Frames TV looks dramatically different in the wake of Covid-19, but where does it go from here? P4-5 - Gulf Times
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Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Shawwal 25, 1441 AH
Doha today: 340 - 440
Cover
Story
Frames
TV looks dramatically different in the wake of
Covid-19, but where does it go from here? P4-5
Hollywood Back Page
The Oscars delayed PlayStation 5: video games
until April 2021. console is not dead yet.
Page 15 Page 16
2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 17, 2020
COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT
SERIES TO BINGE WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME
PRAYER TIME
Fajr 3.12am
Shorooq (sunrise) 4.45am
Zuhr (noon) 11.36am
Asr (afternoon) 2.59pm
Maghreb (sunset) 6.28pm
Isha (night) 7.58pm
USEFUL NUMBERS
Emergency 999
Worldwide Emergency Number 112
Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991
Local Directory 180
International Calls Enquires 150
Hamad International Airport 40106666
Labor Department 44508111, 44406537
Mowasalat Taxi 44588888
Qatar Airways 44496000
Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333
Qatar General Electricity and
Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464
Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 Made in Heaven potent blend of old and new. Tradition jostles with modern
44593363 DIRECTION: Zoya Akhtar aspirations against the backdrop of a Big Fat Indian Wedding
Qatar Assistive Technology CAST: Arjun Mathur, Sobhita Dhulipala, Jim Sarbh revealing many secrets and many lies. The supposedly liberal
Centre 44594050 SYNOPSIS: Made In Heaven chronicles the lives of Tara fabric of the upper crust unravels as the duo navigate through
Qatar News Agency 44450205 and Karan, two wedding planners based in Delhi. India is a arranged marriages, dowry transactions and friendship trials.
44450333
Q-Post – General Postal
Corporation 44464444
Humanitarian Services Office
(Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)
Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372,
40253369
Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364
Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365
Qatar Airways 40253374
uote Unquote
Q
“Art hurts. Art urges
voyages – and it is easier
to stay at home.”
— Gwendolyn Brooks
The Man in the High Castle the Neutral Zone in between. When the Kempeitai. The Resistance’s greatest
Community Editor DIRECTION: Frank Spotnitz her sister is killed by the Japanese, hope appears to lie in films which show
CAST: Alexa Davalos, Luke Kleintank, Juliana Crain is sucked into the covert, an alternate reality, a world where the US
Kamran Rehmat Rufus Sewell dangerous world of the American and its allies won WW2. While largely
e-mail: community@gulf-times.com SYNOPSIS: It is the year 1962. Resistance. Opposing her and her viewed as propaganda, these films could
Telephone: 44466405 Having lost World War 2, the United comrades are the most ruthless forces be more than that. At the centre of the
Fax: 44350474 States is now occupied by Germany and the Nazis and Japanese have to offer, manufacture and distribution of these
Japan. Germany occupies the eastern lead by Obergruppenfuhrer John Smith films is one man, a figurehead in the
states and Japan the western, with of the SS and Chief Inspector Kido of Resistance: The Man in the High Castle.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 GULF TIMES 3
BODY & MIND COMMUNITY
Simple, fast way to reduce stress
Meditation can wipe away the day’s stress, bringing with it inner peace. See
how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most
I
f stress has you anxious, tense Types of meditation
and worried, consider trying Meditation is an umbrella term
meditation. Spending even for the many ways to a relaxed
a few minutes in meditation state of being. There are many
can restore your calm and types of meditation and relaxation
inner peace. techniques that have meditation
Anyone can practice meditation. components. All share the same
It’s simple and inexpensive, and goal of achieving inner peace.
it doesn’t require any special
equipment. Ways to meditate can
And you can practice meditation include:
wherever you are — whether Guided meditation:
you’re out for a walk, riding the Sometimes called guided imagery
bus, waiting at the doctor’s office or visualisation, with this method
or even in the middle of a difficult of meditation you form mental
business meeting. images of places or situations
you find relaxing. You try to use
Understanding meditation as many senses as possible, such
Meditation has been practiced as smells, sights, sounds and
for thousands of years. Meditation textures. You may be led through
originally was meant to help deepen this process by a guide or teacher.
understanding of the sacred and Mantra meditation: In this
mystical forces of life. These days, type of meditation, you silently
meditation is commonly used for repeat a calming word, thought
relaxation and stress reduction. or phrase to prevent distracting
Meditation is considered a type thoughts.
of mind-body complementary Mindfulness meditation:
medicine. Meditation can produce This type of meditation is based
a deep state of relaxation and a on being mindful, or having
tranquil mind. an increased awareness and
During meditation, you focus acceptance of living in the
your attention and eliminate the MANAGING CONDITIONS: Research suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions, present moment. In mindfulness
stream of jumbled thoughts that including anxiety, asthma, cancer, chronic pain, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel meditation, you broaden your
may be crowding your mind and syndrome, sleep problems, and tension headaches. conscious awareness. You focus
causing stress. This process may on what you experience during
result in enhanced physical and by stress. While a growing body of conditions, including anxiety, of these conditions or other health meditation, such as the flow of
emotional well-being. of scientific research supports asthma, cancer, chronic pain, problems. In some cases, meditation your breath. You can observe your
the health benefits of meditation, depression, heart disease, high blood can worsen symptoms associated thoughts and emotions, but let
Benefits of meditation some researchers believe it’s not yet pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, with certain mental and physical them pass without judgment.
Meditation can give you a sense possible to draw conclusions about sleep problems, and tension health conditions. Qi gong: This practice generally
of calm, peace and balance that can the possible benefits of meditation. headaches. Meditation isn’t a replacement for combines meditation, relaxation,
benefit both your emotional well- With that in mind, some research Be sure to talk to your health care traditional medical treatment. But physical movement and breathing
being and your overall health. suggests that meditation may provider about the pros and cons it may be a useful addition to your exercises to restore and maintain
And these benefits don’t end help people manage symptoms of using meditation if you have any other treatment. balance. Qi gong (CHEE-gung)
when your meditation session ends. is part of traditional Chinese
Meditation can help carry you more medicine.
calmly through your day and may Tai chi: This is a form of gentle
help you manage symptoms of Chinese martial arts. In tai chi
certain medical conditions. (TIE-CHEE), you perform a
self-paced series of postures or
Meditation and emotional movements in a slow, graceful
well-being manner while practicing deep
When you meditate, you may breathing.
clear away the information overload Transcendental Meditation:
that builds up every day and Transcendental Meditation is
contributes to your stress. a simple, natural technique. In
Transcendental Meditation, you
The emotional benefits of silently repeat a personally assigned
meditation can include: mantra, such as a word, sound
1. Gaining a new perspective on or phrase, in a specific way. This
stressful situations. form of meditation may allow
2. Building skills to manage your your body to settle into a state of
stress. profound rest and relaxation and
3. Increasing self-awareness. your mind to achieve a state of
4. Focusing on the present. inner peace, without needing to use
5. Reducing negative emotions. concentration or effort.
6. Increasing imagination and Yoga: You perform a series of
creativity. postures and controlled breathing
7. Increasing patience and exercises to promote a more flexible
tolerance. body and a calm mind. As you
move through poses that require
Meditation and illness balance and concentration, you’re
Meditation might also be useful encouraged to focus less on your
if you have a medical condition, WELL-BEING: Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well- busy day and more on the moment.
especially one that may be worsened being and your overall health. – Mayo Clinic News Network/TNS
4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 17, 2020
COMMUNITY COVER STORY
Dramatic shift
What’s ahead in the short term of the fall season, and longer term given the
revolutionary change throughout media? And, most of all, how will any
changes that might occur affect us as viewers and the culture at large?
By David Zurawik
T
he phone on the
nightstand woke me at
9am Easter Sunday.
“Hi David,” the
producer from CNN’s
Reliable Sources said. “I hope you
are well. I know this is short notice,
but would you be available to do the
show today?”
“Today? I am available, but the
show starts in two hours. Is that
even possible?” I asked.
“Sure. Someone will call you
shortly and help you download
what you need … Bye.”
At 10:50am, the hookup on my
laptop was still not working. But at
11am, there I was, live on CNN from
the living room of my bungalow in
Baltimore — all systems go.
This is television in the age of
Covid-19.
I have been appearing on Reliable
Sources as a guest since 2005, and
during that time the basic process
has changed very little. It starts
with a phone call Wednesday or
Thursday asking if I am available
on Sunday. After several e-mail
exchanges and sometimes a phone
call discussing possible topics, it
concludes on Sunday morning with
a trip to CNN’s Washington studio
to do the show.
But that was before the
pandemic.
Anyone who saw a feverish-
looking Chris Cuomo doing his
nightly CNN show live from the
basement of his home while he was
quarantined with Covid-19 doesn’t
need me to tell them how drastically
‘
the pandemic has affected the look
and content of a medium that had
changed very little structurally
since it first started broadcasting
into American homes in the late
1940s.
Studio audiences missing in
action. Late night and comedy
There are two major show hosts livestreaming from their
homes doing webcam interviews
ways that TV is going with guests, while the theatres that
to change: the way housed their shows are shuttered.
Stephen Colbert in a bathtub at
they make it and home doing his monologue. Jimmy
Kimmel’s 5-year-old daughter
the way we watch it doing her dad’s makeup. Bill Maher
standing in his backyard trashing
President Donald Trump with
— David Bianculli, every bit as much vitriol as he does
onstage.
TV historian NFL coaches sitting in
their teched-up home offices
announcing their selections in
the draft. Contestants on musical
competition shows performing in
their living rooms instead of on the
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 GULF TIMES 5
COVER STORY COMMUNITY
stages of glittering theatres filled to
the rafters with cheering fans and a
blizzard of confetti.
And almost all of it getting
higher ratings than ever with a
near-captive American audience
that since mid-March has had few
entertainment options outside the
home.
The changes are pretty hard to
miss. But the question is: Where
does TV go from here? Like most
legacy media, TV has been most
highly resistant to structural
change. Will the medium simply go
back to same old, same old if and
when the pandemic is under control
and normal patterns of production
can resume? What’s ahead in the
short term of the fall season, and
longer term given the revolutionary
change throughout media? And,
most of all, how will any changes
that might occur affect us as
viewers and the culture at large?
“There are two major ways
that TV is going to change: the
way they make it and the way we
watch it,” says TV historian David
Bianculli, professor of television
studies at Rowan University, TV
critic on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry
Gross and founder of the website BACK IN THE STUDIOS: Anchor Chris Cuomo, left, who was doing his nightly CNN show live from the basement of his home after testing positive for
tvworthwatching.com. coronavirus, has since recovered to be back in the studios at CNN.
The most obvious change in
terms of making it is that network Perry Mason set to premiere June this fall and winter: if professional productions like Bully. Coward. American men. News viewing has
television will not be able to 21. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the sports returns with the NFL. NBC’s Victim. That’s a serious matter, a been up at the cable channels and
produce anything approaching series stars Matthew Rhys, of The Sunday Night Football was still the large segment of the population in a network nightly news for months.
a new fall season, the broadcast Americans, in the original story of highest rated show on TV with some democracy not being able to afford With a nation tuned in and looking
industry’s traditional showcase the iconic defence attorney. 20 million viewers last year. access to the most important stories for information and answers it
for its most promising prime- For documentary fans, With training camps expected to and storytellers of the culture. can trust, more prime-time news
time product. The Covid-19 meanwhile, HBO this month open soon, it looks as if college and Even in the scramble to find programming makes perfect sense
clamp down hit in March just as offers Bully. Coward. Victim. The professional football could be back international programming, in coming months, and could make
production on pilots and episodes Story of Roy Cohn. The film looks on TV this fall. But in what form? streaming services are getting the for a more informed electorate in
for entertainment shows should at the infamous attorney who Will fans be allowed in the stands? best series, like The Bureau from November.
have begun. served as chief counsel to Senator And what happens if Covid-19 France and Fauda from Israel, Thompson also feels the change
Los Angeles County officials and Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s spikes and some of the infections are because they have been working the from glossy, perfectly-lit, studio-
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and prosecuted Ethel and Julius traced to stadium crowds? territory for years and are not afraid made productions to the more
said television and film production Rosenberg as spies during that The reality of the networks having of subtitles. Bianculli says he finds informal, Internet-like look of the
could resume as of Friday, but same decade. More recently, the less to offer and the premium cable himself previewing more streamed late night, and talk shows done from
the trade publication Variety ruthless Cohn, who was disbarred and streaming series offering more international programming these home might be with us to stay in
reported that “major studios are in 1986, the year of his death, is what worries me most about the days at TV Worth Watching some form.
still weeks — if not months — away was Donald Trump’s lawyer and effect the pandemic is having on (tvworthwatching.com). “Historically, the networks
from rolling cameras.” There are Merlin-like mentor. You can’t start television. This programming gap Still, Robert J Thompson, defined themselves by high
all sorts of issues that have to be to understand Trump without further divides us into haves and professor of television and popular production values — good
resolved before shows that take understanding the evil that was have-nots: two Americas at a time culture at Syracuse University, sees composition, perfect lighting and so
months to make can even start Cohn. The film, which is directed when we can ill afford one more potential for some positive change in forth — but since about 2005 with
the process. For one thing, the by Ivy Meeropol, the Rosenbergs’ schism. Those without the means network television as a result of the YouTube, bad production values
many unions involved in making granddaughter, premieres June 19. to pay high subscription fees are disruption caused by the pandemic. started to be read as authenticity by
TV productions will have to sign Nothing in any of the networks’ not only denied the pleasures of the “You could see more news some viewers,” he said.
off on their members going back programming arsenals except live best in entertainment programming, programmes in prime time on That’s especially true with
to work even as certain metrics sports can compete with that kind of but are also locked out of the deeper network TV as the broadcasters younger viewers, many of
suggest Covid-19 could be rising programming. That is the one thing conversation about American and look for programming in the fall,” whom seemed to enjoy the way
again in the area. Garcetti qualified that can semi-save the networks global life offered in many of those Thompson said. “They know how digital productions sometimes
his announcement of reopening by to do them. Remember the era of deconstructed the conventions
saying if there is a rise in of cases
in two or three weeks, he will re-
“The reality of the prime-time newsmagazines? We
could see more from news, and that
of performance and presentation
on network TV by showing the
evaluate the policy, according to networks having seems like it could be a good thing.” overhead boom mic in the shot or
Deadline. pulling the camera back to show the
As a result of the pause in less to offer and In the 1990s, ABC, CBS and
NBC all offered prime-time way the backdrop was merely an
production, “inventory is going to
become more valuable,” Bianculli
the premium cable newsmagazines: Dateline at NBC,
60 Minutes II at CBS and Prime Time
image projected onto a wall, curtain
or screen.
says; inventory defined as shows and streaming Live on ABC. It was more about Less focus on slick production
you have on the shelf ready to go.
Thanks to their production model, series offering business than journalism during an
era of downsizing as newsmagazines
values and more attention to the
quality of what’s being produced
the network cupboards are pretty
bare, even after scouring other
more is what cost far less to produce than dramas
or sitcoms thanks to having the
would be a small but welcome
outcome of this disruption in TV
English-speaking countries the last worries me most infrastructure of a news division as we always knew it. But I’m not
three months for limited series that
can be shown without subtitles.
about the effect already in place.
Making a move to more news
betting on “live from a bungalow
in Baltimore” as the future of
The outlets that do have the pandemic this summer and fall makes further television news.
inventory are premium cable and sense given the fact that we are I am certain, though, that post-
streaming services, like HBO and is having on in a moment of great turmoil and Covid the viewing audience is going
Netflix.
While the networks are offering
television” social change with Covid-19, a
presidential election, an economy
to be even more divided than it is
now between those who can afford
reruns of series that weren’t worth in deep trouble and the arrival at the best in programmes and those
your time in first run last year, HBO,
for example, has a new version
— David Zurawik, what feels like a tipping point in
reaction to police brutality against
who can’t. In television, it is always
about the money.
of the 1950s courtroom drama media critic persons of colour, mainly African — The Baltimore Sun/TNS
6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 17, 2020
COMMUNITY
NU-Q announces student honours
Northwestern University is all set to hold its 162nd commencement on June 19 for its 12 schools, graduates, they were also named class valedictorians. Four of this year’s graduates received the
including NU-Q. Alongside the commencement ceremony, NU-Q has announced this year’s magna cum laude recognition. Maha Essid, Malek al-Manaa, Sahar Ahmed ElKabash, and Sarah
valedictorian and Latin Honor recipients. Shaath were recognised in a category that typically represents students in the top 10 percent of
At Northwestern’s commencement NU-Q graduates will have their bachelor’s degrees from their graduating class.
the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and the School Aimen Ahmed Jan, Fareehan Salah Zaki Moustafa Elgakhlab, Muhammad Muneeb Ur Rehman,
of Communication conferred at a virtual ceremony that will include Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Noor Mazen Abdulqader Abunaba’a, Sana Zehra, and Sara Hamad KH. H. al-Thani graduated in
Chicago, as the featured speaker. with the cum laude distinction, which typically represents the top 25 percent of their class.
“As we prepare for Northwestern’s commencement ceremony, we highlight several students The class of 2020 will join a worldwide network of more than 200,000 Northwestern alumni.
with academic achievements that deserve to be recognised. These students not only hold an Graduates of NU-Q hold positions with leading organisations in the region, including Al Jazeera
enviable record of academic distinction but also demonstrate the highest level of leadership,” Media Network, Qatar’s Government Communications Office, Qatar Media Corporation, Amiri
said Craig LaMay, Dean of NU-Q. Diwan, Doha Film Institute, Qatar Museums, Hamad Medical Corporation, Ministry of Foreign
Latin Honors – designated at summa, magna, and cum laude – date back to the 19th century Affairs, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (Qatar World Cup 2022), Qatar Airways,
and are commonly used in American universities to recognise students of the highest academic Qatar Foundation, RasGas, and Total Energy and Petroleum.
distinction. The class valedictorian is traditionally the student with the highest ranking. In addition, 25 percent of NU-Q graduates pursue graduate degrees at leading universities,
This year, the highest-ranking students are also the class valedictorians. Muhammad Humam including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Cornell, New York University, Northwestern, and the
and Ayza Sheikh were tied in the ranking, and along with being designated as summa cum laude London School of Economics, among others.
SIFQ conducts workshop for teachers on ‘Activities of Annular Solar Eclipse’
Science India Forum-Qatar (SIFQ)
recently held an online hands-on-
astronomy workshop for teachers on
‘Activities of Annular Solar Eclipse’. This
workshop was conducted with the aim
to use the knowledge of astronomy to
understand the upcoming solar eclipse.
The residents of Qatar would be able to
witness the celestial event on June 21.
Dr Arvind Ranade, scientist at
the Department of Science and
Technology, India, explained the
science behind the occurrence of a
solar eclipse. He went on to elucidate
the various types of solar eclipses,
including total, annular, partial and
hybrid. He informed the attendees that
Qatar residents were to experience
a partial solar eclipse on June 21
starting around 7:15am till 10am
with a maximum eclipse of about
85% around 8:30am. The hands-on
workshop conducted by Tushar
Purohit, from IUCAA Pune India, and
Mukesh Satankar, a Telescope Maker
from Bhopal, covered demonstration
for making of various types of pinhole
cameras, magic mirror, ball mirror
and explained simple calculations
for distance between sun and earth,
magic number, and earth revolution
time. They also highlighted the adverse
effects of viewing the eclipse through
naked eyes and the necessity of taking
adequate precautions while viewing
the same. The webinar was attended
by over 40 teachers.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 GULF TIMES 7
CUISINE COMMUNITY
Sliced bread: the best thing since 90s
The pre-sliced loaf took a little time to find widespread acceptance.
This is the story of how its invention went on to change the world
an instant hit. Pre-sliced loaves
went stale faster than whole loaves,
and some shoppers also felt they
were “sloppy looking”. Rohwedder
wasn’t deterred. He produced
u-shaped pins to hold loaves
together, so they looked more
appealing.
Sliced bread soon took
off. New York’s Continental
Baking Company started using
Rohwedder’s machines for its
Wonder Bread. People loved the
invention that saved them time,
effort and potential injury, and
the baking industry found itself
benefiting too. With slices thinner
and more uniform, people ate
more of them and more frequently.
Bread consumption went up, as did
spreads to go on the slices. Even
sales of pop-up toasters soared. By
1933, bread-slicing machines were
found in bakeries across the US and
80% of bread produced there was
sliced.
Yet it still wasn’t plain sailing
for the humble sliced loaf. As soon
as they got used to their easier-
to-use bread, Americans were
robbed of it. In early 1943 the
government banned it, citing the
war effort, with steel for bread-
slicing machines required for
weaponry, and the thick wax paper
also needed for more important
uses. “The ready-sliced loaf must
have a heavier wrapping than an
NOT AN INSTANT HIT: Sliced bread wasn’t an instant hit, but by the 1930s it was a household item and sales of pop-up toasters soared. unsliced one if it is not to dry out,”
US food administrator Claude R
“
Wickard told the New York Times.
The best thing since sliced “So, the order prohibiting the
bread.” We’ve all heard the slicing of bread is aimed at affecting
saying. It’s synonymous economies in the manufacture of
with greatness, a new bread and in the use of paper.”
invention, a game-changer. There was uproar among the
But the road to greatness is seldom US public; the nation pined and
easy. demanded its return. One letter to
Sliced bread was first sold the New York Times said: “I should
in July 1928, in a bakery in like to let you see how important
Chillicothe, Missouri. The bakery sliced bread is to the morale
used an automatic bread-slicing and saneness of a household.”
machine invented by jeweller Otto Thankfully, the ban was short-
Rohwedder. It had been hard work lived at just three months. The
to get to that point: Rohwedder had government said the decision was
tried for some time to introduce because it hadn’t yielded as many
the US to sliced bread. He’d carried savings as it’d hoped for, but many
out extensive market research, attributed it to the backlash. Either
surveying tens of thousands of way, the US – and the UK – got
people on the perfect thickness of their sliced bread back. The UK
a slice. And his prototype machine was introduced to the development
and all his blueprints were lost to a when the first slicing and wrapping
fire in 1917. machine was installed in the
Despite grumbling from the Wonderloaf Bakery in Tottenham
baking industry, which voiced in 1937. By the 1950s the sliced
concerns about his new-fangled loaf accounted for 80% of the
idea, the concept became a hit. The British bread market. Fast forward
Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune to 2020 and sliced bread is now
hailed the “thrill of pleasure” commonplace worldwide. Like any
that a housewife would get at no great invention, its history is full
longer having to carve up a whole HISTORY: Like any great invention, sliced bread’s history is full of highs and lows, victories and losses, innovation and of highs and lows, victories and
loaf. “So neat and precise are the invention. Bread isn’t the first element in our lives to be wholly transformed by technology and it won’t be the last. losses, innovation and invention.
slices, and so definitely better Bread isn’t the first element in our
than anyone could possibly slice refinement that will receive a hearty describing the invention as: “The – the phrase that became today’s lives to be wholly transformed by
by hand with a bread knife that and permanent welcome,” it said. greatest forward step in the baking “greatest thing since sliced bread”. technology and it won’t be the last.
one realises instantly that here is a The page was topped with a slogan industry since bread was wrapped” But Rohwedder’s creation wasn’t – The Guardian
8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 17, 2020
COMMUNITY CULT
45 best pieces of art to experie
F
rom Haim to Paper Mario
via the return of Insecure,
here’s your guide to the
season’s great culture
TV
27. Dark
The off-the-chain German sci-fi
twister roars back, following a
shock season two ending that added
parallel worlds to Dark’s already
confusing time loops. Can the forces
of evil, or that big wobbly sphere
thing, be defeated? It’s the final
season so the story ends, or begins,
or implodes into a humanity-erasing
void, here.
Netflix, 27 June
28. Dead Still
Focused on crime drama, Acorn
TV is a strong new niche streaming
player, rich in rights ownership
(Foyle’s War, anything Agatha
Christie) and original shows. This
droll black comedy stars Michael
Smiley as a 19th-century Irish
photographer who specialises in
snapping the deceased, but ends up
having to investigate a serial killer.
Acorn TV, 29 June
29. The Luminaries
Eleanor Catton dismantles
her own 2013 Booker-winning
novel across six episodes, with
Eve Hewson (The Knick) as the
adventurous young Brit trying to
make a new life in New Zealand
in the 1860s. Its visual opulence,
HIGHLIGHTING: Cate Blanchett’s portrays Phyllis Schlafly whose successful efforts to prevent gender-discrimination legislation defined what second-wave thwarted romance and layers of
feminism was up against in Mrs. America. cliffhanging mystery should make
for a sultry, escapist summer hit.
BBC One, June/July TBC
30. Hanna
Season two of a thriller that has
successfully spun the 2011 movie –
about a teen girl raised to be an elite
killer spy – out into episodic format,
while maintaining a sparse efficiency
of storytelling as well as a careful
balance of tension and action.
Esme Creed-Miles is strong as the
enigmatic, almost superhero-like
lead character, originally played in
the film by Saoirse Ronan.
Amazon Prime Video, 3 July
31. Little Voice
Not a remake of the 1998 Jane
Horrocks Britflick, although the
theme of deriving hope from music
is similar. Writer-director Jessie
Nelson and songwriter Sara Bareilles
– the team behind the stage musical
Waitress – team up with JJ Abrams
for this love letter to the NYC music
scene, starring Brittany O’Grady as
one of many young hopefuls hoping
to sing their way out of obscurity –
and find themselves while they’re
at it.
Apple TV+, 10 July
32. Muppets Now
Having lived off The Mandalorian
for perhaps too long, Disney+
heralds a new wave of original
content by dusting down Kermit
and co. As has become the norm
SHOWS OVER POPCORN: Clockwise from top left, The Luminaries; Dead Still; Insecure; Celebrity Snoop Dogs; Mrs America; Muppets Now. with modern Muppets, it’s well
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 GULF TIMES 9
TURE COMMUNITY
ence whilst staying at home – II
Premieres include an exploration of
African and Caribbean dance, an all-
star Swan Lake bath ballet experience
and plenty of beat-boxing, puppetry
and drama for theatre fans. MG
bbc.co.uk/arts, out now
40. Future Threads
This programme of talks, music
and multimedia projects will explore
how artists across the Arab world
are reacting to the crisis. Tune in via
Zoom for conversation with Tehran
collective New Media Society on the
challenges facing Iran’s art scene, or
kick back to live music from Syrian
sound artist Hello Psychaleppo. SS
mosaicrooms.org, June to
September
41. I Should Be Doing Something
Else Right Now
This online programme has
themed strands, such as Sleep Mode,
offering respite from switched-on
lives, with performance art and a
riff on the Guardian’s Country Diary
column. Plus, for the podcast Coping
Mechanisms, artists Iain Forsyth and
Jane Pollard talk to friends including
Carol Morley. SS
somersethouse.org, June and July
42. Live from Covent Garden
The Royal Opera House opens its
doors for its first live concerts since
March – but only for the socially
LEISURE: Clockwise from left, The Last of Us Part II; Paper Mario: The Origami King; Ghost of Tsushima; Valorant. distanced performers; the rest of us
can watch online. The first concert is
free and it’s a gala of opera and dance,
meta: the “unscripted” show centres including a world premiere by Wayne
on Scooter’s efforts to deliver the McGregor. LW
new Muppets TV show so it can be YouTube, 13 June, 7.30pm
streamed.
Disney+, 31 July 43. BBC Proms
So far the Proms have given more
33. Mrs America of a statement of intent than a full
This nuanced, resonant programme. We know they kick off
biographical miniseries has a with a “new” work: Iain Farrington’s
golden supporting cast – Rose Beethoven mash-up featuring all
Byrne, Uzo Aduba, John Slattery, the BBC orchestras, with archive
Melanie Lynskey, Sarah Paulson, concerts on subsequent evenings. For
Tracey Ullman – backing Cate the final fortnight there are hopes for
Blanchett’s portrayal of 1970s US live concerts, performed in an empty
conservative Phyllis Schlafly, whose Albert Hall. AC
successful efforts to prevent gender- Radio 3 and online, 17 July to 12
discrimination legislation defined September
what second-wave feminism was up
against. 44. Always Be Comedy
BBC Two, July ECO-LIFESTYLE: To appease today’s eco-conscious Gen Z audience, Sims will soon be able to live zero-waste, upcycling, “The most wonderful comedy
solar-powered, vegan virtual lives, transforming a grimy rundown port town into a futuristic eco-oasis. night in the world,” according to
Games Katherine Ryan, ABC has been a
34. Valorant ludicrously compelling life- explores some heavy stuff about 38. Paper Mario: The Origami thriving online presence in lockdown,
Looking for the next Fortnite? simulation game a green update. relationships, revenge and what King combining big names and new talent.
This may well be it. Valorant is Your little computer people will humans are capable of doing If some of the other games sound Upcoming shows will include the
attracting huge interest from soon be able to live zero-waste, for and to each other in extreme a bit dark, how about wholesome, likes of Mark Steel, Isy Suttie and
esports and streaming stars and upcycling, solar-powered, vegan circumstances. lovely Super Mario? Here, everything Ahir Shah, as well as mystery guests.
their millions of young followers. It virtual lives, transforming a grimy PS4, 19 June is made of paper, including Mario KB
hinges on characters with different rundown port town into a futuristic and his various cutesy foes. Slapstick alwaysbecomedy.com, June and
abilities like Overwatch and accurate eco-oasis. 37. Ghost of Tsushima humour, applause-worthy puns and a July
sharpshooting like Counter-Strike PC, PS4, XBox One, out now A stunning-looking tribute to touch of endearing weirdness always
but, happily, it’s still fun even if 50s and 60s samurai action movies, make these games worth playing, and 45. Up My Street: Online!
you’re not the most accurate shot, 36. The Last of Us Part II this takes us to 13th-century Japan you don’t need to be overly familiar This festival embodies that
especially with friends on your team. A tense, terrifying post- – to grassy fields, feudal villages with Nintendo to enjoy the jokes and community spirit we’ve all located
PC, out now apocalyptic drama about a deadly and shining blades crashing under the whimsy. in lockdown, featuring dancers
contagion might sound like the falling cherry blossoms. The story Nintendo Switch, 17 July from teens to pensioners, and
35. The Sims: Eco Lifestyle last thing you want to play right plays with themes of honour choreographers such as Temujin Gill.
Love The Sims, but find that its now, but The Last of Us Part II is and responsibility, and is a real Arts Four episodes feature dance pieces
ultra-capitalism grates on your leftie an undisputed event in the world showcase for the technical and 39. BBC Culture in Quarantine created using Zoom, WhatsApp and
sensibilities? To appease today’s of gaming. A horror-tinged action artistic talents of developer Sucker The BBC is debuting 25 new gaming techniques. LW
eco-conscious Gen Z audience, game about a gay 19-year-old Punch. lockdown-themed works, embracing facebook.com/greenwichdance,
Maxis is giving its long-running, and the people around her, it PS4, 17 July visual, sonic and performance arts. weekly from 25 June – The Guardian
10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 17, 2020
COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHICWednesday, June 17, 2020 GULF TIMES 11
LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY
Why dogs will always rescue
their distressed owners
Y
our pet dog will by calling out “help,” or “help food is a pretty strong indication
always come to rescue me.” Beforehand, the researchers that rescuing requires more than
your from trouble coached the owners so their cries just motivation, there’s something
as according to the for help sounded authentic. else involved, and that’s the ability
researchers, dogs save About one-third of the dogs component,” Van Bourg said.
distressed human owners as long as rescued their distressed owner, In another control test, the
they know how. which doesn’t sound too impressive research team looked at what
For the findings, published in the on its own, but really is impressive happened when the owner sat
journal PLOS ONE, the researchers when you take a closer look,” Van inside the box and calmly read
wanted to know how dogs take Bourg said. aloud from a magazine.
chances to rescue their owners. According to the study, that’s What they found was that four
Simply observing dogs rescuing because two things are at stake fewer dogs, 16 out of 60, opened the
someone doesn’t tell you much, here. One is the dogs’ desire to help box in the reading test than in the
the difficult challenge is figuring their owners, and the other is how distress test.
out why they do it,” said study well the dogs understood the nature The fact that dogs did open the
researcher Joshua Van Bourg from of the help that was needed. box more often in the distress test
Arizona State University in the US. The researchers explored this than in the reading control test
For the results, the research team factor in control tests – tests that indicated that rescuing could not
set up an experiment assessing were lacking in previous studies. be explained solely by the dogs
60 pet dogs’ propensity to rescue In one control test, when the dog wanting to be near their owners.
their owners. None of the dogs had watched a researcher drop food What’s fascinating about this
training in such an endeavour. into the box, only 19 of the 60 dogs study, is that it shows that dogs
In the main test, each owner opened the box to get the food. really care about their people,” Van
was confined to a large box More dogs rescued their owners Bourg said. they fail, we can still see how upset rescue their people are unable to
equipped with a light-weight than retrieved food. Even without training, many they are,” Van Bourg added. understand what to do – it’s not
door, which the dog could move The fact that two-thirds of the dogs will try and rescue people who The results from the control that they don’t care about their
aside. The owners feigned distress dogs didn’t even open the box for appear to be in distress – and when tests indicate that dogs who fail to people. — IANS
Aries
March 21 — April 19
Taurus
April 20 — May 20
Gemini
May 21 — June 20
Matters involving creativity and children could require considerable Matters involving the home could suddenly grow serious. This is a Today you might consider entering into a business partnership with
thought today, Aries. Some exciting new options may be available positive development, Taurus, but new possibilities could be opening up a relative or neighbour. This could show promise of success, Gemini,
to you and your loved ones. You might be inclined to mull over the and force you to make a decision. The value of your home could have and is definitely worth serious consideration. You’ll want to be sure it’s
possibilities. You could consult others to get more opinions. For gone up and you might consider selling it and moving. Or you could right for you, so caution is recommended. You might even get around
the most part, you’ll want to decide on your own. In the meantime, have the opportunity to work out of your home and save commuting to considering the nitty-gritty of a possible agreement, but for the most
you could keep yourself occupied by working on ongoing projects. costs. Whatever it is, you’ve reached a milestone. part, it isn’t likely that you’ll be making any final decisions yet.
Cancer
June 21 — July 22
Leo
July 23 — August 22
Virgo
August 23 — September 22
The value of any investment you may have made in land, including A partnership of some kind, perhaps business, is likely to be on your your mind, perhaps involving plans for the future. It’s likely that you’ll
your home, could come into your thoughts today. Whatever time mind today. You might want to seriously consider whether or not it has want to stay home today and do some contemplating. Various new
and energy you’ve put into it is likely to pay off, Cancer, and this a future, and if it does, what to do next. You could spend time socialising, opportunities could be coming your way, Virgo, and you won’t want to
might make a difference to you when formulating plans for the if possible, but you could be too preoccupied to participate much. A lot let them pass you by without serious consideration. Chores around the
future. You might spend some time working outside, which should of serious decisions need to be made, Leo. The outcome is likely to be house could prove a valuable outlet for physical energy while allowing
clear your head and enable you to get your thoughts together. positive. Try to relax and have some fun. A lot of serious matters are on thoughts to churn in your mind.
Libra
September 23 — October 22
Scorpio
October 23 — November 21
Sagittarius
November 22 — December 21
Contemplation is the word for today. At some point, you might Today much of your mental – and possibly physical – energy could The desire for personal and career advancement could cause you to
receive a call from a friend wanting advice on a serious decision. be directed at career matters. You might reevaluate goals and consider furthering your education in some way, Sagittarius. Someone
Don’t be surprised if you spend more time listening than advising, ambitions, Scorpio, and consider other possibilities. The desire for close to you, probably a woman, could wake you up to the advantages
Libra. Goals of your own might need some thought and possibly more income might be the catalyst, but there’s more to it than that. of returning to school and getting an advanced degree at some point
reevaluation, as changes in your immediate environment could This is definitely a good day to think about a number of options. You in the future. You may want to wait a little bit before deciding, but
present new and exciting possibilities to you. Think about it. might have to make a few decisions by this time next week. something has shifted within you. It’s time for some kind of change.
Capricorn
December 22 — January 19
Aquarius
January 20 — February 18
Pisces
February 19 — March 20
Today you’re apt to be a bit preoccupied, Capricorn. You might find Today is likely to be a gratifying day, Aquarius, but perhaps more Career and business matters are likely to be very much on your mind
yourself considering concepts that others think are strange and serious than you’d planned. A longtime friend might call and want to today, Pisces. Perhaps a new opportunity has come your way, or you’re
impractical. This might involve metaphysics or the occult or unusual talk. This person or another might want to discuss a possible business thinking of becoming involved in a new enterprise on your own or with
ways of making a living – or all of the above. You might want to discuss enterprise that’s apt to be worthy of consideration. Everyone around a partner. This might not be a good day to make a decision, so don’t
this with others. However, you should make a decision based on your you might seem egocentric, and you could feel that your concerns are rush it. Before you make any dramatic changes, think things through
preferences without influence from those who aren’t directly involved. of no interest to anyone. Don’t let that upset you. carefully. You may regret it otherwise.12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 17, 2020
COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES
Wordsearch Adam
Pooch Cafe
BARRACUDA MARLIN STURGEON FLOUNDER
HALIBUT SKATE CARP PORGY
SALMON BREAM PILCHARD TURBOT
BASS MULLET TENCH GOBY
HERRING SNAPPER COHO PUFFER
SARDINE BRILL PIRANHA WHITING
BONITO ORFE TROUT GOURAMI
MACKEREL SPRAT DACE RAY
SHARK BULLHEAD PLAICE GUPPY
BOWFIN PIKE TUNA ROACH
Codeword
Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once.
Squares with the same number in have the same letter
in. Work out which number represents which letter.
Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com
Garfield
Sudoku
Bound And Gagged
Sudoku is a puzzle based
on a 9x9 grid. The grid is
also divided into nine (3x3)
boxes. You are given a
selection of values and to
complete the puzzle, you
must fill the grid so that
every column, every anone
is repeated.Wednesday, June 17, 2020 GULF TIMES 13
PUZZLES COMMUNITY
Super Cryptic Clues Colouring
Across Down
1 Party clobber (4) 1 Tot swallowed by fish — it’s a
3 Unusual play with Act I nightmare (3,5)
translated (8) 2 Rock star’s undercover
9 Platform that is provided with operation (5)
small flowers (7) 4 Italian trade union has to read
10 Fun and games for birds (5) document (6)
11 Majestic sort of lager (5) 5 One-off programme for aviator
12 Where sacrifices may be made (5)
involving one star (6) 6 Warm drink (7)
14 In Armagh a stoic is dismayed 7 A little animal is terribly lean (4)
(6) 8 Fliers flapping arms (6)
16 A dog caught Stan’s partner 13 Fashion on sale as at certain
(6) periods (8)
19 Animals approached outskirts 15 Avoid result of decapitation
of Leeds (6) (4,3)
21 Container, as required by 17 Stupid baronet plunged in
brass band members (5) river (6)
24 Going on, a part of a yard (5) 18 A biro’s deployed to make a
25 Defence in boats at sea (7) line on a weather map (6)
26 Oil installation engineers with 20 John the singer is left in
best bib and tucker? (8) school (5)
27 The alcoholic’s partial cure (4) 22 Trees , we hear, that will cover
billiard table (5)
23 Just blonde (4)
Answers
Solution
Wordsearch Codeword14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, June 17, 2020
COMMUNITY BOLLYWOOD
Dalip Tahil features in Vivek Oberoi: Hope our solution. I wish he stopped to
international short film industry does some think of his family, friends and
serious introspection the millions of fans who are
Veteran actor Dalip Tahil has feeling this tragic loss today...he
featured in an international short Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, would have realised how much
film to celebrate Bloomsday, which who attended late actor Sushant people CARE!”
commemorates and celebrates the Singh Rajput’s funeral on Monday, “When I saw his father today,
life of Irish writer James Joyce. has expressed pain at the young having to light the fire at the
Titled A New Day Will Be, the actor’s untimely demise. cremation, the pain in his eyes
short film uses Joyce’s timeless In a social media post, was unbearable, when I heard his
words to create a contemporary take Vivek blamed Bollywood for sister weeping, begging him to
on Ulysses with performers from its “power play”, “ego trips”, come back, I can’t express how
more than 40 locations. “manipulation” and lack of deeply tragic it felt.” OUTRAGED: Vivek blames
“We are going through some very VETERAN: Dalip Tahil acknowledgement for deserving “I hope our Industry that Bollywood for its “power play”,
testing times. The short film is a talents (mostly those hailing calls itself a family, does some “ego trips”, “manipulation”.
poetic narration of all of humanity’s also include actors Olwen Fouere and from outside the industry). serious introspection, we need
sentiment about this phase of our Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, former US He feels, the industry needs to to change for the better, we manipulated. This is a wake up
lives,” said Dalip. Democratic Presidential candidates “change for the better”. need to b***h less and care call for all of us.”
“From silence, isolation, the desire Pete Buttigieg and Beto O’Rourke, “Being at Sushant’s cremation more, less power play and more “I will miss the ever smiling
for human touch and the quest for a and novelist Colum McCann. today was so heartbreaking. I grace and large heartedness, Sushant Singh Rajput, I pray god
vaccine, through remembrance and The original score is composed truly wish I could have shared less ego trips and more takes away all that pain you felt
resilience, to hope, love and finally and performed by Caoimhin O my personal experience and acknowledgement for deserving my brother and gives strength
affirmation, the film tries to capture Raghallaigh. Meanwhile, Dalip helped him ease his pain. I have talents, this family needs to to your family to deal with their
the emotions of people across also lent his voice in an spiritual been through my own journey truly become a family...a place loss. I pray you are in a better
borders. I am happy to have been album titled Guru Naam, which of pain, it can be very dark and where talent is nurtured and place now, maybe we didn’t
part of this project,” he added. commemorated the 550th birth lonely. But death is never the not crushed, a place where an deserve you,” shared Vivek
Apart from Dalip, the performers anniversary of Guru Nanak. – IANS answer, suicide can never be a artist feels appreciated and not Oberoi on Facebook. – IANS
Dabangg director says Salman’s
family sabotaged his projects
A
bhinav Singh Kashyap, who had Over the next few years, “all my projects
helmed the 2010 Salman Khan and creative endeavours have been sabotaged
blockbuster Dabangg, says all his and I have been repeatedly threatened with
projects were sabotaged by the life and rape threats given to/for the female
superstar’s family. members of my family. The sustained
Following the recent demise of Sushant gaslighting and bullying destroyed my mental
Singh Rajput, the director took to Facebook to health and that of my family and led to my
post a long note appealing to the government divorce and breaking up of my family in 2017.
to launch a detailed investigation into the They erred and sent some of these threats
actor’s death. as texts, sent to me as SMSs from several
“The suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput numbers. Armed with evidence, I went to
brings to the forefront a much bigger problem the police in 2017 to file an FIR which they
of what many of us have been dealing with. refused to register but registered a non-
Exactly what might compel a person to cognizable complaint. When the threats
commit suicide?? I fear his death is just continued, I forced the police to trace the
the tip of the iceberg just like the #metoo numbers but they couldn’t be traced back
movement was for a much bigger malaise in to Sohail Khan (the suspected sender). My
Bollywood,” wrote Kashyap. complaint remains open to date and I still
“The death of Sushant Singh Rajput have all the evidence”.
brings under scanner the role YRF talent He says his enemies “sharp, cunning and
Management Agency might have played in always attack me from the back and stay
pushing him towards his suicide but that Hidden. But the best part is after 10 years, I
is for the authorities to investigate. These know who my enemies are. Let it be known
people don’t make careers. They ruin your that they are Salim Khan, Salman Khan,
career and life.” Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan. There are
Having suffered personally for a decade, many other small fry’s but Salman Khan
he said he can confidently say every “Talent family is the head of this venomous serpant.
Manager and all Talent Management They use a clever mix of their ill-gotten
Agencies of Bollywood are a potential death money, political clout and connections with
Trap for Artists”. BROTHERS:Abhinav Singh Kashyap, right, and Anurag Kashyap. the underworld to intimidate anyone and
Talking about his own experience, he said: everyone”.
“I have experienced exploitation and bullying Khan and he intimidated the then Viacom capable and courageous enough to release the “Unfortunately truth is on my side and I
first hand.” CEO Vikram Malhotra. My project was film ourselves but the battle had just begun. am not going to give up like Sushant Singh
Going back to his Dabangg days, he said: sabotaged and I was made to return my My enemies, which there were many ran a Rajput. I refuse to cow down and will fight on
“The reason I moved out of making Dabangg signing fee of Rupees 7 Crores plus interest of sustained negative Trolling and badmouthing till I see the end of either them or me. Enough
2 ten years ago is because Arbaaz Khan in Ninety odd lacs. It’s only then that Reliance campaign against the film till the Box Office tolerance. It’s time to fight back.
collusion with Sohail Khan and family was Entertainment came to my rescue and we of my film collapsed. But to their horror, “So this is not a threat, it’s an open
trying to take control of my career by bullying forged an enduring partnership for my film Besharam had still netted 58 crores before it challenge. Sushant Singh Rajput has moved
me. Arbaaz Khan sabotaged my second Besharam.” went out of theaters,” he said about the film on and I hope he is happier wherever he is but
project with Shree Ashtavinayak Films that Still, things didn’t go smoothly with his that had released in 2013. I will make sure that no more innocent will
I was signed up with by personally calling career. “So they fought on... They sabotaged the kill himself over lack of work with dignity
their head Mr. Raj Mehta and threatening him “Salman Khan and family sabotaged the Satellite release of the film that was pre-sold in Bollywood. I hope suffering actors and
with dire consequences if they made a film release of the film and got their PROs to run to Mr. Jayanti Lal Gada who was the main creative artists will share my post on various
with me. I had to return the signing money a sustained negative smear campaign against aggregator for Zee Telefilms those days. With social media platforms as will the media and
to Shree Ashtavinayak films and moved to me and my film Besharam before release. Reliances goodwill, they were able to re- people who patronize the entertainment
Viacom Pictures. They did the same thing.” This scared the distributors from buying negotiate the satellite rights sale with Gada industry,” he concluded with #metoo
“Only this time the sabotager was Sohail my film. Reliance Entertainment and I were for a much lesser price,” he added. #BoycottSalmanKhan. – IANSWednesday, June 17, 2020 GULF TIMES 15
HOLLYWOOD COMMUNITY
New coming-of-age comedy
drama series to focus on autism
Emmy
The Oscars delayed
until April 2021
Award-winning
writer Jason
Katims will be
working on a
new coming-
of-age comedic
drama series
about living
on the autism
spectrum.
Having a
23-year-old
son on the
spectrum, it is
deeply personal
for me to get to POPULAR: Jason Katims, best known
tell this unique for his work on series Parenthood and
story of what it’s Friday Night Lights.
like to come of
age as someone with autism,” said Katims.
I’m grateful to the entire team, who share my passion
for this project, and who are incredibly supportive creative
partners,” he added.
Katims, best known for his work on series Parenthood
and Friday Night Lights, will be attached to the show as a
writer and executive producer.
Sosie Bacon, Chris Pang, and Joe Mantegna will play the
three lead roles in the series, which was previously known
as On The Spectrum after handing it a pilot order last year.
The series, from Amazon Studios and Universal
Television, is about three 20-something roommates on
the autism spectrum, striving for the same things that ENTRY CONTEST: The eligibility period of entry for the contest has been pushed from December 2020 to the end of
we all desire – to get a job, keep a job, make friends, fall in February 2021.
T
love, and navigate a world that eludes them.
This series is honest, touching and incredibly he Academy of Motion films without being penalized for the board. The need to address this
entertaining, with casting that delivers a unique and Picture Arts and Sciences something beyond anyone’s control,” issue is urgent,” said Hudson.
genuine perspective on universal themes,” said Jennifer has announced its decision Academy president David Rubin and Karey Burke, the president of
Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. – IANS to postpone next year’s chief executive Dawn Hudson said in a ABC entertainment, the Academy’s
Oscars ceremony by two statement, reports theguardian.co.uk. broadcast partner, hoped for “a safe
months. Oscars 2021 will be held on The Academy’s decision to push the and celebratory event”during this
April 25, owing to the disruption in ceremony by two months comes in “uncharted territory”, according to
release schedule of films all through the wake of its decision to standardise The Guardian website.
2020 caused by the Covid-19 the number of nominations in the The website adds that as far as
pandemic. Best Picture category to 10 films. the Oscars 2021 go, films already
The eligibility period of entry for Earlier the number of nominees garnering buzz include Steven
the contest has also been pushed by in this category could vary. Also, Spielberg’s West Side Story
a couple of months, from the end of the Academy recently announced interpretation, Ron Howard’s Hillbilly
December 2020 to the end of February that direct-to-OTT films that Elegy, the Aretha Franklin biopic
2021. bypass theatrical release will also be Respect and David Fincher’s Mank, the
For over a century, movies considered valid for nominations at biopic of Citizen Kane screenwriter
have played an important role the Oscars 2021, in a first. Herman J Mankiewicz.
in comforting, inspiring, and That apart, special steps are being Apart from the much-awaited
PAPERWORK: Kanye has filed legal documents for entertaining us during the darkest of taken to ensure equal representation annual awards gala, the Academy has
trademarks in make-up, face masks, nail polish, shaving times. They certainly have this year. and inclusion while considering Oscar also decided to postpone the opening
cream, deodorant, aromatherapy pillows, amongst others. Our hope, in extending the eligibility eligibility. “While the Academy has of its museum. The Academy’s
period and our awards date, is to made strides, we know there is much museum was scheduled to open in
Kanye West set to enter provide the flexibility filmmakers more work to be done in order to December this year. It will now be
beauty, skincare industry need to finish and release their ensure equitable opportunities across inaugurated in April next year. – IANS
After music and fashion, rapper Kanye West is ready to
explore the beauty and skincare industry. Keanu Reeves offers virtual date for charity
According to TMZ, he has decided to expand his
Yeezy clothing and sneaker line into beauty and skincare Hollywood star Keanu Reeves is auctioning a 15-minute
products, reports dailymail.co.uk. virtual date to raise funds for a children’s cancer charity.
The 43-year-old rapper-designer has filed legal For years, the actor has been reportedly quietly donating
documents for trademarks in make-up, face masks, nail time and money to cancer charities in honour of his sister,
polish, shaving cream, deodorant, aromatherapy pillows, who battled leukaemia.
amongst others. Now, he is now offering a 15-minute Zoom call to
His decision to get into the skincare industry puts him the highest bidder in a nearly 50-lot auction for Camp
in line of competition with his wife Kim Kardashian and Rainbow Gold, reports hollywoodreporter.com.
his sister-in-law Kylie Jenner — who already have widely The actor will answer questions and there is a possibility
popular skincare brands. that he will share a virtual glass of wine during the call.
The 21-time Grammy winner was last publicly spotted The organisation’s mission is to “provide emotionally
in Chicago earlier this month. He was seen attending a empowering experiences to Idaho’s children diagnosed
Black Lives Matter protest. with cancer and their families”.
He has also announced that he has created a college The auction serves to boost fundraising efforts for
fund for George Floyds six-year-old daughter Gianna, and the organisation following a postponed event due to the
donated $2 million to different charities. Covid-19 pandemic.
The rapper’s representative said that he has donated We quickly realised we wouldn’t be the only ones moving FOR A CAUSE: Keanu will be auctioning a 15-minute virtual
$2 million to charities associated with Ahmaud Arbery, our fundraiser to an online auction,” said Camp Rainbow date to raise funds for a children’s cancer charity.
Breonna Taylor and Floyd. In addition, he has also pledged Gold executive director Elizabeth Lizberg, adding: “We
to cover legal costs for the Arbery and Taylor families. also realised after months at home, people are craving a 15-minute private Zoom concert and voice actor Rob
Arbery was fatally shot while on a jog in February, and connections and experiences that are safe but fulfilling.” Paulsen who will mimic some of his memorable characters.
Taylor was killed in her home by police in March. – IANS Reeves is joined by notable names including former The campaign opened on June 15 and will end on June
Fifth Harmony member Ally Brooke who will perform 22. – IANSYou can also read
