EDGE on the Net

History, geography, and current events have never been my strong suits. But even I, who would rather be immersed in a plate of loukamoades (Greek doughnuts) than stumbling among the rubble of an archeological ruin, found myself inspired.

"12 Greek Gods in 2012" is a contest to determine the beauty, knowledge, and talent that will highlight the most proud gay man in Greece, the man who deserves to represent the country in European and world gay contests.

An EU legislator urged the leader of Cyprus’ breakaway Turkish north on Thursday to repeal an anti-gay law that led to the arrest of a former Greek Cypriot Cabinet minister.

Many tourists see Athens as a launching pad for visiting the beaches and cute whitewashed buildings of the Greek islands. And the Aegean archipelago can be a great escape, especially during the nation’s current economic crisis.

The Island of Lesbos has hosted the International Women’s Festival for ten years, growing from a tiny event that drew the ire of local politicians to a major celebration drawing women from around the world--and putting cash into the coffers of local businesses hard hit by Greece’s economic woes and the global recession.

World stock markets tumbled Monday and the euro hit a new four-year low in the wake of poor U.S. jobs figures and amid fresh fears that the debt crisis that began in Greece is spreading to Hungary.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou declared he is not ruling out taking legal action against U.S. investment banks for their role in creating the spiraling Greek debt crisis.

Declaring that "the future of Europe" is at stake, Chancellor Angela Merkel urged German lawmakers on Wednesday to speedily approve euro22.4 billion ($29.3 billion) in aid for debt-ridden Greece.

European stocks traded in a narrow range Friday as investors warily awaited the completion of a Greek support package and looked ahead of U.S. economic figures set to show the world’s largest economy continuing to grow solidly.

Greek shares led the global stock market retreat Tuesday amid mounting concerns about the country’s ability to tap a bailout facility, while stocks in Shanghai dropped sharply on fears that Chinese authorities were preparing measures to cool down the economy.