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The National Herald Greek American Scientists A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. tudy hard, and overwhelming odds. Sev- (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), identify early eral of the scientists we fea- reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest your passion ture today came from humble to the Greek American community of the United States of America. and talents beginnings in Greece or Publisher-Editor and focus on Cyprus. Quite a few faced the Antonis H. Diamataris “Sthem like a laser beam. If you ravages of World War II and do that, you will one day be the Civil War in Greece. Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos rewarded with an occupation They had to leave their that you love, and you will en- families in the old country to Special Section Managing Editor joy the benefits of being good make a new life in the United Elaine Thomopoulos at it. Always operate under States, but they did not forget Production Manager ethical rules and family val- their roots. They speak of the Chrysoula Karametros ues. And if you are Greek, re- inspiration they get from the 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 member your heritage! If you classics and ancient Greek civ- Tel: (718)784-5255, are not, become one. We wel- ilization. The scientists, even Fax: (718)472-0510, come you! Young people those born in America, have e-mail: [email protected] should study the classics and returned to Greece or Cyprus, www.thenationalherald.com learn about the Greek civiliza- not just for a visit but also to Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece tion.” use their knowledge to enrich Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, These are the words of K.C. their “patrida.” e-mail: [email protected] Nicolaou, world-renowned chemist. Each of the sci- We are privileged to have the opportunity to Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $59.85, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $19.95, 1 month $9.95. entists we feature in this issue were guided by these showcase them and present this section as a service Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $80.00, 6 months $43.99, 3 months $29.99, 1 month $12.95. same principals. That and the support of family to the readers of The National Herald. Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania & Washington DC: 1 year $99.00, 6 months $51.75, 3 months $37.45, 1 month $15.95 around them enabled them to accomplish Herculean Elaine Thomopoulos On line subscription: Non subscribers: 1 year $29.95, 1 month $3.95; tasks in their respective fields. Managing Editor Subscribers: 1 year $19.95, 1 month $1.95 I am amazed at the positive outlook they have on “Greek American Scientists” life, embracing it, even when faced with difficulties Email: [email protected]

79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst NY 11373 (718) 334-4000 nyc.gov/elmhursthospital THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 3 Constantine A. Balanis: The New Prometheus

By Mark N. Lardas the chance. Special to The National Herald Constantine Balanis relates: “I lived for many years as part of their onstantine A. Balanis, an family. When I came to the U.S., I expert in antenna technol- started attending high school a ogy, has had a profound week or so after my arrival, while Ceffect on our lives. Feel working for my uncle’s clothing like talking to Thia Marika? Even business in the late afternoons, though she is in Karitina, Greece, evenings and weekends. Because I and you are in Rochester, New did not speak English when I came York, you can pick up the phone to the U.S., I spent a lot of time in and call. You may call on your cell the high school classes listening. I phone – it has better long distance started regular classes in the fall rates. We do not think about how 1955, and I graduated in 1958. I remarkable it really is. stayed one extra year in high Like Prometheus plucking fire school to learn English better.” from the Gods, antennas pluck sig- After high school, Balanis had nals from the air. That low-cost no real plans to attend college. He connection to Greece depends up- wanted to work, to help his family on antennas. Even when using back in Greece. His uncle prodded your landline, you go through an- him into finishing his education. In tennas. Most international phone 1960 he entered Virginia Tech and calls now travel via communica- majored in mathematics, which he tions satellites. Communications loved. He soon realized that em- requires sophisticated antennas ployment opportunities were bet- both in space and on the ground. ter for engineers, so he transferred We use wireless communica- into the Electrical Engineering De- tions each day. Wireless computer partment. It is one of the most networks, satellite radio, even that mathematical engineering disci- toll-road pass card mounted on plines. your windshield, use antennas. In his junior year he discovered Modern telecommunications is an antennas. “I took some technical everyday miracle. electives. One that piqued my in- Much of today’s antenna tech- terest was on microwaves. It was nology owes its existence to Con- closely related to antennas and stantine A. Balanis, who emigrated electromagnetics in general. At from Greece in 1955. Few people that time Virginia Tech did not outside his field may have heard of teach a class on antennas. I started him. Yet he has touched all of our working at NASA, Langley Re- lives for the better. search Center, in Virginia. I was as- His influence extends beyond signed to a group working in mi- his own work. For 25 years, his crowaves. I worked in microwaves book, “Antenna Theory: Analysis for about two years, including do- and Design” has been the standard ing my Master’s thesis. I decided to textbook on antennas in engineer- pursue a Ph.D., at Ohio State Uni- ing colleges throughout the United versity, the leading university in States and the world. Through that Antennas. I pursued my disserta- book, virtually every antenna de- tion research in Antennas.” sign of the last two decades is the Why antennas? “Antennas are fruit of his knowledge. He has been the eyes and ears of electronic a modern Prometheus, bringing a communication systems. A human gift of knowledge. can have the best brain in the Balanis is an improbable world but the success often de- Prometheus. He was born in pends on good eyesight and good Trikala, Thessalias, in 1938. His hearing. The same is true in wire- earliest childhood memories are of less communication systems. They war – World War II, and the long must employ antennas. Their per- years of the Greek Civil War, from formance and success depends on 1946 to 1949. PHOTO BY JOHN C. PHILLIPS. COURTESY OF ASU RESEARCH MAGAZINE the design of good antennas.” Of World War II, Balanis relates, Constantine Balanis holds an experimental model of a Smart Antenna in the ElectroMagnetic Anechoic Balanis was at the right place at “Some Italians came to our house Chamber at Arizona State University (ASU). He has taught at ASU for the last 24 years, where he is now the right time to make a major dif- in the village in the valley. We also Regents’ Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. Balanis was instrumental in developing ference. During the 1960s, antenna had a donkey. The Italians took the the Smart Antenna, an array of antenna elements, which adaptively are constantly changing design was an art. The mathemat- donkey. When Papou came home, radiation/reception to maximize the users' signal strength while minimizing interference. ics required to design an antenna we told him that Italians took the were too complex to solve on a donkey. We went to visit the Ital- War were darker, “During the ki, the guerrillas had come into Royal Palace. They executed him. slide rule, and computers were still ians who had camped near the rail- nights, my father, oldest brother town and camped around the My uncle was devastated to have new. road station. My papou told them and two oldest sisters would go church property. They took some lost his best friend.” The 1970s saw the start of a pe- that they could come and take the and hide in holes covered with people from my village, some of In 1955, Arthur Balanis, a pater- riod when computing power grew entire house but needed the don- branches because they were afraid whom they executed. One was a nal uncle who had settled in New- explosively. Balanis had the tools key. The Italians gave us back the that the guerrillas would come to young man who had served at the port News, Virginia, offered to host needed to help transform antenna donkey.” the house and take them. One sum- same time with my mother’s the teenaged Kostas (as his family His memories of the Greek Civil mer, up in the mountains, in Gardi- younger brother, as evzones at the and friends call him). He grabbed Continued on page 4 4 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 Constantine A. Balanis: The New Prometheus

Continued from page 3 1991 – when his knees forced him to stop – he ran nearly 30,000 analysis and design into a science. miles, more than a trip around the You could develop the equations to world. Slowed down by knee predict what it would do, and then surgery, he now walks for exercise. develop a computer program to He is also a passionate golfer. “It model it. is a game that can be played basi- Between receiving his baccalau- cally at any age and physical size, reate degree and his masters and and it gives me the opportunity to doctorate he worked at NASA. He enjoy nature and fellowship with helped on the development of an- friends and fellow golfers,” says tenna designs used both on space Balanis. probes and to track and to commu- So what does the future hold for nicate with them. He helped design Kostas? antennas used by NASA’s Deep He plans to work while his Space Network. health holds out, and he is still pro- These are used both to track and ductive. Work is still fun. Every communicate with spacecraft. They year brings a new challenge. Right tracked the early manned missions. now, he is intrigued by meta-mate- The television pictures sent from rials and is studying the challenges the Moon during Apollo 11 were offered by smart antennas. sent through these antennas. Today Balanis explains: “Meta-materi- they communicate with distant als are artificial materials that imi- space probes. They can capture a tate perfect magnetic conductors. signal sent from beyond Pluto. They do not exist in nature. Yet Shortly after becoming a Ph.D., their use promises significant im- in 1969, he became a professor, provement in antenna perfor- first in the Department of Electrical CHESWICK PHOTOGRAPHY mance.” Engineering at the University of Dr. Constantine Balanis is shown with his wife, daughters and son-in-law at his daughter's wedding in “Smart is the term used to de- West Virginia. Since 1983 he 2006. From left to right are Constantine Balanis, Helen Jovaras Balanis, Stephanie A. Coumas (nee Bala- scribe continuously-adapting an- taught at Arizona State University, nis), Bill Coumas and Erini C. Balanis. tennas. They are an array of anten- in Tempe, Arizona. For the last na elements, which adaptively are 16years he had been Regents' Pro- travel is work related – attending Ancient Greeks held that one way. So, when I came to the U.S., I constantly changing radiation/re- fessor in the Department of Electri- this year’s conferences and lectur- must balance the arts of the mind was very much fascinated and at- ception to maximize the users' sig- cal Engineering. ing in Greece, Hawaii, Taiwan, with physical prowess. Constantine tracted by baseball.” When asked nal strength while minimizing in- His influence in the field of an- Croatia and Brazil. He now visits Balanis follows that precept. He is to name three people from the past terference. It is a cross between an- tenna design is global. “Antenna Greece regularly, as much for plea- a sports enthusiast. “I always had whom he would like to meet, child- tenna design and computer pro- Theory: Analysis and Design” had sure, to touch base with his roots an interest in sports, although I did hood hero Mickey Mantle was one. gramming, because they use digital been published in four languages and visit family, as to exchange not have the physical ability or He was an avid jogger when he signal processing. besides English. The list includes a knowledge with Greek colleagues. time to play any of them in a big was younger. Between 1968 and “Smart antennas can increase version in his native Greek, as well system capacity in congested areas as Chinese, Korean and Portuguese and increase the range a signal can editions. It is the standard antenna be captured.” textbook in the U. S. and is used by So what is Balanis’ view of life? engineering students throughout The National Herald asked him. the world. TNH: Who were the major influ- Balanis has written three other ences in your life as you were books, contributed chapters to an growing up? additional nine books, as well as CB: First and foremost, my par- authoring or co-authoring 125 ents who were very hard working technical papers on antennas. His people. They believed very much in writing is not exclusively for a the values of life and lived accord- technical audience. He wrote the ingly, even though they had a large article on antennas for the Encarta family. My father was very much Encyclopedia. pro education and wanted his chil- In 2004, the Aristotle University dren to get good education and be of Thessaloniki honored its native good citizens. My oldest brother son, Constantine A. Balanis, with became a medical doctor and my an honorary doctorate for contri- youngest brother an attorney. butions to electromagnetic educa- My life, especially in my first 10- tion and research. The honor was a 15 years in the U.S., was very source of intense satisfaction. It re- much influenced by my Uncle flects how he has kept touch with Arthur Balanis and Aunt Ethel Bal- Greece, professionally as well as anis. If it were not for them to in- personally. vite and sponsor me to the U.S., I Although Balanis works hard, do not know what path my life his work is only one aspect of his would have taken. My uncle, like life. He is a devoted husband to his my father, was very much pro-edu- wife, Helen Jovaras Balanis, and cation. That is why he wanted me, has two daughters. Both are now BALANIS PHOTO as soon as I came to the U.S., to at- adults, but neither followed fa- Constantine Balanis left Piraeus, Greece as a teenager aboard the Nea Ellas, Androu on March 5, 1955, tend high school, even though I did ther’s footsteps into engineering. arriving in New York (Manhattan) on March 20, 1955 to join his aunt and uncle in Newport News, Vir- not speak English. He enjoys travel, too. Some ginia. TNH: How do you feel your THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 5

Greek heritage has affected your life? CB: Greeks have a lot of history UNIVERSITY ORTHOPEDICS in philosophy, arts and sciences. Greeks have excellent work ethics and have been most successful in OF NEW YORK, PLLC all areas of endeavor. Greeks are family oriented people with affec- tion and commitment toward their loved ones and with deep convic- DOCTORS tions and long standing traditions in religion, language, and culture. So, I tried to continue, hopefully STEVEN TOULIOPOULOS, M.D. even advance, the legacy of our ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, SPORTS MEDICINE forefathers. Obviously we must BOARD CERTIFIED have inherited some of their genes. TNH: What is the best part ANDREW MEROLA, M.D. about being Greek? CB: I am very proud being part ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, SPINE SURGERY of a culture that has a history un- BOARD CERTIFIED paralleled by any other nationality in all areas of endeavor: philoso- BARRY M. KATZMAN, M.D. phy, arts, sciences, religion, politics ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON and culture in general. Being HAND/MICROVASCULAR SURGERY Greek is something we all boast. We are very proud of our heritage SPORTS MEDICINE and what Greeks stand for and have accomplished in the past and CHARLES A. DEMARCO, M.D. present. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, SPORTS MEDICINE TNH: What is the best part BOARD CERTIFIED PHOTO BY ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI about being American? University Rector Ioannis Antonopoulos confers Constantine Balanis CB: Although Greece is my na- JOHN S. VLATTAS, M.D. (left) with an honorary doctorate from the Aristotle University of tive country, the USA is my adopt- PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION Thessaloniki on June 2, 2004. ed country. It is a country that gave me, and millions of other immi- BOARD CERTIFIED grants, opportunities that could not be offered by any other country YAKOV PERPER, M.D. in the world. It is a country that is PAIN MEDICINE PHYSICAL/ANESTHESIOLOGY governed by laws and justice, and BOARD CERTIFIED all people are treated equally. It is a privilege to have been given the KIOOMARS MOOSAZADEH, M.D. opportunity to come to this coun- PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION try and become one its citizens, and participate and contribute to ERICA PAPATHOMAS, D.P.M. its advancement. So, I am proud to say that I am an American citizen. PODIATRY TNH: What advice would you BOARD CERTIFIED offer anyone starting out in life to- day -- people in their late teens? CB: Very simple. Work hard and take advantage of opportunities. Opportunities cannot be created *** unless you try, and they do not come around very often. You will Astoria not succeed unless you try and 23-18 31st Street, Suite 210 work hard. As they say, “You can- Astoria, NY 11105 not win unless you play the game. I Tel.: (718) 777-1885 never imagined I would be a pro- fessor. It was not what I planned.” Fax: (718) 777-9613 TNH: We should all be glad that he did become a professor, where Manhattan he devoted himself to research, writing and teaching. Prometheus 36 7th Avenue, Suite 502 stole fire from the gods and a b NY, NY 10011 brought this gift to mankind. Bala- Tel.: (212) 924-6644 nis, a modern-day Prometheus, has Fax: (212) 924-9442 perfected antenna technology and brought us the gift of better com- munication. Brooklyn DAILY PRESS, NEWPORT NEWS, VA 808 8th Avenue Constantine Balanis (right) registers as a student at Newport News Mark Lardas, a Texan of Greek Brooklyn, NY 11215 High School, in Newport News, VA. on March 28, 1955. He is accom- descent, was born and grew up panied by his cousin, Priscilla A. Balanis Outland. To the left is Assis- in Ann Arbor, Michigan. An engi- Tel.: (718) 369-0003 tant Principal Mr. Thomas O. Keesee. Balanis says, “When I came to neer who works at a major aero- Fax: (718) 369-2740 the U.S., I started attending high school a week or so after my arrival, space company, he is also a free- while working for my uncle’s clothing business in the late after- lance writer, amateur historian noons, evenings and weekends.” and model-maker. 6 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 Nikolaos K. Robakis Explores Mysteries of Human Brain

By Penelope Karageorge 90 percent of A.D. cases are “spo- Special to The National Herald radic” rather than “familial,” and occur in older people, after 65 or alking with Dr. Nikolaos K. 70. “It afflicts a relatively large per- Robakis, a molecular biolo- centage of the elderly, like, 5, gist devoted to the study of sometimes 10 percent, and then af- Tthe human brain, is a ter age 90, it levels off. After 85, head-trip on many levels. He’s a the chances of getting the disease powerhouse of intellectual energy seem to decrease,” Robakis says. and wide-ranging knowledge, all “We know that there are both dispensed with spontaneous laugh- environmental and genetic factors; ter, which is, perhaps, an almost they interact. But it’s not one gene darkly humorous reaction to his – there are probably many genes – work. A scientist with large and se- they interact – and the environ- rious intent, he seeks to under- ment is important. Because ulti- stand one of man’s worst afflic- mately, we as human beings are tions, Alzheimer’s disease, the the result of the interaction be- most common cause of dementia in tween environmental and genetic the aged. factors. So there’s no question that Because of his important discov- the environment has a huge impact eries about A.D., the Mount Sinai on our brains.” School of Medicine endowed him The genetic or “familial” A.D. with the first A.P. Slaner Chair for afflicts the minority of sufferers, Alzheimer’s Disease Research. He only about 5 or 10 percent of the is also Director of the Center for cases. Statistically, offspring have a Molecular Biology and Genetics of 50 percent chance of inheriting the Neurodegeneration at New York’s familial kind, and the child will de- Mount Sinai Medical School. An- PENELOPE KARAGEORGE velop the disease at the same age other important honor bestowed Dr. Nikolaos Robakis, a molecular biologist and a leader in the effort to discover the causes and cures of as the parent, a grim timetable. on Robakis was a MERIT Award Alzheimer’s Disease, has won many scientific honors for his vigorous pursuit of A.D. Mount Sinai School “We know at least 200 forms of from the National Institute of of Medicine’s endowed him with the first A.P. Slaner Chair for Alzheimer’s Disease Research. Here Dr. mutation that cause the disease, Health for his Research on Aging. Robakis is seen in his office down the hall from his laboratory on the 22nd floor of Mount Sinai Hospital and each one has a specific date of In recognition of his outstanding and Medical School’s Annenberg Building in New York. onset and a specific cause. Some- achievement and continuing effort, times these mutations can cause the Hellenic Medical Association of States, earned a doctorate degree the disease at age 30. If the father New York presented him with the in molecular biology at NYU and had it at 40, and the daughter is Distinguished Scientist Award. did postdoctoral studies for three unfortunate enough to inherit the In a blue shirt with graying years in molecular biology and mi- gene from her father, she, too, will beard, he appears tanned and fit, crobiology. He began his career by develop it around age 40.” like the soccer player he once was, doing research at the New York Robakis explains that one can as he seeks to enlighten me, poised State Institute for Basic Research now do genetic screening for “fa- between a blackboard covered on neurodegenerative disorders milial” A.D.: “If a young woman is with undecipherable (to me) for- and Scrapie, similar to Bovine pregnant, she can learn if her mulas and a computer, in his office Spongiform Encephalopahty, also youngster will inherit the A.D. on the 22nd floor of the Annenberg known as “mad cow disease.” gene. She then has the option of Building. Robakis manifests a He then moved on to dedicate aborting the fetus and trying again, philosophical, Socratic bent, this himself to the investigation of or of doing in vitro fertilization, man who questions. Alzheimer’s disease at Mount testing the egg, and then planting “A.D. is a terrible disease, horri- Sinai. Robakis heads a team of sci- the egg if it is A.D. free. But this is ble,” Robakis emphasizes. “You entists hand-picked by himself, the only current method of elimi- lose yourself at the end. You don’t most of them from Greece. After nating the ‘bad gene.’ know who you are. From that point studying with him, many of them “Despite our breakthroughs, we of view, it’s good for the sufferer, will return to Greece to teach in know there are still a lot of things but it’s really horrible for the fami- universities or medical schools, fol- we do not know,” Robakis says. ly. Because these people near the lowing intense research into A.D. “We don’t really have good drugs, end need attention 24 hours a here. despite all the big efforts. But there day.” “Although Nixon declared war are breakthroughs being made by Through his research, Robakis on cancer in 1971, A.D. awareness other scientists. I mean, this is a was able to explain the origin and did not emerge until the late ’70s,” huge field. There are now literally the mechanism by which a hall- Robakis asserts. “And it will take thousands of scientists working in mark lesion of A.D. is formed. It’s Dr. Nikolaos Robakis, right, is seen at his laboratory at New York’s much longer to understand it, or this field. So all of us are hoping to called amyloid plaque, which is Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1998, with Dr. Spiros find good therapies for it than for make a contribution -- that’s our used today to characterize and di- Efthimiopoulos, assistant professor at the University of Athens, and cancer. Because it’s much more dream, to try to help. agnose all forms of the disorder. Dr. Maria Pereira, a professor at the City University of New York. complicated than cancer. Definite- ”There is lots of progress, and I This important breakthrough in the ly. All the drugs we have so far are think in the next five years to 10 understanding of Alzheimer’s dis- lead to abnormal production of a Robakis grew up in Messinia, marginal. But we’ll continue this years, we’ll see some good drugs ease could open new avenues of cellular molecule that’s important Greece, on the Peloponnesus. He struggle, and slowly, treatments coming out. If we can, for example, understanding of the causes of the for memory formation and func- majored in chemistry at the Uni- will come out. But it’s not going to delay the disease for five years, heartbreaking malady and help tion. Although the concepts might versity of Thessaloniki, then served be a magic bullet.” that would be a huge benefit. In- lead to the development of new be difficult for the layman to grasp, in the Greek army and studied in Scientists distinguish between stead of getting it at age 70, you therapeutics. they signal the possibility of one Germany for a year. After receiving “sporadic” and “familial” A.D., get it at 75. Think of the huge emo- He also showed that mutations day comprehending and alleviat- a scholarship from New York Uni- with less known about causes of tional benefit, as well as the cost of in a protein called presenilin can ing A.D. versity, he came to the United the former. According to Robakis, caring for the patient. I think A.D. THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 7 is going to be with us for a long have to wait for God to reveal it to time. It’s part of our cells. It’s part us. That, to me, is nonsense. Of of our makeup, and is it going to be course I’m much more fond of Aris- with us forever? Nobody knows.” totle who said, no, we can under- Is there any way for individuals stand the world through our to avoid developing Alzheimer’s? brains. According to Robakis, education “I would be delighted if I knew I does seem to make a difference. was immortal. It’s so nice, right!” Those with more education are less He laughs delightedly. “But there likely to develop it, but not by a isn’t the slightest shred of evi- huge percentage. “It’s what we call dence. So we don’t want to delude ‘use it or lose it.’ Using it somehow ourselves. Right?” helps. It’s important to be active. Just to hedge his bets, perhaps, But if you’re going to get it, there’s Robakis keeps a small icon of the very little way of avoiding it.” Virgin on the top of a bookshelf, A major part of his job involves and also displays small bust of pursuing grants and funding, in- Zeus. “That’s my favorite god, creasingly difficult with the U.S. Zeus. I like Zeus.” A sign on his of- government lending less support. fice wall proclaims: “You look like “At Mount Sinai, we have the Cen- you need a week in Greece.” ter for Alzheimer’s Disease Re- Dedicated to his work, Robakis search. And that’s funded by the brings the same spirit and zest to National Institute of Health. Most the business of living. Asked to of the basic research in the United pose for a photograph, Robakis States comes from the NIH and turns to the computer and enthusi- now because of the Iraq war, that astically calls up stunning pictures funding has been decreased. of his of his village, Finikounta, in “Only one in 10 scientific pro- Dr. Nikolaos Robakis stands with colleagues at the Sixth Annual Conference on Alzheimers Disease, Messinia, the house where he was posals are being funded now, and which took place in Amsterdam, Holland in 1998. According to Robakis, A.D. afflicts individuals in every born, and the house he has built. it’s terrible. It’s so tough. Research country and region of the globe, and the fight against it has become an international scientific effort. “Isn’t that gorgeous? You should is very expensive. You need to pay run a picture of that instead of me. the people who are doing the re- so if NIH has no money, we have no You can hear from my accent I was search. And you need all the med- money.” born and raised in Greece, and my ical equipment, and the materials, Robakis serves as an advisor to soul is Greek. I came here old, real- which are very expensive, so you NIH. “I go to Washington every two ly, at 26. I go back all the time. I’ve need grants. You don’t get them or three months, and I evaluate lived here for 30 years and never from the medical school. Most of other proposals and say whether left this area, because it’s so easy to the grant money comes from NIH, they’re good or not. Most of the hop to Greece.” proposals are good! But many of Robakis is married and the fa- the good proposals are not being ther of three daughters. Busy with funded because there’s no money. work and family, Robakis confess- So that’s how people could help, by es: “I don’t play golf but I do play pressing the government to give tavli. I go to the movies. I go to mu- more money to NIH.” seums. I go to the theatre a lot. I go The Niarchos Foundation has out with Greek friends.” He keeps proved extremely helpful to up with political developments in Robakis. “It has given me a very Greece, reading several newspa- nice grant, which turned out to be pers, and enjoys music, particular- very useful, and we have done ly Mozart, as well as “rebetica,” some good work with that. The and the work of Mikis Theodorakis Niarchos Foundation is doing mar- and Manos Hatzidakis. velous things, supporting medical As for “work,” Robakis says: research.” “There’s no such thing as a 9 to 5. I He leans forward to discuss A.D. In 2001, Dr. Nikolaos Robakis (in center with white shirt) posed with come in around 9:30 and leave in all its ramifications. “It’s an ex- the group working under his direction at New York’s Mount Sinai around 7:30, but even on vacation, citing frontier we’re on,” Robakis School of Medicine in the pursuit of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease I work. I go to the Internet and exclaims. “We’re very complicated They include three Greek scientists: Dr. Spiros Efthimiopoulos, cur- communicate with my people beings, and our brain has some- rently an associate professor at the University of Athens, and Drs. here.” Imbued with Greek philoso- thing like trillions of cells, and all Tassos Georgakopoulos and Apostolia Baki, both assistant professors phy and a brilliant, searching the cells cooperate and connect to at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. mind, Robakis continues his pur- each other, so it’s an incredibly suit of the causes and cures of one complicated system. Each neuron what we call “pnevma” in Greek – feelings, make him happy, make of mankind’s most persistent and itself is an incredibly complicated in other words, everything – they him love you, make him love some- elusive afflictions. DAPHNE ROBAKIS proposition. Its structure is amaz- are really the result of brain func- body else. How much more proof do Dr. Nikolaos Robakis, a leader in ing. So it’s easier to go to Mars tion which is, of course, a biologi- you need?” Robakis adds. Penelope Karageorge, a free- the battle against A.D., gazes out than to understand how a neuronal cal function.” “Meanwhile, we have no proof lance journalist and the author at the landscape of his native cell in our brain works.” So when the brain goes, that’s whatsoever that there is anything of two novels and a poetry col- Messinia, near Finikounda, in According to Robakis, this vastly it? after death. How did we pass from lection, “Red Lipstick and the 1994. “The view is absolutely complicated mechanism, the brain, “I think the majority of the scien- the wonderful Greek tradition of Wine-Dark Sea,” is currently de- gorgeous. Unfortunately, the area probably the most complex struc- tists today believe that. Of course, explaining the world through logic, veloping a film-script set in Lem- is expanding rapidly with new ture in the universe, is the seat of there are some scientists that be- to the tradition of accepting revela- nos, Greece, “Drinking the Sun.” buildings going up everywhere everything human. States the sci- lieve in soul and immortality, but to tion? Explaining the world not by She is also working on a new without a plan. I am afraid this entist: “We believe that psychiatric my knowledge, that’s a very small our brain, but what some higher novel and putting together a new may harm the charm of this bay. disorders all have biological sub- minority. Because you see, in prac- power would reveal to us? St. Paul poetry collection. Her short story But it is still extremely beautiful strates. In other words, they all tice, we give somebody a drug, was saying that the Greek philoso- “Reach Out and Touch Someone” and attracts big crowds from Eu- obey biological rules, and our which is a biological product, we phers were wrong, and we cannot appears in the current edition of rope and the rest of Greece.” thoughts, our souls, our spirits, can change his thoughts, change his really understand the world. We “Mouth Full of Bullets.” 8 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 Robert Ashford A Tale of Two Passions: Binary Economics and Music

By Aphrodite Matsakis cy, science, mathematics, art, law these’ in society.”(Venette Askounes Natural Science at the University of Special to The National Herald and politics is still felt today. This ap- Ashford is one of five Greek Ameri- South Florida. He was a pioneer and preciation gave me a sense of both can women featured in ‘Greek- internationally recognized expert in obert Ashford, professor of gratitude to the past and responsibil- American Pioneer Women of Illi- chemistry testing. law at Syracuse University, ity to the future. nois,’ edited by Elaine Thomopou- “How do you know?” Robert’s fa- is convinced that binary “Learning Greek with English as los, Arcadia Publications, Chicago, ther would frequently ask when Reconomics can help rid the a child gave me bi-lingual capacity IL 2000.) Robert offered his opinion on a par- world of the economic fears and in- that has enhanced my understand- From his father, Robert learned a ticular subject. With this kind of equities that contribute to violence ing of language and my vocabulary. deep commitment to Greek ideals of questioning, his father taught him and suffering. Binary economics, My musical compositions are influ- rigorous thinking, intellectual hon- the importance of rigorous, scientific however, is not just another Robin enced by the rich melodic quality of esty, excellence, virtue and social re- thinking, of identifying the contra- Hood type economic redistribution Greek music; and the Greek commit- sponsibility. Born Theodore Ask- dictions and unproven assumptions theory where the rich are somehow ment to education, excellence, fami- ounes, Robert’s father came to underlying theories, and of thinking forced to share their wealth with the ly and ‘philotimo’ has enriched my America in the early 1920s at the beyond the mainstream. He also less fortunate. Rather, it involves es- life in innumerable ways.” age of 14. He waited on tables, sup- credits his father for teaching him tablishing “win-win” economic Robert Ashford’s heart and mind ported a family of seven in Greece, the importance of devoting himself Robert Ashford is a professor of arrangements that enable everyone were influenced by his parents. His learned English from reading news- to lasting worthy activities that law at Syracuse University and to prosper – the middle class and the father’s commitment to intellectual papers and worked his way through would bring honor to the family and co-author of the book "Binary poor, as well as the rich. honesty, continual striving for excel- school. Within 10 years he was to the Greek heritage. The youngest Economics." Ashford not only is passionate lence, high ideals and lasting value teaching chemistry as a substitute of three sons, Robert also learned about binary economics but also to society, and his mother’s great teacher in Chicago’s public high precociously from his older brothers, moral problem in just looking out demonstrates a passion for music. love music and compassion for the schools -- although he himself was Nicholas and Theodore, who ex- for myself and my immediate family He is an accomplished musician downtrodden have inspired him never able to attend high school. celled in school and music and and not devoting myself to work to whose classical compositions are throughout his life. He carries their During the Great Depression, after strove for excellence in whatever discover something better for people aired on classical radio stations passion, vision and dedication daily obtaining his Ph.D. in chemistry they did. less fortunate.” throughout the country. in the work he does. from the University of Chicago, he His mother taught him to be a Robert Ashford’s passion for Ashford graduated summa cum Both were involved in helping found he had to change his name in humanitarian. He says, “My mother more equal economic opportunity laude with dual majors in physics victims of the wars and turmoil in order find a job. He looked in the was a woman of great and deep feel- has led him to become a leading aca- and English literature from the Uni- Greece and Cyprus. Robert Ashford’s telephone directory under the “As” ing and compassion. She had an im- demic authority on “binary econom- versity of South Florida and cum mother, Venette Tomaras Askounes and chose the name “Ashford” and mense heart and was always con- ics” – a unique market-based ap- laude from Harvard Law School. He Ashford, a distinguished social became known as “Dr. Theodore cerned about ‘the least of these’ in proach to alleviating poverty, help- was also a Woodrow Wilson Fellow worker, helped thousands immi- Askounes Ashford.” society. Her commitment to help the ing working people, and promoting at Stanford University. Before begin- grate to the U.S. Ashford says, “My Theodore Ashford became pro- disadvantaged made it difficult for widespread, environmentally friend- ning his teaching career, he prac- mother was a woman of great and fessor of chemistry at the University me to accept the notion that main- ly economic prosperity. First ad- ticed law in San Francisco where he deep feeling and compassion. She of Chicago and then at Washington stream economic theory was good vanced by Louis Kelso and Mortimer was associated with prestigious firm had an immense heart and was al- University in St. Louis, Missouri. He enough as long as I was well off or to Adler in 1958 in “The Capitalist of Morrison and Foerster and was ways concerned about ‘the least of later became the founding dean of accept the notion that there was no Manifesto,” the binary approach fo- later a member in the firm of Kelso, cuses on broadening capital owner- Ashford and Ludwig. He also served ship by broadening “the right to ac- as chief operating officer and gener- quire capital with the earnings of al counsel for the investment-bank- capital.” The “binary” in binary eco- ing firm of Kelso & Co. At Syracuse nomics refers to the two ways of University his subjects include cor- earning income: by laboring and by porate law, professional responsibili- owning capital (defined by Kelso as ty and binary economics. The arti- anything non-human contributing cles and book chapters, which he to the production of marketable has authored or co-authored on top- goods and services, including tools, ics ranging from implied liability, machines, land, structures, systems professional responsibility, utility and patents). regulation, securities regulation, Binary economics does not in- and socio-economics to tax and volve redistribution of wealth. It workers compensation, have been achieves its benefits by expanding, cited by numerous state and federal deepening and fortifying the institu- courts, including the U.S. Supreme tion of private property and by open- Court. His book, “Binary Economics: ing the capital markets to make The New Paradigm,” coauthored by them more inclusive and competi- Rodney Shakespeare of London, is tive. It reveals ways that will enable available from University Press of middle-class and poor people to ac- America and amazon.com. His arti- quire capital with the earnings of cles on binary economics can be capital. It predicts that the process of downloaded for free from the web- broadening ownership will promote site ssrn.com. growing prosperity for all. Accord- When asked about the impact of ing to binary economics, extending his Greek background on his life, PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT ASHFORD (C) 2007 this right to all people will help un- Robert Ashford stated, “My Greek The Ashford Family is at their home in St. Louis, circa 1957. Left to right are: Nicholas, Robert, Venette, lock the full potential of an industri- background gave me a historical and Theodore Sr., and Theodore Junior. Robert and Nicholas Ashford credit much of their success to their par- al economy to profitably satisfy un- cultural appreciation of the contri- ents, who worked with dedication and compassion. Venette Ashford, a social worker who came to the U.S. met needs and desires. butions of my Greek ancestors to the when she was eight years old, helped thousands of immigrants in her work with the Immigrants Protective Ashford believes that binary eco- establishment of western civiliza- League in Chicago. Dr. Theodore Ashford, who emigrated from Greece when he was 13, received his Ph.D. in tion. Their contribution to democra- chemistry and became a professor at several prestigious universities, and later a dean of natural sciences. Continued on page 18 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 9 Prof’s Friendly Study Ignites Global Obesity Debate

By Terry Poulos could agitate already negative Special to The National Herald stereotypes about obese persons, and a select few believe that even any a parent insists suggesting friends weigh heavily that when it comes to on friends smacks of political in- raising children, “It correctness. After all, is it not Mtakes a ‘horio.’” So why enough to go through life being fat, would anyone wince at the sugges- only to then have it compounded tion friends influence our health? by feelings of guilt because your Certainly, almost all of us have condition is contagious? been out with friends when one Without doubt, a set percentage urges, “Let’s stop for gyros,” lead- of the population has little and ing you to utter those seven dread- sometimes next to zero influence ed words, “Can I steal some of your over their own physical composi- fries?” That’s only the tip of the ice- tion. They’re forever bound by ge- berg lettuce. netics or extenuating environmen- “What appears to be happening tal factors (e.g., injury-induced is that a person becoming obese sedentary lifestyle). A study pub- most likely causes a change of lished August 25, 2007 in New Sci- norms about what counts as an ap- entist magazine suggested that at propriate body size,” says Dr. least some cases of obesity are Nicholas Christakis of his new rooted in a virus. The friends study study on obesity via association. counters with “even infectious “People come to think that it is causes of obesity are conceivable.” okay to be bigger since those The friends study, while acknowl- around them are bigger, and this edging possible viral root causes, sensibility spreads.” appears to imply there is also po- This summer, Christakis, a Har- tential for vicarious contraction, vard University internist and social opposed to physical spread of obe- scientist, along with colleague Dr. sity. Medically speaking, this could James H. Fowler of the University ultimately prove to work in a simi- of California, San Diego, released lar fashion as the diagnosis of psy- the results of their groundbreaking chosomatic illness. Christakis ex- “friends study.” Not only have the pounded on that comparison by two considerably fattened the ante adding, “Both social and psycho- Dr. Nicholas Christakis, his wife Erica, and their children (left to right) Elen, Lysander and Sebastian, in on the obesity debate, they simul- logical contagion may work in par- 2006 enjoy the Acropolis. Christakis calls his wife Erika, to whom he has been married for 15 years, “my taneously created an entirely new allel.” best friend.” Erika, who was born in the U.S. and raised in Massachusetts, graduated Harvard University food group -- you! The study makes A timely example of how social with a degree in anthropology, trained in public health and is now an elementary school teacher. a solid, carefully crafted socio- and psychological forces can influ- medicinal argument that our ence health was sharply exhibited friends and other social contacts only weeks after the release of the could very well be contributing to friends study. Upon coming in close us becoming fat and generally not vicinity with what only a few spec- healthy or in shape and generally ulate even qualifies as a meteorite, healthy. After publication in the 600 Peruvians -- in unison -- swore SIMEON G. KOKKINAKIS, M.D. New England Journal of Medicine, they were experiencing symptoms the study quickly became a light- of a mysterious illness. Doctors and Obstetrics & Gynecology ning rod for controversy, spreading scientists overwhelmingly diag- like a raging virus and ignited nosed mass hysteria. healthy media frenzy. To learn more about how net- BOARD CERTIFIED “You aren’t what you eat,” be- works influence health, The Na- gan a July 27 editorial in the Chica- tional Herald gladly seized an op- go Sun-Times, which added, “And portunity to catch a few fleeting you’re not who you eat with, ei- moments via telephone with Chris- ther, despite what a new report on takis. He currently holds the titles obesity says.” Considering that of professor of sociology in the De- 9823 4th Avenue, time and again studies have shown partment of Sociology in the Har- Brooklyn, Ny 11209 weight control is mostly a product vard Faculty of Arts and Sciences of simple math -- calories in, calo- and professor of medical sociology ries out or muscle gain, muscle loss in the Department of Health Care 1855 Richmond Avenue, -- how can humans not be what we Policy at Harvard Medical School. eat? Feta and white bread, any- He is also an attending physician in Staten Island, NY 10314 one? the Department of Medicine at the Meanwhile, Wall Street Journal Harvard-affiliated Mt. Auburn Hos- editors, in an August 1st article, pital. Christakis has lectured across noted, “A new study says people the globe, including Greece, and Tel: (347) 745-2828 with heavy friends are at greater has served on the editorial board of risk of obesity themselves. Well, the British Medical Journal, among duh?” This conflicts with the Sun- others. His own academic creden- Times opinion. tials include a B.S. from Yale Uni- Critics of the friends study are versity, M.D., M.P.H. from Harvard, most likely fearful that plugging and Ph.D. in sociology from the Most insurances accepted By appointment only! people into the ‘influence equation’ University of Pennsylvania. Before 10 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 Harry C. Triandis, A Citizen of Humanity

By John P. Psiharis ject matter. The professor, Bob Special to The National Herald Joyner who had studied under not- ed psychologist Carl Rogers, gave ou can influence soci- the students a list of 200 books di- ety by discovering vided by the number of students in how and why hu- the class. “Rogers had the notion “Ymans tick,” says Har- that the way people should study ry Triandis. For some 50 years, he was to decide for themselves what has done just that. In the process, they wanted to learn.” he helped create and define a new Each student would read a se- genre in the field of psychology lection of books and provide a re- and received worldwide recogni- port on the subject matter. Triandis tion for his groundbreaking re- recalled, “It was a fascinating expe- search in the field of cultural psy- rience for me. We covered anthro- chology. pology, psychology and sociology A July 2007 visit to the Con- in that class.” In later years, Trian- gress of Interamerican Psychology dis would try to replicate that class in Mexico City illustrates the global structure to mixed results. “I tried recognition Triandis has achieved. to run a course like that myself. I Some 350 people, mostly from found that the motivated students Latin America but some from Eu- learned more but the rest just rope, Turkey and Samoa, attended coasted along.” a one-hour lecture by Triandis. Af- Soon, Triandis was enrolled in ter the lecture, more than 100 of Cornell University’s doctoral stud- those in attendance stood in line to ies program. To go to graduate pose for pictures and request auto- school Triandis needed undergrad- graphs. uate courses in psychology. So he Born in October 1926 in Patras, went back to McGill for one year to Greece, Triandis learned the secret take all the courses needed to get to success early on: a good educa- into graduate school. His thesis, tion and hard work. His passion for “Cognitive Similarity and Interper- his work elevated him to a position sonal Communication,” evaluated of worldwide prominence in acad- different ways to study how people emia and in the newly established think. In 1958, Triandis received discipline of cultural psychology. his doctorate in psychology from Triandis’ father had the difficult Cornell University in Ithaca, New post-war job of rationing gasoline York. and oil to the Greek military and Armed with his doctorate in the civilian population and in later psychology, Triandis first worked in years went on to serve as a heating industrial psychology and atti- and ventilation systems consulting tudes, both considered at the time engineer for the Polytechnio (Tech- to be “mainstream fields.” At the nical University of Athens). His suggestion of a colleague, a profes- grandfather, an industrialist, sor he had collaborated with in owned a mill and distributed Greece, Triandis accepted a posi- wheat throughout western Greece. tion at the University of Illinois In January 1948, at the age of Champaign-Urbana, gaining 21, Triandis left his native land to tenure three years later. He cur- move to Montreal, Canada and rently holds the title of professor study at McGill University. The emeritus. Polytechnio was still recovering His early work in what would from the after effects of the war. become the field of cultural psy- The poor conditions of the labs and chology was in the corporate physical plant led Triandis to con- world. Initially, he concentrated on tinue his studies thousands of C.Y.CHIU supervisor and subordinate inter- miles from home. Dr. Harry C. Triandis and wife Pola are with colleague Dr. C. Y. Chiu, professor of psychology at the Uni- actions and relationships. He noted “Odysseus Wandered for 10; I versity of Illinois. Triandis taught at the University of Illinois for 39 years. that when both the supervisor and Wandered for 50,” says Triandis subordinate thought in the same when speaking of the difficulties he tivist culture, people had fewer in- friends, even 50 years after leav- ing the best way to wrap soap,” Tri- way, they got along well. This was had in adjusting to a culture that dividual relationships; however ing. The contrast between Canada anidis recalls. Soon Triandis was to impacted by the culture that they was so different than the one in those relationships were much and Greece started me thinking find his niche. came from. The type of culture which he was raised. The differ- deeper in intensity and signifi- about cultural comparisons.” After pursuing a graduate de- with which we identify influences ences between Greece and Canada cance. He says, “In Montreal my From all appearances it seemed gree in commerce at the University much of the way we think. A col- were far greater than the change in friends talked to their parents once that Triandis would follow in his of Toronto, Triandis was intrigued lectivist culture considers the weather conditions (from a com- a month, while if I could have af- father’s path. Triandis received his by a course, Human Relations and group’s needs over those of the in- fortable 50 degrees in Greece to a forded it I would have talked to my undergraduate degree in engineer- Industry. “This class really fascinat- dividual’s. In contrast, an individu- frigid 10 below zero in Montreal). parents every day. In Montreal so- ing from McGill University in 1951. ed me. I realized that you can influ- alistic culture subordinates the Triandis contrasts the differences cial relations were fluid and quick For three years after graduation, ence society by discovering how group’s needs to those of the indi- in social relationships he encoun- changing; in Athens they were sta- Triandis worked as a methods engi- and why humans tick.” vidual. tered. In Montreal, an individualist ble and more or less unchanged. neer for Proctor and Gamble of Triandis recalls the structure of We are also influenced by how culture, people had many relation- Traces of allocentrism remain, so Canada. This was not what he the class. The class consisted of six “tight” or “loose” our culture is. An ships; however they were superfi- that when I go back to Athens, wanted. “I could not see myself students, who sat around in an in- example of a “tight” culture is the cial in nature. In Athens, a collec- each year, I spend time with my old spending the rest of my life study- formal setting to discuss the sub- Taliban. Followers may not listen THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 11 to music, watch television or even South America, Asia, Europe, have one daughter, Louisa. Prior to fly a kite. Violators are punished. A Africa and Australia. their marriage, Pola had worked loose culture, such as that in rural He served as a Distinguished for the World Bank, and after com- Thailand, exhibits a high degree of Fulbright Scholar in India and as a ing to Illinois she worked on an in- tolerance. “If you don’t do what Guggenheim Fellow. Other honors ternational relations extension pro- you should do they smile. Smiling include: Interamerican Society of gram at the University of Illinois. is a common response,” Triandis Psychology Award, Fellow of the The program featured prominent explains. American Association for the Ad- speakers including ambassadors The complexity of a society can vancement of Science, the Cattell who addressed such issues as Is- also influence one’s identity. For in- Award of the American Psychologi- raeli and Palestinian peace. Their stance a rural society is simpler cal Society, the Klineberg Award daughter, who earned a master’s than that of an urban area. and the American Psychological degree in social work, lives in the After publishing two papers Association’s Distinguished Contri- San Diego area and helps teachers dealing with cross-cultural issues, butions to International Psycholo- and parents of difficult children to Triandis was invited to collaborate gy Award. Despite these awards address behavior issues. They have on a project with the U.S. Navy. and key leadership roles in both two grandchildren. The early 1960’s project was spear- national and international organi- Triandis visits Greece annually. headed by then Chief of Naval Op- zations, Triandis is most proud that “I love the food and the country is eration Elmo R. Zumwalt who had the International Association for beautiful. There is a very emotion- made it a priority for “every sailor Cross-Cultural Psychology has es- al link between ancient, current to become an ambassador.” The re- tablished the Harry and Pola Trian- and the future of Greece.” He notes searchers identified what elements dis Award that honors the best dis- that Greece has become European of culture were most relevant and sertation in the field of cultural and American in nature since they worked to improve communica- psychology. joined the European Union. tions between Navy personnel and In the early 1990s cultural psy- He is now working on a new their hosts and to enhance leader- chology became popular. Triandis book entitled, “Fooling Ourselves,” ship behavior amongst naval per- recently described the now widely which elaborates on his views on sonnel. This project led the re- accepted definition of cultural psy- religion and culture as well as on searchers to develop a method of chology: “The systematic study of such current issues as terrorism cross-cultural training called cul- the behavior of humans in different and the war in Iraq. tural assimilators. cultures including emotions, val- Triandis used a sabbatical to ues, norms, relations and behav- John P. Psiharis is president of J. further explore the concept of cul- ior.” C.Y.CHIU Psiharis & Associates, Inc. and tural assimilators. In 1965 and He adds, “In principle all groups Harry C. Triandis’ book, “Culture and Social Behavior,” focuses on so- co-owner of Little Helpers, Inc. 1966, Triandis traveled to Hawaii, have a culture, even an organiza- cial behavior and culture’s influences on how people interact. Both are Chicago area business- Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thai- tion like IBM. All groups have at- es. He is a founder and former land, India, Iran, Israel, Greece, tributes of culture. If someone goes that show AIDS and cancer pa- values peace and notes, “There executive director of Greek- Germany, France and Belgium to into this group, he will have trou- tients who think they will live a were no religious wars for 1000 American Community Services discuss the project with potential ble adjusting unless he is tolerant, long time do indeed live longer. Al- years, when polytheism was preva- and a founding member of the collaborators. The end result, Triandis explains. Thus it is impor- though he usually attends church lent (what a contrast with today).” Greek American Rehabilitation which included data from Japan, tant to encourage greater toler- services only on holidays, his wife Triandis and Pola, his wife of 40 and Care Centre located in India, Greece and the United ance. “They may be different, but attends more frequently. Triandis years, who is of Serbian descent, Wheeling, Illinois. States, was published in his 1972 not bad.” book “The Analysis of Subjective Although mindful of his Hel- Culture.” lenic heritage, Triandis considers In this book, Triandis and his himself to be “cosmopolitan or be- collaborator Vasso Vassiliou solidi- longing to humanity rather than a fied their pioneering work in this culture or sub-group.” He attribut- HELLENIC MEDICAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK field. The results provided an op- es much of the success of Greek portunity to compare and contrast Americans to their emphasis on ed- 401 East 34 Street, New York, NY 10016 collectivist societies with those ucation and hard work. These val- Tel.: (212) 683-4447 • Fax: (212) 683-2592 considered to be individualistic. ues link with the ancient Greeks Website: www.hmsny.org ñ E-Mail: [email protected] “Greece was reasonably collec- who established academies and tivist. This was the first opportuni- started most of the fields in the arts ty to show what collectivist cul- and sciences. He believes that em- The Hellenic Medical Society tures are like compared to the U.S. phasizing these links to ancient which was individualistic.” The re- Greece is the best way to maintain of New York search led to Triandis receiving an our own cultural heritage. “When honorary degree from the Universi- people lose language and religion ty of Athens in 1987. their culture changes.” He adds, “If congratulates As the discipline of cultural psy- you learn the language and the an- chology evolved, so too did Trian- cient culture, you are Greek, re- the Greek-American Scientists dis’ depth of knowledge. The gardless of where you were born.” 1980s saw the evolution of cultural Triandis recognizes the impor- for their outstanding work in their field. psychology into its own discipline. tant role of the Greek Orthodox “I had started a new field. This was Church in our omogenia stating sort of a turning point, Triandis re- that religion is part of culture. calls. Up to 1980, most psycholo- “People need religion because it a b Now offering gists thought that what they dis- gives them the illusion that they covered applied in all cultures. Af- can control uncertainty. Humans ter 1980 they started researching can adjust to many things but not High School, College Awards how their findings are modified to lack of control. They are self-de- and from culture to culture.” Triandis ceptions. When you pray, it gives continued to elevate the impor- serenity. We need it (religion) but Medical School Scholarships tance of culture in society through it is an illusion.” He continues, “It research, teaching, publications is bad to fool ourselves too much and lectures throughout North and but a little is okay.” He sites studies 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 Nicholas Askounes Ashford: Educator, Public Advocate, Musician

By Aphrodite Matsakis sidered my father to be highly in- cerns, for example, is indoor air Special to The National Herald telligent, but all my grandfather pollution and how even low levels wanted was that my father be- of certain chemicals can have ad- y time on this comes a good waiter. When my fa- verse health effects. earth might be ther was 15, my grandfather went Ashford also authored a major limited,” says back to Greece and left my father work for the Ford Foundation, “Cri- “MNicholas Ask- alone in the United States to fend sis in the Workplace: Occupational ounes Ashford, his voice brimming for himself and to be the sole Disease” and co-authored four ad- with gratitude, “but I feel like I live breadwinner for the family,” recalls ditional books: “Public Participa- in several worlds at the same time Nicholas Ashford. tion in Contaminated Communi- – the world of science, of law, of “My father worked in the ties,” “Chemical Exposures: Low economics, of music and of the cul- restaurants and slept there in order Levels and High Stakes,” “Technol- tures that are available to me be- to save money on rent so he could ogy, Law and the Working Environ- cause of my knowledge of several send more money to his family in ment” and “Monitoring the Worker different languages: English, Greece. In spite of these hard con- for Exposure and Disease.” Greek, German, Dutch and some ditions, however, during his first His research interests also re- Italian as well.” 10 years in the U.S., my father flect his concern for the humane “And all these worlds matter to managed to complete the YMCA and environmentally sensitive de- me,” he adds emphatically. Excep- high school in three years, college velopment of science and technolo- tionally meaningful to Ashford are in three years and obtain a Ph.D. in gy. Among his research interest are the opportunities he has to com- chemistry from the University of regulatory law and economics; the bine his knowledge of these vari- Chicago. My father had no formal design of government policies for ous worlds to help science and English classes, no mentor and no encouraging both technological in- technology evolve in humane ways money, but he did have a mother novation and improvements in that help people and do not de- who prized education, an attitude health, safety and environmental stroy the environment and endan- that distinguished most Greeks quality; pollution prevention and ger public health. With both a from other rural peoples and ac- cleaner/inherently safer produc- Ph.D. in chemistry and a law de- counted for their amazing success tion; the effects of liability in im- gree from the University of Chica- in foreign lands. proving product and process safe- go, as well as graduate training in “Because of both my father’s ty; the consequences of low-level economics, Ashford has become a personal odyssey and because of exposure to chemicals; sustainabil- leader and educator in the area of his Greek culture,” Nicholas em- ity; trade and environment; labor’s environmental policy and sustain- phasizes, “in our family there were participation in technological able development on both a na- no such words as ‘I can’t do it.’ My change; and environmental justice. tional and international level. father’s insistence that nothing was He has developed methodologies Ashford finds excitement in his impossible had a profound effect for decision-making in the regula- multifaceted career, which he rel- on all of us. My father also believed tion of chemicals and has exten- ishes with a Zorba-like enthusiasm. that if someone had a talent, that sively investigated the effects of He is currently Professor of Tech- person owed it to society to devel- the regulation on technological in- nology and Policy at the Massachu- op that talent. Money and social novation in the chemical, pharma- setts Institute of Technology where status meant little to him. The ceutical and automobile industries. he teaches courses in Environmen- same was true of my mother.” His research activities include tal Law, Policy, and Economics; Mrs. Venette Ashford, who was work for the United Nations Envi- Law, Technology and Public Policy; born in the village of Filiatra, is of- ronment Programme, the OECD, and Sustainability, Trade and Envi- ten called the Jane Addams of the and the European Union, as well as ronment. He also holds adjunct Greeks. Nicholas Ashford notes for U.S. regulatory agencies and faculty positions at the Harvard that she helped over 5,000 Greeks the U.S. Office of Technology As- and Boston University Schools of emigrate to the United States. To- sessment. Public Health. In addition, he gether with her husband, she per- In the popular mind, music and teaches two intensive courses: one sonally sponsored hundreds of im- science are often viewed as being in Sustainable Development and migrants. But she did more than Dr. Nicholas Askounes Ashford, Professor of Technology and Policy at polar opposites. However research another in European and Interna- that. “She found them jobs, en- the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has become a leader and has shown that individuals with tional Environmental Law, not only couraged them to go to school, educator in the area of environmental policy and sustainable devel- high interest and aptitudes in sci- at Cambridge University, UK, but at helped them to obtain citizenship opment. He is also an accomplished musician. His new textbook, ence can also have high musical in- the Cyprus-Harvard Institute in En- and convinced them to help each “Environmental Law, Policy, and Economics: Reclaiming the Environ- terest and aptitudes as well. One vironmental Studies in Nicosia, other,” writes Nicholas Ashford in mental Agenda,” is scheduled to be released by MIT Press. reason for this may be that both Cyprus. This brings him much joy his biographical account of his music and science have an underly- and a deep sense of satisfaction. mother’s life (in “Greek-American moral fabric and economic condi- Reclaiming the Environmental ing sense of form and order. Since Cyprus is especially important Pioneer Women of Illinois,” Elaine tion and for the physical health Agenda,” is soon to be released by both music and science involve to Ashford. His parents were Thomopoulos, editor, Arcadia Pub- and safety of its citizens. This phi- MIT Press and another textbook, highly structured mental models, it founders and worked in the St. lishing, Chicago, IL 2000). Dr. and losophy finds expression in his nu- “Technology, Globalization, and should come as no surprise that Louis Justice for Cyprus Commit- Mrs. Ashford also adopted a Greek merous publications. To date, Ash- Sustainability,” is near completion. musical and scientific abilities of- tee. They also supported the Greek orphan, Maria Zabaka, who joined ford has published several hundred Prior to the next U.S. presidential ten go hand in hand. In college, War Relief effort and assisted dis- their family of three sons: articles in peer-reviewed journals election, Ashford plans to go on a Ashford was torn between becom- placed persons after the Second Nicholas, Theodore and Robert. and law reviews and 10 books, book tour, not so much to sell these ing a scientist and a professional World War. Nicholas’ Ashford’s professional many of which address the legal, books, but to make better known musician. He was such an excellent In the early 1920s, at the age of achievements clearly reflect his scientific and public policy issues the fact that many existing eco- oboe player that he was nominated 13, Nicholas’ father, the late Dr. family’s “can do” spirit and dedica- surrounding public health, the nomic development policies and for the Rhodes Scholarship to at- Theodore Askounes Ashford, emi- tion to social justice. He holds to preservation of the environment, practices pose serious threats to tend Oxford. (He wonders if per- grated from the village of Kastri, Jeffersonian ideals and that the and protection and fair treatment human life and to the future of the haps he was not chosen among the near Tripoli, to work with his fa- government and the business com- of workers. planet, and that industrial develop- other nominees because the British ther in the restaurants in Chicago. munity have an obligation to as- His new textbook, “Environ- ment must become more sustain- “My father’s teachers in Kastri con- sume responsibility for society’s mental Law, Policy, and Economics: able and equitable. One of his con- Continued on page 17 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 13 Andrew Maniotis: Healer, Heretic or Both?

By Robert Krause cally. You don’t have to hurt the pa- Special to The National Herald tient. We want to first test things on a large-bodied mammal, man’s best or a scientist deemed contro- friend. I got the idea from reading versial, Professor Andrew J. Pasteur. Dogs seem the way to go.” Maniotis has bonded with Maniotis’ presence has also Fprestigious colleagues grown publicly in the field of AIDS throughout his career. Still, he research. Again, his views are non- places himself dangerously out of traditional, though well researched. politically acceptable mainstream He became interested in the topic science. “I’ve been vehemently pur- while studying what were called the sued by a great faction of people in six AIDS defining cancers, a theory this country and elsewhere for my he disputes. Previously, if a person views on AIDS and cancer. I’ve had had Kaposi’s sarcoma, the patient my job threatened, but we’ll keep at would be diagnosed as having AIDS. it, as long as nobody shoots me in “Well, that’s what they said. It’s not the meantime.” He may be only half true at all. That was the dogma in kidding. the beginning. Kaposi has nothing to We spoke recently where he is do with HIV, because Kaposi lived presently working, serving as pro- 130 some years ago when he de- gram director in the Cell and Devel- scribed the disease. opmental Biology of Cancer, Depart- “They’re trying to pass off this im- ment of Pathology, Anatomy and mune suppression as a new disease. Cell Biology, and Bioengineering, in It’s essentially a redefinition of 48 the College of Medicine Research old diseases. This happens from Building at the University of Illinois time to time during medical history. at Chicago. He’s been there seven It happened with polio, which con- years. Maniotis received his doctor- stitutes dozens of syndromes diag- ate at the University of California at nosed as a single disease entity. Berkeley and completed a postdoc- “There’s this tendency for human toral fellowship at Harvard Universi- beings to have misplaced concrete- ty under Dr. Judah Folkman. ness when it comes to definitions of Although he is routinely linked ROBERTA DUPUIS-DEVLIN, UIC PHOTO diseases. ‘It’s one thing; it’s one with antagonists, he also enjoys stal- Dr. Andrew Maniotis has served as program director in the Cell and Developmental Biology of Cancer De- virus; it’s one bacteria; but it’s not. It wart support teams. At present, his partments of Pathology and Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago for the past seven doesn’t work that way. The body department is “rigorously working years. He is holding a tensegrity model of a cancer cell, which his bioengineering students at University doesn’t work that way. Populations on a hypothesis to see if we can’t of Illinois at Chicago made to predict the effects of various drugs on the DNA of the cells. don’t work that way. cure melanoma.” “It’s the same with AIDS. AIDS The research focuses on the out- “We know that cancer is re- in Greece, is set up dog trials. I think growth. He believes that this will has led to a very confusing era for side material of the tumor rather versible, and the cancer cells we put dogs are the way to go.” yield safe protocols for human trials. the past 25 years. than the gene. “Genes are irrelevant. in the embryos have all kinds of ge- Maniotis is proposing a novel ini- “The immune systems are very dif- “What I can tell you is there’s a Our recent paper presented evi- netic mutations that are lethal in an tiative for cancer study. Rather than ferent for a naturally occurring tu- lot of AIDS apologists, as they’re dence, which proved it’s the mi- adult, but they will be reversed implanting a tumor on a test animal, mor. Yet, it’s been hard work to get called, people that believe HIV caus- croenvironment controlling the when they’re put in the embryo. So creating an unnatural situation, he the mainstream protocol animal es AIDS. Yet, the introduction of the gene. Everybody thought it was the if it’s cause and effect you’re after, suggests using tumors developed care committees to get people to antiretrovirals killed about 380,000 other way around, that the genes it’s obviously the environment of the naturally by stray dogs, and then us- abandon their NIH funded ways of people due to their toxicity. The rea- controlled everything. We don’t be- cell and the genome, which is con- ing various means his lab has recent- looking at cancer. lieve it’s that way; we think it’s the trolling its expression and its behav- ly developed to try to reverse tumor “You don’t have to do things toxi- Continued on page 18 environment that controls the ior. Simple as that – it’s not rocket genes. We’ve proven it. We’ve shown science.” it. It was on the cover of the Ameri- Maniotis’ tone lets you know: he can Journal of Pathology last May. wants something that works. His Beauty ñ Dignity ñ Security It’s been hinted at for years, but no history has given him clear desire, one could really see it or show it in not only from the family experience One of the greatest gifts you can give to those you love is a sense of security, the knowledge that you have taken an experiment this clearly. of having his father die from intesti- care of everything. “These are called individuation nal cancer but from being placed in A religious cemetery open to people of all faiths, fields in the embryos. You can put all the midst of early cure trials. “I per- St. Michael’s is proud to announce the beautifully de- kinds of tumor cells into embryos, sonally watched the Folkman endo- signed St. Joseph’s Mausoleum. and they don’t form cancer. You put statin trials from beginning to end the same cells in an adult, and they because my work was part of the For more information including a free Resource Guide, kill him in experiments. Even in biophysical basis on the biology that please call plants, which don’t have a central- went behind the idea. I watched The St. Joseph (718) 278-3240 ized system of vital organs, they de- cancer patients wrap around the Mausoleum velop tumors too, called crown-gall hospital four bodies deep when en- 72-02 Astoria Blvd. tumors. You can take the crown-gall dostatin was announced as the ‘cure East Elmhurst, NY 11370 or visit our website at tumor’s cells and put them in a all’ that was going to cure cancer in www.stmichaelscemetery.com growing stem, and they’ll make a two years. And I saw it fail. You’ll be glad you did. normal plant. So there’s something “So I think the worst thing to do about a growing field, or an individ- is to hype a cancer treatment before We are proud to inform you uation field as it’s called, that is mag- its time. What I’m desperately trying that Mr. NICK P. PAPAMICHAEL ical. You can take melanoma cells, to do right now with the help of still offers his services to the Omogeneia put them into a bird embryo, and some very powerful individuals in (917) 687-9856 they’ll turn into normal neurons. the state department, both here and 14 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 Aphrodite’s Gift: K.C. Nicolaou Creating Molecules That Save Lives

By Mark N. Lardas Special to The National Herald

hen asked to name the major influences in his life Kyriacos Costa W(K.C.) Nicolaou said, “My father taught me to be ethical and hard working, using no uncer- tain means I must say, and my mother gave me love and care. Coming from a poor family taught me the importance of earning your living through hard work.” Through hard work and by fol- lowing his passion in life, Nicolaou has become one of the world’s leaders in synthetic organic chem- istry. Synthetic organic chemistry, the art of building large, complex mol- ecules from smaller ones, is a deli- cate task. Some chemicals that Nicolaou synthesizes involve a process with 50 or more steps. Make a mistake anywhere, howev- er minor, and you have to throw it out and start over. Nicolaou has been at the fore- front in synthesizing drugs to treat cancer. At present, most inhibit cell growth or kill fast-growing cells. Despite flaws, these drugs offer hope – and allow millions to sur- vive cancers that would have killed them a few years ago. Making suf- SCHERING AG. ficient quantities of them is a chal- Dr. K.C. Nicolaou, who has a joint appointment at the University of California, San Diego, CA, and The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, lenge. They are extremely com- CA, is with his students in 2001. He had just been awarded the Ernst Schering Prize for his outstanding work on the synthesis of natural prod- plex. ucts. The model is of Taxol(TM), which has been synthesized by Nicolaou-led teams and used in the treatment of cancer. While found in nature, they are often difficult to extract. Getting John and his family for five years. He worked at a rubber factory, a she had grown up in London. an incubator producing great enough to use, without exceeding Uncle John was a pastry chef. Nico- sausage plant and many different Katz sensed the young Greek chemists and chemistry teachers. It the price of precious gems, de- laou worked as an apprentice pas- fish and chip shops in London. Cypriot had unique talent in chem- is something Nicolaou takes pride pends on finding a way to manu- try chef in his uncle’s bakery. In He was as successful with fish istry. When he asked Nicolaou in. facture them in the laboratory. ways, it was a job much like his and chips as he was as an appren- what would keep him in research, Nicolaou spoke of a former stu- Since the mid-1970s, Nicolaou- eventual career in chemistry. tice pastry chef. Co-workers urged he replied that he wanted an op- dent, now teaching chemistry at led teams have synthesized Taxol™ Relates Nicolaou: “There are him to stay and become a fast food portunity to work with Corey or Columbia University: “The student (a major anticancer drug), similarities between pastry making magnate. His dream was centered Robert B. Woodward (who won the evaluations for his first class in calicheamicin (another anticancer and chemical synthesis. The most in the geometry of organic mole- 1965 Nobel Prize in chemistry). 2007 were raving with praise; drug sold under the trade name striking similarity is the art that cules, however. He entered Bed- Katz arranged an offer from both ‘That rare professor who combines Mylotarg®), brevetoxin B (a ma- goes into both. It wasn’t just get- ford College in London in 1966. men within a week. clear and obvious brilliance with rine neurotoxin), vancomycin (a ting the baklava right and the rum- Nicolaou received a baccalaure- With his wife’s blessing he went genuine care for students.’ To last-resort antibiotic, used to treat babas sweet and fluffy. It was cre- ate degree at Bedford and a doctor- to work for E. J. Corey and was claim this young professor as my resistant bacteria) and other im- ating new recipes and imaginative ate in organic chemistry from Uni- firmly set on a research career. He Ph.D. student is more than I can portant pharmaceuticals. ways to decorate birthday cakes versity College, London. He then spent nearly four years at Harvard ever ask as a teacher. I feel privi- Nicolaou was born in Cyprus, and Christmas cakes. Chemical set out to find a postdoctoral ap- with Corey. leged.” the legendary birthplace of synthesis is even more creative in prenticeship with an appropriate In 1976 he joined the faculty at “I am also proud of the book se- Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of that it gets down to the molecular challenge. He set his sights high, the University of Pennsylvania, ries ‘Classics in Total Synthesis.’ love. Taxol™, the synthesis of level, designing and building mole- applying to study under E. J. Corey, leading a research team. In 1989 Two texts that I wrote with two of which was one of his greatest ac- cules, often from scratch and atom Ronald Breslow or Thomas Katz. he moved to San Diego, California. my students are educating and in- complishments, is used in the by atom.” All were leaders in organic chem- There he serves jointly at the Uni- spiring students of chemical syn- treatment of breast and ovarian At 15, he took a chemistry class istry. Corey went on to win a Nobel versity of California, San Diego as a thesis around the world today.” cancers, which has enabled innu- with an inspirational instructor at Prize in chemistry in 1990. professor of chemistry, and The He feels not enough young men merable women to live and love. the gymnasium. It convinced Nico- Katz, at Columbia University in Scripps Research Institute as a pro- and women are now going into sci- The son of Greek farmers from laou that he wanted to be a New York City invited Nicolaou to fessor of chemistry, and chairman ence. To change that, he wrote the Karavas, Cyprus discovered his chemist. He went to England, to join his team. Nicolaou spent a of the Department of Chemistry. He book, “Molecules that Changed the love of science in his teens. At 13, study chemistry at Bedford College year working with Katz on two dif- also heads the K.C. Nicolaou World.” It tells the story of mole- he moved in with his uncle, John in London. ferent projects. The work was fun, Group, a chemical research team. cules like aspirin, penicillin, mor- Nicolaou, in Nicosia, to attend the He did not go directly from but Nicolaou considered returning Today the Nicolaou Group is phine and – yes – Taxol™ and their Pancyprian Gymnasium. At the gymnasium to college. He spent to England to take an industrial one of the world’s most successful impact on society. He says, “I hope time, it was the best high school in two years prior to entering Bedford job. He liked England. He met his synthetic organic chemistry teams. to inform the public and inspire Cyprus. learning – and gaining English flu- wife, Georgette – also Greek – More than a source for new syn- kids to go into science. Nicolaou lived with his uncle ency – in the school of experience. while in London. Born in Egypt, thetic chemicals, it also serves as Nicolaou now teaches all over THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 15

nally inspired into studying chem- istry by my chemistry teacher whose enthusiasm and style were exciting, admirable and decisive. I encountered other wise and influ- ential teachers later on in my edu- cation in England and the United States. My most recent mentor was the Nobel Laureate, E.J. Corey of Harvard University, who propelled me into the American academia, for which I will be forever grateful. TNH: How do you feel your Greek heritage has affected your life? KCN: It shaped my life. Born and raised as a Greek in Cyprus had a decisive impact on my education, my culture and my outlook for life. It is indeed not a small thing to car- ry the Greek heritage on your shoulders, a privilege that brings with it enormous pride, but also re- sponsibilities. Knowing what the ancient Greeks did gives me strength and inspiration. There is very little, if anything, that our an- cestors did not invent or think deeply about, all the way from phi- losophy to science, and from litera- ture to medicine, art and theater, and above all freedom, democracy and courage. The classics are forev- er, and we should not forget them. K. C. NICOLAOU TNH: Any hobbies of passions K. C. Nicolaou with his wife, Georgette, his daughter, Collette, and his sons Alex (left), Christopher (right) and P. J. (inset). outside your work? KCN: I love gardening, a pas- the world. He helped set up a labo- about humanity and the world. He growing up? the time — he showed me by ex- sion that begun when I was a kid. I ratory in Singapore to train new is my best friend. We go to restau- KCN: Besides my parents, my ample how to be a father figure remember planting and watching chemists and biochemists. rants together, we read books to- uncle John had a major influence and a caring citizen. vegetables and fruits grow and He keeps in touch with his old gether, we laugh together, and we on me, for besides teaching me the At the Pancyprian high school, I ripe, with my grandfather and my home and his cultural homeland. feel together. He embodies the art of the pastry world — he was learned from my teachers about younger brother in Cyprus. Now I Whenever work takes him to Eu- naked instincts and feelings that the master of the art in Nicosia at the wonders of science and was fi- do the same thing in California, rope he stops off in Greece or we all have, and he does not hide where the climate and landscape Cyprus. He tries to visit his mother them.” are similar to those in my native is- in Cyprus annually. In 2006, his As for the future? Nicolaou land. I like to cook, especially fish, former students organized a 60th hopes for more of the same. “My a hobby that stayed with me from birthday conference for Nicolaou work is not a job, it is like a hobby. my days in England as a student in Cyprus. Many former students It keeps me young. It is particularly where I used to work in “fish and attended and signed a book of challenging right now, due to diffi- chips” shops to earn my living. I al- good wishes for him. culties in science funding.” so read history and follow current He regularly gives seminars in Nicolaou does not mind chal- affairs, especially geopolitics. both Cyprus and Greece. He wants lenges. He finds inspiration from TNH: What advice would you to set up a laboratory similar to the Alexander the Great and other fig- offer anyone starting out in life to- one in Singapore in those coun- ures from ancient Greece. For K.C. day – people in their late teens? tries. For supporting science in Nicolaou, “Meeting obstacle after KCN: Study hard, identify early Greece, and his many other accom- obstacle makes us stronger.” your passion and talents, and focus plishments, he was awarded the The National Herald asked on them like a laser beam. If you Bodossaki Prize in Greece in 2004. Nicolaou several other questions. do that, you will one day be re- What gives him more satisfac- TNH: What did the world lose warded with an occupation that tion than his accomplishments? in a pastry chef, when you chose to you love and you will enjoy the His family. go into chemistry? benefits of being good at it. Always With his wife Georgette, he has KCN: I think I could not have operate under ethical rules and three sons and one daughter. “I am lasted in any job for too long, un- family values. And if you are very proud of my family. Our less I had the chance to advance it, Greek, remember your heritage! If daughter Colette graduated this shape it, or be creative at it. I see a you are not, become one. We wel- year with a Ph.D. in clinical psy- lot of opportunities in pastry mak- come you! Young people should chology, and our two older sons, ing and, indeed cooking in general, study the classics and learn about Alex and Chris are excelling in the to satisfy anybody’s imaginative the Greek civilization. business world.” impulses. A dessert is a piece of art. He speaks lovingly of his So is a delicious and well-present- Mark Lardas, a Texan of Greek youngest son, Jason: “My younger ed dish. I think I could have been a descent, was born and grew up son is handicapped. He is unable to famous chef. Who knows maybe I BODOSSAKI FOUNDATION (ANAGNOSTOPOULOI BROTHERS, PHOTO-REPORTERS) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. An engi- think, talk, walk or take care of will try it one day when I retire K. C. Nicolaou receives the Bodossaki Prize from Kostis Stephanopou- neer who works at a major aero- himself the same way you and I from science! los, president of Greece in 2004. The prize, given biannually, was space company, he is also a free- can. Despite that, Paul Jason TNH: Who were the major in- awarded to Nicolaou both for his accomplishments in chemical syn- lance writer, amateur historian taught me more than anyone else fluences in your life as you were thesis and his contributions to supporting science education in Greece. and model-maker. 16 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 A New EPIC Unfolds: Dr. Dimitrios Trichopoulos and Dr. Antonia Trichopoulou in the Journey toward Optimal Health

By Marianthe Karanikas linked stress to fatal heart attacks. Special to The National Herald This remarkable study resulted from his observations that heart-re- hanks to him, a silent killer lated deaths had doubled in the no longer poisons us un- days immediately following the aware. Thanks to her, we earthquake in Athens in February Tunderstand more fully how 1981, measuring 6.7 on the Richter the Mediterranean diet enhances scale. This study was so remark- health. Together Drs. Dimitrios Tri- able that Richard Horton, editor of chopoulos and Antonia Tri- the world’s leading general med- chopoulou now stand at the fore- ical journal, The Lancet, identified front of an international research it as one of the 27 texts in what he Odyssey: The European Prospec- calls “the canon of Western medi- tive Investigation into Cancer and cine” all doctors must read. Nutrition is conducted in 22 re- Today Trichopoulos is hard at search centers in 10 different Euro- work investigating his most contro- pean countries under the coordina- versial hypothesis, first proposed in tion of the International Agency for 1990. Trichopoulos argues that the Research on Cancer. EPIC is an epi- principal cause of breast cancer oc- demiological investigation of the curs in utero, that is, while the biological, dietary, lifestyle and en- woman is not yet born but is in- vironmental factors in the etiology stead a fetus in her mother’s of cancer. Antonia Trichopoulou, womb. There, in that seemingly M.D., Ph.D., is the principal inves- safe and protected environment, tigator of the Greek EPIC compo- the developing fetus is exposed to nent while Dimitrios Trichopoulos, high levels of naturally occurring M.D., Ph.D., is a senior epidemiolo- hormones, including estrogen, gy consultant. which can cause breast cancer later Aptly dubbed “Epidemiology’s in life. Why? According to Tri- Odysseus” by science and health chopoulos, in utero exposure to writer, Peter Wehrein, Trichopou- hormones increases the number of los is the Vincent L. Gregory Pro- Drs. Dimitrios Trichopoulos and Antonia Trichopoulou find time to relax among the ruins in Sicily. Their undifferentiated cells (stem cells) fessor of Epidemiology at the Har- research, which was conducted on 23,000 people in Greece, implies that taking a nap may help in the in the mammary glands. vard School of Public Health and a prevention of cardiovascular disease. During cell division in later life, member of the Athens Academy of mutations in stem cells are associ- Science. He has served as a profes- focusing on the many health bene- ment of science.” resources--they force you to think.” ated with increased risk for breast sor of Hygiene and Epidemiology fits of the high consumption of Antonia Trichopoulou was not As Wehrein writes, Trichopoulos cancer. Larger mammary glands of the University of Athens Medical olive oil and the large diversity of available for interview, since she learned to “maximize resources have more cells at risk. The size of School for more than 30 years. plant foods. Thus we began to un- was conferring with colleagues in early in life.” mammary glands is not reflected in Epidemiology is the study of the derstand the importance of mo- Luxembourg. Her work with EPIC Born in Volos in 1938, he breast size, which is largely deter- factors influencing health and ill- nounsaturated fats, found in olive is monumental, involving the study thrived and excelled as a student, mined by body fat. ness. Trichopoulos is best known oil, in the prevention of cardiovas- of a plethora of biological, environ- despite civil war and a ruined Trichopoulos’ hypothesis is sup- for his seminal work showing the cular disease. We also saw more mental and sociological factors — economy. His father, a surgeon, en- ported by evidence presented in connection between passive or sec- clearly how plant foods help pre- .from antioxidant level to air pollu- couraged him to study medicine at epidemiological studies that indi- ond-hand smoking and lung can- vent both heart disease and cancer. tion to food habits — that may in- the University of Athens Medical cate certain early-life conditions, cer. Published in 1981, this influ- “I was skeptical at first,” said fluence the development or pre- School. There Trichopoulos met such as large birth size, are associ- ential study showed that Greek Trichopoulos, regarding his wife’s vention of different types of cancer. the epidemiologist Brian McMahon ated with breast cancer risk. In ad- women whose husbands smoked early work on the Mediterranean The EPIC studies are longitudinal, of the Harvard School of Public dition, correlates of mammary were 2.4 times more likely to de- Diet,” but the evidence grew meaning the research will follow Health. McMahon urged him to gland mass, such as the density of velop lung cancer than women stronger and stronger. Even I be- the same people throughout a long pursue graduate work in epidemi- breast tissue, are considered to be whose husbands did not smoke. came a believer.” period of time, often many ology at Harvard. predictors of breast cancer risk. These findings changed public Antonia Trichopoulou is profes- decades. Approximately half a mil- Since then, Trichopoulos has di- In 2005, Trichopoulos received laws, leading to the widespread sor emerita of Preventive Medicine lion Europeans are being studied vided his time between Athens and the U.S. Department of Defense’s creation of smoke-free zones in and Nutrition in the School of across 10 countries. Harvard. As Wehrein notes, Tri- Innovator Award to explore fetal restaurants, workplaces and hospi- Medicine at the University of Studies in Greece have brought chopoulos transformed the epi- and early-life factors associated tals. Parents stopped smoking near Athens. She has directed the World major discoveries over the last 50 demiology department in Athens with adult breast cancer, including their children, choosing either to Health Organization Collaborating years, including the pivotal evi- into one of the most productive in whether exposure to hormones quit or to smoke outside their Center for Nutrition at the Depart- dence linking passive smoking to the world, without the “well-fund- such as estrogens and insulin-like homes. ment of Hygiene and Epidemiology lung cancer, as well as overwhelm- ed research infrastructure Ameri- growth factors while in the womb While epidemiology’s Odysseus in Athens. Dimitrios Trichopoulos ing support for the many health can researchers take for granted.” may cause the disease years later. revealed the link between passive met Antonia Polychronopoulou at benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. At the Harvard School of Public The grant, for $5.8 million over smoking and lung cancer, his wife, medical school in Athens about 50 In an interview with Wehrwein Health, he served as the chair of five years, is given by the DOD’s no mere Penelope, rediscovered years ago. He was born in Volos; in The Harvard Public Health Re- the Epidemiology Department Breast Cancer Research Program of the Mediterranean Diet, first she in Athens. They got married view, Trichopoulos says, "In gener- from 1989 to 1996. the Office of the Congressionally named by the medical researcher and have been together ever since. al, I have taken up unusual ideas.... Trichopoulos is interna- Directed Medical Research Pro- Ancel Keys. Keys championed the They have no children. Science is This may not reflect originality. tionally known for his ingenious, grams. According to Christina diet because it was low in saturat- their passion, life and legacy. This may reflect the constraints of creative and elegant research Roache of The Harvard University ed fat and lowered cholesterol. An- “My life is very boring,” limited resources of working in ideas. In addition to his work link- Gazette, “The Innovator Award tonia Trichopoulou and her col- Dimetrios Trichopoulos told me in Greece. The saying is that poverty ing second-hand smoke to lung recognizes individuals who have a leagues expanded on Keys’ work by an interview, “except for the excite- is the mother of ingenuity. Limited cancer, Trichopoulos has also history of visionary scholarship, THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 17 leadership and creativity.” weight. Currently, we think big ba- and showed that regular siestas to their workplace and to take a have no regrets. When we watch With the Innovator Award, bies are healthy. Perhaps not. Per- can cut deaths from heart disease break in the middle of the day. an actor or an athlete, we can par- Roache reports, Trichopoulos and haps it is better to be smaller. Ac- by as much as 37 percent, provid- That allows for a midday meal -- ticipate in the experience. To colleagues in the United States, cording to Trichopoulos, the bigger ing a benefit in the same order of typically the day's largest -- and for watch a scientist at work, it’s rather Sweden and Greece have under- and taller the person, the more magnitude as that linked to lower- a siesta afterward. Stress is a dull most of the time. The excite- taken a series of five complemen- stem cells. The more stems cells ing cholesterol, eating a healthy di- known factor contributing to heart ment comes with the hope you’ll tary studies designed to investigate she has, the more potential for can- et or exercising. disease, Trichopoulos and col- find something that will make a links between early-life exposures, cer to develop. “If confirmed by other investiga- leagues remarked, and taking a difference to science, something mammary gland stem cells, mam- No matter what our height or tions, these results would imply nap may serve to relieve it. that will help people improve their mary gland mass and adult breast weight, there is much hope. We that a siesta could be added to the “I would not really advise major lives.” cancer. trust that, in the coming 60 years, several means available for the changes to work habits here (in the Thanks to the work of the Tri- “It is too early to tell,” Tri- science and medicine will progress control of coronary heart mortality, United States) without confirma- chopouloses and their colleagues, chopoulos told me, regarding these and offer better treatments for dis- like healthy diets or cholesterol- tion (by further studies),” Tri- we can revel in many of our tradi- preliminary studies. “We have to ease. As for prevention, it’s com- lowering medications,” Dimetrios chopoulos told Powell. “We know tional Greek habits, knowing that follow these daughters for at least forting to know that our rich Greek Trichopoulos told Alvin Powell of there's no harm at all to a siesta, our vegetables, olive oil, pleasant 60 years to see if they develop olive oil and delicious vegetables The Harvard University Gazette. and it's actually enjoyable, so if you exercise, wine, and even our de- breast cancer. Nevertheless, we protect our health. And now, Trichopoulos explored the link can, do it.” lightful siestas bring us much clos- must lay the groundwork. It makes thanks to Androniki Naska, Tri- between coronary heart disease Trichopoulos receives infi- er to optimal health. We are all the sense that the more stem cells, the chopoulos, Trichopoulou, and col- and midday siestas out of intellec- nite joy from his scientific labors, beneficiaries of the Trichopoulos greater the risk of cancer. We must leagues, we also learn that an af- tual curiosity. He noted that heart reminding me that 95 percent of legacy and thank these magnificent make the observations and then ternoon siesta can help heart disease rates are lower in Mediter- the time, scientists don’t get the scientists for their ceaseless labor continue to do a thorough follow- health. ranean and Latin American coun- right answer, and yet “we always on our behalf. Thanks to them, we up for many decades.” In February 2007, these scien- tries. Trichopoulos told Powell that hope that our efforts will lead to enjoy our beautiful Hellenic her- Trichopoulos is now 70 years tists published a new Harvard while the dietary differences had some helpful insight.” itage and relax, knowing our wel- old. It is unlikely he’ll be alive in 60 School of Public Health study that been explored, the cultural accep- A journalist once asked Tri- fare is in good hands. years to see if his hypothesis turns indicates the siesta offers signifi- tance of a midday nap or siesta chopoulos if he resented not being out to be right. If his hypothesis cant protection against heart dis- hadn't received adequate atten- as well known as an actor or ath- Marianthe Karanikas, Ph.D., does turn out to be right, we will ease. This study followed more tion. lete, since his contributions to hu- teaches scientific and technical have to revise our thinking about than 23,000 people in the Greek In Greece, Powell notes, it is manity are so important. writing at Missouri State Universi- what constitutes healthy birth component of EPIC for six years typical for people to live fairly close Trichopoulos replied, “No. I ty. She is also a poet and essayist. Nicholas Askounes Ashford: Educator, Public Advocate, Musician

Continued from page 12 on problems others think are too Ashford is deeply involved in Advisory Board; was chairman of Greek style – with music, visits to difficult to address.” But there are the United States-Greek Initiative the Committee on Technology In- Greece, and heated political dis- Counsel in St. Louis, who was the some aspects of “being Greek,” he for Technology Cooperation with novation and Economics of the EPA cussions (with emotional Greeks judge of the Rhodes competition in feels, which can be a double-edged the Balkans (the ITCB), serving as National Advisory Council for Envi- only)? The answer may lie in the the Midwest at the time, was famil- sword: more specifically, the inten- its co-chair. The ITCB was estab- ronmental Policy and Technology; spirit of Zorba. He, like Zorba, not iar with and perhaps quite unhap- sity of his temperament and his lished in order to (1) promote eco- and served as an advisor to the only loves music and dance but al- py about the Ashford’s family in- willingness to challenge the status nomic stability, restore peace, and United Nations Environment Pro- so has an acute awareness of hu- volvement in the Greek Cypriot quo. On the one hand, his intensity facilitate peaceful transition to free gramme. Currently, he is a Fellow man suffering and injustices and cause). Nicholas’ late brother, results in a “kefi” and “joie di vivre” enterprise economies in the Balkan of the American Association for the works hard to make the world a Theodore Askounes Ashford, had a that makes life beautiful and excit- Region; (2) strengthen the friend- Advancement of Science and for- better place for us to live. double major in math and music, ing, and his willingness to chal- ship and understanding in the rela- mer chair of its Section on Societal but went on to get a Ph.D. in music lenge the status quo for purposes tionships among the U.S. and Impacts of Science and Engineer- Aphrodite Matsakis, Ph.D. is a at Northwestern University where of promoting economic justice and Greek private-sector firms and ing. He is also legislation, regula- counseling psychologist and the he subsequently served on the fac- environmental sanity make his life among private and public entities tion and policy editor of the Jour- author of “Back From the Front: ulty. Theodore, who died at age 46, profoundly meaningful. On the in the Balkan Region; (3) provide nal of Cleaner Production and Combat Trauma, Love and The was a highly regarded jazz pianist, other hand, he finds that not all economic benefits to the Balkan serves on the editorial board of the Family” composer and the author of a book cultures, especially the Anglo-Sax- Region, and (4) promote collabo- Journal of Environmental Technol- (www.backfromthefront.org), as on music theory and composition. on one, easily tolerate dialogues ration and cooperation among ogy and Management. Visit well as 13 books on a variety of Nicholas played bass in his brother that involve strong emotions and technology and industrial organi- http://web.mit.edu/ctpid/www/tl/ psychological topics, and “Grow- Theodore’s jazz trio and with him challenging ideas. zations, researchers and engineers for further information. ing Up Greek in St. Louis” (Arca- played in a Greek band, the Greek “Confronting truth is different for the benefit of the Balkan re- How can one man can be so dia Publishing, 1998). Visit Lads, which produced a lively LP of from confronting an individual; gion. The ITCB has held several professionally active in so many ar- www.matsakis.com for further Greek dance music called “Dance, there’s a difference between con- Balkan-focused workshops in eas, yet still find time to enjoy life information. the Greek Lads.” As a result of fronting someone about their ideas Greece on technology assessment working as musicians throughout and being hostile towards them as and transfer to promote its mis- their high school, college and grad- a person or attacking their person- sion. While the ITCB does not ap- uate school tenures, both brothers ally,” explains Ashford. “But in this ply its technology transfer pro- IOANNIS ARAPIDIS, D.P.M. , Α.A.C.K.A.S were financially independent of country, passionate dialogues grams to Greece, Nicholas has been the family and contributed to eas- where another person’s ideas are a long-time observer of environ- ARGYRIS MANTZOUKAS, D.P.M. ing the financial burdens on their challenged are often viewed as im- mental conditions there. “Unfortu- •PODIATRISTS• parents, who worked at profes- polite and threatening. So some- nately,” says Ashford, “Greece does sions that were not well remuner- times, I have to bite my tongue.” not take European environmental ASTORIA: ated at that time. Nicholas visits Greece often, for law requirements as seriously as it 22-52 33rd Str., ASTORIA, NY 11105•Tel: (718)721-7959 “Because my name is Ashford, work and pleasure and has a sum- might and much improvement is 1 block from last stop of N & W trains, next to St. Catherine few know that I am Greek. But I am mer home in Cape Sounion outside needed.” immensely proud to be Greek and of Athens. When asked why he vis- In the past, Ashford served as a Church • Convient Municipal parking wouldn’t want to be anything else,” its Greece so often, he laughs and public member and chairman of BAYSIDE: says Nicholas. He continues, “It says, “One reason is because in the National Advisory Committee 207-23 48th Avenue, BAYSIDE (Corner of 48th Ave & provides me with a cultural Greece, I’m not the loudest person on Occupational Safety and 208 th Street) Tel: 718-224-2305 a b grounding and confidence to take in the restaurant. Zorba lives!” Health; served on the EPA Science 18 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 Andrew Maniotis: Healer, Heretic or Both? Continued from page 13 ing, he spoke at length of his family’s ing books. He was able to climb out ing history. She comes from the vil- ring spores for him.” heritage. of a very depressed factory area lage of Elefsina, about seven miles Reading and literature eventually son they’re toxic is they’re toxic can- “Grandmother came from Alepo- down by the Ambassador Bridge. from Athens. It’s a different part of provided the key to the direction his cer chemotherapy drugs that come hori, the Village of the Foxes. Grand- That and the Army got him out of Greece, east coast instead of west education and consequent future from my corner of the block as a father came from the nearby village, there. Because he was an avid read- coast, right there at the gates of Hell, would take. “When I was at Iowa I cancer researcher. The only differ- Mani. Grandfather was one of 13 er, he finally went to college, and literally. My mother used to play in started reading a lot about philoso- ence is with the AIDS patients they children. They didn’t have enough that’s how he became a teacher.” the ruins there where the Eleusinian phy, a lot of Nietzsche in particular, were telling them to stay on the stuff food for him, so he used to get his Maniotis’ father was much more Mysteries happened. James Joyce. I was really frustrated constantly to keep their viral load milk from the goats in the village than a teacher. James Maniotis was “She was in Greece until she was because it really didn’t do it for me down, when the same drug used in a nearby. He was sort of sold into the a renowned member of Washington 15. Her name was Sassa, Alexandra. until I read Darwin. cancer patient is withdrawn to give service of a druggist, making Mer- University in St. Louis, eventually She was sent for by her father who “I was playing piano at the time them time for their bone marrow curochrome- type remedies for peo- teaching there for more than 35 came over to Detroit to start a candy and teaching. Then I went back to and t-cells to bounce back. With ple with syphilis. He went to Africa years, affecting thousands of stu- shop. She worked there and went to school. On the first day I was sitting AIDS, it was a mistake from the very and from there he came over to the dents. He may be best remembered college, but her talent was in the in a geology course, and then an an- beginning, from the Pasteur Insti- United States. for his love of the study of mush- arts. thropology course, which really tute's belief they had isolated HIV “He got a job as a cook on the rooms. Walter Lewis, emeritus pro- “From a very early age she was stunned me. I started reading every- from a person harboring syphilis, railways; he went all throughout the fessor of biology at Washington Uni- taking piano lessons. She became thing I could about physical anthro- who had had two cases of gonor- United States, but finally ended up versity, spoke well of him on his very gifted at the piano and finally pology and primates. I got my de- rhea, herpes and cytomegalovirus. in Detroit. He became a chef in a ho- passing in October of 2002. “He ended up with a very famous pianist gree at Washington University a few Finally the pharmaceuticals popped tel. Eventually he was able to get taught with a passion. He loved his as a teacher, Karl Haas, who used to years later in that subject. I taught up. AZT got involved, a failed cancer enough money together to open up students and had the ability to make have a radio show every Sunday.” and worked in labs there for a few drug. It didn’t cure cancer; it just his own little restaurant called anyone share the fascination he held Haas ultimately was the creator and years afterward.” made rats sick. They decided to give Andy’s Lunch. for mycology.” host of the longest running daily When speaking with Maniotis, I that to a generation of people. “During the depression when Maniotis speaks of his father with classical music program in broadcast often sensed concern in his voice. “I’m connected to a number of there was no work, he’d go across pride and respect. “He was the most history, “Adventures in Good Music.” Controversy in the scientific commu- Greeks, Lennie Papadopoulis in the Ambassador Bridge and wash sought after man during springtime “Through (my mother’s) career nity aside, he doesn’t come across as Perth and George Miklos on the oth- dishes in Canada. Then he sent for when people used to eat poison she gave piano lessons and small an angry man with a political agen- er side of Australia who have for his wife from the village of Alepo- mushrooms. The poison control cen- performances. She ended up with da. I rather sensed a caring individ- years lobbied against the AIDS es- hori, and my uncle came over at that ter of the nation used to call our my father in St. Louis at the St. Louis ual compelled to seek evidentiary tablishment. We’ve had threats.” point, having spent five years grow- house. I remember him bringing his Conservatory of Music. I’ve started a proof toward the truth. I wondered For all the turmoil created by his ing up in Greece. students over to the house every piano scholarship in her name.” if he was more involved with politi- work, Maniotis seems to have a “When my father was born, the spring. They’d go out field hunting Still playing classical piano today cal human rights, or was merely a wonderfully satisfying home life. He three of them eventually manned for mushrooms, cook them in sherry for recreation along with guitar, concerned natural humanitarian. and his wife Rita have two the restaurant. My father described and serve up steaks. He was quite a Maniotis initially began his educa- He’d probably be the first to instruct teenagers, James and Barbara, as it as thankless hard work. They’d get man.” tion in music. “I got a music scholar- me, based on evidence alone, the well as 10-year-old Nikolas. The up early in the morning, do the dish- Initially Maniotis did not follow a ship to the University of Iowa, my two are not mutually exclusive. family manages to have dinner es, and then get lunch served to all career in science as his father had first school. My dad’s influence real- every Saturday with Uncle Constan- the factory workers. done. He started out in a career field ly didn’t kick in until later, but I was Robert Krause works in two public tine. Maniotis is well aware of the “My father had the good fortune more closely aligned with his moth- always fascinated with his way of libraries as an assistant librarian. importance of his history as a Greek of meeting a druggist of the neigh- er. “Genetics wasn’t what I first went looking at science. I used to work in He reads and writes in Lake Coun- American. With very little prompt- borhood, who turned him onto read- out for. My mother had an interest- his lab in the summertime, transfer- ty, Illinois. Robert Ashford: A Tale of Two Passions: Binary Economics and Music

Continued from page 8 Christian Principles to Reform Eco- Robert began composing at the pi- sical interludes. Noted musicologist understand the meaning of the nomic Theory” available on his web ano at the age of four; and by his Dan Campbell, champion of “the many discussions about Cyprus, pol- nomics is in harmony with many page at Syracuse University high school graduation he had Mozart Effect” describes Ashford’s itics, and social and economic justice Christian principles fundamental to (syr.edu). learned to play and compose by ear music as both “awakening and calm- held over the many dinners our fam- the Orthodox faith. It finds support With seemingly boundless ener- using a number of instruments in- ing at the same time ... clean, beauti- ily enjoyed at the Ashford home. But in what we read in the Bible about gy, Robert Ashford not only writes, cluding piano, flute, French horn fully structured and inspiring.” I did hear the concern for others that Jesus sharing the bread and fish; lectures, and teaches principles of and string bass. In speaking to him, Pulitzer Prize Winner, Jazz legend motivated these conversations, as there was more not less at the end of binary economics to other teachers, one can hear music in his voice. He Ornette Coleman states, “Robert well as the jazz and Greek music the meal. Ashford says, “Inclusion government officials, business repre- says, “I try to compose music that Ashford’s music has natural and that Robert’s two brothers, Nicholas produces God’s abundance; whereas sentatives, foundations and church- makes people feel loved.” He has spiritual quality everyone should and the late Theodore Ashford, were hoarding leads to scarcity and depri- es, but also organizes conferences even organized an informal organi- hear.” playing in another room. The Ash- vation.” He believes that the eco- on binary economics and raises zation called “Friends of Melody” “The Lord’s Prayer,” his second ford home was alive with ideas, with nomic deprivation that prevails in funds to establish centers for binary which endeavors to promote beauti- CD, features a sweet, new hymn-like caring and with song and so is the world is the unnatural result of economics in universities and col- ful melody in music. melodic setting for the Lord’s Prayer Robert Ashford. human institutions that can be re- leges. Robert Ashford has released two that is easy to learn and sing. Ac- formed to produce more of the Ashford’s mother, who taught CDs of his compositions, “Heroes cording to Dr. Craig Jessup, Music Aphrodite Matsakis, Ph.D., is a abundance that naturally comes him to feel and act compassionately and Heroines” and the “Lord’s Director of the Mormon Tabernacle counseling psychologist and the from loving inclusion. Compared to for those in need, also instilled his Prayer” both available at Chair, Ashford’s setting of “The author of “Back From the Front: the present system in which capital love for music. Venette Askounes cdfreedom.com and baby.com. Lord’s Prayer” has “an appealing Combat Trauma, Love, and The acquisition with the earnings of cap- played the piano with passionate, His first CD, “Heroes and Hero- melody and would indeed be quick- Family” (www.backfromthe ital remains largely concentrated in yet tender feeling. Parties at the Ask- ines,” contains 18 instrumental com- ly learned by a choir of virtually any front.org), as well as 13 books on a few, the inclusive binary approach ounes Ashford home always includ- positions featuring solo piano, and age and ability.” a variety of psychological topics is structured to work more in har- ed plenty of Greek dancing, music small string and wind ensembles. My parents were close friends and “Growing Up Greek in St. mony with Christian principles, and and food. Some of the flavor of Selections from this CD are fre- with Robert Ashford’s parents, the Louis” (Arcadia Publishing, 1998). by those principles may produce Greek music can be heard in quently aired on National Public Ra- late Dr. Theodore and Mrs. Venette Visit www.matsakis.com for fur- greater abundance. See “Using Robert’s musical compositions. dio’s “All Things Considered” as mu- Ashford. As a child I couldn’t quite ther information. THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008 19 Prof’s Friendly Study Ignites Global Obesity Debate

Continued from page 9 Crete. As a management consul- tant, he “helps companies solve returning to Harvard as full-time complex problems,” said Chris- faculty, he served an assistant pro- takis. His mother, the late Eleni fessorship, which began in the late- Sarantis Christakis, attended Vas- ’90s, at the University of Chicago. sar College and graduated Yale He is the author of the book, University with a degree in physi- “Death Foretold: Prophecy and cal chemistry. “She was born in Prognosis in Medicine.” ‘Constantinople,’” said Christakis, When we reached him, he was “and moved to Athens when she in the midst of a world-wide public was 15.” relations and lecture tour, but kind Both parents were Fulbright enough to take time to summarize scholars. His brother Dimitri is a his team’s findings and address his graduate of Washington University Greek heritage and our own in- and now a well-known pediatri- digenous lifestyle. cian, and sister Katrina is an attor- “Our group is interested in the ney with the blue-chip Chicago idea that because people are inter- firm Arnstein & Lehr. We didn’t ask connected, their health is inter- about the B.M.I. of his siblings, but connected, and we study the if they were influenced at all by spread of health related phenome- their now 45-year-old lean brother, na from one person to others to one could safely presume they‘re in whom they are connected via so- reasonable shape. cial ties,” Christakis told us. “We Leaving few pita’s unturned, the picked obesity as one of the first friends study looked at family and topics to investigate because it was determined that if one has an something that was directly ob- obese spouse, that person is 37 served since the people were percent more likely to become weighed. So while we have studied obese. There was almost zero influ- other phenomena, such as the wid- ence between neighbors, it should owhood effect and how illness in be noted. Obese siblings make a one spouse contributes to the oth- person 40 percent more suscepti- er, and how smoking cessation be- ble to obesity. An obese friend can havior spreads in a network, obesi- cause you to have a 57 percent in- ty happened to be the first project creased likelihood of becoming we tackled. It received a huge obese, and obese mutual friends (a amount of interest which, quite close reciprocal friendship) can frankly, we didn’t expect.” bring the increased rate of becom- There exists virtually zero doubt ing obese all the way up to 171 the developed world is currently Dr. Nicholas Christakis is with his father, Alexander, last year in Crete. This summer Dr. Nicholas Chris- percent. Study authors say “direc- mired in an obesity crisis of epi- takis released the findings of a seminal study on obesity which suggests that our friends could influence tional” friendship with “mutual” demic proportion. The friends whether we become obese or not. His father, who spends six months in Greece each year, is managing endearment is key. If both parties study reports that in America, the partner of Leading Design International, a management consulting firm. considered one another anywhere rate of obesity has risen from 23 near the `best friends’ category, percent to 31 percent in the last neighbors. said Christakis. “While on one (overly obese) too. percentages skyrocketed. Oppo- two decades, with a total of 66 per- Findings indicate that when hand it’s not a wealthy country, the We asked Christakis about role site-sex friendships held much less cent of adults overweight. Accord- someone becomes obese, the rate of longevity is nonetheless models. More specifically, anorex- influence. According to the study, ing to most recent studies, one- chances their closest friends will high. In the top five worldwide, na- ic-looking ‘super-models’ and how as reported in New England Jour- third of Americans are obese, a follow increases by up to a whop- tive Greeks live longer than anyone they conversely affect body image nal of Medicine, “Among friends of number rising fast. ping 171 percent. The study also except maybe the Japanese. Usual- to where ultra-thin is the aspired- the same sex, a man had a 100 per- A separate 2004 Harvard study, found an inverse relationship, that ly, the wealth of a society has a di- to prototype. Christakis was cent increase in the chance of be- conducted with assistance of Greek when one loses weight there is a rect correlation to the life-ex- adamant that “these are ideals. So- coming obese if his male friend be- scientists, cited these numbers for vastly increased chance friends will pectancy of its inhabitants.” ciety has many ideals that it never- came obese, whereas the female- Greece: The prevalence of over- also lose weight proportionately. And what of the Greek diet, re- theless flaunts. For example, we to-female spread of obesity was not weight individuals and obesity in Most peculiar is that geographic plete with olive oil, goat cheese, have the ideal that torture is significant.” men was 53 percent and 20 per- distance has almost zero bearing. lamb, fish with omega-rich nutri- wrong, but, as we are seeing at You might think there’s a fat cent, and 31 percent and 15 per- Regardless of where your friends ents and other antioxidant-filled present, that sensibility is often vi- chance you’d ever fall victim to the cent in women. Again, numbers on reside, you’re more apt to get your fare? Researchers were meticulous olated. The ideal of fitness doesn’t friends and family diet. Personally, the up in recent years, although just deserts if your friends are to account for a range of factors necessarily translate to fitness. I could do with a steady diet of Jen- not as acute as U.S. figures. Still, obese, implies the study. American that might potentially skew statis- (Study authors) are of the opinion nifer “Friends” Aniston, the Greek men would be wise to take friends seem to be more prone to tics. that those closest to us are highly thought of which makes my jaw note of yiayia’s busy nature. this syndrome. “A lot of research has been con- significant factors (in weight con- drop -- just wide enough to insert To define obesity, Christakis’ “The obesity epidemic is much ducted on the Mediterranean diet,” trol),” he concluded. another helping of “koulourakia.” team used a body mass index of 30 more advanced in the U.S.,” ex- Christakis continued. “The tradi- The Christakis family originated Alas, my own just desserts. (weight in kilograms divided by plained Christakis of a country tional diet is known to be extreme- on the island of Crete prior to mi- the square of the height in meters) more connected via technology ly healthy. As for Americans, there grating to Athens. They have a his- Terry Poulos is a veteran writer as their standard, a common med- than perhaps any other. For the are lots of theories as to why we’re tory of scholarly achievement. His covering Greek American issues ical benchmark. Their study relied record, Christakis, who is fluent in experiencing disproportionate father Alexander Christakis, born for various newspapers and on data from the Framingham both English and Greek, was born rates of obesity. There are, howev- and raised in Athens, was a Prince- magazines. He has performed Heart Study. The data analyzed in the U.S. but lived in Greece until er, many so-called rich societies ton undergraduate who went on to media outreach for a high-tech spanned 32 years with a social net- the age of five. He was raised in that are behind even America. On achieve a Ph.D. in nuclear physics company and closely follows lat- work encompassing 12,067 peo- Washington, D.C. the flip side, there’s also a possibili- from Yale University. Now a U.S. est developments in science, ple, including family, friends and “Greece is very paradoxical,” ty Greece could one day get there resident, he spends half the year in technology and medicine. 20 THE NATIONAL HERALD MARCH 8, 2008