On the morning of October 7, 2023, I found myself reading the Economist when suddenly a message appeared on my phone. The Hamas terror attack in Israel was all over the news and I could hardly believe how such massive and despicable crime could have happened in our times, especially given Israel’s superior army, intelligence … Read more
– Falafel likely originated in Egypt, possibly eaten by Copts as a replacement for meat during Lent.
– Initially made from fava beans and called ‘ta’amiya’, chickpeas became a common substitute as it traveled across the Middle East.
– Falafel’s journey from Egypt to the Levant and beyond showcases the exchange of culinary traditions.
– Falafel became popular in Western countries in the latter half of the 20th century due to growing interest in vegetarian and international cuisines.
– Falafel is celebrated globally as a dish that transcends its origins and symbolizes global cuisine.
– Falafel’s global ascent is a story of cultural identity and exchange, bringing people together across cultural divides.
Bitcoin (BTC) is considered the pioneer of all digital currencies, with its use beginning in 2009.
Fact: Gazpacho is a cold soup that originated in Andalusia, Spain, with roots tracing back to the Roman Empire and influenced by the Moors’ occupation of Spain.
Dogecoin has emerged as a top contender in the cryptocurrency market, offering opportunities for investors to maximize returns. Its strong community engagement, accessibility, and memetic value have contributed to its popularity. Strategies for maximizing returns include timing the market, dollar-cost averaging, long-term holding, diversification, and risk management.
– The G3 military rifle found in an Oroklini cemetery did not originate from the national guard, but likely came from the Turkish army.
– The recovered weapons included a rocket launcher, cartridges, a pistol with a silencer, and improvised explosive devices, one of which was connected to a mobile phone.
– The bust was described as possibly the largest number of weapons and explosives found in Cyprus to date.
– Two men, aged 46 and 35, were remanded in connection with the case after being seen taking items from the grave where the weapons were stored.
– Police are examining all possibilities regarding the origin and purposes for which the arms were intended.
The helicopter that crashed in Iran, killing the president and foreign minister, was a Bell 212 model. Bell developed the aircraft in the late 1960s for the Canadian military, and it is used globally for various purposes. The Bell 212 can carry passengers, cargo, and mount weapons. Non-military organizations and countries like Japan, the United States, and Thailand operate the Bell 212. Iran’s current fleet includes Italian-built naval versions of the helicopter. The most recent fatal crash involving a Bell 212 was in 2023 off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iran has managed to keep its aviation fleets flying through a combination of smuggled parts and reverse-engineering. The accident does not automatically fall under global rules for air accident probes, and it is unlikely that Iran will seek outside help for the investigation.
Chris Hemsworth and Anya Taylor-Joy attended the Cannes Film Festival for the world premiere of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” The film focuses on the origins of the character Furiosa, now played by Taylor-Joy, facing off against Hemsworth’s character, Dementus. Despite impressive action scenes and Taylor-Joy’s performance, the film is considered a step down from its predecessor, “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The movie will be released in theaters internationally on May 22 and in the U.S. on May 24.
In May, gardens in Cyprus are filled with blooming flowers such as roses, Queen Elizabeth roses, and Texas Ranger shrubs. Fruit trees like oranges, lemons, and olives are popular in gardens, and the last month to feed them with fertilizer is May. Prunus and citrus trees are hermaphrodite and can be affected by diseases like canker. Mediterranean fruit fly is a common problem for fruit trees in Cyprus. Agapanthus and Hemerocallis are popular summer flowering plants, while Bougainvillea is a much-loved climber that grows well in dry and hot conditions. Bougainvillea is known for its brightly-colored bracts and can be challenging to prune.
– The Stabat Mater concert will be held in the Limassol district at the Cyprus Wine Museum in Erimi village with mezzo-soprano Anoki von Arx, soprano Vasiliki Konstantinou, and pianist Milena Romanova.
– The Latin jazz band Havana Noche will perform at Sarah’s Jazz Club in Nicosia on May 18.
– Rumba Attack will perform flamenco-rumba and Latin sounds at Agrovino Wine Bar in Lofou on May 23.
– Locomondo, a Greek reggae band, will have a concert at Pyrgos Municipal Stadium in Larnaca on May 25.