The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-19

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Thirty-Two Tiny Monitors at Your Fingertips Revolutionary Keyboard

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The original and revolutionary keyboard designed by Russian company Art Lebedev Studio is both impressive and operational and seems to have come from the future. Its difference from traditional keyboards lies in the fact that each key is a tiny monitor, which has the ability to change the depicting symbol depending on the program, which the user runs at the time. If, for example, you wish to write in Greek, but your keyboard only has English letters, with the Optimus keyboard your problem is instantly solved, as you can type in an order, changing the characters to Greek. According to its manufacturers, the Optimus has endless possibilities, as each key is an OLED monitor (Organic Light Emitting Diode), which can depict whatever the user wants.

Except from the language selection, the user can also adjust the keyboard to depict the functions of any software, like photograph processing programs, or even games.

The keyboard frame will be made of aluminium, while the keys will be of polycarbonate plastic.

According to Art Lebedev Studio, the Optimus keyboard will be released to the market in 2006, while its price is set at 200 dollars.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] The Moon Starts its Stroll at 20:26 Under the Shine of the Moon

By Vicky Keleri

Shortly before bidding the summer goodbye, August invites us to the most shinning and dreamy night of the year. Tonight's full moon is not only the biggest of the summer, but also the second closest to the Earth for 2005. So, not only romantics and lovers will have their eyes set on it, but astronomers as well, since Venus, Jupiter and its 63 moons will have their most magical meeting in the skies. At 20:26 tonight, the most shinning full moon will start its trip across the sky, inviting you to a dreamy stroll. You can simply accept the invitation and set sail for a walk on the moon.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] ND's Bodies Will Meet Talks Within ND

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

The bodies of the Greek ruling party are to hold two instrumental meetings in the upcoming week, said on Friday ND Central Committee Secretary Vagelis Meimarakis exiting his meeting with the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, NDs Political Council will meet at NDs headquarters to determine the partys actions and to sort out the details for the meeting of the Central Committee scheduled for August 26. The proposal regarding the election of mayors and prefects from the first round is also included in the agenda of the meetings. Furthermore, Mr Meimarakis referred to the collective actions to be taking place the days the Prime Minister will be at Thessaloniki International Fair, and he pointed out that ND does not wish for DAKE (Democratic Independent Workers Movement) to participate should the collective actions have an anti-government stance.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] All Passengers Safe Helios Emergency Landing

By Vicky Keleri

An airliner belonging to Cypriot Airline Company Helios proceeded to an emergency landing at Stansted airport, while performing the "Larnaca-Luton" flight. The pilot reported a possible problem at the flap of one of the wings. After landing, all passengers, who are safe and sound, were taken to Luton airport by bus. According to Stansted spokesperson, the airliner's landing was not forced, but emergency. He went on to add that the airport was in a state called "local stand-by." Airport engineers are thoroughly checking the aircraft, which according to information appears to have no problem.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Against US Targets Double Strike in Red Sea

By

Sources: BBC, NET, ANA

At least two rockets were launched from Jordan against US targets the early hours of Friday. One rocket fired at USS Ashland flew over the bow of the military vessel and impacted in the roof of a warehouse killing a Jordanian soldier and injuring another. A few minutes later, another rocket, which was also launched from Jordanian soil, hit the nearby airport of Eilat in Israel. Al Qaeda Organisation in the Levant and Egypt, which is linked to Osama bin Ladens network, posted an announcement on an Islamic website claiming responsibility for the attacks. The blasts did not cause any damages to the two US military vessels, Ashland and Kearsarge, which left the port. The two US military vessels had been docked in Aqaba port for the past 10 days.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Boost Competitiveness at Focus

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Speaking on Friday at the National Competitiveness and Growth Council, which convened at Zappeion, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas referred to the positive indications on the improvement of the Economy's competitiveness. In particular, Mr Sioufas stressed the percentage increase of fast growing businesses and the increase of exports in relation to 2004, while he also noted that tourist arrivals in Greece show a remarkable turnaround this year. "The biggest threat is sticking to inactiveness and stagnancy," underlined the Minister of Development, also noting the need for serious interventions, incisions and regulations to the structures of the State and Economy. At the same time, the Development Ministry also presented its timetable, which provides that two Bills will be submitted to Parliament on September to deregulate electric energy and natural gas markets, as well as the preparation of regulations on biofuel and renewable power sources. FGI (Federation of Greek Industries) president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos stressed, "There are more things on which we agree with the government than disagree," thus underlining there should be immediate interventions to the Economy.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Concern Over World Crisis on Prices Meeting on Oil

By

Black gold prices have increased once again in international markets, with American crude and brent oil exceeding 64 and 63 dollars per barrel respectively. The international oil crisis was at the focus of the meeting between the Prime Minister, the Development Minister, Dimitris Sioufas, and the President of Hellenic Petroleum, Timos Christodoulou. After the meeting, Mr Sioufas voiced his deep concern and stressed that the situation with the oil prices "has reached unpredictable limits." However, he reassured that the Government is trying to cope with the situation in the best possible way, so that repercussions in inflation and citizens are the minimum possible.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Final Step in Women's Water Polo

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The Greek Womens Water Polo team are one step closer to the final and the gold medal at the 2nd World League Water Polo tournament. After defeating Hungary, Koulis Iosifidis girls prevailed 10-9 in the penalty shootout against Canada, and if they defeat Italy tomorrow they advance to the top of Group B and thus qualify to the final of the World League Water Polo tournament, which is held in Kirishi, Russia.

"Result Counts"

The Greek head coach stressed after the new success that the girls were very tired and this is why they did not perform as was expected. However, it is victory that counts and now Greece is one breath away from the final.

"For us this was a match of great importance that would take to the final. The team was pretty tired and did not perform as was expected. However, the final result is what counts in major athletic events. I believe we will defeat Italy and then fight in the final," stressed the coach of the Greek team, which won the silver medal in the Athens Olympics, Koulis Iosifidis.

Stavroula Kozoboli stressed, "we set off on a bad start and gradually improved. Our final attempts were not that good and we couldn't score easily. The victory that will count the most will be in the final. I want to believe we will claim the trophy." What is more, goalkeeper Georgia Ellinaki stated, "we made many mistakes, which we corrected as the match proceeded. Finally, the time came when we gave Canada a proper answer. Our goal is the trophy."

In the other match of Group B, Hungary prevailed easily over Italy with 16-6.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Karamanlis-Souflias Meeting Briefing Over Public Works

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA - NET 105.8

Greek Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works Minister Georgios Souflias briefed the Prime Minister over the course of the public works. Exiting the meeting, Mr Souflias stated that the 90% of the works have been auctioned and he added that their cost stands at 5 billion euros, twice as much as the cost of the previous years. Regarding the public works to be constructed in Thessaloniki, he announced that AEGEK participates in the consortium that was named temporary concessionaire for Thessalonikis Underground, and he explained that the construction of the work will commence as soon as the lawsuits and objections, which are expected to arise, are examined. The Underground will run a distance of nine kilometres and will have 13 stations. It is expected to be given for public use in five and a half years

Furthermore, the construction of a landing runway at Makedonia airport, north of Greece will commence in 15 days. Mr Souflias said that the concessionaire has been finalized and what is left is for the contract to be checked by the Court of Auditors.

As for Egnatia Odos Motorway, Public Works Minister argued that the contract has already been signed and that the 90% of the work is under construction. Its cost has been fixed at 2 billion euros and it will have been completed by 2008.

Regarding the works at Maliakos-Kleidi, Mr Souflias announced that a temporary concessionaire has been named since July and voiced his belief that two months from now at the latest objections will have been examined and the concession will be signed, thus paving the way for the construction of the work.

Translated by Areti Christou

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