Zuckerberg pitched the app as a “friendly” rival to Twitter. Public Domain
Ten million users signed up for Meta’s newly-launched Threads app, a rival to Twitter, in its first seven hours, the company’s chief Mark Zuckerberg says.
He pitched the app as a “friendly” rival to Twitter, which was bought by Elon Musk in October. Experts say Threads could attract Twitter users unhappy with recent changes to the platform.
Threads allows users to post up to 500 characters and has many features similar to Twitter.
“Our vision is to take the best parts of Instagram and create a new experience for text, ideas, and discussing what’s on your mind,” Zuckerberg said.
“I think the world needs this kind of friendly community, and I’m grateful to all of you who are part of Threads from day one.”
But Musk responded: “It is infinitely preferable to be attacked by strangers on Twitter, than indulge in the false happiness of hide-the-pain Instagram.”
When asked on Threads whether the app will be “bigger than Twitter”, Zuckerberg said: “It’ll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it.
“Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn’t nailed it. Hopefully, we will.”
Threads and Twitter owners agree to a cage fight
The two tech billionaires have apparently agreed to hold a cage fight in Nevada to settle their rivalry.
In an exchange that took place in late June, Musk said “I’m up for a cage match if he is” in response to a Twitter thread mocking Zuckerberg’s recent penchant for jiu-jitsu, which he had been posting on Instagram.
Zuckerberg replied through Instagram including a screenshot of Musk’s tweet with the caption: “Send Me Location.” As Meta owner, Zuckerberg also owns Instagram and Facebook.
Musk stated that he will start training if the cage fight with Zuckerberg is to take place.
Competitors have criticized the amount of data the app might use. This may include health, financial, and browsing data linked to users’ identities, according to the Apple App Store.
The name 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.
How to sign up for and use Meta’s new Twitter competitor
Threads is now out for both iOS and Android, and downloading them should be straightforward. Its full name is “Threads, an Instagram app” and it is readily available on both platforms’ stores.
You can find the App Store listing for iPhone here, and the Play Store listing for Android phones here. You can of course also search for the word “Threads”, though other apps might appear.
There is some chance that clicking through to those listings might show that the app is not available. If so, that’s probably because it’s not available in your country; the app has not yet been launched in the EU, apparently because of data protection concerns related to the way that data will be passed between apps.
Meta has not yet announced when people in those countries will be able to get the app.
Sign in and set up Threads
Meta has built Threads to integrate with Instagram, and users can sign in with their existing accounts from that service.
Opening up the app should show a user’s existing Instagram account, alongside the option to choose a new one, and clicking that begins the process of getting started.
From there, users can customize their profile for Threads, choosing a name and adding a bio, or importing it from Instagram.
The app will then ask about privacy settings and ask whether you want to follow accounts from Instagram, before opening up and getting started.
The island of Kythnos in Greece, which has evolved immensely in the past few years, is also called Thermia (or Thermiá), at least since the 12th century when it was referred to as the “Bishopric of Kea and Thermia”. This name is due to the presence of hot springs, which are located in the bay of Loutra. It is said that King Otto and Queen Amalia of Oldenburg enjoyed the baths of Kythnos.
Despite its small size, Kythnos records an extraordinary historical journey, spanning a period of a hundred centuries. Specifically, at Maroulas beach, the first human traces were discovered deep in prehistory, approximately 10,000 years ago (end of the Mesolithic Era, 8th millennium BC).
The next confirmed human activity on Kythnos is traceable to the early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC), when the island, abundant with copper ores, attracted the attention of the copperworkers of that era. These people established settlements and built metallurgical furnaces, something that was repeated in modern times, with the intensive exploitation of iron ores.
The ancient name of Kythnos was Ophiussa, attributed to the abundance of snakes (ophis, in ancient Greek) found on its dry lands. The name Kythnos emerged in the 14th century BC when the island was colonized by the Dryopes from Euboea, led by Kythnos, a mythical son of the god Apollo.
During this era, the island mainly drew maritime and agricultural interest, traits that persisted throughout the subsequent Ancient Greek centuries. Merchant’s vessels entered its harbor (today’s Ovriokastro or Rigokastro), where the densely populated ancient capital of the island rapidly developed. Meanwhile, in the countryside, large herds of cattle and sheep grazed.
The products of Kythnos, such as wine, honey, and especially cheese, were highly sought after in the ancient markets. The development of Kythnos and the prosperity of its inhabitants during the ancient Greek times are reflected in the archaeological findings of its walls and temples, dedicated to Aphrodite, Apollo, and Demeter.
This small island’s historical prestige is also indicated by its participation in the Battle of Salamis, and in the references of Aristotle who praised its excellent democratic governance system.
In Kythnos, beyond the churches found within its two villages, there are about 130 chapels scattered throughout the island, serving as a testament to the religious faith of people from times past.
These centuries-old structures are lovingly maintained by the present-day locals, so annual festivals can be held to honor the saints. A cypress tree, often planted in the surrounding courtyard, adorns each chapel, signifying its presence from a distance to passers-by.
Often, these chapels profoundly mark the location to the point where they give their names to entire areas, like Ai-Sostis, Ai-Giannis, and Ai-Stefanos which are also the names of the ports of Kythnos.
Visitors to the island will have the opportunity to visit remarkable post-Byzantine churches in Chora and Dryopida. In Chora, significant architectural monuments with old icons are primarily the Holy Trinity, Saint Savvas, Theologos, Saint Nikolaos, and others.
In Dryopida, the church of Saint Mina with its carved wooden temple, bishop’s throne, and exquisite icons is noteworthy. The unique old church where frescoes are preserved, albeit damaged, is the Holy Trinity in the Venetian castle in Katakefalo.
Panagia Kanala
Panagia Kanala church 201808. Credits: FocalPoint/Wikipedia/CC-BY-SA-4.0
The church of Panagia Kanala, located in the eponymous coastal settlement of Kythnos, is situated in the southeastern part of the island and is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Cyclades, as it is considered miraculous.
According to tradition, the icon of the Virgin Mary was found by fishermen in the narrow channel between Kythnos and Serifos. This is why it was named Panagia of the Canal (Kanala). It is an extraordinary work of the Cretan School, painted by the priest Emmanouil Skordilis in 1575.
Today, the icon is housed in a large church built in 1869. Every August 15th, a grand festival takes place at Panagia Kanala, featuring a procession and the reenactment of the finding of the Virgin Mary’s icon.
Around the church, in the island’s unique pine-clad area, a settlement has developed which offers restaurants, cafes, and rental rooms, while the bays of Megali Ammos, Ammoudaki, and Antonides stretch out nearby.
One of the most Instagram-able Greek beaches
Kolona beach, Kythnos 2018 n2. Credits: FocalPoint/Wikipedia/CC-BY-SA-4.0
Kolona Beach in Kythnos is perhaps the most famous of all the island’s beaches. It is located in the bay of the same name, in the northwest of the island, north of the port of Merichas, and opposite the equally beautiful Apokrousi beach. After Apokrousi, through a relatively difficult dirt road, you can approach Kolona Beach. It’s a bit tough but the beauty and uniqueness of the beach will reward you.
Kolona Beach is unique mainly due to its geomorphological peculiarity. Essentially, it is a sandy beach, approximately 240 meters long, which connects the island of Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas. This strip of sandy beach that connects the two landforms resembles a column, hence its name. The sea surrounds both sides of the sandy beach, thus we have two beaches in one and an exceptional and unique view!
With its transparent, azure waters and thick, golden sand, Kolona Beach offers the ideal environment to enjoy the sea and swim in its crystal clear waters, while being surrounded by this impressive landscape. Its location provides protection from the wind on both sides.
The Katafyki cave is one of the most significant and impressive sights on the island, uniquely combining natural and human-made elements. It is located in the center of the island, at the southern end of the traditional settlement of Dryopida, in the area known as Fyres.
It is an underground space, at an altitude of 190 meters above sea level, consisting of a large natural cave and artificial mine shafts. Visitors can easily reach it through the picturesque alleyways of Dryopida.
The Thermia
Kythnos was named “The Thermia”, a name that was born because of the healing hot water that flows from the warm springs. Now, nobody uses that name, and the island is called Kythnos.
Water from the hot spring. Credits: Γιάννης Μαχαίρας/Wikipedia/CC-BY-SA-4.0
The thermal springs of Kythnos, affectionately dubbed “The Spa of the Cyclades,” are a testament to the island’s geothermal activity. Nestled amidst the island’s rugged beauty is Loutra, its most famous hot spring destination, with its two major thermal springs – the springs of Agioi Anargyroi and the springs of Kakavos. These natural wonders are a focal point of the island’s allure, offering visitors a unique, therapeutic experience amidst the picturesque Greek scenery.
The Loutra thermal springs are composed of two primary sources. The first, known as the Agioi Anargyroi spring, is located within the premises of a state-owned spa facility that’s no longer operational. However, the spring itself continues to flow, gushing out hot, mineral-rich water at a temperature of approximately 52 degrees Celsius.
This water is believed to be particularly beneficial for rheumatic, dermatological, gynecological, and respiratory conditions. Visitors often find themselves lounging in the small pool where the spring water collects, soaking in its healing properties under the open sky.
Nestled in the northeastern coast of Kythnos, the Loutra thermal springs are a cornerstone of the island’s wellness tourism. Loutra, meaning ‘baths’ in Greek, has been a spa town since Ottoman times, and its thermal springs are renowned for their therapeutic properties.
Whatever its name, either The Thermia or Kythnos, the island is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by the world. Mark our words, Kythnos will be the hottest destination in the coming years. So try to enjoy it now, in its virgin state.
Lately, more and more people are discovering this paradise with its 92 beaches, crystal blue waters, the hot springs, the best honey in the world, and the kappari (caper) that is of exceptional quality.
During your trip to Kythnos, you can taste honey that is beyond even the best you have ever tasted, dive into the warm waters and walk on the golden sand, take selfies on Kolona beach, and visit Panagia Kanala as a pilgrim.
You can go hiking and stargazing since Kythnos has no light pollution and so offers an excellent destination to watch the stars and the night sky. You can taste the magnificent cheese and the fresh, tasty seafood of the island and sink your body in the improvised pool that the locals have created where the hot springs of Loutra flow to the sea.
There, you can enjoy one of the most impressive sunsets you have ever seen. Leaving the island, you will leave a piece of you there; you must go back and claim it because Kythnos will steal your heart.
The man-made pool of the thermal springs that end at the sea. Credits: Κώστας Τζόγιος/Wikipedia/CC-BY-SA-4.0
In the area of Loutra, high above the Loutra Bay and with a panoramic view, there is a new addition, amongst the developments that happen all around the island, to the hospitable settlements of Kythnos. A stone’s throw from Athens, the Thermia Suites is a sanctuary of elegance and comfort.
Totally embedded into the environment, with its minimalistic Cycladic architecture, a 3 minutes walk from the thermal springs, and a 6 minutes walk from all the cafes and restaurants at the Loutra marina, The Thermia Suites offers a perfect ticket to relaxation and tranquility.
Sitting on your own veranda at night and enjoying the stars, the super yachts that tend to prefer the Loutra Bay as their secret spot, and the cicadas, with a glass of wine or one of the ready-made cocktails that you can find in your room’s fridge from a well-known Athenian bar, will reveal to you the truth behind the reason why people all around the world are dreaming, as you read this article, of summer in Greece.
FIFA announces the prohibition of the One Love armband for the Women’s World Cup. Credit: IQRemix / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Players will not be allowed to wear the One Love armband during matches at this summer’s 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup. However, they will have the opportunity to wear armbands supporting other causes.
Fifa, the international governing body of football, has unveiled its plans to raise awareness of various social issues and causes throughout the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
In each round of matches, team captains can wear armbands that correspond to the cause being highlighted, or they can choose to wear a single armband in support of one cause for the entire tournament.
To prevent a repetition of the controversy surrounding the ‘One Love’ armbands worn during the men’s World Cup in Qatar last year, Fifa has sought input from national associations and players.
Controversy behind armbands
The controversy arose as captains of nations participating in the One Love campaign faced potential sporting penalties, such as receiving a yellow card, due to a violation of Fifa’s equipment regulations.
The armbands were viewed as a powerful symbol of acceptance and understanding in a country where same-sex relationships were criminalized.
It is understood that teams will have the freedom to promote other causes during their training camps if they wish. However, wearing the One Love armband or any other unauthorized band during an actual match will result in penalties.
The colors of Fifa’s designated ‘unite for inclusion’ band do not represent the rainbow or LGBT pride flag. Instead, they symbolize race and heritage (red/black/green) and encompass all gender identities and sexual orientations (pink/yellow/blue).
These color combinations were influenced by the Pan-African flag, representing unity among African nations, and the pansexual flag, signifying inclusivity across all sexual orientations.
Awareness campaigns from the platform of FIFA Women’s World Cup
The 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup will raise awareness for several important causes. These include ‘unite for indigenous peoples,’ ‘unite for gender equality,’ ‘unite for peace,’ ‘unite for education for all,’ ‘unite for zero hunger,’ ‘unite for ending violence against women,’ and ‘football is joy, peace, love, hope and passion.’
Team captains participating in the tournament will have the choice to wear a special ‘football unites the world’ armband throughout the entire event if they do not wish to select a specific cause or support different causes on a round-by-round basis.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino expressed, “Football unites the world and our global events, such as the Fifa Women’s World Cup, have a unique power to bring people together and provide joy, excitement and passion.”
The Football Association (FA) acknowledged Fifa’s engagement with federations and players worldwide regarding the armbands to be worn during the tournament. The next step involves the players themselves deciding which option they will choose to support.
FIFA has announced eight 'Unite' messages players will be able to support during the Women's World Cup – but the ban on the 'One Love' armband will remain in place. pic.twitter.com/abzhJkYw0r
The England squad is expected to take some time to deliberate on the available options before making their decision. FifPro, the global players’ union, has also been contacted for their input.
During a press conference before Fifa’s announcement, England midfielder Georgia Stanway was asked about the One Love armband situation.
She responded, “If we can or we can’t wear the armband we know that we wanted to and we’ll stand by the fact that we wanted to. Whatever the outcome is we’ll still stand by whatever we believed in and whatever we wanted to be the resolution.”
Kythera: The name of the island actually means “in secret.” Credit: Lapost, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikipedia
To find the etymology behind the names of Greek islands, one should take into account a number of factors, including ancient Greek mythology and even the geomorphology of each place.
In fact, during ancient times, the names of places were used as a way of recording notable geological events. “Anyone who can read between the lines, will know the history of Greece…Names hide memories,” said author Giorgos Lekakis.
Cephalonia or Kefalonia: The island got its name from the mythological hero Cephalus, the island’s first ruler, who was an Athenian leader and the son of the god Dionysus. Cephalus, who was exiled from Athens for committing murder, settled on the island.
Chios: This Greek island acquired its name from Chioni (snow), the daughter of the Greek god Poseidon. The story goes that it was snowing when she was born on the island. According to legend, the island had been a desert. After the snowfall, the land became fertile.
Samos: This name is derived from the Mycenaean word “sami” or “samos” which means “hill near the coast.” The topography of Samos fits its name since the island indeed has many mountains and hills.
Lefkada: Homer named this Greek island after the Greek word “lefkas” or white since, according to this legend, the soil used to be white.
Kos: The name derives from “kofos,” an island with many caves. The word “cave” itself also derives from the Greek word “kofos.”
Tinos: This island’s name comes from the Greek word “tanaos,” which means “long,” perfectly describing the island’s shape.
Ithaca: This name derives from the Greek word “ithys,” meaning straight and long, or in other words, the elongated island.
Sifnos: This island was named after the Greek hero Sifnos, the son of the hero Sounion; he was the island’s first inhabitant.
Paxos: This name derives from the word passion (“pathos” in Greek). The Greek God Poseidon, who had fallen madly in love with the nymph Amphitrite, could only make her love him if he gave her a piece of land that was her own. Hence, he cast his trident, cutting off a piece of the island of Corfu, which moved a bit to the south, and gave it to the nymph.
Angistri: In ancient times, this island was called Kekrifalia, which meant reef, because of its size and shape. Later, however, it was renamed to Angistri (hook) because it is “hooked” to Aegina.
Poros: Poros is actually two islands. One, called Spheria, is named after Spheros, the charioteer of Pelop’s chariot who died and was buried on that island. For the record, the Peloponnese was also named after Pelop. The other island was Kalavria (meaning “good aura” in Greek), named so because it had a good aura. Later on, a single name was given to both islands because there is a small opening, or passage (“poros” in Greek) that separates the island from the mainland town of Galatas.
Aegina: This island, located near Athens, owes its name to Greek mythology—more specifically to the daughter of the ancient Greek god Asopus, who was named Aegina. According to the legend, Zeus fell in love with the girl and took her to the island, which used to be named Oenone but was later given the girl’s name.
Alonissos: The name derives from the ancient Greek word “als” (sea) and the word “nisi” (island). It literally means an island in the middle of the sea. Even though Alonissos was named Ikos in ancient times, it was renamed in 1838.
Andros: The island was named after the Greek hero Andros or Andreas, a famous oracle, who was so great that he was given the island as a gift by Rhadamanthus, the brother of the legendary king Minos.
Amorgos: This island’s name derives from a plant called amorgi, a type of flax, which was used by ancient Greeks to make linen. Garments from Amorgos were very popular in ancient Greece.
Euboea or Evia: The name of this island means “the land of great cattle.” It was named Euboea due to the large number of cattle herds that roamed its mountains and hills.
Zakynthos: This name comes from Zakynthos, the son of King Dardanos of Troy. When the Trojan expedition came to an end, Zakynthos and his people fled from Troy and supposedly lived on the island.
Kythera: The name of this island actually means “in secret” because Aphrodite was born there in secret, according to Greek mythology. According to the legend, the goddess was born from the waves near Cyprus, but she was then put in a shell to keep her birth a secret. She was taken to Kythera, where she was kept in hiding until she grew up.
Lemnos: There are two interpretations of the name of this island. The first one has it that it comes from the Greek verb “leivo” which means “full of water,” and, according to the second, the name comes from the word “liion pedion” which means rich plain, due to the island’s plains.
Milos: This island was named after the Greek mythological hero Milos, who was the island’s first inhabitant. When Milos went hunting in Cyprus, he met and befriended Adonis. When Adonis died, Milos committed suicide under a tree.
Naxos: In ancient times, the island was named Dia after the greatest of all Greek gods, Zeus, (“Dias” in Greek) because it was the largest island in the Cyclades. It was renamed when Naxos, the son of Endymion, settled on the island.
Paros: In Greek, Paros means beach. It was accordingly given this name because of its many beautiful beaches.
Skiathos: This name derives from the word “skia” (shade). Due to the large number of trees, this Northern Sporades island is very shady and verdant. However, others believe that it was given the name because it is located in the “shade” of Mount Athos.
Ikaria: This island was named after the Greek mythological figure of Icarus, who attempted to fly with wings made of feathers fastened to his body with wax. When his wings fell off, he fell into the sea and the waves washed his body onto the shores of the island.
Crete: This name means mighty, strong, and powerful. Crete at one time had one of the largest navies that ever existed on the earth. Its first guardians were named the Curetes.
A Greek police officer escorts two young Kurds. Video screenshot, Hellenic Police
Police in Greece removed more than 50 Kurds from a building in the town of Lavrio, southeast of Athens, which Turkey has claimed was a cover for Kurdish militants.
The police in a statement said they had transferred 26 men, eight women and 19 children from Lavrio to other facilities run by the Greek migration ministry.
Officials noted that the building, which had initially housed refugees from the former Soviet Union in 1947 before being used in the 1980s to accommodate Kurds fleeing Turkey, is slated for demolition.
“A small earthquake could have brought down the building, crushing the residents,” Lavrio Mayor Dimitris Loukas told reporters at the scene.
The police said the operation was conducted “calmly and there was no resistance.”
However, a Kurdish representative told AFP that police had “broken down all the doors and violently entered rooms” to clear the residents.
The Kurdistan Cultural and Democratic Centre, a group representing Kurdish refugees in Greece, said “an army” of 300 police officers accompanied by a prosecutor had taken the residents to a migrant camp in Malakasa, near Athens.
“They were awakened and rounded up, they did not even have time to collect their clothes,” the center said.
Dozens of Kurds protested the evacuation of the building by marching in the center of Athens on Wednesday.
The forced eviction operation carried out by #Greek police early this morning in the #Kurdish#refugee camp in #Lavrio is being protested in #Athens.
Some social media users claim that the decision to shut down the building was a present to Turkey, a few days before the NATO Summit where a meeting between Greek PM Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to take place.
Turkey has accused Greece of harboring terrorists among the Kurds
It added that Greece had closed the shelter to satisfy Turkey, which for years has claimed that it was a training centre for militants of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.
The camp has been criticized by Turkey which claims that members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the Gulenists (FETO) and other individuals associated with what it calls terrorist organizations have been using the camp to spread propaganda and initiate attacks against Turkish targets.
In September 2022, Erdogan accused Greece of harboring terrorists at Lavrio.
“Terrorists are protected in almost every country in Europe, especially in the Greek camp in Lavrio,” said the Turkish president, noting that terrorists threaten the peace and security of Western countries which protect terrorist groups.
“We expect all countries, especially the neighbors, to take appropriate measures against terrorist organizations,” he added.
Greece has rejected the accusations. The then Minister of Civil Protection Takis Theodorikakos stated: “It is sad that Turkey repeats the slanderous claim without having any evidence that Greece is training terrorists against it.”
Orangutans demonstrate remarkable adaptability as they observe and imitate local residents for their foods. Credit: Adair Broughton / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
A recent study shows how orangutans adapt to new environments and choose their food sources. Orangutans, known for their long dependence on their mothers, continue nursing until they reach the age of six. They even stay with their mothers for an additional three years to learn essential skills like identifying, selecting, and processing their diverse diet.
Orangutans food choices after leaving their birth areas
When orangutans venture away from their birth areas, where the available food options may vary significantly, they face the challenge of deciding what to eat and learning how to consume it. To investigate this phenomenon, researchers from different countries collaborated to examine these processes.
The findings reveal a fascinating behavior among migrating orangutans. They tend to adhere to a simple principle: observe and imitate the local residents.
In other words, they learn from the orangutans living in the new area and adopt their eating habits. By closely observing the locals, these migrant orangutans can discover suitable foods and acquire the necessary skills to consume them.
This research provides valuable insights into the adaptive abilities of orangutans when faced with unfamiliar environments. Their ability to learn from their peers showcases their intelligence and resourcefulness in adapting to new challenges.
Behavior of peering to adopt new food options
A recent study conducted by Mörchen and colleagues discovered that male orangutans acquire this valuable knowledge through a behavior known as “peering.”
Peering involves the intense observation of a role model for a minimum of five seconds and from a distance of no more than two meters. During this process, the peering orangutans position themselves to face the role model and exhibit signs of mimicking their actions through head movements, demonstrating their keen interest and attentiveness.
Interestingly, it was observed that male orangutans are more inclined to migrate to new areas once they become independent from their mothers. On the other hand, female orangutans tend to establish their territories relatively close to their birthplace, showing a preference for staying within their natal home range.
Duration of the study
The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis spanning three decades, utilizing data gathered by 157 trained observers.
The study focused on 77 migrant adult males of the highly sociable Sumatran orangutan species (Pongo abelii) at the Suaq Balimbing research station in Southwest Aceh, as well as 75 adult migrant males of the less sociable Bornean orangutan species (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) at the Tuanan station in Central Kalimantan.
During the investigation, the scientists closely examined instances of peering behavior, which involved observing the orangutans for at least five seconds while being within two meters of a role model.
Results of the study on peering behavior
The researchers specifically analyzed 4,009 occasions when the males were within a 50-meter range of one or more neighboring orangutans, including adult females, juveniles, and adult males.
Throughout the study, the males were observed peering a total of 534 times, with this behavior occurring in 207 instances, representing 5.2% of the observed associations. At the Suaq Balimbing station, it was most common for males to peer at local females, followed by local juveniles, while peering at adult males was the least frequent behavior.
In contrast, at the Tuanan station, which housed a less sociable orangutan population, males predominantly peered at adult males, followed by immature orangutans, and displayed the lowest incidence of peering behavior towards adult females.
In the Tuanan population, females are known to actively avoid prolonged associations with migrant males, potentially limiting opportunities for peering interactions with them.
The study also found that migrant males, after engaging in peering behavior, demonstrated a higher frequency of subsequent interactions with the specific food items that had been observed during the peering process.
This suggests that the males effectively put into practice the knowledge they gained through their observations, actively engaging with the food sources they had learned about during peering sessions.
Advantages of these behaviors
The researchers emphasized that the precise number of times adult orangutans need to engage in peering behavior to fully acquire a specific skill remains unknown.
However, their observations indicate that depending on the skill’s complexity or novelty, adult orangutans may still engage in exploratory behaviors when encountering food items they initially learned about through peering.
This behavior could serve several purposes, such as gathering more detailed information about the food, reinforcing and memorizing the newly acquired knowledge, or comparing it with their existing knowledge base.
Apple forced to make major cuts to Vision Pro headsets after being ‘unhappy’ with the production of micro-OLED displays. Credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Apple is facing significant challenges with its Vision Pro augmented-reality headset, leading to a substantial reduction in its production plans.
The insiders familiar with the matter explained that the intricate design complexities are to blame for this setback. The Financial Times reported on Monday that Apple had to revise its forecasts due to these issues.
The Vision Pro, which was introduced to the market just last month, was anticipated to hit the shelves in the United States at the beginning of next year. However, the latest development has raised concerns about the timely availability of the product.
Moreover, potential buyers should be aware that the starting price for the Vision Pro stands at $3,499, making it considerably more expensive than Meta’s most high-end mixed and virtual reality headsets, which are priced at a third of Apple’s offering.
Only 400,000 Vision Pro Headsets to be produced in 2024
The report says that Luxshare, the Chinese company responsible for manufacturing Apple’s Vision Pro, is expected to produce fewer than 400,000 units of the device in 2024.
This falls short of Apple’s initial sales goal of 1 million units within the first year, as stated by Financial Times.
Apple sharply cuts Vision Pro headset production estimates, less than half of previous target bulls still confident in margins …… Will $AAPL stand a chance at a $3 trillion market cap this time? pic.twitter.com/vl2IDZIkOl
Moreover, when approached for comments, both Apple and Luxshare did not respond to requests from Reuters.
Susannah Streeter, who holds the position of Head of Money and Markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, expressed concerns about Apple’s Vision Pro headset. She stated that the device was already facing difficulties due to its steep price tag, and now it has encountered another potential obstacle.
Streeter also mentioned that Apple faced challenges after the product’s post-launch period but managed to recover remarkably when users provided feedback through testing.
Moreover, the Financial Times reported that Apple has reached out to two suppliers based in China to secure components for approximately 130,000 to 150,000 units within the first year.
$AAPL Apple hits production hurdles with Vision Pro headset 🥽 (Financial Times)
Complex design is forcing a cut in forecasts:
📉 From 1M units to just 400K in 2024. 🗓️ More affordable model delayed.
Additionally, the report stated that plans for a more affordable version of the device have been delayed.
Apple is ‘unhappy’ with the production of micro-OLEDs
One significant challenge in the production of the Vision Pro headset revolves around the manufacturing of micro-OLED displays.
The report indicates that Apple is dissatisfied with the yield of defect-free micro-OLEDs, which adds to the complexity of the production process.
The Financial Times also reported that the reduction in production forecasts has left Luxshare disappointed. The company had plans to expand its capacity in order to manufacture nearly 18 million units of the headset each year in the future.
Image showing an Iranian naval vessel opening fire on a Greek tanker in the Gulf of Oman. Credit: United States Navy
On Wednesday, the US Navy (USN) claimed that it prevented the seizure of two commercial tankers in the Gulf of Oman, with one of the vessels reportedly being Greek.
Chevron, the oil company, reported an incident involving the “Richmond Voyager,” a large crude oil tanker under Greek ownership and flagged in the Bahamas. Chevron manages the tanker and confirmed that the crew is safe despite reports that the Iranian Navy opened fire.
Incidents involving the US and Iranian navies along busy maritime trade routes are not uncommon. The USN has frequently accused Iran of harassing vessels in busy shipping lanes. On occasion, Greek-owned or managed tankers have been involved in these incidents with Iran.
Greek tanker reportedly shot at by Iran in the Gulf of Oman
According to a statement from the USN, on Wednesday at 01:00 local time (21:00 GMT), an Iranian naval vessel made its way toward the TRF Moss, an oil tanker flying the flag of the Marshall Islands. The incident occurred in international waters within the Gulf of Oman.
“The Iranian vessel departed the scene when US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul arrived on station,” said the USN. The statement added that the USN deployed surveillance assets including maritime patrol aircraft.
The USN further reported that approximately three hours later, it received a distress call from the Richmond Voyager, an oil tanker flying the flag of the Bahamas. The incident occurred when the ship was over 20 miles (32 km) off the coast of Muscat, Oman, while navigating through international waters.
“Another Iranian naval vessel had closed within one mile of Richmond Voyager while hailing the commercial tanker to stop,” the USN statement claimed. The USS McFaul responded by heading toward the scene of the incident at full speed.
“Prior to McFaul’s arrival on scene, Iranian personnel fired multiple, long bursts from both small arms and crew-served weapons,” the USN said. “Richmond Voyager sustained no casualties or significant damage. However, several rounds hit the ship’s hull near crew living spaces. The Iranian navy vessel departed when McFaul arrived.”
Iranian authorities have not commented on the incident.
On July 5, U.S. forces prevented two attempted commercial tanker seizures by the Iranian Navy after the Iranians had opened fire in one of the incidents near the coast of Oman. Both of these incidents occurred in international waters. Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/HJNTzKtsXvpic.twitter.com/rvzDcATCQq
— U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) July 5, 2023
Other incidents
This is not the first incident involving a Greek tanker and the Iranian Navy. Just last month, a Greek-managed merchant ship was “harassed” by the Revolutionary Guard of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
Before that, a Greek-managed tanker was seized by Iran in May. The USN reported at the time that the Panama-flagged oil tanker Niovi was seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy while passing through the narrow Strait of Hormuz.
In May last year, another incident occurred wherein two Greek-flagged tankers were seized by Iran. They were finally released later that year in November.
Drones have been replacing fireworks in the US and China to mark important events by providing spectacular scenes in the night sky.
In the US some cities opted for drone shows instead of fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July, citing the impact traditional pyrotechnics have on the environment.
Salt Lake City and Boulder have joined cities like Lake Tahoe —which has been celebrating its second annual drone show this year— substituting loud, bombastic rockets with quieter, environmentally-friendly drones.
Drone shows are aerial displays that use a fleet of drones —each fitted with brilliant LED lights— to create patterns, shapes and animated scenes in the sky.
An alternative to traditional fireworks, the drones offer a customizable form of entertainment, according to the drone company Sky Elements.
Drone shows have an advantage over fireworks for communities concerned over forest fires and other environmental impacts, Rick Boss, the president of Sky Elements Drone Shows, told CBS News. Compared with fireworks, he added, drone shows present significantly less risk.
“Less risk of fire, less risk of damage, less risk of injury,” he said. “When performing a drone show, we ensure no one is within our safety perimeter should a malfunction occur.”
Fireworks, unlike drones, have an environmental impact
Boulder was just one of several communities in Colorado that had drone shows to celebrate America’s Independence Day. Castle Rock and Lakewood also went firework-free, reports CBS Colorado.
In a post on the Castle Rock website, officials highlighted the environmental impact that pyrotechnics can have.
“We know that many look forward to celebrating with fireworks; however, the fallout from a typical July 4 fireworks show poses a significant wildfire risk,” they wrote.
“The dry summers we’ve experienced the past several years have created a high risk of wildfire and resulted in show cancellations.”
Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing colors of fireworks, but as animal rights groups warn they can be terrifying, overwhelming and hazardous for both wild and domestic animals.
On the Fourth of July, many animals become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost.
They may also suffer devastating or even fatal health effects from the stress. The sudden bright flashes and sounds can cause wild animals to run into roadways, resulting in more car accidents than normal.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers are often flooded with traumatized, injured and orphaned wild animals after the holiday.
Drones replace fireworks in China
Around 1,500 drones lit up the night sky over the Chinese city of Shenzhen on 22 June with imagery of a flying dragon to mark the start of the country’s Dragon Boat Festival.
The synchronized display showed images of a whale, fish, dragon boat, eagle and solar system, to go with the dragon boat. Writing on LinkedIn, author and AI expert Pascal Bornet said it was the best drone show he had ever seen.
China’s drone industry reached an annual turnover of $14bn in 2022, with Shenzhen accounting for more than 70% of the world’s consumer drones and 50% of its industrial drones, according to the Shenzhen Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry Association.
A beach on the stunning island of Skopelos, where the blockbuster movie Mamma Mia was filmed. Credit: Greek Reporter
Belonging to the Northern Sporades group of Greek islands, Skopelos is one of the many places across Greece that have never failed to enchant visitors throughout the decades.
With its hilly, verdant landscapes and sparser crowds compared to more popular Greek spots, it is a persistent draw for travelers from all over the world.
The charming island of Skopelos
Located a bit off the beaten path, in the Northern Sporades archipelago, Skopelos can truly be described as an unspoiled Greek paradise. A natural landscape which has remained untouched for centuries is one of the most valuable assets visitors discover there.
Sailboat in Skopelos Harbor. Credit: Patricia Claus/Greek Reporter
Skopelos Town is the main village of the island; it surrounds the harbor in a crescent shape, offering wonderful views to newcomers as the ferry approaches the island. The port is located on a spectacular bay, which is always busy with ferries and yachts, while the waterfront promenade is home to dozens of bars and tavernas.
White-washed buildings on the island of Skopelos. Credit: Greek Reporter
In contrast, the scenery in the upper town consists of tranquil lanes and alleys full of flowerpots, mazes ending in small squares and ancient Byzantine churches.
The island is full of the traditional architecture of Greece, with whitewashed houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, blue-painted shutters and wooden balconies. Built on a steep slope, the old town is mostly inaccessible to vehicles — which only adds to its tranquility and allure to visitors.
Cliff guarding the entrance to Skopelos Harbor. Credit: Patricia Claus/Greek Reporter
Filled with natural beauty
One of the must-see places on Skopelos is the Sporades National Marine Park, which, in addition to its unspoiled beauty, also has endless numbers of sea creatures for visitors to admire.
Skopelos is also an island with breathtakingly beautiful beaches, all of them sharing the character of other Greek beaches around the country — minus some of the excessive crowds.
Among the loveliest beaches are Kastani, Stafilos, and Panormos, which are easily accessible from Skopelos Town. Agios Ioannis is another favorite beach, located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the island’s capital.
The stunning rocky terrain of Skopelos features a chapel atop this craggy hill, the site of the wedding in Mamma Mia. Credit: Greek Reporter
Agios Ioannis is one of the most picturesque areas of the island, boasting unique turquoise waters and a stunning landscape.
The church of Agios Ioannis is located high on the cliffs surrounding the area, overlooking the small bay and offering spectacular views of the island itself as well as of nearby isle Alonissos. Both the church and the beach of Agios Ioannis have become famous since it was the location where many scenes from the movie “Mamma Mia!” were filmed.
The local cuisine of Skopelos represents the rich tradition of the area, and a few popular dishes are hard to find in other places. Lobster is the undisputed rock star on the island, and astakos giouvetsi, served with orzo pasta, is the must-try lobster dish. Other seafood typical of Skopelos includes sea urchins and grouper fish.
The church that featured heavily in “Mamma Mia!”, Agios Ioannis, is perched high on a rocky outcrop along the western side of the island of Skopelos. Credit: Greek Reporter
“Mamma Mia!” movie catapults Skopelos into international fame
This stunning Greek retreat of Skopelos was also the setting for one of the most engaging films of the last few years, “Mamma Mia!”
The universally beloved movie, with an iconic soundtrack by the band ABBA, turned Skopelos into the fictional island of “Kalokairi” for the original film in 2008. However, the successful sequel, released in 2018, was mostly filmed in Croatia for tax reasons.
Skopelos shared the spotlight with the neighboring island of Skiathos in the film, although the iconic wedding sequence was filmed at Agios Ioannis church, perched atop a seaside cliff on Skopelos.
A video showing some of the sights on Skopelos which were featured in the movie can be found below.
Your idyllic island vacation awaits you on Skopelos!
