Confucius Institute Established at Greek University

Tasos Kokkinidis
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Confucius Institute Established at Greek University
Confucius Institute Greek University
A performance of Qigong took place during the ceremony in Athens. Credit: Eutyxia Perivolari/University of West Attica

A Confucius Institute was established recently at the Greek University of West Attica (UNIWA) in collaboration with the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Confucius Institutes are non-profit educational organizations supported by the Chinese government with the aim of spreading Chinese culture, the Chinese language and creating a bridge of communication and cultivating a climate of friendship between peoples through cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation.

The newly established Confucius Institute will be focusing on traditional Chinese medicine.

The UNIWA is headquartered near the iconic archaeological site of Plato’s Academy in Athens and places emphasis on research and innovation. It also plans to attract more students from abroad through specially-designed courses.

Professor Panagiotis E. Kaldis, the Rector of the University welcomed the Chinese delegation led by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Greece, Xiao Junzheng at the founding ceremony on June 30.

Kaldis said that the Confucius Institute will not only produce new knowledge in holistic health and wellness but it will also develop Sino-Greek relations.

Confucius Institute at Greek University to “deepen mutual learning”

Confucius Institute Greek University
Chinese and Greek officials launch the Confucius Institute in Athens. Credit: Eutyxia Perivolari/University of West Attica

The Chinese Ambassador noted that the establishment of the Confucius Institute demonstrates the “firm confidence of the two sides in further strengthening and deepening mutual learning.”

He underlined that there are “striking similarities” in the ancient cultures of the two countries, noting that more than two thousand years ago, they not only gave birth to great philosophers, such as Confucius, Laozi, Plato, and Aristotle but also opened the chapter of human medicine.

He also pointed out that as traditional holistic healing systems, Greek and Chinese medicine seek to harmonize the health of the individual with nature.

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Greece, Xiao Junzheng and Rector of the University of West Attica Panagiotis E. Kaldis. Credit: Eutyxia Perivolari/University of West Attica

The vice president of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Professor Wang Yongjun said that the Confucius Institute will contribute to the understanding of Chinese culture and Chinese medicine by more people.

Director of the Institute, George Georgoudis pointed out that the opening ceremony marks the completion of a successful effort that lasted over six years.

He underlined that the integration of the methods and techniques of traditional Chinese medicine into modern therapeutics will take place based on the rules and principles of modern science and the concept of evidence-based medicine.

The Chinese Director of the Institute, Hon. Professor Xu Wenjie, underlined that the Institute will develop into an excellent academic unit with an emphasis on Chinese traditional medicine and an understanding of Chinese and Greek culture.

At the ceremony in Athens, a performance of Qigong took place. With roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts Qigong is a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for the purposes of health, spirituality, and martial-arts training.

Meta Launches Twitter Rival ‘Threads’

Abdul Moeed
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Meta Launches Twitter Rival ‘Threads’
meta platform
Meta is planning to launch ‘Threads,’ a Twitter rival, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. Credits: Alpha Photo / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0.

Threads, a fresh app developed by Meta to rival Twitter, is set to be unveiled on Thursday. This timely launch comes as numerous users of Elon Musk’s Twitter platform explore alternative options.

In preparation for the release, the Threads app made its debut on the Apple app store on Tuesday, preceding the upcoming Thursday launch. Meta has also created a dedicated website featuring a countdown to build anticipation for the app’s arrival.

Offering a glimpse into its features, the preview of this text-based conversation app highlights Threads as a virtual space where diverse communities can convene to engage in discussions encompassing a wide range of topics, from pressing matters of today to upcoming trends.

The promotional text says, “Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things – or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world.”

The screenshots of the app show that users will have the option to log in to Threads using their Instagram handle and connect with their current contacts.

The app’s interface resembles Twitter, making it easy for users to repost, like, and control who can respond to their posts.

A 2019 app turned into Twitter’s rival

Threads is a fitting name for Meta’s upcoming Twitter competitor, but it was initially used for a different purpose. Back in 2019, Meta introduced Threads as an app aiming to rival Snapchat, which targeted a younger audience.

However, the project was eventually abandoned, though Meta decided to retain the name for its new venture.

When approached for a statement regarding the upcoming launch, a spokesperson for Meta declined to comment on the matter.

With Meta’s entry into the scene, it will join a growing array of platforms, such as BlueSky and Mastodon, vying to fill the void left by Twitter.

Ever since Elon Musk assumed control of the popular social media site late last year, accessing it has become more challenging for its approximately 250 million users, reported The Guardian.

Privacy concerns arising before Threads launch

During a company-wide meeting, Meta’s chief product officer, Chris Cox, reportedly acknowledged the demand for an alternative to Twitter, particularly from creators and public figures who desire a platform that is well-managed and organized, as reported by The Verge.

However, one aspect that might make potential users hesitate before joining Meta’s Twitter substitute is the matter of privacy.

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter and current developer of BlueSky, posted a screenshot of the Threads app’s privacy information on his Twitter account.

Based on the privacy information, the Threads app has the capability to gather various types of data, including health-related information, financial details, contact information, browsing history, location data, and purchase records, among other things.

Squirrels Start “Splooting” to Cool Off During Summer Heat

Alexander Gale
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Squirrels Start “Splooting” to Cool Off During Summer Heat
Squirrel
Squirrels and other animals seen “splooting” have been trending on social media. Credit: Peter Trimming / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Videos and pictures of squirrels “splooting” are now all over social media. The squirrels can be seen splayed out on the ground in a variety of goofy and cute poses. However, some experts have warned that the behavior is a worrying sign.

Researchers from a variety of disciplines have explained that squirrels and other animals use splooting as a way to cope with hot weather and cool off.

Although splooting is a rather amusing sight, experts are concerned that animals will become increasingly incapable of coping with the heat if global temperatures continue to rise.

Why are squirrels splooting?

Carlos Botero, an associate professor of integrative biology at the University of Texas at Austin, explained that animals are seen splooting more often at the moment, particularly in the southern United States, because “the temperatures we’re experiencing right now are a little bit beyond the typical ability of this animal to withstand.”

Temperatures in Austin have blazed past previous records. The heat index values, or “feels-like temperature,” reached their highest ever at 118 degrees. Experts say that this is beyond what is considered normal.

Splooting is a posture some animals adopt to help cope with the heat. It typically involves lying flat on the belly with the legs outstretched, preferably on a cool surface. It is sometimes also referred to as “heat dumping.”

According to Grant Barrett, a lexicographer cited by Dictionary.com, it is believed that the term “sploot” may have originated from the word “splat,” describing the visual resemblance of the pose.

A quick search for “#sploot” or “#splooting” on various social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter will reveal a plethora of amusing images and videos of squirrels and other animals trying to keep cool.

A cause for concern?

The phenomenon is certainly amusing to observe but experts are worried that it is a foreboding sign. Animal physiologist Andrea Rummel, an incoming assistant professor of biosciences at Rice University is concerned animals will be unable to sufficiently cool down if global temperatures rise further.

“Just like with humans. Sweating works really well a lot of the time. But if it’s too humid outside and the water won’t evaporate, you can sweat all you want but it won’t evaporate off you and draw that heat away,” said Rummel.

“For every kind of thermal regulatory mechanism, there is a point at which it doesn’t work anymore, and that depends on environmental temperature,” she continued. “So it’s going to get harder and harder for squirrels to sploot effectively – for humans to sweat effectively – as temperatures rise.”

Archaeologists discover 25 Mesolithic Pits in England

Nisha Zahid
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Archaeologists discover 25 Mesolithic Pits in England
Archaeologists excavating a prehistoric site in England unveil Mesolithic pits dating back thousands of years.
Archaeologists excavating a prehistoric site in England unveil Mesolithic pits dating back thousands of years. Credit: Museum of London Archaeology (Mola)

Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery of Mesolithic Pits in Bedfordshire, England. They stumbled upon a site with massive holes, believed to number around 25. The experts are amazed!

These ancient pits were found in a location called Linmere, and they date back to the Mesolithic period. That’s a time in history that goes back 12,000 to 6,000 years ago. Sadly, we don’t have many clues about our ancestors who lived as hunter-gatherers during that era.

However, these Mesolithic pits could shed new light on the far distant period in history. They are arranged in patterns and concentrated around old paths where streams once flowed. This may suggest that they held great spiritual importance to the people who created them.

Why is the site special?

The site is extraordinary because it has more of these pits in one place than anywhere else in England and Wales, even more than the famous Stonehenge. Through radiocarbon dating, experts have determined that these pits were made between 7,700 and 8,500 years ago.

The researchers from the Museum of London Archaeology (Mola) who are leading this investigation are very excited. They say, “This date makes the site incredibly significant because there are very few Mesolithic sites in the UK that are this substantial. Evidence from this period is often slim, only consisting of flint tools and occasional butchered animal remains.”

Large and enigmatic pits

The uncovering of this ancient site has stirred great excitement, as described by Prof. Joshua Pollard, a renowned specialist from Southampton University who has been involved in significant undertakings related to the landscapes of Stonehenge and Avebury.

He said, “While we know of other large and enigmatic pits dug by hunter-gatherers from elsewhere in Britain, including at Stonehenge, the Linmere pits are striking because of their number and the wide area they cover.”

The creation of these immense pits is truly an extraordinary accomplishment. The circular pits, measuring up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) in width and 1.85 meters in depth, possess steep sides that occasionally widen at the base.

Exploration of the area and its results

The site of Mesolithic Pits has been subject to exploration as part of two distinct development projects. Albion Archaeology conducted research in one area, while Mola excavated another. Within some pits, the archaeologists made a significant discovery—animal bones—a crucial source of valuable evidence.

Among these were the skeletal remains of aurochs, a type of wild cattle, indicating that people had partaken in feasts featuring these creatures.

Yvonne Wolframm-Murray, a project officer at Mola, expressed her surprise at the unexpected nature of the discovery.

She stated, “We knew there was archaeology, but didn’t initially know we had Mesolithic pits until the radiocarbon dates came back. It’s very exciting … There’s only a handful of known other sites with pits that are comparable, certainly quantity-wise.”

The archaeologists have pondered whether these pits were used for hunting or storing food. However, they consider such theories unlikely due to the shape and size of the pits.

Of particular interest to them is the arrangement of the pits in various straight lines, some stretching up to 500 meters in length.

While other Mesolithic pits aligned similarly have been found elsewhere in Britain, the alignments at Linmere appear to be connected to previous stream channels.

Significance of the construction of pits

According to the archaeologists, the immense effort invested in constructing these pits, their alignment patterns, and their proximity to water sources suggest a potential spiritual or special significance.

It is plausible that they served as markers for important locations within the landscape. Furthermore, the experts are investigating whether these pits were intentionally aligned with significant celestial events, such as the solstice.

Yvonne Wolframm-Murray remarked, “During the Mesolithic period, ice sheets covering much of the country retreated and sea levels rose, cutting off Britain from mainland Europe. This was a crucial time of transformation in the UK’s past, and studying a site where people made such a mark on the landscape could have far-reaching impacts on how archaeologists understand these ancient communities.”

Analysis and examination of artifacts

The archaeologists are conducting thorough analyses and examinations of the unearthed artifacts and evidence in the laboratory.

They aim to determine whether the pits were all excavated and utilized simultaneously, and gain insights into the surrounding vegetation. Notably, evidence of oak, hazel, and pine have already been identified, and the researchers are examining surviving pollen from the Mesolithic period.

Wolframm-Murray emphasized, “This work will reveal the environment these people lived in, and hopefully answer the question ‘what were these pits for?’”

Sanctions Limit Russia’s Participation in Orthodox Christian Assembly

Alexander Gale
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Sanctions Limit Russia’s Participation in Orthodox Christian Assembly
Sergei Gavrilov
Sergei Gavrilov and Russia’s delegation were reportedly prevented from participating in a General Assembly of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy. Credit: Duma.gov.ru / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

The war in Ukraine and the political fallout ensuing from it has limited Russia’s participation in the Interparliamentary Assemble of Orthodoxy (IAO).

Over the weekend, a delegation from Russia, as well as the Belarusian and Syrian delegations, were barred from participating in the General Assembly of the IAO due to the imposition of sanctions.

The General Assembly was held between June 29 and July 2 in Halkidiki, northern Greece. Member of the Polish Parlament Yevgeny Chikvin was subsequently elected president of the IAO.

Russian influence wanes in the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy

“Delegations from Russia, Belarus, and Syria were not allowed to the last meeting of the General Assembly of the IAO, which was prepared by the Greek side under pressure from Ukraine, supported by American diplomats and loyal media,” a source told the Union of Orthodox Journalists.

“During the General Assembly, a deputy of the Polish parliament Yevgeny Chikvin was elected to the post of president of the IAO,” the source continued.

The decision to elect a Polish rather than Russian president at the IAO gathering in Halkidiki was significant because it marked the end of a three-decade-long Russian hold over the presidency.

Sergei Gavrilov, a Deputy of the State Duma representing the Russian Communist Party, was previously elected president of the IAO in 2020. He was initially supposed to attend the General Assembly over the weekend but was unable to do so because he has been placed under sanctions by 27 EU countries.

With a significant portion of the IAO being EU member states, it became a diplomatic impossibility for Gavrilov to attend. In the leadup to the IAO’s General Assembly, the Ukrainian government had put pressure on the interparliamentary organization to block Russian participation.

Orthodoxy and the War in Ukraine

The Orthodox Christian faith has not been spared the intrigues and controversies stemming from the Ukraine War.

In May last year, Ukraine’s recently formed Orthodox Church declared complete independence from the Russian Church.

In a meeting that took place on May 27, 2022, in Kyiv, the Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church “considered issues of church life that arose as a result of the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine”

The council subsequently decided to adopt “appropriate amendments to the Statute on the Administration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which testify to the full independence and autonomy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.”

“We disagree with the position of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on the war in Ukraine,” a statement issued by the Ukrainian Church said.

Donkey Milk: The Ancient Greek Secret for Health and Beauty

Nick Kampouris
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Donkey Milk: The Ancient Greek Secret for Health and Beauty
donkey milk ancient greek
Milk from donkeys was used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes by the ancient Greeks. Credit: Thibdx/Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY 4.0

Humans have been using milk from donkeys for cosmetic and health purposes since antiquity, particularly the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Today, dozens of new businesses in Greece are producing donkey milk for global markets.

Hippocrates, the Greek physician who is considered the father of medicine, was the first to write about the medicinal virtues of donkey milk. He prescribed the milk for a variety of ailments, including fevers, healing wounds, and liver problems.

Sources from antiquity state that ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra used to bathe in donkey milk to keep her skin soft and glowing. It is said that the milk of 700 donkeys was used to fill her tub.

Ancient Roman poet Ovid also recommended that women use donkey milk on their faces to improve the health and appearance of their skin.

Donkey milk has many health benefits

Today, we know that this milk is gentle and soothing for people with sensitive skin, and it’s far richer in vitamin C than cow’s milk while being equally rich in proteins.

Additionally, it is well-tolerated by people who are lactose intolerant, and donkey milk often contains more probiotics, which are essential to gut health, than cow’s milk.

Throughout Europe, milk from donkeys was traditionally given to small children as a “formula” to to ensure they get enough essential nutrients. It also has a sweet, pleasant taste, which makes the drink enjoyable for kids. This practice remained popular in many countries until fairly recently.

Donkey milk has many dermatological benefits, as well, and it is widely used by people with skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, or extensive dryness as it is considered to be a natural way to ease their symptoms.

Why is it so expensive?

However, donkey milk is not easy to get. Since donkeys don’t produce as much milk as cows, their milk is quite expensive. One pound of donkey milk (less than half a kilogram) costs around $1,000 (€970).

Despite its steep price, demand for donkey milk around the world is constantly growing and so is the business.

Countries such as South Korea, Belgium, and Switzerland are among the leaders in global production of donkey milk, but Greece has nothing to be envious about since the country is getting its fair share of business.

Numerous new businesses have already found their footing in the milk industry in global markets, generating profits and creating new jobs for the Greek economy, especially in the countryside, where donkeys are more common.

A good example of this prosperous business that is gaining ground in the Greek market is the story of donkey milk production in Macedonias’ Nigrita.

The milk of that region is so prized for its nutritional and cosmetic properties, that it surpasses the price of French champagne.

It is often sold for over fifty euros per liter, while its processing results in various other products such as cheese, food supplements, cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging soaps, sweets, and liqueurs.

Smart Watch Identifies Parkinson’s Disease Before Symptoms

Nisha Zahid
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Smart Watch Identifies Parkinson’s Disease Before Symptoms
Researchers analyzed data from smart watches for early detection of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers analyzed data from smart watches for early detection of Parkinson’s disease. Credit: Forth With Life / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Scientists conducted a study where they examined data gathered from smart watches worn by participants for a period of seven days. The data focused on measuring how quickly the participants moved.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), the scientists were able to predict individuals who would later develop Parkinson’s disease accurately.

According to the researchers, this breakthrough could potentially serve as a novel screening tool for Parkinson’s disease. Unlike current methods, this approach would allow for early detection of the disorder, identifying it at a much earlier stage.

Scientists led the study from the UK DRI and Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute (NMHII) at Cardiff University. The results of their investigation have been published in the journal Nature Medicine.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease affects specific neurons called dopaminergic neurons, which are located in a part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. It gives rise to motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements.

Unfortunately, by the time these symptoms become noticeable, and a clinical diagnosis is made, more than half of the cells in the substantia nigra have already perished.

Dr. Kathryn Peall, Clinical Senior Lecturer in the NMHII at Cardiff, commented on the challenges associated with diagnosing the condition early.

Study setting and design

In their study, the researchers examined data from 103,712 participants in the UK Biobank project. These individuals wore a high-quality smartwatch for a duration of seven days between 2013 and 2016. Throughout this period, the smartwatches continuously measured the participants’ speed of movement.

To investigate the potential of predicting Parkinson’s disease, the researchers compared the data from a subset of participants who had already received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease to another group of individuals who received their diagnosis up to seven years later.

Both of these groups were then compared to a control group of healthy individuals matched in age and sex.

Results of the study

The results of the study demonstrated that by employing artificial intelligence (AI), it was possible to identify participants who would later develop Parkinson’s disease based on their smartwatch data.

The researchers successfully distinguished these participants from the healthy control group within the study. They extended their findings to show that the AI model could identify individuals in the general population who would later develop Parkinson’s disease.

This prediction’s accuracy was higher than any other known risk factor or early indicator of the disease. Additionally, the model could estimate the time it would take for a diagnosis to occur.

Parkinson's disease - a neurological disorder affecting movement, characterized by tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements.
Parkinson’s disease – a neurological disorder affecting movement, characterized by tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements. Credit: Gerald Murphy / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

It is important to note that the study has a limitation due to the absence of replication using another data source. Currently, there are no comparable datasets available for a similar analysis. However, the research team conducted thorough evaluations to minimize any potential biases in their findings.

Dr. Cynthia Sandor, an Emerging Leader at the UK DRI in Cardiff and the lead researcher of the study, expressed the significance of their findings.

She stated, “We have shown here that a single week of data captured can predict events up to seven years in the future. With these results we could develop a valuable screening tool to aid in the early detection of Parkinson’s. This has implications both for research, in improving recruitment into clinical trials, and in clinical practice, in allowing patients to access treatments at an earlier stage, in future when such treatments become available.”

World’s Biggest Cruise Ship Ready for Voyages

Alexander Gale
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World’s Biggest Cruise Ship Ready for Voyages
Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas will be the world’s largest cruise ship when it is completed/ Credit: Chakie2 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

The Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, which was under construction at a shipyard in Finland, has now been completed and has embarked on its inaugural journey in open waters for sea trials. The vessel is expected to be delivered in October of this year.

The Icon of the Seas, belonging to Royal Caribbean International, is an enormous cruise ship measuring a staggering 365 meters in length (approximately 1,200 feet) and is estimated to weigh an impressive 250,800 tonnes.

In January 2024, when it embarks on its voyage through Caribbean waters, the cruise ship will have ample space to accommodate approximately 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew members in total comfort.

Icon of the Seas set to be the world’s biggest cruise ship

In addition to being the world’s largest cruise vessel, the Icon of the Seas will boast another accolade: the world’s biggest water park at sea.

The sea vessel will house a collection of six water slides, setting new records in the industry. However, for guests seeking a more tranquil experience, the Icon of the Seas will also offer seven swimming pools and nine whirlpools, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a leisurely time onboard.

During a press panel held earlier this year, Michael Bayley, the President and Chief Executive of Royal Caribbean International, shared with the media that the ship was progressing as planned and set to join the Royal Caribbean fleet on October 26, ahead of its scheduled debut in 2024.

Currently, the world’s largest cruise ship title is held by another vessel within the Royal Caribbean fleet, known as Wonder of the Seas. The Wonder of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage last year and measures slightly smaller at 1,188 feet in length, with 18 decks for passengers to explore.

According to an official statement from Royal Caribbean, the Icon successfully concluded its initial round of sea trials on June 22.

“During her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested,” the statement read. “Everything was done on time as outlined in the schedule, despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions.”

Holidaying on the vessel

“We are positioning it as the ultimate family vacation and when you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship it is mind-blowing,” commented Bayley.

The ship offers an impressive array of over 40 dining, entertainment, and beverage options, with many of them included in the cruise fare. With its expansive 20 decks and eight distinct neighborhoods, it aims to cater to every type of vacationer. From dedicated areas for families to exclusive adults-only spaces like Royal Caribbean International’s first dueling pianos bar, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A total of 28 different accommodation types are available, with an emphasis on providing more categories for families, increased layouts with ocean views, and additional space for group travelers. The cruise line has dedicated its longest timeframe ever to meticulously designing “the perfect home base” for passengers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Teaches Basketball to Children in Greece

Alexander Gale
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Teaches Basketball to Children in Greece
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo at the Antetokounbros Academy, Greece. Credit: Giannis Antetokounmpo / Twitter

On Tuesday, Greek-Nigerian Basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo shared images online of himself teaching the children at the Antetokounbros Academy in Greece to play basketball.

The athlete, who is one of the most recognized faces in the National Basketball Association (NBA), 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.

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.

Giannis Antetokounmpo coaches children at Antetokounbros Academy

On Tuesday, the “Greek Freak” took the opportunity to return to the grassroots of Greek basketball and pass on some valuable tricks and trips to the next generation of aspiring athletes.

“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.

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.”

The brothers established the academy in the belief that through “social actions and various partnerships, children will receive healthy and sound stimuli that will help them develop a balanced character, learn to work hard, be better teammates, and become better people. Not only on the basketball court but also at home, at school and within the community.”

Milwaukee Bucks Coach on working with the “Greek Freak”

Terry Stotts, who is returning to the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant to new head coach Adrian Griffin, recently commented on Antetokounmpo’s important place in the team.

“It all starts with Giannis and his ability to create opportunities and having shooters around him,” Stotts said. “Think every team, no matter where you are, you look at your personnel and try to maximize their talents. This is a unique team and that’s why they’ve been in the mix.

“To me, they were the best team in the league last year. Obviously fell short in the playoffs, but coming in and maybe have a few more different ideas and see where we go with that,” he added.

Talos: The Giant Mythological Robot Protecting Crete

Philip Chrysopoulos
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Talos: The Giant Mythological Robot Protecting Crete
Talos the Ancient Greek Robot
The death of the ancient Greek robot Talos as depicted on a 5th century BC vase now displayed in Jatta Archaeological Museum, Italy. Credit: Forzaruvo94/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

The legend of Talos, the ancient Greek robot, can be given an impressive distinction: it birthed the first humanoid robot in history. The myth of the bronze giant and protector of Minoan Crete is relevant even to this day.

Ancient Greek robot

In a modern world obsessed with technology, it might be surprising to know the first humanoid robot was to be found in ancient Greece. He was not born but was made—either by Zeus himself, the craftsman Daidalos, or Hephaestus, the god of fire and iron, on the order of Zeus, according to ancient legend.

Talos Ancient Greek Robot
The ancient Greek robot as portrayed on a Cretan coin from around 300 BC. Credit: Jastrow /Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

In a coin found in the Minoan palace of Phaistos, Talos is portrayed in the nude, like most gods and warriors, and as a young man with wings. Myth has it that the wings were to give him the speed to circle the whole of Crete three times a day.

Talos’ body was made of bronze. He had one single vein that gave him life, starting from the neck and ending in his ankles. Instead of blood, however, molten metal flowed in his veins. In his ankle, a bronze nail acted as a stopper to retain this life-giving liquid.

Protector of Crete

Talos’ job was to protect Crete from outside attacks. He would not allow ships to approach the island, hurling giant rocks at potential invaders. Invaders at the time would have included pirates, as well as other assorted enemies of the Minoans.

If an enemy managed to land on the island, Talos’ body would heat up into a glow, and he would kill the invader with a fatal embrace. Myth has it that after killing Crete’s enemies, the ancient Greek robot would break into sarcastic laughter.

Talos did not only protect Crete from outside enemies but also its citizens from all kinds of injustice that might befall them. He would tour Cretan villages three times annually, carrying bronze plates inscribed with divinely-inspired laws on his back. Their purpose was to ensure these laws were observed in the province.

The bronze hero symbolizes the technological development in metallurgy in the prehistoric Minoan years. Metallurgy had reached such a high level that Minoans created a bronze superhero to protect them using their imagination and knowledge of metal.

Another very important property of Talos was that he was a servant of justice, much like today’s superheroes, such as Iron Man, revealing the importance ancient Cretans attached to justice.

Talos imagined in film

Talos, the ancient Greek robot, gained notoriety in modernity due to the movie industry. Brought to life in the 1963 film production Jason and the Argonauts, he was portrayed as 70 meters (230 feet) tall and a fearsome mechanized warrior.

The film is based on the tale of Jason and the Golden Fleece, wherein the Argo approaches Crete after obtaining the fleece. Talos attempted to keep the Argo far from Crete by throwing boulders at it, doing his job well as protector of the island.

A video excerpt from the 1963 film follows.

A TED-Ed talk on the myth of Talos by Adrienne Mayor is shown below:

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