Following the sad news that Silvio Berlusconi has been forced to delay the launch of his latest album of love songs in order to focus on Italy's mounting debt worries, we consider a few other political musical endeavours.
Take Five... Tony Blair
Long before he starting dabbling in ill-advised wars, Tony Blair sang and played guitar in the hugely unsuccessful rock band Ugly Rumours while studying at Oxford. Apparently his first gig was at Corpus Christi College, during which the drum kit fell apart. The band disbanded after just six gigs.
Take Four... Bill Clinton
There was a moment when William Jefferson almost embarked on a career in music, having played first saxophone in the Arkansas state band. Thankfully, the jazz world was spared and Bill only brings his sax for special occasions, such as presidential campaigns.
Take Three... Junichiro Koizumi
Japan's silver-topped "rock star" former PM is such a fan of Elvis that while in office he released a collection of his favourite songs and, along with his brother (the senior adviser of the Tokyo Elvis Fan Club), helped finance a statue of The King in the Japanese capital. While visiting Graceland, he sang a few bars of Elvis.
Take Two... Vladimir Putin
The shadowy ruler of the world's largest nation, bear-wrestling outdoorsman and - perhaps - rap star. The Russian music channel Muz TV nominated Putin for an award after his bizarre appearance (in a white turtleneck shirt, no less) on a hip-hop show, on which he spoke of the music's "social message" and suggested graffiti was "elegant".
Take One... Charles de Gaulle
France's famed general, statesman and, later, international airport might not have appeared the musical sort, but according to the song's lyrics, he played accordion in The Intro And The Outro by the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. That said, the lyrics also claimed Adolf Hitler was on vibraphone.
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher: Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
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