGS I DON'T UNDERSTAND:
1. George Bush and his posse.
2. Copy-controlled CD's
3. Conservatives

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME:
1. Paranoia
2. Mortification
3. Lowbrow people

THREE THINGS I'D LIKE TO LEARN:
1. Spanish
2. Queer Theory
3. Break-dancing

THREE THINGS I'M WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Velvet blazer
2. White TopMan shirt
3. Worn-out Diesel Ravix

THREE THINGS ON MY DESK:
1. A picture of Mariah Carey
2. Dance Mix CD
3. Graphs and tables

THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE:
1. Release a successful debut album with 5 #1s.
2. Release a successful sophomore duets album with 5 #1s.
3. Release a Greatest Hits album with 2 #1s.

THREE BAD THINGS ABOUT MY PERSONALITY:
1. Tempermental
2. Indecisive
3. Flight-of-thought

THREE PARTS OF MY HERITAGE:
1. Nomadic tribes
2. Pearl divers
3. Club diva

THREE THINGS MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME:
1. I love Full House
2. I want to be a punk
3. I'm a Laban-Up fiend.

THREE THINGS I SAY THE MOST:
1. "Ay Shay"
2. "Whatever"
3. the word "Gay," in a good sense not in the derogatory way.

THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO:
1. Andorra
2. Scandinavia
3. Cape Town, Fiji, Sydney, Dominican Republic, Prague, and Ibiza, again!

Take this list and answer it on your blog. Spread it. Thanks to SheWhines.

Music: The Heart Brings You Back - Blues Traveller

Seeing Red

2005-02-14T18:07:00.000+03:00

It's so sketchy. Everyone's in celebration of what they think is love. Pink and red everywhere, roses or carnations, chocolate and love songs in the Whitney Houston calibre. However, I have always refused to participate in it. For many reasons, of which:

1. Valentine's day is a christian celebration. St. Valentine to go ahead with marrying people defying a new rule imposed by the reigning Roman leader to stop marriages for young men, since he believed they would perform better in war as bachelors. Then the priest was jailed and fell in love with his jailor's daughter sending her the first of millions of cheesy valentines card signing it: "From Your Valentine." You know that feeling when you eat so much sugar you feel like you want to through up?

2. Increased heterocentricity. It seems that everyday is not enough. On valentine's day people immediately assume that love is between and man and woman (even concentrating on marriage), thus disenfranchising millions.

3. Everyday should be a day of love. Why assign one measly day. Shouldn't that be the standard, always?

4. Cheese. I feel like innovation has taken a vacation during valentine's day. I mean, the whole thing is celebrated so boringly. Hearts, chocolate and red. Come up with something new, please.

5. Commercialization. Enough said.

I do appreciate my lovelys who got me flowers and such. I understand it is thier way of saying I love you and I love you, too. I don't want to shun people who like it or celebrate it, I am merely explaining why, to me, it is disregarded as a valid event. I love you all, everyday.

Music: Real Love - Mary J. Blige

Something Kitsch

2005-02-13T18:40:00.000+03:00

Merriam-Webster

Main Entry: kitsch
Pronunciation: 'kich
Function: noun
Etymology: German
: something that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste and is often of poor quality
- kitsch adjective
- kitschy /'ki-chE/ adjective

Dictionary.com

kitsch ( P ) Pronunciation Key (kch)
n.
Sentimentality or vulgar, often pretentious bad taste, especially in the arts: “When money tries to buy beauty it tends to purchase a kind of courteous kitsch” (William H. Gass).
An example or examples of kitsch.

adj.
Of, being, or characterized by kitsch: “The kitsch kitchen... has aqua-and-white gingham curtains and rubber duck-yellow walls painted in a fried-egg motif” (Suzanne Cassidy).

Yet, kitsch recently developed into a word of beauty used to describe the arts. Like something so tacky that you can't help but love it (i.e. rubber duckies). However, there are Kitsch songs like Like A Virgin and Thriller and YMCA and there are kitsch movies The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Glitter. It has evolved into a compliment.

What is kitsch to you?

Music: Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera, Mya, Pink and Lil' Kim

Dread Label

2005-02-12T19:39:00.000+03:00

Due to the esculation of security because of what Islamists are doing, many smugglers of good alcohol have halted business. That equals a frowning 1814. The whiskey (ew!) bottle is 50 KD. (btw, why is Red Label so available everywhere? I mean if you smuggle a carton of Southern Comfort its still require the same method...food, or drink, for thought.)
Now the vodka is around 70 KD, Smirnoff not Absolut, keep in mind. Am I enjoying a drink or paying a loan? What is this bullshit? All I want to do is chill with friends and kick back. I guess that thing worked for the Islamists in some weird, twisted way. But, nothing can stop the level-headed liberal. Watch me prance.

Sidenote: I have had a binge on 90's soul while making a mix for SheWrites. I can't stop listening to Mary J. Blige and Monica. Also, if anyone can download/find a complete version of Nikka Costa's new hot single "I Don't Think We've Met" on her cantneverdidnothin album. Then, please send it my way.

Music: Can We Talk - Tevin Campbell

Righteous Babe

2005-02-11T19:32:00.000+03:00

Backing the glory of winning her first Grammy last year, DiFranco delivers a set of tracks that have a prettier twist than her former efforts. DiFranco’s rawness and fierceness has dwindled down with every album from straight-up angry anthems like “Fire Door” to, more recently sad sulkers like “I Know This Bar.” Knuckle Down doesn’t go very far away from its weak predecessor Educated Guess.
Her recent albums have fallen pray to commonplace melodies and new wailing vocals that DiFranco recently picked up and should drop (see: “Knuckle Down”). But there are other songs that have a promise, like dejected “Studying Stones” and the freshest track on the album “Sunday Morning.”
This album marks the first time DiFranco teams up with a co-producer, Joe Henry. However, it seems that DiFranco, being as adamant as she is, did not grant any power for development for the reason that tracks like “Seeing Eye Dog” and “Modulation” sound like regurgitations from another monotonous release titled Evolve.
Then, in continuation of that mundane string of albums, there are songs like “Minerva,” which DiFranco would not even consider as a B-side in the early part of her career. Plus, the spoken word “Parameters” is an ode to self-evolution.
Unlike Educated Guess, this album does have its moments. Other than “Sunday Morning,” “Manhole” is a carefully entwined piece of folk rock fusion.
Somewhere in-between Revelling / Reckoning and So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter DiFranco lost some of the magic and primitiveness and strayed into routine and run-on songs. Knuckle Down is a slightly tweaked Educated Guess.
Lately, the most interesting aspect of DiFranco’s albums has been the packaging, which is the reason why she won the Grammy.

Music: Manhole - Ani DiFranco

Nocturnal Haze

2005-02-10T08:57:00.000+03:00

When everything is humdrum, one's hunger to apply Carpe Diam is silenced. This phenomenon is not specific to Kuwait by all means, However it does occur more abundantly, especially in youth. I am speaking about being nocturnal. When you live in a place where narrow-mindedness is ever-evident and there is nothing to do outside of the house, then you tend to lose faith in the day and start having long nights. You know that feeling when you wake up at 6 pm simply because there is nothing to do during the day so you might as well. In all the places I have lived, Kuwait is alive at night, not because of the lavish nightlife but because of the dull daytime. Everyone's awake and TV and internet are the sole escapes in Kuwait.
So I, in tribute to Kuwaiti routine, started doing the same. Until I read one of my old poems on the beauty of mornings from back in college. And I decided to pull a tiring all-nighter to mend my nocturnal haze. So, here I am awake and listening to today's beautiful song. I feel fresh and I can conquer the world. Yet, the only thing I can reward my effort with is to stick my head in cyberspace.

Music: Lovely Day - Bill Withers

February Recommendations

2005-02-09T07:54:00.000+03:00

Second month down. 2005 hopefully in escalation. Still music and movies are always there to make us feel fantabulous. So, with some tracks here and there, this is what you should be getting / doing in February '05:

Friday's Child

At first, I dismissed him as with any reality show contestant (er, Clay Aiken?), then I bought the Pop Idol DVD that was the haribinger for all music contest shows. I have grown this big-chinned winner. Although he started out living off of cover versions. But, with this sophomore album and a brit award, this is one gay boy with Aretha in his heart.

Between The Sheets

New pop band from the UK. Quartet girls with a knack for R&B and little experimentalization. Download: "On My Knees,""Dumb" and/or "Teardrops."

Kinsey

Refer to Biographical Bliss blog. Beautiful movie and great tale.

A Home At The End Of The World

This one was recommended by a friend. A polyamorous relationship with Colin Farrell and an outstanding performance by the cast. A movie that breathes air into the alternative family.

Electronics: Business Card CD-R's
They are sleek, They hold a whole audio song, The look smart and sophisticated. Put your resume's on them. I currently have one with the next recommended thing on it.

It's Like That

This is not available, yet. But, you can download it. Mariah's comeback is on its way. She never really faded away, really, being the monumental talent that she is. Listen to it.

Get them and tell me what you think!

Music: Your Game - Will Young

Nipplegate Anniversary

2005-02-08T18:53:00.000+03:00

So, the superbowl was a bore. I am not into sports (but, I have friends who will kick me if I say bad things about them). They got Paul Mcartney who played some old Beatles / Wings songs and then meandered into oblivion.
The thing is, what was wrong with what Janet Jackson did? I know I am a fan, but still, what is wrong with the female naked body. Why is it censored and hidden. We were born this way and we shouldn't hide anything. Not everyone believes in organized faiths, does that mean we have to live by what christians tell us is right and wrong?
I am sure the whole Janet issue has an underlaying racial factor. As the beer commercials which feature bouncy blondes during the superbowl are more scandelous than a woman's bare boob in theatrics.

Now is that so bad? I mean its just a boob. America is so contradictory. I mean it's ok to bomb a village and kill children, but it's not ok for someone to show a nipple. This incident caused a stir and an investigation was launched soon after, even faster than the one for September 11. Then CBS, NFL and MTV get all tied up in a bunch over it. For what?
Janet's great album Damita Jo was not publicized enough and tanked as a result, MTV refused to play the lead single. How dare a black woman show her breast to suburban America, the bane of the world? What amazes me is that Janet Jackson was blamed for what people call a "disgrace" and uninvited to attend the Grammies, while white boy Justin Timberlake who actually revealed the nipple to the world won Grammies and was embraced.
Why is it that the black woman suffers in her career and is made to apologize and be punished for what happened? Because America's racism has many facets, and any woman that is strong enough to express her sexuality without the intervention of red-state morality, especially African American, are made to suffer.

I'd rather see Janet Jackson's nipple flashing repeatedly on a TV screen then watch 5 minutes of CBS News broadcasting the murder and atrocities that Bush inflicts on a daily basis, as a result of all the white hicks voting him back in.

Get Damita Jo. It's a great album. Janet you didn't have to apologize. People who listen to your music have all thier teetha dn brains in place, they won't be deterred because of something so mundane like that.

Music: All Nite (Don't Stop) - Janet Jackson

Blogmania

2005-02-07T20:34:00.000+03:00

Have to say, that there are only some blogs that I like reading. I don't like woe-is-me blogs or unopinionated ones. I have a hard time reading Arabic blogs, I haven't honed my mother tongue and don't intend to. And, I don't like blogs that are not updated.

I love blog culture and you can tel so much about a person when you read thier blog. It's everywhere, it's like beatlemania. And the weird things that come with it like this and people knowing too much about you. But hey, no publicity is bad publicity.

Feel free to link me, just leave a comment so I can link you, I am trying to make this a domain for all the misunderstood children in a closeted world.

Music: Make You Feel My Love - Joan Osborne

Heterocentricity

2005-02-06T18:55:00.000+03:00

(noun): The assumption that everyone and everything is heterosexual without considering other orientations.

For many year many people have been slaves to heterocentricity and I am sick of it. This subject is so unspoken about that the masses don't even know what that word means, yet they know ethnocentricity. So, it is my obligation to inform you.

Like, for example today a friend handed me a copy of the new Bazaar Magazine celebrating the christian Valentine's Day. No not that I believe that that is the day of love, it should be everyday, but I am angered when I see the cover that completely ignores anyone who is not hetero. A silhouette of a man and a woman eclipsed with a heart in the middle. Hello? Are gay people devoid of love?

to some of us...

Like Alicia Keys, whose own sexuality is questioned all the time, singing on A Woman's Worth:

"Cause a real man knows a real woman when he sees her
And a real woman knows a real man ain't afraid to please her
A real woman knows a real man always comes first
A real man just can't deny a woman's worth"

Are we not real?

Music: My Heartbeat - Annie

Downloading Revolution

2005-02-05T20:05:00.000+03:00

The record execs did not know what was coming thier way after over-charging us all these years for music and abusing artists. A little thing called the Internet, which I insist on capitalizing as it is more important than other things that get that treatment, has brought us a free space where thought anarchy can roam, if it wants to. The download culture has changed everything. Forcing capitalism scum to succumb to it and use it to thier advantage, My Boo for 99 cents anyone?
Remember how they raged over Napster then stole it and made it boring and profitable? Even when it's creator who rose to stardom committed suicide after all the lawsuits. He was just a kid that loved music. Moreover, everyone did the same with cassettes, everyone had a bunch of pirated cassettes. So, they made the CD, which was, for the longest time unburnable, until technology, yet again, preceded monopoly.

Still to this day we have Kazaa and other file stealing softwere. Limewire, is my program of choice. I spent the whole night with a friend downloading great oldies and new tracks and live ditties. And of course, those unreleased remixes that sometimes sound so much beter than the original or creates a club twist to it. Tamia and Deborah Cox, wouldn't amount to anything if it weren't for those.

So keep downloading and getting it for free before they shut it down on you. I am sorry, but I am not going to dish out $17.99 or 6KD for Holly Valance's crap album just to listen to one song.

Music: Roam - B-52's

The Modern Individual

2005-02-04T19:48:00.000+03:00

In this age of rampant globalization and the breaking down of the nuclear family, everyone is more concentrated on themselves. It's as if modernity produced seflishness. Everyone cares for themselves first before anyone. Gone are the days of devotion and sacrifice taking with them the notion of comprimise. Now most of us have a few close friends and that's it. Some people we solely communicate with via internet or SMS. It's the way it should be. But, loneliness is made harder in this increasing urbanized world. They say it takes a village to raise a child, now it takes cash to raise a child. The individual is one. Is there anything as love for someone else. It seems that today to love, whether romatic or platonic, is to want to be loved. Was it ever different back in the day? Is there getting without giving? Has economy become the new intimacy?

Do you still care?

Music: Smoke - Natalie Imbruglia

Masculinity Overrated

2005-02-03T21:11:00.000+03:00

I don't know what is up with people who prefer to be in a relationship or enjoy some sort of friction with masculinity. It seems that hetero girls and gay boys alike tend to make this a number one priority when it comes to finding an eligible bachelor. They'd prefer masculinity over intellegence, beauty, and anything else. I mean, I don't see why it is so essential or needed. I find it to be a turn off.
When it comes to straight women, most look for a "manly man." Whether he is stupid, dumb, rich, poor, smart, whatever. In gay culture, it is also evident. There is this top and bottom phenomenon that was adopted from the straight notion of how relationships should be. It's cool to be a top and not so cool to be a bottom. What would everyone do in a world full of tops? And why are they different?
In this specific local culture, tops are not even considered gay. Hello? If you are getting off on another guy it is still a homosexual act.
I believe that this love of masculinity is the reason for sexism and it's subsect: homophobia. I mean people are prejudiced against women because they think they are weaker, because feminity is associated with weakness. Gay men, who statistically get so much more hate crimes than lesbians, are the subject of sexism because, how dare they act/do things that are traditionally associeted with feminity.
Some gay men advertise themselves as "Straight-acting," what kind of bullshit is that? That shouldn't be a reason for pride. Masculinity is overrated and overappreciated.
A boy who is not afraid of being prissy is so much more commendable than a boy acting "straight."
This masculinity-is-suprior notion is passed to us through heterosexual bourgious ideals of what society should be. Because our history is erased and organized religion has oppressed us for eons. Guess what, these beliefs are all wrong and are designed to control people, especially the poor and the "non-desirable" minorities.
I want to give props to all the people who further blur the lines, from drag queens to female constructions workers to intersexed peeps. There is not exact differentiation between human kind in all genders and sexes, if you look at the subject globally. Even the organs are mixed up in some people (every 1 in 1000 is born with both organs), is that considered a dysfunction? Not really. Unless you want to impose your lifestyle on anyone. Maybe I want both if societal rules didn't force me to choose.

For further insight, watch these movies: Kinsey, Bad Education, Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Boys Don't Cry, The Laramie Project, But I'm A Cheerleader, Ma Vie En Rose, Paris Is Burning, Get Real, If These Walls Could Talk 2, Billy Elliot, Monster and much more just ask me.

Don't draw lines where there aren't any.

Happy Bday S.

Music: In Or Out - Ani DiFranco

Biographical Bliss

2005-02-02T18:38:00.000+03:00

I had another night of the double movie. Well, I had the extended version of Ray. So, I continued the flick from another night. I think it is one of the greatest movies. It seriously combined 4 things that I love. It catered to my black cinema obsession, then it had popular music, biography and the battle for civil rights all in one script. I have to say that I loved it and I cried, as per usual. What they forgot to indicate was that Ray Charles was the innovator behind rock and roll, not Elvis. But, it is always a white boy taking credit for ethnic art. Eminem, anyone?

Another biography, this time of scientist Kinsey, which I have studied the research of, alot previously. I knew all about Kinsey because he was a sex researcher who found out that everyone is innately bisexual and embraced sexual orientation as a normal preferance, way before anyone realized the truth. This movie introduced a new light to me, nonetheless, and I find it to be equally as charming and great as Ray, if not an little more. This story should not have been left untold. I recommend this epic to anyone with a free mind and the will to learn more about human sexuality. It's also nominated for an Oscar. Don't miss it.

Music: Georgia On My Mind - Ray Charles

Conservatism Is A Social Disease

2005-02-01T18:25:00.000+03:00

Although, I don't want to even bring it up in an attempt to make the new page look new, still. But, the reverberations of 2004 have come upon us. Being the colassal mess that it was, I feel like this one can only be better. It was the year that Bush won (again, but also for the first time). When conservatism won over liberalism and changed our whole lives. But, the freaks are still here and we won't go away, it takes more to make us react. Anyone who refers to themselves as a conservative, it means that they have something to hide. Whereas, liberals want liberation and openness because they don't want to hide. Conservative stay reserved and don't succumb to thier human instincts. For example the conservative anglo-saxons deterred the burp as an act of the savage and rude. However, in pre-colonialist liberated Africa a burp was a sign of fulfillment. Now, the reality is a burp is the body's way of releasing air to make room for digestion. You know what I am saying. Liberals are humans, conservatives are robots.

There is no pride in calling oneself conservative:

Conservatives imprisoned, and still do, many women.
Conservatives killed Galileo because he said the earth was round
Conservatives condemned Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, The Beatles
Conservatives killed single woman for witchcraft
Conservatives lynched and murdered many slaves for wanting to read a book
Conservatives destroyed gay literature, earsed gay history
Conservatives bombed abortion clinics
Conservatives still refuse to give alternative families the right to exist
Conservatives created all religious wars
Conservatives are hipocrites
Conservatives created plutocracy and hated democracy
Conservatives tried to stop greats from Ghandi to Madonna
Conservatives are boring
Conservatives fund drug trade but stand against it
Conservatives are dictators
Conservatives impose thier religion on other
Conservatives were responsible for the Crusades, World War II
Conservatism breed imperialism
Conservatism gave rise to capital punishment and torture
Conservatism tried to rid the world of art
Conservatism is the bane of every society

Be Free. Be Liberal. Believe what you believe but don't force anyone to anything.

Do whatever, as long as you don't hurt anyone and let people make thier life choices for themselves.

This list explains who made 2004 a mess, I don't completely agree with thier choices (like, Michael Jackson and others), but it is almost accurate and fun.

When the pope was angry that Madonna was going to perform in Rome in her blonde ambition tours, which features homoerotic acts and a masturbation scene, he demanded to be there to make sure everything went according to his conservative ideals.

Madonna said: "If the pope wants to see the show, he can buy tickets like everyone else."

Another Madonna quote: "Is sex dirty? Only if you don't take a shower."

Music: Justify My Love - Madonna

Mean Girls

2005-01-31T18:52:00.000+03:00

I love women who stand up and have a stance. Women who are not afraid of showing thier true feelings and thier sexuality. Strong, smart and ambitious women are the reason I exist. From Mariah to my best friend. We need more of these women. I love to hear stories of Susan B. Anthony's biography or local historical tidbits about women who threw the veils back in the day when they were not even given the right to education. The divas that open thier mouths and are not ashamed to bitch. Woman in power are the queens of our age.

"When a man stands up for himself they call him a man, if a woman stands up for herself they call her a bitch" - Bette Midler

That's why I have to say that one of my fave movies in Mean Girls, which I had seen now 3 times. I love it. It's all about catty-ness with a bit of high school cheese. It starts out being like every non-PC high school picture, a la American Pie. Then it ends with a great note. Everything about it is great, even though it is 100% Hollywood. Go watch it.

I know this movie isn't a feminist article or a product of great political ambition. But, I liked watching girls being in control. And Mariah recommended it.

Music: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2005-01-30T19:50:00.000+03:00

Goods news. Mariah's new album has been postponed but only for more promotion. Can't wait for the album of the year. Plus, Natalie Imbruglia is back with a new album, Counting Down The Days.The lead single will be Shiver, its video is done in Ukraine. Geri Halliwell is working with closested Darius(no clue as to when it'll be released). Ani DiFranco just released Knuckledown and Tori Amos will follow with The Beekeeper. Moreover, the newly-independant Alana Davis will release Surrender Dorothy on Tigress Records.

Bad news, Janet Jackson's CD keeps being pushed back. Fiona Apple and Nikka Costa have disappeared into oblivion and Jennifer Lopez's single is out. Natalie Merchant, where are you?

Ugly news, the dire state of our country and the security issues. Beardos, once given more power than they should because of political skewing reasons, are now lashing back. Didn't you wish you stood by the liberals?

Music: Sumthin' Sumthin' - Maxwell

Forget, But Not Forgive

2005-01-29T20:20:00.000+03:00

I have this habit of knowing that someone has wronged me, but forgetting what it was, which is really unhealthy and results in no resolution. Also, I have decided that I can only forgive so much until it takes a toll on my emotional self. I have forgiven so many people over the past month that I am feeling stepped on and used somehow. Everyone, from the homophoic co-worker to other significant people. Even an ex. And I feel like I want to lash out. The pursuit of making this year the year of love is harder than I thought it would be. Of cousre, last year was the I-Don't-Give-A-Fuck year, and we all now how that turned out.

Music: Glycerine - Bush

Glory Of The 80's

2005-01-28T17:35:00.000+03:00

Never has a decade been so frivilous and joyous. The fashion designers and buyers were going crazy, celebrating the flashy colors and the invention of spandex. The dancing cosisted of a snap and neck jerk, producing a whiplash affect. The music was not afraid of being fun. The movies brought all that together and became iconoclastic.

I have had the priviledge to experience the 80's. Even when I was a tiny kid, I remember little beautiful things like Dirty Dancing, My Little Pony, the Rubik's Cube and atrocious hair with roots.
Being an avid music fan, I made myself familiar of the decade that brought us such greats as: Prince, Madonna, George, Michael, Janet, Whitney.
I am on an 80's binge and I am loving every minute of it. Try having an eighties day or week. Being a vintage maniac, I found that all my vintage clothes are from that era involunterily.

Music: Off The Wall - Michael Jackson

Girls Aloud

2005-01-27T19:08:00.000+03:00

Unashamed poppy music is one of the best things this modern culture has to offer. It never tries to be credible or become a work of what many people consider contemporary art. As a result, it becomes a record of the times, and therefore, a relevant historical article.
For example, the Spice Girls have always been disregarded as a useless work of studio manufacturing. In reality, the past decade would not have been what it was without them and their hits, which still sound stellar.
The British music industry, being the breeders of pop acts, yet again struck the right formula with Girls Aloud. The girls debut their career at number one and have been lingering around with other hits. However, unlike many pop acts, this pop band has more to offer than a couple of covers and a five year round of over-exposure followed by a premature greatest hits album.
Girls Aloud are a cross between Atomic Kitten and Republica, as demonstrated by their spunky attitude on “Here We Go” and “Real Life.” Walking a fine line between pop and rock, the girls produce some direct rabble-rousing spoiled brat anthems from “Graffiti My Soul” to “Wake Me Up,” which starts out with a Veruca Salt sound. A slower track, “Deadlines & Diets,” is the ultimate ode to hangovers.
The singles, however, are straightforward pop. “The Show” is an exceptionally catchy track and “Love Machine” is dance-floor filler material. Then there are the covers, which can’t be farther apart in quality. The Pretender’s “I’ll Stand By You” receives a lackluster make-over that is so clean and boring it would make Chrissy Hynde dine at KFC. On the other hand, The Pointer Sister’s “Jump” receives a luscious rehashing with awe-inspiring beats and youthful spunk.
The whole album, fittingly titled What Will The Neighbours Say?, embodies youthful feminine brat-hood. There aren’t any fillers and the set makes for a ruckus ride of catchy beats and cheeky lyrics. They are not exactly the Spice Girls, but then again, who is?

Music: Jump - Girls Aloud

Concerns Over America

2005-01-26T19:02:00.000+03:00

I am concerned over the state in America. It's seems that the religious right has taken over and erased everything good America stood for. The line between church and state is getting blurry and the ookies are taking over. Watching Bush's inauguration made me sick that such a criminal is allowed to have that much power over the world. Being highly westernized and having lived in the states for 4 years, i feel like that country that has instilled so many beautiful things in me has fallen victim to the pious monster.

It seems like the south did wins its war after all. Even when the civil war was one by the North. The confederation has managed to crawl its ugly head into the media and all the way into the white house. I still feel something went wrong with the elections, I would never believe that there are so many hateful Americans.

As a result, I found that American culture has deteriorated as well. I truned on the news and it was ludacris. America has turned into an alarmist state, living off of paranoia and fear. Sky News, a British news channel, was so much more frank and succinct. Music has scurried into the corner, with hip hop being unapologetically prejudice and violent, while rock has been made cookie-cutter by Avril and Co.. Even the movies that I used to live to watch become repetative and too conservative for me. I find that my collection grows with foriegn film and indie cinema.

America has become every's hick's dream. And the liberals, yet again suffer. Because the Republikkkan supporters feel the need to step on other people to prove themselves. While liberals have and stand by thier live-and-let-live policy. I can't forget the day Bush consulted the Pope about Stem Cell research. Hello, since when did we need to consult religious leaders about a scientific thing. Didn't they murder Galileo because he said the earth is round?

The other day, when the razzie nominations came out and Bush was nominated for Worst Actor is Fahrenheit 911, I felt happy that someone was saying something. (Lol. Britney was nominated for best supporting actress.)

Happy Bday Ceebs.

Music: Kids In America - Kim Wilde

Autocratic

2005-01-24T17:36:00.000+03:00

I have a problem with authority. Whether it is a governmental figure, a teacher or an elder. I cannot stand authority or control. If someone tries to control me, I go crazy. Even at work, I refuse to let a boss rule me, which is not easy when living in a patriachal plutocracy like this one. Like, today, I was at a gas station and my bill came up to 5.150 KD. I handed the teller 5.500 KD and then he said to look for .150 fils. I was livid. Don't tell me what to do, you're job as a teller is to fetch the change, bitch. What angered me more, was that he said it with a smirk. No professionalism whatsoever. This is miniscule to the things that happen in nomadville, but I had to share. That's why I like what punk culture is all about. It's all about being yourself for yourself and not giving a fuck. The whole body-is-a-vessel thing is right up my alley.

Long live the legacy of Sid Vicious.

I like to be in control. I like to be on top of things. I want to make the choices and I am offended if someone tells me how to live my life, from the law to advice given by people. I want to learn from my mistakes not yours.

This sounds like a spoiled brat rant, but it's just so because it's in utter trueness that I think everyone feels.

Music: Control - Janet Jackson

Movie Night

2005-01-23T16:58:00.000+03:00

Yesternight, I went on a movie binge. A couple of friends and I decided to watch a bootleg version of Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind, which was a great movie to say the least. The whole idea behind erasing memory is a brain-filler by itself. But, with the way the movie deals with time, I know now why my friends call it a mind-fuck movie. Kate Winslet's hair die job, which is placed solely for the viewer to differentiate time, took away from the quality of the script a little. But the movie was so heavy and racy that I had to...

...put on What A Girl Wants right after it to makes things more sprightly and simple. The movie embodied kid's chick flick and I loved every bit of it. From when she was a peasant to when she became a princess and then when she gets what she was always opting for. Cheesy chick flicks are my favorites and I am not ashamed to say so.

Watch both of them because they are totally different but pleasing. Now I plan on watching Memento and then Mean Girls.

Music: Stronger Than Me - Amy Winehouse

Play With Words

2005-01-22T17:41:00.000+03:00

I love word games, especially when its cold and rainy outside. Board games that have to do with words or the meaning of words or even spelling, I love. I don't know why, somewhat of an impulsive people's trait, but I really do. I have always loved Scrabble, for its sheer creativity and laughter.

I think pictionary is extremely fun and a great way to get to know new people (charades, too).

OutBurst is such a stimulating game, and interesting in the sense that you wanna know the associations so bad.

I was recently introduced to Taboo, which is exciting and irritating at the same time. It gets boring after a while, but is fun while it lasts.

But, my favorite word game has to be Scattergories, its just so diverse and so much fun and it ends up being the center of laughter. I had fun playing it yesterday, so many times with fun people (a necessity in order to fully enjoy the experience).

Grab some friends and enjoy them, a few of them are sold at Sultan Center or Fantasy World, but if you want great editions go to Amazon.com.

Music: Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage

Animals Like Us

2005-01-21T16:48:00.000+03:00

Tried to appreciate Kuwait by having a fabulous dinner at Bait 7 and then going to the friday market. I went with a friend who wanted to get a tortoise for someone. We went into the animal market, which was the reason for my five-year foray into vegetarianism, and I couldn't stand it. We must be in infringement of every possible animal rights code of ethics in the world. I feel two-faced saying this, as I tend to enjoy my steak and my KFC occasionally, however, cramming 5 chickens into a tiny cage is out of bounds (even though i think KFC does the same thing with thier brand of non-chickens genetically modified to be lumps of meat- don't quote me on this one I think that's what's going on in the fast food conglomerate - wouldn't want to be sued like Oprah)

I saw a guy cut off a pigeon's fingers for some restrictive reason. There were ducklings lying dead under thier syblings and there were fish forced into being fluorescent. making them the subject of constant ripping by fellow aquarium inhabitants.

But, this is nothing in comparison to the massacre that is Eid celebrations, millions of sheep killed as a part of a festivity - only sheep (taken care of by sheperds) - I wonder why?

Well, I am a hypocrite for standing up for animals and eating them at the same time, but I assure you, I am back in my vegetarianism mode and about to get back into a healthier way of life.

As we left we saw the fireworks stand and looked around. Some toothless trashy geazy guy approaches me saying he has bigger and better fireworks, which he calls "Bin Laden Rocket" or "Sa3adee." I look at him and turn away, first because I really didn't want any firworks and second because I am too tired to explain to him how horrid the connotation that comes with the name of his product is. Geazy-style he kept on making deals even as I was silent, then I asked my friend (who doesn't speak Arabic) in English if he wanted something - being that he was the one who stood by the stand. As I was asking him, the geazy was repeating "Oh Yeah" behind my back in reference to my use of the English language. Now, that's what you get for trying to make a nice day out of Kuwait. I refrained from talking looked back at him and asked if he was making fun of me, he nodded "no" and then I left with a look that Mariah would give to J.Lo.

Keep on holding on and keep on voicing your opinions, at least you can.

Music: Subtle Invitation - Mariah Carey

Morning Detoxing

2005-01-20T16:24:00.000+03:00

Post-celebrations there's always this serene lull of a time. Especially, when you wake up in the morning with half-full plastic cups everywhere, dirty carpets and a mild hangover. Can't help but grab Tracy Chapman's Let It Rain or Beth Orton's Central Reservation and just sulk around watching E! while sucking on an evian bottle.

Then you also have your friends, who are suffering from last night's festivities with you, which usually makes the best conversations and the warmest hang outs. I love those mornings, when you wake up earlier than you should because of your intake. The morning when all your muscles ache because you've pranced and vogued all night. Share one.

Music: Almost - Tracy Chapman

Surprise Parties

2005-01-19T16:14:00.000+03:00

As a party person and a party planner, I have to say that surprise parties are the worst and tough to plan. Tonight, I threw a surprise party for a friend's birthday (without a mention on the blog for fear of birthday girl stumbling upon it) and it turned out to be great. But, the planning is chaotic. Imagine throwing a party geared towards a person's needs, without even asking them or showing them that you are doing so. You have to call the friends, whether they are nice or obnoxiously annoying.
Then, you have to make sure that the atmosphere is that of thier liking. And then comes, the cake, the edibles and the rest. I have to say that this person deserves every bit of the hard work and more, but I am not throwing a surprise party again anytime soon. Even when two of my friends have approaching birthdays. I love you, but I need to chillax.
The song of choice is for the birthday girl (and secretly for me).

Music: My Prerogative - Britney Spears

Rampant Miseducation

2005-01-18T18:23:00.000+03:00

Takes this for a fact from a person who has studied political science: Everytime someone is oppressed, some rich guy gets richer.

Just heard a rumor that someone stole the blueprints of Marina Mall. Great....now what are we going to do. We can't even shop now, so what do they expect Kuwaiti youths to do now. It sucks, especially for well-traveled ones, to come to Kuwait and have fun. What is there to do in Kuwait. Nothing. I think the parliament members should discuss a more pressing issue in Kuwait and that is boredom. Instead of discussing Nancy Ajram's titties or implementing laws on concerts. How about they solve the problem of youth and what they are to do here.

I happened to pick up a public school social studies textbook a couple of days back and it's complete crap. The book was false and directionless. The whole book was praising the islamic civilization and praising arab countries. A whole textbook of kiss-ass.

I feel like that anyone that is in a public school must have been spoon-fed morality and the "right way of living," while never concentrating on actually giving true facts from which a person can prosper into being a self-thinker and a well-rounded person.

The education system is the sole thing we have on broadening the youth's intellect and allowing them to become better citizens that will create a more just system. It's sad to see many people graduating from Kuwait University. When I know for a fact that does not constitute a real diploma. Don't mean to offend anyone, but if you were in public schools all your life and went to Kuwait University and you are not well-read and/or well-traveled, then you have a long long long way to go before you grasp what the notion of a true education is.

It's different for people of the sciences. But for humanities, I am sorry to tell you but you have been punked. Education is the sole way to a better world. Education is different from academic manipulation.

Don't allow anyone to miseducate you, even if you have to be self-taught.

Music: Otherside Of The Game - Erykah Badu

Situation Of Terror

2005-01-17T18:13:00.000+03:00

The situation in this country is in a dire state. What is happening to us? This is what happens when you give the beardos so much power, they start infringing on everyone else's rights. I have listed the suggestions that the government can do with the Amiri grant money instead of handing it out. Scrap all these suggestions - how about strengthening national security. People, six escaped terrorists are living around you now. The media doesn't give you the right information and everything is in shambles. They had enough weapons to blast half of Kuwait. While us liberals are too nice or too afraid to bring back Kuwait to the Kuwaities. Whatever, I have given up on this country that doesn't even recognize basic human rights, how many people have been harassed at check points - especially young woman. Anyone going to Canada for a better standard of living and civil rights leave a message on the board for this blog. I hope you are all safe in the times when no one is telling us the truth while there are war-mongers on the loose.

Music: Dumb - The 411

All The Rage

2005-01-16T09:35:00.000+03:00

In an attempt at making 2005 the fruitful and marvelous year that I had pictured it would be, I have decided to forgive people who have wronged me. Knowing that my being is not one to forget, I decided, also, to dismiss the past and somehow disconnect it from the present.

It doesn't work. I find that, although I have been exceptionally nice to peeps who have formerly been mean to me, i garner this nagging anger in me crawling up making me want to burst. I seriously cannot forgive, and even when I act like I have, if I were to express what I feel I would be like the Kuwaiti Courtney Love.

But, I maintain and go along - as always.

Music: Hope It Felt Good - Nikka Costa

The Lackluster Generation

2005-01-15T09:48:00.000+03:00

I was having a conversation with one of my collegues upon observing members of the new generation - or as I would like to call them the Lackluster Generation. We were talking about how us 90's kids grew up in a time of political conscience and emotional revolutions. When we grew up popular culture was trying to be real and there was a strong anti-establishment to everything from the plead shirts to gangsta rap to politcial correctness, that was the air we grew up in. In the 90's independant movies meant a glorious experience and indie music was taking over, giving rise to such greats as Ani DiFranco.
But now the Lackluster Generation have exchanged Lilith Fair for Murder Inc.. It seems that everyone is so into the bling-bling and the glamour. Hip Hop has been reduced to being billboards for hate and/or brand names. The divas-in-training support Bush (Britney Spears), have erased the notion of feminism (Mandy Moore), killed grrl rock (Avril Lavigne, Michelle Branch) or are too dumb to form a sentance (Jessica Simpson).
The youngsters under observation either wanted to be rappers or the floosies with them singing the chorus. It's cool to be mysoginistic and homophobic. Susan B. Anthony must be rolling over in her grave.

I have yet to see something positive from this generation that is so into self-love and lack a yearning for bettering this place. All they want is ass and cash.

Music: Queer - Garbage

Holocaust Matters

2005-01-14T19:38:00.000+03:00

The British media is in a hoopla because prince Harry was photographed in one of his royal parties sporting a Nazi costume. The prince apologized for "poor choice in costume." Then some Jewish organization accepted his apology and now every anchor is happy about the resolution and they use it as a closing story, which means it's the anecdote-y fun-filler.

And I am here to say, as the founder of the Humanitarian Organization Redeeming Equality (HORE), that I disagree. You see, I am sick of the Holocaust being exclusively a Jewish thing. Although I truly do believe that it was an awful thing what the Jewish people had to go through and the genocide that Hitler bestowed upon Jews is beyond belief and no amount of anything will erase the memory.

Now that I have gotten that straightened, I want to remind everyone that many different minorities suffered, too, under the reign of nazism and almost always go unspoken for. Hitler mass murdered gypsies and disabled people, too. Moreover, Hitler rounded up all the gay people (there are no exact numbers, because, again, people seem to disregard the community) and did the same thing he did to the Jews. Germany before the World Wars was the poineer in civil rights and the breeding ground of the gay movement. So, this is a great loss to the community. I am sick of this neglect.

The media shouldn't act as if this issue is resolved until all minorities who suffered under the nazi regime accept this apology not just the Jewish minority, who have gotten much more sympathy than all the rest.

Anyway, doesn't Harry have the time to make the "right decision" in costume between tea with grandma and polo?

Watch this great movie.

Music: You - Shaznay Lewis

Sashaying Through

2005-01-13T19:27:00.000+03:00

"Woke up this morning / the sunshine was shinin' / I put on my happy face" - Beyonce & Co.

I have had a great day and if 2005 continues to be like this then there is nothing I want more than for this year to last. I don't talk I sing and I don't walk I dance. I spoke with a relative who had a first-hand Tsunami experience while visiting Phuket on Boxing Day and I feel like we should celebrate life and let no one stop us from being happy, you can lose it any minute (that also heavily stems from the subculture from which I come.)

I feel like sashaying down 2nd Ring Road (except the mass might think that that is an invite from me to get harangued and demeaned).

Music: Ride It - Geri Halliwell

The Wireless Exprience

2005-01-12T13:25:00.000+03:00

At a coffeeshop with my two hetero guy friends, enjoying the wireless experience. I am lovin' it. It's been a good day today up til now. The illness is gone and I feel like dancing in the street.

Mariah's new single has been leaked out and let me tell you... It's HOT!

Music: It's Like That - Mariah Carey

It Takes A Village

2005-01-11T20:14:00.000+03:00

Being out and proud makes you somewhat of a figure, which is sad. Because, in comparison to the civilized world, we have a long long way to go - I am losing hope that we'll get there. Many people here can't handle fabulousness. We are still discussing if women should vote. And even when I am all for it, I know that when it actually does happen we're just adding a big chunk to the miseducted sector. So, whatever.

Anyway, back to the subject: I find that people know of me and know about me things acquaitences or strangers shouldn't know. It's some kind of social stalking. Like, I know the other people deep in hiding are keeping me at watch and drop my name in front of thier friends and family to see their reaction to my name. Others, look into my stuff, read my shit and delve into my life through human sources. I know this as I have met a couple who have done so until they introduced themselves to me. Not that I think I am all that and a bag of Doritos, but even my friends say that.

This reminds me of a line in the British comedy Little Britain: "But, I am the only gay in the village"

I really didn't ask for this and I don't want it. But, if I can be of any help to anyone not out then that makes me feel better. Now, as more people are half-coming out and such this phenomenon has lessened and I hope it wanes to vanish. I mean seriously people, wake up and smell the Midori.

Music: Rumors - Lindsay Lohan

On Being Sick

2005-01-10T01:35:00.000+03:00

Although I am a firm believer that cold weather does not make you sick (as science clearly indicates), I do believe there is some sort of connection. Maybe bacteria hate the coldness and they flock to the nearest warm thing, like our bodies? I don't know.

I know, however, that as a result of my final club hopping day in London, where I thought a coat would not be unnecessary, I caught one of the worst flus ever. I have been in bed for 5 days straight. My throat hurts so much I can only ingest liquids and I have a fever, swollen lymph nodes, cough, runny nose and fatigue or malaise. I went to New Mowasat Hospital only to be recieved like I was going to a public hospital. The general doctor gave me, I believe, a misdiagnoses of an influenza, which turns out later to be a throat infection.

Being in Kuwait, he gave me a bunch of antibiotics and Panadol, like it is necessary. I have to say I do feel better. But, I also wonder about the day that my body is gonna be used to antibiotics that they'll never work again. That's why, in other civilized countries, antibiotics are only prescribed in bad cases.

I have also realized that's what's worse than a really bad throat infection is having hypochondria. It has to be the worst. I spent so much time worrying and everytime it is something else, with my easy-medical books. One time I thought I had Denge Fever - a disease acquired from jungle mosquitoes that makes you see red spots everywhere tom-and-jerry-style. Hypochondria is definately worse than a really sore throat.

Music: Filthy/Gorgeous - Scissor Sisters

New Device

2005-01-09T13:35:00.000+03:00

Even when Sony VAIO fucked me over a couple of times before (especially with the last one which looked like a laptop but was a desktop), I couldn't resist getting the new tiny one. I love it and am happy with it. Check it out:

Music: Lotus - R.E.M.

January Recommendations

2005-01-08T10:32:00.000+03:00

Cominbg back from civilization I grabbed a couple of things with me and I would like to recommend some stuff so ya'll can get into them too. The January recommendations are as goes:

What Will The Neighbours Say?

Do not mistake those girls for a bland British pop band, like Atomic Kitten. They have an edge and a great attitude with poppy numbers and all the fabulousness, my favorite pop band of today.

Scissor Sisters

Had this for a while - undoubtably the best album of last year. GlamTrash was never so fabulous.

The Raspberry Reich

Canadian indie filmmaker Bruce LaBruce mixes terrorism with pornography. Might be a little too much for pansies, but this extremely low-budget cheesily-revolutionary German-based film is an act of utter kitsch.

Bridget Jones: Edge Of Reason

This romantic comedy is pure schmaltz with a Hollywood ending and an outdone storyline, yet I can't stop watching.

Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen 60 Gbs

The best MP3 player out there. This is proof that IPods are trash. This was my savior for the trip and remember that I am the music bitch, so I know!

Get them and tell me what you think!

Music: The Show - Girls Aloud

Life's A Drag

2005-01-06T13:29:00.000+03:00

Drag artists started the movement and they have been there and always offered an air of acceptance. Without them this would be a boring place, and you don't know what you are missing if you haven't been to a drag show. They're fun, laid back and extravagant. This is a thank you to all the drag queens out there from Dame Edna to RuPaul to Aggy Dune and many more. Enjoy the queendom.

Music: Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous - RuPaul

Birthday Wishes

2005-01-05T19:10:00.000+03:00

to SheWritesQ8, she has always been there and been nice, even when I am naughty. I wish the best //age removed for security reasons//th brithday. She manages to make us laugh always and this is her day. Check out her blog for wisdom into the world of randomness.

Music: Happy Birthday To You - Stevie Wonder

Back To Life

2005-01-04T20:31:00.000+03:00

Back to the ordinary world. After a whirlwind of a trip and a bunch of fun. I am back to routine at work and doing basically nothing but gazing in front of a computer. I am currently on heavy detoxing and I have recaptured the glee as I wanted. The trip back was a mess and the BA pilot described Kuwait as a country with "No Weather," which I felt had prejudice connotations, but with that jet lag and post-club mood I was in, I couldn't bother.

Music: Light My Fire - Will Young

Supposed Ultruism

2005-01-03T19:27:00.000+03:00

Oh, how I love civilization and places where freedom is not right, it's a prerequisite to happiness. Maybe I should stay here. When I come to these places (especially when I went to Ibiza were I learned what the words hedonism and decadance meant), I feel like everyone's ultruistic. Not true, visit the Middle East.

Music: Call On Me - Eric Prydz

Hangovers and Bendovers

2005-01-02T20:58:00.000+03:00

This is the life. Party Party Party. Cocktails Cocktails Cocktails. Boys Boys Boys. Yes, 2005, baby. Although I am partied out and tired I can't stop! I have found out the cure for hangovers: drink again and it all goes away. You guys oughta do the same. Try it out with a feather boa, if it it ain't your atmosphere you were never made to be fab! Just kidding!

Music: Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous - RuPaul

I Love 2005

2005-01-01T19:20:00.000+03:00

Fade away 2004. Glad to see you go. Disappear into oblivion. The worst year ever has gone and now is the time to start a new one that will, hopefully, be on the hike.
Celebrated with in my fave place with my peeps. It was very celebratory and fun. Really crammed and huge, but still managed to take center stage when the hude disco ball dropped. It was very studio 54. Good pop music and our faves. There's nothing like ushering the new year with the Village People.

Yes, we are not ashamed of loving the cheesiest music there is. We love to dance!

Music: Y.M.C.A. - The Village People

Final Cleansing

2004-12-31T20:39:00.000+03:00

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!

2004-12-30T19:00:00.000+03:00

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

2004-12-29T18:46:00.000+03:00

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

2004-12-28T18:00:00.000+03:00

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

2004-12-27T18:18:00.000+03:00

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

2004-12-26T18:32:00.000+03:00

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

2004-12-21T03:47:00.000+03:00

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

2004-12-20T05:00:00.000+03:00

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