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Greece Lifts Minimum Wage by €50 to €830 Per Month

Greece minimum wage
PM Mitsotakis announced the increase in the minimum wage at a cabinet meeting on Friday. Credit: AMNA

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced an increase of €50 ($53.9) a month to the country’s minimum wage for employees, lifting the amount to €830 from €780.

The decision will take effect from April 1st and relieve workers “without affecting the strength of the economy and the competitiveness of businesses,” Mitsotakis said Friday at a meeting of his cabinet in Athens.

The new basic wage is accompanied by raises in 18 other benefits, Mitsotakis said. The wage hike affects approximately 600,000 workers. Similarly, employees with corresponding seniority entitled to an increase every three years will also receive a comparable raise.

Minimum wage in Greece “to reach €950 by 2027”

The Greek premier repeated the goal his government has set for 2027 which will mark the end of his second term in office. He said: “By 2027 the average salary in our country will be €1,500 and the minimum wage €950.”

The increase -he stressed- supports the income of families, but does not burden production costs so much.

“Despite the challenges, we remain committed to improving the quality of everyday life,” Mitsotakis said, highlighting efforts to mitigate price hikes.

The government is under pressure to do more to alleviate the cost of living crisis due to the price hikes.

In the latest Metron Analysis poll for Mega TV, the participants ranked high prices and the state of the economy as the country’s most significant problems.

Purchasing power of Greeks second from bottom in the EU

Greeks have the second to the bottom—just above Bulgaria—purchasing power in the EU according to Eurostat data released earlier in the week. These statistics put a dent in the Greek government’s triumphant claims about the rise in economic prosperity.

In 2023, substantial differences in GDP per capita, expressed in purchasing power standards, were recorded among EU countries.

Luxembourg and Ireland had the highest levels (140 percent and 112 percent above the EU average, respectively), well ahead of the Netherlands (30 percent above the EU average), Denmark (+28 percent), and Austria (+23 percent).

In contrast, Bulgaria registered the lowest GDP per capita, 36 percent below the EU average, while Greece (-33 percent) and Latvia (-29 percent) were just above that.

The countries of the European South that were also in the throes of the economic crisis in the previous decade, such as Portugal, Spain and Italy, are ranked much higher than Greece, with GDP per capita in purchasing power units set at 83 percent, 89 percent and 97 percent of the European average in 2023.

Greece is also ranked below many former Eastern Bloc countries, such as Romania, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, and even Latvia, ranked 25th, which has a GDP per capita in purchasing power units of 70.1 percent of the European average.

At the same time, the price level is at 88.2 percent of the average (these are figures for 2022, as other data is not yet available from Eurostat), reinforcing the sense of extravagant prices in Greece, causing widespread dissatisfaction as all opinion polls of recent months have shown.

The Bizarre Case of the Ancient Greek Philosopher who Died of Laughter

Ancient Greek philosopher laughter
Chrysippos of Soli, the second founder of Stoicism. Marble, Roman copy after a lost Hellenistic original of the late 3rd century BC. Public Domain

Ancient Greek philosopher Chrysippus (279–206 BC) is believed to have died of laughter in a bizarre incident recorded by his contemporary historian Diogenes Laertius.

Chrysippus was a native of Soli, Cilicia, but moved to Athens as a young man, where he became a pupil of the Stoic philosopher Cleanthes.

When Cleanthes died, around 230 BC, Chrysippus became the third head of the Stoic school.

A prolific writer, Chrysippus expanded the fundamental doctrines of Cleanthes’ mentor Zeno of Citium, the founder and first head of the school, which earned him the title of the Second Founder of Stoicism.

How the ancient Greek philosopher died from laughter

He died during the 143rd Olympiad (208–204 BC) at the age of 73. Diogenes Laertius gives two different accounts of his death.

In the first account, Chrysippus was seized with dizziness having drunk undiluted wine at a feast, and died soon after.

In the second account, he was watching a donkey eat some figs and cried out: “Now give the donkey a drink of pure wine to wash down the figs”.

The sight of a drunk donkey triggered a fit of laughter from Chrysippus, after which he died in a fit of laughter. In his note, Diogenes Laertius documented the account that Chrysippus died “after laughing too much,” whereupon he died.

His nephew Aristocreon erected a statue in his honor in the Kerameikos, an ancient Athenian area formerly known as the Potters’ quarter, which is the largest necropolis in Greece.

Chrysippus was succeeded as head of the Stoic school by his pupil Zeno of Tarsus.

Death from laughter is an extremely rare form of death, usually resulting from either cardiac arrest or asphyxiation.

Intense laughter can put strain on your heart, especially for those with underlying heart conditions. This strain can lead to a heart attack. Laughing too hard can make it difficult to breathe, potentially leading to suffocation.

Laughter can also worsen existing health problems like asthma or cause complications with weakened blood vessels in the brain (aneurysm).

Dying from laughter

Though uncommon, death by laughter has been recorded from the times of ancient Greece to modern times.

For example, Zeuxis, a 5th-century BC Greek painter, is said to have died laughing at the humorous way in which he painted an old woman. He was famed for his ability to create images that appeared highly realistic.

None of his works survive, but anecdotes about Zeuxis’ art and life have been referenced often in the history and literature of art and in art theory.

There are modern cases of people dying from a fit of laughter. A Thai ice cream vendor in 2003 died in his sleep after two minutes of nonstop laughter. His wife witnessed it, but the cause of death (asphyxiation or heart failure) is unclear.

A Danish man called Ole Bentzen reportedly died in 1989 of a heart attack while laughing hysterically at a scene in the movie “A Fish Called Wanda.”

In most cases, it’s likely pre-existing health conditions played a role. While laughter itself might not be the sole culprit, it can be a trigger in vulnerable individuals.

Olympic Flame-Lighting and Torch Relay in Greece: Full Program

Olympic Torch Relay in Greece
The Olympic Flame will travel throughout Greece in the torch relay. Credit: Hellenic Olympic Committee

Greece is preparing for the Olympic flame-lighting ceremony and the Olympic torch relay that will officially kick off the 2024 Paris Olympic Games countdown.

The Olympic Flame-lighting ceremony will take place on April 16, with High Priestess Mary Mina using the traditional curved mirror to light the Olympic Torch using the sun’s rays.

The High Priestess will then deliver the Olympic Flame to the first runner in the Torch Relay, rowing Olympic medalist Stefanos Douskos, at the edge of the ancient stadium in Olympia, kicking off the 11-day relay in Greece.

The Olympic Flame will be handed over to the organizers of the Paris Games on April 26, in Athens, spend the night in the French Embassy and then depart for France on the ship “Belem” the following day.

The ship is due to arrive in the port of Marseille on May 8, where the French section of the Torch Relay will begin, lasting 68 days until it culminates in the lighting of the Olympic Flame at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games on July 26.

The Olympic torch relay program in Greece

From April 16 to 26, the Olympic Flame will travel throughout Greece. The torch relay program:

On the first day, Tuesday, April 16 the torch relay will start at ancient Olympia and will continue to the towns of Amaliada, Ilida, Andravida, Gastouni, Pyrgos, Zaharo, Filiatra and Pylos.

Starting from Pylos on the second day, Wednesday, April 17,  the relay will reach Methoni, Sparta, Tegea, Tripoli, Mycenae, Nafplion, Nemea and Piraeus.

From the port of Piraeus on Thursday, April 18, the flame will be transported by ferry to Crete and then by air to Kastellorizo island. It will return to Crete on the same day to continue the relay to the towns of Agios Nikolaos, Knossos, Heraklion, Rethymno and Chania.

The Olympic flame will return overnight to Piraeus.

On the fourth day, Friday, April 19, the flame will fly to the islands of Santorini, Naxos, and Paros before returning to Athens.

On Saturday, April 20, the relay will start from the Acropolis and continue to Delphi, Lamia, and Volos.

On the sixth day, Sunday, April 21, the Olympic relay will leave Volos for Thessaloniki passing through the towns of Larissa, Trikala, Kalambaka, and Meteora.

From Thessaloniki on the seventh day, the relay will take the Olympic Flame to ancient Phillipi, Kavala, Xanthi, Komitini, and Alexandroupolis.

On the eighth day, Tuesday, April 23,  the flame will travel to the towns of Eleftheroupolis, Veria, Vergina, Aegai and Ioannina.

From Ionanina the relay on its ninth day will continue to the port of Igoumenitsa and on to the island of Corfu.

On Thursday, April 25, it will start in Corfu and move on to Messolongi, Patra and Corinth.

Finally on the eleventh day, Friday, April 26, the relay will arrive at the Panathenaic Stadium of Athens after passing Megara, Marathon, Lavrion, and Sounion.

At the Panathenaic Stadium, the handover ceremony to Paris Olympic Games organizers will take place.

9,000-Year-Old Rock Art Discovered Among Dinosaur Footprints

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9,000-year-old rock art discovered in Brazil
9,000-year-old rock art discovered in Brazil. Credit: Scientific Reports / CC BY 4.0

A recent study reveals that, about 9,400 years ago, hunter-gatherers living in what is now Brazil made rock art near dinosaur footprints. These drawings were discovered close to the fossilized footprints of dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period, which was around 145 to 66 million years ago.

Published on March 19th in Scientific Reports, the study by researchers detailed these rock drawings and dinosaur tracks. They believe ancient humans intentionally placed the rock art next to the dinosaur footprints.

Many of these drawings are only two to four inches away from the fossilized marks. Additionally, some of the drawings seem to depict the footprints themselves, as reported by Live Science.

Hunter-gatherers might know about dinosaur footprints

Leonardo Troiano, an archaeologist from Brazil’s National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage and the lead author of the study, explained to Live Science that the people who made the rock drawings were very aware of the dinosaur footprints.

They probably chose the spot specifically because of these footprints. Troiano emphasized it would have been hard to miss such prominent marks.

The archaeological site, called Serrote do Letreiro (meaning “Signpost Hill” in Portuguese), sits approximately seven miles (eleven kilometers) away from the main area of Sousa municipality in the northeastern state of Paraíba.

This location is near the Valley of the Dinosaurs, a protected area famous for its numerous fossilized dinosaur footprints, as reported by Live Science.

Researchers know about dinosaur footprints since 20th century

Based on the new study, researchers have been aware of the fossilized dinosaur footprints in the region since the early twentieth century. However, the rock art in the area has received only brief mentions over time.

Although there was previous knowledge of at least one ancient engraving made by the Kiriri, the primary Indigenous group in the northeast region of Brazil, the close connection between the petroglyphs and dinosaur footprints had never officially been recorded, Troiano explained.

Troiano and his team conducted the study with a group of middle-school students who visited the site in 2023. Besides studying paleontology and archaeology, the students helped take photographs during the fieldwork.

The researchers observed that the footprints belonged to various types of dinosaurs, such as meat-eating theropods, long-necked sauropods, and two-legged ornithopods, as well as iguanodontian dinosaurs.

The authors of the study proposed that the similarity between the footprints and those of the emu-like rhea (Rhea americana), the largest bird in Brazil, might have helped ancient people recognize and understand these fossil remains more easily.

The petroglyphs mainly consist of carvings depicting circles filled with lines and other geometric patterns. The artwork is believed to have been created by people who lived in the area between 9,400 and 2,620 years ago.

5.7 Earthquake Rattles Western Peloponnese, Greece

Earthquake Peloponnese
Earthquake rattles western Peloponnese, but Greek seismologists say there is no need for alarm. Credit: Geodynamic Institute of Athens

A 5.7 earthquake rattled western Peloponnese in southern Greece on Friday morning just after 9 am local time.

The earthquake struck near the Strofades islands and was felt as far as Athens and Crete. There are no reports of injuries or damage until now.

“It is too early to say if this is the main earthquake,” seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos told state TV ERT.

Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) said that the earthquake should be of great concern because it has been recorded in a marine area with a large focal depth”.

He added that the quake was strongly felt in Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Agrinio, in areas of the Peloponnese and also in Athens. “However, it is an earthquake that does not appear to have an impact on building infrastructure and people,” he noted.

In January a 4.8 earthquake occurred under the sea near the coast of Peloponnese.

In the same month, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred under the sea near the coast of the island of Evia in Greece.

In November 2023, a 5.1 earthquake also rattled the island of Evia.

Scientists warn that a large earthquake could strike Greece

Greece may be struck by a large earthquake like the one that has devastated Turkey and Syria, at least two Greek scientists said early in 2023.

The seismological forecasts were made during conversations about the impacts of the natural disasters in Turkey and Syria. The professors expressed concern that a similarly large earthquake could affect Greece sometime in the future.

Speaking in two separate interviews, Professor Konstantinos Synolakis and Professor Costas Papazachos drew similar conclusions when assessing the history of seismic activity in the Greek region.

Greece lies in a highly seismically active region. The vast majority of earthquakes cause no damage or injuries, however.

In October 2020, an earthquake that struck the eastern Greek Aegean island of Samos and the nearby Turkish coast killed two people on Samos and at least seventy-five people in Turkey.

Greece is located in a complex geological boundary zone in the eastern Mediterranean between the African and Eurasian Plates. The northern part of Greece lies on the Eurasian Plate, while the southern part lies on the Aegean Sea Plate.

The Aegean Sea Plate is moving southwestward concerning the Eurasian Plate at about an inch (thirty millimeters) per year, while the African Plate is moving northward, sliding beneath the Aegean Sea Plate at a rate of about 1.6 inches (forty millimeters) per year.

Two Greek Ministers Resign after Meeting with Media Mogul Marinakis

Marinakis
Evangelos Marinakis is a shipowner and a Greek media and football tycoon. Credit: Olympiacos FC, CC BY-SA 4.0

Two Greek ministers resigned on Thursday after it was revealed that they met Evangelos Marinakis, a Greek media and football tycoon earlier in the week.

Minister of State Stavros Papastavrou and Deputy Minister to Prime Minister Ioannis Bratakοs submitted their resignations to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who thanked them for their cooperation and accepted the resignations.

Participation in a social gathering sent the wrong message, government sources stated regarding the resignations without openly disclosing Marinakis’ name.

The two ministers, close associates of Mitsotakis, had participated in a social event on the name day of Marinakis along with many other friends and relatives of the tycoon.

In recent weeks government officials have criticized Marinakis without ever mentioning his name. They have implied that his media group, the Lambrakis Press Group, which includes some of the country’s most-selling newspapers is on a war footing against the government.

“Did you send them to smoke cigars or a peace pipe?”

The meeting in question was raised in Parliament on Thursday by the PASOK leader, Nikos Androulakis, during the debate on the motion of no confidence in the government.

Androulakis, whom the government accused of tabling the no-confidence motion due to being “entangled” with a certain businessman, asked why two government ministers had drinks on Sunday night together with the same businessman.

“Did you send them to smoke cigars or a peace pipe,” Androulakis asked, implying that the ministers in question were trying to convince Marinakis to change his stance against the government.

In a statement issued before the resignations, the main opposition SYRIZA said that the next time the government accused SYRIZA of being “entangled” with certain interests, it should recall the “friendly drinks” of its ministers with the same interests.

Reacting to the resignations, New Left said: “If anyone should resign, it is the prime minister himself, the high priest of cover-ups, lies and misinformation.”

Mitsotakis hits back at business interests – No mention of Marinakis

Mitsotakis during his speech in the parliament mentioned “business interests” that want to influence Greek politics following the report in the Sunday newspaper To Vima, owned by Marinakis.

The front page story cited doctored tapes leaked to the press immediately after the horrific train crash at Tempe, implying that the government instigated a cover-up. The report led to Androulakis tabling the no-confidence motion that was rejected on Thursday.

Mitsotakis said the report was misleading, and that the events it detailed – a supposed flurry of communications that highlighted the stationmaster’s responsibility for the crash – had been reported a long time ago by state TV ERT and that his government had no involvement.

The Prime Minister stressed that there are distinct responsibilities and limits in a parliamentary democracy.

“Governments are the ones who set the rules and this sometimes leads to conflicts,” he said characteristically, and added that “the sovereign people rule and not the bloated wallets, even if some people think that everyone and everything is redeemable, they are deeply in the dark.

“If a publisher, a big businessman, has political aspirations, let him appear openly. But himself, not through proxies. If they wish, they must be seen, judged, compared and measured,” he added.

Marikanis owns a big fleet of freighters and LNG ships, and Greek football club Olympiacos and English team Nottingham Forest.

The Black Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt

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Black Pharaohs replica statues
Replica statues of 25th Dynasty Egyptian rulers, also known as the Black Pharaohs. Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docuseries has caused an immense storm of controversy surrounding its depiction of Cleopatra VII Philopator as a black woman, and whilst Cleopatra herself was not black, there were indeed black pharaohs who ruled over Egypt at one point in the 8th and 7th centuries BC.

The 25th Dynasty, also known as the Nubian Dynasty, or Black Pharaohs, ruled Egypt between 744 BC and 656 BC as part of the wider Kushite Empire. The 25th Dynasty originated from the city-state of Napata in Nubia, in what is today Sudan.

The Nubian Kushite civilization, from whom the 25th Dynasty originated, could, like the Egyptians,  boast of impressive architectural, artistic, and cultural achievements. Sadly, this enigmatic civilization has been overshadowed by its better-known members and does not achieve the attention it deserves in a mainstream setting.

The Black Pharaohs: 25th Dynasty Egypt

The 25th Dynasty’s rise to power began with King Piye, who launched a military campaign into Egypt and successfully captured Memphis, the capital, in 727 BC. Piye proclaimed himself pharaoh and initiated the Kushite Dynasty’s rule over Egypt, although it was his successor, Shebitku, who fully established Kushite control over Egypt after defeating King Bakenranef of the rival 24th Dynasty at the Battle of Sais.

Subsequent kings of the dynasty, including Shabaka, Shebitku, Taharqa, and Tanutamun, continued to consolidate their power and assert their authority over Egypt.

The Kushite pharaohs of the 25th Dynasty implemented various policies during their rule. They sought to restore traditional Egyptian religious practices and fostered a revival of the old cults and temples. The Kushite rulers emphasized their legitimacy by aligning themselves with Egyptian traditions and presenting themselves as champions of Ma’at (order and justice).

The Black Pharaohs erected grand structures and renovated existing temples, leaving behind a rich architectural legacy. As noted by Caroline H. Armstrong, “Taharqa was the greatest builder among the Kushite rulers” and he embarked on ambitious construction projects, such as the expansion of the Temple of Amun at Karnak in Thebes, which showcased his commitment to the revitalization of Egyptian religious sites.

Kushite Pyramids

Kushite Pyramids
Pyramids constructed by the Kushites, also known as Nubian Pyramids. Three of the pyramids shown here were reconstructed. Credit: Wufei07 / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

The Kushite kings of Egypt were also keen to initiate a revival of pyramid building in their new realm, bringing about a resurgence of monumental tombs to the Egyptian landscape. This revival occurred approximately 1,000 years after Egyptian burial practices had evolved away from pyramid construction.

The 25th Dynasty, introduced their own pyramids, showcasing their cultural and political connection to ancient Egypt. The construction of Nubian pyramids commenced at El Kurru in 751 BC, initially serving as the final resting place for Piye, the inaugural ruler of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. Subsequently, additional pyramids were erected at the Nuri site.

Nubian pyramids were modeled after a distinct form of Egyptian private elite family pyramids that had been prevalent during the New Kingdom era, spanning from 1550 BC to 1069 BC. These structures embodied the architectural style and symbolism of ancient Egypt, reflecting the continuity and reverence for the traditions of the pharaohs.

It is noteworthy that a greater number of Nubian pyramids have survived to the present day compared to their Egyptian counterparts. This fact highlights the enduring nature of the Nubian pyramid structures, which have withstood the test of time.

The revival of pyramid construction during the Twenty-fifth Dynasty not only rekindled the ancient Egyptian burial practices but also showcased the cultural exchange and historical ties between Nubia and Egypt. The Nubian pyramids stand as enduring testaments to the artistry, engineering prowess, and cultural interplay of these fascinating civilizations.

1,500-Year-Old DNA Reveals Face of Chinese Emperor Wu

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Face reconstruction of Chinese Emperor Wu based on 1,500-year-old DNA
Face reconstruction of Chinese Emperor Wu based on 1,500-year-old DNA. Credit: Current Biology

In a recent study, scientists used DNA from the bones of a Chinese emperor who lived 1,500 years ago to figure out what he might have looked like and how he might have died.

The emperor, Wu, was in charge of China’s Northern Zhou dynasty from A.D. 560 to 578, when he passed away at 36 years old, as per a study released on Wednesday in the journal Current Biology.

Based on the study, Emperor Wu was known for strengthening the military, appeasing the Turks, and bringing together Northern China after beating the Northern Qi dynasty.

Chinese Emperor Wu might have died of a stroke

For a long time, people have debated what caused the emperor to die so young. Some thought he might have been poisoned by enemies, while others believe he succumbed to a mysterious illness. Now, this new DNA study suggests he probably died of a stroke.

Wu’s tomb was first found by archaeologists in 1996. Inside, they found his skeleton, including a nearly complete skull. From this skull, scientists could extract DNA for analysis, as mentioned in the statement.

“Our work brought historical figures to life,” study co-author Pianpian Wei, an assistant professor in the Department of Cultural Heritage and Museology at Fudan University in Shanghai, said in the statement.

“Previously, people had to rely on historical records or murals to picture what ancient people looked like,” Wei said. “We are able to reveal the appearance of the Xianbei people directly.”

Emperor Wu belonged to the Xianbei ethnic group

The facial reconstruction shows a man with brown eyes, black hair, and a darker skin tone, which is quite similar to the appearance of people from Northern and Eastern Asia today.

The study also verified that Wu belonged to the Xianbei ethnic group, which was a nomadic group living in what we now call Mongolia and the northern regions of China.

Through DNA analysis, researchers determined that the Xianbei people moved down to Northern China and mingled with those who were ethnically Han Chinese.

“This is an important piece of information for understanding how ancient people spread in Eurasia and how they integrated with local people,” study co-author Shaoqing Wen, a doctoral student of archaeological science at Fudan University, said in a statement.

The recent analysis agrees with old records describing Wu as having “aphasia,” which means difficulty in understanding or speaking due to brain damage, along with drooping eyelids and an unusual way of walking—all of which are possible signs of a stroke, according to the statement.

Harvard to Remove Binding Made of Human Skin From 1800s Book

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Des Destinées de l'Ame having binding made of human skin
A copy of ‘Des Destinées de l’Ame’ which has a binding made of human skin. Credit: Harvard University

Harvard University announced it will remove a binding made from human skin from a book dating back to the 19th century. This book, named Des Destinées de l’Ame (or Destinies of the Soul), has been at Harvard’s Houghton Library since the 1930s.

However, it gained global notice in 2014 after tests confirmed its unusual cover material. Harvard cited ethical concerns as the reason behind this decision, according to The Guardian.

On Wednesday, Harvard University announced its decision to remove the skin binding from the book after thorough study, discussions with stakeholders, and careful consideration.

Additionally, the university stated it will collaborate with authorities to determine a respectful final arrangement for these human remains.

Written by a French novelist in the mid-1880s

Arsène Houssaye, a French novelist, authored the book in the mid-1880s, focusing on the essence of the soul and the afterlife. Ludovic Bouland, a French physician, initially owned the volume and bound it with human skin.

Harvard revealed that Bouland acquired the skin without consent from a deceased female patient at the hospital where he practiced. This unsettling backstory, termed “ethically fraught” by Harvard, prompted the university to opt for the removal of the skin binding, as reported by The Guardian.

Tom Hyry, an archivist at Houghton Library, shared insights in a Q&A released by Harvard regarding the decision to remove the book from its library. He stated, “As you can imagine, this has been an unusual circumstance for us in the library and we have learned a great deal as we arrived at our decision.”

“The core problem with the volume’s creation was a doctor who didn’t see a whole person in front of him and carried out an odious act of removing a piece of skin from a deceased patient, almost certainly without consent, and used it in a book binding that has been handled by many for more than a century. We believe it’s time the remains be put to rest.”

Harvard initially treated it as good news for anthropodermic bibliopegy

In the past, Harvard students working in the library were sometimes subjected to a hazing ritual. They were asked to fetch the book without knowing it was covered in human remains.

Back in 2014, when the strange binding of the book was confirmed, Harvard treated it with a more light-hearted tone. The university referred to the discovery as good news for fans of anthropodermic bibliopegy, bibliomaniacs, and cannibals alike.

Anthropodermic bibliopegy is the practice of binding books in human skin, which gained popularity in the 19th century but has been documented since at least the 1500s.

British Airways Greece to London Flight Almost Crashed with Drone

British Airways flight from Athens to Heathrow came within five feet of hitting a drone.
British Airways flight from Athens, Greece to London, UK came within five feet of hitting a drone. Credit: BriYYZ. CC BY 2.0/flickr

A British Airways flight from Athens, Greece to London, UK, narrowly missed a drone by five feet while flying at 250mph 9,600 feet in the air during a very close call which could have spelled disaster for those onboard.

The illegally-flown drone came within five feet of a collision with the British Airways aircraft over the Kent countryside, a report has revealed.

The flight from Athens, Greece, to London’s Heathrow airport had around 180 passengers on board and was cruising through the air at more than 250mph, with the incident thought to be one of the closest ever near scrapes between a BA jet and a drone.

The near miss occurred just before 4.30pm on January 3 this year, as the Airbus A321 was making its way into a holding stack roughly six miles south of Sevenoaks while waiting its turn to join the final flight path into the London airport.

What Happened with the British Airways Flight and the Drone?

The drone was flying at 24 times the typical maximum legal height for the devices, which is just 400 feet. It is thought that the owner of the drone was not found, however, if they had been caught, they could have been jailed for up to five years for endangering an aircraft.

A report released by the UK Airprox Board, which examines near misses, sated that the pilots estimated the drone as being roughly five feet above their wing and just 30 feet from their cockpit. Pilots have warned again and again in recent years about the risk of drones causing potentially disastrous damage by being inhaled into a jet engine or breaking a windscreen.

The flying height of the devices is usually restricted by software to 400 feet, but the restriction can be over-ridden by a patch which can be bought online. Extra batteries can also be installed which help drones reach greater heights – which is the likely explanation for why it was close to the British Airways flight.

It has been suggested that the careless drone operator involved in the incident may have been trying to get video footage of an aircraft from close up in mid-air, and the report rated it as a category A incident where there was a serious risk of collision.

It said that the plane was approaching its holding stack when the pilot “became aware of an object slightly to the right of the nose at the same level on a constant bearing with closing distance.”

The report also said that “It was small, but had the distinctive shape of a drone. The object passed down the right-hand side of the aircraft and over their right wing. Details were passed immediately to London ATC (air traffic control) who informed the pilot of the aircraft behind them.”

The British Airways pilot said the risk of collision with the drone was high, stating that the object had “shot down our right hand side” and describing it as “extremely close”.

The report added, “Analysis of the radar by Safety Investigations indicated that there were no primary or secondary contacts associated with the drone report visible on radar at the approximate time of the event.”

Concluding that “In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were sufficient to indicate that it could have been a drone. The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where providence had played a major part in the incident and/or a definite risk of collision had existed.”