Comedy Central deleted a message on Thursday from its Twitter feed of the late-night satirical show The Colbert Report showing a still from Wednesday night's show where Stephen Colbert joked about starting a "Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever". The joke was part of a skit in which the host Stephen Colbert talked about the Washington Redskins's owner buying things for Native Americans upset with the team's name. The hashtag #CancelColbert then appeared on Twitter, igniting a debate over what is funny and what is offensive. On his personal Twitter feed, Colbert said of #CancelColbert: "I share your rage." – AP
NY college to offer Miley Cyrus class
Skidmore College, a private liberal arts college in upstate New York, is offering a summer course on Miley Cyrus. Visiting assistant professor Carolyn Chernoff calls the course The Sociology of Miley Cyrus: Race, Class, Gender and Media and says she'll focus on the 21-year-old performer and all her incarnations as a way to study such topics as gender, race, class, fame and power. She says she got the idea after teaching a course on youth culture that featured a video of Cyrus twerking at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. – AP
Frozen holds throne on top of Billboard
The soundtrack to Disney's Frozen shows no signs of slowing down four months after its release, as sales for the album hit a high note and held the top spot on this week's Billboard 200 album chart. Frozen, which features the Oscar-winning song Let It Go, sold 202,000 copies last week, its biggest sales week since its November 25 release. Six new releases entered the top 10, led by the rapper YG's My Krazy Life at No 2. The alt-rockers Foster the People debuted their latest record Supermodel at No 3, while the electronic music DJ Skrillex came in at No 4 with Recess. – Reuters
Sinha to get special IIFA honour
The veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha will be honoured for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema at the 15th edition of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards ceremony to be held in Florida from April 23 to 26. The filmmaker Ramesh Sippy made the announcement on Thursday. The IIFA, Indian cinema's largest annual extravaganza, is usually held abroad, and makes its US debut this year in Tampa Bay. Sinha began his career in Bollwood in 1970 and is known for films such as Kalicharan (1976), Kaala Patthar (1979), Dostana (1980) and Shaan (1980). – IANS
The Grandmaster wins big at this year’s Asian Film Awards
The Chinese martial arts drama The Grandmaster won Best Picture, Best Director for Wong Kar-Wai, Best Actress for Zhang Ziyi and four other prizes at the Asian Film Awards, held on Thursday in Macau. The Best Actor prize went to Irrfan Khan for the Indian film The Lunchbox, which screened at the Dubai International Film Festival. The Chinese actor Huang Bo won Best Supporting Actor for No Man's Land, while the Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann won Best Supporting Actress for Ilo Ilo, which also screened at DIFF. The Asian Film Awards were organised this year by a new regional governing body that includes the awards' previous organiser, the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, and representatives from the Tokyo and Busan film festivals. – AP
Stones Paris gig sells out in 51 mins
Rolling Stones fans snapped up 75,000 tickets for a Paris concert in June in less than an hour on Friday. The tickets for the belatedly added Paris leg of the 14 on Fire tour on June 13 sold out in 51 minutes. The tour kicked off in Abu Dhabi on February 21 but was suspended after the suspected suicide of Mick Jagger's girlfriend, the fashion designer L'Wren Scott, on March 17. The Paris gig was announced last Sunday after the Stones postponed their dates Down Under following Scott's death. The tour will resume on June 7 in the Netherlands. In Paris, the iconic rock band will play at the Stade de France, a national stadium built for the 1998 World Cup. – AFP
Tiesto cancels Venezuela show
The Dutch DJ Tiesto, one of the world's most popular purveyors of dance music, says he is cancelling a show in Caracas because "it's no time to party". The show had been scheduled for April 4. Tiesto said he would reschedule as soon as possible because he's always played great shows in Venezuela. Tiesto is the world's highest-paid DJ, according to Forbes, earning about US$250,000 (Dh918,000) for a three-hour set. Venezuela has been rocked by anti-government protests for nearly three months. Earlier this week, the Italian singer Jovanotti announced that he was cancelling an April show because of safety concerns. – AP
artslife@thenational.ae
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%209
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THE DETAILS
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Dir: Ron Howard
Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson
3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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This is an info box
- info goes here
- and here
- and here
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
How to book
Call DHA on 800342
Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation text message
Present the SMS and your Emirates ID at the centre
DHA medical personnel will take a nasal swab
Check results within 48 hours on the DHA app under ‘Lab Results’ and then ‘Patient Services’
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The specS: 2018 Toyota Camry
Price: base / as tested: Dh91,000 / Dh114,000
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 298hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 356Nm @ 4,700rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULTS
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