A proof that God exists (and that He doesn’t approve of the Junta…)

1.- Spain, especially Andalucia, is a god fearing Catholic nation. 2.- We have had, so far this year, not one drop of rain, having baked under incessent sunshine since December. 3.- Today is celebrated over all of Andalucia as its “national day”, with the politicians making speeches about how great they are, and how lucky we are to be living here in Andalucia under their wise guiding light. 4.- Yesterday was sunny. 5.- Tomorrow is Continue reading A proof that God exists (and that He doesn’t approve of the Junta…)

No more EU cash for Andalucia, because they’ve been caught pinching it

Europe has finally decided that, yes, about 219 million euros of FEDER Eu funds granted to Andalucia between 1994 and 1997 seems to have gone missing. Andalucia was one of the largest benefectors of EU funds during this time, receiving about 3.3 billion which went towards roads, motorways, hospitals, schools, farms, etc, in an attempt to drag the place into the late 20th century. As you can imagine, with so much cash coming in, quite Continue reading No more EU cash for Andalucia, because they’ve been caught pinching it

No salaries for Turre workers this month

Employees of Turre townhall were informed this evening that they won’t be getting paid this month. It seems that the mayor (Arturo Grima, PP) has a choice between paying the salaries, or paying off the interest the town owes Santander bank, according to Councillor Martin Morales (IU). And if he chooses to pay his workers, Santander can lodge criminal proceedings against him, because he had cash in the bank and owed the bankers money. So, Continue reading No salaries for Turre workers this month

Luis Cañadas, Almería’s foremost artist, dies

Luis Cañadas was known as Almería’s foremost artist and was one of the founders and great proponents of indaliano, the artistic movement concentrated around Mojacar. He passed away yesterday, aged 85, in Madrid, and his ashes will be scattered in Bentarique, the town he was from. No doubt Lenox will have more information on him – I’m not much up in the art world. La Voz has a nice obituary on him. Not to be Continue reading Luis Cañadas, Almería’s foremost artist, dies

Eurovegas goes to Madrid

Madrid will get Eurovegas,  the horrific European version of the Mafia den of iniquity that is Las Vegas, USA. Ignoring the fact that Las Vegas is really the most boring of US cities, with about as much real “sin and excitement” as, say, Valencia on a Thursday night (it probably is exciting and sinful if you’re from the Bible Belt), this multi billion euro project is supposed to be regenerating Pozuelas del Alarcon, Madrid. Concentrated Continue reading Eurovegas goes to Madrid

Bullfighting to return to Catalunya this autumn

The government has announced that it will enact legislation declaring bullfighting to be a National Heritage which will overturn the Catalonian prohibition on bullfighting. Once the legislation is passed in Congress (it hasn’t been presented yet) then regional and local governments will be powerless to ban bullfights, although they could think up spurious reasons to refuse them licenses.    

Altea pedophile alert issued by police

Altea local police have issued a warning to all parents to be on the lookout for a suspected child snatcher operating in the Valencian town. Police say a heavyset Spanish speaking man, of between 40-50 and with a dark complexion, driving a white saloon car with blacked out rear windows, has attempted to lure several children this week, all brown haired boys between 10 – 12 years of age. In all cases, the predator has Continue reading Altea pedophile alert issued by police

Opposition calls for PM to quit over corruption scandal

The leader of Spain’s opposition Socialists has urged PM Mariano Rajoy to resign amid corruption allegations made in a centre-left newspaper. Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said Mr Rajoy “cannot lead the country” as Spain faces a huge economic crisis. El Pais has published images of ledgers showing payments to members of the governing PP. Mr Rajoy says they are false and denies receiving payments. Protests against Mr Rajoy were held on Saturday in several cities. An Continue reading Opposition calls for PM to quit over corruption scandal

Will Smith buys “El Hormiguero” TV programme for the state

Will Smith has bought the US rights to Spanish TV show “El Hormigero” , a good show presented by the most irritating person on Spanish TV, Pablo Motos. Motos, a man who refuses to be outdone by anyone, and who doesn’t mind holding up the whole show until he matches whatever infantile act the previous person does, seems excited by the news. Willie Smith was “fascinated” by the format of the TV show when he Continue reading Will Smith buys “El Hormiguero” TV programme for the state