Some of us have washed ashore
While some of us took bullet holes
Some of our wounds ache
While some of us have decayed
They say this is a revolution
And at the end of this
There will be freedom
But the dust and smoke
Have taken their toll
The thirst and hunger
Have vanquished our hope
As another shell
Hit our home
Is it a seeming friend
or a foe
who spills our blood
with no remorse
How do we live?
Where do we go?
How many more
do we mourn?
Who do we blame?
Who do we scorn?
We take no side
We want to breathe
A woeful cry
Of the helpless refugee
The thriller/suspense genre is often filled with clichés which leaves such genre to be undesired or easily forgotten. Don’t Breathe is simply not ‘one of those movies’.
The movie follows three main protagonists doing antagonistic things as a means of living. The protagonists break-in and steal valuables from homes of wealthy people. One of them, Rocky (Jane Levy) leads a lifestyle which involves using burglary as a means of getting by. She lives with a dysfunctional family and has an abusive mother. Hoping to give her little sister a better life, Rocky sets off to steal from wealthy folks until she has enough money to move away and search for greener pastures in California.
Rocky (Jane Levy) in Don’t Breathe (Movpins.com Photo)
Throughout the first minutes of the movie, one of the leading characters introduced a potential victim that has around $300,000 in possession; A favourable amount enough for Rocky to leave with her sister to kick-start a better life. As the burglars observe the victim, they find out that the targeted person is an old blind man (Stephen Lang).
The Blind Man (Stephen Lang) in Don’t Breathe (Screenrant.com Photo)
As the movie progresses, the trio eventually force their way inside the blind man’s home in search for money. While searching through the house, they come across a locked door. Upon applying force on the door’s lock, they’re left startled by the presence of the blind man. Tense rises as the blind man confronts one of the burglars holding a gun. The burglar is shot by the blind man by grabbing the soon-to-be dead man’s gun. The gunfire dies down and the blind man feels that the now-deceased burglar is not alone. This led to a cat-and-mouse chase between the blind man and the other burglars running for their lives: a cliché theme for this movie genre.
The Blind Man (Stephen Lang) hunting down the burglars in Don’t Breathe (Comicbook.com Photo)
On the course of the typical cat and mouse chase, an unexpected twist takes place, amplifying the movie experience through breaking free from the typical thriller cliché that transforms the “too boring or conventional” film to a “phenomenal” one.
The pivot in the story is for you to find out. During the movie’s progression, one’s adrenaline will reach higher levels, thanks to the suspense building up throughout the story plot. Once the suspense starts, there’s no stopping until the end.
The burglars trio in Don’t Breathe (Thetfs.ca Photo)
Overall, the film is a must-watch especially if thriller/suspense is one of your top movie genres. From the acting to the cinematography, the movie is excellent. It’s a film that’s a far cry from being ‘another suspense movie’: a movie that breaks cliché while still being cliché (if that makes sense). They incorporated a stunt that is often hard to pull-off leaving behind one of the two results – being great or trying too hard. Don’t Breathe successfully pulled it off by being a cliché film with unclichéd expectations.
What is Overwatch, you might ask? Well, it is a game created by Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., a well-known videogame developer and publisher famous for developing games like World of Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo, and Heroes of the Storm to name a few. Overwatch was announced in 2014 and the game’s closed beta started late last year. It was officially released 4 months ago (May 2016).
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. logo (HardwareCanucks.com Photo)
The game is composed of two teams; both having six players respectively. The participants get to play different roles such as Offense Heroes, Defense Heroes, Tank Heroes, and Support Heroes. The main objective of the matches depends on what kind of map they are playing in. As of now, maps are composed Capture Point, Escort and Hybrid maps which mix up both ‘assault point’ and ‘escort mode’. To switch things up a bit, there are also weekly brawls and events that allow the game to incorporate twists and adhere to different rules and gameplay. Moreover, players can choose to play a quick match lasting between 5-10 minutes or a competitive match on a competitive rank which enables the gamer to gain ranks and points corresponding to their performance.
Overwatch Gameplay (Nutroniks.com Photo)
What are my thoughts on Ovewatch? I LOVE THE GAME SO MUCH! I have spent a good 100+ hours on it!
What I enjoy mostly about this game is that it could take about 5-10 minutes of my time unlike other games that could stretch from 30 minutes to an hour or more on a single game; the latter can get exhausting. Additionally, Overwatch has cultural diversity as a number of its characters hail from different parts of the world. To make it even better, they’ve got a robot that meditates and a scientist gorilla! I find this bit to be very unique and fun at the same time. Additionally, the game has a distinct lore which I find to be very interesting. I highly recommend watching the short Blizzard-produced animation about the game since it’s brilliantly made and enjoyable to watch. On a final note, the game’s community is very friendly and welcoming towards new players as I, for one, found many new online friends to play with in different areas of the world, thanks to Overwatch.
Overwatch’s Winston, the Scientist Gorilla (TechInsider.io Photo)Overwatch’s Zenyatta, the Meditating Robot (IGN.com Photo)
The game might not be perfect but in my opinion, I think it’s immensely enjoyable and that’s one of the key factors in having a rewarding gaming experience. The game costs about $39.99 and hence, if you feel like this game is for you then by all means, go ahead and make that purchase! I highly recommend it; this world could always use more heroes!
A320neo is the modified A320 aircraft. A320neo is a series of airliners which was developed since December 2010 by one of the well-known aircraft manufacturers, Airbus. Neo stands for new engine option. These aircraft are designed with new engines, enhanced cabin, large curved winglets and aerodynamic refinements. More aluminum alloys and composites are used in the manufacturing stage, helping in lowering the weight and maintenance cost.
The innovations in the A320neo result in 15% lower fuel consumption per aircraft, 8% less operating cost, decreased noise production, increase in range by 500 nautical miles / 900 km, 10% less nitrogen oxide emission compared to A320, enhanced cabin which allows 20 more passenger seats, and 20 % lower fuel consumption per seat.
Sharklets:
The sharklets in A320neo are 2.4 meter in height and they weigh 200 kilograms which succor in reducing fuel burn by 3.5 %. These sharklets cause increase of payload by 500 kilograms and increase of range by 100 nautical miles at the original payload. These sharklets helps in reducing 700 tons of Co2 per aircraft which saves US$220,000 per aircraft every year. These sharklets are produced and distributed by the Korean Air Aerospace Division.
A320neo sharklets (Slideshare.net Photo)
Enhanced cabin:
The A320neo’s cabin offer better luggage storage. The look of the new cabin is more modernized and it includes LED lighting used for the passenger service unit. The cabin is installed with new touchscreen displays which will be easy for the crew’s use. Engineers were successful in designing a new purification system with filters and a catalytic converter which will aid in removing toxic fumes and unpleasant smells from the air before it diffuses into the cabin. The new ‘Space Flex’ design in the cabin increases the space efficiency as the lavatories are now shifted to the rear of the aircraft. These lavatories are spacious and can be used by disabled people. The ‘Space Flex’ design allows 9 more passenger seats with large exit doors. The cabin’s new design results in 6 % increased fuel efficiency per seat.
A320neo’s enhanced cabin (Agendaa.com.br Photo)
New engine option:
The new engine options include CFM International LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G. The new engines will burn 16% less fuel but the actual efficiency will be slightly lower as 1-2% will be typically lost while being installed on an existing aircraft. The range will be increased by 510 NMI and there will be extra payload of 4400 lb. The choice between the two engines is virtually equal.
Pratt & Whitney PW1100G (Forbes.com Photo)CFM International LEAP-1A (CFMAeroEngines.com Photo)
A320neo is one of the most demanded aircraft nowadays due to its extraordinary features. This aircraft is so much economical compared to A320. Looking forward, I’m hopeful that we’ll get to see more impressive aircraft from Airbus in the future.
“Start spreading the news; I’m leaving today. I want to be a part of it; New York, New York!” – I sang as I walked out of JFK Airport and stared at the magnificent sight ahead of me. I was finally in New York.
Manhattan:
Because of the jet-lag, we fell asleep as soon as we reached the hotel at 9 pm (New York time) and were up by 7 am the next day. Once we had a more than filling breakfast (man, those Americans can eat!), we set off to the train station to take a tour of Manhattan which was the first borough on our itinerary.
Since we had an early start, we decided that we would finish all the important sites in Manhattan on the day itself and so we went to our first site; the 9/11 Memorial. The memorial is located at the World Trade Centre site and consisted of 30 feet pools with the 2,983 names of the victims inscribed on the walls of the pools. When we saw people throwing coins down the pool, my brother and I took out the only coins we had in our wallets which were 1 Dirham coins and threw them in before leaving for next stop.
The 9/11 Memorial Pools (911Memorial.com Photo)
We walked a few blocks down and passed many spectacular scenes before reaching our next destination such as a group of phenomenal dancers performing on the streets and hypnotizing violinists. We finally arrived at the pier to board on a taxi ferry that would take us across the river towards Coney Island and back whilst allowing us to have a clear view of the Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty (StaticMakers.com Photo)
Once we were back on the Manhattan pier, we began our walk towards Times Square. It was nearing 6 pm and we were already feeling the effects of the jet-lag and were practically dragging our feet towards the popular site. We stopped for hot dogs by an Egyptian vendor on Fifth Avenue and laughed at my brother complaining about how the prices were so high for a halal hot dog. We stopped to take pictures by The New York Times and Empire State building before finally reaching our last destination.
New York City’s Empire State Building (MentalFloss.com Photo)
Times Square was just how I expected it to be; lively, crowded, colorful and so much more. I was stargazed and spinning on the spot to try and absorb everything around me. “Stop drooling!” my brother yelled, over the noise and pulled me towards my parents who were already taking pictures next to a wax of Morgan Freeman. While we walked around, we encountered some amusing and weird scenes such as the famous “naked cowboy” who was dressed in a pair of underwear, cowboy boots and hat while playing a guitar in the middle of Times Square. After taking pictures with the view of the buildings and billboards, we retired into a small diner for a slice of pizza. Yes, a slice pizza because their one slice is three times the size of U.A.E.’s slices, if not more.
Morgan Freeman Wax Figure (StaticFlickr.com Photo)
Manhattan was as beautiful as we expected and we came back a few days later for shopping purposes, against the complaints of my father and brother who claimed that if we entered more than two shops, they were going to publicly protest. Four hours and multiple shopping bags later, we found them asleep in our rental car and had to listen to complaints the whole way back to the hotel.
Featured Image Credit: (WallPaperFolder.com Photo)
Can you believe that October is just around the corner? This is our last September week and I hope all of you will make the best out of it. From our end, the team did its best to come up with an incredible line of up for this week for you to hopefully enjoy and benefit from.
On Monday, take a trip with us to New York and discover the concrete jungle where dreams are made of. You might decide to spend your next holiday here!
New York City (Forbes.com Photo)
Tuesday will see us covering aviation stories as usual. This time, you’ll be introduced to the A320neo aircraft.
A32Oneo (NoComments.org Photo)
Are you into gaming? Fret not for we have got you covered. A game review is in store just for you as we will be looking at ‘Overwatch’ on Wednesday.
Overwatch Game (DNAIndia.com Photo)
If you’re a fan of horror movies, Thursday is your day. We will be reviewing the movie ‘Don’t Breathe’ so make sure you tune in for this and prepare your popcorn and blanket for a movie-viewing afterwards!
Don’t Breathe movie poster (Pop.Inquirer.net Photo)
On our creative Friday, a team member’s poem on war and humanity will be featured. Make sure you check it out! If you want your creative work to be featured online on Fridays, you can try contacting us on eyas@eau.ac.ae.
Poetic Pen Design (SomaliLandExpress.com Photo)
I hope your last week of September will be as splendid and positive as the October weeks ahead!
Let us know what you’d like to read about, comment on and share via e-mail (at eyas@eau.ac.ae), on Facebook (@EYASmagazine), right here on WordPress (eyasmagazine.wordpress.com), on Instagram (eyas_insta), or talk to us on and around campus.
“EYAS has a good magazine and group [team]; they keep us updated on what’s going to happen next in the university i.e. upcoming events. On the changes I would like to see in the campus, It would be great to have shade for the students’ parking area and lower charges for printing. I don’t have any recommendations for EYAS at the moment; they’re perfect.” – Omar Ahmed, ED Aeronautical Engineering
“EYAS magazine always keeps us updated on what’s going on at the university and they also tell us about the experiences of EAU’s former students. I don’t think EYAS needs any changes as of now; they’re doing an amazing job. Our university however, can improve, in my opinion, by having a shaded parking area for students, bigger prayers rooms, and more art and poetry sections in the library.” – Furqan Fayaz, ED Aeronautical Engineering
“EYAS gives some useful information and keeps us updated on new developments at the university. I think it’s already great as it is. On a different note, I would recommend the university to provide a shaded parking area for students and better food.” – Arslan Ullah, ED Aeronautical Engineering
I logged onto IMDb.com as part of my daily routine and watched a new trailer uploaded under the name of “Sully”. Fast forward three months and I found myself in VOX MAX at Mirdif City Centre, watching the third show on the first day.
Tom Hanks as Chesley Sullenberger in ‘Sully’ (NYtimes.com Photo)
Based on a true event back in 2009, Sully follows the heroic yet unusual method (approach) to land an A320 after facing dual engine loss due to birds. Sully, which is short for Chesley Sullenberger was portrayed by Tom Hanks and first officer Jeff Skiles was portrayed by Aaron Eckhart – both delivered solid performances.
Tom Hanks and Aaron Eckhart on set of ‘Sully’ (TheAtlantic.com Photo)
Director Clint Eastwood brings his A-game as he crafts the most believable crash and rescue scene I have ever witnessed! He does not use morbid music which makes the entire crash scene exceptionally compelling. Post the crash, Hanks’ character relives the crash scene multiple times in the movie and this is where Eastwood shines.
Clint Eastwood directing the movie ‘Sully’ (OnSet.ShotOnWhat.com Photo)
Having had doubts about the director’s approach to use up the 96 minutes run-time, I didn’t expect the main focus of the movie to be the NTSB hearings post the crash. Don’t get me wrong, these were excellently shot and in almost every scene, Hanks’ character is being grilled by the NTSB; constantly questioned about whether or not he could have made it back to the runway as the simulations showed that he could.
Director Clint Eastwood and actor Tom Hanks on set (PBS.Twimg.com Photo)
Without giving away details of the ending, all I can say is this; watch it in the theaters while you still can. You don’t need extra knowledge of aircraft or research about how they operate as the movie is simple and one of this year’s best.
The newly announced Apple iPhone 7 and 7+ are causing a huge stir on social media. Apple’s marketing team has really stepped up their game with their new launch, going as far as reviving their previously never used Twitter account to promote the release. But surrounding all of the publicity and hype, is the Apple iPhone 7 worth picking up?
iPhone 7+ in the new Jet Black color (Apple.com Photo)
At face value, one might find it difficult to differentiate the iPhone 7 from its predecessor. The design language remains identical with changes limited to the movement of the antenna lines around the back. However, that is not to suggest a lack of change in specifications and hardware. Both the iPhone 7 and 7+ feature a redesigned home button that is capacitive in nature and mimics the feel of a click using Apple’s taptic engine, just like on the 12-inch MacBook. While that might be a large departure, one significant omission on both iPhone 7 variants is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. While Apple bundles lightning headphones and a lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter with the iPhone 7’s box, the omission is sure to cause an inconvenience in the short term. In an attempt to compensate, the iPhone 7 comes with stereo speakers making music sound better than it has ever done on an iPhone previously.
Stereo Speakers (Apple.com Photo)
The processing department also receives a bump up with the iPhone 7. Running its home-baked iOS 10 software should be smoother than ever due to Apple’s latest A10 chip, providing better day to day speeds as well as improved graphical performance. One thing to note is that the 7+ variant of the iPhone comes with an additional gigabyte of RAM at 3 GB, which could lend itself to even better performance.
New A10 Processor (Apple.com Photo)
But that is not the only difference between the two iPhone 7 variants. While the 12MP camera with optical image stabilization on the iPhone 7 is a step up, the iPhone 7+ features a twin 12MP sensor with different focal lengths at 28-mm and 56mm. This not only allows for better zoom ability in pictures but can also produce very nice portraits with blurred backgrounds. While a glimpse of this feature was seen at launch, it will be available in its entirety in November via a software update, only for 7+ users. In addition, the flash found at the back is now seen to have four LED lights for better skin reproduction in darker situations while the 7MP selfie camera is also a welcome addition for fanatics on both variants of the iPhone 7.
Size comparison between the iPhone 7 and 7+ (Apple.com Photo)
While the positives may flatter to deceive, one cannot argue with the negatives the iPhone 7’s bring. There has been no significant change to screen resolution on either iPhone 7 variant, which means that its accuracy and sharpness is still below par when compared to various Android smartphones and their 2-K displays and the simpler than ideal iOS 10 operating system may present difficulties for Android users.
iOS 10 (Apple.com Photo)
Even then, interested consumers will be glad to know that the 16 GB variant of the iPhone is forever gone with the newer iPhone 7’s coming in 32, 128, and 256 GB of storage, with no support for micro-SD expansion. To top it off, the newer Black and Jet Black colors may add to the appearance of the iPhone 7, but the gloss texture the Jet Black carries may be nothing more than a fingerprint and scratch magnet.
New storage capacities (Apple.com Photo)
Realistically, neither iPhone 7 variant is a large step up in terms of design or software. Users of the iPhone 6S will feel no different with the iPhone 7 in hand, barring a few seconds saved due to a better processor and slightly better camera performance. However, if a large change is what users are looking for, an upgrade to the 7+ variant will be the right choice, not only due to its extra RAM but also because of its significantly enhanced camera. Either way, the decision will be a tough one considering how much either iPhone 7 variants cost.
EYAS 