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Ford – It’s that time of the year when all is pink

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My favourite warriors in Pink symbol

October is here and this is the time when Ford’s Warriors in Pink® emerge in full force to honour breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle. Although my car or my bag often features the ‘Warriors in Pink’ items most times in the year, this month in particular we get up, close and personal with the new collection of Warriors  in Pink collection of apparel and accessories at www.fordcares.com

Breast cancer is more than a disease as it’s about people and families, whose lives are forever changed by a diagnosis. And Ford Motor Company works relentlessly every year to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer through a unique programme called “Warriors in Pink®”. Powered by Ford, the initiative is dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness across the globe. The campaign recognises the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer. Warriors in Pink embodies hope, strength and courage and is about women and men finding strength within themselves,  their inner warrior, especially at a time they need it most.

I first met Sue Nigoghossian who works for Ford last year and find her an incredibly dynamic individual who passionately talks about the cause since. She mentioned to me recently how her company played a pivotal role in encouraging women to become informed and visit their doctors, educating them that early detection saves lives. In the Middle East, the disease is the number one cause of death in women and relatively low awareness rates means that women are often diagnosed with cancer at advanced stages.

I personally find Ford’s CSR work great. Recently I had a henna tattoo done reflecting 2 of the 12 Warriors in Pink symbols of hope, strength and unity in the fight against breast cancer on my hands just before a trip to Bahrain. Reaching there, I learnt of a young girl being diagnosed so I introduced her to ‘Warriors of Pink’ and gave her the scarf I had as a reminder that she had support around her.

As Sue mentions, women in our region have used henna in body art since ancient times, so it is a source of inspiration to her team at Ford to see women using henna to make such a bold statement, in a way that only our region can, in support of breast cancer awareness. The symbols are versatile, some are worn to honor those that have passed away as a result of the disease, others show a sense of solidarity and standing strong with breast cancer survivors, others to mark a commitment to life and survival in the face of the disease.

Doctors recommend that since older women are more likely to develop the disease, once women reach the age of 40, they should have an annual mammogram, in addition to monthly self-examinations.  Women under the age of 40 are advised to self-examine every three months. People concerned about any abnormalities should contact their doctor immediately.

As its October, take time to go on-line at www.fordcares.com, with 100 per cent of net proceeds from the collection goes into research of breast cancer and related support initiatives. Watch Ford Middle East’s ‘Are you a Warrior in Pink’ video to learn more about the henna campaign on www.youtube.com/fordmiddleast and www.facebook.com/FordMiddleEast. To buy the Warriors in Pink collection on-line visit www.shopwarriorsinpink.com.

Another favourite symbol I use when I have a henna tattoo

Having a ValleyDez moment

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Some really cool pieces in the new collection

One of my favourite places for retail therapy is ValleyDez and they are now introducing a new set of collections from Fall 2012 collections to their Boutiques.

The fall collection this season reveals a new take on military. Prints and bold blocks of colours are still strong. Floral for fall is smaller in scale and leaning towards liberty, and is seen in a retro mix with lace. Knit tweeds and shawls are big, as well as fur accents and baroque embroidery. There’s also a lot of black leather or all-white which means there will definitely be something for everyone.

The accessories have the two extremes and feature many tribal designs, statement jewellery pieces, and dramatic epaulettes to take any top or jacket to the next level. On the other hand, clean simple pieces are also making an understated statement which is normally what I look for these days.

As for me, in honour of Maxim’s heritage, I reckon I will look into the military look. Just the vision makes me excited as I reckon it will be a weird contrast to what I am normally used to. 

BAHRAINI PUPILS PREPARE TO SET A WORLD RECORD

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Ali Al-Hawadi, one of the Facilitators in the Bahrain Science Centre, using the ‘Memory Test’ display in the ‘Test your Talents’ gallery

World’s largest memory game to be held at the Bahrain Science Centre during Biology Week

The Bahrain Science Centre in collaboration with The Society of Biology will be part of a record attempt for the world’s largest memory game to celebrate Biology Week in October. The record attempt will take place in the Bahrain Science Centre at 4.30pm on Friday 19th October and is suitable for adults and children of all ages.

Anyone keen to put their short-term memory to the test can take part in the record attempt and learn about the fascinating world of neuroscience. The games will be simple and require no resources or preparation and will last 10 minutes. By sitting a ten-minute memory test, which has been prepared by renowned experimental psychologist Professor Bruce Hood, the pupils will be contributing to a nationwide scientific study.

Dr Mark Downs, Chief Executive of the Society of Biology, says: “This will be the climax of Biology Week, with schools, universities, and learned societies testing their memories simultaneously. We’ve been thrilled with the number of people who are keen to take part and we have high hopes for setting an impressive world record.”

According to Khalid Eshaq Alkoheji, Undersecretary for Community Development in the Ministry, the event is one of many planned at the Bahrain Science Centre to inspire and educate visitors about the life sciences.

“The involvement of the Bahrain Science Centre in the ‘Memory Test’ competition is the first of many international events in which the Science Centre will participate”, said Professor Mike Bruton, MTE Studios Director for the Science Centre, “The Science Centre is part of the international science education community and we are keen to strengthen our global network.”

Participants will sit a ten-minute memory test, prepared by renowned experimental psychologist, Professor Bruce Hood. The data from people of different ages will contribute to a scientific study.

Alongside the attempt school pupils will learn about how our brains store memories (or at least convince us we have made accurate memories!). Anyone who is interested in how the brain works, from remembering how to make a cup of tea to falling in love can watch the Society of Biology Brain Explorers video series.

Dr Downs says: “We hope the record attempt will highlight the importance of neuroscience research, especially into diseases like Alzheimer’s. The memory game is part of a series of events being held to mark Biology Week which runs from 13th-19th October and aims to inspire students about the life sciences.

The Bahrain Science Centre, located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town in the Kingdom of Bahrain has several permanent interactive displays that test and develop the memory of visitors.

-ENDS-

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

Notes for editors:

The Society of Biology (www.societyofbiology.org) is a professional body for bioscientists – providing a single unified voice for biology: advising Government and influencing policy; advancing education and professional development; supporting their members, and engaging and encouraging public interest in the life sciences.

About Biology Week

The first ever Biology Week will take place on 13th-19th October, organised by the Society of Biology. Events around the country will give everyone the chance to learn about biology, the science of the 21st Century. www.societyofbiology.org/biologyweek

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

Comfort, luxury and power – BMW 7 Series

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How Gorgeous is the new 7 series…loved every minute exploring the cool features of this baby!


 Walking to the BMW showroom is always an awesome experience especially after a rough day at work when the massage chair and the warm people of BMW totally hit the spot. My last visit was particularly out of this world as I checked out the new and refined 7 Series model, which is set to strengthen its leading position as the most dynamic and innovative luxury sedan in the premium automotive segment. Thanks to Kevin and his team, I got thoroughly enlightened on all the cool features of the 7 series.

BMW Middle East currently ranks as the third biggest worldwide for BMW 7 Series sales and the flagship model is consistently amongst BMW’s best-sellers across the GCC markets. The new refined 7 Series therefore, which offers new levels of luxury, comfort and power are expected to further amplify BMW’s 7 Series success story.

At first, I thought there will be just some subtle additions but in fact the design and technology modifications made give the car a stronger presence on the road and provide an even more luxurious and powerful driving experience – even as a passenger in the back seat, I felt like royalty.

The exterior design modifications enhance the car’s sophisticated and elegant appearance. The most eye-catching exterior feature is the new Adaptive LED headlights featuring hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip followed by the enhanced new front and rear bumper, new kidney grille and indicators integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors.

Quality workmanship, premium materials and outstanding practicality enhance the levels of comfort in the interior of the new 7 Series. The newly designed leather seats offer optimum lateral support and unbeatable long-distance comfort and can be adapted to passengers’ needs. An optional Rear Seat Entertainment package comes with a new 9.2-inch flat screen monitor while the new 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System delivers unrivalled sound quality, meeting my diva level requirements.

A class-leader in advanced technology, BMW’s ConnectedDrive features that give the driver and passengers information and services makes their driving experience safer and more comfortable giving the 7 Series an innovative edge over its rivals.  Tailored to the Middle East market the on board iDrive control system has an Arabic interface and navigation system.

In the cockpit, the all-new multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel meets all of the driver’s needs. Using extended black-panel technology, BMW opens up a whole new range of display options through the 10.25-inch screen, including instruments that use different colours and graphics depending on the driving mode selected, and provides situation-specific information such as status and function displays.

Alongside the flagship BMW 760Li with its 12-cylinder engine and the entry-level BMW 730i engine, Middle East customers can also choose from the new six-cylinder in-line engine powering the BMW 740Li and the new V8 engine in the 750Li.

It is rare to find a brand that can offer you the chance to personalize such a high-end product – the BMW Individual programme ensures that your BMW vehicle reflects your own personal taste and unique sense of individuality. The program is a specialised service offered whereby the client may specify features of the car, in order to create one’s own, unique model. The Bespoke team is dedicated to finding new paints, materials and engineering solutions in order to find new ways to develop truly exceptional cars.

A BMW Individual vehicle comes fully loaded with features and options permitting the driver to convey even further their fondness for superb quality and unique styling. And to make the BMW Individual even more special it provides the customers with the opportunity to choose their favourite seams in the leather from some patterns proposed by the programme, from the stitching to the vehicle trim. The BMW customers have come to expect only the finest and most exclusive ownership experience available in the premium segment.

Apart from exclusive upholstery, BMW Individual also offers interesting highlights in entertainment and information electronics for the tech-savvy clientele, including the ability to use various DVD, TV, navigation and on-board computer functions complete with access to the Internet.

Naturally I like anything that’s exclusive so it is delightful to know that one can have personalized or limited edition cars from BMW.  For instance, to mark the 40th Anniversary of the unification of the United Arab Emirates, BMW Group launched the BMW 7 Series UAE 40th Anniversary Limited Edition limited to just 40 cars.

The BMW 7 Series UAE 40th Anniversary Limited Edition features an exclusive Marakesh Brown exterior colour, coupled with a Merino Platinum leather interior, which features the UAE emblem on the headrest, iDrive button and other areas of the interior trim. An elegant ‘UAE 40 years’ designation features on the chrome trim at the rear of the 7 Series. Similar special features can be customized for the discerning BMW customers of the region. I can’t wait to get better acquainted with this new love wheels 🙂

Porsche Drivers Selection :)

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Stylish!

I am clearly car crazy these days….my energy has to go into something and since most people, events and things around me bore me to death, being in cars gives me that extra oomph that not much else does….at least cars are easy to control and they are functional fun machines. I like machines…all sorts and shapes!

Anyway, being a car fanatic means my fascination extends to accessories for cars or anything remotely related to cars…I go a step further and get clothes, accessories etc related to car brands….the Porsche and Ferrari retail department can vouch for this. But my current muse is the Porsche Drivers selection.

Porsche has recently launched the new Porsche Driver’s selection which features sporty fashion items and exclusive accessories which bring the Porsche feeling to every aspect of your lifestyle even when not on the roads.

The collection ranges across various categories and includes, clothes, fashion accessories, luggage, sunglasses, watches, etc.

Get a sneak peek from the pictures below….drive fashionably!

Porsche Race track

Can have a bit of Porsche on your desk too…me like!

Porsche Sport

Condense Milk in squeezy pack

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The super convenient pack that is making me smile during my sweet cravings

My colleagues have a love hate relationship with me this week…..and its all because of a delightfully sinful dose of condense milk in a squeezy pack which is enticing them towards more calories.

I personally would love to give the person who thought of the squeezy pack idea a super tight squeeze as I love condense milk…afterall Shereen literally means ‘sweet’ in so many languages. As a ‘Shereen’, I also love all things sweet, mainly chocolate but once in a while I have major condense milk or dulce de leche sessions.

I love the Cubans as I feel they make the best Dulce de leches in the world….and its all because of the humble condense milk…and currently I adore the guys at FrieslandCampina for introducing the RAINBOW Sweetened Condensed Milk in an all-new squeezy pack to this ‘sweet’ diva.

The new user-friendly squeezy pack offers a quick and convenient way to add a touch of sweetness to desserts, fruit salads, puddings and in my case, it goes straight from the tube to the mouth….6,000 beautifully smooth calories that hits the spot. Since I don’t smoke, drink booze or binge eat, I guess there had to be a weakness somewhere.

The new squeezy package makes it easy to pour and is resealable to prevent wastage. It offers a more practical and economical alternative to the usual tin…my colleagues have funny visions of helping me make two holes in the last tin and so I could blow in one to get the milk out the other…just thinking about it makes me laugh…hilarious!!!!

All I can say is that I love the innovative spirit of the guys at FrieslandCampina…they certainly know how to please a woman with a sweet tooth.

Its all about Kludi RAK

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My Fiji apartment has the same bowl but the base is dark…I love the additional accessories that I never thought of – they add so much warmth to the bathroom

Looks like my DIY mode has still not shaken off weeks after getting back from Fiji where I spent most of my time in hardware shops looking at the delightful treasures that could turn my house into a home.

Now, when I look at home accessories, it is with a different perspective and I visualize how they will look in my personal cooking and bathroom space. Bathrooms and kitchens have become the focal point of the home living experience and it is no longer about function and efficiency but instead about quality of life and pleasure…I need to feel like I am in a spa when I shower and can whip up miracles if I am set loose in a trendy kitchen.

I may not be known as a domestic diva but I do love cooking and being a Pisces, my best time is when I am in water….nothing beats a warm bath with aroma salts when it comes to getting a Pisces into chill mode.

My current favourite for kitchen and bathroom accessories is of course Kludi RAK. Being a diva, I want fittings that soothe, inspire and match my discerning tastes. And Kludi RAK satisfies my demand for decent high quality stuff that makes my personal space that much more nicer to be in … I find their designs elegant and their timeless classic fittings certainly have an edge over most of the stuff I ended up getting back home. Talking about ceramics, there is that one more thing my little heart desires….:)

‘‘Healthy Diet’ is the monthly theme at the Bahrain Science Centre

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Themed events draw Bahraini visitors to learn more about science

Each month, the Bahrain Science Centre in Isa Town develops a different theme for its educational programmes and for October, the theme is ‘Human Body – Healthy Diets’.

A healthy diet is essential for the well-being of people, especially in this age of fast foods, inactive life styles and marketing campaigns that promote the consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks. Healthy diets are an especially important issue in Bahrain as it has high child obesity rates and the incidence of diabetes and heart diseases in children is also high.

Until the mid-seventies, Bahrainis enjoyed a healthy diet based on fresh fish, fresh meat and rice, nuts, fruit and dates that were locally available through the natural food chain. Following the economic boom from the 1980s, a greater variety of foods became available, including processed products that are often less healthy than natural food options.

The increase in child obesity and associated health problems have arisen partly because there is too much choice available and the food supply chain is now dominated by imported and processed food from countries throughout the world.

What you should select to eat or drink is the key question that will be addressed in the educational programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre during October. Discussions, workshops, talks by experts and debates will be held on healthy diet choices and balanced life styles.

“One of the goals of an interactive science centre is to demystify science and make it accessible to the public”, says Professor Mike Bruton, the MTE Studios Director at the Bahrain Science Centre, “We try to provide the public with useful take-home messages about topics that are relevant to their everyday lives”.

“The Ministry of Social Development supports the concept of having a different theme each month in the Bahrain Science Centre, says Khalid Eshaq Alkoheji, Undersecretary for Community Development in the Ministry, “This allows the Science Centre to focus on different aspects of the wide field of science each month”.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 343 606 31.

– ENDS –

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC): The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

Big day for Audi in Bahrain today

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The two R18 cars 🙂

I wish I was in Bahrain today but had to leave Thursday night to spend the weekend with NJD. In the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the two Audi driver line-ups are fighting a thrilling battle for the title. As of the sixth of the season’s eight rounds in Bahrain today, a new strategy will guarantee absolute equality of opportunity. Audi will start to compete with two hybrid vehicles to set the agenda for the future.

Audi entered the 2012 endurance racing season with two different vehicle concepts. The Audi R18 ultra makes full use of the potential of a conventionally powered LMP sports car with a TDI engine whereas the R18 e-tron quattro as the brand’s first hybrid race car rang in a new era. That both concepts have their particular fortes was obvious on several occasions.

While the R18 e-tron quattro made history by achieving the first victory of a hybrid vehicle at the Le Mans 24 Hours and subsequently won the 6-hour race at Silverstone, the R18 ultra managed to score a debut victory at Spa. With the better grid position and fastest race lap by Lucas di Grassi at the fifth round in Brazil, the conventionally powered TDI sports car proved its potential through to the most recent event.

Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer, after scoring two victories this season in the number “1” R18 e-tron quattro, are leading the WEC drivers’ standings. With 78 points yet to be awarded, Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish trail by only 7.5 points. The Danish-Scottish driver duo of car number “2” is returning to hybrid drive in Bahrain after having run twice before in the R18 e-tron quattro, at Spa and Le Mans.

For Audi Sport Team Joest, this involves a challenging task, which thanks to Audi’s uncompromising commitment to the shared components principle is made considerably easier. For the Audi factory drivers and Audi Sport Team Joest, the track in the island state is new territory.

The sixth race of the season is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time and will thus take place mostly during hours of darkness.

Like at all WEC rounds, Audi is offering comprehensive coverage to the spectators at home: http://www.audi-liveracing.com will broadcast the race for six hours on the internet and also offer cockpit camera perspectives and summary reports of the race. The Audi Sport iPhone and Android apps provide WEC coverage on smartphones with live tickers, news, pictures and results. In addition, Audi’s racing fan community is kept up to speed on Facebook and Twitter.

Stressing about Moon Cakes

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I just received my Mandarin lessons for this week which I do every night before I sleep – that is if I am a good girl. Most nights I just keel over and the end of the week I struggle to learn all my 6 words of the week with correct pronunciation. It may sound easy to learn 6 words a week but trust me, in Mandarin, it’s a Herculean task.

Moon cake月饼(yuè bing) is a Chinese baked food product…..they look very nice too.

In Malaysia and Singapore, my nine years there had many of my friends trying to get me eat them but I more often than not didn’t take to it. But they are very tempting with some amazing presentations during the Mid Autumn Festival or the Zhongqiu Festival.

Typical moon cakes are round or rectangular pastries that measure about 10 cm in diameter and are 4–5 cm thick. The rich, thick filling is usually made from red bean or lotus seed paste and sometimes contain yolks from salted duck eggs, surrounded by a thin (2–3 mm) crust and it was those ones I avoided.

During my visit to Hong Kong and then later to Macau and more recently to Korea, I tried moon cakes again which were slightly different to the ones I ate in Malaysia and Singapore but I still prefer the traditional cakes a lot more. Most people eat moon cakes in small wedges accompanied by Chinese tea which makes it a really nice , traditional experience, especially when it’s with good friends.

Now although I may know a bit about moon cakes, I am still struggling with my pronunciations in this lesson today – wish I had more Chinese and Asian friends in Dubai who could help me with this so my last-minute rush to complete lessons becomes a less traumatic experience.