The largest casino and integrated resort in Europe opened earlier in the week in Cyprus with a dazzling gala attended by Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
The City of Dreams Mediterranean (CoDM) is the brainchild of Hong Kong-based gambling firm Melco, whose CEO Lawrence Ho said he first got the idea to build the resort when he visited Cyprus 16 years ago for a wedding.
The complex, in the southern coastal city of Limassol, took three years to build at a cost of more than 637 million euros ($700 million) and currently employs 2,000 staff.
The casino is “a catalyst for economic growth” in Cyprus
“A one-of-a-kind integrated casino resort that stands as a testament to our commitment for progress and excellence, being – at the same time – a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and the attraction of visitors from all over the world,” President Christodoulides said at the opening.
“It is an emblematic project that is expected to redefine the landscape of our tourism industry, showcasing the ability to transform visions into reality,” he added.
In his own speech, Ho spoke of how he fell in love with the island and its people during a visit 16 years ago.
“City of Dreams Mediterranean gives Cyprus a new story to tell. People who overlooked this island in the past, now have a fresh list of compelling reasons to visit. This resort will attract new premium tourists, year round, reflecting in the economy, and the traditionally seasonal jobs market.”
The CoDM spans more than 14.8 acres and boasts a myriad of amenities. The centerpiece of the resort is the 80,000-square-foot casino, which features an extensive array of slot machines (750, according to local media) and table games (75), catering to casual players and seasoned gamblers.
Beyond the casino, guests can explore a wide range of dining options, from upscale restaurants offering gourmet cuisine to trendy cafes serving tantalizing snacks and beverages. The resort also houses luxury retail outlets, allowing shoppers to indulge in a world of high-end fashion and exclusive brands.
In addition to its dazzling amenities, the CoDM is also committed to sustainable practices. The resort has implemented eco-friendly initiatives, such as energy-efficient systems, waste management programs, and green building practices.
Melco is aiming to minimize the environmental impact of the resort while providing a luxurious experience for its guests. The City of Dreams Mediterranean property manager Grant Johnson said the project includes a solar power system generating 1.2 MW of renewable energy on the sun-baked island.
“This resort is the largest of its kind in Europe,” he said.
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 14, 2023
Hundreds of followers on Twitter responded to the star. One said: “You made the wrong joke buddy they are already formulating a 500 million offer to the Bucks.” Another user pleaded to chose Barcelona instead of Saudi Arabia. “With your will, you can succeed at anything you do, boy. You just need the opportunity,” wrote another.
The NBA star continues to spend his offseason doing his own thing and finding his way onto social media in the meantime. He has spent most of his time in his hometown, Athens, Greece with his family.
The athlete dedicated some of his time to grassroots basketball and shared some of his skills and knowledge with children at the open basketball court in Athens.
“Just like the good old days!” tweeted Antetokounmpo. “A ball, a hoop and some sun.” The basketballer and philanthropist also shared images of himself coaching children on the basketball court in Athens.
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 4, 2023
Basketball has been an immensely popular sport in Greece since the Greek men’s national team won the 1987 EuroBasket in Athens. Giannis Antetokounmpo, nicknamed the “Greek Freak” and his brothers, are among the country’s most famous athletes.
According to the official website, the vision of the Antetokounbros Academy, founded by Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, is “to provide children from vulnerable social groups with the opportunities they lacked when growing up, and let kids experience the power of sport to change lives.”
In practice the academy consists of “a program to help boys and girls (aged 10-16) and aspiring coaches (aged 18-25) realize their sporting potential, gain life skills and become better citizens.”
While in Athens Antetokounmpo has bought a massive new home for the whole family, including his mother and brothers, in the leafy suburb of Psychiko in Athens.
According to a report in Proto Thema, he bought the futuristic apartment building for an estimated 10 million euros ($11 million),
The newspaper says that the property is located on a plot of 1500 sq.m. It has published a video where Giannis is seen moving belongings to the new house.
But, Milwaukee Bucks fans should not be alarmed. Giannis will most likely be returning to the Bucks with a vengeance next year after Milwaukee’s very disappointing first-round exit.
He still has a good amount of work to do to put himself in conversation with the all-time greats, and it is highly unlikely that he is happy with just the one NBA Finals ring he has so far.
After this season’s playoff debacle against the Miami Heat, Giannis and the Bucks are going to be gunning for a ring every night next year.
X-rays reveal the creative process behind the captivating art of Theban Necropolis, the final resting place of pharaohs and nobles in ancient Egypt. Credit: Colin Hepburn / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
In recent research, experts employed X-rays to uncover the gradual development of 3000-year-old paintings in Egypt’s Theban Necropolis. These discoveries published in PLOS ONE offer valuable insights into the artistic methods employed to create these remarkable ancient artworks.
The utilization of X-ray technology to examine ancient Egyptian wall paintings is considered a significant breakthrough, according to Marine Cotte, a chemist at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, who collaborated with the study’s authors in the past but was not directly involved in this particular research endeavor.
X-ray fluorescence technique
In the past few years, scientists and art historians from various countries have collaborated to employ a technology called X-ray fluorescence. This technique has enabled them to discover hidden paint colors and underlying traced lines in renowned artworks.
Each paint color possesses a unique chemical makeup. By subjecting paintings to X-rays and analyzing the absorption patterns, scientists can identify the specific pigments on and beneath the surface. This method unveils the artistic errors that artists concealed and provides insights into the step-by-step progress that led to the final celebrated outcomes.
Challenges faced during the research
Most of the research in this field has traditionally taken place in museums or laboratories, where smaller and portable objects can be conveniently transported to the machinery. However, this approach becomes challenging when dealing with wall paintings in underground tombs.
To overcome this obstacle, an interdisciplinary team comprising art historians, Egyptologists, and engineers utilized two portable X-ray machines, effectively bringing the laboratory to the tombs themselves. This innovative approach allowed the researchers to explore beneath the surface of the paintings without causing any damage.
The Theban Necropolis, which includes the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, is home to numerous tombs adorned with paintings that serve as tributes to the deceased. These artworks are widely regarded as the pinnacle of ancient Egyptian painting.
I'm posting this thread for all the ignoramuses out there who talk about ancient Egyptian art while using pics from Google. I took these pictures with my own camera, from the tomb of Nefertari. They are unedited, undoctored, and straight from my camera roll. pic.twitter.com/8qltqdrE5N
Conducting X-ray examinations posed its own set of difficulties: transporting the delicate machines through the desert to reach the tombs’ remote and restricted areas, inaccessible to tourists.
Once inside the warm and humid funerary chapels, the process became slow and meticulous. Each small area required up to 3 hours to scan, with scientists crouching down and working centimeter by centimeter in absolute silence.
Catherine Defeyt, co-author of the study and an art conservation scientist at the University of Liège, describes the experience as being immersed in the essence of humanity while working in the tombs.
Analysis of the data
Upon analyzing the collected data, the researchers were taken aback by the unexpected findings. Prior to the study, many Egyptologists held the belief that the vast number of Egyptian paintings within the Necropolis implied a systematic assembly line process, leaving no room for artists to revisit and modify their work.
However, when X-rays were performed on a renowned portrait of Rameses II, who reigned from 1279 B.C.E. to 1213 B.C.E., traces of an earlier version of the painting were unveiled.
The earlier depiction of Rameses II showcased a shorter crown, a different scepter, and a modified necklace. The research team eloquently describes this discovery as “a remarkable encounter with the ghost of the painters at work.”
Thomas Christiansen, an Egyptologist from the Danish National Encyclopedia who was not directly involved in the study, expressed surprise at the extent of the reworking observed. He believes that these hidden details offer valuable insights into the mindset and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artists.
Painters’ revisions still remain a mystery
Understanding the exact reasons behind the painters’ revisions, such as altering the position of an arm, remains a mystery that is difficult to comprehend in present times, as acknowledged by the authors.
Christiansen speculates that these revisions indicate a scenario where a master artist conceptualized the project, while apprentices carried out the initial painting, and the master later made corrections.
He suggests that more effort was invested in bringing a preconceived artistic vision to life than previously assumed.
Philippe Martinez, the lead author of the study and an Egyptologist at Sorbonne University, emphasizes that this revelation signifies the imperfections of artistic creations, highlighting the humanity of the artists. It showcases that “nothing is perfect,” which, in Martinez’s view, adds to the greatness of their artistic endeavors.
Scientists diagnose a tongue with green fur indicative of the rare and fascinating condition known as hairy tongue. Credit: The New England Journal of Medicine
A 64-year-old man recently went for a medical checkup because something strange was happening to his tongue. It had started sprouting green fur that looked quite bizarre.
The man’s tongue had turned green approximately two weeks prior to his visit to the clinic. This change occurred shortly after he had completed a course of antibiotics for a gum infection.
At first, the doctors suspected it might be oral thrush, which is a type of fungal infection. They prescribed an antifungal treatment, hoping it would solve the problem. However, to their surprise, the moss-like growths persisted and the green color remained.
Diagnosis of the condition
Upon taking a closer look, the physicians noticed that the man’s filiform papillae, which are the small, cone-shaped bumps covering the tongue’s surface and giving it a rough texture, were longer than what is typically seen on a healthy tongue. They found no other indications of injury or disease, and the patient himself reported no pain or changes in his ability to taste.
In a recent case report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, physicians have officially diagnosed the man with hairy tongue, also known as lingua villosa. They explained that this is a harmless condition where hair-like growths of different colors sprout on the surface of the tongue.
These growths are supposed to shed naturally when they come into contact with rough objects like a toothbrush, tongue scraper, or solid and textured foods. However, in the case of hairy tongues, these papillae do not shed as they should.
Increased length of papillae
When the papillae are not regularly shed, they can grow to a remarkable length of up to 0.7 inches (18 millimeters). According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, approximately 13% of people experience this condition at some point in their lives, with the majority of cases occurring in men and individuals over the age of 65.
As these bumps elongate, they take on the appearance of hair-like fibers. During this process, they tend to accumulate particles of food, bacteria, dead skin cells, and other debris, which contribute to the coloration of the furry tongue.
The American Academy of Oral Medicine explains that hairy tongue can exhibit different colors such as brown, white, green, or pink, depending on the underlying cause and other factors like mouthwashes or even certain types of candy.
— Oren Gottfried, MD (@OGdukeneurosurg) June 29, 2023
Risk factors contributing to hairy tongue
Several risk factors contribute to the development of a hairy tongue, regardless of its color. These factors include consuming a soft diet and consuming large quantities of coffee, tea, or alcohol.
Smoking, dehydration, poor oral hygiene, and the use of certain oral medications that can alter the mouth’s microbial balance are also identified as risk factors in the case report. To prevent the elongation and discoloration of the papillae, it is recommended to regularly brush the tongue.
In the specific case of the patient with green fur on tongue, physicians advised him to gently scrub his tongue with a toothbrush four times a day and to quit smoking.
Remarkably, despite the patient’s continued smoking habit, the doctors reported that the appearance of his tongue had returned to normal during a follow-up examination after six months.
Hollywood is expected to grind to a halt as actors join ongoing strike action. Credit: Thomas Wolf / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Hollywood actors are set to join forces with screenwriters in a historic strike action, following the approval of a member walkout by the national board of the SAG-AFTRA union. This marks a significant moment as both actors and writers unite in a collective effort.
Negotiators representing the union unanimously recommended the strike after talks with studios reached an impasse. As a result, scripted TV and movie production will come to an immediate halt. This joint work stoppage by actors and writers is the first of its kind in 63 years, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In a parallel development, the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America, which began in early May, has influenced the demands of both actors and writers. They are advocating for increased base pay and residuals in the streaming TV era, as well as assurances that their creative work will not be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI).
Hollywood actors and writers join forces on strike action
Both the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA find themselves locked in a dispute with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Fran Drescher, renowned for her role in “The Nanny” and serving as the president of SAG-AFTRA, expressed her discontent with the studios’ responses, deeming them “insulting and disrespectful” towards the concerns of actors.
SAG-AFTRA announced that the strike, fueled by grievances over pay, working conditions, and apprehensions surrounding the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), would commence at midnight in Los Angeles, the physical and spiritual home of the American film industry.
Some of the most recognizable Hollywood actors have come out in support of the strike. “This is an inflection point in our industry,” said George Clooney in support of industrial action. “For our industry to survive that has to change. For actors, that journey starts now.”
Similarly, at the premiere of Barbie, actress Margot Robbie responded when questioned that she “absolutely” supported the strikes and at the premiere for Oppenheimer, Matt Damon said that the strikes were “incredibly important”, adding that “we have to protect people on the margins.”
Production of movies and TV grinds to a halt
The strike will have a profound impact on the continued production of film and television, with several high-profile movies and shows now ground to a halt.
Notable productions affected by the writers’ strike encompass various highly anticipated series such as season five of Stranger Things, season two of The Last Of Us, season six of The Handmaid’s Tale, and the Game Of Thrones spinoff A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight.
With performers joining the strike, the entertainment industry is expected to come to a virtual standstill. As a consequence, the upcoming autumn TV schedule is widely anticipated to be dominated by reality TV programming.
Several high-profile Hollywood film productions are now also facing delays due to the strike actions, including Gladiator 2 and Deadpool 3.
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.
