Welcome, 77 artists, 40 different points of Attica welcomes you by singing Erotokritos an epic romance written at 1713 by Vitsentzos Kornaros
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
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Lawsuit Alleges Mobile Ad Company Velti Misled Investors About Payments From Europe (VELT)
Fresh off last week's news of a dismal second quarter, investors slapped the mobile ad tech firm Velti with a class-action lawsuit saying the company misled shareholders by claiming for more than two years it could recover money owed by customers in Greece and Cyprus.
Velti announced in an earnings report Aug. 20 that it was taking a write-down of $111 million to reflect its inability to recover these payments. The disclosure sent the company's stock price tumbling from $1 to $0.34 per share over the course of one day. Q2 revenue was .2 million, a decrease of 47 percent.
The suit, filed last week in the Northern District of California, is the latest black eye for one of the biggest companies in the mobile ad world. In May, Velti laid off about 200 of its 1,125 employees. Earlier this month, app developers were saying Velti owed them money in exchange for allowing the company to sell their inventory on its Mobclix exchange.
The investor suit targets Velti and three current and former executives: CEO Alex Moukas, CFO Jeffrey G. Ross, and former CFO Wilson W. Cheung.
The woman who filed the complaint, Anika R. Rieckborn, alleges that prior to the write-down, the company had willfully failed to disclose the issues it was having collecting money it was owed, dating back to the prospectus the company issued prior to its January 2011 initial public offering. Rieckborn claims that even when probed by an analyst during a May 2012 conference call, Cheung failed to alert investors that the money was uncollectable.
The suit was filed on behalf of all people who held Velti stock between Jan. 27, 2011 and Aug. 20, 2013, a proposed class Rieckborn says numbers in either the hundreds or the thousands.
Velti did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
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RANKED: The 11 Best Dog Breeds
Editor's note: Due to some technical difficulties yesterday, we were unable to post this list on August 26, National Dog Day. But we couldn't resist posting it today. Enjoy!
Dogs are the best.
Incredibly loyal, they comfort, protect, and love their humans unconditionally, making dogs superior to any other pet out there.
But not all dogs are created equal. These are the 11 best dog breeds, based on factors including health, personality, and overall popularity.
11. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese water dogs were originally bred to herd fish, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and act as couriers from ship to shore.
They’re good for people with allergies and make excellent companions since they are loving, independent, intelligent, and easy to train.
Portuguese water dogs also enjoy being petted and are friendly with strangers. Just be warned that like many larger dogs, boredom can cause them to become destructive.
10. Newfoundland Dog
Known as “nature’s babysitter,” Newfoundland Dogs are the absolute sweetest. Perhaps the best-known Newfoundland is the fictional Nana from “Peter Pan,” who was so wonderful with children.
These gentle giants are highly loyal and easy to train, and are legendary for their docile temper.
Newfoundland dogs are also strong swimmers, and the breed was trained to rescue people from drowning — one dog even famously saved Napoleon Bonaparte.
9. Maltese
One of the most ancient of the toy breeds, Maltese dogs were bred to be sweet and adoring of their owners. The Greeks even erected tombs for their Maltese dogs, and in Elizabethan times, they were called “The Comforter” because it was believed they could relieve pain and cure illness.
Maltese dogs are also extremely hypoallergenic, with silky coats that don’t shed.
And because of their size, these dogs are good for apartment living, too.
8. Golden Retrievers
Goldens are sweet, loyal, and incredible companion dogs. They’d rather be sleeping at your feet then running around outside without you.
They’re also very even-tempered, especially with small children. Goldens make great service and comfort dogs because of their friendly and tolerant attitudes.
Plus they were bred to retrieve ducks and other fowl for hunters, so if you like playing fetch, this is the dog for you.
7. Huskies
Siberian huskies are stunning animals, with their thick fur coat and piercing eyes. Most people who choose a Husky do so for their extraordinary beauty.
Huskies are good natured dogs who are affectionate with children. They shed minimally, except for twice a year when they blow out their coat, and don’t have the typical “dog odor” that bigger breeds tend to have.
Huskies are not considered a great breed for first-time dog owners, since they need a lot of attention, exercise, and are very good as escaping and running away.
6. Poodles
Poodles get a bad rap. But they’re easy to train since they’re so intelligent, and are lively, fun-loving, and loyal family dogs.
Poodles can be attention seekers, so don’t be surprised if this people-oriented breed is constantly with you.
They’re also protective of their families and homes, and can become aggressive with people outside the family or with other dogs.
5. Beagles
Because of their intelligence, Beagles are used by law enforcement at airports to sniff baggage for items that are not permitted. Due to their friendly nature and appearance, Beagles don’t worry passengers.
This breed also has a lack of inherited health problems, and an even temper which is good for families and small children.
The most common reason Beagles are abandoned or turned over to the pound is because their owners couldn’t stand their howling. This can be controlled by training your dog early to avoid excessive barking.
4. German Shepherds
A relatively new breed (they date back to 1899), German Shepherds are exceptional animals: Courageous, obedient, incredibly loyal, and eager to learn.
German Shepherds are very intelligent too, and excel at most anything they’re trained to do. They’re usually used as service dogs and police dogs to protect officers and locate drugs or human remains.
German Shepherds love their humans so much that they will suffer from separation anxiety, and can become destructive when bored alone at home.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Corgis have a cult-like following mainly due to their playful and sweet personalities. According to Welsh mythology, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was even the transportation mode of choice for fairies.
Though they can be shy with strangers, Corgis are good with children and have a strong desire to please their owners.
They’re also one of the silliest-looking dogs, with huge ears, a long torso, and a big butt. Just monitor their food intake closely since this breed is prone to overeating.
2. Labrador Retrievers
There’s a reason why Labs are the most popular breed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, as well as here in the U.S. They are devoted and obedient and have even temperaments that make them good with both children and other animals.
Bred to be eager to please and playful companions, Labs are smart and commonly chosen as guide dogs and service dogs for blind or autistic individuals.
They also make understanding therapy dogs, and can be trained to aid law enforcement and other official agencies by screening and detection work.
1. Mixed Breeds
No matter what mix of breeds, mutts are awesome. Mixed-breeds are believed to have less genetically inherited health problems than purebreds, according to veterinarian Dr. Sarah Ward Fatula.
Plus, if you adopt your mixed-breed from the shelter, not only will they already be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up to date with vaccines, but you’ll also be helping with the pet overpopulation problem.
To find a shelter near you, visit the ASPCA’s website.
SEE ALSO: The 10 Most Heroic Dogs Of All Time
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Bank Rescue Wont Save 40000 Greek Stores
Greece rules out role in any military intervention in Syria
40,000 small businesses in Greece face closure despite bank rescue
A survey is warning that some 40,000 small businesses in Greece are likely to close in the second half of 2013 at a cost of up to 90,000 jobs despite a major bank rescue program implemented before the summer.
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Austria striker Marc Janko returns for World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Ireland
VIENNA (AP) — Austria striker Marc Janko will return to the national team for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Ireland despite not playing for Trabzonspor since February.
Janko missed this month's friendly against Greece with a muscle injury but has been included in the 23-man squad announced Tuesday by Austria coach Marcel Koller.
Koller says Janko "has proven many times he can score on international level. We don't have 10 other forwards with similar qualities to choose from."
Janko scored in the 2-1 win over Sweden in June to put Austria in second place in Group C behind Germany, which has 16 points. Austria, Ireland and Sweden are have 11.
Austria plays Germany in Munich on Sept. 6 before taking on Ireland in Vienna four days later.
News Topics: International soccer, Soccer, Sports, 2014 FIFA World Cup, FIFA World Cup, Men's soccer, Events, Men's sportsPeople, Places and Companies: Marc Janko, Vienna, Austria, Germany, Ireland, Western Europe, Europe
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. This article is published under the terms of the News Licensing Group, LLC. privacy policy, in addition to the terms of use and privacy policy for this website.
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Ashton asks again for a political solution in Syria
EU High Representative Catherine Ashton commented on the recent developments in Syria, emphasising the need for the continuation of the Geneva talks.
On 26 August, the EU High Representative met with the Foreign Minister of Estonia, Urmas Paet and spoke about the Syrian crisis. Ashton told journalists, that her position is well stated. Ashton said that the international community has to find a “political process that is going to bring peace and security to Syria,” such as the Geneva Two talks. She stressed that during her conversations with both the United States and with Russia she have said that more than ever “we need to find a way to stop this violence for all time and we need to find a way that is going to bring peace and security back to the people.”
Moreover, Ashton condemned the chemical attack in Syria and informed journalists that many states “are considering very carefully the implications of this attack.” However, she concluded that “the most important thing in the end is we have to find a political solution to this and quickly.”
Despite the comments by Ashton regarding the importance of the Geneva talks, the Syrian National Coalition (Syrian rebels), announced that there will be no Geneva talks after the chemical attack on a rebel controlled Damascus suburb last Wednesday. On 26 August, coalition Secretary General Badr Jamous told Reuters in Istanbul. “We refused to speak about Geneva after what's happened. We must punish this dictator, Bashar the Chemist we call him, and then we can discuss Geneva.”
In the meantime, Guardian reported that the UK gathers warplanes and military hardware in Britain’s Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus. Two commercial pilots who regularly fly from Larnaca, Cyprus, claim to have spotted C-130 transport planes from their own aircraft and small formations of possibly European fighter jets from their radar screens, according to the British daily. Besides the UK, Washington asked from Greece to provide two military bases in order to facilitate future US airforce and navy operations in Syria.
Today, Tehran warned the US and the rest of the countries not to intervene in Syria as this will bring horrific consequences for the region. Reuters quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi as saying. “These complications and consequences will not be restricted to Syria. It will engulf the whole region.”
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Syria: Washington asks permission for using Greek military bases
The US government asked Greece to provide its military bases in Kalamata and Souda, in case Washington decides to directly intervene in Syria.
The two Greek military bases in Peloponnesus and Crete will be used by the US airforce and navy for transportation purposes. According to the Greek daily Kathimerini, the Greek government has agreed to help Washington, but the Greek Foreign Ministry had clarified that Greece is unwilling to participate in a possible direct intervention, due to fears of backlash violence.
Greek military sources told Kathimerini, that Greece’s contribution to the US intervention is important for Washington for two reasons. First of all, the US authorities are reluctant to use the Turkish military bases for transportation purposes because of safety reasons. According to the article, this fear comes from Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian crisis. Secondly, the US was satisfied by the previous use of the Greek military bases during the Libyan war being also familiar with the military facilities.
According to Kathimerini, Greek officials believe that that country has an important chance to upgrade its geostrategic role in the Southern Mediterranean region due to the escalation of tension in the area. However, because of the traditionally good relationships of Greece with the Arabic states, the Greek government wants to avoid any actions which may disrupt the deep ties.
Overall, the key goal for Greece is to manage to find the golden balance between helping its NATO allies on the one hand, and avoid any tension with the Arabic states and Russia.
Key sentiment index underlines growth in Europe's largest economy
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A closely watched index of German business optimism rose more than expected in August, underlining improving growth prospects for the struggling euro area.
The Ifo index released Tuesday rose to 107.5 from 106.2 in July. Market analysts had expected 107.0.
The increase in the index — the fourth monthly rise in a row — is a further sign of Germany's improving economy, which expanded a robust 0.7 percent in the second quarter from the previous quarter and helped pull the 17-country currency union out of 18 months of recession. The eurozone expanded 0.3 percent from the quarter before.
But economists say stronger growth is needed to reduce a eurozone unemployment rate of 12.1 percent and cut the heavy debt burdens afflicting governments such as Greece, Spain and Italy.
News Topics: Business, General news, EconomyPeople, Places and Companies: Germany, Western Europe, Europe
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. This article is published under the terms of the News Licensing Group, LLC. privacy policy, in addition to the terms of use and privacy policy for this website.