Iran plans to submit three new UNESCO World Heritage applications after Alamut's inclusion

If the television used in the bedroom or living room still relies on the speakers built into the panel, it is an opportune moment to make a replacement. Three soundbar options available on sale on Amazon have been selected, ideal for those seeking better sound quality without complications, offering features such as Bluetooth, wireless subwoofer, and compatibility with major audio formats on the market.

The JBL Cinema SB180 presents a 2.1 channel system equipped with a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer. This model is recommended for those who want more robust bass without the clutter of many cables spread throughout the room. The Bluetooth functionality simplifies integration with televisions, smartphones, and other devices, in addition to having a compact design that blends well under any panel.

There is also the JBL Cinema SB180 in black, which preserves all the specifications of the line—2.1 channel system, 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer, and Bluetooth connectivity—but with a finish suitable for more modern and discreet TV room setups, making it a good option for those who prefer a dark aesthetic.

Another alternative is the Samsung HW-B450F, which offers 300W of power distributed in a 2.1 channel system, accompanied by a wireless subwoofer and Dolby Audio support. This combination significantly enhances the experience when watching movies and series. The Bluetooth feature ensures easy connection with various sources, providing a more dynamic and comprehensive sound compared to the native audio of most smart TVs.

It is important to note that offers like these usually have limited stock, and commercial conditions are subject to change at any time. If any of these models have sparked interest, it is recommended to check the link immediately to secure the purchase before prices increase or the product sells out.

A popular influencer in Oman organized an unusual event that featured a roller coaster for chickens.

As part of this peculiar event, raw chickens were subjected to the roller coaster while being cooked. This differs from the usual method of cooking raw meat on a vertical spit, which is common in shawarma establishments in the region.

The event, named Al Hashi Camp, attracted significant attention on social media and ran for a limited time—from July 30 to August 1, 2026. Videos showed workers securing partially cooked chickens in special spots, similar to how ride operators handle passengers.

Visitors were promised not only a unique experience but also various free gifts and a chance to win one of two Mercedes cars through a social media giveaway. To participate, attendees had to film a video at the event and tag the original creator.

These videos were published by Ahmed Al Saadi, the content creator who built his online presence by sharing videos about outdoor leisure culture in the Persian Gulf, specifically camping, off-roading, cooking, and travel.

This Omani content maker and influencer is very popular on Instagram, YouTube, and other social platforms. His content is predominantly in Arabic and is popular among audiences in Oman and the wider Gulf region.

A large portion of Al Saadi's content focuses on food, especially outdoor cooking. He frequently posts videos about preparing traditional Omani and Gulf dishes over an open fire during hikes, as well as restaurant reviews and venue visits. In addition to culinary content, he documents road trips, desert excursions, and nature experiences, showcasing Omani landscapes and promoting local tourist destinations.

With an audience of over a million followers on Instagram and a substantial subscriber base on YouTube, Al Saadi is one of Oman's most well-known social media personalities.

In Homer's epic poem, Odysseus's crew is affected by flowers and fruits from a lotus tree, leading to notable episodes in the narrative. The Odyssey, which recently received a new film adaptation directed by Christopher Nolan, details the long journey of the hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he seeks to return home after the Trojan War, facing various challenges, such as encountering the Cyclops.

A lesser-known passage of the poem recounts that after a failed attempt to raid the Cicones tribe, Odysseus and his men arrive at an island in the Mediterranean. This location is inhabited by the 'lotophagoi,' a tranquil people who live by feeding on the flowers and fruits of a fantastic plant dominant on the island. By consuming this food, Odysseus's men are enchanted, losing the memory of their destination and preferring to remain on the island. Odysseus himself is forced to drag his companions, tied up and crying, back to the ship.

In the new film version, Nolan attributes the flowers to Calypso, the nymph who keeps Odysseus on her island for seven years in a state of deep amnesia. She uses the effects of the lotus flower to make him forget the traumas related to the sacking of Troy and his family in Ithaca. This raises the question: what species of flower possesses such memory-erasing power?

The exact identification of the species is difficult, as it is unlikely that the poetic 'lotus flower' corresponds to modern species like *Nelumbo nucifera*, native to Asia and associated with Buddhism. The original Greek term used, $ ext{lōtós}$ (*lōtós*), is generic and applied to various plants and fruits.

Ancient Greek historians have differed on the exact location of the event. Herodotus, in the 5th century BC, believed the island was located in the coastal area of modern Libya. Three centuries later, Polybius pointed to Djerba, and Strabo, in the 1st century, followed this line. Archaeologist Elizabeth Fentress told the New York Times that Djerba has a native plant called *Ziziphus lotus*, which acts as a sedative, suggesting this could be the case.

Another strong candidate is *Nymphaea caerulea*, the blue lotus, known as the Egyptian lotus. This plant, which grows in North Africa and fits the mythical Mediterranean, has psychoactive properties used by the ancient Egyptians to relieve anxiety, induce sleep, or improve libido, potentially causing hallucinations in high doses.

Alternatively, *Papaver somniferum*, the opium poppy, is considered, as it is the source of analgesic substances used in the synthesis of opioids. This flower was widely consumed in the Mediterranean region in antiquity, which would justify the violent reaction of Odysseus's companions, who had to be dragged tied up.

However, uncertainty remains. Some experts argue that the flower may be purely mythical, combining exotic characteristics to stimulate the imagination of ancient Greece, without any real botanical correspondence. Kirk Freudenburg, a classical culture researcher, commented to the NYT that 'the lotus is for food in the Odyssey, just as the Cyclops is for humans. One thing in mythical imagination.' Thus, the flower may reflect more on the thinking of the era than on botany.