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646jili01 More than the storyline and the acting abilities of the star-cast, it is the wonders of modern technology being exhibited on the screen which is drawing people to the theatres I happened to come across an article in a national daily that sought to eulogise 1975 as the most audacious year in the history of Hindi cinema. Despite being a year that celebrated a large number of blockbusters, it says, there were a few films which, fighting against all odds, created remarkable impacts and went on to become cult classics. Approximately half-a-century later, we are at the crossroads of a significant change in Bollywood where ‘metaphorical connotations’ find no place in the matter-of-fact style of presentation of cinematic themes. Going by the plethora of senseless films being exhibited in cinema theatres and the OTT platforms these days, one can only wonder at the ‘toxic’ taste of the audience who seem to be fed a regular dose of such nonsense in the name of entertainment by film-makers. A string of supposed ‘hits’ which are neither in the ‘traditional’ mould nor in the genre of sci-fi and period drama films seek to regale the audience with a mishmash of contents that bring out ‘wows’ from them. More than the storyline and the acting abilities of the star-cast, it is the wonders of modern technology being exhibited on the screen which is drawing people to the theatres – at least for the curiosity factor, if not for anything else. It is these ‘one-time’ viewings which make the ‘new-age’ cinema eventual hits, encouraging producers to make sequels. The popularity and impact of some of these ‘trending’ movies has become a topic of discussion with many dismissing criticisms against them with the simple justification that any negative remarks against such cinematic creations would amount to attacking the artistic freedom of the film-makers. Moreover, as commercial ventures, as long as people watched and enjoyed the films, there is no basis to be critical of the films. Spruced up with enough vulgarity and violence at times, the new genre of films has built up its own fan base. Besides, when the audiences are more inclined towards such contents, what deters the producers and directors from glorifying these ‘attributes’ to churn out potential money-spinners! Hence the contention that modern movies have replaced story and character with spectacle and noise does seem to have a ring of truth about it leading one to believe that with the audience and the industry evolving in response to changes in how people consume media, the concept of films as entertainment is being redefined all over again. However, there is arguably no dearth of connoisseurs of good cinema even today who see no harm in sitting through three hours of such movies to make some sense out of them, only to get disappointed in the end. After having lived through a period which was marked by the production of some of the most widely acclaimed films of all times with narratives that addressed the social and moral issues of the times, besides serving to take satirical looks at the political scenario prevalent, we now take satisfaction applauding the ‘excellences in technology’ which pass of as films. The film fraternity all over the world realise that film-making is a business of ideas. So is it a lack of ideas which is afflicting the world of cinema now! According to a doyen in the film industry, film-makers have failed to ignite the desire, and create the yearning among the cine-going public which once put them on that pedestal of fame as sellers of dreams. When it is claimed that the old must make way for the new, it doesn’t necessarily mean that in keeping with the changing times one has to end up bereft of fresh and innovative ideas. This is also true when it comes to the world of cinema! According to an acting diva of the modern era, what makes a movie truly successful in today’s cinematic landscape is the magic that it’s able to create. Whether it’s through powerful emotions, gripping action or unforgettable music, it is by weaving magic around these aspects of the movie that the film-maker has an instant hit on his hands. While films of yore used to be a blend of all these features which appealed to the public, movies today leave one confused as to their actual ‘composition’. In the past, elevating the entertainment quotient of a scene single-handedly came so very naturally to some film stars that their very presence on the screen spelt a few minutes of thrill and excitement for cine-goers. Is this a reflection of the deteriorating standards of cinema worldwide! The argument that the entertainment industry is a business like any other that’s primary purpose is to make money has brought in a trend where studios are prioritising marketing over quality. Instead of the few hours of respite from the rat-race called life that the dream-like ambiences the yesteryear films afforded, cinemas today unceremoniously propel one into the harsh world of realities. The slew of absurd movies hitting the theatres and OTTs at regular intervals which are undoubtedly a severe test on one’s intelligence quotient completes the list. The concept of entertainment has indeed changed! (Pachu Menon is a senior columnist based in Goa.)

Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan

ANDOVER, Mass., Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MKS Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, was recognized today as one of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2025 , presented by Newsweek and Statista, Inc. "We are honored to be recognized for the second consecutive year as one of our nation's most responsible companies by Newsweek and Statista,” said John T.C. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of MKS. "We are committed to providing our customers with world-leading innovative technology to help them succeed in a manner that also protects our planet and the communities in which we work and live.” The America's Most Responsible Companies ranking analyzes companies through a holistic view of corporate responsibility. An overall score is calculated for each company based on over 30 key performance indicators for the top 2,000 publicly traded U.S. companies by revenue and a public survey of 26,000 U.S. residents evaluating each company's corporate social responsibility reputation. About MKS Instruments MKS Instruments enables technologies that transform our world. We deliver foundational technology solutions to leading edge semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications. We apply our broad science and engineering capabilities to create instruments, subsystems, systems, process control solutions and specialty chemicals technology that improve process performance, optimize productivity and enable unique innovations for many of the world's leading technology and industrial companies. Our solutions are critical to addressing the challenges of miniaturization and complexity in advanced device manufacturing by enabling increased power, speed, feature enhancement, and optimized connectivity. Our solutions are also critical to addressing ever-increasing performance requirements across a wide array of specialty industrial applications. Additional information can be found at www.mks.com . Contacts: Bill Casey Senior Director, Marketing Communications Telephone: +1 (630) 995-6384 Email: [email protected] Kelly Kerry, Partner Kekst CNC Email: [email protected]

Vijay’s Maiden Event as Political Party Leader

Michigan upsets No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 for Wolverines' 4th straight win over bitter rival

DULUTH — Friends and colleagues took to social media to remember Mary Murphy upon the news of her death on Wednesday, Dec. 25. Murphy was the longest-serving female legislator and second-longest-serving member of the Minnesota House. Murphy died at the age of 85 on Christmas Day, just days after suffering a stroke . ADVERTISEMENT House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Fridley) announced Murphy’s death in a post on Facebook, which read: “She was a wonderful state representative and human being. So many people will miss her, and remember her and her accomplishments fondly.” “Mary was in so many ways ahead of her time and was often the only woman at the table in northern Minnesota,” U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a statement. “That’s changed now thanks to her trailblazing legacy.” Murphy was first elected to serve House District 14B from 1977-1982 and went on to serve District 8A from 1983-2002, District 6B from 2003-2012 and District 3B from 2013-2022. In 2022, Murphy lost the District 3B race against Republican Natalie Zeleznikar by a mere 33 votes. Zeleznikar, who retained the seat in the 2024 election, expressed condolences in a Facebook post, writing: “Mary worked hard for northern Minnesota, a place she called home her entire lifetime. Her dedication, service and hard work can be witnessed in multiple projects across the communities she served. I was honored to know her, and work with her on senior care issues during my nursing home administrator years.” A Hermantown High School graduate, Murphy earned a bachelor's degree in history and economics from the College of St. Scholastica and attended graduate school at multiple universities. Before retiring from the classroom in 1997, Murphy also served as a history and social studies teacher at Central High School in Duluth for more than three decades, a career Klobuchar cited in her tribute. ADVERTISEMENT “As a former teacher, she was a strong advocate for improving education for our children and she also fought to protect victims of domestic violence and stalking,” Klobuchar’s statement said. Murphy had championed programs like Head Start and DARE, as well as initiated legislation to fund statewide juvenile correction facilities. Last January, St. Louis County commissioners honored Murphy by renaming the Environmental Trust Fund in her honor. Having worked alongside Murphy during the redistricting process in 2010, Deputy Mayor of St. Paul Jaime Tincher commented: “Mary didn’t raise her voice, she didn’t engage in political sparring. Instead, she led with the quiet power of earned trust and deep credibility. Her effectiveness was rooted in the respect she had built over decades of service, and her ability to bring people together in ways that made them feel heard and valued, no matter their political affiliation.” During Murphy’s time in the House, she chaired multiple committees, including the judiciary finance, ethics, energy, and state government and veterans affairs committees. “As chair of bonding and later the Ways and Means Committee, she demonstrated an unwavering dedication to institutional support, always willing to offer her wisdom and advice on how best to approach the financial needs of our zoos,” State Rep. John Huot (DFL-Rosemount) posted on Facebook. “Mary was a remarkable legislator and a compassionate friend and mentor to many,” State Rep. Jay Xiong (DFL-St. Paul) said in a Facebook post. “Her unwavering commitment to her community and tireless advocacy for those in need have left an indelible mark on our state. Mary's legacy will continue to inspire us all as we strive to uphold the values she championed.” ADVERTISEMENT Murphy left a legacy of advocacy for women’s rights, health care, criminal justice, and labor and advocacy issues. Gov. Tim Walz spoke of Murphy as a “true champion for the Northland” in his post on Facebook and said “Gwen (his wife) and I are sending our love to her family.”TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — This isn’t a week when coach Todd Bowles feels he needs to find the right words to ensure his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are motivated to face the last-place Carolina Panthers. The Bucs (8-7) have won eight of the last nine meetings between the NFC South rivals, including the past three with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. It hasn’t exactly been smoothly sailing against the Panthers (4-11), though, for the three-time defending division champions. And, with at least a share of first place on the line Sunday, Bowles and his players say they are focused solely on rebounding from last week’s disappointing loss to the Dallas Cowboys. “We know it’s going to be a tough ballgame. It went overtime last time. They’re coached very well; they play very hard,” Bowles said, referencing Tampa Bay’s 26-23 win at Carolina on Dec. 1. “We know what’s at stake for us. It doesn’t need to be talked about. Everybody understands that,” Bowles added. “We’ve got to clean up our own mistakes, and we’ve got to play an error-free football game.” The Bucs are tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFC South, however the Falcons (8-7) hold the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series between the teams. To claim a fourth straight division title, Tampa Bay needs to win remaining home games against the Panthers and New Orleans Saints while Atlanta loses at least once in the last two weeks of the regular season. If the Falcons hold on to win the South, the Bucs can earn a wild-card playoff berth if they win out and the Washington Commanders lose twice. Mayfield, who has resurrected his career since being released by Carolina two years ago, summed up the attitude in a resilient locker room. The Bucs have won four of five games following a four-game losing streak threatened their playoff hopes. “I keep saying it, this team has the mental makeup of a great team. We just have to continue to fight and find ways to win,” the quarterback said. “If we don’t take of business, we won’t be in the playoffs.” Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard cost his team the game four weeks ago against Tampa Bay when he fumbled on the second possession of overtime just after Carolina had reached field goal range. Mayfield responded by leading the Bucs back down the field for the winning field goal. The loss was devastating for Hubbard at the time, but he promised himself when the opportunity arose again he’d make the most of it. He did that this past Sunday, when he carried twice for 49 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown run in which he broke two tackles, in overtime to lift the Panthers to a 36-30 win over Arizona, knocking the Cardinals out of the playoff hunt. “I’d let it go, but it’s definitely been in the back of my head a little bit,” Hubbard said. “Like I said, when the next opportunity came, I told myself I’m going to get it back for them. To be able to have them trust me in that opportunity again, and to have it in that way is a blessing from God.” Bryce Young has shown solid progress in his decision making, particularly when the pocket begins to break down. Last week, the second-year QB ran for a career-best 68 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown. Young was benched after two games this season, but since returning to the lineup has played better, restoring some faith that perhaps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 can be the team’s quarterback of the future. “Just time in the system and time as a team for us to come together,” Young said of why he has improved. “For me, being able to get reps, and get time with everyone. It’s just all of us being able to feed off of each other, and it’s been able to allow us to turn in the right direction.” The Panthers have been abysmal against the run, allowing nearly 200 yards per game on the ground over the last seven games. In the last meeting with Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving ran for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown, so Carolina’s defense has a good idea of what's coming Sunday. Mayfield has beaten Carolina three times since joining the Bucs in 2023. All of the meetings have been close, though, with the Panthers losing twice by three points and Tampa Bay settling for three field goals in a 9-0 regular season-ending victory that clinched its third straight NFC South championship last January. “We know them well. They know us well,” Mayfield said. AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report. NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflTrump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan

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NEW YORK (AP) — In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs — including Apple’s Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — have joined a parade of business and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” Trump said in remarks at Mar-a-Lago . “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” Tech companies and leaders have now poured millions into his inauguration fund, a sharp increase — in most cases — from past pledges to incoming presidents. But what does the tech industry expect to gain out of their renewed relationships with Trump? A clue to what the industry is looking for came just days before the election when Microsoft executives — who’ve largely tried to show a neutral or bipartisan stance — joined with a close Trump ally, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, to publish a blog post outlining their approach to artificial intelligence policy. “Regulation should be implemented only if its benefits outweigh its costs,” said the document signed by Andreessen, his business partner Ben Horowitz, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the company’s president, Brad Smith. They also urged the government to back off on any attempt to strengthen copyright laws that would make it harder for companies to use publicly available data to train their AI systems. And they said, “the government should examine its procurement practices to enable more startups to sell technology to the government.” Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden’s sweeping AI executive order, which sought to protect people’s rights and safety without stifling innovation. He hasn’t specified what he would do in its place, but his campaign said AI development should be “rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.” Trump’s choice to head the Interior Department, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, has spoken openly about the need to boost electricity production to meet increased demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. Related Articles “The AI battle affects everything from defense to healthcare to education to productivity as a country,′′ Burgum said on Nov. 15, referring to artificial intelligence. “And the AI that’s coming in the next 18 months is going to be revolutionary. So there’s just a sense of urgency and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration′′ to address it. Demand for data centers ballooned in recent years due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and local governments are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to consume more resources, some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. “Maybe Big Tech should buy a copy of ‘The Art of The Deal’ to figure out how to best negotiate with this administration,” suggested Paul Swanson, an antitrust attorney for the law firm Holland & Hart. “I won’t be surprised if they find ways to reach some accommodations and we end up seeing more negotiated resolutions and consent decrees.” Although federal regulators began cracking down on Google and Facebook during Trump’s first term as president — and flourished under Biden — most experts expect his second administration to ease up on antitrust enforcement and be more receptive to business mergers. Google may benefit from Trump’s return after he made comments on the campaign trail suggesting a breakup of the company isn’t in the U.S. national interest, after a judge declared its search engine an illegal monopoly . But recent nominations put forward by his transition team have favored those who have been critical of Big Tech companies, suggesting Google won’t be entirely off the hook. Cook’s notoriously rocky relationship with the EU can be traced back to a 2016 ruling from Brussels in a tax case targeting Apple. Cook slammed the bloc’s order for Apple to pay back up to $13.7 billion in Irish back taxes as “total political crap.” Trump, then in his first term as president, piled on, referring to the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who was spearheading a campaign on special tax deals and a crackdown on Big Tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the U.S.” Brussels was eventually vindicated after the bloc’s top court rejected Apple’s appeal this year, though it didn’t stop Cook from calling Trump to complain, Trump recounted in a podcast in October. Trump hosted Cook for a Friday evening dinner at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago resort, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly. Neither Apple nor the Trump transition team has commented on the nature of their discussions. Altman , Amazon and Meta all pledged to donate $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund. During his first term, Trump criticized Amazon and railed against the political coverage at The Washington Post, which billionaire Bezos owns. Meanwhile, Bezos had criticized some of Trump’s past rhetoric. In 2019, Amazon also argued in a court case that Trump’s bias against the company harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract. More recently, Bezos has struck a more conciliatory tone. He recently said at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York that he was “optimistic” about Trump’s second term, while also endorsing president-elect’s plans to cut regulations. The donation from Meta came just weeks after Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president, but voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. And Altman, who is in a legal dispute with AI rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence in the incoming administration. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.

( MENAFN - GetNews) Texas International Freight, a leading logistics company based in Houston, Texas, continues progressing in the global shipping and freight industry. Specializing in international and domestic services, the company offers tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of clients across industries. Specializing in tailored freight solutions With a focus on efficiency and reliability, Texas International Freight handles many shipments, including heavy equipment , industrial machinery, and time-sensitive goods to worldwide destinations. Expertise across key industries The company's expertise in managing specialized freight in various industries, including offshore wind, and oil and gas, has established its reputation as a trusted partner for businesses in global trade. A message from the CEOMichael Dyll, CEO of Texas International Freight, shared: “As the CEO and owner of Texas International Freight, I'm proud of our commitment to delivering tailored logistics for our clients. We focus on customized logistics solutions that help businesses tackle the challenges of global trade. Our team knows how to handle specialized freight, and we pride ourselves on being innovative and reliable. We make sure our clients' goods get where they need to go safely and efficiently. At Texas International Freight, we're all about going the extra mile to keep the world connected through smooth supply chain solutions.” Commitment to innovation & comprehensive logistics services The company shows its commitment to innovation by using advanced technologies and following industry best practices. With tools like modern tracking systems and careful planning, Texas International Freight manages operations smoothly. Texas International Freight provides a range of services, including international shipping, customs brokerage, and logistics support. These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring smooth and efficient shipping to and from the United States. Reaching international destinations Texas International Freight has expertise in shipping to and from various international destinations. From all around the U.S., South America, Europe, and Asia, the company has made strides globally. Recently, imports and exports between the United States and China have boomed. Texas International Freight specializes in transporting goods from major Chinese export hubs , including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, to U.S. destinations. Shanghai, for instance, has the world's busiest container port, handling over 47 million TEUs in 2022, making it a pivotal gateway for U.S.-bound goods. Global logistics solutions As a Houston-based organization operating since 2011, Texas International Freight is a trusted leader in logistics, offering professional international and domestic freight forwarding services. With end-to-end solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes, the company is dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable, and timely cargo delivery across the globe. For more information about Texas International Freight and its services, visit . MENAFN17122024003238003268ID1109004745 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.CA lawmakers unveil bills to reduce rising fuel, drug costsListening For The Right Radio Signals Could Be An Effective Way To Track Small Drones