In February of 2007, D-Wave Systems, of Burnaby, Canada, successfully demonstrated the world’s first quantum computer, to much fanfare. Known as Orion, this 16-qubit adiabatic quantum computer is designed to be scaled up to a 1024-qubit model by mid-2008 that can very quickly compute a very specific sort of problem using somewhat different properties of quantum […]
Dodgy neighbour
A recent interview in the Financial Times had South Africa’s president Thabo Mbeki reiterating his much maligned policy of quiet diplomacy on the ever thornier subject of his country’s troubled neighbour, Zimbabwe. With Robert Mugabe, who at 83 has now led Zimbabwe for 27 years, having convinced his party to select him as their candidate […]
For the Sake of Argument: Painting Versus Installation
The Saatchi Gallery’s exhibition ‘The Triumph of Painting’ confronted the challenges painters face in a hyper-realistic age that is directed by photographic image. The exhibition aimed to revive the value of painting after a decade saturated with the 3D installations of the Young British Art movement. Saatchi, once a champion of these rebellious YBA’s, sold […]
Challenging Greek Art: Anathena
The commercial Greek art scene has always been traditionalist. One only needs to look at the notorious entry requirements for the Athens College of Art to understand this. Every year, a select few pass the entrance exams to attain a good degree with a weighty reputation after a five-year time-honoured education in ‘Fine Art’ […]
The Lighthouse
It rested softly in her hands, aged and frail. “Do you want to open it now?” asked Angela. Her brother shook his head and looked toward the black cockatoos brutally pruning the eucalypts by the creek. The land sloped down from the house, overgrown shrubs crowding around what had once been an expanse of lawn. […]
Petaluma Critical Mass
Petaluma Critical Mass, bicycle activists who pedal through the city’s core in an attempt to take back the streets, will ride again Friday night. Cyclists will congregate at 5 p.m. on Friday in the parking lot of Luchessi Park, which adjoins the Petaluma Community Center, 320 North McDowell Blvd. They will equip themselves with helmets, […]