Useful tools to Brush up on your Greek

Growing up, I have always spoken some Greek, but fluency is still a goal I am striving for. I wish I had been pushed to speak it more when I was little because teaching myself Greek amongst having to work and go to school has been quite a challenge. Though, the fact that many of my friends have been faced with the same situation has made it easier because we practice speaking Greek together and push one another to keep up with it. Through all of our experiences with trying to learn Greek, we have found there are some pretty useful tools other than our fluent family members, old books from Greek school and one another. I found the following tools to be the most useful from what my friends and I have tried.

Rosetta Stone

Although it can be very expensive depending where you get it from, I found Rosetta Stone’s Modern Greek program extremely useful. It takes a different approach to learning the language by straying away from the typical college language set up and teaching the language similar to how you learn to speak your first language as a child. It begins matching simple words by sound to their written and picture form. This format continues on progressing into sentences and phrases and covers a wide range of vocabulary. If you are passionate about becoming fluent in Greek, I highly suggest this program as a helpful tool in your learning process.

Pimsleur Method

This CD set is very inexpensive and convenient since it can be played in the car or uploaded to an ipod. It teaches in 30-minute lessons that begin with the presentation of a conversation completely in Greek, then that conversation is broken down so that you may learn the vocabulary and how and why it is used in the initial conversation. It provides over 2,500 words to learn and is centered on more essential conversation to those who may often interact with fluent speakers or may be traveling to Greece. This method is a great place to start especially if you are on a budget.

Some other programs to check out are In Flight Greek, Just Listen 'N Learn Greek and Before You Know It, Greek.

Greek-American Entrepreneur

Greek-American Youth give culture a modern style

Many Americans still carry on pride in the culture from which their family originated, and that value plays a very large part in the lifestyle of many Greek Americans. Greek tradition has maintained a strong presence in America as it has been passed down through generations who have proudly grown to identify themselves as Greek-Americans. However, Greek-American youth have not only embraced Greek culture through traditional aspects but adapted it into current modern culture. A prime example of that evolution is Urban Greek Clothing, a clothing company started by Greek-American youth for Greek-American youth.

The brand emerged about three years ago and has come a long way since its humble beginnings as an idea proposed casually over coffee by current owners Theo Constantinou, 23, and Yianni Karvouunides, 21. The two Ohio natives realized their longtime aspirations for running a business together with the idea of a Greek-influenced brand, something they both identified with, and thus, Urban Greek Clothing was born.

“We wanted to create something trendy that would appeal to Greeks as a way to represent the culture every day,” Constantinou said.

After developing their initial designs, the young entrepreneurs went on to pitch the line as a combination of “the old Greek tradition with the new urban American lifestyle” and continued to work towards their goal of making Urban Greek Clothing the international brand it is today. Constantinou and Karvounides sought out distributors to support their brand and soon built relationships with many Greek establishments including Hellenic Apparel that now organizes all of their west coast sales. Their efforts also led them to become sponsors of popular Greek-American music artists of Spade Entertainment and BiggBoss Music Group including renowned Greek hip-hop talent Efiologos.
Recognizing Urban Greek Clothing's growing popularity, a New York promotions company contacted Constantinou with the idea of an official launch party. The idea not only materialized as a successful, Greek-inspired event thrown at Philadelphia's Vango Lounge, but inspired Constantinou and Karvounides to expand their brand. They created Urban Greek Entertainment, through which they now bring that same Greek-club atmosphere to Ohio.
With the passion and determination of its owners, Urban Greek Clothing and Entertainment is still going strong today despite both of its owners still being in college.

“Though it is not what I plan to do for a career, I am thankful to have it on the side and want to continue with it,” Constantinou said. “It has taught me more about business than I ever learned in a classroom, and I have met so many people I would have never known otherwise.”

Urban Greek will soon release its spring line and will sponsor a Greek night in Columbus in April. Check back for updates and visit http://www.urbangreekclothing.com/ for more information on the company and its apparel. Preview some of last season's designs below.

Easy Recipes for Lent

Lent is quickly approaching. This year Clean Monday falls on March 2nd, the kick off day for seven weeks of fasting (until Easter). Now living on my own, I have been working to remain responsible about upholding my family’s traditions. Not to mention without Ma ma’s cooking, I have been avidly working to not only learn to cook but be able to recreate my Yia Yia’s classic recipes with all the homemade tastes they are known for (quite a feat). Throughout my cooking adventures when deciding what recipe I should explore next, I have found holiday-related dishes to be a good starting point. Lent especially has a lot of restrictions, so dishes tend to be simpler. Here are a few dishes to try out during this lent season.

Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

Tomatoes
Red onion
Cucumber
Vinegar
Sea salt
Extra virgin olive oil
Orégano

Core the tomatoes and cut them lengthwise into 4 to 6 wedges. You do not want to slice them to thin because they make the bulk of your salad. Slice your onion and cucumber and add them with the tomato. Sprinkle on salt and oregano. Drizzle on vinegar and olive oil and toss together. The portions are simple to judge per serving and easily vary to preference. This dish also tastes great with fresh bread.

Lemon over Boiled Shrimp

Ingredients:

2 pounds of shrimp
Juice of one lemon
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Parsley, sea salt, pepper to taste

Remove the shells and veins from the shrimp. Add shrimp to boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes. Drain from water. In a separate bowl blend the olive oil, lemon, parsley, sea salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the shrimp.

Simple Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

½ lb. small lentils
1 lb tomatoes, pureed
4 cups water
1 onion, minced
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
Sea salt, pepper to taste

Mix the water, tomatoes, bay leaves, onion and garlic and bring to a boil. Add the lentils and olive oil and simmer covered for one hour, or until lentils are done. Take off heat. Remove bay leaves from soup and add salt and pepper. Serve with fresh bread.

Recap of Sweetheart's Ball 2009

It was another great weekend in Columbus for Sweethearts. Here are some pictures for all of you who missed out. Can't wait until next year!

Valentine's Day with a Greek Touch

Whenever I hear anyone question the origin of something, I consistently and predictably answer with some sort of explanation attributing the Greek culture, and Valentine’s Day is no different. Though Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated American holiday, its origins are rooted in Greek mythology. The chubby cherub whom Hallmark now centers its Valentine’s displays around was once known to the Greeks as the god of love, Eros. Eros was said to have been born out of Chaos and became known as the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Though the god was known to spark love amongst both gods and humans, Eros’s legend deals much with his own love affair with a human once forbidden by his mother but which finally was permitted by Zeus, father of the gods and ruler of mankind.
Though Valentine’s Day is not as much of a popular or commercialized holiday in Greece, some Greeks still acknowledge its original importance as a day to recognize and commemorate the holy marriage between Zeus and his wife, Hera. They simply celebrate with enjoyment of their appreciation of great love and romance.
Because the significance of Valentine’s Day in both American and Greece is so similar, I appreciate it being one of the less conflictive and more carefree holidays to celebrate for Greek Americans. After all, the day’s overall purpose is a positive one that luckily translates amongst most cultures, and it is that fact which makes it easy to put a proud cultural touch on your Valentine’s Day festivities (especially helpful to know if you happen to be dating a Greek girl). One of my favorite Greek merchandise websites, Greekshops.com, provides great examples of cute Valentine’s Day gifts with a Greek touch. To take a look at these, go to http://www.greekshops.com/Gifts/Romantic_Gifts.html?sdi=186.

Ευτυχισμενη μερα του Αγιου Βαλεντινου!

A Website Worth Traveling to

www.Greeka.com

Every Greek-American deserves to see his/her family’s homeland, and I for one put much planning and anticipation into my first trip to ensure the experience of my dreams. Though there are many Greek sites related to travel, this is one I think takes it a step above the rest by displaying the country as much more than just another vacation getaway. It is more than just a travel site. It supplies thorough insight on both the mainland and all of the Greek islands so that you can not only plan a trip to anywhere Greece but educate yourself on every area and that region’s atmosphere, history, traditions and current opportunities. However, Greeka.com supplies just as in depth information about the travel and touring options in Greece to help users plan, customize and prepare for every step of their visit. On top of that, the site offers general cultural information including recipes, current news links and job and real estate opportunities. You can also become a member of the site to gain access to other users’ reviews on places to stay, activities to do and tips for traveling, as well as to upload your own photos of Greece. Though this may seem like somewhat of a sales pitch, it is only because this site’s detailed variety of information is really that impressive. But besides all its data, if for no other reason, checking out the site is worth it just to see its collection of pictures cataloging what seems like every gorgeous angle of Greece. Greeka.com’s large display of high-quality, scenic photos will take your breath away, or if you’re like me, simply jumpstart the planning for your next trip.

Other Blogs to Check Out

Greek Food http://greekgourmand.blogspot.com/

Though there are many blogs about Greek food, this is one of my favorites. Sam Sotiropoulos does not only share a variety of classic, salivating Greek recipes, but also gives insight in to the history and traditions behind the food. What sets his blog apart from the rest is his explanation of what from his daily life inspired him to share each recipe. This often includes an amusing or enlightening story. Either way, I find his commentary to be reminiscent of how many Greeks in my community speak about life and food. Overall, Sam’s passion for Greek food is clear and it is that ingredient that takes his blog steps above an online recipe book. I highly suggest checking it out for great recipes and an enjoyable read.

Journey to Greece http://journey2greece.blogspot.com/

This blog was created to document the travels of the Greek-American students who participate in the annual Journey to Greece program. If you are not familiar, the Journey to Greece is a study abroad program sponsored by the AHEPA Educational Foundation. The program is specifically designed for Greek-American youth to introduce them to their Hellenic heritage, customs and traditions through college courses and sightseeing around the country. The blog gives readers a taste of what it is like to travel in Greece and some options to consider when planning on visiting the country. It is a useful site for Greek-American youth because it is linked to various related organizations and updates on other opportunities. To become more familiar with the Journey to Greece program and other valuable opportunities, take a look at this blog.

64th Annual Sweetheart’s Ball

It is time again for one of the biggest Greek dances of the year. Organized by The Ohio State University’s Orthodox nonprofit student organization, Sigma Epsilon Phi, the Sweetheart’s ball attracts Greek/Orthodox youth from across the Midwest. This year the ball will be held this Saturday Feb. 7 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. in the Union Ballroom, hors d’ oeuvres at 8:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets for the dance are $25 dollars, and tickets at the door will be $30 dollars. The Stigma Band and singer Agapi will be performing a variety of traditional Greek dance songs, and for the first time ever there will be a performance by professional belly dancers. Tasty appetizers and several bars will also be available to enjoy. This is a huge event worth traveling for, so get your tickets now and show up dressed to impress ready to socialize, dance and maybe even find a sweetheart! You can buy tickets online at:
http://sigmaepsilonphi.org.ohio-state.edu/Sigma_Epsilon_Phi/Sweethearts.html.

Following tradition, there will also be a pre-party the night before. This year the Brewery District’s CBR Bar at 503 South Front St. will be hosting the party to help start the weekend off right. Come hear Urban Greek’s DJ T&S play your favorite Modern and Classic Greek dance music with an opening hiphop set by DJ Giovanny. You must be 18+ to enter. There will be a five dollar cover for those 21+, and a $10 dollar cover for those 18+. Doors open at 10 p.m.
I strongly encourage you to attend and bring friends. Everyone is welcome, Greek or not. It is a great weekend-long event to experience, and one that I never miss. Hope to see you there!

Thanos Petrelis North American Tour 2009

Thanos Petrelis, platinum selling artist known for his powerful voice and Modern Laika pop style, is currently touring with many stops across the United States. Though sales of his four albums he has released have brought him much fame, Petrelis sparked his career performing in a variety of Greek clubs and is wonderful live. If you have never been to a concert highlighting a Greek artist, I highly suggest attending. It is a great party and fun way to socialize with Greek-Americans from across the nation. For more information check the site below.

http://www.petrelisamericantour.com/