January2014

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Issue No 10 - January 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

“In Greece... where misery became culture”

>>p.11

Greece Set for Another Record Breaking Year in Tourism Interview in DPA of the Greek Minister of Tourism

>>p.4

Social unrest in 2014 Protesting predictions by “The Economist”

>>p.6

Municipality of Platanias signed the European Covenant of Mayors Ten Municipalities in Crete have already signed the Covenant

WHY NOW IT IS TIME TO INVEST IN GREECE!

>>p.8

“Greece is an attractive investment destination” >>p.9

“CRETE: The Great Meeting” Technopolis/Gazi from 28th to 31st of March Football Academies of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in Chania

>>p.14 >>p.29

Attracting foreign investment is considered as a key to overcome crisis. Providing the best possible environment for foreign investment is viewed as a top priority with a view to attract market-leading companies and dynamic entrepreneurs, creating thus associated jobs and stimulate the national economy. >>p.10

Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production

As Greece readies for a new era of developing its hydrocarbon reserves, international interest grows in relation to investment opportunities >>p.3

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

p. 2 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

“Live@Love@Laugh”

“Hope is...” ... (according to one of many definitions) the state which promotes the desire of positive outcomes reby Elpida “Hope” Katsarakis lated to events and circumstances NEA TV Journalist in one’s life or in the world at large.

Hope is the “feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best” or the act of “look[ing] forward to something with desire and reasonable confidence” or “feel[ing] that something desired may happen”.

Light can serve as a symbol of hope, because without the light on (spirit) we have no hope - we have no pathway to guide us into the path of happiness; with the light on we can see the path.

Glittering hope is immemorial and beckons many men to their undoing.

EURIPEDES, Iphigenia in Tauris The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune’s spite; revive from ashes and rise.

MIGUEL DE CERVANTES, Don Quixote “When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time’” (Author Unknown).

Hope is the thing that gets you through tough times. It’s like shifting your car into a lower gear when you’re going up a mountain.

So, as we welcome 2014 , let’s hope for a story that serves as a promise or reason for expecting a better future.

And keep in mind the very short essay by T. Augustus Forbes Leith on hope...

“HOPE is the soul’s best bower anchor let go in good holding ground. Through every trial, through every woe, in health, in sickness, in poverty, and in want, hope, like a bright fixed star of promise, shines aloft, and bids us not despair.

Hope entered the dark chambers of our childish hearts, and has ever since been the sun of our existence, shining day and night, never dark, never extinguished.

Hope joined us in the cradle, and will be with us at the last.

Hope never dies in the breast of man; It may slumber and sleep for a while, Then wakes up refreshed, all its troubles to scan, And meets them half-way with a confident smile.”

“In 2014 we deserve to have a fair play…”

by Pandelis Spiridakis KYDON TV Host - gelamou.gr

Dear Santa,

You must be joking! I am trying to figure out how good kids we ΄ve been and how notty santa you΄ve been.

Don’t be mad at us , but it seems that you don’t really count things in the right way!

Hey Santa , give me a break my man…

Even in Kuala Lubur they have learned that we have run out of politicians.

So in case you haven’t heard our greek news, we want to ask you a favour. No my man, we don’t want a gift.

But if you happen to read a letter from a guy named Michael Liapis, please let him stay in Kuala Lubur. Don’t bring him back, just let it be !

The Academy of Athens gave an award after his death , but watch out my red papa- just check around for a while.

We don’t need awards right now , we need badly “big guys”…

Hey Santa , give me a break my man…

In 2013 we watched the whole play, but in 2014 we need to know that your gifts will be real and helpful. Otherwise we lose my red pal.

So what you say , will you give us a hand? Hey and don’t cheat , give us a hand , from the good ones with the magics.

In 2014 we deserve to have a fair play…

And as we say in Greece... “ Whatever we said – bread and salt” And don’t HO HO HO me again, cause I still believe in u.

We have a dozen from those gifts and they ΄re out of order, all of them. They don’t really function my Santa …Hear what we say?

We re trying here to bring things around and these fellows are a real mess!

But if you want to keep your custom alive, the one with your gifts my red guy… we have you an alternative solution!

Tilemachos Tsimirikas we badly need to bring us back. That kind of gifts my red fellow are really necessary right now. Told you…

Even in Kuala Lubur they have learned that we have run out of politicians. But we haven’t run out of guts and new kids that give their life, they really don’t play with lifes. See now red papa?

Tilemachos was just 15 years old from Messaropi Kavalas and his two little brothers – Andreas (5 year old and Gerasimos 9) were blocked into their burning home.

- Books - Stationery - Consumables

- Office supplies - Gis - Photocopies

He got into the fires to help his family and he lost his life!

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

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

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

2014... Great Expectations

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

Five Expert Predictions for the Global Economy in 2014

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

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

EDITORIAL...

(by the atlantic.com)

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

Michael Spence, Council on Foreign Relations: In Europe, the ECB has stabilized sovereign debt markets and systemic risk is for now substantially reduced. But growth will not follow easily.

by Pandelis Giaitsis CHANIA POST chief editor

Robert Kahn, Council on Foreign Relations: Euro area growth is on track to reach 1 percent next year, following two years of decline. Continued bank deleveraging, an uncertain global growth outlook that will restrain exports, excessively tight macroeconomic policies, and an incomplete framework for monetary union provide powerful headwinds to recovery. Stronger demand is needed to boost growth, and a relaxation of fiscal austerity would be welcome in this regard.

Ernesto Talvi, Brookings Institution: Latin America, particularly countries such as Brazil and Argentina that are commodity-exporting and less dependent on the U.S. economic cycle, have had close to a decade of exceptional growth, doubling the region’s long-run average.

This period of exuberance was underpinned by sound macroeconomic policies, but largely propelled by cheap and abundant inflows of foreign capital and high commodity prices.

Yukon Huang, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: The Third Plenum of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee laid out in November a bold policy framework for reaching a more sustainable growth path.

Mark Zandi, Moody’s Analytics: Here’s an intrepid forecast: In 2014, the U.S. economy will experience its fastest growth in a decade.

Find CHANIA POST at the following points: 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

Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production

As Greece readies for a new era of developing its hydrocarbon reserves, international interest grows in relation to investment opportunities Two regional conferences focusing on hydrocarbon exploration and production in the East Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea took place in Athens.

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (APPEX) conducted, for the first time in Athens, its regional 3-day conference. Several topics were presented and discussed, with a special emphasis on hydrocarbon research and the latest discoveries in the Aegean by the Norwegian company PGS. Also, the Institute of Energy for South East Europe (IENE) held a two-day workshop on Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production in the East Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea. The workshop was attended by Greek and foreign scientists who discussed a variety of issues related to the broader region of the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.

At both events it was noted that Greece has good possibilities and probabilities to count on its hydrocarbon reserves. The estimates are based on the existence of proven petroleum systems, directly comparable to the systems of Italy (Adriatic platform) where exploitable reserves have been discovered. There was mention of the Epirus reserves, which are identical to those in Albania, which has had several productive discoveries, as well the

discovery of small deposits of Western Katakolon.

PGS did not report on the existence of extensive reserves of natural gas or oil, particularly in Greece and south of Crete, mainly due to the fact that the results of the exploration and analyses are in the initial stages. PGS will not be “certifying” the deposits, but its aim is the presentation of the evidence of reserves which will encourage companies to invest in the process and to participate in the open calls, set to be announced toward the end of 2014.

Hydrocarbon Exploration - Strong Interest Energean and Ratio Petroleum have submitted a proposal for research in Thermaikos Gulf and the Bay of Orfanos.

A request for hydrocarbon exploration in Thermaikos Gulf and the Bay of Orfanos was submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change through a joint proposal by Energean Oil & Gas SA and Israel’s Ratio Petroleum.

The head of the Israeli company, in a visit to Greece in May, expressed to the Prime Minister their interest to in-

vest in the Greek hydrocarbon market.

The Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Yiannis Maniatis, made the following statement: “The expressed interest of two reliable companies to engage in hydrocarbon exploration in the Thermaikos Gulf and the Orfanos Bay is a positive development. This is another step toward the comprehensive and systematic national effort to recover our mineral wealth and proves that when there is persistence, responsibility, seriousness and stability, investors trust the country and are interested to proceed with new investment.”

Energean Oil & Gas issued a statement saying “With its experience of the geology of the areas of Prinos and South Kavala, Energean Oil & Gas treats the areas of Thermaikos and Orfanos as a natural continuation of its production operations in areas already utilised and as an important potential to strengthen employment in Central and Eastern Macedonia.”

The presence of the installations of Energean Oil & Gas in the area, and the absolutely successful example of the smooth coexistence of a productive industrial activity with the local community and the tourist industry in areas such as Thassos, is the biggest guarantee for the implementation of programmes in Thermaikos Gulf and Orfanos Gulf in a manner perfectly compatible with the environment.

Ratio Petroleum is the international investment arm of Ratio Oil Exploration LTD, a listed company on the Tel Aviv Exchange included in the TA-75 index with the largest market capitalisation companies.

Ratio’s chief geologist is Eitan Aizenberg, who in December 2010 announced the discovery of a very large natural gas deposit, including the Leviathan Field, the largest natural gas deposit discovery of the last decade, estimated at 17 trillion cubic feet. The Israeli company holds 15% of the Leviathan Field.

Strong evidence of hydrocarbon systems in Peloponnese, Crete PGS, the Norwegian company which completed a series of seismic research in the Ionian Sea and the sea region south of Crete, said that although the data from seismic research were still under processing, there were strong evidence of hydrocarbon systems in western Peloponnese as there were “various geological characteristics of the Greek underground and a variety of possible oil potential”.

According to AMNA, presenting its report during an inter-

national APPEX Regional 2013 conference in Athens, PGS said that the oil field found in Katakolo in 1981 was proof of a hydrocarbon system in western Peloponnese, while it added that the south region of Crete remained largely unexplored.

The Norwegian company said processing of seismic research data was expected to be completed in early 2014.

Under the plan, Greek authorities will launch a series of international tenders for the accession of certain regions to oil companies for hydrocarbon exploration.

The APPEX Regional 2013 conference was organized by the American Association of Geologists. Greek Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis, addressing the conference said that the conference showed that Greece was entering the big map of energy on a global level.

He invited companies to invest in hydrocarbon explorations in Greece saying that the regulatory framework was compatible with community regulations and noted that Greece was an extremely attractive place for investments with a stable and modern framework”.

The conference brought together more than 150 executives from large oil companies from Europe, Asia and the United States.

Hellenic Petroleum will participate in the next round of tenders in a joint venture with other oil companies, Yiannis Costopoulos, chief executive of Hellenic Petroleum, told the conference.

References: www.capital.gr www.investingreece.gov.gr

p. 4 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Decrease in Price of Greek Holiday Homes

Greece: Half – employed… half unemployed...

Since the beginning of the crisis, the price of holiday homes at popular Greek winter destinations have been decreased by 52 percent.

According to Kathimerini, a research of certified appraisers from the company Geoaxis shows that about 10,000 holiday homes are still unsold.

The demand is almost non-existent and in line with official data from notarial associations. The number of purchases and sales records an average annual rate of decline of 28.2 percent from 2007 until the end of 2012.

According to Geoaxis, there is a similar downward trend in property values. The values at popular winter destinations such as Arachova, Agios Athanasios, and Karpenissi records a drop of 44 percent on average, compared with the highest point at which they were found in 2008.

Repeated doses of austerity under international bailouts have almost tripled Greece’s jobless rate since its debt crisis began in 2009, weighing on an economy in its sixth year of recession. The so

by Katerina Polizou called “crisis” gave birth to a new, NEA TV Journalist horrifying “phenomenon”…

Greece is becoming a rather hostile country regarding employment. The percentage of unemployed Greeks is now almost 3 times what it was before the debt crisis hit in 2009. The unemployment rate was already high at that time because Greece was already in a recession.

At the current rate of youth unemployment, Greece is in danger of producing a lost generation. According to the latest statistics, Greece unemployment rate increased to 27.40 percent in September of 2013 from 27.30 per cent in August of 2013. Unemployment Rate in Greece is reported by the National Statistical Service.

Unemployment Rate in Greece averaged 13.24 Percent from 1998 until 2013, reaching an all time high of 27.50 Percent in June of 2013 and a record low of 7.30 Percent in May of 2008. In Greece, the unemployment rate measures the number of people actively looking for a job as a percentage of the labour force.

Half working people however, have reached 213, 9 thousand… In other words, 4,3% is the percentage of the kind… They are people wishing the have had a full employment job, which is a rather impossible task in…, our “modern labor environment”.

Their payment reaches the 300 hundred euro per month, which is near to the unemployment benefit provided by the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) .

Greece has the highest unemployment in the Euro zone.

As of January 2013, a record-setting 27.2% of Greeks are unemployed.

www.greekreporter.com

Holocaust Museum to Be Build in Greece Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, on Friday unveiled plans to build a Holocaust museum to honor some 46,000 Jewish residents deported and killed in Nazi Germany’s death camps during World War II. “This is the fulfillment of a historic responsibility for Thessaloniki,” said Yiannis Boutaris, mayor of the city once known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’.

The museum will be created at the old railway station where the trains left Greece’s northern city for the notorious Auschwitz death camp in Nazi occupied Poland, which began on March 15, 1943. Thessaloniki, a multi-cultural city that served as a link between the Balkans and the East, had a population of more than 50,000 Jews before World War II. Today it is home to only about 1,000.

ANSA

Negotiations Move Forward for Selling of Greek Ports and Islands Bloomberg News reveals that senior managers of Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund met in New York with American billionaires to negotiate the sale of Greek ports or islands.

According to an HRADF report, there is an effort to find investors for buying real estate, especially in Greek ports and islands, since they attract the interest of eventual investors.

The aim of this negotiation is to finance the rescue of Greece. Bloomberg News said that Paulson and HRADF executives met with representatives of the investment fund, Third Point LLC. However, in line with the report of HRADF, ports and the old Hellenikon air base are going to be sold by mid-February.

Another discouraging reality...

Greece is at the top in the E.C. list of youth unemployment Greece’s youth unemployment rate jumped to 55.1% in July as the country continues to suffer from the economic crisis.

According to the Greek Statistical Authority Elstat, the agency revealed that the youth unemployment rate shot

up in July 2013, up from 54.9% in July 2012 and an increase from 42.6% in July 2011. But the number of unemployed increased by 126,451 persons, compared with July 2012 (a 10.1% increase) and 729 persons compared to June 2013 (a 0.1% increase).

The Economically Inactive In contrast, the total number of jobless people stood at 1,374,054, while the economically inactive population amounted to 3,375,636 people.

The economically inactive is a group that are not in work and do not meet the internationally agreed definition of unemployment and who have not actively sought work in the last four weeks and/or are not available to start work in the next two weeks. The economically inactive increased by 21,830 persons compared with July 2012, a 0.7 % increase.

While the Greek government says its economy will start to grow again next year – the first annual growth since 2007 – the labor market will most likely stay subdued.

Is it really only Greece? The effects…

The current global economic crisis that has also hit the Greek society could bring about a host of transformations with major repercussions on both personal and collective levels.

The problematic structure and operation of the Greek state enhances the impact of this crisis revealing unresolved issues.

The financial depression however, is not a Greek phenomenon…

Nowadays there is a growing debate over the causes of the new poverty rising both in Europe and the United States.

In a nutshell, the European sovereign debt crisis is the result of three separate but interrelated plots: crushing levels of government debt in some countries, problems in the banking sector and the slow growth in Europe The terms Germany imposes… are not only cruel, but insufficient…

Germany and its northern allies have their share in both profits and political dominance throughout Europe.

The question is simple: How “united” Europe is?

Greece Set for Another Record Breaking Year in Tourism In an interview with the German Press Agency (DPA), the Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni stated that new and higher tourism records are expected for 2014 and assured the Greek hospitality and quality of service in reference to changing the image of Greece abroad.

Mrs Kefalogianni said “2013 was a record year for the tourism sector. In 2014, the number of arrivals is expected to increase by 10-15% and exceed 17 million. We believe that we can change the image of Greece,” admitting that the economic crisis had manipulated the image of Greece.

She added “Since May 2012, the government has managed to stabilize the situation in the country. Many foreigners are now able to trust that Greece is a safe and enjoyable destination. Initial data for 2014 are very good and we are expecting another record.” Mrs Kefalogianni explained that tourism is very important for Greece and this year earned 12 billion euros, while 17% of GDP and 16% of jobs are depending directly or indirectly from tourism.

The Minister noted that Germany is the largest tourism market for Greece with over 2.1 million Germans having visited this year.

She stated “Germans should not be worried that they will encounter angry Greeks who will

consider them as responsible for the imposition of austerity measures. Apparently, there were no incidents of Greek demonstrators causing harm to German tourists; Greeks are very hospitable.”

Moreover, she was asked if the austerity policy is reflected on the streets and hotels. Mrs Kefalogianni said that there is room for improving infrastructure and the government has already launched a privatization program to improve the quality of regional airports and the ports. However, tourists will find everything they need in Greece as we maintain a very good level of service.” www.greekreporter.com

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p. 6 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Greece Reports Record Arrivals for 2013 and Looks Ahead to 2014

Representatives of Marketing Greece attending World Travel Market in London reported that Greece’s tourism industry is experiencing healthy growth and leading the country’s economic recovery.

At the show, Marketing Greece chairman Andreas Andreadis and members of the new private entity’s board of directors, Andreas Stylianopoulos and Agapi Sbokou, discussed the progress of and prospects for Greek tourism.

Over the past year, Greece has seen significant increases in key tourism indicators, including a new record for arrivals at an estimated 17.5 million. Tourism revenues for January-August rose 13.7 percent compared with the same period in 2012. The trend seems poised to continue: Marketing Greece has already noted a 10 percent increase in early bookings for 2014.

Andreadis said that Marketing Greece would be implementing a very specific plan of action in target markets.

The key goals of this plan involve an increase in annual arrivals to 22-24 million, average expenditure per visitor of 800 euros and direct revenues totaling 33 billion euros.

“If these goals are achieved, tourism will contribute 20 percent of Greece’s gross domestic product,” he said.

In response to questions as to how these goals would be achieved, Marketing Greece representatives noted that, for the first time, Greece has adopted a very specific strategic plan for tourism development and, at the same time, is promoting a brand new portfolio of travel experiences divided into six thematic axes: sun and sea, conference tourism, city breaks, cultural tourism, nautical tourism and health and wellness tourism. Based on these axes, Marketing Greece is devising and promoting product sub-categories that aim to attract greater numbers of visitors, who will stay for longer and increase their expenditure on business or leisure travel.

Andreadis said the aim of the company’s presence in London was to develop relations with the right partners and organisations in order to promote Greece in the most effective way and ensure the country reclaims its place among the top destination choices of travelers worldwide.

Marketing Greece also met with key tourism organisations, such as Brand USA, to exchange opinions and explore the potential for collaboration in order to further enhance the promotion of Greece as a tourism destination worldwide.

2,000-year-old olive trees being turned to firewood in Crete Ancient olive trees, some 25 meters in circumference and over 2,000-years-old, are being felled in Crete for firewood according to reporting in Kathimerini newspaper.

The report describes how enterprising loggers are illegally cutting down olive trees that were alive during the time of the ancient Greeks, to the horror of local residents.

Demand for firewood has increased dramatically in recent years due to price rises in heating oil, and olive wood is particularly valued as it is a dense wood providing heat for many hours.

Together with the greater financial incentive, many also accuse authorities of turning a blind eye to loggers’ destruction of Crete’s ancient olive trees with all of their history and symbolism.

Social unrest in 2014

Protesting predictions by “The Economist”

Ukraine, Bulgaria, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey are all countries in which protests have erupted in the past twelve months.

Even places traditionally more muted, such as Japan and Singapore, have seen demonstrators in the streets.

Social inequalities and political discontent have spurred citizens to gather.

Resistance can be co-ordinated with greater ease than ever in the age of the smartphone.

According to Laza Kekic from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), economic distress is almost a prerequisite for protest, but does not explain outbursts entirely: “Declines in income and high unemployment are not always followed by unrest. Only when economic trouble is accompanied by other elements of vulnerability is there a high risk of instability. Such factors include wide income-inequality, poor government, low levels of social provision, ethnic tensions and a history of unrest. Of particular importance in sparking unrest in recent times appears to have been an erosion of trust in governments and institutions: a crisis of democracy.”

The fates of Muhammad Morsi, Egypt’s president until July, and Ali Laraayedh, soon to step down as Tunisia’s prime minister, seem to be cases in point.

But next year, which leaders will pay for their politics with their positions? Where will protests erupt next?

The EIU measures the risk of social unrest in 150 countries around the world (see table). It places a heavy emphasis on institutional and political weaknesses.

According to its ratings, 65 countries (43% of the 150) will be at a high or very high risk of social unrest in 2014.

Compared with five years ago, 19 more countries are now in the high-risk categories.

The Middle East and North Africa, southern Europe and the Balkans will be particularly vulnerable.

These predictions are not infallible, however, Cassandra notes.

Thailand was identified as only being at “medium risk” but in recent days protesters have surrounded the house of the beleaguered prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Demonstrations started in November, after a controversial amnesty bill passed Thailand’s lower house.

Greek Organization in U.S. Helping Children with Cancer For the past thirty years, a Greek organization by the name of The Greek Children’s Fund, has been Helping Greek and Cypriot children suffering from cancer and seeking treatment in Hospitals and Medical centers in the U.S. The Greek Children’s Fund was founded in 1983, by ex-patriot Stanley Matthews.

Mr. Matthews’ daughter, Catherine, suffered from leukemia back in December 1979, but managed to recover.

The illness of Mr. Matthews’ daughter, triggered the initiation of the Greek Children’s Fund.

“After Catherine’s health incident, I realized that besides the pain and agony that our family has gone through, many Greek families do not only have to endure the

US Congress: Health Benefits of Greek Cuisine

The health benefits of the Greek diet were presented at a special event in the US Congress, highlighting Hippocrates’ theory: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

The author of the book “The Omega Diet,” Dr. Artemis Simopoulos and Greek-American chef Cat Cora along with a selected gastronomical team presented culinary secrets for great flavors and good health, from the Mediterranean and especially the Greek diet.

The event was organized by the Embassy of Greece in Washington, with the cooperation of Members Joseph Crowley, Gus Bilirakis and Carolyn Maloney and took place in the Capitol.

“The ancient Greeks, including the first Olympic athletes, recognized the benefits of healthy eating and exercise,” said the Greek Ambassador in Washington, Christos Panagopoulos, noting that “their wisdom has prevailed through the centuries and in this special event it will be presented with a new modern twist by some of the brightest scientists and chefs.”

Chefs and health experts from both Greece and the USA: Maria Loi, Diana Kochilas, Argiro Barbarigou, Michael Costa, Mike Isabella, Giorgos Pagonis and Katerina Stai cook and presented their recipes during the event.

deadly nature of the disease, but also, the costly expense of the treatment. Treatment is not something t hat everyone can afford,” stated Mr. Matthews at ANAMPA, one day before the celebration event for the organization’s 30 years in action.

The amount that has already been spent for this purpose is more than 7 million dollars.

The Greek-American businessman owns (along with his brothers) a chain of restaurants in the state of New Jersey.

He was born in a village situated in Lakonia, Greece.

The Greek Children’s Fund has been based in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center since it’s founding.

p. 8 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Municipality of Platanias signed the European Covenant of Mayors Ten Municipalities in Crete have already signed the Covenant Municipality of Platanias in Chania is the 11th Municipality in Crete which signed the European Mayors Covenant, after, Apokoronas, Anogia, Rethymno, Sitia, Viannos, Oropedio Lasithiou, Minoa Pediados, Malevizi, Festos and Hersonissos.

The Covenant of Mayors is the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities in the fight against climate change. It is based on a voluntary commitment by signatories to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO2 reduction objective through increased energy efficiency and development of renewable energy sources.

The Covenant at-a-glance After the adoption, in 2008, of the EU Climate and Energy Package, the European Commission launched the Covenant of Mayors to endorse and support the efforts deployed by local authorities in the implementation of sustainable energy policies.

Indeed, local governments play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change, all the more so when considering that 80% of energy consumption and CO2 emissions is associated with urban activity.

For its unique characteristics - being the only movement of its kind mobilising local and regional actors around the fulfilment of EU objectives - the Covenant of Mayors has been portrayed by European institutions as an exceptional model of multi-level governance.

Actions speak for themselves In order to translate their political commitment into concrete measures and projects, Covenant signatories notably undertake to prepare a Baseline Emission Inventory and submit, within the year following their signature, a Sustainable Energy Action Plan outlining the key actions they plan to undertake.

Beyond energy savings, the results of signatories’ actions

are manifold: creation of skilled and stable jobs, not subject to delocalisation; healthier environment and quality of life; enhanced economic competitiveness and greater energy independence. These actions serve as examples for others to follow, notably through referring to the “Benchmarks of Excellence”, a database of best practices submitted by Covenant signatories. The Catalogue of Sustainable Energy Action Plans is another such unique

status within the Covenant has been granted to public administrations and networks which are in a position to assist signatories in fulfilling their ambitious goals.

Covenant Coordinators - including provinces, regions and national authorities – provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support to signatories.

Network of local authorities, known as Covenant Supporters, commit to maximize the impact of the initiative through promotional activities, liaison with their members and experience-sharing platforms.

From the Covenant of Mayors Office Promotional, technical and administrative assistance is provided on a daily basis to Covenant signatories, Covenant Coordinators and Covenant Supporters by the Covenant of Mayors Office (CoMO), managed by a consortium of networks representing local and regional authorities.

source of inspiration, as it shows at a glance the ambitious objectives set by other signatories and the key measures they have identified to reach them.

Multifaceted support In signatories’ countries While an increasing number of municipalities are showing the political will to sign up to the Covenant, they do not always have the financial and technical resources to live up to their commitments. For this reason, a special

From the Joint Research Centre In cooperation with the CoMO, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission assists signatories with scientific and technical questions, mostly related to emission inventories and action plans.

Signatories are guided through the process thanks to a number of tools and methodologies which have been developed in coordination with the CoMO. From the EU institutions Alongside the European Commission, the Covenant benefits from full institutional support, including from the Committee of the Regions, which supported the initiative since its inception; the European Parliament, where the two first signing ceremonies were held; and the European Investment Bank, which assists local authorities in unlocking their investment potentials.

p. 9 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

“Greece is an attractive investment destination” Evan Vanderveer, Managing Partner at Vanshap Capital in the United States, on why Vanshap believes Greece represents an attractive investment destination.

Please tell us about Vanshap Capital.

Vanshap Capital is an investment management firm that was founded in 2012 by myself, and David Shapiro, in partnership with Markel Corporation. The firm’s strategy of ‘focused global deep value investing’ is straightforward. We own parts of public companies located around the world that broadly have low levels of debt, strong management teams at the helm, and most importantly, trade at low multiples of tangible book value or cash earnings.

What has drawn you to invest in Greece?

We were drawn to Greece originally about a year and a half ago now for two reasons. The primary reason was that the stock market in Greece had declined very materially and therefore quite a few of the companies were trading at large discounts to tangible book value. In theory, this means that one could purchase shares in the business and make a profit even if the company was liquidated.

The secondary reason we are attracted to Greece is because we believe many of the problems that caused the trouble are being corrected. The public sector is shrinking, allowing the private sector to thrive, and the budget is being balanced. We also understand the red tape and bureaucracy that was historically part of doing business in the country are being reduced.

Do you believe Greece represents an attractive mid- to long-term investment destination?

Absolutely, largely for the two reasons mentioned above. Over the last five years or

so, Greece has gone through something quite similar to the Great Depression in the United States in the early 1930’s. Had one invested here during that period of time, one would have done fabulously well. Famed investor Sir John Templeton purchased a host of shares on the New York Stock Exchange trading below one dollar and subsequently generated outstanding returns. We believe ‘buying Greece’ today will generate similar results as the nation continues to recover.

What are some of the areas or sectors that you find attractive in Greece?

We have invested in two different sectors so far, retailing and real estate.

During the summer of 2012, we purchased shares in a large, extremely well managed Greek retailer. More recently, we have made a sizeable investment in the stock of Eurobank Properties, one of the few publicly traded real estate investment com-

panies in Greece. We believe the management team, led

by George Chryssikos, are phenomenal operators and will continue to make highly attractive acquisitions over the next few years. We are actively analyzing a variety of other companies and hope to expand into more sectors in the future.

How do you see the US market view of Greece today? Is there a shift toward a more positive outlook following the reforms that have been carried out?

There is little question that the opinion of Greece in the U.S. has improved markedly over recent months. As the Greek stock market has partially recovered and the government bond yields have declined, the stabilization of the country’s economy is being noticed around the world.

Investors are beginning to take note of the reforms, including the reduction in bureaucracy and increased level of privatizations noted above. We have begun to see the sentiment change in real time, including the appearance of several positive articles in our leading financial newspaper over recent weeks. We expect that trend to continue and even accelerate as the recovery gains steam.

Invest in Greece News Agency

p. 10 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Why now it is time to invest in Greece!

The rebalancing of Greek economy was made possible through fiscal consolidation, mainly by reducing spending and expanding the tax base on a permanent basis.

The substantial progress in fiscal consoliby George Atsalakis dation achieved in 2013, and which is exLecturer at TUC pected to be extended in 2014, together with further advances in the field of structural reforms and the implementation of the privatization program in much more favorable markets, set the stage for a sustainable and robust recovery of the economy from 2014 onwards.

The economy’s takeoff will be also assisted by the restart of works in Greece’s major infrastructure projects and by fast improving liquidity conditions. Follow are 10 factors that shows the new economic situation in Greece that proves that the time for someone to invest in Greece has been reached.

1. Gross domestic product (GDP) In 2013, a significant improvement in the general government (GG) primary balance was recorded, with a surplus of 0.4% of GDP, compared with a planned zero balance, from -1% of GDP primary deficit in 2012.

For 2014, the GG primary surplus target has been set at 1.6% of GDP. In fact, the successful fiscal consolidation process is grounded on legislation adopted in November 2012, with spending cuts and revenue-increasing measures exceeding €15bn securing the implementation of the 2013-2014 budgets.

The substantial progress in fiscal consolidation achieved in 2013, and which is expected to be extended in 2014, together with further advances in the field of structural reforms and the implementation of the privatization program in much more favourable markets, set the stage for a sustainable and robust recovery of the economy from 2014 onwards.

Diagram 1 depicts the evolution of GDP since Q4 2008.

Positive yoy growth is expected to resume from Q1 2014.

2. Primary surplus a) Diagram 2 shows a GG primary surplus of more than 3.0% and 4.5% of GDP in 2015 and 2016 respectively. This will be based on the projection that GG revenues will be maintained at the level of 44.5% of GDP in 2016 onwards.

This will be achieved through the gradual reduction of tax evasion, while there is also great potential to secure sizable additional revenues from the implementation of the privatizations program.

Diagram 7 shows the remarkable decrease of the current account deficit of the Greek Balance of Payments, to -2,2% of GDP in 2012, from -8.6% of GDP in 2011 and -10.4% of GDP in 2009. Moreover, the current account has already registered a substantial surplus of € 3.84 bn (2.0% of GDP) in Jan.- September 2013 and is expected to reach a surplus of about 1.0% of GDP in 2013, on the back of better than expected surge of revenues from foreign tourism and improved revenues from international transportation.

Based on data from the European Commission (Price & Cost Competitiveness and European Economic Forecast, September 2013), the relative (against 35 trading partner countries) Unit Labour Cost based real effective exchange rate (REER) of the Euro for Greece had appreciated by 21.2% in Q4 2009, versus 2000.

Internal devaluation of the Euro REER for Greece may reach -8.0% in 2013 with an additional fall -6.0% in 2014.

In this scenario, the cumulative internal devaluation of the Euro REER for Greece will reach -24.5% in Q4 2013/2009

and to -8.0% in Q4 2013/2000. In any case, internal devaluation with respect to the relative ULC between Greece and its 35- competitor countries will have reached near -30% in Q4 2014 from Q4 2009 and more than -10% from 2000. This is a huge adjustment, which could not easily be achieved even if Greece had its own currency and had the ability to apply its own independent monetary and exchange rate policies. Therefore, the main argument of the doomsayers predicting Grexit, that is, the presumed inability to devalue without nominal devaluation of the country’s own currency, was simply not valid.

5. Exports Diagram 6 shows the improvement of competitiveness in Greece has already contributed substantially to the impressive increase of exports of goods by 16.1% in 2010 and by 12.6% in 2011 and by 5.6% in 2012. In fact exports of goods (on national accounts basis) amounted to € 27.76 bn (14.3% of GDP) in 2012, compared to € 20.1 bn (8.7% of GDP) in 2009. Also, the sharp fall in imports of goods and services is now partly attributable to a gradual process of import substitution.

6. Current account balance

3. Greek sovereign debt Diagram 3 shows that the first signs that Greece has overcome its sovereign debt crisis are visible.

4. International competitiveness Diagram 4 shows the improvement of the international competitiveness of Greece, through an internal devaluation of its ULC based REER, which is expected in 2013 to exceed 25% in comparison with 2009 and a consequent surplus in the current account of its balance of payments.

7. Public sector Public administration reforms have been implemented at a shockingly fast pace, implying a fundamental overhauling of labour market relations in the public sector. Moreover, public procurement processes have substantially

improved while restructuring and evaluation initiatives are undertaken in the Greek universities as well as in state controlled hospitals and other health care institutions.

These reforms have made possible the drastic decrease of expenditure on wages and pensions and other operational costs in the public sector. The target set for drastically reducing employment in the Greek public sector until 2015 has already been achieved from 2013. Concerning this target, it became relatively quickly evident from 2012 that employment in the wider public sector had already been reduced by 147.5 thousand persons in July 2012 compared with July 2009, registering an 87.8 thousand fall in July 2012 from July 2011. Moreover, the fall of public sector employment in Q2 2013, compared with Q2 2010 has already reached the 146.3 thousand (diagram 8).

8. Unemployment The establishment of full flexibility in the Greek labour market has already led to a substantial yoy increase in the number of monthly hirings of new personnel by domestic businesses in the last 15-months, from July 2012 to

September 2013. Thus, the number of new hirings in the 10months Jan.- Oct.2013 reached 941.3 thousand, compared with 731.8 thousand in the corresponding period of 2012 (Diagram 9).

Most of these hirings use flexible labour contracts and offers low wages and salaries. Hiring and firing has become substantially easier and less costly in Greece contributing to the fundamental improvement of the functioning of the reformed Greek labour market in resent months. Also, in Jan.-October 2013 an increase of employment in the

p. 11 CHANIA POST Your local free paper private sector of 130.7 thousand was registered, compared with a negative net change in employment in the same period of the previous years (Diagram 10).

9. The Greek bonds market As shown in Diagram 11 below the price of 10-year GGBs was still fluctuating at the level of 67.43 on 18 October 2013. In fact the markets are emphatically pricing out default risks, which only Moody’s considers now to be very high.

10. Stock market Diagram 12 shows the positive performance of the Greek stock exchange, especially in the period between November 2012 and May 2013, took place despite the uncertainty that surrounded bank recapitalizations and with the banks operating under the negative reminder of

the Caa2 rating by Moody’s. In fact, developments in the Greek stock exchange have now show unambiguously the market’s firm perception that something fundamental has changed in the Greek economy, following Greece’s

structural reforms and fiscal adjustment implemented in 2012 and after the Eurogroup’s decisions in NovemberDecember 2012. From then on the better than expected implementation of the 2013 Budget in January – August 2013 have not prevented the fall of ASE general index in July 2013, when the revived Grexit rumors were supported by the example of the unprecedented bail in of Cyprus depositors as a prerequisite for the financing of the Cyprus adjustment program. However, the robustness of adjustment of the Greek economy and the unambiguous signs pointing to its healthy recovery from 2014 onwards

“In Greece... where misery became culture” For decades Greece was ‘growing’ its children with the logic and reality of “every new day will be better and better.”

Better houses, larger houses, secondary houses in the countryside. Better

by Panagiotis Mpatsarisakis Economic Consultant-Analyst food, more food. Bike, car, second car, new car. Cinema, theater, cultural events, trips and a thousand other things that elevate the quality of life. Businesses were flourishing, models were advertising the new clothes collections since money was circulated and mainly existed. Τheaters and cultural sites generally were springing like mushrooms. Encyclopedias and books did big business in sales.

All above mainly cultivated the culture of the Greeks, who had time, money and most of all mood to deal primarily with pleasant and qualitative occupations. Besides, culture is a characteristic of Greeks, of our race and through culture the development, or simply “go ahead”.

If unemployment exceeded 8% was a matter for debate

and dealt with measures discussed in parliament and experts. Suicides were almost nonexistent and unusual during the time of prosperity.

A few years ago the crisis started, dramatically affecting the collective consciousness and the collective memory of individual and society. The image of Greece who gave the light of civilization to the world, slowly began to change dramatically. The sense of decay is everywhere and dominates all discussions, while discomfort is equally spread all around. We all live in the era of containment.

Less cars, less traffic, more cycles and bicycles, every purchase of a new car represents the purchase of six new bicycles. We sell everything that create additional costs. The food that Greeks consume has changed quality since it is allowed to sell food even if its duration has expired. Even milk is a luxury good for many families and it is v tragic for many children to grow up in the year 2013 under such circumstances. We must also mention that private school where foreign languages are taught are closing because of lack of students.

have boosted stock prices and the ASE general index to a post crisis record of 1166 in 18 October 2013.

Through the above valuable growth drivers the Greek economy is set for a mild recovery in 2014 and for the entry on a robust growth path from 2015 onwards. Over the longer term, Greece’s GDP growth will be boosted by the following factors: a) By the existing potential for high rates of growth of employment in the whole period 2015-

2030 b) By the existing potential for high rate of growth of productivity due to the restructuring of the economy towards the internationally traded goods sectors and the extensive drastic structural reforms.

According the above analysis that is based on the information of Alfa Bank Greece Economic & Financial Outlook it is clear that now is the right time for someone to invest in Greece.

Common meals are everywhere and while the crisis deepens and masks of shame are fallen, people no one could imagine constantly appear to seek help. As for culture, it became a luxury, theaters and bookstores are closing down or are barely leaving.

The gatherings and speeches are of course many and in many places every day, but the object of conversation is almost the same everywhere, “CRISIS”. The misery of the crisis, the phenomenon of making the rich even richer entrenching in their wealth and the poor even poorer looking for reasons and causes of this situation which is not their fault as they feel and think, is intense and an element of device which is a big risk for the near future.

So we have before us a picture of an overall physical and mental misery and not without a reason or without necessity. But people who have the least responsibility for the crisis, are invited to experience this misery and loose the high culture that built the society for decades in modern Greece.

The Greeks have the sensor and sooner or later will melt away the misery and the culture and civilization will flourish and will erupt from the dark era.

p. 12 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.

Particularly in the western part of the island where the climate conditions and the abundant water from the White Mountains favour the growing of oranges, mandarins, lemons etc.

From Fourne and Skine until almost the beaches of Platanias and Tavronitis there are orange groves. The blossom of the trees generously spreads scents in spring and the vivid colours of the fruits in winter determine the Cretan landscape. The return to mild forms of farming is developing, while the demand for organic certified Cretan citrus fruits is constantly increasing.

What is a citrus tree?

A citrus tree is a member of a group of tropical evergreens cultivated around the world for their fruits. They are members of the genus Citrus, which has about 16 species. Well-known citrus tree types include the orange, lime, and lemon. Recognized for their mild to sour acidic flavor, citrus fruits have pulpy flesh enclosed in a tough rind. Due to their tropical origin, citrus trees can only be grown in regions that are nearly frost-free year-round.

The genus Citrus is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia. Most varieties are thorny or spiny, and are cultivated as large shrubs or small trees. Usually each citrus tree bears small, fragrant white flowers from which the various fruits grow. Citrus tree species passed through India before reaching Europe in the 13th and 14th centuries. They were then introduced to the Americas by Europeans, beginning a long history of cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions there.

The orange tree, Citrus sinensis (C. sinensis), is a bush tree that bears sweet orange fruits that range from about 2

(1st part)

1/2 to 4 inches (5-15 cm) in diameter. C. limon, more commonly known as the lemon tree, bears small, tangy yellow fruits with a size of about 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm) long. Lime trees, or C. aurantifolia, are closely related to lemons. The fruit of the lime tree has green flesh, and is slightly smaller but more acidic than a lemon. Grapefruits, from the C. paradisis tree, are slightly larger than oranges and have tarter flesh that ranges from pale yellow to pink.

Sweet, small orange fruits including clementines, tangerines and mandarins come from the citrus tree variety C. reticulata. Each of these fruits is about 1 1/2 to 3 inches wide (4-8 cm) and has a less acidic, sweeter flavor than an orange. The kumquat is one example of a “citrus” tree or fruit that is not actually a member of the genus Citrus.

How citrus trees are grown Plant a citrus seed from a Valencia orange and what do you get? A Valencia orange tree just like the one your seed came from? Nope - you can never be sure exactly what you’ll get because plants grown from seed are all slightly different.

Trees vary in individual size and in the size and sweetness of their fruit. And, some trees may be more resistant to diseases.

Naturally, citrus growers, to ensure the best possible crop, want to make sure all their trees are of the same high quality. To do this, each new tree they plant is grown, or propagated, not from a seed but by grafting or budding.

In most citrus trees, the scion, or top of the tree, is a different variety from the roots or rootstock of the tree. Citrus growers plant trees whose tops will grow Washington navel oranges or Eureka lemons on a rootstock that has special characteristics like disease resistance, quick to bear fruit or restricting tree size for easier harvesting.

Nurserymen begin the process of propagating a new citrus tree by planting a seed for the rootstock. Most citrus have an unusual characteristic - they can produce trees that are genetically identical to the parent through a natural process in seed development called nucellar embryony. While many rootstocks are produced by seed, because of nucellar embryony, they are all the same.

After the rootstock is a year old, a single bud is taken from a branch of the desired scion variety and inserted into the bark of the young seedling. This bud grows into the top of the tree that produces the fruit.

Fruit development Citrus flower buds begin to form in early winter and develop through late winter and spring. Most flowers don’t result in the formation of fruit because more than 99% of them usually fall off. Because the number that do become fruit depends largely on temperature and moisture, adequate water is very important during and immediately after flowering.

Most pollination is done by insects, but due to a rather interesting process natural to some citrus called parthenocarpy, fruit can develop without pollination. Some varieties, such as the Clementine Mandarin, require cross pollination with another citrus variety.

Why do some citrus, like Valencia oranges, have seeds, and others, like Washington navels, generally have none?

Parthenocarpy is the main reason. If parthenocarpic flowers are not pollinated, they generally don’t produce seeds. Some, like the Washington navel, don’t produce viable pollen.

After bloom, fruit develops from five to 18 months, depending on the variety and growing area. Unlike many other types of fruit, most citrus can be left on the tree without becoming overripe. (to be continued in Feb’s issue)

p. 14 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

10 Really Good Reasons to Eat More Olive Oil The Mediterranean diet (based on Cretan Diet) is trending high right now because of its health benefits, so it’s important to take a look at one of its foundational ingredients: Olive Oil. Research and studies show that

by Manolis Karpadakis there are positive effects of olive TERRA CRETA Marketing Manager oil, and its growing presence in the world of diet and nutrition can’t be ignored. Its health benefits cannot be argued with, but it’s important to choose the right olive oil to avoid certain roadblocks that can prevent us from utilizing the Mediterranean ingredient to the best of its ability.

Every day there seem to be more and more reasons why extra virgin olive oil should be a part of everybody’s eating plan. If it isn’t already part of yours, here are ten powerful reasons to add it to the menu.

fat (the sort of fat in olive oil) can prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging and in diseases like Alzheimer’s.

1. It tastes good Pleasure - one of the best reasons to do anything. A good olive oil just tastes good. Extra-virgin olive oils range in from delicate to robust and more people are discovering their interesting taste characteristics.

8. You will have more energy Your circulation will improve and you’ll be able to breath easier. Olive Oil can increase blood flow and help lessen the effects of illnesses such as asthma through its anti-inflammatory properties.

2. It can help you lose weight It appears that monounsaturated fats, the kind found in olive oil, when replacing saturated fats, may encourage weight loss. Olive oil consumption has been shown to breakdown fats inside fat cells, get rid of belly fat and reduce insulin insensitivity.

3. You may live longer Because it is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil has been shown to help prevent or lessen the effects of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer as well as a host of other illnesses and conditions.

4. You might get smarter Studies have shown that diets rich in monounsaturated

5. You will glow from inside out Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, K and E, which help protect against free radicals and cell oxidation which can lead to premature aging. Some of the best beauty benefits of olive oil come from the inside out.

6. Your children may be born healthier Studies have shown that the consumption of olive oil during pregnancy can improve a child’s psychomotor reflexes and give them other developmental advantages.

7. You will feel less pain Olive oil can act as a natural Ibuprofen. It contains oleocanthal, a substance with anti-inflammatory agents

9. You may be more resistant to infection Olive oil contains high levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols, vitamins E, chlorophyll and carotenoids.

Antioxidants are key to strengthening the immune system and protecting the body.

10. You could be having better sex Almost as important as the fact that it tastes good, olive oil may improve your sex life. Olive oil, in conjunction with Omega 3s have been shown to improve circulation, a key factor in achieving erections and reaching orgasm for both women and men References: http://www.oliveoiltimes.com http://www.thedailymeal.com

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“CRETE: The Great Meeting” - Technopolis/Gazi from 28th to 31st of March The preparations for the Second Pancretan Exhibition “CRETE: The Great Meeting” have begun. From 28th to 31st March, the heart of Crete will be beating at “Technopolis” of the Municipality of Athens at Gazi.

The Second Pancretan Exhibition entitled, “CRETE: The Great Meeting” is organized 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.

The Exhibition so far is under the auspices of the Ministry of Development and Competitiveness , the Ministry of Tourism , the Ministry of Shipping and of the Aegean, the Chambers of Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Lassithi, the Exporters’ Association of Crete, the bilateral Chambers of Hellenic-Chinese, Hellenic-German, Hellenic-Arab, Hellenic-Turkish, Hellenic-Italian, Hellenic-Russian, Hellenic-Bulgarian and the Hellenic-Serbian Trade and Industrial Union, the Pancretan Union, the Panhellenic Federation of Cretan Associations, the World Council of Cretans, the Pancretan Federation of Europe, the Pancretan Journalists Union, the Heraklion Port Authority, the S.EL.E.TRO.P.E., the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce.

We at this point ought to mention the great contribution of all Municipalities of Crete in order to strengthen the local producers and to highlight the comparative advantages of their region.

This Exhibition comes after the organization of the first Pancretan Exhibition “CRETE: The Great Meeting”, held in the TAE KWON DO stadium on 24th to 27th of May 2013 and which had exceptional success.

Through the annual meeting with the people of the capital the organizers aim: • To place the Cretan products in more points of sale in Greece and abroad • To bring together Cretan producers and processing pro-

fessionals with distribution networks located in the Attica region, entering new partnerships that will boost the local economy and production.

• To better familiarize the consumers of Attica with Cretan

products and highlight their potential • 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 .

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. Our assistants in these events will be the Pancretan Union, the Panhellenic federation of Cretan Cultural Associations, all the Cretan Associations of Attica and prominent personalities who, with their knowledge, will enrich the entire organization.

The exhibition will be mixed, commercial and public, and 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 dozens of organizations of Crete .

We invite you therefore to participate in this major event, to discover new opportunities and give the perspective that your business deserves.

The exhibition is organized and supported by the companies Communications of Crete Ltd (Epikinonies Kritis) and Ekdotiki Kritis. For more information regarding your participation please call 2810 213318 or visit the website www.promexpo.gr

p. 18 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Emergency measures unveiled to combat smog over Greek cities What to burn in your fireplace The government’s decisions to deal with extreme air pollution due to alternative heating sources used in Greek homes that cannot afford heating oil or natural gas bills were published in the Government Gaby Petros Chatzistavros zette, making them officially appliCivil Engineer (T.E.) cable.

The Greece-wide measures were decided at an emergency meeting by the Ministers of Finance (Yannis Stournaras), Health (Adonis Georgiadis) and Environment, Energy and Climate Change (Yiannis Maniatis), who announced that the provision of free electricity to families in need by the Public Power Corporation (PPC) would be extended to more days and appealed to more Greeks to apply for subsidised heating, to avoid burning improper substances at fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.

According to the decisions, warnings will also be issued for specific days where suspended particulates are very high to stop using the alternative heating sources in cities throughout Greece, to suspend use of central heating in public buildings and to restrict vehicle circulation.

The standard pollution rate to be used will a maximum of 150 mg per cubic metre of air, above which emergency measures will be announced at all cities in Greece.

Exceptions will include health centres and hospitals, psychiatric wards, centres for people with special needs or chronic illnesses, retirement homes, orphanages, nursery schools, and primary and secondary schools.

Industrial plants and production units will be asked to reduce their activities by 30 percent on high-pollution days; exceptions are granted to plants that use continuously-burning furnaces or units running on natural gas.

Private cars without a catalytic converter and all vehi-

cles, private or commercial, running on diesel will also be banned from circulating on days warnings are issued. This measure includes school buses and public-use trucks in urban areas, while taxis will go under the alternating-day circulation plan, depending on odd- or even-numbered plates.

The right to impose the measures when necessary falls to the Environment, Energy and Climatic Change minister for the region of Attica and to regional district directors for the rest of Greece.

In addition to other measures, cheaper power will be provided to organisations providing social services such as private non-profit organisations, church agencies providing free meals, public legal entitities supervised by the ministry of Labour which take care of social needs at local government level (such as social pantries, medical centres and free meals). All categories will be given a 70-percent cut on electricity rates by the PPC. What to burn in your fireplace Fire logs, coffee grounds, corn pellets, wood pellets, or wood? What’s the greenest wood for your fireplace?

The weather outside is frightful and you’d like nothing better than to curl up in front of the fire with a good ancient-forest friendly book and a mug of fair trade organic cocoa. But you won’t be able to settle until you know your fire is the most earth-friendly it could be. What exactly should you burn in the ol’ fireplace for the cleanest, most efficient flame with the lowest greenhouse gases emissions?

What kind of hearth do you have?

For starters, you need to assess what you can burn in your fireplace, since you can’t just toss a handful of corn onto the andirons and expect a toasty blaze. Wood pellets and corn pellets can only be burned in pellet stoves that are specially designed to slowly feed the pellets into the flames.

If you already have an airtight woodstove or insert, you have little choice but to burn natural wood, trust the age old rule: the drier, the better. Most firelogs are not recommended for burning in airtight woodstoves or fireplace inserts -- unless you leave the doors open, which would significantly decrease the efficiency of your stove.

If you have a regular decorative fireplace with no insert, you do have a choice to make: natural wood or firelogs?

But which are the greenest? (If you haven’t chosen your fireplace, check out our article Wood, gas or electric) The uncomfortable truth: old fashioned decorative fireplaces are not green, since they send most of their heat straight up the chimney.

The best thing to do with such a fireplace is to add a modern insert, an addition that will increase the fireplace’s heating efficiency from near-zero to the 70-85 percent range. But if that’s not in the cards this winter, here are some tips to help you choose a suitable fuel to burn: Smoke gets in your eyes Natural wood is considered a carbon neutral fuel, since burning it only releases the amount of CO2 that the tree sequestered in its lifetime. It’s not necessarily the wood that is the problem, it’s the smoke.

Burning wood badly (using wet wood or letting a fire smoulder) can release excess methane, a gas that has a greenhouse impact 20 times greater than that of CO2.

What’s more, burning wood in an open fireplace releases

p. 19 CHANIA POST Your local free paper large amounts of ash in the smoke. The particulate matter in smoke is not healthy and can cause illnesses like bronchitis and aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases. Wood smoke becomes air pollution once it goes up the chimney.

Real vs. fake On the other hand, firelogs can burn relatively cleanly and release less ash than their natural wood counterparts. A study done by the EPA compared emissions from real logs and five brand name artificial logs and found that fake logs had 75 percent less than real wood with 80 percent less particulate matter. They also warm your house more efficiently since they burn longer and hotter.

Sawdust and coffee grounds Firelogs are also made from recycled products such as sawdust or like the Java Log – recycled coffee grounds.

The firelogs to avoid are those held together with petroleum wax because of their significantly higher CO2 emissions and for their possible adverse health effects. Good green firelogs should be made with bio-wax and contain no petroleum by products.

Some options: - Java Log. Made in Canada from recycled coffee grounds they diverted 10 million Kg (22 million pounds) of coffee waste from landfills last year - Duraflame All Natural Firelog - Pine Mountain - WiseWood Natural Wood Logs - Fatwood StarterStix - Blue Mountain Logs

Make your own Re-use all that newsprint and make your own logs. The simplest way is to roll up the newspaper tight. The EPA recommends soaking the paper beforehand to remove clay.

Consider The Type Of Wood You Burn And Burn Smarter Hardwoods such as hickory contain more energy per cubic foot than softer woods. They are denser and will burn longer cutting down on the number of trips you have to make to the woodpile.

Fat woods such as pine can be used as fire starters, but should not be used as your primary fuel because they will cause creosote problems.

If you buy your firewood ask your supplier what type of wood they are bringing you. Insist on wood that has been cured for a year or buy the wood a year in advance and cure it yourself.

Make sure that you ask about the way the wood is cut to length and how it is split so you know it will be suitable for your stove or fireplace. You don’t want to pay for wood that you can’t use.

Burning smarter or more efficiently will make your supply of wood last longer and keep your chimney cleaner. A more efficient stove might be an option.

No matter what stove you use, always use a thermostat on the stovepipe where it enters the thimble or as close as possible to this point.

Your flue gases should be entering the flue at a temperature of 250–475 degrees Fahrenheit. Experiment with your damper settings on your stove so that you keep the gases in this range.

When you damper the stove down too far you risk depositing excess amounts of creosote into your chimney.

Also, keep your stove clean. Remove excess ashes from the stove regularly to prevent clogging and a smoldering burn. You always want to see flames in your fireplace or wood stove when you are burning. The flames burn the smoke and result in a cleaner chimney with less smoke output.

How To Start A Wood Fire - Check to make sure your damper is open.

- Lay your fire starters in the floor of the stove or fireplace.

Loosely balled up newspaper works well. You can also use dry bark, fat wood, or wood shavings.

- Loosely stack kindling on top of your starters, leaving space for the air to circulate.

- Stack some larger pieces of wood on top of this pile, supporting it with other pieces so you don’t crush your starters. You want the flames to easily reach this wood so it will ignite.

- Check to make sure that your chimney is drawing and not putting air into your house. If your chimney is not drawing, hold a piece of lit newspaper up into the flue opening or as close as you can to the stove outlet inside the stove to get the draft going. Light your starters in several locations starting with a point farther away from you and working your way towards yourself.

- If you have a stove open the air control dampers all the way before closing the door(s). Allow this starter fire to burn freely and add wood as needed until you have established a bed of coals.

References: http://www.greenlivingonline.com http://www.amna.gr http://www.virginiachimney.com

p. 20 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

culture POST Reading... Post

Book proposals for your free time

Crete Mediterranean Micrography

Cretan Cuisine

Type: paperback Pages: 203 Publ. date: 2008 Author: Sophie Katsanevakis Publisher: Icons Size: 24 Χ 25 Modern Cretans feel the urge to share their secrets of life with the world. Besides their history and culture, they are also willing to share with people their prized cultural heritage known as Cretan Diet. Cretans would like to let the world know of a gigantic effort taking place on the island to preserve traditional values and nutritional customs, in spite of the influx of promotional activities favouring foreign nutritional habits, mainly that of fast food.

Cretan producers and local processing, packaging, and marketing companies warrant that all Cretan products are pure, without chemical substances or other preservatives and additives. Cretan products, being part of a centuries old tradition, are treated with the same respect as that afforded to them by our ancestors.

Type: Hardcover Pages: 216 Publ. date: 20-12-2013 Author: GLAMPEDAKIS - SAKOYLIS Publisher: MYSTIS Size: 19 X 23 Available languages: GRE, ENG, FRE, RUS, GER Description Introduction An island that is surrounded by abysmal seas, lies where tectonic plates collide and it actually is consisted of peaks of mountains whose feet lie thousands of meters beneath the surface.

This is today’s Crete.

Its modern shape is the result of millions of years of geologic history, that have found it totally submerged under

Malaysia Honored Nikos Kazantzakis A special event to celebrate the 130th anniversary since the day of the famous Greek Poet Nikos Kazantzakis’ birth as well as 25 years since the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis (ISFNK) was founded.

This event, organized by the Consulate General of Greece in Malaysia and by the ISFNK, was hosted at Hampshire Park, situated in Kuala Lumpur, on December 3rd, and was organized by the Consulate General of Greece in Malaysia and by the ISFNK. The event started at 6:30pm, and at 7pm Dr. George

the sea, as a peninsula and extension of the European continent, with glaciers and deserts, with earthquakes shaking it and tearing it apart, with unique, specially adapted, animals roaming it.

Endemic plants and trees managed to survive until today, in the micro climates of the mountains and gorges, on the sea shores and forests.

Without doubt every place has its special and interesting history.

In the case of Crete the interest lies in the fact that on such a limited landmass, one can find such a variety of habitats.

The high mountain ranges that run along the island, from west to east, transform the mild climate to very local specific micro climates, that differentiate otherwise close places.

The sea is never far away, although it might be forgotten by anyone who wanders in the interior of the island.

In its warm, crystal clear waters people rowed or opened sail or even were carried away by storms, bringing with them not only goods but most importantly ideas, knowledge, art.

By sea man was able to reach and settle on the island, which provided the right conditions for the creation and development of one of the civilisations that gave to the Mediterranean the rightful name of «cradle of the western civilisation».

Under the, at times peaceful at times stormy, surface, hiding in plain view lies the underwater world of the island, with species characteristic of the eastern basin of the Mediterranean and immigrants from the Red sea, who arrived here through the Suez canal.

Land and water in an unstable equilibrium, with their borders always dynamically changing, provide wildlife with opportunities to flourish with one form, to be lost with another, to overcome obstacles or to perish, with every single organism, from the smallest to the most highly developed, to fight for survival and reproduction, adding to what we, poetically, call the «miracle of life».

Stassinakis, President of ISFNK delivered a speech concerning the history of the ISFNK since the day that it was founded.

The organization was founded in Geneva, Switzerland on December 14, 1988.

Its main aim is to promote the work and thought of the great writer, around the world.

He also spoke about the life and thinking of Nikos Kazantzakis.

The speech was followed by a projection of a documentary concerning the life and work of Nikos Kazantzakis.

In the end, the public attending the event participated in a discussion about Nikos Kazantzakis’ work.

p. 21 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

January Decorating Ideas January is a time for new beginnings, and that includes new decorating schemes. It’s time to take down the Christmas decorations, but what should replace them? Many people are daunted by trying to decorate during the winter months. But there are several things you can do to enliven your home in January.

After the lights and festive decor come down, we can find our homes looking a little blasé.

Enjoy the remaining winter months with warm and inviting furniture, decor and even season-appropriate art on the front porch.And as with any setting, the lighting and tidiness are important, too.

Art

Clean and Tidy

Depending on your style and appreciation of art, you may want to hang antique skis or vintage, worn snowshoes on the wall behind a pair of outdoor chairs.

Metal artwork, which comes in many designs, from abstract to Aztec, is ideal for the outdoors as it can withstand the elements.

Or make your own art in the form of a creative “Welcome” sign from weathered, reclaimed wood, using a stylish font and a wood-burning tool.

Jack Frost may nip at your nose, but as with cleaning and tiding your home’s interior, the exterior needs attention, too.

A quick sweeping up may be all it takes to keep the space visitor-ready, but if your veranda has a railing, check it for finger smudges, scuffs, dirt and grime.

Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to freshen up weather-resistant furnishings.

Dress warm and enjoy the space while you can -- before you know it, you’ll be planning a springtime design.

Outdoor furniture and decor

Decorative Lighting

Textiles

Having a pair of weather-resistant chairs on the front porch ready for crisp, sunny days is a welcoming gesture.

But think of the space as an extension of the indoors when it comes to decorating. Drape a throw blanket over the arm of each chair, and have a small table at hand for hot chocolate or a hot toddy. An outdoor rug would ground and define the setting. Then turn to vintage, natural or organic items to create a soul-soothing environment; fill a large vase with berry branches or pinecones or place a pair of resin or stone birds nearby to set a serene, wintry tone.

During the winter months, the extended hours of darkness mean extended hours of artificial lighting.

After the Christmas lights come down, and you’re left “in the dark” wondering how to brighten up the situation, look to lights with an antique vibe that safely provide illumination, warmth and hominess.

For example, you could set a solar-powered lantern on an outdoor table or display a few hanging candleholders with LED votives between the posts surrounding a covered deck.

Nothing inspires coziness in the winter more than luxurious textiles. Throw a rich, nubby blanket over the couch.

Replace your summer window treatments with heavier fabrics, if you haven’t already. Lay a white down comforter on your bed. Add some throw pillows with snowflake patterns to your bedroom. If your decor is in the country-cottage style, invest in a quilt with a wintry pattern, and hang it on the wall.

References: http://www.ehow.com http://homeguides.sfgate.com

p. 22 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Lose weight without dieting New year is here, new ideas, new targets but on the other hand some of you have “old” extra kilos in your body.

Do not panic! As the weight needs time to be put, you need time to

by Niki Voulgarakis loose it.

Dietician - Nutritionist The best things in your life require some time to be done.

Consequently you mustn’t follow chemical detoxifying diets which promise massive weight loss in a short period (like “magic” pills which are shown in television or internet).

1. Set realistic goals The recommended rate of weight loss per month is 2,5 – 4 kilos (0,5 – 1 kilo per week) in order to loose body fat and not muscles with water.

If you loose weight very fast, you will loose your muscles and this will lead to a decrease in your metabolism.

2. Do not skip breakfast It is observed that people who do not eat breakfast often have 4.5 times greater risk of developing obesity, compared with individuals who consume breakfast.

People who started to eat breakfast lead to a loss of up to 7.7 kg compared with those who continued not to consume breakfast.

- Measure the oil by the spoonful or use cooking oil spray.

7. Avoid sugary and processed food, they only give you short bursts of energy and they are high in fat 8. Consume fruits and vegetables daily The high fibber and water content fills you up with fewer calories.

The inverse association with weight gain shows that the increase in consumption decreases the intake of other foods with higher calorie content, ultimately lowering the amount of energy that you consumed.

Enjoy a wide variety of fruit and vegetable types every day.

Aim for five servings daily and choose a mixture of colours to ensure a good mix of nutrients.

All fruit and vegetables, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried and pure juices, count towards the five daily servings.

9. Go for whole grains Whole grains such as brown rice, barley, oats, buckwheat, and whole wheat also belong in your weight loss strategy.

Researches show that increased fiber consumption can cause a reduction of abdominal fat.

3. Reduce the size of the serving dish It seems that the larger the portion that you serve, so you consume more food.

4. Eat right, eat well, and eat often 5. Have small frequent meals Studies also say that eating often (so long as you’re eating right) can help weight loss, too.

You’ll be less hungry less often as a result you’ll simply want to eat less. So aim for eating small meals and snacking, that’s eating every 2 or 3 hours.

6. Reduce fats in your daily diet - Avoid butter.

- Reduce the consumption of crisps, sweets, biscuits and cakes, etc.

- Use milk and dairy products low in fat.

- Make dressings for salad with yogurt and spices, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard rather than mayonnaise or salad cream.

- Prefer to cook steamed, grilled or boiled rather than fry.

- Avoid meats such as sausages and bacon because they contain enough fat.

10. The soups contribute to weight loss The soups at the beginning of a meal helps to reduce appetite, so you consume less amount of food.

Start with a low-sodium broth or canned soup, add fresh or frozen vegetables and simmer.

Beware of creamy soups, which can be high in fat and calories.

11. Time your meals Set a timer for 20 minutes and reinvent yourself as a slow eater.

This is one of the top habits for slimming down without a complicated diet plan. Savor each bite and make it last until the bell chimes.

Enjoy your meal and try to forget all the problems.

12. Eat at home Eat home-cooked meals at least five days a week.

A Consumer Reports survey found this was a top habit of “successful losers.

13. Drink water It may sound too good to be true (and it does), but upping your water intake will lead to weight loss.

It keeps your appetite and gives you less opportunity to chug those sugary drinks that are so tempting.

In fact, it ups your metabolism almost instantly. In a recent study, participants’ metabolisms were upped by 30% and you’ll keep the weight off, too.

14. Sip Smart Limit alcohol. When an occasion includes alcohol, follow the first drink with a non-alcoholic, low-calorie beverage like sparkling water instead of moving directly to another cocktail, beer, or glass of wine.

Alcohol has more calories per gram (7) than carbohydrates (4) or protein (4).

It can also loosen your resolve, leading you to mindlessly inhale chips, nuts, and other foods you’d normally limit.

15. Sleep in order to lose weight The highest rates of obesity occur in groups of people who have limited or unsettled sleep.

There’s evidence that getting too little sleep revs up your appetite, making you uncommonly hungry.

16. Burn 100 calories more Lose 20 kilos in a year without dieting by burning an extra 100 calories every day.

Try one of these activities: - Walk 1 mile, about 20 minutes.

- Pull weeds or plant flowers for 20 minutes.

- Mow the lawn for 20 minutes.

- Clean house for 30 minutes.

- Jog for 10 minutes.

Finally the food diary helps you control your weight better.

If you are overweight and record the food you consume, it can help significantly for weight loss, while discovering your eating habits and behaviors. Food diaries also help you identify areas where you can make changes that will help you lose weight. Recording everything food you consume it can be time consuming, but in the long run the benefits that you will have on your health, it is the largest return. Please, do not forget that “diet is the change of your nutrition, the lifestyle changes and change your eating habits and not a change in one number in the scale”.

E-mail: nvoulgaraki@hotmail.gr

p. 23 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Adult asthma

Glaucoma and your eyes Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to your eye’s optic nerve and gets worse over time.

It’s often associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye.

Glaucoma tends to be inherited

by Nick Lazakis and may not show up until later in Optical expert life.

The increased pressure, called intraocular pressure, can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. If damage to the optic nerve from high eye pressure continues, glaucoma will cause permanent loss of vision. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause total permanent blindness within a few years.

Because most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain from this increased pressure, it is important to see your eye doctor regularly so that glaucoma can be diagnosed and treated before long-term visual loss occurs.

If you are over the age of 40 and if you have a family history of glaucoma, you should have a complete eye exam with an eye doctor every one to two years.

If you have health problems such as diabetes or a family history of glaucoma or are at risk for other eye diseases, you may need to visit your eye doctor more frequently.

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if it is diagnosed and treated early, the disease can be controlled.

Why Does Pressure Rise in the Eye to Cause Glaucoma?

Glaucoma usually occurs when pressure in your eye increases. This can happen when eye fluid isn’t circulating normally in the front part of the eye.

Normally, this fluid, called aqueous humor, flows out of the eye through a mesh-like channel. If this channel becomes blocked, fluid builds up, causing glaucoma. The direct cause of this blockage is unknown, but doctors do know that it can be inherited, meaning it is passed from parents to children.

Less common causes of glaucoma include a blunt or chemical injury to the eye, severe eye infection, blockage of blood vessels in the eye, inflammatory conditions of the eye, and occasionally eye surgery to correct another condition. Glaucoma usually occurs in both eyes, but it may involve each eye to a different extent.

What Are the Types of Glaucoma?

There are two main types of glaucoma: - Open-angle glaucoma. Also called wide-angle glau-

coma, this is the most common type of glaucoma. The structures of the eye appear normal, but fluid in the eye does not flow properly through the drain of the eye, called the trabecular meshwork.

- Angle-closure glaucoma. Also called acute or chronic angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma, this type of glaucoma is less common but can cause a sudden buildup of pressure in the eye. Drainage may be poor because the angle between the iris and the cornea (where a drainage channel for the eye is located) is too narrow.

Who Gets Glaucoma?

You are at an increased risk of glaucoma if you: - Are of African-American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian descent.

- Are over age 40.

- Have a family history of glaucoma.

- Have poor vision.

- Have diabetes.

- Take certain steroid medications, such as prednisone.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

If you have any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical care: - Seeing halos around lights - Vision loss - Redness in the eye - Eye that looks hazy (particularly in infants) - Nausea or vomiting - Pain in the eye - Narrowing of vision (tunnel vision) How Is Glaucoma Treated?

Glaucoma treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser surgery, or microsurgery.

- Eye drops for glaucoma. These either reduce the formation of fluid in the front of the eye or increase its outflow. Side effects of glaucoma drops may include allergy, redness of the eyes, brief stinging, blurred vision, and irritated eyes. Some glaucoma drugs may affect the heart and lungs. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking or are allergic to.

- Laser surgery for glaucoma. Laser surgery for glaucoma slightly increases the outflow of the fluid from the eye in open-angle glaucoma or eliminates fluid blockage in angle-closure glaucoma. Types of laser surgery for glaucoma include trabeculoplasty, in which a laser is used to pull open the trabecular meshwork drainage area; iridotomy, in which a tiny hole is made in the iris, allowing the fluid to flow more freely; and cyclophotocoagulation, in which a laser beam treats areas of the middle layer of the eye, reducing the production of fluid.

- Microsurgery for glaucoma. In an operation called a trabeculectomy, a new channel is created to drain the fluid, thereby reducing intraocular pressure that causes glaucoma. Sometimes this form of glaucoma surgery fails and must be redone. For some patients, a glaucoma implant is the best option. Other complications of microsurgery for glaucoma include some temporary or permanent loss of vision, as well as bleeding or infection.

Adult asthma causes on-going symptoms of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing. These symptoms can occur any time, but particularly at night or in the early mornby Miltiades Markatos ing.

Pneumonologist Adults with asthma can display a wide range of these symptoms, with different levels of severity.

Sometimes symptoms can worsen over hours or minutes, leading to a severe restriction of the airways known as an asthma attack.

This is usually only relieved by extra medication, or in severe cases, hospitalization.

Worsening of symptoms is usually provoked by lung infections.

These are especially common in winter and after the summer holiday period.

In adults who have allergies alongside their asthma, symptoms are provoked by exposure to allergens, such as house dusts, pets, or materials at work.

Other common triggers include physical exertion in cold or dry air and traffic pollution.

Most adult asthma begins in childhood.

Two-thirds of children with asthma see the condition disappear in their teenage years.

About a third of these cases reappear in adulthood.

The risk of developing asthma is linked to genetic and environmental factors.

When these factors interact, for example a person who is genetically susceptible living in a highly polluted area, it increases the risk further.

Management of the condition includes: • Avoiding passive or active smoking • Identifying any factors that trigger or worsen symptoms • Avoiding exposure to airborne allergens • Avoiding exposure to high levels of air pollution Medications include Controller medication This medication is taken regularly to build up a protective effect against asthma symptoms.

This medication is usually in the form of inhaled corticosteroids.

Reliever medication These are taken to relieve asthma symptoms.

They relax the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways and can be used in the event of an asthma attack or worsening of symptoms.

Each person is different and will not require the same level of treatment.

The doses of medication are therefore modified according to a person’s individual symptoms.

It is important that people learn which treatment works for them to help them manage their condition by themselves.

E-mail: info@anapnoi.net

p. 25 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

Hearing Loss and Aging

What to know, what to do... Devices and treatments About one-third of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing problems. About half the people who are 85 and older have hearing loss. Whether a hearing loss is small (missing certain sounds) or

by Dimitris Xepapadakis large (being profoundly deaf), it is Hearing specialist a serious concern. If left untreated, problems can get worse.

Hearing loss can affect your life in many ways. You may miss out on talks with friends and family. On the telephone, you may find it hard to hear what the caller is saying. At the doctor’s office, you may not catch the doctor’s words.

Sometimes hearing problems can make you feel embarrassed, upset, and lonely. It’s easy to withdraw when you can’t follow a conversation at the dinner table or in a restaurant. It’s also easy for friends and family to think you are confused, uncaring, or difficult, when the problem may be that you just can’t hear well.

If you have trouble hearing, there is help. Start by seeing your doctor. Depending on the type and extent of your hearing loss, there are many treatment choices that may help. Hearing loss does not have to get in the way of your ability to enjoy life.

How Do I Know if I Have a Hearing Loss?

See your doctor if you: - Have trouble hearing over the telephone, - Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking, - Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain, - Have a problem hearing because of background noise, - Sense that others seem to mumble, or - Can’t understand when women and children speak to you.

What Should I Do? If you have trouble hearing, see your doctor. Sometimes the diagnosis and treatment can take place in the doctor’s office. Or your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist (oh-toh-layr-ehn-GOL-luh-jist), a doctor who specializes in the ear, nose, and throat. The otolaryngologist will take a medical history, ask if other family members have hearing problems, do a thorough exam, and suggest any needed tests. You may be referred to an audiologist (aw-

dee-AH-luh-jist). Audiologists are health care professionals trained to measure hearing. The audiologist will use an audiometer to test your ability to hear sounds of different pitch and loudness. These tests are painless. Audiologists can help if you need a hearing aid. They can help select the best hearing aid for you and help you learn to get the most from it.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can have many different causes, including the aging process, ear wax buildup, exposure to very loud noises over a long period of time, viral or bacterial infections, heart conditions or stroke, head injuries, tumors, certain medicines, and heredity.

How Can I Help a Person with Hearing Loss?

Here are some tips you can use when talking with someone who has a hearing problem: - Face the person and talk clearly.

- Speak at a reasonable speed; do not hide your mouth, eat, or chew gum.

- Stand in good lighting and reduce background noises.

- Use facial expressions or gestures to give useful clues.

- Repeat yourself if necessary, using different words.

- Include the hearing-impaired person when talking. Talk with the person, not about the person, when you are with others. This helps keep the hearing-impaired person from feeling alone and excluded.

- Be patient; stay positive and relaxed.

- Ask how you can help.

What Can I Do if I Have Trouble Hearing?

- Let people know that you have trouble hearing.

- Ask people to face you, and to speak more slowly and clearly; also ask them to speak without shouting.

- Pay attention to what is being said and to facial expressions or gestures.

- Let the person talking know if you do not understand.

- Ask people to reword a sentence and try again.

What Devices or Treatments Can Help?

What will help you depends on your hearing problem.

Some common solutions include: Hearing aids. These are small devices you wear in or behind your ear. Hearing aids can help some kinds of hearing loss by making sounds louder. However, they

sometimes pick up background noises - for example, traffic noise in the street or people talking at other tables in a crowded restaurant. This can affect how well you hear in certain situations. Before buying a hearing aid, check to find out if your insurance will cover the cost. There are many kinds of hearing aids. An audiologist can help fit you with the hearing aid that will work best for you. You can ask the audiologist about having a trial period to try out a few different aids.

Remember, when you buy a hearing aid, you are buying a product and a service. Find a hearing aid dealer (called a dispenser) who has the patience and skill to help you during the month or so it takes to get used to the new hearing aid.

You may need to have several fittings of your hearing aid, and you will need to get directions on how to use it.

Hearing aids use batteries, which you will need to change on a regular basis. They also may need repairs from time to time. Buy a hearing aid that has only the features you need.

Assistive/Adaptive Devices. There are many products that can help you live well with less-than-perfect hearing. The list below includes some examples of the many choices: - Telephone amplifying devices range from a special type of telephone receiver that makes sounds louder to special phones that work with hearing aids.

- TV and radio listening systems can be used with or without hearing aids. You do not have to turn the volume up high.

- Assistive listening devices are available in some public places such as auditoriums, movie theaters, churches, synagogues, and meeting places.

- Alerts such as doorbells, smoke detectors, and alarm clocks can give you a signal that you can see or a vibration that you can feel. For example, a flashing light could let you know someone is at the door or that the phone is ringing.

Cochlear implants. If your deafness is severe, a doctor may suggest cochlear implants. In this surgery, the doctor puts a small electronic device under the skin behind the ear. The device sends the message past the non-working part of the inner ear and on to the brain. This process helps some people hear. These implants are not helpful for all types of deafness or hearing loss.

p. 26 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

POST There are two kinds of rice dishes in Greece: rice (ryzi) and pilaf (pilafi). Rice is... well, rice, and pilaf is creamy and cooked in broth from freshly boiled chicken or beef. Pilaf is a traditional wedding dish on Crete, where it’s made in enormous quantities to feed the often thousands of invited guests.

Ingredients: To make chicken broth: - 4 1/2 pounds of stewing hen, cut in pieces - 6 cups of water - 1 whole lemon, well washed To make the pilaf: - 4 1/2 cups of strained chicken broth (above) - 8 1/2 cups of hot water - 4 1/2 cups of long-grain rice - 1 1/4 tablespoons of butter - 6 tablespoons of lemon juice - freshly ground black pepper

by Antonia Tsakirakis cook

Cretan Wedding Pilaf (Gamopilafo) Preparation: Make the broth: In a pressure cooker, add the hen, the whole lemon, and 8 cups of water.

Bring to a boil, cover, and seal.

Bring to pressure, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is very tender.

Allow pressure to release naturally.

Remove hen from the pot and set aside in a covered dish.

When the broth in the pot cools sufficiently, strain into a bowl.

Make the pilaf: Measure out 4 1/2 cups of the broth and pour into a large pot.

Add 8 cups of hot (tap) water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.

When it starts to boil, add the rice and stir frequently to keep from sticking.

When it comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and

Traditional Tavern “Tzaneris and Archontissa”

Drakona Keramion, Chania, Crete

cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and cover.

In a small skillet, heat the butter over high heat until it sizzles.

Lift the cover of the pot and quickly pour in the hot butter and close the cover quickly (it will spatter).

When the sizzling stops (a few seconds), remove the cover, stir

briefly, and recover.

Allow to sit 5-10 minutes before serving.

The pilaf is supposed to be smooth and creamy, and slightly mushy.

Serve with a sprinkling of freshly ground black pepper. Serve the hen separately on a platter.

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

www.tzaneris-archontissa.gr

Turkish coffee is a method of preparing coffee. Roasted and then finely ground coffee beans are boiled in a pot (cezve), usually with sugar, and served in a cup where the grounds are allowed to settle.

This method of serving coffee is found in the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus, the Balkans, Bali, and various locations within Eastern Europe.

Turkish Coffee is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Turks confirmed by UNESCO. In Greece, Turkish coffee was formerly referred to simply as ‘Turkish’.

But political tensions with Turkey in the 1960s led to the political euphemism ‘Greek coffee’, which became even more popular after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974: “... Greco-Turkish relations at all levels became strained, Turkish coffee became Greek coffee by substitution of one Greek word for another while leaving the Turkish loan-word, for which there is no Greek equivalent, unchanged.”

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

VOTE FOR TERRA CRETA IN THE FOLLOWING URL:

Get the recognition your business deserves

http://www.businessawardseurope.com/vote/detail/greece/7610

Since 2007, the European Business Awards has been shining a light on the most innovative businesses on the continent by promoting success, innovation and ethics in the European business community.

In 2011, the EBAs engaged with over 15,000 organisations in over 30 countries showcasing the best in class, the winners from a diverse range of industries including cosmetics, engineering, fashion, online businesses, manufacturing and transport were congratulated by an audience comprising heads of state, leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, media owners and academics from across 30 European nations.

Participants represented a combined turnover of over €1 trillion Euros (8.23% of EU GDP)*, employing over 2.7 million people.

LET’S DO IT FOR CRETE!

p. 27 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

pet

by John Venetakis Zootechnician

Basic Feeding Guide: Puppies and Adult Dogs The first ingredient in your dog’s food should be a specified meat. Not a meat by-product, but the real thing. Puppies and adult dogs were not meant to eat corn and wheat. If the first ingredient in your dog food is a corn, wheat, meat by-product, bone meal or anything but a real specified type of meat, steer clear.

By-products are the leftovers, such as the eyes, hooves, skin, feathers and feet, that are not good for human consumption (unless the dog food specifically states otherwise.) Beware of ingredients that do not list exactly what it is, such as words like “animal” and “meat” as opposed to “chicken,” “beef,” “duck,” etc.

The first ingredient on the label should represent what the dog food is most made out of, but beware, as this is not always the case...

Using chicken as an example, when a dog food lists a meat in the ingredients such as “chicken” it is going by the weight in the meat’s raw state, before it was cooked.

Chicken in its raw state weighs about 80% more than it does once it is cooked and processed into a dry pellet. Once it is processed you are left with only 20% of the actual meat.

The word “meal” in an ingredient is something that was weighed after the water was taken out. For example “chicken meal” is chicken which is weighed after it has been cooked and the water has already been taken out, giving you more meat and protein per weight volume.

Therefore be aware that if the ingredients read “chicken” first and “corn meal” second, the food may contain more corn than chicken. Corn is a filler that a dog’s body does not utilize well, if at all. The corn gets pooped out and the dog must eat more food in order to get enough protein and nutrients that their bodies can use from the other ingredients in the food.

Corn can also cause many issues. Dogs were not meant to eat corn or other grains. Corn has been linked to skin allergies, joint swelling and bloat in dogs, among other things.

Take a look at your dog’s teeth. Notice that he does not have any grinding molars. They are all ripping canines.

This tells us that dogs were not meant to eat grains, as they lack the teeth to grind them up. Dogs have pointy

canines for ripping into meat. A lot of dogs develop skin problems and other health issues, including bloat, due to the grains they are being fed in their dog food.

It is best to feed dogs a grain-free diet. While the better quality dog food may cost more, the dog can eat less of it since their bodies use more of what they are eating, producing less waste. Not to mention the vet bill if your dog develops issues from consuming a low quality food. Be sure to read the ingredients label of the dog food you are using. You may have trouble finding a good quality food at a grocery store and may have to go to your local pet store to find a higher grade food.

A poor diet can also cause a dog to shed more, have a dull coat and have body odor.

food. You can try mixing three parts food with one part water or puppy replacement milk. This will make the food easier for the puppy to digest. If your puppy begins eating a little solid food before it leave its mother it will have an easier time adjusting when you bring it home. One way to tell if a puppy is ready to come home with you is if it prefers human company over its mom or siblings.

6 to 8 weeks Feed your puppy 3-4 times a day. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Choose a puppy food that provides the appropriate balance of nutrients your puppy needs. Be sure it is getting the right amount of protein and calcium, and the proper amount of calories.

Check the label to determine if you are feeding your puppy a balanced diet. A specified meat should be the first ingredient on the label.

After 8 weeks Feed your puppy twice a day.

3 to 6 months Your puppy will be teething. He may become a finicky eater or lose his appetite. Keep feeding him nutritious food twice a day. If he has an upset stomach for more than one or two days, take him to the veterinarian.

How much should I feed my dog?

The first 8 weeks Puppies should not be separated from their mother before they are 8 weeks old. Puppies that leave their mothers sooner have a rougher time adjusting and a higher incidence of illnesses. I do not know if it is due to weakened immunity or mourning the premature loss of their family.

Their mother’s milk provides them with the nutrition and antibodies they need to become healthy dogs. At three to four weeks, puppies should begin eating some solid

6 months to 1 year Your puppy may look all grown up but he is still a puppy. He should still be fed a highquality food for the added nutrition. Note, in some very high quality foods the company does not make a separate food for puppies because the food is of such a high quality that it provides for both puppy and adult equally. For example, a real human grade chicken is what it is for all ages. If you are feeding a puppy food ask your veterinarian when you should switch to adult food. Make sure the adult food you switch to is still a balanced high quality diet with the first ingredient being a specified meat that is not a by-product.

8 to 9 months Feeding should be twice a day.

1 year In most breeds feeding should be twice a day.

p. 28 CHANIA POST Your local free paper

h c e

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POST

Ten great digital marketing expectations for 2014

by Ben Plomion VP Marketing Chango.com

Making predictions about digital marketing is never easy. The industry has been changing so rapidly that it can sometimes be hard to know what to expect in the next week, let alone the next year.

But, then again, marketers have to at least try to plan for the future. Here, then, are my 10 expectations for 2014.

1. Audience And Device Fragmentation Will Only Increase If you’ve spent any time trying to reach consumers in recent years, then you know they’re now dispersed across lots of different channels and using lots of different devices. The days of reaching the entire country with a 30-second spot during “Dallas” are over, and they’re not coming back. According to eMarketer, more than 50 percent of Internet users will also be tablets users by 2015. And, to complicate matters further, many of those tablets users will be glancing back and forth between their TV and tablets screens--Nielsen data reveals that 43 percent of tablet owners currently use their devices daily as a second screen while watching TV. Expect that number to shoot up next year.

2. Flow Advertising Will Emerge You might not have heard much about flow advertising at this point, but expect to next year. Flow advertising makes it possible to target consumers in sequences. You can serve your first ad at a particular moment, and then serve the second ad (or choose not to serve it) based on the customer’s reaction to the first ad. For example, you might show a preroll on YouTube and then only retarget the consumer who watches the entire ad.

3. Marketing Silos Will Continue To Disappear Once upon a time, the different groups within a digital marketing team were divided by clear lines. But as programmatic techniques have spread from search to every other corner of the digital marketing world, the lines

have blurred. Meanwhile, paid, owned, and earned media are as blurry as ever. Who owns Facebook Exchange-the social media team or the paid media one? And for that matter, what happens when someone likes an ad on Facebook? Is this social lift paid or earned? In 2014, expect to see media buyers taking credit for social lift. And you can bet that social managers will try to take credit for native ads.

4. Native Advertising Won’t Scale Very Well There is plenty of talk these days about native advertising scaling via automated buying and selling. It’s a nice idea, but if the ads are truly native, it won’t work–almost by definition. Truly native ads are native precisely because they’re customized for a particular publisher’s voice and audience. We may seem some standards for native units emerge, but you can’t go fully native without humans customizing the campaigns.

5. Mobile Advertising Will Get Better Everyone knows that we’re living in a mobile world, but what’s less obvious is whether marketers can figure out how to make the most of that world by finding new ways to engage consumers. Facebook is already making great strides in mobile, and in 2014 the rest of the marketing world will begin to catch up. Look for more rich media ads, more RTB units, and, following Facebook’s lead, an emphasis on app discovery.

6. Content Marketing Will Go Mainstream Content marketing is already a huge, but quite a few brands have remained on the sidelines. That will end in 2014 as content marketing goes mainstream. More companies will hire in-house reporters and editors because they’ll come to appreciate that consumers care about their ideas as much as their products.

7. Corporate Marketers Will Embrace Networked Innovation If you’ve worked in corporate marketing, then you probably know that awful, trapped feeling–the sense that you’re not allowed to try anything new and exciting. Well,

that’s going to be less common in 2014, as corporate marketers rely less on their internal subject matter experts.

Instead, corporate marketers will be increasingly free to talk to fellow marketers, in and outside of their industries.

In digital marketing, startups will become a source of new ideas for corporate giants.

8. The Cookie Won’t Die–At Least Not Yet Cookies–those tiny bits of code that cause so much controversy–might well disappear one day. But don’t expect that to happen anytime soon. Third-party cookies still power the large and growing RTB sector. Some estimate that Facebook alone is making a $1 billion per year from its RTB exchange, FBX. So, yes, privacy advocates might one day deliver a knockout punch to third-party cookies, but that won’t happen until we have a suitable alternative. Simply put, the technology is just too necessary and valuable right now.

9. Marketers Will Get Cozy With Their CTOs And CIOs Chief marketing officers (CMOs) know all about working with chief financial officers (CFOs) and sales teams. Next year more and more of them will be spending time with chief technology officers (CTOs) and chief information officers (CIOs). In the age of big data, marketing goes hand-in-hand with technology and information. And if marketers want the best, data-powered digital marketing platforms, they’re going to have to stay on the good sides of the people who oversee the technology and data.

10. Video Will Explode It took advertisers a while to warm up to online video. But once it happened, it happened fast. This year has been huge for video, and next year will be even bigger.

33 Chrisanthou Episkopou str., Chania Tel. +30 28210 55667 Science and Technology Park of Crete The Science and Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C) was created in 1993 as an initiative of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), one of the largest Research Organizations in the country with the financial support of the EU, the National Government and the Region of Crete.

Adept to the rapidly evolving needs of the region and the research advancements at FORTH and the local Academic and Research Institutions, STEP-C offers, in addition to incubating facilities and services to start up companies with new and emerging technologies, specialized professional services that are difficult to find under one roof and geared to assisting and guiding companies to: - Unleash their potential through innovation - Assess and secure their intellectual capital - Support better their business interests and needs - Transfer their technological advancements into the manufacturing of innovative products and services During its 15 years of operation, STEP-C supported the business development of approximately 45 companies and developed various projects in order to promote Regional Innovation and entrepreneurial activity in the region.

The Park has a total 4000 sq.m. of floor space with more than 100 offices and 12 labs, accommodating small technological and service companies in two buildings, at a privileged physical location, nearby Heraklion. The presence of FORTH and its laboratories, as well as, the University Hospital and the new University of Crete campus, is an advantage since there is a high concentration of scientists and research laboratories in the area which are able to provide technological support to start-up companies.

STEP-C is a member of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP).

The Park is managed by the Management Company of STEP-C (EDAP S.A.) Services to our Tenants - Secretarial support and switchboard - Networking, Internet services and web-site hosting - Access to scientific library and to the Patent Office - Legal assistance for incorporation, drafting licensing agreements and ensuring intellectual property protection.

- Electricity - Cleaning - Collection and distribution of mail - Meeting rooms - Parking space - Use of Park and IASP logο

p. 29 CHANIA POST

Your local free paper

Football Academies of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in Chania Talented young players of tomorrow are testing their skills Why join a Football Academy? Who joins a football Academy? Who Conducts Classes? Find all the answers you need by reading this article!

The “ACADEMY OF NEW KYDONIA” is an athletic football club which was founded in 2002. Its main objective and aim is to offer a diverse means of exercise and fitness to young children aged 5 to 14.

So since the beginning its efforts focused on seriously dealing with issues such as organization, child safety, nutrition, behavior and creativity while at the same time to scientifically train and groom them as young athletes. A strong sense of reward stemming from this endeavor resulted in our Academy to be chosen as one of the first top 10 official football schools throughout Greece by Olympiakos.

Through this integrated effort, Olympiakos as is with all major European clubs aims to implement not only the educational system so as to develop tomorrow’s champions but also to create positive athletic individuals. Today the Academy has over 200 children, divided into 12 divisions; 6 of which are in the major league, division 6 competitive league division ( 2 groups Pre-junior, 2 groups Junior and 2 preliminary.) These groups are taught and trained by 8 Physical Education teachers and football coaches.

FOUNDING MEMBERS The leaders and founding members of the Academy; those who actually started this endeavor are: Baladakis Stavros ( President of the Academy ) Kapaneris Dimitris ( Vicepresident) Chalakatevakis Makis ( General Secretary ) Apostolakis Spiros, Sergaki Maria, Bassias Manolis and Vernadakis Kostantinos.

WHAT OUR ACADEMY HAS ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR: PARTICIPATION IN GAMES 1. Since 2004 the Academy has systematically participated in children’s football

SOUDA’S FOOTBALL ACADEMY was established in 2007, based in an idea of some parents and a few coaches. In the following years, the Academy was “growing” every day, becoming well organized and amazing everyone with the subheadings of its athletes.

The success of its departments was not just a case of luck. The dynamic presence of Souda’s Football Academy over the years was the main reason to become one of the most important in the local amateur football and a considerable opponent for other teams.

Football players of the Academy are playing for most of the teams in Chania Prefecture in higher divisions. That’s the biggest reward for all the staff of the Academy.

Souda’s Football Academy has continuous cooperation with regional teams participating in local leagues such as ARIS SOUDAS, POSEIDON TSIKALARION and recently ASPIDA NC, and also both teams participating in major categories like Superleague (F.C. PLATANIAS) and Football League (CHANIA F.C.), by promoting young and talented players.

The Academy aims to give some hours of entertainment and education to its athletes conveyed through traditional values, to develop young and talented football players and to enable all of its athletes to become friends with each other, to know all about fair play and competition, to acierate their characters, to initiate in discipline and merit, to adopt real values of life, to emit ethos and eventually to win the most important personal battle… life.

For those reasons, a fully organized Academy in all areas has been created in Souda.

Its partners are distinguished in coaching children, with specific knowledge and experience. Municipal Stadium of Souda offers very good and safe facilities for both children and parents, there is medical coverage of athletes with the presence of a physician during all training sessions, there is a qualified nutritionist as a permanent partner of the academy who informs parents and monitors all athletes through weekly appointments

continue on p. 30

continue on p. 30

Sports Journalist Association Honors Top Athletes of 2013 The Panhellenic Sports Journalist Association (PSAT) held a ceremony at the Peace and Friendship stadium in Piraeus to honor the top Greek athletes for 2013.

Recently, the national football team was qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and it was declared as the best team for 2013.

Fernando Santos was awarded for best coach.

Spyros Gianniotis was given the best male athlete award, after becoming world champion at the 10 km open sea event in Shanghai. He is being voted as second best swimmer in Europe.

PSAT voted Katerina Nikolaidou as the top female athlete for 2013. Nikolaidou won the gold medal in the youth rowing championship that took place in Austria and came in second at the international competition that took place in South Korea.

p. 30 CHANIA POST Your local free paper tournaments organized by E.P. S. Chania in three age categories: a) Pre-junior b) Junior c) Preliminary ) having won three first, two second three third and two fourth places in all age categories.

2. The Academy’s participation in the three day International Tournament “ HOPE” the children’s group aged 13 competing against REAL MADRID - BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN - AGC AJAX - INTER FC, HERACLIS AND OLYMPIACOS ( May 2004 ).

3. Every year the Academy participates in the International Easter Football Tournament organized and held in HERAKLION, Crete.

4. The Academy’s participation in the Olympiakos Panhellenic Tournament held in Athens every year.

5. The Academy’s participation in the Panhellenic Summer Football Tournament organized by Hania, Pelion ( July 2009 )

with them. Training programs of the Academy cover all age groups as provided internationally, according to their age, level of learning, anthropometric data of athletes and of course with the appropriate pedagogical manner required in everything that has to do with the kids. The Academy participates in tournaments all over Greece, gathering unique experiences for all children that will make them better athletes, better people.

Coaches are the greatest asset of the club’s existence, by their leadership and decisive role, with continuous and uninterrupted presence in sports life of Chania. Diligence, ideas, knowledge and seriousness of these people, are the basis of the club. They are

SEMINARS: The Academy has organized the following: 1. Educational seminar on CHILDREN’S FOOTBALL (June 2003) 2. Seminar on children’s football for parents and sports agents (January 2004) 3. Seminar on children’s football for coaches of the Academy (April 2005) 4. Pan-Cretan Seminar on Children’s Football with the participation of all the coaches throughout Crete (June 2006) 5. Pan-Cretan Seminar on Children’s Football in Heraklion with the participation of all the coaches throughout Crete (May 2008) 6. Educational workshops for children and parents.

ORGANIZING TOURNAMENTS: The Academy has organized the following tournaments 1. Christmas School Football Tournament 2. Pancretan Football Tournament with the participation of the following teams OLYMPIAKOS PIRAEUS – ERGOTELIS HERAKLION – ASTERAS RETHYMNON – TITAN KALIVON – ARH SOUDAS – ACADEMY OF NEA KYDONIA. 3. A five day visit of the Children’s Olympiakos team and a two-day Football Mini-Camp (June 2004) 4. Summer Football Camp in Chania, with the participation of 150 children from all over Chania.

COOPERATION WITH LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS: Since the early years of the Academy it has supplied other local football clubs with talented and promising players who have successfully completed their training and have reached the age of 14.

However, this year the Academy has worked together with the representative group of the provincial team of “A.O. CHANIA” which is currently competing in the B Category having undertaken this operation of the section K-19 under the coaching of Konstantinos Vernadakis.

In addition, there has been a collaboration with the team “A.E.E.K. IN.KA” not only on an academic level with children’s teams but also on the level of A team coached by Mr. Ritzakis George and Bassias Manolis.

SOCIAL EVENTS: 1. Celebrations for the WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY. ( the symbolic cleaning of the beach area of Agion Apostolon) and Beach Soccer Tournament.

2. Scheduled visits to various social institutions in Chania by various groups of the Academy such as The General Hospital of Chania, The Mental Illness Guesthouse of New Kydonia – The Childcare Foundation of Chania.

GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS: Every year since 2003 and up to now with the completion of the football season Celebrations take place and awards are given out to the Academy’s athletes. Over 700 people are present including children and parents taking pride in the achievements of both their children and the Academy’s efforts.

Registrations: Agii Apostoloi St. Nea Kydonia-Chania

Tel. +30 28210 34317, Mob. +30 6973433861 http://www.neakydonia-fa.gr

Football Calendar... December Super League - F.C. Platanias

5/1: Veria - Platanias

(Municipal Stadium of Veria) 12/1: Asteras Tripolis - Platanias

(Municipal Stadium of Tripolis) 19/1: Platanias - OFI (Municipal Stadium of Perivolia) 26/1: Panathinaikos - Platanias (Stadium of Leoforos)

Football League - Chania F.C.

Chania - Iraklis Psahnon

(Municipal Stadium of Perivolia) Fokikos - Chania (Municipal Stadium of Amfissa) Chania - Panachaiki (Municipal Stadium of Perivolia) Olympiacos Volou - Chania (Panthessalikon Stadium)

3rd Division - Kissamikos

5/1: Rouvas - Kisssamikos 12/1: Kissamikos - Mykonos 19/1: Atsalenios - Kissamikos

(Stadium of Archanes) (Stadium of Maleme) (POA Stadium)

26/1: Kissamikos - Giouhtas

(Stadium of Maleme)

people who combine experience with enthusiasm, who constantly improve their skills by attending seminars and schools of Football Coaching.

Pioneer of this effort from the very first day of Souda’s Football Academy until today and responsible for operation of all departments is Mr. Anthony Papageorgiou. Coaches Mr. Drakakis Periklis, Koukoudakis Stelios, Koutas Bill, Bogiantzis Gus, Trachanatzis Chris and trainer Adamopoulos Jim, completing the great team effort.

Athletes of the Academy are training in sports facilities of the Municipal Stadium Souda which also hosts the headquarters of the Academy. About 200 athletes from 4 to 15 years old (born from 1998 to 2010) are attending all classes of the Academy (U15 – U11 – U9 – U7 and U5). The Academy participates each year in all leagues organized by the Union of Football Clubs of Chania (U.F.C.CH.). Since August 2013, a new team of the Academy under the name “SOUDA FOOTBALL ACADEMY” has been established, which participates in Championship Class C of U.F.C. of Chania.

Academy is run by parents of athletes and cooperates with Panathinaikos Soccer Schools as part of a network of football schools throughout Greece which operates under the auspices and certification of FC Panathinaikos. This network aims to a complete training session of young players who will reach manhood through a training and racing process fully harmonized with the principles of recreational sport, of ‘fair play’, of sportsmanship and good competition. The evaluation of athletes of the network is performed through strictly scientific methods and the most talented of players are promoted to Panathinaikos.

Registrations: Souda Municipal Stadium

September to June (19:00 - 21:00 except Saturday and Sunday)

Tel. +39 6972 216024 e-mail: soudafootballacademy@yahoo.gr arissoudas.blogspot.gr Documents required: - Registration form with full personal and family information

- Birth certificate endorsed for personal identity

- A recent medical certificate from a physician / cardiologist

stating the child’s ability to exercise

- Three (3) recent photos

FIFA World Ranking (December 2013)

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