Next Generation Greeks Hit 100!

The results are in and my response? BRAVO!

With your participation and feedback, our survey hit the ceiling goal of 100 respondents in one week, with nearly two/thirds of those responses coming in the first two days.

Even better? The initial preview of your feedback provided to community leaders has already prompted a discussion on re-evaluating how we organize and energize the Greek community.

The hard work is now on me as I analyze results and develop a report, but thank you for providing me the feedback to make that possible.

The results will be posted to the blog in the coming week.

EFXARISTO (to all of you and friends at DailyFrappe) kai BRAVO MAS!

The Great Big Olive-Thing in the Sky?

As you may have seen online, some talented folks are proposing that an interestingly shaped skyscraper be built in Western Athens (near the Agios Savvas metro station). While I do prefer the innovative shape to the traditional blocks of decades past, something about this proposed Athenian "multiskyscraper" disturbs me.

I guess the question is what kind of city does Athens or do we want Athens to be?

In the 60s, the minds that ruled (direct translation) deemed it right to build it into the cement jungle that many have tried to tame in recent years. Does adding a glass element to this cement build or learn from that experience?

I'd challenge our great architects to propose ideas that better capture the city's essence. I mean really, as much as I like olives, I am not sure that connecting it to some olive groves quite fits the bill.

Next Greek Generation Discussion on June 24th

A million thank you's to all of you who have rallied behind my upcoming presentation at the 1st annual Greek-American conference in NY by completing the survey online.

While you can continue to provide feedback, the initial survey results will be debuted tomorrow, Sunday, June 24th at the Stathakio Center (29th Street between Ditmars and 23rd Ave.) in Astoria, NY where the organization and communication for the next generation of Greeks will be discussed from 1-5 in the afternoon.

Hope to see you there!

Greeks - The Next Generation

Greetings friends! Well it has been a crazy week, but I am very excited to announce that I've been invited to speak at the upcoming 1st Annual Greek-American conference organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of New York. I will be speaking about the importance and best practices for engaging and uniting the younger generations of Greeks around the world.

Naturally, I think that the most important part of my presentation depends on you!

As part of my preparation, I want to include an opinion shaped by reality, which is why I'd greatly appreciate your input via a survey I've developed online.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO TAKE THIS GREEK-RELATED SURVEY.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB226MEMHQN8H

Please note that your answers, although extremely valuable, will remain confidential. Of course - please make sure to link this on your blogs and pass it along via e-mail as I want to make sure to include as many opinions as possible.

Efxaristo PARA poly!

P.S. A great many thanks to my new friends at DailyFrappe, who graciously provided me with information for the presentation and offered to take this survey to great new heights! If I sound like a fan, it's because I am.

P.P.S Stay tuned for more information on conference times and an update on developments!

Doing the Dance of Joy!

I have to admit that I am doing the dance of joy under the olive tree this morning!



Why dance the steps made famous by Balky Bartakomos in the 80s sitcom "Perfect Strangers" you might ask?

Well... the fair editors of Daily Frappe gave a nod to the good ole' olive tree this morning in acknowledging a shared story.

Efxaristoume paidia!

Scottish crime writer praises Athens

On June 11th, the Daily Telegraph featured Athens as a surprising and energetic city as cited by philhellene and Scottish crime writer Paul Johnston. In the article, Johnston, who first came to Greece in 1976 and now splits his time between Athens and Edinburgh, masterfully explains how Athens has modernized (and Westernized) since his first taste, but notes that it still retains its unique charm thanks to a handful characteristically Greek assets, including periptera, which can best be described as sidewalk newsstands filled to the brim with newspapers, crisps, candy, beverages, ice cream and local soccer memorabilia.

In addition to professing that a glass of fresh-squeezed OJ is a must, Johnston also:

- Praises the Athenian skies and warm weather

- Highlights Exarchia and Monastiraki as places to visit for the cafes, bars and tasty eats

- Applauds the city's metro, suburban railways, trams and buses as cheap and reliable

Well, thank goodness for philhellenes since all many of us Hellenes can do is just complain!

Before you dismiss Johnston as a tourist enamored with Greece, take note that he lived in the country for a while since 1988. In addition to splitting his time between Athens and Edinburgh, which he cites as the Athens of the North, he also put Greece on the crime novel map with his novels, A Deeper Shade of Blue and The Golden Silence. In fact, The Golden Silence is scheduled to be developed as a film by a Glyfada-based company that plans to shoot in Greece with English-speaking actors in 2009. Paul Johnston's newest book, The Death List, goes on sale on June 15, 2007 in the UK and on July 1, 2007 in the US.

And for you pessimists, I thought it might be worth mentioning that this glowing piece will be seen by millions of potential tourists as the Daily Telegraph is the UK's best selling quality (non-tabloid) newspaper and boasts a readership over two million.

Cute London-based Greek-Cypriot couple introduce world to "Big Fat Greek Kitchen"

I absolutely love this cute cooking couple who epitomize the loving relationships of many old Greek couples, which not surprisingly revolve around a lady-boss and great food!

Check out the funny instructional videos that walk you through the making of meatballs, dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves) and fahkes (lentils)!

In case you are wondering, their comedic kitchen is in London and the accent is Greek-Cypriot... making the sub-titles a great learning opportunity for those not 100% in the know.

Enjoy!

Ensure Survival of Ecumenical Patriarch - Rally Your U.S. Congress to Support Bill for Religious Freedom

On May 3, U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D - NY) introduced House Resolution 373 that urges Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. The orignial cosponsors for this resolution are Gus Billirakis, Henry Brown Jr, James McGovern, Michael McNulty, Frank Pallone, John Sarbanes, Zachary Space and Diane Waton.

The legislation is in response to Turkey's continued refusal to recognize the Patriarch as "Ecumenical", who is the leader of nearly 300 million Orthodox Christians world wide.

Turkey, which only recognizes the Orthodox's leader as the leader of the community in Constantinople, also requires by law that the patriarch be a Turkish citizen, all of whom have been ethnic Greeks since 1923. As the ethnically Greek population has been suffocated out of the country due to the illegal seizure of property since the 1950s and 60s, this stipulation essentially ensures that the Patriarchate will disappear from the seat of Orthodox Christianity unless Turkey amends the law intended to repress religious freedom.

The legislation urges Turkey to grant the Ecumenical Patriachate approprite international recognition, rights to train clergy of all nationalities, and respect human rights and property rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

It should be noted that the very message communicated by this resolution was the very message delivered by Pope Benedict in his recent visit to Turkey.

ALL Greek Americans and those concerned about religious freedom need to contact local representative to cosponsor and support H.RES. 373.

To contact by phone dial (202) 224-3121 and ask the operator for a local congressman's office.

To contact by email visit www.house.gov/writerep, enter you state and zip, and fill out the electronic form of your name and address to submit your message.

Many thanks to DailyFrappe.com for updating the community about this important effort.

Put on a Happy Face

This morning the Danish were highlighted as the happiest people on Earth by Good Morning America, a popular morning TV program in the States. Despite cold weather, high taxes and questionable cuisine, the show indicated that low expectations, great welfare and an emphasis on simplicity help make the Danish so happy.

This struck me as interesting given that despite the old reputation of happy-go-lucky and hospitable, today's Greeks are increasingly gloomy. This was recently epitomized on a website that provided information to those interested to moving to Greece. On the message boards, a Greek responder indicated that some things are better left as dreams and that readers should avoid moving to the country.

Put simply, I find it downright irritating! While the country justifiable depends on and invests millions in tourism to showcase its beauty and charm, this attitude threatens to drive away the lifeblood. Why?

Depressing Environment? Not nature anyway. Millions flock to the country for a chance to come closer to the best nature has to offer. Mountains, agriculture, seas and skies!

Distrust in Government? The same survey that found the Danes happy also found Italians as cheerful. Italy's government has been plagued with credibility issues for years and years!

Opportunity? More than ever before the Greek government is offering incentives for new businesses for those that want to put in a little effort. Is unemployment a problem? Yes, but solutions are also available for those that take the initiative to find them.

While it is natural for life's daily problems to haze our perceptions of happiness, this wallowing in "poor me" attitude only brings on more stress and depression.

Greeks live in the most beautiful country in the world - how about we start using our famous brains... the ones that we boast brought the world democracy and philosophy (along with advances in near every field of study) to come up with smart, creative ways to leverage our resources for our individual and collective benefit!

Ande bravo!

5th Avenue Goes Greek

After massive rains postponed NY's Greek Independence Day parade on April 15th, the Gods themselves joined in the festivities this past Sunday as the famed 5th Avenue sparkled in blue and white. Parade-goers revelled in solidarity alongside prominent personalities as a record 60 groups marched to the sounds of the Greek celebratory cry of "ZHTO!"

The parade, which was televised for the first time on NY's My9 Network (WWOR-TV) and hosted by Greek-Americans Ernie Anastos and Nick Gregory, as well as anchor Rosanna Scotto, supported a broader theme of religious freedom this year. While Greek Independence was declared in 1821, the theme is unfortunately very timely as religious suppression still plagues many parts of the world.

While I work to update the site with pictures and a "who's who" list of attendees to come soon, I'd love to hear from you about this year's parade...

Greek Authorities Rescue Stranded Cruise Ship

With Easter, the unofficial start of pre-tourist season in Greece not even upon us, AP reported this afternoon that a cruise ship run by Cypriot Louis Cruise Lines, SEA DIAMOND, hit rocks off the coast of Santorini, took on water and required an impressive rescue consisting of 12 ships, along with six navy rescue helicopters, two military transport plans and four warships.

The rescue of the nearly 1,200 tourists and 400-member crew was extensive, comparable to the equivalent of evacuating a 12-story building floating at sea, and resulted in the safe return of passengers and crew either to Athens or back to Santorini.

- The rescue process and result went off without a hitch based on accounts from officials and rescuees alike.
- Naysayers questioning Greek organizational capability should and will likely be silenced (at least for a bit).
- Skeptical and pessimistic Greeks concerned about media can find solace in balanced and glowing coverage of a potentially disastrous scenario.

While I have no doubt that this was taxing for all involved, I am thrilled that this was handled and presented famously - kudos to Greek efforts and those that reported it objectively (unlike me).

For more information, click here for the AP story.

Yet Another YouTube Stand-off

For the second time in as many months, YouTube is engaged in a standoff against yet another country thanks to offensive videos posted about the country's leadership. This time, Thailand has blocked YouTube because the site refused to remove a video depicting their beloved king's (or more specifically stand-in female) feet over his head - a major Buddhist taboo. As you may know this follows a similar stand off the popular website had with Turkey and it's similarly military-backed government in March.

If history is a lesson, YouTube will:

- Refuse to remove the clip initially, then
- Be blocked by the country in question, then
- Bend to their whim by removing the clip ...

... so that the respective population with limited freedoms of speech can access trite videos once again.

If the similar scenario does not play out, I will have to wonder why the site is taking such different approaches for a similar incursion as opposed to following a set "policy". That, my friends, will be a much longer discussion.

More info available on Reuters.com.

Ancient Wreath Returns to Greece

By Malcolm Brabant BBC News, Athens

A spectacular golden wreath dating back to the 4th Century BC is due to go on display at the National Archaeology Museum in Greece. The Macedonian wreath was returned to Athens at the weekend by the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Greece fought for 10 years to prove that it had been illegally spirited out of the country. The restitution of the wreath is part of a campaign aimed at restoring the Elgin (Parthenon) Marbles to Greece.

Now restored to its rightful home, the wreath is one of the most exquisite treasures in Greece. It is a floral crown, a confection of realistic leaves and flowers made of gold foil attached to a slender headband 28cm (11in) in diameter.

It was probably made after the death of Alexander the Great and worn on ceremonial occasions. Experts believe it was buried with the remains of its owner in northern Greece.

The Getty Museum purchased the wreath from a Swiss dealer in 1993 for just over $1m (750,000 euros; £500,000).

Last year, the Americans finally agreed to return their prized possession after the Greeks convinced them that it had been illegally excavated and smuggled out of the country.

The Getty's director, Michael Brand, told the BBC in a statement that everyone was saddened to see the wreath leaving, but that returning it to Greece was the correct action to take.

Greece hopes that other museums will now follow the Getty's example. In particular, it wants the British Museum in London to hand back the frieze known as the Elgin, or Parthenon, Marbles.

Greece claims they were stolen by Lord Elgin in 1801, but the British Museum insists that Lord Elgin legally obtained the Marbles from Greece's then rulers, the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

Moral pressure on Britain is due to increase later this year when Greece opens the new Acropolis Museum, complete with an empty space designed to show off the marbles in Aegean light, instead of what critics call "a gloomy cellar in London's Bloomsbury district".

Story from BBC NEWS.

Greek Critics Rip '300,' but Audiences Love It

THERMOPYLAE, Greece (AP) -- Greece's critics hated "300," but moviegoers here are lining up to watch the gory recreation of the Battle of Thermopylae in record numbers -- happy to lap up the Hollywood thrills and take an indulgent view of what detractors call a butchery of their ancient history.

The film had a record opening weekend in Greece with 325,000 ticket sales. That easily exceeded the previous mark set last year by "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (220,000).

Inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel, the movie directed by Zach Snyder is about 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas holding off hundreds of thousands of invading Persians -- and the odd imaginary monster -- at a mountain pass in Greece.

Critics dismissed the movie as gratuitously violent and historically inaccurate, one magazine describing it as a "bloodlust videogame."

They were soon drowned out by moviegoers.

"The film was incredible on all counts. It's the first time I've heard a cinema audience clap at the end of a movie," said Nikos Mastoris, who owns a comic bookstore in Athens. "The photography, the music, and all the scenes are really brilliant. The movie is very faithful to the comic book."
Haris Antonopoulos of distributors Village Roadshow said ticket sales of "300" in Greece have topped the 1 million mark -- out of a population of 11 million -- and is on course to beat the record-setting "Loufa kai parallagi: Sirines sto Egeo," a movie about life as a Greek army conscript which sold 1.4 million tickets in 2005.

The movie is showing at some 70 screens in the Athens area alone and double that nationwide. Cinemas in rural towns have added special midnight screenings to cope with demand.
The village of Thermopylae, population 250, lies about 125 miles north of Athens, and is marked by a modern monument near the country's main highway to the battle fought in 480 B.C.
Most villagers still haven't seen the movie because the nearest cinema is in the city of Lamia, an hour's drive to the north, but are still proud of its success. (The film has grossed more than $162 million in the United States alone so far, had a two-week run at No. 1 and after its third weekend still was No. 2, according to box office tracker Media by Numbers LLC.)

Local archaeologist Elena Froussou watched "300" and couldn't help being impressed.
"The movie was great spectacle," said Froussou. "There were many inaccuracies, but the movie (generally) does base itself on reality."

In the battle, King Leonidas (played by Gerard Butler) led a small force which fought to the death against the invading Persians, to give Athens valuable time to prepare its defenses and ultimately defeat the army of Emperor Xerxes I (Rodrigo Santoro).

Historians believe Leonidas was not a young man, unlike the way he's presented in the movie. And Sparta, of course, was not a democracy as it is depicted in the movie but a fearsome military power ruled with absolute authority.

Greek movie fans didn't seem to mind the history-bending or the comic-book style. And Greek Internet bloggers zealously defended the fantasy-laden movie -- many arguing that "300" stands up historically, although it is spiced up with allegorical interpretations. Xerxes' colossal proportions, they say, represent his inflated ego and monsters in his army represent an invincible force in the eyes of Greeks.

The Iranian government, which has drawn international condemnation over its nuclear program, has objected to the film's depiction of ancient Persia as barbaric and for what it sees as a politically loaded, West vs. Iran story line.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Remember the... Souli

Reminder... Sunday is March 25th!

While the big, fat Greek parade does not hit NY streets until April 15th, there are a number of Greek Independence Day celebrations taking place throughout the tri-state area this weekend.

Stay tuned for a highlight of some of the key functions, as well as other opportunities to support the Greek Independence Day parade that will take place (and be TELEVISED) on April 15th, 2007.

Zhtw to '21!

P.S. Remember the Souli... as in Remember the Alamo, but instead the Souli, where the ladies danced their way off the cliff.

YouTube, MyTake - Turkey and censorship

While the commentary may be delayed, I wanted to acknowledge the ironic turn of events that recently took place on YouTube earlier this month and brought into focus problems about the Turkish (and by that I mean government) reality.

While the original video was likely posted by an ill-educated man, the absurdity is that this act simply demonstrated that the Turkish government holds Turkey and its people hostage under third-world terms. To compare, the entire world alludes to sexually compromising assumptions when it discusses key Greek historical figures, from Alexander to the philosophers, but there is a greater recognition that no such discussion can diminish the greatness of their successes... neither does the government decree against the will of others to discuss their opinions.

It is fitting perhaps... one is known as the cradle of democracy - the other is still trying to (re)write its history.

While the Turkish government and its tourist boards employ high-brow PR and advertising agencies to lure tourist dollars, euros and yen to Turkey and lobbies the EU for membership, it simultaneously invokes laws into action that make freedom of speech a crime. The same law criminalizes the country's own greatest minds and insults the intelligence of its people by suggesting that they cannot partake in discourse to defend Turkish ideals.

What is the Turkish government so worried about? It's own people?

What's worse? In the global quest to democratize other nations, this bastardization of the democratic essence is accepted by silence... a benefit granted by the "Great Powers" - US, UK and others, and enjoyed by the Turkish government for all too long a time... just ask Armenians, Pontians, the diaspora of Smyrni and Constantinople...oh wait, asking is not an option... most are tragically gone.

Musical Journay from Anatolia to Athens - Folk and Urban Music of the Aegean

This Friday, January 26th at 9pm, the Aegean Cultural Project and Alwan for the Arts are joining together for a musical journey that will begin in the Rebetiko underground of Athens and cross the Bosporus to Constantinople (sorry that is what we call it!) with the folk music of Anatolia's surrounding countryside.

A group of talented local musicians accompanied by traditional instruments, such as the baglama, oud, politiki lyra and bouzouki, promise to guide the audience through the rich and diverse music of the region, with both shared and unique songs sung in Greek, Turkish, Kurdish, and Armenian.

Friday, January 26th, 9:00 PM

Admission: $15 ($10 with student ID)
16 Beaver St, 4th Floor
Between Broad and New Streets
One block east of Whitehall Street and Bowling Green

Accessible via the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, M, Z, R and W

The Aegean Cultural Project is an organization dedicated to promoting appreciation for and interaction among the cultures of the Aegean region. The Aegean Cultural Project seeks to advance the unique cultural heritage of the Aegean Sea region through artistic performances and exhibitions and through activities designed to educate the public. It aims to organize and promote cultural exchanges worldwide with artists from a range of disciplines who represent and find inspiration from this diverse region.

Back on track...

With the holidays and January festivities behind us, I promise that you will see a great many more updates under the olive tree.

Rest assured that I have spent the past few weeks collecting lots of great info for you.

Stay tuned for some great finds!

Citibank Puts Euros Where Your Card Is

For the second consecutive year, Citibank declared January as the time to the support of the non-profit organization "Mazi Gia to Paidi." Last year, the same campaign resulted in the contribution of 61,000 euros for the work of "Mazi Gia to Paidi."

More specifically, Citibank will give €0.15 to "Mazi Gia to Paidi" for every transaction made in Greece with a Citibank Visa or Mastercard in January 2007, with no cost to cardholders.

This year, Citibank's campaign will also be supported by the magazine Real Simple, as a communication sponsor and the Hellenic Theatre Company, which will offer a free theater ticket to the children of "Mazi Gia to Paidi."

Become a Child with Me

In the season known for gifts and cheerfulness, it is so very important to spread that joy to children who may not otherwise enjoy the innocence of the holidays. But while many charities and philanthropic opportunities exist for children in the United States, the chance to help children in Greece is rare. Thankfully ANT1 is again sponsoring a five-hour "thlemarathonio" of love for underprivileged children following its great success of raising 2.5 million euro in February.

Scheduled to take place just a day after the International Day for Children, the program, known as "Gine Mazi Mou Paidi", will air tomorrow between:

- 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 12th in the US
- 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12th in Greece

In addition to phoned-in pledges, contributions can also be made via the Internet. Although I am not officially including this as part of the Greek Gift Guide, this would be a wonderful opportunity to make a donation in a loved one's name or teach young children about the real spirit of giving.

P.S. Popular celebs, including Anna Vissi, Despina Vandi, Mixalis Hadzigiannis and Elli Kokkinou are contributing their star-power to this effort. See some clips of their efforts on YouTube.