I'll Have One of Those

We Deserve it Too

2009-05-06T20:54:00.004Z

It has been one year almost to the day since my last entry! I don't know where the time has gone nor would I like to think about it because I'm in a good-ish mood right now :)
For my comeback performance I won't wear a black, sequined bikini and walk about the stage in a daze...I'm going to talk about my home, my love, my country Bahrain.

As much as I am loving my life abroad, I do miss home. I'm sure most of us emigres do :). I did go back recently for about three weeks. Perfect weather, the same old people, new terrible drivers and projects popping up left right and centre. But one thing that did strike me as a tad odd was how pretty everything seemed. It was a bit confusing at first...lose ends had been tidied up, Adliyah had been revamped and little water fountains everywhere. Being me, I became a bit suspicious and began to think about the reasons behind this. Why was Bahrain prettied up? Then I remembered. I had descended upon my fair country during the week of the Formula 1 races. So all this extra effort, rushed road works, new and seemingly pointless tunnels on the way to Sakhir, pretty lights, carefully groomed mini-gardens was not a gift from the government to the people of Bahrain. Unfortunately, the hidden agenda here was not so sweet. These improvements were not for us, they were for the HUGE influx of foreigners Bahrain was about to experience before the races. So here is my question? Don't we deserve it? Are we not worth it? Do we not deserve the beauty that the government and municipalities have put so much work into to impress foreigners.

It is understandable and really a great thing to portray our country in the best light to the outside world. This, I understand, was another effort in that direction. I'm completely appreciative of this; my only problem would be that I am a bit jealous. I wish the government would care nearly as much about its people's opinions as they do about those of foreigners. Just something to think about. I hope you are all well and can't wait to hear from you :)

Bye for now,

Peluqa

Arab vs Arab

2008-05-08T12:04:00.005Z

There is something that has come to my attention. Something I have noticed in the past, but was not too concerned about. Today, however, this frightens me quite a bit. It is the hatred we Arabs have for one another. When you live abroad, it is only natural to assume that people who share a common background will bond. However, this is not necessarily true and can be very untrue depending on where you are from. Not many people bring this up because it can make situation quite awkward, but it is there....lurking in the background. If an Arab from the Gulf meets an Arab from the northern countries or even North Africa,...there is a secret underlying hatred that stems from the economic superiority of Gulf Arabs. Although it is not always overtly expressed, it is there and sometimes expressed through innuendo. For example, I met a friend of mine for some coffee the other day. As I watched her pouring mounds and mounds of syrup into her black coffee I said, "Maybe you'd like to use some sweetener, it does the job and doesn't take much effort." She responded with, "Of course, you're from Bahrain, you know everything. What do we know, us poor Lebanese people." Although this was meant in good fun etc., it disturbed me. I don't feel superior to anyone, nor do I want people to hate me because of preconceived notions about the region from which I come. Having money does not make you better than anyone else as I'm sure many people say but don't believe. Having money to many people is equal to having success and fulfillment. Little do they know that with money comes much more struggle than you would have to put up with without it. Another thing is the fact that people from these countries, Shaam, North Africa etc...assume that the money is "ours" to be shared. This can be exemplified in Nasrallah's belief that Israel's destruction of Lebanon is irrelevant to his mission as there is "piles of money" in the Gulf just waiting to be used to rebuild Lebanon. However, before the discovery of petroleum in the Gulf, Gulf Arab labourers were looked down upon and segregated against. To this day, these people in the Shaam believe they are culturally and socially superior to Gulf Arabs and are just nice to them because they need their money. But when money is not involved, their hatred surfaces and it scares me. They repeat that these Arabs did not work for their money...they were simply sitting on Petrol...and the money which they make from the sale of this natural resource should be shared.
First of all, let me say I don't have anything against anyone based upon where they are from. I do, however, have something against certain attitudes that people adopt. Specially the non-GCC attitude towards Gulf Arabs. When it comes to the issue of wealth and petrol, I say finders keepers...and sharing the wealth is an option, one that Non-GCC Arabs should be greatfull for. When the Gulf was dominated by poverty, we did not see any help from these countries and therefore, now that the table has turned it is wonderful to see that Gulf Arabs have not held a grudge. However, Non-GCC Arabs see their superiority compromised by the wealth in the Gulf and therefore have adopted an attitude to help them cope with their "downfall". Let me reiterate, money does not automatically mean superiority. But at the same time, it seems that these people hate us for just this reason. It is very confusing to me.

Stepping Out

2008-01-14T16:49:00.001Z

I thought it was high time to write another entry to this blog. This time, however, I will try to discuss a matter that is prevalent in all societies and all human relationships. I call it "stepping out". Have you ever noticed that at times dealing with the people in your life gets really tiresome and can even serve to drain you emotionally. It is usually a situation that is quite difficult to deal with. For me, it has always been about tackling the problem head on, surging forward and living life as I have always lived it. It may mean that there are several confrontations to deal with as well as snags in your relationships, but I have always preferred dealing with problems rather than ignoring them. However, today I have come to the realization that things can be quite different if you want them to be.

From now on, I aim to use a technique that is designed to bring me the inner peace I have been craving for so long. This social technique, "stepping out", is quite simple. No longer do you have to put yourself in awkward situations where pretending things are normal gets very difficult to do. From now on, you can just step out when you feel as though you've had too much. I promise it is quite liberating. As a novice, I don't have much experience to boast about, but I can say that all the pent up heaviness seems to melt away after you have completed this successfully. As this is beginning to sound very vague and philosophical, allow me to provide you with a vignette. For quite some time, there has been this person in my life who has presented a constant, never-ending challenge. I just can't win. And even if I did win, they would never acknowledge it as they are so wrapped up in their own world, a very self-centered egotistical place. So, what is the point of fighting a battle you know you'll never be able to win? None...there is no point. Therefore, I have chosen to back off...I won't step into the murky waters, I will back off. This way, I become a keen observer rather than a competitor, the opposition. I am no longer the enemy, but the audience. And what happens to competition when the enemy has withdrawn? The natural assumption would be that it would end. However, when it comes to those whose self-esteem and insecurities are so over-powering, the battle continues...alone, in the dark. And what better way to free oneself than escaping the dark? I can not think of a better one. You see, by stepping out, withdrawing, escaping, I can finally be free.

Of course, this does not mean that this person is no longer a part of my life, they always will be; it simply means that I have acknowledged the fact that, since I am aware of this predicament, it would be easier for me to make the change than my competitor. This does not mean that I have lost, far from it. It means I have superseded the frivolity that has dominated my life thus far. It does not mean that I have won either, I am nothing more than a separate entity. This, as I see it, is the only way in which this relationship can survive. Now, I can grow as an individual, with or without physical separation. What could be more liberating?

Another example of this attitude can be applied to another relationship in my life, one of a supposed romantic nature. Firstly, let me assure you that I am no firm believer in love. I believe in attachment and fondness; suitable company. Love is merely distorted attraction, attachment and self obsession. You see, in my case, I don't miss the person as much as I miss the person I become when I am with them. It is the person you become when you are around certain people that you miss more than the actual person per se. This can be deemed as self-obsessive; however, it is not so much self-obsessive as it is a solution for loneliness and a quest for purpose. If you live for someone, the weak mind of human emotions assumes that you now have a purpose, a reason to live. What more can one ask for when the life-long quest for purpose is fulfilled? You no longer feel as though you have to face it alone. Of course, there is familial love, however, it pales in comparison to the love one gets from a stranger. When another human being loves you, not because they have to, but for your own sake, it boosts confidence beyond belief and makes you "worthy". Worthy of the affection that is being ladled all over you. But who is to say that another human being is the only thing that gives you a purpose and makes you worthy? I believe my accomplishments, my achievements and those who love me prove me worthy. However, if I had only my achievements and personal success to look back on, I assure you, I would feel empty.

Now, back to the subject at hand. This person is one who has been disappointed by my actions, one who believes I am no longer worthy of their trust, maybe even of their affection. How would you handle a situation of this sort. Very simply. Step out. After giving it time to settle, priorities, the value of the relationship and its plausible success become clear as crystal and only then can you move forward. If you continue to battle yourself, push forward without a goal in sight, you end up in pain. Therefore, time, an essential principal of this technique, serves to clarify what seems to have become muddled. Desperation and pursuit will get you no where if you are laboring towards an aimless goal.

Superficial? Who Knows...

2007-11-04T15:02:00.000Z

Gucci, Gucci, Prada ya ya?

Today, I have chosen to write on the phenomenon that is the superficiality of the Arab. Those who may or may not have the means to practice what I call art of "showing off". Why does the average gulf Arab feel the need to prove him/herself via materialism? I don't think I will ever be able to understand this. This feature is one thing Arabs have in common with rich African Americans; the need to flaunt your wealth for all to see, using yourself and any form of everyday item as a billboard or testament to your wealth.

If you can't afford to buy something straight off the rack, out of the showroom etc, it doesn't mean buy it on loan, it doesn't mean buy it in installments...it means you CANT afford it, so DON'T buy it. I understand you may like something or feel the need to have it, but this must be a genuine love for whatever it is, not the fact that buying clothes from Dolce and Gabanna will make others envious and help to show others how perfect and wonderful you are because you can afford them. The people up there in their offices, the designers, merchandisers etc are laughing uncontrollably at this phenomenon, for without it, their industry would not exist. People are weak, superficial and downright silly, and because they tell you that wearing sunglasses the size of your toilet bowl is "in" you do it, they charge you shitloads for it...and you end up looking..."hip"..."trendy"...fucking stupid is more like it. The other day, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine.

She said, "I just have to have this bag!"...
and I said, "but that costs $3000"
"Yeah, I don't care, it was in vogue, and there's a picture of Lindsay Lohan carrying it in Hello"

At this point, all I could think was "How very sad you are darling, very sad indeed"....But if it weren't for people like her, designers would starve just like any other artist....

Now back to my main point; apart from the fact that people in general are sad and superficial, Arabs take it to a whole new level. For example, dressing themselves in clothes that are probably worth their entire salary, shipping their ferraris and bentleys abroad so that they can attarct attention and "flaunt it" and judging others on the basis of what they can and can't afford. Let me tell you this; most of my clothes are, in fact, designer. However, unlike my counterparts, I go for very subtle items, I do not want to be a walking advertising campaign..nor do I want to attract thieves...If I love it, it does what it needs to do and it happens to be designer, I'll buy it. Like most women, I do enjoy shopping, but that does not mean that I will limit myself to tacky billboards that some designers call clothes. A pair of my designer jeans literally fell apart in three months! I did not even wear it that often. I had to have the zipper replaced, and the back pocket reattached. How much did I pay for them? Almost $1000. I bought them because they looked good, not because they are designer, and like most people, I assume that designer means better quality. This is COMPLETELY UNTRUE...I have a pair of jeans from Gap that have lasted me three years and counting! SO basically, all the "designer" does is take the same pair of jeans made in manila, sew their label onto it, and raise the price by 100%....and being the stupid fucks that we are,....we go ahead and buy them...

Having a Fendi bag does not make you any better than the girl whose outfit happens to be from H&M and she happens to look better than you. Renting a car when you get to wherever your going would be the logical thing to do, so keep your ferraris at home...rent a volks wagen...I DARE YOU....But of course, the sad fact is that these people have more money than they know what to do with and have most probably not worked hard for it...so let the tragic "show" continue...

Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy...

2007-08-06T11:37:00.000Z

Bahrain Bay land probe suspended

By MOHAMMED AL A'ALI

MANAMA

A PROBE into unlicensed land reclamation at the King Faisal coastal area has been suspended after councillors failed to identify the type of violation or those behind it. Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Mansoor Bin Rajab refused to give the Manama Municipal Council the go-ahead to form an investigation committee into the matter, unless clear documents and evidence are presented.

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Hmm...well if this doesn't sound a tad fishy, I don't know what does. So, this cannot be classified as a violation. How does that make sense really? If they are reclaiming land without the license to do so, doesn't that by default mean a violation. Unless, I am misinterpreting what they mean by unlicensed :S. Those behind it? Well, you'd think since it they're burying the sea, it would kind of be hard to do that sneaking about when no one's looking. Does anyone else find this just ever so slightly...how am I to say....suspicious??

But....Its not all that bad for the fishing community in Bahrain....

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New BD500,000 harbour on way

By RASHA AL QAHTANI

MANAMA

FISHERMEN and seafarers in Barbar will soon have a new BD500,000 harbour, walkway and recreational area. The Northern Municipal Council will supervise the building of the harbour in co-ordination with a Bahrain-based contracting company, which will be chosen by the council, said councillor Abdulghani Abdulaziz Khalil Ibrahim.

He said residents in the area had been asking for a proper harbour so they could dock their boats safely and have better access to the sea.

"By building a harbour for residents, we will also prevent dangerous accidents from occurring to seafarers," said Mr Ibrahim.

"Fishermen now go to sea barefoot to reach their boats, but with all the dumping in the sea, there are a lot of sharp objects that can harm them.

"Our aim is to clean up that part of the sea for the fishermen and give them easier access to their boats and the sea.

The harbour will be extended into the sea and will be built in an L-shaped design, said Mr Ibrahim.

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Look what they get in exchange for losing a huge chunk of their livelihood! A new harbour!! ::Rolls Eyes:: ....seems like we're getting HARBOUR FEVER here in Bahrain....maybe they just realized what a harbour is and decided.."Hey, lets throw H-aR-B-oooors here, here and here!!"

Relationships and the Modern Arab Woman

2007-07-29T17:39:00.001Z

Interesting choice of topic no? Well, we all know that the modern Arab woman suffers from a warped mentality. We want to be modern, yet we don't want to let go of traditional values, the values that save us from being cheap...or like any other living breathing female on God's green earth. As you can see, there is already a conflict here in the psyche of the Middle Eastern, more specifically the Gulf Arab female. We all know that dating is socially unacceptable. You, over there, woman in the cloak hiding out upstairs in cinabbon on a wonderfully delightful date, yes, I'm talking to you. So, how does one go about entering the dating scene, and more importantly finding a husband. We'll go through this process step by step, subcategory by subcategory.

1) Finding a Boyfriend:

There are many ways in which the Gulf woman goes about doing this.

a) Online: A very popular choice...through social networking sites, chat rooms etc

b)In Malls: You all know what I'm talking about. The men that walk around and give out their numbers...I've seen some of you take them!

c) Being followed: Yes, there are men desperate enough to follow you until you stop, and take their number, or tell them to fuck off.

d)Family and Friends: My friend knows a friend who knows a mother who knows a friend...yeah...those types ;)

e) Schools, Universities, Offices: the traditional I married my colleague classmate etc.

2) Dating:

Now, the process of dating is one of intricate complexities. There's the virtual chat date. The call date. Then, the physical date. Dinner with fine wines at a posh eatery. Hardy fucking har har...I don't think so. Think seedy little coffee shop in the middle of no where, think upstairs, think private rooms at disgusting diners. Yes, you do feel like a hooker on these dates, but that's the closest we can get to emotional fulfilment when we're constantly worried about what people will think or say about us. In fact this creates a LOT of barriers in relationships. You're boyfriend wants to take you somewhere nice for a date. I think NOT! Wanna go to the movies and cuddle! Yes, that's happening...Maybe at the 11:30 am show of "Flop of Flop" or "Journey of the Flop"! Is it worth it? I guess if that's what you're into...

3) Marriage:

The final step. Oh how much we yearn for it...specially due to the lack of personal freedom we enjoy....a husband means no one can tell you what to do anymore...save for him, if you end up with a jerk. See, there are two types of Gulf girls when it comes to this topic:

a) I designed my Wedding Dress in Primary: This category includes almost 90% of Gulf girls...These are the ones who see marriage and child-rearing as the ultimate goal in life, you know the Arab embodiment of the 50's housewife. When they talk...all you here is "Omigod, when I get married, my wedding ring, my wedding night, my husband, my twins"

b) Escape..Oops, I mean MARRIAGE, yes Marriage...:
The single girl, the confirmed bachelorette Arab style. Enjoys fun with friends and a night on the town much more than a baby bassinet (enter me). Replaces cleaning the kitchen...with cleaning her make up bag. Sleeping with a man with sleeping with a cuddly kitten and raising kids with buying bags and stilettos. She may sound like a superficial creature, but in essence she is the one true DIVA. She may however submit to marrying in exchange for freedom...from parental control...!

c) $$: My bank, I mean HUSBAND, is wonderful...his wallet is beautifullll.....drool :D

So you see its a complex philosophy which entails a complex code of behaviour and special etiquette...see you all at Cinnabon!

Whose Loss?

2007-07-14T15:33:00.000Z

This is a matter I have wanted to discuss for quite a long time now. The French embassy in Bahrain is an inept disaster area. First of all, let me just be frank. These people do not want us anywhere near their countries; or at least that is what we are to understand from their barbaric and rather uncivilized visa application process. From their behavior, it can be concluded that they aim to make attaining a visa as difficult as it possibly can be in order to limit the number of rag head sand monkeys entering their wonderful and flawless countries. What we should do in response is to make it just as difficult for them to enter ours. Bahrain is too afraid of losing whatever interest people abroad have in this country to make it difficult to enter it. Of course if your from the third world, than its a completely different story...your interest is not nearly as highly valued.

First of all, people beginning to queue for visas at 3 and 4 am is not just illogical, it is cruel and unfair and shows utter disregard for this nation and its people. I’m very sure the French embassy in any other (non-arab/muslim) country would not have the gall to treat its citizens like they have chosen to treat us.

Second of all, I know several people who have gone to that dreaded embassy only to be turned down without a valid reason, or without one at all!!! If you choose to reject one's application, the least they can do is have the decency to give an explanation for this rejection. Otherwise, we are left to assume *as I currently believe* that the basis for these rejections is prejudice. Do the people of Bahrain mean so little that it is not even necessary to give them a reason or explain why you don't want them entering your "wonderful" countries.

Third of all, who is losing in this underhanded battle? The French and their EU counterparts of course. We are all very aware that Arab tourism, if you can call it that, makes up a large part of the income these countries make. Our investments, homes abroad and simply the money spent there on our visits. We are a gold mine to these people...and making it absolutely impossible for us to enter those countries means that they will lose a great deal of income!

I urge my fellow Bahrainis and GCC nationals, please invest your hard earned money in your own nations so that in the near future our countries will be forces to be reckoned with when it comes to tourism and leisure. They need our money far more than we need to spend time in their countries. I hope this will be enough to persuade you to be proud of who you are, if they choose not to accept that, then it is utterly their loss! What do they have that we don’t or can’t have...not much but the weather. So please, I beg of you, stay home this summer...spend your vacations touring neighboring Arab countries. It is clear that they don't want us...so why do we need them. We DONT...none of us do and we never have! So as long as they choose to continue this treatment we have been receiving, I will have no desire to spend a dime in or on their countries. To all those who have properties, what’s the use of owning a home in the EU if you can't get to it or are only allowed to get to it when they feel like giving you a visa. When they have the deciding hand on whether or not you get to spend time in a home that you've paid for. Our government chooses to give them residency permits for as long as they own property here...and what do they give us....rejections without reason or logic...you're better off selling your homes and using that money towards the development of our own countries.

Planning a trip to Kuwait? The Essential Packing List:

2007-05-31T01:39:00.000Z

Planning a trip to Kuwait? The Essential Packing List:

DARK GLASSES….the number of colors on Kuwaiti men’s outfits and their women’s clothing is BLINDING.

“Oh WOW {Insert hideous Kuwaiti female or male name here} Are you starring in a play? I love the stage make up!”

“Stage make up?? Oh just a bucket of paint and a brush…after all a girl/Kuwaiti man can’t show up at the supermarket or cold store without his/her face on!”

PLAYBOY, PENTHOUSE, FHM

If you’re used to looking at attractive women walking around the malls, I’m sorry to say Kuwait is going to be a huge disappointment. As the country with the highest rate of obesity in the ARAB WORLD, Kuwait’s malls (well, I guess you can call them that, their kind of makeshift malls…you know, the kind of thing an African refugee would mistake for the weekly vaccination tent) are filled with the FATEST women on the planet. What? Hide you’re disgusting figure with baggy clothing? I totally agree…however, Kuwaitis unfortunately have the mindset of creatures from Mars…or the beggar lady who curls up into a ball on my front lawn and purrs whilst asking me to rub her belly. What do you do with you’re gaping layers of fat you ask?? Put them on display of course! with tight form fitting stretch tops with colors that aren’t even part of the rainbow. You see, what the rest of the world calls tacky, the Kuwaitis call Haute Couture chic.

PLAYGIRL

You’re a woman?? Well, don’t get me started on the men! Men? I guess you can call them that although it would be a complete insult to every man on the planet. Let’s just call them male @ birth. Ever wanted to go to a country where every single member of the opposite sex looks like he goes to a salon more often than you do? Neither have I. But if you are weird and do or are just interested in witnessing a freak show, then KUWAIT is the place for you! Every single “man” has his eyebrows done, his nails painted, more foundation than a runway model, some lipstick and his hair straightened. And if that isn’t enough to turn you on, their penises don’t function as they are taped to their asses most of the time. Haven’t you heard? A bulge is not becoming when once chooses to wear the latest Victoria Beckham jeans! Don’t get me wrong! Some Kuwaiti “men” use their penises but usually only for décor…you know to glue rhinestones and beads on them. The most important thing for a Kuwaiti man is his asshole…in Kuwait it’s the male sexual organ. The “men” use strap-ons on each other…with all those rhinestones it would hurt to use a real penis. Don’t you fear!! Their strap-ons are decorated with glitter and are usually pink…so even sex is tacky…oops I mean Haute Couture Chic! Kuwaiti “men” = Italians….my doctor had to give me a sedative with my martini…I COULD NOT STOP LAUGHING…everyone knows Saudi MEN are the most attractive…(and I should know, I’m Bahraini…see them all the time) Of course, if you’re the kinda girl who likes to discuss makeup tips or hair dye with your boyfriends then Kuwaiti “men” win bar none! A date with a picture in you’re magazine is as far as it’ll get for you whilst in Kuwait. A date with a Kuwaiti “man”? Well at least a glossy magazine page is better than a sub-male creature giving you dirty looks if you use the wrong fork for your starter

SCOTH TAPE, NEEDLES AND THREAD

If you’re a heterosexual male…I suggest taping your ass shut…or something more permanent like sewing it shut because Kuwaiti “men” will take any chance and opportunity to put it in you. Don’t drop the soap!

VODKA

Kuwait is the land of the plenty. When it comes to food that is! 99% of their major tourist attractions are restaurants…so when you get bored of eating and/or you manage to become as FAT as a Kuwait there is nothing left to do but sit in your room in one of their crappy hotels and DRINK. Tranquilizers also help to decimate reality and the nightmare that is a visit to Kuwait. I do, however, suggest attending on of the several SEX parties in Kuwait…living in such a shit hole has allowed the citizens to concentrate their time and energy on mastering the art of pleasuring you with their Haute Couture dildos.

GAS MASK

As a stolen extension of Iraq, with the same dialect but shittier people, it is always good to be prepared…the Iraqis may want to reclaim their former territory and throw all the homos and fat hos in the sea…or better yet drown them in their own fat with chlorine gas…so as a visitor…be prepared for the worst!

To Ms./Mr. Meshary Al-Ruwaih of the Kuwait Times (you can never be too sure when it comes to Kuwaitis), thank you for your inspiring crock of shit on Riyadh. Those damn idiots in Riyadh were stupid enough to give you your "flawless" country back. Despite the fact that yours was crap with terrible grammar (more than you can expect from Kuwaiti “schools”) , it inspired this masterful creation of mine. For this, I will be eternally thankful. By the way, with your horrible writing skills it is a wonder yours was officially published. Wait…never mind…it was published in Kuwait….

Gulf Air at Place de la Concorde

2007-05-23T10:59:00.000Z

Major probe into Gulf Air's books
Gulf Daily News

MANAMA: Officials are going through Gulf Air's records with a fine toothcomb, Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa told MPs yesterday. No one in the airline, now solely owned by Bahrain, is above the law, he told parliament.

An article of great interest to many has been published in today's GDN. It is about another problem for the world's most plagued airline. After several years of corruption and stealing, the government, as the airline is now 100% Bahraini and whatnot, have decided to go through Gulf Air's records "with a fine toothcomb" might I add! :*Rolls Eyes*:.... I wonder what they'll find...they'll probably make startling discoveries...you know...the stuff they knew was going on all along...yeah...that....

Indian Children

2007-05-23T10:47:00.000Z

In the papers this week there have been several reports on the deaths of an Indian brother and sister. There has also been much speculation as to the cause of their deaths. Today, the CID declared that it was, in fact, pesticide poisoning. The strange thing here is that yesterday's papers included a snippet on this stating that the father of the pair JUST realized that his children's deaths could have been linked to the fact that their neighbour had had his apartment sprayed the same day. How....convenient. Now, I, unlike the newspapers, am not pointing any fingers at the parents...just commenting on the very bad timing of the father's realization. In a world where people were more humane, I would think that considering the parents the primes suspects would be handled more tastefully than this. In the paper today, the CID states that they were almost 100% sure of the cause of death in both cases but are still unsure whether it was intentional or not. I'm not siding with expats here, but i believe, had the players in this recent drama been Bahraini there would be a lot less finger pointing. It is my belief that the only motive the couple may have had for poisoning their own children would have been a lack of financial resources with which to support a family. In this case, this does not apply... Why bother having kids, investing in them and loving them if you are going to kill them. Regardless of their true guilt or innocence, I have a strong feeling that both parents will be convicted of premeditated murder.... Good luck to them on their trip through our "justice" system!

F1 is Here!

2007-04-12T19:44:00.000Z

For those of you who care, the Formula One races begin tomorrow!!!....and the Ministry of Information has prepared for it

From today's GDN:

Information Ministry gears up for F1

MANAMA

THE Information Ministry will put all available resources at the diposal of Formula One organisers to give round-the-clock coverage to fans, said Information Minister Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar.

The Ministry is fully prepared to cover Formula One events that will begin tomorrow, the minister said in a statement to the BNA.

As part of its plan the ministry's foreign media department in co-operation with the PR department has set up a media office at the airport in co-ordination with the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).

Sounds good to me! Hope it all works out well and goes smoothly. I've only ever attended the F1 once and it was interesting at best!..Different strokes for different folks i guess. Nevertheless, I have always found that "third world countries" always put on the best shows and organize amazing events (ie: Qatar, Dubai, Bahrain, the Philippines etc) because of this need to impress and be accepted amongst the upper ranks. Good on them!

Best of Luck,

Peluqa

For those of you who are interested:

Interactive Bahrain International Circuit Map

Good Luck Mahmood!

2007-04-12T19:13:00.000Z

Peluqa (The Bitch) would like to wish Mahmood Al-Yousif the best of luck in court on Tuesday, April 17th, 2007! And apparently...not only is he a regular criminal, there are charges of drug use too..|Libel case to be heard in the High Criminal Court!| (yeah I know. lame ;))...

Here's a little tip for you just in case the atmosphere gets too tense and you need a laugh...Imagine the people in court dancing around naked...like in the musical Hair...it helps me when I'm being yelled at by my boss...I imagine him as a big, naked dancing circus ape...trust me works every time!...except for that one time i got fired for trying to force feed him a banana...but whatever! minor glitch...

Best Wishes,

P

For more on Mahmood Al-Yousif:

Mahmood's Den
Mahmood Al-Yousif at Wikipedia

[Update]: The court case and charges have been dropped by the Minister...

I am Wonder Woman!

2007-04-10T05:29:00.000Z

Your results:

You are Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman		80%
Superman		80%
Supergirl		75%
Catwoman		70%
Green Lantern		70%
Iron Man		65%
Spider-Man		50%
Batman		50%
Hulk		45%
Robin		40%
The Flash		35%

You are a beautiful princess
with great strength of character.

Kylie Minogue!

2007-04-08T02:23:00.000Z

For those of you who love Kylie Minogue...well, she's back with a new track. Its called "White Diamond" and you can have a listen at her official site... http://www.kylie.com/

Also, for those of you who heard about M by Madonna at H&M...they are launching a line of beachware in May inspired (but not designed) by Kylie Minogue...

Bahrain Press One of the Freest...

2007-04-08T01:51:00.000Z

...in the ARAB world...(sorry to burst your bubble)

Ok first and foremost....Geoffrey Bew of the GDN says the following:

THERE were 154 violations of Press
freedom in Bahrain last year, according to an independent study......Kuwait was
top of the list with a Press freedom percentage of 88.38, notching up 58
violations, while Yemen was bottom with a rating of 34.87pc thanks to 325
violations.
-(Study Conducted by Amman Centre for
Human Rights Studies)

http://gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=177085&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30019

Can I just say one thing?....Everything is relative and this "independent study" has not taken population into account. Rating these countries based on violations does not take size into account. A small country like Bahrain, where nothing much goes on really, cannot be compared with Kuwait of Yemen straight off the bat. Not that much is going on in those two places either...its just that they are bigger countries and that should be taken into account. This is like comparing violations by the press in Bahrain and the US. There are several ways to manipulate statistics and this is a rather weak one....

Secondly, I would be elated at this news if Bahrain's press or media was one of substance. When our local leading English news paper {the Gulf Daily New} carries headlines such as "Filipina Fun with Nikoty" it really gets me thinking....don't we have anything more important to report than a group of people who couldn't even make it in the Philippines performing at some whore house...oops I mean Hotel..yes, that's it....the sad truth...probably not...Not only is it reported...its a headline...I mean seriously, maybe the GDN should just change its name to What's On In Bahrain {For Indians and Filipinos} The "media" in Bahrain is laughable...so before we celebrate the great freedom enjoyed by the press...(disregarding the fact that several foreign sites have been blocked [now possibly unblocked]) lets establish an actual media first....

Nuns vs. Hijabis

2007-04-08T01:18:00.000Z

Well, I am sure that many are aware of this world-important "raging debate"...*rolls eyes*. I had an argument with a friend a few days ago and would just like to put this to the public. Most people who are pro-hijab (I'm not one of these although I have nothing against Hijabis) equate wearing a hijab in day to day life with christian women becoming nuns. Apart from the fact that becoming a nun takes absolute HELL to begin with....a nun is not as much a part of society as a hijabi. What we today call nuns are not actually nuns. They are called nuns but are actually of a new order founded in the 18th century...rather than dedicating their life to prayer and seclusion, they dedicate their lives to worship and to societal good. They are allowed to leave monastery to work to achieve good amongst the societies from which they hail. Now, a Hijabi, on the other hand, is just a regular woman. Married maybe...with kids...maybe single who really cares...my point is that there is no routine to be followed...no rules and no seclusion. Personal morals and standards of dress and conduct are all that they have to worry about when becoming a hijabi. Other than the process of becoming a Nun, the most important distinction between the two is exposure. People argue that the west should not criticize hijabis and claim that it is unfair that hijabis are condemned and considered to be oppressed while Nuns, who dedicate themselves to God and cover pretty much the same body parts are celebrated and praised as pious and God-fearing people. Well, the only problem is that it is easy to praise or pass judgement on something you don't have to deal with...its just like calling a painting behind glass beautiful. We have nothing to do with the painting and we aren't exposed to it unless we choose to be. The same goes for Nuns. I think I can count the number of times I've seen a nun on one hand....Hijabis on the other hand, I see every day. Therefore, although I do not believe Hijabis are oppressed (unless they are forced to cover by their families etc), I believe that people criticize them because they see them all the time and do not understand the true meaning of covering up. I don't believe that it is truly part of my religion and think it is more of a custom. It was picked up from the Greeks to begin with. Greek women from the upper class would cover to create a distinction between themselves and "slave girls"....therefore, I really think its more of a social barrier than a sign of piety. If every other catholic women could dress like a nun and lead as normal a life as a hijabi (i.e. work, live, marry, have children) I would say that the west do not have the right to misconceive hijabis...but I think the image of an oppressed Muslim woman and the ill-treatment of Muslim women are just two of the many stereotypes held about us in the west.....Am I making sense?

The Execution...

2007-01-07T03:51:00.000Z

As I am currently on vacation...it has taken quite a bit of time to actually see the full footage of Saddam's execution...I don't know that i have any strong feelings on the matter. I did not support what he stood for or agree with his methods, nor did I like him. Until the invasion of Iraq, I actually hated him for what he had done to Kuwait. Although he deserved to be punished, I do not believe in the death penalty and believe violence does not quell violence, thus we have gained nothing via this execution. I have always believed that the people of Iraq are some of the cruellest in the Arab world, therefore, a dictator like Saddam may have been the only one who was able to control them. Nevertheless, what's done is done and all I have to say is that the only emotion evoked was pity for someone who has become so small and worthless.

Bahrain...My Theory

2006-12-02T05:16:00.000Z

Islanders
A Sad Satire
**TO BE TAKEN LIGHT-HEARTEDLY WITH A SHOT OF VODKA AS MY DOCTOR ALWAYS SAYS...AT LEAST I THINK HE'S A DOCTOR...HE GIVEs ME NEEDLES**

Q: what is Bahrain? More importantly...what is a Bahraini...
A: There is no such thing as a Bahraini...

Q: Then, what do you call those people who live there.
A: Wow...its a long story...so let me begin

In Bahrain there are five groups of people, none who are "really" Bahraini.
IN ORDER OF SOCIO-POLITICAL IMPORTANCE

# 1: The Sunna or Arabs of Bahrain
These are a group of people who are from mainland Arabian Peninsula (Saudis) who came to Bahrain after a small detour in either Qatar or Kuwait. (The Royal family included)...these are considered to be "Pure" Arabs and therefore are superior. A select group of families who we all know who are guaranteed jobs and special treatment...though they are as hopeless and as big a waste of oxygen as the rest of us...

#2: The Huwala of Bahrain
Huwala haha funny name...yeah sounds like some creature from Pokemon or something...but rest assured...they are real...not real as in authentic, real as in they exist...they are as far from authentic as can be. Why you ask? Let me explain. These are Persians from Iran who came to Bahrain and changed from Shia to Sunna...who pretend to be "pure" Arabs from the Peninsula who went to Iran and then returned after living there for a long period of time. Unfortunately...what they want us to believe and what is true couldn't be as different as Paris Hilton and Mother Teresa's vaginas...They are not Arabs who immigrated then emigrated or vice versa...they are either Iranians from the SOUTH of Iran who have always been Sunna or they are Iranians who turned Sunna...
They pretend not to speak Persian though we know behind closed doors that they do. Mothers and Fathers of the new generations choose to solely speak Arabic in front of their children so as to rid their family tree of any traces of persianness...though this may be as futile and circumcising Haifa Wehbe. We all know who they are, they know who they are and our children will know who they are. + You get 10 Points for identifying them in Where's Waldo...thats always fun...they are a rather strange species of Bahraini and are equalled in complexes only by the Ajam of Bahrain.

#3: The Ajam of Bahrain:
The Ajam of Bahrain...also known as the 2nd runner's up for the title of UNDERDOG (that title belongs to the Baharna). These are the Iranians of Bahrain who admit that they are Iranian due to the fact that they are Shia'a and in order to practice their religion have to be open about where they are from or run the risk of being called the dreaded BAHARNA. They have their mosques, festivals, self-torture...of course these are all segregated from the mosques, festivals and self-torture of the Baharna despite the fact that they share the same religion. This species of Bahraini would rather die (be called iranian) than have people think that they may be Baharna! Yes, yes quite strange...They usually are open about speaking Iranian in a rather crass dialect reminiscent of Iranian villagers. They are what I would call the Blacks of Bahrain. No, not for their skin colour, but for their behaviour...for example.
Mother: My Dear Ghuloom, why the glum face?
Ghuloom: I didn't get the job...
Mother: Don't worry...one day we will have justice...one day a smart man will be given opportunities in this country despite the fact that he is Ijmy..
get the picture...its the whole " i was arrested cuz I'm black" neglecting the fact that he just sliced this woman's nipple off. The woman who lives outside my house and eats paper bags whilst barking naked in my garage makes more sense to me.
Yes, they pity themselves, are quite jealous and have dangerous eyes!! If you tell an Ijmy that you've got a new car...leave it in the garage..or better yet, have the engine taken out and preserved, and even then it might decide to self-destruct. All species of Bahraini are known to be quite envious...the whole islander thing...back biting, jealousy and making you feel that they are completely in love with you whilst laughing in their heads....its a fact...Bahraini's cant be happy for you if something good has come your way so its best not to tell them.

# 4: The Baharna:

As I said before, these are the true Underdogs in Bahrain. They are a mixture of Portuguese and Arabian Peninsula thus their features are quite exotic by Bahraini standards, they are Shi'a and typically believe that the world is against them. Yes, their kind is being suppressed and all and yes, they are detested because people stereotypically believe they are aggressive and dangerous. Some are arrested for no reason, discriminated against and yet unwilling to learn, or do jobs they feel are beneath them. A Bahrani will demand a desk job...what? He can't read and write? Tell him to go to school before he shows his face here again.
The Bahraini response: Its because I am Bahraini...they've come taken my country and leave me starving and unemployed..he will then proceed to the gas station where he will purchase a gallon of petrol and burn the office down...or better yet...a supermarket in the middle of Bahrana Country that caters to them?!?! Buying a perfectly beautiful gown and then ripping it into peices with my teeth is considered crazy...and this isn’t? Yes I know the effects of mixing drugs and alcohol and may have done it on purpose...but really i think it makes more sense than any of this. If I was Bahrani I would just take a job as a construction worker...no...pride comes first and so the fact that they feel that they are discriminated against makes them avoid learning because they feel it would be a pointless effort because they are going to be discriminated against anyway...too scared to take the plunge, they avoid school and then out of desperation demand a desk job and are rejected...thus perpetuating this vicious cycle. THERE ARENT ENOUGH DESK JOBS TO GO AROUND SPECIALLY FOR THE UNQUALIFIED AND WE HAVE FOREIGNERS DOING THE BLUE COLLAR WORK...SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND TAKE THEIR JOBS...UNEMPLOYMENT IN BAHRAIN IS A PROBLEM OF PRIDE NOT ECONOMICS....don’t be too hard on them, some of them do work at gas stations...but thats as low as they'd go...very Blacks in America thing going on here...

# 5: The "Expats" ( A species that will become extinct with Bahrainization...in 2007 was it? Yeah...yeah right!)

Class 1: European, American, Japanese, Chinese...hired to do jobs that Bahrain can't trust its own people to do and are paid triple. What?? John Smith was a farmer in England?...well who cares...he's British, he must know how to do anything 10x better than a local...and is treated accordingly...

Class 2: SubHumans
These are the people from India(s) as in all the countries that pretend to be insulted when you call them Indian and resent the fact that you would dare to call them that even though a name is the only thing that differentiates them, Philippines, Some Africans...
these are the people who are imported much like ketchup or anything really when it comes to Bahrain...oh no wait...NOT ALUMINUM!!! Lets pat ourselves on the back for that.... and in the same packaging...actually i think the cargo trucks and planes in which they transport ketchup are a bit fancier......imported to do the Jobs that "Bahraini's" are too proud to do themselves...house labourers, construction workers, shop assistants, janitors, they are paid in pistachio shells and are occasionally raped, beaten and abused...which is when they'll run to...their Embassies...its a common ritual much like mating and hippos....wait shouldn't they be running to shelters?...a shelter is too complex a device to be established in Bahrain...we do have ONE though,..its 2 years old....[Applause]

Class 3: (yes there is lower than SubHuman) Stress Relief
Yes, these are the holes in which Bahraini ( and many many many many many Saudis, Qataris and Emiraties) will put their appendages to release stress. They are then paid in used condoms. Don’t get me wrong, there are some "classy" ones...but those are usually locals willing to take it lying down rather than doing decent honest jobs that the SubHumans do. Yes, pride, but just the right amount which leaves their desire to sell sex intact. Thank God for this class...they may be the lowest of the low...but they, coupled with alcohol and cinemas, are our main tourist attraction. SO in this case its desk or bed, floor and table jobs.

World Aids Day

2006-12-02T05:11:00.000Z

...keep it in your thoughts...
remember: use protection, educate the uneducated, avoid contact with contaminated blood and body fluids and help those who need it the most. AIDS has a human face, it isnt just a disease of deviants and the "sinful".

Easing of US Pressure...

2006-11-29T07:53:00.000Z

In Bahrain, Democracy Activists Regret Easing of U.S. Pressure
By Faiza Saleh Ambah

Washington Post Foreign Service

Monday, November 27, 2006; Page A16
MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 26 -- Bahrain's government has touted parliamentary elections here as a model for regional reform and a milestone for democracy. But critics say the polls are similar to those in many Arab countries: designed to give the appearance of democracy while maintaining the government's tight grip on power.

continue reading article...

Bahrain Shiite Clout Limited

2006-11-29T07:49:00.000Z

Bahrain Shiite clout limited despite win
MANAMA: Bahrain's majority Shiites won a political voice in the Sunni-ruled kingdom for the first time in Saturday's parliamentary elections, but they are far from being able to wield real political power in the Gulf state. The Shiite Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, Bahrain's largest opposition group, won 16 of the 17 seats it contested in the 40-seat lower house. But Wefaq's leader Sheikh Ali Salman downplayed the prospects of real change, pointing to a state-appointed 40 member upper assembly, the Shura council, which along with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, must approve all legislation. "In terms of changing the law and the constitution, room for manoeuvre is extremely limited. It's good that he's (Salman) accepted this," newspaper editor Mansoor Al-Jamri said.

kuwaittimes.net

Tell us something we don't know....

Aww!

2006-11-29T07:06:00.000Z

Not our time!
By GEOFFREY BEW
WOMEN should not be surprised that they did not win any seats in Saturday's elections, an equal rights activist said yesterday.
The secretary of the French Socialist Party in charge of women's rights and parity, Laurence Rossignol, said it is still too soon into Bahrain's fledgling democracy.
She admits she was disappointed in the results of voting in the elections, but says Bahrain is still leading the way in the region in that it elected the first woman MP in the Gulf (Latifa Al Gaoud).
"I think it is very difficult because it is only the second election that women can vote in," she said.
"It is very difficult to get the right to vote and then to be elected in such a short time.
"If we look at all the countries it is the same thing."
Ms Rossignol says laws should be introduced to make it easier for women in Bahrain to succeed in elections.

Don't be too hard on yourself Ms. Rossignol...its doesn't really matter that women haven't been elected to parliament...its a joke anyway....i'm sure their input on whether the use of mannequins should be banned would be very interesting but we have enough members of parliament pretending to have a say in what goes on....fledgling democracy? try non-existent...in any case...im happy that we don't have a democracy here if its gonna be anything like Iran or Egypt's "Democracy"....all that happened there was removal of a monarch and his replacement with an elected representative of the people (there's laughing in my head) accompanied by a loss of class and dignity amongst the populous...I think Bahrain can do without that for now...

Pamela Anyone?

2006-11-29T06:50:00.000Z

Why are celebrities so strange? And in any case, why do we even care about them...i know escapism, entertainment and all, but I'm more entertained watching the monkey, well that's what he makes me call him...i prefer dad, pee on my Persian carpet. Maybe I should film that and sell it to Hollywood, it sure cracks me up...not the part where i have to clean it...but before that. Anyway...Pamela is getting a divorce yet again! Not that i like Kid Rock in any way...its just...why would anyone marry Pamela...I know the tape makes her look like fun but it cant last...very obvious... only Paris Hilton would be stupid enough to miss this kind of conclusion...shouldn't she be dead yet...last I heard she had Hepatitis C...anyway between posing naked in Stella McCartney's Window and ironing her wrinkles with a kettle, she's filed divorce papers citing irreconcilable differences...

Israel...yet again

2006-11-29T06:35:00.000Z

My primary avocation is activism against Israel...a preoccupation that has lasted a several years...here is a powerful presentation with relevant quotes used to propagate zionism which can now be used against them....not only is God a real-estate agent...he also sells hand bags and promised me one from the Jimmy Choo winter collection...unfortunately, after i grabbed it off the shelf and began to walk out the store, the security guard grabbed me by the arm...i told him GOD PROMISED IT TO ME...they didn't like that too much...neither did the guy who forced me into his car....the ride was worth it though...i love the flashing lights and siren...

Zionism Quotes

Why I Hate the Rich

2006-11-29T06:18:00.000Z

Many say that the masses hate the rich because of circumstance, jealousy, spite all the regular reasons. Not often do those who are quick to point the finger at our weaknesses consider that the rich are often-times corrupt and unjust! It happened in the Philippines, it happened in the French Revolution...everyone gets their just desserts...

The following is a collection a la PDF of the wonderful riches of Bahrain not all of us get to enjoy...actually a collective few...let's just say its exclusive membership...so exclusive in fact that it depends on who got you here...lets just call it "Family Membership"...
I think you get the picture....

An Afternoon with Mahmood

2006-11-29T06:07:00.000Z

Mahmood of Mahmood's Den has posted a very interesting clip from BBC Radio 5's Podcast which includes a little snippet of an interview with him concerning the ever-widening black hole that is Bahrain's battle with GoogleEarth...which I myself think is a wonderful piece of technology...and yes, using it to spy on nuclear scientists in Iran is a legitimate reason to love it...nuclear scientists or my ex lover and his mom...same shit...

anyway...for convenience's sake I have uploaded it to my main site...and posted a little link here

right click and save target as and enjoy!

Step One

2006-11-29T06:01:00.000Z

SEX!

Now that I have your attention...
How am I to say? Maybe I'll begin with a little bit of an introduction. I'm Peluqa...or at least that's what you'll know me as. I will be your mistress through out this wonderful journey of discovery. Follow me through the wondrous twists and turns that I've come to call my life. Over the months I will be discussing a multitude of subjects ranging from bits and pieces about me...to more important things such as the philosophy of life and how the world has come to be the mess that it is...yes...i do have all the answers...For now though, I'll stick to smaller things such as politics, news, gossip and the like...you'll have to hang on for a while to discover the secrets of the universe...as I had them for dinner...

Take Care,

Mistress P