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The Radiant Star of 'Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait' The National Portrait Gallery's new blockbuster show, 'Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait,' marks Monroe's 100th birthday with a comprehensive exhibition that transforms our perception of the iconic actress. The Evolution of a Hollywood Icon The exhibition takes visitors on a journey from Monroe's early days as Norma Jeane Baker to her rise as a radiant, uncontainable film star. Through self-portraits, photographs, paintings, and excerpts from her films, the show highlights Monroe's agency and self-creation as an American icon. The Art of Self-Creation Monroe's command of the camera is evident in picture after picture, showcasing her unselfconscious charm that defined a century. The exhibition features works by prominent photographers like Richard Avedon, Milton Greene, Cecil Beaton, and Eve Arnold, demonstrating how Monroe remained in control of her image. Experimentation and Artistry The show also explores the artistic techniques used to capture Monroe's image, including surrealist collages, solarisation methods, and altered portraits. Notable works include Philippe Halsman's surrealist collages and André de Dienes' poignant portraits taken after Monroe's death. Beyond the Glamour While the exhibition is a celebration of Monroe's life and career, it also hints at her vulnerabilities and flaws. A 1956 photo by Cecil Beaton and a 1962 paparazzi image of Monroe's body bag being carried out of her home in Los Angeles provide a glimpse into the complexities of her life and death. The Legacy of Marilyn Monroe The exhibition concludes with a reflection on Monroe's enduring legacy, from her impact on midcentury US culture to her influence on pop art. As visitors leave the show, they are left with a deeper understanding of Monroe as a multifaceted individual, rather than just a Hollywood icon.

The LeadOnce a symbol of national unity and joy, Iran's World Cup qualification now reflects deep political divisions. The national football team's relationship with the public has transformed amid social unrest and political tensions following the death of Mahsa Amini.The Cultural Significance of Football in IranIranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami captured the profound importance of football in Iranian society through his film "Life, and Nothing More..." set during the 1990 World Cup. The film depicted a villager, despite having lost family members in an earthquake, adjusting a television antenna to watch Argentina play Brazil. Kiarostami later wrote about this scene: "This sequence is directly drawn from a similar experience during my trip to the earthquake-stricken region in the early days after the disaster. [The man] had his left arm in a cast, was shirtless, and with his right hand was striking one stone against another at the base of the antenna to secure it. I saw that after that event, what mattered there was life – and then football."The Evolution of National PrideAt one time, football and the World Cup held such importance for Iranians that they symbolized hope for continuing life. Qualifying for the 1998 World Cup – after defeating Australia over two legs – was celebrated for years like a national occasion, with special programs, interviews, and repeated broadcasts of match highlights on national television. Four decades later, football – and specifically the national team – has become one of the most controversial aspects of Iranian life at a critical historical moment; a controversy with roots in politics and Iran's collective memory.The Changing Landscape of CelebrationIran have missed two World Cups since 1998 and each qualification has been accompanied by street celebrations – except the most recent one. While videos of past qualification celebrations are easily found online, there are virtually no videos on social media of festivities marking qualification for this World Cup. A segment of Iranian society began distancing itself from the national team after September 2022, when the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody triggered one of the most intense waves of protests since the Islamic Revolution. These protests became known as the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement.The Political DivideAt the time, just before the Qatar World Cup, protesters believed national-team players had not taken a clear stance against the suppression of the demonstrations. Even the players' act of solidarity before the first match, against England, standing in silence during the national anthem in memory of those killed in the unrest, did not bring protesters closer to the team. From that point, for some Iranians, the national team became "the regime's team," and this divide has widened.The Economic and Social ContextEconomic pressure, declining purchasing power and the shadow of war (which had not yet happened) contributed to football's importance for Iranians falling to its lowest level in decades. There is a stark contrast to the atmosphere around the 2014 World Cup, when even a 1–0 loss to Argentina in the second group game led to hopeful street celebrations. During the 2018 World Cup the team's matches were shown on the big screens at Azadi Stadium and received a great response.The Future of Iranian FootballNima, 42, who has lived outside Iran for years, says: "Iran's national team has gone from being a team that represented the people during the war with Iraq or the 1998 World Cup, to a team that now promotes the regime. That's why I no longer care what results they get." This sentiment reflects a growing divide between the national team and a significant portion of the Iranian population, suggesting that football's role in Iranian society may continue to evolve in response to political and social changes.

The Looming Hunger Crisis in Iran The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning that the ongoing conflict in Iran is driving millions of people towards hunger. The situation is dire, with the WFP highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to mitigate the impact of the war on civilians. Exacerbating Humanitarian Needs The war on Iran has significantly exacerbated existing humanitarian needs, pushing millions to the brink of hunger. The WFP's concerns underscore the devastating consequences of prolonged conflict on civilian populations, particularly in terms of food security. Urgent Call for Assistance The WFP's warning emphasizes the critical need for immediate and sustained humanitarian assistance to address the growing hunger crisis in Iran. The international community faces a pressing imperative to act swiftly to prevent a catastrophic escalation of hunger and malnutrition among the Iranian population. Humanitarian Impact The humanitarian impact of the war on Iran is multifaceted, with the WFP's data indicating a sharp increase in the number of people facing severe food insecurity. This situation calls for a concerted international effort to provide emergency food assistance and support to those most affected. Future Outlook Looking ahead, the WFP and other humanitarian organizations will likely continue to sound the alarm on the hunger crisis in Iran, advocating for sustained international support to address the immediate and long-term needs of the affected population. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further deterioration in food security unless concerted action is taken.

The Stance of Hamas on Disarmament Hamas has announced that it will not surrender its arms, resisting ongoing disarmament demands. The group stated that the ultimate fate of its military arsenal will be decided following comprehensive discussions with other Palestinian factions. The Proposal for a Long-Term Hudna In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Husam Badran, a member of the Hamas political bureau, introduced the concept of a long-term hudna (truce). He stated that when the Palestinian committee comes to take over the Gaza Strip, there will be no visible weapons in the streets and alleys of Gaza except the official weapons belonging to the Palestinian police. The Cairo Talks and Factional Consensus The upcoming Cairo meetings will gather eight key Palestinian factions to form a unified national stance. The talks aim to salvage the ceasefire originally proposed by United States President Donald Trump. However, Badran noted that Israel has failed to implement even 30 percent of its phase one obligations, making any transition to subsequent phases impossible. The Disarmament Deadlock While Palestinian factions demand the fulfilment of phase one survival metrics, Israeli officials and Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza on Trump’s “Board of Peace”, are conditioning the transition to phase two on the disarmament of armed groups. Mladenov recently presented a 15-point “roadmap” built by the ceasefire guarantors. Negotiation Time and Israeli Expansion Palestinians view this 15-point framework as a stalling tactic designed to extract concessions while Israel deepens its occupation. Palestinian political analyst Wissam Afifa told Al Jazeera that Israel is exploiting “negotiation time” to exhaust the population through continuous escalation.

The Lead: A Reunion in the Toy BoxTaylor Swift has officially entered the Toy Story universe with "I Knew It, I Knew You," a new track for the upcoming Toy Story 5. The song serves as an emotional answer to the beloved Jessie theme "When She Loved Me," capturing a moment of gentle elation as the toy reunites with her former owner. This release marks a significant creative pivot for Swift, moving away from the complex pop structures of her recent albums toward a more nostalgic, rootsy sound.The Challenge of Replacing a LegendWriting a song for Jessie presented a unique challenge: outdoing the devastating performance of Randy Newman. Swift acknowledged this "incomparable" feat in her post, admitting that Newman created the musical world of the franchise. However, the new track avoids direct imitation. Instead of a ballad, it offers a moment of "giddy up" energy, focusing on the tactile details of recognition—the sound of footsteps and the smile of a former owner.Source Material: An answer song to "When She Loved Me" from Toy Story 2.Production: Organic instrumentation produced by Jack Antonoff, contrasting with the film's themes of AI obsolescence.Lyrics: Uses metaphors like "mood ring changing colours" to describe emotional depth.Creative Analysis: Organic Soundscapes vs. AIThe production of "I Knew It, I Knew You" offers a stark contrast to the film's plot, which revolves around toys facing obsolescence at the hands of AI. The song features handcrafted care, including a beautiful room sound on the drums and a saxophone solo, signaling a return to "human" artistry in an increasingly digital landscape. This aligns with Swift's recent interview about the technicalities of songwriting, where she emphasizes the placement of words and sounds.The Emotional Resonance of NostalgiaThe impact of this release extends beyond the music charts; it taps into the generational bond between Swift and her audience. Many fans grew up with the Toy Story movies and are now parents watching the franchise with their own children. The song's themes of being a "favourite toy" and the fear of being discarded resonate with Swift's own history of personal songwriting, suggesting a shift toward fictional narratives where she thrives.Future Outlook: Soundtracks in the Digital AgeThis collaboration signals a potential trend where major artists use soundtracks to reclaim emotional authenticity. As the film industry grapples with the rise of AI in media, Swift's choice to deliver a human-centric performance highlights the enduring value of genuine connection. It suggests that for the foreseeable future, the most powerful storytelling will come from artists willing to honor the past while navigating the future.

The Human Cost of ConflictThe recent Israeli strikes on Gaza have resulted in the tragic deaths of children, bringing international attention to the ongoing conflict in the region. This incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about the effectiveness of international diplomacy in preventing civilian casualties during military operations.Details of the TragedyThe specific incident involves the death of children from a single family, highlighting the personal and devastating impact of the conflict on ordinary Palestinian families. The mother's story has become symbolic of the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilian populations bear the brunt of military actions.International Response and CriticismThe international community has faced significant criticism for its perceived inaction in addressing the root causes of the conflict and protecting civilian populations. Various nations and international organizations have issued statements condemning the violence, but concrete actions to prevent further casualties remain limited.Geopolitical ImplicationsThe incident has further complicated already tense relations between Israel and Palestine, as well as their respective international allies. The situation underscores the challenges of finding a lasting solution to the decades-long conflict and the difficulties in implementing international humanitarian law in practice.Future Outlook and Potential SolutionsMoving forward, there are growing calls for renewed diplomatic efforts, increased humanitarian aid, and stronger international mechanisms to protect civilians in conflict zones. The tragic deaths of these children may serve as a catalyst for renewed international engagement, though the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.

The Historic North American World CupWith less than a week to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, football's most prestigious tournament is set to make history. The monthlong spectacle will be the longest and biggest edition in the tournament's 96-year history, featuring 48 teams competing across 104 matches in 39 days.The First Three-Nation TournamentAll men's World Cup editions between 1930 and 2022 were held in a single host nation, with the exception of 2002 when Japan and South Korea cohosted. This year marks the first time a FIFA World Cup – men's or women's – will be played across three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Sixteen stadiums in 16 cities across North America will host matches, with the 2030 World Cup also spanning three nations: Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Expanded Format and CompetitionThe upcoming World Cup will be the most diverse edition so far, featuring 48 teams. Among those, nations from UEFA (Europe) had the most direct slots (16), followed by CAF (Africa) with nine and AFC (Asia) with eight. More teams mean more matches, and thus the addition of an extra phase. For the first time in World Cup history, teams that make it past the group stage will begin the knockouts with a round of 32 clash. The World Cup winners will have to go through eight games en route to title victory – one more than the seven games Argentina won to lift the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.North American Spectacle: NFL-Style Half-Time ShowThis year's World Cup has a distinctly North American touch. For the first time in history, a football World Cup final will feature a half-time show inspired by the NFL's Super Bowl. Expect fireworks to light up the New York skyline when a pop party kicks off during the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium. K-pop supergroup BTS, Madonna, and Colombian star Shakira will co-headline the programme, while British rock band Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin will curate the 11-minute half-time show.Design Revolution: The Beautiful KitsThe hype around the World Cup this year first started when the teams' kits dropped in late March. Jerseys by sportswear giant Adidas emerged as the people's favourite, featuring beautiful designs: from the concentric ribbed pattern spreading across Japan's bright blue home kit to the lemon yellow away shirt of Curacao, inspired by the colourful buildings found in the island's capital, Willemstad. Other notable designs include Argentina's black and blue away kit featuring Fileteado folk art style, France's dark blue home kit with a pristine white collar, and South Africa's lush gold and forest green away kit adorned with vertical stripes made up of triangular hand-drawn tile patterns.Fan Experience Evolution: New Pre-Game CeremonyFIFA has announced a new pre-game ceremony that will take place before every World Cup match. All players in the matchday squad – not just the starting 11 – will line up around the centre circle before the national anthems are played. The ceremony, which FIFA said "transforms the stadium into a shared stage", will include extra-large country flag banners and will see players enter the pitch through a dedicated arch closest to the tunnel. This innovation aims to provide "each [fan] with a distinct and engaging perspective, with extra-large country flag banners and on-pitch elements carefully positioned to involve the crowd in an authentic and meaningful way."

The Atmospheric Soundscapes of Gintė Preisaitė Copenhagen's Rhythmic Music Conservatory has become associated with a specific gauzy, esoteric sound, which draws on, and reshapes, classical instrumentation and pop songwriting. Following in the footsteps of ML Buch, Astrid Sonne, and Erika de Casier, Lithuanian musician Gintė Preisaitė works with piano, voice, and electronics to create atmospheric, unsettling ambient compositions. The Evolution of Preisaitė's Sound Preisaitė's first solo release under her own name, 'Instruments of Forgetting and the Singing Bone', draws on her background in improvisational techniques and composing for large ensembles. With additional instrumentation from a cluster of collaborators – strings, woodwind, tape – she presents eight tracks that build in intensity through her collage-like assembling of strange sounds and effects. The Experimental Approach The album starts subtly with opening track 'Vigilance', where sustained drones are gradually peppered with birdsong and electronic glitches. Preisaitė's vocals, which appear in the second half, are at first stark and bright, before they are also chopped up and layered in a dreamy haze. On tracks such as 'Summary Saint Mary' and 'I Constantly', disparate instruments creak and clatter around dense blurts of noise. The Intersection of Abstraction and Pop Among the abstraction are shades of left-field pop and modern classical. In standout track 'Deepen', a gorgeous, low-slung refrain emerges from the eerie dissonance, complete with moody vocals and guitars that recall Smerz and Blonde Redhead. Aéroport features a blown-out breakbeat, while penultimate track 'Day' places Preisaitė's piano centre stage for the first time. Other Releases to Watch Other notable releases include 'Bayal', the third collaborative album from Iranian experimental musicians Tegh and Adel Poursamadi, and 'Sinking', a slick and deeply atmospheric journey through UK bass, dubstep, and dub techno by Paris-born DJ and producer Beatrice M.

The Lead: International Diplomatic InterventionUnited Nations envoys have taken the unprecedented step of directly appealing to former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to use his influence to prevent Israel's annexation of Palestinian territories. The diplomatic outreach comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and reflects growing concern within the international community about potential territorial changes that could destabilize the region.The Diplomatic Appeal: Direct Engagement with TrumpThe envoys' communication represents a significant diplomatic maneuver, bypassing traditional channels to directly engage with a former U.S. president who played a pivotal role in Middle East peace negotiations during his tenure. The appeal specifically requests Trump to leverage his relationships with Israeli leadership and his unique understanding of the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region to prevent what they describe as a potentially catastrophic move.Geopolitical Implications: Regional Stability at RiskThe annexation plans, if implemented, would represent a fundamental shift in the territorial and political landscape of the Middle East. International legal experts warn that such a move could violate numerous UN resolutions and international law, potentially triggering widespread condemnation and diplomatic isolation for Israel. The consequences could include renewed violence, displacement of populations, and a complete breakdown of the already fragile peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.International Response: Growing Concern Among AlliesThe UN envoys' appeal reflects a broader pattern of international concern, with multiple European nations and Arab states having previously expressed opposition to the annexation plans. The diplomatic community fears that the move could undermine decades of peace efforts and destabilize an already volatile region. The direct appeal to Trump suggests that traditional diplomatic channels may be perceived as insufficient to address the escalating situation.Future Outlook: Uncertain Path ForwardAs the international community mobilizes to address the potential annexation, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomatic pressure can influence Israel's plans. The involvement of former President Trump adds an unpredictable element to the situation, given his complex relationship with both Israeli and Palestinian leadership. The outcome of this diplomatic intervention could have lasting implications for Middle East peace efforts and the broader international order.