Chic Politika

The Berries

2007-06-20T08:26:00.000+03:00

With all the retarded, few years late craze of the Blackberry in Kuwait, and while thinking of the "habba" factor of our society.. I was wondering, what about Pinkberry? A pretentious yoghurt chain all over L.A.

On a recent trip to the States, I wanted to know what the buzz was all about, so my friends immediately dragged me to the local Pinkberry. Upon our arrival, I notice the long line on the street, with a velvet rope by the door, I squint.. "is that a bouncer??" Yes, my friends.. a bouncer at a yoghurt place! He can only allow a certain number of people inside, even if you're ordering to go. Oh, and no cameras allowed, not inside, not outside. And this isn't your Baskin Robbins 31 flavors, there's only 2 flavors @ Pinkberry: Plain (which is yoghurt.. like real unsweetened yoghurt) and Green Tea. They are however famous for their toppings, which I must admit, was the only thing I ate out of the entire cup! All fresh chopped fruit, cookies, shredded coconut, granola, etc. The presentation is fabulous, and so are the nutrition facts, and the interior design.

After standing in line for about 15 minutes, in awe of what is happening around me.. I was utterly disappointed with the flavor. I didn't understand what everyone in line was talking about, nor did I understand my friends cravings to go treat themselves to what is plain yoghurt dumped in the freezer. I guess even a yoghurt place, like skinny jeans is a trend.

Campaign: Don't Pick Yo Nose Homie

2007-06-10T12:35:00.000+03:00

In the greuling heat on a late Friday morning, I wake up craving a Chicken Pesto Panini from Carribou Cafe! Everyone's off in Al-Politika's household so I prye myself out of bed and jump in my car, drive to the Cafe with the warm chicken pesto panini image in my head and its delicious taste in my mouth, making the heat and the inconvenient drive all the worth while.

It was after Salat time, so there was soothing classical music on all radio stations, definately kept me calm, with rosey thoughts.

On my way, I stop at a traffic light, just me and a cab driver, picking his nose like there's no tomorrow! I swear to you, I'm about to gag right now as I am writing this, but I must to prove a point. As the light turned green, I sped like a maniac trying to erase that image!

..stop at yet another light. For some reason took a glimpse of the rear view mirror, and there's a pick-up truck driver going at it with his nose!! I was beginning to get sick to my stomach. This is soooo not what I needed to see while driving all the way to the City just to grab a sandwich!

The light turned green and the truck was next to me now. He was still picking his nose and staring at me! I honked!! Honked honked honked like there was no tomorrow. Honked in disgust. He seemed bewildered as I sped away. If his mama didn't teach him any manners and hygeine.. then God help me I will, to protect myself from these blinding images on a sunny weekend!! Not only did those nose-pickers ruin my morning, but they also ruined my appetite!!

Yes, I have been so sick of the useless laborors who are brought here so those Residency Merchants can make extra cash! There are more expat laborors than locals and I still don't see clean streets and building built overnight like Dubai!

This one time on Mishref walk-way, I saw a laboror peeing.. by the bench! I mean, they bring those people from boon doons and villages and dump them in this country with no guidance nor training! I am sick of it!! I am sick of the taxi cabs honking at me while I'm walking from one shop to the parking. I am sick of having lunch at Chilli's while having a sea view of expat, laborors swimming in their underwear!! Nasty!

I don't know if this sounds like a racist post, but that's exactly how I feel. I don't think Kuwaitis are perfect and we must win the award for the world's craziest, yet dumbest drivers, amongst other flaws.

So... I wanna launch a campaign "Don't Pick Yo Nose Homie!" I wanna design these signs with no words, so they can understand wherever they're from: a nose with an index finger inside one nostril and a huge red line painted diagonally on the nose! I wanna place them on every friggin traffic light in the City. I know there are more important issues to campaign for, but since Friday, this is my most important one! Basic civil behavior, people!!

So, who's with me?

Honey, I'm Home!

2007-05-06T09:18:00.000+03:00

I missed you.

Did you miss me?

My job and my projects have been taking me away from everyone and everything. I haven't seen a movie since Marie Antoinette! Last episode of Grey's Anatomy Season 3 I had seen is #10!! Not to mention that I still haven't seen Ugly Betty!!

The last Newsweek I had read was in mid-March, and the only news I get to see is on the mini screen at my elliptical machine @ the gym. Go Ségolène!

Now that I have a little more time, and had the chance to catch up with some friends... God, I feel I missed out. Life is short, too short. I'm too young to be killing myself for the sake of work or accomplishing my goals. No matter how busy you get and how much you exert yourself, always remember your life, your health, and loved ones; this helped me to recharge, and mentally return home.

But other than that, I'm well, healthy and happy!

What about you? How've you been? Health? Family? Friends? Work? Blogs? Kuwait?

What's bothering you? What do you wanna talk about? Tell me! I'm all ears and full of caffiene.

Luv,
Chic P.

Ya

2007-02-06T08:39:00.000+03:00

I'm still here.

2 drained 2 blog.

have so much to write abt.

later.

Model LiLo

2007-01-14T18:55:00.000+03:00

I know she's not the smartest, most respectable celebrity, and she's definately not known for her acting or vocal skills. but one thing for certain is Lindsay Lohan's got style... and I heart it!

Whether she's being chased by the paparazzi or posing on the red carpet, she always manages to mix it up with the latest trends. After becoming buddy buddys with Karl Lagerfeld, we all thought (including her I'm sure) she'd end up in last season's Chanel ad campaign.. didn't happen. Then there were speculations that Marc Jacobs would have her as the face of LV or for his own line, but that didn't happen either.

Now, after hearing so much about her deal as the face for Miu Miu Spring 2007, her first ad just popped up and I have mixed feelings about it. I mean, yes, her name as a style icon for young women is attractive and she does have doll-like, sharp but small features, but the ad does not capture her essence of style, a free spirit.

Either it went through some heavy duty photoshop, or they just stuck her face on a Barbie doll's body dressed in a mini model of a Miu Miu outfit. Overall, it's spectacularly done! I like the concept, I'm just not sure if it would've made a difference whether it was Lindsay Lohan or any other girl modelling in the ad.

Bumpy Start

2007-01-09T08:47:00.000+03:00

Remember my last post about de-stress? Ya.. not happening.. 2007: I don't think it's working out.

Random Rant
I was attending a luncheon for work and sat with my boss with - what we later found out - the weirdest person I've met. Well, this year at least. The table consisted of my boss, 3 foreign guests, Dr. CRAZY WOMAN, and your truly.

Introductions were made and then it started:
Plz keep in mind when reading the dialogue that this woman is so depressing, monotone, speaks broken, old school Kuwaiti english, with no smile on her face and is terribly inappropriate!

Dr. Crazy Woman to my boss: I want you to manufacture my product.

Boss: Unfortunately we do not provide technical assistance, but what is your product?

Dr. CW: Why?? It is for babies who cannot drink milk from their mothers! Sometimes babies vomit, it is a tube. Sometimes, women are on liquid diet, it is for them to suck the liquid without vommiting! (............??)

Boss: (uncomfortable and obviously grossed out by the inappropriate table conversation): That sounds interesting, well.. I wish you best of luck with your endeavor.

Turns to the foreign guests

So, is this your first time in Kuwait?

Foreign Guest: Yes, we just arrived last...

Dr. CW interrupts: But then what you do? What is your job? If you not manufacture this device for me?

My boss explains the nature of our work which has absolutely nothing to do with manufacturing individuals projects, nor do we work in the sciences.

FG: It's awfully cold in Kuwait, does it snow at all.

My boss and I in unison: No!

Dr. CW: Yes! It's snow last week.

Me: I wasn't here last week, but maybe that's hail (I translated in Arabic since she obviously wouldn't understand what that is)

Dr. CW: No! In the farms there is snow! on the ground. They found in the morning! Snow! Thalj!

Me: Yeah, it was around zero degrees so I guess any water would freeze at that temperature. Thalj mo ya3ny snow, it's just frozen water.. ice (trying to explain as much as I can to an idiot and obviously losing my patience).

Dr. CW: No! I see bicture.

FG: So, is the education system in Kuwait segregated?

Me: Public education K-12, yes. Universities were never segregated until recently.

Dr. CW: No! My college is not, it is mix. When I was in college 1990 I study with boys it is mix.

Is this woman living in a cave??!! My boss and I excused ourselves early!! How can a woman invited to such an event who is a PhD holder, be that dumb?

What's Yours?

2006-12-24T08:00:00.000+03:00

Last year, my new year's resolution for 2006 was to travel to at least 3 new places... I did 2 out of 3. It was actually the first new year's resolution that I have made in which I have attempted to fulfill. Perhaps I should "re-resolute" my 2006 resolution for 2007 until I complete 3 out of 3!

I wanted to see more new cities, but... let's be real! Work, obligations, responsibility, finances... I mean, I'm a working woman living in Kuwait in my mid-20s with a stress level of a 45 year old smoker in Manhattan! Maybe that should be my new year's resolution! Stress Less!

I'm proud of my accomplishments for 2006, and in the years before. I feel like I have exhausted (or at least attempted to) all my ambitions, and I just wanna be a free-spirit and relax. But, I would kill myself if I relaxed for more than a day. Realistically, there is sooo not gonna be any down time for moi cuz I've already started a couple of projects for 2007, so.. ya right!! Now where's my coffee?!?!

What's your new year resolution for 2007?

Wafe: Fashion Diplomacy

2006-12-14T01:44:00.000+03:00

Please wait to see Mary-Kate Olsen at the end. SO TRUE!! Loool !!

Eating disorders and image obsession has been going on for quite some time, but it is only recently that I have been seeing such a hype regarding this issue. Since Spring Fashion Week, government officials accross Europe have started to take action against this fatal obsession. Even notorious fashion queen and Vogue Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour (under pressure) has decided to step forward and put a stop to this internally within the fashion industry.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/12112006/gossip/pagesix/pagesix.htm

UPDATE: Italian designers sign code with the government requiring models to present medical clearance of eating disorders.

Can I please say how excited I am that my world of fashion and politics have decided to join forces. Although it is under unfortunate circumstances, I hope to see more positive collaboration in the future ;)

Stop (and Give)! In the name of Love

2006-12-18T11:00:00.000+03:00

The holidays are near, Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid, or whatever other celebration you believe in.. it is a time to love, share, and give.

I'm sure all you shopaholics will be doing a lot of shopping in the upcoming days, and while you're clicking on net-a-porter or amazon, please visit and shop at the following sites. Your purchase can make a difference, stop poverty, and support those in need.

Beaded jewlery by Ugandan Women http://www.beadforlife.org/

Bags made by Indian Sex Workers www.freesetbags.com

A voucher that pays for an orphan's food and education for a year http://gvnfoundation.org/whatyoucando/donate/gifts/

Believe me, you'll experience retail therapy with a new level of euphoria.

2006 is all about You !!

2006-12-17T08:53:00.000+03:00

TIME's Person of the Year is YOU!

It is you fellow bloggers, YouTube freaks, MySpace socialites... You shape the world, you influence, you decide and you make yourself heard!

Well done y'all.

Maybe I'm Just Like My Mother....

2006-12-11T08:20:00.000+03:00

As Arabs, will we every be satisfied with our governments?

Continue to blame them for mistakes we 've made...

I'll be damned if I live to see a truly democratically elected Arab government.

Are they really the bad guys? Or are we just never satisfied?

2007

2006-12-09T10:17:00.000+03:00

Just out of curiosity and boredom being the first day of the week and all...

How will you spend New Year's?

Kuwait?
Travelling?
with a loved one?
family?
chalet?
Party til the break of dawn? Or til u lose all memory of 2006?

Well it's about Friggin' Time!!

2006-12-04T10:34:00.000+03:00

An Ambitious Lady

(A Blonde)

An African-American Gentleman

(A Brotha)

Now we're talkin...

UPDATE

(article, short and sweet)

Seriously?

2006-12-06T10:45:00.000+03:00

www.05amam.org

I'm in the mood for love...

2006-11-25T23:37:00.000+03:00

OK I just got a chance to upload this camera pic onto my computer, but last week as I was sipping my daily dose of Turkish coffee on a lazy morning at work... something grabbed my attention..

Do you see it?? Aaawwwwww...

Ya right! :(

Blah

2006-11-18T09:07:00.000+03:00

I hate writing "blah" posts. But seriously, I hate Saturdays! Or any first working day of the week! I mean, especially when it's cold and your bed is so warm after a good night's sleep.. you peel yourself out of bed to go to the bathroom after the alarm goes off...don't look back at your fluffly bed!! The second you turn around and take a glimpse of how fluffy, warm and comfortable it looks, it will lure you back in ... evil ! bad ! bad bed! Let me go to work! No! I cannot just lay there for 5 more minutes!!

aaaaaaaaaaaaand.. im late for work.

*sigh*

Shopping Trends

2006-11-07T11:19:00.000+03:00

I love shopping in Soho in NYC or on Robertson in LA... the freedom of hopping from one store to the next experiencing a variety of decors retail categories and items, passing by strangers running errands or on their way back home after a hard day's work makes outdoor shopping trips like these so special. But shopping in a mall is kind of a one-stop shop, vanilla latte, air conditioned trip, it's gotta be a favorite among Kuwaiti chicks.

So, when I was asked this question by a friend of mine last night: "Would you rather shop in a mall or a free standing boutique?" I immediately answered, thinking I was probably the only Kuwaiti girl to say that, but was surprised when told that many other girls in Kuwait prefer to shop outside a mall cuz it gives them the freedom to go as casual and whenever they want, as opposed to having to look at your absolute best walking into Al Salhiya or Al Raya. But in Kuwait, we don't have that King's Road, Melrose, or Avenue Montagne atmosphere where everything is conveniently located in a block or along a strip.

What do you think? Mall or free standing shop?

Mother of All Verdicts

2006-11-05T12:30:00.000+03:00

Saddam Hussein: the death penalty, while members of his posse get as low as 15 years...thoughts?

Wentworth Miller - Prison Break

2006-10-23T18:00:00.000+03:00

Ladies, am I right?

Ya zaman alwassl fil Andalosi

2006-10-16T16:50:00.000+03:00

Al Hambra

I've been to ancient castles before, but this was the first time I felt something upon entering and exploring Al Hambra. I know this is going to sound so twilight zone of me, but upon my entrance I felt a hint of familiarity, perhaps it was the Arabic inscriptions on the wall, the poetry and God's familiar name, or perhaps it was the guide's constant reference to Islam and the Crusades, wars between the East and West, Christian and Islam, "Wa La Ghalib illa Allah" and now thousands of years later we hear the same references. Our ancestors used it as beautiful art and current Islamists use it on swords. I know there have been many bloody battles in Islamic history, but even with the battles we had managed to build an empire of civilization.

All I know, is that it was the first time in a long long time that I felt proud of being an Arab... what a civilization we let slip away.

Most of Al Hambra has been restored, just like any ancient castle, cathedral or monument. So my favorite picture is the 3rd one, it's an original paint stained glass ceiling that has not been restored! Imagine, beautiful stained glass surviving the grueling sun of southern Spain for thousands of years. "Wa La Ghalib illa Allah."

Ups and Mostly Downs

2006-10-12T04:35:00.000+03:00

It's not just you, it's my friends, my family, my gym, my yoga, my pilates, my hobbies, my everything. I've neglected my usual life for a while, all I do is sleep and the only time I go out is to go to work. I'm usually full of energy, love to read and socialize, dive into deep discussions... I hate all of this stuff now. My close ones are saying that everything that comes out of my mouth recently is negative and that I must be suffering from depression. All I did was get defensive.

It's 04:31 am, I just woke up, and I came to the revelation...what the hell am I doing?! This is not me!! This is the opposite of me!! I'm not a cynic! I'm not a slacker! I'm not an introvert! But wait...you have to understand

I went on a great vacation early August, part with my friends and part by myself to explore Andalucia, where not only did I explore our history but met so many great people from around the world. It was the first liberating experience/vacation I've had in years.

I return to Kuwait excited about my dog's new clothes and accessories I bought him from Harrods and Pup City... 2 days of him wearing "The DogFather" t shirt (which he refused to take off it became his favorite. Boy's got style 6ali3 3alay), then he's gone. I know no one cares in this country and they think I should just get another one! Or laugh when I cry talking about him. I covered the entire area with flyers and all people could say was "agssaah chalb!" My friends and the entire household turned into a search party for a week. Ta3abt.. physically and emotionally.. those of you who have a pet or have lost one would understand, it's like being attached to a person, even worse, your dog is your companion, and my pup was definatelly mine. 2 months later I can't even sit in the garden cuz I know that's his favorite play area, 2 months later I can't even smell sausage stew, cuz that was his favorite food. He was near and dear to everyone's heart, my mom (who never wanted a dog) remembers him when we eat, the driver who used to play with him non stop talks about him constantly.

I hope he doesn't think we abandoned him and I want him to know that we love him and miss him so much. Whoever has him now, I hope you treat him well, he was a prince in this house and he is a well trained, smart, beautiful dog!

[ Upon my return from my trip I wanted to post so many great pix I took while I was there, which I will tomorrow I promise. ]

Then, I find out that I'm supposed to have surgery.. which I did since it was an emergency although my mom was out of town. Lost my love (I had a long post in mind about that but will just keep it for now) and now I'm having problems at work. I hate it.. I hate everything. But you know what I think? I have a feeling that all of these bad things were meant to happen to me all at the same time, because God has something better in store for me in the near future.. I woke up with this feeling, and I hope this is all over and behind me, with a new day to come for me to go to the gym, treat myself to a mani and pedi, have a decent fo6oor/ga3da with my family, and meet up with my friends later tonight.

As I was about to wrap up this post, my friend messaged me from London, she's doing her MA and was encouraging me to pursue my PhD.

... Why not?

She makes you wanna La-La

2006-09-05T06:13:00.000+03:00

So I'm on sick leave for 2 weeks after a minor, unexpected surgery. Laying in bed, bored to death, unable to strut down the streets of Kuwait sporting my new outfits (haha imagining this is NYC), muscles turning into flab by the second (haven't worked out since my vacation), feeling sorry for myself (first losing my precious dog, then bedridden) and trying to occupy myself by catching up on celebrity gossip while shopping online..when I came accross this

Can anyone guess who this blonde bimbo is? And I used to really like her punk look :(

2006-08-27T04:09:00.000+03:00

The Simple Life 4: The Ghauri Family part 2

Nicole: Salam? SALAMEE !!!

2006-08-27T03:08:00.000+03:00

The Simple Life 4: The Ghauri Family part 1

Mr. Ghauri: It's the most talked about religion since 9/11

Paris: Kabbalah!! :)

Bow Down when she comes to your town

2006-08-17T21:24:00.000+03:00

This is just part I of my vaca: The always controversial, The Almighty, Her Highness, Madonna