tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70457523019475741332024-03-20T09:22:30.339-04:00The Greek Hellenic BlogA blog for the Greek Hellenic community all over the world, from the USA to Greece.GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-44033085999911640902010-05-23T13:40:00.000-04:002010-05-23T13:40:54.536-04:00Our New Simplified Homepage for GreekBoston.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEU4eEDRr4QEip0hAbwqqcdzwDo9yUTNL0b9QBeRPRZVl_oR4sltllL0o_oiO-0hDdcEb8-rHGCKfGlkKqZEJSgAp9XqL2D2kx3KUL0cngZmrh6WVhy9O8GjWZBa1WabEkGBzoXa2yFwu/s1600/homepage_snapshot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEU4eEDRr4QEip0hAbwqqcdzwDo9yUTNL0b9QBeRPRZVl_oR4sltllL0o_oiO-0hDdcEb8-rHGCKfGlkKqZEJSgAp9XqL2D2kx3KUL0cngZmrh6WVhy9O8GjWZBa1WabEkGBzoXa2yFwu/s400/homepage_snapshot.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Simplicity is our new motto! We've heard many times that our homepage was too busy and too much going on so we decided to simplify. We took out much of the clutter and kept the main, popular features. We still have everything available to our users, but now you can either <a href="http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner-pub-4778414900007227%3A5rwh9si7oqn&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=&sa=Search">search for it</a> or open the "<a href="http://www.greekboston.com/index_full.shtml">See Full Menu</a>" link below the calendar.<br />
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Take some time to explore everything we have to offer. The main section in the middle features our event calendar, blog, music player, music video player, funny videos, <a href="http://eligiblegreeks.com/?affiliateID=gb">Greek singles</a>, and great pictures from our <a href="http://www.worldwidegreeks.com/">social network</a>. On the left we have the newest items, popular links and recent updates. On the right you will find easy access to all of our interactive popular features.<br />
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Remember, if you can't find something just <a href="http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner-pub-4778414900007227%3A5rwh9si7oqn&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=&sa=Search">search for it</a>!GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-50244712334468828542010-05-10T11:27:00.000-04:002010-05-10T11:27:04.817-04:00Angelo Tsarouchas: A Real Stand Up Guy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVzA6He4x5Pe3PMpcnnT5cBRVoCEhX9buLvkVdsb-xWvmAiUfbJ4P2UXPsovAYB3xC8SuzT0tYst7jmm3aBqxWXrjalAHUACs6pwYkOVviMrYN4vda1j0HI4fLOfORIsUelMpdU-zbX0K/s1600/tsarouchas_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVzA6He4x5Pe3PMpcnnT5cBRVoCEhX9buLvkVdsb-xWvmAiUfbJ4P2UXPsovAYB3xC8SuzT0tYst7jmm3aBqxWXrjalAHUACs6pwYkOVviMrYN4vda1j0HI4fLOfORIsUelMpdU-zbX0K/s400/tsarouchas_blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>With self-deprecating humour, comedian Angelo Tsarouchas weighs in on why being Greek is funny, his latest Hollywood movie and how he and the King of Jordan ended up partying like wild men. Opa!<br />
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Stand-up comedian and mob hitman lookalike Angelo Tsarouchas is a beefy entertainer best known for finding the humour in the life of Greek immigrants, with his material almost exclusively drawn from his own experiences growing up in Canada. “I don’t have the most common name in the world,” he tells his audience during his act, which is on YouTube. “My name at birth was Evangalos Petros Tsarouchas. My parents’ names are Peter and Debbie. “My parents come from a little country in the Mediterranean called Greece,” he says. “They moved to Canada. They decided to have children. And they asked themselves: ‘How can we help our little Greek children fit in with the Canadian children? I know! We’ll name them like diseases!’ “Tsarouchas! You have Tsarouchas? Put some cream on. You have Vasili Kakapopoulos? You’re not going to poo for a month!”<br />
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Tsarouchas has spent more than a decade honing his craft through a relentless touring schedule that has taken him around the world, with his performances including clubs and arenas in cities like Calcutta and Tokyo, not to mention the royal residence of the king and queen of Jordan.<br />
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On the phone from Los Angeles, California, Tsarouchas tells the Athens News why he wants to perform in Greece, why immigrant parents torment their kids and about his big fat movie deal.<br />
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<b>Tell me about your Greek roots? </b><br />
I was born in Montreal and raised in Ottawa. But my dad is from Sparti and my mum’s from Lesbos. So that makes me a Spartan lesbian.<br />
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<b>How did your family react to your to become a comedian?</b><br />
My parents were supportive of what I did but they wanted to make sure that I could make a living. My dad was like, “Ti vlakies kaneis - tha kaneis lefta me afta?” (What kind of nonsense is this?) Was there pressure to change your name? Some of the agents would say I should Anglicise my name, but I’m dead set against it. Richard Donner, the director, once looked at my name and said, “That’s a mouthful but I like it.”<br />
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<b>Did you ever think of hiding your Greek heritage? </b><br />
I have never shied away from that, though a lot of people do. It has actually worked in my favour. You can’t change who you are. You have to accept it. For me, it’s been good because people know me as that guy. And kudos to Nia Vardalos because people started to notice me when My Big Fat Greek Wedding came out. I started working on CBC’s (Canada Broadcasting Corporation) Just for Laughs. I also did BBC’s The World Stands Up. I got three television specials in South Africa and in the UK and in Canada and now I have one in the United States called Bigger is Better, on Showtime.<br />
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<b>Why incorporate your Greekness into your comedy? </b><br />
It’s different when you live in Greece where being Greek is just being Greek. But when you live in North America there’s a big difference. And I found that it was a big influence on what I did as a comic. There was a time when I didn’t want to be labelled so much as a Greek comedian but then I realised that you can’t change who you are. I like dolmades, I like yemista, spanakopita. I like calling people malaka because half of them are. How do Greek-Canadians, Greek-Americans react to your act? They love it. I feel honoured to say that I represent them. When I talk about my mum or my yiayia (grandmother), I’m pretty much talking about everyone’s.<br />
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<b>How did you learn to speak Greek fluently?</b><br />
My mother couldn’t speak English. Does everyone get your Greek jokes? People want to hear stories about other people. I’ve been to India and Singapore and I’m telling jokes about Greeks and people are laughing. I’ve been to Macau and Beijing and Bangkok and I’m talking about my Greek family and they get it. Wherever I go I always run into a Greek. It’s fair to say that Greeks have populated most of the world. Maybe Alexander the Great did it by conquering. I think we’re doing it now by fornication. Why not? Our legacy continues.<br />
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<b>Have you ever considered performing in Greece?</b><br />
I want to. For me, I’m thinking that I’ve performed everywhere in the world but Greece. But here’s my concern: I don’t know how Greeks will receive me. I’m a product of the diaspora.<br />
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<b>What are you working on now?</b><br />
I’m proud to say I have my new movie coming out called Fred and Vinnie directed by Steve Skrovan from Everyone Loves Raymond and it’s written by Fred Stoller, who plays cousin Gerard on Everyone Loves Raymond. It just came out with a trailer. I play this guy named Vinnie who’s from Philadelphia who moves to LA. He’s the guest from hell, the guy who says I’m going to come to your house for a week and then ends up staying for, like, nine months.<br />
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<b>What else is in your future?</b><br />
I’ve been offered a few movie roles. I’ve actually also written a movie called It’s All Greek To Me about a guy who works in a restaurant and has always wanted to be famous comedian but ends up becoming a sumo wrestler to win the love of a Japanese tour guide. That’s been tossed around. I’m still touring. I’m getting married in October here in LA. And, I got a call today about another film. Rumour has it it’s with John Travolta and parts of it will be filmed in Greece.<br />
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<b>What has been your career high point so far?</b><br />
Last year, I performed at the Bell Centre - it’s where the Montreal Canadiens hockey team play. I was in my hometown, 17,000 people, my mum was in the crowd. It was the 100th anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens. And I never ever thought, not in a million years, that I’d be standing on stage in that arena with my family there. It took me about a minute to start my routine. I was choked up.<br />
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<b>How is it that you got to perform for the king and queen of Jordan?</b><br />
I was invited to the Amman comedy festival in Jordan and the king and queen couldn’t come to the show. I was one of the comedians they wanted to see. So my manager after the show said the king and queen wanted me to come to the palace. I thought they were kidding. It was 11 o’clock at night. Sure enough, after the show, the limo picked us up and took us to the palace and we were doing sfinakia [shots] with the king. And he was cooking dinner for us and we were shooting guns in his private shooting range in his palace. It was one of the coolest things. And here’s the best part, I’m telling people I did this - and they don’t believe me.<br />
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<b>What’s your impression of Greece?</b><br />
Here’s the deal about Greece and I’m not going to say this because I’m Greek. I used to be a travel agent way back and my pitch to people when they didn’t know where they wanted to go was that God made it that everyone should visit Greece at least once. As a visitor, it’s probably one of the nicest places on earth. You can’t beat the weather, you can’t beat the food, ruins and culture. I think that Greeks work to live and they don’t live to work. That’s good and bad, I guess now in light of everything.<br />
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By Kathy Tzilivakis<br />
community@athensnews.euGreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-36995360155453679912010-04-18T10:46:00.000-04:002010-04-18T10:46:00.772-04:00Greek Independence Day Parade!There is one time of the year where all the Hellenes and Phil-Hellenes truly come together in a great display of solidarity - The Greek Independence Day Parade. This truly significant day plays many roles for all of here in Boston. It shows our strength as a community, our passion for our culture, and our great Greek pride!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/ekNtjeYaYprQREpW1rua50FspUkT-RBX918qsnGLNCR6oC4Q*Bo7FeedlgyWKXmiioFmGHzvtu2J0G4vQBTo6oEeCRzCiZ0Z/IMG_2614.jpg" /></div>On Sunday, April 25th, the 16th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Boston will take place. For the 16th time we will proudly walk the streets of Boston holding our Greek and American Flags. We will cheer when our children walk proudly wearing their ethic costumes. And we will all Shout ZHTO H ELLADA! Let's do it all together! EVERYONE MUST BE THERE! It is our ethnic responsibility.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/V3m2d*KPMSc4XL8KscJACiygb-H2Zr7rxb8fgs4FbzV1*aaPmm9Qgqa-qLipBn8v1oeABSs9duALsLgiYpcTeUzYXtFlH0ip/IMG_2768.jpg" /></div>Following is a listing of events surrounding the Greek Independence Day celebration:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 23rd, 2010 – 12:30– 4:00 PM</span><br />
Greek Independence Day Commemoration<br />
House of Representative’s Chamber, State House<br />
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The State House Greek Independence Day Commemoration will be held in the House of Representative’s Chamber from 2:00-3:00PM. Public reception with Greek folk dances prior to the Commemoration outside the House of Representative's Chamber 12:30-1:45PM.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 23rd, 2010 – 6:00 PM</span><br />
"The New Acropolis Museum: Its Exhibits and Architecture"<br />
10 Fong Auditorium, Boylston Hall, Harvard University<br />
Lecture by Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis, Director of The New Acropolis Museum.<br />
Reception to follow in the Ticknor Lounge.<br />
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Co-Sponsored by the Federation of Hellenic American-Societies of New England, the George Seferis Chair of Modern Greek Studies, Harvard University, Press &amp; Communication Office &amp; Consulate General of Greece in Boston and the Alexander the Great Foundation, Inc.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, April 24th, 2010 – 6:30 PM</span><br />
Boston Greek Independence Day Parade Annual Dinner Gala, Radisson Hotel Boston<br />
Hosted by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England<br />
Music by the Greek Music Ensemble Cocktails: 6:30 PM Prime Rib Dinner 7:30 PM <br />
Donation: Sixty-Five Dollars, For Reservations: 617.507.6444<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Greek Independence Day Parade 1:00 PM</span> <br />
Celebrating 2500 Year of the Battle of Marathon<br />
Parade Route: Boylston Street to Charles Street<br />
Grand Marshals: City of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios &amp;<br />
Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis, Director of The New Acropolis Museum.<br />
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Presented by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England In Cooperation with The Metropolis of Boston, The Consulate General of Greece and The Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Tourism<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/1xCPII41MR2vJCbCnSp1kdivx8wSb*eV48EsiAOhmgQ9jbHGwR7QbVChS3tdWiyBfBCXZge7y4wt-ezQhPkDpkfX6*jXCdDD/IMG_2835.jpg" /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Immediately following the Parade at the Parkman Bandstand</span><br />
Celebration and "Expo on the Park" at the Boston Common<br />
Featuring Greek folk dance performances, vendors and exhibitors, food, music and children’s events.<br />
Music by DJ Thrilla.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/fC3cOR5bjfrl*C2Zou6VvYUNsQspURfN4b1qRPI2ZPIzbtx*RFYhQM5QkDAGOV2JxK-siwcxVANY2RV1kiMoD2AOqTMeii*h/IMG_2896.jpg" /></div>Make it your top priority to attend and let's show the people of Boston our Greek pride!GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-27241933488969947812010-03-29T10:47:00.007-04:002010-03-29T10:51:44.276-04:00"The Promise of Tomorrow 1940-1960" premieres @ the Boston International Film Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxd_T1_W-4_lYjFk2I9PDBz-NRPfKUhfGs3-SJM0McfY0Ny2UTh78AluiRC2buvyYTjrNnwOId18FcOyEEegsdzQwsewK8YAN9J79fdz_nuo-2pBp7JGZvAIS0ZaJzAouO595Tq4mqQIo/s1600/BIFFPosterBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxd_T1_W-4_lYjFk2I9PDBz-NRPfKUhfGs3-SJM0McfY0Ny2UTh78AluiRC2buvyYTjrNnwOId18FcOyEEegsdzQwsewK8YAN9J79fdz_nuo-2pBp7JGZvAIS0ZaJzAouO595Tq4mqQIo/s640/BIFFPosterBlog.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"The Promise of Tomorrow 1940-1960" premieres @ the </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Boston International Film Festival </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Los Angeles, California; March 21, 2010</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Greek Heritage Society will premiere “The Promise of Tomorrow 1940-1960,” a documentary highlighting the first generation Greek Americans, at the Boston International Film Festival 2010. The screening will take place at the AMC Lowe's Boston Common 19 at 175 Tremont Street in Boston, Mass. on April 21, 2010 @ 8:30 P.M. This film is narrated and hosted by Academy Award Winner, Olympia Dukakis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"The Promise of Tomorrow," part 2 of a Greek American trilogy, continues the story of the Greek immigrant experience in southern California, beginning with those brave soldiers who fought in WWII. We follow the progeny of the Greek Pioneers as they establish themselves within the community yet struggle with duality - Greek at home and American outside. Determined to get an education and make a good life for themselves and their families, the Greatest Generation generation lives up to this synonym. In a very short period of time, they become prominent leaders in the arts, business, technology, academia, science and government – virtually all levels of contemporary American society. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The question of identity permeates throughout their adult life: "We are not just Greeks; we are not just Americans, but we are a new breed – Greek Americans!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Collaborators in the project are writer and director Anna Giannotis, executive producers Zoye Fidler, Shelly Papadopoulos and John Gregory-Panopoulos, Producers, Antonia Lianos, Gus T. Dalis and Harry Ratner, editor Rich Uber and composer Bob Luna, along with many hard-working volunteers and contributors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Greek Heritage Society of S. CA extends "Warmest Wishes" to our Patriotes in the greater Boston area. Please come out and support this film which is the universal story of all Greek Americans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's what people are saying:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"This documentary is a real gem that epitomizes the generous contributions of first generation Greek Americans from every profession. We are the product of a great generation of extraordinary immigrants who fought hard to make good. THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW heightened my pride as a Greek American."</i> - John Aniston, Actor</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"The film is so successful on many levels, as a human document, a reflection of social changes, a confirmation of moral strength and traditional values. Also the film is brilliantly written, directed and edited. GHS has given birth to a work of art."</i> - Mavis Manus, Freelance Columnist and Film Critic</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"Every Greek American MUST see and own this wonderful film! Even other ethnic groups will appreciate it. This documentary will educate and entertain you! Pride for your heritage will increase one hundred fold after viewing THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW. I guarantee it!"</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Stratton Leopold, Producer</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To purchase tickets for the Boston International Film Festival screening, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please call: 617-423-5801 or pre-purchase tickets at the Box Office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reserve online: <a href="http://www.bifilmfestival.com/">www.bifilmfestival.com</a> (click on "Schedule")</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For more information about the Greek Heritage Society of S.CA </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Contact: Shelly Papadopoulos, President</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Greek Heritage Society of Southern California</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">310 528.8214</span><br />
<a href="http://www.greekheritagesociety.org/"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.greekheritagesociety.org</span></a>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-30258985949577897672010-03-22T10:33:00.001-04:002010-03-22T10:34:17.888-04:00Sips for Easter Feast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f4q4eyBvep_5C8dsiPQmDcgaqhUPrkez8ZGJo8QskAi77JXREJzq3RI92y-ii8nDOjHAUAcsyqTV3SplPNTGw0Ej7bPCgasHMHK69tQuGgNQcvHNOf4NlloqKV9FOC3BUP4l4vMmMRVI/s1600-h/Unknown-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f4q4eyBvep_5C8dsiPQmDcgaqhUPrkez8ZGJo8QskAi77JXREJzq3RI92y-ii8nDOjHAUAcsyqTV3SplPNTGw0Ej7bPCgasHMHK69tQuGgNQcvHNOf4NlloqKV9FOC3BUP4l4vMmMRVI/s320/Unknown-3.jpeg" /></a>Considered one of the most sacred holidays in the Greek Orthodox faith, Easter is the day we prepare the biggest and most memorable feast with our family and friends. Every household takes special care and attention to the offerings that will be served and featured that day. At the same token, I will prepare you with the wine offerings for our special Easter feast.<br />
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As we depart from church after the acknowledgment that “Christ has risen” on Saturday night (the night before Easter), we make our way home to officially kick off our Easter feast with the customary Easter lamb soup also known as mageiritsa, which translates to small cooking. As noted in the cookbook, “The Olive & The Caper”, mageiritsa is a soup that is only prepared for Easter that is made with small morsels of lamb combined with an egg-lemon froth. The soup is hearty but light enough to restore energy to the faithful worshipers that are weak from lent. The choice of wine that best suits this flavorful soup is non-other than the traditional selection of retsina. Yes, retsina, a light and crisp wine with tints of aromatic pine, pairs well with the combination of the silky structure and lemon accents from the soup. The choice to select is from the winery Malamatina that is based in Thessaloniki. Malamatina retsina has the been producing retsina for over a century and has become the staple wine of Northern Greece. Malamantina is a very pleasant white wine, with a fading presence of resin to give it that perfect balance for a retsina.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS4JXXv_uiadtK4Q4Lzw-kL8CKUz3OHbPlhHw3O1bdvG2ygQfY3hpkZr0sITZ0Zmr56HcHdurxAfZsbw0QyojIdY_n8zlKefb1eFrCQHaJqLLzoqnk377WDQ3xRm8UTjF8Nz6GQiIZm-q/s1600-h/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS4JXXv_uiadtK4Q4Lzw-kL8CKUz3OHbPlhHw3O1bdvG2ygQfY3hpkZr0sITZ0Zmr56HcHdurxAfZsbw0QyojIdY_n8zlKefb1eFrCQHaJqLLzoqnk377WDQ3xRm8UTjF8Nz6GQiIZm-q/s320/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>As we wake up Easter morning, feeling refreshed and restored from last night’s commencement, we greet each other with a red-dyed egg in hand and hit each others point to point while saying, “Christ is risen”. As this beautiful day progresses, family members crowd in the kitchen and are preparing all of the special offerings for the feast. <br />
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All sorts of mezedakia are being made ranging from cold to hot ones for the introduction to the flavorful lamb that is being roasted on the spit by the men of the family. Traditionally as the lamb is being slowly roasted on the spit, which could take up to six hours, typically it’s a time for the men to socialize over good tsipouro or tsikoudia as they also nibble at sections of the lamb to test its readiness. Tsipouro, which is a spirit distilled from left over grape skins, grape seeds, and/or stems is very smooth and aromatic. The Lazaridis winery in Drama makes an excellent tsipouro called ‘Idoniko’ that would be the right fit for that social moment. ‘Idoniko’ is also produced with a touch of fennel or ‘glykaniso’. Tsikoudia is similar to tsipouro, but originates from the island of Crete and is also produced from distilled grapes. The aromas of grapes are more present in tsikoudia. A selection that I would highly recommend would be from the Varvaki Distillery. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuh3L1B5Xya345006SpJPFMUSYwkQ2Cxo1vByPhYDOwR8bFjYXDRnsONUw-M3R-SzTTvk1o4MoPh1u9VJMI5R9VNDgElYOMLta4WXnvEXAV7FX_K-9csSP2aCx65zfInBQdc-s8l3rxvXo/s1600-h/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuh3L1B5Xya345006SpJPFMUSYwkQ2Cxo1vByPhYDOwR8bFjYXDRnsONUw-M3R-SzTTvk1o4MoPh1u9VJMI5R9VNDgElYOMLta4WXnvEXAV7FX_K-9csSP2aCx65zfInBQdc-s8l3rxvXo/s320/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></div>The grand table that will host the feast is decorated with Greek Easter bread or tsoureki. Tsoureki is a sweet bread that is baked and decorated with red-dyed eggs, which symbolizes the blood of Christ. Mezedakia are prepared and ready ahead of time to keep everyone going until the lamb is ready. Specialty dishes such as a variety of different cheeses, such as kefalotyri, kefalogaviera, lathotiri, kopanisti, and many others are accompanied by a plethora of olives to be sipped with a refreshing white wine from the varietal roditis. The wine of my choice would be the production from the Gaia Estates winery called ‘Notios’. This young white wine is full of life and very vibrant. It’s a great sipping wine that will pair nicely with our cheese and olives.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFy7C02yp_sCfx7Yo3yESObO4U_zJY68d3-Vaa98YaPz5thjQLUHD6_HdxgoNCStS0Pjo4ymixu95CMqUYvkjF9GGwdSTbaAR84ujX0Q4si3ONUGAKS_d-WEL_o_6-hGvVab3duz-89VF4/s1600-h/Unknown-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFy7C02yp_sCfx7Yo3yESObO4U_zJY68d3-Vaa98YaPz5thjQLUHD6_HdxgoNCStS0Pjo4ymixu95CMqUYvkjF9GGwdSTbaAR84ujX0Q4si3ONUGAKS_d-WEL_o_6-hGvVab3duz-89VF4/s320/Unknown-4.jpeg" /></a></div>You will also find a variety of different salad dishes and pitas that every household will have depending on the region of Greece they are from. Some of these favorites, are eggplant and yogurt with red onion and olives, roasted sweet pepper salad, taramasalata, and many others. Along with the salads, there are also platters of grilled meats, such as lamb bites, homemade sausages, and even liver. The wine offering with these choices will be a fruitful rose wine from Palivos Estates called Vissinokipos. This rose wine is made from Agiorghitiko and Syrah grape and has a strawberry and jam aroma on the nose with great structure of softness and crispness to signify we are sipping a light but flavorful rose.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAzAxuPw0NnSvqW8WQU56DEH995wpSp8bWBlHWSre3esqZgnBVCAkHBw-lxgclS4f_lV5u_D_LCOacWVVCtTkQlYCzFlIrShZaseB9C3LIcnQiGOueVWRjg7yJWCHfRHWWIN5aw366j4q/s1600-h/Unknown-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAzAxuPw0NnSvqW8WQU56DEH995wpSp8bWBlHWSre3esqZgnBVCAkHBw-lxgclS4f_lV5u_D_LCOacWVVCtTkQlYCzFlIrShZaseB9C3LIcnQiGOueVWRjg7yJWCHfRHWWIN5aw366j4q/s320/Unknown-2.jpeg" /></a></div>The anticipation grows immensely for our traditional Easter lamb that has been long awaited. The day has been full of joy and happiness as we rekindle with family and friends over one of the most appealing cuisines along with some of the finest selections of wine. Finally, the main feature is pulled off the spit and prepared on an enormous platter that makes it way to the grand table. As the stuffed lamb is settled a the center of the table it is surrounded by dishes of rice prepared with ground beef, roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes, and all of the over mezedakia that were mentioned earlier. At the table for the feast I will suggest two red wines to be offered that compliment all of the selections. Since there will be typically more people at the table, we need to make sure we a couple of offerings to satisfy the different taste buds and also the different dishes. The first red selection will be a lighter style, produced from the Xynomavro grape, Greece’s version of a Pinot Noir. I am going to suggest the selection from the Kir-Yianni Estates winery, called ‘Raminsta’. This wine is a very soft and light bodied red wine that has great fruit flavors with a touch of tannins, that will be very suitable for our guests that prefer a light red wine. The second selection that I highly recommend is a Rhone-style red from the Manousakis Winery in Crete called ‘Nostos”. This full-bodied red selection has great big fruit and is robust with dark cherries in every sip. This wine is the prize selection to have with our trophy lamb that brings together great flavors for an ultimate dining experience. Nostos is produced from all estate grown Syrah, Grenache, Mouverde, and Roussane. It has great balance and a long finish. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Once again, there is plenty of great food and great wine throughout this wonderful day. We finish off the evening with a room full of sweet offerings and desserts that range from cookies, pies, cakes, and Greek sweet wine from Samos.GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-68103268794617079502010-03-09T20:02:00.000-05:002010-03-09T20:02:00.506-05:00Secretary Napolitano Announces Greece's Designation as a Member of the Visa Waiver ProgramWASHINGTON — Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the designation of Greece as a member of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—strengthening passenger information sharing and ensuring strict security standards while streamlining travel for Greek citizens visiting the United States.<br />
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“Our efforts to guard against terrorism while enhancing legal travel and trade depend upon close collaboration with our international partners,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I commend our partners in Greece for committing to strong screening and security standards and enhanced information sharing for travel by Greek citizens to the United States as we work together to protect our citizens and strengthen our economies.”<br />
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Greece’s VWP designation represents a major step forward in the continued and long-standing economic and security partnership between the United States and Greece—reflecting more than two years of coordination between the two countries on Greece’s entry into VWP. <br />
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In accordance with the VWP designation process, DHS determined that Greece complies with key security and information-sharing requirements—such as enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States; timely reporting of lost and stolen passports; and the maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, aviation and document security standards. In turn, Greek citizens will be permitted to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.<br />
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With this announcement, Greece joins the 35 nations already participating in VWP—established as a pilot program in 1986 to help eliminate unnecessary barriers to travel and made permanent on October 30, 2000. Like VWP travelers from other countries, Greek citizens will be required to apply for an Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) through the Web-based system. Greek citizens will be able to visit the United States without visas in approximately 30 days.<br />
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Today’s announcement augments Secretary Napolitano’s ongoing efforts to bolster the international aviation security system—including recent joint declarations to strengthen the international civil aviation system between the United States and Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama on Feb. 17, and between the United States and the European Union on Jan. 21. <br />
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Secretary Napolitano will travel to Tokyo later this week to meet with her counterparts from the Asia/Pacific region and officials from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)—the third in a series of major international meetings attended by the Secretary to build consensus on strengthening global aviation security and identify specific steps which nations can take individually and collectively to protect all passengers.<br />
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Since January, Secretary Napolitano has met frequently with top government and private sector officials from across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and North America on ways to strengthen the international aviation security system.<br />
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For more information, visit <a href="http://www.dhs.gov">www.dhs.gov</a> or <a href="http://esta.cbp.dhs.gov">esta.cbp.dhs.gov</a>.GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-2368654632834133882010-03-04T12:03:00.013-05:002010-03-08T12:12:10.807-05:00Entertainment Gossip from Greece!<span style="font-weight: bold;">Anna Vissi is "Fabulous"!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy0p9q2uYJfHmRuvgOWr-HiyRf9Nvi8iLmGAmhaxvKVf2wXH-jMXCgP1qkPtjLJ7EoUUqEJEM5Uc9pXFY2TPvoysbPpMLWzWQIxeLWoQPCJa6fiBzxB_odkJ5AZhyphenhyphenB5JGDu66yknbipuZ/s1600-h/vissi_fabulous.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy0p9q2uYJfHmRuvgOWr-HiyRf9Nvi8iLmGAmhaxvKVf2wXH-jMXCgP1qkPtjLJ7EoUUqEJEM5Uc9pXFY2TPvoysbPpMLWzWQIxeLWoQPCJa6fiBzxB_odkJ5AZhyphenhyphenB5JGDu66yknbipuZ/s400/vissi_fabulous.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444827608344835922" border="0" /></a><br />Anna Vissi puts on an amazing show in Athens last week for the fans of Love Radio. Looking better than ever, no one would ever guess the Greek Madonna was 52 years old. Anna tells reporters at the concert that she stays in shape by working out every day of the week, and taking 2 or 3 of those days concentrating on legs. About being in love, Anna says that her only love right now is her amazing daughter Sophia and her current concert show Fabulous.<br />-----------------------------------<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elena Paparizou returns!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AtPstmsFRJy0sFoMoAXDOdGWrLwHv2j0sbjkjqaG3YzMYdWnXwSAafljl5qCutT3PFD2GFjN3dvyeG15FBtJ_F5c1nBJaFLyWPWV19KfhbkgACAAmT4qQF4TUC9Re10L9NNJ5kSlQhrC/s1600-h/paparizou.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AtPstmsFRJy0sFoMoAXDOdGWrLwHv2j0sbjkjqaG3YzMYdWnXwSAafljl5qCutT3PFD2GFjN3dvyeG15FBtJ_F5c1nBJaFLyWPWV19KfhbkgACAAmT4qQF4TUC9Re10L9NNJ5kSlQhrC/s400/paparizou.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444827742340728146" border="0" /></a><br />Elena Paparizou returns to the Greek music scene with a new full album of 12 songs. This is her first full CD release in quite some time and has been much anticipated. The first single from the CD has been released “An Isoun Agapi”(and can be heard on GreekBoston.com). This song has already claimed its place at the top of the music charts and in the hearts of her fans! Elena is going on tour with Onirama and will be promoting her new CD. She hopes to finish her tour by June. We are so happy to have her back!<br />-----------------------------------<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Dancing with the Stars" comes to Greece!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyf_C1wrBaBDreYHOr9wGVGBt3gz2FvKuwIobidfll3GNFhApYEz0q5xv4C0v_93pQqbR_9BhLW9zK8jw_R4YcS2uLpWt11mbFkP3VD1_LZTI462GpOuNGHocVvhwkSYkiYOSQBBT89cG/s1600-h/dancing_stars.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyf_C1wrBaBDreYHOr9wGVGBt3gz2FvKuwIobidfll3GNFhApYEz0q5xv4C0v_93pQqbR_9BhLW9zK8jw_R4YcS2uLpWt11mbFkP3VD1_LZTI462GpOuNGHocVvhwkSYkiYOSQBBT89cG/s400/dancing_stars.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444827902701878834" border="0" /></a><br />“Dancing with the Stars” goes to Greece! The dancing show we all love will now be in Greece with all our favorite Greek celebrities. The host of the show will be Zeta Makripoulia. The judges who have been named so far are Fokas Evangelos, Alexis Kostalas, and Gkalena Velikoka. There is still one judge who needs to be chosen, as well as the celebrities who will partake in the dancing portion. Can’t wait to see which celebrities will make the show!<br /><br />Greek commercial broadcaster Antenna is due to produce The series will air in a primetime slot in March 2010.<br /><br />Dancing is an international phenomenon having been licensed to more than 30 countries around the world and viewed in more than 75 countries worldwide and, the phenomenal format shows no sign of slowing down.<br /><br />"Greece is just one of a number of new territories we are talking to about licensing this phenomenal format. Every country, including Greece, has a great culture of dancing and music which makes this format adaptable to any market. There are plenty more countries which are yet to enjoy the dazzling delights of Dancing." Dancing with the Stars is also an official record breaker after the Guinness Book of World Records announced it as the world's most successful reality TV format.<br />-----------------------------------<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5bNWGnHRZqjXYTfjd9JXIQdmdvTpxFCkFdHar3UtKJS8WKEPW2Q4c_faJBofqZRiJr8phMNImjg1qixhFhZZSQVh1DX0hCintM0rzBDkmLN1Ua0lhFsYDUeqrqOp0p4V2HFASHuNJxsI/s1600-h/karavatou.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5bNWGnHRZqjXYTfjd9JXIQdmdvTpxFCkFdHar3UtKJS8WKEPW2Q4c_faJBofqZRiJr8phMNImjg1qixhFhZZSQVh1DX0hCintM0rzBDkmLN1Ua0lhFsYDUeqrqOp0p4V2HFASHuNJxsI/s200/karavatou.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444828076631640786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Katerina Karavatou wedding bells!</span><br />Katerina Karavatou, host of “Kous Kous to Mesimeri” and her soon to be husband Krateros Katsoulis of “Omorfos Kosmos to Proi”, have been discussing their wedding plans. Katerina wants a very small and simple wedding with a plain wedding gown and a closed ceremony. It seems a little hypocritical for them to have a closed ceremony (no cameras or news crews around) since their daily lives and jobs are informing the public about all celebrity news and gossip. It only seems fair that they share their special day and moments with all of us! Be on the lookout for this wedding to happen soon, Katerina wants a winter wedding in 2010, and both Katerina and Kratero want children very soon to follow the wedding! We wish them both much happiness in their life together!GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-91735230860033400852010-02-27T10:45:00.005-05:002010-02-27T11:06:30.831-05:00Eurovision 2010: The 7 Songs from Greece<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyH649rF4Yf0KwZFccJv93EHw6gI00BUTOHlI1lkjUJDtGvjHk6nil0GSMBFWL5ziI88RvTjzjDY-daVBV7OsglmPqvo-yf4n6SNzQ1iQ87Y7QlMYgjKA5xINjYI7WIeq7PRnwNO7DMYh/s1600-h/ESC10_Eurovisionlogo_EBUNRK_Pink1.tif_.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyH649rF4Yf0KwZFccJv93EHw6gI00BUTOHlI1lkjUJDtGvjHk6nil0GSMBFWL5ziI88RvTjzjDY-daVBV7OsglmPqvo-yf4n6SNzQ1iQ87Y7QlMYgjKA5xINjYI7WIeq7PRnwNO7DMYh/s200/ESC10_Eurovisionlogo_EBUNRK_Pink1.tif_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442954779055574930" border="0" /></a><span id="result_box" class="long_text"><span style="background-color: rgb(235, 239, 249);" title="Μετά τις ραγδαίες εξελίξεις με την διαρροή μερικών από τα υποψήφια τραγούδια που θα εκπροσωπήσουν την χώρα μας στην φετινή Eurovision, η Ε.Ρ.Τ." onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#ebeff9'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#fff'">After much thought for who will be the candidate songs to represent Greece at this year's Eurovision, the ERT </span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" title="αποφάσισε να ανακοινώσει επίσημα όλα τα τραγούδια που θα «αναμετρηθούν» για το μαγικό εισιτήριο για το Όσλο." onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#ebeff9'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#fff'">decided to formally announce all the songs that will "compete" for the magic ticket to Oslo. </span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" title="Ακούστε και τα επτά τραγούδια που θα διαγωνιστούν στον εθνικό τελικό της Ελλάδας στις 12 Μαρτίου με την σειρά εμφάνισής τους." onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#ebeff9'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='#fff'">Listen to all seven songs that will compete in the national final in Greece on March 12 in the order of their appearance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Illusion - Χρήστος Χατζηνάσιος</span><br />ΣΤΙΧΟΙ: Πάνος Νικολακόπουλος - Gale Πέτρου<br />ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ: Χρήστος Χατζηνάσιος<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yEKJRllf4_Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yEKJRllf4_Y&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Game of Life - Sunny Μπαλτζή & Second Skin</span><br />ΣΤΙΧΟΙ – ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ : Sunny Μπαλτζή<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bYEbgDiyXHw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bYEbgDiyXHw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Κιβωτός του Νώε – Μάνος Πυροβολάκης, Ελένη Φουέιρα και Don't Ask (Γιάννης Μπαντουράκης)</span><br />ΣΤΙΧΟΙ – ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ : Μάνος Πυροβολάκης - Γιάννης Στίγκας<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_ejt4TKr6iI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_ejt4TKr6iI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. OPA – Γιώργος Αλκαίος & Friends</span><br />ΣΤΙΧΟΙ: Γάννης Αντωνίου - Friends<br />ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ: Γιώργος Αλκαίος<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2PsOSAbE2ew&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2PsOSAbE2ew&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Πολεμάω – Γιώργος Καραδήμος</span><br />ΣΤΙΧΟΙ: Γιώργος Καραδήμος<br />ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ: Βασίλης Γαβριηλίδης<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j7nr3dePA38&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j7nr3dePA38&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Κινέζος – Μέλισσες</span><br />ΣΤΙΧΟΙ - ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ: Μέλισσες<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IeWyveOMQHQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IeWyveOMQHQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Touch me Deep Inside – Émigré</span><br />ΣΤΙΧΟΙ: Νεκτάριος Τυράκης<br />ΜΟΥΣΙΚΗ: Γιάννης Χανιωτάκης<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X42UN1Olx6w&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X42UN1Olx6w&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />GO GREECE!!!!<br /></span></span>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-76183226788055126212010-01-29T11:32:00.005-05:002010-01-29T11:46:59.437-05:00The Hellenic Hollywood Minute<span style="font-weight: bold;">Zach Galifianakis Going Strong!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwjKjGHYyNhvL3o2rU5w5jHj1Bbw9ldAYAQ2re2N7r7xnCPwIYORg5r91SRmQrjzZ6VY6b9bSsGAyyT6ySap34yED_L8TJgDNuHEMPyKkm1euiABqg2Gpqk2a5JpL3gaFptCwSojb0Yd4/s1600-h/zachgalifianakis.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwjKjGHYyNhvL3o2rU5w5jHj1Bbw9ldAYAQ2re2N7r7xnCPwIYORg5r91SRmQrjzZ6VY6b9bSsGAyyT6ySap34yED_L8TJgDNuHEMPyKkm1euiABqg2Gpqk2a5JpL3gaFptCwSojb0Yd4/s200/zachgalifianakis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432202772033763682" border="0" /></a>This month, Zach Galifianakis will jump onto the silver screen in the upcoming independent feature, “Visioneers”. He stars in this film along with Judy Greer, best known for “27 Dresses” or from her recurring role on the television series, “Arrested Development.” Galifianakis plays George Washington Winsterhammerman, an employee at a successful company where his coworkers begin to spontaneously explode from stress. Afraid he is next to explode, he begins to take steps to ensure his survival which leads him to question the life he is fighting for.<br /><br />“Visioneers” is a dark comedy that will make its world premiere on June 12 and June 14 at the Seattle International Film Festival. Following the world premiere, the film makes its Las Vegas premiere on June 18 and June 19 at the CineVegas Film Festival.<br /><br />Zach will also co-star with Robert Downey Jr. for the new upcoming comedy "Due Date", directed by "The Hangover’s" Todd Phillips. Both men did a fabulous job in recent comedies (Tropic Thunder and The Hangover respectively). The story follows a father-to-be (Robert Downey Jr.) racing across the country to witness the birth of his child. Galifianakis will play a travel companion. The film is expected to go into production later in the year with a 2010 release date in mind.<br /><br />Galifianakis, 38, was born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. His mother, Mary Frances, ran a community center for the arts, and his father, Harry Galifianakis, was an oil heating vendor who immigrated from Greece at the age of three. Galifianakis was raised in his father’s Greek Orthodox faith, but now says he “isn’t sure” on the subject of religion.<br />His fathers family comes from the island of Crete and Zack has passed many summers there as a teenager. He attended North Carolina State University, although he did not graduate. He is the nephew of a former U.S. Congressman, Nick Galifianakis, as well as the cousin to cartoonist Nicholas Galifianakis.<br /><br />Galifianakis is an experienced stand-up comic that has been in several movies, including “Out Cold,” “Bubble Boy,” and “Into the Wild.” Recently, he was featured on the “Funny or Die” stand-up comedy tour, along with comedians Nick Swardson, Demetri Martin, Andrea Savage and Will Ferrell.<br /><br />-------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maria Callas & Aristotle Onassis Come to the Big Screen</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rUQfx6YkE3ADIKH_VbQVt7x7cLsnYT_sehDER6NsEYM8JGvbQOJi0JyZeR28n-07E0hTPloluTyUuXgRYuwYxkMtm-A0bjN0yKiS1aYwDzGx9Y0uRweNJ3jGgox__3Kqs15bwsznVrrj/s1600-h/eva-mendes-new-face-of-calvin-klein.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rUQfx6YkE3ADIKH_VbQVt7x7cLsnYT_sehDER6NsEYM8JGvbQOJi0JyZeR28n-07E0hTPloluTyUuXgRYuwYxkMtm-A0bjN0yKiS1aYwDzGx9Y0uRweNJ3jGgox__3Kqs15bwsznVrrj/s200/eva-mendes-new-face-of-calvin-klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432202866068666386" border="0" /></a>The story of Maria Callas, renowned Greek opera singer, and Aristotle Onassis, the richest man of his time, will be brought to life on screen in 2011. The film is based on the book, Greek Fire by Nicholas Gage, a Greek author who’s family comes from Epirus. The script has been developed by Jullian Fellowes, and will star Eva Mendez as Maria Callas.<br /><br />The book, and soon to be film, unveils the scandalous love affair of Callas and Onassis and the significance the relationship plays on their lives. Gage is credited as one of the first investigative reporters and was the first to work on the Watergate scandal. He also reported for the NY Times. Through Gage’s expert eye, and extensive research we discover shocking information about Callas and Aristotle’s story. Now, to be translated onto film.<br /><br />Gaumont, France’s leading film production and distribution company has paired up with producer, Nick Wechsler behind the movie. Gage will also be co-producing.<br />Gaumont CEO, Cristof Riandee explains the interest in working on this project, “This is a story of the impact that love can have on a star, Maria was so in love with Onassis that when their affair ended, she began to lose her voice, and there is a famous moment in Paris where she could not sing the third and fourth acts of an opera. Nick wanted to be more international, and we want to produce more U.S. movies. We have the same taste and have developed a very collaborative relationship, which is very important.”<br /><br />-------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Greek-American Betty White Wins!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEbAyCVpWYAGM80sRbND8X5ApKm3MfqYx8GF5WK3kOukyCW2a3UoYn0iVzlFb4vod71m2ZkqLuMzj3bUf9zASGPqrAOeZtHIDonxkAunsmmc0t-d6oRiWiC4w_nCysjJs2Y7mrGoR0dD-/s1600-h/Betty_White.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEbAyCVpWYAGM80sRbND8X5ApKm3MfqYx8GF5WK3kOukyCW2a3UoYn0iVzlFb4vod71m2ZkqLuMzj3bUf9zASGPqrAOeZtHIDonxkAunsmmc0t-d6oRiWiC4w_nCysjJs2Y7mrGoR0dD-/s200/Betty_White.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432204009335224274" border="0" /></a>This year, the Screen Actors Guild Awards granted the six-time Emmy winner, Betty White with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.<br />Eighty-eight year old Betty Marion White is a Greek American actress, comedian and former television host. Her career has blossomed for over sixty-five years. Her television roles include Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and of course Rose Nylund from The Golden Girls.<br /><br />The former Golden Girl is the daughter of Tess Cachikis, a Greek American, and to a German father.<br /><br />According to a USA Today article, when announcing the award, president Alan Rosenberg said: “Betty White has entertained audiences with her impeccable comic timing and remarkable wit for more than 60 years. Her life-long devotion to the welfare of animals, manifest in her work as an author, producer and philanthropist, and is further evidence of her tremendous humanity.”<br /><br />---------------------<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maria Menounos Just Getting Started!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wwvc5aFj3g5V_mJAc_5FR3BV4ZRslIFJ7LV6yjCRCWQJajlkhbd5bi2pfwJrBzD95nkS3GaZfLrNQrJPDNBEPhbMXgynVywOELs8xBs3ibPht9Xoek2QxhSszs93Il2dY83yIhpXLQPw/s1600-h/Maria_Menounos+Jul_17_2007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wwvc5aFj3g5V_mJAc_5FR3BV4ZRslIFJ7LV6yjCRCWQJajlkhbd5bi2pfwJrBzD95nkS3GaZfLrNQrJPDNBEPhbMXgynVywOELs8xBs3ibPht9Xoek2QxhSszs93Il2dY83yIhpXLQPw/s200/Maria_Menounos+Jul_17_2007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432204147021542722" border="0" /></a>Maria Menounos is producing “Serial Buddies” a serial killer “buddy” film – think Dexter meets Napolean Dynamite. The actors starring in the film are Hal Rudnick, Paul Ashton, Gina Molina, Richard Christie, and Todd Wilson. Menounos, who also has a role in the movie, commented about her cast that “They are so committed, complaint free and talented”. Keven Undergaro, who has collaborated in the past with Menounos, is the director and writer of the comedy which is currently filming in Connecticut and Massachusetts.<br /><br />Menounos has produced movies since her teens when, at age 17, she was also working as an employee at Dunkin’ Donuts with aspirations to be something more. And she did it. The same year she produced “In the Land of Merry Misfits”, an independent film fairy tale. The 35 mm feature film was produced by Menounos while she was attending Emerson College and directed by Keven Undergaro, then the head writer for MTV’s Singled Out. Unfortunately, the negatives of the film were stolen and the film was never completed. But her work on the film, and the film’s director, helped her land a reporting job at Channel One News and at MTV. Menounos, however, never forgot the film or the film’s director. In 2005, Menounos personally funded the recovery and restoration of the film, which was narrated by John Waters and starred an eclectic group in the Waters vein – including former WWE champion Bob Backlund, actress Josie Davis from the TV show “Charles in Charge” and B-movie icon Randal Malone. The film premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival. Menounos also directed “Longtime Listener” starring Wilmer Valderrama.<br /><br />Thanks to the Greek Hollywood Reporter for sources.GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-52214317264575743862010-01-10T13:28:00.004-05:002010-01-10T13:34:13.247-05:00Sparkling Wine Comes to Greece<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil87cnWtih4dA-gK6OzKOZ3xaIOpeUu0Qul0x9jmitYeufurxcEx5BvCmH1j0x37eZ3uStxRbNfL4EpjDWoXZ3PBebu2XIk973ngr6UtlUMN0tdfa9yx4Omibt1dMevQ6TLcyfHiWpUq1/s1600-h/eva+sparkling+wine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil87cnWtih4dA-gK6OzKOZ3xaIOpeUu0Qul0x9jmitYeufurxcEx5BvCmH1j0x37eZ3uStxRbNfL4EpjDWoXZ3PBebu2XIk973ngr6UtlUMN0tdfa9yx4Omibt1dMevQ6TLcyfHiWpUq1/s320/eva+sparkling+wine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425180530332946338" border="0" /></a>We’ve all had our share of sparkling wine during toasts at weddings, at Valentines Day dinner, at the countdown of New Year’s Eve, and probably offered at a social gathering. But how often do we order a glass or a bottle of sparkling wine as our choice of beverage? Recently, sparkling wine sales have been steadily increasing with creative marketing and trend setting approaches amongst various demographics. This refreshing and effervescent delight has been in production for centuries dating back to the 1600s when wine that was being shipped, accidentally went through a secondary fermentation creating a bubbly effect. This pleasant accident caught on quickly and became popular instantly.<br /><br />This phenomenon captured the interest of two monks, Dom Perignon and Frere Jean Oudart who were from the region of Champagne, France. They were the first to discover a methodical way of capturing the bubbles and creating quality and handcrafted sparkling wine. The secret of creating sparkling wine is to add the right amount of sugar and yeast to create carbon dioxide that results into tiny bubbles while the wine is fermenting in the bottle. The news spread fast within the region of Champagne about sparkling wine that its popularity wiped out the production of non-bubbly wines. The region of Champagne opened the doors to sparkling wine production throughout Europe and eventually around the world. Keep in mind that Champagne, is sparkling wine produced within the region of France. Any production outside of this region can only be labeled as sparkling wine or the local term. For example, sparkling wine from Spain is called Cava and from Italy is called Prosecco or Spumante.<br /><br />The success of sparkling wines has also made its way to Greece. According to wine enthusiasts and reputable critics, some of the best sparklers are produced from two of Greece’s natives grapes, Athiri and Moschofilero. The variety Athiri is commonly used in the production of blended wines in Greece, but it is the ideal grape for producing an aromatic and refreshing sparkler. One area that is famed for its Athiri grapes is the island of Rhodes. The island’s unique climate and soft breezes allow the Athiri grape to reach its distinct maturity needed to give its pleasant qualities. Aside from becoming the most popular white grape variety in Greece, Moschofilero makes a great sparkling wine. Sparklers produced from Moschofilero give off immense floral aromas with lemony and citrus flavors. What a great addition to a beautiful hot summer day in Greece.<br /><br />Restaurants have already begun to take advantage of the sparkling wine trend. You should begin to see a larger variety of sparkling wine offerings, especially by the glass. A great way to start any dining experience is actually with a glass of sparkling wine that actually stimulates a healthy appetite. It is also a great pairing with light foods such as lightly grilled vegetables and seafood. Wine shops have also expanded their sparkling wine sections with very creative placements to create interest amongst consumers.GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-18403131031344604612010-01-03T13:27:00.002-05:002010-01-03T13:33:35.338-05:00New Year's in GreeceLike most nations on earth, Greece celebrates the start of the New Year on January 1st. This date is the Name Day of Vassilis (Basil) and persons named Vassilis will receive a gift and congratulations on this day. All churches or monasteries named for this saint will offer special services and a celebration including food and drink.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Quote from the Liturgy of St. Basil</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The bread which you use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">New Year's Day Customs</span><br /><br />In Greece, it is considered lucky to gamble on this day, whether you win or lose, and traditionally, people would gather to play cards on a table covered with green felt. Since Greece has opened up its casinos to locals, this custom makes sure it's a busy day at the official gambling palaces throughout Greece.<br />The herb basil is connected to this saint and day, and is believed to have both healing and protective powers.<br /><br />On this day, any vessel of water is emptied and filled with fresh water, an echo of ancient New Year traditions.<br /><br />But the biggest part of the day concerns the special cake, the vassilopita, which is prepared with a small coin concealed in it. Whoever gets the piece with the coin can expect especially good luck in the coming year.GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-84892848181076115752009-11-09T11:00:00.002-05:002009-11-09T11:04:03.480-05:00New Reality Show, “Perfect Catch” set in the beautiful Greek Isles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pfcohvSpI8XJVeq1xxj2d6JezX1Xvkt88FEQT0jlUbzeqGRaMf1pix7l059zQB1LaTAU0uSt4tlZe70sKohvHIiDS0qTWTXZAR7KomCByQsWuRZMO3cdj92xVAiQT6Op8BhMmyz53OcE/s1600-h/perfect_catch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 105px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pfcohvSpI8XJVeq1xxj2d6JezX1Xvkt88FEQT0jlUbzeqGRaMf1pix7l059zQB1LaTAU0uSt4tlZe70sKohvHIiDS0qTWTXZAR7KomCByQsWuRZMO3cdj92xVAiQT6Op8BhMmyz53OcE/s320/perfect_catch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402135152346950962" border="0" /></a>Eight sexy and single contestants will be island hopping the Greek Isles in search for their “Perfect Catch”.<br /><br />The host of the show will be Carmen Electra, who will lead them on this quest for love. Carmen is in awe of Greece’s islands. She states, “The Greek islands are just beautiful. If you’re going to find sexy gorgeous people anywhere in the world it has to be there. Everyone is beautiful! I couldn’t choose a favourite as I loved them all and can’t wait to back one day.”<br /><br />The group of four males and four females have come from all around the globe to participate in the contest. They will visit six islands competing to find their ideal match. The show will brag sites of the most precious gems of the Agean, including Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes, Santorini, and the like. The player who will succeed in catching the perfect mate will win a $50,000 prize.<br /><br />You can Tune onto E! to watch “Perfect Catch” on Sunday nights. Lets see what romance will sizzle under the sun of the Greek isles.GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-15776321655764904112009-08-25T10:54:00.004-04:002009-08-25T11:17:10.669-04:00Elli Kokkinou comes to Boston!Don't forget to get your tickets for Elli Kokkinou & Giorgos Christou in concert at the Roxy!<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyx68YPPgMIFGPkKN5wOMIKTCf2i0UsYFU0bJEOYZoluErIz_MEjS09LuvpjdO97WITYwJrlC_lSSulXganmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5P8wWRFYQgsCaUnwVF0fbqF6BtDigy9Q_SgxUVblqZP1d-JY-kQHUFIqwokAfafvNevWUgfusl8T2aEGmFs7lnwf3fXc0DKUoVdtvjle5tkZIuoCw3Soa0_3UsE8IjmUZMz7bRZG0XLa/s1600-h/kokkinou_blog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5P8wWRFYQgsCaUnwVF0fbqF6BtDigy9Q_SgxUVblqZP1d-JY-kQHUFIqwokAfafvNevWUgfusl8T2aEGmFs7lnwf3fXc0DKUoVdtvjle5tkZIuoCw3Soa0_3UsE8IjmUZMz7bRZG0XLa/s320/kokkinou_blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373920374096583410" border="0" /></a>One Of Greece's hottest singers! She has not been to the United States in 5 years. We miss hearing the hits "Masai", "Sex", "Den Pao Kala", "Ki Allo" and more! So therefore, we are happy to announce the North American Elli Kokkinou Tour!<br /><br />SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, 2009<br />The Roxy<br />279 Tremont Street<br />617 293-8557<br /><a href="http://www.greekboston.com/concert/kokkinou/">Official Kokkinou info page</a>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-37325641422676653782009-06-29T20:04:00.002-04:002009-06-29T20:19:16.927-04:00Restore Agia Sophia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.freeagiasophia.org/imgs/thumbs/thumb_hist-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 298px;" src="http://www.freeagiasophia.org/imgs/thumbs/thumb_hist-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Agia Sophia, the Church of God's Wisdom as it was known, was closely identified with the life of Byzantium and its renowned capital Constantinople, today's Istanbul. Agia Sophia has been for many centuries the symbol of Christianity and of divine power throughout the Byzantine Empire and the Christian world. <p>Built on a hill near Bosporus, in the area of Constantinople that also housed the Great Palace, the Hippodrome and the Augusteum, the "Great Church" for centuries served as the center of Ecclesiastical life for Christendom.</p> <p>In times of crises, such as sieges, starvation and epidemics, all Christians, Catholic and Orthodox, sought salvation and Holy Grace from the Basilica of Agia Sophia.</p> <p>Agia Sophia as we know it today was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian and it accommodated 23,000 people. Its splendor, according to Byzantine writers of the time was without equal. Nothing like it was built before or after. The "Great Church" was dedicated to Jesus Christ the "Wisdom of God", and celebrated its feast day on Christmas (December 25).</p> <p>Agia Sophia was consecrated in a magnificent ceremony on December 27, 537, A.D., by Emperor Justinian and Patriarch Minas. When the Emperor entered the Church through the royal gates he was so stunned by the grandeur of his work that he turned to heaven and exclaimed "Glory to God that I have been judged worthy of such work. Oh, Solomon I have surpassed thee!" referring to the magnificent Temple King Solomon had built in Jerusalem. Succeeding Emperors maintained the vast complex of Agia Sophia and enriched it with priceless gifts.</p> <p>The "Great Church" remained as the mother church of Christianity and the symbol of the Orthodox Christian faith until the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453.</p> <p>The Fall of Constantinople to the Turkish forces led by Sultan Mohammed II on May 29, 1453, interrupted the functioning of Agia Sophia as a Christian Church. By the time Mohammed the "Conqueror" entered Agia Sophia to "pray" a few days after the conquest, the Holy Christian Basilica had already been converted into a mosque.</p> <p>The conversion of Agia Sophia to a mosque meant that both the interior and the exterior of the "Great Church" underwent significant alterations. The cross above the dome was replaced with a crescent and the first minaret was erected. The magnificent icon of Jesus Christ the Pantocrator (The Almighty) within the dome was gilded over, the altar and icons were removed and the irreplaceable majestic mosaics on the walls of the church were plastered over.</p> <p>In the 553 years of captivity, many Ottoman Sultans showed particular interest in embellishing and maintaining Agia Sophia as a Mosque. Changes were carried out under Sultan Salim II when a second minaret was built. Two more minarets were constructed during the reign of Sultan Murat III.</p> <p>With the end of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of the "modern" Turkish State, the use of Agia Sophia as a mosque came to an end.</p> <p>In May 1934, the government of Turkey converted Agia Sophia into a museum. Today, the mother Church of Christianity, the Great Church of God's Holy Wisdom, functions as a pseudo museum with the title "Ayasofya Muzesi" hosting local and international trade shows, musical concerts, exhibitions, tourist photo ops and other commercial activities.</p><p><a href="http://www.freeagiasophia.org/">Click here to find out how you can help</a> >><br /></p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-70673915789885021972009-05-15T15:45:00.007-04:002009-05-21T15:16:45.378-04:00My Life in Ruins GreekBoston Premiere!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO24gtwYptkkLSZjgKwzHMHhP2QYbJemBGYaaC15-UdrPUys_fZdfhLCwUCn4cxyaAwmAJyk3woRZHfMobfFg3UfajZMFuZ4WiZwmoTe9ilfw3zg3NxjWM4P0us9bmSVsQvWjF2dBXkfy/s1600-h/mylifeinruins_tall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO24gtwYptkkLSZjgKwzHMHhP2QYbJemBGYaaC15-UdrPUys_fZdfhLCwUCn4cxyaAwmAJyk3woRZHfMobfFg3UfajZMFuZ4WiZwmoTe9ilfw3zg3NxjWM4P0us9bmSVsQvWjF2dBXkfy/s320/mylifeinruins_tall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338358282568594354" border="0" /></a>Some of our long-term viewers may remember way back when GreekBoston hosted a private screening of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</span>. We were the first in the country to promote the movie and we even did a great <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2eJoYuQexA">interview with stars Nia Vardalos and John Corbett</a>. We're happy to say Nia is back with another movie based on her Greek heritage and filmed in Greece! <a href="http://www.greekboston.com/my_life_in_ruins/">We are giving away free tickets to the GreekBoston sneak preview so click here to get your tickets now</a>!<br /><br /><i><b>My Life in Ruins</b></i> is an upcoming romantic comedy film set amongst the ruins of ancient Greece, starring Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Georgoulis" title="Alexis Georgoulis">Alexis Georgoulis</a>, Rachel Dratch, Harland Williams and British comedy actor and impressionist Alistair McGowan. The film is about a tour guide whose life takes a personal detour, while her group gets entangled in comic situations among the ruins with a series of unexpected stops along the way. The film, which has been given a PG-13 rating from the MPAA for sexual content, is scheduled to be released June 5, 2009 in the United States, and May 7, 2009 in Greece.<br /><br />Georgia (Nia Vardalos) is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_American" title="Greek American">Greek American</a> tour guide, who leads an assorted group of misfit tourists who would rather buy a T-Shirt than learn about history around Greece. In a clash of personalities and cultures, everything seems to go wrong, until one day when tourist Irv Gordon (Richard Dreyfuss), shows her how to have fun and take a good look at the last person she would ever expect to find love with: her Greek bus driver (Alexis Georgoulis)<br /><br />The Acropolis will soon become the backdrop for a big-screen comedy after Athens gave the green light for the glory that was Greece to be used by Hollywood for the first time.<p>Breaking with a no-go policy, applied without distinction to the great and good of modern cinematography, Greece's powerful archaeological council (KAS) has permitted the classical masterpiece to feature in the movie - known for the moment as My Life in Ruins, and produced by Tom Hanks.</p><p>Filming of the comedy, a life-long dream of its star, Nia Vardalos, who shot to fame with the autobiographical hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding, is expected to begin in Athens next month. Ms Vardalos, who plays an archaeologist tour guide whose groups get entangled in comic situations among the ruins, struck lucky after convincing KAS that the movie would strengthen Greece's appeal abroad.</p><p>Despite persistent requests from some of the world's most acclaimed directors, Greek officials had always rejected the idea of the site, dating from 500BC, being filmed - on grounds it would degrade a monument regarded as sacred.</p><p>The actor reportedly spent months explaining the fine details of the comedy.</p><p>The movie will be produced by Play Tone, the firm run by Hanks and his half-Greek wife Rita Wilson, and will also feature Delphi, Epidaurus and ancient Olympia. An official at the Greek culture ministry said the 2004 Athens Olympics' successful impact on tourism had "most definitely" helped win the deal. "Ultimately it was decided that a Hollywood film shot in situ after the Olympics would promote ancient Greek civilisation and have long-term benefits for the country."</p><p>Hanks, who with Ms Wilson did much to promote Vardalos, a stand-up Los Angeles comic before she was discovered by the Hollywood couple, has a holiday home in Greece and regularly visits.</p><p>The decision is all the more startling since My Big Fat Greek Wedding, a low-budget film that became the highest grossing independent feature ever released, also irritated many Greeks who were unhappy at the way they, and their ethnic cousins in the US, were portrayed. </p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-44426912226704994272009-05-04T10:37:00.008-04:002009-05-04T10:46:48.026-04:00Mithia Ouzata Recipe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HNoyhl54yiPToglstRMgNO65V8Phx1vhaSK_DZPf_UpRYfFMaZhM58RygYhsFlcIWVGUNG3Zky78tYvXgJmN_JJABGJExTiuURBzaGbFyA5-lOkqP9jyGdIZDUmz7vEAaEfyENxWhKJw/s1600-h/Mithia_Ouzata_Recipe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HNoyhl54yiPToglstRMgNO65V8Phx1vhaSK_DZPf_UpRYfFMaZhM58RygYhsFlcIWVGUNG3Zky78tYvXgJmN_JJABGJExTiuURBzaGbFyA5-lOkqP9jyGdIZDUmz7vEAaEfyENxWhKJw/s320/Mithia_Ouzata_Recipe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331978977893422722" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">by Paul Delios</span><br />Everyone thinks “white wine” when deciding how to prepare mussels, but this dish imparts the classic Greek taste of ouzo in a surprising way. Here, mussels are steamed in a savory broth and topped with Feta cheese for a new take on a true New England dish.<br /><br />Mussel’s freshness tip: Before steaming, toss any mussels that are open. After steaming, toss any that remained closed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">INGREDIENTS</span><br /><ul><li>2 lbs. mussels, wild or cultivated, scrubbed of excess grit and “beards”</li><li>1 small white onion, sliced in half, then sliced thinly</li><li>3 cloves garlic, chopped finely, and one extra left whole and peeled</li><li>1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes</li><li>½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste</li><li>1 teaspoon salt, or to taste</li><li>½ cup clam broth</li><li>½ cup ouzo</li><li>½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes</li><li>1 lb. feta cheese, cubed (roughly ½ inch cubes)</li><li>3-4 green onions, chopped</li><li>½ cup fresh parsley, rough chop</li><li>3 tablespoons butter</li><li>2 tablespoons olive oil<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">DIRECTIONS</span><br /><ol><li>In a large sauté pan, toss the white onion, garlic, and the pepper flakes into the oil and brown.</li><li>Add mussels and tomatoes, parsley, clam broth and ouzo. Cover, and cook on high heat until the mussels open, anywhere from five to 10 minutes.</li><li>After mussels are open, remove them individually with tongs or large spoon; place on serving plate or shallow bowl. Toss all remaining ingredients into the pan liquid with the butter and swirl on low heat until combined. Once hot, pour mixture over plated mussels so that broth fills or partially covers the shells.</li><li>Serve with bread of choice for sopping up the broth (even day-old bread works great). For a crisper addition, slice bread, brush with olive oil, rub with garlic and broil until golden.<br /></li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wine Pairing</span>:<br />Greek Wine<br />2007 Assyrtico, Santo Winery, Santorini<br />Sug. Retail: $19.99<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alternative</span>:<br />2008 Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine, Domaine du Rin Dubois<br />Sug. Retail: $12.99GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-59562196625562793422009-04-29T21:56:00.002-04:002009-04-29T22:05:32.580-04:00VP Joe Biden to Meet Greek-American Leaders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZiexJIpXyhyphenhyphendJuGJvbBKZVxWkNVSDzSu1Ehmbh4_nopll0f0DM9qeQR56sX_VG623sP26tgnuFAPGYHCMa80yKJb9KDsMafBqSBqHDHUMNEWSENixQHzpHTREQJcMGWPS-BdRJct1XX-/s1600-h/biden_joe.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZiexJIpXyhyphenhyphendJuGJvbBKZVxWkNVSDzSu1Ehmbh4_nopll0f0DM9qeQR56sX_VG623sP26tgnuFAPGYHCMa80yKJb9KDsMafBqSBqHDHUMNEWSENixQHzpHTREQJcMGWPS-BdRJct1XX-/s320/biden_joe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330299563384591266" border="0" /></a>US Vice President Joe Biden will hold a meeting late May with the leadership of overseas Cypriots and Greeks, in Washington, who will outline the positions of the Greek-American community on various issues concerning Greece and Cyprus. <p>President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) Philip Christopher has said that the meeting will take place 22 of May.</p> <p>In statements recently in Astoria, Christopher said that the positions of the new US government during its first 100 days in office, on Greek and Cypriot national issues, have been positive.</p> <p>“The fact that President Obama has held a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis before going to Turkey and that he spoke positively about the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Cyprus issue, as well as his, even brief, meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, is our success”, he noted.</p> <p>Christopher expressed the view that the Obama government foreign policy on Greek and Cypriot issues would be different and more positive.</p> <p>He also noted the contribution of Cypriots overseas to the meeting held in Prague between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Cypriot Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou as well as to Clinton’s positions on the Skopje issue.</p> <p>(source: CNA)</p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-16595328196972782102009-04-21T16:50:00.007-04:002009-04-21T22:58:34.429-04:00Greek Independence Celebrations in Boston<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0encr2HL4ZII8nM2EmXp4NAKo_rBxeXfrfxndJLTsx-JdMDrCYpDN-PsSX6jJzewCpsFSDT8PVO52BGbCkec6Hk8jPxX4s3h1WAtA7gb8h-L_Df98EIFR5AEo4zDEXNxmE94WYGNPBnHh/s1600-h/blog_greek_parade.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0encr2HL4ZII8nM2EmXp4NAKo_rBxeXfrfxndJLTsx-JdMDrCYpDN-PsSX6jJzewCpsFSDT8PVO52BGbCkec6Hk8jPxX4s3h1WAtA7gb8h-L_Df98EIFR5AEo4zDEXNxmE94WYGNPBnHh/s320/blog_greek_parade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327255866048474850" border="0" /></a>Our favorite time of year is once again upon us! The celebration of Greek Independence Day is a wonderful time for all Hellenes, especially the Greeks who operate a Greek community website! In order to make things a little easier for all who would like to observe the festivities this weekend, we put together an event list with times, locations, and descriptions so you can pick and choose how you would like to celebrate. Our personal advice to all of our fellow Hellenes would be to attend and support each and every event! Below is our Greek Independence Celebration schedule - ZHTO H ELLAS!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Event Listing for 15th Greek Independence Day Parade</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 24th, 2009 – 1:30–4:00 PM</span><br />Massachusetts State House<br />Greek Independence Day Commemoration<br />House of Representative’s Chamber<br />Hosted by Governor Deval Patrick & the Massachusetts Legislature<br />The State House Greek Independence Day Commemoration will be held in the House of Representative’s Chamber from 3:00-4:00PM. Public reception with Greek folk dances prior to the Commemoration in the Hall of Flags from 1:30-3:00PM. Governor’s Proclamation to be delivered by Lt. Governor Tim Murray.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 24th, 2009 (Immediately following State House event)</span><br />Consulate General of Greece<br />Reception in honor of the Commemoration of Greek Independence Day<br />Hosted by the Consul General of Greece Constantinos Orphanides<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, April 24, 2009 – 5:00-7:45PM</span><br />Stuart Street Playhouse (Radisson)<br />Miss Greek Independence/ In conjunction with the George Perris Concert: A Musical Journey<br />Featuring George Perris and the selection of Miss Greek Independence 2009<br />Contestant Registration: 5PM-6PM<br />City Room, Radisson Hotel/ Boston, MA<br />Contestants should arrive dressed in formal attire. $25 Registration Fee (includes admission to concert)<br />Contestant Time with Judges: 6-7:45PM<br />Contestants will meet judges and asked a series of questions. Contestants will be introduced to the audience during concert intermission, and the winners will be announced after the show.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">George Perris Concert : A Musical Journey 8:00 PM</span><br />Repertoire by Hadjidakis, Theodorakis, Plessas, and others.<br />Tickets at $25.00 in advance or $30.00 at the door. For tickets: 617-547-4770<br />Presented By: FHASNE, The Greek Institute, and GreekBoston.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, April 25th, 2009 – 6:30 PM</span><br />Carver Ballroom, Radisson Hotel<br />200 Stuart Street, Boston,<br />Boston Greek Independence Day Parade Annual Dinner<br />Hosted by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England<br />Music by the Greek Music Ensemble - Guest appearance by George Perris<br />Cocktails: 6:30 PM Prime Rib Dinner 7:30 PM<br />Donation: Sixty-Five Dollars, For Reservations: 617.507.6444 <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, April, 26th 2009</span><br />Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England <br />Doxology: 10:00 AM, Presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Greek Independence Day Parade 1:00 PM</span><br />Parade Route: Boylston Street to Charles Street<br />Grand Marshals: City of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios & Maria Stephanos, FOX25 News Anchor<br />Presented by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England In Cooperation with The Metropolis of Boston, The Consulate General of Greece and The Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Tourism<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Immediately following the Parade at the Parkman Bandstand</span><br />Celebration and "Expo on the Park" at the Boston Common<br />Featuring Greek folk dance performances, vendors and exhibitors, food, music and children’s events.<br />Music by The Greek Music EnsembleGreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-65500947696750725052009-03-30T21:48:00.009-04:002009-04-01T11:03:09.499-04:00A Little About Greek Easter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3obpavWyS3_zmt75FT37xGCICckyICO8bHTVYUahVWpxeSgOodg679cYYJBfISfa3XadtJsMle4HOhZLZvkIjuzD93qwyD9komkBrLO_z3Rz3idqeSSsDbl8tcJs90h-3fGxKURD0ZTuh/s1600-h/greek_easter_eggs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 2px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3obpavWyS3_zmt75FT37xGCICckyICO8bHTVYUahVWpxeSgOodg679cYYJBfISfa3XadtJsMle4HOhZLZvkIjuzD93qwyD9komkBrLO_z3Rz3idqeSSsDbl8tcJs90h-3fGxKURD0ZTuh/s320/greek_easter_eggs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319735866882313810" border="0" /></a>Easter time, from the time before the Lenten fast through Holy Week and the celebrations of Easter, is a special season in Greece. <p>The <a href="http://www.smart.net/%7Emmontes/OrthEasttbl.html#T3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">date of the Greek Orthodox Easter</a> is based on a modified Julian calendar, while the Western world uses the Gregorian calendar, therefore the festivities do not usually occur at the same time as other Christian Easter celebrations. </p><p>In 2009 Easter will be celebrated by many Christians on April 19, with many traditions that make Easter in Greece different than Easter celebrations in other lands.</p><p> Greek foods and traditions mark the season as uniquely Hellenic. The history of Greece traces back far past the beginnings of Christianity, but from the very earliest days of the Christian faith the Islands of Greece and the Greek people have embraced these beliefs and made them part of the Greek heritage. Of all the Christian feast days, Easter is the greatest time for foods, feasting and celebration to people in the Greek Orthodox faith. </p><p><strong>Greek Lenten Traditions</strong></p><p>The celebrations for Easter truly begin two months before with Mardi Gras. The Carnival or <a href="http://www.gnto.gr/pages.php?pageID=389&langID=2" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>Apokria</em></a> season starts on the Sunday of Teloni and Fariséou and ends on Shrovetide Sunday with the <em>Burning of the Carnival King</em>...setting fire to an enormous paper maché effigy of Judas in the early evening. The fireworks and feasting continue throughout the night. The next day, <em>Kathará Deftéra or <a href="http://www.serendipity.gr/Greek%20cooking/lenten-recipes.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kathari Deutera</a></em>, is known as Clean Monday or Ash Monday</p><p>For Greeks, Clean Monday is one of the most festive holidays of the year. Decorated with the colorful local almond trees and mimosas bursting into bloom, nature invites children and their parents into the hills of Athens and the Greek countryside. Flying kites and feasting at local tavernas or outdoor picnics is how Lent begins in Greece.</p><p> <a href="http://www.krinos.com/ind_recipe.php?RId=9" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>Htapothi</em> Octopus</a> and <a href="http://www.thegutsygourmet.net/gr-calamari.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">calamari</a> or <a href="http://www.squidfish.net/squidrecipes.shtml" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">squid</a>, prawns, <a href="http://www.faliraki-info.com/susie/greek-recipes/sea-food/stewd-cuttlefish.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>Soupies Giahni</em> - cuttlefish stewed in wine</a>, rice pilaf with mussels, varieties of <a href="http://www.symivisitor.com/fassolada2.htm#Fassolada" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bean stews</a> and salads, <em>Taramosaláta</em> - fish roe dip, Lenten <em>dolmades</em> or <a href="http://www.recipesource.com/ethnic/europe/greek/dolmas1.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>Dolmáddes</em></a> - rice stuffed grape vine leaves, <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Halva-A-Greek-Sweet-Using-Semolina-83998" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>Halva</em></a> a semolina pudding, plenty of <a href="http://www.mavrommatis.gr/modules.php?name=categories3" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">meat free salads</a> and the once-a-year lagana, a yeastless bread, are a small portion of the unique tastes of the day accompanied by joyous music.</p><p>If <em>Apokria</em>, <em>Kathará Deftéra</em> and Lenten Sunday feasts are the preliminaries for Greek Easter, Holy Week is the peak of these activities. On Holy Thursday the bright <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_16898_make-greek-easter.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">dyed red eggs</a> that are symbolic of Easter in Greece are prepared. Tradition says that the Virgin Mother, Mary, dyed eggs this color to celebrated the Resurrection of Christ and to celebrate life. Every Greek family prepares these eggs as part of the Easter Sunday Resurrection Table. </p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtBCVA1RU45nuogFR7HmHYK11aeyik7LBWU3-YESGNunmxYqSKkISHoHxAZcHAznOSBRkwWkRtjm6Y-i8Zs_HLEPtIvoZlDrMhlW6yJ8UrGE-hgp3y52rVXYq985rQL9DvwQorzHVm_QQ/s1600-h/tsoureki.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 2px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtBCVA1RU45nuogFR7HmHYK11aeyik7LBWU3-YESGNunmxYqSKkISHoHxAZcHAznOSBRkwWkRtjm6Y-i8Zs_HLEPtIvoZlDrMhlW6yJ8UrGE-hgp3y52rVXYq985rQL9DvwQorzHVm_QQ/s320/tsoureki.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319735790349186850" border="0" /></a>Otherwise, the women in Greek families are busy baking <a href="http://recipes.chef2chef.net/recipe-archive/43/233627.shtml" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>kouloúria</em></a> - dough cookies and <a href="http://www.greek-recipe.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article277" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>Tsouréki</em></a> - traditional sweet bread for the Easter feast. In Corfu and Zakynthos earthen water pitchers, <em>Stámnes</em>, are thrown into the street to bring luck. </p><p>On Good Friday or Great Friday, flags at homes and government buildings are set at half mast to mark the mournful day. The <a href="http://saveur.com/article.jsp?ID=4431&typeID=100" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Procession of the <em>Epitáphios</em> of Christ</a>, the <a href="http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/bmcr/2003/2003-01-10.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ritual Lament</a> that has survived from Homeric times, mourns the death of Christ on the Cross with the symbolic decorated coffin carried through the streets by the faithful. On Corfu, <a href="http://www.stspyridonchurch.org/saintspyridon.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">the procession of St. Spyridon is held on Easter Saturday</a>. </p><p>Holy Saturday is filled with anticipation of the religious celebration of Easter and the Resurrection. People begin to gather in the churches and squares in cities, towns and villages by 11 p.m. for the Easter services. Large white candles, <em>lampáda, </em>are carried by just about all of the faithful. At midnight the church bells toll as the priests announce <em>Christós Anésti</em>...Christ is Risen! Fireworks are set off, in some areas gunshots are fired and the each person in the crowd answers with the joyous responses of <em>Alithós Anésti - </em>Truly He is risen and <em> Alithinós O Kírios</em> - True is The Lord. </p><p><strong>Greek Easter - A Time for Family</strong></p><p>The people leave the churches and crowded squares and make their ways to homes of friends and relatives. The candles they carry are placed in each home and burn through the night to symbolize the Light returned to the world. Celebrations continue with the cracking of eggs and The Resurrection Table. The <a href="http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/greekeaster.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>Kokkina - pasxalina avga</em> - dyed red Easter eggs</a> that are found on the Resurrection Table become pieces of a traditional game. Each person takes an egg and challengers attempt to crack each others' eggs. The breaking of the eggs is meant to symbolize Christ breaking from the Tomb. The person whose egg lasts the longest is assured good luck for the rest of the year.</p><p>The traditional foods on the Resurrection Table: <em>hiroméri</em> - smoked salted pork; cheeses; <em><a href="http://www.hub-uk.com/foodpages12/recip0563.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Magirítsa</a></em> - a creamy, lemony soup made from the lamb sweetmeats; <em><a href="http://recipes.chef2chef.net/recipe-archive/43/233624.shtml" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">kouloúra</a></em> - Greek Easter bread; <em><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/87775" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tsoureki</a>; <a href="http://www.completerecipes.com/40536.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lambropsomo</a></em> and other Easter breads and plenty of <a href="http://www.chiff.com/wine/europe/greece.htm">wine</a>, retsina and ouzo insure a feast that will last throughout the night<em>. </em></p><p>After the night of feasting and celebration, everyone is still up early on Easter Sunday morning. The Easter Sunday table is prepared and the festivities continue! The Easter meal is truly a feast. Salads of beans, greens and seafood, vegetable dishes that are grilled or cooked to be served with the rice dishes, <a href="http://www.exotickitchen.com/recipes/recipes1.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em>Kokoretsi</em></a>, breads, cakes, cookies, wines, ouzo...</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1KLN1ajHl8LgfX1QwLviRgfhaF3mkmnzb3VaCVN8_ulGs73ct2VNDVastnaKP1fx10KOUY85t2nTr-RETIou2V3zbsS3gk0g4vqBCC1KRi7WoR1gqQ245TBql8ziRejisDpsWXxxxz8p/s1600-h/lamb_spit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 2px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1KLN1ajHl8LgfX1QwLviRgfhaF3mkmnzb3VaCVN8_ulGs73ct2VNDVastnaKP1fx10KOUY85t2nTr-RETIou2V3zbsS3gk0g4vqBCC1KRi7WoR1gqQ245TBql8ziRejisDpsWXxxxz8p/s320/lamb_spit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319735552327425666" border="0" /></a>The main dish at the Easter Table is the lamb or <a href="http://www.jackmauldin.com/goat_recipes.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">goat</a>. Served in honor of the Lamb of God who was sacrificed and rose again on Easter, the <a href="http://www.greek-recipe.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article94" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">whole spiced lamb roasted over a charcoal fire </a>is the most traditional of Greek Easter foods. The Easter Sunday celebration lasts through the day while visits are made to family and friends and the Easter feast is shared with every guest. </p><p>Each person that enters the home is greeted <em>with Gigto kaló tis iméras!</em> - For the good of the day! and with a plate of food and an invitation to join in the feast. Besides bringing insult and bad luck to a host who is rejected, the foods are so delicious...who could refuse?</p><p>Easter Monday is a much more relaxed day when everyone gets ready to return to work and school. The main work of Easter Monday is to finish the foods that were not eaten the day before!</p><p><em>Kaló Pás'ha</em>...Happy Greek Easter! </p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-68809053877735878562009-03-26T19:20:00.004-04:002009-03-26T22:07:12.978-04:00Obama Joins Greek Independence Day Celebration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQR_x-Knmj3fHa2_H6FQguGL9SrNu8wIF1SqkZ3XwJj6ugegJcefBLRI2ITyE5r2EATwvxX3_P5OPiWa6MlxVkADCC9vladmoaXrq5fe_g9aT3hPWy1VMdNcNGNVMpTy2Nsf3Pqk88vQ3T/s1600-h/obama_greek_independence_day.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 5px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQR_x-Knmj3fHa2_H6FQguGL9SrNu8wIF1SqkZ3XwJj6ugegJcefBLRI2ITyE5r2EATwvxX3_P5OPiWa6MlxVkADCC9vladmoaXrq5fe_g9aT3hPWy1VMdNcNGNVMpTy2Nsf3Pqk88vQ3T/s320/obama_greek_independence_day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317643125380935314" border="0" /></a>The president and Vice President Joe Biden welcomed a multitude of guests to the White House Wednesday to celebrate Greek Independence Day. Among the guests of honor were Ambassador of Greece in the US, Alexandros Malias, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, Archbishop Demetrios, and many other notable Greeks and Greek-Americans. President Barack Obama mentioned in his speech that "founders were students of Greek history and turned to ancient texts for allies" while Archibishop Demetrios noted that "Greece and the USA share values of freedom and democracy" and stated that he prays strongly for the first family. He also compared the President with Alexander the Great, saying the President should follow the example of the ancient military conqueror to help solve some of Greece’s problems.<p>The President responded, "I will tell Michelle that I’ve been compared to Alexander the Great, I will see whether that gets me a little more respect at home. At home she knows she’s still the boss." The event started at 5pm in Washington, D.C. and included many Greek culinary specialties. A special guest at the White House Kitchen was Greek Chef Michael Psilakis, who prepared Greek dishes such as raw mezze of tuna with feta dust and pickled raw and dehydrated watermelon; open goat moussaka; braised snails with rabbit confit and halvah. Psilakis is the first outside chef that was invited to cook for an event in the White House by this administration.</p> <p>Last night President Obama proclaimed March 25, 2009, as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy".</p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-75499880893193637222009-03-23T22:40:00.001-04:002009-03-23T22:42:40.819-04:00Jennifer Aniston narrates third Loukoumi book<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.greekboston.com/blog/Jennifer-Aniston.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 128px;" src="http://www.greekboston.com/blog/Jennifer-Aniston.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>NEW YORK – Jennifer Aniston is among several celebrities who contributed to the third book in the Loukoumi illustrated children’s series. <p>Aniston is joined by her father, John, a Days of Our Lives star, in narrating Loukoumi’s Good Deeds, which will be released on April 1. The Loukoumi series is written by Nick Katsoris, a lawyer, publisher and father of two children, of Eastchester, N.Y.</p> <p>The narrated story, included in a CD with the hardcover book, also contains a song by Grammy award-winning singer Gloria Gaynor, titled, “Make Someone Smile.”</p><p>Loukoumi’s Good Deeds (Dream Day Press/NK Publications; $15.95) continues the adventures of Loukoumi the Lamb and her friends Gus the Bear, Fistiki the Cat, Dean the Dog and Marika the Monkey. They learn that no matter how small a word or deed, helping out makes a difference in other’s lives.</p><p>Katsoris said he got the idea for the book as a young law clerk. An office cleaning lady gave him a pair of gold cufflinks to thank him for saying good morning to her every day. </p><p>“This book is dedicated to Daisy for teaching me at a young age that the perfect gift comes straight from the heart,” he said.</p><p>In addition to the Anistons, the CD also features the character voices of Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, former American Idol Constantine Maroulis, Guiding Light star Frank Dicopoulos and CBS News anchor Alexis Christoforous, as the voice of Loukoumi.</p><p>The second annual Loukoumi Dream Day contest also will be launched on April 1. Children can enter the contest by drawing a picture of themselves in their future dream career accompanied by the statement: “I want to be a ______ because ...” The contest deadline is December 31, and top winners will live their dream career for a day.<br />St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital also will receive $2 from each sale of Loukoumi’s Good Deeds.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.loukoumi.com/">www.loukoumi.com</a>.</p><p>Reprinted from the <em><a href="http://www.thehellenicvoice.com/" target="_blank">Hellenic Voice </a></em> </p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-44252626552778799082009-03-23T22:39:00.002-04:002009-03-23T22:40:20.544-04:00Esteemed Greek Journalists to Visit Boston<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.greekboston.com/blog/greece_map.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 139px;" src="http://www.greekboston.com/blog/greece_map.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Here's some interesting news for our fellow Greeks in New England. We just received word from a popular P.R. firm in Athens, working directly with Lufthansa Airlines, about marketing Boston as a destination in Greece. They have invited four journalists on a tour to interview key individuals within our community here in Boston. All four journalists are chief editors of their publications, such as <em>To Vima</em> and <em>Antenna</em>.<p> The P.R. firm has asked GreekBoston.com to show them around Boston and to connect them with professionals that have made an impact within our Greek-American community. We decided to give them a full tour, with stops at the Greek consulate, The Hellenic Voice, The Greek Institute, and a special Greek dinner prepared by our resident Chef Paul Delios. The dinner will take place at Tresca in the North End - and yes, we know it's Italian, but nonetheless we will transform it into a temporary Greek eatery filled with Hellenes and delicious Greek fare!</p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-13999703280748613472009-03-23T22:37:00.001-04:002009-03-23T22:38:45.490-04:00Archbishop Participates in National Prayer Service<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.greekboston.com/homeimages/blog_obama.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 120px;" src="http://www.greekboston.com/homeimages/blog_obama.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>WASHINGTON – Archbishop Demetrios participated in the National Prayer Service held at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, attended by President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden and his wife, Jill.<p>The National Prayer Service is a tradition dating back to the Inauguration of George Washington, and this year had a strong interfaith character embodying the themes of tolerance, unity and understanding. Prior to the ceremony the Archbishop met the President and conveyed to him the congratulations and best wishes of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Orthodox faithful of America. </p> <p>WASHINGTON – Archbishop Demetrios participated in the National Prayer Service held at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, attended by President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden and his wife, Jill. </p><p>The National Prayer Service is a tradition dating back to the Inauguration of George Washington, and this year had a strong interfaith character embodying the themes of tolerance, unity and understanding. Prior to the ceremony the Archbishop met the President and conveyed to him the congratulations and best wishes of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Orthodox faithful of America.<br /><br />At the service, the Archbishop read a New Testament passage from the Gospel of Matthew. (Matthew 22:36-40)<br /><br />At the inauguration of President Obama on Jan. 20, the Archbishop was a guest of honor and was seated on the Presidential platform during the ceremony.</p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-62598660973337047542009-03-23T22:33:00.002-04:002009-03-23T22:35:36.520-04:00Tragedy for Greece<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45324000/jpg/_45324393_alexisshrineap226b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 170px;" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45324000/jpg/_45324393_alexisshrineap226b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><strong>Greece's worst civil unrest in more than 30 years has taken its most dangerous turn yet.</strong><p> </p><p>A domestic militant group called Revolutionary Struggle has now entered the fray. </p><p>The proof, according to Greek officials, comes in the form of bullets fired during an attack on a riot police unit guarding the culture ministry in central Athens on Monday. </p><p>Ballistics tests revealed that one of the bullets came from the same weapon used in an attack on an Athens police station in April 2007. </p><p>Revolutionary Struggle, described as "a radical leftist group" in a recent US state department report on terrorism, said it had carried out that attack. </p><p>Previously, the group also claimed a rocket attack on the US embassy in Athens the same year. </p><p>A 21-year-old member of the riot police unit, Diamandis Mantzounis, is in a critical condition after the attack. He was shot in the body and leg - though the bullets that struck him were fired from a second weapon. </p><p>Greece's national police chief, Lt Gen Vassilis Tsiatouras, said that was a Kalashnikov, that tests showed was also used in an attack last month on a bus carrying 22 riot police. </p><p>However, the general attempted to play down a resurgence of domestic terrorism. </p><p>He said he thought the attacks were the work of a group of people who had "lost their senses" following the death of 15-year-old Alexis Grigoropoulos on 6 December 2008. </p><p>The shooting, by a 37-year-old policeman, triggered weeks of riots across the country. </p><p><strong>History of terror</strong> </p><p>Monday's developments are regarded as highly significant by anti-terrorist specialists at the US embassy in Athens, who are analysing the "format, the fashion, and the weapons" used in the attack.<!-- S IIMA --> </p><!-- E IIMA --> <p>The embassy is still offering a $1m (£690,000) reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the Revolutionary Struggle operatives, who fired a rocket-propelled grenade into the building in January 2007. </p><p>The state department said it believed the Revolutionary Struggle was also responsible for "nine violent terrorist attacks since 2003, including the 2004 murder of a Greek guard outside the British defence attache's residence". </p><p>It said that in 2006, the group claimed responsibility for triggering a remote-controlled explosive device targeting the Greek culture minister. </p><p>The big question troubling Greece is whether there is going to be a revival of domestic terrorism along the lines of November 17 (N17), another "populist" left-wing anti-capitalist group, responsible for two dozen assassinations and scores of bomb attacks during a three-decade campaign. </p><p>The Greek authorities disbanded N17 after Savvas Xeros, a painter and son of an Orthodox priest, was caught in 2002 when the bomb he was planting exploded prematurely. </p><p>The involvement of British detectives, following N17's murder of the UK's defence attache, Stephen Saunders, in 2000, also helped the Greek police bring the case to trial. </p><p>Fifteen members of N17 were given lengthy jail sentences. </p><p><strong>Flash in the pan?</strong> </p><p>The US state department says the Revolutionary Struggle has "aligned itself with the ideology of N17" and may have incorporated some of its former members. </p><p>However, Brady Kiesling, a former US embassy diplomat in Athens told the BBC: "Revolutionary Struggle are people inspired by N17, but the organisation is not a successor except vaguely psychologically.<!-- S IIMA --> </p><!-- E IIMA --> <p>"What you have are spontaneous, arbitrary attacks. When there is a political window, they will mount an attack - without the level of preparation that N17 used." </p><p>He said: "They are dangerous, but not nearly as dangerous as N17 were. </p><p>"N17 was massively security conscious. They lived off the land. They never indebted themselves to anybody. It sounds as though Revolutionary Struggle is buying from the illegal arms market, such as the Albanian dealers. N17 would never do that." </p><p>Mr Kiesling said advances in DNA analysis, security surveillance and mobile phone analysis made it much harder to do what N17 used to. </p><p>"My gut tells me this is a flash in the pan," said Mr Kiesling, who is writing a book about N17. </p><p>"Most of the far-left groups out there prefer a live-and-let-live approach with the police. This kind of shooting destabilises the status quo. There will not be a lot of social support for the shooting." </p><p>That will not come as much relief to the average policeman on the street, who has become a hate figure for much of the population. </p><p><strong>'Defensive posture'</strong> </p><p>Last month, a young police officer called Jimmy contacted me because he was weary of the Greek media demonising the force, and wanted to "put the record straight". </p><p>"Not every Greek policeman is a batsos!" Jimmy implored. </p><p>"Batsos" forms the first word of the derogatory chant directed at the police at every opportunity by Greek demonstrators. </p><p>The media interprets the phrase as "cops, pigs, murderers". </p><p>But batsos is much more derogatory than just "cop". </p><p>The word comes from the verb to slap and, to use a euphemistic translation, it means "uniformed thug". </p><p>The insult was particularly popular from 1967-1974, when Greece was ruled by a harsh military junta, and police violence was commonplace. </p><p>Jimmy says he and his colleagues have been advised not to wear their uniforms when travelling to and from work. </p><p>"We are afraid that one of us will be murdered soon," he says. </p><p>As Monday's shooting outside the culture ministry proved, the young officer's fears had a solid foundation. </p><p>"I don't believe this hatred of the police is justified. I always try not to use violence and use respect when I arrest someone," Jimmy said. </p><p>"But at the moment, my colleagues and I are tired of adopting a defensive posture." </p><p>The latest shooting may change all that. </p>Says Brady Kiesling: "This licenses police to arrest people again. They are angry enough to take more risks."GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7045752301947574133.post-77631884269642198742009-03-23T22:30:00.002-04:002009-03-23T22:32:31.008-04:00New Years in Greece<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.greekboston.com/blog/vasilopita.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 65px; height: 53px;" src="http://www.greekboston.com/blog/vasilopita.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><strong>Protihronia</strong> - After Christmas, the children impatiently await the New Year (Protohronia ) because that's when St. Basil (Ayios Vasilis) delivers their gifts. Traditionally in Greece, it was the custom to exchange gifts on the New Year instead of Christmas. The presents are delivered by Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis). <p>On New Year's Eve it is customary for most people to gather in the town's center, or plaza, for last minute shopping or just a pleasant stroll. On the main roads, teenagers and other young ones create a maniacal scene by declaring a bloodless war on each other, using plastic clubs, giant plastic hammers, foam spray and whistles as "weapons." Later, all the friends gather at one of their houses to ring in the New Year together.</p> <p><strong>Cardplaying on New Year's Day</strong><br />Because Greeks consider the New Year lucky, it is the custom to participate in games of chance on the first day. In addition to the state lottery which raffles 10 million euros on New Year's Day, people play cards and roll dice in coffeehouses, clubhouses and homes throughout the country.</p> <p>In the homes it is also the custom for cards to be played on New Year's Eve while waiting for the year to change. The betting sums are usually kept low, so as to offer a friendly diversion without upsetting the losers.</p> <p><strong>Vasilopita</strong><br />The cutting of the vasilopita is one of the few primordial customs still surviving. In the Kronia (the celebration of the god Kronos, who was worshiped in Greece) and the Saturnalia of Rome, sweets and cakes would be prepared with a coin inside. The one who received the piece with the coin would be the lucky one of the group.</p> <p>The Orthodox tradition combined this custom with the New Year cake. On New Year's Eve everyone gathers around waiting for the vasilopita to be cut as the new year rolls in. When the time comes the father, in a solemn ceremony, starts to cut the cake. The first piece is for Christ, the second for the house, and then pieces for everyone present. The one who gets the piece with the coin will be the lucky one of the year!</p> <p><strong>Evening Entertainment</strong><br />During the entire holiday period attendance in bars and clubs is much higher as people go out at night to celebrate. On New Year's Eve especially, you can't get a foot in these nightspots after midnight , and the streets are so crowded that the cars move at a snail's pace. The fun and excitement continues until sunrise.</p> <p>In recent years elaborate firework displays have been established in the central squares of the cities throughout Greece . They are organized responsibly by the various municipalities, who also put up festive decorations and sponsor musical events for the Eve's celebrations.</p> <p><strong>The Pothariko</strong><br />Many people pay particular mind to the good/bad omen regarding who will first enter their home in the new year ( pothariko). On New Year's Eve they will ask a close friend or relative, whom they consider lucky, to be the first to come into their house the following day. Often, a child is preferred for this special practice because children are considered innocent and their hearts free of malice and envy.</p> <p><strong>The Kali Hera</strong><br />It is the custom for money (kali hera) to be given to children visiting on New Year's day - usually grandchildren or nieces and nephews. Several decades ago, the money was the only gift the children received on New Year's Day. And, in many cases, the gift was just sweets or pastries, as money was scarce and toy shops were almost non-existent.</p>GreekBoston.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04660104953138588730noreply@blogger.com0