What's in it (or not in it) For Us?

If you keep up with global news or financial trends at all, then you are most likely well aware of the devastating financial situation Greece is currently in. They have bottomed out and much like many of our car companies are being bailed out.

You may be thinking, “sucks for them” but really, it potentially could suck for all of us. Greek Prime Minister, George Papandreou came to the United states with a message, "If the European crisis metastasizes, it could create a new global financial crisis with implications as grave as the U.S.-originated crisis two years ago."

Though the European Union is hopeful that they will be able to keep the financial strain from spreading to other countries around the world, the threat is there. Where Americans will feel the effect the most in in exports. Matthew Bandyk pointed out in his article that when Obama gave his State of the Union Address, he had stated that he wanted to double exports over the next five years, that might be hard to achieve if we feel the repercussions of Greece’s financial shortcomings.

Excitement Builds as Kritsa Awaits Internet Access

The gap of internet access grows smaller once again as a new region In Greece is not allowed access. The residents of Kritsa will have access for free spring 2010. Lassithi Chamber and its Chairman, Mr. Nikos Tzanopoulos, made the decision along with computer networks official, Manolis Spiridakis. As of now, the antenna most of the equipment have been installed and are ready to go.

This will be a great development in the area and will allow for fast broadband access. The hope is to just make Greeks more dialed in and allow them access to information. One of the fears of the community was that the actual antenna perched atop a mountain would attract lethal lightning to the area, they have since then been reassured of the safely of the device.

The Kritsa community shows a lot of gratitude towards all who contributed to the project; they are excited and eager to be a part of the online world. This a a huge advancement for the country of Greece as well as the rest of the online world. It is so important to make sure that all people have access to the internet and it is great to see that happen one step at a time.

Special thanks to the Crete Gazette.

Arrests Made on Suspected Terrorists

Six people have been arrested in Athens Greece after being suspected of affiliations with the Revolutionary Struggle which is an urban guerilla group that is known for attacks on Greek government buildings and the American Embassy. The Greek government and media consider the Revolutionary Struggle to be a terrorist group.

Due to the terrible financial state of the country, it is no surprise that an anti government group would somehow act out. Police say they found multiple counts of evidence such as hard disks containing pamphlets claiming attacks by Revolutionary Struggle as well as handwritten texts about past and intended attacks.

The police have really been cracking down and claim that they have raided several suspected homes and have found no weapons or explosives. While officials were conducting their searches, they were forced with an angry mob throwing bottles and stones. The police reacted by using tear gas to subdue the crowd.

Thanks to: Dina Kyriakidou, Renee Maltezou, Ingrid Melander and Ghetty Images

Celeb Drama Yields Unexpected Relief

An unexpected distraction has made its way through Greek media outlets. While the country has been dismayed with the massive debt they are dealing with, along with the repercussions of that debt, 23-year-old Greek pop star Julia Alexandratou has found herself diverting away from her role of pop princess and into one that is a little more mature. In 2007, Alexandratou released her hit single, “The Target is Cash.” The song was accompanied by a racy music video. As the title suggests, the song is basically about gold digging.

Currently Alexandratou has veered from her career as a musical and has turned to the adult entertainment industry. As Iason Athanasiadis said, “Instead of focusing on the state deficit, the public has welcomed the distraction of a bout of soul-searching over the nation's morals. The DVD has sold 240,000 copies in ten days.”

Though this may not seem like a big deal to us Americans, it was the first scandal of its time in Greece and to add more drama into the mix, Alexandratou plans to marry an unidentified business man who will not be revealed until the wedding day.

College Degrees Go to the Fishes

Graduating in a recession is tough, thats a fact, but the account of one Greek college graduate helps put everything into perspective. It really could be so much worse. Europe is facing economic hardships just as we are. One element that Greece is dealing with that we are not, is the return of emigration. The country was hopeful that things would turn around and the young well educated college grads would no longer feel they had to move away from Greece to be successful and find opportunity.

Filippos Katampouris is a living example of why this is. He has a degree from a University in Greece as well as a Masters Degree in Technology Management from the UK. What is he doing now with all of his newfound knowledge? Katampouris works in the fish market in Athens as an assistant fishmonger. Though Katampouris had opportunity in Britain, he wanted to return to his country.

Katampouris admits now that the decision was a poor one. He was able to maintain a position at a Market Research Agency, but when the economy took a turn for the worse, he was left with his job at the fish market."It's a very dark future for me," he adds gloomily. "I'm thinking of going back to the UK, but my wife won't come with me so I'm going to stay here and hope for the best."

Young professionals are fleeing the country in hope of finding opportunity else where but when you think of the sacrifices you would have to make, such as leaving your family, friends and home behind, it really makes us Americans value so much more the opportunities (though they may not seem like much right now) that we have.

Thanks to: Chris Bowlby

New York Gears Up for Greek Independence

What could be better than a parade? A Greek parade! April 18, 2010 will be the day of the 72nd annual Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City. The actual celebration last for an entire month, sort of like a Greek History Month. "Dinners, a White House gathering, a beauty pageant, City Hall celebrations, a ceremonial flag raising and numerous other activities all lead up to the Parade on Fifth Ave, commencing from the Pierre Hotel."

Not only are American Greeks going to be attending the event, but 8 members of Parliament as well as vice minister of Foreign Affairs Spyros Kouvelis. In addition, many hight profile Greeks will be honored at the event including popular American Greek news anchor, Ernie Anastos. The Boy Scouts of America will also be present as Grand Marshall due to their upstanding role in society.

John Catsimatidis, Parade Chairman Emeritus, stated, “The Parade just keeps getting bigger and better every year. Estimates are well over 250,000 spectators watched the parade from street level last year and we used every available float in the tri-state New York area. One of the most heartening things about the Parade progress is the number of children’s groups who have joined the march. Their day will always remain a fond memory and ensure Greek Independence Day Parades far into the future.”

I don't know about you, but if I was in New York this weekend I would make a point of checking out the Greek Independence Day Parade!

Special thanks to Greek News

Greeks Sing the iPad Blues

April 3, 2010 was an infamous day for early adapters. It was the Christmas Day to all Apple enthusiasts, the day the iPad was released. While many people ran out to buy them and even waited in ridiculously long lines filled with anticipation of getting their hands on the life changing device, others were not quite as fortunate.

I suppose Greece is not at the top of Apples list for distribution. One really can't blame them however considering, like Evans pointed out, it took Greeks a while to come around to the iPhone so Apple must have learned their lesson.

Michael Evans wrote an article about his friend Kostas’s venture for the iPad. Kostas’s morning started out like all other iPad groupies, he woke up early in hopes of soon enough becoming the proud owner of the tablet. Once he entered the store he was heartbroken to see one iPad for display only, none in stock, and worse yet, Kostas was told they would not be selling the iPad until the end of summer.

Sorry Greek Apple lovers, if it’s any consolation, it’s not that great.