Celebrities ... they're self-isolating just like you amid the coronavirus pandemic. From home concerts, to to-do-list tasks and quick Covid-19 PSAs, here is what a few of Hollywood's finest have been doing as the world takes to social distancing:
Sir Patrick Stewart reading Shakespeare
Veteran actor Sir Patrick Stewart is trying to soothe fans with some words from the Bard. He will be reading a sonnet a day to fans, and so far has read Shakespeare's Sonnet 116, Sonnet 1 and Sonnet 2.
"I was delighted by the response to my posting of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116, the actor wrote on Instagram.
"It has led me to undertake what follows. When I was a child in the 1940s, my mother would cut up slices of fruit for me (there wasn't much) and as she put it in front of me she would say: 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.' How about, 'A sonnet a day keeps the doctor away'? So ... here we go: Sonnet 1."
Josh Gad's book club
The Frozen star is a kids' favourite, having played snowman Olaf in the animated adventure. During lockdowns around the world, the actor is offering parents a helping hand by reading a children's book every night in the #GadBookClub. He goes live with his club each night on Instagram and Twitter at 7.30pm EST, (3.30am in the UAE). Luckily you can catch up on Twitter at a more appropriate bedtime for little ones as he is saving them on his social media page.
One of the books he has read so far is The Pea Patch Jig by Thacher Hurd.
Deepika Padukone is being productive
Deepika Padukone has started a 'Productivity in the time of Covid-19' series on her Instagram, which, essentially, is just a series of photos of the actress doing fairly classic daily jobs, like face rolling, eating and drinking fruit, hitting the treadmill and eating an indulgent dessert.
Face masks with Jessica Alba
Honey actress Jessica Alba has been practicing self-care with her daughters. The mother-of-three posted a video with her two daughters, Honor, 11, and Haven, 8, along with the caption: "I stay home for my three babies, hubby and all my family members - especially my grandparents."
Steve Martin on the banjo
Father of the Bride star Steve Martin has provided followers with the smooth tunes of his banjo, while self-isolating from a forest.
Naturally, fans love it.
"That’s all I need. I don’t need anything else," wrote one of Martin's Twitter followers. Another added: "You're just such a little ray of sunshine."
Oprah and Michelle Obama partying on a virtual night out
Oprah, Jennifer Lopez and Michelle Obama were three of the attendees at D-Nice's social distancing dance party on March 22.
The American DJ organised Homeschool, a quarantine night club, writing of the event: "I never would’ve imagined that the best party I would create and DJ would be from the comfort of my own home. Homeschool is a thing! Yesterday was absolutely insane. The amount of artists and friends that virtually partied with me far exceeded my expectations. I’m feeling nothing but gratitude."
He had over 100,000 attendees, and listed a few of the famous names on Instagram, including Drake, Naomi Campbell, H.E.R., Mary J. Blige, DJ Khaled, T.I., Kelly Rowland, Common, Lance Gross, Queen Latifah, Swizz Beatz and Vanessa Williams.
Oprah tweeted that it was the "best party of 1 and 100k I ever been to".
Model Naomi Campbell also Instagrammed the event, scroll through to see:
Ellen 'Do It' DeGeneres
The talk show host has been very busy in isolation. A flick through her Instagram feed is well worth it. She has been FaceTiming famous friends, including John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, Adam Levine and Tiffany Haddish to hilarious effect, working on impossible puzzles and photoshopping herself into news stories with some impressive fake piano skills.
Most relatable, perhaps, is the TV star trying her hand at some Lego Architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, which she admits is “little trickier than [she] thought.” Lego chimed in with some Instagram advice, saying: “Try sorting by colour and size before you dive in! You got this Ellen and we’re always here for tips!”
Sam Neill’s to-do list
Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has been ticking off the odd useful job, while self-isolating. One such job is washing his shoes. He admits that he won't be going far in them anytime soon, opting for a slipper at the moment, but adds: "Boy, do they smell good!"
He’s also been keeping the content pure with love poems, ukulele renditions and teaching himself random facts, like how to land a falling jet with an encyclopedia.
Liam Gallagher is washing his hands
If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it's that few of us were washing our hands enough, or for long enough, before the outbreak. A great way to make sure you're doing it for the recommended amount of time – 20 seconds – is to sing a song. Happy Birthday twice is a popular go-to.
Oasis's Liam Gallagher is also here to help. Over on his Twitter he's been adapting the band's songs with soapy puns, think Champange Soapernova, Soapersonic and Wanderwash.
Now, most of the videos have a few too many four-letter words in the videos, but you can click though at your own risk here.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s petting zoo
The Terminator actor and Former Governor of California has been playing smart and staying in, with his adorable animals, Whiskey and Lulu, inside his house.
He posted his first video with the on March 16, and they have been coming almost daily since then.
"See that's what we do, we don't go out, we don't go to restaurants, we don't do anything like that anymore here," he says. "We just eat with Whisky and with Lulu, we have a good time."
They have also shared salad at lunchtime:
John Legend’s live home concert
The All of Me singer took requests during an Instagram live concert that lasted more than 53 minutes, and can be caught up with here:
In the true spirit of working from home, he is in his pyjamas, and there are cameos from wife Chrissy Teigen and their kids.
A follow up will be coming from Miguel, check here for more:
Judi Dench’s stress management
A quick PSA was posted by Dame Judi Dench’s daughter Finty Williams on Twitter.
“Just keep laughing,” she says, in truly British style, “It’s all we can do”.
Since then, performer Jade Anouka has pulled together her creative collective to recite some Shakespeare, with Dench naturally involved:
Akshay Kumar's isolation competition
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is urging fans to stay at home.
He has been posting about social distancing, turning in into a competition, with the winner "staying put".
Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern’s safe space walk
"Friendship with social distancing," Big Little Lies star Reese Witherspoon captioned this snap of a walk at a safe distance away from her co-star Laura Dern.
She was sure to clarify that the walk was "a few days ago ... before we were told to #stayhome [in California]".
The TikTokers
Is there a celebrity that hasn’t joined TikTok to dance for and then re-post to Instagram or Twitter? No, I didn’t think so.
A few favourites are Justin and Hailey Bieber, Ciara and family and Little Mix's Perrie Edwards, and they all get a special mention.
The winner, however, is probably Ashley Tisdale with her feel-good High School Musical throwback:
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
As You Were
Liam Gallagher
(Warner Bros)
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
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%3Cp%3EDungeons%20%26amp%3B%20Dragons%20began%20as%20an%20interactive%20game%20which%20would%20be%20set%20up%20on%20a%20table%20in%201974.%20One%20player%20takes%20on%20the%20role%20of%20dungeon%20master%2C%20who%20directs%20the%20game%2C%20while%20the%20other%20players%20each%20portray%20a%20character%2C%20determining%20its%20species%2C%20occupation%20and%20moral%20and%20ethical%20outlook.%20They%20can%20choose%20the%20character%E2%80%99s%20abilities%2C%20such%20as%20strength%2C%20constitution%2C%20dexterity%2C%20intelligence%2C%20wisdom%20and%20charisma.%20In%20layman%E2%80%99s%20terms%2C%20the%20winner%20is%20the%20one%20who%20amasses%20the%20highest%20score.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS
Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO
Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke
Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke
Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO
Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision
Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision
Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO
Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)
Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)
Welterweight: Handesson Ferreira (BRA) beat Amiran Gogoladze (GEO). Unanimous decision
Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke
Welterweight: Daniel Skibinski (POL) beat Acoidan Duque (ESP). Round 3 TKO
Lightweight: Martun Mezhlumyan (ARM) beat Attila Korkmaz (TUR). Unanimous decision
Bantamweight: Ray Borg (USA) beat Jesse Arnett (CAN). Unanimous decision
The years Ramadan fell in May
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
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Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
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
Avengers: Endgame
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
MATCH INFO
Norwich City 0 Southampton 3 (Ings 49', Armstrong 54', Redmond 79')
Breaking News: The Remaking of Journalism and Why It Matters Now
Alan Rushbridger, Canongate
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
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
The biog
Favourite food: Fish and seafood
Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends
Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!
Favourite country to visit: Italy
Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Family: We all have one!
More on animal trafficking
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