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Ancient Texts, Modern Questions: New Book Explores the Recurring Mystery of Polydactyly Throughout History

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Footprints of the Gods: Extra Digits—The Mark of the Giants by Jim Vieira and Greg Maestro explores the recurring appearance of six-fingered and six-toed figures across ancient civilizations, archaeological artifacts, religious texts, and historical traditions.Drawing on material from Mesopotamia, the ancient Near East, Jordan, Iran, North America, and other regions, the book examines whether these unusual depictions reflect symbolic art, real cases of polydactyly, or cultural traditions connected to rulers, heroes, and divine figures. The authors also discuss references from texts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Book of Enoch, and biblical passages.Rather than promoting a single theory, Vieira and Maestro present a broad collection of archaeological and historical evidence and invite readers to consider why similar motifs appear across distant cultures. The book aims to encourage further discussion and research into the relationship between archaeology, mythology, physical characteristics, and ancient belief systems.Footprints of the Gods: Extra Digits—The Mark of the Giants is now available on Amazon.

New York, New York, United States, 12th Aug 2026 – For centuries, archaeologists, historians, and readers of ancient literature have examined artifacts, inscriptions, and traditions that raise questions about humanity’s distant past. A newly released book, Footprints of the Gods: Extra Digits—The Mark of the Giants, by Jim Vieira and Greg Maestro, brings together archaeological discoveries, historical records, and ancient narratives to examine one recurring detail found across multiple civilizations: the depiction of individuals with six fingers and six toes.

Rather than presenting a single conclusion, the book surveys evidence drawn from Mesopotamia, the ancient Near East and many more spanning nine regions where unusual anatomical features appear in sculptures, seals, religious imagery, and historical texts. The authors explore whether these recurring depictions were symbolic artistic choices, representations of real individuals with polydactyly, or part of broader traditions surrounding rulers, heroes, and divine beings.

Among the artifacts discussed are Mesopotamian cylinder seals, ancient amulets, stone sculptures, and archaeological finds that depict figures with extra digits. The research also examines references from ancient literature, including the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Book of Enoch, alongside religious passages that mention individuals described as having six fingers and six toes.

The publication highlights how similar motifs appear across geographically distant cultures, prompting questions about whether these parallels developed independently or reflect shared traditions that spread over time. Rather than focusing on sensational claims, the authors encourage readers to examine the available evidence and consider how archaeology, mythology, and written history sometimes intersect in unexpected ways.

In addition to discussing well-known archaeological sites in Mesopotamia, the book references discoveries from Jordan, Iran, and North America, where images and carvings featuring extra digits have also been documented. By comparing these findings, the authors seek to identify recurring patterns that have received relatively little attention in mainstream discussions of ancient history. 

The work also explores how ancient societies associated physical characteristics with status, ancestry, and religious significance. Throughout history, unusual anatomical traits have often been interpreted differently depending on cultural context, sometimes serving as symbols of authority, divinity, or distinction.

According to the authors, the purpose of the book is not to rewrite history but to encourage closer examination of archaeological evidence and historical sources that continue to generate scholarly and public interest. By assembling material from multiple civilizations into a single volume, the book invites readers to consider whether recurring details preserved in artifacts and texts may warrant further research.

As public interest in ancient civilizations, archaeology, and historical mysteries continues to grow, Footprints of the Gods: Extra Digits—The Mark of the Giants contributes to the ongoing conversation by presenting a broad collection of historical references, archaeological discoveries, and visual evidence related to one of antiquity’s more unusual recurring themes.

The book is now available on Amazon.

 

About the Authors

Jim Vieira. Vieira has spent years researching reports and traditions involving giants, flood narratives, and polydactyly in ancient art and archaeology. His research has included travel to archaeological sites in the Andes, Malta, Turkey, Mexico, and Peru, as well as conversations with tribal elders, museum curators, and archaeologists.

Greg Maestro. Maestro brings a background in biblical and esoteric literature, travel, filmmaking, and technical research. His collaboration with Vieira grew from a shared interest in questions surrounding humanity’s ancient origins, and he contributed to expanding the book’s documented cases, research scope, and narrative structure.

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Culture and Technology Roundtable of Macao International Forum Successfully Held at MUST

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Macau S.A.R., 26th Oct 2026 – Recently, the “Culture and Technology Roundtable” of the Macao International Forum was held at Macau University of Science and Technology. The conference was jointly organized by the Macao Foundation, Chinese Cultural Figures Magazine, and Macau University of Science and Technology, and undertaken by the Macao Branch of Chinese Cultural Figures Magazine, the Chinese Cultural Figures Macau Art Museum, and the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of Macau University of Science and Technology.

Scene of the “Culture and Technology Roundtable” of the Macao International Forum.

Photo by Zhang Dongli

Morning Session: Mutual Learning among Civilizations — Cultural Roots and Scientific & Technological Innovation in the Digital-Intelligent Era

The first roundtable on the morning was themed “Mutual Learning among Civilizations: Cultural Roots and Scientific & Technological Innovation in the Digital-Intelligent Era”. With “mutual learning among civilizations” as the vision, “cultural roots” as the foundation, and “scientific & technological innovation” as the path, the session delved into the relationship between upholding integrity and pursuing innovation, offering targeted insights for cultural inheritance and injecting humanistic care into scientific & technological innovation.

A total of 18 distinguished guests attended this roundtable, including Su Shishu, Honorary Chairman of the China Calligraphers Association; Jia Guangjian, Vice Chairman of the China Artists Association; Wu Zhiliang, Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Macao Foundation; Wang Yuming, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Wang Baosheng, President of Chinese Cultural Figures Magazine; Zhang Xu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Zhou Zhandong, Chairman of the Board of Zhongmao (Hainan) Cross-Border Investment Group.

Guests from the cultural and artistic circles, drawing on practical experience in creation and research, directly addressed the opportunities and challenges of the digital-intelligent era and shared how the core spirit of China’s fine traditional culture can maintain its vitality in the context of emerging technologies. Guests from the scientific and technological circles, starting from the laws governing technological development and cutting-edge industry trends, discussed how scientific & technological innovation can serve the contemporary needs of cultural inheritance and explained the intrinsic unity of the scientific spirit and humanistic care. Guests from the industrial circles, based on industrial practice in the integration of culture and technology, shared their judgments on industry trends and strategic observations, and explored sustainable development paths and business model innovation for cultural-technological integration.

Scene of the “Culture and Technology Roundtable” of the Macao International Forum.

Photo by Su Qing

Afternoon Session: Co-Creating New Horizons — Cross-Sector Forces in the AI Era and the Future of the Greater Bay Area

The second roundtable in the afternoon was themed “Co-Creating New Horizons: Cross-Sector Forces in the AI Era and the Future of the Greater Bay Area”, with the “AI era” as the technological context, “cross-sector forces” as the actors, and the “future of the Greater Bay Area” as the spatial coordinate. It focused on frontier practice and cross-sector co-creation, with emphasis on the implementation of AI-enabled cultural and artistic scenarios, innovation in cross-sector collaboration models, and the building of an ecosystem for cultural-technological integration in the Greater Bay Area.

The roundtable brings together 20 distinguished guests, including Chen Qingli, former Deputy Director of the Foreign Liaison Bureau of the General Office of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress; Liu Yiliang, Vice Chairman of the 11th All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese; Tian Liming, Director of the Chinese Painting Art Committee of the China Artists Association; Liu Xinqi, Foreign Academician of the Russian Academy of Engineering; Wu Zhihua, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Senior experts from the cultural and artistic circles shared industry insights and practical experience on the innovative development of culture and art in the digital-intelligent era, while young artists showcased frontier explorations such as AI-assisted creation, digital curation, and cross-media art experiments. Guests from the scientific and technological circles, from the perspective of technological trends and strategic vantage points, depicted the long-term vision and key breakthrough directions for the integration of AI and culture, and presented specific cases of AI implementation in culture and art, sports training, educational innovation, and other fields. Guests from the sports and education circles shared frontier practices in technology-enabled sports training, event broadcasting, and sports culture innovation, and explored innovative approaches through which AI technology can promote the integration of culture and education and transform learning methods. Industry representatives and young entrepreneurs, from the perspectives of market and ecosystem, discussed collaborative pathways, business models, and future judgments for the cultural and technological industry in the Greater Bay Area.

Two Roundtable Sessions Forge Consensus for Two-Way Empowerment of Culture and Technology

The two roundtable sessions reinforced and complemented each other, jointly forming a complete dialogue chain from value assessment to practical implementation. Guests generally agreed that, in the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the deep integration of culture and technology represents both a defining imperative of the era and a significant development opportunity. As a key gateway for exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations, Macao combines the institutional advantage of “One Country, Two Systems” with the geographical advantage as a globally connected hub. The city is well positioned to make remarkable headway in advancing the integration of culture and technology and promoting cross-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning.

Company: China Cultural Figures Magazine

Contact Person: Ma Jiangping

Email: zhongxinshexinwen@126.com

Website: www.hk.ccpvip.com

Telephone: (86) 010-88572916

City: Beijing, China

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Shabnam Rahbarvafaee and Pedram Sharokhi invite Angelenos to help provide meals to people

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Shabnam Rahbar vafaee and her husband, Pedram “Peter” Sharokhi, today announced an initiative to bring free, high-quality meals to unhoused residents of Skid Row, one of the most densely populated concentrations of homelessness in the United States. The effort is led by the Shabnam Rahbarvafaee Community and rests on one belief: food is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. Los Angeles continues to face a deep homelessness crisis, and hunger is one of its most immediate and least visible costs. For people living on the streets, a reliable and nourishing meal can be hard to find. Rahbarvafaee’s initiative aims to change that by mobilizing neighbors, volunteers and local resources.

Porter ranch, California, United States, 26th Oct 2026 – Shabnam Rahbar vafaee and her husband, Pedram “Peter” Sharokhi, today announced an initiative to bring free, high-quality meals to unhoused residents of Skid Row, one of the most densely populated concentrations of homelessness in the United States. The effort is led by the Shabnam Rahbarvafaee Community and rests on one belief: food is a fundamental human right, not a privilege.

Los Angeles continues to face a deep homelessness crisis, and hunger is one of its most immediate and least visible costs. For people living on the streets, a reliable and nourishing meal can be hard to find. Rahbarvafaee’s initiative aims to change that by mobilizing neighbors, volunteers and local resources.

“Nobody should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, least of all in a city with so much abundance,” said Rahbarvafaee. “This is not charity for its own sake. It’s about dignity, and about ordinary people discovering they can be part of the solution.”

Building an Ecosystem of Compassion

Rahbarvafaee describes her mission as going beyond one-time acts of giving. Her goal is a sustainable ecosystem of compassion that connects surplus resources with the people who need them most. By bridging that gap, the Shabnam Rahbarvafaee Community invites everyday citizens to take an active role in addressing hunger rather than watching from a distance.

The initiative focuses on three principles:

Quality: Meals should be nutritious and prepared with care, not an afterthought.
Access: Food is offered freely and without conditions, to meet people where they are.
Community: Local residents, families and organizations are invited to participate, so the effort grows through shared ownership.

[Insert specifics if available: location and schedule of meal distributions, number of meals planned or served to date, partner organizations, and how volunteers can sign up.]

A Shared Commitment to Fairness and Dignity

The announcement reflects the values the couple shares. Sharokhi, a Porter Ranch resident, is committed to the belief that every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in school, regardless of financial background. He sees education as one of the most powerful tools for building a better future and is dedicated to removing the unnecessary obstacles faced by students in underprivileged communities.

“Supporting students and feeding people in need come from the same place,” said Sharokhi. “It’s about fairness, dignity and investing in the next generation. When you’re able to help, you should step forward and share your success with others.”

Together, the couple see hunger and educational inequity as connected challenges. A child who goes without food struggles to learn, and an adult without stability has fewer chances to rebuild. Their combined efforts reflect a belief that meeting basic needs is the foundation for opportunity.

How to Get Involved

The Shabnam Rahbarvafaee Community welcomes participation from individuals, families, businesses, faith groups and civic organizations. Ways to help include volunteering to prepare or serve meals, donating food or supplies, sponsoring a distribution, or spreading the word to bring in new supporters.

“You don’t need to be an expert or have unlimited resources,” Rahbarvafaee added. “You just need to care enough to show up. Every meal says to someone, ‘You matter, and you are not forgotten.’”

About the Shabnam Rahbarvafaee Community

The Shabnam Rahbarvafaee Community is a Los Angeles-based, volunteer-driven effort founded on the conviction that food is a human right. Led by Shabnam Rahbarvafaee, it mobilizes local communities to provide free, nutritious meals to people experiencing homelessness and builds lasting networks of compassion that turn neighbors into active participants in ending hunger. Learn more at shabnamrahbarvafaee.com.

About Pedram “Peter” Sharokhi

Pedram “Peter” Sharokhi is a Porter Ranch resident dedicated to ensuring that students in underprivileged communities have the same opportunities to succeed in school as their peers. He leads with purpose and compassion and believes that those who are able to help should share their success with others. Learn more at https://pedramsharokhi.com/.

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Cliburn Woodwork Reaches 40 Google Reviews From Southwest Mississippi Homeowners

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Cliburn Woodwork, a Brookhaven, MS tree service, has reached 40 Google reviews. The milestone shows growing homeowner recognition of the company’s tree service. Readers can explore the milestone on the company’s Google Business Profile.

Brookhaven, MS 39601, United States, 26th Oct 2026 – Homeowners often check Google Business Profile reviews before they hire a tree care company. Public feedback lets readers compare customer experiences side by side. Reviews also show how a company communicates and whether it meets stated service expectations. Residents in Southwest Mississippi can read Cliburn Woodwork’s feedback before they make contact. That step helps them make informed choices about who works near their home.

Cliburn Woodwork Reaches 40 Google Reviews From Southwest Mississippi Homeowners

Cliburn Woodwork treats tree care as a local job that starts with the property. A tree care professional visits the site and checks each tree’s condition. An arborist can identify concerns such as dead limbs or leaning trunks, then suggest next steps. Homeowners want experts who explain options in plain terms and respect the budget. Local knowledge helps those experts judge how a tree will handle the area’s weather and soil. Clear advice and local knowledge shape the value property owners expect from a tree service company.

More Information Available at https://cliburnwoodworkllc.com/ 

Southwest Mississippi yards hold a wide mix of native and ornamental trees, from loblolly pine to southern magnolia. Longleaf pine, live oak, sweetgum, and red maple also grow across local properties. Each species grows at its own pace and calls for a different care plan. Wet soil, summer heat, and storm exposure change what a tree needs. Property layout matters too, since a tall pine near a roof carries more risk than one in open space. Local knowledge helps a tree care team judge these factors before any cutting begins.

Homeowners can visit the Cliburn Woodwork Google Business Profile and read the available customer reviews. Property owners with tree care questions can contact the company. The company offers free estimates, so property owners can compare options before they decide. 

About Cliburn Woodwork

Cliburn Woodwork is a licensed, bonded, and insured tree care company with over 15 years of experience. The team includes arborists, tree surgeons, CDL drivers, and general laborers. The company is BBB accredited and was named Best Tree Service in the 2024 Best of Southwest Mississippi Community Choice Awards.

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Organization: Cliburn Woodwork

Contact Person: Mathew Cliburn

Website: https://cliburnwoodworkllc.com/

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Contact Number: +16017572010

Address: 1299 Smith Lake Rd NE

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