LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Monday, 15 July 2019 07:00
Greek Fossil Is Considered The Earliest Evidence Of Homo Sapiens Outside Africa
According to scientists, the re-examination of the skull fragments discovered in Greece in the 1970s could overthrow the current theories about when humans first arrived in Europe.
Scientists claim that the chunk of skull recovered from a cave in southern Greece is the earliest sign of the human species outside Africa. The fragments are estimated to be at least 210,000 years old, which indicates that our species began leaving Africa much earlier than previously thought.
The skull fossil was excavated in the late 1970s at the Apidima Cave in southern Peloponnese.
“Not a lot of attention was paid to it,” said Katerina Harvati of the University of Tuebingen in Germany, who was invited to study the fossil.
To establish the age, scientists analyzed bits of bone from the fossil; to identify what species it came from, they compared a virtual reconstruction to the shapes of fossils from known species.
According to Katerina Harvati, it’s not clear if scientists will be able to collect DNA or proteins from the fossil to verify its identity.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greece-Is.com
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Local News
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Sunday, 28 July 2019 16:20
Athens Fancy Women Bike Ride
Woman’s visibility in urban spaces is key to claim the right to the city. Cycling is a particularly powerful way for women to become visible in the society and a complete new way to interact with the city. Fancy Women Bike Ride is an event for women, organized by women to remember the liberating joy of cycling and to inspire more women to use a bicycle in the cities.
The more women cycle, the more women will be encouraged to cycle.
Ride with us.
The guidelines for Fancy Women Bike Ride are as follows (although, these are not strict rules) :
* Dress code: fancy
* Decorate your bicycle
* Pose for the cameras and take selfies
* Greet and smile at people during the bike ride
* Bring your best friend.
The idea for these events began in 2013 in Izmir, Turkey. Every year, Fancy Women Bike Ride is held on World Car Free Day in destinations all over the world.
The more women cycle, the more women will be encouraged to cycle.
Ride with us.
The guidelines for Fancy Women Bike Ride are as follows (although, these are not strict rules) :
* Dress code: fancy
* Decorate your bicycle
* Pose for the cameras and take selfies
* Greet and smile at people during the bike ride
* Bring your best friend.
The idea for these events began in 2013 in Izmir, Turkey. Every year, Fancy Women Bike Ride is held on World Car Free Day in destinations all over the world.
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Community
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Friday, 12 July 2019 19:21
Nelson Mandela International Day 2019
In order to honour the International Day of Nelson Mandela, the South African Embassy in Athens along with Aspen Greece and the Friends of South Africa, will contribute 67 minutes of voluntarily work at the Primary School of Agia Marina in Nea Makri. A school that was deeply affected by the second most deadly wildfire of the 21st century, taking 102 lives.
The day Nelson Mandela was born, July 18th, was announced as Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009 by the United Nations. It recognizes the efforts of the former South African President on human rights and peace.
So every year, on July 18, people are encouraged to volunteer somewhere and help the community for at least 67 minutes. The number 67 represents the number of years that Nelson Mandela devoted fighting against any kind of oppression.
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Community
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Tuesday, 25 June 2019 16:26
June 25 - Olive Oil: Greece's Liquid Gold
There are countless aspects of Greek culture that make it so unique. One of them is its ''Liquid Gold'', or Olive oil! It has a long history dating back to Ancient Greece, has won a variety of awards and many interesting facts about it which you probably didn't know! So don't waste any time, learn all about them in this week's Newsletter.
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Wednesday, 19 June 2019 16:15
June 19 - It's (Not) All Greek To Me
Greek culture is of signifact importance and is appreciated all over the world! Hence the fact that visits to Greek museums and sites have seen a big increase since last year! Also, don't forget to check the 'Greekest Places' in America, that make the US major fountains of Greek identity.
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Tuesday, 11 June 2019 16:06
June 11 - Dive In & Refresh
With summer having already made its way towards us, you won't want to miss our tips for a healthy detox before hitting the beach in the morning and our selection of the top roof gardens in Athens!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Tuesday, 04 June 2019 15:55
June 4 - Summertime In Athens
Athens is a beautiful city and has an incredible amount of things to offer. So if you're visiting, our insider's guide to the city will come in very handy! From open air cinemas, to the best ice-cream places and most delightful pools, make sure you don't miss this week's newsletter!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Wednesday, 10 July 2019 07:00
Great Sandwich Spots In Athens
The simple sandwich has long been a lunchtime staple in Greece. However, sandwich shops in Athens have come a long way since the ham, cheese, and butter sandwich that most of us used to eat during the '80s.
These great sandwich spots in Athens promise to offer imaginative and delicious sandwiches that will absolutely satisfy your daytime munchies.
Guarantee Sandwich has been serving sandwiches since 1988. Since then, their only goal is to become better and maintain their renowned quality consistently. With the carefully selected fillings and the great variety of sandwich bread and buns, you will be able to create your very own unforgettable sandwich.
Address: 41 Veikou, Koukaki
Telephone: 210 9226924
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00
Duck Soup Cafe is rightfully considered as one of the best sandwich spots in Europe. It serves sandwiches with creative fillings and only the freshest ingredients as well as great coffee, and fresh fruit smoothies. Even though you can create your own, we suggest you try one of their unique sandwich suggestions, and you won't be disappointed.
Address: 39 Panepistimiou Street (Stoa Pesmatzoglou)
Telephone: 210 3233916
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 19:00, Saturday 11:00 to 18:00
Its name derives from John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich who is famous for inventing the sandwich. Here, you will perhaps find the best coffee in Athens (and they use organic milk!) and delicious sandwiches, filled with quality ingredients and freshly sliced cold cuts.
Address: 30 Stadiou, Athens (Stoa Korai)
Telephone: 210 3316500
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 18:30
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Restaurants In Athens
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Thursday, 11 July 2019 07:00
Refugee Women In Greece Find Relief In Soccer
Even though many of the players at Hestia FC weren't allowed to play — or even watch — soccer matches in their home countries, here, they constitute Greece's first women's refugee team.
The team members come from 14 different countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Ethiopia, which makes communication during soccer practice a challenge. At a recent practice, the team's founder Katerina Salta and her coach went through instructions with the help of a translator who speaks English, Urdu, Pashto, Dari, and Farsi.
"The atmosphere in the team is fantastic," Salta said. "I started this program to empower them but what actually happens is that every single day I get empowered by them — their will, their (determination) to continue trying for their lives even in such difficult conditions."
Hestia FC participated in the Global Goals World Cup in Denmark last month a five-a-side women's tournament that aims to promote gender equality. None of the migrant women were allowed to travel, and consequently, they were substituted by volunteers who agreed to play in their place. Unexpectedly, Hestia FC won the tournament.
To read this inspiring article in full, please visit: The Associated Press
About Hestia FC
In Ancient Greek religion, Hestia is a virgin goddess of the hearth, architecture, and the right ordering of domesticity, the family, the home, and the state. Since she represents all matters domestic, there was an underlying assumption back then that the belief in her would result in peace, order, and harmony in the home.
Hestia FC is the first refugee and migrant women football team in Greece. It’s a program of the International Olympic Truce Centre in collaboration with the international NGO Eir, which takes action globally for the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) though sport.
The overall aim of the project which is under the Auspices of the City of Athens and the Council for the Social Inclusion of Refugees is the protection, the psychological well-being, the empowerment and the social integration of refugee and migrant women, as well as the promotion of the Olympic values and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sport. Human rights based rules of a sport can help to replace culturally discriminative norms that exclude women from sport. By bringing people together, building communities and fighting attitudes of xenophobia, negative gender stereotypes and racism, sport has the potential to make an important contribution to the integration of refugees in the EU.
Since our ultimate aim is to fight against any kind of discrimination and promote equal access to sport for women in general, the team will also welcome Greek women with less opportunities in the near future.
Our vision is that like the ancient Greek goddess, Hestia FC will become a home, a refuge and that our players and supporters will raise their voices to support all vulnerable women.
Source: Hestia FC
Hestia FC is the first refugee and migrant women football team in Greece. It’s a program of the International Olympic Truce Centre in collaboration with the international NGO Eir, which takes action globally for the promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) though sport.
The overall aim of the project which is under the Auspices of the City of Athens and the Council for the Social Inclusion of Refugees is the protection, the psychological well-being, the empowerment and the social integration of refugee and migrant women, as well as the promotion of the Olympic values and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through sport. Human rights based rules of a sport can help to replace culturally discriminative norms that exclude women from sport. By bringing people together, building communities and fighting attitudes of xenophobia, negative gender stereotypes and racism, sport has the potential to make an important contribution to the integration of refugees in the EU.
Since our ultimate aim is to fight against any kind of discrimination and promote equal access to sport for women in general, the team will also welcome Greek women with less opportunities in the near future.
Our vision is that like the ancient Greek goddess, Hestia FC will become a home, a refuge and that our players and supporters will raise their voices to support all vulnerable women.
Source: Hestia FC
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Greece In The News
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Friday, 12 July 2019 12:40
Orchestra Nights In Technopolis
Orchestra Nights Musicals & soundtracks performed by the City of Athens music ensembles.
Summer nights filled with magic and orchestral music are coming to Technopolis! On July 18 & 19, the Technopolis City of Athens in collaboration with the City of Athens Cultural, Sports & Youth Organization (OPANDA) organizes the Orchestra Nights, a special two-day event in the heart of summer, aspiring to become the new musical institution of the city.
The City of Athens Music Ensembles, the Athens Big Band and the City of Athens Symphony Orchestra, will take to the Technopolis’ stage for the first time this year to introduce us to this new event, by taking us on a fascinating journey through musicals and soundtracks of unforgettable films that met with great success.
The City of Athens Music Ensembles, the Athens Big Band and the City of Athens Symphony Orchestra, will take to the Technopolis’ stage for the first time this year to introduce us to this new event, by taking us on a fascinating journey through musicals and soundtracks of unforgettable films that met with great success.
The playful character of the Pink Panther, the charming and mysterious James Bond, the cool private detective Peter Gunn, and the adrenaline-filled Tom Cruise back in the days when he was pulling off some “Missions Impossible” are being revived via compositions that bring to mind curiously half-open doors, small-time crooks, unsolved cases, and...hilarious blunders. On Thursday, July 18, the Athens Big Band, under the artistic direction of Sami Amiris, will put together a unique concert program taking us from the golden era of big bands through today. Accompanying scores for popular works of the Seventh Art and original compositions by, among others, Duke Ellington, Sammy Nestico, Ηorace Silver, John Clayton, Henri Mancini, and Matt Harris will call to mind all-time great movie scenes and beloved characters.
As it goes without saying that the love stories on the big screen have given us some of the greatest pieces of music of all times, an emotionally charged atmosphere is to be anticipated also on Friday, July 19, when the City of Athens Symphony Orchestra will perform the best movie soundtracks of the world cinema. Where do I begin? From the iconic love song from “Love Story” and “My Heart Will Go On”, the theme song from the Oscar-winning film “Titanic”, which we have all found ourselves quietly singing once or twice, to the dramatic ballet “Les amants de Teruel” by Mikis Theodorakis. Orchestral excerpts transferring us to the setting of Les Misérables and the years of Attik when the film “Hirokrotimata” was made, will be performed in new arrangements for symphony orchestra by Eleftherios Kalkanis, Louiza Antypa, Ilias Aggelou, and Giannis Tavlas with the participation of two up-and-coming soloists, the soprano Vanessa Kalkani and the tenor Stavros Salabasopoulos, under the instructions of musical director Eleftherios Kalkanis.
Two summer nights filled with cinema, atmospheric melodies and sheer emotion! The Orchestra Nights are just around the corner, free to attend! Are you gonna miss out on this one?
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Music
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