Harvard University is set to introduce a new English class titled “Taylor Swift and Her World” in the upcoming spring semester, attracting nearly 300 enrolled students. The course, part of a broader trend in academic institutions nationwide, explores Swift’s impact on various subjects.

Why yes I am teaching a Taylor Swift class this spring ⁦@Harvard⁩ How could you tell? pic.twitter.com/JHWUvJbDzA

— Stephanie Burt (also elsewhere) (@accommodatingly) November 1, 2023

Other universities, such as NYU, the University of Texas at Austin, Stanford, Arizona State, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Florida, are offering courses ranging from psychology to entrepreneurship inspired by Taylor Swift’s work.

The interview with Professor Stephanie Burt, who will teach the Harvard class, reveals her admiration for Swift’s music and her desire to delve into the artist’s creative process and career evolution, citing the documentary “Miss Americana” as a pivotal influence.

The broader academic trend reflects a growing recognition of Swift’s cultural significance beyond her musical achievements.

Global Sensation Blippi to Ignite the Stage in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour at Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, from December 12 – 13, 2023

Dubai, UAE, December 5, 2023: Hold onto your seats, Dubai! The world-renowned children’s entertainer, Blippi, is bringing his infectious energy and educational escapades to the Coca-Cola Arena for a two-day extravaganza from December 12 to 13, 2023.

Blu Blood, in collaboration with Round Room Live and Moonbug Entertainment, proudly presents Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, a live theatre show guaranteed to captivate young hearts and curious minds.

“Prepare for a spectacle like never before! Blippi is set to embark on a brand-new adventure with new music, characters, monster trucks, and the Blippi mobile. We’re thrilled to create unforgettable moments for families worldwide,” announced Stephen Shaw, founder and co-President of Round Room Live.

Following the success of Blippi The Musical, this new show promises the same enchanting music, high-energy production, and memorable experiences, but with an exciting twist that fans have never seen before.

“We’re witnessing the immense love that fans have for Blippi and his pals, and the joy this beloved character brings to families globally,” shared Susan Vargo, Head of Live Events at Moonbug Entertainment. “Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour guarantees catchy music, lots of dancing, and a whole lot of fun for fans of all ages.”

Blippi, accompanied by the charming Meekah, will explore the uniqueness of different cities, promising monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore. Get ready to shake off those wiggles and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!

For Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, professional stage performers will bring the beloved characters to life, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

This extraordinary event is presented by Blu Blood as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Event Details:

• Date: December 12 – 13, 2023
• Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
• Tickets: Available at www.coca-cola-arena.com

Get ready to dance, sing, and learn with Blippi! Purchase your tickets now for an unforgettable family experience.For further information and ticket purchases, visit www.coca-cola-arena.com.

Dubai is set for an electrifying performance by American R&B sensation Chris Brown at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 22, 8 pm. The event will also feature reggae artist Sean Kingston. 

Tickets, available from December 3, start from AED295 for seats and AED795 for standing.

Chris Brown, known for hits like “Run It,” recently performed at Etihad Park during the Formula 1 Yasalam After Race Concert. With a career spanning two decades and 11 albums, including the recent “11:11” with popular tracks like “Sensational” and “Press Me,” Brown’s Dubai performance promises to be a memorable experience. 

His impressive list of accolades includes a Grammy Award and 19 BET awards. Dubai’s December lineup also includes Ed Sheeran in January and The Kid Laroi’s debut performance in April.

Lahore, Pakistan, grappling with severe air pollution, has introduced a smog action plan, including the use of artificial rain through a cloud-seeding program. The city regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted. 

The Punjab provincial government has implemented measures such as lockdowns on Saturdays and Sundays, restrictions on private car usage, and enhanced scrutiny on vehicle emissions. The air quality index hovers around 265, and a four-day-a-week lockdown in October showed some reduction in smog levels. 

A cloud-seeding initiative is set to begin in late November, following a similar successful program in New Delhi, India. Experts note that while artificial rain can be effective, it requires regular application and may have associated costs and risks of flooding.

Transport, industry, construction, and stubble burning contribute to Lahore’s smog, and the government is exploring various measures for control. The Lahore High Court has urged government officials to address the smog issue, emphasizing the importance of removing old vehicles and enforcing restrictions on private car usage. 

Lahore currently tops the list of the world’s most polluted cities, with the air quality classified as hazardous.

A British tourist has been sentenced to three months in jail by the Dubai Court of Appeal for verbally abusing an airport staff member at Dubai International Airport in February 2022. Initially fined AED10,000, the tourist’s appeal resulted in a harsher imprisonment sentence.

The altercation began when the tourist, transiting with his mother, demanded a wheelchair. The airport employee testified that he became aggressive and used offensive language when inquiring about the wheelchair. Despite attempts to explain its availability before boarding a shuttle, the Briton insulted the staff with harsh language.

Dubai Police were notified, and a case was filed against the British traveler. The recent ruling stipulates that the tourist will be deported after serving his three-month jail term.

UAE residents are in for a treat in 2024 with at least 13 public holidays, including four extended weekends, as announced by the Cabinet. The dates, mostly aligned with the Islamic calendar, offer opportunities for vacations and staycations.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Happy New Year: January 1 (Monday) – 3-day weekend.
• Eid Al Fitr: April 9 to April 12 (Tuesday to Friday) – 6-day break, including the Saturday-Sunday weekend.
• Arafah Day, Eid Al Adha: June 15 to June 19 (Saturday to Wednesday) – 5 days off, including the weekend.
• Islamic New Year: July 7 (Sunday) – 1-day holiday.
• Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Birthday: Date on Rabi Al Awwal 12 – Specific Gregorian date not clarified.
• National Day: December 2 and 3 (Monday and Tuesday) – 4-day holiday, including the Saturday-Sunday weekend.

These holidays supplement the annual leave entitlement, providing ample opportunities for residents to plan their vacations and leisure activities throughout the year.

In a surprising turn of events, Ashish Moholkar, an Indian expatriate based in Dubai, has won AED15 million in Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket draw series 258. The draw, held during the UAE Union Day holidays, revealed Ashish as the grand prize winner with ticket number 223090, purchased on November 27.

Ashish, who had not watched the live draw, received a call from the show host breaking the news of his win. Expressing disbelief, he repeatedly asked, “Is this real?” seeking reassurance from the hosts and organisers.

An account manager, Ashish had purchased the winning ticket online through a buy-two-get-one-free promotion, and remarkably, the winning number turned out to be the free ticket. Planning his next steps, Ashish intends to consult with his mother and wife to explore options for utilizing the unexpected windfall.

During the live draw, ten winners of Indian, Nepali, and Palestinian nationalities were also announced, each receiving gold prizes worth AED590,000. Additionally, Milu Kurian secured a brand-new Range Rover Velar with ticket number 006898, purchased online.

For those eyeing the upcoming draws, purchasing tickets this month offers a chance to win AED20 million on January 3. Big Ticket customers are automatically entered into the weekly electronic draw, with one customer standing a chance to win AED1 million every week.

As part of the UAE’s commitment to easing the challenges faced by the Palestinian people, the Emirati integrated field hospital in Gaza has initiated its treatment services. Launched under the “Gallant Knight 3” operation, the hospital, overseen by an Emirati medical team, boasts a capacity exceeding 150 beds.

The facility is equipped with surgical operating rooms capable of conducting various surgeries, including general, paediatric, and vascular procedures. It also features intensive care units for adults and children, an anaesthesia department, and specialized clinics encompassing internal medicine, dentistry, orthopedics, psychiatry, family medicine, paediatrics, and gynaecology. Additional amenities include a CT scan, a state-of-the-art lab, a pharmacy, and comprehensive medical support services.

The medical staff comprises specialized and qualified professionals across various medical disciplines, supplemented by medical volunteers. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated the entry of the field hospital into the southern Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing last Friday, reinforcing vital medical support for the local population.

Expo City Dubai has taken a pioneering step in safeguarding global biodiversity by unveiling the ‘Bee The Change’ campaign, part of the Trillion Bees coalition. This international movement aims to raise awareness and funds exceeding $1 billion, involving over two billion people in projects dedicated to preserving bees, protecting habitats, and fostering biodiversity.

As a founding member of the Trillion Bees coalition, Expo City Dubai presented ‘Bee The Change’ at the COP28 climate summit’s Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion. The initiative aligns with Expo City’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, emphasizing the crucial role bees play as pollinators in maintaining ecosystems and combating climate change.

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, emphasized the shared responsibility to care for the environment. The ‘Bee The Change’ movement brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations to drive positive actions for a vibrant future where pollinators thrive.

Expo City’s contribution includes hosting bee-related events during COP28, such as the SWARM art installation by origami artist Leonie Bradley. The interactive artwork encourages COP28 visitors to pledge to nature, embodying collective action for positive change.

Additionally, a global preview of the ‘Bee The Change’ documentary, directed by award-winning filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell, will be showcased. This emotional and inspirational film explores the essential role bees play, the reasons for their population decline, and how individuals can contribute to regenerating nature and bee populations worldwide.

Visitors to the Green Zone at COP28 can further engage with the ‘Bee The Change’ movement during dedicated sessions at the Terra Auditorium. These sessions, scheduled for December 9 and 10, provide an opportunity to learn more about the Trillion Bees coalition, its mission, and insights from supporting businesses, organizations, and scientists on reversing biodiversity loss and revitalizing pollinator populations.

In a recent ruling by the Fujairah Federal Court, a woman has been sentenced to two months in prison and fined Dh3,000 for assaulting a man in a residential building. The victim, who suffered injuries, was unable to work for over 20 days, prompting legal action.

The incident unfolded as the woman allegedly verbally abused and physically attacked the man without provocation. Despite initially admitting to the charges, she later retracted her statements during the investigation, claiming self-defense.

The court, ruling in absentia, expressed satisfaction with the evidence, including the victim’s account and the accused’s admission to scratching the man’s face. Alongside the prison term and fine, a legally prescribed judicial fee was imposed. The verdict highlights the legal consequences for assault in the UAE.