Iconic 90s film scene starring Keanu Reeves named best movie stunt of all time

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Keanu Reeves’ iconic bullet dodging scene in The Matrix has been crowned the best movie stunt of all time.The 1999 sci-fi classic has us questioning physics and our ability to look that cool in a trench coat as Neo leaned back in slow motion to avoid a flurry of bullets.3Keanu Reeves’ iconic bullet dodging scene is crowned the best movie stunt of all timeCredit: Alamy3Neo’s impressive bending technique smashed ranks above Mission: Impossible and Die HardCredit: GettyA poll of 2,000 movie buffs saw Neo’s impressive bending technique smash ranked above Tom Cruise’s antics in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, where he gripped onto the side of an airborne plane.Other highly rated stunts included the car skydive sequence from Fast & Furious 7, where real cars were dropped from a plane 12,000 feet above the ground – and the iconic chariot race from Ben Hur, starring Charlton Heston.While Daniel Craig’s fight scene as Bond from Skyfall made the top five, Craig, Reeves and Cruise all made the top 20 more than once.The research was commissioned by Samsung, which has teamed up with stunt director Tony Christian from Spectrum Stunts to reveal the planning that goes into creating some of the most iconic scenes from movies in instant slow-mo, following the launch of its Galaxy S24 FE.Read More on Keanu ReevesTony said: “We’re all captivated by big-movie action stunts, and it is undeniable that the detail looks epic in slow motion.“The research reveals some utterly iconic stunts we’ve been able to enjoy through the years in film.“They can be the main moments you remember from an action film and there’s so much incredibly detailed work that goes into making them a reality.“With a stunt to be impressive, it doesn’t always have to be the most difficult move, but something that really captures the attention which this top 20 list shows a real variation of.”When associating actors with doing their own tricks, Tom Cruise stood out more than anyone else, followed by Jackie Chan, Jason Statham and Keanu Reeves.Cruise was also rated as the best of all when it came to not relying on a stunt-double – with 67 per cent reckoning actors are more dedicated to the role when they do so.Keanu Reeves stuns The One Show’s Alex Jones with his real ageWhile 72 per cent think stunts are often the most iconic moments of any action film, with 86 per cent believing they up the excitement element.48 per cent end up being more drawn to a movie if it includes a major one, according to the OnePoll.com data.Falling from height, fight stunts and anything to do with vehicles were seen as some of the most impressive feats – with 79 per cent believing there should be more recognition for such performers in the industry.It also emerged the choreography and complexity involved was what made the elite manoeuvres stand out from others.More than half thought slow motion sequences enhance the scene, with 17 per cent believing it allows you to enjoy the precision and detail involved.58 per cent even said they would appreciate film stunts even more if they could see behind the scenes.Read more on the Scottish SunA spokesperson from Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, which enables you to make videos fit for the cinema at the touch of a button, added: “It goes without saying that stunts should be left to the professionals.“But one thing people can enjoy is giving their own content a cinematic feel with slow-mo.”BRITS TOP 20 MOVIE STUNTS OF ALL TIME1.  The Matrix (1999) – Bullet Dodging Backbend2.  Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) – Hanging from a Plane3.  Fast & Furious 7 (2015) – Car Skydive Sequence4.  Ben-Hur (1959) – Chariot Race5.  Skyfall (2012) – Train Roof Fight6.  Die Hard (1988) – Jumping Off Nakatomi Plaza Rooftop7.   Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – Motorbike Chase Into Canal8.   Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) – HALO Jump9.   Speed (1994) – Bus Jump Over Freeway Gap10. Casino Royale (2006) – Crane Chase Parkour Scene11.  Jackie Chan’s Police Story (1985) – Mall Pole Slide12.  Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – Liberty Island Fight13.  The French Connection (1971) – Car Chase Under the Elevated Train14.  Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – Truck Dragging Scene15.  The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – Parachuting Off a Cliff16.  Deadpool vs Wolverine (2024) – Opening fight17. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) – Tangier Rooftop Chase18.  Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – Tank Battle19.  GoldenEye (1995) – Dam Bungee Jump20. Inception (2010) – Rotating Hallway Fight372 percent of movie buffs believe stunts are often the most iconic moments of any action filmCredit: Alamy

WICN appeals for research funding, resources for Women in Science

Science and Health

By Edward Acquah

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA – The Women in Chemistry Network (WICN) has called for increased investment in research, infrastructure, and funding to enhance the participation and advancement of women in the field of chemical sciences.

The Network identified key challenges, including limited access to education, training, and resources, which hinder women’s ability to conduct cutting-edge research and address emerging regional and global challenges.

Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, Founder and Convenor of WICN, made the appeal during the inaugural Women in Chemical Sciences Conference held in Accra.

The conference, which was formally endorsed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), was on the theme “Empowering and Celebrating Women in the Chemical Sciences: A Catalyst for Innovative Leadership.”

It was organized in partnership with the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), and the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World-Elsevier Foundation (OWSD-EF).

Prof. Nkansah emphasized the need to build the capacity of women in chemical sciences by providing platforms for networking, training, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

She said many women faced barriers in pursuing higher education and careers in the chemical sciences due to cultural stereotypes and a lack of family support, which often led to isolation and neglect in the academic and professional spheres.

“One of the goals of the network is to create an environment where the feeling of isolation and neglect would be cured so that women who venture into the chemical sciences would stay and finish their programmes,” she said.

Prof. Marian D. Quain, Deputy Director-General, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and Keynote Speaker at the Conference called for the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for women.

She called for enhanced career guidance and support to empower women to overcome the challenges they face in pursuing careers in chemical sciences.

“By empowering women in chemical sciences, we unravel innovative solutions to foster a brighter future for all,” she said.

As part of the Conference activities, the participants toured the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR).

Dr. Latifatu Mohammed, Vice Chairperson of the Conference Organising Committee and Secretary of WICN, said the visit aimed to foster collaboration opportunities for women scientists within those organisations.

“Collaboration in research development is essential for creating sustainable and impactful advancements in science, technology, and innovation, and should be actively promoted,” she said.

The Conference was climaxed with the maiden Women in Chemical Sciences Excellence Awards in Accra, which celebrated the achievements, contributions, and potential of women in the field of chemical sciences.

Prof. Dorcas Osei-Safo, Co-Lead of the Awards Committee, this Awards’ Scheme said recognising the successes of women in chemical Sciences would inspire young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM.

“This will promote the advancement of women in the field, and encourage a more inclusive and diverse scientific community,” she added.

The Women in Chemistry Network is an organisation for professional women with a degree in any of the chemical sciences – Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering and related disciplines.

GNA

Ancient Egyptians necked hallucinogenic cocktails from creepy gurning demon mugs during wild parties, scientists confirm

Science and Health

ANCIENT Egyptians were necking hallucinogenic cocktails out of creepy demon mugs during parties, scientists have revealed.Researchers have discovered that powerful psychedelics were getting Egyptians high during magic blood rituals so they could seek protection from their Gods.The Bes mug was thought to bring users closer to the deity of fertilityCredit: Nature.comResearchers now know the answer to what was in the mugs after 2,000 yearsCredit: University of South FloridaDrinkers laced alcoholic cocktails with honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, liquorice, and grapes to make the drink look like blood. The crazy concoction also included trippy plants with medicinal properties.All of these ingredients were used to induce wild dream-visions during magic rituals, where participants tried to look into their futures.It is also believed that this magical potion was followed by a fertility ritual.read more in egyptScientists were able to detect traces of human bodily fluids from 2,000 years ago, such as blood and saliva.This suggests that blood was used in the mixture, too.The research has suggested that the Egyptians likely used this potent mixture to induce dreams about their futures or pregnancies.This mug was creepily made to look like one of their Gods, Bes.Most read in TechBes was the Ancient Egyptian deity associates with childbirth, protection and magical purification.Mystery of ancient mummified crocs worshipped by Egyptian CULT finally solvedBranko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art and co-author of the study, said that the mystery of what they used a specific mug for.Branko said: “For a very long time now, Egyptologists have been speculating what mugs with the head of Bes could have been used for.“For the first time, we were able to identify all the chemical signatures of the components of the liquid concoction contained in the Tampa Museum of Art’s Bes mug, including the plants used by Egyptians, all of which have psychotropic and medicinal properties.“There’s no research out there that has ever found what we found in this study.”This research teaches us about magic rituals in the Greco-Roman period in Egypt.”Scientists had never undertaken this type of research, but all it took was scraping an old mug to uncover secrets from two millennia ago. THE GOD BESBes was thought to aid women in labour by fighting off evil spirits.As a figure, Bes would later become known as the defender of everything good and the enemy of everything bad. The myth was also seen as a household protector, and was responsible for such tasks as killing snakes, fighting off evil spirits and protecting children.The study draws connections between the Bes mug’s usage and the “Myth of the Solar Eye”, where Bes calms Hathor, a sky goddess, with a drug-laced alcoholic beverage disguised as blood.This lulls Hathor into a deep sleep, which symbolises a resolution of conflict.It has been suggested that the rituals were trying to re-enact this myth and deepen their spiritual experiences. The Bes Chambers at Saqqara, near the Great Pyramids of Giza, are believed to have been sites where women sought divine assistance during pregnancies.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis was naturally a concern for women at the time, and it came laden with risks. This suggests that the Egyptians were seeking safety and comfort though the use of the potent alcoholic mixture. A brief history of Ancient EgyptHere’s everything you need to know…The Ancient Egyptians were an advanced civilisation who at one point ruled over a huge portion of the globeThe civilisation was founded about 5,000 years ago when ancient people set up villages along the River NileIt lasted for about 3,000 years and saw the building of complex cities centuries ahead of their time – as well as the famous Great PyramidsThe Ancient Egyptians were experts at farming and constructionThey invented a solar calendar, and one of the world’s earliest writing systems: The hieroglyphThe Egyptians were ruled by kings and queens called pharaohsReligion and the afterlife were a huge part of Ancient Egyptian culture. They had over 2,000 godsPharaohs built huge elaborate tombs to be buried in, some of which were pyramids – at the time among the largest structures in the worldThe Egyptians believed in life after death, and important people’s corpses were mummified to preserve their bodies for the afterlifeThe Ancient Egyptian empire fell in 30BC due to a mix of factors, including wars with other empires and a 100-year period of drought and starvationIt is believed that those who drank out of the mugs were trying to re-create the myth of BesCredit: Nature.comResearch has shown that the drinks contained traces of blood and grapes to make the drink look like bloodCredit: Nature.com

Ancient Egyptians necked hallucinogenic cocktails from creepy gurning demon mugs during wild parties, scientists confirm

Science and Health

ANCIENT Egyptians were necking hallucinogenic cocktails out of creepy demon mugs during parties, scientists have revealed.Researchers have discovered that powerful psychedelics were getting Egyptians high during magic blood rituals so they could seek protection from their Gods.The Bes mug was thought to bring users closer to the deity of fertilityCredit: Nature.comResearchers now know the answer to what was in the mugs after 2,000 yearsCredit: University of South FloridaDrinkers laced alcoholic cocktails with honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, liquorice, and grapes to make the drink look like blood. The crazy concoction also included trippy plants with medicinal properties.All of these ingredients were used to induce wild dream-visions during magic rituals, where participants tried to look into their futures.It is also believed that this magical potion was followed by a fertility ritual.read more in egyptScientists were able to detect traces of human bodily fluids from 2,000 years ago, such as blood and saliva.This suggests that blood was used in the mixture, too.The research has suggested that the Egyptians likely used this potent mixture to induce dreams about their futures or pregnancies.This mug was creepily made to look like one of their Gods, Bes.Most read in TechBes was the Ancient Egyptian deity associates with childbirth, protection and magical purification.Mystery of ancient mummified crocs worshipped by Egyptian CULT finally solvedBranko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art and co-author of the study, said that the mystery of what they used a specific mug for.Branko said: “For a very long time now, Egyptologists have been speculating what mugs with the head of Bes could have been used for.“For the first time, we were able to identify all the chemical signatures of the components of the liquid concoction contained in the Tampa Museum of Art’s Bes mug, including the plants used by Egyptians, all of which have psychotropic and medicinal properties.“There’s no research out there that has ever found what we found in this study.”This research teaches us about magic rituals in the Greco-Roman period in Egypt.”Scientists had never undertaken this type of research, but all it took was scraping an old mug to uncover secrets from two millennia ago. THE GOD BESBes was thought to aid women in labour by fighting off evil spirits.As a figure, Bes would later become known as the defender of everything good and the enemy of everything bad. The myth was also seen as a household protector, and was responsible for such tasks as killing snakes, fighting off evil spirits and protecting children.The study draws connections between the Bes mug’s usage and the “Myth of the Solar Eye”, where Bes calms Hathor, a sky goddess, with a drug-laced alcoholic beverage disguised as blood.This lulls Hathor into a deep sleep, which symbolises a resolution of conflict.It has been suggested that the rituals were trying to re-enact this myth and deepen their spiritual experiences. The Bes Chambers at Saqqara, near the Great Pyramids of Giza, are believed to have been sites where women sought divine assistance during pregnancies.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis was naturally a concern for women at the time, and it came laden with risks. This suggests that the Egyptians were seeking safety and comfort though the use of the potent alcoholic mixture. A brief history of Ancient EgyptHere’s everything you need to know…The Ancient Egyptians were an advanced civilisation who at one point ruled over a huge portion of the globeThe civilisation was founded about 5,000 years ago when ancient people set up villages along the River NileIt lasted for about 3,000 years and saw the building of complex cities centuries ahead of their time – as well as the famous Great PyramidsThe Ancient Egyptians were experts at farming and constructionThey invented a solar calendar, and one of the world’s earliest writing systems: The hieroglyphThe Egyptians were ruled by kings and queens called pharaohsReligion and the afterlife were a huge part of Ancient Egyptian culture. They had over 2,000 godsPharaohs built huge elaborate tombs to be buried in, some of which were pyramids – at the time among the largest structures in the worldThe Egyptians believed in life after death, and important people’s corpses were mummified to preserve their bodies for the afterlifeThe Ancient Egyptian empire fell in 30BC due to a mix of factors, including wars with other empires and a 100-year period of drought and starvationIt is believed that those who drank out of the mugs were trying to re-create the myth of BesCredit: Nature.comResearch has shown that the drinks contained traces of blood and grapes to make the drink look like bloodCredit: Nature.com

Gastronomy Tourism Key to Cultural and Economic Growth: Expert Panel at UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum in Bahrain

Travel

Ashen Tharaka
TDT| Manama
A high-level panel at the 9th UN World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Bahrain concluded that gastronomy tourism is not just a cultural bridge but also a significant economic driver.
Emphasizing the importance of sustainability, collaboration, and innovation, the panellists highlighted how well-structured policies can empower local communities, promote cultural heritage, and drive economic diversification. 
Moderated by Sandra Carvao, Director of Market Intelligence, Policies, and Competitiveness at the UNWTO, the panel featured Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Fatima Al Sairafi; the Philippines’ Tourism Secretary, H.E. Christina Garcia Frasco; and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of International Affairs, H.E. Sultan AlMusallam. 
Empowering Local Communities in Bahrain 
H.E. Minister Fatima Al Sairafi underscored the role of gastronomy in Bahrain’s cultural identity and economic landscape. “Gastronomy tourism connects the public and private sectors while empowering local communities through sustainable practices and supply chain integration,” she said. 
The Minister pointed to Bahrain’s 10% growth in accommodations and food services, emphasizing the country’s unique culinary offerings and the talents of its local chefs. “Our chefs are not only skilled but are also champions of sustainability, engaging with local, regional, and international communities,” Al Sairafi added. 
Regional Collaboration in the Philippines 
H.E. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shared the Philippines’ approach, which integrates gastronomy tourism into its National Tourism Development Plan. She spotlighted the Cebu Call to Action, a framework developed during the UNWTO Regional Gastronomy Forum, which prioritizes sustainability, public-private partnerships, and support for local farmers and chefs. 
“Gastronomy tourism increases the value proposition of destinations, uplifting local economies while ensuring sustainable practices,” Frasco noted, adding that over 54% of travellers consider gastronomy a key reason for their journeys. 
Saudi Arabia’s Holistic Vision 
H.E. Deputy Minister Sultan AlMusallam highlighted Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which incorporates gastronomy to offer holistic tourism experiences. 
“Gastronomy is not only a representation of culture but also a $1 trillion global industry, projected to grow to $4 trillion by 2032,” AlMusallam said. He showcased Saudi Arabia’s integration of cultural heritage sites like UNESCO-listed Diriyah with traditional culinary offerings to provide tourists with an immersive experience. 
The Deputy Minister also discussed the role of the Saudi Culinary Commission in enhancing the country’s gastronomic identity, focusing on collaboration between culture and tourism sectors. 
A Collective Vision for the Future 
The panel concluded with a shared vision of gastronomy tourism as a vital element of sustainable and inclusive growth. Addressing challenges like food waste and the need for stronger policy frameworks, the discussion reaffirmed the sector’s potential to drive innovation, foster cultural exchange, and support local economies. 
This session reinforced Bahrain’s leadership in global gastronomy tourism, positioning the Middle East as a rising force on the international culinary stage.

Children’s Book Fest will gather New Orleans-area authors to talk about their work

Arts & Culture, Books

A Children’s Book Festival will take place at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, with local authors present to talk about their books.Michelle Dumont, author of a new board book titled “Phoebe Cakes the Bulldog, A Mardi Gras Tail,” will be the featured speaker.Dumont will discuss topics such as crafting relatable characters, constructing stories that captivate young readers, and enhancing narratives with vibrant illustrations.

Dumont

She will also provide insight into the publishing process, including the roles of agents, publishers, self-publishing, and the query process.

“Phoebe Cakes The Bulldog” is a sturdy, 24-page board book that engages children with interactive search-and-find flaps on every spread. The illustrations and rhyming verses guide readers to discover the sights and sensations of Mardi Gras. Phoebe Cakes is a special needs bulldog on a search for a parade just for dogs.

Many other children’s authors will be present to talk about and sell books to patrons who may be looking for holiday gifts. They include: Gary Alipio, Karen Konnerth, Louis Duet, Laura Roach Dragon, M.H. Herlong, Leah Eskine, Laura Michaud, Gideon Hodge and others.

BOOK A LIBRARIAN: Do you need help filling out a job application? Are you wondering how to get started on a résumé? Do you need help applying for Social Security?

JPL’s Book a Librarian service allows patrons to reserve appointments with librarians for up to an hour of uninterrupted, personalized reference or technical assistance.The help is available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at both the East Bank Regional Library (4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie) and the West Bank Regional Library (2751 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey).

Librarians can help with all sorts of questions, including:Finding a good readFilling out an applicationTyping a letter or résuméDownloading e-books and/or audiobooksGeneral library resources, including databasesA research project for schoolConsumer and health educationGenealogy resourcesLocal historical research using newspaper archivesOther JPL digital contentUsing your digital deviceUsing the internet and/or creating an email address.

To schedule appointments:For the Metairie library, call (504) 838-1111 or email your request to [email protected].

For the Harvey library, call (504) 364-3720 or email your request to [email protected] call or email will be returned within two business days. Limit two sessions per person per week.

Staff cannot offer legal, medical, or financial advice. Jefferson Parish Library observes a strict confidentiality policy.PICK IT UP: Jefferson Parish libraries are offering patrons free litter cleanup kits that consist of a safety vest, a litter grabber, two trash bags and an information sheet in a tote bag.

The kits are provided by Keep Louisiana Beautiful, the Louisiana State Library, and the Louisiana Public Library System to make litter cleanup supplies readily available for check out at local libraries across the state.

Patrons can use their library cards to check out a cleanup kit, which includes instructions on how to conduct your cleanup. This program provides an opportunity for students to get service hours for school. It’s also a great hands-on way for families, small home-school groups, youth groups and Scouts to care for their neighborhood.

DEPRESSION GLASS DISPLAY: The glass display case near the manager’s office at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, contains more than 80 pieces of glass in shades of gold: candy dishes; bowls; shot glasses; candlesticks; ashtrays; compote dishes and many more.This display, provided by the members of the New Orleans Depression Glass Society, will be there until the end of the month.

KATRINA’S IMPACT: Two display cases across from the manager’s office at the East Bank Regional Library feature photographs and documents describing the impact of 20005’s Hurricane Katrina on Jefferson Parish libraries.

Nearly every library was affected in some way. The exhibit was put together by Leo Castell and Al Heavener.

ASTRONOMY: Ralph Junius, a longtime member of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society, will give a talk about telescopes at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.STORYCORPS: Representatives from StoryCorps will be present to record conversations with patrons on Nov. 22 and 23 at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey.

Patrons should contact Merrie Valliant at mvalliant@[email protected] to set up an appointment. They can discuss experiences with the library as it celebrates its 75th anniversary, or focus on other events/issues in their lives.StoryCorps is committed to the idea that everyone has an important story to tell and that everyone’s story matters.

We travelled by RV along the Texas coast to Louisiana – among warships, alligators and the ‘Gateway to Mars’

Travel

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreThe outlandish outline in the distance really piqued our interest. What building could possibly create that peculiar profile here on the Texas coast? It was quite clear from our South Padre Island viewpoint eight miles away. A drilling rig? An oil refinery? The hideout of a James Bond villain?As it turned out, it was closer to the latter. Having driven over to investigate, the signage that greeted us was positively jaw-dropping. “Gateway to Mars” it proclaimed in 10ft-tall letters. We had discovered Elon Musk’s Starbase.To our amazement, passers-by could walk right up to this much-heralded space programme funded by the richest man on earth. The 100-acre, $20bn complex, with its colossal Starship rocket system, is located inside Boca Chica State Park, and Boca Chica Boulevard runs right through it. From Boca Chica Beach, we stood on the dunes and marveled at the awe-inspiring development. Although off-limits during launch days, we arrived during a quiet week and were able to get a full close-up of this mind-boggling monument to private enterprise, headlined by Musk’s intention to take humanity to Mars.Elon Musk’s Starbase is inside Boca Chica State Park

Insolvencies set to rise as Budget hikes business costs, Begbies Traynor warns 

Business News

Monday 18 November 2024 1:47 pm
 |  Updated: 

Monday 18 November 2024 1:48 pm

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Insolvency company Begbies Traynor warned that a combination of higher interest rates and rising costs will lead to an uptick in insolvencies.  (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)