OPA! MAGAZINE ISSUE 4 by chris meyer

A DIVINE CULINARY EXPERIENCE

PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS OF CYPRUS

COMES TO TOWN

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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. AISIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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

HEADER

HEADARIS

HEADER OMADA HEADER

HEADARIS HEADARIS CONTRIBUTORS

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

CHRIS BINOS Chris Binos is proud to call himself a Greek. “You can say that I’m proud to call myself a Greek. Born and raised in Melbourne, you would think that thongs and beer was my thing, but having real Greek parents, with traditional values, a million cousins with the same first name and a strong love for tzatziki, I was brought up the typical Greek way, eating everything on my plate and putting on skivvy’s in 40 degree heat.”

Steve Agi

editor@opamagazine.com.au

FEATURES EDITOR

Chris Binos

chris@opamagazine.com.au

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mike Sweet

mike@opamagazine.com.au

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING

JOHN SAKELLARIS John Sakellaris was born and raised in Melbourne and is the Production Coordinator for Melbourne’s own 3XY Radio Hellas. With many trips to Greece under his belt he has developed a healthy obsession for his Greek heritage. Equipped with a Bachelors Degree in Communication and a love for the audio visual arts, John stands ready to explore Greek culture in the modern Australian landscape.

Dean Georgio

dean@opamagazine.com.au

DESIGN + PRODUCTION

WeMakeMagazines

www.wemakemagazines.com.au

PUBLICATION COORDINATOR

Christopher Meyer

production@opamagazine.com.au

ARETI FRONIS Born in Rhodes, Greece, Areti moved to Australia 2 days before her first birthday. She is proud of her Greek heritage and active in the Greek community. Areti has a sales and PR background, and has, since 2009 been the sole Australian distributor of Greek Handmade jewellery label ‘Babylonia’. “I hope to fuse my knowledge and enthusiasm when delivering my contribution to OPA Magazine.”

PHOTOGRAPHY Francesco Vicenzi (cover) Woodrow Wilson Raymond Korn Paul Osta Panos John Raptis Ephrem Zarris Shutterstock.com

CONTRIBUTORS Betty, Eleni & Samantha Bakopoulos, Chris Binos, Nicole

MIKE SWEET

Condos, Areti Fronis, Dean Georgio, Nik Halik, Mr. Joshua, Dean Kalymniou, Martha Karatsioris, Ange T. Kenos, DJ Krazy

Mike Sweet was born in Wales. A widely published journalist and

Kon, Theo Kostoglou, Pette Liacopoulos, Chris Macheras,

television documentary producer, Mike has worked for the BBC,

Niko Mavro, Malchus Nevets, John Pandazopoulos, Gregory

the ABC, The Age and The Australian, and written for Greece’s leading English language titles. Mike also writes for Neos Kosmos.

C. Pappas, Jaqui Preketes, Dean Psaros, James Razos, Phil Vassiliadis, John Sakellaris, Pee Wee Sharkopoulos, Mike Sweet, Penelope Tsaldari, Kate Wyld

With a passion for Greece, its history, traditions and culture, Mike is a perfect fit for OPA! Magazine’s Contributing Editor.

MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 406 ALBERT PARK VIC 3206

SUBSCRIPTIONS

DEAN KALYMNIOU

www.opamagazine.com.au subscriptions@opamagazine.com.au

Dean Kalimniou is an Australian lawyer, writer and journalist of Greek descent. Dean Kalimniou was born in Melbourne and has studied law and arts, majoring in Modern Greek studies. Dean is a well known poet and short story writer within the Greek community, as well as a respected journalist. It is with a great sense of honor and pride that we welcome Dean to the OPA! team.

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.

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.

sue sensi w

YIA SAS

WELCOME

GREEK

WEEKLY M

IA SAS FRIENDS AND THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN for taking time out of your busy day to have a flick through OPA! It really has been very exciting month. You’ll notice a few

things this issue, hopefully we have taken on board more of your feedback and slowly we are turning into the sort of publication we can all be proud of - truly the voice of a new generation! Thank you for all your letters, emails and calls – keep ‘em coming, lets make history together! You’ll notice a few new contributors, each helping to add that personal touch and their personal flair, the same familiar faces doing there thing and some of the biggest names both locally and abroad gracing our pages.

C O M I N G

S O O N

Not only were we lucky enough to a personal audience with the President of Cyprus, Mr Chistofias, we were privy to a lunch with the Consul General for Victoria Ms Eleni Lianidou as well as an exclusive cover story by culinary kings, George Calombaris and Shane Delia. I hope you enjoy these features as well as all the rest of the stories that have made up issue 4. With the usual tales of Travel, Food and Culture, it is sure to be another action packed issue that will hopefully entertain, educate and inform you of all things Greek. • •

Mike Zambidis came to town – we were there – OPA! Creta Farms, one of the world’s biggest brands hits our shores – read all about it right here – OPA!

•

$1.3M+ donations by Greek benefactors to help build the Cultural Centre in Melbourne – incredible, amazing, unheard of – OPA!

We continue the Anzac theme with an address by the Pan-Cretan president who clarifies the purpose of the Australian contingent’s visit, which contrary to the propaganda published in other media was in the true ANZAC spirit. Look out for next issue when the politicians get their chance to tell us what it all meant, right here in OPA! Magazine. What a great month June has been, we’ve decided to call this issue June/July, fear not, it will change nothing, still 11 issues per year, just aligning ourselves with a new distributor nationally to make sure more places and more people get access to the hottest magazine in town, your magazine – OPA! Finally, on a personal note June has been a month of mixed emotions with some extreme highs and an all time low, marked by the passing of my grandfather. Papou Christo, we will miss you dearly - thank you for so many wonderful years!

Everybody say OPA! STEVE AGI - PUBLISHER

w w w. g r e e k w e e k l y. c o m . a u

CONTENTS

INSIDE

12 GRAMATA Letters

68 PROFIL Tommy The Greek

13 GOSSIP FROM GREECE

72 PROFIL Luka ‘Lesson’ Haralampou

14 PRAGMATA Stuff

76 NUGAS Ta Leme + Campus Profile

16 NEA News

78 FRONDITHA Sandwich Generation

18 NEA greekreporter.com

80 PROFIL Jimmy Lavranos

19 MUSIKI Music CD Reviews

84 ODIGOS Jaguar goes electric + Readers car

20 CINEMANIA Film & Movie reviews 22 THE GOOD GREEK GIRL Good Greek girls gone bad?

88 GNOMI What Greece really needs right now 90 MODA Blonde with the Lot

24 2 CHEFS & A SAINT St Katherine’s 92 KOUVENTES Greek heroes 28 KINOTITA Cultural Centre donors 96 IN THE CLUB WITH OPA! 30 PROFIL Eleni Lianidou

98 IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME The final word 34 PROFIL Mike Zambidis 38 ISTORIA Crusaders in Cyprus 42 POLITIKI Cypriot President visits Aus 44 ISTORIA Anzacs return to Crete 46 ATHLITICA Cricket 50 GNOMI Oils Ain’t Oils pt3 54 NEA Creta Farms hit Australia 58 IN THE KOUZINA Deliciously authetic Greek pudding recipes

60 MONEY MATTERS It’s tax time again. Are you ready? 62 POLITIKI Greek Power Summit 64 KULTURA Nik Halik: Who wants to be a Thrillionaire? 67 DOLLARS&SENSE: B.O.C.A

GRAMATA

LETTERS

AUSTRALIA SAYS OPA! ATTN: OPA MAGAZINE I’m from Melbourne and I would like to subscribe to OPA! Magazine, I went to the newsagency at Westfield Doncaster today and they had sold out of the magazine, where else could I grab a copy? Congratulations on such a fantastic magazine! It’s so great to see a Greek-Australian magazine on our shelves :) Keep up the terrific work! Wishing you all the very best. Kind regards,

WWW.GREEKMEDIAGROUP.COM

SOPHIA, PRESIDENT, DEAKIN UNIVERSITY GREEK SOCIETY (DUGS), SOCIAL & CULTURAL OFFICER, NATIONAL UNION OF GREEK AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS VICTORIA (NUGAS), DUGS REPRESENTATIVE, NATIONAL UNION OF GREEK AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS VICTORIA (NUGAS)

HI OPA! Congratulations on the launch of OPA!, I got my copies at Antipodes and it definitely looks of high quality in terms of production as well as content. I look forward to speaking to you soon.

HEY OPA! I just wanted to say congratulations on the launch of OPA!. The first issue is better than I imagined and seeing it becoming such a huge success and growing as the Greeks become aware of it is very exciting. I look forward to continue supporting and working with you as I love promoting anything about Greek culture especially food and wine as you would know already :) Kind regards, THEO KOSTOGLOU, OWNER / EXEC CHEF KOUZINA RESTAURANT GROUP www.kouzina.com.au

HELLO OPA! I trust you are well. Congratulations on the magazine. I have read it and it is impressive. Kind Regards, EMMANUEL KOTIS, ELCO FOOD COMPANY

Best regards, FOTIS ZERVAS, MARKETING OFFICER, BEIRUT HELLENIC BANK LTD

WIN A FREE 12 MTH SUBSCRIPTION TO OPA! To enter just send in letters to PO BOX 406 ALBERT PARK 3206 or email editor@opamagazine.com.au

WWW.GREEKMEDIAGROUP.COM

KOUTSOMBOLIO

GOSSIP

ELENI MENEGAKI, HER NEW MAN + THE NEW SOPHIA LOREN

T THE MOMENT IN GREECE, besides George Papandreou, Eleni Menegaki is the most photographed and talked about person. In 2010 the host of the morning show Coffee with Eleni on Alpha TV, divorced Giannis Latsios president of TV channel Ant1. The mother of three children was rumoured to have divorced tycoon Latsios because behind her back he offered Katerina Zarifi, a co-worker of Eleni, to host a morning show on Ant1 which is in competition with Menegaki’s show. It was rumoured that neighbours heard Eleni screaming, using abusive language and of vicious fighting with Latsios whilst at their home in Marousi. Apparently the fighting began the same time as when Ant1 announced their new host of their morning show will be Katerina Zarifi. Since the divorce, Eleni moved on with her life and found herself a new love, Mateo Pantzopoulos, a hotel owner in Andros. Her divorce and new love puts her on the front page of all gossip magazines every week.

From the time the couple, who are officially together one year, were discovered, rumours and speculations arose as to what was the real cause of the Menegaki-Latsio divorce. One rumour is that in August 2009, before Eleni knew of Katerina Zarifis’ job offer and whilst Latsios was working long hours at Ant1, she went on a three day holiday to Andros island with Jenny Balatsinou former Miss Star Ellas and Petros Costopoulos a Greek media tycoon and there she met Mateo. Petros, owner of Greek magazines such as OK! Magazine, Downtown, People, In Syle, Esquire, Maxim and BBC Top Gear,whom also has baptized Valerie the third daughter of MenegakiLatsio, admitted on his talk show “A night with Costopoulos”, that Eleni met Mateo through him, but had no knowledge of her flirtation. He was shocked and surprised as everyone else was that Eleni had formed a relationship with Mateo so soon after her separation. He didn’t hesitate to remark that he no longer speaks with Menegaki and fully supports Latsios.

- Eleni Menegaki ‘alone’ shopping in Kiffisia.

- Relaxing with new love, Hotel owner, Mateo Pantzopoulos

The lastest rumour is that Eleni and Mateo will marry this summer at Andros island, and Natasha Theodoridou will be their matron of honour. Expect to see much more of Eleni in Greek magazines if this eventuates!

Dorotea Mercuri (Mateo’s ex)

Dorotea Mercuri with Monica Belluci at friend Penny’s birthday party in Rome.

Dorotea Mercuri has been named the new Sophia Loren of Italy.

PRAGMATA

STUFF

HOME REPUBLIC ‘SPARGO’ CUSHIONS: TREND ALERT! Bold Statement pieces are a MUST for your home this Season!! The Home Republic ‘Spargo’ cushion will demand attention in your home! In a fantastic range of Winter colours they will be a great addition to your living space. $49.95 ea. www.adairs.com.au

MERCER + REID ‘TRILOGY’ RANGE To create a completely stylised home, accessories are the key. Make your house a home with these fashionable Mercer + Reid ‘Trilogy’ vase range in this season’s hottest colour! From $9.95 to $59.95 www.adairs.com.au

VEFA’S KITCHEN The bible of authentic Greek Cooking by Vefa Alexiadou, the leading authority on Greek cuisine Greece is the mother of Mediterranean cuisine, where olive oil, breads and honey have been staples since ancient times, with over 650 simple and healthy recipes, including many vegetarian dishes, Vefa’s kitchen also includes regional specialties that reveal the rich variety of Greek cooking from the mountains to the coast Explores the fascinating social, mythological and religious history of Greek food like never before! www.phaidon.com.au

DODONI THE GREEK FETA The world leader in authentic Greek Feta. This cheese is high quality with a smooth natural flavour. Made from pasteurised milk from sheep and goats’ that graze freely on the purest grasslands of the Epirus region.The region is hilly and made up of the 2500 types of native plants, flowers and shrubs. These factors allow the milk to be unique, and is the secret ingredient to Dodoni.

FLAVOURS OF GREECE By Rosemary Barron Dining in Greece is an activity that stimulates all the senses; the food is colorful and fragrant, perfumed by the wonderful heady fragrances of fresh herbs and spices, and it is consumed with great gusto. In Flavors of Greece. Rosemary Barron invites us to share these communal pleasures and to accompany her on her exploration of the Greek kitchen. There are over 250 recipes; many are simple, based on good, fresh ingredients; many are highly flavored and aromatic; all taste even better when shared with friends.

YEMISTA LAKHANIKA STUFFED VEGETABLES Serves 8 These stuffed vegetables are works of art, masterpieces of the Greek kitchen. The vegetables used may be tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, onions, artichokes, courgettes, or squash. The main criteria for selection are that they add splashes of brilliant colour to the meze table and are the best available. For a large gathering, buffet, or picnic these vegetables are a gift. They look spectacular and they’re very long suffering – staying fresh and delicious even in hot sunshine and after the first wave of guests has descended on the table. Although the preparation is fairly time consuming, most of it can be done ahead of time. Its tantalizing herbal aroma reminds me of villages in the rugged Greek mountains where these highly flavoured treats are a speciality. • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 firm round aubergines, no more than 7 cm/3 inches long Sea salt 2 courgettes, 5-7 cms long 3 small squash suitable for stuffing, about 5 cms in diameter or 2 courgettes, 5-7 cms long 3 small bell peppers, green, red, or yellow or a combination of all three 6 boiling onions, about 4 cms in diameter 4 small tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon sugar 115-175 ml/4-6 fl oz extra virgin olive oil 1 small onion, finely grated 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped 11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or 1 tablespoon ground coriander Freshly ground black pepper to taste 150 g/5 oz long-grain rice, cooked 4 tablespoons finely chopped flat leaf parsley 2 tablespoons dried rigani briefly pounded in a small mortar 75 g/3 oz currants or small dark seedless raisins, optional Juice of 1 lemon

• • • FOR SERVING Lemon wedges Slice off the stem ends of the aubergines, cut lengthways in half, and sprinkle the cut sides with 2 teaspoons salt. Set aside for 30 minutes to “sweat”. Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, rinse the courgettes and other squash and rub with a tea towel to remove any fuzz. Slice off the stem ends of the courgettes and squash and remove a thin slice from the base of each squash so that they stand upright. Add the courgettes and other

squash to the boiling water and lightly boil for 5 minutes, or until barely soft. Drain on paper towels and retain the boiling water for the next stage. Slice off the tops of the peppers, remove the cores and seeds, and rinse the tops and peppers. Peel the onions, slicing off the root and stem ends. Add the peppers, pepper tops and onions to the boiling water. Lightly boil the peppers for 5 minutes or until slightly softened, the onions 3 or 4 minutes longer, or until just soft, and drain. Slice off the tops of the tomatoes and set aside. With a small spoon, scoop out the seeds, sprinkle the insides with the sugar and a pinch of salt, and invert on paper towels to drain. With the point of a small paring knife, push out the centres of the boiled onions, leaving shells of 2 layers. Finely chop the centres. Heat the oven to 160C/325F/gas mark 3. Place a heavy frying pan over mediumlow heat and add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Dry the aubergines with paper towels and fry until the cut sides are golden brown and the skins are dark and wrinkled, about 12 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Cut the courgettes lengthways in half and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving 6 mm/1/4 inch shells. Scoop out the flesh of the aubergines and squash. Discard the aubergine seeds and finely dice all the flesh. Heat 2 tablespoons of the remaining olive oil in a heavy sauté or frying pan. Add the chopped onion, grated onion, and garlic, and sauté over low heat until soft. Add the tomato dice, aubergine pulp, courgette and squash pulp, cinnamon, and pepper, stir with a wooden spoon and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the rice, parsley, rigani, currants, and half the lemon juice, and gently stir to mix. Add salt and pepper, cinnamon and/or lemon juice to taste; the mixture should be highly flavoured. Arrange all the vegetable shells in a single layer in a large shallow baking dish. Loosely fill with the rice mixture, taking care not to split the shells. Replace the tops of the tomatoes and peppers and sprinkle all the vegetables with the remaining lemon juice and olive oil to taste. Add 225 ml/8 fl oz water to the dish and bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the vegetables are soft; reduce the oven temperature to 150C/300F/gas mark 2 if the vegetables start to brown. If necessary, add a little more water to the dish. Let the vegetables cool in the baking dish, then transfer to a serving plate. Surround with lemon wedges and sprinkle with pan juices and olive oil to taste. Serve at room temperature. Note. If you prefer to use less olive oil, the aubergines can be cut in half and added to the boiling water with the courgettes. Boil for 5 minutes and drain on paper towels. Because this dish has an overall mellowness, the rich flavour of aubergines prepared in olive oil is not essential to its success.

NEA

NEWS

Welcome aboard Bracksy

Former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks AC appointed to Board of Beirut Hellenic Bank

operates, but also for what it stands for, being the pursuit of genuine customer value in Banking, as well as reflecting and extending the reality of multiculturalism in Australia.”

The Hon Steve Bracks AC, former Premier of Victoria, has joined the Board of Beirut Hellenic Bank, bringing a wealth of experience and Steve Bracks was one of Victoria’s most successful Premiers, winning three consecutive elections including achieving knowledge to this dynamic, recently re-branded Bank. Mr Bracks will be drawing upon almost eight years of experience as record majorities in the 2002 and 2006 state elections. Premier of Victoria, as well as from his experience in advising several leading Australian finance and service sector corporations. Chairman of Beirut Hellenic Bank, Nick Pappas, welcomed the appointment: “Steve Bracks is a very important addition to the Bank’s Board, particularly for our coverage in Victoria where Steve’s impeccable standing and breadth of knowledge of the local business and banking environment will enable him to make an extremely important contribution to the Bank’s progress.” James Wakim, Managing Director & CEO of Beirut Hellenic Bank, added: “The addition of a director of the calibre of Steve Bracks to our Board is a major development for the Bank. Not only does he have an impressive economic record and in-depth understanding of banking and finance, he is also recognised for his work in the community and has been a vocal advocate of multiculturalism.” Steve Bracks expressed his own enthusiasm for the appointment and for the future of Beirut Hellenic Bank in Australia: “I am very excited about serving on the board of such an important organisation, not just for the two communities in which it currently

The Beirut Hellenic team - Smile!

NEA

NEWS

Check 1-2-3000, YES PLEASE!

Popstar Mihalis Hatzigiannis Meets And Greets at Essendon North Bank Of Cyprus welcomes Mihalis Hatzigiannis to their newest Branch in Essendon North. Over 100 faithful fans were present at this special meet and greet event which the Bank of Cyprus Australia organized, with Hatziginannis gracing Australian shores for the fourth time in what was another sellout national tour There were smiles all around, with the Bank of Cyprus Australia using the opportunity to present a donation to AGAPI aged care for $3000 and ensuring that all fans present left with a smile, a kiss or an autograph from one of Greece’s biggest names and most loved personalities.

Tribute to Blair Milan SBS are currently screening Lyndey and Blair’s Taste of Greece, the TV series made by Lyndey Milan and her son Blair before his tragic death in April. The seven part series was brought forward as a tribute to the 29 year-old actor, who passed away on the 17th April from Acute Myloid Leukemia. Blair was the son of SBS managing director Nigel Milan and Lyndey, who presents the series. Blair and Lyndey visited Greece with a film crew in the summer of 2010 to explore the cuisine and culture of a country they both loved, meeting home cooks, winemakers, producers, chefs and restaurateurs. After completing the filming, Blair said of the show: “Travelling and shooting a television program with your mother is a little out of the ordinary! Put it this way, with my mother there is never a dull moment. The beauty of a mother son relationship on camera is that you can’t fake it, or replicate it, all the complexities have been built up over 29 years.” Tributes to Blair have been pouring in to the show’s Facebook page [Lyndey and Blair’s Taste of Greece] for the hugely loved young actor. “He was the most positive person I had ever met,” said Lyndey, “it was a joy and a privilege to have been his mother.” OPA! Magazine’s deepest sympathies go out to Blair’s family and friends at his tragic loss.

Mihalis meets the team at the Bank of Cyprus Australia - Essendon North

Lyndey and Blair’s Taste of Greece airs on SBS ONE every Thursday evening at 8pm until July 7.

NEA

NEWS

SCAN TO GET APP

Greeks Are Everywhere. GreekReporter.com GREEK AMONG THE MOST POPULAR LANGUAGES IN AUSTRALIA

Greek is one of the most popular languages in comparison to the other ninety main ethinic languages in Australia. According to research carried out by Notre Dame Australia University and previous research by Australian Early Development Index, as far as ethinc groups settled in Australia until 1974 are concerned, the Greek language is the most

want to give too much away but plans for my own place are underway and will come to fruition very soon,” Vakos said.  Aromaellas, which translates appropriately to “the flavour of Greece,” will open in the Melbourne suburb of Kew soon. It will offer traditional Greek food, much like his grandmother used to make.“It’s the food I know the best and what I personally love to eat the most. But I will be putting my own spin on some Greek classics,” he said. Patrons at the festival got a sneak peek at Aromaellas’ signature dessert a creme-brule, with candy-rose petals, pistachios and saffron syrup. “It’s delightful. it’s the sort of dish that everyone can enjoy, regardless of what sort of desserts they like,” Vakos said. And while the new restaurant will be in Melbourne, Vakos hasn’t forgotten about his home state. “Tasmanian produce will feature heavily on the menu I’ve already got plans for some Tasmanian saffron, Huon mushrooms and, of course, some Tasmanian wines,” Vakos said. “Tassie produce is the best in the country.”

widely spoken language within households in Australia. It is very important that three out of four Australians of Greek and Cypriot descent were born in Australia. A remarkable increase of students at Greek day nurseries, mainly in Melbourne, variates the results of the above mentioned Sydney research. Professor at Notre Dame Australia University Dr A M Tamis, who carried out the research, maintained that these results should contribute to the further increase of Greek schools.

CULINARY CHAMP PHILIP VAKOS SHOWS OFF SKILLS AT ESTIA GREEK FESTIVAL

Tasmanian MasterChef star Philip Vakos flew in from Melbourne recently to show off some of his culinary skills at the Estia Greek Festival at North Hobart. Vakos has been putting his skills to good use at his uncle’s restaurant, Philhellene in Melbourne for the past few months. He will soon have a restaurant of his own to complete his dream of becoming a chef. “I don’t

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MUSIKI

MUSIC

CD REVIEWS by DJ KRAZY KON

PANOS KIAMOS Olokenourgios One of my favourite artists today, the new album featuring 12 brand new songs has already become another big success story. The songs ‘apo deftera’, olokenergios’ ‘vale vale’ ‘san the drepese’ ‘xeno soma’ are standouts but overall the whole CD cranks. A huge hit very quickly for all radios stations, winning the top positions of Greek airplay everywhere. This guy is killing it and he is every year delivering a new album of pure quality and big hits. THERIO! A must-buy CD!

PASHALIS TERZIS Dio nihtes mono The one and only Pashalis Terzis is back! Three years after his last album, Terzis returns with 16 tracks written by trusted old and new friends. “Dio Nihtes Mono” (Two Nights Only), is a must have for all Terzis fans! Got some kIller zembekika including tracks ‘then xanakano onira’ & ‘kane samata’. Nice laiko album from one of the greats of all time.

NIKOS KOURKOULIS I skepsi mou mono This new album contains ten brand new beautiful songs from laikomegastar Kourkoulis. Among them, the recent radio hits “Opa-Opa’ and ‘Pia Ise Esi’. Also includes brand new duet with partner Kelly Kelekidou “Imaste Demeni.. the album has been released through Heaven Music Greece. Another popular CD from the man we have come to love.

KONSTANTINOS ARGIROS Malon kati zero One of the new young-gun greek stars, this guy can sing. His new CD out through giants Universal Greece, features 11 hot tracks. My favourites include ‘ise oti nane’ ‘antio leme’ and ‘erotevmenos ke trellos’. A great voice and a good overall album featuring some big radio and dancefloor hits.

DJ KRAZY KON is recognised today as the most successful & influential Greek - Australian music artist of our time. His name is synonymous with playing, producing and promoting Greek Music and Events and he has been at the forefront of the Greek Entertainment industry in this country for 15 years now. From his ideology has spanned an iconic “GREECE CD SERIES” which consists of an annual must have CD. He has now become a global name through his vision and raw talent and has revolutionised the art form of Greek DJing.

189 LONSDALE STREET MELBOURNE 19

PH: +61 (03) 19 9662 3133

CINEMANIA

MOVIES

CINEMANIA FILM RATING SYSTEM MASTERPIECE NOT TO BE MISSED GOOD TREAD CAREFULLY DON’T BOTHER

“Basically the same as the original, but instead of Las Vegas we’re thrown into the crazy city of Bangkok”

ere’s the sequel to the biggest ever R rated box office success---and is it any good? Well I think so—even though it’s not perfect. Is it an original and fresh take on the first one? No it’s not. But it is funny, and isn’t that what a comedy is supposed to do, to make us laugh?

(especially Ed Helms’ character Stu) and provide some of the comedic interplay and one liner’s us with some huge laughs. are at times better in this one. For instance Zach Galifianakis is on fire here, as he has some truly The situation and premise is basically the same hilarious lines but is also equally funny when he as the original, but instead of Las Vegas we’re is not saying anything and is just reacting to the thrown into the crazy city of Bangkok, as Phil, situations and people around him. In summary I Alan and Stu have had an all night bender and think this is a very funny film albeit not perfect, misplaced someone yet again. Personally I’m and if you loved the first one you’ll get a lot of fine with Todd Phillips repeating the formula, enjoyment out of it, but if you didn’t then stay as we now get to see how they deal with being well away. in a different country, but it’ll be good if they try something a bit different if they ever make a third one.

I was in a packed cinema, and I was laughing along with 90% of the rest of the audience. A lot of people have said that it’s inferior to the first movie--and to a certain extent I can understand that--as the surprise factor is gone, as we basically now know the formula. But I still think it manages to move the characters forward

In saying that though, I really enjoyed the slightly darker tone of this one, and the chemistry between the three leads is excellent as usual, and throwing in some more Mr Chow (played by the brilliant Ken Jeong) is a nice touch. Even though overall the first Hangover was a better film (because of the surprise factor), I think

THE HANGOVER 2 TODD PHILLIPS

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acquainted Americans travelling through the infected part of Mexico, trying to get back to their homes in the U.S., and through their harrowing journey they create a beautiful bond together. The two actors, Whitney Able and Scoot McNairy, are virtually unknown, but they pull off some really naturalistic performances, and hopefully we’ll get to see them more in the future.

What a great little film this is. By little, I mean that it was made on a micro budget with a tiny crew of people, but the end product defies what little money was spent making it. It’s an affecting first feature made by a very talented Englishman called Gareth Edwards, who was writer and director, who also did the great understated cg effects, and was also camera operator and director of photography. That’s a massive achievement in and of itself, but what’s most impressive is that it’s actually a great movie with a well, told story. It’s hard to categorize, but at the end of the day it’s an atmospheric sci-fi based around a growing relationship between a male American journalist and a female American tourist. Six years before the 2 characters meet, NASA had discovered the possibility of alien life within our own solar system. The space probe that was sent out to collect samples crashes over Central America on its return to Earth. Shortly after, new life forms began to appear and the top half of Mexico was fenced off and quarantined as an infected zone. The movie basically deals with the two newly

This is not a full on action packed sci-fi juggernaut in the tradition of the brilliant original Starship Troopers or Predator (both classics), but it is a haunting and sombre, character driven movie, with sporadic but moving encounters with the aliens. As Gareth Edwards mentions in the special features, he’s a big Spielberg fan, and it shows. The feel of it reminds you of Jaws or Close Encounters, but with one or two moments from Jurassic Park thrown in for good measure. It’s not a perfect film, but it comes close and it’s an extremely memorable one for sure, and Gareth Edwards is an exciting new talent in cinema.

Alliance Française French Film Festival 9-27 March 2011

Audi Festival of German Films 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 21

The GOOD GREEK GIRL Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk! Find her on stage performing or online working. Either way, it doesn't matter who you are, it's why you are here! Nicole Condos shares her unique point of view with OPA!

any of our grandmothers & mothers were raised in a “Good Greek Girl” pigeon hole of expectations. A culturally inspired list of do’s and don’ts regulated their choices about marriage, family, career and even fashion. The amount of “good” boxes she ticked, determined her application to be accepted and ability to marry, despite her own hopes and aspirations. I must admit I was amused when I first heard some Greek guy friends some years ago, discussing the “K-K-K” prerequisite for potential brides. To my surprise, they weren’t referring to Kim, Khloe or Kourtney Kardashian. Instead, the K-K-K refers to single ladies mastering the “Good Greek girl” (G-G-G) fundamentals of Kafe, Kouzina & Krevati (Coffee, Kitchen & Bed) According to these bachelors, a G-G-G can put a barista to shame by brewing the perfect coffee for her husband, be a master chef in the kitchen and sure enough, a tiger in the bedroom.

Whilst many of our mothers & grandmothers were champion stay at home makers, G-G-G are now embarking on a new journey of choice, freedom and independence. She too, may choose to be a home maker, with one child at school and a toddler on her hip, hovering over the kitchen stove boiling a fresh batch of rizogalo, whilst her husband is the bread winner. She may juggle marriage, family and often a career in a fast paced concrete jungle. Her schedule is a well coordinated balance between board room meetings and Dora the Explorer, sometimes as a single parent or without the support of her in-laws living in the same street. She may prioritize study, travel and a profession over starting a family. Although many feel pressured, even subliminally by the legacy of generations gone by, the martini sipping G-G-G of Glyfada and pram pushing working G-G-G of Melbourne are challenging the traditional mold.

Marriage isn’t a void filler or band aid for unhappiness. Nor is it a license to breed. Marriage is a spiritual partnership not limited by nationalitya unity beyond candle lit dinners on Valentine’s Day. According to the G-G-G code, in order to be married in the eyes of God and raise children, she should marry in a Greek Orthodox Church followed by a plate breaking celebration of love, koufeto and tulle. Baptizing her children, just as she was, is a given. Part of being “good” is her ethos and commitment to honouring her “Greekness.”. However, she often marries into other religions and her Greek goodness, by choice, is united and often compromised by a foreign set of cultural traditions. Can you hear the Mr Portakalis from My Big Fat Greek Wedding shriek, “My daughter is marrying a xeno with long hairs on his head!” Despite his son-in-law’s to be hair, I recognize his concern. Should any Greek, male or female, marry a xeno (a non Greek), the basics of language, religion and culture must be carried on and preserved better than spoon sweets, if the Greek heritage is to survive multicultural marriages. Like many, I thought I’d be married with a couple of kids in my 20s. That’s what every other Greek or Italian person I know achieved. After being the unmarried serial bridesmaid and bouquet catcher, I wondered why marriage was regarded as an achievement by those that silently held on to a very deep seated program in their psyche. I was baffled by those who chose to be defined by it. With divorce rates becoming higher than my Christian Louboutin’s, why would I aspire to such an “achievement?” Happily ever after isn’t always so happy, despite the stereotypes perpetuated by Walt Disney & Hollywood. Jennifer Aniston, categorized as the picture perfect bride, carried the torch for aspiring brides around the world. Yet her fairytale wedding to one of the world’s most sought after bachelors, Brad Pitt, didn’t last. Don’t they sell indestructible stefana on Rodeo Drive? Call me crazy, but being on the VIP List at Cavo Paradiso or investing my savings in Glyfada retail therapy in my 20s, was a little more appealing to me than baby bottles and bobonieres. Cupid’s arrow found me earlier this year and connected me with a Greek Australian man. Not only was I now attached, but to a Good Greek Boy as well. My judgmental critics have been silenced as I have a career AND a boyfriend. Autocue Händel Hallelujah from the Messiah right about now. So the next round of interrogations commence - when and how will I marry? There’s a story in itself… Facebook or Twitter? Chocolate or Strawberry? Marriage or Single? Either way a G-G-G, like anyone, has a choice and may even be bold enough to challenge the definition of what is thought to be good. While we go “gaga” over just about anything, distracted by the celebrity phenomenon and tested by life’s hurdles, traditions and expectations are shifting. Make decisions to create your own reality. After all, it is your life to live. This advice, however, does come with a note of caution. “Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times,” Aeschylus. > Follow Material Girl PR: www.twitter.com/materialgirlpr www.facebook.com/materialgirlpr

KALI OREXI

EATS

ST KATHERINE’S IS THE LATEST VENTURE BY ACCLAIMED CHEFS, GOOD FRIENDS AND GREAT GUYS SHANE DELIA AND GEORGE CALOMBARIS OF MAHA AND PRESS CLUB FAME. ST KATHERINE’S REPRESENTS THE THINGS THAT ARE SPECIAL TO SHANE AND GEORGE; FAMILY, FOOD, AND FRIENDSHIP, SO THE NAME HAD TO BE SOMETHING THAT HAD MEANING FOR THEM BOTH. ST KATHERINE IS SHANE’S FAMILY’S PATRON SAINT AND IT IS ALSO THE CHURCH THAT GEORGE WAS BAPTIZED IN.

by Steve Agi

KALI OREXI

EATS

t was great to head down and catch up with the boys at St Kat’s, as they refer to it. It is always exciting to watch them in action, to see their passion, to hear the respect they have for one another and to finally get a look at what is tipped to be the place to eat this season. Such a great location, such a vibrant space full of family and friends where it feels as though every dish is prepared and served with love.

and we’ve always wanted to do something together that took in all the things that are important to us; food, family, friendship and our cultures. St Katherine’s is exactly that – she is the patron saint of Shane’s family and the church that I was baptized in, explains George, obviously proud of the strong association and relevance the venue name has to both men. “Even the plates have meaning to us. We got together all these bits and pieces from our grandparent’s places and used them to I was hooked, it was love at first sight, what a destination this has work up what we wanted for our place, it’s touches like these that become already, I was keen to find out more; what was the inspiration make St Katherine’s a home, not just a place to come and eat.” for the venue concept and design? Over the years the Press Club Group has gone from strength to strength “Location is something that is really important for any restaurant, and we opening venue after venue, each with a certain style and theme. What spent a lot of time researching and checking out places to make sure we makes St Kat’s different from the others? found the spot that was right for us. St Katherine’s is a big space, so it gave us good flexibility to play around with different ideas and concepts. We “We’ve put a lot of thought and space into the kitchen at St Katherine’s. We wanted something where the kitchen was a real focus, and with the space had a company, Zesti, who are based in WA, custom make the wood-fired we’ve got we were really able to achieve that. Having the space upstairs for oven, Turkish grill and fourteen spike rotisserie for us - these are really private dining is something new for us too. The kitchen up there is perfect the hero of the kitchen, and we can do amazing things with this setupfor trying new recipes and ingredients, and also gives us a space where like a whole snapper on the grill, or full beast on the rotisserie, they’re we can do food prep or catering for off site functions,” explains Shane. incredible!” exclaims Shane, obviously excited at the possibilities. Why the name, why St Kat’s? “We’ve also got St Kat’s Upstairs, which is a private dining space that seats 100 guests, or 220 for stand up functions, or the rooms can be split “We’ve been friends ever since we did our apprenticeships at Hotel Sofitel, into two to cater for groups of 40 or 60. The most exciting part about St 26

Kat’s Upstairs is the demo kitchen. We can use it to do cooking demos, and it’s the perfect space for us to experiment with ingredients and new recipes,” ads George, clearly proud of the whole offering that St Kat’s has to the market. It’s obviously great to keep opening places and growing the brand, but where to next, what are the plans for the future?

To get the most from your dining experience at St Katherine’s it is recommended that you share food from the middle of the table. For Shane and George, dining is about celebrating family, friends and life, and what better way to do it than with a shared meal. At St. Katherine’s they welcome families with children. For those wanting a more intimate setting, there are a number of semi-private tables, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant, while also having some privacy.

“It took us a couple of years to finally make our minds up about what we wanted to do at St Katherine’s - so we’ve definitely got some other great ideas St Katherine’s is not only a welcome addition to Melbourne’s already up our sleeves! But right now we’re putting all of our focus on St Katherine’s, vibrant and dynamic restaurant scene, it has also quickly become a and making sure we give our customers the best food and service that we can,” destination and a jewel in the crown of this blossoming culinary empire. explain the boys, agreeing that for now their focus is and must be St Kat’s. Finally, it’s a known fact that it’s a difficult industry to make it in, > For more information: www.stkatherines.com.au hospitality is just so cut throat. Any advice to other hopefuls, looking to follow in your footsteps? “Planning is the most important thing; making sure you’ve got a solid business plan behind you. Think about the small details too, like the soap in the toilets or how your cutlery is presented, as well as the big ones, because everything counts! When it comes to food, source great quality ingredients and don’t be afraid to change things up once in a while!”

KINOTITA

“After all, it’s about what we leave behind, it’s all about giving back!” - JOHN KAIAS

CULTURAL CENTRE

The Kaias family receiving their comemorative plaque

IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN AND COULD NOT BE MORE APT WHEN APPLIED TO THIS PARTICULAR OCCASION OF GENEROSITY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT. BY STEVE AGI

Caption goes here...

“This new cultural centre will stand as a testament to this vision after we are long gone.” - MR ALEVERAS

N TRUE GREEK SPIRIT, I found myself once again surrounded by a plethora of Hellenic heroes who have taken it upon themselves to help turn dreams into reality and are putting their money where other people’s mouths are, literally!

Hot on the heals of last months announcement that the Victorian State Government is allocating an unprecedented $2M to aid in the construction of the planned cultural centre on the corner of Russell and Lonsdale Sts, Melbourne, we find once again the Hellenic passion and love shine through with a select group of prominent philhellenes pledging a staggering $1.3M in donations to further help this project and dream come to fruition. Actions definitely speak louder than words and I’m sure the Greeks abroad will look upon the actions of these pioneers for generations to come with respect and pride. The selfless acts of today will allow the generations of tomorrow to appreciate what it meant and what it will always mean to be a Hellene. “In the 114 year history of the Greek Community here in Melbourne, this is unprecedented,” commented community president Bill Papastergiadis, obviously emotional at the show of faith and support in his leadership and the revamped board and executive of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. At a special celebratory dinner held at aptly named, iconic Melbourne eatery, Philhellene in Moonee Ponds, dignitaries, honoured guests and the Greek Media were introduced to these amazing families and businesses who are truly an inspiration and a beacon to one and all across the globe. With the Kaias family and the Beirut Hellenic Bank leading the way with a whopping $250,000 donation each it was really an exciting time in Greek-Australian history.

Community President Bill Papastergiadis with representatives of the Beirut Hellenic Bank

“It feels great to be able to give back to the community that we all love so much,” explains James Kaias, whose father Greg founded the company Preston General Engineering back in 1971 and has watched it grow and become an industry leader in fabrication and assembly of metal, aluminium and stainless steel parts. “Dad really loves the Greek community, as do we,” continues younger brother John, both directors of the company now, ”and it is the least we could do after we have been fortunate enough to achieve so much.” “After all, it’s about what we leave behind, it’s all about giving back!” With a long list of benefactors, fifteen in fact, contributing $50,000 each towards the centre, there was definitely plenty to celebrate, as Mr Theoharis Alaveras and Mr Athos Christou re-iterated in their comments, as they were the official representatives of the newly re-branded Beirut-Hellenic Bank, which once again proved just how passionate it is about all things Greek and how important it values supporting the Greek Community of the diaspora. “I have spent half my life supporting the Greek community, it just feels so right to support such an ambitious project and I am so proud of the team at Beirut-Hellenic for getting behind it in such a big way,” exclaimed Mr. Alaveras, obviously overjoyed at the final result and the influence he personally has been able to have over the years. “Today is a momentous occasion in Greek-Australian history, this new cultural centre will stand as a testament to this vision after we are long gone.” OPA! Magazine was extremely proud to be present at such a momentous occasion and are proud to be involved with this historic moment. In honour of this we are dedicated to commit a series of “FEATURE PROFILE STORIES” over the coming issues on these families and their contribution to Greek-Australian culture in the diaspora. 29

PROFIL

PROFILE

TABLE FOR TWO Eleni Lianidou, the Greek Consul General for Victoria, has served in Canada and South Africa - but working in the largest diaspora community in the world is something special, she tells Mike Sweet, over lunch at Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alpha Ouzeri. Photography Rebecca Hughes

ELENI LIANIDOU Born in Thessaloniki, Eleni arrived in Melbourne from Brussels after four years with the Greek delegation to the EU.

he window table at the Alpha Ouzeri looking out onto bustling Brunswick Street in Melbourne’s ever-fashionable Fitzroy is great place for a conversation. Harry Tsiukardanis, owner and chef of this celebrated unpretentious restaurant makes a few welljudged suggestions for lunch as we take our seats, on a day when Melbourne’s winter has arrived early. Perhaps some char-grilled octopus and baked figs with fetta and walnuts to start? “Perfect” says Eleni Lianidou, though she declines a glass of wine, preferring water. Greece’s Consul General, who arrived in Australia just a few months ago, has a busy afternoon ahead.

I wanted to become a diplomat. As we reflect on Eleni’s introduction to foreign affairs, the entreés arrive. “Do you eat the skin of the figs?” Eleni asks me, “there are a lot of vitamins in the skin. I eat the outside.” We tuck in. The baked figs and the octopodaki are seriously good, and with the fortifying mezedes energising our conversation, I’m keen to uncover more about Eleni’s globetrotting adventures. Her career in MFA began with learning the ropes in Athens, training for two years in the press department and then working for the Middle East section. In 1992 she had a first short posting to the United States, at the UN in New York. In 1995, she went on

Eleni describes consular work compared to political work as a diplomat, as “the most compensating posting from the human aspect. You help people, try to solve a problem that is immediately felt.” Born in Athens, to parents from Thessaloniki, Eleni’s father was the eminent Professor of Greek history, Simos Leanidis. “He was an inspiration for the whole family,” says Lianidou, who is the youngest of two daughters. Sister Evi followed their father’s academic path, and is Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the

University of Athens. “My mother was a typical Greek mother,” Eleni says, “she devoted her life to bringing us up. She quit her job, everything.” Eleni’s career in international diplomacy began in the legal profession. She studied law for six years at the Kapodistrian University of Athens, before joining a business law firm. After two years the young lawyer decided to change track. “One day I found out about the exams to pursue a diplomatic career. I thought ‘ok, why not. It was my legal background that helped a lot.” She joined the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in 1989 at the age of 24. “My father was very positive when I told him

comes to the fore when talking about the diaspora communities. “They can become more Greek than the Greeks sometimes! But the positive thing is they keep some aspects that we’ve already lost. I was at a traditional Greek dancing event in Melbourne recently and I really admired how the youngsters were dancing.” And how different are Greek

Australians from Greek Greeks in Eleni’s experience? “Not really different. This is a recent emigration, compared to other parts of the world, where they are fourth or fifth generation, like the United States. Greeks in Melbourne are very close. The majority came relatively recently, after 1948. They speak the language, keep the traditions, they have the mentality.”

her first extended posting to Pretoria as head of the Consular Office. “It was the Mandela era. Amazing. Africa I love,” says Eleni, “it was the strongest experience up to now. You never forget Africa. The people, the kids, the smiling eyes of the African children. They have nothing, but they’re so optimistic.” Her time in South Africa coincided with the full ain courses arrive. Pan-fried term of Nelson Mandela’s presidency which scallops with almonds and feta, ended in 1999. “Then I went from the tip of papoutsakia - baked eggplant with southern Africa to the tip of North America.” vegies and kefalogravier, and beautifully slowShe headed north, to Vancouver to take up her cooked boneless pork belly – the soft sliced first posting as Consul General. Eleni describes consular work compared to political work as a diplomat, as “the most compensating posting from the human aspect. You help people, try to solve a problem that is immediately felt.”

iven her travels over the past fifteen years, I’m interested to hear how she compares the Greek community of Australia with their counterparts in South Africa, the US and Canada. “Greeks in Pretoria and Johannesburg are very active and positive. They work closely together,” says Eleni, before adding a revealing perspective on the differences between the Greek experience in the United States and the Australian experience. “Australia’s not a melting pot. Australians respect the ethnic background. Americans are not even allowing dual citizenship. Here in Australia I think they respect other cultures. They encourage people to keep good contact with their homelands. It’s much closer to the Canadian way of thinking.” Eleni’s sensitive, straight-talking personality

How does a Consul General reconcile the current problems of her home country? Eleni pauses, collecting her thoughts. “I try to be realistic and dogmatic. We’re not yet at the end of it,” she says, “we’re just at the beginning.”

pork combining beautifully with a sweetsour dried figs and balsamic vinegar jus. Our conversation turns to darker matters Greece’s continuing economic problems. Like a lurking figure hovering in the background in any conversation with a representative of the Greek government, it’s a spectre that it would be remiss to ignore. What has it meant to be a spokesperson for Greece at this time? How does a Consul General reconcile the current 31

better. Money is not the only way to make something better.” After four and a half years in Belgium, Eleni, a single-mum, brought her two children Ioanna (16), and Simos (14) with her to Australia. “They love it here,” says Eleni, who enrolled them at Alphington. “Alphington gave them a soft landing,” she adds. “At Alphington you become part of the mainstream education, but you don’t lose your Greek traditions, and they won’t forget their mother tongue here.”

A collecting her thoughts. “I try to be realistic and dogmatic. We’re not yet at the end of it,” she says, “we’re just at the beginning. We have gone through more difficult times and we got over them. I hope we get over it this time.”

“If you have positive thinking, you can find the common ground,” says Eleni. Such a positive and optimistic outlook isn’t always noticeable in bureaucrats During her previous posting , the Papandreou government’s reforms, in terms of cuts at MFA, hit Eleni and her colleagues hard, with a 40% reduction in salaries. “This was when I was in Brussels after 2006. I was not a head of posting. I was paying rent and had all the financial issues. I have to accept the situation and work hard to do my best - for the consulate to work

final culinary tradition arrives to fortify us before we head out into the hustle and bustle of Fitzroy Street. A dessert is too much for us, but we can’t resist rakomelo with cloves and cinnamon and Greek coffee. Eleni Liainidou’s agenda at the consulate is ambitious. As our conversation concludes, she tells me of her plans to help strengthen the teaching of Greek in Victoria’s schools, to further promote exports from Greece to Australia, to develop deeper trade relations and maximize tourism between the two countries: two countries so distant geographically but so closely entwined in culture and history. “If you have positive thinking, you can find the common ground,” says Eleni. Such a positive and optimistic outlook isn’t always noticeable in bureaucrats and government officers, but with Greece’s Consul General to Victoria, it shines through. Eleni’s posting to Melbourne will last another three and a half years, at which point she will have been away from Greece for eight years: a chapter of her life, lived so far apart from Greece will come to an end. There is something fitting about her eight-year odyssey finishing in the largest Greek city in the world outside Greece. “I changed the page coming to Australia,” she says, “I feel at home.” And with that, on this windswept winter afternoon, Greece’s Consul General to Victoria heads off, into her home away from home.

Papoutsakia Baked stuffed eggplant with kefalogravier 32

ALPHA OUZERI 342 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Melbourne Owner and chef Harry Tsiukardanis describes his upbringing in Kastoria, northern Greece, as the inspiration for his menu that is soaked in rustic tradition but has an alluring twist of the contemporary. Phone 03 9078 0582 Hours Tue-Fri: noon-3pm and 5:3011pm; Sat & Sun: noon-11pm Details Licensed, BYO Payment Visa, EFTPOS, AMEX, Cash, Mastercard Price Entrees $ 6.50-$15; mains $18.50-$25; desserts $ 6.50-$7.50

Boneless pork belly with figs and balsamic vinegar.

Harry Tsiukardanis portrait and Rakomelo photographs by Peter Kakalias

PROFIL PROFILE

Mike Zambidis Iron Mike Athens, Greece 15 July 1980 167 cm 70 kg Middleweight Kick-boxing - Muay Thai

Photo: Woodrow Wilson

Photo: Chris Siacolas

NAME NICKNAME BORN D.O.B HEIGHT WEIGHT CATEGORY STYLE

Business and community leaders honour Iron Mike @ Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Press Club

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WINS

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IT WAS WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HONOUR AND EXCITEMENT THAT MELBOURNE’S BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS ATTENDED A SPECIAL HONORARY DINNER TO RECOGNISE AND PAY RESPECT TO THE ONE AND ONLY “IRON” MIKE ZAMBIDIS AS HE HIT TOWN TO SQUARE OFF AGAINST STAUNCH OPPONENT AND FOE, JOHN WAYNE PARR IN THE FIGHT BILLED AS ‘THE DECIDER’.

PROFIL PROFILE

Bill Papastergiadis and Iron Mike

osted by the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, it was a veritable who’s who of Melbourne’s elite Greeks with president Bill Papastergiadis hosting the evening at Melbourne’s exclusive Press Club, also supported by HACCI, with president Nicholas Mylonas there to help honour this living Greek national treasure.

Is this the next big thing?

Supported by his entourage and up and coming, “Next BIG thing” Vasilis Kakarikos out of Thessaloniki, Mike was subject to some long overdue pampering and royal treatment by the largest Greek population outside of Greece. “I feel humbled and privileged to be recognised this way by so many amazing friends, I thank the organisers and I thank all my fans, especially all the Melbourne fans who have made every visit unforgettable,” exclaimed Mike, obviously delighted at the attention. “It’s about time the huge Greek community of Melbourne recognised this guy and showed him some love, officially,” said Joe Nader, the promoter, of POWERPLAY promotions. ”Not that they don’t treat him like a hero or anything, they absolutely love him and he loves them too, but this is official, this is from community leaders and I know it means a lot to him and to Vasili.” Mike went on to face John Wayne Parr on May 27 at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre in front of a sell-out crowd, and although he failed to bring home another title and was outclassed on the evening by a better and stronger opponent, there’s always tomorrow and as far as we’re concerned. Iron Mike will always hold a special place in our hearts, no matter what the result. www.ironmikezambidis.com 36

Iron Mike on the Mic

ISTORIA HISTORY

THE CRUSADERS IN CYPRUS

KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOUR, CHIVALRY, JOUSTING, CASTLES AND BATTLEMENTS: HARDLY WHAT ONE WOULD EXPECT TO BE TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS OF GREEK CULTURE. HOWEVER, IN MULTICULTURAL CYPRUS, A FEUDAL LATIN STATE RULED THE ISLAND FOR OVER 400 YEARS, WRITES DEAN KALIMNIOU.

he story of Cyprus is one of continuous attacks, slaughters and political instability, but also of prosperity, advanced culture and success in the face of adversity. This is no more so evident than in the years of Frankish rule on the island. Once part of the Byzantine Empire, the cousin of the emperor, Isaac Comnenus, rebelled against his overlord and established himself as ultimate ruler of the island. However, his was not to be a long rule. In 1191 Richard the Lionheart, King of England and leader of the Third Crusade to the Holy Land was shipwrecked at Limassol. He was wed to his fiancée Beranzera and hastened to inform Isaac Comnenus that he came, not as an enemy, but as a friend. Impressed with his valour, the inhabitants of Limassol prepared an enthusiastic welcome for him. Isaac however, withdrew to the interior of the island, and sent word to Richard that we would be attacked. Unfortunately for Isaac, his lightly armed Cypriot guard was no match for the heavily armoured Frankish cavalry, which smashed through the Cypriot lines and vanquished the native resistance. However, Richard’s victory was hailed by the local inhabitants with much rejoicing, owing to the unpopularity of Isaac and his tyrannical rule over the island. Richard set about reforming laws, introducing elements of procedural fairness within the courts and also restored order by introducing the feudal system of government to the island, which provided him with greater control of the island. However, Richard soon set off for the Holy Land and the knights he left behind him, proved to be tyrannical and corrupt, while the Latin priests were allowed to roam the island unchecked, expelling Orthodox monks from monasteries and persecuting clergy. The Cypriots rose in revolt in 1192, Richard realized how tenuous his hold was over the island and decided to sell it to the Templar Knights of Jerusalem for the consideration 38

of 100,000 gold bezants. Guerillas such as the indomitable Captain Kanakis who roamed Pentadaktylos Mountain and managed to abduct Richard’s during the revolt are written into popular folklore. The Templars proved to be a scourge for the inhabitants of the island. Almost immediately, they imposed heavy taxes upon the Cypriots and being religious fundamentalists, engaged in wholesale slaughters of Greek monks. Wave after wave of rebellion rocked the island and the Templars decided to cut their loses as they lost control and sold the island to Guy de Lusignan, a companion at arms of Richard. The arrival of Guy de Lusignan in Cyprus signaled the beginning of the illustrious and long-lived Lusignan dynasty on the island, which lasted for approximately three hundred years. Guy’s first task was to fortify the island, building various castles along the coast of Cyprus. He also reformed the existing feudal system on the island, dividing it into twelve feudal demesnes and granting them to his loyal knights and barons. Guy also introduced a legal system based on the Assizes, a voluminous French codex that particularised the obligations and relationship between knights and their lord as well as the role of townsfolk and the native Cypriot population. The Assizes are considered one of the greatest legal codices of the Mediaeval World and also forms an invaluable linguistic record of the idiom spoken by the Franks at the time. Guy, one of the few Cypriot rulers to die peacefully, was succeeded by his brother Amalrich. Continuing his brother’s fortification of Cyprus, Amalrich also formally instituted the Latin Church as the official church on the island, significantly reducing the rights and privileges of the Orthodox Church. His reign was characterized by the building of many abbeys on the island, in characteristic Gothic style. Lusignan king after Lusignan king succeeded each other and enjoyed a

peaceful and prosperous rule over the island, which they considered to be the continuation of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, founded during the First Crusade. All Crusaders were united in their reverence for the unique overlordship of the island and the important role it played in keeping the Crusaders supplied with arms and food during their campaigns. This unity would be shattered for a short period in 1228 when the renegade German Emperor Frederic Barbarossa attempted to invade the island and claim it as a personal fiefdom. However, under the regency of Queen Alicia, the Lusignan dynasty was able to maintain its rule over the island. The major line of the Lusignan’s expired in 1274 when the count of Beirut, Hugh the Third, who claimed matrilineal descent to the Lusignans was installed as king. One of the greatest rulers of his time, Hugh combined in his character, a rare military and administrative genius. Under his rule, the great abbey of Bella Pais was built. However, his golden age was not to last. The kingdom was torn asunder by the bickering of his grandsons Henry and Amalrich who claimed the throne. As a result, the civil administration of Cyprus fell into chaos and Genoese pirates began to raid its coastline. The Lusignans were never able to completely thwart the Genoese aggressors, not even in the prosperous reign of Hugo the Fourth, in which the Frankish chronicler Rudolph Sax wrote “Cyprus is the land of the richest Christian landowners. In Cyprus, a treasure of 3,000 gold ducats is considered nothing… its merchants have the deepest pockets in Christendom.” Cyprus, the trading entrepot of the Mediterranean, also became a cultural melting-pot. Pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land could take advantage of the Byzantine

hospitals, the academies and also the institute of foreign languages. Of greatest importance was the port city of Ammochostos, known as Famagusta which had trading links with the entire known world. Such was the prosperity of the city that, as Sax chronicles, when a leading merchant married his daughter, her trousseau was worth more than that of the Queen of France. Music and literature also reached their apogee at this time, influenced to some degree by local culture, even though an early form of apartheid was enforced by the Franks against their “heretic” Greek subjects. After the death of Hugo, his sons managed to fight major naval battles against the Saracens. However, more political instability rocked the island as noblemen competed for dominance over the Lusignan kings. During the reign of Peter, in 1370, the Genoese intensified their attacks on the island, pillaging the coastal towns and imposing a heavy tribute on the inhabitants. The death of Peter marked the beginning of the fall of the Lusignan dynasty. In 1425, Egyptian Mamelukes invaded the island and took its king prisoner. In order to meet his ransom, the entire treasury had to be sacrificed. In 1442, the local inhabitants of Cyprus began once again to reassert their culture, under the rule of Byzantine Princess Eleni, daughter of Byzantine Emperor Theodoros Palaiologos and widow of John de Lusignan. Her rule was characterized by its openness and fairness. As well, the cultural life of the island began to have a decidedly Byzantine slant. For the first time in centuries, native Cypriots were awarded the same rights as their Latin conquerors and the Orthodox Church was freed >

ISTORIA HISTORY

from jurisdictional control by the Latin clergy. As well, the Greek language was instituted as the official language of the court. As a result, many Byzantine churches were built on the island and during her twenty-year reign, Cyprus was pulled back from the brink of assimilation. Her daughter Carlotta carried on her policies, while later Lusignan rule saw the spread of Venetian influence form a stranglehold over the affairs of the island. The Venetians exercised control over the dynastic marriages of the de Lusignans and exploited the impending marriage of the last Queen of Cyprus, Catherine to the Neapolitan Crown Prince, an enemy of Venice, to seize control of the island in 1489. Venetian rule in Cyprus was particularly uneventful. The Venetians strengthened fortifications on the island and at first treated the native Cypriots with great respect. Before long however, they began to practice discriminatory measures against the Greeks. Greek schools were forcibly closed and the only schools allowed to operate where Italian schools with teachers from Venice. The Orthodox Church was again persecuted and subjected to control by the Latin Cardinals. As a result, the half million strong population of the island was denuded to 178,000 within the space of five years. A revolt by Greek teacher Iakovos in 1546 was brutally suppressed and sanctions applied to all Cypriots. Successive famines and plagues of locusts caused the Venetians to requisition all food reserves from the native Cypriots. The revolts, which ensured plunged the island into civil war and also leached the island of its staunchest defenders. As a result, an exhausted Cyprus, depleted of resources, funds and men, was unable to withstand the incursions of the Ottomans whose first invasion of the island in 1570 will snuff out the vibrant, multi-cultural life of Frankish Cyprus and plunge it into a long night of darkness and barbarism. The tenacity of Greek civilization was tested and tried during the Frankish occupation of Cyprus and was found to be resilient, resisting the continuous attempts of the Latins to subvert, stamp out and assimilate it. Cyprus also proved a fertile cultural centre for the propagation of Frankish culture. The language of the Assizes is said to be unsurpassed by any contemporary literature in Frankish Europe. The fact that a Greek translation was commissioned for official purposes by the Lusignan

kings also says much for the all-pervasive Greek influence on the island. Chroniclers abounded. Byzantine chroniclers in Cyprus such as Leontius Machairas were known for their conscious use of the common idiom as it was spoken in Cyprus in their writing and their work is characterized by an independent spirit, which allowed them not only to applaud but to criticize the acts of the Lusignan monarchs. He also fearlessly exposed the Latin attempts to assimilate the Greeks. “Because the Latins hate the Romans, they hide their icons and confiscate the holy relics so that they can claim that miracles occur only in their churches thus discouraging the Romans from their beliefs. I do not condemn the Latins but I cannot understand why they would want one who is a Roman, to become a Latin. Are we not all Christians?” The Chronicle of George Boustronios, written in 1501 is significant as in it one can identify the fusion of Latin and Greek cultures. Boustronios, a Cypriot-born, Greek-speaking Frank, identified with and loved his birthplace, to the extent that he often paradoxically expressed anti-Latin sentiments in his writing. His chronicle, in a simpler style than that of Machairas, is a revelation of the behind the scenes political struggles for power that took place among the Frankish nobles of the island. The kingdom of Outremer, romantic successor to the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem formed the centre of the western world’s desire. Papal plots, the expansionist dreams of the Normans of Sicily, of Germans and Franks brought people of all nations to Cyprus and spread its renown throughout the known world. Establishing a reputation for riches and pleasure, it was fitting that Machairas wrote of Cyprus during the reign of the Lusignans: “Cyprus, the holy island, is so famous that even the greatest lies told would not make it even more famous.” Today the ruins of Gothic abbeys dot the countryside of Cyprus, especially in the occupied North. The few castles that remain at Kyrenia and Kolossi conjure up ghosts of a bygone era. Chivalry, feudalism was the order of the day and knights in shining armour once manned the battlements of these castles that today guard only the memory of their creators. For surprisingly, on Cypriot culture itself, the long Latin sojourn on the island left barely a trace.

REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία (Greek) Kypriakí Dimokratía Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti (Turkish) ANTHEM: Ýmnos eis tīn Eleutherían (Ὕμνος εἰς τὴν Ἐλευθερίαν) Hymn to Liberty CAPITAL OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S)

Nicosia (Λευκωσία, Lefkoşa) Greek, Turkish

ETHNIC GROUPS (2001)

77% Greek Cypriots, 18% Turkish Cypriots, 5% others

GOVERNMENT

Presidential republic

PRESIDENT INDEPENDENCE ZÜRICH AND LONDON AGREEMENT PROCLAIMED

Dimitris Christofias from the United Kingdom 19 February 1959 16 August 1960

AREA TOTAL

9,248 km2

POPULATION 2010 ESTIMATE

803,147(Greek side) 1,088,503 (whole island) CURRENCY

Euro (EUR)

BY STEVE AGI

DIMITRIS CHRISTOFIAS RECENTLY TOURED AUSTRALIA TO CONNECT WITH THE DIASPORA DOWN UNDER The President meets the Governer-General

POLITIKI

POLITICS

S PART OF Australia’s Greek Media contingent, I was privy enough to be invited to become better acquainted with the incumbent Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias who recently toured our shores to connect with the Diaspora down under. It was certainly an honour and a great pleasure to make his acquaintance and to understand a little bit more about him, the current situation in Cyprus, and what he plans for the future. For those of you who don’t know him, I’d like to introduce you to President Christofias and hopefully you will recognise this world leader as a fellow Hellene next time you see him on TV or read about him in a newspaper. His name in Greek is Δημήτρης Χριστόφιας and he was born in 1946 in Dhikomo, Kyrenia. Now we could go into a whole political debate here and discuss a range of complex global issues and the current situation in Cyprus with the Turkish occupation, but I think it is not the right platform or publication for such a detailed overview of this ongoing problem, suffice to say that Mr Christofias and his team are working hard to try to bring about a solution and ongoing peace between the inhabitants of this Mediterranean paradise.

Cooperation was particularly strong in the area of antiquities and archaeology, with Australian archaeologists working on the island since the 1930s. There are significant exchanges at the undergraduate and postgraduate level between universities in Australia and Cyprus. Prime Minister Gillard conveyed her appreciation for the generous contribution by Cyprus to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal and updated the President on reconstruction efforts. The leaders noted the challenges both countries faced with fires and welcomed the deepening exchange between the Cypriot and Victorian fire and emergency services. A visit by the Cyprus Fire Department is foreseen later this year. President Christofias expressed his sympathy for the victims of more recent disasters in Australia, including Cyclone Yasi; flooding in the eastern states; and bushfires in Western Australia. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus has made a donation towards the restoration of the Cyprus community building in Brisbane.

Prime Minister Gillard reaffirmed Australian support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. Australia recognises the Republic of Cyprus as the only legitimate authority on the island. Welcoming progress so far, the Prime Minister commended President Christofias’s efforts and underlined the importance of achieving a comIt was great though to get to meet this dynamic man who is obviously well prehensive solution. regarded and recognised globally as a herald of peace and the president of the people. Prime Minister Julia Gillard welcomed President Christofias President Christofias was unequivocal in his appreciation for Australia’s to Australia who was on his first visit, since his election in February 2008. longstanding and active interest in efforts to facilitate a peaceful settlement to the Cyprus issue and for its involvement in the United Nations PeaceThe two leaders agreed the bedrock of relations between Australia and keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Australian Federal Police officers Cyprus is shared values and close people-to-people links. Prime Minister have operated in Cyprus as part of this force continuously since 1964. Gillard acknowledged the important contribution the vibrant Cypriot This year marks the arrival of the 100th Australian Police contingent at community has made to the diversity of Australian life. Cypriot-born UNFICYP, which is an incredible show of support by Australia. migrants and their families in Australia number over 80,000, the second largest Cypriot community outside Cyprus. The President and Prime President Christofias spent his time here, brief as it was, meeting local, state Minister agreed to continue to facilitate and encourage reciprocal visits and federal politicians, community and business leaders and the Cypriot and to explore further cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They people. He was available to one and all and really showed us why he is so noted strong cultural and educational links between Australia and Cyprus. loved by so many, and truly a great world leader.

ISTORIA HISTORY

return to

Crete

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Crete more than 60 Australians travelled to Greece last month on a historic trip to honour the forgotten Anzacs. The inaugural pilgrimage was in honour of the thousands of Australian, New Zealand and British troops who, alongside Greek soldiers and the people of the Greek island of Crete, formed a crucial bond as they defended the Greek island against the Germans, who launched the first parachute drop of World War II on Crete on May 20, 1941. Among those who took part in the historic commemorative trip included Veterans Basil Hayler, Norman Maddock, Jack Dihm, Des Beard, Daniel Bowden, Alfred Carpenter, Arthur Leggett and George Taylor, the Minister for Veterans Affairs Warren Snowden and a plethora of Federal and State ministers including : John Pantazopoulos (Dandenong), Bruce Atkinson (Eastern Region), Lee Tarlamis (Southern Region), Martin Foley (Albert Park), Jude Perera (Cranbourne), Colin Brooks (Bundoora , Geoffrey Howard (Ballarat West), Christine Campbell (Pascoe Vale), Marlene Kairouz (Koroit), Khalil Eideh (Western Metropolitan), Christine Fyffe (Evelyn), Joanne Duncan ( Macedon) , Steve Georganas (Hindmarsh), Leesa Vlahos (South Australia and former Minister Theo Theophanous.

and Greek member of the Australian Parliament, the Hon. Steve Georganas. Commanding Officer of the AFG contingent Lieutenant Luke Haitas said that the catafalque party had conducted an excellent and moving ceremony at the beachside cemetery. “The commemoration went well and it was quite emotional for both the soldiers and the veterans,” Lieutenant Haitas said. “I’m very proud of the guard in conducting what was a dignified and solemn ceremony to remember those Australians that died defending Greece during the German invasion.” “Being of Greek heritage, with my family fighting in WWII, as well as being an Australian Army Officer, the ceremony was very moving for me. It emphasised the strong bond between the two nations.”

Events in Crete included ceremonies in the Prefecture of Chania including the village of Kandanos, the region of Sfakia, the city of Hania, the airfield of Maleme as well as Suda Bay. In the prefectecture of Rethymno ceremonies were held at the Preveli Monastery, the battlefield at Stavromenos, the Australian Hellenic Memorial, and the The Pancretan Association of Melbourne Australia was representedd hill of Latzimas as well as the Police Cadet Academy in Rethymno. by John Nikolakakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, Tony Tsourdalakis, President of the Pancretan Association Following the ceremony at the Hellenic-Australian memorial, Major of Melbourne as well as Council members John Kontekakis, John General Symon, representing the Chief of the Defence Force, said that Rerakis and Nick Rerakis and their father George Rerakis, as well as the ceremony was especially significant for the Australian Defence Force Pancretan youth members including Yianni Rerakis, Giorgi Rerakis, and Australia’s Federation Guard. Giorgi Ibrahimi and Panagioti Reraki. The Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne was represented by Christos Polentas, George Shoinas and “What we’ve commemorated here today was a really remarkable battle,” Joseph Manatakis. Cretan Association of Wellington was represented Major General Symon said. “To have the Federation Guard here, some magnificent soldiers, sailors and airmen representing our nation and by George Kosmadakis. performing the way they did, it makes you very proud as an Australian.” The busy program began with two very moving ceremonies in Athens Contingent Commander of Australia’s Federation Guard Lieutenant Luke at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Faliron. And at the Tomb Haitas said that it was a privilege to have been part of the ceremonies, of the unknown soldier at Syntagma Square . Members of Australia’s especially as he is of Greek heritage. “We are extremely proud to have had this opportunity to represent Australia and honour our veterans,” Federation Guard (AFG) also led a ceremony at the Faliron cemetery Lieutenant Haitas said. “The role that Australia’s Federation Guard plays Present at the 18 May ceremony were six Australian veterans of the in these commemorations is vital in maintaining our military traditions.” conflict, officials from the Departments of Veterans’ Affairs and Defence,

WE DON’T LIKE CRICKET... WE LOVE IT GO HELLAS Above: Paul Maraziotis at the crease in Corfu playing for the Australian Hellenic Cricket Federation XI against the Greek national team. Right: The Hellas team in 2010. Two Australian players, including captain Steven Nikitaras turned out for Hellas in the ICC’s recent European tournament.

ATHLITICA

GAME ON

Greece took on the world in the ICC European Division 2 tournament in Belgium last month; Mike Sweet followed their fortunes, and meets the Aussies who are playing a vital part in growing the game of cricket in their ancestral homeland.

Photograph Robert Keeley

ast mont saw the hopes of Greek cricket thwarted as they strove for victory in the ICC Europe Division 2 tournament which took place in Belgium. Hellas’ push for promotion to Division 1, if they managed to get to one of the two top positions in the championship, wasn’t to be; much to the disappointment of the players and fans in Greece and around the world. In the tournament, Hellas faced Austria, Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Malta. Defeats to Spain and Belgium in the pool stage of the Twenty20 competition ended Greek hopes of progressing to the play-offs for the coveted

promotion places; Hellas finished in sixth Corfiots, he grew up with the game that was place. As the tournament closed, team coach and still is, a way of life on Corfu. The first Costas Vassilis told OPA! Magazine that lessons game played in Greece was in the ‘Kastropolis’ had to be learned. “We may have some great of Corfu town, when British Navy sailors set up individuals but what we really need is to come stumps there in 1823. After seeing the eccentric out as a unit, knowing each other’s game and englishmen at play, the Corfiots took the game then perform as a team. This is very difficult to their hearts: it has thrived on the island ever when the whole team meets for the first time since. Nikitas has been a member of Corfu’s in the hotel just hours before the first game.” Gymastikos Cricket Club (established in 1893) for most of his life, Vassilis, a former captain of Hellas Eligibility for Hellas is dependent and captained the felt that a loss of on a player’s minimum residence in Greek national team concentration at Greece and/or involvement in the that has been in existence since 1996. crucial moments Greek cricket system. Today, as President in the games against Spain and Belgium cost them dear. of the Hellenic Cricket Federation, Iosif shares “The teams we lost against weren’t better his passion by taking the game to the rest of than us, but they work together. They were Greece and pushing forward the development more prepared. Each player knew his role of the national team. in the team. That we missed, and this affects individual performances.” As for the futureWe n important part of the national team’s look forward to correcting our mistakes and make-up is the Australian contingent. coming out stronger.” In this month’s tournament, two players from Sydney represented Greece - Steve Greece’s fortunes in cricket on the world Nikitaras who captained the team, and rightstage are reliant on a small number of players, arm seamer Andrew Koutsoufis, who was the most of who, like Vassilis himself, are based in first Greek-Australian to play for Hellas back Corfu, the traditional home of cricket in Greece. in 2002. Their involvement highlights the Whilst cricket is a way of life on the Ionaian continuing importance of diaspora players island (children who show an interest can join (who are able to qualify to play under the ICC’s any of the thirteen local clubs on the island), stringent rules) to help nurture the game in in the rest of Greece, where sport is defined by Greece. Eligibility for Hellas is dependent on a soccer and basketball, awareness of the game player’s minimum residence in Greece and/or is more limited, but on the increase. Charged involvement in the Greek cricket system. with leading the development of the game Steve Nikitaras is one of five children born currently in Greece, is President of the Hellenic to parents who migrated from Lipsi in 1965. Cricket Federation (HCF) Iosif Nikitas. Born Steve began as a Sydney Grade cricketer and and raised in Corfu, Nikitas’ passion for cricket made it into the NSW State team and first began when he was seven-years-old. Like many became involved with Hellas when he played

when I was contracted to Middlesex and spent the off season doing coaching clinics in Greece.” ndrew Koutsoufis, whose family is from Rhodes, is a Sydney policeman. Andrew has been playing for Hellas since 2003, and remembers the ill-fated 2006 ICC tournament in Scotland; a tournament forever etched in the memories of those who played for Hellas that European summer. In 2006, undefeated in the tournament’s pool games, Greece was favourite to win their group; a feat that would have seen them promoted. On the eve of their semifinal against Jersey, disaster struck. Gibraltar lodged a complaint which questioned the eligibility of Australian Paul Maraziotis to play; a formidable Grade cricket batsman from Sydney, Maraziotis had taken the tournament by storm and was on track to be named player of the competition with the highest batting aggregate and average. At a hastily arranged hearing by the ICC, despite his Greek parentage and citizenship, Paul was declared ineligible on the grounds that he had not resided in Greece for the required time in the eyes of the ICC officials. Maraziotis fell on his sword and Greece’s punishment was for all

the games they had played in the tournament to his work to fulfil the target number of days in be declared invalid. Not only that, the national Greece required for eligibility. team was relegated to the very bottom of the ICC’s European league system: they’ve been First Grade bowler since the age of 16 in clawing their way back ever since. the Illawara area, Andrew Koutsoufis, still shudders at the nightmare that was Because of work and family commitments, the 2006 tournament. “It pretty much shattered Paul Maraziotis has never played for Greece the team - and we were sent off to European since that calamitous tournament. As a fervent cricket wilderness until now. The boys are supporter of the game in Greece, Paul’s kept very passionate about their cricket.” Andrew in close touch over the intervening years, may be coming to the end of his international career but feels there’s much for the game in Greece to look forward to, particularly if it expands from its traditional base in offering advice and helping them prepare for Corfu. “My body is only just hanging in there matches. In September 2010, Paul captained so I would like to give it a few more shots to try the Australian Hellenic Cricket Federation’s and help Greek cricket progress. There’s plenty pioneering tour to Corfu. At the time, he spoke of potential, considering the ex-pat element of how close to his heart helping the game in and the Pakistani and Indian population from his ancestral homeland was to him. Paul, one Athens who are also willing to help out.” of the nicest guys you could meet on a cricket pitch, is a modest man and a hugely talented he past twelve months have seen player and hasn’t ruled out playing for Hellas some vital steps forward in terms of again. But he doesn’t know how or when it’ll be cementing the relationship between practical to spend the required time away from Greece and Australia in relation to cricket.

“The 2006 ICC tournament “pretty much shattered the team - and we were sent off to European cricket wilderness until now. The boys are very passionate about their cricket.”

TAKE THAT

Hellas’ powerful Georgios Stagiannos smites the ball to the boundary against Malta in the opening game of last months’ ICC Division 2 tournament. Hellas went on to defeat Malta by 30 runs but it proved to be their only victory in the competition. Photograph courtesy ICC.

ATHLITICA

GAME ON The Australian-Hellenic Cricket Federation (AHFC) was formed in 2010 to establish regular communications between the two countries. The tour to Corfu by the AHFC which Paul Maraziotis captained, took place resulted in major steps forward. Nick Hatzoglou, President of the AHCF said of that inaugural tour “We wanted to get a tour up and running and begin to develop some relationships, but we’ve exceeded what we were expecting. All the ducks have lined up.” At the heart of the achievements on the first tour was the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding between the AHCF and the Hellenic Cricket Foundation - a blueprint for collaboration between Australia and Greece for cricket development in the future. The MOU sets down a clear path for future partnerships. “We want to open this up to all of Australia,” says Hatzoglou, who points out that creating exchanges of players is one of the key elements of the MOU. “We want to help create opportunities for Greek Australian boys to come and represent Greece. This will grow the game here and take it to new frontiers.” April 2011 saw a second tour take place under the auspices of the AHFC, providing an Australian schools team to compete in an ambitious International Schools Cricket Festival hosted in Corfu. The next opportunity for Hellas to progress on the international cricket stage will be in the latter part of the European summer of 2012, when the next ICC Division 2 tournament gets underway. Australian players of Greek descent wishing to put themselves forward for consideration for the Hellas team or for coaching in Greece should contact Chris Hatzistavrou at the Australian Hellenic Cricket Federation. email: chatzistavrou@skilltech.com.au

Where are Greece now? ICC Division 2 tandings July 1 2011 Belgium

Promoted to Division 1

Austria

Promoted to Division 1

Isle of Man Portugal Spain Hellas Finland Luxembourg Malta Cyprus Sweden

“We want to help create opportunities for Greek Australian boys to come and represent Greece. This will grow the game here and take it to new frontiers.”

CORFU THE CRADLE OF GREEK CRICKET Above: Walking out on the hallowed turf in Corfu town where cricket was first played in 1823. Corfiot Iosif Nikitas, President of the Hellenic Cricket Federation has been a tireless supporter of the game in Greece. Above left: Corfian Ginger Beer - the ideal boundary-side refreshment is served in the cafes along the Spiniada. Photographs Mike Sweet. Stamatis Giourgos of Hellas cuts the ball to point against the AHCF XI on the famous Corfu pitch. Photograph Robert Keeley.

OFF BREAKING NEWS! A new Greek cricket club has just been established in Victoria. The Melbourne Hellenic Cricket Club will be based in St Kilda and are looking to field two sides: one will play 67 Over games as part of a competitive Grade cricket in the Moorabbin DCA. The second team will be playing 55 Over games, which the organisers say “will have a distinctly social slant”. You have been warned... For details please contact James Nezos on 0412 095 241 or email James at jamesnezos@gmail.com 49

GNOMI

OPINION

OILS STILL AIN’T OILS IN THE LAST ISSUE OF OPA! MAGAZINE NIKO MAVRO CONTINUED HIS HOMAGE TO THE LIQUID GOLD WE KNOW AS OLIVE OIL. NIKO CONTINUES HIS TALE BY LOOKING AT HOW OLIVE OIL IS CLASSIFIED, WITH SOME FACTS, FIGURES AND FASCINATING INFORMATION THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THE HUMBLE OLIVE FOREVER.

he following are the classifications given to Olive Oil by the very influential industry body, the International Olive Council, (IOC).

The International Olive Council (IOC) is an intergovernmental organization based in Madrid, Spain. It is the world’s only international intergovernmental organisation in the field of olive oil and table olives. It was set up in Madrid, Spain in 1956 under the auspices of the United Nations. It used to be known as the IOOC until 2006. IOC membership is only open to the Governments of States or to international organisations with responsibilities in the negotiation, conclusion and application of international agreements, especially commodity ones. The IOC, while it defines the standard does not enforce the standard nor does it have the power to force a country to impose the standards. It is up to that country’s government to decide whether or not it wants to act. This will hopefully make it all just that little bit clearer when trying to decide what all those terms mean: • Extra virgin olive oil: has a free acidity of not more than 0.8 grams per 100 grams and also has the other characteristics of Virgin Olive Oil. Extra virgin olive oil accounts for less than 10% of oil in many

producing countries. Greece has the world’s largest percentage of extra virgin olive oil production in comparison with its total. • Virgin olive oil: has a free acidity of not more than 2 grams per 100 grams and also has the other characteristics of Virgin Olive Oil. (look, smell, taste). • Ordinary virgin olive oil: has a free acidity of not more than 3.3 grams per 100 grams and also has the other characteristics of Virgin Olive Oil. • Lampante virgin olive oil: virgin olive oil not fit for consumption as it is. It has a free acidity of more than 3.3 grams per 100 grams and it is intended for refining or for technical use. • Refined olive oil is the olive oil obtained from virgin olive oils by refining methods which do not lead to alterations in the initial glyceridic structure. It has a free acidity of not more than 0.3 grams per 100 grams. • Olive oil is the oil consisting of a blend of refined olive oil and virgin olive oils fit for consumption as they are. It has a free acidity of not more than 1 gram per 100 grams. • Olive-Pomace oil is the oil obtained by treating olive Pomace with solvents mostly hexane or other physical treatments. These oils

GNOMI

OPINION

‘Light’ olive oil is a marketing concept - not a classification of olive oil grades.

exclude oils obtained by re-esterification processes and of any mixture with oils of other kinds. It is marketed in accordance with the following designations and definitions: a: Crude olive-Pomace oil is olive Pomace oil which is intended for refining before use for human consumption, or it is intended for technical use. b: Refined olive Pomace oil is the oil obtained from crude olive Pomace oil by refining methods which do not lead to alterations in the initial glyceridic structure. It has a free acidity of not more than 0.3 grams per 100 grams. c: Olive Pomace oil is the oil comprising the blend of refined olive Pomace oil and virgin olive oils fit for consumption as they are. It has a free acidity of not more than 1 gram per 100 grams. In no case this oil blend should be called “olive oil”. The following information may be found in olive oil labels of bottles

in the stores: “Pure Olive Oil” or just “Olive Oil” as per the IOC is often the lowest quality available in a retail store. “Pure” olive oil is made by adding a little extra virgin olive oil to refined olive oils. “Made from Pomace or refined olive oils” means that the taste and acidity were chemically controlled. “Light” olive oil is a marketing concept and not a classification of olive oil grades. It is completely unregulated by certification organizations and therefore there is no real precedent to what its content should be. Sometimes this type of claim on a bottle will mean that it is mixed with other vegetable oils. The label may indicate in which country the oil was bottled or packed. Unfortunately this does not necessarily mean that the oil was produced there. The origin of the oil is often marked elsewhere on the label and it may be a blend or mixture of oils from more than one country.

www.cretafarms.com

HEADER GNOMI

HEADARIS OPINION

The USA has set different Standards for the grades of Olive Oil and OlivePomace Oil. As the United States is not a member of the International Olive Council, IOC grades have no legal meaning. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently has a 4 part grading of olive oil based on acidity, absence of defects, odour and flavour: U.S. Extra Virgin Olive Oil; free fatty acid content of 0.8g per 100g U.S. Virgin Olive Oil; free fatty acid content of not more than 2g per 100g; U.S. Virgin Olive Oil Not Fit for Human Consumption without further processing; U.S. Olive Oil; an oil mix of both virgin and refined oils; U.S. Refined Olive Oil; an oil mix made from refined oils; The USDA previously listed four grades of oil which can still be seen on bottles. These grades were established in 1948 and are based on acidity, odour and flavour and absence of defects: U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy; free acid content of not more than 1.4%;

U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice; free fatty acid content of not more than 2.5%; U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard; free fatty acid content of not more than 3.0%; U.S. Grade D or U.S. Substandard; free fatty acid content greater than 3.0%; Olive oil represents only about 3% of the total world edible oil consumption but demand has significantly risen because of its great taste and health benefits. It is expected that olive oil production in 2010-11 will be higher by about 30,000 tonnes reaching the 2.94 million tonnes. In its latest estimates, the International Olive Council predicts that international consumption will also rise 3.6%, to 2.97 million tonnes. The biggest user of olive oil is the EU which is expected to consume 1.8 million tonnes in 2010-11 representing an increase of 2.7 % on the 2009-10 figures.

GNOMI

OPINION

The US consumption is expected to rise a modest 0.7% to a total of 260,000 tonnes making it the second highest consumer. The US is expected to keep rising its demand by 4 to 5 thousand tonnes annually making this market still very attractive export destination for the European producers. There have also been noticeable rises in Australia, Japan, Canada and Brazil whose annual consumptions are ranging from 19,500 in Brazil to about 32,500 tonnes in Japan, 29,000 tonnes in Canada and 24,500 in Australia. The Australian consumption is expected to reach 32,000 tonnes by the end of 2011. The Indian general oil market ranks fourth in the world consumption of vegetable oils, it is the third leading importer of oils and has slowly brought olive oil to the attention of health-conscious Indians. The growing popularity of the Olive Oil is shown in the increase in imports which went up from 2,300 tonnes in 2007 to around 4,500 tonnes in 2008. Demand in

India is estimated to increase to 42,000 tonnes by the end of 2012. China is expected to eventually become the largest consumption country. The International Olive Oil Council forecasts that China demand will increase to about 300,000 tonnes. A conservative guess of China’s consumption of olive oil is that it will reach over 100,000 tonnes by the end of 2011. It is well known that the olive oil market is a very large and competitive one. While the focus of all the major players should have been concentrated in converting other vegetable and seed oil users to virgin olive oil, it seems that much of their energy is focused in fighting each other. Who is behind all of that? There is some talk about Cartels and dirty deals behind closed doors. Niko Mavro will be continuing his investigation into the world of olive oil in the next issue. To be continued…

www.cretafarms.com

NEA

NEWS

JOIN THE CRETA FARMS REVOOLUTION! AGORA MERCHANDISING BRINGS CRETA FARMS EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCTS TO AUSTRALIA Nearly thirty years ago, a small group of people from Crete founded CRETA FARMS. With an innovative recipe in mind, they began creating high-quality, healthy, great-tasting deli meats with a special key ingredient - Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). With a world-first innovation, Creta Farms has developed a patented method which replaces saturated fat in deli meats with extra virgin olive oil, which adds health benefits and flavor. For decades, the incredible flavor of CRETA FARMS EVOO Gourmet Deli Meats™ has filled European delicatessens. Now, this REVOOLUTIONARY deli product will become available to the Australian market, bringing the flavor and health of the Mediterranean to the tradition of the Australian deli. After reaching an important agreement with Creta Farms, an innovative and powerful producer of smallgoods in the Greek and international food industry, Agora Merchandising Group of Australia, has commenced the importation of some of the best quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete, produced by Creta Farms. Creta Farms is today the largest and most specialised food production company in Greece, producing innovative, excellent quality meat and smallgoods. As a result of their product innovation and strategy for international expansion, Creta Farms already has a presence in fourteen countries which include Greece, USA, Spain and the Scandinavian countries. Creta Farms has secured an international patent for their smallgoods production innovation called “En Elladi” - in over 90 countries, they occupy a leading role worldwide in the push for healthy diet habits, by

producing innovative and unique food products that combine well-being and excellent taste. The agreement between Creta Farms and Agora Merchandising Group enlarges the network of Creta Farms to fifteen countries who are already looking for a stronger presence in the Oceania region, using Australia as a launching pad. Creta Farms is fulfilling its dream to bring to the whole world the benefits of the use of Cretan Olive Oil into the daily diet. The production for these new lines of unique quality and taste with Cretan Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a natural progression for Extra Virgin Olive Oil. “Our agreement with Creta Farms is part of our wider strategy to only select as our partners, suppliers and producers who have an international reputation and significance, allowing us to introduce great quality, innovative and unique products. It’s an amazing concept. We are certain that the whole of Australia, not only the Greek community, will embrace Creta Farms’ products and their Extra Virgin Olive Oil. All these products are of the best taste and quality that this Mediterranean island, Crete, has to offer,” - Marketing Director of Agora Merchandising Group, Paul Iliopoulos. The president of Creta Farms, Mr. Emmanouil Domazakis reiterated, “With our actions in signing this agreement, we are proving that we continue our dynamic entrance into the overseas markets. The Commonwealth of Australia, the sixth largest country in landmass in the world, represents a real opportunity to Creta Farms, as we are addressing a developing market of approximately 30 million people, which includes a very strong Greek community, and a growing demand of approximately 20% for great quality extra virgin olive oil. Our entrance in the Australian market signals an important step in the development of the history of our company as we are producing a new line of food products which are made with extra virgin olive oil, in which we also export, true to our dream of showing to the world its unique dietary importance and value.”

Olive Grove - Greece.

THE CRETA FARMS DIFFERENCE •

Unique, rich in flavour, full of healthy and robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil you won’t find another deli meat as full of delicious flavor or as wholesomely, nutritious as Creta Farms

Creta Farms and Agora Merchandising Group aim to eventually introduce to the Australian market the full range of Creta Farms products, following their success in other international markets.

Gourmet EVOO Deli Meats. •

The Incredible Creta Difference and Patented Process*

•

Extra Virgin Olive Oil replaces saturated fat

“It’s a deal - sealed with a handshake”

•

Minimally processed

•

Follows a traditional European recipe

•

Our Premium EVOO – Guaranteed

•

Imported from Greece – the world’s largest producer of quality EVOO in the world

•

Hand-picked at high altitude, ancient groves on the island of Crete.

•

Supplied through local farmers in select villages assuring consistency

•

Never processed - our Olive Oil comes directly from the fruit.

CRETA 1/3 55

www.cretafarms.com

one faMiLy, their Story

TAXIDI

TRAVEL

A CelebrAtion of DArwinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greek Community

Forty years

Forty the A Celebration of

years

Pantazis Family

ods

and Parap Fine Fo

rest

Peter & Sheila For

Peter & Sheila Forrest

Launching Soon in MeLbourne aS part of the fLavourS of greece www.parapfinefoods.com

IN THE KOUZINA

RECIPES

KATAIFI EKMEK (Greek bread pudding)

PREP TIME: 45MINS

METHOD: 1. Preheat oven to 180°c 2. In a small saucepan, place all syrup ingredients except the honey and bring to the boil whilst stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce to medium heat and boil for around 10 mins (do not stir) or until syrup is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without breaking. 3. Stir in the honey and strain syrup into a bowl and place in the fridge to cool. 4. Place all semolina custard ingredients in a heavy based small saucepan over a slow-medium heat, and mix well with a fine whisk. Continue stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Remove from heat and place on the side. 5. In a bowl, mix together walnuts, almonds, caster sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, egg white and brandy to create the nut filling and set aside. 6. Butter a 20cm square baking dish. 7. Take a small handful of Kataifi filo pastry and spread out to form a compact flat shape of around 20cm long x 10cm wide (approx 40gm each) on a cutting board. 8. Brush Kataifi pastry liberally with the butter. 9. Mould a tablespoon of nut filling and place on one end. 10. Mould another tablespoon of custard filling and place beside nut mixture. 11. Roll up firmly into a neat roll and place in baking dish ensuring pastry rolls are close together leaving no gaps. 12. Repeat with remaining ingredients until you have filled up the baking dish. 13. Brush top with the remaining melted butter. 14. Bake in a moderate oven 180 C (350 F) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. 15. Pour cooled syrup over pastry rolls and place a folded cloth on top. 16. Place in refrigerator at least 1 hour and then serve with either whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • • • •

375gm Kataifi filo pastry (1 packet) 1 cup unsalted butter, melted Semolina custard filling: ¼ cup fine semolina 375ml milk 2 tsp plain flour 1 egg yolk Rind of half a lemon ½ tsp vanilla essence ¼ cup castor sugar

NUT FILLING: • • • • • • •

½ cup coarsely ground almonds ½ cup coarsely ground walnuts A pinch teaspoon ground cloves ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ cup caster sugar 2 tsp brandy 1 egg white, lightly beaten

SYRUP: • • • • • •

tablespoon honey 1 piece cinnamon bark 4 cloves Rind of half a lemon 1.5 cup water 2 cups castor sugar

IN THE KOUZINA

RECIPES

RIZOGALO (Greek rice pudding)

Recipes by Theo Kostoglou – Exec Chef of Kouzina

PREP TIME: 5 MINS COOKING TIME: 30 MINS SERVINGS: 10 PORTIONS

METHOD: 1.

In a heavy based saucepan, bring the water to the boil Add the Arborio rice, and stir in the milk, bring back to boil and immediately drop to low and simmer. 3. When the rice begins to soften approx 6 mins, stir in the sugar, add the cinnamon sticks and ground nutmeg. Continue stirring on low heat for approx 8-10mins. 4. Remove the cinnamon sticks. 5. Mix the corn flour with a little water to dissolve and stir into the rice mixture. Increase heat to medium for approx 2mins whilst stirring continuously. 6. Whisk the egg yolks with the vanilla bean seeds and stir into the rice mixture. 7. Stir constantly until rice mixture starts to become creamy and rice is cooked through approx 8 -10mins. 8. Portion the rice mixture into serving bowls whilst still hot, then place in refrigerator to cool and set. 9. Serve sprinkled with plenty of ground cinnamon. 2.

INGREDIENTS: • • • • • • • • • •

cups of Arborio rice 2 2 cinnamon stick ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 2 vanilla beans 800ml water 400gm caster sugar 2lt full creamed milk (warm) 4 egg yolks 4 tbsp corn flour 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon (for serving)

MONEY MATTERS

TAX TIME

TAX MATTERS!

AMP Financial Planner Pette Liacopoulos gives readers some timely reminders on claiming potential deductions as the 2010-2011 financial year closes. In the lead up to tax time, we often spend time sifting through old receipts to see what expenses we can claim, when we should be looking deeper into our accounts and using financial strategies to ensure we are making the most of all possible deductions.

Here are some points to remember WHEN COMPLETING YOUR 2010-11 RETURN Everyone

The maximum refund is 50% of: ■ Income Protection insurance policy premiums can be claimed as • $794, for each primary school age a personal tax deduction because people are insuring an incomechild, and producing asset - their ability to work! • $1,588 for each secondary school age child. ■ Any donations over $2 made to legitimate charitable organisations are 100 per cent deductable, so don’t forget to claim these. ■ Ensure all information with Centrelink is up to date. This will ■ A 20% tax offset is available for each dollar of a person’s net ensure you receive any benefit medical expenses that exceed $1,500. Broadly, net medical expenses entitlements such as the Child Care are amounts that are above what the person can claim back through Rebate. The Child Care Rebate covers Medicare and/or their health insurance company. 50% of out of pocket expenses for ■ Remember to declare all income and capital gains such as interest approved childcare, up to a maximum received on bank accounts, however small, and the selling of assets of $7,941 per child for the 2010-11 such as real estate, shares or managed fund investments. financial year. ■ People generally do not need to pay tax on an inheritance, but if they have reinvested that money, or are gaining an income from it, tax Landlords may apply on this income. Further, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) may ■ Many of the services which have apply where assets such as shares or property are sold - however been paid for in relation to the specific CGT exemptions may be available in certain circumstances. general maintenance and upkeep of investment properties can be claimed Families as a tax deduction. This includes expenses such as lawn mowing, pool ■ People who are eligible for Family Tax Benefit (Part A) may be eligible maintenance and other similar costs for an Education Tax Refund to assist with costs of education. Up to which you have outlaid in relation to 50% of eligible expenses such as home Internet connection, personal your investment property. computer purchases, pens, texts, exercise books etc can be claimed. 60

■ Certain types of financial advice and other professional services Small Businesses received in relation to an investment property may also be tax ■ In order to be eligible for a tax deduction during the current financial deductable. year, make sure that all superannuation payments have been paid for ■ If people have insurance cover on investment properties they may be your employees on or before 30 June. able to claim this premium as a tax deduction as well. ■ Just as for sole traders and individuals, if businesses have had a good year and have some spare funds available, rather than keep Self Employed / Sole Traders it in a bank account, businesses are able to pre-pay certain future ■ Self-employed people or sole traders can claim 100% of personal expenditure and claim a deduction in this year’s tax return. superannuation contributions. However, care needs to be taken to ensure that these contributions do not result in that person’s contribution cap being breached, as this would attract tax penalties.

As tax matters can be quite complicated, it’s a good idea to speak to your financial planner to ensure you’re paying the tax you need to, but making the most of any deductions or claims for which you are eligible.

Pette Liacopoulos is an Authorised Representative of AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd, ABN 89 051 208 327, AFS Licence No. 232706. Any advice given is general only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, before acting on any advice, you should consult a financial planner to consider how appropriate the advice is to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

www.liacos.amp.com.au

POWER FORUM MEETS IN ATHENS

he 1st Greek Power Summit took place in Athens on June 14-15, with over 200 international and local participants who discussed ways in which Greece can attract more major foreign investment, re-enter the path of growth and create jobs. The suggestions included a flat tax, restructuring of the debt, privatizations, addressing tax evasion and corruption, and the further opening up of the economy.

the archaic forms of companies which keep Greece small-minded and corruptible.” She added that the restructuring of the IT plan of the public sector was also necessary - to make it more efficient and to allow it to reduce its workforce, and for a regulatory framework for the services sector - to allow it to grow with credibility and quality”. Discussing “Capital goes where it is treated best”, John Calamos, President of Calamos Investments (USA) insisted that the measures being taken are not enough for Steve Forbes, President and CEO of Forbes Media and publisher of Forbes development and growth. “Culture needs to change, Greece needs a new Magazine headed the group of international business leaders for this 1st deal,” said Calamos. Greek Power Summit. Despite the adverse and difficult times, prominent business people of the Greek diaspora such as Elena Ambrosiadou, John Stephen Cucchiaro, CIO of Windward Investment (USA) said that “Dignity Calamos, Nick Lazares, George Koukis, Con Makris, and solvency are Greece’s two basic problems that keep Andreas Pittas, Panos Georghiadis, Nicholas Gouletas investors away”, and he gave an idea on how to finance business plans: “Many US based companies have cash and Nikos Gitsis were in attendance. They were joined by Stephen Cucchiaro, Windhaven Investment in Europe which they want to use; find these companies Management (USA), Stephen Kinnoch, Director, and take advantage of them.” Krzysztof Walenczak, Head of Europe and Central Asia, World Economic Under- Secretary of State and Finance Minisiter for Forum (Switzerland) and Krzysztof Walenczak, UnderPoland offered his experience in privatizations in his own country, while Mihalis Pagidas, President of the Secretary of State and Finance Minister (Poland). In Association of Chief Executive Officers discussed the a closed Round Table Discussion these international financiers and entrepreneurs exchanged views and views of the Greek business community on the current shared experiences with prominent Greek representasituation. The panel discussions were moderated by tives from key sectors of the Greek economy, including INSEAD Emeritus Professor Spyros Makridakis. The tourism, construction, banking, commerce, industry, shipping, energy 1st Greek Power Summit was organized by Honeystone Limited, since and technology. Together they explored potential ways of cooperation. 2007 publishers of the Greek Rich List Magazine, and the International Advantage Corporation (IAC) which was established in 1993. Savvas Significant guideposts for the future of the Greek economy were discussed Pavlou of Honeystone (Cyprus) and publisher of the Greek Rich List by Dr. Haralambos Ziogas (MFS Shipping Management), Mihalis said, “we were overwhelmed by the response from successful Greeks from Madianos (Global Finance), Aris Kefaloyiannis (Gaia) and Mihalis around the world. They came from the USA, the UK, Australia, Cyprus, Pagidas (EASE), George Vernicos (Vernicos Yachts) and Aris Karytinos Switzerland, Canada and the Philippines to name a few. The Greek Power (National Bank of Greece), Professor Vassilis Makios (Corallia) and Summit will be an annual event aiming to attract industry leaders globally Christos Tsangos (Junior Achievement Greece). More than 50 renowned to share their knowledge and ideas in hope to make Greece great once business people from Greece and abroad contributed their views to the again.” Georgette Alithinos of IAC remarked on the success of the summit. discussion which was moderated by journalist Pavlos Tsimas. “Scrap your “We are very happy that in spite of the difficulties, we attracted so many tax system and put in place a new and simpler one,” said Steve Forbes in important professionals from around the globe to a two-day gathering to his keynote speech at the Gala dinner of the summit, while he stressed the share knowledge and experience that will be invaluable for the creation of a ”need for a holistic economic policy where growth measures will play a new Greek economy and the entrepreneurship needed to make it a reality”. decisive part so that Greece can become the Hong Kong or New Zealand of the Balkans.” THE GREEK POWER SUMMIT WAS SPONSORED BY ELENA AMBROSIADOU - IKOS GROUP, JOHN CALAMOS-CALAMOS “It is very easy to criticize,” said Elena Ambrosiadou, President and CEO INVESTMENTS, NICHOLAS LAZARES-ADMIRALS BANK, ALKI of IKOS Group in a discussion panel on the second day of the summit, DAVID-FILM ON, AND PANOS GEORGHIADIS – SOUTHERN BULK “growth and progress is a process that needs to start in each and everyone CARRIERS. of us”. Ambrosiadou called for “the reform of the public sector, for the creation of a tax-efficient modern company structure, and for abolishing For more information on the 1st Greek Power Summit please visit www.greekpowersummit.com

2011/12 World Greek rich List greekrichlist.com

What would you be willing to do, just for another hour of life, another day or perhaps even an extra year?

“MAKE YOUR LIFE AN EPIC, EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE.”

N HIS LATEST installment into the life of a ‘Thrillionaire’ Nik Halik dramatic turn. Would you ask for one more chance, and more time to explains just how important it is to work at change from the inside prove yourself? What would you do differently if you had more time? out, and to look at the root of the problem to find a solution. What are some tasks you would definitely commit to, if you were granted Just as seeds in a garden require sun, water, and soil to thrive, the seeds of more time? What would you be willing to do, just for another hour of positive thought require adequate nurturing in the form of discipline and life, another day or perhaps even an extra year? Assuming you have the a belief system. By transforming the composition of the fruits, you first life you desire from this moment on, what will your eulogy say about have to transform the roots. If you want to change the visible, you must your life? first change the invisible. Your goal needs to be something tangible that is real or physical. If your With regards to our foundation and blueprint, we need to define our goals do not inspire you, it is unrealistic to expect that you will be driven ‘WHY’ in life, which provides our sense of purpose. This neural network- to take action to achieve them. For every goal and ambition you have ing and modeling process provides the reasoning or catalyst for change. selected into your future timeline, you need to ask yourself the following When we have a powerful vision, we bend the universe to our will. An in- questions: Is what I’m doing right now moving me towards or away from dividual without a ‘WHY’ is a ship without a rudder. No matter how hard my goals? By being definite, you can conduct a daily stock-take of your you attempt to sail the rudderless ship, it goes nowhere. It just churns life. Ask yourself, have I discovered something new? You’ll notice that I water, totally ineffectively. Once we formulate our ‘WHY’, every action in use the words discover quite often. I’m careful not to use the word learn. our life takes on a more definite meaning. From that moment onwards, I feel the word is too closely associated with the academic schooling sysevery action etched in our minds manifests itself in reality towards our tem and can be considered by many people to be negative. The schooling goals. I was very fortunate to experience this paradigm shift of thinking, system is such an irrelevant institution in its current format. ‘Learn’ is not a word I want to perpetuate here. even though, at the time, I didn’t even know what a paradigm was. If you were to sit down and have somebody read the eulogy of your Discovery is all about empowerment and the DNA of our soul. The soul life upon your passing, what would you like to hear? A eulogy person- of your DNA is the composition of your dreams, destiny lived, conscious alised about your life could be the toughest speech you’ll ever be forced and unconscious. It is made of your past, your successes and especially to listen to. What would the overall theme convey? What legacy did your failures. This discovery phase reinforces the need to harness new you leave behind, that will enable others to find strength from? Most energies and opportunities in our lives – just like the exploration of new people in life have only a vague idea and most often there is no real frontiers in space. direction in their life. This is when the reading of the eulogy takes a

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Interest on a Midas Account is paid to your account monthly VISIT BANKOFCYPRUS.COM.AU and provides access to direct credit and debit facilities. There are no introductory rates, just a great ongoing rate you can enjoy and let your savings grow. That means, unlike some bank accounts, there are no variable special rates to draw you in, which before you know it, then revert to a lesser rate. The Bank of Cyprus Australia Midas Account rate has stayed consistently high since its launch, only responding to fluctuations in the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) federal interest rate. The Midas Business Account has also earned a five star Cannex product rating confirming this banking option as one of the strongest on offer.

Linking to other accounts Key to getting the best out of an account is linking it to an everyday savings account. For instant access to your money, why not link a Midas Account to a savings account and through that to an EFTPOS or Visa Debit card. With Bank of Cyprus Australia’s Eureka Visa Debit Card you have access to your own funds at over 22 million outlets around the world. Verified by Visa Bank of Cyprus Australia provides Verified by Visa as an easy-to-use fraud prevention program that confirms your identity when you shop online with any participating online merchant. Already more than 355 million Visa cardholders worldwide have registered for this free service and the simple security it offers.

For more information on the Midas Account call 1300 660 550 or visit bankofcyprus.com.au.

ONLINE BANKING

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TOMMY ‘THE GREEK’ HRONES MASTER AND PIONEER OF PINSTRIPING

ATHLITICA

GAME ON

PINSTRIPING BY HERB MARTINEZ, IN CLASSIC TOMMY THE GREEK’S STYLE.

BY DEAN PSAROS

INSTRIPING IS A DELICATE FORM OF ARTWORK used mainly to decorate and enhance cars, everything from sedans to pick-up trucks and motorbikes. Whilst it is also popular to decorate everything from boats, to surf boards, to guitars to upright basses etc. It is usually applied in either one of two ways, a thin strip of vinyl tape or paint. In the instance of the vinyl tape, it is adhered to the already painted surface in the desired pattern, and the painted style is expertly applied, freehand by extremely skilled artists with thin shaped brushes. Ultimately the desired effect of a nice pinstripe job is to enhance the curves of the surface of any chosen object. Today, the most well known early practitioners of modern pinstriping seem to be Von Dutch, (remember a few years back when nine out ten people would wear a cap, t-shirt or jacket with Von Dutch written on it?) Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and Dean Jeffries, All three were extremely talented and influential with their own unique styles. But according to many early ‘pinstripers’, the man that is arguably the leading pioneer of modern automotive pinstriping is Tommy ‘The Greek’ Hrones.

1906. He started to work in his uncle John’s auto paint shop in 1925, where he would do everything from preparing the surfaces to be painted to mechanical work. But he preferred the painting and mainly the striping, as he said, “almost every car made in America then was striped in some manner or another.” By 1929 he had already developed much of his signature style, scallops, teardrops and arrows, which he used as dashboard, fender or boot-lid flourishes. The thick lines he would paint, following the lines and curves of the car, are his most distinctive contributions to pinstriping. You still see them being used to this very day on hotrods and custom cars. Most of the time it was a thick black line, surrounded by a thin white line, that gave any car a very tough but classy look.

The amazing thing about his work was that he was incredibly fast. Another legend of customizing and pinstriping, Art Himsl, has a funny story about Tommy. “Years ago in the late fifties, I was striping a car at the Oakland Roadster Show and, man, was I having trouble laying a straight line. It was running late and I was getting nervous. A crowd had gathered behind me and I could hear one voice, ‘Hey kid, having a hard time? Can’t hold that line?’ Finally, after about ten minutes I’d had enough and turned and Tommy was the eldest son of eight children, born of Greek immigrants who handed the brush to the agitator. It was Tommy. Zip zip, and the job was settled in Oakland, California just after the great fire and earthquake of done! ‘Here’s my card kid,’ Tommy says. Art also adds, “Tommy the Greek 69

has had more influence on the pistriping art than anyone, including Von flourish.” Greenwood finishes by saying, “Tommy’s the guy, he’s been Dutch. He was the first and the best with scallops and those teardrops. In overlooked because of the Von Dutch mystique. Nobody ever striped any the early days, if you wanted your car done right, you took it to the Greek. straighter than Tommy the Greek.” Heck, God himself went to the Greek.” Tommy didn’t just stripe cars and motorbikes he painted many different One of the very best current day painters and pinstripers, Herb Martinez automobiles and objects over the years, - fire engines, aeroplanes, racing was a little kid that used to hang around Tommy’s garage. Herb says, “He cars, hydroplanes, boats, kitchens, dragsters, commercial trucks, helmets was an absolute master, and fast. There was a ‘wham bam’ ritual about his and even toilet seats! He was a larger than life character, with a magnetic work. He’d open a can of Veco lacquer with an ice pick, step back, fire the personality who seemed to live a full life. He closed his last working shop ice pick into the wall – ping - set up like a rocket, stripe the car, bait and in Oakland, California in 1994 and lived out the last years of his life by antagonize the customers, and finish up the job.” Herb is one pinstriper playing golf and doing his own paintings at home. He also had a soft spot whose career was profoundly influenced by the Greek. “If it hadn’t been for animals, especially the strays of the city and he had a regular feeding for Tommy allowing me to hang around his shop, I’d never have continued routine for lots of pigeons and stray cats and dogs. Sadly he passed away striping the way I have. Heck, I’m still doing teardrops after all these years, in 2002, but pinstripers will never forget what he did for their beloved art and that’s a tribute to him. In my estimation there are three great ones who form and his pioneering ways. Before car companies like Ford, General guided the striping arts: Tommy the Greek, St. John Morton and Red Lee.” Motors and Chrysler started to add factory go-faster stickers to the sides and bonnets of their cars, there were artistic champions like Von Dutch Another northern Californian who learned by watching the Greek at work and Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth doing it freehand with a fine brush, and at the is Cary Greenwood. He recalls a funny story. “There was always something forefront of them all was the original master - Tommy ‘The Greek’. going on when Tommy was at the shop. I remember one time a beautiful young lady walked in and Tommy, he was a real motorcycle nut in those I would like to thank the great pinstriper Herb Martinez, The ‘Line days, says, ‘wait here, don’t go away.’ He hops on his bike, zooms out the Doctor’ for all his assistance and help, and I implore you to visit his door, comes back a few minutes later, lays the bike over in a perfect slide, great website and check out his work at www.herbmartinez.com. dismounts and hands the young woman a bouquet of flowers, all in one

HEADER

HEADARIS

MANY CULTURES. ONE LANGUAGE.

STORY BY ARETI FRONIS

LESSON S TO TEACH

For us to be so arrogant as to walk past and judge, to accuse and be disgusted by and speak the racist views that have only ever been taught to us by the colonial campaign that has given us its own versions of history, is for me evidence that we have lost our culture.

I complained about how this country deals with issues like these, my teacher suggested I leave Australia if I don’t like it and move back to Greece. This was the most multicultural school in Brisbane. Even though everybody disagreed with me, over the years I have begun to accept that sometimes, everybody is wrong. Years later I travelled with Inala elder Aunty Theresa McIntosh, survivor of the Stolen Generations to Canberra to witness the national apology. Her life had been turned upside down from the actions of the Australian Government, her culture and language had been ripped from her tongue, her relatives scattered throughout Australia and her connections to her history as an Aboriginal woman silenced and locked in filing cabinets of colonial council chambers. The apology brought tears to her eyes and unlocked decades of pain and hatred for the powerful government that gave her and her parents no say as to how their lives should be lived. As a Greek-Australian I do not for one minute understand the misinterpretation many Greek-Australian seems to carry around with them as they accuse Indigenous Australia of being ‘bludgers’, or ‘dirty’ or

E HAS RESPECT for his Greek heritage as he defines it, and has embraced the Indigenous right of the country Australia, that he has called home for his 28 years of life. With a strong sense of self and the courage to let his beliefs take the lead, he has found himself on a journey of connected paths including community development in the Arts and Lecturing in Indigenous Studies, which have given him the experiences to translate into a unique style of poetry and self expression. His poetic genius has lead him to compete in the World Poetry Slam USA, being only the second Australian to make it and be placed 19th in the world amongst 73 finalists. No topic is disregarded; he speaks of love, culture, politics, and racism, and has been described as “inspiring” and “moving”. I introduce you to Luka ‘Lesson’ Haralampou, who tells us in his own words the tales of his life’s journey. This man is one to watch and will soon become a lesson well learned. When I was younger I had a very strong opinion of the world and a strong sense of self. At high school I remember being the only person in my Grade Twelve Legal Studies Class who thought that an apology to survivors of the Stolen Generation was a good idea. Every other student as well as my teacher all thought I was crazy. I said, “well if you met a survivor of the holocaust, you would at least say, ‘I am sorry for your loss’; it’s no real big deal”. They all denounced me, and when

I STARTED WRITING HIP-HOP VERSES ABOUT SEVEN YEARS AGO, AND THEN A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE INTRODUCED ME TO THE PROPHET, BY KAHLIL GIBRAN. IT CHANGED MY LIFE.

simply ‘drunk’ or without culture. What is happening in this country is something that we should, more than most other people, be able to completely understand and show solidarity for. This country has been invaded, wars have been fought. It has been illegal to practice culture and to speak language in schools and Indigenous people were not regarded citizens until 1974 and not regarded at owners of the land or even as human beings until the Mabo court cases of the early 1990s. If we as Greek-Australians can talk of the atrocities that war brought to us, and celebrate Oxi day when we broke free of the chains of the exact same rules that were thrust upon us, and yet still do not see how these human rights violations are occurring and have occurred in this country, as we walk past them in our streets every day, then I would say we have lost the connection to our own past. We have deleted from our memories what it looks and feels like to be denounced, and are only living off the stories of our history, not what the reality looks and feels like. And for us to be so arrogant as to walk past and judge, to accuse and be disgusted by and speak the racist views that have only ever been taught to us by the colonial campaign that has given us its own versions of history, is for me evidence that we have lost our culture. Filoxenia is too often overlooked. The history or learning and understanding and philosophy and joyous celebration of our minds and abilities as humans have been lost. I already have an idea why you chose it, but in your own words why did you choose the Alias of ‘Lesson’? My Hip-Hop emcee alias ‘Lesson’ came to me one day when I was deciding what I wanted to be called. I had just completed my first set of hip-hop workshops at Milpera State High School for refugee and recent migrants. I had lied to get that job, I told them I had done it before, and when I was done, they said it was one of the best hip-hop or music workshops and performances they had ever had.

Editor’s note Since this interview Luka ‘Lesson’ Haralampou has been picked up by ASP Publishing to publish his Chapbook titled “THE CONFLUENCE”. To catch a glimpse of his talents, he is performing some feature lead up gigs in both Brisbane and Sydney: Brisbane Thursday 15th July 7pm ‘Words or Whatever’ Blackstar Roastery Cafe 45 Thomas St, West End.   Sydney Sunday July 24 ‘Outspoken’ (FBI Radio Live Recording) FBI Social  Level 2, 248 William St, CBD

What is Slam poetry exactly? Slam poetry was developed in the US by a guy named Mark Smith. Basically poetry was boring and he wanted to get people to his poetry gigs and make it more exciting so he added a time limit to every poet. He asked 4 audience members to judge the piece out of ten and added rules like - no props, no costumes, no more than 10 seconds overtime or you lose points etc. and now we have slams worldwide including France, Germany, Africa, India, Australia, and of course all over the USA. Your pieces rhyme so eloquently. How did you come up with your style? I started writing hip-hop verses about seven years ago, and then a dear friend of mine introduced me to The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran. It changed my life. I started writing more and more and studying slam pieces from the ‘def jam’ TV series on you tube and it just grew from there. My style is still formulating, and I believe I really can write in any style, it is just a matter of time and opportunity to sit down and do them. What’s your process when writing a piece? Ooh that is a series of big fat secrets. Some simple, some special and I think unique to me. I share some of them when I do workshops with young writers. I have learned a lot from all the top quality writers I have met so far, but I do have some obscure little things I do. I’m learning a lot about my own process at the moment, I am trying new things, like changing my surroundings, writing on the computer (everything has always been by hand) I’m also not so precious about what I should write or what mood I should be in before I pick up a pen; New York taught me a lot. You are also writing a chapbook? What is a chapbook and what is its purpose? A chapbook is usually a small zine or book of poetry written and published by the author. It is what a poet sells after a performance but I have only ever written pieces to be performed, not read, so this chapbook is my first attempt at page poetry, before this I

just had recordings of hip-hop tracks and slam pieces. It is called ‘Americanisms: Shards of the USA’ and is a series of pieces I wrote when I was in the states in response to all the crazy shit I saw when I was there. There is even a tribute to Kahlil Gibran in there, as he wrote The Prophet when he was in New York in the 1920s. What types of opportunities have presented themselves to you from this? So far I have been lucky enough to meet the most amazing people from around the world. I have toured with UK rapper Lowkey on his Australian tour, and I am only the second ever Australian to compete at the Individual World Poetry Slam in the US. I was also lucky enough to perform at the world famous Nuyorican Poets Cafe in Manhattan. How does your Greek background play a part? A number of my pieces have Greek in them or talk of the history of migration and my ancestor’s histories. Also it gives me the strength to absolutely kill it on stage. GREEK LION!! How do you find out about gigs? I get asked to perform, usually after another performance. How can someone interested in slam poetry get involved/started? Check out ‘def jam poetry’ on YouTube. Find out about poetry events in their hometown. If the poetry event is boring, perform like a monster, shake them up a little, and if they say your stuff was ‘too much like rap’ or ‘there wasn’t enough English’ or if they ask ‘where’s your accent from’ tell them they’re boring as shit and poetry originated in countries like Greece and Africa and was never meant to be so damn boring. Then go home and write a piece about it, perform it to them a week later and watch what happens. What is the best thing about what you do? I like to think I have a balance between being a great performer and an equally as good writer. Some people are one or the other; I have worked really hard to be sure I can hold it down on both accounts. The other thing is that it comes from my heart, directly to you.

ogoc needs the logo, school name and contact detials

all in the folder and the ‘leadership’ copy in the pdf with the little girsl doing pottery

its a branded ad: heavy shit

Building Future Leaders OAKLEIGH GREEK ORTHODOX COLLEGE ARE ONE OF THE PIONEER SCHOOLS OF ‘THE LEADER IN ME’ PROGRAM IN AUSTRALIA. Developed by the innovators behind “The 7 Habits of Highly effective People” this program develops the essential life skills to enable our students to thrive in the 21st century. We promote student skills in leadership, initiative, self motivation and adaptability..creating a generation of leaders, one child at a time.” You are welcome to visit us at any time. Small group tours of our campus are held on a regular basis.

OAKLEIGH GREEK ORTHODOX COLLEGE - ’STS ANARGIRI’ 78-81 Willesden Road Oakleigh Victoria 3166

NUGAS

HOST PROFILES CHRIS MAHERAS (21) NUGAS Victoria Co-President. Studied Arts at University of Melbourne. Currently undertaking Juris Doctor at Monash University.

TA LEME

T IS WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT and pride in our youth, that I was afforded the opportunity to catch up with the team behind what is fast becoming the most popular show on iconic Melbourne Greek Radio station 3XY (insert 3XY logo here) ‘ta leme’. These dynamic young Greek Australians not only have a deep love and appreciation for the culture and heritage, but they also have a great time every Friday afternoon from 4pm, lighting up the airwaves with their eclectic choice of music and unique style. OPA! Why the name ‘ta leme’? CM Sitting with Mr. Ross Alatsas from 3XY, we struggled for an hour or so with possible names for the show. I told Mr. Alatsas I’d think about it and get back to him. As I walked off I ended my conversation, as so many of us do, with ‘...ta leme.’ It just made sense that it’s how so many of us sign off casually, and it literally makes a reference to us talking about ‘stuff ’. I think it’s pretty fitting. OPA! How does it tie in with NUGAS? CM Uniting young Greek Australian students through Hellenism is an important NUGAS objective. It’s something I have always taken very seriously since my time in the NUGAS Victoria committee. Unfortunately however, if we aren’t out there in public, making people aware of our cause and our passion for preserving Hellenic culture in Australia, the Greek community will not maintain its significant presence in society. That’s why ‘ta leme’ is a fantastic platform for us. Thanks to 3XY we’ve been able to reach out to Greek Australians beyond the student base and have our message heard! With more and more people coming to our events, and participating in our activities, we’re keeping the Hellenic flame alight. As NUGAS committee members, this really motivates us. OPA! What’s it all about? CM ‘ta leme’ is an opportunity for us to chat about everyday things that unite Greek Australians. Whether we spend some time talking about important current events or just a light hearted chat about life as a Greek Australian student or youth - we try to incorporate the fact that we embrace our Australian nationality, but also feel a great sense of pride for our Hellenic heritage. CG It’s another chance to bring young Greeks in Melbourne together, celebrate being Greek and cherish the different aspects of our culture 76

PHILLIP VASSILIADIS (20) NUGAS Victoria Public Relations Officer. Studying Bachelor of Arts/Law at Monash University. CHRYSA GIANNELLIS (18) NUGAS Victoria Club Liason Officer. Studying Bachelor of Science at University of Melbourne. AARI VASILIADIS, (22) LaTrobe University Representative for NUGAS Victoria. Completed Bachelor of Commerce at La Trobe University.

which we are so proud of. We share our passion for music, the Greek language and keeping up to date with recent issues in Greece. OPA! What kind of preparation goes into a show? PV Most of our topics and ideas come out of conversations we have over coffee - it’s just a matter of picking the interesting ones and seeing if they’re relevant and entertaining. The show’s meant to be pretty laid back - we want the audience to feel like they can call in at anytime and join into the conversation. CM Usually before or after our meetings, we like to enjoy a coffee and catch up as friends. We try to brainstorm and construct ideas for the show, which I must say isn’t always successful. Searching the web or reading the papers may spark an idea and we automatically send out a text suggesting an idea for the show. At the end of the day we come up with something fresh every week, and I think the fact that we all communicate and brainstorm our ideas really helps. OPA! You have settled in now after a few months. How has the show been received? CM We started off with no radio experience and it has taken a month or so to really get comfortable in the radio setting. It’s also been a lot of fun. I think he fact that we enjoy it, reflects in the response our listeners have given us. Our Facebook page is always buzzing during the show where people leave song requests or simply congratulate us on the show. Positive feedback from so many anonymous callers is always motivating. PV People are starting to take notice of us and are extremely generous with their feedback. We’ve had callers of different ethnic backgrounds, and from interstate and even some friends phoning in from overseas. As far as recognition goes, nothing tops marching under the NUGAS banner at the Shrine and having an old guy yell out TA LEME! I think that made everybody’s day. CG Our show has been received very positively by all, and I’m extremely grateful to all who listen and support us. What’s even more surprising is that we have international listeners as well! We have listeners in Greece requesting where they can listen to repeats of our show on the internet- that’s very exciting. Knowing that our show has been received so positively by so many people, inspires us each week to deliver even more interesting stories and topics. OPA! Funniest Ta Leme moment? CG Personally, I really enjoyed the week where we tackled ‘Greek tongue twisters’. We all had a laugh, while making a bit of a fool of ourselves

NUGAS

DUGS

ON CAMPUS E PROFILE THE DEAKIN UNIVERSITY GREEK SOCIETY, COMMONLY KNOWN AS DUGS, IS A DEVELOPING STUDENT BODY ESTABLISHED BY ENTHUSIASTIC AND PASSIONATE GREEK AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS. DUGS IS AN AFFILIATED CLUB OF NUGAS VICTORIA AND STRIVES TO MAINTAIN, REPRESENT AND PROMOTE GREEK CULTURE. and failing miserably at some of the tricky ones. In saying that, Phil did master one of the most challenging ones we had that week! PV You get some real characters calling in. Only a couple of weeks ago I had a gentleman call, to tell me that radio isn’t meant to be fun. I’d like our friend from the Shrine to have a word with him. I’ve also had the privilege of being tipped off about the best locations to collect horta. You laugh it off at the end of the day and it’s the callers who ask for songs or simply to congratulate and talk with us, that make the show. AV As a lot of the stories reflect our own childhood. I would have to say that the ‘Greek remedies’ segment was a highlight, as many of my own relatives over the years have diagnosed and treated me for the odd cold, and sunburn. CM We’ve had so many laughs on the show! We’ve all made a few slight mistakes with our Greek, that have completely turned the conversation on its head to a room full of laughs. It’s not always well received, but it’s definitely hilarious. OPA! Plans for the future? CM It’s still a very young show, but we’re already thinking about ideas for the future. From things like special celebrity guests to a ‘ta leme’ BBQ outside the studios with live broadcasts. We’re thinking and brainstorming all the time. You guys just have to listen to the show so you don’t miss out! OPA! Magazine are proud to sponsor ‘ta leme’ every Friday from 4pm on 3XY. Make sure you tune in and support our youth, let them know you’re there. Let them know you care and call in - show them just how much you appreciate what they do, till next show……… ta leme!

arlier this year, I was elected President of DUGS and it has been an absolute honour representing the Greek Australian students of Deakin University. It has been a pleasure promoting the Greek culture here and I feel very fortunate to have had the privilege of meeting countless new faces. Before I address the many successes that DUGS has experienced so far this year, I would like to thank the former president, Tina Angelopoulos and her committee for all their hard work and dedication in ensuring that Greek Australian students were well represented at Deakin University. This year, DUGS is very fortunate to have an amazingly dedicated and enthusiastic committee. Our Secretary, Adelle Kass and our Treasurer Jacqui Tzefronis, together with our General Committee Members including Irene Diamantis, Eleni Gantonas, Christina Kambelos, Stav Karabatos, Kathryn Mouzakis, Paula Sagiadellis and Elena Ziebell have all worked together to create a memorable year. Together as a committee, we meet fortnightly to plan and organise on-campus events. We have a range of ideas for future events and we would be more than happy to receive event ideas from any of our members. I would like to thank my committee for their valued participation, continued support and enthusiastic attitudes.I am extremely grateful for all their contributions. At the beginning of the year, DUGS had a very successful Orientation Week. For three consecutive days we had a stall promoting our club and anyone was welcome to join DUGS. Membership this year included free entry to Kinisi Live Greek Club and each new member received a show-bag, which included biscuits kindly donated by Dream Cakes Oakleigh, mixed-lollies and NUGAS publications. We are pleased to announce that we had just over 80 new members sign up to DUGS in 2011 and we look forward to more members joining in the future. Our first major on-campus event for the year was the DUGS Souvlaki Day. This year, the DUGS Souvlaki Day proved to be a great success, with lots of fond memories. We hope that Semester 2 will be filled with a variety of on-campus events which are similar to Souvlaki Day. DUGS is extremely proud to be affiliated with NUGAS and we have continued to support NUGAS and its affiliated Greek clubs throughout the year. On the 2011 NUGAS Committee we have three DUGS representatives, Adelle Kass, George Vogiatzis and myself. As representatives of DUGS, we have the opportunity to voice our opinions whilst assisting in organising a variety of NUGAS events. At the beginning of the university year, many of our members attended the annual NUGAS Boat Cruise and all expressed how fantastic the night proved to be DUGS members who attended, expressed that this night was one of their highlights of the year. Not only have DUGS members represented our club at NUGAS social events, there has always been DUGS representation at NUGAS cultural events including the annual 25th March Parelasi and the Antipodes Festival. As a club, we are very proud of our associations with NUGAS and we look forward to participating in many more NUGAS events. So far 2011 has proved to be an eventful and exciting year for DUGS and on behalf of the DUGS Committee, I would like to thank everyone who has supported us. We always love hearing feedback from our members and we invite you to contact us through our Facebook page or by email at dugs@live.com.au As President, it is my continued aim to ensure that Greek Australian students at Deakin University have the opportunity to embrace and become involved with the Greek culture, and I encourage all Greek-Australian students to value their heritage and be proud of their unique nationality. As the Greek youth of Australia, it is our responsibility to ensure that the Greek spirit remains alive within the Australian community and I hope that Greek Australian students who have not yet realised this, embrace this responsibility.

Sophia Floudiotis PRESIDENT OF D.U.G.S 77

FRONDITHA

COMMUNITY

SANDWICH Generation

Do you feel like you have become the meat between the sandwich? Suddenly finding that you are caring for your children while juggling the increasing needs of your parents? You wouldn’t be alone if you do, and it would put you smack bang in the middle of what’s being labelled The Sandwich Generation.

aring for our parents is by no means a new concept. What however, is new in today’s world, as opposed to 25 years ago, is that we are generally choosing to have children later in life, at a time where our parents are in need of that extra support. Caring for a loved one is something that we do willingly but we seldom realise the emotional, physical and financial costs of being a carer before jumping in.

which can be directly linked with their role as carers.

the typical carer will cut down their work hours to be able to care. This, combined with the rising costs of providing assistance like transport, medicines and mobility aids makes it a real challenge, and an expensive one at that. The physical and emotional tolls are also substantial. According to Carers Victoria, 40% of carers ignore their health and have developed chronic health issues such as back pain, anxiety or depression

Community Services offers day-care programs in the Southern, Eastern and Northern region. Elders living within the community come together each week for activities and lunch. It is a time that carers can take to tend to their own interests and wellbeing knowing that their parent or spouse is also enjoying their time away. For more information on Community Services options phone 9495 2308.

That said, we hear so many stories about the rewards of having three and sometimes even four generations connected so closely. Aged Care is a hard, yet rewarding job; however ensuring the longevity of a carer begins with caring for yourself. Realising when you need time out is vital. Learn what causes you stress. Once you realise the triggers, you can start to find the appropriate strategies to help you cope. Are they related to Maria, aged 40, cares for her mother diagnosed with early stage your children, to money or work? dementia and explains the sudden challenges she faced providing for her Share the load with those around you. Although it can seem as though children as well as supporting the emotional and physical needs of her it’s just you in the world of caring, there are professional resources that own mother. “In the beginning I had no idea where to go for information you can tap into – even if it’s once a week for a recharge. or where to start. The hardest part of caring was not knowing what help A key resource and a good place to start your quest is Carers Australia was out there and in what order to access it”. She has since found her feet which is a national peak body for carers. www.carersaustralia.com.au but is quickly realising that her friends are coming to her in desperation They offer information and advice as well as emotional and practical to figure out that first crucial step. support. They can also put you in touch with carer support groups and There is a marked trend of elders of Greek background choosing respite options in your area. to remain at home, as long and independently as possible, rather than entering residential aged care. Their preference is centred on their need Fronditha’s Community Services Programs specifically provide assistance to be connected with their family and way of life. It is through the support to those elders opting to live at home for as long as possible through Community Aged Care Packages, Host Home Programs and Planned of their family that they are able to maintain a level of self-reliance. The impacts on the family are huge; especially when the norm is that Activity Groups.

hare the load with those around you. Although it can seem as though it’s just you in the world of caring, there are

professional resources that you can tap into – even if it’s once a week for a recharge.

Do you care

for Yiayia & Pappou? Would you give just $10 to help them?

I wish to pledge $10

$20

$50

$100

other $

Credit Card

Direct Debit

Name _________________________ Number ________________________ Expiry Date ____________________ Signature _______________________ Your details will remain completely conﬁdential

NAME BSB ACC

Cheque to: FRONDITHA CARE send to

94 Springs Road Clayton South 3169

THE COMMUNION OF DEAD M “Jimmy was a culturally sheltered boy growing up and found it hard to fit into the social groups and structures of adolescent society.”

ometimes it seems that certain things happen for a reason. I was in need of an urgent plan to escape the rain so I ducked down into a local basement bar. The all too familiar scent of beer and body heat was immediate. As too, was the sticky floor and tacky wallpaper, coupled with the odd inebriated patron swaying to a somewhat generic sound. It soon ended, and in walked the next act; slick, well dressed, looking serious and focused. I hadn’t heard a note and yet I was already intrigued. The stagnant room began oozing eclectic sounds, wave after wave filling every crevice with unique resonance, strange yet familiar, drawing me in. I was definitely impressed. Amidst the subtle stroke of the violin combining with the smooth tones of the acoustic guitars sighing in unison a sombre yet powerful voice presides. I was instantly moved and transported to the song’s visceral landscape, or as they say, lost in the moment. I later found out they are called The Jimmy Dead-Man Communion and are comprised of Greg Nugent on the drums, Fran DeVaux stroking the violin, John Villianodis plucking the classical guitar and strumming a steel string guitar while singing haunting lyrics was Jimmy ‘Dead-Man’ Lavranos the driving force behind The Jimmy Dead-Man Communion. I quickly get the feeling that there’s more to Jimmy than meets the eye. The Jimmy Dead-man Communion has a powerful emotion inherent in their music and a clear combination of different musical influences and styles, and yet doesn’t belong solely to any of them. I found the songs to be reflective, personal and inviting and wanted to find out more about this man and his music so I organised to meet with him and I was quite surprised at what I found. Jimmy Lavranos was born in 1974 at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. His father hailing from Corfu, and his mother from Kalamata, Jimmy was raised in what would have been a typical migrant upbringing except for one important difference, there was a clear division of faith 80

and ideals between his parents. As you would imagine, this conflict created an atmosphere of investigation in the household and nothing was left unscrutinised. I would argue that this environment of questioning promoted individualism, an individualism that I immediately associated with the originality I felt in the music I had heard him play. He recalls an incident when he was thirteen and his parents had offered to buy him a guitar however, being highly aware of his parents financial situation, Jimmy felt certain guilt came along with the purchase of the instrument and not being entirely sure about his commitment to playing guitar at that age, he declined. The musicality I witnessed in the Bar that fateful night seemed to have regressed deep in Jimmy’s subconscious early in his life. Like many children to migrant parents Jimmy was a culturally sheltered boy growing up and found it hard to fit into the social groups and structures of adolescent society. He used cultural conventions as tools for himself rather than submitting to them uncritically and continued to question their validity. It was in his senior high-school years that he developed an interest in poetry, the expression of words through stories and personal experiences offered a limitless realm where anything was possible and he was bound only by his imagination. At the same time Jimmy was developing a certain subversive personality towards the social and political structures and the mainstream culture in general, withdrawn from popular trends and scenes. It was the combination of poetry and tragedy that Jimmy identified with that attracted him and although he wasn’t aware of it at the time, his literary appetites were forming the foundations of a broodingly creative artist that would emerge in the future. Graduating high school and commencing an Arts Degree majoring in Philosophy and Psychology, Jimmy was a reserved student who kept to himself and thoroughly enjoyed his studies. However, the further he delved into the humanities and sciences the greater the divide grew between his ideals and the rest of the worlds’. Upon completion of his degree Jimmy

Photos: Arsineh Houspian.

By John Sakellaris

N MEN Jimmy Lavranos - Poetry in motion.

searched for a profession that he could sink his teeth into whole heartedly, but found nothing. By chance he stumbled across an advertisement for a course in Prosthetics and Orthotics that appealed greatly to his interests in the Arts and Sciences. With such strong feelings towards this new and exciting possibility he signed up. Although he enjoyed the nuts and bolts of the course Jimmy was still struggling with integration and by the end of these studies he had become totally disenfranchised with the system. Something had to give and did, all the built up frustrations, sadness and tragedy he knew and loved so well in the poetry that was deer to his heart was beginning to bleed into real life choking and suffocating his spirit. It was at this moment that I believe Jimmy made a decision that was to play the most integral part of his development as, not only a musician, but as complete human being. Jimmy joined the Australian Volunteers and was shipped off to Cambodia. In this harsh environment where entire communities suffered horrific genocide and to this day remnants of past atrocities are apparent and confronting, Jimmy ran a clinic building prosthetic limbs for amputees in the most dire of situations. He learned to function on a level he had never known before and by associating with people through his work he was able to gain access to their happiness. When he constructed a device to aid in a persons mobility and they were able to gain some stability back in their lives, their hearts opened up to Jimmy and in turn broke open a crucial part of Jimmy’s humanity that has ultimately formed a part of his identity. At this point Jimmy hadn’t considered music more than enjoying a simple tune or melody on the surface, he hadn’t yet connected the dots of music and poetry but it was coming. Jimmy felt a slight unease as he realised he and his companions had missed a connecting boat they needed to catch to arrive at their destination that same night, the only option left was to rent a dingy, or a ‘tinny’ as it was called it. Jimmy, an administrative colleague, an amputee technician and an ex-Khmer Rouge tinny navigator set out

on a five-hour journey along the Mekong River from Kampong Cham to Kracheh. About half way the Tinny starts sputtering and comes to a stop, it needs petrol. As they were standing there, vast jungle either side, there was a deafening silence that amplified the sound of the petrol filling the tank and the water lapping against the tinny. Cutting through the silence was the gentle chanting of monks droning in the silence with sombre tones that soothe the soul. Jimmy felt as if he was standing in the middle of a poem, the simplicity and the beauty of the moment had overwhelmed him and as they eventually continued on their way Jimmy reflected upon that moment that had touched him so, yet hadn’t fully understood why. Months later, Jimmy was drinking in a bar almost purely constructed by bamboo with an ex-drug addict from the UK who happened to own the bar. Jimmy sat reflecting. Many gins later he was the only patron left in the bar when the owner played an unwitting role in setting up the foundations that would in time ultimately release the creative emotions that were lying dormant in Jimmy. It was Leonard Cohen that Jimmy heard filling the audible space and he was immediately infected by it. Leonard Cohen’s brooding tragic style brought back feelings of discontent, sadness and anger but in such a sophisticated and hypnotising manner, communicating existentially. At this moment Jimmy recognised the power of this experience and drew immediate connections with his poetry and the possibility of its’ musical form. He bought himself a small CD player, every Leonard Cohen album he could find and spent a lot of time in his bamboo shack listening and escaping. He knew then that he wanted to compose his own masterpieces, profound and life-changing as he found Leonard Cohens’ to be. To elicit such impulsive and real emotions through music was the next secret plan. Years passed before this seed of music bore the fruitful musician he is today but he has acquired a dedicated passion for artists like Tom Waits, Serg Gainsburg, Jackson C. Frank and Townes Van Zant but to name a few. All of these artists vary in style and

Inspiration: Legend, Leonard Cohen

manor greatly, as does The Jimmy Dead-Man Communion, but they also have something in common. They each have conquered the art of simplicity; a trait I find exists in Jimmy’s music. Call it fate or call it chance or whether it’s nature verses nurture, what couldn’t be denied was the yearning Jimmy has to express himself through song. Even when the urge was suppressed as a thirteen year old only to be differed and take form in poetry and literature, the path was set. The disconnection and reconnection with humanity in his young adult years left him open to a seemingly simple moment on a boat, but the chanting monks have influenced the calming nature of Jimmy’s songs. And the final epiphany in the bar with Leonard Cohen sparked the experience of music that Jimmy now provokes

through his songs in his own unique way. I really do believe that all these moments of Jimmy’s life are direct influences into how he approaches his musical delicacies and although The Jimmy Dead-Man Communion sounds nothing like Leonard Cohen, or anyone else for that matter, I can see that similarities exist between them. The Jimmy Dead-Man Communion can only be described as the bastard child of a man who looked for answers to existential questions in philosophy, religion, literature and science, only to find that there was nothing remotely close to a solution anywhere in this world. The result is a visceral expression that ever so slightly relieves the anguish that goes hand in hand with realisation of the human condition. This is his and his band’s communion.

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ODIGOS

CARS

J A G U A R

E L E C T R I C ?

aguar has revealed a stunning rangeextended electric super-concept car. The C-X75 has been designed to celebrate 75 years of the marque and provide a glimpse into the future of Jaguar and its commitment to producing beautiful, fast cars powered by sustainable means.

using four independent electric motors. Using individual motors at each axle has benefits in terms of weight-saving and distribution, packaging and efficiency. Each motor weighs just 50kg but produces 145kW (195bhp) of power and an astonishing combined total torque output of 1600Nm (1180lb ft).

The 330km/h (205mph) four-wheel drive supercar is capable of running in purely electric (zero tailpipe emissions) mode for 110km (68 miles) on a six-hour domestic plug-in charge. The innovative, lightweight micro gas-turbines are also capable of very quickly and efficiently recharging the Lithiumion batteries, giving the car a theoretical range of 900kms.

With the seats fixed, the steering wheel, controls, main binnacle and pedal box all adjust towards the driver. The seats are attached to the bulkhead as in a single-seater racing car, and air to feed the turbines passes smoothly around them via channels in the structure of the body.

The energy created by the turbines and stored in the batteries is transmitted to the road

A glimpse into the future of Jaguar and its commitment to producing beautiful, fast cars powered by sustainable means.

C-X75 is only a concept supercar, but it’s a clear statement of Jaguar’s intent to continue creating bold, innovative and beautiful performance cars.

SPECS VEHICLE TYPE: - 2 door coupe PRICE: - Approx $1.5M - AUD CONFIG: - Electric motor at each axle / 4WD ENGINE: - 4 Electric Motors TRANSMISSION: - Single-speed HORSEPOWER: - 580kW / 780bhp TORQUE: - 1600Nm / 1180lb ft WIDTH: - 2020 mm LENGTH: - 4647 mm HEIGHT: - 1204 mm WEIGHT: - 1350kg 0-100 KPH(SECS): - 3.4 TOP SPEED(KPH): - 330

C - X 7 5 85

ODIGOS

READER’S CAR

CAR 1975 Mazda RX4 NAME Harry Chappas AGE 21 OCCUPATION Mechanic I first bought this car when I was 18 years old back in 2008. I’ve always been an enthusiast of rotaries and have been building them since I was 14. I have pretty much owned every pre-1980 Mazda, but this is my first rx4. When I bought the car, it had a 13B Bridgeport motor with a 48mm Webber carburetor. That old motor lasted me about a week, because I was sick of the lack of power, which came from my turbo background. When I purchased the car, it had already been re-sprayed in silver, a colour which came originally off an Opel. They also added Prismatique in the paint, to give it a bit of sparkle under the light. The car has all original interior which is in good condition for its age. The car then went into the build. My brother Theodore and I decided to go a bit nuts on it, involving sleepless nights, to get it going. I sourced a 13b Cosmo motor to give the rx4 the kick it needed. The motor was then sent down to a good friend Anthony at Rotarhead Performance where we ripped it down and had a look what we could do. With my ambition for power, we decided to Bridgeport the block, to give it that extra bit of grunt, not to mention that crazy idling sound that comes with it. The motor was also dowelled for extra strength and SCR race apex seals and side seals where used. I then decided to pretty up the 20-year-old mould that was built up on the motor, so everything was sanded down, prepped, polished and painted. I threw a t04e66 turbo on there with a custom manifold to fit it in the rx4’s bay and all the usual go-fast bits attached as well. FUTURE PLANS FOR THIS CAR INCLUDE TO EVENTUALLY RUN A NINE SECOND QUARTER-MILE PASS, THEN IT WILL BE PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO RESTORE AND BUILD ON A MAJOR LEVEL.

SPECS CAR: 1975 MAZDA RX4 SEDAN PAINT: SILVER OPEL WITH PRISMATIQUE ENGINE: 13B RE COSMO BLOCK, BRIDGEPORTED, DOWELLED, SCR RACE SEALS, T04E66 TURBO, TURBOSMART 48MM WASTEGATE GEARBOX: 4 SPEED MANUAL, CUSTOM SOLID BUTTON CLUTCH EXHAUST: 3” ALL THE WAY, MAGNAFLOW MUFFLERS DIFF: RX4 28SPLINE AXELS, 4:11 MINI SPOOL WHEELS: 15X4 AND 15X8 PERFORMANCE CHALLENGERS FUEL SYSTEM: 2X BOSCH 044’S, 2L SURGE TANK, CARTER PRE PUMP, AEROMOTIVE FUEL REGULATOR

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GNOMI

OPINION

WHAT GREECE REALLY NEEDS FROM US RIGHT NOW GREGORY C. PAPPAS IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE PAPPAS GROUP, A MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM BASED IN CHICAGO. HE IS ALSO THE PUBLISHER OF GREEK AMERICA MAGAZINE AND THE FOUNDER OF THE GREEK AMERICA FOUNDATION, A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION OF GREEK CULTURE, HISTORY AND IDEALS IN AMERICA. This is a transcript of a piece he wrote that appeared in the huffington post: >www.Huffingtonpost.Com

“An article I read on CNN.com prompted me to take stylus to iPad and begin writing this commentary. The article talked about Greek Americans to the rescue -organizing to help the homeland in her time of need.   The headline was intriguing enough to warrant a click through from my Facebook newsfeed. Unfortunately, the story itself was not. Instead of a story about Greek Gregory C. Pappas American innovators, investors, entrepreneurs and old fashioned business people organizing to use their knowledge, resources and skills to help, I read about people planning their summer holidays to “go and spend their dollars in Greece” and not elsewhere.   That’s just baloney. Or in the spirit of this story, loukaniko.   A couple of thousand Greek Americans flying USAirways, Continental or worse yet Lufthansa... Staying with yiayia or Theia Marika in the village outside Tripoli, and dropping a few hundred euros (and later complaining about the cost) for a bottle of whiskey at the bouzoukia isn’t going to help Greece.   No. Greece needs more than that right now.   For starters, you can stop feeding the stereotype beast. And we are all guilty. Your cousin Niko might be lazy and sit in coffee shops all day drinking his frappe (or freddo if he’s hip) -- but this is not a fair description of the vast, vast majority of Greeks.   In fact, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ranks the Greeks second in the world -- that’s right, the entire world and that includes the USA in it -- as the second hardest working people after the South Koreans. If you don’t believe me, take it from Forbes.   That would make your cousin Mitso in Astoria or on Halsted Street much lazier than cousin Niko -- the one in the village back in Greece.   Secondly, I’ve heard over and over again that the “coffee shops are full and the bouzoukia are jammed.” Yes, they very well might be -- and no one’s saying that everyone in Greece is suffering and that some people can’t afford a cup of coffee or a night out, but the simple truth of the matter is there are less coffee shops today than there were a year ago.   And with regards to the ubiquitous bouzoukia... At one time in Greece’s recent memory, a night out on the town could have meant a weekday. Today, you’re lucky to find open bouzoukia even on a Friday night, making the few clubs that are still operating full and “jamming” on a Saturday -- the only night of the week they are probably working.   Finally, enough with the jokes about Greeks not paying taxes. The truth is (and statistics prove it) that it’s the richest of the rich Greeks who don’t pay their taxes, not the average citizen. Unfortunately, the violations of these doctors, lawyers, nightclub singers and others in high society are so egregious that it’s their

antics that make the front pages of the New York Times and soon -- we all start fanning the rumors and start to believe that no Greeks pay taxes.   Besides, let’s see what happens when the role of the IRS is diminished in this country. Watch -- just watch -- how law-abiding taxpayers quickly become tax-evading lawbreakers. And how about all those Greek-owned cash businesses... Diners in New Jersey, restaurants in Chicago, donut shops in Boston... Are we naive enough to believe that all (Greek) Americans pay all of their (our) taxes? Who are we kidding? Furthermore -- remove highway patrol from America’s roads and see how quickly they turn into the autobahn. It’s human nature, folks -- Greeks are breaking the law because they can. They are evading taxes, and driving like madmen, and parking on sidewalks, and smoking in no-smoking areas -- because they can. Because they know there is no fear of prosecution. I’m not becoming an apologist for Greece and Greeks. There are definitely problems and I’ll be the first to admit that Andreas Papandreou started a huge party that is now coming to an end and someone’s got to pay for it. Napoleon Linardatos talks about the party eloquently here. It’s definitely worth a read. And yes -- the public sector is out of control, the entitlements, pensions, retirement age requirements are insane -- to the point that an entire generation of people have been indoctrinated (brainwashed) into believing that this is normal that the government is there to take care of its citizens from cradle to grave. But again -- I don’t blame the average citizenry. I blame the corrupt politicians vying for votes and the corrupt union bosses who lobbied for more, more, more to fuel their populist flames and increase their own unions’ membership ranks and power. It’s a sick and vicious cycle that ensnared common people by feeding them a sweet tasting fruit that was too good to say no to. That fruit was a job for life -- stability for a son or daughter in exchange for a vote in an uncertain world. It’s a fruit that any vulnerable person would taste -- Greek or non-Greek.   What Greece really needs right now from the Diaspora -- (and I’m tugging at your philotimo strings right now) -- is a series of serious initiatives that are both possible (given our ingenuity and success), and realistic. A trust fund for our cultural heritage. Let’s gather the wealthiest Greeks in America and the world and the financial whiz kids that populate Wall Street -- there are about a dozen billionaires I can name off the top of my head right now -- and engage their expertise to create a revenue-generating

“Andreas Papandreou started a huge party that is now coming to an end and someone’s got to pay for it.” fund to serve both as collateral and support for the Parthenon, the Palace of Knossos, the Akrotiri settlement on Santorini and other sites critical to Greece’s cultural heritage. A $100 million fund (owned and managed by the donors) per site could generate $5 million annually at 5% interest -- enough to preserve the sites, keep them open with experienced, private staff -- and out of the grasp of the public sector that is often subject to civil strife, strikes and shortages in staff and resources.  A venture capital fund to support Greek entrepreneurs. Israel does it. India does it. And their diaspora communities are nothing compared to ours and the passion, love and dedication we have for our homeland. Let’s gather some of the nation’s top Greek American venture capitalists--and here too, I can name a dozen or so -- to create a fund called Greece Future -- because we believe in the future of Greece and we want to invest in the future of Greece. This fund could seek out the great Greek innovators and encourage them to stay and build their businesses in Greece and not be forced to re-locate to Silicon Valley or London.  A real Diaspora Bond mechanism for low and high level investors to support the future of Greece Again, other diaspora communities of nations like Israel and India have a bond mechanism that allows average citizens to support their homelands with shares as low as $1,000. Why can’t we do this? The truth is, it was proposed already -- by the Greek Government. The problem is that it’s the same, corrupt Greek government bureaucrats that got the country into this mess in the first place that want to the run this proposed “Diaspora Bond.” Message to the Ministers who propose this: When hell freezes over I’ll give you my hard-earned money to build your villa and buy your apartment overlooking the Acropolis. (You know who you are). What I propose is something like Israel Bonds. Supported primarily from U.S.-based Jews, the Development Corporation for Israel/ State of Israel Bonds is one of the world’s most dependable economic financial vehicles with 60 years of success. Worldwide sales have exceeded $30 billion and proceeds have played a vital role in transforming Israel into a regional superpower with unparalleled infrastructure. The key to the success of this proposal: diaspora involvement in the investment and management of the fund.  *** These are but three ideas -- and certainly there are others.  Of course, in order for any of these ideas to materialize, you need stability in Greece and a government willing to support the change that is necessary. Although I have a lot of faith in the conviction and dedication of the country’s current Prime Minister George Papandreou, it is those around him who I fear will be most resistant to change.  What I know about Papandreou is that he cares about his country deeply. When he speaks,

his passion for Greece is evident. Unlike his father, he appears not to have a corrupt bone in his body. I may be wrong -- or I don’t know enough to offer a valid opinion. Of course, it’s easy for me to speak (or write this) from my apartment on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, where I look out the window and see the streets bustling with traffic, people on their way to work.  It’s easy for me to speak about Papandreou -- without feeling the pain that so many Greeks have felt from the austerity measures that his government has passed; or to feel the burning of the tear gas that his police forces have lobbed at crowds who were merely there expressing their inalienable democratic rights. And I do apologize to the Greeks who might be offended by my simplistic opinion of their Prime Minister, which is based solely on what I see and read -- primarily in the international media -- that he is a forward-thinker, an internationalist and a product of a global upbringing who has a big picture approach to Greece and is making important decisions today, that will be written about in the history books a century from now. I want to believe that his decisions will be right for Greece -- albeit a difficult pill for many already impoverished citizens to swallow.  I should also note that my opinion is not one that is supporting the political party Pasok, or its socialist tendencies and policies, which I believe were the cause of Greece’s demise. My opinion is in support of an individual who I believe is “big” enough to realize that it was his own father’s policies that resulted in the Greece of 2011 and that he must stare the ghosts of the past in the face, tell them he is no longer afraid of them and create the new Greece. Something else I believe in is the spirit of Greece and the ultimate force that brings her people together in times of crisis and need. Anyone who doubts me need only read the last hundred years of this tiny nation’s history and its ability to not only reinvent itself, but to play an important role in the history of the entire world.  Furthermore, I do believe that what Greece faces today is child’s play compared to the trials and tribulations of the earth-shattering events of 1922 when the humanitarian crisis in Asia Minor spilled into the Greek islands and mainland and millions of impoverished Greeks who fled war were sleeping amidst the ruins of the Parthenon and housed temporarily in theaters and other public buildings. Furthermore, Greece was again tested a few decades later during the German occupation and ensuing Civil War during which time one eighth of the entire population perished and over 3000 towns and villages were burned to the ground. Mark Mazower, the Columbia University historian and expert on Modern Greece said it much more eloquently than I ever will in his New York Times editorial.

“Yes, these are trying times, but Greece will prevail. ”    89

MODA

STYLE

BLONDES WITH THE LOT BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE A GREEK WOMAN SHOULD LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND REMOVE ONE ACCESSORY, PERHAPS FIVE

ast issue, we were discussing the way in which many women try to blot out every little imperfection with a blanket of black, which also blots out their assets. The other side of the coin is the tendency to go overboard with bling.

going for a fashion-forward look or something more classic, they allow one element of their look to take the lead. Even Lady Gaga will work with one element per look, and hers is hardly a classic style. The bubble dress was a moment of utter insanity, but it was also cohesive.

Choose accessories to accentuate your look simply. No matter whether we’re talking jewellery, scarves or hair accessories; one or two is generally enough for any look. Honestly assess your features, and think of which area you would like to draw the eye to. Maybe your décolletage is your strongest feature; if it is, an eye-catching pendant is your best friend. If your arms are looking great this week, a sleeveless look, with dazzling cuff or bracelet will emphasise their sleekness. Remember, only hamburgers We need to make a Hellenic revision to Saint Coco’s rule: Before leaving look better with the lot. the house a Greek woman should look in the mirror and remove one accessory, perhaps five. Yes, your Tiffany bracelet is stunning; yes we love Girls, please! You need to pick one asset at a time. This is exactly the same your Bulgari pendant, and the same goes for your Cartier earrings, Georg principle behind not dressing all in black; you can’t emphasise everything Jensen puzzle ring and your Gucci watch, but when you wear them all all at once. Without shade there is no light, without simplicity there is no together, you start to look like the love child of Liberace and Mr T. By bling, and with too much bling there is no style. allowing every element of your look to shout, you are ensuring that none of them are heard. Your body is a temple, and in a temple it is rude to shout. So before you step out of the house each day, remember Saint Coco’s words of wisdom, and adjust them if you need to. Remove one thing minimum. When you look at the most stylish women on the planet, what matters, is By doing this, you will show yourself to your full potential, creating an not what their personal look is, but how they have achieved it. Whether image that is simple, clean and above all, stylish. Coco Chanel, patron saint of all things stunning, had a simple rule for this: Before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove one accessory. However, Greeks are a vivacious breed and we love to do everything to the fullest. As a result, I see many Greek women covered from head to toe in enough accessories to make Carmen Miranda look like a minimalist.

k e e r G e h T . . . . . e r a e l peop

KOUVENTES

WORDS

! s e o r he “The Greek people are anarchic and difficult to tame. For this reason we must strike deep into their cultural roots: Perhaps then we can force them to conform. I mean, of course, to strike at their language, their religion, their cultural and historical reserves, so that we can neutralize their ability to develop, to distinguish themselves, or to prevail; thereby removing them as an obstacle to our strategically vital plans in the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.”1 BY Malchus Nevets

o what is it that has caused this national crisis and sensationalist headlines condemning and ridiculing the Greeks right across the globe, especially here in Australia where the Greek Media is keen to throw stones into their own back yard?

Greece’s entry in the European Union (EU) came after the NATO attack on Cyprus and the geopolitical isolation of Greece. It is an extremely complicated issue and historically we are talking about one of the most complicated geopolitical issues ever, way too much to get into here.

Is all we read and see true? Are the people of Greece so foolish? Why do There are many things we all know about ancient Greece, there is too the media continue to add fuel to the fire rather than help and support little we know or have been allowed to ask about modern Greece, but what you should keep in mind is that Greece is not an accidental little this nation of heroes? country, it is not just another insignificant race. Even large states like say It is not that straightforward for Greece. We have failed to understand Indonesia (already 200,000,000 people) are accidental, today they exist, that the problem of Greece is not financial but geopolitical and has tomorrow they do not exist. Greeks however are a nation that have been been thrust upon them by the powers that be. Just open the world map here for a long time and have been instrumental in the development of and see where is Greece positioned and you will begin realize what this the modern world and western culture in more ways than we can all is all about.

1 As reported in the popular Greek magazine, Oikonomikos Tachydromos on 14 Aug. l997: Henry Kissinger, while addressing a group of Washington, D.C. businessmen in Sept.1974

KOUVENTES

WORDS

imagine, and it is for that reason that the New World Order (NWO) taxpayers are being turned over to capitalists who have the full backing of the International Monetary Fund, European Commission, and the always has had a special agenda for them. European Central Bank. Just Google “Kissinger on Greeks” and read what he said about “dealing with Greeks” and you will have a clearer picture. Try to Google “Kissinger The European and global bankers have demanded that the Greek on Indonesians” or “Kissinger on Polish” or “Kissinger on Nigerians” but government sell off entirely or assume a minority stake in a number of you won’t find the same thing. It seems that there is a deep problem with state enterprises and utilities. Greece and the NWO. For example, this year global capitalists are slated to acquire 84 percent of OTE, the Greek telecommunications provider. In addition, private And who is Kissinger? Well Google that too. Ancient Greeks were the nation that kick started the rise of the value of human being in antiquity, while medieval Greeks kick started the Renaissance in Italy (which was a Naissance in reality since prior to the Renaissance there was nothing special in Italy to justify the “Re”). And without saying that Greeks are any super-nation or something, even in the more recent history, despite their demise and tough luck as a nation it was the Greeks’ revolution against the bloody Ottoman Empire in the mid-18th century that led to the Orloff wars (the 4th RussoOttoman war) which brought in a chain reaction a series of world-wide events including the French revolution (which is linked to the American Revolution of course) for which the whole idea being motivated by the will of the western oligarchy, the forefathers of the modern NOW.

Next year, the capitalist grab for public property increases in intensity bankers will assume 66 percent ownership of the Greek Postal Savings Bank; 51 percent of the National Lottery; 60 percent of the Salonika Water Authority; 68 percent of DEPA, the natural gas utility; and 25 percent ownership of the ports of Piraeus and Salonika. Nice, and all at bargain basement prices in the name of helping Greece out of its ‘financial crisis’

Next year, the capitalist grab for public property increases in intensity Little Greece has had the bad luck of being part of it all and continually with Athens International Airport coming under 79 percent private taking the brunt of the world’s force. ownership. The global capitalists will also obtain 100 percent ownership What lies in store for Greece, and then in short order the rest of the world, of the Egniata toll motorway; 60 percent of Hellenic Post; 66 percent is the wholesale sell-off of public property to private corporations at of OPAP, the state-run video-lotto and online sports betting firm; 73 bargain basement prices. What the despots who gather in their secretive percent of the Athens Water Authority; 83 percent of DEI, the Greek lairs at Davos, Cernobbio, Bilderberg, and G8/G20 are bringing about is Electric Authority; and 51 percent of the Greek Regional Airports a world where no property is owned by the state, which by default means Authority. the people. Total corporate control over every facet of life equals extreme It just keeps getting better and better or worse and worse; depends which fascism. side of the fence you’re on. Did I hear you say democracy? So, fellow philhellenes, what Greece needs more than ever is our help What is occurring in Greece is a bellwether for what will befall other and support not slanderous and inflammatory journalism that paints an nations in Europe, as well as the United States, if the bankers get their unfair and unreal picture of a land that we all owe so much to and that way. In Greece, the people know how generations of investments by the should have our respect and assistance. 94

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PROVERB OF THE MONTH: “Το σκοινί το μαλακό, τρώει την πέτρα την ξερή.” Translation:The soft rope corrodes the dry stone. Meaning: Using persuasion, one can change strong opinions.

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.

PARDON ME, YOUR GREEK ROOTS ARE SHOWING: The saying “taking the bull by its horns” comes from the Greek myth of Hercules saving Crete from a raging bull by seizing its horns.

he ancient Greeks constructed pyramids of porous rocks in desert climates, which were used as water catchers. They could capture and condense surprisingly large quantities of water. A group of 13 pyramids at Theodosia in the Crimea that were built around 500 B.C. averaged almost 40 feet high and were placed on hills around the city. As the wind moved through the stones, the changing temperatures throughout the day caused moisture to condense, run down, and feed a network of pipes.

SCOTTISH FLAG

ACCORDING TO THE “SCOTICHRONICON” - ONE OF THE EARLIEST HISTORIES OF SCOTLAND WRITTEN IN THE 1440S, THERE WAS A LEGEND THAT A GREEK PRINCE CALLED GAYTHELOS WAS BANISHED, WITH HIS WIFE SCOTA, THE DAUGHTER OF AN EGYPTIAN PHAROAH. HE SAILED WESTWARDS AND LANDED IN SPAIN. FROM THERE, HE AND HIS FOLLOWERS EXPLORED FURTHER AND ONE OF HIS SONS, NAMED HIBER, FOUND AN ISLAND (LATER CALLED IRELAND) WHICH HE NAMED SCOTIA, AFTER HIS MOTHER. SO GAYTHELOS’ NAME GAVE RISE TO “GAELIC”, HIBER GAVE RISE TO HIBERNIA AND SCOTA GAVE RISE TO SCOTIA AND THEN SCOTLAND. THE SCOTICHRONICON DOES NOT EXPLAIN, HOWEVER, WHY IRELAND IS NO LONGER CALLED SCOTIA AND WHY THE SCOTI CAME TO ARGYLL. AM I ON TO SOMETHING?

GREEK ALT FLAG

Notice any similarities?

KOMBOLOI KORNER THE UNOFFICIAL ALTERNATIVE GREEK FLAG STORY: The simple white-cross-on-blue flag dates from 1822, and was used as an alternative national flag, but only in land, not at sea. Only the striped flag was used at sea. From June 1975 until December 1978 the plain cross flag was used as the only national flag. The situation is now reversed, and the striped flag is now the only official national flag, although the cross flag can still be seen in unofficial use.

CKA4835

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