A lost generation

   So, yesterday (or, to be more accurate, last night), the government decided (under the caring advice of the U.N. "if you don't vote it, you're out") to vote the new mnemonium. It will be the third that this country's people will have to endure and it will make the situation even more insufferable. Of course, some people gathered to protest it down at Syntagma square in front of the Parliament but this government is an old fox at breaking up peaceful displays of dispute (plant a few policemen to pose as hooligans among the crowd, turn into a war zone, break it up with tear gas and some water tanks and everyone goes home). 
   Last night it was the Parliament workers' turn to lose their rights. They were to be treated from now on as typical employees and not get any "special treatment" if the new law was to pass. So said the minister of financial affairs. But that caused a riot inside the Parliament itself, which was followed by a strike. The politicians were now afraid for their safety, so the finance minister was forced to withdraw the statement.
   Things got worse last night for the Greek people. Again. From now on, it is law that if you want to go into a hospital, you need to pay a 25 euro ticket. You're not allowed to get sick have you not the money for it. Also, people that have been working in companies for years are about to get sacked and their compensation will be next to nothing compared to the work they put in. And yet, the deputies are still making thousands per month. Nothing ever touches that.
   So what did the people themselves have to say about this? Why does this keep happening? Well, apart from the hundred-something thousand that gathered in front of the Parliament last night (but quickly split), none of the people seem to understand just what is going on anymore. It's more than obvious that the Greeks have given up. Considering they can't change anything since this country is run by a couple of hundred people, they just don't bother with it anymore.
   If the impact that these measures will have on the Greek person's everyday life was comprehended by everyone, there would've been at least a million people in the streets last night. Fighting for their rights. Fighting for their children's rights. Making sure that these laws never see the light of day.
   But it's easier and much more comfortable to just sit at home, on your bed, in front of the pc or the tv and just watch everything get taken away from you, thinking "what can I do about it?". Which is exactly why this has happened to this country. 
   There is nothing left to lose. One of the ministers claimed that if these measures were not to pass, then there would be no meaning to talk about employment cause there would be no jobs left in Greece. HE is the employment minister! Has he recently checked the unempoyment rate, I wonder? Whether Greece stays in the euro or returns to the drachma it's one and the same, since most people can't afford stuff anyway.
   So Greece is only in the eurozone for a few thousand people, who can still afford luxuries like a full shopping cart or medication! Because, yes, those are now considered luxuries in this land. A democratic land in which three hundred people, that have no idea of the side affects of the laws, since they consider themselves above them, get to create them as they wish and force them upon 9,5 million others. 
   People work eight (maybe more) hours a day for 500 euros a month, have no health insurance, get sacked with no compensation, can't afford to even get sick... Especially the young people's faces are full of misery, disappointment, emptyness, helplessness. It's so sad to see an entire generation just give up. They don't even talk about it anymore.
   It's true that Greeks have been selfish in the past. Not just when it comes to politics, but in a lot of matters. Even in the war there were those who dobbed upon their friends to the Germans just for their own personal freedom and gain. Nothing's changed. My personal opinion is that Greece is now paying off a debt that it has owed for centuries. It's just so sad for this generation to have to carry such a burden.

Age has nothing to do with life lessons...

   Before I begin, I would like to specify that this concerns a personal matter. It is in fact something that has happened to me recently and that gave me another important life lesson. One I thought I knew but soon came to realize there is a world of difference between saying you know something and actually having the knowledge of it.
   I won't go into detail just to protect the other person's name, but I will say this: even though sometimes we may be older than others, that doesn't really say anything about us. Yes, we are supposed to act more mature and more responsible, but life is so unpredictable that you just don't know what's waiting for you around the corner.
   So yes, this does indeed involve me and another person of a somewhat younger age. A much younger age actually. Not that that has anything to do with it, just to throw some salt on the wound. A few years back, during some classes I was taking (and let me tell you, I've been taking those classes seriously and vigorously), I came across a couple of children of a higher level than I was. And, along with everyone else in those classes, even though we competed, we started to learn more about each other and become friends. I began to make other friends in these classes as well. Until I felt part of one big family. And you know how it goes with families, some people you're closer with, others you're not, but they're all there. And you subconsciously miss them if they're not. This is kinda what I began to feel in time.
   Along that big family came those two children of the same age. Twins, I think. One boy, one girl. They showed me a lot of respect for the effort I was putting into these classes and they were growing quite fond of me. It gave me some confidence as well. That if others are believing in me, then I should believe in myself a bit more. I felt capable, stronger. All because of a pat on the back, a joke or a "good work!". (You wouldn't believe how far a little recognition can get you!) And I was responding to it, of course. Trying to give back the strength they had given me. Not just them, but everyone. I felt great at that time!
   But, as they say, it was just the calm before the storm. During one of our exams for these classes, I found out something that I just thought was too hard to accept. This man, this horrible person, and one of the people responsible for countless futures lost, unimaginable tragedies, suicides, poverty, so many others suffering (and I could go on for a while), this guy had come to see our exams! The reason? To watch his two children, the ones that were spurring me on and pushing me forward, the ones that I considered my friends and part of my new family! I passed the exam, but it didn't even matter to me. I felt angry, bitter! I didn't know what to believe anymore. I quickly tried to erase them from everywhere (Facebook, my life, etc.) and not have anything to do with them. 
   Some sound advice and some days to think made me realize that this was a big mistake. It didn't matter where they came from, all that mattered was who they were. That's what everyone around me said when I asked them. It wasn't their fault that they were born there. I tried to accept that, I tried to understand that they were too young to comprehend anything that's going on around them, to imagine the difficult life they must have because of who their father is and just forget about the whole thing... But the damage was already done. On both sides...
   Deleting someone from your facebook profile and then sending them a friend request two days later always raises questions. So you can imagine that I was asked about it when I did it. And, as a loyal fan of speaking my mind, I told the young girl everything when she asked me. What I got in return for my honesty was viciousness, mean looks, and not a single word out of her mouth for about four months now. I don't blame her really... "I-didn't-know-who-you-were-so-then-I-hated-you-for-it-but-now-I-changed-my-mind-and-I-like-you-again...", sounds kind of a lame excuse. But also, she was kinda hurt because she thought she had found a friend in me.
   Since then I've been having a bit of a mental torment. This especially cannot be helped when you have nothing to do, so you sit around thinking about stuff. On the one hand, I have the children of a man because of who I and many others are without a job, without money, without dreams. I've ended up hating this country because of the likes of him and I'm forced to leave. And those kids have a great life thanks to all the sacrifices that our people were forced to make! We weren't even asked about it! (Even though the people are as much to blame for this situation as the politicians, but I think I've analyzed that in a different post).
   On the other hand though, there's two great personalities, two fun kids that have never acted like they're higher above anyone. That have worked their butts off to prove that they're not just daddy's little kids, but something on their own. That have had to carry a burden since birth of about 9,5 million people cursing their father's, or even their whole family's name. And yet, even at such a young age they have the courage and the maturity to realize it and turn the other cheek, to smile at their hardships, to be kind, polite, happy and independent.
   It took me a while but I understood that I don't have the right to even look at that little girl anymore. I had ten years on her and yet, she made me look like a ten-year-old. I hurt her feelings but her maturity in handling the situation made me mad at first, so mad in fact that I even held a grudge. I was being foolish. The lesson I got from that 15-year-old girl was that it doesn't matter if a person is born in an alley or in Buckingham Palace. All that matters is what's inside of them.
   Yes, her father was yet again last night (one of the ones) responsible for who knows how many people to lose their jobs and get little to no compensation for it. Yes, I was mad, like the rest of this country. But that's another story, for another topic. A lesson hard learned.
   For what it's worth, and if you ever read this, I'm sorry...

Where do idols come from...

  As children we all have people that we look up to. People that we idolize. People that we admire and that we wish we could be like them. Since we're only young it's sort of like our duty to receive positive inspirations and when asked about what we want to do with ourselves give a response in the likes of "I want to be a doctor" or something. It's not like anyone takes our musings seriously anyway, but to us these first impressions are dead serious.
   For a child to receive a positive inspiration is easy. He could just see his mother or father working and say "I wanna be like them when I grow up". The difficulty comes when the child starts to grow. When the child gets older and it begins to understand and better perceive it's surroundings. That's when it's "inspirations" need to be steadier than ever.
   It's easy for an idol to crumble. And when that happens, when a child loses faith in what it believed in (or, even worse, if it finds out it was a lie), it can be difficult for it to believe in people again, let alone idolize or find inspiration. This especially can't be helped with the teenage generation when everything appears much bigger an issue than it really is.
   The only answer to this is for the children to be able to have faith in their idols. No matter the difficulties they need to be able to look up to them and communicate with them. A healthy parent-child relationship is exactly what is needed for the next generation to be able to steadily take it's place. 
   Eventually those children grow up to be the ones that will be admired. It is the previous generations duty to guide them, help them out however they can and show them the way so they can eventually become strong people. People with confidence that know their path in life and will use all their previous experiences to their own benefit.
   But, taking a good look at today's generation, one can't help but feel a little sad. At the legacy left to us by our predecessors and by the one we will leave to the ones that will come after us. Children of rich families unable to communicate with their parents and turning to drugs and alcohol. Poor children not able to create a future for themselves or that are forced to leave their friends and family behind to go abroad. And the situation is only going to get worse.
   At the end of the day, all we have is each other. And we need to let each other know as often as possible. Because knowing you'll always be welcome, no matter how much has changed... That's what having a home is all about.

The big city

   Good evening to all. I realize it has been quite a while since I wrote anything here but I've just been busy. Collecting life experiences can be time-consuming! It is amazing how much stuff a person can learn in just a matter of days. And one way to accomplish that is by traveling. I personally traveled to London not too long ago. And let me tell you it was something I will never forget!
   One of the main things that struck me about the city was the massive amount of people that surrounded me constantly. Whether I was going sight-seeing, out to lunch or to see a soccer game, I always had an incredible amount of people around me. Going somewhere, returning from somewhere, who knows? But they all seemed so distant, so much that if you were lost and wanted to ask for directions, you would hesitate, since people there didn't really seem open to talking to strangers. I got the feeling there was a security issue in that place.
   Another thing that came to make that feeling even stronger was the high level of security that was enveloping the entire city. Either in the underground or in the streets or even in a taxi, everything was constantly monitored and safe-guarded. I, as a newcomer, had the impression that something awful had happened in this place and they were doing their best for it never to occur again.
   Of course that's not to say that London was short on entertainment! Far from it actually! Anyone who has been knows that whichever station of the underground you get off at, there's something fun to do. Whether riding the London Eye at Westminster (across the Thames), going to the London Dungeon at the London Bridge, having dinner at Canary Wharf or out clubbing at Soho near Leicester, there's always something to do at any hour of the day!
   The living there ain't so rough either. With basic monthly expenses that come up to about 1200 pounds and monthly salaries that begin from about 950 pounds, it could be pretty easy to embark on a new life adventure in London, provided you are proper organized. One of the main concerns of a person attempting this though, would be food and transport, as costs for transportation (mainly underground and buses) and daily shopping are quite high.
   Another thing I did not see in my short stay in London (although I could be wrong about it) was a getaway. A place for people to go running or jogging or riding their bicycles in (an equivalent to New York's Central Park, if you may). A place where people can go to get away from their daily routine and just relax. I heard this complaint from people who were living in London. That they don't have any getaway's. They're stuck in the big city.
   Apart from that it's a massive place in which you can easily get lost in and just as easily lose yourself in. It has something for everyone and it really takes a lot of effort for someone to actually get bored there. Quite an experience! 

Dear Mr. Hildebrand...

   Having recently read an article on the Australian "Daily Telegraph" by Joe Hildebrand ( http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/joehildebrand/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/exclusive_the_rise_and_fall_of_civilisation/ ), it would be appropriate to make a few remarks on it, seeing from both sides of the same coin.
   Mr. Hildebrand is indeed right for the most of the article. He came to Greece to do research and research he did. He discovered the facts that have led the Greek people down this road, or at least SOME of those facts.
   It would be quite a false statement if one were to say that the Greeks were cautious and careful people. No. This would be a lie. They have a deep seeded need for expenditure, even if they know that it is beyond their reach. They have a saying that "poverty demands a good time", which translates to spending every little dime they are able to get their hands on since they won't be able to do anything useful with it anyway.
   Greeks are like this for a number of reasons. Firstly, because of their vanity. They do not want to be called stingy. They give to others even if they don't have for themselves. Second, they like having a good time. There's a reason this place is known as a paradise for holidays. People here know how to enjoy themselves, no matter the cost. And lastly because they don't like to think about tomorrow. Greeks are lazy. They do not want to think about going to work the next day or any other responsibilities they may have. And the unemployed ones just like to leave their worries behind them.
   As for Mr. Hildebrand's example, yes many stores do this. They try to keep the few customers they have so that they may approach other customers as well. So they end up wasting a lot of their provisions just for one or two tables (since in this case we were talking about a restaurant).
   But when we say that Greek people are big spenders, we mean all the Greeks. From the common folk to the ones in charge. And it is mostly because of those people's never ending love for expenditure, that the country is in the sorry state that it is in today.
    The few Greeks remaining that actually have jobs though (and this is worth remarking) are among the most hard-working people across Europe. They are forced to do the labor of their colleagues that the companies had to let go (because they weren't making enough profit), so they end up doing 11 and 12 hour shifts and getting next to nothing for it.
   So, yes, Greeks are lazy, frivolous and financially unstable, but when it comes down to it and they have to work, they get the job done. All this country needs is some better guidance.

Champions League predictions

   Hey mates! Great day today for European football and, since the sports journalist inside is never asleep, I thought we might take a look at the Champions League draw. Let's start of the group stage.
   In the first group it's gonna be a tough battle. We have Porto, who are never an underdog, Dynamo Kyiv, who have been showing up in at least the final 8 of the Europa League these past couple of years, Paris Saint-Germain, who have become quite a respectable power in European football and Dynamo Zagreb who never gives up. This draw was really lucky for PSG in their return to top-notch football. But, they are known for their inconsistencies since they let the title slip away to Montpellier last season, and that's something that they won't be able to get away with against the likes of Porto and Kiev. But, with a bit of help from Zlatan, they should be alright. Porto should be along for the ride in second.
   In Group B we have a case of dejavu. Just like last year, we have a group of Arsenal, Olympiacos, a German team (Schalke) and a French team (Montpellier). Unless newcomers Montpellier (who have lost a lot of firepower this summer like Giroud who went to Arsenal) are able to pull a rabbit out of their hat, we'll go with Arsenal and Schalke for this group.
   The third group is a bit of an anything-can-happen situation. We have AC Milan, Zenith, Anderlecht and Malaga from Spain. It makes sense that Milan and Malaga would be pointed out as favorites, but when we're talking about a Milan side that lost Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Nocerino and Seedorf without making a single addition (with the exception of Pazzini), then we understand how things get complicated. If we add to that the fact that they are going up against the Russian champions who have been showing up in the group stages for the past several years and the Belgian champions who are capable for the best and the worst... we could get some excitement from this group.
   But if you think that group is exciting, wait for group D! Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund! Four champions from four of the best championships across Europe! Of course everyone will be watching the Real Madrid-Man. City games! For this group, it looks like a done deal, but since I've seen both Dortmund and City's European performances, I'll say let's hold off for that second place just a little while longer.
   Group E is a no-brainer. The champions, Chelsea, up against the likes of Shakhtar, Juventus and Nordjelland. It's nice to see the vecchia signiora back in the Champions League though. It just didn't feel quite the same without them. I'll be hoping they get second place in this group.
   Group F has a flashback of the 2001 final where FC Bayern Munich faced off against Valencia. Joining them in the group will be Lille OSC Metropole and FC BATE Borisov from Belarus. Considering how powerful both last season's runners-up and the Spanish bats are, it will be nothing short of a shocker if Lille manages to sneak in between them.
   Group G is similar to E. Barcelona is paired up with SL Benfica, Spartak Moscow and Celtic. Portuguese football is on the rise these past few seasons so let's go with Benfica for second, keeping in mind that anything is possible with the likes of Celtic and any Russian team.
  Group H is pretty much the same deal. Although Manchester United will have to be extra cautious against SC Braga, Galatasaray SK and Cluj, if they don't want a repeat of last season's shameful exit (knocked out by FC Basel). Considering that they'll be topping the group, second place might be going to Galata. The Turkish champions have been on the rise for quite a while now and have a team full of experienced players.
   After all this is said and done, let's try and take a shot at this years champion, shall we? Even though the two Spanish gallants seem strong for yet another season, it doesn't look possible for either of them to be in the final. Mourinho's messed up locker rooms and Barca's new coach seem to be obstacles that they cannot overcome in front of stronger opponents. The English teams are looking good (with the exception of Arsenal). Robin Van Persie is adapting well to his new environment in United and City have the same solid unit from last year, so we expect them to come back stronger in this tournament. Chelsea may have lost Drogba and Anelka, but they replaced them in the best possible way! Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Brazilian midfielder Oscar are more than sufficient to cover up the losses. FC Bayern is also in top shape! With the addition of Mario Mandzukic and Javi Martinez among others to back up the efforts of Ribery and Robben, the Bavarians are more than likely to take home what they were so close to in last season's cliffhanger final. As for an upset, if Paris Saint-Germain can manage to create a good enough team, then they may have a shot at the final four of the competition. They have become quite stronger in the last two years and it would be refreshing to see some new faces.
   Overall, this looks like Chelsea's tournament, at the moment. But this is so unpredictable that anything can happen. Which is why it's so fun to watch!

That special thing...

   This one isn't going to be a long one...  I was just listening to some of my favorite tracks and, while listening, I had a thought. Everyone has something special in their lives that inspires them to do what they do. Without this inspiration people wouldn't be able to tap into their hidden potential (of course the inspiration could just be the beginning of it, or the main reason).
   For some their inspiration is the person that they love. They take one look at them and they get all the inspiration that they need. To go, to keep going and to push themselves to become even better. So that they can become a better person for their other half. 
   Others look at other people and become inspired. Like someone might look at a good singer and try to imitate them. And eventually set a goal to be as good as their role model.
  And others just have a dream. Something in their minds that keeps them going. That someday they will be able to accomplish something good, something important, something that they want. And that's what keeps them going.
   Of course it could as well be a compilation of these reasons. Like, someone could have a role model and a personal dream. But I personally think that we don't need more than one reason to get inspired to do something good. Something special!