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Through EDX, an innovative online learning platform, Harvard University will be offering a free online course called "The Ancient Greek Hero." To date, more than 40,000 candidates have registered for the class that starts on January 9th, 2020.
 
Here is a brief description of the course:
 
'Explore what it means to be human today by studying what it meant to be a hero in ancient Greek times.
 
In this introduction to ancient Greek culture and literature, learners will experience, in English translation, some of the most beautiful works of ancient Greek literature and song-making spanning over a thousand years from the 8th century BCE through the 3rd century CE: the Homeric Iliad and Odyssey; tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides; songs of Sappho and Pindar; dialogues of Plato, and On Heroes by Philostratus. All of the resources are free and designed to be equally accessible and transformative for a wide audience.
 
You will gain access to a supportive learning community led by Professor Gregory Nagy and his Board of Readers, who model techniques for "reading out" of ancient texts. This approach allows readers with little or even no experience in the subject matter to begin seeing this literature as an exquisite, perfected system of communication.
 
No previous knowledge of Greek history, literature, or language is required. This is a project for students of any age, culture, and geographic location, and its profoundly humanistic message can be easily received without previous acquaintance with Western Classical literature.'

















To register for "The Ancient Greek Hero" class, please visit: Edx.org
Sunday, 05 January 2020 23:47

Fast Love - A Tribute To George Michael

He's the artist who performed countless songs we still sing today. And with his biggest hit ''Last Christmas'', how could a tribute to him not take place at the Christmas Theater? Straight from London's West End, the biggest tribute to George Michael comes to Athens!

The incredible Andrew Browning and his band will take you on a journey through the artist's biggest hits from his era at Wham, as well as the 80s and 90s.

An unforgettable experience not to be missed! You will get emotional, dance and sing along to tracks like Careless Whisper, Last Christmas, Freedom, Faith, Jesus To A Child, Father Finger and many more!
Monday, 20 January 2020 23:36

Wozzeck By The Greek National Opera

One of the 20th-century lyric theatre masterpieces, Alban Berg’s Wozzeck, will be presented for the first time by the Greek National Opera in a new production directed by the top French director Olivier Py.

In the title role, the internationally acclaimed Greek baritone of the GNO, Tassis Christoyannis, will sing for the first time one of the most taxing roles in the modern repertory.

The opera is based on Georg Buchner’s play Woyzeck, which remained unfinished and was published in 1879, more than forty years after the writer’s death. It recounts scenes from the miserable life of soldier Wozzeck in a village. When his wife cheats on him, Wozzeck kills her and after that, in his attempt to cover his tracks in a state of delirium, he drowns in a lake. Wozzeck is one of the first extensive operas of the 20th century written in an atonal idiom with the use of Sprechgesang – a type of vocalization between speech and song.

Both due to its importance for the history of music modernism and for the quality of its music in itself, it has been a staple of the repertory of all major opera houses in the world.

On January 19, 23, 26, 31 and February 2. Starts at 19:30 (Sundays at 18:30).
Monday, 03 February 2020 23:23

The Phantom Of The Opera Live In Athens

The Phantom Of The Opera is here! The iconic musical viewed by more than  140.000.000 people worldwide.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, one of the world's greatest hits with more than 12,000 performances at Her Majesty's Theater in London, is presented by People Entertainment Group, with an  all-star cast from London's West End, in the biggest theatrical production that has ever been presented in Greece!

Andrew Lloyd Webber's romantic and monumental musical with famous classical songs that have left their mark in history, the suspense and mystery, and the tender love story between Christine and the mysterious Phantom of the "Paris Opéra House" comes to life on the new state-of-the-art ''Christmas Theater" in February and March 2020.

A "bigger than life" production that will fascinate and enchant even the most demanding spectators!

Information & group reservations: 216.800.46.68
Friday, 03 January 2020 00:00

Athens English Comedy Club | Open Mic

Happy New Year from the Athens English Comedy Club!

What better way to start the year than with something new and bright? We will be hosting our first English open mic, this Sunday January 5th!




MC: Dimitris Dimopoulos

Comedians in alphabetical order:

  • Vangelis Harissopoulos
  • George Iliadis
  • George Karamanlis
  • Kinthia
  • Maria Koufomanoli
  • Lefteris Koulonis
  • Nefeli Louizou
  • Vaggelis Moularas
  • Stavroula Pabst
  • John Papadopoulos
  • Kanelli Scalcoyiannis
  • Odysseas Deniz Ürem

Some performers will be doing stand-up for the first time ever, so bring your loudest applause and all of the love you can give! Others will be trying out new material, so bring your most honest giggles and open hearts and come see comedy being born!

We need YOU to make comedy happen!

Come and laugh! Nay! Come and chortle. Or better yet, guffaw!

For reservations:

- Message us directly on Facebook 
- Call us at +30 698 799 4689
- Email us at athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com
The European emergency number (112) has become fully operational in Greece according to a statement of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection. The control center for 112 in Greece is located at the fire brigade operations center in Chalandri and employs 100 people.

Each shift includes an OTE telecoms operator–who responds in Greek, English, or French–and liaison officers from the Hellenic Army, Greek Police, the Coast Guard, and the ambulance service.

The European emergency number is free and can be reached 24/7 from Greece, Switzerland, and any EU country.

Other Greek emergency numbers are:

  • 100 - police
  • 199 - fire brigade
  • 166 - emergency medical service
  • 108 - coast guard
  • 197 - emergency social assistance

Tom Hanks has been awarded Greek citizenship as Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos signed an honorary naturalization order allowing the actor to claim citizenship, his office told The Associated Press on Friday.

Tom Hanks and his wife, actress and producer Rita Wilson, often spend their summer vacations in the house they own on the Greek island of Antiparos. The couple have also produced several films in Greece; In 2002 they produced the hit "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and its sequel that was released in 2016. Hanks was also the executive producer of the 2008 musical "Mamma Mia!" and the 2009 comedy "My Life in Ruins."

In Greece, honorary naturalization is granted to people “who have provided exceptional services to the country or whose naturalization serves the public interest.”


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

Monday, 30 December 2019 14:12

Luxury Problems

With New Year just around the corner we are hearing more and more about the needs of our fellow-men. About the problems they face, their difficulties and how we may help. I often wonder if everything is fine and if there are no problems the rest of the time. But that’s another discussion.

So we hear about young children on the street, orphanages that need clothes and food, NGOs in need of things, of our time, of anything we can offer. Usually at this time of year most of us are moved and do our best to help. But that’s not all we hear. Just recently a couple in the subway had a conversation. The woman had forgotten her sunglasses at home.

"I can’t believe I forgot them. It’s not possible. How am I going to go around without my sunglasses? " "You may take mine if you want" offered the man. "Are you serious? These are old fashioned," replied the woman (she was talking about a pair of Raybans). “I definitely have to buy new ones right away. I’ll get in the first store we find. I can’t function unless I have at least two or three pairs.” And she continued laughingly: "I’m telling you, it’s a huge problem.” On the opposite seat two young men were discussing. "So you didn’t get the new smart TV you were looking for. And how are you going to watch all the Euro League soccer games my friend? With the ancient model you got last year? And may I tell you something else? When you told me you were going to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your girlfriend and your parents at home I was shocked. You won't even go clubbing? That’s certainly not the way to get through the Holidays. What a drag! " 

As you’re reading this I'm sure you can bring to mind a lot of “problems” you've heard of yourself. But broaden your horizon for a minute and think. Because if you have health, food to eat, a roof over your head, your kids go to school, you can get through financially (even if it’s with difficulty) you are one of the few privileged people on this planet!

And then you have what I call "luxury problems". For example "whether to put on the green or yellow dress" or "whether or not aunt Amelia will invite you to her party this year." What do you think, are they really really problems? Are they substantial problems? Do they affect your daily life or your life in general? Let’s be grateful for all that we have and let’s offer our love and help to ourselves and to our fellow human beings not only during the Holidays but every day of the year!

Happy New Year full of Love and Health to all of us!!


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If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

 
Tuesday, 24 December 2019 11:32

The Festive Wish Lanterns Of Volos

If you happen to be in Volos during Christmas time, you might get the opportunity to witness a beautiful long-standing tradition. On the night of December 26th, people gather along the seaside promenade and propel thousands of wish lanterns into the sky!

The lanterns represent Christmas wishes, and people hope that when they reach the sky, they will be fulfilled.


















We hope all your wishes come true!
Are you passionate about handmade crafts? If so, then December is your month!

Domatio will showcase a great variety of handmade creations, for all tastes, at its first art-bazaar! Craftspeople of various practices are waiting for you with works of Art for the decoration of your house, your Christmas tree, your body, and your mood!

Fresh ideas are shared and coexist in our colorful and aesthetic space, stuffed with objects made with passion.

Come join us so that you can meet all of the artists in person and see their suggestions for personalized gifts for every age group!

Don't miss Domatio’s creative team participation, inspired by ethnic motifs and iconic personalities of the art-world. We made crochet Christmas ornaments, jewelry from vintage buttons and loads of color.

Every weekend of December, starting Saturday 30 of November you will find :

Jewelry, Christmas Ornaments, Raw Materials for Crafts (vintage buttons & powder paints), Sculptures from various materials, Paintings printed on Plexiglass, Pillows, Dolls (for both young and old), Sweets with Christmas Motifs, Painted Tote Bags, Up-cycled Musical Instruments, Children- Themed Murals, Lamps, Natural Soaps, Batic Fabrics and Scarves, Various articles of Clothing and Accessories, Essential body oils, Natural Cosmetics and many more..
.
Keep in mind that every weekend you will find a variety of different artists!

Domatio is a place that is open to the promotion of artists and ideas, adequately equipped, versatile and adaptable to the needs in question, and this is offered alongside the expert guidance and support of the members that form its frame.

We are here anytime you wish to make use of the opportunity to house any form of expression in the space of ‘domatio’ .
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