Sunday, February 21, 2010

Fish out of polluted water

So here I am in Virginia with like 2' of snow on the ground. It is 40 degrees (American!) and I'm just wearing a sweater. I came back from the "Viet Cong" (that's what my bro-in-law calls the nail salon because all the nail places in Northern Virginia are run by Vietnamese ladies who I KNOW are talking about my fat ass and giggling in their language. Oh, anyways... came back from the VC (Charlie Joe did my toes) wearing my flip flops and my family just about fell out of their chairs. "WHERE do you think you ARE? Kuwait?!" I'm not going to change; let the weather change a-round me! Besides, my pink toes look really cute in a snowy background.

I love being here, but I do sometimes feel like a fish outa water. For example, people are so polite that they don't stare here; giving me a very eeerie feeling. WHY aren't they staring? What is wrong with ME? Why aren't men chasing me around the grocery store? I don't get it! I'm like - what is the world - oh yeah INVISIBLE. How do people ever meet each other here? How do they procreate? (More importantly - how do they practice at it?) They don't even bluetooth in this country. So odd! Meeting men here must be like (I shiver) work.

Oh - one creepy old Iranian man with hair coming out of his ears followed me around the Reston Towne Center. He asked me what my name was and the first thing that popped into my mind was, "Louise" (?) I told him I was married when he asked for my number. My sister thinks I have Middle-Eastern-Man-Magnetism. Great - why can't I be magnetic to someone say like Prince Waleed or the likes? Why can't I have Clooney magnetism? Why am I blessed and cursed at the same time?

New subject

There is a woman in the paper who shot up her colleagues because she didn't get tenure at her job. My sister was reading me the article and I'm thinking .... I can relate. That is really pathetic and I'm not saying that I would ever do it (I can't get my shotgun in my barbie suitcase) but.. I can see it. No seriously - the woman was really a nutcase... (similarities....)

So, I head down to Ft. Lauderdale day-after-tomorrow to go to a convention. I haven't been there since I dated a Saudi guy and he moved there and I spent 2 totally unmemorable days there with him (dayam - WHAT was his name and what did he look like????) No one wants to go with me. I've offered my mother a free all-expenses paid trip to go with and she said no. Do I smell? Ok... so I've admitted to the snoring; perhaps it is that.

I am thinking of getting a much younger boyfriend who I can boss around and take on trips like these for fun. When I say 'jump' you say, "What kind of martini would you like, baby?" Hey, anything would be fine, gorgeous, as long as you serve it in cowboy boots and a smile.

I'm just delusional! Alls I get is a hairy-eared old dude who thinks I'm Louise.


Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Falentine's Day (Bedouin for "Valentines")

Happy VD everybody!!!!



(Giggles) ... Perhaps I like punishment.

I had a most excellent weekend. First of all, it was Bobarino's birthday bash on Thursday night at P.F. Changs. They have a hubungous party room and the price (for the group) was really reasonable - leading me to want to host my own dinner there. I had no idear that Bobaliscious had so many friends! I thought I was the only one. It was a really nice evening. I ended up getting him this tacky "masquerade costume" football outfit (size small). Apparently, the "ladies" at souq shaabi dont' think it is a "masquerade costume".... hmmm. I can't burn the mental picture of Bobarino wearing this out of my head (mais alas, I am the one who put it there, aren't I?)

I can't remember much of Friday. OH RIGHT - because I stayed home and changed my slipcovers on my sofa. Woo hoo! Big fun. Then, I went to cruise around with Slaps and had dinner at Mais al Ghanim (which was NOT exciting - especially since there were no goodlookinmens around. Sadness).

But then yesterday was good because in lieu of my annual "Pathetic Losers Valentine's Dinner" I had a barbecue for non-losers and it was great. We had so much fun. Sometimes you just get a group of people together and you end up laughing and feeling really up. It was like that. I still feel good today.

My Falentine's Day isn't the greatest today, but I'm in such a good mood that I'm not really noticing. Today is kindof bitter sweet for me anyways because today is the day that I found out that the love-of-my-life (to date), Shamlan, died. (You are gone, but never forgotten. I know you are waiting on the other side.)

(Neither Bu Merdas nor the Hampster called/sent SMSs/sent gifts yesterday. Not that it truely bothered me on an emotional level because my expectations were dead-on accurate, but it just put the appropriate nails in the coffin in both cases.)

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Where the F are my Valentine's cards???



Dude, I'm wondering where the hundreds (riiiiiiiiiiiight) of Valentine's cards are that should come pouring into my office are. So, while I'm pondering the thought, guess what happened? I receive a Christmas card - postmarked 14 December 2009. 2 months to get a CARD (thanks Mrs. Kogan! Love ya!)




I check with our dude in charge of picking up mail. He said that he thinks part of the problem is that the sorters in the post office keep piles of mail and don't LIFT them into the PO boxes.

Now, if you have lived in Kuwait for more than 2 weeks, you will know that you CAN'T have anything sent to your home address or a physical address EVER because 1) your mail will end up scattered in the desert somewhere or along the side of the highway 2) Only if you are lucky do you have an actual address that is recognizeable to postal people and 3) if you do have #2 (ha ha), most likely, the building/house number is not market, so that they will just #1 you.
Let me just say - once again - in true Desert Girl-Style:
THE KUWAIT POSTAL "SYSTEM" SUCKS THE BIG WANKY ONE!
OMG - how long do ya think it is going to take to get Valentines from my loved ones and admirererers? E-mail is nice, but hard copy is better.

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Boat Rentals in Kuwait?

Does anyone have either a listing of places you can rent/charter boats in Kuwait
or
does anyone have individual numbers so I can do my own list?

I get asked every year for such a listing and I have never compiled one. This should be the year since it is such a popular activity in the summer.

There is a place at the far end of the parking lot at Sultan Restaurants Complex, Salmiya seaside, but that is the only commercial place that I know of.

I have been very lucky and alls I have to do is bat my eyes at my friends with boats. Speaking of which, I gotta call Wahabi....

A melange of thoughts today

Bobarino's birthday is coming up this week and I can't find a blow-up doll anywhere in Kuwait. Dayam. Where can I find the most vulgar, most offensive gift? Any suggestions?

I saw Bu Merdas last night. I know what you are thinking... but ok, dude has been relentless in the calls etc and I figured what the hey. He's a whore - plain and simple. I thought he was decent (for a while and not recently) but somehow/someday/someway, all that squeeky-clean appearance boils down to is someone who is incredibly guarded and a good liar. No one is that good. My mama used to say that if you feel like something isn't quite right, it usually isn't. I never felt 100% comfortable around the guy and now I know why. He's a manwhore. I never trust a man with 2(+) phones. BuM is good at reading cards and I asked him to read mine. He said, "There are 2 men in your life and you don't give a shit about either one." Bada BING. I so hope he counted himself into that statement (cause I did). He read them 3 more times just to make sure; they always came up the same. "I don't see myself in here." I'm like, 'You're not.' (Dude, why should I give a shit about people who don't give a shit about me? I get the concept - get on board.) But hey - it was a fascinating evening in which I learned not only about him, but myself (yawn) AND I ate some machboos diyaay. Oh, by the by, Merdas died of some kind of bird-related illness. Now Bu Merdas is without a falcon. That must be really weird for him.

And now... for something completely different.... (DG fund raising activity)

The Association of the US Army, Kuwait, is looking for sponsors in 500KD and up denominations for their upcoming Spring golf event. The money will also go towards troop events during the year. If anyone would like to become a sponsor in Kuwait, there are good benefits for companies who want work with the military. Please write to kuwait@ausa.org.

I can't focus today. I've had that problem lately.

Monday, February 08, 2010

Just Because

Anonymous 12:13, this one is for you. Another article I wrote that was published locally several years ago. Dudes, I don't want to get comments that say, "Oh, so you think you're so great because you are American, right..." No, I do not. It is just my perspective - it is what it is - and I happen to be American (Irish, Finish, French and Iroquois Indian if you must know. My people came from different places like a whole lotta other 'mericans).


What is it about being American that makes people around here think that you have answers? Lately, the questions have been geared towards business: "I have a miraculous new product. You can sell it to the US Army, right?" "Can you go down to Arifjan and talk to the people in the contracting office and get me a contract?" "You can get me alcohol from the US embassy or the base, right? You get an allocation, right?"


When I first came to Kuwait in 1996, I was faced with even stranger questions: "My son is 5 and lost his arm in a car accident. Can you get him a new one? He's in Pakistan." Asked by a coffee boy where I used to work. Another colleague later asked, "My friends cousin is in UCLA hospital. He was born in Kuwait and the doctor thought that something was wrong with his lung, so they removed it at the hospital. He is dying and he needs $300,000. Can you talk to your friends at the Ministry of Health? They said his file was eaten by mice in the 80's."


"Hello Madame. I have a problem. Maybe you can help me?" The visa questions are never-ending and relentless. I frequent a local hotel because I am a sushi addict and love their food. Every time I pull up to the valet parking, a certain Egyptian parker runs out and delves into the same tirade I have been hearing for the past two years (all said in a matter of the 2 minutes it takes me to run from the car to the front door of the hotel and stated with the same look of pathetic puppy). He wants to go visit family and has been rejected at the embassy and wants my help. It is assumed that since I am American, I therefore have been bequeathed with wastah at the US Embassy.

"Oh, so you are single?" God help me if I ever reveal that I am single to visa-seeking men. I haven't reached the point of desperation which would warrant marriage to someone trying to get into the States. For this very reason, I (and many of my single female friends here) wear wedding bands. Let me just say that the response would be better if the pick-up lines these guys use were better.


Questions in the form of assumptions are quite another thing. Just because I'm American doesn't mean I am rich. I'm not willing to pay more for something that my Egyptian friends get for five times less. When in shops, the question of, "Are you American?" should always be responded to with, "No, I'm from Bosnia and my farm was destroyed in the war. I have eight children and today is my birthday."


Here are the answers that I do have (just because I'm American): No, I can't sell your product to the Army without paying my reasonable consulting fee and dedicating quite a bit of time to it. No, I can't just go down to Arifjan and miraculously get a contract (and if I could, I would keep it for myself). No, the US embassy nor the bases give Americans allocations of alcohol (Kuwait is a dry country and so are the bases). Yes, I can probably assist in finding an arm for a 5 year old child through some of the charitable children's organizations (and with proper back-up documentation from the hospital in Pakistan), but hey – so can you through correspondence and research. My friend at the Ministry of Health said that file was indeed eaten by mice, so there really isn't any more I could do there because I'm not a rich American and I don't have an extra $300,000. No, I can't help with visa problems at the embassy because the US doesn't do wastah. And last but not least – I am really not interested in getting married to help "get someone in". What's in it for me?

Sunday, February 07, 2010

Do I LOOK Stupid?

I have a friend who is DEAD ON when it comes to reading coffee cups. She is really accurate. She told me that I would meet SIX new men, 3 of which will be good guys, 2 will pursue me a lot, and that I would probably decide on one, change my mind, then give him another chance. I didn't waste any time. I'm up to 4.

(And I know that you are reading this so let me just tell you right now - if you can't even bother to TALK to me before running out the door, you shouldn't be keeping up with my life on my blog. GrowthaphuckUP! You had too many chances.)

I met a man who 1) is very handsome, 2) has a good job, 3) is articulate and intelligent, 4) is very polite/good manners, 5) is a good conversationalist and quite complimentary. We just met through friends - I had never gone out to coffee or met with him socially after our first meeting.

He sounds good, right?

So then (wait for it....) he sends me an SMS (not a call, not during a conversation over like DINNER or anything...) saying, "I have an emergency. I'm sorry to ask you this, but can I borrow 125KD and I will pay you back in 3 months?"

Uh, no.

My question is this: What kind of a mess can dude be in if he is Kuwaiti, has a good job, and has lots of friends that he would need to borrow 125 KD (and WHY that precise amount) from a woman he has just met and not be able to pay it back for 3 months?! WTF. Take a loan - you might not even have to pay it back if they approve the loans payoff bill!

Alternate perspective: I must look rich. I must appear to others like I am oozing money. I must dress SO WELL that people think it would be okay for them to just ask me for a "loan". Yeah, that's it....

(I guess it is my fault because I said I wanted to marry a Kuwaiti to get nationality/retirement!)

Where have all the real men gone?

Cool Carpet Store






As usual, whenever I shop with Slaperella, I always end up buying something for me (which is yet ANOTHER reason why I never have any money). We went in search of a carpet for her place, and I fell in love with one (b&w) for mine.

If anyone is looking for a good place to look for decorative carpets, these guys have a great selection. The ones we looked at (photos) are 2x3 meters for 50 KD. Try finding THAT price in Ikea or The One.
Nero Carpets, Dhajeej, Twins Complex 2, Shop 11-12, phone: 24344604. Se habla English too.


Saturday, February 06, 2010

Endangered animal pelts?





I went to the Iranian Market (road behind Friday Market) and saw these (entrance#1). They look like some kind of endangered species, but I have no idea what kind. I've never seen these patterns before. They looked like the skins from the heads were attached (you can see it at the top of one of the photos). They were selling for around 30KD. Disturbed me greatly. You never know what you are going to find in Kuwait. I hated seeing this.
There ARE some pelts (not so endangered species) that I would love to see hanging in the market - starting with the inbred men who were at Al-Dolhama vets the other night sitting across the room from me, talking about me as IF I didn't understand what they were saying. I told Desert Dawg (in Arabic). "Don't get close to the dirty people. I don't want you to catch anything." THOSE guys would look good skinned.

Bored with Her Routine


Desert Dawg developed a skin rash on her back ankles (doggy ankles?). It was bothering her to the extent that she was taking her own fur off, so I took her to the doctor.

"She's bored with her routine," doctor Jaqueline says. Whaaaaaa? My DOG is bored with her routine? What about ME?! Should I take her on a trip? Take her to meet new people (dogs)? Whoever heard of that?

The technical (and this isn't so technical, but this is what she said) term for what Lilli (AKA Desert Dawg) has is "licking dermatitis." I guess if I could lick my ankles, I might have it too, but then again, if I could lick my ankles, I would be in another line of work, rich, and would have enough money to have someone ELSE lick my ankles (but that is probably for another blog post).

The cure? 2 injections and a course of antibiotics. How do I keep her from licking her ankles? One of those dome collar things - which she HATES. OMG the WHINING! (She's so much like me - gotta love it.)

So, last night at 2 am, I couldn't take it anymore and HAD to get up to find the doggy booties I bought for her circa 1999 at Target (so cute - they're pink, zip up, and then have velcro straps). She HATES them too, but tuff toenails. It's either the booties or the collar. Look at her photo - she HATES them!

I have another theory about the rash. Every time I take her to get groomed at one particular groomer, she comes back with a skin rash. I usually have to take her to another vet. It is a PITA. I used to have a groomer who would make house calls, but he left Kuwait. I think that whatever these people are using on her is irritating her skin. She was never "bored with her routine" before. It just happened all of a sudden? Doubtful. Me - yes; her not-so-much.
9 February update:
Lilli's ankles are healing nicely. I gave her several baths with the sensitive-skin shampoo, have given her the course of antibiotics, and put the ointment that the vet gave me on her. She hasn't needed the stupid collar thing (I think she stopped licking her ankles as soon as she associated it with that damn torture collar). She managed to get out of it anyways (she's smart). She's fine now and thanks everybody who asked about her well-being.
My anlkes are suffering from rope burn.... but that's a story for another time (ha!)

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Real Friends

A simple friend identifies himself when he calls.

A real friend doesn't have to.

A simple friend opens a conversation with a full news bulletin on his life.

A real friend says, "What's new with you?"

A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are recent.

A real friend says, "You've been whining about the same thing for 4 years. Get off your duff and do something about it."

A simple friend has never seen you cry.

A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.

A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.

A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.

A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.

A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.

A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after you've had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.

A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Business Woman 101

Every once in a while I decide to post an article that I've written and has been published somewhere. I wrote this in 2006 but it seems that there is still quite a requirement for information on the subject (slutty dressers!)


I picked up a copy of the Khaleej Times the other day (again, this was 2006) and skimmed through the articles. I wasn’t really paying attention to headlines, but I hadn’t been able to make reservations at the Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi as it was fully booked, so when their name was mentioned as hosting the 2006 Middle East and North African Businesswomen’s Summit, I stopped to read the article.

The headline read, “Hotels Curry Favour with Businesswomen” – which really has nothing to do with much of anything (I read it several times and have concluded that they are saying that hotels spice things up with businesswomen). The article basically says that the businesswomen enjoy the hotel services of food, hair styling, and make-up. It mentions nothing of what topics were covered in the Summit, nor their relation to the business world. It is a brief article which was written by two men and provides insight by an “overworked” hotel coiffeur.

As someone easily provoked (in various ways), this got me to thinking of my experiences throughout the past ten-plus years with businesswomen in the Gulf Region; with all the various prejudices and detriments. I remember coming to Kuwait in 1996, and being told by the company I was to work for that the highest title that I, as a woman, could hope to gain with them was “Secretary”. As a then technical writer (which is often looked upon as an administrative job in the Middle East), it didn’t really matter to me as long as my work and salary was commensurate with what I had in the States - I wanted to work in Kuwait regardless. Soon after I was hired, the company began hiring more professional women to fill slots; it was a matter of supply and demand. Many women competing for the same jobs as men were more qualified, or the jobs required females (such as IT work at Islamic banking institutes where men and women work in different offices).

In 1996, the women I worked with were (sadly to say) mainly only interested in recipes and discussions of children and their personal lives. Personal calls, audible chats in the office, and “water-cooler” gatherings were common. Personal lives were wrongfully brought into the workplace. The same women later wondered why they didn’t receive the promotions or incremental raises that they should have been given: “They knew my whole life story and they used it against me.” They should never have known your personal life to begin with and yes – it will work against you.

The necessity for women to work has never been more prevalent. The women mentioned above would probably have preferred to be stay-at-home mothers, but their situations demanded that they work and they obviously wanted to achieve better incomes. More women are joining the workforce in the Middle East as economic dynamics have changed: The rate of divorce continues to rise and many women must provide for their children (divorce laws in many countries including Kuwait are outdated and often not looked at on a case-by-case basis). Prices continue to rise and most families need a second income. Of course, women are also becoming increasingly empowered by education, driving them to careers (and salaries) of their choice.

Women (regardless of nationality or economic standing) must maintain a high level of professionalism in the workplace to get anywhere. We are competing for the same jobs at the same salaries as men. We need to be taken seriously and not perceived as out-of-place housewives in a competitive work environment. It is even more important in this region, as gender prejudice is prominent. Many men (and unfortunately, some women as well) believe that women are not equal to men in the workforce (I actually worked with a woman who firmly believed that we should be entitled to at least one day off per month as sick leave for cramps - and wanted to discuss it with executive-level management). Women often have to work harder than men to be accepted and therefore, appearances are everything. We can not allow ourselves to be perceived as weak. We must put up a strong exterior and demand (not ask for) respect.

My mother was a journalist competing in a predominantly male business. My sister and I were never allowed to call her at work. For absolute emergencies, our nannies were allowed to call, but they would only have received a short, curt response from my mother before the conversation was over. She left her personal life at home. Men have children too, but they spend less time conversing with them from work than women do. Constant conversations with or about children can be perceived as weakness or detrimental to the job at hand. An employee is at work to do the work. Personal life starts when the work day stops. Thankfully, it has become a lot easier to discreetly keep in touch with the family or friends from work through the use of technology (e-mail, SMSing, Child Locator systems, etc.).

Perceived weakness can come through many different mediums. For example: the way a woman dresses; how much make-up, jewelry or perfume she wears; if she is chewing gum; how her hair is done; her tone of voice; and her demeanor. The same applies to men (hopefully without the make-up). There are appropriate measures for each in the business world. Business people should wear modest business attire. Business people should keep jewelry and perfume to a minimum. Business people should never openly cry or get emotionally provoked. Business people should conduct their conversations and dealings in a professional manner and tone. And (regardless how you really feel or what your situation is) business people should command with a confident professional attitude. A confident attitude extends to firm handshakes and direct eye contact as well: a limp handshake and eyes searching a room do not convey a solid business message.

Girly-women – regardless of how cute they think they are - who are overly flirtatious, giggle and wear revealing or over-the-top (this includes leopard print, metallic, flowery, or shiny) clothing rarely make it to the top of the corporate ladder. Office drama won’t make a woman more interesting and management will only think that she is frivolous and lacking in substance or character. The choice of wearing revealing or tight clothing to work is a definitive no-no. The same applies for the wearing of clicky-sounding high-heeled shoes and/or too much make up, and gum chewing. While the managers may smile as these (usually) young ladies walk past, it is always a question of “are they laughing with you or at you”? The appearance implies that the woman is at the workplace for other reasons than actual work; perhaps a good maneuver for short term (non-work-related) gratification, but in the long-run, flirty-girl tactics - which might work well in a coffee shop - won’t do anything positive for a professional career in a work environment.

One of my first jobs was in a designer clothing section at a large retail store chain. My supervisor was Mrs. Kathleen Stellock and I will never forget her. She wore black most of the time (simple black, navy, beige, brown are usually the norm with business attire – steer clear of flowery patterns and limit pastels) with wonderful accessories (good quality handbag, good quality shoes, modest jewelry that didn’t make any noise). She wore little make-up and her hair was always done modestly. She walked tall with a straight back. I wanted to engage her in personal conversations (so she would get to know me/like me better and think I was wonderfully interesting) and discuss what I did that weekend (probably while chewing gum with chipped nail polish on my fingers and a big 80’s hairstyle above whatever disco outfit was the trend back then.). She would respond with, “Mmm hmmm,” and walk away. I thought she was a total B. She turned out to be one of my very best female mentors and I never knew it at the time (she probably couldn’t stand me). She never came out and said, “Do this,” or “Do that,” but taught me subtly - just by performing her job with 100% professionalism; both through actions and through appearance.

My personal life is none of anyone else’s business, but occasionally marital status is an invitation for pre-conceived notions. I wear a wedding band to work, as do many of my other female friends – regardless of if we are married or not (I don’t even fill in the marital status section of employment forms). People don’t know if we are married or not and that is the whole intention: Maybe we are and maybe we aren’t. The band conveys a stable family life (although we might be out partying till dawn with other single female friends who are making big salaries too!). It also extends a “don’t even try to flirt with me” message to those less professional than I am at work.

Methods of business appearance are nothing new. They have been around forever. There have been books written and movies made on these subjects and courses and seminars are conducted. It all depends on how you wish to be perceived and the impression you wish to portray. Appearances do matter, they are important, and you never get a second chance to give a good first impression.

As women, it is up to us as individuals to convey the message we want to get across. We are our own best marketers. As professionals to be taken seriously, we must conduct ourselves in accepted norms in the business world. We will never be perceived as equal unless we do something to command equality. It is okay to be provoked by an article in which two people perceived women to be frivolous (“curry”) at a business summit. Perhaps we, as women, can provide a different impression. Maybe the prejudices and detriments we face can be eradicated through education and our collective behavior. Collectively, we may be able to enlighten people who think we are all about food, cosmetics, and hair.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Saudi's Reject Pakistani Diplomat Whose Name Translates to 'Biggest Dick'

Jan-24-2010 Source

Saudi's Reject Pakistani Diplomat Whose Name Translates to 'Biggest Dick'

In Saudi Arabia, size does count.

Pakistan High Commissioner Akbar Zeb
Embassy Photo: Lee Berthiaume
Pakistan High Commissioner Akbar Zeb

(SALEM, Ore.) - A high level Pakistani diplomat has been rejected as Ambassador of Saudi Arabia because his name, Akbar Zib, equates to "Biggest Dick" in Arabic. Saudi officials, apparently overwhelmed by the idea of the name, put their foot down and gave the idea of his being posted there, the kibosh.

Akbar Zib is no newcomer to politics, in fact you could say he's a pretty big deal. This long-ranging high level diplomat has worked with some of the largest members of world governments, players charged with negotiating the outcome of the world's current events.

He most recently served as High Commissioner Designate of Pakistan to Canada, and prior to that he was the ambassador of Pakistan to South Africa,. He also served in that capacity in Washington from 1983-87, and New Delhi from 1994-2000.

He earlier worked at the Pakistan headquarters as section officer from 1982- 83, director from 1987-94 and director-general from 2000-2003.

Miangul Akbar Zib, also whose name news agencies sometimes refer to as Zib, was born on 15 February, 1954. He holds a Masters degree.

Ok - WHO would name their kid that?