Chania Post: February 2014

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Issue No 11 - February 2014

The local FREE paper for the Chania area

With a local services section, a range of advertisers and pages of free classfieds, Chania Post is an essential resource for anyone living in or just visiting this area of Crete.

Offering a selection of local interest articles, interviews, news and other views from around the region of Chania and Western Crete.

READ ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Oil giant BP agrees to buy entire Prinos oil output

The contract brings 500 mil. US dollars to Greek economy

>>p.3

Two scientists from the University of Crete in European Research Council Grant Awards

>>p.6

AirBerlin increases its flights to Greece

Seven additional flights to Heraklion airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” and one extra in Chania per week

RYANAIR

LANDS TO ATHENS

>>p.10

Billionaire Eurnekian targets Greek airports following crisis

>>p.10

Increase of non-resident arrivals from abroad from January to September 2013 >>p.12

Rethymno Carnival 2014...

100 years of fun!!!

>>p.25

Low-cost Irish airline Ryanair announced its summer 2014 schedule, including a new base to Athens and a new flight schedule for six destinations (Thessaloniki, Chania, Rhodes, Paphos, Milan and London) from the “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport, which will operate daily from April 1st. >>p.8

Greece reacts to destruction of Syrian chemicals off Crete Island

- Crete’s governor calls on Greek and European counterparts for joint action against such plans - M/V Cape Ray on its way to the Mediterranean Sea

Public bus is the best affordable way to travel to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all Southwestern Crete

>>p.13

p. 2 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

“Live@Love@Laugh”

“Hope is...”

When something happens, to just remember keeping hope in your eyes and fire in your heart , so to

by Elpida “Hope” Katsarakis live your life to its fullest!

NEA TV Journalist We just need to remember there is a reason for which we rise daily and see a new day ahead of us.

Something good is waiting for us. Hope is the name of that sun that is rising within us daily.

And for every up there is a down, for every frown there is a smile, for every night there is a day and for every problem there is a way.

Sometimes it’s hard to pick right from wrong. The best thing we can do is go with our heart and hope it all goes well.

You have the ability to choose which way you want to go.

You have to believe great things are going to happen in your life.

Do everything you can - prepare, pray and achieve - to make it happen.

The wings of hope carry us, soaring high above the winds of life.

To think is easy...To act is hard.

But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with hope.

Sometimes, no matter how much you want for things to happen, all you can do is wait.

And usually, waiting is the hardest part.

But , life is like a gamble.

You can’ t win every game. But if the chip is in your hands, you will always have hope.

Also life is all about learning from yesterday, living for today and hoping for tomorrow.

What is impossible today, may be possible tomorrow.

Never give up and never leave the hope.

The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.

Don’t wait for good things to happen to you.

If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.

Be hopeful, for only when we are sure that we can change the world, will we.

And don’t forget , never let the regrets of yesterday destroy the hopes of tomorrow.

by Pandelis Spiridakis KYDON TV Host - gelamou.gr

So this is it guys…life goes straight forward – even if you are the only one guy that feels that is walking with the raining cloud above your head!!!

If your signs don’t give you the best messages, life goes straight forward Will you?

Even if sex activity tastes like a 3 days pizza, life goes straight forward And in the case that you have forgot, crisis is still here….

But it happens when you are out of breath , suddenly a spell from nowhere appears and takes your revenge , just for the justice?

And you can now enjoy it , as life goes straight forward!

That magic spell here came from the airport of Heraklion…someone obviously put a spell on this island Picture this...

In the top is New York, followed by Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Istabul.

Statistics for the first 9 months of 2013 from the Bank of Greece

Bingo! What do we have here?

1st Airport of the country – Heraklion : 2.157.364 / 13,9% of foreign visitors And here we say – Got u guys!

2nd Airport of Athens : 2.114.694 / 13, 6 % of foreign visitors

Do it with madness , it throws away clouds and attracts all the ispired – spells*

What do we have here?

Wait, wait…we re not over yet!

Sports radio on the web... www.sportfmxania.gr

Free Tourist Press Publications ECO friendly paper - Please recycle When you finish reading, give it to a friend

Laugh as loud as you possibly can and

4th Airport of Chania : 715.276 / 4,6 of foreign visitors

www.gelamou.gr... only the good news !!!

- Books - Stationery - Consumables

- Office supplies - Gis - Photocopies

Popi Loupassaki-eodoraki Crossroads to Galatas Old National Road Chania-Kissamos Tel.: +30 28210 32359

I imagine the future of Greece...

We are the weakest wheel of European Union. Today we are facing a remarkable financial war and our country holds the

by Pandelis Giaitsis role of “David” in the Eurozone.

CHANIA POST chief editor We are disappointed as we realize that our politicians have actually sold their ideals, their country.

Greece, the cradle of civilization and democracy faces the most unfair system and lives in a society ruled by inappropriate people.

Now it’s time to believe in our power. Screw economics and politicians...

We are not reaching the end... we are just at the beginning...

We are Greeks and we know what to do...

We imagined the Acropolis...

We imagined the Olympic Games...

We imagined democracy...

We fought like heroes...

We wrote history through the ages...

Find CHANIA POST at the following points:

EDITORIAL...

Advertising: Storm Adv, 8, El. Venizelou str.,

Tel. +30 28210 50111-2, E-mail: stormadv@otenet.gr

Web: http://www.stormadv.gr DTP: FTP Publications CHANIA POST... on the go

LIVE as if you party

Love up to 6 a.m in the morning!

Sightmap, the new project of google have placed chania in the 75th most photographed city of the whole world.

Owner/Publisher: FTP Publlications Web: http://www.chaniapost.eu E-mail: info@chaniapost.eu http://www.facebook.com/chaniapost Editors: Pandelis Giaitsis, Elpida “Hope” Katsarakis

Pantelis Spiridakis (www.gelamou.gr)

Petros Chatzistavros (building and constructing)

John Kriaras (real estate agent), Nick Lazakis (optical expert)

Miltiades Markatos (pneumonologist)

John Venetakis (zootechnician), Costas Glentousakis (decorator)

Dimitris Xepapadakis (hearing specialist)

Petros Marinakis (theme parks - flora and fauna)

Niki Voulgarakis (nutriotionist), Antonia Tsakirakis (cook)

Costas Nitse (sports), Sports by Chania Sport FM 90.5

Just put a spell on it , whatever your issue is and go get it

3rd Airport of Rhodes : 10,2% of foreign visitors

Spell number 2 is coming…

CHANIA POST Your local free paper by FTP Publications 73, El. Venizelou str., Chania, 73100 Tel. +30 6977 295075

Recognition for something we have and everybody wants!

We inspired the world with our language and our culture...

We have given mankind a splendid cultural heritage...

We are known for our broad-mindedness and indomitable spirit...

“Greece is on the brink of bankruptcy. But we are not a bankrupt nation. We are Greeks. People with the power to imagine. People with the intelligence to turn imagination into reality. People do great things when they feel great about themselves. And nations do great things when they feel great about themselves... Let’s not forget the past. But let’s not bask in it either. We need a future vision which ties the things that the world loves and admires about ancient Greece with things that the world will love and admire about future Greece”, said Peter Economides, a brand strategist with a global perspective.

So, let’s feel great about ourselves again. Let us imagine our future... We need Greece more than they do!!!

CHANIA: Municipal Market, Airport, Public Bus Central Station, Old Harbour, Municipal Tourist Information Desk PLATANIAS: Central Square Infokiosk, Botanical Park KISSAMOS: Gramvousa and Balos boats, Elafonissi, Falassarna KANDANOS-SELINO: Paleochora Info Desk, Sougia, Kandanos SFAKIA: Hora Sfakion Infokiosk, Loutro, Agia Roumeli, ANENDYK boats APOKORONAS: Georgioupoli, Kavros, Vamos, Kalyves, Vrysses Also in Chania taxis, Limnoupolis Water Park and in selected cafes, businesses and shops throughout Chania Prefecture

p. 3 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Oil giant BP agrees to buy entire Prinos oil output The contract brings 500 mil. US dollars to Greek economy Oil giant British Petroleum (BP) signed a deal Monday with the Greek Environment, Energy & Climate Change ministry and Greek company Energean Oil & Gas to buy the oil output from the Prinos field in the northern Aegean.

The agreement involves the sale of the entire output Energean generates from the field to BP worth approximately USD 500 million.

The entire Prinos output reportedly amounts to 4,000 barrels per day.

BP and the Greek government also agreed for the country’s Energy ministry to disengage Energean Oil & Gas from a term in the 1999 contract that forces state-owned Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) to acquire the Prinos output.

BP’s interest in the domestic hydrocarbon market is good news for the government as it tackled red tape in order to finally see the Prinos revival project through.

Greek Environment, Energy & Climate Change minister Yannis Maniatis said “today’s development is practically proof that the Greek economy has turned a fresh page. A large international business Group, BP, has placed its trust in the local market at a time when the oil sector has justly created expectations while showing it could contribute immediately to Greece’s return to growth”.

The minister also said the production of oil in Prinos is safeguarded by the presence of BP and that jobs will be maintained. Finally, he added a message has been sent to the markets that the Greek economy and the country’s companies are trusted”.

Energean Oil CEO Mathios Rigas in turn stated that the company can continue to further invest in the area of Prinos following the agreement with BP. Energean plans to double oil production within two years and invest as

much as EUR 150 million in new drilling projects.

Greece is actively seeking to take advantage of hydrocarbon deposits in Greek controlled areas with approximately 300 foreign oil companies having been in touch with the Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, expressing an interest in the seismic results from surveys in the Ionian sea area and northern Crete, carried out by Norwegian company, Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS).

The interest suggests that some may proceed to purchase data and then to participate in further exploration, the rights for which the Greek government plans to launch in the spring of 2014, when the ministry is expected to receive detailed results from PGS. The return of BP in the Greek market is a very significant development, particularly ahead of developments in the field of hydrocarbon research in Greece.

The Prinos oil field is located in the northern Aegean Sea, between the Greek island of Thasos and the city of Kavala.

Die Welt: “Greeks bring the upside down”

After the creditors’ instructions, the Greeks bring the upside down. Wherever you turn in Athens you will find something changing either in everyday life, or in the public sector.

The German newspaper Die Welt chose 50 characteristic changes. Here are some of the changes that the German newspaper took note of: - Receipts: There are no transactions without getting a receipt. This happens when you buy a coffee, a bottle of water or a drink.

- Taxes: The General Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Harry Theoharis, has set a goal to collect more taxes than initially predicted for 2013.

- Bribery: The Greek government has taken measures in order to confront the bribery on Excise.

- Suspensions: Unfaithful civil servants will be the first to face suspension.

- Saving: The Greek government is trying to reduce its expenses during its six-month EU presidency. About 50 million euros will be spent on the lodging of VIP guests and their frequent transfer between Athens and Brussels.

- Tourism: About 17 million tourists visited Greece during the past year. This is an unprecedented number for the country’s data.

- Purchasing power: The efficiency of the Greek economy has lessened during the years of recession while the living standards have been dramatically reduced.

- Slight economic recovery: 0.6 percent of economic recovery is expected for 2014.

- Facing the recession: Greece does not get loans just to consume. “We have vanquished one of the crisis’ basic causes,” stated Yiannis Stournaras.

- Exportation: During the recession the importations have been reduced while there has been a significant rise on the exportation of Greek products.

- Public sector’s debts: The debt of the public sector in 2010 was more than 9 billion euros. Government’s officials stated that 7 billion euros have already been paid.

- Privatization: After the privatization of the Hellenic Republic Assets, the Greek government has collected 4 billion euros. The goal was far higher.

- Civilization: Last year, about 12 million people visited museums and archaeological sites.

Greek fleet one of the best in the world

Greek shipowner companies are extremely busy during the first month of 2014, buying second-hand ships and also ordering newly manufactured ones to further increase their fleets.

During the first ten days of the new year, Greek shipowner companies seem to be moving at the same pace as 2013 when they broke all previous records in shipbuilding and marine markets, investing a total of over 19 billion dollars and renewing their fleet, the value of which is estimated at 101 billion dollars.

This crescendo of investments seems to be continuing through the first month of 2014 as Greek companies appear to have procured 15 ships in the second-hand market, investing more than 300 million dollars, while also giving an order for the construction of 19 new ships. According to the brokerage firm, Golden Destiny, second-hand markets show a 150% increase compared to the last working week of December, 2013, while the number of new ship orders has risen by 280% compared to one week ago.

Out of all the second-hand purchases, the brokerage firms are focusing on the investment by a Greek shipping company because of its en bloc purchase of four under construction bulk carriers that will be delivered in 2014. Compass Maritime announced that the purchase was made by Konstantinos Martinos’ shipping company, Thenamaris. Overall the Greece’s companies have bought 15 ships, 12 bulkers and 3 tankers. www.greekreporter.com

CHANIA POST

Your local free paper

Endangered Europe? Financial crisis, austerity, health and human rights The financial crisis in Europe has posed major threats and opportunities to both health and human rights.

Part A’ - Health The economic crisis in the European Union has had an alarming high impact on people’s access to health services, while observing that huge variations are to be found both among EU countries and among population groups within the same country.

The Greeks experienced a 50% increase in the reporting of unmet medical needs between 2007 and 2011. In Belgium, Denmark, Spain and France the overall population encountered a similar problem, but to a degree much lower than in Greece. In the UK, Austria, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Sweden, the phenomenon was limited to unemployed people.

by Katerina Polizou NEA TV Journalist

The direct impact of the crisis on people’s health According to the Lancet Medical magazine, over the period 2007-2011, the proportion of Europeans who reported being in good or very good health decreased from 67% to 64%.

In the Netherlands, worsening self-reported health has been spread equally across age groups, contrary to Estonia, Romania and Luxembourg where people aged 50 and over complained, more than other age groups, of deteriorating health.

At EU level the report indicates that health inequalities are widening, with people on the lower rungs of the income ladder experiencing a deterioration in health while people with higher incomes are reporting no impact on their health or even an improvement.

The suicide rates According to the findings of a study published in April in The Lancet showing a rise in suicide rates since the financial and economic crisis began. Another study, meanwhile, found evidence of the outbreak of diseases – tuberculosis, influenza, sexually transmitted diseases – the incidence of which is highly influenced by the access of the most vulnerable populations to health services. In Greece, malaria – a forgotten ailment in Europe – has reemerged.

Several governments have sought to balance public budgets by reducing publicly financed healthcare system.

Over the 2007-2011 period, public expenditure on health care has decreased in one or more years in 18 of the 28 EU Member States.

Researching the health of Greek Island Residents The findings of a study carried out on the health of elderly Greeks living in Australia but originally from the Greek islands, which focused on their eating habits and longevity, will be released in a few months.

This study, entitled MEDIS, was carried out by Harokopio University, Athens, Greece. The study is still ongoing, however some early results are proving very interesting.

Greek bio-statistics and epidemiology Professor, Demosthenes Panagiotakos, who is also head of the research team, reports that a common factor among the older participants in the study is a thrifty diet combined with a wide variety of foods.

The research in Australia was carried out by Katerina Itsiopoulou of La Trobe University in Melbourne, in collaboration with the dietitian Antigone Kouris who examined

elderly expatriates from the Greek islands.

More than 2,100 interviews with elderly men and women from the Aegean (Samothraki, Limnos, Lesvos, Syros, Naxos, Ikaria) and Ionian islands (Corfu, Cephalonia, Zakynthos), along with Crete and Cyprus, show that the more traditional lifestyles are gradually being lost. This was especially the case on those islands “invaded” by tourism. Elderly people now follow a more western lifestyle with less exercise and a move away from a traditional Mediterranean diet, with visible effects on their health.

“Now we will conduct the same study on Greek expats from the United States to see if they have maintained the dietary habits of their place of origin,” said Professor Panagiotakos. First stop is Tarpon Springs in Florida, where many descendants of Kalymnian fishermen live.

Terra Creta reaches the final of Prestigious EBA Terra Creta has been voted as one of the 10 best companies in Europe in the Imports/Exports category and as one of the top 100 European businesses.

Therefore, Terra Creta has been announced as Ruban d’Honneur recipient in the 2013/2014 European Business Awards.

Terra Creta will now go on to compete in the third and final round of judging resulting in 10 overall category winners to be announced at a Gala Event on 27 May 2014 in Athens.

The 100 Ruban d’Honneur recipients were chosen in the second phase of the European Business Award among 15000 companies by an esteemed panel of judges made up of European business and political leaders, academics and entrepreneurs.

The judges will now undertake a face-to-face interview with Terra Creta and all the other 99 successful Ruban d’Honneur recipients in order to decide on the overall category winners.

“We, the people of Terra Creta, are extremely proud to reach the Ruban d’Honneur stage of the European Business Awards and to represent Greece. The European Business Awards is widely recognized as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies and we are now looking

forward to describing to the judges in more detail how we are achieving business success.”

About the EBA 2013/14 The European Business Awards recognizes and rewards excellence, best practice and innovation in companies across the European Union. The competition is free to enter and open to organizations of all sizes and from any industry sector.

The European Business Awards program serves three purposes for the European business community: • It provides examples for the business community to aspire to • It celebrates and endorses individual’s and organization’s success • It provides case studies and content for learning from these exceptional organizations

the Real Estate Leaders ...by far

p. 5 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Dr Eleftheria Zeggini: The geneticist who made famous the... genes of the Anogians

“Bridge” between Greek expats of Canada and Crete

The HELIC work focuses on two isolated populations, each with information on a wide array of anthropometric, cardiometabolic, biochemical, haematological and diet-related traits.

The Consul General of Greece in Canada, Thanos Kafopoulos, the president of the Greek Community of Montreal, Nikos Pagonis and the vice president of the Cretan Association of Montreal, Mihalis Christodoulakis, have had successive meetings with the governor of the Crete region, Stavros Arnaoutakis, and the Archbishop of Crete, Ireneos.

They have discussed the possibility of setting up an initiative to strengthen Hellenism in Canada and to convey to Greek-Canadian children of Cretan expats, the history, customs and traditions of pool Crete.(14-158) 145.000€ House with swimming The project has already begun Building: 71m², Plot: 340m² to bear fruit. Every summer, children between the ages of 12-18 who are descendants of Greek expats living in Canada, and who • 2 bedrooms wish to visit the island in order to explore their ancestral • 1 bathroom roots, will be able to attend a 15-day camp.

• SeaConsul view General of Greece in Canada and the presThe • Garden ident of the Greek Community in Montreal have ex• Parkingtheir gratitude to their Greek colleagues, while pressed • Fire place making it clear that the expenses incurred during the children’s visit will be covered by their parents.As Mr. Kafopoulos stated, the collaboration between Canada and Crete will continue within the context of 100 years since the founding of the Cretan Association in Montreal.

“Our goal is to give these children a taste of Crete during their 15-day stay on the island. These are children who have never before visited Crete. However, they speak Greek and know the tradition dances of Crete,”said the Consul General Thanos Kafopoulos. He also reports that today, the Greek Community of Montreal includes about 80,000 people.

The Greek-Canadian delegation also visited the Eleftherios Venizelos Foundation in Chania, of which an offshoot is in operation in Montreal.

Hellenic Isolated Cohorts (HELIC) Genome-wide association studies of complex traits have been successful in identifying common variant associations, but a substantial heritability gap remains.

The field of complex trait genetics is shifting towards the study of low-frequency and rare variants, which are hyHouse (04-849) 89.000€ pothesised to have larger effects.

Plot: 199,77 m², Building:67,16 m² The study of these variants can be empowered by focusing on isolated populations, in which rare variants may • 2 bedrooms have increased in frequency and linkage disequilibrium • 1 bathroom tends to be extended. With the collaborators at Harokop1 level io• University in Athens, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute is investigating the effects of such genetic variants in • Inside Village two isolated populations in Greece.

• Air-condition The HELIC cohort collection, including biological sam• Parking ples and extensive phenotype data, started in 2009. HELIC aims to investigate the association of low-frequency and rare variants with complex traits of medical relevance employing whole-genome sequencing approaches.

The MANOLIS sub-study (Minoan Isolates) focuses on a set of mountainous villages (Mylopotamos villages) on the island of Crete, Greece.

This programme of work is named MANOLIS to honour the memory of Manolis Giannakakis, 1978-2010.

The Pomak villages are a set of isolated mountainous villages in the North of Greece.

This work is funded by the Wellcome Trust and the European Research Council (ERC).

Team members of MANOLIS are Emmanouil Tsafantakis (Dir. of Anogia Health Centre) and Alina Farmaki (Coordinator)

Apartment centrally located (04-803) 65.000€ Building: 62m²

Who is Eleftheria Zeggini • 1 bedroom Ele’s work aims to help elucidate the genetic determi• 1 bathroom nants of complex human traits by using next-generation • Central Heating association studies to identify novel disease loci.

Ele obtained a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of • Nice location Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1999 and a PhD in Immunogenetics of Juvenile Arthritis from the arc Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, in 2003. She then undertook a brief statistical genetics post doc, focusing on rheumatic disorders, at the Centre for Integrated Genomic and Medical Research, University of Manchester, before moving to the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, to work on the genetics of type 2 diabetes.

In 2006, Ele was awarded a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship to examine design, analysis and interpretation issues in large-scale association studies. She joined the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute Faculty in November 2008 and leads the Applied Statistical Genetics group. Ele’s scientific interests focus on the genetics of complex traits, primarily cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal phenotypes, and on addressing relevant statistical genetics issues.

www.greekreporter.com

Wife reveals heartache at Crete prison hell

“Fairytale a real horror story after husband was jailed for crimes he didn’t commit” Apartment (04-823) Sea viewbecame Villa (0v-188) 475.000€ Five-star settlement (NP-404) (by Irish Mirror) Building: 194m²

Plot: 5032m²

Smitten Julie Marku thought she had it all – she had • 4 bedrooms married the man of her dreams and was hoping to • 3 bathrooms start a family.

• Fireplace But the Carlow woman’s world came crashing down • Garden when her husband was wrongly thrown in a Crete jail for • Garage a series of armed robberies and car thefts.

• Air-condition Julie, 30, told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “The past three years have been a blur and to be honest I don’t know how I go from day to day, I suppose I just have to. I only saw my husband three times last year and I have to live with the anguish that he is in jail for crimes he didn’t commit. As time goes on it’s getting tougher rather than easier.”

Their fairtyale romance had begun when newly-qualified teacher Julie decided to go island hopping and got a summer job in Hersonissos on the Greek island six years ago.

There she met Albanian-born Mark, then 22, and their love blossomed.

Less than a year later in April 2009, the pair tied the knot surrounded by 15 family members and friends in Co Kilkenny.

They dreamed of having kids, setting up their own creche and eventually setting up home in Mark’s native Albania.

Julie had just got her nursery business off the ground, the couple had moved into their first home in Tullow, Co Carlow, and after 18 months of marriage had started trying for a baby.

Villa with panoramic views (0v-187) 395.000€ Mark often travelled back to Crete to see his family and Building: 130m² Plot: 5500 m² headed there in September 2010 for three weeks to finish a building job he and his brother were working on.

• 3 bedrooms That was the last time he ever put his foot on Irish soil.

• 3 bathrooms Back in Crete Mark and younger brother Andreas – along • Seasix view and Albanians mountain view with other including their older brother • Swimming poolcousin – were arrested and thrown in jail.

Martin and their They accused of being members of a vicious crime • Air were condition gang and of carrying out a string of armed robberies at • Garden jewellery stores, stealing cars and raiding houses.

Three years on, 28-year-old Mark is still in prison after a

four-day in -January 2012 found Building:trial 42,74 68,00 m² him guilty of all charges and saw him sentenced • Garden to 18 years. But on three of the dates • Sea Viewwhen the armed robberies took place, Mark can prove he was in • Mountain View Ireland.

• Price range from And on one of the dates he was meant 78.000€-246.000€ to be burgling a house, Mark was on a plane from Ireland.

Distraught Mark, along with three other Albanian men including his younger brother Andreas, was also convicted of six counts of stealing cars.

But he was in Ireland on two of the dates in question – and his defence team claim they have evidence to prove it.

Mark’s DNA was said to be on a pair of rubber gloves police claim to have recovered from a robbery scene but there is no record of the gloves being found or taken from the scene and that robbery took place when Mark was in Ireland.

All this, coupled with the fact that no evidence was produced for 11 of the charges – and the fact that the witness evidence used in four charges was contradictory – didn’t stop a judge handing him a 40-year sentence.

Mark’s lawyers argued that down to 18 years. Ever since he and Julie and their families have been praying that jusSea front property (24-103) 145.000€ tice will eventually prevail.

Building: 87m² In another blow, the appeal the couple have waited two years for was postponed last month.

• 2 bedrooms Now Julie – who has the words “‘Always together, never • 2 bathrooms apart, maybe in distance but never in heart” inked on her • Firetoplace chest help her cope with being apart from Mark – is • Sea viewto piece her life back together. She added: “In struggling the we thought this whole nightmare would • 2 beginning levels be over a few weeks and that Mark would be back with • By theinsea me where he belongs.

“Now I have no idea when he’ll be free and I’m afraid to

Building : 60m²

58.000€

• 1 bedroom • 1 bathroom • One level • Parking space

hope. I suppose we both hinged our hopes on the appeal in December because looking at the evidence you just can’t see how any court in the world could keep Mark behind bars.

But when that was postponed we were devastated and we’re both still trying to pick ourselves up.”

After Mark was first arrested and jailed, Julie moved back to Crete so she could be near him and visited him in prison three times a week. But after the “chaotic” trial she couldn’t bear to be in the country that had robbed her of her husband, her marriage and her future.

Modern Villa (0v-184) 250.000€ The couple’s fight for justice has cost more than €250,000 Building: 85m² so far and the appeal in May will notch up a bill of another €20,000 at least.

• 2one bedrooms No can telleach Julie what will happen if it fails and that • 1 bathroom haunting fear keeps her awake at night.

• Swimming She said: “It’s pool still so raw, it’s heartbreaking to try to keep • Garden up the campaign and stay strong for Mark and go about my daily life.”

• Furnished The Irish Innocence Project, our branch of the US-found• Air-condition ed network of lawyers and law students which review doubtful convictions, is now involved in the case.

65 Daskalogianni Str., 73132, Chania - Crete / Greece - Tel.: +30 28210 57111 Fax: +30 28210 58881, email:info@ktimatoemporiki.gr - www.ktimatoemporiki.gr

CHANIA POST

Your local free paper

Coca Cola Investing 11 million euros in Greece’s Production The Coca-Cola company has announced that it will perform significant investments during 2014, within the frame of its strategic commitment for the company’s presence in Greece’s market.

In a related announcement, the company will take actions in order to achieve improvement in production. The company’s goal is to boost the efficiency of its profit units which continue producing 98 percent of its products distribution in the Greek market.

Within the next few months, Coca-Cola will invest 3 million euros in Egio’s, western Greece, production. Egio’s unit is also producing Avra mineral water.

In Schimatari Voiotias, the company will invest 8 million euros aiming for better management of energy and water resources. It is worth mentioning that within the past four years, investments of about 18 million euros have been made in Schimatari’s unit.

The unit in Volos, central Greece, remains one of the most significant production units of the Company in Greece.

More specifically, the Volos unit produces 84 percent of the refreshments in glass bottles. What is more, the same unit has a significant production of canned refreshments covering 29 percent of the total production intended to

meet the needs of the Greek as well as foreign markets.

In addition, Coca-Cola continues its production activity in Heraklion, Crete, which consists of one of the largest industries on the island. Through the Cretan unit, the company contributes significantly to the economic and business development there, meeting the needs in refreshments of the island and the rest of the country. www.greekreporter.com

Two scientists from the University of Crete in European Research Council (ERC) Grant Awards The University of Crete is pleased to announce two successes in the latest round of intensely competitive European Research Council (ERC) awards: Associate Professor Ioannis Tsamardinos of the Computer Science Department has been awarded a highly prestigious grant through the IDEAS programme for his research proposal titled ‘ Next Generation Causal Analysis: Inspired by the Induction of Biological Pathways from Cytometry Data’.

Assistant Professor Andreas Zezas of the Physics Department has similarly been awarded a highly prestigious ERC Consolidation Grant for his research proposal titled ‘Accreting binary populations in nearby galaxies: observations and simulations’.

They join Associate Professor Georgios Vassilikogiannakis of the Chemistry Department, already working on the research project for which he was awarded an ERC starting grant in 2011, titled ‘Advancing the Green Chemistry of Singlet Oxygen and Applying it to Synthetic Challenges (SINOXYGEN)’.

Warm congratulations to each and all.

ERC’s Mission The ERC’s mission is to encourage the highest quality research in Europe through competitive funding and to support investigator-driven frontier research across all fields, on the basis of scientific excellence.

The ERC complements other funding activities in Europe such as those of the national research funding agencies, and is a flagship component of Horizon 2020, the European Union’s Research Framework Programme for 2014 to 2020.

Being ‘investigator-driven’, or ‘bottom-up’, in nature, the ERC approach allows researchers to identify new opportunities and directions in any field of research, rather than being led by priorities set by politicians. This ensures that funds are channelled into new and promising areas of research with a greater degree of flexibility.

ERC grants are awarded through open competition to projects headed by starting and established researchers, irrespective of their origins, who are working or moving to work in Europe. The sole criterion for selection is scientific excellence. The aim here is to recognise the best ideas, and confer status and visibility on the best brains in Europe, while also attracting talent from abroad.

However, the ERC aims to do more than simply fund research.

In the long term, it looks to substantially strengthen and shape the European research system. This is done through high quality peer review, the establishment of international benchmarks of success, and the provision of up-to-date information on who is succeeding and why.

The hope is that these processes will help universities and other research institutions gauge their performance and encourage them to develop better strategies to establish themselves as more effective global players.

By challenging Europe’s brightest minds, the ERC expects that its grants will help to bring about new and unpre-

dictable scientific and technological discoveries - the kind that can form the basis of new industries, markets, and broader social innovations of the future.

Ultimately, the ERC aims to make the European research base more prepared to respond to the needs of a knowledge-based society and provide Europe with the capabilities in frontier research necessary to meet global challenges.

The ERC aims to: - Support the best of the best in Europe across all fields of science, scholarship and engineering - Promote wholly investigator-driven, or ‘bottom-up’ frontier research - Encourage the work of the established and next generation of independent top research leaders in Europe - Reward innovative proposals by placing emphasis on the quality of the idea rather than the research area - Raise the status and visibility of European frontier research and the very best researchers of today and tomorrow What is ‘frontier research’ and what are its benefits?

Today the distinction between ‘basic’ and ‘applied’ research has become blurred, due to the fact that emerging areas of science and technology often cover substantial elements of both. As a result, the term ‘frontier research’ was coined for ERC activities since they will be directed towards fundamental advances at and beyond the ‘frontier’ of knowledge.

The ERC aims to bring about a wide range of benefits in the following ways: - By creating open and direct competition for funding between the very best researchers in Europe, the ERC will enhance aspirations and achievements. It will enable the best ideas and talents to be recognised from a larger pool than exists at national level.

- The ERC’s competitive funding will be able to channel funds into the most promising new fields, with a degree of agility not always possible in national funding schemes.

- The ERC aims to stimulate research organisations to invest more in the support of promising new talents - the next generation of research leaders in Europe.

- On the economic side, the ERC will help nurture science-based industry and create a greater impetus for the establishment of research-based spin-offs.

- From a societal perspective, the ERC could provide a mechanism for investing rapidly in research targeted at new and emerging issues confronting society.

p. 8 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Ryanair announced six flights from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” Low-cost Irish airline will operate flights to Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Chania, Paphos, London and Milan The Irish low-cost airline Ryanair announced its intention to establish a base of operations in Athens and will soon operate six flights from the “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport to Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Chania, Paphos, London and Milan. The airline has also announced that it will reduce the cost of its domestic flights in Greece.

In a statement, Europe’s largest low-cost carrier said it will base two aircraft at Athens, and fly six new routes to Chania, London, Milan, Paphos, Rhodes and Thessaloniki.

It will base a single aircraft at Thessaloniki, and fly three new routes to Athens, Pisa and Warsaw.

Ryanair’s only base in Greece currently in Chania.

A base means Ryanair aircraft and staff are based at the airport, and it generally flies to more destinations from a base airport.

It already flies to Thessaloniki, but the new routes it is adding will bring the number of Ryanair routes from that airport to 16.

Athens is a new destination. It said it was looking forward to working with the airport to “unlock the vast potential currently suppressed by high access air costs.

In a press conference, the CEO of the Irish airline Ryanair announced the company’s intentions to open a new base in Athens.

This new base in Athens is an integral part of Ryanair’s investment plan in Greece and it will start its function this April with 2 company aircrafts.

Ryanair from its new base in Athens, will offer six new air travel destinations to passenger flights in Chania, London, Milan, Paphos, Rhodes and Thessaloniki.

The airline said it would carry over 1.2 million passengers in Athens, where it will be offering 154 weekly flights, and over 1.6 million passengers a year in Thessaloniki, from where it will have 212 weekly flights.

From Athens, Ryanair will be offering: - 4 flights daily to Chania - 2 flights daily to London - 2 flights daily to Paphos - 2 flights daily to Rhodes - 10 flights daily to Thessaloniki The Irish company will base one more aircraft in Thessaloniki and also estimates that the new base in Athens airport will create new job positions.

Meanwhile, Ryanair announced that from now on, the company will offer Greek customers prices starting from 12 euros on interior flights.

Last but not least, the directors of the Irish airline company accused the other Greek airline company -Aegean Airlines/Olympic Air- of creating a monopoly in Greek air transports.

Thanks to recent Ryanair customer service upgrades, the Irish budget airline’s passengers can now enjoy allocated seating, a small, second carry-on bag, an easier website booking platform and quiet flights before 8am and after 9pm.

Spokeswoman Maria Macken said: “Passengers in the East of England will have a choice of six Greek routes this summer, giving them more choice than ever on Ryanair’s low fares summer routes.”

Ryanair has invested $280m in the opening of two new bases in Greece -one in Athens and another in Thessaloniki and at the same time operates another base in Chania airport “Ioannis Daskaloyiannis”.

The airline said it would carry over 1.2 million passengers at Athens, from where it will offer 154 weekly flights, and over 1.6 million a year at Thessaloniki, from where it will have 212 weekly flights.

Ryanair’s director of commercial David O’Brien said the new routes would provide passengers with an alternative to Aegean/Olympic.

“Only Ryanair, with its 175 new aircraft order, can deliver the capacity, new markets and low costs demanded by Greek consumers and visitors, and looks forward to working with Athens Airport to unlock the vast potential currently suppressed by high access air costs.

Ryanair is delighted to announce Athens and Thessaloniki as our second and third bases in Greece in addition to Chania.

These 6 new Athens routes with multiple daily frequencies to Chania, London, Milan, Paphos, Rhodes and Thessaloniki, are ideal for business passengers or families booking getaways from summer 2014. These customers can also enjoy Ryanair’s recent customer service enhancements. Our 6 new Athens routes will allow Greek consumers and visitors to escape Aegean/Olympic’s high fares and instead enjoy Ryanair’s lowest fares and industry leading customer service and punctuality. Only Ryanair, with its 175 new aircraft order, can deliver the capacity, new markets and low costs demanded by Greek consumers and visitors, and looks forward to working with Athens Airport to unlock the vast potential currently suppressed by high access air costs.

Our 3 new Thessaloniki routes to Athens, Pisa and Warsaw begin in April and go on sale tomorrow as part of our summer 2014 schedule, with 16 European destinations, including Brussels, London and Milan, amongst others. Ryanair’s 1.6m passengers p.a. will sustain up to 1,600 “on site” jobs in Thessaloniki, in a welcome boost to the economy.”, he said.

However, it will also be competing against easyJet which already operates low-cost flights to Athens from Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh. Aegean and British Airways have flights from Heathrow.

Who is Michael O’ Leary, CEO of Ryanair Michael Kevin O’Leary is an Irish businessman and the chief executive officer of the Irish airline Ryanair. He is one of Ireland’s wealthiest businessmen.

Michael O’Leary was born 20 March 1961, the second in a family of six, in Kanturk in County Cork. He was educated at Clongowes Wood College, County Kildare. In 1979 he began a four-year Bachelor in Economic and Social Studies programme at Trinity College. He graduated from Trinity and then worked as a trainee with Stokes Kennedy Crowley (later known as KPMG), studying the Irish tax system. He left after two years in 1985, setting up profitable newsagents in Walkinstown and Terenure, Dublin.

While at Stokes Kennedy Crowley, O’Leary met Tony Ryan, head of GPA (Guinness Peat Aviation, a leasing company).

Ryan was one of the firm’s clients and O’Leary advised Ryan on his personal income tax affairs. In 1987, he then hired O’Leary as his personal financial and tax advisor, where Ryan’s main interest was in GPA. Ryanair was established around this time and originally followed a traditional business model, but quickly began to lose money.

Subsequently O’Leary was sent to the USA to study the novel Southwest Airlines business model.

O’Leary was deputy chief executive of Ryanair between 1991 and 1994 and was promoted to chief executive of

Ryanair in January 1994. Under O’Leary’s management, Ryanair further developed the low-cost model originated

by Southwest Airlines. O’Leary may have described the inauguration of the ancillary revenue movement during a 2001 interview in The Sunday Times. “The other airlines are asking how they can put up fares. We are asking how we could get rid of them.” The business model envisioned

by O’Leary uses receipts from on board shopping, internet gaming, car hire and hotel bookings to replace the ticket revenue from selling airline seats. Savings are also made by negotiating discounts with airports for reduced landing fees. In many cases, regional airports have made no charges so as to secure flights that bring passengers and wealth into their area.

The deregulation of Ireland’s major airports and a trans-

formation of traditional full-service airlines are among his demands.

He claims he was approached to front the BBC’s version of The Apprentice but declined as it was “too much of a distraction”.

O’Leary lives in Gigginstown House near Delvin in County Westmeath. He married Anita Farrell in 2003, and they have 4 children.

He breeds Aberdeen Angus cattle and horses at his Gigginstown House Stud in County Westmeath. In 2006, his horse War of Attrition won the Cheltenham Gold Cup. O’Leary has also been a Manchester City supporter since a young age and notably wore a Manchester City shirt when unveiling Ryanair’s new destinations to and from Manchester Airport in 2011.

References: http://en.wikipedia.org http://www.greekreporter.com http://www.morningstar.co.uk

p. 10 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

AirBerlin increases its flights to Greece

Seven additional flights to Heraklion airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” and one extra in Chania per week Germany’s second largest airline will be expanding its tourist travel services this summer and including more destinations in its schedule.

“Tourist flights are an important pillar in our business model and we are constantly improving our services.

With Larnaca and Malta, we have included new destinations in our portfolio and we are increasing the frequency of flights, especially to Greece and the Canary Islands,” says Detlef Altmann, Senior Vice President Sales Touristic Services.

The frequency of flights to Greece has increased by 11% compared with summer 2013, to 172 flights a week.

Flights to the Canary Islands have increased by 12%, with 73 connections a week in summer 2014.

Next summer, airberlin will be offering seven additional flights a week to the airport of Heraklion on Crete. For tourists wishing to travel to Kos and Santorini, there will be three more flights a week to each destination, meaning that airberlin will be flying seven times a week to Santorini and 21 times a week to Kos. There will be one extra flight a week to each of Chania, Kalamata, Lesbos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Samos and Zakynthos.

The number of flights a week to Lanzarote will increase by three compared with last year, to 13. airberlin will fly 16 times a week to Gran Canaria and 25 times a week to Tenerife South. Two flights a week have been added to each destination.

The number of weekly flights to Fuerteventura is up from 17 to 18. There will be more airberlin flights from Munich, with new services to the Canary Island destinations of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife South.

For the first time, airberlin’s summer schedule offers flight guests from Dusseldorf a weekly service to Corsica and several flights a week to Madrid.

The tourist services for people travelling from Vienna have been extended, with new services to Madrid, Malta and Larnaca on Cyprus. There are excellent connections from Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hanover, Hamburg, Munich and Nuremberg for the newly introduced flights from Vienna to Malta and Larnaca. airberlin also offers a regular schedule of long-haul tourist flights, including to Curaçao, Cuba, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Fort Myers, Miami, New York (JFK) and the Thai holiday island of Phuket, with feeder flights from many airports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

AirBerlin flies daily from Berlin and Dusseldorf to Abu Dhabi and, with its strategic partner, offers connecting services, for example to Bangkok, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and the Seychelles. Even Australia can be reached with airberlin and Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi, making this the shortest one-stop service from Germany to down under.

Guests flying with airberlin have a free baggage allowance of up to 23 kg (exception: Just Fly fares). Holders of a topbonus Service Card also have the option of reserving XL seats free of charge, or taking sports baggage with them at no extra charge. Members of the airberlin frequent flyer program can collect and redeem topbonus miles on all flights.

AirBerlin is one of the leading airlines in Europe and flies to 147 destinations worldwide. The second largest airline in Germany carried more than 33 million passengers in 2012. airberlin offers a global route network through its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, which has a 29.21% share in airberlin, and through membership of the oneworld® airline alliance.

The airline with the award-winning service operates codeshare flights worldwide with 16 airlines. The fleet has an average age of five years and is among the most modern and eco-efficient in Europe.

Billionaire Eurnekian targets Greek airports following crisis Argentine billionaire Eduardo Eurnekian’s Corp.

America holding company is bidding for all of Greece’s airports as the group looks to expand in Southern Europe and take advantage of discount prices after the crisis.

Corp. America’s airport operating unit is bidding for 21 Greek airports, Martin Eurnekian, head of the division and a nephew of Eduardo, said in an interview in Davos on Jan. 22. The group, which is acquiring a 23 percent stake in Pisa, Italy’s airport this week, is also trying to complete a plan to integrate Tuscany’s airports by adding Florence, he said.

“We’re going to be very aggressive on all fronts,” said Eurnekian, 35. “A lot of opportunities have opened up after the crisis.”

Greece, which sparked Europe’s sovereign woes in 2009 and required two bailouts, has seen its economy contract for 21 consecutive quarters. While Greece originally agreed to a goal of raising 50 billion euros ($68 billion) by 2015 through asset sales as part of austerity measures required by the EU and the International Monetary Fund, officials had to scale back their plans as transactions were delayed.

The country plans to sell stakes in two ports in February.

Corp. America, which operates 51 airports worldwide, with the majority in Argentina, is also preparing to bid for concessions in Cuzco, Peru, Barranquilla, Colombia, and the main international airport of Santiago later this year, Eurnekian said. The company, based in Buenos Aires, is renovating the Brasilia airport before the World Cup in June with plans to triple sales through retail by 2015 and make it the main domestic hub of Latin America’s largest economy.

The Corp. America airport operator unit, which generates

as much as $1.2 billion of revenue a year, doesn’t have any financing needs in the bond market for now, Eurnekian said. The company used proceeds from its $300 million bond sale in 2010 to renovate the Ezeiza airport in Buenos Aires and is receiving financing at low costs from Brazilian development bank BNDES, he said.

While the bid round for the Santiago airport would imply higher capital costs than more undeveloped markets, the company is working with a financial institution to look for a local partner and make a competitive bid, Eurnekian said. Chile will require as much as $800 million investment, he said.

A press official at the Chilean Public Works Ministry said no one was immediately available to comment on the bid round.

“Our mandate is to grow in the Americas and Europe with a focus on the Mediterranean,” he said. “We always invest in projects with the goal of maintaining managerial control.”

“Greek European Citizens” the name of Chatzimarkakis’ Party “Greek European Citizens” is the name of George Chatzimarkakis’ new party for the upcoming European Parliament elections, as announced.

The 47-year-old MEP was born in Duisburg in Germany but is of Greek descent. For ten years he was an MEP with the Free Democratic Party of Germany (part of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe) from which he resigned a few months ago because of his philhellenic position during the last three years and his desire to run in Greece.

“I want nothing more than your support in order to use my experience and the relationships I have created over the last decade in Europe, for the benefit of Greek citizens. We want Greeks to have strong representatives in the EP who will fight and stand up for their rights. We believe in European

values and in European integration, but a lot of work needs to be done first. That’s why your support is absolutely necessary,” said Chatzimarkakis in his announcement.

IMA-GSEVEE Survey: Greek households in despair The annual survey carried out by the Small Enterprises’ Institute (IME) of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen & Merchants (GSEVEE) reveals that the worsening of Greek households’ finances has led to big cuts in expenditure, especially for food, clothing, footwear and entertainment.

According to the IME-GSEVEE survey carried out in collaboration with MARC S.A., one in three households fear loosing their home due to overwhelming financial obligations. Specifically, 34.8 percent of households are delaying the payment of their debts, while 41.7 percent of the population does not have sufficient income to meet their upcoming obligations.

Around 28 percent of Greek privately owned properties were purchased with a mortgage, meaning that around 1 million households are running into debt. In total, 44.3 percent of Greeks maintain some kind of financial commitment to the bank, while one in ten households have been forced to liquidate some or all of their assets in or-

der to cope with the financial crisis.

The survey indicates that around 1.4 million households (40.2 percent) have at least one family member unemployed. Only 9.8 percent of these receive unemployment benefit.

Almost every Greek household (94.6 percent) has had its income reduced during 2010-2013, while in the previous year alone, 82.4 percent of the population reported having their income reduced. The reduction in average income has now reached 39.47 percent.

p. 12 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Hellenic Statistical Authority: Increase of non-resident arrivals from abroad (Jan-Sep 2013)

According to the Frontier Statistical Survey conducted by the Bank of Greece, in the period January-September of 2013, arrivals of non-residents from abroad increased by 15,2%, as compared with the corresponding period of the year 2012 More specifically, arrivals from Europe, which account for the majority of arrivals of non-residents to Greece (88,7%), registered an increase of 13,6% in January-September 2013 as compared with the corresponding period of 2012, while arrivals from the Member States of the European Union recorded an increase of 6,6%. Arrivals from Russia, France, Serbia, Germany, Poland, Netherlands and Italy showed a significant increase in absolute values.

On the other hand, a significant decrease of arrivals was observed in the cases of United Kingdom, Spain, Norway and Cyprus.

As regards to the distribution of arrivals by country of origin, the largest number of arrivals came from Germany (12,2%), the United Kingdom (10,2%), Russia (7,8%), France (6,7%), and Italy (5,7%).

Moreover, the corresponding data for the rest of the continents show a significant increase of arrivals, in

absolute values, from Asia, with a large contribution of arrivals from Turkey, and from America, with a large contribution from USA and Canada.

As regards the means of transport and the point of entry, during the aforementioned time period, it is observed that most arrivals are by air and by road.

As far as the arrivals by air are concerned, the airport of Iraklion holds the first place with (13,9%) followed by the airport of Athens with (13,6%) and Rodos with (10,2%).

The main point of entry which accounts for the biggest share of traffic, by road, is Evzoni with (11,4%).

Detailed data for the period January-September of the years 2013 and 2012 respectively are provided in the attached tables and charts and these can also be found on the portal of ELSTAT at the following url (www.statistics.gr, under the link Statistical Themes/ Tourism).

“Crete: The Great Meeting”

Technopolis in Athens is ready to host the 2nd Pancretan Exhibition The second Pancretan Exhibition entitled, “CRETE: The Great Meeting” will take place from 28th to 31st of March, at “TECHNOPOLIS” of the Municipality of Athens at Gazi.

Co-organizer of this great event is the Region of Crete.

This Exhibition comes after the organization of the first Pancretan Exhibition “CRETE: The Great Meeting” held at the TAE KWON DO Stadium from May 24th to 27th, 2013, which highlighted the products and services of Crete and was a great success.

Through this annual appointment with the people of the capital, the goals are: • To place the Cretan products in more points of sale in Greece and abroad.

• To bring together Cretan producers and processing professionals with distribution networks located in the Attica region, entering new partnerships that will boost the local economy and production.

• Also, to better familiarize the consumers of Attica with Cretan products and highlight their potential and to promote the modern face of the island, informing the thousands of visitors of the Exhibition about the excellent hotel and tourist infrastructure of Crete and strengthen it as an ideal tourist destination.

• The venue chosen for this year’s event is “Technopolis” of the Municipality of Athens, situated in a central point of the capital at Gazi, in Pireos Street which is served right at the entrance by the Metro at Keramikos station, something which will facilitate access for the visitors.

“Technopolis” is a great venue for such an event, since it is connected with dozens of commercial and art exhibitions, festivals, concerts and events and will highlight,

through the authenticity of its spaces, our “Great Meeting”.

This large trade event will be accompanied by parallel events that will emit the flavor and culture of Crete and will illuminate its exceptional features in culture, in gastronomy and tourism. Assistants in these events will be the Pancretan Union, the Panhellenic federation of Cretan Cultural Associations, cultural and other Associations of Attica and prominent personalities who, with their knowledge, will enrich the entire event.

The exhibition will be mixed, commercial and public, and will be covering an area of several thousand square meters. Present will be companies active in all three sectors of production, units producing and manufacturing agricultural and livestock products, cooperative organizations, public and private bodies involved in the development sector, companies in the wider tourism sector, companies engaged in industrial production as well as municipalities whose participation will highlight the advantages and business activities of their areas.

In Crete, anything is possible !

VISITORS Visitors to the exhibition are divided into two main categories: • The trade visitors, who are entrepreneurs, executives of smaller or larger companies who visit the exhibition aiming to establish cooperative relationships with producers and processors. As an indication, we mention the following categories of professionals who visited the first exhibition: Super markets, Mini markets, Groceries, Restaurants, Tav-

erns, distribution companies, bottling & packaging companies, transportation companies, freight and logistics Companies, Stores, Hotels, Travel agencies, Tour operators (Greece & abroad), providers of innovative goods, Retail traders of cosmetics and health products, companies occupied with the sale of organic products and alternative health ways, Cretan Associations etc.

• The individual visitors who are consumers trusting the world famous Cretan diet and who wish to obtain the Cretan products and become partakers of the cultural and artistic events.

ENTRANCE FEE € 3 (Including VAT) For children up to 12 years admission is free.

EXHIBITION WORKING HOURS The exhibition will be open Friday to Sunday from 11:00 to 21:00 and on Monday from 11:00 to 19:00.

CULTURAL MULTIPLEX AREA “TECHNOPOLIS” OF GAZI The “Technopolis” of the Municipality of Athens is one of the most important industrial monuments of Attica. In this area the first power plant in the country was built. For three decades, after the closure of the power plant, it is used as a cultural multiplex center. Every year it hosts tens of events, trade and art exhibitions, festivals and concerts and it is one of the most popular meeting places. Close to the entrance there is the “Kerameikos” Metro stop, making him extremely accessible to all residents and visitors of Attica. Within this great space that has the charm of a bygone era, the Great Meeting of the Cretans will be highlighted in the best way.

p. 13 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Greece reacts to destruction of Syrian chemicals off Crete island - Crete’s Governor calls on Greek and European counterparts for joint actions against such plans - M/V Cape Ray on its way to the Mediterranean Sea The U.S. Department of Defense announced that the centerpiece in the plan to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons -a 32,000-ton ship assigned to breakdown the toxic stockpile at sea- left its berth in route for the Mediterranean.

The deployment of M/V Cape Ray from port in Portsmouth, VA is the latest development in a process agreed to last fall, designed to rid Syria of its chemical arsenal once and for all. Cape Ray earlier this month was fitted with two Field Deployable Hydrolysis Systems, able to break down the deadly components that make up the 560 metric tonnes of weapons meant to be destroyed onboard the vessel. The ship and its crew provide the United States’ primary contribution to the international effort to facilitate the joint Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and United Nations mission currently underway.

Once the chemicals are neutralized, the Cape Ray will deliver the byproduct to one or several of the 14 commercial facilities that have submitted bids to the OPCW for the job. “All waste from the hydrolysis process on M/V Cape Ray will be safely and properly disposed of at commercial facilities to be determined by the OPCW,” the Pentagon said in a statement announcing the vessel’s launch. “No hydrolysis byproducts will be released into the sea or air. M/V Cape Ray will comply with all applicable international laws, regulations, and treaties.”

“You are about to accomplish something no one has tried,” Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said in a statement to the Cape Ray’s crew, released to the press.

E-PETITION: Do not allow the dumping of 800 tonnes of chemical weapons in the Mediterranean The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) aims to destroy some 1,400 tons of Syrian toxic agents by mid-2014. Since many countries (Albania, Belgium, Norway and more) have refused already to undertake that risky operation in their territories, the US suggested to deploy its Field Deployable Hydrolysis System, in order to neutralize and dump 800 tonnes of chemical weapons at sea area, in international waters between

Italy, Malta and Greece. The first shipment of chemicals already departed Syria and will reach Italy soon to be reloaded to the American vessels that will commence the operation soon.

Experts and scientists from Greece and Israel have already expressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Hydrolysis method to neutralize chemical agents like Sarin, Mustard gases, and sulphur, while the remaining liquid waste is also highly toxic. The consequences will be destructive to the marine and coastal ecosystems, to humans and the economy, as the Mediterranean is a semi-enclosed sea with a quite slow water renewal rate.

The dumping of chemicals in the Mediterranean falls short regarding restrictions in the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1972 London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, intended to protect the marine environment and how to transport the highly toxic cargo so it presents a minimal risk for sailors, other maritime traffic, and the oceans in general.

Dumping of 800 tonnes of chemical weapons treated with hydrolysis in the Mediterranean will cause serious pollution, environmental degradation and severe threats to public health. It does not respect local societies, international conventions and very valuable ecosystems and marine species present in the area.

We urge the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to reconsider better options for neutralization and dumping, and the Prime Ministers of Greece, Malta and Italy not to allow such a destructive process that will hinder the well-being of Mediterranean and European societies and ecosystems.

Red Alert Greece is on red alert because the most dangerous and deadly chemical weapons of Assad’s regime are scheduled to be destroyed in the territorial sea between Malta, Libya and Crete. The procedure of neutralizing the approximately 20 tones of Mustard gas that Assad had at his disposal, is considered as the most crucial one.

There are many locals from Crete who oppose to this pro-

cedure. In particular, they express their concerns towards the hydrolysis procedure that must be followed in order to neutralize the Syrian chemical weapons as it will be hazardous for the marine habitat of Crete. However U.S. officials reassure those who are opposed to the dismantling procedure, that the marine habitat will remain unharmed.

Stavros Arnautakis, the governor of Crete, lashed out at the planned destruction of Syrian chemical weapons off the island’s western coast in the territorial sea between Malta, Libya and Crete, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Upon environmental concerns, Arnautakis stated he had held related talks with his Greek and European counterparts to exhibit a joint stance with the European Parliament and other international institutions regarding the issue.

“For the sake of the environment, we never let others to take decisions in this sensitive region on our behalf. We will table a motion, if necessary, to the European Parliament or the Greek Parliament and demand related official information,” said Arnautakis.

In a letter to Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Energy Minister Yannis Maniatis in which he voiced his concerns that the most dangerous parts of Syria’s chemical stockpile are planned to be destroyed in the Mediterranean Sea, he called on them to block such an attempt.

p. 14 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

The monumental olive tree of Vouves, a symbol of culture and heritage Many times we travel thousands of kilometers to visit historical place or explore a piece of art.

Well, it is time to discover a natural and alive monument, very close to our place. The oldest but still alive olive tree of Vouves.

by Manolis Karpadakis The Monumental Olive Tree of TERRA CRETA Marketing Manager Vouves (Greek Ελιά Βουβών) is among the 20 ancient olive trees of Crete and it is probably the oldest olive trees in the world that still produces olives. There is a dispute on the exact age of this tree. The use of tree ring analysis has proven the tree to be at least 2000 years old, but scientists from the University of Crete have estimated it to be 4,000 years old.

Due to its special aesthetic, ecological and historical characteristics the tree was declared a natural monument in 1997.

The impressive ‘olive tree of Vouves grows for centuries in the area where now lies the village Ano Vouves, near Kolymvari, 30 kilometers west of Chania. It has a diameter of 4,67 m. and a perimeter of 12,5 m. It started as a wild olive tree and was later domesticated with the ‘tsounati’ olive tree variety.

Olive trees are hardy and drought, disease and fire resistant, part of the reason for their longevity and their widespread use in the region.

The natural monument attracts 20.000 visitors each year.

The famous olive tree starred in a travel documentary for Crete, broadcasted by German channel Arte/ZDF. The age of the tree was revealed to the journalists by Professor of

pomology in the Technological Institute of Crete (TEI), Spyros Lionakis.

He said that some of the ancient olive trees of Crete go as far back as the Minoan Age. Besides the famous tree in Vouves there are 10 other ancient trees in the surrounding area.

This natural wealth is what the Olive Museum of Vouves tries to preserve and promote the age old relationship of olive tree and man.

Located next to the ‘Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves’ the Museum was the vision of Mayor Polychronis Polychronides. The next step is the conversion of the Museum to an ‘Olive Museum and Mediterranean Centre for the Study of Monumental Olive Trees’.

Since 2004 in Athens, olive branches “kotinos” from the ancient olive tree, used for the wreath of Marathon winners in every Olympic game.

In 2012, Municipality of Platanias and Terra Creta organized for first time, a harvesting event where 55 kgr of olives has been collected and 5.0 kgr of olive oil was produced in a special designed olive mill.

The 3D model of the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves A terrestrial laser scanner ILRIS 3D for the external and a Minolta Vivid 910 for internal scans were used. The final produced result is a complete three-dimensional model of the trunk of the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves with a geometry accuracy of 0.5 cm.

Furthermore the 3D model can provide: - Detailed sections at any height with a 0,5 cm accuracy and calculation of external and internal diameter at any height.

(See pictures above) - Computation of the exact total volume of the trunk.

- Animated view of the 3D model - 3D printing of a physical model of the trunk in a scale (last photo above) Some indicative produced calculations are: - Trunk volume: 4.67 m3 - Max outer diameter at a height of 1,3 m (DBH): 2,66 m - Max internal diameter at a height of 1,3 m: 2,01 m

- Max outer diameter at a height of 0,9 m: 3,04 m - Max internal diameter at a height of 0,9 m: 2,15 m - Max distance between 2 points in the trunk at ground level: 3,95 m References: http://www.olivemuseumvouves.com http://en.wikipedia.org http://www.oliveoilsource.com http://en.goodnews.gr http://www.mnn.com http://www.terracreta.gr http://www.chania.teicrete.gr

Tip of the month Pruning is one of the most important steps towards a healthy olive tree and a good coming crop.

In mature trees, pruning is mainly required to renew the fruiting surface of the tree and achieve high yields, maintain vegetative growth of fruiting shoots, maintain the skeleton structure, contain tree size, favor light penetration and air circulation inside the canopy, permit control of pests and diseases, prevent agin g of the canopy, and eliminate dead wood.

All Greek festivities have one thing in common and that is exceptional festive tables full of local traditional tastes. Apokries could not be an exception to that rule. During this three-week period we have the festive tables of “Chiknopempti”, “Tirofagos” and “Kathara Deutera”.

The last Thursday of the three-week period is called “Chiknopempti” or as we would call it in English “Thursday that smells of cooked meat”. This is the day that meat is considered the most important plate of the table. Tradition dictates that the table must be very rich and full of delicacies ranging from herb pies to beans so even a vegetarian would be completely satisfied.

The last Sunday and the following Monday are very important as they mark the end of celebration and the beginning of the Lent.

This Sunday is called “Tirofagos” meaning the day we eat cheese and it is the day that we mostly eat cheese-based plates. The following day is the first day of the Lent and it is called “Kathara Deftera” or Clean Monday, as we would call it in English. As this is the first day of the Lent we are not allowed to eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy products. The dinner table is not as rich as the previous days but it is full of traditional tastes based on herbs, legumes and vegetables.

Kritiko Ergastiri offers with respect to tradition a variety of delicacies using recipes handed down from generation to generation.

Either being meat-based like the traditional Cretan lamb pie, cheese based like the traditional kalitsounia cheese pies and the Sfakia cheese pie or even fasting delicacies like fennel pies, kalitsounia herb pies and kalitsounia onion pies.

In Crete Apokries means enjoying traditional tastes and Kritiko Ergastiri welcomes you to taste the most original Cretan recipes carefully prepared with the purest ingredients.

Y T R A P e h t t Le ! n i g e b

Eleni Bouchli

Deli Creta PR Executive info@delicreta.com

The customs of Apokries

It’s that time of the year again, that you can leave your true self at home and present your hidden alter-ego to the crowd.

You can be a doctor, a ballerina, Batman or Wonder-Woman or whatever your funny side desires. But dressing up and going to a party is not what Apokries is all about. There are countless local traditions all over Greece that sometimes greatly differ from one another.

It is said that the roots of the Carnival festivities date back to Ancient times and relate to the worship of Dionysus, the God of Wine and Feast. In the Orthodox tradition Apokries have become the preparation period before Lent. Apokries literally means saying goodbye to meat, (“Apohi apo kreas”, “apo-kreas”). In Latin the roots of the word Carnival has the same meaning, (“carne” is meat and “vale” goodbye).

In Crete the most important celebration takes place in Rethymnon where people from all over Crete participate at the local carnival. There people do not always dance at the dazzling sounds of samba music, but they also please their ears by listening to guitar and mandolin musicians playing traditional songs as the Venetian tradition of the city dictates.

The celebrations reach their peak at the last Sunday of the three weeks when the festivities end with the burning of the king chariot.

Another interesting custom is the so-called “Holly Marriage”.

It takes place at the last Sunday of the three-week period.

What happens is that two men play the groom and the bride at what becomes a parody of a marriage gone wrong due to the unholy intervention of someone dressed as the devil.

This year’s festivities start at the 9th of February and end at the 3rd of March.

Kritiko Ergastiri has been preparing since 2003 the original Cretan home-made recipes that our grandmothers used to make with respect to tradition and the ideals of the Cretan Diet. Recently certified with ISO22000 - HACCP, it guarantees quality and food safety.

We offer catering services for your special moments.

eazytech.gr

Lamb Pie

You are welcome to visit us: 109 Apokoronou St., Chania Tel./Fax 2821042200 176 Papanastasiou St., Chania

Fennel Pie

Tel. 2821057185 Fax 2821057172

Gourmet Cheeses Kalitsounia

Sfakia Cheese Pie Our products travel abroad with the brand name of

DELI CRETA

by Lampakis Family

www.delicreta.com

p. 18 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

e r u t na POST

Citrus trees in Crete

Western Crete is the land of orange groves The European travelers who visited Crete in the 19th century praised the cretan orange. The Greek mythology narrates that the citrus fruits was Gaia’s (Earth’s) gift for the marriage between Zeus, the faby Petros Marinakis ther of the Gods and Hera.

Botanical Park & Gardens Citrus fruits are an essential part of the agricultural production of Crete.

Soil Type Citrus will grow in most soils from sandy to adobe clay, provided it drains well. Sandy soils must be watered and fertilized more frequently than soils with a higher clay content and growers can add organic matter such as manure or compost to improve water and nutrient holding abilities.

(2nd part)

Fruit are carefully picked by hand and put into bins which hold about 900 pounds. The bins are hauled by truck to a packinghouse, where the fruit is pre-graded to eliminate the obvious culls (bad fruit) and washed to clean away field dirt and dust. The fruit’s natural wax, removed during the washing phase, is replaced by a food grade, non-animal source wax to restrict moisture loss and extend shelf life.

The fruit is then graded, most often by electronic camera systems. After grading, the fruit is divided by size and the first grade fruit is stamped or labeled. An unmarked second, or choice, grade is also packed. The remaining fruit is sent to the juice plant.

Most oranges and grapefruit are packed with robotic carton packing machines in 40 pound cartons. Lemons and most tangerine cartons are volume-filled with a set number of fruit. The cartons are stacked on pallets and placed

Irrigating and Fertilizing Water quality is very important. Water high in salt content, common in some desert regions, can cause injury to leaves, burning leaf tips and margins. Lower levels of salts can cause the tree to grow poorly or to produce fewer or smaller fruit.

Nutrients that citrus needs in relatively large amounts are nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and calcium. In lesser amounts, citrus requires iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, boron and chlorine.

Pruning Unlike most other fruit trees, citrus trees don’t require regular pruning. Commercial growers trim tree tops to keep them smaller so they are easier, safer and less expensive to pick, and “hedge” the sides to let more sunlight into the trees to improve yields. Hand pruning opens up the trees to allow more sunlight into the center.

Packing Citrus Getting fruit from the tree to the table is complicated. A citrus fruit is a living organism which must be protected from injury, decay and water loss on its journey across the country or across the ocean.

in a pre-cooler before being loaded on trucks or rail cars for transportation to markets.

Cretan diet and citrus fruits One of the basic differences between the Cretan diet and the diets of other Mediterranean areas is the huge consumption of fruit! In greek mythology citrus fruits was the gift that Gea, the earth, offered at the wedding of the father of the Gods, Zeus, and Hera.

The Cretan east six times more fruit thant the average

inhabitant of the Mediterranean and and six times more than the inhabitant of a northern country (e.g. Netherlands), as proved by studies of Α. Keys (1970) and D. Kromhout (1989). The European travellers that arrived in Crete in the 19th century praised the oranges of the island. This divine gift, that was kept, according to Greek mythology, in the Gardens of the Esperides, away from the humans, is grown in an extensive area in the plain of Chania. There are smaller cultivations in the plain of Mesara, in Fodele of Heraklion and in Mylopotaros.

It was the main winter fruit, the fruit that existed in every Cretan home. Doctors recommend the same recipe today: The orange must always be present on our table, natural orange juice must always be present in our life, fruit must not play a secondary role in our nutrition: They are rich sources of Vitamin C (especially oranges), rich sources of Vitamin Β12 (necessary for the production of blood), and other vitamins that have antioxidant action, that is, anti-cancer and heart-disease preventing, (A, C και E). In Crete the cultivation of fruit is traditional.

The trees are completely adapted to the environment of the island and produce tasty products, without chemical additives. The factories for the processing of the fruit (juices, orange and citrus products etc) are modern and show respect to the material. The main summer fruit of Crete, grapes, are considered to be ideal for a balance diet. The substances contained in the skin of the grapes are antioxidant (anti-cancer) this tasty fruit offers a large number of trace elements for the good function of the organism. The grapes of Crete is different from the grapes of other areas, even Mediterranean areas, because of its distinctive aroma and taste. In recent years extensive plantations of special traditional varieties without seeds have been developed and can be consumed also by children.

p. 20 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Why go prefab?

Advantages of a prefabricated house Prefab construction is based on the principle where modules or sections of a home are built in a controlled factory environment. When completed, the home is transported to the site and then connected

by Petros Chatzistavros and placed onto a foundation.

Civil Engineer (T.E.) Nowadays, architects are experimenting more often with prefabrication to deliver well-designed and mass-produced modern homes, featuring open floor plans, clean lines, strong forms as well as the use of natural materials and green building principles.

These prefabricated structures can be simple or highly complex, made of steel or wood, ranging from small prefab cabins and cottages, garages, offices, garden sheds and studios to modern prefab homes.

So you have bought your block of land and like any sensible person you have worked hard to pay that off before deciding what type of home to build on it. This decision will depend on where you have purchased your block and the building construction rules set out on the purchase agreement before you bought the block.

A very important part of purchasing any block of land you buy is that you need to read the fine print on all purchase contracts as to all the rules and requirements required.

Most developers will stipulate that you have to build within two years of purchasing the block. In the same agreement you may have noticed that the type of building construction is set out quite clearly it has to be of brick or another specific construction and fencing rules may also need to be adhered to. Many even go as far as

stating that you cannot park boats or caravans on your front drive.

Therefore, let’s face it you would not want to put a prefabricated home on a block of land when everyone else has built multi-million dollar beautiful brick homes. Not only would you be devaluing their homes yours would look out of place and you would regret the decision to have built there in the first place.

Prefabricated building plans All companies will have a variety of plans and designs on different styled prefabricated homes. You may see one that you like although there is something that needs adjustments. This can be factored into your planning before signing any agreement to purchase a prefabricated home. In most cases you will be given a choice of one to four bedrooms and one or two bathrooms in these plans for your home. Again this will depend on the amount of finance you can afford, when planning your dream home.

You could also choose on how this home is designed.

One or two stories, with underground or above ground garage. Do you want a games room and swimming pool?

This is the time to decide and plan the way you want your home designed. Remember when making this decision with a prefabricated home you can start smaller and increase the size of your home as your finances improve Advantages of Prefabrication The first question that comes to mind is: what makes prefab a better option compared to standard construction techniques?

Higher Quality A much higher level of quality control is achieved in a factory assembly line setting as opposed to a crowded construction site setting.

More Cost Efficient Efficient manufacturing reduces labor costs as well as on-site theft risks, less waste of materials and less travel to job site. The pre-set process allows for much greater transparency for everyone involved leading to fewer mis-

takes while staying within budget.

Quicker to Build Prefabricated houses take significantly less time to build, allowing an earlier return of the capital invested while cutting on bridge financing and unnecessary delays due to bad weather.

Highly Adaptable At an urban lot or on the edge of wilderness, prefab home design can be adapted to any climate or environment.

Due to quick assembly and minimal labor, a prefabricated house can be build where other types of homes would be impossible.

Higher Performance and Value A prefab house follows federal green building and EPA standards as well as being energy star compliant. It is also frequently valued higher due to its quality, for both sales and financing purposes.

Green Prefab Prefabricated design and construction also makes it easier for you to create a healthy living environment while reducing your home environmental impact. By focusing on energy efficiency, reducing fresh water use and selecting materials that are healthy and sustainable while recycling waste back into the manufacturing process, today’s architects and builders can provide you with prefab homes featuring both modern technologies as well as green aspects.

p. 21 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

How to build library shelves Are you planning to build a library in your home, or do you manage a local library that needs more shelf space? Here are step-by-step instructions for building a simple single-shelf unit that is 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Build multiple units if you need a large amount of space. All that you need are a few carpentry tools, plywood, wood stain or paint of your choice and hardware.

Things to consider before building a bookshelf As always, our first pointer deals with the practical stuff you need to consider before starting out with your DIY endeavor. In the case of bookshelves, if you want the furniture item to be of a large height (that is above 8 ft) , lumber components like pine or oak chunks can be very costly. So, you can always opt for hardwood veneered plywood, as it is more economical and has more strength that conventional wood. In this regard, it is best to choose either oak plywood (for its sturdiness) or birch plywood (for its affability to paint jobs).

It is also important to have the plywood pieces cut into your preferred dimensions. For this you can always take the help of local lumberyards, where they cut the pieces adequately according to your fit. In relation to this, you should also calculate the frame width and depth. For example, in normal cases we should subtract around 0.7inch for the added depth.

Things You’ll Need • 4 or 5 sheets of 3/4-inch high-quality smooth-finish plywood, 10 feet long by 5 feet wide • 3 5-foot-long 4-by-4 boards • Measuring tape • Circular saw • Sander • Wood stain or paint of your choice • 1 1/2-inch wood screws • Screwdriver Instructions Cutting the Pieces for Your Library Shelf Unit 1. Cut 2 pieces out of a sheet of plywood with the circular saw that are each 9 feet 10 1/4 inches long and 2 feet

wide for the sides of your shelf unit.

2. Cut out a piece measuring 5 feet long and 2 feet wide for the top of the unit.

3. Cut out 8 pieces from 2 sheets of plywood that are all 4 feet 10 1/2 inches long and 2 feet wide for the shelves.

4. Cut 3 sections of 4-by-4 board that are all 4 feet 10 1/2 inches long. These make up the support system under the bottom shelf that adds strength to the sides preventing wobble.

5. Sand all rough edges off the cut pieces. Apply wood stain or paint of your choice to them and allow to dry.

Assembling Your Library Shelf Unit 6. Place the 2 side pieces of your shelf on the floor with the 9 feet 10 1/4 inch long edges down parallel to each other 5 feet apart. Attach the top piece on one end by driving five 1 1/2-inch screws through both ends of the top into the sides. You now have 3 sides of a 10 feet long and 5 feet wide and 2 feet deep rectangle.

7. Screw the 3 sections of 4-by-4 board in between the sides on the open end to complete the rectangle. Position them so they are equally spaced between the front and back of the sides. Drive 4 screws through the sides into each end of all 4-by-4 boards.

8. Stand the completed portion of your shelf unit up so the 4-by-4 sections are on the floor. Lay a shelf on top of these 3 sections and drive 6 screws through the sides of your unit into both ends of the shelf.

9. Drive 5 screws through the bottom shelf into each 4-by-4 board running underneath. The sides will be sturdy now.

10. Attach the remaining shelves inside your library shelf unit in the positions you want. Drive 5 screws through the sides into both ends of each shelf.

11. Your new library shelf unit is now ready to use.

Tips & Warnings • If you want a back on your shelf unit, attach an entire 10-foot-long and 5-foot-wide sheet of plywood on the back with screws.

• Be cautious when using power tools.

p. 22 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Avoid drinking alcohol Alcohol consumption by women significantly reduces the number of eggs, and therefore the risk of pregnancy and also increases the risk of miscarriage.

If you choose to drink alcohol, it is recommended that you do not drink more than one to two units of alcohol once or twice a week.

One unit is a 100ml of 10%ABV wine, half a pint of ordinary strength beer, lager or cider, or a single pub measure (25ml) of spirits.

Fertility and infertility What is the affection of weight

Infertility affects more than 10% of couples today. The rates are increasing. Increasing age and the delayed onset of childbearing is associated with higher rates of infertility.

by Niki Voulgarakis When a couple decide that they are Dietician - Nutritionist ready to have a baby you need to understand that diet is one of the basic parameters to attain your goal.

To increase your chances of conceiving there are a few diet and lifestyle choices that you and your partner can make. Furthermore, men are not exempt – diet and lifestyle affects their fertility too.

Weight Affects Fertility Obesity in relation to reproductive health, can lead to menstrual disorders and infertility.

Being significantly underweight can also alter hormones of the reproductive organs and be a cause of infertility.

Moreover, weight loss during pregnancy is not recommended as it may harm the fetus – so you need to achieve a healthy weight before you become pregnant.

- The consumption of complex carbohydrates (eg fruits, vegetables, whole grains) help fertility more than the consumption of plain carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, rice, croissants etc).

- The efforts of women to eat daily three fruits and two large salads can also help, as well as fruits and vegetables are wonderful sources of antioxidant vitamins, minerals and many other valuable nutrients, such as vitamin C presents in abundance in citrus fruits, berries and peppers, vitamin E presents in avocado and beta-carotene which gives carrot and mango the characteristic color.

- Protein foods such as lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs and low fat dairy products are a good source of nutrients and will help to keep you feeling full for longer.

- Boost your fitness – physical activity can help you to burn off extra calories. It’s also been shown to help support a healthy pregnancy.

On the other hand it would be good to avoid high intake of animal protein, intake of trans fatty acids and saturated fat.

Trans fats are found in fried potatoes, biscuits, cakes, croissants and generally in processed foods.

Nutrition tips when trying for a baby Take a folic acid supplement If you are trying for a baby, you should take a 400 microgram (or more if advised by your doctor) folic acid supplement each day and continue to take this until you are 12 weeks pregnant.

Finally, if you want to boost your chances of getting pregnant, you may want to eat foods rich in folic acids, buy more organic foods and green products, avoid certain plastics (including plastic wrap), maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.

How Men Can Boost Fertility Be a healthy weight Obesity is also a cause of infertility and low testosterone levels in men. Being underweight or overweight can reduce chances of conceiving therefore ideally.

You should also eat more foods that contain natural folates – e.g. green leafy vegetables, fruit, bread and fortified breakfast cereals. Folic acid is important during preconception and early pregnancy as it can reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Zinc and selenium Fertility (not only female but also male) may favor a diet rich in minerals such as zinc and selenium, which are essential for sperm motility and ability to penetrate the egg and share their genetic material.

Seafood, lean red meat and whole grains are good sources of zinc, while nuts contain selenium, as well as shrimp, sole and whole meal bread.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet Just as a healthy diet is important for a woman if she is trying to become pregnant, it is also just as vital that men eat healthily to get a wide variety of nutrients needed for male fertility. Certain nutrients are known to influence fertility in men such as: - Antioxidants Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and selenium are needed for healthy sperm. Including foods such as nuts, fish, bread, meat and eggs for selenium, and fresh citrus fruits, green vegetables and tomatoes for vitamin C should be enough to provide plenty of these nutrients without the need for supplements.

- Zinc Low levels of zinc have also been linked to a low sperm count and reduced testosterone levels. Men can help keep their zinc levels topped up by including meat, dairy products, shellfish (such as oysters), wholegrain cereals and nuts in their diet.

- Omega-3 fats Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, are a good source of omega-3 fats that help produce prostaglandins, which are important for making sperm.

Change your lifestyle habits Excess alcohol can affect sperm quality. Men should not drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day. Consequently, managing stress, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, maintaining a proper weight, and eating a diet high in zinc (found in meat, whole grains, seafood, and eggs), selenium (meat, seafood, mushroom, cereals, and Brazil nuts) and vitamin E may help improve male fertility.

p. 23 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Hearing aids via Android smartphones and tablets

Best Android apps for the hard of hearing and how to use a hearing aid-compatible headset Hearing impairment affects individuals from all walks of life. The older generation is at risk from age-related hearing loss and everyone is at risk from noise induced hearing loss.

by Dimitris Xepapadakis Android smartphone users can use a Hearing specialist number of useful apps designed to help manage hearing loss. In many cases, hearing loss cannot simply be ‘cured’ but rather managed. Such apps allow the hard of hearing to sustain a high quality of life and many of the apps currently featured are free to install.

Smart Hearing Aid Smart Hearing Aid helps people who have hearing impairment.

First it determines hearing frequencies that you have problem with.

Then generates a filter that amplifies the corresponding frequencies. So that you will hear better.It is recommended that you use this application with earphones.

Hearing Saver

by Jake Basile A simple app that works in the background and designed to reduce the likelihood of noise trauma, a common cause of noise induced hearing loss due to burst eardrums. The app works to ensure that you don’t accidentally hurt your ears when plugging in or unplugging your smartphone device’s wired or bluetooth headset. Whether you are already diagnosed with hearing loss or your hearing is intact, this app is highly recommended.

SpeakerBoost

by Omega Centauri Software The app is designed to amplify the sound of the speaker or headphone. Many hard of hearing devices work on the notion of amplifying external sounds to overcome loss

of certain hearing frequencies.

However, it is ill advised to use the headphone amplification for prolonged periods of time due to the risks of noise induced hearing loss. Using the speaker function is a useful way to assist in hearing the person on the other line should the smartphone speakers prove insufficient.

SoundAMP with Rec

by Lemberg Solutions Another useful app designed to amplify external sounds with minimal background noise and reduced echo. It benefits from a simple recording function, which allows you to play back the audio when required.

Ear Assist Ear Assist amplifies sound from the microphone straight to your headphones to give enhanced hearing. It works like a hearing aid. Turn up the volume on the world around you.

Use these apps to help manage your hearing loss. They are by no means a replacement for healthcare attention.

How to Use a Hearing Aid-Compatible Headset The hands-free convenience of a headset isn’t limited to the able-hearing population. Hearing aid-compatible headsets make it possible for those with mild to severe hearing impairment to talk on the phone, listen to music, and participate in video and audio conferencing just like their able-hearing counterparts. Several different manufacturers offer a wide range of products to both in-theear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing-aid users.

Find the Right Hearing Aid-Compatible Headset 1. Determine if your hearing aid has a telecoil feature.

When the feature is enabled, the telecoil picks up electromagnetic signals from other sound sources producing greater clarity for those sounds. Hearing aid-compatible headsets use this technology as well.

2. Shop for a hearing aid-compatible headset that works with telecoil technology online or through your audiologist.

3. Buy a hearing aid that hooks over the ear for use with in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.

4. Decide if you want a headset that hooks over one ear or two. If you have hearing loss in both ears, you should consider a headset with two ear hooks.

5. Consider the weight of the headset before you buy it.

Lightweight ear hooks will be the most comfortable particularly for behind-the-ear hearing aid wearers who already carry weight on their ear and plan to use the headset for an extended period of time.

6. Choose a headphone that also has a receiver if you have unilateral hearing loss.

Connect and Wear Hearing Aid-Compatible Headset 7. Switch your headset’s telecoil by selecting T or MT on the unit. T means the telecoil is on and the microphone is off, and MT means they are both on.

8. Place the ear hook behind one or both ears depending on which model headset you choose. The ear hook typically goes on the outside of behind-the-ear hearing aids.

9. Plug the 2.5mm connector into the device you are using. Most cell phones, audio players, and computers come standard with these jacks.

p. 24 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

A Guide to Children’s Vision Problems Early detection of children’s vision problems is essential to make sure your kids have the visual skills they need to do well in school, sports and other activities.

Vision is arguably the most importby Nick Lazakis ant of the five senses. It plays a cruOptical expert cial role throughout childhood and beyond. In fact, experts say 80 percent of what children learn in school is presented visually.

From infancy on, there are important milestones in your child’s vision development. For example, during the first several months of life, a baby can focus only on objects up close. Those objects will be seen in high contrast colors only, such as black, white and red.

But by 6 months of age, your child’s visual acuity should be much sharper, with more accurate color vision and better eye movement and hand-eye coordination skills.

To make sure your child’s eyes are functioning properly and working together as a team during the early formative years, schedule his or her first eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist at 6 months of age. Otherwise, a lifetime of poor vision in one or both eyes could occur.

Moving into the preschool and school-age years, parents face a new set of concerns: - When should my child have his first eye exam?

- What tests should a complete children’s eye exam include?

- What if my child requires vision correction?

- Will his vision worsen over time, or improve?

- What type of eyeglasses should my child wear?

- What if he won’t wear his glasses? Can he wear contact lenses?

- Is it possible my child has a learning-related vision problem?

- Should I worry about how his computer use is affecting his eyes?

Parents of school-age children should stay informed about vision correction options, such as using contact lenses instead of glasses to control nearsightedness and protective sports eyewear. Ensuring that children wear sunglasses is very important, too.

For answers to specific questions about your child’s vision development, vision problems and eyewear needs, consult an eye doctor who specializes in children’s vision.

Pets and your child’s eyes Does your child have a pet? If so, take special precautions to avoid eye injuries or other eye problems.

Dogs and cats can cause eye allergies if your child is allergic to their dander. Thankfully for allergy sufferers, certain breeds are hypoallergenic.

Exotic pets, such as reptiles and spiders, can pose special risks for eye problems. Many of these creatures have salmonella on their skin, and contact with the eyes or skin can cause serious illness.

Acute lower respiratory infections Acute lower respiratory infections include pneumonia (infection of the lung alveoli), as well as infections affecting the airways such as acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, influenza and whooping cough. They are a

by Miltiades Markatos leading cause of illness and death in Pneumonologist children and adults across the world.

The importance of lower respiratory infections may be underestimated.

GENERAL CAUSES Infections are caused by tiny organisms, known as bacteria or viruses. There are millions of organisms that surround us. Viruses are carried in tiny droplets and are passed between people when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes.

People who are infected produce antibodies to fight the virus. Once they have fought of this strain, they will be able to fight it if infected again. However, over time, the virus can change into different forms, which means the body may not have the right antibodies to fight it again.

GENERAL PREVENTION The best way to prevent infections is via vaccinations.

Vaccination against pneumonia and influenza is commonly given to groups, such as the elderly or very young, who are most at risk. There is currently no vaccine available for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) but on-going research is looking into the development of this.

GENERAL TREATMENT One way to treat an infection is through drugs known as antibiotics. Antibiotics should only be prescribed when necessary or antibiotic resistance can develop.

Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria is regularly exposed to the same drug over time and will eventually mutate and develop resistance to this drug. Using antibiotics to treat mild illnesses unnecessarily speeds up the problem of antibiotic resistance, than if the drugs were only used in severe cases.

BURDEN Bronchiolitis is the most common cause of admission to hospital in the first 12 months of life. Influenza viruses affect up to 20% of the global population each year. More than 90% of influenza-related deaths occur in patients in the older age group.

In Europe, approximately 16,500,000 cases of acute bronchitis are seen each year. In children, acute respiratory infections count for almost 50% of visits to the doctor and hospitalisations. In the European Union (EU), about 3,370,000 cases of pneumonia are expected every year.

There are approximately 1 million admissions to hospital each year because of community-acquired pneumonia in the EU. CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS The appropriate use of antibiotics is vitally important to help stop cases of infections that are resistant to antibiotic use. There is a need to develop new or more effective vaccines against lung infections and viruses. Finally, new therapeutic strategies against drug-resistant bacteria must be developed.

Now let’s take a closer look to these conditions: ACUTE BRONCHITIS AND BRONCHIOLITIS Acute bronchitis is a short-term infection of the airways.

Bronchiolitis is an infection of the lower airways affect-

ing babies and infants under 2 years of age. It is the most common cause of admission to hospital for babies under the age of 1 year. The main symptom of acute bronchitis is a cough that cannot be explained by an existing longterm lung condition.

Bronchiolitis causes babies and infants to have prolonged symptoms of wheeze and cough, lasting for weeks and months after the first symptoms.

Almost 90% of cases of acute bronchitis are related to viruses such as influenza and the rhinovirus. Less than 10% are linked with bacteria.

Bronchiolitis is most often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants and babies.

Antibiotics have no effect on viruses so are not prescribed to treat acute bronchitis. Bronchiolitis is diagnosed by monitoring the symptoms and analysing a child’s breathing. Babies infected with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually require supportive care but no medication.

In extremely severe cases, they are given antiviral drugs.

INFLUENZA Influenza occurs in annual epidemics and occasionally pandemics, where the outbreak covers an even larger geographical area. The most serious forms of this infection are seen in people over the age of 65 years, children under the age of 2 years and people of any age with certain existing medical conditions.

There are several underlying conditions that could increase the risk of hospitalisation from influenza. These include diabetes and heart, lung and neurological diseases, including asthma.

The usual form of influenza can result in symptoms of fever, muscle pain, headache, cough, sore throat and a blocked nose. If the infection is more severe it can lead to pneumonia.

There are three influenza viruses A, B and C. A has the biggest impact, B causes less severe illness and C does not cause any illness in humans. When a new strain develops that people have no resistance to, it can spread across the world. This was the case during the ‘swine flu’ outbreak in 2009. People who are fit and healthy do not need to visit a doctor to diagnose flu.

It is usually possible to treat the symptoms of influenza at home with rest and drinking plenty of water. Antiviral drugs are also used to treat influenza in people who are at risk of other complications. A doctor will diagnose flu based on symptoms and medical history if a person is at risk.

PNEUMONIA Pneumonia is an infection of the lung, the most frequent cause of death due to infection in Europe and the USA. It causes symptoms for 3-4 weeks and is more common in very young children and elderly adults.

People with pneumonia experience a cough along with other symptoms such as fever or breathlessness without an obvious cause. The most common cause of pneumonia in adults is a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumonia.

Viruses can also cause pneumonia, most commonly the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in small children, and sometimes influenza. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is caused by germs in a hospital, whereas community-acquired pneumonia is caused by different germs in the community.

An x-ray can be used to check for pneumonia and is likely to show shadowing on the lungs if the infection is present. Antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia and different approaches should be used according to the risk of the person and severity of the illness.

p. 25 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

culture POST Rethymno Carnival 2014... 100 years of fun!!!

The Carnival of Rethymnon is an age-old cultural event overflowing with creativity and inspiration. It is a custom that the Municipality of Rethymnon tries to support and to enrich in every possible way each year.

However, most important of all, are those volunteers who with all their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication make it all happen! It is all of these volunteers, young and old, whose passionate support and inspiration make this special event come together.

Rethymnon, through its carnival, is able to reflect its long and interesting history, its traditions and the unique qualities that make the Rethymnians so special.

Many years before...

After nearly a century of celebrating the carnival, it is time to bid farewell and to pass on the carnival tradition to modern times.

Since 1914 beautiful Renaissance Rethymnon has been celebrating the carnival with its many humoristic events.

A carnival of another era leaving behind its nostalgic aroma of romantic balls and the Rethymnians through laughter and their comical antics paying their tribute to “His Excellence, The King of the Carnival.”

The Treasure Hunt, an old custom dating back to when the Carnival of Rethymno began about a century ago, was the reason for the creation of ‘teams’ in 1990, which

Reading... Post

Book proposals for your free time

They say you never really get to know a place unless you savour its tastes and smells, nor can you understand its culture unless you mingle with the local people and get acquainted with their way of thinking and their traditions.

In Crete this fascinating discovery trip can take you surprisingly far into the past, as the origins of most local dishes and customs are lost in the mists of time.

“Cretan Cuisine & Culture” introduces you to the enchanting world of Cretan customs and history and initiates you into the secrets of the world’s famous Cretan diet. In this lavishly illustrated edition you will find everything you could possibly wish to know about Crete - from its ancient mythology to its folk songs and dances and of course its most delicious recipes!

“Cretan Cuisine & Culture” Nadia Sarantopoulos, Giannis Sarantopoulos Savalas, 2012, ISBN 978-960-493-164-4, 19,90 €

would give birth once again to this age-old tradition.

In 1993, the Municipality of Rethymnon decided to help fund this popular event and requested the teams to take on the challenging task of creating and organising the Carnival of Rethymnon, which has become the most popular and famous Carnival of Crete!

The Mayor’s Greetings for the Carnival of Rethymno “Rethymno 2014. Our town will be transformed and so will we.

Being ready for some time now, we now board our ships for the long voyage into unknown seas with the only destination in mind; our own Ithaca. The Eurus winds will blow our colorful masts which were made by artisans who know how to transform our inner most feelings into feelings of creativity.

We are people who have not lost our spontaneity and our childish enthusiasm. We are people who persist in seeing life as an exciting adventure and who do not allow anyone to strip us of our dignity or even compromise our hopes or our optimism with economic measures.

We will all together sail away on the ‘Greek Odyssey’. This year the Carnival of Rethymno is conveying the message that the Greeks have been tried and tested many times in the past and they have triumphed. Our endurance has been proven through history many times and our fate is similar

to that of Odyssea. We will arrive at Ithaca despite the bewitching songs of the Sirens, the terror of the Cyclops and the conspiracy of the ‘gods.’

So with this confidence in our faith and strength we commence! And even if every ‘beginning’ is difficult, let us not forget that ‘we will write’ the conclusion of this adventure!”

Program Opening Ceremony of the Carnival of Rethymno 2014 9th February 2014 25th Treasure Hunt 7-16th February 2014 Shrove Thursday 20th February 2014 Carnival Teams’ Dance 22nd February Cretan Serenades 28th February Night Parade 1st March The Grand Parade 2nd March Ash Monday Monday 3rd March

Heritage Daily: Greek Neolithic site one of 10 most important antiquity discoveries of 2013 A Neolithic site in central Greece was named as one of ten most important archaeological discoveries of 2013, on a list compiled by web-based magazine Heritage Daily that specialises in cultural news from the world and all historical periods.

The excavation of a low hill with archaeological remains - known as “magoula” by Greek excavators - to the west of Volos in Fthiotida prefecture is being dug by a team of the Greek Archaeological Service headed by Nina Kyparissi and Southampton University professor Yannis Hamilakis, with the collaboration of the British School of Archaeology.

Over 300 clay figurines 3 to 12 cm long have been found, depicting humans and bird-like beings that are dated to the Middle Neolithic period, from about 5800 BC to 5300 BC. “One can find figurines at other Neolithic sites in Anatolia and the Balkans,” Hamilakis explains, “but both the number and variety of the types make ‘Koutroulou Magoula’

National Archaeological Museum to extend Antikythera Shipwreck exhibition to June The National Archaeological Museum’s exhibition “The Antikythera Shipwreck: The Ship, the Treasures, the Mechanism” is to extended until June 29, lasting throughout the Greek EU presidency in the first half of 2014.

The exhibition was launched in April 2012 and was initially scheduled to run for one year, while its duration has been repeatedly extended.

It focuses on the famous shipwreck that yielded the mysterious Antikythera mechanism - also dubbed the world’s first analog computer wreck - that occurred at approximately 60-50 BC. The exhibits include other items of cargo on board the vessel, which may have been heading for Rome when it sank, which were mainly bronze and marble statues dating from the 4th to the 1st century BC. The cargo was accidentally discovered in 1900 by divers from the island of Symi and was raised in two stages: in the year of 1900-1901 and in 1976 by the Greek Archaeological service and Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s oceanographic ship “Calypso”.

stand out. Their interpretation is open and intriguing.”

What makes the findings more unusual is the fact they were found in excavations rather than on the surface of the earth, as is often the case in fields dug up by plowing, while most of the figurines depicting human forms do not indicate sex.

“These figurines could open new paths in the interpretation of similar objects, because they were many in number and varied and also because they come from a systematic excavation rather than from surface collection,” Hamilakis says.

The figurines were spread over the roughly 4 hectares of the magoula’s site, which also yielded stone foundations of houses, a tumulus tomb from the Bronze Age, and even a young woman’s burial from historical times, the 12th century AD. Findings suggest that the inhabitants of the Neolithic settlement were farmers, raised animals, made tools from flint and obsidian, were in touch with other settlements in their area and had a sense of community, which can be seen from the scale of the projects that have left traces today. ana-mpa

El Greco’s Art Travelling From Greece to Toledo The greatest exhibition ever of the works of the famous Cretan painter El Greco (Dominicos Theotokopoulos) will take place in Toledo, Spain. Three pieces

by Greece’s most famous painter will travel to Spain, to be included in the exhibition entitled The Greek of Toledo.

These three paintings include, St. Luke painting the Virgin and child, The Adoration of the Magi, from the Byzantine Collection of the Benaki Museum and the Coronation of the Virgin, from the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation. The exhibition which coincides with El Greco Year 2014, celebrates 400 years since the artist’s death. The exhibition will take place at the Santa Cruz Museum from March 14 to June 14. This will be the largest exhibition ever put together in honor of the Greek painter and the first to be held in Toledo.

Other exhibitions will be held in Athens at the Byzantine and Christian Museum entitled, “Art and Society on Crete in the years of El Greco”, at the Museum of Cycladic Art entitled, “The adoration of the name of Jesus and Dominicos Theotokopoulos”, and the Benaki Museum entitled, “The Frienfly Circle of El Greco in Toledo”, where the exhibition Theotokopoulos between Venice and Rome will be transferred from Crete.

p. 26 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

POST

Roll of lamb with white beets

Lamb or Kid with Stamnagkathi or Chicory Ingredients - 1.200 gr. Lamb or kid - 1 ½ kg stamnagkathi or chicory - 1 water glass oil - salt, pepper For the egg-lemon sauce - 1-2 eggs - ½ water glass lemon juice Preparation Clean and wash the greens well.

Boil them for 15 minutes in sizzling water and then strain them.

Wash and cut the meat into pieces.

Season with salt and pepper and brown it on both sides for 5-7 minutes.

Then add slowly, 1 to 1 ½ glass of water until it is cooked (1 to 1 ½ hour).

Ten minutes before the food is done, add a glass of water and the greens.

Then turn the heat off, prepare the egg-lemon sauce and add it in the food, stirring continuously.

You can eat this food without the egg-lemon sauce. In this case, do not add the last glass of water in the casserole. www.incrediblecrete.gr

Traditional Tavern “Tzaneris and Archontissa”

by Antonia Tsakirakis cook

Ingredients: 2-3 kilos lamb back 1 1/2 kilos white beets, finely chopped 4 spring onions, finely chopped 2 tablespoons spearmint 1 cup spicy kefalograviéra cheese, grated 1 tablespoon breadcrumb 2 cups lamb liver, finely chopped 3 teaspoons olive oil 1/2 cup dry white wine Salt Pepper, freshly ground

For the sauce 1 lemon, juiced 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons olive oil Preparation In a deep frying pan saute the onions in olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Add the liver and continue sauteing for 5 minutes stirring continuously. Season with salt and pepper and extinguish with wine. Let the mixture absorb its liquids and dry completely.

Let it cool completely, transfer to a deep bowl and mix with the white beets, the spearmint, the cheese and the breadcrumb. Season the inner part of the lamb back with salt and pepper and stuff it. Roll and wrap it tightly with a white cotton thread and place the roll on the oven grill.

Drakona Keramion, Chania, Crete

ARABIC COFFEE Arabic coffee is a general name that refers to the two main ways coffee is prepared in many Arab countries: Turkish-style, and Saudi Coffee. It originates in Lebanon.

The Turkish coffee brewing method is common in the Levant, but brewed without the addition of sugar. Cardamom is often added, or it is served plain.

Saudi coffee, or “Al-Qahwa”, is made from coffee beans roasted very lightly or heavily from 165 °C (329 °F) to 210 °C (410 °F) and cardamom, and is a traditional beverage in Arabian culture.

Traditionally, it is roasted on the premises (at home or for special occasions), ground, brewed and served in front of guests.It is often served with dates or candied fruit. This brewing method is common in Najd and Hijaz, and sometimes other spices like saffron (to give it a golden color), cloves, and cinnamon.

Some people add a little evaporated milk to slightly alter its color; however, this is rare.

It is served from a special coffee pot called dallah and the coffee cups are small with no handle called fenjan. The portions are small, covering just the bottom of the cup.

It is served in homes, and in good restaurants by specially clad waiters called gahwaji, and it is almost always accompanied with dates. It is always offered with the compliments of the house. It is also offered at most social events like weddings and funerals.

Arabic coffee is usually served just a few centiliters at a time. The waiter/host serves the guest just enough to cover the bottom of the cup.

Usually the coffee is boiling hot, so larger amounts would take too long to cool to drinkable temperatures. The guest drinks it and if he wishes, he will gestures the waiter not to pour any more.

Otherwise the host/waiter will continue to serve another few centiliters at a time until the guest gestures he has had enough.

The most common practice is to drink only one cup, since serving coffee serves as a ceremonial act of kindness and hospitality.

Sometimes people also drink larger volumes during conversations.

Enjoy a cup of coffee or your drink in one of the most popular hangouts of Chania ODYSSEIA CAFE 9 Ktistaki str., Chania, Crete Tel. +30 28210 53799

Roast at 200oC for 25 minutes, brushing regularly with a sauce made from olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.

Lower the heat to 180oC and continue roasting for 45 more minutes, until brown.

Then remove from the oven, set aside to cool, cut the string and slice.

Serve warm.

Tel. +30 28210 75997 Mob. +30 6973 786747

www.tzaneris-archontissa.gr

p. 27 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

pet

by John Venetakis Zootechnician

Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) in Dogs

What are the signs and symptoms of leishmaniasis in dogs?

Some dogs can have the Leishmania parasite for extended periods of time and may not exhibit any signs or symptoms of disease (asymptomatic).

In asymptomatic dogs, the parasite can lay dormant for a period of time, sometimes years, before a stimulant, such as stress or illness, triggers the parasite to multiply and attack the body and eventually lead to cutaneous leishmaniasis or visceral leishmaniasis.

However, both asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs are capable of infecting sand flies and spreading the disease.

In most symptomatic dogs, th e first sign of disease appears about 2-4 months after the initial infection.

Symptoms may include sores on the skin, peeling, ulcers, loss of weight, bald patches, conjunctivitis, blindness, nasal discharge, muscular atrophy, inflammation, swelling, and organ failure, including mild heart attacks.

have Leishmaniasis?

The dogs need regular monitoring via blood tests.

At least once a year a test should be done to measure the level of Leishmaniasis antibodies in the blood.

A general blood test should also be done to ensure that the dog’s kidneys and other organs are all functioning well.

This can be done by any veterinarian.

Can Leishmaniasis be transmitted to other dogs or humans?

Anyone who lives in or travels to places where the organism is found is at risk for contracting leishmaniasis.

The highest risk is to those who are outside between dusk

What is Leishmaniasis (leishmania)?

Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease transmitted to dogs by a tiny sandfly.

The sandfly is active between dusk and dawn and is common in all Mediterranean.

When an infected sandfly bites a dog, the dog is in danger of contracting the disease, unless it is protected by an insect repellent collar.

What happens if a dog is diagnosed with Leishmaniasis?

Leishmaniasis cannot currently be cured, but it can be treated.

A dog with leishmaniasis can live a happy and healthy life for many years.

The usual treatment is with Allopurinol tablets, which are cheap and readily available as they are used for treatment of gout in humans.

Vets in countries like Greece, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, routinely treat infected dogs rather than euthanise them.

The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the more successful the treatment is, but there are no guarantees.

An owned dog, who is well fed and nourished, is of course likely to respond to treatment better than a stray dog who lives on scraps scavenged from the streets.

What other precautions should be taken in dogs who

and dawn, which is when the sand fly is most active.

There are no vaccines or drugs that prevent the disease; the most effective preventive measures are to reduce contact with sand flies.

Although sand flies mostly bite at night, they will bite during the day if they are disturbed.

Bed nets and screen doors and windows should be used as well.

The netting must be very fine in order to be effective, as sand flies are about one third the size of mosquitoes.

After treatment for infection, approximately 98 percent of

people have immunity against reinfection with the same strain.

Are dogs all tested for Leishmaniasis?

Yes, ALL dogs should be blood-tested for Leishmaniasis.

However there is always a slight possibility that a dog who tests negative may, a few months later (or even a year or two later) start showing symptoms of the disease.

It is therefore wise to blood-test the dogs at least once a year for a couple of years.

Your vet will need to send the blood sample to a laboratory.

The test should be done sooner, of course, if any symptoms of Leishmaniasis are noted.

What are the symptoms of Leishmaniasis?

Sometimes there are no symptoms and the dog seems perfectly fit.

However, common symptoms are: • Weight loss • Anemia and lethargy – your dog may not be ‘just lazy’ • Hair loss and skin lesions – particularly around the face and ears • ‘Dandruff’ noted in the coat • Long and thick claws Most vets have little or no experience with Leishmaniasis and will welcome our input.

It is imperative that you contact us before you take your dog to a vet, should you worry that he/she may be infected.

Vaccine Against Canine Leishmaniasis available in Greece The much awaited vaccine against often fatal ending disease of Canine Leishmaniasis or Kalazar in dogs is finally available in Greece.

As January 16th 2011, the vaccine can be obtained at vet clinics.

The vaccine contains proteins of Cani Leish parasite that will produce antibodies in the immune system of our canine friends.

The vaccine will be given to the animal in three doses in intervals of three weeks.

The cost of each dose is around 50 euro.

Before the vaccination the dog has to undergo blood tests, to make sure the dog is negative to the parasite, that means he has not antibodies indicating previous infection to disease.

p. 28 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

h c e

t

POST

Two Cretans invented... the “Horizon” for iOS Shoot horizontal videos for any device orientation Available on the App Store, Horizon 1.0 by Evil Window Dog, an award winning mobile development studio, lets users record horizontal videos regardless of the device’s orientation. Users can hold their devices upright, sideways or even keep rotating them while capturing and the resulting video will always stay horizontal.

While many apps like Instagram offer straightening in photos, Horizon is the first app to do this on video and in real-time as demonstrated in the launch trailer. As the user records, Horizon auto-levels videos utilizing the device’s gyroscope. The orientation of the resulting video stays corrected so that it is always parallel to the ground.

Users can also choose between eight real-time filters to apply while recording and share the final result to their favorite social network right within the app.

Horizon supports different aspect ratios and resolutions that can be changed by the user at any time. Supported resolutions include 1080p (16:9), 720p (16:9), 640×640 (square), 640×480 (4:3) and 480×480 (square), depending on the device.

The app also features three distinct leveling modes: ‘Just rotate’, the default mode, where the frame size stays fixed, ‘Scale & rotate’ where the frame is adjusted for maximum viewport and ‘Disabled’ mode where auto-leveling is disabled. The ‘Video Quality’ options allow users to choose

between higher video quality or smaller file size.

Features: * 3 leveling modes: Just rotate, Scale & rotate and Off * Various resolutions (Including VGA, HD & Full HD) * Different aspect ratios (Square 1:1, Wide 16:9, Standard 4:3) * Filters * Video library * Publish your creations on social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc) * Open your videos in other apps * Select Video Quality to save space (High, Medium, Low) * Geotagging * AF/AE Lock * Record videos using the front or back camera Supported Devices: * iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C * iPod touch 5th generation * iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air * iPad mini, iPad mini with Retina display Device Requirements: * iOS 7.0 or later * 3MB

Pricing and Availability: Horizon 1.0 is now available for $0.99 (USD) in the US as a 50% launch sale and is priced accordingly in other regions. Please visit the Horizon Website for more information and an interactive HTML5 demo of Horizon.

Located in Thessaloniki, Greece, Evil Window Dog was founded in 2012 by Petros Douvantzis and Stelios Petrakis. The aim of the studio is to create the best mobile experiences in the world while crafting applications and services that help people solve their everyday problems.

33 Chrisanthou Episkopou str., Chania Tel. +30 28210 55667

Bookcrossing... I found a book!

Welcome to the world’s library over the web (www.bookcrossing.com) It’s the World’s Library. It’s a smart social networking site. It’s a celebration of literature and a place where books get new life. BookCrossing is the act of giving a book a unique identity so, as the book is passed from reader to reader, it can be tracked and thus connecting its readers. There are currently 2,480,307 BookCrossers and 10,117,706 books travelling throughout 132 countries. Our community is changing the world and touching lives one book at a time.

Label. Share. Follow. Breath new life into books instead of letting your old favorites collect dust - pass them along to another reader. Our online archival and tracking system allows members to connect with other readers, journal and review literature and trade and follow their books as lives are changed through “reading and releasing”. Users are able to tag and track their individual books by marking them with BCIDs (BookCrossing Identity Numbers).

Each BCID is unique to each book – once it’s registered on our site, the book can then be followed and journaled forever. BookCrossing is free to join and free to play. So don’t be ‘shelf’ish with your books - read and release!

Although there were websites tracking things such as dollar bills and pictures, business partner Ron Hornbak-

er noted that nothing existed for tracking books. After all, books were more than just tangible objects, rather they possessed elements of emotional attachment and strong opinion; books were not only items collected and revered, but were intrinsically shared. This was the nidus that began our journey. With the help of Ron’s wife, Kaori, and cofounders Bruce & Heather Pedersen, the site was

launched on April 21, 2001. The site remains a fun way to track and share books while connecting people at deeper levels using books as the architecture and glue to facilitate the Great Conversation.

The team that continues to make all of this happen is based in Sandpoint, Idaho. However, the site could not function without the generous BookCrossing volunteers from around the world who help with various projects, spread the movement, and handle support questions.

BookCrossers love their books and love to read them. They tend to be the most generous, innovative, earth-friendly, good-hearted, whimsical, fun and educated people on the face of the planet.

Here are the top-5 BookCrossing countries: - USA 29% - Germany 16% - United Kingdom 13% - Netherlands 11% - Finland 10% Chania’s bookshelves are located in: - Vivliothiki Cafe (Dikastirion Sq.) - Epea Pteroenta Cafe (10, Kanevaro str.)

- Chania Sailing Club Cafe (Neorio Moro)

Crete’s Friends of Astronomy Society (C.F.A.S.) Crete, due to its geopolitical location has always been the crossroad between East and West, the European North and the African South.

For amateur and professional astronomers it has an additional value, its high-quality dark skies that make Crete an absolute must for optical and ccd-imaging observations.

Away from the light pollution of the major European cities in combination with its geographical position, being the most Southern location of the European Union, Crete has been chosen by famous institutions and universities for research, observation and astro-imaging. This is why Crete hosts not only one of the best Greek Astrophysics

departments but also the second biggest Greek observatory with tens of discoveries and almost all year round joint projects with European and international observatories.

C.A.F.C. is the 16th Greek Amateur Astronomy Club based in Chania but with members all over the island. Its main purpose is to bring together people who are interested in Astronomy whatever their knowledge or exprertize. We are also dedicated in bringing Astronomy to the public, informing, inspiring, teaching and learning.

Its members are mainly from the island of Crete but we also have members in mainland Greece, Canada and the U.S. Chania base: 1, Ag. Apostolon str., Chania, Crete, 73 100, Greece http://www.sfak.org e-mail: info@sfak.org

p. 29 CHANIA POST

PLATANIAS F.C. Super League

CHANIA F.C. Football League

Your local free paper

KISSAMIKOS F.C. Football League 2

The three “prides” of local football in all National Divisions

Full name: Athlitikos Omilos Platania

Chanion Nickname: Red shamrock Founded: 15 March 1931 Ground: Perivolia Municipal Stadium Capacity: 4,000 Chairman: Stelios Varouxakis Manager: Nikos Anastopoulos League: Superleague, Greece Website: http://www.fcplatanias.gr Club Fans: Ultras

Full name: Athlitikos Omilos Chania Nickname: Founded: 1945 Ground: Perivolia Municipal Stadium Capacity: 4,000 Chairman: Nikos Katsiyiannis Manager: Murat Seropian League: Football League, Greece Website: http://www.aoxania.gr Club Fans: Blue Boys

Full name: Podosfairikos Gymnastikos

Syllogos Kissamikos Nickname: Founded: 1926 Ground: Maleme Stadium, Platanias Capacity: 600 Club Fans: Kissamikos Fan Club Chairman: Antonios Rokakis Manager: Spiros Baxevanos League: Football League 2 (Group 5), Greece Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ΠΓΣΚισσαμικός/417256601720945

Athlitikos Omilos Platania Chanion (commonly referred to as Platanias F.C. or simply Platanias) is a Greek football club based in Platanias, Chania.

The association was founded in 1931 by Antonis Varouxakis. The club currently competes in the Superleague.

Platanias F.C. won the promotion via the play-offs of 2011– 2012 of Football League by making excellent appearances against Kallithea, Kalloni and Panachaiki to take first place and ascend to the Superleague.

Platanias F.C. is the first time in history of Chania’s football which played in Super League.

The first season in Superleague Greece, Platanias finished in 9th place with 36 points.

Chania F.C. founded in Chania in 1945.

It is the most historical team of the city of Chania and represents the city on professional categories.

From 2000 until 2010 Chania F.C. was playing 4th National Division and in 2010 promoted in the 3rd National, by winning the championship.

In 1970 Chania F.C. played for the first time in its history at the 2nd National Division.

After 30 years of its relegation from 2nd National Division, Chania F.C. has been promoted again this season in Football League, trying to promote, for its first time in history, in Super League by playing in play-offs.

The Football Club of Kissamikos is one of the oldest clubs of Crete.

It was established in 1926 and made his ​​ first formal association in 1949.

It was formed as a club in the 5th of June, 1951, by 22 wealthy citizens of Kastelliana in Kissamos.

Kissamikos has won four times the championship in the first category of Chania (1993-1994, 1996-1997, 20002001, 2011-2012), once the Local Cup (1998-1999 by 6-5 in penalty shootout against Chania/Panchaniakos) and once the Super Cup (2012 by 4-2 against Minotavros).

This season (2013-2014) Kissamikos is participating in Football League 2 (Group 5) for the first time in its history.

p. 30 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Football Calendar... February Super League - F.C. Platanias Wing Chun Kung Fu was created around 1700AD in China and is one of the top fighting systems, a complete concept of fighting.

The goal of the practitioner is to develop their reflexes as well as the function of their body mechanics so that in random close range attacks they can react spontaneously,quickly,effectively and accurately.

In short, the practitioner learns how to face any attacker in conditions that concern their survival and not winning a contest in a fighting match with rules and regulations.

Who is WCKF for? That is obvious.

It is literally for anyone who is looking to improve their self defence, regardless of gender, age, or whether they have any previous experience in martial arts.

It is also for people who want to a new way of life that will give them confidence, a better physical condition, better reflexes and internal balance through the daily practice of this complete martial art.

Basketball celebrates in Crete

The Cup Final in Heraklion and the All Star Game in Chania Time to play basketball in Crete. The island is hosting two main basketball events, the Cup Final (Panathinaikos B.C. - Aris B.C.) at Heraklion Arena and the All Star Game in Chania Kladissos Indoor Hall.

Heraklion Arena The capacity of this new arena is 5,222. It may host all indoor ball games (e.g. basketball, volleyball, handball etc), as well as gymnastics.

A second indoor hall has been constructed next to the main arena. It will be used primarily for training purposes.

The arena is located in a district called Dyo Aorakia, in Heraklion (also Iraklio), on the island of Crete.

It is east of the city centre, near the industrial area and the airport.

The new arena is almost adjacent to the motorway leading from Heraklion to Aghios Nikolaos.

The arena’s construction commenced in 2003 and was planned to be finished within 2005, at a cost of € 28 million.

Works, however, fell behind schedule, this mostly having to do with the project’s funding by the State General Secretariat of Sports. It took 2 extra years, but it now seems that everything is ready for this new arena to be handed over for use to the sports community of Heraklion.

It should be noted that local Iraklio Basketball Club planned to move into the new arena as soon as it was ready.

However, this was some years ago, when the team still competed in the top A1 Division. Now that they languish in lower divisions, such a move seems highly unlikely. This would

leave the new Heraklion Arena with no regular tenants.

Nevertheless, the Greek Basketball Federation have mentioned that the National Team may use the arena as home for some of its games, while the Greek Cup final is also likely to be hosted there in 2008.

The photographs featured here were shot in September 2007. You may see some older photos that were previously on this page and show the progress of works during construction.

Also, have a look at the model of the arena that was revealed some years ago, helping you to make the comparison with the “end result”.

Chania Kladissos Indoor Hall Capacity: 2,346 Location: The hall is located in Hania (also spelled: Chania), a city on the west part of the island of Crete.

Hania has an international airport, but you may also get there by boat from Piraeus. The hall itself is located near the sea, 2 km west of the city centre. In particular, it is built next to the Nea Chora district, by the river Kladissos, hence its name. It should not be confused with the much older Hania Indoor Hall that is located next to the Hania Stadium.

Built in: 2005 Home of: Kydon Hania (Local amateur league) More data: The construction of a new indoor hall at Kladissos was first announced in 1995. Actual works commenced 7 years later, by Akter S.A. The total cost of the new Hania Kladissos Indoor Hall was € 4.4 million. It was inaugurated in May 2005.

Two smaller movable stands (not shown in the photos above) have been installed next to the court, below the existing stands, adding about 500 seats to the hall’s capacity and bringing it up to 2,346.

The hall regularly hosts basketball, as well as volleyball and handball games.

Hania Kladissos Indoor Hall is owned by the Municipality of Hania. www.stadia.gr

2/2: Platanias-PAOK (Municipal Stadium of Perivolia) 5/2: Panthrakikos-Platanias

(Municipal Sports Centre of Komotini) 8/2: Platanias-Ergotelis (Municipal Stadium of Perivolia) 15/2: Olympiacos-Platanias (“G. Karaiskakis” Stadium) 23/2: Platanias-Aris (Municipal Stadium of Perivolia)

Football League - Chania F.C.

Chania-Paniliakos (Municipal Stadium of Perivolia) Panegialios-Chania (Municipal Stadium of Egio) Chania-Fostiras (Municipal Stadium of Perivolia) Chania-Episkopi (Municipal Stadium of Perivolia)

3rd Division - Kissamikos

2/2: Doxa Virona-Kissamikos

(Municipal Stadium of Vironas) 9/2: Kissamikos-Nea Ionia (Maleme Stadium) 16/2: Kissamikos-Ethnikos Asteras (Maleme Stadium)

FIFA World Ranking (January 2014)

p. 31 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Free time for your... mind

Useful information and phones in Chania Prefecture Whenever you call a number in Greece, even if it is a local phone call, you have to use the (area code) + (0) + (phone number).

For example, if you want to call a phone number in Chania you will have to dial: 2821+ 0 + phone number.

If you call from abroad always use 0030 before the phone number.

REGION OF CRETE....................................2813400300-5 PREFECTURE OF CHANIA....................2821340100-200 MUNICIPALITIES Chania............................................................................2821341600 Apokoronas..................................................................2825340300 Platanias........................................................................2821083570 Sfakia..............................................................................2825391540 Kissamos........................................................................2822340200 Kandanos-Selino........................................................2823349399 Gavdos...........................................................................2823041101 TRANSPORTATION Public bus....................................................................2821093306 City public bus...........................................................2821093024 ANEK Lines...............................................................2821027500-4 ANENDYK..................................................................2821095511-2 Airport...........................................................................2821083800 Aegean Airlines..........................................................2821063366 Olympic Air..................................................................8018010101 Ryan Air...............................................................00448712460002 Hermes taxi.................................................................2821098700

Kydon taxi....................................................................2821094300 GENERAL Police...............................................................................................100 Tourist Police...............................................................2821025931 Airport Police Station...............................................2821063033 Greek National Tourism Organization...............2821092943 Municipal Tourism Office....................................2821341665-6 Port Authority...............................................2821098388/98888 Fire Department.........................................................................199 First Aid..........................................................................................166 Rental Accomodation Union.................................2821043601 Chania Hotels Association.....................................2821060540 Customs Office...........................................................2821089277 Public Electricity Company.....................................................125 Municipal Water Company....................................2821036250 Telecommunications Organization......................................121 HOSPITALS/CLINICS Red Cross......................................................................2821052550 Aghios Georgios........................................................2821022000 Navy hospital..............................................................2821082000 “Iasis” Gavrilakis clinic..............................................2821070800 Kapakis Clinic..............................................................2821052688 Tsepetis Clinic.............................................................2821028828 Research and Training Institute of Alzheimer Senility Cases..............................................................2821076050 TV STATIONS Nea TV...........................................................................2821036700

Kydon TV......................................................................2821074978 Kriti TV...........................................................................2821083200 Kriti 1.............................................................................2821099119 Chania TV.....................................................................2821041440 NEWSPAPERS Haniotika Nea..............................................2821051003/70563 Dimokratis....................................................................2821099600 Agonas tis Kritis..........................................................2821099119 Kosmos tis polis.........................................................2821086786 Cretavoice....................................................................2821303095 Pyxida............................................................................2821074104 RADIO STATIONS Super FM......................................................................2821052010 Ant1 Dytikis Kritis......................................................2821055505 Chania Sport FM....................................................2821056800-5 Max FM.........................................................................2821055008 CONSULATES Germany.......................................................................2821068876 Denmark.......................................................................2821057330 Italy.................................................................................2821027315 Norway..........................................................................2821057330 Sweden.........................................................................2821057330 France............................................................................6944444757 CHAMBERS Chamber of commerce...........................................2821052329 EOMMEX.......................................................................2821042568 Economic......................................................................2821093001 Technical.......................................................................2821027900