Want or Need?

Either way, I don't care. I need one of these mugs in my life. I'm suddenly craving coffee.....

Twirling what (thankfully) isn't there,

S.

Remember How Creepy That Was?

Does everyone remember that Cadbury ad Obsessco blogged about a while back, here, and how creepy she found it? Well, I think I just one-upped the creep factor with this. 

Enjoy!

Considering shaving off my eyebrow because of this,

S.

Let me know what your favorite funny advert is, and feel free to link me as well. Another favorite of mine is the Wataniya commercial where the Grandpa "dies" at the end......just epic.

College Prep 101

I have exactly three weeks and three days until I begin University. I am both nervous and excited, but mainly nervous. I'm also hungry, but that has less to do with the fact I'm beginning University and more to do with the fact it's Ramadan and there are six hours left until sunset.

However, let's do our best to distract ourselves, shall we? Seeing as how University starts in a few weeks, and schools even sooner, I thought I'd share my survival tactics. I am going to tell you about some of the things I'm doing to prepare for the next stage of my life (I feel so dramatic saying that LOL!). So here it is:

• I have to go shopping. I have a love/hate relationship with shopping, as in I like buying new things but I hate people and malls.  

• Download a bunch of TV shows and movies. This is to help me out/cheer me up in between classes (Shhh!) because some of my breaks are 3 hours long. Not worth going home, and like I said I dislike people so I don't really plan on "talking" to anyone. 

• Hitting up a bookstore and getting a couple of thick paperbacks. Same reason as above. 

• Slowly fixing my sleeping pattern/routine. My bad sleeping habits drove me crazy during high school, and I don't want University to turn sour because of it.

• Practicing actually answering my phone. I kid you not, when people have tried to reach me in the past, they call my mother because I never charge or answer my phone.

Let me know in the comments section below what you guys and gals are doing for school prep and let me know of you have any book/tv/movie suggestions for your old buddy S.

Charging up my soul (but not my phone),

S.

The Schmemmys

The Emmys aired a few days ago, and it was hilarious as usual. It's my favorite (serious) awards show, MTV doesn't count LOL, because it always seems like everyone who is there is happy and grateful for their success. Unlike the Oscars, where it sometimes feels like some of the nominees have yet to break character....**Cough**Daniel-Day**Cough**

Jimmy Fallon did great job hosting, you could tell he was enjoying himself! Jane Lynch's acceptance speech was by far my favorite (GLEEK alert!!!!) All in all, I think TV actors are the best; they keep it real and are down to Earth. 

Oh, yeah...Did I mention that SHELDON WON AN EMMY!!!! Congratulations to Jim Parsons who helped put a smile on my face through many horrible days spent as a high school senior.

God bless the physics majors,

S. 

If you saw the Emmys, let me know in the comments below what was your favorite moment/dress/winner. Share your love of TV with me!

Seriously?

They need to add one more line to this picture: "Really annoying people watch Zwarat Khamees".

I hate that show. I hate all the Ramadan TV programming. 

I do however enjoy the cops that fire the cannon to annoucne fu6oor on KTV2. I'm old school like that. 

Stirring some hatred into the Vimto,

S.

PS - Tell me what's your least favorite thing about Ramadan season?

All Mine?

We all know I'll forever be a young, geeky boy trapped in the body of a girl (woman?), so that coupled with the fact Obsessco completely inspired me with her version of this post, which you can read here, I thought I make a little list of things I'd like to do at some point in my life.

1. Bungee Jump: This one is will happen, if it's the last thing I do (Not really). However, I am very adamant about the fact I want to do it in Canada, so it'll be a while before I'm back there. I will let you when it happens though, so you just wait and see!
2. Attend a UK music festival during the summer: I can't decide if I'd want to do this alone or with someone. I'm something of a loner...The festivals I have in mind are Glastonbury & Oxegen.
   
3. Go to Japan and walk around dressed in the local wacky fashion: I have a sick sense of style that is too outrageous for this side of the globe. Shredded tights and black lipstick anyone?
   
4. Spend 3 months traveling around Europe/Asia....ALONE: Like I've said before, I'm something of a loner. While I always enjoy an audience, I'm not always comfortable around company/other people. The thought of just being completely alone, in some of the most beautiful and historic spots in the world takes my breath away. Sometimes I feel like this new technologically-wired culture my generation has come up with is so erosive to the most important relationship you will ever be a part of: the one with yourself.
   

It's That Time Of Year Again...

...Ramadan mubarak (As we say in Canada, LOL)! On behalf of our blog, I wish you all a lovely month filled to the brim with love, happiness and good times.
We are all so blessed, so I just wanted to *gently* remind you to remember what Ramadan is also about: thinking of and understanding what life is like for people in need. I hope this month gets everyone pumped to be a more active part of their local and global community.

Thinking of and appreciating all my blessings (our followers/readers are on that list),

S.

Crunching The Numbers

Sometimes I feel like I have a million and one things to worry about; societal obligations, personal goals, academic standards...these things can pile up and before you know it, you're screaming into your pillow out of sheer frustration. I've always considered myself to be a cool cat that can roll with the punches, but it's the things that I can't always control that drive me nuts. Whenever I am in need of some serious release I always go back to my tried and true methods:

1. Chatting with a friend: I can always guarantee myself a good laugh when I talk to the people I love the most.
2. A long, hot shower: I don't think this one needs a lot of explanation, and since it's summer in Kuwait, there is always plenty of hot water.
3. Cranking up the Rock'n'Roll and pounding some pavement: I'm not athletic by any means (Mega-klutz alert!), but I've always enjoyed running. Granted, I haven't really been able to run outdoors like I used to in Canada, but the gym I go to has a decent track that helps me out on those days when I feel like pulling a Scarface and introducing everyone to a little friend of mine. Chyeah.
   

Punching the dry-wall,

S.

PS - Let me know in the comments how you vent or what you do to blow of some steam.

Vintage LOLs

US Release Date: March , 2010

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Run Time: 94 minutes 

Despite all the World Cup madness, I set aside a couple of hours this weekend to watch Diary of A Wimpy Kid for Cinema Sunday. I originally saw the trailer for back in February, and noted it as something I might watch when the first signs of summer boredom would rear their ugly head. After checking out the hype, I am pleased to report that I have nothing short of a rave review. 

The plot is simple enough; Greg Heffley is an under grown seventh grader whose ambition often towers higher than his reach, literally. In an effort to try and make a name for himself in his new middle-school setting, Greg goes through one ridiculous plan after another, all in an attempts to be listed as a "Class Favorite" in the yearbook. Do I even need to mention that all of Greg's plans fail with miserable, and side-splitting, results? Didn't think so.

Jokes aside, I really enjoyed DOAWK because it's a hilarious reminder of just how cringe worthy middle-school is. Well, it was for me. If memory serves me right, I might even cop to having attempted a few of the schemes Greg and Rowely (his pudgy best friend) attempt. Don't be surprised to find yourself laughing out loud several times at the many familiar scenarios Greg and Rowley encounter. The producers got the casting down to a science with this one, because every actor fits their role perfectly. From the gross kid to the depressed teacher, everyone manages to shine in DOAWK. Not an easy feat in Hollywood....**Cough**Valentine's Day**Cough**

Worthy of an honorable mention is the insanely talented Chloe Moretz, better known as "Hit Girl" from another personal favorite,  Kick Ass. Chloe stars as "Angie Steadman", a wise school-paper photographer. Her comedic timing and biting delivery are still there, and this time she gets to act a bit more her age, which is a nice contrast to her very adult turn in Kick Ass. 

Overall, DOAWK recieves a well-earned thumbs up from me. Let's be honest, it's no Schindler's List, but if you're looking for a fun summer flick, then give this a whirl. 

Off to mend that stitch in my side,

S. 

PS - Comment and let me know what guys think. What this movie a funny reminder of the past or a nauseating dose of nostalgia?

Review: Owl City - Ocean Eyes

It's Monday again, so who's ready to read about some media? Just me...oh, you're listening? Well then enjoy.
I first heard of Owl City last summer. Not really knowing much about them, and since I hadn't actually heard any of the music, so I passed it/him/the band up. Firstly allow me to clear up what had previously confused even someone as lightning fast as me: Adam Young is a guy who makes music, a solo act, who goes by the stage name of Owl City. So this isn't actually a band in the traditional sense, just one guy who had trouble sleeping and ended up with an album.

The music may not be for everyone, but if you happen to have a liking for techno or dance music, then Ocean Eyes may be worth checking out. The fun beats aside, what I really love about Young's music would have to be his lyrics. They are clever, quirky and manage to work with the harmonies without feeling cliche. Another major plus in my book is that his music is fresh and original; it entertains with having to rely on references of P. Diddy, or slight more sordid topics. All in all, it's a refreshing burst of originality and is sure to add some spark to your summer. Plus, he's representing for the Arabs with the Dubai Tower in his album cover...WIN!

My Picks off the album

• Vanilla Twilight 
• Fireflies
• The Bird and The Worm
• If My Heart Was A House

Off to indulge in a cup of atmosphere,

S. 

PS - Comment and let me know what you thought of the music. Hit or miss? 

Think about it...

S.

Tea Time

It's Thursday, which means several things:

1. I am exhausted, for no reason other than it being Thursday
2. I am bored, and unsatisfied with how another precious week of summer went by
3. I've been having these...thoughts.
   

Yes, you guessed correctly; today is our first official "Thursday Thoughts" following our newer (and dare I say cooler?) scheduling. Don't get me wrong, myself and Obsessco are thrilled we have a few more readers and (always welcome) guests, but I've been finding it difficult to become excited over anything these days. Which would have meant nothing to blog about for today, except that I've stumbled upon a small reason to get excited again: Tea.
Specifically, a homemade mixture of red and green tea leaves, brought to a simmer in a delicate china teapot, served in an equally delicate china teacup. I know you're thinking that as a Kuwaiti I should have been drinking tea from the time I could crawl, but alas I never felt the sway tea seemed to have over so many Kuwaiti's, Middle-Easterners and Brits. Something shifted within me, and Sunday morning I made a pot for myself....and I have been loving it ever since. My only qualm is that I have discovered my love for this old favorite in one of the hottest summer spots in the world. Just my luck.

Off to capture a leprechaun (for luck, gold or an itty-bitty suit...who knows?),

S.

PS - Let me know what you have been loving lately. Is it something you're familiar with or something completely new?

I'm In Hot Water

I didn't know this was possible, but when did cold water become a luxury in Kuwait? Last summer I was talking to a friend of mine about the heat and what have you, when I decided to ask about something I had observed. I was hesitant to talk about it, because it seemed stupid. I asked said friend, "Why is the water always boiling hot in the summer?" My confusion stems from the fact that back home, the water is only hot if you turn the heater on. To which she replied "It's because the water is stored in these huge metal vats on the roofs of most homes, baking in the sun for 12-14 hours a day."
Um....okay?! Is is too much to ask for a cold shower after spending a few hours in the heat, trying to get errands done? Can't I have a peaceful, cool Wednesday like everyone else?

Confused,

S.

PS - Am I the only one that deals with this, or is it common in Q8? Let me know, as it would ease my frustration to know others suffer as well.

Media Monday...Take One

Apologies for the tardy behavior in regards to our new scheduling, but it appears that Blogger and Twitter ran off together yesterday in what I can only imagine was a bout of rebellion. This grievance caused varying degrees of frustration and boredom for yours truly. What with both Blogger and Twitter not working, I was left with nothing to do but aimlessly roam YouTube. While browsing through some of my "vintage" favorites (Just typing that makes me feel old), I came across this song, an undeniable classic.
Stan is a song by Eminem that I dug up from the days when his music was, you know, actually worth listening to. A gritty ballad recounting how one fan's obsession unfolds into the disparaging demise of several lives, this performance of Stan really captured the raw emotion that Eminem was known for in his earlier work. This intensity was the trait that set him apart from so many, and bestowed upon him the street cred that ultimately allowed for his place in Hip Hop history.

Off to trek 8 miles towards a kingdom of nostalgia,

S.

PS - Comment and let me know what some of your favorite songs/performances are and why they stand out to you.

Gleek Chic

It was back in September when I first heard of Glee. I quickly dismissed it because, quite frankly, I wasn't interested in seeing another group of twenty-somethings try to pass off as teenagers in yet another prime time fail. I was still in high school and thought I knew what was cool. As fate would have it, immense amounts of boredom during my winter break would lead me back to Glee, and so I began watching it. Best decision of my life. Period.

Glee is a musical drama (just trust me on this one) with an edge. The show centers around the lives of a group of misfit teenagers, a gel-haired instructor and one angry Cheerios coach by the name of Sue Sylvester. Expect wit, side-splitting dialogue and fresh takes on some of your favorite oldies from the 70's, 80's and 90's. I should mention that the music is so good, I've downloaded all the songs from the show, and have it on repeat as we speak.

"Don't stop believing, just hold on to that..." What are you still doing here?! Get off your butt and start watching GLEE!

S.

P.S. - Comment and let me know if Glee hit the high notes for you, or did it fall flat?

Youth Of Today, Idiots Of Tomorrow

The above picture is heart-warming, but I just don't like children. Never have, and probably never will.

However, if you're about to jump out of you chair and call me heartless, vicious, or even accuse me of begin dead on the inside (which I take as a compliment), allow me to turn the tables on you. Why are you not questioning the logistics of the picture above? Where are the parents of this child? Is he even old enough to be introduced to solid foods? Has that water-melon been treated with pesticides? Is it safe to eat? *Insert wry smile*

Gotcha!

Moral of the lesson: question and judge your own damn self before playing judge and jury to those around you.

Always aiming to infuriate,

S.

"A" Is For Apple...

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." Aristotle

The passing of every minute continues to betray my cool demeanor. I find myself continually stealing a glance at the clock every few seconds to reaffirm what I already know: my graduation ceremony is in about 6 hours. Granted, I have to be there a bit earlier to partake in a last minute rehearsal, but I still have time to calm my nauseated stomach.
I don't really have much to say about graduating, because it hasn't really sunk in yet, but when it does I'll be sure to report back with how it feels to know that never again will I have to put my head on the desk as a form of discipline. I'm 18, almost free and about to embark on the next stage of my life. Until then, I'll be watching YouTube videos and snacking on summer fruits. And you know what? This apple I'm eating really does taste sweeter.

Wish me luck,

S.

Comedic AU

AU is the symbol used in science to represent the alloy gold. You get it, now chuckle.

Honestly, if you're not already watching this show and reveling in the biting humor and snappy dialogue, I don't know what you're doing with your life. Sheldon is by far the star with his perfect comedic timing, and priceless facial expressions. I enjoy this show so much that I might possibly do an extended review of exactly why you need to be downloading it illegally as we speak. Maybe I'll get around to it once I finish that little thing I have to do, you know, GRADUATING this Wednesday.

Off to practice my freedom smirk,

S.

Comment and let me know if you watch the show, what you think or if my writing is powerful enough to persuade you to begin watching.

Freedom To Be An Ass

**If you check out the post before this one, you will see how my unbelievably sage friend defended her point in such an eloquent and peaceful manner that the imbecile who was arguing with her had nothing to reply with. It goes without saying that this pleased me to no end**

I'm a person that struggles with the issue of faith on a daily basis. No, scratch that; I struggle with faith on an hourly basis. I discuss religion with my friends, teachers and peers. I listen, I argue and I frequently offend. Sometimes I come to some great conclusions backed up by solid points, and other times I just make noise. Either way, the reason I like talking about faith is because it is my way of understanding, and ultimately, accepting the concept of religion. However, I do try to limit my offensive musings to the domain of my own faith. Care to know why that is? Well, simply put:

1) I don't know what teachings are in the holy books that I have not studied
2) Even if I had somewhat of an idea as to what was in there, I would not have the background and understanding of that faith to understand the contextual meaning.
3) It is just plain ignorant.

Newsflash: not all Muslims are terrorist, nor do they care to be one. Terrorism is such a lengthy and complex topic to delve into, that I won't even attempt to have at it. Also, that's not the real reason as to why I am writing this post. I'm writing this post in an attempts to tell the three of you who will read this that we are all human. We use religion as a compass, a crutch and a blanket to comfort us during those dark times when we just need something to believe in. Everyday, I see how a variety a religions usher peace and acceptance into the hearts of the people around me. I must admit I often find myself envying them, because I still grapple with my own grasp on faith. There seems to be something about religion that helps people find the strength to work through their problems. Despite the fact it doesn't impact me in that way, I still admire that quality in religion. Why anyone would attempt to take this away is beyond me. There is enough hate and anger in the world to last through an extended screening of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and then some. We don't need to go around creating more animosity (ahem, Denmark).

I'll be honest, I've said my share of infuriating sacrilegious things and frequently mock what I often fail to understand. However, I do try to listen to what people say (read: yell) to me in regards to these situations, and I think about them more often than they would imagine. To some, it's natural to feel some subconscious urge to disagree with a notion held sacred by a large amount of people. There are ways of going about this and voicing your opinion, but there is a line and even I'll admit that. At the end of the day, we are all entitled whatever it is we want to be entitled to, and we can challenge and debate the things we don't agree with or understand. However, a clean fight is a fair fight for a reason. It is one rule, DON'T DRAW THE PROPHET. I have no idea why some cartoonists can not just accept it as a limitation. If it was ever meant to be funny or insightful, well let me tell you that it is neither of those things.

The premise is simple: Don't draw the Prophet. How hard is that? Discuss the teachings, argue the fundamentals or even question the approach; everything is all "fair game". I like to think we have reached a stage in our global society that allows for discussion, debate and even questioning. Throughout history, progress has often been the result of pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable. However, it is noteworthy to pay attention to the pushing part of that last sentence. Not to burst your bubble, but never has ignorance and crude behavior lead to anything worthwhile, not even for one as great as myself.

Over and out,

S.

Leave comments and tell me what you think. Rock my world with your opinions on this matter.

"What goes around, comes around" (and its a poor tipper)

Brace yourself, this is a double perspective piece :D


I've lived by the motto my entire life, anywhere else in the world i would have been called a bookworm and left alone, but in Kuwait being 10 and having the ultimate "captain underpants" series stuffed into your locker means being bullied. As far as i can remember i was always called "weird" because i read. What really bothers me is that they ignore the girls with the bee hives on their heads and people who aren't sure which continent they live on but because i prefer to educate myself I'M weird. I think the moment i truly accepted my bookworm existence is when i was crying in middle school and my English teacher told me: "well look at Bill Gates! the people that told him he was a geek and a bookworm now work in McDonalds" imagining my privileged peers in a Mcdonald's uniform handing out french fries gave me the faith that i wasnt weird. Let us not forget that other than the annual book fair we don't have any decent book shops. I'm 15 now and people still ask me why i read, i answer "why the hell not? " Kuwait i love you, you might be the only country that censors chicken little kissing the ugly duckling in the cinema but instead of making students study "why the west view the Arab world as retarded" in Arabic class how about you urge the citizens to crack a book every once in a while?

- Obsessco

Hey there, it's S. again.

Growing up, I was nothing short of a freak. I preferred to spend my time alone; I just didn't understand children my age, and didn't find the "Stuart Little" movies funny or charming in the least. Suffice to say, the other kids left me to my own devices. When life in Maple Syrup Land got boring or there was 10 feet of snow blocking the door, I always turned to books. The other kids may or may not have taunted me for my reading habits, but I don't quite recall as I never actually listened when they spoke. I think it goes without saying that little children irk me.
Just before my move to Kuwait, I was going through about 6-9 full length novels, a week whilst maintaining a respectable grade average. I avoided moody teenagers like the plague; I just didn't have the time or energy to let them know how pathetic their lives would become once they graduated high school with a fifth grade reading level. It's called Karma. Google it.
However, aside from assigned reading material, I find myself having a hard time just wanting to read. It goes without saying that for all the things I am ridiculed for, reading too much falls low on the list of priorities. Either way, it doesn't really matter since the girls that annoy my eyeballs out of their sockets probably wouldn't be able to read the list.
Moral of the blog post: Don't worry when it comes to your tormentors; their high school years were the peak. You may or may not find them delivering your pizza on a cold Wednesday night, and that time they tripped you during an assembly gives you a completely legitimate reason to not to tip their sorry ass.

S.