“Personalized” vaccines to target different types of tumors are being developed. Credit: NIH Image Gallery from Bethesda, Maryland, USA / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
Life-saving vaccines targeting serious health conditions including cancer and heart disease could be ready within the next seven years, experts believe.
Pharmaceutical company Moderna – which produced one of the leading COVID-19 jabs – is reportedly developing “personalized” vaccines to target different types of tumors.
Moderna’s chief medical officer, Dr Paul Burton, said the treatment will be “highly effective” with the potential to save “many hundreds of thousands if not millions of lives” as soon as 2030.
The groundbreaking research could result in a single injection offering protection against multiple respiratory infections – including COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Meanwhile, diseases for which there are currently no drugs could be treated by mRNA therapies – which train cells how to produce a protein that awakens the body’s immune response.
Studies in cancer vaccine have shown “tremendous promise”
Studies in cancer, as well as infectious, cardiovascular, autoimmune and rare diseases, have all shown “tremendous promise”, Dr Burton revealed.
He told The Guardian: “I think we will have mRNA-based therapies for rare diseases that were previously undruggable, and I think 10 years from now, we will be approaching a world where you can truly identify the genetic cause of the disease and, with relative simplicity, go and edit that out and repair it using mRNA-based technology.”
How would personalized cancer vaccines work?
To vaccinate someone against cancer, doctors begin by taking a biopsy of the patient’s tumor before genetic sequencing is used to identify mutations.
An algorithm identifies which mutations are causing the growth of cancer and could trigger the immune system.
A molecule of mRNA is produced with instructions to make antigens which cause an immune response.
The mRNA, once injected, is translated into proteins identical to those found on tumor cells. Immune cells then collide with and destroy cancer cells carrying the same proteins.
Dr Burton added speaking to The Guardian: “I think what we have learned in recent months is that if you ever thought that mRNA was just for infectious diseases, or just for COVID, the evidence now is that that’s absolutely not the case.
“It can be applied to all sorts of disease areas; we are in cancer, infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases, rare disease.
“We have studies in all of those areas and they have all shown tremendous promise.”
A Tholos at Delphi, Greece. Credit: Tamara Semina/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0
The ancient Greeks may have built sacred or treasured sites deliberately on land previously affected by earthquake activity, according to a recent study by the University of Plymouth.
Professor of Geoscience Communication Iain Stewart MBE, Director of the University’s Sustainable Earth Institute, has presented several BBC documentaries about the power of earthquakes in shaping landscapes and communities.
Now, he believes that fault lines created by seismic activity in the Aegean region may have caused areas to be afforded special cultural status, and as such, led to their becoming sites of much celebrated temples and great cities.
Scientists have previously suggested Delphi, a mountainside complex once home to a legendary oracle, gained its position in Classical Greek society largely as a result of a sacred spring and intoxicating gases which emanated from a fault line caused by an earthquake.
But Professor Stewart believes Delphi may not be alone in this regard and that other ancient Greek cities including Mycenae, Ephesus, Cnidus, and Hierapolis may have been constructed specifically because of the presence of fault lines and earthquakes.
Many ancient Greek sites correspond to areas prone to earthquakes
In the study, published in Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, Professor Stewart says a correspondence between active fault lines and earthquakes and ancient cities in parts of Greece and western Turkey might not seem unduly surprising given that the Aegean region is riddled with seismic faults and littered with ruined settlements.
Many seismic fault traces in the region do not simply disrupt the fabric of buildings and streets but run straight through the heart of the ancient Greek settlements’ most sacred structures.
There are prominent examples to support the theory, such as in Delphi itself, where an ancient Greek sanctuary was destroyed by an earthquake in 373 BC only for its temple to be rebuilt directly on the same fault line.
There are also many tales of individuals who attained oracular status by descending into the underworld, with some commentators arguing that such cave systems or grottoes caused by seismic activity may have formed the backdrop for these stories.
Why Greece has so much seismic activity
Greece lies in a highly seismically active region. The vast majority of earthquakes cause no damage or injuries.
The country is located in a complex boundary zone in the eastern Mediterranean between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
The northern part of Greece lies on the Eurasian Plate while the southern part lies on the Aegean Sea Plate.
The Aegean Sea Plate is moving southwestward with respect to the Eurasian Plate at about 30 mm per year while the African Plate is subducting northward beneath the Aegean Sea Plate at a rate of about 40 mm per year.
The northern plate boundary is a relatively diffuse divergent boundary while the southern convergent boundary forms the Hellenic arc.
These two plate boundaries give rise to two contrasting tectonic styles, namely extension on east–west trending fault zones with strike-slip tectonics on SW-NE trending fault zones throughout west and central Greece, the Peloponnese, and the northern Aegean and contractional in the southern Aegean, continuing around to the Ionian islands.
The south Aegean is the location of the volcanic arc and is characterized by extension. To the east of Crete along the Hellenic Arc, strike-slip tectonics with some extension become important.
Santorini; having breakfast with the best view in the world. Credit: Greek Reporter
When tourists visit the Greek island of Santorini, they are often surprised by the unique traditional Santorini dishes that are served by locals at tavernas and restaurants.
If you want to make sure you don’t miss a single sumptuous bite, check out the list below of five of the best traditional dishes on Santorini.
Santorini dishes
1. Chlorotyri
Credit: Klearchos Kapoutsis Yarl, CC BY 2.0
We start our food journey on Santorini by letting you in on a unique cheese that is only found on the island. Chlorotyri is hard to come by, as it is not made in large quantities.
The cheese is a little sour but the creamy local treat made from goat’s milk is a favorite for spreading on bread or adding to a Santorini salad, which is like a traditional Greek salad but uses Santorini cherry tomatoes.
2. Fava
Credit: Klearchos Kapoutsis from Santorini, Greece- Yarl, CC BY 2.0
You can eat fava all over Greece, but in Santorini, it is considered a traditional dish, and it is superb.
Probably the most famous dish on the island, this nutritious purée of yellow split peas is really tasty and velvety in texture.
It is served with Greek Olive Oil drizzled over it and topped with chopped onions or capers with lemon wedges on the side.
This is a dish that Santorini is known for. Many people try ntomatokeftedes while visiting the island and then return to their own countries and try to make them for themselves (just do a Google search, you’ll find hundreds of recipes).
What makes this dish so worth it? It is all in the Santorini tomatoes that are about the size of cherries and super flavorful. They are fried up in a batter with peppers, onions, mint, and herbs.
4. Melitzanes Santorini (white Santorini eggplant) made into Melitzanosalata
The rich volcanic soil of the island is perfect for growing produce, and one thing that you will find on Santorini is the white eggplant. Locals make a wonderful melitzanosalata, or purée, from this tasty veggie. Be sure to try it out with some fresh pita bread.
5. Apochti
The traditional meat dish called Apochti, is prepared by salting a pork loin and soaking it in vinegar before leaving it out to air-dry.
Next, locals prepare this Santorini specialty by rubbing pepper and cinnamon into the meat and allowing it to harden. They then use it in other locally prepared dishes.
This meat is very unique to the island of Santorini, so be sure to try some during your visit.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis received the mandate to form a new government from President Sakellaropoulou. Credit: AMNA
Kyriakos Mitsotakis was sworn in as Greek Prime Minister on Monday after his party’s election triumph.
“It is a special honor to receive this mandate to form a government with a four-year horizon,” Mitsotakis said in his meeting with the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou at the Presidential Mansion on Monday morning.
The leader of ND reiterated that he is aware that the “responsibility lies heavy on my shoulders” and pointed out that his goal from the beginning had been to form a single-party government, while he once again pledged to initiate major changes and reforms.
“We have a strong mandate and a parliamentary majority, our government will be a government of hard work and practical results,” noted Mitsotakis. He explained that democracy is mature and able to handle temporary upheavals and said that the eight-party Parliament was the “death rattle of simple proportional representation”.
On her part, Sakellaropoulou underlined that “our democracy proved resilient” and wished Mitsotakis success in the work ahead.
With almost all votes counted New Democracy (ND) won by 40.5 percent, followed by SYRIZA at 17.8, PASOK at 11.8 percent with the Communist Party at 7.7 percent.
The composition of the new government will be announced at 17:00 on Monday.
Mitotakis makes history in Greek election
Mitsotakis has made history becoming the PM of a government with the widest margin of victory (22 percentage points) from the main opposition in the modern Greek political era.
Hailing the “strong mandate”, Mitsotakis said that “major reforms will proceed rapidly”, adding that he had “ambitious” targets for his next four years in power that could “transform” Greece.
Among his pledges is pouring money into the country’s public health system – which was stretched to its limits by the Covid-19 pandemic – and improving railway safety after the deaths of 57 people in a February train collision that was Greece’s worst rail disaster.
President Biden congratulates Mitsotakis
Congratulations poured in from world leaders swiftly after Mitsotakis’s victory.
“On behalf of the people of the United States, I send our congratulations to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece on his reelection,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement on Sunday, noting that he’s looking forward to continuing his partnership with Mitsotakis, focusing on their shared priorities such as fostering prosperity and regional security.
“Together—as Allies, partners, and friends—Greece and the United States have championed democracy,” Biden added in his statement. “We will keep working with the government and people of Greece as well as our vibrant Greek-American community in the United States to continue this legacy.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also promised cooperation towards “a stronger and more sovereign Europe,” while Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called Mitsotakis’s re-election “a sign of political stability that is good for the whole of Europe”.
Greek leader faces a weak and fragmented opposition
The Greek leader will begin his second four-year term facing a weak and fragmented opposition.
Main opposition SYRIZA suffered a humiliating defeat and lost another 30 MPs compared with the May elections. Socialist PASOK made moderate gains but it still hovers in the low teens. The two parties are engaged in a struggle to become the dominant force in the center-left.
Mitsotakis has moved the ruling New Democracy (ND) party toward the center of the political spectrum from where he seems to be in a dominant position, having secured 158 seats in the 300-member Greek Parliament.
The extreme right-wing formation called the Spartans, pro-Russia Greek Solution and Orthodox traditionalists Niki have garnered 34 MPs in the new Parliament and are bound to add pressure on the Greek PM on issues such as immigration, relations with Turkey and human rights.
Netflix announces the list of ten movies that will disappear from Netflix by the end of June. Credit: stockcatalog / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
As June draws to a close, Netflix subscribers worldwide eagerly anticipate the arrival of new movies and TV shows on the popular streaming platform. However, here comes the unfortunate list of 10 movies which have provided countless hours of entertainment, but will disappear from Netflix.
Renowned for its vast and diverse content library, Netflix regularly rotates its offerings to make way for fresh additions. While this strategy ensures a dynamic streaming experience, it also means that viewers must say goodbye to some of their favorite films.
From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies and mesmerizing adventures, the upcoming departures encompass a range of genres, leaving fans scrambling to catch their final viewings before they vanish into the digital abyss.
The Austin Powers Trilogy
Step into the vibrant and eccentric universe where the talented actor Mike Myers brings to life the mysterious character of Austin Powers. Guided by the skilled director Jay Roach, these movies offer a hilarious parody of spy films from the 1960s, with Myers’ distinctive comedic style stealing the spotlight.
These films show the ongoing battle between Austin Powers and his arch-enemy, Dr. Evil. Driven by an insatiable desire for power, Dr. Evil concocts outlandish plans, while our lovable hero thwarts them using unconventional tactics.
Prepare to be amused and entertained by this wonderfully absurd series that will have you laughing and dancing to its funky soundtrack.
If you haven’t experienced the Austin Powers trilogy yet, mark your calendars! The opportunity to indulge in these films will end on June 30, 2023. So make sure to catch them before they’re gone.
Pitch Perfect
Join the talented actress Anna Kendrick on a musical adventure as she takes on the role of a charming character. The story revolves around an all-female group called the Barden Bellas, who face challenges and moments of pure delight. This movie beautifully showcases the power of teamwork and the bonds that form within the group.
Pitch Perfect perfectly balances comedy, drama, and infectious music. Its captivating blend of genres guarantees an entertaining experience that will have you humming along to the catchy tunes. The film’s unforgettable characters and witty humor create an exhilarating atmosphere that lingers even after the closing scene.
Make sure to mark your calendar! June 30, 2023, will be your last chance to watch Pitch Perfect. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be swept away by its captivating story and infectious melodies.
World War Z
Embark on a thrilling journey through the film World War Z, directed by Marc Forster and featuring the talented Brad Pitt. Released in 2013, this movie offers a captivating tale of survival during a terrifying zombie apocalypse.
The story revolves around a former investigator for the United Nations who travels across the globe in search of the origin of the zombie pandemic. Director Marc Forster skillfully blends horror, action and suspense, creating a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
World War Z delves into the harrowing experience of navigating a world plagued by zombies, showcasing the relentless fight for survival.
With its engaging plotline and powerful performances, this movie stands out in the zombie thriller genre. The chilling suspense and adrenaline-pumping action will captivate you from start to finish.
Remember to mark your calendar! June 30, 2023, marks the final opportunity to watch World War Z. Don’t miss out on experiencing this gripping tale of survival in a world turned upside down by a terrifying pandemic.
How to Train Your Dragon
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of How to Train Your Dragon, an animated masterpiece directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois. Released in 2010, this film weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship and bravery.
Hiccup, a young Viking, and Toothless, a fearsome dragon, are at the heart of the story. Against all odds, they form an extraordinary bond that defies expectations. Through visually stunning animation, the film takes us on a captivating journey, appealing to audiences of all ages.
It’s a touching reminder of the remarkable power of friendship and the importance of embracing and understanding others.
June 30, 2023, is the final opportunity to watch the delightful adventure, How to Train Your Dragon. Experience the magic and warmth that this film brings, leaving a lasting impression on your heart and reminding us all of the significance of connection.
Bad Boys I & II
Prepare for an exhilarating cinematic adventure with Bad Boys I & II, masterfully directed by Michael Bay. These action-packed films, released in 1995 and 2003, feature the dynamic duo of Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, delivering a thrilling experience from start to finish.
The narratives effortlessly blend heart-pounding action, clever humor, and captivating performances, creating a truly immersive movie-watching experience.
Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s on-screen chemistry is undeniable as they tackle high-stakes criminal cases while facing personal challenges. Their camaraderie brings a fresh and unique dynamic to the traditional action film genre, ensuring an entertaining and memorable viewing experience.
June 30, 2023, is the final day to catch the Bad Boys duology. Don’t miss the opportunity to be swept away by the electrifying energy, gripping storylines, and outstanding performances of Martin Lawrence and Will Smith. These films are a must-see for fans of thrilling action and engaging storytelling.
Friday Night Lights
Enjoy Texas high school football with Friday Night Lights, directed by Peter Berg and released in 2004.
In this compelling film, Billy Bob Thornton delivers a remarkable performance as a dedicated coach immersed in the intense world of competitive sports. The movie portrays the dreams, aspirations, and challenges faced by the team members and their closely-knit community.
It skillfully captures the essence of American football culture, leaving a profound impact on its viewers. It is a cinematic journey that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
June 30, 2023, marks the final opportunity to experience the poignant story of Friday Night Lights. This film provides a glimpse into the fervor and intensity surrounding high school football in Texas, shedding light on the players and their community’s hopes and struggles.
Jerry Maguire
Indulge in the captivating world of Jerry Maguire, a film directed by Cameron Crowe and released in 1996. In this memorable movie, Tom Cruise takes on a remarkable role as a sports agent on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
The film masterfully weaves elements of romance, comedy, and drama, creating a viewing experience that warms the heart. Its narrative touches upon love, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness. Jerry Maguire also boasts iconic dialogue ingrained in popular culture, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Your final chance to witness the powerful story of Jerry Maguire is June 30, 2023. This film serves as a testament to the remarkable power of redemption and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be moved and inspired by this timeless classic.
Resident Evil: Retribution
Prepare to be immersed in the gripping world of Resident Evil: Retribution, the fifth installment of the popular franchise. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and released in 2012, this film takes audiences on a thrilling journey through a post-apocalyptic universe teeming with the undead.
Milla Jovovich reprises her role as the fierce protagonist, Alice, showcasing her impressive skills in action and unwavering determination against nightmarish creatures. Director Paul W.S. Anderson crafts a visually stunning narrative filled with heart-pounding sequences to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the end.
What’s leaving Netflix in July 2023: Beyonce in Austin Powers, Resident Evil, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, and Chappelle’s Show lead cult favorite titles being AXED from streaming service – and fans are DEVASTATED – Several marquee franchises titles are leaving streaming gia… pic.twitter.com/ppdIZV0dF0
Although other Resident Evil movies are also leaving Netflix this month, Resident Evil: Retribution stands tall as an epitome of entertainment within the franchise. Its exhilarating storyline and visually captivating presentation make it a standout entry in the series.
June 30, 2023, marks the final day to watch the thrilling adventure of Resident Evil: Retribution. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in this apocalyptic world, where survival is paramount and every moment is filled with suspense.
Marnie
Amidst the departure of another Alfred Hitchcock classic, The Birds, from Netflix this month, let’s shine a light on one of his lesser-known yet outstanding works. Marnie, a psychological thriller released in 1964, delves into the intriguing life of a woman with a mysterious past.
Tippi Hedren delivers a gripping and nuanced performance in this film, breathing life into her complex character. Alfred Hitchcock’s exceptional storytelling skills shine through as he weaves a suspenseful narrative filled with unexpected plot twists that leave an indelible mark on the audience’s memory.
Marnie is a remarkable piece of cinema, delving into themes of psychology, deceit, and redemption. While it may not be as widely celebrated as some of Hitchcock’s other works, it is a mesmerizing and unforgettable classic.
Be sure to mark your calendar! June 30, 2023, is the final day to experience the captivating world of Marnie. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this psychological thriller, where secrets unravel, and the human psyche takes center stage.
Home Again
The film Home Again, directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer and released in 2017, gracefully blends comedy, drama, and romance elements, creating a heartfelt portrayal of second chances and self-discovery.
Witherspoon’s performance shines, bringing charm and authenticity to her character. The supporting cast adds warmth and humor to the mix, enhancing the delightful experience.
Home Again explores the complexities of modern family dynamics and the journey of personal growth. It reminds us of the power of embracing new beginnings and finding strength in unexpected circumstances.
June 30, 2023, is your last chance to watch the heartwarming tale of Home Again on Netflix!
Ancient Greeks loved their pets. An Archaic Greek statue of a dog, thought to be an Alopekis, and her puppy. Credit: /Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 3.0
Animals were an important part of life in antiquity, and Ancient Greeks loved their pets. Ancient sources tell us that they kept a wide variety of animals at home, ranging from dogs to snakes.
Paintings, writings, and sculptures from ancient Greece reveal that dogs were, by far, the most common domesticated pet and prized for their hunting abilities.
Breeds, such as the Laconian, were well-regarded for speed and hunting skill while the Molossia was a huge breed used for big game.
The Cretan was a cross-breed of the two above and likely used to find food.
Greeks were also fond of a breed called the Celtic Vertragus, which seemed to be a forerunner to the greyhound.
Their speed and agility were highly valued by the ancient Greeks, and legend has it that one saved the life of Alexander the Great from a charging elephant.
Ancient Greeks loved their dogs
According to Xenophon, the dog names preferred by the ancient Greeks were short, consisting of one, or at most two, syllables. They also paid special attention to the meaning of the name of the dog and no name was ever bestowed at random or on a whim.
After their loyal friend and companion departed from this world, ancient Greeks were not afraid to express their grief for their loss, openly crying and mourning.
Greeks would bury their pets along the roadside in marked graves, and the entire ceremony for this was undertaken in a very solemn manner.
“This is the tomb of the dog, Stephanos, who perished/whom Rhodope shed tears for and buried like a human/I am the dog Stephanos, and Rhodope set up a tomb for me” read one gravestone.
Snakes, ferrets, cats, apes, and birds were kept as pets
More unusual was that snakes were also kept as pets since they kept mice and rat numbers down. Ferrets were also kept for pest control.
Although cats were worshiped and prized in ancient Egypt, there are few records of cats in ancient Greek writing.
Yet the existence of the Aegean cat, a native Greek feline breed, may be evidence that the ancient Greeks kept cats as pets, as well.
Believed to be descendants of the ancient cats that inhabited the Greek islands throughout antiquity, Aegean cats have bred naturally without human intervention for thousands of years.
It is thought to be one of the oldest domesticated breeds in the world.
There is archaeological evidence of cats living alongside humans in Cyprus in antiquity, however.
Excavations at a Neolithic site called Shillourokampos in Cyprus showed that ancient people there truly cared for their feline companions and even dug out a grave with care for their pet cat.
Amazingly though, there is written evidence that Greeks kept primates, such as apes and monkeys as pets, with some writers spinning tales of such animals learning how to play musical instruments for entertainment.
Large birds were also a common ancient Greek pet, with herons and peacocks often taking up residence at home. Engravings show ducks and geese being kept as pets—perhaps a noisy alternative to a guard dog!
A Greek voter casts her ballot in Boston on Saturday, Credit: Facebook/Consulate of Greece in Boston
New Democracy is leading in the vote of Greeks living overseas, as the counting of ballot boxes from the 35 countries where polling stations were set up continues.
With three in five votes counted, New Democracy won 41.94% of the vote, followed by SYRIZA with 17.24%. The Greek Communist Party (KKE) received 12.42% of the vote, just ahead of MeRA 25 on 12.15%. PASOK stood at 6.73%, and other parties took 9.52% of the vote.
With most of the votes from European states counted, New Democracy is the first party in almost all countries, with the exception of Spain and Portugal, where SYRIZA topped the poll, and Denmark, where the Communist KKE took the lead from SYRIZA with a quarter of the vote.
Greeks residing abroad cast their votes in the Greek elections on Saturday in 102 polling stations around the globe.
The number of polling stations established was three more than were set up for the May 21, 2023 elections, since the number of those registered in the special electoral rolls abroad was 25,610, 2,755 more than the 22,855 eligible in the previous round.
The polling stations were set up in the same countries and cities, although a polling station was created in Vancouver, Canada, while the one in Kaunas, Lithuania was eliminated.
A polling station was also added in Brussels (four in total), London (nine) and Luxembourg (two).
In Belgium, the polls opened at 07:00 on Saturday and the electoral process ended at 19:00. In Brussels, four polling stations were set up instead of three in the May elections.
In total, the registered voters in the Belgian capital were 1,716 and in Antwerp 75.
The spokesperson of the Greek Embassy in Belgium, Thomas Thomopoulos, said to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA):
“The electoral process went smoothly this time as well. The Greeks of Belgium recorded high participation rates once again. Our experience from the election process in May helped us to make some improvements, which along with the increase in polling stations allowed the process to move faster.”
Cyprus: Participation rate at 81.6%
Out of a total of 1,543 registered in the special electoral rolls, 1,260 persons came to the five polling centres set up in the Republic of Cyprus for the Greek parliamentary elections, which translates into a turnout of 81.6%.
Italy: Two-thirds of registered voters cast ballots
Polling stations were set up in Rome, Milan and Venice, and the process was conducted smoothly while the turnout was approximately two-thirds of those registered in the electoral rolls.
More specifically, 154 citizens had registered to vote in Rome, 229 in Milan and 63 in Venice. Greeks who live permanently in Slovenia also went to vote in Venice.
Britain
Of the approximately 170,000 Greeks who live permanently in the United Kingdom, 5,624 finally managed to register in the special electoral rolls. As pointed out by the Greek ambassador in London, Ioannis Tsaousis, the process, as in the previous general election, went smoothly.
France
The roughly 1,000 Greeks registered to vote in France did so without particular problems, with the polls closing at 19:00 (local time). In France there were five polling stations in four cities, namely two in Paris and one each in Nantes, Nice and Strasbourg. According to the first indications, the abstention rate was more or less at the same levels as in the May 21 elections.
Germany
The voting process for Greek residents of Germany was completed smoothly, with a participation rate exceeding 70%. A total of 3,885 voters were registered in all 17 polling stations that operated in the country for the Greek elections (up 185 from the May elections) and 2,804 went to the polls.
Eco Catania started on Monday the Italy-Greece freight line. Credit: Grimaldi Group
Two “green giants”, the hybrid vessels Eco Catania and Eco Malta of the Italian Grimaldi Group, started operating the freight line between Italy and Greece on Monday.
The Neapolitan shipping group, in synergy with the Port System Authorities of the Northern Adriatic Sea and of the Southern Adriatic Sea, as well as that of the Greek port of Patras, aims to enhance maritime intermodality between the two shores of the Adriatic. The duo will replace the “Eurocargo” class ships currently operating on the line.
Each of the two “GG5G”-class ships can carry some 7,800 linear metres of freight, equivalent to around 500 trailers and 180 cars – twice as much as the previous class of short sea ro-ro ships deployed by the Grimaldi Group.
However, Grimaldi claims that this greater capacity does not increase fuel consumption thanks to the adoption of numerous highly innovative technological solutions that optimize the vessels’ operational and environmental performance.
Italy-Greece freight ships cut emissions to zero in ports
At the same speed, Eco Catania and Eco Malta consume the same amount of fuel as the previous generation ro-ro ships, meaning they can effectively halve CO2 emissions per unit transported, the company said.
In addition, emissions are cut to zero during port operations: when they are at berth, Eco Catania and Eco Malta use the electricity stored in mega lithium batteries which are recharged during navigation thanks to shaft generators and 350 m2 of solar panels installed on board, thus reaching the “Zero Emission in Port” target.
“Having ships producing zero emission in port represents a key investment for the sustainable future of our seaports”, Ugo Patroni Griffi, President of the Port System Authority of the Southern Adriatic Sea, said.
“The new ships using advanced technological solutions in terms of halving the emissions of CO2, will enhance our port,” stated Panagiotis Tsonis, CEO of the Patras Port Authority.
“The local community and the people living in the surrounding area of the port will welcome this new development. Furthermore, the increased capacity of the above-mentioned Ro-Ro ships will optimize the efficiency and the productivity of our Port”, he added.
Motorways of the sea
“With our highly efficient maritime services, the result of years of commitment and concrete investments and collaboration with the port authorities, we have built a solid bridge on the Adriatic ridge, from Venice to Bari, which runs up to the Greek shores of the Adriatic; a fundamental bridge on which hundreds of heavy vehicles travel every day, using the motorways of the sea rather than land roads”, said Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi.
“Starting Monday, this bridge will become even “greener”, like the liveries of the hybrid ships Eco Catania and Eco Malta that we will deploy on our regular Venice-Bari-Patras maritime link. With our operations, we will further boost maritime intermodality and guarantee even more efficient transport services between Italy and Greece,” he added.
US financing will provide a major boost for the future of shipbuilding in Greece. Credit: Elefsis Shipyards
The US Congress approved last week a $125 million financing plan for the Greek shipyards at Elefsis, south of Athens in a major boost for the future of shipbuilding in Greece.
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), America’s development bank, will provide the loan to ONEX company which owns the Elefsis shipyards.
The shipyards are attempting to be restructured through bankruptcy law after they couldn’t sustain themselves, falling 423.3 million euros ($462.16 million) into debt.
The history of the shipyard dates back to 1962, when its construction started and its operation commenced in October 1969. It is located in Elefsis Bay approximately 10 nautical miles from the anchorage of Piraeus, Greece’s biggest port.
It covers an area of 250 thousand square meters offering construction, repair and modification facilities.
Greece remains the top shipping nation in the world, as Greek shipowners with 5,514 ships currently control approximately 21 percent of the global fleet, in terms of capacity, the Union of Greek Shipowners (USG) recently announced.
While Greek shipping tycoons rule the world’s waves, shipbuilding in the country lagged for years, with ships being bought elsewhere to build the fleet, seeing Elefsis fall into decline.
Funding will upgrade Greek shipyards
The funding, which was approved by Congress, will be used to restore and upgrade the shipyards, increasing the service capacity to up to 200 ships per year and getting Greece back into the sector.
When fully operational, ONEX Elefsis Shipyards, owned by businessman Panos Xenokostas, plans to become the largest shipyard in the country that will serve the Greek Navy and commercial fleets.
In another major development last week, ONEX announced an agreement for the expansion of cooperation with Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri which is the largest shipbuilder in Europe.
According to a statement by ONEX the agreement provides significant competitive advantages and benefits to the Greek shipbuilding and defense industries, as well as the Hellenic Navy.
The new partnership includes a new world-class ship production line, including the construction of corvettes, and advanced surface ships, especially frigates.
“It offers the HN modern, cross-functional, and high-tech solutions to significantly upgrade its operational capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the statement said.
The project is expected to open 2,500 new jobs in the shipbuilding sector. A collaboration with multiplier-effect benefits for the Greek economy and defense will be launched.
“We are utilizing a unique feature of the Italian defense industry, where a network of small and medium-sized companies collaborates with global ones: this is exactly what we want to apply in Greece to make Elefsis Shipyards a point of reference,” Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero commented.
JFK delivered his famous speech in Berlin on June 26, 1963. Public Domain
“I am a Berliner” (“Ich bin ein Berliner“) is one of the best-known speeches of the Cold War; it was given by US President John F. Kennedy on June 26, 1963, in West Berlin.
This speech became an enduring symbol of American support for West Germany during a critical time in history.
Twenty-two months earlier, East Germany had erected the Berlin Wall to prevent mass emigration to West Berlin.
The speech was aimed as much at the Soviet Union as it was at West Berliners.
Another phrase in the speech was also spoken in German, “Lasst sie nach Berlin kommen” (“Let them come to Berlin”), addressed at those who claimed “we can work with the Communists”, a remark at which Nikita Khrushchev scoffed only days later.
The speech is considered one of Kennedy’s finest, delivered at the height of the Cold War and the New Frontier. It was a great morale boost for West Berliners, who lived in an enclave deep inside East Germany and feared a possible East German occupation.
Speaking to an audience of 120,000 on the steps of Rathaus Schöneberg, Kennedy said,
Two thousand years ago, the proudest boast was civis romanus sum [“I am a Roman citizen”]. Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is “Ich bin ein Berliner!”… All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words “Ich bin ein Berliner!”
Kennedy used the phrase twice in his speech, including at the end, pronouncing the sentence with his Boston accent and reading from his note “ish bin ein Bearleener”, which he had written out using English orthography to approximate the German pronunciation
Significance of Kennedy’s “I am a Berliner”
By declaring “Ich bin ein Berliner”, Kennedy expressed his solidarity with the people of West Berlin, emphasizing that the United States stood firmly with them in the face of Soviet aggression and attempts to isolate West Berlin.
The speech also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to NATO allies. It was delivered against the backdrop of the Cold War, a period of intense geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.
By openly declaring support for West Berlin, Kennedy reiterated the U.S. commitment to its NATO allies and demonstrated that America would not tolerate further Soviet expansion.
Tens of thousands of Berliners turned out for President Kennedy’s address at the Rudolph Wilde Platz, West Berlin. Public Domain
It was also a symbol of freedom and resistance. Kennedy’s speech aimed to inspire the people of West Berlin and reinforce their resilience and determination to maintain their freedom. His words resonated with the city’s inhabitants, who had endured the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, an oppressive symbol of the division between East and West.
By affirming that the citizens of West Berlin were not alone, Kennedy bolstered their spirits and sent a message of hope and defiance to those living under Soviet control.
The speech garnered significant international attention and played a crucial role in shaping global perceptions of the Cold War. It showcased American leadership and the moral authority of the United States in standing up for freedom and democracy.
Kennedy’s words reverberated beyond Berlin, inspiring people around the world who were living under oppressive regimes.
