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.
SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK
*Subscribe to receive free daily issues by email. 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
**********
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/
**********
Daylight Savings Time Ends Next Weekend
During the early hours of Saturday 25 Oct, to Sunday 26 Oct, the clock is set back one hour– at 3am it becomes 2am.
**********
WHAT’S ON
Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!
**********
Yunquera Wine and Chestnut Fair: Sat & Sun, 25-26 Oct
There will be scenic routes, tastings, musical performances, a craft and commercial market, as well as activities for all ages. Photo: Paqui Trujillo.
Full programme: https://www.diariosur.es/malagaenlamesa/yunquera-feria-vino-castana-actividades-20251020200137-nt_amp.html
More details and map: https://www.malaga.es/en/laprovincia/tradiciones/lis_cd-13239/fiesta-de-la-castana-y-el-vino-wine-and-chestnut-festival-yunquera-november-unique-festival
***********
Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre, Torre del Mar
Hours: Wednesday & Friday 10.00 – 13.00.
Info tel. 952 543 334
***November etc. events & excursions***
– Tuesday – Axarquia Business Networking group 7.30 – 9.00.
– Monday – Monday Club. Please contact the Centre. 11.00.
– Wednesday– Art group, with the crochet & craft group 10.00 – 13.00.
– Shop Wednesdays and Fridays 10.00 – 13.00.
– Thursday – NA English 19.00 to 20.30.
– Friday – Conversation group 10.00 – 11.00.
– Friday – Coffee Morning 10.00- 13.00.
– Thursday 27th November – Coach Excursion to Guzmán Nurseries, Mijas Pueblo and the Miramar shopping center/ Iceland in Fuengirola.
***Coming Excursion***
– Thursday 18th December – Coach Excursion to see the Malaga Christmas Lights.
**********
Weather Forecast from https://weather.com/
Tap or click image for updated forecast
**********
NOTICE!
Submissions for posting in sections below
must be signed like this or they will be returned !!!
Sender’s First Name / Nearest Town
**********
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!
***********
ARCHGROVE TRANSPORT SERVICES
Archgrove Services: A family run light haulage/transport company with bases in Archez, Spain and Cambridgeshire.
We are part of the ADH Storage and Transportation company and as such have storage available in Competa and Puente Don Manuel. Very reasonable rates.
We provide a one stop service for all your transport needs and pride ourselves on reliability, flexibility, good communication and a very much ‘can do’ approach. No job is too small and there is always a solution.
Our services include:
-Regular runs between UK and Spain
-Transport of personal property from full house moves to small single items
-Man & Van services
-Packing, including supply of packing materials
-UK Home shopping with UK delivery address
-Storage of property and vehicles in Spain
If we can be of service please contact Gail. We are on Facebook and always available to chat through your needs and provide a free no obligation quote if required.
UK: 0044 7846672013
Spain: 0034 951 066 093
Email: archgroveservices@gmail.com ; FB Link
Our contact info is also in the DigameXtra Sponsor’s Section everyday.
************
SPW CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
SPW Construction Services: Professional high quality building service, fully qualified tradesmen to all trades.
Extensions, retaining walls, driveways, swimming pools, damp problems, roofs, blocked drains.
Replacement kitchens and bathrooms, Tiling and terraces. Plumbing, electrics and plastering, painting.
Architect service, building licence applications.
Handyman service now available for those smaller jobs.
Water Deposit Installations: Due to the ongoing drought and current water restrictions SPW Construction are currently offering the following service.
– Supply and installation of new above or below ground water deposits. 1000 litres up to 25000 litres. Delivered and installed, all relevant plumbing. All work warrantied.
– We can also advise you or help to organise water deliveries from local suppliers.
Selling Your House? SPW Construction can offer you a bespoke package to prepare your house for sale.
Through our extensive relationships with Agents, buyers and sellers we understand what is required to present your home to potential purchasers.
Interior & Exterior decoration / Replacement bathrooms and Kitchens
Pool Reforms / Garden tidy
DAFO Compliance, septic tanks, solar installations, etc.
Roof checks / Damp proofing
For free consultation and estimate contact us on 622938440
or email: scottparkwilson AT yahoo DOT co DOT uk
Scott/Arenas. Home Page and FB-Link
Our contact info is also in the DigameXtra Sponsor’s Section everyday.
**********
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.
**********
For Sale: New High Performance Laptop
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Gen 8
Windows 11 Pro (UK), updatable to Win 12 when released.
Lightweight (1.62 kg), very slim, quick charge 8 hr battery.
Spanish keyboard. Display- 15.6″ FHD
Processor- AMD Ryzen 5 5625U (2.3 – 4.3GHz)
16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 2x USB3.2 + 1x USB3.2 Type C, HDMI, Card Reader, Wifi 6.
3 year factory warranty when registered online.
Price, €450, fully set up & ready to use.
DoctorLaptop, Torrox Costa
doctorlaptop@protonmail.com
**********
For Sale, 2 items:
– LG Washing Machine, 7KG, used, works perfectly but does have a few scratches. €75
– SCHNEIDER Induction Hob, vgc, 4 Zones, 2 Flexible, 60 cm, 7400 W, Touch Control, Timer, Black SCTI6042N5/. €60
Buyer collects all but we do have a trolley to help.
Annabel, Canillas de Aceituno
642107522 & +44 7811466233 Whatsapp.
**********
For Sale: Beautiful modern dinner table with four chairs. Price reduced to 200€. Jill, Algarrobo, 695463385
***********
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.
***********
NEWS & ARTICLES
(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }
**********
SPAIN
The European blackout report “invalidates” the theory that everything caught Red Eléctrica by surprise: {Translation, summary}
– Marta Castro, Director of Regulation at Aelec (the Association of Electricity Companies), criticises Red Eléctrica’s claim that the April 28 blackout came as a surprise, citing the Entso-e report which shows voltage control issues days beforehand. She argues that events on the 16th, 22nd, and 24th of April, especially the 22nd, when large consumers like Adif and the Cartagena refinery were disconnected, point to early warning signs that were ignored. Disconnecting large consumers is usually an emergency response, not a planned or preventive action. It’s a sign that the grid is already under severe stress, and operators are trying to prevent a wider blackout. Aelec insists these incidents show the need for a broader and more rigorous investigation into the days preceding the outage.
– Castro welcomes Entso-e’s (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity) commitment to including independent experts and other energy sector stakeholders in the final report, expected in early 2026.
– She highlights concerns over Red Eléctrica withholding data and stresses that national voltage averages obscure regional instability. Aelec also questions Red Eléctrica’s response on the day, particularly actions like line closures and reactive power disconnections, which may have worsened the crisis. Lastly, Castro calls for a full review of reactive capacity and quicker deployment of backup generation in future events to ensure supply security. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/economia/informe-europeo-apagon-invalida-teoria-pillo-sorpresa-20251020173220-nt_amp.html
**********
Blackmailers Puigdemont & the Junts Are Pulling Their Support of Sánchez– The position taken by the EU advocate general on the crime of embezzlement may trigger the end of a relationship that was never one of trust: {Translation, summary}
– This week exposed deepening fractures between Pedro Sánchez’s government and its once-critical ally, Junts. A covert meeting in Geneva between former Prime Minister Zapatero and Carles Puigdemont failed to yield Junts’ support for the national budget. Junts not only rejected the proposal but publicly claimed they were never shown a draft. They demanded €6.5 billion in unfulfilled infrastructure funds for Catalonia merely to begin negotiations.
– This rejection forms part of Junts’ broader strategy to sever ties with the Sánchez administration. Their firm opposition to raising self-employed contributions left the PSOE isolated, even losing Sumar’s backing. Junts leaders have floated support for a no-confidence motion to oust Sánchez, signalling a radical shift.
– The Junts see continued collaboration with Sánchez as politically damaging, especially with delays on the amnesty law, lack of control over immigration, and the EU’s rebuff of Catalan language recognition. Disillusionment grows over empty promises, including nuclear plant guarantees. Within Junts, early elections are favoured.
– A decisive moment looms on 13 November, when an EU legal opinion on the amnesty—particularly concerning misappropriation charges—could determine whether Puigdemont can safely return to Spain. If the report suggests his return remains legally risky, Junts is likely to withdraw support. In that case, Sánchez may remain in office, but more isolated than ever. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldebate.com/espana/cataluna/20251019/puigdemont-empieza-proceso-alejamiento-definitivo-sanchez_345870.html
***********
Sanchez’s Mutiny In EU– He defies Defence agreement all other members support, insists he can make up his own rules: {Translation}
– The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has insisted that he can account for some items of investment against climate change as part of the security and defence spending committed to NATO, which should reach 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025. Sánchez made these statements in an appearance before the media in Slovenia, after the Med9 summit together with the rest of the Mediterranean countries of the European Union, when asked if he has obtained support from other states for this purpose.
– Although he did not clarify whether there are more European countries that support him, Sánchez insisted that “some of these policies” to fight climate change “can be counted as policies linked to security and defence”. “And that is what the Government of Spain is doing in line with the European Union and also with NATO,” he said {in total denial of reality}.
– “The government is clear about it,” defends Sánchez, who intends to allocate “13%” to items related to the climate emergency and civil protection, of the more than 10,000 million euros of increased investment to reach 2% of GDP in defence this year.
– At the last NATO summit, the President of the Government agreed to reach only 2.1% of defence spending, despite the fact that the rest of the Allies committed to invest more than twice as much and reach 5%. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-sanchez-insiste-incluir-gasto-contra-cambio-climatico-inversion-defensa-pide-otan-20251020165932.html
*********
Gov’t Rolls Back The Unpopular Proposed Tax Increases On The Lowest Earning Self-employed: {Translation, summary}
– The Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration has proposed a new adjustment to self-employed contribution fees for 2026. The plan would freeze the fees of self-employed workers with the lowest declared income, specifically those earning between 670 and 1,166.7 euros a month. These workers, who belong to the reduced contribution table, would continue paying the same amounts as in 2025 without any increase. According to the Government, this measure aims to protect those with the least economic capacity while still maintaining the principle of contributions based on real income.
– For the remaining self-employed workers outside the reduced table, fees would rise between 1 per cent and 2.5 per cent depending on their income bracket. However, unions CCOO and UGT criticised the proposal, arguing that the freeze for low earners may seem positive now but delays the improvement of their future pensions. They believe even a small increase in contributions for the lowest income brackets would help them receive adequate protection later.
– Associations of the self-employed are divided: some say the fee freeze gives low earners short term financial stability, while others argue it is a missed opportunity to improve their future pensions and social protection. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/economia/laboral-00346/noticia-gobierno-plantea-subir-cuota-autonomos-1475-euros-mes-2026-tramos-mayores-ingresos-20251020121346.html
ANDALUCÍA
Andalusian Medical Union advocates for salary improvements as the “only way” to alleviate the “serious deficit” of professionals. (Perhaps they have been reading DigameXtra editorial comments?): {Translation}
– The Medical Union of Andalucía (SMA) conveyed on Monday to the Minister of Health, Presidency and Emergencies of the Junta de Andalucía, Antonio Sanz, the “need for a change in the healthcare model in the region that includes an improvement in the working and remuneration conditions of the medical and professional staff as the sole means to address the severe shortage of doctors in the public healthcare system”. According to the union, Sanz expressed his “willingness to examine” the documentation and proposals submitted.
– This was noted by the union in a press release following the meeting with Sanz, which was attended by the president of the Andalusian Medical Union, Rafael Ojeda, accompanied by the SMA Secretary General, Ángel Tocino, and the SMA Vice President, Carmen Serrano. On behalf of the Ministry of Health, in addition to the aforementioned Minister Sanz, the Vice President of the Ministry of Health, María Luisa del Moral, and the Director General of SAS Personnel, José Luis Sedeño, were also present.
– The meeting, “conducted in a climate of cordiality, active listening and willingness to collaborate”, allowed the union representatives to meet “officially” the new Minister of Health of the Junta de Andalucía as part of a series of contacts the Ministry is promoting with all stakeholders in the healthcare sector. The union representatives presented the minister with the demands of the medical and professional staff and emphasised the importance of establishing a specific regulatory framework and a dedicated negotiation arena for the profession. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-medicos-abogan-mejoras-salariales-unica-via-paliar-grave-deficit-profesionales-publica-20251020135048.html
MALAGA PROVINCE
This is the ‘supercave’ found in Malaga that science cannot explain: {Translation, summary}
– Speleologists from Málaga’s GES group have uncovered a vast cave system in the Sierra de las Nieves, linking two major cavities—the Sima del Nevero and the Sima del Aire—forming the Nevero-Aire Complex. Stretching over 26 kilometres and nearly a kilometre deep, it is now the longest known cave system in Andalusia and among the largest in Europe.
– The interior revealed extraordinary features, including corroded walls and rare “gypsum flowers”, crystalline formations typically found in different environments. These anomalies suggest complex karstic processes shaped the system, likely through ancient underground water networks.
– The discovery is the fruit of decades of meticulous exploration, mapping, and mathematical analysis. Local officials and scientists see this as both a major scientific breakthrough and a cultural asset. However, further exploration now requires significant funding. The cave, part of a national park, is protected, and any caving activity needs authorisation to safeguard both explorers and the fragile subterranean ecosystem. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldebate.com/espana/andalucia/malaga/20251019/asi-supercueva-hallada-malaga-ciencia-no-puede-explicar-esto-no-deberia-estar-ahi_345840.html & Video Link
***********
Warm ‘terral’ wind set to bring autumn temperatures of around 30C to Costa del Sol this week:
– The summer refuses to say goodbye to Malaga province. This week is expected to be another warm one, with temperatures exceeding 30C in Malaga city and parts of the Guadalhorce valley and the Axarquia area. These autumnal records will be caused by the warm ‘terral’ wind. The nights are also expected to remain tropical, with minimum temperatures of at least 20C.
– The wind is expected to decrease in intensity from Wednesday onwards. In the other Andalusian provinces, maximum temperatures are also expected to be well above average. “This is bad news for chestnut farmers,” Escudero said. Roasted chestnuts are more popular in cold weather.
– A change in the forecast from Sunday onwards is possible, although it is still too early to predict anything. However, there is a chance of precipitation on 26 October. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/warm-terral-wind-set-bring-autumn-temperatures-20251020114625-nt.html
***********
The Malaga Court acquits priests & publisher prosecuted for online criticism of Islam– there was no hate crime: {Translation, summary}
– The Provincial Court of Málaga has acquitted priests Custodio Ballester and Jesús Calvo, along with digital media director Armando Robles, of charges of incitement to hatred for anti-Islamic content. Though the prosecution had sought prison sentences—three years for each priest and four for the director—the court ruled that, while the statements may be extreme or offensive, they do not meet the legal threshold for a hate crime.
– The court noted that Ballester’s remarks were unfortunate and ideologically rigid, but not criminal. Calvo’s were considered “delirious”, stemming from confirmed psychological conditions. The media director’s repeated criticism of Islam and migration came closer to breaching legal limits but still fell within the wide bounds of freedom of expression. The court concluded that, although the publications and social media posts often resorted to insult, and lacked the aim of promoting social harmony, there was insufficient evidence of intent to incite hatred or provoke discriminatory actions. Source, Spanish: https://www.eldebate.com/espana/andalucia/malaga/20251017/audiencia-malaga-absuelve-padre-custodio-perseguido-criticar-islam-no-hay-delito-odio_345707.html
NERJA
Body recovered from sea near Maro:
– A body was found floating in the sea between Almuñécar (Granada province) and Maro-Cerro Gordo (Nerja, Malaga) on Sunday, 19 October. The deceased has not been identified yet.
– The 112 Andalucía emergency service operators received a call reporting the discovery around 7.30pm. The body was seen floating in the sea, some 500 metres from the shore. Medical and police teams were mobilised to the scene. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/axarquia/body-recovered-floating-the-near-cerro-gordo-20251020140552-nt.html
ALGARROBO
The disappearance of a 16-year-old girl in Algarrobo is reported: {Translation}
– New alert of disappearance in the province of Malaga, this time of a minor. Alba G. Z. is 16 years old and was seen by last Wednesday, October 15, in the Axarquia town of Algarrobo, with just 6,900 inhabitants, as reported by the National Center for Missing Persons (CNDES) through social networks. In the description that accompanies the image of the minor, it is indicated that Alba G. Z. is of slim build, 1.6 meters tall, has brown eyes and long brown hair.
– Thus, from the aforementioned CNDES they have called for citizen collaboration, asking that if anyone has any clue about the whereabouts of this minor contact this body immediately. You can also call 062 of the Civil Guard or the ANAR Foundation for Help to Children and Adolescents at Risk telephone 116000.
– For their part, sources from the Civil Guard have explained to SUR that the teenager from Algarrobo has voluntarily escaped from a juvenile centre where she was, so the case is being investigated as a voluntary disappearance. The sources have pointed out that it is not the first time that the minor has disappeared in these circumstances, while they have not been able to specify in which town the juvenile centre from which she would have escaped is located. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sucesos/denuncian-desaparacion-menor-algarrobo-20251020131956-nt_amp.html
EUROPE
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico calls European Socialists “the Party of Homosexuals and Warmongers”: {Translation, summary}
– Slovakia’s Prime Minister, the populist Robert Fico, stated on Monday that the Party of European Socialists (PES) should be called the “Party of Homosexuals,” in reaction to the expulsion of his party, the SMER, for allegedly failing to uphold European values. “The PES has abandoned the traditional values of the left and should be called the Party of Homosexuals and Warmongers,” Fico said in a social media post.
– Fico was responding to the PES decision on Friday to expel SMER, whose membership had already been suspended since 2023 after forming a government coalition with an ultranationalist party. “The Brussels-based party of European Socialists has literally destroyed the authentic left-wing agenda in EU member states,” Fico asserted.
– Founded in 1999, SMER was first suspended in 2006 when Fico first formed a coalition with the ultranationalist SNS, although that sanction was later lifted. The PES justified Friday’s decision, stating that Fico’s party exhibits “serious and strong contradictions with the values and principles” of the social democratic family.
– Fico claims the real reason is the recent passing of a constitutional amendment promoted by his party recognising two biological sexes (male and female), banning surrogacy, prohibiting same-sex adoption, and prioritising national over EU law on matters of “cultural and ethical identity.” He also defended his social policies, citing “subsidised trains for pensioners and students,” “free school meals,” “strengthening social dialogue,” and “increases to the minimum wage and pensions.” Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/internacional/primer-ministro-eslovaco-robert-fico-califica-partido-homosexuales-los-socialistas-europeos_6530779_0.html
UKRAINE WAR
Zelensky proposes a new 90-day extension of martial law and general mobilisation in Ukraine, further delaying long overdue elections: {Translation, summary}
– The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, presented to Parliament on Monday two draft laws to extend for a further ninety days the martial law and the general mobilisation decreed after the invasion launched by Russia on 24 February 2022. The draft laws were published during the day by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on its website, for analysis by the relevant committees and later by the full chamber.
– Zelensky last enacted laws in July to extend martial law and general mobilisation after Parliament approved his proposals, which are likewise expected to receive legislative support on this occasion.
– {The renewal of martial law also means that Ukraine will once again postpone national elections, which cannot legally take place while emergency rule is in force. Parliamentary elections scheduled for October 2023 and the presidential election expected in March 2024 have already been delayed. The government argues that free and fair elections are impossible during a full-scale war, with millions displaced and active combat ongoing. However, some political observers and opposition voices warn that repeated extensions risk weakening democratic accountability by keeping the current leadership in power without a fresh electoral mandate. -Ed.} Image: DigameXtra
Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-zelenski-propone-nueva-prorroga-90-dias-ley-marcial-movilizacion-general-ucrania-20251020112311.html
UK
Extra 1.1bn barrels of oil found in North Sea: {Summary}
– A recent report by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) reveals the UK may have an extra 1.1 billion barrels of oil and gas in the North Sea, boosting total potential reserves to 15.8 billion barrels. This 31% increase in prospective resources stems from new data gathered under 2022 licences. If fully proven, UK waters could hold up to 25 billion barrels—enough to meet national demand up to 2050, according to industry experts.
– The discovery has major benefits for the UK: enhancing energy security, supporting domestic supply over imports, and safeguarding thousands of jobs in the oil and gas sector. Analysts argue that with supportive policies, the UK could achieve near self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on countries like Norway. The findings also highlight potential for increased tax revenue and economic growth. However, the discovery has reignited political debate over Labour’s ban on new drilling and the future of UK energy policy. Full article: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/17/extra-11bn-barrels-of-oil-found-in-north-sea/
FASHION
Sabrina Carpenter confirms that bras are no longer hidden– now they are even shown off with office outfits: {Translation, summary}
– Sabrina Carpenter showcased the exposed bra as a bold new fashion statement during her debut as host of Saturday Night Live. She brought the traditionally private undergarment into the spotlight, wearing a push-up bra from Victoria’s Secret’s Body by Victoria collection in pewter jacquard stripes. Normally hidden beneath clothing, Carpenter made the bra the centrepiece of her look, demonstrating how lingerie can move from intimate wear to visible fashion.
– During her performance, the trend continued, with the bra featured prominently on stage, proving its versatility and daring appeal. By emphasising the undergarment as a focal point rather than a hidden element, Carpenter highlighted the growing trend of lingerie as outerwear. Her confident styling signals a broader shift in contemporary fashion, where bras are no longer confined to the bedroom but celebrated as statement pieces that can define an outfit and command attention. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/mujer/moda/sabrina-carpenter-confirma-que-sujetador-no-se-esconde-ahora-se-ensena-incluso-con-los-looks-oficina_6530527_0.html
TECH
Amazon’s cloud crash causes failures in Bizum, POS terminals and ATMs– This is just one of many reasons why we can’t go cashless!: {Translation}
– A major global disruption struck the Internet today after Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced a serious outage in its US-EAST-1 region, one of its most vital data hubs. The failure began around 09:00 Spanish mainland time and quickly caused widespread problems for thousands of companies and users worldwide. Services dependent on AWS, including Alexa, Prime Video, Snapchat and several online video games, suffered errors and delays, exposing global reliance on Amazon’s cloud infrastructure. The company confirmed that 58 AWS services were affected, with its DynamoDB database among the systems fully interrupted. Engineers are working urgently to restore operations, though instability continues in some areas.
– In Spain, there have also been incidents in banking institutions and telecommunications operators, as well as in messaging platforms. In many cases, the apps and services have taken time to recover or still show instability. The incident highlights a growing concern: although cloud computing has become essential to modern life, it remains a vulnerable single point of failure with far-reaching consequences. Source, Spanish: https://www.andaluciainformacion.es/articulo/andalucia/caida-nube-amazon-provoca-fallos-bizum-datafonos-cajeros/202510201309013154708.html
SOCIAL MEDIA
Londoners Push Back Against Digital ID: {X}
– The post shares authentic video of a large protest on October 18, 2025, where thousands marched from Marble Arch to Whitehall in London, organized by the Mass Non-Compliance group to oppose the UK Labour government’s proposed mandatory digital ID cards.
– Protesters, including figures like David Icke, voiced fears of surveillance and privacy erosion, chanting “No to Digital ID” amid police presence, reflecting widespread civil liberties concerns with turnout estimated in the thousands by outlets like the Daily Mail and Metro.
– This event highlights growing UK resistance to centralized digital systems, potentially linked to World Economic Forum influences, as well as exposing links to globalization, topics rarely seen in mainstream news coverage, other than perhaps Sky News or Breitbart. Video Link
**********
Six out of ten children in Spain have social media accounts despite it being against the law:
– Various child health specialists, such as paediatricians, psychologists, neurologists and ophthalmologists, are having very little success sounding the alarm about the significant risks of premature, excessive and unsupervised use of mobile phones, tablets and computers by children.
– A recent study indicates that, despite specialist advice to the contrary, most children in Spain use all types of screens daily and that, in fact, a third of them already own a smartphone at such an early age, most often given to them by their parents or close relatives. In line with previous studies, two out of three primary school pupils use screens excessively, far exceeding the limit recommended by paediatricians to avoid health risks at this age (a maximum of one hour per day). Some 50% of them watch one to three or more hours of television, 30% spend more than an hour on their mobile phones and up to 12% spend more than three hours glued to their smartphones.
– However, perhaps the most shocking fact is that all children aged 8-12 regularly use social media and up to six out of ten of them have their own account on one or more of these channels. This fact violates Spanish law (account registration is prohibited for the under-14s) and the rules of use of the digital platforms themselves.
– “The inappropriate and excessive use of screens at key ages for children’s cognitive, emotional and social development, as well as the lack of rules and adult supervision, reinforces the need for educational programmes and public policies that promote safe digital environments”, says Alejandro Martínez, director of the Eroski Foundation, in light of the main findings of this study. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/six-out-ten-children-have-banned-social-media-accounts-20251017080224-nt.html
***********
HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS SECTION
Free Comic Strips provided by https://www.arcamax.com/comics
**********
**********
EXCHANGE QUOTES FROM Xe.com
Click here to see updated quotes & 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
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.
**********
By supporting our sponsors you help support DigameXtra!
DigameXtra Sponsors
Get Windscribe Pro or Free Versions Here
Axarquia Silver & Gold Trade +34-606423869
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 2015-2025. 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.