goinggreek.info
To Kafeneion => Grapevine / News Briefs => Topic started by: Maik on Thursday, 07 July, 2022 @ 03:13:44
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Kef fire risk 07/07/22: High (https://www.civilprotection.gr/el/imerisios-hartis-provlepsis-kindynoy-pyrkagias-07072022)
One hundred and nine new coronavirus cases confirmed on Kefalonia yesterday by EODY, two on Ithaka
Today’s bank rates:
1 €UR = £ 0.8825 GBP
1 €UR = $ 1.0482 USD
£1 GBP = 1.1331 €UR
$1 USD = 0.9540 €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 (https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-money).
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 (https://weather.com/en-IE/weather/tenday/l/GRXX0035:1:GR)
Day, Date Hi°/Lo° Wind sp Wet Forecast
Thu 07/07 31°/23° 21 km/h 03% Sunny
Fri 08/07 30°/21° 18 km/h 24% Sun & cloud
Sat 09/07 28°/21° 26 km/h 54% Morning thunderstorms probable
Sun 10/07 29°/21° 21 km/h 14% Sunny
Mon 11/07 29°/21° 17 km/h 07% Sunny
Tue 12/07 29°/22° 19 km/h 10% Sunny
Wed 13/07 29°/22° 23 km/h 10% Sunny
Thu 14/07 29°/22° 21 km/h 03% Sunny
Fri 15/07 31°/23° 20 km/h 03% Sunny
Sat 16/07 31°/23° 22 km/h 03% Sunny
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Health minister Ed Argar is the latest to resign: twitter (https://twitter.com/iainjwatson/status/1544801287254016005?s=20&t=qz6wDCe1XVhPAHsQ0vBf_w)
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Apple launches Lockdown Mode to block spyware attacks on at-risk users
Apple has announced a new security feature to protect high-risk users from spyware cyber-attacks.
Lockdown Mode will be available in the autumn with the next operating system across all of the company's iPhones, iPads and Macs.
The setting blocks certain functions and prevents unknown users from calling.
It comes after Apple devices owned by activists, politicians and journalists were infected with spyware.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-62069255
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Body of an 85 y-o Greek female recovered from the sea noon yesterday at Eretria, Halkida
Body of a 78 y-o foreign male recovered at noon yesterday from the sea at Kalamaki, Zakynthos
Body of a 77 y-o foreign male recovered from the sea yesterday noon at Petalo, Municipality of Xylokastro-Eurostini
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Several scams allegedly doing the rounds on Kef, in one a female / two females knock at your door claiming to be doing market research. Another involves someone calling on the 'phone claiming to be from your accountant's office and asking for your personal details. Your accountant / bank / broadband company... anyone bona fide who needs to know your details will have collected what they need when you signed up with them.
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Gareth Davies, PPS at the Department of Health and Social Care has resigned his post: twitter (https://twitter.com/GarethDavies_MP/status/1544817086744109057?s=20&t=eBhEQ52WCP8Qoe2egjmPDA)
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Body of a 71 y-o foreign male recovered yesterday afternoon from the sea off Skala beach, Abdira, Xanthi
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Boris Johnson will resign as Conservative leader today
Boris Johnson will resign as Conservative leader today - he will continue as Prime Minister until the autumn.
A Conservative leadership race will take place this summer and a new Prime Minister will be in place in time for the Tory party conference in October.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-62072419
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Post-Brexit red tape poses threat to cross-Channel pigeon racing
Extra paperwork, veterinary checks and expenses could mean thousands have to give up pastime
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/jul/07/post-brexit-red-tape-poses-threat-to-cross-channel-pigeon-racing
:blink:
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Trainee pilot died days after being bitten by mosquito, inquest reveals
A 21-year-old trainee pilot from the UK died after being bitten by a mosquito on her forehead, according to an inquest hearing.
Oriana Pepper from Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk had developed an infection that spread to her brain.
Pepper was well on her way to becoming a commercial airline pilot and had passed her theory exams on the EasyJet programme in Oxford. She had travelled to Belgium for her instrument ratings.
In Antwerp, the inquest heard, Pepper was bitten by a mosquito on her forehead. She was hospitalised on 7 July last year when the infection spread.
Doctors prescribed antibiotics which did not help.
Two days later, she collapsed in front of her boyfriend.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/suffolk-pilot-dies-mosquito-bite-b2117670.html
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Apparently another flight delay at Kef, caused by a flight some six hours late in arriving from Manchester yesterday. Crew then over their hours, plane not permitted to overnight on Kef so had to fly to Athens, flight due to depart Kef around noon today.
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It was a strange flight, apparently it took off from Manchester a half hour late, but it flew over Germany and had a possible fault, so it turned back and landed at Stanstead, not sure if they swapped onto another plane, but it eventually took off and landed at 2am in Kef.
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Boris Johnson and Tory ministers entitled to total £420,000 severance pay for resigning
Boris Johnson and his former ministers are being urged to reject nearly half a million pounds in redundancy pay set to be paid to them for resigning.
Under the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991, MPs leaving office are entitled to 25 per cent of their annual salaries in severance.
This benefit applies even if they voluntarily resign from the government, and even if they do so for political reasons – or leave government in disgrace.
Over 50 ministers and parliamentary private secretaries have quit their roles in the last 36 hours in a bid to oust Mr Johnson – meaning Tory infighting could land the taxpayer with a bill of over £420,000.
Even Chris Pincher, the Tamworth MP whose alleged behaviour ultimately triggered the governemnt meltdown, is entitled to a £7,920 pay-off for leaving his job as deputy chief whip.
In some cases ministers were in office for just two days, having been installed by Boris Johnson in the death throes of his premiership, and then quitting.
And Boris Johnson himself is in line for a taxpayer handout of £18,860.
The payments have raised eyebrows in the past because ministers are not becoming unemployed, but simply returning to the backbenches – where they will still be paid a basic salary of £84,144 a year.
Government ministers are paid between £67,505 and £22,475 on top of their MPs' salaries, with the prime minister getting an extra £75,440.
Opposition parties are urging the Tory MPs to "do the decent thing" and reject the pay-offs.
“Conservative MPs spent months defending Boris Johnson and failed to get rid of him when they had the chance," said Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain.
"The public won’t forgive them for keeping him in place for so long.
“Now Conservative infighting and sheer incompetence has cost the taxpayer yet more money during this cost of living crisis.
“Conservative ministers who resigned should do the decent thing and pass up their payoffs for the good of the country.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-resign-redundancy-severance-pay-b2117805.html
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List of UK resignations: All the Tory MPs who have quit Boris Johnson’s government
Dozens of Conservative MPs have followed the chancellor and the health secretary out of the door
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/sunak-javid-resign-uk-government-quit-b2116524.html
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Dolphin poo may be vital to coral reefs, researchers say
Marine mammals may be acting as a ‘pump’ to bring nutrients into reefs
https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/dolphin-poo-coral-reef-b2117553.html
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Michelle Donelan says she'll donate severance pay to charity
Michelle Donelan, who resigned earlier having been appointed Education Secretary less than 48 hours ago, says she will donate her £16,876.25 severance pay to "a local charity".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-62072419
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Medium risk of bush fire on Kef tomorrow, according to civilprotection.gr (https://www.civilprotection.gr/el/imerisios-hartis-provlepsis-kindynoy-pyrkagias-08072022)
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Controversy regarding the new Skala one-way system continues: apparently large vehicles, such as tour coaches and buses, can't negotiate the route and have to drive illegally the wrong way around parts of the village. Also appears that the main street is closed to traffic 24/7 so delivery drivers can't legally deliver to businesses on the main street. Allegedly the Municipality of Argostoli paid some 20,000 euros to 'experts' to devise this scheme.
Edit: "Skala" added to clarify where!
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Small fire in Krania area earlier today, promptly extinguished by fire service and local volunteers.
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BoJo has just appointed a new minister for education... James Cleverly... may not be a smart move, we'll see how long he lasts.
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BoJo now on TV officially announcing his resignation as leader of the Conservative Party. No great surprise that he's talking about how wonderful he's been. Fewer and fewer would agree with him and that's why he's had to quit. Intends to stay on as PM until autumn although many in the Conservative Party want him out p.d.q.
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Threat of BA strike at Heathrow suspended after airline agrees pay deal
Unite union to ballot members on ‘vastly improved’ offer for check-in staff – while Jet2 announces 8% salary increases
The dispute that threatened to cause a walkout of British Airways check-in staff at Heathrow airport during the summer holidays has been suspended, after the airline made a “vastly improved” pay offer.
After a day of talks on Wednesday a package was agreed with the Unite union that sources said in effect met its demand to restore the 10% pay cut introduced during the pandemic.
A 72-hour strike over pay by one of the four refuelling firms at Heathrow remains in place for the start of the school holiday period, threatening possible further disruption.
The holiday airline Jet2 said on Thursday it would be giving its employees an 8% pay rise and a £1,000 cost of living payment this year, as it lashed out at British airports for being “woefully ill-prepared” for the rebound in travel this summer.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jul/07/threat-of-ba-strike-at-heathrow-suspended-after-airline-agrees-pay-deal
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‘What happens to Carrie’s wallpaper?’: Twitter reacts as Boris Johnson resigns
11 Downing Street received a very controversial (and expensive) makeover in 2021
What will happen to Carrie’s wallpaper?
The redesign saw what Carrie reportedly said was a “John Lewis furniture nightmare” left by Theresa May turned into a maximalist haven, with vibrant “£840-a-roll” wallpaper, clashing furniture, and geometric-style fixtures.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/carrie-wallpaper-twitter-boris-johnson-resign-b2117822.html
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At t'other end of scale: a six y-o girl was rescued unconscious from the sea at Katos Samiko, Ilia, yesterday. Successfully resuscitated on the beach by lifeguard and taken to hospital where she remains for assessment.
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122/3: today's coronavirus count on Kef/Ithaka, according to eody.gov.gr (https://eody.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/covid-gr-daily-report-20220707.pdf)
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Body of a 67 y-o male recovered this morning from a car that went into the sea at Piraeus port.
Body of an 83y-o female recovered from the sea this morning at Krysi Akti Panagias, Volos.
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(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/1_07_07_22_6_58_12.jpeg)
BBC summary: Boris Johnson: 48 hours of political chaos in sixty seconds (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-62083134)
Larry can't wait a few more months...
(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/1_07_07_22_6_57_38.jpeg)
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Warning: Possible No. 10 leaving party ahead, national suitcase and alcohol shortage expected
(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/1_07_07_22_7_15_09.jpeg)
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(http://goinggreek.info/gallery/1_07_07_22_7_35_14.jpeg)
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Water supply up in Fiskardo area could be interrupted for an unspecified period due to a damaged power supply.
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Hellenic Cables subsidiary declared provision winner of tender to replace power line connecting Zakynthos with grid
The current line has been in operation since 1980, and is now deemed as outdated.
Other international tenders have been declared for power line connections for other Ionian islands, with upgrades and modernization of power supply to the Ionian islands reaching roughly 100 million euros.
https://www.in.gr/2022/07/07/english-edition/hellenic-cables-subsidiary-declared-provision-winner-tender-replace-power-line-connecting-zakynthos-grid/
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Google Warns Of Serious New Chrome Hack Attack Targeting Windows & Android
Windows users are advised to install the Chrome update as a matter of some urgency. You can do this by heading for the Help|About option in the Chrome menu, forcing an update check, and automatically downloading and installing it as required. Remember that you will not be protected until you restart your browser.
Hopefully, your copy of Google Chrome for both Windows and Android should have been updated by now. If you tend to keep a desktop browser open for days or weeks on end without shutting down your computer, this doesn't mean an automatic update will actually be protecting you. Restarting your browser will activate that protection or kickstart a download if not already waiting to be installed. The same advice applies to users of other web browsers that use the Chromium engine under the hood. Microsoft Edge is the biggest of these by user number.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2022/07/07/google-warns-of-serious-new-chrome-hack-attack-targeting-windows--android/
As the title says, Android also needs updating, if you have any devices that can be updated. If, by any chance, you're running Chrome (or Chromium) on Linux I'd check it for updates.
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Johnsons ‘intend to hold Chequers wedding party’ before PM departs
Boris and Carrie Johnson are reportedly ploughing on with plans for a wedding party at Chequers as the Prime Minister shifts to a caretaker role in his final days in office.
The pair married in a low-key, private ceremony at Westminster Cathedral last year.
A small group of family and friends attended the wedding, organised in strict secrecy, which was followed by a reception in the gardens of 10 Downing Street.
It was known Mr and Mrs Johnson planned to have a larger celebration in 2022, when coronavirus restrictions were likely to be relaxed.
They were said to have sent save-the-date cards to family and friends for the celebration on July 30.
One Tory source said: “It beggars belief that even after all the criticism Johnson has faced regarding integrity and probity, one of the reasons he is staying is to have his wedding party at Chequers.
“It’s a national asset not his personal home. The Johnsons should do the decent thing and find a different venue. And Boris should do the decent thing and leave No 10 immediately”.
A second insider told the paper: “It’s crass if it goes ahead.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/carrie-johnson-boris-chequers-prime-minister-westminster-cathedral-b2118263.html
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A 25 y-o foreign national on board the Mein Schiff 5 cruise ship was this morning transferred to Argostoli hospital due to need for urgent medical attention. No more details as to illness/injury.
Body of 65 y-o Greek male recovered this morning from the sea at Tourlida, Messolonghi.
Body of an 86 y-o local resident recovered around noon from the sea off Kariani beach, Kavala.
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The Godfather star James Caan dies aged 82
https://www.itv.com/news/2022-07-07/the-godfather-star-james-caan-dies-aged-82
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Wallpapergate: Leaked £200,000 invoice reveals Boris Johnson’s No 11 flat renovation included £7,000 rug and £3,675 trolley
Exclusive: Items ordered by Boris Johnson and wife Carrie from Lulu Lytle include £2,260 worth of ‘gold wallpaper’ and a £500 table cloth
The Independent has obtained a leaked copy of the invoice for the renovation of the Prime Minister’s Downing Street flat which shows it cost more than £200,000.
Items ordered by Mr Johnson and wife Carrie from upmarket interior designer Lulu Lytle include a £3,675 drinks trolley said to be like the one owned in Paris by ballet dancer Rudolph Nureyev and £2,260 worth of the ‘gold’ wallpaper that Mr Johnson privately complained his wife had purchased.
Two sofas cost more than £15,000; £3,000 was spent on a ‘paint effect’ for the flat hallway; and the cheapest item is a £500 kitchen table cloth.
The estimate for building works, which involved sanding the floorboards, painting and decorating, and installing new furnishings and fittings came to £30,000.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-wallpaper-gold-flat-carrie-invoice-b2118185.html
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Jesus, Mary and Joseph, still there's more:
Boris Johnson accused of misleading Parliament over meeting with Alexander Lebedev
The Prime Minister admitted on Wednesday for the first time that he had met the Russian oligarch and former KGB agent at an Italian palazzo in April 2018, with no officials present.
Mr Johnson, foreign secretary at the time, said he thought he had subsequently mentioned the meeting to officials – but on Thursday it emerged that it was not documented in the department’s transparency records for that month.
Alexander Lebedev served at the Soviet Embassy in London in the 1980s and built a fortune in Russia in banking and airline companies. He bought the Independent and Evening Standard newspapers in 2010 before shifting ownership to Lord Lebedev, his son.
Responding to an urgent question in the Commons, Vicky Ford, the foreign office minister, told MPs that after meeting Alexander Lebedev, Mr Johnson reported it to officials “as required”.
However, within minutes she corrected herself after being passed a note and claimed the Prime Minister “says that he thinks he mentioned this meeting to officials”.
Labour’s Chris Bryant, the chairman of the Commons standards committee, told MPs that either Ms Ford “has misled us inadvertently” or otherwise Mr Johnson “did so perhaps more deliberately previously” as there was no official record of the meeting.
Mr Bryant told The Telegraph the omission of the Alexander Lebedev meeting from the official record was “very serious” and called for an investigation into the full circumstances.
“When you are foreign secretary, you are acting on behalf of the country at all times. The idea that you would swan off and not tell your civil servants is extraordinary,” he said.
Likening it to Neville Chamberlain “trying to have a secret meeting with the Italians” in the run-up to the Second World War, he said: “This should be looked into. They should come clean about it.”
The Commons intelligence and security committee is conducting an investigation over the appointment of Lord Lebedev to the House of Lords.
Evgeny Lebedev, who has dual Russian and British nationality, has denied posing a security risk to the nation.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/07/07/boris-johnson-accused-misleading-parliament-meeting-alexander/