In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8 and their 60th anniversary, Mattel has created a new series of role model Barbie dolls in an effort to inspire even more girls around the globe.

 

 

 

 

As a part of the #MoreRoleModels initiative, Eleni Antoniadou has become the first Greek Barbie doll. Eleni Antoniadou is a NASA researcher and one of the most notable Greek scientists in the world today. She is an expert in the fields of regenerative medicine and bioastronautics, an advocate for organ donation, an activist against illegal organ trafficking, and a firm supporter of girls in STEM. Antoniadou has been awarded with several academic distinctions and honors for her continuous efforts to connect the dot between technology policy, research and entrepreneurship!

 

Other role model Barbie’s include Tessa Virtue, an ice dancing champion from Canada, Patty Jenkins a filmmaker from the USA, and Iwona Blecharczyk, a professional truck driver from Poland.

Photo: facebook

Back-to-school anxiety is normal and understandable. Many kids may feel anxious about going back to school after a long summer break. Others may feel nervous about starting school for the first time.

Regardless of what the case may be, parents can help ease the transition back to school by being able to recognize the symptoms of stress and anxiety and implementing some creative strategies.

Reasons Kids Might Be Stressed or Anxious

COVID-Related Concerns

For students who spent months out of traditional in-person classrooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic, going back to school may feel extra intimidating or even scary. 

 

A gift is usually something we offer to another person not because they asked for it but because we wanted to. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a gift is the act, right, or power of giving. It’s something we voluntarily give to another person without expecting a return.

This past week we’ve had extreme weather conditions including way too much snow in Athens. “What a gift this was,” said a friend of mine. “We were given a 3-day gift.” This got me thinking. We couldn’t drive anywhere, had to stay inside, schools were closed, kids had a blast playing with the snow – something they rarely see in Athens. Yes, it was definitely a wonderful, fun gift for some. For those of us who were healthy and didn’t need to get to the doctor or worse yet to the hospital. For those of us who had a roof over our heads and didn’t need to look for shelter. For those of us who had heat, electricity, and water. For those of us who had food on our plates. For those of us who had our loved ones nearby. Yes, for all of us it was an amazing gift!

But how about the others? How about the people whose houses were left without electricity or heat for long hours even days? How about the elderly or sick who live alone and had no help? How about those motorists who were stranded in the snow for more than 8 hours on the Athens’ ring road? I bet these people will not have fond memories of the extreme weather conditions. And I bet it’ll be hard for them to consider snow as a gift. Quite the opposite.

So while enjoying our gifts, whatever they may be for each one of us, let’s keep a few things in mind:

First and foremost, let’s remember to be grateful for what we have.

Let’s not forget that nothing is a given.

And let’s recognize that there are always two sides to a coin.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

As of Monday, January 8, Greek drivers can conveniently retrieve comprehensive details about their vehicles using the Gov.gr Wallet application, eliminating the need for a visit to a physical office.

MyAuto is a digital repository for car-related documents, enabling owners to access information such as driver's licenses, vehicle inspections, road taxes, and insurance directly through the Gov.gr Wallet app.

Information provided by Gov.gr Wallet includes:

• Specifics regarding traffic permits sourced from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Registers.
• Information on vehicle technical inspections (KTEO) extracted from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Registers.
• Specifics on road, immovable property, and property tax payments retrieved from the Registers of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR).
• Access to vehicle insurance details sourced from the records of the Auto Accident Liability Insurance Information Center.

Citizens can access and manage information about each of their vehicles through the Gov.gr Wallet, including:

• Comprehensive details of the marketing authorization.
• Verification of paid traffic fees.
• Real-time status of whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary.
• Instant notification in case of a reported vehicle theft.
• The outcome of the Technical Inspection (KTEO) and the upcoming inspection date. Gov.gr Wallet ensures citizens receive a mobile notification two weeks prior to the next Technical Inspection.
• Detailed information on vehicle insurance.

The app also includes information on stolen cars.

Greek music has a rich history, shaped by centuries of cultural influences and marked by diverse genres that reflect the country’s complex social, political, and emotional landscape. From ancient folk songs to modern anthems, Greek music tells the story of a people with deep roots in tradition, love, struggle, and pride. In this article, we explore some of the most iconic Greek songs and musical traditions that every Greek—and music lover—should know.

The Sounds of the Rebetiko: Greece's Blues

Rebetiko (Ρεμπέτικο) is often called the "Greek blues." Born in the early 20th century, it emerged from the marginalized urban population—immigrants, prisoners, and the working class. Its lyrics delve into themes of hardship, love, exile, and resilience, often featuring instruments like the bouzouki, baglama, and guitar.

One of the most iconic Rebetiko songs is "Frangosyriani" by Markos Vamvakaris, often considered the father of Rebetiko. Its simple yet haunting melody captures the soul of this genre. Another essential figure in Rebetiko is Vassilis Tsitsanis, with songs like "Synefiasmeni Kyriaki" ("Cloudy Sunday"), which reflects the sorrow and struggle of post-war Greece.

 

Mikis Theodorakis: The Voice of Resistance & Hope

No list of iconic Greek music would be complete without mentioning Mikis Theodorakis, a towering figure in modern Greek music. His compositions often blend classical music with traditional Greek elements, and he is best known for turning the works of famous Greek poets into musical masterpieces.

One of his most famous pieces is "Zorba's Dance" from the film Zorba the Greek (1964). The vibrant, escalating tempo of the sirtaki dance captured the joy and vitality of Greek culture, becoming a global symbol of Greece. Another of his legendary works, "To Axion Esti", is a monumental composition based on the epic poetry of Odysseas Elytis, celebrating Greek identity, resilience, and spirituality.

Theodorakis also used his music as a form of resistance during Greece’s military junta (1967–1974), with songs like "To Yelasto Paidi" becoming anthems of political protest.



Manos Hadjidakis: Fusing East & West

Manos Hadjidakis is another giant of Greek music, known for blending Western classical styles with traditional Greek sounds. He composed music for films, theatre, and ballet, bringing Greek music to international audiences. His most famous piece is perhaps "Never on Sunday" from the film of the same name, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1960.

Hadjidakis’ compositions are lyrical and often sentimental, celebrating Greek folk traditions while pushing musical boundaries. His work, "Gioconda's Smile", is considered a masterpiece of orchestration and subtle emotion, offering a glimpse into the unique intersection of Greek and Western influences in his music.



The Laïko & Éntekhno Movements: Popular & Art Music

In the mid-20th century, two major genres emerged that still dominate Greek music today: Laïko (Λαϊκό) and Éntekhno (Έντεχνο). While Laïko represents the mainstream, popular music rooted in urban folk traditions, Éntekhno is a more intellectual genre that combines poetry and complex musical arrangements.

Stelios Kazantzidis is the undisputed king of Laïko. His deep, emotional voice gave life to songs about love, exile, and the pain of the Greek diaspora. One of his most iconic songs is "Efiges File", which captures the deep melancholy that characterizes much of Laïko music.

In contrast, Éntekhno’s most famous representative is Dionysis Savvopoulos, whose poetic lyrics and avant-garde compositions revolutionized Greek music in the 1960s. His song "Mia Thalassa Mikri" is a great example of how Éntekhno blends traditional sounds with a progressive, lyrical approach to songwriting.

 

Contemporary Greek Music: From Pop to Rock to Hip-Hop

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Greek music has diversified further, embracing modern genres like pop, rock, and even hip-hop while still keeping ties to traditional roots.

One of Greece’s most successful modern pop stars is Anna Vissi, whose career has spanned several decades. Her hit song "Dodeka" became an anthem of 90s Greek pop. Similarly, Sakis Rouvas, a household name in Greece, has gained international fame with songs like "Shake It", which he performed at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004. In the realm of rock, Pyx Lax (Πυξ Λαξ) stands out as one of the most beloved Greek rock bands, blending folk elements with rock and producing hits like "Ti Einai Afto Pou Mas Enonei" and "Epapses Agapi Na Thimizeis". For a younger generation, artists like Goin’ Through brought Greek hip-hop to the forefront, blending modern beats with socially conscious lyrics.



Traditional Greek Folk Music: The Legacy of the Dances

Finally, no exploration of iconic Greek music would be complete without recognizing the traditional folk songs and dances that are still performed at weddings, festivals, and celebrations across Greece. Dances like the kalamatianos, hasapiko, and tsamikos are central to Greek cultural life.

One particularly famous folk song is "Milo Mou Kokkino" (My Red Apple), a love song from Thessaly that continues to be sung at traditional gatherings. These songs, passed down through generations, embody the spirit of rural Greece, with themes of love, honor, and community.