Greece?s return to the markets

[brassmonkey]

A bond issue is a milestone but there is still a long way to go

<<http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6TtyifF0In0/TeoXXILQ2lI/AAAAAAAANU8/QKKD3w_ck3U/s1600/lgr-soldiers-1a683.jpg>>
image was too big check out the locks


hotlinked is that fucking hair weave??

THE journey has been an epic one, but Greece has reached, if not the destination, at least a waymark. The last time that its government raised long-term funds was in March 2010, just weeks before the markets lost confidence in Greece altogether, forcing its first bail-out. This week the Greek government returned to the markets, raising ?3 billion ($4.1 billion) in five-year bonds at a yield of just under 5% in a heavily oversubscribed issue.

The amount might be small and the yield high compared with borrowing costs in other rescued countries, such as Portugal, whose five-year notes were trading at around 2.6%. But the notion of any bond issue at all still prompts eye-rubbing, given the depth of the Greek crisis. Six consecutive years of recession have seen the economy shrink by a quarter, prompting social and political turmoil that at its worst seemed quite likely to push Greece out of the euro zone. For most of the past four years a return to the markets on any terms seemed inconceivable, a view underscored by vaulting bond yields

full article...

[L-Pink]

What the hell are those butt fuckers wearing?

[mineistaken]

Originally Posted by L-Pink

What the hell are those butt fuckers wearing?

[Barry-xlovecam]

Those are ceremonial uniforms of the Evzones from the Ottoman Occupation. The tassels symbolize the "tears of the years of oppression."

The Evzones, or Evzoni, (Greek: Εύζωνες, Εύζωνοι) is the name of several historical elite light infantry and mountain units of the Greek Army. Today, it refers to the members of the Presidential Guard (Greek: Προεδρική Φρουρά), an elite ceremonial unit that guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Greek: Μνημείο του Άγνωστου Στρατιώτη), the Presidential Mansion (Greek: Προεδρικό Μέγαρο) and the gate of Evzones camp in Athens. The Evzones are also known, colloquially, as Tsoliades (Greek: Τσολιάδες; singular: Τσολιάς - Tsolias).

Though the Presidential Guard is a predominantly ceremonial unit, all Evzones are volunteers drawn from the Hellenic Army's Infantry, Artillery and Armoured Corps. Prospective Evzones are usually identified at the Army Recruit Training Centres during Basic Training; there is a minimum height requirement of 1.86 m (6' 1.2") to join.

The unit is famous around the world for its unique traditional uniform, which has evolved from the clothes worn by the klephts[1] who fought the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The most visible item of this uniform is the fustanella, a kilt-like garment. Their proven valour and peculiar dress turned them into a popular image for the Greek soldier, especially among foreigners.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evzones

From 1453 with the fall of Constantinople until the revolution in 1821 Greece is under the rule of the Ottoman Turks who control the entire middle east, and the Balkans as far as the gates of Vienna.
http://www.ahistoryofgreece.com/turkish.htm

That is across the street from Syntagma square http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syntagma_Square

When I was there (October, 2013 ) there were the beginnings of protests/riots. The antiquated uniformed (silly looking) soldiers are an honor guard in front the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

[romeo22]

nothing but lazy ppl in that country

[myjah]

Originally Posted by romeo22

nothing but lazy ppl in that country

completely unlike anywhere else in the world?right? the entire country of 11 MILLION people?all lazy and dress up in ridiculous butt fucker costumes. Thank goodness the western civilization is actually on top of things.

[mineistaken]

Originally Posted by myjah

completely unlike anywhere else in the world?right? the entire country of 11 MILLION people?all lazy and dress up in ridiculous butt fucker costumes. Thank goodness the western civilization is actually on top of things.

Yes, Greeks are one of the lazier, at least in Europe. lots of data to back that up. No offense to the country, but that is true.

[myjah]

Originally Posted by mineistaken

Yes, Greeks are one of the lazier, at least in Europe. lots of data to back that up. No offense to the country, but that is true.

i happen to fancy seeing the data

and how does it factor in to average life term and obesity and heart disease in comparison to western countries or EU countries for that matter?

I'm not disagreeing btw. IMO the way of life in Greece is slower, more internalized, healthier and less monetarily driven?perhaps that does equal laziness?.it also equals happiness ;)