O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans c v A weeKly GReeK AmeRIcAN PublIcATION www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 14, ISSUE 695 February 5-11 , 2011 $1.50 How Konstantinos Egypt’s Days of Rage Could Tip Greece’s Role Antonopoulos Eases Israel, Turkey in the Mix, Papandreou Human Suffering Makes Calls

By Demetris Tsakas the Antonopoulos Funeral Home By Andy Dabilis TNH Staff Writer in Astoria to handle the funeral TNH Staff Writer arrangement for the victims, and NEW YORK - Having covered they would always express their ATHENS - Even as Egyptians the police beat for years, I come gratitude for the generosity dis - engaged in pitched battles in the across many tragic events that played by the funeral home’s streets of Cairo, government have left their mark on the owner/director Konstantinos supporters who want President Greek American Community in Antonopoulos, and his brother Hosni Mubarak not to quit the New York tri-state area. At and co-director Thomas clashing with demonstrators the same time, I had the oppor - Antonopoulos. Although we who wanted him out, the devel - tunity to get acquainted with would try to find out the amount opments were being keenly many Greek Americans who of - of money they contributed in watched in Greece because it fer solace to those in need and each of the cases, we never suc - could tip the balance of power try to ease their pain as much as ceeded, primarily because the in the Mideast and give Turkey possible. Some of them are in Antonopoulos brothers preferred even a bigger foot in the region the front lines, while other make to stay out of the spotlight. They and diminish Athen’s standing, sacrifices and give what they can have religiously upheld – and and affect relations with Israel, to provide some moral and psy - continue to do so – the virtues analysts said. Greek Prime Min - chological support. Over the past and principles of the Greek peo - ister George Papandreou held five years, while covered stories ple, as well as the principles of phone discussions about the cri - involving fatal accidents suffered their profession. The complete sis with several senior leaders by students from Greece and respect they display towards the in the Middle East, including the Cyprus, or other tragic deaths in deceased and the bereaved fam - embattled Mubarak, who had the Community, The National ilies, their respect for privacy, resisted calls from the United Herald observed that represen - their honorableness, prudence, States to step down and have tatives throughout the Greek compassion, solidarity, simplic - an orderly transition of power, American Community would ask ity, and abundant humility AP/ THANASSIS STAvRAKIS which was shattered when his makes them stand out. Tourist Sheryl Horowitz, right, hugs tour director Nancy Davis, both from the U.S., after their ar - opponents charged his govern - Konstantinos and Thomas rival from Egypt at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos in Spata, near Athens, Mon - ment sent thousands of thugs Antonopoulos were and con - day, Jan. 31, 2011. A tourist group with 65 Americans arrived in Athens as hundreds of foreigners onto the streets to attack them, tinue to be good friends with my were being evacuated from the unrest in Egypt, with countries scrambling to send planes to fly in defiance of wishes from West - colleagues and me, but even in their citizens out and Cairo's short-staffed international airport a scene of chaos and confusion. ern leaders there not be vio - instances when we knew that lence. At least five Mubarak op - they had first-hand knowledge ponents were killed by gunfire of the causes behind so many which the government said was tragic deaths that The National “a mistake” and said it would Herald has covered, they never Fans Struggle to Revive the Triremes find out who was behind it. succumbed to the temptation to Mubarak said he would not seek reveal anything they knew from re-election after 30 years in the official documents that they By Sophia Hollander of New Yorkers wants to bring ship, which was crucial to de - power, the result, critics said, of would receive from the coroner, Wall Street Journal the Olympias, the world’s only feating the Persians in the Battle a series of fixed elections over or from the details that the working replica of a trireme, to of Salamis in 480 B.C., part of a the years, but said he would not friends and family of the de - NEW YORK - On a recent morn - the city in 2012. “Dressed in ar - wider war that included the resign, infuriating Egyptians ceased would divulge to them. ing, Ford Weiskittel listened to mor,” suggested board member fight at Thermopylae drama - who, following the lead of Although their discretion did not typical board-meeting chatter Charles Hirschler. “Holding a tized in the film 300. But a demonstrators who brought help in the difficult job that a for a nonprofit group: an up - sword.” “Let’s not get carried wreck of a trireme - a nimble down the Tunisians govern - reporter undertakes to seek the coming fund-raiser, the possibil - away,” said Mr. Weiskittel, a for - vessel tipped with a bronze bat - ment, said they wanted an end truth, each time that they re - ity of attracting celebrities, the mer classics professor at Hobart tering ram—has never been to decades of repression. That fused to give details on a partic - benefits of one honoree versus and William Smith Colleges. found. Classicists have had to led the United States to walk a ular incident, our staff’s respect two. But there was something The men are part of a group try - piece together clues about its fine line because it has always and appreciation for their dedi - he really wanted to know: Was ing to bring to New York a full- design from vase images, carved supported him because he kept cation to their profession would asking prominent citizens to wa - scale, working replica of the an - reliefs and bad jokes in ancient a lid on the Muslim Brotherhood grow. “The job of a funeral di - ter-ski behind a replica of an an - cient Athenian warship known plays, generating competing and Muslim extremists. rector is a sacred one; just as sa - cient warship being rowed as the trireme. theories about its size, structure Papandreou also spoke with down the Hudson River one For centuries, scholars have Konstantinos Antonopoulos Continued on page 4 publicity stunt too far? A group squabbled over the design of the Continued on page 3 Continued on page 11 Angelides Probe Found They speak English, but Think Greek at St. Gregory’s

Money Never Sleeps on By Theodore Kalmoukos TNH Staff Writer

Wall Street's Home Turf BOSTON – It’s a curious combi - nation. Father Michael Bird of By Constantine S. Sirigos Phil Angelides, a former Califor - the St. Gregory The Theologian TNH Staff Writer nia State Treasurer – came to Church in Mansfield, Massachu - the unsurprising conclusion that setts, located at the crossroads NEW YORK – It took 19 days of the country’s near fiscal melt - of the superhighways Routes hearings and wound up with down was avoidable and every - 495 and 95, is a convert to millions of pages of documen - one who was supposed to pre - Greek Orthodoxy, starting with tation, but the government-ap - vent it, from government chanting and then learning to pointed Financial Crisis Inquiry officials to regulators to banks speak the language fluently Commission, under Chairman and insurance companies, was enough to become a priest, and asleep at the wheel or manipu - more so than most of the mem - lated the system out of pure bers of his church, established greed. The media has had a to serve primarily English- Science Series mixed reaction to the 600-page speaking Greek Americans and report, which is available at Orthodox from other ethnic bookstores everywhere for $14. backgrounds and the spouses of Dr. George Some reporters noted Congress inter-faith marriages. Still, they has already reacted to the crisis come, and frequently chant through the Dodd-Frank law, themselves, sometimes even in Bakris, A while others said its work was Greek. St. Gregory is a “singing nonetheless valuable in helping church” - the responses and Real Healer shape reforms and to identify hymns are sung by the congre - what went wrong with Ameri - gation, not a formal choir. can’s financial system beginning “Thus, our parishioners experi - By Amalia Deligiannis in 2008. Angelides and his fel - ence the ancient practice of Or - Special to The National Herald low commissioner Byron Geor - thodox worship by which the giou recently discussed their clergy and laity together partic - TNH In a typical week, you will work with the National Herald. Fr. Michael Bird, a licensed architect who discovered the beauty and treasure of Orthodoxy find Dr. George Bakris designing Despite the strenuous efforts Continued on page 7 and Hellenism at St. Gregory’s Church in Mansfield, Mass. with his presbytera. clinical studies, treating pa - and associated sleep deprivation tients, serving on a number of of a year and a half, their pas - editorial boards of medical jour - sion and sense of urgency have nals, and giving lectures as a not diminished. Professor of Medicine and Di - “From the crash two years The Troika Looks at New Greek Rescue Scheme rector of the Hypertensive Dis - ago, almost nothing’s changed eases Unit in the Department of on Wall Street. We have yet to Medicine at the University of see whether the regulators have ATHENS – Even as officials countries into a variety or tend the maturity of their Chicago Pritzker School of Med - the backbone to stand up in a from The Troika – the European “menu” of new bonds after bailout loans to Greece to 30 icine. So how does the doctor way they didn’t in this last crisis. Union (EU,) European Central many of those countries de - years, instead of the current balance this workload? “Well it’s Our work hopefully will lay out Bank (ECB,) and International faulted on their debt in the three years, which Greek Prime tough,” he admitted. “It could the history and be a guidepost Monetary Fund (IMF) were here 1980s. Brady bonds are dollar- Minister George Papandreou not be done in all honesty if I to change course,” said An - inspecting Greece’s books again denominated bonds, issued said was not a restructuring. didn’t have the cooperation and gelides, who added: “This was to see whether to release the mostly by Latin American coun - Private lenders owning more help of the university and for a disaster for the country. This next round of loans in March as tries in the 1980s, named after than 100 billion euros ($138 bil - that matter of my wife.” Because was not just a bump in the road part of a $150 billion three-year Brady. The key innovation be - lion) of Greek bonds would be of his work in the field of hy - bailout plan, they were report - hind the introduction of Brady invited to extend their maturity pertension and kidney disease, Continued on page 3 edly working on a solution to Bonds was to allow the commer - to between 15 and 20 years, To Bakris has been nominated for reduce the country’s staggering cial banks to exchange their Vima said. All these measures and has received many awards $360 billion debt, which threat - claims on developing countries would result into the “re-profil - from professional societies such ens to overwhelm any attempts into tradable instruments, al - ing” of about two thirds of as the National Kidney Founda - to stave off bankruptcy. The lowing them to get the debt off Greece’s total debt by the end of tion and the American Society The Ships of Greece Troika is considering a proposed their balance sheets. This re - 2011, the newspaper reported. Still Rule the Seas debt-reduction solution along duced the concentration risk to Greece’s public debt is projected Continued on page 5 the lines of the Brady plan, these banks. Under the three- to peak at 158% of Gross Do - Worldwide named for then U.S. Treasury AP/KOSTAS TSIRONIS stage plan, Greece would bor - mestic Product (GDP)in 2013, a Secretary Nicholas Brady, which An Athens metro worker row from the other 16 countries level which many in financial The National Herald con - rescued Latin America from opens the locked entrance of of the Eurozone using the euro markets say is unsustainable, and For subscription: tinues its presentation of a bankruptcy in the 1980’s, the a station for a colleague dur - as their currency, to buy back that is currently the deadline to 718.784.5255 series of stories marking Greek newspaper To Vima re - ing a public transport strike Greek bonds currently owned repay the loans even though [email protected] some of the many success ported. Greece has effectively on Feb. 1, 2011, but riders by the ECB and private bond - harsh austerity measures such as stories of Greek shipping: been forced out of the borrow - were out of luck. holders at about 75% of their deep pay cuts for public workers tycoons and young giants, ing markets because of fears it nominal value, the newspaper has backfired with less-than-ex - captains and kings of the can’t pay back loans, and has bonds were created in March reported, citing a senior banker pected revenues, despite big tax industry. See pages 8-9. had to pay exorbitant rates to 1989 in order to convert bonds with knowledge of the talks. banks and investors. Brady issued by mostly Latin American The EU and IMF would then ex - Continued on page 11 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011

GOINGS ON...

n FEBRUARY 3-13 ness Network and The New York NEW YORK CITY, NY - The Chapter of AHI hosts its Monthly world-premiere of a new version Informal Networking Reception, of Lysistrata, Aristophones' com - Monday, February 21, 5:30 to edy about sexual politics and the 7:30 PM at Avra Restaurant, 141 mechanics of war, will come to East 48th Street. Complimentary life through the eyes of puppeteer hors d'oeuvres, cash bar. Please and director Theodora Skipitares RSVP by February 19 to Col. An - at LaMaMa from February 3-13. donios Neroulias at The production will incorporate [email protected]. For more info video news coverage of modern on AHI activities and member - day, international sex strikes with ship visit www.ahiworld.org. Aristophanes' text. Antonevia Ocho Coltes will star in the title n FEBRUARY 25 role with Daniel Irizzary as the NEW YORK, N.Y. – The American Magistrate and Cinesias and Hellenic Institute, in cooperation Minna Taylor as Myrrhine. Skip - with the Cyprus Federation of itares will adapt and direct the America, is hosting a viewing of work, which applies a variety of the documentary, “Cyprus Still theatrical and multi-media twists Divided: A U.S. Foreign Policy TNH/cOSTAS beJ TNH/cOSTAS beJ to the 2500-year-old tale of Ly - Failure,” on February 25 at New Marking Greek Letters with their Feet Argonauts Host Annual Holocaust Remembrance sistrata and her fellow Greek York University. The viewing will women's ploy to convince the begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be The Metropolis of N.J. celebrated Greek Letters at St. Lukes The Holocaust Remembrance of the Argonauts was held on men of ancient Greece to find a followed by a panel discussion at Church in Broomall, PA. Children and teachers from numerous Jan, 23. A. Zoupaniotis is at the podium. On the dais R-L: A.J. peaceful end to war by withhold - 7:00 p.m. lead by John Metaxas, churches participated in the cultural feast. Above, the dance Matathias, D. Savelidis, Archbishop Demetrios, Rabbi Bruce ing sexual privileges. Tickets are Anchor/Reporter for WCBS TV troupe of St. Anthony of Vineland, N.J. has its star turn. Ginsburg, E. Tsekeridis, E. Kyriakopoulos, Koula Sophianou. available by calling: (212) 475- and WCBS Radio. Featured 7710 or by visiting LaMaMa. speakers also include, Nick Lari - LaMaMa e.t.c. is located at: 74A gakis, AHI President and COO; East 4th Street in Manhattan. Dr. John Brademas, former US Representative and President In the Spotlight: Stella Livanios Catechis n FEBRUARY 5 Emeritus of NYU; Nicholas EDISON, NJ – The White Moun - Karambelas, founding partner of tains Cretan Fraternity is hosting Sfikas & Karambelas; and Eugene By Constantine S. Sirigos Naoussa, Santorini, Crete, and of their Annual Dinner Dance on T. Rossides, Assistant Secretary TNH Staff Writer course, the Peloponnese. Work - February 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Pines to the United States Treasury. A ing in the import business has Manor. There will be a variety reception will follow at 7:45 p.m. NEW YORK - Stella Livanios Cat - been interesting and challenging of mouth-watering Greek foods For additional information, con - echis is one of those people with frequent strikes in Greece served and Cretan music and Lai - tact: AHI at (202) 785-8430 or whose biography includes items and the fluctuating exchange rate ika will be provided by George via email at: [email protected]. very familiar to most Greek of the USD/Euro and its impact Boyiatzhs and Xristos Zabolas. American women, in addition to on Greek wine in the U.S. mar - Donations: $80 and $40 for chil - n ΜΑ RCH 4-6 experiences relatively few mem - ketplace. What has been satisfy - dren up to 11-years-old. For fur - CAMPELL, Ohio – Archangel bers of the community have ing is the ability to promote won - ther information and to make Michael Greek Orthodox Church known. She is a wife, a mother, derful wines and to witness reservations, contact: Soula Kan - is hosting their annual Greek Fes - and businesswoman, the daugh - first-hand how a small winery tilierakis at (732) 819-0563; tival from March 4-6. Enjoy the ter of Greek immigrants who can grow in leaps and bounds Irene Kanterakis at (732) 297- best traditional Greek foods rang - started their journey in Canada from the recognition of their 8321; or Takis Psarakis at (908) ing from authentic gyros and sou - seeking a better life after war- wines in the U.S. 256-6813. Pines Manor is located vlakia to lamb on the spit. There torn Greece could not fulfill their TNH: Has your life path been at: 2085 Route 27, Edison, NJ will be traditional Greek music dreams. She was born and raised influenced influenced by your 08817. and performances by Greek folk in Montreal but her family moved Ancient and Modern Greek and dancers. For further entertain - to Florida when she was a Orthodox heritage? n FEBRUARY 12 ment, there will also be auctions, teenager. That’s familiar enough, SLC: Most definitely. Being HOLMDEL, NJ – The nationally games for the kids, art, religious and then she was graduated from raised in a Greek family one can - famous Hellenic Dancers of New items, jewelry and CD’s. Admis - The American University in not help but be influenced by Jersey present the 2011 Taverna sion is free. Festival hours are: Washington, D.C. with a B.A. in one’s heritage. My father was an Night Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 4th, 3:00-10:00 p.m. and Political Science and later earned Athenian, and my mother is Spar - February 12, 2011, at the Cul - March 5th and March 6th, 12:00 a M.A. in Public Policy and Public Stella Livanios Catechis and her husband Sam, with their child. tan. You can only imagine the tural Community Center of Kimi - p.m.-10:00 p.m. For further in - Administration from Concordia teasing that went on between the sis Tis Theotokou Greek Ortho - formation, call the Church office University in Montreal. After founded with her husband, Sam distribution of wines and spirits two regarding the Athenians and dox Church at 6:30 P.M. at: (330) 755-3596 or the com - earning her Master’s degree, she Catechis. from Greece. The company is the Spartans. On a serious note, Attendees will enjoy a full Greek munity center at: (330) 755- taught political science at a com - TNH: You are the co-founder based here in Whitestone, New my heritage has taught me the dinner buffet, Greek and popular 9072. Archangel Michael Greek munity college in Florida. Stella of Stellar Importing Company. York. Today, we are in 46 states value of family, education, hard music provided by DJ Pegasus, Orthodox Church is located at: then moved to Washington, D.C. Was the company named after and growing. I handle the licens - work, community and faith. It and a special performance by the 401 12th Street (between Porter where she worked on Capitol Hill you? ing, compliance, customs, and was my father who influenced Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey. and Blossom), Campbell, Ohio for more than a decade, eventu - SLC: Partly. The company was other administrative duties of the me the most in going into public All proceeds from the event will 44405. ally achieving the rank of Leg - founded on the belief that Greece company. My husband handles service. Politics, history, and the support HDNJ in preserving the islative Director working for has stellar wines; hence, the com - sales, marketing, and business ancient Greek philosophers were folk dance customs of Greece, CAMPELL, Ohio – Archangel members of the U.S. House of pany name, and that we had the development. The work has always discussed at the dinner and perpetuating Greek heritage Michael Greek Orthodox Church Representatives. She is now a expertise to promote the wines been interesting as we import table. Still, I want to say that my in America. Funding from the is hosting their annual Greek Fes - partner in Stellar Importing Com - at a national level. We specialize from different wine regions of Greek heritage does not define event will also support the dance tival from March 4-6. Enjoy the pany, LLC, a firm that she co- in the importation and wholesale Greece from Cephalonia, me. It has only shaped me for troupe’s 2011 touring schedule. best traditional Greek foods rang - who I am. I am the quintessential This public event is funded in ing from authentic gyros and sou - Greek American girl, a cross of part by the Hellenic Dancers of vlakia to lamb on the spit. There two cultures. New Jersey, Inc., New Jersey will be traditional Greek music TNH: What has been your State Council on the Arts - De - and performances by Greek folk greatest achievement so far? partment of State, a Partner dancers. For further entertain - SLC: Becoming a mother has Agency of the National Endow - ment, there will also be auctions, been the best thing that I have ment for the Arts, the New Jersey games for the kids, art, religious ever done in my life. On a pro - Cultural Trust and the Coby items, jewelry and CD’s. Admis - fessional level, I was privileged Foundation, Ltd. The special per - sion is free. Festival hours are: and honored to serve as U.S. formance for the 2011 Taverna March 4th, 3:00-10:00 p.m. and Congressman Harry Johnston’s Night Dinner Dance is an assort - March 5th and March 6th, 12:00 legislative assistant and budget ment of dances from all over p.m.-10:00 p.m. For further in - associate at the time of Clinton’s Greece including Crete, Thrace, formation, call the Church office presidency. It was at that time Epiros, Kerkyra and Rhodes, as at: (330) 755-3596 or the com - when the Democrats on the well as its diaspora, Cyprus, Pon - munity center at: (330) 755- House Budget Committee stood tos and Cappadocia. Advance 9072. Archangel Michael Greek unified to cut the federal budget reservations for this event are: Orthodox Church is located at: by $500 billion. The challenges $35 for adults; $25 for students 401 12th Street (between Porter were great. I assisted Congress - aged 13 – 23; and $15 for chil - and Blossom), Campbell, Ohio man Johnston in his role on the dren 12 and under. For reserva - 44405. Committee to ascertain the nec - tions, contact: Cheryl Bontales, essary cuts in spending programs (732) 796-1006 or at: n MARCH 7 and to ensure the proposed com - [email protected]. Tickets the day NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Board of plementary tax changes were of the event are $5 more respec - Overseers of The Gennadius Li - adopted by the House Ways and tively. All donations are tax de - brary of the American School of Means Committee, which is re - ductible as HDNJ is a 501 (c) 3 Classical Studies at Athens is sponsible for tax policy and enti - non-profit organization. Kimisis hosting their eleventh annual tlements. To be a participant in tis Theotokou is located at: 20 Clean Monday (Kathara Deutera) the legislative process and to wit - Hillcrest Road in Holmdel, NJ. celebration on March 7 at 6:30 ness first-hand how these p.m. at Molyvos. Honorary Pa - changes fostered economic n FEBRUARY 19-20 trons are Ambassador of Greece growth and balanced budgets NASSAU, Bahamas – The Greek to the United States, Mr. Vassilis was very gratifying to say the Orthodox Church in Nassau is Kaskarelis and Mrs. Anna least. At the end of the day, I hope hosting their annual Greek Festi - Kaskarelis. Unique Lenten cui - that whatever role I have played val on February 19-20. Enjoy a sine will be prepared by Chef Jim in society would make my par - variety of mouth-watering tradi - Botsacos and music will be per - ents proud for they have sacri - tional Greek foods, Greek beer formed by Grigoris Maninakis ficed so much in the xenitia, to and an assortment of delicious and the Mikrokosmos Ensemble. have a better life for themselves Greek pastries. There will be an Molyvos Restaurant is located at: and their children. ouzeri and kafenio on Church 871 Seventh Avenue, New York TNH: What’s the greatest les - grounds, as well as, cooking City. To RSVP, call: (609) 683- son you’ve ever learned? demonstrations. There will also 0800 ext.14 SLC: I have learned many be a live bouzouki band and tra - lessons in my life. The most im - ditional Greek dancing. Entrance n NOTE TO OUR READERS portant was that life has many fees are: $3 for adults and $1 for This calendar of events section is ups and downs, but one must children. Festival hours are: Feb - a complimentary service to the stay true to oneself, learn from ruary 19 at 11:00 a.m. and Feb - Greek American community. All life’s lessons, and look to the fu - ruary 20 from 12:00 p.m.-10:00 parishes, organizations and insti - ture. p.m. The festival will be located tutions are encouraged to e-mail TNH: Do you have a role at the Greek Orthodox Church their information regarding the model? Grounds on West Street, Nassau, event 3-4 weeks ahead of time, SLC: Most definitely. It is my Bahamas. and no later than Monday of the mother. I admire her strength, week before the event, to eng - wisdom, quick wit and how she n FEBRUARY 21 [email protected] lives her life with dignity and NEW YORK, N.Y. - The AHI Busi - om grace. TNH: What’s your ultimate goal in life? SLC: My ultimate goal is to QUESTION OF THE WEEK be the best mother I can be. Pro - fessionally, I would like to re-en - Vote on our website! ter public service and to teach. While the import business has You have the chance to express your opinion on our website been interesting, I feel the need on an important question in the news. The results will be pub - to give back to my community. lished in our printed edition next week along with the question TNH: If you could change for that week. something about yourself, what The question this week is: Do you think the strikes in Greece would it be? will work? SLC: Where do I begin! One o Yes thing that I would like to change o No is how often I reach out to my o Maybe friends and family. Like many The results for last week’s question: Should Greece sell working mothers, I am juggling some of its islands to help raise money? many responsibilities and oblig - 89 % voted "Yes" ations and have lost contact with 9% voted "No" so many wonderful people who I 3% voted "Maybe" have met in my life. Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com [email protected] THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011 COMMUNITY 3 Angelides Probe Found Money Never Sleeps on Wall Street's Home Turf

Continued from page 1 tives and managers of these big Mac had a combined leverage financial corporations.” An - ratio of 75-1, which means if or the normal business cycle. gelides said hopes the Commis - you have a one or two percent Millions of people lost their jobs sion’s work made it less likely drop in value, you are wiped and their homes, $11 trillion of that the U.S. and the world will out.” After the fact, the public wealth was wiped away and it face another financial crisis. In is most familiar with the sub- will take the country a genera - the report itself, three of the Re - prime mortgage element of the tion to climb back. This is a se - publicans, Keith Hennessey, debacle, but the report shows rious matter that calls for deep Douglas Holtz-Eakin, and Bill people knew what was going self-examination.” Part of the Thomas wrote: “We find areas on. Georgiou said Richard Bree - story is that ideas that acade - of agreement with the majority’s den, who was SEC Chairman mics taught would spread risk, conclusions, but unfortunately from 1989-1993 has spoken out increasing stability, were used the areas of disagreement are about it. Georgiou said, “Wall by actual businesses in a way significant enough that we dis - Street produced trillions of dol - concentrated it in dangerous sent and present our views in lars of mortgages which were ways, but the cash registers this report.” But Georgiou said packaged and repackaged and were ringing louder than the it is necessary to read what they repackaged which were then alarms. The Commission sought said. Being an attorney, he sold around the world, and to keep sounding the alarm. would charactering the views of when they stopped having Angelides said that its goal three of the members as a con - enough real mortgages, they was to write history that would curring opinion, saying: “They created synthetic mortgage se - benefit the understanding of concurred in a significant part curities and it became a big policymakers and the public. with the findings of the full gambling house to the detri - However, billions of dollars have commission, so at least nine of ment of the country.” Wall Street been spent on campaign contri - the ten agreed with structure of became a giant casino. “As a butions and lobbyist’s fees have the report. One commissioner, Nevadan,” Georgiou said, “I by the financial industry in re - for whatever reason, was fo - know gaming is a highly regu - cent year and will continue to cused just on (mortgage finance lated industry. There are many be spent to shape the debate lenders) Fannie Mae and Fred - protections to ensure that peo - and influence the government’s die Mac, but that’s his profes - ple who choose to game do so actions. sional history.” in a fair environment,” adding Right out of the box, critics WALL STREET WARS that some leaders in Nevada are have seized on the dissenting New York Times columnist insulted when Wall Street is opinions of the four Republican and Nobel laureate Paul Krug - compared to their casinos. commissioners that were part of man describes a war however, AP /mARK leNNIHAN HEDGE FUND MYSTERIES the report. Undaunted, An - not a disagreement. Referring Philip Angelides (L) Chairman of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, and Vice Chairman Bill Some critics of the report gelides responded by saying: to Darrell Issa (R-CA), who is Thomas, listen to testimony at the FCIC’s hearing at the New School in New York on June 2, 2010. said the activities of hedge funds “Here is the power of this re - calling for an investigation of should have been targeted port: 410 pages are the facts, the FCIC, Krugman wrote: timidated. Regarding Issa, An - members and citizens from all ered by banking regulations. Ad - more. Asked whether such firms the history of what happened “What this is really about is in - gelides said he welcomes the op - over the country. We spent less ditionally, traditional banks are in a position to profit from and what is striking is that six timidation ... the goal is to cre - portunity to present the report than $10 million on the investi - have been moving assets off self-fulfilling prophecies, from days after the report has been ate an environment in which an - and their findings to Congress, gation of circumstances that led their balance sheets through betting on disasters they could released, no one has disputed alysts and academics are afraid declaring: “This commission and to taxpayer infusions of trillions practices such as securitization then go out and create, such as any of the facts. We stepped for - to look into things like finan - its staff conducted itself with the of dollars to bail out the financial and especially repurchase agree - the sub-prime fiasco, Georgiou ward and instead of saying cial-industry malfeasance ...for highest integrity and served the system.” He said the Commis - ments (“repos”) that latter fa - said: “There have been allega - some ill wind or magical force fear that some subcommittee country, and it would be very sion served the public well. cilitate the use of securitized tions that this was done...those affected our country, we were will either dig up or invent dirt chilling if there were an investi - Angelides told TNH that it transactions as a form of money. are not necessarily proven in the very clear this was avoidable. It about their private lives.” Nei - gation for political purposes.” was a privilege to serve on the Thus, a huge volume of trans - report.” He added that they did was the result of human action, ther Angelides nor Georgiou re - Georgiou added that the commission, and said, “The actions fell under what Geor - examine the situation regarding inaction and misjudgment by sponded to TNH’s question of Commission “conducted its work greatest tragedy would be to ac - giou called “a lighter regulatory at one hedge fund founder, not - regulators and the chief execu - whether their people were in - over 18 months with 50 staff cept the refrain that no one purview,” which along with de - ing: “John Paulsen reportedly could have seen it coming and rivatives and other financing provided particular loans that nothing could have been done.” mechanisms which had lower were likely to fail to be placed He also said it was an honor to capital requirements, led to sig - into collateralized debt obliga - serve with Georgiou, whom he nificantly higher leverage in the tion (CDO) bonds that were sold has known for more than 30 industry. Angelides said, “By by Goldman Sachs, and which years. “It was a good experience 2008, the shadow banking sys - Paulson was betting against at to be able to work together for tem had about $13 trillion in as - the same time when investors our country.” Georgiou acknowl - sets and the regulated banking were asked to purchase it. edged, however, “There are system had $11 trillion. We had These are conflicts that have oc - enormous implementation chal - allowed this big system to grow curred but it’s hard to know ex - lenges for the laws already unmanaged, unknown, unregu - actly how to respond to them.” passed” and noted: “There are lated, with tremendous risk.” Georgiou said implementing re - many circumstances that call Dangerous levels of leverage forms is urgent, but there out for serious additional re - was both the danger and the should be no rush to do so while dress.” He pointed out the warning sign, but as Angelides Democrats control the Senate frightening irony that, as a re - told TNH, even after the dereg - and the White House. He said, sult of bankruptcies and merg - ulation that had occurred dur - “These are not matters for par - ers, the financial services indus - ing both the Bush and Clinton tisan debate. They are matters try is even more consolidated administrations, “The regulators of great consequence to the now than when firms that were had a lot of power and they did - country.” He added, “The “too big to fail” and had to be n’t use it.” He said major finan - bailout of the financial industry bailed out. cial institutions were leveraged has provoked anger all over The report devoted much 40-to-1, “which means that you America and across the political space to the emergence of what had only $1 of capital to cover spectrum,” from the Tea Party it called the “shadow banking losses on $40 of assets. Citi - movement to liberal democrats. sector,” which consists of finan - group’s leverage ratio was 18-1 Both men will be monitoring cial institutions like non-depos - in 2000, by 2007 it was 32-1 Washington and New York for itory banks such as investment and when you count their off signs of patriotic bi-partisanship Angelides and Thomas had a moment of levity when Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben banks, hedge funds, and money balance sheet obligation, it was and perhaps some enlightened Bernanke walked in to talk about the financial crisis. market funds that are not cov - 48-1.” Fannie Mae and Freddie self-interest on Wall Street. Fans Struggle to Revive the Triremes But Find They’re Unnavigable

Continued from page 1 keep their strokes in rhythm. liberal studies at the University says. A “trierarch” oversaw the of Louisville and himself a rower, The ship “has had a major and speed. “The trireme is ac - ship and funded the voyage. “He presented a paper to the Archae - impact on the study of Greek his - tually one of the oldest puzzles is the Steinbrenner of the deal,” ological Institute of America, ar - tory,” Mr. Hale says. Barry in classical scholarship,” says says Mr. Hirschler, who notes guing the Olympias is “quite dif - Strauss, chairman of the history Boris Rankov, a professor of an - that in ancient times, the trier - ferent” from the triremes of department at Cornell Univer - cient history at Royal Holloway, arch would seek to poach better ancient Greece. sity, agrees. He has visited the University of London. “These rowers through an active free- Based on his interpretation of trireme several times for his re - were ships that enabled Athens agent system. “The Athenians evidence, he says the classical search—and found it “hot and to maintain the empire and cre - rapidly became the Yankees,” he ship had only a single mast (the cramped” and “stinky.” He is also ate democracy.” In the 1980’s, a says. Controversy still surrounds Olympias has two), lighter con - a rower, and would jump at the Cambridge classicist and the the design of the shi ps. The struction and possibly oars of opportunity to join the crew. chief naval architect for Britain’s word trireme comes from three different lengths. Despite what “If they gave me the chance Ministry of Defense pooled their and “remus,” meaning oar. But he considers its flaws, the recon - to do it,” he says, “I wouldn’t knowledge to build a full-scale “how these oars were arranged struction “is a great achieve - miss it for anything.” Mr. model of a possible structure for was the big puzzle,” says Mr. ment,” Mr. Hale says. He first Hirschler is hoping to recruit an the trireme. Construction was Weiskittel. “Three what? Three encountered the Olympias when elite crew that can approximate funded by the Greek govern - levels? Three men to an oar? it was no more than a section of the Athenian feats. “Ideally you ment. The ship was around 120 Something else entirely?” a ship erected on the lawn of its would get 170 fitness fanatics,” feet long, weighed 55,000 Trireme fans can be an impas - creator, Cambridge classicist he says. “I look at (the ship) as pounds and relied on an addi - sioned bunch. In 1975, an article John Morrison. “The oars were a human-powered, waterborne tional 33,000 pounds of crew in the The Times of London sug - pulled through water in a circu - missile that can operate like a for ballast. Powered by 170 row - PAul lIPKe/TRIReme TRuST gested triremes had been pow - lar plastic swimming pool,” he jet boat.” ers, the Olympias did five sea The Olympias under oar, near Poros in August 1988. ered primarily by sails. Others trials in Greece between 1987 vehemently disagreed, setting and 1994, with a stop in Lon - New trials will improve knowl - les and the guy with the whip,” off one of the longest letter-writ - don. Says Mr. Weiskittel, who is edge of the speed and agility of says Mr. Hirschler, who partici - ing exchanges in the newspa - Executive Director of Trireme the ships, generating data that pated in several of the ship’s per’s history, as engineers, row - Trust USA: “It’s like a time ma - can be used to develop com - voyages and keeps a 13-foot, ers, and classicists poured in chine.” But the ship hasn’t stood puter models of ancient battles. 10-inch oar strapped to the their opinions, arguing over pos - the test of modern time. It is Trireme fans also hope to staircase well in his Manhattan sible speeds and the number of currently unfit for sea travel and overcome popular misconcep - residence. Instead, he says, levels in the ship. is on display in a naval museum tions about the ships. “Forget imagine a flutist or piper sere - The debate continues. This in Athens. about ‘Ben-Hur’ and the shack - nading 170 mostly free men to month, John Hale, director of Now a group of New Yorkers is trying to restore the trireme, including corrections for some flaws in the original design, and row it into the city’s harbor. Law Firm They hope the effort will culmi - J O H N S P I R I D A K I S nate in a voyage around the The Law Firm the Community Trusts Statue of Liberty on July 4 next year. The project, including an exhibit and conference, would ACCIDENTS - MEDICAL MALPRACTICE cost just under $3 million, the group estimates, of which they • Construction • Slip & Fall • All injuries have raised $575,000. They say • Car/Motor Vehicle • Wrongful death • Estates & Wills they have permission to borrow • Head injuries • Divorces the ship, as long as it is returned in perfect shape and at no cost Free consultations • Home & Hospital visits • 24 Hours • 7 Days to the Greek government. “The world has to see this boat. That’s Legal expenses are payable at why we have to bring it to New Mr. Spiridakis the conclusion of the case only if you win York,” says Markos Marinakis, chairman of Trireme in New and his colleagues York City Inc. “I’m a proud have successfully “To receive our special care” Greek. I could not stay out of won over $50 million Call us at (212) 768-8088 or (718) 204-8600 b it.” It won’t be easy. The ship for clients Toll-Free 1-888-SPIRIDA (774-7432) needs about $275,000 in re - the past 24 years pairs. It will have to be carried a [email protected] • www.lawhelp1.com to the U.S. aboard a freighter. Rowers must be recruited. OFFICES: Manhattan, Queens (Astoria), Brooklyn, Long Island, LICENSED: New York, New Jersey Scholars say it will be worth it. 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011 Konstantinos Antonopoulos Knows How to Ease Human Suffering

Continued from page 1 located at 27-12 23 Avenue in Astoria, which had served the cred as that of a priest,” Kon - needs of many Greek Americans stantinos Antonopoulos re - living in the area. In addition, marked, during the interview he they also purchased the Peter R. gave to TNH at the paper’s Long Angerame Funeral Home. All of Island City headquarters. When the aforementioned businesses a human being dies, the funeral were family owned and oper - director is one of the first people ated, but in 1993 they had been who hears about it. He is the bought out by Service Corpora - first one who comes in contact tion International, which has the with the parents, the siblings, largest network of funeral and the other relatives, and the homes in the United States and first one who hears the dirges of operates as a corporation. a mourning mother or sister. He During an interview with listens to these people, counsels TNH at that time, Antonopoulos them, tries to put them at ease, had expressed his pleasure and and assumes all the responsibil - satisfaction not just because he ities of the funeral, beginning was able to expand his business, with receiving the body from the but because after 15 years the morgue, to organizing the wake, Basis Funeral Home once again funeral service, and burial. He returned to being a family interacts with the family, and owned business. does the best that he can do for “I am especially pleased that them. From the moment that we I was given the opportunity to undertake such a responsibility, restore this wonderful funeral the Greek American Community home to its community and fam - and other Astoria residents can ily-based nature. We are deter - be completely sure that all will mined to maintain it as a family go well and that they can bid business, and we offer our fellow their final farewell to their loved men and women the unique ser - Clockwise from upper left: Konstantinos Antonopoulos receives ones with the honor that befits vices that only a family-run busi - the Man of the Year award from the local Kiwanis Club for his them.” ness can provide,” Antonopoulos philanthropy and community service. In the foreground are Discussing his choice to fol - said. The offices of all four fu - his nephew Thomas and his daughters Joanne and Catherine. low this profession, Antonopou - neral homes operate out of the Standing behind them L-R: Antonopouolos’ father, Rev. John los said, “It was a natural choice, Joseph A. Farenga and Sons Fu - Antonopoulos, Konstantinos holding his award, Harry Patone, since on the one hand I was the neral Home, which has an ex - Konstantinos’ wife Melanie and the Very Rev. Apostolos Ko - son of a priest – my father is Rev. cellent location right in the heart ufallakis, Dean of St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria; Konstan - John Antonopoulos and my late of Greek Astoria. It has six view - tinos talks to a child from the neighborhood; his mother Cather - mother was Catherine ing area and all the necessary ine; Konstantinos consoling and advising a client; Konstantine Antonopoulos – and on the other auxiliary areas, as well as a pri - Antonopoulos. hand I had worked at the Joseph vately-owned parking lot. The A. Farenga and Sons Funeral Antonopoulos brothers employ Home, locate at 38-08 Ditmars a staff of 15 persons, including Blvd. in Astoria since I was 16 Greek Americans. years old. This funeral home has When asked to describe their been in operation for 135 years, role, Antonopoulos replied, “If and it has been based in Astoria you have a sense of duty and for the past half century. It is one view your clients as human be - of the few funeral homes that ings, then you can find the maintained its family tradition strength to support the grieving in full. Konstantinos Antonopou - families and help others. We un - los graduated with a Business dertake all the responsibilities, Management degree from St. and when a family comes to the you could buy a plot in a ceme - John’s University, and in 1992 Antonopoulos Funeral Home, tery for $3,000, while today the he graduated from the American they do not have to think about cost has risen to $9,000. This Academy-McAllister Institute of anything else.” When asked has made having a funeral more Funeral Services. In response to what has changed after being in expensive.” a question about any difficulties this profession for over two He also noted that the cost he faced in choosing a career decades, Antonopoulos replied of a funeral depends on the area in which the cemetery is located, and he said that the general rule of supply and demand holds true in this instance. “We try to facil - itate families and find something that meets their price range and sume the expenses of the burial, and the planning of funerals. “It American and non-Greek orga - preferences,” he said, while also “then we do it for free and with is better is people plan ahead for nizations for his charitable work pointing out that the cost of cas - absolute discretion.” Antonopou - their last days in this life. Only and social contribution. Two kets has not risen too greatly. los said, “There are lots of un - God knows when our time will years ago, he was named Man When talking about the demo - claimed corpses at the morgue, come, but when it does come we of the Year by the Kiwanis Club graphics of his clientele, but you will rarely come across must be prepared. People plan of Astoria and Long Island City. Antonopoulos said that 60 per - a Greek whose family will not ahead for all the other major During the awards ceremony, cent are Greek Americans, but take it upon themselves to offer events in life like births, bap - then New York State Assembly - also pointed out that percent - him or her a proper burial. Gen - tisms, engagements, and wed - man Michael Gianaris remarked: ages change over time, because erally speaking, the Greek Amer - dings. The only event for which “Konstantinos Antonopoulos was each Greek American family will ican Community has tightly knit they hesitate to plan in a timely born and raised in Astoria, and bring in other Greek Americans families who care for each manner is the mystery and mar - among other things, he is a per - through their recommendations. other.” tyrdom of death.” sonal friend who brings honor Regarding the issue of crema - According to Antonopoulos, Antonopoulos adds that to the Greek American Commu - tion, he said that there are some “First-generation Greek Ameri - “Greek Americans need to ad - nity through his work and deeds. Antonopoulos Funeral Home, founded in 1994, operated inside Greek Americans who choose cans prefer to be buried in dress issues of inheritance and He is a distinguished business - the Farenga Funeral Home, which Antonopoulos bought in 1999. cremation instead of a tradi - Greece, even though the costs plan their wills when they are man and philanthropist.” The tional burial. “Certainly, this per - are higher because of airfare, healthy and of sound mind and Pastor of the St. Demetrios path, he said “it was not at all that “very few things have centage is smaller than every transportation expenses, and the body. They must also state their Cathedral in Astoria V. Rev. difficult.” According to changed, because death is death, other ethnic group, because funeral homes in Greece which desires regarding issues sur - Apostolos Koufallakis also noted Antonopoulos, “if you love and and respect for the deceased and even the younger generations of handle the details of the burial rounding their death and burial at that ceremony, “Tonight we honor what you do, then noth - the tendency to follow traditions Greek Americans have respect from their end.” When asked to with absolute clarity. The faster honor a man who was born and ing is difficult.” He formed the remains strong.” In regards to for tradition.” describe the business relation - they plan and buy a plot, the raised in Astoria, and the St. Antonopoulos Funeral Home on the cost of a funeral, Antonopou - Commenting on his Greek ship between funeral homes in less expensive their funeral will Demetrios Community of Asto - May 22, 1994 and operated his los said that it has gone up in American clients, Antonopoulos Greece and the U.S., Antonopou - be, and more importantly, their ria, where Konstantinos was business from inside the Farenga recent years because the value notes that most of them are sec - los said that there are one or two loved ones will have less prob - brought up, feels a great deal of Funeral Home. In 1999, he of land has risen and other fac - ond-generation. When it comes funeral homes in Greece which lems to face when they are con - pride. As you may know, Kon - bought the Joseph A. Farenga tors have also changed. “The to instances of poor Greek Amer - operate impeccably and treat fronted with death.” He also stantinos is the son of Rev. John and Sons Funeral Home. Then, cost of a cemetery plot has icans, Antonopoulos said that if clients well, but he noted that pointed out that viewing hours Antonopoulos, who still serves in June 2008, as reported by changed greatly. Prices have it is determined that the de - there are others that try to take are typically from 2-5 in the af - our community today. We have TNH, the Antonopoulos brothers doubled and in many instances ceased does not have any imme - advantage of the situation. At ternoon and 7-9 in the evening, all gathered here to celebrate bought the Basis Funeral Home, even tripled. Fifteen years ago, diate family or anyone to as - the same time, he also noted after which the funeral service Konstantinos’ award and con - that there are not many young is held in the parish to which gratulate him, his father, and his people in Greece willing to go the deceased belonged, or the family, while at the same time - into this profession. “The same one that his or her family expressing our love and support thing which holds true for choose. to the people who work for the priests, holds true for funeral di - Throughout his life, Konstan - city we live in and its future.” rectors. They consider it a diffi - tinos Antonopoulos has been in - George Kitsios, the then pres - cult profession.” In recent years, volved in public affairs and has ident of the Greek American Antonopoulos teamed up with participated in all sorts of orga - Homeowners’ Association other community officials to or - nizations – Greek and non-Greek noted: “Konstantinos ganize seminars together with alike. He has also served on the Antonopoulos’ award is an economists and other financial board of directors of various or - honor for the Greek American specialists, to discuss issues deal - ganizations, whether cultural, Community, and it also serves ing with financial planning after professional, or national. He has as an inspiration to other Greek retirement, preparation of wills, been honored by many Greek Americans to give back to soci - ety.” George Alexiou, a Kiwanis Club board member, expressed his happiness over the fact that in recent years the Man of the Year award has been given to Greek American businessmen congratulations and doctors. “I am a member of this organization for over fifteen to our Koumbaro years, and I have firsthand knowledge of Konstantinos Antonopoulos’ contribution. He Congratulations Gus Antonopoulos offers a lot to the organization, and we unanimously decided to for the honor name him our Man of the Year.” to our dear Friend and Koumbaro Konstantinos Antonopoulos is THe NATIONAl HeRAlD the second of four children born to the Rev. John Antonopoulos Gus Antonopoulos bestowed upon you and his late wife Catherine Monos. Although he is a second- for his continued success and endless contributions for your hard work and dedication generation Greek American, he speaks Greek fluently and cred - and your contributions to our community. its his family, the St. Demetrios to our Community. Greek Afternoon School and the fact that he grew up in Greek Astoria for this accomplishment. Best wishes to you Gus He is married to Melanie Gus, we wish you, Melina and the girls Drakakis, with whom he has and to your family two daughters, Catherine, 12, and Joanne, 11. Both his chil - a lifetime of success in your future endeavors. for health and continuous success. dren attend Greek language classes at the Efstathios and Sta - matiki Valiotis Greek School at From the Holy Cross Church in White - stone, NY. When asked which Demetrios and Anthoula Gatanas parish he belongs to, From John and Maria Gatanas Antonopoulos joked, “I belong and family to all the Greek Orthodox and family churches in New York. I love them and I honor all their com - munities.” THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011 COMMUNITY 5 Dr. George Bakris, Hypertension, Kidney Healer: Man of Medicine

Continued from page 1 major guideline statements re - lated to hypertension.” of Nephrology. He has also been A related but equally impor - a visiting professor to universi - tant study demonstrated how ties in more than 11 countries. the measurement of urine pro - “These experiences have helped tein could be used to assess the me grow to understand myself progression of kidney disease. better as person and a physi - Bakris said, “These studies de - cian,” he said. scribed how reducing protein - These awards and his work uria with agents that lower ethic confirm that Bakris is not blood pressure changed the rate a man who waits for opportuni - of kidney function decline. This ties to come to him. He makes has now been confirmed and is them happen. His career and life on the forefront of changes in overall reflect his drive to suc - therapeutic management.” ceed in whatever he sets sights Bakris credits his success and on. This trait comes from his his ability to juggle his profes - parents who emigrated from sional endeavors and personal Greece. His father, Louis, who life to his wife, Demetria. “She was raised in the village of Psari, has been a key anchor in carry - outside of Corinth, came to the ing out the day-to-day activities. United States in 1921, and his When Bakris was a resident his mother, Athena, who hails from wife worked in food service the village of Pythagorian in management at one of the local Samos, arrived in 1940. The hospitals in Rochester. She con - couple ultimately settled in tinued working until Bakris fin - South Bend, Indiana. Bakris was ished his fellowship, becoming born in Athens, Greece. His a stay-at-home mother when the mother flew back to her native couple started having children. land to visit the island of Tinos “In that role she manages all the and pray for the delivery of a finances and has helped (with healthy baby after having four fundraising efforts) when I was miscarriages and being treated president of the Hellenic Med - for a kidney stone. She came ical Society in Chicago. She also back to the United States when Left: Louis Bakris with a truck he used for business back in manages my social schedule and Bakris was six weeks old. 1945. Top: George Bakris and his wife Demetria, enjoying a makes sure that all goes well. Though Bakris’ father only had lighter moment, too rare for a man whose work keeps him on As they say ‘behind every suc - a second grade education, he the go all the time cessful man is a woman.’” managed to establish a success - Today, Demetria Bakris heads ful business selling produce at Greece. After completing his un - cussing the requiring of dialysis, people with diabetes and younger people on the board the Philoptochos at Saint George time when convenience stores dergraduate degree in biology cancer and stroke.” Bakris peri - whether particular drugs used and a renewed vitality,” said Greek Orthodox Church in did not exist. “He basically cre - and psychology at Indiana Uni - odically goes back to Greece for to treat blood pressure affect ni - Bakris. “My hope is to harness Schererville, Ind., an organiza - ated his own (moving) super - versity in 1974, Bakris finished both business and pleasure. tric oxide, which is actually a this energy and lead the Society tion that holds fundraising market,” said Bakris. “He a master’s degree in human de - “Within the last two years I have gas that is released by cells and in directions that will help the events for the church to serve bought a truck, went and got velopment at the University of or gone four times to speak at help the cells become pliable,” nation achieve better blood the poor in the community. Pre - fruit and vegetables wholesale, Chicago in 1975. Bakris then ap - the Diabetes, Hypertension and said Bakris. “This study is im - pressure control and under - viously, she was in charge of ed - created a route for himself and plied to a Ph.D. program in psy - Nephrology meetings,” he said. portant because people that standing of the contribution of ucational programming and ended up in the very prominent chology at UCLA and to medical He gave the Araeteion Lecture, have stiff vessels are much more hypertension to cardiovascular fundraising events for the Na - neighborhoods of the city, sell - school at Indiana University. He which is a major keynote talk at likely to have strokes. If we can disease development. Moreover, tional Hellenic Museum and ing fruits and vegetables door- was accepted at both schools, the National Diabetes meeting reverse this or improve this, we make the ASH the go-to society Cultural Center in Chicago. The to-door. He grew it into a very but on the recommendation of in Alexandropolis. Additionally, will reduce their likelihood of for questions related to hyper - couple has two children. Their large business and did very his mother’s surgeon - who had he was awarded an honorary strokes — that’s the theory tension.” daughter, Athena, was graduated well.” performed triple bypass surgery doctorate degree from the Uni - we’re trying to prove.” Bakris is And when asked how he from Purdue University in Indi - But when 14 years old, on her and happened to be versity of Thessaloniki School of also part of a multicenter study would like to be remembered in ana with a Bachelor's Degree in Bakris’ life changed dramati - Greek - Bakris also applied and Medicine. called the RHEOS trial. “There’s the field of hypertension, Bakris Public Relations and is pursuing cally. His father, who had often was accepted to the University After completing his resi - a subgroup of people that even noted two studies that he was a Master's Degree in Communi - been sick with heart problems of Athens, which was free. “Sev - dency at Mayo Clinic in though they are on four, five or most proud of. The first study cations. Their son, Louis, attends stemming from a heart attack six medicines, they still have made some observations based Purdue, working on a degree in 12 years earlier, died of a rup - very high blood pressure,” ex - on analysis that he and fellow mathematics/computer science. tured aortic aneurysm when he plained Bakris. “So the question scientists did about treating pa - “My family has forced me to pri - was 82 years old. This forced is: Can you help these people tients and changes in kidney oritize my time to make sure I his mother, who Bakris says was beyond just these medicines?” function. They provided some attend the sports and school mu - a major influence on his life, to Scientists involved with this guidelines about how people sical performances as well as make some tough decisions for study have created an electrical should approach these patients. other activities of my children,” the family. First, she went from device similar to a pacemaker “We provided data and a per - concluded Bakris. “Family being a stay-at-home mom to that is placed around the cor - spective on how to interpret changes your perspective on life working full time. Though roded artery near the nerve sig - changes in kidney function because you have to share your trained as a midwife in Greece, nals where the barrel receptors when a commonly prescribed time more, even when you per - she wasn’t licensed in the are. These receptors send nerve class of antihypertensive drug is ceive that you don’t have any.” United States. As a result, she signals between the brain and used,” said Bakris. “We pub - Amalia Deligiannis is a free - became a nurse’s aide but soon the heart and help regulate lished this in 2000, and it has lance writer and editor, based switched to factory work for the blood pressure. “This device, now been incorporated into all in Chicago. higher pay. She also decided to which acts a bit like a pace - send her only child to Howe Mil - maker is put around the cor - itary School, a private college roded artery surgically and prep boarding school about 55 then dialed up with an elec - miles from South Bend, in lieu trical current from these de - of him attending another high vices,” said Bakris. “They’ve school and fending for himself seen as much as 20 to 25 mil - Congratulations when she was at work. “There George Bakris in his office, a fitting place for a studious man limeters further reductions in was an admissions test that I who takes his critical professional very seriously indeed. blood pressure. In many cases took and passed and got in re - people can get off some of the on your accomplishments ally at the 11th hour,” recalled enty-five Americans applied that Rochester, Minn., Bakris went drugs that are causing them Bakris. “School was starting in year, and they accepted 10. I back to the University of to have side effects.” Bakris as a Businessman September, and my father died was one of the 10.” Chicago to specialize in nephrol - said he believes the study is a in August, so this was all timing; STUDYING IN GREECE ogy and clinical pharmacology. potential landmark case be - it was kind of an emergency.” While in Greece, Bakris com - Fast forward to today, and you cause it could offer patients as a Good Father Bakris was first exposed to pleted his first two years of med - will find that he is involved in a an adjunct to drug therapy the world of medicine because ical school and passed Part 1 of multitude of projects related to with fewer side effects. and as a Friend of his father’s illnesses, but it the boards before transferring this subject matter. Hyperten - STUDYING DISEASE was during military school that to the Rosalind Franklin Univer - sion in the context of diabetic In addition to his involve - his interest in biology and chem - sity of Medicine and Science in kidney disease is Bakris’ top area ment with a number of trials, istry increased because of the Chicago and completing med - of research. Bakris is known for Bakris is president of the quality teachers at the institu - ical school in 1981. During his research regarding kidney American Society of Hyper - Steve Iocco tion. “We got a lot of attention, those two years in Greece, disease in the African American tension. “The Society is expe - which was very good,” said Bakris obtained knowledge that population. He has been an in - riencing a renaissance with Bakris. spanned beyond the basic sci - vestigator in at least three trials “It was very disciplined, very ence courses he took for medical regarding this area of research, high level. You definitely got school. “(Studying in Greece) including the National Institutes what the Brits would call a has given me a more diverse of Health’s trial, called the proper education.” An advanced perceptive that I wouldn’t have African American Study of Kid - biology course his senior year gotten solely growing up in ney Disease. exposed him to the world of ge - American medicine,” said Currently he has received netics and other high level Bakris. “Specifically, this does funding for four different stud - forms of biological sciences. not relate to scientific ap - ies looking at the relationships “That really turned me on to proaches but to patient interac - between changes in vascular medicine so I decided that’s tion and family interaction, the compliance and central aortic what I wanted to do and went sharing of thoughts and explain - blood pressure reduction with down that road.” Bakris’ deci - ing a given disease to the pa - agents that inhibits inflamma - sion to become a doctor took tient and interacting with them tory cytokines. “We’re looking him back to his homeland of and their family when dis - at the stiffness of the vessels in

Dear friend Gus CONGRATULATIONS on your accomplishments Congratulations to our dear friend You definitely deserve the honor and recognition Gus Antonopoulos from the National Herald for his generosity and contributions to the Greek American community. Wishing you health and happiness always We wish you happines and continued success Adam Sprung in all your work and endeavors. Sprung Monuments John and Rita Kyriakides 6 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011 Olympia Dukakis Likes Her Familiar Roles, Especially on Stage

NEW YORK (AP) - The 79-year- change for refuge. “In spite of during a newspaper strike — theater company with her hus - old Academy Award-winner the fact of her being a monster meaning no advertising or re - band of 48 years, actor Louis Olympia Dukakis has a tendency so to speak, there’s something views — and closed after just 69 Zorich, while the couple raised to return again and again to the so human about her that we all performances. Williams revised their three children. She isn’t same plays and the same roles. can connect to,” says Dukakis. his script and it opened again slowing down, either, despite By her count, she’s done Eugene “None of us want to be defeated the following January, starring her 80th birthday coming up O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey by age. We all want to feel pas - Tallulah Bankhead and Tab this summer. After Milk Train Into Night three or four times, sion in our lives.” And, yes, she’s Hunter. It only lasted five per - ends in April, there’s a movie Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage done the play before, too. formances. A film version was and then she’s booked to be in and Her Children four times, The Massachusetts-born ac - made called Boom! in 1968 with Morris Panych’s Vigil at the Tennessee Williams’ The Rose tress first played the challenging Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Mark Taper Forum in Los Ange - Tattoo five times, Euripides’ role in 1996 at the Burton, which Dukakis dismisses les in November. In between, Hecuba three times, and several Williamstown Theater Festival as “stunning in its obtuseness.” she’s set to perform Rose in July Chekhov plays “a bunch of and reprised it in 2008 at Hart - Dukakis is very familiar with at the birthplace of her parents times.” “I love to go back to ford Stage under the direction Williams, having been in pro - when she attends the Interna - plays over and over again,” she of Michael Wilson. The Round - ductions of his A Streetcar tional Festival of the Aegean in says while taking a lunch break about Theatre Company has Named Desire, Summer and Greece in mid-July. from rehearsing her latest pro - brought both Wilson and Smoke, The Glass Menagerie And, yes, she’s done that play ject, an off-Broadway produc - Dukakis to its Laura Pels Theatre and The Night of the Iguana, in before, too. The one-woman tion of Williams’ The Milk Train on 46th Street. “She has dared addition to her five times aboard Rose, written by Jewish-Ameri - Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore. to put the full force of her being The Rose Tattoo. “I’m drawn to can playwright Martin Sherman, “You go back and there are new and talent into this role,” says him because it feels like there’s is essentially a two-hour mono - things that come up and other Wilson of his star. “In order to a truth that I understand and logue by an 80-year-old Holo - things that percolated and do this, I think Olympia has had live with which is in the plays. I caust survivor. Dukakis has cooked,” Dukakis says. “You get to throw vanity out the window, can be honest,” she says. “It’s the played it in London and on into it a little bit differently, in which she is not afraid to do. honesty he keeps finding, the Broadway in 2000, among other some ways deeper.” Not all actors of her stature and truth he keeps finding.” places. Even though she’s inti - Dukakis plays Flora Goforth, success and beauty are willing Dukakis’ career has been mately connected to the piece a fearsome but gloriously to do this.” Considered to be a steady and rewarding, high - and has memorized it before in wealthy ill American who has minor work from a playwright Olympia Dukakis revives the role of widow Flora Goforth in a lighted by roles such as Clairee what critics called a tour de buried four husbands and re - already on the decline, Milk new production of The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore. in Steel Magnolias, the TV force, for the upcoming Greek tired to an Italian villa high atop Train has been largely over - miniseries adaptation of Armis - production she’ll keep referring a mountain to furiously write looked in the Williams’ cannon. plays can be lyrically powerful. “Sometimes they feel that it’s tead Maupin’s Tales of the City, to the 67-page script on stage her memoirs before she dies. This production, part of a cele - “Sometimes it annoys critics dated. I can’t see how this play and her Oscar-winning turn as — she’s a little out of practice Her work is interrupted by a bration commemorating the that these plays are done,” says is dated at all.” Milk Train had a Cher’s sardonic mother in to do it off-book. “I’d have to be mysterious, hunky younger man centennial of the playwright’s Dukakis, visibly exhausted and somewhat cursed life on Broad - Moonstruck. For almost two doing it every week,” she says. who offers his company in ex - birth, proves that even his lesser picking at a turkey burger. way. It opened on Jan. 16, 1963, decades she also ran her own “And I’d shoot somebody.” Kostos Gets His Writers to the Greek Every Month, and They Like It

By Constantine S. Sirigos American with a house on the world and realized she had to ular, the poet Constantine two guests who took advantage TNH Staff Writer island of Lemnos. She is a jour - explore poetry. She earned an Cavafy, whose poem Of the Jews of a new open microphone seg - nalist, novelist and poet who is M.F.A. at City College, mainly in (50 A.D.) was the first he ment that Kostos initiated. Miller NEW YORK – Of the civiliza - currently pursuing production writing poems, and “My stuff read, and into which – to the de - is the author of scholarly books tions that have come and gone, of her film scripts, Drinking the started getting published. Pella light of the audience – he in - about 17th Century British liter - it’s by their art that we know Sun, a romantic comedy set on published my collection Red Lip - serted his own name and a ref - ature and his stories have been the handful whose legacies re - Lemnos, and The Neon Jungle, stick and the Wine Dark Sea, in - erence to New York. He told published in magazines and in main. They still speak through a thriller set in New York. She spired by Greece. I write a lot TNH that he had childhood fas - anthologies and are collected in their sculpture, architecture and started her journalistic career at of poetry when I’m in Greece, cination with Greek myth, and the book Night Times. He began painting, but we know them Newsweek interviewing celebri - Karageorge, whose poems have its “awesome stories that will with the Go Go Boys sonnets most intimately and deeply ties and was publicity director been published in many an - serve you well.” In addition to about the New York club scene. through their writers. When lay - at People magazine. thologies, told TNH. being a “useful grounding for Miller also teaches Ancient Civi - men and historians examine the Karageorge told The Na - Angelo Nikolopoulos is a western culture,” he said, “The lization survey course at C.W. Greek American community tional Herald she has not always Greek-American poet who was Greek gods felt more honest to Post College and is working on decades and centuries hence, it been faithful to her poetic gifts raised partially in Athens, Greece me than the Judeo-Christian sto - a modern version of a satyr play, will be largely by our literary and ignored the awards, which and Los Angeles. He taught Eng - ries (he learned) where good - which was a component of an - fruit that they will know us, and acknowledged them. “I wrote as lish in high school in Oakland ness and justice prevailed.” In cient Greek theater festivals, but a weekly series of meetings of a kid and won high school po - and currently lives in New York the real world it’s clear to him since only one has survived, he the Greek American Writers As - etry contests twice, then I didn’t City where he is completing his that power rules, he said. “Power told TNH: “We don’t really know sociation is designed to make write any for years,” she said, Master's Degree in Literature and and beauty and smarts and im - the parameters. sure they do. Led by its Presi - “but in the New York Times Creative Writing at NYU. Much mortality lord it over everyone Kostos, who founded GAWA, dent, Dean Kostos, the GAWA Book Review I saw a note about of poetry that has come down to else. Socrates lied, when he began the series at the café 20 presents the community’s au - a contest for poems celebrating us, and probably much more that taught only the good things the years ago. He said his aim as ed - thors, and non-Greek writers New York and wrote it in 15 is unpublished, is erotic in con - gods did were true and that bad itor of the poetry collection, with a passion for Hellenism, on minutes. I sent it in without tent. Nikolopoulos embraces the things (Zeus and the others did) Pomegranate Seeds: An Anthol - the third Sunday of every month thought, and then got a letter erotic whole-heartedly and with were made up by the poets.” ogy of Greek-American poetry at the Cornelia Street Café. The telling me I was one of 25 final - an edgy humor that is most wel - Dean Kostos offers Greek Apropos of the evening, he was to provide a forum for Greek Greenwich Village café, whose ists, then they said I was one of come in Manhattan. One poem American writers the mike. searched his writing for Greek American poets. He is also the upstairs is a restaurant and 10.” She was invited to the cer - examines autoeroticism. At one references. His first poem was editor of the Journal of the Hel - downstairs is a renowned part emony in a famous bookstore point he tells off the snake that on X-Tube and read a series of inspired by John Lennon and lenic Diaspora. Kostos has pub - of New York’s musical and liter - that used to be in Midtown bites its tail – prompting an au - them. Yoko Ono’s famous 1969 anti - lished three collections on his ary scene, was filled with Greeks Manhattan. She told TNH that dience member to note, “You FOR THE LOVE OF GREECE war billboard that read: War is own poetry: Celestial Rust, The and Philhellenes on January 15, then-mayor Abe Beame was don’t often encounter references Jason Schneiderman’s poetry Over! If you want it. Sentence That Ends with a offering a venue and encourage - there along with “other poets, to ourobouros in contemporary and essays have appeared in nu - Aeschylus reminds us/ that Comma, and Last Supper of the ment to the Greek American women in long black dresses, Manhattan.” merous journals and he was the Might and Violence/are never Senses. Kostos, who teaches writ - writers in New York. the publishers of the New Re - Nikolopoulos enlightened recipient of the Emily Dickinson far apart. ing and literature, said that writ - Having read for the series public. The women were upset the gathering about the chang - Award from the Poetry Society They work together./In this ers should attempt all genres. many times, Penelope Kara - that I won third prize – I was ing sources of poetic inspiration of America in 2004. A graduate case not to bind Prometheus, Greek Americans, of course, george was a featured reader an interloper.” and the impact of technology on of the MFA program at NYU, he but to make sure/ Hephaes - are noted for their ability to find and she dedicated one of her Again she abandoned her po - culture, and the thread of ho - is currently completing his doc - tus does. and write compelling stories, poems to Kostos, Lunching with etic muse, turning to novels – moeroticism that extends torate at the Graduate Center of A good question is/ What ranging from prose to poetry to Lola, which took first prize in two were published - and work - throughout the history of Greek the City University of New York. would you die for? movies and the stage, and even the Literal Latte contest. Kara - ing at People magazine. Even - literature when he noted that Schneiderman fits the category Another question is/ What songwriting. george calls herself a diehard tually she had enough, vowed he has been writing poems of Philhellenes, and he displayed would you kill for? New Yorker, but she is a Greek never to return to the corporate based on the title of video clips his love for one Greek in partic - Edmund Miller was one of [email protected]

SPORTS Michigan Success Leads Anagnost to Head UMiami Women’s Soccer

By Theo Karantsalis CMU Athletics Director Dave American (three years in a row) son to be a lawyer like he was. tance to me that our current and Heeke. Heeke said it was tough First Team All-Midwest Re - “He has a high IQ but I knew future student-athletes are ul - MIAMI, Fla. - The University of to see him leave CMU but Anag - gion (four years) his heart was elsewhere when tra-committed to the highest Miami hired Central Michigan nost left the program in very First Team All-League (four he brought home a report card standard of excellence,” said University’s Tom Anagnost to good shape. Anagnost worked years) from college showing a class Anagnost, the third head coach serve as its new head women’s at CMU as an assistant coach in Team Captain and MVP called ‘fundamentals of coach - of the UM women’s soccer team. soccer coach. "Tom Anagnost 2007, then took over as interim- (three years in a row) ing.’” After college, Anagnost Anagost said he looks forward brings a tremendous amount of coach in 2008 when he was 1994 MIAA Most Valuable went on to play professional to serving UM’s student-athletes knowledge to the University of named MAC Coach of the Year Player soccer for the Chicago Power and increasing their commit - Miami," said University of Mi - after ending with a second-place 1996 Mid-Michigan Bucks in 1995 under Alkis Panagou - ment level to get better every ami Director of Athletics Kirby conference finish and a 12-5-3 USISL lias, a former U.S.Olympic Soc - day, both in the classroom and Hocutt. He said UM’s standard record. An All-Star nominee (out of cer team and Greek national on the field. "His dedication to is “athletic excellence at the na - In 2009, the Chippewas be - 48 teams) team head coach. He also improving student-athletes on tional level” and that led him came the first team in confer - 2006 inducted into the Kala - played in 1996 for the Michi - and off the field is unparalleled," straight to Anagnost. Last No - ence history to post an unbeaten mazoo College Hall of Fame gan Bucks. said Kirby Hocutt, UM’s athletics vember, Hocutt began a national league record of 17-4-3 with 9- Anagnost, son of Christ and For all the on-field success director. “We are excited to wel - search for a new head coach af - 0- 2 in Mid-American Confer - Agnes Anagnost, of Saginaw, Anagnost brings to Miami, he come him to the University of ter announcing then-coach Tri - ence play. CMU also led the na - Michigan, gave back to his also wants his new team to suc - Miami family.” cia Taliaferro’s contract would tion in defense with 19 community by founding the ceed in the classroom. After tak - His success at Central Michi - not be renewed. The reason: shutouts. Before starting his largest one-week soccer camp Tom Anagnost will now head ing over the Chippewas in 2008, gan gave Anagnost the chance UM’s Hurricanes ended 2010 coaching career in 1999, Anag - in the state of Michigan. Proud women’s soccer coach at UM. the Kalamazoo College graduate to step into the bigger world of with a 10-8-1 record and ninth nost amassed a long list of soc - of his Greek heritage, Anagnost helped Central Michigan finish major college women’s soccer, in the ACC regular season stand - cer accolades that included be - said that from 1995 through sion Teams. “Tom fell in love with the top grade point average a very competitive field indeed, ings. Anagnost, 37, comes to ing named: 1997 he was recruited by three with soccer at 14,” said Christ in the nation each year. but one for which his teaching town with sterling credentials An NCAA Division III All professional Greek First Divi - Anagnost, who expected his "It is of the utmost impor - methods seems suited. including being named the 2008 and 2009 Mid-American Con - ference coach of the year after his former CMU Chippewas racked up a 25-3-5 record in Walk-On Pantazopoulos Gets Shot at U.S. Major League Soccer conference play with a winning percentage of .833. Last year, CMU won their second-straight The Chicago Fire Soccer Club nity.” Born in Athens, Greece, staff evaluated a lot of talented NCAA tournament in 2010 with announced today that the 22-year-old midfielder was players over the course of two a 16-5-1 record. Along the way, Paraskevas “Pari” Pantazopoulos one of 210 players, representing days,” said Fire Technical Direc - Anagnost also helped 23 players is the winner of the 2011 19 different countries who at - tor Frank Klopas. “Pari stuck out earn All-Mid-American Confer - Chicago Fire Open Tryout. The tended the 2011 open tryout. amongst the crowd. Our open ence honors. "I'm extremely Greek born, Mt. Prospect, IL Pantazopolous began his soccer tryout gives players, like Pari, a grateful and very excited for this midfielder emerged from the career with Vrilissia Academy in chance fulfill their dream of wonderful opportunity to be the 210 person tryout and will join Greece at eight-years-old. Fol - playing soccer at the profes - head women's soccer coach at the Fire for a week of training lowing his family’s move to Mt. sional level. We are excited to the University of Miami," said with the club opens its presea - Prospect, the attacking mid - have Pari train with the first Anagnost. son camp at the Bridgeview Soc - fielder played with Green and team to see if he has what it He leaves CMU as its all-time cer and Sports Dome on Mon - White (1998-2002) and locally takes.” winningest coach in terms of day, Jan. 31. with the Illinois Youth Soccer Of the 210 players participat - winning percentage (.737) after “Playing professional soccer Association (2002-2007) before ing on Day One of the tryout, posting a 40-12-7 record in just has always been a dream of joining Asyl Lisis in Cyprus in 35 were invited back for a sec - three seasons. "Tom has done mine,” said Pantazopoulos. “I 2007. After a year’s stay in ond look by the Chicago Fire an outstanding job leading our have been a supporter of the Cyprus, Pantazopolous returned Player Development Staff and women's soccer program to un - Fire since I moved to the United to the country of his birth to one was selected to train with precedented heights and we ap - States in 1998. I am very thank - play with Zakynthos from 2008- the first team. (www.chicago- preciate all of his efforts," said ful to the club for this opportu - 2010. “Our Player Development fire.com) Paraskevas ‘Pari’ Pantazopoulos is a midfielder to watch. THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011 ARTS & CULTURE 7

ALL HISTORY Texas Garage Band: Thaks For the Memories of Those Happy Days

By Steve Frangos gained some prominence (all be kary Thaks had released the Since the band members were TNH Staff Writer it briefly) in the 1960s and records, Bad Girl, Face to Face, all minors it took nearly six 1970s were the Bad Seeds, Please, and Mirror of Yesterday. months to get all the legal con - Exactly how many teenage (which morphed into) Bubble But Gerniottis recalls growing tracts signed and processed. Greeks and Greek-Americans Puppy, the Liberty Bell, Second trepidation. “Each one got Given their early successes the during the 1960s, played in lo - Story, and Clockwork Orange. worse as far as I was concerned. members of Thaks were under cal bands isn’t known. Names While Zakary Thaks and these For instance Please, because we pressure to practice, write new change as the times change. To - others were unquestionably ter - had not written it, it wasn’t re - songs, record and perform live day’s cult bands were once the ritorial bands it must be ally what I felt was a true re - at any number of locations. As territory or regional bands of stressed, even if only in passing, flection of what I felt we were it turned out, faced with all that the past. A territorial band was that the Texas rock bands toured as a band. (Please was written pressure, only Gerniottis grad - (and still is) a popular local act to southern California and that by Mike Taylor, former Bad uated from high school. that never becomes nationally the influences of car culture Seeds member and the unoffi - Why did Zakary Thaks dis - famous or at least not for long. based music and even surf mu - cial sixth member of Zakary band? They didn’t, immediately, Many of these second tier sic had strong ties to the music Thaks).” Taylor had this role they went through some person - groups were extremely popular being created by the local bands given his personal friendship nel changes with various indi - locally and often had one-hit of the Lone Star State. with the band members and viduals from the original group song that was played around the In 1966, the new currents of that he wrote a number of songs coming and going. But in the nation. In traveling around the cultural change just becoming for the group. They had some end they were simply young country it is remarkable to dis - available in Texas took many fame-by-association. Gerniottis kids who missed their big break cover how many of these local notes: “We played with the for an array of reasons. Zakary bands are still discussed as a Yardbirds, Paul Revere and the Thaks lasted from February fundamental part of the memo - Raiders, the Byrds, and the Jef - 1966 through August 1971. ries people hold of their very ferson Airplane. The only band There was a reunion of sorts in first introductions to the music whose hem of their garment we 1982, although Moore refused the 1960’s and 1970’s. While could never touch was the Yard - to perform. In the periods when everyone is able to find the mu - birds. They were just awesome! he wasn’t with Zakary Thaks, sic of the Superstar performers And they were right at their Gerniottis went on to sing in yet or bands that are literally inter - peak then, with Jeff Beck and another of the local Corpus national in their popularity lo - Jimmy Page on guitars. I would - Christi bands, The Liberty Bells. cating the music of the territor - n’t say we stole the show from Gerniottis can be heard on Lib - ial bands or performers until any of those bands we played erty Bell releases on the Back quite recently used to be virtu - with, but we did walk away feel - Beat label such as Thoughts and ally impossible. Few Greek- ing pretty worthy of what we Visions, Reality is the Only An - Americans, today, associate the did. People always told us we swer, and Naw, Naw, Naw. Dur - Rock Revolution with their fel - were better live than we were ing this period Gerniottis also low Greeks. Yet names such as on record. But we knew that composed music for another Nick Gravenites, Alex Korner, ourselves.” Corpus Christi based group, the Jimmie Spheeris, or Johnny Otis Zakary Thaks wasn’t the name of one person, but a Greek The circumstances around Kubla Khan. (Veliotis) and/or his son Shuggy American influenced Texas band in the 1960’s being the opening act for the The music that Zakary Thaks Otis in R & B nor (somewhat Yardbirds deserves some more generated can be found on the latter) even Tony Orlando, Dia - by the Kinks. forms. Zakary Thaks attention. On October 30, 1966, Internet, in various compilation manda Gals and Tommy Lee GETTING SIGNED was known for its Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars compact disks feature singles, (from Motley Crew) are all As Gerniottis re - trendy mod clothes on toured to Corpus Christi and at iPod downloads, and even re- names and performers who in - members, it was early stage. Gerniottis attrib - the last minute Zakary Thaks digitalized releases. In 2001, I fluenced and continue to be an 1966; Zakary Thaks utes this to S & Q was booked as the opening act. bought Form the Habit, a com - inspiration for popular music. was playing Bad Girl’ at Clothiers, a fairly con - Among the performers in the pilation of 15 of Zakary Thaks’s Chris Gerniottis was lead vo - the Carousel Club in servative upscale men’s tour were, aside from the Yard - songs released on the Beat calist for the group Zakary Corpus Christi when shop in Corpus Christi. birds, Gary Lewis and the Play - Rocket label. The popular hits Thaks, a popular Texas-based they got approached by Following some sense boys, Bobby Hebb, Sam the Bad Girl, I Need You, Face To band that from 1966-1969 more Carl Becker, who, with of the new evolving Sham and the Pharaohs, and Face, and Mirror of Yesterday or less centered in Corpus his brother-in-law Jack trends in clothing at Brian Hyland. This concert are all on this re-release com - Christi. The group was inspired Salyers had just started the very back of this proved significant because it pact disc, which features exten - by surf music and newly emerg - the J-Beck label. store a Mod Shop sec - was the last time Beck and Page sive liner notes. It sounds great. ing bands such as the Rolling Gerniottis remembers tion opened, featuring, of the Yardbirds ever performed The appearance of this CD (as Stones and the Yardbirds. Za - that, “After we signed as Gerniottis recalls, together again. The curious well as the Zakary Thaks ap - kary Thaks released some half- with J-Beck, the thing “all the latest Carnaby combination of local musical pearance on other compilation dozen regionally distributed sin - just kind of catapulted, gear and Beatle boots successes and bad national tim - discs) signals its enduring pop - gles from 1966 to 1967. Aside because J-Beck was the and paisley shirts, the ing can be gleamed from ularity. A number of interviews from Gerniottis as lead vocals only professional music whole nine yards. This Gerniottis memories. “Although with Gerniottis found that he there was lead guitarist John business in town. Carl was where all the cool Bad Girl remains my favorite … still sings and tours but unfor - Lopez, rhythm guitarist Pete was our manager and cats shopped.” Sam by the time the record was re - tunately (none that I have yet Stinson, bassist Rex Gregory and felt we needed a record. I mean Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Moore was unofficial leader of leased, it had run its course in seen) offer anything specific Stan Moore on drums. Zakary the ink wasn’t even dry on the even down to Mexico. Coinci - Zakary Thaks. As Gerniottis de - Texas…I remember going to about the kind of music he is Thaks was a high school band, contracts and…we record(ed) dently, on August 1, 1966, Za - scribes the group, “I was just the Carl’s house (Becker, the Thaks’ now performing or even where first known as the Marauders Bad Girl and I Need You” Such kary Thaks, was performing in lead singer … Stan was in con - manager) and he showed me a he can be expected to appear and then the Riptides, that was the local response to the Austin the weekend Charles trol as far as the direction of the Billboard Magazine. He opened next. It’s unknown how other made good. And right away. record that Mercury Records Whitman climbed the University group. He was the slave driver it up and there was a white page Greek-American or musicians of Gerniottis was only 15 years old, picked up the Bad Girl/I Need of Texas’ Texas Tower and killed as far as we had to rehearse with a Mercury Record logo, Greek descent, such as Gerniot - in the summer of 1966, when You single for national distribu - 16 people with a rifle, most on every day, we had to rehearse and a little hole right there in tis, Alex Korner, Terry Papadinas the group’s first single Bad Girl tion. In time both Mercury the streets below. In time the from this time to this time, let’s the middle of the page and the or those in Annabouboula and came out. Gerniottis recalls that Records and ABC Records en - group appeared on local Satur - play it again, let’s play it again, set up was, “guess who just Aphrodite’s Child, fit into the “Bad Girl really took off in Cor - tered into talks with the group. day morning teen shows such you know he was a slave driver. signed to Mercury Records?” overall spectrum of Greek music pus Christi, and at the same Not bad for a bunch of Texas as Teen Time in Corpus Christi After a while, Rex, became like And there was a picture of me in the Diaspora. Those who as - time I Need You (the flip side to kids who most often practiced (Channel 3, the local ABC affil - that too. I think thats why they in the little hole. It looked like siduously follow Greek culture Bad Girl) took off in San Anto - in a garage. The exact origins iate) with host Charlie Bright, clashed later in life because they they signed Paul McCartney. in the Diaspora know they exist nio and down in the Texas Val - of the group name Zakary Thaks Swing Time in San Antonio and were similar in that way. (At the And you open it up and there’s and their music is readily avail - ley. So we were sitting here are lost in time. It sounded in 1967, and The Larry Kane 1982 Reunion gig, Stan and Rex the Zakary Thaks from Corpus able. The rest is up to the Greek wondering which song was go - British and that seemed to carry Show, yet another of the teen had such a falling out that Stan Christi, Texas … I remember Americans of the future to con - ing to be the biggest hit. And the day. While Zakary Thaks oriented shows in Corpus refused to play that night.) They Carl showing me that and it tinue the research and decide it’s kind of unfortunate in a way played mostly in Texas (in Christi. were real taskmasters. Stan was kind of threw me, like if we got what constitutes their under - that I Need You became more towns such as San Antonio, Zakary Thaks was only one always saying, “It is really not ads like that, then why aren’t standings of their artistic popular; because that’s the song Austin Huston, Divine, Caster - of the local Corpus Christi bands good enough yet.” we stars?” brethren of the past. we didn’t write.” I Need You was ville, Hondo, Victoria and oth - that made an impact in the re - PLAYING ON At its peak Zakary Thaks was a song written and first released ers) they also toured to gion. Other regional bands that By December 31, 1967, Za - made up of high school kids. [email protected]

GREEK POETRY They speak English, but Think Greek at St. Gregory’s Church

Southern Cross Continued from page 1 they wanted to become Ortho - dox.” He said, “Another charac - (Stavros Tou Notou) ipate in the Services. We encour - teristic at St. Gregory’s is that age all attendees to open the Di - we worship predominantly in In the nor-wester the waves vine Liturgy Hymnal, which can English; we do sing hymns in boiled; be found in the pews, and to Greek, but predominantly we we were both bent over the map. sing in worship and in praise for worship in English and that is You turned and told me how in the glory of God. Our organist the way the parish was estab - March provides musical guidance in or - lished” and he added we “we you'd be in other latitudes. der that all may follow along still have a small group of im - prayerfully.” He added that, “We migrant Greeks.” And, he A Chinese tatoo drawn on your also have five cantors for the added, “We have a lot of chil - chest; Matins and during the Liturgy dren in the parish because the however you burn it, it won't they assist along with the people population of the parish is come off. and we have an organist that young.” They said that you had loved leads the people and we all sing Upon the completion of his her once everybody,” Father Bird said. studies as an architect he found in a sudden fit of blackest fever. “In the Liturgy we use 90 employment in Phoenix, Arizona percent English and 10 percent and became actively involved at Keeping watch by a barren cape Greek, in the Matins, 60 percent the Holy Trinity Cathedral. He and the Southern Cross behind and 40 percent Greek and some started helping in the altar, the braces. times 50-50,” he said, adding TNH working with Fr. James Tavlar - You're holding coral worry- that, “Most of the time during The parish of St. Gregory the Theologian has been blessed with many young children, who are idis, the priest there at that time. beads the week, because I celebrate the promise of the future of the parish. “He started to teach me chanting and chewing bitter coffee beans. the fests the night before be - and then the late Metropolitan cause the people cannot come portion of it too.” going to become a priest; I was our hope that this Mansfield site Anthony got to know me and we I took a line on Alpha Centaurus during the day they all work or Fr. Bird is a convert himself a licensed architect.” His wife will become spiritual home to started talking. Some day Fr. with the azimuth compass one they go to school,” and he to Orthodoxy and to Hellenism. played a pivotal role in his con - many others.” He added: “There James gave the book and he said night at sea. added, “It works because most He speaks Greek very well. “I version. Fr. Bird said, “She was are another 50 or 60 potential go out to the solea and start You told me in a deathly voice: of the times during the day it is am from Nebraska and I used a catalyst, but she never pushed ones, as every church has that chanting in Greek. Bishop An - "Beware of the stars of Southern only me and maybe the cantor.” to be around with Greek people me, ever. As a matter of fact she who have never joined for some thony asked if I would serve the skies". Fr. Bird said, “Seventy-five per - since I was 16 years of age. I was getting mad at me because reason, we are a church which Church in a greater capacity, and cent or more are interfaith mar - met my presbytera who is from I was always asked her what is could easily be 300 families.” I said that yes it is something Another time from that same riages. Most of the families are Greece. I use to go to church the priest saying now? I became He also stated that “we have that I would like to do.” Fr. Bird sky interfaith” and he added, “Each with her, which was all in Greek Orthodox before we got married been given an incredible gift said, “I started learning, chant - you took lessons for three whole one is unique.” Asked if they at that time. I knew that God we both were 20 years old.” from God: eight acres of land ing, always in Greek, I always months join the Orthodox Church, he was with these people; there St. Gregory’s was established and a 20,000-square foot build - did things in Greek. I was or - with the captain's mulatto girl said, “Many of them do; many was something special about the in September of 1991, when ing housing our spiritual, cul - dained a deacon with lay pro - in how to navigate at night. of the spouses eventually be - church that I couldn’t explain,” some 60 families requested the tural, catechetical Orthodoxy. fession for three years and then come Orthodox, and some of he said. He also said, “We got formation of a parish to use pri - This gift pervades us with praise some good individuals made it In some shopin Nosy Be them do not.” To the question married when we were 20. I marily English in its Liturgy and and thanksgiving.” Speaking possible for the family and me you bought the knife - two how do they feel about the cul - loved her background and her worship services in general. about the uniqueness of the to come to Boston in 1988 to en - shillings it cost - tural identity, do they feel com - faith even thought I did not un - They had belonged to St. Cather - parish Fr. Bird, who has been ter the Seminary and in 1990 I right on the equator, exactly at fortable, Fr. Bird said, “Yes they derstand it at the time; I felt a ine’s parish in Quincy, which has serving the parish for 16 years, was ordained a priest.” noon; do, that is another reason they tremendous spirituality at the since moved to the nearby town said: “It was established primar - Speaking about the use of it glittered like a lighthouse join.” He also said, “Even that Greek-Orthodox Church regard - of Braintree in a newly con - ily for the English-speaking the Greek in worship he said “I beam. we are what we are our main less I was not able to understand structed Byzantine-style edifice. faithful coming from a Greek do love our worship in Greek, culture is Greek, even thought it.” What attracted him to St. Gregory has come a long way descent.” He added, “Predomi - the language I think it is par ex - Down on the shores of Africa it doesn’t t appear that way be - Church? “Just everything; the since that time. It has moved nantly 80 present of our parish - cellence because the language, for some years now you've been cause of the language and all moment I walked into the from a small 50-seat chapel in ioners are from a Greek descent. worship and the theology every - asleep. that, the culture is still Greek,” church the whole experience the town of Norwood to renting Then we have a few Russians, thing goes hand in hand for so You don't remember the and he added, “So I think the bombarded me in a most posi - warehouse space in Sharon to Albanians, Romanians, Slavic many thousands of years. I re - lighthouse now non-Orthodox or not Greek tive way; smells, chanting, its current location People and also we have a few ally appreciate our worship in or the delicious Sunday sweet. spouse I think that is an attrac - everything, it was like I was in “Today,” Fr. Bird said, “There families about half a dozen who the Greek language, the poetess tion to them too; it is not just heaven.” He added that, “I did are 215 families that are part of are completely converts. They and the theology all that is Nikos Kavvadias (1910-75) the faith, but also the ethnic not know at time that that I was the St. Gregory family, and it is just discovered the church and there.” 8 GREEK SHIPPING THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 16-12, 2010 Omega Knows How to Navigate, and Carry Oil to World Markets

By Sylvia Klimaki University of Thessaloniki, in a day to meet the incremental of working as a shipping com - TNH Staff Writer Greece and holds a Masters de - demand in the US, then you pany while acting at the same gree in Maritime law from the would need about three to four time as a public company. We Of all the commodities car - University of Southampton, ships. If you were to transport had to create a corporate struc - ried by ships across the world, England. Omega Navigation En - that from the Middle East, you ture and work as a corporate the most important is oil, the terprises Inc. (ONE) focuses on would need 14-15 ships.” So the entity. Being a public company driving force in the economic seaborne transportation of re - oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico it is not easy to combine the im - engines of all developed coun - fined petroleum products. ONE “creates bigger demand for mediate decision-making that tries. It’s a formidable and com - shares are traded on the NAS - more ships, longer hull routes shipping requires. Sometimes petitive business but one of the DAQ National Market under the and creates bigger transporta - we get restrained by being a leaders is yet another Greek ticker symbol ONAV. The com - tion benefit,” he said. According public company and we try to company, Omega Navigation pany owns and operates 11 high to Loukopoulos, it will have an combine those two elements Enterprises. Its head, Harris specification double hull prod - enormous effect on security reg - and not be carried along by the Loukopoulos, says even the uct tankers, with an average age ulations. “There have been long demands of actions that would troubled economic waters re - of less than 3.6 years and with discussions on what is going to impede the overall logic of a cently haven’t much slowed the a combined cargo carrying ca - be the new regime in respect of shipping company. We can live speed of his company. “The pacity of 634,563 dwt. With the limitation of liability and how inside the public markets but we transportation of refined petro - addition of these vessels, the insurance companies will be need to ensure that we run our leum products has shown re - Omega's fleet will expand to 19 able to cope or not with these business the way we have to as cently a remarkable growth. product tankers, with a total limitations; Omega Navigation a shipping company.” There has been a huge increase deadweight capacity of complies with all regulations, As for the role of the Greek in the transportation of products 1,198,563 dwt. therefore we are confident that government in overseeing its against transportation of crude, Loukopoulos said he has to no matter how big the change most important industry next to and this is due to lack of refiner - stay ahead of developments in in regulations will be, it will not tourism, Loukopoulos said he ies in the consuming regions- the industry and knows its his - have any effect on our com - thinks that it should let the in - that is mainly the EU and USA. tory and changes as well, par - pany,” he added. What scares dustry run as it has the last 30- As a result these regions are be - ticularly the intertwining of oil him the most, he noted, is the 40 years with the various incen - ing forced to transfer the prod - supplies – and carrying them – predominance of what he said tives the Greek government has ucts from India, China, Indone - and their relation to the refining is a “misconception that every given. Shipping companies offer sia and the Middle East where business. “In the U.S., due to ship is a potential oil spill and employment and foreign the refineries are located,” said government constraints they no that any given moment a ship money. “The government Loukopoulos. longer build refineries. The last could create a big ecological dis - should generate good crews He knows what he’s talking one was built back in 1977 and aster. This idea is erroneous and through education, send people about. Loukopoulos has served those left had to shut down due should be avoided since there is to the sea, and upgrade univer - as the Executive Vice President, to price competition from coun - no other economic way of trans - sities, The Greek Shipowners Chief Operating Officer, General tries in the Middle East or Asia.” porting oil.” Association has done a big cam - Counsel and Director of ONE Loukopoulos said he believes Loukoupolos said, “Shipping paign. Young people should ex - since its inception in February there will be a further increase traditionally has been a private plore the job opportunities of - 2005. Prior to joining the com - of transportation of refined oil business, a capital intensive fered in the maritime world, the pany, from 1996, Loukopoulos products. “Unfortunately, inci - The familiar stack sign of Greece’s Omega Navigation Enter - business, and shipping people wages and the benefits that this was employed by Target Marine, dents usually work in favor of prises (ONE) is aptly named as the company is one of the most have been low profile in the way job offers. I could say the Greek a Piraeus shipping company. He transportation because there is successful in the world in the field of delivering oil via tankers, they conduct their business (… government should cooperate has lectured on shipping law possible reduction in local pro - and says it’s one of the safest. ) As a company we had to more closely with the Greek and vessel sale & purchase con - duction, however the demand change this philosophy in the Shipowners Association.” In tracts at the Institute of Char - remains the same,” Loukopoulos products from Asia or the Mid - “According to a two-year-old sense that we became public that, he’s in agreement with vir - tered Shipbrokers' Greek explained. “As a result, there is dle East in order to meet the do - study, if you were to transport and we had to combine with the tually everyone else in the busi - branch. He studied law at the an increase of imports of these mestic demand.” from Venezuela 100,000 barrels original traditional philosophy ness. Everything’s Coming Up Gold for Goldenport Holdings’ Ventures

By Sylvia Klimaki was covered by the first three ten to a level where almost a still pretty good. We have a rule TNH Staff Writer days, so by the time it was an - 10-15 year old ship was worth in this company, in every initial nounced it was covered. its scrap value (…) We like sec - finance we never exceed 65% With more than 60,000 ship - Dragnis was appointed as ond hand because the company of the acquisition so this is sim - ping companies worldwide, it’s the Commercial Director of the is focused on forward new ilar to the current rules of the hard to stand out, but Greece’s Company when he began work - building deliveries because we banks. However, Greek banks Goldenport Holdings has man - ing with it. He has been with feel that we currently have have become uncompetitive aged to parlay success from a the company for five years now, available contracts where we given the international arena for savvy blend of commitment to and has also been involved in can get into so our customers financing, however financing is clients and reconfiguring its ves - setting up and managing a demand certain service at this still available.” sels to service niche trades, yachting management and moment and not maybe in two KUDOS TOO sometimes overlooked in an in - chartering business. He holds a to three years from if we order He disagrees with some of dustry based on size and vol - degree in Business Administra - new ships.” his counterparts about the role ume. Goldenport’s vision, the tion and a Masters degree in LOOKING FOR AN EDGE of the Greek government. “The company says, “is to achieve Shipping Trade and Finance Goldenport says it doesn’t sit government is doing what it is sustainable growth in a volatile from City Business School (City on its laurels and is always look - supposed to do: leaving ship - industry, gradually becoming University) London. Dragnis is ing to position itself, and Drag - ping independent and all coun - one of the leaders in marine confident the company’s com - nis said, “Right now the metrics tries in the European Union do transportation especially in the pass is going in the right direc - are in favor of New York City, the same things with a small ex - containers and bulk carriers seg - tion. Goldenport “has a good liquidity is better, the evalua - ception of Germany that had in - ments," and it has become in - exposure on drybulk,” Dragnis tions are better, major invest - direct subsidies into shipping deed. It is an international ship - said. “We are well positioned ment banks in New York City through the KG system. After ping company that owns and for the upside but we are also have a shipping department the crisis the KG system col - operates a fleet of 25 container well positioned for the down - with a big action team.” Gold - lapsed so currently the Greeks and dry bulk vessels that trans - side.” enport Holdings having a good are on the upside on the con - port cargo worldwide. The fleet As for the containers’ market, record, it would be very easy to tainers. Some tonnage is flow - consists of 12 container vessels it has undergone a very strong migrate to NYC and “we had ing out of the German owner - and 13 dry bulk carriers. correction recently, he said. been asked many times to do ship and is going to Goldenport said it has man - “The market had the worst crisis so” Dragnis said. However Gold - Scandinavian nations, Chinese aged to build strong, reliable re - since the creation of the con - enport Holdings Inc was admit - and Greeks. The Greek govern - lationships with a number of tainers industry, but for us it was ted in the Official List and ment is doing what it has always first class charterers and world - obvious that no matter what, started trading on the London done and this is why shipping wide clients both in the con - there is no other way of trans - Stock Exchange in 2006 is so successful in this country”. tainer and dry-bulk fleet sectors. porting these goods, and sooner (LSE:GPRT). The initial offer Dragnis says, “It is well known Its performance standards have or later the market was due to provided to the company an that Greeks who live abroad al - given the ability to the company rebound” Dragnis said. “After overall of $115.5 million. Gold - ways do well. Greeks are hard to grow its fleet steadily, and en - two years of no new building enport remains the only ship - workers and open-minded peo - sure that every new addition is orders in the containers, the idle ping company listed in main ple and can adjust in any kind accompanied by long-term em - fleet was below 2% of the world market and as Dragnis ex - of environment. The system ployment opportunities in the fleet that is 1% which is usually plained, “We are happy with this here in Greece does not allow market, and it emphasizes both ships that are technically prob - listing and well committed to people who are of this nature flexibility and reliability in its lematic, so basically there is Goldenport’s Commercial Director John Dragnis has put his main market.” to flourish and the public sector service while being committed zero lay up to alleviate a very company in an enviable position in a highly-competitive busi - Dragnis said financing has - having more than one million to environmentally sound cor - strong market demand from the ness, strengthening Greece’s role too. not been a problem. “For our families- obviously took a very porate policies, it said. line up companies. So it is obvi - company it was never an issue, large part of the Greek work - Although it is a public listed ous that containers industry is our last acquisition which was but is still well below of histori - ok spreads have increased we force and they did not allow company, it belongs 62% to on the uprise.” four months ago has moved up cal averages because the correc - have less than a hundred base them to compete and grow en - Dragnis family – Capt. Paris He added: “The market since 40% on the prices of the ships tion was so low that we had got - points on the spreads and it is trepreneurial spirit.” Dragnis and his son, the Com - He said the company has de - merical Director of Goldenport, signed a strategy to protect itself John Dragnis, who told The Na - against downfalls. “Goldenport tional Herald, “Goldenport is possesses a number of strengths part of a larger group, which Goldenport Picks Up Zodiac Boxship in the shipping industry such as also owns seven product an experienced management tankers, an affiliated company, team with a proven track called Ocean Gold Tankers and Among the acquisitions of conditions in the container mar - with our container fleet. Gold - the exchange of one other con - record; we have long-term, a few other vessels privately Goldenport Holdings is a 19- ket and add a secondhand con - enport said it intended initially tainer vessel order for a post- high-quality customer relation - owned.” Goldenport recently year-old sub-panamax con - tainer vessel to our fleet at an funding the acquisition out of panamax dry bulk carrier, ships; we operate vessels in two announced that it will acquire tainer vessel from the Zodiac attractive acquisition price,” cash reserves, but was already which the company announced major sectors of the shipping in - three vessels, after having raised Maritime Agencies fleet. The said Goldenport Chief Executive talking with bankers to secure recently. dustry; and a strong balance new capital - maybe not a sig - company signed an agreement Paris Dragnis. finance for “at least half of the Company executives under - sheet. Our primary objective is nificant amount of money - but to purchase the 1991-built He said the move “strength - vessel's value.” Grand Vision lined to Lloyd’s List that the to manage our fleet in a manner it was still a significant move for Grand Vision, which has a ca - ens our position in our pre - will become the 11th boxship switch to a bulker did not mean that allows us to maintain prof - the London market, and it was pacity of 2,986 teu, for $6.8m, ferred segment of the container in the Goldenport fleet, includ - Goldenport had lost interest in itability across the shipping cy - a successful raise in terms that it said. “We are pleased to take market, thus enhancing the po - ing one 2,500 teu newbuilding securing more container vessels. cle and thus to maximize re - 99% of existing shareholders advantage of current market tential returns we can achieve on order for 2011. That follows (www.turkishmaritime.com.tr). turns for our shareholders.” So followed the rights, the offering far, that’s what they’ve done.

Left: Polyar Tankers is a commercial ship management company based in Norway that manages oil tankers controlled by the Greek ship-owner Polys Haji-Ioannou. The fleet consists of Aframax and Panamax tankers. Top: The oil tanker Megalonissos was built in 2004 by Hyundai Heavy Industries at Ulsan, South Korea, for Greek owners. THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 6-12, 2010 GREEK SHIPPING 9 Capital Link Connects Greek Shipping Industry to American Investors

By Sylvia Klimaki tremely hard towards develop - These countries are building world invest in the Greek Mar - TNH Staff Writer ing an extensive network of con - their economies and therefore ket? tacts (to be more accurate, of demand is expected to continue NB: As I mentioned, a sepa - In the vast and diverse world relationships) and when a situ - robust. But here are other rate part of our business focuses of shipping around the world – ation arises, we can bring to - emerging economies as well, on promoting Greece to the still dominated by Greek com - gether the proper parties to fa - such as Brazil, which can also global investment community. panies – it’s sometimes difficult cilitate a transaction. Over the add to the demand. Tanker ship - Since 1995, when our company to keep track of who’s doing years I’ve found that since the ping depends on the global en - was founded, we have a long what and how that affects the population of shipping industry ergy markets, and there the de - track record of commitment and industry. That’s where the New participants is smaller than most mand for oil and oil products results in this area. I believe that York City-based Capital Link others, this group is a tight-knit comes both from the emerg - Capital Link has built one of the comes in. It provides investor group, and so, there remains a ing/developing economies and most extensive and effective relations services to an extensive very high barrier of entry. In this the developed world. As devel - networks for the promotion of roster of corporations world - regard, an established firm, such oping countries continue to Greek Listed Companies target - wide and serves as an investor as Capital Link, can help deal - build their economies and the ing international investors. For and media relations services makers come together when of - developed world returns to a those companies trading on the agency for the majority of Greek tentimes a meeting would have stable growth pattern, demand Athens Exchange in particular, Shipping companies listed on never occurred. for shipping should also grow. we host live webinars over the the New York Stock Exchange TNH: With the international Finally, in the container market, Internet, as well as investor fo - (NYSE.) Nicolas Bornozis, recession, even big companies which transports mainly fin - rums in New York City, London founder and President of the in - are cutting down on expenses. ished goods from the developing and Athens, to allow these com - fluential company, discussed his How has that affected your busi - exporting economies to the de - panies the platform to present business and the industry in an ness and what are the objectives veloped world, as the developed their investment thesis to an in - interview with The National of your company for the coming world resumes its growth, so vestor audience. In addition to Herald. years? will shipping. this effort, we introduce the TNH: Now that the Posido - NB: In today’s markets access TNH: Is there room in your companies to potential in - nia 2010 has come to an end to capital is a distinct competi - philosophy of management for vestors, media outlets, and what is your sentiment? Do you tive advantage and Capital Link being a Greek company? other related parties, and bring think this year’s Posidonia, de - focuses exactly on enabling NB: While our headquarters them together in an environ - spite the international and do - shipping companies to access are located in New York City, we ment they wouldn’t have been mestic crisis, was a success? capital sources, either in bank - do maintain a significant portion exposed to. We also help com - Nicolas Bornozis: Posidonia ing or the capital markets. Also of our operations in Athens and panies refine their investment was a success on many levels. for publicly traded companies a Under Nicholas Bornozis, Capital Link has helped provide cru - London. We do not approach our thesis to communicate most ef - First, for Greece, the turnout for comprehensive investor rela - cial investor relations services to the Greek shipping industry. business based on ethnic lines or fectively with investors, which Posidonia was tremendous, tions program is of critical im - geographic boundaries. We com - often times is the leading factor which certainly was a welcome portance towards achieving over the world, and here we NB: Frankly, each of the pete in major financial centers in determining whether to make result for the local economy. For long-term enhancement of have the largest group of ship - three major sectors of shipping such as London and New York, an investment. But we have also the shipping industry, Greek shareholder value and thereby ping listed companies, the (dry bulk, tanker, containers) and the business we compete for developed broader initiatives shipping in particular, I found a facilitate further capital raisings. largest analyst and investor has its own investment merits. is global. So, our approach is dri - promoting Greece as a whole. renewed optimism when attend - It is in these very tumultuous base. So reaching out to China, That being said, to experience a ven by what makes the financial Indicative events of these ini - ing the various meetings and times when a company needs to would be to assist Chinese ship - full recovery within the global and capital markets tick, and the tiatives are the decisive contri - speaking with ship owners, as enhance its visibility, and com - ping companies get access to economy, we need all three sec - factors that determine failure and bution of Capital Link to the sign - well as industry players. Please municate to both its current and U.S. investors, and this we are tors to be healthy. The iron ore success in these markets. This ing of the Cooperation bear in mind that even though potential shareholders. The U.S. in the process of doing. China, needs to be delivered to make does not mean that we do not Memorandum between the New shipping is a big contributor to capital markets are vast, com - as well as the rest of the Asian steel to build the factory, the oil appreciate and respect our Greek York and Athens Stock Ex - the Greek economy, its develop - plex and unforgiving. So, com - continent, is certainly a market needs to be delivered to power heritage. Personally, I am very changes in 2002, the organiza - ment does not depend on the panies that do not adhere to that has untapped potential. the factory and to fuel cars, and proud of my Greek heritage, and tion of events for the OTE listing market standards in terms of in - We’ve also noticed the spectac - the finished good needs to be my roots with Greece. And, as a on the New York Stock Exchange vestor communications risk to ular growth in South America, delivered to the store for sale. company, we have made a strate - in 1998, as well as the organiza - “I am very proud of my become marginalized, which especially Brazil, as well as Aus - So, at the end of the day, the gic commitment, in another part tion of the first visit by the Chair - Greek heritage, and my would ultimately affect their tralia, so there really is no short - ideal will be for all three sectors of our business, to do our best to man of the New York Stock Ex - overall business prospects. In age of candidates for future ex - change to Athens in 2001. The roots with Greece” this context, Capital Link has pansion. For Capital Link, we Annual Capital Link Forum on made a strategic commitment are always looking at ways to Investing in Greece which takes domestic economy but on the to shipping and we have man - grow the business, and China place in New York every year, global energy and commodity aged to become the largest does indeed remain a leading and is already in its 12th year, markets, the global economy. provider of Investor Relations candidate for making a presence has been established as the most And, I think the general consen - services to shipping companies. for our services. credible Forum for briefing US sus is that, while we’re not com - We are in the midst of analyst TNH: Are you optimistic investors on the progress, devel - pletely out of the woods yet, as and investor activity and we about growth for the shipping opments and potential of the far as a recovery towards the have built a very effective mar - industry? Greek economy, the stock market peak of the market, we have keting platform. So, we can pro - NB: The maritime shipping and Greek listed companies. seen the worst the global econ - vide our clients with unique syn - industry is essential to interna - And, by the way, in July 2010 omy has to offer. The savviest ergies and benefits and on this tional trade as it is a practical we organized, with huge success, players in shipping have, and basis we have been able to con - and cost-effective means of two webinars updating the will continue to adapt to what tinue growing our business and transporting large volumes of global investment community on the marketplace has to offer, we have every reason to believe commodities. Shipping is the the progress of the Greek econ - and will thrive in the end. that we will continue to grow lifeline of global trade. Just to omy in the light of the recent re - TNH: A critical element in along these lines. put things in perspective, world forms. Capital Link’s Greek portal the success of the Greek mar - TNH: Capital Link manages trade is about $14 trillion an - (www.capitallinkgreece.com), in itime cluster is the development investor and media relations in nually with 90% carried by the operation since 1997, has been locally of ship finance services. New York City and London. shipping industry, contributing established as a main source of How does Capital Link con - Have you ever considered ex - $380 billion in freight rates to information among international tribute towards this end? panding to other markets such the global economy. So, as the investors on the Greek stock NB: Capital Link serves as as China - where Capital Link, global economy gets back to a market and Listed Companies. the link between shipping com - as a service provider - would normalized growth trend, ship - Despite the hard times brought on by the Recession of 2008 Finally, Capital Link organizes panies, bankers, financiers, an - help Greek Shipping companies ping will grow with it as well. whose effects are still being felt, even in the shipping industry, the Greek IR Awards, which aim alysts and investors. With our expand? Also, Wall Street looks at ship - the port of Piraeus remains critically important. to identify and recognize those local presence in Athens and of - NB: Capital Link assists ship - ping as a proxy for the global Executives and Companies who fices in London and New York, ping companies to reach out to economic recovery, and stock to perform with consistent promote Greece to the global in - adhere to high standards of Cor - we strive to bring closer the investors, financiers and the fi - market valuations should also growth. vestment community. And also, porate Governance, financial dis - shipping, banking and invest - nancial and trade media in the improve as the global economy NB: Each sector will experi - since 1997, we have established closure and Investor Relations ment communities. Capital Link, United States and Europe. We and the shipping markets stabi - ence recovery at different points an office in Athens, which en - (www.irawards.gr - www.greeki - with the industry experts we do not get involved with the lize and get back on a growth of time. Dry bulk shipping de - ables us to provide to our Greek rawards.com). And, we are very employ, along with the relation - business development process track. pends on the demand for core clients local support but also a proud, that over the years, we ships we have developed over of our clients. The U.S. markets TNH: Which area of shipping commodities such as iron ore, globally coordinated investor out - have organized presentations to the years, forge bonds between are, by the way, the preferred do you think is in the best posi - coal and grain, and the locomo - reach program. the U.S. investment community ship owners, investors and fi - capital raising destination for tion to take advantage of the tive here is the Far East, with TNH: How does Capital Link for the Fin. Mins. of Bulgaria nanciers. We have worked ex - shipping companies from all current economic environment? China and India at the forefront. help investors from all over the France, Greece and Portugal. Diamantidis Wants More Greek Ships Showing The Flag of Greece

By Sylvia Klimaki SOK’s Supervisor in the Mercan - islands and beautiful beaches lieve strongly Greeks love their lish closer cooperation with the will be very close for the benefit TNH Staff Writer tile Marine sector. He has served and people, with great fishing homeland and are willing to Union of Greek Ship Owners in of our country and Greek ship - as the President of the Economic also, and has perhaps one of the support it through these hard order to promote issues sur - ping. Ship owners are the great Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs of the Parliament and is most attractive tourist packages times. Therefore the Greek flag rounding Greek shipping? strength of Greece’s shipping in - Affairs, Islands, and Fisheries President of the Friendship all year round. During these dif - is the best representative of their Minister: That is certain. I dustry worldwide. And we want Ioannis Diamantidis has a vision Committee with countries of ficult times shipping is very im - interests. have already met with the to become even stronger. for Greece’s star shipping indus - Latin America and Central portant for the progress of our TNH: Many governments Union of Greek Ship Owners try: that it become more Greek America. country. have occasionally expressed the and I believe our cooperation [email protected] instead of flying flags-of-conve - TNH: What is your vision for TNH: What policies are vision to make the port of Pi - nience for other countries, es - the Greek shipping? needed to attract more ships un - raeus the shipping world’s finan - pecially since for all its vaunted Minister: As you know, the der the Greek flag? cial center. All these years, why status it doesn’t contribute one Greek shipping industry is a Minister: I have already met do you think this goal has not euro in tax monies for the cash- global super-power and in with the Union of Greek Ship been achieved? What are the strapped country. In an inter - Greece is regarded as the coun - Owners and with all the con - current government’s objectives view with The National Herald, try’s heavy industry. My vision stituencies that will allow us to towards this end? Don’t miss... Diamantidis, who was born in is to bring more ships under the create the appropriate invest - Minister: Piraeus is the Piraeus in 1948 and still lives Greek flag and to highlight the ment environment. Flags of largest port in Europe and the The National Herald ’s there, outlined his hopes for the country’s extraordinary geogra - Convenience may seem a good third largest in the world in shipping industry. Ηis father, phy, that of many islands in or - investment at some point but I terms of passenger traffic, which Dimitris Diamantidis, a was der to attract foreign investment believe very soon the Greek flag makes it the biggest commercial member of the Greek Parliament and boost development. Greece would be a very profitable in - and financial center of Greece, for decades. Ioannis was PA - is a maritime country with many vestment for ship owners. I be - and why not of global shipping. Today the government has de - The veloped a very large project to redevelop the port of Piraeus and all of Greece’s ports. Since I resumed office I announced from the very first moment the 50 so-called Port Kallikrates, - based on the Kallikrates project that merged and reformed Greece’s municipalities - that Wealthiest will revitalize our islands and port cities. I think it’s time for Piraeus to become an interna - Greeks in America tional shipping center, as China’s investment through Cosco shows. TNH: Do you think that ship - ping is a field where young peo - ple should look for a job? Is there need of a Greek crew? Minister: Absolutely. On top of that, very soon Greek mar - itime education will be up - graded and will be equal with Coming February 19, 2011 foreign institutions. It is true that in the last few years we were left behind. Ships under the Greek flag are in need of worthy sailors that will have the To advertise or to obtain rates: top education, something our schools will be in a position to Tel: (718) 784-5255 ext. 101, offer very soon. e-mail: [email protected] Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs, Islands, and Fisheries Ioannis Diamantidis. TNH: Do you plan to estab - 10 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011

DEATHS n ANASTASIOU, EFROSINI Theodore, Harry (Stella) Bobotis her late parents, Athanasios and dren, Renée Constant-Gahagan Loumos, Jane Poulakos and Ann 27. He was born in Fourka, CHICAGO, Ill - The Chicago Sun- and Maria (Beach) Foster; her Elisavet Kriaris, to Greece. Cathe - and James (Marina) Constant; Filandrinos; her brother, Peter Fi - Greece, on June 10, 1928 to Times reported that Efrosini Anas - loving grandchildren, A.J. rina returned back to the United and his grandchildren, Billy, Deb - landrinos; and son-in-law, James Efthimious and Agorou Giotas. tasiou, 89, passed away peace - (Nancy) Theodore, Jenna States in 1929. She was em - bie, Sammy, Sotiri, Kosta and George. Funeral services were He worked for many years at Fos - fully at her home surrounded by (Thomas) Sinclair, Bo (Angie) ployed by the Singer Company Martha. Visitation and a Trisagion held at St. Spyridon Greek Ortho - ter Beef and then for Schonlands her family on January 28. She Theodore, G.H. Bobotis, Alex and she modeled for Vogue mag - prayer service were held at the dox Church with Fr. Peter Pap - Beef. He was a long-time and de - was born in Korfoula, Kastoria, Bobotis, Matthew Foster, Joseph azine. From 1930- 1960, she was Lohman Funeral Home. Funeral pademetriou officiating. In lieu of voted member of St. George Greece. She was predeceased by Foster and Todd Schwartz; her employed as a free-lance dress services were held at Saint flowers, donations may be di - Greek Orthodox Cathedral and her beloved husband Nathaniel; great-grandchildren, Charlie, designer for a number of compa - Demetrios Greek Orthodox rected to St. Spyridon Greek Or - was also a member of the Fourka her granddaughter Rebecca and William and Ellie and John nies, including, Sax 5th Avenue, Church with Bishop Dimitrios of thodox Church in Sheboygan and Society. He loved gardening and her sister Malamati. She is sur - Theodore. Visitation and a Trisa - Bergdorf Goodman, Bonwit-Teller Xanthos officiating along with Fr. Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Or - his neighbors all enjoyed his vived by her children, Lina (Gre - gion prayer service were held at and the Blum Store. In 1949, she Joseph Samaan, Fr. George Pa - thodox Church in Racine. Helen’s flower garden. He is survived by gory) Stergiou, Chrysanthi (John) the Mackey Mortuary officiated was commissioned by the late padeas, Fr. Michael Byars and Fr. family would like to thank the his beloved wife of 52 years, Ifi - Makridis, Athina (Nick) Magas, by Father Tom Pistolis. Funeral Queen Fredericka of Greece to Dean Photos. Donations may be staff at Sheboygan Progressive genia Giotas; his children, Timo - and Tula (George) Vlahos; her services were held at Saint create original gowns. In the made in Constant's memory to: Care Center for their compassion thy (Vangie) Giotas and Andreas grandchildren, Tammy, Niko, George Greek Orthodox Cathe - 1950's, she patented and estab - Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox and care that was extended to her Giotas; his grandsons, Christian Ellen, Costa, Effie, Alexie, dral. In lieu of flowers, memori - lished her own hosiery line for Church, 129 N. Halifax Avenue, throughout the years. Online and Demetrios Giotas; his sib - Nathaniel and Anastasia; great- als may be made to Saint George Berkshire Industries. In addition Daytona Beach, FL 32118 or condolences may be expressed at: lings, John (Ifigenia) Giotas and grandmother of 11; and her sib - Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 406 to designing clothing, she was an Archangel Michael Greek Ortho - www.novakrammziegler.com. Zoitsa (George) Kitsas; and nu - lings, Achilles, Alexandra, Eva N. Academy Street, Greenville, SC active member of ASCAP and dox Church, 401 12th Street, merous nephews, nieces and and Milton. Visitation was held 29601. Online condolences may composed many melodies, musi - Campbell, OH 44405. n GAMILIS, TOM cousins. Visitation and a Trisa - at Salerno's Galewood Chapels be expressed by visiting: cal scores and lyrics and worked CHICAGO, Ill. - The Chicago Tri - gion prayer service were held at and funeral services were held at www.mackeymortuary.com. with Warner Brother n CRETICOS, ANGELO bune reported that Tom Gamilis the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox composer/arranger, Richie Rome CHICAGO, Ill. - The Chicago Tri - passed away peacefully. He was Crematorium. Funeral services Church. In lieu of flowers, Efrosini n DEMETRIOUS, KATINA & the NYCE Brother's of Camden. bune reported that Angelo Creti - predeceased by his parents, Geor - were held at St. George Greek Or - requested donations be made in CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Char - Visitation and funeral services cos, 89, passed away peacefully giou and Konstantina Gamilis and thodox Cathedral. Memorial do - care of family to be distributed to lotte Observer reported that were held at St. Thomas Greek on January 24 after a long and his siblings, Toula and Paul. He is nations may be made to St. several orphanages. Arrange - Katina Demetrious, 88, passed Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer St., fulfilled life that touched many. survived by his beloved wife, George Greek Orthodox Cathe - ments by Nicholas M. Pishos, Fu - away peacefully on January 17. Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. In lieu of He was born on January 15, Irene; his sister, Christina Mour - dral, 650 Hanover St., Manches - neral Director, Ltd. (773) 745- Katina was born in Karpenisi, flowers, donations may be made 1922 and was raised in tokokis; his brothers and sisters- ter, NH 03104. 1333. Evrytania, Greece on October 3, in Sophia's memory to St. Thomas Charleston, South Carolina. An - in-law, Chris Geroulis, Nick 1922, the daughter of Maria and Greek Orthodox Senior Citizen gelo, together with dear wife and (Voula) Geroulis, Mimi (Gus) n HASOULAS, DINA n ANDREWS, ERIFILY Paul Papaioannou. She graduated Building Fund, 615 Mercer St., life partner, Anastasia were Stergios, Nitsa (Harry) Psyhogios, TORONTO, Canada – The HARTFORD, Conn. - The Hart - from the public schools in Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. among the founding families of Eleni (Antonis) Brousalis and Toronto Star reported that Dina ford Courant reported that Erifily Karpenisi and attended the Uni - SS. Peter and Paul Greek Ortho - Nikoleta (Jerry) Tsoulos; and Hasoulas, 73, passed away peace - Andrews, 103, passed away versity of Athens. In 1946, she n GREGOR, ALKMINI dox Church in Glenview, Illinois. many nieces and nephews here fully at St. Joseph's Hospital in peacefully on January 26. She immigrated to the United States MIAMI, Fl. – The Miami Herald He served as Medical Director of and in Greece. Visitation was held Toronto on January 12. She is was born in Erresos, Lesvos, with her uncle, John Liapis. She reported that Alkimini Gregor, Union Health Service, Inc. and at the Smith-Corcoran Funeral survived by her beloved husband, Greece before immigrating to the met her future husband, Chris, 57, passed away peacefully on President of the Washington Home and funeral services were Konstantine; her son, Tim; her United States in 1933. She was in Virginia and they were married January 11 in Miami. She was Square Health Foundation until held at St. John the Baptist Greek grandson, Zachary; her siblings, a member of St. George Greek on January 26, 1947. They set - born in Domianos, Karpenissi, shortly before he passed away. Orthodox Church. Arrangements Nick (Voula) Andrews, Helen Orthodox Cathedral since 1933. tled in Darlington where Katina Greece on April 13, 1953 and Angelo was a fierce advocate on by John G. Adinamis, Funeral Di - (Gus) Varvaressos, Christine Tsek - Erifily was also a very active immersed herself in her family, was raised in Lexington, Ken - behalf of patients and a health rector, LTD. (773)736-3833. eri and Vasiliki Spiropoulos; and member of the Ladies of Philop - community and church. In 1950, tucky. She graduated from Uni - care innovator. He was honored many nieces and nephews. Visi - tochos Society. Prior to her re - Katina established The Dairy Bar, versity of Kentucky with a Busi - in 2004 by the Institute of Medi - n GIOTAS, AGATHOKLIS tation was held at the Turner & tirement, she worked with her a Darlington landmark in which ness Administration degree, as cine of Chicago as recipient of MANCHESTER, N.H. - The Union Porter Yorke Chapel and funeral husband in their restaurant busi - the Demetrious family still owns well as, a teaching certificate the Henry P. Russe, M.D. Citation Leader reported that Agathoklis services were held at the Annun - ness for many years. She was an and operates. For over twenty- from the State of Kentucky. Dur - for Exemplary Compassion in Giotas, 82, passed away peace - ciation of the Virgin Mary Greek avid gardener and she loved to five years she and her husband ing her distinguished career, she Healthcare. The Illinois Masonic fully at his residence on January Orthodox Cathedral. crochet and knit. She was well managed the Dairy Bar and their held positions as a Teacher, HR Medical Center dedicated the An - known for her culinary expertise other restaurant, the Carolina Administrator, Executive Assis - gelo P. Creticos, M.D. Cancer and had a great love for her fam - Lunch. Katina and her husband tant, Legal Administrator for var - Center in his honor in 1997. He CLASSIFIEDS ily. She is survived by her chil - were the founding members of ious law firms and medical held leadership and teaching po - dren, Philip (Sylvia) Andrews the Transfiguration Greek Ortho - groups both in Lexington and Mi - sitions at the Dr. William M. and Mena (Joanne) Andrews; dox Church in Florence, where ami until she became Executive Scholl College of Podiatric Medi - HELP WANTED Funeral Director her grandchildren, Leah Katina was also an active mem - Vice President of Aero Kool Cor - cine, at the former Henrotin Hos - 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., (Michael) Naughton, Erah An - ber of the Ladies Philoptochos poration in Miami. A breast can - pital, at the University of Illinois LEADING GREEK AMERICAN Astoria, New York 11105 drews, Gary (Melanie) Andrews, Society; she also taught the cer survivor, she generously sup - Medical School, Rush Medical NEWSPAPER SEEKS (718) 728-8500 Irene (Thomas) Pia, Gabriel church's Greek School for several ported many charitable efforts for School, and George and Anna Full-time AD sales representa - Not affiliated with any (Lora) Andrews, Susan (Jon) years. In 1984, Katina organized Papanicolaou Cancer Research Portes Cancer Center. He was tives for both GREEK and ENG - other funeral home. Brodeur and Patricia Hartunian; and served as chairman of the and other cancer organizations. honored for his service as Execu - LISH language publications. Ap - 15 great-grandchildren; and a church's Iconography Committee. She is survived by her husband, tive Medical Officer for the U.S. plicants should have some sales APOSTOLOPOULOS brother and sister in Greece. Fu - Mrs. Demetrious was also an Theodore; her sons, Gerasimos Navy in mission to Greece under and/or marketing experience. Apostle Family - neral services were held in St. honorary chair of the committee (Gerry) and Christopher; her the Truman and Marshall Plans. Fluency with computer use and Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - George Greek Orthodox Cathe - to restore the Carnegie Library. brothers, John and Nick; her sis - He was preceded in death by his knowledge of Internet a plus. Bi- Funeral Directors of dral with the Rev. George F. Zu - For over forty years she was an ters, Nea, Pam, Maria and Elpida; beloved wife, Anastasia; his par - lingual command of both lan - RIVERDALE gravu officiating. In lieu of flow - active member of the Kalmia and numerous nieces and ents, Peter and Helen Creticos; guages preferred. This positions FUNERAL HOME Inc. ers, contributions in her memory Study Garden Club in Darlington. nephews. Visitation and Trisagion his brother, Harold; his sister, Ju - offers base salary, plus com - 5044 Broadway may be made to: St. George Katina lived an exceptional life services were held at the Van Ors - lia and by his brothers-in-law, Au - misand/or marketing experi - New York, NY 10034 Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 filled with the love of her family, del Funeral Chapel. Funeral ser - gustine and Nicholas. He is sur - ence. Fluency with computer use (212) 942-4000 Fairfield Ave. Hartford, CT her friends, her church and her vices were held at the St. Sophia vived by his children, Peter offers base salary, plus commis - Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE 06114. To share a memory with hometown, Darlington. She is Greek Orthodox Cathedral. A lov - (Deborah) Creticos, Catherine sions. E-mail resume and cover the family, please visit, www.dil - survived by her daughters, Mary ing and giving soul, she touched (Harry) Poulos and Helen (Evan) letter to [email protected] or LITRAS FUNERAL HOME lonbaxter.com. and Paula (Jack) Lawson; her and enriched the lives of so many. Theodoropoulos; and by his fax to : (718) 472-0510 Attn. ARLINGTON granddaughters, Mary Katherine She will truly be missed by all grandchildren, Justin (Jennifer) Publisher or call (718) 784-5255 BENSON DOWD, INC n BATAS, MICHAEL Lawson, Charlotte (Kevin) Cu - who knew her. In lieu of flowers, Creticos, Natasha (Chad) Ed - and ask for Veta. FUNERAL HOME CALGARY, Canada - The Calgary lotta and Jacqueline Christina; donations can be sent in memory wards, Nicholas, Theresa and 83-15 Parsons Blvd., Herald reported that Michael her siblings, Electra (Bill) to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Gregory Poulos, and Anastasia, FUNERAL HOMES Jamaica, NY 11432 Batas, 70, passed away peacefully Avramapoulos, Kifissia, and Har - Cathedral or to the Papanicolaou Elaine and Angela Theodoropou - (718) 858-4434 on January 25. Michael was born alambos (Chrisoula) Papaioan - Cancer Research. los; his great-granddaughter, CONSTANTINIDES • (800) 245-4872 in Pedoulas, Cyprus on April 24, nou; and her nieces and Hannah Creticos; his siblings, FUNERAL PARLOR Co. 1940 and immigrated to Australia nephews, Georgia Hamberis, n KONSTANTINIDES, Socrates (Zilla) and Anna Man - 405 91st Street MEDIUMS in 1963. There he met his Iraklis (Irene) Avramopoulos, SOTIRIOS alakis; and sister-in-law, Lula Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, beloved wife Helen and in 1976 Pavlos (Nika) Papaioannou and DAYTONA, Fl - The Daytona Creticos. Visitation was held at NY 11209 they moved to Canada. Michael Mary (Panayioti) Spirou. Funeral Beach News-Journal reported the Smith-Corcoran Funeral (718) 745-1010 MEDIUM put his family before everything services were held at the Trans - that Sotirios Konstantinides, 88, Home and funeral services were Services in all localities - ΑΝΝΑ and everyone. He was happiest figuration of our Saviour Greek passed away peacefully on Janu - held at SS. Peter and Paul Greek Low cost shipping to Greece Spiritual advisor. Helps with all problems. Advises on all matters in life. when he was surrounded by his Orthodox Church with Father ary 29. He was born in Symi, Do - Orthodox Church. Donations are Free reading over the phone. children. He loved telling stories Athanasios Haros officiating. decanese, Greece on July 21, requested in lieu of flowers to the ANTONOPOULOS Guaranteed results. and always had a captivated au - Memorials may be made to the 1922. At the age of sixteen, he Angelo P. Creticos, M.D. Medical FUNERAL HOME, INC. Call: (419) 741-7019 dience, with an infectious smile Transfiguration of our Savior went to Bengazi, North Africa to Education Endowment, or to the Konstantinos Antonopoulos - and distinctive laugh. Michael's Greek Orthodox Church Iconog - attend school and while he was Advocate Illinois Masonic Med - love for cooking and entertaining raphy Fund, 2990 S. Cashua there World War II started. He en - ical Center, attention Ben is what made his restaurant a suc - Street, Florence, SC; Darlington listed in the British Army and was Imdieke, 836 W. Wellington Ave., REAL ESTATE cess. Many of his customers be - Museum of History and Fine Arts, sent to Alexandria, Egypt to at - Chicago, IL 60657. Arrangements came some of his most cherished c/o City of Darlington, PO Box tend Scotland Yard School. At the by John Adinamis, Funeral Di - friends. He would go out of his 57, Darlington, SC 29540; Dar - age of eighteen, he was given the rector, LTD. (773)736-3833. way to help others and never took lington Rescue Squad, 107 option to join the Greek Navy at - no for an answer. Michael was Sycamore Street, Darlington, SC tached to the British Navy. He n DRIvAS, HELEN truly larger than life. He is sur - 29532; or Susan Johnson Memo - graduated from the Naval Acad - RACINE, WI - The Racine Journal vived by his loving wife, Helen; rial Scholarship Fund, c/o Dar - emy in Piraeus, served in the Times reported that Helen Drivas, his children, John (Anita) and lington Presbyterian church, 311 Royal Greek Navy with the Free 97, passed away peacefully on Stacey (Dave); his grandchildren, Pearl Street, Darlington, SC Greeks in World War II and was January 25 at the Sheboygan Pro - Michael, Kahlia, Evangeline, Ari - 29532. A guestbook is available presented with the Medal of gressive Care Center. She was cia, Zander, Zoe and Georgia; his online at: www.belkfuneral - Honor by King George of Greece. born in Greece on February 2, siblings, Demos (Christine), home.com. He also served with the Australian 1913, the daughter of the late Maroula, Christalla (Costas), Niki Army and served Scotland Yard Gust and Demetra Filandrinos. (Andreas) and Demetra (Costas); n COSTAS, DENO in Egypt as an interpreter. He also Helen and her family moved to PRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD as well as, many nieces and CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago Tri - served on the Greek destroyer Racine when she was just two- vIA THE POST-OFFICE: nephews from Calgary, Cyprus, bune reported that Deno M. "Kanaris" and received several and-a-half years old. She at - o1 month $11.00 o3 months $22.00 Australia, Greece and England. Costas, 80, passed away peace - decorations. He received a medal tended local schools and gradu - o6 months $33.00 oOne year $66.00 Visitation, a Trisagion prayer ser - fully on January 17. He was pre - for saving the lives of 36 Ameri - ated from Park High School in vIA HOME DELIvERY (NY, NJ & CT): vice and funeral services were deceased by his parents, Em - can soldiers who were invading Racine. On June 10, 1934, Helen o1 month for $14.00 o3 months for $33.00 held at St. Demetrios Greek Or - manuel and Maria Sicily by being flown in on gliders. was united in marriage to George o6 months for $48.00 oOne year for $88.00 thodox Church with the Very Rev. Konstantoudakis and his brother, Unfortunately, some of the gliders Drivas in Racine. For a time, He - Dimitrios Rougas officiating. The Angelo. He is survived by his sis - fell into the sea and he and sev - len and George were the owners vIA HOME DELIvERY family would like to thank the ter, Helen Costas; and numerous eral members of his crew scurried of the Sugar Bowl Restaurant in (New England, Pennsylvania, doctors and staff at the Agape nieces, nephews and cousins here about to save the men in the glid - Wisconsin Rapids. Helen was Washington D.C., vIRGINIA & MARYLAND) Hospice, Foothills Medical Center and in Greece. Visitation and fu - ers. He was a past president of then employed in the administra - o1 month for $18.00 o3 months for $41.00 and the Rockyview General Hos - neral services were held at St. the Parish Council of Saint tive offices at J.I. Case Company o6 months for $57.00 oOne year for $109.00 pital for their care and compas - John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Demetrios. He remained proud of in Racine. She was a member of ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION sion. Photos, memories and con - Church. Donations in his mem - his heritage throughout his life. both, Kimisis Tis Theotokou e www.thenationalherald.com dolences may be shared with ory may be made to St. John He was elevated as Archon Or - Greek Orthodox Church in Racine NON SubScRIbeRS: oOne year for $45.95 Michael's family at: www.evan - Guardian Angel Orthodox Day fanotrofos in 1998 by His Emi - and St. Spyridon in Sheboygan. o6 months for $29.95 jstrong.com. In lieu of flowers, School, 2350 Dempster St., Des nence Archbishop Spyridon at She is survived by her children, 3 months for $18.95 memorial tributes may be made Plaines, IL 60016 or Midwest Pal - Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Betty George and John (Sharon) o

b SubScRIbeRS: One year for $34.95 to the Alberta Children's Hospital liative and Hospice Care Center, York. He was a founder of Drivas; her grandchildren, David o 6 months for $23.95 Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi 2050 Claire Ct., Glenview, IL Archangel Michael Greek Ortho - (Holly) George, Christina (Jef - o 3 months for $14.95 Trail N.W., Calgary, Alberta T3B 60025. For further information, dox Church in Campbell, Ohio. frey) Lilla, Suzanne (Wesley) i o 6A8 or the Alberta Cancer Foun - call the Kelley & Spalding Funeral He dedicated 40 years of service Pryor and Marcia (Brent) NAme: ...... dation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Home at (847) 831-4260 or visit: to Saint Demetrios Church in Maguire; her great-grandchil - ADDReSS: ...... Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., www.kelleyspaldingfuneral - Daytona Beach as a council mem - dren, Tommy, Mack, and Elena r Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N2. home.com. ber and president and was be - George and David, Nicholas, and cITy: ...... STATe: ...... ZIP: ...... stowed the honor of President Arianna Lilla; her siblings, Rev. Tel.: ...... cell: ...... n BOBOTIS, KATINA n DOvAS, CATHERINA Emeritus. He was a long time sup - Theodore (Ione) Filandrinos and e-mAIl: ...... GREENVILLE, S.C. - The CHERRY HILL, NJ - The Courier- porter of the Ladies Philoptochos Kay Karas; and many nieces, c PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: Greenville News reported that Post reported that Catherina Society and served on the Me - nephews, other relatives and NAme: ...... Katina Laskaris Bobotis, 86, Dovas, 101, passed away peace - tropolis Board under Bishop John friends. She was predeceased by ADDReSS: ......

passed away peacefully on Janu - fully on January 19. She is sur - of Amorion. As a member of the her parents; her sisters, Angeline s cITy: ...... STATe: ...... ZIP: ...... ary 30. Katina was born in Sparta, vived by her devoted son, Peter American Hellenic Educational Tel.: ...... cell: ...... Greece in 1924 and later on im - (Betty); her grandchildren, Lisas - Progressive Association, he was This is a service migrated to the United States. ophia (fiancé Craig) Vines, Dim - founder and served as its Chapter to the community. e-mAIl: ...... Please specify method of payment She was a devoted member of itri, Nicholas (Jeanette), Christo - president. In addition, he was a Announcements of deaths

b I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... Saint George Greek Orthodox pher (Tracey) and Alexis; her member of the Masonic Lodge, may be telephoned to the made payable to: The National Herald, Inc., Cathedral. Throughout recent great-grandchildren, Phaedra and Bahia Shrine, pillar of the United classified Department of 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 years of health problems, her faith Alexander Dovas; her siblings, Way, donor to the Association of The National Herald at or please debit my mastercard visa and her joy in life remained stead - Xristo, Kosta and Eleni; and by Retarded Citizens and provided (718) 784-5255, o o fast and this will forevermore many nieces, nephews and scholarships to Bethune-Cook - o American express monday through Friday, u serve as an inspiration to all who cousins in the United States, man University and Daytona 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. eST cARD NumbeR: ...... knew and loved her. She is sur - Greece, Australia and Switzer - State College. He was prede - or e-mailed to: exPIRATION DATe: ...... vived by her children, Connie land. She was born in New York ceased by his beloved wife Ange - [email protected] SIGNATuRe: ...... (George) Schwartz, Patricia City in 1909 and accompanied line. He is survived by his chil - s THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011 GREECE CYPRUS 11 Turkey Slams “Christian Club,” Fears An EU-Cyprus Choice Looms

As Greek and Turkish Cypriot ming a lack of progress in his ter. “Everyone is looking at what leaders try to find some solution country’s bid to join. Speaking is going on. And what kind of to the dilemma of an island di - on a panel at the World Eco - Europe, what kind of European vided since the 1974 invasion nomic Forum in Davos that in - Union we are going to be seeing of Turkish troops, which has al - cluded EU President Herman in the future is going to be of lowed Turks to occupy the Van Rompuy, Babacan said: “We immense importance in terms northern third of the island always thought the EU is a big of what kind of message our re - since in violation of United Na - peace project ... but then the en - gion gets,” he said. Turkey’s EU tions resolutions, European largement process literally bid received warm support from Union officials said there’s no stalled. “Open door policy is no one European delegation in attempt to force Turkey to longer there,” he added. “And Davos: Sweden said it would choose between EU membership one of the big themes about why continue to support Turkey. and Cyprus. Natasha Butler, a Turkey cannot become a mem - Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt spokeswoman for European ber of the European Union is be - denied Europe is a “Christian Commissioner for Enlargement cause it is a Christian club. This Club” saying: “In Sweden a cou - and Neighborhood Policy Stefan is in our view very, very danger - ple of decades ago we abolished told the Anatolia news agency ous,” he said. the idea of a state church. We that continuation of member - Ankara began accession ne - are not in the conception that ship negotiations between gotiations with the EU in 2005, we all of one religion. “We have Turkey and the EU had a strate - but the process has stalled amid 400,000 Muslims in Sweden. gic importance both for Turkey opposition from some member For me it’s not a religious coop - and the EU, adding that the EU states, lack of reform in Turkey eration the European Union, it’s Commission was committed to and a trade row over the a set of values that is open for Turkey’s membership process Cyprus. Several negotiations all world religions. We are very within the scope of framework chapters remain frozen due to much in favor of a reformed agreement of 2005. Noting that Turkey’s refusal to open its ports Turkey’s entry into the EU,” he Turkey, too, should be commit - AP /PeTROS KARADJIAS to Cyprus, an EU member which said. United Nations Secretary- ted to the EU process, Butler Turkish Cypriot protesters shout slogans during a mass protest against an economic austerity Ankara does not recognize ow - General Ban ki-Moon last month said that Turkey should exert package in the Turkish occupied area north of divided Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 28, 2011. Thousands ing to the island’s division be - in Geneva, Switzerland brought more efforts to meet the criteria of Turkish Cypriots attended the peaceful rally to voice their anger at the breakaway govern - tween its Greek and Turkish together Greek Cypriot Presi - for joining, although it still re - ment’s cuts to the state payroll. communities. French President dent Demetris Christofias and fuses to allow in ships and Nicolas Sarkozy and German his Turkish counterpart, Dervis planes from Cyprus. Butler said EU membership and Cyprus, cession talks, she added. omy and people, and it could be Chancellor Angela Merkel has Eroglu on the deadline the UN that the EU supported efforts for said Butler, adding however, Regarding the views of Turk - an important value for the EU. expressed opposition to Turkey’s had set for some kind of solution of the Cyprus issue, that the Cyprus issue had an in - ish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip At nearly the same time, bid. People in the Islamic world progress, but said since there stressing that Turkey’s contribu - fluence on many political areas. Erdogan who said that the EU Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister are looking closely at the EU to was none he would recommend tion to a solution was critical. A comprehensive solution to the needed Turkey, Butler said that Ali Babacan complained that the see whether it will open its only that they keep talking, The EU was not forcing Turkey Cyprus problem would have the commission was aware of EU was becoming an inward- doors to Turkey, said Babacan, which hasn’t worked for 36 to make a choice between the positive impacts on Turkey’s ac - the dynamism of Turkey’s econ - looking “Christian club,” slam - who is also the Economy Minis - years so far. The Troika Looks at New Rescue Scheme, No Solution in Sight Yet

Continued from page 1 cluding a provision on fiscal dis - they are worried about growing kind of further cuts that could cipline, in return for Europe’s resistance from workers and provoke social unrest and perhaps hikes, because Greeks have support, Papaconstantinou told trade unions, especially after pro - a return to the riots of early last stopped spending and scores of Ta Nea that the country first had longed strikes by transportation year, especially as Greeks see gov - thousands of businesses have to regain its fiscal footing. “And workers continued. Greece just ernments toppled in Tunisia and closed. Greece still has been un - then we will be able to discuss announced further cuts to de - upset in Egypt after demonstra - able to stem the bleeding of permanent mechanisms in our fense and welfare spending - say - tions by people angry with their more than $40 billion a year in national law to ensure fiscal bal - ing it would not be signing leaders, similar to the breach be - tax evasion, despite Papan - ance.” Together with the cut - weapons deals with either Ger - tween the rich and poor and dreou’s pledges to crack down, backs, the government has em - many or France – countries who working class in Greece. which lost credibility last week barked on wide-ranging reforms are the biggest stakeholders in In an interview with the Aus - when Tolis Voskopoulos, an ag - that will include ending decades the EU’s portion of the loan. Lars trian newspaper Die Presse, Pa - ing pop singer who didn’t pay of strict regulation of certain pro - Feld, a member of German Chan - pandreou continued to stress his $7.96 million in taxes, escaped fessions — such as lawyers, ar - cellor Angela Merkel’s council of government’s determination to jail time and received a sus - chitects and notaries — and economic advisers, said a restruc - implement its program for the pended sentence after arguing overhauling loss-making state turing of Greek debt is “neces - needed reforms and changes in he couldn’t pay because he didn’t transport companies. Speaking sary,” Frankfurter Allgemeine Greece, as well as its efforts to have the money any more. at the World Economic Forum in Sonntagszeitung reported, citing achieve an extension for repay - Politicians, the rich, and Davos, Switzerland, Papacon - an interview. Giving Greece more ment of the country’s EU-IMF sup - celebrities are notorious in stantinou said there were infor - time to repay its loans would be port mechanism loan, while at the Greece for evading taxes, which mal talks to find ways to reduce the “best solution” as creditors same time ruling out a restructur - has deeply angered Greek work - Greece’s debt burden without re - wouldn’t lose “too much money,” ing of the Greek debt. Papandreou ers who say they are bearing the structuring it, including a debt AP /vIRGINIA mAyO Feld was quoted as saying. Eu - further ruled out early general burden instead. The government buyback. The EU was engaged Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou speaks during a ses - rope needs an insolvency mech - elections in Greece, stressing that did begin closing down night in frantic behind the scenes talks sion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on anism for states, he said. “We elections will be held in 2013 at clubs that have evaded duties but to reduce Greece’s debt as the Jan. 27, 2011, trying to reassure jittery investors the country can’t save half the euro area with - the end of the present term of of - those sometimes quickly reopen. international monitors came into won’t default – but it will probably restructure its debt by out consequences on our own re - fice. DON’T FEAR DEFAULT Athens amid fears the country asking for more time to pay back international loans. financing costs,” Feld said. The Noting that the government’s Greece expects the EU and will still have to default, as pre - recent increase in German bor - program needs to be imple - IMF officials to approve the re - dicted by a number of economic three-stage scheme, which dom - the EFSF can be more robust,” rowing costs is an “alarm,” he mented, he clarified that even if lease of the next round of loans analysts. Plans to buy back Greek inated fringe debate at Davos, Papandreou said in Davos. Since added. Greece had a zero debt, the re - of $20 billion, Papaconstantinou debt at a discount – a scenario would allow the near-insolvent receiving the emergency aid, Pa - Economists said that even if forms and changes would have said. “The most important ac - that economists called restructur - country to purchase Greek bonds pandreou’s PASOK Socialist gov - Athens enforced the fiscal consol - been needed, since the system tions and fiscal targets have ing by stealth – were being given owned by the European Central ernment has won praise for slash - idation program demanded in ex - was not sustainable and competi - been met,” he said in an inter - “urgent consideration,” bankers Bank at 75% of their nominal ing the budget deficit from 15.4% change for the bailout to the let - tive, there was a lack of trans - view published in Ta Nea news - and EU officials said, and Greece value by borrowing from the Eu - in 2009 to 9.4% of GDP through ter, the country would have to parency, and little had been in - paper. “Therefore, there is no was said to be trying to buy time ropean Financial Stability Facility, a tough regime of public sector generate a primary budget sur - vested in the sectors in which danger for the next installment.” and reach the next road of Troika the bloc’s rescue fund, at de - pay and pensions cuts and in - plus of 5.5% just to keep up with Greece has a competitive edge Asked whether Greece intends loans before the market bails out pressed market rates. “There is a creasing taxes, but some of his debt repayments, now a mathe - such as tourism, green technolo - to amend its constitution, in - on the country entirely. The strong will to think about how own Cabinet members are saying matical impossibility without the gies and innovation. Egypt’s Days of Rage Could Tip Greece’s Role with Israel, Turkey

the Center for Byzantine and ligious or secularist that will sup - Continued from page 1 Modern Greek Studies at Queens port liberal democratic regimes College, and co-editor of the that prioritize human rights and Arab League Secretary-General Journal of the Hellenic Diaspora, rule of law, and the kinds of eco - Amr Moussa; Israeli Prime Min - said what happens in Egypt nomic activity that are correlates ister Benjamin Netanyahu; Jor - could give Greece a chance to of democracy. He added that, “It dan’s King Abdullah; Nobel play the role of an “honest bro - is important for Athens and peace laureate Mohamed ElBa - ker” with Israel but only, “if it is Washington to recognize that the radei, seen as a potential skillful.” He noted, “Greece has recent events in Egypt reflect the Mubarak successor; Palestinian excellent relations with Arabs in broader reconfiguration of forces President Mahmoud Abbas and general and with the Palestinians in the greater Middle East.” One European Union President Her - in particular. Israel is now very area is that “Greece presumably man Van Rompuy. Papandreou’s dominant militarily and now has an interest in using its diplo - office did not reveal the content would be a great time for them matic capacity to protect Ortho - of the talks. Greece has tradition - to make a real peace offer rather dox minority populations ally held good ties with Arab than the usual expansionist ex - throughout the Middle East who countries and Israel. As foreign tremism. Greece makes a much have been and are being ad - minister in the past, Papandreou better middleman than Tony versely affected by clashes be - had sought a mediating role in Blair (former British prime min - tween non-democratic forces of Middle East crises. Greek Foreign ister and now a Special Envoy to either secular authoritarian or Is - Minister Dimitris Droutsas and the Mideast) or the Turks, nei - lamic fundamentalist stripe.” his Australian counterpart called ther of who have favor among Before the violence escalated, on Egyptians to exercise restraint Palestinians or Arabs. This role and the military refused to stop amid protests that were escalat - would also enhance the value of it, Prof. Alon Ben-Meir, Professor ing at the time. Greece to the US.” Papandreou of International Relations and Greece will stand by Egypt’s particularly has reached out to Middle Eastern Studies at the side, supporting efforts for the AP /THANASSIS STAvRAKIS Israel, hosting Prime Minister New School in New York City, creation of a new society with An evacuee from Egypt reacts as he meets a relative at the Athens International Airport Eleft - Netanyahu in Athens and trying said, “It has become increasingly respect to the history and the herios Venizelos, in Spata, near Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011. Greece sent three C-130 military to boost Greece’s visibility at a clear that the future of Egypt’s strategic role of the country, transport planes to Alexandria to evacuate about 220 Greek citizens wanting to leave. time when Turkey is a rising stability, political reforms and Droutsas said. “President power. Without Mubarak in progress rest almost entirely in Mubarak’s latest message can The Egyptian spillover effect, the rise to power of the now rul - by Israel. power in the region’s most pop - the hands of its military. Unlike kick start further tension or de - apart from whether Greeks who ing Islamist party, the Justice and The Egyptian crisis is also im - ulous Arab country, Turkish other militaries in Arab states, mocratic dialogue,” Droutsas last year held six general strikes Development Party (AKP), just portant for Greece because Egypt Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Er - Egypt’s military is one of the said, noting that all political lead - and took to the streets to protest as secular authoritarian rule in has the potential to become an dogan could have the big stick most respected institutions that ers should seek consensus to paralyzing austerity measures Egypt has fueled the growth of exemplar for Greece’s regional now. have earned the admiration and build a stronger, democratic state such as big pay cuts and tax the Muslim Brotherhood in that neighbors in the Balkans. In Kyrou added: The cleavage respect of the people. In that free of foreign interventions. hikes would be emboldened by country.” He said that while the short, if what will undoubtedly lines are not between secular sense it is the people’s military Greece was also a destination the events in Tunisia and Egypt AKP is radical Islamist party, its be a protracted transition in and Islamist forces, as is often to which most Egyptians look up point for Americans and others and ramp up their resistance, actions, since coming to power Egypt could produce a sustain - reported in Western media—this to with esteem. Although the fleeing the chaos in Cairo, a was more political and diplo - in 2002, “show worrying signs able democracy premised on lib - is a false dichotomy. The real di - military supported the Mubarak number landing at the Venizelos matic. Alexandros Kyrou, an As - of intolerance towards pluralism eral principles and priorities of vision is between democratic ver - government, it remained above International Airport outside sociate Professor of History at and religious radicalization in human rights and rule of law, sus authoritarian forces and plu - the fray and largely untainted Athens to the relief of friends and Salem State University in Mass - terms of its domestic political dis - this will have positive demon - ralist versus religious extremist with corruption, relative to many loved ones waiting for them, and achusetts, and a contributing course and unwillingness to take stration effects for Albania, forces. We should not make the other government institutions.” Greece sent military aircraft to columnist to The National Her - religious freedom issues seri - Bosnia, and FYROM, all coun - mistake of thinking that democ - He added that, “The people, with Egypt to take out Greeks and ald, said, “For Greece, as well as ously, all the while concentrating tries whose significant Muslim racy and secularist forces are the the support of their military, three Bulgarians in the northern the US, it is important to con - the political authority of Turkey’s populations could look to a de - same, nor should we always must now chose the kind of fu - Egyptian city of Alexandria who sider the potential spillover ef - judiciary and education in party mocratic Egypt, rather than an equate religious actors with ex - ture they seek for Egypt as a also wanted to leave. Three Bul - fects and indicators of the Egypt - elite hands.” And as Greece has historically authoritarian and tremism. That is the challenge country and for its people. They garian citizens were evacuated ian crisis in terms of what is moved closer to Israel, that coun - now increasingly Islamist Turkey, for American and European for - must decide how to utilize what from the northern Egyptian city happening in Turkey. In Turkey try has found its previously cor - as an example to follow—one eign policymakers, and that dis - emerges from the ashes of the of Alexandria with the help of we can see the same dynamic at dial relations with Turkey unrav - where liberal democracy tri - tinction is crucial for Greece - people’s revolution to restore the local Greek Consulate. The work as in Egypt, but it is eling after a series of diplomatic umphs over the twin extremes Europe’s closest neighbor, geo - Egypt’s leadership as the bulwark Bulgarians were met in Athens stretched out over a much longer disputes, including over the of secular authoritarianism and graphically and culturally, to the of regional stability and peace, by the staff of the Bulgarian Em - period of time. killing of eight Turks aboard a religious extremism. Middle East - to emphasize to and assume the task of promot - bassy before being taken home In Turkey, years of non-demo - convoy trying to reach the Gaza Another contributor to TNH, both the US and the EU: how to ing freedom, economic progress to Bulgaria. cratic Kemalist secularism led to strip of Palestine, under blockade Dan Georgakas, on the faculty at empower all forces, whether re - and growth at home. 12 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. The Autism Warriors Want to advocate and support others. I remain grateful that the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), You To Know Something The autism parent community is Greek American community has Hempstead, from 7:30 p.m. – reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest like no other – although you may embraced this disability with 9:00 p.m. A portion of proceeds to the Greek American community of the United States of America. To the Editor: not personally know someone, open arms. Thank you for accept - will be donated to the St. Nick’s As Autism Awareness month, you are always welcome to reach ing, understanding, and support - Autism Foundation. For more in - Publisher-Editor Antonis H. 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The Tembenis Postmaster send change of address to: work of parents who like myself family foundation, The Sixth and my husband, Andrew, strive Planet, can also be found at THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 to help our children be the best www.ageofautism.com. that they can be despite their dis - "The dirty little secret of abilities. Along my 6 year Autism autism is that so much of the journey, I have come across many therapy needed is not covered by different “autism parenting insurance," Tembenis says. Harry The USA and Mubarak styles”. The single and most dis - and I share the same opinion. For AP PHOTO tinct characteristic that they all that same reason, our family For $24 and Some Beads In the early morning of April 21, 1967 an alarm went off in have in common is the enthusi - founded The St. Nicholas Autism Washington, D.C. In a series of top secret telegrams, the American asm to help others who have Foundation (www.stnickfounda - Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou (L) was so happy Embassy in Athens was informing the administration of disturbing been touched by this disorder. tion.org), which provides finan - at the ceremony where he said he’d solved Greece’s finan - events in the Greek capital: a small group of colonels had taken Despite their daily time chal - cial grants, advocate services, and cial problems by merging with Turkey that he let Turkish over power, beating the generals to the punch. The diplomats were lenges with therapy, diet, school programs to Greek American Prime Minister Recip Tayyip Erdogan cut the ribbon at the seeking urgent instructions on what to do. meetings, dr. appointments, etc. children diagnosed with Autism border. Greece will now be called West Turkey. President Lyndon Johnson was furious. Greece, after all, was a they still somehow find the time Spectrum Disorder. member of NATO, a strategic ally in the fight against the Soviet Union, not to mention the cradle of democracy. The president’s foreign policy advisors were split. ΛΟΓΟΣ Some favored the immediate denunciation of the still-fragile military regime, backing the young then-King Constantine, a friend of the United States. Others argued that the U.S. had no choice but to cooperate dis - Here’s Some Innovation We Can Really Believe In cretely with them, this being the only realistic policy serving Amer - ican interests. The rest is history. Innovation is getting a lot of of clarity as to what Dundon recom - Possibly the most important Forty-four years later, the U.S. is faced with a similar, daunting attention, including by President Innovation Manage - mends an holistic chapter that Dundon includes in situation: the overthrow of the Mubarak regime in Egypt. Barack Obama in his State of the ment is all about. I approach to build - her book is entitled, Take Action. Again the lines of the argument are the same: There are those Union address on January 25. see many organiza - ing the awareness All too often we hear speeches in the administration and the media who argue that America needs “The first step in winning the fu - tions declaring in - and skills for capi - such as the President’s, calls to stand firm in support of a 30-year-old ally. Otherwise, they ture is encouraging American in - novation as an talizing on the in - from elected officials and their argue, America will lose all its friends around the world. novation,” he proclaimed. Greek objective but then novation appointees, or the yearly kickoff The other side argues that the U.S. must move fast to ally herself Prime Minister George Papan - failing to follow up opportunity. She speech by a CEO which center with the young demonstrators, who are the future, to avoid re - dreou has raised the issue of in - with any concrete provides strong ev - on the theme of innovation. We peating the same horrible series of events that took place in Iran novation on numerous occasions action steps or sup - idence that the core also hear the same message: “We decades ago. to address Greece’s myriad of po - port.” competencies (i.e., need more innovation.” But, It's a difficult dilemma. It never is black and white in cases like litical, economic, and social/cul - Herein lies the knowledge, skills, subconsciously if not con - these. tural challenges. But is problem and the by Dr. ALEX attitude) to make sciously, we just magically hope Since its first involvement with the outside world, the United innovation just a buzzword to opportunity. What is PATTAKOS innovation happen it happens. Simply relying on the States of A merica has tried hard to balance its natural tendency to - which everyone on either side of innovation? Is it can be taught. The audacity of hope will rarely help wards freedom and respect for human dignity and life - the core the political aisle can nod their creativity? Is it in - Special to how-to’s of devel - us achieve our innovation aims. ideas on which this nation was built - with a hard-nosed policy of head in agreement, or does it vestments in infra - The National Herald oping these compe - America’s “need to out-inno - realpolitik serving her interests. It is this realistic perception of self- represent a true competitive ad - structure, such as tencies in vate...the rest of the world” interest that historically compels the U.S. to cooperate with regimes vantage? As Elaine Dundon, highways and airports? Is it just innovative thinking include along the lines espoused by Pres - that stand in direct opposition to what America is about, in clear Ph.D., (disclaimer: my wife) technology? How can one jump building skills in three critical ident Obama will require a dif - contradiction to its political system, its values and way of life. writes in the preface of her best - on this innovation bandwagon? areas: creative thinking, strate - ferent kind of investment, one This effort continues up to this day with the regimes in selling book, The Seeds of Inno - How can we encourage people gic thinking, and transforma - built upon more than just good Afghanistan and Iraq - and now with Mubarak. vation: “Over the last few years, and workers in an organization, tional thinking. If we also intentions or wishful thinking. Egypt is a hugely important country: in addition to its historic I have witnessed a growing inter - to embrace the opportunity that provide a fertile field (Dundon This also applies to the innova - and cultural importance, its geostrategic position makes the country est in the field of Innovation the focus on innovation gives us? refers to this as the Innovation tion agenda espoused by Papan - indispensable to the West. Management. Now more than If, as the President suggests, in - Field) for them to grow by en - dreou for getting Greece out of Egypt is the leading Arab country, responsible for the Suez Canal, ever, in an era of economic un - novation “is how we make a liv - couraging creative expression its predicament and for building a seaway through which about 12% of the world's trade passes and certainty, constrained resources, ing,” How can we ensure that and risk-taking—the antithesis a positive future. I know that he the second most important seaway, after the Strait of Hormuz a and increased global competi - the seeds of innovation are of traditional bureaucratic believes that a new Golden Age little further east. tion, more and more organiza - planted firmly in American soil? (non)systems and resulting en - of Greece is possible; one not In addition Egypt shares extensive borders with Israel and is the tions are turning to Innovation And the same thing holds true counters. Creative thinking can grounded in austerity measures only Arab country that has signed a peace agreement with the Jewish Management as a source of new for our compatriots in Greece, a be taught by encouraging curios - but elevated by innovation. The state. solutions and new inspiration.” land that once upon a time was ity and strengthening the ability skills outlined by Dundon are the Nearby Iran must indeed be very pleased with what is going on This focus on driving innovation synonymous with innovation. to form new connections. Strate - how-to’s to make innovation in Egypt. is not restricted to corporations Dundon provides a solid anti - gic thinking can be taught by in - happen. Now’s the time to plant For 30 years the Mubarak regime traded giving a free hand to and small business enterprises in dote to the questions raised by creasing the ability to see the the seeds of innovation through - the U.S. over its territory for acceptance and protection from Wash - the private sector; accelerating Obama’s State of the Union bigger picture, understand fu - out the United States and ington. innovation to transform govern - speech, as well as offering a solid ture trends, and strive for com - Greece. Let’s make 2011 the year The Obama administration wavered in the beginning of the crisis ments has become a hot and platform for rediscovering and petitive advantage through we make innovation we can be - between supporting its good old ally and allying itself with the much-needed topic of concern. accelerating innovation in being extraordinary. Transforma - lieve in happen. future, with the new Egypt. The next paragraph in Dundon’s Greece. The Seeds of Innovation tional thinking can be taught by It changed course halfway through the week and in effect forced book is telling and highlights the presents a disciplined yet practi - increasing greater awareness of Alex Pattakos is co-founder of a Mubarak to go on TV and announce that he would step down, albeit crux of the innovation discussion cal approach to innovation the supports and obstacles to a business initiative on how to not now, as the administration wants, but nine whole months later... or dilemma as espoused by based on a very successful Inno - particular innovation project, live a meaningful life inspired The demonstrators wouldn't take the bait. And so Mubarak un - Obama. “At the same time, how - vation Management course at and learning how to present by Greek culture. Readers may leashed his supporters, who clashed with his opponents in what ever, I have witnessed a growing the University of Toronto, the ideas to garner maximum sup - contact him at: aleko@theop - seemed like a mini civil war, taking place in the middle of Cairo. frustration surrounding the lack first of its kind in North America. port for their implementation. away.com America needs a guidebook on how to deal with these crises: a set of rules to apply in every such instance with minor modifications. The underlying tenet of these rules should be to act in accordance with America's core ideas and values. It is the only policy that will COMMENTARY serve it best in the long term. It is entirely possible that we would face some setbacks initially. That the U.S. might lose some of the privileges it enjoys through supporting illegitimate, despotic regimes . The Mis-education of Greek Pols Dampens Diaspora However, in the long term, it will come out a winner. And equally important, it will be faithful to itself. Shortly before the commem - in 2009, plus the of a country’s lan - admire the Greek language and oration of Three Hierarchs Day cost of substitute guage and culture is culture. Education Minister Anna A God-sent gift on Jan. 30th, which also marks teachers to replace seen as a high-yield Diamantopoulou is the one who the celebration of the Greek Let - those sent abroad. long-term invest - wanted to make English an offi - ters, the Greek Education Min - She alluded to a ment. cial language in Greece (it’s not One way or another, Mubarak will go, and relations between istry hit us with the latest bit of draft bill in May Beyond the my - even America’s official lan - Egypt, America and Israel will never be the same. grim news, refusing to discount which would “ratio - opic, miniscule guage). The Greek American A valuable strategic partner will either be neutralized or turned the possibility of further cutbacks nalize” funding and world of Greek Community would do well to against the USA. in the number of teachers dis - the detachment of Government minis - light a couple of extra candles to This presents Greece and Cyprus with a great opportunity. From patched to Greek schools operat - teachers abroad. ters, there seems to the Three Hierarchs and pray for a strategic perspective they are now more important to the West. ing abroad – including Greek She said 16,000 stu - be a major interest the well-being of the Niarchos It is a God-sent gift. It might even save Greece from financial parochial and charter schools in dents attend classes in Hellenism. Pri - Foundation, which routinely ruin, if they play their cards right. the United States. These teachers in 300 Greek mary school stu - makes major contributions to The first opportunity that presents itself pertains to tourism. have served as a financial lifeline schools across the by Christopher dents in Oxford, Greek American schools. Save The tens of thousands of American tourists who visit Egypt annually for local schools, overwhelmed U.S., while 30,000 – TRIPOULAS England recently for that, we’d better start sup - will think twice before they spend their vacation there this year. with continually rising costs and 40,000 don’t attend Special to gained publicity for porting our local schools and de - They might be enticed instead to visit the Parthenon - if it is practically no ancillary support any programs at all. The National Herald their decision to manding the same from our na - open- or Cyprus instead of visiting the Pyramids. However, if Greek from umbrella organizations or Gennimata went on embrace the an - tional organizations – religious authorities do not act fast then Turkey might become the beneficiary Hellenic American groups oper - to pledge that “Wherever there cient Greek classics after staging and secular – or else no one else of the chaos in Egypt. ating nationwide. Greek Educa - is a real need in the Greek Amer - a play based on the Iliad. “It may will. There are also opportunities related to Greece’s increased tion in the U.S. –treated by most ican Community, it will be met, seem a bit ambitious teaching geostrategic significance: The airfields and the huge naval bases in community power brokers as the but every euro of the Greek citi - Greek classics to seven and eight- Suda Bay, Crete, due to their proximity to Egypt and the rest of the perennial ugly stepchild – is now zen must be used effectively.” year-old children, but they have Middle East, have become even more valuable to the West. getting smacked around by Most countries go out of their really got into it,” their teacher This is leverage Greece has needed from the start of her financial Greece. Alternate Education Min - way to promote their language told reporters. Here in the U.S., CORRECTION: crisis to use on the Germans and the France, so that they will ease ister Fofi Gennimata referred to and heritage abroad. They invest the New York Times has repeat - The National Herald erro - the terms they have imposed on her as a condition for bailing her issues related to Greek language considerable resources support - edly written about how ancient neously reported in its Jan - out. If they refuse, and conditions worsen, the Greeks should point education abroad, identifying ing university chairs, primary and Greek plays are used by the mil - uary 29 edition that Michael out that an Egyptian style uprising by the population of Greece systemic problems and weak - secondary schools, and even pro - itary to help soldiers cope with Gianaris was the first Greek cannot be ruled out, with all its nasty ramifications for the West. nesses, such as clientelism, re - grams for adult learners. Ger - life after war, or how job seekers American to be elected to No government can survive for long the severe austerity mea - sulting in outrageous costs and many has the Goethe Institute, trained in the Classics may make state office in New York. sures imposed on Greece. inefficiencies. Bemoaning that, France has the Alliance for better managers and execu - That honor actually belongs The only European precedent for the long-term imposition of “There is not a reliable system in Française, and Spain has the In - tives. The N.Y. Daily News had to N.Y. State Senator and draconian economic measures was the case of Rumania, but finally place for monitoring the opera - stituto Cervantes. Consider the stories about a group of local stu - Majority Leader, Dean Skel - the people rebelled and the long time dictator Nicolae Ceau şescu tion of Greek schools abroad, so shocking amount of money dents inspired by the play los, a Republican, who was and his wife Elena met their ends before a firing squad. it is not possible to develop ef - Turkey spends promoting its cul - Antigone who protested the De - elected to the State Assem - Greece should trade on her newly found heightened strategic fective policy and apply sustain - ture worldwide, or the number partment of Education’s plans to bly in 1980. Gianaris was importance to achieve the easing of the terms of her loans, both in able management and control on of Turkish Studies Chairs in the close their school. All over the the first Democrat from the terms of maturity and in the interest rate she is charged. them,” Gennimata spoke of the United States compared to the world, serious people – without community to gain state of - Otherwise the US and the EU face the possibility of a social ex - high cost of dispatching teachers number of Hellenic Studies the slightest trace of Greek origin fice in New York. plosion in a member of the Eurozone and a vital strategic ally. – $463 million for 2,350 teachers Chairs. For most, the promotion in their genealogy – continue to THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011 VIEWPOINTS 13 LETTER FROM ATHENS A Letter to The Troika On Liberalizing Greek Energy Market

Greek Diaspora Bond Slogan: By Stratos Tavoulareas* No doubt the Greek energy Honest, We’re Not Crooks! market needs reform; however, let’s avoid rushing to implement reforms, which could lead to fur - Not to be out - food. If you don’t, ther economic havoc. I should done by the Greek the Turkish flag start by stating the obvious, that Church, which un - will be flying over Greece should have liberalized der Greek Law the Acropolis and its market a long time ago fol - $1,000,000,000,000 Manolis Glezos, lowing European Union direc - has an official Li - who took down the tives. However, the past cannot cense to Steal until Nazi flag in 1941 be changed; so, let’s look at the it reaches that says he’s closing in future. Also, let’s take into ac - amount, which on 90 now and count lessons learned from other should be in a few doesn’t know if he countries, which have liberalized months or so at the can shimmy up the their energy sectors. Liberalized rate it’s pillaging the flagpole and do it energy markets do not work well pockets of parish - by ANDY again. Won’t you under tight energy supply condi - ioners in Greece and DABILIS help?” tions. Presently and for the next the United States, Here’s what five years, electricity supply in the Administration Special to your investment the Balkans is expected to be in - of Prime Minister The National Herald will buy you: adequate to satisfy peak demand. George Papandreou, • 50 euros – Delays in the implementation of Greece is a country that still relies on coal-fired plants for much of is energy, but is increasingly so strapped for cash it’s thinking One coffee in Kolonaki for two key projects such as Belene (in looking toward alternative sources, such as wind and more solar parks in the works. of creating a 900-phone line Members of Parliament or a mas - Bulgaria) and Kosovo have where, for only $2 a minute you sage for a priest who’s been de - changed the situation from sup - minimum acceptable return on methodology), but not tariff-set - its imperfections, it has con - can call and talk dirty to sex prived of carnal pleasures, except ply-rich to supply-constrained, investment (ROI), which is es - ting. Long-term, this will be tributed significantly to the coun - bomb Julia Alexandratou (they for the occasional altar boy or 14- and the situation is not expected tablished by each investor. Shift - much better for politicians too, try’s economic development, it gave her a script only to find she year-old nuns to change overnight, as you can ing risks to market players who as they will not be blamed for provides cheap electricity and can’t read, but she can say, “Yes, • 500 euros – lunch for two not build power plants in a few are not in the best position to increasing energy prices, some - with some improvements, it Yes, Oh God Yes!” just fine, Members of Parliament in Kolon - months. Under the circum - control them increases further thing they cannot control any - could and should play a very im - which pleased a lot of fantasiz - aki stances, prices have the potential the minimum acceptable ROI. way. portant role in the regional en - ing priests and earned her an of - • 1000 euros – dinner for two to increase substantially, as was My estimate is that presently pri - PPC, Greece’s power generat - ergy market. ficial Church imprimatur) - or, Members of Parliament in Kolon - the case with California in 2000- vate investors will not accept ing company should be free of So, let’s address first the key if you prefer, you can have a de - aki (not including the tip but 2001 when wholesale prices in - ROI’s less than 20-30% in political interference, be man - issues facing the energy market bate with Deputy Prime Minister don’t worry, they don’t leave any) creased by more than 800%. Greece. This does not compare aged by a competent team and right now before rushing to full Theodoros Pangalos, who never • 1500 euros – A month’s rent Also, we should remember that favorably with the typical 3-5% strive to improve its cost-effec - unbundling and privatization. saw a fight he wished he hadn’t for a politician’s yacht in Glyfada energy supply is easy to manipu - return on assets, which is ex - tiveness. While every govern - Let’s take important steps in the started and is famous for telling • 10,000 euros – A week in late (who is going to challenge a pected in a well-regulated public ment would claim that it does right direction by building-up en - Papandreou, “If I want your Monte Carlo for a politician power plant owner who claims power market. So, a liberalized not interfere with PPC, there are ergy supply, improving the coun - opinion, I’ll give it to you,” - the who’s exhausted from cutting the that his/her plant is not available market will have a much higher numerous examples (ranging try’s risk profile and reforming government is going to issue Di - wages of workers and benefits for technical reasons?) and if risk premium in the tariff than a from personnel appointments to the key institutions to play the aspora Bonds, just like U.S. War for pensioners market manipulation was easy in regulated market. implementation of specific pro - appropriate role in a well-struc - Bonds during World War II, ask - Won’t you please look into California (a State famous for its I am not advocating the con - jects) suggesting the opposite. tured and well-functioning en - ing Greek Americans and those your bleeding heart and give un - technological competency, law- tinuing involvementthat of only Often, government-appointed ergy market. Such actions will around the world to loan money til it hurts? Greece needs you in abiding institutions and sophisti - public sector enterprises; in fact, management is not really quali - make it easier to transition to a to Greece with the promise that her darkest hour. cated financial system), imagine it is very obvious that the private fied to manage PPC as a modern fully competitive (regional) mar - in some years from now (about Respectfully Yours, what is possible in the Balkans. sector needs to participate. How - power company; also, staff ap - ket and will contribute to 100) you can present the piece Ernestos Bilkos So, Greece’s market liberalization ever, the transition from verti - pointments are driven by fa - Greece’s long-term economic re - Greek Prime Minister George should take into account the en - cally integrated public sector to voritism. As a result, PPC em - covery. The slowly developing re - Papandreou, has who secretly ergy supply-demand situation in a more liberalized market should ploys many more people than it gional market (in the Balkans) abdicated and left the govern - the region, the liberalization of follow rational steps. In design - needs, not to mention that there gives Greece some breathing ment in the hands of the Euro - the markets in neighboring coun - ing a well-functioning energy is a lot of dead wood, too. A room to prepare better. pean Union and International tries and the institutional capac - market, we need to firstbuild up benchmarking comparing PPC to Monetary Fund, signed off on ity of the country. Right now, it is adequate supply, improve the other similar power companies Stratos Tavoulareas, of Energy the Diaspora Bonds scam, uh, not time for experiments. risk profile of the country and around the world will be most Technologies Enterprises of investment scheme, hoping Under the present circum - limit political interference on revealing. (A few months ago, I McLean, Virginia, is also a con - Greeks around the world would stances, risk management con - RAE and PPC operations. On the participated in benchmarking a sultant on energy, environ - respond to the tug in their heart siderations favor energy sector latter: the regulator (RAE) power company of another coun - mental and economic issues. and not the pain in their stom - regulation. Risks (of all types) should be free of any political in - try in which we included PPC; http://www.stratostavoulareas.bl ach every time they hear of an - find their way into electricity terference, should employ well- they did not look good!) So, PPC ogspot.com/ other scandal in which a priest prices, eventually paid by the qualified experts and be respon - could improve significantly its Disclaimer: or politician or business execu - consumers. So, how the various sible for tariff setting. Changing cost-effectiveness and competi - References to competent tive has absconded with all the risks are managed crucial. The RAE staff by each newly ap - tiveness, if politicians do not in - staff/management for RAE and money left in the treasury. So country’s risk profile (reflecting pointed government does not terfere in its operation and a PPC is not meant to reflect my won’t you please send your re - Byzantine bureaucracy, corrup - send the right signal to the mar - world-class management team opinion about the present staff tirement monies, break open tion, limited ability of consumers ket and needs to be avoided. leads the organization. of these organizations. My Americans rallied around the your kid’s piggy banks, rob a to pay, weakness of legal, finan - Also, tariff setting should be the A few more words on PPC: it intent is to emphasize the need cause in WWII, but Greece's convenience store or gasoline cial and regulatory institutions, responsibility of RAE. The Min - is a very important institution in for competency in general and enemy is itself. station, or take your children’s etc.), as well as the project-spe - istry’s role should be policy set - Greece, which is worth strength - always, independently of who is college fund or your retirement cific risks, are all factored into a ting (including approval of tariff ening, not demolishing. With all in government each time. of paper and get your money money and send it to Greece. back with interest, and, if you The FBI, though, has recom - believe that, I’ve got a bridge in mended you put red dye in the Brooklyn I’d like to sell you. Fi - envelope or take a picture of the nance Minister George Papacon - money because you will never stantinou, whose last gig was see it again. By the way, anybody running a Three-Card Monte know what happened to the scam near the tourist traps in money that was donated by Thissio and Monastiraki, said, Greek Americans and the Dis - “We will mainly address Greeks apora last year when they fell in Europe, the US, Australia, for this Ponzi scheme? You’re go - etc., while the interest will be ing to send money to people lower than current market who’ve spent it on themselves rates,” knowing full-well that the like drunken sailors for almost Diaspora is a sucker’s bet be - 40 years? Elena Argyros of As - cause the real Greeks – who re - toria, N.Y., put it best in a video ally love Greece – don’t live in on Bloomberg news agency. “I Greece and will do just about know if my neighbor needs anything to preserve their fan - money I’ll go and give money to tasyland image of what they them. But to the government, wish Greece could be, even if no, I don’t trust them.” Better they’re about 2,500 years behind off calling them P.T. Barnum the times. But just to make sure, bonds. A Business Week report Greece has farmed out the pitch showed there’s plenty of takers. to Nigerians who know how to Nina Vacratsis, who left Greece get money out of just about any - 65 years ago and lives in Sarnia, body except Jack Benny, al - Ontario, one of about 11 million though they’ve subcontracted to people in the Diaspora of Greek a clever (poneeros) Greek ghost descent – equal to the popula - writer. So if you have any Greek tion of Greece – “The U.S. had blood in you at all (transfusions war bonds people bought to help count) you’ll be getting a letter the country when it was at war and an email from the Greek so in a way this is an economic government with the subject line war Greece is fighting right now. – GREEK DIASPORA BONDS – If in a small way I can help at NOT A SCAM! – that goes some - this point then sure, why not?” thing like this: If you insist on having the “As a Greek (American-Aus - word “Sucker” painted on your tralian-African, etc.) I write you forehead to make it easier for in respect. I work in the credit Greek officials to find and fleece and accounts department of the you, and you give them your Chigouni Bank of Athens on be - money, please be advised they half of the Greek government, are like those TV evangelists who which has authorized this plea, don’t pass it on directly to God and your dear aunt (fill in the or poor people, but to them - name) who died tragically last selves. What you’ll get is a pretty week, uttering her last words: piece of paper worth less than a ‘Please send money to Greece… roll of Charmin, and unsuitable ..’ She knew well that the moth - for framing. erland-fatherland-fantasyland Nikolaos Skinitis, a ship bro - was in peril and needed the help ker living in London, who heads of those who are Greeks wher - the World Council of Hellenes ever they are in the world, who Abroad for Europe, and who can bleed the blue-and-white of the afford to lose money, said, “Most Greek flag and understand that of the Greeks living abroad are unless Greece raises $1 trillion in following the market and they the next year that it will have to know what they have to do. In - merge with Turkey and kiss the stead of investing somewhere boots of German Chancellor An - else I’m sure they’d prefer to in - gela Merkel after booting out the vest in the bonds that the Greek despised Nazis in World War II. government issued for that par - Do you want that, to see your ticular purpose.” Or, if you’re dear Greece humiliated? No, I near the Chrysovalantou think not, so we’re asking you to monastery in Astoria, N.Y. go in - buy Diaspora Bonds, to invest in side and pick up a bag containing the country of your heart, in re - $250,000 in cash that reportedly turn for which you will be paid was left behind by a bishop in a interest at the rate of hurry to get out of town and .00000000000001 percent in the send it to Andy Dabilis c/o The year 2050, or when hell freezes National Herald, Democritou 1, over or the Chicago Cubs win the Athens, Greece and I will per - World Series, whichever comes sonally deliver it to the proper sooner.” In the last 60 years, Jews authorities, after a small admin - of the Diaspora have contributed istrative fee, just like the Greek $25 billion for their heritage, al - government does. They’ll give though still perplexed by the idea you all their interest – just no of free ham. Won’t you please in - money. vest in Greece so that pensioners can buy souvlakis instead of dog [email protected] 14 THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 5-11, 2011 H E B S A T S O K : O T O H P ©

Congratulations

to GUS ANTONOPOULOS for his caring, dedication and devotion to improving the lives of others and for his commitment to community service.

Fred Friedman