Daily Archives: 17 January, 2012

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Yiannis Parios sings of love at the Concert Hall

14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 February
THEYannis Parios top performer, in a very short time since the beginning of his career, he has been established in the consciousness of all of us as an expression of love and romance. His voice as well as his soul advocated and led him along the paths of this supreme human emotion.
This year filling in exactly 40 years of artistic presence, and in the midst of an unprecedented bad situation for the country, he wanted to lead us to the oasis of music and remind us of all that the "Love Song" has been offering us for so many years. Not as a parenthesis in judgment, but as a positive exhortation to the truth... Because what else is more important in the course of a lifetime than the human relationship, companionship love, love.
Songs he loved as a child,  since he was lucky enough to be born into a beautiful family bathed in the light of the Aegean, songs of great creators of past decades, as of X. Hairopoulou, Attic, K. Giannidis, Suyulbut also favorite songs of his own generation, that moved and crossed our lips and hearts.
On stage with him is the 60-member orchestra of various music of ERT, under his directionAndreas Pylarinou,  12member folk orchestra and his large choirKyriakos Tsolakis.
The direction and lighting of the show was edited byLiberty Deco.
 Source : culturenow.gr
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“You remember how the magnolias smelled in Nicaragua;» at the Michalis Kakogiannis Foundation

TheMichalis Kakogiannis Foundationpresents his workYannis Souliotis«Do you remember how the magnolias smelled in Nicaragua?;» directedGiorgos Karamichosfor only three performances onThursday 26, on Friday 27, & on Saturday 28 January 2012, at 21:00.
A sensitive one, poetic performance full of melodies and fragrances of life, which was staged for only three performances in May 2011, excited, and comes back with the best recommendations atTheater tu Foundation M. KakogiannisIs the motto of the 16th Spare Parts Bazaar26 until 28 January 2012, at 21:00. The hero of the play observes - vertically and horizontally in space and time- his life.
Memories, desires, love needs and love acrobat between two worlds. And dreams, many dreams. Infused with magnolia scent and iris hues. Voicemail messages, sms, emails… Electronic letters. Days, nights, flowers, Zoe, love, friendship, affection, smiles, anxieties, death, tears, dying ships – the sea is always alive- through a computer, that unites continents and people, but it brings with it the vast loneliness of the ocean…
Source : culturenow.gr
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Robbie Williams: “I would pay to sleep with Brad Pitt”

Robbie Williams has publicly admitted it before – and many times, that she has slept with men.

On RudeBox radio he gave the last interview of the year which could not have been … provocative.

So among other things, he stated, that if they gave him 2.000.000 pounds she could comfortably sleep with a man. And fill in: “If that man was Brad Pitt, I could do it for free or I could even pay him”!


Source : mtvgreece.gr
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"The crisis mainly affects law-abiding citizens"

Giorgos Mazonakis does not remain unaffected

Giorgos Mazonakis spoke about the crisis and how much it has affected him. The singer spoke on the show "My Breakfast".

He stated that he has been affected by the crisis like all people and that this situation has mainly affected law-abiding citizens.

He went on to say that the Greeks lived a false state, taking out, for example, a loan for every need. But the singer believes that those who have the first responsibility are those who issue the laws and teach the world a certain way of life.


Source : newsbeast.gr
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INTERVIEW : Alexander Payne exclusively

It was eventually the winner for best drama film at the Golden Globes

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, but with Greek roots, Alexander Payne – whose real name is Alexandros Konstantinos Papadopoulos – did not follow his parents' wishes that he become a doctor or a lawyer. He studied History and Spanish Literature and then directing at UCLA. Having directed a total of five feature films, became particularly famous in 2004 with "Sideways", which, including, won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director, making Payne one of Hollywood's most important directors.

Seven years passed until his new film The Descendants; a seven-year period during which the now 50-year-old Payne directed a few short films, a pilot for a TV series and developed a few projects that have yet to be filmed. Adaptation of the book of the same name by Cowie Hart Hemings, "The Descendants" takes place in Hawaii and tells the story of Matt King (George Clooney),wealthy lawyer and father of two daughters, who is forced to re-examine his life when his wife falls into a coma, after a sea accident. The balance in his life is completely turned upside down when he learns that she has been cheating on him. She begins a race to track down and confront her lover, while at the same time he is asked to decide whether he should sell the land he inherited from his ancestors. 20-year-old actress Celine Woodley, who plays his eldest daughter in the film and is nominated tonight for a Golden Globe (as well as Clooney, Payne and the film itself),was so impressed by her collaboration with the Greek-American director, who calls him one of her "five favorite people" on Earth. The truth is that most actors who have worked with him, including Clooney, praise Payne for the excellent conditions he creates on set, leaving the actors free to express themselves.
We caught up with Payne a while ago at the 55th London International Film Festival, where the "Descendants" participated - to later "open" the Thessaloniki Festival. Serious, concentrated, but at the same time kind and with a special sense of humor, spoke to us about his collaboration with Clooney – who is tipped to be in contention for the Best Actor Oscar –, his opinion on contemporary American cinema and of course his relationship with Greece.

After "Slant" and the huge success of the film, felt any pressure or anxiety about what your next step should be;"No, my job doesn't cause me any pressure. Being divorced put pressure on me (SS.: the 2006 divorced his wife, actress Sandra Oh, who played a supporting role in "Sideways", however, she became more widely known through the episodes of the television series "Grey's Anatomy"). But all these years, you know, I was not idle. Simply, both in life and in cinema, I don't feel the need to express myself, unless I really have something to say".

Your new film has already participated in many festivals. How do you feel about it?, in the sense that the film comes out relatively later in theaters; "I think festivals have amazing audiences, the most critical, but also the most generous ones. I especially love the Thessaloniki Festival, because he has supported me since I was a young director. And it is always a great pleasure for me to visit Greece, where I have my roots".

In most of your films, the place where the story takes place plays a very important role. "The Descendants" is set in Hawaii, which is not an ordinary movie destination. Was this a challenge for you?;“Being aware of the complex social web there, I thought that the film would be a "passport" to enter this very unique, admittedly, society. The basic story,how a man discovers that his dying wife has been cheating on him and decides to confront her lover, it could have been set in any place or era. But I find it very interesting that it takes place in Hawaii. Even if I do fiction films, I always have a documentary mood. THE,what is in the background – the landscapes in this case –,is affected by,what is in the foreground and vice versa. Especially in Hawaii,it's very hard to ignore the background. The feeling you get there is how grand nature is and how small you are. It's something that makes you feel humble.".

With whom, that is, Hawaii and the living conditions there influenced the film, the story and the characters; "Some critics have written about the film as having a very 'loose' and 'gentle' style. They are not wrong, in the sense that this is the atmosphere that prevails in Hawaii: business deals are made in bars by the sea, while the participants drink their drinks while wearing Hawaiian shirts. Such is everyday life there. That's why I found the contrast of how such a dramatic story unfolds in such an apparently idyllic and exotic environment extremely interesting.".

Apart from this contrast, what else fascinated you about history?; “Basically, it is the story of a 50-year-old man who is forced to grow up. The fact that his female cheats on him is the catalyst for this maturation. One of the main reasons I wanted to make this film is because Matt decides to meet his wife's lover in person and give him a chance to say goodbye to her while she's in a coma in the hospital.. That he continues to love her, even after finding out she was cheating on him, it's something that moves me. The times when it's hard to love someone, these are what interest me: the love, when it's hard".

What was it like working with young actors?; Celine Woodley had no previous film experience, while Amara Miller, who plays the little daughter, they were not actors."The character of the little daughter was much bigger in the book, but I felt that far more important was Matt's relationship with his eldest daughter. That's why I put a lot of weight into the casting for the role. I wanted an actress with great inner strength and passion, but also vulnerable. When Celine came for the audition, I knew within the first two minutes that she was the one I would choose in the end".

In Hollywood it is increasingly difficult for films dealing with "unpleasant" subjects to find financing. You encountered such difficulties with the "Descendants"; "The truth is that 'Descendants' is somehow an exception in the field of Hollywood. After I edited the book, I showed the script to the studio and shut down George Clooney, with whom we wanted to cooperate for a long time, for the lead role. He is amazing. If he believes in a director or a script, will take on the role, even if his salary is lower than,what usually, as was done in this particular case. We often get asked if I'm worried about casting a very famous actor for a role, because the audience has associated him with something specific and so the acting may not be naturalistic. But I don't think Marcello Mastroianni and Jeanne Moreau are less naturalistic in Antonioni's Night because they were big stars of the time.".

What was it that made George Clooney suitable for you for the character of MattKing?; “The fact that, despite being a star, I see something human in him, a man like all others. In other famous American actors I see simply an excessive ambition for success. But George doesn't hesitate to tarnish his image, to make fun of herself and play roles that challenge her. It has, I think so, characteristics and qualities that Mastroianni also had. They are both irresistibly charming, funny and intelligent. This I think is the main characteristic of big stars: that it is,show and remain human".

What do you think of contemporary mainstream American cinema?; "I could say a lot of negative things, but I think it would be ingratitude and hypocrisy on my part, because I am someone who can make his films. If I didn't have this possibility, then yes, I would be frustrated and angry. American directors have a great influence on the world cinema map. Most of them, Nevertheless, they don't make purely American movies, but "cartoonish", which can be easily sold and consumed everywhere. But I am interested in the national cinema. The Greek movies, for example, must concern the Greeks, to talk about Greek topics and to look Greek. One of the reasons why we love cinema,you know, it's because we want to see ourselves reflected in it. The more specific a film is, the more universal it ultimately is.".

As a spectator, what is it that you like about cinema; "Movies for me are like a magic carpet that takes me to places and emotional worlds I would never have known otherwise.. One of the main reasons why we like cinema is because it conveys experiences and because through it we can be transported to other places., other times and to "live" or see different ways of life".

As a director, you give more weight to dialogues and script or image; "I don't discuss the image! Before I decide if I want to tell a story or adapt a book, what I wonder first is whether this particular story can be told with pictures, if it's cinematic".

In "Descendants", the presence of music is very strong. How much weight do you put on your film's stomatal lining?; “I am very proud of the music in the film. It's the first time I haven't collaborated with a composer, but I thought it necessary to use only Hawaiian music. Together with my partners, listened to endless hours of Hawaiian music. We isolated the songs we liked and considered whether they fit the film, and how well they could support both comedy and drama in the story, "passion" in the ancient Greek sense of the word".

One of the themes of the film is the relationship of people with the land and their heritage. There is one particular scene where Matt expresses his views, that is why he talks about the course of his ancestors. Do you agree with what he says?; "This scene worried me. I was afraid she would look too "Hollywood". But I hope it's true to his character and the emotional journey he goes through and that viewers don't end up taking it as preachy.. In a movie, the last thing I want to do is send a certain message".

What is your relationship with your origin?; Your ancestors, your Greek roots have played a role in shaping your character; "Look, the city that has defined me is Omaha, where i was born. Naturally, Nevertheless, I am also influenced by my Greek roots. I am American and my parents were born in America, but my grandparents came from Greece. And as you will know, the Greeks of America maintain their Greekness much more than,what other peoples. Being raised as a second generation Greek has definitely influenced who I am. Many times they ask me at home: "You are ultimately American or Greek;”. I am an American, but my Greek roots, Greek culture exists in me. I think it's very good for an artist, especially for a director, to have multiple roots. It allows him to be a participatory observer of the contrasts around him and to be able to see things from different perspectives. To live the situations, but at the same time to maintain a distance from them – something that, now that i think about it, it is necessary not only in art, but also in life".
* The interview was published in BHMagazino on 15 January 2012

Source : tovima.gr
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Honda NSX: More details

Honda's new NSX supercar is now a reality, even as a concept for now. Now Honda is releasing a few more details.
Just before 2 days Honda of America presented the New NSX Concept at the Detroit Auto Show 2012 (NAIAS), which finally confirmed the rumors of hybrid technology. As we have already told you, the new NSX is expected to be launched initially in the US market under the Acura badge, and will evolve from the Honda R&D Americas, while it will be manufactured in Ohio, and will be exported to the rest of the markets.
The model will use several new technologies, such as the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD hybrid system (Super Handling All Wheel Drive), which he will use 2 electric motors with adaptive bi-directional torque control system. So the new hybrid AWD system will be able to directly produce negative or positive torque to the front wheels when the vehicle turns. Transmission will be via a dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the internal combustion engine will be a V6 arrangement and VTEC technology (direct spray).
End, the dimensions of the NSX will be 4,330×1.895×1.160 mm. for LxWxH, with the wheelbase at 2.575 mm. while it will ride on 255/35R19 tires (front) and 275/30R20 (back).

Source : autotriti.gr
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Ducati 1199 Panigale


Once again the Italians have managed to outdo themselves and create an absolutely desirable and top-of-the-line superbike. The Ducati 1199 Panigale.
Starting from blank paper, the engineers' goals were to create a motorcycle 10 kilos lighter than the model it replaces. Difficult, but not impossible, if you also consider the speed with which technology advances. Where things get complicated and make the whole Italian project extremely impressive, is the second goal.
Increase in power by 25 whole horses (!) from the same capacity, but also clearly better reliability that is also reflected in the long intervals between services. Add to the equation the new electronics that should work perfectly and occupy the least possible space and then you have before you the Italian project that seems to have been created "without compromise", as Ducati typically mentions and manages to impress in every detail.
Frame: Turn 180 degrees
For her new representative in Superbike, Ducati ditched the trademark lattice frame and adopted the aluminum monocoque solution it has also used in MotoGP for the past few years. The use of the miniature frame was only the beginning of the significant weight reduction achieved in the 1199. The latter also plays the role of the filter box and is only a part of the general "framework". Its active part is also the new Superquadro engine, which is designed to manage the forces that develop.
At the back rests a new cast aluminum subframe, significantly lighter than the previous one, as it no longer supports the exhaust which moved under the motor. In front and on top of the frame is a very light and powerful magnesium subframe. Up there rest the projector, the fairing but also the TFT information screen.
The motor has been rotated an additional six degrees on the crankcases relative to the 1198. So the engineers were able to bring him closer to the front wheel vs 32 mm. and better distribute the weight between the two wheels.
The frame geometry is also different with the caster and trail now set to 24,5 degrees and the 100 mm. respectively. The one-arm scissor is 39 mm. longer, while the wheelbase is also longer at 1.437 mm. With a medium-sized rider in the saddle, weight distribution now amounts to 52/48, from 50/50. We also have differences in ergonomics. The steering wheel has been placed higher by 10 mm. and is wider by 32 mm., with the saddle being closer to it vs 30 mm.
Motor: Mighty and desmo
The most powerful production engine Ducati has ever built is a fact. The 195 horses and the 13,5 Kgm of torque that it produces demanded its design from the beginning keeping only the contained angle of them 90 degrees and the desmodromic system of the valves.
Target, yet it was not only the top performance values ​​but also the reliability with the new service intervals set at 24.000 km. The extreme over-square dimensions were also the first major change to reach these performance numbers. The diameter jumped to 112mm. the route fell on 60,8 and together with the first, the diameters of the valves, which are now made of titanium, also increased. The export reached the 46,8 and of importing them 38,2 mm. from 43,5 and 34,5 respectively.
A big difference compared to the past can also be found in the movement of the chain and gears system instead of a belt, but also the adoption of a wet clutch instead of the classic dry one we knew until now. Significant weight savings have been achieved thanks to the new casting method for the vacuum engine cases which also increases their strength, while battery and starter weigh 3,3 kilos less. Magnesium was also used for the camshaft caps, of the clutch, of the box and sump. End, the gearbox is new with larger gears for increased durability.
Brakes: With top specifications
For its new motorcycle, Ducati could not do without a new braking system which is optionally combined with the new ABS. So the new Brembo radially mounted calipers, they are called M50 and they make their debut in 1199. They are monobloc four-pistons with a piston diameter of 30 mm. and combined with diameter discs 330 mm. At the same time it is 0,5 kilos lighter than those used by the 1198 shedding even more unsprung weight.
Posts: Both auto and manual
In this area there are two options that have to do with the base version and the S/Tricolore versions. In the first case, we have a brand new inverted and fully adjustable Marzocchi fork with fork diameters of 50 mm. It is made of aluminum and weighs one kilogram less than its predecessor 1198. In addition to the use of aluminum, this was made possible by the less oil it uses as it operates under pressure. A fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber completes the picture. In the S version both the inverted fork NIX30 of 43 mm. and the TTX36 shock absorber are electronically adjustable and belong to Ohlins.
Ducati Riding Modes: Transformers!
Its electronic systems 1199 they could in themselves draw the spotlight on the Italian company. What impresses is the absolute integration and cooperation they have with each other. At the push of a button, they change the behavior of the motorcycle, adapting it to the rider's requirements. The latter has three different options at his disposal (Race, Sport and Wet) which change the operating characteristics and interfere with the engine mapping, the operation of the Traction Control, ABS behavior, in the set up of the electronically adjustable suspensions and in the brake produced by the engine when the throttle is closed.
In several of them, the rider can also intervene individually or disable them completely. In the Race program, engine response is immediate, the Traction Control intervenes as little as possible and the ABS intervenes only on the front wheel thus allowing positioning before the turn. In Sport mode, electronic throttle response is sweeter, suspension settings are best suited to a public road, the DTC becomes more sensitive, as well as the ABS which also intervenes in the rear wheel and corrects any lifting of the latter.
The engine brake is also set at a different level. In Rain, motor performance is limited to 120 horsepower the response becomes even sweeter, DTC and ABS are more alert and DQS is disabled. Alongside, electronic suspensions gain settings for reduced grip conditions.
Help for the… ABS electronic aids
Bosch's ABS 9ME system is the latest and most advanced generation that the German company has introduced. Works with all engine performance programs (Race, Sport and Wet) changing its characteristics accordingly. In Race mode, in fact, only affects the front wheel, in order to allow the blocking of the rear wheel and the most ideal positioning before the turn. End, the system also detects any lifting of the rear wheel, activated in Sport mode and becomes even more intrusive in Rain. ABS can also be deactivated at the rider's request.
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Even more sophisticated than his 1198 Traction Control is introduced on the Panigale. Its software naturally comes from the company's racing experience in MotoGP and WSBK. He keeps them 8 default Ducati settings and intervenes initially in the ignition of the engine and if the situations require it and in the injection, cutting it off completely if necessary.
Ducati Electronic Suspension (OF THE)
The S and S Tricolore versions come standard with Ohlins electronically adjustable suspension. The rider, choosing one of the three default programs, interferes with compression and recovery, both of the fork, as well as the shock absorber. He can also choose his own settings and save them. The spring preload in both cases, it is the only one that is done by hand.
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS)
The system in question that allows the rider to change gears during acceleration, without closing the throttle or using the clutch, we first saw it on 1198. It is activated via a small switch located on the gear lever. The new model has been improved and has become even more efficient and fast.
Engine Brake Control (EBC)
This particular electronic system, as its name testifies, controls the brake produced by the engine - due to compression- when closing the throttle and helps stabilize the rear wheel, especially in cases of extreme deceleration. It does this by constantly checking the throttle opening, selected speed and crank acceleration/deceleration rate under limit braking conditions. To prevent the rear wheel from locking up, the ride by wire throttle system keeps the injection throttles slightly open thus reducing the forces developed on the rear tire.
Ducati Data Analyser+ ( DDA+)
DDA+ is the latest generation of the telemetry system developed by the Italian company. Its purpose is to record rider and motorcycle performance in a track environment and can then present them in the form of diagrams on its PC. In this latest version, it also has a GPS function thanks to which it can automatically record the rider's itinerary, it is enough for the latter to mark the starting point of the track in the system. Now also compatible with Mac.
Thin Film Transistor Information Display (TFT)
On this screen, everything is really displayed and depending on the selected operating program as well, each time a different priority is given to some indications of greater importance. For example, in the Race program, the speed indicator moves from the center of the screen to the bottom left. Its place is taken by the timer which is activated either automatically (via GPS), or from the button for the signal.
Three editions
Panigale
With Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock absorbers. Equipped with DTC, DQS, EBC and the system that changes the engine mappings. LED lights only for the seats, flash and stop.
Panigale S
The letter S makes a big difference when it comes to the electronically adjustable Ohlins suspensions that the 1199. also, it also uses LEDs for the running lights and this makes it the first production model in the world to use exclusively LEDs for its lighting.
Panigale S Tricolore
It also has ABS in its equipment as well as the DDA+ telemetry analyzer, while the front fender is also made of carbon fiber. also, the final one is made of titanium, while it carries exclusively festive colors for the 150 years since the unification of Italy.

Source : mototriti.gr