Hooverphonic Band Comes to Greece

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One of the favorite bands in Greece, visit us again in December for two live performances. In their bag a new album (The Night Before) and a new singer, Noemie Wolfs.
They will appear in Thessaloniki on Friday, December 16 at the Principal. The next day, Saturday, December 17 they will be in Athens at Fuzz Club.
Advance sale began on Friday, October 14th.

Shakira to Visit Mykonos Island

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The Colombian singer, Shakira is about to visit the Greek Island of Mykonos in order to attend a party organized by a Saudi Arabian billionaire.
The Saudi Arabian billionaire is thinking of purchasing a villa in the Agios Stephanos area and wants to celebrate it by organizing an event in which Shakira will be the guest star.
Shakira visited Greek islands last summer and was suprised by the beauty of the islands and the Greek seas.

Call for Coalition Government to Stay On Until 2013

Former government spokesman Ilias Mossialos says the coalition government needs more time

ATHENS – Following remarks from New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras that elections tentatively scheduled for Feb. 19 will probably have to be rescheduled because a temporary coalition government won’t be able to finish the work of keeping international loans coming before then.
A prominent PASOK Socialist lawmaker and former government spokesman, Ilias Mossialos said the administration should stay in power for two more years. Mossialos was the face of PASOK during its two-year run before former Prime Minister George Papandreou resigned Nov.
11 after social unrest caused by deep pay cuts, tax hikes, slashed pensions and scores of thousands of layoffs required by the Troika of the European Union-International Monetary Fund-European Central Bank as a condition of getting a $152 billion bailout and a proposed second rescue package of $175 billion.
He told SKAI TV that the country still has too many obstacles to overcome and that the fractious coalition led by former banker Lucas Papademos as interim Prime Minister, and compromised of PASOK minister holdovers as well as New Democracy conservatives and the far Right-Wing LAOS party needs more time. That recommendation came as the Parliament the coalition controls easily pushed through a 2012 budget that calls for more austerity measures.
Mossialos noted that elections were scheduled for 2013 anyway and that even PASOK’s rivals in New Democracy acknowledge now that the timetable is too tight, although Samaras has ambitions to be Prime Minister and agreed to the coalition in return for snap elections. The coalition government that Papademos was appointed to lead was originally expected to play a transitional role – ensuring that Greece secures crucial rescue funding and finalizes a new debt plan with its creditors – before early elections are held.
Meanwhile, Greece got good news that a long-delayed $11 billion loan installment from the first bailout will be released on Dec. 15, just in time to keep paying workers, pensioners and a drastically-reduced Christmas bonus that retailers are counting on to prevent more of them failing, even as more than 100,000 have closed because of a deep recession caused by austerity, which has also created 18.4 unemployment.
IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the money would be forthcoming and congratulated Greek leaders for what she called their “substantial achievements” so far. But she noted that an ongoing austerity drive aimed at reducing a huge budget deficit was “in a difficult phase, with structural reforms proceeding slowly, the economy weak, and the external environment deteriorating.” She called for a “prompt implementation of underlying fiscal reforms which are necessary to downsize the public sector and strengthen tax collection.”
The 2012 budget sees more spending cuts and vows of yet another crackdown on tax evaders costing the country $60 billion. There has been a spate of public arrests of some businesspeople, but the government still refuses to release a list of tax evaders. Approval of the budget was critical, however, as European Union leaders will hold a crucial meeting in Brussels on Dec. 9 to talk about the fate of the Eurozone, the 17 countries – including Greece – who use the euro as a currency. Greece’s economic crisis has weakened the Eurozone and EU leaders are struggling to find a monetary mechanism to keep it from collapsing.
Addressing Parliament before the vote, Papademos said the budget was “difficult” but said it was crucial to “restore our international credibility” and “lay the foundations for economic recovery.” He added: “History will not forgive us if we give up the fight for our future.” He said that the implementation of the budget required “not only the support of the coalition government but of society at large.” Papademos said he hopes the budget approval will lead the Troika to approve the second bailout that also allows Greece to write down 50 percent of much of its debt, although some banks and private investors are balking.
Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the budget is “a tool for exiting the crisis,” as it foresees some $6.69 billion in spending cuts and projects a $4.8 billion increase in tax revenues, although the figures for 2011 are far short of similar projections. He said the government wants to create a surplus of 1.1 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) next year, a number many analysts said is impossible to attain.
Even as some 14.000 workers are scheduled to be put into a labor reserve pool at 60 percent pay and likely to be fired in a year, the coalition government said another 19,000 will be pushed into early retirement, the newspaper Kathimerini reported. They are all on open-ended contracts and employed in ministries, state-backed bodies and other parts of the broader civil service. Of the 19,000, around 12,000 are close to retirement – having completed 33 years of service – and another 7,000 are employed in state bodies which are slated for closure or merging with other organizations.

Drachma or Euro

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One of the questions that is going through the minds of the citizens of Greece these days is, if Greece will return to the drachma currency or stay with the euro currency. The Japanese bank Nomura has calculated that when the collapse of the euro happens or the devaluation of the new drachma or however else the new national currency of Greece will be named, it will reach up to 57.6% opposite of the euro.
According to the Japanese bank, when the euro era ends the new drachma will be the currency that will devalue the euro. In Portugal it has been estimated that the euro will be devalued up to about 47.2%, in Spain up to about 35.5%, in Ireland up to about 28.6% and in Italy up to about 27.3%. Europeans as well as the Greek citizens should take to account the competitive deficiency of the incorrect rate as well as the inflationary shock that will result to after the euro collapses.
Nomura has also calculated that the new national currency of Greece should devalue the euro to of about 57.6% in order for it to configure to the rate of the dollar that should be about $0.57.

 

Tom Jackson Talks About His New Mystery Book and its Connection to the Parthenon Marbles

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The Devil’s Legacy

Tom Jackson is a British author who lives in Athens with his wife and daughter. After becoming intensely interested in the events surrounding the removal of the Parthenon marbles, he undertook considerable research  here in Athens and in the UK to discover the truth about the highly controversial subject. After gaining a lot more information surrounding their removal, Tom not only became an ardent advocate for the restitution of the Parthenon Marbles, he was also inspired to write an adventure/mystery novel revolving around them.

Here in an intriguing interview, Tom talks about his life, his inspiration behind the book and also his hopes and desire that his novel may serve to highlight the need to return the marbles to Greece and awaken an interest in the subject, however small.

Tom Jackson

Tom, tell me about yourself, your background and how you came to be living here in Greece? How long have you been here now?
I originate from Manchester – and yes I’m an avid ‘United’ supporter. One cold and wet (it’s always wet, and invariable cold, in Manchester) November day back in 1976, I was called down to London by my Head Office – I worked for a British Bank – and they offered me a 4-year posting to Greece. I weighed up the pros and cons, which took all of five seconds, accepted, and in late January 1977, found myself in warm, sunny, friendly Greece.
What do you enjoy most about Athens, How’s the quality of life? Do you miss England?
Undoubtedly, I enjoy most, the actual quality of life in Athens. In Greece, we are currently undergoing considerable social and economic hardship – the word continually on everyone’s lips is ‘austerity’. And yet Greece still has so much to offer – close family relationships, friendship, a good place to raise a family, fabulous cuisine, and of course, as a Mancunian ‘the wonderful weather’! I think when you wake up in the morning and actually see the sun and feel its warmth, then, it makes you feel better, psychologically.
There are certain things that I do miss being away from England – the lack of proximity to my own family, the theatre, certain sports and recreational activities. But, after all, life is a trade-off, and I think I got the best possible deal!
Have you managed to learn the Greek language?
This is something of a touchy subject with my wife and daughter. When I first met my wife – in June 1977 – I did not speak Greek, and Flora did not speak English. We were engaged within six months and married within the year. Flora’s English is now very good, while my Greek is best described as fairly basic. I do try, but I guess I’m one of those people for whom languages just do not stick.
When did you realize that you had a talent for writing and what kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I took pleasure in writing from an early age. I think my first attempt at a short story was around the age of ten. I believe that my desire to write stems from
reading. Every Monday, I would visit the local lending library and stock up with five or six books to keep me going for the week. My preference is undoubtedly for the cocktail of adventure/mystery/crime. For example, I enjoy Agatha Christie, Alistair McLean, Robert Ludlum, Frederick Forsyth and Ken Follett. Although I do have a considerable passion for historical novelists such as Jane Austen, (Pride and Prejudice is my all-time favourite novel), C.S.Forester, John Buchan, and naturally, Dickens.
You’ve recently written a novel, ‘The Devil’s Legacy’, (an ebook online) which I believe revolves around the Parthenon Marbles and their return to Greece? Can you tell our readers a little about the plot and what was the inspiration behind it? Why do you feel so strongly about seeing the Marbles returned?
Many years ago, I attended a conference here in Athens, at the Zappeion, on the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles. The keynote speaker at the event was the late Jules Dassin (the film director and husband of Melina Mercouri). I must admit that my initial attendance at the conference was somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Like the vast majority of British nationals, I had little knowledge of the exact sequence of events leading up to the Parthenon Marbles being owned by Britain, and housed in the British Museum. For me, they were merely another collection of antiquities we had acquired a couple of centuries ago. We owned them! Why should we just hand them back? What was the big deal?
However, the conference stimulated my curiosity, and I became interested in the actual events surrounding the removal of the Marbles by Lord Elgin’s agents. This led me to undertake considerable research here in Athens and in the UK – including a visit to the archives of the British Museum.
This research in turn led me to the undoubted conclusion that the Marbles had been removed illegally, without any proper authority. In fact, the man actually responsible for the removal, the Rev. Philip Hunt, admitted quite openly at the time, that he was able to remove the Marbles only through a combination of ‘cajolery, threats and bribery’
The bottom line is that I felt, as an Englishman, I must do something to rectify the errors of our ancestors.
Not long after the Parthenon Marbles were removed to Britain by Lord Elgin’s agents, a piece of sardonic Latin graffiti, attributed to Lord Byron, appeared scrawled on the plaster wall, on the west side of the Parthenon (circa 1810): ‘Quod non fecerunt Goti Hoc fecerunt Scoti.’ ‘What the Goths left undone has been done by the Scots’.
I think this sums up the vandalism inflicted on the Parthenon very succinctly, and what was true in Byron’s time remains even more so in today’s enlightened world!
My research gave me the germ of an idea for a work of fiction with the removal of the Parthenon Marbles as the underlying theme – and thus my novel ‘The Devil’s Legacy’ an adventure/mystery set in the present day with flashbacks to the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries – was born.
There have been many publications of a purely academic nature regarding the removal of the Marbles, however, I am not aware of anything fictionalizing the event – and thus felt that my novel may well offer a uniquely interesting and thought-provoking perspective. As well as a good read!
Buried for over one hundred years deep in the vaults of the British Museum is ‘Pandora’s Box’. The novel’s plot revolves around the British government’s decision to resolve the terrible underlying mystery hidden within Pandora’s Box and return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece within a six-month deadline. Success must be achieved against an intensifying background of treason, competition from an American billionaire collector, and the intervention of the Greek mafia. Failure would threaten the very fabric of British society.
I believe that ‘The Devil’s Legacy’ combines a compelling and novel journey through time with the search for truth and the restoration of a country’s stolen heritage. Fiction is interwoven with historical fact to create a plausible, yet original and absorbing hypothesis revolving around a highly topical issue – the return of the Parthenon Marbles to their rightful home in the New Acropolis Museum.
How much time did you spend on researching and how long did it take you to write the book? How factual is it?
I probably spent over a year researching before I started the writing process – and, all told, two to three years actually writing ‘The Devil’s Legacy’. The
historical element of my novel is around 20%. I made every possible effort to ensure that all the factual elements are as accurate as possible as regards
persons, events, situations, dates, etc.
How did you come up with the title and how did you feel after completing it?
 Each of the chapters is prefaced by a quotation from the works of Constantine Cavafy, and I thought at first of using one of these as the title. However, the theme of ‘Legacy’ runs through the book on different levels, and whilst one of the characters in my novel is actually referred to as a ‘Devil’, again the Devil
could have several connotations.
Completing the novel was for me the closest I think a man can come to the physical act of birth. I have always felt that the act of creation, whether it is evidenced by way of art, music or literature, is one of the greatest gifts we have as humans – and the provider of the most sublime pleasure.
What response have you received so far from readers who have read The Devil’s Legacy?
Very positive, so far.
Whilst ‘The Devil’s Legacy’ has only been available at Smashwords for a few weeks, and is still in the process of being made available through other on-line retailers, e.g. Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo and Diesel, the general reaction is very promising. From the feedback I have received to-date; the overall perception of readers is that it is a ‘thought-provoking, complex and unusual yarn they simply don’t wish to put down’.
It’s evident that there are no plans for the Parthenon Marbles to be reinstated at this time. Why do you believe the British government are so opposed to returning them?
The British Museum wishes to keep them because they are the Museum’s greatest attraction. It is logical to presume that the bottom line for the British
government is somewhat similar. Money talks, as they say!
Over the years many arguments/reasons have been propounded for retaining the Marbles in London. All have now fallen by the wayside, except one. The perception remains that if the Parthenon Marbles are returned, it might run the risk of opening the floodgates to similar claims from many countries, which would result in the worlds’ premier museums becoming devoid of actual antiquities.
However, what the British authorities must come to realize is that the Parthenon Marbles are unique. They are not a stand-alone antiquity – they represent an intrinsic element of a structure, a building. It’s similar in concept to armed invaders arriving to remove part of the façade of Westminster Abbey, or the Tower of London, or the Notre-Dame, or the Vatican, or the Taj Mahal. The list of comparisons is endless!
Based on the fact that so many influential people including Melina Mercuri, Sean Connery and a number of government
members around the world have demanded their return, but were unsuccessful, do you think it’s likely that they will ever be on show in the New Acropolis Museum?

 I remain positive. I believe it’s only a matter of time before the Marbles return home. I don’t mean to sound patronizing, but the British are, by nature, a logical people. Once the ‘people-in-the-street’ fully understand the circumstances surrounding the original removal and acquisition of the Marbles by the British government, the flawed arguments for retention over the years, and the significance of the Marbles to the people of Greece, I believe they will exert
the necessary pressure on the British government for ‘Reunification’! We will see a groundswell for their return.
What is the general opinion of the British citizens? Did you hear any of their opinions during your research for The Devil’s Legacy?
Opinions are rather mixed. Those who have lived in Greece for some years tend to understand the deep, underlying significance of the Marbles for the people of Greece. However, the vast majority of British society is simply unaware of the true facts and events surrounding the removal of the Marbles. If people can be shown the light, then . . .
Back in the eighties, I encouraged a group of university students to each write to Tony Blair demandingthe return of the marbles to Greece. The students actually received letters back from a government official, stating that there was not a suitable location for their display in Greece and that the Greek government could not guarantee that the marbles would be protected. Do you think
that these reasons are still legitimate, in light of the New Acropolis Museum and its beautiful glass-covered exterior walls?

 Absolutely not!
As I said earlier, over the years, many arguments have been put forward against the return of the Marbles. None really stand up today. It’s just a question of
intransigence on the part of British politicians – quite possibly financially motivated.
I can think of no finer location for the Parthenon Marbles than the inspiring New Acropolis Museum.
Have you contacted the British Museum or the government yourself to voice your protest or been involved in any campaigns to
demand the marbles return? Will you send them a copy of The Devil’s Legacy?

I believe that ‘The Devil’s Legacy’ is my best possible forum to campaign for the return of the Marbles.
Experience has shown that the British government and the British Museum are totally immune from independent, indiscriminate, one-off approaches. I believe that what is required is a concerted and co-ordinated campaign. Only by making people fully aware of the true facts can you hope to create interest . . . to motivate . . . to energize . . . support for their return.
I have already contacted the British Ambassador in Athens and provided him with a copy of my book, and have sent Nick Clegg a message through Facebook. I will also be sending him and other influential people, not just limited to within the UK, a copy of my novel to generate interest and hopefully some form of concerted action.
Do you have any future plans to write another ebook?
Yes, I am already thinking about a sequel. But also, I am considering an idea I have for a trilogy set in nineteenth century Greece.
Has the present economical crisis made you consider returning to the UK?
 No. I have been pleased and proud to call Greece my home since 1977. I certainly have no desire to leave. If I was young, and just starting out on my career it might be different, because there are very limited opportunities in Greece today for the younger generation career-wise.
Finally, what comments would you like to make to the Greek youth of today? How can they become involved in the crusade to
have the Parthenon Marbles returned to what is hopefully, their final resting place?

I would just say, ‘continue the fight for Reunification’. In life nothing lasts forever, and although the British government is currently inflexible on this
issue, attitudes can quickly change. The British psyche is mired in the dogma of denial and physical possession. It’s very much the case of the old English
saying; ‘Possession is nine-tenths of the law’.
The Greek youth of today are far better placed to make an impact than my contemporaries. We now live in a world dominated by the ‘World Wide Web’. There are very few people under the age of forty who do not have a personal presence through the Internet – be it a Web Site, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. There is nothing that cannot be achieved through dedicated, concerted, coordinated action.
So, I think it all comes down to ‘Participation’ and ‘Concerted/Coordinated Action’.
The more positive, pro-active publicity the issue of Reunification gets, the more we can influence the existing status quo, and persuade the British authorities that what may have been acceptable behaviour in the empirical nation-state world of two hundred years ago, has little place in the 21st century goldfish-bowl we all share today.
‘The Devil’s Legacy’ is available now as an ebook on the Internet from   Smashwords (http://www.smashwords.com/ ), and shortly from online ebook   retailers including: Amazon, Apple, Barns & Noble, Sony, Kobo, Diesel and   others.
THE DEVIL’S LEGACY by Tom Jackson
ISBN: 978-1-4660-1282-0
Smashwords also offers the reader the ability to download the novel in   multiple formats and at multiple times.
Tom Jackson will be donating 10% of the royalties he receives from this ebook to the Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. He hopes readers will enjoy the book and its journey through history. He also has a Facebook profile, if readers would like to contact him with comments or queries.

Greek-Australian Businessmen: “We are Not Exploiting Greek Migrants”

Recent publications in Greek and Greek-Australian newspapers claiming that Greek-Australian employers were taking advantage of Greek migrants visiting the Continent, caused a wave of frustration and anger to Greek born Australians who have once worked or are still working with Greek visitors.

According to an informal survey conducted by Neos Kosmos daily, Greek-Australian businessmen are extremely frustrated over the false accusations that they are exploiting Greek migrants searching for job in Australia. On the contrary, Greek businessmen stressed that they are doing everything within their power to aid the visitors from Greece and help them get permanent residency.

“We are most certainly offended by this label of “exploiters”. It is not fair and it has nothing to do with the reality. Moreover, it affects the willingness of many businesses to offer their help and support towards Greeks wishing to permanently reside in Australia” claimed an anonymous businessman.

The survey revealed that some Greeks, who left Greece in search of better working and life conditions, are not that willing to adjust to the new data and the working conditions and expectations of Australia.

Lastly, according to the survey, all cases of exploitation have been exaggerated by unsolicited go-betweens.

Greek-Australian businessmen are now calling everyone involved to behave more properly and not allow things to get out of hand by spreading or exaggerating false claims and accusations.

“This situation is becoming hilarious and is affecting everyone; us, the Greek migrants visiting Australia, the Australian authorities. We are condemning every attempt of exploiting vulnerable Greek visitors to Australia and are ready to let authorities interfere if any case of exploitation should break out” announced businessmen through the daily newspaper.

Greek Festival at Greek Orthodox Church in Florida

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Eleven members of the Bainbridge College Social Science Club had the opportunity to sample Greek culture and cuisine at the 2011 Greek Festival hosted by the Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church in Tallahassee, Florida.

In addition to enjoying Greek delicacies, live music, folk dancing demonstrations, and Mediterranean folk art, which are popular attractions at the highly attended annual event, the Bainbridge College students also toured the church building.

The Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church held this event to give back to the community to say thanks for all the love and support they receive during Greek Festivals every year.

Rare Greek Coin to be Auctioned in New York

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According to the Reuters, the Dekadrachm of Akragas, which was minted in Sicily and dates to 409-406 B.C., will be sold for $2.5 million at auction on January 4 from a U.S. collection by the Classical Numismatic Group (CNG), an international firm that deals in ancient, medieval and British coins.

The price would make it one of the highest priced coins ever sold at auction, although collectors of extraordinarily rare coins have paid more than $5 million in the past.

The Greek coin, one of only 12 examples known to exist and only the third to come to market in a generation, measures about 35.5 mm (1.4 inches) and weighs 43.4 grams (1.5 oz). It depicts four horses and a chariot on one side and an eagle on the other.

CNG described the coin in its online catalogue as “a masterpiece of late 5th century Greek art” and “one of the most beautiful of all Greek coins.”

Bids will be accepted at a live sale in New York and online in real time for preregistered bidders via www.the-saleroom.com, CNG said.

Aravella Simotas Honored by Hellenic Professional Women of Astoria

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On November 29, Assembly member Aravella Simotas was honored by Hellenic Professional Women at Central Lounge’s Ammos Restaurant in Astoria for her role as a mentor to young women of Greek descent and her longtime involvement with the organization.

“I would not be where I am today without the guidance of mentors who invested in my success and guided me throughout my career,” Simotas said. “It is a privilege to now have the opportunity to help other young women find direction in their professional lives.”

Simotas was introduced by Evangeline Soldatou, who she mentored. Soldatou credited the Assembly member with helping her decide to attend law school.

Mrs. Simotas also presented a citation to fellow honoree Dimitras Manis, the Global Head of HR

The event was chaired by Carol Georgiadis, while it was attended by Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sophianou and Consul General of Greece Evangelos Kyriakopoulos.

(The Queens Gazette)

Greek Director’s ‘Happy Feet 2’ Premieres in Melbourne

‘Happy Feet Two’ premiered yesterday in Melbourne, a film that has been directed by George Miller (Miliotis) of Greek Origin.

The sequel to ‘Happy Feet’ is about penguin Mumble’s son, Erik, who is struggling to realize his talents in the Emperor Penguin world. Meanwhile, Mumble and his family and friends discover a new threat their home — one that will take everyone working together to save them.

Robin Williams also attended the premiere of the ‘Happy Feet 2’, who lends his voice to the animated characters, Ramon/Lovelace.

While in Melbourne, Robin Williams talked about his Greek friend George Miller and Greece, stating that despite poor financial situation in Greece, Greek culture is the one that created humanity.