The "Fridays for Future" protests have reinvigorated the debate on climate change around the world. An exhibition in Tel Aviv now shows how cities can use innovative technologies to limit the effects of global warming. Just a few days ago, the sizzling winds of the "sharav" desert storm swept across Tel Aviv, resulting in record temperatures throughout Israel of up to 50 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit). With its air conditioning working on overtime, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art provides some convenient relief from the heat, where the latest exhibition "Solar Guerrilla: Constructive Responses to Climate Change" focuses exactly on what s happening outside: changing weather patterns and global warming. Upon entrance, the first thing you see is a wall covered in strips of colorful lines. This is not just any art installation: These lines meticulously document how the climate has actually changed around the world since the mid-19th century. Blue lines begin to turn orange and eventually reach dark red hues, referring not only to the climate in Israel but in other parts of the world as well. The average annual temperature of Germany, for example, shifted from 6.6 degrees Celsius (44 Fahrenheit) to 10.3 (50.5 Fahrenheit) during that period, according to the installation. The data used for this visualization comes from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). However, the exhibition primarily hopes to highlight solutions to climate change and not just document its dangers. Climate change is real The colorful graphics of this installation are juxtaposed with another work, which documents climate change with layers of rock formations highlighting that over millions of years, the global climate has indeed repeatedly been subject to variation and change — but never over the span of a few decades, as is the case now. Climate expert Orli Ronen from Tel Aviv University, who joined the museum team as a consultant on the "Solar Guerrilla" exhibition, says that the show aims to convey two important messages: "One is that climate change is real, and has drastic consequences. And it s man-made. The other message is that we can still do something about it. We can no longer stop climate change but there are solutions to, at the very least, slow it down." Ways to respond to global warming The exhibition doesn t just document global warming but wants to highlight the efforts of those who are trying to prevent it. Another large collage at the entrance of the museum shows various climate activists fighting for change, featuring pictures of protesters with signs reading "We are drowning. We are fighting" and "Rise for climate." These are images from the "Fridays for Future" protests started by the young Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The exhibition hits a nerve. "It s true, for once we re not just curators but also somehow activists, however, in a rather subdued manner," curator Maya Vinitsky told DW. "We re trying to use this exhibition as a way to show people how they respond (to climate change). There are many possibilities. Joining street demonstration is one of many ways." Technological solutions The exhibition highlights numerous solutions to combat global warming through technology, among them a little measuring tool for energy used in your household called "Sense." The device plugs into your electric panel at home and then tells you — via app — how much electricity is being used by each device in your home. That way, you can make more educated decisions on what devices might be worth unplugging and which ones you want to keep on stand-by all the time. Another such example is Watergen, a company that succeeded in creating a machine that turns humidity in the air into drinkable water. And there s the so-called PodCar, a little vehicle powered by a lithium phosphate battery which is recharged with solar energy. Abu Dhabi s Masdar City in the United Arab Emirates, which prides itself as being the "city of the future" for its ambitious plans to transform into a sustainable community free of fossil fuels, has been using the little cars since 2010. Many VIPs visiting Abu Dhabi have already ridden the little pod, including leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Climate neutral designs The exhibition also looks at cities and municipalities that seek out innovative solutions to deal with climate change. It highlights the vertical gardens of Singapore, the rooftop tree yards of Chicago and the "Eco Wave Power" plant, which powers Tel Aviv itself by harnessing the energy of sea waves. Among other Israeli inventions and solution, the show also presents a new neighborhood being created in the north of Tel Aviv, designed to be completely climate neutral. Here, electricity will be harnessed by solar energy and room temperature will be controlled not by electricity but using a minuscule amount of natural gas. Architecture, design and city planning take center stage at the exhibition in general, which makes sense, as one of the main departments of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art actually focuses of architecture and design. "Let s be honest," says climate expert Orli Ronen, "We failed as scientists. Climate change should be the main talking point anywhere, in every café. But it isn t. But I m grateful for each and every attempt to mobilize people about climate change, and a museum is the kind of place where people are open to new ideas." "I think it will be impossible for anyone to see this show and not want to jump into action in some way."

The Egyptian-European Archaeological Mission of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology concluded its archaeological season at the ruins of the ancient Greek cities Heraklieon and East Canopus in Abi Qir Bay, Alexandria. The mission had been operating for almost two months. Ehab Fahmy, head of the Central Department of Sunken Antiquities, said that the mission used the latest scanning devices to capture images of archaeological remains buried beneath the seabed. A group of buildings within Canopus were found, extending the explored parameters of the city to the south for a distance of a kilometer. The mission found: remains of a port and a collection of pottery from the Late Period of ancient Egypt; gold, bronze and other metal coins as well as jewelry from the Ptolemaic period; and gold coins from the Byzantine era, which showed that the city was likely to have been populated between the 4th century BC and the Islamic era, Fahmy said Monday. The mission found part of a completely destroyed temple in the ruins of Heraklieon, pottery vessels and tableware from the third and second centuries BC, bronze coins from the reign of King Ptolemy II, and fragments of columns found at a depth of three meters below the seabed. Minister of Antiquities Khaled al-Anani inspected the Grand Egyptian Museum project proceedings on Monday, also inspecting the transfer of the great sarcophagus of King Tutankhamun to the restoration lab affiliated with the Ministry as the ministry prepares for the sarcophagus restoration. The restoration process will be the first on the material since the discovery of King Tut s tomb in November 1922. The sarcophagus will be displayed beside King Tut s other coffins at the Grand Egyptian Museum after its inauguration in the fourth quarter of 2020. Anani also witnessed the transfer of ten pieces of wood from the King Khufu Ship during his visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. The total number of wooden pieces transferred from the boat to the museum so far stands at 852 pieces.

Mena Massoud, the Egyptian-Canadian star of Disney s Aladdin (2019), is set to participate in the third edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) which will kick off September 19 and until September 27. Egypt s Minister of Immigration Nabila Makram commented on Massoud s highly awaited attendance, saying that Massoud s participation came thanks to communication with expatriates abroad, especially those from second and third generations. She applauded Massoud s accomplishments as an international artist, who reflects an admirable image for Egypt globally, praised Massoud s devotion to the Arabic language and wished him the best in his acting career. Massoud had previously filmed a behind-the-scenes video for his Egyptian fans, showing a band playing authentic Arabic Egyptian music by the legendary Abdel Halim Hafez, with Massoud singing in Arabic as he danced with the crew. He also filmed another video right before the movie s release saying, “Egypt, this one s for you!” “I am excited for you to see the film Aladdin that is produced by Disney. I am proud to be part of this film and I hope you love it as much as I do and you enjoy it as I much as I did filming it,” he said in the video. Cheering “Tahya Masr” (Long Live Egypt), Massoud showed his and respect towards Egypt and the Arab community which he greeted during the holy month of Ramadan, saying “Ramadan Kareem” during a press conference in Jordan. The co-founder of the GFF, Amr Mansi also expressed his excitement for Massoud s attendance, saying “The festival`s management will spare no effort to build bridges of communication with the stars of the international cinema in general, and those of Egyptian assets in particular, attracting them to participate in the GFF, which we strive to present in the best picture.” Massoud previously featured in films such as “What Happens Next” (2011), “Ordinary Days” (2017), “Final Exam” (2017), “Let s Rap” (2015) and more. He was born in Cairo to Egyptian Coptic-Christian parents, then immigrated to Canada before moving to Los Angeles in 2017. Massoud alongside Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek were nominated for the Teen Choice Awards. The voting was launched on June 25 and awards will be announced on August 11, according to the Variety news website. Massoud was nominated for his famed role in Aladdin, competing in the category “Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie Actor” along with other prominent actors including Will Smith, also featured in Aladdin, James McAvoy from “Dark Phoenix” (2019), Jason Momoa from “Aquaman” (2018), Lin-Manuel Miranda from “Mary Poppins Returns” (2018) and Zachary Levi from “Shazam!” (2019), Variety reported. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the film is a re-adaptation of Disney s acclaimed 1992 animated film “Aladdin”, which in turn is based on the fairy tale. The remake features inventive special effects and magical, attractive colors inspiring audiences new and old alike across the world.

The Bey Hive was feeling the love Friday over Beyonce s release of the album “The Lion King: The Gift,” which the pop queen dropped as a sister piece to her new film, a remake of the Disney classic. Beyonce dubbed the 27-track album she curated and produced “a love letter to Africa,” enlisting several African artists as well as a host of stars including her husband Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, her co-star Donald Glover (who also performs as Childish Gambino) and Pharrell Williams — along with none other than Jay and Bey s seven-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter — as collaborators. “I wanted to be authentic to what is beautiful about music in Africa,” Beyonce, who voices Nala in “The Lion King,” told ABC s “Good Morning America.” “The Gift” is separate from the film s official soundtrack which includes a rendition of Elton s John s iconic “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” by Beyonce and Glover, who plays Simba in the film. John himself also graced the film s soundtrack, released 25 years after the original, with a new song entitled “Never Too Late.” Both albums include Beyonce s latest single “Spirit.” But it s Beyonce s “Gift” that has her legions of fans abuzz. The album features Afrobeat-heavy songs interspersed with dialogue from the highly-anticipated film, which also was released on Friday and stars Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar. Sonic cinema In addition to pop royalty, Beyonce brought Nigerian musicians Tekno, Yemi Alade and Mr. Eazi on board for “The Gift,” along with Ghanaian reggae-dancehall artist Shatta Wale. Cameroonian urban music star Salatiel sang with Beyonce and Pharrell on the thumping groove “Water.” “I wanted to make sure we found the best talent from Africa, and not just use some of the sounds and did my interpretation of it,” Beyonce said on ABC. In classic Beyonce fashion, the album skews toward the visual — what she calls “sonic cinema.” “This is a new experience of storytelling,” she said in announcing the album. “It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn t one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afrobeat.” Beyonce also released a sprawling, richly pigmented video to accompany “Spirit,” which features the star and Blue Ivy in matching ruffled pink dresses, their long curls blowing in the desert wind. “Your destiny is comin close / Stand up and fight,” she sings. “So go into a far off land / And be one with the great I Am.” Pairing her powerful vocals with a visual feast, Beyonce makes about a dozen outfit changes in the video including both custom and couture looks, according to Vogue. The clip was partially filmed in Arizona s remote Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon. It also includes the legendary “Lion King” scene where Simba and Nala lock eyes over a pool oasis, which the new film recreated from the original animated take. “The soundscape is more than just the music because each song tells the story of the film,” Beyonce said.

The Egyptian-Polish Archaeological Mission unearthed on Thursday the remains of an ancient city dating back to the 4th through 7th century AD as well as a collection of Roman mosaics covering the floor of a house in the archaeological area of Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria. Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa al-Waziri asserted that the uncovering of the multi-colored Roman mosaics confirmed the spread of the art of mosaics in the region as well as the luxury lifestyle of several inhabitants of Alexandria. Waziri added that the mission displayed the mosaics in el-Toyor villa, the first museum of mosaic floors in Egypt. Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector Ayman Ashmawy clarified that the ancient city contained a small theater, a great imperial bath and a collection of 22 lecture halls. Meanwhile, Head of the Mission Grzegorz Majcherek said that the mosaics were 2.60 m x 2.60 m square surfaces and consisted of six hexagonal panels featuring a lotus flower surrounded by a circular frame, which was the most prominent design in the dining rooms of the Roman houses in Alexandria. He said that the mission has been working in the archaeological area since 1960, adding that the excavation works focused on the study of residential architecture in Alexandria.

A BBC report chose Egyptian falafel as the best falafel in the world, a result similar to that of the previous Guardian report from 2015. Israel in recent years attempted to contest for the best falafel recipe along with Egypt and the Levant countries. Dene Mullen, the author of the report, said about a food cart for falafel in Cairo: “A few minutes later I m presented with the finished article: piping hot taamiya served inside aish baladi with nothing more than tomatoes, lettuce and a drizzle of tahini. On the side sit crunchy pickled vegetables in a riot of colors – the highlight of which is whole green chillies caked in chilli powder, cumin and salt. The medium-hot chilli adds a welcome bite to proceedings, yet is offset by the bitter nuttiness of the attendant cumin.” He also tested falafel from countries such as Syria and Lebanon. Despite their use of more complicated ingredients, he says: “In my opinion, they d be hard-pressed to beat the Egyptian version.” He quoted food historian Ken Albala as saying in his book Beans: A History that eating broad beans in Egypt “seems to be a conscious act of nationalism. Ful medames is an expression of identity for modern Egyptians who choose to resist the onslaught of contemporary breakfast foods; it is a way to remember who they are.” “I totally agree that the best falafel in the world comes from Egypt, and I ve certainly told people who went to Egypt that,” said Claudia Roden, famed culinary anthropologist and serial Middle Eastern cookbook author. She added that it was about the taste and texture. The Egyptian falafel made from broad beans has a better texture than those made from chickpeas, because it is smoother and easier to bite. The Egyptian version also has herbs, which makes it richer in vegetables, she added. Regarding the origins of falafel, the writer says that although the issue is controversial, most modern historians say that the original falafel dates back to Egypt, particularly to the Copts of Egypt who prepared it to replace meat during the Lent.

Om Kalthoum Naguib Mahfouz presented her father s coat as a gift to Egypt s Culture Ministry which will be showcased in the museum of the late Nobel prize laureate, inaugurated on Sunday. The Egyptian Culture Ministry said that Om Kalthoum expressed pride in the Naguib Mahfouz Museum s inauguration. The museum showcases belongings demonstrating Mahfouz s life and accomplishments, having attracted worldwide attention to the art of the modern Egyptian novel. Culture Minister Enas Abdel-Dayem inaugurated the museum in Muhammad Bek Abu Dahab Complex in the Al-Azhar area, accompanied by Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anany, Governor of Cairo Khalid Abdel-Aal and Om Kalthoum, along with ambassadors from Arab and foreign countries. The Culture Minister called on the masses, especially the younger generations, to the visit Naguib Mahfouz Museum and Creativity Center and know the story of one of Egypt s pioneer writers, both regionally and globally.

American rapper Russell Vitale, publicly known as Russ, is set to perform in Egypt for the first time on Friday, August 2 at the North Coast s al-Alamein, according to an announcement made by the organizing company “Cvents”. “For the first time in Egypt,” the American rapper wrote on his official Facebook page, with the news well received by excited Egyptian fans. Russ will be having a busy summer as he s touring globally to perform some of his newest songs, according to his Facebook page. Locations for his international summer tour include Egypt, Honolulu, Melbourne, Sydney, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and more. Cvents pointed out that Egypt is the only African-Middle East country among Russ s summer tour. His hit album “There s Really a Wolf” made the fourth spot on Billboard s Top R&B/Hip-hop Albums as well as their Top Rap Albums charts, and was also number seven on the Billboard 200, the statement read. One of Russ s top hits is “What They Want” in addition to “Losin Control”, which was listed among the US Billboard s Hot 100. Forbes previously reported that the 26 year old hip-hop artist earns US$15 million annually, and listed him in their 30 Under 30 list in the music sector. Building his audience from the ground up by releasing 11 mix-tapes in 2 years, Forbes also named Russ as one of hip hop s top earners. Forbes further underscored the enormous revenues from the independent singer s “Zoo” album, which has further boosted his career. The concert s tickets are now available on TicketsMarche with prices ranging between LE500 and LE1500.

Two Opera Aida events are being planned for the touristic city of Luxor, Upper Egypt, as a technical team conducted a preview for the shows site, which will be held on October 26 and 28 in conjunction with the beginning of Egypt s winter tourist season. Preparations for two performances began at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, which previously hosted Opera Aida performances in 1997. One hundred and fifty opera singers and performers from the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, led by Ukrainian Maestro Oksana Lenev, will take part in the shows, while German director Michael Shtorm was selected for direction. Luxor is on schedule with an exceptional event as it prepares to receive delegations from around the world to attend two Opera Aida performances in the courtyard of Queen Hatshepsut s temple on October 26 and 28, where music and singing will blend with the land of history and civilization, the Deutsche Presse-Agentur quoted a statement by the organizing company. It added that the return of Opera Aida to the Queen Hatshepsut Temple, after an absence of two decades, is a message of peace and safety from Egypt to the rest of the world. and an attempt to put Luxor back on the annual international tourism agenda. Luxor in Upper Egypt had seen similar performances of the Opera Aida in 1987 and 1997.

The Knight and the Princess , Egypt s first animation production, will be screened during the third annual El-Gouna Film Festival, taking place between 19 and 27 September in the coastal city of Hurghada. "This is the first Arab animation film. It s a dream we ve always waited for," stated Iraqi director of the festival Inteshal Al-Tamimi, confirming that the film will debut properly at the important event.

Egypt s Minister of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Nabila Makram expressed her pride and happiness at actor Mena Massoud s achievements within his artistic career, especially after landing the lead role in the upcoming international Disney film Aladdin (2019). The minister stressed her encouragement towards his career, wishing him further success. Makram further praised Massoud s adherence to the Arabic language and an Egyptian accent. Massoud, a Canadian actor of Egyptian origin, was born on September 17, 1991 in Cairo before his Egyptian parents immigrated to Canada. Makram contacted Safwat Massoud, Mena s father, on Saturday. He told her that they were Egyptian to the core and that they were keen to educate Mena on Egypt s love and knowledge of his origins. Safwat pointed out that his son showed his talent as a student and was even summoned to the school to be told about the great talent his son harbors. He said that Mena then decided to enter acting, participated in a competition to win the role in Aladdin among many applicants and succeeded in obtaining the role. Massoud is very proud of his Egyptian origins, his father said, adding that he loves to speaks in Arabic especially with an Egyptian accent as in his last television interview.

Egypt s ministries of antiquities and foreign affairs issued a joint statement late on Wednesday condemning Christie s auction house for going ahead with the sale of a head of King Tutankhamun in London despite an outcry from the Egyptian authorities. The statement pointed out that the commencement of the auction, despite all the procedures taken by the Egyptian authorities, violates all international conventions, treaties, and agreements due to the lack of ownership documents from the auction house.

With its big black eyes and mouth upturned into what looks like a smile, it s hard to imagine the cartoonishly cute Siberian flying squirrel provoking anger in anyone. Yet in Finland, the palm-sized critter is not only seen as a scourge by landowners and developers, it has become a target for anti-EU anger. The EU Habitats Directive protects the flying squirrel s environment — mainly economically valuable forests.

Egyptian-Canadian actor Mena Massoud and Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek have been nominated for The Teen Choice Awards. The 2019 Teen Choice Awards nominations were announced on 19 June, with voting open to the public till 25 June. The Awards will take place on 11 August.

At a press conference, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the governorate will be the first to benefit from the new system through 11 general and specialized hospitals and 32 healthcare units. Financially challenged citizens will be exempted from subscription fees. The governor of Port Said and a host of ministers attended the conference.

Egyptian artistic community have come together in mourning over the multi-skilled artist Ezzat Abou Ouf who passed away early Monday at a private hospital in Cairo, after a long struggle with heart and liver diseases. "The chain of Egyptian creative artists have lost one of its circles," stated Culture minister Enes Abdel-Dayem adding that "his creation in music and drama has expressed the ambitions and dreams of a whole generation."

The global story about cannabis — the most-used recreational drug in the world — is about as fuzzy as your body feels after taking your first hit. While some places, such as states in the US, have legalized the drug, it is strictly prohibited in others. Almost 200 million people smoke pot worldwide according to the 2019 World Drug Report, published Wednesday, and that number is rising. Whether this is a good or bad thing seems somewhat hard to decipher with inconsistent global regulations on the drug, conflicting research studies and little concrete evidence of its long-term effects.

With a profound understanding of their environmental surroundings, indigenous communities around the world are often cited as being pivotal to tackling climate change. During the 2015 Paris Agreement, the parties agreed to launch a working group to strengthen the knowledge and practices of indigenous groups and to provide a platform for the exchange of experiences and adaptation techniques. Pasang Dolma Sherpa, an indigenous leader from Nepal, has just been voted one of the two co-chairs to head the indigenous group at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She spoke to DW during the The Bonn Climate Change conference, where negotiators are meeting ahead of the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP) to be held in Chile in December.