Mood:  celebratory

My dear Friends:

What an adventure!!! I have met so many great people from all over the world! This morning, I met a man born in Bangladesh who lives in Athens and is President of the HELLENIC COMMUNITY OF FOREIGN PEOPLE & IMMIGRANTS. Farid A. He invited me and my friends to have coffee and tiropeta. The K. family is staying at my hotel. He says that the only way to have peace in the world is to vote for John Kerry! "With that peace will come....."

I will try to find a t-shirt with ITS ALL GREEK TO ME written on it but most of the t-shirts have the greek flag on them and/or "Athena 2004, OLympics".

Last night I attended a performance at the Herod Attica Theatre at the base of the Acropolis. Being a volunteer I was told that I could get free tickets. 4 tickets were available for each person. I asked if I could get 4 more and I got them under Thea Maria's(hereafter referred to as TM) name.

I asked the Athanassiadis to come but they had already invited someone to dinner. I asked Dr. Nikos T. and his girlfriend, Maro, to come but Nikos was seeing patients last night. Therefore I invited TM who was so excited to come, my first cousin, Litsa M., Lena M., who is married to Litsa's son, Theophanis, and Lena's oldest daughter, Sofia, 8 yr old.

I also invited Sofia and Genti P. I met them at a coffee house. Sofia is completing her studies as a Maritime Transport Economist. Her husband, Genti, is a violinist in the Athens Orchestra and has a BA degree in music. They gave me a CD with several classical compositions on it. Genti is Greek/Roumanian. They are both wonderful beautifull people. So kind and sweet.

Now, let's get back to the games

Last night the Olympic Torch was returned to the Acropolis inAthens!!! Carl Lewis was carrying it. It was given to the mayor of Athens, Dora Bacogiannis, and Ioanna Daskalakis Angelopoulou, the chairman of the Athens Olympic Games at the GREAT ANCIENT HEROD ATTICUS THEATRE. (It appears that women are responsible for the success that Greece has had in bringing the Olympic Games to Athens.) Formal ceremonies were held with other previous Olympic Medal winners present. We were able to see all of these festivities projected on a large screen in the Herold Atticus Theatre. King Constantine and his wife were also there. Even though he has no power, the Greek people still love honor and respect him.

Then the Philharmonic Orchestra of Patras played (mostly string players with a trumpet solo) 4 compositions. Then Markopulos, classic pianist, performed with the orchestra on a large grand piano. TM and I were able to sit with the Special Needs people because TM cannot walk without my holding her arm.

We had GREAT SEATS. I have it all on my camcorder so you can see it when I return. Tonight, Dr. Nikos Tsopelas has invited me and other friends to his home in EKALI (1 hr. away) to watch the Opening Ceremonies on his large screen. I will remain there overnight.

I begin my duty on Saturday, from 6 pm to 1 am. My job will be to welcome people and help them fiknd their way arround and answer questions. My venue is SPECTATOR SERVICES and I have been assigned to the Central Gate. We are called the FACE OF THE GAMES. We are told to be very polite and helpful to everyone. If they are upset and anxious, we should do our best to calm them down .

I can hardly wait for my shift to begin. I will be working every day 7-8 hours/day but different hours every day. I have 1 day off every 5 days. On Sunday, August 14 I will work from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.

My friends from USA, Jeannine R. (retired attorney) and husband, Jim, teaches Sociology at FCC have arrived and live in a flat in a suburb, N. I.. Gudo H., nutritionist and husband Ken clinical psychologist, who teaches at FCC will arrive tonight at 11 pm.

More later, Me polli agapi, Eleni

Eleni

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 10:47 AM

Updated: Saturday, 23 October 2004 6:42 AM

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Mood:  bright

Getting To Know Our Neighbors:
Nat's Creativity Seen All Around His Residence

A grown man who spends his time doing what he likes the most finds artistic freedom and happiness in the end. A self-taught artist, Nat Benavides is one of these down-to-earth people that anybody would like to have as a neighbor. There is no dull moment for him. His creativity leads to the production of various art works that he displays at his residence in Selma, CA. Among his friends and relatives, he is known as "Tivo." From his son, Erik to his niece, Perla, everyone who comes in contact with him will agree that Tivo's artistic talent and attitude are what's keeping him going in good and bad times. For example, when his beloved wife, Juanita, got into a car accident on her way to work, the couple ended up losing everything during the recovery. That's how they got relocated to their current Selma residence. Juanita is barely able to walk now. Suffering from cataract which makes him nearly blind, Tivo himself is going to have a surgery soon according to Erik.

In the midst of all the ups and downs of life, Tivo's art has never been better. Yet, very few people other than his family members and close relatives know about his artistic gift. The fact that he does not get commissioned work and make sales doesn't keep him from dedicating his precious time to his work. All he has been doing is to keep painting, sculpting and creating new art works, trinkets and trellis. Everyone who knows Nat knows that he is a jack of all trades. He has enough art pieces to supply any tourist spot or souvenir store. He is only a phone call away. Now with his son's e-mail address, he can be reached via e-mail.

Ever since he was a young boy, he knew what he wanted to do. He dreamed about attending art school on a scholarship and becoming an artist. He entered one of his paintings into a competition which he won. That was not enough. Since he was only 16 years old, his father had to give him permission to attend the art school. "The needs of the family appeared to come first," said his son. Tivo's parents, Natividad B. Rodriguez and Catalina L. Hernandez, were hard-working migrant workers who traveled between Arizona, Mexico, Texas and California.

When Perla showed me the pictures of this giant papier mache gorilla sitting in his yard, I could not pass up the chance of taking one of my sons to check it out. What we found was a trove of treasures scattered all around his residence. Tivo defines what it takes to beautify one's property. From his front porch, you can see the birds, ducks, cat, crocodiles, vine-covered thorn-crowned head of Jesus-Christ sculpture he designed over the years. Tivo is a curious man whose thirst for knowledge takes him to local libraries where he does his research. He speaks some French, works on cars, has a newly obtained certificate in cabling/Networking systems. He is currently working on a lion. "It's going to be huge," he said. "You need to come back to see it." He also has an AS degree.

Our hope is that a larger audience will get exposed to his works which they'll appreciate enough to place an order. He can fill this empty corner of your front and back yard with great art. Your porch does not have to be so bare. From his old barn, he can create owl boxes, plant holders and flower pots. It's worth noting that he has a extensive knowledge of the virtues of plants and leaves. He is the repository of knowledge passed down from his grandparents and ancestors. "Whenever I get sick, my dad tells me what to take," said Erik as he reminisced over the fond memories of the large Cessna that his father built for him when he was a child. "I could even sit in it. It was so huge." Tivo works with watercolor, oil, acryclic, charcoal, and draws portraits too.

If you would like to purchase any of Tivo's art works, e-mail Eric at ex27@hotmail.com. Get ready to appreciate them. Enjoy Tivo's creations.

Get Connected
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Shop for Everything You Need at OneStopShop!

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 10:47 AM

Updated: Friday, 3 December 2004 7:19 AM

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Mood:  celebratory

The following is an excerpt from Deirdre's Olympic Diary:

"'Helen' is how her friends in Fresno and patients at the local hospital where she was a pediatrician know her. But, like Madonna, Helen has changed her name and prefers to be called "Eleni." Unlike Madonna, there's a decent reason for the moniker mystique. Eleni is Greek for Helen. Eleni is a 70-year-old recently retired Fresno pediatrician who is living out a lifelong dream. The dream was not to work at the Olympics. The dream was for Helen to do something just for Helen, sorry, Eleni. Eleni spent her life taking care of a family and taking care of patients. Now, she's taking care of herself."

Check the rest of the story or Deidre's Olympic Diary at NBCOlympics/KCRA

Credit Link:

If you want to work these Olympic games, the network to turn to is NBC Network.

Way to go, NBC! Picture is also by NBCOlympics site!

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 1:15 PM

Updated: Friday, 20 August 2004 12:00 PM

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Mood:  celebratory

Thea Maria is so proud of me.

Watch NBC TODAY everyday. You may see me on it. They tape here everyday from 2-5 pm at the main stadium where I am assigned. I got Katy, Matt and Al to autograph my hat. I will try to get them to interview me-FAT CHANCE!!! You may see me in the crowd inb front of the studio.

Dr. Nikos said that the Greeks here are afraid that there will be a great depression when the Olympics end because many people have been hired to construct the venues and they will all be unemployed. It seems to me that the Greeks needed this to put some fire under them so they can produce this magnificent happening. They have improved their transportation system tremendously. They have cleaned the environment and have planted many new trees and bushes.

Gudo and her husband Ken did the ACROPOLIS together today and then were invited to have lunch with Thea Maria at the DYONISUS RESTAURANT with a GREAT VIEW of the ACROPOLIS.

Awesome!!!!

Love from wonderful ATHENS!!!!

Thanks, Andy for the research for Sofia and Genti. I will give them a copy of your e-mail.

Me poli agapi

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:57 PM

Updated: Saturday, 16 July 2005 7:36 PM

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Costco shopppers and consumers, help me redress a wrong caused by Costco. If one of us gets ripped off or suffers, all of us will some day suffer!

I had been shopping around for a new car. I thought it would be a good idea to check the Costco Auto program. My wife concurred. After all, her sister and in-laws, their friends and she have been members of this organization for a very long time. Why not trust a firm that makes shopping so easy for one's family? We do receive the Costco Auto magazine every month. We keep looking for the best deals we can find. After various contacts with the local dealerships, we decided to compare their offerings with the price offered by the Costco program. In the meantime, we continued to do our homework. That's a recommendation that nobody should take lightly. We found out that the Costco price is summarized as the dealer invoice plus $500. Now, if you are dealing with a crooked dealer, you may expect some other fees. We were interested in a 2004 Nissan Maxima SE. After using the Nissan Quest without any problems, we became stuck on the brand. Why not buy another Nissan after all? However, even with the Costco's reputation of valuing its customers, a shopper should always be on his/her guard. The following is my experience with the Costco Auto shop and tire and service department.

After deciding to postpone the purchase of the car, we decided to change all four tires on the Honda. The store was running a deal on the Michelin, BF Goodrich and Bridgestone tires. We bought the 4 new tires for close to $400.00, signed the papers, turned in our keys and waited about 3 hours before returning to the store to pick up the car. As we were leaving the car, there were no mentions of dings, scratches and dents on the car. In fact, we left the car with any of the dents and scratches we later found. Beware of the following: Whether you agree there are dents on your car or not, you'd have to agree with their observation to start with. When and if they do it in your absence, that's like a shot in the back. Costco is more interested in covering their back than providing you with satisfaction and customer care. That I'll find out later.

Before going back to the Costco Tire section, we called them to make sure that the installation was complete. We were thinking that a two-hour timeframe was enough time for them to mount the tire. We were wrong. It was a Saturday after a major holiday. Every Costco member showed up to get their work done. We had to wait 1 more hour. When it was time to retrieve the car, my wife dropped me off. I waited a few minutes before the employee could print the paperwork and hand me my keys. While I was talking to him, my wife waited for me by my Honda. That's when she discovered the fresh dents, scratches and dings on the rear of the car. I informed the employee of my wife's findings. He accompanied me to the parking lot where the car was parked. My wife, the employee and I noticed that the car was not properly parked (meaning between the lot). The employee who completed the installation of the tires did not park the car properly. That opened the door to anybody who wanted to park close to my car to put the dents, dings and scratches there. Bear in my mind up to this point, Costco was supposed to be responsible for my car. For up to 4 hours, they were in complete possession of the vehicle!

Costco is not willing to take responsibility for the damage

What can a small guy do to a giant we can't live without?

The Costco clerk asked me whether I wanted to file a claim. I followed him to the Tire section. He asked me for a copy of my receipt which did not have any mentions of dents, scratches and dings. He disappeared for what seemed to be a good 15 minutes to make copies of my receipt. When he came back, I noticed the presence of dents, dings and scratches on the form. The words must have been typewritten because some of the letters were on top of the remark words in the pre-existing empty box. When the clerk finally said that these dings were observed by the tire-mounting employee, I said I did not believe him. I expressed to him my dissatisfaction. I bid him farewell knowing that he did his best to protect his company. After all, the damage was caused during his shift. By the time I made it back to my car, my wife had already gone home to get our camera. She took some shots of the car in the position it was parked by the Costco employee.

The clerk gave me a claim form to fill out. When I was close to completing it, he realized it was the wrong form. He apologized and gave me the right one. Here I was filling out a new form. Unwilling to give me the name of the "Costco Wholesale Liability Insurance," he told me somebody would call me. An employee from the insurance company did give me a call and left me this 1-800-409-1099 ext. 15 . After a few days later, I called Josh Judge back at the same number. He was all defensive. He was covering the back of his company. He wanted to have proof. I could either e-mail him some pictures or send him the film pics via snail mail. Once the pictures were developed, we mailed them to him. In the meantime, we were communicating via e-mail. For a few weeks, I did not hear anything from Josh Judge. So I sent an e-mail to JJudge@costco.com to find out what was up. In case I was not available, I gave him my wife's number. For a number of days, neither my wife nor I heard from him. I told my wife to call him. All I wanted was for them to accept responsibility for the damage their employee caused to my car. They could pay to have it painted!

Costco only cares about its own profits, sends customers to hell! It offers customer service to get into our pockets

The company's reps will chase you around to get you to sign up with them. They'll give you incentives until they get you. Once that happens, they forget about you. If you think I didn't like the company all along, please read my other review. The company's practices tend to wake us up, consumers. How many of us are in the same situation? Yes, you can return any merchandise with no hassle. You can shop as much as you can pay. But the way its reps are treating the small guys likes us, consumers is not right.

Josh Judge examined the pictures and called my wife. "I will not pay you anything," he said to her.

The car you buy from them may be damaged during service! You're on your own! Shop At your own RISK!

David went against Goliath. This small fish that I am can't go against Costco! I need help from you, readers and consumers!

Let's band together, Costco consumers, so that arrogance does not triumph. Let's get together to make Costco do the right thing! Paying for my car to get a fresh layer of paint would not put a dent into their coffers.

Please e-mail or call Josh Judge to help a small guy like me! I only have the morale of my story and my words to correct a wrong.

Just ask me for help the next time you get wronged! I'll be there for you!

Please help, help, help! A Big Fish Wants To Swallow Me Alive! That's a rip-off!

Are customers always right? In this case, I know I am right. Please what you can to get their attention on this unresolved matter.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 12:21 PM

Updated: Saturday, 23 October 2004 6:44 AM

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Mood:  cool

ShoppingNetwork Blog/Public Relations

In general, Public Relations is a powerful and influential marketing tool that provides our client with editorial placements in newspapers and magazines as well as exposure online and on television. In our particular case, ShoppingNetwork Blog will work with the client on featuring his or her products as navigable shopping links which may result in sales, better positioning and larger exposure.

What Can ShoppingNetwork Blog Do for your Business?

Our public relations strategies can establish you as an expert in the industry.

Our public relations services can help sell and promote your product.

We'll work with you to educate the consumer and shape public opinion.

We hope to help you find credibility for your service or product.

Unlike advertising, public relations has more of an impact on readers (our blog readers) than other marketing efforts because readers are likely to believe that an item covered by an editor is more credible than an ad placed in a publication for the same item. It's worth noting that PR is ten times more effective than advertising and allows you to showcase your expertise in a way that advertising only hopes to provide.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 9:17 AM

Updated: Saturday, 23 October 2004 6:46 AM

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Mood:  celebratory

For most of us, California's stone fruit consumers, we think that the local farmers who produce what has become a highly anticipated Summer staple on our tables have received a good deal on the negotiating table. After all, we want to buy and consume locally-grown, California fruit. We want to support our growing heroes. As consumers, we would always feel more comfortable knowing that the hands that produce these succulent fruits have also been able to make a decent living. This way, they would not have to worrry about whether or not to sell the farm to all-too-willing developers and completely abandon farming. According to the Associated Fruit Producers of California, a Dinuba, California, cooperative, these growers, mostly family farmers, have not been happy with the 27.5 cents per pound they receive for their fruits. Associated Fruit is advocating on their behalf. This explains why the cooperative has recently seen a major increase in its membership rolls. A recent meeting held by the cooperative was attended by a large number of local growers who are inviting their own buddies to join in.

July is considered as an important period in the harvest season all over the San Joaquin Valley. "This is a great development for the farmers as well as the farming community's sympathizers, advocates and family members. We, consumers, want farmers to continue to produce because we believe in their products. Where else can you find such a large variety of top quality, fresh tree fruits?" wrote Mr. Joseph-J. Charles, author of two books on the Central Valley's stone fruit consumption. Last year, he published "The Long Lost Garden of Eden" which has been welcome by the local farming community. Thanks to popular acclaim, he has just released "California Blossoms and Harvest Delights," a consumer-oriented book on the Valley's stone fruit production and terroir. Both books are available at

ShoppingNetwork HomeCentral,Shopnowshop Valley Advertising, ShoppingNetwork Blog

Author Charles said that the timing of the negotiation news did not surprise him at all. After talking to many farmers, growers and their family members during the research for his books, he found signs that an increase in per-pound price was just around the corner. Growers were complaining of being unable to meet their bank deadlines. They often complain that the production costs and related expenses are highly superior to the price they get from the market. They often have to resort to the non-picking of small fruits which the grocery stores refuse to display. Once the fruits are picked and packed, the growers usually lose some bargaining edge. Therefore, they are forced to sell even at a loss.

A local farmer's daughter was recently shopping at a local grocery store in the Fresno/Clovis area. She was shocked by the disparity between the per-pound price the growers receive and $1.69 per pound charged by the grocerery clerk. She shared her reaction with the author as follows: "I just bit into one of the nectarines you gave to me....fantastic!!!!! It is so sweet!!!!!! You know, every time I go into a grocery store now, I always talk with the produce clerk. I always ask if they know that while they are charging the customer $1.69/lb and up for fruit that the poor farmer is lucky to be getting $6.00 per box. Sheesh! What a rip-off! There truly is no respect for the farmer. I wish the general public knew or at least tried to do something about being ripped off like that!! If the price per pound at the store reflected how much the farmer received per box, the farmer would be getting about $25 per box! Okay - I'll calm down now!! Thanks for being my captive audience AND thanks for the wonderful fruit."

Associated Fruit's advocacy and efforts on behalf of the growers and family farmers reflect the realities of the marketplace. If we, consumers, have been willing to pay up to $1.90 per pound, we believe that the farmers' request for a fair price is just. In light of the preceding considerations, we still think that 27.5 cents per pound is a bare minimum. All they are asking for is for everybody to be happy. They are not too greedy after all. As consumers, we don't want the growers to get ripped off. We don't want to get ripped off in the fruit aisles either. Everyone just hopes that the grocery stores, hungry for more profits, don't pass down the new costs to shoppers.

Credits and shopping Links:

Associated Fruit Producers of California,
a cooperative of fruit growers.

Pass This Story/Press Release On
To Friends and Colleagues

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 9:16 AM

Updated: Saturday, 23 October 2004 6:45 AM

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Mood:  celebratory

March 2, -- Theodor Seuss Geisel died in 1991, after authoring dozens of books that became bedtime rituals all over the world. Adults as well as schoolchildren will celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday every year with special events across the country and the world. Teachers and celebrities will dress up like Cat in the Hat and lots of people will be reading Seuss aloud at home, in private and public places.

Special Birthday card to Dr. Seuss

Oh the Birthday We'll Have!
by Hart Seely, a reporter with the Syracuse Post-Standard

On the second of March in the hills of Na-Nupp Every Who who's a "who" down in Who-Ville shows up. The autograph seekers have lined up in clumps With the Sneetches and Snuvs and the Wockets and Wumps The Red Carpet is teeming with top paparazzi And the whole place is done up quite razz-a-ma-tazzi.

Here comes the Lorax from forestry school With a fish that he'd caught in McElligot's pool Behind him, "Sam I am" steps through the chain With the green eggs and ham he refused on the train.

Then the Grinch, with his world-famous great Grinchy sneer And Horton, the elephant with specs in each ear Then Marvin K. Mooney climbs down thru the trees In a suit by Armani with gold sequined fleas Then red fish and blue fish and not to be lazy Thidwick the Moose carries Daisy-Head Maisy.

But the Cat -- where's the Cat? -- is he stuck in L.A.? With his agents and lawyers and pipers to pay? He's finished Cat One and is filming Cat Two But just then his limousine pulls into view.

I am here, have no fear, says the Cat in the Hat. I was never not coming, it was never not that. I juggled appointments and came when I could Cause a birthday is fun and no fun is no good.

Then the Cat in the Hat, with a wink of an eye Holds a glass of red Beezlenut juice to the sky May I say, says the cat, we are here, we are here To salute you dear Doctor, we hope you are near.

On your one-hundredth birthday, we give thanks to you, "For your troubles in getting to Solla Sollew, "For the green Grickle-grass that is here for us all, "For 'a person's a person, no matter how small.' "For the fox and the Grox and the Grinch each December, "Oh, the places you took us! We'll always remember."

We celebrate all of the stories we had, When the worst things we knew really weren't that bad. A hundred years later, a gift for all time When reason was lost, Doctor, you gave us rhyme.

This poem is one of my favorite poems about Dr. Seuss. It's very funny at the same time. Hope you enjoy as I did. Please make sure to read Hart Seely in the Syracuse Post-Standard.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 8:48 AM

Updated: Saturday, 23 October 2004 6:47 AM

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Mood:  bright

Why Do I Like This Sony Memory Stick?

I was invited to two weddings and two birthday parties. I knew I needed lots of space. I did not want to run out of storage space in my two cameras. So I set out to shop. A friend of a friend put me in touch with her brother who is working for a big name software company. Afte waiting a few weeks, he was no help. The company had placed some backorders which took an eternity to arrive. So I hit the local stores to get the best deals possible. Everywhere I turned, this memory stick was priced twice as much. Costco was the most expensive.

1. A grand total of 256 MB of storage: 128 in both compartments.

2. All I needed to do after filling compartment A was to switch to compartment B. No hassles! I was ready to shoot as many pictures as before.

3. Wow, this is what I like the most from this memory stick. It stores up to 192 images at 2592 x 1944 resolution, or 1975 images at 640 x 480. You don't have to worry about missing some shots. If you consider some of the shots you can discard, you can remain sure that space is not going to be the problem. For over $100, you can't go wrong. If you can't take the Sony brand, why not consider investing in Lexar? For $65, you can have as much space as there is on the Sony. I have used both so far, to great satisfaction.

4. Superb speed, way better than the previous 128 MB. It's compatible with various models of Sony cameras.

5. Multifunctional: Use it for various things.

Posted by Fashionista Shopping Analyst at 8:29 AM

Updated: Saturday, 23 October 2004 6:48 AM

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