Your Personal Trip Adviser and Driver in Greece.

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2010-10-05T11:00:00.000+03:00

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2010-02-01T10:56:00.000+02:00

TRIP OF THE DAY

2009-10-28T10:42:00.001+02:00

THINGS TO DO IN ATHENS

The first thing every tourist does, after they check into their hotels that is, is to go to the Acropolis of Athens.

No matter what season, be it summer, fall, spring or winter, the light on the marble will never cease to amaze.

The sun was shining amid the white clouds; the wind was blowing briskly and the people were few enough to get clear and uncluttered shots.

I am especially fond of the sharp angles and the perspectives shot from under the columns. You can clearly see the black residue from the pollution emitted by the cars collecting under the marble structure.

Much restoration has been completed on the Acropolis in the last 25 years and continues to progress. Even though I hadn't been to the top of this ancient monument in over four years, I was amazed and astounded at how captivating it feels to stand on this so famous spot. The mind is boggled at the thought of just how this was built...details that I will try to fill in on other spaces on further pages....

keep checking back as these pages are in progress, just as the restoration of the Acropolis...

Come to Greece

2009-10-19T11:23:00.000+03:00

I hope you enjoy traveling through my pages and that somewhere along the line I may inspire you to travel to the country of Greece, where the light is something unique and special. Even the ancient Greeks were aware of the significance of 'light' and built their most famous temples with respect and consideration of the positions from which the sun 'rose' and 'sat.' Today, we can see the modern respect and importance of the 'light' in Greek Art by the amazing presence of the New Acropolis Museum. At a certain time of the day, the shadow of the Acropolis is reflected on the side of the the new museum's walls presenting the contemporary traveler to Athens a unique and awe inspiring realization of the 'light' in Greek philosophy of spirit, body and soul.

2009-10-18T23:27:00.003+03:00

2009-05-25T18:18:00.001+03:00

Poisonous Snakes in the Spring Time in Greece

2009-04-05T10:02:00.005+03:00

The Snake Commonly Known in Greece as 'OCHIA.'
The Scientific Name: Vipera ammodytes

When walking in the hills, especially during the first month of Spring, be very careful and on the look out for the famous Poisonous Snake of Greece ....THE OCHIA! It's bite can be fatal and there are few, if any antidotes available in pharmacies and hospitals in Greece!!!

I took this photo at the Monastery of Agios Pavlos in Plaka above Lavrion on 3rd April, 2009. The Nun there, who was clearing the overgrowth in their garden told me that this was the second snake they had killed in the past week. She also told me that this snake must be killed by smashing the head, or else the snake does not die, even if it is cut into two pieces, and that it will 'regenerate' just as an earthworm does when it is cut!

The Ochia is a long, thin snake and is well camouflaged. It likes to sun itself on the rocks in the Spring time. If you have the misfortune of being bitten, your best bet is to find a Veterinarian, who may more likely have an antidote than even a hospital! This is because hunters more often have their hunting dogs bitten by these snakes than do local people. The Greeks do not climb up on the hillsides and rocks in the Spring time for this reason.

Most people and especially tourists, do not think of Greece as a country with poisonous animals. Perhaps this is because, most of the poisonous creatures in Greece are rarely seen. This, fortunately for most, is just as well kept that way. It remains a fact that these poisonous creatures do exist in Greece and far better to be warned than sorry.

In the 30 years I have been in Greece, this was the first and only sighting of a poisonous snake that I was aware of. I've never seen a scorpion and the spiders...well, I saw some huge hanging spiders on the island of Kea that were unidentified at the time! Neverthless, I like to think that I have no desire to go off hunting for this creatures. As my Grandmother used to say, 'Best to leave sleeping dogs (spiders, snakes and scorpions) Lie! I'll second that!

Venomous Animals in Greece:

2009-04-04T22:32:00.017+03:00

• Buthus occitanus
• Latrodectus mactans
• Latrodectus tredecimguttatus
• Loxosceles rufescens
• Macrovipera lebetina
• Macrovipera schweizeri
• Malpolon monspessulanus
• Vipera ammodytes
• Vipera berus
• Vipera ursinii
• Vipera xanthina

Identification
Family: Buthidae

Scientific Names: Buthus occitanus occitanus
Common Names:
Description
Medium to large scorpion, adults up to 7.5+ cm long. Body, pedipalps & post-abdomen all dark-brown, legs lighter, brown to yellowish-brown; post-abdomen relatively thick & wide (but not as much as for Androctonus spp.).

Habitat
Found mainly in semi-arid, arid, or desert areas w/ limited vegetation, sometimes in margins of cultivated land & oases; from near sea level up to at least 300 m elevation. Widely distributed in southern Europe, on several Mediterranean islands, northern Africa & the Middle East.
Activity and Behavior
Nocturnal, preys mainly on insects & other arthropods, sometimes eats small lizards, too. Mating includes elaborate courtship "dance." Young hatch within female & later crawl out her genital opening. Young sometimes climb onto female's dorsum, & may crawl down & feed on body juices of prey she is concurrently consuming.
Venom Characteristics
Mainly neurotoxic, w/ possible cardiotoxic & cytotoxic factors. Usually causes intense local pain, slight local swelling, w/ systemic circulatory problems & shock being the reported cause of death. More than 25% of seriously envenomated people were <10 years old (5 of 28 died in one North African report). The only medically important scorpion found in southern Europe, but venom seems more potent in N. African subspecies.

Latrodectus mactans
Identification
Family: Theridiidae
Scientific Names: Aranea mactans, Latrodectus albomaculatus, L. formidabilis, L. insularis insularis, L. i. lunulifer, L. intersector, L. mactans mexicanus, L. m. texanus, L. perfidus, L. sagittifer, Tetragnatha zorilla, Theridion lineatum, T. lineamentum, T. verecundum [Note: This is one of the 2 most geographically wide-spread & best known of at least 31 currently valid species in this genus.]
Common Names: Black Widow Spider, Southern Black Widow, red-back spider, jockey spider, Katipo, viuda negra, chiranthahua, arana brava, casampulga, la coya, arana naranja
Description
Medium-sized cobweb spider, females' body (cephalothorax + abdomen) usually 10-15 mm long, satiny dark-brown to black w/ reddish "hourglass" mark on posterior ventral abdomen, often w/ a reddish spot on dorsal abdomen just above its tip. Female abdomen rounded & globular. Males much smaller, rather slender w/ relatively long legs. Males & young often w/ varying pattern of many stripes or blotches of red, white & brown on body.

Habitat
Most often found hanging in typical "cobwebs" in upper corners of basements, crawl spaces, outbuildings, & under seats of outdoor privies, usually near garbage or debris, wherever insect prey is abundant. Geographically wide spread. Found in southern U.S. (New York to northern California & southward), several Caribbean islands, Mexico, & Central & parts of South America.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal, hangs in web awaiting prey, usually tries to get away from large animals & people, but will often aggressively defend its egg clusters (sacs) which it has hung in its web. Feeds on nearly any kind of insect or arthropod which gets caught in its web. Males are not always eaten after mating w/ a female, usually only if female has not fed recently, but he is often "biologically spent" & dies soon afterward anyway.
Venom Characteristics
Mainly neurotoxic (presynaptic sites). Bite usually like a pinprick, often not felt 'til 15 min. later, then pain may be locally intense. Severe envenomation causes symptoms like spreading intense pain, lots of sweating, fast & shallow breathing, eyelids swollen, alternating excess & lack of salivation, cardiac rate & rhythm changes, rigid abdominal muscles, sight impaired (seeing "light" spots). Human fatalities rare (<5%, untreated) & often due to additional medical problems.

Latrodectus tredecimguttatus

Identification
Family: Theridiidae
Scientific Names: Latrodectus argus, L. conglobatus, L. erebus, L. lugubris, L. malmignatus, L. martius, L. oculatus, L. quinqueguttatus, L. venator, Meta hispida, M. schuchii, Theridion lugubre
Common Names: Mediterranean widow spider, European widow spider, North African Widow spider, 13-spotted widow spider, ragno rosso, malmignatte, la malmignatte, roga, marmaga, bou siha, tendarman, saeuss, crna baba, crve-ni pauk, karakurt, chim
Description
Medium-sized cobweb spider, female's body (cephalothorax + abdomen) usually 9-18 mm long (male's body usually 4-7 mm long & much thinner). Female abdomen globular, very dark-brown to black, usually w/ many (typically 13, up to 17; rarely no markings) moderately large dorsal red blotches in an irregular pattern. Young w/ paler body, red, orange, & white stripes &/or spots in various patterns.

Habitat
Mainly found outdoors, hanging in its typical cobweb in partly sheltered, partly shaded, moderately humid situations (like under an awning, crawl space, wood pile, eave, or window frame) w/ adequate populations of prey insects (or arthropods) nearby. This species is very wide spread around the Mediterranean Sea in southern Europe, northern Africa & the Middle East, also found in Russia.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal. Usually avoids large animals & humans, but females sometimes will aggressively defend their egg sacs hanging in their web. Prey mainly on available insects or arthropods which get caught in its web. Males may be eaten by females after mating, but not always (unless female has not fed recently). Usually bite humans only if molested, stepped on, or pinched in clothing being donned.
Venom Characteristics
Neurotoxic (at pre-synaptic sites). Envenomation (bite) not usually felt for several minutes. May cause intense local pain, followed by spreading pain, sweating, lacrymation, muscle spasms, heart or breathing difficulties, impaired vision, rigid (& painful) abdominal muscle wall, sometimes nausea & vomiting. Envenomation by this species currently causes a few human fatalities annually, mainly of children (about 5% of untreated severe envenomations).

Loxosceles rufescens
Identification
Family: Loxoscelidae
Scientific Names: Scytodes rufescens, Loxosceles marylandica
Common Names: The Mediterranean Recluse, Brown spider, violin spider
Description
Female w/ body usually 7-12 mm long (up to 15 mm). Usually medium-brown to dark chestnut-brown, w/ slightly darker brown "violin shaped" mark on top of carapace (its base along the front margin). Only 6 eyes (in 3 pairs, or diads) around the front edge of the "violin's" base. Abdomen often lighter, legs fairly long, slender & w/ no marks, stripes or obvious strong spines. Usually looks very much like L. reclusa but carapace darker & usually reddish-brown.

Habitat
Found mainly in fairly dry, warm, cryptic, dark, undisturbed sites, often in crevices/ narrow spaces under or beside logs, stones, boxes, or wall voids. Frequently found in sub-basements of older, heated large buildings in temperate zones. Reportedly originated in Mediterranean Europe & N. Africa, but now wide spread in tropical, sub-tropical & many temperate areas (may be nearly cosmopolitan in buildings). Sometimes found outdoors under loose bark near ground level in warm regions.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal, "wandering hunter," typically preying on locally available insects & arthropods. Builds only a loose web in or near harborage (usually in crevices beside or under logs, stones, boxes, etc.), or to cover a clutch of eggs. Usually one of the most reclusive species in this genus & seldom encountered by humans.
Venom Characteristics
Contains moderately potent cytotoxic, hemotoxic, & neurotoxic factors. Very few human envenomations, & no well-documented human fatalities, reported as having been caused by envenomation by this species. But often misidentified as L. reclusa, or other Loxosceles spp.

Macrovipera lebetina
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Coluber lebetinus, Daboia lebetina, D. l. lebetina, D. l. obtusa, D. l. peilei, D. l. transmedeterranea, D. l. turanica, Macrovipera lebetina cernovi, M. l. lebetina, M. l. obtusa, M. l. peilei, M. l. transmediterranea, M. l. turanica, M. deserti, M. mauritanica, Vipera euphratica, Vipera lebetina, V. l. euphratica, V. l. lebetina, V. l. mauritanica, V. l. obtusa, V. l. peilei, V. l. schweizeri, V. l. transmedeterannea, V. l. turanica, V. mauritanica, V. obtusa, V. xanthina
Common Names: Levantine viper, Blunt-nosed viper, Levantenotter, Lebetine viper, Lavantadder, Vipere lebetine, kufi
Description
Medium to large, robust snake, adults usually 70-115 cm long (max. 180 cm); body usually light gray, khaki, or buff, to reddish-brown, w/ double row of opposing or alternating dorsal spots from head to tail. Dark lines usually form a "V-mark", pointing forward, on top of the head. Females usually darker, background color brownish; males usually lighter, background color grayish. Belly light gray to yellow, w/ small dark brown spots; tail short, tapers abruptly, underside of tip yellow.

Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats from marshes & plains at sea level to mountainous areas up to 2,000 m elevation. Also semi-desert areas & rocky, hilly country at moderate elevations, w/ scattered bushes & adequate water supply. Often near farms. Rather wide spread in southern Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, & southern Asia.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial. Most active & alert at night, usually very slow-moving & almost oblivious to stimuli during day, but temperament unpredictable, & may suddenly strike quickly & savagely.
Venom Characteristics
Venom mainly hemotoxic. Envenomation causes sharp pain at site of bite, followed by local swelling & necrosis. Numerous serious envenomations & deaths of humans reported each year.

Macrovipera schweizeri
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Daboia lebetina schweizeri, Vipera lebetina siphnensis, V. l. schweizeri, V. schweizeri
Common Names: Milos viper, Milosotter
Description
Moderately large, semi-arboreal, fairly stout-bodied viper, adults usually 70-100 cm long; body light gray to orange or black, w/ (or without) faint dorsal crossbars, moderately long tail.

Habitat
Found mainly in brushy, rocky hillsides, often near water. Limited to four small Greek islands (Miols, Syphnos, Kimolos, & Polynos). Possibly Europe's most endangered snake species.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly crepuscular or nocturnal, but sometimes ambushes prey in daytime. Preys mainly on migrating passerine birds & sometimes small rodents. Ambush prey by water holes, or climb into bushes to capture roosting birds. Oviparous, w/ up to 10 eggs/ clutch.
Venom Characteristics
Not well known, probably mainly hemotoxic, procoagulant & hemorrhagic. Bites of humans have been reported (but no documented fatalities).
________________________________________
Malpolon monspessulanus
Identification
Family: Colubridae
Scientific Names: Coelopeltis insignitus, C. lacertina, C. monspessulanus, Coluber insignitus, C. monspessulanus, Malpolon monspessulanus, Malpolon monspessulanus indignitus, M. m. monspessulanus, Natrix lacertina
Common Names: Montpellier snake, Eidechsennater, Hagedisslang
Description
Large, moderately slender, rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) snake, adults 1.2-1.5 m long (max. 2.5 m); body usually blackish, grayish, brown, or olive; belly yellowish-white. May have indistinct pattern of brown spots along sides. Head distinctive; large fixed upper rear fangs.

Poisonous Snakes and Creatures in Greece by Scientific Name:

Habitat
Found mainly in dry, open, or stony areas, w/ low bushy vegetation, or semi-desert areas along coast. Found at greater than 2,000 m elevation; mainly found in countries bordering the Mediterranean or Black Seas.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly diurnal & mainly terrestrial (but climbs into bushes). Aggressive; will bite if pestered or restrained. Sometimes a savage biter. Mainly preys on small mammals, sometimes also on birds or lizards.
Venom Characteristics
Venom moderately neurotoxic; may cause immediate pain, stiffness, swelling, & fever. Neurological symptoms, such as Central Nervous System depression, ptosis, & paresis of affected limb, difficulty swallowing, observed for up to 48 hours in severe cases.

Vipera ammodytes
[ TOC ]
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Coluber ammodytes, Macrovipera ammodytes, Vipera ammodytes ammodytes, V. a. gregorwallneri, V. a. meridionalis, V. a. montandoni, V. a. ruffoi, V. a. transcaucasiana, Vipera aspis balcanica
Common Names: Nose-horned viper, sand viper, horned viper, long-nosed viper, Europaische Honrotter, Europaische Sandotter, Vipera dal corno, Pepeljanka, Zmije ruzkata, Vipera-cu-corn, European sand viper, eastern sand viper
Description
Medium-sized, stout-bodied viper, adults usually 60-75 cm long (max. 95 cm), w/ distinct horn (formed of small soft scales) atop its snout, 21-23 (rarely 25) midbody dorsal scale rows. Body usually ash gray in males & gray-brown or brick-red in females (much variation), w/ dark brown to black zig-zag along top of back, smaller spots along sides. Belly yellow, brownish, or pinkish w/ small dark spots or blotches.

Habitat
Found in various (mainly arid or semi-arid) habitats from lower plains to 2,500 m elevation, most often at moderately high elevations in dry terrain w/ scattered bushes. Seeks gravelly, rocky hills w/ slopes facing sun. Frequently found in open areas w/ few trees & often associated w/ sandy sites. May move downslope into shaded forested areas in hot season, & back up to drier sites when temperature falls.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly terrestrial, occasionally climb into bushes. Most active in evening, except during colder weather. Generally sluggish & slow-moving by day. Not very aggressive. When annoyed, coils & hisses loudly, but usually does not bite unless disturbance continues. Ovoviviparous w/ 4-15 young/ litter. Preys mainly on small mammals, birds & other vertebrates.
Venom Characteristics
Mainly an extremely potent hemotoxin. Symptoms may include ecchymosis, progressive swelling, lymphedema, shortness of breath, marked limb stiffness, nausea, local hemorrhage, & internal bleeding. Many bites of humans, some w/ significant envenomation, annually. Human fatalities recorded. Fangs relatively long; up to 13 mm.

Vipera berus
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Berus vulgaris, Coluber berus, Chersea vulgaris, Pelias berus, Vipera berus berus, V. b. bosniensis, V. b. pseudoaspis, V. b. sachalinensis, V. b. soeonei, Vipera seoanei (in part)
Common Names: Northern cross adder, common adder, cross adder, adder, European viper, Kreuzotter, northern viper, vipera rossa, Vipera Peliade, Balkan cross adder, Iberian cross adder
Description
Short, w/ fairly-stout body, a bit flattened dorso-ventrally, adults avg. 55 cm (max. 90 cm) long, dorsal scales strongly keeled, in 21 midbody rows. Body color varies by geographic location. Males usually smaller & lighter, gray w/ more vivid black zig-zag dorsal pattern; females usually larger & darker; usually light-brown w/ dark brown zig-zag dorsal pattern. Juveniles usually red-brown w/ darker dorsal zig-zag pattern.

Habitat
Found in diverse habitats, like rocky or bushy hillsides, open fields, woods, shady areas, moors, swamps, marshes, & bogs. In northern parts of range, found mainly near sea level; to nearly 3,000 m elevation in southern parts of range. Most wide-spread species of viper in the world. Found in suitable habitats throughout most of Europe & Asia; from the Arctic Circle to below 40 degrees North latitude, & from 5 to 145 degrees East longitude.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly diurnal in cold months; nocturnal in warm months. Cold-adapted in northern range, may crawl over melting snow in Spring. Basking behavior is complex. Mainly terrestrial, but climbs low bushes. Generally timid; not aggressive. Tends to freeze when danger present; but easily alarmed & bites if threatened or stepped on. Usually congregates into groups ("colonies") during annual hibernation (in rocky dens) during cold months. Mainly eats available small mammals & birds.
Venom Characteristics
Mainly hemotoxic, w/ neurotoxic factors. Envenomation usually causes sharp pain or severe burning at bite site, followed by swelling & inflammation of lymph system. Victim usually develops nausea, headaches, vomiting, chest pains & labored breathing. Humans are sometimes bitten, and fatalities have been reported, but are not common.

Vipera ursinii
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Pelias ursinii, Vipera ursinii ebneri, V. u. graeca. V. u. macrops, V. u. moldavica, V. u. rakosiensis, V. u. renardi, V. u. ursinii, V. u. wettsteini
Common Names: Orsini’s viper, Steppe viper, meadow viper, field viper, Vipere d'Orsini, Vipers-de-Stepa, Wiesenotter, Ostromunucesta, karst viper, Italian meadow viper, Danubian meadow viper, French meadow viper, Ebner's viper (for a subspecies), Wettstein's viper (for a subspecies)
Description
Smallest true viper found in Europe, adults fairly slender, usually 40-50 cm long (max. 80 cm). Body usually gray, yellowish, greenish, or light brown. Belly light or dark gray, maybe w/ yellow markings or small dark spots. All-black specimens occur. Dorsal (vertebral) pattern usually dark, wavy, zig-zag line w/ black edges, sometimes discontinuous; flanks usually darker than middle of back, 19 midbody dorsal scale rows. Snout rounded, slightly upturned. Females larger than males.

Habitat
Found mainly in dry plains, grasslands, flatlands w/ few trees or bushes, & montane grasslands; more common at higher elevations (i.e., 2,000-3,000 m). Also found on wooded hillsides in mountainous regions. Generally seeks open areas on limestone slopes, near dry clay or loamy soil (found on some sandy islands in the Danube River delta). Often hides in rodent dens & small animal burrows.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly diurnal, but may be nocturnal during hot summer months. More active than most other vipers; can move rapidly. Hibernates in aggregated groups ("colonies") during winter months. Not aggressive; usually avoids humans. Seldom bites, even when bothered, but will bite if continuously molested. Ovoviviparous w/ usually 5-8 young/ litter (18 for one captive-reared female). Eats mainly beetles, grasshoppers, lizards & small rodents.
Venom Characteristics
Mildly hemotoxic. Rarely encountered by people in recent years. Rare cases of known human envenomation by this species have caused mainly local pain & swelling, followed by dizziness & nausea. Recovery is usually relatively rapid. No human fatalities reported, so far.

Vipera xanthina
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Daboia xanthina, Montiviper xanthina, Vipera bulgardaghica
Common Names: Bornmueller’s viper, Ottoman viper, coastal viper, Kleinasiatische Bergotter, Near-East viper, Berghuggorm, Bergotter
Description
Large, stout-bodied viper, adults usually 70-95 cm long (max. 135 cm). Body yellow, olive, or reddish-brown. Series of dark circular or rectangular spots along each flank. Pattern more vivid in males than females. Belly gray to yellowish, often w/ black or dark grayish mottling. Snout rounded & blunt. Tail slender, short, underside of tip may be yellow.

Habitat
Found in various habitats, including swamps, rocky hillsides, & open grassy areas w/ few bushes or trees. Most often found in areas w/ ample water, moisture, & vegetation. Often found in populated areas in yards, fields, irrigation ditches, & gardens. Found from near sea level to 2,500 m elevation.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal, but active in the day during cooler months. Mainly terrestrial, but can climb into small trees & bushes. Lethargic & slow-moving, but can move rapidly & strike quickly. Not aggressive; avoids human confrontation, but easily aggitated, & will defend itself if molested. Ovoviviparous w/ 2-15 young/ litter in captivity. Mainly eats available mice, birds & lizards.
Venom Characteristics
Moderately potent hemotoxin & some neurotoxic factor(s). Envenomation causes sharp pain & local swelling, which may spread. Discoloration, blisters, & pus-filled or fluid-filled vesicles may appear within hours. Other symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, vomiting, & cold sweats.

2009-01-11T23:35:00.000+02:00

Landscapes of the World

2008-12-17T23:45:00.001+02:00

0:10 The Pyramids at Giza, Egypt
0:20 Naples, Italy near Mt. Vesuvius
0:35 Auckland, New Zealand
0:45 Angkor Temple, Cambodia
0:55 Amboseli Natural Park, Kenya
1:10 The Taj Mahal, India
1:20 The Grand Tetons, Wyoming
1:35 The Matterhorn, Switzerland
1:45 Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France
1:55 Monument Valley, Utah
2:10 Mount Fuji, Japan

Music: Beethoven's Sonata in C Sharp Minor, opus 27, Second Movement

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas Like You've Never Heard Before!

2008-12-15T23:41:00.002+02:00

Ukulele Version of 'My Guitar Weeps'

2008-12-10T23:10:00.003+02:00

An Unbelievable performance by Ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro. If you haven't heard this yet, you will not be disappointed,,,Trust Me!

JANET TAKES OVER DISNEY WORLD FOR ONE DAY

2008-12-10T22:51:00.001+02:00

2008-12-09T12:00:00.000+02:00

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2008-11-16T19:24:00.000+02:00

obama20mosaic20small.png (PNG Image, 1250x1675 pixels)

'Life is Unfair,' John F. Kennedy

2008-09-26T16:08:00.000+03:00

This is a good article on the financial crisis. There is no end to
corruption and bad decision makers. M

Friday, September 26, 2008 (SF Chronicle)
Bailout offers amnesty for stupidity
Patrick J. Buchanan, Creators Syndicate, Inc.

Is it fair that businessmen who fail in neighborhood stores have to close
shop and often sell their homes, while Wall Street titans are spared the
consequences of monumental stupidity and greed?
No, it is not fair. Yet, Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson may be right. To
save the sheep who might have been wiped out in a general financial panic,
we may have to save the pigs.
Life is unfair, said John F. Kennedy.
Yet, this is going to be the mother of all bailouts. Paulson probably will
be given authority by Congress to spend $700 billion, 5 percent of our
gross domestic product, to buy all that toxic paper stinking up the books
of our banks.
And this is not the first such bailout of foolish and incompetent
financiers and politicians.
In 1975, when its cravenness to extortionate union demands had bankrupted
New York, the Big Apple had to be rescued by President Gerald Ford.
Mayor Marion Barry's Washington, D.C., was next in line at the cashier's
window.
In the Reagan era, it was Chrysler. Later that decade, Citibank,
Chase-Manhattan and Bank of America were staring into the abyss, as Latin
American regimes, to whom they had lent scores of billions, were balking
at paying their debts. Uncle Sam stepped in.
Then came the Mexican and Asian financial crises and the U.S.-IMF bailouts
of the 1990s. The Mexican bailout was as much a rescue of Goldman-Sachs as
Mexico City, as Treasury Secretary Bob Rubin's old firm was choking on all
its Mexican paper.
The great myth is that these 1990s bailouts were models of U.S. financial
statesmanship and great successes. The reality is the U.S. workers took it
in the neck.
For the countries bailed out, like Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia and South
Korea, were forced to devalue. This radically reduced the wages of their
workers relative to American workers, creating incentives for U.S.
manufacturers to shut plants and move them abroad. The devaluations also
slashed the price of foreign goods relative to U.S. goods. Imports flooded
in.
Who ultimately paid for the Mexican bailout? Florida tomato growers wiped
out by Mexican producers, the price of whose tomatoes was chopped
two-thirds by the devaluation. U.S. autoworkers who saw Ford and Delphi
plants shuttered as new Ford and Delphi plants opened in Mexico. U.S.
textile workers whose mills closed and jobs vanished.
Middle-class American families have paid and paid - in lost jobs, lower
wages, a falling median income - to save the big banks from the
consequences of their follies. And those bank bailouts are behind the
trade deficits that set five records in the Bush era, reached 6 percent of
gross domestic product, forced huge U.S. borrowings from abroad and
ravaged the dollar.
Having bailed out Latin America, Mexico, Asia and their U.S. creditors, we
now find our own country in trouble. And how are our allies reacting?
"Europeans on left and right ridicule U.S. money meltdown," ran the Los
Angeles Times headline. Italy's finance minister compares us to
corruption-ridden Albania, where "a nationwide pyramid scheme cost
hundreds of thousands of people their savings and ignited anarchic civil
conflict" in the 1990s.
How will the bailout work? Will every bank that brings in toxic paper be
able to dump it on the Treasury? Will the Treasury buy securities based on
subprime U.S. mortgages from foreign banks? Apparently so.
About one thing we may be sure. The U.S. deficit and national debt are
going to soar. The credit rating of the United States, as this nation of
nonsavers has to borrow abroad to save its banks, and their banks, is
going to fall. We are going to be a poorer nation and people.
As for the promises and plans of Barack Obama and John McCain - be it for
national health insurance or middle-class tax cuts - they are going by the
wayside. For the United States is as bankrupt as Lehman Bros., with this
difference: Uncle Sam can still borrow from abroad because foreigners see
many juicy U.S. assets they would like to take off our hands with their
hoards of ever-cheapening U.S. dollars.
"There is a great deal of ruin in a nation," Adam Smith once consoled a
friend who lamented that Britain would be ruined if the 13 Colonies were
lost.
We are about to test Smith's proposition.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2008 SF Chronicle

Psara's Plaka Taverna Music

2008-09-23T17:28:00.000+03:00

one day after my 60th birthday

2008-08-27T12:36:00.001+03:00

SIMPLE CUCUMBER MASK FOR TIGHTENING AND MOISTURIZING FACIAL SKIN

2008-08-27T12:35:00.003+03:00

NATURAL FACIAL PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOU LOOKING YOUNG

2008-08-27T12:35:00.001+03:00

STAYING YOUNG IN GREECE- WITHOUT BOTOX

2008-08-27T12:33:00.001+03:00

Choose A Layout - VirtualTourist.com

How To Stay Young Without Botox!
The island of Kos, in Greece was the home of modern Medicine. It was on the island of Kos, that Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine took care of famous people from all around the Mediterranean. One of his more famous and purportedly most beautiful patient was Cleopatra herself. People came to Kos not only for medical cures, but for what was the precursor to today's modern day Spa experience. Hippocrates used the herbs and natural growing plants of that island and of the surrounding landscapes, to make beauty treatments that are still being used in modern times. Among the most well-known are those made from Aloe and from other herbs such as lavender, chamomiles, thyme, clays, apple, cucumber, olive oil, honey, milk and yogurt.

You don't have to spend a lot of money for store bought creams and preparations to have a youthful looking skin. I have found some excellent recipes and have been using these for many years to keep my skin looking fresh and youthful. One of the simplest things you can do for 'lifting' the skin and for adding moisture, is to apply fresh cut strips of cucumber directly onto a clean face and lie back and relax for about 15 minutes. This is especially refreshing after having been out in the hot summer sun or after a day at the beach..I may look silly, but believe me it feels great!

Avocado Facial Mask
You Thought Vegetables were only for Salads?

Mash the meat of the avocado into a creamy texture. Apply it thoroughly on your face and leave for about 15-20 minutes. rinse with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores. This is a natural moisturizer and skin smoothing mask.

Honey Facial Mask
Rinse your face with warm water to open up the pores. Apply honey and leave for about 1/2 hour. Rinse with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores. rinse with warm water, than again with cold water.

Cucumber Face Mask
Cucumbers have a natural ability to fight against wrinkles and at the same time will not cause you to go broke from having to buy expensive treatments. To make a good cucumber Face Mask: peel one cucumber removing seeds. Put in Blender or food processor along with a tespoon of lemon juice, a teaspoon of witch hazel and one egg white. Puree all the ingredients and apply the mixture to your face. Let dry for about 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then with cold. Your face should be clean and smooth and fresh feeling.

Natural Fruit/Acid Skin Refreshing Mask
This is a great mask to use in the Autumn after the summer sun has damaged and dried your face skin. Add apple to a cucumbre mask for gentle lfruit-acid exfoliation. Chop 1/2 cucumber and 1/2 apple and mix in a food processor until all hte large pieces are incorporated. Add 1tsp. of honey and apply to the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm, then cool water.

TIP: ALWAYS DISCARD REMAINDERS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE FACIALS. DO NOT KEEP THEM FOR A SECOND USE SINCE THEY DETERIORATE RAPIDLY AND LOSE EFFECTIVENESS.
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- After the cucumber/advocado mask-no wrinkles at 60
After the cucumber/advocado mask-no wrinkles at 60

CUCUMBER/ADVOCADO FOR SKIN TIGHTENING
Combine cucumber with avocado for a skin tightening and noursishing facial mask. Chop 1/2 cucumber and 1/2 avocado and mix in a blender or food processor. Add the white of 1 egg and 2 tsp. of powderedmilk. Refrigerate for a half hour before applying the mixture to the face and neck. Leave on for 30 minutes. rinse with warm, then cool water.
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- One Day after turning 60! Smile!
One Day after turning 60! Smile!

One Day After My 60th Birthday
The truth is out! But, who would have believed that I am 60 years old! I certainly cannot believe it either. Of course, we all know that it's how we feel that matters and not necessarily the statistic. Looking as good as you can, for sure is one way to help us feel better. I am a strong believer in taking good care of my skin, eating healthy foods, exercising and getting a good night's rest. You don't have to spend lots of money to have a nice complexion BUT... ONE GOOD FACE CREAM is something I have never skimped on. I have been using a good daily face moisturizer since I was in my early teens...religiously. Has it helped? I don't think it has hurt. I also think it is very important to keep your face protected from the sun. I have been wearing a 50% tinted sunscreen on my face everyday for the past 10 years. I think this has also been very important. After all this, a lot has to do with just he genes you inherited from your parents! On the other hand, 'An ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of medicine!'

Kalofagas - Greek Food & Beyond by Peter Minakis: Lamb Kleftiko

2008-08-20T09:50:00.000+03:00

Kalofagas - Greek Food & Beyond by Peter Minakis: Lamb Kleftiko

Grammar lesson

2008-08-11T10:29:00.001+03:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w-XQ6MVAsM&feature=relatedYouTube - QI Take Out 1- Grammar Lesson

August - Time of Harvest- Virgo- Horn of Plenty

2008-08-04T10:43:00.001+03:00

The Secret Legend of the Horn of Plenty...

The Horn of Plenty is from the Latin, cornu copiae,
meaning an inexhaustible abundance of richness and plentitude. In
addition to being strongly linked to angels, 2,000 years ago the Greeks
believed in an enormous magical horn that overflowed with dazzling gold
and silver coins. Pursued by many, envied by all, The Horn of Plenty
brought great wealth to whoever possessed it.

The story of this beautiful and valuable
cornucopia jewel reappears in the story of Zeus's birth. Zeus had a
father named Cronus, who had overthrown his own father, and a mother
named Rhea. Cronus learned he would suffer the same destiny with one of
his own children, and in order to try and prevent this prophecy from
happening, he swallowed all of his children as soon as they were born.
But by the sixth, Rhea devised a plan to stop him. She found a stone
and wrapped it in swaddling clothes and gave it to Cronus. Cronus
swallowed the stone and Rhea crept away to a crystal cave where she
gave birth to Zeus.

Zeus was nursed by Amalthea, the divine
goddess of nourishment, who had the power to change from a beautiful
nymph into a goat with soaring horns that curled all the way to her
back.

She nursed and raised Zeus, feeding him milk
and honey. One day, legend has it, one of her horns broke off so she
filled it with herbs, pomegranates, grapes and other bounteous fruits.
In return, Zeus bestowed upon it the magical ability to grant wishes.
When the receiver made a wish, the horn would be filled with whatever
the receiver wished to have.

Because of its close tie to power, wealth
and good luck, the cornucopia appeared on ancient coins all over the
world for centuries to come. It is the most important symbol of plenty,
wealth and the fulfillment of wishes in the mythology

Olympic Athlete Portraits by Kyriakos Lazaridis

2008-07-25T17:35:00.000+03:00

OLYMPIC ATHLETES PAINTINGS

2008-07-24T18:39:00.003+03:00

2008-07-07T11:55:00.001+03:00

I
am so thrilled that one of my photos taken in CHIOS, has been selected
to be published in the National Geographic on line 'Daily Dozen' shots.

Gentle Ladies of Agia Gala Chios

2008-07-07T11:54:00.001+03:00

Summer Dreams-Haris Alexiou Concert

2008-06-30T02:16:00.003+03:00

Janet being a Tourist

2008-06-11T10:40:00.000+03:00

What to Do In Athens- BE AWED

2008-03-07T12:51:00.002+02:00

When was the last time you sat for months carving a great sculpture? Not lately you say? What's the problem? No time?

NOT BUILT DURING A COMMERCIAL

How did these ancient Greeks create such lasting masterpieces? First, they didn't sit around in their spare time watching soap operas or 'reality T.V.!' Their reality was being created to last centuries, not seconds!

The next time you think you have no power to leave anything for future generations, than just stay glued to that 'boob tube.'
On the other hand, if you think you really want to make an impression, make some art, write a poem, paint a picture, or take your children to see what human kind have done and can still do if they would only refuse to be 'brain washed' by modern media. Turn off the noise and make your own! We could all start by making our voices heard and having the stolen treasures of one of the World's most important architectural structures of the ancient world, returned!

The so called 'Elgin Marbles,' have been missing for too long. Greece deserves to have them back. The Acropolis would be even more spectacular.

Thought for the Day #1

2008-03-07T01:46:00.000+02:00

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who really make it in this world are the ones who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can’t find them, they make them.

We are where we choose to be~!

Carnival Parades in Greece have Begun

2008-02-25T11:05:00.002+02:00

What happens in Greece in February, you may be asking yourself? Certainly, it's not a month for sunbathing, not that we don't have plenty of sun, even in February, but the sea does get a bit nippy for most tourists! For all you tourists who don't think that going on a holiday is only 'sitting on the beach,' you are going to love Greece in February, especially if you love to PARTY! That's right! February is full of fancy dress parties, parades, masks, noise, eating and drinking with friends and, CARNIVAL!

I bet you thought that Carnival time was only a Brazilian invention! Or that Venice was the place to be! Not true! Greece has one of the most colourful and exciting Carnivals in Europe! Actually, there are many places in Greece that have carnival parades, but the biggest Carnival takes place in Patra every year. This year the Carnival Period begins on the 17th February, 2008. This day is called "Triodiou" and it is the day that the Party Begins! From the 17th February, people begin to make their costumes, or buy them from the many shops that have costumes or if you don’t want to buy a costume, you can even rent one. It's really a fun and happy time in Greece!

This year’s big Carnival parade will be held on the 9th of March in 2008. If you haven't booked a yet, it's a good time now to start thinking about doing that! Some of the better in Patra for example, get booked a year in advance. Patra, however, is only a 2 hour drive from Athens, so even staying in Athens for the Carnival time, and driving or going by train or bus to Patra for one day, is an easy option to consider. If you don’t like the big crowds and just want to stay in Athens and visit the many sites and museums, not to worry because there is also a carnival Parade in an Athens’ suburb called Moscato and there are plenty of hotels available in Athens.

I will be telling you where to stay and what to see during the Carnival in Greece everyday here on my Bog, so check back everyday to be sure to get all the inside information about what to do in Greece in February, and especially about Greece's great Carnival.

In the mean time, drive safely, enjoy your life, and don't wait to travel; tomorrow could be too late!

SANTORINI Euromeet2007

2008-02-24T01:25:00.000+02:00

2008-02-24T00:59:00.000+02:00

'These are the Days to Remember' Vouliagmeni Winter Veil

2008-02-23T20:13:00.004+02:00

UntypicalTropical Snow

2008-02-23T19:11:00.001+02:00

Morning Snow Covered Fronds! No Coconut Milk Today! Vanilla Ice Cream Maybe!

Palm Tree Freeze

No Sunny Sandy Beach Breeze

Global Colding in Vouliagmeni, Greece

2008-02-23T18:50:00.002+02:00

February 18, 2008

If you think Greece is only sunny skies and lying in the beaches, think again! If you come to Greece in the winter, be prepared for sudden and unexpected snow storms! Even here, next to the sea, in Vouliagmeni where the temperatures are most always 2 degrees warmer than anywhere else in Athens, it has snowed at least once every year for the past 4 years. What's happening to our climate? Global warming??? It's more like 'Global Colding!'

The is the very first video I have ever made! Not bad coming from my simple little Canon Sureshot 7.1 megapixel digital camera! As I was slowly driving down the road in Vouliameni, I rolled my car window down and held the camera through the window to capture this 'Day to Remember.'

The music in the background, an appropriate accompaniment for this cold winter's day, by Billy Joel, just happened by chance to be playing on my car CD player. Not until I returned home and downloaded the video to my computer, did I realize just how 'cool,' the music made the entire video! Not bad for a beginner!

JUST ASK JANET!

2008-02-21T13:03:00.002+02:00

Remembering How to Be a Touist

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Janet and I am an English Teacher, Artist and Avid traveler, living in Athens, Greece. I am originally from the Great Lake State of Michigan in the U.S.A. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Art Education, Art History and Studio Art from Michigan State University. I have a Master's Degree in Curriculum Development and Teacher's Education.

I've had various, diverse and interesting jobs in my life, but my true love is combining my knowledge of the Arts with travel and with helping other travelers find there way around Greece.

If you are planning on coming to Greece, and you would like your questions answered, here is the place to start.

If you would like a personal guide while you stay in Athens or would like someone to take you on short day trips from Athens, I am the person to ask.

Welcome to my blog, and I hope I will be able to provide travelers to Greece with lots on 'inside' information on what to expect from your trip to Greece and how to make your travel plans in the best way that most suit your travel needs.