PANDORA: THE NEWEST GODS' INVENTION! by: Mayra Medeiros

It has been announced today that the Olympian gods invented a new device called “Woman 1.0 – Pandora” that could possibly change the structure of the mortal world as we know it. Fear not, beloved readers, our staff did an in-depth analysis to find out what lead to this intriguing new creation.

It all started when Zeus asked Prometheus, a descended of the Titans, to decide who deserved the better part of the sacrificed animals. Prometheus, as Zeus, has a tricky nature, so he tried to deceive the gods by giving them nothing but bones with an appealing package, favouring men. Zeus, infuriated by such act, decided to get back on him, beginning a series of creative inventions to sustain such dissension.

Zeus cut off the access to supplies, such as wheat and fire. Men had to hide wheat seeds deep in the ground, so they could grow protected from Zeus. That fact marks the beginning of labour, an act never before done in the history. And since men need to cook meal in order to ingest it, Prometheus stole a little seed of fire and gave it to them. When Zeus saw the fog coming out of people’s house, he got furious and decided to punish mankind. He gathered some of the gods he trusted mostly, all very competent at what they do, to create this new device, affectionately called Pandora. This is how the team was divided: Hephaestus created Pandora’s shape from clay, Athena was responsible for her craftiness, Hermes taught her how to be deceitful and stubborn and Aphrodite gave the final touches, adding femininity.

Pandora has a beautiful appearance, but is said to be deceiving and a liar that could possibly destroy a man’s life when not satisfied. Despite Pandora’s obscure characteristics, what the gods created is a creature that is the opposite of men, which means that Eros can act and make them be attracted to one another. Furthermore, the invention of women means that men can now extent their life through children, which indicates the beginning of a linear time: people now are faded to be born, to grow, reproduce and then die. Before this invention, men were born from Gaea already as grown-ups and after thousands of years they would just disappear.

The device, a prototype that still is in testing phase – was send to Epimetheus, Prometheus’ brother. He is the first man to test the product and soon will be reviewing his opinion here at Greeks n’ Geeks. Stay tuned. 

Science Assassination: WHO KILLED ARCHIMEDES? by: Mariana Lima

This week, we were all surprised by the unexpected death of Archimedes. All Greece mourns the early departure of one of the greatest mathematicians of our time and, all the Greeks are charging further investigations.

Let’s remember something about our genius. Archimedes was born in Syracuse, a Greek seaport in Sicily. Son of the astronomer Phidias, Archimedes studied at Euclid’s school in Alexandria, which was one of the biggest Egyptian cities.

Nowadays, Archimedes did important discoveries and we believe that it will be very useful for the hole world. His integral calculus and his studies of the areas and volumes of curved solid figures and the areas of plane figures are big discoveries of the modern science. According with the people who work with him, Archimedes is workaholic and get so absorbed in his work that sometimes he forgets to eat.

In spite of his many inventions, he considered his theoretical work as his main triumph. The word “Eureka” was invented by Archimedes during his inventions of measuring the volume of an object with an irregular shape. Today all the Greeks say “Eureka” when they have some good idea.

According to one of the investigators, Archimedes was researching a new mathematical diagram, when a Roman soldier ordered him to meet General Marcus (who was engaged in the siege of Syracuse). It was normal Archimedes be interrupted during his researches, but he almost never responded to the requests because of his concentration. And, as expected, Archimedes declined saying that he had to finish his diagram. A rumor says that the Roman soldier was furious and started to shout with Archimedes and then, killed him. General Marcus was arrested in this morning to give a testimonial for the investigations and now is waiting the police find his soldier.

Greeks n’ Geeks will continue to follow the research and come back at any time with greater information about this tragedy.

Tricky Choices: What should a man do when facing his greatest opportunity? by: Atila Morais

Many men nowadays are soldiers. They’re all part of an army, which is highly trained to defend Greece and it’s people. They are told to follow orders, but if they saw a chance of winning, would they disobey their leaders and take the shot?

We believe that many of us would do this. Hecate is the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy. She is the only child of the Titanes Perses and Asteria from whom she received her power over heaven, earth, and sea. She’s Always pictured holding two torches, and that’s why we associate her with crossroads and entrance-ways. We also believe that when we are introduced to different options, Hecate is trying to talk to us.

Hecate’s crossroads are usually unbalanced. If you choose an option, you’ll surely be unable to pick any other option later. Let’s take the war as an example:
If you kill their leader, they won’t know what to do or where to go, and then you’ll easily win the war. 

Obviously, their leader will be strongly protected, but let’s imagine that he is left alone because other people needed the guards. If a soldier manages to get close to the leader, he will then be faced by one of Hecates crossroads. He will have the chance to kill the leader, and then, easily win the war. But picking this choice will leave him in danger, not only because the enemy soldiers will all focus on him, but also because when war is over, the surviving enemies will hunt him and his family.

His other choice will be of only following this leader, and to make a strategic plan to take him down with the help of others. But this way, he may not defeat the leader. Hecate’s crossroads are temptive and sometimes even deceiving, as it doesn’t show what is really going to happen.

Olympus News: Culinary Event at Mount Olympus. by: Livia Salazar

For Greeks, food and eating is not only necessary to satisfy physical needs but it was also a social event! 
Next week, on the 27th of September, there will be a culinary event at Mount Olympus. The event will start with a competition and then there will be a social dining for everyone. The Symposium, as it is known, is a banquet and gathering of drinkers and it will be divided in two parts: the first dedicated to food, generally rather simple, and a second part dedicated to drinking.

Anyone can participate and if you have a culinary talent you can take part in the competition. Each person will have thirty minutes to prepare any typical Greek dish and the best will win a prize. The jurors will be: Helen of Troy, Zeus, Hercules, Ariadne, Theseus and Achilles.

Before the competition starts, jurors, competitors and viewers will have the opportunity to try the typical Spartan soup called black soup or black broth which is a staple soup made of boiled pigs' legs, blood, salt and vinegar. According to the legend, a man from Sybaris infamous for its luxury and gluttony, after tasting the Spartans' black soup remarked with disgust, "Now I know why the Spartans do not fear death". That’s why this soap had been chosen to start the competition. 

At the first part of the Symposium, people will be able to eat not only what competitors prepared but also dishes made by expert chefs. Although the second part is just about drinking, wine will be served in the first part of the Symposium consumed with the food, and the beverages will be accompanied by snacks such as chestnuts, beans, toasted wheat, or honey cakes; all intended to absorb alcohol and extend the drinking spree.

The second part will be inaugurated with the drinks in honour of Dionysus and it will be followed by conversation and also there will be table games. We are all going to play our typical game called kottabos.

As Plutarch, a Greek historian had said, “We do not sit at the table to eat… but to eat together” and this is the main reason of our culinary event. We want to prepare a pleasant and entertaining night of laugh, fun and delicious food to our brave and wise nation!

Greek Economy: How does it work? by: Jessica Almeida

The ancient Greece has a deep dynamic economy, which is in touch with agriculture, seabourne trade and handcrafts. These kind of business are the main economic activities of Its cities-states(which are cities within other cities,however ,they are independent from the place where they were in- for example having their own Act.)

Grapes, olives and cereals are the main agricultural products here, what enables the wine and olive production in the region. The cattle farming is not a well-developped activitiy, on account of the many mountain areas which are characteristic of the region, but goats and sheeps are raised.

Greece is also know for using slavery as a kind of labour, which is the base of our economy. The majority of the slaves are prisoners captured during the war, who are sold as a good to families and rural producers. Slavery has a huge importance for us because these captured people are the responsable for doing the hard works in our society. Our Greek philosopher Plato say that rejecting the work is natural to well-bred people. That exemplifies the Greek 's thought about this subject.

The handcrafts is also an important activitiy here! The people who work with that are part of a group of free workforce , which produces furnitures, weapons and amphorae (where wine and olives are kept).

The seaborne trade is easily developped on account of the many islands in region and, by the sea, Greece gets in touch with Its colonies in Minor Asia, Egypt and other cities by the coast of the Black Sea. This kind of economic relationship are extremely important to supply major Greek's necessities!

Most Powerful Figure of the Year Elected: Pallas Athena! by: Mayra Medeiros

The Greeks n’Geeks team is thrilled to announce the most powerful persona of the year: Pallas Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. Conceived by Zeus and Metis – the goddess of crafty thoughts – Pallas Athena was in the womb of her mother when Zeus, warned by his mother Gaea that if Metis ever had a second son this child would dethrone him, swallowed Metis. Nine months later, the father of Gods and men had the most horrifying headache of his (immortal) life. Out of his forehead, fully armed, came Pallas Athena.

Zeus trusts his daughter to take care of his shield and even his devastating weapon, the thunderbolt. Furthermore, he does not hesitate to declare Athena as his favourite child. We cannot blame him, who would not be proud of a very intelligent and talented young lady? After all, Athena is a very crafty goddess. She created the trumpet, the flute, horse bridle and the chariot. That is why she is also considered the goddess of inspiration, civilization, courage, law and justice, strategic warfare, strategy, arts, mathematics – basically all things related to the intellect.

She is the protector of the city of Athens and people throughout the Greek world worship her and look for her counselling and inspirational courage during times of need. Also some heroes, such as Hercules, Jason and Perseus, were helped by our powerful goddess. And even though she is known for being invincible at wars, she rather avoid going to battle as often as possible, which means that she is always using her wittiness to look for peaceful alternatives to solve a problem.

All this time defending her beloved city and helping heroes in their journeys left Athena no time to take care of her heart. Yes, in an exclusive interview to our newspaper, Athena revealed that she is single, and still a virgin! Gods of the Olympus and handsome mortals, do not allow yourselves to be intimidated by this flashing-eyed goddess. It is time to make a move. May Aphrodite help you!

New Hades Record: Boulder Roll Up! by: Lucas Monaco

Today, we were faced with a huge news! Sisyphus, the old king of Corinth, will break his own record for boulder roll up. He has been rolling since century 6 b.C. after having cheated death twice.

Aegina was kidnapped by a huge eagle. Aegina is the Aesopus' daughter. Aesopus is the god-river. Sisyphus saw the kidnapping and past some days was sought for Aesopus, with who he made a deal. Aesopus asked for information about Aegina's kidnap. Sisyphus said Aesopus where he could find his daughter.In exchange, Aesopus gave birth to a font that was named as Pirene in Corinth.

The eagle, the most famous symbol of Zeus, were soonly found out being the god. Thanks to that, Zeus got berzerk and sent Thanatos to get Sisyphus and send him to the depths of Tartarus, chained forever. But Sisyphus were smarter than death and cheated it for the first time. Sisyphus told Thanatos that it was beatiful and gave it a "gift": a ring that in fact were a trap. For years and years, no one died, infuriating Hades and Ares.

The gods of war and underworld needed people to die: One in many wars around Greece and other to have souls in it's realm. So both of them found out where Thanatos were and set it free, so he could kill all people and things that needed to be dead. While that, Sisyphus run away and lived longer.

The years passed and Death came to Sisyphus, but he had pitched a plan: Told his wife not to bury him. When he reached Hades, he told the goddess Persephone, that found his soul ashore the River Styx, how disrespectful was his wife. So she sent him back to torment her and to have his body buried, but he ran away again, cheating Death for the second time.

Years passes and he dies. Now, after two millennia, he reached the mark of millionth time rolling up a huge marble rock on a hill, that every time rolls down again, forcing him to roll it up all the way again.

It’s time to party!: Dionysus celebrates 23st birthday with friends and Family in Greece. by: Beatriz Peres

The young son of Zeus and Semele also known as god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine, of ritual madness and religious ecstasy decided to celebrate his special day a little earlier this year, since he is currently busy directing and writing a few new plays for the summer theatre season that is coming soon and will be performing in Athens the day of.

 So Dionysus and a bunch of his Olympian's friends and some family gathered together over the weekend for a blowout birthday bash in Athens.

Dionysus and his pals went to a wild garden full of exotics animals where they partied all night. On saturday morning Dionysus and his siblings Ares, Athena, Apollo,Artemis, Aphrodite, Hebe,Hermes, Heracles, Helen, Hephaestus, Perseus, Minos, the Muses and the Graces went on a road trip back to Mount Olympus where they continued to celebrate this time with their parents and familiars. Some of his nearest and dearest that joined in on the fun were his beloved girlfriend Ariadne, best friends Phaedra, Catreus, Deucalion,Glaucus and Androgeus and others famous stars such as writers, actors and others rich kids.

His brother Apollo also posted a lovely photo with the soon-to-be birthday boy with a sweet message on a social page. "I can't believe he's nearly 23, i remember when we were just kids trying to look as great as daddy. I love you so much bro count on me forever and always xxxx" he wrote. what a cutie!!!!

Few hours later Dionysus posted on his personal network "What a great night with the lads! Thanks everyone for coming to celebrate my 23rd with me! Had a great weekend with friends and family," the god seems to be happy and we from Greek n' geeks wishes him the best! A massive Happy early birthday, Dionysus.

THIS IS SPARTA: A bit of how Spartan women lived. by: Mariana Lima

Sparta is known as the militaristic rival of Athens in ancient Greece. The heroic defense under King Leonidas of the Pass at Thermopylae against the Persian Invasion is one of many military accomplishments. The Spartan society gives to their people a severe discipline, a ruthless emphasis on courage and bravery. Their culture is predominantly popular literature and non-specialized education.

The women from Sparta have a different way of life if compared with other Greek women, including in their education lots of physical exercise. When young, the girls were expected to participate in athletic contests. Spartans used to think that by ensuring the fitness of Spartan girls they would be more likely to have strong babies, who, if male, would grow up to be good soldiers.

 Spartan women are very dominant in their society. With the militarism involving all the men, almost all house decisions are taken by the Spartan woman. They take care of her children until their 7 years old, after this the society is the responsible of the children’s education.

The girls are well educated in arts and athletics, differently from Athens women. In the Spartan society, women own more than a third of all the land and are encouraged to develop their intellect continuously.

 Another interesting fact is that the ladies in Sparta marry at a later age than the Athens girls. Finally, this report shows only a part of the boldness, strength, the intelligence, power of decision and the courage of the women from Sparta.

URGENT NEWS! GIGANTIC EVENT ONCOMING: THE OLYMPIC GAMES! by: Diego Lacerda

In honor of Zeus the Olympic Games are about to begin !

The Olympic Committee announced this week that the prizes for the victors are going to be olive leaf wreaths or crowns, they have not decided yet.

Freeborn Greek men and athletes from any city-state and Macedon are allowed to participate. The games will be held at Olympia and Athens. It was announced too that these are going to be the most important Olympic Games ever made in Greece, such fact is confirmed by the number of people who expected to be there watching the games. An Olympic Truce will be enact so that athletes can travel from their states to the games in safety. This decision was made to bring peace to the country since we are at war against Rome and an agreement was made to ceasefire while all the arrangements are being prepared.

This year events will be added such as boxing, wrestling, chariot racing, long jump, javelin throw, and discus throw. A rule of chariot racing is now modified – it is not the rider anymore, but the owner of the chariot and team who is considered to be the competitor, so one owner can win more than one of the top sports and there will be a new event called Pankration which is a fighting competition combining boxing and wrestling.

Zeus will be proud of what is coming and Greece will be blessed leading the path to fortune and glory for the next years. The Government is inviting all citizens to enjoy the games and have fun.

Time Tunnel: Greek and Brazilian Democracy. by: Jessica Almeida

"We live under a way of government which is not based on our neighbors institutions; actually, we act as a model to some. Its name, which however, does not depend on some but on majority,is democracy"

Clistenes is considered one of the democracy's Father. Although he was a member of the Athenian aristocracy, he headed up a politic reform taking out the power from the nobility to people hands.

The ancient politic division of the city of Athens was based on four tribes, which were the original responsable for that region's formation. They were led by a leader who used to hold a dominion over the people, and give advantage to member from nobility. These members belonged to a tribe system and had the autority based on tradition.

Clistenes canceled that tribe system and divided the region in ten "demos", which means people and also neighbourhood or community. This New system whised to make everyone participate in the public's subjects, and also determined the popular representation would be by sortition, not by electing.

The base of democracy is the iguality before law and the iguality of power to each person to manifest his/herself at an Assembly. Banishing election aimed to avoid a classe of professional politicians and show that anyone would be able to deal with public subjects.

There are some conceptions from the Greek law which were incorporated into Brazilian's one, for example in Athens youth were considered citzens if they were at least in their eighteens and should've been in the army.

In Brazil, there is something quite similar , people don't start be considered citzens just under these rules. However, if you were a boy you must introduce yourself to one of the military forces and some other civilian responsabilities start when turn eighteen.

Interview with the Owner of Music by: Atila Morais

Music is one of the most entertaining activities nowadays in Greece, and we’ve got an exclusive interview with the God of Music himself. Yes, Apollo will welcome us on Mount Olimpus! But before, we’ll explain a little bit about our music.

Men usually perform choruses for entertainment, celebration and spiritual reasons. Instruments include the double-reed aulos and the plucked string instrument (like pandura), the lyre, especially the special kind called a kithara.

Music is also an important part of education in Greece, and boys are taught music starting at age six. Greek musical literacy created a flowering of development that shall create many other music styles, and we hope it will influence other cultures that shall be born.

Well, I hope you are ready, because this is a breathtaking interview, full of surprises and revelations!

R(Reporter): Hello God Apollo. We are really thankful for your welcoming and for your words. They are important not only for us, but for our people, that has been using your creation as a form of entertainment.

A(Apollo): If they are using it for good, then I should be thankful for having some listeners to my words.

R: So, we have prepared some questions, and I’ll start asking you about your other powers. You are not only the God of Music, but also the God of the Sun, Healing, Poetry... We want to know if you can join all of these things into your musics.

A: Yes, of course! Music is not only about having fun and celebrating. Music is also a way to relax, to heal your spirit, and the lyrics are made out of poetry, which is the best way to talk to people.

R: I particularly agree with you about the lyrics, but I believe that not everyone has the same opinion. Some groups of musicians are creating a new style of music that only consists of beats and has no lyrics. What do you think of this, Sir Apollo?

A: I believe that music is not equal to everyone. Music is also an art, and everyone has a diferente way to express art, using poetry or just showing their heart beats.

R: Beautiful words, Sir Apollo. Well, the next questions are about musical instruments. The most common instruments nowadays are the Pandura, the Double-Reed Aulos, and of course the Lyre. Since the Lyre was created, you have been Always associated to it. Can you tell us about it’s origin?

A: Well, as my brother Hermes was born, he stole 50 of my cows, and to be forgiven he made the first Lyre, as he used the shell of a turtle to make a part of it, and 7 sheep guts to make the strings.

R: That’s impressive! It’s just a little instrument for us mortals, but it’s story is unbelievable. Sir Apollo, I have just one more question for you: we all know you are also able to foresee the future. What future do you see for the music?

A: Well, I see our music nowadays being used to workship us, the Gods, but I see an even more religious use of it in the future, and not only in Greece. Music will someday change the world, and bring people not only entertainment, but also hope and dreams.

R: Dear readers, this was our interview with the most impressive God of Olimpus (other Gods, please don’t take this so seriously!), and I hope that you keep his words in your hearts, becausa they were everything we needed to hear. Thank you, Sir Apollo!

A: You’re welcome, Greek n’ Geeks!

MOST WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE! by: Livia Salazar

Greece is currently being terrorised by three dangerous criminals. Protect your family and your local community by helping the authorities catch wanted fugitives. High rewards are being offered.

•Medusa:
 Some people have reported seeing a woman waiting by corners and then chasing citizens. Strangely, these citizens were never seen again. At the same time some human shaped stone statues have suddenly appeared in a garden. There are rumours that this woman is turning everyone who gazes directly into her eyes into stone. This woman is said to be an ugly creature: greenish skin, evil eyes, long tongue and instead of hair she had snakes that hissed and fought each other atop her head. Experts and researches discovered that the only way to get rid of her is to cut off her head in one swipe.




• Oedipus:

 A blind man has admitted to murdering his father and getting married to his mother! The big surprise is that this man is not an ordinary man but the king of Thebes! He was charged with murdering and incest. How he got blind: after discovering that the man he once killed in his way back to his city was his father and the woman he got married after becoming king was his mother, Oedipus plunged gold pins into his own eyes in despair. After that event he ran away. Now, not only people from Thebes but the whole Greece are horrified afraid of what this man can do! Authorities need help to find him because he seemed very disturbed and mad. He is an evident risk!





• Minotaur:

 One of the biggest tragedies of Greece happened last week. A fugitive creature called Minotaur, who was charged with murdering many young people in the labyrinth of Crete, was killed. This creature, which was one of the most devastating and terrifying monsters, was responsible for 7 deaths per year and he was a creature with the head of a bull on the body of a man. He was due to appear in court yesterday but a warrior called Theseus mercilessly killed him with the sword of Aegeus (a magic sword) and ran away. Theseus should be arrested by murdering but as he ran away, authorities are seeking him and citizens of Crete should be aware of this story.



 Help authorities to find these fugitives!