The National Herald GR
Transcription
The National Herald GR
NEWS OCV ΓΡΑΦΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ ΑΠΟ ΤΟ 1915 The National Herald cv A wEEkly GrEEk-AmEriCAN PuBliCATiON Bringing the news to generations of Greek-Americans www.thenationalherald.com February 21-27, 2015 VOL. 18, ISSUE 906 $1.50 Himonas is Despite the Impasse, Greece Foresees Debt Deal Happening Varoufakis Envisions Justice on “Honorable Solution” Supreme From Disagreement Ct. of Utah TNH Staff Greek Orthodox Becomes Only NonMormon on Bench On February 13 the Utah Senate unanimously confirmed the appointment of Constandinos (Deno) Himonas to the Utah Supreme Court, the highest juridical body in the state. The confirmation of Himonas as a Utah Supreme Court Justice is historically significant not only to the Greek-American community, but also to Utah’s history as he, a Greek Orthodox, becomes the only non-Mormon on the state’s high court. At his confirmation hearing, Himonas told the Senate: "I am deeply, deeply committed to a textual approach to legislation that comes out of this body and the House, and an originalist approach to both the constitution of this state and the Constitution of the United States,” the Salt Lake City Tribune reported. Himonas worked as a trial judge in Salt Lake City since 2004 and prior to that practiced law privately for 15 years, the Deseret News reported. He replaces Ronald Nehring, the court’s Associate Chief Justice on the Supreme Court. The Court is comprised of five justices: the Chief Justice, the Associate Chief Justice, and three AP PHOTO/EurOkiNiSSi, GiOrGOS kONTAriNiS Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (R) welcomes conservative former Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos at the Maximos Mansion in Athens on Feb. 17. Pavlopoulos, 64, a law professor, must be approved by Parliament in a special process. Greeks in the NBA Honored at New York Consulate NEW YORK – They may not all have been sports fans, but the Hellenes who attended the reception at the Greek Consulate in New York in honor of Greek players in the NBA were brimming with pride on February 12. The event was presented by the Hellenic Basketball Federation and Yanna Darilis, president of New Greek TV (NGTV) was the emcee and event organizer was Yanna Darilis. Amb. George Iliopoulos, the Consul General of Greece, told The National Herald, “we are happily hosting this event. Basketball is a sport that every Greek has dear to his heart, not only because we now have a long tradition, but because they excel at it.” The honorees included Kostas Papanikolaou, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kosta Koufos and Nick Calathes. Papanikolaou and Antetokounmpo were present in New York because they were selected for the NBA All Star Game. Koufos and Calathes had to remain with their teams and could not travel to New York but Antetokounmpo was forced to miss the event at the last moment because of a previously unscheduled practice. Each will receive a plaque, however. Papanikolaou, who was given his by Matina Kolokotronis, President for Business Operations of the Sacramento Kings, said "This plaque is the least I take with me form here. I can feel only joy and strong emotions…It's a rare opportunity for us to find ourselves in a place with so many Greeks. Maybe it does not seem important for some, but it is very big thing for us to receive this love." The guests were also thrilled at the chance to meet the legends of international Greek basketball like Panagiotis Fasoulas, Nikos Katsikaris, Nikos Philippou and the former star of PAOK and the Sacramento Kings, Peja Sto- jakovic. Honorary plaques were also presented to Amb. Iliopoulos, to the Archdiocese of America for operating Greek-American youth basketball leagues – it was received by Stavros Papagermanos, the Archdiocese’s press officer – and to NGTV, received by Darilis, for its contribution to the event. Also present were Fox NEWS star anchors Ernie Anastos and Nicole Petalides, representatives of the New York fan clubs of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, Brooklyn Nets executive, Abner Neufeld, and Greek-American Continued on page 4 Cultural Foundation’s “Riddle of the Labyrinth” Utah Supreme Court Justice Constandinos Himonas. By Constantine S. Sirigos other Justices. Himonas is now one of our non-Chief Justices until among them, a new Associate Chief Justice is chosen. State Senator Scott Jenkins, Chairman of the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee, told the News that the committee "spent a great deal of time" examining Himonas' qualifications and "found him to be a wonder- NEW YORK – The HellenicAmerican Cultural Foundation presented a lecture by Margalit Fox, the award-winning New York Times senior writer. Fox fascinated the guests who filled the auditorium of the Rubin Museum of Art on February 12 for a lecture on her book, The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code. Fox’s book “recounts the halfcentury-long quest to decipher Linear B, a mysterious script from the Aegean Bronze Age, unearthed on clay tablets at Knossos in 1900…this thrilling intellectual detective story also brings to light the forgotten history of Alice Kober the obsessive, overlooked American scholar whose work made the decipherment possible,” according to the program notes. Fox emphasized that previous histories focused on Michael Ventris, the Englishman – his name only sounds Greek – who ulti- Continued on page 4 Doctors of the World Supported By Aris Papadopoulos TNH Staff Writer ATHENS – Through the generous support of diaspora organization like The Hellenic Initiative (THI) and individual Greek-Americans abroad, Doctors of the World – Greece have been able to continue and expand their work, offering relief to families that have been harmed by the Greek crisis. Through this assistance during the last two years many Greek children were provided with pediatric and dental care and with vaccinations. Specifically, Doctors of the World, with the valuable support of THI, has implemented a dental check program for primary and secondary children and dental care for adults. Continued on page 5 For subscription: 718.784.5255 [email protected] TNH Staff Continued on page 3 Continued on page 11 Prof. Diane Touliatos Retires By Constantine S. Sirigos TNH Staff Writer President Obama’s liberal agenda, but it’s clear that’s what Hillary Clinton and John Podesta intend to give them.” Founder of the Center for American Progress (CAP), Podesta is an impassioned environmentalist, for whom the greener the politicians he serves can be, the better. Described by the New York Times as the Democrats “marathon man” – literally and figuratively, he is an avid runner – Podesta is credited by the newspaper as “saving” Bill Clinton’s presidency from scandalous ruin and Obama’s presidency from fading into irrelevance. Long intrigued by Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), Podesta regretted, the Washington Post reported last week, that ST. LOUIS, MO – Dr. Diane Touliatos is an internationallyrenowned scholar in the areas of Ancient Greek music, Medieval Byzantine and Western music, and women composers. The University of Missouri-Saint Louis professor recently celebrated her retirement after 35 years of teaching, but her work, a labor of love combining music and history, continues. It is a passion that extends deep into her childhood. “I had to cry and cry for a piano…my mom gave my dad the ultimatum and he got me a piano and that got me involved in music… and to this day I still play my piano.” She earned degrees in piano performance in addition to musicology, and choosing among three job offers after her studies, she picked St. Louis for its cultural riches, to which she added with her piano performances. She also enriched the educational experience of more than 4,000 students. As a research scholar well known to some of the world’s great libraries she has written over 60 scholarly research articles and six books. She is famous for the discovery of the earliest female musical compositions that have been musically Continued on page 4 Continued on page 5 TNH/COSTAS BEJ (L-R) Ed and Diana Regan, Aris Christodoulou, Marilena Christodoulou, member of the Board of the Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation and director of finance and administration of the Rubin Museum and Nicholas Kourides, chairman of the board of the Foundation. In Retrospect: Podesta Poised to Head “Hillary 2016” Greek Mothers Of WW Two TNH Staff By Steve Frangos TNH Staff Writer CHICAGO- Little is known about the full spectrum of civilian programs supported by Greek immigrants during World War II. Some accounts do report on the Greek War Relief efforts and the singular role of Greeks in the war bond drives. Still, that is not the full scope, by any means, of Greek immigrant war work. Why such sustained and diverse patriotic activities should escape general notice speaks more about those who write history than any other set of enduring factors. Complicating this set of cirContinued on page 7 BRUSSELS, Belgium – Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis is playing down the breakdown of talks with the country’s European creditors. Varoufakis said that, “We know in Europe how to deliberate in such a way as to create a very good solution, an honorable solution out of initial disagreement.” His comments come after a meeting of the 19 finance ministers of the Eurozone over how to make Greece’s debts sustainable broke down in seeming acrimony after barely more than three hours. European creditors issued Greece with an ultimatum, saying it must accept a key condition in bailout talks by Feb. 20 or face having to meet its debt commitments on its own. Many in the financial markets think that scenario would leave Greece little option but to leave the euro. Prime Minister and Radical Left SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras and Varoufakis were staking their bets on the belief that it would be the Eurozone, fearing a ripple effect in the other 18 countries, that would blink, back down and give Greece debt relief but it hasn’t happened yet so far. Varoufakis said he had initially been given the text of a possible deal from European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici that Greece would have accepted but that the terms were changed so he would not. ULTIMATUM LAID DOWN Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem said if Athens doesn’t accept an extension to what’s left of 240 billion euros ($272 billion) in two bailouts from the Troika of the European UnionInternational Monetary Fund-European Central Bank (EU-IMFECB) that Greece would be on its own. “Then, that’s it,” he said. “The general feeling in the Eurogroup is still that the best way forward would be for the Greek authorities to seek an extension of the program,” he told a joint press conference with Moscovici and IMF chief Christine Lagarde. Tsipras – who said he wouldn’t talk to the Troika nor recognize its authority but now has – also said he would not accept an extension although Varoufakis proposed a “bridge agreement” which technically is the same but using a different term. If a request for an extension Greek-American John Podesta, who recently stepped down as Counselor to President Obama and served as Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton, is rumored to be an early favorite to become chairman of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, Politico reported. The 66 year-old Chicago native, whose father John, Sr. was of Italian descent and whose mother, Mary (nee Kokoris) was a Greek-American, has longstanding ties to the Clinton family. Hillary wanted him on her 2008 campaign team, Politico reported. Unquestionably a veteran of Washington Politics, Podesta is also an outspoken progressive, whose political viewpoints often veer to the left of both President Obama and Hillary Clinton. Politico sees Podesta’s heading Hillary’s campaign as an opportunity for her to connect with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, a voting bloc with which she has had a rocky relationship in the past. Conversely, Podesta’s presence might deter swing voters who are not committed to voting Republican in every circumstance, but would hesitate to pull the lever for a Democrat who is too liberal. According to the Times, Republicans are delighted at the prospect of Podesta heading Clinton’s campaign. “You’ve got to admire someone willing to move from one sinking ship to another that’s taking on water before it’s even left port,” Republican National Committee spokesperson Michael Short told the Times. “Voters overwhelmingly don’t want a third term for COMMUNITY 2 GOINGS ON... GREEKS AROUND THE US Houston Rodeo: Yahoo! Yippie Kai Yo Kai Yay! By Dr. Constantina Michalos Aah, Houston, often Greek, diverse, and cosmopolitan. But sometimes, just ride ‘em cowboy. rodeo. Try walking past one of those suckers in a crowded parking lot without impaling yourself! A rodeo wouldn’t be a rodeo without some bar – b – cue. For three days, more than 250 teams compete in brisket, ribs, chicken and Dutch-oven dessert categories. Teams also vie to use the most unique pit, be the most colorful, and present the most entertaining skit. I really appreciate that they are also recognized for having the cleanest cooking area and recycling the most. And, of course, they raise money for scholarships. So now that everyone is dressed and juiced, what happens? The rodeo begins with a Grand Entry into NRG Arena of horses, buggies, carriages, hay wagons and fire trucks carrying Show officials, dignitaries, sponsors, volunteers and special guests (the Astrodome, the 8th wonder of the world and original home of rodeo, stands pathetically nearby awaiting its fate at the hands of unsentimental Houstonians with a limited sense of architectural history). The American flag is carried around the arena by a professional trick rider as a local celebrity sings the national anthem, rousing the crowd to a patriotic frenzy. “Nowhere Else but Texas” is more than a Chamber of Commerce slogan around these parts. The competitions include tie-down roping, bareback riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, chuck wagon races, calf scramble and mutton bustin’. For the most part, these events are self-explanatory: professional cowboys ride, ‘restle and rope horses and bulls. In the calf scramble, young Texas 4-H and FFA members chase and attempt to catch 15 calves that are released into the arena. Each student who catches a calf is awarded a $1,500 certificate to purchase a registered beef heifer or market steer to show at the Livestock Show the following year. The student then shows in a special competition and receives a $250 bonus if program requirements are fulfilled. More than $10.3 million has been awarded in certificates and awards to approximately 20,240 students since 1942, underscoring the rodeo mission to support Texas youth and encourage agricultural enterprise. Participants in the mutton bustin’ competition must be between five and six and not weigh more than 55 pounds. They spring out of a chute clinging onto a sheep or mutton. All contestants are winners in mutton bustin’, but the rider who holds on the longest receives a champion belt buckle and braggin’ rights. Meanwhile, back at the ranch – really just another space in the NRG complex – the Livestock Show is going on. Pick an animal, even some you wouldn’t expect in Texas, like alpacas, and there’s a competition. Last year, more than 29,000 junior and adult livestock and horse show entries were recorded, and auction totals exceeded $14 million. Remember that the next time you bite into a steak! Schoolchildren can also participate in one of five categories in the rodeo School Art Competition: colored drawing, mixed media, monochromatic drawing, painting and 3-D. Each entry receives a red, white or blue ribbon. From the blue ribbon winners, the Best of Show, Gold Medal and Special Merit awards are selected in each class: elementary, middle and high school. All work by high school participants is eligible for the Show's School Art Auction. Last year’s Grand Champion sold her painting for $210,000, and the Reserve Grand Champion sold hers for $196,000. My younger daughter won the Best in Show purple ribbon with a colored drawing of a Native American when she was in middle school. She got dinner at her favorite restaurant and all the ice cream she could eat. If, at any time, you’ve had enough ridin’, ropin’ and ‘restlin’, there are plenty of concerts to keep you entertained. This year’s performers, at prices far more reasonable than in traditional venues, include: Eric Church, Hunter Hayes, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Alan Jackson, Fall Out Boys, Justin Moore, Tim McGraw, Brantley Gilbert, Zac Brown Band, Pit Bull, Billy Currington, La Arrolladora Banda El Limon, La Maquinaria Nortena, Dierks Bentley, Ariana Grande, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Brad Paisley, and Luke Bryan. Years ago, when I was seven months pregnant and before he got fat, we saw Elvis Presley. He rode around the arena floor in a huge pink Cadillac, glowing and glistening in his white satin jumpsuit. Those eyes! That voice! I jumped so much with excitement, it’s a miracle I didn’t go into labor right then! What self-respecting Livestock Show doesn’t have enough carnival food to clog the arteries of Rhode Island? Besides the bar-b-cue, there are funnel cakes, cotton candy, hot dogs (I use the term loosely) topped with anything and everything, corn in a cup (in case eating corn on the cob in public is gauche) pulled pork, stuffed baked potatoes, younameit onastick, and, of course, fried whatever – Snickers, Twinkies, Oreos, Nutter Butters, chocolate-covered bacon. I’m making myself sick just writing this. I’ve lived in Houston for over 40 years. I’ve watched it grow into a major metropolitan area, albeit with no public transportation to speak of. God forbid Texans should give up their cars! I hate the endless summers, but I don’t miss the blizzards. I have found New York-style pizza from two brothers from Rego Park, but I would kill for a Sabrett. And I have rodeo – bigger, better and badder than any celebration ever. Except for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Pontian Society Komninoi Celebrates 50th Anniversary TNH/COSTAS BEJ HOUSTON, TX – Every year, for several weeks extending from the end of February into March, Houston, the fourth largest city in America – diverse, cosmopolitan international (not least of all, home to a thriving Greek community) Houston transforms itself into the back lot of a John Wayne western. Regular people, i.e., transplants from New York, wear boots and jeans and fringes and hats that rival any ugly Christmas sweater contest. And this stuff isn’t cheap! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a very big deal in the city that is now more associated with oil and gas, medical advances, and space exploration than the wild West. The rodeo is, in fact, “a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has committed nearly $375 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, School Art participants, and other educational youth programs” (http://www.rodeohouston.co m/AboutUs/WhoWeAre.aspx). Weeks before the actual rodeo, the trail rides begin. Recreating the cattle drives of the old West, riders head toward Houston from as close as Anderson, TX (69 miles) and as far as Reynosa, Mexico (386 miles). Los Vaqueros Rio Grande Trail ride leaves Reynosa on February 7th. Try to imagine Houston drivers, not the friendliest or most competent drivers in America, as they negotiate daily traffic complicated by horses and covered wagons! Try to imagine opening your front door to retrieve the morning paper, only to be greeted by a wagon train wending its way through your neighborhood on its way to the rodeo! It definitely takes some getting used to. By Friday, the 27th, 13 trail rides arrive and camp out in Memorial Park. The next morning, everyone convenes downtown for the annual Rodeo Parade: colorful floats, marching bands, horses, wagons, and more horses. But before the parade, there’s the ConocoPhilips Rodeo Run. Last year, more than 13,000 runners, walkers and wheel-chair participants contributed $400,000 in registration fees to the rodeo Educational Fund. Since 1988, ConocoPhilips has contributed more than $4 million. While the cowboys are riding toward Houston, the cowboy wannabes are getting ready. Area “Go Texan” days begin on January 30th and seem to continue well beyond the departure of the last trail riders. Denim and diamonds, fringes and formals, spangles and spurs – choose an alliterative oxymoron to describe the myriad auctions and galas that help to fund the rodeo charities. You know how people decorate their cars with reindeer antlers and red pompoms to simulate Rudolph’s nose? That’s nothing compared to the longhorns that people attach to the grills of their cars for THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 Children in traditional costumes delighted the members and friends of the Pontian Society Komninoi, who filled the Astoria World Manor catering hall in Astoria for the society’s 50th anniversary dinnerdance. In addition to the children’s dancing, guests also enjoyed performances by musicians from Greece and the Society. n FEBRUARY 20 MANHATTAN – You are cordially invited to our annual Hellenic Medical NY Mardi Gras celebration on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7PM at the Cathedral Cultural Center at 337 E. 74th Street in Manhattan. This year again in traditional Greek Carnival fashion, "Apokries" with live music by Apollo Orchestras, traditional Greek meats and wine, apokriatika songs and other surprises. Make sure to make your table reservations since there is limited space and availability. We look forward to a pleasant evening to warm up the winter chill of February before we head into Lent. Bring your masks or costumes, smiles and dancing shoes. Contact the Apokries event Chairs Stella Lymberis, MD (917) 622-9269, and Roula Lambrakis (917) 865-1682. Tickets and table reservations Evangelia Tsavaris [email protected], Tel (718) 298-2440. n FEBRUARY 21 MANHATTAN – Join us for a romantic drama by Director/ Actor Christoforos Papakaliatis set in modern Athens against the backdrop of the economic crisis. “ ‘An’/What if...” shows two opposing perspectives in juxtaposition - one of a lonely bachelor, Demetri, the other of a couple in love…. and a decision that may have Demetri unwittingly standing on the precipice of a life-changing decision. In Greek with English subtitles. A suggested donation of $15 supports the philanthropic work of our Philoptochos, sponsor of “Movies@ the Annunciation”. Refreshments. February 21st at 6:30 pm, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 302 W. 91st Street, (at West End Ave.) in Manhattan. 212-724-2070. n FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 27 FAIRFIELD, CT – Under the Auspices of the Consul General of Greece in New York, the exhibition, “Photographs of the Caryatid Hairstyling Project,” will be on view February 25 through March 27, Monday-Friday 9AM2:30PM, at Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield. The project began as an experiment in 2009, led by Dr. Katherine Schwab, Professor of Art History at Fairfield University, to find out if the elegant hairstyles worn by the famous Caryatids from the Erechtheion on the Athenian Acropolis were creative idealizations or based in reality. Student models from Fairfield University had their hair arranged by a professional hairstylist and the results proved that these ancient hairstyles were based in reality. A short film of the project has been screened in Athens several times, as well as in numerous cities in the United States. This exhibition, which is free and open to the public, has been organized by the Art History Program at Fairfield University. For further information about the project, please visit www.fairfield.edu/caryatid. n MARCH 12 MANHATTAN – In Celebration of Women’s History Month, The Officers and Directors of The Association of Greek American Professional Women (AGAPW) request the Pleasure of Your Company at Our Signature Annual Greek American Woman of the Year Award Gala Honoring Ms. Paulette Poulos, Executive Director Leadership 100. An Excellence Tuition Scholarship will be Awarded in Honor of Ms. Poulos. Thursday, Mar. 12, 79PM, 3 West Club, The Lounge Room 3 West 51st Street in Manhattan. Keynote speaker, Dr. Eleni Panzoures Andreopoulou, MD. Emcee, Ms. Anthoula Katsimatides. Wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. Please RSVP. Preregistration is required by March 5th, 2015. Minimum sug- gested donation $150. For further info, contact Dr. Olga Alexakos at [email protected] or 917-405-6833. n MARCH 13-15 SUN VALLEY, ID – The Greek Invitational Ski Race and Social Weekend will take place Friday through Sunday, March 13-15 at Sun Valley, ID Sponsored by AHEPA, Seattle Chapter #177. Enjoy skiing on Bald Mountain, walking around Historic Sun Valley Village, Ice Skate, Cross-Country Ski, Shop, Dine! Please see www.eventbrite.com/e/greek-invitational-tickets for more details, or call the Sun Valley Inn 208786-8259. n MARCH 22 ASTORIA – The Athenians' Society of New York is organizing the Second Book Exposition on Sunday, Mar. 22, 3-7PM at the Petros G. Patrides Cultural Center at The Saint Demetrios Cathedral of Astoria, 30-03 30th Drive in Astoria. For more information, please call Tassos Mouzakis at (917) 859-5881 or email: [email protected] n MARCH 29 MANHATTAN – The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York is proud to present the 2015 Greek Parade, celebrating the 194th anniversary of Hellenic Independence, on Sunday, Mar. 29 at 1:45PM on Fifth Avenue between 64th and 79th Streets in Manhattan. Preparade events include: The Grand Marshal Gala is held on the Saturday before the parade in one of the great Manhattan Hotels. At the Gala the Federation honors the Grand Marshals of the parade and the Grand benefactors. The Pre-Parade Gala is held the Saturday a week before the Parade at the Terrace on the Park in Queens. At the Pre-Parade Gala the Federation honors all the volunteers of the parade. The Bowling Green Flag raising ceremony is held the Friday before the Parade at the Bowling Green Park in Lower Manhattan. The Dance Exhibition is held the Saturday before the Parade. All dance groups are welcome. As the Parade nears, more information will become available, so please continue to check in for additional details. For information regarding the Parade and Parade-related events, please contact hellenicsocieties.org. Phone: 1-718-204-6500. n MARCH 31 CONCORDVILLE, PA – Paul Kotrotsios, founder of Hermes Expo International, has invited Delaware County and Greater Philadelphia businesses specializing and or targeting in health care and the hospitality industries to participate in this year’s Hermes Expo, a trade show providing exceptional networking opportunities for businesses in the Delaware County, Brandywine Valley and the Greater Philadelphia area. It will be held Tuesday, Mar. 31 in The Best Western Hotel, 675 Conchester Highway in Concordville, 9:30AM-5:30PM, and is open to Trade and Public and with no admission fee. (Just bring your business card). The Expo enables regional business owners to make connections with their counterparts from the Greater Philadelphia Area, North America, Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. This year will mark the launching of The Ted Spyropoulos Seminar Series. Mr. Spyropoulos was an inspirational leader in the Greek American community who believed that if we worked together, we could move mountains. For further info, visit the Expo’s website at www.hermesexpo.com. If your business has specific needs, the Hermes Expo team can customize a sponsorship package to meet them. Contact Paul Kotrotsios at 484-843-4984 or 610-2024465 or e-mail: [email protected]. QUESTION OF THE WEEK If Greece strengthens its ties with Russia, what is more important to you – whether that is good for Greece, or harmful to the United States? Please email your response to [email protected] We may publish some responses as Letters to the Editor in a future issue. COMMUNITY THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 3 Greek Cultural Center Presents “Songs of Love and Struggle” in Astoria By Constantine S. Sirigos TNH Staff Writer NEW YORK – The Greek Cultural Center (KEP) presented soprano Anna Paidoussi, pianist Areti Giovanou, and guitarist/vocalist Serafim Lazos in a concert of “Songs of Love and Struggle” at the headquarters of the Kefalos Society of America on February 15. The guests who have waited a long time to hear Paidoussi sing again were richly rewarded, but everyone who braved bitter cold to fill the hall built by the Cephalonians of Astoria shared a heartwarming experience. The opening songs set the tone for a night of music that expressed the great Greek passion for Eros and Justice. As the lights dimmed Giovanou played the bass opening notes that accompany the lyrics (in Greek) “Ask me to tell you… about an old wound that still bleeds, ” by the Greek composer Attik. Paidoussi then sang two pieces from “Epitafios. ” With great tenderness she told of a mother cradling the head of her bloodied son, a victim of the labor demonstrations of 1936 in Thessaloniki. The guests appreciated Paidoussi’s occasional commentary on the songs and their creator and enjoyed her humorous banter. She explained the back- (L-R) Serafim Lazos, Anna Paidoussi and Areti Giovanou received flowers from the Greek Cultural Center after their concert at the Kefalos Society’s headquarters in Astoria. ground of Epitafios, which was written by Yannis Ritsos and introduced “The Ballad of Mauthausen” by Iacovos Kambanellis. The latter is about a young man whose beloved perished in Hitler’s gas chambers. “Girls of Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen, Dachau…have you seen my love? Nobody knew how beautiful she was.” Both pieces were set to music by Mikis Theodorakis. Each of the performers was exceptional. Giovanou’s fine accompaniment often felt like a piano recital, but without obtruding on the singing. Lazos’ guitar virtually sang along with him, and Paidoussi’s pieces were as much dramatic readings as wonderful renditions of songs from the audience’s youth. The audience was also delighted by the mix of English songs that also reflected the themes. Paidoussi’s sultry yet poignant “We’ll Meet Again,” which comforted millions in the darkest days of WWII sung by Very Lynn, was followed by “Kane kouragio Ellada mou – Have courage my Greece,” which was sung by that country’s war angel, Sophia Vembo. Paidoussi’s moving rendition of the beloved song was punctuated by applause for both its performance and its meaning. When she finished her first set and invited Lazos to the stage, she thanked him for being “the first foolish man to give me a job singing Greek music.” Lazos began with “Αsteri Mou, Feggari Mou” with words and music by John and Miki Theodorakis respectively. The lyrics of Lazos’ final song were written by Paidoussi’s mother, Eleni, which he set to music. It was the tragic tale of a boy who left Mitiline when he was 19 for America. Rather than thrive, he was among the many who were devoured by the immigrant experience and who are not heard from. Paidoussi began the third part of the program with Cool river, with it lyrics “Cool river brush my tears away to the sea, to the sea,” proving her voice thrills on operatic, jazzy and bluesy pieces. The lyrical “Aspro mou Rodo – Μy White Rose” which followed, once again demonstrated how her Greek repertoire shines. One guest said “I can’t wait to hear her sing rebetika.” Paidoussi paused before the final four songs to explain they were all about a parent’s love for her children – “I can’t decide if they are about love or struggle… children are about fervent love and our most difficult decisions.” John Lennon’s “Beautiful boy,” Abba’s “Slipping through My Fingers” and especially Billy Joel’s “Lullaby,” with its sweet lyrics “good night my angel,” brought tears to the eyes of many parents after announcing she was not sure if she could get through them herself without crying. Paidousi brought the program to a dramatic end in a similar vein with Kate McGarrigle’s Proserpina, a lament by goddess the Demeter over the loss of her daughter Persephone. The delighted crowd called back all three performers for an encore. Eleftheria Tourtoulis, KEP’s secretary, presented the artists with flowers and invited the guests to remain for sweets and fellowship. Iraklis Kremmidas, KEP’s president thanked everyone for attending and Kefalos for hosting the event. “It was superb. Awesome,” said Anna Mallis, whose family is from Samos and Milos. “I’ve known Anna from the 1908s. She is extremely talented, and so was her mother. I remember her in the Greek nightclub playing her tambourine and singing with Grigoris Maninakis,” she said. Eleni Kalogeras said she liked the children’s songs the most. ”They reminded me of my years as a young mother singing lullabies to them.” Terry Delis agreed “It was phenomenal. It brought me back to the 1970s when all this great music was being played and we were in the spirit of liberating Greece from the dictatorship. We’ve come full circle – we need another liberation.” “Winter” from Greece, Imagination, Great Beyond The Cultural Foundation’s “Riddle of the Labyrinth” By Constantine S. Sirigos TNH Staff Writer mately deciphered the script in 1952. She makes clear, however, that is was Kober who “meticulously and brilliantly brought the decipherment to the brink of fruition,” the notes indicate, “before her untimely death in 1950.” Some people become disappointed when they learn that the tablets are mainly accounting records, but Fox said, “They are still the records of how flesh and blood people lived.” The last chapter of the book is a reconstruction of Mycenaean life based on the tablets. The third member of the team was John Chadwick. The three made use of sophisticated statistical techniques. Today the work of linguists is greatly assisted by computers, but Kober said “I have no use for IBM machines.” Scholars need to address hunches cautiously: a wrong turn could lead to flawed hypotheses. Fox said the meticulous scholar was just right for her time, however. For a long time there was no data to be fed into a computer. “It took 50 years to even determine the character set.” Among the challenges was to study enough tablets to enable them to determine whether some letters were the same or different. Finding the truth sometimes requires very sophisticated practices and Fox clarified a number of issues non-experts need to understand what the work entails. Acting on the thought that “this feels Greek” is problematic and deciphering ancient texts illustrates the limits of intuition. If a hunch steers scholars wrong in the beginning, it leads to years wasted driving towards dead ends as their ingenuity finds ways to demonstrate to their satisfaction that their intuition is right Fox said. Premature reports that Linear A is also Greek illustrate the challenges. When Fox was asked why Linear A has yet to be deciphered, she explained that there simply are not enough text to examine. That Linear B was deciphered is partly due to the good luck of us moderns, but the misfortune of the ancient writers: the fires that burned down the palaces baked the clay tablets for us. Nevertheless, years of hard work were required and Fox explained how some the tools work. She said decipherers look for linguistic survivals of other languages and noted that Kober paid attention to pre-Greek elements in Homer, such as words ending in “ynth” – like Labyrinth, and “inthos.” Fox also pointed out that the scholars were fortunate to have tablets from Pylos, on the Greek mainland, which were written 200 years after the Cretan materials. Ventris saw that certain names appeared only in the Cretan texts and he correctly guessed that they were the names of cities on Crete – like Cnossos. He eventually determined that Linear B was Greek after years of believing that was not the case. Fox said that Kober, who was born in Manhattan’s Upper East Side Yorkville neighborhood to Hungarian immigrants, “was hungry to see the Pylos tablets” but never did because WWII caused them to be locked up in the vaults of the Bank of Greece. Although Ventris made great progress, Fox said he panicked at one point because he could not find the word “the” in the text. Chadwick calmed him down by noting that even in Homeric Greek, “the” was rarely used. The lecture, which was followed by an enthusiastic Q & A, was the first cultural event of the year for the Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation. Nicholas Kourides, Chairman of the board of the Foundation, welcomed everyone and introduced Fox, who holds degrees in both journalism and linguistics. Asked how the Foundation came to invite her, Kourides told TNH “We read the book and were fascinated by it… we look at all aspects of culture and this was an aspect we hadn’t pursed.” Coming up for the Foundation is the third installment of the Peter T. Kourides Lecture Series featuring a fireside chat between former CIA Director George Tenet and Mike Emanuel, the chief political correspondent for Fox TV in Washington, DC on April 29 at the University Club. In June Joan Mertens, the curator of Greek and Roman art at the Metropolitan Museum, will present the essence of her book How to Read Greek Vases. In October the Foundation will again co-sponsor the New York Greek Film Festival and they also plan a recital by a young trio at Merkin Hall in November. NEW YORK – Imagination and resourcefulness have characterized the Greeks in the face of challenges for 4000 years, enabling them to survive – and to create art even in times of troubles. That spirit lives on Kostas Koutsoliotas, the director of the film O Xeimonas – The Winter, produced by his wife Elizabeth E. Schuch, who was also its art director. Of course, challenges are harder if you are not sure they are real. In the movie Niko, an aspiring writer and Greek expatriate in England, loses his job after the financial crash and is having a hard time getting his act together. His focus turns to memories of his late father, who died mysteriously and whose own issues caused Niko’s mother to divorce him. The father planted ideas in the son that in addition to ghosts, there was some kind of treasure in their ancestral home. Without telling anyone, including his worrisome mother, he returned to the centuries-old house in the dead of winter – to find himself, and to seek – God knows what. “Surrounded by the ghosts of the past, Niko must uncover the mystery of his father's death and retain his grasp on reality.” Koutsoliotas and Schuch were born in their countries’ Northern regions – he in Larissa and she in Chicago – and they shared a fascination with ghost stories and fantasy. They took a class in 3-D animation at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland and soon worked together on school projects. A year later they were married. Schuch’s path to film making began in theater design and his in psychology, and the film was born of a blend of topics that interested them and practical concerns. The idea came to them during a visit to Koutsoliotas’s parents’ POCKET-LESS PITA BREAD To whom – or what – is Niko, portrayed by Theo Albanis, talking to in the 500 year-old house filled with memories in the film “The Winter” directed by Kostas Koutsoliotas? house in mountainous Siatista in Northern Greece. Koutsoliotas and his father regaled her with the family ghost stories, but the house also imposed its will. Beyond being a cheap location, Schuch realized “This place needs to be filmed – it’s dying to have a story told about it,” she thought. “We began to develop what kind of character would go there and what would happen and we wrote the script together.” Koutsoliotas heard the ghost stories all his life, but he is a skeptic, with a complex relationship with religion. His musing informs The Winter: “When there are no people around, what is fantasy, what is reality – how can you judge? And even with people around, who is to say who is right and who is wrong…” Asked if skeptics in his family would tell the storytellers that they were talking nonsense, he said “of course – but then they would tell their own ghost stories!” Schuch became intrigued by the contrast between the way Americans and Greeks would share supernatural experiences. In the Midwest, stories are about wild over-the-top experiences, while in rural Greece, “the ghosts were part of the natural fabric of village life –tales of that grannies tell…reading coffee cups, exorcisms and ‘the mati’ are woven into one’s experience” and interpretations of everyday life. The end result is a thoughtprovoking movie that explores the nature and perceptions of reality, but it delves even deeper, into questions about evil – is it man made, a product of imagination, or elemental? Who can help us understand it? Is it rooted in man’s nature but mediated through corrupt or decayed institutions that are not up to its challenges, like the Church? The Winter also poses a practical question to viewers: are there two murders, or one (or none)? The director used all his tools, most of all wonderful cinematography, to keep the borderlines between different worlds and worldviews blurry – but compelling. Schuch told TNH “Kosta is amazing at the effects. He has a fantasy oriented mind,” conditioned by the graphics of novels by his favorite writers like H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Alan Poe… That kind of visual poetry and imagery had an effect on the film.” His favorite films include Brazil and Dark City, “that get into your head,” he said. The Winter is a low budget, self-funded film, shot in 18 days in Greece, and few days in London. “Our crew consisted of good friends and industry contacts from Greece, England, the USA, and Poland and INKAS is the production company that assisted us with casting and advice,” Schuch said. They feel fortunate to have found artists like first-time actor Theo Albanis, who fell in love with the script, and established Greek indie actor Vaggelis Mourikis. “We were also lucky to have the music of Active Member… Mihalis Mytakidis music was a second layer of characters …The music is beautiful and complements the story line. It gives you an insight into the soul of Niko, who is often seen alone with his thoughts in the house.” Koutsoliotas, who worked on digital composition for 300, was VFX supervisor for The Winter. The film opened at the Thessaloniki Film Festival and the New York Greek Film Festival in 2014 and it will soon open in Greece. After that, it will either be made available online or distributed as a DVD. The trailer can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=K7Ob0w1wtg4#action=sh are. Law Firm G. Dimitriadis & Associates Kontos Foods The Leading Company in Flat Breads Well known for the Pocket-Less Pita manufacturers of Authentic Ethnic Hand Stretched Flat bread. kontos the first family in fillo dough and fillo products. FillO kATAiFi, BAklAVA, SPANAkOPiTA, TyrOPiTA NuT rOll, mElOmAkArONA and the TrADiTiONAl mEDiTErrANEAN DESSErTS. Excellent quality and service. We distribute in USA and Canada. Special prices for communities, schools, churches festivals and other events Our company aims to provide high quality services, adapted to the specific needs of our clients. The main areas of our activities include: • Legal services • Financial managerial services • Real Estate Our wide network of contacts in Greece guarantees the immediate and unified handling of our clients’ matters. Phone: 01130 210 3390080 • Cell.: 01130 6977 469888 Fax: 01130 210 3390044 ab Continued from page 1 Kontos Foods, Inc Box 628, Paterson, NJ 07544 e-mail: [email protected] Tel.: (973) 278-2800 Fax: (973) 278-7943 kontos.com www.dimitriadislawfirm.gr COMMUNITY 4 THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 The Stavros Niarchos Foundation’s Support of Greece’s Music Schools ATHENS (Press Release)– The educational benefits of musical learning and the integration of musical art into school programs are well established and recognized internationally. In Greece Music Schools cultivate and promote musical education and train students within a specialized educational framework that recognizes and promotes the talent and music inclination of students. In light of the important role of public Music Schools and their significance in promoting creativity the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (www.SNF.org) announced a new initiative aiming at providing direct support to all music schools in the country. Specifically, the Foundation approved a €940,000 grant to support all 43 Music Schools of Greece. With this grant, the SNF seeks to cover the increased needs of these schools in musical instruments. It will offer 1,201 high-quality musical instruments of 54 different types, such as classical guitar, violin, saxophone, tambouras, bouzouki, mandolin. Many will be handmade by experienced Greek instrument makers. The traditional percussion instruments will be crafted by the members of the workshop of traditional musical instruments KETHEA PAREMVASI under the guidance of professional instrument makers. The grant is expected to sig- nificantly enhance both the work of the teachers as well as the 9,200 students currently enrolled in these music schools—a number which is expected to increase over the following years—in order for them to cultivate their musical skills, to obtain new educational and cultural stimuli and to deepen their knowledge in European and Greek traditional music. The idea for this grant emerged after a Music School visit to the Visitors Center of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) and the initiative of a student to contact the Foundation and share his thoughts regarding the SNFCC and the future of music education in Greece. In order to ensure the integrity of the design and the effective implementation of the grant, the Foundation thoroughly researched, documented and examined the needs of each Music School; a process that lasted 7 months (June 2014 – January 2015). Over this period, the Foundation contacted the administration and staff of the 43 music schools and made visits to their premises in order to gain a complete picture of their individual needs. At the same time, the SNF collaborated closely with the Ministry of Education’s Artistic Committee in an effort to better understand the operational issues of the Music Schools. For the procurement of the musical instruments, an extensive research of the domestic market of professional instrument makers took place. This is a small sophisticated industry which is particularly active in building high-quality, export oriented musical instruments, and who welcomed our initiative with great enthusiasm. Further, our collaboration with expert musicians ensured the necessary technical and quality control of all musical instruments, before delivery to schools and students. “Greece is strong in integrating music learning into secondary education in public schools which have both committed teachers with a vision and students with great potential”, said Elina Klaridopoulou, program officer at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. “It is our hope that this new initiative will enhance the efficiency of the music schools, wider the offering for students and benefit the wider community. Further, with this grant there is a small community of young instrument makers which we wish to support and bring it closer to the student, the end user of the musical instruments”. “This is a significant grant both for the support it offers to the Greek Music Schools and their students and also for the way it was designed and ap- Andreas Dracopoulos, co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. proached”, said Andreas Dracopoulos, co-President of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. “Before today’s announcement, there was a systematic and careful mapping of the landscape of music schools and their needs which lasted seven months and was conducted in close collaboration with the Music Schools and their designated Governing body. The manner in which this grant was implemented addresses the actual needs of the music schools, as these were identified by the schools themselves. Furthermore, this particular grant directly illustrates the effectiveness of proper cooperation between the Public and Private sector”. It is noted that the Foundation’s new grant to support music schools across the country complements the School Support Program which the Foundation has been implementing from 2007 until today, having provided support in technological equipment and educational materials to a total of 309 public schools throughout Greece. This latest grant is part of the Foundation’s three-year Initiative Against the Greek Crisis, which was recently completed. The online version of Out Here, a documentary about the Initiative Against the Greek Crisis, will become available February 25. ABOUT THE FOUNDATION The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) (www.SNF.org) is one of the world’s leading international philanthropic organizations, making grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and sports, and social welfare. The Foundation funds organizations and projects that exhibit strong leadership and sound management and are expected to achieve a broad, lasting and positive social impact. The Foundation also seeks actively to support projects that fa- cilitate the formation of publicprivate partnerships as effective means for serving public welfare. From 1996 until today, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation has approved grant commitments of $1.57 billion / €1.20 billion, through 2,816 grants to nonprofit organizations in 110 nations around the world In 2012 and 2013, the Foundation announced two new initiatives of €100,000,000 ($130 million) each, to help the efforts to address the crisis in Greece. While the initiative in 2012, which has almost been completed, aimed to provide immediate relief against the adverse effects of the deepening crisis, the one in 2013 aims to address the high percentage of youth unemployment, seeking to create better employment prospects and new opportunities for the young.. The Foundation’s largest single gift ($796 million / €566 million) is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Athens, which is expected to be completed in 2016. The project includes the new facilities of the National Library of Greece, and of the Greek National Opera, as well as the Stavros Niarchos Park. The SNFCC is a testament and a commitment to the country’s future. It is also an engine of shortto mid-term economic stimulus. Catsimatidis Says Greeks Support New Government TNH Staff A recent New York Times article credits Greek-American John Podesta for saving the Clinton and Obama presidencies. Can he do the same for Hillary’s presidential aspirations? Podesta may Head “Hillary 2016” Continued from page 1 the White House has not been transparent enough in disclosing its UFO investigations to the public. Amid all of the speculation, few are mentioning the fact that Hillary Clinton has yet to declare her candidacy – though all factors indicate that she will run indeed. She has about a 40point lead over the next-highest contender, and very well may be the most crucial candidate to a major party in decades. Can- didate Hillary Clinton remains the odds-on favorite to win the election, over every conceivable Republican. Conversely, any other Democrat would be the underdog against most GOP contenders. John’s older brother, Tony, also has a long and distinguished career in politics, and is at least as left-leaning as his brother. Tony has worked on the political campaigns of liberal standard-bearers George McGovern, Edward Kennedy, and Michael Dukakis. NEW YORK – John Catsimatidis – the Greek-American self-made billionaire, 2013 NYC Mayoral candidate, and host of Cats Roundtable on New York’s 970 AM Radio – told Bloomberg news that the people of Greece support their “new, strange government.” When Bloomberg’s “In the Loop” host Betty Liu pointed out that the likelihood of Greece leaving the Euro has surpassed 50 percent and is trending upward, the veteran businessman replied: “it’s all about negotiation, I think they’re going to work it out [and remain].” “Greeks are very emotional people,” Catsimatidis said, who raise the issue that they never received reparations for Nazi atrocities during World War II from Germany, which is now taking a hard line in negotiations. “They’re going to work it out because they can’t afford to break up the Eurozone,” Catsimatidis said. “Next will be Portugal and Spain,” which is why he thinks that Greece’s tough stance at the moment is to make a point. “If you jump up and down enough, they believe that you’re serious.” So the Greek people are behind the new government, Liu asks, but does that include Cat- John Catsimatidis says Greeks are backing the new government. He believes that all the talk is a negotiating tactic and “they’re going to work it out.” simatidis himself? “Look, I’m an American,” he responded. “I am behind the Greek people as a whole.” FINANCES AT HOME Speaking of the United States, then, should we raise interest rates, Liu asked? No, he replied. “We’re not doing that well,” Catsimatidis said, comparing the United States to Europe, “maybe the Europeans are doing worse,” but it doesn’t mean we’re doing well enough to raise interest rates. Catsimatidis also believes that “as long as President Obama is president,” the Federal Reserve will hold the line on raising rates. What does it have to do with who is president? “I’ve spoken to a lot of Republicans,” Catsimatidis says, “and they think the right thing to do is to trend [rates] up.” Notably, he added: “and I’m not sure that’s the right thing to do.” “Are you saying the Fed[reral Reserve] is politicized?” Liu asked. “Nobody wants to think that,” Catsimatidis responded, but the Fed Chair “is a presidential appointment” and so the person in that seat tends to go with the trend. “It’s not supposed to be politicized, but it is more so than not.” The New York Consulate Honors Greek of the NBA Continued from page 1 businessmen and journalists from Greece, the diaspora and the American news media. Fasoulas was very satisfied with the event. He told TNH, “This is an important night because among the elements of contemporary Greek history is the story of Greek basketball… Greek basketball has been a mark of excellence in Greece for many years.” He added, “we are thrilled to have four men in the NBA…And we hope that the 40-50 Greeks who play basketball on scholarship at American universities will also make their way to the NBA.” He is also part of a not-forprofit organization that will provide those student athletes with advice and guidance on all matters of importance to them in the United States. “They come to a foreign country at the age of 17 or 18 and often they don’t know who to turn to for assistance. I experience that myself and as father and I am concerned about my own daughter who will attend Boston College on scholarship next year,” Fasoulas said. Gus Costalas, the CFO of Lenox Hill Hospital, was pleased to attend and express his appreciation for “the Consulate, which has done a great job working with Lenox Hill…and we are here to support this wonderful event, which nog only makes me proud as a Greek-American but is also great for our presence here in this country.” “I am proud Greek-American her to celebrate other Greeks and tonight shows the breadth of the success the Greeks have in every industry and every place,” she said, adding that she is a basketball fan. “I also played for GOYA and the Maids of Athena when I was in college. My kids also play and this is the one event they came to without complaints.” Coach Kostas Katsikaris told TNH “This is my first time in New York but it is also special for me to meet and talk to Greeks who have been born and raised in America…and basketball is one of the things that connects us. Greek basketball has brought joy to people all over the world. Tonight’s event is a beautiful thing and I am glad to be here.” Emcee Yanna Darilis, Coach Kostas Katsikaris, unidentified man, Kostas Papanikolaou of the Houston Rockets, Amb. George Iliopoulos, Consul General Yannis Kostalas, Stavros Papagermanos, Coach Panagiotis Fasoulas, Peja Stojakovic and Manos Koubarakis, Greek Consul. By Constantine S. Sirigos Utah Supreme Ct: Mostly Mormons, and a Greek Continued from page 1 A Greek flag is held on the court before Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo, of Greece, competed in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest on February 14 at Madison Square Garden. ful, delightful individual" who possesses the traits that exemplify a Justice. Significantly, close to 60% of Utahans are Mormon – members of the Church of Latter-day Saints – the only state in the nation with such a high concentration from that denomination. In stark contrast, Orthodox Christians (Greeks included) in Utah comprise less than 1/2 of 1 percent (.005) of the population. That Himonas now occupies such an influential seat and breaks the Mormon unanimity on the bench is a significant turning point in Utah’s history. THE PEOPLE REACT An array of interesting comments followed the News’ story online, by readers, most of An- glo ancestry – which is Utah’s largest ethnic demographic. Some blasted the news for referring to Himonas as a “GreekAmerican,” emphasizing that “we are all Americans, I don’t call myself a Welsh-American,” etc., while others praised Himonas specifically, and also applauded the advancement of a “Greek-American” to the state’s high court. Comments by Tribune readers were equally impassioned. One Greek-American wrote that she was “extremely offended” that Himonas’ ethnicity was even mentioned, and that his merits alone should be the topic of discussion. But another reader, emphasizing the Mormon Church’s dominance in Utah politics, replied: “I think it’s a miracle in our theocracy, so it is worth reporting.” The Utah Supreme Court was comprised entirely of Mormons until Constandinos Himonas, a Greek-Orthodox, was appointed to replace retiring Justice Ronald Nehring. THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 COMMUNITY 5 LIU Announces George Polk Award Winners By Constantinos E. Scaros BROOKLYN – The George Polk Awards, established in 1949 by Long Island University (LIU) to commemorate George Polk, announced their 66th annual award recipients in a press release on February 15. Dan Gillmor of PBS famously wrote in 2010, in his rebuke of fluff media awards that are based on cronyism and other questionable criteria, that the Polk is “one of only a couple of journalism prizes that means anything.” Ironically, the Polk winners mentioned herein are far more familiar to the public than the man for whom the award was created in 1948: George Polk. Polk was an American journalist who worked for CBS New and was in Greece in 1948 covering the Civil War there, which started in 1946 between the conservative Greek government’s army, which was backed by the United States, and the communist rebels. Concluded in 1949 with the government’s forces thwarting the rebellion, the Greek Civil War is widely considered the first significant postWWII battle that was a portend to the decades-long Cold War that ensued. Polk was found dead – shot at point blank range – on May 16, 1948, and to this day there is great controversy about who killed him. A few months following Polk’s death, the Polk Award was established in his honor, and 65 years later continues to be presented by the Polk Awards Center of Long Island University. The National Herald wrote an extensive piece on Polk last year (George Polk Awards: a Legacy of the Reporter Murdered in Greece,” Feb. 22, 2014). This year’s awards went to “reporters who risked their lives in 2014 to cover the Ebola epidemic, traced the rise of the Islamic State, and revealed secret ransoms paid for the release of hostages,” the press release stated. “Additional honorees include reporters who uncovered systemic failure in two federal agencies, the Secret Service and the Veterans Administration, as well as journalists who exposed brutal treatment of prison and jail inmates.” The winners include Carol Leonnig of the Washington Post for National Reporting, Rukmini Callimachi of the New York Times for International Reporting, and Rania Abouzeid for Foreign Reporting on the Islamic State, published in Politico. New York Times journalists Adam Nossiter, Norimitsu Onishi, Ben Solomon, Dr. Sheri Fink, Helene Cooper, and Daniel Berehulak shared the award for Health Reporting, covering the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Diaspora’s Support of the Doctors of the World Continued from page 1 The dental care was made available to vulnerable groups of young people and adults through the Open Polyclinic of Athens and Perama, which are run by Doctors of the World, but also through schools in various locations. The provision of vaccines is of crucial importance and THI provided vaccinations for children who do not have access to the National Health System. Vaccinations were conducted through the pediatric department of Open Polyclinics in Athens, Perama, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Chania, as well as other various locations between February 2014 and 2015. The endeavor has also received vital funds from the Jaharis Family Foundation. The Foundation demonstrated that members of the Diaspora appreciate the importance of social solidarity with the people of Greece and do not hesitate to show it in practice. Specifically, during 2013 and 2014, the Foundation provided important financial support to the Open Polyclinics. As a result of this support, there was an increase in the number of beneficiaries in polyclinics of Athens and Thessaloniki and in Northern Greece through an increase in medical visits by mobile units. The principal beneficiaries of the Foundation's aid where families with children who have experienced social marginalization. Doctors of the World directed funding to provide primary medical care and vaccinations for children. The organization has also acquired a solid network of cooperating pediatricians. Doctors of the World has aslo The Times was also well-represented for Justice Reporting, with two of its journalists, Michael Schwirtz and Michael Winerip, along with the Miami Herald’s Julie K. Brown sharing the award for their exposure of abuse of prison inmates. The award for Commentary will go to Ta-Nehisi Coates of the Atlantic. The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City on April 10. Boy Scout Troop 568, which is based in the St. Paul’s Cathedral community, celebrated in 55th anniversary in the sanctuary and with a luncheon which followed the Divine Liturgy. Dr. Liana Maili, a pediatrician with Doctors of the World, Greece, checks the weight of sevenmonth old Panagiota at the free Open Polyclinic in Perama, near Pireaus. received funding from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) for the purpose of creating its first Mobile Eye Unit, which will provide free eye exams in remote locations. The mobile units are self-contained and equipped with modern medical equipment. Their staff performs preventive and diagnostic services for adults and children. SNF aslo provided funding over the past two years to the Open Polyclinic of Patras. Doctors of the World has also focused on the elderly. In 2014 medicine was given to 313 elderly people and 1,500 received free medical consultations. 2015 will mark 25 years of continuous service by Doctors of the World, which has been recognized globally as a reliable and effective organization. Hellenes have come to know it as an organization that promotes and supports the principles of solidarity in Greek society. The organization, originally active in third world countries, mainly in Africa, became active in Greece when crisis began to affect an explosive percentage of the population. Its Greek members turned their attention to the people at home and they continue to stand beside their fellow citizens who have been weakened by the humanitarian crisis. Greece is in its seventh consecutive year of recession as austerity measures coupled with a drastic reduction of the state budget for social services and benefits have led to a collapse of the health system. It has been reported, for example, that ii 2013, the total number of uninsured in Greece reached 3,000,000 people, of whom 250,000 are children (See: Greek Crisis Review, “More than 3 million Greeks have no access to public health care system”.) The impact of the crisis on the social fabric of the country is magnified when taking the huge numbers of unemployed who are without insurance. In July, unemployment stood at 26.4 percent for the general population and 50.7 percent for people under 25 years of age. Renowned Professor Diane Touliatos Has Retired Continued from page 1 notated, written by Casia (known among Greeks as Kasiane). Touliatos was born in Memphis, TN. She is the only child of Greek immigrant parents. “That’s why I am married to my books and music, and to my sweet husband, Gus Miles.” They met when he became enthralled with a presentation she made at a conference in Florida and he interviewed her for his radio program. They have an adopted daughter who is pursuing a business career. Her father, Nikos, followed the many Touliatoses from Cephalonia that settled in Memphis and her mother was from Patras. “I didn’t learn English until I went to first grade, but it was a wonderful place to be. I got a great education including going to Greek school…I used that Greek later on.” She didn’t think she would, but when she got involved in the musicology of Byzantium, it helped her ease into studies of Byzantine Greek. When she was searching for a specialization that was unique she reached out to distinguished Byzantinists like Milos Veramirovich, who pointed her in the direction of the 118th (119) psalm, the longest in the Bible. Among the places she travelled to study manuscripts was the Patriarchal Institute for Patristic Studies in Thessaloniki. “They had microfilms from Mt. Athos, where as a female I could not set foot,” she said. Her dissertation on the 118th psalm was very well received. Among the notable aspects of that work was studying the more than 40 composers who set one phrase or another to music through the centuries. Her magnum opus is A Descriptive Catalogue of the Musical Manuscript Collection of the National Library of Greece: Byzantine Chant and Other Music Repertory Recovered, 660 A stamp in honor of George Polk, the U.S. journalist whose murder while covering the Greek Civil War remains a mystery. The prestigious Polk Awards for journalism are named after him. St. Paul’s Boy Scouts #568 Celebrate 55th Anniversary By Kathy Boulukos Special to The National Herald HEMPSTEAD, NY – More than 200 scouts, leaders, dignitaries, and friends were present for the celebration of the 55th anniversary of Troop 568 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Hempstead, NY. The recognition began with the formal observance of the annual National Boy Scout Sunday ceremony held within the Cathedral. Awards were presented to the various Scouts for their individual achievements. This was followed by a formal luncheon given at the Rev. Nicholas J. Magoulias Cathedral Center. The 55th Anniversary celebration was given to recognize the accomplishments of this remarkable troop, which has a thriving Cub Scout and Boy Scout unit. It was chartered in 1960 and since its inception, 64 boys became Eagle Scouts. Many of these Eagle Scouts were present to participate in this program, which made it a great reunion since many came from a great distance to attend. Guests remarked that the 55th Anniversary event was an excellent tribute to the dedica- tion of the past and present leaders, parents and clergy for working together to include scouting as a viable part of the parish youth program. Some of the speakers included several of the past Scoutmasters, including Peter Xanthos, whose father-in-law was one of the founders of the troop in l960. Terry Perperis, Chris Comack, who spoke in memory of his father, and the current scoutmaster, Peter Paris. Each anecdote contained fascinating insights into the program that continues to stimulate and enhance each boy and how scouting impacts each boy as he matures into manhood. One of the guest speakers was George Boulukos, the head of the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting, who is a lifelong scout, and a recipient of the highest BSA award, the Silver Buffalo. He reiterated the importance of having scouting be an integral part of the youth programs nationally for our parishes. He thanked all the individuals, past and present, for their ongoing support of the Scouting program. “A program like this one cannot function without their dedication.” Grecian Look www.grecianlook.com UNIQUE GREEK GIFTS Dr. Diane Touliatos, author of six books and 60 articles, at a scholarly conference, above, and holding an award, left. In 2007 she was awarded the Rigas Feraios medallion. pages which included commentaries in Greek and English on the importance of each manuscript. That work contributed to her receiving the award she is most proud of, the Rigas Feraios medallion she was presented in 2007 by Greek President Karolos Papoulias and the presidents of all the other Balkan countries. She was honored for pioneering work in Byzantine musicology. “It was totally unexpected and I am still in awe,” she told TNH. For the past five years she has been working on her book on Casia. “I have found 53 of her compositions and each one is unique – the woman was brilliant, far ahead of her time. Casia used musical techniques that had never been done, she said. “Her poety was almost Shakespearean and her text always blended with the music… with descriptive coloring: if there is a reference to going down to hell, the musical notes descend…the text becomes a pictorial of the music.” Some of the texts are associated with other names, like the Monk Germanos, but Touliatos said we know the writing is Casia’s “because she was devoted to defended women.” Musicians can’t wait to receive her work so they can record the hymns. Among the people she worked with was the late historian Eva Topping. “She was like a mother to me.” Topping focused on the poetry and Touliatos on the music. Her studies often migrate into areas of historical rivalry as Greeks and Latins claim priority in certain practices and creations. “While I am there working in the Vatican libraries I keep my mouth shut,” she said. “I stay out of the political arena.” Touliatos noted that many practices were improvised and thus not written down, giving rise to controversy. She si among those who believe that he use off the ison – the drone note – by chanters long preceded textual evidence for it. Touliatos has served as Director of the Center for the Humanities at the University of Missouri-St. Louis since 1995, and she is proud that she and her husband spearheaded the fundraising that led to the creation of the Endowed Professorship for Greek Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The drive culminated with a generous gift from Nicholas Karakas of the Karakas Family Foundation. RELIGIOUS ITEMS ALL YOUR FESTIVAL NEEDS Gregory Laware P.O. Box 541 Wibraham, MA 01094 413.626.9446 [email protected] www.GreekKitchennyc.com COMMUNITY 6 Vasilis Tsitsanis: Different Perspective of a Legend THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 ANALYSIS Alas, if Only There Were Leadership in the Church By Grigoris Maninakis Perhaps there is no better time to write an article about Vasilis Tsitsanis, the composer and lyricist of “Synnefiasmeni Kyriaki,” the song most Greeks refer to as the “National Anthem” of Greek music, than the centennial year of his birth. Yet, in attempting to write this article, I have a humbling, prevailing question, in my mind: could I pay him a tribute, worthy of his legacy and could I bring out interesting, non-routine, anecdotal facts about the man, that people do not already know? After all Tsitsanis, having composed more than 500 songs, is the most prolific and very likely, musically speaking, the most influential Greek composer of all time, a fact that has been acknowledged and frequently stated by everyone who wrote about him, no less so, by our two most respected world renowned Greek composers: Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis. Finally I have decided to put aside any fears and proceed with a somewhat different “Tsitsanis Story”. A couple of years ago, a longtime friend and colleague, aware of my long term involvement with Greek music, and in particular with rebetika, called up and said that in his recent his life, there is something unique about this particular interview as he (Tsitsanis) insisted that he will only answer in writing, a set of written questions, as he was “frustrated and tired” of having his words twisted from his many verbal inter- trip to Greece he bought Elias Petropoulos’ book, Rebetika Songs, which he graciously offered to me to browse through. The book, now in its 10th edition, while occasionally a subject of controversy, is a 700-page classic of its kind. It was first published in the late 1960s, and very likely it represents the most elaborate and thorough research write-up, on the history of rebetika, to date. It has nearly 500 pages of historical text about rebetika, including interviews and commentaries by other writers and researchers, followed by a real treasure of more than 200 pages of original, rare photos and hand written notes by most of the protagonists, ending with a 12-page index. It was on page 273 of the book, that I came across a section headed by the title: “S. Gauntlett: An interview with Tsitsanis.” This interview was first published, in the Spring and Summer of 1975, by the Hellenic Society of Melbourne, Australia After reading through it, I had all the reasons I needed to proceed with writing this commentary about Tsitsanis. While Tsitsanis has given a great many interviews through views. It is thus reasonable to assume that this unique interview brings out Tsitsanis’ precise views on the various questions. According to Mr. S. Gauntlett, the interviewer, it took Tsitsanis six months to answer the questions, as they were given to him in March and he completed the answers them in September. Naturally, my intention is not to list every question and answer of this unique interview, but rather to selectively, bring out and highlight some of the least known aspects of his life, views and personality. As a case in point, it was quite interesting and rather surprising, reading his experiences and opinions about traditional folk songs, byzantine music and rebetika, as well as his non-critical opinion of the State’s censorship on some songs during the prewar years by the Metaxas dictatorship. Here are some of the questions and answers, interesting and telling in my opinion, translated from the Greek to the best of my ability: Q: I know you were born and raised in Trikala (Thessaly). Could we conclude that you were significantly influenced by Greek folk (demotic) songs ? By Theodore Kalmoukos Legend Vasilis Tsitsanis, who wrote "Synnefiasmeni Kyriaki," Greece's virtual "National Anthem." A: I was neither influenced nor impressed by the Greek demotic songs. In fact, I could say that I rather disliked them and paid no attention to them. Q: With what other traditional music styles you had contact with during that time? Byzantine, Eastern, European, Rebetika? A: I had no clue what Byzantine or (Middle) Eastern music was all about. I had a very strong dislike and distaste for “amanedes” (Middle Eastern song vocal improvisations). Of the rebetika I was listening to at the time I liked very-very few. Q: When did you first come to Athens and how did you manage at the beginning? A: I came at the beginning of 1937. (Tsitsanis was just 22 years old then). I left my home town after I had graduated from high school. Poor and hungry, I had with me 35 songs and several instrumental compositions. As it was impossible for me to continue my education (i.e.: University studies), due to lack of money, I was making the rounds at various tavernas along with a guitarist, entertaining customers and getting by collecting tips. Q: Many of your best songs were written during the years of the Nazi occupation. It seems that the occupation played a major role in forming your artistic personality. A: The occupation was for me an inexhaustible source of inspiration. It was the great bridge on which the Greek popular song stepped on and took off. It was the period when there were no differences and distinctions and everyone, rich and poor, arms together, were singing my songs. Even “Synnefiasmeni Kyriaki,” which I actually recorded in 1949, was an inspiration during and from the occupation. Q: How did you manage with the censorship that was periodically imposed (on songs) in Greece? A: During the Metaxas era, government censorship cut off all the hashish songs. (Hasiklidika). For many ways I can say that this had a beneficial effect, as “amanedes” and “crying-likemusical notes” were all rejected. (He is referring here to the Asia Minor middle eastern heavily modal melodies.) As a result of this practice our popular song was more “Hellenic-befitting” and in good taste. Actually during the occupation the censorship was a nonissue or functional, for there were no recordings . The Germans and the Italians had occupied the premises of the record producing factory building and had destroyed all recording equipment. That is why the first song records came out at least 18 months after our liberation. Q: As far as the way you create your songs do you first come up with the lyrics and the music next? A: Usually, I first write the music and then I try to come up with the proper lyrics to fit the color and the climate created by the music. This type of song creation is the more difficult one. Vasilis Tsitsanis, was born in Trikala, Thessaly on January 18, 1915 and passed away at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London on the day of his 69th birthday, January 18, 1984. There is no doubt his memory and his legacy will be eternal. Grigoris Maninakis, a vocalist, is Professor of Engineering Technology at the State University of New York – Farmingdale. The case of Fr. James Dokos, former presiding priest of the Annunciation Parish in Milwaukee, WI has brought to light once again a lack of leadership in the Greek Orthodox Church, on the Archdiocesan and Metropolis levels. The Milwaukee DA has charged Dokos with theft of trust funds, and Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos with attempt to interfere with the judicial process. First of all Fr. Dokos should not have been involved with financial issues involving his parishioners including assuming the role of caretaker of the trust established by the Franczak family. Undoubtedly, this entire unholy incident could have been dealt with from the very beginning some three years ago when it was first made public, if there had been true leadership. The official charge by the authorities against Fr. Dokos proves very clearly that in this great country of law and order, nobody is above the law – not even priests. Certainly, we all should keep in mind that a charge of a crime does not necessarily equate guilt. The accused, after all, are considered innocent until proven otherwise. Nonetheless, when a priest who is the “steward of the mysteries of God” is being accused for theft, I think it should concern the whole Church and especially those who hold official administrative positions and responsibilities. It is well-known that there are priests who, unfortunately, from time to time approach old and lonely parishioners, showing them concern and pastoral care, in return for cash, cars, and even real property, as did Margaret Franczak, who transferred her Florida home and car to Fr. Dokos. There are also cases that priests spent hours and hours day and night in the hospitals at the bedside of old and childless individuals and become under shady conditions executors of their Wills and Trusts or, worse yet, beneficiaries. It seems strange as to how and why Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos using his authority as chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago transferred Dokos from the Annunciation parish of Milwaukee after 22 years of pastorship there to the parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Glenview, IL, in turn compelling Fr. Angelo Artemas to be transferred from Saints Peter and Paul to the Annunciation. It seems even more strange that Dokos gave money to Bishop Demetrios from Franczak’s Trust since he is in a direct way his ecclesiastical superior. Dokos also gave monies to Metropolitans Tarasios of Buenos Aires and Nikitas of Daranellia, Director of the Athenagoras Institute of Orthodox Theology in California. If there was Archbishopric leadership in the Archdiocese, this issue should have been alarming. Once again, ecclesiological and canonically speaking, there is only one ruling Bishop in this Archdiocese, Archbishop Demetrios of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, simply because there only one Ecclesiastical Eparchy, the Archdiocese. The rest of the Metropolitans are a strange mixture between Titular Metropolitans and Auxiliary Bishops. We are talking about an “ecclesiological travesty” here because the Metropolitans are commemorated in the Liturgy and in other Sacred Services as “shepherds” (Poimenarches) from Monday to Saturday, but when Archbishop Demetrios visits a Metropolis on a Sunday morning, only he is commemorating as “shepherd” and the local Bishop simply as “hierarch.” The Metropolises are not autonomous and self-sustained Metropolises having their reference directly to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, although they commemorate the Patriarch’s name in the Eucharist and in the Sacred Services because if they commemorated the Archbishop’s name the Archdiocese automatically would have been Autonomous. Proposals: 1) The archbishop should issue an order to prohibit all priests in getting involved in the finances of their parishioners such as wills, trusts, etc. 2) The archbishop should recall immediately Bishop Demetrios from the Chicago Metropolis to the Archdiocese in New York because in reality and canonically Bishop Demetrios is Archbishop Demetrios’ auxiliary Bishop. 3) The archbishop should place Bishop Demetrios on Liturgical suspension until this whole scandalous issue is resolved in the courts. 4) The archbishop should direct Bishop Demetrios, and intervene to Patriarch Bartholomew to the other two, Tarasios and Nikitas, to return the money because essentially, it belongs to the Annunciation parish. 5) The archbishop should invite Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago to retire due to his age, now with dignity before things get further out of control. Certainly other Metropolitans should leave for reasons of age as well, and also because they have really destroyed their Metropolises and have paralyzed many parishes. Greek American Mothers of New York Host Valentines Party Fotini Voulgaris was honored by the Greek American Mothers of NY at their Valentine’s Party and Riccardo’s Catering in Astoria. (L-R) Seated: Fotini Voulgaris and Angie Korakis. Standing: Touula Pepelias, Eleni Tentolouris, Maria Spentzouris, Evangelia Katsouras, Koula Pappas, Aglaia Panagiotakos, Fotini Toras, Eleni Goras and Ekaterini Tsartsalis. Federal Probe Leads to Arrest of Dr. Nicholas Kaloudis for Drug Dealing TNH Staff NEW YORK – Dr. Nicholas Kaloudis, a Long Island endocrinologist, was arrested on February 12 on charges of engaging “in an interstate distribution scheme involving more than one thousand oxycodone tablets obtained through medically unnecessary prescriptions over a twoyear period,” according to a Department of Justice press release. “Oxycodone can result in addiction similar to an addiction to codeine or morphine, and there is an illegal market for oxycodone, as a substitute for – or adjunct to – other illegal narcotics, such as heroin,” the press release noted. The National Herald was informed by the office of the U.S. Attorney’s office that Dr. Kaloudis was arrested on the morning of February 12 and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael H. Dolinger that afternoon, when he was released upon surrendering his passport. The evidence against Kaloudis includes FBI video that captures a confidential source asking him "what can you write me for today?" referring to prescriptions. Kaloudis replied "whatever you want." The announcement of the unsealing of the complaint was made by Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Diego Rodriguez, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Bharara has been in the news recently in cases related to political corruption in Albany, including the arrest of former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. According to the press release: “Starting in approximately 2013 and continuing through February 2015, Kaloudis operated out of medical clinics in Long Island, where Kaloudis, a Board certified, state licensed doctor, wrote medically unnecessary prescriptions for more than one thousand oxycodone pills in exchange for cash payments. On multiple occasions over the course of this two-year period, Kaloudis charged hundreds or thousands of dollars in cash for “patient visits” that involved little, if any, actual examination and resulted in the issuance of a prescription for a large quantity of oxycodone, typically 30-milligram tablets. Some of the oxycodone illegally prescribed by Kaloudis was subsequently resold, including in Virginia, resulting in the unlawful interstate distribution of thousands of oxycodone tablets.” “The defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.” WHATEVER YOU WANT The Dept. of Justice made available to the press the official complaint, which included testimony by Bruce Wayne, FBI Special Agent, who revealed information obtained through a confidential source, identified Dr. Nicholas Kaloudis was arrested on February 12 after an FBI and U.S. Attorney’s office investigation of allegation that he was involved in illegal distribution of pain killers. as “CS-1” Wayne said “In or about 2013, CS-1, who was not cooperating with law enforcement at the time, was introduced to Nicholas Kaloudis, the defendant, by a co-conspirator not named as a defendant herein ("CC-1"). CC-1 had previously assisted CS-1 with efforts to illegally obtain oxycodone…On or about February 4, 2015, now acting at the direction and under the supervision of law en- forcement, CS-1 made a consensual video and audio recording of a meeting with Nicholas Kaloudis, the defendant, at Office-1,” the defendant’s office in Manhasset. “During this meeting, CS-1 paid Kaloudis $5,000, provided to CS-1 for this purpose by law enforcement, in exchange for prescriptions for CS-1 and another individual for the following controlled substances: i) Two prescriptions for 150 count oxycodone 30 mg, one in the name of CS-1 and one in the name of another individual; ii) One prescription for 120 count oxycodone/ acetaminophen ("Percocet") 5/325 mg, in the name of CS-1; and iii) One prescription for 90 count of Adderall 10 mg, in the name of another individual,” during this meeting. Community members who spoke to TNH were disturbed but not shocked by the news. One person said “he attended the Church of the Holy Cross in Whitestone, NY regularly,” while others acknowledged that he was wrestling with some inner demons. THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 COMMUNITY 7 ALL HISTORY In Retrospect: the Greek Mothers of World War II, Unit 109 Incorporated Continued from page 1 cumstances one degree further is that unexpectedly, those involved in these war time programs came to enjoy their public service. How they expanded upon their war duties is yet another untold tale. What follows is an all too brief case study of one such organization and it’s under reported contributions to aid local and national life. On August 29, 1943, in Gary, IN the St. Konstantine parish chapter of the Greek Phalanx of World War I called a meeting. These local Greek-American veterans of World War I called upon the mothers of those who had volunteered or been drafted to serve in the new war to attend. The purpose of the meeting ‘was to establish an organization of these mothers to aid veterans and their families and to promote the serviceman’s general welfare whenever possible.’ It was unanimously decided to take steps in this direction. At that time temporary officers for this new organization were elected: Christina Harbelis, was elected president; Mary Anogianakis, 1st vice-president; Jennie Georgiadis, 2nd vice-president; recording secretary Katherine Glicofridis and treasurer Mary Apostolou. On September 17, 1943, through the efforts of Demitrios Glicofridis, Gus Vasilatos, and Spiros Vlahos the mothers went through the procedures of applying for membership, through the stat e of Indiana, to the National Chapter of Mothers of World War II, Incorporated. On December 3, 1943, their request was granted and authorized by National President, Gretta Roush, as Unit 109 within that organization. At their first official meeting 25 mothers became members and elected permanent officers Christina Harbelis, was elected president; Mary Anogianakis, 1st vice-president; Jennie Georgiadis, 2nd vice-president; recording secretary Katherine Glicofridis and treasurer Mary Apostolou; color guards and color bearers Sirmo Spaliaras, Georgia Maimonis, Helen Kotakis and Efthymia Georgiou; sergeant at arms, Stella Kaponis; chaplin Angeline Coveris and financial secretary Mary Pappas. While most certainly this gathering of ladies knew their own minds and the types of local and national service they could pro- June 1943 photo of the Gary, IN Greek Mothers of World War II taken inside the Sts. Constantine and Helen Church there. On the back wall are photos of then-President Franklin Roosevelt, and Greek-American WWI Hero George Dilboy. vide they were not shy, in the early days of their organization, to call upon the advice and consul of local individuals such as Louis H. George, Nick Coveris and Dan Drakos. On Mother’s Day 1944, the new Gary, IN Mothers of World War II Unit 109 (hereafter Unit 109) held a banquet to introduce itself to the community at large. The proceeds were used to send various items of food and clothing to servicemen in the United States and overseas. Hospitals in northeast Indiana quickly heard of the new Unit 109 and requested (and eventually obtained from this group) supplies and equipment for hospitalized veterans. Unit 109 engaged in numerous activities throughout the war. Some of their activities included the donation of food and clothing to needy servicemen and their families. Holidays were a special time of activity such that Easter, Christmas, New Year’s, and so on provided times when these Greek-American mothers sent food, clothing, money, cigarettes and other supplies to servicemen overseas. Never forgetting the servicemen stationed in area camps the ladies were careful to see that these men received their attention as well. So service men passing sent all that they accomplished without reducing their efforts to a long list. During Christmas holidays Unit 109 members were known far and wide for sending as much as 150 pounds of chocolates at a time to servicemen overseas. Among their ongoing donations to hospitals Unit 109 provided monies expressly for new books. Aside from what we have described so far Unit 109 assisted with the war bond drives by sponsoring a local booth. And in typical style such were their collective efforts that the unit received a citation from the Secretary of the Treasury Fred M. Vinson commending their accomplishments in selling victory bonds. Before we go any further it must be stated that some of the women in Unit 109 wanted something for themselves for all their sustained efforts. And they weren’t afraid to let others know about it or to petition for it openly. From an undated newspaper clipping we read the following: “Request for the granting of citizenship to 12 Gary mothers of World War II veterans is on its way to the house judiciary committee today, thanks to the help of Gary’s International Institute. All the women are of Greek descent and members of chapter 109, Mothers of World War II. To through Gary were met with endless dinners and temporary housing. In time, given the increased traffic due to the war Unit 109 made sure housing was always available to servicemen at the local YMCA. Unit 109 participated in numerous benefits for hospitalized veterans such as, but not limited to, furnishing crutches, wheel chairs, food, clothing and other badly needed supplies and equipment requested by the hospitals. Aid was also given to the children of hospitalized veterans. An undated clipping from a scrapbook gives us specific details on just such a donation: “The Greek Mothers of World War II, unit 109, at their recent monthly meeting completed plans for sending a gift to the Billings hospital in Indianapolis and since have made this donation as well as a gift of seven and one-half pounds of rayon, silk and nylon hose to the veterans’ administration in Marion. Serving a dinner recently at the service center was another part of the contribution to the war effort. The addition made to Billings’ hospital supplies included 14 bed sheets, 5 linen handkerchiefs, and 8 dozen tray napkins.” Unit 109 was so active in its war efforts it is difficult to pre- date their efforts to get citizenship papers have been to no avail. “Some of the women are blocked because they can neither speak nor write the English language. Others, although they have filed for citizenship papers several times, have been held up by red tape and parliamentary delay.” In time these women received “the prize” they had more than earned, American citizenship. At the end of the war Unit 109 planned and hosted a gala victory dance in honor of the returning servicemen at the Hotel Gary ballroom. One would think that this event would have also signaled the triumphant end of Unit 109 but that was far from the case. Unit 109 did not disband but continued in its work to aid local hospitals as well as other worthwhile projects not just nationally but around the world. A few of the projects to which Unit 109 offered its aid included, but was certainly not limited to, were donations made annually to Queen Frederika’s fund for the orphaned children in Athens. Contributions were made to Patras, Greece for the express purchase of books and school supplies for these orphaned children. Donations were made annually to blind servicemen in Greece. Ever alert to the complex political circumstances caused by total war Unit 109 members enlisted the assistance of Gary mayor Eugene Schwartz (19501951) to come to the aid of the children displaced by the Greek Civil War. Unit 109 was as active in local and national programs as they ever were during the war. One newspaper clipping dated simply as 1953 quickly itemized some of the Unit’s programing for that year: “they included contributions to the Red Cross, the Cancer Fund, the Lake County Crippled Children’s Society the Polio Drive, the Community Chest and SS Constantine and Helen’s Church. Gifts were sent to Parramore Sanitarium and to seven state veterans’ hospitals; to veterans overseas and stationed in this country, and veterans’ orphans were assisted.” Unit 109 always seemed to keep up with the changing times as their gift of a television set to the Billings hospital attests. Every Memorial Day Unit 109 also held services each year for the four soldiers killed in action that came from their community: Jim Logan, George Panagiotopoulos, Franklin Saetes and George Cralis by placing a wreath of flowers at the veteran’s monument in the church yard. The Mothers of World War II, Unit 109 celebrated both their twentieth and twentieth-fifth anniversaries in typical style; they gave a banquet for others each time. I do not know when or even if Unit 109 ever disbanded. Unidentified news clippings report that the Unit never numbered more than 64. It is worth noting that the phrase ‘The Greatest Generation,’ coined by journalist Tom Brokaw, describes “the generation who grew up in the United States during the deprivation of the Great Depression, and then went on to fight in World War II, as well as those whose productivity within the war's home front made a decisive material contribution to the war effort.” The activities of Unit 109 does credit not only to their community but to all other GreekAmericans across the nation. More deserves to be known about them and their dedicated service. [email protected] GREEK AMERICAN STORIES Becoming Famous By Phylis (Kiki) Sembos Special to The National Herald Yiannis entered Dixon’s wearing a peculiar grin, his reddish hair combed forward on his forehead, and a colorful kerchief round his neck. “Going somewhere?” asked Dimos, eying his particular swagger. “Not ‘going somewhere’, Dimos; but, going places.” John asked, “What places is that?” Leaning back, coffee in hand, he told them about a woman who approached him two days ago. “She handed me her card and said, ‘you look like a good candidate for T.V commercials.’” The card he passed around, read: GOLDIE MALDOON, ASSISTANT ADVERTISEMENTS AGENT, CBS Building, New York, N.Y. Suite 302. George said, “And, they wanted YOU? What kind of commercials? Not Securities, I hope!” Yiannis told his contrary friend it didn’t matter what kind of advertisements. “I’d be making two hundred dollars for reading a couple of lines. If they like me, I’d be doing more. Hey! I could become famous. People will notice me on the street and say, ‘There he is! The guy on T.V.’ and make money, too!” He rubbed his hands together, greedily. “In fact, I’m to report to the studio tomorrow.” John, dubious, pointed out, “What if you don’t like what you’ll be representing – like some pill with more side effects than a cure?” Yiannis laughed. “So what! I don’t have to use it. All I have to do is read a couple of lines printed on a chart. I’m to say, ‘My name is Yiannis Pappas. And I believe this product has helped me, tremendously. I advise you to use it because you’ll find it as effective as I have. That’s a promise! Thank you!’Then, collect my check. Two hundred dollars!” George, who knew that for that kind of money he’d eat a roach, regarded him cautiously. “You’d be famous, alright. Remember that advertisements appear in every state in the U.S.” Smiling broadly, Yiannis told him, “It’s O.K. with me. I could be as famous as Mr. Clean. Or, those guys that sell new cars. Maybe, get a bonus – Perks!” Kipreos warned, “Maybe, you should have an agent representing you, Yiannis. They’d protect your interests.” Yiannis waved his hand. “Nah! They’d want 15 %. I earn it! I take it!” They all wished him well. Next Sunday, they awaited their celebrity friend who made his appearance late. But, minus the swagger. “Well? How’s show business?” asked Dimos, grinning. Somberly, Yiannis said, “It’s...not..what I... expected. They put make up on my face, stood me before a camera.” A long pause followed. Kipreos asked, “What kind of ad was it?” Yiannis preferred stuffing his mouth with a donut. “When will it appear?” asked John. “It’s already appearing, I think.” Dimos asked him if he got paid. “I got paid, alright. But, I changed my mind. But, they said I couldn’t back out. I pocketed the money before I went on,” he sighed, “So, the ad has to be aired,” Clearly, they all knew there was something Yiannis was finding it difficult to admit. Hesitatingly, Yiannis confessed, “It’s that...I...don’t like talking about ...bodily problems.” George, suppressing a grin, asked, “None of us told them about your bodily problems. Right, guys?” Yiannis, not feeling humorous, told him to shut up. John patted his shoulder, “Don’t worry! People don’t pay attention to ads. I don’t!” Kipreos said, “I do!” They gave him a scornful stare. George shrugged. “Why do you care if it’s only an advertisement?” Yiannis’ voice got raspy. “Because I told the whole world my name! That’s why!” Curiosity deepening, they tried guessing at what the ad could have been about. “Halitosis?” John suggested. Yiannis shook his head. “Acid Reflux,” ventured Kipreos. “I don’t want to talk about It,” whispered Yiannis. George, sup- pressing a smirk, said, “I know! It’s your exhaust pipe.” Yiannis ignored him. Dimos, recalling that Yiannis was 20 years older than Areti, approached him with cautious sensitivity, “Not...not about....a male...a manly... dysfunction!” His silence continued, wishing the entire subject would die a natural death and be forgotten. But, just then, a little boy with his mother entered the cafeteria, heading for a table, when he looked up and noticed Yiannis, recognizing him, immediately. He pointed at Yiannis, excitedly, and said, in a voice heard around the room, “Look Ma! There’s Yiannis Pappas! The man with the painful hemorrhoids.” THE NATIONAL HERALD BOOKSTORE Exercise your mind with the latest books from The National Herald Collection FLAVOURS & DELIGHTS Tastes and pleasures of Ancient & Byzantine Cuisine FLAVOURS & DELIGHTS $46.99 The flavours of Classical Greece Makedonisi(on). Parsley, the macedonian herb. Byzantine diet and cuisine. in between ancient and modern gastronomy. All in the cooking pot. Advances in the study of Byzantine diet. Eating flowers Byzantine aphrodisiacs & delicacies. liutprand of Cremona. A critical guest at the Byzantine emperor's table. Timarion Hens, cockerels and other choice fowl. Everyday food and gastronomic pretensions in Byzantium Pallikaria of lentils. The "brave boys" of beans. Everyday food in the middle Byzantine period Dining with foreigners Food for Saints The emperor's salad "The raw and the Cooked" way of cooking and serving food in Byzantium O R D E R F O R M Please return this form with your check or money order payable to: The National Herald, 37-10 30th street, Long Island City, NY 11101-2614 Or charge your credit card: o American Express o master Card o Visa o Discover αCCOUNT: εxPIRATION DATE: ναμε: αDDRESS: CITY: PHONE # / CELL: BOOKS: SIGNATURE STATE: zIP CODE: FAx: E-MAIL: OBITUARIES CLASSIFIEDS 8 THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 DEATH NOTICES CLASSIFIEDS 274200/10709 n ACHI, DIMITRA GIACOUMOPOULOS PALMER TOWNSHIP, PA – (From the Express Times, published on Jan. 26) – Dimitra N. Giacoumopoulos Achi, 33, of Palmer Twp., PA, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015 in her home. Dimitra was born in Easton, PA, a daughter of Nick and Susan (Karam) Giacoumopoulos of Bethlehem, PA. Personal: Dimitra was married to Elie "Raymond" Achi. She received her Bachelor's Degree in History and Education from Moravian College. She was known for her generosity, compassion, and kindness. Most importantly she was a loving mother of two beautiful young girls, her pride and joy. Memberships: Dimitra was a member of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church and Hellenic Orthodox Annunciation Church of Wilson Boro. Survivors: In addition to her parents and her husband, Dimitra is survived by her daughters Aya Sophia Achi, and Houda Achi, both at home; a sister Anastasia Giacoumopoulos of Philadelphia, PA. She is also survived by uncles, aunts, and cousins in the United States, Lebanon, Greece and Australia. Services: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm with Prayer of the Incense at 7:45 pm. An additional calling hour will be held on Thursday from 9:30 am 10:30 am in Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, 4th & Ferry Streets, Easton, PA, followed by a Divine Liturgy on Thursday at 10:30 am in the church. Interment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery, Palmer Twp. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp). Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dimitra's memory may be made to Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church, 55 South 4th Street, Easton, PA 18042, or to Hellenic Orthodox Annunciation Church, 319 S. 20th Street, Easton, PA 18042. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com. n ANDRIANOPOULOS, PETER A. WILMINGTON, DE (From the News Journal, published on Feb. 4) – Peter A. Andrianopoulos July 12, 1930-January 30, 2015. Peter A. Andrianopoulos - father, brother, grandfather, uncle, bartender extraordinaire, veteran, and great friend - passed away peacefully on January 30, 2015. The youngest of three children, he was born in Chicago, IL, to Effie (Danos) Andrianopoulos and Alex Andrianopoulos. After the family moved east to the Chester/Eddystone area, Peter graduated from Eddystone High School and enrolled in classes at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He served in radio communications during the Korean War as a member of the United States Air Force. Peter married Faith Prassas in 1965. Together, they had two children - Alexis and Anthony. Peter's kids were his pride and joy. For 25 years, Peter owned and operated the Brandywine Village Pub, a small but popular bar in the Brandywine Village section of Wilmington. Known to all as Pete's, the bar attracted young professionals from downtown, local politicians, and scores of law students from the nearby Delaware Law School. Peter asked each patron to bring in a pennant from their college, all of which he proudly hung. Known for its overstuffed sandwiches at lunch and Peter's killer Bloody Mary recipe, Pete's was called "yuppie" when the term was first coined in the early 80s. With no signs advertising it and picture windows filled with beautiful plants, Pete's was often mistaken for a florist instead of a pub. After Pete's closed in 1985, Peter tended and managed bars at other local establishments including the Greenery Too and Cromwell's. Many of his loyal patrons from Pete's followed him, and he also had the opportunity to meet new customers and make new friends. Peter's customers became like family to him, and he often spent holidays with friends he had met through tending bar. At Cromwell's, Peter was known for his daily sports trivia question, a testament to his vast knowledge and love of sports. In fact, Peter's love of sports was so wellknown and he was so loved at Cromwell's that his employee number was retired and a banner in his honor was hung on the wall behind the bar when he retired from employment. While he loved all sports, his favorites were college football and college basketball, especially the University of Delaware. In 1985, Peter had the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream and go to the Big Days and dates of funerals, memorials, and other events directly correspond to the original publication date, which appears at the beginning of each notice. Dance - the NCAA Final Four with his son Anthony. He travelled throughout the region many additional times for the Big East Tournament and Eastern Regional Tournament, even making it back to the Final Four one more time when it was played at The Meadowlands. Closer to home, Peter also was a regular fan at Haverford College volleyball games - especially the away games, where he was often Haverford's only fan - to watch his daughter Alexis play in the mid-80s. Afterward, he frequently drove Alexis and a few teammates back to campus, with a detour for ice cream or other treats on the way. In addition to sports, Peter loved Greek music, especially singer George Dalaras (whom he called the Bruce Springsteen of Greece). A true night owl, Peter travelled throughout the region to see Dalaras perform live and always managed to find out where the band was dining after the show. Alexis and Anthony would find themselves eating a second dinner at 1 a.m. at a table conveniently located next to Dalaras and his bandmates. Peter was a great consumer of news. His television was always set to a news or sports station, and he read several newspapers daily. He also loved brain-teasers like crossword puzzles, cryptograms, sudoku, and word find and would do all the puzzles in each day's newspaper. In addition to his parents, Peter was preceded in death by his sisters, Theone Frangos and Constance Kakaroukas. He is survived by his children Alexis (Dave Gross) of Wilmington and Anthony (Debra) of New York, his granddaughter Ella, nephew Nick Kakaroukas (Suzanne), former wife and current friend Faith Andrianopoulos, dozens of cousins around the country, and friends dating all the way back to Eddystone High School. We will miss his sense of adventure, delicious cooking, unique sense of humor, late night escapades, and pop quizzes about sports and music trivia. Friends may call Wednesday, February 4 from 6-8 p.m. at the Doherty Funeral Home, 1900 Delaware Ave., Wilmington.. Services will be held Thursday, February 5, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 N. Broom Street in Wilmington. Buriel will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. The family would like to thank the caring staffs at Shipley Manor, Wilmington Hospital, and Compassionate Care Hospice at St. Francis Hospital. n MANTzIARIS, IRAKLIS HARTFORD, CT (From the Hartford Courant, published on Jan. 25) – Iraklis Mantziaris, 84, beloved husband of Aristoula (Tzickas) Mantziaris died peacefully on Friday, January 23rd surrounded by his loving family. Born in Kaloni Grevena, Greece he was the son of Christos and Panagiota Mantziaris. He grew up in Kaloni and moved to Larissa before immigrating to the U.S. with his family in 1968 and settling in Hartford, CT. Iraklis spent his life in the U.S. working as a mason. Religion was a major part of his life and he was a long time parishioner of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. One of his proudest accomplishments in life was building the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church at the University of Connecticut with his son Chris. He was also a long time member of the community's Macedonian society. In their 57 year marriage, Iraklis and Aristoula enjoyed many travels and adventures, with especially fond memories of their trips to Greece. He also enjoyed his weekly fishing trips always with his wife by his side. A loving and devoted husband, father, and pappou, Iraklis is survived by his wife of 57 years Aristoula Mantziaris, his daughter Panagiota Anagnostopoulos, and her husband Nikos of Alpine, NJ, and his son Chris Mantziaris and his wife Marilyn of Wethersfield, CT, six beloved grandchildren who he adored Apostolos and his wife Panagiota, Iraklis, Stavroula, Iraklis and Yianni. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Georgia Giannakopoulos and her husband Theofilos and Efstathia Tzickas and many cousins, nieces, and nephews both here and in Greece. The funeral will be Tuesday January 27, 2015, 11:00 am at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave. Hartford. Contributions in his memory may be made to: St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114. To share a memory with the family, please visit, www.dillonbaxter.com. n MIKOS, ATHANASIA MARION, IN (From the Courier Press, published on Feb. 1) – Athanasia (Sia) Michos Marion, Ind. Athanasia (Sia) Michos, 100, mother of Mary Bennett, Newburgh, grandmother of Nikki Presley, Evansville, and Chad Bennett, Newburgh, passed away January 28, 2015. Sia was born in Kalion, Doridos, Greece June 15, 1914 to Demetrius and Zoitsa Papandreou. As a new bride, she came to the United States in 1931 with her husband, Nickolas. They settled in Gheen, Minnesota, a very small community of about 50 families in northern Minnesota where her husband worked as a section foreman for the railroad. She spoke no English, so the local ladies in the town would have her come to their weekly sewing circle to listen to them as they chatted. This was her English class. In 1936, they moved to Marion, Indiana with their young daughters, where Nick joined his brother, John, and cousin, George, in the restaurant business. In later years she and Nick opened their own restaurant, Nick's Chile Bowl, which was a very popular place in Marion. Nick passed away in 1961. Sia operated the restaurant for a short time after that before retiring. Other survivors include great-grandchildren, Alicia Presley and Donovan McNeal of Evansville, Ashton Bennett and Jackson Bennett of Newburgh, a daughter, Zoe Smith, Indianapolis, grandson, Jay Smith, Indianapolis, granddaughter, Lisa George, Indianapolis, greatgrandchildren, Jillian Smith, Nickolas Hargrove and Jake Smith of Indianapolis, and 4 great-great-grandchildren of Evansville. She was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Indianapolis. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday February 2, 2015 at Raven Funeral Home in Marion, Indiana with service time at 11 a.m. Fr. William Bartz from Holy Trinity is officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 3500 W 106th, Carmel, IN 46032. n NACKOS, NICK HURRICANE, UT (From the Spectrum & Daily News, published on Jan. 22) – Nick C. Nackos, beloved and respected gentleman, community icon, and American Patriot passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015 in St. George in the loving embrace of Laura, his wife of 73 years. Nick was born April 27, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He went to Greece when he was an infant and attended grade school in Athens. He returned to the US and attend some school in Bingham, Utah where he knew only Greek. By the time he attended West High School in Salt Lake City, he was fluent in both Greek and English, and "Determined to speak perfect English with no trace of an accent," he would tell later. Nick married the love of his life, Laura Edrie Dalton January 31, 1942 in Ely, Nevada. After becoming members of the LDS Church, they were sealed in the temple in Alberta, Canada. Nick served valiantly in the US Army, surviving two historical battles that changed the tides toward victory in World War II. Returning again, he would serve as an MP in the Korean War. He was highly decorated, earned two silver stars and four bronze stars. In WWII he was a member of E company, 26th Infantry Regiment, who in Normandy stormed ashore on "Omaha" Beach on "D-Day", 6 June 1944. The "Big Red One" pushed Germany eastward, Nick led his men through Battle of the Bulge, 16 December 1944 through 25 January 1945. Finally, leading a prominent role as Staff Sergeant, he and his men cleared houses in bitter urban fighting in Aachen. He was wounded shortly thereafter, in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, tripping a German booby-trap that caused an explosion which wounded him and resulted in the Purple Heart. Nick was an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur. After the war he strategically developed and launched what would become a large supermarket distribution company in Southern California. He sold this business to move to Utah so Laura could be by her mom and started over, eventually working up to the position of Vice President of Public Relations for Zions Bank in St. George. Nick was involved in many community organizations including Director of the Chamber of Commerce for St. George and Hurricane, President of the Washington County American Cancer Society and was on the board of directors of the State American Institute of Banking. He was in high demand as a motivational trainer/speaker, delivering Key Note appearances for numerous business and educational organizations across the country. He was also once chosen the "Total Citizen for the State of Utah.” Nick served in three different bishoprics for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, and has the honor of being the first person of Greek descent to be called to the office of bishop. Nick also cherished serving as a counselor in the Southern California Mission Presidency. One of the most treasured times of his life was as Bishop of the Buena Park Ward in California. He would recall many times throughout his life the relationships, experiences and friendships that were main- tained and retold up to the day he passed. Bowling was among the most enjoyable activities of his golden years. The leagues they played in and the resulting friendships have been a source of great joy to both he and Laura. His family thanks Dixie Bowl and Sunset Bowl for the loving care over the years. Nick is survived by his adored sweetheart and wife, Laura Dalton Nackos and his five children: Lila Nackos of Flower Mound, TX; Lorraine Nackos of Las Vegas, NV; Chuck & wife Brenda Nackos of Enoch, UT; Kelly & wife Patti Nackos of Draper, UT; and Scott & wife Julie Nackos of Windsor, CO. He is also survived by brother Gust Nackos of Redondo Beach, CA, Sister Mary & husband Tony Caputo of Salt lake City, UT; sister Helen & husband Aristophani Delphos of Stanton island, NY; and Sister-in-law Margaret Nackos of North Hollywood, CA. He is proceeded in death by his father & mother Isadore and Elleni Nackos of Greece, Sister Peggy Nackos of Greece, his oldest brother Jim Nackos of Springville, UT; brother Harry Nackos of North Hollywood, CA. n PIHIOU, RITSA CANONSBURG, PA (From the Observer-Reporter, published on Feb. 4) – Ritsa K. Pihiou, 74, of Canonsburg, died Friday, January 30, 2015, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born February 26, 1940, in Rhodes, Greece, a daughter of the late George and Victoria Fotaras Kentros. Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Pihiou worked as a master seamstress. She was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, where she was active with Philoptochos, the choir and the Pan Rhodian Society. Mrs. Pihiou enjoyed designing dresses, gardening, baking and cooking. On July 30, 1961, she married her husband, Andrew J. Pihiou, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, James A. Pihiou and his wife Tricia of Canton, Mich., and George A. Pihiou and his wife Dia of Canonsburg; brother Michael Kentros and wife Lana of McMurray; two sisters, Audrey Scoumis and husband Petro of Canonsburg and Gigi Kavalieros and husband Michael of Rhodes; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are brother Gus Kentros and granddaughter Stella Pihiou. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 to 11 a.m., the time of services, Wednesday, February 4, in All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 601 West McMurray Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317, with Father George L. Livanos officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg. Trisagion services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Arrangements are entrusted to Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College Street, Canonsburg, J. David Sollon, supervisor, Phillip L. Sollon, director, 724-746-1000. The family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Please visit www.sollon.com to leave condolences. n SAVOPOULOS, ANTONIA ATLANTA, GA (From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, published on Feb. 1) – SAVOPOULOS, Antonia Antonia "Toni" Zachos Savopoulos of Charles Town, West Virginia, passed away on January 28, 2015 at the age of 80. Mrs. Savopoulos was a long time resident of Atlanta moving to West Virginia in November of 2014 to live with her daughter and son-in-law. Born in 1934 in Mavromati, Greece to Michael and Eleni Vlassis Zaharogiannis, Antonia immigrated with her family to the United States in 1954 and married Savas "Sam" Costantinou Savopoulos in 1957. Toni proudly became a citizen of the United States on July 4, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia and traveled to Greece most recently in 2010. Since her move to West Viginia, Toni became a football fan. She cheered for whatever team her son-in-law Jim supported. She loved watching old movies, her soap opera "The Young & The Restless", and most of all cooking Greek food for her family. Antonia is survived by her daughter: Sophia Tallant of Charles Town, West Virginia, son: Costa Savopoulos of Winder, Georgia, daughter-inlaw, Marsha Savopoulos, brother: Harry Zachos of Kennesaw, Georgia, grandson: Grant Savopoulos, nieces: Lisa Pierce, Elaine Taylor, Eleni Ware, Helen Oakley, Sherri Adams and Eleni Zachos, nephews: Dr. Obie Powell, Stavros "Shane" Zachos, Michael Zachos, Paul Zachos, Costa Zachos, Christo Zachos and Michael Zaharogiannis. Antonia is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews, in-laws along with many friends all of whom she loved dearly. Mrs. Savopoulos is preceeded in death by her husband Savas "Sam" Costantinou Savopoulos, brothers: George, Paul "Pete", Peter "Gus" and sister: Angela. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 11:00 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Sterling Sports, LLC. Art. of Org. filed Sec'y of State (SSNY) 5/20/14. Principal Office: 105 Stewart Ave NY, Nassau County. SSNY designated as process agent. Process Service address: 105 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 274261/19386 Notice of Formation of BONOMO DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION, LLC a (DOM. LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 12/16/2014. Office location: Kings County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:The LLC, 61 Broadway, Suite #1405, New York, NY 10006. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. 274229/19351 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of GLIFN MEDIA LLC, a (DOM. LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/05/2014. Office location: Kings County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. 274264/19390 LEGAL NOTICE MARY HOWARD STUDIO, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/04/2014, filed with an exist date of: 01/01/2015. Office location: Kings County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 505 Carroll St., Brooklyn, NY 11215. Reg Agent: Mary Howard, 505 Carroll St., Brooklyn, NY 11215. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. 274226/16818 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of 17LEFT, LLC a (DOM. LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/09/2015. Office location: Kings County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Abigail Kramer, 242 Leferts Ave #1, Brooklyn, NY 11225. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. BARRLAND HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/20/2014. Office in Kings Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 359 16th St., Brooklyn, NY 11215, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 274221/19138 274256/19383 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of INTERNATIONAL MIX ARTIST GROUP ENTITY, LLC a (DOM. LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/31/2014. Office location: Kings County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avnue, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Notice of Formation of TRI-LOX MILLWORKS, LLC a (DOM LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 12/03/2014. Office location: Kings County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 125 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho, NY 11753. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. 274218/19339 274257/19384 FUNERAL HOMES LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of RIO GOODIE LLC. Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 10/27/14. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 979 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington, NY 11050. Purpose: Any lawful activity. ITRAS VASILIOS LITRAS OF THE ORIGINAL ITRAS FAMILY OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS asil itras Funeral Home 274245/19196 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of THE MACSTERN GROUP, LLC. (DOM. LLC). Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 1/07/2015. Office location: Kings County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Kristin MacQuarrie, 39 E 2nd Str., Brooklyn, NY 11218. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 274244/19368 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of COCONUT COCONUT AND COCONUT, LLC. (DOM. LLC). Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 1/02/2015. Office location: Kings County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Yair Tygiel, 315 Seigel St., Loft 310, Brooklyn, NY 11206. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 274242/19364 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of 216 PPW REALTY LLC. (DOM. LLC). Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 1/05/2015. Office location: Kings County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Robert Panza / 216 PPW REALTY LLC, 205 Rumson Road, Rumson, NJ 07760. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 274240/19363 LEGAL NOTICE VIRTUALIZE, LLC. Art. of Org. filed w/ NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 8/12/14. Office in Kings Co. SSNY designated agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to Reg. Agent: U.S. Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave. Ste. 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 274233/18796 LEGAL NOTICE YOURMBR LLC. Art. of Org. filed w/ NY Sec. of State (SSNY) on 1/20/15. Office in Kings Co. SSNY designated agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to: Karina Mikhli, 1338 E15 St, Apt. 3, Brooklyn, NY 11230. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 117 Washington Ave., Pleasantville, NY 10570 Nationwide Toll Free 866-725-4872 Chapel Facilities Available in the Metro Area for your convenience. Not affiliated with any other Funeral Home LITRAS FUNERAL HOME ARLINGTON BENSON DOWD, INC FUNERAL HOME 83-15 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11432 (718) 858-4434 • (800) 245-4872 APOSTOLOPOULOS Apostle Family Gregory, Nicholas, Andrew Funeral Directors of RIVERDALE FUNERAL HOME Inc. 5044 Broadway New York, NY 10034 (212) 942-4000 Toll Free 1-888-GAPOSTLE CONSTANTINIDES FUNERAL PARLOR Co. (718) 745-1010 Services in all localities Low cost shipping to Greece ANTONOPOULOS FUNERAL HOME, INC. Konstantinos Antonopoulos Funeral Director 38-08 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, New York 11105 (718) 728-8500 Not affiliated with any other funeral home. 274232/18796 LEGAL NOTICE OSTMANGROUP LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 12/11/14. Office location: Kings County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC, 251 Lee Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11206. General Purposes. 274209/10709 a.m. at The Greek Cathedral of the Annunciation, Atlanta, Georgia. n SEKOULOPOULOS, ALExANDRA LORAIN, OH (From the Morning Journal, published on Jan. 31) – Alexandra Sekoulopoulos (nee Epitropoulos), 88, of Lorain, fell asleep in the Lord Thursday, January 29 surrounded by her family following a sudden illness. She was born May 27, 1926 in Agios Germanos, Macedonia, Greece. She immigrated to Lorain in July of 1960. Shortly after arriving in the US. Mrs. Sekoulopoulos worked for John Christ Winery, Avon Lake, along with other immigrate women from her village. Mrs. Sekoulopoulos retired from The May Company, Sheffield Center after 20 years of service. This is a service to the community. Announcements of deaths may be telephoned to the Classified Department of The National Herald at (718) 784-5255, monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST or e-mailed to: [email protected] TO PlACE yOur ClASSiFiED AD, CAll: (718) 784-5255, ExT. 106, E-mAil: classifieds@ thenationalherald.com Alexandra was a member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church of Lorain. She also attended St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Lorain. Alexandra and her late husband enjoyed traveling. Most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, they were the love of her life. She will be deeply missed by her daughters Asimenia (Dan) Eichler of Elyria Township, Dorothea (Todd) Redilla of Oberlin; son Athanasios (Linda) Sekoulopoulos of Amherst; grandsons, Daniel, Philip, Chad, Shawn, Corey, Nikolas and Stephen and one great grandson, Landon; brother, Periklis (Maria) Epitropoulos of Lorain; sister-inlaw Vasaliki Epitropoulos of Toronto Canada and many nieces and nephews. Alexandra was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Petros Sekoulopoulos in 2007; her parents Sotirios and Neda (Genilandras) Epitropoulos; sister Zoe (John) Seculopoulos and a brother Chris Epitropoulos. Her family suggests memorial contributions to Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church, 3056 Reeves Ave, Lorain, OH 44052 or Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 2000 Tower Blvd, Lorain, OH 44053. THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 GREECE CYPRUS 9 Young Cypriot Entrepreneurs Show the Way, Change People’s Mindsets By Constantine S. Sirigos TNH Staff Writer NEW YORK –According to economist Marina Theodotou Cyprus has finally seen the light after failing to appreciate the entrepreneurial potential of it talented youth. Theodotou told TNH that during the past three years an entrepreneurship community – an ecosystem – has been growing in Cyprus. It now consists of actual startups and various initiatives by individuals and organizations and is accompanied by the elusive Hellenic unicorn: a change in people’s mindsets. “The young have begun to shift away from the notion that the government must take the lead in everything and take care of us,” she said, and they now reject their parent’s hopes for them to obtain “paper-pushing jobs with the government.” Since habits die hard, however, some took their tender entrepreneurial aspirations to the government, and were disappointed. Three things are required Theodoratou told TNH “you need people with brains, money and guts – and a legal infrastructure,” and some of those elements – funding and structural programs, and certainly Economist Marina Theodotou and her friends have been focused on creating an entrepreneurship ecosystem on Cyprus. tax code changes, pointed toward government doors. They brought their energy and ideas but found that the doors were open for the wellconnected but not for them. Groups like Cypriot Enterprise Link (CEL) and the Cyprus’ Junior Achievement chapter Theodotou helped found in 2010 had projects “that we submitted to organizations like the Research Promotion Foundation, which receives EU funding they are supposed to direct to programs around the country, but it would only go to the few ‘usual suspects,’ over and over again.” “Nobody would listen…they said we were too young and inexperienced, that we didn’t have the necessary gravitas,” she said. The media also dismissed them. “So we looked beyond Greece…and we decided to build around the closed doors,” she said. “I decided look and see what is happening around the world and see what such ecosystems need in order to thrive.” She authored as study funded by KP&G about Cyprus’ entrepreneurial ecosystem that focuses on several sectors benchmarked with best practices in Denmark, Israel, Estonia and Ireland that includes a seven-year road map. She gave tourism as an example. “The whole industry needs more customer and service-quality focused.” Young IT geniuses can help by developing aps that can be deployed around the world. Paphos Treasure Hunt is already driving people to Cyprus. IDEAS + HOPE = WOW They also created TedX Nicosia in 2011. “That broke the pattern. We created a new platform and proved we didn’t need the local media.” TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is set of confer- ences run by the private nonprofitSapling Foundation, under the slogan "Ideas Worth Spreading" that helps promote ideas and generate support for worthwhile endeavors. “We opened a window” for the world to look at what young Cypriots, are doing. People said to me ‘TED came to Cyprus? Wow!’” They selected speakers from the community “to show that all around us there are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” “We proved,” she said, “that we can create something out of nothing. We produced the TEDx event with in-kind contributions and help from small startups and money from a few key people.” Some of the participants have already branched off into their own entrepreneurial or publishing initiatives. Theodotou helped create a start-up accelerator for clean technology endeavors. One of them, Chrysalis LEAP, “did so well that the EU selected them to lead clean tech efforts in Cyprus and Greece through mentoring and training and directing them to EU-wide competitions.” WE WILL SEE YOU NOW And the government is fi- nally paying attention. Officials are examining Theodotou’s KP&G study. Progress includes being able to register a business in three days. “That is good, but it’s not enough. You need excellent IT and wifi on the one hand, and a modernized legal and tax system on the other. For example “Israel has an angel law, a tax break for investors in start-ups,” she said, “and in late 2012, based on a recommendation we made, the government tax department reviewed Israeli and EU law…I am now proud to say that Cyprus amended its investment law last July.” The government also recently announced a 9 million euro fund for women entrepreneurs and a youth program for 23 million. Theodotou, who is a refugee from occupied Kyrenia, has a Master’s in economics from the University of South Carolina. She has worked for Bank of America and when she returned to Cyprus she established a consulting firm and helped build the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency as its COO from 2007-2009. She is now a portfolio manager in New York for the prestigious American Management Association. Hydrocarbons: Oil & Gas Exploration and Production, Case on Ioannina TNH Staff [Tekmon Geomatics is a land surveying consultancy based in Ioannina. Its team shares the latest land development projects taking place across Greece with the Greek Diaspora. Tekmon provided the following interview to TNH, which it conducted with Dr. Costas Tzimeas. For more articles on Land Development in Greece visit http://www.tekmon.eu/monthly columnseries.] In an attempt to boost the country’s Oil and Gas Exploration and Production (E&P) industry, in 2012 the Greek Government approved its Licence Agreement for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation on the Ioannina block located in North-Western Greece - a few miles away from the Albanian border. This region, although challenging in terms of morphology holds significant potential according to the company whose assignment is to research the region for what may be a forefront discovery. We spoke with Dr. Costas Tzimeas from Energean Oil & Gas, a private E&P company with a strong track record of over 30 years in the field. In 2014, Energean was granted the license to explore the Ioannina block for potential hydrocarbon discoveries. TG: Tell us about Energean and its main activities. CT: Our main activity is to explore and produce hydrocarbons. Energean was established in 2007 but our affiliate company is Kavala Oil, which has been producing oil from the Prinos block in Northern Greece for over thirty years now. Currently, we’re actively involved in E&P in Greece, Israel and Egypt and we’re always on the lookout for new collaborations. We participate in public tenders in countries like Montenegro and South-East Europe has become a strong area of interest for us. We’re optimistic about the future in this region. TG: For those of us who don’t know, what are hydrocarbons? CT: Hydrocarbons is essentially what we call ‘fossil fuel.’ In other words, hydrocarbons are combustible organic materials that we burn for energy. Those in liquid form are known as crude oil and those in gas form are known as natural gas. From a geological perspective it’s taken millions of years to produce hydrocarbons. The primary material is always organic matter which stems from the remains of animals or plants. When adding exceptional climatic circumstances and underground temperatures and pressures, these decayed organic remains are converted to hydrocarbons that subsequently are expelled from the rocks they were initially buried in and migrate into porous rock formations. Hydrocarbons are eventually locked in these porous rock formations and hydrocarbon reservoirs are formed. As a whole, we first need rocks rich in organic material also known as source rock, the right temperature-pressure circumstances and migration to a porous rock formation that can trap hydrocarbons. All these factors have to co-exist in order to offer evidence of existing hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are then produced and processed in refineries. In terms of the Ioannina block, exploration will be a chal- lenge because of its geological and tectonic settings. There are many risks because commonly used geophysical and non-geophysical methods have proved to be relatively unsuccessful in similar environments. TG: Despite the challenges due to the area’s land morphology, what opportunities did you foresee that prompted you to bid for the block’s exploration? CT: Exploration in Ioannina isn’t new. The Italians made an attempt at shallow drilling after the Second World War. Following that, a consortium between the Greek and French governments also drilled in the area and most recently (in the late 1990s early 2000s) there was Enterprise, a Canadian company later absorbed by Shell, which had also made an attempt but to no avail. So the area is well known in terms of hydrocarbon potential. There is even surface evidence of hydrocarbons near river beds and elsewhere. So, there is no doubt that hydrocarbons exist. The challenge it to discover the correct subsurface structures, find the right deposits, in sufficiently large quantities and all this within budget to make it worthwhile. TG: How did Energean gain exploration permission? CT: The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change put forward an Exploration and Production tender for the Ioannina block in 2012. The bidding round, proposal assessments, Greek Parliament approval and granting of all permits took a little under 3 years. Since October 2014, Energean is the block’s official sponsor. It wasn’t quick but it’s been almost 20 years since the area was last explored so the Ministry took additional precaution, especially in terms of environmental protection measures. Right now, we’re at the stage of implementing our technical and financial work programme precisely as stated in our bid. TG: Tell us about your work programme? CT: Our work programme will last 7 years and will include 3 exploration phases. Phase 1 is research only. At the beginning of phase 1 we have to submit an environmental baseline report which will outline how we will preserve and protect the environment. If drilling were to take place, this would inevitably happen in Phase 2. The plot we’re exploring is 4,200 square kilometers. We’ve trekked the entire plot. I can tell you that the terrain is quite dense with a rough relief. Now, it’s obvious that we will not explore every inch of the plot because this isn’t financially viable. Our research will show which areas are worth exploring. Phase 1 will allow us to focus on the areas we deem of interest in other words, where we find evidence of trapped hydrocarbons. By the end of 2015 we’ll have a better idea of worthwhile locations for later seismic surveys that will point us to the right reserves. TG: How will the local area benefit? CT: If we discover and are in a position to exploit deposits, the community will benefit from additional income stemming from taxation and royalties, while new jobs will be created. 25% tax on profits is standard national tax, among which 5% goes to the local community. During the exploration phases we will require the services of local businesses and labour, therefore, creating work opportunities for the local community. It is estimated that, for each new job that is directly created, three more are created in the wider economy. In turn, a new project builds new skills in the local workforce and local staff will benefit from professional training, while there is also the chance of discovering and producing natural gas in an area which is not approached by Greece’s National Transmission System. We also foresee Energean sponsoring local events and community projects. We look forward to long term collaborations with local authori- ties and the local community. More importantly, we want to reassure the local community that out work programme will not have any consequences on the natural environment. At Energean, we take environmental issues very seriously. Our baseline environmental report and impact assessments are extremely important to us and we take every measure possible to avoid conflict with the local communities. We have an excellent track record as shown with our exemplary Prinos block where we haven’t had any problems for almost 35 years of oil and gas production. We’ve recruited local companies and individuals and have taken all measures to build a sound reputation. It’s all in good management and it’s entirely our responsibility to raise awareness and inform the local area of any possible risks to put their concerns at ease. TG: Is the plot your exploring private or public ownership? CT: It could be both. The government has leased the plot to us for exploration purposes. We don’t own the land that we’re exploring. We pay rent per square meter per year for permission to explore. There is legislation that will entitle land owners compensation for their land if deemed fruitful. But we’re talking about minute sized areas, perhaps a few acres. TG: What quantities do you which the Canadian firm, Bankers Petroleum, produces circa 20,000 bbls daily. Our objective is to discover carbonate rocks, such as limestones known as a ‘reservoir rock’ that contains hydrocarbons. Granted, that is an additional challenge because the tectonics of fold-and-thrust belt regimes such as in Ioannina, and Epirus in general, isn’t quite as straightforward. Similar landscapes exist in the Carpathian region of Romania and in the Middle East such as Iraq. It’s very difficult to reach our desired goal but deposits, as demonstrated in the aforementioned regions, may be so significant that they’ll reward the effort many times over. There is still a long way ahead. TG: Upon discovery of Oil and Gas, how do you plan on making it commercial? CT: As long as we pay our dues to the Greek government on production, as we have been doing for the last 30 years with the Prinos block, the company is at liberty to market the product as it wishes - within or outside the country’s borders or both. For example, we have signed a 6-year off-take agreement with BP for the entire production from Prinos. Of course, it all depends on daily production. The Oil and Gas industry in Greece is heavily regulated. Our production is strictly monitored by the relevant authorities so that all royalties incurred are foresee in terms of oil and natural gas deposits? CT: It is really early to say, but we are encouraged from the fact that in neighbouring areas proven or even producing oil fields exist, i.e. the Patos Marinza field in Albania, from paid to the state as agreed in our contract’s terms and agreements. It makes sense; the Greek government has to receive a piece of the pie, through taxation and disbursement of royalties. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to produce. That’s the agreement. We are monitored on production only. Hence we pay tax and royalties on production. TG: Today the price of oil has reached historically low levels. How will this affect Energean’s activities? CT: There is an impact. However this will not affect our work programme for the Ioannina block. Low prices hit our profits. In terms of the Ioannina block, we’re still at the exploration phase. If we were to drill, it would be no less than three years from now. At that point, it’s difficult to predict what prices will look like. Oil prices have a cycle of 6-7 years. For the Ioannina block, the current drop in oil prices may be a benefit because we’re still exploring. For our other blocks, where we’re producing, we’ve been affected. TG: The morphology of Epirus is not exactly flat. How do you plan on building well site locations? CT: There are solutions, expensive ones, but they exist. If we have to drill on a rough topographic landscape we may drill from further afield, so at a distance. Drilling isn’t only vertical; it can be done horizontally as well, especially when we’re dealing with challenging topography. There are strict environmental laws around drilling and so the drilling itself does not leave any footprints. The only foot print that may exist, and that is if we reach a production stage, will be on the few acres where we’ll have to install facilities. The foot print is minimal. Of course, the company’s main responsibility is to keep the public well informed on all drilling techniques and their impact, however minor, on the environment. That is assuming we even reach that stage. TG: Would hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, used religiously in the U.S., be practiced? CT: There is no legislation regarding the use of hydraulic fracturing in Greece. We will use conventional methods. TG: Are you optimistic? CT: Yes. If you’re not optimistic about a project of such magnitude then it would be best not to get involved. There is evidence of deposits so we’re not going on a hunch. The question we need to answer is the one posed by the Ministry: Will deposits be significant enough to prove that the area is worth investing in? That’s our assignment. Samaras is under Siege by New Democracy Dissidents ATHENS – Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is under a growing assault by lawmakers in his contentious New Democracy Conservatives who blame him for the party’s election loss to the Radical left SYRIZA. Ex-Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis joined other party officials in lambasting him and the European People’s Party for a statement that Europe’s Conservatives put out calling on Greece to accede to demands to international lenders as Samaras did. Bakoyianni had been an outcast from the party and formed her own before Samaras let her back in. Her brother, Samaras’ former Administrative Reform Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is said to be interested in taking over the party from him. Greece’s new coalition, led by the Radical Left SYRIZA leader and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras who unseated Samaras is locked in tough talks with the Eurozone over restructuring a debt deal and trying to wiggle out from under the austerity measures the former Premier imposed. The EPP, and Samaras, said in the statement that Tsipras should “respect all commitments made by the previous Greek government” and not to be an “obstacle.” “What a shame for the EPP,” Bakoyianni tweeted. “They underestimate that in a national ne- gotiation, we are above all Greeks.” She didn’t mention that while serving Samaras, she followed his orders on how to vote and supported the conditions he implemented. Bakoyannis’s comment came after sharp criticism from ex-Interior Minister Yiannis Michelakis and ex-government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, who accused the EPP of suggesting that Athens should not negotiate with its lenders but give in, as Samaras did. Former Education Minister Marietta Giannakou joined in the bandwagon attacks on Samaras and ripped his leadership after SYRIZA walked all over the party in the Jan. 25 elections after Samaras did the bidding of the lenders and imposed big pay cuts, tax hikes, slashed pensions and worker firings. Giannakou continued her attack on Samaras’ leadership of New Democracy. “New Democracy must be a European, democratic party,” she told Real FM. She, too, didn’t speak up before when serving Samaras who is now under siege by the people who once followed him loyally. “It cannot be a party where the decisions are taken by two or three people. A small team of people cannot decide to take the party in one direction or the other,” she said in a shot at Samaras who is facing a leadership challenge. FEATURE 10 THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 From our Website’s Travel Section Taking Time to Smell the Apples: a Visit to Mount Pelion in the Winter By Anthe Mitrakos A friend and I wanted to take a trip outside Athens but since we had separately been to so many nearby mainland Greece destinations, where we would head exactly was a rather difficult choice to make. After giving it (too) much thought and hearing a little advice from some friends, we decided on Pelion. Pelion is a mountain in Central Greece, in close proximity to the port of Volos. In Greek Mythology, the mountain, named after Achilles’s father King Peleus, is said to have been inhabited by the half-man half-horse creatures called centaurs. The most famous of these mysterious beasts is Chiron the Centaur who coached and mentored great heroes like Hercules, Jason, Achilles, and Theseus. For those longing for a bit of adventure, (we went for some snow but it had pretty much melted into an icy slush) Pelion is covered in rich forest, scattered with traditional villages and filled with stone paths and trails that lead to fresh-water springs. In the wintertime, it’s host to a ski resort that was not open when we visited, sadly, as the prospect of skiing in Greece sounded rather exciting to me. Anyway…we decided to head to the traditional village of Makrinitsa. Zooming through mountainous terrain and countless trees, we arrived at the foot of the village where we were greeted by a closed-for-the-season café. Having been to that café before (but in the summertime), I was much looking forward to visiting again as it is situated among trees, vines, and running stream water. In any case, we moved on to stone-paved paths into Makrinitsa. Left and right were little shops all selling pretty much the same things: classic souvenirs (the donkeys, magnets, and kompologia), traditional pottery for home cooking, locally-grown herbs, tsipouro (the area’s trademark liquor) and an array of colorful translucent spoon sweets, marmalades, and preserves in shiny glass jars. Soon enough, we reached A winter visit to Mt. Pelion is living proof why Greece isn’t just for summertime travel. the village center where we found a unique bazaar, the 18th century church of St. John the Baptist, and a very old tree whose history I don’t know, but you can walk through it. Imagine a large tree trunk about 2.5 meters wide at the base completely empty to its core. It actually feels like you’re entering a cave when you walk inside. I’m not sure how this tree has survived in that form, but it is surely one of nature’s more unique miracles! I also noticed that Makrinitsa We took time out to smell the apples. Not these specific ones, but the abundant apple orchards is filled with scattered fountains near Volos – filled the air with the sweet and pleasant aroma of apple juice. with fresh running water. I don’t know about you, but every time I see one of these I simply must touch the crisp ice-cold liquid (especially in the summertime), if not drink it as well. So I did! Moving on, we were greeted by some friendly long-fur felines. Their coat was perfect for the weather, which was just chilly that day, nothing too cold 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 Expresses to bear. After flipping a coin to decide which of the two nearby Nether 3 14 15 16 restaurants with a view we 4 A Papandreou would dine at, we decided to go 17 18 19 the onelitthat the coin sug5 Nottobrightly gested we skip, and it was inRght. away! (abbrev.) 6 20 21 22 23 24 deed a great choice. 7 Famous I amIrene? not one to suggest restaurants unless the experi25 26 27 28 capital 8 Egypt's ence is a worthy one, and at tranut tavern “Apolausi,” we 9 Oak ditional 29 30 31 32 33 34 had a mix of cozy atmosphere stat. (abbrev.) 10 Baseball (we chose to dine inside), with 35 36 37 38 39 11 Manner home-style and well-prepared delicious dishes, and super clean Atlantic Treaty 12 North 40 41 42 43 washrooms (a must). I had the Organization lamb with lemon-flavored pota44 45 46 47 toes and my friend had the Dhabi Stock Exchng. 13 Abu kokora (rooster) with tomato 48 49 50 (abbrev.) sauce and hilopites. Combined a colorful salad, drinks, and season Sullivan 21 Asner 51 52 53 54 55 56 and a wonderful view, our din23 Concede ing experience was one of our trip’sbeliefs highlights. 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 26 Basic We decided to do just a little ___ of the 28 Johnny more sightseeing in Makrinitsa, 64 65 66 67 68 which is famed Godfather, Pt. for 2 its traditional homes built with a grey slate 69 70 71 30 Rodent roof. Further down the road was a bench situated before a comwristwatch 31 "Ultimate" 72 73 74 memorative statue of a woman. brand? If you’re visiting Makrinitsa, www.CrosswordWeaver.com take at least a moment to sit 33 Relative down and enjoy the truly re34 Meets 10 Baseball stat. (abbrev.) markable panoramic view from ACROSS Australia (abbrev.) 11 Manner here. age It is now clear to me why 1 Baby's ACROSS "ball" abode 35 Stone 1244 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Makrinitsa is known as the “Bal5 Capital of Bangladesh Against Excuse me! 36 13 Abu Dhabi Stock Exchng. (abbrev.) cony of Pelion.” 10 Gas burner Fuel 2146 Asner and Sullivan We didn’t know any locals, 14 Kiln 1 Baby's "ball" 37 A Sweathog 2347 Concede so when we finished eating and 15 Abraham's son of Bangladesh Antes 5 Capital Socialist Party 39 Greek 26 Basic beliefs taking a few photos, we hit the 16 Learn Gas burner Fire___ remains 10metal (init.) 2848 Johnny of the Godfather, Pt. 2 road for some more exploring. 17 Jewelry 3049 Rodent Thoughworker we did not see these 18 Speedy Kiln Perfume 14Andretti 41 Hospital 31 "Ultimate" wristwatch brand? close up, there is a famous café 19 Doings Famous fabler 15 Abraham's son or average 42 Standard 3351 Relative called Theofilos which features 20 Blasphemed Fate 3454 Meets artwork by renowned Greek fine 22 Deflect 16 Learn 45 Visualize 35 Stone age abode artist Theofilos Hatzimichail, as 24 Garden tool 17 Jewelry metal 57 Cntr. for Investigative 47 Muscle builder 36 Excuse me! 25 Swedish citizen Speedy Andretti Reprtng. (abbrev.) 37 A Sweathog 27 White18 vegetable 50 Chinese dictator 39 Greek Socialist 29 Greek19 prefix pertaining to stars Doings GayParty (init.) 59 _____ 52 Beginning 41 Hospital worker 32 Saint honored on July 20 Barack 4262 Standard or average 35 Taxis 20 Blasphemed 53 Authority 4564 Visualize 38 Type 22 of meat Deflect Opera solo 55 The Osmond Brothers' 47 Muscle builder 39 Award tool Saber 24 Garden 5066 Chinese dictator 40 Expression of surprise sister 5268 Beginning 41 Tablet25 Swedish citizen Epochs byStaff surprise TNH 56 Take 53 Authority 43 Univ. in Armidale, Australia (abbrev.) 27 White vegetable 5569 TheWithout Osmond Brothers' sister 44 Against 57 House, to Fernando 5670 Take by surprise 46 Fuel 29 Greek prefix pertaining to This week in 1983, on FebUncanny 58 Persia 57 House, to Fernando 47 Antes ruary 17, boxer Marios KaperoMs. Minelli stars 5871 Persia 48 Fire remains nis was born in Patras. After exknowledge 60 Traditional 60 Traditional knowledge 49 Perfume celling in bouts throughout 32 Saint honored on July 20 72 After awhile soccer team 61 Greek 61 Greek soccer team 51 Famous fabler Greece, Kaperonis achieved inBraid Studies Assn. of Korea (abbrev.)63 American 6373 American 54 Fate 35 Taxis ternational fame as an amateur, Studies Assn. 6574 American Society for Nutrition 57 Cntr. 38 for Investigative Reprtng. (abbrev.) and competed in the 2004 Type of meat Scallion of Olympics Korea (abbrev.) 67 Dept. of Education and Science (abbrev.) 59 _____ Gay in his home country. Award 39 62 Barack The 21 year-old Societylighteweight for 65 American 64 Opera40 soloExpression of surprise was beaten, though, by Amir DOWN Nutrition Solution to last week’s puzzle 66 Saber Kahn of Britain, who went on 41 Tablet 68 Epochs to become one of theand most sucDept. of Education 67 A I D S J I F O N C E 69 Without cessful boxers of our time, havSwamps 43 Univ. in Armidale, 1 B L E W Science A R O W A I V E 70 Uncanny ing won(abbrev.) an world championship C A R M E L L A E N R I C O 71 Ms. Minelli as a lightweight and then mov72 After awhile ing up to the welterweight diviT O N K N E E L H E R A 73 Braid sion, where he currently holds F E E H I S V A N E 74 Scallion a world title. S O R T M I L E A G E Kaperonis did not turn pro, I P O U A P I D A R + E N and now, at age 31, is a boxing DOWN coach, teaching the “sweet sciZ E N I T H S B A R B A R A 1 Swamps ence” to the next generation. E N T R E E G A M Y N I P 2 Expresses He recently spoke in his E T N A S P R A I N S 3 Nether hometown of Patras, explaining D A H U C L A D M S 4 A Papandreou that he has no regrets and that 5 Not brightly lit he considers boxing a good S N O B E R O D E N R A 6 Rght. away! (abbrev.) sport for today’s youth. He says E U B O E A E M M A N U E L 7 Famous Irene? the physical contact is boxing is X E B E C I R L A S E A 8 Egypt's capital “cleaner” than in other sports, L I M B S O D S A D M 9 Oak nut and so there is less of a chance of injury. well as the Pelion Museum of Folklore and History where you can see over 1,500 artifacts from everyday Makrinitsian life including weapons, jewelry, artwork, and more. VOLOS On our journey, we passed by a flourmill and the atmosphere smelled of, well, flour. When driving through apple orchards near Volos, the air was suddenly filled with apple-juice smell. Olive groves smelled of fresh-pressed olives, and at some point we smelled chips. I looked left and right and noticed a Chipita facility. At that point, we laughed. I don’t remember having experienced so travelled. It was a truly winding road all the way downhill! In any case, we had already stopped in Volos for a quick walk before heading to Makrinitsa and we didn’t care much to go back for a night visit. Volos has a pretty lengthy waterfront lined with cafes and restaurants from one end to the other. The place makes for a nice stroll during any time of the day and from what I recall during a past visit, the nightlife here is not too lively. In the summertime, bars and mini clubs keep their music on the down low and close their doors to further block out the sound when it gets late. many distinct (pleasant) smells on one journey before…that’s why I was so amused. Anyway, after visiting the traditional village of Makrinitsa with its grey slate roof houses and stone-paved paths, we headed to Zagora. Accompanying us on our way there through thick forest and what was left of previous snowfall was a Zagorin Hellas company truck probably on its way to pick up some apples. Zagora is apparently known for its apples, though we didn’t get to taste any during our visit – which was very short. The sun was about to start setting soon and we didn’t spend much time at all in this village. We turned back around and headed to Volos, though we must have missed some turn over conversation and ended up taking a much longer route back. I got dizzy on the way down because this road seemed endless and had many turns. Viewing a map the next day I realized we look the road less Having visited Volos a summer some three years ago after a trip to the more buzzing Northern Sporades (mainly Skiathos), I noticed the contrast in nightlife immediately. And there is something strange about the place. The waterfront seems quaint, filled with sailboats and smaller yachts. And since no cars are allowed access there, the stretch is perfect for walking and biking around, or to sit and enjoy your favorite drink with a calming view, whatever be the season. On the street just behind all that, however, the place takes on a dusty city look. With gas stations, fast food joints, neon lights, cement, trash bins, and cars…you get the essence you’re in an urban environment. The stark difference from one street to the next startled me the first time I experienced it and I cannot say I did not like it, for whatever reason. But this time was my third time in Volos and I did not have much interest in staying even for coffee. Maybe next time! THE HERALD SQUARE TNH's Crossword Challenge This Week in Greek History: Boxer Marios Kaperonis is Born Solution: THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 GREECE CYPRUS 11 SYRIZA’s Molon Labe to Troika Restores National Pride of the Hellenes ATHENS – A side-effect of the rise of the Radical Left SYRIZA’s to Greece’s Premiership has been that it – not the ultranationalists of Golden Dawn – has made Greeks proud again after nearly five years under the boot heels of international lenders. They might be in the Greek equivalent of the Alamo – or like King Leonidas faced the Persian might at Thermopylae in 490 BC – but Greeks are echoing his cry to demands and SYRIZA’s answer that they throw down their weapons: Molon Labe. Come and take them. Since 2010, a succession of Greek governments controlled essentially by the once-dominant twin powers of the New Democracy Conservatives and the PASOK Socialists, together and in coalition, had ceded the country’s sovereignty in return for 240 billion euros ($272 billion) in two rescue packages from the Troika of the European UnionInternational Monetary FundEuropean Central Bank (EUIMF-ECB). The lenders demanded, and got, humiliating austerity measures that created record unemployment and deep poverty and made many Greeks feel like beggars dependent on foreigners for their survival. SYRIZA, under its leader and now Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, had fought ferociously against the big pay cuts, tax hikes, slashed pensions, and worker firings and got rewarded with a thumping victory in early national elections on Jan. 25. While SYRIZA is locked in a struggle with the lenders over unfinished reforms, and Tsipras is backtracking on some of his promises to better social bene- AP PHOTO/PETrOS GiANNAkOuriS A Greek flag for sale waves as people walk in Syntagma square Monday, Feb. 16, 2015. fits, for now at least a lot of Greeks feel like someone is standing up to banks and foreign politicians. In an analytical feature, the Reuters news agency pointed out the stark difference, even if warnings that the country will go bankrupt unless it buckles come true. “The message of impending doom appears to have gone largely unnoticed on the streets of Athens, where a mood of hope and optimism bordering on euphoria reigns as Greeks see themselves finally shaking off foreign shackles to shape their own destiny,” it reported. “Bankrupt but free” proclaimed a banner at a pro-government demonstration that drew thousands while hardliner motorcycle-riding Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis - compared to Bruce Willis in Die Hard - is drawing rave reviews from fans as he stands up to the lenders, particularly Germany, the biggest contributor to the loans and the demander of austerity. “For the first time in years I feel proud to be Greek,” said Lena Dousiou, a 32-year-old who worked in a printing shop before being laid off two years ago. “We went to the Europeans with our head held high and told them ‘Enough is enough!’” Another TV feature on Varoufakis had the pop hit “Can’t take my eyes off you” in the background while women from Spain to Germany swooned for his rebellious stance and tough guy talk even though he hasn’t materialized a deal. Two polls showed that over three-quarters of Greeks support Tsipras line-in-the-sand position against the Troika and Eurozone even if it alarmed markets. An opinion poll showed 79 percent of Greeks backed Tsipras’s policies and 74 percent believed his negotiating strategy will succeed, even though Greece has so far found not a single ally among the other 18 Eurozone countries. It’s a far cry from the panic, despair and Jimmy Carter-like malaise that dominated under former PASOK Socialist Premier George Papandreou, hounded out of office by relentless protests, strikes and riots, and New Democracy Conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ submission to the Troika. Greeks felt since many had nothing, they had nothing to lose, and were enraged that politicians, the rich and tax cheats escaped austerity and prospered while workers, pensioners and the poor were punished and forced to bear the burden of generations of wild spending and runaway patronage by New Democracy and PASOK. “We’d hit rock bottom,”Minas Kontogeorgopoulos, 59, who works in a key-cutting shop in a dimly lit arcade in central Athens where some shops are boarded up and others bear For Sale signs told Reuters. “The Europeans have humiliated us. I don’t know if Tsipras will succeed but someone had to tell them enough is enough.” PRIDE AND DIGNITY In an emotional first speech to Parliament as prime minister, Tsipras mentioned the word “dignity” 11 times, a word buried since the Troika came to down and essentially ordered around Greek leaders who had to bow and curtsy, as Papandreou did when he first went to them hat-in-hand asking for money after he told voters there was plenty. A skilled orator with a keen sense of the public mood, Tsipras has made restoring Greek pride after four years of “national humiliation” at the hands of what he paints as dogmatic foreign technocrats a cornerstone of his rhetoric. “We declare categorically that we will not negotiate our history,” Tsipras thundered in parliament to rapturous applause. “We will not negotiate the pride and dignity of this people.” It was uplifting stuff to people who’d been forced to their knees by their leaders. Greeks have long harbored conspiracy theories that foreign interests want to control the country, and particularly peculiar beliefs that the United States is lurking behind a curtain and trying to victimize Greeks. It’s a sense that goes back hundreds of years to being occupied by the Ottomans and a bevy of other foreigners, right up to the Nazis and, more recently, the Troika, seen as an economic occupier. Many senior SYRIZA officials have spent years portraying Greece as a victim of foreign interests. New Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias published a book a year ago titled Greece: Debt Colony. European Autocracy and German Primacy - and he studied and lived in Germany and speaks German. “They are the only ones sticking up for the people,” Nikos Baltopoulos, a 47-year-old engineer told Reuters. “I didn’t vote for Tsipras because he seemed too radical, but maybe this is what we need. Austerity had numbed us all these years, we started accepting whatever we were told.” It may not last, but it feels good. Tsipras Nominates ND’s Pavlopoulos For President TNH Staff ATHENS – Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, the Radical Left SYRIZA leader, put forth the name of New Democracy Conservative lawmaker Prokopis Pavlopoulos to be the country’s symbolic President. Pavlopoulos served his party leader and former Premier Antonis Samaras and occassionally barked about some of the harsh austerity measures that came with international bailouts but supported them. Pavlopoulos, 64, is a lawyer who was a former Minister of the Interior and Public Order and served his party leader and former Premier Antonis Samaras and occasionally barked about some of the harsh austerity measures that came with international bailouts but supported them. Pavlopoulos will need to get 180 votes in the 300-member Parliament in voting which begins on Feb. 17. SYRIZA and its coalition partner, the Independent Greeks, (ANEL) have 162 and the choice of a lawmaker Prokopis Pavlopoulos from the Leftist's bitter political rival could be a hard sell to some die-hard far-leftists in SYRIZA. Traditionally, a Premier picks a compromise candidate from another party for the job but Samaras brought his downfall as Prime Minister by trying to push through his party's VicePresident Stavros Dimas for the position but lost that battle, leading to early national elections which elevated SYRIZA. Tsipras had to pick a candidate to replace Karolos Papoulias, whose term is expiring and until Pavlopoulos was named the frontrunner was another New Democracy stalwart and the country's European Commissoner and former Athens Mayor, Dimitris Avramopoulos. But Avramopoulos didn't back have the backing of ANEL leader Panos Kammenos, now Defense Minister, who broke from New Democracy in a bitter dispute and has been a fierce critic of the party and Samaras. Speaking to SYRIZA's parliamentary group, Tsipras said the decision to nominate the former conservative Interior Minister reflected the need for political and social consensus even though it meant he had to nominate someone whose political positions are anathema to him. ANEL had liked New Democracy lawmaker Dora Bakoyian- nis, who also had been an outcast for a while from the Conservatives and formed her own party, only to be invited back in before turning on Samaras after he lost. Kathimerini said that SYRIZA officials told Tsipras the only conservative candidates the party could accept were Pavlopoulos, as he has been critical of the bailout agreements, and former Education Minister Marietta Giannakou who has been snapping hard at Samaras for the party’s defeat. The nomination is a defeat for some forces in SYRIZA though who wanted a more Leftist-oriented choice, such as author Ioanna Karystiani, filmmaker Costa Gavras, and former Finance Minister Manolis Drettakis, who left PASOK in 1984 and later joined Synaspismos Left Coalition, the precursor to SYRIZA. “The will of the Greek people has to be completely satisfied and this will come if the President is from the left,” said SYRIZA veteran and MEP Manolis Glezos, a WWII hero. Despite Impasse, Greece Sees Debt Deal Coming Continued from page 1 is made, Greece can present alternative measures but not roll back previous reforms or take “unilateral steps,” Dijsselbloem said, noting that Greece’s demand for a “bridge” agreement was essentially “just another word” for an extension. The Eurogroup chief underlined the need to “rebuild trust.” He suggested that a new program would not differ greatly from the previous one. “The rules and regulations talk about strict conditionalities. It would still be about fiscal sustainability,” he said. Varoufakis insisted that he was prepared to sign the text he was shown by Moscovici “there and then” but didn’t know why the wording was changed He still said he believed a deal would be struck before what’s left of the rescue packages runs out on Feb. 28 and that Athens is confident of a four-month extension he said isn’t an extension an that the government was willing to relent on some conditions it had opposed. “I have no doubt that within the next 48 hours Europe is going to come together and we shall find the phrasing that is necessary so that we can submit it and move on to do the real work that is necessary,” he said. Moscovici, however, stressed that there is “no alternative to the extension of the current program.” He called on the Greek government to request an extension, adding that there would be “flexibility over the short term.” “During the extension, we will have time to work on details,” he said. “We have to be logical, not ideological.” Moscovici said the Greek side Spanish Economy Minister Luis de Guindos, right, greets Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis during a meeting of EU finance ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels on Tuesday. had put forth vague ideas during earlier talks with Troika envoys, leaving the lenders and the Eurozone flummoxed about just what Tsipras and Varoufakis want as the SYRIZA team keeps an eye on the electorate it promised relief from harsh austerity measures imposed by earlier governments on Troika orders. Varoufakis, who had said that Greece would reject the Troika memoranda outright now said it will accept 70 percent of it but the lenders want it all or said it will be they, not Greece, who will walk. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker made a last-ditch effort at a compromise but Varoufakis said it was torpedoed by Eurozone finance chiefs playing hardball with Greece. Varoufakis said it was Dijsselbloem who changed the terms and demanded that Greece stick to the deal that SYRIZA had flatly rejected while campaigning and as soon as it took office after the Jan. 25 elections. “The next step has to come from the Greek authorities,” Dijsselbloem told reporters. “They have to make up their minds whether they will ask for an extension.” Varoufakis said Greece had no choice but to refuse the statement on offer. “In the history of the European Union nothing good has ever come out of ultimatum,” he told reporters after the meeting. Greece is willing to extend the current aid program as long it’s done on the right terms, Varoufakis said. A cornerstone of Syriza’s election victory was there would be no extension. In return for billions of rescue money, successive governments have had to impose a series of economic reforms and spending cuts, which the Greek government blames in large part for the country’s ills. “It would be an act of subterfuge to promise we will complete a program we were elected to challenge,” said Varoufakis. Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the head of the so-called Eurogroup, said the program should be extended to get more time to agree on a lasting solution. “My strong preference still is to get an extension of the program, and I think it is still feasible,” he told a press conference after the talks ended. Malta’s finance minister, Edward Scicluna, worried about the implications of a failure by Athens to request an extension: “Then we won’t meet. There won’t be anything. It will be a disaster.” (Material from the Associated Press was used in this report) AP PHOTO/PETrOS kArADJiAS Bank of Cyprus Car Burns A man and a woman stand by a burnt vehicle in Strovolos, a suburb of Cyprus’ capital Nicosia, Tuesday, Feb. 17. Police are investigating the fire that destroyed a vehicle belonging to the Bank of Cyprus, the country’s largest lender. The car was parked in a cul-de-sac, near the home of Bank of Cyprus CEO John Patrick Hourican who is currently out of the country. Cyprus Showing Signs of Looming Rebound NICOSIA – With President Nicos Anastasiades saying Cyprus is on the road to recovery, investors are showing keen interest in pouring money into the country, while the country is working on a gas pipeline deal with Egypt and easing money transfers abroad. Fund managers from companies such as Goldman Sachs, the Bank of America, Societe Generale, HSBC and at least 15 funds from the Arab world, listened to officials during the two-day Cyprus Investors Summit, trying to persuade them about stability and a looming comeback. Antenna TV reported that high on the list was the Mall of Cyprus in Nicosia and the Limni Bay Resort, both operated by the Shacolas Group, the Venus Rock resort in Paphos, the Nicosia City Mall in Lakatamia, as well as other mostly property related projects. The investors Mohammed Elqeheisi from Saudi Arabia and Colin Wright from the Buena Vista Group. Other projects presented included the Makronisos Marina, Lord Byron Tower, Sandarosa Tower, Neapolis Eco City in Paphos, Vasa Gold Resort, Macedonitissa States, Pafilia Tower and Limassol Landmark, St Elizabeth Gold Resort, Elea Estates, Pavilion Business Center and the Delmar in Limassol. The Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) presented 18 major projects and Finance Minister Haris Georgiades and Privatisations Commissioner Constantinos Herodotou talked about the government’s plan to sell state-owned companies. Cyprus and Egypt have tightened their energy cooperation with an agreement to sort out the technical details of laying an undersea pipeline that would carry offshore natural gas to Egyptian processing facilities. Egyptian Petroleum Minister Sherif Ismail and Cypriot Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis agreed in Cairo on Feb. 16 to find a way to transport gas from a field off Cyprus that is estimated to hold 3.6 trillion to 6 trillion cubic feet of the fossil fuel. A statement said details will be examined with other companies involved in gas transport and processing and a deal is expected to be hammered out within six months. Ismail said in November that his country is looking to import Cypriot gas both for domestic use and for possible re-export to other countries. Meanwhile, coming up on two years since Cyprus asked the Troika of the European Union-International Monetary Fund-European Central Bank (EU-IMF-ECB) for a 10 billion euro bailout that came with attached harsh measures, the government is letting up even more capital controls that had been put into place to prevent a run on the banks. In a further easing of restrictions on money transfers,Cyprus’ Finance Ministry says it has raised the amount of money individuals can now take out of the country at any one time to 50,000 euros ($57,000). The Finance Ministry announced the increase from the previous limit of 20,000 euros. Cyprus imposed the restrictions amid concerns over bank runs when it required a bailout package in 2013 that hit its financial sector hard. The limits are being lifted gradually. Last month, Cyprus scrapped a 2-million-euro limit on the amount of money businesses can take out of the country. EDITORIALS LETTERS 12 THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The National Herald From our Website Greek Orthodox Church Deserves to Go Broke Publisher-Editor Antonis H. Diamataris Assistant to the Publisher, Advertising Veta H. Diamataris Papadopoulos Executive Editor Constantinos E. Scaros Religion Editor Theodore Kalmoukos Senior Writer Constantine S. Sirigos Online Managing Editor Andy Dabilis Production Manager Chrysoula Karametros Marketing & Design Director Anna Angelidakis The National Herald (USPS 016864) is published weekly by The National Herald Inc. at 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 Tel: (718)784-5255, Fax: (718)472-0510, e-mail: [email protected] Democritou 1 and Academias Sts, Athens, 10671, Greece Tel: 011.30.210.3614.598, Fax: 011.30.210.3643.776, e-mail: [email protected] 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 Home delivery New England States: 1 year $109.00, 6 months $57.00, 3 months $41.00, 1 month $18.00 On line subscription: Subscribers to the print edition: 1 year $57.60, 6 months $39.50, 3 months $25.00; Non subscribers: 1 year $90.00, 6 months $45.50, 3 months $22.50 Periodical postage paid at L.I.C., N.Y. and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send change of address to: THE NATIONAL HERALD, 37-10 30th Street, LIC, NY 11101-2614 Greeks and Germans First, Play Chicken… The question is, who will blink first, Greece or Germany? Most reasonable people would say that depends on who has the greatest need. And that is not Germany. The clock is ticking. Greece must reach an agreement within a few days. If that does not happen, Pandora's Box will open and what emerges will hit the people of Greece and the Tsipras government very hard. Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis says that time is the most valuable commodity. It is an unrenewable resource. But the question remains, how much time is left? It is crystal clear by now that Prime Minister Tsipras, under strenuous time constraints, is looking for a lifeline. Thus, he has begun his attempts to fool the people. For example, the troika has been re-Christened "the representatives of the institutions." Yet, a critical issue looms: to what extent can politicians deceive voters before elections and what price will they pay when the people figure out the fraud? In the Greek context, the current government appears to be fighting to keep its promises to the people, but is confronted with a different reality in Europe. It would certainly be a thousand times better to tell the truth: “O fellow Greeks, we fought, we struggled, but in the end we did not get the desired results. So, instead of leading the country into adventures, we considered it our patriotic duty to retreat.” The people surely would show more understanding if they were spoken to in that manner, rather than with a spirit of deception. Germany has the support of all the other Eurozone countries, each for its own reasons. The consensus is that changing the rules midstream for Greece would destroy the Eurozone’s credibility. Why make an exception in Greece and not, say, in Spain? And if a compromise is not reached, the consequences would be terrible. The logic of “don’t press us or we will jump of the cliff and take you all with us" doesn’t work. The Germans have taken precautions. They will have to deal with real economic turmoil and pain, but that will be temporary. What they are not prepared to do is to continue to deal every now and then with the effects of the ongoing Greek crisis. Simply put, they are tired of that game. …then, Kick the Can It would surprise us if current negotiations do not result in a compromise ensuring that Greece, at least for the time being, will remain in the Eurozone. No thanks to Yanis Varoufakis’ Game Theory, which delivered no miracle. None either to the Germans being emotionally moved by the solidarity the Greek people have shown in backing their new leader, Alexis Tsipras. They weren’t. Moreover, a compromise will not materialize because European Central Bank President Mario Draghi would lose any sleep if Greece was out of the Eurozone. He wouldn’t. The reason is none of the above: it is because of the role the United States is playing, albeit for its own geopolitical interests, in advocating for Greece’s cause. We remind that is why President Obama specifically pressed German Chancellor Angela Merkel about Greece in their recent joint press conference. And that he encouraged her to develop a strategy for the Greek economy within the Eurozone. The United States continues to lobby intensely for Greece. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew spoke directly with Tsipras, instead of his Greek counterpart Varoufakis, while Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with his own counterpart in the Greek government, Nikos Kotzias. We can easily surmise that similar phone calls were made by the Americans to Germany, and elsewhere. What did they talk about? It is not difficult to imagine. Essentially, that in a tumultuous world from the dangerous crisis in Ukraine, to a Middle East fast approaching the brink of disaster – with a looming threat over Israel about a potentially nuclear Iran – and an unpredictable Turkey under Recep Erdogan’s leadership, the last thing the United States would need is the destabilization of Greece and increasing influence by Moscow spreading in Athens and Cyprus. America’s strong support of Greece after World War II, as evidenced by the Truman Doctrine, was not for naught. Certainly, the United States would not let those efforts go to waste and allow Greece to fall into Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s clutches, over a few billion euros. That is why we believe that, even as the Germans will continue to insist upon the agreed-upon conditions, the Eurozone’s principles and values, and the need for reforms, in the end they will agree on a formula that will simply kick the can down the road, for now. A formula that both Tsipras and Merkel can present to their respective nations as a “win-win.” Until the next crisis. The Way it Is “That’s the way it is” was the motto of Walter Cronkite, the legendary anchorman who was touted “the most trusted person in America.” More so than with anyone else, Americans felt confident that if Cronkite said it, it must be true. That is why we agree with NBC News’ decision to suspend without pay its popular and successful chief anchor, Brian Williams, for not telling the truth. Williams significantly embellished a story: while in Iraq in 2003, he said his helicopter was hit by a grenade and was forced to land. Turns out, Williams was in a helicopter about an hour behind. Though it is unfortunate that Williams’ career might be destroyed because of a “fish tale,” by suspending Williams NBC sent a clear message: integrity trumps ratings. It is a sad day for Williams, but a great day for journalism. To the Editor: In response to “Priest Blows Whistle On Bishop, Says He Fears Retaliation For Talking,” by Theodore Kalmoukos: You are preaching to the choir. This clown should not only resign but he should be de- TO OUR READERS The National Herald welcomes letters from its readers intended for publication. They should include the writer’s name, address, and telephone number and be addressed to: The Editor, The National Herald, 37-10 30th Street, long island City, Ny 11101. letters can also be faxed to (718) 4720510 or e-mailed to [email protected]. we reserve the right to edit letters for publication and regret that we are unable to acknowledge or return those left unpublished. frocked by the archbishop, but you know that won’t happen. If Parishioners start tightening their wallets, then the archdiocese will see insolvency coming fast unless the clowns at the top who live a lavish lifestyle are removed or resign. I am not giving a red cent to these clowns anymore. I will send my money to wonderful programs like St. Jude’s Hospital for children, which does tremendous work. HIs Eminence must retire and Bishop Demetrios must resign. I am no longer going to give monies to the church until they weed out the criminal embezzling types. In the non-ecclesiastical United States, these guys would be on trial for embezzlement and racketeering. The priestly vestments do not give them free pass. I am done giving to the Greek Orthodox Church. Let them go under: they earned it. trianjo tinos E. Scaros: I truly enjoyed this column because your analogies were perfect. I don’t understand that transfer of power either. Maybe Mr. Tsipras is a” brilliant” individual, with street smarts, and has figured everything out. This is the reason why after WWII Greece has never had a government that its people could benefit from and trust. That is why just like my par- ents, my husband, and millions of Greeks, I abandoned Greece, and never looked back after many years. Another fact that I don’t understand is why Greece needs to have almost as many legislators (Parliament) as we have (Congress), and if I’m not mistaken, about forty political parties. Hence the old saying, “too many cooks…” pkoutsa7 GEOrGE SArAFOGlOu / SPECiAl TO THE NATiONAl HErAlD A weekly publication of the NATIONAL HERALD, INC. (ΕΘΝΙΚΟΣ ΚΗΡΥΞ), reporting the news and addressing the issues of paramount interest to the Greek-American community of the United States of America. “Hello, I’m Alexis, Welcome to Walmart” In response to “Is Alexis Tsipras the New Walmart Greeter of Greece?” by Constan- AGORA – THE ORIGINAL MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS By Dan Georgakas and Constantinos E. Scaros From time to time, an issue emerges and inspires various minds to converge, often at odds with one another, to discuss it. Hopefully, collective enlightenment will result from such conversations. The Ancient Greeks did that in the Agora, the original marketplace of ideas, and we, their modern-day descendants, aspire to continue that tradition. We respect one another’s opinion very much, but often times we will disagree on particular issues. We would never fabricate a difference of opinion for the sake of writing an interesting column. Rest assured, anything we write here are our sincere, heartfelt thoughts. We will share them with you every two weeks. We hope you enjoy them, and we look forward to your taking part in the discussion as well – by contributing letters to the editor in response, and/or commenting on our website: www.thenationalherald.com Trans-Pacific Partnership: Government is Keeping Mum GEORGAKAS PRESENTS HIS POINT OF VIEW Dino, I am wary when President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Goldman Sachs, House Speaker John Boehner, and the Bank of America all agree that an international economic agreement is just what the financial doctor ordered. My skepticism is further roused by the insistence this should be “fast track” legislation. That mass media is virtually ignoring the issue also is troubling. I am referring to the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement soon to be acted on by the Congress. The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement would be the largest trade agreement in history. It involves most of the countries bordering the Pacific Ocean (China excluded). These nations have some eight hundred million citizens and account for 40% of the world’s economy. Some of the wealthiest companies in Japan, the United States, and South Korea would be direct beneficiaries of an agreement that essentially frees corporations from national regulation. The agreement is touted as protecting intellectual property rights and allowing free enterprise to flourish. An example of what this means in reality is that drug firms will be allowed to hold exclusive rights to a drug for a longer period than presently which would prevent low-priced generic drugs from being manufactured. Additional “protections” of patents will increase the costs of producing generic drugs even after they are authorized. Another aspect of intellectual property rights involves the complex issues surrounding Internet access and control. A particularly outrageous aspect of the Trans-Pacific Agreement is that disputes will not be handled at a governmental level but by an International Tribunal of private attorneys immune from any nation’s legal system. This Tribunal would be mandated to protect corporations from “unfair” national legislation if it harms their profits. Getting past moralistic linguistics, this means that laws regarding environmental protection, workplace safety, and human rights could be deemed “unfair.” The corpo- President Obama and nine other TPP nation leaders. Why are both major parties, huge American banks, and a dozen countries trying to pass this deal on the fast-track, while the media has kept mum about it? Scaros and Georgakas both call for more trasparency in government. rations then could do as they pleased. American laws would be compromised. I am reminded of the decades-long struggle by Vermonters to close a malfunctioning nuclear reactor. Even after Vermont’s governor and legislature voted to close the facility, the federal government delayed the process for years under the rationale that it would harm the provider’s balance sheet and might result in insufficient energy. When the reactor was finally closed, no power shortages followed and the utility remains profitable. An International Tribunal of producers could easily thwart such citizen initiatives. The International Tribunal also would decide on any damages to be paid due to oil spells, harmful products, personal injuries, and other legal claims against corporations. Other provisions are so hostile to standard labor regulations in America that the swishing sound you will hear is that of more American jobs going overseas just when American manufacturing is starting to revive. Of equal concern is that Obama wants this legislation passed by what is called fast tracking. If that procedure it accepted, Congress would cede to the President its constitutional obligation to debate and modify trade laws. Although the Congress would still have to ratify any agreements a President negotiates, it could not make any changes in them. Moreover, Congress would be forced to approve or disapprove any agreement within 90 days. One can easily imagine the economic handouts that would be embedded in the details of such agreements. I believe the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will be very profitable for the 1% of America’s superrich and harmful for the rest of us. Moreover, fasttracking blurs the difference between the executive and legislatives branches of government. I am wondering how you perceive the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement proposal and the desire to enact it via the fast track approach. SCAROS RESPONDS Dan, it is a good thing that you raised this issue because, as you say, it has hardly been mentioned in the mainstream media. You will notice that I am less committed to this issue one way or the other than is usually the case with our exchanges, and part of that is certainly because as these Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations continue in secrecy, I am just as in the dark about what’s going on as most everyone else. Granted, I am not a conspiracy theorist, and when virtually the only websites that appear in a TPP Google search are the same ones that usually purport that 9/11 was an inside job, Washington DC is an elaborate Masonic labyrinth, etc., I tend to think there’s no real issue here. That said, however, I am leery of free trade in general, fast-track legislation specifically, and any type of secret negotiations that do not involve national security. I must admit – the notion of any deal that does not involve China or Russia sounds sweet. Moreover, if even more nations join the venture, I have read that the United States might enjoy an additional quarter trillion dollars in income every year, which may put the country on a whole other fast track…to a balanced budget. Nonetheless, at the end of the day these statistics are meaningless if they do not translate to a better quality of life for Americans. I am less concerned about a record-setting stock market than I am about the continued wealth gap. And something tells me more free trade will lead to fewer American jobs, and more corporate fat cats getting richer by using cheap labor overseas. Even as I respond to you here, I have good reasons to support TPP and equally good ones to oppose it. Certainly more attention ought to be paid to this issue by the U.S. and international media. That will help shape the debate an alert a largely unaware world to it. I have defended President Obama often on the whole, but his is probably the most secretive administration since Richard Nixon’s. I am happy that you chose this topic for this week’s Agora, Dan, because at the very least, this article will now appear in future Google searches about the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and hopefully it will convey the message that people ought to demand transparency from their government. WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Observations By Antonis H. Diamataris Tsipras through Diaspora’s Lens Developments in Greece are once again monopolizing the Diaspora’s attention. How will the situation develop under the new government? Will Greece remain in the Eurozone or not? Those are the usual questions. But first, let us look at how the Greeks of Greece see it: the euphoria there with the election of Alexis Tsipras and the patriotic tone of his Parliament address have rekindled interest, but not one of great magnitude. As for Greek-Americans, the majority of them care about substance, not rhetoric. In America, actions speak louder than words. Accordingly, they are worried whether the new government will be able to address the major challenges facing the country. They worry that some top SYRIZA officials are ideologically trapped in failed theories of the past. What is certain is that the business world – among them Greeks and non-Greeks alike –including those who have invested or were planning to invest in Greece, are expressing disappointment in what they are seeing. They believe it is essential not only to continue with the reforms enacted so far, but to accelerate them. If this unquestionably negative climate is not reversed soon, it will further complicate the situation in Greece. As to whether Greece will remain in the Eurozone, I see a shift and a change of tone: from "not under any circumstances" to "there is no alternative, no matter however painful it might be in the short and mid term." And most are expressing this view not in whispers, as they did before. Neither do they consider valid the presumption that a Grexit would demolish both the country and the continent. The majority of experts with whom I have recently spoken believe it was wrong for Greece not to leave the Eurozone in 2010. But once Greece decided to remain, they say, it had to endure any political sacrifice that was necessary in order to implement the most serious and complex reforms with vigor and expeditiousness. But since Greece did not do so, the country is not competitive, and any accommodations now have little significance. Moreover, given that the current government presents an anti-reforms image – see the most recent statements of Reconstruction Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis – that makes things even worse. Regardless of what unfolds with the Europeans, even if the government achieves a great “victory,” it will not be long before the country will need to ask for more help – that is to say, a new memorandum. But how many times can this be repeated? THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 VIEWPOINTS 13 Is Merkel about to Pull the Lost in Space: Proposals for Cyprus Hydrocarbons Policy Old Bait and Switch Routine? By Nicos A. Rolandis* Special to The National Herald emotional but illAt a conclave I considered decision had the luck to atto undermine Samatend last week, ras on the eve of the about a dozen or elections by limiting more of the most the extension of the distinguished bailout to two names in American months instead of and international six. finance discussed We should not the current Greek underestimate Mrs. crisis. The discusMerkel. She must sants divided themknow that she canselves into three by AMB. PATRICK N. not continue her roughly equal THEROS present austerity groups. One third policies but needs a took the position Special to The National Herald face-saving way out. that Greece conNick argues that she tracted its debts and had no choice but to pay could easily take a page out of them off; to allow otherwise the way the Americans managed would encourage the other dead- the 2008 crisis. In early Septembeats in the world to welch on ber of that year, Lehman Broththeir debts. Forgiving Greek debt ers, one of the most important would open the floodgates of Wall Street institutions, effec“moral hazard.” Former Prime tively went broke. The US TreaMinister Antonis Samaras, they sury Secretary and the Federal asserted, was on the right track, Reserve Chairman decided after Greece had achieved a re- a series of all-nighters (not unlike spectable primary surplus, priva- the current Varoufakis-EU negotization was well underway, and tiations) to let Lehman Brothers its GDP on the macroeconomic go under. Although Lehman’s collevel had registered the best im- lapse did indeed threaten to provement in the EU. (For the bring down the rest of the Amerrecord, one can say Greece looks ican financial system, it also good only because the rest of the scared the pants off all the fiscal EU looks so dismal.) Another conservatives (whose fiscal conthird argued with equal passion servatism includes protecting that the whole world knows that their own personal fortunes) in German-imposed austerity has finance and politics. The Lehman failed in Greece and no possible collapse provided excellent politscenario would allow Greece to ical cover for the GOP to find a even lower its debt-to-GDP ratio, way to temporarily suspend its let alone pay it off. They argued free-market rhetoric and opened that Mrs. Merkel’s policies repre- the door to TARP and other fisented the real “moral hazard” nancial sector rescue schemes because they threatened the in- that would have been politically tegrity and cohesion of the Euro- impossible a few weeks earlier. The United States halted conzone and even the EU, so that she could continue to win elec- tagion by reversing course immetions. The third cohort had a diately after making an example more interesting take on the sit- of Lehman Brothers. Mrs. Merkel uation. They argued that several has one dramatic option open to simple and easily-applied solu- her to save both her political fortions were available and known tunes and the overall German to the protagonists on both sides. and EU economies. Hold the line (In the interests of brevity, we on Greece, force it into bankcan summarize the solutions as ruptcy and do whatever possible extending loan periods and lim- to publicly punish it for its insultiting interest repayment to a ing behavior, thus satisfying a dosmall percentage of surplus GDP, mestic voter base screaming for while giving the Greek Govern- Greek blood. Then, with enough ment both breathing space and safety measures in place to give meeting tough macroeconomic her a few weeks before the percriteria to implement its new pro- nicious effects of Greek default grams, such as cracking down on and a “Grexit” spread across the tax evasion.) They generally EU, she can pivot dramatically agreed that domestic politics fu- and announce that she will save eled by ugly bilateral rhetoric Europe and the Euro by taking (e.g., lazy Greeks and Nazi Ger- strong emergency measures. mans) made it politically impos- Within a few weeks she can bring sible for either Mrs. Merkel or austerity to an end, reflate the Mr. Tsipras to accept such a com- German economy and tell her minions on the troika to relax repromise. I recounted the events to a strictions on the other sinful Euclose friend whom I shall call ropeans. Taking this action, she Nick. He remarked that Merkel would probably have a willing has enlisted the support of some ally in Christine Lagarde, the very unhappy allies (Spain, Managing Director of the IMF. France, Portugal) in staring down Ms. Lagarde has made no secret the Greeks. She no doubt argued, of her belief that the EU austerity that if Tsipras succeeds, the pop- programs, based on flawed asulist anti-austerity parties in their sumptions, have failed and need own countries will probably reversal. Nor has she ever atsweep them out of office and, as tempted to disguise her contempt has occurred in Greece, into the for the Greeks. If this works, and dustbin of history. Tsipras must it certainly has a fair chance of fail or European voters across the working, Mrs. Merkel could romp entire continent will understand to electoral victory at home and that all their current politicians bask in the glory of the savior of are themselves a bunch of no- Europe. As a final bonus, she would satisfy her personal anigood lazy bums. Nick noted that perhaps Mrs. mus by dancing on the grave of Merkel does understand that aus- Greece. The Greek negotiators terity has failed, even in Ger- need to prepare for this scenario. many, and its continuation does The Hon. Ambassador Theros in fact threaten the entire European project. However, she has is president of the U.S.-Qatar so demonized the Greeks as a Business Council. He served in worthless and parasitical lot as a the U.S. Foreign Service for 36 key part of her electoral strategy years, mostly in the Middle East, that she dare not show any flexi- and was American Ambassador bility in dealing with the hated to Qatar from 1995 to 1998. He nation. Furthermore, Mrs. Merkel also directed the State Departprobably hates Greece and ment’s Counter-Terrorism Office, Greeks on a personal level as and holds numerous U.S. Govdemonstrated by her arguably ernment decorations. Nicos Anastasiades took over the helm of Cyprus, after an adventurous and destructive course of 50 years (1963-2013). So, where is Cyprus today? How do the powerful players of the Cyprus chessboard view two of the pivotal issues, the Cyprus problem and natural gas? Are we hovering somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea, or do we, in reality, sail lost in space? 1. For the United States of America, the perennial position expressed by former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in his book World Order applies: “America must play a leadership role to preserve world order – not as a moralizing global policeman, but as a hard-nosed great power…to maintain equilibrium and keep the threat of war within tolerable limits.” So, despite the goodwill of Vice President Joe Biden, Cyprus is in reality a small pawn in the maelstrom of American strategic, political and economic interests. 2. Europe focuses its attention much more on opening up its gates to Turkey and to the large Turkish market than on human rights in Cyprus. The economy (GDP) of Turkey amounts to $815 billion compared to $16 billion of Cyprus. Furthermore, Turkey is a strategic partner of Europe in one of the hotbeds of the world. It should also be remembered that Europe is not on the same page with us on a number of aspects of the Cyprus problem and on the hydrocarbons. This is why we are taken aback on many occasions by the decisions in Brussels. 3. For the United Nations, Cyprus is one of the dozens of problems in its agenda, smaller than the very large issues it has to address nowadays. Furthermore, it is obvious that the UN is “tired” of us. We may believe that justice is totally on our side, the truth however is (and the international community is well aware of this) that we are not sinless. 4. Russia is a good friend of Cyprus, but a good friend of Turkey, too, who will never disregard its huge interests (strategic, financial etc.) with its neighbor. Among many other considerations, the Turkish Stream, which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin recently and which will replace the South Stream, will transport from Russia to Europe via Turkey 2.2 trillion cubic feet of gas annually, of a value of approxi- Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the tenant of the palace of more than 1000 rooms, appears to be powerful, obstinate, and unpredictable.” mately $25 billion. 5. Greece, the mother-country, is extremely weak financially. From a military and defense point of view, Greece did not manage to be of help in the past and cannot be of help today, either. 6. The neighboring countries, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon: They are all friends of Cyprus and there may be good cooperation with them in certain fields. It is obvious and natural, however, that none of these countries would be prepared to go to war for our sake. 7. Finally, Turkey and her leadership. This is how Turkey’s daily Today’s Zaman presents Turkey in an article of the 3rd February 2015 by Robert Ellis: “The rise of the Turkish empire: Totalitarian leaders of the 20th century were known variously as Der Fuhrer (Germany), Il Duce (Italy), Generalissimo (Spain) and El Maximo Lider (Cuba), and now neo-ottoman Turkey has its Reis (Leader) Recep Tayyip Erdogan”. The tenant of the palace of more than 1000 rooms appears to be powerful, obstinate, and unpredictable.” In the context of the above, Cyprus reminds me of a poem by Greek writer Zacharias Papantoniou: “Where do you sail small boat, in such a stormy weather The sea is violently hitting you, are you not scared?” Things are really extremely difficult. What makes the situation though even more intractable is that, in the negative atmosphere of the collapse of the econ- omy and the incredible incidents of corruption, the problem of Cyprus and that of the hydrocarbons are stagnant. And it seems that there is no way to break the deadlock. We say: • There will be no talks unless the Turkish Navtex is withdrawn and also Barbaros and the Turkish warships depart from our Exclusive Economic Zone. • Turkey refuses to comply, unless the drilling for oil and gas ceases. This is not accepted by us. • Furthermore, the Turkish Cypriots refuse to come back to the talks unless the drilling is discontinued. • Turkey states in a very clear language it will bring its own rig to pump the hydrocarbons of Cyprus and will not allow the exploitation of the wealth in the sea by the “Greek-Cypriot administration.” Based on my experience I believe that Turkey will not give in. After all, if it retreats from the above positions taken personally by Erdogan, it will destroy his hegemonic image. So, are we moving to the direction of a headon collision? The impasse entails many questions and many risks: 1. Shall we manage to sell the gas in block 12 (Aphrodite) to e.g. Egypt? How shall we find an investor for the undersea pipeline (cost approximately $2 billion), once the investor will know that Turkey objects to such a sale and that before the pumping of the gas commences Turkey may arbitrarily intervene and stop it? 2. What will happen if an investor for the pipeline is found and at the end of the day Turkey intervenes and stops the process? 3. How will Turkey react, not necessarily now, but at the stage when the collection of funds from the sale of hydrocarbons is reached? Will it remain idle? Will it threaten? Will it intervene militarily? 4. Who will stop Turkey from pumping, through its own rig the hydrocarbons of Cyprus? It should be remembered that the Turkish argument about the protection of Turkish-Cypriot interests is in general terms adopted by the UN and Europe. In a number of articles in recent years, I underscored all the above. And I proposed, when Mehmet Ali Talat was “president,” the following solution: We continue the process of drilling. We deposit a just and fair percentage to be agreed, of all net collections from the sale of oil and gas, in an escrow account in favor of the Turkish Cypriots. This amount will become payable either when the Cyprus problem is resolved or after a period of, say, 15 years, whichever happens earlier. The above arrangement was viewed positively by the Turkish Cypriots; our side did not even react. We thought, in a naïve way as usual, that we would be able to use natural gas as a trump card. We acted in exactly the same manner in the 1960s, again in a naïve way, when our leaders thought that the Turkish Cypriots “would eventually boil in their own juice.” As a result we finally lost 37% of the territory of Cyprus in 1974. Nowadays, we risk losing the hydrocarbons. And nobody will extend a helping hand, as nobody did in 1974. None of our many “friends” showed up. None…. Unfortunately, we do not follow Greece’s example, which for the past 40 years has been cautious in the Aegean Sea. If we want to stop history from repeating itself – and I have no doubt that history will be repeated if we are not cautious – I would propose the following Plan, if it is not already too late: 1. Commence Proximity Talks. In this case the two sides would be talking to the United Nations and not to each other. Consequently the position “I do not talk unless…” is circumvented. (Such talks were carried out successfully in the second half of 1984. Finally we scuttled the whole process in January 1985.) 2. The Cyprus problem and the hydrocarbons would be discussed at the Proximity Talks. 3. Barbaros would depart, the drilling would continue and the interests of the Turkish Cypriots would be protected through the escrow account described above. The Proximity Talks may prove to be a solution of a sort. Maybe…. Otherwise, the small boat of poet Papantoniou will continue its voyage, lost in space, expecting – I do not know what is left anymore – probably a divine intervention, as the poem goes… “The Christ touches my helm.. And Virgin Mary stands at my bow.” Mr. Rolandis was the Cypriot Government’s Foreign Minister (1978-83) and Minister of Commerce, Industry & Tourism (1998-2003). He was also a member of the Cyprus House of Representatives (1991-96) and chairman of the Liberal Party (1986-98). ANALYSIS Precisionless Polls: Why the Pundits Haven’t Got a Clue A recent Washington Post piece titled “Why is Ted Cruz Doing So Poorly in the 2016 Pre-Race?” reminded me of an advanced political science course I used to teach at New York University a few years ago, in the years between the 2004 and 2012 elections. One of the classroom activities was for the students to predict who would be the Democratic and Republican nominees – first in 2008, and after that election, in 2012. The students – who semester in, semester out were the most politically astute I’ve ever had in over 20 years of teaching college and university courses – didn’t even come close to the mark. In fact, each new crop of students would chuckle at the predictions their immediate predecessors made, about candidates who either dropped out early, fizzled right away, or didn’t even enter which apparently the race. means the voters The point is, it’s don’t like anyone. always fun to make Except for Webb, predictions, but it is who has as much far too early at this chance of leapfrogpoint to take them ging Elizabeth seriously. Warren and topThe post cites a pling Hillary ClinNewport University ton for the DemocPoll featuring 11 ratic nomination as presidential hopeDick Cheney does. fuls – 8 Republicans As for Ted Cruz, and 3 Democrats – by CONSTANTINOS E. a Republican U.S. and asks how favorSCAROS Senator from Texas, ably or unfavorably he is not doing any they are perceived. Special to The National Herald more poorly than Only 1 of the 11 most – it is just that candidates, former U.S. Senator from Virginia he is down in a crowded pack of (where the poll was taken) Jim contenders, all of who are gazing Webb finished with a higher fa- up at current frontrunner Jeb vorable rating than unfavorable, Bush – the former governor of and that was by a single digit: Florida and father/brother to two 35 to 34 percent. Every other presidents – and Wisconsin Govcandidate was perceived more ernor Scott Walker, the GOP’s flaunfavorably than favorably, vor of the month. Besides, Iowa has not exactly served as an accurate barometer for winning one’s party nomination, especially if that party is the Republicans. Last time around, Rick Santorum beat eventual nominee Mitt Romney, and in 2008, nominee John McCain finished fourth. Perhaps most notably, far and away the most popular Republican of our time, Ronald Reagan, lost the 1980 Iowa Caucus to George H.W. Bush. At this point, poll responses reflect the old adage: ask a silly question, get a silly answer. Constantinos E. Scaros’ latest book, about the 2016 presidential race, will be published this summer. It is titled Grumpy Old Party: 20 Tips on How the Republicans Can Shed their Anger, Reclaim their Respectability, and Win Back the White House. LETTER FROM ATHENS What’s in a Name? Whatever You Call Them, Greeks Live with Legacy of Austerity There’s an old axiom that you can tell politicians are lying when their lips are moving, so Prime Minister and Looney Left SYRIZA leader Alexis “Che” Tsipras can drizzle all the honey on his BS Baklava he wants and try to sell it to Greeks as pastry but it’s still the same old product they swallowed under the PASOK Anti-Socialists and the New Democracy Capitalists. The only difference between Tsipras and his predecessors, former PASOK leader George “The Money is There” Papandreou and New Democracy’s maybe-to-beousted Antonis “Mr. Bean Counter” Samaras is that the former Premiers didn’t even pretend they cared about workers, pensioners, and the poor they hammered with harsh austerity measures on orders of international lenders. Papandreou and Samaras signed memoranda with the Troika of the European Union-International Monetary Fund-European Central Bank (EU-IMF-ECB) imposing big pay cuts, tax hikes, slashed pensions, and worker firings in return for 240 billion euros ($272 billion) in two rescue packages, a big chunk of which they turned over to their banker buddies who still can’t balance the books. Tsipras, sensing a good kill in the making, opposed those terms because while he hasn’t had much of way of a real job, he can add and figured a majority of people didn’t like being brutalized while politicians, the rich and tax cheats skated, leaving the rest of Greeks on thin ice hoping they’d fall through and leave more for them. During his relentless onslaught against austerity, Tsipras vowed, swore, promised, and pledged he would refuse to negotiate with the Troika nor recognize the sovereignty they seized from Greece; that he would walk away from a big chunk of the unsustainable debt unless the lenders promised relief; that he would restore the minimum wage, and that he would halt and reverse privatizations he characterized as the pillaging of Greece at bargain basement sales that he said was being done to benefit private profiteers. Apparently none of voters who backed him, nor the SYRIZA Samaras. zealots, a cuckoo Tsipras said mix of Communists, Greece would never Anarchists, Niaccept an extension hilists, Maoists, of the bailouts. Stalinists, RadicalVaroufakis said the ists, Activists, and government would, people who’d like to however, accept a have all Greeks “bridging agreeearning the same ment,” which is an pay and driving extension under an1957 Chevies, noother name no matticed his lips were ter how much moving when he by ANDY wrapping you put rolled out that imDABILIS on that package. possible laundry list Putting more because he’s using Special to The National Herald perfume on the more euphemisms crap they’re pedto explain why he can’t do it than the CIA trying to dling, where Tsipras said he explain why assassination is just would never negotiate with nor termination with extreme preju- recognize the Troika cross-hisheart-and-hope-to-die, it took dice. At least Tsipras is smart less than two weeks for him to enough to have bought himself authorize Varoufakis to do just a pit bull pet, the talk-the-talk- that, but say it was just talking, but-not-walk-the-walk econo- not negotiating. Yes, and vigorish mist/blogger Yanis Varoufakis as isn’t interest, it’s just repayment Finance Minister. He’s in charge of a promise. Tsipras said he would restore of using different language to disguise why SYRIZA will have the minimum wage but, changto go along with at least 70 per- ing his tune, said that couldn’t cent of what the Troika de- happen all at once, but that it manded from Papandreou and would take time, the same kind of words used by Papandreou and Samaras and every other politician no matter what alleged ideology they espouse because in the end they’re all the same. There’s a lot of SYRIZA spielmeisters, including party spokesman Gavriil Sakellaridis, who bent himself into a word pretzel to explain why if Greek gets a bridging agreement (extension) after talking (negotiating) with the Troika SYRIZA doesn’t recognize that it won’t really be what it is, which takes the Marx Brothers to translate. Greece is committed to not continuing an international bailout similar to the ones agreed with the Troika by previous governments, Sakellaridis said, hoping you wouldn’t notice that it’s implicit in that sentence that there will be a bailout extension under a different name. And that it will come with some of the conditions candidate Tsipras repudiated before he became Prime Minister Tsipras and pulled a Samaras, an acrobatic trick named for the man who opposed austerity then accepted it, then opposed it, a perfect 10 ex- cept for the 3.8 from the East German judge named Merkel. "(Greece) will not continue with a program which has the characteristics of the programs of previous governments,” Sakellaridis told Greek TV. Translation for people who don’t speak Realpolitik: Greece will continue with a program which has some of the characteristics of previous governments. Sakellaridis also said that Greece has agreed with its European partners that there needs to be a “national reform plan” to deal with decades-long issues of the economy. We’re looking that one up on the Political Dictionary but so far it means SYRIZA, just like PASOK and New Democracy, will have to abide by some unpleasant measures and will not, as Tsipras vowed, walk the walk and act unilaterally. Sakellaridis said that the new government would not clash with the public based on orders from outside so the Troika will have to slip Tsipras an envelope giving him his marching orders. [email protected] 14 THE NATIONAL HERALD, FEBRUARY 21-27, 2015 Ethnikos Kyrix (National Herald) proudly announces its 100th year anniversary! BE PART OF HISTORY BY PLACING YOUR AD IN OUR CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION E LD TH NA TI O E N AL H RA 100 th anniversary 1915-2015 100 Advertising deadline: April 15, 2015 For information contact us at: 718-784-5255, ext 101 email: [email protected]