Hermes has no pants! And Greece has no money!

Greek referendum call upends euro-plans

Excerpt:

European leaders produced a rescue plan last week aimed at bailing out Greece, heading off possible defaults by other cash-strapped governments such as those of Italy and Spain, and shoring up shaky European banks that had bought risky government bonds. The deal had sent global markets soaring on hopes that it would resolve the chief threat to the world’s economic recovery.

But the euphoria vanished with Papandreou’s announcement that he would ask his populace to vote on the plan, which has been widely criticized by Greeks. An earlier Greek bailout, which required the government to enact sharp cuts in spending and other austerity measures, prompted violent protests in the streets of Athens.

Papandreou’s cabinet, after a marathon meeting Tuesday night, concluded with his ministers’ unanimous support for the referendum. It will be held “as soon as possible,” government spokesman Ilias Mossialos said Wednesday.

Greece: Money! We Don't Need Your Stinkin' Money!

Excerpt:

I've heard of "beware of Greeks bearing gifts?", but how about "beware of Greeks who won't even take the gifts?"

Headline in a German tabloid this morning:

"You don't need our money? Fine, we don't need your problems."

Comment: One of the many images of Hermes on the Internet. This is one of the "cleaner" ones. Image: Hermes with money bag. In Greek mythology Hermes was the father of Autolycus

Autolycus obtained most of the same skills that his supposed father Hermes possesses, such as the art of theft, trickery ... He was given the gift that his thievery could not be caught by anyone

He put his skills to the test when he stole the helmet of the great warrior and his grandson, Odysseus, "he had broken into the stout-built house of Amyntor, son of Ormenus; and he gave it to Amphidamas of Cythera to take to Scandeia, and Amphidamas gave it to Molus as a guest-gift, but he gave it to his own son Meriones to wear; and now, being set thereon, it covered the head of Odysseus" (Homer 10.254 I). Autolycus, master of thievery, was also well known for stealing Sisyphus' herd right from underneath him. Sisyphus, who was commonly known for being a crafty king that killed guests, seduced his niece and stole his brothers' throne (Hyginus 50-99) and was banished to the throes of Tartarus by the gods.