Truth: Destitute asylum seekers whose accommodation includes meals are eligible for £8.86 a week, which comes on a prepaid Aspen card. If they’re placed in accommodation without free meals, they have a weekly allowance of £49.19. There are some small additional amounts available for young children and pregnant women. Over 10,000 people have shared an image on… Continue reading Fallacy: ‘Illegal immigrants’ get £175 every week on a prepaid card as well as three free meals per day
Ridley Scott’s 1977 debut, The Duellists, is often hailed as one of his most visually stunning films, and any list of the best Scott films would be incomplete without it. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, The Duellists received critical acclaim and won the prestigious Best First Film prize. However, according to Scott, it was… Continue reading Ridley Scott claims ‘The Duellists’ was supposed to win the Palme d’Or, but the jury was “bribed”
Scientists and engineers are developing new ways to destroy per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) efficiently and sustainably. This class of chemicals is known as “forever chemicals” because PFAS persist and accumulate in the environment, animals and our bodies. PFAS have been used for decades to make everything from firefighting foam, packaging, waterproof clothes and non-stick frying pan coatings.… Continue reading New technologies could help destroy persistent ‘forever chemicals’
In Mickey 17, director Bong Joon-ho returns to the big screen with a sci-fi satire that combines biting social commentary with a hefty dose of dark humor. This film, a follow-up to his Academy Award-winning Parasite, is far from the subtle, intricately layered critique of class dynamics that won hearts and Oscars in 2020. Instead,… Continue reading Mickey 17: Robert Pattinson delivers a double dose of dysfunction in Bong Joon-ho’s darkly humorous Sci-Fi satire
When we conjure up ancient philosophers the image that springs to mind might be a bald Socrates discoursing with young men in the sun, or a scholarly Aristotle lecturing among cool columns. But what about Aspasia, the foreign mistress of the foremost politician in Athens who gave both political and erotic advice? Or Sosipatra, mystic, mother… Continue reading Wise women: six ancient female philosophers you should know about
The ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI) image colourization were recently brought to public attention when several historical images were altered using digital algorithms. Irish artist Matt Loughrey digitally colourized and added smiles to photos of tortured prisoners from Security Prison 21 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which was used by the Khmer Rouge from 1975-79.… Continue reading The controversial history of colourising black-and-white photos
One of the most renowned and valuable timepieces in the world, the Breguet No. 160 ‘Marie Antoinette’ watch, will go on display for the first time in the UK at the Versailles: Science and Splendour exhibition, opening at the Science Museum in London on December 12, 2024. This masterpiece, designed by legendary Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis… Continue reading Marie Antoinette’s Breguet watch to be displayed in London
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-anticipated sequel to his 1988 cult classic, lands with all the macabre flair you’d expect from the director. While the film doesn’t quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle energy of the original, it’s still a gleefully twisted ride that manages to stay true to its roots while offering up some fresh, if… Continue reading Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: a spirited return to Tim Burton’s gothic playground
In Starve Acre, director Daniel Kokotajlo delivers a haunting, slow-burning folk horror adaptation of Andrew Michael Hurley’s novel. Set in 1970s Yorkshire, the film stars Matt Smith and Morfydd Clark as a grieving couple whose lives unravel as they encounter ancient, malevolent forces lurking beneath their home. Despite its strong performances and eerie atmosphere, Starve… Continue reading Starve Acre: a brooding dive into folk-horror with atmospheric weight, but lacking in scares
Bong Joon Ho’s films are anything but predictable. From the genre-defying Parasite, which swept the Oscars, to the darkly comedic The Host, his work often blends sharp social commentary with unexpected tones. In his latest film, Mickey 17, the director continues to explore humanity’s absurdities, but this time with a satirical sci-fi twist. Starring Robert… Continue reading Bong Joon Ho describes Mickey 17 as a satirical sci-fi about the “Pathetic” nature of humanity
