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Content in this newsletter blog site comes from its subscribers, followers & Editor. Submissions are subject to editing and posting at the Editor’s discretion. Content from other sources is credited. The Editor is Naythan, aka DoctorLaptop.
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Announcements
DigameXtra Holiday Schedule- No issue on these days.
Posts scheduled for these days will appear in the next issue.
-Saturday, Jan. 1st, 2022, New Years Day, a Spanish public holiday
-Thursday, Jan. 6th, 2022, Epiphany, a Spanish public holiday
DoctorLaptop Holiday Schedule: All work by appointment.
I will be closed for all business Thursday Dec 30 thru Sunday Jan2.
My winter hours for appointments are 2pm – 8pm, Monday thru Friday.
HOLIDAY SEASON 2021 – 2022 DIGAMEXTRA FUND RAISER
-Holiday Donation Info –
Cash donations are preferred.
You may drop donations off in person and say hello, or drop them in my mailbox beside my door. Both the door and the mailbox have the name HARRIS on them.
Alternatively, you may send me an Amazon ES (Spain) eGift card if you cannot deliver cash to the DigameXtra office.
DO NOT SEND AMAZON UK eGIFT CARDS PLEASE
AmazonES eGift Card Link, you can choose any amount you like on the form: https://www.amazon.es/Cheques-Regalo-Amazon-es-mail-Amazon/dp/B07SS5PFJK/
Send to-
Name: N.J. Harris
Email: digamextra@protonmail.com
Updated 28Dec21: Thank you for your support and generosity. Half way there! I will remove this post when the target is reached, or Jan 7th, whichever comes first. The target for this year is €2400 (€50/wk, or €8.34 per issue that takes 6hrs to produce, for the past year). If we reach the target I will not post another fundraiser till late next November. You don’t like being asked for money, and I certainly don’t like asking; let’s get this done so we can have the next 10.5 months free of donation drives. -Ed.
Date Daily Tally w/ initials Grand Total, Target €2400
28Dec21 €5(JS) €1205 : )
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for my efforts, averaging 6hrs a day, 6 days a week! Just a €30 donation would cover you for all of last year!
Do you like all the improvements I made this year? The larger issues, with expanded news and humor sections, the 10 day weather, the videos & more original source translated articles? Do you find the DigameXtra Alerts useful, with breaking Covid-restriction news as soon as it hits the Spanish news outlets? Please vote by making a donation.
What’s On
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! Tell your favourite establishments to post on DigameXtra to get next-day publicity!
COVID ALERT- CANCELLATIONS: Covid incidence rates are rising rapidly. Events are being cancelled in many cases.
-I strongly suggest you verify events to avoid the disappointment of arriving at a cancelled event.
-Supposedly, “…the Andalusian Government will decide any restrictions after hearing from the territorial committees, which will meet on Monday (3 January), and the ‘Committee of Experts’ (4 January).” {Quote from article posted in News Section}.
-If there are new restrictions announced I will post it asap. -Ed.
The Torrox Spanish History Group: We will be meeting on the 4th January, 2022. The talk will take place at the restaurant El Taurus in Torrox Park – just next door to the El Pino caravan site – but at the earlier time of 10.30am.
The talk “The Spanish Inquisition” by Chris Sherwood an experienced speaker who has given talks to various groups in Nerja
At the moment we are meeting at El Tauras restaurant because our usual restaurant has unfortunately shut for the foreseeable future. However, we hope that after January we will be able to use the meeting room at the Town Hall in Torrox Costa.
We plan to meet outside on the terrace. In case it is raining and we cannot hold the meeting outside on the terrace we will move indoors, please be prepared to show proof of vaccinations received, recovery, or negative test results if that happens.
If you would like to know more about the Torrox Spanish History Group, then please contact Patricia by email at patricianerja@hotmail.com.
The group meets every first Tuesday of the month.
El Valle Drama are back and performing “Let’s Give ’em Hell” for your entertainment:
Jan 28 & 29 at the El Punto de Encuentro Asador, Puente Don Manuel.
WhatsApp Janet (656372175) or Steve (634343933) for ticket information, or email steveheugh@yahoo.co.uk
There is a choice of beef stew, roast chicken or salmon on the evening, followed by a comedy play, all for €15. Come and support your local Am Dram group.
Depending of the restrictions in effect at the time, Covid passport, or proof of recovery/negative test, may be required.
New Years Eve at The Dive Bar- Caleta: We will be serving Chicken and chips or Scampi and chips in a basket. Fireworks at midnight. Free pool table. Outside heated terrace. We will be open from 16.00 hrs. Reservations necessary. Please call +34 661 41 99 74
Avenida Andalucia 113, Caleta de Velez
https://www.thedivebar.es/caleta-de-velez/
Change of Venue- Tango at Caves Restaurant: This event on 30 Dec will now be held at Hotel Salobrena, in Salobrena from 1830-2030. Change due to new pandamic regulations.
A Covid Pass, PCR Negative test valid 72 hrs before entry, or
Antigen negative test valid 48hrs before entry, is required.
Tony, Nerja, sjc2714@gmail.com
CANCELLED- NYE Party at The Olive Tree, Coin: Due to illness this event has been cancelled. On NYE we will close a 8pm. Please call in for your refund.
FB link
Ten Day Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Services Wanted/Offered
Check the DigameXtra Sponsor’s list whenever you need a service.
Landlords, tell your renters about DigameXtra, where they can get overnight answers to questions about local stuff without having to call you!
Nik of all Trades- Services available for home, garden and office:
-Gardening – from weeding to landscaping, stonework (walls, paths, etc) a speciality. Transport and tools all provided by me, my time can be hired in 3 time slots of 4, 6 and 8 hours at a cost of 50€, 75€ and 100€ respectively plus any required materials at cost or fixed price quote if you prefer.
-Small construction/demolition jobs – walls, fencing, guttering, tiling etc. costs as above or fixed price quote if you prefer.
-Painting and decorating – interior or exterior, tools all supplied, materials extra at cost . costs as above or fixed price quote if you prefer.
Evenings, weekends and holidays both Spanish and English are all included at no extra cost. I am always busy and usually require between 2 and 4 weeks notice before I can start work but I can usually carry out quotations fairly quickly.
Check my website for examples of my work www.nikofalltrades.es
Email enquiries or for more information to
nikash2 at hotmail dot com or just write that email address or web address down somewhere in case you may need me in the future! I am a DigameXtra sponsor and so my contact info is available in the sponsors section below as well. There is also a contact form available on the website.
References/recommendations available from the UK and Spain
Based in Competa but can travel anywhere in Digameland. Quotations are completely free!
Coast Fm Gold:
Things are starting to get back to ‘Normal’ …now what?
Let people know you are open for business by advertising on the radio, where you will be heard 4 to 6 times a day, in the car, the kitchen, the bedroom, even on the beach!
No magazine can do that!
97.6 Coast Fm Gold is the Eastern Costa del Sol’s number one radio station, heard locally and all over the world on 97.6fm, Online, Google, Siri, Alexa and on Tunein!
Based in Nerja and broadcasting 24 hours a day, your advert would be heard between 4 to 6 times a day, every day at the same cost as a magazine or local newspaper, which are looked at maybe once or even missed…….you can’t miss whats on the radio unless it’s switched off!
We script it, do the voiceover, add music and once approved by you…..we broadcast it!
Whether your a bar an estate agent, supermarket or have a product or service you would like the world to know about, let them know on 97.6 Coast Fm Gold.
Email to studio @ coastfmgold.com or WhatsApp to 691934626 or leave message and we will call you back!
Golden Leaves Funeral Plans:
Pre-planning your funeral is a thoughtful and responsible way to show you care about your family.
Funerals are no easy task. There are numerous considerations to factor in, including logistics, food and drink, casket purchase and burial grounds. A loved one’s death brings immense emotional strain to any family, and the question of financing and arrangements only exacerbates the stress.
Handling all of these challenges is difficult enough in one’s normal circumstances, but having to go through it while abroad is an enormous burden.
Golden Leaves Funeral Plans aims to support grieving families during these tumultuous times. Since our inception in 1984, we have partnered with a widespread network of funeral directors across the UK and Europe.
Purchasing a funeral plan with Golden Leaves enables you to plan, design and pay for your funeral services in advance.
As one of the leading providers of expat prepaid funeral plans in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, we make sure to adequately support your family in the time of greatest need.
If you are an expat family in need of prepaid funeral services please contact Ruth on phone or whats app + 34 693 715 718
Based in Javea/Alicante. Company Reg. No: 2935393
Email: Ruth.forder@goldenleaves.com
Items For Sale / Wanted / Rent
Click on pics to enlarge
Halting Erosion using Vetiver:
From Vetiver Spain in Sayalonga
Our Nursery is open by appointment. Please email or call first. We have Moringa seedlings, Organic Moringa powder and Comfrey plants. We also have some local trees and some exotic trees from Africa.
Vetiver is a rapid growing and non-invasive sterile clump grass with a height of 1-2 metres and a root system of 3-4 metres in depth. We have been providing Vetiver throughout the EU for almost 10 years now. We are located in Sayalonga where we can plant year round but our best results by far start in February. The reason is that Vetiver is indigenous to India and Vetiver loves the heat of the summer. Use Vetiver cuttings as mulch around all of your fruit trees. Decomposing Vetiver improves soil quality, keeps the weeds down and the insects away all while helping to maintain soil moisture.
Vetiver is a nutritious and replenishable animal fodder. Horses and pigs love it. We use it in our chicken pens replacing hay because it stops mites.
In the 2 photos below you will see land prepared for Vetiver and the results 2 years later.
We also use Vetiver along driveways and sidewalks. It also makes a great and inexpensive ornamental hedge.
Here is a link to a short video showing the results.
https://youtu.be/rjTmb_LL2uo
We suggest planting now, as this is the BEST time of the year to plant.
To see more images of Vetiver go to this link.
https://www.vetiverspain.org/photo-gallery.html
Presently we have some specials, which include free shipping to numerous locations.
For more information please contact us.
Please visit us or visit our website:
www.vetiverspain.com
Email: info@vetiverspain.com
Telephone: (34) 692 288 657
Great Deals From the Nerja Household Centre:
-Castillan unit. Natural & multi color chalk paint waxed
Measurements 113 x 36 x 80.50cms Price 145€
-Castilian unit. Natural & yute a beautiful natural waxed top Measurements 112.50 x 36 x 81cms Price 145€
-Castillan unit natural wood veneer top waxed colorful panels ideal for tv Measurements 155.50 x 40 x 79cms Price 250€
contact jackie/nerja 672170429
info at nerja household centre dot com
For Sale: Back massager, reduced price. Excellent condition like new helps with back, neck, & thigh pain 24€ call Erika 635149472. Torrox
For Sale: Rustic wood burner, approx 50cm (high) x 60cm (long). €50 ono. Buyer collects. Call/WhatsApp Karl on 628990503. Cómpeta area. More pics on request.
For Sale: Ladies leather coat/jacket, this has only been worn a few times. Size 18 cost over £140. Only €45
Iznate area. John 646857775
For Sale, 3 items: Bedroom furniture in excellent condition, and available at a fraction of its current list price. Check it out at IKEA online for detailed descriptions and dimensions.
-Hemnes Day Bed with 3 drawers and two mattresses (current 527€) at 175€
-Hemnes 8-drawer white chest (current 249€) at 75€
-Hemnes Bedside Table (current 39€) at 15€
For viewing and collection contact Richard in Caleta de Vélez on 617282970
News & Articles
(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }
COVID-19
Covid Andalucia- Andalucía’s Covid incidence rate stands at 911:
-The Andalusian region has this Tuesday, 28 December, registered a total of 8,747 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours. The incidence rate continues to climb, rising by 69.6 in one day to reach 911.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, some 465.9 more than a week ago.
-In addition, twelve Covid-19 deaths have been recorded in the region, according to data from the Andalusian Institute of Statistics and Cartography (IECA). The 12 coronavirus deaths ceased were registered in Seville province (four), Cadiz (two), Granada (two), Malaga (two), Cordoba (one) and Almeria (one).
-The 8,747 cases this Tuesday are registered after the 19,853 on Monday (72 hours), 10,328 on Friday, 7,210 cases on Thursday, 6,237 on Wednesday and 5,111 cases last Tuesday.
-By provinces, Cordoba recorded 2,211 positive infections, followed by Malaga with 1,566, Jaén (1,412), Cadiz (937), Seville (865), Granada (715), Almeria (626) and Huelva with 415. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/andalucias-covid-incidence-20211228124350-nt.html
Interactive maps at: https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/malaga-province-andalucia-20210606195012-nt.html
Seville, Malaga and Córdoba raise their Covid alert level to grade 2:
{Translation, summary} The rest of Andalusia, communicates the Ministry of Health and Families, remains at level 1, which implies that there are no new restrictions yet in any area of these communities.
This is so because the Board suspended all the limitations of grades 1 and 2 due to the entry into force of the Covid passport until next January 15 at least.
Source, Spanish: https://sevilla.abc.es/andalucia/sevi-sevilla-malaga-y-cordoba-elevan-nivel-alerta-covid-grado-2-202112281415_noticia.html
SPAIN
The perfect storm of Spain’s sixth coronavirus wave- Omicron is spreading at Christmas, with few restrictions in place, and waning vax immunity: So what is special about this new wave of the virus? Above all else, there are conditions that amount to a perfect storm: there are few restrictions in place, the immunity offered by Covid-19 vaccines is waning, and a new variant, the more-contagious omicron, is spreading fast.
In just a few weeks, the world has been turned upside down once more, with rampant infections, borders being closed and severe restrictions being introduced in parts of Europe. In Spain, primary healthcare centers are on the brink of being overwhelmed, there is a lack of supply of home antigen tests in the country’s pharmacies, and hospitals – while far from being congested – are holding their breath as they see admissions rise. The coming days will be crucial to calibrate the severity of this wave, the experts warn. Full article: https://english.elpais.com/society/2021-12-27/the-perfect-storm-of-spains-sixth-coronavirus-wave-omicron-is-spreading-at-christmas-with-few-restrictions-in-place-and-waning-immunity.html
The Government approves the labor reform and will give companies three to six months to adapt the contracts: This is a very long, confusing article. Here are the main points, translated. If you are a business owner, please consult your gestor/attorney for more info. -Ed.
-The reform will come into force from this Wednesday, except for the new regulation regarding temporary contracts
-The Government will grant a period of three months to companies to adapt the temporary contracts already in force and six months in the case of contracts for works and services
-The new labor pact employment modifies several points of the Workers’ Statute , such as hiring and collective bargaining
-Among other measures, temporary hiring is curbed, collective bargaining is changed and new structural ERTEs are introduced.
The ordinary employment contract will be indefinite and an attempt will be made to limit the temporality by establishing only two types of temporary contracts: structural and training. In this line, the temporary contract due to production circumstances is set at six months, extendable to twelve months, and the validity of contracts for occasional work increases at 90 days. The fixed discontinuous contract is also promoted to carry out activities of a seasonal or seasonal nature and the use of this modality is enabled for Temporary Employment Companies (ETT).
-On the other hand, the chaining of contracts when considering a worker as permanent is reduced from 24 to 18 months compared to the 24 months in a period of 30 months that was currently in force. Failure to comply with the rules governing temporary contracts will automatically result in the worker being considered as permanent. At the same time, fines are increased up to 10,000 euros for the most serious infringements and a contribution surcharge of 27 euros is set for each termination of contracts of less than one month.
Source, Spanish: https://sevilla.abc.es/economia/abci-trabajo-dara-tres-meses-empresas-para-adaptar-contratos-reforma-laboral-202112281317_noticia.html
For those who don’t read Spanish, this alternative article in English provides a summary. I have been disappointed with the general quality of El Pais articles for the last few months, but this week has shown some improvement: https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2021-12-28/spanish-cabinet-gives-the-green-light-to-labor-reform-aimed-at-combating-abuse-of-temporary-contracts.html
North Spain Reintroduces Curfews:
{Translation, summary} 28/12/2021 18:27
-Catalonia, Aragon, Asturias, Galicia, the Canary Islands, La Rioja, Murcia, Navarre and the Basque Country are the autonomous communities that have once again resorted to a night-time curfew or the closure of the hotel and catering trade from midnight or 1am as a measure to combat the increase in the cumulative incidence of the coronavirus.
-In the Canary Islands the courts have yet to endorse the curfew for the islands with a level 2 and 3 risk, while the rest of the aforementioned communities have established different times for the closure of the hotel and catering trade, with some even imposing a different timetable for night-time leisure. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-ocho-ccaa-recurren-nuevo-toque-queda-cierre-hosteleria-medianoche-madrugada-20211228164806.html
SPORTS
Darts News- Michael van Gerwen out of World Darts Championship 
after contracting Covid: Van Gerwen was scheduled to play Chris Dobey in the third round on Tuesday night at Alexandra Palace. Van Gerwen is the third player to pull out with Covid this year. Full article:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/dec/28/michael-van-gerwen-out-of-world-darts-championship-after-contracting-covid
OTHER
Avoiding False Covid Test Results:
{Translation} 28 Dec, 2021 14:49h
-The first thing to remember when faced with an antigen test at home is to follow the instructions correctly. Maintaining proper hand hygiene, placing the tube in an upright position and waiting the appropriate time to check the result are some of the essential guidelines for the correct functioning of the test.
-But in addition, there are some actions or reasons why this type of test may see its result altered.
-Expiry of the antigen test. Pharmacy antigen tests also have an expiry date. This is usually between four and six months. Therefore, storing antigen tests and performing them over a period of time without checking their expiry date can probably lead to an erroneous test result.
-Temperature extremes during testing. Ideally, an antigen test should ideally be carried out at room temperature. In addition, the storage temperature is equally important. This is because the reagent liquid is very sensitive and any extreme temperature could corrupt it. “Don’t use rapid tests when it is very cold, as this can diminish their benefits or effectiveness,” says Michael Mina, eMed’s chief scientific officer.
-The temperature at which the self-test should be kept is always indicated on the package itself and is usually between two and 30 degrees Celsius.
-Eating and drinking immediately before taking the test. Experts advise against taking the test immediately after eating. The best option would be to wait at least half an hour before taking the test.
-Brushing your teeth or using mouthwash. Especially before a mouth swab test, it is advisable to avoid brushing your teeth and using mouthwash beforehand. It is recommended to wait about 20 minutes if you do so. Failure to follow this recommendation could result in a false positive.
-Ingesting coffee or acidic drinks such as cola. Any acidic food or drink compromises the integrity of the test. In this case, the throat swab may be affected and give a positive result. Source, Spanish:
https://www.diariodesevilla.es/sociedad/antigenos-resultado-falso_0_1642336485.html
COVID Mobility Restrictions Info Reference
https://www.mapacovid.es/
For the latest COVID-19 statistics visit:
World– https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
Spain Coronavirus Data from Spain’s Ministerio de Sanidad, Official Covid-19 Pages:
https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/situacionActual.htm
AND
https://cnecovid.isciii.es/covid19/
Coronavirus Cases in Andalucia, Axarquia, Costa del Sol & Malaga Province:
http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/institutodeestadisticaycartografia/salud/COVID19.html
UK Coronavirus:
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/uk/
COVID-19 VIRUS HOTLINE: Information hotline for those who suspect they may have the coronavirus. Anyone experiencing symptoms should stay at home and dial 900 400 061 or 955 545 060 – and only call 112 in an emergency.
A Spanish gov’t site in English with travel docs & requirements info:
https://www.spth.gob.es/
Humour Section
Free Comic Strips provided by https://comics.azcentral.com/
Exchange quotes (x-rates.com)
Fun & Games
National Geographic Photo of the Day: Click Here
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day: Click Here
Word of the Day: Click Here
Quote of the Day: Click Here
Fact of the Day: Click Here
Born Today: Click Here
Today in History: Click Here
Today’s Front Pages, worldwide: Click Here
Daily Crossword Puzzle: Click Here
Daily Mail UK- Daily Sudoku: Click Here
Useful Links, Info & Numbers
Weekly Markets
Monday: Torrox Costa
Tuesday: Nerja, Salobrena
Wednesday: Rincon de la Victoria, Algarrobo Costa
Thursday: Velez Malaga, Torre del Mar, Frigiliana
Friday: Almunecar, Salobrena, La Herradura- Summers only
Saturday: Competa, Mezquitilla@Algarrobo behind the Sala Ottowa
Sunday: Velez Malaga, Nerja Car Boot
Taxi
Nerja 952 524 519
Torrox: 952 531 030
Frigiliana: 952 533 231
Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Svcs.: 112
National Police: 091
Guardia Civil: 062
Ambulance: 061
Fire Station (Bomberos): 080
Emergency English Help Line: 902 102 112
Local Police
Torrox: 952 539 828
Nerja: 952 521 545
Frigiliana: 952 533 126
Torre del Mar: 952 549 238
Local News in English, The Sur: http://www.surinenglish.com/
Spain National News in English, El Pais: https://elpais.com/elpais/inenglish.html
EU News in English, EuroWeekly: https://www.euroweeklynews.com
Local Weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/es/torre-del-mar/306652/weather-forecast/306652
Bus Info: https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/our-destinations/regional
Currency Converter: http://www.currency-converter.com/
Internet Speed Test: http://beta.speedtest.net/
Local Bank Holidays: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/spain/index.php UK,Newspaper Front Pages and Worldwide Newspapers All On One Site: https://www.thepaperboy.com/uk/front-pages.cfm
DigameXtra Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DigameXtracom-100456328093689/ and https://www.facebook.com/Digame-Torrox-Blog-106444724153160/
DoctorLaptop’s Homepage: https://doctorlaptop-repairs.webnode.com/
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