THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN BAHRAIN
FACT M.E. - BAHRAIN EDITION
INSIDE THIS MONTH
Where to go for Eid (p12)
Create your own Majlis!
FASHION. ART. CULTURE. TECHNOLOGY AUGUST 2012
VOL 5, ISSUE 12
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FACT gets some tips on how YOU can get into the spirit of Ramadan!
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The News on Cocoon!
(p54)
Big changes at
favourite lounges, as founder Damian on - exclusive interview in FACT! (p8)
AUGUST 2012
The Lunar Party Returns! The fantastic party on Al Dar Islands returns at the end of August! (p64)
The ISSUE 60
Big Charity Feature 2012
altruistic activity going on in Bahrain, and how you can help! (p16)
PLUS The Porsche Boxster S...
(p38)
+
The McLaren MP4-12C! (p42)
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FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN BAHRAIN
INSIDE THIS MONTH
Where to go for Eid
NOTEWORTHY
We bring you some great ideas to make the most of the public holiday!
(p12)
Create your own Majlis!
FASHION. ART. CULTURE. TECHNOLOGY AUGUST 2012
VOL 5, ISSUE 12
BD1
8 Big News from
FACT gets some tips on how YOU can get into the spirit of Ramadan!
SR10
The News on Cocoon!
(p54)
Big changes at one of Bahrain’s favourite lounges, as founder Damian D’Costa moves on - exclusive interview in FACT! (p8)
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to pursue other projects...
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The Lunar Party Returns!
A round-up of some of the best things to do this Eid al Fitr...
The fantastic party on Al Dar Islands returns at the end of August! (p64)
CULTURE
The
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Big Charity
Charity Feature
Feature 2012
FACT’s annual charity feature brings you an update on all the altruistic activity going on in Bahrain, and how you can help! (p16) Porsche Boxster S... PLUS The The little Porsche with big heart!
(p38)
+
The McLaren MP4-12C! (p42)
26/07/2012 15:18
FACT Magazine M.E. Bahrain Edition August 2012 Volume 5 Issue 12
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In the spirit of the Holy Month, we bring you a round-up of some of the charitable activities taking place across Bahrain, and how you can get involved!
FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L.
ARTS 24 Sensational Summer Art
Ministry of Information
Director
We bring you details about a fantastic art exhibition taking place at Al Bareh this month.
30 Total Recall
Editor-in-Chief
We preview this modern-day remake
Deputy Editor
starring Colin Farrell!
Regional Head of Sales
TECHNOLOGY
Sales & Marketing Manager Senior Sales Designer Fashion Consultant Editorial Contributor Photography Contributors
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34 Gadgets for Ghabgas FACT brings you some of the best food technology out there for preparing feasts for Ramadan!
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38 The 2012 Porsche Boxster S Ali Driver reviews the little German mid-engine roadster with big performance...
Intern
FASHION
PRINTED BY
48 Essential Summer Must-haves
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haves courtesy of Eve Thomas of THEOUTNET.COM and Toby Bateman of MRPORTER.COM.
TIME TO UNWIND FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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NOTEWORTHY
FROM THE EDITOR
Ramadan Kareem everyone! There are many expats I know who like to escape Bahrain during ramadan. They see it merely as a month where there is no nightlife and all the restaurants are inconveniently closed during the day. I am not among them. Perhaps it’s because I’ve lived in the region most of my life. Perhaps it’s because I enjoy peace and quiet more and more these days. What I can honestly say is that I enjoy the atmosphere of Bahrain during ramadan – it’s got a festive feel to it something akin to the build up to Christmas. Family gatherings, Iftar tents, chilling with some great food and a shisha at Ghabgas, and a general increase in charitable activity by the public, big corporations and even the government – it all adds up to an overall feeling of goodwill. always! rush hour doesn’t exist in ramadan, as come 6pm, everyone’s home already, so I tootle home in just over ten minutes, and arrive there decidedly stress free! And then there is the waistline. All the nightlife venues being closed does absolutely no harm in that respect, and all the fast food courts being closed means that I actually have to prepare my own lunch for work. And if you’re going
to make it yourself, you might as well make an effort to be healthy, eh? And then there are the house parties – as there’s no nightlife, people tend to bring the fun home instead, and without the loud music, crowded bar and random strangers, it’s so much more sociable. You can have normal conversations, you can meet new people and get to know them instead of shouting your name at them in a noisy venue. We’ve included a couple of features in this month’s issue for those of you who want to get into the spirit of things. For starters, there is the Charity Feature, which outlines some of the great work being done in Bahrain, and how you can get involved. And the other one is mainly for you Western expats – a feature on how to create a Majlis in your own home. If you have Muslim friends, and would like to do something nice for them in the holy Month, invite them to your very own Majlis! A Majlis is a comfortable area in a Muslim’s home family with some warm hospitality during the holy Month. If you like entertaining, this is the perfect way to do it in ramadan. Best wishes, ramadan Kareem, and for later in the month, eid Mubarak!
Tony Sidgwick Editor-in-Chief tony@factlive.com
My favourite story this issue Create Your Own Majlis A feature I found really interesting this month was the idea of creating a Majlis in your own home. I was surprised at how easy it surprised if these became permanent features of a few homes after Ramadan!
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News from the
FACT Penthouse a few Ghabgas around Bahrain this
a shisha with you all... Our new Qatar editor Katy Gillett came to Bahrain to visit the FACT penthouse last month, and was atmosphere and impeccable professionalism in the workplace... No really, she was! (Ahem)... Al Dar Lunar parties for this season at the end of August, so make sure you get your
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The End of an Era And the Beginning
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amian D’Costa has been a catalyst for Bahrain’s nightlife scene for well over a decade now. DJ, former radio jockey, producer, club owner and manager, event organiser and more, his most recent venue project was Cocoon Lounge, which he opened
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F. So big news regarding you and Cocoon, can you tell us about it? What are your reasons for leaving? D. I opened Cocoon’s doors exactly
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a fantastic run. I feel that my biggest achievement was to boost the popularity of “lounges” in Bahrain,
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very cool lounges have sprouted on the scene. however, I also feel it is time for me to move on to bigger things, and as hard as it is for me to let go of Cocoon, I know it’s for the
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international house music talent to Bahrain. Now, however, a new chapter is beginning for both Damian and Cocoon, as he leaves the venue to pursue other projects. FACT talks to
FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
better. Cocoon has done its part in bringing the island’s nightlife scene to a more international level of attitude and entertainment left? D. Cocoon now has been rented out to another party. What plans they have for it, I’m not sure. however, I do hope they keep the quality going which I have implanted, but I do stress that I shall not be involved with it any longer. step? You mentioned a new venue to us before, can you tell us about it? Are you still working with Gama hotels? D. I have had a plan since last year but it has been held back for several reasons, one being that my focus was still on Cocoon, which is part of the reason why I left. I cannot reveal much at the moment, but I do promise it’ll be a step further and will play a major role in the social and entertainment scene here. Gama Management is our mother company where it all happens, and I created my events
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company eventions through it, which has been responsible for some of the key corporate and commercial events over the past three years. These include the famous Dragon/Muju pool parties. My partners and team are always striving to make things bigger within our company, so be ready for a lot more quality events and venues in the near future. F. Is the new venue going to maintain the traditions of the old Cocoon, i.e. cutting-edge house from international artists? D. Cocoon has always played the kind of house music that is a fun night out for those who do not wish to be commercialised and wish for a taste of the global club world here in Bahrain, and I’d like to continue that. I also do hope to make it a semi-live venue, creating a cool social ambiance. F. Are there more plans for new things other than this project? D. I am always planning things out, but how much actually happens is another story! however, in the meantime I will take the time to launch my brand ‘Casa D’Costa’, which is already becoming a successful international record label, and elevate it to a full-on lifestyle
brand which will include some exclusive parties, so watch out for those in the coming months. Leaving Cocoon also gives me a chance to explore, and gives me the opportunity to create an ambiance in different venues which is always exciting! F. Will the pool parties keep happening at the Dragon Hotel? D. As mentioned earlier, eventions will carry on taking control of the quality Dragon pool parties once the weather cools down. But it doesn’t stop there, as the much-talked-about SKY BAr will be opening shortly, where I shall be holding such parties on a regular basis in the beautiful Juffair venue. Watch out for that too!
“The shops are small, very close together, and crammed with many wood and electrical items.” Follow FACTBahrain on
to add? D. I would sincerely like to thank all the people who have not only supported but also appreciated my hard work over those who have worked under me to make it happen. I look back at the entertainment lineup and I can say that Cocoon has hosted some of the best international artists and brands, and the near future only holds bigger things to come! FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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THE SCOPE LOVE IT ! New Housing Ministry Rules to Protect Workers
SO OBVIOUS!
CAN’T BELIEVE IT
Stunning New McLaren Showroom
Proposed Al Jazayer Beach Development
HATE IT!
Stash or Trash?
I
have just moved house. Trust me it was not an easy task. They say that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do in life. Well whoever ‘they’ are, they were right. I moved here just over a year ago with three suitcases and a computer. 14 months later this considerably (mainly due to my ASOS addiction). It took me seven hours before I got bored of packing up everything and even then I had barely made a dent in
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all my belongings. All I can say is thank goodness I had a lift to help me move it all out. I have always been one that hangs on to everything for good measure. I suppose you could call me one of those ‘just in case’ kind of people. This new house is massive. My bathroom is bigger than my old flat bedroom and somehow I have filled the one massive wardrobe already even though I will never wear the clothes inside it. Is it some genetic disorder that every girl has passed down to them? Why
can’t we just throw or give away the things we never use? It’s a good thing it’s eid this month. I am appealing to my generous side and bagging up BSPCA can expect at least two bin liners of brand new clothes to do with as they please. Saying this, however, I can almost guarantee that this time next year, I will be back in the same situation: Broke, spoilt for choice yet taking hours to get ready as I will “never have
Anime Comic Festival
The Six Hours of Bahrain The BIC is all geared up to host one of the most interesting races since the Formula One GP. Make way
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he Bahrain International Circuit, otherwise known as ‘the home of motorsport in the Middle east’, is preparing its track for yet another fantastic event. Move aside F1, as this endurance race, called the Six hours of Bahrain, is set to be one of the most exciting races of the season. Part of the 2012 FIA World endurance Championship (WeC), an organisation co-run by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club l’Ouest (ACO), this race had been previously running as the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup before coming under the FIA umbrella for its opening season this year. The maiden championship features eight rounds taking place in eight different countries across four continents – Bahrain will exist as the season’s sixth meeting and it is the only country in the entire of the Middle east where the WeC will feature. The BIC’s Chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said, “This endurance the Kingdom. We are known around the world to be pioneers in regional motorsport. We were
championships to the region. Now, we are proud to once again endurance Championship here and we are greatly looking forward to it.” Set to run along the globally renowned 5.412 kilometre Grand Prix track, there will be no less than 32 cars competing in four different competition categories. Top international teams from around the world will be represented in all of the classes, where many of them are leading car manufacturers including Audi, Porsche, Aston Martin and Ferrari. Watch out for a few familiar faces as well – names including Allan McNish of Great Britain, Dino Capello of Italy and Tom Kristensen of Denmark will be making an appearance. The Six hours of Bahrain will be the third major international endurance race ever to take place in Sakhir and follows the 24 hours race for Bahrain that was held in December 2006 and another six hour race for superbikes in 2009. It will take place on September 28 and 29 and will undoubtedly be two days car lovers will not want to miss out on.
Returning this year is the Anime Comic Festival – animation, gaming and comic lovers should look no further…
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ith its main goal aiming to promote everything from Marvel and DC
and tabletop gaming, this event has been organised by the most devoted of fans. There are a series of competitions taking place this artists, where the theme is ‘Cross Over’. Whether it’s one piece versus the deadly Akasuki versus Transformers, they want to see your talents and wild imagination on the page. The rules for this one are pretty simple: your art can be based on Anime, Manga, Marvel and DC comics or games, but cannot not be in any way political or religious. You must, of course, have a 2012 ACF entry pass. The second competition is Cosplay, where guests can attend dressed in full costume. remember, you can only represent one character – appearances in several skits will not be allowed. Thirdly comes the event for the gamers. There will be a huge selection of games for PlayStation and Xbox 360 to choose from. Pick your game wisely as participants can only take part in one game and if you are caught cheating, bad mouthing or post game arguing, then you will automatically lose the match. Anime Music Video, where participants will get the chance to enter a music video containing clips from one or more animations set to an audio track. GO:
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built in the Middle east, and we FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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THINGS TO DO THIS Although the exact dates for Eid Al-Fitr this year will only not mean you cannot start to plan the month ahead. We at FACT have put together a few ideas for you to consider out more…
Eid Al-Fitr - Facts
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hat many of us will already know as ‘eid’, eid Al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of ramadan. ‘eid’ translates from Arabic as ‘festivity’, while ‘Fitr’ means ‘breaking the
RitzCarlton Bruncheon
day of the month Shawwal, a day where Muslims worldwide try to show a common goal of unity and a day of recognizance of God. eid al Fitr has a particular salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two units and according the Koran, it is normally celebrated for one, two or three days. Muslims are encouraged to forgive and forget any differences with others or animosities that may have occurred during the year. As an obligatory act of charity, money is paid to the poor and needy before performing the eid prayer. This traditional time expresses many of the basic values of the Muslim community, including empathy for the poor, charity, worship, steadfastness and patience, to name a few.
YeS everyone, the end of ramadan can only mean one thing – brunches are back! Why not celebrate it in style (after all you have saved a lot from eating in this month) and try out the eid Brunch at the ritz-Carlton Bahrain? For just BD27 including unlimited house beverages and soft drinks, you can celebrate eid with a fantastic delectable feast with Arabic classics and international favourites. Sure to please young and old, you can enjoy live entertainment from the The Lobby Lounge Trio who will be sure to set the scene with their inimitable musical style.
LEAVE THESE SHORES TAKe full advantage of the great deals and take a break! The hotels in the emirates have some sweet offers on that are well worth a look. Grosvenor house Dubai has a couples deal on that includes one night, breakfast and dinner as well as access to their pool and beach (and Bulgari toiletries!) for DhS1, 500. Or at the radisson Blu Fujairah for just DhS950 per night you can enjoy this luxurious beach resort and all its perks. Then there’s Abu Dhabi, where you have the opportunity to stay at the exclusive St regis Saadiyat Island for a three-night getaway during eid from DhS3, 200 including breakfast and a dinner for two. GO:
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Festive Fun at the Sheraton IF you want to be closer to town, then you should head to and indulge in the festive buffet starting at 12.30pm and lasting till 4pm. Adults start at BD18.500 and children at BD6, where they will also receive free giveaways and get to play games, eat candy spin on the mini-rides. Ideal for the whole family, you can expect plenty of delicious dishes sure to keep your stomachs happy all afternoon. Make sure you book in, as eid is guaranteed to be jam-packed everywhere and you wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance for a scrumptious meal. GO:
FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
VISIT…
Qaf Art Gallery FrOM the people that brought you the Naqsh Short Films Days, the Naqsh Gallery has organised an exhibition inspired from the musical album Steps in Cairo, by the world-renowned musicians Basim Darwish and Matthias Frey. The exhibition will showcase a number smoothness of the album’s pieces. As well as admiring the art, viewers will be able to listen to inspiring pieces of music to help bring the art to life. This exhibition is actually running from August 1 to 30, so if you don’t get the chance to see it before, GO: information.
Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark YOu have the choice of two amazing performances down at LPOD this eid and you can see them free with a standard waterpark entrance ticket. First off there’s the Wakeboard Show from europe which combines the risky skills of water some pretty impressive and extreme stunts, displays and acrobatic moves. Then there’s Samson the Strongest Man who is actually going to pull a 1.2 tonne vehicle with his hands while a 2.5 tonne car passes over his body. You heard correctly.
Seef Fantasy Challenge LeT your inner child run wild this eid. Take your sprogs to Seef Mall and join in the Seef Fantasy Challenge. Wrestle with monsters in the ring or attempt to become the Archer of Arabia by hitting the bull’s eye with your bow and arrow in just three shots. Get lost in the Chamber of Secrets maze or visit the Castle in the Sky and use your air blower to get those cannons inside the castle before time runs out. Just make sure you visit the Crystal Dome, however, as you have mere seconds to grab all the tokens and be in with the chance to win some great GO:
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FACT s Big Charity Feature One of the major themes of Ramadan is charitable activity, so in the spirit of the season, we bring you our annual Charity Feature‌
A Time of Giving
Any time is a good time to be charitable, but it becomes especially important for Muslims during the Holy Month. So, in the spirit of Ramadan, we bring you our Big Charity Feature…
ChArITY and helping the needy is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, known as Zakat, and during ramadan it becomes a whole lot more vital, as Muslims are expected to take part in charity work or at least donate to charitable causes as part of their religious activities during the holy Month. This is because Muslims believe charity is more greatly rewarded during ramadan. Therefore, in addition to Zakat, which is the obligatory percentage of personal wealth to be donated to charity by every Muslim, many also contribute a great deal over and above that, known as Sadaqa, during ramadan. There is no small amount of charitable work going on in Bahrain at any given time, with many organisations doing fantastic work all year round. however, the level of activity increases
Charity News BSPCA Controls Stray Animal Population
It has been proven that the Catch Neuter Release programme is the most humane way to control the populations of stray dogs and cats in urban areas. Under the programme, animals are trapped, spayed, and then released so The BSPCA recently completed a survey on the stray populations implementing the programme, which is expected to cost around $795,000 dollars over the next
you’ll see food and clothing being distributed to the poor in certain contributions to charities increases several-fold. even in the Western world, Muslim communities in europe and America will make sizeable donations and contributions to charities in their area, whether they’re for needy Muslims or not. The charitable work doesn’t have to be for other Muslims – giving to anyone in need of help counts towards the ultimate reward. In honour of this special month, FACT brings you a round up of some (but by no means all) of the charitable work going on around the Kingdom, and how you can get involved. Doing charitable work sense of good will and satisfaction you receive by helping others is good for the soul, no matter what your beliefs!
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Batelco Ramadan Baskets
Also getting into the spirit of giving this month is Batelco, who completed a delivery of no less than 27,000 baskets of food items, each weighing around 10kg, to various charities across the Kingdom at the beginning of Ramadan. The food baskets each contain food items that are traditionally in high demand during Ramadan, and will ensure that the Holy Month is that little bit more special for many poor families in Bahrain.
Lulu Autism Awareness Gifts from Bahrain City Centre Ramadan, where shoppers are urged to embrace the charitable spirit of the Holy Month, and bring unwanted items such as clothes, mobile phones, books and more to the mall. At the mall, they are sorted into packages, and passed on to the Al Noor Charity Welfare organisation, where they are distributed to the needy. This is an initiative that Majid Al Futtaim Properties, the company that owns the City Centre Mall, runs in their malls throughout the region.
Autism is a mental impairment that is only just beginning to receive the attention it deserves in the region. People can be affected by autism to varying degrees. In its mildest form, people can have learning
affected by every day sights, sounds and situations, but in its most extreme form, sufferers can attend normal schools or be independent. Walkathon at the end of June to raise awareness and support for the condition at the Ramli Mall, in Aaali.
Fresh Start for After 33 years in Shakoora, the BSPCA is popular animal charity‌ The BSPCA has faced an uphill struggle over the past couple of years. With the volume of abandoned and stray animals on the rise, the demands being placed on those involved at the BSPCA have been incredibly arduous. But, after years of continuous determination and fund-raising, the society is now able to move ALL its operations down to the purpose-built Animal Welfare Centre in Askar. Originally scheduled to open in October 2011, the delay to the opening of the new centre was mainly due to the unrest. however, additional factors included the electricity connection by the eWA. It is now onwards and upwards for the society. The current shelter in Shakoora will remain open until
and resident of Bahrain in the 80s who left the society a very generous bequest in her will. Also in this block there is a waiting room, examination room, operating theatre, recovery room and laboratory.
where animals will only be available for adoption as all the veterinary and quarantine facilities will have been moved to the new location. So what can you expect from the new centre? The AWC has been meticulously planned so everything needed to care for the animals is available on site. The space is plentiful and even includes an administration block with a lecture room for visiting students to learn about animal welfare. The clinic can be found in an adjoining building and has been named after Norma Warbin, a former keen volunteer
dedicated quarantine kennels all in an area specially equipped with its own drainage to ensure no crosscontamination occurs. On top of all this, there are six exercise yards, three large walkin washing stalls and the Purina Cat house, which is fully air-
parking area, including the two BSPCA custom-equipped vehicles donated by YK Almoayyed. In the corner of the site, there is purpose-built staff accommodation, which has all been kitted out with furniture donated by volunteers. The facilities created for the animals themselves mark a huge improvement on the old shelter. There are now 65 large dog kennels, each with individual air-
cat cages. From time-to-time, the BSPCA has to rescue larger animals such as donkeys, horses and camels so a separate area has been installed for that too. GO:
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Have a Think About Pink FACT catches up with Julie Sprakel, from charity and its accomplishments… F. What are some of Think achievements since 2011? J. Awareness about breast cancer increased over the years, and we are receiving more and more phone calls and emails for support and information. In many ways the vision of the charity in terms of “education at grass roots level” has come full circle, with the graduation of two Bahraini healthcare professionals with an MSc in Nursing, specialising in breast cancer. anywhere else in the GCC, and these nurses are now playing pivotal roles in the Oncology unit at SMC, in turn supporting breast cancer patients. F. How has the response been, despite the troubles last year? J. Think Pink Bahrain is a community charity. We have always had such incredible support from
the whole community, and each year this grows. There are a steady number of young Bahraini men and women who participate each year. With them comes new ideas and direction; they are the future of the charity. I most admire those high school and university students who take the initiative to raise awareness within these groups and spread the awareness campaign further. F. What events have you got coming up? J. We have many speaking engagements during the year, and are gearing up for our 2012 awareness campaign. We have been assisting some university students who are doing a research project, and supporting the sponsored healthcare professionals that are studying different courses to develop further. We believe that education is pivotal and is the core principal of Think Pink Bahrain’s philosophy and our continuous
Hope in the Palm of our Hands F: How long ago did the Palm Association start and how did it come about? PA: In 2000, two long term resident expatriate ladies wanted to give back to the community in which they lived. the Palm Association, brainchild of this pair of friends, has since grown
pro-active organisation, run by women, with the sole purpose of providing help and assistance to Bahraini families and individuals. F: What are some of the main achievements to date? PA: The two mainstays of the association are our Feed-a-Family Programme, and Project rebuild. These two projects are the main focus and most important of all the Palm Association’s activities. Feed a Family is where we provide and distribute approximately 155 food boxes to the value of BD15
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focus. F. Do you have any new additions to the team? J. Our newest addition to the team is Faye, a young Bahraini businesswoman and entrepreneur who volunteered during last year’s campaign. She has decided to become a permanent member of the team and her incredible energy and determination makes her a perfect complement to the group. F. How can people get in touch/donate? J. To donate your time as a volunteer, we encourage people to email info@thinkpinkbahrain.com and become part of our database. It is important for people to get the feel of the charity and what we do by volunteering at events. This enables each person to make an informed decision as to whether they would like to be a permanent member with the charity. GO:
FACT talks to the ladies from the Palm Association can get involved…
every month to needy families living in Bahrain. each family has been situations. Project rebuild is where we purchase and distribute basic electrical appliances to needy families. These include washing machines, cookers, water heaters, air conditioning units, and fridges. To date we have distributed over 6,623 appliances to families all over Bahrain. All the appliances are greatly discounted by local suppliers and delivered free of charge, and this is also another example of the tremendous community spirit shown by local companies. F: What is the Palm right now? PA: The main objective at the moment is to continue evaluating with objectivity and fairness the Feed-a-
Family project, so that our resources are used where they are needed most. We are also working on further raising the awareness of the Palm Association and its projects by completing our website by September. F: How have you found the response in Bahrain? PA: All positive. The Palm Association is (we believe) a respected charity organisation that many companies and individuals want to support, because of our transparency and ability to achieve what we are committed to. F: What are your plans for the upcoming months? PA: We are endeavouring to also complete a calendar of events starting in September for the coming year, which will include a Ladies Lunch, Charity Ball and a Golf Day. GO:
FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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s
s 30). 7). 50 4/ "$
MA’AMEER,TEL: 17 703286, RANJITH, TEL: 36738429
RAMADAN SHOWROOM TIMINGS: SATURDAY-THURSDAY 9:00 AM TO 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM TO 11:30 PM SERVICE CENTRE TIMINGS: SATURDAY-THURSDAY 7:30 AM TO 4:00 PM & 8:30 PM TO 10:30 PM
s
Help at Hand
With Ramadan coming to an end by August 19, we all know that this marks the time of giving and lending a helping hand. Here is a round-up of some (but by no means all) of the main charitable organisations in Bahrain…
The Palm Association
The Palm Association was founded by two long-term resident expatriate women. These women wanted to give something back to the country they live in, and because of this they created The Palm Association. This organisation’s strength lies in its passion and personal commitment to make a difference for Bahrain’s less fortunate through its direct hands-on approach. The charity is known for not giving direct cash contributions to anyone. Instead, the donations they receive are spent where demand is highest for their help, such as renovations for peoples’ homes, air-conditioning for impoverished families, eid vouchers for the poor, university funding for disadvantaged students and much more. GO:
Migrant Workers Protection Society
Bahrain Round Table
The Bahrain round Table is an informal network of like-minded people who get together twice a month to discuss and implement methods to use their positions, standing and funds round Table’s best known event is The Bahrain Marathon relay, a hugely successful annual event which last year saw 141 teams race (each with up to 16 runners) and raised BD23,000. The donations which are contributed to the event are then passed on to various charities which assist the Kingdom’s less fortunate.
The Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) consists of volunteers and members who strive to protect the local community’s most vulnerable people such as labourers and domestic maids from the Subcontinent, Africa and east Asia. The Society aims to “help migrant workers achieve their basic human rights in accordance with internationally-recognised standards.” And, simultaneously, the charity tries to educate the domestic populace about the issues that migrant workers face in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In extreme cases, the charity has been known to provide legal assistance to migrant workers. GO:
BSPCA
The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to organisation run by volunteers. The charity is dedicated to the welfare of all animals in Bahrain and pays close attention towards the care of injured, abandoned, lost, mistreated or homeless animals by bringing them to its Shelter. The Society relies on donations, fundraising events and money earned from its thrift shop to fund the good work that it does. So far the organisation has helped countless animals, and has a wide selection of beautiful animals that are looking for a loving home.
GO: GO:
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Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation
The Rotary Club of Salmaniya
The rotary Club of Salmaniya was established in 1965, which makes it one of the oldest charities in the Kingdom. The charity has Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Khalifa at the helm and an array of well-connected individuals helping to promote its good work. The Club is the organiser of the well-known and reported annual Charity raft race. This year on April 6 at the Al Bander hotel and resort the 36th Charity raft race raised more than BD28,000, which was then 21 donated to charities that fight against Sickle Cell disease - a common cause of death among the Bahraini population.
The Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation offers a variety of sports for hopeful future Paralympic superstars. The Federation provides athletics, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, bowling, power lifting and football activities for people with disabilities to help promote sporting development, exercise and fun. GO:
Bahrain Cancer Society The Bahrain Cancer Society stands on the frontline in the battle against charity was established in 1989 as a and since then the society has worked diligently in providing education and information to the public about the causes of cancer, treatment and promoting possible precautionary steps for the public. The society also does an array of other activities to promote the public’s knowledge of the disease, which include: cancer patient support, publishing cancer information booklets, organising lectures and seminars, cooperating with local, regional and international agencies to raise awareness and participating in exhibitions to promote their cause to the wider public. GO:
GO:
Think Pink Bahrain ThINK organisation and is Bahrain’s branch for the global breast cancer awareness organisation ‘Think Pink’. The charity’s main period of activity is during October which is, incidentally, breast cancer awareness month. however the group also carry out their important work throughout the rest of the year. The organisation donates funds to Bahraini nurses to receive specialist training in dealing with breast cancer. And, since the charity’s creation the organisation has raised over $600,000. This money has been used to support various breast cancer initiatives on the island – paying particular attention towards early intervention, education and awareness. GO:
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ARTS
THIS MONTH YOU MUST...
Sensational Summer Art An exhibition of three great artists in Al Bareh...
HEAR by A return to form for the US nu-metal group.
READ by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (see
WATCH The remake of action classic, starring Colin Farrell...
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ARTS
l a n o i ensat SSummer Art The Albareh art gallery is leading art scene. talks to Jehan Saleh and Omar AlRashid to learn about the industry, life as an artist and their thoughts on
u
pon walking through the Albareh Gallery’s grand front doors you are immediately presented with a sense of tranquillity. The noise from the world and the traffic outside is immediately cut off once you step into the large open planned display room. The intimate dimly lit room is wide and impressive and the limited glow in the gallery shines down tactically on the walls, where beautifully crafted paintings hang, portraying stories of other times and places. The cemented floor stretches to all corners of the deceptively large establishment. The proud, large white walls reflect the
over-hanging nearby lights to brighten up the otherwise dark room. In the distance, voices echo - travelling and bouncing off the gallery’s walls. Jehan Selah, the Gallery Coordinator and a participant in the exhibition, came up and introduced herself, before leading the way to a room slightly off to the side of the expansive gallery where Omar Alrashid - one of the exhibition’s top artists - waited. “I’ve been involved in art for 35 years,” Omar explains as
I love Arabic letters, the beauty of the way the line moves, how words curl and twirl. I am also very passionate about the human face. 24
FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
we move towards the large black settee in the middle of the lounge. “I finished college in egypt back in 1989, and I have always had a great passion for my work. I am a painter by nature, I always have been, and I love to use bright colours in my creations. The intensity of the colours is quite personal; I want to display my country and heritage – and the concentration from the pure colours emulates the way that Bahrain feels to me.” he is right to associate bright colours with the Kingdom Bahrain boasts beautiful crystal blue shorelines, burnt orange skies and the myriad earth colours of the desert. “europe on the other hand is darker and gloomier; maybe if I was european my work would be different,” he says (And as a Londoner, it is hard to argue
ARTS
with his logic!). Jehan who was sitting quietly nearby, spoke up as Omar paused. “Many things inspire me to create, especially Arabic calligraphy,” she said. “I love Arabic letters, the beauty of the way the line moves, how words curl and twirl. I am also very passionate about the human face. Nothing to my knowledge can explain so much, with such ease. You can tell so much about a person from looking at their face, it hides no secrets.” The Albareh exhibition hosts an eclectic range of styles, themes and visions. Work such as that from Omar Alrashid is from a personal, historical setting - with elements of the painting dedicated to those of long before. Other pieces in this year’s exhibition work on alternative levels, such as the work of Zuhair Al Saeed, whose painting of Gibran Khalil Gibran shows the late artist’s face emerging out of the green (hope). Our footsteps echo in unison as we walk around the gallery together, while Omar explains his latest creation in great detail to his attentive audience: “This woman is from my childhood, she looked after me when I was a boy – she was my nanny. I transformed her from what may have been depicted in traditional art to modern art by painting her face blue, a
pure blue. But she is tired, it was not an easy life; yet she is happy to work there even though she has to work in the red coloured heat. But this Bahrain, you have the devilishly hot summers, and the wintry white.” This exhibition aims to give the community the chance to see how artists feel; it strives to give a cultural edge to the community. Jehan went on to say that “Art helps people describe themselves. This work explains how I feel, this painting is me, it is my thoughts and it is all the things I love. Art has a way of allowing you to explain things far more simply than words ever could.” Those in the gallery listened intensely to the engaging words of both individual artists. “We want to keep creating, performing and exhibiting our work to the public, but I think the Government could do more to support the art community,” explained Omar. “Bahrain is a small country, but it needs more workshops crafted for young aspiring artists, to teach them about historical and contemporary art. We do not want to promote ourselves as anything less than professional,” he added. Jehan contributed her own personal opinion: “We are quite fortunate at FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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ARTS Albareh as we are a private gallery, which means that many Bahraini artists can receive sponsorship through us to help them with their work.” What is often forgotten is the extensive expense that artists accrue in order to create their visions for projects. Tools are costly and therefore funding is very important if the domestic art scene is to keep up with the rest of the world. Support is vital for Bahrain’s contemporary art community. For the talented artists to keep producing great work they must rely on income from somewhere. “Maybe we could get more support from the authorities, they could always do more. The Bahraini artists always need support,” said Omar. Almost standing as a metaphor for Omar’s message, outside the gallery under the scorching sun a lonely fountain lay in the courtyard. It would have once been full of bubbling water, but now there was no water and the fountain looked dry, and in need of attention. “If the country wants to grow as an artistic hub it must receive more support from the Government, young artists need to be taught by professionals, and more emphasis needs to be placed on development. Young artists are too quick to jump onto the art scene without the constructive criticism and development that they desperately need. “An excellent solo exhibition can take years to create. In an artist’s youth he or she must develop knowledge of art and its history. If time is not spent on development then the artist may not possess key techniques or knowledge in their arsenal and that is something which will show readily in their work. One of my last projects took me four years to create; I made 65 paintings for it. I think there is not enough of that in art, the time I took ensured that I produced quality,” Omar added. “And because it takes so long to create professional work it is always sad to see it leave. You spend so long developing a piece and giving it everything you have – and then, one day it is gone. A piece of you goes every time you sell your art. Something we hope many people will feel for the good of the Bahraini art scene,” said Jehan. GO:
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ARTS In Association with Virgin Megastore, Bahrain City Center
CHOICE TUNES Nu-Metal
Living Things By
WHEREAS , was something of an experimental effort that, luckily for them, turned out to be a highly successful experiment, represents something of a return to form for the group. comfortable enough with itself to push the boat out a little when it feels its sound is getting a bit too formulaic, they come back from it a little bolder and a little wiser, and their trademark sound is refreshed as a result, and avoids becoming tired - a parody of itself. Keep on pushing the boat out too far, and you lose sight of shore, alienating your fans. this case!
is no way near as experimental as A
album to refresh their approach to this one. You can hear it in the electro-grunge overtones throughout the album, from the hip-hop-styled
Afriendly and still soul-stirring and original, which is a
Big Beat
Pop
Electro
Big Beat Anthems
Live at the Royal Albert Hall By Adele
Renaissance
By Ministry of Sound
IT seems that there is no genre safe from the compilation cash-cow generating machine that is Ministry of Sound. From dub-step to drum
their releases are bad! This one, in particular, is choc-full of absolute classics that will have anyone who was out partying in the UK in the
By Dave Seaman
and rightly so. A double CD and DVD combo, it features the live performance by Adele at the Royal Albert Hall, and the CD soundtrack so that you can listen to it in the car too! Adele is arguably one of the most talented female singers of our generation,
Renaissance Masters Series mix that electronic music legend Dave Seaman has put out, and they just never seem to grow old, despite being a compilation of club classics. We guess this just goes to show that some music is timeless! Renaissance was the club that took acid house out of the seedy warehouses and
Hall is an iconic British venue with huge good in the nightlife and festival circuits of Britain for two decades!
just goes on and on! There are a few randoms in there (Cornershop? Really?) but overall, a real party album. We liked it so much, we bought it!
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B+
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Zeppelin, the Killers, Deep Purple, the Corrs and many more. Combine the two, and you get a hugely emotional performance from a singer who is clearly enjoying the moment, and loving the crowd. Adele certainly pulls no punches, with her powerful voice belting out classics
A-
usual gusto, and some tears!
name has a certain currency that only people who were there would truly appreciate. Therefore, like any classics album, this music is going to appeal to a certain segment of society, who are perhaps a bit older, but with a strong sense of nostalgia for their former clubbing glory days. upbeat, with tracks from Moby and Sasha giving you a hint of how the rest of the album pans out.
B
ARTS
CHOICE WORDS
In Association with Virgin Megastore, Bahrain City Center
Sci-Fi
The Long Earth
By Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter IN
it has been discovered collaborations between Pratchett and Baxter,
Earth, though ours is the only one that is populated by humans. The others, therefore, are pristine versions of Earth untouched by human development. A device has been invented allowing humans to instantaneously travel between these worlds, resulting in an endless supply of resources and a peaceful existence for the human race. The protagonist, Joshua, travels between these countless worlds in search of his own slice of paradise, but when he starts meeting other travellers on the way
book cover is misleading - those looking for a humour will be disappointed. It is without doubt shows through most. to death, these two highly experienced writers manage to give it a refreshing slant. However, the trouble on the
B+
what the future books will bring!
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Biography
Gold
Man of the World
Point Man
follows the story of two Olympic sprint cyclists, Kate Meadows and Zoe Castle, who are friends, but become rivals when rule changes dictate that only one will be able to represent Britain at the 2012 Olympics. Unable to choose between them, their coach decides to settle it with a race. Their friendship is strained even futher by the fact that, due to their age, this may well be their last ever chance at Gold Medal glory...
is the ultimate guide for the modern man travelling the world. Compiled by the author who brought us , his latest book makes for essential reading for any guy who wants to make the most of his travels. From advice to reading exchange rates to how to tip a porter properly and even
Kenny Meighan comes from a long line of military servicemen, and the army is in his blood. However, with dyslexia and only two GCSE grade Cs in PE and Drama, the army is pretty much his only option at 16. He joins the Royal Anglian Infantry Regiment stationed in the volatile Helmand Province, and becomes one of their most skilled and heroic point men (the guy who leads a troop, looking for dangers and traps). When his girlfriend becomes pregnant, though, he gives up the army after six years, and returns as a war hero to an England that
By Chris Cleave
By Mark Townsend
by Gareth May
This is a strange one to review - when reading the huge acclaim that Chris Cleave received for his last two books, and , and the hype surrounding this ! Sure, it has its moments, but these come mainly through the character of Zoe, who competes to blot out childhood trauma turns up late and will do anything to win.
information contained inside all geared to ensuring you come back with the kind of stories that will impress your mates! This book is an entertaining and insightful guide to the more unusual activities and past-times that can be found on extensive travels throughout the world. It will help you make the most of your trip by giving you ideas on things to do in different places. However, there is ONE slight drawback to this book - having travelled extensively, this particular writer had already done a lot
An extremely well-written bio, Point Man death and war, but the human element of the people involved as well. Despite the gloomy outlook, the book is not without hope. This is because the overall impression you get from Kenny is that he is soldier on and provide for his family, because
on the heartstrings with her terminally-ill daughter, but just leaves you feeling slightly nauseated instead. Not the desired effect!
it all out for himself, which made him feel ever-so-slighty more manly than anyone who reads it
B
B+
story, and gives a true insight into the horrors of battle, but also the trials faced when soldiers return from combat.
B+
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ARTS
ON SCREEN
Total Recall What, you mean aside from being a remake
time in its direction, cinematography, visual effects and just about everything else, we
movies ever made?
gurus can do with a story like this!
probably high up on the list of factors, but even for the gents, the Irish rogue is a
on Mars look like, and especially whether the one in the brothel who was particularly well-endowed in the chest area makes a reappearance (fans of the original will know what we mean). We just hope they stay faithful to the
Bryan Cranston, Kate Beckinsale.
Factory worker Doug Quaid (open your MIIIIIIIIND...) is generally bored of life, and so goes to a memory implant company for the implant begins, something goes wrong,
real, or instead the implanted fantasy...
under his belt. Whether he can step into the rather large shoes left behind by Arnold
And while the original was way ahead of its
WIN 2 FREE CINEMA TICKETS Who directed the original version of Total Recall, released in 1990?
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ARTS
Guy Pearce, Jessica Chastain A family of hick moonshiner brothers, a well-known group of hard men in the local area, get tangled up with a crime boss and a corrupt lawman, who attempt to When they try to resist, one of their girlfriends gets killed as a warning. Rather than taking it as a warning, they get rather miffed
WATCHING: Everyone loves a story of the little guys taking on the big guys, especially when the big
actors, and not all focused on Shia, who is, in our opinion, somewhat overrated!
The Apparition
follows the story of a group of students taking part in an experiment on supernatural occurrences. However, when the experiment turns out to be much more
hell bent on making their lives unpleasant in as many ways as possible. And Ashley Greene
The Campaign
Hit and Run sees Dax Shepard and Bradley Cooper unite for an off-beat comedy once again! A getaway driver in Witness Protection (Shepard) is tracked down by his former gang mate (Cooper) who went to prison because of him and is out for revenge. As they go on the run, an inept US Marshal tries to intervene, but largely fails!
follows the story of veteran politician Cam Brady (Ferrell), who thinks that his election is a dead cert, until another new
and as the rivalry heats up, each of them resort to ever increasingly dirty tricks to get the edge on their competitor. Hilarity ensues... Well, individually, Ferrell and
chemistry between the two pans out on the big screen.
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Outlets in Alosra Saar and Alosra Amwaj (NEW) Currently renting or looking to rent a vehicle? Why not try us? New vehicles available, from saloons to 4x4s Competitive prices Daily – Weekly – Monthly – Long-term rental schemes Vehicle delivery and collection to your home Airport pick-up and drop-off service
Contact: Amwaj: Saar: Out of Hours:
1601 0131 1779 5300 3885 2413
“Redefining the Rules of Rental” 32
FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
TECHNOLOGY
Gadgets for As people invite friends and family into their homes during Ramadan, providing the expected feast to go with it can be a daunting prospect. Therefore, FACT brings you the technology that makes it all easier‌
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Prepare a Feast A big part of Ramadan is gatherings between family and friends, and sharing company and good food together late into the night. And this is fun for everyone, except for the people responsible for creating the feasts for everyone each night! To make their lives easier, related technology‌
Choco Latte Available: Jashanmal This is a device that is both simple and ingenious at the same time. Simply pour your hot chocolate mix, or just plain milk, into it, and it will gently heat the all the while stirring it to stop a often happens with warmed up milk. There’s also a tap on the front to enable easier pouring. Like we said, simple, but ingenious!
Nespresso Machine Available: Geant Nespresso has become a highly popular brand of coffee combined with a convenient way of making it. A variety of companies make Nespresso machines, but this one stood out for its style, compactness and affordability. Simply pop the Nespresso capsule in the top, close the lid, press the magic button, and hey Presto! Premium coffee.
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Morphy Richards Soup Maker Available: Lakeland Again, making seemingly complicated tasks so much easier, this fantastic soup maker really does it all for you. Simply throw your chopped ingredients and some stock into the appliance, and it will blend and then cook it all for you! You can even choose how chunky you’d like your soup to be, and set it accordingly. Word of warning: Cook any meat before adding it, and sautéing certain vegetables like onions and garlic before
Smoothie 2 Go Available: Jashanmal Perhaps the simplest of ideas on these pages, the Kenwood Smoothie 2 Go is basically a blender with the jug screwed on upside down. Once the blending is done, simply turn the whole gadget upside down and remove the jug to pour as needed. OK, so not that useful for Ghabgas, but for breaking your fast in the mornings there can’t be a better option than a nice healthy smoothie!
Tefal Actifry Available: Emax The Tefal Actifry is the answer to your prayers if you’re a fan of fried food but are currently trying to get healthy. This is because the device uses super heated air and just one spoonful of oil to cook up to one kilo of French fries, potato wedges, or even other vegetables and meat cut into strips. It’s quick, it’s convenient, and all the parts can be thrown in the dishwasher after use. Bargain! FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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SONY ERICCSON LIVE VIEW SONY Ericcson might be no more (Sony bought out their share of the there are still a few of their fantastic gadgets available in the market for the time being. One of those is the awesome View is essentially a mini display similar to an iPod Nano. Where it differs from the Nano, however, is Android smartphone to display information on the screen, such as text message alerts and Facebook and Twitter notifications, as well as RSS feeds, calendar entries and missed calls.
it on your wrist and monitor your progress while exercising. While this is handy, have to have your bulky Android smartphone on you, in a pocket running, which could prove annoying. While this is a fantastic gadget, if you want the really to wait a little while. Sony (not
device to remotely control the music player on your Android phone, so that you never have to take the a clip on the device that allows you to clip it on to your clothes if you View can even be worn as a watch, thanks to a strap that comes with it, and on it you can have a digital clock displaying the time. device as well, as it can sync with the Android fitness app Sportypal Pro, allowing you to display the stats from your exercise session on
View 2 watch at the CES show 2 has been designed much more as a watch than a gadget that can be used as a watch, and is therefore a little more stylish than its predecessor, coming with nice yet, so watch this space! What this does mean, though, deal on one now before the new version comes out and renders it pointless!
EMOTION
SONY ERICCSON LIVE VIEW EXPERIENCE-METER Happiest human ever
Very impressed
Pleased
Indifferent
Ouch!
B+ TIME 36
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HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275 THE from HP, which also works as a copier and printer, is certainly different in the fact that it uses digital photography from its predecessors as this kind of built-in handle, but on closer inspection you realise there is actually an eight mega-pixel digital camera hovering over the top, just 21cm above a white podium which serves as a background for clear photography. Basically, it takes six pictures of any
onto the Internet. The built-in printer is good too, and has decent connectivity
three without. The images are then compiled to create a single picture thus, in theory, reducing the shadows compatible. To use this, you can fold and glare. And it works, as long as your down your camera frame, remove the white podium and then, voila, You get the best results with smaller you have your compact printer. objects in terms of clarity and colour It is perfect for home use but for as taller ones (about 150mm plus) come too close to the lens and disturb the limited paper tray capacity may the focus. The colour can be a little also a little slow and printer ink is on too, while they are readable and it the more expensive side. does work, you are better off with a traditional scanner – particularly if likely be most useful to and snapped up by online sellers, but it is a bit scanned your image it can then either be printed, saved directly onto your computer or immediately uploaded
as it could be. You might be better off with a more productive traditional scanner and a top-notch digital camera.
EMOTION
HP TOPSHOT LASERJET PRO M275 EXPERIENCE-METER Happiest human ever
Very impressed
Pleased
Indifferent
Ouch!
C TIME FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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“The 2012 Boxster joins the 911 991 in a revolutionary era for Porsche...” Our Mystery Motoring Expert, Ali Driver, was thoroughly impressed by the performance of the new Porsche Boxster S!
I
say this is a revolutionary era for Porsche simply because of the incredible leaps in performance that the new models are achieving. You all may remember how impressed I was with the new 911 following a trip to Yas Marina earlier this year. The 991 Carrera S laps the Nürburgring in the same time as the trackready 997 GT3, which is a pretty phenomenal achievement. The Boxster has achieved similar leaps in performance. While it’s not much faster from 0-60 – in fact the figures are almost the same depending on which spec you look at – in terms of handling and comfort the improvement is huge. That’s not to say that the previous Boxster was a bad car. It was agile and sporty and huge fun to drive. however, as an allrounder the 2012 Boxster S puts the car in a whole new ball game. The first ever Boxster was a huge success mainly because of its driving dynamics. A small, midengined car with lots of Porsche technology and great balance made for a truly entertaining drive. It was so good, in fact, that when they put a lid on it and produced the Cayman, which was lighter and more rigid thanks to the fixed roof, they had a car that was in serious danger of eclipsing the 911!
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While that’s no danger anymore – the new 911 is phenomenal – the 2012 Boxster is still a fantastic car to drive. The model we drove is the Boxster S with the Chrono Sports package. This model keeps the 3.4 litre flat six engine, with a few minor tweaks, most notable of which is a new twin-track intake system that’s fed by both of the side vents. Power increases 5hp to 315hp, propelling the car from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of 278km/h. This model also has the Porsche PDK double-clutch system, making for ridiculously fast gear changes either through the two buttons on the steering wheel or the sequential gear lever on the centre console. The Chrono Sports pack is indicated by the stopwatch/clock mounted on the dashboard. The stopwatch is controlled through the steering wheel mounted buttons and a display on the digital instrument panel. It’s a great feature that adds a real ‘track’ feel to the car, but the more important features are less apparent. For example, also included are dynamic transmission mounts, a performance display and the fantastic SPOrT PLuS button that we’ve seen previously on the new
911. When pressed, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) switches to ‘Sport’ mode for firmer suspension and more responsive steering and throttle. This all results in better handling and a much more engaging drive. In addition, the Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which is in essence a very sophisticated traction control system, reduces the amount it intervenes whilst you’re driving, so that you’re more in control of the car. The benefits of the dynamic transmission mounts will be truly apparent only to certain select members of society, like mechanical engineers, rocket scientists and astral physicists. however, in a very basic description, electronic sensors monitor the motion of the car, and through the dynamic transmission mounts, adjust the position of the
gearbox to optimize handling. Got turn a bit harder and the back end it? No, me neither, but it helps, breaks loose, but with a flick of apparently! the steering wheel you correct it It would have been interesting to instantly, and you accelerate out of have a go in the corner feeling the standard like a hollywood You whip it Boxster to stunt driver. around winding see what The truth of difference the the matter is, roads with ever Chrono Sports however, that it increasing package makes. is the car much however, more than my Turn in hard and what we can driving skills that say is that the makes it so easy the nose goes Boxster is a car to drive. It’s so exactly where you can really well balanced you want it to. have fun in. that it never You whip does anything it around you don’t expect winding roads it to do. There with ever is absolutely no increasing confidence. Turn in understeer to speak of, and the hard and the nose goes exactly oversteer is so manageable it’s where you want it to. When almost like Porsche allowed it you’re in the Sport Plus mode, deliberately to make you feel like
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previous generations that if you a hero. When I say allowed it, I drove them in reverse, no-one mean exactly that, because unless would notice the difference! This you’re in Sport Plus mode, the alluded to the largely symmetrical PSM simply won’t let it happen! profile of the previous generation Now, I am not the first to Boxster. lament the disappearance of the This new model blows that issue mechanical steering that Porsches out of the water – it’s a car that used to have, now replaced by looks like it’s meant to go one electronic steering. The feedback way, and fast! you get through The perception the steering The Boxster is enhanced in wheel used to no small part by be one of the no longer the bigger wheels major features (19-inches) and of a Porsche, – a guy can taller arches to allowing you accommodate to feel every feel quite them. nuance of the comfortable in The width and road. his manhood height remain the unfortunately, sitting behind same as before, you’re distanced but the new from all that Boxster is ever so somewhat by slightly longer the electronic 1.8 inches, to be steering, but exact. While this in terms of doesn’t represent handling and a huge difference, the styling of performance, there has been the new Boxster makes it look a absolutely no sacrifice made – it LOT bigger somehow. The bigger still retains that precision and rear end could have so easily responsiveness that you’d expect simply looked just like that – a from a Porsche. big rear end. however, instead it Then comes the new styling serves to make the car look more which, in my humble opinion, is muscular than its predecessor. The perhaps the biggest improvement effect is that the Boxster no longer on the new Boxster. A more looks ‘girly’ – a guy can feel quite aggressive looking front end is comfortable in his manhood sitting enhanced with a re-designed rear. behind the wheel of it! The new rear end also serves The best thing about the Boxster, another important purpose. There though, is that you get the best of was a running joke with the
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both worlds. It’s practical enough to be an everyday driver – in its normal settings, the ride comfort is great and it’s a pleasure to pootle around in. Also, thanks to being mid-engined, there are luggage compartments in both the front and the back of the car, with enough space for shopping or luggage for a weekend break (unless that break involves golf, or snowboarding, or anything else with large sporting equipment involved). however, when you want to have some fun, with the press of a button you get a leaner, meaner, more aggressive machine that you’d happily spend all day thrashing around the countryside (or desert, as the case may be). And thanks to the superb handling and incredible technology, you’ll come back in one piece feeling like a hero! As Porsche’s most affordable model, you simply won’t get more for your money. They haven’t compromised on quality and performance at all – the Boxster S is still very much a Porsche, it just comes in a smaller package! FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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“The McLaren MP4-12C sets a benchmark in practically every way you Our Mystery Motoring Expert, Ali Driver, has been dreaming about a go in the MP4-12C ever since it was announced back in 2009…
T
he MP4-12C is important in so many ways. It isn’t
have produced, not by a long shot. They’ve previously built the iconic McLaren F1, and the recordbreaking McLaren Mercedes SLr. They even produced a Mustang with Ford back in 1980, but only ten were made. however, it does represent the and built entirely by themselves. even the McLaren F1, which was for the most part built by McLaren, actually had a BMW engine in it, so couldn’t make this claim. have intended for mass production. The 12C, as a model, is the car that will establish McLaren Automotive as a player in the supercar segment, and provide a platform from which
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to launch new models, such as a slated ‘baby’ McLaren and a new McLaren super exotic intended McLaren F1. however, perhaps the most relevant thing about the McLaren MP4-12C is that Bahrain, through its sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat, owns a 50% stake in the McLaren Group, which means that every McLaren sold around the economy! But politics and economics aside, just how good is the McLaren? Well, we can tell you that McLaren Group Chairman (and former McLaren F1 boss) ron Dennis wasn’t just aiming for ‘good’ with the 12C, he was aiming for ‘best’. Best in class, best in engineering, best in build quality, best in reliability, best in
performance. Dennis is known for being a perfectionist, so that gives you some small insight into the meticulous planning and care that has gone into the design and production of the 12C. Now, I’ll start by simply saying that this is the best car I’ve ever driven, and I’ve driven a few. however, I’ve never driven a Ferrari 458 Italia, and I bring this particular many consider the 458 Italia to be the best all-round car that Ferrari have ever made, and secondly, it is the 458 that McLaren had directly in their sights when they released the MP4-12C. It’s an age-old rivalry going back to the early days of Formula One, but it’s no secret that, for McLaren, Ferrari are the ones to beat. On paper, McLaren have done
it. It’s more powerful, it’s faster, it produces less emissions, and it’s faster around the Top Gear test track (which isn’t surprising, as this is one of the sites they tested and developed it on!). And having driven the McLaren, I honestly can’t see how the Ferrari could be any better. The precision, the poise, the power, the performance, ALL the ‘P’s, they’re plain impressive. The power delivery from the twin-turbo V8 just doesn’t taper off – plant your foot, and it will propel you from 0-100km/h in just 3.1 seconds (the 458 does it in 3.4), and on to 200km/h in just 8.8 seconds. Top speed is 333km/h, which is 8km/h faster than the 458. When you give it some beans on the mean streets of Bahrain, throw it around roundabouts and so on, it
and one for the chassis. Both have three settings, N, S and T, for Normal, Sports and Track. Normal is your everyday use mode, and in this mode the car is a more sedate animal – still fast, but softer and more comfortable. In Sports, suspension, tighter steering and a more aggressive engine tone signal that the car means business. This setting is more for your weekend jollies on winding country roads – it’s much more fun, but the jarring jolts every time you drive over the smallest road imperfection mean that you wouldn’t want this as a The Track setting speaks for itself, but having never taken it on a track I can’t attest to its driving dynamics. however, the McLaren representatives ensured me that this setting represents the car
stable on the road. It has massive amounts of grip, and it would take a driver far more And the skilled and braver
its performance capabilities. even in Sports, though, the noise – performance is impressive. changes its limits. That throaty roar Gear are almost And the noise from the 592bhp instantaneous, – Oh, the noise! thanks to the That throaty V8 just begs double-clutch roar from the gearbox. Despite 592bhp V8 just being a twinat every given turbo, there is it at every given opportunity, absolutely no opportunity, and turbo-lag to so we did! every speak of – plant your foot, and roundabout, light, every the reaction from the V8 is roundabout, it wasn’t that we immediate. In broke the speed every junction... this mode, the limit (ahem!), engine even we just reached sounds racier, it very, very with a more lusty quickly. Because growl giving you that supercar thrill. of the twin turbos, the power Now, many comparisons have delivery keeps on shoving you in been made in motoring magazines the back until you chicken out and between the 12C and the 458 Italia, ease off the gas pedal. by writers far more experienced Inside, you can see that a lot than I. Writers who hAVe driven of thought has been given to the both cars, and some of whom layout of the instruments. Climbing drove both at the same time to do a in can be a bit tricky, because of the reAL comparison. And throughout large door sill created by the 12C’s these reviews, there seems to be a carbon tub that forms the basis of common thread developing – that most of its chassis, and that is also is, the McLaren is the better car, the reason it is so light and rigid. without a doubt, but the Ferrari has Once inside though, and the comfy but gripping racing seats, however, many of those who held this opinion when comparing reclined seating position really give the 458 and the McLaren have you the impression of being inside a been silenced with the release of precision performance machine. the McLaren MP4-12C Spider On the centre console, below the stereo and AC controls, you’ll yet!). Now ThIS is a masterpiece see the two knobs to adjust the in engineering; the new roof design car settings, one for the engine FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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just seems to complement the 12C incredibly well. With the roof down, and those two accentuated raised modules behind the driver and passenger seat make it a thing unmistakeably there! And those of you who aren’t yet of being shown some of the results of the McLaren Special Operations division, a division dedicated to creating bespoke McLarens for customers who want that something a little more special. how about a car painted in the same chrome paint that is used exclusively for McLaren F1 cars? Or how about having your very own body kit and alloy wheels designed to make sure your car is absolutely one of a kind? The McLaren Pr guys showed me images of one particular kit and wheels customers who ordered one each. “It costs a lot to have the machining and equipment made for a single body kit and set of wheels,” explained the McLaren spokesman. split the costs, and that particular design will not be used on any other car we make. It’s still pretty nice the world!” And it looked fantastic! So there you have it – the MP412C is the best in its class, and for those who think that the only way it failed in comparison to the 458 was in bling factor, they now have the Spider to consider. And if they still want more, then you can add as much as you want yourself!
Who is Ali Driver? 44
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4. He claims to be able to change a regular car tyre in under 4 minutes, but
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FASHION
Ultimate Spring Summer S
u r
v i
v a l
essential summer must-haves, courtesy of Eve Thomas, Senior Fashion Editor at THEOUTNET.COM, and Toby Bateman, Buying Director at MRPORTER.COM...
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Ultimate Spring Summer FASHION
With THEOUTNET’s Eve Thomas
S
u
r
v
i
v
a
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FACT talks to Eve Thomas, the Senior Fashion Editor of 12 looks you should really be going for…
Cocktail Dress Silk Dress by Seventh Wonderland
Silk Dress
Dress b y Diane von Fu rstenbe rg
“Always pack one formal dress just in case - a bright cocktail dress will do the trick.”
“To keep cool during these hotter months, a silk dress is the lightest material you can wear. Perfect teamed with heels to make those evening events smarter and sexier.”
Gladiator sandals by Kourio n
Gladiator Sandals
“These sandals are a perennial fashion favourite and perfect for days spent sightseeing.”
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Kaftan “Slip a kaftan over your bikini for a stylish poolside look. Perfect for keeping those uV rays off your skin as well.”
Leathe sandals r by Cam Skovga illa ard
Kaftan by Leaves of Grass
Leather Sandals “Summer heels? here’s your answer. Great with almost every colour, add a bit of height to a summer dress.”
Tote Bag
FASHION
Leather Clutch by Jas MB emily
Leather Clutch
“An oversized tote will carry all your travel essentials.”
Sunglasses
by y ag eene B te Sw To uric Pa
“Oversize shades are a must have – cat eye styles feel fresh this summer.”
Sunhat
“A straw trilby will keep you looking and feeling cool in the sun.”
Sunhat by helene Berman
a clutch is a ‘must-have’. Perfectly in proportion, this will keep your necessities packed in a stylish way.”
Sunglasses by Tom Ford
Maxi Dress
“It will take you from beach to bar. Dress it up
Bikini
“A strapless bikini looks chic and will help prevent tan lines.”
Camisole Dress
“Simple yet effective. everyone should have at least one camisole in their wardrobe. Stick to bold colours and accessorize around them.”
Bandeau Bikini by Pistol Panties Maxi Dress by Vanessa Bruno
Camisole D ress by
Lanvin
chandelier earrings for after-dark glamour.”
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Spring Summer FASHION
E s s e n t i a l s
f o r
M e n
FACT brings you the essential fashion items courtesy of Toby Bateman, Buying Director at MRPORTER.COM…
With MRPORTER’s Toby Bateman
Aside from performing manual labour or watching live sporting events, it’s hard to think of an occasion at which it would be inappropriate to wear a navy blazer. That’s how we justify our wish to buy at least one new one every year. For summer we like the comfort of Boglioli’s unstructured version, as well as its Italian provenance.
Printed Tie by Drakes
Printed Tie
To add a more formal note to one’s furnishings, seek out subtle printed designs, and balance their classic style with modernity by keeping them relatively slim.
Print by O ed Swims rleba r Bro horts wn
Blazer by Sandro
Navy Blazer
Printed Swim Shorts
The simplicity of Orlebar Brown’s swimming shorts was a breath of fresh air when they first appeared, and while their tailored form remains unimpeachable it again feels right to embrace patterns, especially on holiday.
Rugby Shirt
White T-Shirt by J Crew
White T-Shirt
A man need know nothing about the intricacies of the British class system, and the place that rugby occupies within it, to enjoy wearing a rugby shirt. In soft cotton they’re comfortable, sporty and simple to wear – try one over a dress shirt.
A man can look good in many
antiquated formality of white tie to the ease of a polo shirt and shorts. But for all that, he’ll rarely look as good as he does in a great pair of jeans and the perfect white FACT T-shirt. BAHRAIN AUGUST 50
Polo Shirt by Polo ralph Lauren
Polo Shirt This is self-explanatory – we need add nothing to the above line to justify the essentialness of these shirts.
rugby Short by Polo ralph Lauren
Brown suede loafers are as casual as dress shoes get, thanks to their form, colour and texture. For this reason they work as well with blue jeans and white trousers as they do with blue suits. Once they’re worn in, go sockless to dress them right down.
The right sneakers will take a man from the park (wearing shorts) to a decent restaurant for lunch (wearing chinos and a blazer), so it makes sense to buy a pair that will stand out from the crowd.
The Japanese take denim very seriously, which is why they produce the world’s finest. This spring we’re in search of washed selvedge denim with a relaxed feel, although still a good shape, so that our new jeans feel like our favourite old jeans.
White Trousers
Cargo Pants
Cargo pants have been reinvented in a new slim shape and are a great alternative to jeans. Pair them with an OCBD (Oxford cloth buttondown) shirt and a colourful woven belt for a youthful, sprezzy look. Double-monk shoes will complete the outfit.
Looking through the kind of archive shots that bring on serious style envy (Mr Gary Cooper, etc), white trousers crop up time and time again. It’s hard to look elegant in the sunshine without a pair, whether you dress them up with a blazer or down with a polo shirt.
Cargo Pants by Incotex
Jeans by edwin
It’s now impossible to remember what we wore in the years before the current deck shoe revival, but to stay ahead of the pack we’re going to embrace colours and change the texture with Band Of Outsiders’ Sperry collaboration.
Sophisticated Sneakers White chinos by Dolce & Gabbana
Japanese Denim Jeans
Suede Deck Shoes by Quoddy
Brown Suede Loafers
Sneakers by Common Projects
Colourful Deck Shoes FASHION
Loafers by Jimmy Choo
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FASHION inthe Home
Create Your Own
Majlis! Are you a non-Muslim who would like to get into the spirit of Ramadan? Do you have Muslim friends or colleagues, and would like to entertain them in your home during the Holy Month? Then perhaps the best way to do so is to create a Majlis in your home! FACT talks to Nadia Ahmed, of the Hospitality House, for some tips on where to begin‌
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FASHION
Find a Space Create Your Own
Majlis! Are you a non-Muslim who would like to get into the spirit of Ramadan? Do you have Muslim friends or colleagues, and would like to entertain them in your home during the Holy Month? Then perhaps the best way to do so is to create a Majlis in your home! FACT talks to Nadia Ahmed, of the Hospitality House, for some tips on where to begin…
A
Majlis is a comfortable seating area in a Muslim’s home created especially for ramadan (and sometimes on other important occasions) to receive visitors, mainly family and friends, but also colleagues and other respected members of the community. instead an area allocated for the purpose, and then furnished and decorated suitably. During the cooler months, a large tent or temporary atrium sometimes is built just for the occasion, but this year most will be indoors! When it’s not being used for receiving guests, it’s often used as a recreation and relaxation area by the family. If you’re an expatriate resident of Bahrain, creating a Majlis and inviting Muslim friends to visit can be a great way of showing your respect and appreciation of the culture and religion of the country you call home. Nadia Ahmed owns the company the hospitality house. The company started out with very humble beginnings, but has since grown into an interior design, decoration and rental business responsible for the elaborate and breathtaking hotels, ambassadors’ homes and even in palaces of royalty! It all began with one shop, called Corners, which is where all the products you see on these pages can be found. The name itself comes from how the business started. “I used to bring ornaments and furniture items from Morocco, and these became quite popular, so I began to sell them,” explains Nadia. “Then a friend asked me if I could do an arrangement of these items in an unused corner of her home, to provide some decoration. I did this for more and more people, and eventually I turned it into a business!” This is especially relevant here, as you don’t need a lot of space to create a Majlis in your home. “A corner is really all you need,” says Nadia. “An empty space in an entrance hall, or a corner of a large living room is enough space to do it.”
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A
take up a whole room. A corner of a large living room or the empty space in an entrance hall will do, as the pictures here show. You can either buy yourself some of the comfortable Arabic couches you see here, or take existing furniture you already have, and decorate it with accessories and cushions to give it that Arabian feel. Floor cushions are also a very popular and traditional alternative, and make for a very relaxed and comfortable area.
FASHION
FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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FASHION
Hospitality
A
very strong aspect of Arabian culture is hospitality, and this is especially relevant in a Majlis. You will be expected to serve traditional tea, coffee, and delicacies when you receive guests, and many families use this as an opportunity to demonstrate their hospitality prowess! “In Ramadan people like to have special things that they do not usually have during the rest of the year - different sweets, different dates on special plates and trays,” explains Nadia. “It is all about something special that is not known to everyone, it get you a chocolate cake that everyone had, it is about being individual and creative.” Serving up some authentic Moroccan tea in these ornate teapots will really impress your guests! “Put a spoonful of tea with boiling water, and then tip out the water. Then you put a lot of mint and then put more hot water. It is nice with or without sugar. Then you can put the tea on a hob and keep it hot.”
Tasty Nibbles
T
ajines are Moroccan cooking implements that are already popular as household ornaments around the world. Colourful and pretty to look at, they made great decorations for tables and unused corner arrangements. However, they can be functional sweets and arrange them artfully around your Majlis, and you have a great and useful design feature!
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Accessorize
G
ive the area that Arabian romance with a few accessories. It can be as simple as some candles with Arabic calligraphy, decorating shelves with some Arabic teapots, or even some handcrafted Moroccan ornaments!
Tel: Tel: 77004310 77004310 77177660
chill out at Esquires. es. iced tea Pick your favourite tea. Icy, cool & refreshing infusion.
iced chocolate Iced, rich, smooth dark chocolate. A must for all chocolate lovers!
caramel de leche frappe Luscious, satisfying caramel taste with light caffeine.
milkshake Chill out with your choice blended into a rich shake.
smoothie Fruit smoothies. Choose your favourite thirst quencher.
granita 98% fat free fruit granitas. wonderful for cooling down.
iced latte
Try your cafe latte cold! Smooth, pure coffee taste.
GO:
iced strawberry white chocolate mocha Delicious blend of strawberry, white chocolate and coffee.
FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB
Premium every day. Follow us on Twitter @Alosra_Bahrain and Facebook Alosra Supermarket Saar 17 697558 Amwaj 16 033773 Durrat 77 77000 www.bmmigroup.com
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Time Unwind to
Recreation is just as important in life as occupation! This is your guide to
FINAL WORD
BAHRAIN
IQ T a b c
T a b c
T a
b c 74
FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
BAHRAIN IQ - p74
Our sly monthly round-up of recent Bahrain news FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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VENUE REVIEW
La Mer BD25-30 per person
CONSIDerING it has been over opened its doors, it’s about time that we visited the hotel’s renowned seafood restaurant, especially given that La Mer won the “Favourite Seafood” category in the Citibank FACT Awards 2011! The restaurant itself enjoys stunning views, situated as it is on Bahrain’s Western coastline, above the hotel’s Tapas Bar. The décor is both modern, and yet elegant, with comfortable seating and a warm light courtesy of the cellar which surrounds the venue. As you would expect, the menu is heavily seafood based, but meat lovers need not worry – there is a selection of lamb and steak dishes available for the die-hard carnivores as well. For us this time, however, we rome, and all that! After you order your food, some amuses-bouche arrive at the table, which is a nice prequel to the meal in store. This time, it was a seafood spring roll in Thai sweet chilli, and a small but tasty soup, although I couldn’t place the
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This was the Salmon Blinis and the Seafood Bisque. The Salmon Blinis is marinated rolled salmon slices on a bed of crème fraiche, which was delicious. The Bisque, however, was underwhelming. Perhaps the chef was aiming for a more delicate
the outdoor deck of the Tapas Bar for a post-dinner drink or even a shisha by the sea. The perfect end to a great meal! THE BILL
Bisque should be rich, creamy and thick, which this one unfortunately was not. To follow, for main course we had the Sole Fillet and the Lobster Thermidor risotto. And we’re happy to say that both dishes were consisted of
moist and tender
creamy sauce, accompanied by sautéed mushrooms – excellent! however, it was the Thermidor that stole the show! Succulent chunks of lobster in a delicious rich, thick sauce on a bed of very tasty seafood risotto made for an absolutely superb main dish. A meal at La Mer is a great experience all round, and makes the perfect venue for a romantic date. Ask for a seat by the windows for beautiful views of the sea, and following the meal, stroll down to
FILLET
TOTAL
BD50.110
Cracking Cuisine at the Crowne Plaza Everyone loves a great meal – take a look at next month… The Crowne Plaza is one hotel in Bahrain which has managed to retain a steady reputation for the great quality of its food, service and standards. Now that many of you are looking forward to treating that special someone to a romantic meal, or perhaps you are looking to spend an evening or quick lunch with friends – there are so many options to choose from. First off, Spices is offering the ideal spot to grab at lunchtime. Thali, meaning ‘plate’ is the traditional way to present an Indian meal. Normally well balanced with dishes that include a variety of rice, dal, and dessert, the best thing about this meal is that diners get to choose an assortment of dishes in one sitting. here you can get the chance to experience a traditional culinary journey into North Indian cuisines for just BD4.950 per person! The lunch theme continues at La Mosaique, where the restaurant is a new concept for the hotel. Some could call it a semi-buffet lunch as their executive Set Lunch promotion offers you a choice of main course from their specially-prepared menu, and there is also a buffet of salads, soups and desserts. Available on all for just BD8.500! Those with a soft spot for seafood should be booking a table at Waves Seafood restaurant. For BD9.950 you can enjoy a delicious platter with fresh shrimp and mussels. After a month of Ghagbas, perhaps a huge platter of freshly grilled seafood will do the trick. The plates are all served with mixed vegetables to make the perfect meal.
Royal Golf Club Feasts Happy Eid Al-Fitr! Check down at Riffa… rIFFA is best known for the luscious green grasses belonging to the royal Golf Club. is actually responsible for the design of the 18hole, par 72-championship golf course, and last year it hosted the european Tour’s Inaugural Volvo Golf Champions. 2012 also saw the maiden Bahrain Invitational where Monty and three other top tour golfers, Paul Casey, Thomas Bjorn and Suzann Pettersen, competed alongside international sporting celebrities including tennis player Tim henman, American footballer Joe Montana and footballers ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli. Now athletes get hungry after their workouts and golf is no exception. This eid Al-Fitr, friends and family are invited down to the Club’s awardwinning restaurant for their eid Carvery Feast. date), the feasts will cost just BD14 net for Club members and BD16 net for visitors. Kids under the age of six get to eat for free while the little ones aged between six to twelve will set you back a mere BD8.5 net inclusive of soft drinks. To avoid disappointment, the best thing to do would be to reserve your table. Those of you who don’t manage to save a spot, well the Friday after eid sees the resumption of the Friday Carvery feast. Keep the husbands and Dads happy this summer by letting them enjoy a round of golf and keep the family even happier with a delicious meal to follow. If you are a bachelor or bachelorette, then there is also a Golf Clinic and social evening taking place every Tuesday where you can perfect your skills and enjoy some snacks and cold drinks afterwards in the exclusive Members’ lounge. The evening starts at 6pm and is a great way to work on those networking and game skills.
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// with
Chef Gaby Deeb popular during the Holy Month.
A
gain, this is a Chef ’s Table with a difference, because rather than sitting down to dine at a private, quiet table and getting the full attention of the Chef and some cooking demonstrations, instead we walk into the organised chaos that is a restaurant’s preparation for the allimportant Iftar buffet meal! “everything has to be ready by 6pm, because that’s when the first guests will start arriving,” says Gaby, who looks quite calm and collected considering the maelstrom that’s going on around him. Porters run to and from the kitchens carrying trays and pushing trolleys laden with food, as the waiters dart around the restaurant putting the final touches on the décor. “Almost all of our guests will be Muslims who have been fasting all day, so they will be here before futoor (the time when Muslims are allowed to break their fast), and once the cannon fires (in Muharraq, the signal for futoor), they will go to the buffet straight away!” explains Gaby. For ramadan, Coral Bay has closed rayes and the outdoor café, and focused all its attention and staff on the considerable task of creating the substantial Iftar and Ghabga buffets they’ll be hosting each and every night. “The vibe from the tent is fantastic. We have a band every night during ramadan and we have regular customers who come every year come to enjoy it,” he claims proudly. “We have a range of customers who only come to us during ramadan because we do a great job in our presentations and as such we are very proud of that.” Gaby can take no small amount of credit for that, as he has been
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at Coral Bay for seven years now. he is, in fact, Syrian, and not Lebanese, hailing from the city of Aleppo. The two cuisines are, however, very similar, which is why there are many Syrians who are experts on Lebanese cuisine, many of whom even ply their trade in Lebanon. Coral Bay’s ramadan tent therefore specialises in Lebanese food, but with a few local and international variations. “When you come in you will see the Lebanese stamp, but we serve a
wide range of dishes from the continent such as fillet mushroom, beef stroganoff and paella. The selection changes every night.” rayes restaurant in Coral Bay has a strong following of dedicated Lebanese regulars, who frequent the restaurant because of its traditional flavours and homecooked style. “Many people who come tell me that when they eat certain dishes, it actually reminds them of eating back home in Lebanon, so it’s very important for us to keep that authentic, home-
restaurant is constantly giving new variety and flavours.” Some of the more local flavours include thareed, which is made from either meat or chicken, with vegetables, but the one we tried had lamb inside. The meat and vegetables are cooked in a tomato sauce, and topped with a crispy kind of bread. Delicious! “We also have a local favourite, machboos, which everyone likes, no cooked Lebanese flavour,” explains matter where they’re from. You can Gaby. make it with fish or chicken,” says “At the same time, in ramadan Gaby. And he’s right, because this we try to create more of a special happens to be a particular favourite event for the guests, and more of ours. If you haven’t tried it choice. We keep a high level of before, it’s a little like a biriyani, quality and taste on our dishes – we but made with Arabic spices rather do not sacrifice quality for quantity than Indian. and variety.” Of course, in addition to all the The variety, however, is definitely salads and main courses in the there. In addition to the classic buffet, there are also the traditional Lebanese dishes, you’ll also ramadan drinks, such as a labanfind local fare like machboos and based drink with spices, gamar gouzi, some Mediterranean and aldin, which is made from apricots, continental dishes, as well as a live and a date-based drink with nuts shawarma station and live saaj and called jalab, as well as an extensive falafel cooking station. selection of Arabic sweets like umm “With the live saaj, we make a ball ali and kunafeh. with a special dough, which is then “The great thing about Coral Bay flattened and cooked – a little like is that there is no limit; every year pizza but different – and we mix it we do something new. That way with lovely toppings. It is quite a the customers never feel bored unique style of dish here and our with the place as it is constantly customers really appreciate it. On changing, improving and remaining the live grill we always mix it up. a great place to visit,” adds Gaby. We do different dishes on it every having sampled extensively from day. Some days we do lamb, some the buffet during the course of our days we do pasta. That way the experience, we can’t help but agree! FACT BAHRAIN AUGUST
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VENUE SPOTLIGHT
DONT MISS...
Cocoon Lounge
THIS MONTH
Blue Moon at Al Dar Islands Yes party people, they are BACK. All hail the Fourie whilst relaxing with friends over a platter of delicious sushi and unlimited selected beverages for only BD12! boasting a professional singing career spanning 14 years, whose creative vocals are entwined with colorful blues vast from Billy Holiday to Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Sting, Tracy Chapman, Sade, Macy Gray And a variety of pop,
REGULARS... MONDAYS WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS THURSDAYS SATURDAY TO TUESDAY
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Sushi Mondays with Live Jazz Enjoy a platter of Sushi with unlimited selected beverages for
Lipstick Lounge Complimentary cocktails for the ladies from their indulgent A night of pure entertainment, as the residient DJ brings you all party going right till the very end!
FROM the people that brought you the Full Moon once again with another beach party (although this one may be slightly hotter this time). Earlier Guards, the event came with a catch of it being a necessary slumber party‌ not that many people complained as they got to party all night without being disturbed! Already with 13 events under their belt since on August 30 and is already expected to be extremely popular. For those of you staying here this Eid, and those who have unfortunately missed events like this in the past, keep on all ages from 18-60 years old (depending on how much of a raver you are), there will be sprinklers, foam machines, live music, bars, food stands, tents, shisha‌ do we need say any more? This year expect to hear music from DJ Thongchai, the infamous and original full moon Beach, on Koh Phangnan. Alongisde him will
Late Night Ladies Lounge Complimentary spirits and wines (no cocktails) for the ladies from 11pm to 2am.
FACT BAHRAIN
local DJs showcasing their talents in the summer sunshine, there will also be a local art exhibition
VENUE SPOTLIGHT
Dragon Hotel & Resort www.mujuamwaj.com
BD25 nett, inclusive of all beverages and takes place from 12PM-5PM.
PLUS...
Corners miss a moment of your favourite sports, comedy nights and great music. You can even test your night that has started on a Wednesday with resident DJ Stevie George!
Yamin Jana
set up where people can get in touch with their cultural side. So far the sponsors for this event consist of BMMI, Zayani Motors, Bahrain Bottling Company, Virgin Megastores and of course, us, FACT
Mediterranean infused experience day and night, it boasts live Arabic entertainment and an authentic buffet on the table every Friday.
with all the latest news and how you can get your hands on your tickets. Even better news about this Blue Moon party is exempt from the sea curfew, so when you have partied enough, you can hop on a boat and be home tucked up in a non-sandy comfy bed in no time! GO:
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VENUE SPOTLIGHT
Upstairs Downstairs
So You Think You Can Sing?
Downstairs and make your way through the bar to the utterly charming twolike being at a private dinner party hosted by a friend, with an ambience guest stars regularly take the stage too. The menu is eye-catching, with a varied selection of cuisines from around the well catered for. Bahrain today...
Throughout the Eid Holidays:
Breakfast served from 7am Brunch served from 12 noon Includes a four-course brunch set menu and all house beverages, for only
Calling all local and vocal talent in Bahrain, this could be your chance to prove to yourself and the world just how good you really are‌
Dinner from 6pm Every night in Eid from 12.30pm
Saturo
EVERYONE has heard of Pop Idol, Singing with
Every night in Eid from 8.30pm
Got Talent. Based on the UK and US show we are all familiar with, The X Factor, there is a new show in town which will hopefully bring to light all those singers on the island who are yet to be discovered. the island. Set to take place in Kicks, contestants It is important to note that you MUST attend an audition on either September 4 or 6 to be weeks two contestants will be eliminated each Those of you not taking part will be ask to save someone from a previous round and bring them
EVERY FRIDAY - All inclusive Brunch set menu and all house beverages for BD15++ per person.
** 20% off all fo od and drink ** 6pm-8
pm from Saturd ay to Wednesd ay
Unlike other competitions, the contestants will mentored by the band Overnite Sensation from Davy Crocketts. Each of the singers will choreography. It will ultimately though be down to the four judges to decide which of the singers will leave every week. up are pretty impressive. If you manage to accommodation for two in Dubai. Not only that, but you will record your winning song with the band AND it will be played on the radio! This is truly a karaoke competition with a difference, so if the stage calls you, make sure you attend one of the auditions in September. GO:
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VENUE SPOTLIGHT
Déjà Vu
Dear Customers... Déjà Vu Restaurant and Lounge is closed during the Holy Month of Ramadan and will be opening with a new look and fresh ambience. Exciting events are being planned for Eid.
The Restaurant... Indulge
yourself
in
Déjà
Mediterranean cuisine. The chefs use the freshest ingredients inspired by the colourful multi-cultural heritage of the Med. They also specialise in private parties such as birthdays, anniversaries or corporate events, and outdoor catering. ENJOY... Two complimentary glasses of house wine Sunday through Tuesday from 7 to 10pm.
An event that has already got everyone in Bahrain talking, this fresh new musical
The Lounge...
check out… THINK now think of this trio really working well together – and hottest concepts of the year. Although others in the past have attempted to try and start up a trend has caught on so well – mainly due to the fact that the right people are organising it. The last B.A.K.E evening took place just before Experience. Organised by DJette Kiwi, a lady known for her funky style and musical talent, the next event is set to take place on August 30 and will bring the tally up to four for this increasingly popular evening. The line up is promising to be as good as the last one. Warming up will be Mega Mike with some of his rhythmic and vocal house tunes. Keeping the decks warm until 12pm, Djette Kiwi will take over and keep the mood vocal, sexy and downright dirty – her words not ours! Khaled will then take over with some funky electro before DJ Jay will keep the crowd jumping and dancing with This four-letter word event has already got the
Classic House
SUNDAYS
music.
MONDAYS
Manic Monday
TUESDAYS
All-Nite Happy Hour
WEDNESDAYS
CHIC
Enjoy unlimited drinks (pouring brands) OR six bottled Enjoy fantastic savings, with a 30% discount all night long. selected drinks and cocktails for the ladies.
Wine, Cheese and Conversations
THURSDAYS SATURDAYS
B.A.K.E. is a dirty, vocal house experience by Djette Kiwi
Chillout Wind down at the end of the weekend with a a relaxing night of chill-out music.
HAPPY HOUR - Enjoy 30% Discount every day from 7pm to 9pm
deciding to host a monthly event from September onwards, be sure to celebrate Eid with a bang at Déjà Vu this August. We all know your dancing shoes have been desperate to get back out, but Ramadan is almost over so Eid Mubarak and
The Resident DJs... DJ Aaron
catch some of the FACT team letting their hair down! GO:
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A Health Tip from Stand up if you want to live It could increase your life by two years…
Y
ou could extend your life by two years simply by not sitting down for hours on end. Adults who are only seated for a maximum of three hours a day typically live an extra two years. Watching television has a similar effect, according to the researchers’ calculations. experts have long blamed our increasingly sedentary lifestyles for rising levels of obesity and a lack of
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Health & Wellbeing Your body is your temple, so
problems, diabetes and many forms of cancer. workers who spend most of the day at their desks. We all need to be regularly active to keep our hearts healthy. So whether it’s by walking to the local shop rather than driving, or playing sport rather than watching it on TV, there are lots of ways to be more active and improve your health.
and eating health food - a good pampering is just as important...
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// Stay Healthy
When Fasting During Ramadan Fasting is a tricky business, particularly in the sweltering summer heat. But as long as you remember the main and Medical General Manager Robert Grey breaks it down for us. What are the main health issues that people need to be aware of? There are no long-term effects from fasting if you prepare correctly. however, there are a few common but transient side effects of fasting such as headaches, dehydration, and sleep deprivation (since long periods are devoted to praying). Migraines are actually three times more common during ramadan. Your bodyweight might be reduced temporarily as well, depending on the types of foods that you eat after Iftar. Fasting can also increase levels of gastric acidity in the stomach which can cause heartburn and heaviness. It is all about maximising nutrient uptake, maintaining proper hydration and modifying key fat-burning and muscle-building hormones. Also bear in mind that some people can choose not to fast, such as pre-pubescent children, the elderly, the chronically ill or people on medication. The most important thing is to remember to listen to your body carefully and practise moderation. What are the short and longterm effects? Fasting should not have any detrimental effects provided it is done correctly. It is truly a physical published in the european Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers concluded that, “No detrimental effects on health have as yet been directly attributed to negative water balance at the levels that may be produced in ramadan.” Other research has actually shown during ramadan. however, when a person goes
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without eating for a long time, the body begins to break down the fat reserves and you become more dehydrated at rest. So your main metabolic fuel source for bodily function during fasting is fat. What issues does fasting during mid-summer add to health concerns? Summer means longer hours of fasting so preparation is even more air-conditioning ensures that you keep your body temperature to a normal level to reduce dehydration and avoid exposure to heat. Obviously, if you have a job that involves being outside for long because of the risk of dehydration leading to lightheadedness and sunstroke. This can also cause circulation problems and acute gout due to serum uric acid increase. If Muslims want to maintain some form of exercise what kind should they do and when? There is no reason why you should not exercise during ramadan. In fact, if you don’t continue to exercise you will lose size, strength and stamina. You can do light, moderate or heavy exercises, whether it’s yoga, pilates, aerobics or cardio, but it is best to stick to something you are used to. You must be careful about dehydration but, on the other hand, you have less glycogen so it’s a great opportunity to burn some fat. Just make sure you do not over strain and stop immediately if you feel lightheaded. When to exercise depends on
previous routine. It is not advisable to exercise unless you can replenish your water or ‘fuel’ losses quickly afterwards. Your body increases its demand for glucose when you exercise so if you don’t have enough glucose you can experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). To treat this you must ingest some fastacting sugar. The best time to do a weighttraining workout is after Iftar, and not while fasting. This is because doing weights while fasting can create too much muscle breakdown and training while in a state of dehydration can decrease strength indicates that dehydrating a muscle by as little as three per cent can cause a 12 per cent loss in strength. What kinds of foods are best to eat during Ramadan? When breaking a fast you have to remember that your entire digestive system has, in essence, gone into a period of hibernation. Digestive enzymes have ceased to be produced or have been diminished greatly and the protective mucus lining of the stomach may be temporarily reduced making the stomach walls more vulnerable to irritation. Gentle reintroduction of foods, beginning with the simplest and easiest-to-digest foods, supports digestion. Substances known to be irritating to the system, such as coffee and spicy foods, must be avoided during the breaking process. Because of these biological changes, overeating immediately following a fast can result in stomach cramping, nausea, and even vomiting. Your system needs time to readjust so avoid heavy meals and eat light and slowly.
Iftar Dates and water – This is a key time for rehydration. Dates are levels of potassium, a key re-hydration mineral and a special carbohydrate blend that enhances hydration. They also contain a special blend of glucose and fructose for short- and longterm energy and have a special nutrient called beta D-glucan Fattoush Tabbouleh Hummus Moutabel
Suhoor For suhoor, it is imperative to drink plenty of water, eat a good have many fat-burning and muscle-building properties. It is important to watch the sodium content as a high intake can cause greater dehydration and increase thirst during the day. Avoid high sodium foods like soups, sauces, condiments, gravies and canned meats. Of course eating fried foods and heavy oil items can cause heartburn so it is best to avoid those if possible! Egg whites (1 yolk) Chicken breast Oatmeal Protein shake Bananas Raw, dark Honey Fibrous vegetables –This will help increase the feeling of fullness as well. All natural peanut butter GO:
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VENUE SPOTLIGHT
The Lowdown on Obesity Christal Dennis is a Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist with a Masters in Psychology Development and Coaching. She is dedicated to helping people overcome tapping in to their deepest potential...
Are you ready for a new hairstyling experience? Are you ready for a new hairstyling experience? Behind the doors of Toni&Guy you will find a modern ride that renders you a great new look. Toni&Guy offers professional haircuts, colour, highlights, color correction, extensions and hair treatments along with its own hair care extra time to coach clients on how to reinvent their salon style at home leaving them with a WOW Factor that will never be forgotten. Toni&Guy holds dear to integrity and unmatchable customer service, making you tell all you know about this world class salon. Make them bring out the real you. Visit Toni&Guy at Seef Mall or call 1700-1700. www.toniandguybahrain.com
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FOOD, food, everywhere! Friday lunch with the family. A couple out for a dinner date. The girls meeting for coffee and cake. The movies are just not the same without popcorn and soda. An ice cream on a hot summer’s day. A stop at the drive through on your way home from a long day at work. The list goes on and on. It just seems to me that the way things are set up, it’s amazing that not more people are overweight or obese. Fast food is so much more accessible than its more wholesome counterparts. I’m sure many mothers are quite familiar with children’s preference to junk food over a good home cooked meal. No wonder getting people skinny is a multi-billiondollar industry. Then enter our fast-paced lives, which make stopping at a drive through much easier than shopping for groceries, cooking and running on a treadmill for an hour. To negotiate the path of slimness and health one needs awareness and so much more. The road to make constant good choices. And then when you decide to bite into that doughnut, your mind might try to fool you by saying something like: “hey being skinny is not all that wonderful.” That is when we forget that being in shape is not just about looking good, but that our very health depends on the choices we make. Obesity is a major contributor to so many modern day illnesses. After painting such a dire picture, I want to tell you that getting in shape does not have to be a constant uphill battle. You can arm yourself with knowledge of what triggers you to want to eat. Become aware of the times of day that make you more prone to snack attacks. Certain emotions can also trigger a trip to the closest burger joint. Find better ways to deal with your emotions. For example, taking a go at a punching bag may have a more slimming effect than a chocolate bar. A combination of a good diet and mental and emotional preparation can make weight reduction fun, energizing and empowering rather than an endless uphill battle. GO:
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