Moronic Householder leaves Brains by Rubbish Bin.

The title may seem somewhat harsh but I believe it is the reality of the situation.

For those not familiar with the rubbish collection system in Spain, the large grey rubbish bin is situated in the street for use of the local residents to dispose of their day to day household waste. It is not intended for recyclable items, garden waste, old furniture, building rubble and other non-normal household waste. In our town, each evening, subject to the whim of the council or it's cleaning contractor, the bin is emptied by the use of a semi automated single manned 'skip' lorry. It is well known amongst householders that what is in the bin may be collected, but what is not is left where it is.

From the two photographs below it can be seen that either side close by, within 25 metres ( metric measurement you'll note), to the grey bin are areas of open ground where the stones could have been neatly disposed of.

But that would have been too easy for the moronic householder. Instead the person takes the heavy bucket and black plastic bag of stones to the bin where they will stay, for many days, until someone else decides to clear them away. Chances are it will probably be me! OK the stones shouldn't be put in the bin but as least that would have been better than leaving them where they are. Now either, the person is too stupid to think of that, or not strong enough to lift the bucket and bag in entirety into the bin and too stupid to think of putting a few stones in at a time.

Now I'm not adverse to criticising the council when they fail to clear away the rubbish properly, but at the least the householders could help by not filling the streets with non-collectable rubbish. This might be just one incident but it is symptomatic of the attitude of a lot of property owners; get rid of the rubbish from my property and don't give a damn what happens when its been dumped in the street. Out of personal sight out of mind.

Yes I know I'm becoming a 'Grumpy Old Man', it's my right at my age, but at least that's got if off my chest. Perhaps just perhaps the moron might read this, if I tell enough local people this post is here, and have a change of heart, or perhaps it might make other residents think twice about where they put their rubbish.

Putting the clocks back this weekend could be detrimental to health.

Not putting the clocks back this weekend but still putting them forward in the spring would be a simple and effective way to vastly improve our health and well-being, says an expert in the online British Medical Journal.

Research shows that people feel happier, more energetic and have lower sickness rates in the longer and brighter days of summer, whereas their mood tends to decline during the shorter and darker days of winter.

In the case of the older and less mobile generation this can lead to depression as the feeling of isolation is felt because of the difficult of getting out and about in the darker hours of the afternoons and early evenings. To some people, and my self included, it can make one feel claustrophobic in the long dark nights.

It is suggested that the majority of the public are in favour of not returning the clocks to GMT in the winter months.

Read More:
Not putting the clocks back this weekend would improve health, says expert
Science Daily

Further articles
Telegraph: Putting clock back makes older people depressed
 Age UK: Clocks should not be turned back

Foreclosure in Spain Can Mean Lifetime Debt to Bank

In an article in the New York Times Suzanne Dayley reports that 'An estimated 1.4 million Spaniards are facing potential foreclosure proceedings, according to Spain’s consumer protection association, known as the Adicae. Recent figures from the courts show that the numbers are rising fast. In 2007, there were just 26,000 foreclosures. Last year, there were more than 93,000. Early indications suggest that they will be higher again in 2010'

she highlights the diffence in the way mortgage debt is treated in Spain compared to countries such as America and the United Kingdom.

For many Spanish mortgage holders, no longer able to pay their mortgages, the fine print in the deals they agreed to years ago is catching up with them. Not only are they personally liable for the full amount of the loan, but throw in penalty interest charges and tens of thousands of dollars in court fees, and people can end up facing an enormous amount of debt. Bankruptcy is not the answer because mortgage debt is specifically excluded in Spain.

There could be a very large shock for mortgage defaulters who think that they can hand the keys of the property to the bank and walk away.

Read the full article:
Foreclosure in Spain Can Mean Lifetime Debt to Bank - NYTimes.com

Highly targeted radiation technique minimizes side effects of prostate cancer treatment, study finds

Men with prostate cancer treated with a specialized type of radiation called intensity modulated radiation therapy have fewer gastrointestinal complications compared to patients treated with conventional three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, according to a new study.

Read More:
Highly targeted radiation technique minimizes side effects of prostate cancer treatment, study finds
ScienceDaily (2010-10-25)

Scented consumer products shown to emit many unlisted chemicals

Even "green" fragranced products give off many chemicals that are not listed on the label, including some that are classified as toxic. A study of 25 of the most popular scented products showed they emit 133 different chemicals, of which only two are listed anywhere.

An interesting article in the Science Daily about a study, although carried out in America and makes reference to American legislation, which analyzed air fresheners including sprays, solids and oils; laundry products including detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets; personal care products such as soaps, hand sanitizers, lotions, deodorant and shampoos; and cleaning products including disinfectants, all-purpose sprays and dish detergent. All were widely used brands which are almost certainly available worldwide in different formats.

My family has certainly experienced uncomfortable or adverse effects when using some commonly available products in the home.

Read More: Scented consumer products shown to emit many unlisted chemicals

382,000 Spanish computers became zombies

In Europe, Spain has become the country where there is a greater number of infections of computers related to 'botnets'. It has the highest number of infections in the period between January and July 2010, when 382,000 Spanish computers became zombies, ahead of France, Britain and Germany.

Microsoft has released the ninth edition of its Security Intelligence Report (SIRv9), which shows the current proliferation of 'botnets' - malicious robots-as a platform to develop the so-called cybercrime. The latest report, covering the period from January to June 2010, includes an analysis of data from more than 600 million computers worldwide, data collected through Microsoft products and tools, among which include products Forefont security, Windows Defender, Microsoft Security Essentials, Windows Internet Explorer, Bing and Malware Removal Tool (MSRT).

Microsoft's report also reveals the geographical variations exist in the problem of botnets.

In the second quarter of 2010, the United States recorded the highest number of botnet infections (2.2 million), followed by Brazil (550,000).

In terms of higher infection rate of botnets, South Korea was the country in which there was a higher incidence (14.6 infections per 1,000 computers scanned botnet), followed by Spain (12.4) and Mexico (11, 4).

Rimecud was detected as the botnet more consistent worldwide, an increase in significant proliferation: their infections shot up 860 percent in the last three months of 2009. Second, with 70 percent fewer infections, we see the botnet called Alureon.

Between April and June 2010, Microsoft disinfected more than 6.5 million computer botnets infections, double the same period last year.

portaltic.es

New political party for foreigners in Spain

The Round Town News this week publishes an article by Louise Clarke entitled  New political party for foreigners about the emergence of the political party Partido de Extranjeros (PDEX). The President of the new party Giulio Adinolfi is reported as saying the party's aims are to represent the rights of foreigners here in Spain.

With the next local elections due on the 22nd May 2011 this seems to be a 'déjà vu' situation of a similar time in 2006, prior to the May 2007 elections. Wasn't that when in Orihuela Costa we saw the emergence of the CLARO political party, which was perceived, rightly or wrongly, by many as a party of foreigners.

The point is made in the article that; 'On past experience, political parties like PDEX have found poor results and the low participation of foreigners at the time of municipal elections means that they very rarely get a seat on any of the councils that they stand for'. The results of the May 2007 local election in Orihuela would validate the point made, with CLARO failing to gain enough votes to obtain a seat on the Council.

The five municipalities that the PDEX are going to field candidates in does not include Orihuela, which in turn includes Orihuela Costa, although next door Torrevieja municipality is mentioned.

Perhaps a conclusion that could be reached is that CLARO has arranged an agreement with PDEX that the two parties don't challenge each other in the Orihuela elections. Or perhaps CLARO is to be amalgamated with PDEX. Or perhaps we could see a coalition election list.

Dear Mónica - No Vote, Yes Benefit

Sra. Mónica Lorente,
La Alcaldesa de Orihuela

Dear Mónica,

I know you will be aware of the misguided campaign being publicised by your local political opponents (PSOE, CLR and CLARO) to persuade residents registered on the Orihuela Municipal Padrón to register on the electoral census. They seem to have chosen a rather misleading slogan of 'No Vote, No Voice', and are trying to scare the people into believing that you and the Partido Popular don't listen to the residents of Orihuela Costa. How can the people think that? Its so unfair!

I suspect that, despite putting on a brave face, which I admire you for, you are not too happy about the possibility of 'los extranjeros' residents, and in particular those from Reino Unido, in Orihuela Costa registering to vote. I can understand your concerns that they don't understand Partido Popular democracy and don't have the knowledge of how politics in the Orihuela municipality is conducted. They are not aware of how open and honest members of the your party on the Town Council, and your personally selected, unbiased, 'asesors, have to behave when dealing with the public. They are not aware of the stringent steps your PP Town Councillors take to ensure that any contracts for public services are awarded without grace or favour to local, family, businesses. They (expatriates) have an illusory perception that nepotism and corruption have no place in Spanish local government.

We certainly don't want the 'status quo' political map being altered by these inexperienced foreign newcomers, do we?

Don't let all the talk about many thousands of those on the Padrón wanting to vote, its not true, we saw that in the election in 2007. Excuses were given that electoral census application forms were not received. Don't believe it, it was propaganda put out by your unpopular opponents to cover their lack of support amongst the residents. The truth is that as the form was foolishly printed in the language of the country the majority of expatriates couldn't understand it. The other point to remember is that the total figure of residents on the Padrón is over stated. There are many thousands of holiday home owners registered as inhabitants who only visit Orihuela a few weeks a year and should not be on the Padrón. They only registered to help your wonderfully benevolent Council receive funds from central government to spend on your fervent party supporters in Orihuela . They have no intention of voting in local elections. Why should it be any different here in Spain than from their own country. Apathy can travel very well.

If you're still a little concerned, I would like to suggest an alternative policy that you might consider to combat the ludicrous 'No Vote, No Voice' campaign. You could start your own, entitled 'No Vote, Yes Benefit' informing the foreign residents of Orihuela Costa that the Council is to consider offering a one off refund payment of the current years Council Tax to each eligible property owner. I suggest two criteria for entitlement to the refund. Firstly, and this will make the vast majority ineligible, the owner must genuinely believe that they have not received value for money for their taxes from your PP controlled Council. Secondly that they have not registered on the electoral register as at the 30^th December 2010, and therefore not entitled to vote on the 22 May 2011. You could inform them that the intention, at this point in time, providing the 2011 budget is ever approved, is to make the refund on the 1^st April 2011. You could of course extend it and include those who un-register from the electoral census! The people would be fools not to be tempted by the offer of money instead of a ballot paper. They could follow the example of many in Spanish politics and put self before civic responsibilty! Of course you don't have to honour any promise given to the residents, but I know that is not in your character.

Your enlightened resident and voter

P.S. Just to let you know that I defended your honour in a restaurant recently when I heard a group of people unfairly criticising that you wore two faces. It sounded like that's what they said. I pointed out to them that, like any attractive women, some days you might not want to wear make-up and on others you do, and they shouldn't criticise you for that.

Four-fifths of British expatriates have savings in sterling

The Telegraph reports on a survey carried out by Lloyds TSB International which concludes that nearly 80 per cent of British expatriates still have savings in sterling even if they have not lived in the UK for years nor have any intention in returning.

As an expat I can understand this. There is always the possibility of returning, and it's better to have a financial foot in two countries.

Read the full article here: Four-fifths of British expatriates have savings in sterling - Telegraph

Dear Mónica - Streetfill sites update 2

Open letter to:

Sra. Mónica Lorente,

La Alcaldesa de Orihuela


Dear Mónica,

As promised I'm keeping you up to date on the success of your 'Streetfill' sites policy.

Unfortunately there is some bad news to report but I will cheer you up with some good and very good news.

The bad news is that, as you can see on the left, someone has stolen some of the rubbish being stored in Calle Tiberiades. You can see how it looked before in my 'Streetfill sites update 1' letter to the right. I haven't been able to investigate this fully but I suspect it may have been an incompetent council worker who failed to carry out your policy instructions correctly and collected the rubbish. I'm sure you can find out who the culprit was and discipline the 'person' (note the political correctness of no gender bias) accordingly.

The good news is that the public are really getting involved in the policy as can be seen from the following videos. In the first you can see that the van with the trailer shown in 'Streetfill sites update 1' returns to help you more by dumping a second trailer full. Not content with the good work of adding to the pile he decides to tidy it up for you using the trailer as a plough. In the second clip you can see that a new 'White van man' or in this case men show their willingness to help your council by dumping two loads of pieces of sawn up palm. It really fills the forgotten space between the existing, proliferating heap and the boundary wall of the adjacent property.



Now for the Very Good News. On your behalf, I'm sorry I didn't ask you first, I decided to test your council system of carrying out your 'Streetfill' policy. I suggested to the Town Hall in Orihuela Costa by email that the pile of rubbish at the corner of Calles Ontario and Baikal might be getting a little larger than you would like. As you can see from the photograph below, taken today, they did not fall for my ploy. The gigantic pile remains intact. The cleaning company has not attempted to clear it. If I may suggest, perhaps the council should consider making an 'ex gratia' loyalty bonus payment to the management of the cleaning contractor.

I will strive to keep you informed of future developments of the larger 'Streetfill' rubbish sites as I become aware of them. Perhaps, after visiting my weblog and reading my letters to you, your fervent United Kingdom expatriate followers in Orihuela Costa will wish to assist me, as a sign of their appreciation of the level of services you and your Council provide to the residents of the coastal area.

Your enlightened resident and voter.

P.S. Don't forget when you visit for your 'Streetfill' press conference that you remember health and safety rules and wear your 'hard hat'. I suggest the white one as it suits you better. It reminds me of a halo.

Tesco to introduce Shopping Proficiency test for the elderly

The News Biscuit website reports that supermarket giant Tesco have announced that they are only to allow pensioners to shop at peak times once they have proved their ability to negotiate its stores without irritating the hell out of other shoppers.

I'm sure I will earn my 'Pensioner Plus' proficiency card when I'm older. I think. Will they automatically upgrade it to use a mobility scooter in the store when the time comes or will this be another test to pass. Will it be a free test? If not, for old couples will it be bogof?

Read the full article: Tesco to introduce Shopping Proficiency test for the elderly | NewsBiscuit

Dear Mónica - Streetfill sites update 1

Open letter to:

Sra. Mónica Lorente,
La Alcaldesa de Orihuela

Dear Mónica,

Further to my previous salutation on the 10th October, just a quick note to give you a positive update that the 'Streetfill' policy is working better at this stage than the Council could have hoped for. My estimation is that you are probably ahead of your target volumes of rubbish to be stored in the roads.

C/ Baikal

 I mentioned in my previous letter to you of three possible sites for a press conference to promote this policy and here are photos of the three suggested finalists
.

C/ Tiberides

 My favourite location is still the corner of Calles Ontario and Baikal as the pile of rubbish is now progressing to an acceptable size, although probably still a little smaller than you might consider acceptable. If this is the case just let me know. I believe that I will not have any difficulty, with the help of your admiring supporters in Orihuela Costa, in finding alternative overflowing 'Streetfill' sites.

C/ Ontario

However you can see from the video below that the more environmentally aware public are behind you on this policy and are trying to build this pile as fast as they can for you. It confirms the Council's obvious successful theory that rubbish left lying will attract more of the same. I wish I had thought of this.



As you can see there was a slight traffic congestion problem and I would therefore suggest that perhaps as Orihuela Costa has a surplus of Policia Local, because of your excellent control of their manning levels, that a couple of them could operate a traffic control one way flow system to this site.

I think the additional decision by the council's cleaning contractors  not to empty the grey household food waste rubbish containers for at least 3 days is a stroke of genius. As you can see from the photograph below it not only speeds up the filling of the empty spaces on the street but it also makes it easier for the rats, cats and dogs to scavenge the plastic bags for food. This shows a caring attitude towards animals by your Council.

I hope to keep you up to date with your council's successes on the Coast.

Your enlightened resident and voter.

P.S. I've noted from your many reported Mayoral appearances that you like to stand out from the crowd of your minions, with your choice of distinctive fashions. May I advise you, when carrying out the suggested press conference, not to wear anything green or with an irregular pattern as you will blend in too much with the chosen backdrop pile of rubbish as it will probably have grown to be taller than you.

Orihuela Town Council's 'Streetfill' Site Policy - Letter to the Mayoress

Open letter to:

Sra. Mónica Lorente,
La Alcaldesa de Orihuela


Dear Mónica,

Ref: Town Council 'Streetfill' Site Policy

First of all let me say that I hope you do not mind me; a mere tax paying, revenue generating, United Kingdom expatriate resident of Orihuela Costa; addressing you; a Goddess amongst your fellow PP councillors and supporters; in such an informal way.

I write to congratulate you on your Council's continual and increasing use of your cost saving 'Streetfill' policy for rubbish produced by both households and businesses in the Orihuela Costa part of the municipality. It is imperative in these difficult economic times that on behalf of the tax payers of the municipality that you do not squander the funds received. I, and the majority of residents I'm sure, appreciate that the cost of the collection of rubbish and its transport to registered, and more probably illegal, landfill sites is expensive for the Council. In addition there are the uncontrolled payments to the contractor, deemed to be the best responsible company, for providing the supposedly first class cleaning service to the municipality.

Certainly within Orihuela Costa we (the inhabitants) have experienced over a considerable time the excellent policy, of your Council, of allowing rubbish tippers to use undeveloped land within the area as landfill sites. All the residents appreciate that this is a cost saving policy for the Council as it saves the need to provide costly household and building rubbish handling facilities. Well done for your foresight on this.

I appreciate that as the major parts of the under-developed areas of land within the coastal area become full of rubbish, alternative capacity is needed. I understand therefore the need for the Council to leave more rubbish in the streets and roads amongst our homes, to adopt an even more positive policy of 'Streetfill' rubbish management. Not only is it a cost saving exercise but it uses what would otherwise be under-utilisation of public space resources. It is clever of you to realise that there would be less need for refuse collection lorries, less labour needed to man these vehicles, possibility of redundancies, no need to build recycling facilities as the rubbish can decompose in the streets, no need to fund more landfill sites.

It is important that you see evidence of the successful operation of your 'Streetfill' site policy so I invite you view the attached video of just one of the multitude of locations being used to reach your objective. This is at the junction of Calles Ontario and Baikal. There are two more similar sites within 100 metres. Perhaps you might consider using one of these three as a site for a press conference to announce the success of your 'Streetfill' rubbish management policy.

Your enlightened resident and voter.

P.S. The cleaning contract staff have obviously been made aware of 'Streetfill' as when they pass a rubbish pile they stop to admire it and then drive on.

P.P.S. Knowing of your Council's attitude towards protection of the environment, in particular the flora and fauna, I will assume the responsibility of letting you know when the indigenous rats and snakes make the rubbish piles their new homes.

Spanish property still over valued by 17%

Three years after the outbreak of the financial and economic crisis, Spain is one of the countries of the European Union where, the price of housing is still overvalued by about 17% compared to the 3% average in the Euro-zone; according to the quarterly report published by the European Commission about the Euro-zone. It says Spain is still far from completing the adjustment of prices in the construction industry needed to consolidate the recovery.

The housing bubble continues in Spain despite having experienced the second largest drop in home prices in the Euro area (-18%) from the peak reached in 2007. Only Ireland exceeded this, where the price has plummeted by 37% while lowering the Euro-zone average at 8.3%.

The Brussels study shows that, in late 2008, housing prices in Spain were still overvalued by 24%, the highest percentage in the EU. Whilst the United Kingdom was at 18%.

In the case of Ireland, it had already done most of the adjustment of property (and prices were only 3% above its equilibrium level), while in Italy and France the over valuation was moderate (8% and 9% respectively). Germany and the Netherlands were the only countries in the eurozone without a bubble. In the U.S., housing was overvalued by 15%.

Throughout 2009, the adjustment of housing prices in Spain was just seven points, so that by the end of the year still recorded a "significant over valuation" of 17%. In contrast, other member states like France and Italy "probably reached a price level nearly balanced in the third quarter of 2009, while prices in Ireland continued to fall even below the equilibrium level.

The EU executive's report concludes that, on average, most of the gap in housing prices in the Euro area has already been corrected.

However, the Commission warns that this average "masks important differences between member states. "In late 2009, the correction of housing prices was well under way in some, but still had some way to go in others," in reference to members such as Spain. "In addition, a few Member States, notably Germany, have now undervalued home prices," it says.

Europa Press

Doctors and nurses launch campaign for right to help terminally ill to end their lives

Healthcare Professionals for Change, a group of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, says it wants to challenge bodies such as the British Medical Association, which opposes any change in the law that would allow others to help terminally ill people to die.

The group is the first professional body of its kind to be set up with the explicit aim of changing the 1961 Suicide Act, which forbids such assistance.

I believe this is another step in the right direction.

Read more detail.

I'm annoyed I spelt it anoid.

I wish Facebook, Twitter and such like had a spell checker built in, and I could get the Blogger one to work, then I wouldn't make such howling spelling errors! I'm not dyslexic (spell checked) ..... I'm just rubbish at spelling.

The other day I posted a comment on Facebook and spelt 'annoyed' as 'anoid'.

Now I could say that it was because my typing is poor, or that my brain is working so much faster than my fingers, but neither reason would be true.

I'm not paranoid about it, it's just a factoid that where spelling is concerned my head is devoid of the rules of grammar for correct spellings. I'm not an android with a built in spell checker so what I need is an online facility to avoid further errors. There are a least 312 words that end 'oid' so its an easy mistake to make. Well for me it is.

Why can't all words be spelt phonetically (Spell checked)? It would be so much easier.

However as there is the theory that as long as the first and last letter are correct then the reader will understand what has been written incorrectly...... that lets me off. Its my own form of creative writing.