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20-01-2012, 02:14 PM
(30-09-2011, 10:33 PM)swakoo Wrote:(27-09-2011, 10:36 AM)yeokiwi Wrote: Actually, instead of austerity measures, the PIIGS nations should provide the richer nation free use of land and tax in return for loan.
The Americans are planning to do something like this - White House Weighs Sale of Island to Reduce Deficit
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Among the properties the government is proposing to sell is Plum Island, N.Y., former home to the federal Animal Disease Center.
Surely, the Greeks have a few islands to spare? Am sure the Chinese should be interested in buying, given property prices in China...
slowly pride overcome by hunger...?
Greece hopes to raise money by renting out Acropolis, Delphi
Cultural officials hope move will help sinking economy
By Larry Mcshane / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Published: Wednesday, January 18 2012, 12:42 PM
Updated: Wednesday, January 18 2012, 12:42 PM
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Lights, camera, Acropolis!
Officials in cash-strapped Greece approved a cheaper pricing plan meant to lure film crews and photographers to its historic attractions — including the home of the Parthenon.
The Greek culture ministry slashed the cost of a one-day film shoot at the Acropolis by more than half, from more than $5,000 a day to about $2,050.
The rate for photographers was cut by roughly one-third, from $385 a day to $256. The reduced rates come with a plan to speed up approval of the permits.
The site would also be made available for demonstrators to rent, along with other commercial ventures, officials said.
The first spot open under the new plan is the 2,500-year-old Acropolis overlooking Athens. Other spots covered by the plan include Delphi, home of the oracle, and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion.
Using state-produced photos of the world-renowned attractions will also come at a deep discount, with the price dropping from about $130 to around $40.
The ministry intends to use the anticipated flow of new cash for upkeep of the sites, adding that it would impose strict conditions on anyone taking advantage of the cheaper rates.
The foundering Greek economy was bailed out by the European Union in May 2010, and the culture ministry’s budget was slashed by 20% since then.
In the past, most requests for film shoots at the Acropolis were routinely rejected — although director Francis Ford Coppola and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” star Nia Vardalos received permission.
Greek archeologists have long griped that using the historic ruins was blasphemous.
lmcshane@nydailynews.com
