It is very good news that the Catalonian Regional Government today voted to ban Bull Torturing in the region from 2012.
They voted 68 in favour of the ban, 55 against and 9 abstentions.
Europa Press: Cataluña prohíbe las corridas de toros a partir de 2012
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Burka row MP could face legal row
the Daily Express has reported that Phillip Hollobone MP (Kettering) who is attempting to bring about a Private Member's Bill to ban women wearing the burka or niqab in public (full facial veils), has been warned by the lawyers from 'Liberty' the civil rights campaigning organisation that they are happy to assist any complainant who may wish to bring an action against him for discrimination.
The MP has said that he will not meet with any of his constituents that is wearing a full face veil. If a person refuses to remove the veil he will ask them to contact him by an alternative method such as email or letter.
James Welch, Legal Director for Liberty, said: "We have written to Mr Hollobone to advise him of the law as enacted by Parliament and feel confident that no well-advised Honourable Member would seek to breach it by meeting with constituents on a discriminatory basis."
I agree with Mr Hollobone's sentiments in that I would not be prepared to hold a face to face discussion with anyone who chooses to have 95% of their face covered, showing only their eyes. I believe that the stance taken by 'Liberty' to be totally ridiculous. Perhaps they might to write to me as well!
Read the full article here Express.co.uk : Burka row MP could face legal row
The MP has said that he will not meet with any of his constituents that is wearing a full face veil. If a person refuses to remove the veil he will ask them to contact him by an alternative method such as email or letter.
James Welch, Legal Director for Liberty, said: "We have written to Mr Hollobone to advise him of the law as enacted by Parliament and feel confident that no well-advised Honourable Member would seek to breach it by meeting with constituents on a discriminatory basis."
I agree with Mr Hollobone's sentiments in that I would not be prepared to hold a face to face discussion with anyone who chooses to have 95% of their face covered, showing only their eyes. I believe that the stance taken by 'Liberty' to be totally ridiculous. Perhaps they might to write to me as well!
Read the full article here Express.co.uk : Burka row MP could face legal row
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Experience: I was with my friend when she took her own life
A very moving and thought provoking article.
When my time comes I hope I am in the position to make a similar decision but without having to travel to a strange country.
Experience: I was with my friend when she took her own life | Life and style | The Guardian
When my time comes I hope I am in the position to make a similar decision but without having to travel to a strange country.
Experience: I was with my friend when she took her own life | Life and style | The Guardian
Friday, 16 July 2010
Burglars next door -- No British Holiday Makers!
Deep into the night two of the residents of a Spanish residential community were awoken suddenly by loud banging and furniture moving noises, and voices coming from the next door property. They looked at the clock it was 02:15 hrs., a quarter past 2 in the middle of the night!
Immediate half asleep thought, because the owners life in the United Kingdom, 'there are burglars in the house ransacking the place'. Rather noisy burglars though.
As fully awake thoughts started to function they realised it was the British holiday makers currently renting the house. Behaving as intoxicated, stupid, inconsiderate and ignorant holiday makers do. The residents checked to see if the visitors hire car was parked on the road in front of the house, but it wasn't. They began to wonder if perhaps it is burglars after all. No it is the holiday makers. They recognised the voices of the revelling holiday makers as they shout rather than talk to each other. Probably left the car somewhere as the father had drunk too much to drive. Perhaps not so stupid.
Doors banging, furniture being scrapped on the tiled floors, and then the scream! They, and other residents, know what that means. One of the females in the party has found a cucaracha (cockroach) or two. That was followed by the noise of frantic furniture moving and the multitude of the slamming of shoes on the floor with the many attempts at exterminating of the unwanted visitors (cockroaches not the holiday makers). The evening consumption of alcohol obviously effecting the exterminators aim.
Thirty minutes, forty five minutes and the cacophony continues. By this time the husband has had enough, sleep is out of the question, and he is beginning to think about calling next door to ask the holiday makers to have consideration for others. His 'better half' points out that it may be better to leave it till later as the combination of alcohol and holiday makers can be explosive.
One hour after it started, it's 03:15 by then, peace and quiet was restored. The holiday makers have retired, or 'flaked out'.
Now the residents have to try to get back to sleep, thanks to the moronic attitude and actions of the British holiday makers. The clock shows 03:30, 03:45, still no sleep.
When it was politely pointed out to the family later, when they eventually rose from their induced deep slumbers, that the disturbance they had made during the night was inconsiderate to the resident neighbours, either side of the rental, the matriarch replied, “we're on holiday”.
How many times have residents of communities on the Spanish coast heard that. What it really means is 'we don't give a dam, we'll do what we want, we've rented the house for a holiday so you residents can put up with it'.
A true story that is almost certainly re-enacted here, there, and in every community.
Immediate half asleep thought, because the owners life in the United Kingdom, 'there are burglars in the house ransacking the place'. Rather noisy burglars though.
As fully awake thoughts started to function they realised it was the British holiday makers currently renting the house. Behaving as intoxicated, stupid, inconsiderate and ignorant holiday makers do. The residents checked to see if the visitors hire car was parked on the road in front of the house, but it wasn't. They began to wonder if perhaps it is burglars after all. No it is the holiday makers. They recognised the voices of the revelling holiday makers as they shout rather than talk to each other. Probably left the car somewhere as the father had drunk too much to drive. Perhaps not so stupid.
Doors banging, furniture being scrapped on the tiled floors, and then the scream! They, and other residents, know what that means. One of the females in the party has found a cucaracha (cockroach) or two. That was followed by the noise of frantic furniture moving and the multitude of the slamming of shoes on the floor with the many attempts at exterminating of the unwanted visitors (cockroaches not the holiday makers). The evening consumption of alcohol obviously effecting the exterminators aim.
Thirty minutes, forty five minutes and the cacophony continues. By this time the husband has had enough, sleep is out of the question, and he is beginning to think about calling next door to ask the holiday makers to have consideration for others. His 'better half' points out that it may be better to leave it till later as the combination of alcohol and holiday makers can be explosive.
One hour after it started, it's 03:15 by then, peace and quiet was restored. The holiday makers have retired, or 'flaked out'.
Now the residents have to try to get back to sleep, thanks to the moronic attitude and actions of the British holiday makers. The clock shows 03:30, 03:45, still no sleep.
When it was politely pointed out to the family later, when they eventually rose from their induced deep slumbers, that the disturbance they had made during the night was inconsiderate to the resident neighbours, either side of the rental, the matriarch replied, “we're on holiday”.
How many times have residents of communities on the Spanish coast heard that. What it really means is 'we don't give a dam, we'll do what we want, we've rented the house for a holiday so you residents can put up with it'.
A true story that is almost certainly re-enacted here, there, and in every community.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
How Inconsiderate can British Holiday Makers be?
Having already raised the question about the stupidity of some of the British holiday makers I will now add their lack of consideration.
A family have rented a house in Spain for two weeks within a terrace row of residential properties.
They decide to have a barbecue for their evening meal in the front garden because " You've got to have a barbie when you're on holiday". There is no problem with that.
There is a problem however when they decide to place the portable barbecue directly under the front window of the property adjacent to the one they are staying in. No consideration given to the residents living in the property. No thought as to the effect of the smoke and the smell of the cooking on the barbie being blown into the next door property, and the fact that it is adjacent to the building.
The look of amazement on the faces of the holiday makers when asked to move the barbecue away from the building and the window is unbelievable. This starts them thinking. How could these residents be so akward as to object to us cooking our barbie under their window? Where can we put it and besides that it's hot? We're on holiday we shouldn't have to think about things like that!
The answers are; neighbours don't want living rooms stinking of cooking and full of smoke; anywhere else in the front garden not next to the building or under a neighbouring resident's windows.
That's not a too difficult thing for the holiday makers to think about. Had they been considerate in the first place they wouldn't have the problem of moving the barbecue to a sensible location. The problem probably has something to do with the adage about leaving brains at airport.
As an aside: what is the enjoyment of standing in direct sunshine in temperatures in excess of 36 centigrade in front of a very hot smoky barbecue with the end result of burnt overcooked burgers and sausages and burnt but undercooked chicken?
A family have rented a house in Spain for two weeks within a terrace row of residential properties.
They decide to have a barbecue for their evening meal in the front garden because " You've got to have a barbie when you're on holiday". There is no problem with that.
There is a problem however when they decide to place the portable barbecue directly under the front window of the property adjacent to the one they are staying in. No consideration given to the residents living in the property. No thought as to the effect of the smoke and the smell of the cooking on the barbie being blown into the next door property, and the fact that it is adjacent to the building.
The look of amazement on the faces of the holiday makers when asked to move the barbecue away from the building and the window is unbelievable. This starts them thinking. How could these residents be so akward as to object to us cooking our barbie under their window? Where can we put it and besides that it's hot? We're on holiday we shouldn't have to think about things like that!
The answers are; neighbours don't want living rooms stinking of cooking and full of smoke; anywhere else in the front garden not next to the building or under a neighbouring resident's windows.
That's not a too difficult thing for the holiday makers to think about. Had they been considerate in the first place they wouldn't have the problem of moving the barbecue to a sensible location. The problem probably has something to do with the adage about leaving brains at airport.
As an aside: what is the enjoyment of standing in direct sunshine in temperatures in excess of 36 centigrade in front of a very hot smoky barbecue with the end result of burnt overcooked burgers and sausages and burnt but undercooked chicken?
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
No Parole for 'El Presidente'
We had our 'Community of Owners' annual general meeting on Monday (12th July) as planned, starting it at 10:30 hrs and, after the shortest meeting yet, it closed at 10.55 hrs.
When it came to the matter of the election of the two officials of the community I didn't get my 'Parole', another year at least as 'El Presidente'. My Vice-president of three years was given her parole because she doesn't live in the community on a regular basis any more. That could be my way out for next year! I'll have to move.
I've written the minutes of the meeting (English & Spanish versions required) and have dispatched them to all the owners. I'm now wondering how long before the first query is raised and by whom. I have my suspicion who it will be.
When it came to the matter of the election of the two officials of the community I didn't get my 'Parole', another year at least as 'El Presidente'. My Vice-president of three years was given her parole because she doesn't live in the community on a regular basis any more. That could be my way out for next year! I'll have to move.
I've written the minutes of the meeting (English & Spanish versions required) and have dispatched them to all the owners. I'm now wondering how long before the first query is raised and by whom. I have my suspicion who it will be.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Divided Belgium is EU prototype - Nigel Farage MEP
Agree with or disagree with his political views he does have a habit of getting direct to the point.
How stupid can British Holiday Makers be?
This is a true story, and probably being repeated throughout the Costa Blanca.
A family group of five, two parents and three teenagers/early twenties arrive in Spain mid-morning today.
They arrive at their rented house and see the community swimming pool. - Oh great joy!
First task for the youngest three is presumably to unpack. Second task is to get into their swimwear and head for the pool area.
Mission is accomplished by 13:30 hrs.
Spain currently has a hot weather warning with temperatures in the area anticipated to reach 36 C. The sky is a clear blue with no cloud cover what so ever. The residents in Spain are sensibly keeping out of the sun and in the cool.
But not the intrepid trio. At 15:oo hrs they are still in the pool area sunbathing and swimming. They are immune from the direct heat of the sun, or so they think! I wonder which one will be the most sunburnt tomorrow. Will we see the pink lobster holiday makers, that we see so often, trying to keep their clothes off their roasted skins.
How stupid can British holiday makers be?
P.S. Where were the parents? Indoors out of the extreme heat of the day.
A family group of five, two parents and three teenagers/early twenties arrive in Spain mid-morning today.
They arrive at their rented house and see the community swimming pool. - Oh great joy!
First task for the youngest three is presumably to unpack. Second task is to get into their swimwear and head for the pool area.
Mission is accomplished by 13:30 hrs.
Spain currently has a hot weather warning with temperatures in the area anticipated to reach 36 C. The sky is a clear blue with no cloud cover what so ever. The residents in Spain are sensibly keeping out of the sun and in the cool.
But not the intrepid trio. At 15:oo hrs they are still in the pool area sunbathing and swimming. They are immune from the direct heat of the sun, or so they think! I wonder which one will be the most sunburnt tomorrow. Will we see the pink lobster holiday makers, that we see so often, trying to keep their clothes off their roasted skins.
How stupid can British holiday makers be?
P.S. Where were the parents? Indoors out of the extreme heat of the day.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
British Embassy in Madrid now on Facebook
The British Embassy in Madrid has today launched its Facebook page, allowing social networkers to get news about the Embassy and Foreign Office via the popular site
Following the British Embassy in Madrid on Facebook allows you to see all its latest news. There are also links to FCO travel advice and information about visiting or living in Spain. Linking to the Embassy’s Flickr and YouTube channels, the Facebook page shows up-to-date photos from events and useful videos. Most recently, the consular network in Spain uploaded a “Living in Spain” video which gives important advice on a range of topics from claiming a pension to registering to work in Spain. Users of Facebook are encouraged to visit the site and give it a thumbs up if they think information they see there is useful - use the 'like' button!
News from the British Embassy in Madrid can already be found on: Twitter
British Embassy, Madrid
Following the British Embassy in Madrid on Facebook allows you to see all its latest news. There are also links to FCO travel advice and information about visiting or living in Spain. Linking to the Embassy’s Flickr and YouTube channels, the Facebook page shows up-to-date photos from events and useful videos. Most recently, the consular network in Spain uploaded a “Living in Spain” video which gives important advice on a range of topics from claiming a pension to registering to work in Spain. Users of Facebook are encouraged to visit the site and give it a thumbs up if they think information they see there is useful - use the 'like' button!
News from the British Embassy in Madrid can already be found on: Twitter
British Embassy, Madrid
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Labour MEPs call for new inquiry to solve Spanish 'Land Grab' property problems
Labour MEPs, said that discussions with colleagues from the ruling Spanish socialist party had resulted in the idea of a committee of inquiry to help those affected by the 'Land Grab' legislation and scandal to seek redress.
Michael Cashman MEP, who has been campaigning on this issue for seven years, believes that the committee may be a way of getting through the current impasse that has been blocking effective action on this issue. He said: "Spain's regional laws mean it is difficult for the Spanish government to act on this issue, but act they must.
"For years now we have been demanding action, but very little has been done. If a committee of inquiry offers an opportunity to get past the current blockage then the government must use it.
"Nobody can understand the worry that comes from the prospect of giving up your home, of surrendering your life savings.
Read full article: Labour MEPs call for new inquiry to solve Spanish property problems
Michael Cashman MEP, who has been campaigning on this issue for seven years, believes that the committee may be a way of getting through the current impasse that has been blocking effective action on this issue. He said: "Spain's regional laws mean it is difficult for the Spanish government to act on this issue, but act they must.
"For years now we have been demanding action, but very little has been done. If a committee of inquiry offers an opportunity to get past the current blockage then the government must use it.
"Nobody can understand the worry that comes from the prospect of giving up your home, of surrendering your life savings.
Read full article: Labour MEPs call for new inquiry to solve Spanish property problems
Virgin olive oil and a Mediterranean diet fight heart disease by changing how our genes function
Everyone knows olive oil and a Mediterranean diet are associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, but a new research report by the Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group at the Institut Municipal d'Investigacio Medica in Barcelona, Spain, offers a surprising reason why: these foods change how genes associated with atherosclerosis function.
Full article: ScienceDaily (2010-07-06)
Full article: ScienceDaily (2010-07-06)
Spanish resort cracks down on young Brits excesses.
The coastal town of Salou, on the Costa Dorada close to Barcelona, on Spain's Mediterranean coast has banned people from wearing bikinis on its street in a bid to improve its image.
More details Spanish resort cracks down on young Brits excesses | Mail Online
More details Spanish resort cracks down on young Brits excesses | Mail Online
Monday, 5 July 2010
I've cleaned up after other Owners in the past - Not Anymore!
Warning this is a justifiable rant.
Like many communities and urbanisations in Spain ours has a communal post box area. Once again today, like many times before, when I went to check if I had any mail, I found the cupboard full of rubbish. Leaflets, mainly, that had been removed from the individual mail boxes
Why do several of the owners of property within our community, when collecting their mail, when they find unwanted leaflets of various sorts in their private boxes dump them in the post box area, assuming someone else will clear them away?
The obvious answers are because those owners are too inconsiderate towards others, and too lazy.
They are too lazy to walk 10 yards across the road to the rubbish bin.
Who do they think is going to keep the post box area clean, the post box fairy, or me as the incumbent Community Chairman (El Presidente), who happens to live closest to the mail area? The answer is they don't think as they don't give a dam!
Well I'm not the community cleaner. I've cleaned up after those owners in the past - Not Any more!
Perhaps four years is enough.
I wonder how long it will be before someone complains to me that the post box cupboard is not being kept clean. I know what my response will be.
That's it - calm is restored.
Friday, 2 July 2010
I wonder if 4 years as 'El Presidente' is enough!
On the 4th July 2006, during the Annual General Meeting of the Comunidad de Propietarios, for our property here in Orihuela Costa, I was elected as 'El Presidente' . If it was in the United Kingdom the nearest equivalent would be Chairman of the Residents Association.
The title sounds grand, but although any owner of a property within a community has the right to be considered for the position, there is not normally a stampede for nomination for the post. This is because it can be a time consuming and unappreciated, thankless, unpaid voluntary job. The person elected as 'El President' is also, at the end of the day, the legal representative of the community of property owners and accountable under Spanish law. It is a position that is normally held for one year with a new incumbent being elected at the Annual General Meeting.
All the previous incumbents having resigned and not prepared to be re-elected, I was asked, "at the petition of the owners" according to the minutes of the meeting, to take on the role. as no one else wanted to. I always remember the maxim ' never volunteer' but under Spanish law a community cannot be without a 'Presidente'.
My fourth year in the position is drawing to a close and I'm wondering if that many years is enough.
Its not been a too difficult job, and I believe that I've done my best for the community, although there have been times, yes, when it has been a thankless job.
This is especially true when insults and accusations have been made against me, during the years, by some owners and their visitors, when they couldn't do what they wanted, usually related to the use of the community swimming pool, irrespective of the democratically agreed set of community rules. In the reality of the situation, this is the bane in the life of the majority of 'Los Presidentes', and a major factor in the reluctance of owners to volunteer for their turn in the role.
Our AGM is usually held in early July, and this year I decided it is to be the 12th July, and as part of my responsibility I have to send out the notification of the date of the meeting. The financial details, which include the income and expenditure account for the past year, the balance sheet as at the year end (30th June), and the proposed budget for the forthcoming year, also have to be prepared and sent to all the owners in time for the meeting. That's all done.
Since my appointment I have helped the community achieve most of it's goals. A formalisation of the rules of the community. The improvements of the safety of the swimming pool area. The satisfactory quality of maintenance of the swimming pool. The elimination of the need and the cost of an outside Administrator. The reduction of the annual community charge, by cost savings, from 250€ in 2006 to a proposal for 2010 of 185€ . That's all done.
Perhaps the time is right, if another owner is prepared to take hold of them, to hand over the reins.
However the choice may not be mine.
Perhaps the other owners may think 'better the devil you know' and no one volunteers.
However someone is going to have take over at sometime.
The title sounds grand, but although any owner of a property within a community has the right to be considered for the position, there is not normally a stampede for nomination for the post. This is because it can be a time consuming and unappreciated, thankless, unpaid voluntary job. The person elected as 'El President' is also, at the end of the day, the legal representative of the community of property owners and accountable under Spanish law. It is a position that is normally held for one year with a new incumbent being elected at the Annual General Meeting.
All the previous incumbents having resigned and not prepared to be re-elected, I was asked, "at the petition of the owners" according to the minutes of the meeting, to take on the role. as no one else wanted to. I always remember the maxim ' never volunteer' but under Spanish law a community cannot be without a 'Presidente'.
My fourth year in the position is drawing to a close and I'm wondering if that many years is enough.
Its not been a too difficult job, and I believe that I've done my best for the community, although there have been times, yes, when it has been a thankless job.
This is especially true when insults and accusations have been made against me, during the years, by some owners and their visitors, when they couldn't do what they wanted, usually related to the use of the community swimming pool, irrespective of the democratically agreed set of community rules. In the reality of the situation, this is the bane in the life of the majority of 'Los Presidentes', and a major factor in the reluctance of owners to volunteer for their turn in the role.
Our AGM is usually held in early July, and this year I decided it is to be the 12th July, and as part of my responsibility I have to send out the notification of the date of the meeting. The financial details, which include the income and expenditure account for the past year, the balance sheet as at the year end (30th June), and the proposed budget for the forthcoming year, also have to be prepared and sent to all the owners in time for the meeting. That's all done.
Since my appointment I have helped the community achieve most of it's goals. A formalisation of the rules of the community. The improvements of the safety of the swimming pool area. The satisfactory quality of maintenance of the swimming pool. The elimination of the need and the cost of an outside Administrator. The reduction of the annual community charge, by cost savings, from 250€ in 2006 to a proposal for 2010 of 185€ . That's all done.
Perhaps the time is right, if another owner is prepared to take hold of them, to hand over the reins.
However the choice may not be mine.
Perhaps the other owners may think 'better the devil you know' and no one volunteers.
However someone is going to have take over at sometime.
UVA radiation damages DNA in human skin cells and can lead to Melanoma
A new study has found that UVA radiation damages the DNA in human melanocyte cells, causing mutations that can lead to melanoma. Melanocytes, which contain a substance called melanin that darkens the skin to protect it from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, are more vulnerable to UVA radiation than normal skin cells because they are unable to repair themselves as efficiently.
Read full article in Science Daily
Read full article in Science Daily
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