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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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Please share DigameXtra with your friends: Simply copy & paste this link into an email or message and send it to all your friends. https://digamextra.com/
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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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra! 

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Almunecar’s X Feria Gastronómica Cofradía Cristo De Los Gitanos
(10th Cristo De Los Gitanos Brotherhood Food Fair):
Sun, 19 Oct, from 12 noon
At Parque el Majuelo, Almunecar. Free entry.
Food fair plus Flamenco show.
Info & map: https://www.visitalmunecar.es/eventos/ix-feria-gastronomica-cofradia-cristo-de-los-gitanos/

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Cuban International Festival (Habana Vieja Fest): Vélez-Málaga
Fri-Sun, October 24-26, at Andalucia Park. 1:30pm to 2:00am (Sunday, until midnight).
Music, dance and gastronomy. 

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Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/

Tap or click image for updated forecast

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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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CÓMPETA SOLAR

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, Competa
Tel: +34 652970608 (Spain)
Email: info AT competasolar DOT es
Web: www.competasolar.es
We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.

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TONY ROAM TRANSPORT & REMOVALS

Tony Roam Transport & Removals Spain To UK To Spain:
Fortnightly Runs Spain to UK and Up to 4 weeks free Storage. Spain or UK.
18 years Removals To & Fro Spain / UK Spain.
Man & Van, Local & Long Distance Removals
No subcontracting, all collection and delivery in house.
Transportation, Removals & light haulage company that have 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.
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 Operators licence are a legal requirement.
Our International Operators Licence No UKGB / OG2043664
We live just behind Torrox Pueblo in Spain and in South Wales UK and have vans going back and forth UK to Spain to UK by way of Santander or Bilbao / Portsmouth or Plymouth Ferry.
For more information and prices for all to see please visit our website http://www.tonyroamremovals.com
email ; tonyroam@btconnect.com
Spain 0034636393542 – UK 00447973362003.
Face book Tony Roam – WhatsApp Either Number
Our contact details are shown every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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GREEK CASITA RESTAURANT & BAR

The Greek House – Greek Casita Restaurant & Bar –Torrox Costa: Now with Sunday Lunch!
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 and exquisite atmosphere, accompanied with the best Greek music. See you soon! Hours: 7pm to close, Wednesday thru Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday. Now open for Sunday lunch from 1pm. 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. 

   

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ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES & JUBILEE HOUSE

ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES IN THE AXARQUIA REGION:
Do you have health or mobility issues?
Would support enable you to remain independent in your own home?
Liz Brown, probably the only nurse registered to practice in Andalucia to hold the ENB 941 (Specialist qualification in care of the older person), together with her fully insured and police checked home care support team offers one-on-one support and companionship in the comfort of your own home. COE Malaga reg. 17425
HOME CARE/NURSE SUPPORT
Palliative care / Companionship / Health monitoring English Nurse / Hospital sitting / Respite at home / 24 hr live in care / Housekeeping / Correspondence & Communication / Medication collection & dispensing systems / Dressing, bathing & daily hygiene / Shopping & meal preparation / Fast response Falls Team / Provision of medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hoists
Email: info@englishnurse.care ; Website: https://englishnurse.live-website.com/
Tel: 951550581 or 692419548
JUBILEE HOUSE – Close Care Unit in Torrox
5 ground floor individual units all en-suite
24-hour care at all stages from the English Nurse Care Team
Main language- English / Extensive sea views / Wheelchair accessible / Garden / Home cooking / Wifi / Air conditioning / Visiting physiotherapist, hairdresser, chiropodist and nutritionist
And we welcome guests for the day. Email: jubileehousetorrox@gmail.com
VACANCY- We are now able to accept a couple in spacious accommodation with en-suite facilities. Unique nurse-led facility, offering 1st class personalised care packages, tailored to individual needs. We support independent living. We have a dedicated, compassionate team of English speaking staff, visiting physio, chiropodist, hairdresser. 
To discuss your requirements or to arrange to view our beautiful accommodation on Torrox Costa please call Liz (RGN/Enferma-Malaga College) on ‪+34 692419548
We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section. 

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Spanish Lessons: Hello! I am offering my services to anyone who would like to learn Spanish (spoken, written, conversational).
One to one or couple classes.
I am an English native who has lived in Spain from 3 years old and have 10 years of experience helping people of all ages with English and Spanish lessons. 
Usually I do my lessons at a quiet cafe somewhere nice and relaxed. 
If you prefer online lessons, I am available on Whatsapp video calls, Skype, Zoom…
I charge 12€ an hour for online and present lessons.
I’m located in Vélez Málaga. But can meet anywhere within reason.
You can contact me by mobile 679714873
or by e-mail nancygoldsmith@hotmail.es
Feel free to ask questions and get some more information.
Happy to help! – Nancy

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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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Great Deals From Upcycling Nerja
– Pattern rug 170 x 230cms 60€.
– Solid pine dining table with glass top. 4 matching chairs.152 x 92 x 76cms.375€.
– Wrought iron decorative chair with leopard print seat pad . 29 x 26 x 98cms 65€.
Contact Jackie nerja 672170429.
upcycling nerja at gmail dot com

   

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For Sale– Various outdoor items from Campo Agave Glamping:
– Outdoor lounge set, black,  Price €110
– Big kitchen (bar) table,  330x120x93H, incl. 4 chairs. Price €150
– Fridge LG no-frost, 60x60x166H, Price €180
Contact Wouter in Sayalonga +34 656561697 / info@campoagave.es / https://campoagave.es/en/sale/

   

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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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DoctorLaptop Needs Customer Contact Info: Would the lady, I believe her name is Cathy, who had her friend drop off a mini-PC last week for me to look at, please get in contact with me– I don’t have your phone or email! Your friend said you would text me your contact info and password. Perhaps she forgot to tell you? Naythan, Torrox Costa. Tel 675993069

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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

Eggflation, what’s behind the exorbitant price increase of eggs?: {Translation, summary}
– Egg prices in Spain have surged sharply, overtaking olive oil as the inflation-hit product with the highest increase. According to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística, egg prices rose 17.9% year-on-year in September, with prices in some markets now above €3 per dozen and organic/free-range eggs exceeding €4.
– This spike is mainly due to bird flu outbreaks affecting over 727,000 birds and leading to culling and stricter farm biosecurity. Additionally, Spain’s ongoing transition to cage-free egg production, required by EU animal welfare laws to be fully implemented by 2027, adds cost and supply strain. Poultry producers are investing heavily to meet these standards, while campaigns against male chick culling pressure further legal reforms.
– Together, these factors—disease outbreaks and new animal control legislation—are driving shortages and steep price rises in Spanish supermarkets, challenging both producers and consumers while aiming to improve animal welfare and food safety. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/economia/2025/10/16/huevos-nuevo-oro-blanco-debe-subida-precio-122688742.html

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The Valencians affected by the flood almost a year ago have received less than 17% of the aid announced by the Sánchez government: {Translation}
– The spokesperson for the parliamentary group VOX in the Valencian Courts, José María Llanos, has denounced the “absolute abandonment” by Pedro Sánchez’s government towards those affected by the flood that occurred nearly a year ago, and has demanded urgent explanations about the real state of the reconstruction and the arrival of aid.
– “What is the current stage of reconstruction, and what short-term progress is expected?” he asked. Llanos recalled that, thanks to VOX, regional aid has reached 95% of the victims in the Valencian Community, in contrast with only 17% of promised contributions have arrived from the national Socialist government.
– He accused the government of blocking funding: “Pedro Sánchez has denied the Autonomous Liquidity Fund (FLA) for the first time in twelve years,” which he considers a political punishment against Valencians. “They have denied us 2.5 billion euros with the sole purpose of trying to topple the regional government at the expense of the victims’ pain. That is criminal, and it must be said loudly and clearly.”
– He also recalled the devastating consequences of the flood: 229 dead, 306,000 affected, 11,242 damaged homes, 141,000 affected vehicles, 800 kilometres of damaged roads. Nevertheless, the central government has only paid slightly over 15% of the committed aid.
– Additionally, he stated that the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation has not started a single prevention or reconstruction work, while regional services have already recovered much of the infrastructure: 57 health centres restored (with zero State aid), more than 100 schools reinstated (with zero State aid), 18 regional roads rebuilt (with zero State aid), plus sewage treatment plants, drainage systems, and industrial accesses repaired (again with zero State aid).
– “If it is necessary to go to Moncloa, we will. If it is necessary to tie ourselves to railings, we will. But we will not allow Valencians to be abandoned. Remember that VOX was the first party to demand exemption from the IAE, IBI, and VAT for those affected, and the central government rejected those measures. That is why we say loudly and clearly that Sánchez will not drag Valencians down with him. VOX will be wherever necessary to prevent that. Valencians can rest assured,” he concluded. Source, Spanish: https://gaceta.es/espana/los-valencianos-afectados-por-la-riada-de-hace-casi-un-ano-han-recibido-solo-el-17-de-la-ayuda-anunciada-por-el-gobierno-de-sanchez-20251016-1530/ 

 

ANDALUCÍA

Andalucia Is Bleeding Doctors– 53 Doctors Retire Every Month, Just One of the Challenges the New Minister of Health Faces: {Translation, summary}
– Antonio Sanz, the Andalusian Minister of Health, faces urgent challenges before the 2026 regional elections. The public health system loses 53 doctors monthly due to retirements, as well as to poor working conditions, including low pay and excessively long shifts, prompting many to seek better opportunities abroad. The emergency plans propose €101 million to target breast, colon, and cervical cancer screening, focusing on recruitment, pay rises, overtime bonuses, better patient communication, and digitisation.
– Recruiting the 700+ needed professionals is proving difficult, particularly radiologists. Restructuring and management changes are planned but will take time. The region has lost over a thousand doctors in two years due to these systemic issues.
– Average waiting times for surgery and specialist consultations exceed 100 days, placing Andalusia among the worst in Spain. Solutions to diagnostic test delays remain unclear, further raising concerns after the breast cancer screening crisis. Efforts to cut waiting lists by increasing outsourcing to private clinics are growing, but have been limited due to legal and administrative problems.
– Minister Sanz, a lifetime lawyer and politician, without any medical training, pledges reforms and incentives to improve working conditions and make healthcare more attractive to professionals. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/andalucia/2025/10/16/tres-retos-sanz-sanidad-108-122692254.html

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

A network dedicated to growing and exporting marijuana hidden in trucks to Europe is dismantled in Vélez-Málaga: {Translation, summary}
– The National Police have broken up a criminal network in Vélez-Málaga focused on growing marijuana for export via lorries to Germany, Switzerland, and Poland. Led by two Lithuanian citizens, the group worked with local collaborators renting secluded farms in Málaga’s Axarquía and Granada province to cultivate cannabis sativa. After harvest, drugs were packaged and hidden among legal goods before transport. Seven people were arrested after six searches recovered 70 kilograms of marijuana, €8,400, scales, pressing equipment, and documents.
– Operation ‘Varsovia’ began months earlier when suspicious rental activity was noticed. The leaders consistently paid above-market rent and recruited locals skilled in cultivation and selecting suitable farms to ensure rapid, large yields. The group had distinct roles for production, guarding plantations, and transport, and took strong security steps to avoid detection. The marijuana was stored in Vélez-Málaga warehouses and disguised prior to shipment. One main suspect was ordered held in prison by judicial order. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/malaga-00356/noticia-siete-detenidos-caer-velez-red-dedicada-cultivo-exportacion-marihuana-destino-paises-europeos-20251016095532.html 

RINCÓN DE LA VICTORIA

Battle Over The Burkini: {Translation, summary}
– Last week, Vox in Rincón de la Victoria proposed banning the burkini in public pools, igniting heated debate over feminism, culture, and individual rights. Councillor Carlos Chinchilla called the left’s response “hysterical,” accusing them of hypocrisy for defending practices that oppress women while claiming feminist values. He argued the burkini symbolises female submission and contradicts Western equality principles, emphasising the ban is about protecting women, not religious freedom.
– Vox also cites safety and hygiene concerns, claiming the burkini hinders lifeguards and compromises water cleanliness. The issue mirrors a similar ban in Ripoll that caused political conflict. The debate divides the community and spills online, with some defending personal freedom of dress, others viewing the burkini as incompatible with gender equality in public spaces.
– The opposition to Vox’s proposed burkini ban in Rincón de la Victoria centres on arguments about religious freedom, individual rights, and gender equality from a different perspective. Local left-wing groups see the burkini as a matter of personal autonomy and cultural expression, arguing that banning it would violate the right to religious freedom and women’s right to choose their attire. They assert that feminism should support women’s agency, including the choice to wear what they wish, even if that includes a burkini. Critics accuse Vox of using the issue to stigmatise Muslim women and inflame cultural tensions rather than genuinely promoting gender equality.
– The controversy highlights wider cultural tensions in Spain and continues to attract national attention.
Source, Spanish: https://www.eldebate.com/espana/andalucia/malaga/20251016/propuesta-prohibir-burkini-piscinas-malaga-desata-reaccion-histerica-izquierda_345216.html 

EUROPE

France steps back from the brink as parliament spares the prime minister. For now…:
– On Thursday, lawmakers in the 577-seat National Assembly rejected a no-confidence motion filed by the hard-left France Unbowed party. The 271 votes were 18 short of the 289 needed to bring down the government. A second motion from the far-right National Rally also failed.
– Had Lecornu lost, Macron would have faced only unpalatable options: call new legislative elections, try to find yet another prime minister– France’s fifth in barely a year– or perhaps even resign himself, which he has ruled out. The immediate danger may have receded but the core problem is still very much center stage. The eurozone’s second-largest economy is still run by a minority government in a splintered parliament where no single bloc or party has a majority. Full article: https://apnews.com/article/france-politics-what-to-know-macron-crisis-81189541062db3000ebc6ef772d38c75 

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EU chief tells Serbia to act on reforms and implement Russia sanctions if they want to join the club:
– The European Union’s top official on Wednesday told Serbia’s populist leader to “get concrete” about its proclaimed goal of joining the 27-nation bloc, including implementing sanctions against traditional ally Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also pressed President Aleksandar Vucic over democratic reforms as he faces accusations of a crackdown on protests against his increasingly authoritarian rule in the Balkan country.
– Serbia remains the only country in Europe that has not imposed sanctions on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. Though he formally says becoming an EU member is Serbia’s strategic goal, Vucic has strengthened relations with Russia and China and stalled on democratic reforms, a precondition for joining the bloc.
– “We stand for freedom instead of oppression, including the right to peaceful assembly,” von der Leyen said. “We stand for partnership instead of submission. We stand for diplomacy instead of aggression.” “Now is the moment for Serbia to get concrete about joining our union,” she added, listing reforms in the rule of law, electoral framework and media freedom as key first steps. “We need to see greater alignment on our foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia,” von der Leyen said. “We want to count on Serbia as a reliable partner.”
– Belgrade has historically close ties to Moscow and depends almost entirely on Russia for energy. The main Serbian oil monopoly NIS is under U.S. sanctions because of its majority Russian ownership. full article: https://apnews.com/article/serbia-eu-russia-protests-sanctions-bad911ef4c0718fae902f1933b89b2db

UKRAINE WAR

Russian barrage causes blackouts in Ukraine :
– Russia battered Ukraine’s energy facilities with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in its latest heavy bombardment of the country’s power grid, authorities said Thursday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepared to ask President Donald Trump at a White House meeting for more American-made air defences and long-range missiles.
– Meanwhile, eight Ukrainian regions experienced blackouts after the barrage, Ukraine’s national energy operator, Ukrenergo, said. DTEK, the country’s largest private energy company, reported outages in the capital, Kyiv, and said it had to stop its natural gas extraction in the central Poltava region due to the strikes. Natural gas infrastructure was damaged for the sixth time this month, Naftogaz, Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company, said.
– Zelenskyy said Russia fired more than 300 drones and 37 missiles at Ukraine overnight. He accused Russia of using cluster munitions and conducting repeated strikes on the same target to hit emergency crews and engineers working to repair the grid. “This fall, the Russians are using every single day to strike our energy infrastructure,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.
– The Ukrainian power grid been one of Russia’s main targets since its invasion of its neighbour more than three years ago. Attacks increase as the bitterly cold months approach in a Russian strategy that Ukrainian officials call “weaponizing winter.” Russia says it aims only at targets of military value.
– Ukraine has hit back by targeting oil refineries and related infrastructure that are crucial for Russia’s economy and war effort. Ukraine’s general staff said Thursday its forces struck Saratov oil refinery, in the Russian region of the same name, for the second time in two months. The facility is located some 500 kilometres (300 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Moscow made no immediate comment on the claim. Full article: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-trump-zelenskyy-visit-attacks-78c1b21fde3494786b0dfe0268c4a21e 

MIDDLE EAST

Trump threatens Hamas as terror group ‘continues to kill people in Gaza’:
– President Donald Trump sent a strong message to Hamas on Thursday, threatening to “go in and kill” Hamas militants if the group continues attacks in Gaza. “If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them,” Trump wrote in a fiery Truth Social post. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
– The move comes after Hamas was seen on video publicly executing opponents in Gaza City’s main square, despite Trump’s peace plan.
– Hamas has also failed to uphold its commitment to return all deceased hostages to Israel, with families describing the days left waiting as “torturous.” All remaining living hostages were returned to the Jewish state over the weekend. Full article: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-warns-hamas-war-resume-terror-group-continues-kill-people-gaza 

HEALTH

Spain’s Minister of Health criticises the fact that the Junta de Andalucía still has not sent the requested data on breast cancer screenings: “It is dramatic”: {Translation, summary}
– The Health Minister, Mónica García {pic} criticised the Andalusian regional government for failing to provide requested data on cancer screening programmes and a plan to tackle the region’s health crisis. She highlighted structural issues in the Andalusian health system, focusing on shortcomings in early cancer detection, particularly breast, colon and cervical cancer screening. García condemned the appointment of Antonio Sanz as Health Secretary, citing his lack of healthcare experience. She described the state of breast cancer screening as “the tip of the iceberg” caused by underfunding, privatisation, and political mismanagement. Some other regions also fail to meet coverage targets, especially for colon cancer. García called the situation “dramatic” as prevention is fundamental to healthcare. She criticised the lack of transparency regarding the emergency plan from the Junta de Andalucía. Meanwhile, other ministers expressed doubts about its effectiveness, calling for increased public healthcare investment. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/ministra-sanidad-censura-junta-andalucia-no-enviado-datos-cribado-cancer-mama_0_2005022346.html 

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Doctors call for four days of strike in December over draft Framework Statute: {Translation, summary}
– The medical unions CESM (Confederación Estatal de Sindicatos Médicos) and SMA (Andalucian Medical Union) have called a fresh demonstration in Madrid on 15 November, followed by four consecutive national strike days from 9 to 12 December. These actions protest against the draft reform of the Estatuto Marco, which governs working conditions for healthcare staff. The unions criticise the draft for failing to establish a dedicated statute for medical professionals, neglecting proper professional classification and working hours regulation.
– Mónica García, the Minister of Health, has countered that the draft brings “palpable improvements”, such as reduced working hours, recognition of healthcare workers as public authorities against assaults, digital disconnection rights, and exemption from night shifts after 55. Yet, she insists some union demands exceed the Ministry’s authority. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/nacional/los-medicos-convocan-cuatro-dias-huelga-diciembre-por-borrador-estatuto-marco_6525263_0.html 

TECH

Microsoft reveals new functions to ‘make every Windows 11 PC an AI PC’ with new voice input, Copilot Vision and supercharged AI powers:
– This somewhat geeky article explains all the new AI functions that Win 11 is gaining with this month’s updates.
https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-reveals-plan-to-make-every-windows-11-pc-an-ai-pc-with-new-voice-input-copilot-vision-and-supercharged-ai-powers 

DIGAMEXTRA EDITORIAL

The Next Presidential Elections– What Do You Do When All The Candidates Suck?: {DigameXtra Exclusive}
– Spain’s Presidential election landscape is marked by a glaring void of genuinely inspiring or capable candidates. The major contenders are broadly perceived as lacking the leadership qualities necessary to navigate the country’s pressing crises. Pedro Sánchez’s government, embroiled in ongoing controversy, fails to rally the growing numbers of supporters he would require for re-election– he lost the popular vote last time, becoming President only because he managed to assemble a coalition, something the winner of the popular vote failed to accomplish. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo appears more focused on attacking the opposition than discussing policy. His daily dose of public name calling apparently qualifies as front page news in Spain, yet he fails to offer a compelling vision for the future.
– Other potential candidates, such as Yolanda Díaz of Sumar (communist), Santiago Abascal of Vox (right wing), and former Catalan officials like Jordi Cañas (socialist) and Toni Comín (Junts, right wing), have modest personal followings but are more niche figures than unifying national leaders. Díaz’s push for youth policies and social reforms does not compensate for her limited experience in executive leadership at the national level. Being an avowed communist is also detrimental to electability. Meanwhile, Vox’s Jorge Buxadé and other fringe figures, though vocal, are not considered credible alternatives capable of stabilising Spain’s political future.
– In essence, there are currently only a few possible candidates, and no star on the horizon; none are convincingly qualified or inspiring. Spain’s political future hangs in the balance, with many doubts that the next government will deliver meaningful changes we actually want and need.

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OBITUARIES

Ace Frehley, founding member of rock band KISS, dead at 74:
– Ace Frehley, the wild Spaceman of Kiss who played guitar in the band throughout their Seventies heyday and again during the reunion period in the Nineties, inspiring an entire generation of musicians to pick up the instrument along the way, died on Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey. He was 74.
– Frehley’s official cause of death has yet to be released. He had reportedly been hospitalized on life support as of Thursday afternoon, after falling in his studio and suffering a brain bleed just a few weeks before his death.
– Frehley (real name: Paul Daniel Frehley) grew up in the Bronx, New York, where he was introduced to music at an early age by his family. He taught himself guitar after being influenced by bands and artists like B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones. Full articles: https://pagesix.com/2025/10/16/celebrity-news/… & https://pagesix.com/2025/10/16/celebrity-news/ace-frehley-founding-member-of-rock-band-kiss-dead-at-74/

Ace Frehley best solos (part 1)– Video Link 1

Ace Frehley best solos (part 2)– Video Link 2

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CHURCHES & WORSHIP

Churches: Please submit your posts on Thursdays only, before 6pm.

DOG ADOPTIONS

Axarquia Animal Rescue – Voluntary Charity – non profit organisation:
CIF G93245116 ; Charity Number 10567 (Spain)
Email: axarquia-rescue@hotmail.com
Website: www.axarquiaanimalrescue.com
– Aya – 6 years old, Chihuahua cross. Sadly now in our care due to personal circumstances. A lap dog, who loves to play ball. 
– Coco – 10 years old, Spanish Water Dog. Needs a quiet loving home, to replace what he had before.
Both dogs are in need of new homes due to health conditions of their owners, good with other dogs and children, but not lived with cats.
Please 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. 180e for older dogs that have all vaccinations, neutered and passport. This contributes towards their vet and care costs, and helps us to continue rescuing abandoned dogs and cats. 

HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION

Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics

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Why is Spain still protesting despite the Israel Gaza ceasefire deal?:
– An Associated Press video showing the ongoing Gaza protests in Spain, October 15, 2025. Video Link

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Foreigner & Kelly Clarkson, feat. Slash – I Want to Know What Love Is (Hall of Fame 2024) [HQ]: Video Link

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EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com

Click here to see updated quotes & more currencies

Last updated Oct 17, 2025, 00:59 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/

DigameXtra is now on X (formerly Twitter) at @DigameXtra. I also post articles there that are too controversial for the daily newsletter. However, you need a free X account to visit the @DigameXtra page on X. 

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