lemondrops | ExpatWoman.com
 

lemondrops

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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 23:08
My favourites where Marion& Alvin ..... Marion for just being an all round super character and cook! And I just cant resist ..... I just LOVE Master Chef Australia .... would never admit this at home ... but this show has even made me want to go to australia ..... Its a competition but the comradary (not sure how to spell that) etc is amazing , realty TV at its best! No back-biting nit picking or unnecessary ugliness but the show is still absoluterly loveable .... v v addictive!...and te cherry on the top ... you actually learn a thing a two about cooking from watching it! I know! For me the best part was that it got me back to cooking again and really enjoying it! Last night, out of inspiration, I made seared beef fillet with caramelised roast sweet potato and rocca salad with parmesan shavings! It was soo good and I was so proud of myself! :D
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 23:05
I am sure the final is Tues at 8pm. Sun - 4 left, one goes, Mon - 3 left, one goes, so leaves just 2 for the final on Tuesday....think Adam will win as he seems to have the most confidence and natural ability. I just finished watching tonight's episod. The Finale is tomorrow at 8 oclock . I know who the winner is but still can't wait to watch their competition. Should be really exciting . Ladies, all the adverts in Arabic are saying that the Finale is on Tuesday not tomorrow :)
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 21:54
Can we not have a go at other people's parenting styles? Just because Sue62 doesn;t allow her children to enter a public toilet alone (I wouldn't either) doesn't make it ok to get stroppy with her about being a 'supermum', so to speak. We all have our own personal limits when it comes to parenting. Healthy debate is good and interesting, sarcasm is not. Just saying. I'm not having a go at Sue62's parenting style. In fact, I applaud it. I wouldn't let my DD go to the toilets on her own and I *try* to keep my eye on her always. However, my point is that it is unrealistic to assume that all parents are able to keep their eyes non stop on all their children's comings and goings esp. when they're in a play area like that. I have two children, and unless i have an extra pair of eyes in the back of my head, it would be impossible for me to know exactly where they are every second of the time they spend in a play area. The only way it would make sense for me to take them if basic security measures were in place, and one of those would include not allowing single men or even women from entering. <em>edited by lemondrops on 29/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 19:33
I am very surprised by some of the responses to your concerns RebeccaS: Realistically, what do you think could happen ? Bearing in mind that you watch your children all the time and take them to the toilet yourself.... This (IMHO) is very naive. I have been to MM a couple of times with my 2 DS's and, given the 'safe' environment would let my 5 year old go the toilet alone, whilst I stay and watch my youngest DS. As Rebecca has said, in the UK allowing a group of males without children into a childrens play area to eat lunch would not be permitted, and whilst I imagine in this case it was entirely innocent and the men just like the good value lunches on offer, I don't think it is appropriate or acceptable. Yes, men are allowed and Dad's/Grandad's/Uncles will love to take their little ones to play, and there are male staff there too, but a group of men attending without children is a different scenario. Yes you watch your children, but these days it is way too easy, someone could easily be taking a picture or movie on their mobile whilst you are queing for a coffee without you realising. So for a place like MM, I would hope they do something to minimise the risk, which is all they can be expected to do. I watched a programme the other night about the UK police cracking a female paedophile ring, it was horrific with a female nursery nurse at the centre of the ring taking pictures. What I'm trying to say is that there will always be risks, but there are many things that can be done to minimise the risks to our children. no it's not naive for ME...i have never yet allowed my 7 year old to the toilet alone [i'>anywhere[/i'> and i always watch him in public places.. whilst appreciating that there are as many parenting styles as there are parents, i still would like to know what it is that the OP thinks will happen ??? It's impressive that you can be that vigilant with your child. I'm assuming in such a scenario, you'd be able to watch over her 24/7 without letting her out of your sight for one minute, while at the same time ensure no strange men are looking toward her, taking pictures of her or accosting her? I for one don't claim to be anywhere near that perfect, and with the cases in the media of children being molested in toilets, school buses and even in their own homes by complete strangers, I don't know if I would be comfortable in a place like mini monsters.
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 14:05
Finale is definitely this Tuesday :) I know who won and unless they've improved amazingly in the last week that I haven't been watching it, I can't understand why :) Frankly it'll be a surprise to me whoever wins, no one was really anywhere near as good as Marion, and I find it incredibly unfair that they gave the likes of Jimmy and Courtney a second go after avoiding numerous challenges, and even letting Jonathan and Jimmey off the hook of one pressure test.... but not giving Marion another chance. But that's TV for you I suppose.... There's only one person in the last 3 I think comes even close to Marion. Would that be Adam? But even he and she are leagues apart... Claire is good too, but she plays it way too safe... There's nothing creative about the way she cooks.
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 13:54
Finale is definitely this Tuesday :) I know who won and unless they've improved amazingly in the last week that I haven't been watching it, I can't understand why :) Frankly it'll be a surprise to me whoever wins, no one was really anywhere near as good as Marion, and I find it incredibly unfair that they gave the likes of Jimmy and Courtney a second go after avoiding numerous challenges, and even letting Jonathan and Jimmey off the hook of one pressure test.... but not giving Marion another chance. But that's TV for you I suppose....
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 13:12
Finale is definitely this Tuesday :)
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 20:07
Definitely don't delay :) Get bub on the boob as soon as possible to stimulate milk production! If there are issues and bub can't latch (for whatever reason) you can hand stimluate your breast to encourage milk production. I think there is a time frame for when it is recommended that you put your LO on your breast - but I think it's around 6-8 hours post delivery for optimal milk stimulation. I think meals means within 6-8 hours, preferably sooner rather than to wait 6-8 hours before trying right? Of course the sooner the better. HOWEVER, regardless whether BF commences within that window or not, the mother's milk will come in. No if's or but's about it. It is best to start earliest so that the LO can get as much Colustrum as possible as within the next 2 to 4 days it slowly changes to regular BM. With C sections sometimes things don't go as planned, and I don't think it helps the mother to stress about BF because she hadn't done so within the first few hours. In both of my births, I couldn't try BF/pumping for 24 hours after the birth as I was heavily, heavily sedated (both emergency c sections) and in both cases I have continued to successfully BF/pump.
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 20:02
As the others have said, there is no reason not to start BF straight after the birth. That said, if you do for any reason find that you can not BF straight away, don't worry about that either. In the first four to six weeks, milk production is hormone driven, not demand driven. So regardless if you breastfeed or not straight away, your milk will come in. However, in order to maintain your supply you will need to establish a regular BF schedule, and the earlier you do that the better. BFing early on is still highly recommended however as it offers many advantages mainly providing your LO with antibody and nutrient rich colustrum which is pretty much liquid gold, as well as facilitating mother/baby bonding. Good luck and congratulations with the impending arrival of your little one!
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Latest post on 28 May 2011 - 19:50
I have one from the One if you're interested. But if you're looking to buy from the Marina, you might as well go to Sharjah and buy the same item at a fraction of the price. Marina prices are such a rip off for the quality!
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Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 16:49
We bought a roll up playmat from Ikea. I couldn't find the one that we bought on line, but the website did display this one: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00195776
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Latest post on 27 May 2011 - 13:11
Dr Bernard Fischer at Cooper Clinic. Will listen to what you have to say and, whatever the diagnosis, will explain it to you! He is very easy to talk to and thorough. Good luck Second Dr. Fischer
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 20:59
In the name of research, I'm going to order this evening (when DH's flight eventually lands!). I shall report back in due course. Your worthy contribution to the betterment of mankind is appreciated :D
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 19:43
eeeek... perhaps they have!? We have been having Chimes almost fortnightly if not weekly and I have noticed quite a change in service and in the taste of the dishes. I generally always get the Penang Kai (chicken curry dish)... OMG it is the best, but last time I got something else and hardly ate any of it.... then one time i ordered veggies they brought me the wrong dish and then when he brought me the right one back, he shouldn't have even bothered - there was hardly any broccoli in it (which is what I ordered) and was totally gross. :( Penang Kai!! Ooooooh so good. That alone is worth another shot! I'll give it another go and report back here again ladies... simply for evaluation purposes only ladies.... it's a tough job but someone's gotta do it ;)
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 19:40
Ditto everything tania said. Although I can't fault the care I got, it certainly wasn't the most comfortable hospital stay I had. That said, the care my DD who was born 9 weeks premature received was excellent, and that was why I went to Al Wasl to begin with. If I had to do it all again, I would choose Al Wasl.
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 10:10
This is the same poster who yesterday posted something along the lines of how her partner keeps comparing her to her exes in bed? Why do I think this is all a wind up? Yes its the same post, but that was removed because I was referring to our private life. Last night I realised that this is actually symptomatic of the way he says things, points things out and its more of the issue than his exes per se. Its hardly a wind-up, ouch ouch. And of course if it looks like a wind-up then seeing it from that perspective it does give me strong feedback about how wrong it all is. Regardless, Ive had some very good feedback here and its made me feel worse realising how much Ive been in denial, but also somehow better as I feel that Im not crazy or overly senstive afterall and that it [i'>is [/i'>him. If that is the case, then it appears you are on the thresholds of what could be the beginnings of an abusive relationship. Get out while you can.
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Latest post on 24 May 2011 - 09:58
This is the same poster who yesterday posted something along the lines of how her partner keeps comparing her to her exes in bed? Why do I think this is all a wind up?
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 15:57
Report the number to Etisalat so that they can cancel it. Unfortunately, another ten numbers will automatically open to take its place, but hey, you can only do so much ;)
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Latest post on 20 May 2011 - 23:44
I breastfed DD1 until I was around 5 months pregnant. I had to wean her off myself though as she wasn't getting the hint LOL! She was two years old as well, so enough was enough!
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 23:57
Think everyone is missing the point - the mother needs to get out not the baby. Hence why she is asking what baby friendly things are about so she can GET OUT THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Exactly!!! And what better place to meet like minded mums than in baby activities!
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 16:35
Why don't you try and sort out your own playgroup with moms with LO's of the same age? You can rotate the playdates in each other's houses - would be perfect time to socialise with some mums plus allowing your LO to play and explore a new environment.
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 11:25
You can get the motilium from any pharmacy in Dubai. How are you doing today Muu?
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Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 23:27
Dr. Syed Ahmed has clinic hours at City Hospital. I highly recommend him
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Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 14:13
Muu, from what you've told me, I doubt very much you're not producing enough for your LO. What you're describing i.e. breasts going soft from feeling full and hard is actually a good thing. It is around this stage (i.e. 6 to 8 weeks post partum) that milk production transitions from being largely hormone driven to supply and demand driven. I.e. you whilst in the past you were producing more than what your LO required, you now produce exactly how much she needs and asks for... no more no less. That is why the feeling of engorgement has largely disappeared. It does not mean that your breasts are empty or that you are not producing enough. As for her demanding the breast for long periods of time - it is very likely she is going through a growth spurt, thus demanding more milk. The good news is that the faster and more often she empties the breast, the more milk will be produced thus meeting her growing needs. In a few days the growth spurt will taper off and your supply will have increased to meet her growing needs. Again just track her wet nappies - you should be looking at 4 to 6 wet nappies a day. There are some books that recommend tracking soiled nappies, but I've noticed that this can be unreliable as every baby tends to poop at his/her own rate and some babies tend to slow down when they're going through a growth spurt. But generally the rule of thumb is 1/2 soiled nappies a day. Hope this helps. x <em>edited by lemondrops on 16/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 08:34
For pumping accessories - the funnels etc. you're best bet would be online. You can try and talk to the local agents for Medela to see if they can provide it for you, but I find they tend to be a tad unreliable. Their info is: Gulf and World Traders +971-4-2821717 Also do note when ordering the funnels, they have two types the regular plastic ones and the soft shell ones. If you've got an old medala, then you've prob got a soft shell funnel.
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Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 08:31
Muu Big *Hugs*! First of all relax! I found that stressing about my supply had a counterproductive effect. The minute I learned to relax and accept what ever the situation was, my supply rose back up. In fact, I am now only pumping maximum 3/4 times a day, not taking any Fenugreek/motilium, and I pump more than a litre of EBM a day. For me, learning to relax was key. So, I have a few questions for you before I can try to be of help. How do you know you don't have enough milk for your LO? Are you pumping or BF? If you're BF, how is your daughter's input in terms of wet and soiled nappies a day? Have you been weighing her regularly and what has been her weight gain so far? Have you seen a lactation consultant to discuss your supply issues? Do you have a pump and if so what kind? Sorry for all the questions, it's just that if I have a better idea of what's going on I'm hoping I can be of help, and others can chime in to with words of wisdom and support! x
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Latest post on 15 May 2011 - 21:12
We're renting a four bedroom villa in Um Suqeim right now, and we already know we're going to have to downgrade to two/three bedroom aparment for the same price. A villa is out of the question for us. Rents are definitely much higher in SG...
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 13:09
Sheesh! After a long day with the girls and the DH away from home I wish I could drink (am Muslim)! There's always chocolate :D You obviously haven't seen my backside lately! :D
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 12:36
I know you didn't include it in the list but Mall of the Emirates has both Clarks and Pablosky, but they're on either side of the mall so require a bit of a treck to get to once you've been to one.
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 12:32
Sheesh! After a long day with the girls and the DH away from home I wish I could drink (am Muslim)!
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 11:54
I stopped watching when Casey Abrams was booted. American Idol is more a popularity contest than talent show. I never forgave them ever since Adam Lambert didn't win two seasons ago!
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Latest post on 14 May 2011 - 11:10
Either pay for the maid to have brunch as well, or feed the bl**dy brats yourself!!
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 23:29
Bumping this up!
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 23:26
*hugs* YellowJellyBean!! It must be such a stressful time for you, but hopefully it will all be okay! x If after you see your OB and it is determined to be a low lying placenta/high risk pregnancy, I highly recommend that you register at Al Wasl Hospital. It is much better equipped to deal with high risk pregnancies and preterm labours, and has the most advanced NICU unit in Dubai. Unfortunately, it is no longer free, but the cost still remains *more* affordable than the private hospitals - check with your insurance, you might be able to do pay and claim. Here's hoping you get some reassuring news tomorrow x
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 08:14
Hi Lemondrops I have a 7wk old girl and was planning to go to the Uk this summer and would have picked up her wardrobe there but unfortunately we can't make it so I may be interested in taking some of the clothes - what age/sizes do you have? I am near the greens and could have a look if you aren't too far. Let me know and then if interested I can give you my contact details. Hi Natasha, I have up until 6 months if you're interested? My email is lama dot cookson at gmail dot com.
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 07:27
can you email me at lama dot cookson at gmail dot com We have loads too.
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 22:57
Ploughman's: sharp cheddar cheese, chutney, tomato and loads of butter.... nom nom nom!! My healthy choice is sliced turkey breast, with tomato and lettuce and the tiniest bit of sharp cheddar cheese and low fat mayo on a multi grain baguette. Divine!
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 22:44
Thanks for that! A garage sale may take a while to happen as we need to figure out what we're keeping/taking, but I suppose it makes sense to let it all go at the same time!
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 16:02
roast root vegetables including sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips. Peel and chop, place in a baking tin and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper and roast in the oven until crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside... yum!
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Latest post on 10 May 2011 - 08:41
I've taken Motilium to boost supply when pumping for DD and found that my supply was boosted within 48 hours of taking it. That said, it could sometimes take up to 4 to 6 weeks, as per Dr. Jack Newman's website (BF Guru). Here's some info on using Motilium (Domperidone): http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Domperidone%20Getting%20Started.asp You can also try taking Fenugreek tablets to increase supply, the effects of which should happen almost straightaway. That all said, I managed to BF DD for two years even after my period returned with no supplementation. Like you said, supply tends to drop a little during periods, but I managed to boost it by feeding on demand (day and night) until it bounced right back up again. However, we co slept, so the night feedings were much easier. But really it's just a simple case of demand and supply - the more they ask for it, the more our bodies will make. HTH
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Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 23:50
Don't know if you can find them here, but most top tots classes also use the parachute and all the little kiddies loved it too. If all else fails you can enroll your DD in a class, and then sneakily ask the instructor where they got them from? ;)
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Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 23:43
Hey stovetop, just sent you an email. You can take your email addy off if you wish now :)
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Latest post on 09 May 2011 - 11:22
As someone who exclusively pumps for DD2 and exclusively BF for DD1, I would advise you to really try BF again before you throw in the towel. Exclusively pumping incorporates the hardest parts of BF and FF; waking up in the night to either pump or feed or both, topped with the cleaning and sterilising of not just the bottles but pumping equipment as well. The first three months are really restrictive as you will need to keep a three hourly pumping schedule in order to build and maintain your supply. I was hardly ever able to leave the house those days. Thankfully it's a lot easier now, as I only pump twice a day but produce enough milk for DD's requirement, but it took me resigning to the fact that my supply may not be enough and I would have to supplement with frozen EBM or formula. There is also the bonding side; I absolutely loved BF my first DD because of that, and while I love my second DD to death, I think the fact that I couldn't BF DD2 (as well as many other factors including a month long stay in the NICU) made it difficult for me to bond with her initially. Of course that is now no longer the case, as I think she is the most precious thing ever! But it truly is hard hard work pumping, and if I could BF DD2 I would in a heartbeat, but like your little girl. DD2 would not/could not latch, and this was the next best alternative for us. Good luck either way! x
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 18:00
Right now it's Dora and Tangled (the new Disney DVD that's out.. DD just wants to be a princess!)
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Latest post on 08 May 2011 - 13:03
Funny that edna's original question of dubious intellectual merit has run to three pages! :D LOL! Surely it would take more than just 3 pages to talk about that! If it were just our intellect.... well that's a different story entirely! :D
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Latest post on 07 May 2011 - 10:30
I have one box. Feel free to email me at lama dot cookson at gmail dot com to arrange pick up
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 20:30
Oh, and here's a really good property website to give you an idea about prices. http://www.propertyguru.com.sg
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 20:25
Hi Quicksilver, I don't live in SG yet, but we are planning to do so later this year, so I'm doing the same research as you. From what I've found out so far, if you have children, you will need to sort our their schooling and then look at housing options close by the make the school runs more bearable. Cost of living is far more expensive in SG, particularly rents, cars and schooling (but not as much as the first two). From what I've read everything else is similiar to Dubai or slightly cheaper. You'll also need to factor in that in Singapore your DH will get taxed, so you'll need to deduct 10% to 15% off the salary offer. HTH
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Latest post on 06 May 2011 - 08:21
Just note that when you mix the rice cereal with EBM, the amalase in the EBM will break down the starches in the rice cereal into sugars so it starts to get watery/thinner quite quickly. Obviously EBM is better for them, but I find that with formula the rice cereal maintains its consistency.
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Latest post on 03 May 2011 - 19:33
It would have been much worse if he were captured alive. His followers everywhere would have kidnapped every westerner there is and organised as many suicide missions as possible to pressure the US to set him free.