OPA! Magazine - Issue 5

MANAGING DIRECTOR SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY TO OPA!

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Government subsidised places available to eligible applicants for courses in the categories of: Automotive, Building & Construction and Business Management.

AISI is offering Victorian Government subsidised places to eligible students under the securing Jobs for your Future – Skills for Victoria program. These subsidised places provide a great opportunity to new skills or upgrading your existing skills to help you get the job you want.

The Victorian Training Guarantee is making vocational education and training more accessible to people who do not hold a post-school qualification, or who want to gain a higher-level qualification than they already hold.

AISI’s mission is to assist students in achieving their academic and career goals and in doing so playing a responsible and fundamental role in global cooperation and interdependence of young professionals.

AISI strives to enhance opportunities for education and career pathways of our local students as they are the future.

Am I eligible for a government subsidised training place?

In 2011 you are eligible for a government subsidised training place if you: Meet one of the following citizen/residency status: • Australian citizen • Australian Permanent Resident (holder of a permanent visa) • holder of a Special Category Visa (sub-class 444, New Zealand citizen) • East Timorese asylum seeker, or • holder of a Temporary Protection Visa.

And are any of the following: • a young person under 20 years; • an applicant seeking a Foundation skills course; • an applicant who is an Apprentice; or • an applicant seeking a higher qualification than the highest qualification already held is eligible for the Victorian Training Guarantee.

What if I want to study and I don't meet the eligibility criteria?

You can still study at AISI, but you may not be able to access a government subsidised tuition fee.

Courses available at AISI as Government Subsidised Places to eligible applicants Automotive Mechanical: AUR30405 Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology Available as an Australian Apprenticeship requiring attendance at 1 day per week and as Skills Building (Full-time). A Guide to Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships is available from Skills Victoria Apprenticeship Guide. AUR40208 Certificate IV in Automotive Technology Available as Skills Building (Full-time). AUR50205 Diploma of Automotive Technology Available as Skills Deepening (Full-time)

Building and Construction: CPC20108 Certificate II in Construction Available as Skills Creation (Full-time).

CPC30208 Certificate III in Carpentry Available as an Australian Apprenticeship requiring attendance at 1 day per week and as Skills Building (Full-time). A Guide to Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships is available from Skills Victoria Apprenticeship Guide. CPC40508 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Site Management) Available as Skills Building (Full-time)

Business Management: BSB30107 Certificate III in Business Available as an Australian Traineeship requiring attendance at 1 day per week and as Skills Building (Full-time). A Guide to Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships is available from Skills Victoria Apprenticeship Guide. BSB40207 Certificate IV in Business Available as an Australian Traineeship requiring attendance at 1 day per week and as Skills Building (Full-time).

A Guide to Australian Apprenticeships and traineeships is available from Skills Victoria Apprenticeship Guide.

BSB51107 Diploma of Management Available as Skills Building (Full-time) Further Information To start your training at AISI, talk to Pana on (03) 9671-4400 or email to ptsiolas@aisi.edu.au.

© Australian Industrial Systems Institute 2007 Kontea Pty Ltd Trading as Australian Industrial Systems Institute, ACN 123 724 336 Provider Number: 21916, CRICOS Number: 02838D

To find out more about government subsidised training visit www.skills.vic.gov.au, or call the Skills Victoria Help Hub on 1300 842 754

www.bardot.com.au

OMADA

CONTRIBUTORS

> A SELECTION OF THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR

NICOLE CONDOS A Melbourne born singer, Nicole also runs her own consultancy, Material Girl PR. From Lisa Marie Presley to Paris Hilton, Nicole Condos has been a part of PR campaigns that most professionals can only dream about. Whether she’s onstage performing or online working, she still has the time to say OPA! contributing with lifestyle, opinion and feature pieces.

Steve Agi

editor@opamagazine.com.au

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Chris Binos

chris@opamagazine.com.au

SUB EDITOR

Charles Meyer charles@opamagazine.com.au

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING

MARINIS PIRPIRIS Marinis Pirpiris is one of the nation’s most respected and qualified Orthopaedic Surgeons whom we welcome as a contributor to OPA! Magazine.

As the Director of The Active Orthopaedic Centre at Epworth and Cabrini Hospitals, a Consultant in Orthopaedic Surgery at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, a Senior Fellow at The University of Melbourne and a Senior Lecturer at Monash University he is the perfect person to discuss a number of issues, which will be relevant to our readers.

Dean Georgio

dean@opamagazine.com.au

DESIGN + PRODUCTION

Seed Creative

www.seedcreative.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Andronas Peter Coulson Raymond Korn

DEAN GEORGIO With a strong background in marketing and sales, Dean knows what it takes to create those special relationships with clients. “I am an individual who is driven by passion, I like to inspire and to be inspired, I joined OPA! to be part of something that is rewarding where I can re-connect

Paul Osta Panos Vicky Papas John Raptis Woodrow Wilson Paul Zarogiannis Ephrem Zarris

with my heritage and to re-indentify myself. I believe OPA! magazine offers us the chance to document the past and influence the future.

CONTRIBUTORS Tom Andronas, Billy Billiris, Chris Binos, Nasia Bossinakis, Kon Bouzikos, Nicole Condos, Areti Fronis, Dean Georgio, Nik Halik, Mr. Joshua, Dean Kalymniou, Martha Karatsioris, DJ

CHRIS BINOS

Krazy Kon, Theo Kostoglou, Father Kyril, Pette Liacopoulos, Chris Macheras, Niko Mavro, Malchus Nevets, Marinis Pirpiris,

Chris is a valued member of the OPA! DREAM TEAM with his editorial input

Jaqui Preketes, Dean Psaros, James Razos, Lenita Vangellis,

crucial in determining the direction and content of this publication. He is

Phil Vassiliadis, John Sakellaris, Pee Wee Sharkopoulos, Mike

the newly appointed CIO, whose role is to maintain a high level of quality articles and content on the OPA! Magazine website and across all the developing online and mobile platforms. His analytical skills and continued

Sweet, Penelope Tsaldari, Kate Wyld

MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 406 ALBERT PARK VIC 3206

pursuit of excellence ensure that the final product will be second to none.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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NIK HALIK Nik Halik is the founder and CEO Financial Freedom Institute, Money Masters Global, The Thrillionaires® and iCoach Global. He is a global wealth strategist, successful entrepreneur, international speaker, astronaut, high adrenalin adventurer and best-selling author, he is also a Greek-Australian who loves saying OPA!

PRINTPOST APPROVED: PP320135/00072

ARTICLES All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

COPYRIGHT

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Opa! Magazine is owned and published by Caffiend Enterprises. All material in OPA! Magazine is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Caffiend Enterprises will not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in OPA! Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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CHANGING FOR THE SAKE OF CHANGE

Point it here:

Yia sas again, and welcome to the August issue of your magazine - OPA!

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The FREE Microsoft Tag application gives you the ability to use your mobile phone’s on-board camera to take a picture of a tag, and be directed to information in any form, such as text, vCard, URL, Online Photos, Online Video or contact details for the publisher.

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The Microsoft Tag reader application is a FREE download for any Internet-capable mobile device with a camera. The Microsoft Tag reader is compatible for Internet-capable mobile devices, including Iphones, Windows Phone 7, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Java, Android, Symbian S60, and Java ME platforms.

With this edition of OPA! Magazine you’ll notice a number of changes, but trust me these were not made lightly nor just for the sake of change. There is a reason and some logic to all that we are doing and all that I am trying to achieve, so firstly thank you for your support and secondly I welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you to see if you are happy with the way we are moving forward with OPA! After all it is YOUR magazine...I hope it to be our legacy...

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SMART PHONE!

DIACODE

YIA SAS

WELCOME

Firstly the pixelated version of the Greek flag in the O on the cover, is not something that has come about randomly or taken lightly, it was always intended, and now with the launch of the OPA! Magazine website and our heavy involvement with the “MEDIACODE” we felt the time was right to unveil the next phase of the OPA! Magazine experience.

WELCOME TO A PLACE WHERE THE PHYSICAL WORLD CONNECTS TO THE DIGITAL ONE.

The content and technology that the team at MEDIACODE have developed will allow us to engage more directly and personally with the online world like nothing ever before and here at OPA! Magazine we are proud to be pioneering this new technology. Make sure you get your free “MEDIACODE” reader on your phone, simply go to www.gettag.mobi NOW on your mobile device and discover how amazing this experience can be.

NOW, MORE THAN EVER, WE ARE TRULY THE VOICE OF A NEW GENERATION!

On another note you will notice that my photo is missing above, scan on the MEDIACODE and enjoy: talk about a personal message!

Enjoy the stories and photos that we have worked so hard over the last month to prepare for you. Our feature on the Theotokos, who’s dormition is commemorated during August by Orthodox Christians across the globe, the amazing pictorial journey through Turkey and the sensational cover story with Greek siren Katerina Papoutsaki

Last but definitely not least, I hope you enjoy the special fashion feature shot for us by the legendary Peter Coulson of www.koukei.com.au

This is an amazing fusion of Greek culture with mainstream style and a great introduction to our developing fashion section within the magazine, which will be revealed in due course.

MEDIACODE

®

Make sure you download your FREE MEDIACODE reader and enjoy the whole new experience that OPA! will offer you now that we have been able to fuse the digital and physical worlds right here between these pages.

Everybody say OPA! STEVE AGI - PUBLISHER

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®

TAGGED MOBILE CONTENT

CONTENTS

INSIDE

10 EDITOR’S LETTER

90 ODIGOS Mazda Shinari Concept

12 OPA! IS EVERYWHERE!

92 ODIGOS Reader’s 1987 VL Turbo

13 GOSSIP! Latest gossip from Greece

94 CINEMANIA Movie review + competition

14 PRAGMATA Latest products 19 FASHION Vergara begins with Peter Coulson 28 FASHION Trends update direct from Bardot

95 IN THE CLUB Fist Pump + Spicemarket 98 IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME The final word

30 PROFIL Katerina Papoutsaki 34 MATERIAL GIRL Mind your manners 38 KINOTITA Avgolemono Nationals 2011 40 PROFIL Phil Vakos 44 LIFTING THE VEIL A new Paradigm

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47 DOLLARS&SENSE B.O.C.A 48 KINOTITA Pink Cocktail Group 52 KHEIRON’S CORNER Fitness + Is running bad for you?

57 PROFIL Mary Valle, author of My Greek Kitchen 60 EKLISIA Virgin Mary, Theotokos 72 PROFIL Inside the Athens Insider with Sudha Nair

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60

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77 KULTURA Nik Halik - Who wants to be a Thrillionaire?

78 MONEY MATTERS Lost Super 80 PROFIL Billy Billiris 82 TAXIDI Without a travel agent you’re on your own 84 TAXIDI Turkey 88 KINOTITA Bullying

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OPA! IS EVERYWHERE!

WWW.GREEKMEDIAGROUP.COM

WWW.GREEKMEDIAGROUP.COM

BRISBANE

MORNINGTON

SYDNEY

TASMANIA

OAKLEIGH VIC

MELBOURNE

ATHENS

KOUTSOMBOLIO

GOSSIP

SHE’S TH

E ONE!

ANTONIS REMOS FINALLY GETTING MARRIED!

A

NTONIS REMOS SHOWED UP AT THE MAD MUSIC AWARDS WITH LONG-TERM GIRLFRIEND YVONNE BOSNJAK, GIVING EVERY IMPRESSION SHE IS THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE.

Remos, who once dated Zeta Makripoulia for two years, looks happier than ever. So it was no surprise that whilst on tour in Rhodes, Remos, in full view of 3,000 spectators, holding a bunch of flowers and microphone in hand, proposed to his beloved. It was an evening that will remain unforgettable for them. Yvonne, speechless, embraced the moment and replied “yes”.

A few days later the popular Greek singer and Yvonne reached Mykonos Island by helicopter.

Accompanying them was personal friend and president of Larissa, Piladakis Costas.

The helicopter landed near Kalafatis, where a car and the paparazzi were awaiting them.

The two friends have the only two villas in the area of Tigani. The group traveled to the island of Cyclades and will stay there for the next few days to enjoy the beautiful beaches and the remote area.

Their walks around Mykonos showed no fear of the paparazzi. Yvonne, simply dressed and wearing jeans, stole the show once again with her exotic beauty. Comfortable and relaxed, Antonis Remos greeted people with a smile.

Bosnjak, a model, was born in Germany and is of Croatian - French origin. She has been living and working in Greece for the past few years. Her relationship with Remos began in the summer of 2009.

Yvonne is described as quiet with a low profile and has managed to win the heart of Greece’s most beloved singer. One thing is for sure: the paparazzi are looking forward to their wedding day!

Antonis will continue his summer tour around Greece.

PRAGMATA

STUFF

ATHENS SUCKS?

A ceramic coffee mug featuring an ironic take on the famous “I love NY” logo. For the ‘not-so-proud-of-their-city’ Athenians or for those who just want to start ‘conversation’ with Greek workmates. www.greeceisforlovers.com

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An alternative iPod holder, hand-knitted in cotton using the traditional technique of Greek lace making. Machine washable and available in three colours (White, beige, brown).

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ZuVu®! – OUR HEALTH – OUR PLANET – OUR LIFE

ZuVu®! is a proud Australian-owned company on a mission to help you to Re-use, Re-fill, Re-cycle and be Re-sponsible™ for Your Health, Your Planet and Your Life™. Along with a passion and commitment to help raise awareness about our health and the protection of our environment, it strives to lead the way in offering every adult and child healthy, affordable and environmentally friendly drinking and eating solutions. The aim is to reduce and eliminate the use of plastic water bottles with a range of funky, attractive and practical stainless steel bottles for both adults and children.

Scientific evidence suggests that BPA, a chemical widely used in the manufacture of plastic bottles, leaches toxins into our drinks that can be seriously damaging to our health. Stainless steel is one of the most hygienic TOXIN FREE materials available; it doesn’t leach or impart flavours like plastic does, making it the safest and healthiest drinking alternative for you! Whether for work, rest or play, ZuVu®! has a bottle just right for you. Make a ZuVu®! bottle part of your life today; once you taste the difference you’ll wonder what you ever did without one! www.zuvuthirst.com.au

Photo: Aris Messinis

Photo: Aris Messinis

Photo: Aris Messinis

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PROFIL

PROFILE

egarded as one of the sexiest women in Greece, Katerina Papoutsaki

which was a great way to explore lots of different skills and styles and really

talks frankly to OPA! Magazine about her life and career. Her

begin to discover myself.

family is from the beautiful island of Crete. She grew up in Athens, where she still resides. It was always her dream to become an

OPA!: Are the theatre and film industries as you expected them to be? Is it really

actress. Her plans are to one day visit relatives in Australia and

as glamorous as most people think?

this dream seems to slowly but surely be coming to fruition, as she explains.

The film and theatre industry in general have a lot of difficulties and hardships, especially here in Greece and more so during these very difficult times. There

OPA!: Thank you Katerina for your time, it’s always very exciting to meet such

is a lot of competition. You have to wait for that door to open and if it doesn’t on

fresh, new talent. Tell us, what made you pursue a career in acting?

its own, you need to kick it down! I was lucky that my door opened early. In a

The pleasure is all mine, it’s great to be receiving such attention and recognition

tough environment such as the theatre and film industry I was able to reap the

from so far away. It’s amazing that the Greeks in Australia are still so passionate

benefits of my hard work, determination and confidence very early and I have

and really connect so well with the mother country. It all began when I was three

managed to earn the respect of my peers and the general public.

years old, in Crete. I would always act out theatrical plays with my grandmother.

I knew from then that I wanted to become an actress. At school I participated

OPA!: You have quite an impressive resume already. Exactly how many theatre

in productions and the interest in acting remained with me all through high

plays and movies have you performed in?

school. It was the only thing I wanted to do. I also had a passion for singing

I have performed in over fifteen theatre shows, five musicals, five Greek motion

and dancing, and coming from Crete, singing was a common thing. I attended

picture films and six Greek television series.

ballet classes when I was a young girl and then began modern freestyle dancing when I was a teenager.

OPA!: Between the movie “To fili tis Zois” which was such a smash hit in Greek cinemas, and your role in the Greek television series where you portraythe life

OPA!: Which school did you study at? What sorts of things?

of legend Aliki Vougiouglaki, you must be extremely busy. Where do you find

I studied acting at the Diamantopolous School . I also studied classical music,

the time to perform in all these diverse roles? >

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PROFIL

PROFILE

Katerina In action, from her movie ‘To fili tis zois.’

It’s all about knowing what you want out of life, chasing it and doing whatever it

step into. I started live musical performances in a bar and things just moved

takes to achieve it. The theatre and film industry is a great passion of mine and

on from there. Then the offer was made for me to record the theme song for my

I will take every opportunity that comes my way and make the most of every

last movie, which I jumped at, and the rest, as they say, is history.

situation. It’s all about believing in yourself and not taking no for an answer.

OPA!: Is it true, that you and other Greek actors have been cast in a new movie OPA!: Any plans to visit Hollywood, or move there, to pursue your career?

to begin filming soon n Australia?

No, I haven’t, not yet anyway. Who knows what’s around the corner, though?

Yes, it will be my first motion picture outside of Greece. There will only be three

Thinking about it is easy, it’s doing it that is the hardest thing. I have a great and

actors from Greece; one is Christina Aloupi, who is now based in L.A, and the

successful career in Greece, which I’m grateful for, so there is no rush to move

third is yet to be revealed. It is all TOP SECRET at the moment and very hush

to Hollywood. On that note, however, I would never say no to a new door that

hush, but it is going to be a massive movie with very poignant themes and

may open somewhere else and would be very keen to look at opportunities to

material all the Greeks in the diaspora will be able to relate to.

work abroad and develop my career internationally.

Casting for the other actors will be held in Melbourne.

OPA!: Apart from being a successful and popular actress in Greece, you are a

OPA!: Can you tell us anything about the film about and your role in it?

singer and doing very well. Recently you recorded the theme song of your last

As I said, details of the film are still TOP SECRET, but I can say it is about the sorts

motion picture. How did the singing opportunity come about?

of issues that migrants face, like racism. The story is told through the eyes of new

I have been singing since I was a young girl and have performed in Greek

migrants, through groups like the gangs in the ‘60s and ‘70s, the nightclubs and

musicals, but when I performed in the play “No Shakespeare, Please,” where

the illegal drag races of Melbourne. My role will be to portray a second generation

a lot of singing was required, I realized that this was another area I wanted to

Greek girl and the challenges and real - life situations she faces on a daily basis.

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PROFIL

PROFILE

Katerina on set - SMILE!

The trailer comes out next year and I am very excited to have this opportunity.

OPA! that is not only quickly becoming a new voice for Greeks in Australia but is also getting significant attention in Greece already. Congratulations on a

OPA!: Sounds interesting. Who wrote the film and who will be directing it?

wonderful publication!

The film was written by Penny Koutourinis and will be directed by Christina Crokos.

OPA!: Incidentally, have you ever been to Melbourne or any other part of Australia?

OPA!: Have you ever worked with these people before?

No, it will be my first time when filming commences next year. I would also love

I was in the middle of filming a Greek series when Crokos came to Greece to

to go to Sydney to visit relatives of mine whom I have never met.

film ‘Gamilio Party’, so I missed out, however ever since she became Anna Vissi’s personal director for her shows I have heard a lot about Christina. It’s lucky

OPA!: Future plans other than the movie?

Penny, who wrote the film, is bringing Christina and I together for this movie.

This summer I will be performing in the play “Marinella”, a musical about the life of Greek megastar, Marinella, which will tour all over Greece. In Winter I

OPA!: Do you think it’s important that Greeks in Greece and Greeks in Australia

begin rehearsals for the play “Slaves,” written by Frenchman Zan Zener. So it

maintain a connection? Do these kind of movies help?

looks like the near future is going to be very busy.

These kinds of movies definitely help because many Greeks in Greece will be interested in seeing through this movie, what kind of life their overseas Greek

OPA! Magazine thanks you for your time, and wishes you all the best. We look

counterparts enjoy. Unity of a community is very important, no matter where

forward to connecting with you when you arrive in Australia.

you are on earth. All Greeks should remain united and hopefully we will help to achieve this through the movie, just like you are doing with your magazine,

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MATERIAL GIRL

TURN IT OFF!

“Mind your manners” Whether she’s onstage or online, the Material PR Girl says OPA! We text. We email. We blog. We Facebook. We tweet. Our cyber social lives and mobile phone habits are hijacking our daily routines. The smartphone phenomenon has delivered an endless list of interruptions to the basic face to face social encounter, connecting us to friends, strangers and the Internet like never before. While some maintain a public cyber journal to unload their private thoughts, others are more discreet with their online communication. Some have no problem keeping their mobile phone away from the dinner table- others may as well include it as part of their table setting.

scan mid conversation or skim through emails around friends, not only impolitely diverting attention from the company present, but compromising “quality time” spent with them. While we obsess over emails and Facebook check ins, spare a thought for our migrant ancestors who voyaged across the globe, with nothing more than the clothes on their back and a dream in their heart, traveling to the lucky country without a mobile phone. They couldn’t “check in” to the Port of Piraeus upon departure or send a text message upon arrival.

After one of “those” grueling weeks, I was looking forward to the opening night of the latest Harry Potter release with my boyfriend.

While I can admit to many fascinations, JK Rowling was not one of them. I’ll believe in magic when someone creates fat free Nutella lokoumathes, without compromising the taste. As we took our seats, I placed my iPhone in the cup holder. The lights were dimmed. My iPhone lit up my seat like a New Years Eve fireworks display, courtesy of a Facebook notification. A Twitter mention, AFL Footy news update and two emails soon followed.

Not wanting to offend Voldermort or the Potter devotees around me, I quickly put my phone on silent and into my handbag. More People text whilst at dinner with guests, do a quick Facebook to the point, a noisy phone ringing in the middle of a movie or It is in our DNA to show our emotion and be passionate. We are accustomed to embracing our loved ones, kissing them once, even once on each cheek to greet them. We were brought up to welcome visitors with a kiss on the cheek and wouldn’t dare help ourselves to sweets being offered whilst visiting, unless our parents gave us the “go ahead look” to proceed. Despite being programmed with a code of strict social manners, some of us now need our phones surgically removed from the palm of our hands, setting a new trend of social conduct.

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performance is more annoying than some of the scarf wearing Italian tourists playing beach tennis in Mykonos during summer time.

Like mobile phone manners, online communication etiquette is also open to discussion. Perhaps upon creating a Facebook account, users should receive a welcome email containing not only their account details, but an Etiquette Guide. Below are some of my recommendations to reduce getting poked by strangers, limit irrelevant invitations, restrain envious ex-partners and curb social stupidity.

On a typical Facebook page, there is an option that reads “What is on your mind?” giving users the opportunity to do exactly that. My news feed (the main Facebook page that lists the activity of other users you are connected with) is a combination of news and nervous breakdowns. It is flooded with knee-jerk like outbursts, weather reports, self-promotion, celebrity gossip and the latest headlines. Some updates are simply cringe worthy diary entries, with users airing their dirty laundry, thriving on the drama with their friends.

A Facebook friend request is similar to hearing a knock at the door. You aren’t obligated to open it, let alone invite them in to your private cyber or living space. But in true Greek style, you will probably force them to stay for dinner. Some users have an open door policy whereas others prefer to accept friend requests from those they strictly know. The beauty of Facebook’s many features is that just like in everyday life, you can choose what you share and with who.

The language, grammar and content shared online exposes a window into a user’s personality and self-esteem. Some see their latest photo upload as Vogue magazine worthy, desperate for attention and validation. Others ooze of complete self- confidence.

MATERIAL GIRL

PHOTO: MARCO SCHENA

TURN IT OFF!

While a “great” or “hot” photo is subject to opinion, I haven’t it, before you tag everyone with the same surname as you. seen Elena Paparizou using her phone to post a trashy picture Common courtesy is not so common, but appreciated. of herself posing in front of a mirror, before a night out on the town. Mind you, she IS Vogue magazine worthy.

Mobile phones and social media are a great communication tool and like anything, there is a time and a place to tactfully As online photos are open to public scrutiny, discretion should be make use of them. What you say or how you behave socially is used when sharing and tagging photos of others. Cyber social a self reflection- what does it reveal about you? What people say butterflies should resist the temptation to post every last photo about you is never really about you, rather about them and how from the drunken night before, particularly the notorious barefoot they perceive their world. Similarly, what you say about others at 5am, souvlaki on the way home, Alice Cooper eyeliner and is never about them, but about you and how you perceive your skirt up to here” shots. Yiayia would be mortified if she saw world, however crazy it may seem. When using your mobile or these photos. But if this is the image of yourself you are happy to interacting online, just use the “Golden Social Etiquette Rule” ~ broadcast, go for gold. Should a photo possibly be unflattering to others in it, you should ask them for their permission to upload Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you....

FOLLOW THE MATERIAL PR GIRL WWW.TWITTER.COM/MATERIALGIRLPR WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MATERIALGIRLPR

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www.flavoursofgreece.com

Chrissie Battalis (guest) and Michael Canaris talk technique

2 0 11 AUSTRA-

A UNIQUE EVENT Organized By: Nick Hanigan.

N AT I O N ALS

Judge Terry Battalis

t George

Contestan

Kamitsis

Michael Cana

ris tasting his

soup

* not actual winning Avgolemono Judging in process. Terry Battalis, Neville Pantazis, Michael Tsakalakis (L-R)

Cullen Bay, Darwin NT, Saturday, June 11 - 6.00pm - 9.00pm, The plan WAS to find out whose Avgolemono WAS the best.....IT ALL STARTED WITH A CHALLENGE ON FACEBOOK!

THE RULES: SO WHAT IS AVGOLEMONO? Avgolemono (Αυγολέμονο ) is a family of Mediterranean sauces and soups made with egg and lemon juice mixed with broth, heated until they thicken. As a soup, it usually starts with chicken broth, though meat (usually lamb), fish, or vegetable broths are also used.

Typically, rice is cooked in the broth before the mixture of eggs and lemon is added. Its consistency varies from nearstew to near-broth. It is often served with pieces of the meat and vegetables reserved from the broth.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Invitation only (friends of my friends ok! Please write to me) No entrants allowed to be directly involved in restaurants (or be in the hospitality area) Only one cook per family name can be entered.

No mobile phones, no recipe books, memory only.

Must be of Greek descent to be a cook and have previously eaten the meal.

Cooks may bring one judge to sit on a blind tasting panel. May not be your mother or the person who taught you to make the dish.

7. Only one cook may taste the dish before serving.

8. One chicken or fish rule: the chicken or fish used to make the broth must be the one that is served.

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE: SERVICE FOR 6PM SHARP... CATERING : ONE COOKPOT ONLY, POWER POINT, GAS BURNER AND PREP-TABLE PROVIDED. (COOKS ACCESS FROM 12PM) GUESTS: SUNSET DRINKS FROM 5PM. DRESS: CASUAL MEDITERRANEAN. DESSERT & DANCING LATER AT THE GREEK GLENTI.

SCAN FOR A SOUPER LAUGH!

KINOTITA AVGOLEMONO

Serving Avgalemono

Sunset over Cullen Bay, Darwin

Judging in progress

Feeling cocky.

N

The Grand Trophy for 2011!

eville Pantazis explains: “When told about the Avgolemono Nationals, my initial thought was; “How good is this! I love it, I’m no cook, but I’m sure I can do my best interpretation of George Calombaris and be considered as a judge for the night!”

NICK’S RESPONSE:“PERFECT LEVENDI”.

So, it was that I embraced this event with total passion and asked Nick how, and why, he thought of such a great, albeit unusual, event.

It appears that in Nick’s family each cousin prides themselves on their cooking skills and he had often had discussions with his cousin, Pete Bracher, about whose Avgolemono was the best. Although Nick considered his Avgolemono to be good, he readily conceded that he had no idea if it was of real ‘Greek influence’.

Over coffee with Michael Canaris @ Ducks Nuts the discussion of a cook-off of either Avgolemono or Baklava cleared the path for an immediate challenge, explains Nick.

Avgolemono got the nod over the Baklava for the cook-off due to a discussion on Baklava where Pete Bracher and Michael Canaris fiercely debated whose mother’s Baklava was the best. Of course Pete was adamant that his mother Ros’s Baklava was better then Frida’s (Michael’s mum’s) but it was Game Over when Pete found out that his Mum’s recipe was given to her by Frida in the first place!

“SO THE AVGOLEMONO-OFF IS ON!”,SMILED NICK After a couple of weeks of emailing potential cooks and judges the event looked like a goer. Calls to potential contestants (mates) interstate yielded initial support and encouragement and the prospect of flying to Darwin for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and the Darwin Greek Glenti of course proved very tempting to most.

Invites went to Paul Satouris and Anna Frazis in Sydney, Nick Mitaros and Elle Mitaros in Perth (Nicks initial response.....you guys are heading for trouble ....as we all know everybody else’s Mother’s Avgolemono is the best!) also to Angelina Anictomatis in Sydney. Anna Mistilis expressed disappointment she could not make it. Athena Cureton was in Perth, Cristina Pantazis was in Melbourne and Roslyn Anictomatis was in New York! Emma Pantazis said “ Sorry - I’m organizing the Parap Village Arts Festival, while for Theo Kailis a response was simple – “I’m sending my Mama to claim the Cup!”

Game on!

Zealie Ainsworth was over in Bangkok and Will Hanigan was stuck in LA. Only Michael Tsakalakis from Perth made the journey to Darwin for the Greek Glenti and as such was entrusted as the surprise interstate judge for the Avgolemono-off. This after his initial response to an invite being: “who’s AVGOLEMONOFF? He sounds like a Russian spy!”

The event had now secured 5 Cooks: Nick Hanigan, Michael Canaris, Melissa Anictomatis Cabot, George Kamitsis and Paula Tsounias and has a Judging Panel including: Neville Pantazis, Terry Battalis and Michael Tsakalakis.

At 6pm sharp on the night of the event we were all set to commence with only one hic-up - a missing Michael Canaris! The Levendi was running late and rang to advise that he would be there in 10 min - he had had trouble finding short grain rice! He consequently had to bluff his way through the comp using long grain rice!

Tasting commenced by about 6.20pm, by which time the other contestants had all begun showing concern about their respective soups. Nick’s had starting set like a rizogalo and the others were all stressed about over heating.

The Judges were given a score-sheet and each Avgolemono, when ready, was numbered and served. At the end of tasting all 5 soups the scores were passed in and counted to reveal the Champion Avgalemono-off Cook for the Title in 2011.

The finalist was Paula Tsounias, beating her cousin Melissa Cabot by s measly .5 points (each cousin used the same recipe taught to them by the same Aunt). It was then Nick Hanigan followed by Michael Canaris and then George Kamitsis. George Kamitsis took it upon himself to protest his Avgolemono being beaten by Nick’s Rizogalo.

“ELLA VRE GEORGE TUKITEAZI MAAAAAAATE!” All in all, the first ever Avgalemono-off was a great success and it was interesting to see such variations in the interpretation of one dish.

“Just another day in Paradise up north,” exclaimed Neville at the end of a hard soup making day. “We hope you can join us in Darwin next year for the Greek Glenti and the AVGALEMONO-OFF National Title 2012, being hosted by this years winner Paula Tsounias @ Fannie Bay, Darwin NT.” Get in touch with OPA! if you would like to beat them at their own game in 2012!

39

KALI OREXI

EATS

PHIL VAKOS It was great to be able to head to down to iconic Melbourne eatery Philhellene and catch up with Philip Vakos, who shot to fame a couple of years back through Masterchef and has since never looked back. Having gone from strength to strength, Philip has quickly become a widely recognized face and in demand culinary giant in foodie circles nationally. This is what he had to say to OPA! Magazine.

KALI OREXI

EATS

AS LONG AS YOU HAVE GREEK FOOD, EVERYTHING WILL BE OK

S

elected in the Top 24 of Masterchef Australia 2010 and nominated for the Cleo Bachelor of the Year Award 2011, Philip’s visible traits are easy to spot. But this soulful chef runs a lot deeper than people may imagine. In an effort to please his family, he attended University and received a degree in accounting, then worked in the profession for four years. But the lure of the pungent spices and cherished dishes that his grandmother taught him to make as a child, just wouldn’t leave him be.

and knowledge of food. And when he’s not showcasing his cooking skills at an event, you can find him happily creating dishes at the in-demand Philhellene Provincial Greek Restaurant in Melbourne.

A good cook can be found easily enough, but a great chef with charisma enough to delight audiences, a heart that constantly seeks to give back to the community and a passion for food strong enough to cause him to abandon years of college education so he The scents and traditions of his grandmother’s cooking swirled around could cook, well…that only comes around once in a great while. him day after day, as he dutifully crunched away the numbers in his job.

He would go home at night and immediately begin creating gastronomic So tell us Phil, why a chef? I mean you are a qualified accountant, but delights, for the sheer fun of it. It was as if he never felt truly himself unless you have preferred to cook beans rather than count them… he was attending to his foodie instincts. So he decided to leave accounting I love food and have always had a love for food. It has been instilled in and has since entered the world as a professional chef, instructor and me by my family and my culture. Food is like art in many ways and is an speaker with great style. opportunity to express my creativity and passion in every other career path I have taken, I was never completely satisfied. Now that I have found my It all started with Masterchef Australia, but his career has evolved true calling as a chef, I feel as though I am finally honouring my aspirations. quickly. Philip has raised over $30,000 for charities such as the Make a Wish Foundation, A Fighting Chance and the National Breast Cancer Obviously life now is a little bit different to pre Masterchef, tell us what Foundation. He devotes his own time and skills to the Kitchen Garden it was like then as compared to now.

Foundation, where he interacts with kids in community programs by Life before my Masterchef experience was a complete contrast to where I am now and what path I wanted to follow. I felt pressured by expectaputting on cooking classes. tions to become an Accountant where I ended up working days in the In addition to charitable events, Philip has delighted audiences with office as an Accountant and would then experiment until all hours in the cooking demonstrations that show off his mastery of Greek cuisine at high kitchen at night, to satisfy my appetite to cook. I lived in Tasmania where profile events & venues such as Pooley’s Vineyard Tasmania, Antipodes I grew up inspired by the passion and cooking flair of my Grandmothers Greek Festival, the Sustainable Living Expo, the Melbourne Food and and fascination with fresh produce that I would typically discover in my Grandfather’s backyard hot houses.

Wine Festival and the Lewis Marine Boat Show.

Since my participation on the show ended, I have moved to Melbourne, Philip has also hosted special food segments on Tasmania’s SEA Fm leaving my career in Accounting behind. I have been fortunate to particiradio, where he satisfied listeners’ auditory palates with his passion pate in some amazing events, where I have hosted cooking demonstrations

42

KALI OREXI

EATS

“Life before Masterchef was a complete contrast to where I am now and the path I wanted to follow.”

and classes. I am now working as a chef in my cousin’s provincial Greek restaurant, Philhellene, where I have the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of ingredients and putting a modern twist on some classic recipes. Whether I am in the kitchen or hosting on the floor, I like to create a memorable dining experience for customers. Melbourne is the biggest food capital in Australia and since moving, I have been fortunate with appearance and brand ambassador opportunities.

Your love of cooking and Greek flavours is already legendary, Tell us a bit more about this fascination with unique flavours I love sourcing nontraditional ingredients that are rarely used in dishes.

I love experimenting with ingredients such as mastic and native Greek truffles, to inject a unique flavor into a dish that is typically established.

My mastic white chocolate and Athens Lager ice cream, served with lokoumathes, had diners raising eyebrows for all the right reasons.

Greek cuisine is often regarded as the poor cousin of Italian cuisine, is Greek cuisine sexy?

Greek cuisine is sexy because it’s healthy, tasty and makes you feel good about yourself. That’s what’s important to me and what I look for in a dining experience.

What makes you and your style of cooking unique?

I haven’t followed the traditional career path of a chef so I am not bound by traditional methods, techniques or recipes. A wise man once told me,”Cook from the heart and the rest will take part.”

That George Calombaris knows a thing or two with such great advice.

Finally Phil, what plans do you have for the future?

Armed with experience and determination to spread my wings as a chef and restaurateur, I have my eyes set on my own restaurant. I look forward to the opportunity to inject concepts from my inspirations and business brainstorming. In 5 years time, I would like to own my own restaurant and have my own cooking show, where I can inspire audiences with my passion and culinary journey. It would be great to get back onto Masterchef, however, this time as an established chef in one of the celebrity chef challenges. In 15 years time, I would like to own several successful restaurants and run cooking classes to educate the community on healthy cooking and the benefits on a healthy lifestyle. Hopefully by then I’d like to be happily married with children of my own, that I can pass on my passion for cooking that was passed on to me from my Grandparents.

Phillip’s belief that as long as you have good Greek food everything will be fine, is perhaps an attitude we should all aspire to. Dolmades anyone?

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LIFTING THE VEIL

There was a time where no-one could even consider voicing views on these subjects for fear of being burnt at the stake but thank God thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changed!

A New Paradigm by Lenita Vangellis

I

’ve always considered myself a researcher of truth. Way back in my childhood I could never really accept the explanations I was given as to life’s big questions - and believe me, I was full of them. I couldn’t accept the ‘It’s just the way it is’ mentality.

Somewhere deep inside the core of my being so much didn’t resonate with Truth. I instinctively felt there was a whole universe beyond what I could touch, taste, smell, see or hear.

or the shifts occurring on our planet today and how that affects us, I’m most often faced with intrigued looks and wide-eyed stares.

There was a time where no-one could even consider voicing views on these subjects for fear of being burnt at the stake but thank God that’s changed!

To me and the people close to me it’s become the norm and nothing out of the ordinary, but for most it’s ‘what are you talking about?...

Tell me more.’

We can no longer plead ignorance about any issue relating to the Soul’s journey. Information and knowledge are all around us, especially with the Worldwide Web. We don’t need to meet in secret societies to have access to ancient truths, nor to be covert in our The time had arrived for me to confront every conscious and search after these truths. unconscious program I had in place. Every belief that shaped my reality floated to the surface, allowing me to see truth more clearly. Why are we now, at this point in time, finally entertaining the One by one the veils started to lift and I felt lighter and freer. Finally possibility of a MIND-BODY-SOUL connection? the answers to all my questions were being answered and a new, We are living in extremely challenging, unprecedented times in exciting chapter began. human evolution. People all over this planet are desperate to know if there is more than we have been programmed to believe as our ‘reality.’

The journey is exhilarating and challenging and continues each day that passes. To say I’m in awe is an understatement. Observing the Could our ‘reality’ in fact be an illusion? perfection of all that is leaves me wide - eyed with amazement. The Are we witnessing a mass awakening of the human race? inter-connectedness of all life forces one to look closely at each action I would like to invite you on a journey which offers other possibilities…… and consciously start making choices for the highest good of all.

I have worn identity labels as model, actor, singer, songwriter, Spirituality, metaphysics and esoteric wisdom is not a path for artist, poet, mother and wife, all of which were superseded the weird ones outside society who burn incense and chant ‘OM’ in the moment I remembered who I really AM. I never all day; questions surrounding our spirituality and existence really liked labels anyway... they have a tendency to stick. affect all of us, every day, whether we are conscious of it or not.

In my late twenties the hinges on Pandora’s Box started to rattle and by my mid thirties the box exploded with, amongst other things, a spontaneous psychic awakening. Approaching my mid - life point and four kids later the universe decided to serve me up a tidal wave guaranteed to shake and turn my life upside down! And that it did.

As you can see, I have no letters after my name, nor recognised qualifications that place me on a pedestal, so I can deliver a message from a higher vantage point than you, the reader. That I believe is deliberate, for I am you and you are me and my intention is to unify, not separate. The days of the guru are over, we no longer need to be led: we allow miracles to come through to us in the knowledge that we are each our own guiding light.

Although I’ve been assisting people as an Energetic Practitioner for over eight years now I refuse to be labelled and thereby limit my limitless, expanding nature. If I had to choose a label I was comfortable with it would have to be Lightworker. A lightworker is: someone who recognises that he or she is divine light, consciously working and co-creating towards a New Earth from a place of unconditional love: one who acknowledges that they have a sacred mission and is acutely aware of the power of their thoughts and their effect on matter: one who feels they are in service to a grand plan for this planet.

This article explores the possibility of other realities through my eyes and those of the amazing people who have crossed my path, lovingly sharing their wisdom and insights and changing my life forever.

JOY, LOVE and ABUNDANCE are our divine birthright: but why are so many of us disconnected from that reality?

My crazy life in the suburbs with a big family doesn’t give me the luxury of uninterrupted meditation whilst burning incense on a mountain top. I couldn’t just take off and head for the highlands in Tibet to Eat, Pray and Love. I had to find all the answers within. My geographical location and circumstantial reality could not be used an excuse to keep me disconnected from my spirit any longer.

So often people refer to spirituality as something outside of who they are...’I don’t have time to meditate ... I’d love to get into that fascinating stuff...’ It is in the everyday that we have opportunities to awaken to truth and finally remember who we really are. Spirit is what we are, magnificent, energetic beings that have a vehicle (body) on loan for In my life I come into contact with people from all walks of life and different periods of time to experience this plane. So many have the thing that strikes me most in conversation is how their eyes light bought into the ‘I’m only human’ program, and limit themselves up when I share an alternative viewpoint to their reality. and their magnificence in doing so. We are spirit having a human experience, not humans trying to be spiritual! We are powerful Whether I’m talking about meditation, vibrational healing, past lives creators and our creations are only limited by our own imagination,

The vibration of Love empowers... Fear disempowers.....Love is expansion....Fear is restriction... thoughts and beliefs. The only reason we aren’t walking on water is because we don’t believe we can.

“Everything is perfect and as it should be” has been my mantra over the last ten years, and I have managed to maintain the vibration of these words through some of the most challenging adversities.

When everything is going smoothly in one’s life it is very easy to say these words and feel them to be true: but when we truly know that everything really is perfect and as it should be, we are able to see a bigger picture unfolding even when we are faced with crises.

For all the sceptics out there, Science is finally converging with spirituality and acknowledging love as a measurable phenomenon.

Gregg Braden, a visionary who has been at the forefront of bridging Science and Spirituality, says: ’All adversity is an opportunity to show our mastery... We are all masters suffering from amnesia. The moment we were born into a world of fear our power was forgotten. Our hard drives were infiltrated and fear - based software was downloaded.’

multi-sensory, multi-dimensional beings of light. Everything is changing, even our physiology. Every one of us is being affected by the influx of energy pouring onto our beautiful Mother Earth.

We are experiencing the closing of a grand cycle of 26 000 years on Earth and as members of the human race we are being presented with the rare opportunity to tune into a level that was previously accessible to very few. Unconditional love and joy, unity, reverence for all life forms, the end of polarity, good and bad, dark and light...all transmuted into oneness and all that is. The time is NOW. Each of us can embrace the magnificence of who we really are, reclaiming our divinity with grace.

Silencing our minds and travelling into the recesses of our hearts is the hardest journey we’ll ever take. Releasing our need for personal power, becoming fully accountable for all our actions and thoughts, eventually clears all victim consciousness from our electromagnetic fields. As we begin to step beyond the realm Love is a frequency, a vibration. It is a very high vibration, and looks of self-obsession we will ultimately be led to the doorway of very different on a graph to the lower frequency of fear. In every compassion and begin to finally see and know our own magnificence. moment of our lives we create from one of these two frequencies and most people do not realise just how much fear - programming they This is a time for truth and integrity. It is calling all of us to honour have running their show. You don’t need to be a quantum physicist to ourselves through and through. It is a time to pave our own path with know the difference. If you are feeling light and joyful and everything honesty, boldness and belief. The journey is exciting and challenging! is flowing positively in your life, regardless of how it might seem to I am grateful for every opportunity to show my mastery… and in the others, then Love is what is steering your ship. If you feel restriction, words of Gregg Braden, we’ve only just begun ‘walking between the sadness, depression, anger and in fact any negativity at all, rest assured worlds!’ Hold on… it’s going to be quite a ride!

Captain Fear is in the driver’s seat. The vibration of Love empowers...

Fear disempowers.....Love is expansion....Fear is restriction...

Sending love, light and infinite blessings to all!

Something is occurring on our planet and it is indeed a pivotal moment in Earth’s history. We are moving from being five sensory humans living a linear time space reality to becoming

Lenita

DOLLARS&SENSE B.O.C.A

The current situation Online accounts are all the rage, but have you really checked the benefits?

If you want online banking plus a competitive interest rate - Bank of Cyprus Australia’s MIDAS Account is the account for you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PRODUCTS

AAND lotSERVICES is happening CALL 1300 660 550in OR Greece at the VISIT BANKOFCYPRUS.COM.AU moment, but what is the situation like for the only Hellenic owned bank in Australia? Bank of Cyprus Australia Managing Director George Tacticos talks to OPA!

In the last 12 months we have opened 3 branches and are We meet George in the higher levels of looking to add another 2 very soon”, adds George.

Melbourne’s Rialto Towers–an iconic landmark that among other things, is also the Australian If Greece was to default, what would that mean for home of Bank of Cyprus Australia. It’s national Bank of Cyprus Australia? head office operates out of the impressive If Greece defaults, the repercussions will be felt around North Tower.

41st floor of the Online banking has changed the way we bank, allowing total 24/7 control our finances, Europe and the world, not just of in Greece or Cyprus. The fact but how many online accounts offer competitive interest? that we operate independently of our parent company and Opulent marble and designer couches greet you when you

T

enter the Corporate reception and the breathtaking view of the bay from the gleaming floor to ceiling windows is anything HE BANK OF CYPRUS AUSTRALIA’S but ordinary.

MIDAS ACCOUNT GIVES A HIGH INTEREST RATE aWITH The serenity and beauty seems contrastONLINE to what is ACCESS TO YOUR happening in Europe at the momentFUNDS and this 24/7. is what we are THIS MEANS YOU CAN TRANSFER here to talk about.

ANYTIME WITHOUT AFFECTING YOUR RATE AND “First ofARE all, NO let me clarify toKEEPING people that Bank of Cyprus THERE ACCOUNT FEES. Australia is a subsidiary of Bank of Cyprus. We operate our own bank, right here in Australia, employing Australians and are governed by Australian laws and regulations”, says George.

“You will be pleased to know that money raised in Australian dollars stays in Australia to fund local and domestic activities.

Our parent company is Bank of Cyprus which remains the largest financial institution in Cyprus and has a presence in five continents, employing over 12,000 people”, he continues.

“In Australia, we are performing very well, and in the last three years alone our customer base has grown by 26 per cent.

have strong liquidity and secure capital means we are in a very good place.

The Cypriots are also taking measures to further safeguard their books and are battening down the hatches to weather this storm.

Bank of Cyprus has been around for 112 years, George adds.

It has survived two world wars, an invasion, the depression and so many other trying times.

With that in mind our responsibility is to maintain our conservative approach to banking which has served the entire network of Bank of Cyprus well over the last century.

What about customers–is their money secure?

Bank of Cyprus Australia operates independently of it’s European parent company and all other international banks.

For this reason, and the fact that we are in a very strong position of growth, we can assure each and every customer that their money is as secure with us as it is with any other Australian bank, concludes George.

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KINOTITA PINK COCKTAI:

PINK COCKTAIL GROUP T

he Pink Cocktail Group is a small band of friends who have, in one way or another, all been touched by breast cancer. Some of them are breast cancer survivors. Some have watched those close to them suffer with this disease. And some of them have lost a dear relative to breast cancer. “We are all strongly connected to each other, either as sisters, daughters, koumbares or friends.”

is projected to be twenty two per cent higher than in 2006, with an estimated 15,409 women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing, but with continued support and funding from organisations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, improvements in research mean that survival rates are on the rise. Research is the only way to save lives.

They have used their strong bond to forge a group called the Pink Cocktail How the Pink Cocktail Group was formed Group, with the aim of raising much needed funds for the National Breast Betty Gregoriades, the founder of the Pink Cocktail Group, is a breast Cancer Foundation. cancer survivor. After the initial fear and pain of being diagnosed with breast cancer, she decided to have a little afternoon tea at her house to raise money for research into breast cancer. This little afternoon About the National Breast Cancer Foundation The National Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community-funded tea soon turned into a much bigger event once her sisters and friends national organisation in Australia raising money for research into the rallied around her, wanting to help. And so the Pink Cocktail Group was prevention and cure of breast cancer. formed. Its eleven members are: Betty Gregoriades, Amalia Zaharias, Alex Metax, Stella Shiamaris, Andria Anastasiou, Zoe Anastasiou, Loula Kabylakis, Kathy Morris, Mary Curtis, Mary Drakopoulos Some key statistics on breast cancer: • Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in and Jana Tsioukis. We are all from varied backgrounds and bring to the group different skills and talents which complement each other.

Australia.

• One in nine women will be diagnosed with the disease by the age of 85.

• Currently thirty six women in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer At the age of nineteen, Zoe Anastasiou is the youngest member of the every day. group. While other girls of her age may spend their time in other ways, • Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, Zoe chooses to attend meetings with her mum, auntie, godmother and the other women in the Pink Cocktail group, contributing her time and accounting for twenty eight per cent of all cancer diagnoses in 2006.

• The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia talents to help a good cause. ‘Being involved in this committee has opened increased from 5,289 in 1982 to 12,614 in 2006. my eyes. I was amazed by people’s generosity and willingness to help this • By 2015, the number of new breast cancer cases among women wonderful cause. It has truly been a rewarding experience knowing that

48

the funds we are raising are going towards saving people’s lives. I feel the younger generations have a responsibility to try and help find a cure as we are the generation who are going to be most affected and benefit from finding a cure. I have witnessed the effect of breast cancer on people close to my family and this has made me more aware of how breast cancer can strike anywhere – it does not discriminate. I don’t want the women of my generation to be affected by breast cancer or to suffer from this disease.’

The Pink Cocktail Group’s Cocktail Party 2010

The Pink Cocktail Group held its inaugural event on 26th November 2010. The event was a cocktail party which was made possible through the generosity of Sam Curtis, Chief Executive and Dealer Principal of 3 Point Motors Mercedes Benz, who offered their new showroom as a venue. Members spent three months planning their event, gathering donations and seeking sponsorships. It was attended by close to 400 people, including many corporate guests, and raised over $45,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The sponsors who made it possible in 2010

The Pink Cocktail Group members were truly overwhelmed by the level of support they received from so many different people.

Companies like Britex and Dynamo House offered generous gifts for our gift bags and silent auctions. They had amazing invitations, posters and tickets, designed by the talented Mary Georgiev from Imagine Creative. Classic Colour Copying printed all the invitations, flyers and tickets free of charge. Tassa Poupouzas from Nikos Quality Cakes became a tireless supporter, seeking donations from her many contacts and suppliers as well as providing numerous cakes and sweets on the night, all decorated in pink! Other companies like Ray White, Barry Plant, Adriatic furniture, Arthur G, and Melbourne Victory also provided generous support.

Tragedy strikes

her battle with breast cancer. This devastated Betty, Amalia and Alex and for a while the rest of the team lost their impetus in the midst of all this grief. But much to the credit of the ‘Neofytou’ sisters, they became even more determined to keep working on raising funds for research into breast cancer. So out of inconsolable grief and loss was born a new determination to keep going and plan something even bigger for 2011 to raise more funds, in the hope that one day they would help prevent sons and daughters and future generations from experiencing such grief and loss.

The plan for 2011

This year we have already held one function, in conjunction with Oakleigh Soccer Club, who approached them to join forces in an effort to raise funds.

Due to the generosity of Kinisi Nightclub a very successful and enjoyable evening was held attended by approximately 200 guests. Over $9,000 fwas raised for research into breast cancer.

But the main focus is on the Gala Dinner to be held on 3rd September 2011 at the magnificent Leonda by the Yarra. Members have been working hard, meeting fortnightly to ensure the success of this function, where they hope to have 500 corporate and individual guests.

Tickets are $165 per person, and offer canapés on arrival, a sumptuous three course meal, beer ,wine and soft drinks. Guests will be entertained by amazing rock band Code One, who will encourage them to dance the night away. The evening promises to be a lot of fun, filled with entertainment, surprises, prizes and much more! Through the fun, we also hope to raise awareness about breast cancer and raise much needed funds for research.

This year’s major sponsors

This year we have again been extremely fortunate to secure the generous support of five major sponsors: 3 POINT MOTORS MERCEDES BENZ; BRITEX; J B WERE; ADRIATIC FURNITURE AND HOLMESGLEN.

Very soon after the function in 2010, while we were buoyed up by the These sponsors have contributed significant funds to ensure the function is success and ready to plan the next function, tragedy struck. The mother a financial success. They are currently seeking further donations of prizes of three of the Pink Cocktail Group women, Kostantina Neofytou, lost they can use in the live and silent auctions.

49

ISTORIA HISTORY

Quotes from members of the Pink Cocktail Group

‘I have come a long way since I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Cancer has taught

Unfortunately we lost our mother after battling the disease for 6 years at Christmas time 2010.

me to live my life, not just to exist. I learnt things about myself that make me feel good,

However I do know my sister who has an unrelated breast cancer has the strength, determination

that I CAN be strong and resilient, but also learned how fragile and imperfect life can be.

and love and support that she needs to live a long and healthy life.

I would like to commend my support group, my dear friends, who have stood by me, and

Betty wanted to devote her spare time to contributing in some way that would help find a cure

together formed tThe Pink Cocktail Group’. Each and every one of us in this group, has special

for a disease that affects so many women and men around the world. She formed the Pink

qualities needed and we have worked tirelessly to put these events together. I am proud to be

Cocktail Group in 2010 with 10 other women who are her sisters, extended family members and

associated with such amazing women.

best friends. They each form an important part in her life and I know this helps her immensely to cope with her disease and divert her attention. I am so proud of my sister and what she

We raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which is the only organisation raising funds for research into breast cancer. Since its formation in 1994, the Foundation has

stands for and how she motivates and supports those she loves.’

awarded more than $80,000,000 through a peer review process to more than 256 research

Amalia Zaharias

projects across the breast cancer continuum. This includes two recently announced $5million,

‘I was devastated to hear that 2 of my closest friends, Betty Gregoriades (my koumbara)

five year collaborative grants.

and Mary Curtis were both diagnosed with breast cancer within the same year. No words can express the feelings of despair and helplessness that you feel at times

The NBCF is only in a position to be able to do this because of generous efforts of people like

like that. You want to help them, and take their pain away, and of course you can’t.

ourselves, and the support we receive from those willing to make donations to minimize costs associated with our events. We are proud that Australian researchers funded by the Foundation

So when Betty decided to do some fundraising for the National Breast Cancer Foundation,

are recognized internationally as leaders in the field.

of course I jumped on board. The whole experience of working with these 10 other amazing women has been most empowering. It has made us all feel that we can contribute, we can

Despite excellent gains in this field, there is still much to be done.

make a difference, and we can show our friends, that out of their pain, something positive and worthwhile can be created.

Betty Gregoriades ‘It is the worst news you could ever receive, that your mother has breast cancer. But then to

The group has forged bonds that has made us all stronger and united. Since the formation of our

receive yet again the news that your sister has breast cancer, well that is just too much to cope

group, yet another one of my friends has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This has cemented

with. Your immediate feeling is shock, anxiety and sorrow.

my conviction that what we are doing is of paramount importance, and hopefully will make a difference to the field of research into breast cancer.’ Stella Shiamaris

It never entered my mind that either one of them wouldn’t get through it. Our mother was an amazing woman. She was so positive, strong and never had a feeling of defeat. She had an amazing support group having six children and 17 grandchildren and all contributing in some way to help her cope with her disease. Our mother was cured for 3 years until it returned once again to find her battling this dreaded disease but this time a little weaker. It was then contained for a further two years however she now battled the disease alongside her daughter Betty who had also been diagnosed with breast cancer. Their strength and determination, along with the love and support they received helped these two amazing women get through this traumatic period.

sa Papouzas Sam Curtis and Tas

Betty Gregoriades and Mary Curtis -2 of the members of the group and breast cancer survirors

Where were you when the fitness world changed?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.â&#x20AC;? - D.H. Lawrence

KHEIRON’S CORNER

HEALTH

Nick Raftopoulos with George Papandreou at the opening of the Fitness Training Centre in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Athens.

O

ver the years as a physical trainer in Australia and abroad Nick Raftopoulos has been fortunate enough to meet a range of people. Despite their background and lifestyle, the fitness goals of most are closely aligned; lose weight, get fit and look good!

I have introduced a new program at my fitness studio in Melbourne’s leafy suburb Kew, Studio Movida, which is modeled on the raw training of ancient Spartans in the Agoge. Think kettle bells, roman rings, heavy clubs, sand bags and self-defense. Now that’s a challenge! I have witnessed many gym buffs fall to pieces within minutes as their inability The majority also shared other similarities in their training. They lost to adapt to changing weights, times and movements becomes a reality. motivation quickly, had trouble achieving their goals and generally weren’t satisfied with their results. So where does it all go wrong? Of course there The following are two of our most popular programs at Studio Movida: Both is no quick fix to health and fitness and the importance of a good diet and programs provide a stable base to pursue other sports and fitness regimes. exercise regime cannot be underestimated. However, l am a strong believer that the answer lies in each of our intentions and our personal definition The Art of Pilates of fitness. It has to be deeper than a fad or a look.

The Pilates Method of body conditioning promotes physical harmony and balance for people of all ages and physical conditions while providing a When starting a new exercise regime, what you say doesn’t matter, it’s what refreshing and energising workout. Regardless of your current level of you do that counts. Committing to a gym membership is a good start but fitness - the Pilates Method can be your primary mode of body conditionit’s not enough. Make a deal with yourself, the one who stands to benefit ing and injury prevention. Joseph Pilates designed more than 500 specific from all the hard work. Commit to a number of sessions per week and exercises. Instead of performing many repetitions of each exercise, Pilates make it a realistic goal rather than an ideal one. You don’t want to lose preferred fewer, more precise movements, requiring proper control and motivation before you start. Then be consistent with your training. Next form. comes a system of accountability. What is going to be the consequence if you miss a session? Run in the rain for an hour, do the dishes for a week Your mind is required to engage with your body to perform the movements or mow the lawn. It sounds extreme. It is! If there isn’t a consequence correctly, you experience a new awareness of muscle function and control. then it becomes too easy to put our exercise regime back on the shelf and The ‘powerhouse or T-line’ - abdomen, lower back, and buttocks - is call on it after a big Saturday night or as new years resolution. supported and strengthened, enabling the rest of the body to move freely.

Fitness isn’t always the image you see staring back at you in the mirror.

The mirror sometimes lies. Fitness and true health is not just about a good physique. What happened to training for life, having the strength and endurance both physically and mentally to overcome everyday obstacles? Physical training not only develops muscle memory, it also leaves a psychological imprint. Therefore, the harder you train, the deeper the imprint. It is this that we should pursue rather than the illusion of fitness because from this we draw our confidence. The bi-product of this journey is weight loss, muscle gain and all the benefits that are associated with exercise. To achieve this, store your views of training from yesteryear along with the leg-warmers, and open your mind to new training styles and modes. Vary your training to keep it interesting and challenge yourself.

Spartan Training is targeted at individuals. To participate one must be ready to suffer, to throw oneself into the abyss not knowing what one will find. But be excited nonetheless to test yourself, to change and adapt. The training will expose you, highlight your weaknesses, however, it will also enlighten you. You will develop through your training, you will not appear fit; you will be fit! Not everyone is cut from the same cloth. Not everyone will like what they find, but there are those of us who will be driven by the result and the inevitability that change and growth is essential for life. This will not only create a positive effect in your training, but also in your mental state.

Our objective is genuine fitness and mental strength, not the appearance of either...

53

BY MARINIS PIRPIRIS

A

S I SIT behind a desk, a little more time poor

proximately 45km from Marathon to Athens to carry

appear to have had a lower death rate than those who

than the previous week, it is not uncommon

news of the Greek victory at Marathon over the Persians,

exercised vigorously.

for me to stare out from my rooms at the

the outcome was not so good – he died, on the spot, of

Epworth Hospital in Richmond and gaze at

‘exhaustion!’

The concept of sudden death during a run sent a shiver through me. Whilst I understand that one in 15,000 may

the sun setting on the MCG. As I sit there staring across at the city, I imagine a whole raft of people – you – also

So how commonly is running associated with the ultimate

not be a high risk – the risk of death by accident at home

staring into the distance and lamenting the time when the

of poor outcomes – sudden death ? In a somewhat more

is one in 7,100 - what is an acceptable risk? The recent

work day finished around 3:30 pm and there was time for

recent Detroit marathon/half marathon race three

events in Japan bring this point to the fore, as the risk of

exercise. During one of these evenings a work colleague,

runners, aged 26, 36 and 65, died within 16 minutes of

death from a nuclear power accident is one in 10,000,000

Martin, also working late, smilingly commented: ‘…sleep

each other in the same race. Well, I suppose it is not

– a seemingly minimal risk - until the inevitable happens.

is for wimps…and running is bad for you!’

all that surprising when one considers Paul Thompson

No wonder I chose to explore the risk of sudden death

MD’s thoughts on the matter. He has suggested that the

a little further!

He startled me back into consciousness as I typed

chances of sudden death in runners is about one in every

‘running’ and ‘bad for you’ into one of my favourite search

15,000 to 18,000 exercisers per year, with one death

The most common cause of sudden cardiac death in

engines. Within an instant I was overwhelmed by the

per 17,000 men who exercise vigorously one to nineteen

athletes is a condition known as hypertrophic car-

response. A mere 741 million hits – an overwhelming

minutes per week, one death per 23,000 in men who

diomyopathy. It is an inherited condition which leads

amount of data that was not only unfiltered, but a little

exercise vigorously 20 to 139 minutes per week and one

to an enlarged, thickened heart with interruption of

terrifying.

death per 13,000 in men who exercise vigorously 140 or

blood supply to the heart during periods of significant

more minutes per day. So it seems there may have been

exercise. It is a condition that can be diagnosed by a

So is running bad for you? Well for poor Pheidippides

some merit in Martin’s throwaway comment. Amongst

suitably qualified medical practitioner and measures

in 490BC in the well-known story where he ran ap-

Thompson’s cohort, those who hardly did any exercise

taken to minimise its effects. The second most common

KHEIRON’S CORNER

HEALTH

KHEIRON’S KORNER is here for you the OPA! Reader. Please send in your health questions and our team of professionals will do their best to address them and respond in future issues of OPA! Magazine:

health@opamagazine.com.au

cause of sudden death in athletes is an irregularity of the

trainer/motivational speaker who is happy to work in

people to be inactive - i.e. not exercise and not run.

heartbeat or arrhythmia. The irregularity may be induced

with your multidisciplinary approach to health. In this

In the UK alone it is thought that one in six adults is

by exercise or significant exertion and can lead to a heart

way running may be both fun and safe.

physically inactive – probably not dissimilar rates to

attack. A suitably qualified medical practitioner can also

those in Australia. And, if this is not enough for you to be

diagnose the condition and take appropriate measures

In fact, as a controlled exercise, running probably has

concerned, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2008

to treat the condition. So I suppose the simple message

many social and physical benefits. Running can be

estimated that, worldwide, 1.5 billion adults older than

is that just as a car requires a regular ‘tune-up’ at the

socially rewarding. It improves one’s sense of well-being.

20 were overweight. Of these, nearly 200 million men

mechanic’s, and just as we often ‘service’ our car prior to

It can provide a point of discussion amongst colleagues

and 300 million women were obese. I was almost blown

long trips across Australia, our bodies are also in need of

and fellow runners. It can lead to healthy friendships in

away. It is not a far stretch of the imagination to conclude

a periodic tune-up. A thorough medical assessment, with

the gym and within the various running groups. Family

that the lack of running (activity) is in some way related

sound advice from experts on their fields – i.e. sports

and friends are known to provide more support to individ-

to increasing global ‘fat’ levels.So how did I compare?

physicians, or sports physiotherapists - prior to actioning

uals as they undertake more physical activity. It may also

I needed to know. I searched for a BMI or Body Mass

the impulse to ‘get fit’ is a must. Do not be sucked in by

reduce sedentary behaviours that lead to weight gaining

Index calculator on the web. The BMI is a proxy-measure

trainers espousing ‘pain is gain.‘ Avoid an accelerated

behaviours – the advert break ‘comfort snack’ at home.

for body fat based on one’s weight and height. Like me,

entry into exercise/running programs designed for the

Running can also help improve cardiovascular fitness and

you can take your weight in kilograms and divide it by

Special Forces. Visit your general practitioner and have

physical well-being. It can lead to better sleep patterns

your height in metres squared. The results…I will keep

a health check. Request a referral to a sports physician

and an improved sense of functioning throughout the

mine to myself! However if you are interested in how

for some sound advice on an exercise/running program

day. It is not uncommon for people who run or exercise

you compare, you should know that 18.5 - 25 is normal;

that suits your body’s make-up. Start slowly. Find a

to be more productive and successful in the workplace.

obesity begins at 30 and gross obesity at approximately

sports physiotherapist to monitor and supervise your progress towards a healthier you. And find yourself a

40. The missing interval, i.e.25.1 - 29.9, is obviously Unfortunately there is an increasing tendency for

overweight! Where do you fit? Worldwide obesity has 55

doubled since 1980. It is therefore not surprising that our

joints harm? Will we wear them out prematurely?

exercise assessment, should I run? There are substantial

parks and gardens are no longer full of people exercising

It would only seem natural that our joints, like any

health benefits conferred by a combination of running

during the week and on weekends.

other mechanical part in nature, are rated to certain

and a normal BMI – especially when combined with not

loads prior to failure. However our joints have been

smoking and minimising alcohol. Furthermore, there

So who cares? A few extra kilos…solid bones…more to

designed with the ability to grow during childhood and

are health benefits to controlled exercise and running

love! Life is too busy to run ! Well, BMI is a risk factor

adolescence, and to mature with age. Our joints are

in people with diabetes and high blood pressure. So

for cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes)

exposed to certain physiological stresses on a day to

please start running. If you have not run for a while,

musculoskeletal diseases (arthritis) and some cancers

day basis, such as walking, running and jumping, and

start with a brisk walk. Aim to set aside some time each

(endometrial and colonic). It has been a little too long

we accept that the joints are able to withstand certain

day to run. Change into your training gear. Start feeling

since ‘Norm’ and the ‘Life be in it’ message of 1975 was

levels of exertion. There is ample animal laboratory

good about yourself. Find a buddy who is able to run

a common theme on our television screens. The program

data to support the fact that loads applied at a controlled

with you. Over the course of a few weeks to months aim

promoted activity. It was established in Victoria in 1975

rate akin to these activities are easily handled by our

for a medium-intensity exercise program of at least 20

and adopted by the Federal Government in 1978. Most

cartilage. Bad luck for Martin. However, we are also

minutes per day on five days per week – i.e walk briskly

of us would remember the advert campaigns of the

aware that there are ‘unsafe’ ranges of force in animals.

for 20 minutes on two or three of the days per week, and

1970s – ‘Life…be in it today…live more of your life.’ In

While low and moderate running can have beneficial

jog for 20 minutes on two other occasions. If 20 minutes

fact WHO was so concerned by the ‘epidemic’ that it

effects on cartilage, high volume running leads to

is too much, especially at the start, break it up into five

developed the 2008-2013 Action Plan global strategy

changes in cartilage, not dissimilar to the changes that

or ten minute blocks and build towards the 20 minutes.

for the prevention and control of non-communicable

occur in early arthritis. But what about human data?

And if you have children or dependents, make it fun and

diseases to help people cope with these lifelong illnesses

Interestingly, there is little data to support that running

take them along on weekends as there is evidence that

and hopefully prevent future secondary complications.

is bad. There is also little data that high intensity running

school children who run and exercise may have a lower

The plan includes exercise!!!

causes arthritis. The two studies that provided any strong

increase in BMI over time.

data on this association suggested that very high volume So, if we minimise the risks of a ‘sudden death’ episode

running (20 and 65 miles per week respectively - wow!)

So I would suggest that running, at least at low or

and get a clean bill of health from the doctor, will

was correlated with the presence of arthritis. That

medium intensity, is not bad for you. It does not

the twinges, aches and cramps that we are sure to

counted me out of this study!

necessarily lead to either an increased risk of death

experience be a sign of impending arthritis? Or is our

or an increased rate of arthritis. Make sure that your

athletic gene pool being awakened from the depth of

Unlike me, for the mere mortal the human studies

approach is multidisciplinary and includes your general

the primordial swamp into which we have once again

support the fact that running is not bad for you.

practitioner, sports physician, physiotherapist and

begun to slump?

Changes of arthritis in joints, as assessed by X-rays,

sports trainer. Ensure you have appropriate running

seem to develop at a similar rate in both runners and

attire and a safe running program. Wear appropriate

The ability of our joints to withstand force is dependent

non-runners. BMI and previous injury to the joint seem

footwear. If you need orthotics, ensure that you also

on a number of factors. The cartilage itself is a living

to be more strongly related to the X-ray presence of

have a pair in your running shoes. Wear clothing ap-

structure with biomechanical properties. It is composed

arthritis in joints than running. Furthermore, of all the

propriate to the weather. Prevention is better than

of cells lying within a matrix of collagen, elastin, water

running activities and sports it seems that, if you are

cure for chafing (lycra may be your friend, especially in

and specialised proteins. This provides the cartilage-

going to get arthritis, it is more likely to occur in cutting

those early days where those thigh folds may be a little

which lines all our joints- with its inherent ability to

sports such as soccer and football than in straight line

wider than you think). Ensure you set some goals and

deform, absorb force, and recoil back to its original

running sports such as running. So perhaps that notion

ensure that you have a way of quantifying those goals.

shape. So should we fear the pain? We grow up to

of a last fling at representative soccer after a 15 year

So friends … running is not bad for you…we just have

associate pain with injury and harm. Are we doing the

lay-off is not as good as it seems. So after that pre-

to make time for it!

PROFIL

PROFIL

OPA’S MIKE SWEET TAKES TIME OUT AT DUNDAS PLACE CAFE, ALBERT PARK, TO SHARE A TABLE FOR TWO WITH THE AUTHOR OF ‘MY GREEK KITCHEN’, MELBOURNE’S MARY VALLE. 57

Mary Valle’s love for the food her mother cooked inspired her to write down the recipes and memories to share them with her own family. Snapped up by publisher New Holland, it became her first cookbook, now jumping off the shelves of bookshops across Australia.

Mike Sweet catches up with the author of MY GREEK KITCHEN. It’s a bit too nippy to sit at an outside table in late June, so we opt for a table by the window at the cosy Dundas Place Café in Melbourne’s Albert Park. It’s the perfect spot for a light lunch, conversation and seriously good coffee.

Before getting down to the interview we peruse the specials on the blackboard. Perhaps a Black Angus steak sandwich with rocket and onion in a peppercorn sauce, or risotto with lamb and honey soy, grilled onions and spinach? We decide to share: Antipasto with grilled eggplant and zucchini, olives, cold meats, roasted red peppers, goats cheese with toasted herb bread and pesto, a Greek salad with chicken (what other salad could we have chosen?!), and Napoli meatballs with a fresh tomato sauce.

Having lunch with the writer of a new and successful cookbook just gives you that extra dimension when swapping notes on the success of a dish you’re about to tuck into. Mary Valle’s

experience of good food started as a child in her mum’s kitchen, as she recounts in the introduction to the book that has recently launched this mum of four into the world of food publishing: “My fondest memories of growing up in Melbourne are those of laughter, conversation with loved ones and enjoying food in a warm loving home.

I remember our tiny kitchen, decorated with lace tablecloths and vases filled with flowers from our garden. A corner of the kitchen was set aside for my mother’s Greek Orthodox icons, where she would light a tiny candle on Sundays and festive days.” It was in the mid-1950s that Mary’s parents came to Melbourne from Florina. “My great grandfather was the priest in the village, his name was Stefanos. We lived in Richmond not far from the Skipping Girl vinegar sign. In those days there used to be a farm there where we bought eggs. I always helped in the kitchen.

I’d walk home from school and find a plate of rizogalo on the table ready for afternoon tea. I think how different life is now. Then everybody knew everyone in the street, all the Greek families.

Mary married Jim Valle (also from Florina) while still at high school, and gave birth to their first child at 18. “I had a family straight away so I had to learn how to cook. I’d give mum a call and say “I’ve got to make dinner tonight, and I’ve got his meat, what’ll I do with it?”

Though she gained a primary teaching diploma, bringing up four children took priority over a teaching career and left little time for Mary’s other creative passion. ’I always painted.

“Having a family didn’t leave much time for painting. I focused on being a mum.” Five years ago Mary began recording the recipes she had learned in her mother’s kitchen and which had sustained her own family “I started writing them down. Pretty soon that was all I could think about. I kept writing, and I printed it all off to give the kids. It got to the point I had over fifty recipes and the children said ‘you could put a few stories in, you could get a book out of it.’

Two years ago, Mary picked up the phone and began calling publishers. A lot of them said : “We’ve already got a Greek book” but they were all very nice. Some said “Maybe you should ring this publisher, they haven’t done that kind of thing for a while.” I ended up ringing New Holland and they said “Send us something” so I did. I sent them a few of the recipes and the introduction and some photos.

Three months later Mary received a call from a Sydney number that appeared on her mobile.

I thought to myself: “I don’t know who that is, it might be important, I’d better answer it, and it was them!” They said: “we like it, send us your contents page. What else have you got?”

Photos: Rebecca Hughes

“I had a family straight away so I had to learn how to cook. I’d give mum a call and say ‘I’ve got to make dinner tonight, and I’ve got his meat, what’ll I do with it?”

PROFIL

PROFILE

And so MY GREEK KITCHEN was born, Mary’s first foray into food writing and publishing. With 100 recipes beautifully illustrated with stunning photographs and a few of Mary’s paintings, the book was published early in 2011.

A year before Mary had begun contacting publishers, she visited her family’s village in Greece on an extended holiday, “I was very nervous. I took my teenage daughter Sarah and we spent six weeks there. I went not knowing what to expect; just because they’re your cousins or your aunts doesn’t mean you’re going to get along.but they were lovely. My auntie took me straight to the kitchen. We went to the market together and cooked together. The reality is very different to what you imagine. It’s very different to how we live here - I loved it.”

Whilst we’ve been talking, the conversation has been punctuated by the arrival of the horiatiki salata and the Napoli meatballs, which have a hint of chili in the rich red sauce to warm our conversation. It’s all delicious; just right for a light lunch for two self-confessed foodies. For dessert, we bow to les patron’s recommendations: a selection of DPC’s famous desserts - sticky date sponge with butterscotch sauce; coconut syrup cake; flourless orange cake - and a cream-topped strawberry cup cake, just in case we’re still peckish. And of course, coffee, from the delicate hands of barista par excellence Alex Kamvissis.

How has the feedback on the book been so far? “Really good. New Holland say there’s been a great response. My cousin in Florina saw it and they loved it. I’ve only had one Greek woman come up to me and say: “Now listen Mary, I love the book but… there’s one little thing... you don’t put cornflower in the rizogalo because the starch in the rice will thicken it on its own.” Ok I’m sorry, that’s the way I do it, it works for me! I still put cornflower in my rizogalo!”

Have you written anything since? “No I’m still getting used to this! I read it and I think… mmm , not bad.”

So what’s next for the somewhat accidental author? A follow - up perhaps? “I’ve got lots more recipes so I think yes, I could do another one. It’s been life changing, almost surreal in a way. It’s not my normal life - being interviewed and all that comes with it. Someone recognised me in the supermarket the other day and said “I’ve got your book.” I find it a bit weird, but in a good way. It’s still a bit of a fairytale.”

Like all fairytales, Mary Valle’s journey to share the simple but fine products of her kitchen has had a happy ending. It’s a glorious book, written to celebrate something precious, a glowing tribute to great food and the culture that created it.

To see more and to get a copy of the book go to: www.maryvalle.com.au

John Kanellakos and Alex Kamvissis of Dundas Place Café

DUNDAS PLACE CAFÉ John Kanellakos and Alex Kamvissis have created a gem with DPC. Sensational coffee and a great brasserie style menu with daily specials make this a mustvisit café in the heart of Albert Park. Brilliant breakfasts.

Adress: 131 Dundas Place, Albert Park Phone (03) 9699 4561 Hours 7.00am-5.00pm Mon-Sat, Sunday 7.30-5.00pm Details Licensed. Gluten-free products available Payment Visa, Mastercard, Amex Eftpos Price Breakfast $9-$18 Lunch mains $12-$15 Desserts $2.80-$5.00 59

FEAST DAYS OF THE THEOTOKOS The Nativity of the Theotokos – (Sep 8) The Proto-evangelion of James although not included in the New Testament, was quoted by the early Church Fathers. Many of the details of the Theotokos’ life are found here.

Placing of the Veil at Blachernae (A church near Constantinople) – (469 AD) The veil of the Theotokos is her only known relic.

Tradition tells us that the actual veil that the Theotokos wore as she fed Jesus, was given to 2 women who attended her. In 451, Empress Pulcheria of Constantinople desired to locate the body of the Theotokos. She was told that her body had been taken to heaven. The veil was the only relic of the Theotokos.

The Church celebrates this event August 31st.

The Annunciation – The feast of the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel of the conception of Christ to the Theotokos was established in the 6th century. It is celebrated yearly on March 25th, 9 months prior to Christmas.

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Feb 2) was also instituted by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.

The Entrance into the Temple is celebrated on November 21.

This feast describes the Theotokos as the “Holy Temple of God.”

The Dormition — August 15. This is the falling asleep or death of the Theotokos.

EKLISIA

RELIGION

• What Do Orthodox Christians Believe About The Virgin Mary, The Theotokos?

• What Does Theotokos Mean?

• Why Is She Known As Ever-Virgin?

• What Are The Feast Days Of The Theotokos?

• What Does Theotokos Mean?

T

heotokos simply means “God bearer” or “Birth-giver of God” and is used in reference to the Virgin Mary who gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the early 5th century, a bishop named Nestorius, who was excommunicated from the Church, delivered a sermon arguing against the well accepted belief that Mary was the Theotokos. His belief regarding Mary was a result of his teaching that Jesus was born as a man, not as God, and later “adopted” the nature of God. St Cyril of Alexandria wrote 12 anathemas condemning the Nestorian view as heresy (wrong, false belief). The writings of St Cyril of Alexandria in defence of the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos were upheld by the Council of Ephesus in 431 and later the Council of Chalcedon in 451. These were 2 worldwide councils of the Orthodox Church (known as Ecumenical Councils) in which all bishops of the Orthodox Church took part either in person or through a representative. Today, the Orthodox Church still refers to the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos.

Orthodox Christians call the Virgin Mary, Theotokos, and even call her the Mother of God, based in part on references from the Bible. The righteous Elizabeth, the mother of St John the Baptist, and a cousin of the Virgin Mary, actually addressed and referred to the Virgin with these words: “But why is this granted to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43). This “Lord” of which Elizabeth speaks is Christ, the Lord God (In Greek the word “Lord” is Kyrios, and is used interchangeably with the word “God,” Theos). For this reason Orthodox Christians say that the Virgin Mary is the Mother of God. She is not the Mother of God the Father, but the Mother of God the Son, who was begotten by the Father before all ages, and became man from the Virgin Mary.

Mary, the Theotokos as Ever-Virgin Orthodox Christian belief commonly regards the Theotokos as the Virgin Mary. The Old Testament writings are clear in their prophecies that the Messiah would be born from a virgin. For this reason, Catholics and

most Protestants believe that the Theotokos was a virgin, at least up to her conception of Christ.

The Orthodox Christian belief that the Theotokos was a virgin before, during, and after her giving birth to Jesus, is not held by other denominations. Some Protestants believe that she remarried after Joseph’s death and had other children. They often quote the passages in the New Testament that identify the “brother(s) of the Lord.” Maintaining the Virgin birth, these “brothers” must have been born after Jesus and were younger. The “brothers of the Lord” are the step-children of Mary, born to Joseph and his first wife, Solomonia.

The Theotokos as Mediator

Both the Orthodox Church and Catholics refer to the Theotokos as a mediator between God and man. Protestants do not regard the Theotokos as Mediator. Orthodox Christianity sees the role of the Theotokos as an intercessor between man and God. Orthodox Christians pray for the “intercessions of the Theotokos.” They ask for her to intercede for their behalf to her Son and God, as only a mother can. This can be seen as an extension of the general belief of Orthodox Christians in the Saints (who are alive with God) praying for them, and more specifically the Glorious Ever-Virgin Mary, praying for them. Orthodox Christians believe that there is only one Lord and Saviour of mankind, Jesus Christ. No one is equal to Him, and no one but Him can save mankind. Orthodox Christians do not turn to Mary, the Mother of Christ God as to a saviour, and they do not put her on the same level as her Son, but turn to her as to one who helps them by her prayers. St Paul himself said that he had become all things to all men, “that I might by all means and in any way save them” (I Cor 9:22). St Paul was not claiming to usurp Christ as the saviour; he merely wanted to help and strengthen others on the path to salvation. It is in this sense that Orthodox Christians say, “Most Holy Theotokos save us.” In other words, “Please help us toward salvation by your prayers.”

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The Dormition of the Most-Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary Commemorated by The Orthodox Church on 15th August.

T

he most important Feast of the Theotokos in the Orthodox Church’s liturgical calendar is that of her Dormition or FallingAsleep. There is a two-week fast leading up to the Feast of the Dormition, beginning on 1st August. The fast is temporarily relaxed only on the Feast of the Transfiguration on 6th August. In many parishes, there is the custom of serving daily during the period of the Dormition Fast (1st – 14th August), what is called the Paraclesis (Paraklisis) to the Theotokos.

It is a Divine Service of Supplication to the Theotokos, honouring her and asking her to intercede on our behalf to God Himself – as only a mother can. There are two distinct aspects to the Dormition Feast. On the one hand, there is death and burial of the Theotokos, and on the other hand, the resurrection and the taking up of both her body and soul into heaven by her son, Jesus Christ.

TROPARION OF THE DORMITION FEAST (TONE 1).

Even though you gave birth, you still preserved your virginity! In falling asleep you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos! You were translated to eternal life, O Mother of Life, and by your prayers you rescue our souls from death!

KONTAKION OF THE DORMITION FEAST (TONE 2).

Neither the grave, nor death, could hold the Theotokos, who is constant in prayer and is our sure hope through her intercessions. As the Mother of Life, she was translated to eternal life by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb!

The Panagia lived in the house of St John the Evangelist and often she went alone to the Mount of Olives, which was nearby, offering her fervent prayer there to her Son. Once, as she was praying on the Mount of Olives, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her and announced that in three days she would depart and be with Christ. The Archangel told her that she should not be troubled, but should receive his words with joy as she was being called to immortal life and to the eternal King of Glory.

Before her departure from this life, the Theotokos wanted to see the apostles who were scattered all over the world, and were spreading the Good News of Christ. On her knees she prayed that this might be possible and that at the hour of her death she might not see the devil and his terrible servants, the demons, but that her son and God Himself would come and receive her soul into His holy hands. As she knelt, the olive trees growing on the The Orthodox Church commemorates every year the anniversaries of the Mountain bent as well, and when the Theotokos got up, they straightened deaths of the saints. It also commemorates the death and resurrection of themselves out again, honouring her as the Mother of God. her founder, Jesus Christ, at Great and Holy Friday and Pascha respectively.

It therefore stands to reason that the Church would also commemorate the Returning home, the Panagia began to make preparations for her burial. St death of the Panagia as well. She was a perfect example of that obedience John sent word to St James, first bishop of Jerusalem, and also to all other to God which all Christians are called upon to exercise. She alone as the relatives and neighbours, informing them of the impending decease of the Panagia, did not experience the natural corruption which follows bodily Panagia. In turn St James informed all the Christians living in Jerusalem death, but was raised from the dead and carried to the glory of the King and the surrounding towns. With weeping they came to the home of the of All in heaven.

Panagia to await her death.

As the crowd was gathered at the house, suddenly a loud noise was heard, The account of her dormition was recorded by the apostles themselves who like thunder, and a cloud surrounded the home of St John the Evangelist. witnessed her death. It was also passed on by the followers and successors At the command of God, angels took the apostles who had spread to of the apostles in various accounts. Her dormition is especially known the ends of the earth and, bringing them on clouds to Jerusalem, placed in the apostolic work known as the Proto-evangelion of James. It is an them before the door of the house. St John greeted them and told them apocryphal text from the second century AD which relates, among other of the immediate departure of the Virgin Mary. Later the Apostle Paul, accompanied by his close followers, Saints Dionysius the Areopagite (the things, the life and death of the Panagia.

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first bishop of Athens), Hierotheus and Timothy, as well as the Seventy of an Orthodox faithful. The Angels as well were heard to be singing and praising God and blessing the Panagia.

Apostles arrived at the home.

The Lord had arranged it so that one of the apostles, St Thomas, was not On the fifteenth day of the month of August, as all were awaiting the final present at the burial of the body of the Theotokos. He only arrived at hour, there suddenly shone in the room an indescribable light of Divine Gethsemane on the third day. Grieving that he had not been granted the Glory which dimmed the lamps that had been lit in the house. The people last greeting and blessing of the Theotokos, St Thomas wept bitterly. Taking inside the house saw the roof of the room opened and the glory of the Lord pity on him, the apostles decided to open the tomb so that he might at least descending from Heaven. Christ the King of Glory Himself approached see the dead body of the Theotokos. But when the tomb was opened, the His Mother, along with the hosts of angels and archangels, and with all body of the Theotokos was not there, only the burial clothes, which were the heavenly powers, as well as the holy Fathers and Prophets of the past giving off a wonderful, sweet-smelling fragrance! who had prophesied about the Virgin.

With weeping and reverence the apostles kissed the burial clothes, praying After greeting Her Son, the Virgin surrendered her pure soul into His that the Lord would reveal to them the location of the body of the Virgin. hands. She felt no pain whatsoever. The end was as if she had fallen into Later, after having eaten a meal in the garden, the apostles suddenly heard a sweet sleep. At once there began angelic singing while the heavenly angelic singing. Looking up, they saw standing in the air the Virgin surhosts accompanied the soul of the Virgin as she went in the arms of the rounded by a multitude of angels. She was covered in a heavenly light Lord to heaven. and she said to them: “Rejoice! I am with you always!” Filled with joy, instead of saying the usual, “Lord Jesus Christ, help us!” the apostles After her death, the apostles carried the body of the Panagia to the Garden cried: “Most-Holy Theotokos, help us!” From that time on the apostles of Gethsemane, where she was placed in a tomb. The apostles stayed by passed down the tradition in the Orthodox Church that the Virgin Mary the tomb of the Panagia without leaving the garden for three full days, was raised by her Son and taken with her body to Heaven on the third chanting psalms day and night, as was, and still is the custom at the death day after her burial.

Panagia Tsambika; The Fertlity Saint

By Areti Fronis

I have not yet experienced the desire to have a child; therefore I have not yet experienced the heartache of wanting one and having difficulty in falling pregnant. However these days this is an all too common obstacle that more and more couples face as I have witnessed it amongst friends and family.

With a variety of medical options available, these can be both expensive and exhausting; therefore many have gone back to the old fashioned and traditional method of faith.

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I

was personally touched by the number of tourists that have discovered PanagiaTsambika in the beautiful island of Rhodes.

She is known to the locals as a fertility Saint and is now becoming recognised around the world, as her miracle has been proven over and over again.

he notified other men of the village and asked them to accompany him in climbing the mountain to see what the bright light was.

When the men reached the top of the mountain, they could not believe their eyes as they witnessed the icon of the Virgin Mary sitting in a Cypress tree and was beaming a sensational light. That was therefore how the icon received the name Tsambika, from the word Tsamba meaning ‘spark’ or ‘small fire’. The locals brought the icon down to the village; however the icon would miraculously continue to make its way back up the mountain.

This occurred 3 times before the villagers decided that it was the icon’s wish to remain at the top of Mt Zambiki. They decided that it was the perfect spot to build her a monastery and collectively helped to carry gravel and building supplies to the top of the Mountain.

The icon of what we now call Panagia Tsambika was found on the shore of a beach in Rhodes Island near Archangelos. It was said that the icon floated ashore from The Holy Monastery Panagia Kykkos in Cyprus. The monks of Panagia Kykkos reclaimed their icon and took it back to Cyprus, only to discover that she had vanished again. They attempted reclaiming her 3 times and on the third time, they burnt the back of the icon to be certain that it was the same one and to their astonishment this was indeed the case.

Near the beach where the icon was originally found, there was a Mountain called Zambiki. A shepherd who lived nearby noticed a Panagia Tsambika became recognised as a fertility Saint when the wife of strange light coming from the mountain. He originally ignored it, a Turkish Pasha (highly ranked in the Ottoman Empire political system) thinking that it was thieves lighting a camp fire; however after 3 days heard about the icon and prayed to her as she was unable to bear children.

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The Pashaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife then ate the candlewick of the lamp that lit beside the icon, to complete her prayer. Not long after, she discovered that she was pregnant; however her husband thought that she was unfaithful, until the baby was born and grasped in its hand the wick that the mother had eaten. The Pasha owned the surrounding land of the property and as a gift of gratitude, gave all his property surrounding the Monastery to the Monastery in honour of Panagia Tsambika.

Canada and so they named her Tsambica (except with a c) instead.

The tradition that has evolved over the years is to take some cotton wool and dip it in the oil which the candle is lit. Some choose to rub the oil on their tummy with a prayer and others decide to swallow a bit of the cotton bud.

Whatever the reason that you visit Panagia Tsambika, although it can be a tiresome climb, the view itself is worth the effort. The sentiment that rushes Many locals in Rhodes, now offer to name their first child, whether girl through your body once at the top, is a combination of the surroundings (Tsambika) or boy (Tsambikos) after the Saint as a thank you offering when but also of the proof of miracle that is left behind with photos of babies the miracle occurs. Some women, especially on the Feast Day of Panagia that have been conceived.

Tsambika (8th September) climb the mountain barefoot or on their knees as a sign of faith, whilst others offer candles and church supplies as gits. If you decide to visit for the miracle, remember that what you offer as I can vouch for this miracle, as my very own sister is named Tsambica. gratitude is up to you, as long as you have faith and as long as your prayer My mother kept miscarrying and so my parents visited the monastery comes from the heart. and prayed to the Saint. Originally my parents had promised to baptize her at the monastery, however circumstance found them in More info on Rhodes here: http://www.rhodes-greece.info

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Panagia Soumeliotissa

Panagia Soumela An Iconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sacred Journey August 15

By Kon Bouzikos

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RELIGION

According to tradition, whenever Luke drew icons of Panagia, the Holy Mother was very pleased and blessed his works...

A

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Pontus

T TRAPEZUNTA IN PONTUS, BUILT ON A HIGH ROCK, IS short distance from the monastery by St Sophronios. These items were the THE HOLY MONASTERY OF PANAGIA SOUMELA. icon of Panagia Soumela, the handwritten Gospel copied on parchment

by St Christopher, and the honourable wood donated by Emperor Manuel Etymologically, the name of the monastery is derived from the name of the Comnenos. This event took place in August of 1923. mountain it is built on, which is called Mela. In Greek, ‘stou mela ‘ means ‘at Mela ‘, and in the Pontic dialect it is pronounced ‘sou Mela ‘. Hence, In 1931, on the great feast day of the Dormition of the Theotokos at Mega Panagia at Mt Mela. The original icon of Panagia Soumela is believed to Spelion (the Great Cave) of Kalavryta, Peloponnesos in Greece, many have been iconographed by the Evangelist Luke who was both a physician people gathered. They prayed before another icon of the Evangelist Luke, and an iconographer. According to tradition, whenever Luke drew icons Panagia Speliotissa. Amidst the crowds were many Pontic Greeks and the Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos (1864- 1936). Metropolitan of Panagia, the Holy Mother was very pleased and blessed his works.

Polycarp of Xanthe mentioned the hidden icon of Panagia Soumela to Furthermore, she encouraged him to draw more icons. After St the Greek Prime Minister. Upon hearing this account, Venizelos was Luke’s repose, his disciple Ananias took the icon and transferred touched and made a promise that he would do whatever was possible to it to Athens. The icon was venerated as Panagia Athiniotissa. retrieve the icon. During the same year, Venizelos met the Turkish Prime Minister Ismet Inonu, and asked for his permission to send monks to the Two Athenian monks were called by the Virgin to follow Panagia Athi- Mt Mela monastery to retrieve the icon and the other sacred treasures. niotissa from the Church in Athens to Mount Mela in Pontus of Asia Minor, a region in current day Turkey. Their names were Barnabas and Father Ambrosios, who was one of the monks of Panagia Soumela, was his acolyte Sophronios. At Mt Mela, the icon was found at the end of chosen by Metropolitan Chrysanthos of Trapezunta to undertake this the fourth century A.D. in a cave, and the monastery was built at this special journey. Father Ambrosios set out to go to Turkey on October 22, place to the glory of God. The icon was renamed ‘Panagia Soumela’. 1931. Upon arriving at the sacred site, he was moved to tears. The laborious task of excavating began. Turkish soldiers and Greeks helped, including The monastery was inaugurated by the Bishop of Trapezunta in 386 Father Ambrosios. Soon the hidden icon was unearthed along with the A.D. During the decline of the Byzantine Empire, the monastery other sacred objects. They were all returned to Athens and deposited at was a centre of education. It was pillaged many times but was always the Benaki Museum in Athens for 20 years. rebuilt, with the latest construction occurring around 644 A.D. Trapezunta was occupied by the Turks in 1461 and so was the monastery. In 1950, Dr Philon Ktenides encouraged fellow Pontic Greeks in Greece to build a new church for Panagia Soumela. The church was built on a site Despite these difficult times, the monks remained in the monastery amid the Macedonian mountains in Greece. This sight was Kastania of unshaken in their faith and tradition. They were finally forced to flee in Vermio. It was chosen because it reminded Dr Ktenides of the wild and 1923 following the barbaric period of the genocide of all Greeks in Asia natural beauty of the heights of Mt Mela in Turkey.

Minor including Pontus. Before fleeing the monastery, certain items were buried in the front yard of the Church of St Barbara which was built at a In 1951 the icon was transferred from the Benaki Museum to Kastania

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amid the Macedonian mountains in Greece. This sight was Kastania of copy of the holy icon of Panagia Soumela to venerate. This noble request Vermio. It was chosen because it reminded Dr Ktenides of the wild and was met by the Greek authorities and a copy of the icon was presented natural beauty of the heights of Mt Mela in Turkey. to George Papadopoulos on October 1972 in Thessaloniki, Greece.

In 1951 the icon was transferred from the Benaki Museum to Kastania in Macedonia. The miraculous icon was enthroned at Kastania on 15th August 1952. Even though the new home of the icon is called the Monastery of Soumela, there are no monks or nuns living in this remote mountain site. The Church of the Dormition may be visited by pilgrims and tourists. Every year on 15th August (the feast day of the Dormition of the Theotokos), thousands of pilgrims from around the world travel to this Monastery at Mt Vermion to venerate the holy icon.

The original Soumela monastery in Turkey is also accessible to the pilgrim and tourist. The monastery’s four storey façade remains in good condition, although the rear portion is destroyed. Located at an altitude of 1,200 metres, it is a magnificent structure. It clings to sheer basalt wall, high above green forests and a mountain stream.

Many of the sacred icons have suffered as targets from desecrators and graffiti scribblers. The monastery once housed 72 cells, guest quarters, an aqueduct, small chapels, icon room, library and dormitories.

Many Pontians in Greece have migrated to Australia. In Victoria alone there are 35,000 Greeks of Pontic descent. In 1972, the President of the association Panagia Soumela in Melbourne, George Papadopoulos travelled to Kastania in Macedonia. He met the Executive Committee of the Panhellenic Holy Foundation of Kastania Veroias. He expressed to them the long heartfelt desire of Australian Pontic Greeks to have a

On 8th June 1982, the copy of this historic icon was presented to His Grace Bishop Panteleimon of Theoupolis (the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Melbourne at that time). Every year on 15th August, the icon of Panagia Soumela was brought for veneration by all Greeks in Melbourne to the Greek Orthodox parish of St Nicholas in Yarraville. The late Father Antonios Amanatidis, the founding parish priest of St Nicholas, was a Pontic Greek by descent.

In 1992, a new Greek Orthodox parish was being built in East Keilor, Melbourne. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos (Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia), wanted this church to be named the ‘Dormition of the Theotokos Panagia Soumela’ due to the fact that many Pontic Greeks lived in the area. The icon of Panagia Soumela was enthroned (placed) in the newly built Church of Panagia Soumela, East Keilor, on Sunday 4th May 1997. The Church was also officially opened on that day.

The Church also has two chapels, one dedicated to St John the Theologian, and the other to our holy God-bearing Father David of Euboea).

REFERENCES 1.Rev Fr. Anthony G. Krinas, Panagia, Theotokos 110 icons, 40 feasts and Paraklisis, Melbourne, Australia, 1998 2. The Lives of the Monastery Builders of Soumela , A translation from the Greek of THE GREAT SYNAXARISTES OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH, Holy Apostles Convent , Colorado, 1991.

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S

udha Nair Iliades is the founder and driv-

abroad. I grew up in a family surrounded by books.

We love sailing, so we’re blessed living here. We sail

ing force behind the most widely read

My maternal grandmother was one of the earliest

every other weekend and our favorite island is Hy-

English language magazine published in

surgeons in India, having graduated from medical

dra, where we have a home.

Greece. What makes her tick? Mike Sweet tracks

school in 1910! My grandfather was a decorated na-

the dynamic independent publisher down, to talk

tional hero, who has had several ‘commercial’ films

How do you combine your professional life with be-

about her life, loves and the publishing phenom-

based on his life.

ing a mum?

We have two children, Maya 10, and Lason, 8. They

enon that is the Athens Insider.

I left India for Canada at 16 on a youth exchange

study at the French Lyceé in Athens, speak fluent

Tell me about your background

program me and went on do a Masters in Econom-

English, French and Greek, and a smattering of Hin-

I grew up in Bombay (as I still prefer to call it) and

ics at the University of Bombay, and then a Mas-

di. As most working mums, I have been often down

I’m grateful for the lessons it taught me. Bombay

ters in Financial Management at the University of

the guilt road of not spending enough time with

was, and still is, a very demanding city with little

London.

my kids. When you run an independent publishing business, the hours are not just long - you’re on call

time for squandering on petty problems. The general attitude is ‘find a solution, move on.’ It is also

What brought you to Greece?

all the time. But they are remarkably well-adjusted

a complex, multicultural and socio-economic maze,

As most foreign women living in Greece, my an-

kids and take genuine pride in what I do – so I guess

and as a child, you’re juxtaposed with these glar-

swer to ‘what brought me here’ is not very original;

that keeps me going.

ing paradoxes at very close proximity, every wak-

love. My husband Stephane had an offer to work

ing hour. You learn almost instinctively, to live and

for a French multinational - the choice was between

Tell us about where you live in Athens

let live and celebrate the differences – a lesson that

Greece and Turkey. He had Greek roots, his family

We live in Vouliagmeni. Twelve years ago it was a

has been invaluable to me in integrating quickly and

were from Constantinople, and he had never lived

sleepy pensioners’ town; it has morphed into a vi-

painlessly in the 25 odd years I have spent living

in Greece before, so it was a bit of a homecoming.

brant young suburb with lots of trendy restaurants

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Sudha Nair Iliades founder of Insider Publications

and cafes. What I love most is the sheer beauty of

just opened its skies - cable TV and DTH (direct-to-

How did you start publishing the Insider?

the place – a natural bay that splits the azure sea

home) suddenly provided viewers in India fed on

The Insider was launched in 2001 to provide an

into a pale turquoise on the one side and a deep in-

the offerings of the lone state TV channel an incredi-

English language alternative to international trav-

digo on the other, its cavernous lake where temper-

ble choice of news, music, sports and entertainment

elers and the international community living here.

atures remain at a warm 22C all year round and its

channels. Star TV expanded overnight and had a

The International Herald Tribune (IHT) was launched

very verdant hillside -great for walks on the moun-

footprint in 72 countries across Asia within a couple

in Greece around the same time, and is published

tain with a 360 degree view of the sea. Vouliagmeni

of years of operation. I moved to London in 1997.

by the Kathimerini group. We have a distribution

has also retained a real sense of community – you

When I came to Athens in 1999, I produced radio

agreement and a long-standing collaboration with

can still buy your bread at the baker’s on credit and

packages for the BBC and it was a lot of fun cover-

them of distributing Insider to all IHT subscribers in

most people you meet on the streets know you by

ing stories from here. Greece was going through an

Greece. Bonjour Athenes, was launched in French in

name.

extreme make-over then: the transformation from

2004 and we launched Bonjour Istanbul in Turkey in

fringe Balkan economy to a hub in South eastern

2009. Apart from our annual Russian and Japanese

What did you do before the Insider?

Europe, the switch from the drachma to the euro,

magazines, we will be launching Insider in Chinese

I always had one foot in the media and the other in

earthquake diplomacy between Greece and Turkey

this June. We are a very lean team in-house with a

academia. My first real job was teaching economics

and there were the 2004 Olympics. But I also kept

host of talented freelance journalists and photogra-

to under-graduates at the University of Bombay. I

myself busy doing a host of other things: I set up an

phers working for the magazine on a regular basis.

also worked with radio, producing documentaries

NGO in Athens providing advice and information on

It’s not the easiest time to be running a business in

for the BBC as a stringer and freelanced for TV sta-

professional opportunities for foreign women living

Greece. What have been the biggest challenges for

tions. In the early nineties, I had an offer from Star

here, taught economics and business accounting at

you over the past couple of years?

TV to work with the Marketing and Promotions

the American University and liaised with hotels and

It has been an uphill task keeping the staff moti-

department. Those were exciting times: China had

embassies to organise cultural festivals.

vated and after two difficult years, the uncertainty

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of Greece’s economic destiny is beginning to take

zines are first and foremost a celebration of life in

its toll even amongst the most optimistic of us.

Greece: its peculiarities, its best-kept secrets, its

Professionally the challenges of running a small

undiscovered corners and a real, practical guide to

business have been multiple: taxes have gone

living and loving the country.

up, advertising revenues have dwindled and the liquidity is so low that there is a perennial lag in

What are your plans for the future?

the cash flow. Consequently, a lot of quality maga-

I thought we’d end up staying in Greece for three

zines and newspapers have had to shut down. The

years as expats tend to do on an overseas post-

biggest challenge is to convince advertisers to see

ing. I would have never imagined that I’d be say-

value in a targeted, niche-product such as ours. The

ing this but Greece is now home and it looks like

June 2010 issue was our 95th. In December, it will

this is where we be settling down. Having said that,

be our 100th issue. I think given the circumstances,

who knows what the future holds. With Insider, the

it is no mean feat to have reached where we have

plan is to take it to the next level – incorporate new

and to have kept our production standards high on

media and new technologies in the mix. We already

a very shoestring budget.

have a very attractive website and actively follow our readers on twitter and Facebook. We will be

Tell us about your other professional activities over

definitely concentrating on building an ‘app’ and

the years.

building on our strong brand identity. The positive

I’ve continued reporting for France 24 and other

thing about being small and being caught in the

channels – Greece has unfortunately been in the

crisis is that you’re still nimble enough to embrace

news for all the wrong reasons over the past couple

new opportunities – and there are plenty - as long

of years – riots, strikes, deficits and the likelihood

as you’re willing to slog in the short run and wait it

of defaults. I wish it were more pleasant stories the

out. Perseverance perseveres!

world could hear about Greece – which is what we try and achieve through our magazines. The maga-

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one faMiLy, their Story A CelebrAtion of DArwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greek Community

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Socrates once said: “The best human is all humans put together.”

R

eal wealth is having an abundance of ideas and a strong belief system which underpins everything you do in life. Ninety-nine per cent of what I consider to be wealth is derived from one’s belief system. The monetary strategies to become financially abundant comprise just one per cent of the equation.

more appealing to drill deeper into life. I continually invest in a new vision or paradigm, participating in extreme adventures, that I am sure many people would find quite bizarre. A life of prosperity is a series of assignments, each one, helping you grow, developing your talents, and expanding your consciousness. As your consciousness grows, so does the impact you make and the influence within your inner circle. With this obsessive desire to acquire the ancient principles of enlightened living, I have already visited over One-Hundred and Twenty Seven countries in I recall my earlier life which was more money focused and orien- my quest for adventure. I have dived down to the deepest abyss of the tated, whereas these days I am more acause orientated. In life there oceans, rocketed to the edge of space and summited the world’s highest is no sense in possessing great financial wealth and not being happy. mountains, just to name a few.

Equally, there’s no point in being rich and being physically unwell.

The purpose of a definitive life is one that provides an oasis of enlightIndividuals who seek status symbols in life have a fixation on synthetic enment. This is the secret kindling to ignite the inner fire that lurks wealth, because they need something to reassure them artificially so they within us all. We all have it, some individuals make the unconscious can impress others they don’t particularly like. I am the type of personal- decision to extinguish it and maintain it devoid of illumination. In life ity to save, invest and attain self-mastery for the long term, rather than we are only measured by our contributions. It’s what you give out in some people who blow their cash on assisting other people to achieve their goals, once you achieved yours.

Ferraris and young third wives. People should feel good about themselves Socrates said: ‘The best human is all humans put together’. I don’t because of what they are, and what they believe we should ever be totally satisfied with where we are in our lives. do – not what they have in their garage. There’s always the opportunity to raise our level of awareness and seize the day, carpe diem. By redefining our lives and seeking new vantage But, as I said, I don’t consider things points, we inadvertently remove the ‘IM’ out of the word IM-possible. that move to be an investment.

My number one rule in an Accumulation Asset Phase® of one’s life The Bannister Principle is an excellent reflection of this theory. In 1954, is to not invest in anything that moves, unless you have a validated an Englishman, Roger Bannister ran the distance of a mile in under four reason. Can you name something that appreciates in value that minutes ... even medical experts cautioned that it was impossible to run moves? An automotive will need to be a classic vintage in order for it the mile in under four minutes. Within nine months of Bannister’s feat, to appreciate. The mandatory rule is that you adequately furnish your thirty other runners achieved the milestone too. When he was asked to mind and ensure your financial foundation has been solidified and explain that first four-minute mile – and the art of record breaking – he primed to erect your skyscraper and monument to your existence. answered with original directness: ‘It’s the ability to take more out of yourself than you’ve got.’

Welcome to Financial Prosperity as opposed to Financial Cancer.

We can incorporate the Bannister Principle and implement it into the With a mosaic of colourful experiences available to all of us – I find it interior of our personal and business life.

MONEY MATTERS

SUPER

LOST SUPER

$5 Billion in ‘lost’ Super - is some of it yours?

A

It’s not hard to see how this can happen — people change jobs, don’t move their super into their new fund straight away, and eventually forget about small balances they’ve left behind. Once they’ve accumulated a few accounts, it all seems like too much hard work.

paying several sets of account fees. That doesn’t make financial sense.

YOUR LOST SUPER COULD ALSO BE TAKEN BY THE ATO High fees are not the only threat to unclaimed super funds. Since the introduction of new legislation in October 2010, up to 1.5 million accounts (generally those with less than $200 in them), have been passed on to the ATO. SuperRatings estimates that the ATO received over $100 million in the first transfer of these account balances last year — that’s $100 million that Australians have missed out on.

So what happens to these unclaimed accounts? For a start, they could attract fees at a rate that is, according to SuperRatings Managing Director Jeff Bresnahan, “close to double that of mainstream superannuation funds”. In other words, if you’ve got an inactive super fund sitting somewhere, it’s being eaten away by high fees — plus you’re not exercising any choice about investment options, so it’s unlikely to be providing good returns. And if you’ve got several inactive funds, you’re

WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? If you don’t want your unclaimed super eroded by higher fees or taken by the ATO, the solution is simple — find and consolidate your super. While it’s true that locating and consolidating your super may take a little time, particularly if you have several accounts that you haven’t kept track of, think about the long-term benefits. You’re reclaiming your money, saving on multiple sets of fees, and putting

78

S OF JUNE last year there were 6.1 million ‘lost’ or unclaimed super accounts, with a total balance of over $5 billion, according to a recent study by SuperRatings.[1]

4 SIMPLE STEPS TO CONSOLIDATE: YOUR SUPERANNUATION. STEP 1: Gather all your super fund details via your statements.

STEP 2: Decide which super fund suits you best. Please contact us to help you with this step as you may need to consider other factors such as exit fees and death and disability insurance benefits.

STEP 3: Do you have a super fund with AMP? If so, you can have Pette Liacopoulos help you do this for you. Simply call 0447 344 008.

STEP 4: Sign and mail the consolidation forms and you’re done!

WANT MORE INFORMATION? Everyone’s circumstances are different and there may be risks to consolidating your super. So to make sure your super’s heading in the right direction, please call us today.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Information current as at May 2011. This article contains general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the appropriateness of the information in light of your personal circumstances. If you decide to purchase or vary a financial product, your financial planner, our practice, AMP Financial Planning and other companies within the AMP Group will receive fees and other benefits, which will be a percentage of the premium you pay and/or the advice fee you agree with us. Some of the information in this article is based on our interpretation of the law. It is a summary of the subject matter covered and is not intended to be comprehensive financial advice. No reader should act on the basis of this article without obtaining specific professional advice. Further details are available from your planner or AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited, telephone 1300 157 173.

the funds where they can start working harder for you. Surely that’s worth it?

The good news is that some of the Government’s proposed changes to super, in particular the SuperStream initiative, will make it easier to identify and consolidate super in the future. For now, the thing to do is talk to us.

Find out more by calling Pette Liacopoulos on 0447 344 008. _____________ [1] SuperRatings 2010 ERF review.

And if you have an AMP Super account, you can have AMP locate and consolidate your super with a simple phone call or internet request.

Pette Liacopoulos is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706.

  

             •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •       

 

    

   79 

H ZWH EINAI SAN ANGOURI, O ENAS TO TROI KAI DROSIZETE KAI O ALOS TO TR0I KAIZORIZETE (LIFE IS LIKE A CUCUMBER:ONE PERSON EATS IT & IS REFRESHED,WHILST ANOTHER IS FORCED TO EAT IT)

Me, excited in Tsolia, 2001

BILLY BILLIRIS S O M E T H I N G F R O M N OT H I N G

Crowd reacts to International Producer Alex K

W

hat sets some people apart? What is it that makes them different, that empowers them with that certain je ne sais quoi? Billy Billiris sums it up perfectly: “Don’t try and fit in but be different and stand out,” or as Eryka Sklivas, of world renowned ‘empowered living’ explains: “Don’t fear being different, fear being the same. Be thankful for the things that make you different.”

listening to Greek music because, unlike many English songs, the Greek songs had meaning and spoke about life’s ups and downs and how we always find a way out of our worries.”

I remember talking with my cousins during a trip down the coast in 2009. We were drinking coffee and talking about life; I broke down talking to them about my dad and how tough life was for him and how he was like a trooper in my eyes.

He never went down without a fight! My dad is an inspiring person who hates

Billy (Vasileos) Billiris was born and raised

publicity and being the centre of attention; he

in Sydney, Australia and turned 17 in May

is a quietly spoken man who puts our family

of this year. His dad Dimitri was born in

first and never complains. He gets on with the

Argentina and migrated to Australia when

job and always does his best.”

he was 7. His mum was born and raised in Australia through parents who were born

Billy’s dad Dimitri was diagnosed with MS 12

and raised in Greece, so life was pretty

years ago. “We spoke about how we could all

non-descript and routine for Billy.

help and because at the time I was enrolled to commence studying my Diploma in Events

“I suppose like all other Greek-Australian

Management they suggested I run an MS

kids, when you’re forced to go to Greek

Night. I decided to run an MS night on my

School after school, you absolutely hate

own, with my own agenda, to create a Greek

life. But little did I know that six years later

Night for MS, which would raise funds and

I would be thanking my parents, and this

money for MS Australia.”

isn’t because I fell in love with a Greek import but because I would reconnect with my heritage like never before. And being able to speak and communicate

At this point being only 15, Billy did not know anything or anyone in the events

in Greek was a must,” explains Billy when we start chatting about his inspiration

industry, so it all seemed like such a big ask. But being 15, anything is possible,

and motivation for taking such bold and daring steps.

you can aim for the heavens and if you believe you will reach them, you probably will!

“When I was going through problems at school in 2009, just before I left for good, I used to search for inspiration, and the most inspiring thing I came across

“It was going to be a tough but rewarding gig. I commenced booking a hall,

was Greek music tracks likes, ‘den thelo tetious filous.’ I could really relate to the

getting the entertainment together and organising the whole event. After some

lyrics : it was an inspiring moment in my life and I could not stop

hurtful comments directed at what I was trying to achieve, I wrote into 2GB’s Alan

Marching to the Opera House proudly in the Tsolia

Me, with my beautiful Yia-Yia who taught me to be a proud Greek-Australian

Jones. I wrote him a letter which was straight from the heart and I didn’t expect a

“Every time I get up on stage and look down at hundreds of kids dancing to

response because the letter was brutal and summarized the way I was feeling. The

Greek music, I get a lump in my throat and realize that this is what it’s all about.

next day I received a call and an email from Alan Jones’ Producer ‘Alan wants

I am so proud because I know I did it. I am proud to say that it has been a huge

you in the studio and wants to interview you.’ The problem was , I was actually

success, with over 2000 people attending my events in total in less than a year;

hiding the whole event from my parents and extended family and so before I

this is a testament to the people who have been involved in the event, such as

could go publicly on National Radio I had to tell my parents! “Words cannot

Spiro, Krazy Kon and many others.

describe their reaction and response; they were shocked and surprised. I think the whole Alan Jones interview just put the icing on the cake. They were nervous

I am excited to be bringing these dynamic events across Australia, with plans to

but very supportive, especially my mum. I remember she wanted to kill me at

bring it to the Greek Youth of Melbourne and Darwin in the near future and I want

first but then she became more comfortable with the idea and understood why

this to continue for many more years for the third Generation Greek-Australians

I was doing it. Being 15 years old and walking into the studio of the Broadcast

to be able to hear Greek music and attend a cultural event like Ultras Under 18’s.”

King, Alan Jones, was enough to make me feel nauseous, but I was confident and

“For me being a Greek-Australian is so important, because we have the best of

I knew this interview would either make or break the event and my reputation.”

everything. We get to live in a fantastic country which is very European - inspired,

I believe I handled it well and with more than 7000 emails in my inbox and

while we get to indulge in the world’s best culture,

numerous phone calls and 398 confirmed guests for the MS Night, I knew that

history books and is very family focused. Being Greek-Australian is more than

I must have done something right!”

a label - it is a privilege and it is a statement of who I am and how I have been

which owns 99% of the

raised and it is something which I wear on my heart every day.”

Needless to say, the event was Sold Out, and 398 Greeks were ready to party and participate in an event which would change the Greek-Australian Community

Billy has worked hard and has achieved so much at such a tender age in such a

forever.

relatively short period of time. But where to now, what’s next for this dynamo?

“We did it. Not only did we smash hundreds of plates and receive a $2,000.00

“No one can predict what happens in the future or where I will be, but the

damage bill, but we raised over $36,000.00 and tripled the original target of

one thing I can guarantee is that my passion for igniting the Greek-Australian

$10,000. We raised awareness for a disease which was close to my family’s

community through entertainment and events will never stop, nor will it

heart and to see my dad smiling and being proud and to know that another five

decrease. I’m currently studying towards a double degree in Business Marketing

MS sufferers were in the room having fun was enough to make me proud too.”

and Management at University and once I finish that I will be looking at new

Billy is a very emotional and mature young man and is quick to point out that

business ventures in the field of marketing, as well as taking Fist Pump Entertain-

his mother has been and continues to be, a huge inspiration in his life. “She is

ment to the next level and spreading the Greek Passion all around the world!.”

a woman who is intelligent, selfless and very hard working. She provides the bread and butter for my family and has guided me with her wisdom . She has

“My advice to others is to follow in their dreams and to always remember that

always been supportive and protective, allowing and helping me to follow my

passion is everything because if you’re not passionate then you won’t achieve.

dreams. I owe her so much because without her, I wouldn’t have been able to

My motto is “Don’t try and fit in but be different and stand out.

achieve what I have achieved to this day.”

Editor’s note: Since starting the events company last year, Billy has been able to deliver three Sold

On a personal note, I’d like to thank Billy not only for his energy and vision in

Out Greek Under 18 Dance Parties, which he did out of passion for all things Greek.

organizing these events and working so passionately for such a worthy cause,

“I have never been motivated by money and always have stood by the words

but also for his enthusiasm and love of all things Greek. He truly captures the

“If you are passionate, then the money will come.” Fist Pump Entertainment is

spirit behind the vision that is OPA! Magazine

a way of being innovative with a Greek/European flavor and runs events which

.

kids my age would be able to indulge in and have fun.”

www.billybilliris.com.au

A Greek Under 18’s had not been heard of for over 5 years until Billy fronted a Press Conference in September 2010 to announce that he was going to bring it back to ignite the Greek youth of Sydney.

www.fistpump.com.au

TAXIDI

TRAVEL

Without a travel agent youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on your own!

82

I

clumsily gathered my belongings, making a pathetic attempt to

boarding. This is the difference between using a registered, licensed travel agent

make a run for it, tripping over my long black overcoat, handbag on

who gives you professional knowledge, or the internet, that cares not whether

my shoulder, pulling my carry-on bag behind me. Panting, dodging

you have a valid passport, and which does not check whether you require a visa

other passengers who were idly window-shopping in the many

for entry into a certain country. The introduction of the internet has been both,

stores within the transit lounge, I spotted the walking travelator. “Great” I

a blessing and a curse to passengers.

thought “This might save me all of about 2 minutes, if I can squeeze past that idiot who is just standing there like it’s a casual ride – Move mate!.” I was focused,

It gives passengers more autonomy over their own travel plans, and helps to

determined, like a panther on its prey “Excuse me” I said as I doubled the guy

make the journey smoother in some ways. You can check-in on-line with most

over onto the moving rubber rails to get in front of him. He swore in Swahili,

airlines these days, and verify if there are schedule changes. You can pre-pay

probably something about some dumb white woman with no manners ... yes,

excess baggage charges, and you can choose your own seat.

you’re right, probably something worse. I didn’t care. My flight was about to leave without me, and I had appointments upon arrival in London. I was the

What the internet cannot tell you, however, is that you need a visa to enter

only one that mattered right now!

certain countries, and that failure to comply with such documentation will result in your being denied boarding in Australia, even before your holiday has

“This is the final boarding call for all passengers to London Heathrow on flight

begun. The U.S.A. and Egypt to name just a few, require the pre-arrangement of

EY 45. Please make your way immediately to gate 353 for departure.” By now, I

visa documentation before you fly. It is your travel agent who will advise you on

was not only sweating, I was busting to go to the toilet – “just hold ... and keep

this essential documentation, and guide you on how to go about obtaining this.

running!” I said to myself. But hang on ... I could now see gates 360 through to

Furthermore, whilst the internet is a useful tool to research your travel plans, it

380 – what the? Where did I take a wrong turn? I couldn’t have taken a wrong

is your travel agent that will make professional suggestions based on their own

turn – because I didn’t turn!

personal experience and their educational trips overseas – that is the purpose of such trips. They are not just junket industry holidays. During educational trips,

“This is the final call for Ms. Jaqueline Preketes. Ms. Preketes, your flight has

your agent performs hotel inspections of 10 – 15 hotels each day, ensuring that

now boarded and will be departing in 15 minutes. Ms. Jaqueline Preketes, if

the hotel standards meet the needs of Australian travellers. Hotel standards

you are in the terminal, please make your way immediately to gate 353. Ms.

in the Australasia region are far superior to those in Europe, and clients can

Jaqueline Preketes. Thank you”. Hot, sweaty, exhausted, embarrassed, lost,

sometimes feel disheartened when they book a 4* hotel in London that feels

cursing myself, and overloaded with unnecessary stuff (I knew I didn’t need the

more like a 3* hotel in Australia. Similarly, hotel standards in Dubai, Abu Dhabi

extra bottle of Chanel No.9 from the Duty Free shop), I just stood still and dumped

and Oman far outdo those in the Australasia region.

my things – right there, in the middle of the airport, hand on my forehead, in utter despair.

Despite their popularity, websites such as those that claim they rate hotels based on popular opinions from past passengers are often inaccurate. I have

You know that feeling, when everyone around you looks so calm, but your own

had the experience where, to prove this point, someone I know got onto such

inner world has just been shaken by one of your own vlakies? That was the

a site whilst we were in Vietnam, rated a property in Paris he had never been

moment I had to think in syllables again – “Calm – Down - Breathe.”

to, and within 48 hours, this fake hotel judgement was posted on the internet.

Thankfully, an airport official noticed me looking like the proverbial “vregmeni

In short, everything looks great on the web. But you cannot smell the garbage

gata”, asked me what the problem was, and promptly escorted me to my gate

from the Chinese restaurant next door on the internet! This is where your travel

within 3 minutes of the flight being closed. Gate 303 (where I was when I heard

agent’s advice and knowledge is invaluable.

my name called for the first time) was the departure for a different flight on its

As the slogan of the Australian Federation for Travel Agents states “Without a

way to London’s Gatwick Airport, not Heathrow where I was heading.

travel agent, you’re on your own!”.

Like many airports around the world, the city of London itself has 3 major

Jaqui Preketes is the Managing Director of Cosmos Tours and Touchdown Tours.

airports – Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead. New York too, has three major

Both companies were founded by Jaqui and her father Arthur Preketes in 1991

airports – Newark, JFK and La Guardia. In Australia too, Melbourne, Brisbane,

after Jaqui completed her B.A. at the University of Melbourne. The family

Darwin and Adelaide are the only cities where the international and domestic

company has grown and established its roots based primarily on strong business

terminals are under the same roof. In other cities, domestic to international

ethics and a desire to create unique and memorable travel experiences tailored

connections mean a transfer from one terminal to the next.

for each individual. Touchdown Tours prides itself in exceptional customer service and responsible tourism initiatives. Touchdown Tours is a member of IATA,

When travelling, whether domestically or internationally, it is essential to know

and Jaqui is the Vice President of the International Institute for Peace Through

not just the city where you are headed, but also the name of the airport you will

Tourism (Aust.).

be flying into. It can, on odd occasions, make the difference between making it to your gate on time, or experiencing the embarrassment of walking onto an aircraft when all the other 250 passengers have settled in their seat, just waiting for your little face to appear down the aisle.

It is also essential to ensure you have all the correct documentation prior to

TAXIDI

TRAVEL

MEANDERING THROUGH ASIA MINOR - TRAVELS TO BYZANTIUM AND BEYOND, WITH TOM ANDRONAS -

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TAXIDI

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Nowhere else in the world does ‘Greek’ meet Australian’ as it does in Turkey.

of engineering and art, its towering dome supported by 40 enormous ribs and its surviving mosaics glittering from the thousands of golden tiles used to construct them. The vast expanse of the place is testament to the past Centuries of Greek Orthodox tradition collide here with the nation- opulence and magnificence of Christianity in Istanbul. defining moment of an altogether different country, creating a strange sense of belonging for those who now travel here under the obscure brand After the fall of the Roman Empire to the Ottomans in 1453, minarets and ‘Greek Australian.’

Islamic art were added to the building to transform it into a mosque. After centuries of use, and following the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa This sense of belonging renders Turkey an altogether inviting, welcoming Kemal Ataturk declared that the building would no longer be a religious one, but would be converted into a museum to be appreciated by all. place for Greek Australians to travel and explore.

Undoubtedly the jewel in the Turkish crown, and the first stop for most travelers, is Istanbul. The seat of Greek Orthodoxy from the split of the Roman Empire in the 4th century A.D. until today, the burgeoning city has an unmistakable Greek essence. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul’s Fanari (Fener) district, and the areas surrounding it, are worth a visit. Many ethnic Greeks still live in this pocket, though here they’re referred to as Romans or Rum, a relic of the ancient Roman Empire.

Standing opposite Hagia Sophia and about a thousand years its junior, is the Blue Mosque. Seemingly a tribute to its elder neighbour, the Blue Mosque’s dome stands proudly on four monstrous columns known as ‘elephants feet.’ Accessible only outside of Muslim prayer times, the interior of the mosque is impressively clad in thousands of hand-decorated blue and white tiles. Entry to the Mosque is free, but respectful dress is expected and shoes must be removed at the door.

For centuries the Eastern Roman Empire’s holiest place, Hagia Sophia No trip to Istanbul is complete without a couple of hours spent in the stands atop a hill in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet District. The building is a marvel Grand Bazaar.

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“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace.” – Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, 1934.

The place is like a Sunday market on steroids, with thousands of merchants touting to sell you something you don’t need. If you decide to buy, you must haggle. Start by cutting the original price in half, and work up from there, but be aware that if you make an offer and the seller agrees, you are obliged to buy.

the Allied invasion, Turkey lost hundreds of thousands of its finest young men. Also on that battlefield, the father of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk came to the fore. Post-war, Ataturk single-handedly constructed the Turkish society that we recognize today and he is revered by his countrymen for his efforts. But it is also because of Ataturk that we, as Australians, can now comfortably and proudly walk in the country that A short way down the west coast from Istanbul – accessible as a day-trip or we, as a Western Ally in the Great War, invaded. an overnight stay – is the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) Peninsula. Perhaps the most venerated place on earth by Australians, it is on this battlefield that our In 1934, with WWI still a recent memory, Ataturk said of the Anzac young nation was born in 1915. It’s a glorious place and the opportunity Diggers: “Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…you to walk on the sands of Anzac Cove is truly a privilege, a pilgrimage that are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace.” every Australian should make in their lifetime.

These words are emblazoned across a giant stone monument near Anzac Cove, and as an Australian it’s near impossible to remain unmoved by The best way to see Gallipoli is with an organized tour. There are hundreds their magnanimity, especially as they were uttered by a man who fought to choose from, but the best by reputation is a company called TJ’s, which in the same campaign. has as its senior guide Kenan Celik, the first Turk to be awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the research and Heading further down the Aegean coast leads to the ancient wonders documentation of the Gallipoli campaign. of Troy (Truva), Pergamon (Bergama) and Ephesus (Efes), which testify to Greece’s antiquarian influence on the region. All three sites are easily A guided tour will take you to most of the Allied war cemeteries, including accessible both as part of a tour group and independently. They can also Lone Pine and Anzac Cove. Here you can see the last resting place of be accessed as overnight trips from the Greek islands of Lesvos, Chios Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick, famous for evacuating wounded men and Samos respectively. from the battlefront on his donkey. Simpson lasted just 24 days of the bloody campaign, but in that time earned himself an eternal place in Further south, on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, abandoned villages Australian folklore. like Levissi (Kayakoy) recall the brutal reality of Turkey’s recent past. In 1922 the post-WWI Treaty of Lausanne forced the expulsion from Turkey The Gallipoli campaign became a defining moment in the formation of the of millions of ethnic Greek Christians. Some estimates put the number of Australian national psyche, but it’s important to remember that modern ethnic Greeks massacred during the population exchange at 1.5 million.

Turkey was born on those beaches and hills as well. In defending against Conversely, a huge number of Ottoman Muslims were expelled from

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Greece. Today the houses of Levissi stand abandoned, uninhabited since their Greek Christian owners became forced refugees in 1922. The town’s major buildings lie dilapidated and its churches have been ruined by generations of destruction, looting and scavenging for materials. The place is truly ghostly, the trauma of forced relocation difficult to comprehend.

Further north in central Turkey lies the region of Cappadocia (Kapadokya), a dusty expanse of canyons, valleys and mountains, formed when Mt Erciyes erupted several thousand years ago. The ensuing erosion and artificial intervention has resulted in a dramatic landscape dotted with ‘fairy chimneys’, cave churches and underground cities. Hewn by clergymen during the Byzantine period, many cave buildings were defaced during the iconoclastic and Ottoman periods, but can still be visited in somewhat restored form.

try to push their religion on any tourist. In western Turkey many men drink alcohol and many women go without a headscarf, though it’s still unlikely that you will find pork anywhere on the menu. The further east you head, the more conservative people become. Non-Turkish women traveling alone can occasionally find themselves hassled by Turkish men, but a stern ‘no’ will most often deter any unwanted attention.

Getting around in Turkey is easy. Very easy.

The easiest way is as part of an organized tour but for the more independently minded, public trains, flights and ferries are all easily accessible.

By far the most efficient way to get around is by bus, with countless local bus companies running services to every corner of Turkey and internationally, at very fair prices. Especially convenient is the overnight bus from Istanbul to Thessaloniki at 95YTL, about $55AUD, as the train The highlight of any trip to Cappadocia is certainly a dawn hot-air connecting the two cities was recently cancelled. balloon ride. The weightless sensation as you glide through the morning mist, gazing down at a scene like nothing else on earth, is magical, and A highlight of any long-distance bus journey in Turkey is the on-board well worth the money. However, tourists beware: there are hundreds of service, which is similar to that of an airline. On every bus an attendant balloon companies offering flights at various prices. It’s quite common called a yardimci will provide complimentary refreshments and snacks for passengers to be quoted different prices for the same flight, with on a regular basis, and every bus will make toilet and food stops. prices ranging from 100 euro to several hundred. The easiest way to avoid getting ripped-off is to do your research, or try to get some local Turkey is an incredibly easy country to navigate, and if given a chance can be incredibly rewarding. It offers a warm, open welcome and a sense knowledge from your hotel. of genuine respect for the outside world, whether an Anzac, a Roman or Despite the perceived language and religion barriers, Turkey is an a strange ‘Greek Australian’. amazingly easy place for Australians to travel. Most Turks likely to come into contact with tourists will speak fluent English and will willingly So, what are you waiting for? Go book yourself a ticket! help. Generally, Turks practise a moderate form of Islam and will not

87

PERSIPHONE and THE QUEEN BEE BULLIES

By Nasia Bossinakis

KINOTITA

BULLYING

‘Get lost, you skanky Wog! Noone likes you here. You don’t belong. You’re ugly and hairy!’ shouted Alana Jones, her cruel eyes blazing.

Persiphone Pappoulis turned ‘round to face her three dreaded persecutors. Millie Deaupont gave her the ‘Death Stare,’ which made Persiphone feel uncomfortable. This made Jessie Liew giggle.

‘God, you’re ugly!” laughed Jessie,’you’re skin is patchy and you look crap!’

‘Leave me alone!’ whispered Pershone, hastening her pace. Alana followed her.

‘You’re such a loser! Poor too. A Povo!’ she hissed, grabbing Persiphone’s delicate arm and giving it a painful pinch.

‘Stop it Alana! You’re hurting me!’ cried Persiphone.

‘Stop it , you’re hurting me!’ mimicked Alana, making a rude face.

‘Stop it!’ repeated Persiphone, blocking her ears.

‘Loser! Loser! Loser! We hate you! We hate you! Bitch! No one cares about you!’ yelled Alana.

Yet Persiphone was hurt beyond description. She would give almost anything to be accepted by these girls. She could feel the tears welling in her eyes and she felt embarassed.

‘You’re such a cry baby!’ jeered Jessie, kicking Persiphone in the shin. ‘‘What’s your name? Persiphone Poo...Poo..lis? Doesn’t that mean crap in Wog language as well?’ laughed Alana. ‘ N...no...I...I mean... is...isn’t M... Millie a w...wog too?’ stammered Persiphone.

‘Yeah... but she’s French!’ snapped Alana.

‘What about Jessie? She’s Asian.’ protested Persiphone.

‘Yeah... but she’s cool. She has a boyfriend and she smokes!’ hissed Alana. ‘But you are a loser!’

Somehow Persiphone got herself to the girls toilets. She could barely breathe. Her heart was pounding and her chest felt tight. Her head was aching and she felt heart broken. She knew she would be spending the remaining lunch time in the toilets locked behind a closed door.Like yesterday and every other day before that, she would close the toilet lid, sit on it and wait for the school bell to ring. She would sit with her head in her hands and quietly sob so that no one could hear her.

Soon the bell would ring. As usual Persiphone would wipe her tears, go to class and tell no one of her ordeal. That would be far too humiliating and Alana would be furious if she told the teacher. Once Persiphone tried to confide in Mr Deafears. He wasn’t very helpful, though. ‘You’re just far too sensitive Persiphone,’ he had told her, ‘we don’t have any bullies at our school. Not at our school!

How Persiphone hated her life. She hated the way she looked. She was too dark, skinny and tall with mysterious brown eyes. She had an unpronounceable name which rhymed with ‘poo.’ She hated being shy and timid. She wasn’t good at Maths and the other kids laughed at her when she made mistakes in class.

Why couldn’t she be anything except Greek? Why couldn’t she be French like Millie? And why wouldn’t her parents let her have a boyfriend? After all, she was 13! What could possibly go wrong?

Most of all, she hated Alana. She was the leader of ‘The Popular Girls’ in the school. She was The Queen Bee. She was supremely confident, cool and everyone thought she was very attractive. Everyone wanted to be her friend. Everyone wanted to be just like her. Alana had so much power and everyone was scared of her in many ways. They would do anything to be in her inner circle of friends. It just didn’t pay to stand up for Alana’s victims. It was better to be a silent, cowardly bystander than risk losing a powerful position in ‘girl world’.

Persiphone sat on the toilet seat hating herself more and more. She felt so ashamed and guilty that she allowed people to bully her. At times she doubted herself and wondered how long she could tolerate all the pressure. She couldn’t sleep well at night and she didn’t seem to be all that hungry lately. Mum had noticed that she had lost a lot of weight and this was a worry. Certainly her grades had begun to slip because she could no longer concentrate in class. She felt ugly, lonely, isolated and cried a lot. Her confidence and self esteem had hit rock bottom. She was afraid to check her email, phone messages and Facebook for fear of being bullied and humiliated even further. Why did she have to be so clumsy? Why couldn’t she stand up for herself? Everyone knew that was a sign of weakness.

BULLYING IN AUSTRALIA In Australia bullying is a growing concern faced by many vulnerable children, teenagers and adults. It can occur anywhere, including schools and at work. ‘Cyberbullying’ seems to be a growing trend where mainly teenagers are bullied on Facebook, through text messages, voice mail and other accessible technological means.

Bullying is present when a person or a group of people repeatedly and intentionally uses offensive words or behaviours against a victim whom they perceive to be an easy target. Bullying violates a victim’s right to feel safe, respected and above all, equal. It causes real despair and can be a great threat to the victim’s emotional and physical well being. Bullying can cause victims to become greatly distressed. They can become depressed and even suicidal.

SUPPORT SERVICES There are a number of agencies and support networks that can be accessed for help. However no one can adequately stress just how important it is for parents to be in tune with teenagers and to keep the communication lines open. Know where your teen is at. Ask them what is bothering them and tell them that they can always come to you for help. In time they can learn to trust you even if it doesn’t happen straight away.

There are school counsellors who can also help.

Some other support networks include: KIDS HELPLINE:1800 551800 REACH: 9416 2230 BEYOND BLUE:1300 224636 LIFELINE:131114 BLACK DOG: (02) 93822991

There were times when Persiphone just wanted to die. ...Everything just seemed out of control and completely hopeless. Perhaps one day she would... TBC

89

ODIGOS

CARS

S H I N A R I

90

BY CHRIS BINOS

The Mazda SHINARI is a pure design concept model of a four-door, four-seater sports coupe which perfectly expresses the ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’ design theme in a graceful and carefree form.

The Japanese word shinari describes the powerful yet supple appearance of great resilient force when objects of high tensile strength, such as steel or bamboo, are twisted or bent. It also refers to the appearance of a person or animal as it flexibly transforms its body to generate a fast movement. Within this movement, Mazda designers discovered the potential to realise ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’.

One glance at SHINARI stirs the emotions. Its form expresses the powerful movement of a lean body with highly developed muscles, supple but at the same time filled with tension.

Mazda’s desire is to reach car lovers’ hearts and go beyond the notion of rational logic. This form purely embodies that desire.

With an image of strength emanating across every panel and component, the Mazda SHINARI looks ready to leap at any second.

The strong backbone running through the body, the sudden release of pent-up energy, and the interplay of beautiful, supple movements - this

form is the expression of all of these elements.

Human Machine Interface (HMI). The availability of smaller electronic components has allowed SHINARI’s designers to create a floating HMI three-dimensional display; a design element that represents the very latest HMI technology.

The system offers three distinct modes: ‘Business, Pleasure and Sport’. The Businessmode enables the driver to stay connected to work day tasks. In Pleasure-mode, focus is on comfort and entertainment, allowing the driver to tailor the interior mood, creating a relaxed atmosphere. In Sport-mode the driving set-up is changed; the paddle shifter is activated, suspension settings are tuned for performance driving, and controls are simplified, allowing the driver to focus solely on the driving experience.

When creating the SHINARI concept interior Mazda’s objective was to design a distinctive premium cockpit that incorporates its interior DNA. While the exterior design can be appreciated through motion, the interior, meanwhile, is experienced in a static, seated position.

With SHINARI as the first step, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda’s design division, aims to create original Mazda designs that will be recognised around the world.

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ODIGOS

READER’S CAR

CAR 1987 VL TURBO COMMODORE NAME Chris Miras AGE 21 PHOTOS: YOVAN TROBONJACA

I

’m your typical Greek from the South Eastern suburbs. I love hanging out with my

ARP stud kit, ACL bearings, heavy duty valve springs, Crane retainers, Wade 818c/1147,

mates although I spend majority of my free time with my girlfriend, yes I’m whipped

CNC ported inlet n outlets, Gates blue racing belt, Gates water pump, GTR oil pump, 3

I’m not afraid to admit that. I also love my cars, especially VL TURBOS, always

core radiator, BF XR8 fan, SARD adjustable fuel regulator and new hoses throughout.

had a soft spot for them since I was young. I love the shape, the easy power they

The turbo is 35/40 front cover .70 sierra wheel, t3 rear housing (where the dump pipe

make and of course the dose. I don’t care what negative things people say about me

joins to the rear of the turbo the inside lip was machined to flow better) 12psi actuator.

driving a 25 yr old car, I just love the look of people faces after my 1987 commodore blows their 2005 shitters doors off. You get the lovers and haters, I’m definitely a lover

To keep track of what temperature the oils and water are running at and what boost

of this car and it’s why I spent $17,000 if not more on my pride and joy PRO RB6.

is hitting I have the AUTOMETER Oil Temp, Water Temp and Boost gauges placed on the bonnet in plain sight.

I brought this car as a daily back in September 2010, after getting sick of the unhealthy 3LT straight 6 I decided to do a little turbo conversion. 2 blown gearboxes and still

While the engine pumps out the gases it’s all pushed through a custom 3” stainless

not happy with the power, I decided to do a rebuild with a little work. That’s where

steel 1 piece exhaust dumped before the differential for a nice mean sound. To

everything went out of control.

get the wheels spinning all power from the crank is pushed through the 4 speed Jatco transmission which has been strengthened to handle 350kw built by RVO in

I was introduced to Rick at INTENSE AUTOMOTIVE, I told him what I wanted, and

Dandy. From there it’s down to the full spool turbo diff with a 3.9 gear ratio to help

how fast I wanted to go. I wanted something decent for the street,

me launch off the line quicker. When I come to a stop the turbo

still had the up n go but could remain street friendly and wouldn’t

brakes do their job with twin piston all round.

be in the shop every 2 weeks getting something fixed. Everyone was telling me to go all out, you live once so I bit the bullet and did just that.

The bounce is helped by the Pedders springs and Munroe GT Gas shocks. To keep me rolling the wheels at 15” interceptor alloys painted Asteroid silver with nice chunky 225 on the back to give me more traction.

Over a 6 month build period, that still hasn’t finished, a car that had been intended to be a daily driver was transformed into a jet. I was never after a show quality car,

We never got a chance to put it on the dyno, working 6 days a week is a bit hard and

more something that wouldn’t get hassled by the boys in blue and if the bonnet was

with other commitments not much time is left in between. A rough power figure is

popped open it would look close to standard which is what we achieved. The body

close to around 230rwkw on 12psi which is more than enough on the street.

does show signs of wear and tear but, is still presentable and turns heads everywhere I take it, especially Chapel St on a Friday and Saturday night.

The Interior is left standard beige SL interior, nothing fancy. Apart from the Pioneer head unit and 6x9s in the parcel shelf it’s all standard.

Everything done to this car has been done to the highest quality. The engine was built by a well known builder in the drag scene who has built countless VL turbos running

Building this car has been a nightmare but also a learning curve. I’ve learnt that if

9, 10 & 11 second passes. When I knew he was the man responsible of the engine, I

I’m going to do something I’m going to do it right and the poor man pays twice. The

knew I was in good hands. Rick who was there for every bit from putting the engine

support of my close mates is what helped me get through it all. There were times I

together to the door stickers has saved me a lot of time and headaches, He has done

just wanted to give up and call it quits but they kept me on track and I’m grateful for

things where other workshops would have turned their backs. He has stayed back at

all their support and late nights at the shop.

the shop till 6am to make an exhaust and cooler pipes, the list just goes on. It goes to show that people really do care. I would recommend this shop to anyone, as long as you have the money, time and respect you will get more than what you ask for.

Big thanks goes to Rick at Intense Automotive for all his work and help, this car wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for him. Also Tony for building the motor and

The engine mods consists of Block bored, honed, decked, rotating assembly balanced,

RVO Automotive. My parents who still hate this car but are happy to see it finished.

blueprinted, chemically cleaned, crack tested, prepped, standard crack (grub screwed),

My beautiful Girlfriend who hates every bit of this car except for the dose, she has

motorsport rods, ACL forged pistons 20 thou, 8.02:1 compression, ACL piston rings,

been very supportive throughout the entire build.

92

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Palace Cinemas

CINEMANIA

Proudly presenting the highest quality films from around the world.

BIG MAMMA’S BOY A COMEDY ABOUT LIFE, LOVE & LASAGNA

Fun, heart-warming and poignant, this spirited romantic comedy explores Australia’s multicultural nuances with hilarious results and goes to show that being a big mamma’s boy is a lot tougher than it sounds.

BIG MAMMA’S BOY follows the story of Rocco (Frank Lotito) as he struggles to choose between the love of his life, Katie (Holly Valance) and his doting, over-protective Italian mother (Carmelina Di Guglielmo).

Alliance Française French Film Festival 9-27 March 2011

Audi Festival of German Films

Produced by Valarc Films, written by Frank Lotito and directed by AFI award winner Franco di Chiera (Under The Skin, The Joys Of The Women), BIG MAMMA’S BOY combines some of Australia’s best comedic talent (George Kapiniaris, Maria Venuti, Costas Kilias, Steve Mouzakis, Jim Russell) with great storytelling.

It features Pia Miller (pictured below) in her first film role plus an appearance and exclusive song from Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci.

WIN! WIN! 1/5 DOUBLE PASSES TO SEE BIG MAMMA’S BOY AT THE CINEMAS OR GET A SIGNED POSTER BY THE CAST. TO ENTER SIMPLY REGISTER YOUR DETAILS AT: WWW.OPAMAGAZINE.COM.AU

Pia Miller

7-17 April 2011

Spanish Film Festival 12-22 May 2011

Israeli Film Festival

30 August – 4 September 2011

Russian Resurrection Film Festival 18-28 August 2011

Lavazza Italian Film Festival 14 September – 5 October 2011

Greek Film Festival 13 – 30 October 2011

www.palacecinemas.com.au

WINNERS DRAWN AUGUST 20, 2011

IN THE CLUB

FIST PUMP

www.fistpump.com.au

95

IN THE CLUB

Photos: Raymond Korn Photography

SPICEMARKET

more at: www.spicemarket.net.au

97

PROVERB OF THE MONTH: ‘Την προδοσία πολλοί αγάπησαν, το προδότη κανείς.’

Translation - Many have loved treason, none the traitor.

Meaning - Many people want to do things, but don’t have the guts, but by the same token they scorn someone who does

WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS: IT’S (ALL) GREEK TO ME: An expression that is incomprehensible due to complexity or imprecision, generally with respect to verbal expressions with excessive jargon of dialect, mathematics, or science.

The first Greek to observe ocean tides in the Atlantic in the early third century B.C. was the navigator and astronomer Pytheas, who also produced the correct explanation for them.

He was 2,000 years ahead of his time, for it took that long for tides to be attributed (by Newton) properly to the influence of the moon. Until Newton’s time, most scholars refused to believe that the moon could have any effect on the oceans, especially because one tide each day took place when the moon was not even visible in the sky.

PARDON ME,YOUR GREEKROOTS ARE SHOWING: The Celts were people from various tribes and were called Galli by the Romans and Galatai or Keltoi by the Greeks. These terms all had one meaning in common - barbarian.

It is from the Greek word Keltoi, that Celt is derived…

BAG PIPES CAME FROM WHERE? A gajda is an ancient Greek Macedonian two-voiced bagpipe. (Pronounced GUY-DUH) Many people changed its name from Gajda to Gida, but it is still pronounced the same way Gida is a bagpipe musical instrument whose ancient origin was in Mesopotamia, from which it was carried east and west by Celtic migrations. It was used in ancient Greece and has been long known in India. Some form of bagpipe was later used in nearly every European country: it was particularly fashionable in 18th-century France, where it was called the musette. Its widest use and greatest development was in the British Isles, particularly Northumberland, Ireland, and Scotland. Associated with folk and military music, it has been neglected by composers, possibly because of its short musical range.

REALLY?

GREECE HAS ONE OF THE LOWEST DIVORCE RATES IN THE EU. SURPRISINGLY THEY ALSO, HOWEVER, HAVE ONE OF THE HIGHEST ABORTION RATES...

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*Terms and Conditions apply. Bank of Cyprus Australia Tell a Friend Campaign offer is valid from 04/07/2011 to 02/09/2011 and subject to change anytime. Full Terms and Conditions for Tell a Friend are available in-branch or at www.bankofcyprus.com.au. Before taking up any of Bank of Cyprus Australia’s products or services, you should consider if they are appropriate for you. Bank of Cyprus Australia recommends that you read the respective Terms and Conditions and other disclosure documents before deciding to acquire or use any of the Bank’s products or services. These documents can be obtained from any of our branches or at www.bankofcyprus.com.au. AFSL No 244611 ABN 51 092 167 907