As physical media continues its comeback, The National rounds up the best releases this month across film, music, art and more.
Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams
OK, I have a confession: this book came out last month and I read it in a digital format – an audiobook to be precise. However, it was so good that I have since ordered a physical copy to add to my bookshelf. I have no doubt that it is a book I will come back to time and time again.
Careless People is one woman’s account of her time working as a director at Facebook. She details in explosive detail her daily interactions with the tech company’s c-suite executives, including Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg. Since its publication in mid-March, Facebook and parent company Meta have furiously tried to shut down the book and gag author Sarah Wynn-Williams, in turn only drawing more attention to the book they want the world to ignore.
Wynn-Williams, who worked in global policy at Facebook from 2011 to 2017, details excruciating interactions between the Meta executives and world leaders, as well as her accounts of the thoughtless greed within the company and the way it wields its influence globally. Considering the role Facebook (and social media in general) now plays in international politics, this is an essential read for our times.
Farah Andrews, head of features
The Belly of an Architect
Peter Greenaway is a singular director. An auteur who has found his place in art house cinema through films about the history of art and the struggle of the artist. He is perhaps best known for his magnum opus The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.
But before that film, he directed The Belly of an Architect. The film stars Brian Dennehy as Stourley Kracklite, a famed architect overseeing an exhibition who begins to experience stomach pains. Throughout the film, the architect is subjected to all manner of deceit while his life falls apart around him.
The film has been remastered by boutique label Vinegar Syndrome for a gorgeous Blu-ray release.
Faisal Al Zaabi, gaming and social media writer
Tracy Chapman's debut album
When Tracy Chapman made a surprise appearance on the Grammys stage in February last year – to perform her 1988 hit Fast Car with country singer Luke Combs – it reminded the world what a rare gem of an artist she is. The song, an ode to unfulfilled dreams and wanting more out of life, was part of her self-titled debut album, which turns 35 in April.
To mark the milestone, Elektra Records is reissuing the album on vinyl. Prepared by Chapman and original producer David Kershenbaum, the 11-track album features, besides Fast Car, the classic singles Talkin’ Bout A Revolution and Baby Can I Hold You. The original album earned three Grammy Awards and became one of the most successful debuts of all time, peaking at No1 in multiple countries and selling more than 20 million copies worldwide. It is also one of the most successful albums by a female artist.
The vinyl reissue will be available in four versions – the standard black and three coloured versions in the main colours of the album cover. The album packaging will also include an insert with translated lyrics, which accompanied the original international release.
David Tusing, assistant features editor
Hyldon Jid023 by Hyldon and Adrian Younge
Brazilian songwriter Hyldon was only 17 years old when he began releasing his compositions. Within a few years, some of Brazil’s top singers – such as Jerry Adriani and Wanderley Cardoso – were recording his songs. He was barely out of his teenage years when record label PolyGram invited him on as a producer. Hyldon was soon producing for the likes of Erasmo Carlos, Diana and Odair Jose. But he was also creating his own music, releasing singles in the mid-1970s and his debut album Na Rua, na Chuva, na Fazenda in 1975. The album was a hit and established Hyldon as a star of Brazilian soul.
Hyldon JID023 is informed by the psychedelic soul sounds of the 1960s and 1970s. The album, set for release by the Jazz is Dead label on April 4, is the product of a collaboration between Hyldon and composer Adrian Younge, who is celebrated for his novel take on analogue music production.
The album is one of the last recordings of the late Brazilian drummer Ivan Conti. Hyldon’s artistic legacy is inextricable from that of Conti, who was known as Mamao. The drummer’s group was the foundation of the rhythm on Hyldon’s debut album. Hyldon JID023 is also no doubt destined to become a modern classic of Brazilian soul, taking the genre another step forward.
Razmig Bedirian, features writer
The Long Kiss Goodnight in 4K
Samuel L Jackson and Geena Davis star in The Long Kiss Goodnight, written by Shane Black, who is known for his exciting action scripts.
The 1996 film follows an apparently normal housewife living a suburban life. But when she begins to recover from amnesia, her past as a dangerous spy catches up with her, and she spends the rest of the film escaping capture for the information she begins to recall.
Directed by Renny Harlin of Die Hard 2 fame, the film has explosive action sequences between scenes of dark comedy, which can be enjoyed in a remastered 4K Ultra HD version from boutique label Arrow films. The chemistry between the two leads makes this a must-own film for repeat viewing.
Faisal Al Zaabi, gaming and social media writer
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Zayed Sustainability Prize
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2
Vinicius Junior (71') Mariano (90 2')
Barcelona 0
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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4. Shahada
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About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
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Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
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$1,000 award for 1,000 days on madrasa portal
Daily cash awards of $1,000 dollars will sweeten the Madrasa e-learning project by tempting more pupils to an education portal to deepen their understanding of math and sciences.
School children are required to watch an educational video each day and answer a question related to it. They then enter into a raffle draw for the $1,000 prize.
“We are targeting everyone who wants to learn. This will be $1,000 for 1,000 days so there will be a winner every day for 1,000 days,” said Sara Al Nuaimi, project manager of the Madrasa e-learning platform that was launched on Tuesday by the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to reach Arab pupils from kindergarten to grade 12 with educational videos.
“The objective of the Madrasa is to become the number one reference for all Arab students in the world. The 5,000 videos we have online is just the beginning, we have big ambitions. Today in the Arab world there are 50 million students. We want to reach everyone who is willing to learn.”
ENGLAND TEAM
England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph
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How to vote
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
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Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
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Miss Granny
Director: Joyce Bernal
Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa
3/5
(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)
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Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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Super Rugby play-offs
Quarter-finals
- Hurricanes 35, ACT 16
- Crusaders 17, Highlanders 0
- Lions 23, Sharks 21
- Chiefs 17, Stormers 11
Semi-finals
Saturday, July 29
- Crusaders v Chiefs, 12.35pm (UAE)
- Lions v Hurricanes, 4.30pm
England Test squad
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes.
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The five pillars of Islam
