Alexander the Great, king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia, who created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, by the age of 30, is one of the most famous rulers of all time. But Alexander's achievements would not have been possible without his father's; King Philip's II, legacy. Even though he is not as famous as his offspring, King Philip II was also a remarkable leader.

 

The cover article of the June edition of the Smithsonian Magazine is dedicated to Philip II of Macedon, who "was a colossus in his own right, a brilliant military leader and politician who transformed Macedonia and built its first empire." To discover more about King Philip II journalist Richard Grant traveled to Aigai, the ancient royal capital of Macedonia and site of Philip's palace, where he met Angeliki Kottaridi, an archaeologist who has dedicated much of her life to excavating the ruins at Aigai.

 

Kottaridi and her team's work continues to give insight on the rise of this ancient superpower, including how Philip "paved the way for his son Alexander to become a legend." The article focuses on Philip's upbringing and how he came to be the man he was, backing everything up with statements by Kottaridi and other researchers.

 

The archaeological finds discovered in the area will be displayed in the new "Polycentric Museum of Aigai," which will open for the public in 2021. In addition to the Museum, the partial restoration of Philip's palace will enable visitors to appreciate the grand scale of the building, which covered 4 acres.

 

The archaeological site of Aigai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that is slowly rising from obscurity. It is almost sure that in the next few years, it will become an unmissable destination for history buffs and cultural travelers.

To read this aricle in full, please visit: greece-is.com

Some of my friends managed to clean everything from lofts and warehouses to closets and drawers. They not only cleared up clothes, toys, and lots of other stuff but also set real priorities for their lives. Others enjoyed their peace at home, read the books they had piled up for a long time, took online classes, and pampered themselves with extra hours of sleep. Still, others did very little or did nothing of what they said they could or wanted to do; because they simply didn't have enough time as they had their family to take care of, young children and grown-ups complete with a lot of "noise," and a lot of nerve-racking situations. Another reason for remaining idle could be that they just didn't want the indirect pressure of "since you're at home use your time wisely and do yoga, dance, meditation, paint walls ... do something anyway."

 

Which of the two groups do you identify with? And most importantly, how do you feel about it? Let me assure you that regardless of whether you did or did not do what you said or wanted to do, it's okay. It's more than okay. There is no reason to feel apologetic or guilty. You accomplished some of the things you wanted to do and some others you just didn't. Maybe because you were tired or bored, perhaps because the pressure was too much, or better yet because you chose not to do anything. And that's okay. Don't torture yourself with thoughts like "I should have done it; I shouldn't have just wasted my time."

 

Instead of getting frustrated with negative thoughts and feelings, why not take some action now. Get a piece of paper and a pencil or use your computer, whatever works for you, and do the following exercise: Start by observing what you did and didn't do during the quarantine. Think about the reasons. How did you feel? What did you say to yourself, and what were the actual words you used? How much did you allow yourself to be affected by other peoples' feelings? Are you happy with the result? If so, great! If not, what would you have done differently? What would you change?

 

When you complete this exercise, you'll have a priceless tool in your hands. Not only will you recognize the behavioral pattern you usually follow in similar situations and the direction it is taking you, but you will also know what you need to change to get the result you want! ☺

 

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

On Friday 5th June 2020, 14 Youth Shipping Organizations from 13 countries united at the 1st Open E-dialogue after the initiative of Young Executives Shipping (YES) FORUM (Greece) and in partnership with Youngship Cyprus, Youngship Turkey, Youngship Panama, Youngship Venezuela, Youngship Singapore, Youngship Texas, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Honk Kong, Young Shipping Professionals New York, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Shanghai & Beijing, Maritime SheEo India, Shipping Professionals Network London, The Ocean Opportunity Lab (TOOL) and It's All About Shipping UK. 

This virtual global gathering managed to have an impact on over 10k viewers with all speakers discussing shipping as an ideal career path and what are the right steps for the young generation to enhance their career in it. The main topics included but not limited to: mentoring, digital transformation, networking while social distancing, attract talent pool, technical roles, development of skills, role models, onboard experiences, and the value of volunteerism.

Fotini Papachatzaki, Youngship Cyprus, stressed the importance of the human contact even during social distancing through mentoring and urged young people to practice their listening skills and to brainstorm with their mentors in order to build a positive future for our industry and oceans. Danae Bezantakou, Moderator of the forum and concept founder of YES FORUM, underlined that it is important to act local but continue to think global.

Taking into consideration that Big Data and IoT are hot topics these days, Sumit Sharma, Maritime SheEo (INDIA), advised the youth to Innovate themselves and acquire the skills needed to excel in their professional lives as the human capital is irreplaceable. The concept of Technology was also supported by Maria Dragoumerli, Shipping Professionals Network London, who urged young people to undertake more technical roles, as Shipping is broad and there are many opportunities to explore in the technological field.

Therefore, we should exploit the use of technology to build our online presence even at times of social distancing commented Tabitha Logan, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Honk Kong. Because "we need to be braver, bolder, not shy to tell our story and be more visible telling positive stories", Wei Zhuang, Young Professionals In Shipping Network Shanghai & Beijing, advised in order to attract young professionals to the Greenest Industry, i.e. Shipping. Also, Eli Ginsberg, Young Shipping Professionals New York, underlined the use of social media as a great tool to develop our skills and have our say in an industry connected to climate change and diversity.

Because after all, "without young talent you cannot sustain Shipping and the environment" Gina Panayiotou, It's All About Shipping UK, said. Dr. Sinem Ogis, Youngship Turkey, underlined the importance of being part of an organization since Organizations can enhance members’ professional performance. Also, young people have the chance to voice their thoughts through an organization, Maria Laura Salazar, Youngship Venezuela, said and have access to many sources of information needed to continue their business, as usual, Nelly Elder, Youngship Texas, commented.

 

Birgit Liodden, the founder of YOUNGSHIP INTERNATIONAL, stated that “Never waste a good crisis" and “We can empower and inspire and create the foundation of a thriving industry for young people; two statements that depict the mentality and common goal of all organizations participating to create the future of Shipping industry.

Danae Bezantakou, YES FORUM & the representatives of the organizations committed themselves to continue the open dialogue among them and the audience by given the chance to the next generation of the shipping industry to exploit the opportunities that arise locally and globally.

Since reopening its doors, the Acropolis Museum has undertaken all the necessary measures to protect its visitors' health.

During your visit, please make sure to keep the following in mind:

1. You will be required to wear a protective mask during your visit.

2. Ensure you maintain the necessary 2-meter distance from others and ensure you wash or disinfect your hands regularly.

3. Visitors are encouraged to use credit cards in all financial transactions in the Museum.

4. All backpacks and large bags need to be left at the cloakroom for disinfection using a steam appliance.

5. Group visits to the Museum should not exceed 8 persons.

6. All guests participating in gallery talks with Museum Archaeologist-Hosts are required to wear protective masks.

7. The use of the Whisper guide system is a requirement for group guided visits.

8. Guides are required to wear protective masks.

Please keep in mind that family backpacks, baby strollers, and wheelchairs are not currently available for loan, while the Reading Lounge and Parent's Room will remain closed until further notice.


To learn more about the safety measures taken at the Museum, please visit: theacropolismuseum.gr

 

The Hellenic American Union presents in cooperation with Hellenic American College (HAEC) and Technochoros Art Gallery, in its Kennedy Gallery, the visual arts exhibition by Chrysostomos Mousmoulidis. The exhibition, which is organized under the aegis of the George Zongolopoulos Foundation, is curated by Vivi Vasilopoulou.

Taking into account the safety of visitors and personnel, the instructions, measures, and guidelines announced by relevant authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19, are followed during your visit at the Hellenic American Union building and exhibition venues.

Chrysostomos Mousmoulidis creates arks of fragmentary moments, filled with sensitivity, re-using canvases and frames from previous works that bear testimony to an earlier self. He combines these (stitches together) to create new works, in which many older ones lie concealed. In some of these new works, hidden behind the bold stitches and patches of a self and a past that opens wounds he seeks to heal, are poems, attestations of his psyche. Each work is a silent cry of anguish and a place of refuge for the artist.

Ancient Greek architecture was produced by the Hellenic people who thrived on the Greek mainland, the Peloponnese, the Aegean Islands, and in the colonies in Anatolia and Italy from around 900 BC until the 1st century AD. The earliest remaining architectural works dating from about 600 BC.

 

Ancient Greek architecture is famous for its temples–the Parthenon being a prime example–that are found throughout the country, mostly in ruins, but a few surviving surprisingly intact. Other types of ancient Greek buildings still surviving today are open-air theaters, processional gateways (propylaea), public squares (agoras), storied colonnades (stoes), town council buildings (bouleuteria), monumental tombs (mausoleums), and stadiums.

 

There are 3 distinct orders in Ancient Greek architecture: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Romans adopted all 3 orders around the 1st century BC, and since then, they have been continually used in European Neoclassical architecture.

Even though sometimes the Doric order is considered the earliest, there is no concrete evidence to support this. In fact, the Doric and Ionic orders seem to have made their appearance at around the same point in time; the Ionic in eastern Greece and the Doric in the west and mainland.

 

The Temple of Hera in Olympia is the oldest, well-preserved Doric style temple dating back to about 600 BC. The Doric order later spread throughout Greece and Sicily, where it continued to be the leading monumental architectural style for 800 years.

The Doric order originates in the mainland and western Greece. It is the starkest architectural order and is characterized by short, organized, massive columns with plain, round capitals, and no base. With a height that is just 4 to 8 times its diameter, Doric columns are the shortest of all orders. The shaft of the Doric order columns is channeled with 20 flutes, while the capital consists of a simple ring necking or annulet. The echinus is convex, or circular cushion-like stone and the abacus is a square slab of stone. Above the capital is a square abacus that connects the capital to the entablature. The frieze of the Doric entablatures is consists of triglyphs and metopes. A triglyph is a section that consists of 3 vertical bands, separated by grooves, while a metope is the plain or carved relief located between 2 triglyphs. The Greek forms of the Doric order come without an individual base, and they are placed directly on the stylobate.

The Ionic order originates from eastern Greece and is distinguished by slender, fluted columns with a broad base and two opposed volutes or scrolls in the echinus, which is adorned with an egg-and-dart motif. The Ionic shaft comes with 24 flutes, 4 more than its Doric counterpart. At its base, an Ionic column has two convex mouldings called tori, separated by a scotia. A column of the Ionic order is 8 times its lower diameter. The architrave of the entablature usually consists of 3 stepped bands, and its frieze is sometimes adorned with continuous ornamental carved figures.

The Corinthian order is the most intricate of the Greek orders. It is distinguished by a slender fluted column and an ornate capital, which is decorated with 2 rows of acanthus leaves and 4 scrolls—the Corinthian order is widely considered the most graceful of the 3 orders. The shaft of a Corinthian order pillar has 24 flutes, which is usually 10 diameters high. According to the Roman writer Vitruvius, the invention of the Corinthian order is attributed to Callimachus—a Greek sculptor of the 5th century BC. The oldest known Corinthian style building is the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens that was erected between 335 and 334 BC.

Phoenix Athens presents the opening for the exhibition: ART INSTEAD on Thursday the 25th of June. This exhibition features works by Athens-based artists who participated in the online program and residency that Phoenix Athens created during the COVID-19 lockdown. Art Instead explores the distinctions between the virtual and the physical, the digital, and the palpable while showing how artists found inspiration and survived despite the conditions they faced during the “lockdown.”

The title for the show is informed by the contextual factors of isolation and confinement and the sense of fear and apprehension that so many of us experienced and had difficulty coping with in certain cases. ART INSTEAD proposes art as a pathway to purpose and enlightenment, a way of maintaining hope and optimism while re-examining the familiar through a more focused lens. Art Instead is a manifestation of the global state of quarantine, one in which the audience can now be physically engaged. These highly engaging and personal works span a range of mediums to include video, painting, photography, sound, printing, and rendered imagery.

The exhibition includes works by Electra Stampoulou, Clemence Barret, Vassiliki Koukou, Ilias Georgiadis, Smaragda Nitsopoulou, Catherine Chatzidimitriou, Irini Makri & Angelina Mavrogianni’s, Feeleash Katerina Papazissi. 

On Saturday, 20 June 2020 the Acropolis Museum celebrates 11 years of operation and welcomes back its visitors. The Museum has undertaken all the necessary measures for the protection of the health of its visitors. On this day, the Museum will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., with a reduced entry (€5) to all exhibition areas. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to see the temporary exhibition ‘Chisel and Memory. The contribution of marble craftsmanship to the restoration of the Acropolis monuments’, which will continue until 30 September 2020, with free entrance. On Saturday 20 June, the Museum's second-floor restaurant will operate until 12 midnight.

Moreover, gallery talks held by the Museum’s Archaeologist-Hosts will commence this week. Visitors wishing to participate are required to wear a protective mask (not provided by the Museum) and to use the whisper guide system headsets (provided by the Museum to participants).

The lost statue of Athena Parthenos

The Acropolis Museum brings to life, digitally, the statue of Athena Parthenos. Made of gold and ivory, this masterpiece was designed by Phidias for the Parthenon. The Museum invites you on a walk of knowledge about its construction materials and techniques, its myths and allegories, its radiance, and its adventures. 

English: Every Friday at 11 a.m.

Duration: 50 minutes

Participation: Limited to 10 visitors per session. 

Price: €10

A walk through the Museum with an archaeologist 

Visitors have the opportunity to participate in evening walks through the Museum exhibition galleries, making unanticipated stops and various discussions, together with an Archaeologist-Host.

English: every Friday, at 6 p.m.

Duration: 60 minutes

Participation: Limited to 10 visitors per session.

Price: €10

Walking in the ancient neighborhood of the Acropolis Museum 

Visitors are given the opportunity to wander through the archaeological excavation which stretches underneath the Museum, like a giant exhibit. They will be able to walk on the ancient neighborhood’s streets, take a closer look at the houses with their courtyards and wells, enter the heart of the impressive mansions with the private baths, examine the workshops with the water reservoirs, take a magical stroll through time and the daily life of the people who lived in the shadow of the Acropolis’ rock for over 4,500 years.

English: every Saturday & Sunday, at 11 a.m.

Duration: 45 minutes

Participation: Limited to 10 visitors per session.

Price: €10

Flux Laboratory Athens shares the dance project ‘WHAT IF IT WAS YOU?” on the occasion of World Refugee Day, on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Performed by artists Joanna Toumbakari and Andi Xhuma, and choreographed by Markella Manoliadi, the piece has been inspired by Imany’s song “Take Care”, aiming at conveying through dance a call for unity and encouragement among people.

The project has taken the form of a video dance directed by Andi Xhuma and will be openly disseminated through international social platforms and channels on Saturday, June 20. On the same day, the dancers will perform live with the participation of the audience in various, symbolically significant places in the center of Athens as well as Flux Laboratory Athens (12 Geronta str., Plaka). 

Drawing upon the recent solidarity demonstrated by the global community and people’s strength to applaud healthcare workers during the period of confinement, the audience is invited once again to sing and, symbolically, applaud as another gesture for solidarity and unity.

In compliance with the safety guidelines pertinent to social-distancing in the pandemic, the audience is kindly asked to follow the performances, wearing a mask or scarf. During the performance at Flux Laboratory Athens, the participants are encouraged to stand around the perimeter of the building, enjoying the piece through its open doors.

Flux Laboratory produces transdisciplinary artistic projects and experiments with new creative and collaborative processes. Since 2016, Flux Laboratory supports and produces projects in Greece under the auspices of the Embassy of Switzerland in Greece. The research core of Flux programming in Athens is the Body itself. The Body is being explored as an integral tool of artistic creation, a source of knowledge and experience as well as a dynamic element that underpins the concept of social cohesion and community development.

Samsung Electronics Hellas, British Council, and INNOVATHENS Powered by Samsung organize the fascinating webinar “New Experiences using Natural Language Processing in Artificial Intelligence” on Friday, 19 June 2020, at 19.00. The webinar will be live-streamed through the British Council’s and INNOVATHENS’ Facebook pages.

 

Natural Language Processing has been the subject of intensive research and an object of high hopes for decades. Yet, most of us still do not see any spectacular tangible results like eloquent androids or omnipotent AI present in popular Hollywood movies. Still, many companies advertise their AI systems as truly intelligent.

What is the truth? Has anything changed in the NLP area recently? To what extent do we actually use NLP in our life and what exactly is it? Do computers really understand human language? What does “understanding human language” actually mean and what are its potential implications? Finally, what can we expect from the NLP technologies in the close future, and should we be afraid of it? Dr. Lukasz Slabinski will try to answer these questions from the perspective of Samsung Electronics, a company that is one of the largest producers of intelligent consumer electronics. Mr. Kostas Karpouzis will be the moderator of the webinar.

Participation is free.

The science talk will be live-streamed through British Council’s and INNOVATHENS’ Facebook pages.

Dr. Lukasz Slabinski is the Head of the Artificial Intelligence Department at Samsung R&D Institute in Poland. He and his team work in various AI areas like NLP, Data Analytics, and Computer Vision to bring new AI-powered functionalities to Samsung’s global customers. Before joining Samsung, Dr. Slabinski worked as a scientist in research institutes, as a university assistant professor, and as an entrepreneur in his own start-up company – always exploring how AI can aid people in their lives.

Kostas Karpouzis is currently an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in Greece. His research interests lie in the areas of human-computer interaction, emotion understanding (Ph.D. thesis in Greek [PDF]), affective and natural interaction, serious games, and games based assessment and learning. Since 1998 he has participated in 15 research projects at Greek and European level; most notably the Humaine Network of Excellence, within which he completed his post-doc in the field of mapping signals to signs of emotion, and the FP7 TeL Siren project (Technical Manager), which was voted Best Learning Game in Europe for 2013 by the Games and Learning Alliance Network of Excellence. He is an elected member of the Executive Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Affective Computing (formerly Humaine Association) and the Student Activities Chair for IEEE Greece. He’s also a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal on Multimodal User Interfaces (Springer), Personal and Ubiquitous Computing (Springer), and Journal on Synthetic Emotions.