Welcome to DigameXtra !
The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia
Content in this newsletter blog site comes from its Editor, Sponsors & Supporters (Holiday Fundraiser Donors). Submissions are subject to editing and posting at the Editor’s discretion. If I don’t want to post something, I won’t, and I do not owe you an explanation. Content from other sources is credited. The Editor is Naythan, aka DoctorLaptop. Top banner image: DigameXtra.
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DigameXtra Featured Sponsor
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Your contacts can read DigameXtra on the website without a subscription. They may also subscribe for free to receive daily issues by email. Please note, subscribers must be a “DigameXtra Donor” in the current year to make posts. Newly subscribed readers since Jan 1st, 2025 and Ayuntamiento sponsored events, are exempt from this requirement. Refer to the top of the submission rules page for more info regarding how to post submissions: https://digamextra.com/about/
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DigameXtra Welcomes A New Sponsor
EUROPCAR – Auto & Van Rentals
Welcome Aboard !
Locations in airports and train stations of Malaga, Sevilla & Granada, plus one in Nerja Central.
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WHAT’S ON
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
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PHOENIX CLUB
Phoenix Club: The Phoenix Social Club is open to all nationalities but the lingua franca is English.
We offer an opportunity to make friends, 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.
Our handmade greetings cards are for sale weekly with all proceeds to the Red Cross. We would be happy to accept any greeting cards you may have to re-cycle into fantastic cards.
We meet every Thursday between 12 and 2 pm at Chine in Caleta, just off the coast road to/from Algarrobo.
***Trips/Events***
~All trips/events include a driver’s gratuity~
September
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 6th – Artisan Market in the Alpujarras. Features a number of artisan product stalls, craft beers, lots of food trucks and live music. Price 22€pp
– 19th – Trip to Mini Hollywood, Almeria, price includes coach fare, entry and buffet lunch €65
October
– 7th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 17th – Trip by train to El Chorro and then lunch at the Lakes. TBC but includes train fare, coach fare but excludes lunch.
November
– 4th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 21st – A visit to an Olive Oil Plantation, Lunch at the WOK and IKEA/Plaza Mayor. €28 pp includes entry to the plantation with tasters, coach fare but excludes lunch.
– 28th – Black Friday shopping at La Canada with a dash around Iceland on the way home. €20pp
For information call Gail on 951067723 / 626370695 (Whatsapp) email phoenixsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk
We are DigameXtra sponsors and our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.
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Feria Gastronómica Balcón de Europa- Nerja:
Fri-Sun, 22-24 Aug, 7pm-1am
The event will feature free concerts by Eduardo Campanero, Nolasco, and No me pises que llevo chanclas. Visitors will be able to visit sixteen stands with products such as hams, cheeses, and sausages from all over Spain.
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Mezquitilla Fair 2025: Thurs-Sun, 21-24 Aug
Event Schedule – Fair Programme
– Thursday 21st August
22:00–00:00 – Blue Hour at the fairground, discounts on all attractions.
22:00 – Flamenco dress parade and election of Miss and Mister Faralae (Promenade Pergola).
23:00 – Opening address by Francisco Pastor Ruiz, followed by Son del Puerto (Promenade Pergola).
– Friday 22nd August
11:00 – Children’s activities in Velero Street: bouncy castles, archery, workshops.
14:00 – Popular paella (€3).
16:30 – Bicycle races, balloon games, sack races, ribbon races on motorcycles.
21:00 – Show ‘Pinky Peke Clan’ and election of Queen, Ladies of Honour, Mister, Gentlemen, Miss and Mister Youth, and young gentlemen.
01:00 – Joke Show.
– Saturday 23rd August
12:00 – Day fair with DJ Worzel and Lugy.
20:00 – Tribute to senior citizens, election of Grandparents of the Year, snack, and performances by Macarena Soto and the Women’s Association Nuevo Horizonte del Litoral.
00:00 – Election of Miss Visitor, Miss Congeniality, and the Most Talkative Couple.
01:00 – Mecamela (tribute to Camela) concert at the official marquee (free entry).
– Sunday 24th August
Daytime – Mass and procession of Our Lady of Fatima with choir and band.
01:00 – Rockopop concert.
Afterwards – Grand firework display.
Note: The Artífice Orchestra will perform throughout the three days of the fair. All activities are free of charge.
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Periana Feria de Augusto 2025: Fri, 22 Aug to Sun, 24 Aug.
Programme of Events
– Friday 22nd August
10:00 – Traditional floral reveille and parade by the Municipal Band of Music of Periana.
12:00 – Workshops, games, and entertainment for children.
14:00 – Tasting of zoque and beer, offered by the Town Council of Periana. Music by the Charanga X.
19:00 – Ribbon race on the Paseo Bellavista, accompanied by the Municipal Band of Periana.
21:30 – Performance by the Dance Group of Abraham Ortiz in the official marquee.
23:00 – Performance by the Stylo Orchestra and the Dance Group of Abraham Ortiz.
00:00 – Fireworks in the school courtyard.
01:00 – Tribute concert to Manuel Carrasco, followed by DJs.
– Saturday 23rd August
13:00 – Performance by Rumbiki.
14:00 – Tasting of beer and cold meats, offered by the Town Council. Music by the Charanga X.
17:30 – Foam Party.
23:00 – Performance by the New Velada Orchestra.
Late Night – DJs Floflo and Marina García.
– Sunday 24th August
12:30 – Performance by the Panda de Verdiales San Isidro of Periana.
13:30 – Tasting of sangria, beer, and cold meats, offered by the Town Council. Music by the Charanga X.
19:00 – Seniors’ Party in the official marquee, with performances by Macarena Soto (copla) and the Rociero Choir Camino de Olivares of Periana. Selection of the Grandfather and Grandmother of the Fair 2025.
23:00 – Performance by the Stylo Orchestra in the municipal marquee.
01:00 – Performance by the group Alejados, followed by DJs.
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55th Fiesta del Ajoblanco de Almáchar: Sat, 6 Sep.
Attendees will be able to taste this typical and characteristic dish of Almáchar, taste wines made with grapes and muscatel raisins from Alejandría and of course delight themselves with the flavour of the unbeatable raisins of Alejandría that the neighbours take care of and make year after year. It is the oldest festival in the province
This year the free shuttle bus will depart from the Torre del Mar bus station, with a stop in Vélez-Málaga.
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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast
Heat Warning: High temps of 37C-40C possible until 9pm Monday. Inland peaks could be even higher.
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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
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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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HANNINGTONS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
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 unrivalled 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
Mandy’s Paintbox: Painter for 30 years in Nerja area.
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” (left) and “after” (right) pics from my latest job.
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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 Real Estate – Property Search:
We are currently assisting clients who are actively looking to purchase the following properties:
* Apartment near the beach – 2 bedrooms, must have sea views, budget up to €300,000, cash buyer.
* Benajarafe area – Minimum 3 bedrooms, must have a pool and sea views, maximum €650,000.
Do you have a property that matches either of these requirements?
Or do you know someone who is thinking of selling?
Please contact us — we would love to hear from you!
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BluCee Real Estate is known for being:
Competitive on price
Proactive and friendly
Focused on outstanding customer service
Get in touch for a free valuation or more information:
Email: info@blucee.com
WhatsApp: +34 711 04 27 27
Office: +34 951 553 890
Web: https://www.blucee.com/
Visit us: Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738, Málaga
We look forward to helping you!
Proud sponsors of DigameXtra – our contact details are published daily.
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EUROPCAR AUTO & VAN RENTALS
Europcar Auto & Van Rentals: Serving you with convenient locations in the airports and train stations of Malaga, Sevilla & Granada, plus one in Nerja Central. Competitive rates. Always an English speaking staff member on duty. Petrol, diesel, electric & hybrid models available. Premium brands, sub-compact city cars to luxury models, from €21/day (includes unlimited mileage & basic insurance): Ford, Audi, VW, Opel, MG, BMW, Renault & Fiat. Europcar sponsors DigameXtra, making a generous donation for every vehicle rental, but only if you reserve online using this link: [ EUROPCAR LINK ] You will need to setup an account the first time you use it. Bookmark this link, then always use this link to visit the website.
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For Sale: Worx Cordless Battery 40v, 34cm Lawnmower
Easy to manoeuvre, five height adjustment, grass collection. Turbo and quiet settings.
Good condition and perfect working order. No smelly fumes, no trailing cords, starts every time. Complete with battery and charger, very little use.
Cash on collection €50. 2 part-used boxes of grass seed FREE!
Contact Clive – Venta Baja, Tel: 0044 7860384555
clive.boughton@btinternet.com
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RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS & COMMENTS
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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Wanted: Part Time Gardener. Part time gardener required in the Torre del Mar area. One morning (4 hours) every two weeks. Easily manageable garden. Suit active retired person. Knowledge of Spanish gardens and some English preferred but not essential. Contact Colin.
Email: colespania at gmail dot com
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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
“And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the 666 Veri*Factu app…” Every Invoice Must Be Registered When Issued! Verifactu, the ‘fiscal big brother’ that will be mandatory for companies and the self-employed from 2026: {Translation}
– It is already popularly known as the ‘Big Brother tax system’, and it is not even fully operational yet. But everything that is known about Verifactu, the Spanish Tax Agency’s new system to combat tax fraud, points to exhaustive control of every transaction or invoice issued or received, which is unprecedented.
– According to the Tax Agency, the terms Veri*Factu or Verifactu regulation are colloquial ways of referring to the regulation that establishes the requirements that must be adopted by computer or electronic systems and programs that support the invoicing processes of entrepreneurs and professionals. In other words, an electronic invoicing system that has been created with the aim of digitizing and controlling the process of issuing invoices in real time. This system will also be mandatory throughout 2026 for all taxpayers who issue invoices, whether they are self-employed, SMEs, or large companies.
– Verifactu aims to control the invoice issuance process in real time. Business owners are therefore required to register their invoices and send them automatically to the Tax Agency as soon as they are issued. Hence the term “exhaustive control.” The Tax Agency wants all transactions to be perfectly identified, thus generating a container of invoices where it can consult those of each business at any time and detect any anomalies almost instantly.
– Each invoice issued will provide data such as the date, the identification of the issuer and the recipient, the description of the services, and the tax base and tax rate. For the Treasury, this system will allow greater control over invoicing, reduce tax fraud, and save business owners time.
– The implementation of Verifactu is expected to mark a radical turning point in tax management in Spain, with the adaptation process starting next year. The new system will require computer or mobile devices capable of running these new apps, so your devices will have to comply with Verifactu specifications. In addition, the Treasury will provide a free application for SMEs and the self-employed.
– {You can assume there will be data breaches, and much of this data will sold off, allowing data brokers and their clients access to the exposed data. Another huge blow to confidentiality and privacy. This is another reason not to allow them to take away cash money. -Ed.}
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/economia/fiscalidad/verifactu-gran-hermano-fiscal-obligatorio-empresas-autonomos-20250813001904-nt.html
Official Spanish Tax Agency info page for this topic, in English: https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en_gb/iva/sistemas-informaticos-facturacion-verifactu/preguntas-frecuentes/sistemas-verifactu.html
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North begins to cool, South remains on heat alert: {Translation, summary}
– The entry of an Atlantic air will begin this Monday, August 18, the end of the Heat wave in Spain, with a “remarkable” drop in temperatures in the northwestern half of the peninsula.
– However, temps will retain “Significantly High” values in the southeastern half, as well as in areas of the Balearic and Canary Islands, even 40 degrees in the Guadalquivir and depressions in the southeast.
– The high temperatures will trigger alerts in 17 provinces. Specifically, Murcia and Alicante will be at red level. Meanwhile, the orange warnings will be registered in Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Seville (Andalusia); Huesca (Aragon); Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca (Balearic Islands); Albacete; and Lleida (Catalonia). Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/acerca-ola-calor-proximas-horas-son-zonas-seguiran-alerta-altas-temperaturas_6236834_0.html
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Highest temperature in Spain during the heatwave this weekend: {Translation, summary}
– The municipality of Montoro (Córdoba) recorded the highest temperature in Spain on Saturday, reaching 44.7ºC, in the context of a new heatwave that has been affecting much of Spain since August 3. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the temperature of 44.7ºC was recorded in the aforementioned municipality at 6:00 p.m.
– In addition, five other locations in Andalusia are among the ten hottest places in Spain this Saturday.
– The Seville province of Fuentes de Andalucía reached 44.4ºC at 4:20 p.m., ranking third nationally, a high that was almost reached by the Seville municipality of Carmona, which recorded 44.2ºC at 5:10 p.m.
– Returning to the province of Córdoba, La Rambla reached 44°C at 5:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the Córdoba Airport station recorded 43.9°C at 5:50 p.m. The last of the Andalucian towns among the ten with the highest temperatures in Spain was Fuente Palmera, where the thermometer read 43.8°C at 6:10 p.m. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/andalucia/cordoba/lugar-espana-registrado-mayor-temperatura-ola-calor-semana_6236774_0.html
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The PP of Malaga calls it “ridiculous” that the Sánchez administration has executed this year only 5.3% of the national housing budget. Nevertheless, Sánchez makes baseless claims of great progress on housing in recent speeches: {Translation, summary}
– The spokesperson for the PP in Malaga, Elisa Pérez de Siles {pic}, has described the execution of the budget of Pedro Sánchez’s Ministry of Housing as “ridiculous.” According to data from the General State Comptroller’s Office, it was the department with the lowest level of execution of all those that make up the Executive in 2024, at 32%. a fact that, in her opinion, is being repeated this year, with a “derisory” 5.3% executed up to June. This was reported by the Popular Party in a statement, in which the spokesperson said that, in Andalucia, also in terms of housing, “Sánchez has a zero record despite it being the biggest concern for Spaniards at the moment.”
– “All the Sánchez government does is sell smoke and mirrors and not invest or build,” Pérez said, urging the implementation of “effective and real” measures, as the Andalusian Regional Government and the municipalities of the province of Malaga are doing to increase the public housing stock. “Sánchez and Montero have to react once and for all and follow the example of the administrations governed by the PP, which are working on issues that affect citizens with facts and not with lies and smoke, as the Prime Minister is doing, who has promised thousands of homes and has not built any,” she said. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/malaga-00356/noticia-pp-malaga-tacha-ridiculo-gobierno-haya-ejecutado-ano-solo-53-presupuesto-vivienda-20250817165031.html
ANDALUCÍA
The outlook for fires in Andalucía over the next few days is “very serious”: {Translation, summary}
– Andalucia faces extreme wildfire risk, with its risk index map mostly red except for the far east, which is orange. Counsellor Antonio Sanz of the Andalucian Emergencies Agency closely monitors daily fires, averaging 20, mostly contained flare-ups.
– The reasons for the extreme danger this summer lie in a very extensive heatwave, even this Sunday, the Seville countryside will suffer temperatures of 44C, the existence of a lot of seasonal vegetation due to heavy rains this winter, and the coincidence with Levante winds that cause extreme dryness. Under these conditions, any spark can turn into a major fire, the kind that burns more than 500 hectares.
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/perspectivas-incendios-andalucia-proximos-dias_0_2004578628.html & Video Link 1 & Video Link 2
NERJA
The Nerja City Council creates a Working Group to address the situation of the Burriana shipyard and fishermen’s hut: {Translation}
– The Corporation’s Plenary Session has approved, on an institutional basis, the creation of a Working Group whose purpose will be to draw up a consensus proposal to be presented to the Regional Delegation of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development of the Andalusian Regional Government in Malaga with the aim of obtaining the relevant authorization for fishermen with boats currently stranded on the sand of Burriana beach to make regulated use of the space.
– This group will be made up of the mayor, the councillors for Beaches, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Tourism, the spokespersons of the Municipal Groups represented in the Corporation, and a representation of the fishermen affected, appointed by the interested parties themselves.
– During her speech at the plenary session, the councillor for Beaches, María del Carmen López, explained that “this initiative aims to reach a consensus between municipal representatives and the fishermen’s collective in order to regularize the situation of the dry dock and fishermen’s hut on Burriana beach. At the same time, it seeks to guarantee respect for our traditions, recognizing the deep historical and emotional roots that the use of this space has for the people of the sea.” Photo: Expedia. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-ayuntamiento-de-nerja-crea-un-grupo-de-trabajo-para-abordar-la-situacion-del-varadero-y-la-caseta-de-pescadores-de-burriana/
CANILLAS DE ACEITUNO
Jewels stolen from several statues in the church of Canillas de Aceituno: {Translation, summary}
– The looting of churches and their displays, unfortunately, continues to be a common practice. On this occasion, it happened in Canillas de Aceituno, at the church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Leo the Great. On the night of Thursday, August 14, several religious statues, which are the object of great popular devotion, were attacked in order to steal the jewels they wore. This was not the only image to suffer the consequences of the thieves’ unwanted visit.
– The Brotherhood of El Cautivo y Dolorosa Canillas de Aceituno has also informed us that various pieces of jewelry were stolen from other statues. “These pieces not only have economic value, but also immense sentimental, religious, and heritage value, as they are offerings, promises, and devotions from many of our brothers,” they emphasize in their statement. And, although the theft has been reported to the authorities, who are working on the case, they insist on the collaboration of citizens in case any neighbours have any information. “We are fully confident that justice will be done and that we will be able to recover what has been taken from us,” they conclude. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/roban-joyas-de-la-virgen-de-la-cabeza-en-canillas-de-aceituno/
MIDDLE EAST
Zamir says IDF approving plans for war’s next stage ahead of Gaza City offensive:
– During a visit to the Gaza Strip on Sunday morning, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said the military will approve “the plan for the next stage of the war” later in the day, as Israel gears up to expand its ongoing offensive against Hamas by conquering Gaza City.
– His comments came after the security cabinet voted earlier this month to approve a military offensive in the northern Gaza Strip with the aim of defeating and capturing what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called “the last Hamas stronghold,” which is the Palestinian enclave’s largest city.
– As part of the plan to conquer Gaza City, the military is gearing up to “relocate” the city’s residents, which some estimates put at over one million, to refugee areas in southern Gaza. Full article: https://www.timesofisrael.com/zamir-says-idf-approving-plans-for-wars-next-stage-ahead-of-gaza-city-offensive/
SUR in ENGLISH HEADLINES
*Click links to read the English language articles*
– ‘Bull’s balls’ reign supreme at Coín’s tomato festival
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/guadalhorce-valley/bulls-balls-reign-supreme-coins-tomato-festival-20250815192134-nt.html
– Arsonist behind six forest fires in Teba: former municipal plumber who ‘hates’ local government
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/antequera/the-perpetrator-six-forest-fires-teba-former-20250815084712-nt.html
– Rincón de la Victoria town hall to remove stray cats from residential areas around Calle Conchitina
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/rincon-victoria-town-hall-remove-cats-from-20250815112430-nt.html
– ‘Cooped up at home’ by an ‘out of control’ cat colony in Rincón de la Victoria
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/locked-up-their-homes-an-uncontrolled-colony-20250814095302-nt.html
– Eleven months, two ‘danas’ and one storm later, Almogía central streets reopen to traffic
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/guadalhorce-valley/eleven-months-two-droughts-and-squall-later-20250815085921-nt.html
HEALTH
Five health workers at the Regional Hospital of Malaga test positive for tuberculosis: {Translation, summary}
– The Regional University Hospital of Malaga has confirmed five positive results in tuberculosis screening tests among 45 professionals in the Intensive Care and Hemodynamics units. The study was activated after identifying a patient with tuberculosis who died after a week of hospitalization and who, during his care, was in close contact with staff in these areas.
– The centre emphasizes to EFE that these are preliminary results. In other words, a positive screening result does not necessarily mean that the person has the disease, but may reflect an old infection controlled by the immune system, the influence of the BCG vaccine, or cross-reactions with non-tuberculous mycobacteria. These cases remain under clinical monitoring and will undergo additional tests. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/andalucia/malaga/cinco-sanitarios-hospital-regional-malaga-dan-positivos-tuberculosis-contacto-enfermo_6236578_0.html
TECH
Boiled Frogs- AI Slop, Phishing, Deep-Fakes, & Spam, Spam, Spam. The Internet needs a “do-over”:
– We’re frogs in a pot that’s being heated so gradually that we no longer notice the sewage is extinguishing the utility of the Web.
– Let’s take “Show me the incentives, and I’ll show you the outcome” and direct it on the Internet, the digital realm that is now central to modern life The incentives are making money from attention, i.e. clicks, engagement, etc. by any means available, and a burgeoning universe of cons, deception, extortion and fraud.
– And with those incentives, the outcome is an ever-expanding river of toxic sewage, a river of AI slop, deep-fakes, phishing, clickbait and spam, spam, spam on every device, every platform, every screen.
– This is not inconsequential. A physician-correspondent recently reported that he was researching a cardiovascular condition online and realized the article he was reviewing was AI slop, a conglomeration of inaccurate diagrams and plausible-sounding nonsense slapped together to get whatever meager income would be generated by a modest number of views.
– That’s the incentive the Big Tech platforms set up: since it’s a low-odds gamble that any post will go viral on a large enough scale to make serious income, the incentive is to post 1,000 AI slop posts which each collect 1,000 views. In other words, make it up on volume.
– Since the Internet is global, people in low-income nations have an incentive to generate AI slop to earn what is a pittance in developed nations. The barrier to entry is low, anyone can produce veritable mountains of AI slop with free tools and low-cost bandwidth, and the gains, however modest, are welcome if paid work is scarce.
– The same “make it up on volume” approach incentivizes churning out millions of phishing and spam SMS, emails and posts on every platform under the sun. If there’s only one sucker per 10,000 entreaties, then send out 10 million. Since views and engagement generate income, the more outrageous the clickbait, the better. And of course, the greater the volume of clickbait, the greater the income stream flowing to platforms hosting the clickbait. AI tools incentivize creating deep-fakes of celebrities’ voices and personas which can then be deployed to con older Internet users who are often credulous enough to believe that yes, Owen Wilson is talking to me, see, it’s him. Every legitimate institution is now a tripwire for phishing and spam. Your USPS package can’t be delivered, here’s your Social Security Statement, and so on.
– The burden of shadow work required to delete, unsubscribe and purge our lives of all this sewage is growing heavier by the day. This calls to mind the boiled-frog analogy: we’re frogs in a pot that’s being heated so gradually that we no longer notice the sewage is extinguishing the utility of the Web.
– And the reason is…drum roll…that’s how everyone makes money: views, engagement, scams, cons, fraud and above all, sheer volume. And who makes money from volume? The Big Tech platforms. So what if it’s misleading AI slop, deep-fake scams or clickbait, the more “engagement” we get, the more money we make.
– So where’s the incentive to staunch the flood of sewage? There isn’t one. If we want a different outcome, we have to change the incentives {…which would require ditching the entire rotten Internet business financing model now in use; a good thing to aspire to, but not going to happen in the short/middle term. While ‘alternate’ Internets are in development, they are suppressed and underfunded. Don’t expect to see Internet 2.0 anytime soon. -Ed.} Full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/ai/boiled-frogs-ai-slop-phishing-deep-fakes-spam-spam-spam
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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION
Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics
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Periana Photos: From early to mid 1900’s. Video Link (Use this link if clicking on the video doesn’t work.)
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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com
Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies
Last updated Aug 17, 2025, 21:47 UTC
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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
2025 Holiday Calendars by town, click/tap to view:
Algarrobo
Competa
Malaga
Nerja
Rincon
Torrox
Velez-Málaga
For other towns in Malaga Province, visit this website, click your town, then look for the post named “Calendario Laboral de ‘Your Town‘ 2025 “, click that to see calendar.
https://www.foro-ciudad.com/malaga.html
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, Mercadillo de La Cala del Moral- Rincon de la Victoria.
Saturday: Competa, Mezquitilla@Algarrobo behind the Sala Ottowa
Sunday: 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/
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