Latest news with #Minos
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
A cheeky condom from the 1800s steals the show at an Amsterdam museum
A rare condom dating from 1830 featuring an erotic print of a nun and three clergymen in provocative poses that went on display at the Rijksmuseum as part of an exhibit on 19th century prostitution and sexuality. It's an illustration that would be racy even by today's standards: A nun points her finger at a trio of clergymen, who raise their robes to reveal their aroused state. Her bare legs are splayed open, in a bizarre and humorous exchange. If that wasn't risqué enough, the drawing was printed on a condom nearly 200 years ago and is thought to have been circulated as a brothel souvenir. Likely made from a sheep's appendix, the early contraceptive is also inscribed with the words 'Voilà mon choix,' or 'This is my choice' - a tongue-in-cheek jab at celibacy. The yellowed, crinkled condom made its debut on Tuesday at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Perched on a tiny stand, it rests among other relics depicting 19th-century prostitution and sexuality in the museum's print room, which is dedicated to drawings and photographs across various media. 'Only two such objects are known to have survived to the present day,' the Rijksmuseum said in a release. 'It reveals that printing was being used in a wide range of contexts.' Curious readers can get a closer, possibly not-safe-for-work look here. The origin of the condom - or its derivatives - might date to around 3000 BC, when it was written that the mythological character King Minos of Crete protected his wife from the 'serpents and scorpions' in his semen by inserting a goat's bladder into her vagina before intercourse. It was said that Minos's mistress had died after having intercourse with him, leading him to seek further protection from disease. Other interpretations of the story suggest that Minos wore the goat's bladder himself. Some argue that condoms made from animal intestines have existed since at least the medieval age. In a lecture about the history of condoms, researcher Kate Stephenson said that the earliest evidence of condom use that she found was from 1564, when an Italian anatomist wrote about men using linen cloth made to fit over the penis. Another scholar documented similar methods a few years later, she added. The 1830 condom on display in the Netherlands 'embodies both the lighter and darker sides of sexual health, in an era when the quest for sensual pleasure was fraught with fears of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases - especially syphilis,' the Rijksmuseum wrote. Close-up photos on the museum's website show the intricate, etching-like nature of the drawing printed upon it. The museum says its inscription is also a parody of the Judgment of Paris, a Greek myth that tells of the Trojan prince choosing which of three goddesses - Aphrodite, Athena and Hera - is the most beautiful. Rijksmuseum curators purchased the condom six months ago at an auction. There were no other bidders, according to Artnet. The condom will be on display until the end of November, the museum said.
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Petronas using 'every trick under the sun' to undermine Sarawak's rights
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 Text Size: Bernama KUCHING: Political analyst Dato Peter Minos has accused Petronas of using 'every trick under the sun' to weaken Sarawak's control over its oil and gas resources, describing the national oil company's alleged tactics as unacceptable, DayakDaily reported. Minos said attempts to use the 'flawed' Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) to erase Sarawak's rights, along with pressure campaigns against the State and its energy company Petros, must be opposed. 'Using flawed PDA74 to erase our rights is simply unacceptable. Applying pressure on Sarawak by underhanded tactics, like threats and press war, is also unacceptable,' he was quoted as saying. He stressed that oil and gas within Sarawak's territory and continental shelf rightfully belong to the State, under the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and by natural rights. 'We are not asking for the moon. We just want a bit more from our own oil and gas resources,' said Minos, urging Petronas to treat Sarawak with fairness. While acknowledging Petronas' role in national development, Minos reaffirmed the priority of Sarawak's rights. He called on Sarawakians to stand behind Petros in defending those rights. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Otago Daily Times
28-04-2025
- Otago Daily Times
A taste of Greece in Crete
This excerpt from Lonely Planet's 100 Weekends in Europe demonstrates Crete's combination of cultural and natural spectacles make it a perfect destination for a quick getaway. The largest of the Hellenic islands, Crete is a condensed version of Greece, and a weekend here offers a tantalising taster of its charms. Underwater caves, shipwrecks and diverse marine life will delight divers, while inland, hikers can enjoy scenic walks through the island's many gorges. Beach lovers head for the south coast's Preveli (with a freshwater strand as well as the sea), the palm-backed Vai at Crete's northeast tip or, in the southeast, the delightful Elafonisi, with pink-tinged sand and turquoise waters. History buffs won't be disappointed, either. The place where the legendary King Minos is said to have kept his minotaur, the Palace of Knossos was the former capital of the Minoans, whose legacy is preserved in the archaeological museum in the capital, Iraklio (Heraklion). The evocative Old Town of Hania (Chania), with its winding streets and Greek, Ottoman and Venetian architecture, leads to a waterfront promenade lined with pastel houses. Between the two, Rethymno is equally attractive, as is the fortified island of Spinalonga. And in the interior, venture into the tavernas and kafeneio (cafes) of remote villages to enjoy Cretan cooking and warm hospitality. Check out Cretan farmhouse living For a hands-on immersion into the traditions of rural Crete, take a trip to one of the island's working farms, many of which have opened up their doors to visitors. You can book in for a few hours or a day (or even overnight — many also offer accommodation); typical activities might include watching olive oil production, learning how to make local breads and cheeses, or taking a cooking class, as well as pitching in with herb picking and feeding the animals. Recommended Cretan farms include Agreco ( the ecotourism village Enagron ( and the Dalabelos Estate ( Follow a wine route Wine has been produced in Crete over four millennia, and this long tradition of winemaking is best explored by taking a tour of the island's wineries, the majority of which are located around Iraklio ( If you have a car (and a designated driver), it's easy to plot a route around the wineries, which offer tastings, tours and a wealth of information on the local grape varieties. Alternatively, take an organised wine tour with Made in Crete ( including transport, tastings and lunch. Paddle a sea kayak along the Cretan coast What could be more exciting than discovering the Cretan coastline from a kayak? Numerous operators rent kayaks with which you can explore the coast independently and organise guided excursions lasting a few hours or a full day; two-day excursions to discover the coves and cliffs that dot the southern coast are also available. Take a hike through gorgeous gorges Hiking through the many gorges that slice through the Cretan landscape is a must-do for hikers. Most make a beeline for the famous Samaria, but for less-frequented trails, head to the likes of Imbros Gorge, half as long as Samaria at 8km, and a two- to three-hour walk from end to end along a scenic one-time mule path. In the east of the island, Zakros Gorge offers a range of lovely walks along a meandering green river (dry in summer); the canyon walls are dotted with Minoan burial sites, earning Zakros its Valley of the Dead nickname. You can walk independently, but guided hikes are also available. More time? Gadvos: Anendyk Seaways ( offers summer ferries (around two hours from Hora Sfakion) between Crete and this southernmost of the Greek islands, a wild and unspoilt place with lovely beaches and a pine-and cedar-swathed interior. Lasithi Plateau: Dotted with windmills and overlooked by the peaks of the Dikti Mountains, this fertile plateau in eastern Crete's Lasithi Province is home to the Dikteon Cave where, according to legend, the earth goddess Rhea is said to have given birth to Zeus, safe from the clutches of his cannibalistic father Cronos. The artfully lit interior is a riot of impressive stalactites. Cretan raki While ouzo is very popular in other parts of Greece, in Crete it's all about raki. Also known as tsikoudia, this fragrant, clear spirit is distilled from strafylla, the pulp that remains after grapes are crushed and pressed to make wine. Similar to French marc and Italian grappa (though unlike Turkish rak, no anise is added here), Cretan raki is a popular aperitif, and you'll often be offered a glass to round off a meal at the island's tavernas. Production begins in October at the island's distilleries, and Cretan villages celebrate the event with tastings. If it's chilly, try rakomelo, flavoured with honey and cinnamon and often served warm. Practicalities How to get there: Crete has two international airports, in Hania and Iraklio. Low-cost airlines run to both from European cities and the UK. Where to stay: Inland, especially around Hania and Rethymno, staying on a farm offers an atmospheric alternative to the beachside hotels. Many offer farm-to-table meals too. The book 100 Weekends in Europe by Lonely Planet, $55 RRP. Available at Whitcoulls or contact
Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Closer cooperation between govt agencies, elected reps key to driving Serian's growth, says council chairman
Minos (centre) presents a memento to a staff members at the Aidilfitri event in Serian. — Ukas photo KUCHING (April 26): Serian District Council chairman Dato Peter Minos looks forward to seeing closer cooperation between government agencies and the elected representatives in the Serian parliamentary constituency. He regards enhanced collaboration between government arms and lawmakers is vital towards ensuring that Serian's development would be on a par with its other counterparts such as Samarahan. According to him, each government agency plays a pivotal role in planning and implementing development projects in Serian. 'The Serian District Council cannot work alone; therefore, cooperation from all parties including the elected representatives: namely Serian MP, Tebedu and Balai Ringin assemblymen as well as the district agencies, is very much needed,' he said according to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report during the council's Aidilfitri gathering at a hotel in Serian today. An award ceremony was also held in conjunction with the event in appreciation of the hard work and commitment of the staff. Adding on, Minos said he was committed to working with all parties to ensure that Serian town would continue to see further development and could become an attractive tourist destination. He extended his appreciation to his predecessor Inting Nyami, now the Tebedu District Officer, for his excellent leadership throughout his tenure. 'It is hoped that with this combination of new and experienced staff members, our dream of making Serian a progressive and prosperous town will be achieved,' said Minos.
Borneo Post
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
New council chairman pledges responsive leadership for Serian District
Sagah (centre) congratulates Minos with a handshake upon his appointment as MDS chairman. Looking on at left is Loh. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (April 23): Dato Peter Minos has officially been sworn in as the new chairman of the Serian District Council (MDS), succeeding his previous role as Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman. Minos was joined by eight newly appointed councillors, including Felix Kunyau Kuna who will serve as MDS deputy chairman, and 24 reappointed councillors – bringing the council's total membership to 32. The new councillors are Andrew Sabat, Rojeck Layau, Jamuri Ali, Koring Dadoi, Eric Richard Dampeng and Cindrawella Thomas Porton. The reappointed councillors are Jifudin Abdullah, Diye Nyanggun, Georgy Lampaah, John David Nyauh, Robin Augustine Kiek, Emmanuel Henry Bujang, Kathlene/Duri Limin, Saidin Abdul Rahman, John Gerep Misang, Andi Gangak, Britten Osup, Pansin Bajah, Chai Kim Sin, Michaelina Richard Riot, Lai Chau Liong, Limko@B'Latok Ales, Denis Ahkow, Micky Bagan, Glenn Ross Ranger@Michael, Kalas Inchap, Collin Raman Nyandang, Rita Inu, Miguel Durim Namu and Alvin Jeromeo Duncan. Speaking at the ceremony, Minos shared that he initially declined the role but later accepted it after receiving encouragement from local community members. He pledged to lead with openness and responsiveness, ensuring the council listens to the needs of the people to drive development in Serian. He expressed his intention to elevate MDS to municipal status, similar to MPKS, pending approval from both the state and federal governments and also proposed the construction of a new headquarters to accommodate the council's growing staff. 'It is high time for MDS to have a new headquarters as the current building is too small and crowded with over 100 staff,' he said. He also urged councillors to collaborate closely with the District Office and relevant agencies to avoid delays caused by misunderstandings and mistrust. 'Delays result in procrastination, and when that happens, the people on the ground begin to feel that our work is being neglected. That's why collaboration is essential. Whether you like each other or not is secondary, we must work together,' he stressed. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and permanent secretary to the state Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry Datu Elizabeth Loh. Sagah, in his speech, reminded councillors of their key role in implementing Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects and other initiatives under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA). He noted that although GKCDA was established over a year ago, little progress has been made. 'It has been a year and a half since GKCDA was established, and yet no funds have been spent. If we don't begin utilising the allocated funds, we risk losing them,' he stressed. 'With the new leadership and experience brought in from Samarahan by Dato Peter Minos, I trust he will help us accelerate the rollout of these projects,' he said. He added that councillors must act as the 'eyes and ears' of the community, ensuring issues raised by the public are brought to the attention of the right authorities. Also present were deputy minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, deputy minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Serian MP Dato Richard Riot, and other dignitaries. Peter Minos Serian District Council
