goinggreek.info
To Kafeneion => Grapevine / News Briefs => Topic started by: Maik on Sunday, 21 February, 2016 @ 01:38:01
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Gov’t plan for forced use of cards runs into the market’s failure to adapt
Greek businesses are not ready for the expansion of plastic money through the compulsory use of credit and debit cards for everyday transactions.
The government’s has told taxpayers that they will have to spend up to a certain amount of their incomes via bank and card transactions in order to qualify for an annual tax-free exemption. However, a large proportion of stores still don’t have the card terminals, or PoS (Points of Sale), required for card payments, while plastic is accepted by very few doctors, plumbers, electricians, lawyers and others who tend to account for the lion’s share of tax evasion recorded in the country.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/206182/article/ekathimerini/business/govt-plan-for-forced-use-of-cards-runs-into-the-markets-failure-to-adapt
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Spain holiday prices soar as Britons avoid Turkey following terrorist attacks
Exclusive: Fares for directly comparable flights are up to 80 per cent higher to Spain than to Turkey
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/spain-holiday-prices-soar-as-britons-avoid-turkey-following-terrorist-attacks-a6884571.html
Could have a knock-on effect on Greece
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Yahoo board hires investment bankers to explore selling its internet businesses
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/19/yahoo-sale-goldman-sachs-jp-morgan-marissa-mayer-alibaba
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Secret air pollutants in our homes 'claim thousands of lives'
Thousands dying each year from the effect of poor air quality, including pollutants from everyday objects and appliances in their homes, claims landmark new report
The report, Every Breath We Take: the lifelong impact of air pollution, to be published this week by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), will point to the danger of potentially fatal carbon monoxide from faulty boilers and heaters, along with particulates and nitrogen oxides from heating and cooking appliances which can damage the lungs and heart.
But among the most disturbing aspects of air pollution highlighted by the report is that posed by such common items as air fresheners and personal hygiene, DIY and cleaning products.
These often use chemicals known as Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which start off as solids or liquids but readily evaporate into the air.
Furthermore certain furniture, fabric, furnishings, glue and insulation can emit formaldehyde vapour, causing irritation to the lungs.
Biological materials found in the home, such as house-dust mites, mould and animal dander – flecks of skin and fur - can also harm human health.
The RCP and RCPCH warn the problem of indoor air pollution is compounded by the drive towards reducing draughts and ventilation and improving insulation in the home in order to cut energy bills.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/12166395/Secret-air-pollutants-in-our-homes-claim-thousands-of-lives.html
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Volvo recalls 7,000 cars in the UK because of software glitch that shuts down engine
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/12166749/Volvo-recalls-7000-cars-in-the-UK-because-of-software-glitch-that-shuts-down-engine.html
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Thousands of dairy farms face closure as debts reach crisis levels
Around a fifth could close this year, according to some estimates
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/12165323/Thousands-of-dairy-farms-face-closure-as-debts-reach-crisis-levels.html
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Michael Crawford to return as Frank Spencer for Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em Sport Relief special
This will mark the character's first on-screen appearance in 38 years
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/michael-crawford-will-return-as-frank-spencer-for-some-mothers-do-ave-em-sport-relief-special-a6881481.html
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Paul Daniels 'diagnosed with incurable brain tumour'
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/paul-daniels-diagnosed-with-incurable-brain-tumour-a6886001.html
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Thousands of dairy farms face closure as debts reach crisis levels
Around a fifth could close this year, according to some estimates
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/12165323/Thousands-of-dairy-farms-face-closure-as-debts-reach-crisis-levels.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/12165323/Thousands-of-dairy-farms-face-closure-as-debts-reach-crisis-levels.html)
It's worth looking at the article. The graph shows that although the price to farmers has dropped like a stone from nearly 32p a litre to something like 24p now over a couple of years, before then in 2008-9 it was 26-24p.
It seems pretty disastrous though. I wonder if the ahem.. EU Common Agricultural Policy might affect things and which way farmers may be voting in the referendum?!
Tony