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Announcements

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***DigameXtra is now on Twitter***
Twitter users can now find a link to new issues posted at @DigameXtra, as well as see some article links & retweets that didn’t make it into a daily issue. 

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What’s On

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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Trapiche Market: We are open this Tuesday and every Tuesday.
09:30 hrs to 13:30 hrs
It is hosted at the beautiful Jardines del Trapiche venue.
Carretera Benamargosa, 0.5 Km, 29718 Velez-Malaga, follow the directions to Trapiche airport.
It’s a great place to find unique and personal gifts as well as your every day essentials.
Lots of stalls to discover, you will find old favourites, and new ones too! NOW also good quality second hand stalls.
There are stalls with vintage clothing; hand turned olive wood bowls & other items; fresh fruit & veg, pot plants, large selection of fiction and non-fiction books; handmade jewellery and more. We’re spoilt for choice! You can also support Axarquía Animal Rescue with their tombola and meet some of the animals available for adoption.
View houses in your area and discuss selling your house with BluCee Real Estate.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Please view and follow our Facebook page, it is updated weekly with photos, contact details of stall holders and items for sale and services on offer.
For more information about having a stall at the market contact Anita at TrapicheMarketSpain @gmail.com / +34 627 877 164

 

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MiniGolf La Herradura:
-Lessons Available! While taking a professional minigolf lesson may sound extreme, perhaps you’re embroiled in a pitched battle for Minigolf La Herradura bragging rights with an upstart sibling, a pool of friends, or, heaven forbid a spouse. One lesson on the sly may provide just the fix to move from the lowly Black Eye side of the ledger to the winner’s Feather in Your Cap status with all its attendant glory.
The lesson will consist of first learning a proper putting stroke, one that would carry over onto a real golf course, followed by playing the course. You’ll learn the rules and etiquette of minigolf and receive hole-by-hole instruction on how to avoid the various obstacles or use them to your advantage, as well as how to get out of trouble if, for example, you find yourself trapped underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. The price is ten euros for the hour.
-Available for Rent: Are you an instructor of perhaps yoga, or pilates, Tai Chi, painting, massage, various crafts, etc., and looking for a peaceful outdoor space to host classes? Lucky you, your search is over. At MiniGolf La Herradura we have a racquet sport/lawn game area of artificial grass measuring 20 x 10 metres that would easily accommodate groups of up to 20 adults.
This area can be rented by the hour at very affordable rates, especially during the week between 9:00 – 17:00. Of course, there are restroom facilities available, potable water and most importantly plenty of fresh air on a comfortable surface. Ring Scott on +34 603 416 632 for more details or stop by and have a look.
-Location: We could not be easier to find. We are just two small alleys off the beachfront Paseo directly behind the children’s playground, the Centro de Salud, post office and newly remodeled market/food court. Please visit our website: http://www.minigolflh.es for a Google map which pins us down exactly.
-Admission fee: Current pricing is: six euros for 12 and unders, 8,50€ for 13 and over. Family discounts are also on offer such as 2 adults and 2 children for only 25 euros. This price includes all activities on the grounds and is valid for the entire day. Feel free to ring proprietor Scott Huston for booking availability and confirmation on +34 603 416 632.
-Opening hours: We are currently open from 11:30am until 2:00pm and 5:30pm until 9:00pm six days a week (closed Wednesday). It is recommended though to call in advance. Because I work alone and have a parrot and dog to take care of, I’m occasionally running a few minutes late.
Best regards, Señor Minigolf, Scott Huston / La Herradura

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The Hunchback of Notre Dame: The Jorge Rando Museum’s free screening takes place on Friday 26 May at 6pm when you can see this 1925 classic by Wallace Worsley. It’s a silent movie and in black and white. There’s a short introduction to the film and discussion afterwards in Spanish. Entry is free, but get there early to grab your seat.
The Jorge Rando Museum is in Malaga on Calle Cruz del Molinillo 12, to the north of the old quarter, opposite the lovely Mercado de Salamanca.
Info: https://www.museojorgerando.org/

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Free flamenco concert: This month’s free concert takes place on Monday, 29 May at 7.30pm in the MVA Cultural Centre on Calle Ollerías, Malaga. Singer Chelo Soto will be performing. Tickets are free, but you need to get yours from the box office on the day (available from 7pm onwards) or from the Municipal Fiestas Department in Camino de San Rafael 99 (available from 9am onwards – you can get here on the No 20 bus from the Alameda Principal).
Info: https://www.centroculturalmva.es/ & Video Link

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NOTICE! 
Submissions for posting in sections below 
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender's First Name / Nearest Town 

NOTE: YOU MAY ADDITIONALLY INCLUDE A LOCATION TO MEET OR PICKUP,
BUT YOUR LOCATION IS REQUIRED IN ANY CASE. 

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Services Wanted/Offered

Check the DigameXtra Sponsor’s list whenever you need a service. By using these services you are helping support DigameXtra.
Landlords, tell your renters about DigameXtra, where they can get overnight answers to questions about local stuff without having to call you!

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Cómpeta Solar:
-Solar Electric (PV) (Self-Consumption)
-Grid Connected or Off Grid Solar Electric
-Solar Hot Water
-Solar Pool Heating
-Heat Pumps
-Installation and Repairs
Contact: James Bain. Tel: +34 652970608 (Spain) Competa
Email: info AT competasolar DOT es ; Web: www.competasolar.es ; We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.

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Tony Roam Transport & Removals:
Spain To UK To Spain Fortnightly Runs Spain to UK and Up to 4 weeks free Storage. Spain or UK
16 Years Removals To & Fro Spain / UK Spain
Scheduled and also unscheduled all year every month.
We also offer a door to door at dates and times you choose.
Transportation, Removals & light haulage company that have guaranteed scheduled trips all year from UK to Torrox and back at the same time every month.
Also additional unscheduled to suit your needs.
Full or part loads undertaken.
Dedicated Delivery Personal Service Full or Part loads up to 20 cubic meters up to 2.5 tonne.
Up to £25,000.00 insurance with British Insurance Company.
Evidence of insurance can be supplied by email on request. Hard Copies always carried on the vans.
We live just behind Torrox Pueblo in Spain and in South Wales UK and have vans going back and forth UK to Spain to UK by way of Santander or Bilbao / Portsmouth or Plymouth Ferry.
For more information and prices for all to see please visit our website http://www.tonyroamremovals.com
email: tonyroam@btconnect.com
Tel Spain 0034636393542 – UK 00447973362003.
Facebook: Tony Roam – WhatsApp Either Number. Our contact details are shown every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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The Greek House– Greek Casita Restaurant & Bar, Torrox Costa: 
Located on the sea promenade, between the Safari bar and Picadero restaurants, BLQ 80 bajo. We offer you a little piece of Greece with our Greek home made specialities. You can choose meat specialties (Gyros, Souvlaki, Bifteki, Sutsukaki, Mussaka), cheese (Feta Psiti, Feta Saganaki, Hallumi), vegetables (Greek salad, Hummus, Eggplant cream, Mezze, Tzatziki) or sea fruits (prawns or octopus), all of this accompanied with our special Greek pita bread. For dessert, HOMEMADE BAKLAVA! We offer a lovely meal time in a quiet end exquisite atmosphere, accompanied with the best Greek music. See you soon! Hours: 7pm to close, Wednesday thru Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday. For reservations call telephone number 642585049. https://la-casita-griega.business.site/ We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section. 

 

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Assisted Living Services in the Axarquia Region:
Let Our Family Take Care of Yours
MEDICAL CARE * HOME CARE * PERSONAL CARE
Palliative Care * Health Monitoring * Hospital Sitting * Respite at home
* Dressing, bathing and daily hygiene
* Assisted Mobility.
* 24 hour live in care.
* Meal preparation, shopping & routine house keeping
* Correspondence and Communication
* Medication Collection and Dispensing Systems
* Provision of Medical Equipment
TEL 951 55 05 81 OR 692419548
Contact Liz (On WhatsApp). Colegio de Enfermería de Málaga reg. 17425
englishnurse@rocketmail.com ; www.englishnurse.net  Our contact details are shown every day in the Sponsor’s Section.
***English Nurse Care Team are expanding!***
24 hour carers required for hospital sitting and home placements.
Carers for short visits (from 2 hours) in Nerja/Torrox area.
Carers for short occasional visits in Periana.
Contact Liz +34 692 41 95 48

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Items For Sale / Wanted / Rent

Click on pics to enlarge

How to post more photos than the rules allow – use collages. The limit is one pic per item/event. You can combine several of your photos into a 
single collage photo by using this free online collage creation tool. It’s very easy to use, give it a try! https://www.photocollage.com/

Are you still dealing with scammers on Fakebook Marketplace?
Sell your items here, to locals, for cash, without the shenanigans.

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Have you lost trust in expensive beauty brands as you feel it’s completely a waste of money? Have you stopped buying cheap skincare products from supermarket shelves because nothing seems to work? Try Moonette Organic Skincare, it won’t disappoint you. Visit our website to see what customers say about their experiences.
MOONETTE – Organic Skincare for Mature Skin
We are a Torrox-based company specialising in the creation of formulae which help prevent premature skin ageing. We are committed to making effective products at affordable prices.
Your skin health matters to us. How you feed your skin is as important as how you feed your body. Why settle for anything less than natural and organic?
As our skin is the first layer of our defence against microbial infections, ultraviolet radiation and environmental contamination it plays a vital role in our health. As we grow older, however, our skin becomes thinner, wrinkled, and more sensitive; hence it requires the use of treatments containing specific ingredients to the care of treating mature skin.
Recognising this need we have created a range of formulae which help
-slow down ageing process by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
-improve facial complexion and eliminate blemishes.
At Moonette, we are passionate about health, beauty and plants. Your skin will benefit from the properties of botanic essential oils combined with a selection of nutrients for deep hydration, cell revitalization and antioxidant effect, all sourced from the finest natural ingredients with gorgeous fragrances.
Naturally, we care about our planet and feel the need to help reduce the sheer volumes of plastics waste that are generated daily around the globe. Presently, we are minimizing the usage of plastic materials in our production while seeking alternative forms of packaging. To help reduce pollution we are asking all local customers to recycle or reuse their Moonette skincare containers, and offering a small discount on future purchases to customers recycling containers.
**Free small testers are available on request** Please contact us to find out more or to order:
Email: margaret@moonette.es ; Homepage: www.moonette.es
Tel /WhatsApp: +34 650 044 102
Follow us on social media:
Facebook @ www.facebook.com/moonette.es
Instagram @ moonetteskincare
Pinterest @ www.pinterest.es/moonetteskincare  / YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK

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For Sale, 2 items:
– BMX stunt bike. Black. New tyres. Good condition. 180€. ono
– Full size punch bag (boxing kick bag). 35€. As new.
Tony, Torrox Costa. Watsap. +447792579150
tjparton@hotmail.co.uk 

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For Sale, 3 items:
– Small wooden corner table H45cm x W 52cm, in excellent condition €15
– Bar/treatment stool on 5 wheels adjustable height, never been used €35
– Small black oven/ grill used twice excellent condition €35
All items, buyer collects. Susana, El Morche
Email: SmokeybeagletjeATgmailDOTcom 

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For Sale, 3 items:
– German Satellite Dish with SKY receiver for all German TV channels (except pay TV) €25
– Lawn Mower Husqvarna 305 Robot Mower – Working area capacity (±20) 600 m². New Price £875,00 – Sell for €200 ONO
– 2x Security lights – Floodlight motion sensor (no solar) €25 for the pack of 2
Sabine, Caleta de Velez (meet at Aldi). WhatsApp 634721547 

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Free: Wood burner – free to good home.
I have this wood burner that is taking up space in my garage and has to go. It works fine and we used it for about ten years until we bought a bigger one. The chimney comes out of the back of the unit. It’s free for anyone who wants it. It’s currently in the back of my van and will be dumped at the bins at the weekend where I have no doubt it will be claimed very quickly, so if anyone wants it then it will have to be collected in the next few days.
It’s very heavy and requires two people to lift it. It might fit in a large estate car but I can’t be sure.
I could deliver it for 50 euros if within an hour of my house but would prefer someone to just come and take it away. If I deliver it (reluctantly) then I’m not lugging it up or down steps. You’ll need a couple of people to lift it.
My house is near Otivar which is 20 minutes north of Almunecar.
Email: james@avocadocomputers.com
Telegram: 698406137 ; WhatsApp: 637068578

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Weekend Trading & Bartering Posts

This section will appear weekly in the Weekend Edition. Deadline Thurs, 6pm.
It is exclusively for trading and bartering of items and services. 

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Recommendations & Requests

When making a recommendation always include the phone number or website of the biz, service, etc., so readers can reach them.
Note: I can’t post third party email addresses.

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News & Articles

(Click the link to read the full article) 
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

SPAIN

The Housing Law, which limits rental prices & rent increases, and establishes new eviction procedures, comes into force from today (26/5): {Translation}
– The Housing Law, which among other measures will limit the price of rents, will come into force tomorrow, Friday, once the text has been published today in the Official State Gazette (BOE), which means that it will begin to be applied before the regional and municipal elections this Sunday. However, the tax incentives that will be applied in the IRPF (personal income tax) to the leasing of property used for housing will be left until 1 January 2024.
– A month earlier, the text had received the green light from the Congress of Deputies. However, it was not until Thursday that the regulation was published in the BOE. In this period, real estate agencies working with small landlords were already detecting a flight of landlords from renting their usual housing to other modalities or to selling before the new law officially came into force, especially in the big cities.
– The new text introduces limitations on rent increases. For this year, the 2% cap on rent rises will be maintained, a percentage that will increase to 3% in the annual renewals of rental contracts in 2024 and that by 2025 will be referenced to a new index, lower than the evolution of the CPI, which will be drawn up by the National Statistics Institute (INE) and will be ready for 1 January of that year.
– The text incorporates changes in the definition of “large tenant”, which in stressed areas will be those with five or more properties and who will have to set the rent according to the reference price index system.
– The regulation also provides for surcharges of between 50 and 150 % on property tax (IBI) for dwellings that have been empty for more than two years, in order to encourage renting. – In addition, it allows for an extraordinary one-year extension of rental contracts for accredited situations of social or economic vulnerability, prevents evictions for non-payment without announcing a date and time, and includes new extensions that allow for postponements, among other measures.
– (I asked some local squatters about this. They said these regulations will be exploited. They say this will encourage people to pay 1 months rent & deposit, and then remain in the property for 18 months or more, without paying rent. Families with children will probably be able to stretch out the unpaid occupancy for years! The squatters also suggested that young Spanish people, even those with decent jobs, who feel priced out of the rental market by “evil” foreign speculators, will believe they are justified to use these new laws to secure affordable homes by not paying rent after moving in. Besides, until the current court workers strike is settled, landlords can’t even get a complaint processed in Malaga!  -Ed.) Full article: https://www.malagahoy.es/espana/Ley-Vivienda-limita-alquiler-viernes_0_1796220704.html

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Catalonia’s Claims to Financially Support the Rest of Spain (and thus deserve more federal funds than other regions) Is No Longer True! – Andalucía overtakes Catalonia for first time as Spanish region with the highest trade surplus:
– Andalucía closed the 2022 fiscal year with a historical record in sales of goods and services to the other Spanish regions. It reached the record figure of 48.2 billion euros, the highest in history, since records have been collected in 1995. This allowed Andalusian companies to surpass Catalan companies in sales to other Spanish regions for the first time, according to the regional ministry of Economy, Finance and European Funds, based on data from the Weekly Economic Observatory.
– The report presented by the regional minister Carolina España on Tuesday to the Junta, also points out another historical record: the trade surplus. This indicator, which in international trade indicates the differential between exports and imports, is also used to measure the same concept between Spain’s regions. Andalucía achieved a margin of almost 24 billion euros last year , which is a record figure and also higher than that achieved by Catalonia. The growth was 62.5 per cent with respect to the fiscal year 2021.
– March also witnessed the recovery of positive growth rates of agri-food exports, as well as the fact that Andalucía achieved a surplus between exports and exports (531 million), which contrasts with the deficit recorded at a national level (-157.7 million euros), according to the report from the regional ministry of Economy. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/andalucia-overtakes-catalonia-for-first-time-spanish-20230524175612-nt.html

MALAGA PROVINCE

Housing market stalls on Costa with sales falling for third month in a row: After three consecutive months of falling sales and two months with fewer mortgage applications, it is safe to say that the real estate market has changed its pace in Malaga province. This year has started with a cooling that experts blame on the historic rise in the Euribor and the escalation in house prices. In January, February and March there were year-on-year falls in the number of property transfers in the province (minus 12.5% in January, -5.8% in February and -16.4% in March), and on mortgage loans (minus 11% in January and -17% in February). Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/housing-market-slows-malaga-with-third-month-20230524173353-nt.html

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Strike action causes courts to collapse and halts 12,000 cases in Malaga:
– Around 12,000 cases have been halted and 2,600 trials suspended in Malaga province since court workers went on strike a month ago to demand better pay. Around 8,000 justice officials in Spain started their protests on 17 April, which according to sources, is causing a major collapse in courts throughout the country.
– The strike is also affecting the electronic Lexnet notifications sent out by civil servants. As part of the protests the civil servants have stopped registering, initiating and processing proceedings for civil, criminal and labour court cases. According to the Workers’ Commission (CCOO) there are some courts in Malaga that have come to a complete halt.
– The percentage of civil servants in Malaga supporting the protests has not dropped below 65% for a single day since 17 April, CC OO pointed out.
– The organising associations – CISF, CCOO, UGT and STAJ, and independently, the SPJ-USO union – are calling on the national Ministry of Justice to “take seriously the demands” and to start negotiations with the national strike committee, “as has been done with the associations of judges and prosecutors without them having to go on strike for a single day”. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/strike-action-justice-officials-causes-courts-collapse-20230519170411-nt.html

EUROPE

Labour leaders push for faster implementation of EU Minimum Wage Directive: At the European Trade Union Confederation’s (ETUC) 50th anniversary Berlin meeting, labour leaders and EU lawmakers pushed for faster implementation of the Minimum Wage Directive and criticised the role of corporate profits in rising prices. The 2022 directive mandates EU member states that have statutory minimum wages to introduce processes to ensure wage rates remain “adequate”, with the two-year implementation period starting in October.
More importantly for trade unions, the directive also forces member states with a collective bargaining coverage below 80% to draw up action plans to increase it, thus strengthening the position of trade unions. Full article: https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/labour-leaders-push-for-faster-implementation-of-eu-minimum-wage-directive/

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Shocked Greek Left picks up its pieces after election disaster:
– The main opposition leftist Syriza party (EU Left) is in a deep crisis after the conservative New Democracy party (EPP) triumphed in the Sunday elections and is now on track to form a single-party government.
– All polls failed to project the sweeping victory of the conservative party, taking by surprise even the most optimistic right-wing politicians. New Democracy has a clear 20-point lead over Syriza. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he would seek a single-party government in the second round, expected on 25 June or 2 July. Full article: https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/shocked-greek-left-picks-up-its-pieces-after-election-disaster/

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The weakest link – How construction workers are exploited in subcontracting chains: {Editorial by Tom Deleu, the General Secretary of the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers}
– In construction, long and complex subcontracting chains are a major factor of exploitation. If done in an appropriate way, subcontracting should not be a problem. Trouble starts when subcontracting is simply used to reduce costs and escape legal responsibilities. These subcontractors repeatedly vanish without paying workers or leave them in the cold when an accident occurs. It is time to put an end to this. The European Commission (EC) must act. It is time to limit subcontracting.
– Because of existing loopholes in European and national law, such practices are not necessarily always illegal, but they are certainly abusive and immoral.
– An increasing number of large companies use the term ‘specialised work’ for normal, labour-intensive construction work. These companies use subcontracting chains to disguise employment relationships, use bogus self-employment, outsource key construction tasks to curb labour costs and open the doors for fraudulent companies who use cross-border subcontracting to make a profit with severe wage competition, exploitation, and social dumping.
– At the end of the chain are the workers and their families, who end up being the weakest link. Abusive subcontracting is an obstacle to sustainable growth and destroys the social market economy and fair competition. Full article: https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/opinion/the-weakest-link-how-construction-workers-are-exploited-in-subcontracting-chains/

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EU lawmakers to steer discussions on therapeutic use of psychedelics:
– Seven EU parliamentarians have formed a new group to steer institutional discussions on the therapeutic application of psychedelics. On Wednesday (24 May), an MEP Action Group for the Medical Use of Psychedelics was launched in combination with PAREA and PsychedelicsEUROPE, which aims to promote the development of EU policies and regulations for psychedelic-assisted treatments in the EU. It is “a historical event”, co-chair and Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba from the Socialist (S&D) group said during a launch event at the European Parliament.
– “Psychedelic therapies show promise in several neurological conditions,” Saliba said during the launch event, while David Nutt, neuropsychopharmacology professor at Imperial College London and chair of PAREA, nodded his head in approval.
According to Nutt, psychedelics “disrupt ongoing thought loops, which are common and destructive, and in many ways are the underpinning processes of disorders like depression, PTSD, and addiction”. “By disrupting cortical activity [in the brain], we disrupt the thinking processes, and people can kind of escape from the cognitive controls, which have been holding them tight into those illnesses,” the professor explained. Saliba underlined that “these therapies require thoughtful, coordinated policies and infrastructure to ensure safe, equitable and also effective deployment”.
– “This is where the European Parliament steps in,” Saliba said.
Full article: https://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/eu-lawmakers-to-steer-discussions-on-therapeutic-use-of-psychedelics/

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Germany falls into recession as inflation, higher interest rates curb demand:
– Germany fell into a recession around the turn of the year, official figures published Thursday showed, as inflation and higher interest rates curbed demand in Europe’s largest economy.
– Over the first three months of 2023, the economy shrank by 0.3 percent, the federal statistics agency Destatis said, downgrading an initial estimate of zero percent. Following a 0.5 percent contraction in the last three months of 2022, it was Germany’s second consecutive quarter of negative growth – the threshold for a “technical recession”. Full article: https://www.france24.com/en/economy/20230525-germany-falls-into-recession-as-inflation-higher-interest-rates-curb-demand

TRAVEL NEWS

The only Spanish hotel in Tripadvisor’s Top 10 best hotels in the world is on the Costa del Sol: The only Spanish hotel on Tripadvisor’s list of the ten best hotels in the world to stay in this year is on the Costa del Sol. It is the Ikos Andalusia, an exclusive complex that has 411 rooms spread over seven buildings and is currently working on an expansion to add 19 villas and more exclusive suites that will make it become the largest resort of the Greek company Ikos in 2024. The establishment is located on the beachfront in Estepona and opened its doors in 2021. It is the first Ikos hotel in Spain and occupies ninth place in the Tripadvisor list, which is headed by the Rambagh Palace hotel, in Jaipur, India. Second and third places, respectively, are held by the Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, in the Maldives, followed by the Colline de France, in Brazil. Photo credit: holidaypirates. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/estepona-manilva/the-only-spanish-hotel-tripadvisors-top-best-20230524132955-nt.html

HEALTH

Ketamine Could Be Superior To  Shock Therapy for Major Depression:
– Currently, patients with major depressive disorder, who don’t find a medication or therapy that works, may undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as shock therapy. However, this often has significant negative, long lasting side effects, and another alternative has long been sought by researchers.
– One of the possible alternatives researchers have been studying as a potential antidepressant is intravenous ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic that’s also long been used as an illicit ‘party’ drug. They say the results of a new study were surprising. The study found the antidepressant response rate for patients with IV ketamine was 55%. For those receiving ECT, the response rate was 41%.
– The findings apply to patients who don’t have psychosis but have treatment-resistant major depression that has not been helped through two or three earlier medications. The main takeaway, Murrough said, is that for doctors treating these patients, ketamine is something they could consider as an alternative to ECT. Full article: https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/depression-ketamine-ect/2023/05/25/id/1121165/ 

SPORTS

Tennis News- Britain’s Cameron Norrie reaches the Lyon Open semi-finals but Jack Draper is knocked out: British number one Cameron Norrie reached his third successive semi-final at the clay-court Lyon Open but compatriot Jack Draper was knocked out. Defending champion Norrie regained focus after a mid-match slump to beat Sebastian Baez 6-2 2-6 6-1. “I tried to reset and come out with a lot of energy,” Norrie said.
The 27-year-old now faces Argentine fourth seed Francisco Cerundolo, who came back from a set and a break down to beat Draper 4-6 6-4 6-3. Photo: Getty. Full article: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/65689666 

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Tennis News- Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in same half of French Open draw:
– Novak Djokovic could play world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the French Open after both players were placed in the same half of the draw on Thursday. Djokovic is chasing a record 23rd men’s Grand Slam singles title in the absence of the injured Rafael Nadal, who will miss the May 28-June 11 tournament at Roland Garros for the first time since his 2005 title-winning debut.
– The third-seeded Serb, French Open champion in 2016 and 2021, meets 114th-ranked Aleksandar Kovacevic of the United States in the first round in Paris – the first French Open since 1998 without Nadal or the retired Roger Federer.
– Alcaraz, who is seeking to win his maiden Roland Garros title, is on track to play 2021 French Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals.
– In the women’s draw, reigning champion Iga Swiatek begins her title defence against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, the world No. 67 who was beaten by the Pole in the third round of the Australian Open earlier in January. Photo: AFP. Full article: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-and-carlos-alcaraz-in-same-half-of-french-open-draw

CULTURE

ABBA ‘will not reunite’ for Eurovision 2024 in Sweden, according to Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson: ABBA have denied rumours that they will reunite for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in their native Sweden, on what would be the 50th anniversary of them winning the contest with the now iconic tune- Waterloo.
Dashing the hopes of Eurovision fans everywhere, ABBA members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson spoke to the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire on last night’s Newsnight, where they ruled out an in-person, on-stage reunion with Anni-Frid and Agnetha. Full article: https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/abba-will-not-reunite-for-eurovision-2024-in-sweden-according-to-bjorn-ulvaeus-and-benny-andersson__39389/ 

TECH

Leaked Government Document Shows Spain Wants to Ban End-to-End Encryption in WhatsApp, Signal and All Other Messaging Apps in EU:
– Spain has advocated for banning encryption for hundreds of millions of people within the European Union, according to a leaked document obtained by WIRED that reveals strong support among EU member states for proposals to scan private messages for illegal content.
– The proposed legislation has been criticised by privacy rights campaigners as well as by tech experts, who say that it is not possible for encrypted messages to be ‘scanned’ by the providers, as the very point of end-to-end messengers is that they are only visible to the parties involved, with even the provider itself being blocked from viewing the content. Therefore, the law would in reality force the companies to break their encrypted services.
– For years, EU states have debated whether end-to-end encrypted communication platforms, such as WhatsApp and Signal, should be protected as a way for Europeans to exercise a fundamental right to privacy- or weakened to keep criminals from being able to communicate outside the reach of law enforcement. Experts who reviewed the document at WIRED’s request say it provides important insight into which EU countries plan to support a proposal that threatens to reshape encryption and the future of online privacy.
– Of the 20 EU countries represented in the document leaked to WIRED, the majority said they are in favour of some form of scanning of encrypted messages, with Spain’s position emerging as the most extreme. “Ideally, in our view, it would be desirable to legislatively prevent EU-based service providers from implementing end-to-end encryption,” Spanish representatives said in the document. Spain said it is “imperative that we have access to the data”. Spain’s interior minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has been outspoken about what he considers the threat posted by encryption. When reached for comment about the leaked document, Daniel Campos de Diego, a spokesperson for Spain’s Ministry of Interior, says the country’s position on this matter is widely known and has been publicly disseminated on several occasions.
– “Detection orders must necessarily also apply to encrypted networks (VPNs),” Slovenia said. Full article: https://www.wired.com/story/europe-break-encryption-leaked-document-csa-law/

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Churches & Worship

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New Life Church: Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us at our Sunday gathering. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards.
Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. John 14:6
Sunday Service 11.00am / Prayer Meetings Wednesdays 11.00am
Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja , 29780. Directions: Click Here 
Email: info@nlcnerja.com ; Website: www.nlcnerja.com ; Facebook

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El Puente Christian Fellowship:
We are a friendly, multi-national, Bible believing community of Christ. We meet each Sunday at 11am to worship the Lord. We enjoy a time of worship with contemporary songs and traditional hymns, and a message brought to us by our Pastor, one of our members or a visiting speaker.
Bible study is at 6pm on Tuesdays.
The church meeting hall is situated underneath Maroma Inmobiliaria, Puente don Manuel, Cruce de Periana, 29713.
Full directions and further information can be found on our Facebook page, or you can contact us by email on elpuentechristianfellowship@gmail.com or by phone on 665 62 63 42.
For those who cannot join us in person, we aim to stream Sunday services via the Facebook page (subject to a good internet connection).

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St George’s Church Málaga: We are part of the Church of England in Spain covering the area from Torremolinos in the west to the outskirts of Nerja in the east and to the northern edge of Malaga province. 
We have three worship centres, in Velez-Málaga, Málaga city and Salinas. Everyone is welcome to our Sunday services in English, and you can also contact us to enquire about baptisms, marriage blessings, funerals, and house blessings. 
Father Louis, our Chaplain, is available for counsel and support, regardless of anyone’s beliefs or background. We aspire to be a welcoming and inclusive community, open to all people seeking faith and friendship. 
If you can’t get to church, we live-stream our Sunday services on Facebook, and also gather on Zoom for an informal service on Wednesday mornings. 
Sign up for our newsletter by emailing Father Louis at malagachaplain@gmail.com to receive login details, and news of other future events. We look forward to welcoming you and being of service.
Website: https://www.stgeorgeschurchmalaga.org

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Humour Section

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Fun & Games

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Cinesur El Ingenio Films schedule: You can find the film schedule at this link. Films tagged as (VOSE) are in the original language with Spanish subtitles. 
https://www.cinesur.com/es/cine/mk2-cinesur-el-ingenio

Useful Links, Info & Numbers

Petrol Prices – Updated daily: These are the fuel stations in Malaga province with the lowest prices. The price data for 95 and 98-octane petrol and diesel fuel is updated every day. See it here:
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/updated-daily-these-20220314114157-nt.html

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
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: https://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=EUR&to=GBP&amount=1
Internet Speed Test: http://beta.speedtest.net/
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