Hoseok teaching dance

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. Promoting knowledge of the German language abroad and fostering international cultural cooperation, they convey a comprehensive image of Germany by providing information about cultural, social and political life in their nation. Goethe-Institut’s cultural and educational programs encourage intercultural dialogue and enable cultural involvement. Furthermore, they strengthen the development of structures in civil society and foster worldwide mobility. With their network of Goethe-Instituts, Goethe Centres, cultural societies, reading rooms and exam and language learning centers, they have been the first point of contact for many with Germany for almost seventy years. Their long-lasting partnerships with leading institutions and individuals in over 90 countries create enduring trust in Germany. They are partners for all who actively engage with Germany and its culture, working ... » Learn More about Goethe-Institut celebrates 60th anniversary in Manila

“The Queen’s Gambit.” Image: Netflix LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) — “The Queen’s Gambit,” the story of a chess prodigy that was a streaming smash for Netflix, may become a musical. Level Forward, has acquired the theatrical stage rights to Walter Tevis’ novel “The Queen’s Gambit,” which served as the basis for the miniseries. Tevis also wrote “The Hustler” and “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” both of which became films and, in the case of “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” a stage show. “The Queen’s Gambit” centers on Beth Harmon, an orphan who discovers she has a preternatural ability to move the pieces around a chess board and dominate the competition. The novel, published in 1983, follows her journey from Kentucky to Paris to Moscow, while she battles addiction and the prejudices of a male-centered world. Now, that journey will involve music, dance and singing, in addition to pawns and rooks. The Netflix miniseries recently nabbed Golden Globes for Best Television Limited Series, ... » Learn More about ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ getting turned into stage musical

KUCHING: More than 400 students in Miri have been infected with Covid-19, leading to a recommendation for schools to be closed for 14 days. The Miri divisional disaster management committee said 13% of its cumulative 3,253 positive cases were of school-going age. "As medical facilities at Miri Hospital and quarantine and treatment centre are almost reaching full capacity, the committee decided that schools in Miri should be temporarily closed for face-to-face teaching for 14 days. "They should revert to teaching and learning at home as soon as possible to curb the spread of the virus in schools. "The situation will be reviewed after 14 days," said minister-in-charge Datuk Lee Kim Shin in a statement on Sunday (April 18). He noted that the majority of schools in Miri district had over 1,000 students, while one secondary school had over 3,000 students. In addition, Lee said the committee recommended the temporary closure of schools in the neighbouring Subis and Beluru ... » Learn More about Covid-19: Over 400 students infected in Miri, schools advised to close for 14 days

Major General Ung Chanthuok, 46, deputy chief of staff of the National Police, along with two men, were arrested at his house in capital Phnom Penh's Meanchey district on Friday evening while he was having a drinking, dancing and singing party with a few dozens of his tenants. Authorities said Chanthuok had seriously defied a 14-day lockdown imposed in Phnom Penh from April 15 to 28 to curb the spread of COVID-19. The dismissal was made at the request of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, according to the royal decree. Chanthuok will also be prosecuted under the kingdom's anti-Covid-19 law. Cambodia has been enduring the third wave of community Covid-19 outbreak since Feb. 20. The Southeast Asian nation logged 291 new cases on Saturday, bringing the total number of infections to 5,771, with 39 fatalities, the Ministry of Health said, adding that there are currently 3,311 active cases in the country. The kingdom began an anti-Covid-19 inoculation drive on Feb 10. ... » Learn More about Cambodia sacks two-star general for organising party during lockdown

The Philippines hit the global stage again last week when Super Typhoon “Rolly” struck the country. It prompted the Incredible Hulk himself, Mark Ruffalo, to tweet: “Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines then get ready to send donations.” On one hand, it was great hearing from one of Hollywood’s finest actors air his concern for this side of the world. But on the other, I thought it sounded like it was yet another part of a vicious cycle of sending donations to places where typhoons just come and go. One would think that, with the Philippines experiencing an average of 26 typhoons in one year, we have become experts in disaster management. However, a closer look at how we do things does not necessarily reflect an improved approach. In fact, it shows it’s more important than ever to have a better disaster management plan in place. While it is worth applauding the efforts of the national government in implementing the necessary precautionary measures, such as the early ... » Learn More about Sustaining disaster management practices in the Philippines

To master the art of Quran recitation, 21-year-old Hassan Ali Kasi had to follow a strict regime of yoga, hours of rehearsing vocal scales - and a total ban on biryani. His dedication is paying off, and he was recently named champion of an international online qari competition hosted by Afghanistan, where he was up against men from 25 other countries. Revered in Pakistan, qaris are professional reciters of the Quran, called upon to lead prayers at mosques and also to teach the Muslim holy book to students. They are in particularly high demand during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting currently being observed around the world. "It was a job of the prophets," said Ali Kasi in the capital Islamabad. "One of the very first elements of preaching was recitation. It is as old as Islam." Qaris require perfect Arabic pronunciation, a difficult feat in Pakistan where Urdu is the national language. A finesse of rhythm and intonation produces the slow, melodic sound similar to ... » Learn More about Livin’ on a prayer: Champion Pakistan Quran reader in full voice

THE last part of MM Kaye’s epic love story of Ashton and Anjuli — “The Far Pavilions” — takes place in Afghanistan and culminates with the massacre of the British envoy and his party in Kabul in 1879. The novel, first published in 1978, dramatizes some events of “The Great Game” played by the Russian and British empires in the 19th century as both were expanding their spheres of dominance. Afghanistan found itself as the “corn between the upper and the lower millstones.” The country’s ruler, the Amir, tried to impress on both Russia and Britain that “his people would certainly object to foreign soldiers marching into their country, whatever the pretext, as they had never at any time been kindly disposed toward interlopers.” Likewise, Ashton warned his friend, Lt. Walter Hamilton, that the Afghans would not take kindly to any foreign presence in their country and that “no Amir of Afghanistan could possibly guarantee the safety of such foreigners even in his own capital.” After the ... » Learn More about Afghanistan and ‘the great killing’

In this file photo taken on Jan. 20, 2016, Bjorn Ulvaeus, a member of Swedish disco group ABBA attends the opening of “Mamma Mia! The party,” a new restaurant in Stockholm where people can eat while watching a show based on ABBA’s songs. Image: AFP/Jonathan Nackstrand The COVID-19 pandemic’s rampage through the music world has laid bare the industry’s flaws, shining a bright light on “the plight of songwriters,” says ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus. The renowned artist behind the disco pop group’s megahits like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” co-wrote a report released Saturday entitled “Rebalancing The Song Economy,” which urges revamping pricing structures to ensure fairness for writers behind the music. Ulvaeus, 75, became president of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) — a Paris-headquartered rights network representing some four million creators and publishers across the arts — last year, as the spread of coronavirus began devastating ... » Learn More about ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus urges reforms to pay songwriters their due

KOTA BARU (Bernama): The Kelantan Education Department has ordered all schools and educational institutions in seven districts placed under the movement control order (MCO) to be closed from Sunday (April 18) until April 24. Its director Zulkernai Fauzi said the decision was made at the Kelantan Special Disaster Management Committee meeting on Covid-19 enforcement yesterday. He said the committee recommended for the department to close all schools and educational institutions under the Education Ministry (MOE) in seven districts placed under the MCO. “The MOE, taking into account of the current situation, has decided that all schools in seven districts placed under the MCO to be closed for a period of seven days from April 18 to 24. “All students residing in hostels must stay put,” he said when contacted today. Zulkernai said the directive would be communicated to all school administrators for further action. At the same time, he said that efforts should be taken to ensure ... » Learn More about MCO: Educational institutions in seven districts in Kelantan ordered to close

WOLFSBURG, Germany : Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick revealed Saturday he wants to quit the Bundesliga leaders even after their 3-2 win at Wolfsburg left the champions seven points clear at the top of the table and on the verge of a ninth straight league title. “I told the team that I informed the club during the week that I want out of my contract at the end of the season,” Flick told Sky amid tensions with sports director Hasan Salihamidzic “It wasn’t an easy decision for me.” Being released from his Bayern contract would clear the way for Flick to take charge of Germany after Euro 2020. He is one of the main candidates to be Germany head coach after Joachim Loew steps down following the June 11-July 11 tournament. Flick’s announcement capped a turbulent week for Bayern, who bounced back from their Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of PSG on Tuesday. The visitors raced into a 2-0 lead with early goals by Jamal Musiala, 18, and Eric Maxim ... » Learn More about Bayern Munich goes seven points clear as Flick reveals quit shock