The Ministry of Culture has launched the 14th edition of the International Al Burda Award, an Islamic art and poetry prize celebrating the birth of Prophet Mohammed. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, outlined the criteria of the competition's three categories of poetry, calligraphy, and Islamic painting and ornamentation, with prizes ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh70,000. Entrants can submit their work for consideration by a panel of experts from countries including the UAE, Turkey and Syria until September 16. For more information, visit www.burda.ae. – The National
‘No plans to replace Steven Tyler’, says Aerosmith
Aerosmith has denied that the band wants to replace its frontman, Steven Tyler. "Any rumour out there about us looking for another singer is completely untrue. All five of us were just on the phone together talking about how excited we are to go to South America and Mexico City," said guitarist Joe Perry. The group is set to embark on its tour of Latin America in September. Rumours about Aerosmith planning to replace Tyler were started by his own bandmate, guitarist Brad Whitford. In an interview this month, Whitford said he and the other band members considered following in the footsteps of AC/DC to go on tour with another lead singer. "Absolutely, we have considered it – but whether it will happen, I don't know. I think it would be great," he said. When asked which singer he'd like to see fronting the band, Whitford replied, "A lot of people, everybody from Myles Kennedy to Axl Rose." – IANS
Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban join Thor: Ragnarok
Actors Jeff Goldblum and Karl Urban have joined the cast of upcoming superhero film Thor: Ragnarok. Goldblum and Urban have joined previously announced cast members Cate Blanchett and Tessa Thompson, alongside returning stars Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. The new instalment will be directed by Taika Waititi. Mark Ruffalo, who plays the role of Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, will also reprise his part in the upcoming film. Blanchett is to play a villain called Hela, Goldblum portrays an eccentric Grandmaster, and Urban will be appear as a character called Skurge. – IANS
Anil Kapoor acquires rights to Prison Break
After 24 and Modern Family, Bollywood actor and producer Anil Kapoor has now acquired the remake rights to another American TV series, Prison Break. "I always go with my gut feeling and I know people will like it," said the 59-year-old. "We will adapt it to suit Indian sensibilities. It's one of my most favourite shows. I am truly excited." Prison Break, which is now gearing up for a revival in the United States, revolves around two brothers. One has been sentenced to death for a crime that he did not commit, while the other devises an elaborate plan to help him escape and clear his name. – IANS
DJ Calvin Harris suffers minor injuries in crash
Scottish musician Calvin Harris sustained minor injuries in a car crash in Los Angeles and was taken by ambulance to a hospital over the weekend. The 32-year-old musician was a passenger in a sport utility vehicle when it was struck by a car that had crossed over the centre line, Los Angeles police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman said. Harris has been released from the local hospital, she added. A passenger in the oncoming car was thrown from the vehicle and suffered a broken pelvis, but her injuries are not life-threatening, according to Eisenman. Harris, who is also a record producer, was on the 2015 Forbes magazine list of top earning DJs with an estimated US$66 million (Dh242m) in annual income. His public profile has risen since he started dating pop star Taylor Swift beginning last year. He was being driven to the airport when the accident happened, according to a post on his Facebook page. – Reuters
Justin Bieber fans protest in Argentina
Hundreds of Beliebers have marched in Argentina's capital to ask that authorities let the Canadian pop idol perform in the South American country. Justin Bieber took to Twitter to say that he would like to play in Argentina as part of his Purpose Tour, adding that "until the legal conditions change there I can't". The singer is currently embroiled in a judicial case there, accused of allegedly sending bodyguards to attack a photographer outside a Buenos Aires nightclub during a 2013 visit. Keen to see the pop star return to the region, Bieber's fans marched in central Buenos Aires carrying signs saying Argentina Needs Justin and Right To Music. – AP
Jon Stewart gives home to injured horse
Former Daily Show host Jon Stewart and his wife are giving a new home to a horse that was shot more than 100 times at close range with paintballs and lost an eye from injuries. Stewart and his wife, Tracey, adopted the 20-year-old mare named Lily, who was found at a sales stables in Pennsylvania in March. The animal will be rehomed at the farm Stewart and his family own in Middletown, New Jersey. Last year, the former chat show host partnered with Farm Sanctuary to open an animal sanctuary at the farm. – AP
