Author Topic: 03/12/22  (Read 1983 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
03/12/22
« on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 04:18:31 »
Today’s bank rates:
1 €UR = £ 0.8829 GBP
1 €UR = $ 1.0768 USD
£1 GBP = 1.1326 €UR
$1 USD = 0.9287 €UR

Based on Alpha Bank exchange rates, these are widely used by exchange agencies in Greece.
Other banks likely to offer a different rate which may be marginally higher or lower.
Banks and foreign exchange offices normally charge standard 2% commission.
You may get a better rate changing your holiday money in advance at e.g the
Post Office.
NB: some f-ex agencies advertise "No Commission".
Invariably, they deduct commission before they (don't) advertise the rate.
Foreign exchange offices are businesses, not charities.


Ten day weather forecast for Kefalonia:
This is an overall forecast, due to the mountainous terrain the weather can be very localised.
Updated forecast @
weather.com

Day, Date   Hi°/Lo°   Wind sp   Wet   Forecast
Sat 03/12   17°/15°   19 km/h   86%   Showers probable
Sun 04/12   17°/14°   28 km/h   92%   Rain probable
Mon 05/12   18°/13°   15 km/h   78%   Showers probable
Tue 06/12   18°/13°   13 km/h   61%   Showers probable
Wed 07/12   17°/14°   18 km/h   87%   Rain probable
Thu 08/12   18°/15°   19 km/h   83%   Thunderstorms probable
Fri 09/12   19°/15°   21 km/h   69%   Rain & thunder probable
Sat 10/12   19°/14°   22 km/h   64%   Light rain probable
Sun 11/12   18°/14°   26 km/h   36%   Showers possible
Mon 12/12   19°/14°   22 km/h   46%   Showers possible


Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #1 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 04:37:10 »
Quote
Antibiotics could have saved my child, says father of seven-year-old Strep A victim

Strep A infection is common and mostly leads to tonsillitis or strep throat and is easily treatable with antibiotics, namely penicillin in the UK.

But doctors are under increasing pressure to cut down on the amount of antibiotics they prescribe as a result of the rise of superbugs – bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Superbugs are predicted to kill 10 million people a year by 2050, with experts saying this "silent pandemic” is humanity's gravest threat.

The UK health authorities have previously trialled paying healthcare providers to cut down on their antibiotic prescription levels and set a target of slashing prescription by 15 per cent.

The British Medical Association pushed back against plans to let pharmacists prescribe antibiotics as “antibiotics are a precious resource and should be prescribed only when absolutely necessary”.

But while antibiotics are overprescribed by around 40 per cent, and often given for colds caused by viruses which are impervious to the drugs, there are no tests available to GPs to tell whether a sick child has a bacterial or a viral infection.

As a result, doctors are tasked with cutting down on giving out antibiotics without really knowing which patients need them and which ones do not.

But now, while progress has been made in reducing antibiotic prescriptions, a bacterial infection which is easily treatable has killed six children who may have survived if given antibiotics earlier.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/12/02/strep-death-antibiotics-could-have-saved-child-says-father-seven/

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #2 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 04:44:19 »
Quote
Why certain foods you eat every day could give you Covid-19
The Food Standards Agency has discovered that the coronavirus can live on some ready-to-eat groceries for up to a week

Raspberries and broccoli might give you Covid, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned.

Experts have revealed that the virus that causes Covid-19 can live on some ready-to-eat groceries for days.

They found that the virus appeared to live longer on produce with uneven surfaces, such as broccoli and raspberries than on smooth-skinned produce such as apples.

However, they have advised that the risk to consumers remains very low. 

The virus was detected on peppers, ham, bread crust and cheese for several days under some conditions, while it was only present for several hours on the surfaces of croissants and pain au chocolat - perhaps because they contain a coating of egg wash which might act as an antiviral.

It can survive for up to a week on plastic surfaces, for several days on cartons and only a few hours on aluminium cans.

They suggested it could last for possibly a week on deli items.

They added the results of the study “reinforce the need to rigorously follow the guidance on maintaining appropriate hygienic handling measures and display of unpackaged foods”.

Breathing in infected droplets of the virus, rather than touching contaminated surfaces, is still the main way people catch Covid.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/12/02/why-certain-foods-eat-every-day-could-give-covid-19/

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #3 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 04:49:04 »
Quote
Strikes force Royal Mail to bring forward final date for Christmas post

Families will have one less week to post Christmas presents to loved ones elsewhere in the country this year as strike action brings the postal service to its knees.

Royal Mail has brought forward the last date for guaranteed festive deliveries by a week. It now recommends sending first class post by December 16 and second class post by December 12 to ensure it arrives in time for Christmas, compared to December 19 and December 21 previously.

Customers can still use Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed service up until Dec 21 if they are prepared to pay, however.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2022/12/02/strikes-force-royal-mail-bring-forward-final-date-christmas/

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #4 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 04:54:51 »
Quote
Good luck or bad? How Christmas decorating traditions vary in England
Heritage project finds practices thought to bring good fortune in one place were believed to sow disaster down the road

When do you put your Christmas decorations up and take them down? How do you dispose of them afterwards? And do you adhere to the strict traditions for your specific locality?

If not, then this simple festive activity could have been placing you at hair-raising peril for the year ahead, according to researchers from the University of Leeds.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/dec/02/good-luck-or-bad-how-christmas-decorating-traditions-vary-in-england

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #5 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 04:59:57 »
Quote
Brave launches Search Ads and Premium access

Brave Software announced the launch of advertisement on Brave Search, the company's search engine. The company promises that ads on Brave Search are privacy-preserving, which means that users of the search engine won't be tracked.

Brave Search users who don't want advertisement in search may subscribe to Search Premium instead. Search Premium is available for $3 per month and will provide search results without advertisement on Brave Search.
https://www.ghacks.net/2022/12/01/brave-search-launches-ads-and-premium-access/

No idea if anyone here (still) uses Brave browser, might be of interest if anyone does.

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #6 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 05:02:03 »
Quote
Google Chrome emergency update fixes 9th zero-day of the year

Google has released Chrome 108.0.5359.94/.95 for Windows, Mac, and Linux users to address a single high-severity security flaw, the ninth Chrome zero-day exploited in the wild patched since the start of the year.

According to Google, the new version has started rolling out to users in the Stable Desktop channel, and it will reach the entire user base within a matter of days or weeks.

This update was immediately rolled out to our systems when BleepingComputer checked for new updates from the Chrome menu > Help > About Google Chrome.

The web browser will also automatically check for new updates and will install them without requiring user interaction after the next launch.
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-chrome-emergency-update-fixes-9th-zero-day-of-the-year/

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #7 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 05:12:33 »
Quote
Martin Lewis reveals how some Britons can turn £800 into more than £5k for their pension
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/culture/money-pension-martin-lewis-tips-b2237996.html

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #8 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 05:15:50 »
Quote
Mum opens sex-shop for over-50s who find standard toys ‘too powerful’
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/sex-shop-older-people-seniors-b2237645.html

Hey ho-ho-ho

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #9 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 13:13:19 »
Zakynthos based company Levante Ferries has been announced as best ferry company 2022 in the Greek Shipping Awards. In addition to crossings to Kef & Ithaka from Patras and Kyllini the company also links Zakynthos to the mainland via Kyllini. A recently opened crossing from Thessaloniki to Izmir in Turkey has been suspended until March due to lack of traffic.

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #10 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 13:23:01 »
Quote
Cambridge robots ask humans for help in crossing the road

How did the delivery robot cross the road? It asked a human.

New machines introduced to Cambridge to deliver shopping to residents without the expense and congestion of courier vans appear to be encountering the same mundane daily problems as humans.

The four-wheeled robots have been spotted forming long queues to cross busy roads, waiting for pedestrian crossings to turn green and even asking human passers-by for help.

In some cases, the robots, introduced into the city in recent weeks, have been seen swerving to one side to avoid growling dogs or the tiny fingers of curious children.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/12/02/cambridge-robots-ask-humans-help-crossing-road/

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #11 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 15:01:37 »
Quote
Greece’s new SNF Fire Corps Training Center Nears Completion

Through each of the devastating fires that has ravaged Greece, tragically claiming lives, wiping out homes and livelihoods, and decimating natural areas, the members of the Hellenic Fire Corps have been there on the front lines, making a superhuman effort under adverse conditions.

Recognizing that the people who respond to every call for help need help too, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) has allocated €41 million in grants to support the work of the Fire Corps over the past 26 years. Following the disastrous fires of 2018, we committed €21 million to the construction of the new SNF Fire Corps Training Center in Nea Makri, Attica, the procurement of thousands of pieces of protective equipment, and the implementation of emergency response training programs in Greece and abroad.

Construction on the new Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Hellenic Fire Corps Training Center is now in its final stages, and completion of the project is expected before the end of 2022.
https://www.thenationalherald.com/greeces-new-snf-fire-corps-training-center-nears-completion/

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #12 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 15:04:33 »
Quote
George Osborne holding secret negotiations with Greece over Elgin Marbles

The negotiations between the former chancellor and Kyriakos Mitsotakis have reportedly been taking place since November 2021.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/george-osborne-kyriakos-mitsotakis-greece-greek-elgin-marbles-b2238227.html

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #13 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 19:29:28 »
Tragedy before Christmas outside Poros: a lorry carrying building supplies veered of a rural track and careered down a steep hillside near Asprogerakas, two occupants,one aged forty five and the other twenty five, thrown from cab and died at scene. Two bodies recovered with difficulty due to terrain, vehicle proving difficult to recover due to depth of gorge. Identities not made public at present.

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #14 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 19:34:06 »
Quote
Green energy accounted for 47% of electricity generation in Oct

Renewable energy sources accounted for 47.1% of Greece’s electricity generation in the first ten months of the year, thus surpassing the share of fossil fuels for the first time, according to a report based on Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE) data.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1199394/green-energy-accounted-for-47-of-electricity-generation-in-oct/

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #15 on: Saturday, 03 December, 2022 @ 21:16:14 »
Quote
Pele in hospital: Messages of support from across football for Brazil great

Messages of support for Brazil great Pele have been sent from across the world while the three-time World Cup winner is being treated in hospital.

The 82-year-old was admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, saying it was a routine monthly visit.

However a report in Brazil, which has not been confirmed by the BBC, says he is now beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63846935

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #16 on: Sunday, 04 December, 2022 @ 00:47:51 »
Identities not made public at present.

One of the deceased has been named as Lampros Georgatos from Xenopoulo.

Offline Maik

  • Administrator
  • Forum Deity
  • *****
  • Posts: 35167
Re: 03/12/22
« Reply #17 on: Sunday, 04 December, 2022 @ 01:10:18 »
Quote
With the 2022 Update, Windows 11 Is Finally Worth an Upgrade

Microsoft will finally make the Windows 11 update available to anyone running Windows 10 with a version that's 2004 or later. The new operating system is called Sun Valley and is designed to be compatible with the previous versions of Windows 10. If you're not sure if you should make the move, read why this upgrade is worth it.
https://www.ghacks.net/2022-update-windows-11