Keep Talking Greece

Newspaper Claims the Island of Ikaria Wants to Be Part of Austria

July 17, 2012 12

Bad taste? Extreme shortage of brain cells? I really can’t tell. Most likely it was boredom and a vivid fantasy. And maybe even a threat of work place loss should the journalist won’t come with a sensational story. But one thing is clear: dumbness has no borders! This time stupidity hit right on …

The Tax Bills of Horror – 5,5 Million Greek Taxpayers Must Find and Pay 5.1 Billion Euro

July 17, 2012 42

Friday night and six friends sit at a grill at a nice Athens square enjoying a cheap souvlaki meal and ice-cold beers. We chat about this and that and possible vacation destinations. No, my friends most likely won’t go for vacation this summer. The tax assessment bills they received in the last days …

Greece Full Switchover to Digital Broadcasts to Start Jul 20/2012

July 17, 2012 1

Did you buy already the device that will enable you to watch TV broadcasts in Greece also after July 20th 2012? The digital era of Digital TV (DVB-T) begins on that date with the full switchover from analog to digital broadcasts. While many modern television sets have integrated the necessary device MPEG4, owners …

Greek Delays Postpone Troika Visit & Progress Report? Bridge Loan ‘Til September?

July 17, 2012 Comments Off on Greek Delays Postpone Troika Visit & Progress Report? Bridge Loan ‘Til September?

While the Greek government struggles to find ways – read: austeirty measures cuts – and save 11.5 billion euro for the next two years, the Troika representatives seem to take their time. While it was expected that Greece’s lenders representative would start their visit to Athens on July 24th 2012, …

Who Celebrates 58. Birthday Today?

July 17, 2012 11

Well.. well.. well… Who celebrates birthday today? German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She is getting 58 years old. On her agenda there are no official appointments, no EU-summits, neither any visits by complaining Greeks and frustrated Spaniards. in typical OHM… gesture Angela Merkel uses to celebrate her birthday quietly, together with her husband, …

Strong Reactions As Workers Shut Down Acropolis Due to Heat Wave on Jul 16/2012

July 17, 2012 23

Hundreds of tourists were surprised, disappointed and angry to find the gates of Acropolis shut down on Monday noon. The workers had deliberately decided to shut down the Acropolis at 02:00 pm on July 16th 2012, “due to the heat wave” invoking the protection of visitors and working staff. The decision made by …

IMF: €2 Billion Hole – Greece Faces Bigger Deficit Targets Than Forecast – Spain too

July 17, 2012 1

International Monetary Fund said on Monday that Greece and Spain are facing bigger deficits than previous forecast. Of course, with such austerity measures and high unemployment, how can one expect Greeks and Spaniards to fill up state pockets? IMF: Spain, Greece Face Bigger Deficits Than Previously Forecast Spain and Greece, …

Travellers in Trouble? EU Has a Guide with Useful Tips for a Worry-Free Summer

July 17, 2012 Comments Off on Travellers in Trouble? EU Has a Guide with Useful Tips for a Worry-Free Summer

Anger with tour operator, airline or car rental company? Lost travel documents? Medical emergencies? Travelling with pets? Millions of travellers have thousands of questions. The European Commission has summarized the most important guidelines and useful tips for a worry-free summer holiday. With the holiday season already starting and millions of …

10+1 Golden Benefits & Privileges for 300 Members of Greek Parliament

July 16, 2012 16

A total of 20,203 euro is spent per month by the Greek parliament for each of its elected members: MP compensation, several open and hidden benefits, additional income through participation in committees as well as operational costs for their offices make it an expensive hobby for thousands of Greeks suffering …

Greek President Cancels “Restoration of Democracy” Celebration Due to Economic Crisis

July 16, 2012 1

Unfortunately there would be no celebrations this year to mark the restoration of democracy – due to the economic crisis. The office of Greek President Karolos Papoulias announced on Monday that there will be no celebrations this year to mark the 38th anniversary of the fall of the military dictatorship in 1974. «The event …

Off Crete: Fishing Vessel Fatima II Under Mutiny – 3 Italians Rescued by Greek Coastal Guard

July 16, 2012 Comments Off on Off Crete: Fishing Vessel Fatima II Under Mutiny – 3 Italians Rescued by Greek Coastal Guard

Italian-flagged fishing vessel Fatima II allegedly came under mutiny off the southern coast of Crete island in Greece on Sunday evening and three Italian crew members were rescued by local coastal guard units, Greek media reported. The three Italians claimed to authorities that they had been ejected from the boat by the rest of …

Greek Summer Sales 2012 Start Today (Jul 16-Aug 31, 2012)

July 16, 2012 Comments Off on Greek Summer Sales 2012 Start Today (Jul 16-Aug 31, 2012)

Summer sales 2012 start running today, July 16th, and will conclude on August 31st 2012. Amid economic crisis and deep recession, consumers are expecting to make purchases attracted by sharp reductions of up to 70%. Retailers see in the summer sales their only chance for revenues, as the political and economic instability …