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One Direction Members and Loved Ones Bid Farewell to Liam Payne

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One Direction Members and Loved Ones Bid Farewell to Liam Payne

Family, friends, and One Direction stars gathered in Buckinghamshire to honor Liam Payne at an emotional funeral on Wednesday, over a month after the singer’s untimely passing at 31.

The private service took place at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham, north-west of London. Payne’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik joined mourners, including his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, ex-partner Cheryl, and their son Bear.

A white horse-drawn hearse adorned with floral tributes spelling “Son” and “Daddy” brought Payne’s coffin to the church. Other tributes included a 10-pin bowling-themed arrangement, reflecting one of his favorite pastimes.

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Following the service, pallbearers carried the coffin from the church as Payne’s parents, Cheryl, and other close family members followed. Among the attendees were Cheryl’s Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, as well as Simon Cowell, who signed One Direction to his label.

The heartfelt ceremony also drew appearances from notable personalities, including James Corden, Marvin and Rochelle Humes, Scott Mills, and Adrian Chiles.

Despite Payne’s global fame, fans largely respected the privacy of the occasion, heeding reminders on social media that “memorials are for fans, funerals are for family.” Only a small number of locals and well-wishers gathered outside the church.

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Payne, who resided in nearby Chalfont St. Giles, was remembered for his warmth and talent. His passing has deeply affected his family, bandmates, and fans worldwide, marking the loss of a beloved figure in music.

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Record-Breaking Auction: Māori Elder Portrait Becomes New Zealand’s Most Valuable Artwork

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Record-Breaking Auction: Māori Elder Portrait Becomes New Zealand’s Most Valuable Artwork

An oil painting by renowned New Zealand artist Charles Frederick Goldie has set a national record, selling for an unprecedented NZ$3.75 million ($2.2 million; £1.7 million) at auction. The piece, titled Thoughts of a Tohunga, portrays Wharekauri Tahuna, a Māori priest believed to be among the last of his generation to bear traditional facial moko tattoos.

This historic sale marks the highest price ever paid for a painting in New Zealand’s art market. It also solidifies Goldie’s standing as one of the nation’s most revered artists, particularly for his detailed portraits of Māori elders.

The painting, completed in 1938, depicts Tahuna adorned with a moko and wearing a traditional hei-tiki pendant. Art critics regard the piece as one of Goldie’s finest works. According to Richard Thomson, director at the International Art Centre, this was the first time in 33 years that the painting had been offered for sale.

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This record-breaking sale comes amid heightened racial tensions in New Zealand. Recently, the government’s coalition partner, the Act Party, introduced a controversial bill to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding agreement between Māori and the Crown. Thousands marched in protest against the bill, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by the Māori community, including disparities in health, income, and education, as well as a seven-year gap in life expectancy compared to the general population.

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Moana 2 Review: A Fun Adventure That Struggles to Match Its Predecessor

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Moana 2 Review: A Fun Adventure That Struggles to Match Its Predecessor

Disney’s Moana 2 takes viewers on a vibrant journey across the ocean but falls short of the groundbreaking charm of the original. While it retains much of the magic that made Moana an instant classic, this sequel is a lighter, less impactful voyage.

The original Moana set an almost unattainable standard. As one of Disney’s most celebrated animated films, it earned praise for its refreshing Polynesian mythology, dazzling animation, and unforgettable characters like Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Critics hailed its originality and ingenious songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, placing it near the top of Disney’s cinematic pantheon.

The sequel begins with Moana leading her people as voyagers, following the first film’s conclusion. The story takes an intriguing turn when she learns of Motofetu, a cursed island that once served as a hub for ocean civilizations. The premise gives Moana a compelling reason to reunite with Maui and set out on a high-stakes quest to restore the island’s legacy. Yet, despite this promising setup, Moana 2 doesn’t capture the same sense of urgency or wonder.

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The film retains its bold, colorful animation and lively pacing but leans heavily on broader humor and less substantial storytelling. The songs, while enjoyable, feel more obligatory than integral, lacking the emotional depth that defined the first movie. They serve more as filler than as moments of revelation or character development.

While the journey is entertaining, it lacks the fresh sense of discovery that made its predecessor so beloved. The stakes feel lower, and the humor, though fun, occasionally overshadows the heartfelt moments that made Moana a standout.

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Elton John’s Album Delayed as He Focuses on Eye Recovery

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Elton John’s Album Delayed as He Focuses on Eye Recovery

Sir Elton John has revealed that his upcoming album is on hold due to ongoing struggles with his eyesight following an infection in July. The legendary singer shared on ABC’s Good Morning America that he has been unable to see out of his right eye for four months, while vision in his left eye has also been impaired.

Discussing the challenges, he explained, “I can do something like this [interview], but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start.”

Elton expressed frustration, saying, “It kind of floored me… I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything.”

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While he admitted he’s currently “stuck” and hasn’t worked on the album recently, he remains hopeful about his recovery. He shared that ongoing treatments have brought “hope and encouragement” that his condition will improve.

For now, the 76-year-old icon is focusing on his health, with optimism that his creative endeavors will soon resume.

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