Joe Biden will become the 46th president of the United States after winning the critical state of Pennsylvania, bringing an end to Donald Trump’s presidency.
After an excruciating four-day count, Biden’s childhood home state of Pennsylvania was called for the long-term Delaware senator and Obama administration vice-president.
Biden said in a statement: “I am honoured and humbled by the trust the American people have placed in me and in Vice President-elect Harris.
America, I’m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country.
The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not.
“In the face of unprecedented obstacles, a record number of Americans voted, proving once again, that democracy beats deep in the heart of America. With the campaign over, it’s time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation.”
The streets of Democratic-leaning cities such as Washington DC and New York immediately erupted with honking and cheers when media outlets announced Biden as the nation’s President-elect.
Kamala Harris is the first woman set to become Vice-President of the United States
For the first time in US history a woman has been projected to be elected to the executive branch of the United States Government.
Kamala Harris, 56, is expected to become the next Vice-President after Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden won the US election.
Ms Harris will also become the second person of colour to be elected either president or vice-president.
Her place in history will be confirmed if she is voted by the electoral college in December.
Since the presidential office of the United States was formed in 1789, 92 men have held the position of either president or vice-president.
Of those, only Barack Obama was a person of colour.
Ms Harris had been a senator from California since 2017.
She made an immediate impact on the US political scene, regularly questioning Donald Trump’s cabinet appointees during confirmation hearings.
Before that, Ms Harris served as a district attorney for San Francisco and as California’s attorney-general.
Congratulations from Morrison and Mitsotakis
Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, also sent his congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden on Twitter.
“Congratulations to US President-Elect Joe Biden. Joe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I’m certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger.”
Joe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I’m certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger. 🇬🇷🇺🇸
This was followed by Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, releasing a statement also emphasising Australia’s closeness to the US.
Congratulations to @joebiden and @kamalaharris – Australia wishes you every success in office. The Australia-US Alliance is deep and enduring, and built on shared values. I look forward to working with you closely as we face the world’s many challenges together.
Lamb Kleftiko is a Greek household favourite. The slow roasted meat with garlic, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes just falls from the bone and is enjoyed by many.
Like many things in Greece, the meal is steeped in history. The dish is said to be named after the Klephts, who were a group of bandits who fought Ottoman rule in Greece. The bandits would cook their ill-gotten gains on coals in a covered hole or underground pit to avoid detection.
The meal cooked by Greeks today is delicious, tender and guaranteed to satisfy the appetites of anyone looking for a filling meal.
Take a look below to see how you can cook this tasty recipe!
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 large lemons
1 head of garlic (about 10 cloves), crushed
6 fresh bay leaves
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, plus extra to garnish
1.5kg waxy main-crop potatoes, such as Desiree
6 large tomatoes, skinned and cut into small chunks
200g feta cheese, coarsely crumbled
6 small lamb hind shanks, each weighing between 350-400g
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas 5.
Put 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the lemon juice, crushed garlic, bay leaves, dried and fresh oregano into a large, heavy-based casserole with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper and stir together.
Peel the potatoes and cut them into large 6cm chunks.
Add them to the casserole with the chopped tomatoes and 150g crumbled feta cheese and mix together well.
Nestle the lamb shanks down into the potato mixture and pour over 100ml water; drizzle with the rest of the olive oil.
Cover the casserole with foil and a close-fitting lid and bake for 3 hours until the meat is falling off the bone, checking after 2 hours to see if it needs a little more water.
Cook uncovered for the final 30 minutes.
Serve at the table, straight from the pot, scattered with a little more oregano and the remaining feta.
A Sydney truck driver found guilty of dangerous driving causing death after running over a 16-year-old boy has been spared jail time.
In delivering his verdict in the District Court on Friday, judge John Pickering told George Kyriakidis when he finally gets his licence back “don’t ever, ever take a shortcut home”.
In August 2018, Kyriakidis was driving his 11-tonne tipper truck home and had slowed down almost to a crawling pace near a busy Bankstown street junction before making an illegal right-hand turn. At the same time, Jason Nguyen had run from a nature strip diagonally across lanes of traffic to get to his home in a street nearby, also making an illegal crossing.
Jason Nguyen was killed when Kyriakidis made an illegal right-hand turn. Credit: 7NEWS
Judge Pickering said like many great tragedies in life, two unfortunate things happened at the same time. The judge added that Kyriakidis made a “selfish” and “quick decision” to break the law but had no reasonable expectation a pedestrian would be crossing at that section of the road at that time.
Over a six-day trial, Kyriakidis had pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury after more than a day of deliberations.
Kyriakidis is to serve a community corrections order for two years, along with other conditions including supervision from Bankstown Community Corrections centre.
In a victim impact statement, Nguyen’s mother said her family’s life had forever changed since his death, and she still cries with pain which still feels so large.
She hopes to “protect her remaining loves ones as I failed to protect my late son”.
“[I] still cry with pain which still feels so large.”
Kyriakidis acknowledged his life had been permanently altered by his decision to take a shortcut home that day, and was already serving “a greater personal punishment” than any other he could be brought to bear.
She sits proudly, entangled in a plethora of sentimental memories, not much different to when she was first built back in 1957. Nonetheless she serves a slightly different purpose these days.
Built in 1957, for three gratifying decades she was the symbolic home for the extensive community of the newly arrived Greeks of the Diaspora. As the young migrants settled into their new lives in the humble city of Adelaide, the unfamiliarity of what was now home, was overwhelming. Life in the patritha would soon become an engravement only in thought.
No longer to be heard, the ring of the village church bell. The pleasurable chatter of the neighbourhood outside their homes, faded. The cheers from the children playing in the platia asthe elders of the village sat around the local cafeniou sipping a tsipouro, gone. Even the constant and soothing sounds of the traditional beads, the komboloi, would be sorely missed.
Yes, their new homes were larger … yes – the streets were wide and clean … nevertheless, life would not measure up to what was once accustomed by these young migrants.
Eager to continue the strong traditions left behind in their beloved homeland and to create a platform where they could come together, the young and enthusiastic Greeks of the small Adelaide community formed strong bonds, creating what would become the most treasured memories for each and every one of them.
With passionate drive, determination and hard work, the new migrants to Adelaide invested an enormous amount of their time in this iconic hall, creating a wonderful place to call home.
Today, the most sentimental memories of a bygone era remain within the walls of this building. If only she could speak, she would shower us with the most beautiful and loving stories. She would replay the familiar tunes of the bouzouki, the idol of Greek music, over again, taking us back to an exceptional era.
EXCITED FANS WITH MIKIS THEODORAKIS AT THE HALL DURING HIS WORLD CONCERT TOUR IN 1972. PHOTO SUPPLIED BY BOOK, ‘AS WE REMEMBER IT – THE OLYMPIC HALL’
She was the Olympic Hall (now known as Hellenic House) … a meeting place where the struggles of new life for these young and apprehensive migrants could be forgotten and instead joy and hope was implemented. It was their go to, somewhere to meet fellow patriotes, new and long-lasting friendships were made, young couples met, fell in love, celebrated engagements and weddings.
Debutant balls were a major event the Greek youth looked forward to, as was the Grecian Ball. A chance to dress in their finest and perhaps even meet their future partner. Fundraisers where significant dignitaries such as Mr. Don Dunstan and Mr. Gough Whitlam were guests. The Greek people were beyond words and awe-struck when the legendary Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis performed specially at the hall in 1972. The venue was buzzing…
As the years rolled on, she hosted countless dances, concerts, theatrical performances, educational seminars and many invaluable social services.
“Until this day, there is Greek language education offered to the children of Greek descent and Greek adult classes for Greek and non-Greek citizens,” explains Mr Bill Gonis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community. Growing up in this wonderful era, especially as teenagers meant spending many weekends at the Olympic House. Eager, most of us teenagers would plan our outfit days in advance ready for the traditional dance usually held on a Saturday evening. Along with our parents, we would meet up with family and friends and enjoy a nostalgic evening of Greek food and of course, nothing meant more than an evening arm linked to arm, dancing to the harmonious melodies of Greek music.
The famous white tablecloths adorned the long rectangular tables which sat the excited party goers. Metallic chairs doubled up as makeshift beds for the youngsters who fell asleep. Still, the adults of that era made us youngsters resilient to late nights and we coped just fine!
For many of us, the Olympic Hall was the place where we learnt our very first steps of the tsamiko and the kalamatiano! Entangled in amongst the adults, as they moved around the dance floor, we managed to keep up with the steps, eventually perfecting them.
Dancing to the traditional Greek melodies brought on the beautiful flash backs of life back home, taking uncertainties away. Being on that dancefloor, where the young handsome men proudly showed how the tsamiko was done and the pretty young women followed, for in those happy moments, all doubts and fears were replaced by laughter, love and hope.
As the years progressed the people of various regions of Greece came together, building their own Community Centres, leaving the Olympic Hall a little less occupied. However, up until earlier this year dances and events were still being held at the hall. Sadly, due to the Covid 19 pandemic and restrictions in March this year, all events ceased.
Until three passionate Greek women decided to bring back the kefi back to the iconic hall …
Through their own love of Greek music and dance, the three Greek-Australian instructors of the Sydney originated dance fitness Opa-Cize, (founded by Kathy Skettos) have started weekly morning classes at the hall, describing it as reminiscing an unique era.
Initially Sia, one of the founders of Adelaide based Opa-Cize came up with the idea of visiting the Greek nursing homes, bringing an hour of Greek music woven in with a dance fitness routine for the lovely residents.
ADELAIDE BASED OPA-CIZE INSTRUCTORS, SIA, KATRINA AND SOPHIE BRINGING THE ‘OPA’ BACK TO THE OLYMPIC HOUSE.
“It was a way to give back to the Greek community,” Sia explained.
Hearing the familiar traditional music, especially the ones relating to immigration, triggered the memories of some of the dementia residents. As the instructors performed their routine, one could not help but notice the profound joy passed on to the residents.
“Their faces lit up,” Sia beams, “The residents joined in, moving, dancing, clapping their hands as the memories of their beloved tunes returned.
The three Opa-Cize instructors Sophie, Katrina along with Sia, would leave the classes with such elevated feelings, eager for the next session to commence.
Unfortunately, as a result of the Covid 19 restrictions taking place in March this year, all contact with the nursing homes ceased.
With the absence of the interaction with the Greek community, these active women got itchy feet. Determined to continue to give back to the community, they started to search for a community hall, somewhere where they could hold a class.
After a couple of setbacks, the perfect venue was found. Memories came pouring back in as the three women entered the hall, starting off a flow of intense conversation. Happy childhood memories …
“My mother did not dance much, but as children when we came to the Greek dances here, she made sure we were up dancing on that dance floor,” Sia fondly recalls. “This is where I learnt to dance,” Sia continues.
The debut came about in August, where once a week the three instructors of Opa-Cize come together at the Olympic Hall and hold an hour of dance fitness and fun to the sounds of Greek music.
“It doesn’t matter what age; we have a routine for all.” Says Katrina. “It is somewhere for the Greek women to come and enjoy socializing,” she continues.
‘‘Dance is life-saving” affirms Sophie, Opa-Cize instructor. “It is an hour of your day where you can forget everything, keep fit and have lots of fun.”
“We do this for the love of Greek music, for the fitness and to give back to the community,” Katrina adds.
“Friendship and Greek music go together wonderfully,” Sia elaborates.
The three passionate Opa-Cize instructors would love to see the Olympic Hall filled with women (and men are welcome) where the Greek essence of life continues.
(For more information on the Wednesday morning classes please call Katrina on 0401 418 070 or check out the Opa-Cize website for Australia wide classes).
There is a nostalgic feel about coming back to the Olympic Hall. It is as if you can feel the presence of all those who once filled the space. The warmth and the joy of those who created these memories will be etched into this space for a very long time.
A tribute to the brave and courageous migrants who left behind a legacy …
Peter-Panagiotis Katholos, also known as ‘The Kat’, is a footballer unique for his talent, but also for his love of Greece. He has written history and filled stadiums during his time as a player, with the power of both feet having the potential to change the entire course of a game.
Born in Myrsini, Greece, Peter moved to Australia in 1970 at the age of 9, residing in Bexley and later at Campsie. While his parent’s weren’t big football fans, Peter’s love for the game carried from Greece to Australia where he eventually began his career.
TGH: How did you get started playing football?
PK: At the age of 7-8, I would kicked the soccer ball at the fields in Greece and on the ground in Zografou, also listening to the games of the first Division on the radio. When I came to Australia, I went to the Canterbury Association U14-15 and U16.
Peter Katholos’ playing career:
1979–1980 St. George Saints FC 1981–1986 Sydney Olympic FC 1987 – APIΑ 1988 A.E. Larisa 1988–1991 Marconi Stallions 1991–1993 Sydney Olympic FC 1993–1994 Parramatta Eagles Melita 1995 St George Player and Coach
TGH: How was your experience abroad? Why did you not go to Olympiakos and Panathinaikos?
PK: Although Yiorgos Vardinogiannis, president of Panathinaikos FC at the time, preferred I play for them in Greece, the decision was mine to return to Australia. The only moment in my football career where I made a decision that still follows me. I had signed with Sydney Olympic and so it was difficult to go play.
TGH: You also played for the national team?
PK: I played in Australian colours from 1981–1984 against New Zealand, in the Asian Cup, and against England, participating in 25 games. I also represented Australia at a Youth and Student level.
TGH: You are still close with the sport?
PK: Yes, I am an individual trainer. I continue to train talented players with what they lack in-game for improvisation.
TGH: How has Australian football changed?
PK: I closely follow the whole evolution of Australian football. Football has changed since 1983 and after Frank Arok put forward the philosophy that I run, and I only run it by letting the players improvise and show their talent.
He went through this both at national level and at a championship level. Catastrophic when passed on to other coaches. If this changes, I believe the level of quality in football will also change. There is a lot of talent. That is, having real coaches and not ‘textbook coaches’.
TGH: Who influenced you most in your career?
PK: The coach who made his footballing identity was Tommy Docherty at Sydney Olympic FC. I characteristically remember him telling me to improvise and just go ahead. This, of course, gave me the opportunity to always show my talent and the ability to help my team. This is what today’s players need to go up in football.
Three children have sent a sweet message to their mother in hospital, who is currently fighting the deadly coronavirus disease.
Giorgos, Despina and Evgenis are not allowed to visit their mother in AXEPA hospital in Thessaloniki. Instead, they raised a banner on a wall outside her room, expressing their love and courage while simultaneously hoping to give the mother strength.
“Mom, We Love you! Giorgos, Depsina, Evgenis” they wrote with big letter.
The banner was seen by the public as a touching message of love not only for their mother, but for everyone in Greece currently struggling with Covid-19.
New coronavirus cases have doubled over the course of one week after the EODY recorded 2,448 new coronavirus cases on Friday. The EODY also recorded 14 deaths on Friday, bringing total number of deaths since the start of the health crisis to 715.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Thursday they will enter a second nationwide lockdown for three weeks from the morning of Saturday, 7 November. The lockdown will end on November 30.
“Once again, I choose to take measures sooner rather than later,” Mitsotakis said. “If the government waited and the measures didn’t work, pressure on our hospitals would be unbearable.”
Aesop fables, or Aesopica, is a collection of fables credited to Aesop, an ancient Greek slave and storyteller. The classic tales have since been developed to become one of the best-known children’s story books that most Greek Australians grew up with.
The fables were first written in mid 6th century BCE and are worldly known for being a collection of morality tales. The 725 fables were originally told from person to person for both entertainment and educational purposes. Aesop’s large collection of fables were first printed in English by William Caxton in 1484 and since grew to become an international phenomenon.
The tales typically follow an animal as the main character faced with a challenge and guided to learn right from wrong. The fables are the perfect way to introduce children to concepts of conscience, kindness and empathy. Whilst they are suitable children’s books, they were originally created as allegorical myths, used to make social and political criticisms on humanity.
Some of the most famous Aesop fables have subconsciously taught us fundamental life lessons. We’ve listed our top three Aesop fables and what we’ve learnt from them;
The Tortoise and The Hare
The race is not always to the swift! The Tortoise and the Hare follows a race between the two animals, as one is overconfident and belittling, while the other takes his time and eventually wins the race, teaching us patience and humility.
Moral of the story: Slow and steady wins the race!
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Boy Who Cried Wolf is one of the most popular and well known Aesop fables. This short story follows a young boy who lies about being hurt, and when he is actually hurt, no one believes him. This story teaches us to be truthful and honest to family and friends.
Moral of the story: A liar will never be believed, even when he is telling the truth.
The Goose That Laid The Golden Egg
In this famous Aesop fable, a countryman would sell the golden eggs his goose would lay. As he acquired wealth, he grew greedy and impatient and cut his goose in half. But he didn’t find a single golden egg inside and now lost his precious goose.
Moral of the story: Those who have plenty want more and so they lose all they have.
A touching moment capturing the happiness of new US Congress member Nicole Malliotakis is being shared across social media.
Of Greek American background, Ms Malliotakis became the Republican representative of New York’s 11th District on Tuesday evening, making a speech to her supporters.
“I entered this race with eyes wide open knowing that victory wouldn’t come easy. But, from the start I knew this race was never about me,” Malliotakis said.
Republican Nicole Malliotakis has declared victory over Democrat Max Rose in the contentious House race in New York City’s only swing district. Photo: AP News
“This race was always about you, the hardworking New Yorker who obeys the law, pays their taxes and gets up every morning and goes to work.”
Moments after finding out she was victorious, she turned to her father, who is a Greek immigrant, to embrace him with tears. Unable to comprehend the muffled audio through face masks, both individuals appear to be crying tears of joy over the victory.
Sharing the video to her Facebook, Malliotakis said she is thankful for the opportunities that her grandparents worked hard for.
“My parents came to this country as poor immigrants and, with hard work and your support, their daughter will be a member of the United States Congress,” the newly appointed US Congress member said.
“That’s what makes this country so unique and truly special. I will always fight for our community, stick up for the hardworking taxpaying citizens I represent and work to preserve the values, freedoms and opportunity that has attracted millions of immigrants from around the world.”
Prior to her US Congress election, Ms Malliotakis was the only Republican woman elected in New York City and the first Greek American to win elected office in Staten Island.
The numbers are a slightly better than Thursday’s record figures of 2,917 positive tests and 29 deaths, but are still alarming, especially in light of the limitations of the public health system.
The national health organisation said in its daily bulletin that 196Greeksare being treated by intubation, with their median age being 66 years. 91.3 percent of intubated patients also have an underlying disease or are aged 70 years and older.
In terms of the geography of the virus’ transmission, the northern port city of Thessaloniki continued to lead the chart, reporting 683 new cases on Thursday. It was followed by Attica with 492 cases.
The self-driving Estonia-made smart bus Iseauto has begun it’s trial in the Greek city of Lamia as part of a pilot project for autonomous public transport.
Led by Estonians, a self-driving street-approved vehicle will be operating in Greece for the first time in history. Known for its high-tech accomplishments, Estonia is set to gain ground internationally by offering its high-tech smart production.
The self-driving minibus manufactured by Auve Tech in Estonia is the first self-driving fourth category vehicle in Greece that has been declared street legal.
Photo: De24
Estonian ambassador to Greece Priit Pallum welcomed the future-oriented cooperation between Estonia and Greece upon the launch of the Iseauto in Lamia. “Welcome to the future! Estonian companies are testing technology and service here in Lamia today, which will be the normality in 10 years,” Pallum said.
Lamia Mayor Thymios Karaiskos said that the experience from such tests provides an opportunity to become familiar with new technologies.
“It is important for our country to adapt quickly to robotics and digital technologies so that we do not lag behind the new technological revolution in the world,” said the mayor.
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is responsible for the development and testing of the scientific side of the project and innovative solutions, with whom the first prototype of the Iseauto was completed a few years ago.
