U.S. Democrats Living in Greece Urged to Vote

Americans living abroad now have a way to help decide the 2008 US Presidential Democratic nominee thanks to the first-ever Global Presidential Primary. An open letter addressed to US citizens living in Greece appeared in today's Kathimerini with information about the voting process.

Voting can take place in person, by mail, fax or online.

In person at the Hotel Grande Bretagne - EASIEST!
Friday, February 8th (3-8 p.m.)
Saturday, February 9th (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
Bring your current or most recent US passport

By Mail, Fax or Internet
Register TODAY (January 31st) at www.votefromabroad.org
Voting address is the last address for you (or your parents) in the States.
You will receive a voting ballot in the mail

For instructions in Greek, contact John Lewis at 6946.121.241.

Science Behind Athenian Siren

We all know that Greeks age well, but one undying symbol of Hellenic pride has not only managed to grow old gracefully, but also continues to prompt jealous rages between her admirers. Many Greek beauties may come to mind, but I speak of the lady of Athens, the Parthenon.

With her controversial Elgin marbles and new museum, she is a beautiful Greek siren that is enticing from both a cultural and scientific point of view. Today's NY Times featured a PBS documentary that unveiled the level of detail and intricacy involved in erecting the marvel.

For instance, much like other beautiful Greek ladies, the Parthenon...

... is curvy! Despite the famous vertical columns, there’s virtually no straight line to be found.

... is tough to piece together and every part of her is unique! The blocks of marble are not interchangable. Since the lines are not technically straight, every piece is a unique part of jigsaw puzzle.

... is irresistable! And definately a wonder in our books.

NY's Cosmos-FM to Host Kotsiras-Tsaligopoulou Concert in May

2008 is quickly becoming the year of amazing Greek concerts - at least for those near and around the New York metropolitan area.

In addition to the all-star Remos-Rouva tour in March, Cosmos-FM just announced a May concert with Greek vocal powerhouses Yannis Kotsiras and Eleni Tsaligopoulou.

Details are still trickling in, but so far we know:

When: Late May (likely the last week)
Where: Hunter College in NYC

Tickets will be sold in coming months at yet-to-be-determined locations, but you can reserve tickets and get more information now by calling Cosmos-FM at 718/204-8900 (and please tell them you heard it here first!)

Below two of my faves from these stellar artists...

YouTube Solution to Fakelaki Problem

Kathimerini reported today that kickbacks, or the famous "fakelaki", cost Greeks 613 million euros in 2007 . On average, bribes to grease the ridiculous public sector amounted to just over 1,300 euros, while the private sector, such as lawyers and doctors (who should be stripped of their right to practice considering the insult to the "oath") received over 1,500 euros.

While the politicians point fingers for whose at fault (while scurrying to the bank to deposit some money themselves), the reality is that the only way out of this madness is broad scale sting operations to publicly humiliate, fine and even jail offenders. After all, wouldn't it be better to invest over 600 million euros in other ways.... reforestation, public works or employment programs?

Now, since it is likely that many in government (ha! if not all) benefit from this practice, I see the You Tube generation needing to take this into its own hands.

• 1st stop - ALL major TV networks and other media for immediate and frequent airings
• 2nd stop - Greece's treasury dept. to collect fines for the offense (fine should be a multiplier of fakelaki collected to account for amounts received in past 5 years plus taxes that should have been paid on this income).
• 3rd stop - Percentage of fee returned to the sting operative as reward for helping remedy one of the country's most serious ills.
  

After all, if the hand is at risk of being punished, perhaps they'd think twice about putting it in the cookie jar.

Help Save a Little Girl's Life!

Four year old Michaella Tzakas, from Franklin Square, NY, was diagnosed with MDS leukemia 2 months ago. This brave little girl URGENTLY needs a bone marrow transplant.

Since her immediate family is not a match, the family is asking the community to help find a match to save their little girl. Just a quick swab of your mouth and you may be the perfect match!

Two N.Y. area churches are hosting bone marrow testing events to aid the family:

Saturday, January 19th, 2008 - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul (Hellenic Room)

110 Cathedral Avenue in Hempstead, NY
516-483-5700

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 - 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
St. Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church ( School auditorium)
22-30 33rd Street in Astoria, NY
718 728-1718

For more information, please contact the Greek Children's Fund at 718/777-5GCF.