Is Athens planned? What is being planned in Athens? What are the priorities? What are the explicit goals? Is there a “vision for Athens” today?

Co-organized by the Schwarz Foundation and the Gennadius Library of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens.

This is the first in a series of events on the city of Athens, featuring Greek and foreign experts. This forum fosters the exchange of views aiming to inform but also reflect on what is currently planned and implemented in Athens. Is there a clear set of priorities and a strategy for the urban form, organization, and program for the city of Athens over the next 10-20 years? Is it related to the most recent Athens Regulatory Plan, and is the plan itself being refined by individual studies, in line with all emerging data? Finally, to ask a question that has already been raised multiple times: is there a coherent concept, a “vision for Athens” as an urban and economic entity/capital of the South-Eastern Mediterranean?

Today, Athens features limited green spaces and low building density. The city is characterized by urban sprawl, while the Regulatory Plan and the most authoritative theoretical approaches for European cities adopt the idea of the compact city. The use of private cars is high and the development of the subway network is still limited. The 2004 Olympic Games upgraded the urban environment, especially the transport network. However, the decade-long economic crisis starting in 2010 has restrained economic growth and exacerbated problems of urban development and social cohesion. Other issues, such as the redevelopment of Athens’ downtown, the renewal of building stock, the management and new uses of the city’s seafront area, and the creation of the “new city” of Elliniko and its relationship with the existing urban system, can be crucial to the future of the urban complex.

Athens Meetings 2022 take place during a period of significant changes and transformations and seek to encourage public discourse and debate about the management of the complex challenges of the city of Athens. The ultimate goal cannot be anything other than the improvement of the quality of daily life and the well-being of the residents through a healthy, creative and sustainable urban environment.

 

The frenzy surrounding the metaverse may make the term seem like the latest trendy tech buzzword. But the term actually goes far back into theories of how reality will be affected by the internet.

Ever since science fiction writer Neal Stephenson coined the term ‘metaverse’ in 1992, experts have predicted the game-changing shifts virtual reality will bring to the world, especially how we work.

As Facebook rebrands to Meta, various other companies are rushing into the sphere, where music, art, and clothing take on a second–profitable–life.

Various high fashion brands, music artists, and cryptocurrencies have used the metaverse as a dynamic new platform for exchange, new markets and business models have emerged in response to the metaverse’s synthesis of intellectual property, digital currency, and virtual worlds.

Companies and celebrities flock to the metaverse

Hotel heiress and reality television star Paris Hilton is one of many celebrities forging their own path in the metaverse. The star launched her own metaverse business on Roblox in December 2021.

Hilton is parlaying her success as a celebrity DJ and party host, a role that regularly fetches her $1 million dollars a night at clubs in China, Dubai, and Ibiza. Now the 40-year-old star is channeling all of those locales — especially Ibiza — into her own virtual island on the online game platform Roblox.

But when you enter and participate in the metaverse, you bring your personal data with you. Experts predict that more data than ever before will be available through users’ activity in the metaverse, and if they are gaging with Meta’s Horizon project, they will be in a ‘walled garden’: all of the data they generate in the metaverse will be owned by Meta, who will have the right to profit off of it as well.

Other forms of the metaverse will be decentralized, giving users the option to protect their data and privacy. This revolution in data harvesting will likely upend all aspects of contemporary work, even for companies who have not yet dived into the metaverse.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

In a recent article, the Times of London has reiterated its support for the Greek request for the reunification of the Parthenon sculptures.

The timing of the article coincides with the recent announcement that a UK-based research institute could reproduce the Marbles to the nearest millimeter using 3D printing technology, so the British Museum can exhibit the copies.

The proposal was recently put forward by Oxford University’s Institute of Digital Archeology, which has developed a robot “with a human touch,” as the newspaper describes, with the ability to create faithful copies of archeological monuments.

Speaking to the Times, Roger Michel, founder and executive director of the institute, said that if the British Museum did not give permission for the Greek sculptures to be photographed, “guerrilla” tactics could be used, potentially enlisting “an army of patriotic Greeks with 3D cameras to take the images.”

Mr. Michel explained that once the three-dimensional scans are taken, the institute can create a highly detailed 3D model of the sculptures. This is then uploaded into a carving robot, with the ability to reproduce the sculptures in stone to the nearest millimeter. “It looks like something out of the first Terminator movie, but the delicacy of the carving is just extraordinary. It’s as good as anything a human sculptor can do,” says Michel.

The Times article states that the British Museum should “embrace” this latest technological opportunity.

“The marbles should be returned to Greece, where they can be exhibited at the magnificent Acropolis Museum in Athens. The British Museum should agree to exhibit the 3D copies. In return, Greece could pledge not to allow more copies to be made. In this way, the Greeks can regain their cultural heritage and the British Museum can maintain its status as the most important historical collection in the world,” the Times article concludes.

Originally published on: greece-is.com

US airline companies in 2022 will start direct flights to Greece earlier than in any other year, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced.

Following a meeting with US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt at the ministry in Athens, Kikilias said that American airline companies this summer will operate 14 direct flights every week between eight large US airports and Athens International Airport (AIA).

According to the minister, direct flights from the US to Athens will start on March 7.

Greece recently lifted the mandatory Covid-19 testing before travel requirement for fully vaccinated travelers coming from the United States.

During his meeting with Ambassador Pyatt, Kikilias said he expects Greece to attract more Americans this year after the Greek authorities scrapped the rule.

The Greek tourism minister also said that bookings from the US to Greece this year were up compared to the same period in 2019. He also informed that the ministry is exploring ways to attract more tourist flows from America to Greece.

According to Bank of Greece data, the number of travelers from the US to Greece during January-November 2021 rose by 266 percent (to 382,000) year-on-year and their spending was up by 603.4 percent to 598 million euros.

In 2019, Greece saw over 1.1 million arrivals from the US.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Oenorama, the largest exhibition of Greek wines in the world, returns to the Zappeion Megaron Exhibition Hall after a two-year absence, on March 12, 13 and 14.

Starring wine and winemakers, Oenorama is THE place to be and the yearly get-together of the Greek wine trade.

Thousands of labels from Greece and abroad and hundreds of wineries will be waiting for you in the beautiful halls of the Zappeion Megaron in this, most …postmodern version of a wine festival!

Small and large wineries, wines from famous wine-producing regions but also from the farthest corners of Greece, new releases and labels that have already won hearts and palates, will be at Zappeion for only three days. Greece’s vineyard at your feet!

Because of the pandemic, this year there is a limit to the total number of persons allowed inside the exhibition hall at any given moment. It is therefore necessary to plan your visit in advance.

Date: March 12-14 
Time: 10:00 - 19:00 (two sessions per day: 10:00 - 14:00 in the morning and 15:00 - 19:00 in the afternoon)
Price: Entry to all morning sessions and Monday’s afternoon session costs €12 (students: €7).
Entry to the weekend’s afternoon session costs €15 (students: €12).
Α 3-day Pass allowing free entry to all sessions is available for €30.

To thrive in today's dynamic business world, it's crucial to know how to adapt quickly and embrace change. Excellent planning and organizational skills are fundamental to navigating the business world smoothly. While it's easy to assume that success will come quickly by simply working hard, the reality of starting and growing a business is far more complex.

No matter what type of business you're running or planning to start, here are some helpful tips for your journey to success!

1. Get Organized



One of the best ways to succeed in business is to stay organized. Being organized helps you complete tasks efficiently and stay on top of your responsibilities. A practical approach is to create a daily checklist. As you complete each task, cross it off your list. This not only ensures you don't overlook any crucial tasks but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you see your list of completed tasks grow.

2. Know Your Competitors



Gaining insights from your competition is invaluable. Don't hesitate to study and learn from them. They might be implementing strategies that could inspire you to differentiate your business. By understanding what works for them, you can adapt and improve your approach, staying competitive in your industry.

3. Understand Risk



Taking sensible risks is a golden key to business growth. Always ask yourself, "What's the possible downside?" Understanding the worst-case scenario allows you to take calculated risks that can lead to significant rewards. This approach helps you make informed decisions that can propel your business forward.

4. Maintain Consistency



Consistency is crucial for maintaining long-term success in business. Always strive to provide top-notch service and high-quality products. Staying true to your core values and differentiators will help you build a reputation for reliability. This consistent performance fosters trust and loyalty among your customers, leading to sustained positive results.

5. Think Outside The Box



Always be on the lookout for ways to innovate and improve your business. Embrace the motto: "Think like there is no box." Keeping an open mind to fresh ideas and new methods can set your business apart from the competition. Continual innovation is essential for staying relevant and ahead in the market.

6. Focus on Customer Experience



A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all. Prioritize exceptional customer service and create memorable experiences for your clients. Listen to their feedback, address their concerns promptly, and go the extra mile to exceed their expectations. Happy customers are more likely to return and recommend your business to others, driving growth through positive word-of-mouth.

7. Invest in Continuous Learning



The business world is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is essential. Invest in continuous learning for yourself and your team. Attend workshops, enroll in courses, and participate in industry conferences. This commitment to ongoing education will help you stay competitive and innovative, ensuring your business remains at the forefront of your industry.

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Whether you’re starting a new business, strategizing a website build, expanding your products and services, or figuring out what’s next for your business, we love helping businesses and their leaders gain clarity and thrive!

 

Learn more here about how our business professionals can help you.

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Ellinopoula, an award-winning digital platform, solves the problem for Greek diaspora parents and teachers who want their kids to learn Greek from the comfort of their home.

As we celebrate International Greek Language Day on February 9th, Greek diaspora parents worldwide face the challenge of how to pass on the Greek language and heritage to their children.

Ellinopoula is an award-winning e-platform that aims to give second and third-generation Greek kids the opportunity to learn the language in a fun and modern way by harnessing technology.

Many parents want their kids to learn Greek but do not have the means or the time to devote to language lessons. This is where Ellinopoula comes into play. Integrating learning Greek with Greek mythology, history, and culture in fun games, engaging videos, and interactive activities to inspire kids to learn Greek.

The platform’s innovative approach has led to its winning gold at the Education Leaders Awards for the past two years in a row. In 2021, it was recognized as the best Online and Distance Learning Platform, and also won gold awards for Digital Education and Innovation in Teaching.

When it comes to nutrition, for years, mental health specialists and people, in general, have focused more on the negative aspects of it, such as eating disorders and other unhealthy eating habits. In recent years, however, the newly-established trend doesn’t focus on how we shouldn’t eat but promotes a more positive approach to our relationship with food. Intuitive nutrition is a big part of this approach.

The main idea behind ​​intuitive nutrition is developing a healthy relationship with food and with our bodies, in general. It is about recognizing our body’s needs, with the sole aim of optimal physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. People that stick to an intuitive diet are not obsessed with food or calories. They enjoy eating whatever they like, have total control over their body, and stop eating when they are full.

According to a meta-analysis published by the International Journal of Eating Disorders, intuitive nutrition is associated with a wide range of benefits, both physical and psychological, in all demographic groups. Those who prefer it show fewer diet-related pathological symptoms. They are less likely to eat emotionally, meaning that they don’t use food as a means of soothing or stifling their negative emotions, and report fewer dietary restrictions.

Intuitive eating is associated with many psychological benefits, such as greater physical satisfaction, better awareness of bodily functions, and a tendency to reject unrealistic, socially imposed beauty standards. People who incorporated intuitive nutrition into their daily lives were more likely to appreciate and love their bodies, gain self-esteem, and achieve well-being. They also showed lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Another important finding is that those on an intuitive diet tended to be thinner. This finding challenges the well-established idea that the key to a lean body is chronic diets or abstention from certain foods. On the contrary, what seems to be of most importance is eating carefully and responding to our body signs instead of strict dietary rules.

A breathtaking adventure about life at sea and whaling takes shape and is brought to the stage at Christmas Theater.

The monumental confrontation of human with God, time travel, and a musical. Culture, as construed by the Onassis Foundation, goes out and travels in the city, comes down to the center of Athens, and stands up for its timelessness. Respecting the past, yet avoiding nostalgia or idealization, Onassis Culture looks to the future.

This time, it heads toward the Christmas Theater, collaborates with two of the greatest Greek artists in the field, and they travel together in time, in one of the most influential novels of all time, the tale of Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Friendship, Human Fate, and God on the stage of Christmas Theater.

“Love is in the air, everywhere I look around. Love is in the air, every sight and every sound.”

Do you remember or have you ever heard these lyrics? They are from a popular song titled “Love is in the air” by John Paul Young. A hit back in the 70s, it still plays strong and it’s often included in Valentine’s musical lists.

Songs are just one of the many gifts people exchange in honor of Valentine’s Day. Hearts, hearts, and more hearts are the symbol of the day. Admiration affection, friendship but most of all romantic love are celebrated.

People love the feeling of being loved and appreciated. It’s a feeling we all crave for and not just on Valentine’s Day. But how do you support romantic love after the first few months and turn it into a life-long relationship? (Assuming that’s what you want of course!).

I’m sure you know there’s no such thing as a recipe and even if there was it wouldn’t work for everyone. There are however some key points that signal a healthy and strong relationship.

Μake your significant other a PRIORITY in your life. This is the foundation of a healthy relationship. This means you spend time learning all about the other person so you may communicate better. And this creates a feeling of security in the relationship.

Treat your partner as an EQUAL. Acknowledge and accept the other person for who they are regardless of their profession, religion, financial situation, etc. Learn to value them and not underestimate them.

Make sure there’s PROXIMITY with your significant other at all times. Touching or some sort of physical interaction is necessary as a way of expressing your intimate feelings. Keep in mind that this is different from a friendly relationship.

And yes, arguing is part of the deal. But as long as we both express our feelings and are true to ourselves, it’s also a way to re-negotiate our limits which change anyway during the course of a relationship.

Don’t just let your relationship take its course. Dance it tenderly to the tune you both love the most.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

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