Roaming through Kuwait

So far we have done so much while being over here in Kuwait.
We started out with going to Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) for the majority of the day. We got to meet Dr. Ansari, which is a dean there at GUST and Dr. Bob Cooke, which is the Vice President of GUST. We were able to tour around their campus and see that they are planning a new campus in a little more spacious part of town.
The model for the new campus looks amazing. They are planning on having a three story building for all of their course work. It has a central circular building which will serve as part administration building half library. Then the building V's out into two massive wings. Then on each wing their are four extensions that are orange. Each one of these extensions is for a different department. Then there are bridges between each extenstion for each floor, so a student does not have to walk all the way donw to the bottom floor or out to the main vein to get to another extention. It look absolutely beutifl and unique, much like most of the buildings over here.
If you would like to check out the website for GUST it is. www.gust.edu.ku It should all be in english.

Also make sure to check up on our video updates on the video page of www.asutv.com

Hotels, chicken, and Lebaneese cuisine

During our first full day in Kuwait, we met Rakan, the Student Union (SGA) president of GUST University. He talked and shared with us about his homeland and his school. Later he drove us to lunch at the Marina Mall in his spacious Hummer H2, (most all the students at GUST drive very nice cars). The mall is in walking distance to our hotel, The Corniche, that we are staying at in downtown Kuwait.



The hotel is 12 stories high, but each floor only has 2-4 rooms. Ground space is very expensive and scarce in Kuwait so businesses and developers must take advantage of the room they have.

On our way to the restaurant we passed a familiar chicken place to Americans, but with a different name. See if you recognize this logo.



Rakan explained that the restaurant is the same chain as the one in the states, but people in Kuwait don't like the word church, so they converted the name to the state the restaurant was founded...Texas.

After eating some delicous Iranian food Tuesday afternoon, we enjoyed a full complement of Lebaneese food for lunch Wednesday at a gulfside restaurant with Bob Cook, the vice president of academic affairs at GUST. The meal was filling as we have often found to be the case, but it was very good.

Lebaneese food is very surprising with the definition and strength of their flavors. Very strong and bold.
Undoubtably more good food, and learning opportunities are on their way.

Kuwait...WOW!

What an incredible journey so far! This trip has already completely exceeded my expectations by far. Well, if I can really say I had any...I wasn't exactly sure what to expect!

I started off the first day being woken up around 4am to the sound of the "Call to Prayer." I seriously thought I was in a dream! Got out of bed...looked out the window...still couldn't figure out what was going on...got back in bed...woke up a few hours later wondering if that had just really happened!

Later that morning we went to GUST (Gulf University for Science & Technology). We were able to meet some of their Dean of Mathematics, and the VP for Academic Affairs. Stephanie and I were kind of shocked as we left the Dean's office, when he didn't even acknowledge that we were leaving. He only shook the boys' hands, and would not even say goodbye to us girls. We later learned from Dr. Masoud that in their culture the male NEVER initiates a handshake with a female. The woman must always reach out to them first. It was interesting talking with the students, and we learned that really their personalities and daily lives are not much different than those of ours. Except, of course, the interaction between the males and females outside of the classroom is much more limited.

The food is amazing! I honestly thought I was going to starve to death...but don't tell Dr. Fowler :-). Boy was I wrong though! EVERY SINGLE MEAL IS A HUGE SPREAD OF FOOD! We have now tried traditional Lebanese and Iranian food with lots of salads, vegetables, fruits, and meats. Everything is so flavorful and has a distinct taste. We had dinner last night at "Tche Tche," an Iranian restaurant where we tried the famous "hubbly bubbly!" Ours was grape flavored! Very interesting to say the least. It also had a very distinct taste to it...but not like that of a cigarette or cigar. Pretty much what you tasted was exactly the flavor you were supposed to taste. Smoking tobacco of any sort is a HUGE thing around here. It is not prohibited anywhere that I have seen so far.

If I lived in Kuwait you can guarantee that I wouldn't have a driver's license! Mostly because I would be too scared to drive in this crazy traffic! And when I say crazy, I'm not even kidding. People drive all over the road, don't use signals, constanly blare their horns, cut people off...man, it's bad! Dr. Cook (GUST's VP) told us today that it's not because the drivers are impatient, but it's because they have excessive individualism! I don't know how we have already been two days without at least seeing one traffic accident.

There is so much more to talk about, but I don't think my fingers can handle it right now. More updates later!

I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW AMAZING THIS IS!!!

~Sara Gay

"Kuwait is the new Disney World!"

Video link from Kuwait

Check out this link for video updates from our trip, produced by Andy Geswein of ASU-TV.

http://www.asutv.com/ASU-TV/Videos.html

Amsterdam Sights

During a short stop over in Amsterdam we took a short walk through the city.

Among the first things we noticed was the intricately beautiful architecture of the train station in downtown Amsterdam. We rode the train 15 minutes from the airport into the city. It cost just over six euros each for the round trip ticket. Our tickets were never punched, checked, or even perused once throughout the whole trip.



Later while we walked down the road we saw a colorful sign warning us of possible pickpockets.



One thing that certainly stood out in the city was the rampant riding of bicycles. People use bicycles and public transportation extensively in Amsterdam. This must greatly aid strain on their energy. And just because people are bicycling everywhere doesn't mean they don't get there fast. If you happen to be in their way while they speed down the lane you will get an earfull of bicycle bell in your ear!

In Kuwait

After a long 24-hours of traveling, complete with a walk through Amsterdam in the afternoon, our ASU group of Communications students have safely arrived in Kuwait.

Look for posts about our travels and our first day in Kuwait later this afternoon.

Also look for pictures from our walk around Amsterdam yesterday.

Today we are touring GUST University in Kuwait City, this afternoon we'll have a chance provide an update on the many unique and interesting discoveries we have already made from Kuwait.

- Andrew Wilson

24 hours and in Kuwait

3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time Sunday afternoon - Our group of ASU communications students and Dr. Gil Fowler leave the ASU campus for the Memphis airport.

3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time Monday afternoon/ 11:30 p.m. Kuwait time Monday night - Our group arrived in Kuwait after two plane flights, a quick walk through Amsterdam, and a bevy of new sights, sounds, and ideas already.

Tomorrow look for pictures from our walk through a rainy Amsterdam this afternoon.

After a good night's rest we'll bring you up to speed with more tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

Andrew Wilson

Kuwait trip draws ever nearer

The Countdown is on.
In just over one week our Middle East Communications Study team will be on our way across the globe to Kuwait City, Kuwait. While we are there, we'll tour media organizations to learn more about the media industry in the Middle East, and we'll be emersed in a culture much different than what we are use to here in Arkansas.
Along with Dr. Gil Fowler, students Stephanie Fischer, Sara Gay, and Andy Geswein will join me on the trip. Throughout our stay in Kuwait (Oct. 29 - Nov. 6) look for updates and pictures of our experiences in the country, posted right here at asuheraldblog.blogspot.com. Feel free to ask questions of us while we're there as well. We are all fascinated with the opportunity we've been given to learn, and we'd love to share what we learn with you.
I know I can't wait to get started.

Thanks for reading!

Andrew Wilson
Herald Editor
Senior, Radio/TV, Harrison, Ar.

ASU and MT 3rd quarter

10:56--- The Indians have finally received a break from all the bleeding. After a four plus minute drive, MT's David DeFatta missed a 32-yard FG wide right. The Tribe now has the ball at their own 20-yard line.

9:09--- ASU was forced into a three-and-out yet again. The MT defense sacked Leonard for the 6th time on the drive.

6:19--- MT QB Dwight Dasher sneaks for one yard to ASU 11-yard line. This came on a 4th-and-1 play.

3:44-- MT backup kicker Matt King missed a 38-yard FG attempt. It was the Blue Raiders' second missed FG of second half. The score is still MT 24 ASU 7. The Tribe has the ball at their own 20.

End of 3rd quarter: MT leads ASU 24-7. Two missed Blue Raider field goals kept the third quarter scoreless. Be sure to check in Monday's issue of the Herald for full game coverage.

2:19-- Despite Leonard being sacked for a 7th time, the ASU offense managed to pick up a first down. The Tribe has a 1st-and-10 at their own 32-yard line.

1:16-- Leonard's pass downfield intercepted. It was his 3rd interception of the game. MT has a 1st-and-10 at the ASU 48.

Quick Halftime Stats

Score: MT 24 ASU 7

Rush yards: MT 77 ASU 8

Passing yards: MT 168 ASU 87

Total offense: MT 245 ASU 95

Interceptions: MT 2 ASU 1

It's been all Middle Tennessee in the first half. Corey Leonard has been sacked five times and intercepted twice. Meanwhile, Reggie Arnold has only 24 rushing yards. This a week after Arnold ran for 225 yards. ASU's one glimmer of hope came on a Leonard-to-McNeal hookup for six yards midway through the second quarter. However, fans have learned never to count out the Tribe. Just three weeks ago, the Indians overcame a 31-7 halftime deficit against Memphis in route to a 35-31 victory.

ASU and MT 2nd quarter

12:22-- ASU is finally on the scoreboard. After getting a 1st down at midfield, Leonard completed a 44-yard pass to give the Tribe a first and goal at the MT six. Leonard followed with a six-yard TD pass to Danny McNeal. Josh Arauco added the extra point.
Score: MT 17 ASU 7

9:06--- The good feeling the Tribe had from their touchdown drive didn't last long. On the ensuing possession, MT scored another TD, driving 81 yards down the field on eight plays in 3:16.

6:41--- On the Tribe's 6th drive of the half, the misery continues to mount. Leonard was sacked for a loss. Then, on a 3rd and 10 play at the MT 45, Leonard's pass was intercepted at the MT 15-yard line. It was his 2nd interception.

0:21--- MT has used their 2nd timeout of first half. The Blue Raiders are facing a 4th and 4 at the ASU 34-yard line. MT gained their excellent field position after another strong defensive stand. However, their big break came when ASU tried a fake punt on 4th and 8. Tyrell Johnson ran for a loss of 1-yard.

0:10--- MT does a pooch kick to ASU. The Indians have a 1st and 10 at their own 1-yard line. Leonard carried the football for no gain.

Halftime: MT 24 ASU 7

1st quarter recap

Everything has gone against the Tribe in the first quarter. MT added a late FG and leads 17-0. ASU was outgained 124 to 16 in yardage.

Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee football game

Good afternoon everyone. I'm Jonathan Willard, The Herald's sports editor. Today, ASU takes on Middle Tennessee in football action. Kickoff is 10 minutes away. Check back for periodic updates throughout today's game as the Indians and Blue Raiders battle for sole possession of the third place in the Sun Belt Conference standings.

Nine minutes until kickoff: Though, ASU has not officially changed their mascot yet, the scoreboard at Middle indicates that the Tribe has changed. Instead, of displaying the Indians as the visiting team's name, the board shows Astate. This in contrast to the home team showing Raiders.

2 minutes until kickoff: ASU wins the toss and decides to receive the football. This is one of the few times in the Steve Roberts era that ASU wins the coin toss and does not defer the ball.

13:32: On 3rd and 7, Corey Leonard completed a nine yard pass to Kevin Jones. Jones fumbled the ball and MT returned it for a TD. The play is under official review to try and determine if Jones was down.

The call on the field stands. This is the second straight game that the Tribe has opened the game with a turnover that allowed the opposition to score. MT 7 ASU 0.

11:27: ASU forced to punt after going three-and-out on their 2nd drive. Brett Shrable punted football to MT 29 where the Blue Raiders' second drive will start. The ASU defense prepares to make their first appearance.

9:58: ASU has another chance. Senior safety Tyrell Johnson intercepted MT QB Dwight Dasher's pass and returned it to MT 33-yard line.

9:11: ASU spends 1st timeout of half. Corey Leonard and Reggie Arnold carries result in a first down after timeout.

6:31: After driving to MT 14-yard line, Leonard was sacked consecutively resulting in a 4th and 22 at MT 31. Out of field goal range, the Tribe went for the first down, but Leonard's pass was intercepted in the endzone.

4:35: 2nd and 7 for MT at their own 37. ASU spends their second timeout of half.

2:32: MT QB Dwight Dasher throws a 17-yard TD pass to give the Blue Raiders a second touchdown. ASU's interception failed to create momentum and they now trail 14-0.