For a first time since March, stock markets all over the world failed to make significant gains this week. The Dow Jones halted its recent period of growth, slipping just about 2.3%, closing at 8268.6 points. The S&P 500 shared a similar fate, dropping 3.3% and closing on Friday at 883.28 points. This was despite an announced 1 point rise in US consumer confidence. Across the ocean, the FTSE 100 followed suit, falling almost 2.5% this week to a 4341.7 close. In Athens, the general index also dropped, though only marginally, closing at 2146.15 points, losing 0.5% for the week.

At “Eurovision” musical contest Bulgaria gave its maximum points to the Greek pop stage star, Sakis Rouvas! The winner was Alexander Rybak, Norway, who fascinated the Europeans with his song “Fairytale”.

Nature-friendly houses made of wood, mud and straw, ready only for a week! The Piliko company is trying to rediscover the house of the future, through a method that has been used for ages.

The private banks in Greece store stem cells from the new-born child, so that they can be used by him/her or by his/her relatives if needed.

“The doping control must be started at the youngest age”- with these words the WADA (World Anti- Doping Agency) Director General, David Howman, opened the European conference which took place last night in Athens. “Programs for children education need to be created, and they will reveal the essence of sport. These efforts have been already brought to success in Europe, since the programs created are applied in more and more countries.”

The Greek pop-stage star Sakis Rouvas made it to the Eurovision finals, which will take place on Saturday. After the voting procedure was over the hosts announced the finalists, leaving the name of the Greek performer for the end, thus keeping his fans in a nervous anticipation.

“We will be ready to celebrate Sakis’ big success. I consider it certain! We will stand by him and cheer for the victory,” said Mihalis Spinellis, Greek ambassador in Moscow. Well, Saki is number one in GRR HOT 15 this week, so I hope this will bring him luck for the Eurovision finals!