23/09/18

[Maik]

The 'new' ΣΗ ΜΠΑΣ (Sea Bus) high-speed passenger ferry was confined to Lixouri port yesterday evening after the Captain reported a problem with the right hand main engine. Awaiting repair and inspection, expected to be out of action until Wednesday. The usual ro-ro car ferries will be operating on the Argostoli-Lixouri crossing as usual.

[Maik]

Amazon's Alexa knows what you forgot and can guess what you're thinking

Amazon says its AI voice assistant Alexa can now guess what you might be thinking of – or what you’ve forgotten.

At an event in Seattle on Thursday, the technology company unveiled a new feature called Alexa Hunches that aims to replicate human curiosity and insight using artificial intelligence.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/sep/20/alexa-amazon-hunches-artificial-intelligence

 

[Maik]

Health of tourists and locals at risk on Greek island due to toxic emissions from cruise ships, say environmentalists
On Santorini, concentrations of dangerous particles were up to 100 times higher in ports than surrounding areas

Huge spikes in toxic air pollution on an idyllic Greek island have been blamed on the cruise ships entering its waters.

Tests carried out in the popular tourist destination of Santorini found that concentrations of dangerous ultrafine particles were up to 100 times higher near the ships than in surrounding areas.

Ships traversing the Mediterranean can use heavy fuel oil – dubbed the “dirtiest of all fuels” – without exhaust cleaning systems as they are subject to weaker standards than those governing road vehicles.

This results in ultrafine particles, carcinogenic compounds and soot being emitted into the atmosphere, which can pose a threat to those both on the boats and near the ports when they dock.

https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/air-pollution-santorini-greek-island-cruise-ships-nabu-tourism-a8550031.html