O C V ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ Bringing the news ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ to generations of ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald Greek Americans c v A WEEKLY GREEK AMERICAN PUBLICATION www.thenationalherald.com VOL. 13, ISSUE 638 January 2-8, 2010 $1.25 The ‘Aegean The Long Wind’ Burns Return to Off Coast of Financial Venezuela Worthiness Three Greeks, Six Politicians in Blame Filipino Sailors Dead Game, Moody’s Wants in Christmas Tragedy ‘Specific Proposals’ By Christopher Tripoulas By Christopher Tripoulas The National Herald Staff Writer The National Herald Staff Writer

NEW YORK - Nine sailors were NEW YORK – The Greek economy killed and five were burned in a said goodbye to 2009 amidst re- Christmas Day blaze aboard a newed talk of a bailout. The Interna- Greek freighter in waters off a tional Monetary Fund (IMF) is ready Venezuelan Caribbean island, the to help Greece if it asks for assistance, official Venezuelan news agency the IMF's head for Europe said. ABN reported on Friday, December "The EU should create a mecha- 25. nism to help out countries which find It quoted Admiral Carlos Maxi- themselves in Greece's shoes. But one mo Aniasi Turchio, commander of has to believe Greece will solve its Venezuela's navy, as saying the problems by itself," Marek Belka told blaze broke out in an engine room Reuters in an interview on Wednes- of the "Aegean Wind" before dawn day. and spread upward on the vessel Asked whether the IMF would be which was carrying iron ore from ready to help bail out Greece, Belka Brazil to Houston and had a 24- said: "Yes, we are ready. But it de- strong crew. pends on whether the EU or Greece "Nine bodies were found in dif- will request it." ferent compartments of the Greek The offer drew a quick response ship," the admiral said. from Germany's Finance Minister The bodies belonged to nine Wolfgang Schaeuble, who warned sailors – three Greeks and six Fil- that EU countries would show "mis- ipinos – reported missing earlier in placed solidarity" if they gave finan- the day on the ship 33 nautical cial aid to Greece. miles northeast of the island of La “It would be misplaced solidarity Blanquilla, Admiral Aniasi Turchio if we were to support Greece with fi- said. The navy's communications nancial help," Mr. Schaeuble told office declined comment on the Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki is The National Herald’s Person of inspire Greek leaders during the current crisis. Ecumenical Patri- Germany΄s Boersen Zeitung. ABN report. the Decade. Perhaps her triumph organizing the 2004 Olympics will arch Bartholomew of Constantinople is our Person of the Year 2009. All signs point to the fact that "We don't know if they died from pressure will mount on Greece to asphyxiation or burns, but the (ship's) commander has confirmed to us that they did die," Admiral Aniasi Turchio told Venezuelan Two People With Lasting Impact on the Hellenic World state television. Two Filipino nationals suffered It has become a tradition here at TNH to ry and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is memory after a year or a decade has elapsed third-degree burns on their face name a Person of the Year, a person that has our Person of the Year for his courage and lead- and why? Identifying them leads us to the per- and hands and three Greek crew stood out in the course of the past year. ership in declaring the Patriarchate to be under sonalities of the year or the decade that have mates had less severe burns, said This year, we are faced with two decisions: persecution by the Turkish State in a “60 Min- distinguished themselves the most. Rafael Lugo, the national comman- Marking the end of the first decade of the new utes” interview. To be more specific, our choices centered on der of Venezuela's Maritime Rescue millennium by deciding on the Person of the Every day brings something new, something those people whose actions, over the specified and Aid service. Decade as well as choosing the Person of the unexpected. The theory of the “Black Swan” period of action, take on a historical signifi- The remaining crew members, Year. proves itself in many manifestations. The only cance. including a woman, were on the The choices were relatively easy. Gianna An- certainty is sudden change. Surprise, that is The list of people who fullfil those require- deck, Lugo said. gelopoulou-Daskalaki, the head of the Athens what determines our lives. ments is a relatively short one. Usually their de- 2004 Olympic Games, is our Person of the The questions we need to answer in selecting Continued on page 7 Decade for organizing the best Games in memo- these candidates are which events stay in our Continued on page 8 20:10 – The Window of a New Year

“Paul went down stairs, threw tations. With every window display teed endless adoration, wealth, himself on the young man and put more enticing than the other, fame and happiness – or our money his arms around him. “Surely,” we think, “This one will fi- back! ‘Don't be alarmed,’ he said. ‘He is nally solve all those nagging diffi- The Book of Acts has a great not dead . . . but alive!’” culties in my life!” deal of advice for such contempo- AP PHOTO Acts 20:10 The first ten years of the 21st rary window-shopping. Its message In this March 2, 2006 file photo, century may be characterized as provides an alternative and a valu- the headquarters of the Euro- By Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos the decade of unremitting window- able remedy for those who have pean Central Bank (ECB) are shopping. Never before have we tragically fallen headlong through seen in Frankfurt, Germany. The Christmas-New Year holi- seen such a multi-media array of the depersonalized windowpanes day season in Manhattan is marked sophisticated “catechetics”, all of secularity. While its first 19 chap- proceed with more painful budget by elaborate window displays cre- promising ever-lasting happiness ters generally illustrate the key cuts in 2010. In a December 30 arti- ated at many of the city’s most fa- through their respective branding characteristics of the early Christ- cle, Reuters' Philip Blenkinsop argues mous and popular stores. From Ma- of what is true. Our lives were in- ian community as spirit, unity, and that euro zone countries with rocket- cy’s and Lord & Taylor to Blooming- troduced to interactive television, philanthropy, the 20th chapter of ing debt can follow the example of dale's and Barneys, the holiday sea- rich-media Internet service, and Acts powerfully reveals the more Belgium. In recent times, no other son in New York City would not be global video cell-phone networks. specific nature of the Church. It is current member of the 16-nation sin- complete without a visit to these These societal windows provide not so much a fixed location . . . as gle-currency bloc has cut its public beautifully decorated Yuletide win- intimate inspection into competing an intimate relationship with the debt so sharply from such a high level dows! worldviews that draw us towards Sacred . . . the Resurrected Lord - from 134 percent of gross domestic While some prefer just to look, their respective gospel – that if we Himself! product in 1993 to 114 percent in other Christmas window-shoppers do this, accept this, purchase this – What then does Acts 20:10 have 1999, and 84 percent in 2007. are lured into purchasing what they we will be free, transformed, to say to the Year 2010? What wise Belgium's success is a good omen will soon discover in the New Year changed forever, happy as never counsel for the New Year can be for many European nations now they can't afford. An activity with- before, fulfilled, enlightened. By al- discerned from an unusual biblical struggling to bring their finances un- out clearly defined intent, seasonal lowing our minds, hearts and final- pericope concerning a young man’s der control, after the global financial Saks Fifth Avenue, with its holiday windows, represents hope for bet- window-shopping motivates wish- ly, our bodies to pass through their ter bottom lines in 2010 for businesses and a better life for shoppers. ful thinking and unrealistic expec- beckoning windows we are guaran- Continued on page 5 Continued on page 7 Hellenes in America During Beaten Priest Greek War of Independence Summoned

By Steve Frangos formed a unique cadre of individu- Back to Crete The National Herald Staff Writer als who had their own distinct in- fluences on the local communities CHICAGO - Nicholas Kanaris Mani- in which they ultimately settled. By Theodore Kalmoukos ates is among those young Greeks For those of you new to the idea The National Herald Staff Writer who first arrived in the United of Greek immigrants in the United States during the Greek War of In- States prior to the American Civil BOSTON – Priest-monk Alexios dependence. Learning something War, be aware that Greek American Marakis, assistant priest at St. of the story of this man’s life can Studies has its own chronology and Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon help us begin to understand the ex- development that does not always Springs, Florida, will return to his periences and overall nature of life coincide with standard American native Crete immediately after the for other pioneering Greek immi- historical conventions. As we 2010 Epiphany celebration, having grants from the 1821 to 1830 era, progress in a finer-grained study of been directed to return by Arch- such as George Colvocoresses, the Greek presence in the Western bishop Ireneos of Crete. U.S. Ma- John Zachos and others who also Hemisphere we can note the organ- rine reservist Jasen Bruce, 28, has not only stayed in North America ic emergence of a chronology and been accused of attacking Father but established families. As we cast of historical characters unique Marakis, apparently with a tire shall see these early Greek settlers to our Hellenic experience. For our iron, after mistakenly identifying purposes here we need only consid- him as a terrorist because of his er the relationship between two long beard, hair and Greek Ortho- To subscribe call: 718.784.5255 distinctly Greek American time dox clerical garb. e-mail: frames: 1821 to 1829 and then In a telephone interview with [email protected] 1830 to 1880. The National Herald on Sunday The era of 1821 to 1829, marks evening December 27, Fr. Marakis the period of the explosive re- TNH/COSTAS BEJ said, the “case is at the hands of the sponse of Americans and Western Greek Teachers Enjoy Well-deserved Christmas Festivities courts,” and he added, “they called Europeans to the Greek bid for me in last week and I gave another The Pan-American Federation of Teachers and the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus”, with their Continued on page 4 presidents and special guests, celebrate Christmas at Mezzo Mezzo restaurant on December 29 in N.Y. Continued on page 5 2 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010 In the Spotlight: Alex Lyras GOINGS ON... ■ JANUARY 1-9 New York, the Hellenic Bankers As- By Eleni Kostopoulos a halt. I began to craft a theater hope to achieve in the future? CHICAGO, Ill. – The National Hel- sociation and the Hellenic Lawyers The National Herald Staff Writer piece about how expertly some AL: Making a living in this crazy lenic Museum is featuring the ex- Association are hosting a ‘Tradi- people rationalize their problems. industry. Producing two feature hibit, Neolaia/Pathos on Tuesdays tional Cutting of the Vasilopita’, on NEW YORK- Alex Lyras is a New We’ve been inundated with self- films, five short films, and four through Saturdays until January 9. January 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Holy York-based writer and actor, who help advice like The Secret, and it’s plays over the last 10 years is satis- The exhibit features the work of 13 Trinity Cathedral Ballroom. The has most recently also crossed over ripe for parody. “The Common Air” fying. I hope to get a TV show on young Greek-American artists us- event is from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to producing. Lyras' first solo perfor- links 6 characters during an airport cable soon. After I make my mil- ing various media, including paint- Members and non-members are mance, “desperelics”, produced in delay. They’re all caught between lions, I want to give it all away to ing, photographs, sculpture and welcome. It is $40 for non-mem- 2000 at the Gene Frankel Theater in destinations, and because their young artists starting out and en- video. A $5 donation is suggested bers and a buffet dinner will be New York, and later at the HBO routines have been interrupted, deavoring to continue the tradi- and it is free for kids under age 12. available. Holy Trinity Cathedral is Workspace in LA, lead to a TV de- they’re all off balance in some way. tion. The National Hellenic Museum is located at: 337 East 74th Street, velopment deal with NBC and a role Each character is attempting to fill TNH: Does Greek Orthodoxy located at: 801 W. Adams St., New York. RSVP by January 8, to in Mike Nichols’, “What Planet Are the holes in their lives by “creating play a part in your life and what Chicago, IL 60607-3034. For fur- Stamatis Ghikas at (212) 629-6380 You From?” “Unequalibrium”, his their own reality.” It’s comedic and you do? ther information, call: (312) 655- or e-mail: HellenicChamber- second solo effort (co-written/di- also aggravating. I think everyone AL: Our history and culture are 1234. [email protected] rected by Robert McCaskill), was se- can relate to airport delays, and second to none. Orthodoxy is the lected for publication in Best Plays people who need to take better foundation of all of it. People joke ■ JANUARY 1-17 ■ JANUARY 24 of 2002. The show was produced look at themselves. (For showing about how long our services and ASTORIA, N.Y. – Ethos Productions NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Greek Or- again in L.A., where it was nominat- times and tickets, visit www.broad- weddings are. I love it. I get lost in presents “A Cuckoo Family” at the thodox Church of the Annunciation ed for a 2003 Dramalogue Award wayoffers.com). the choir and the language and Hellenic Cultural Center in Astoria. invites you to a Taverna Night on and led to a development deal for TNH: What are some future pageantry. My friend, Father Alex, ‘A Cuckoo Family.’ is a play adapted Sunday evening, January 24 at the an hour drama with Brillstein Grey. roles we can look forward to? says I would make a great priest. I’d and directed by Larisa Antypa. The Lafayette Grill & Bar in trendy Lyras and McCaskill also sold an AL: I produced a film called have my own show once a week! story takes place in the 1960’s in Tribeca from 6 to 10 p.m. $100 ad- hour drama to FOX in 2005, devel- “Heterosexuals” that’s wrapping TNH: What part of Greece is Athens. Andreas and Mika meet mission includes appetizers, main oping the script with Parouse Pro- post-production. It’s written and di- your family from? Have you visit- during Carnival in Venice; they fell course, wine, dessert and live mu- ductions (Prison Break). rected by Rob McCaskill, my long ed? in love and get married that same sic and dancing. RSVP by January TNH: Tell us how you got to time collaborator from the theater AL: My family’s from Chios, and day. With their return to Athens, 20 at (212) 724-2070. The where you are today. and it stars Natasha Lyonne, Tovah Actor, Writer and producer Alex it holds a special place in my heart. Andreas finds out that Mika is not Lafayette is located at 54 Franklin AL: My big move was escaping Feldshuh, Kevin Meaney and some Lyras stars in “The Common Air.” The black beaches are one of a only very spoiled but also was en- Street, between Broadway and law school. I went to John Marshal other recognizable faces. The plot kind. My brother in law is from gaged to someone else. There are Lafayette Street (3 blocks south of in Chicago but I kept finding myself follows three couples in NYC who Hollywood, for example, they want Mani, near Kalamata, and I love no rules in Mika’s home, everybody Canal Street). There is plenty of hanging out at Second City Improv are experiencing different stages of it simple. They encourage the iden- that area as well. It’s the opposite does whatever they like and An- free street parking and the restau- instead of studying Plessy v. Fergu- love. I think it’ll do well on the festi- tifiable clichés because they think side of the Meditarranean and dreas attempts to win Mika’s heart rant is convenient to most Manhat- son. I quit, moved back to N.Y.C. val circuit. The first film I produced people need to be spoon-fed. But I equally as alluring. and put some order in this Cuckoo tan Subway lines. Visit the Grill’s and started acting. I began writing is called MONA. We made it on a prefer a knife and fork. TNH: What is your most enjoy- Family. “A Cuckoo Family” is pre- web site at www.lafayettegrilland- my own monologues for auditions shoe string and it got a distribution TNH: Do you have any role able pastime? sented in Greek with English subti- bar.net and the church’s site: because I did not want to use the deal, so you can get it on Netflix. models? AL: Seeing live music. I’m in- tles. General Admission is $ 25 and www.evangelismos.org same material every other actor I’m hopeful “Heterosexuals” does AL: Homer. He was the first guy spired by everything from Mozart $20 for Seniors/Students/Groups was using. Eventually I had 6 of even better. to do a one-man show, and it lasted to Miles Davis to Wilco and Dr. (10 people or more. The Hellenic ■ JANUARY 25 them I really liked, and I produced TNH: What is the most challeng- for 2 days! The Iliad was so popu- Dog. I see it whenever I can. Cultural Center of the Greek Ortho- LOS ANGELES, Calif - Dr. Frederic a show called “desperelics”. The di- ing aspect of your career? lar, he wrote a sequel called The TNH: Share with us some words dox Archdiocese is located at 27-09 J. Kakis, author of the book, “Lega- rector Mike Nichols saw a perfor- AL: Staying optimistic. The Odyssey. I also like Dennis Leary. of wisdom. Crescent Street. For further infor- cy of Courage”, will speak about mance and cast me in a film. That competition is ridiculous and it’s He started as a comedian whose AL: Actions speak louder than mation and reservastions, call: living in Greece during the Nazi oc- was a good validation for me, and not a meritocracy. My biggest chal- jokes were also social critique. Now words. Eventually the talk must (646) 945-9429 or (718) 408-4571 cupation on January 25 at 12:30 my parents, who have been sup- lenge is that I like to tackle serious he acts, writes and produces “Res- stop and you have to leap in. The or e-mail: reservations@ethospro- pm at St. Sophia Cathedral. His portive of my career ever since. issues in a comedic way. I like to use cue Me”, which tackles topical is- water will feel cold at first, but ductions.us book is a fictional account based on TNH: Tell us about your involve- all the philosophy I’ve read and cre- sues, and it’s hilarious. Laugh and you’ll get used to it. the true story of his family’s sur- ment with “The Common Air”. ate complex contradictions in char- think. It’s possible! ■ JANUARY 3 vival from the Nazis in Greece. In AL: There was a writer’s strike acters because that’s what I find in- TNH: What is your greatest Contact Eleni Kostopoulos at PALM HARBOR, Fl. – AHEPA hosts his book, he skillfully manages to two years ago and TV work came to teresting in life. But sometimes, in achievement thus far? What do you [email protected] its 2010 Citrus District 2 Epiphany concurrently provide details and Golf Tournament at Lansbrook Golf background information about the Club on January 3 at 1:00 p.m. historical events related to the AHEPA members, guests and ladies Greek resistance movement and are welcomed to participate. It will the major role it played in saving be a 4-man scramble format the lives of Jewish Greeks. St. longest drive, contest to the pin, Sophia Cathedral is located at: and putting contest. Entry fee, per 1324 South Normandie Ave. Los person, is $75 and includes, green Angeles, CA 90006. fees, cart, door prizes, trophies for 1st & 2nd place teams. Buffet din- ■ JANUARY 29-31 ner will be served. For more infor- CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Greek mation, contact: Gus Pantelides at: Church of Holy Trinity of (727) 461-1211; Michael Pantel at: Charleston, South Carolina, is host- (727) 461-6220 or (727) 213-4104 ing its Centennial Banquet on Janu- and Demetrios Kirkiles at: (954) ary 29-31 at the Charleston Place 463-6500. Hotel. On January 29, cocktails and an Art Exhibit Reception will begin ■ JANUARY 7 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the CLEARWATER, Fl. – The Minos Gibbes Museum of Art. The Gibbes Youth of Clearwater is hosting its will feature an exhibit as part of its 2010 Cretan Winter Conference at Charleston Story entitled, “The Shephards Beach Resort on Janu- Greek American Experience at the ary 7 at 4 p.m. For those who chose Turn of the Century in Charleston”. to go early, on January 6, there will On Saturday, January 30, the Di- be an Epiphany Celebration (diving vine Liturgy of the Three Hierarchs for the cross) & Epiphany Glendi all and Tonsure of Altar Boys at the TNH/COSTAS BEJ TNH/COSTAS BEJ day beginning at 11 a.m. On Janu- Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Santa Claus Rings in Christmas in Astoria Handel’s Messiah Resounds at St. Nectarios in Brooklyn ary 7, registration will begin at 4 Church will begin at 9:45 a.m. and p.m. and poolside mezedakia will a Centennial Brunch will follow at Santa Claus is the center of attention at the Stathakion Cultural Cen- A choir led by Maestro Dimitrios Fousteris which included profession- be served at 7 p.m.; on January 8, the Hellenic Center, with Metropol- ter at the Christmas party of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of al opera singers presents the “Hallelujah” Chorus of Handel’s orato- breakfast will be served at 9:00 itan Alexios and Archbishop Geater New York on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 27. The Santa in the pho- rio “The Messiah” at the Church of St. Nektarios in Brooklyn, New a.m. followed by a day at the beach Demetrios. A Centennial Grand to, actor Angelo Niakas, is about to give gifts to the joyous children. York. The appreciative audience braved wind and rain on Dec. 26. with various activities and then at Banquet program, dinner and 4:30 p.m. shuttles will take all to dance will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the the Panigiri at the Silogo; on Janu- Charleston Place Hotel. On Sun- ary 9 the meeting will begin at day, January 31, the Holy Trinity 11:00 a.m., followed by a beach Greek Orthodox Church Hierarchal volleyball tournament at 3:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy with Archbishop and then the Cretan Formal Dance Demetrios and Metropolitan Alex- at the Silogo. The package price is ios will begin at 9:45 a.m. A $75 for PYA members and $100 for farewell luncheon will follow at the non-members before December 1. Town and Country Inn and Confer- For further information about the ence Center. For further informa- conference and a more detailed tion, e-mail: itinerary, contact: Joanna Bout- [email protected] or zoukas at (727) 599-4646; e-mail call: (843) 577-2063. her at: [email protected] or visit: www.dcgreeks.com ■ FEBRUARY 6 CHICAGO, Ill. – The Hellenic Amer- ■ JANUARY 10 ican Dental Society, the Hellenic LOWELL, Mass. – The Ladies Professional Society of Illinois, the Philoptochos Society of the Trans- Hellenic Bar Association and the figuration Greek Orthodox Church Greek Women’s University Club are in Lowell, hosts their traditional hosting their 29th Annual Joint (Vasilopita) Gold Coin celebration Professional Valentines Soiree at on January 10, 2010. They began Gibsons Bar on February 6 at 7:00 collecting names on December 13. p.m. Music by DJ John Grammatis. The donation is $20.00 per piece. Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse is lo- TNH/COSTAS BEJ TNH/COSTAS BEJ Proceeds of this event will be given cated at 1028 North Rush Street, Lemnos Society Celebrates Christmas Children are the Heart of the Holidays in Lowell, Mass. as a donation to Saint Basil’s Acad- Chicago. For further information emy. For further information, con- visit: www.hadsinc.net. Board member Alexander Tsoukalas (far left) serves hot coffee and The students of the Hellenic American Academy of the historic hurch tact Pat Mahoney, President of the holiday cheer at the Lemnian House of the Pan Lemnian Philanthrop- Holy Trinity of Lowell, Mass. overflow the stage and their parents and Ladies Philoptochos Society at: ■ NOTE TO OUR READERS ic Association “Hephaestus” in Astoria. Members of the association friends pack the church hall during the 2009 Christmas program, (978) 436-0998 or e-mail: philop- This calendar of events section is a and their friends enjoyed food, wine & fellowship on Sunday Dec. 27. which included carols and holiday skits in both Greek and English. [email protected]. The complimentary service to the Greek Transfiguation Greek Orthodox American community. All parishes, Church is located at: 5 Clark Street, organizations and institutions are Lowell, Massachusetts. encouraged to e-mail their infor- mation regarding the event 3-4 ■ JANUARY 11 weeks ahead of time, and no later NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Hellenic- than Monday of the week before American Chamber of Commerce, the event, to english.edition@then- the Hellenic Medical Society of ationalherald.com Από το 1915 για τον Ελληνισµό QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Vote on our website! You have the chance to express your opinion on our website on an important question in the news. The results will be published in our printed edition next week along with the question for that week. The question this week is: The people of Greece and its govern- ment will be able to overcome the current crisis by following through with basic reforms rather than by dramatically changing their lifestyle. ❏ Yes ❏ No ΤΟΤΕ και ΤΩΡΑ ❏ Maybe The results for last week’s question: Would you be interested in in- vesting in European Union-backed Greek government bonds to help Εγκυρη και έγκαιρη ενηµέρωση µε µέτρο Greece emerge from its economic crisis? 27% voted “Yes” (718) 784-5255, 888-547-9527ext. 108 - 109 • Fax: (718) 472-0510 44% voted “No” e-mail στο [email protected] • www.ekirikas.com 29% voted “Maybe” Please vote at: www.thenationalherald.com THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010 COMMUNITY 3

GREEK MUSIC ...PLUS Lyricist, Singer or Composer? Who Brings the Magic Ingredient to Favorite Songs?

NEW YORK - As we welcome the generation to generation. Consider, tablishing the right bal- it of this phrase for our new year, some of us turn philosoph- for example, the 1936 song ance among all of these current discussion, the ical, not only about our lives as we “Fragkosyriani” by Markos Vam- three ingredients, is “word”, that is, the write New Year’s resolutions, but vakaris. It’s a nearly 75-year-old part of the “recipe” for lyrics, is a factor of pri- about the nature of this mysterious song which, even today, is played creating a great song. mary importance in giv- thing that passes inexorably, time. quite frequently at Greek music Most of all, however, a ing a song its time-tran- This week’s column touches on time events, sounding good and fresh song that endures must scending, διαχρονικη, in the sense of my fascination with every time, and always welcomed by convey a message and quality. what endures and what passes away audiences. bring forth a truth that Related to this posi- among our creations, in this case, In contrast, I would challenge touches and motivates tion, in his 1972 book, music. anyone to recall last month’s com- noble and universal hu- “Μουσικη για τις µαζεs” I am quite sure that most of us mercial “hit” by any of the well man emotions, irre- (Music for the masses), would agree that the worthiness of a known commercial “φίρµες”, pop spective of the era or by GRIGORIS Theodorakis writes: song, just as that of any artistic cre- singers, or even last year’s Greek time. MANINAKIS “The contemporary ation, is measured by its endurance song at the Eurovision competition. Let us then ponder a Greek popular song through time. As we would say in Who or what, then, deserves most of bit about this hypothe- Special to (λαϊκό τραγούδι), how- Greek, it is the song’s the credit for songs that succeed in sis. Here are some, per- The National Herald ever, exhibited one very διαχρονικότητα, its time-transcend- staying alive and popular from gen- haps self-evident, basic weakness. It was ing character that distinguishes it eration to generation? The lyricist, thoughts to consider: A good voice unbalanced. While deep and robust from thousands of others. What the composer, the singer or merely cannot rescue bad lyrics and an unin- in its music it was shallow and silly in then, is the critical ingredient that the timing? spired composition/melody. Cases in its lyrics. Thus my primary effort was gives a song its time-transcending There is no doubt that a song point are many of the well-known in a direction resolving this contra- quality? Is it the lyrics, the melody, must succeed in “its time” in order to contemporary night club singers. Al- diction. Of all Hellenic arts, poetry the interpretation by the singer, or have any kind of potential for though many of them have nice voic- was undoubtedly the most ad- simply, the “timing” of its appearance longevity. Yet, although this might be es and good vocal ability, the boring vanced. What could be simpler, (in Greek: συγκυρία)? a necessary condition, it is by no repetitive beat, coupled with monot- therefore, than to have these two ex- It would be fair to say that most means sufficient to give the song a onous, predictable melodies and treme conquests, (i.e. music and po- time-transcending songs possess and time-transcending value. Thus enter “cheap” uninspiring lyrics, allow no etry), of the contemporary Hellenic project a certain unexplained, per- the lyricist/word, the better fate for their “hit” songs, than spirit, joined? ” EUROKINISSI haps mysterious element – we can composer/melody and the singer/in- to be effortlessly forgotten, within a As it turned out, Theodorakis not Renowned Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis credits singers like call it magic - which embeds them in- terpretation. few months of their creation. On the only succeeded in accomplishing this Bithikotsis for much of his songs’ success. Who remembers the lyricists? to our hearts and memories from Common sense suggests that es- other hand, it is also true that a set of goal but he also provided an example good lyrics and a good melody may that continues to be emulated by oth- ity of cases we would likely identify “Aponi Zoi”, “Ola Ine Ena Psemma”, be ruined by a bad singer, just as they er composers. After all, he showed the song with the singer. In fewer “Ta Kavourakia”, “To Mertiko Mou can be significantly helped by a good us the perfect recipe: Seek out some cases we might also know the com- Ap’ti Hara”, “Fantasia”, “Se Touto To one. Let’s make it clear, however, that good lyrics, write a creative, yet un- poser and in a very small minority of Paliospito”, “Iliovasilemata”, “Opou a “bad” singer is not necessarily one complicated, easy to absorb melody, cases, the lyricist. This is particularly Giorgos Kai Malama”, “To Asteri Tou lacking a melodic, refined voice, but and get the ideal voice - in his case true when the singer is popular and Voria”, “Vraho Vraho ton Kaimo rather the one who lacks appropriate that of Grigoris Bithikotsis - to spread well known. All this, despite the fact Mou”, “Drapetsona”, “Geia sou Hara feeling in the interpretation, for the the word to the masses, to perpetu- that in all inserts and back covers of sou Venetia”, “I Smirni Manna kind of song he/she sings. ity. records and CDs, the names of the Kegete”. As an example, Grigoris Bithikot- I am not claiming here that great composer and the lyricist are invari- My most sincere wishes to all of sis, one of the greatest and most pop- lyrics are to be found only in sophisti- ably listed next to each other. you. Health-Happiness-Prosperity ular Greek singers of all time, did not cated poetry. There are many lyri- Obviously of all three, in the vast and fulfillment of all your goals in the have a refined voice, yet, his dry, sim- cists, poets and not, some of them majority of cases, the singer gets New Year. ple and straightforward, “Doric” in- composers as well, whose lyrics have most of the recognition and the lyri- terpretation of songs, had Mikis inspired some of the greatest time- cist the least, despite the defining Grigoris Maninakis is a Professor Theodorakis repeatedly declare that transcending Greek songs. Akis value of the lyrics, in giving a song its of Engineering Technology at without the voice of Bithikotsis his Panou, Giorgos Mitsakis, Kostas time-transcending stature and quali- SUNY Farmingdale. He has been songs would not have had the suc- Hatzis, Dionysis Savopoulos , Kostas ty. active in Greek music since the cess and unprecedented appeal Virvos, Manos Elefhteriou , Kostas In closing, at the risk of appearing early 70s as a founding member among people all over the world. Tripolitis, Dimitris Christodoulou, rather trivial and simplistic, I would and singer/soloist of the Greek In most cases, it would appear Nikos Gatsos, Lefteris Papadopoulos like to mention a few very popular Popular Chorus of N.Y. established logical that while a fair melody/com- and the one and only Eftihia Pa- and well known Greek songs and ask by Mikis Theodorakis. He has or- position may be rescued by good payiannopoulou are just but a few. you to consider whether you can ganized quality Greek music con- lyrics and a good interpretation, no Here is as well, however, the identify or know something about certs all over the U.S. and occa- singer or melody will ever be able to “great injustice”. Let’s answer the fol- the lyricist. Let’s give this little “trivia sionally in Greece. His column rescue bad lyrics. Do not be surprised lowing question honestly: When we contest” a shot with more comments will appear twice a month in The that I will now invoke a well known think or refer to some of our favorite to follow in our next column. Here National Herald. For comments EUROKINISSI biblical phrase which declares: “Εν songs, can we identify all three of then is a small list of rather popular and suggestions email or visit: The voice of Grigoris Bithikotsis, one of Greece’s greatest singers, αρχη ην ο Λογος - In the beginning their creators? Greek songs to consider: “Sto Peri- [email protected], www.gmani- seen here playing the bouzouki, was prized by Mikis Theodorakis. was the Word”. Interpreting the spir- I would venture that in the major- giali to Kryfo”, “Ena to Helidoni”, nakis.com Agora Gallery Hosts an Odyssey of Contemporary Greek and Italian Art in N.Y. By Eleni Kostopoulos The National Herald Staff Writer

NEW YORK – Diverse shades - dark and bold, vivid and multi-hued - en- compass the white walls of Agora Gallery New York City. Some pieces are more pragmatic, while others take you to a time and space of a dif- ferent existence, but the entire col- lection of “The Odyssey Within: An exhibition of Fine Arts by Greek and Italian Artists” is interesting and eye-catching in its entirety. Although six of the talented mod- ern-day artists are Greek, and all are based throughout the world: in Eu- rope (Greece, Cyprus, Italy) and the United States, the artistic ideas are all very unique, yet maintain a char- acteristic European style focused on the human condition. “I chose to group the works to- gether, because stylistically, they are similar in many ways,” Gallery Di- rector Angela Di Bello told The Na- tional Herald, adding the exhibit launched on December 15 and will wrap up during the first week of January. “We [launched the annual] ex- Angela Di Bello, Gallery Director of Agora (left) and Italian artist Mar- Spectators enjoy two pieces (“Detered”, acrylic on canvas and “In Doubt”, acrylic on canvas) by artist Chrys hibit four years ago and it has been ialuisa Sponga (center) at the opening reception of the exhibit. Roboras, both of which exhibit her signature isolated character who casts his shadow across “No Man’s Land”. very successful [throughout its du- ration],” she said. dark, emotive works. Greek artist Fotis Galanopoulos. Ap- studied Economics at Pierce College The pieces by Italian artists are cated to the promotion of national The images of New York-based Costas Petrides, who was born in propriately titled, his paintings “Hu- in Athens, Greece and graduated noteworthy and striking on their and international artists, providing Hariclia Michailidou are what the Cyprus, is an artist who also works man Landscape” and “Reasonable from the School of Fine Art at Uni- own, tending to encompass more vi- quality and original art to estab- gallery calls “complex ideas about as a psychologist. According to Ago- and Contradictions” (both created versity of Bolton in the U.K., current- brant, bright colors than that of the lished and emerging collectors, universal forms and the evolution of ra Gallery, his paintings, “of an oth- with oil, palette knife and canvas) ly lives and works in Athens. Greeks’ artwork. A couple of stand- catering to special events in support shapes in our universes.” Michaili- erworldly space-scape, invite the are vivid and are marked by a dis- An artist with a style that leans outs include Symona Colina, whose of fine art, organizations that foster dou’s portraits of an alternate uni- viewer’s eye on a visual and spiritual tinct compositional quality. more toward “Abstract Expression- flawless finishes are mesmerizing in social awareness and promote envi- verse, like that in la.night196,m,m2, journey through a new geography Similarly expressive, artist Aristi ism” is Vania Stefou, a Greek artist “Fiera” and Bruno Greco, known for ronmental issues.” The gallery locat- are her “re-imaginations” of celestial rich with perceptible symbols…[He “responds to what she experiences, who uses composition that tends to his “style of kaleidoscopic acrylic ab- ed at 530 W. 25th Street in Chelsea, imagery. professes] a profound understand- taking observed moments, reposi- be very symmetrical and repetitious straction.” New York and operates Tuesday - Athens-based Chrys Roboras, ing of the human psyche,” painting tioning them on canvas and high- as displayed in “Unforgettable” and The diversity of the work held to- Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more who frequently uses acrylic on can- as a means to express his innermost lighting their dynamism. Working in “Perfect Machine III”. The elements gether with a common thread is information on this and future ex- vas, draws her inspiration from her experiences and thoughts.” oil, mixed media and sculpture, all of her paintings are “inspired by what collectively marks the exhibit hibits, visit www.agora-gallery.com Greek upbringing in Sydney, Aus- Another artist deeply interested of her virtual explorations represent ocean life, earth-bound life and out- as superb: if one piece will not ap- or www.art-mine.com. tralia. Her pieces like “Detered” and in the human psyche and metaphys- life honestly and boldly,” Agora er space to embrace a holistic view peal to you, another surely will. “In Doubt” feature a lone figure ical ideas, “birth and rebirth of the Gallery writes in the exhibit’s ac- of the universe we live in and its infi- Agora Gallery was established in Contact Eleni Kostopoulos at amidst a vast landscape and are universe and tribal ideologies” is companying brochure. Aristi, who nite possibilities.” 1984 and “is a fine art gallery dedi- [email protected].

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a b the past 24 years [email protected] • www.lawhelp1.com WR The National Herald Από το 1915 για τον Ελληνισµό Bringing the news to generations of Greek Americans OFFICES: Manhattan, Queens (Astoria), Brooklyn, Long Island, LICENSED: New York, New Jersey 4 COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010 Santa America’s Holiday Spirit Burns Bright for Youngsters, Year-Round

By Angelike Contis to don his outfit and visit the local Ernestos, who see lots of family in- depending on each family, they of- The National Herald Staff Writer hospice. volvement in the charity. fer either a spiritual or secular con- Then, in 2003, the man with the His grandchildren are on to him, text for visits. The organisation’s NEW YORK - There are a lot of San- prerequisite twinkle in his eyes and Santa Ernest says, so he presents site stresses that “a big Santa hug” ta organizations out there – most of healthy white beard, formed Santa himself as “Santa’s Helper”. His transcends all barriers and is “the which are profitable endeavors hir- America. Today he’s joined by his daughter notes of her 7 and 3 year best medicine of all.” ing out Mr. Claus to the highest bid- Santa brethren, as well as 100 Mrs. olds: “They understand there are Santa America’s Berger-Crassas der or using Santa to seduce young Clauses and elves (who can often many elves that help the Big Santa. notes that her main contribution is consumers. But one organization, include the siblings of children who So they really feel they have an ‘in’ getting people to “donate donate Santa America, features Santas passed away). with the Big Santa because of Pa- donate.” She notes: “If everyone with the purest of motives. His daughter, Aime Berger-Cras- pou Berger.” gives a little, no one has to give a Santa America is a nonprofit or- sas is on the organisation’s board of The family enjoys both Greek lot.” ganization – perhaps the largest of directors. Mrs. Berger-Crassas says: and American holiday traditions. The nonprofit is poised to grow. its kind in the world – that sends “When a sick child meets with San- Mrs. Berger-Crassas says that while Mrs. Berger-Crassas says, “There Santas to children in hospices and ta, it is a moment we have all felt. she is still working on her St. Basil are currently 4,000 Santas in the chronic pediatric care units (or It’s magical and gentle. It makes cake technique, the family spends United States and we want 10% of those with a parent or grandparent our hearts race. EVERYBODY loves Christmas Eve singing the carols the Santa population to be Santa in a hospice), as well as those fac- Santa!” She adds that it’s important her Athens-born husband enjoys. America Santas!” ing bereavement and post traumat- that the organization function year- The family also often gives gifts But Santa America wants its jol- ic stress. These 200 Santas (in 47 round. Mrs. Berger-Crassas ex- with figs, almond and basil in them ly men to stick around. The organi- states and seven other countries) plains: “Many children who are vis- - and open some of their presents zation has launched a campaign must be hospice/hospital volun- ited will not make it to Christmas.” on New Year’s Eve. combating obesity in the Claus teers who are, as Santa America’s She, her husband, Alkis Crassas Papou Berger and his team are community. “We want a slimmer, website puts it, “authentically cos- (who runs the health fast food never paid and the organization heart-healthy Santa to be the mod- tumed, fully bearded, background- chain EVOS), and two children live doesn’t require financial applica- el for our youth,” says Mrs. Berger- ed, and highly trained.” in Tampa, Florida. tions for visits. The men and Crassas. The organization was formed af- Mrs. Berger-Crassas, who teach- women in red-and-white respond For more information about do- ter Ernest Berger lost his wife, Dar- es English at Alonso High School, to natural catastrophes (Santa nating or volunteering with the or- cy, to pancreatic cancer in 1999. In notes that her school has raised Ernest made 2,000 Hurricane Kate- ganization, visit the site: www.san- his mourning, the Alabama resi- nearly $15,000 for the organiza- rina-related visits) as well as trau- ta-america.org or call (251) 626- dent kept remembering an infant tion. It’s a lesson for students, be- mas like sexual abuse. Unlike other 6609. Santa America currently girl that died two days before his cause, she notes: “Many children busy Santas, the nonprofit is based lacks a branch in New York. wife. That’s when Mr. Berger, who today are not being taught a lesson on the concept that each volunteer Why not start one? had been Santa for work (at Gener- in giving your time or your money.” make appointments to spend quali- al Electric) as well as for low-in- This is not the case with her chil- ty time with individual children. After losing his wife, “Santa Ernest” Berger started visiting youngsters Contact Angelike Contis at Ange- come children in the past, decided dren, Sophia Efimia and Gerasimos The organization stresses that, in hospices, dressed as Santa Claus. In 2003, Santa America was born. [email protected]

ALL HISTORY Hellenes in America During the Greek War of Independence: The Maniates Family

Continued from page 1 (who was also known as Hi Jolly) newspaper ran for well over a year, include “David Dunne” (1912); of Arizona, George Caralambro “Doctor Maniates has recovered his “Amarilly of Clothesline Alley” freedom. The popular American (aka Greek George) of California, Office to the second story of (1918); “Mildew Manse” (1916); and European press invariably pre- or Rev. Father Theoclitos Triantafil- Hodge’s Building - His residence at “Our Next Door Neighbors” sented the Greek War of Indepen- ides of the West in general and oth- the Chisholm house, south of the (1917); “Amarilly in Love” (1917); dence as a heroic struggle and ers that, by a process of gradual ac- Court House.” At some point Mani- “Little Boy Bear” (1917); “Penny of called the grass roots response to cumulation of documentation and ates purchased a house in nearby Top Hill Trail” (1919) and “Sand the Greeks’ struggle, ‘the Grecian historical narrative, we are devel- Jackson, Michigan but always Holler” (1920). Contemporary Fever’. Early Greek American histo- oping a more refined sense of seems to have retained his princi- readers must have been especially rians such as Spyridon Kotakis, Greeks before the arrival of the pal office in Marshall. taken with Belle Maniates’ tales Seraphim Canoutas and others massive waves of Greek immi- Around 1851-1852, Nicholas since two of her novels were made write of the lives and experiences of grants in the 1880 to 1924 era. As Maniates married Martha Arabelle into films “Amarilly of Clothes-Line various individual Greeks who ar- each of these new studies comes to Becker of New York State. Miss Alley” (1918) and “Penny of Top rived during the 1821 to 1829 era. light our re-reading of existing ac- Becker hailed from a distinguished Hill Trail” (1921). “Amarilly of Later writers such as Eva Catafygio- counts such as James Patrick Yankee family who traced their Clothes-Line Alley” is considered tu Topping and the late Alexander McGuire’s, “The Greek Texans” roots back to Lt. Abraham Beck one of silent screen legend Mary Karanikas extended the work of the (San Antonio: Institute of Texan who fought in the Revolutionary Pickford’s finest films and is still early Greek American histories in a Cultures, 1982), resounds with War. According to the 1860 United very much available in a newly re- series of distinguished journal arti- new meanings States Federal Census, the Mani- stored DVD edition. cles and chapters in books on the In the spirit of regional studies ates couple had three children: Zoe Belle Maniates is also recog- Greeks of the Nineteenth Century. directed at larger issues I offer here 7 years of age, May 4 and Nicholas nized in local Michigan historical Yet for reasons, not now, well something of the life of Dr. Nicholas 2. It also seems that a relative, per- circles for her first book, “A Sou- understood, it was only with the Kanaris Maniates and his family. haps a brother, Henry W. Becker; venir of the Thirty-Fifth Michigan publication of Dr. Constantine Young Nicholas, a native of the city aged 40, also lived with the Mani- Volunteer Infantry” (Lansing, Hatzidimitriou’s volume of docu- of Athens, was driven from his ates family. Robert Smith Printing Co., 1898)” ments, “Founded on Freedom and home during the War of Indepen- In 1860, Nicholas K. Maniates which commemorates those who Virtue: Documents Illustrating the dence. In the resulting chaos, was elected a City Recorder for served in the Spanish American Impact in the United States of the Nicholas, “[while] in another boat Marshall Michigan, which makes War. Greek War of Independence, 1821- saw his parents’ boat fired on by the him one of the earliest Greek immi- Belle Kanaris Maniates, who 1829” (New York City; Athens: Turks, and it sank in sight of land in grants to hold city office in the never married, died on November Caratzas, 2002), that this critical the Mediterranean sea (Fort Worth United States (Democratic Ex- 16, 1931 in Lansing, Michigan of period of Greek American history Star-Telegram August 4, 1912).” pounder March 8, 1860). With the arterio sclerosis and was buried in was finally accepted by the larger Maniates and his descendants al- outbreak of the Civil War, Dr. Mani- the family plot at the Oakridge body of academics. Hatzidimitri- ways claimed he was the nephew of ates enlisted as a surgeon to the Cemetery. ou’s volume is a primary source Greek hero Admiral Constantine Michigan Sixth Regiment but never As this modest survey demon- publication offering select exam- Kanaris. It was not long after the served. In his lengthy obituary Ma- strates, detailed accounts of Greeks ples drawn from period newspaper death of his family that the young niates’ illness is simply called alter- who arrived in the 1821 to 1829 accounts, diaries, government doc- orphan Nicholas (who was fighting nately a ‘disease’ and a ‘fever’ from era and raised families in the 1830 uments, and other sources. with his uncle’s forces) was “se- which he finally died on June 21, to 1880 era can be readily com- It is through the writings and re- verely wounded in the leg by grape- 1861. piled. To be sure, at times, we search of Rev. Father Doumouras shot (Democrat Expounder June We do have one unexpected would wish for more detailed infor- that we first hear in some detail of 27, 1861).” problem in our study of Nicholas mation or for answers to what seem the initially small collectives of While young Nicholas was re- Kanaris Maniates and his family. In like contradictions in the docu- multi-ethnic Eastern orthodox covering in Athens, he met Rev- his long and detailed obituary in ments. Still what are we to do, ig- faithful who began to worship to- erend George Jones, an acting “Amarilly of Clothes-Line Alley”, considered one of the finest films of The Democratic Expounder on nore what we do know and write gether in the port cities of the Unit- chaplain aboard an American ves- silent film star Mary Pickford (above), was based on a novel by the June 27, 1861, it is clearly stated nothing? We must begin some- ed States beginning in the 1830s. sel. Historical accounts do not al- same title written by Dr. Maniates’ daughter Belle Kanaris Maniates. that “he leaves a wife and four love- where in our studies of these no- The growing number of parish an- ways provide us with detailed ex- ly and loved children.” Documents table pioneering Hellenes. niversary albums scattered across planations. In terms of Nicholas erend Jones experienced severe fi- came a naturalized citizen on April of all sorts abound on Dr. Maniates the coastlines of the nation concur Maniates’ life we learn that the nancial loses which made it impos- 10, 1834. Maniates was clearly an wife and the children. But the dates Contact Steve Frangos at grecian- with the late Father Doumouras’ wounded Greek youth somehow sible to continue to support young individual looking for a better life never seem to agree when it comes [email protected]. findings. The appearance of the “attracted the attention of the Rev. Maniates’ education. Maniates left since he left New York City for De- to the age(s) of his youngest HYPERLINK "http://www.Ortho- George Jones, of Annapolis, Mary- New Haven, and through Rev troit, working again as an apothe- daughter, Belle. Since this woman’s doxhistory.org" www.Orthodoxhis- land” and that for reasons not of- Jones’ offices went to the Com- cary. Around 1843 Maniates left age varies between 2 to 5 years de- tory.org website only promises to fered the good reverend “made a modore in Washington D.C. The Detroit for Marshall, Michigan. To pending on which published ac- extend this overall area of study. proposal to him (e.g. Maniates) to Commodore “procured [Maniates] get overall perspective on this last count(s) cited I believe we can, GREEK POETRY In like manner, a reading of take him to the United States and a steward’s berth in the Naval Hos- move, the year that Dr. Maniates without being judged overtly sex- Michael Contopoulos’ “The Greek educate and provide for him as he pital, where he soon became a gen- arrived in Marshall was three years ist, safely assume vanity prompted Community of New York City: Early would a son of his own (Democrat eral favorite amongst the surgeons before the Mexican-American War her to lie about her precise age. The Dance Years to 1910” (New York City; Expounder June 27, 1861).” and patients and was afforded un- and seventeen years before the importance of Belle Kanaris Mani- Athens: Caratzas, 1992) - with an With the consent of his uncle usual opportunities for improve- American Civil War. ates’ age and her personal knowl- (for Artemida Ressou) eye towards Hatzidimitriou’s vol- Constantine and an American ment and promotion.” From 1843 onward, literally edge about her father will become ume of documents, Doumouras’ naval officer only referred to as ‘the Nicholas Maniates spent at least dozens of advertisements were more important as our story pro- various articles and the new pan- Commodore’, young Maniates two (and perhaps four) years at the placed by Dr. Maniates in the news- gresses. From end to end a dance Orthodox website - gradually sailed for the United States, when United States Dispensary and papers of Marshall, Michigan. By Upon Dr. Maniates’s death his both moves and binds all worlds sharpens our perceptions of this era he was about 14 years of age, arriv- Naval Hospital in Washington D.C. 1844 Maniates was a member in wife first took a job at the Marshall with rhythm’s golden chains. from a distinctly Greek American ing on American shores July 2, and then five years as an apothe- good standing of the Calhoun post office and then at some later -Your body, a silent hymn, holy, historical point of view. 1828. Not long after, the Rev Jones cary in the firm of Hull and Brown County Medical Society. In the time became a local school teacher ritual of both flight Curiously, it is from a growing had Nicholas enrolled in school at in New York City, (Marshall States- slower times of rural America be- (Marshall Statesman July 7, 1869 and bonding, number of regional historical stud- New Haven, Connecticut. As Mani- man February 22, 1847; Democrat fore the Civil War, beginning in and October 11, 1889). Zoe Mani- graceful Lady. ies such as those of Captain ates would report decades later, not Expounder June 27, 1861).” Mani- June 4, 1851, this same announce- ates, who was born on October 31, Nicholas of Galveston, Philip Tedro long after his enrollment the Rev- ates, while in New York City, be- ment in the Marshall Statesman 1853, married Dwight Smith and All around dancing from you, was an active member of the Na- with you, tional Society of the Daughters of the flowers your gentle hand the American Revolution. The Ma- sprinkled on us, niates couple’s only son, “Young the evening ripple Nick Maniates of Jackson (Michi- in the distance, Writings of Harris P. Jameson gan) was selected as one of the certain songs carried messenger boys of the [State] into the poet’s memory; House,” (Marshall Statesman Janu- and Shakespearean images ary 8, 1873) and seemed headed caressing the poet’s fancy I. Jameson’s Chronicles for a career in government. Then, as if by a magic Ariel: totally without warning, "N. K. Ma- -My beauty, when you were born Volume I...... $6.95 niates died at his home in Jackson, a star danced in the heavens. on Thursday, last of cerebro spinal Volume II ...... $6.95 www.GreekKitchennyc.com meningitis (Marshall Statesman Kostis Palamas (1859-1943) February 13, 1879).” I can only find Translated by Edmund Keeley passing mention of May Maniates and Dimitri Gondicas in “The Both for ...... $12.00 in references to her other family Greek Poets” edited by Constan- members. tine, Hadas, Keeley and Van Dyck. It is with Dr. Nicholas Maniates’ youngest daughter, Belle Kanaris II. Novel “For Sully’s Sake” $10.25 Maniates, that we find the unex- pected. Belle also went into state All three for ...... $20.00 government, working first as a stenographer and then at progres- Subscribe NAME: ______sively more important positions ADDRESS: ______within the bureaucracy in Lansing, today... Michigan, where she spent the ma- CITY: ______STATE: ____ ZIP: ______jority of her adult career. The National Herald Mail to: Mr. Harris P. Jameson The energetic Belle Kanaris Ma- niates also became an incredibly (718) 784-5255 6 Louders Ln, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-3423 prolific short story writer and then [email protected] a successful novelist. Belle’s novels THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010 COMMUNITY 5 President Pandermalis Transports New York to Athens’ New Acropolis Museum

By Angelike Contis ture which actually of high quality. the missing heads - in London. The The National Herald Staff Writer It just needs a little bit of TLC as we speaker received chuckles too when say here.” Mr. Tschumi says he miss- he showed a slide of a man’s muscu- NEW YORK - Dimitrios Pander- es Athens, which he frequently visit- lar chest that is in Greece, and its re- malis, the President of the Board of ed over the last few years. maining torso, which is abroad.“ Directors of the New Acropolis Mu- In reviewing the final museum, The torso went to London, and the seum, proudly presented Athens’ Mr. Pandermalis pointed to what he breast remained in Athens,” he ex- long-awaited museum in a Colum- considers good decisions, such as plained. In a Q and A session, Mr. bia University talk on December 9. the use of natural light, non-tinted Pandermalis underlined that there The museum’s architect, Bernard glass and many columns. He noted is an exact place in the museum for Tschumi, was among those in the that the museum’s roof serves as a every piece of the frieze that will be front row of the darkened room as “fifth façade”. “found or returned.” Mr. Pandermalis illustrated his Among the New Acropolis Muse- The other controversial issue points with slides. um holdings discovered on its site surrounding the museum followed “We wanted to honor the archi- that Mr. Pandermalis singled out Mr. Pandermalis to New York. The tect Bernard Tschumi,” said Mr. were busts of Plato and Aristotle, speaker, who referred in his talk to Pandermalis, afterwards, as the ar- and unusual statues of deities with “accusations from the neighbors” chitect (who teaches at Columbia), non-Greek influences. At least one regarding early construction, was the new Greek Culture and Tourism slide seemed very alive, a mask- asked by an audience member Minister Pavlos Yeroulanos, Greek shaped sculpture of an ancient about the issue of the two houses Consul General of New York Aghi woman’s eyes, left at the Asklepion near the entrance of the museum on Balta and many members of acade- sanctuary, perhaps in healing refer- the Dionysus Areopagitou pedestri- mia made their way through an ex- ence. an walkway, which have been hibit two floors up, devoted to the In discussing the Parthenon threatened with demolition. Mr. New Acropolis Museum, within the Gallery, which was designed to hold Pandermalis pointed out that deci- Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art the Parthenon Frieze, Mr. Pander- sions involving other demolitions Gallery. malis said the challenge was have brought him to court 120 At the start of his lecture, Mr. whether or not to present “authen- times. “But these houses are a prob- Pandermalis noted that the search New Acropolis Museum President Dimitrios Pandermalis spoke at Columbia University. The front row in- tic pieces next to copies.” Ultimate- lem”, he asserted, referring to the for the perfect site for such a muse- cluded (l. to r.): Greek Consul General Aghi Balta, Greece's Ambassador to the U.N. Anastasios Mitsialis, ly, plaster copies were used for miss- two standing houses. It would be um had been on for not 30, but 150 Lara Yeroulanou, Greek Minister of Culture and Tourism Pavlos Yeroulanos and architect Bernard Tschumi. ing works. nice, he indicated “to see the view years. The architectural challenge The museum president’s all the way up from the Dionysus was huge, he noted: “It’s very diffi- time we had to change one, we had like another world. It’s a mystery.” convinced him “to open the muse- slideshow demonstrated the absur- [theater] to the Parthenon.” He cult for an architect, to ask him to to change the whole system,” Mr. The talk revealed that it was Mr. um”. dity of “the divided parts”, as Mr. downplayed the issue, however, as make a huge hole-like box for the Pandermalis said of the supports. Tschumi who encouraged the At the Columbia event, Mr. Pandermalis referred to the large “a minor problem.” Parthenon sculptures.” He added Showcasing the ruins, which are Greeks to include their modern city Tschumi explained to the National parts of the frieze located in Lon- Mr. Pandermalis told the Nation- that before the third museum com- visible from all the floors, due to the in the museum’s vistas too. “I must Herald: “The people in Athens are don’s British Museum. That’s when al Herald that the New Acropolis petition in 2000, “we excavated the use of glass, was a priority. “This is say, I hesitated a lot,” noted Mr. Pan- very ambivalent about the new city. the archaeology professor used his Museum’s final, lower levels will be site completely.” the first time in our country that we dermalis, who initially suggested I actually happen to think that it is slides for optimal impact. He completed and open to the public in But once construction began, accept an excavation like a huge ex- that - on the top floor Parthenon quite good.” Though Athens has, he showed a fragment of the frieze about a year’s time. support columns had to sometimes hibit,” the speaker added. Today, he Gallery - the wall facing the modern observed, “the most obnoxious ad- with the heads of a rider and its be moved, due to the demands of enjoys seeing youngsters’ reactions, city (and not the Acropolis) be vertising”, Mr. Tschumi added: master, which is in Athens, then a Contact Angelike Contis at ange- ruins uncovered at the site. “Every noting: “They look down and it’s opaque. He said that the architect “There is a lot of modern architec- slide of the rest of the panel – with [email protected]. 20:10 – The Window of a New Year for a Fragmented and Daydreaming World

Continued from page 1 children by stretching out their decade of the third millennium, the al boxes (the creative mind). Herein bodies on them, Saint Paul was able Orthodox Church should diligently lies the Church’s greatest offering, fall from a three-story window? to similarly resurrect young Euty- aspire to help its young adults culti- for God-inspired creativity is the Apart from describing the first litur- chus from the dead! Significantly, vate their ability to distinguish hallmark of Orthodox Christianity! gical gathering of the apostolic both returned upstairs, and re- truth from deceit by nurturing their In the final analysis, it is the Sacra- community, the 10th verse of the sumed their worship of God “until spiritual intellect and moral char- mental Grace of God that empowers 20th chapter provides an important daybreak” (Acts 20:11)! acter. In his most recent book, “Five inspiration, meaningful innovation framework for Orthodox Christians What does this life-restoring sto- Minds for the Future” (2006), Har- and lasting creativity. Only in this preparing to pass through the win- ry have to say to young window- vard professor Howard Gardner de- fashion can work retain its ontolog- dow-break of New Year resolutions. shoppers of 2010? Is it a warning scribes five ways of thinking and ical liturgical character and avoid Acts 20:10 is the climactic verse against sleeping during church . . . acting that are essential if individu- regressing into self-distorting, of a curious liturgical story. While or preaching too long? Is it a note als are to develop the requisites for meaningless toil! on his way to Jerusalem to cele- of comfort to long-winded and bor- effectively engaging an ever-chang- Gardner’s two additional brate the Feast of Pentecost, Saint ing preachers that the Spirit will ing future society. While three are “minds” cultivate personal charac- Paul is described as having stopped rescue if we harm one of God’s related to the intellect (disciplined, ter. If we honestly desire to guard off at the town of Ephesus in Asia flock with our words? synthesizing, and creative minds), young adults faithful from spiritual Minor. Since it was Sunday, he pre- On the contrary, Saint John two emphasize character (respect- slumber, Orthodox leaders must pared to celebrate the Eucharist at Chrysostom upholds the story of ful, and ethical minds). recognize the importance of estab- the place where the local Christian Eutychus as a life-style model for Gardner is one of many distin- lishing pastoral strategies that will community normally gathered . . . a young adult Christians. While some guished educators and cognitive re- help them develop the capacity for large room on the third floor of a may stay up into the night for the searchers that insist that the next personal and interpersonal rever- house. purposes of entertainment, drunk- decade will require American citi- ence (the respectful mind). Young It is here that a young adult enness or immorality, Chrysostom zens to demonstrate "out-of the adult professionals must learn how named Eutychus, whose name lit- insists that Eutychus stayed up be- box", non-linear, and creative to distinguish between real respect erally means "well-favored," cause he desired to be spiritually thinking to solve increasingly com- and “politically-correct” tolerance. “blessed,” or “lucky,” fell asleep discerning, moral and brave. plex challenges. Social scientists Cultivating such respect, however, while sitting on the precarious edge Rather than seek secular entertain- warn that only individuals with in- does not mean a juvenile abdica- of a windowpane. As Paul’s long ment at late-night parties Eutychus terdisciplinary expertise and en- tion of core truths. On the contrary! sermon lingered, Eutychus fell chose to listen to the gospel mes- hanced inner discernment will be All perspectives must be respected, asleep and tragically tumbled to sage of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, able to successfully resolve real- but they must not be understood as the pavement below. suggests Chrysostom, as Paul con- world problems with their interre- equally valid. Consequently, while The young adult may have been tinued his homily, “The Devil dis- lated moral dilemmas. As a result, the development of a respectful tired and fatigued from the previ- turbed the feast . . . by plunging the Orthodoxy has been provided a mind is a worthy and essential goal ous day’s toil. Perhaps he was dis- hearer in sleep, and causing him to wonderful opportunity to share her in a world where diversity of per- tracted, lulled to sleep by the sights fall down.” wisdom, as the Apostolic Church spectives is a fact of life - true holi- and sound emanating from the Perched on the windowsills of has always refrained from over-em- ness insists on honest assessment nightlife outside. In many ways Eu- life, the contemporary Orthodox phasizing one-dimensional think- and truth. tychus represents the minds, hearts Christian is likewise sandwiched ing. Reflecting a scriptural perspec- It is significant that advertisers and bodies of all young worshipers between two competing world- tive, the patristic witness has alter- utilize the windows of broadcast throughout the ages who struggle views – the Church and secularism. nately promoted the cultivation of television and the Internet to lec- at the outermost border of con- While physically present and fre- the “mind of Christ”, a balance of ture insomniacs on how to make tending visions. quently attentive to the essential cognitive, moral and spiritual com- millions of dollars in real estate, One might say that Eutychus messages of Orthodoxy, young petencies. change their careers, predict the fu- was “unlucky” to have chosen to adult professionals are nonethe- The cognitive capacity of Ortho- ture, speak a new language and window-shop in such a fashion. He less, in danger of losing interest, dox young adults should be culti- cook perfect burgers. At the same was "fortunate" however, to the ex- nodding off and, like Eutychus, vated to accept and comprehend time, the world begins to nod off tent that he had a loving, wise and falling headlong into the concrete pertinent information about when the length of the Sunday ser- concerned Church leader, the Apos- lap of a beckoning post-mod- Church History, Scripture and the mon exceeds the customary ten- tle Paul, nearby. By imitating the ernism. What can be done to effec- Sacraments (the disciplined mind). minute mark! The story of Euty- Old Testament action of Elijah and tively guard against the occurrence The next decade, however, will re- chus, however, must be preached in Elisha (1 Kings 17:21, 2 Kings of such ill-fated calamities? An illustration of the scene from Acts 20:10 where St. Paul resurrects quire them to likewise nurture the its fullness as it illustrates the 4:34), who resuscitated lifeless To safely enter the second young Eutychus, who suffered a fatal fall from a third-story window. capability of sorting and wisely ap- gospel in miniature. praising the value, importance and Consequently, Acts 20:10 has truth of massive amounts of opin- much to say to the Year 2010 for it ions that will most certainly com- illustrates that faith in Jesus Christ pete for their acquiescence (the leads to life. Its message brings synthesizing mind). In order for hope to a continually fragmented Beaten Priest Summoned Back to Crete by Archbishop such judicious review to occur, and daydreaming world. The “good however, Orthodox Christians will news” is that whenever humanity Continued from page 1 his Tampa apartment building by have to develop rich and robust dozes and drops from the ledges of the Rev. Alexios Marakis, who then window-shopping theological fil- an inauthentic life, God does not deposition.” He said, “it was the made sexual comments and ters. Only those who have been simply look down from heaven’s third deposition that I have given, grabbed the reservist's genitals. guided to develop such an Ortho- window and lament our self-de- the first one was at the hospital the Tampa Police spokeswoman dox-framed synthesizing mind will structive preoccupations. Rather, day of the incident, the second one Laura McElroy said Bruce's charge be capable of effectively engaging He continually stretches out the three or fours days later, and the of a sexual advance was one of sev- information in such a sensible fash- Grace of His Son’s Bloodied Body last one on December 17 if I re- eral explanations he offered when ion. on our own, and through the Sacra- member well.” officers arrived. "One was that he The next decade will further re- ment of the Holy Eucharist, re- Asked if he proposed, through tried to rob him. The other was that veal the life-transforming truth that stores us to True Life. This is the his attorney Jerry Theofilopoulos, he was an Arab terrorist and shout- self-definition should not be equat- eternal window of Love . . . the to waive prosecution if the Marine ed ‘Allahu akbar’ and he explained ed with career choice. Our identi- blessed Icon through which all of reservist admits that there is noth- that, ‘That's what they say before ties, as persons formed in the image our New Year resolutions and vi- ing sexual about the encounter that they blow you up.’ And then he said and likeness of God, should not be sions should pass. I can think of no resulting in the beating, Fr. Marakis that he grabbed his genitals and reduced by self-serving philoso- more valuable message for the next said, “Yes, we said if he goes public wanted to have sex with him. He phies of individualism into the sum decade of window-shoppers! May to say the truth, as he did when he gave various accounts of what hap- total of occupational résumés and our New Year be so blessed . . . so said those lies, we are willing to pened," she said. professional vitaes! On the contrary, “Eutychus!” help him.” If his attacker stands by Twenty-nine year-old Rev. Alex- Orthodox young adults must be his allegations Fr. Marakis said, ios Marakis, came from the island strengthened to disallow their pre- Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos is the “we will go ahead in the courts.” of Crete and he belongs to the cious humanity to be scaled-down Dean of the Archdiocesan Cathe- Father Marakis said, “the Arch- Monastery of St. George there. He by the hollow weights of functional- dral of the Holy Trinity in New bishop [of Crete] asked me to go came to the United States two years ism and moral relativity! Once they York City. He is also an Adjunct back to Crete because he needs ago with his spiritual brother Kyril- have mastered and synthesized the Assistant Professor at Saint help and since it is not necessary to los Tserevelakis to pursue graduate knowledge and discipline of their John’s University (NY). Please be in class for my studies [Father studies at Holy Cross School of The- respective secular careers with the visit http://www.thecathedral. Marakis is pursuing graduate stud- ology in Brookline Mass. During worldview of their Orthodox Faith, goarch.org to view the on-line ies at Holy Cross School of Theolo- Priest-monk Alexios Marakis (left) seen at a church in New England. the two years Fr. Alexios had been they must then be prepared to sermon upon which this article is gy in Brookline Mass.] and I can filling in at various parishes in New “think outside” of strict occupation- based. write my thesis without being pre- ing from a pastoral visit to an old “Allahu akbar”, Arabic for “God is England that lack a permanent sent at the School of Theology.” Fr. age home and got lost on the road great”. priest. He often accompanied Met- Marakis also said “we are leaving, due to his faulty GPS system. Ac- Fr. Alexios was taken by an am- ropolitan Methodios on his visits both of us, after the holidays, after cording to reports by the AP, Tampa bulance to a hospital where he was around New England. book Ø worm. - noun the Epiphany,” referring also to his Police said that Rev. Marakis fol- treated and released. Bruce was ar- Last summer, Metropolitan 1. One who spends much time reading or studying. spiritual brother Kyrillos Tsereve- lowed Lance Cpl. Jasen Bruce into rested and ended up in jail accused Alexios of Atlanta visited Fr. Alex- 2. Any of various insects, especially booklice and silverfish, that lakis. the garage of his Tampa apartment of aggravated battery with a deadly ios’ monastery and invited Alexios infest books and feed on the paste in the bindings. He plans to return from Crete building and asked for help. The weapon. He was released on and Kyrillos to serve parishes in his Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition for the trial, saying “of course I will latter struck him twice with a tire $7,500 bail. Metropolis. Fr. Alexios was ap- be here.” iron and chased the priest for sever- Bruce's lawyer, Jeff Brown, pointed to St. Nicholas Cathedral in The National Herald Bookstore The incident took place on Mon- al blocks. When police officers ar- claimed self-defense, maintaining Tarpons Springs and Fr. Kyrillos to (718) 784-5255 day, November 9 at around 6:30 rived Bruce called Marakis a terror- that the 28 year-old Bruce had been the Holy Trinity Cathedral of New [email protected] p.m., while Fr. Alexios was return- ist and said the priest had shouted followed into the parking garage of Orleans, both as assistant priests. 6 OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010 ‘The Boundaries’ Author Galateia Sarante Passes Away NIH Scientist, Obesity Pioneer,

ATHENS (ANA-MPA) - Greek au- tween men and women. Her sec- novel "Rogmes" (Cracks). Constantine Londos Dies at 70 thor Galateia Sarante, the first ond book “The Book of Johannes In addition to her work as an au- woman ever to be elected a mem- and Maria” which was published in thor, Sarante worked with state ra- By Matt Schudel ber of the Athens Academy in 1997, 1952 but first appeared in 1947 in dio, appearing in programs on liter- The Washington Post passed away on December 28 at the “Nea Estia”, takes place during the ature, and several literary maga- age of 89. Nazi occupation of Greece. zines. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Constantine She was born in the port city of Sarante went on to become a Among her work, her best "Dean" Londos, 70, who was a long- Patras in 1920, graduated in law prize-winning author with her nov- known novel “The Boundaries” was time biological researcher at the from Athens University but gave up el "The Return", which received the published in 1966. National Institutes of Health and the pursuit of a law career to de- "Prize of Twelve" award in 1953. She was married to the lawyer who was a key contributor to the vote herself to literature. Two more of her books also won Stavros Patsouris, with whom she work of a Nobel laureate, died Dec. Her first short story entitled “To prizes, "To Palio Mas Spiti" (Our had two children. 6 of a brain aneurysm at Wildwood Kastro” (The Castle) appeared in Old House) in 1969 that won the Her funeral was held at on Shopping Center in Bethesda. He the magazine “Nea Estia” in 1945. 2nd state award for a novel and "Na Wednesday, December 31 at the lived in Rockville. Her first book “The Book of Joy”, Thymasai ti Vilna" (Remember Vil- Athens 1st cemetery. Dr. Londos began his NIH career published in 1947, includes two na) that won the 1st state literature in 1971 and was a renowned re- short works, both of which deal prize for a short story in 1979. This article includes information searcher of adipose, or fat, tissue. with the theme of breaking up and She also won the Athens Acade- from An Encyclopedia of Conti- He helped identify factors that reg- separating in relationships be- my's Ouranis Prize in 1979 for her Galateia Sarante nental Women Writers Vol. 1. ulate fat storage and breakdown, and he redefined the functional view of the fat cell. At the time of his death, he worked at the National Institute of DEATHS Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and was chief of the mem- ■ ARVANITIS, DIMITRIOS 50 years. She was a homemaker and Mary Kontes. He attended Firth High survived by her children, George, brane regulation section in the Lab- Constantine "Dean" Londos VANCOUVER, CANADA – The Van- a member of St. Athanasios Church. School and graduated in 1947. Pete Mike (Katina), Chris (Elaine) and oratory of Cellular and Develop- couver Sun reported that Dimitrios She was predeceased by her hus- and Mary Lou were married Dec. 27, Lula Poulias; her grandchildren, mental Biology. He practiced dentistry in Cincin- Arvanitis passed away peacefully band of 61 years, Louis Gregoras; 1959, in the Greek Orthodox Church Nicholas M. Revelos, Alcibiades Earlier in his career, he had been nati for two years before enrolling surrounded by his family. He was a her daughter Frances; four sisters in Boise. They owned the Royal Shoe Poulias, Nicholas C. (Victoria) Reve- the coauthor of many papers with in graduate school at the University beloved husband, father, grandfa- and two brothers. She is survived by Shop in Idaho Falls for 28 years until los, Euphrosyne (Rick) Eccher, Mary his mentor, Martin Rodbell, who of Louisville, where he received a ther and great-grandfather. He was her children, Amy and Diane Grego- health issues forced Pete to retire (Adam) Knecht, Jamie (Vernon) won the 1994 Nobel Prize for phys- doctorate in physiology in 1972. born and raised in Ampelofyto, ras; her sister Rose Sanders and her early. Pete was a member of the Beatty, Francine (James) Ulrich and iology or medicine for his research He lived in Bethesda and Garrett Messinias, Greece. Dimitrios and his sister-in-law Mary Gregoras. The fu- Church, Firth Grange, Ducks Unlim- Chrisanne (Jeffery) Heisey; and 7 on the cell. Park before settling in Rockville. He wife immigrated to Vancouver, B.C. neral was held at the St. Athanasios ited and the Masons. He enjoyed great grandchildren. Funeral ser- In 2008, Dr. Londos received the coached youth soccer teams for the to be with their children. He was pre- Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial fishing, trips to Jackpot, chess and vices and visitation were held at Sts. Mickey Stunkard Lifetime Achieve- Bethesda Soccer Club for several deceased by his sister Niki and his donations can be made to St. playing cards. He is survived by his Constantine & Helen Church with ment Award from the Obesity Soci- years and enjoyed fishing on grandson Jimmy. He is survived by Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church, wife of 50 years, Mary Lou Kontes; Fr. Bill Cassis officiating. Memorial ety for his contributions to the Chesapeake Bay. his loving wife of 68 years Afroditie; 51 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ his children, Tony (Barbara) Kontes donations may be made to Sts. Con- study of obesity. Survivors include his wife of 45 his children, Sophie (Christos), An- 07652. and Kathy (Jerod) Williams; his stantine & Helen Church, 2500 Constantine Londos was born in years, Emily Davis Londos of dreas (Eleni), Kostas (Dina), Toula grandson, Wesley Williams; and his Grand Ave., Middletown, OH Youngstown, Ohio, and did his un- Rockville; two daughters, Kather- (Niko), Saki (Thelma); twelve ■ HLEBOGIANNIS, FOKION brothers, Jim and John Kontes. Fu- 45044. dergraduate work at Ohio State ine Londos of Roanoke and Alexan- grandchildren; six great-grandchil- STAMFORD, Conn. – The Stamford neral services, a visitation and a Tris- University before graduating from dra Londos of Bethesda; a sister; dren; two sisters; cousins and many Advocate reported that Fokion D. agion prayer service were held at ■ RICHOS, MICHAEL Ohio State's dental school in 1963. and two grandchildren. more relatives in Greece. Prayers Hlebogiannis, 80, passed away Nalder Funeral Home. In lieu of CONCORD, N.H. – The Concord and a funeral service were held at St. peacefully on December 13 in Nor- flowers, the family suggests dona- Monitor reported that Michael Har- George's Cathedral with Reverend walk Hospital. He was born in tions to the Greek Orthodox Church, rington Richos, 77, passed away on Demetrios Partsafas officiating. In Athens, Greece on December 23, P.O. Box 4567 Pocatello, ID, or a December 12 at Concord Hospital. CLASSIFIEDS lieu of flowers, donations to either 1928, to Demetrios and Elpida Hle- charity of their choice in Pete's mem- He was born in Turkey and immi- the Canadian Diabetes Association bogiannis. Fokion was a veteran of ory. grated to the United States in 1970. or the B.C. Cancer Agency would be the Korean War and was a chef He was the owner and operator of Legal Notice/LLC ANTONOPOULOS appreciated. Condolences and trib- aboard cruise ships for sixteen years. ■ MALANOS, VASILIOS the Hamric Signs until 1981. He FUNERAL HOME, INC. 209 Sumpter St LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with utes may be sent to the family by vis- He was also a member of the Stam- CHERRY HILL, N.J. - The Courier- then opened the Pizza Center Family Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/13/09. Konstantinos Antonopoulos - iting www.MeM.com ford Hellenic Society. He was prede- Post reported that Vasilios Malanos, Market in Concord and operated it Ofc location Kings Cty. SSNY designated Funeral Director agent of LLC upon whom process against it ceased by his parents and his sister 76, passed away on December 10. until 1997. He was a longtime may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., ■ BLACKMAN, DIANA Eleni. Fokion is survived by his wife He was born in Andros, Greece. He is member of the Holy Trinity Church, 199 Lee Ave Ste 365, Bklyn, NY 11211. Astoria, New York 11105 SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The San Diego Evangelia; his children, Maria survived by his beloved wife, Maria; serving as a canter. He was also a Purpose any lawful purpose. (718) 728-8500 Union-Tribune reported that Diana (Athanasios) Stamboulopoulos, his children, Demetrios (Joanna) canter for the Church in Laconia. He 270484/16424/01-09-10 Not affiliated with any Blackman, 64, passed away at her Demetrios (Veronica) Hlebogiannis Malanos and Francheska (Leonard) loved to fish and he loved his grand- other funeral home. home in Rancho Santa Fe on Novem- and Ioannis (Kimberly) Hlebogian- Vargas; his grandchildren, Victoria, kids and family. He was prede- HELP WANTED ber 4 from breast cancer. Diana was nis; his brothers, Panagiotis and Aristotle and Luke and his siblings, ceased by his wife, Despina Richos APOSTOLOPOULOS born in Washington D.C. on Decem- Ioannis Hlebogiannis; seven grand- Sofia Pagonis and John (Kristina) and by his brother, Emanuel Richos. LEADING GREEK AMERICAN Apostle Family - ber 1, 1945, and graduated from the children; and several nieces and Malanos. Funeral services, a Trisa- He is survived by his children, Harry NEWSPAPER SEEKS Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew - University of Maryland before mov- nephews. Funeral services and a gion prayer service and a viewing (Jill) Richos, George (Tracy) Richos Full-time AD sales representatives Funeral Directors of ing to San Diego in 1978. Diana was Trisagion prayer service were held at were held at St. Thomas Church. The and Paul (Elena) Richos; his grand- for both GREEK and ENGLISH lan- RIVERDALE a well-known realtor in the area be- the Church of the Archangels with family requests in lieu of flowers, do- children, Maria Richos, Lacey Ri- guage publications. Applicants FUNERAL HOME Inc. fore joining her husband in the fami- the Rev. George Poulos officiating. In nations to St. Nicholas Church, in chos, Olivia Hale, Michael Richos, should have some sales and/or mar- 5044 Broadway ly construction business. Diana cele- lieu of flowers, please make dona- Korthi, Andros, Greece. Alexis Richos and Lily Richos; and keting experience. Fluency with New York, NY 10034 brated her Greek heritage, and had tions in Fokion's name to the Greek many nieces and nephews. A Trisa- computer use and knowledge of In- (212) 942-4000 many fond memories of her trip to Children's Cancer Fund, c/o Stam- ■ MEHALOS, OLGA gion service was held at the Bennett ternet a plus. Bi-lingual command of Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE Greece with her husband Richard. ford Hellenic Society, 80 Lockwood CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago Tribune Funeral Home. Funeral services both languages preferred. This posi- She loved attending the Annual Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. For reported that Olga Mehalos, 88, were held at the Holy Trinity tions offers base salary, plus com- LITRAS FUNERAL HOME Greek Festival in Encinitas and par- online condolences, passed away peacefully. She worked Church. missions. E-mail resume and cover ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, ticularly enjoyed the dancing and www.cognetta.com. several years for Cook County court letter to [email protected] FAX: INC FUNERAL HOME cuisine. Diana was very athletic, ex- system. She was predeceased by her ■ ZAMBETIS, MATINA (718) 472-0510 Attn. Publisher or 83-15 Parsons Blvd., celling at singles tennis until illness ■ HOUSSIADAS, SPIRIDON husband, John. She is survived by WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washing- call (718) 784-5255 ask for Veta. Jamaica, NY 11432 prevented her from competing. She CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte her children, Spencer (Mariane) and ton Post reported that Matine Zam- 111609/01 (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 also loved playing golf and enjoyed Observer reported that Spiridon Deno (Terry) Mehalos; her brother, betis passed away peacefully on De- spending the day with her friends in Housiadas, 84, passed away peace- James (Mary Lynn) Janetopoulos; cember 11 surrounded by her hus- FUNERAL HOMES the "9 Holers" group at the Morgan fully on December 11 at Carolinas her grandchildren, Lisa, Nick (Patti), band and children. She is survived Run Country Club. She was prede- Medical Center. He was born in Kimberly Mehalos and Kelly (Tony) by her loving husband of 50 years, CONSTANTINIDES ceased by her parents Eline Vardalos Pavlopoulo, Evrytania, Greece on Graziano; nine great-grandchildren; Zack A. Zambetis; her children, FUNERAL PARLOR Co. TO PLACE YOUR and Gust Milton and her aunt Kay October 17, 1925. Spiridon was a re- and many nieces and nephews. Visi- Thomas (Angela) Zambetis, Chris- 405 91st Street CLASSIFIED AD, CALL: Pappadeus. Diana is survived by her tired farmer and enjoyed spending tation was held at the Conboy- tine (James) Hylton and Georgia Bay Ridge - Brooklyn, NY 11209 (718) 784-5255, EXT. 106, devoted husband, Richard Blackman time with his children, grandchil- Westchester Funeral Home. Funeral (Constantine) Jones; seven adored (718) 745-1010 E-MAIL: and her son, Chris Mansolillos. Di- dren and great-grandchildren. He services were held at the Assumption grandchildren, Athan and Matina Services in all localities - classifieds@ thenationalherald.com ana will be greatly missed by her was predeceased by his parents, Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials Zambetis, Zachary and Nicholas Low cost shipping to Greece family and many friends. Services George and Maria. He is survived by will be appreciated to Copper Cot- Hylton, William, Nicholas and Eleni were private, and the family requests his sons, Sam (Elisavet), George tages Hospice of the Southwest, Jones; her two beloved brothers, that contributions be sent to the Su- (Maria) and Bill (Foteine); his broth- 5037 E. Broadway Blvd. Mesa, AZ, Louis P. Kokonis and Nick P. Kokonis REAL ESTATE san G. Komen for the Cure Cancer ers, John and Gus Housiadas; nine 85206. and many other relatives and Foundation in Diana's name, in lieu grandchildren and two great-grand- friends. Funeral services were held of flowers. children. A Trisagion prayer service ■ PAPPAS, MICHAEL at Saints Constantine and Helen was held at Holy Trinity Cathedral PITTSBURGH, Penn. – The Pitts- Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial ■ FETROS, SOFIA with Father Michael Varvarelis and burgh Post-Gazette reported that contributions may be made to Saints SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacra- Father Efstathios Varvarelis officiat- Michael Pappas, 78, passed away Constantine and Helen Church for mento Bee reported that Sofia Fetros ing. Funeral services will be held in peacefully at home surrounded by the benefit of its building fund. passed away peacefully on Decem- Greece at a later date. In lieu of flow- his family on December 12. He dedi- ber 7. She was born on October 14, ers, the family requests that memori- cated his life to the practice of Anes- ■ ZDRU, NICK 1930 to Gust and Angelica Fetros. als be made to the Ministry Fund at thesia at Jefferson Regional Medical BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – The Con- She was a resident of the Curtis Park Holy Trinity Cathedral, 600 East Center from where he retired at age necticut Post reported that Nick neighborhood since 1941. Sofia Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. 71. He was a devout member of Holy Zdru, 69, passed away peacefully at graduated from C.K. McClatchy Cross Church. He was predeceased home on December 10. He was born High School. She worked at the state ■ KARABELAS, PAULINE by his sisters, Anne Pappas, Helen and raised in Kedrona, Greece. He Department of Education for more PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – The Seacoast Mitchell and Mary Avgerakis. He is had served in the Greek Army as a than 43 years where she served as Online reported that Pauline Kara- survived by his beloved wife, Sophie; sergeant in Cyprus where he met his secretary to four state school super- belas, 88, passed away on December his loving children, Tom (Cindy) wife, Maria. He later went on to be a intendents. Retired in 1993, Sofia in- 15 after a long illness, with her fami- Pappas, Lia (Chuck) Dennison and professional photographer in dulged her lifelong passions for trav- ly by her side. Pauline was one of John Pappas; his grandchildren, Athens. From there, moved to Crete el and books. She was predeceased five children of Demetrios and Michael Pappas, Alexa Pappas, and opened his own professional by her parents, her brother Peter, Athanasia (Kakridonis) Frangos. Thayne Dennison, and Lillian Denni- studio. In 1969, he immigrated to and her sister Elaine. She is survived Pauline moved with her family as a son; his sister, Valia Kougeli; and the United States with his family subscribePRINTED EDITION OF THE NATIONAL HERALD by her brother John Fetros; her child to her parents' village of Vla- many nieces and nephews. Visitation and continued his profession here via the post-office: nephew Michael (Michelle) Fetros; hopoulo in the Peloponese region of and a Trisagion prayer service were by opening his first photo lab in ❏1 Month $11.00 ❏3 Months $22.00 her nieces, Angela (Greg) Iskra, Greece. Growing up in pre-World held at Holy Cross Church. In lieu of Bridgeport and then expanding the ❏6 Months $33.00 ❏One Year $66.00 Maureen Fetros, Kathleen (Robert) War II Greece with frequent famine flowers, the family suggests memori- Olympia Foto Labs to Shelton and Morgester and Carolyn (David) and hardship, Pauline, as the oldest al contributions to the Christian Or- Fairfield. Nick was a longtime mem- VIA HOME DELIVERY (NY, NJ & CT): Simpson; as well as 12 grand nieces daughter, bore many responsibilities thodox Monastery Preservation ber of St. Dimitrie Romanian ❏1 Month for $14.00 ❏3 Months for $33.00 and nephews. Memorials may be of the home early in life. After meet- Foundation, c/o Holy Cross Church Church. He enjoyed hunting, travel- ❏6 Months for $48.00 ❏One Year for $88.00 made to Annunciation Philoptochos ing her beloved husband, Nicholas 123 Gilkeson Road Pittsburgh, PA ing and playing poker with his VIA HOME DELIVERY (NEW ENGLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, Society at Annunciation Church, or Karabelas, in her village, they mar- 15228. Please add or view tributes at friends. Nick especially enjoyed vis- www.beinhauer.com iting his vacation home in Greece WASHINGTON D.C., VIRGINIA & MARYLAND) the American Alzheimer's Associa- ried in 1943. She enjoyed summer ❏ ❏ tion. travel to Kalamata, Greece, and oc- with his wife. Nick was predeceased 1 Month for $18.00 3 Months for $41.00 casional trips to the casino. Her ma- ■ REVELOS, FROSINE by his father, Christos Zdru and his ❏6 Months for $57.00 ❏One Year for $109.00 ■ FOTINOPOULOS, ACHILEAS jor focus was her family, entertaining MIDDLETOWN, Ohio – The Middle- sister, Gina Syrgiannis. He is sur- ON LINE SUBSCRIPTION www.thenationalherald.com NORWALK, Conn. – The Hour re- and cooking for many people during town Journal reported that Frosine vived by his devoted wife of 45 NON SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $45.95 ❏6 Months for $29.95 ported that Achileas H. Fotinopou- the holidays. She was predeceased Revelos, 101, passed away on De- years, Maria; his children, Anna ❏3 Months for $18.95 los, 47, passed away on December 9. by her husband, Nicholas; and her cember 11 at the Hospice of Butler (Mark) Nordle, Christos (Gina) SUBSCRIBERS: ❏One Year for $34.95 ❏6 Months for $23.95 and Warren Counties. She was born Zdru and Johnny (Dawn) Zdru; his He was born in Greece on May 30, siblings, Costas, Theodore and Car- ❏3 Months for $14.95 1962, son of Christos and Eleni ol. She is survived by her sons, Arg- in Greece on March 3, 1908 to par- eight beloved grandchildren, Nicole, Fotinopoulos. He was a city resident eris Karabelas and Arthur Karabelas; ents Michael and Eleni Aridas. She Maria and Joseph Nordle, Emily, for twenty-eight years prior relocat- her daughters-n-law, Eloise and Cyn- immigrated to Middletown as a Nicholas and Richard Zdru, Zachary NAME: ...... ing to Winsted ten years ago. Mr. thia; her grandchildren, Nicolas, bride to Nicholas G. Revelos, one of and Jadyn Zdru; his mother, Annas- ADDRESS: ...... Fotinopoulos was a foreman in man- Christian, Paulina and Libby and her the founders of Elite Ice Cream Co., tasia Zdru and his brothers, George CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... ufacturing. He was predeceased by brother, George. Visitation and a in 1929. When he preceded her in and James Zdru. Funeral services TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... his mother Eleni. He is survived by Trisagion prayer service were held at death in 1941, she was left to raise were held at St. Dimitrie Romanian his father; his children, Chris and Tasker Funereal Home. A traditional her five children, aged 3 to 11 alone. Church. PLEASE SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO: Eleni Fotinopoulos; his brother Nick funeral service was held at the An- She obtained her American Citizen- NAME: ...... Fotinopoulos; and his nieces, Elaine nunciation Church. In lieu of flow- ship and went to work at Elites to ADDRESS: ...... and Nikki Fotinopoulos. Funeral ser- ers, the family requests donations be support them. She was very active in This is a service CITY:...... STATE: ...... ZIP:...... vices were held at St. George made to the Karabelas Trust, c/o An- her church and was a charter mem- to the community. TEL.: ...... E-MAIL:...... CELL...... Church. Please visit nunciation Greek Church of Dover. ber of the Philoptochos Society. Dur- Announcements of deaths Please specify method of payment www.collinsfh.com for more infor- Visit www.taskerfh.com to sign an ing World War II she and other may be telephoned to the I enclose a check/money order for $ ...... made payable to: mation or to leave a condolence. online guest book. ladies sent clothing in the Bundles Classified Department of The National Herald, Inc., 37-10 30th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 - 2614 for the Britain program. In her later The National Herald at ■ ■ or please debit my ❏ Mastercard ❏ Visa ❏ American Express GREGORAS, EMMA KONTES, PETER years she worked at the Revelos (718) 784-5255, LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. The Commu- IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The Post Reg- Confectionery. Frosine was prede- Monday through Friday, CARD NUMBER: ...... nity News reported that Emma Gre- ister reported that Peter Christ ceased by her parents; her husband, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST EXPIRATION DATE: ...... SIGNATURE:...... goras, 83, passed away on December Kontes, 80, passed away peacefully Nicholas Revelos; her son, Constan- or e-mailed to: 3. She was born in Lincoln Park and on December 10. He was born on tine; 6 brothers and sisters, and 2 [email protected] resided in Hawthorne for more than November 18, 1929, to Christ and step sisters and a step brother. She is THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010 GREECE CYPRUS 7 Ethniki Insurance Blast Triggers Concerns over New Terrorist Cell in Athens

By Christopher Tripoulas grading of its operations. The claim on the ground floor. An unidenti- source told Reuters on Tuesday. era in terrorist activity. public institutions since the police The National Herald Staff Writer of responsibility was co-signed by fied caller telephoned the newspa- The Conspiracy of Fire Cells, Police experts had suspected an- killing of a teenager triggered the "Terrorists' Rebel Group", a little- per "Eleftherotypia" fifteen minutes which emerged four years ago, was other group, Revolutionary Strug- Greece's worst riots in decades in NEW YORK - A Greek leftist guerril- known militant outfit. earlier and warned that the bomb previously known for small explo- gle, which has attacked financial December last year. la group claimed responsibility for a The bomb exploded in the cen- would go off in the building. There sions with gas canisters and home- targets in the past, like the Athens Greece's civil protection minister bomb attack on Sunday December tral Athens neighborhood of Neos were no injuries as a result of the made bombs against government Stock Exchange building this Sep- Mihalis Chrysohoidis said in No- 27 that damaged the Athens head- Kosmos late Sunday outside the blast because the police managed to buildings and politicians' homes tember. Now they express fears that vember the militant groups were all quarters of Greece's biggest insur- Ethniki Insurance building damag- cordon off the area but there was and offices. the Conspiracy of Fire Cells group, related to each other and they were ance company, but a police source ing offices on the lower floors of the extensive damage. Counter terrorism experts are which until now had caused minor also in league with common crimi- said investigators were unsure building but causing no injuries. Police said they were not yet sure taking the claim seriously, noting damages using make-shift bombs in nals. whether the claim was genuine. The makeshift bomb went off at whether the claim was genuine be- that until last night this particular cooking pots, has been upgraded The group, Conspiracy of Fire 11:01 p.m. on Sunday night in the cause the Conspiracy of Fire Cells group used a different methodology "through cooperation with other This article incorporates reports Cells, said in a statement posted on Athens district of Neos Kosmos. The had not staged any such major at- and was responsible for less serious comrades" as it is underlined in the from the Athens News Agency, the Internet on Monday evening that explosion targeted the Ethniki As- tack before. "We will wait and see attacks. A senior police official told statement. Reuters, and Xinhua. it placed the bomb to upset the falistiki building on Galaxias Street whether there are other claims of ANA that the Conspiracy of Fire Several leftist and anarchist Christmas mood of consumerism, off Syngrou Avenue, which houses a responsibility before we come to Cells' collaboration with the Terror- groups have mounted a series of at- Contact Christopher Tripoulas at: adding that the attack marked an up- branch of National Bank of Greece any final conclusions," a police ists' Rebel Group, launched a new tacks against police, businesses and [email protected]. The Long Return to Financial Worthiness is Mapped by Greece, Monitored by EU

Continued from page 1 sponsibility" and "solidarity" with mated 12.7 percent this year will Greece, Sarah Carlson, told Greece. likely not be enough to make the Kathimerini in an interview that the crisis slashed tax revenues and forced That means Greece is likely to markets and the EU trust the Greek worst is yet to come. governments into costly economic avoid a worst-case scenario in which figures. Just last week, the leader of “The long-term credit capacity of support policies. it lost access to the debt markets. But Greece's main opposition Conserva- Greece will depend on the accep- "You need to see governments the problem could drag on, especially tive party Antonis Samaras criticized tance of the government’s measures take real action...We're seeing that in since membership in the euro zone the Socialist Government over the by the Greek people and their dy- Ireland," said Jan Randolph, head of prevents Greece from taking some 2010 state budget. Mr. Samaras said namic application by the govern- sovereign risk at consultancy IHS traditional steps to boost its economy it featured a "bloated" budget deficit, ment,” she argues. Global Insight. and thus grow its way out from under arguing that the new government Her estimate is based on the as- But the Belgian example also the debt burden. purposely raised the deficit figures by sumption that the European Central shows how fast debt mountains can "There are advantages to being in 30 percent in an attempt to make its Bank will continue to accept Greek grow if countries fail to muster the the euro, but you cannot lower (in- measures seem more effective and bonds. Otherwise there would be a political unity to act. As Belgium's terest) rates or devalue. They are in a cast the previous conservative gov- “crisis of credit and possibly of liquid- debt crisis mounted in 1990, it was straitjacket and the markets know ernment in a bad light. ity,” generating a downgrade “by spending some 12 percent of GDP that," said Randolph. This is nothing new. Back in 2004, many notches.” merely in interest charges on its debt. The Greek government is current- the newly elected Conservatives initi- Ms. Carlson suggests that the gov- "The southern edge (of Europe) ly arguing that the same economic ated a fiscal audit whose main “inno- ernment’s announcements have should take note that you can't just medicine should not be given to all vation” was to change the accounting clearly identified the weak points of muddle through," said Randolph. countries irrespective of their struc- method by which military procure- the country’s economy and are The same process could conceiv- tural economic characteristics. How- ment expenditure was recorded in paving the way for a permanent solu- ably happen in Greece. But its condi- ever, market investors seem to think the budget. The revision sent tion. “We are looking forward to see- tions differ from Belgium's in major the often maligned Irish prescription Greece's budget deficit over the euro- ing its more specific proposals in the ways. may just what the doctor ordered for zone-mandated 3 percent threshold, new year,” she said, before adding Unlike Belgium in the 1990s, Greece. earning the country the dubious dis- that neither the dynamic application Greece is plagued by rampant tax The government gained a respite tinction of cooking up numbers to be- of the measures nor their public ac- evasion. Belgium retoolted its econo- The slogan "Eat the rich" is spray-painted on the wall of a Greek bank last week, following Moody’s deci- come a eurozone member. ceptance are assured. my in the prosperous mid-1990s, in central Athens, on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Greece is battling a sion to cut the country’s medium- Independent economists say in “Since those measures will take while economic growth internation- ballooning budget deficit and its new Socialist government passed term credit rating by only one notch private that the 2009 budget deficit time before they bear fruit, Moody’s ally is now sluggish. widespread public spending cuts in its 2010 state budget last week. to A2 from A1 while attaching a neg- could have been kept below 10 per- has set a negative outlook to the new Most importantly, Greece at pre- ative outlook. cent - possibility even 9 percent – of credit rating of Greece,” explains sent may lack the strong political con- above inflation for lower-paid civil into agreeing on tough budget steps. Things could have been much GDP if the new government had mo- Carlson. sensus that Belgium mustered for servants. Greece, however, is already inside worse for Greek bonds if Moody’s bilized the country’s tax collection “A negative outlook means that deficit-cutting. Major labor unions are planning the euro zone. had followed the example of its two mechanism to bring in some of the the possibility of a further down- Greece's parliament has passed a or considering one-day strikes to Euro membership may reduce peers, S&P and Fitch, and downgrad- budgeted revenues. “Greeks shot grade in the next 12 to 18 months is 2010 budget to reduce the deficit to protest against wage and pension re- pressure to cut debt, because coun- ed it to the B category, making it im- themselves in the foot for a second over 50 percent,” she added. single digits, but many analysts fear it forms. tries know they could probably count possible for banks to raise cash in time this decade,” writes Dimitris does not include enough structural In Belgium's case, its desire to join on aid from other members in an ECB operations in December 2010. Kontogiannis in Greek daily This story incorporates reports reforms to bring down the deficit in the euro zone at the end of the 1990s, emergency. While urging Athens to The passage of the 2010 budget Kathimerini's English edition. from Reuters and Kathimerini the long run. For example, the gov- which required meeting budgetary solve its problem, top European offi- which aims at a budget deficit of 9.1 The Moody’s international rating Contact Christopher Tripoulas at ernment still envisages wage hikes criteria for entry, pushed politicians cials have said they feel "common re- percent of GDP compared to an esti- agency’s lead sovereign analyst for [email protected]. ‘Aegean Wind’ Puffs Into Inferno near Caribbean Resort Island of Margarita

Continued from page 1 seamen, including three Greeks, tragic loss," he said. chances of such accidents are and pledged that the causes and The Communist Party of Greece adopted?" He told Reuters a Venezuelan circumstances of the tragedy will (KKE) demanded a thorough inves- "No material cost is above hu- navy helicopter lowered a cable to be investigated in depth and all tigation into the causes of the fire man life," SYN added. the deck, picked up the injured and measures to avert such accidents in on board the "Aegean Wind.” Authorities have yet to discover took them to a hospital in Margari- the future will be taken. Expressing its sorrow and sup- what caused the fire, which is be- ta, a Caribbean island that is Economy, Competitiveness and port for the families of the sailors lieved to have begun either in the Venezuela's leading seaside resort Shipping Minister Louka Katseli ex- killed, KKE was also critical of the vessel's engine room or mess hall, and is packed with tourists during pressed her "deep grief for the loss government for statements that ap- and quickly spread throughout the Christmas vacation. of our seamen, both Greek and for- peared to exonerate the owners At- rest of the ship. One of the injured sailors was eign", and relayed the govern- lantic Bulk Carriers Management The ship was laden with steel later flown to Caracas for treat- ment's "unconditional support to Ltd. of responsibility before any in- and had set off from Brazil heading ment at a military hospital, Admiral their families." vestigation had been carried out. for Houston, Texas. Aniasi Turchio said. "For our seamen traveling all The party stressed that it was A Greek coast guard officer left Atlantic Bulk Carrier Manage- over the world, the family warmth unacceptable to "attribute the for Venezuela to assist the return of ment spokeswoman Elise Goonen and peace of these holy days is not death of so many workers to bad the Greek seamen to Greece. said the crew members were in the a given. The tragic event on the luck, at a time when the number of In addition to the nine fatalities, mess hall when the fire started. Aegean Wind confirms that, even employer crimes on land and at sea five people sustained minor in- It was not immediately possible on Christmas Day, danger lurks," has dramatically increased." juries, including two Greek crew- to reconcile the conflicting infor- Mrs. Katseli said, adding that the The policy that serves competi- men and a Greek female trainee of- mation on where the fire broke out, ministry's services were mobilized tiveness and the profitability of ficer. They were taken to a nearby and its cause was not known. The from the first moment it got word capital has also led to a reduction in island for treatment. "Aegean Sea" would be towed to of the incident. wages and the rolling back of basic AP PHOTO/VENEZUELAN MARITIME RESCUE AND AID SERVICE Margarita, according to Admiral She pledged that the causes and labor rights, giving rise to danger- Greek-owned cargo ship, The Aegean Wind, is seen as rescue workers This story incorporates reports Aniasi Turchio. conditions of the tragedy would be ous working conditions, KKE approach the vessel about 100 miles north of Venezuela, Friday, Dec. from The Associated Press, Mr. Lugo told Reuters the investigated in depth, and that all added. 25, 2009. The ship caught fire, killing nine crew members. Reuters, and the Athens News lifeboats of the "Aegean Wind" the necessary measures deemed The Popular Orthodox Rally Agency. were intact on the ship, with no appropriate in order to avert other (LAOS) party expressed its "heart- added that aside from these senti- paying this blood toll? How long signs that there had been efforts to such situations in the future would break" over the maritime tragedy, ments, "We wish to pose a ques- must we wait until the necessary Contact Christopher Tripoulas at loosen them to abandon ship. be taken. and relayed its condolences to the tion: Until when will our seamen be measures that will reduce the [email protected]. The Venezuelan navy sent a pa- Greece's main opposition New families of the victims. trol boat with paramedics and res- Democracy party expressed its grief "We share in the grief of the cue personnel to further search the over the tragedy on board the Greek shipping family. We call on ship below deck, which was filled “Aegean Wind” as well. the state to closely monitor the in- with thick smoke, he said. Conservative ND press officer vestigation into the causes of the Overflights, Alleged Espionage Roil Aegean Operated by Athens-based At- Panos Panagiotopoulos expressed tragedy that led to the loss of so lantic Bulk Carriers, the ship was his party's deep grief for the loss life many human lives," LAOS added. built in 1983 and has a crew of 24 – on board the Greek bulk carrier. The Coalition of the Radical By Christopher Tripoulas space while carrying out a sched- labeled a “persona non grata” can be nine of them Greek. "We express our condolences to Left, Movements and Ecology The National Herald Staff Writer uled flight in the southern Aegean. damaging to a diplomat's career, as The Greek government ex- their families and to our country's (SYN) party expressed its deep The aircraft took off from Rhodes his or her credentials could be called pressed grief over the loss of nine large maritime family over this grief and condolences as well, but NEW YORK – Greek-Turkish rela- at 12:35 p.m. and was notified by into question by other countries. tions were strained over the previ- Turkish radar at 12:38 p.m. that it Athens has reportedly complied ous week due to violations of Greek was violating Turkish air space. with Ankara's request. airspace by Turkish warplanes, and At 12:40 p.m., the Eskisehir air Following nearly a year of infor- HIDDEN GREECE the alleged involvement of a Greek base in Turkey activated the tele- mation gathering, MIT followed the diplomat in espionage activities in phone "hotline" link with the Larissa three suspects and found out that Andy Dabilis’ camera captures the texture of life in today’s Greece, in all its colorful variations. Turkey. command center in Greece to report they had attended many military Military authorities on Christmas the incident. and naval exercises and tried to ob- Day reported that up to eight Turk- The Greek side pointed out that tain photographs from close dis- ish warplanes violated Greek air the "hotline" was to be activated on- tances. The suspects were accused space after entering the region south ly when there was a danger of an ac- of giving Greece information on of the northeastern Aegean island of cident and dismissed the Turkish state secrets and military installa- Limnos. claim, citing the provisions of inter- tion plans, military vehicle activity, At least two instances of viola- national law. and military exercises. The suspects tions of Greek airspace were also cit- Turkey's frequent incursions into allegedly received 500 to 1,000 eu- ed in the northern and central Greece's airspace were accompa- ros in proportion to the value of the Aegean. nied this past week by allegations information passed on. According to reports, Hellenic Air from Turkish intelligence that an Zaman is reporting that an inter- Force fighter planes were scrambled employee at the Greek Consulate rogation revealed that one of the to identify and engage all of the in- General in Izmir (Smyrna) was en- suspects, who worked as a travel truding warplanes, until they left gaged in espionage against Turkey. agent organizing day trips to the Athens FIR. Turkish daily newspaper Zaman Greek islands, claimed he was This latest instance of Turkish is reporting that the Turkish Nation- threatened by Greek intelligence of- military violations in the eastern al Intelligence Organization (MIT) ficials, who said they would prevent Aegean on Christmas Day contra- has arrested three Turkish nationals him from organizing trips to the venes the Papoulias-Yilmaz Memo- on charges of selling intelligence to Greek islands, severely affecting his randum, which calls for the avoid- Greece, after operations it carried business. ance of military exercises during the out in Izmir and Bodrum. The three Both the Greek diplomat and peak summer tourism season and on were arrested after reportedly con- Turkish suspects allegedly passed on major national and religious holi- fessing that they sold the intelli- secret information to the Greek In- days in either nation. gence they acquired to the Greek telligence Agency (EYP) at least Meanwhile, in an unrelated inci- diplomat. once a month. EYP officials report- dent the Greek Armed Forces Gener- Diplomatic sources in Athens dis- edly promised to provide a monthly al Staff on Monday Dec. 28 an- missed the charges in statements to salary of 10,000 euros, but the sus- TNH/ANDY DABILIS nounced that it had rejected as un- Greek daily Kathimerini on Monday. pects say they were fooled. This old house justified a Turkish air force com- Meanwhile, Turkey has asked plaint that a Greek Air Force C-130 Greece to immediately recall its This article incorporates reports It looked as if this abandoned home in Marathon was once lovely, and there's enough of it left to make you transport plane carrying military diplomat, or risk having him be de- by the Athens News Agency, think someone once cared. personnel had violated Turkey's air- clared a "persona non grata." Being Kathimerini and Zaman. 8 EDITORIALS LETTERS THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), Patriarch's Interview Raises If this alliance takes place, that time a question. “Will Turkey ing if your newspaper asks the Pa- reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest someone in Washington or and Greece have another military triarchate if CBS was the one who to the Greek American community of the United States of America. Interesting Questions Jerusalem will recommend it’s time confrontation, in the future?” “The approached the Patriarch for the in- Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris To the Editor: to have an independent state of holy monk replied, “Greece does terview, or did the Patriarch contact I really enjoyed your editorial, Kurdistan. not have to worry about Turkey. CBS? If it was CBS, then we will Assistant to Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos “A Dramatic Cry to the World”. But In fact, it was two to three years Turkey, will so busy defending it- know that Turkey is being punished Executive Editor Constantine S. Sirigos something strange is going on. A ago, that an official of the Greek self. It will have no time to bother for creating an alliance. On Line Assistant Editor Christos Tripoulas week before the CBS “60 Minute” government, visited Mt. Athos. He with Greece.” Nicholas Golegos Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros program on the Patriarchate, Chan- went to ask the resident saint at In conclusion, it will be interest- Flushing, N.Y. Webmaster Alexandros Tsoukias nel 13’s “World Focus” showed how Turkey mistreats the Kurds. Will The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by some other network, a week from The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, now, show the horrors of the Ar- e-mail: [email protected] menian Genocide? If this happens, someone is trying to punish Turkey. Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece According to the Israeli press, Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] Turkey is trying to form an alliance with Syria and Iran. Is Turkey leav- Subscriptions by mail: 1 year $66.00, 6 months $33.00, 3 months $22.00, 1 month $11.00 Home delivery NY, NJ, CT: 1 year $88.00, 6 months $48.00, 3 months $33.00, 1 month $14.00 ing the West? You can be sure that Home delivery New England States, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland: both Washington and Jerusalem 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 are alarmed. On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $34.95, 6 months $23.95, 3 months $14.95; Non subscribers: 1 year $45.95, 6 months $29.95, 3 months $18.95

Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. TO OUR READERS Postmaster send change of address to: THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 The National Herald welcomes letters from its readers intended for publication. They should in- clude the writer’s name, address, and telephone number and be Two people with lasting impact addressed to: The Editor, The Na- tional Herald, 37-10 30th Street, Continued from page 1 Long Island City, NY 11101. cisions are of war-or-peace, or of an economic nature. Our own choices take Letters can also be faxed to (718) place on a smaller scale. However, in their particular field of responsibility, 472-0510 or e-mailed to they are no less important. Every context has its greatness. english.edition@thenationalher- For the benefit of total transparency, we present our runner-up candi- ald.com. We reserve the right to dates below, dividing them into geographical categories: America, our com- edit letters for publication and re- munity, Greece and Cyprus and the Hellenic world. gret that we are unable to ac- 1. The United States of America: Osama bin Laden, George W. Bush, Ben knowledge or return those left Bernaki, Barack Obama. unpublished. Osama bin Laden introduced organized, “scientific” terrorism to the shores of America and changed, for the foreseeable future, the way we live. CHRYSANTHI LIRISTIS / SPECIAL TO THE NATIONAL HERALD The consequences of 9/11 are huge, far-reaching, influencing our daily lives. They are very difficult to control, notwithstanding the billions of dol- lars spent on fighting terrorism. George W. Bush, the 9/11 President, ordered two wars, one in ΛΟΓΟΣ Afghanistan and one in Iraq. Whether or not you agree the wars were justi- fied, they were incompetently managed and are costing our country - and of course the countries where they are being waged - dearly. However, Mr. Bush was also the president during the gravest financial crisis since the thir- ties. He authorised measures that were anathema to his party but necessary A Resolution to Keep: Don’t Live Your Life on Cruise Control to save the economy from a total meltdown. Ben Bernaki, the new Fed chairman who promoted and executed massive It’s that time again - when many it’s in the past, so let it al and work life! ing the holiday season and as we government-backed initiatives, bailed out certain “too big to fail” corpora- of us think about setting new goals go and move on! The I’d now like to in- prepare for the New Year! In this tions, stimulated the economy by printing trillions of dollars and kept the in- and making New Year Resolutions. “new” river offers wa- troduce you to a prac- regard, let me call your attention to terest rates near zero, thus helping to rescue the economy. Let’s do things differently this year! ter that is filled with tical exercise that will another meaning-centered princi- President Obama broke the color barrier leading to the White House and For starters, instead of (or in addi- possibilities and un- help to place the New ple, “Detect the Meaning of Life’s inspired millions of people to once again believe in America and the basic tion to) making a list of 10 resolu- tapped potential, so be Year into an especially Moments” that I introduced in my tenets of its destiny. tions, choose a “theme” for the prepared to go with meaningful context. ΛΟΓΟΣ column not too long ago 2. Greek American community: Archbishop Demetrios, the death of year. I have found that choosing a the flow! What great Imagine that you have (TNH, 9/19/09). According to this Archbishop Iakovos, Senator Paul Sarbanes, Harry Markopoulos, the Foun- single theme for the year is much advice for the New died and put yourself principle, only you, generically- dations of Stavros Niarchos and Alexander Onassis, the Michael Jaharis easier to remember and easier to Year, don’t you think? in the position of hav- speaking, can answer for your own family, Senator Olympia Snowe and the Greek American teachers. “stick with” than the traditional list Against this life-af- ing to write your own life by detecting the meaning at any Demetrios for his accomplishment in bringing peace to the Community. of New Year Resolutions. Then, firming backdrop, Her- obituary for the local given moment and assuming re- Iakovos for the vacuum in leadership that he left. over the course of the year, seek to aclitus also said, “The by Dr. ALEX newspaper. What sponsibility for weaving your Sarbanes for we lost a powerful voice in the Senate when he retired. align your life and work-related ac- sun is new again, all PATTAKOS would you say? In unique tapestry of existence. Harry Markopoulos for proving that there are still people of the highest tivities with your theme. day.” Now think about other words, how do Unfortunately, more often than integrity and courage in taking on the then-powerful Bernard Madoff. Previously in this column, I this simple-sounding Special to you want to be re- not, people tend to live their lives The tremendous contribution of the two most important Greek founda- demonstrated how we often work statement for a mo- The National Herald membered? What are on auto-pilot or cruise control and tions in our community, against even our best intentions ment. Each new day the most important don’t pay attention to the things The Jaharis family for taking philanthropy to a new level in our commu- and introduced a principle that is represents a window of new oppor- things that you experienced in your that really (should) matter to them nity, based on the concept and tech- tunities, new adventures, and new life? Alternatively, write your own until they hit a bump in the road or Snowe for her principal and distinguished role in the health bill debate nique of “paradoxical intention” life experiences! It’s up to us, each eulogy, which will be recited at worse, crash. and the Greek American teachers for their unyielding efforts on behalf of (TNH, 9/26/09). In order to apply and every one of us, however, to your funeral. Did you live and Even though at first it may ap- educating our children. this principle in preparation for the decide whether we want to step out work in such a way that the last pear rather morbid, the simple, al- 3. Greece and Cyprus: Former Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Kostas New Year, I urge you to look for the into the light of the new day’s sun comments about you are really beit strange-sounding, exercise of Karamanlis, Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, Dimitris Christofias and George Pa- deeper meaning behind your “reso- or hide in the sun’s shadows and what you want to have said? writing one’s obituary or eulogy pandreou. lutions” (e.g., losing weight, stop act as if “life just happens to us.” Are you now living and working helps us “wake up” to life before it Simitis for managing to usher Greece into the eurozone-albeit with “cre- smoking, etc.) versus fixating on or Yes, it’s our choice! And, remem- with meaning? Assuming that is too late - that is, before we are ative accounting”. The leadership of Karamanlis, who even though he is a obsessing on all the steps required ber, the world around us is going to someone else does write your eulo- laid to rest and someone does have cut above everyone else, was derailed by his subordinates. to achieve them. Even if you change whatever we may decide, gy (or obituary), what would be to write an actual obituary or say a Angelopoulou-Daskalaki for the Olympic Games. choose not to follow my “theme for whether we like it or not. different about it from what you real eulogy for us! So don’t fall Christofias for he might be the president to preside over the determina- the year” suggestion, by not work- So what do you want to do with have written in this exercise? Re- awake at the wheel as you drive tion of the fate of Cyprus and Papandreou for what he might do to salvage ing against yourself, I guarantee your life, including your work life, member Scrooge’s experience in your vehicle down life’s winding the Greek economy. that you’ll increase the chances of as we enter 2010? Are you willing the classic tale, “A Christmas Car- highway! And have a happy, 4. The Hellenic World: Bartholomew for daring to herald in the most im- realizing the items on your list of to step out into the sun’s light and ol?” What would your encounter healthy, successful, and meaningful portant battle in the long history of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. New Year Resolutions! make each new day the “best ever” with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to 2010! The strongest runner-up candidates are Markopoulos and Snowe. We Now, looking back, 2009 may by taking advantage of what it has Come be like, in which you get a settled, however, on Angelopoulou-Daskalaki as the Person of the Decade not have been a year of “change to offer you? No matter how hard glimpse of your destiny? How Dr. Pattakos, author of “Prison- and Bartholomew as the Person of the Year for the following reasons: that you can believe in”. But don’t you try, you can rest assured, ac- would people remember you, talk ers of Our Thoughts”, is currently Angelopoulou-Daskalaki: Few people outside of Greece believed that she fret, for one thing is clear: to quote cording to Heraclitus, that you real- about you? There is an important working on a new book on how could have won the right to oversee the hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games. Bob Dylan, “the times they are a- ly won’t walk through the same riv- life lesson here, so stick with me! to live a meaningful life inspired Even fewer people thought that she could organize them successfully, espe- changin.” More fundamentally, it er twice. So take that step. It’s a As you get ready and plan for the by Greek culture (see: cially with the specter of terrorism looming, of both the local and the inter- was the ancient Greek philosopher, new day. It’s your best day ever! New Year, reflect upon the things www.theopaway.com). His col- national varieties. Heraclitus, who said that “you can And guess what? When you get that really matter - the things that, umn is published weekly in The In the days leading up to the Games, some of the most prestigious Amer- never walk though the same river used to thinking, believing, and ultimately, will comprise your life’s National Herald. Readers may ican and International newspapers were reporting almost catastrophic sce- twice.” Put simply, Heraclitus is acting in this way, you’ll find that “legacy”. contact him with questions, com- narios about security, scaring people away, raising questions at that late date telling us that we live in an ever- there are even better days to come! Please note that writing one’s ments, and/or suggestions for about whether Greece would even be ready to start the Games on time. changing world, one that is filled In fact, by not holding yourself a obituary or eulogy is not intended topics at: alex@prisonersofour- As a result, when the time came for the Games to start, the whole world with the ebbs and flows of life, of “prisoner of your own thoughts,” to be a game! On the contrary, this thoughts.com or visit his web held its breath. And when they began, the whole world was astounded by life energy. He’s also advising us you can now look forward to your kind of “soul searching” or self-re- site: www.prisonersofour- the amazing work the Greeks had done. that, as the river (of life) changes, best year ever, both in your person- flection is especially important dur- thoughts.com. Could Greece have pulled it off without having Gianna Angelopoulou- Daskalaki, the former Greek politician and wife of Theodore Angelopoulos, scion of one of the richest families of Greece, at the helm: There is no way to know. COMMENTARY What we know is that she led one of the greatest projects Greece under- took in its modern history and succeeded spectacularly against great odds, setting new standards for future Olympics and proving what the Greeks can do when they put their minds to it. For her glory as well as Greece’s. Bartholomew, a controversial figure in our community and on the world Resolutions 2010: New Year, New You, No Way church stage, in a brilliant interview on CBS’s newsmagazine program “60 Minutes” exhibited the exceptional leadership qualities that fit the chal- By Eleni Kostopoulos something totally different: I am tion in the past of negligent politi- our attention spans, it's every lenges facing the Patriarchate. The National Herald Staff Writer swearing off the New Year's resolu- cal leaders. choice we make to do or not do He could have waited and seen the historic site of the Orthodox faith tion! We have become excuse-breed- something with the time we have slowly but certainly slip away. And he did just that for a long time, putting NEW YORK - Another year, anoth- As individuals, as a society, as a ing machines, promising a brighter been blessed with. It is appreciat- his faith in the power of world leaders to pressure the Turks to give it room er resolution (or five). If you’re country comprised of complex sys- tomorrow without ever getting up ing, forgiving and loving, everyday, to breathe. lucky, (or perhaps persistent, deter- tems and institutions facing rather to change the burnt-out light bulbs. and seeking the positive in even the Having apparently reached the conclusion that the promises he was get- mined, strong-willed, etc.) you difficult times (both here in the I don’t want to underestimate most dreadful of situations. It's tak- ting were of no consequence, he decided he could wait no longer. He may be one of the very small per- U.S. and in our motherland, the importance of goal-setting. We ing time out to give yourself a pat reached out to public opinion, raising a powerful voice of desperation centage of Americans who actually Greece) we have been pro- all have hopes and ambitions. on the back, to squeeze in that ex- against those he accused of being determined to see the end of the Patriar- follow through and accomplish grammed to believe that Monday is Keeping your eye on the prize often tra hour of sleep and to savor the chate. History and fate favor those who dare. And Bartholomew dared to their yearly goals; but if you’re like the time to begin a new endeavor; has benefits in itself and makes us food on your plate. It's being there act, to challenge the world to save that historic institution. He deserves our the rest of the hopeful (then ex- that next year will be better; that if productive people. Being specific for a pal and not taking your spouse support. ceedingly hopeless) population, we can't fix anything today, there's for granted. you’ll wind up either disappointed always tomorrow to start anew. So this year, maybe it's time you or apathetic, and generally un- We're socialized to hold true that If you're going to set stop "should-ing" all over yourself if moved from where you were 365 change takes time and is a difficult out to do something, you don't want your goal to become Fast away the old year passes days ago. process. another failed New Year's resolu- For me, the New Year has always We pressure ourselves to make do it because your tion statistic. If you're going to set Goodbye 2009. We all knew you would be a difficult year. We all braced symbolized a fresh start - a time to to-do lists for life - lists that aim to heart tells you to, out to do something, do it because for the worst, given the realities of the preceding years; but of course, we re-evaluate where I've been and fulfill a false notion that once ac- because the timing is your heart tells you to, because the hoped for the best. where I want to go. Generally, I've complished, happiness will pour timing is right in your book; just be- That is the key word: hope. been pretty good at accomplishing through our doors and life will be right in your book... cause the ball drops, it doesn't 2009 did not turn out as well as one would hope for, nor as bad as some my goals or at least making strides peachy-keen. mean your common sense has to go may have feared. In the end, it all comes down to a state of mind. in the right direction. But there We start our sentences with, about our goals makes them more down with it. In the words of the 2009 started out with the promise of a young president taking charge in have also been times I reached too "When I do this or when I have that, tangible and attainable. But as ever so insightful Nikos Kazantza- Washington D.C. An African American man man, who made history by far beyond my means, when the only then will I be able to...” Our many greats have said, the point of kis, "Since we cannot change reali- breaking down the walls of discrimination. What an exciting thing to wit- timing was all wrong for me and value is too often measured by ap- power is in the present moment. It ty, let us change the eyes which see ness! He infused optimism into the American consciousness, bringing with when my heart wasn’t in it. proval from external sources, by can't be found by dwelling on the reality." him an aura of “can-do”. He raised hope, not just in the United States, but The perfectionism we Greek our accumulation of material ob- past, and it can't be created by a fu- Sometimes, we just have to throughout the world. Americans aim for can be both a jects, from our status in society. Per- ture that can't be foreseen. It's what change the way we perceive in order The realities, however, caught up with him: the unemployment rate (it’s blessing and a curse - we want it all haps worst of all is that we are we are doing in the here and now to allow change to come our way. hard to be hopeful when you lose your job), the wars, and suddenly terror- and we want to please our families quick to point fingers, neglecting to that matters - when we're at work, Happy New Year to you and ism hit again on Christmas day. Things look even more grim across the At- and our loved ones, even if this take responsibility for ourselves when we are with our loved ones, yours. Kali hronia! lantic with Greece teetering on the brink of bankrupcy. Still, a new year is means not really getting down to and the conditions we often create even when we're waiting in a long here, and with every new year comes hope! the core of what WE want. in our lives, and on a larger scale, line for a cup of coffee. Contact Eleni Kostopoulos at HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2010!! So this year, I plan on trying our economic downfalls and elec- It is our attitudes in daily life, [email protected]. THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010 VIEWPOINTS 9 LETTER FROM ATHENS Obama, the Rule of Law and the U.S. State Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In his inau- transferred to Cyprus. law by its failure to state to apply the rule of law to Turkey and gural speech, President Obama Turkey has been in vio- publicly the law govern- to direct the State Department to do A Street Map for Athens to stressed that the rule of law would be lation of U.S. law by its ing the maritime bound- the same. You should also write and fundamental in his administration. transfer from Turkey to ary in the Aegean which call your two U.S. Senators and your Referring to national security he said. Cyprus of 12 U.S. – the U.S. is obligated to U.S. Representatives asking them to Become a World Class City “As for our common defense, we re- supplied M-48 tanks do as we are a signatory apply the rule of law to Turkey. To be ject as false the choice between our and other arms. The to the Paris Peace Treaty fully active politically one should also Athens Mayor Niki- because it doesn’t en- safety and our ideals. Our founding State Department of 1947. State has also contribute financially to the candi- tas Kaklamanis, who rich the corrupt, even if fathers, faced with perils we can spokesperson, Adam failed to condemn dates of your choice in House and prefers to talk only to it enhances the quality scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to Ereli erroneously stat- Turkey’s violations of Senate races and in presidential elec- those who tend to of life. assure the rule of law and the rights ed that the transfer is Greek territorial waters tions. agree with him and • Street art: the city of man, a charter expanded by the not in violation of U.S. and airspace. Write to the president as follows: who has reneged on and civilization that de- blood of generations. Those ideals law because the tanks by EUGENE T. Turkey and human President Barack Obama, The White promises to improve fined art for the world, still light the world, and we will not transferred to Cyprus ROSSIDES and political rights House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, the woeful lack of aes- ranging from statues so give them up for expedience’s sake.” are under the control Turkey still denies its Washington, DC 20500. Call him on thetics in his city, would beautiful that they are As his first year in office comes to of the Turkish military. Special to 15-20 million Kurdish the comment line 202-456-1111 or love for his metropolis now in museums - a close on January 19, 2010, it is Since December 22, The National Herald minority (20%) full hu- email [email protected] to be a world-class city mostly outside of clear that Obama has not applied the 1987, 22 U.S.C. Λ man and political rights. and ask him in the interests of the along the lines of New Greece - has almost rule of law to the State Department’s 2373 absolutely prohibits the trans- Turkey has committed outrageous U.S. to apply the rule of law to York, San Francisco, by ANDY none along its streets or positions on Turkey. Let’s look at the fer by Turkey of U.S. supplied arms to crimes against humanity in the treat- Turkey. Rome, Paris, Shanghai, DABILIS squares. And where record regarding Turkey and Cyprus, Cyprus without regard to whether ment of its Kurdish minority: 3,000 The White House monitors the Tokyo, and even small- there are some, they are Turkey and the Aegean, Turkey and the arms remain in the control of the villages burned to the ground; letters and phone calls they receive. If er but decidedly pretti- Special to pigeon roosts and mon- human and political rights and Turkish military. 3,000,000 refugees; 30,000 Kurds enough Greek Americans write and er places like, Geneva, The National Herald uments to neglect. Why Turkey and religious freedom. State refuses to uphold the rule of killed by Turkey’s military; 17,000 call it will make a difference. Budapest, Barcelona not commission some, TURKEY AND CYPRUS law by its failure to call for the imme- Kurds assassinated by Turkey’s para- Write your Representative and Sena- and Stockholm. But it never was, of the Greatest Greeks, and while The State Department continues diate removal from Cyprus of U.S. military squads. (See Eric Rouleau, tors as follows: and under him, never will be. you’re at it, build some water foun- to refuse to refer to Turkey’s aggres- arms illegally transferred from “Turkey’s Dream of Democracy,” For- The Honorable firstname lastname Athens was a dominant city in an- tains too – and turn on the few that sion in Cyprus as invasion and occu- Turkey to Cyprus. eign Affairs, Nov./Dec. 2000; pp 100- U.S. Senate cient times, and should at least pre- aren’t jammed with waste. pation in violation of the UN Charter TURKEY AND THE AEGEAN 114.) The State Department refuses Washington, DC 20510 tend (it must be powerful for it to al- • Green. Green. Green: Athens is and the North Atlantic Treaty. The Turkey has made an outrageous to support the rule of law by its fail- The Honorable firstname lastname so be the capital) to be one now – a desolate white wasteland but one provisions of the UN Charter violated claim to one-half of the Aegean Sea ure to call for full human and political U.S. House of Representatives and could be under the right circum- look from on high shows what it by Turkey are the preamble, article in total disregard of all the relevant rights for Turkey’s 20% Kurdish mi- Washington, DC 20515 stances – but it fares as badly as does could look like if American architect 1(1), and article 2 paragraph (4) of international treaties and agree- nority. To call them dial 1-202-224-3121 its university in annual worldwide William McDonough’s idea to put the Charter, which states: “All Mem- ments in force and has engaged in TURKEY AND RELIGIOUS and ask for their office. rankings-listing. In terms of livability grass on rooftops were implement- bers shall refrain in their internation- provocative activities in the Aegean. FREEDOM Send copies of your letters to Sec- and world-class status, in 2009, it ed. The city would look green and al relations from the threat or use of Turkey continues to threaten Greece The Turkish government has tol- retary of State Hillary Clinton. placed only 76th in the Mercer Con- grass and trees on the roofs would force against the territorial integrity with war (casus belli) and promotes erated assaults against the remaining There have been important occa- sultings survey; up one place from fight gas emissions and reduce cool- or political independence of any claims that are unfounded and de- 2,500 Greek Orthodox Christian mi- sions when the State Department the previous year. The company ing costs from running air condition- state.” void of any legal basis. nority in Istanbul and the Ecumenical stood up and applied the rule of law used 39 criteria including political ers. Grass would look so good in State refuses to support the rule of The European Union’s “Turkey Patriarchate; continues the illegal to Turkey. When Turkey threatened stability, crime, law enforcement, public parks instead of the dirt law by its failure to call for the 2009 Progress Report” states: closure of the Greek Orthodox Halki Cyprus over Cyprus’ demarcation of currency exchange, financial regula- Athens uses. And flowers are cheap, prompt removal of Turkey’s 43,000 “The threat of casus belli…the Patriarchal School of Theology and oil and gas exploration zones, US am- tions, banking services, censorship, beautiful and encourage people not illegal occupation troops and resolution adopted by The Turkish refuses to return 7,000 church prop- bassador to Cyprus, Frank Urbancic privacy, suppression of freedom, to use parks as dumping grounds. 180,000 illegal settlers/colonists. Grand National Assembly in 1995 erties which were illegally seized. In stated that Cyprus is a sovereign na- medical supplies/services, waste dis- • Solar energy: The city, and Turkey is in violation of the Gene- still remains. According to the Coun- an important interview on CBS “60 tion and was in full accord with the posal, pollution, standard and avail- state, should subsidize or give grants va Convention of 1949, Section III, cil conclusions of December 2008, Minutes” program the Ecumenical rule of law. ability of education, availability and for solar energy systems on those article 49, which prohibits coloniza- ‘Turkey needs to commit unequivo- Patriarch Bartholomew dramatically Obama has not conducted a seri- quality of water, electricity, public same rooftops because after the ini- tion by an occupying power. Over the cally to good neighbourly relations exposed Turkey’s violations of reli- ous review of U.S.-Turkey policy. It is tial costs and some for maintenance past 35 year Turkey has colonized the and to the peaceful settlement of dis- gious freedom and in response to a time he did. It should include and operation, energy from the sun occupied 37% of Cyprus with putes in accordance with the United question whether he felt crucified, he Turkey’s policies regarding Iran, Syr- …the city is dirty, is free, sustainable and reduces the 180,000 settlers/colonists! Nations Charter.... responded “Yes, I do.” ia, Sudan and Israel which are con- overrun in places by need for petroleum products to heat The U.S. is a party to the Geneva A considerable number of formal State refuses to apply to Turkey trary to U.S, views and policies. and cool. Convention of 1949 and obligated to complaints were made by Greece U.S. laws on religious freedom. anarchists, has a • No parking on sidewalks: enforce its provisions. about continued violations of its air- What can we do? Mr. Rossides is President and Soviet-era look with Athens failed to put in parking me- State refuses to apply and enforce space by Turkey, including flights We can help by becoming active Founder of the American Hellenic decrepit…apartment ters because of a near - rebellion by the provisions of U.S. law which pro- over Greek islands” politically. That means writing and Institute and a former Assistant drivers, but that doesn’t mean they hibits U.S. arms to Turkey from being State refuses to uphold the rule of calling the President and asking him Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. houses. should be allowed to park on side- walks. A fleet of tow trucks taking transport, traffic, pricing of con- them away for a few weeks – with sumer goods, housing, maintenance, big fines attached – would bring in appliances and natural environment lots of money and end that insanity, (climate, wildfires, natural disasters) and make the city look better. Holiday Trees, Winter Parties & Christmas in America to rate each city. • Clean the city: It’s filthy, except The Globalization and World for the City Hall where the mayor CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. - With Christ- tution; it is from Everson nondenominational Kwanzaa on countless occasions, and Cities Study Group and Network hides so he doesn’t see it. And while mas 2009 just having passed us, now v. Board of Education, a merriment. Although I have never been offended. In fact, I (GaWC) based at the geography de- you’re at it, plant some trees instead is a good time to reflect on how case decided in 1947. our government can- have often been wished happy Easter partment of Loughborough Universi- of cutting them down as they have quickly and drastically attitudes have Another point often not legally impose any on Western Easter, which is usually ty, United Kingdom used economics, instead done, to put up parking lots. changed regarding the celebration of overlooked is that the other religious holiday my Palm Sunday or only the begin- politics, culture, and infrastructure And paint those damned grey con- Christmas in America. It doesn’t seem First Amendment limits on us, the private sec- ning of my Lent, but I’ve never been as its measurements and placed crete buildings. that long ago when Americans spent only Congress from offi- tor has every right to offended by that, either. The way I Athens in its fourth tier of world • Stop unlawful dumping: The much of December buying Christmas cially establishing reli- buy and sell Christmas see it, it feels good when a fellow hu- cities. few parks and woods that are left gifts, decorating Christmas trees, and gion; it says nothing trees, Christmas cards, man being wishes you a happy any- It’s the same in rankings by other have become landfills for midnight going to Christmas parties. Seeming- about individual state etc. Why, then, is there thing! Moreover, if Christmas were a groups in which Athens never places dumpers, none of whom are ever ly overnight all of that changed. governments. In fact, so much backlash holiday that specifically denounced anywhere near the top. The Econo- caught so when you find a place to Companies began throwing “holi- various states in our na- against Christmas? Be- other faiths or groups of people, then mist puts Vancouver, Vienna, Mel- take a stroll you’re likely to find a toi- day” parties, department stores ad- tion’s early days had es- by CONSTANTINOS E. cause of the fear that it would be offensive even if just a bourne, Toronto, and Perth as the let – someone else’s they’ve thrown vertised “winter” sales, and, perhaps tablished their own offi- SCAROS those of us who cele- single person objected. But Christian- best, while Monocle lists Zurich, out. most awkwardly of all, people began cial religion. Granted, brate Christmas will ity does nothing of the sort. Among Copenhagen, Tokyo, Munich, • Clean up Omonoia Square: to decorate “holiday” trees. When did the Fourteenth Amend- Special to somehow mortally of- Christmas’ most prominent messages Helsinki. Even AskMen has a ranking That means drug dealers, pimps, Christmas become such a bad word ment eventually ex- The National Herald fend those who do not. are love, generosity, and inspiration – that shows Chicago, Barcelona, San thieves and pickpockets. If Rudy Giu- and, more importantly, why? panded Constitutional That is quite a reckless hardly the type of sentiments that are Francisco, London and Sydney as the liani could do it for Times Square, it All of our nation’s laws stem from rights to apply to state laws, but, by assumption to make without careful- offensive. best cities. So why does Athens never can be done for Omonoia. The may- a single document, the United States then, all of the states had repealed ly examining the facts. Finally, if we were to worry about show up on the radar screen as a or only has to go a couple of hundred Constitution. Its First Amendment their official religions laws anyhow. It is wrong to label America a celebrating holidays without offend- place where anyone would actually yards to find it, and if he gets lost he declares that “Congress shall make Following the Everson decision, Christian nation because, Constitu- ing a single person, then we would want to live? can ask a prostitute on the way. no law respecting an establishment the Supreme Court continued to in- tionally speaking, America is not be- barely have any holidays left. Right now, you could start with • Municipal swimming pools: In of religion, or prohibiting the free ex- terpret the First Amendment quite holden to any particular religion. Thanksgiving Day gives thanks to the freefalling economy, but that’s a city with frequent 100-degree ercise thereof…” What is clear from liberally. In time, “Congress shall Nonetheless, we are a nation that is God, and therefore offends atheists – relatively recent, so you must look at days, children in the summer are left that sentence is that Congress cannot make no law” was extended to mean overwhelmingly comprised of Chris- not to mention Native American Indi- the criteria to see why only Greeks, to find shade instead of water be- establish Christianity, or any other re- that religious displays on govern- tians – close to 80%, in fact. The next ans, whose land was taken from some expatriates and immigrants cause most public beaches have been ligion for that matter, as the nation’s ment property – such as a child’s highest group, Jews, only make up them by settlers. Memorial Day and want to live in or move to Athens and taken over unlawfully by privateers official religion. It cannot declare that drawing of Jesus posted in a public about two percent. Buddhists, Mus- Veterans Day honor military victo- claim to like it. There is no political who charge people to use them, so Christians must be paid higher wages school hallway – would be prohibit- lims, and Hindus, total less than one ries, and thus snub the descendants stability, the city is dirty, overrun in build some pools for the kids you than Jews, that Muslims must pay ed. But if religious displays are not percent, and a host of other religions of the defeated opponents (including places by anarchists, has a Soviet-era claim to care about. less income tax than Buddhists, or permitted on public property, then are even smaller. The disproportion those in the Southern United States, look with decrepit, grey concrete • Build new hospitals and schools that Hindus must be hired for any why are public schools (and govern- of Christians to all other faiths is stag- who lost the Civil War) and all paci- apartment houses, little green space, to replace those that resemble 1938 over jobs before Taoists. Beyond that, ment buildings, for that matter) gering, and flies in the face of the fists. Halloween was originally a feast archaic hospitals, high prices, sub- Bulgarian army barracks or prisons any laws regarding religion – such as, closed for Christmas? Because the melting pot reference that some at- of all saints – and the list goes on. prime education from elementary and pay teachers what they deserve that prayer is forbidden in public Christmas tradition in America tran- tribute to the United States. 2010 is upon us, to joyfully wish schools to college, and an absolute to be paid. schools, or that the Ten Command- scends religion and includes a secular To put it another way, if religion in our fellow Americans – all of them – a disregard for the rule of law. There Take back your city. ments many not be displayed inside component that includes giving pre- America were a large pizza, Chris- very merry Christmas. is, of course, abundant personal free- of a courtroom – are interpretations sents, trimming a tree, sending cards, tianity would cover seven slices, and dom, a right Greeks defend to the Mr. Dabilis was the New England by Supreme Court Justices, who are and singing carols about various all of the other religions would barely Constantinos E. Scaros is a pub- death and a gleaming subway sys- editor for United Press Interna- only guessing as to what the Found- characters – Santa, Rudolph, and amount to one bite of the eighth. lished author and expert in Ameri- tem that is being kept up, although tional in Boston, and a staff writer ing Fathers intended the meaning of Frosty, to name a few – none of There are so few non-Christians in can presidential history, with a someone still has to explain why in a and assistant metropolitan editor the First Amendment to be. whom are found in the Bible. In fact, America, proportionately speaking, background in Ancient Greek his- city where people go out at midnight at the Boston Globe for 17 years The Justices’ decisions are often Christmas celebrations are no more that the odds of any of them actually tory. He teaches history, political to eat that the metro closes down before relocating to Greece. His based on their own interpretation, limited to Christians than St. Patrick’s caring enough about that issue to be science, and law at New York then, except for the weekends. column is published weekly in the not on language actually found in the Day festivities are reserved for the offended are rather slim. As a Christ- University, and is the Dean of Crim- But opportunities abound for National Herald. Readers interest- Constitution. For example, the Irish. Portraits of Mary and Joseph ian who has lived in or near New York inal Justice at Katharine Gibbs Col- Athens to become a world-class city ed in contacting him can send e- phrase “separation of church and clearly convey a religious message, City my entire life, I have been lege. He welcomes comments at and here’s a list that will be ignored mails to [email protected]. state” appears nowhere in the Consti- whereas Santa and Rudolph evoke wished happy Hanukah and happy his blog at scaros.blogspot.com 2009 Is Gone, The 2010 Odyssey Begins - Will Things Get Any Worse for Us?

WASHINGTON, D.C. - 2009 was not recovery from the worst economic the fact that seeking deny any improvement positive elements in the Greek econ- ers to Erdogan. He can abandon one of our better years. Will 2010 crisis in a century to win the next consensus requires and the press will mag- omy while the rating agencies, Greek policy issues to the generals surpass it for misery? election. A Congressman shouted, more leadership and nify setbacks. We may spooked by their failures in 2008, because there are less than 3,000 2009: Despite the near-collapse “you lie” at the PresidenT in public less intellect. not notice before No- prefer to downgrade reflexively. The ethnic Greek voters in Turkey. Pro- of the financial system, the financiers while others labeled extending 2009: Internation- vember that things are Euro zone cannot afford to let even a voking trouble with Greece and maintained their outrageous life- health care to the poor and unem- ally, things did not go improving. Elections small member go belly-up. This is Cyprus brings more benefit to the styles while unemployment soared ployed as “communism”. Arguably much better. demand that the U.S. dangerous because it could prevent Army, and at lower risk, than going and average family income tanked. the worst example: an Archbishop Cheney/Rumsfeld’s ne- avoid any action in the real reform. On the other hand, after the Kurds. 2010: The President now owns excommunicated a Congressman for glect of Afghanistan, Middle East that might Prime Minister Papandreou has There were some light moments the economic situation, the public refusing to impose Roman Catholic while they adventured force Netanyahu to shown some early signs that he is in 2009. The list of bible thumping, has forgotten who caused it and the canon law on the United States! into Iraq, came home to seek compromise. The prepared to tackle public corruption. God-fearing “family values” politi- Republicans will do whatever they 2010: It will get worse. With roost. The Taliban be- good news is that Israel If he succeeds, the psychology alone cians displaying their sexual pecca- can to make us worse off in anticipa- elections scheduled, politicians will gan to reverse their de- cannot panic the U.S. could turn things around quickly. dilloes in public not only increased tion of the November elections. Po- have zero incentive to act civilized or feat. The Democrats by AMB. PATRICK N. into attacking Iran. The 2009: Turkey’s Erdogan sacri- but this time they demonstrated very litical money could prevent real fi- forgo partisan interests. The demise forgot that they had THEROS U.S. military is opposed ficed what little credibility he had high entertainment value. Will 2010 nancial system reform in 2010, lead- of the newspaper and the rise of supported Obama’s and Iran’s internal dra- left on the issues of Cyprus, the Patri- produce a soap opera equal to Gov- ing to a repeat of the Great Recession blogs, talk shows and fake “think election promise to Special to ma is better observed archate and the Aegean in order to ernor Sanford’s Appalachian hike in a few years. Even with best-case tanks” which feed us one side of the close Guantanamo and The National Herald from afar. Israel cannot persuade the Turkish military to give that ended up in Buenos Aires? Stay reform, economic recovery for the story, will exacerbate an increasingly concentrate on attack Iran on its own him a freer hand on other internal is- tuned. very rich will come quickly but the ugly, even obscene, political dis- Afghanistan. In the Middle East, the because it lacks the ability to do so. sues. Ecumenical Patriarch average American will see little relief course. Parents should extend TV president rediscovered the truth that With luck and some more missteps Bartholomew’s unprecedented ap- The Hon. Ambassador Theros is until 2011 or later. parental controls to Glenn Beck and one should never make a threat or a by Ahmedinijad, Iran may actually peal on U.S. television indicates both president of the U.S.-Qatar Busi- 2009: The year saw a resurgence Rush Limbaugh. promise he can’t keep. What Israeli take care of itself. desperation and a far better sense of ness Council. He served in the U.S. of American “know nothing” senti- The November elections hinge on Prime Minister Netanyahu did to the 2009: Greece held elections be- how to influence events. Foreign Service for 36 years, most- ments that rivaled the worst of the factors too bizarre to allow rational President and America cannot be de- cause the Prime Minister got tired of 2010: December 2010 will see ly in the Middle East, and was 19th century. Citizens demanded analysis. The Republican Party could scribed in a family publication. governing. His successor discovered little change in Greek-Turkish rela- American Ambassador to Qatar that the Government “get its hands tear itself apart pitting ideological 2010: Afghanistan may actually that the country was tottering on the tions. Erdogan can challenge the from 1995 to 1998. He also direct- off my Medicare!” A potential Presi- purity against common sense. De- improve, especially if the President verge of bankruptcy. Turkish military on only a limited ed the State Department’s dential candidate questioned the mocrats may forget that they won can restrain our national tendency to 2010: The crisis in the Greek number of issues. Resolving Counter-Terrorism Office, and President’s birth certificate. Republi- the last elections on a platform of do it ourselves rather than wait for economy is real but overblown. The Turkey’s problem with the Kurds holds numerous U.S. Government cans called for sabotage of America’s change. The President may not grasp the Afghans. The Republicans will press is superficial and ignores many could bring ten million Kurdish vot- decorations. 10 TOURISM THE NATIONAL HERALD, JANUARY 2-8, 2010 Mamma Mia! There's Still Some Peace and Quiet on Verdant Isle of Skopelos

By Andy Dabilis won’t even acknowledge your pres- Mamma Mia! - we don't want our and said, “We do want people to Special to The National Herald ence. The best place for a daily island to change because of a film,” come,” he said the island has to lunch or dinner is at Babis, only Mayor Hristos Vasiloudis told the find the balance between charm William Whalley has been to a 200 yards from Mando and offering British newspaper the UK Mail. “We and being too touristy, which lot of places in the world, a doctor- genuine home-made Greek food at have culture, architecture, ancient would defeat the purpose for which marathoner who has run in China modest prices, although it’s a draw- history and pride. A film comes and most people come: to get away and Latin America, in between be- back to be seated on a main road, goes, but we want our island to re- from the same people who are now ing the team doctor for professional even one that is only modestly busy. main the same.” coming. Some locals have also sports teams in Atlanta, Georgia, Only 38 square miles in size and So far, despite the new crowds complained that the movie after- but when the 69-year-old came to hilly in places, Skopelos has a num- that aren’t exactly hordes - you math has raised prices beyond their the Greek island of Skopelos for the ber of bays for swimming, even don’t have to elbow people out of reach and caused an upsurge in de- first time this summer, he said he’d though many aren’t easy to reach. the way when you walk in the port velopment and people wanting to finally found a place that offered Most villagers who don’t live in the village - it has not changed. buy summer homes, which go from beauty and serenity and the port live in the villages of Glossa The movie was noted for a mar- roughly $200,000 for a traditional serendipity of discovery. and Nea Klima. The island is north- riage scene in the tiny white- townhouse to nearly $350,000 for “You feel like, right here in some east of the island of Euboea and washed Agios Ioannis chapel, 202 a villa by the sea. places, you’re in the 15th or 16th takes its name from its discovery by steps up a winding path on top of a Skopelos has always been a fa- Century,” he said, shortly before re- Staphylos, one of the sons of the rocky perch lurching out into the vorite place for Greeks, and for a tiring to a hammock under a tree at God Dionysos, and you can feel sea. But it only holds a few people, number of Italian and British visi- the Mando Guest House, a beauti- yourself imbibing the wine and the not the crowd seen in the movie, so tors, some of whom bought or ren- ful little 14-room place with impec- cably-kept grounds of grass, trees and flowers that is, hands down, bar none - including five-star hotels - the best on the island or just about any other one too. Less than 100 yards and three minutes from your room there is a private swimming area on broad, flat rocks, with chaise lounges, trees for shade and a view of yachts anchored 100 yards away whose owners look at you with envy for a change. “This is the kind of place I enjoy, and I’ve seen everything,” Whalley The movie ‘Mamma Mia!’ has given out-of-the-way Skopelos a taste of said slowly, with just a bit of a fame, but it’s still better known for unique spots like Agios Ioannis southern drawl. If you can charm a Monastery (top) than for Mykonos-style clubbing. Georgian, you’ve got the goods. Skopelos was recommended to him by a good source: by his broth- er Patrick, who was on his 10th vis- it after the island was recommend- ed to him by a Greek American woman whose family hailed from there. Patrick and his wife had hoped to make a home on the is- land, but she died suddenly late in 2008 and he came back to the is- land at the urging of his family to find some solace and see the place they had come to love so much; it wind on the island, lost as if in an- tourists walking up singing one ovated homes there years ago and was an annual retreat. other time, if you find the right, tasteless Abba song after the other don’t like the new influx either. An- Skopelos is in the Northern Spo- quiet spot, which would not in- are upset when they get there and other British newspaper, The Mir- rades chain in the Aegean Sea, with clude the beach at Agnontas, on the see it’s not a movie. ror, just named the island the best Skyros, Peristera, Alonissos, and southern side of the island. It had a The good taste in Skopelos is in hidden Greek vacation spot, even if the more well-known and now good reputation but didn’t deserve its food, and the island includes rel- it’s not so hidden any more and said overrun Skiathos. After the 2007 it: it was overrun, messy, tacky and, atives of the renowned American the “Mamma Mia” directors were filming of the king of cheesy films, like almost all the beaches on the Iron Chef Cat Cora, but even she’d lured by its sense of looking the “Mamma Mia”, a story line loosely island can be sometimes, infiltrated be pressed perhaps to match the same as it did a generation ago and built around the saccharine pop with wasps, which means you can’t fried cheese pie known as Skopeli- its heavy woods, walking trails and songs of the Swedish kitsch group stay unless you like being stung. tikipita, so delicious and mouth- pine, olive and plum groves that go Abba, and its release last year, Kastani Beach, where some scenes watering that you can’t stop eating right down to the seashore. Greece many locals feared the fate of from the movie were shot, was less it, even if has more calories than a can’t be beat for its islands, espe- Skiathos would overtake Skopelos crowded, but had the same wasp hot fudge sundae. The best was cially one like Skopelos, but Ameri- too, and while there’s evidence of problem, so be prepared. made by Mando Gargalianos, for cans used to vast sandy beaches in some tourism overload, the island’s Even with its new-found celebri- whom the hotel she owns with her places like North Carolina, Florida, officials have worked to keep it but the smart ones find places like priced tavernas when, with a little ty, Skopelos is still kind of an anti- husband, Antonis, is named. He California, and the wonderful down by limiting tour boats and Mando and get away from the looking, you can find a place where Mykonos in that there aren’t any works the gardens and the lawn stretches along Cape Cod or even a banning just about any kind of noise of where the boats land. the residents eat. A general rule of wild clubs for dancing or carrying during the days with her son, Ja- tiny jewel like Singing Beach in overt reference to the movie, apart Unless you jump over from thumb too: never eat at any restau- on, although Brosnan was said to son, a recent agricultural school Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachu- from a dreary and just-about aban- Skiathos, Skopelos isn’t easily rant where the sidewalk signs are be a regular guy and a late-night graduate, while she brings out the setts will find it difficult to get used doned bar named Mamma Mia in reached, 58 miles or four hours on bigger than you and hawkers are drinker in the port village. There tasty cheese pies for guests, to their to rocky entries into the ocean, so the port village also named Skope- a ferry (two with the high-speed waving you inside, a problem not were more families and middle- balconies or rooms or the little water shoes are a must, especially los. Flying Dolphin) from the mainland as acute in Skopelos, but beware aged couples and tourists than gazebo on the grounds, where you as most Greek waters have the Unlike most of the Greek is- port of Volos, which is very busy in anyway. teenagers, and Skopelos seems to can also grill your own meats or nasty problem of sea urchins, black lands, Skopelos is green and ver- high season, or three hours from Apart from the summer, there cater to people who want to slow just take it easy. Jason said while spiked balls that can even go dant, offering shade from the bru- the less-busy and more pleasant lit- are fewer than 5,000 residents, down and relax, to linger at the Mando is generally always full, the through your protective shoes if tal and relentless summer sun that tle port of Kimi, for about $24 per most of them in the port town of beach and on a hammock, as Whal- movie has helped bring in guests to you step on them the wrong way, overtakes tourists on the barren person. It’s worth it, even with the Skopelos which is more charming ley did, than run around. What car- other less private places. “We have and leave you hopping toward a lands that make other islands less recent notoriety that has brought than most island port villages. ries it is its green sense of serenity more people than last year. “Mam- hospital for help. inviting than they seem in out so many people, because There are white stuccoed homes and its tiny size, as you can literally ma Mia” has helped. It was an ad- Whalley’s brother Patrick said brochures or advertisements. But Skopelos is, as advertised, dotted huddled on a hill and boasting a drive from one end of the island to vertisement (for Skopelos,)” he what he came to love about Skope- what brings too many tourists these with little bays, golden sandy few excellent restaurants, particu- the other in an hour or so. It’s a said. los was its residents. “The thing days are the sites used in “Mamma beaches, slopes covered with olive larly Perivoli, which is off the main place of scented pine trees, olives, His father said the family puts so about coming to Skopelos is that Mia”, even if many were doctored trees, a dazzling scene from sea port road and tucked under a vine- and dried white plums and quiet. much work into tending the the same people are in the busi- in the movie and disappoint in real and even better when you land. yard and in a garden, offering very Mando is adjacent to the popular grounds because it’s an attraction, nesses and the tavernas every year life, but only if you’re looking for a Port villages are generally to be good food at reasonable prices. But beaches of Staphylos and Velanio, and the grass and flowers are not so and you make friends with them. movie set. Ridiculously, some avoided because of the noise and avoid Anna’s Place, further up in which are fine indeed, if a little common in Greece, especially so They are family-run businesses. My tourists come just to see the flip- the foot, vehicle and boat traffic, the village, unless you like being ig- crowded, but why would you want close to the seaside. “It’s not wife and I loved Skopelos,” and he flops used by movie star Pierce but Skopelos Town is calmer than nored for half an hour when you sit to go to either when you have a pri- enough to be close to the sea. It has paused. “We had many wonderful Brosnan, plastic shoes now nailed most, and it’s still a wonder why down and like competing with 50 vate spot? to be well-kept and beautiful,” he memories here.” to a wall in a store in a village shop, anyone would sit at one of the over- other people for one waiter who “Skopelos is about more than said. While he’s glad business is up So will you. E.U. Asks for Refund following Inflated Cretan Olive Growers’ Claims

By Stephen Castle Brian Gardner, author of “Euro- So sensitive is the issue here on The New York Times pean Agriculture: Policies, Produc- Crete that Mr. Haritakis preferred tion and Trade.” “You often find to speak about it on his patch of VAMOS, CRETE — Myth-making that the mayor and the president of land by the river rather than in the has been part of life on Crete since the cooperative are one and the local cafe. the Greek goddess Athena was same person.” He said that, when asked, the credited with growing the first Northern farmers tend to be cooperative said it had forms olive tree on this rugged Mediter- businesspeople themselves, he signed by the farmers empowering ranean island. said, and scrutinize the activities of it to withdraw money from their ac- But even the gods would have the cooperatives closely. But small counts. Mr. Haritakis said that he been pushed to conjure up a har- producers in the south can be less was unable to find any form for Mr. vest as big as the one claimed by a assertive. Lourakis. On some of the other ac- group of olive growers around this In Crete, where olive trees are counts, he added, the certification tiny, rustic town. It could only have everywhere — clinging to rocky was “not good” because the signa- been achieved, neighbors joke, by hills, competing for space with or- tures appeared inconsistent. planting lines of olive trees across ange trees or growing alongside No one has been charged, and the Mediterranean to the island of whitewashed churches — the agri- Mr. Matsamakis said the prosecu- Santorini, about 150 kilometers, or cultural cooperative of Apokoronos tor, apparently regarding the issue 90 miles, away. and Sfakia came under scrutiny as best addressed through civil law, The story of the miracle harvest with the aid of a whistle-blowing suggested that he file a private suit turned up on an application for Eu- farmer, Yannis Matsamakis. over the claims from the growers ropean agricultural subsidies that Not far from his small plot of around Vamos. surfaced in 2007; officials deter- land high in the hills above Chania, Spiros Boutsadakis, president of mined the amount requested was he stumbled on several copies of a the cooperative, declined to com- well in excess of what the farmers list itemizing subsidy claims that ment on the grounds that he had could conceivably have been enti- had been dumped in the street with taken over after the scandal. His tled to. the apparent intention of embar- predecessor, Kostis Kotzambas- But something disturbed inves- rassing the cooperative. sakis, requested e-mailed questions tigators more than the simple size The average tree yields enough but did not respond to them. In of the claim: It was filed not by the olives to make between one and 2007, the cooperative issued a hard-pressed growers themselves, five liters, or about 35 to 170 fluid statement saying no fraud had tak- but by the leaders of their agricul- ounces, of oil. But the claims from en place because no payments were tural co-operative — one of thou- groves at Vamos and a clutch of sur- made. sands of locally powerful, political- rounding villages suggested they Each olive tree in Crete normally yields 35 to 170 fluid ounces of oil each a year. In the region around The European Commission said ly connected producers’ associa- were producing five times that Vamos, 57 growers associated with a cooperative claimed that their trees produced five times that that, by 2012, most subsidies tions across Europe. much. linked to specific production would In poor, remote areas of South- Though everyone in the sur- politicians, Mr. Matsamakis said, agreed to the withdrawal of funds. who has taken it.” be phased out, removing much of ern Europe, evidence is emerging rounding area was complaining, no though one of those named wrote At his home in the village of In a statement, the Agricultural the scope for fraud. “Our control that what happened in Crete — one would take the list to the local to a local newspaper denying any Douliana, Andreas Lourakis held Bank of Greece said it was “cooper- systems are improving all the where the European Union is de- prosecutor, Mr. Matsamakis said, knowledge of the claim apparently up his statement from the Agricul- ating with our local branch of Va- time,” said Michael Mann, its manding a refund of nearly until he did. made on her behalf. Investigators tural Bank of Greece for December mos in order to thoroughly investi- spokesman for agriculture. ?375,000, or about $540,000, paid Mr. Matsamakis, who cultivates found evidence of other abuses in- 2005. On Dec. 28, he received a gate this case.” However, the rule change to to the collective that operates 150 olive trees in his spare time, volving banks. payment of ?3,012 in subsidies for In the village of Spylos, Manolis eliminate the direct link between around Vamos — is not a minor said he was not trying “to do harm Because the cooperatives pro- olive oil, even though he farms only Haritakis, a retired employee of the most payments and the quantity of aberration but a symptom of a to people” by going to the prosecu- vide agricultural equipment, farm- 150 trees and would normally Agricultural Bank of Greece who output may, in the short term, have broader problem involving co-ops. tor. “I did it because I didn’t feel ers sometimes sign forms giving co- claim several hundred euros. That worked at the branch in Vamos, re- made some co-operatives more im- Experts say that sharp regional good that people try to steal money ops the right to withdraw money same day, an unexplained debit re- called Mr. Lourakis’s case and that portant. differences in the way farming is in this crazy way,” he said. from their individual accounts, in moved ?2,397. of others. Often it is the cooperatives that organized shape the problem. Most of the 57 olive growers list- the way that many people pay “No one can explain the debit,” “Many, many people came to me certify how much farmers pro- “The further south you go, the ed were either employees of the co- household bills. But fraud investi- he said, “not the bank, nor the co- asking, ‘Why did you take my mon- duced in the past, which is one of more opaque the administration by operative, relatives of those who gators found this to be happening operative. No one can explain how ey?”’ he said, adding that he re- the barometers for determining the cooperative tends to be,” said worked there or relatives of local even to farmers who had not the money came into my account or ferred them to the cooperative. what they get in the future.