Vasco da Gama Shipwreck Discovered

Ship's bell dated 1498 (PRNewsFoto/Oman's Ministry of Heritage)

Portuguese ship wrecked on a remote island in the Sultanate of Oman in 1503 is the earliest ship of discovery to be found and scientifically investigated by archaeologists  

Oman's Ministry of Heritage & Culture (MHC) in cooperation with Blue Water Recoveries Ltd (BWR) of West Sussex, UK announce the discovery and archaeological excavation of a Portuguese East Indiaman that was part of Vasco da Gama's 1502-1503 Armada toIndia. The ship, which sank in a storm in May 1503 off the coast of Al Hallaniyah island in Oman's Dhofar region, is the earliest ship from Europe's Age of Discovery ever to be found and scientfically investigated by a team of archaeologists and other experts.

Divers excavating the wreck site (PRNewsFoto/Oman's Ministry of Heritage)

Details of the wreck site, published today in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology reveal that the ship is believed to be thenau Esmeralda commanded by Vicente Sodré, who was the maternal uncle of Vasco da Gama and a descendent of the nobleman Frederick Sudley of Gloucestshire, UK. A website with high-resolution images and video of the excavation was also launched today: (esmeraldashipwreck.com)

The wreck site was initially discovered by BWR in 1998, on the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's epic discovery of the direct sea route to India, but full-scale archaeological survey and excavation by the MHC didn't begin until 2013. Since then two more excavations have been conducted in 2014 and 2015, with more than 2,800 artefacts being recovered. The project has been jointly managed by the MHC and David L. Mearns of BWR and has been conducted in strict compliance with the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage of 2001.

Key artifacts that helped in identification of the wreck site as Vicente Sodré's nau Esmeralda include:

• an important copper-alloy disc marked with the Portuguese royal coat of arms and an esfera armilar (armillary sphere) - a personal emblem of Dom Manuel I.
• a bronze bell with an inscription that suggests the date of the ship was 1498.
• gold cruzado coins minted in Lisbon between 1495 and 1501.
• an extraordinarily rare silver coin, called the Indio, commissioned by Dom Manuel in 1499 specifically for trade with India.  The extreme rarity of the Indio (there is only one other known example in the world) is such that it has legendary status as the 'lost' or 'ghost' coin of Dom Manuel.

His Excellency Hassan Al Lawati the Adviser to the Minister For Heritage Affairs comments: "This project is regarded as the first that is conducted in Oman and the region in underwater archaeology. Therefore, the Ministry has taken a proactive approach to ensure that the project will be efficiently conducted. This was done by involving the expertise in underwater archaeology and by working under international regulations such as the UNESCO convention of 2001. We appreciate the joint efforts of the local and international entities and institutes that made this project a huge success."

"This project differs from the majority of maritime archaeology projects in that we set out to specifically find the wreck site of the Sodré ships, using a suvivor's and other historical accounts, because of their very early age and the potential they held for new discoveries. It is extremely gratifying therefore that this strategy has paid off with such interesting revelations even though we are still at a relatively early stage in the study of the artefact assemblage," said Project Director David L. Mearns.

SOURCE: Oman’s Ministry of Heritage & Culture (MHC) and Blue Water Recoveries Ltd

A Play Inspired By The "Ground Zero Mosque" Controversy

Poster art for the stage play, "Mosque Alert." (PRNewsFoto/Silk Road Rising)

Jamil Khoury's "Mosque Alert" Taps Into Fears Fanned By Current Political Climate

"Mosque Alert," a bold new play by award winning playwright Jamil Khoury, will receive a professional world premiere production at Chicago's Silk Road Rising this Spring. Mosque Alert (www.mosquealert.org) tells the story of three fictional families living in Naperville, Illinois, whose lives are forever changed by a proposed Islamic Center on the site of a beloved local landmark. The play was inspired by the 2010 "Ground Zero Mosque" controversy in New York City.

"I should thank Donald Trump," says playwright Jamil Khoury. "If Mosque Alert was relevant when I first started, that relevance has since exploded. Today the play exists within a cultural zeitgeist animated by fears of immigrants, fears of Muslims, demographic anxiety attacks, and calls to erect walls and impose bans—a more optimistic read is that of one big messy America struggling to work it out for the better."

Unlike most plays, Mosque Alert was developed through an open and public workshop process. Originally conceived as an online video-based civic engagement project, over the last two years, Khoury has adapted the project into a stage play by working in communities with both Muslim and non-Muslim participants. Over 2,500 individuals have participated in the new play's development and have expressed their surprise at how closely the play reflects real life scenarios.

"When I launched Mosque Alert as a digital online initiative nearly five years ago," says Khoury, "how could I have guessed that my three fictional families in Naperville, Illinois, with intertwined lives and competing worldviews, would drive a story so reflective of actual mosque battles and presidential politics in 2016? Mosque Alert, I believe, not only responds to the current climate, but gives new spin to the adage 'life imitates art.'"

Mosque Alert explores the intersections of zoning and Islamophobia with humor, family drama, and refreshingly blunt honesty. The play provides no easy answers. Instead, it offers insights into conversations taking place within segments of the Muslim American community, the challenges faced by their allies, and the political beliefs that have contributed to a climate of fear. The play isn't one sided, either. Instead, it works to ascribe integrity to a wide spectrum of perspectives, even those we may find objectionable, and it presents characters that are complex, flawed, and ultimately relatable.

"With Mosque Alert we're seizing the gray areas," says Khoury, "and inviting audiences to grapple with unsettling truths about our post-9/11 world: namely, the resistance to mosque-building in communities across the US, and what that resistance tells us about ourselves."

Director Edward Torres, who returned to his native Chicago fromNew York City where he recently directed Macbeth for the Public Theater, reflects on the themes of the play and says, "Mosque Alert gives voice to multiple American perspectives and exposes the fears at the heart of intolerance."

Playwright Jamil Khoury, author of "Mosque Alert." (PRNewsFoto/Silk Road Rising)

Mosque Alert performs from March 24 to May 1, 2016 at Silk Road Rising in The Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington St, Lower Level, Chicago, IL. For more information, including purchasing tickets online, visit www.mosquealert.org.

#RealmToTheRescue - Game Of Thrones Cast Stands Up To Support World's Refugees In New Cause Campaign

The International Rescue Committee, HBO and Omaze team up on RESCUE HAS NO BOUNDARIES #RealmtotheRescue to raise $1 million dollars in emergency aid for Syrian Refugee Crisis. Donate and win the ultimate Game of Thrones experiences including 2 tickets to the GoT Season 6 Premiere at Omaze.com/GameofThrones. L-R Game of Thrones cast members Maisie Williams, John Bradley, Sophie Turner, and Lena Headey. (PRNewsFoto/International Rescue Committee)

HBO and Game of Thrones Join with the International Rescue Committee to Launch 'RESCUE HAS NO BOUNDARIES'

Tomorrow, as the world marks the 5^th anniversary of the Syrian civil war, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) announces it is teaming up with HBO's Game of Thrones to launch the multi-platform RESCUE HAS NO BOUNDARIES campaign to bring attention to the global refugee crisis and raise emergency funds to help rescue the millions of people displaced by conflict and natural disaster. The RESCUE HAS NO BOUNDARIES campaign, led by Emmy-winning actress Lena Headey, along with other Game of Thrones cast members (past and present), includingSophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Liam Cunningham, DeObia Oparei, John Bradley, Tom Wlaschiha, Eugene Simon and Oona Chaplin, urges that the time is now to rescue refugees no matter where they are in the world.

According to the most recent UN figures, there are currently more than 60 million refugees and displaced people throughout the world, and nearly 1 million people per month are on the move due to the fallout of the Syrian civil war alone. The IRC is currently providing support to Syrian refugees in Syria, Jordan,Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Serbia and Greece. Inside Syria, the organization has reached almost 2 million people with medical care, shelter, emergency supplies and cash assistance, and is also providing classrooms, child-friendly spaces and counseling services for survivors of violence.

"We are currently facing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II," stated David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee. "Our partnership with HBO and Game of Thrones—which premiered around the same time the war in Syria began—hopes to galvanize the general public to take action and rise up for refugees."

IRC and HBO are encouraging people to visit www.rescue.org/GameOfThrones to learn about the needs of refugees and how they can help them through PSAs and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the Game of Thrones cast. The campaign unites Westeros with special appearances by the cast who famously portray the Lannisters and Starks as they voice their commitment for the millions of refugees in need.

"Our longstanding support of the IRC comes from a deep respect for the humanitarian work they do and a fundamental understanding of their mission to get much needed relief to millions of refugees displaced throughout the world," explains Richard Plepler, chairman & CEO of HBO. "On behalf of the HBO employees and talent associated with Game of Thrones who graciously donated their time and resources to this effort, we are honored to join the IRC in this partnership at a time of great need around the world."

International Rescue Committee. (PRNewsFoto/International Rescue Committee)

Joining the IRC and HBO in this mission is Omaze, the experience-driven fundraising platform behind some of the biggest celebrity, influencer and brand experiences for fans, all in support of amazing causes. From March 13th - April 5th, for as little as a $10 donation, Game of Thrones fans from around the world can enter on the Omaze website for the chance to win their dream experience with the cast. One winner selected at random will attend the season six premiere and after party with the cast. All of the donations raised via the Omaze platform will benefit the IRC.

 The Video

Clean Energy Could Save Hundreds Of Billions In Health Costs Every Year

If the U.S. moved to electric vehicles, there would be a substantial cut in air pollution – and health benefits to go with it. septim/flickr, CC BY-NC-ND

By Drew Shindell, Duke University

In Paris late last year, the countries of the world pledged to reduce emissions to keep global warming “well below a 2 degree Celsius” rise in global average temperatures compared with preindustrial levels.

As an advanced economy, the U.S. is expected to lead in making the required emissions reductions, which would be roughly 80 percent by midcentury compared with 2005. This would entail moving a large portion of U.S. power generation off fossil fuels and shifting the majority of our vehicles to electric power. That’s a tall order.

Most existing energy policies focus on the nearer term, and as yet there is no roadmap to achieve this 2°C limit – or even less aggressive targets for emissions cuts in the next 15 years.

TIGA Presents 'Changing The Game': A Collaboration With ITN Productions

CEO of the Independent Game Developers' Association (TIGA), Richard Wilson in an interview with UK national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky regarding their partnership with ITN Productions and upcoming news programme called "Changing the Games". The aim of the programme is to share knowledge and heighten awareness among policy makers, politicians and the wider public about the significant role that the gaming sector plays in the strength of the UK economy. (PRNewsFoto/ITN Productions and TIGA)

In a unique communications partnership, The Independent Game Developers' Association (TIGA) and ITN Productions are producing a news and current affairs-style programme which will explore the future of the gaming industry. It will tell the story of a thriving industry that given the right support and encouragement at home, could see the UK reach its full potential on the global stage. ITN Productions will also be TIGA's official media partner for the prestigious 2016 TIGA Games Industry Awards.

Is The Bank Of England Independent When It Comes To Brexit?

shutterstock.com

By David Cobham, Heriot-Watt University

The Bank of England has been attacked by Leave campaigners for articulating what they deem to be pro-government, pro-Remain views about Brexit, when it should supposedly be independent. Governor Mark Carney’s comment that leaving the EU is the “biggest domestic risk to financial stability” provoked the criticism that he is breaching the bank’s independence. But it seems more likely that this is a case of shooting the messenger in order to distract attention from the message.

Trump University Salesman Speaks Out: "With Donald Trump, You Always Have To Read The Fine Print"

Trump University Salesman Speaks Out In American Future Fund Ad: "With Donald Trump, You Always Have To Read The Fine Print"

A former Trump University salesman speaks out against the presidential candidate in a seven-figure Florida ad buy by American Future Fund (AFF), warning voters that, "with Donald Trump, you always have to read the fine print."

Cliff, the former salesman, explains that he is telling "the true story" about Trump's course, which is the subject of two class-action lawsuits and an action by the office of the New York State Attorney General, which labeled it a "bait-and-switch" scheme.

Cliff underscores that the course, which changed its name five years after the State Education Department sent a letter stating it could not use the term "university," was "D-rated on the Better Business Bureau" and speaks of "non-stop calls with complaints."

Is Britain Safer In Or Out Of The European Union? This One's A No Brainer

PA/Gareth Fuller

By Christopher J. Fuller, University of Southampton

Ever since the Islamic State assault on Paris in November 2015, Brexit campaigners have sought to draw a link between Britain’s partnership with Europe, and the vulnerability of its cities to similar attacks. In the days after the atrocities, prominent Leave proponent Richard Tice took direct aim at In campaigners when he said: “never again should they say the United Kingdom is safer in the European Union.”

Until Britain takes back control of its borders, argues UKIP’s Nigel Farage, it cannot be “isolated” from the threat posed by Islamic extremists. The use of the word “isolated” should not be overlooked – it holds a special place in history, and reveals the fantasy in the thinking of those advocating the UK’s exit.

The belief that, in an ever-more interconnected world, Britain’s geography could somehow allow its government to pull up the drawbridge, as if Britain is some sort of impenetrable fortress, is simplistic and old-fashioned.

Timefire VR Announces First Virtual Reality City

Hypatia - The First City in Virtual Reality created by Timefire www.timefirevr.com
(PRNewsFoto/TIMEFIRE VR)

Hypatia Revolutionizes Gaming Market With Focus on Immersive Social Environment

Timefire LLC, an Arizona tech company, announces the most advanced virtual reality city arriving this year, called Hypatia. This immersive social environment will focus on providing rich cultural and educational experiences, while also offering an entertaining setting where collaboration and creativity are the currency. On the more than 70 miles of streets in Hypatia its citizens will stroll among the tree lined canals, be able to take in a play or attend a concert, visit a museum, paint using 2D and 3D tools, explore, shop, or kick back and read a holographic book from their virtual smart phone.

Donald Trump's Grandfather Was An Illegal Migrant And 'Trojan Horse'

Beware Trojan horses. Gage Skidmore/flickr, CC BY-SA

By Stefan Manz, Aston University

During New Year celebrations in Cologne, there were more than 500 reported attacks against women, including robbery and sexual assault. Most of the suspects are of North African origin, and some are thought to have entered the country illegally or as asylum seekers.

The news was welcome campaign fodder for US presidential hopeful Donald Trump. Referring to German chancellor Angela Merkel’s open door policy on refugees from Syria, he commented in his usual rhetoric: “I don’t know what the hell she is thinking”.

Trump went on to say that he did not want to have “people coming in from migration from Syria (sic)” as these were aggressive young men who “look like they should be on the wrestling team”. More dangerously still, Trump believed such people could act as terrorist “Trojan horses”.

Toastmasters Honors Successful Women on International Women's Day

Shurooq AlBanna competes in Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking (PRNewsFoto/Toastmasters International)

In honor of International Women's Day on March 8, Toastmasters International salutes women around the world. More than half of the organization's 332,000-plus members are females who join Toastmasters to become more confident speakers and leaders.

During her tenure as Toastmasters' first female International President from 1985-86, the late Helen Blanchard, a former civilian Navy manager, encouraged women to "commit to excellence." The trailblazer, who broke barriers in Toastmasters and in the workplace at a time when few women were leaders, said she lived by that motto. "Committing to excellence is not about something you put on. It's about something you bring out. By doing the very best I could do in any situation, it always led to better opportunities," said Blanchard.

Golden Globe Nominee Caitriona Balfe Joins Cast of 'Trust No One'

Kassianides and Caitriona Balfe taken from Simon Kassianides' instagram. Caitriona is staring in Kassianides' new movie 'Trust No One'. (PRNewsFoto/Trust No One)

Caitriona Balfe, winner of a Saturn Award and and Golden Globe nomination for her role asClaire Beauchamp in Outlander, is joining a star cast of young actors making an action/thriller movie funded through Kickstarter.