Constantine Pappas
Comdex at Expo Athens
Two floors of high-tech gadgetry that display the latest, innovative technology from Greece to Korea sounds like a techie’s paradise. Sixty fully-loaded computers with the newest games and a high-bandwidth connection are a gamer’s fantasy. This digital technology exposition will become a reality on November 18 at the Expo Athens convention center in Anthousa.
The dte-COMDEX Greece 2005 convention marks the second time Greek companies will display new technological trends to the public and interested investors. Twenty-two thousand people visited the exposition last year, 60 percent of whom were part of the IT industry and 12 percent of whom were technology tourists.
“It’s much more important for the consumer to see my [Dell] product than a competitor,” said Vasillis Theodoropoulos,… Continue reading
Look out, he’s got a gameboy!
In 2002, tourists came to Greece anticipating sandy beaches and summer fun. What they did not expect was a 5,000 euro fine for playing a Gameboy.
Greek Law 3037, which prohibits the use of electronic and electrical games, wreaked havoc in the Greek gaming scene and cost tourists thousands of euros in fines.
The law was created in response to an illegal gambling scandal that involved electronic games doubling as gambling machines. Law 3037 targeted all games of any kind, labeling game enthusiasts as “criminals.” A judge in Thessaloniki declared the law unconstitutional in September 2002, but three years later the law continues to cause problems.
“This is the third time I’m going to court for this,” said Giorgos Michalopoulos,… Continue reading
Another one?!?
Construction work obstructs the view of the new fine arts center. Although the building is complete and classes have already begun, construction workers are still building something on the second floor.
Around the busy site amidst the dust-filled air, chairs and lamps clutter the floor and a glass counter faces the front windows. The familiar green letter waiting to be added to the building’s façade can only mean one thing: another Starbucks.
"We should be finished in November," said a sweating Nikos Tsouroulas, the construction foreman. Progress has been quick, with the kitchen and serving counter already complete, and signs with the traditional "coffee of the day" set up.
"The main store is already finished," said Tsouroulas, "But the outside… Continue reading
Deree’s Athletics Department Goes “Gold”
After a quick workout in the gym and a few games of hoops, the bell sounds which means it’s time for class. Later, intramural soccer kicks off followed by a cool-down swim in the Olympic-sized pool. The recreational program at Deree has gone all out.
“The recreational program we provide is as good as that of any American university or college,” said Arthur Christopher, Athletics Director. Deree has tennis courts, a basketball court, a soccer field and track facilities, a fully equipped gym, and a pool that is closed and heated during the winter season.
“From team sports to intramural activities to overall fitness and physical education classes, we offer a program that covers the whole spectrum of student fitness… Continue reading