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
*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email and gain submission posting privileges. To subscribe, please send me an email with the message “subscribe me to DigameXtra” from the email account you want subscribed.
*By making a submission you are indicating you have read and agree to follow the rules. RULES PAGE LINK: https://digamextra.com/about/
*Send your submissions & subscription requests to digamextra@protonmail.com
Note: The submission deadline is 6pm for the next day’s issue.
**********
DigameXtra Featured Sponsor
**********
Announcements
***********
2023 HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER RESULTS
Total donations received = 114 from 4740 subscribers
Percent of subscribers that donated = 2.4%
With this final tally, I made €2.03 per hour for the work I put into DigameXtra last year. Since we failed to increase the renumeration for my efforts from donations to a decent level, the only way to increase it is to cut back on the hours I put in for 2024. Then hopefully this year I can make more than a quarter of minimum wage. See the new time saving changes listed below.
Sincere thanks to everyone that donated!
These time-saving changes will be effective immediately:
– I will be taking one extra day off every month, to be known as the “Editor’s Holiday”. I will rotate these days in sequence, a Monday in January, a Tuesday in February, etc., so no one sponsor gets bumped more than others. Posts scheduled for the “Editor’s Holiday” will appear in the following issue.
– The following changes are now in effect:
* Subscribers are now limited to a maximum of 150 words per submission.
* To submit a “For Sale/Rent” post where the price of an item exceeds €1999, or the monthly rent of a property exceeds €650.00 per month, you must be a DigameXtra “Big Ticket Sales Sponsor”. This requires a €50 donation, allowing you to post one item over the limit, and repeat the post weekly for up to 3 months.
January 2024 “Editor’s Holiday”:
DigameXtra will be closed Monday, January 22nd.
Posts scheduled for this day will appear the following day.
**********
What’s On
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
**********
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
– 12th – Trip to Gib €18 and includes €1 for the driver.
– 27th – Fuengirola Saturday Market & Iceland €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
***********
U3A Lectures Series:
– 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: Did you Know that on Nov. 25, 1783, George Washington celebrated Evacuation Day (Depicted in pic), day when the British forces left New York, as belonging to the newly recognized Independent United States? 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!
– A Friendly Reminder: Next week!! 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.
**********
Ballet Clásico Internacional presents ‘El lago de los Cisnes’ (Swan Lake): Tuesday, January 16. 8pm €30
The International Classical Ballet is an artistic proposal of Tatiana Solovieva Productions, which has been sharing the best shows with Spain for 30 years. With an impressive scenography by Evgeny Gurenko and dancers of world renown, it offers us the delicacy of Swan Lake,
set to the wonderful music of P. Tchaikovsky. The dancers
have impeccable artistic careers recognised all over the world. This show is produced in collaboration with Royal Czech Ballet and Ballet de Milano.
Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja, Calle Granada 45. Tel. 952523863
**********
Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Click or tap the image to open an updated report in a new tab
**********
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!
**********
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!
**********
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.
**********
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.
**********
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.
**********
Tony Roam Transport & Removals Spain To UK To Spain: Fortnightly Runs Spain to UK and Up to 4 weeks free Storage. Spain or UK.
17 years Removals To & Fro Spain / UK Spain.
Local & Long-Distance Removals
No subcontracting, all collection and delivery in house.
Transportation, Removals & light haulage company that have guaranteed scheduled trips all year from UK to Torrox and back every month.
Also, additional unscheduled to suit your needs.
Full or part loads undertaken.
Dedicated Delivery Personal Service Full or Part loads up to 60 cubic meters up to 5.5 tonne. All on our own vehicles
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.
This and a current operator’s licence are a legal requirement.
Full customs clearance completed in house.
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 www.tonyroamremovals.com
email: tonyroam@btconnect.com
Spain 0034636393542 – UK 00447973362003.
Face book Tony Roam – WhatsApp Either Number
Our contact details are shown every day in the Sponsor’s Section.
**********
Now Reopened – 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: 7:30pm to close, Wednesday thru Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday. For reservations call 642585049. https://la-casita-griega.business.site/ We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
**********
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 951550581 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. English required, other languages a bonus. Police check necessary. Contact Liz +34 692 41 95 48
***********
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.
**********
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.
**********
BluCee Real Estate:
More people than ever are looking to move to Spain and we are inundated with people looking to move to the Axarquia and surroundings.
A lot of our properties have been snapped up in the last few weeks and we’re looking for more!
Looking to sell? Contact us, don’t be trapped by one market, we are selling to clients from all over the world and plenty of Spanish clients too!
Apartments, townhouses, villas, sea or coast – we sell it all!
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
We are open Monday to Friday 09.30 to 17.30 hrs.
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.
**********
MOONETTE – Organic Skincare for Mature Skin: Thank you so much for your support and interest in 2023, I wish you a very happy, beautiful and prosperous NEW YEAR.
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: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonetteSkincareShop
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
***********
Inflammation – A Psychological Thriller:
– Set in London, Brighton, Oxford, and Málaga; this fast paced novel follows Adam, a Psychologist, as he struggles to cope with life after the brutal murder of his truest love, Lorelei, at the hands of her abusive ex-partner. In the midst of his grief, and the guilt from his sense of having failed her; he lives on countdown, awaiting the release of the perpetrator. Furious with a criminal justice system that by its very nature only ever acts after the event, and increasingly feeling the need to do something for the cause in the meantime; the obsessive urge to intervene using his psychological skills, overpowers him. Will he even make it to the release date, or will he already have gone too far?
– I wrote this novel in and around Málaga province; in Torrox and Nerja particularly. It is a psychological/suspense/crime thriller, and would certainly be rated 18+ in places. It is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook in various countries. The links for the UK and Spain are below, and it is best to order it from where you currently are, and/or to where you would like it delivered. I very much hope you enjoy it (please leave a nice amazon review if so); and a big heartfelt thank you to anyone who orders it, and in doing so, is supporting an independent author.
Loz, Torrox. Email: lozblume AT gmail D0T com
For more info and to purchase: Amazon.es or Amazon.co.uk
***********
For Sale: Dress suit, brand new, still in packet. Wrong size ordered (more like a size 14, I am a size 12). €20. Photo credit: Lightinthebox.
Jan, Velez de Benaudalla 646381332. (Also collection from la herradura)
***********
Wanted: Working VHS player.
Godfrey, Vélez Málaga. Tel. 604350683
**********
Wanted: Watches. Watch collector looking for all types of watches. Vintage, Swiss made, Various makes. Also watch repair tools.
Ernest, Iznate. Phone WhatsApp 616812765, with photos or email
ernestiznate@hotmail.co.uk
**********
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.
***********
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.
***********
News & Articles
(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }
**********
SPAIN
Despite record breaking seizures in Spain, the price of cocaine falls by half due to overproduction at sources resulting from the ban on fumigating plantations: {Translation, summary}
– The price of cocaine has fallen by almost half due to overproduction in the Latin American countries of origin and has left 2023 looking like a record year for seizures in Spain, due to the significant increase in the number of containers of this drug entering the ports of Valencia, Algeciras and Barcelona destined for the European market, although they have not yet reached the levels of Antwerp (Belgium) and Rotterdam (Netherlands).
– Police and Tax Agency officials note an increase in cocaine shipments due to overproduction at source, partly because of the ban on spraying plantations with chemical substances in countries such as Colombia. One measure of this is the price in Spain: the drug has gone from around 33,000 euros per kilo a few years ago to the current 18,000 euros (€18/gr. wholesale).
– The year 2023 points to the year in which most cocaine has been seized, in the absence of official data from the Ministry of the Interior, according to UDYCO commanders in mid-December, when they showed the eleven tonnes of cocaine seized in two operations at the Canillas Police Complex (Madrid), the largest seizure of this kind in Spain. Specifically, the National Police alone have seized 20 tonnes more than last year, according to UDYCO estimates, and Customs Surveillance also corroborated this increase in drugs, with seizures having doubled in the last twelve months.
– The historic seizure of eleven tonnes of cocaine in maritime containers in two operations in the ports of Vigo and Valencia confirmed for the Police and the Tax Agency the “rising market” of drug trafficking by criminal organisations of Albanian origin, known as the Balkan Clan, which control distribution in Europe from countries such as Colombia and Ecuador. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-precio-cocaina-cae-mitad-sobreproduccion-origen-debido-prohibicion-fumigar-plantaciones-20240107105956.html
ANDALUCÍA
PSOE-A warns that “Moreno has left Andalucian SMEs and the self-employed without 400 million Euros in European funds”; Andalucia overall misses out on 2,516 million Euros in relief funds due to incompetence of officials: {Translation}
– The spokesperson for Economy, Finance and European Funds of the Socialist Group in Parliament, Alicia Murillo, has warned that the Moreno government “has left 400 million euros of European funds” intended for aid to SMEs and the self-employed in Andalucia “unexecuted”.
– Murillo has drawn attention to the “seriousness” of this fact which, moreover, “is the second time this has happened” with funds intended for these groups. Faced with this loss of funds, the Socialist warns that the response of the Moreno government has been to “manipulate and patch things up”.
– “Now he says that they will announce future aid to the self-employed and SMEs and they talk about hundreds of millions of euros, but these funds that have gone unspent will not again be available for another five or six years and they have a small print, which says that the aid will need to be re-applied for”, warned Alicia Murillo.
– In this sense, according to a press release, she criticised Moreno for “manipulating and wasting the unique opportunity” that European funds provide for Andalusia to achieve equality with the rest of Spain. The MP regretted that Moreno is “more concerned about confrontation with the Spanish government and following Feijóo’s campaign than working for Andalucia”.
– As a result of this situation there are the 2,516 million euros of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, developed with European funds, which Moreno “has not executed, as the Andalusian Chamber of Auditors has warned”.
– “Andalusia today has access to more European funds than ever before in its history”, the Socialist member of parliament recalled, who highlighted the role played by the Spanish government in obtaining these funds to boost the region.
However, as she warned, this opportunity has been “wasted” by the Andalucian government, which has failed to take advantage of the potential of the European funds. “The result is that, for the first time in its history, Andalucia is the last region in Spain in terms of employment and GDP per capita,” she concluded. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-psoe-alerta-moreno-dejado-pymes-autonomos-andaluces-400-millones-fondos-europeos-20240107114122.html
**********
Self-employed workers with one year of registration can now request the ‘Zero Quota’ in Andalusia: {Translation}
– The Regional Ministry of Employment, Enterprise and Self-Employment is now making available to self-employed workers who registered last year the application for the so-called Zero Quota, which consists of the reimbursement of the contributions paid during the first year of activity, since they joined the State Flat Rate as a “new self-employed worker”.
– Self-employed workers who registered for the first time in the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) during the past year can now apply for the scheme, provided that they have been registered for 12 months. This January, those who registered in January 2023 and have taken advantage of the special reductions provided for by the Social Security will be able to apply.
– The Department of Employment will keep the deadline for this call open until September 2026, so that the new self-employed who are fulfilling the requirement of 12 months of registration, may access the online process at any time to make the application and fill in the requested data, without the need to attach documentation. In the account number provided, the Regional Ministry will pay the beneficiaries who meet the requirements the amount corresponding to the twelve months of payment of Social Security contributions, i.e. around 1,000 euros.
– The regulatory bases of these incentives for the promotion of self-employment can be consulted on the website of the Regional Ministry of Employment, Enterprise and Self-Employment, which lists the different potential beneficiaries of the Zero Quota, which are also self-employed workers who have a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%, or are victims of gender violence or victims of terrorism who are eligible for the reduced social security quota and for self-employed workers who have ceased their activity due to the birth of a child, adoption, fostering for the purpose of adoption, fostering and guardianship and wish to return to self-employment within the two years following the date of cessation, who are eligible for the state rebate of 80% of the quota.
– The Quota Zero in Andalusia contemplates three cases in which the beneficiaries of this incentive will be able to obtain up to 24 months of rebate. The second year of the Zero Quota will be enjoyed by self-employed women who ceased their activity due to maternity, as well as by all self-employed workers who, during the twelve months following the end of the initial twelve-month period of the Zero Quota incentive, have annual net income of less than the annual minimum inter-professional wage corresponding to that period.
– Self-employed workers with a degree of disability equal to or higher than 33%, or who are victims of gender violence or victims of terrorism, will also have 24 months of Zero Quota. In these three cases, the application must only be submitted once after the first twelve months of registration in RETA, except in the case of self-employed workers whose net annual income is lower than the annual minimum wage, who will have to submit a second application once they have completed the second year of registration in RETA.
– According to the Regional Minister of Employment, Rocío Blanco, the procedure “is fully automated and will be paid in a few days” and “is also compatible with start-up aid, which can reach up to 5,500 euros”.
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/autonomos-solicitar-Cuota-Cero-Andalucia_0_1864014346.html
***********
Andalucian merchants close an “unfavorable” 2023 in sales and hope for “a good start” for 2024 with sales: {Translation, summary}
– The Confederación Comercio Andalucía points out that it was confident that 2023 would be the year in which sales in the sector would definitively recover after the pandemic period. However, external factors such as war conflicts that have caused an inflationary situation with the rise in the price of products and interest rate rises, causing families to lose consumption capacity and internal factors such as the effects of climate change that are beginning to be felt have caused sales in general to “have decreased” in local commerce in 2023 compared to 2022.
– They add that another factor that has influenced the decline in sales for local commerce has been the increase in online sales. The sector points out that the lack of regulation of the activity of large online sales operators and more favourable taxation, as many of them operate from other countries, generates “unfair competition” for businesses with physical establishments.
– In this way, Comercio Andalucía asks the administrations with competences related to commerce to seek a balance between commercial formats and to make a real commitment to local commerce as a “vital” sector for the economy and employment, a sector that represents “22% of employment and 11.5% of Andalusia’s GDP”. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-comerciantes-tachan-desfavorable-ventas-2023-confian-rebajas-supongan-buen-comienzo-2024-20240105165814.html
COSTA DEL SOL
Spanish government body clears way for large wind farm project off the Costa del Sol:
–{Wind farms are not yet a viable option. The technology and efficiency needs significant improvements before these wind turbines should be implemented. The blades must be replaced every 10 years and currently there is no way to dispose of them safely. There are dramatic effects on birds and marine life. And it is not uncommon for them to shed parts, spectacularly burn up or simply fall over. -Ed. Ref: https://stopthesethings.com/category/wind-turbine-dangers/}
– The Spanish government has taken a big step in the complex administrative process to allow a large offshore wind farm in the Alborán sea off the coast Fuengirola and Marbella. One of the first hurdles was the approval of the Maritime Space Management Plans (POEM) on Tuesday 28 February. This step is important, as it clears the way for the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge to put out to tender applications from companies that will construct the wind farm. This step was scheduled for mid-2023, although it is likely to be delayed by a few months.
– It is now known that the proposal for a location 13 kilometres from the coast has been ruled out. The approved alternative, at a distance of more than 22 kilometres offshore, will have far less visual impact.
– The government’s Offshore Wind Roadmap foresees the installation of up to three gigawatts of energy. In the case of the Costa del Sol, the project envisages that the turbines will be floating, and will cover an area equivalent to 30,000 football pitches. Photo credits: Stopthesethings. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/offshorw-wind-farm-plans-20230301135036-nt.html
GRANADA
Arrested after robbing two homes in Vélez de Benaudalla the same night, loot from other robberies recovered: {Translation, summary}
– The Guardia Civil has arrested a 36 year old man as the alleged perpetrator of two burglaries perpetrated in two houses in Vélez de Benaudalla. The robberies took place over the past weekend.
– In the first one, the detainee broke into the house after forcing the main door. From inside the house he took a television and a DVD player, according to the Guardia Civil in a press release. The second robbery occurred the same night in a nearby house. The detainee climbed up to the terrace and stole a cooker and a bluetooth speaker from a cupboard on the terrace.
– The Guardia Civil of Salobreña took over the investigation of both robberies and, after viewing the security cameras of one of the houses, they recognised the assailant. The Guardia Civil officers were already on his trail as he had four warrants in force for his arrest, detention and imprisonment.
– After the arrest, the agents located in the house where he was hiding the objects stolen in both houses, as well as other objects such as two 32-inch televisions, a large radiator, a mobile phone, bottles of liquor and various costume jewellery, whose origin is still being investigated, as the investigators do not rule out that they are related to other robberies perpetrated in the municipality. Source, Spanish: https://www.granadadigital.es/detenido-robar-dos-viviendas-velez-benaudalla-misma-noche/
SPORTS
Rafael Nadal pulls out of Australian Open due to new muscle tear:
– Rafael Nadal has confirmed he has pulled out of this month’s Australian Open due to a muscle tear, but says it is a different injury to the one which kept him out for a year.
– Spaniard and 22-time Grand Slam winner said his body is “not ready to compete at the maximum level in five-set matches”, and he will fly back home for treatment and rest.
– The Australian Open starts on January 15. The 37-year-old returned (to competition) this month after a year out due to a hip flexor injury. Full article: https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13043471/rafael-nadal-pulls-out-of-australian-open-due-to-muscle-tear
**********
PETS FOR ADOPTION
Axarquia Animal Rescue – Voluntary Charity – non profit organisation
CIF G93245116 Charity Number 10567 (Spain)
Email: axarquia-rescue@hotmail.com
Website: www.axarquiaanimalrescue.com
It wasn’t a quiet Christmas in the rescue world, unfortunately it never is. Since Dec 18th we have taken in 12 dogs/pups. We are desperate for foster carers to help them on their way to forever homes. AAR will provide all equipment needed, cover all vets and food costs etc. If you would like to help and to know more, please email us at the above address.
Please also take a look at our website, where you will find more information and photos, plus details of other dogs and pups that we have in our care. Our adoption costs are 110e for pups that have been fully vaccinated, rabies, chip and passport and 180e for older dogs that have all vaccinations, papers and have been neutered. This contributes towards their vet and care costs, and helps us to continue rescuing abandoned dogs and cats.
**********
Humour Section
Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics
***********
**********
Exchange quotes from x-rates.com
Click here to see more currencies
**********
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 (New Link), worldwide: Click Here
Daily Mail UK- Daily Sudoku: Click Here
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
Currency Converter: https://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=EUR&to=GBP&amount=1
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
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/
DigameXtra is now on Twitter – @DigameXtra
By supporting our sponsors you help support DigameXtra!
DigameXtra Sponsors
Home Page & FB Page & ETSY Shop
Get Windscribe Pro or Free Versions Here
For more info and to purchase: Amazon.es or Amazon.co.uk
Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.
************
How to Subscribe and make submissions: Click Link
DigameXtra cannot be responsible for incorrect info in reader or sponsor posts or event announcements. Always confirm the details to avoid disappointment.
ATTENTION! New EU internet privacy laws are now in effect, known as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). I have to inform you that the DigameXtra archive saves follower’s email addresses in the WordPress server. By subscribing/following you implicitly accept this; if you make submissions you acknowledge that anyone can view old issues online and see your contact info as you provided and you accept this. If you don’t want me saving your email address do not subscribe/follow, you can unsubscribe and remove yourself from this list using the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every subscription issue. Takedown notices must include proof of ownership as well as the date and issue number of the DigameXtra issue containing the infringing content. These may be submitted to digamextra@protonmail.com. Proper takedown notices will be complied with immediately. All images have been credited or copied from what I believe to be copyright free sources.
©DigameXtra.com 2015-2024. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to republish any DigameXtra.com content. Sharing content for personal use is permissible as long as it is source credited to https://digamextra.com.
DigameXtra 
You must be logged in to post a comment.