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Greek American, John Martinis, to lead Australia’s quantum computer future

Andriana Simos
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Greek American, John Martinis, to lead Australia’s quantum computer future

Australia has raced to the forefront of the development of quantum computers, snaring arguably­ the world‘s leading ­researcher in the field – Greek American Professor John Martinis.

Professor John Martinis previously led a Google team that gained world acclaim after demonstrating the power of quant­um computers to outperform clas­sical computers, an exercise known as “quantum suprem­acy.”

He will join forces with Aust­ralian technology start-up, Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), which was founded by Professor Michelle Simmons AO from the University of NSW in 2017.

Their main aim is to accelerate the development of a commercial quantum computer.

Professor John Martinis previously led a Google team.

“I’m hugely excited to join the team at SQC,” Professor Martinis said about the announcement.

“Building a quantum computer is my lifelong ambition. If we can build one successfully at scale, it will be a transformational achievement with tremendous impact for humankind.

“I chose to come to SQC because of the promise of the unique approach in fabrication at the atomic level. No one else in the world can do what these guys are capable of.”

Speaking after two weeks in quarantine, Professor Martinis also told The Australian that Professor Simmons invited him to join SQC after he left Google in April.

“Her proposal was the most interesting one for me,” he told the media outlet, adding that the immediate goal was to build a quantum computer by 2023.

Over the past decade, Professor Simmons and her team have delivered a series of impressive technical milestones, including their recent demonstration of the fastest two qubit (quantum building blocks) gate.

“Professor Martinis’ track record of success and intense focus on building a commercially useful quantum computer aligns with our goals at SQC,” Professor Simmons said.

“We have developed atomically-precise fabrication techniques that are uniquely suited to building a quantum computer. SQC is focusing on scaling up its technology platform.

“This is exactly what John did at Google. We are delighted that he has chosen SQC and Australia for his next move.”

Greece’s Benaki Museum eyes expansion to Australia

Andriana Simos
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Greece’s Benaki Museum eyes expansion to Australia

The Benaki Museum is seeking to establish a permanent presence in Australia and the United States, while also creating a trust fund and building on the progress of recent years to increase revenues.

This news comes out of an interview the organisation’s CEO, Haris Siampanis, had with Greek media outlet, Kathimerini, where he described the museum’s five year sustainability plan.

“Regardless of the present circumstances, [the museum] has made strides,” Mr Siampanis told Kathimerini.

“Like many other organisations, we lost significant revenues not just from exhibition tickets, but from museum shops, educational programs, events, rent and, obviously, from corporate and private donations [during the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic].”

The CEO of The Benaki Museum, Haris Siampanis.

Siampanis said that the Benaki was able to break even for the first time in its history in 2016 after serious economic woes in 2012-15, and recently settled the last of its outstanding commitments.

“We have embarked on a journey and the pandemic has merely delayed our departure. There is no doubt that we will accomplish it, together with the people who embrace what we do,” he said, vowing “to do everything in our power to multiply the benefits of even the smallest donation.”

Mr Siampanis is expected to discuss the museum’s economic future and expansion to Australia in the Greek Australian Dialogue Series on October 7 with a special video conference.

READ MORE: Greek Australian Dialogue Series continues with video conference featuring Haris Siampanis.

US army ship to be based in Greece for first time in 40 years

Andriana Simos
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US army ship to be based in Greece for first time in 40 years

The huge troop-carrying ship, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, has been deployed to Souda Bay naval base in Crete, the US 6th Fleet has announced.

It is the first time in 40 years that a US ship will use the joint US-Greece base as a homeport, Stars and Stripes reported.

The ship shifted its homeport from Norfolk, Virginia, to Souda Bay in order to conduct missions in the Mediterranean, and the waters around East, South and West Africa.

“Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams provides a new capability in the (military) theater, which enhances our interoperability with partners across the spectrum of maritime operations,” Vice Admiral Gene Black, who is a Commander of the US Sixth Fleet, says.

“The unique design of the ship fosters inter-service operations with our US Marine Corps and Special Operations communities, which improves our ability to ensure maritime security and stability.”

The ship carries a crew of about 250 and is designed to serve as a modular platform to perform large-scale logistics movements, including the transfer of troops, vehicles, and equipment from sea to shore.

The decision to base the ship in Greece was announced on Tuesday by Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during his visit to the country.

It comes as tensions run high between NATO members, Greece and Turkey, who are at odds over energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Huge rallies held across Greece as Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict intensifies

Andriana Simos
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Huge rallies held across Greece as Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict intensifies

Large demonstrations were held across Greece on Sunday by members of the local Greek and Armenia community to show their solidarity with Armenia.

The protest was marked by people waving both Greek and Armenian flags, while speakers and those in attendance stressed the strong bond between Greece and Armenia.

Armenia is currently fighting an escalating war with neighboring Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Στο πλευρό των αδερφών μας Αρμενίων.Ζήτω το Αρτσάχ!Ζήτω η Αρμενία!

Posted by Πανελλήνια Ομοσπονδία Ποντιακών Σωματείων on Saturday, 3 October 2020

Armenia’s Defence Ministry said on Saturday that Armenian-backed separatist fighters in Karabakh destroyed a “huge military grouping,” and claimed to have inflicted “serious losses in manpower and military hardware.”

But Armenia also announced the deaths of 51 more separatist fighters, increasing the number of fatalities on both sides above 220 after nearly a week of fighting.

In an address to the nation on Saturday, Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, called on Armenians to unite.

Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, in the capital, Yerevan, last week. Photo: Press Service of Armenia’s Government, via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images.

“We are facing possibly the most decisive moment in our millennia-old history,” Mr Pashinyan said. “We all must dedicate ourselves to a singular goal: victory.”

This statement came as Azerbaijan accused Armenian forces of firing rockets at its second largest city, Ganja, last night, killing one civilian and wounding another four.

Armenia denied it had directed fire “of any kind” towards Azerbaijan. 

The developments mark a sharp escalation of the war in the South Caucasus. Until now, the main fighting has been between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave inside Azerbaijan, but it now threatens to spill over into a direct war with Armenia itself.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Andriana Simos
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Archbishop Makarios of Australia meets with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia is currently in Fanari, Greece, ahead of the meeting of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on October 6 – 8.

As part of his visit, Archbishop Makarios, who is accompanied by the Hierologos Archdeacon Athenagoras Karakonstantakis, met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

  • Archbishop Makarios (left) and Archdeacon Athenagoras Karakonstantakis (right) met with the Ecumenical Patriarch.

During the meeting, Archbishop Makarios conveyed the love and deepest respect of the Greek Orthodox flock of Australia to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

For his part, the Ecumenical Patriarch welcomed them with feelings of joy and emotion, and was interested in being informed about the ecclesiastical life in Australia and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia more broadly.

Greece braces for historic court verdict on neo-Nazi Golden Dawn

The Greek Herald
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Greece braces for historic court verdict on neo-Nazi Golden Dawn


There are few moments in a nation’s history when one decision can heal the wrongs of the past.

But in Greece, there is mounting hope that a panel of three judges will do just that when at 11am on Wednesday they deliver judgment on Golden Dawn, the neo-fascist party that took Europe by storm at the height of the country’s economic crisis.

“It will be good for the mental health of Greece,” said the leftwing reporter, Dimitris Psarras, whose investigations into the ultra-nationalist force helped expose its sinister ideology and embrace of violence.

“We’re all looking towards three people to do what is right to protect democracy.”

Dimitris Psarras at the Golden Dawn trial, which could place the party’s leaders behind bars, on November 6, 2019. Photo: Nick Paleologos/Al Jazeera.

Few verdicts have been as eagerly awaited. Even fewer have been as long in the making. The trial, the largest court hearing of Nazis since Nuremberg, began on 20 April 2015.

During proceedings, 68 people, including the party’s entire leadership, have faced charges of operating a criminal organisation while at the same time posing as a political group. Police officers who allegedly supported the far-right party are among those on trial.

The accusations have been vigorously denied. Only Giorgos Roupakias, a Golden Dawn operative, has confessed to the stabbing of Pavlos Fyssas, a popular anti-fascist rapper whose death triggered the group’s unravelling.

MPs who represented the xenophobic bloc until its electoral defeat in July 2019 are also accused of attempted murder, possession of weapons and employing violence to eradicate perceived enemies.

The former MP Nikolaos Michaloliakos, the Holocaust denier who founded Golden Dawn in the early 1980s. Photo: Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images.

Like Nikolaos Michaloliakos, a Holocaust denier who founded the neo-Nazi movement in the early 80s, they claim to be victims of political persecution.

Yet nearly five and a half years after the trial began, Athens’ normally divided political class is united in the belief that this week’s decision will be as cathartic as it is decisive. Writing in Saturday’s Syntakton newspaper, leaders from across the spectrum rejoiced in “the end of Golden Dawn.”

“Greece suffered as few countries from Nazism,” wrote Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“It mourned victims, it experienced tragedies, it endured destruction. That is why it fought Nazism. There is no place in our country for [its] mimics and followers.”

Main opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader, Alexis Tsipras, added in an interview with the same newspaper that only a guilty verdict for Golden Dawn on October 7 will serve as vindication.

“The trial’s conclusion is a historic milestone for Greek democracy. Golden Dawn are no longer in parliament and after the conclusion of the trial, the members of this criminal gang must go to prison,” Mr Tsipras said.

The verdict is expected to be the denouement of Golden Dawn’s terminal decline.

Fueled by feuds, defections and factional infighting, the group has all but collapsed since narrowly failing to cross the 3 percent threshold into parliament in 2019.

Yet no country in modern Europe has come as close to an overtly Nazi group strutting the national stage.

Source: The Guardian.

Damon Hanlin contributing to the growth Xanthi FC in Greece

The Greek Herald
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Damon Hanlin contributing to the growth Xanthi FC in Greece

By Takis Triadafillou

Damon Hanlin has guided the development of Sydney Olympic for years, being a strong board member and, more importantly, loyal fan of the club.

Damon started kicking a football from the age of five and later found himself playing for Parramatta City FC for two seasons, before moving to Sydney Olympic FC.

He now leads a new squad in Greece in the form of Xanthi FC, with the task to bring the club back to the Greek Super League and thrive in the domestic competition, while training some of Greece’s prospect youth.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Bill Papas – Building Xanthi FC into more than just a football club

TGH: Damon, How do you feel that you are helping the team?

Damon: Our goal has been achieved by making the Sydney Olympic side the greatest it can be. I believe that this year, despite the difficulties we are facing, we will be able to win both cups. I believe we will succeed. We’re part of a team and even though we encountered misfortune, the fans remain close to us and I thank them.

Damon Hanlin with his father, Nick. Photo: Supplied

TGH: Is Xanthi opening other perspectives?

Damon: Yes, with Bill Papas and the technical staff, it is the bridge that connects Sydney Olympic FC with Europe.

TGH: And what does this bridge mean for the clubs?

Damon: The bridge will make it easier for overseas players to come to Australia and help Sydney Olympic and Australian football in general, which is currently plagued by many problems. Three Australian players have already transferred to Xanthi and others are coming, and it’s now Sydney Olympics turn to bring in some productive players.

TGH: What do you think about Xanthi?

Damon: I completely agree with Bill Papas and I will echo that:

“Our goal is not to win a title or waste a few million but to invest so that the team improves day by day in all areas. In the field of training, on the football pitch, utilisation of the talents in Thrace, making the team the first choice of all the talents of the wider region, in cooperation with Academies in the long run.

Photo: Supplied

“And, of course, for people to come to the stadium and support a strong team, building up not only Xanthi but the whole of Greece and abroad.”

TGH: Several loyal fans are wondering, what will happen to Sydney Olympic?

Damon: Sydney Olympic will become stronger and more competitive and, of course, when the Second National Division is finally created, then they will really see the values ​​of the team. The big problem is just waiting for the results to be born.

Xanthi FC were demoted to the second Greek football division this season before the takeover by Greek Australian business owner Bill Papas. The club has so far brought in a host of A-League talents, including the likes of Paul Izzo, Joshua Brillante, Matt Jurman and Callan Elliott.

The Xanthi FC board, with the help of new coach Tony Popovic, will use new the A-League recruits to help bring the club back into the Greek Super League.

Editors Note:

Sydney Olympic has previously tasted the hospitality and experience in Europe with Schalke in Germany. President Bill Papas made sure to link the team with Schalke 04 to replicate the training and organisation of how a modern team should operate.

Damon Hanlin, along with Sydney Olympic, going out and connecting with Xanthi FC does not surprise us, and it gives the Director the extra incentive to succeed and raise the team where it belongs in the Super League category.

Greek astronomer Ioannis Liodakis receives 2020 Gruber Foundation award

The Greek Herald
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Greek astronomer Ioannis Liodakis receives 2020 Gruber Foundation award

Additional funding from The Gruber Foundation is making it possible to support a third outstanding early-career astrophysicist with a Gruber Fellowship. In 2020 Ioannis Liodakis of the Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA), University of Turku will receive the third fellowship grant.

Established in 2011, the Gruber Fellowship is awarded annually by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), supported by The Gruber Foundation (TGF), to assist promising young researchers in astrophysics.

Now TGF has increased the yearly funding for the Gruber Fellowship. This generous additional funding will be used this year to support a third outstanding early-career astrophysicist. The IAU Gruber Fellowship selection committee has decided to grant the additional US$25 000 to Ioannis Liodakis of the Finnish Centre for Astronomy with ESO (FINCA).

Liodakis has recently embarked on a postdoctoral appointment studying the emission processes in blazars, a subclass of active galactic nuclei (AGN) that host the most massive black holes at their centres and produce highly relativistic jets. He plans to use a portion of the fellowship to promote diversity and inclusion within astronomy through international visitor programmes at FINCA, having previously led similar projects at Stanford University.

“I am greatly honoured to be selected as one of the 2020 TGF fellows,” says Liodakis.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see my work recognised by the community. The Gruber Fellowship will not only support my research, but will also allow me to continue my efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in astrophysics, by supporting collaborative trips from researchers in typically underrepresented countries.”

The next Gruber Fellowship in astronomy will be awarded in 2021.

Sourced By: EurekAlert

Traditional Greek Recipes: Melitzanes Papoutsakia

The Greek Herald
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Traditional Greek Recipes: Melitzanes Papoutsakia

Melitzanes Papoutsakia (stuffed eggplants) is a traditional Greek dish, similar to Moussaka but not as well known.

The term Papoutsakia translates to “Little Shoes” in Greek, as the dish resembles the shape of
little shoes.

Papoutsakia is a simple meal to cook up, and we’re going to show you how to make it for your family.

How to make Papoutsakia (serves 4)

For the eggplants:

  • 3 medium eggplants
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

For the beef mixture:

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 250g ground mince beef
  • 400g tinned tomatoes

For the bechamel:

  • 20g butter
  • 1bsp all purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 egg yolk, beaten
  • 120g grated cheese
Photo: Urban Zesty

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper
  2. Slice eggplants vertically in half and carefully scoop insides of the eggplant out (set
    aside for later)
  3. Add salt and pepper to the eggplants
  4. Heat two tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan. Fry both sides of the eggplant until it wilts
    and is slightly brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel and place on the prepared
    baking tray.
  5. In the same frying pan, add finely chopped onion and garlic in a pan and stir frequently
    until caramelized.
  6. Add the ground meat and eggplant flesh. Continue stirring until the meat browns. Add
    the tin tomatoes, salt and pepper and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. In the meantime, begin making the bechamel sauce by heating a large pot over medium
    heat. Melt the butter until it froths then start adding the flour and continuously stir for 2
    minutes
  8. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until the mixture has thickened.
  9. When the sauce has thickened, add the egg yolk, cheese and nutmeg. Whisk until a
    smooth consistency is formed
  10. Remove eggplants from the oven and carefully fill the insides with the meat mixture. Top
    with the bechamel sauce and extra cheese and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden
    and enjoy!

Top 5 health benefits of Greek coffee

The Greek Herald
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Top 5 health benefits of Greek coffee

By Victoria Loutas

We all know Greek coffee is good for the soul, but how good is it for our bodies?

A study conducted by the University of Athens revealed that Greek coffee holds many health benefits. 

Below are some reasons why you should be adding Greek Coffee into your morning routine.

Healthy blood vessels

Research reveals that Greek coffee can improve the endothelial function, which contributes to healthy blood vessels and overall cardiovascular health.

Reduces inflammation

The finely grounded coffee beans used to make Greek coffee contains high levels of chlorogenic acids, which can reduce inflammation, blood sugar and high blood pressure.

Traditional greek coffee with cafe and the sea at the background. Photo: Greek Boston

Reduces the risk of premature death

Based on research conducted on the inhabitants of Ikaria, considered one of the world’s ‘Blue Zones’, drinking a cup of Greek coffee a day can contribute to a long, healthy life. The high amount of polyphenols and antioxidants within the Greek Coffee promotes longevity.

Contains antioxidants that lower the risk of diabetes

All coffees are rich in antioxidants, however what makes Greek Coffee special is that it is boiled, not brewed. This method extracts many nutrients within the coffee and can overall lower the risk of diabetes.

Increases metabolism

Greek coffee does not need milk or much sugar and can therefore contribute to weight loss and increase your metabolism.

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