Set against awesome backdrops, the characters in “The Phantom Menace” inhabit a plot that is little more complex than the stories I grew up on in science-fiction magazines. The whole series sometimes feel like a cover from Thrilling Wonder Stories, come to life. The dialogue is pretty flat and straightforward, although seasoned with a little quasi-classical formality, as if the characters had read but not retained “Julius Caesar.” I wish the “Star Wars” characters spoke with more elegance and wit (as Gore Vidal’s Greeks and Romans do), but dialogue isn’t the point, anyway: These movies are about new things to look at.

The plot details (of embargoes and blockades) tend to diminish the size of the movie’s universe–to shrink it to the scale of a 19th century trade dispute. The stars themselves are little more than pinpoints on a black curtain, and “Star Wars” has not drawn inspiration from the color photographs being captured by the Hubble Telescope. The series is essentially human mythology, set in space, but not occupying it. If Stanley Kubrick gave us man humbled by the universe, Lucas gives us the universe domesticated by man. His aliens are really just humans in odd skins. For “The Phantom Menace,” he introduces Jar Jar Binks, a fully realized computer-animated alien character whose physical movements seem based on afterthoughts. And Jabba the Hutt (who presides over the Podrace) has always seemed positively Dickensian to me.

Yet within the rules he has established, Lucas tells a good story. The key development in “Phantom” is the first meeting between the Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and the young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd)–who is, the Jedi immediately senses, fated for great things. Qui-Gon meets Anakin in a store where he’s seeking replacement parts for his crippled ship. Qui-Gon soon finds himself backing the young slave in a high-speed Podrace–betting his ship itself against the cost of the replacement parts. The race is one of the film’s high points, as the entrants zoom between high cliff walls in a refinement of a similar race through metal canyons on a spaceship in “Star Wars.” Why is Qui-Gon so confident that Anakin can win? Because he senses an unusual concentration of the Force–and perhaps because, like John the Baptist, he instinctively recognizes the one whose way he is destined to prepare. The film’s shakiness on the psychological level is evident, however, in the scene where young Anakin is told he must leave his mother (Pernilla August) and follow this tall Jedi stranger. Their mutual resignation to the parting seems awfully restrained. I expected a tearful scene of parting between mother and child, but the best we get is when Anakin asks if his mother can come along, and she replies, “Son, my place is here.” As a slave? The discovery and testing of Anakin supplies the film’s most important action, but in a sense all the action is equally important, because it provides platforms for special-effects sequences. Sometimes our common sense undermines a sequence (for instance, when Jar Jar’s people and the good guys fight a ‘droid army, it becomes obvious that the droids are such bad fighters, they should be returned for a refund). But mostly I was happy to drink in the sights on the screen, in the same spirit that I might enjoy “Metropolis,” “Forbidden Planet,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Dark City” or “The Matrix.” The difference is that Lucas’ visuals are more fanciful and his film’s energy level is more cheerful; he doesn’t share the prevailing view that the future is a dark and lonely place.

With the 2024 NFL draft taking place nearly two weeks ago, college coaches have digested and analyzed some of the biggest picks, including DL Darius Robinson, the Arizona Cardinals 27th overall pick.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg spoke anonymously with head coaches and assistants from every power conference, hearing distinct perspectives and opinions about players looking to make an impact at the next level.

One SEC coordinator was happy to see Robinson’s strong Senior Bowl performance.

“I’m glad he showed out at the Senior Bowl because I saw it in person,” the coordinator told Rittenberg. “He’s strong, he’s violent, he’s twitchy. He’s what you look for in an NFL D-tackle.”

Another SEC coordinator praised Robinson’s versatility.

“He’s an all-around player: Pass-rusher but heavy-handed, can play the run, do a lot of different things, more athletic than you think, great size, good player,” the coordinator said.

However, that same coach pointed out that Robinson plays the 4-technique much better than the 3-technique. In 4-technique, defenders line up face-to-face with the offensive tackle, while in 3-technique, defenders line up on the guard’s outside shoulder, between the guard and the tackle.

The defensive lineman was First-Team All-SEC for the Missouri in 2023 with 43 total tackles, 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

Rittenberg noted how Robinson dealt with injuries for chunks of his career, but the 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive lineman appeared in 25 games in his final two seasons, which included 22 starts.

Robinson isn’t the only newcomer to the Cardinals defensive line. He will join up with NFL veterans like Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols and Khyiris Tonga, who were all signed this offseason. L.J. Collier and Dante Stills are other defensive lineman who will compete with Robinson. As a first-round selection, Robinson has a solid chance at starting.

Happy first Monday in May to all who celebrate! Often referred to as the Super Bowl of fashion, the Met Gala has officially begun. This year’s theme, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, promises an evening of archival masterpieces and floral creations.

Some of the year’s most anticipated looks are Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny and Chris Hemsworth, who serve as the gala’s co-chairs along with the event’s two honorary chairs, Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson and TikTok CEO Shou Chew.

Scroll through the gallery below to see live updates of every look from the 2024 Met Gala red carpet.

Toni Garrn is welcoming the arrival of summer in Hunza G’s latest swimwear collection. Known for its signature crinkle fabric, the London-based brand showcases an array of chic bathing suits, versatile sarongs, and coverups.

Toni Garrn for Hunza G Swimwear 2024 Collection

Aside from bathing suits, a capsule line known as the Weekend Collection features mix-and-match shirts and shorts, perfect for relaxed summer days. Photographed by Ina Levy and styled by Verity Parker, Toni exudes charm as she embraces the sunshine in the label’s designs.

The beachside imagery captures her wearing vibrant swimwear paired with casual layers. In some shots, she’s seen in a pristine white shirt and shorts ensemble, while in others, she radiates in a pink swimsuit and a chic black skirt, effortlessly embodying a coastal vibe.

Toni accessorizes her outfits with sleek visor-style sunglasses, adding a futuristic touch, and bucket hats that offer a nod to retro summer fashion. Beyond swimwear, the German beauty recently posed for Calzedonia, where she donned their hosiery styles, showing her versatility.

Massimo Dutti’s recent spring-summer 2024 lookbook, Rouge O’Clock, envelops the viewer in striking red hues against the pristine sands of Mexico’s Holbox. With silhouettes that capture the movement of the warm breeze, the collection brings forth elegant dresses and separates with ease.

Massimo Dutti Rouge O’Clock Summer 2024 Lookbook

The fiery tones of the pieces lend themselves to various styles, whether meant for a laid-back day on the beach or a sultry evening affair. Fresh from the spring Limited Edition collection, Massimo Dutti provides even more warm-weather inspiration.

The collection’s flowing garments highlight the versatility of red, seen in dresses with asymmetrical necklines and trousers that skim the ground. Complementing these is a range of separates in breathable knits and lightweight fabrics.

A vivid red palette is sophisticated and invigorating, emphasizing the sensuality of the designs. The minimal accessories, such as strappy sandals and delicate silver jewelry, balance the outfits.

It’s free agency season in college basketball.

Well, not technically. But in the era of one-time free transfers (as well as graduate transfers), the mid-season has become a time for teams to radically rebuild their squads. Nearly 1,700 players entered the transfer portal last year, and while those numbers may have been boosted by the pandemic, we can expect another busy spring and summer in terms of movement. of player.

The Athletic is here to help you keep up with all the deals. We’re ranking the top uncommitted high school and middle school transfer prospects, and we’ll continually update this list as players come in and out of the board. The college players here are listed by the class they will enter in the 2022-23 season. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind with portals: guards are always easier to find than big soldiers.

Following players’ commitments, we are updating this list with a ranking of the most suitable ones.

Let’s move on to the portal (and crootin’):

Players previously ranked

No. 1 Tyrese Hunter (Iowa State to Texas)

No. 1 Yohan Traore (HS to Auburn)

No. 1 Isaiah Mosley (Missouri State to Missouri)

No. 1 Pete Nance (Northwestern to North Carolina)

No. 1 Emoni Bates (Memphis to Eastern Michigan)

No. 2 Emmanuel Akot (Boise State to Memphis)

No. 2 Nijel Pack (Kansas State to Miami)

No. 2 Courtney Ramey (Texas to Arizona)

No. 3 Kendric Davis (SMU to Memphis)

No. 3 Baylor Scheierman (South Dakota State to Creighton)

No. 3. Malachi Smith (Chattanooga to Gonzaga)

No. 4 Malik Reneau (HS to Indiana)

No. 4 Kevin McCullar (Texas Tech to Kansas)

No. 4 A.J. Green (Staying in NBA Draft)

No. 5 Brandon Murray (LSU to Georgetown)

No. 5 Patrick Baldwin (Staying in NBA Draft)

No. 5 Keion Brooks (Kentucky to Washington)

No. 5 Justin Powell (Tennessee to Washington State)

5. Jacob Grandison (Illinois to Duke)

No. 6 Skyy Clark (HS to Illinois)

No. 6 Leonard Miller (HS to NBA Draft)

No. 7 Tristen Newton (East Carolina to Connecticut)

No. 7 Norchad Omier (Arkansas State to Miami)

No. 7 Kenneth Lofton (Staying in NBA Draft)

No. 7 Josh Minott (Staying in NBA Draft)

No. 8 Trevon Brazile (Missouri to Arkansas)

No. 8 Andre Curbelo (Illinois to St. John’s)

No. 8 Matthew Mayer (Baylor to Illinois)

No. 8 Efe Abogidi (Signing with G League Ignite)

No. 9. Felipe Haase (Mercer to Southern Miss)

No. 10. KC Ndefo (Saint Peter’s to Seton Hall)

No. 11 Julian Phillips (HS to Tennessee)

No. 11 Will Richard (Belmont to Florida)

No. 11 Johni Broome (Morehead State to Auburn)

No. 11 Osun Osunniyi (St. Bonaventure to Iowa State)

No. 11 Grant Sherfield (Nevada to Oklahoma)

No. 12 Terrence Shannon (Texas Tech to Illinois)

No. 12 Antoine Davis (Staying at Detroit)

No. 12 Kyle Lofton (St. Bonaventure to Florida)

No. 12 Ricky Council (Wichita State to Arkansas)

No. 13 Mark Sears (Ohio to Alabama)

No. 14 Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (Tennessee to Louisville)

No. 16 Michael Jones (Davidson to Stanford)

No. 17 Tanner Holden (Wright State to Ohio State)

No. 17 Umoja Gibson (Oklahoma to DePaul)

No. 18 Donald Carey (Georgetown to Maryland)

No. 19 Yuri Collins (Staying at Saint Louis)

No. 20 Jalen Bridges (West Virginia to Baylor)

No. 20 K.J. Williams (Murray State to LSU)

No. 20 David Jones (DePaul to St. John’s)

No. 21 Terry Roberts (Bradley to Georgia)

No. 21 Bryce Hopkins (Kentucky to Providence)

No. 21 Jahmir Young (Charlotte to Maryland)

No. 21 Frankie Collins (Michigan to Arizona State)

No. 22 Fardaws Aimaq (Utah Valley to Texas Tech)

No. 22 Noah Carter (Northern Iowa to Missouri)

No. 22 Adam Miller (Staying at LSU)

No. 23 Jalen Graham (Arizona State to Arkansas)

No. 23 John-Michael Wright (High Point to Oklahoma State)

No. 23 Dexter Dennis (Wichita State to Texas A&M)

No. 23 Kario Oquendo (staying at Georgia)

No. 23 Darin Green (UCF to Florida State)

No. 23 Souley Boum (UTEP to Xavier)

No. 23 Xavier Pinson (LSU to New Mexico State)

No. 24 Alex Fudge (Florida to LSU)

No. 24 Antonio Reeves (Illinois State to Kentucky)

No. 24 Keyshawn Bryant (South Carolina to USF)

No. 25 Payton Sparks (staying at Ball State)

No. 25 Javon Franklin (South Alabama to Georgia Tech)

No. 26 Ben Vander Plas (Ohio to Virginia)

No. 27 Landers Nolley (Memphis to Cincinnati)

No. 27 Tre Mitchell (Texas to West Virginia)

No. 28 Tyreke Key (Indiana State to Tennessee)

No. 28 Jermaine Couisnard (South Carolina to Oregon)

No. 28. Caleb Asberry (Texas State to Oklahoma State)

No. 29 Devin Carter (South Carolina to Providence)

No. 29 Jarkel Joiner (Ole Miss to NC State)

No. 29 Sean McNeil (West Virginia to Ohio State)

No. 29 Manny Bates (NC State to Butler)

No. 29 Jamarion Sharp (Staying at Western Kentucky)

No. 30 De’Vion Harmon (Oregon to Texas Tech)

No. 33 Jake Stephens (VMI to Chattanooga)

No. 33 Franck Kepnang (Oregon to Washington)

No. 33 Jaren Holmes (St. Bonaventure to Iowa State)

No. 33. Andre Kelly (California to UCSB)

No. 34 DJ Burns Jr. (Winthrop to NC State)

No. 35 Dawson Garcia (North Carolina to Minnesota)

No. 35. Jarod Lucas (Oregon State to Nevada)

No. 36 Elijah Harkless (Oklahoma to UNLV)

No. 36 Al-Amir Dawes (Clemson to Seton Hall)

No. 37 Ali Ali (Akron to Butler)

No. 37. Khalil Shabazz (Staying at San Francisco)

No. 38 Eric Hunter (Purdue to Butler)

No. 39 Morriz Udeze (Wichita State to New Mexico)

No. 41 Tristan Enaruna (Iowa State to Cleveland State)

No. 41 Dre Davis (Louisville to Seton Hall)

No. 42 Cam Spencer (Loyola Maryland to Rutgers)

No. 43 Eric Gaines (LSU to UAB)

No. 43 Tyree Appleby (Florida to Wake Forest)

No. 44 Isaac Likekele (Oklahoma State to Ohio State)

No. 47 D’Moi Hodge (Cleveland State to Missouri)

No. 48 Efton Reid (LSU to Gonzaga)

The value of the ten biggest North African firms has increased over the past year, most by a significant amount. The region’s largest listed corporations are now outperforming the continental average – against a background of the combined value of the African Business Top 250 companies being broadly static over the past year, once Naspers is stripped out of the equation.

As a result, North African companies now account for 19.6% of our entire Top 250 table with combined value of $98.8bn.

Moroccan companies have performed particularly well, with the country’s entrants accounting for 12.6% of the Top 250’s total value this year, up from 8.83% in 2023. The Moroccan firms in our regional Top 20 have a combined market value of $63bn, ahead of their Egyptian counterparts with $26bn and Tunisian companies with $4.3bn. No Algerian or Libyan companies make it into either table. Libya remains insecure and reliant on oil exports, while the Algerian economy is also still orientated towards oil and gas exports, with strong state control of several other key sectors.

There are 12 Moroccan companies in our North African regional Top 20, one fewer than last year but ahead of Egypt’s eight rankings.

Attijariwafa Bank remains the biggest company in the region, with a market capitalisation of $10.8bn, up $2.5bn on last year. Maroc Telecom and the country’s Banque Centrale Populaire have both experienced increases in value of $1.4bn. Most of the rest of the regional Top 20 have also enjoyed rising market capitalisations over the past year, including Ciments du Maroc, Misr Fertilizers Production Company (MOPCO) and Talaat Moustafa Group, which we discuss among the biggest risers (see page 58). MOPCO takes 10th position this year with market capitalisation of $2.3bn, almost double that of last year.

The Egyptian government is considering selling 15% of its remaining stake in MOPCO, with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company and the Saudi Public Investment Fund among the other main shareholders after buying equity in 2022. The company is one of Egypt’s biggest fertiliser producers and now plans to invest in a green hydrogen project. MOPCO secured 20th position in our regional table last year with $1.2bn but Eastern Company needed $1.3bn to secure the same spot this year.

The value of Egyptian companies in our table of the Top 250 Companies increased from 4.73% of the total in 2023 to 6.11% this year. The number of Egyptian entrants would be bolstered through initial public offerings (IPOs) for equity in the country’s various state-owned banks but privatisation plans have been delayed, despite agreements to divest them being included in successive agreements with the IMF.

The transfer portal has never been so active, and while a lot of the best Arizona State football transfers have Tempe in the rear view, defensive end J’Mond Tapp is on his way to make his mark.

ESPN’s Billy Tucker ranked the 55 best transfers in the spring portal, narrowing it down from more than 2,000 players to enter this offseason.

The 55-man list includes three Sun Devils who are on their way out, one who is on his way in and two outgoing Arizona Wildcats.

Quarterback Jaden Rashada (No. 16) is ESPN’s top-ranked quarterback transfer. He chose to leave ASU after Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt appeared to take the starting job by the horns in spring practice.

Although he flashed in his true-freshman season, he’s not likely to see the field much in Athens after transferring to Georgia, which has Heisman-favorite Carson Beck.

His arrival can push Beck and create some healthy competition with returning backup and former 2022 ESPN 300 QB Gunner Stockton. Most importantly for the immediate future, Rashada improves depth among scholarship players in that position room. Barring injury, won’t come in and play much.

Rashada’s favorite target as a freshman, wide receiver Elijhah Badger (No. 20), is not far behind. He entered the portal after leading ASU in receiving over the past two years, boasting 1,579 yards and 10 touchdowns on 135 catches.

He posted these numbers with inconsistent QB play and a coaching change. … He is a smart route runner and works leverage well to get open. … Badger only has one year of eligibility left but will be sought after as he’s an experienced veteran who can step right into a No. 1 or 2 receiver spot for a Power 5 team in need.

Badger is reportedly considering Washington, Florida and Arizona among others.

Cornerback Ed Woods (No. 33) shocked Arizona State coaches and players when he entered the portal, and the 6-foot defensive back is en route to Michigan State.

The Spartans’ secondary is depleted and coming off a year where they gave up second-most passing yards in the Big Ten. Woods should be a Day 1 starter for new defensive coordinator Joe Rossi.

Defensive end J’Mond Tapp (No. 41) transfers in from Texas to fill a big need for the Sun Devils along the defensive line. He will help an ASU defense that was in the bottom half of the Pac-12 in sacks and passing yards allowed in 2023.

Tapp can play a true edge for ASU or slide inside on pressure packages and fill some of the much-needed interior pressures that Colorado transfer B.J. Green II provided last season in Tempe.

Were any Arizona Wildcats listed on ESPN’s transfer rankings?

Defensive lineman Bill Norton (No. 49) is transferring to Texas to replace Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat, who were both top-40 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Norton is a massive space-eater who can occupy blockers and let Texas’ fast-attacking linebackers clean up. The veteran run stuffer is a great scheme fit in Austin.

Jordan Washington (No. 55) leaves Arizona after spending just his freshman season there. The 5-foot-10 running back was Arizona’s only addition in the 2024 class ranked in ESPN’s top 300 prospect rankings.

What landed Washington among the top prospects in the 2024 class and will continue to bring him attention now as a transfer is his big-play ability and versatility. … Last spring in track he recorded a 10.24 100m and more importantly that speed translates to his play as he has been recorded hitting over 21 mph on film.

Washington announced a commitment on Sunday to Washington, following former Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch.

In an era where convenience and speed are paramount, mobile payments have emerged as a transformative force, reshaping how consumers and businesses handle transactions across various industries. From the quick purchase of your morning coffee to securing a brand new car, mobile payment technology is not just an alternative form of payment but a fundamental shift in the global commerce landscape.

The Rise of Mobile Payments: A Technological Revolution

The adoption of 소액결제 현금화 solutions has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by the proliferation of smartphones and the increasing availability of mobile payment applications. Companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung are at the forefront of this revolution, offering platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay, which provide users with secure, quick, and easy-to-use methods for electronic transactions directly from their mobile devices.

Transforming Small Daily Transactions

Coffee Shops and Fast Food: One of the most noticeable changes has been in the food and beverage industry. Cafes and fast-food restaurants have rapidly integrated mobile payment methods. This not only speeds up the transaction process but also enhances customer experience by reducing wait times and streamlining operations. Starbucks, for instance, processes millions of mobile transactions each week, allowing customers to buy their favorite beverages with a simple tap on their smartphones.

Grocery Stores: Supermarkets have also embraced this technology, with mobile payments enabling faster checkout experiences. The integration of mobile wallets, along with loyalty programs, allows customers to pay for their groceries while automatically applying discounts and coupons, significantly enhancing the shopping experience.

Public Transportation: Urban mobility has seen a significant transformation thanks to mobile payments. Commuters can now use their smartphones to pay for bus, train, or subway fares, eliminating the need for physical tickets or tokens. This not only speeds up the boarding process but also reduces the operational costs associated with managing cash and physical ticket systems.

Revolutionizing Large-Scale Purchases

Automotive Industry: The impact of mobile payments extends even to large-scale purchases such as automobiles. Car dealerships are beginning to adopt mobile payment solutions to facilitate everything from down payments to full purchases directly via mobile devices. This capability not only simplifies the transaction process but also provides a higher level of service and convenience to customers.

Real Estate: Even the real estate market is experiencing the benefits of mobile payment technology. Potential home buyers can now transfer earnest money and other significant amounts securely through mobile payment platforms, streamlining the purchasing process and reducing the reliance on traditional banking procedures.

Enhancing E-Commerce and Online Shopping

The e-commerce sector particularly benefits from the advancements in mobile payment technologies. Online retailers are optimizing their websites and apps to support mobile payments, recognizing that a smooth and secure payment process can significantly impact consumer purchase decisions and overall satisfaction.

Security and Safety: Innovations in encryption and tokenization have made mobile payments safer than traditional credit card transactions. Biometric authentication methods like fingerprint and facial recognition add layer of security, making unauthorized transactions much harder.

Global Impact and Future Trends

The global reach of mobile payments continues to expand. In emerging markets, mobile payments are becoming a critical enabler of financial inclusion, allowing people without access to traditional banking services to participate in the economy. Meanwhile, in developed markets, the convenience of mobile payments is pushing their adoption ever higher.

The Future of Mobile Payments: Looking ahead, the integration of AI and machine learning will likely make mobile payments even more intelligent and secure. Predictive analytics could offer personalized spending insights directly to consumers, while enhanced security measures will make mobile transactions even more robust.

Conclusion

The shift from traditional payment methods to mobile payments is not just a trend but a fundamental change in how consumers interact with businesses from small daily purchases like coffee to significant investments like cars and homes. As this technology continues to evolve and integrate into every facet of commercial transactions, businesses and consumers alike will enjoy unprecedented levels of efficiency and convenience, marking a new era in the digital economy.

 

In the summer 2024 campaign for Anine Bing, fashion icon Kate Moss teams up with the brand once again, bringing her unique appeal to the collection. Captured by the lens of Chris Colls, the campaign spotlights elevated essentials through a series of stark studio portraits shot against a minimalistic backdrop.

Kate Moss for Anine Bing Summer 2024 Ad

This season’s designs exude a casual yet sophisticated vibe, featuring a structured denim jacket that effortlessly merges classic and contemporary styles, sleek leather shorts that add an edge, and an army green jacket that brings a touch of utilitarian chic.

The roomy shoulder bag blends practicality with style, making it a versatile accessory for any occasion. Styled by Sarah Gore Reeves, the looks are elevated with Madrid sunglasses that add a sleek appeal.

For beauty, Georgi Sandev’s makeup artistry brings out Moss’s striking features, while Didier Malige’s hair styling completes the look with relaxed, flowing locks. Beyond Moss being the face of Anine Bing’s campaign, she also appears in Balenciaga’s new Le City visuals.