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The Spinoff
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
The Phantom of The Opera, taonga pūoro and the NZ origins of a classic silent film
100 years ago, a New Zealander was the first person to bring The Phantom of The Opera to the screen. Lyric Waiwiri-Smith attends a centennial screening of the iconic silent film with a special musical accompaniment. On the roof of the Palais Garnier, in a film reel drenched in blue, Christine Daaé (Mary Philbin) and Raoul de Chagney (Norman Kerry) grasp each other without ever sharing a kiss (it was the 1920s, after all). They've just witnessed the Phantom (Lon Chaney) terrify the crowds of the Bal-de-Masque, fled through the labyrinthe opera house and are plotting their escape – until whistling of a taonga pūoro welcomes the image of the Phantom, clinging to a statue of Apollo, his head thrown back in agony and arms desperately reaching towards his object of obsession. The 1925 adaptation (happy centennial!) of Gaston Leroux's tragic-romance, The Phantom of The Opera is a classic of the silent film genre, campy in its theatrical excess and both hilarious and haunting in its subtle, archaic horror which leans on the simple thrills of a darkened dungeon and the deformed face of the Phantom. It's a story most well-known as an Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical, so if the 'silent' part freaks you out, rest assured that most reissues of this original film actually do include sound. But if you want a truly immersive experience, you should hope there's a good community of film buffs and some pretty talented musicians in your neighbourhood. On Monday and Tuesday night, the Wellington Film Society hosted a screening of the film alongside a live musical accompaniment composed by Pōneke's Ruby Solly (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe), Seth Boy and Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (Ngāti Porou) – a perfect blending of two artistic mediums which brought the magic and mayhem of the Phantom's opera house to The Embassy theatre. In the absence of sound, the appeal of The Phantom of The Opera leans heavily on beautiful wide shots of dancers floating through the Palais Garnier, title-cards with old-timey words like 'ere' (the best being: 'feast your eyes, glut your soul on my accursed ugliness!') and exaggerated physical performances, but namely Chaney, whose grotesque but most of all dramatic Phantom still endures. So, when you finally do bring sound into the equation, it's able to expand all of these aspects and more. Solly, Best and Schaverien-Kaa's composition flowed so well in tandem with the film that, if you closed your eyes, you'd think all of the pieces were built together from the beginning. The music moved with ease, underscoring the comedic moments with musical punchlines, to something operatic, then haunting. And at the end of the ballet scene which opens the film, as the actors sitting in the Palais Garnier applauded, so did we – it was nice to have a moment to appreciate the ability of three people to create really transcendental music. And because it's their composition, Solly, Best and Schaverien-Kaa were able to take some creative liberties with storytelling through their music. When Carlotta (Virginia Pearson) took the opera stage to perform as Marguerite, Solly missed her notes and skipped over beats, letting a terrible vibrato echo around the theatre (I must note that when she vocalised along with Christine, Solly sounded so beautiful alongside the cello she was playing that, for a few minutes, I couldn't believe she was doing both things at once). When Christine discovers the Phantom playing 'Don Juan Triumphant', he's not the skilled composer you see in Andre Lloyd Webber's production – it was a great insinuation that maybe the Phantom was just a fraud, a nobody trapped in the dungeons forever. But the best part of it all was the use of taonga pūoro. The whistles that drifted through the theatre spelled the entrance of the Phantom and his no-good hijinks, or set the scene for the cold, eerie dungeons. It felt really special to have this instrument embedded into the composition, and it was also a good reminder of Aotearoa's connection to the film. The whole thing is obviously all very French, but the film's director Rupert Julian is a New Zealander. He was born in Whangaroa as Percy Hayes (later changing his name when he became a touring actor), lived in Whangārei and Auckland, worked as a barber on Karangahape Road and fought in the Boer War before being convinced to join the stage, and eventually make the move to Hollywood. The Phantom of The Opera is undoubtedly Julian's most iconic contribution to film, but it's his leading man – Lon 'the man of a thousand faces' Chaney – who supposedly led the brunt of the film's creative work. Julian was famously pompous and difficult to work with, and often crew members sided with Chaney, whose director often refused to speak with him – instead, the film's cinematographer Charles Van Engler acted as the go-between messenger for the two divas. It was a strange outcome as Julian, after receiving the script, declared: 'Lon Chaney, or it can't be done!' Julian's magnum opus became Universal's longest project at the time – while many films were able to be shot in two weeks, Julian spent six months in pre-production, and eleven in production, working with a cast and crew of hundreds. Delays would be caused by Julian continuously reshooting Philbin's scenes, and the use of experimental Technicolour – you can see those beautiful splashes of colour seep through in the Bal-de-Masque scene. So, describing it as a New Zealand film would probably be a stretch of the imagination as long as the Seine. But it was nice to step into a version of the film that felt like it could only be enjoyed in Aotearoa.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
North Carolina mother fighting against teen vaping with new bill
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WNCN) — Charlene Zorn describes her stepson Solomon 'Solly' Wynn as a happy kid. Growing up in Wilmington, he was always active. 'He loved to play sports, go to the gym with his dad, ride his bike, eat pizza and hamburgers. He was on his freshman football team. He had all the normal ambitions that a kid had,' said Zorn. But in 2023, Zorn's life changed. 'He got sick. We thought it was a cold or respiratory infection,' said Zorn. 'About six weeks later, they sent him to the Nunnelee Pediatric Clinic, and he immediately diagnosed him with popcorn lungs.' She said the doctor told her it was due to vaping. On June 13, Zorn said Solly had just gotten off the phone with his dad, Al. 'Al got home from work 20 minutes later and found Solomon unconscious on the floor, non-responsive, had to call 911,' said Zorn. 'By the time we got to the hospital there was no signs of any brain activity. He was on a ventilator. His heart was beating—but only because the ventilator was doing it for him.' Not long after, Solly passed away. 'I don't want anyone to feel like my family felt,' Zorn said. 'Al, Solomon's biological mother and I had to stand there and listen to doctors tell us that our child was dead, that a machine was keeping him alive. We had to stand there and with some of our other children as we took him off life support.' Solly was 15 years old. Federal law, which retailers in North Carolina must follow, sets the minimum age to purchase tobacco products at 21, but state law still lists 18. That's why Charlene and others are advocating Solly's Law, a bill currently working its way through the state set to do two things, require a tobacco retail sales permit for businesses and align with federal law about the age to purchase. 'We know that children, virtually everyone who starts using a vapor product or an ignited cigarette, starts before the age of 21 and we realize we've got an epidemic in North Carolina,' said Peg O'Connell with the North Carolina Alliance for Health. She points to a 2022 survey from the organization. It notes one in eight high school students in North Carolina currently use a tobacco about three students in every classroom. Jake Petersen, a school resource officer at Eastern Alamance High School, told CBS 17 he often sees vapes on his campus. 'Kids congregating in the bathrooms, they're passing around the vapes right there in the open and they're smoking between classes and taking a break during classes to go smoke,' said Petersen. Some Wake County students say they see vaping too. Amruta Issac and Uma Kuncha work with the Poe Center for Health Education to teach their peers about the effects of vaping. 'We don't really see it very often in our school, but when I do go out in public spaces like malls or concerts with my friends, I do see it quite often,' said Issac. Kuncha says, unlike Issac, she often sees vapes at her school. 'We see vaping, and vapes, a pretty decent amount whether it's in the hands of my classmates and people's personal belongings or even in the halls, but overall, I do notice not as much out in the open. I would say most students disregard the vape free policy,' said Kuncha. As for Solly's Law, Zorn is said she hopes to see more support for the bill. 'I don't want anyone to go through what we went through. It's completely preventable,' she said. 'It shouldn't be happening, and we need every lawmaker in the state to get behind the bill. It needs to not be a political issue. It needs to be about saving our children's lives.' There has been no movement of Solly's Law in the state legislature since March. Chances that lawmakers will take action on it in this session are slim, but there is still a chance it could be added to the state budget as it does include an appropriation. Solly's stepmother says she and other advocates of the bill will keep fighting until more is done to prevent teenagers from vaping. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Windsor auto shop owner gifts comedian Jay Leno with likeness sculpted from car scraps
Leno was in Windsor for a performance at Caesar's Windsor A Windsor, Ont., auto shop owner who uses car parts to build statues of celebrities delivered his sculpture of Jay Leno to the comedian himself on Thursday. The former Tonight Show host was in Windsor to perform at Caesar's Windsor. "It was just so incredible to be able to do this," said Peter Solly, who owns MacDonald's Auto Repair and Maintenance Shop. "It was just over the top. I'm on cloud nine for sure." Solly began building the life-sized statues around 20 years ago and estimates he's built between 400 and 500. His subjects include real people like Taylor Swift and Gordie Howe and fictional characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and the Incredible Hulk. Artist Glenn Hawkes paints the faces on the statues. Solly built the Leno sculpture more than a year ago but had had little success in getting it to him until now, he said. "I tried and tried and tried to get a hold of him through the media and through his business," Solly said. "But lo and behold, I knew someone who knew someone who knew … him, and they got me in." The intermediary was a friend of Solly's who knew a Michigan car museum owner who was friends with Leno, he said. "So they called Jay Leno. We sent the pictures to him, and he said, 'Hey look, I love it. This is great.' So then she let him call me on my cell." The statue will reside at the museum for a period of time before the owners forward it to Leno in California, Solly said. The sculpture of Leno sports the blue jeans and jean shirt Leno typically wears on his automotive-themed TV show Jay Leno's Garage. Leno was wearing the same outfit when he met Solly on Thursday night. "He walked in the room, said 'Hey Pete! How ya' doin,'" Solly said of Leno. "So I shook his hand, and then we walked up to the sculpture, and he couldn't believe he finally got to see it. And we took a bunch of pictures, and it was great." It wasn't the first time Solly had met the comedian, he sad; he previously encountered him around 30 years ago in Las Vegas when Leno's limo pulled up outside Caesar's Palace. Leno shook hands with Solly and his friends and spoke with them briefly, he recalled. "And then 30 years later, I finally get to meet him," he said. "It's awesome. It was just fantastic."
Khaleej Times
27-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Travel Revolution: Solartrip Brings AI and Blockchain to the Middle East
Travel is evolving from simple trips to meaningful journeys that emphasise personal growth, connection, and unforgettable experiences. Today's travellers no longer settle for standard itineraries — they seek adventures tailored to their unique interests. Solartrip has entered the Middle East market with a bold new vision for travel, combining AI-driven personalisation with blockchain-powered rewards. Focused on delivering seamless and secure experiences, Solartrip aims to redefine how people and businesses engage with travel in the region. Innovation at the Core: AI, Blockchain At Solartrip, innovation isn't just a buzzword — it's the foundation of a new way to experience travel. By integrating cutting-edge AI and blockchain technologies, Solartrip ensures every journey is secure, personalised, and effortless. Central to this transformation is Solly, Solartrip's AI-powered travel assistant. With 76 per cent of consumers preferring personalized services, Solly elevates the travel experience by offering tailored, real-time suggestions. Need a quiet café to work from or last-minute dinner plans? Solly ensures each trip feels uniquely yours, adapting to your preferences every step of the way. Meanwhile, blockchain is reshaping the financial side of travel. Supporting over 300 cryptocurrencies, Solartrip offers seamless, borderless payments — a feature especially appealing to forward-thinking markets like the UAE. The company's NFT-based rewards system takes loyalty programmes to the next level, allowing users to earn and trade digital collectibles, turning rewards into something tangible and valuable. From Solly's curated recommendations to competitive hotel prices, Solartrip's platform is built for flexibility and customization. Adding further value, the Solar Cash programme rewards users with five per cent bonuses on every stay booked via the website or app. These bonuses can be used to offset future bookings, offering travelers freedom to make today's journey pave the way for tomorrow's adventures. Solartrip streamlines every aspect of travel — from planning to payment to rewards — creating a more seamless and enriching experience for travellers. Empowering Businesses Through Travel-Tech The company's commitment to innovation extends beyond individual travellers to empower businesses through its advanced travel loyalty solution. By harnessing the same technologies that redefine personal travel, Solartrip's White Label enables banks, telecoms, airlines, payment systems, and even crypto exchanges to seamlessly offer travel solutions to their customers. This fully customisable platform seamlessly integrates into a company's website or app, enabling customers to effortlessly book travel, earn and redeem loyalty points, receive cashback, or even pay in installments. With access to over two million accommodation options, more than 800 airlines, and a variety of low-cost carriers, businesses can offer their customers a wide range of travel choices. Whether it's cashback on bookings or bonus points for spending, businesses can tailor incentives to suit customer preferences and align with their business goals. Solartrip offers a white-label solution that businesses can easily personalize to match their identity. Companies can offer a premium travel service under their own brand and earn commissions on bookings. This approach allows businesses to monetize their customer base without dealing with technical integrations, negotiating with travel providers, or managing customer service. In just 2-4 months, businesses can launch a top tier travel offer that elevates customer loyalty, drive growth, and increase revenue. This solution taps into the fast-growing $1.57 billion loyalty market in the UAE, meeting the demand for personalized, experience-driven rewards. Solartrip's Vision of Neo Travel While its technology empowers businesses and individual travellers, Solartrip's vision extends further. By understanding the evolving needs of modern travelers, Solartrip is redefining global travel trends, offering personalised and meaningful experiences that resonate with today's explorers. The rise of bleisure travel, where more than half of business travelers extend their trips for leisure, reflects a growing desire to combine productivity with relaxation. Staycations, especially in urban hubs like the UAE, are also booming, with New Year's Eve hotel bookings increasing by 300 per cent. These local escapes allow travelers to rediscover their cities while enjoying affordable getaways. Meanwhile, solo travel and experiential tourism continue to gain momentum as people seek deeper connections and authentic adventures, from hidden destinations to immersive cultural experiences. These trends are reshaping travel. Looking ahead, Solartrip is poised to lead travel-tech innovation, focusing on the Mena region with Dubai as a strategic hub. Over the next 2-3 years, the company plans to expand by partnering with local fintechs, banks, and businesses to launch white-label solutions offering customised travel loyalty programs across the region. Dubai's role as a global innovation hub provides the perfect environment for Solartrip to grow. The city's tech-forward infrastructure and growing demand for personalised travel experiences make it an ideal base for the company. Solartrip's vision is to set new standards in travel loyalty and continue driving innovation in the Mena region and beyond. • •
