Drake apologises after Rolling Stone rants about Philip Seymour Hoffman

Drake is apologising for lashing out at Rolling Stone for replacing him on the cover with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. The 27-year-old wrote on his blog on Friday: "I completely support and agree with Rolling Stone" putting the actor on the magazine's latest cover. He calls Hoffman "legendary". Drake added that Thursday was "an emotional day"; he titled the post "Tough Day at the Office". He tweeted Thursday that he was "disgusted" that Rolling Stone put Hoffman on its cover and he was finished doing magazine interviews. — AP

Highway premieres at Berlinale

Highway, the kidnap drama starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, premiered in the Panorama section of the Berlin Film Festival on Thursday. In attendance were the lead stars, the director Imtiaz Ali and the composer AR Rahman. "This is the first time that a movie of mine is at an international film festival. I couldn't have asked for a better one," Ali said in a statement. "It was overwhelming to stand on stage at the Zoo Palast and announce the first show of Highway." The film, produced by Window Seat Films and presented by Sajid Nadiadwala, is out in the UAE on February 20. — The National staff

Now 49 compilation tops Billboard

The latest edition of the Now That's What I Call Music! franchise featuring hits by Lorde and Katy Perry debuted at the top of this week's Billboard 200 album chart, pushing the Frozen film soundtrack off its pedestal. The 21-track compilation also includes songs by Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. Meanwhile Bruno Mars' album Unorthodox Jukebox continued to benefit from his recent Super Bowl exposure by climbing four spots to No 3. — Reuters

House of Cards accepts Obama’s endorsement

Barack Obama's latest playful executive order is a tweeted effort to limit House of Cards plot spoilers. The second season of the political thriller about a power-hungry Washington couple premiered in its entirety Friday on Netflix. Obama's official Twitter account notes the occasion along with the request: "No spoilers, please." Cast members revelled in the real-life president's support at a premiere event on Thursday. Robin Wright, who plays the wife of Kevin Spacey's vice president-to-be Frank Underwood, says Obama "knows good stuff". And Kate Mara, who plays reporter Zoe Barnes, double-checked the authenticity of the tweet before celebrating. She calls Obama's message "one of the coolest things that's happened to me". – AP

artslife@thenational.ae

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E261hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400Nm%20at%201%2C750-4%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.5L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C999%20(VX%20Luxury)%3B%20from%20Dh149%2C999%20(VX%20Black%20Gold)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?

George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.

Hunting park to luxury living

Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

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