15/02/24

[Maik]

Today’s bank rates:   
1 €UR = £ 0.8825 GBP   £1 GBP = 1.1331 €UR
1 €UR = $ 1.1075 USD   $1 USD = 0.8975 €UR
1 €UR = $ 1.7079 AUD   $1 AUD = 0.5855 €UR
   
Based on National Bank of Greece exchange rates.   
Other banks likely to offer rates 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   
Thu 15/02   16°/07°   10 km/h   04%   Sunny    
Fri 16/02   16°/08°   07 km/h   03%   Sunny    
Sat 17/02   17°/08°   11 km/h   03%   Sunny    
Sun 18/02   17°/10°   14 km/h   07%   Mostly sunny    
Mon 19/02   17°/11°   13 km/h   19%   Sun & cloud    
Tue 20/02   16°/11°   14 km/h   60%   Rain probable   
Wed 21/02   15°/10°   17 km/h   71%   Light rain probable   
Thu 22/02   16°/10°   15 km/h   49%   Showers possible   
Fri 23/02   16°/10°   16 km/h   35%   Showers possible   
Sat 24/02   17°/11°   21 km/h   39%   Showers possible   
   

[Maik]

Mains water supply off between 08:30-12:00 tomorrow in the Paliki areas of Agios Dimitrios, Kechrionas and Voutsiniha.

[Maik]

Tourism takings of €25 bln

There are growing indications that Greek tourism, after a record year in 2023, is headed for further growth of around 10% this year.

https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1231736/tourism-takings-of-e25-bln/

[Maik]

Crackdown on rigged gas station pumps

New regulations combating fuel smuggling and adulteration are set to go into effect next month. The legislation foresees that gas stations will be closed for two years if inspectors determine that they are selling adulterated fuel, engaging in smuggling, or tampering with tax receipt issuing procedures.

The new law requires companies to follow due diligence steps, with violations punishable by fines ranging from €5,000 to €30,000 per service station.

https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1231698/crackdown-on-rigged-gas-station-pumps/

[Maik]

Economist: Greece in the 20 best democracies in the world – See the list and the ratings

https://greekcitytimes.com/2024/02/15/economist-greece-in-the-20/

Greece Ranks Among Top 20 Best Democracies in the World, Economist Reports

https://greekcitytimes.com/2024/02/15/greece-ranks-among-top-20-best-democracies-in-the-world-economist-reports/

Two reports from greekcitytimes.com, I haven't figured out why the lists are different.

[Maik]

CCTV captures train screeching to a halt as dog walker pushes through barriers at level crossing

https://www.itv.com/news/central/2024-02-15/dog-walker-pushes-through-barriers-at-level-crossing-as-train-slams-on-brakes

Dickhead of the day.

[Maik]

Watch: Pig stuck in barrel rescued after trying to eat egg
Hungry swine in search of food gets wedged in forcing owner to hacksaw it out

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/02/15/pig-stuck-in-barrel-has-to-be-rescued-after-trying-to/

[Maik]

Cat lost for four years turns up over 150 miles from Northern Ireland home

Smyth family from County Down had lost hope of seeing Blueberry again until he was found in Galway, Ireland

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/feb/15/cat-lost-four-years-miles-northern-ireland-home-blueberry

[Maik]

Stricter penalties for non-use of POS

The Economy and Finance Ministry on Thursday submitted a provision to parliament which aims to increase fines and impose sanctions against business that have yet to install POS terminals linked to cash registers.

The plan also foresees fines for providers of POS terminals and cash registries who do not comply with the law.

The fines could see offenders having to pay amounts between €10,000 and €100,000.

The ministry of economy has already spent €18,1 million on a voucher system in order to provide 121,138 businesses with POS terminals, and €22,5 million to 169,837 business to cover part of the cash register linkup costs.

https://www.ekathimerini.com/economy/1231786/stricter-penalties-for-non-use-of-pos/

[Maik]

Perfume-loving lions at Whipsnade Zoo need unwanted Valentine's Day fragrances

Loved-up lions at a zoo are running low on their favourite fragrances, so people are being asked to donate any unwanted Valentine's gifts.

https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2024-02-15/loved-up-lions-need-unwanted-valentines-day-perfumes

Video in link