Project Lyobaa’s research team recently discovered the ‘Entrance to Underworld’ beneath a catholic church in Mexico. Credit: Gengiskanhg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Archaeologists, utilizing advanced ground-scanning technology, have unearthed a secret passage leading to an ancient realm known as the “underworld.”
This hidden marvel was constructed by the ancient Zapotec civilization and lies beneath a Catholic church situated in southern Mexico.
Over a thousand years ago, the Zapotec people flourished near present-day Oaxaca, establishing a powerful state in the late sixth century BC.
They expressed their grandeur by constructing monumental edifices and adorning massive tombs with extravagant treasures. Moreover, within this subterranean network, the Zapotec created a complex arrangement of chambers and tunnels.
Main altar of the church purposefully built over a ‘sealed entrance’
Situated approximately 27 miles (44 kilometers) southeast of Oaxaca lies the architectural marvel of Mitla. This remarkable complex, adorned with extraordinary and detailed mosaics, served as the primary religious hub of the Zapotec civilization.
However, around the late 15th century, the Aztec conquest occurred, which likely led to the abandonment of the site. Subsequently, the Spanish repurposed the stone blocks from the ancient ruins to construct the San Pablo Apostol church approximately one century later.
It is believed that the main altar of the church was intentionally constructed above a sealed entryway. Beyond this seal lies an expansive subterranean maze of pillars and corridors that once belonged to a Zapotec temple known as Lyobaa, meaning “the place of rest.”
Project Lyobaa research investigation
Monolithic lintels under the church. Credit: Marco M. Vigato / The ARX Project
Using modern geophysical techniques, the Project Lyobaa research team recently embarked on an investigation to validate this assertion.
On May 12, they made an announcement, revealing the discovery of an intricate network of caves and corridors beneath the very foundations of the church.
This discovery is a collaborative effort involving 15 experts, including archaeologists, geophysical scientists, engineers, and conservation specialists.
The team is comprised of esteemed members from the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the ARX Project.
Use of three nondestructive methods
Employing three nondestructive techniques, namely ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity tomography, and seismic noise tomography, the research team successfully generated a virtual 3D representation of the ancient underground remains.
These methods operate by assessing how electromagnetic and seismic waves interact with various layers of soil and other underground substances.
By placing multiple measuring devices around the church, the team captured valuable data regarding a substantial hollow space situated beneath the main altar, along with two interconnected passageways. However, these structures exist at a depth ranging from 16 to 26 feet (5 to 8 meters).
“The newly discovered chambers and tunnels directly relate to the ancient Zapotec beliefs and concepts of the Underworld,” explained Marco Vigato, the founder of the ARX Project, in an email to Live Science.
India aims to be the first country to land on the moon’s south pole and launches the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. Credit: Indian Space Research Organisation / Wikimedia Commons / GODL-India
India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), successfully launched a rocket on Friday. The rocket propelled a spacecraft into orbit, aiming for a historic landing next month on the lunar south pole.
On Friday afternoon, the ISRO’s LVM3 launch rocket took off from the primary spaceport in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. As it soared into the sky, it left behind a trail of smoke and fire, marking the beginning of its journey.
Approximately 16 minutes later, the mission control of ISRO confirmed that the rocket had achieved its objective of placing the Chandrayaan-3 lander into an orbit around the Earth.
This trajectory will enable the spacecraft to embark on a path that will ultimately lead to a planned landing on the moon next month.
Additionally, if this mission proves successful, India will join an esteemed group of only three other countries that have accomplished a controlled landing on the lunar surface. These countries include the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China.
At precisely 2:35 p.m. local time (0905 GMT), the rocket soared into the sky from India’s primary spaceport. Moreover, the launch captivated the attention of a vast audience, with over 1.4 million individuals tuning in to witness the event through ISRO’s YouTube channel.
Crashing of India’s Chandrayaan-2
Chandrayaan-2, the second lunar exploration mission crafted by the ISRO, embarked on its journey from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh on 22nd July 2019.
The spacecraft successfully entered the Moon’s orbit on 20th August 2019 and initiated a series of orbital maneuvers to position the Vikram lander for its anticipated landing.
However, during the landing attempt on 6th September 2019, the lander deviated from its intended path and tragically crashed, according to Wikipedia.
Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft and expected landing
The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft comprises three essential components: the lander module, propulsion module, and rover.
The primary purpose of the lander is to achieve a gentle touchdown at a predetermined location on the Moon and deploy the rover.
Once deployed, the rover will conduct a detailed chemical analysis of the lunar surface. Both the lander and the rover are equipped with numerous scientific instruments to facilitate various experiments on the lunar surface, reported Indian Express.
ISRO has announced that the expected lunar landing is scheduled for August 23. This marks India’s first significant mission following the implementation of policies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government aimed at encouraging investments in space launches and satellite-based enterprises.
Moreover, expressing his support, Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter, stating, “will carry the hopes and dreams of our nation.”
Boats off the coast of Spetses island. Credit: dronepicr/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0
Only a two-hour ferry ride away from Athens, the island of Spetses with its picturesque old harbor is a well-known destination for a fabulous weekend getaway. Spetses has an especially elegant atmosphere, mainly due to its many Venetian mansions, which bring to mind a distant place and time.
The scenic capital of the island, Spetses Town, is ideal for meandering and romantic walks, while there’s plentiful swimming and sunbathing to be enjoyed at the many beaches along its shores.
A selection of boutique hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and marinas filled with yachts from all over the world are just some of the more cosmopolitan attractions of this island.
When English novelist and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz first visited the town of Spetses, he described it as “charming, unlike anywhere I’ve visited in Greece, starting at ground level, with mosaics fashioned out of colored pebbles.”
Greece has countless spectacular islands, but this magical place is truly an ideal destination for those who want to relax and unwind close to—yet so far from—the Greek capital.
It’s time to get lost in the enchanting world of Spetses.
Archaeological excavations show that the first signs of human habitation on Spetses date back to the Early Bronze Age; this is also called the first Hellenic Era, which occurred around 2,500 BC.
The local population increased during the 15th century with people arriving from the Peloponnese. However, they were unable to establish permanent villages or towns there due to the frequent pirate attacks the island suffered.
Only beginning in the seventeenth century were the first real towns established on Spetses.
Once established, Spetses began to develop a strong maritime and trading tradition, which is still one of the trademarks of the island.
The sophisticated, cosmopolitan image of the island of Spetses was initially created by Sotiris Anargyros, a Spetsiot who got rich in America. He first used some of his money to build a road and a reservoir there and then founded a prestigious private boarding school, the Anargyrios and Korgialeneios School, in 1927.
Anargyros also built the first luxury hotel on Spetses, the Posidonio Hotel, in 1914 and financed the conservation and reforestation program of the island’s pine forest.
Beaches
Spetses island town on the water. Credit: vaggelis vlahos/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 3.0
Aside from the main beach in the town, which is lovely in and of itself, there are many other beaches on the island on which to enjoy a day in the sun with all the amenities. Transport to the beaches in Spetses is made easy by bus, or by boat from Dapia, the island’s new port.
All the beaches on Spetses are lovely and scenic, providing idyllic spots for relaxing family vacations. You owe it to yourself to explore the best beaches on the island, four of which are listed below.
The beach here is centrally located, stretching all along the shoreline of the town. The road to the right of Dapia, the central part of the main town, leads to this area.
The beach has some sand, but it is mostly pebbled, and it has shallow green waters that are great for a relaxing swim.
Agia Paraskevi Beach
Aerial view of Agia Paraskevi beach. Credit: dronepicr /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0
The stunning sandy beach of Agia Paraskevi is found in a sheltered cove on the western shore of the island.
The thick pine forest offers shade, and one can enjoy water sports and the nearby snack bar. This quiet, lovely beach can be reached either by road or by taxi boats which make stops there.
Agia Marina Beach
Agia Marina is Spetses’ most popular beach. It has a gorgeous small pink and white chapel of the same name, which is surrounded by palm and cypress trees, as well as pines, close by.
The beach consists of sand and pebbles, and amenities include a variety of water sports, sun-beds, umbrellas, a beach bar, and numerous tavernas near the water where you can enjoy fabulous Greek food.
Archaeological excavations have discovered evidence of ancient human settlement in Agia Marina, including ruins of a fortified wall, figurines, and clay vessels, which all date back to the Early Bronze Age.
Agioi Anargyri Beach
Agioi Anargyri aerial beach. Credit: dronepicr/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0
Agioi Anargiri is one of the largest and most developed beaches on Spetses. Situated in a lovely cove, it is a pebble-and-sand beach with especially deep waters, which make it perfect for water sports activities.
A number of good tavernas can also be found in the area for a delicious meal after a long day at the beach. Agioi Anargiri Beach can be reached by either a local bus or taxi boat.
What to do on Spetses
A horse-drawn carriage on Spetses. Credit: Jean Housen/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 3.0
Apart from the beautiful beaches dotting the island of Spetses, what draws visitors to this island is its undeniable nostalgic charm. Therefore, a must-do when visiting this scenic place is to take a romantic trip around the island in a horse-drawn carriage.
Carriage owners are licensed by the local authority and they own at least four horses that are rubber-shoed at least four times a year. A horse is not supposed to work more than 5 hours a day and must rest the day after work.
The old harbor area of Spetses, called Baltiza, was an important shipbuilding center during the 18th and 19th century and features lighthouses and museums for interested visitors today.
The fascinating historical museum is located in the mansion that once belonged to a local merchant who lived in the nineteenth century named Hatzigianni-Mexi. It includes items that portray the history of the island from ancient to modern times.
Bekiris Cave
Bekiris cave on Spetses. Credit: /Wikimedia Commons/
Although this stunning cave is not easily accessible, it provides unforgettable sights to those who venture in, including a small sandy beach, as well as formations of stalagmites and stalactites. You can reach the cave by boat or via a path from the beach at Agioi Anargiri.
Salepi, an ancient Greek drink made from Orchid roots, is still sipped today, especially in the colder winter months. Credit: DesignbyNur /CC BY-SA 3.0
Outside of Asia Minor and the Balkans, it is rare to hear about this ancient concoction, precisely because it is so very characteristic of these countries.
By Giorgio Pintzas Monzani
This is the sixth in a series on the history of Greek foods. In this second article in a series of three, we continue to retrace the journey that built the foundations of the cultural identity of the Greek people.
Salepi is both the name for the powder obtained from the roots of certain species of orchids and the drink that goes by the same name.
The historical analysis of this ancient preparation should be divided into two parts, not periodical but etymological. I will describe both the origin of the myth associated with the orchid, and the birth of the drink Salepi, which is strongly connected to mythological and ancient beliefs.
The Orchid and the figure of the Satyr
The mythological tradition that links the figure of the Satyr to the sexual sphere also features a mythological figure with the same name as the male reproductive system. Ορχις (Orchis), in fact, besides being the scientific term for the testicles, was a character in the ancient myth, the son of a nymph and a Satyr.
During a banquet in honor of the god Bacchus, he raped a priestess who served at the temple hosting the festivities, a great crime.
As punishment, the gods transformed the young man into a weak plant that was at the time of little value.
This was, of course, the plant today commonly called the orchid, but the nominative attribution was created later.
Thanks to the particular shape of the roots of the orchid, in fact, Theophrastus united myth and botany, attributing to the plant the name of Ορχιδεα (orchid).
Roots Once Considered Miraculous
With the advancement of botanical applications, the orchid was considered more and more curative and symbolically powerful over time.
The use of this plant was also described by the fathers of medicine. Hippocrates was the first to mention the plant, and in the following centuries, Galen praised its curative properties. Lastly, Asclepius, worshipped as a divinity thanks to his incredible medical skills, used the plant as a powerful curative in disorders related to the intestinal tract.
In ancient times, orchids were referred to as “Σατειριον” (satirion), derived from the legends of the satyr, to indicate the aphrodisiac qualities at that time connected to this plant.
Along the same lines, a common name still used today in Greece for the orchid and its roots is that of “Σερνικοβότανο” (sernicovotano). This name originated thanks to the belief, with Hellenistic roots, that the consumption of products derived from orchids by the father of the family helped to produce male children.
The Ancient Preparation of Salepi
Salepi is the drink derived from the powdered tubers of orchids. The name actually has Arabic roots, where “Sahlab” literally means “the fox’s testicles.” However, in this case, it recalls the roots of the orchid plant, especially of the species which, in ancient times, were used for the production of this salepi.
Therefore, thanks to an etymological and mythological basis, we can reconstruct a geographical birth of the main product: the ancient Eastern Mediterranean.
As previously explained, the use of orchid tubers was characteristic both of ancient Greece, in ancient times, and of the countries of Asia Minor. Later on, thanks to the Greek influence on Romans, Salepi was exported all the way to Britannia, modern-day Great Britain, in the north.
Along the streets of the ancient Roman empire it was called “Satyrion” (again with reference to the mythological satyr) or “Priapiscus” (with reference to the god Priapus), the symbol of the male sexual and procreative instinct.
In medieval England, witches were known to use infusions of the bulbs and flowers of orchids as a pain relieving treatment and, in some cases, as powerful aphrodisiacs.
As opposed to today’s preparation, in which sweetened milk is used, prior to this, water was the most common base for the drink Salepi. The use of sweeteners, however, remains unchanged. Honey had and still has the function of increasing both the flavor and nutritious properties of the drink.
True properties of Salepi
Is there really any truth behind the many ancient beliefs and myths connected to this preparation?
Thanks to scientific progress over the years, many ancient medical beliefs linked to mythology have been debunked. This is also the case with Salepi and its supposed aphrodisiac effects.
Although its curative and aphrodisiac properties have been praised for centuries, the reality is very different. In fact, the only medicinal qualities of Salepi are actually connected to its anti-diarrheal effects, thanks to the presence of various polysaccharides and a high level of starches.
The characteristics that made it an integral part of life in ancient times remain linked to a purely symbolic and mythological discourse.
EU makes Salepi illegal due to environmental concerns
The consumption of the drink is certainly less common than in ancient times; however, in countries such as Greece and Turkey it is still possible to sip hot Salepi that is sold on city streets, especially during the winter.
We cannot define only one type of orchid that is used today for the production of Salepi powder; however, we can identify those used most commonly.
Theoretically, any type of orchid can be used, but today, unlike in ancient times, tubers that are used in Salepi powder are those that have not been divided, such as those of the lesser orchid, the male orchid, the military orchid, and the pyramidal orchid.
To make the beverage, we use five or six grams of Salep flour for every half liter of milk used; flower honey and aromatic elements such as spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) and rose water are then added.
Nothing here seems to be unusual at all—certainly nothing that would make its preparation illegal; however, the great number of orchids needed to make the flour is the issue.
The powder from these tubers is obtained through a long process that involves four basic steps: the washing of the tubers in order to eliminate the bitter tasting organic components; the peeling away of the outer layers; roasting the tubers at medium-high temperatures; and, finally, drying them at artificially-controlled temperatures.
Sounds good so far, but the problem is that this is hardly one of the more ecologically sustainable processes, since about one thousand orchids are needed for the production of one kilogram of Salepi powder.
This unfortunate fact has led to an international agreement, called the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, to protect plants and animals from the potential harm posed by international trade.
Thanks to various e-commerce platforms, the purchase of such flours, and, therefore, the production of the drink, is still possible, but it is much harder to come by these days because of the restrictions on orchid harvesting.
Protecting the natural environment and its fruits is, of course, paramount, but being able to sip this historic drink made from a thousand orchid tubers in the streets of Athens on a winter’s evening is still quite a unique experience.
World’s oceans will shift color by the year 2100, due to changes in the types and location of phytoplankton. Credit: NASA
In a recent study, a group of scientists hailing from renowned institutions such as MIT and the National Oceanography Centre in the U.K. made a remarkable discovery. Over the course of the last 20 years, these diligent researchers have observed intriguing changes in the color of our oceans.
What’s even more fascinating is that these alterations cannot be solely attributed to the usual fluctuations that occur from one year to the next in a completely natural manner.
In their groundbreaking paper, the team asserts that the variations in ocean color witnessed throughout the past two decades simply cannot be explained by the regular ups and downs we typically encounter in the ebb and flow of nature.
What could be causing this anomalous phenomenon?
The vast expanse of our planet’s oceans, which encompass a staggering 56% of its surface, holds immense importance, surpassing even the entirety of its landmass. Remarkably, subtle alterations in color have been occurring within these expansive watery realms, although they remain undetectable to the naked eye.
Notably, regions of tropical waters located near the equator have been steadily adopting a greener hue as time progresses. This intriguing transformation in ocean color holds significant implications, as it directly mirrors the presence of various marine organisms and components inhabiting its depths.
Consequently, it strongly suggests that the ecosystems thriving within the uppermost layers of the ocean are also undergoing notable changes.
While the precise cause behind the shifting hues of the ocean remains a mystery to diligent researchers, they hold a strong conviction that human-induced climate change is the probable culprit.
Over the years, these dedicated scientists have been engaged in simulations that have provided them with insights into the anticipated occurrence of such alterations in ocean color. However, witnessing these surprising changes unfold in real life leaves them deeply unsettled.
Furthermore, these observed variations align with the patterns expected from climate changes triggered by human activities.
In the words of Dr. B. B. Cael, the lead author and a recipient of a Ph.D. in ’19 from the National Oceanography Center in Southampton, U.K., “This gives additional evidence of how human activities affect life on Earth over a huge spatial extent. It’s another way that humans are affecting the biosphere.”
Color of the ocean is the manifestation of components present within
The color we perceive in the ocean is a visual manifestation of the components present within its upper layers. Typically, deep blue seas exhibit minimal signs of life.
However, when the waters take on a greener hue, it indicates the presence of ecosystems, particularly phytoplankton. These microscopic plant-like organisms are abundant in the upper ocean and possess the green pigment known as chlorophyll.
This pigment plays a crucial role for plankton, as it aids them in harnessing sunlight. Through the process of photosynthesis, phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into carbohydrates.
As the cornerstone of the marine food chain, phytoplankton supports a diverse range of species, including krill, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Additionally, phytoplankton plays a vital role in the ocean’s capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide.
Given their immense ecological significance, scientists are eager to closely monitor the distribution and changes in phytoplankton populations across the vast expanse of the ocean’s surface. By doing so, they hope to gain a better understanding of the dynamic nature of these vital organisms and their crucial role in shaping the oceanic ecosystem.
Model to analyze ocean colors
In 2019, Dutkiewicz and her colleagues conducted additional research that introduced a new model to analyze ocean colors. Their findings revealed that the natural variation in colors other than chlorophyll is considerably smaller.
This means that detecting climate-change-induced alterations in ocean color should be relatively easy compared to minor natural variations in other colors.
They projected that such changes would become visible within a monitoring period of 20 years, rather than the previously estimated 30 years.
This is the summer climate change got real, got scary, and it happened… unbelievably fast.
Canada burning, heat domes scorching, floods roaring. Marine heatwaves with ocean temperatures off the charts, impacting everything from marine life to global heat storage. 1/8 pic.twitter.com/BwRT1aeUwF
To further investigate the phenomenon, Cael and his team analyzed ocean color data collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite. This satellite has been continuously monitoring ocean color for a period of 21 years.
The MODIS instrument measures seven visible wavelengths, including the two colors commonly used to assess chlorophyll levels. These color differences were observed and analyzed by the satellite.
Cael conducted a statistical analysis of the seven ocean colors captured by the satellite between 2002 and 2022.
Initially, he examined the extent of variation in these colors across different regions within a single year, providing insights into their natural variances. He then expanded his analysis to observe how these annual changes in ocean color evolved over a span of two decades.
Pattern of color change
Through this research, a distinct pattern emerged, surpassing the regular year-to-year variation. To determine the cause of this pattern, Cael referred to Dutkiewicz’s 2019 model, which considered the influence of greenhouse gases on ocean color.
According to the model, significant trends would arise within the next 20 years, resulting in observable changes in ocean color. Cael emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that the color of the oceans has indeed changed.
It is evident that alterations in ocean color reflect shifts in plankton communities. This, in turn, will impact the entire food chain dependent on plankton and even influence the ocean’s carbon absorption capabilities since different types of plankton have varying abilities to perform this function.
Cael and his colleagues urge the public to take these findings seriously, emphasizing that the changes are not solely predictions made by models, but observable transformations happening in real time, indicating that the ocean is undergoing significant change.
With the help of a supercomputer, mathematicians find the ‘seemingly impossible’ number, D(9), after 32 Years. Credit: Jorge Franganillo / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Mathematicians, equipped with powerful supercomputers, have achieved a significant breakthrough by determining the value of an immensely large number that was once considered impossible to calculate.
This particular number is referred to as the “ninth Dedekind number” or D(9), and it holds the position of being the tenth number in a specific sequence.
Each Dedekind number in this sequence represents the various configurations of a specific type of true-false logical operation in different spatial dimensions.
To clarify, the first number in the sequence, D(0), corresponds to zero dimensions. So, D(9) symbolizes nine dimensions, thus making it the tenth number in the sequence, as explained by Live Science.
As the number of dimensions increases, Dedekind numbers become progressively larger, making them increasingly challenging to determine. Mathematicians successfully calculated the eighth Dedekind number back in 1991, adhering to the rules for eight dimensions.
The first eight Dedekind numbers have been known to us, but the ninth one has remained elusive until now. KU Leuven and Paderborn University scientists have solved a decades-old mathematics problem by computing the ninth Dedekind number. pic.twitter.com/OK31hf3gSM
However, when it came to the ninth Dedekind number, the task proved to be incredibly demanding due to the substantial increase in computing power required. So, certain mathematicians regarded it as an impossible task to calculate the precise value of this number.
D(9) value found by two separate studies using supercomputers
In a remarkable turn of events, two distinct research groups have independently conducted unrelated studies that have achieved the unimaginable.
The first study, submitted to the preprint server arXiv on April 5, was followed by the second study, submitted to the same server on April 6.
What makes this discovery truly astounding is that both studies used supercomputers, although running different programs, yet they arrived at the exact same numerical result.
While it is important to note that the results have not undergone the peer-review process, the fact that both studies arrived at an identical conclusion gives a high level of confidence in the accuracy of the deciphered number.
Lennart Van Hirtum, the lead author of the second paper and a mathematician at Paderborn University in Germany, expressed his certainty by stating that the number has been deciphered “100% certain,” as reported to Live Science.
To further support their findings, Van Hirtum and his colleagues presented and defended their work during a lecture held at Paderborn University on June 27.
A basic program could take 100 years to complete calculations
For over three years, Van Hirtum has dedicated his efforts to the task of determining the value of D(9). To accomplish this task, he developed a novel computer program specifically designed to process the data in a precise manner.
Van Hirtum emphasized that had he opted for a more basic program, even with a high-performance supercomputer, the calculations could have taken as long as 100 years to complete.
The ACropolis will be closed from 12 noon until 5 in the afternoon. Credit: Greek Reporter
The Acropolis of Athens will be closed to the public for several hours on Friday as a severe heatwave bites Greece with temperatures over 41 degrees Celsius.
As announced by the Culture Ministry, the Acropolis will operate on reduced hours and will be closed from 12 noon until 5 in the afternoon.
Lots of tourists used parasols and fans, and some used guidebooks to provide shelter from the relentless sun. The Hellenic Red Cross has put up big shade tents to protect the crowds and is handing out thousands of free bottles of water.
A tourist visiting the Acropolis collapsed from heat exposure. She was transferred to a local hospital for treatment.
🙏Αστυνομικοί της Ομάδας ΔΙ.ΑΣ. και διασώστες του ΕΚΑΒ παρείχαν βοήθεια σε τουρίστρια, λόγω καύσωνα, στην Ακρόπολη. pic.twitter.com/2MdKaJu96Q
— Ελληνική Αστυνομία (@hellenicpolice) July 14, 2023
The archaeological sites of Ancient Agora and the Kerameikos will remain in operation, where it is possible to visit the Archaeological Museums there, the ministry reportedly added.
Temperatures in Athens are forecast to reach up to 41-43C, on Saturday, July 15, 2023, so similar measures may apply too.
Greece is on high alert for the heatwave
Greece’s state mechanism has been placed on high alert to deal with a heatwave dubbed Kleon which is expected to push temperatures up to 43C (109F) in some parts of the country.
The state apparatus is fully prepared, with more equipment and personnel at the disposal of civil defense services to deal with any needs arising as a result of the current heatwave, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said on Thursday, during the daily press briefing.
The Health Ministry has noted that the elderly, infants and young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people who are overweight or obese, as well as people who work or exercise intensively in hot environments are at greatest risk.
Precautions are also advised for people with chronic illnesses (cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, dementia, alcoholism or drug abuse etc) and patients suffering from other medical conditions.
Diet Coke and Coke Zero use the sweetener. Credit: Yoninah , CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikipedia
Aspartame, a sweetener commonly found in diet drinks and chewing gum, has been declared a potential cancer risk by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The sweetener has been listed as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”.
Aspartame is found in drinks including Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Max, Sprite Zero and Fanta Zero. It is also used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including ice cream, dairy products such as yogurt, breakfast cereal, toothpaste and medications such as cough drops and chewable vitamins.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the WHO’s cancer research arm, said there was “limited evidence” aspartame caused cancer in humans.
“While safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated,” the WHO’s Dr Francesco Branca said.
And giving advice to the public, he added: “If consumers are faced with the decision of whether to take cola with sweeteners or one with sugar, I think there should be a third option considered – which is to drink water instead.”
The limit of aspartame daily intake
WHO concluded that the data evaluated indicated no sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame. It reaffirmed that it is safe for a person to consume within this limit per day.
For example, with a can of diet soft drink containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame, an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake, assuming no other intake from other food sources.
While the findings on possible links to cancer may not deter consumers who drink smaller amounts of diet soda, the announcement could at least temporarily hurt sales, CNBC reports.
Branca said manufacturers who use aspartame in their food and drinks should consider making their products without the sweetener.
But PepsiCo Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston told Reuters on Thursday that the company has no plans to change its use of aspartame. He added that the company doesn’t include the sweetener in much of its portfolio.
Aspartame was used in Diet Pepsi until 2015, when the company tweaked the formula. After backlash from customers, PepsiCo brought it back a year later. But the change didn’t last long — the beverage giant got rid of aspartame in Diet Pepsi in 2020. It still uses it in Pepsi Zero Sugar.
Coke faces more risk of losing out on sales over aspartame concerns, CNBC reports. The beverage giant currently uses the sweetener in both its Diet Coke and Coke Zero, but could swap it for another, such as stevia, in the future.
In May 2023, WHO issued a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) saying that using them isn’t a good way to control your weight.
The WHO made this recommendation after reviewing a large body of evidence and discovering that using NSS does not help people lose weight or reduce body fat in the long run, whether they are adults or children.
“There is a bold agenda with Turkey that I am willing to explore,” PM Mitsotakis said. Credit: Prime Minister’s Press Office
Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that Wednesday’s meeting with President Erdogan “was an opportunity for a restart in relations with Turkey following four difficult years.”
“It confirmed my view that Turkey appears to be ready for a change in direction in its foreign policy,” he said during an interview on Skai TV on Thursday evening.
“This could only benefit Greece from such a change. Whenever needed, we defended our sovereignty and our sovereign rights, but it is better to live like friends,” Mitsotakis added.
During the meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Lithuania, it was agreed that the positive climate in the bilateral relations in recent months should have both “continuity and consistency” as this would be in the interests of the two countries.
It was also agreed that both sides should build on the positive momentum and activate multiple channels of communication between the two countries in the near future.
Mitsotakis: Delimitation of marine zones is the main issue with Turkey
Speaking on Thursday the Greek PM reiterated that the delimitation of marine zones is the only big outstanding issue between the two countries.
Explaining, Mitsotakis said, “My goal is that we enter into the heart of our basic issue, as long as we manage to reach an agreement to resort to the [International Court of Justice] in The Hague; it is not a simple issue.
“In any case, even if we do not manage to succeed in this, maintaining the good climate between the two countries – no violations or infringement of air space, and letting us build on a positive agenda – that too would be a significant achievement. There is a bold agenda with Turkey that I am willing to explore.”
Speaking of agreeing with Turkey to resort to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, he said, “Is it in Greece’s benefit to resolve in a just manner and on the basis of international law the great difference with Turkey? The answer is Yes.
Any agreement of this kind could mean some compromise from certain positions that would provide the starting point of negotiations. We are a long way away from this setting, and a role would be played by the Greek Parliament and by parties.”
Mitsotakis added, “I have an obligation to explore whether there is a window of opportunity. There may not be one, at the end.”
Greece, Turkey and the F-16s
The Greek premier was asked to comment on the F-16s Turkey will procure from the United States and the American Congress’ concern that the fighter jets should not be used against Greece, another NATO member.
“The United States’ main concern is to have peace and security in the East Mediterranean,” he said, based on bilateral Greece-US discussions after having secured a strong defense agreement.
This, he said, may include “good news as to the support they provide us”, both in terms of the F-35s and in the opportunity to acquire additional material for free. The government’s main obligation is that Greece has a strong deterrence ability, and it has succeeded in that, Mitsotakis added.
Mitsotakis also mentioned that Turkey has the obligation to return to the negotiating table on the Cyprus issue, and he said that in his talks with Erdogan he had raised the issue of Turkish consulate influence in the Greek Muslim minority in Rodopi.
The Lausanne Treaty is unquestionable, he stressed. “This issue concerns Greece. Our Muslim compatriots are our own, European, citizens,” he noted.
Asked if he trusts the Turkish president, he responded, “He certainly comes out of a great electoral victory, and perhaps this frees him from using foreign policy issues for domestic consumption. I experienced a different climate. This should have continuity and consistency.”
The move shuts down production across the entertainment industry after talks for a new contract with studios and streaming services broke down.
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) wants streaming giants to agree to a fairer split of profits and better working conditions. It also wants a guarantee that artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-generated faces and voices will not be used to replace actors.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, executive director of SAG, said at a news conference that the union leadership voted for the work stoppage hours after their contract expired and talks broke off with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers representing employers including Disney, Netflix, Amazon and others.
“A strike is an instrument of last resort,” he said. Union leaders said at a news conference that they voted unanimously for a strike to begin at midnight.
Outside Netflix’s Hollywood offices, picketing screenwriters chanted “Pay Your Actors!” immediately after the strike was announced.
US correspondent @marthakelner reports live from Los Angeles following the news that Hollywood actors will be striking.
American stars will walk out to join writers on strike – demanding better pay and increased safeguarding around AI rightshttps://t.co/gzDHQK2bQC
It’s the first strike for actors from film and television shows since 1980. And it’s the first time two major Hollywood unions have been on strike at the same time since 1960, when Ronald Reagan was the actors’ guild president.
“Employers make Wall Street and greed their priority and they forget about the essential contributors that make the machine run,” former “The Nanny” star and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said in an impassioned speech that drew applause from union leaders in the room.
“It is disgusting. Shame on them. They stand on the wrong side of history.”
“The eyes of the world and, particularly, the eyes of labor are upon us,” Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, said. Leaders of the Hollywood union representing 160,000 television and movie actors, voted to strike on Thursday, joining screenwriters. https://t.co/601CRHlMCIpic.twitter.com/E0Iq6ELAQ1
The group representing the studios, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, or AMPTP, slammed the decision.
It said, “A strike is certainly not the outcome we hoped for as studios cannot operate without the performers that bring our TV shows and films to life”.
“The union has regrettably chosen a path that will lead to financial hardship for countless thousands of people who depend on the industry,” its statement added.
To address concerns about the use of AI, the AMPTP said it had agreed to a “groundbreaking proposal” that would protect the digital likeness of actors, and require their consent when digital replicas are used in performances, or alterations are made.
But Crabtree-Ireland said the offer was unacceptable.
“They propose that our background performers should be able to be scanned, get paid for one day’s pay, and their company should own that scan of their image, their likeness, and should be able to use it for the rest of eternity,” he said. “If you think that’s a groundbreaking proposal, I suggest you think again.”
How the Hollywood actors’ strike affects filming
For films in production, the strike means a large portion of work will become impossible. Even in cases in which filming has already been completed, actors will be unavailable for re-shoots and other essential elements of the filmmaking process.
TV shows that are still being filmed will also largely have to stop as actors become unavailable, although in some cases side deals could be struck between performers and producers to allow work to continue.
Top Hollywood stars will not be able to attend events to promote new and upcoming releases. Events including the Emmys and Comic-Con may be rescheduled or scaled back.
International events, such as the Toronto and Venice film festivals, will still go on, although SAG actors will be unable to attend as they usually do each year.
