Entertainment
Snoop Dogg to Carry Olympic Torch in Paris
American rapper Snoop Dogg has been chosen as one of the final torchbearers for the Olympic flame ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony in Paris. The 52-year-old music icon will carry the torch through the streets of Saint-Denis, a vibrant area north of Paris that is home to the Stade de France Olympic Stadium, on the eve of the grand event.
The journey through Saint-Denis marks the penultimate leg of the torch relay, which will conclude at the iconic Eiffel Tower. Since beginning its journey in May, the Olympic torch has traversed France, being carried by a diverse array of personalities, including former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Formula One driver Charles Leclerc, and actress Halle Berry.
Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., hails from Los Angeles—the city set to host the 2028 Olympic Games. He will be accompanied by other notable torchbearers in Saint-Denis, including French actress Laetitia Casta and French rapper MC Solaar.
Entertainment
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.
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.
Entertainment
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.
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.
Entertainment
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.”
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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