On this day in 1620‚ 41 male passengers on the Mayflower‚ prior to landing at Plymouth‚ Massachusetts‚ signed the Mayflower Compact‚ by which they agreed to abide by the laws of the new government they would establish. — On November 21‚ 1916‚ Britannic‚ the sister ship to the Titanic‚ sank in the Aegean Sea‚ killing 30 people. In the wake of the Titanic disaster‚ the White Star line had made significant modifications to the design of the ship‚ but on its way to pick up wounded soldiers near the Gulf of Athens‚ it was rocked by an explosion causing even … The post Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — November 21‚ 2023 appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

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from Vigilant News: U.K. regulators this week approved the first CRISPR therapy to treat humans and U.S. regulators could approve the therapy — designed to treat blood disorders — as early as December. Meanwhile‚ the U.S. company behind another CRISPR technology‚ “base editing‚” reported a successful initial study — despite 2 of 10 subjects experiencing […]

In the midst of the vibrant city of Istanbul stands a structure with a history so storied and at times controversial that it’s almost unbelievable. Both an architectural marvel and a location of religious significance for multiple religions‚ Hagia Sophia is more than just stone and mortar. It has been a place of inspiration and worship for countless individuals.  But what exactly makes Hagia Sophia so special? It’s beautiful of course‚ even awe-inspiring‚ but its true brilliance lies in its history of metamorphosis and the many roles it has played. The true importance of Hagia Sophia lies somewhere between the faith and artistry of it‚ and the part it’s played in the history of Istanbul itself.  In this article‚ we’ll go into even deeper detail about the history of Hagia Sophia‚ the many roles it played in both Christianity and Islam and even its time as a museum.  Aya Sophia Mosque in Istambul‚ Turkey. History of Hagia Sophia  The history of Hagia Sophia is complicated‚ so we’ll break it down into smaller parts.  4th Century: The Great Church under Constantius II The first iteration of Hagia Sophia was built in 360 CE in the legendary city of Constantinople‚ which is now modern-day Istanbul. It was commissioned by Emperor Constantius II and was meant to serve as a grand church for the entire city. This church was built on the foundations of a pagan temple.  The first name of Hagia Sophia was Magna Ecclesia‚ which translates to Great Church. It was a Christian basilica in its first form‚ much smaller than it would end up being by modern times‚ but still‚ one of the largest churches at the time‚ though there weren’t many to compare it to.  5th Century: Fire and Rebuild Under Theodosius II Fire would be a common enemy of Hagia Sophia throughout history. The first such fire occurred in 404 CE under the rule of Theodosius II. At this point‚ Theodosius II had ordered a second church to be built next to the first Great Church‚ and both were enclosed with a single wall. The first was said to have only destroyed the 4th-century church. The second Theodosian church was more ornate than the first‚ with gilded doors and elaborate carvings.  6th Century: Justinian I and the True Hagia Sophia  Another fire during the Nika Revolt of 532 destroyed the proto-Hagia Sophia church once more‚ and Emperor Justinian I commissioned a new church to be built on the same site. He brought in architects Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles to design something truly magnificent. This third iteration of the Hagia Sophia is the current structure that we see today.  Justinian I wanted his church to be larger and more awe-inspiring than anything else that had been built before. Marble was imported from all over the Mediterranean‚ and over 10‚000 people were employed for the construction.  11th Century: The Great Schism  Before the 11th century‚ Hagia Sophia had existed as a Catholic Eastern Rite Church‚ but after the Great Schism‚ the split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches‚ it became an Eastern Orthodox Church in 1054. Over the next few centuries‚ it would switch back and forth between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox a few times.  15 Century: Conversion into a Mosque  In 1453‚ Constantinople was captured by the Ottoman Empire‚ headed by Sultan Mehmed II. After the capture of the city‚ the Ottoman Empire wasted no time in using Hagia Sophia as a house of worship‚ turning it into a mosque.  As a mosque‚ Hagia Sophia had elements such as minaret towers and mihrab‚ a wall that indicates the direction of Mecca‚ added to the structure to lessen the appearance of its previous identity as a Christian establishment. At the same time‚ pieces of the structure like the bells‚ altars‚ and mosaics showing Christian iconography are removed or hidden. 20th Century: Museum  After existing as a mosque for centuries‚ the Hagia Sophia was eventually transformed into a museum under the leadership of the first Turkish president‚ Mustafa Kemal Atatürk‚ in 1935. The carpeting that covered the original marble floor was removed‚ and the mosaics that had been covered for so long were revealed once more.  After briefly housing weaponry during WWII‚ the Hagia Sophia continued to exist as a museum but slowly deteriorated during this time. In 1996‚ the World Monuments Fund added the Hagia Sophia to its watch list‚ and in 1997 received the first grant to start restoration of the ancient structure.  21st Century: Reconversion into a Mosque  With an internationally unpopular move that had support inside the borders of Turkey‚ President ErdoÄŸan announced that Hagia Sophia would be rehallowed as a mosque. Hagia Sophia was a UNESCO site‚ and its change back into a religious institution sparked intense debate. Those opposed to the change claimed that Hagia Sophia was a place of historical significance for people of any religious affiliation‚ while supporters claimed that Hagia Sophia should have never been changed into a museum in the first place.  Unlike last time‚ though‚ the Christian iconography inside Hagia Sophia will still be protected‚ and its status as a UNESCO heritage site will remain. When prayer is not being held at the mosque‚ it is still open to the public.  Why is Hagia Sophia an Architectural Marvel?  Hagia Sophia has stood the test of time‚ weathering wars‚ the shifting of empires‚ and centuries passing by. Starting as a simpler version of itself‚ Hagia Sophia was gradually turned into an architectural marvel that gives us a view into the ancient world.  Blending Byzantine and Ottoman elements in its structure and design‚ there are few other places as old as Hagia Sophia. Its large dome and spires can be seen from a distance‚ and the delicate mosaics and ancient artwork inside are equally impressive. It remains one of the best-surviving examples of the architecture of the time. Hagia Sophia Mosaics  With the change from a museum back into a mosque‚ there was some fear that the mosaics of Hagia Sophia may once more be in danger. After surviving countless earthquakes‚ intentional destruction‚ plastering‚ and whitewashing‚ the mosaics have weathered centuries of trials. So what happens to them now? With Hagia Sophia remaining a UNESCO heritage site‚ the mosaics are safe. During prayer at the mosque the mosaics‚ which are Christian in nature‚ are covered‚ but they can be viewed at other times.  The mosaics are some of the most important pieces of ancient artwork in the world. Made from glass‚ stone‚ gold leaf‚ and ceramics‚ the mosaics feature figures such as Jesus and the Virgin Mary‚ and other Christian iconography like six-winged angels.  For as old as they are‚ the mosaics are remarkably well-preserved. And now that they have been uncovered‚ and the plaster used to hide so many of them washed away‚ their shining‚ golden displays are once again open for the public to see. References “Hagia Sophia”‚  https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hagia-Sophia “A look at the mosaics inside the Hagia Sophia: they tell a layered and important history” https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/art/a-look-at-the-mosaics-inside-the-hagia-sophia-they-tell-a-layered-and-important-history-1.1050244The post The Hagia Sophia: The iconic landmark across centuries first appeared on History Defined.

from FM8:  TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

by Jan Nieuwenhuijs‚ Gainesville Coins: In a recent interview the Dutch central bank (DNB) shares it has equalized its gold reserves‚ relative to GDP‚ to other countries in the eurozone and outside of Europe. This has been a political decision. If there is a financial crisis the gold price will skyrocket‚ and official gold reserves can be […]

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The mysterious figure of D.B. Cooper and the perplexing case that surrounds him have fascinated and baffled both investigators and the public for decades.  It all began on the night of November 24‚ 1971. An individual who would later be famously dubbed “D.B. Cooper” boarded a Boeing 727 bound for Seattle‚ Washington‚ departing from Portland‚ Oregon.  What followed was a heist involving a $200‚000 ransom‚ a daring parachute jump‚ and a mystery that has endured for over half a century. Original Composite Sketch B – Fall 1972 Background and Hijacking On that fateful Thanksgiving eve‚ Northwest Orient Flight 305 took off from Portland International Airport in Oregon‚ bound for Seattle. Little did the 43 passengers and crew know that their journey would soon take an unexpected and terrifying turn.  Somewhere over the rugged terrains of Washington state‚ the man who would be called D.B. Cooper handed a note to one of the flight attendants. The flight attendant opened the note and read it: “Miss – I have a bomb in my briefcase and want you to sit by me.” The hijacker initially told the flight attendant that his name was “Dan Cooper.”  But due to a reporter’s error‚ his name was mistakenly recorded as “D. B. Cooper‚” and the rest is history. The flight attendant sat with him as he dictated his demands to her. The flight attendant relayed the message to the cockpit‚ and the gravity of the situation began to sink in. Cooper had succeeded in hijacking the aircraft without raising any alarm amongs the passengers. In the cockpit‚ the pilot relayed the demands to air traffic control. Cooper’s demands were specific. He wanted the pilot to land the plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This is what he expected to be waiting for him: $200‚000 in cash‚ four parachutes‚ and a fuel truck standing by to refuel the plane for his getaway. The Ransom and Second Flight When the plane landed in Seattle‚ Cooper remained onboard with the crew and passengers. The passengers still had no idea what was taking place.  The plane was refueled. Once a courier delivered the money and the parachutes‚ Cooper released the 36 passengers but kept the crew. What Cooper did not know is that the FBI had carefully cataloged the serial numbers of each of the 10‚000 bills. By 7:40 PM Flight 305 was back in the air headed for Mexico City‚ Mexico with another refueling stop planned in Reno. During the flight‚ Cooper ordered the crew to fly the plane at a low altitude‚ slow speed‚ and with the landing gear down.  The crew complied and then retreated to the cockpit to avoid being sucked out of the plane when Cooper opened the aft staircase. This was the last time the crew saw Cooper.  Somewhere over the dense wilderness of southern Washington‚ a warning light flashed. This indicated that the aft staircase had been deployed.  Upon the plane’s landing in Reno for refueling‚ both local law enforcement and the FBI conducted a thorough search. But D.B. Cooper was not onboard. It was assumed he had deployed his parachute and was hiding somewhere in the Washington wilderness. Investigation and Suspects Search teams combed the wilderness in the vicinity of Cooper’s presumed jump location for weeks. No conclusive evidence of his whereabouts was discovered. It seemed he had vanished without a trace. A month following the hijacking‚ the FBI sent out lists of the ransom serial numbers to financial institutions‚ casinos‚ racetracks‚ and global law enforcement agencies in hopes of tracking Cooper down.  But by 1973‚ the ransom money still remained unaccounted for. If Cooper didn’t spend the money‚ where was it? The FBI has examined countless potential suspects and persons of interest over the years in connection with the D.B. Cooper case but to no avail. To this day‚ the crime remains the only unsolved case of air piracy in the United States. Theories and Potential Whereabouts The enduring mystery of D.B. Cooper’s fate has fascinated true-crime enthusiasts and given rise to a myriad of theories and speculations.  Survival in the Wilderness: Some believe that D.B. Cooper successfully parachuted into the rugged wilderness of Washington and managed to survive. Proponents of this theory argue that he was skilled in outdoor survival but there is no evidence to say he was or he wasn’t.  Reintegration into Society: In the years following the hijacking‚ stories emerged of a mysterious individual in the local area who matched Cooper’s description. Some believe that he may have integrated into a nearby community‚ becoming a kind of local legend. Death in the Wilderness: On the other end of the spectrum‚ there are theories suggesting that Cooper did not survive his parachute jump and instead perished in the harsh wilderness. The vast and challenging terrain could have proved insurmountable. Miscalculations: Because no one witnessed Cooper jump from the plane it is possible that he was never able to deploy the parachute. He could have become disoriented by the darkness making it difficult to pull the ripcord.  Evidence Emerges Nearly ten years after Cooper’s daring escape no evidence of the money or any new suspects ever emerged. But in early 1980‚ an eight-year-old boy who was vacationing on the Columbia River with his family‚ made a fateful discovery.  As he was searching near the river bank he came across three packets of badly deteriorated money in bundles and bound with rubber bands. In total‚ there was $5‚800 dollars in moldy‚ muddy‚ bills.  FBI forensics experts tested the bills and confirmed the bills matched the serial numbers of the ransom money. Finally‚ authorities had evidence of Cooper but it only created more questions than it answered. Some of the D. B. Cooper’s stolen $20 bills found by a young boy in 1980 Popular Culture and Legacy The D.B. Cooper case has remained one of the most mysterious cases in the history of American crime. The legend of D.B. Cooper has maintained a steadfast hold on the public’s fascination and has been a wellspring of inspiration for both movies and television. The hijacking also prompted a reevaluation of security measures in the airline industry. New protocols and regulations were put in place to prevent similar hijackings from happening‚ including: Improved Cockpit Security: It may seem like common sense today‚ but before Cooper’s hijacking‚ cockpit doors did not have a locking mechanism. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of reinforced cockpit doors. These doors are designed to prevent unauthorized access to the flight deck. This makes it much more difficult for hijackers to gain control of the aircraft. Enhanced Passenger Screening: In 1971 most airports did not use metal detectors. The hijacking of Northwest Orient Flight 305‚ and other hijackings during that era‚ played a significant role in prompting the aviation industry to enhance security screening measures before boarding.  Crew Training: Flight crews received training to deal with hijacking situations‚ with an emphasis on communication and cooperation to thwart hijackers. They were taught how to handle and defuse hijacking attempts‚ and their role in ensuring passenger safety became even more critical. Cooperation with Law Enforcement: Improved coordination and communication between airlines‚ airports‚ and law enforcement agencies became a priority. Airlines worked closely with authorities to respond to and manage hijacking incidents more effectively. Rapid Response Teams: Some airlines formed specialized security teams that could respond rapidly to hijacking threats or other security incidents. These teams were trained to assess and mitigate threats‚ working in tandem with law enforcement agencies. No More Skyjacking: A spree of hijackings in the late 1960s and early 1970s‚ including D.B. Cooper’s‚ led to the aviation industry adopting a zero-tolerance policy for hijackings. This policy meant that airlines would no longer negotiate with hijackers‚ reducing the likelihood of future hijackings. Background Checks and Passenger Screening: Airports and airlines began implementing more comprehensive background checks on employees and passengers. This included checking passengers against watchlists and improving the vetting process for airline employees. Recent Developments In 2016‚ the FBI decided to conclude its investigation into the D.B. Cooper case‚ reassigning its resources to other priorities. Importantly‚ the Bureau retained the existing evidence related to the case.  However‚ a significant piece of potential evidence remained elusive: D.B. Cooper’s cigarette butts from the flight‚ which could have held valuable DNA information‚ were nowhere to be found. Even though the official investigation was closed‚ it hasn’t stopped members of the public from continuing to follow leads and explore the mystery.  In 2020‚ an amateur scientist made an intriguing discovery. Microscopic traces of algae‚ known as “diatoms‚” were found on the money that had been unearthed in 1980. What made this finding significant was that the diatoms observed on these bills indicated a springtime bloo. This suggests that the money had only been in contact with water during one season.  This finding refuted one of the earlier theories‚ which had suggested that the money went into the water at the time of Cooper’s parachute jump in November 1971. Conclusion In the world of true crime‚ the D.B. Cooper case has become an iconic symbol of the uncatchable criminal. It is a mystery that has sparked countless investigations‚ theories‚ and speculations.  As the years have turned into decades‚ the possibility of solving the D.B. Cooper case remains an ever elusive goal. The passage of time‚ the limited evidence‚ and the many false leads have all contributed to the enduring mystery.  Whether the case is ever solved or not‚ the legend of D.B. Cooper will continue to captivate‚ challenge‚ and inspire generations to come. References D.B. Cooper Hijacking https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/db-cooper-hijacking D.B. Cooper https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/db-cooper D.B. Cooper https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._B._Cooper#Physical_evidenceThe post The Mystery Behind D.B. Cooper: Skyjacking and Stolen Money first appeared on History Defined.