Ambassador Kaskarelis Presents His Credentials to President Obama

A. Makris
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Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic Vassilis Kaskarelis presented yesterday (July 20, 2009) his credentials to the President of the United States Barack Obama.

In his remarks, Ambassador Kaskarelis stressed that the two countries have often found themselves fighting shoulder-to-shoulder and waging concerted efforts for the common cause. “Shared values and principles”, he remarked, “as well as plain geo-strategic realities, have provided the thread consistently running through the long-standing bonds between our two countries and peoples”, ties that acquire their full magnitude only if seen “as the building-block of our future cooperation”

Mr. Kaskarelis expressed his conviction that there exists ample room for further cementing “our friendship and our strategic partnership”, outlining areas of common effort like global terrorism, cooperation between US and the European Union, a rational transformation of NATO, the Western Balkans, the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean, problems of illegal immigration and energy security, “going to the root of the issues and not scraping the surface”.

In all these matters, Ambassador Kaskarelis said, “Greece is already making a significant contribution, using to good account her strategic location and unique status as a NATO and EU member in one of the most sensitive regions of the world”.

Ambassador Kaskarelis also welcomed U.S. strong support of efforts aiming at a fair, viable and working solution in Cyprus, in conformity with UN Security Council resolutions and the European Union acquis, and pointed out that the US support efforts to reach a mutually acceptable solution to the problem of the FYROM.

Furthermore, Mr. Kaskarelis expressed his hope that holders of Greek passports will soon be free to visit the U.S. without needing an entry visa, bringing the two peoples even closer together.

Finally, the Ambassador emphasized that more progress can be achieved in bilateral relations in the economic, trade, cultural and other fields, and paid tribute to the Greek-American community. “In all our endeavors”, he remarked, “we are blessed to be able to count on yet another solid bridge of friendship: the prosperous and enterprising Greek-American community, whose members embody, better than anyone else, the steady foundations of our relationship”.

On his part President Barack Obama extended a warm welcome to the Ambassador and his family and said he was looking forward “to working closely with you to deepen the already close relations between our countries”.

President Obama also remarked that “Greece and the United States share a long history of friendship based on common values, common goals, and mutual commitment to democracy and freedom”, emphasizing the fact that Greece and the United States are working closely in many fields of common interest as NATO allies, as members of the Euro-Atlantic community. Greece and the U.S are bound together by the millions of Americans who trace their ancestry to Greece.

The President laid particular emphasis on Greece’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, remarking that “As a fellow member of the OSCE, we are grateful for Greece’s able leadership as OSCE 2009 Chairman-in Office”.

Concluding, the President noted: “Our relationship is strong, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in the great international efforts of our time — to protect democracy and freedom, to deal with the global economic crisis, and to confront terrorism. I look forward to working with you Mr. Ambassador, to advance our common agenda and deepen the strong and abiding friendship of our countries. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Washington”.

Rep. Diane Watson about the "Cyprus Problem"

A. Makris
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Congresswoman Watson voices her opinion about the “Cyprus Problem” and notes that a solution will benefit everybody. Although we do not agree or disagree with her text it is good that she brings it in the spotlight of the international media on the 35th commemoration of the Turkish invasion and division of the island of Cyprus.

A solution to the Cyprus Problem is in the best interest of the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriots, and the greater global community — a fact that nobody understands better than the Cypriots themselves. The ongoing division of the island destabilizes American security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, and obstructs Turkey’s European Union accession efforts. For these reasons I strongly believe the United States should support the current Cypriot-driven efforts to find a solution without interjecting ourselves into the process or imposing artificial deadlines. Read full article at Huffington Post

Le combat d’une mère française pour retrouver sa fille en Grèce

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Après avoir épuisé tout les recours légaux tant en Grèce qu’en France, Mathilde Anthouard a tout lâché en France pour retrouver sur place sa fille Pénélope, petite handicapée et bientôt âgée de quatre ans, enlevée par son papa grec, Kyriakos Orfanos, il y a 20 mois.

« Pénélope a besoin de soins médicaux quotidiens et spécialisés pour progresser malgré son lourd handicap », insiste cette jeune maman de 27 ans, « en Grèce elle ne les a pas », souligne-t-elle.

Originaire de Brignais, une commune au sud de Lyon, Mathilde a la garde de sa fille dans les deux pays, mais le père, Kyriakos, a décidé de passer outre la décision de justice, se réfugiant dans le déni de l’handicap de la petite Pénélope, n’y voyant que la conséquence d’une malnutrition imposée, selon lui, par sa femme.

« Pénélope n’a rien », nous explique le grand-père Alecos Orphanos. « Tout est de la faute de sa mère qui l’a mal nourrie. Avec le soleil grec et l’huile d’olive elle marchera. »

La petite Pénélope est inscrite au fichier des enfants disparus et son père Kyriakos Orfanos est recherché par Interpol. « Pourtant la justice grecque ne fait rien », accuse Mathilde. La juge d’instruction Despoina Stathopoulou, à l’issue de l’unique entretien qu’elle a eu avec les grands parents de Pénélope, a annoncé à Mathilde « qu’ils savent où est Pénélope et son papa mais ils ne diront rien, en revanche si vous abandonnez vos droits parentaux, ils sont prêts à discuter.»

Difficile à avaler pour Mathilde qui s’entête à aller jusqu’au bout de ce qui est désormais devenu un combat de vie. Elle a lancé un appel à témoins en Grèce, « Pénélope est facilement reconnaissable ; elle ne peut marcher et elle est, soit en poussette, soit dans les bras, quelqu’un l’a certainement vue », espère-t-elle en misant maintenant sur les médias grecs et français pour sensibiliser l’opinion publique et accélérer les recherches. Une mobilisation qui commence à porter ses fruits : l’ambassadeur de France en Grèce aurait demandé un rendez-vous au ministre de la Justice Pavlopoulos, tandis que la police grecque commence à prendre un peu plus au sérieux l’affaire après la diffusion d’en avis de recherche par une association respectée dans le pays To hamogelo tou paidiou / Le sourire de l’enfant.

La semaine dernière, Mathilde a pris son gros dossier bleu où est résumée toute son histoire, pour arpenter les rues, dans le quartier d’Egaleo, à l’ouest d’Athènes, où vivent ses ex-beaux parents. Elle a réussi seule à sensibiliser les anciens voisins, mais elle n’est pas parvenue à faire flancher le grand père avec qui elle s’est retrouvée nez à nez. « Ton erreur a été de ne pas reconnaître que tu ne savais pas élever un enfant, tu ne l’a pas nourrie, si elle va mieux c’est parce qu’on la nourrie bien », insista le vieux Alekos, laissant toutefois une porte entrouverte : « Kyriakos te parlera quant la petite marchera », a-t-il conclu.

Il est indéniable que le grand-père sait où se cache son fils et la petite Pénélope. La justice française a déjà demandé 4 perquisitions à son domicile mais jusqu’ à présent Athènes n’a toujours pas donné suite. Mais Mathilde continue son combat avec encore plus de détermination, essayant de mobiliser médias et hommes politiques. Le dossier est déjà sur les bureaux des ministres respectifs des Affaires étrangères, Dora Bakoyannis et Bernard Kouchner.

(i-GR/Angélique Kourounis)

The gyro in the New York Times

A. Makris
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The gyro in the New York Times

Greek-American Christos Tomaras (foto) has received major boost for his business in an article published in “The New York Times” recently. Some excerpts from the article: “A dapper man with a rich baritone voice and a gray mustache, Mr. Tomaras, 73, was narrating a tour of Kronos Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of gyros (pronounced YEE-ros, Greek for “spin”), the don’t-ask mystery meat that has been a Greek restaurant staple in the United States since the mid 1970s. […] “Mr. Tomaras opened Kronos in 1975 and sold it to a private equity firm in 1994. But he returned to the plant, on a dead-end industrial road in Chicago’s southwest side, to explain how gyros are made. […] Gyros are believed to have originated in Greece.”

Greek Bartender Tops World Class Competition

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Greek Bartender Tops World Class Competition

LONDON /PRNewswire/ — The title of Diageo Reserve Brands World Class Bartender of the Year 2009 was decided in London yesterday. After a year long global competition which saw 6000 bartenders from 24 countries shake, stir and pour their way through national heats, just 18 remained to go head to head in three days of World Class challenges this week. Aristotelis Papadopoulos of Banquet in Thessaloniki, Greece claimed the overall title after impressing the most recognised names in the business – Dale DeGroff, Salvatore Calabrese, Simon Difford, Peter Dorelli, Gary Regan, Hidetsugu Ueno – with his exceptional mastery of cocktail craft.

Congratulating the winner of the inaugural global Diageo Reserve World Class competition, dubbed the “Liquid Oscars”, Global Reserve Brands general manager Rudy Paoli said:

“World Class is a truly international celebration of cocktail culture – the flair, creativity and craft of the bartender and the appreciation of great spirit brands and their heritage.

Aristotelis Papadopoulos represents all of this and we would like to congratulate him on this fantastic achievement.”

The international bartending community and cocktail aficionados from around the world have been following the finalists’ every move ‘almost live’ on http://www.weareworldclass.com and as the celebrations began in London last night, World Class Master of Ceremonies and star chef Marco Pierre White, commented: “The bar is the most important aspect of any hotel or restaurant and it’s time that bartenders receive the same acknowledgement as chefs.”

“Aristotelis was the perfect choice for the first Diageo Reserve Brands World Class Bartender of the Year – the elder statesman of the group, he is the complete bartender – incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about his craft and a humble, charming man – a great role model for the young guys to aspire to.” said Dale DeGroff, World Class judge, widely acknowledged as the ‘King of Cocktails’.

Diageo Reserve World Class was developed to educate and inspire bartending talent to create exceptional cocktails, service and experiences. “The bar is one of the greatest theatres in the world,” says internationally renowned bartender Salvatore Calabrese of FIFTY London. “Being a bartender is about understanding people and knowing how to meet their expectations. This wasn’t about luck, it was about skill – World Class is not just a competition; it is raising the industry bar.”

Using the premium liquids of the Reserve Brands portfolio the finalists showcased their skills in six World Class Challenges, from Classic Cocktails and Canape Pairing to Theatre and Cocktail Mastery.

Ethnic schools attacked

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The government needs to invest more money into students being able to interact with people who are different from themselves.
The government needs to invest more money into students being able to interact with people who are different from themselves.
A discussion paper commissioned by the Australian Education Union that was presented last week at a NSW public school teachers’ conference casts doubt about the cohesive role of ethno-religious schools within Australia’s multicultural context.
The paper was prepared by Professor Andrew Jakubowicz from the University of Technology, Sydney.
The issue of ethno-religious schools is only one of the many elements discussed in the paper with the core argument being that the important role of government schools has been compromised by a proliferation of public funding towards private schools.
“[…]there is little doubt that the Howard government strategy (continued by the Rudd government) of directing federal funds to private schools suits the idea of the market and the ideology of choice.
However it may significantly undermine three key struts in the whole edifice of social cohesion and modern citizenship – namely intercultural competence, secularism as a core social value, and interactive life-long learning,” writes Professor Jakubowicz.
He explained to Neos Kosmos that the ethno-religious schooling question is only one aspect of a broader issue about the decline of multiculturalism in general education policy over the last ten years.
“The argument that I’m making is that with the increasing proportion of kids going to ethno-religious schools, there hasn’t been a parallel investment by government in ensuring what I call bridging capital, that is the experience of students interacting more generally with people who are different from themselves,” Professor Jakubowicz clarified.
In his report he did concede that there are many ethno-religious schools that recognise and try to address this question but are limited by a lack of public funding towrds this end.
The view by Professor Jakubowicz echoes similar concerns voiced in a past interview by Australian Education Union Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos.
“I fear for the future of this multicultural Australia if we continue down the path of what I call state sponsored segregation where we continue to educate, in increasing numbers, students on ethno-religious and class lines; it is not in the national interest,” Mr Gavrielatos had said.
Two principals of Greek schools Alphington Grammar and Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College Sts Anargiri, Michael Smith and Steve Charisis respectively insist that their schools dispute arguments made by Professor Jakubowicz and Angelo Gavrielatos alike.
“The philosophy and foundation of our school is to ensure that children of a Greek background have an understanding of their heritage but only within the context of our multicultural society,” Mr Charisis said.
The principal of Alphington Grammar in comments made to Neos Kosmos late last month had also highlighted his school’s commitment to multiculturalism. “In our school there are students from 25 different ethnic backgrounds who coexist harmoniously.
As a school we build bridges daily amongst the different cultures that are represented in our student population,” Mr Smith stressed.
source: neos kosmos

My Cries of Terror

Kristen Ross
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Just yesterday I was ripped apart limb by limb. It was terribly ugly. There was blood everywhere and as I crawled across the floor panting and screaming, reaching out for help with the one arm I had managed to hang onto in the attack I made a painful realization – help was not on the way. I was going to die. As you can imagine, this caused me a terrible amount of stress. Slowly, I began to cry until I was sobbing uncontrollably and in one last show of emotion I banged my remaining fist on the ground as if to say “please, someone, anyone walk through that door and save me”. You see my boyfriend was too busy getting a beer in the next room to be of service. When he finally did decide to acknowledge my cries of terror and came to check on me he was met with a massive spray of my blood across his torso. It’s an image I can only hope will stay with him for the remainder of his life, which come to think of it may not be very long. Then he watched in horror as the monster ripped my heart out of my chest and ate it while it was still beating…

Ah yes, another run of the mill day auditioning, I thought to myself. Imagine, some poor schmuck is stuck in a cubicle somewhere playing solitaire on his computer and here I am, being eaten by a monster. It hardly seems fair, but if there’s one thing we all know by now it’s that life’s not fair so let’s get on with it.

When I first read this script I was terrified; I’d never auditioned for a horror movie before. I don’t even remember the last time I let out a real, honest-to-goodness scream. It was much easier than I thought it would be though; I pretty much just conjured up my ex-boyfriend and things took a natural course from there. I believe that’s what they refer to as “method acting”.

It is one of the greatest joys of this business – you never know what’s around the corner or when you’re going to have an opportunity to do something you’ve never done before. A few years ago I may have snubbed the chance to play in a horror movie but today I am Captain Gung Ho. Get ripped apart limb by limb? Yes, please! Run around a haunted house holding pom-poms? You bet! Watch as the monster who bears a disturbing resemblance to a certain insect eats my beating heart. Why not? At my age, I’m jaded just enough to know better but still young enough not to care. Will a horror movie advance my career? Probably not. Would it be a great acting experience? I think so. More importantly, at the end of the film I could get a shirt made that says “A MONSTER TORE OUT MY BEATING HEART AND ATE IT AND ALL I GOT WAS THIS STUPID T-SHIRT”, and it will be true. Well, almost.

One thing I’ve always found fascinating is that what a performer wants to play and what they actually will play are often very different. My old acting coach had a student many years ago who went on to become a very famous Hollywood actor. Today he’s one of the biggest names in the business and has more or less become an action hero. I was stunned when my coach told me that what this guy had really wanted to do was act in romantic comedies. “Rom-com’s?” I blurted out in disbelief as I conjured up this guy’s image – the six pack abs, the years of martial arts training, that brooding, mysterious stare he’s so well known for. All that hard-core action artillery when all he really wanted to be doing all along was cuddling Meg Ryan under an afghan.

Oh, us actors really do have it rough. If people only knew. Sometimes I feel like walking down the street and taking people by the shoulders, shaking them and trying to get them to understand. But it wouldn’t help; it rarely does. Not that I’ve tried it or anything. All we want is a little understanding, right? And the chance to play our dream role in our dream film with a dream cast of which we are the biggest star. I don’t know about you but it doesn’t sound all that unreasonable to me?

In the meantime I will take whatever sounds like fun and is a challenge, because that’s what Hollywood is – one big roller coaster. Winding your way through this town is not for the faint of heart. Ok, so it’s not Pride and Prejudice but that doesn’t mean that running for your life from a monster can’t be all that and a bag of chips too. It’s not something I ever imagined I’d do but the longer I’m in the business the more I find myself wanting to explore new territory and being eaten alive seems like a great place to start. That and the t-shirt, of course.

Two Greek Australians arrested for bashing at Hungry Jack’s

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Two Greek Australians are amongst three people arrested and charged for the horrific bashing of two men in a Hungry Jack’s store in Prahran.
Konstantinos Kontoklotsis, 32, of Brunswick, Nathan Karazisis, 24, of Burwood East and Mark Bogtstra, 21, of Camberwell are accused of attacking and causing serious injuries to Luke Adams, 19, and James Mitchell inside a Hungry Jack’s restaurant on the corner of Chapel Street and Malvern Road in Prahran early on Monday morning.
All three men appeared in Melbourne’s Magistrate Court on Thursday charged with affray, recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing injury, and unlawful assault. The attack was captured on security cameras and caused a public outcry.
One of the vicitms, Mr Adams is a promising Australian Rules footballer.
Defence for Mr Kontoklotsis asked the judge to supress the release of their names to the media in fear of retaliation against his family.
The judge refused the motion on the grounds that a threat against his family had not been established. All three suspects were remanded to custody until October 8 when a committal hearing will take place.
Luke Adams was discharged from hospital where he was treated for serious head wounds.
source: neos kosmos

Greece’s New Ambassador to the UN

A. Makris
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Ambassador Anastasis Mitsialis is Greece’s new permanent representative to the United Nations. Mitsialis assumed his duties on July 1 and succeeded Ambassador Ioannis Mourikis, who was transferred to Bern.

Mitsialis presented his credentials to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during a ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday.

During the 2007-2009 period, Mitsialis had served as the head of the Foreign Ministry’s Protocol Department in Athens, a position that he had also served in the past as well, between 1993-1995.

Before that, he was Greece’s ambassador to Italy.

(source: ANA/MPA , photo credit: D. Panagos)

Tina Fey’s “30 Rock” Leads EMMY Nominations

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“30 Rock” which won an EMMY last year for outstanding comedy series picked up another 22 nominations this year, including nominations for its Greek-American writer and star Tina Fey.

Nominations for the 61st Primetime Emmy® Awards, covering the period of June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009, were announced today by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences from the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre, North Hollywood, California. The Television Academy’s Chairman of the Board & CEO John Shaffner presided, assisted by Chandra Wilson and Jim Parsons.

Of the eighty-three nominations for comedy and drama programs as well as lead, supporting and guest performers, forty-one were not included among last year’s nominees — a forty-nine percent change from last year’s roster of nominees in these fourteen categories. Forty-nine (sixty-nine percent) were broadcast network nominations (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) and thirty-four (thirty-one percent) were cable network nominations.

First-time nominees in drama series programs included Big Love and Breaking Bad. (Breaking Bad joined Damages and Mad Men – first nominated last year – as a basic cable series in the drama series program category.) First-time nominees in comedy series programs included Flight of the Conchords, How I Met Your Mother and Family Guy (which had a prior nomination in the Animated Program category).

Newcomers (not nominated last year) in the comedy series performer categories included (leads) Jim Parsons in The Big Bang Theory, Jemaine Clement in Flight of the Conchords, Toni Collette in United States of Tara, and Sarah Silverman in The Sarah Silverman Program; (supports) Tracy Morgan in 30 Rock, Jack McBrayer in 30 Rock, Kristin Wiig in Saturday Night Live, Jane Krakowski in 30 Rock, and Elizabeth Perkins in Weeds; (guests) Beau Bridges in Desperate Housewives, Justin Timberlake in Saturday Night Live, Steve Martin in 30 Rock, Jon Hamm in 30 Rock, Alan Alda in 30 Rock, Christine Baranski in The Big Bang Theory, Gena Rowlands in Monk, Betty White in My Name Is Earl, Tina Fey in Saturday Night Live, and Jennifer Anniston in 30 Rock.

Additional first-time nominees in Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie are Kevin Bacon in Taking Chance, Kevin Kline in Cyrano De Bergerac (Great Performances) and Brendan Gleeson in Into the Storm. Additional first-time nominees in Supporting Actor/Actress in a Miniseries or Movie are Ken Howard for Grey Gardens, Tom Courtenay for Little Dorrit, Jeanne Tripplehorn for Grey Gardens and Shohreh Aghdashloo for House of Saddam.

On Sunday, September 20 at 8:00 pm (ET/PT) the telecast awarding Primetime Emmys hosted by Neil Patrick Harris will be presented before a black-tie audience and televised by the CBS Television Network from the NOKIA Theatre LA Live.

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