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NAME NAME ADDRESS CARD# CITY STATE ZIP EXPIRATION DATE: TELEPHONE# E-MAIL SIGNATURE Barbarians at the gates :: magazine The hurricane that slammed into the eastern seaboard of the United FOUNDED IN 2005 BY States a few weeks ago seemed to be an object lesson from nature that Demetrios Rhompotis even the richest city in the world, New York City, is nothing more than a :: magazine crystal palace when nature goes unhinged. Weeks after the storm, Dimitri Michalakis PUBLISHED MONTHLY IN NEW YORK Kyprianos Bazenikas thousands were still without power, without a home, without gas for their car and train service to get to work, and whole families were living Editor in Chief: Publishing on donated food and dwindling hope that they would ever see their home again—all in the Dimitri C. Michalakis Committee Chairman shadow of that symbol of modern upper mobility—the Empire State Building, and the [email protected] Demetrios Rhompotis condos around it that sell for tens of millions, and the restaurants that cater to the owners of Lifestyle Editor (718) 554-0308 the condos with their $500 meals. Maria A. Pardalis [email protected] [email protected] A hurricane as deadly and tragic as this only demonstrates how vulnerable we are and how Director of Operations inflated our hubris is in thinking that our beachfront homes will be safe forever, and our Western Region Desk Kyprianos Bazenikas - Los Angeles [email protected] subway system will take us everywhere without a hitch, and our smart phones will keep us Joanna Xipa connected, and our genii of electricity in the light switch would keep them all humming. (760) 805-1691 Marketing & Advertising Little did we know. Our veneer of civilization crashed within minutes of the storm and [email protected] Director suddenly we urban sophisticates were left huddling around candles like cavemen, or rooting Alexander Mizan Tommy Harmantzis for our valuables in the muck, or walking aimlessly in the cold to find food and water, or [email protected] (347) 613-4163 scrapping like feral tomcats over the last of the food at the supermarket and the last of the - San Jose Office [email protected] fuel at the gas station. Andrea Photopoulos ATHENS - GREECE So much for our civilization. [email protected] Public Relations & Baltimore Desk Marketing Director The cradle of civilization, Greece, is going through an even ruder awakening of civilization’s perils as with the economic tsunami people from the cities have returned to the land once Georgia Vavas Margarita Vartholomeou [email protected] [email protected] again to grow olives, oil and raise chickens to survive, and to revive the barter system, and make a steady bestseller of a book called Starvation Recipes, which recounts how Greece Photo/Fashion NEO Magazine once survived the Nazi occupation. New York: ETA Press is published monthly by [email protected] Neocorp Media Inc. One exuberant Greek mattress entrepreneur (predictably Spartan) told The New York Times Los Angeles: Nick Dimitrokalis P.O. Box 560105 that what Greece needed was, “Spartan thinking, man! We’ve got to get lean and smart. All of (951) 764-5737 College Point, NY 11356 these state subsidies that Greeks got, they make you fat and lazy!” [email protected] Phone: (718) 554-0308 Graphic Design e-Fax: (718) 878-4448 A more sober-minded Greek economist predicted a two-tiered population for the future. [email protected] “You are going to see a part of the population, the middle class, comprising say 30 to 50 NEOgraphix percent, involved in some kind of resurgence. But another part of the population will be Adrian Salescu Check our website living on 300 or 400 euros ($400 to $500) a month. This part of Greek society won’t be living Athens Desk www.neomagazine.com a Western European lifestyle. It will be more like Bulgaria.” Konstantinos Rhompotis (01130) 210 51 42 446 Not much cheer if we’re all going to be Bulgarians, or the threat of more hurricanes to come (01130) 6937 02 39 94 (whether man-made or natural) will reduce us to huddling like cave-dwellers in the midst of [email protected] our once-proud cities. The Greeks considered themselves the apogee of civilized man and the rest of the world as barbarians: we have learned lately that the barbarians are always at the gate. by Markos N. Kaminis, www.WallStreetGreek.com Angela Merkel’s Hypocritical Plan for Greece Germany’s Finance Ministry warned in a recent Still, while Greece’s public entities reduce Central Bank (ECB) to support sovereign debt in a report that Europe’s largest economy would mark a workforce, draw back pension benefits and raise sterilized manner. When Europe can accept its unity significant slowdown in the fourth quarter. In an taxes, they are constraining the Greek economy. This on the streets of Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Athens and attempt to mitigate the economic issue, German is something that the Germans can no longer Madrid, then it will have the resources and the will to Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested opposing dispute, given their own domestic policy push, fulfill its brave dream. On that day, it can likewise German political party members stop blocking her though to be fair, Merkel’s opponents are calling her stop lying to the Greeks and the Spaniards about proposed tax cuts. Merkel indicated that the German demands irresponsible. The repercussions of the what’s best today for their economies. economy needed economic stimulus, and that tax actions in Greece are pushing away private industry, cuts should help domestic economic growth by illustrated recently by the move of Coca-Cola You may follow Mr. Kaminis’ column at giving her countrymen more money to spend. Hellenic (NYSE: CCH), which is relocating its WallStreetGreek.com and SeekingAlpha.com Likewise, she is promoting pension contribution headquarters to Switzerland and relisting its shares cuts to help German prosperity, and advising in London. Merkel does not want to trigger that companies to give more lucrative pay increases to same sort of flight in Germany, but is asking for their employees. Sounds sensible no? companies that face no foreign competition to pay an alternative energy surcharge from which they Now imagine the perspective of a Southern have long been exempted. European onlooker. The hypocritical divergence of the two directives being issued to the various groups What drives German stocks, like those found must fill Greeks with disgust. European leaders, at in the DAX and the iShares MSCI Germany the nudging of Germany, have pushed the complete Index (NYSE: EWG), likewise drives Greek opposite strategy for Greek and Spanish prosperity stocks, like those found in the Global X than those being promoted in Germany today. So FTSE Greece 20 ETF (NYSE: GREK). For that which is the true path to prosperity, the one being matter, it’s what drives the iShares S&P promoted by the Germans for the Germans or the Europe 350 (NYSE: IEV) and the SPDR S&P one being promoted by the Germans for the Greeks? 500 (NYSE: SPY )! The rules of economic prosperity are indifferent to the language Obviously, the issue is more complex than that, spoken or culture found within a given given the debt and management problems of the country; they are universal. Thus, the Greeks versus the smooth operating German economic policy prescribed to Greece economic machine. The Greeks must adhere to the and Spain should be the same as that prescription of their emergency creditors in order to b e i n g r e c o m m e n d e d f o r receive desperately needed funds. Still, why does the Germany, or at least should economic prescription contrast so sharply to the pill stress growth over austerity. being recommended by Merkel for the Germans? It is after all for the same ultimate purpose, the It is ignorant closed- betterment of the economy, and in Greece’s m i n d e d n e s s a n d situation, the ensuring of debt repayment. ethnocentricity which has kept the groups of Perhaps the Europeans have it all wrong with regard people within the to Greece, and instead of ensuring the repayment of euro-zone from fairly their loans, are instead burying their money into a a n d e f f e c t i v e l y deep depression with the ruins of Ancient Athens. resolving their crisis That’s what the esteemed student of the Great t o g e t h e r. T h e Depression now running the American Federal problem is most Reserve might suggest, given Ben Bernanke’s clear when the comments to U.S. legislators over the years. He leaders of Europe would tell you that it was precisely the mistimed go home to seek budget mindedness of American leaders that led our a p p r o v a l o f economy into the Great Depression. It turned an i n t e r n a t i o n a l average recession into a once in a generation p l a n s . W e economic struggle. understand the cost of this issue A few voices, including from yours truly, have from t h r o u g h t h e the beginning warned that growth spurring observance of the initiatives for Southern Europe should precede and m o s t e f f e c t i v e outweigh a graduated austerity program, and that action taken to-date, Greece’s repayment program should have extended which in my opinion terms. We have been happy to see Europe more was the brave plan German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently acknowledging the burdensome drag of its of the Mario Draghi initial repayment demands. l e d E u r o p e a n ounder Justin Bozonelis Livethnic CEO & F l h a in c are n and and u with o their “The 50+ i S songs target cities: t

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“I prefer having private And a variety of other countries, as well, including working with Chios Nature to raise both money “and awareness that clients,” she says. “That way I France, Germany, England, Lebanon, China, and the there’s more than replacing the mastiha trees that were lost. There is can keep prices down and United States, including New York, Chicago, the soil erosion when it starts raining and the volunteers who fought make more unique individual California, Las Vegas, Texas, and New Jersey. Now the these fires and what do they need if it happens again? We want to raise Tina Livanos had a notion. pieces. A lot of clients are bags are being featured on Fab online and at money so they have more supplies, so they have a truck to get to the fire. friends, or friends of friends-- Shoebox boutiques. We have to think about how these fires might happen again and how to people who I like and trust-- prevent them. We are trying to get people excited about giving money “What happened to luxury and the and I don’t have to be scared And the Livanou line is expanding into vintage to a trust—and that’s the hard part. It’s getting the people educated. But that someone will take the jewelry, including crosses, based on designs which I’m sure Greek Americans would be 100% behind it if they were notion that handbags and accessories design and sell it or deal with Livanos picked up from her travels around the world. informed about what’s needed and how it can be properly used. Like were supposed to be made by talented a store markup that can make the bags, everything is marketing.” the bag very expensive.” “I bought them because I like them so obviously I artisans and not on an assembly don’t want to give them away or sell them,” she says. She says she does the charity for “purely selfish reasons—it makes me At a time when an Olsen twins “So what do I do? I’m talking to a jewelry company feel good.” And while she doesn’t know where her marriage or career line?” declares the 30-something “original” bag can sell for now and I found some manufacturers here, and even will take her, “I love New York, and I love Chios, and I love fashion and $ 2 2 , 0 0 0 , a h a n d m a d e though I would like to have these pieces be one of a clothes, but those are not the most important things in life. They told designer of the luxury, one-of-a-kind Livanou crocodile clutch can kind, it’s worth making more of them so more me you have to market your line and tweet and you have to do this and handbags of her Livanou line now r e t a i l f o r $ 6 0 0 a n d a people can have the look of a piece based on a that, and I’m like, I can’t talk about bags. That would drive me crazy. snakeskin for $400, which, vintage idea.” There’s so much going on in the world.’ made only from exotic skins such as for a bag with vintage silver p i e c e s , c a n b e “ v e r y And in the same spirit that makes her a maverick in ‘That said--” she laughs “--you’re talking to snake, crocodile and ostrich reasonable.” the fashion world she is using fashion to do charity somebody who doesn’t want to wear the work in Africa and also here and Greece. same thing twice. I know in the grand imported from the source in Africa. “I shouldn’t say that,” she scheme of things making bags is a frivolous admits. “What’s reasonable “I learned when I helped my friends in fashion with luxury, but I love it and I’m proud when I “What happened to striving to be for somebody else might be their legal work how much excess there is in the hold my own in the industry and when unique, and the pride of being an really expensive.” But she fashion industry,” she says. “I was like--where is all people come up to me and tell me I makes her bags affordable for this clothing going? It was taking it home, giving it to love your bags.” individual?” the quality they offer friends. Some companies even threw it out so it (because she selects the skins didn’t go on sale, and I thought this was really a herself in Africa) and she shame. So I started something called Fashion from eschews the flashy marketing. Friends, which collected surplus clothes from friends that I had in the industry and donated it, say Livanos is certainly unique and certainly an “Normally, you have to give them for free to to St. Basil’s Academy. I went up there three times individual. An attorney and manager of her father’s celebrities and you hope they hold it and somebody and brought new clothing. And who doesn’t want a real estate firm (Livanos Real Estate Investments), takes a picture and it gets all over the tabloids. But used designer dress? Every young woman wants to she also tapped into her creative side with handbags. these are vintage pieces-- and why should I waste look nice.” them on people who have thousands of pieces? I ““I’ve always just loved bags,” she says. “I feel that don’t care if they’re holding them.” Besides switching the manufacture of her bags to you can wear jeans and a tee shirt and if you have a Greece, she started a charity called Helping Hellas nice bag it makes your whole outfit. I don’t think we Her fiancée does business in Africa (they’re getting (helpinghellas.org), which aims to provide should spend that much on clothes. But a bag is married in February) and she does her own charity communities in Greece hard-hit by the economic something you can have for years. That’s why my big work there and selects the skins. She then brings crisis with supplies to meet their basic needs from thing is the quality of the bags--so they can last and them to the fabled couple in Athens who actually sponsors in the United States. She’s working with the even become an heirloom.” make the bags and who she still respectfully calls respected Desmos Foundation of Athens to identify “Kyrio and Kyria Zervos.” those most in need and get the supplies out to them. None of her bags-- “classic with a twist,” she calls them--” are exactly alike, by design. “My big thing is “This goes back to my trying to help Greece,” she “It started with the bags, with samples, or inventory to be unique and different and for no one else to be says. “And because I heard of this great and the stores didn’t end up buying and then it holding the same bag as you,” she says. “Why would wonderful couple with many years in the business, snowballed,” she says. “I thought there might be you want to look like everyone else? That’s my motto who were very nice, and I loved the work they were surplus with other things, and more dire needs, so I basically in everything, too.” doing, with a lot of personal attention. In the fashion connected companies that donated pens and school business, coming at it as an attorney, there is so supplies, and that’s how Helping Hellas started.” So a natural progression for her line was to get into much backstabbing, but the Zervos’ showed me their exotic skins (after working with leather and selling in work, gave me their input, and always showed me For her native island of Chios (her parents Vasili and outlets like Bloomingdale’s) and to market each bag the whole process. Plus, it’s practical because I have a Argyro come from Elata on the island), which was to private clients and through selected boutiques. lot of clients in Greece.” decimated by arson fires this past summer, she is

1 4 N O V 2 0 1 2 C O V E R S T O R Y C O V E R S T O R Y N O V 2 0 1 2 1 5 Dr. Nicholas Kaloudis

(L to R) House Foreign Affairs Committee Senior Policy Advisor Alan Makovsky, Brookings Institute Managing Director Bill Antholis, Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Suzan Johnson Cook, former Chairman of the (L to R) Congressman Chris Smith, Yuan Weijing House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Ben Gilman. (wife of Guangcheng), Oxi Day Award Winner Chen Guangchang, National Endowment for Democracy Elie Wiesel receiving the Metropolitan Chrysostomos US Assistant Secretary of Defense Zachary Lemnios President Carl Gershman. Award from Oxi Day Foundation President Andy Manatos

Presentation of the Greatest Generation Awards at the World War II Memorial Metabolism: Converting food into energy (L to R) US Ambassador at Large for International Women's Issues Melanne Verveer and Battle of (L to R) Foundation Sponsors Ted and Erika Greatest Generation Award Recipient, Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and Crete Award Winner Dr. Fouzia Saeed of Pakistan Spyropoulos with Beverley and Andre Gerolymatos Greek World War II Veteran Antonios Kounalakis drink into energy. During this complex biochemical process, calories in food Presentation on Greece's profound role in WWII at the US Institute for Peace and beverages are combined with oxygen to release the energy your body needs to function. Even when you're at rest, your body needs energy for all its "hidden" functions, such as breathing, circulating blood, adjusting hormone levels, and growing and repairing cells. How hot are you burning? The number of calories your body uses to carry out Washington's Policy Elite these basic functions is known as your Basal Metabolic Rate — what one might call metabolism. Several factors determine your individual basal metabolic rate: Your body size and composition. The bodies of people who are larger or Highlight OXI Day Heroes have more muscle burn more calories, even at rest. (L to R) Former US Ambassador Tom Korologos, presenter - Professor Andre Your sex. Men usually have less body fat and more muscle than do women of Gerolymatos, Andy Manatos, Cyprus Ambassador Pavlos Anastasiades, the same age and weight, burning more calories. (L to R) Richard Ben-Veniste, Oxi Day Award Winner Maria Anastasiades, Oxi Day Foundation Sponsors Lynn and Paun Peters Chen Guangcheng, Battle of Crete Award Winner Your age. As you get older, the amount of muscle tends to decrease and fat Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Keynote speaker John Negroponte accounts for more of your weight, slowing down calorie burning. Fouzia Saeed, one of Pakistan's most prominent women's Energy needs for your body's basic functions stay fairly consistent and aren't rights advocates, received the Battle of Crete Award; Elie easily changed. Your basal metabolic rate accounts for about 60 to 75 percent Wiesel, the world's most highly-regarded and well-known of the calories you burn every day. holocaust survivor and human rights advocate, received In addition to your basal metabolic rate, two other factors determine how theMetropolitan Chrysostomos Award; Ben Gilman, the many calories your body burns each day: former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs received the Greatest Generation Award given to an American WWII Food processing (thermogenesis). Digesting, absorbing, transporting and At Arlington National Cemetery following a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. hero; Brigadier General Mike Cokinos, received the storing the food you consume also takes calories. This accounts for about 10 Greatest Generation Award given to a Greek-American First row (L to R) Greek Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos, Angelo Tsakopoulos, WWII Veteran Antonios percent of the calories used each day. For the most part, your body's energy WWII hero; Antonios Kounalakis, received the Greatest At Historic Synagogue at 6th and I Streets for the Metropolitan Chyrsostomos requirement to process food stays relatively steady and isn't easily changed. Kounalakis, Georgia Gilman, WWII Veteran Congressman Ben Gilman, Andy Manatos, Mike Manatos. Generation Award given to a Greek WWII hero. Award: (L to R) His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, American Jewish Second row (L to R) Father Demetrios Antokas, Maria Antokas, Basil Mossaides, Nick Larigakis, Antigoni Committee's Jason Isaacson, Ambassador of Greece Christos Panagopoulos Physical activity. Physical activity and exercise — such as playing tennis, Kefalogiannis, Dr. John Psarouthakis, Leona Pettit, Leon Andris. Early in the morning of October 28, 1940, the Italian walking to the store, chasing after the dog and any other movement — ambassador to Athens visited Greek Prime Minister Ioannis took less than two weeks for mighty France to fall, the Axis powers spent more than six account for the rest of the calories your body burns up each day. Physical The policy elite in Washington, D.C., from Capitol Historic Synagogue, the US Institute for Peace, the Metaxas, requesting that Greece allows free passage of months to succumb Greece, disrupting Hitler’s war timetable, since he was forced activity is by far the most variable of the factors that determine how many Hill, the Obama Administration, the American National WWII Memorial and the black tie award Italian forces through her territory. Without hesitation or into the debilitating Russian winter where he met defeat. calories you burn each day media, American think tanks and others celebrated dinner at the historic Willard InterContinental further consultation, Metaxas responded “no” (oxi, in heroes who exhibit today the courage displayed by Hotel. Greek) on the spot, opening another glorious page in the Leaders like Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, America’s Sumner Welles and even modern history's most consequential Davids vs. history of Greece and the free world. Adolph Hitler’s Chief of Staff, Field Marshall Wilhelm Keitel, credit Greece with Dr. Nicholas Kaloudis is a highly regarded, board certified Goliaths for democracy -- the Greek people in WWII. During the Second Annual Washington Oxi Day bringing about Nazi’s defeat. “The Greeks delayed by two or more vital months the endocrinologist. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal In addition to the hundreds who were involved in Foundation Celebration the following were It took only four days for the outnumbered and ill equipped German attack against Russia; if we did not have this long delay, the outcome of the Medicine and owner of EndoHealthMD, in Manhasset, NY. His center the award nomination process, dozens of honored: Greek forces to repel the massive Italian attack and to start war would have been different,” said Keitel. provides comprehensive specialty care using current evidence-based government officials, media leaders, think tank an epic chain of victories – THE FIRST AGAINST THE AXIS practices, and the latest advances in medical aesthetics. He holds an experts and business leaders participated in the Chen Guangcheng, the blind Chinese human rights ARMIES DURING WWII – that culminated with the In 1940, Greece’s Defeat of the Seemingly Undefeatable Axis Forces Inspired the appointment as Associate Clinical Professor at North Shore University in ceremonies that took place in Washington, DC activist who blanketed the American media when liberation of a big swath of Greek-inhabited territory within World. President Franklin Roosevelt said “When the entire world had lost all hope, the Manhasset. He has received numerous awards, and he has published October 24th - 25th, at Arlington National Secretary of State Hillary Clinton brought him to Albania. Seeing his ally facing total defeat, Hitler decided to Greek people dared to question the invincibility of the German monster raising articles in the field of Endocrinology. For more information and a listing Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns, 6th and I America in May, received the Oxi Day Award; Dr. invade Greece as well, with the help of Bulgaria. While, it against it the proud spirit of freedom.” of services provided call: 516 365 1150.

1 6 N O V 2 0 1 2 N E W S & N O T E S H E A L T H N O V 2 0 1 2 1 7 Brooklyn AHEPA mobilized their members on to help victims of the devastating storm that pounded the Northeast Coast. Two large contingencies mobilized at the by our local brothers and National Head Quarters, Bravo Headquarters in Bay Ridge, but more donations are needed.” According to Empire District 6 Secretary Peter Brooklyn. One group went to the Vasilakos, “the real costs are going to be realized in Far Rockaways and the other group the days to come when people have to bring in the heavy construction materials and manpower to went to Staten Island’s south shore, rebuild and make their homes livable. It is very important that we use our limited resources in an bringing the much needed supplies efficient manner and not inundate these people with and manpower. items that they really don’t want or need.” The Ahepa 41 Executive Board called an emergency Chapter meeting in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, in order to discuss logistics as well as allocation of resources and man power as the relief effort continues. As part of the relief effort, AHEPA National Headquarters, Empire State District 6, Local Chapters, and other groups and individuals are sending supplies, care packages, and donations to: Ahepa Chapter 41, c/o Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral, 64 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Please make a commitment and help in this worthy cause by sending in your contribution in as Arcbhishop Demetrios with member of the Clergy and local AHEPA Chapter discuss relief efforts. well.

National President, Dr. John Grossomanides, in an Founded in 1922, AHEPA is the largest and oldest alert last week to the Entire AHEPA Organization American-based, Greek heritage grassroots nationwide, called for all Districts and Chapters to membership organization. It was established by respond by providing support and assistance to the visionary Americans of Hellenic decent to fight and local chapters who are on the ground in the protect all from prejudice from individuals and Northeast and who can mobilize in a grassroots groups such as the KKK. In its history, AHEPA has effort to give direct assistance to those in need. joined with the NAACP and B’nai B’rith International to fight discrimination. It works to promote In an EMPIRE DISTRICT SIX CALL TO ACTION Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic UPDATE – it was reported by AHEPA’s District 6 that Responsibility, Family and Individual Excellence. It is Brooklyn 41 was staged at the 2 locations - Staten also the largest provider of federally-funded housing Island Mill Rd and the Far Rockaways - and that all the for low-income senior citizens through HUD. Its heavy supplies - gloves, masks, shovels rakes, sledge mission is to promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of hammers, garbage bags. - were exhausted within an philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, family hour. Chapter President Ted Pavlounis, who was on and individual responsibility and excellence through site in Staten Island, stated: "We should focus our community service and volunteerism. efforts on buying the heavy supplies needed and getting them down at these areas as this is what is For more information, AHEPA’s 41 Brooklyn Chapter needed now. Brothers have had a positive impact but phone number is 718-238-2400 and their email we need to continue to help in any way possible. We [email protected] are pleased with the overwhelming support shown

1 8 N O V 2 0 1 2 C O M M U N I T Y LOU RAPTAKIS RE-CAPTURES STATE SENATE SEAT IN RHODE ISLAND strategy e m e n i d e s Ted Deutch (D-FL) σ τ ρ α τ η γ ι κ ή b y E n d y Z District: He currently represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District but he is running at Florida’s 21st Congressional District, located Hellenic and in Miami-Dade County and including many of the western suburbs of Miami such as Hialeah, Orthodox Olympia Heights, and Cutler Senator Leonidas Raptakis THE 113TH CONGRESS Champions in points to board with final Committee/Leadership Assignments: House numbers posting victory The results of the 2012 election resulted in seniority is notable. If one closely examines the the US Congress Foreign Affairs Committee, including positions Former Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis, several developments that should be of list of members of the House, accounts for the on the Middle East Subcommittee and the Africa, who served in the Rhode Island General Assembly for sixteen particular concern to the Greek-American ages of some, the contested nature of the Global Health and Human Rights Subcommittee. years, won re-election to the State Senate, earning an community. For example, we are reasonably districts that some represent, assumes that impressive victory in a campaign that focused on his past record certain that we are going to have a new some House members will seek higher office Contact: (202) 225-3001, (561) 988-6302 of accomplishment and reputation for being a watchdog for the Secretary of State. Depending on who gets the (as they have in the past), and for historic public interest in the State House. Raptakis earned 7,033 votes nod for this position, it may result in Senator turnover in the House, there is a reasonable to 4,333 for his incumbent opponent, Glenn Shibley. Robert Menendez (who was easily reelected) chance that Bilirakis, Sarbanes and Tsongas become chair of the Senate Foreign Relations could be in the top 100 members of the House Raptakis served in the Rhode Island Senate until 2010, when he Committee. On the House side, the community after the 2016 Presidential election. Regarding the state of the US economy, what polarized and Members are not willing to Do you consider Turkish provocations in the left to run his first state-wide race for Secretary of State. While has had the good fortune of having the top Sometimes, the community has not stepped up are the prospects for recovery, and how soon? compromise with the opposing party. I take a Aegean a threat to regional stability and he lost a primary election that year, he continued to play an Republican (Ileana Ros-Lehtinen) and top Democrat (Howard Berman) on the Foreign for our Greek-American members of Congress The US economy can quickly recover so long as different tact and actively seek to pass legislation international peace? Also, what actions have active role in state politics, leading a successful effort to oppose because we consider them to hold “safe” seats, with my Republican colleagues. I have succeeded you taken or do you plan to take to encourage an unpopular meals tax hike which would have done further Affairs Committee emerge as strong Congress works together after the election to philhellenes. Congressman Berman lost his bid or think that they “don’t have a race” in a in this regard by passing Iran Sanctions and the US to take a stronger stance against this damage to restaurants in the state which were already particular year. This is an assumption that we achieve a comprehensive budget and deficit deal struggling in a tough economy. While his Senate district for reelection, and because of House rules, should never make, given the history of the loss that cuts spending but also raises revenue. This Veterans legislation into law by working in a bi- kind of irresponsible behavior? Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen will no longer changed somewhat as a result of a re-districting process which serve as chair for this key committee. of John Brademas when he was in line to be will bring confidence and certainty to small and partisan manner. I have strongly spoken out against any took place earlier in the year, about 80% of the new Senate Speaker of the House. Retaining these large businesses. Would you encourage more active voter provocations by Turkey against any U.S. allies District 33 was composed of areas Raptakis had represented in A notable loss for the community was on the members, and ensuring that they become more including Cyprus. I have made it clear to Turkey the past. Senate side of the Capitol. For over three senior and more influential is of paramount What are some of the particular challenges participation in your decision making as decades, there has been a Hellene in the United importance. that as a NATO ally, they must support and foster P that you are facing in your district? Congressman, using the advances of H States Senate. In 2010, the U.S. Senate came O As discussed above, seniority can bring

technolog y, like the Internet and other forms stability in the region. T close to featuring 3 U.S. Senators (with Alexi Too many families in my district are struggling to O committee chairmanships. What is equally of communication? S Giannoulias and Charlie Christ coming up Are you aware of the state persecution against : important is political strength. Consider the find work in this difficult economy. In addition, A short in bids to join Olympia Snowe). With the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey and N example of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. foreclosures are too common and homeowners I already do use such technology by keeping in E Senator Snowe’s retirement, and Shelly S Elected to Congress in 2002, he rose to the touch with constituents via Facebook, Twitter, and what have you done to address this issue in T Berkley’s narrow loss in the Nevada Senate are not being able to renegotiate their mortgages I position of the chair of the Democratic S

race, there is no longer a single Hellene in the with banks as effectively as needed. In addition, through telephone town halls. The more Congress? D Congressional Campaign Committee and I U.S. Senate. communication, the better as far as I am A proved to be one of the country’s great seniors are struggling with rising costs but Social As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs K O This makes the results of the 2012 elections in fundraisers. Two years later, he was tapped to Security COLAs are not rising along with everyday concerned. Committee, I am proud to have supported several P O the U.S. House of Representatives even more be President Obama’s first chief of staff. Three U

prices. How did you become interested in the Greek- pieces of legislation in support of the Ecumenical L important. In 2006, Senator Paul Sarbanes and years after that, he was easily elected Mayor of O What would you say is the state of our American community, and who introduced Patriarchate. Earlier this year, we passed S Congressman Michael Bilirakis both retired. In Chicago. you to them? legislation to ensure the protection of religious 2010, two Greek-American Representatives The reality of the importance of money in democracy in these challenging and Senator Elect Leonidas Raptakis greets (Zach Space and Dina Titus) lost their unusually polarized times? sites in Turkey. My colleagues and I have sent politics cannot be overstated. The strong My district is home to St. Marks Orthodox church Gregory Demetrakas, George Moragemos, reelection bids. This year, Dina Titus ran in a reputations that Bilirakis, Sarbanes, Tsongas which is community institution. I have been several letters urging the Turkish government to redrawn district and was easily elected (for the The American democracy is vibrant yet under recognize the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Lakis Andriotis standing, Andreas Andreopoulos and Titus have established will not be enough attending the Greek festivals for many years and I second time) to Congress. Congressmen Gus for them to get to the top of their party attack from various threats including the flood of important and vital rights. and Lee Diakopoulos Bilirakis, John Sarbanes, Niki Tsongas all sailed unregulated and secretive funds flooding our also meet with clergy and lay leaders from the to reelection. structures. How they help their party will be parish. Since the Bush Administration recognized “I am grateful to the voters for giving me the opportunity to given as much – if not greater – weight than any elections in the wake of the Citizens United return to the State Senate and serve as their voice in the State Due to the landslide in the 2010 election, of their legislative achievements. They are all in Supreme Court decision. In order to protect our What are your thoughts on the Cyprus issue FYROM as "Macedonia", the country has House,” said Raptakis. “At the same time, I’m grateful for the retirements, and the results of the 2012 a “Race to the Top” with other House members, democracy we must enact a constitutional and what are some of the things you've done to become more intransigent when it comes to strong support I received from so many friends in the Greek election, over 170 members of the House of and their ability to show a strong base will amendment overturning Citizens United to make support settlement efforts? territorial and cultural irredentism against community and I look forward to having the opportunity to Representatives will be freshmen and determine how fast they get there. bring attention to Hellenic issues in the legislature and by sophomores. As it stands right now, three certain our elections cannot be bought by Greece who is a major financial supporter in Get to know each of these members of I have encouraged negotiations between both the region. What kind of action on the part of working with Congressional leaders in Washington, DC.” Greek-Americans will be among the most corporations. senior 230 Representatives. This brings them Congress. They are all proud of their ties to the parties as a settlement will only come through the US would you promote in order for a community, and have all been particularly Raptakis pointed to a range of issues where he has worked to closer to key Committee assignments. For In various polls conducted throughout the direct negotiations. I was pleased to see Cyprus mutually acceptable solution to be facilitated? example, given Republican retirements on the active not only on the issues, but in support of U.S. Congress hasn't fared well with the take the EU presidency this summer. Cyprus has promote strong American support for issues of concern to many community initiatives and groups. These Greece and Cyprus, including: promoting a resolution to end House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gus Bilirakis American people. Why is that, in your opinion, been a great friend and ally to the United States. I As FYROM seeks a path to NATO membership, we has a chance to be elevated to the chairmanship are not individuals that remembered they were need to be clear that this issue needs to be the division of Cyprus; recognizing the Hellenic roots of Greek when they declared their candidacies. and how do you address this issue as also strongly encourage oil and gas developments Macedonia; pushing for Greece’s inclusion in the visa waiver to the European Subcommittee. There is also And they also do not pander to the community. Congressman? with Cyprus and our other American allies in the resolved. I have supported efforts to include a program; introducing a Pontian Genocide resolution; speculation that Congresswoman Dina Titus They fully understand how American interests geographical qualifier in the name. will be given greater seniority than other region. arranging the donation of Hellas Liberty ship to Greece for use freshman because of her status as former are served by standing by Greece and Cyprus, Our ratings are low because Congress is too as a floating maritime museum. and how American values are honored by Member of Congress. protecting the rule of law and religious “Whether it’s fighting for the rights of local property taxpayers To have four relatively recently elected freedom abroad. Let’s get them to the top. Neo Magazine and the public policy/lobbying firm of Manatos & Manatos in Washington, DC have or calling attention to issues of concern to the Hellenic Representatives climb up so quickly in terms of come together to present a monthly profile of “Hellenic and Orthodox Champions in the US Congress.” community, I know how to build support for legislative initiatives and produce meaningful results,” said Raptakis. “I Endy Zemenides is the Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), a national advocacy organization for the Greek American look forward to returning to the State Senate and continuing to community. To learn more about HALC, visit www.hellenicleaders.com 2 0 N O V 2 0 1 2 C O N G R E S S get things done for our communities.” S T R A T E G Y N O V 2 0 1 2 2 1 fresco: Original Greek Gelato in Manhattan

Ilias Iliopoulos After six years of owning and operating a gelateria in Athens, Greece, brother and sister, Ilias and Venetia Iliopoulos, brought to New York City their passion for classic Italian gelato. Fresco Gelateria, located in the heart of the East Village (138, 2nd Avenue, tel: 212.677.6320), offers a modern twist on the traditional slow churn process by combining quality ingredients and progressive flavors, such as goat cheese, rosewater, fig, watermelon etc. The beach shack interior evokes a Greek island sensation while showcasing authentic benches made of wooden planks from the Coney Island boardwalk. Fresco Gelateria opened on August 1st and serves fresh gelato, produced onsite along with daily baked pastries and an assortment of espresso based drinks. hellenes without borders

by Alexander Billinis Alexander Billinis has spent a decade in international banking in the US and Europe, most recently in London. He is particularly interested in Greece's economic and cultural position in the Balkans. He has worked with companies invested in the Balkans, and is writing a travel-historical book about the post-Byzantine states of modern Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The Chorus only way the Turk was to be evicted would be in concerted action. Bulgaria and Serbia formed an Aeschylus’ ORESTEIA The Balkans before alliance in March 1912, with the intention to act in The stars gave a mesmerizing performance with directed by Lucas Thanos Premiered in LA Michael Monks as Agamemnon and Apollo, Frantz the Balkan Wars concert to fight the Turks, and to submit any territory Turner as the Adviser, Liana Thanou as Clytemnestra in dispute to the Russian Tsar for mediation. and Athena, Danay Garcia as Electra, Alexander Montenegro associated with this treaty via Serbia. Lucas Thanos and The Hellenic Library A Year ago last month (October 1912), revolutions to unite with the Greek motherland Then Greece and Bulgaria concluded an alliance Popovic as Orestes, Angelina Prendergast as since 1821, also existed in a netherworld of Cassandra, Carolyn Lawson as Nurse Cilissa, Robert the Balkan Wars began. It may be against Turkey in May 1912, based on each side presented Aeschylus’ Oresteia, an ancient Greek autonomy; though the Cretans declared union with controlling what Turkish territory they conquered Jayne as Aegisthus, and Shure Batbaatar as Daughter worthwhile to look back at the Balkans Greece in 1908, nobody recognized the act. A Cretan trilogy, this past October, at The William & Jane of Darkness. The Chorus and Percussionists were a and Bulgaria stipulated that their alliance did not before the Balkan Wars to remind at Greece’s premiership, Eleutherios Venizelos, was include fighting on Greece’s side if war broke out vivacious addition infusing rhythm and dance into the determined to change this. Bristol Civic Auditorium. The play was play. On percussion was Tom Kurai and Shih-wei ourselves how much these two conflicts over Crete. In September 1912, Greece concluded a similar agreement with Serbia, easier to honor translated and directed by Lucas Thanos and is Willie Wu. The Chorus members included LA actors; changed the destiny of Greece. To the north, geographical Macedonia, Epirus, Lizelle Gutierrez, Cory Storey, Ben Griesse, Korrina because Greek and Serbian claims, unlike Bulgarian Thrace, Kosovo, and Albania all remained Ottoman claims, scarcely overlapped. an adaptation of the original trilogy by Kaplanis, Asimina Antoniou, Caitlin Mckenney, and September 1912 provinces, seething with unrest and an absolute Katerina Gagkas. The dancers consisted of Alexie Aeschylus, first produced in 458 B.C. The show goulash of nationalities: Greeks, assorted Slavs, Turkey concluded her hostilities with Italy in large Geronimo, Naomi Pessy, Kelly Browning, Vince As the summer faded into fall a century ago, the Turks, Albanians, Vlachs, and Jews. Albania did not Trupsin, Matthew Krumpe, Melvin Ramsey, Megan Balkan Peninsula was a very different place than part to face the greater existential danger from her was sold out and a huge success. The audience exist, and Serbia and Bulgaria both ended feisty former subjects. That said, most European Kenson,Valentino Vladamirov, Michelle Costello, today. One glance at the map tells us this. Greece considerably north of their current frontiers (though expressed their enthusiasm with a standing Emily Andrews. ended at Arta, in Epirus, and at the footholds of states reckoned that the Turks would defeat the in Serbia’s case, most of her gains have been wiped Balkan League handily. They did not reckon on the Mount Olympus, not yet touching beloved our away by the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s). Far from ovation. Macedonia. In the Aegean, east of the Cyclades and Balkan states’ determination to free their co- cooperating, the three principal Balkan Orthodox nationals still within the Ottoman Empire, or the the Sporades, the islands were Turkish-controlled, states had been at each other’s throats in Macedonia, though Samos was an autonomous, Greek-governed degree to which these small states had drilled their and within living memory Serbia and Bulgaria had armies with the latest weapons, or that Greece Chorus Shure Batbaatar as Daughter principality. In Constantinople and Asia Minor, up to fought a bitter war. The Turks did their best to exploit three million Greeks lived often prosperous lives as possessed a navy far superior to that of the Turks in of Darkness, Michael Monks as Apollo the Balkan states’ division by encouraging, well, everything but tonnage. Ottoman subjects, unaware of their precarious Balkanization. and Liana Thanou as Athena future. In the southeast Aegean, Italy had occupied Rhodes and the other Dodecanese Islands in the On October 8, Montenegro declared war on Turkey, All three states had tried to tangle with Turkey on and legend has it that aged King Nicholas of course of their recent war with Turkey. To the south, their own and suffered crushing defeats, most the “Great Island” Crete, which had a half dozen Montenegro fired the first artillery shell. A few days recently Greece in 1897. Despite their enmity, the later, the other Balkan states followed.

Director Lucas Thanos, is a composer, explorer of Contemporary Choreography and a persistent scholar of Ancient Greek Tragedy. He studied Theatre, Music, Dance and Philosophy in Athens, Rome and New York. He researched for many years the dance philosophy of Isadora Duncan, serving as adviser of her family as well as reviver and Artistic director of the "Isadora Duncan Center for the Studies of Dance". Thanos has dedicated the last few years to the study of Aeschylus’ rhythmic physical movement, the Ancient tragic word, and the root of the collective experience. He seems to be drawn to symbolist hypothesis, to psychoanalytic interpretation, to the anthropological dimension of these Ancient texts. Having considerable experience in dance and theatre, he relied on his musical and dance praxis in his quest to decipher and analyze in depth the musicality and the internal rhythm of the dramatic poetry of Aeschylus.

By translating all of the Aeschylus' known plays to the contemporary Greek and English language, his focal point is to bring out the rhythm and the musicality of the great dramatist word. Aeschylu's Oresteia by Lucas Thanos will continue to tour around the nation.

2 4 N O V 2 0 1 2 N E W S & N O T E S P H O

T The Dance Group of the Women's O

S Members of the Chian Federation Executive Council, : Admiral Stavridis receiving the Homeric Award from Award Auxiliary performing for guests. K

O dignitaries, and past presidents

S Chairman Markos Marinakis and Chian Federation

T during the presentation. A President Stavros Haviaras

B E J ADM. JAMES G. STAVRIDIS PRESENTED WITH CHIAN FEDERATION’S 33RD ANNUAL HOMERIC AWARD by Dimitri C. Michalakis audience, my grandfather showed me the value of Markos K. Marinakis was chairman of the Homeric The keynote speaker of the evening was Philip very proud because Admiral Stavridis is the supreme Koula Sophianou, Congresswoman Carolyn hard work, a simple thing known to everybody in this Award Committee and he said all Chians and all Christopher, past president and founder of the commander of all allied forces of NATO--28 countries Maloney, State Senator Michael Gianaris, European Supreme Allied Commander James G. room,” said the admiral in his remarks at the gala. Greek Americans were proud of the admiral’s service Pancyprian Association of America and a longtime of NATO--a Greek American is the supreme Councilman Peter Vallone and New York City Stavridis was the recipient of the Chian Federation’s “And my father, George, showed me love of my to the nation. activist for Greek issues, who praised the Chian c o m m a n d e r. H e i s a l s o t h e E u r o p e a n Comptroller John Liu. 33rd annual Homeric Award presented to the country.” Federation for being “in the forefront of all national commander—51 countries of Europe—and the admiral during a gala at the Federation’s Hellenic “The Homeric Award is an honor bestowed upon Greek issues for so many years.” He also praised the commander is Dimitrios Stavridis, a Greek The master of ceremonies was former assemblyman American Cultural Center in Astoria. “I stand before you tonight as the latest recipient of distinguished individuals who advocate human Homeric Award because “it stands for freedom, for American.” Matthew Mirones. this extraordinary award and I want to begin by rights and democratic ideals and who have worked Hellenic values, and for Hellenic ideals, which are “I think the legacy of Chios and the Chian Federation saying thank you to those from Chios,” he said, “an to strengthen relations between the United States the same ideas America espouses.” Nicholas Poulis also spoke about the HelpChios Fiora Kyrou sang both the U.S. and Greek national is one of service and celebration and absolute island which is at the heart of Greek and Greece,” he said. “As a proud Greek American, Relief Fund which he heads, and which provides anthems, the Syn-Phonia Orchestra performed, and dedication to the ideals of the United States and values—everyone is a Chian, everyone is from Chios, and the highest ranking Greek American in the “Many people say to me that with such a prestigious money, food and clothing to the needy in Chios and performing in period costume was the Federation’s Greece,” the admiral said in a press conference and shares in these wonderful values.” nation’s armed forces, Admiral Stavridis, with his award as the Homeric Award, perhaps you should supplies sisitias, or food pantries, run by the Dance Group of the Women’s Auxiliary, which is before the gala. “I am proud to be here as Supreme strong commitment to public service, democracy present it at the Waldorf Astoria, or the Hilton,” he Metropolis of Chios. (Dr. Nicholas Rallis is co-chair of headed by Maria Papagiannakis. Allied Commander of NATO, and I want to say thank “Tonight, as we celebrate the one hundredth and freedom, is an exemplary model to humanity.” said. “But we tell them that it was in this house where the fund, which is under the auspices of the you to Greece for the hard work in the NATO anniversary of the freedom of the island of the demonstrations in Washington started back in Federation’s Geriatric Foundation headed by Alex Co-chairs for the Homeric Award gala were Amalia alliance, and to all in the Greek American community Chios—join me in a round of applause--as we Federation president Stavros Haviaras said, “It is an ’74: this is where freedom rose for all of us Hellenes, Doulis.) Bournias and Captain Nicholas Skarvelis. here for their wonderful support to the United States celebrate ourselves on this spectacular evening, I honor for all Greeks to have among us distinguished not only here in NY, but across the nation.” of America.” will say we must sail on in our lives, we must set individuals of Greek descent such as Admiral “The mission of the HelpChios Relief Fund is very Also announced in the special journal for the goals, we must have a vision for what we want to Stavridis, who have performed outstanding service He added, “I know that supporting the Chian simple: to help feed the Chians under the depressing evening were the winners of the Federation’s The admiral is a native of south Florida and a accomplish, we must experience life as Ulysses did,” for all of humanity. Even more so, it is appropriate on Federation and the Homeric Award is not only an circumstances due to the economic crisis,” said Eleftheria Centennial National Essay Contest. At the graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. His he concluded. “Life is about sailing on, it is about the centennial of the liberation of our beloved island obligation, it is really something that we have to do Poulis. “On a monthly basis we send funds to the graduate level, First Prize went to Irene Milonas grandparents emigrated from Asia Minor and his movement, we cannot remain at anchor, we must to honor an admiral, because it was another admiral, every year because of what it stands for and what we Metropolis, which runs a soup kitchen under the Maris, Second Prize, Dimos Karidas, Third Prize, father fought in three wars with the U.S. Marine move forward always. This is what we do as Greek Pavlos Kountouriotis, who planned the campaign to are fighting for. We are fighting for Greek national supervision of Metropolitan Markos. What we are Christina Kosmidis. At the undergraduate level: First Corps. The admiral was present at the gala with his Americans and I am very proud to receive this free Chios. In the person of Admiral Stavridis we issues. And at a time when we are searching for doing is helping human beings that are being Prize, Eric (Kafantaras) Hand, Second Prize, Daphne wife Laura and his daughter Christina. marvelous award, and as the keynote speaker honor all seamen and sailors who fought and solutions, at a time when we are searching for devastated by the economic depression in Greece.” Karidas, Third Prize, Sophia Scoufaras. At the high mentioned of Themistocles at the Battle of Salamis, sacrificed to enable us to live free.” heroes, the new Greek American generation should school level, First Prize, Angeliki Nikoletta “From my grandfather, Dimitrios, who shares today together with you to row to freedom.” be looking to Admiral Stavridis, because he is a real Other speakers that evening were Greek Consul Tsoumpariotis, Second Prize, Demetrios Kyriannis, his name day with me and the other Dimitrios’ in the role model for Greek Americans today. We are very, General George Iliopoulos, Cyprus Consul General Third Prize, Kira Tsougarakis.

Christoyianni wrote the music. The talented Neophytos Stratis will play the piano and sing the fairy tale song “Cornilios Rostbeef”. Vassiliki Tsanaktsidou will present the program which includes a reception with coffee and home made desserts. Admission is free. Martha Tompoulidou was born in Thessaloniki where she graduated from the Aristotle University with a degree in Greek Literature.

As an actress, with a diploma from the Athens School of Drama, she worked with the National Theatre of Greece. In her twenty years of professional experience, Ms. Tompoulidou participated in numerous productions of modern repertoire and ancient drama. “Baking Stories 2013” is an artistic calendar which and on Sunday, December 9th, 7:30 pm, at the presents traditional desserts from 12 different Cyprus House (13 East, 40th Street, Manhattan). In 2001 Ms Tompoulidou won the Fulbright countries, illustrated by accomplished artists along scholarship and came in NY where she took acting, with 12 original stories written by Martha Special guests at the events include acclaimed actors dancing and singing classes in HB Studio and the Tompoulidou. There are two editions: “Baking Ioanna Katsarou, Dimitris Bozinis, Theodora Loukas Broadway Dance Center. In NY she has collaborated Stories 2012/The Calendar” and “Baking Stories and Christos Alexandridis who will read “The Bait”, as a director and an actor with the Greek Cultural 2013/The Book” in Greek and English. one of the stories written as a one act play. Center, the Resonance Ensemble Theater and the Federation of Greek Societies of NY. The collections will be presented on Sunday, The well known soprano Alexandra Skendrou will November 25th, 7:00 pm, at the Hellenic Cultural sing “The sugar house”, one of the stories written in In 2008 she founded the “Ichneftes” Theater Center (Crescent Street and Newtown Ave, Astoria) rhyme. Renown baritone and composer Anastassi Organization of which she is the Artistic Director. By Maria A. Pardalis Maria’s Special Koupes

Autumn is upon us and although I so look forward to the sumptuous Thanksgiving fare and traditions November brings, a part of me yearns for long summer days spent basking in the sun and the comfort food I enjoyed this past August in Cyprus. Cypriot cuisine is impressively expansive and slightly differs from conventional Greek food. The island’s geographical position and its history have resulted in a very unique fusion of Greek, African, and Middle Eastern culinary flavors. One of the dishes I miss most is the ever so popular Cypriot street food, koupes. These torpedo- shaped fried croquettes are stuffed with ground beef and a rich blend of herbs and spices. Koupes are spice driven and a reflection of Cyprus’ cultural influences, definitely not something you will find in a Greek restaurant. Due to their complexity, koupes are almost impossible to find even at Cypriot restaurants here in the United States and so I decided to recreate my family’s century old recipe and simplify it. In order to make this dish a bit more heart-friendly, I decided to transform the traditionally fried croquette into a baked pie. Maria’s Special Koupes, Prep time: 35 minutes, Bake time: 50 to 60 minutes

Ingredients Serves Preparation

For the Crust 8 To make the crust:  2 cups fine bulgur wheat 1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large saucepan bring water to a boil. Stir in bulgur and bouillon. Turn off heat, cover and let stand for 20 minutes or until most of the water is  4 cups water absorbed.  2 large yellow onions, grated 2 Fluff bulgur with a fork, add remaining ingredients and mix well using your hands. Set  1 cube chicken bouillon aside and start on filling.  2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil  ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon To make the filling:  1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for 5 to 7  Sea salt and pepper to taste minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook until meat is no longer pink. To assemble For the Filling 1 Lightly grease a large rectangular shaped pan with extra virgin olive oil. Firmly press half  1 pound lean ground pork of the bulgur mixture evenly onto the bottom of the pan.  1 pound lean ground beef 2 Spoon filling evenly over crust and cover with remaining bulgur mixture. Smooth out the  1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped top with a spatula. Sprinkle top with water and using a sharp knife, score in a crosshatch  1 teaspoon ground cumin patern.  2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped 3 Place koupes on the center rack of your oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Once  1 teaspoon allspice thoroughly cooked, broil for 5 minutes or until top is golden brown and crusty.  1 tablespoon Extra Virgin olive oil 4 Remove from oven and allow to stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.  Sea salt and pepper to taste 5 Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and serve with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt. Kali Orexi! G O U R M E T N O V 2 0 1 2 3 3 New York State Senator Mike Gianaris was also hosted at Skidder's. Here with Nick Koutelos & wife (right)and friends politics, sports and …beauty! Very often you see busloads of hot models, taking part in various pageants which the area is famous for, visiting the restaurant. “Either I’m so handsome or the food is so good and keeps them in shape! Or both,” says Nick with a big laugh. “But I’m also married!” Going through a wall full of photos with dignitaries, customers, congressmen, senators, governors, athletes, coaches, TV personalities, one can see that Nick and son Teddy Skiadiotis hosting models Skidder’s isn’t just a restaurant but a local from one of the area's beauty pageants powerhouse. “We also do fundraisers here,” he notes with a smile. 1993 he bought Skidder’s and since then he has That’s how I met Nicholas Skiadiotis, the owner, who became more of a Floridian than New Yorker. Skidder’s is located on 5799 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete immediately invited us over to his table (I told him I Although he still has a house and business in the city, Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist Beach, Florida. The phone number is (727) 360- was in the area to cover the Republican Convention, St. Pete is his home. “I came to love the place, the (center) with his father (left), 1029. You can also check it out on Facebook. so that I would look more important, although that sun, the weather, the wonderful people. Also the Nick Skiadiotis and his son Teddy wasn’t exactly true). There, we got to meet the pace of doing things here is much more manageable. When there, try the Greek salad as a starter, then …former mayor of St. Pete and a couple of very I worked for many years and so hard in New York, grouper with their marechiara sauce on pasta and friendly locals who visited Greece many times and this for me is like a vacation, only permanent!” finish with homemade strawberry cheesecake. This they liked it so much that during one trip they dish couples well with chilled Moschofilero white overstayed their visa and as a result there is a kind of When in St. Pete, Nick goes to Skidder’s every day, wine. When done, enjoy your cigar and your favorite hold that prevents them from reentering the late afternoon usually, and sits in his favorite spot drink in the open air and like me, start looking for country. where everybody can pass by and say hello or talk ways to extend your stay… about the latest developments. He’s also involved in Nicholas, as we came to realize, isn’t only Skidders other businesses and his son Lefteris, or Teddy, as owner, but a kind of unofficial Greek ambassador in people know him, has taken over to a great extent. the area, offering advice and trying to help in anyway But Nick feels still young and kicking, so he’s not he can. And if the Greek Consulate General in Atlanta thinking about retiring anytime soon. closes due to economic constrains, then Nicholas might need to assume the duties of a real Greek While talking about the economy, the discussion consul, albeit unwillingly! “You see, despite the shifts to Greece and the hardships there. Nick is problems and the bad news all over the networks, optimistic that at the end Greeks will manage to pull people here still love Greece. So, when they want to themselves out of this mess, but he feels for the go there not only I encourage them, but I give them people. “I know how it is,” he says. “I too went ideas where to go and what to do,” says Skiadiotis. through things and it takes a lot of guts not to lose “Greece still is one the most beautiful places on earth faith, not to break. And it’s in situations like this that a and she deserves our love. That’s why I go there and helping hand might do all the difference. Whatever I stay at least four months a year!” can do to help, I do. There are people coming here and if I cannot give them a job, I call friends who Nick’s love affair with St. Pete, Florida, started in the might be in need. I’m not saying that I will save the Nick with his best half, wife Angie most unsuspected of ways. He emigrated to New country, but you have to start from somewhere, by Candy (right) and Carmen York from his native village of Platanos, a breathing Sportscaster Dick Crippen with wife Penny, doing something.” distance from ancient Olympia, in 1974 and like Nick Skiadiotis, Henry & Eleanor Gonzalez many Greeks at the time he went into restaurant with their daughter, former St. Pete's Thanks to Nick and his engaging personality, business. It was winter of 1987 and a very stressful Commissioner Chris Leonard, Candy, Skidder’s has hosted very prominent people breakup with a restaurant partner had left him Skidders Manager, and Millard Gamble throughout the years, from every field of endeavor, If you live in New York there is nothing unusual when driving to see Greek completely exhausted. While going home, he passed by his friend’s travel agency in Astoria, where he flags waving alongside the Star Spangled Banner at the entrance of diners would often stop to say hello. It was then and there or restaurants. You don’t even get moved any more, you just keep driving that he saw a poster with St. Pete’s magnificent thinking about the unpaid bills from your recent summer trip to Greece! beach. “Can you send me to that place tomorrow?” he asked his friend, and while the other went on to If, however, you couldn’t afford that trip (Greece is still in the Eurozone, laugh, Nick was dead serious! after all), or you didn’t have enough vacation time and you decided that under the circumstances sun-bathed and baked Florida was the ideal It was pre-Internet time yet, so it took some effort and various phone calls, but before long he left the choice, and then, while driving on St. Pete’s busy Gulf Boulevard you saw place with two round trip tickets and a seven day a Greek flag, chances are that you make a stop! hotel reservation. Getting home, he went right upstairs, to his wife Angie, “his better half,” he says, by Demetrios Rhompotis and waving the tickets he solemnly declared: “I’m leaving for Florida tomorrow for a week, please That’s how I got to visit Skidder’s Restaurant, a place It was late in the afternoon when we got there, just come with me!” After Angie protested like only a that combines so many different things while before the avalanche-like dinner rush was about to Greek woman knows how about the last minute managing to maintain a distinct character, just like ensue. It didn’t take a lot to realize that at least one of notice and the lack of time to do her hair etc--when America herself, I would dare say. It’s a family the people sitting at the corner table of the open air she realized that he was going to go no matter what, restaurant, a bistro, a Mediterranean style café and a patio, facing Gulf Boulevard, was Greek. The music she started packing the suitcase (still protesting, of place to hang out. The menu is built along the same coming out of the speakers on all sides was also course!). “She fell in love with the place like I did,” lines, offering continental and European breakfast, Greek and not the tourist-like Zorba mellifluous Nick says, “so she soon realized it was great that I Greek & Italian dishes for lunch and dinner, tunes, but hard core Greek! When he saw us looking bought the tickets, even without her knowing.” sandwiches, seafood, of course, even vegetarian for where to sit, the Greek looking, tanned man choices! And last. but not least, pizza, and not any stood up and in seconds we started speaking in the Having gone back and forth numerous times, Nick kind of pizza, one of the most famous in the area that language of …Zorba…and by that I certainly do not saw the opportunity to do business as well, so that he has the delivery personnel on a ceaseless pace! mean Mexican (Anthony Quinn)! could have a reason to stay there much longer. In

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be touched and if they do, it will be by mistake or by opinion, given the abuse on processed arguments default, is what guarantees the theatricality of this from both sides of the aisle that have left her (our magnificently staged operation. In other words, Democracy, I mean) in a permanent state of you know it’s a play and a dull one, but you hope indigestion. for a surprise every now and then. What I want to say is that our experts and specialists In the “pundits’” case, the feeling of void in their have exhausted the humanly-possible limits of midst is due to the fact that they rightly sense their talking about the very, narrowly-scoped same raison d’etre missing: it’s sort of an existential things, and as a result they can only come up with problem which cannot be solved through the …eschatology and by that shit is to be understood! mind-boggling exercises in philosophy or even They can’t offer anything else at this point, religion beliefs. Besides, it takes really intelligent whatever nutrients were there have been absorbed people to be able to torture themselves that way long time ago so what’s left is …skata! and yet be sober when dealing with life’s mundane things as if nothing had happened. Those are the This is what they are serving us abundantly and this exceptional, maybe, the rest is just the is what we are asked to consume with renewed …exception! interest, pretending it’s fresh cake just out of the oven. And it is up to us, once more, to lift the So, in order for these “pundits” to be able to live in …gauntlet and either keep playing this game by Do you remember when I was talking about the the post election period they had to come up with a pretending that shit is food for thought or wipe our feeling of …hopelessness following the end of the stratagem that would allow them and the rest of the ass with it and throw it back as a counter argument! Olympics? I kind of feel the same now that the country to be on a permanent election alert! (It’s Which lead us to another problem: our shit will be election is over: it’s like waking up in the morning somehow the same concept of terrorism and forcing yourself to look for real news-- other alert Bush employed so effectively for things that will captivate your interest, that can fill almost eight years). After all, maybe this is this wide gap--in other words, the new situation the new idea of democracy in the making This is Elinor Jozef, has the potential to unsettle us completely and for so that it keeps herself alive - but no the first female Arab sure it has done it to me! kicking - even if that means through life- support devices which in this case are the combat soldier in For the last two years we knew what the main topic media. So the army of experts and was; we even knew how to rewrap the same commentators have already started the Israeli Army. “arguments” and sell them as something new: talking about the 2016 contest and people would brook no serious questions (unless thrown possible candidates left and right, Hopefully she will it had to do with the wrapping paper…). We could winking and nodding with the air of also have those …idyllic moments while talking somebody who has inside information never have to use with friends of the opposite party, when everybody and gives the public a great service by her combatant skills, supposedly agreed on the things that need to be sharing it. done for the good of the country and after not too other than to conquer long, the conversation would naturally drift to Listening to those people, you come to some lucky fellows... sports (and women) and everybody would leave believe that 2016 is already here, which the table or living room satisfied and proud to be doesn’t excite me to the least, in fact it American! makes me feel much older already and there are so called as it is by them, while theirs will still be many things that I haven’t done! And even worse offered as political wisdom! And since they are the And I’m sure this feeling of emptiness is shared by for my state of mental health, the main thing that de facto arbitrators of what is and what is not, we all “mainstream,” commercially-oriented TV takes me out of this trance is looking at my bills, are going to loose the battle of shit, besides their “pundits” who in their sprint towards the finishing which clearly state what date they need to be paid! capacity to shit on us, is unlimited! line of this past election exhausted the limits of It’s such a relief! It makes me feel grateful to my what could be said within the safety that the debtors, in fact I even thought of paying them Once more I realize that there is no way out of my condom of our political correctness …amply something extra for this therapeutic service, they line of arguments, and at this point, when the post provides. They could talk for months on end certainly deserve it! Our bills make sure we stay election void-trauma is still fresh, I’d rather keep it without saying anything, or anything different for real and in the present course of things, otherwise low and get ready for the …Holidays! that matter, and feel great about themselves and the future that will absorb us is some kind of an Thanksgiving is in the offing and before you notice their service to the country, which happily coupled invisible vacuum the only way out of which will be it so is Christmas. And the moment New Year’s is with the service to their pockets, making the rejection in a eschatological or excremental way! If over, you know Easter is approaching fast. Indeed, experience fulfilling in more than one ways! you don’t believe me, take a look at Rush there are other things in life besides the election Limbaugh… and unlike the latter, they really occur on a yearly Yes, they feel the same, as I feel, although for basis! entirely different reasons. I expected nothing Speaking of shit, let me explain that the modern serious to come out of the whole thing, so I have Greek word of excrement, “skata”, derives from the P.S. I don't know if I should appreciate it or be come to appreciate mainly the artistic aspect of the word “eschatology” which itself signifies the very pissed about it, but it's amazing that people with process: the theatre, the drama and yes, the end of a process. I’m not giving you this whom I haven't talked for a long time, even for precious comedy that you can extract from the explanation as a metaphorical take of mine on the years, found a way to reach me and ask about my most solemn moments of this bisexual--bipartisan I result of this artificially prolonged election well being after the hurricane Sandy. What's worse? meant to say--play. The understanding which extravaganza. In fact, it’s the best outcome our It took me years and consistent effort to fool myself ensures that no matters of utmost importance will state of democracy could produce, in my humble into believing they didn't exist!!!

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