A while back The Huffington Post, run by Greek American Arianna Huffington, posted an article entitled “9 Books That Make You Undatable.” Among the books was Jack Kerouac’s On the Road.
The reason? Well, according to The Huffington Post, liking On the Road signals commitment issues and money woes.
Apparently no one ever reads a book for its literary merits or for pure escapism.
You may also like:
On the Highway of Love, Jack Kerouac Divides Men and Women
January 1 marked the anniversary of my blog! Thank you all for your support and encouragement of my writing and blogging. It means so much to me that you take the time to read and comment on my blog entries.
I just reviewed a report of my year in blogging, and it’s been a good year!
Here’s a recap of my most viewed posts of 2012:
Notice anything interesting? They all have to do with Greece, and four out of five of them have to do with Greek beauty and fashion. Despite the fact that most of my blogging efforts this past year were about Jack Kerouac, not a single Kerouac-related entry made it into the top 5.
Two out of the above-mentioned blog posts didn’t receive any comments, despite being popular views. My most commented on post of the year was:
That just goes to show you that comments and views aren’t necessarily correlated.
What were your favorite posts from 2012?
This past year, we’ve seen the power of water when Hurricane Sandy hit, devastating homes, businesses, and even lives. And yet water remains critical to our existence:
Water is a dichotomy of life and death.
I once saw a priest in Brooklyn throw a cross into the muddy waters of the Hudson. It was a frigid January day, yet a bunch of boys jumped into the river to save the cross.
What would possess a priest to throw a cross into the river?
Theophany; or, as most westerners call it, Epiphany.
The word “Theophany” comes from the Greek “τα Θεοφάνια,” which means “appearance of God,” and January 6 is the feast day that commemorates the incarnation of Jesus. It celebrates His birth and baptism.
When St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, the heavens opened up and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove. God spoke from the heavens, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matt 3:17, NIV). It marked one of the very few times that all three characters of the Trinity—Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God—revealed themselves at the same time to man.
Jesus’ baptism marks His first step toward Crucifixion, according to Orthodox theology.
And so, on January 6, Orthodox priests throughout the world throw crosses, symbolic of Jesus’ crucifixion, into bodies of water, symbolic of His baptism. This is called the Blessing of the Waters. Volunteers jump into the water to retrieve the cross. The priest, according to tradition, prays a blessing on the person who gets to the cross first and brings it back to him.
Here’s the Troparion (tone 4) from the Eve and Afterfeast hymn, which has some powerful imagery:
The River Jordan receded of old by the mantle of Elisha when Elijah ascended into heaven; and the water was separated to this side and that, the wet element turning into a dry path for Him, being truly a symbol of Baptism, by which we cross the path of transient age. Christ appeared in the Jordan to sanctify its waters.
Parts of this post were first published on my blog in 2011 and 2012.
For my name day, my family took me to Delray Beach, Florida. It’s a cute little oceanside town with lots of restaurants, antique shops, surf shops, and galleries. My favorite part of the trip was looking in the display cases at the antique store with my mom. When I was a little girl, she used to always take me with her to the antique stores we both loved so much. When we all moved, we had to give up a lot of our family heirlooms. Tea cups from my grandma’s side of the family. Handmade doilies from my yiayia’s side of the family. Exquisite purchases my parents had made when decorating their own home. I loved reminiscing with my mom in Delray Beach.
Photo via Cupcake Couture.
We also went to a super adorable cupcake shop my sister loves called Cupcake Couture. All the cupcakes are named after fashion designers. I got the Jean Paul Peanutier, pictured above. So yummy! The frosting was a light whipped peanut butter. Oh my gosh, I’m salivating just thinking about it.
Photo via Wags to Riches.
We also stopped into a fancy pet shop called Wags to Riches. It was the type of place that sold rhinestone collars and designer-looking clothes in miniature form for dogs. They had some adorable puppies. I’m currently looking for an apartment right now that will allow pets because I’d like to get a dog of my own. I’m thinking of getting a Maltese. If you’ve ever had one, let me know in the comments section if they’re easy to train. Otherwise, I might get a poodle, which is what I had growing up.
After Delray Beach we went out to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. It wasn’t my choice, and it was bittersweet for me. The last time I’d been to that particular Cheesecake Factory was with my grandma, who has since passed away.
Have you ever noticed that Greek families all seem to be named after the same relative? It’s customary in Greek culture to name the firstborn boy after his papou, the father’s father, and the firstborn girl after her yiayia, the father’s mother. Subsequent children are named after the mother’s side of the family.
According to the Greek Orthodox faith, though, children are supposed to be named after the saint whose feast day they are born on.
A child born on December 27 would be named after Saint Stephen. Stephen was one of the first deacons of the Church. However, after a vicious argument, he was accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death by stoning. Standing up for himself and his beliefs, he said that those Church leaders were the very people who persecuted the prophets. He is now recognized as a martyr.
The name “Stephen” comes from the Greek word “stephanos,” which translates to “crowned.”
My birthday is not December 27 nor was my yiayia’s name Stephania, so my name is a bit of a break from the Greek culture. I’m actually named after my father’s stepfather. And yes, family reunions can get a bit confusing, with my cousin Stefanos and I both responding to “Stef.”
Today I’ll be celebrating my name with my family!
How did you get your name? Do you celebrate your name day?
Whether you’re giving a Greek American a taste of their homeland when they can’t make it back for the holidays or satiating a Hellenophile’s interest in Greek culture, there are countless foods, books, beauty products, and jewelry that will suit your needs. Plus, select a gift made in Greece and you’ll also be supporting the struggling Greek economy. Here’s just a small selection of Greek gift ideas, some made in the States, some in Greece, and others elsewhere, but all unique and lovely.
Gifts for the Greek food lover:::
Kokkari: Contemporary Greek Flavors by Janet Fletcher
How to Roast a Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking by Michael Psilakis
A selection of delicious dressings and marinades from Sophia’s Gourmet Foods
A selection of three different flavors of honey from Odysea Shop
Traditional Greek preserves (rose petal and pergamot) by Monastiri
Bonus tip! – Gifts appear so much nicer when they come as a set. You may want to give a cookbook with some Greek spices. A duo or trio of a certain type of product (such as honey or olive oil) is a great way for the recipient to try out a few flavors. Or, you may want to give a gift basket of assorted Greek candies.
Gifts for someone who loves Greek literature:::
Antigonick by Sophocles, translated by Anne Carson, illustrations by Bianca Stone
The Greek Poets: Homer to Present by Peter Constantine
The Odyssey: A Pop-up Book by Sam Ita
Holidays on Ice by David Sederis
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Traveling with Pomegranates by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor
Subscription to Greek America Magazine
Bonus tip! – Trying pairing the book with a book light, a notebook and pen, a bookmark with a quote by a Greek philosopher, or a coffee mug (maybe even with a bag of Greek coffee).
Gifts to make someone feel like a beautiful and pampered Greek goddess:::
Beauty products from Korres. I would especially recommend Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial. You can read my review here.
Olive oil body lotion by Olivia
Jewelry by Konstantino
Bonus tip! – Include a lovely handwritten letter. A bottle of Greek wine (here’s my review of the Greek American wine Pindar) or some fine Greek chocolates (here’s my review of the Greek American chocolatier Chocolate Moderne) would also make someone feel loved and pampered.
As the Greek proverb says, “A gift, though small, is welcome.”
What mistakes of the Beat Generation would I most like to correct?
What role did Greek immigrants play in Jack Kerouac’s life?
How would I spend a day with Gregory Corso?
What does Greek philosophy have to do with Beat writing?
Am I a Beat??
Find out my answers at Blues.Gr!
Athens-based writer Michael Limnios has been interviewing people associated with the Beat Generation for Blues.Gr. He has an impressive catalog of interviews, featuring such names as Amiri Baraka, Helen Weaver, Levi Asher, Dennis McNally, and so many other fascinating figures. I don’t know how I ever got lucky enough to be even remotely associated with these people, but I’m honored. Michael asks unique questions so the interviews touch on aspects of the so-called Beat Generation that aren’t always addressed.
Next time I’m in Greece, I’ll have to see if he’s available to sit down in the platea and chat about the Beats and jazz and rembetiko over a glass of ouzo!
Just got word that the MTA is shutting down at 7 tonight for Hurricane Sandy. Doesn’t make much difference to me. I’ve been stuck sick in bed for two days. Yesterday, started out well enough. I went to Barnes & Noble and got a Pumpkin Spice latte and Dutch Apple cheesecake and then braved the grocery store. Grocery shopping in New York City is always a nightmare with too many people and tight aisles, but yesterday was nuts as people were preparing for the storm. It was like trying to shop the day before Thanksgiving. I bought ingredients to make broccoli soup from a recipe out of one of the cookbooks I edited and fortunately made it before I got to feeling too sick so now I don’t have to cook at all. I can just sit in bed and watch a million episodes of Color Splash, my favorite interior decorating show, and dream up my perfect home.
Are you prepared for Hurricane Sandy?
If you’re like me and totally unprepared for any sort of emergency and don’t own a flashlight, shame on you! By now, all the flashlights are gone. Even finding candles in the drugstores is getting hard. Get creative. Barnes & Noble* sells a wide variety of battery-operated reading lights. Just because it’s for reading, doesn’t mean you can’t use it to find your can opener if the lights go out.
While you’re there, pick up the Barnes & Noble* ereader the nook if you don’t already have one. Charge it up pronto and download some books. If the power is out for a long time, you’ll have plenty of reading material. My book recommendation is Jack Kerouac’s Dr. Sax — perfect for Halloween.
It’s still a good idea to have some candles on hand. If you can’t find any at the drugstore or grocery store, that’s okay. Class it up with some scented candles from Bath & Body Works. I picked up the Cranberry Woods and Lemon ones during their 2-for-1 sale.
Speaking of scents, if we don’t have access to water that means you won’t be able to shower. I suggest some perfume or body splash to keep you smelling fresh. I’ve got Bath & Body Works‘ Plumeria body splash (which always makes me think of my Hawaiian friend from undergrad).
Now you may not be able to wash your hair but you can use an oil-absorbing dry shampoo. I’ve used the TRESemme dry shampoo with mixed results. That said, I do favor their regular shampoo and condition. And, they don’t test on animals.
Another great animal- and eco-friendly company is The Body Shop, where I’ve been shopping since middle school. I love the Tea Tree Oil line, and today stocked up on their cleansing wipes in case I won’t have access to water to wash my face.
While at The Body Shop, I also picked up anti-bacterial hand sanitzers in my most favorite scents satsuma and pink grapefruit. I normally advise against these sorts of anti-bacterial hand sanitizers because I fear using it will lead to the creation of a resistant super-bug, but hey, you’ve got to have clean hands somehow if there isn’t good old-fashioned soap and water. Plus these ones smell amazing, unlike some brands that smell like rubbing alcohol.
If you wear contacts, keep your stylish glasses in an easy to locate place. In fact, make a to-go bag of all your critical necessities (medication, keys, cash, etc.).
Now in terms of food, non-perishables does not have to mean SPAM! There are lots of great foods that are either non-perishable or that don’t require cooking. Go Greek with canned domathes, Kalamata olive spread, raw almonds, honey on bread, and sesame candies.
How are you staying storm stylin’?
*I work for a subsidiary of Barnes & Noble.
The Greek American Fashion Week Show concluded with the Spring/Summer 2013 collection by Timothy George. Learning through apprenticeships at highly respected garment factories, George debuted work that was pure luxury. His designs looked expensive both in materials used and cuts.
George used beautiful French and Italian fabric. The most stunning fabric was a lightweight teal erupting with raised, soft-looking orange dots. This surreal and gorgeous fabric was used for a wrap blouse, a t-shirt, and a skirt. Pairing them with a high-sheen orange skirt or with a more neutral and plain top or bottom showed how versatile this otherworldly cloth could be. Other fabrics included softer ones, which were masterfully cut to bring a formality to their delicateness or were draped and billowed to promote their femininity. Other fabrics, on the other hand, were tough and high-sheen. With a high-end aesthetic, the collection reflected beauty, extravagance, strength, and femininity.
Timothy George is based in Midtown Manhattan.
Of the four designers showing their Spring/Summer 2013 collections at the Greek American Fashion Week Show, only Angelo Lambrou debuted a wedding gown. The fashion show’s founder and emcee Maria Pardalis, who looked gorgeous in one of Lambrou’s dresses (see pic here), described Lambrou’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection as “African tribal bridal.” The all-white wedding gown made use of folds and folds of cloth, capturing movement and conjuring drama.
Another dress in his collection kept that billowy white skirt but swapped out the top for a polka-dotted red strapless top. It’s perfect for bride who wants a wedding dress with unique personality. It doesn’t have to be worn as a wedding dress, though. It could also be worn to a fancy summer soiree, say a moonlit cruise. An alternate version was that same dress but with a black bottom. This looked even more like evening wear. What caught my attention was the accessorizing — check out those fantastic statement necklaces!
In addition to the rollicking-waves dresses, there were also sleek evening dresses and smart daytime dresses. The sleek evening dress was classic, a true wardrobe staple. The daytime dresses had a retro vibe with stripes, polka dots, and thick piping. They were flirty in a campy sort of way. Very adorable.
Angelo Lambrou is based in the East Village here in New York now, but he was born in Southern Africa to Greek-Cypriot parents. He studied fashion in Johannesburg and London before returning to Botswana to start his own fashion line. He worked with Miss Botswana in 1999 and designed all the contestants’ dresses for the 2000 Miss Universe competition; he dressed Patti LaBelle for the 2002 Grammy Awards and Maria Bello for the Secret Window premier.
Stephanie Nikolopoulos is a writer, editor, writing teacher, and speaker based in New York City.
She is the coauthor, with Paul Maher Jr., of "Burning Furiously Beautiful: The True Story of Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road.'"
You can email her at stephanie_701 {@} yahoo.com
Stephanie Nikolopoulos 