Day: August 25, 2008

Why the press coverage of the Madrid Disaster shocks us

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 The Anglo in Hispanic blogosphere (http://www.notesfromspain.com/2008/08/25/morbo-spanish-news-media-horror/, http://southofwatford.blogspot.com/2008/08/madrid-airport-accidentthe-reactions.html, and other) has been buzzing with suggestions that the Spanish media coverage of the Madrid Air Disaster is because of some unique Spanish trait. Well, I disagree. I don’t think it’s because of a TV programme in the 90’s, or because of pent up frustration after the Franco years or because of a uniquely Iberian curiosity towards death and destruction. I think it’s a perfectly normal attempt by Continue reading Why the press coverage of the Madrid Disaster shocks us→

Caparros will meet with AUNAN reps about demolishment of British homes

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According to teleprensa.net  Luis Caparros, the swine who knocked down the Priors house, built large scale electric pylons everywhere, gas pipes, approved the POTALA and generally ruined the area (and, by the way, got a promotion for it – he’s now the head of Housing and Territorial Organisation of Almeria) has promised, under intense media scrutiny, to meet with “los ingeses” (not all of them, just a “Janet & Frank Doel”) to reassure them that Continue reading Caparros will meet with AUNAN reps about demolishment of British homes→

It’s not what you spend, it’s how you spend it.

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Rarely have I read a more insightful article than this one from Libbey Purves, writing today (25th August 2008) in The Time. Read it here. It explains, in a clear, concise, unable to quibble way, just what is wrong with not just Blairs’ Britain but the modern Europe of today. I’m not even going to comment on it, she just… pins it down 100%.

“Eat Rats” says Indian Minister

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Found on the BBC (click here for full story). An official from the Indian state of Bihar has come up with a new idea to encourage low caste poor people to cope with food shortages – rat meat. Vijay Prakash, Principal Secretary of the state’s Welfare Department, said that he was making his proposal after much survey and groundwork. He pointed out that the “extremely poor” Musahar community are rat eaters by tradition. He argued Continue reading “Eat Rats” says Indian Minister→

You wouldn’t steal a car… would you?

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 Golly gosh and Bernard Baker, but how I hate that Orwellian “we are watching you” advert at the beginning of all DVDs. “You wouldn’t steal a car!” it proclaims. Well, how the devil do you know I wouldn’t steal a car? You’re a Hollywood movie executive. You don’t know me. Here I am, drunk at 4 in the afternoon, eating a 350€ jamon pata negra, in my underwear, on a sofa with the fan on, Continue reading You wouldn’t steal a car… would you?→

Almeria fiestas – one dead already

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Almeria fiestas have started off badly, with an anonymous phone call directing police to the body of a 38 year old man, found at about 21.30 last night in the Paseo de la Caridad, just behind the fair. Police have refused to comment on the case, and it is not known if it is related to the fair or a previous feud. He is believed to have been battered to death with a blunt instrument. Continue reading Almeria fiestas – one dead already→

What a wonderful scam!

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Just read about this one on the forums and am lost in admiration for the fellow who thought it up. It’s as if Jeeves had turned to crime. A number of Brits in the Albox area have been returning to their old, UK plated bangers, to find an official looking notice, in English, warning them that they are driving UK plated cars with expired UK tax discs. It continues to say that the Guardia Civil Continue reading What a wonderful scam!→

Jam session at the Kimrick

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I´m told that there will be a once off (with free admission) night at the Kimrick on Wed 3rd September called the Jazz & Blues Jam. The Basement Cafe used to do them but will not be reopening in the winter.  All musicians and singers able to jam with the house band are welcome. They kick off a bit earlier than before, at 8-30pm, and plan to finish at 11-30.  Jim on piano, Graeme Jaye will be on guitar, Continue reading Jam session at the Kimrick→