Greek Artists Featured at Grand Palais, Paris

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Seventeen Greek artists will be exhibiting their paintings in Grand Palais, at the historical “Hall of the Independent” in Paris.  The exhibit will run from the 23rd until the 28th of November.
The artists each in their own way, depict a range of expressive idioms.  They place emphasis on nature and the environment; subjects which are of great interest to French art lovers.
The exhibition is expected to attract a large number of visitors from all over the world.  Many participating artists from around the world will be featured upon approval by a special committee.
This year the focus is turned to Greece; a fact which justifies the interest by great central art halls which were willing to host a great number of Greek artists who will be taking part.

The artists are:
Avagiannou Rena, Adrianos, Gadeli Vivi, Devetzis Andreas, Deli Eleni, Divari Eva, Ioannou Evaggelia, Kompatsiari Maria, Ktistopoulou Maria, Maridakis Manolis, Mourelou Rinio, Xenos Giorgos, Othonaiou Foteini, Papageorgiou Constantinos, Rammos Costas, Tsirigas Pannos and Haralambous Evaggelia.

Additionally in the central art hall of Etienne de Causans, a collective exhibition of artists Andrianos, Ktistopoulou and Rammos will be hosted from the 25th of November until the 8th of December 2010. The Gallery is located in the heart of Paris, at Rive Gauche in St. Germain de Pres.
Art Historian and Critic Emmy Varouxakis, is in charge of both exhibitions.

Art en Capital continues the prestigious tradition of Art Salons while offering an outlet for new creative sensibilities and the emerging talents of the 21st century.  It features works by over 2,000 artists.

Five historic salons all under the same roof provide five good reasons to visit Art en Capital: the Salon des artistes français, the Salon des artistes indépendants, Comparaisons, the Salon du dessin et de la peinture à l’eau (drawings and watercolours), and the Société nationale des beaux-arts.
Heir to the long tradition of painting Salons, Art en Capital is an invitation to take a journey through a world of living art in which today’s trends and identities come face to face.
Each year the event draws over 40,000 visitors.  The artists who have been working in solitude, suddenly find themselves all together under the changing skies and majestic cupola of the Grand Palais.

Opening: November 23rd from 2 pm to 10:30 pm, November 24th and 26th from 11 am to 7:30 pm, November 25th and 27th from 11 am to 10:30 pm and on November 28th from 11 am to 7:30 pm.

Visa Abolished for EU Entry for Citizens of Albania & Bosnia Herzegovina

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As of December 15th, citizens of Albania and Bosnia Herzegovina will be able to travel to all European countries without the requirement of a Visa.  They are countries of the Sengen zone.  Travelers will be given a three month stamp on their passports which will allow them to stay in the country of their choice for that time period and they will not need to acquire any further authorization.  This decision is of particular importance to Greece because daily there are more than 600,000 undocumented Albanian citizens who enter the country and work in the black market without being taxed.

The European Commission made this decision despite all the fears and objections raised by France, Holland and Germany.  The Commission asserted in writing that all members of the European Union will be closely monitoring the migratory flow from all countries of Western Balkans and will take action if needed.

Albanian President Bamir Topi named this a historical fact for his country, while the Prime Minister of Albania Sali Berisha said that the decision actually makes the dream  of the Albanian citizens a reality.

Maria Banardis Offers Cooking Classes in Melbourne!

Queen of Greek gastronomy Maria Benardis of  Kalamata, is headed to Melbourne to teach aspiring cooks how to astound guests, husbands, lovers, and family.  She will instruct her cookery program with the most delicious and authentic Greek recipes around.
Her cooking school is called “Greekalicious Benardis”.  It will set up shop at Raw Materials in Footscray on Saturday the 20th of  November between 11am-1pm. She will teach Melbourne’s taste Trojans the secrets of her famous Myconean caramalised onion and feta filo pies, zucchini and haloumi fritters, loukoumades, i.e. Greek fried honey balls, and much more.  For bookings please visit: www.greekalicious.com.au.
“In my first Melbourne class I really want to focus on my favourite recipes” Benardis says. “These have been passed between the generations of my family and I can’t wait to introduce food lovers to the exceptional food experiences Greek families have always enjoyed – with depth, flavour and love,” she says.
Greek-Australian Benardis themes her classes, like her award winning book “My Greek Family Table”; a 2009 Gourmand World Cook Book Awards, around the Greek concept and tradition of “kerasma”.  The concept of kerasma offers food with love. And as with all things Greek, the idea of a good story is never far off the agenda.
Benardis’s classes always guarantee – much like Greek mythology – a message you can take away and consume for years to come. Her captivating storytelling lifts the lid on Greek cuisine as never before. She enchants food lovers with tales of family life and Greece that are uniquely her own.  Her knowledge of Greek culture, food and the ancient ways is heartfelt.
Fresh from a national tour of her brand new hard cover book featuring 100 time honoured recipes passed down between the generations of her family, Greekalicious’ first Melbourne class will certainly not be the last.

Professor of Linguistics Michael Clyne Passes

The multicultural Australian community bid farewell today to the father of Linguistics, Professor at the Universities of Monash and Melbourne, Michael Clyne.  Clyne considerably contributed to the promotion of Greek language in the Australian educational system.
Michael Clyne received his Ph.D. from Monash in 1965; this was the first doctorate awarded by the Faculty of Arts at Monash. He remained at Monash until 2001 and was appointed Professor of Linguistics at the University in 1988. In 2001 he became a professorial fellow of linguistics at Melbourne University and director of the University’s Research Unit for Multilingualism and Cross-Cultural Communication. As of 2005, he renewed his association with Monash University, where he held the title of Emeritus Professor.
As it is noted by the Australian Federation of Ethnic Schools Associations: “Michael Clyne was one of the leading linguists in Australia, with international recognition. A speaker of many European languages, he was the author of 27 books covering multiple aspects of linguistics and over 300 scientific studies published in leading Australian and international journals. He was a member of the Editorial Board of 13 international linguistic journals. He took part in conferences around the world dealing with linguistics.His role in Committees occasionally investigating multiculturalism and teaching languages other than English (LOTES) was definitive”.
Michael Clyne gained the admiration and recognition of his colleagues and also by members of the Federal and State Ministry of Education. His contribution to the integration of foreign languages in elementary and secondary education was very important.
In the face of Michael Clyne, Australian has lost a leading academic and linguist, a defender of multiculturalism and language learning.

Acropolis Museum Awarded as “The Best Museum of the World”

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The Acropolis Museum was awarded as “The Best Museum of the World” during a competition organized by the Journalists’ Union and Tourist Authors of Great Britain. The State Secretary for Culture and Tourism George Nikitiadis received the prize on Saturday night during a special reception hosted in London. Nikitiadis thanked the hosts of the event and all the participants, stating that through this occasion, a new perspective for the return of the Acropolis Marbles in Athens has opened. Nikitiadis underlined the importance of the honor for  Greek culture and he expressed his optimism that through this award , “the last wall fell” , giving a new perspective for the return of the Marbles in Greece. The awarding was broadcasted with positive statements from British journalists on many stations in the UK.

Renowned Actress Smaro Stefanidou Passes

Renowned Greek actress Smaro Stefanidou passed away due to heart failure. She was 97 years old. She will be laid to rest Wednesday at 15:30 p.m at the Athens Second Cemetery. Her death marked the end of an era.
Stefanidou was born in Athens in 1913.  She graduated from the Athens University, from the Trade Department. However, it was the theatre that she dedicated her heart and soul to.  She peformed numerous shows dedicated to children. She first appeared in the Greek Cinema in 1951 with a movie directed by Mr. Zervos titled: “The Four Stairs”. She also had leading roles in several Greek movies and took up choreography. Her versatile talent, energy, mentality, courtesy, ethos and willingness to shine up until her death will be forever etched in memory.

New Democracy's Statements on Election Results

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A main opposition New Democracy party spokesman on Monday expressed strong satisfaction over the results of the first round of the local government elections a day earlier.  He underlined that the voters sent a clear message to the government by condemning its policy.
“Throughout the election campaign period, ND was calling on the people to send the message that the (government) policy needs to be changed, and the message was sent,” ND spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos (photo) stated, while asking rhetorically, whether the prime minister has received it.
“ND has underlined that the message was the disapproval and rejection of the memorandum policy,” adding that “the government should not proceed with the adoption of new tax collecting measures that will further intensify the market’s suffocation.”
“The outcome of Sunday’s election showed that the ND-backed candidates are leading in most of the regions and municipalities,” Panagiotopoulos said, adding that ruling PASOK has a less than 2% point lead over ND, compared to the 10.5% lead in last year’s general elections.
(source: ana-mpa)

11/08/2010: Latest Greek Super League Results with Video

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Lazaros Christodoulopoulos scored to give defending champion Panathinaikos a 1-0 win over struggling Atromitos.
Panathinaikos remains second in the Greek standings, a point behind Olympiakos, which trounced Panionios 5-0 on Saturday (video).
There were no league games on Sunday due to local government elections.
In other action:
Asteras – Panserraikos 0-2 (video)
Xanthi – Iraklis 2-2
Oly. Volou – Kerkyra 1-0
Aris – Larissa 1-1
Kavala – PAOK 0-1
AEK – Ergotelis 3-1

Pledge of 100.000 AUD by Ted Bailleu Government

If the opposition wins the forthcoming state elections in the Australian state of Victoria, then the government of Ted Bailleu will provide 100.000 AUD to the Greek community of Oakley.  This donation is for the organization of a festival highlighting Greek culture.
This commitment was made by the Greek Minister of Multicultural Affairs Nikos Kotsiras, during his speech at the Feast held at the Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church in Oakley.  He was accompanied by the Greek candidate for the state of Oakley, Theo Zographos.
Recently State Minister John Brumby visited the area and promised to allocate one million Australian dollars to highlight the Greek character of the pedestrian district Eaton Mall.

“Once the projects there are completed, if we win the elections we will allocate 100.000 dollars to hold a Greek Festival”, stated Kotsiras. Zographos referenced the Greek presence in Oakley and the role of the Greek Community, with which the church and college of Holy Anargyroi and the numerous social, educational and cultural activities, offer invaluable service to Hellenism and the society in general.
“Through this festival, we want Greeks to share their culture and values with other members of our society”, stated Kotsiras.
If the Liberal Party of Victoria wins the forthcoming elections, then the Ted Bailleu government will provide 100.000 AUD to the Cypriot community of Melbourne and Victoria to celebrate its 80th year anniversary in 2014. This promise was given by Kotsiras, stating that until now the Cypriot Community has contributed to the broader community of Victoria with its diverse activities.

Montreal Honors 2 Greek Women for Contribution to Multicultural Mosaic

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Ioustini Fragouli

In a moving ceremony held at the Montreal City Hall, the Municipality of Montreal honored two Greek women for their contribution in its multicultural mosaic.  Author Ioustini Fragouli – Argyri and Chairman of the 2nd Greek Film Festival in Montreal, Avra Georgiou, who signed the Golden Book of the City were the two honorees.
The event dedicated to Greek immigration included the screening of the short film “Winds” by Apostolos Kryonas and the presentation of the book authored by Ioustini Fragouli: “For the Love of Others”.
Helen Fotopoulos, City Councilor and member of the executive city council, stated that it is an honor for the Municipality of Montreal to honor the presence of the Greek Diaspora in the face of these two Greek women.  They highlighted the timeless Greek culture through the multicultural character of the city.
The Consul General of Greece in Montreal Thanos Kafopoulos made a thorough presentation of the book “For the Love of Others”.

Avra Georgiou

Director of the 2nd International Film Festival in Montreal Avra Georgiou was evidently moved.  It referred to personal stories of immigration, alienation of Greeks from their families as presented through the film “Winds” but also through the novel “For the Love of Others”.
The event was concluded with a reading of excerpts from the book of the Greek – Canadian author and journalist Afroditi Salas.  A greeting was addressed by Mary Deros, City Councilor and member of the executive committee of the City of Montreal; responsible for multiculturalism issues.
Ioustini Fragouli offered her books to the guests.  The author invited them to submit donations to the Greek speaking schools Socrates and Demosthenes of greater Montreal.