According to Real Life newspaper, Athina Onassis’ new villa in Antwerp has caught on fire. Athina and Doda bought this house last summer for 2.4 million euros. The house is situated in the residential district of Oud-Turnhout, known as Lint. Τhe home is still being renovated with necessary security systems. The fire started from the kitchen; fortunately the workers realized it early enough and called the fire brigade. In any case, yesterday’s fire was quickly extinguished, despite several damages. According to statements by authorities, the fire has been caused by a short circuit in the electrical installations of the house.
Athina Onassis’ Antewerp Villa Caught on Fire
Alexia’s Musical Odyssey Brings Her to Hollywood
A glimpse into her odyssey from Greek-Cypriot émigré to musical emissary in Hollywood.
Touted as one of Greece’s national treasures, Alexia is regarded as a gem internationally, too. Soulful and versatile singer, songwriter, performer, musician with a series of gold and platinum records to her credit, not the least of which was her debut that sold almost 200,000 copies, Alexia possesses a voice and style that is unforgettably singular. Striking beauty and inordinate talent—these qualities are surpassed only by the warmth and strength of her spirit.
Recently the singer made Los Angeles her home to take part in what she describes as an environment “that encourages unconventional or avant-garde ways of making music.”
Originally from Famagusta, Cyprus, Alexia’s childhood was interrupted when her homeland fell under siege. The 1974 Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of the land of her birth rendered refugees of her, her entire family, and countless other Cypriot Greeks. For some, such circumstances would be embittering, soul-crushing, and defeating. For Alexia, the subjugation and displacement seems only to have fueled the dreams that grew into her life’s work.
Speaking about her experiences as a displaced person in relation to its effect on her music and art, “Firstly, because of the displacement and because I have a protective family, I learned survival skills. Secondly, I took a creative writing class in Athens that had a profoundly healing effect on me. Through writing I was able to observe the ways in which I’d been recreating displacement in life. I experienced displacement in a variety of ways; I was even displaced from myself and my own voice. Ever since becoming aware of it, I’ve been honoring it and using it not in destructive ways, but instructive ways. Through writing I was able to salvage myself, and consciously incorporate feelings from my experiences into my art.”
What inspires you, especially during life’s more challenging times?
“Again, I go back to that creative writing class, and the influence of literature as well. Through writing I’ve developed a way to transform memories and experiences into wisdom. I’ve become whole through writing, and am grateful to the healing that has evolved from it. My hope is that as I heal myself and present myself as a whole person—rather than displaced or fractured—this is channeled into my music, which in turn may be healing for others.”
Indeed, it’s said that whenever one person takes responsibility for her or his role in the larger collective of humanity, whatever is healing and peace-making for that one person becomes healing and peace-making for all.
You express your art in a variety of ways including music, of course, but also through painting and film, for example. Your work cuts across artistic genres and cultural boundaries. How do you describe your style?
“I am influenced by the music I listen to, and by artistic movements such as Dada. My work has a confessional intent, it has theatrical elements. Eclectic or collage may be the best way to describe it.”
Do you always write your own music and lyrics?
“I love to collaborate as much as to write for myself. Collaboration with other composers is very important to me. The jazz album “Birds have to Fly” is one of my latest collaborative projects with Peter Massink” (for which Alexia has written the lyrics, and Massink has orchestrated and played horn).
Would you speak a bit about your creative process?
“It is something that comes through me, rather than by me. The music and lyrics happen simultaneously and with few edits, which is different from the way it happened when I first began composing. Then it was more formulaic, music first then lyrics, or vice-versa. Oftentimes my creativity is sparked by pain—whether it’s something hurtful in my own life or something hurtful happening out in the world. At one stage, I befriended a woman activist who introduced me to amazing women artists, and helped open my world to feminism. All of this inspires my process.
In 2007 I recorded “Voice Alone,” sound without known structure, improvisation. This helped me to find my new voice, to deconstruct of what I know song to be, and then reconstruct it with myself. This process is the path of the soul, and I go with the flow.”
How much does your Greek heritage influence your identity, music, and worldview?
“Recently someone commented to me, “You carry your Greekness whereas many leave their culture behind.” I received this as a compliment of highest regard. My foundation is Cyprus and Greece. Greek is my language, it is my art and soul. I am happy to show it, and to let it guide me. And I hope that I am able to present a favorable impression of my heritage. I find that being Greek in the world abroad helps me to understand, appreciate and better communicate with other cultures.”
Historically, the arts provide a pathway onto common ground. Music and art are unifying, and able to create connections in places where it might not otherwise be possible. I compare Alexia’s work to that of another international singer/songwriter, Natacha Atlas who’s been deemed an Ambassador of Goodwill by the U.N. Atlas uses her music as a means to “build bridges” over cultural, ethnic, national and religious divides. In this way, Alexia’s work is not unlike Atlas’ in that it speaks a universal language and straight to the heart.
Alexia’s latest album (December 2010), “Re-Be” is a revelatory odyssey back to self in which she returns to “the puzzle, that I had left half-done, un-done, that summer’s day on our veranda in Famagusta as the radio announced that we had just had a Coup d’etat to be followed by a Turkish invasion, was being completed piece by piece by piece… And I was the one placing each piece. Piecing every piece together. Finally with this meticulous placement, my displacement had found its home too, so did my own placement in the scheme of things, in life… What a joyous occurrence!”
Briefly discussing her return to the States by way of Los Angeles, AKA The Creative Capital of the World, “I’ve been blessed to receive support everywhere I’ve gone; and, perhaps, in Greece the support came more quickly, for which I am eternally grateful. I studied at Berklee College of Music (Boston), and then spent time in New York before going to Greece in 1988. I dreamed of returning to America because of the philosophy in music and art. There is an air of openness that encourages unconventional or avant-garde ways of making music.”
Reflecting on Alexia’s journey—professional and personal—Maria Callas comes to mind. The diva of mythical proportions, predecessor to Alexia, if you will, also found sanctuary and success in Greece. Alexia occupies a space in the legacy and presence of virtuosity—in Greece, Cyprus and around the globe.
For a virtual experience of Alexia, explore AlexiaMusic.com. You’re in for a treat!
Greece Slams EU & IMF Officials after Inspection Visit
An indignant Greece slammed EU and International Monetary Fund inspectors, overseeing its efforts to reform its debt-crippled economy. The nation accused them Saturday of overstepping their role and interfering in Greece’s internal affairs.
In an unusually harshly worded, pre-dawn statement, government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis (photo) called the behavior of the inspectors at a Friday news conference unacceptable.
“We have needs, but we also have limits. And we do not negotiate the limits of our dignity with anyone,” Petalotis said. “We take orders only from the Greek people.”
It was the first time the government has publicly struck back at the IMF and the European Union, which rescued Greece from bankruptcy, but at a price that many Greeks consider too harsh.
Papandreou spoke by phone with Dominique Strauss-Kahn to discuss the issues, according to an e-mailed statement from the prime minister’s office today. Strauss-Kann is the managing director of the Washington-based IMF.
EU Urges Turkey to Open Ports
There is no “Plan B” for Turkey to join the European Union so long as disputes over Cyprus remain, EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said yesterday, urging Ankara to open ports and airports to traffic from Cyprus.
Turkey fears that its already flagging membership bid could hit a roadblock once three more negotiating chapters – policy areas of EU law – are opened, since all the remaining fields are blocked, mainly because of Cyprus.
“No, we don’t have a Plan B,” Fuele said at a gathering of European civil society organisations in Istanbul, adding that there was no way of by-passing accession rules.
Turkish leaders have sounded increasingly impatient with the lack of progress in entry talks that began in 2005, though membership remains their top declared foreign policy goal.
Of the 35 policy chapters, Turkey has completed one, 12 remain under discussion and 18 have been frozen because of opposition by EU member states including Cyprus and France.
Under EU treaty rules, a single member state can block each stage of the accession process, since opening and closing chapters requires unanimity.
Fuele said 13 chapters would be freed for negoation if Turkey opened its ports and airports.
Turkey has said it will honour the 2004 Ankara Protocol on sea and air links if the EU also ends a trade embargo on the Turkish part of northern Cyprus, as it does not want to make Turkish Cypriots feel they are being abandoned.
Turkey’s leaders have accused some EU member states of using the Cyprus issue to block Turkey’s bid and have aired suspicions that some do not want a Muslim nation, with growing economic muscle and a large population, in the 27-member bloc.
Egemen Bagis, Turkey’s Minister for EU Affairs and chief negotiator, sitting alongside Fuele, said Turkey intended to complete harmonisation with EU laws by 2013, and chided EU governments for allowing Cyprus to block progress.
“As far as the Commission and the other states are concerned I think the real question is how long can we let this spoiled member of EU – the Greek Cypriot administration – hijack the interests of the European Union at large,” Bagis said.
“It is time for the 26 other nations to wake up and smell the coffee.”
Bagis said a recent survey showed that roughly two-thirds of Turks wanted EU membership, but two-thirds thought it would never happen.
(source: cyprus-mail)
Greek-Australian Performance Artist Attains Third Ear Arm Implant
Greek- Australian performing artist, Stellios Arkadiou, also known as Stelarc, has gone down in history for being the first man to have a surgically attached cell-cultivated ear to his left arm. The artist has participated in Liverpool DaDaFest. He has also taken part in several exhibitions around the world.
As an internationally acknowledged artist, Arkadiou has received many awards, distinctions, funding and press throughout his career.
He collaborates with leading universities, foundations and museums worldwide. Last year he was honored with the Arts Electronica Golden Nica distinction in the Hybrid Art category in Austria.
Stelarc is also planning to move a step further, by implanting a mic inside the ear which will connect to a Bluetooth transmitter so that it can broadcast audio perceived by the artificial ear online.
Stelarc was born on June 19th, 1946 in Limassol, Cyprus. His work focuses heavily on futurism and extending the capabilities of the human body. Most of his pieces are centered on his concept that the human body is obsolete.
Until 2007 he held the position of Principal Research Fellow in the Performance Arts Digital Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University in Nottingham, England.
He has two daughters. His daughter Astra Stelarc has followed in his footsteps as an artist.
George Souris to become a NSW Cabinet Minister
According to a poll, the Greek deputy of NSW will become a minister in the NSW government during the upcoming March 26th elections.
Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, Barry O’Farell confirmed this possibility at Greek SBS radio. When he was asked about Souris’ future, he said: “George Souris will certainly be a member of the Cabinet and currently holds the position of Shadow Minister for Hospitality & Tourism, Racing and Major Events. George is a wise man and a very close friend of mine”.
George Souris began his political career as a former Shire Councilor of Singleton Shire Council for seven years, which included his position as Deputy President for four years. During his time at Parliament, he has held a wide range of significant portfolios and positions, including his elected position of Deputy Leader of the National Party in 1993 and Leader of the National Party in 1999.
O’Farell stated also that he is one more Australian to call for the Parthenon marbles to be returned to Athens.
7-Year-Old Greek Divas to Perform at Antipodes Festival, Melbourne
They are only seven-years-old, but Dionisia, Ioanna, Eleftheria and Aristea are the most sweet and mincing divas of Melbourne. For professional reasons, they had to change their names. Dionisia became Dion, Eleftheria became Erica, Ioanna became Joan and Aristea became Tia. Their careers started two years ago, when they formed the group “Ooh La La” and won many talent shows. Last year they came second in the talent show “Hey Hey It’s Saturday”.
The four seven year-old divas will perform at the children’s theater at the “Antipodes” festival on March 5th and 6th.
Apart from English songs, the cute girls sing also Greek songs, such as “To Koritsi toy Mai”, “Filakia” and many others.
Papandreou Defends New Toll Fines
The government is aware of the injustices created by the concession contracts for the construction of new national highways. The government is now examining ways of correcting these through a renegotiation of the contracts, Prime Minister George Papandreou said in Parliament on Friday. He also stressed that lawlessness and refusing to pay road tolls were not a solution.
The prime minister was replying to a question tabled by the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) Parliamentary group leader Alexis Tsipras, who had referred to the “criminalisation of the civil disobedience movement over the road tolls”.
Tsipras accused Papandreou of rushing to appease contractors in fear that they would turn against the government.
In an amendment tabled as a rider on Friday, the government has converted refusal to pay road tolls into a traffic violation that carries a fine of 200 euros and other penalties, while not paying fares on public transport has been made a misdemeanor.
(source: ana-mpa)
IKA Doctors End Strike on Monday
Doctors at IKA-ETAM, Greece’s largest social security fund representing the vast majority of wage earners and pensioners, announced that they will suspend their strike and go back to work on Monday.
Their union POESYP IKA decided to suspend strike actions during a meeting on Friday. The union asked for continued dialogue on reforms to the health sector.
IKA doctors intend to work together with other medical organisations and associations in order to file lawsuits. They are asking the courts to effectively annul the omnibus bill on primary health care passed by the government earlier this week, in addition to other forms of action to be decided in the following days.
(source: ana-mpa)
Frontex Remains at Greek-Turkish Border
Frontex, the European Union’s external borders agency, looks set to give the green light for its team of guards to remain on Greece’s northeastern frontier with Turkey on a permanent basis. This was decided on Thursday. Sources in Brussels, as daily Kathimerini reports, suggested that a team of some 200 border guards from various European Union countries will be stationed in Evros. They will be stationed a permanent basis to help Greek authorities patrol one of the main points of entry for illegal immigrants, not just into Greece but into the European Union.
Greek authorities had appealed to Frontex to bolster its presence at the country’s land and sea borders, with the aim of averting a possible influx of immigrants from Egypt and other North African countries. Members of the Frontex force first arrived in Evros last October. At that time, the EU border guards were making an average of 245 arrests a day. This figure fell to just under 100 last month.