Welcome to DigameXtra !
The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia
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.
SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK
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*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com
Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.
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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor
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Announcements
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DigameXtra Holiday Schedule- No Issue These Dates:
Posts scheduled for holidays will be posted in the next issue.
– Jan. 5, Fri., Epiphany (bridge holiday). Epiphany Day, a national holiday, is Jan 6th, Saturday.
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HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER
I can only produce DigameXtra with the financial support of my readers. This year’s goal is to receive a donation from 3% of subscribers. The 3% Club finances DigameXtra for the 97% group that don’t donate. Which group will you belong to? The generosity of the 3% Club members is greatly appreciated.
Just like your morning coffee,
what would you do
without your morning DigameXtra?
-Holiday Donation Info, 2 Methods-
You may drop cash donations off in person and say hello, after 2pm M-F by appointment, or place them in my mailbox beside my door anytime. Due to health reasons, unannounced drop-ins may be inconvenient for me. But if I am expecting you, no problem! Both the door and the mailbox have the name HARRIS on them. Email me for map and directions. Cash donations are strongly preferred.
Alternatively, you may send me an Amazon ES (Spain) “eGift card” by email. You need to have an Amazon.es account. The only info you may need is my name and email address, see those below. Typically you will only need my email address. Remember, this is an “eGift card” sent to me by Amazon, don’t buy a plain “gift card”. Use the link provided below to access the “eGift card” purchase page.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND AMAZON UK eGIFT CARDS. NO TRANSFERS/APPS.
Here is the Amazon.es eGift Card Link, (NOTE: YOU CAN CHOOSE ANY AMOUNT YOU LIKE ON THE FORM, it is set at €50 by default):
https://www.amazon.es/Cheques-Regalo-Amazon-es-mail-Amazon/dp/B07SS5PFJK/
Buy the eGift card for:
Name: N.J. Harris
Email: digamextra@protonmail.com
Donation Info
Making A Donation From Outside Spain?
You can log into Amazon.es from where ever you are
You not need to be in Spain to use their website to send eGift cards
Tutorial removed. It required a specific browser extension for translating webpages to be installed. It did not show how to go thru the process in Spanish. The process changes depending on the translator being used. Sorry.
Total Donations Received As Of Today: 106
(Last year = 96. New goal = 150, 3% of subscribers, a modest target. If just 3 of each 100 subscribers make a donation the goal will be attained!)
UPDATE 03/01/24: As of today we are at 71% of the 150 donations goal with 4 days remaining – 44 donations short. Only 2.2% of subscribers have donated. Big thanks to the 106 donors in the 3% Club! This year there will have been 250 daily issues. A €25 annual donation equals only 10 cents per issue, or €2.10 per month with 21 issues.
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Music Lovers! Be Sure To Check Out The Rare Music Videos Section, below the humour section. A holiday season bonus.
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Tech note for Apple users: I can now accept Apple device created photos in .heic format. No more need to convert them to .jpg anymore. But please keep all photos to under 4Mb file size each.
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What’s On
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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Phoenix Club: The Phoenix Social Club is open to all nationalities but the lingua franca is English. It is registered social club with the Ayuntamiento in Velez Malaga, is a non political and secular organisation & during these very difficult financial times we try to keep costs down.
We offer an opportunity to make lasting friendships, to help each other & share information but primarily to have fun in a friendly and inclusive association. You do not have to be a member to join us on our trips. Do come along and meet us.
We meet every Tuesday between 12 and 2 pm at Restaurant and Bar La Vega in Torre del Mar
***Trips & Events***
January 2024
– 4th – Trip to Gib €18 and includes €1 for the driver.
– 12th – Trip to the Sierra Nevadas – let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
– 27th – Fuengirola Saturday Market €18pp
February
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €18 and includes €1 for the driver.
– 23rd – Marbella Old Town
March
– 1st Trip to Gib €18 and includes €1 for the driver.
– 22nd – IKEA & Guzmans Garden Centre
April
– 5 day trip to Madrid including 2 day trips. For more information contact Gail.
For further information, please contact Gail on 951067723 / 626370695 or email phoenixsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk or check out our FB page
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U3A lectures series:
– Wed. Jan. 17. The January 2024 U3A lectures series at 11am with Norma will take place in Media Caña on Peñoncillo Beach on Wed. Jan. 17. Title: New York City: A Retrospective of Centuries Past. How did Manhattan get its name? Did you ever wonder about it? Join us to find out among other fascinating tidbits of history about the yesteryears of the Big Apple. These weekly U3A/Digame adverts will stop at the end of January. So, please contact me or send me your email so I can update you personally in the future, if desired: norma2kk@aol.com
– U3A History Lecture on Jan. 22, 2024 at 11am. History is facilitated by Sue Harisson. In January, Norma will be offering a Power Point Presentation on the Tragic History of the Island of Malaga. Yes, there is a Malaga Island but NOT in Spain. Meeting Place: El Pozuelo in Laguna Beach. Watch this space for more information forth coming!
– Great News about the return of Discussions: Coming in January 2024: The U3A Discussion Group will start again on Friday, January 12th, at Mena Golf Cafe on Laguna Beach at 11am. Contact gersil197@yahoo.com for more info.
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Maria Esther Trio: Friday 12 Jan, 8pm
Jazz Club, Ventana Abierta, C/ Granada 3, Nerja
María Esther – Tenor and Soprano Saxophone
Phill Wilkinson – Guitar
Dan Sheppard – Bass
Tel 690073871. Web: https://www.ventana-abierta.es/
Video Link (with different backup band)
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Classic Car Show- RETROMALAGA 2024: Malaga FYCMA
January 26, 2024 – January 28, 2024
Friday 26: from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 27th: from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 28: from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The classic, vintage and collectible vehicle showroom Retro Malaga, will be at the Malaga Fair and Congress Palace (FYCMA). One more year, all lovers of classic and collectible vehicles from the south of the country and especially from the Andalucian community have an unmissable appointment at the quintessential Malaga retro show, where you can find exhibitions, accessories stands, spare parts, gifts, buying and selling of classic cars and motorcycles, among many other contents.
Do you want to put your classic vehicle for sale in Retro Málaga? Do you have a company related to the world of classic motors and want to participate as an exhibitor? Write us an email to info@eventosmotor.com
Info & tix: https://www.eventosmotor.com/eventos/2024/retro-malaga-2024/
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Nerja Cultural Center, Jan 2024 Schedule:
Website, https://cultura.nerja.es/category/programacion/
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Peter Pan soundtrack concert- Malaga:
Sunday 7 January at 5pm and 6.30pm.
The Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra plays the full 18 song set of tunes from the Peter Pan movie.
Edgar Neville Auditorium, C/ Pacifico 54, Malaga 29004
Tickets cost €10 (€5 for the under 12s) and are available online.
Info, map & tix: https://www.mientrada.net/evento/gala-de-reyes-2024/2024-01-07/
Before the Concert: El Zoco arts and crafts market takes place every Sunday on Muelle Uno between 11am and 6pm. (Market Map Link- https://maps.app.goo.gl/aFEcWuV2f7GFq4mv8 )
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Click or tap the image to open an updated report in a new tab
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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. Including only the statement "for collection from..." is NOT sufficient! You may include that, but all submissions must be signed like this, Naythan/Torrox Costa.
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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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Compare Funerals cover the whole of Spain
ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
* Direct Cremation €2,250
* Collection of deceased and conveyance to Funeral Home
* Supply of coffin
* Preparation and care of deceased
* Registration of death and certification of all legal documentation
* Cremation and any doctor’s fees
* Supply of Urn
* Delivery of Urn and associated paperwork to family (death certificate, cremation certificate etc)
This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
Contact Ruth Forder on 0034 693 715 718 ; Comparefuneral.org
Your questions answered by Ruth from Compare Funerals Spain
– Why should I have a funeral plan? Having been funeral planning for over 10 year I’ve experienced some very sad and upset families when nothing is in place. A Spanish funeral plans will ensure that all costs are covered for your funeral service. Getting a prepaid plan will help you feel assured that your family will not be under any financial strain when it comes to paying for your funeral. A plan also means you can have peace of mind that everything has been organised in advance, so your loved ones do not have to make any difficult decisions.
– Why choose Compare Funerals? There seems to be a gap in Spain between independent funeral directors, offering plans at a good price but lacking the security of an established Trust or ability to cover a client overseas and Providers who seem to charge more than necessary. We want to be right in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Our best-priced plan is only 2,250€ and does the essentials.
– Can I do a payment plan? All our plans are payable in full or over up to 5 years interest FREE. The interest free periods are based on initial deposit. The higher the deposit the less your monthly repayments will be.
– Can I transfer the plan? The answer is YES. You could name 2 people on one plan however if you had a friend/family member pass away we can transfer the plan into a 3rd party’s name.
– What happens if I move? All our plans offer the equivalent service in Spain (including the islands), Portugal, Republic of Ireland and the UK. If you moved to the UK, we would transfer the plan to one of our many partners at no extra cost to you.
– Is paperwork included? Yes, your family will receive a death certificate in Spanish and an international certification in English. We also provide a cremation certificate that allows the ashes on board a plane.
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Archgrove Services: A family run light haulage/transport company with bases in Archez, Spain and Cambridgeshire.
We are part of the ADH Storage and Transportation company and as such have storage available in Competa and Puente Don Manuel. Very reasonable rates.
We provide a one stop service for all your transport needs and pride ourselves on reliability, flexibility, good communication and a very much ‘can do’ approach. No job is too small and there is always a solution.
Our services include:
-Regular runs between UK and Spain
-Transport of personal property from full house moves to small single items
-Man & Van services
-Packing, including supply of packing materials
-UK Home shopping with UK delivery address
-Storage of property and vehicles in Spain
If we can be of service please contact Gail. We are on Facebook and always available to chat through your needs and provide a free no obligation quote if required.
UK: 0044 7846672013
Spain: 0034 951 066 093
Email: archgroveservices@gmail.com ; FB Link
Our contact info is also in the DigameXtra Sponsor’s Section everyday.
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SPW Construction Services: Professional high quality building service, fully qualified tradesmen to all trades.
Extensions, retaining walls, driveways, swimming pools, damp problems, roofs, blocked drains.
Replacement kitchens and bathrooms, Tiling and terraces. Plumbing, electrics and plastering, painting.
Architect service, building licence applications.
Handyman service now available for those smaller jobs.
Water Deposit Installations: Due to the ongoing drought and current water restrictions SPW Construction are currently offering the following service.
– Supply and installation of new above or below ground water deposits. 1000 litres up to 25000 litres. Delivered and installed, all relevant plumbing. All work warrantied.
– We can also advise you or help to organise water deliveries from local suppliers.
NEW SERVICE- Selling Your House? SPW Construction can offer you a bespoke package to prepare your house for sale.
Through our extensive relationships with Agents, buyers and sellers we understand what is required to present your home to potential purchasers.
Interior & Exterior decoration / Replacement bathrooms and Kitchens
Pool Reforms / Garden tidy
DAFO Compliance, septic tanks, solar installations, etc.
Roof checks / Damp proofing
For free consultation and estimate contact us on 622938440
or email: scottparkwilson AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk
Scott/Arenas. Home Page and FB-Link
Our contact info is also in the DigameXtra Sponsor’s Section everyday.
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Hanningtons Kitchens and Bathrooms: We have been installing kitchens and bathrooms here on the Costa for 13 years. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, highest standards of work and customer service.
Whether you are thinking of updating an existing kitchen or bathroom, or whether you wish to create the kitchen or bathroom you have always dreamed of, we are here for you, every step of the way.
With an unrivaled knowledge of the best local materials and suppliers we are able to work to all tastes and budgets.
Our full range of services includes:
– Installations and Refurbs
– Wall & Floor tiling
– Full range of Plumbing work including radiators and underfloor heating
– Solar Installation
– Design & planning ideas to get the look you are after
– Electrical works
– Alter / Install walls, dropped ceilings and hang doors
– Plastering, woodwork and floor levelling
Visit our FB page on the link below to be inspired
https://www.facebook.com/hanningtons.kitchens.and.bathrooms/
Call us : 669 665 156
Email us: hanningtons.bathrooms@gmail.com ; Our contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue.
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Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 30 years. Painting work undertaken. Inside and outside large or small. Furniture painted or sprayed. Kitchens, cabinets, wardrobes doors any colour any surface. Check out the before and after photos, all the furniture was spray painted.
Call for advice WhatsApp 680739577
Email: josiahamanda@gmail.com
My contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue. Here are “before” and “after” pics from my latest job.
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DoctorLaptop’s Computer Repairs- Torrox Costa (near the bus station):
Windows, Apple/Mac, Linux, Android. Computers only, no tablets or phones.
I don’t work on dinosaurs computers made before 2016 unless I have been servicing then annually.
Contact: doctorlaptop AT protonmail DOT com
or call 675 993 069 (no calls before 12noon, missed calls returned asap). More info on my website. Always include the make & model number of the device when requesting assistance. My contact details can be found everyday at the bottom of the Sponsor’s Section.
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Tango lessons in Competa: 3 months course
Learn how to dance argentine tango in Musamornia dance school every friday from 5 pm to 6,30 pm
Professional teacher Miguel Ojos Negros
For singles or couples. We start in January 2024!
Limited seats. Booking at 34 722 10 86 69
or information 34 659 26 26 16 (by phone or wasap)
Avda Constitucion 61, Competa
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Buy / Sell / Trade / Rent / Wanted
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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BluCee Real Estate:
BluCee would like to wish all DigameXtra readers a very Merry Christmas!
Thank you to all of you who have entrusted us with your property this year.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday, however and wherever you celebrate it, and a happy and healthy New Year.
Best wishes Michelle, Henny, Sheleigh and Clara.
And a HUGE special thank you to Naythan, we really appreciate the hard work you put into producing DigameXtra.
At BluCee we go above and beyond for you during the sales process, don’t just take our word for it – see our reviews on Google and Facebook.
Pass by our office to have a no obligation chat!
Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29740
For an appointment outside of our opening times or for one of us to view your property please contact us info@blucee.com or 0034 711 04 27 27
www.blucee.com
We cover the whole coast line and inland.
BluCee Real Estate are a DigameXtra sponsor so our contact details are shown here every day.
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For Sale: Exercize Bike. Ultrasport Basic Racer 50. Old but fully working. Buyer collects. €50. More photos on request.
Helene. Located in La Viñuela/ Puente don Manuel area.
Proper road. No dirt tracks. Mob: 617190110
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For Sale: Two paintings (acrylic on canvas) by the late Gizelle Lebrun
(Google painter Gizelle Lebrun art in Galeria del Sur, link here)
– BOXERS 73 x 73cm (29 x 29 inches). €250
– FENCERS 73 X 73cm (29 x 29 inches). €250
Or €450 the pair.
To view phone Martin / Puente don Manuel 608063873

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Great Deals From DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
Computer prices have shot back up again. These units are the best deals I could find in the current marketplace.
For Sale, 2 items:
-Budget Laptop: New Lenovo Ideapad 1 Gen 7, 14 inch FHD display. Windows 11 Pro, 256Gb SSD, 4Gb RAM (soldered, not upgradable)
AMD 3020e processor (1.2GHz base, 2.6GHz turbo)
1.4kg slim design with 10hr battery.
System is English, keyboard Spanish. Only €380. Currently selling on Amazon.es, without Windows installed, for €468! See that here, https://www.amazon.es/dp/B09Y9J8DZQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details. This unit I am selling includes Windows 11, and at a far lower price!
1 year Lenovo warranty when registered online after purchase. (Pic on left)
-High Performance Laptop: Business Grade Laptop
Acer Travelmate P215-52, brand new & fully upgraded with top-of-the-line RAM & SSDs.
Intel i3 10110U processor (2.59GHz base, 4.10GHz turbo!)
12Gb RAM. Two SSD Hard Drives: 256Gb + 500Gb
System: Windows 11 Pro in English. Spanish keyboard. 15.6″ HD display
Only €650 cash. 1 year Acer warranty when registered online after purchase. Currently on sale at Amazon.es, with only 4Gb ram and only one 256Gb SSD, running Win 10, for €500. See that here, https://www.amazon.es/Acer-TravelMate-TMP215-52-Ordenador-i3-10110U/dp/B09WRF9PZR/ (Pic on right)
– New High Performance Mini PCs are on the way: With UK kbd + mouse! Buyer provides a HDMI display. Watch this space for details.
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.com
Naythan, Torrox Costa. Buyer collects.
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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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Happy New Year: I’d like to wish a Happy New Year to all the DigameXtra readers and contributors, and especially to Naythan for his sterling work creating and distributing DigameXtra.
I’m glad that some readers have sent donations to Naythan (including myself) but, in my opinion, there are too many who haven’t donated. Naythan works hard to get the blog out 5 days a week and he is to be congratulated on his efforts.
If you haven’t donated yet, please do it soon, otherwise we might find that, in the future, we lose this important newsletter.
Thank you again Naythan.
Tony, Torrox Park. oddjobtony at gmail dot com
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Recommendation for SPW Construction:
I would like to put in a recommendation for Scott and his crew of SPW Construction. They spent approximately two months at our house doing an extensive amount of work, including two bathrooms with updated plumbing, a kitchen, new windows throughout and many other jobs in and outside the house. All work was done to a very high standard and the crew never missed a day for the entire project. Highly recommended. Regards, Martin & Donna, Sedella, 1961andrewsATgmailD0Tcom
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News & Articles
(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }
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SPAIN
The changes come into force this January 1, 2024- pensions, self-employed contributions, energy taxes, road tolls, rents & more: {Translation, summary}
– The deployment of the new contribution system for self-employed workers based on their real income will continue to be developed in 2024. It consists of 15 installment sections ranging from 225 to 530 euros – in 2023 they have ranged from 230 euros to 500 euros -, depending on net returns. As a novelty, due to the new contribution system, all those people who have been registered in 2023 as self-employed, even if only for one day, will have to file the Income Tax declaration as of 2024.
– Contributory pensions will rise by 3.8% with the arrival of the new year, while the minimum contributory pensions will increase by 6.9%, except for those of widows with family responsibilities, which will increase by 14.1%. For their part, non-contributory income and the Minimum Living Income (IMV) will also increase by 6.9%.
With this 3.8% increase that contributors will experience in 2024, the average retirement pension will increase by 734 euros per year or 52 euros per month, while the system’s average pension, currently 1,200 euros per month, will increase by 638 euros per year, which means 46 euros more per month.
– The salary of the more than 3.5 million public employees will rise by a fixed percentage of 2% with the arrival of 2024, which may be raised by another additional 0.5% depending on the evolution of the CPI.
– The annual update of housing rental contracts may not exceed 3% in 2024, while this year the new tax incentives applicable to the Personal Income Tax (IRPF) also begin to take effect.
– The interprofessional minimum wage (SMI) starts 2024 at 1,080 euros per month for fourteen payments, waiting for the increase that the Government finally decides to apply as a result of its negotiations with CCOO, UGT, CEOE and Cepyme. In any case, whatever increase is made to the SMI for this new year, it will have retroactive effects from January 1, 2024.
– Toll rates will rise between 5% and 6.65%, depending on the specific conditions of each concession.
Specifically, the 2024 rate review has meant an increase of 6.65% for the AP-46 and AP-7 Alicante-Cartagena; 6.55% for AP-9; 5.12% for AP-68; 5.07% for the AP-6, AP-51, AP-61, AP-53, AP-71 and AP-7 Málaga-Guadiaro, and 5% for the AP-66.
– The gradual withdrawal of tax cuts on electricity will mean one of the main changes in the monthly billing of supplies. The VAT on electricity will go from 5% to 10%, where it will remain throughout 2024. The VAT on gas will go from 5% to 10% in the first quarter, and then return to 21%. Other taxes linked to electricity will also be modified throughout the year. Specifically, the Tax on the Value of the Production of Electric Energy (IVPEE) – which was suspended – will have a rate of 3.5% until March, going to 5.25% until June, and the Special Tax on Electricity (IEE) – now at 0.5% compared to 5.1% – will be set at 2.5% in the first quarter of the year and will go to 3.8%.
– As for other supplies, the rate of last resort (TUR) for natural gas will rise by 8.19% on average, in relation to the price in force since the previous review. However, the price of the bottle remains at 15.14 euros pending the review this January. Telecom companies will raise rates – like those already announced by Movistar and Vodafone – and postal stamps will increase their price by 5.1%. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldiario.es/economia/cambios-entran-vigor-1-enero-2024-pensiones-cuotas-autonomos-alquileres_1_10804700.html
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Health Ministry will reintroduce regulation of medical cannabis from this month in Spain:
– Sources in the ministry headed by Monica García confirmed to elDiario.es that they intend to re-promote the creation of the medical program from mid-January. At the end of the last legislative session, Congress approved a document calling on the government to regulate the medical use of cannabis.
– Now the minister is going to open the proposal. Spain is one of the few major European countries that does not have a regulated medical program, even though it has strong social support (84% were in favor of its use the last time the CIS asked for it) and a similar majority in Congress. The current distribution of mandates, according to the government, is favorable for this regulation. Full article: https://thepostedia.com/opinion/211505.html
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Socialist Propaganda Machine- The labour market fiasco is that public employment and statistical manipulation account for 70% of jobs created: {Translation, summary}
– The systematic increase in public employment is a characteristic measure of the economic policy of Pedro Sánchez’s government. Since the socialist leader arrived at La Moncloa, the number of workers who receive their salaries directly from public administrations has been growing at a rate of 18,360 new hires every quarter.
– Although the PSOE-Sumar coalition government pretends to present this development as positive, the problems associated with this drift are many and very serious. Firstly, the fiscal reality cannot be ignored: every new position created in the public sector entails an increase in public spending, creating an economic burden that inevitably falls on taxpayers. This growing fiscal cost translates into a growing challenge for the financial sustainability of the State, which is only exacerbated in the context of the electoral and propagandistic fervour that characterises the Executive.
– Secondly, the increase in public employment distorts the true situation of the labour market. By masking unemployment figures with public hiring, it creates an illusion of stability that can have dire long-term consequences. The perception of a robust labour market vanishes when it is revealed that a large part of the jobs created under Pedro Sánchez’s government come from the public sphere, so we are not talking about contracts associated with efficiency and productivity considerations.
– Thirdly, it is imperative to recognise that the systematic increase in public employment does not respond to an intrinsic need to meet a continuously growing demand. For example, if the birth rate has plummeted, why do we continue to expand the workforce in the public education system? Again, a simple analysis of the needs of society reveals that a significant part of these recruitments are unjustified. Source, Spanish: https://www.libremercado.com/2024-01-02/empleo-publico-maquillaje-estadistico-60-por-ciento-trabajo-creado-bajo-gobierno-pedro-sanchez-psoe-7078255/
MALAGA PROVINCE
Weather change on the cards on the Costa del Sol, with possible rain and polar air greeting the arrival of the Three Kings:
– Malaga will record highs of up to 25C until Thursday, when state weather agency Aemet sets the probability of rain showers at 100 per cent in many parts of the province.
– However, the weather is set to change in the second half of the week. The turning point will be Thursday. On that day, Aemet has set the probability of showers in the province at 100 per cent, especially in Ronda and the towns and villages of the Guadalhorce Valley. In Malaga city, the possibility of rain at the moment is 80%.
– On Friday, this instability will continue, although the probability of precipitation will decrease considerably. The maximum temperatures will also fall. Therefore, Aemet forecasts that the mercury will not exceed 15-17C in Malaga city from 5 January onwards. The minimum temperatures will fall along the same lines, to 9-12 degrees. In addition, from Friday onwards, wind gusts of 20 kilometres per hour are expected. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/weather-change-the-cards-the-costa-sol-20240102083733-nt.html
TORRE DEL MAR
Residents reject one of two proposed locations for Axarquía desalination plant:
– As the drought tightens its grip across Malaga province, Andalucía’s regional government and Vélez-Málaga town hall are evaluating proposals from two companies to build a desalination plant to help agriculture and domestic water supply on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol.
– Two companies, Acciona S.A. and Magtel S.L. are bidding for the contract to build the facility. The former has proposed to construct the plant at the mouth of the Vélez river to the west of Torre del Mar and the latter’s proposal would see the plant being built by the town’s existing wastewater treatment plant to the north of the town by the A-7 motorway.
– However, the residents living near the area proposed by Acciona S. A. have rejected their proposal during a period of open consultation, saying that it would situate the plant just 50 metres from homes and the Joaquín Lobato secondary school. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/residents-reject-one-two-proposed-locations-for-20231229220534-nt.html
EUROPE
Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II to step down from throne:
The queen announced during her New Year’s speech on Sunday that she would step down on January 14, the 52nd anniversary of her own accession to the throne at age 31, and hand over the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik. Photo: David Giles. Full article: https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-01-01/denmarks-queen-margrethe-ii-to-step-down-from-throne.html
SPORTS
Tennis News- Back with a bang! Nadal downs Thiem in Brisbane: Playing his first competitive match for nearly 12 months, the 92-time tour-level titlist eased past Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-1 in Australia with a first-round performance that gave an immediate reminder of just what he is capable of. With his 1069th tour-level victory, Nadal overtook fellow former World No. 1 Ivan Lendl on the all-time leaderboard. Only Jimmy Connors (1274), Roger Federer (1251) and Novak Djokovic (1088) remain ahead of the Spaniard. His opponent as he chases his next match win in Brisbane will be eighth seed Aslan Karatsev or home wild card Jason Kubler. Full article: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/thiem-nadal-brisbane-2024-tuesday
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Will AI Eliminate The Digital Nomads?: {Translation, summary}
– The short answer is yes, in many cases it will. {And then all the millions of euros invested by all the different agencies into developing Digital Nomad programs before a demand even existed will have gone to waste. This is what happens when politicians with little technical knowledge come up with hair-brained schemes to spend EU recovery funds. -Ed.}
– Evening falls and the office building is now almost deserted. Hundreds or thousands of so-called white-collar workers, consultants, lawyers, computer scientists and analysts crowd the nearby train station to return home. They seem oblivious to the coming reality, that if the most dire predictions come true, their jobs will be eliminated. Many of their jobs will simply disappear and their functions will be taken over by AI in the same way that, decades ago, millions of manual workers saw their jobs replaced by machines. A few new jobs will emerge, such as that of ‘prompt engineer’, but these will also eventually be swallowed up by the full automation that is coming our way.
– “Apparently, this ‘prompt engineer’ work will be limited to the initial phase of development of these models. The current need comes from the complexity of handling these tools and their still scarce implementation, but it is desirable that they be integrated into the tools commonly used in each sector,” explains Professor Méndez Pozo, from the UCM. Josep Curto, from the UOC, predicts that prompt engineering (asking AI the correct prompt to get the desired result) will become more of a function that any qualified worker will have to master: “It is not a job with a future, but simply a skill that is more necessary to know. Just as it used to be compulsory to know how to use Word, Excel and Powerpoint, knowing how to use generative AI tools properly will be part of every professional’s toolbox”. Full article: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5204953/0/los-prompt-engineers-nuevo-oficio-que-trae-ia-se-cobra-bien-pero-es-un-trabajo-que-tambien-acabara-siendo-barrido/
TRAVEL NEWS
Flights affected by the Iberia strike: {Translation, summary}
– The UGT and CCOO unions have called a four-day strike in Iberia due to the company’s refusal to accept the provision of “auto-handling” at airports where it lost an Aena tender.
– The strike will take place on 5, 6 and 8 January, which could impact on the company’s scheduled flights to and from Spain. This measure would affect the 29 national airports served by Iberia Airport Services, including important hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, Alicante, Valencia, Malaga, Seville, Bilbao and Tenerife.
– Travellers are reminded to confirm flights to avoid disappointment. Source, Spanish: https://okdiario.com/economia/todos-vuelos-afectados-huelga-iberia-consulta-si-te-afecta-12149348
FINANCIAL
Holiday Renters Trend? Cancelling or Demanding Discounts For Lack of Water: {DigameXtra}
I have received several reports from landlords that some international holiday renters are unhappy with having to deal with no water for a third of the day. Some renters have requested discounts, and others simply cancel reservations, if they can’t be guaranteed access to tap water 24hrs a day. One landlord reports being advised by their lawyer to be sure to disclose, in writing, the possibility of daily water cutoffs to potential renters, as a renter may attempt to use an undisclosed water cutoff to invalidate contracts or demand compensation. I have no independent confirmation of this, only emails from disgruntled property owners who wish to remain anonymous. However, I felt it was worth mentioning.
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Humour Section
Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics
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Music Videos
Holiday Music Videos: Masters of The Universe Tour 1980
Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin & Paco De Lucia- Separate & Together
Full Concert – 12/06/80
Recorded live at the Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, on the final night of their 1980 tour. Video Link
Setlist:
0:00:00 – Bill Graham Introduction
0:00:31 – One Melody / My Foolish Heart – John McLaughlin
0:08:35 – Passion, Grace & Fire / No Mystery – Al Di Meola
0:14:13 – Violin Sonata – Al Di Meola
0:15:48 – Monasterio De Sal – Paco De Lucia
0:21:30 – Ole – Paco De Lucia
0:28:23 – Short Tales Of The Black Forest – Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin
0:41:07 – Frevo Rasgado – John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
0:49:27 – Mediterranean Sundance / Rio Ancho – Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola
0:59:42 – Tres Hermanos – Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
1:07:51 – Morning Of The Carnival (part 1) – Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
1:15:04 – Morning Of The Carnival (part 2) – Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
1:16:17 – Spain – Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
1:25:43 – Fantasia Suite – Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
1:35:53 – Meeting Of The Spirits – Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
2:00:17 – Al, John & Paco: Splendido Sundance – Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
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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 Services.: 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/National News in English, The Sur: http://www.surinenglish.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
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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
Check All Lottery Results Here: Updated daily.
https://www.20minutos.es/loterias/
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Malaga Province: New, updated link (Aug, 2023). Info in English with list of English speaking meetings. https://aacostadelsol.com/
DoctorLaptop’s Homepage: https://doctorlaptop-repairs.webnode.com/
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