DigameXtra No. 3007 Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

On May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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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: formato digital.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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May Editor’s Holiday: Friday, 16 May.
DigameXtra will be closed.

Items scheduled for Friday, 16 May, will appear one day early, in the Thursday, 15 May issue. Submissions for the Thursday, 15 May issue must be received by 6pm Wednesday, 14 May.

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WHAT’S ON

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Ruta del Rock Torremolinos 2025: 16-18 & 23-25 May.
35 bands, 43 concerts. See full schedule & info here: https://turismotorremolinos.es/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ruta-Rock-Torremolinos-2025.pdf

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Feria Totalán 2025: Fri-Sun, 23-25 May

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SERVICES OFFERED / WANTED

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Landlords, tell your renters about DigameXtra, where they can get overnight answers to questions about local stuff without having to call you!

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COMPARE FUNERALS

Compare Funerals cover the whole of Spain:
ruthforder@comparefuneral.org
* Direct Cremation €2,250
* Collection of deceased and conveyance to Funeral Home
* Supply of coffin
* Preparation and care of deceased
* Registration of death and certification of all legal documentation
* Cremation and any doctor’s fees
* Supply of Urn
* Delivery of Urn and associated paperwork to family (death certificate, cremation certificate etc)
This plan is exclusive to a number of provinces, please ask advisor for more information.
Contact Ruth Forder on 0034 693 715 718 ; funeralplansbyruthforder.com
Your questions answered by Ruth from Compare Funerals Spain
– Why should I have a funeral plan? Having been funeral planning for over 10 year I’ve experienced some very sad and upset families when nothing is in place. A Spanish funeral plans will ensure that all costs are covered for your funeral service. Getting a prepaid plan will help you feel assured that your family will not be under any financial strain when it comes to paying for your funeral. A plan also means you can have peace of mind that everything has been organised in advance, so your loved ones do not have to make any difficult decisions.
– Why choose Compare Funerals? There seems to be a gap in Spain between independent funeral directors, offering plans at a good price but lacking the security of an established Trust or ability to cover a client overseas and Providers who seem to charge more than necessary. We want to be right in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Our best-priced plan is only 2,250€ and does the essentials.
– Can I do a payment plan? All our plans are payable in full or over up to 5 years interest FREE. The interest free periods are based on initial deposit. The higher the deposit the less your monthly repayments will be.
– Can I transfer the plan? The answer is YES. You could name 2 people on one plan however if you had a friend/family member pass away we can transfer the plan into a 3rd party’s name.
– What happens if I move? All our plans offer the equivalent service in Spain (including the islands), Portugal, Republic of Ireland and the UK. If you moved to the UK, we would transfer the plan to one of our many partners at no extra cost to you.
– Is paperwork included? Yes, your family will receive a death certificate in Spanish and an international certification in English. We also provide a cremation certificate that allows the ashes on board a plane.

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CASACAMINO343 B&B

CasaCamino343: Our New B&B In Now Open!
Special 3 night break in the lovely mountains of Andalucia
– Casacamino343 (formerly Casa Magel) are once again offering our popular 3 night breaks, including breakfast and on one night, TBA, a delicious home made 3 course meal with wine or beer.
– We have moved across the village and now offer a fully licenced self contained 4 bedroom, 2 en-suite and 2 private bathrooms. The house has a fully equipped kitchen, dinning room, large living room. terrace with views to the mountains, set in an ancient olive grove on the outskirts of Valle De Abdalajis. From June our pool will be open.
– We are a 5 minute drive in to the pueblo of Valle De Abdalajis with supermarkets and bars. A very good restaurant is 10 minute walk away. The lakes of Ardales and the Caminito Del Rey are 30 minutes drive. Antequera and El Torcal are 30 minute drive and the Wolf park is 15 minute drive. Lots to do in the area, lovely walks and scenery.
– We can offer the whole house to a group of friends, ideal for birthdays and anniversaries or just a good time away. Or, come on your own and meet other people. We have a honesty bar or bring your own. No hard tracks to drive, very easy to find..
– The cost for 3 night B&B with 1 night 3 course meal with wine is €275.00 per room with 2 sharing.
CONTACT
Phone: 722879503 or 632298062
Email: casacamino343@yahoo.com
Website: www.casacamino343.com

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BUY / SELL / TRADE / RENT / WANTED

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Are you still dealing with scammers on Fakebook Marketplace?
Sell your items here, to locals, for cash, without the shenanigans.

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For Sale: New Laptop, Acer Aspire 3 A315.
Very powerful business model. 15.6″ Full HD display.
Windows 11 Pro (UK), 16 Gb RAM, 512 Gb SSD. (Ready for Windows 12 when released.)
Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U, up to 4.4GHz
Spanish keyboard. HDMI, Ethernet, 3x USB 3.2, Wifi 6.
Price: €480 fully setup and ready to use. Naythan, Torrox Costa.
Email: doctorlaptop@protonmail.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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Info Wanted: Can anyone be kind enough to give me both a phone and address of a charity/society catering for the homeless and poor not too far from Velez Málaga please? Contact Sandra, Velez Málaga on 633878471

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NEWS & ARTICLES

(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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MALAGA PROVINCE

Spring showers arrive this Wednesday in Malaga- where are they expected?: {Translation, summary}
– The possibility of rains returns Wednesday. “The dana that has affected us these days is approaching our territory and, in addition, a trough is approaching from the Atlantic,” warns Samuel Biener, researcher at the portal Meteored. This scenario of instability could affect the province where AEMET raises up to 95% the probability of occasional showers, especially in the region of Axarquia in places like Torrox, Nerja, Velez-Malaga or Rincon de la Victoria. The rains are expected mainly between 12.00 and 18.00 hours. In the capital, this possibility drops to 55%.
– In Andalusia, the state agency has announced for tomorrow yellow level warnings in three provinces for heavy rains – with accumulated up to 25 litres in an hour – and storms accompanied by hail, in Granada, Jaen and Almeria. This warning will be maintained throughout the day starting at 14.00 hours. “The development of abundant cloudiness will leave showers accompanied by thunderstorms in most of the north and east. They are not ruled out in the southwest quadrant of the peninsula, southeastern coasts and the Balearic Islands. In addition, they could be locally strong and be accompanied by hail at points,” says the state agency. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga/chubascos-primaverales-miercoles-malaga-aemet-prevision-20250513151623-nt.html

MALAGA CITY

Malaga once again allows the filling of swimming pools, car washing, showers on beaches and the irrigation of gardens with tap water: {Translation, summary}
– The Malaga City Council, through the Environmental Sustainability Area, has lifted the restrictions on the use of drinking water that were still active in the city due to the drought. The situation is now of pre-alert.
– Thus, the limitations are lifted that prohibited the use of water resources suitable for human consumption for street washing; filling private swimming pools; watering gardens, public or private parks and golf courses; washing cars outside authorized establishments; ornamental fountains that do not have a closed water circuit, as well as public showers and fountains.
– The Beaches Area plans to activate the showers on the beaches from next June 15 to coincide with the start of the high season. In this regard, it should be recalled that the footbaths are operational since Easter.
– The lifting of these restrictions is conditioned to continue to comply with the maximum allocation of 225 liters per capita per day agreed by the Commission for the Management of Drought in the Andalusian Mediterranean Basins at the meeting of March 25. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga-capital/malaga-vuelve-permitir-llenado-piscinas-duchas-playas-20250512180618-nt.html

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One of the world’s largest yachts with masts visits Málaga: {Translation}
– Dock number one of the port of Malaga has been home to the sailing yacht EOS since last Sunday. Forming part of the list of the ten largest private pleasure yachts in the world, which according to reviews would be positioned at number three or four, this three-masted schooner of 93 meters in length is owned by the American media magnate Barry Diller; a multimillionaire who, when he commissioned it at the age of 64, expressed that this sailing yacht would become his floating mansion house.
– Construction began in 2006 at the German shipyard Lürssen, a company that in addition to other types of boats manufactures large yachts tailored to the tastes of the owners who order them, this sailboat that was named after the Greek goddess of dawn was delivered in 2009. With its exterior design signed by the team of the engineer Bill Langan dedicated to the development of this type of vessel and its interiors designed by the decorator François Catroux, who was inspired by the sailing ships of the 19th century, the EOS had a construction cost of nearly 131 million euros.
– With an accommodation capacity of 16 passengers in eight cabins and an annual maintenance cost of between five and seven million dollars, the crew of this sailing yacht is composed of 21 people: the captain, nine sailors, three engineers, two cooks, four waiters and two stewardesses. Both its hull and superstructure are made of a special aluminum alloy, and one of the main curiosities of this ship lies in the height of its three masts, which reach a length of 61 meters, the necessary length for this sailboat to cross the vast majority of bridges built in the world. In contrast to this fact, the EOS also stands out for its figurehead, a 2.7-meter sculpture made of stainless steel representing the goddess of the dawn, which was modeled on Diane von Fürstenberg, the wife of the owner of this boat.
– Showing classic lines that in their day were qualified as a nautical masterpiece, the EOS sailing under the Cayman Islands flag becomes the longest private pleasure yacht to visit the port of Malaga; a record that has been snatched from the Aquijo sailing yacht that with 86 meters visited the port of Malaga in December 2022. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/yates-vela-grandes-mundo-visita-malaga_0_2003922012.html

TORROX

Torrox repairs a bypass wall damaged after winter rains: {Translation, summary}
– The mayor of Torrox, Óscar Medina, together with the Councilor for Urban Planning and Infrastructure, Paula Moreno, both of the PP, have checked this week the status of the repair works of a wall of the ring road, behind the Colina del Sol School of Infant and Primary Education (CEIP). It is a road that connects the MA-5105 regional road and with the area of El Pontil, in the historic center of Torrox, which was seriously damaged by the procession of the storms last March. Medina, together with Moreno, has reported that these emergency works have a budget of almost 50,000 euros and an approximate execution period of one month.
– The works consist of the execution of a breakwater wall that supports the pavement and the sidewalk, as well as the restoration of it to its original state, including the damaged pipes, as explained by Medina. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/torrox-repara-muro-circunvalacion-danado-tras-abundantes-20250513135650-nt_amp.html

NERJA

Nerja repairs rain damage: {Translation, summary}
– Nerja has now begun the reconstruction works of the sidewalk and the edge wall next to the arroyo del Miso, in the Calle Filipinas, which were damaged by the heavy rains and flash flooding of the Dana event. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/axarquia/torrox-repara-muro-circunvalacion-danado-tras-abundantes-20250513135650-nt_amp.html

ANTEQUERA

60 -year -old woman abducted in an attempted home invasion in Antequera: {Translation, summary}
– Four hooded men assaulted a 60-year-old woman in a district of Antequera. The thieves, who hid their faces with hoods or scarves, used violence and threatened to kill her with a catana (sword) if she did not give them the money.
– It happened at around ten o’clock at night this Sunday, May 11, in the party of Jeva, also known as the neighbourhood of La Higuera, near Villanueva de la Concepción.
– The victim, who resides in the town of Torcal, owns a rural house in the area and had gone to give it a once-over and feed the animals. At ten o’clock, when she was about to leave, she was surprised by four hooded men who had waited crouched in the undergrowth, higher than usual due to the heavy rains. The robbers surrounded her and threw her to the ground. Then they lifted her up – in the struggle they caused her some scratches – and demanded that she hand over the money and valuables in the house. The woman did not get to see if they were armed or not, although she did hear their insistent death threats.
– They apparently told her that they were going to kill her with a catana if she did not hand over the money. The victim explained to them that she did not live there, that it was a rural house and that there was nothing of value, and it occurred to her to tell them that she lived in another farmhouse in the area, about 200 meters down the dirt road.
– The hooded men forced her to walk that distance cross-country to avoid anyone being able to see them. When they arrived at the house, three of them stayed outside while the fourth individual entered with her. In reality, the woman did not actually reside there; it is another family’s home and she knew that there were several people inside, including her brother.
– The victim’s screams, as soon as she crossed the threshold, alerted her relatives. Her brother jumped up – he was very close – and slammed the door on the thief’s nose. The gang chose to flee when their plans were thwarted. The only things the woman missed were her cell phone and a pair of prescription glasses, which she probably dropped in the struggle and which the thieves stole.
– The neighbours immediately called the National Police, and also the Local Police. Two patrols of each body moved to the hamlet of Antequera, although the distance and the state of the roads means that it takes about half an hour to arrive, according to the mayor pedáneo, Juan Lopez, who acknowledged the concern among the neighbours. The attackers remain at large. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sucesos/encapuchados-asaltan-violencia-mujer-anos-pedania-antequera-20250512001618-nt.html

This gesture has spread worldwide via women’s support groups & pharmacies. It was invented by the Canadian Women’s Foundation to help victims silently ask for help in person or via video.

TORREMOLINOS

More than forty concerts in a new Ruta del Rock de Torremolinos 2025: {Translation}
– Local Los Alamos, Playamar, Bajondillo, La Carihuela and the downtown area will be the scene of the thirteenth edition of the Rock Route. There are 35 groups and solos involved that will offer 43 concerts in as many establishments. The proposal includes, in addition to the genre that gives it its name, performances of pop, soul, indie, blues or jazz, among other styles. The concerts will take place on the weekends of May 16 to 18 and 23 to 25. The schedule for Fridays and Saturdays will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sundays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
– Nico Sabatini, Pablo Fugitivo, Frasco de Pruna, Patty, Alvarock, Jason Downing, Wayne Ward, Turkish Gang, RM Latin Band, Game Cover, Sinvergüenzas, The Bert Balckmont Trio, Mayday, Mistery Machine, Doble Juego, The Lookflowers, Wayne Ward & Aida Garner, Willie & The Inmates, Lady Punk, Septiembre, Ikaro, Supernova, De la Sangre, The Crooks, Duo Same Vibes, Soul Station, Money Makers, Radio 80, Pop FM, Red Bus Rock, El trío del saco, Iris Oboe, Suzzete Moncrief, Satisfaction and Natalia Biloba, are the groups and soloists participating in this edition.
– The participating establishments are Bar América 1, Mg Jamón Carihuela, London Eye, Heineken Corner, A Jierro, Pat Murphys Bar, Vanilla, Shamrock, Copacabana, Bar Amsterdam, Buddha Beach, Cervecería Twister, True Club, Mg Jamón Plaza Andalucía, A Casa Nostra, Vip Irish, New Iris Jims, Kippenhuis, Rincón de Nacho, Taberna Rufino, Zenzero, Clock Tower, Café Central, Folks Street Food, Guinn’s Sports Bar, The Galloping Major, Playaocho, Ela’s Tapas & Salads, Pizzería L’Clave de Sol, Taberna Caballo Andaluz, Grandcafe Zero Zero, Bar el 12, La Pepa, Stereotipo, Le Grand Café Torremolinos, Garage Drink Station, Garfield, Barracuda Roof Top, Mariquita Copas, Baloó Bar Lounge, Eurocafé and Restaurante la Favorita. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/costadelsol/torremolinos/cuarenta-conciertos-nueva-ruta-rock-torremolinos-20250513141810-nt.html

HEALTH

The computer system of health centers fails (again) in three Andalusian provinces: {Translation}
– A complicated day in healthcare centers in three Andalusian provinces. During this Tuesday, the computer system of the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) has been down in the provinces of Almeria, Granada and Malaga since 11:00 am. As detailed by the Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs in statements to Europa Press, this incident in the application that supports the health records of Primary Care has been caused by “a new improvement and maintenance action”.
– {Why are they doing systems maintenance & upgrades during the busiest time of day? Those tasks should be done, and be fully tested, during the slow times at night and early morning. Health’s tech division gets hacked or broken frequently, yet they expect us to trust them with ever more of our data. Why does this happen? Because the administrators that do the hiring of data techs are themselves tech illiterate, so are unqualified to make these hiring decisions. There are 20 year olds working in the Google Data Centre in Malaga who could do these tasks in their sleep. Yet the admins insist on hiring incompetent applicants, at below market level wages, because they will work cheap and meet the “inclusive preferred hiring profiles” the gov’t pushes rather than hire based on merit. Makes one wonder if the medical practices in these hospitals are run the same way (Last time I was in El Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga they were still using Windows XP in clinics and Windows Vista in reception, two and a half years after Windows 10 had been released!). Perhaps that’s the reason Andalucia has trouble hiring & keeping doctors and nurses. Nobody wants to play on a losing team! Just imagine what a new hire thinks when they arrive fresh from training on modern systems and they encounter long obsolete operating systems still being used! It’s like handing a simple block & tackle to a crane operator. -Ed.}
– Thus, the computer problem that affected Eastern Andalusia was solved at 15:00 hours.
– In any case, from the first moment the districts have activated contingency plans to “continue providing assistance, accessing these functionalities by browser”, as reiterated by the Board. In this sense, the SAS would like to thank users and professionals “for their understanding and collaboration”, as well as apologize for “the possible inconvenience that this temporary interruption may have caused”. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/andalucia/sistema-informatico-centros-sanitarios-cae-tres-provincias-20250513163015-nts.html

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Regional Hospital reopens the cardiology unit with all patients after the plague- New patients need to check hospital mattresses before accepting any bed assignment!: {Translation}
– The plague of bedbugs or fleas that has affected the Regional University Hospital is entering its sixth day since it was made public last Thursday, May 8. The Consejería de Salud y Consumo de la Junta de Andalucía has indicated that the Cardiology Unit, in which there were almost 30 patients, was vacated last Friday, May 9, to proceed with its fumigation, so that users received health care in another area, although yesterday at noon they were relocated to their original floor after completing the procedure.
– “Since April 28, the Regional University Hospital of Malaga has strictly followed the guidelines of the Preventive Medicine service and the controls established by the company specializing in disinfestation to ensure a safe environment. During this time, multiple evaluations have been carried out to identify the causative agent, without initial success, so active surveillance was maintained,” explained the Junta de Andalucía.
– As part of the preventive measures, “last Friday, May 9, a fumigation was carried out on one of the floors of the hospital, which required the temporary transfer of patients to another area. Yesterday at noon, these patients were relocated to their original floor after completion of the procedure.”
– To date, the Board states, “16 people from different services have reported stings, although it cannot be assured that all cases originated in the work environment.” As for healthcare personnel, “no sick leave related to this situation has been recorded”. {This contradicts the article I posted yesterday which stated that, “Some workers, including nurses and auxiliary technicians, have had to take medical leave due to the discomfort caused by the stings…Although the exact type of insect has not yet been confirmed, it is suspected that the bites could be due to bedbugs or fleas,” according to La Opinión de Málaga. -Ed.}
– While the Board counts 16 cases, the union speaks of 17, without adding the two from the Infectious Diseases Unit. “What dermatology told them is that the bites corresponded to those of an arthropod,” he stresses, which means that they could be bedbugs or fleas, although the exact origin has not yet been determined. All those affected are nursing staff or auxiliary nursing care technicians, with no doctors known to have been affected.
– According to SATSE’s union delegate at the Regional Hospital Nacho Anguita, “the professionals are concerned that the problem could spread throughout the hospital. According to what the dermatologist who saw the affected told him, the ER could be the gateway through which it could spread to the whole hospital, because many people go in and out”. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga/hospital-regional-reabre-unidad-cardiologia-pacientes-tras-plaga-chinches-pulgas-20250513131759-nt.html

SPORTS

Tennis News- Alcaraz defeats Khachanov in 3-set battle, advances to Rome 2025 quarterfinals:
– With determination, Carlos Alcaraz overcame Russian Karen Khachanov in an intense three-set match (6-3, 3-6, 7-5) in the round of 16 at the Rome Masters 1000 on May 13, 2025. The world number 3 faced challenging conditions at the Foro Italico but secured his place in the quarterfinals against Briton Jack Draper. The match with Khachanov, lasting two and a half hours, highlighted the Spaniard’s resilience, as he had to overcome moments of pressure to keep his clay-court campaign alive. Full article: https://www.mixvale.com.br/2025/05/13/alcaraz-defeats-khachanov-in-3-set-battle-advances-to-rome-2025-quarterfinals/

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Deepfake Defence in the Age of AI- The Most Powerful Person on the Call Might Not Even Be Real:
– The cybersecurity landscape has been dramatically reshaped by the advent of generative AI. Attackers now leverage large language models (LLMs) to impersonate trusted individuals and automate these social engineering tactics at scale. Let’s review the status of these rising attacks, what’s fuelling them, and how to actually prevent, not simply detect, them.
– Recent threat intelligence reports highlight the growing sophistication and prevalence of AI-driven attacks:
***Voice Phishing Surge: According to CrowdStrike’s 2025 Global Threat Report, there was a 442% increase in voice phishing (vishing) attacks between the first and second halves of 2024, driven by AI-generated phishing and impersonation tactics.
***Social Engineering Prevalence: Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report indicates that social engineering remains a top pattern in breaches, with phishing and pretexting accounting for a significant portion of incidents
***North Korean Deepfake Operations: North Korean threat actors have been observed using deepfake technology to create synthetic identities (AI Agents) for online job interviews, aiming to secure remote work positions and infiltrate organizations. {This has become a worldwide problem, these AI Agents pretending to be humans. It’s not only North Korea doing this, I’ve seen reports of arrests related to this type of scam from Europe, Asia, Africa & the Americas as well. Personally, I get messages from several new AI Agents every day on my X account messenger, usually using the profile picture of a buxom young lady, supposedly fascinated by my X posts, just dying to learn more about me; I should be so lucky. It’s the new SPAM. -Ed.}
– In this new era, trust can’t be assumed or merely detected. It must be proven deterministically and in real-time. Read the full article: https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/deepfake-defense-in-age-of-ai.html

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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS

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Last updated May 13, 2025, 22:57 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

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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DigameXtra No. 3006 Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

On May 13, 2025May 13, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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May Editor’s Holiday: Friday, 16 May.
DigameXtra will be closed.

Items scheduled for Friday, 16 May, will appear one day early, in the Thursday, 15 May issue. Submissions for the Thursday, 15 May issue must be received by 6pm Wednesday, 14 May.

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WHAT’S ON

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!

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Malaga Reggae Fest 2025: Sat, 17 May 4pm-3am
Bar Café Bonnet, Puerto Deportivo 56, Fuengirola
New edition of this annual event for all Reggae music lovers that you can not miss.
Live, the Malaga band SHINING SOUL will delight us with a show full of their own songs and the best versions of Soul and Reggae with the unmistakable voice of Adriana Rogan.
From London (Uk), at the microphone, we will have DONOVAN KINGJAY, one of the best voices of the international Reggae scene today. Immersed in various projects such as vocals with Channel One Sound, Ashanti Selah and Dub legend Scientist, with whom he has recorded tracks from his latest album, among others.
Also, we will have DJLION (King Wadada), veteran selector, producer and promoter from Malaga with more than 30 years of experience, who will play tracks after tracks from all eras and unique dubplates with the positive vibes and love that characterizes him.
And, to liven up the terrace, DJ MIKEY B will be selecting great tracks to enjoy a great evening of live music.
The entrance for children under 12 years old is FREE. Pedestrian area on the terrace. Children’s playground SOULD PARK next to the event.
Pets allowed on the terrace.
Raffle of a mini two-day pass for two people at the next Rototom Sunsplash 2025 in Benicasim, Castellón.
We wait for you all Family! OneLove! Info & tix (€11):
https://entradium.com/en/events/malaga-reggae-fest-2025-apoyado-por-rototom-sunsplash

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La Carpinteria Bar- Cómpeta: Upcoming Events
– Jennifer Singer. Fri, 23 May, 2025 at 10:00 pm
– Bordon Funk. Sat, 24 May, 2025 at 10:00 pm
– “Almijara” Tribute to Andalusian Rock. Fri, 30 May, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Address: Avda De La Constitución, 14, 29754 Cómpeta
Tel: +34 661 18 84 66. Info: https://allevents.in/org/la-carpinteria-bar/23582768

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Cultural de Almunecar- May 2025: Programme
Info: https://www.almunecar.es/programacion-cultural/

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One For The Kids- Kitchen workshops in the May 2025 Salobreña market: Saturdays in May
05/17/2025 12:00
05/24/2025 12:00
05/31/2025 12:00
Salobreña municipal market, Av Garcia Lorca, Salobreña
Activity in children’s cooking with workshops for young people from 7 to 12 years old in the municipal market of Salobrena. Led by chefs from Salobreña’s restaurants, the workshops are held on Saturdays during the month of May.
The workshop includes hat, event apron, utensils and ingredients for each participant.
The workshops start at 12.00 noon and finish at 1.30 pm.
The dishes to be cooked will be suggested by the chef on the day of the event, for which ingredients and material will be provided.
The participants must be at the marking 15 minutes before the start of the event, accompanied by an adult.
Participants must provide and show proof of reservation before accessing the workshop space, as well as proof of age.
In case of food restrictions of the participant, please contact the organization before the day of the event.
Info & tix (€10): https://www.giglon.com/todos?idEvent=talleres-infantiles–de-cocina-en-el-mercado-mayo-2025

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Mahou Pizzas Fest- Malaga: From May 16 to 18, at the Cruise Terminal. The 1st edition of the Mahou Pizzas Fest arrives. Are you going to miss it? Ten city restaurants will compete with two types of pizza (their Gourmet specialty and a classic pizza), to take the prize for the best pizza for the public’s vote and for the professional jury.
Including live musical performances, gastronomic activities such as workshops, showcookings and tastings, and many desserts and sweet options to which you will not be able to resist. In addition, you will find many references from Mahou beers to make pairing. Without a doubt, a festival full of good vibes where pizza and music are the protagonists!
Info: https://www.pizzasfest.com/pizzas-fest-malaga/

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International Museum Day: Sunday, 18 May
If you’re on a budget holiday in Malaga this month or just like a cheap day out, make a note of this date: Sunday, 18 May. Malaga celebrates International Museum Day with free entry to all the museums. Why not pair this with the Pizza Fest in the previous listing?

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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 OFFERED / WANTED

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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.

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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.

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BUY / SELL / TRADE / RENT / WANTED

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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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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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NEWS & ARTICLES

(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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AXARQUÍA

Satse denounces that the Axarquía Hospital has a closed wing for lack of personnel: {Translation}
– SATSE has denounced that the regional hospital has a wing closed due to a lack of staff and that the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) still needs to recruit 67 nurses for the East Málaga-Axarquía Health Management Area. In statements to Cadena SER Axarquía, David Martín, delegate of the Nursing Union SATSE (originally the Union of Technical Health Assistants of Spain) at the regional hospital, has denounced “the lack of job stability among nursing professionals.”
– He also stated that precarious working conditions are causing “overload in services and difficulties in retaining nurses trained in Andalusia.” According to this union representative, emergency services are overloaded, and he also highlighted the situation in internal medicine and the surgical area. “In the hospital, we have a wing that is empty, fully equipped with materials, but there is no staff to man it.” The reason, he says, is that “the administration believes this is working because they deal with abstract numbers, not real life situations, and the numbers back them up.” He adds: “What happens with this, services such as emergency, internal medicine, or surgical areas are increasingly overloaded.”
– In this regard, he points to “patients under observation, patients in internal medicine, nurses who have to care for 16 or 17 patients per shift daily, which leads to insecurity both for the patient and the professionals themselves.”
– SATSE has also denounced “the deficit of three physiotherapists and two midwives in the East Málaga-Axarquía Health Management Area.” Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/satse-denuncia-que-el-hospital-de-la-axarquia-tiene-un-ala-cerrada-por-falta-de-personal/

MALAGA PROVINCE

Petrol and diesel prices hit four-year lows in Malaga:
– At a time when prices in almost all sectors are growing in Spain, a paradox has drawn attention in recent days. Fuel – one of the products that most affects household economy – has reached a four-year low. Both petrol and diesel prices are dropping due to the ups and downs that the global economy is currently experiencing.
– The price for fuels in Malaga province of Malaga in some service stations has not been this low since 2021. According to data collected by the Ministry of Ecological Transition’s hydrocarbons geoportal, diesel (which is the most popular fuel) was being sold at an average of 1.35 euros per litre in Malaga earlier this week, compared to the price in March, which was around 1.50 (around 10% less).
– As for the 95-octane petrol, the demand for which has grown lately with the boom in hybrid cars (as almost all of them have petrol engines as well as electric ones), the price earlier this week was 1.44 euros. In March, it was around 1.55 (that’s down 7%). Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/petrol-and-diesel-prices-hit-fouryear-lows-20250509075123-nt.html

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The current real estate bubble- A repeat of 2008? Housing prices in Malaga are rising three times faster than wages:
– What the latest study found was that the province of Malaga has experienced a deep discrepancy between the increase in housing prices and salary growth. To be more specific, the average price per square metre rose by 16.4%, from 3,295 to 3,836 euros between 2023 and 2024, while salaries increased by 5.4% in the same period, from 27,418 to 28,911 euros. As the report highlights, although Malaga was the Andalusian province in which the price of housing rose the most last year, it was also the province where salaries rose the most.
– María Matos, director of studies and spokesperson for Fotocasa, commented on the matter: “Access to housing has deteriorated significantly in recent years due to the strong disconnection between the evolution of house prices and wages. Housing is rising three times more than wages, which reflects a structural problem that directly affects the purchasing power of citizens, especially young people and middle and low-income families. Spain is experiencing a ‘boom’ in demand despite scarce supply, which is pushing up prices. This situation is very difficult to reverse, so access to housing will continue to become more difficult and social inequalities will be accentuated.” Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/housing-malaga-rises-three-times-more-than-20250509075041-nt.html

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The courts of Malaga have more than 140,000 unresolved cases and almost 100,000 judgments pending execution: {Translation, summary}
– The latest report of the High Court of Justice of Andalusia provides some data that help to understand the dimensions of the chronic backlog suffered by the courts of Malaga, and that more than justify the request for the creation of 82 new judgeships. At the end of last year, according to the report, there were 140,233 matters that remained unresolved and almost 100,000 sentences without execution. And this despite the fact that the magistrates, in most of the jurisdictions, were able to resolve more cases than they received.
– As the Andalusian High Court indicates, the workload of these courts has been exceeded in a striking way in practically all the judicial districts of the autonomous community, but “singularly in the case of Malaga”, which last year received a total of 93,655 cases. These, moreover, were added to the 52,062 pending from the previous year. Hence, for the TSJA, it is necessary to reinforce its staff with at least 25 new judges. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga-capital/juzgados-malaga-retraso-casos-140000-20250511205016-nt_amp.html

NERJA

The Nerja Parador will close for two years for a comprehensive reform of its facilities: {Translation}
– The Parador de Turismo de Nerja is preparing to undertake the biggest renovation in its history, just when it is about to celebrate six decades since its opening. The emblematic establishment, with 98 rooms, is one of the tourist references of the Axarquia town, next to places such as the Balcon de Europa or the famous Cueva de Nerja. In fact, its construction in the mid 60’s was key in the tourist impulse that the municipality experienced after the discovery of the cave in 1959 and its opening to the public in June 1960.
– The works are scheduled to begin on October 1, when the parador will be completely closed to the public. According to the official reservation website, the work will take approximately two years. The estimated investment amounts to 14.45 million euros. The project includes the complete modernization of all the facilities, including the rooms and common areas, although the number of available beds will not be increased. The establishment, located in a privileged enclave on the cliff of Burriana beach, will maintain its current capacity.
– The project will be financed with the Paradores public company’s own funds and European resources from the Next Generation program. Although there are other reforms planned in the network of paradors in the province, which has four more, the Nerja stands out for its size, both in budget and duration, and will be the only one that involves the total closure of the hotel during the estimated time of execution. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-parador-de-nerja-cerrara-durante-dos-anos-por-una-reforma-integral-de-sus-instalaciones/

UKRAINE WAR

Putin rejects truce demanded by Zelenski and cools down Thursday’s peace talks in Turkey: {Translation}
– The Kremlin has rejected the 30-day truce proposed by Ukraine and several European leaders due to “inadmissible” threats of sanctions in case of failure to declare a ceasefire this Monday. “The language of ultimatum is inadmissible. You cannot talk to Russia with such language,” said presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Despite these warnings of new sanctions by European partners, Vladimir Putin is reluctant to lay down his arms and is creating doubts of the chances of an agreement for this Thursday, a day on which he had urged Ukraine to sit down at a negotiating table in Turkey to negotiate peace, without the need to have previously declared a ceasefire as Kiev demands. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/internacional/directo-guerra-ucrania-rusia-zelenski-trump-negociaciones-alto-fuego-ultima-hora-5708622/

GASTRONOMIA

Where to eat at El Caminito del Rey: {Translation}
– Since its opening as a tourist attraction, El Caminito del Rey has become one of the most visited places in Andalusia. The vertiginous footbridge that crosses the natural landscape of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes is a great attraction for lovers of nature and breathtaking landscapes. Before or after making this breathtaking journey you can choose to have lunch or breakfast in the various restaurants located in the surroundings. Whether in the south (Alora) or in the north (Ardales) there are many different culinary options. Of course, in almost all cases, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
– La Garganta. Its large terrace alone is in itself an excellent attraction for those who wish to eat with panoramic views of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. You can enjoy a menu of traditional cuisine of Malaga. The Malaga cheese board with regañás and homemade jam, migas, gazpacho, porra, salmon with Guadalhorce aroma, baked leg of Malaga suckling goat, oxtail cannelloni, acorn-fed pork confit in ‘colorá’ lard, or meatballs of pork.
Where: Barriada El Chorro, s/n, 29552 El Chorro (Álora). Telephone: 607 707 759.

– El Kiosko. From the 1950s until today it has grown and evolved, but maintaining the spirit of traditional cuisine of the area. It’s located on the first line of the Chorro reservoir, next to one of the accesses to the Caminito del Rey. There you can order traditional dishes from this or other areas of Spain, such as goat Castilian style, baked or fried suckling pig, pork cheeks, tripe with chickpeas, wild boar in red wine or mixed paella. There are also local dishes, such as perotas soups, migas and sausages in wine or even elaborations that bear the seal of the house, such as the Kiosko dish, a combination of steak, eggs and potatoes, or the ‘Prosineski’ of the house, a meat roll in sauce that surprises not only by its name.
Where: Parque Ardales, Pantano El Chorro, s/n, 29550 Ardales. Telephone: 952 112 382.

– La Posada del Conde. Inside one of the most traditional tourist accommodations in the province of Malaga, you will find this inn, where you can find traditional dishes of this area, such as wild boar in red wine, chard porrillas or chorizo with cinnamon. They also have other options more widespread in Andalusian cuisine, such as homemade flamenquín, pork knuckle and shoulder of lamb (both baked) or Iberian cheeks in sauce. It has a terrace and an indoor lounge equipped with a fireplace to combat the cold on winter days.
Where: Presa Conde de Guadalhorce, s/n, 29550 Ardales. Teléfono: 952 009 400.

– Rocabella. Within the tourist complex Rocabella, located just ten minutes from the south exit of the Caminito (in the direction of Valle de Abdalajís), you can enjoy traditional cuisine in a restaurant with capacity for about forty diners. It has a cozy indoor lounge and a terrace with beautiful panoramic views, both spaces have a neat rustic style. Among the specialties are the different cuts of beef offered, from filet mignon to rib eye or entrecote. Other meat dishes include Iberian ribs, baked chicken, Milanese ‘cotoletta’, grilled turkey medallions and hamburgers. In addition to other exotic-inspired dishes, such as German sausages or pastas and lasagnas, there are also local dishes, such as ensaladilla malagueña, porra antequerana or gazpacho.
Where: Las Angosturas, s/n, 29552 El Chorro (Álora). Telephone: 629 780 658.

– Los Atanores. Also in the village of Valle de Abdalajís, it is worth stopping at Venta Los Atanores, located on the road that goes to Antequera. There awaits a menu full of traditional dishes of the area, such as migas, tripe with chickpeas or soup of the stew. In season they make use of tagarninas, wild plants that are used both for a grill or scrambled eggs and to add to a stew. To this we must add their succulent meats- the Malaga suckling goat is of special importance, with different elaborations that put even more value to this prized meat.
Where: Huerta del Chorro, Carretera de Antequera, Km. 27, 200, 29240 Valle de Abdalajís. Telephone: 952 488 068.

– Other establishments that are relatively close to the Caminito del Rey are El Mirador Ardales, La Cantina, El Pilar, La Ermita, La Terraza del Nido, Kiosco El Chorro, Álora Mucho Gusto, Isabel, Kontiki, Mesón Carrión or El Rancho Grande. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malagaenlamesa/donde-comer-malaga/donde-comer-caminito-rey-ventas-restaurantes-mesones-entorno-20250508180726-nt.html

HEALTH

Seventeen healthcare workers at the Regional Hospital of Malaga have been affected by bedbug or flea bites: {Translation}
– The number of professionals affected by bedbug or flea bites at the Regional Hospital of Malaga has risen to 17, according to the Satse union. The cardiology unit, where the first cases were detected, was fumigated last Friday, May 9, and the patients were temporarily transferred to another floor. The unit reopened on Monday after being closed over the weekend.
– Some workers, including nurses and auxiliary technicians, have had to take medical leave due to the discomfort caused by the stings. In addition, two of the cases have occurred outside cardiology, specifically in the emergency room. Although the exact type of insect has not yet been confirmed, it is suspected that the bites could be due to bedbugs or fleas, according to La Opinión de Málaga.
– The hospital assures that it strictly follows the indications of Preventive Medicine and maintains continuous monitoring of the situation to ensure a safe environment. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/ya-son-17-los-sanitarios-del-hospital-regional-de-malaga-afectados-por-picaduras-de-chinches-o-pulgas/

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Sexually transmitted infections in people over 60 years of age soar in Malaga: {Translation, summary}
– They’re going grey and counting down the days to retirement. With older children and more time for themselves, the over-60s of today are not the same as they used to be. Many no longer have a partner, having been widowed or divorced, and enjoy a fully active life, including sexually. But this reality has a flip side, of which specialists warn: sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
– In Malaga, between 2022 and 2024, there has been a significant increase in the incidence in this population, where cases of genital herpes (from 51 to 146), syphilis (from 268 to 610) and lymphogranuloma venereum -LGV- (from 19 to 62) have almost tripled, and there has been a “notable increase” in chlamydia infections (64% more) and gonorrhoea (69% increase), as highlighted by Javier de la Torre, coordinator of the Andalusian Plan for STIs, HIV and AIDS 2023-2030 (PAITSIDA). But this age group is only a reflection, says this specialist in Internal Medicine, of the generalized escalation of STIs in the entire population, with an overall growth of 130-135% after the pandemic.
– The factors that explain why these STIs have spread so much among the over-60s are to be found, first of all, in the fact that the population reaches this stage in better conditions. “People live longer, have a more active and healthier life and that prolongs their sexual activity,” says De la Torre. Added to that is the use of drugs for erectile dysfunction and the tendency to restart relations after overcoming a separation or becoming a widow or widower. “The famous Viagra and many others that have come out allow the population to have continuity in their intimate relationships, even at an advanced age”. De la Torre recalls that it has never been easier to have sexual contacts thanks to dating apps and does not hide his concern about a growing phenomenon such as ‘chemsex’ (consumption of drugs to facilitate or intensify sexual activity)
– This new reality, together with the perception of low risk and the low use of condoms, either because there is no longer fear of an unwanted pregnancy or because of a lack of habit, contribute to the increase in the number of infections.
– Most of these sexually transmitted infections are usually asymptomatic and, if they show symptoms, they do so mildly and can be misinterpreted or confused with other ailments. “They feel some discomfort, such as stinging or itching, but they don’t notice them,” says the physician. “Specifically, chlamydia stands out for its high incidence and for being asymptomatic in 50-80% of cases, which makes it difficult to detect, especially in the elderly, who tend to have fewer tests. And chlamydia, in the medium and long term, can cause infertility and miscarriages in young people and, in older people, pelvic inflammatory disease with abdominal pain or discomfort due to secretions.
– In the case of both herpes and HIV there is no cure, only control treatments, although in the latter case the incidence has fallen by 10% in Andalusia in the last year. The other three major STIs, which are chlamydia, gonococcus (the bacterium that causes gonorrhoea) and syphilis, can be cured either with a 7-14 day course of pills or with an injection (sometimes three), although they do not leave immunity. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga-capital/infecciones-transmision-sexual-mayores-20250509221712-nt_amp.html

TECH

Why am I being blocked from viewing so many more websites than in the past? Why can’t my clients visit my website, especially when La Liga football matches are being played? Why is X / Twitter refusing to open?:
– A lot of it has to do with new blocks at the DNS level, in the EU. If you know what that is, and want to know more, check out these 2 articles: https://torrentfreak.com/dns-piracy-blocking-orders-google-cloudflare-and-opendns-respond-differently-250511/ &
https://torrentfreak.com/laliga-disregards-vercels-piracy-overblocking-outreach-blocks-it-yet-again-250512/

SOCIAL MEDIA

Here are the latest viral social media posts on X:
– PMs Starmer, Macron & Merz acting suspiciously when surprised by journalists on the train ride out of Kyiv this weekend. Is that a bag of dope Macron tried to stash and is that a cokespoon or straw Merz tries to palm? The videos are confirmed real by multiple major news sources, the closeup photo of the baggie however is not. There are other videos with different view angles from other cameras that all show the “baggie” and “spoon”. Mainstream media says it is a tissue and a coffee stirrer, What do you think? X Link 1 & X Link 2

OTHER

Argentina’s top court finds 80 boxes of Nazi materials in its basement:
– Dozens of boxes of Nazi material confiscated by Argentinean authorities during World War II were recently rediscovered in the Supreme Court’s basement, the court said on Sunday. The 83 boxes were sent by the Germany embassy in Tokyo to Argentina in June 1941 aboard the Japanese steamship “Nan-a-Maru,” according to the history that the court was able to piece together, it said in a statement. At the time, the large shipment drew the attention of authorities, who feared its contents could affect Argentina’s neutrality in the war.
– The court has now transferred the boxes to a room equipped with extra security measures, and invited the Holocaust Museum in Buenos Aires to participate in their preservation and inventory. Experts will also examine them for any clues about still-unknown aspects of the Holocaust, such as international financing networks used by the Nazis. See swastika on book in lower fight in pic.
Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentinas-top-court-finds-80-boxes-nazi-materials-its-basement-2025-05-12/

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Kurdish PKK disbands and ends 40-year Turkey insurgency:
– The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with Turkey for more than four decades, decided to disband and end its armed struggle, group members and Turkish leaders said on Monday.
– The PKK’s decision could boost NATO member Turkey’s political and economic stability and encourage moves to ease tensions in neighbouring Iraq and also in Syria, where Kurdish forces are allied with U.S. forces. While Ankara welcomed the decision to dissolve, it does not guarantee peace. Rather it paves the way for agreeing a tricky legal framework for securely disarming the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/kurdish-pkk-dissolves-after-decades-struggle-with-turkey-news-agency-close-2025-05-12/

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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS

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Fun & Games

Useful Links, Info & Numbers

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

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/

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DigameXtra No. 3005 Monday, May 12th, 2025

On May 12, 2025May 12, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

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May Editor’s Holiday: Friday, 16 May.
DigameXtra will be closed.

Items scheduled for Friday, 16 May, will appear one day early, in the Thursday, 15 May issue. Submissions for the Thursday, 15 May issue must be received by 6pm Wednesday, 14 May.

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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-make 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~
May
– 15th – Craft Fair and Bake Sale at Chine, Caleta.
– 23rd – Trip to Almunecar. €20pp
June
– 10th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 20th – Summer Solstice Luncheon and Dance at Pepe Molino, Almayate. 4 course meal with wine & live music @ 50€pp.
– 21st – Trip to Alfarnate and their Cherry Fiesta. €22pp
August
– 15th – Almunecar Fireworks Spectacular
– 22nd – A visit to Teba for their celebration of Sir James Douglas €22pp
September
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 19th – Trip to Mini Hollywood, price includes coach fare, entry and buffet lunch €65.
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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Three Generations Quartet: Fri, 16 May, 8pm
Ventana Abierta Jazz Club, C/ Granada 3
(Hotel Plaza Cavana), Nerja
Ilán Chu (piano) – Carlos Light (high saxo) – Alejandro Tamayo (double bass) – Fernando Caro (drums)
Info: https://www.ventana-abierta.es/jazz.html & Video Link

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El Trapiche- San Isidro: May 17 & 18
– Saturday at 8:30 AM with the traditional rocket launch, moving into the morning session with the renowned “Jurado Lorca” painting competition, with registration at the Deputy Mayor’s Office on Saturday morning. At 1:00 PM, the submission of artworks will take place, and two hours later, the names of the winners will be announced. In the afternoon the domino competition and a children’s party hosted by the magician Pablo Romón, which will lead into a delightful chocolate snack and the popular bicycle ribbon race. The night will conclude with performances by the Cristina Gallardo dance academy, the “Al Compás” orchestra, and the crowning of the Festival Queen, Junior Queen, and Mister.
– On Sunday at 12:00 PM, a rociera mass in honour of San Isidro will be held, setting the stage for a tasty paella accompanied by the musical stylings of “Al Compás”. At 4:00 PM, the selection of the Senior Romero and Romera will take place, a prelude to one of the weekend’s highlights: the procession of San Isidro, joined by his devoted followers and the Vélez-Málaga Municipal Music Band, which will provide a grand finale.

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Perita Festival 2025: Sat, 21 May, doors 7pm, show 8:30pm
Sala Recinto La Mota, Alhaurín El Grande
Miguel Campello, O’Funk’Illo (Video Link), Vicco, David Palomar, Dj Monchi & more.
The event will be held in La Mota, a perfect natural enclave to enjoy a unique outdoor experience as a family.
Info & tix (€22): https://www.elcorteingles.es/entradas/festivales/entradas-perita-fest-alhaurin-el-grande/

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Alameda Festival 2025: 22-24 May
Camping available. For three days, the Alameda Festival will gather national and international artists, offering a program that will cover different musical genres for all tastes. Info & tix: https://alamedafestival.com/cartel/ & Video Link

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HANNINGTONS KITCHENS AND 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 unrivaled knowledge of the best local materials and suppliers we are able to work to all tastes and budgets.
Our full range of services includes:
– Installations and Refurbs
– Wall & Floor tiling
– Full range of Plumbing work including radiators and underfloor heating
– Solar Installation
– Design & planning ideas to get the look you are after
– Electrical works
– Alter / Install walls, dropped ceilings and hang doors
– Plastering, woodwork and floor levelling
Visit our FB page on the link below to be inspired
https://www.facebook.com/hanningtons.kitchens.and.bathrooms/
Call us : 669 665 156
Email us: hanningtons.bathrooms@gmail.com ; Our contact details can be found in the Sponsor’s Section at the bottom of every issue.

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MANDY’S PAINTBOX

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:
The BluCee team are now back in Málaga after spending three busy days in London for the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition talking to buyers from all over the UK and globe.
Our founder and co-owner Michelle Conner was on the main stage daily as a property specialist guest speaker with the presenters Laura Hamilton and Jasmine Harman as well as Amanda Lamb who returned as a special guest to celebrate 20 years of the A Place in the Sun Live exhibitions.
We have new clients coming over in the coming weeks and months who are looking for properties in the Axarquía and Costa del Sol.
Are you selling your property? List with us now! Our qualified buyers are looking for a range of properties from fincas with land to villas to apartments both inland and coastal. Don’t miss out.
Contact BluCee Real Estate today
0034 951 553 890 / WhatsApp 0034 711 042 727
Web: http://www.blucee.com/
Email: info@blucee.com
Or visit our office Calle Timon 11B, Torre del Mar (opposite the Taj Mahal restaurant).
BluCee Real Estate are a DigameXtra sponsor so our contact details are shown here every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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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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NEWS & ARTICLES

(Click the link to read the full article)
{ Translations by www.DeepL.com/Translator }

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SPAIN

Hundreds in Madrid attend pro-EU demonstration while by some estimates hundreds of thousands brave the rain to attend anti-Sanchez protest the next day: {Translations, summaries}
– Hundreds of people have concentrated in Madrid this Sunday to ask for a “greater integration” of the European Union and to “safeguard” the values of Europe and its social democracy. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-concentracion-madrid-pide-mayor-integracion-union-europea-salvaguardar-valores-europa-20250511142227.html

– Many thousands of people have participated this Saturday in the protest at the Madrid Plaza de Colón demanding that the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, resigns and call new elections. The organizers calculate about 200,000 attendees, and the socialist government delegation, who the protests targeted, estimates 25,000. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-miles-personas-exigen-madrid-dimision-sanchez-elecciones-ya-protesta-secundada-pp-vox-20250510151112.html

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The self-employed, in danger of extinction with Sánchez: {Translation}
– The self-employed worker in Spain is arguably one of the groups most mistreated by the Public Administration, being among those who work the longest hours per week and endure some of the worst working conditions in our country. Added to this is the fact that in recent years, Pedro Sánchez’s government has done nothing but increase self-employed social security contributions, as we have previously reported in Libre Mercado. Given these conditions, it is hardly surprising that the proportion of self-employed workers in Spain has been steadily declining for decades, as we will explore below.
– Thanks to a recent report by Funcas, prepared by Máximo Camacho and Ana Rodríguez-Santiago, we can observe the evolution of self-employed workers in Spain from 1979 to the present. Funcas [https://www.funcas.es/en/about-us/], is a ‘think tank’ center for analysis dedicated to economic and social research in Spain and the EU. The following graph shows what percentage of total employment self-employed workers represent from 1979 to 2024.– As shown in the graph, in the 1990s, the proportion of self-employed workers relative to total workers in Spain was around 25%, meaning that 25% of workers were self-employed in 1990. Of these, nearly all were self-employed without employees, accounting for almost 20% of total employment. Currently, this percentage has fallen to just below 15% of total employment in Spain, although there is now a higher proportion of self-employed workers with employees, representing approximately 4% of total employment.
– Although this decline has occurred steadily across Spain, we see that it has not been uniform when analysed by autonomous community.

– As we can see, the weight of self-employed employment as a percentage of total employment in each autonomous community has not been (and is not) the same in every region. For instance, self-employed employment carries much more weight in Andalusia (approximately 20%) than in Madrid (approximately 10%), although in both communities, this percentage has remained more or less stable over these 45 years.
– However, there are regions where self-employed employment has plummeted, such as Aragon, where it has gone from representing 30% to 10%, Castilla y León, where it has fallen from over 30% to below 20% currently, or Galicia, where the same has occurred as in Castilla y León. The case of Extremadura is particularly significant, as it has dropped from above 30% to around 15%.
– On the one hand, self-employment with employees follows a procyclical pattern, meaning this type of employment grows more during economic expansions and falls during crises. However, self-employment without employees follows a different, countercyclical path, as this type of employment decreases during expansions and increases during economic crises. “The only exceptions to this pattern correspond to singular periods, characterised by deep recessions or particularly weak economic recoveries. These results are consistent with the idea that most necessity-driven entrepreneurs belong to the group of self-employed without employees, while employers are typically opportunity-driven entrepreneurs,” the economists state.
– In summary, we see that the number of self-employed workers compared to the total workforce in Spain has been falling for decades, becoming more pronounced under Pedro Sánchez’s tenure and reaching the historic low we have today.
***The Situation In Andalusia***
– Andalusia stands out as one of the autonomous communities where self-employed employment retains significant weight, contributing approximately 20% to total employment, notably higher than Madrid’s 10%. Andalusia’s proportion has remained relatively stable over the past 45 years. This stability suggests a stronger cultural or economic reliance on self-employment in Andalusia, possibly driven by sectors like agriculture, tourism, or small-scale commerce, which are prominent in the region.
– However, this does not exempt Andalusia from the broader national trend of declining self-employment, exacerbated by Sánchez’s policies, such as increased social security contributions. These policies likely strain Andalusian self-employed workers, who, despite their relative resilience, face the same administrative burdens and economic pressures as their counterparts elsewhere, risking further erosion of this vital economic segment in the region. Source, Spanish: https://www.libremercado.com/2025-05-11/doming-los-autonomos-en-peligro-de-extincion-con-sanchez-7252779/

ANDALUCÍA

Andalusia successfully exports the Iberian lynx to the rest of Spain: {Translation, summary}
– The Iberian lynx, once confined to Andalusia’s Doñana and Andújar, has become a conservation success, with nearly 2,000 individuals recorded in 2023, up from just 100 in 2002. Now present in five Spanish autonomous communities, including non-historical areas like Murcia, Palencia, and Cuenca, and in Portugal, the species has benefited from recovery efforts that began in Andalusia.
– The Iberlince programme (2011-2018) and Life Lynx Connect have driven reintroductions in regions like Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, and southern Portugal, achieving a 20% annual population growth rate. Connecting isolated populations through intermediate groups is a key focus to ensure genetic diversity and resilience.
– Reintroductions, vital to this process, require suitable habitats, ample rabbit populations, and social acceptance. However, opposition from hunting and agricultural sectors has stalled plans in regions like Catalonia, Aragon, and Zamora, driven by fears of restrictions, increased estate access, or unrelated political issues. To address this, engagement sessions between communities currently promoting lynx expansion and those opposed aim to build trust and demonstrate the minimal disruption to local practices.
– Looking ahead, achieving a “favourable conservation status” requires 4,400–5,500 lynxes, including 1,100 breeding females, and eight new population areas. Potential expansion zones include Castilla y León, Aragon, Madrid, and Catalonia, with a focus on Mediterranean Iberia due to better rabbit populations, though the Cantabrian coast is unsuitable.The programme, progressing faster than anticipated, is halfway to its goal, but long-term success hinges on overcoming social resistance and maintaining habitat suitability. Patience and trust-building remain critical to ensuring the Iberian lynx’s continued recovery across the peninsula. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/andalucia-exporta-exito-lince-iberico-espana_0_2003892183.html

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SATSE estimates that Andalusia requires 6,000 nurses to reach the Spanish average: {Translation, summary}
– SATSE, the Andalusian nursing union, has urged the regional government to improve nurses’ working conditions and salaries to ensure safe, quality healthcare, citing a shortage of 6,000 nurses in the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) to meet Spain’s average. Ahead of International Nurses Day on May 12, SATSE highlighted Andalusia’s low nurse-to-population ratio of 5.51 per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to Europe’s 8.5. Hospitals fare worse with 3.03 nurses per 1,000, the lowest nationally, and primary care also trails the national average. A SATSE study estimates a need for 6,000 new nurses to match Spain and 23,000 for Europe, rising to 34,000 with private healthcare included. SAS data shows a workforce reduction of 788 nurses between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025, with Málaga losing 273, followed by other provinces.
– This shortage creates unsustainable workloads, threatening patient safety and staff health. SATSE warns of a talent drain, with 3,252 nurses leaving Andalusia in a year, and demands a plan to boost permanent staffing to national and European standards. The union also calls for updating the SAS Employment Pool, stagnant since 2021, and for stable contracts and better pay. Despite approved measures like the Professional Career agreement, implementation lags. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/satse-estima-andalucia-precisa-6_0_2003910625.html

AXARQUÍA

The Viñuela-Axarquia water system lowered from severe shortage to severe drought with the reservoir at 50% of its capacity: {Translation, summary}
– The Viñuela-Axarquía system, managed by Andalusia’s Hidrosur, is seeing some relief from drought but remains under strain. The scarcity level has dropped from critical to severe, indicating there are still “dwindling resources and challenges meeting demands”. The BOJA outlines potential actions: conserving water, reducing supplies, allowing temporary water rights exchanges, and enhancing environmental monitoring. Reaching “normal” status hinges on achieving only a “moderate scarcity”.
– Urban water use remains limited to 225 liters per person daily, subject to review. Urban supply prioritizes groundwater and surface water, with Chíllar wells delivering at least 60 liters per second, supplemented by the reservoir. Water transfers from Guadalhorce-Limonero are suspended. A planned commission meeting before summer could boost water allocations, potentially relaxing strict measures in Axarquía, such as bans on beach showers, footbaths, and garden irrigation, offering hope for less restrictive water use. Image: Hidrosur. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/sistema-vinuela-axarquia-pasa-de-escasez-grave-a-severa-por-la-sequia-con-el-embalse-al-50-de-su-capacidad/

MALAGA PROVINCE

100 years of delays is enough- The coast deserves a train says PP, details other demands: {Translation}
– The PP will bring an initiative to the Congress of Deputies to demand improvements in the province of Málaga, including a specific investment plan and timeline for developing the coastal train, as well as a subsidy for the AP-7 Costa del Sol toll.
– In the set of measures that the PP is requesting from the Government in the non-legislative motion, which will be debated and voted on Tuesday in the Transport Committee, they also include increasing the frequency of commuter trains; adding a third lane on the A-7 between Málaga, Rincón de la Victoria, and Vélez; and creating new access and exit points for the Costa del Sol motorway.
– The PP’s Deputy Secretary for Regional and Local Coordination and Electoral Analysis, Elías Bendodo, stated on Sunday that Tuesday will provide an opportunity to see the stance of other parliamentary groups with Málaga representatives, questioning whether the PSOE “will vote against the interests of Málaga’s residents,” referring to the coastal train proposal. According to Bendodo, so far there has only been “disregard, neglect, and punishment” on this issue, and “when Málaga began to mobilise on this, Minister Puente got nervous and first claimed there had never been a train project, when the first one dates back a hundred years.”
– “Now he talks about studies and then meetings,” Bendodo added, referring to Puente, whom he described as a “tweeting minister who only focuses on blocking and insulting people and projects for this province.”
– {Estimates vary, but even if eventually approved, a completion of a coastal train project before 2050 is said to be unlikely without giving the project the highest priority, and providing project funding immediately. -Ed.} Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/pp-llevara-congreso-reclamacion-tren-litoral_0_2003911075.html

NERJA

Nerja prepares for the pilgrimage of San Isidro 2025: {Translation, Summary}
– Nerja’s San Isidro Pilgrimage 2025, set for Thursday, 15 May. The celebrations will begin at 11:00 with the traditional Mass at El Salvador Church, featuring the Peña Nerjeña choir. After the Mass, a tribute to farmers will take place at the church entrance, with performances by the Peña Nerjeña and the Nerja and Maro Folk Group.
– At 12:00, the pilgrimage to the Nerja Cave site will commence, accompanied by pipers and drummers throughout the route.
– Arrival at the site is expected around 15:00, where the Senior Citizens’ Folk Group will honour San Isidro with traditional dances before the statue of San Isidro is placed in its chapel.
– The Nerja Town Council invites residents of Nerja, Maro, and visitors to join this traditional festivity, which pays tribute to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/nerja-se-prepara-para-la-romeria-de-san-isidro-2025/

RONDA

Tuesday the blasting on the hillside of the Ronda-San Pedro road begins: {Translation, summary}
– The Board starts on Tuesday the blasting to eliminate the rocks of greater size and stabilize the slope of the Ronda road to San Pedro Alcántara.
– The operation, which will be coordinated with the Civil Guard, will be carried out by an expert in blasting, after obtaining in recent days the authorization of both the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines and the Subdelegation of the Government of the Board in Malaga.
Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/provincia/junta-iniciara-martes-voladuras-estabilizar-carretera-ronda-san-pedro_0_2003910283.html

UKRAINE WAR

Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to meet Russia for negotiations but only if ceasefire agreed first:
– Volodymyr Zelensky {pic} said it was a “positive sign” that Russia was considering ending the war in Ukraine after Russia offered “direct talks” this coming Thursday. His comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Ukraine to take part in “serious negotiations” in a late-night address.
– But the Ukrainian president said: “We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire – complete, lasting and credible – starting tomorrow, 12 May, and Ukraine is ready to meet.”
– Western powers had called for a 30-day pause in fighting to begin on Monday after European leaders spearheading the so-called “coalition of the willing” met in Kyiv on Saturday.
– A key aide to Zelensky said there must be a ceasefire before direct talks over ending the war – which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 – could take place. “First a ceasefire for 30 days, then everything else,” Andriy Yermak said. “Russia must not camouflage its desire to continue the war with verbal contortions.”
– But Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova insisted talks should occur before a ceasefire. “Putin was clear- first negotiations about the root causes [of the conflict], then talk of ceasefire,” she said. {So once again Ukraine makes an agreement only to sabotage it minutes later at a press conference. Same as Zelensky did on multiple occasions with the rare earth mineral deals done with Trump. -Ed.} Full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce821nl3251o

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HUMOUR & DIVERSIONS

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Last updated May 11, 2025, 23:37 UTC

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Fun & Games

Useful Links, Info & Numbers

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

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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Home Page – Based in Torrox Costa, near the bus station.

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DigameXtra No. 3004 WEEKEND EDITION Friday, May 9th, 2025

On May 9, 2025May 9, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

The Most Popular English Language Daily Newsletter In Andalucia

SUBMISSIONS INFO & RULES PAGE LINK

DONATIONS INFO 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.

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What’s On

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Nerja Coworking’s ‘Art & Wine’ event: Sat, 10 May, 7-9pm
Join us for a lively Art & Wine event with Tinto del Arte!
Artist Katie will guide and assist you as you paint on a 40×50 cm canvas (materials provided).
Enjoy 2 hours of painting at Nerja Coworking, Plaza de España.
As you paint, indulge in unlimited wine and non-alcoholic alternatives, alongside a delightful assortment of snacks including cheeses, grapes, olives, fruit, and more.
No experience necessary. Info & tix (€45/50): https://www.tintodelarte.es/event-details/art-wine-nerja-10-may-2025

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Boogie Wonderland- 70’s Extravaganza At Salon Varietes Theater, Fuengirola: Sun, 11 May 7pm
Back by popular demand for one night only! The 70’s are brought back to life by Boogie Wonderland, with hits from artists including Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye, Kool `n` the Gang, Earth, Wind & Fire, Boney M, Jackson 5, James Brown, and The Temptations.
For performance times and tickets visit [https://salonvarietes.com/live/show-details.php?id_show=747] OR call 952474542, Monday – Friday 11am-2:30pm, OR in person at the box office Monday to Friday, from 11am-2:30pm.

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Periana Fiesta y Romería de San Isidro 2025:
The Festival will be held from May 14 to 18, 2025 and the pilgrimage from May 23 to 25, 2025.
It is an opportunity to live at the rhythm of traditional, popular and typical festivities.
See full schedule of events: https://www.andaluciamia.com/es/tours/feria-de-san-isidro-en-periana-pueblo-de-la-costa-del-sol-en-la-axarquia/

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Eco-Fest, Dee Fest Granada 2025: New Date Announced
Sat, 7 June, 5pm-3am
Headliners: Kiko Veneno, Derby Motoreta’s Burrito Kachimba, Repion, and Los Mejillones Tigre
It is the only Festival of Granada and its metropolitan area that takes place in a natural environment, the Park of the Dílar Hermitage, a few meters from the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and with very clear objectives: Respect the environment, live nature and enjoy music.
Info & tix (€25/30): https://www.redentradas.com/?entradas=&eid=2470

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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
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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.
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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:
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. 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 ; We are DigameXtra sponsors, so our contact info can be found everyday in the Sponsor’s Section.

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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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BOOK RELEASE BY BERKELEY FENNE – “THE RECTIFIER”

THE RECTIFIER – A NOVEL WITH A LOCAL CONNECTION By Axarquia Resident, Berkeley Fenne
After serving in Afghanistan, Bosnia and for the British Government, ex-SAS Army Captain, Stuart Reece, wanted nothing more than to retire to his villa and enjoy a peaceful life, basking in the beauty of southern Spain and spend some time researching the locations where he served and the ‎drug trade from Afghanistan. On one such fine day, he is shot, he survives the attempt to eliminate ‎him. Reece is now determined to find the hitman. He later discovers that what he had begun to ‎uncover was only the tip of the iceberg. Reece starts chasing an international drug trafficking ‎business and all of its tentacles. Thus begins the race to reach the roots of all evil. Travelling ‎through southern Spain to the Balkans, eastern Europe and into Asia, he realises that the hunt was ‎leading him back to where traumatic memories of war and violence had scarred him, in ‎Afghanistan. With the events unfolding, ‘The Rectifier’ brings light to the underworld drug ‎trafficking business, terrorism, and how greed for power and money can shift even those that are ‎our protectors into traffickers and criminals.
The Rectifier is the first of a Trilogy of Stuart Reece thriller books. ‎
Berkeley Fenne A retired senior company director latterly a business consultant, he had provided ‎guidance and support to a variety and diverse range of companies. He designed and delivered a ‎business improvement programme with accompanying reference manual, which inspired the ‎beginning of fiction novel writing. Fenne is a Spanish resident, appreciating the opportunity to write ‎in the pleasant surroundings of southern Spain.
Available from: Amazon Books – Pegasus Publishing – berkeleyfenne@gmail.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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Here are the graphs for DigameXtra’s website (not email issues)- visits and user devices for last Wednesday, 7/5/25:

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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

Landmark ruling! The bank will have to pay you back if you are scammed by phishing: {Translation}
– The “phishing” is one of the most used techniques in Spain, where cybercriminals impersonate companies, gov’t agencies, banks, delivery agents, etc. to deceive users through emails.
– Spain’s Supreme Court has set an important legal precedent that protects victims of digital fraud, such as phishing, by ruling that banks are obliged to refund money stolen in these circumstances, unless they can prove gross negligence on the part of the customer.
– The judicial decision upholds a previous ruling in favour of a user who had over €83,000 withdrawn from their account without consent, despite having acted with all due diligence. Organisations like the OCU have warmly welcomed this ruling: “It is good news for all users, and we at OCU celebrate it as such.”
– According to the ruling, any payment made under the influence of deception will not be considered authorised, and therefore, the bank must replace the stolen funds. This measure represents strong support for the rights of consumers who suffer these increasingly sophisticated and hard-to-detect attacks.
– The high court points to a near-objective liability of the payment service provider, i.e., the bank, which can only avoid responsibility if it proves that the transaction was properly authenticated, recorded, without technical failures, and that the customer acted with intent or gross negligence.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court highlights the obligation of banks to have effective systems for detecting and blocking suspicious activities to prevent high-risk transactions. In other words, it is not enough to blame the customer: banks must take on their share of technological and preventive responsibility. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1895110/sentencia-historica-el-banco-tendra-que-devolverte-el-dinero-si-te-estafan-por-phishing/
More detailed article, in Spanish: https://www.eldiario.es/economia/supremo-obliga-bancos-responsabilizarse-robos-phising-si-cliente-no-sido-descuidado_1_12278081.html

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New population record in Spain, with 49,153,849 inhabitants in the first quarter of 2025, thanks to foreigners: {Translation, summary}
– The population of Spain has registered a new historical record to 49,153,849 inhabitants in the first quarter of 2025, with an increase of 75,865, thanks especially to the increase in foreign population (95,363 more), as can be seen from the continuous population statistics that the National Statistics Institute (INE) has published on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Spanish population diminished in 19,498 people.
– Meanwhile, the population born abroad, from 9,498,002 people, was greater than that of foreign nationality, of 6,947,711, due to the processes of acquisitions of Spanish nationality. For its part, the number of foreigners increased by 95,363 people during the quarter, to 6,947,711. The population of Spanish nationality decreased by 19,498. In annual terms, the estimated population growth was 429,977 people.
– The main nationalities of immigrants during the first quarter of 2025 were the Colombian (with 39,800 arrivals in Spain), the Moroccan (25,900) and the Venezuelan (25,000).
– Meanwhile, the most numerous nationalities of the emigrants were the Moroccan (with 13,900 departures), the Colombian (13,500) and the Spanish (10,300).
– By communities, during the first quarter of 2025 the population grew in almost all autonomous communities and in the autonomous city of Melilla. Instead, it descended in the Balearic Islands, Extremadura and the Autonomous City of Ceuta. The greatest increases were given in the Community of Madrid (0.45%), the Valencian Community (0.37%) and the Region of Murcia (0.26%).
– Finally, INE statistics reveals that the number of households stood at 19,523,824 to April 1, 2025, with an increase of 26,698 during the first quarter of 2025. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/sociedad/noticia-nuevo-record-poblacion-espana-49153849-habitantes-primer-trimestre-2025-gracias-extranjeros-20250508112722.html

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Spaniards believe that justice favors politicians and is not impartial when she judges them, according to the CIS: {Translation}
– Almost 80% of Spaniards believe that justice is not always impartial in judicial processes that affect political parties and about 90% maintain that the judicial estates do not treat politicians equal to the current citizens, as can be seen from the study on the quality of democracy published by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS).
– Specifically, 78% of the interviewed persons disagree with the claim that in the judicial processes that affect political parties “justice is always impartial”, while 89.8% maintain that justice does not treat a politician equally as a normal citizen.
– In addition, 78.5% points out that justice also does not act the same before a rich person as a poor person. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-espanoles-creen-justicia-favorece-politicos-no-imparcial-cuando-les-juzga-cis-20250508125304.html

ANDALUCÍA

Andalusian reservoirs are close to 61% with a reserve much higher than in the last decade: {Translation}
– Andalusian reservoirs have increased to 60.53% of their storage capacity after gaining 27 cubic hectometres in the past week, reaching a total of 6,708 cubic hectometres, according to data provided by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, as reported by Europa Press.
– The reserves exceed the percentage recorded at this time in 2024 by 16.6 points, when they stood at 4,862 cubic hectometres and 43.8% of their total capacity.
– Andalusian reserves continue to surpass the average for the past ten years. They are 846 cubic hectometres above the average for this period, which stands at 5,862 cubic hectometres and a level of 52.9% of capacity. For yet another week, all water management areas remain above the average values of the last decade.
*DETAILED DATA BY BASIN*
– Based on the latest data provided by the Ministry, the reservoirs in the Guadalquivir basin, the largest in the region, now hold 4,916 cubic hectometres after gaining 16 in seven days. With this increase, they have reached 61.2% of their capacity and exceed the ten-year average (4,182 cubic hectometres). Compared to the previous year, this water reserve has gained 1,124 cubic hectometres, as the amount of water stored at this time last year was 3,792 cubic hectometres.
– The Andalusian Mediterranean Basin has risen to 56.9% of its capacity, after gaining 12 cubic hectometres in a week, reaching 669 cubic hectometres. Its reserve is 300 cubic hectometres higher than the same week in 2024, when it stood at 369 cubic hectometres, and it exceeds the ten-year average (603 cubic hectometres).
– The reservoirs of Tinto, Odiel, and Piedras in Huelva have gained one cubic hectometre and now stand at 211 cubic hectometres, with reserves at 92.1% of capacity. They also remain above the ten-year average (190 cubic hectometres) and have 17 cubic hectometres more than in the same week of 2024, when they reached 194 cubic hectometres.
– The hydrographic demarcation that includes the Guadalete-Barbate reservoirs in Cádiz has lost two cubic hectometres this week, recording 912 cubic hectometres, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. As a result, it stands at 55.2% of its total capacity. The reserve currently holds 405 cubic hectometres more than in the same week of 2024, when it was at 507 cubic hectometres, and remains above the ten-year average (887 cubic hectometres).
– Spain’s water reserve is at 77% of its total capacity, with reservoirs currently storing 43,144 cubic hectometres of water, having increased by 309 cubic hectometres in the past week (0.5% of the current total capacity of the reservoirs). Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1895192/los-pantanos-andaluces-rozan-el-61-con-una-reserva-muy-por-encima-de-la-ultima-decada/

MALAGA CITY

The new ordinance for the Malaga Fair prohibits the “botellón”, allows booths to deny access for swimware/sportsware/flip-flops, and establishes the schedule of the booths: {Translation}
– Botellón is a Spanish activity when people congregate in public areas to socialize while drinking alcohol.
– The Málaga August Fair has begun preparations with the publication of a new ordinance, which introduces changes for this year’s celebration. Booths (casetas) may prohibit entry to people wearing swimsuits or sports shorts, a new youth zone has been included, and in general, street drinking (botellón) has been banned in the city centre and the Real Cortijo de Torres fairground. The opening hours for the booths at the fairground have also been announced, starting from 2:00 PM, though the schedule for the city centre has not yet been specified.
– This new ordinance includes a ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in both Málaga’s Historic Centre and the Real Cortijo de Torres. Alcohol may only be consumed in designated areas, such as bars, restaurants, and booths. Additionally, businesses are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages for consumption outside their premises.
*New Features for the Fairground Booths*
– One of the notable points in the new ordinance is that it allows booths to deny entry to individuals wearing swimsuits and flip-flops or sports clothing.
– At the fairground, the booths are divided into the following zones: youth, family, horse boxes, and official booths. Regarding the first zone, a new category has been introduced this year: the “Alcohol-Free Youth” booth. Entry to the booths will be free and open to all. Furthermore, these booths must participate in the City Council’s “Málaga Free from Gender-Based Violence” campaign.
– The opening hours for the booths at the fairground will begin at 2:00 PM, with closing times between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM, except on public holidays and the eves of public holidays, when they may close at 7:00 AM. The schedule for the Historic Centre has not yet been announced and will be set by the Local Government Board.
*Schedule for Horse Riders*
– The ordinance stipulates that the official schedule for horse and carriage parades at the fairground begins at 12:00 PM and ends at 7:30 PM, ensuring that by 8:00 PM, the area is clear and clean.
– The ordinance also covers the conduct of the parade (walking or trotting), unauthorised vehicles (such as motorised vehicles that have been modified), the attire of riders and coachmen, and the requirement to comply with current animal welfare regulations. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/nueva-ordenanza-feria-malaga-2025_0_2003890820.html

TORROX

Torrox Fiesta de la Primavera (spring festival) 2025 “Origen”: {Translation, summary}
– The City Council of Torrox has presented this Thursday a new edition of its awaited Spring Festival, which this year will be held under the name ‘Origen’ and will take place on Saturday, May 10, from 16.00 to 2.00 hours, in the Plaza Picasso. A day designed for young and family audiences, with a strong musical and cultural component that seeks to consolidate this event as a local reference.
– During the event, the lineup of artists who will give life to the day has been unveiled: ZEPHS, Daniel Jimenez, Elias Moreno and Antonio Lara, four names that stand out for their links with urban music, electronic and emerging talent.
Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/torrox-presenta-su-fiesta-de-la-primavera-2025-una-celebracion-con-sello-joven-y-musical-bajo-el-lema-origen/

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V Día de la Moto- Villa de Torrox is Sun, 11 May: {Translation, summary}
– The V Motorcycle Day Villa de Torrox expects about a thousand participants, as indicated during the presentation of the event, for the benefit of the Friendship Workshop, to be held this coming Sunday, May 11.
– Motorcycle route through the town, exhibitions, a concert, exhibitions, awards and tasting a plate of migas with salad arriera, among other things, make up the program of activities.
– The day will feature the participation of the pilot Placido Perez (Exhibitions 666), the presentation of Reverend Seven (La Mega and Gas), the concert of the group Aljama and music by Dj Worzel. In addition, there will be exhibitions of motorcycles, clothing and merchandising stand and awards for the oldest motorcycle, the newest and for the motorcycle club with more registered. As explained by the Councillor for Sports, registration will take place from 10:00 am on Sunday at the Avenida del Faro de Torrox Costa, from where participants will leave at 11:30 am to go through El Peñoncillo, the historic center of Torrox, El Morche and arrival, again, to the aforementioned avenue, where the party and concentration will take place. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/presentado-el-v-dia-de-la-moto-villa-de-torrox/

NERJA

JapFestival 2 Salón de Manga de Nerja: {Translation}
– Saturday, May 17, the Enrique López Cuenca Pavilion in Nerja will host the JapFestival 2 Salón de Manga de Nerja, an event that will be held from 10:00 to 21:00 hours. Throughout the day, there will be various activities, such as a cosplay contest, at the same time there will be stalls to buy items and restoration related to manga and anime. There will also be the participation of dubbing actors and the outstanding performance of Aineberri. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-pabellon-enrique-lopez-cuenca-se-prepara-para-el-japfestival-2-salon-de-manga-de-nerja/

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

Vélez-Málaga to add even more video surveillance cameras after major camera installation just a month ago, no public vote, just a committee of non-experts (El Consejo Social de Vélez-Málaga) approves €50,000 more (approx. 40 new cameras?): {Translation}
– The Social Council of Velez-Malaga has become one of the elements of vital importance for making decisions that affect the development of the different lines of action for the progress of the municipality. This has been witnessed by the mayor of Velez, Jesus Lupiñez, who has claimed the value of “the confrontation of ideas between the different strata of our municipality and the possibility of finding links in solving problems and proposing new proposals for the future of Velez-Malaga”.
– In this line of “necessary consensus and dialogue”, the first mayor of the town has announced the allocation of an amount of 50,000 euros from the municipal coffers for the purchase of new video surveillance cameras, which will result in “a more comprehensive monitoring of the conditions of daily life in the municipality”, in order to preserve the safety of residents and visitors, reduce incidents or criminal acts, traffic density or traffic congestion, among others. These new devices are added to the cameras installed last Easter.
– The agreement reached by the Social Council of the City, in session held on Monday, May 5, will mean the allocation of this economic item to the purchase of some very useful tools and with an intelligent management circuit that will facilitate the management of urban traffic in an effective and functional way, through recording units that will allow to keep track of possible incidents in strategic locations of the municipality, since, as highlighted by the alderman, “the installation is carried out taking into account the areas of large influx of vehicles and pedestrians”.
– Social Council. Jesús Lupiáñez has put in value the nature of the agreement, since it is a decision “fruit of the consensus between the different agents that take part of the Social Council of the City”, which, in his opinion, “supposes a great satisfaction, that this organ is the one that also adopts this type of decisions of municipal matters that affect the social welfare of our land”.
– This measure represents a firm and decisive step forward by the current government team, in order to preserve a city “safer, from a control system that will allow, including, to address possible altercations or criminal situations arising in the locations that will be under the eye of the camera”. The new video surveillance devices will be set up progressively in each of the selected points, having already started in different local points.
– {These pro-grade cameras cost under €1000 each in bulk, the software and installation for the entire package another €300 per cam. So what are they installing with €50,000? Something like 40 new surveillance cams? Is that not a bit over the top? -Ed.} Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/el-consejo-social…

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Benamocarra San Isidro spring parties program: {Translation}
– Benamocarra already has its program for the Spring Festival of San Isidro ready and this Thursday morning has been presented in the Plenary Hall of the Town Hall of Benamocarra. The councilman of Fiestas, Daniel Galvez, along with councilors Jose Ramon Palomo and Pablo Lopez, have shown all the activities scheduled for 16, 17 and 18 May, which is full of surprises.
– This year, the opening speech will be given by Emilio Ortigosa, drummer for more than 15 years with the brotherhood of San Isidro de Benamocarra.
– As a highlight, on Friday May 16 at 00:30h will have the performance of the Sevillian group revelation in social networks “ASERE” with their songs La Rizos, Mi Morena and A Pasito Lento.
– A day later, on Saturday May 17 at the same time, Merche brings to the town his Deluxe tour of greatest hits “Abre tu mente ahora”, with which he is sweeping in cities like Madrid and Cadiz, getting Sold Out, acting in the Plaza de Toros de Benamocarra for free.
– Yulen El Peluquero returns with his show “El humor es una cosa muy seria”, promising laughter to our neighbors after being a success in previous performances.
– For the older ones, on Saturday at 17:00 h, performance of a copla show in the Plaza de la Música and as a main course, on Sunday Rocío Guerra brings a great tribute to Isabel Pantoja called ‘Mi Garlochí’.
– For its part, the youngest will have the already popular night party ‘Benadance Primavera’ in the bullring of Benamocarra, with the performance of local DJ’s and live entertainment, both Friday and Saturday.
– The Pilgrimage 2025, will be held on May 31 and June 1 and as a highlight will have the road to the ‘Coto Escolar Maestro Santiago Jaén de Dios’. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/merche-artista-destacada-en-las-fiestas-de-primavera-de-san-isidro-2025-en-benamocarra/

EUROPE

German interior minister orders migrants to be turned away at border:
– New German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has ordered that migrants be immediately turned away at the border, signalling a sharp shift in the country’s immigration policy and fulfilling a key campaign promise of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
– Police have been instructed to turn people away directly at the border, Dobrindt announced at a press conference on Wednesday, with exceptions for children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups.
– Migration dominated Germany’s election campaign, and Merz pledged to have illegal migrants turned back at the border on his first day in office.
– In 2015 former Chancellor Angela Merkel decided not to reject migrants at the border. Instead, the local authorities were tasked with processing all asylum seekers. Dobrindt is now reversing that policy.
– Persons without identification documents – including those seeking to apply for asylum – should be refused entry, the Chair of the Federal Police Union, Heiko Teggatz, confirmed to the German media outlet MDR.
– To manage the additional workload at the border, the German government plans to strengthen its border police. “It is clear that we want to take stronger action against illegal migration. This must mean that we deploy more police at the borders”, Dobrindt said.
– According to German media, 3,000 additional federal police officers are planned to support border control efforts. The border police contingent will be doubled, and mobile control units deployed, according to information seen by the German news outlet Spiegel.
– “A clear signal to Europe that politics in Germany has changed,” the interior minister stated. Full article: https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/german-interior-minister-orders-migrants-to-be-turned-away-at-border/

SPACE

Exploring the Cosmic Cliffs in 3D:
– The landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” known as the Cosmic Cliffs is actually a portion of the nebula Gum 31, which contains a young star cluster called NGC 3324. Both Gum 31 and NGC 3324 are part of a vast star-forming region known as the Carina Nebula Complex.
– Ultraviolet light and stellar winds from the stars of NGC 3324 have carved a cavernous area within Gum 31. A portion of this giant bubble is seen above the Cosmic Cliffs. (The star cluster itself is outside this field of view.)
– The Cliffs display a misty appearance, with “steam” that seems to rise from the celestial mountains. In actuality, the wisps are hot, ionized gas and dust streaming away from the nebula under an onslaught of relentless ultraviolet radiation.
– Eagle-eyed viewers may also spot particularly bright, yellow streaks and arcs that represent outflows from young, still-forming stars embedded within the Cosmic Cliffs. The latter part of the visualization sequence swoops past a prominent protostellar jet in the upper right of the image. Full article: https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/new-visualization-from-nasas-webb-telescope-explores-cosmic-cliffs/ & Video Link

TRAVEL

Goodbye motorhomes! No free camping! The tough penalties they may face in Europe: {Translation}
– In Spain, it is common to see a large number of citizens travelling thousands of kilometres in their motorhomes, enjoying nature and the most beautiful corners of our country. However, this practice has recently been facing various restrictions in certain European countries, such as Greece, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, among others.
– Why are these restrictions being imposed? The countries mentioned above have already taken steps in this regard. These territories have limited, or even banned, impromptu parking in certain natural areas or free camping. The reasons include preventing extreme tourist overcrowding, addressing the growing environmental impact, and responding to numerous complaints from local residents, among other issues.
– Which country has implemented the most measures so far?
In this case, we will focus on Greece. Through legislation that has already been approved and implemented, Greece prohibits motorhome parking in forests, beaches, and natural parks, as well as restricting overnight stays in such vehicles on private land or properties.
*Restrictions in other European countries*
– In countries like Luxembourg and the Netherlands, free camping is completely prohibited, meaning motorhomes can only park in specifically designated areas. These zones are monitored by local authorities, who ensure that tourists comply with the country’s regulations.
– In the United Kingdom, there is currently no specific legislation banning these activities. However, over time, several local councils have started introducing more restrictive rules. For example, in cities like Lancashire, motorhome users are prohibited from parking in the St Annes area from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
– Switzerland, meanwhile, is one of the strictest countries regarding this activity, adopting one of the toughest stances in Europe: overnight parking is completely banned, and checks are increasingly frequent. However, there are designated areas where camping is permitted.
– Lastly, in Italy’s most tourist-heavy areas, such as Cinque Terre, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast, there is no outright ban yet, but signs have started appearing to prevent motorhome parking.
– What are the penalties? This is the million-dollar question for enthusiasts of this practice. Failing to comply with these regulations in certain European countries could hit your wallet hard, as, under normal circumstances, it is punishable by a fine of €300 for “failing to protect the natural environment,” according to local authorities. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/motor/movilidad/adios-autocaravanas-sanciones-podrian-enfrentar-amantes-naturaleza-estacionar-europa-5707232/

RELIGION

Cardinal Robert Prevost elected first American-born pope, takes name Pope Leo XIV:
– Habemus papam — and he’s American! Cardinal Robert Frances Prevost (liberal democrat), who was born in Chicago and attended Villanova University, has been selected as the first pontiff from the United States. Prevost — a mathematics graduate of Villanova University outside Philadelphia — has been leading the Vatican’s bishop vetting and appointment process since 2023, which has given him a unique standing among the cardinals who were present for the conclave.
– Since arriving in Rome for that position, he has helped oversee the rollout of many of Francis’ more progressive reforms — notably playing a part in allowing women to vote on bishop selections. He also spent much of his career working in Peru — where he also holds citizenship — and was appointed to numerous leadership positions across the world by Francis, indicating the former pope had long had his eye on Prevost as a possible successor. Full article: https://nypost.com/2025/05/08/world-news/american-born-cardinal-robert-prevost-elected-pope/

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CHURCHES & WORSHIP

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

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NEW LIFE CHURCH

New Life Church:
– Sunday Service:
Whether you live in Nerja or are visiting our area, you are very welcome to come and join us on Sundays at 11.00am. Join us for a time of Holy Spirit led worship and experience the presence of our God. Our teaching is Bible based as we honour God and obey His Word. During this time of uncertainty, God’s Word reminds us that the Gospel shines brightest in times of darkness. Our service lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins. With Tea and Coffee afterwards.
– Prayer Meeting:
You are also welcome to join our prayer meetings on Wednesday mornings at 11.00am for 1 hour, where we meet for prayer and worship.
– Jesus said: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me”. (John 14:6)
Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja, 29780. Directions: Click Here
Email: info@nlcnerja.com
Website: www.nlcnerja.com ; Facebook

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El Puente Christian Fellowship (Vélez-Málaga): We are a friendly, multi-national, Bible believing community of Christ. We meet each Sunday at 11am to worship the Lord. We enjoy a time of worship with contemporary songs and traditional hymns, and a message brought to us by our Pastor, one of our members or a visiting speaker.
The church meeting hall is situated at: Res: El Olivar 5, 8 Bajo 1, Calle Arbequin, Velez Malaga 29700.
Full directions and further information can be found on our Facebook page, or you can contact us by email on elpuentechristianfellowship@gmail.com or by phone on 665626342.
For those who cannot join us in person, we aim to stream Sunday services via the Facebook page (subject to a good internet connection).

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Humour & Diversions Section

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Useful Links, Info & Numbers

Taxi
Nerja 952 524 519
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Frigiliana: 952 533 231

Phone numbers for emergencies
Emergency Services.: 112
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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

Check All Lottery Results Here: Updated daily.
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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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DigameXtra No. 3003 Thursday, May 8th, 2025

On May 8, 2025May 7, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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May Editor’s Holiday: Friday, 16 May.
DigameXtra will be closed.
Items scheduled for Friday, 16 May, will appear one day early, in the Thursday, 15 May issue. Submissions for the Thursday, 15 May issue must be received by 6pm Wednesday, 14 May.

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What’s On

Tell them you saw it on DigameXtra!

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Concert in Cómpeta- Duo Choconilla: Fri, 9 May, 10pm
La Carpinteria Bar
Av. de la Constitución 14, 29754 Cómpeta. FB Link

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Flamenco nights return to La Bamba:
Sat, May 17, 10pm at Café Pub La Bamba
Cruzada de los Caminos 29712, Viñuela
Live Flamenco Show:
Jose Roman – Guitar
Tati “La Molineta” – Dance
Eli Córdoba – Vocals
FB Link

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Flamenco Dance Extravaganza: Sat, 31 May, 7pm
House Of Culture Granada Puerta, 19, 18690 Almuñécar
With Noelia Calvo and Fran Calvo on dance; Edu López and Marta ‘La Niña’ on vocals; and José Quevedo ‘hijo’ on guitar (Video Link). A new show that puts on stage the essence of flamenco art.
Info & tix (€16.50): https://entradium.com/en/events/baile-flamenco

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Services Wanted/Offered

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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

BluCee Real Estate:
We are proactive, dynamic and creative. Listing properties for sale is our speciality and our passion.
Not only do we advertise on the leading major property websites, we attend international property exhibitions and are very active on social media.
50% of our buyers are Spanish and the other 50% are from all corners of the world. We do not focus on a particular nationality, we focus on selling!
Would you like a free realistic valuation?
Contact us, as we have the capability to take on more properties to advertise.
We speak Spanish, English, French, Dutch, German and Polish, and would love to speak with you!
info@blucee.com ; 0034 711042727 / 0034 951553890 ; Web: http://www.blucee.com/
Or pass by our office to have a no obligation chat!
Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29740
From 09.30 to 17.30 hrs, Monday and Friday.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09.30 to 20.00 hrs.
For an appointment outside of our opening times please contact us.
We cover the whole coast line and inland.
BluCee Real Estate are a DigameXtra sponsor so our contact details are shown here every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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AXARQUIA BUSINESS NETWORKING

Axarquia Business Networking:
We meet every Tuesday at 07:00 hrs at Lux Mundi in Torre del Mar.
Helping English-speaking businesses grow locally and internationally. The networking is open to local businesses and the self-employed who are looking for support, assistance, and wanting to expand their networks.
Over the past few weeks we have shared each others’ successes, offered support and advice regarding that often nerve-wracking moment when you wonder whether you’ve quoted the right amount for the work. (We all know a lot more goes into quoting than the client sees).
Kelvin Chambers from Blevins Franks also gave us an update on the market fluctuations following Trump’s tariffs announcements.
The following week, we had some great marketing opportunities to share for members.
Plus, we had an interesting discussion about technology and how it helps or hinders our different professions.
Naturally, a lot of it centred around AI – but discussions about project management tools v post-it notes, pieces of paper v databases highlighted some interesting work behaviours!
We also shared future plans for an ‘open day’ and other plans for the Axarquia Business Networking group.
If you’d like to support, learn, brainstorm and grow your business, join us every Tuesday and start your day on a positive note. There is a small monthly cost to cover the use of the premise and drinks.
You will also receive business opportunities.
Drop us an email: AxarquiaBN@gmail.com
Please take a look at our website https://axarquiabusinessnetworking.com/
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Buy / Sell / Trade / Rent / Wanted

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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 
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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
– Bread maker by Prixton with Manual, used, vgc 35€
– Swan slow cooker, used, vgc 30€
– Large hammock approx 180 x 260 cms 40€. Contact Jackie/nerja 672170429
upcycling nerja at gmail dot com

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For Sale: 4 x Parasol stands, three are marble and very wind resistant and one is metal. €20.00 each for the marble ones.€12.00 for the metal one or €60 for all four.
Contact Annabel: 642107522, Canillas de Aceituno, buyer can collect or we can meet elsewhere.

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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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Congratulations: Congratulations on your 5000 edition!
Michael in Frigilliana

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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

Sánchez does not shed light on the blackout but warns that he will not change his energy model and pushes Agenda 2030 goals: {Translation}
– The causes that led to the major blackout on April 28th have still not come to light. Pedro Sánchez did not provide, as was to be expected, a single relevant piece of information on the matter in his appearance this Wednesday before the Congress of Deputies. His intervention had another purpose, to come out in defense of an energy model, his own, questioned these days from the first opposition party and part of the sector. “We are not going to deviate a single millimeter from the roadmap planned since 2018 -he warned-. Renewables are not only the future, they are our only option”.
– The Executive continues to argue that “rigor and prudence” oblige it not to rush when drawing conclusions from what happened and that is why it is reluctant to park even the hypothesis of cyber-attack, discarded last Tuesday by Red Eléctrica. Sanchez no longer mentioned it but what he did insist on was to fight the idea, based on the opinion of experts and raised in the previous reports of the semi-public company, that the system already had a problem of inadequacy to the excessive penetration of renewables against more stable energy, including nuclear.
– “I’m afraid the issue is more complex. That it is not black and white. And that linking this blackout to the nuclear debate is not only irresponsible, it is also a gigantic manipulation” recriminated the President of the Government pointing not only against the PP but also against some of the main energy companies. “They do not provide data. They only pontificate with the certainty of those who do not understand anything or those who do not want to understand, because they have sold their critical spirit to a good payer”, he added.
– The president argued that the necessary technology already exists to allow renewables, a priori more fickle, to fulfill the same role of inertia generation and voltage maintenance as the rest of synchronous energies (combined cycle, hydroelectric and nuclear), although he also admitted that the CNMC must complete its regulation for Red Eléctrica to enable 50% of the photovoltaic plants that already incorporate them. “The key is to bet on them and for private operators to make the necessary investments,” he said.
– He also shook off any blame in this matter with the argument that the government has been working on it for “seven years” already. “Since 2018, we have increased investments in electricity transmission infrastructure by 55% compared to the planning made by Mariano Rajoy’s executive. 522 million euros have been invested – he said – in digitizing the distribution network”.
– As he did the day after the blackout, this Wednesday Sánchez insisted on the message that in situations like the one experienced, nuclear can be more “a problem” than a solution and to try to deal with those who, like the former president of Red Eléctrica and former Socialist minister, Jordi Sevilla, have spoken of “renewable messianism” or branded him as dogmatic, he assured that he is willing to “listen” to the companies if “they agree among themselves” on a different schedule for the closure of nuclear plants than the current one because his government is a “dialoguing” government. However, he then made it clear that it will be difficult to convince him.
– Sánchez set three requirements for extending the life of the plants that will have to close in 2035: that the extension should guarantee the safety of the population; that the measure should be suitable for guaranteeing the security of the electricity supply, and that it should be “economically viable” and not at “the expense of the taxpayer’s pocket but of the ultra-rich who preside over these nuclear companies”. This last demand is the key because companies like Iberdrola or Endesa complain that what makes producing nuclear energy unprofitable is taxation, the tax on electricity generation and the Enresa fee for waste management.
– The president appealed to environmental but also economic reasons to defend his green transition. According to him, when he arrived at the Executive he came up against a model that taxed the sun, dumped millions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere and relied mainly on the consumption of hydrocarbons imported from abroad that cost 42,500 million euros every year; “twice -I argue- what we spend on unemployment benefits and 8 times what we spend on education”. Now, Spain has “one of the cheapest energies in Europe”, emits 60% less greenhouse gases and its degree of dependence on the exterior, he boasted, is six points lower. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/nacional/sanchez-afronta-cerco-congreso-rearme-apagon-20250507070942-ntrc_amp.html

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Feijóo reproaches Sánchez for “victimizing” himself when the “main party responsible” for the blackout was the Government and demands resignations: {Translation}
– More than a week after the massive blackout that affected the Peninsula for 12 hours, the opposition leader reproaches the president for coming to Congress with the “audacity to play the victim” without even offering answers about the causes of the network failure. Especially since “the main person responsible for there being electricity in Spain is the largest shareholder of the private operator, that is, the Government.” Thus, Alberto Núñez Feijóo {pic} defended the private operators and demanded resignations from “the entire leadership of the Ministry of Ecological Transition for their fanaticism and, of course, also from the president of Red Eléctrica,” the former socialist minister Beatriz Corredor. “Is he going to convince us that Red Eléctrica is public to protect colleagues and private when things go badly?” he questioned.
– The opposition leader denounced that there were 11 warnings in five years before the blackout, so, in his opinion, the Government knew this situation could happen: “Is he going to repeat that it was a surprise?” he reproached Sánchez after his appearance to explain the network failure on April 28 and inform about the rearmament plan. For Feijóo, Sánchez’s conclusion about the blackout “is that Spain blew a fuse.” Therefore, he wonders if, in the absence of conclusive information, the president can “know that his energy policy had nothing to do with it” and if he can assure it will not happen again. He also hinted again at the theory that the Government hides information to “avoid million-euro compensations.”
– In any case, the Popular Party leader demanded the president delegate the blackout investigation to the EU energy regulators’ cooperation agency, since “an independent and reliable international investigation cannot be led by the investigated,” that is, “Sánchez’s Government.” He also announced he will activate another investigation commission on the blackout in the Senate to “guarantee the neutrality of the investigation” that the PSOE wants to open in Congress.
– Feijóo accused Sánchez of “laughing in the face” of Spaniards by boasting that the electrical system was restored in less than 24 hours: “In 2025 Spain, it is no feat that the power returns 12 hours later; the normal thing is that it does not go out. Even a nation at war like Ukraine does not feel the duty to offer us help.” Thus, the Popular leader guaranteed that “the fourth economy of the eurozone will not tolerate that what happened on April 28 ends without resignations” because the Government “failed in forecasting and reaction.”
– He also confronted Sánchez’s energy model, which favors renewables and has ruled out extending nuclear plant closures. Sánchez has assured that the Government’s commitment to green energy “is not ideological or due to hidden dark interests,” but because “Spain’s energy future will be green or it will not be.” “Distrust those who tell you this is about renewables or nuclear because it is not,” the socialist president defended.
– But after the blackout, Feijóo demanded Sánchez accept that his energy model has failed, since, in his opinion, stability requires an energy mix. “This is not about renewables or nuclear; it is about renewables and nuclear. It is science,” added the Popular leader, who ironically noted that the only Spaniard who benefited from the blackout was the president’s brother, as that same morning, shortly before the power went out across Spain, he had been prosecuted for prevarication and influence peddling. Source, Spanish: https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5707198/0/feijoo-reprocha-sanchez-que-se-victimice-cuando-principal-responsable-apagon-fue-gobierno-exige-dimisiones/

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The Judge of the Begoña Gómez Case insists on investigating the rescue of Air Europa: {Translation}
– Judge Juan Carlos Peinado {pic}, who is handling the so-called ‘Begoña Gómez case’, has confirmed his decision to investigate the rescue of the airline Air Europa, stating there is a “criminal indication” that “directly involves the wife of the Prime Minister.” In a ruling reported by Europa Press, the judge dismisses the appeals filed by Gómez and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, arguing that “there are facts which, although initially unknown, justify investigating this matter.”
He explains that this allowed the Provincial Court of Madrid “to consider the likelihood of the facts alleged in the initial complaint as mere conjecture.”
– The judge now considers that “this mere conjecture has disappeared, and what remains is clearly a criminal indication.” He adds, “And, as will be seen later, it directly implicates, in terms of participation, the investigated Begoña Gómez.”
– In his ruling, the magistrate responds to the Prosecutor’s Office’s appeal, which argued that there are no new facts to investigate regarding the rescue. He criticises them, saying, “With all due respect, it seems they do not want to live in the same world as all Spaniards.” He also notes that “it is well known and public, through all kinds of media, that public opinion has been informed of the progress made by the Central Operating Unit (UCO) in the investigation into Air Europa’s rescue, although this has been part of another case being handled by the Supreme Court,” referring to the ‘Koldo case’.
– Regarding Gómez’s defence, the judge finds it “curious and unusual” that they appealed the ruling that justified continuing the investigation just one day after the Prosecutor’s Office did so. He further points out that Gómez’s lawyer’s appeal is “significantly less comprehensive than that of the Prosecutor’s Office.” He speculates this might be because the lawyer’s arguments are weaker or because they trust the Prosecutor’s Office to more effectively defend the interests of the accused from a legal standpoint.
– The judge insists that his decision “is not a whim to seek unfounded criminal acts.” He cites news reports highlighting “certain anomalies” in the rescue of the airline and refers to a chat message between Air Europa’s CEO and former ministerial advisor Koldo García, in which the CEO mentions having communicated “with Begoña.” He concludes that “to continue insisting there are no new facts about the rescue decision after such evidence is akin to using the ‘ostrich technique’, refusing to face objective reality.” The judge has rejected appeals against his decision, warning that failing to investigate the Air Europa rescue could amount to crimes of prevarication or omission of duty.
– He explains that although the Public Prosecutor opposed requesting a new report from the UCO on Globalia-Air Europa, based on earlier court rulings, these rulings only exclude facts already known, not “truly new and incriminating evidence.” He argues that if he, as an investigating judge, did not request this report, it could be seen as allowing the commission of new crimes to go unprosecuted, potentially constituting a criminal offence by omission and inducing UCO agents to omit their duty to investigate. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1894995/el-juez-del-caso-begona-gomez-insiste-en-investigar-el-rescate-de-air-europa/

MALAGA PROVINCE

Thousands of cyclists ride through the heart of Malaga in the IV Marcha Coín-Caminito del Rey: {Translation, summary}
– This Sunday, 11 May, around a thousand cyclists from across Spain will take part in the 4th Coín – Caminito del Rey Cycling Tour, a 120-kilometre event starting and finishing in Coín. Organised by Coín Town Hall and the Coín Cycling Club, with support from Málaga Provincial Council, the route passes through ten towns in the Guadalhorce Valley and features iconic landscapes like the Caminito del Rey and the Sierra de las Nieves.
– This year, organisers have improved logistics with new parking areas, a race office, physiotherapy services, a participant care tent, and bike storage. Each cyclist will receive a personalised postcard created by Coín schoolchildren as a sentimental touch. Since its delayed inaugural edition in 2022, participation has grown from 500 to 750, reaching 1,000 in the third and fourth editions. Growth is managed carefully to maintain quality and protect the natural environment. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/malaga/1895085/millar-de-ciclistas-recorren-el-corazon-de-malaga-en-la-iv-marcha-coin-caminito-del-rey/

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Judicial collapse- the TSJA estimates that there is a lack of 82 judges in the province of Malaga alone: {Translation, summary}
– The Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) raises the need for the province of Malaga to have 82 new judgeships to reduce the backlog and also shows concern about the “striking shortcomings” that have the headquarters of the judicial parties of the Costa del Sol. .
– In the Provincial Court itself are proposed six positions of magistrates for civil jurisdiction and four for the criminal order. Particularly noteworthy is the proposal of 25 new positions for First Instance in Malaga and ten territorial assignment judges (JAT). For Instruction there are four positions requested, two more for Violence against Women, eight for Social and four for Mercantile. The latter is the same number as for Criminal Law.
– In the province, the proposal, approved by majority, but with the particular vote of the president, raises three new positions for the courts of First Instance of Fuengirola, two for those of Torremolinos and the same for Marbella, where it also requires a place for the Court of Violence against Women.
– Likewise, the TSJA proposes a new position for judges in the judicial districts of Coín, Torrox, Vélez-Málaga and Estepona, while it proposes two for Antequera and one for Archidonam as long as these judicial districts are not merged.
– As for infrastructure, they have indicated that Malaga capital “poses problems of lack of space that require materializing a second judicial building and perform actions around the current City of Justice, both in the existing plot within the enclosure itself as in another ground that is currently used as a parking lot”.
– And again the judicial parties of the Costa del Sol emphasize, the situation “continues with dispersion and striking shortcomings in virtually all judicial offices,” a point on which he notes that Estepona, Fuengirola, Marbella and Torremolinos “urgently need new infrastructure to develop the judicial work in decent conditions”. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/andalucia/malaga/colapso-judicial-tsja-estima-faltan-jueces-solo-20250506184950-nts.html

TORROX

Torrox achieves three blue flags for the first time and consolidates its tourist leadership on the Costa del Sol: {Translation, summary}
– The municipality of Torrox has been distinguished this year with three Blue Flags, awarded by the Association of Environmental Education and Consumer (ADEAC), consolidating its position as one of the most outstanding tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol. To the already recognized beaches of Ferrara and El Morche is added, for the first time, the beach Cenicero-Las Dunas, also located in El Morche, which has obtained this prestigious award that certifies the environmental quality, safety and services offered.
– The beaches of Ferrara and El Morche, which already had the Blue Flag, also have the ‘Q for Tourism Quality’ certificate, which reinforces their position as reference destinations in Andalusia. T
– The obtaining of the Blue Flag by Cenicero-Las Dunas is especially significant, as it puts in value an area that has undergone improvements in accessibility, cleanliness and services in recent years. This recognition is aligned with the objectives of the City Council to diversify the tourist offer and promote all areas of the coastline torroxeño. Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/torrox-logra-tres-banderas-azules-por-primera-vez-y-consolida-su-liderazgo-turistico-en-la-costa-del-sol/

NERJA

Nerja celebrates the Equestrian Passion event for the benefit of the AECC on May 24: {Translation, summary}
– This Wednesday the event “Equestrian Passion” has been announced, a charity event for the benefit of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC). The event, to be held on May 24, will take place in the parking area of the beach El Playazo, next to the natural environment of the Rio Seco.
– The IV Concurso Social de Doma Vaquera (Cowboy Dressage Social Competition) and the V Concurso de Arrastre de Piedras con Mulos (Stone Dragging with Mules) will both be held on the same day. The competitions will have three categories, as explained Vicente Santiago, spokesman of the Club Cultural Equitación y Enganche San Isidro de Nerja. In addition, he stressed that all tests will be developed in strict compliance with animal welfare protocols, authorized by the Regional Agricultural Office of Velez-Malaga and supervised by a veterinarian at all times.
Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/nerja-celebra-el-evento-pasion-ecuestre-a-beneficio-de-la-aecc-el-24-de-mayo/

WORLD

Nuclear Powers Collide- India strikes Pakistan over tourist killings, Pakistan says it will retaliate:
– India hit Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir with missiles on Wednesday and Pakistan said it had shot down five Indian aircraft and vowed to retaliate, in the worst clash in more than two decades between the nuclear-armed neighbours. India told more than a dozen foreign envoys in New Delhi that “if Pakistan responds, India will respond”, fuelling fears of a larger military conflict in one of the world’s most dangerous – and most populated – nuclear flashpoint regions.
– India said it struck nine “terrorist infrastructure” sites, some of them linked to an attack by Islamist militants that killed 25 Hindu tourists and one local in Indian Kashmir last month.
– Pakistan said at least 26 of its civilians had been killed and that India “had ignited an inferno in the region”. Islamabad pledged to respond “at a time, place and manner of its choosing to avenge the loss of innocent Pakistani lives and blatant violation of its sovereignty”, emphatically rejecting Indian allegations it had terrorist camps on its territory.
– The Indian strikes included Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, for the first time since the last full-scale war between the old enemies more than half a century ago.
“The targets we had set were destroyed with exactness according to a well-planned strategy,” India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. “We have shown sensitivity by ensuring that no civilian population was affected in the slightest.”
– Islamabad said none of the six locations targeted in Pakistan were militant camps. At least 26 civilians were killed and 46 wounded, a Pakistan military spokesperson said.
– Indian TV channels showed videos of explosions, fire, large plumes of smoke in the night sky and people fleeing in several places in Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir. Reuters could not independently verify the footage. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/multiple-loud-explosions-heard-pakistani-kashmir-reuters-witness-2025-05-06/

ENERGY CRISIS

Pinocchio Sánchez lies about Spain’s uranium and gets called out: {Translation}
– Following the statements made by Minister Sara Aagesen last Wednesday (“I assure you we do not have uranium”), Pedro Sánchez proclaimed in his lengthy opening speech at Wednesday’s plenary session, as an anti-nuclear argument, that “there is no uranium in Spain and we will have to import it”. “From where, ladies and gentlemen?” said the president, alluding to Russia and overlooking the fact that his government has no problems importing another raw material, gas, from the same country.
– The president repeated a claim by Aagesen that was soon contradicted by data: Spain does have uranium, but actually there were two mines extracting it, processing plants were built, and years after their closure, a company tried to exploit it again, only to face rejection from then-Minister Teresa Ribera.
– In his reply, Sánchez took the opportunity to correct himself amid a flood of mentions on social media, including from the PP (“We have more uranium than Pedro Sánchez has shame”). According to the president, the statements recalling that Spain “has a lot of uranium” are a “simplification of reality”. Among other things, he said the deposits “stopped being exploited decades ago because they were economically unviable and highly polluting” and discoursed on “uranium mining”, which he said “generates long-lasting waste”, has high management costs, and poses “an extraordinary risk to health and the environment”. He also pointed out that Spain “could neither process nor enrich” uranium for use in reactors and that only four companies worldwide can do so, of which “60 per cent are in Russia and China”. “Creating the uranium value chain would be impossible, involving a cost Spain is unwilling to bear,” he concluded. And he lied to us again.
– Spain’s uranium reserves are recorded by the International Atomic Energy Agency in its so-called Red Book of Uranium, a comprehensive report published periodically on the status of uranium reserves worldwide and extraction projects. Spain appears as one of the European countries with the largest reserves (28,500 tonnes) and it also mentions past exploitation and the unsuccessful recent attempt.
– In Spain, uranium deposits in the west of the peninsula began to be exploited in the 1950s. In 1957, the Saelices el Chico mine in Salamanca opened, remaining operational until 2000 and producing between 200 and 300 tonnes annually. Meanwhile, in 1966 another mine, La Haba in Badajoz, opened and produced about 30 tonnes until its closure in 1990. Alongside, and spurred by the development of Spain’s nuclear park, processing plants were built: the Andújar concentrate factory and facilities like the Elefante plant in Saelices, closed in 1993, and the Quercus plant in Ciudad Rodrigo, which produced nearly 5,800 tonnes of uranium concentrate until its closure in 2002. The only stage of uranium processing not carried out in Spain was enrichment.
– In our country, although Sánchez dismissed it in two lines, a uranium-associated industry flourished for decades under public umbrella and today’s last example is the fuel element factory in Juzbado, owned by the public company Enusa, which supplies most Spanish reactors and also plants in other European countries. The company also handles the purchase of uranium oxide from other countries, which it then incorporates into fuel elements.
– Russia, despite Sánchez’s implication, is not the main uranium supplier: according to the latest data published by Enusa, 65 per cent was imported from Kazakhstan; 11 per cent from Uzbekistan; 9.7 per cent from Namibia; and 6.3 per cent from Russia, among others.
– The president also forgot to mention his government’s battle against uranium extraction: the Ministry for Ecological Transition did not grant the key permit to Berkeley, the company that tried to open a mine and a concentrate plant in Retortillo, Salamanca, because it did see economic viability in exploiting this mineral. The refusal, first by the Nuclear Safety Council and then by the ministry, led the company to initiate an international arbitration process that could end up costing Spain hundreds of millions.
– Forbidden to search and extract uranium in Spain? At the same time, the Socialist government promoted a law that would ensure a case like Berkeley’s would not happen again: the Climate Change Law approved in 2021 includes in its article 10 a reference to “deposits of radioactive minerals” and establishes that “no new applications for the granting of exploration permits, research permits or direct exploitation concessions, nor their extensions, will be accepted”.
– It specifies that after the law’s entry into force, “no new applications for authorisation of radioactive installations in the nuclear fuel cycle for the processing of such radioactive minerals will be accepted either”. Source, Spanish: https://www.libremercado.com/2025-05-07/sanchez-tambien-miente-con-el-uranio-que-espana-si-posee-pero-tiene-prohibido-extraer-7251494/

TECH

RIP- Skype shut down for good, but users still have these alternatives:
– Skype is dead. What now? Microsoft’s shutdown of Skype on May 5 sent millions of users scrambling to find an alternative to the pioneering internet phone service.
– Skype, which Microsoft bought in 2011, was beloved by a dwindling group of users who appreciated how it let them make cheap long-distance calls as well as communicate with other users through chat messages, voice or video calls.
– Read about the alternatives here: https://apnews.com/article/skype-internet-microsoft-telecom-0b0155de4a8b6f8ae388b84cf80471c8

FROM THE “WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY THINKING” DEPARTMENT

Forbidden to teach that there are only two sexes- the new ideological crusade of communist Minister Yolanda Díaz: {Translation}
– The ideological offensive of Yolanda Diaz {pic} now enters the classroom. Sumar (communist) has registered this Monday in the Congress a bill that prohibits that in Spanish schools is taught as scientific truth that there are only two sexes. One more step in the strategy of the extreme left party to impose gender identity as the central axis of the new legality, from the classrooms to the Civil Registry.
– Going into detail, the text establishes that educational administrations and universities must avoid the dissemination as scientific truths of “theoretical currents” that deny the bodily diversity of intersex people, which in practice will mean vetoing any type of teaching that defends that there are only men and women as biological categories.
– In addition, the law will force the introduction of identities such as gender fluid, agender, extrabinary or queer in school contents. It is not only a matter of expanding content: teachers, administrative staff, families and students themselves will also have to be re-educated. According to the text, every center where there are intersex students must implement an LGTBI training plan for the entire educational community.
– But Diaz’s crusade does not stop in the classrooms. As Libertad Digital already reported, Sumar’s proposal also includes the legal recognition of “non-binary” sex in the DNI and passport, a lifetime compensation for those who claim to have suffered non-consensual genital modifications, and the possibility of registering sexless babies in the Civil Registry, applying instead a “foster sex” until they “manifest their real and felt identity”.
– The text qualifies as “invisibilization” the fact that the registers only admit men or women, and presents the inclusion of a third box as “crucial” to guarantee access to health, education and legal procedures. In fact, Sumar proposes to reform all state forms – from medical records to judicial reports – to adapt them to this new category.
– The proposal also states that minors will be able to freeze their reproductive cells to decide in the future if they want to change their sex, while doctors who intervene on intersex minors without complying with the new ideological criteria could be criminally charged for serious injuries, even with parental consent.
– In addition, any diagnosis related to intersexuality, such as ambiguous genitalia or chromosomal alterations, is eliminated as a cause for exclusion in the Army, the Police and the Civil Guard, in what the text considers a “historical discrimination”.
– In short, what Yolanda Díaz is demanding to impose is not a minor issue. It is nothing less than a complete redefinition of human sex and a profound restructuring of the State to replace biology with self-perceived identity. Source, Spanish: https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2025-05-07/prohibido-ensenar-que-solo-hay-dos-sexos-la-nueva-cruzada-ideologica-de-yolanda-diaz-7251677/

CANCEL CULTURE / #MeToo

Smokey Robinson, 85 years old, and his wife, accused by former long-term housekeepers of recent sexual assaults and rape:
– Four former housekeepers of Smokey Robinson allege in a lawsuit (civil case, not a single criminal charge filed) filed Tuesday that the Motown music luminary repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped them while they worked for him. The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court seeks at least $50 million in damages over the alleged assaults, which the women say took place between 2007 and 2024, and labor violations including a hostile work environment, illegally long hours and lack of pay. A message seeking comment from a representative for the 85-year-old Robinson was not immediately answered.
– All said they eventually quit over the assaults, though in some cases it took several years. And all said they feared coming forward over fears of retaliation, public shame and possible effects on their immigration status.
– The lawsuit also names Robinson’s wife Frances Robinson as a defendant, alleging that she enabled his behavior despite knowing about past sexual misconduct. It also blames her for the hostile work environment, saying she berated them with language that included ethnic slurs.
– One woman said she worked for the Robinsons from 2012 until 2024, and was assaulted at least 20 times in that span. Another said she worked for them from 2014 until 2020, and was assaulted at least 23 times. Another said she worked for them for a year before quitting in 2024 and was assaulted at least seven times. The fourth woman, who said she also acted as Frances Robinson’s personal assistant, hairdresser and cook, worked for them for 18 years before resigning in 2024. She cited similar experiences to the other women, but did not say how often she was assaulted.
– Plaintiffs’ attorney Herbert Hayden said that while they felt the assaults are worthy of criminal investigation {that requires a higher degree of proof than a civil suit}, the women have not filed police reports, based on the same fears that kept them from coming forward. Full article: https://apnews.com/article/smokey-robinson-la-lawsuit-sexual-assault-1512119eb018782fffad29d1d0358724

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DigameXtra No. 3002 Wednesday, May 7th, 2025

On May 7, 2025May 7, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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One for the kids- biggest inflatable playground in the world visits Granada: This week only!
With a surface area of 4,000 m² and up to 10 different play areas, Funbox in Granada will be open until 11 May.
We have an obstacle course, seven-metre slides that are the highest inflatable slides in Spain, a mountain that is almost impossible to climb & Ninja Warrior physical tests. We offer an hour and a half of jumping and fun. A session at Funbox lasts 90 minutes. Prices from €11 to 15. Be sure to bring heavy-duty socks for the kids, or they may require you buy them from their vendor.
Funbox homepage: https://entradas.funbox.com.es/
Full article in English: https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/the-worlds-largest-ice-park-grenada-people-20250502115041-nt.html & Video Link

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Rincón de la Victoria’s Artisan Beer Festival ‘Birra & Art’:
Fri – Sun, 9 – 11 May, in Al-Andalus Square
65 Spanish and international artisan beers from Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Ireland and Scotland. The food stands will offer German sausages, Chilean barbecue, Argentinean barbecue, Italian gastronomy and Turkish delicacies.
The music groups participating will be the following:
Friday 9: QUEEN OF MAGIC (10 p.m.).
Saturday 10: BANDido (3:00 p.m.), DJ WORZEL (8:00 p.m.) and ROADSHOW (10 p.m.).
Sunday 11: BANDido (3 p.m.).

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Benalrock Music Festival 2025- Rincón de la Victoria:
The 14 hour event will be held on Saturday, May 17 at the Benagalbón esplanade.
It will begin at 12.00 hours with cover bands Metal Gods (Video Link) and Abelito y Terrones. Headliner acts start at 17.00 hours with seven groups- Cometa Diablo, Belinte, Sibelclan, Los Turistas, Los Habitantes, Soberbia Ninguna and The Stone Bobbers. The culmination of this musical day will be ExtremoPuro, a tribute to Extremoduro that is scheduled to begin its performance at 00.00 hours.
Info & map: https://www.turismoenrincon.es/eventos/benalrock-festival-2025/

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6 Hr Concert “Rock for ANNE”: Sat, 31 May, 5-11pm
Mercado de San Francisco, Vélez-Málaga
The performers will be the students of educational centers of the municipality of Vélez-Málaga, Rincón de la Victoria and Algarrobo. The event is a community solidarity project.

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Rescheduled Car Boot, El Pantano, Vinuela:
The new dates for our car boot are as follows: -WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY & WEDNESDAY 11TH JUNE from 0900 – 1300.
Directions: A356, Km.30 (from Velez Málaga to Colmenar) overlooking the lake below Los Romanos. All our stallholders will be there plus new ones so we look forward to seeing you all and spending pleasant mornings with us For further information/bookings please contact Sandy on 633878471.

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Wanted: Companion to an elderly but mobile lady for Saturday and Sunday. (She has full time carer rest of the week). No agency please, as we want continuity of care. Nerja based, English speaker. Hours to be agreed. Please call Pamela, Algarrobo. 609040709
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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

Socialist’s pursuit of progressive agendas causes another crisis, Migration- “It is a new concession by Sánchez to criminal-in-exile Puigdemont, who really directs Spain’s migration policy”, says Councilor López: {Translation, summary}
– Andalucía faces significant disadvantages in Spain’s distribution of unaccompanied migrant minors. The region, a primary entry point for migrants, is strained by a central government decree imposing 800 minors on Andalucía versus 30 for Catalonia, reflecting political favoritism toward Catalan separatists. This unequal allocation overwhelms Andalucía’s protection system, which handled 2,615 minors in 2024 with 6,092 slots at 96% capacity.
– The government’s failure to recognize Andalucía as a “Frontera Sur” (protected border) denies it critical resources enjoyed by northern regions, exacerbating financial and logistical burdens. Andalucía has spent 17 million euros on 634 minors misidentified as adults, with no reimbursement, forcing the region to operate “a pulmón” (on its own).
– Minister Loles López criticized the government’s lack of dialogue, transparency, and loyalty, noting that Andalucía learns of transfers via media, not official channels. This unilateral imposition, codified in Royal Decree-Law 2/2025, prompted Andalucía to pursue a constitutional challenge, arguing the decree violates regional competencies and fails to ensure humane care due to insufficient funding.
– Other regions, including Valencia and the Balearic Islands, share Andalucía’s frustration, highlighting the absence of objective criteria or adequate financing. The government’s inaction risks collapsing Andalucía’s protection system, already stretched thin, while political concessions to Catalonia deepen the inequity.
– Despite these challenges, Andalucía upholds its solidarity, but López warns of systemic failure without a coordinated national migration policy, where the 7 votes of Puigdemont’s Catalan Junts take priority over Andalucia. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/andalucia/andalucia-critica-falta-dialogo-lealtad-reparto-menores-20250505212740-nts.html

ANDALUCÍA

Andalusia claims that the railway chaos is the “last straw” with the Sanchez administration’s misgovernment: {Translation, summary}
– The railway stoppage experienced in the last hours of Sunday and dragged throughout the day yesterday, continues to arouse the reaction of an Andalusian government that considers that “is the straw that breaks the camel’s back” by “the misgovernment to which we are subjected, with every Monday a new shock”, and that especially affects “Andalusia, with more than ten thousand people trapped in the transport stations”. This has been expressed by the spokeswoman of the Board, Carolina España {pic}, at the end of the Governing Council this morning
– In her opinion “there is a lack of a clear explanation about the causes that caused this chaos, since at first we were told that it was the theft of copper, then the catenary” {catenary = curve that an idealized hanging chain or cable assumes under its own weight when supported only at its ends}, in short a series of “excuses that all they do is show the incompetence and absolute mismanagement”. From the Junta de Andalucía it is considered that this attitude of the central Executive, has led to a service such as the high speed train “that was once a source of pride, is now a permanent embarrassment”.
– This is another example of the “regression and deterioration of the quality of life of the Spanish, as we are facing a government that is not even able to ensure what time the train leaves”. The spokeswoman has endorsed the words of the national leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijòo, who yesterday criticized that “Spaniards increasingly pay more taxes and receive worse services”.
– The solution to this lack of transparency is, according to España, to “commission an audit of the entire system to find out what shortcomings it has and that it is done by international organizations, since the Government cannot be judge and jury in this matter”.
– The Councilor has not spared a single simile when referring to both the stoppage of the railway line and the blackout suffered a week ago. If when referring to the first she spoke of the Government “derailing”, or that it is in a “dead end”, when referring to the power cut, Spain has referred to an Executive that is still “in the dark”. Also the usual references to the first vice president of Spain, Maria Jesus Montero, a native Andalusian, who “should have referred to these issues and has not done so, nor is expected to do so”. It has also involved, as they have done this morning from the national PP, the Minister of Interior, since “if there has been a theft, we believe that Marlaska will have something to say about how to ensure the safety of such an important infrastructure and not to be repeated”.
The spokeswoman also cried out against the “lack of responsibility in the face of two such serious events (blackout & train outage). In any other country, there would have already been resignations”. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/andalucia/andalucia-asegura-caos-ferroviario-gota_0_2003879027.html

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The Andalusian village with the cheapest houses- homes from €15,000:
– According to the latest Fotocasa report, published by Andalucíainforma, La Carolina, in Jaén, is the cheapest municipality in Andalusia to buy a property. With an average price of 644 euros per square metre, the town in Jaen is below other nearby provinces, such as Cordoba or Almeria, and marks the difference with respect to other more expensive locations. In recent years, this municipality has experienced a boom in property purchases thanks to its affordability.
– It possible to find four-bedroom flats in La Carolina {pic} for as little as 40,000 euros. There are also properties for sale for as little as 15,000 euros, although it should be noted that some of these require major renovations.
– The municipality is located in a strategic location with good road connections to the provincial capital and other nearby municipalities, which facilitates the mobility of those who need to travel for work purposes. Full article: https://www.surinenglish.com/andalucia/the-andalusian-village-with-the-cheapest-houses-20250429163452-nt.html

MALAGA PROVINCE

Villanueva del Trabuco will host the II Andalusian Cycling Fair ‘Fanbike’: {Translation}
– Villanueva del Trabuco/Villanueva del Trabuco will host for the second consecutive year the ‘Fanbike’, the Andalusian Fair Bike Territory Sierra Norte de Málaga. The day, promoted by the Diputación de Málaga, will be held from 23 to 25 May and will bring a weekend dedicated to sport, coexistence and enjoyment of cycling.
– This has been announced by the vice president and deputy of Sports, Juan Rosas, along with the mayor of Villanueva del Trabuco, Juan Luis Gallardo, and the organizer of the event, Raul Bermudez. The deputy has highlighted the commitment of the Provincial Council to promote cycling through various tests, including the Provincial Cycling Circuit, which runs every year throughout the province.
– The main activities that will backbone the programming of this Andalusian fair will focus on three cycling routes. A ‘Gravel Race’ of a distance of 86 km; the ‘DH Trabuco Pura Esencia’; and finally a ‘Cicloturista’ route of 32 km. Registrations for these races are still open on the website.
– In addition, there will be a commercial area where visitors can find local gastronomy, bicycles, technical clothing, technology, sports nutrition, mechanics, physiotherapy.
– There will also be a training area with workshops on different topics, such as basic bicycle mechanics or pelvic floor, as well as bouncy castles, challenges and activities for all ages, in addition to exhibitions and shows.
– The event is supported by the City Council of the municipality, the Junta de Andalucía, the Association for Rural Development of the Sierra Norte de Málaga and “la Caixa” Foundation. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/provincia/villanueva-trabuco-recibira-ii-feria-andaluza-ciclismo_0_2003880074.html

BENALMÁDENA

Fundraising Festival For Lina: Saturday, May 10
Noon till midnight at the Los Nadales Fairgrounds in Benalmádena
– Lina died allegedly murdered at the hands of her ex-husband at dawn on Sunday, February 9, at her home in Benalmádena Pueblo and in the presence of three of her four children, the three minors.
– “Lina was a very dear, supportive, simple and humble girl” and that is what moved from the first moment a current of solidarity that started from the catechists of the church of Santo Domingo and that has ended up involving more than fifteen non-profit associations of the municipality, local businesses, artists and dance schools and neighbors in general. All of them have come together with a single purpose, to raise funds, first to rebuild the house where Lina lived with her children and that was burned by the fire caused by the alleged murderer and then to help financially to the children, who have opened a savings account for each one.
– “We have gone trade by trade and each one has put what they could, from drinks to soft drinks, meat, paellas. Food and drink will be sold all day and there will be musical performances all hours because local artists and dance schools will also perform altruistically. There will also be raffles because we have donated hams and the City Council has helped us with basic services in the enclosure and the presence of Local Police and Civil Protection,” says Miguel Angel Araújo Herrera, secretary of the Association Peña Caballista de Benalmádena and one of the people who is coordinating the event. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/costadelsol/evento-solidario-lina-hijos-benalmadena-20250506194022-nt.html

EUROPE

Merz elected German chancellor after unprecedented second-round vote, the so called conservative saved by far-left & communist votes- one can only imagine what he traded for their support:
– The German parliament elected Friedrich Merz as German chancellor on Tuesday, following a massive setback in the morning that saw him fall short of a majority on his first attempt.
– A total of 325 of the 630 delegates in the Bundestag, the lower house of Germany’s parliament, voted for the leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU). 289 voted against him, while one MP abstained. Merz needed 316 votes to secure a majority.
– He failed to reach that threshold in the first round. Only 310 MPs voted for Merz, with 307 MPs voting against him in a secret vote and three abstaining. The coalition – which includes the CDU, their Bavarian allies, the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democrats (SPD) – holds 328 seats, 12 votes over the required absolute majority. The result had thrust Berlin into shock.
– After several hours of consultations however, the coalition parties decided to make a permissible second attempt on the same day. Holding a second vote within such a short period requires another two-thirds majority in parliament, which the coalition parties nominally fall short of. Yet, they secured the support of two left-wing opposition parties to change the parliament’s by-laws.
– {Looks to me like Merz offered the lefty radicals some concessions in return for the few more votes he needed, just like our Pedro did for 7 investiture votes he needed. And I have no doubt Merz will perform similarly, another blackmailed globalist puppet with the radical left pulling his strings. IMHO. -Ed.}
– Later in the day, Merz’s new cabinet is expected to be sworn in, after which the previous chancellor, Olaf Scholz (SPD), will officially hand over the chancellery to Merz. Scholz had bowed out on Monday night with the traditional ‘curfew’ ceremony of the country’s armed forces. Full article: https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/merz-elected-german-chancellor-after-unprecedented-second-round-vote/

ENERGY CRISIS

Nuclear power plants- Spain persists in shutting them down, while France, UK, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Croatia are boosting or expanding nuclear: {Translation}
– Nuclear energy has been at the center of the political debate following the 12-hour blackout suffered by Spain last week. The usual clash between left and right on this issue has intensified, especially after the abuse of renewable energies was questioned to the detriment of other more stable energies that are necessary to preserve the system. At this point, what is the rest of Europe doing with its power plants?
– Spain is the only country that continues to promote their progressive closure until 2030 with no possibility of extension. In the eye of the hurricane, the Almaraz plant in Extremadura, the first to close and which could affect the supply of other regions such as Madrid, in addition to leaving thousands of families without work in an area that depends economically on this facility. The government of Pedro Sanchez is the only one in Europe that does not even consider a debate on whether to maintain this energy, especially now that it has proven so necessary.
– PP sources consulted by Libertad Digital in this regard accuse Sanchez of “being trapped by his climate dogmatism”. A decision they describe as “sectarian”. “Spain can not afford a government that puts its doctrine before our energy future” criticize from Feijóo’s party recalling that ‘Teresa Ribera turned energy into a political weapon in the service of the most radical left’, and his replacement in the ministry, Sara Aagesen, ‘has inherited that inertia, despite bumping up against reality’.
– Germany is a paradigmatic example of what it means to be guided by climate fanaticism. In 2023, Germany completed the closure of its nuclear power plants, a measure promoted by Angela Merkel’s conservative government, which opted to give in to pressure from the Greens. The country has now reopened the debate on whether to promote their reopening, despite the high cost of reactivating this type of facility, given its energy dependence on other countries such as Russia.
– Georgia Meloni’s government in Italy has recently approved a plan to reintroduce nuclear power with the aim of also ending its energy dependence, a key issue in the wake of the war in Ukraine. In Belgium, another country that has promoted the closure of nuclear power plants, a partial extension until 2035 has been decreed, and Lithuania is also experiencing a political and technical debate on whether to reactivate its nuclear power plants.
– France, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Croatia are boosting or expanding nuclear. France has the largest nuclear infrastructure in Europe and is firmly committed to strengthening it. A “nuclear renaissance” was announced in 2022 with the construction of at least six new reactors by 2050, reversing the old policy of reducing nuclear dependence.
– Sweden has reversed its policy against nuclear from 2022, making a U-turn. It has recently promoted legal changes to allow new reactors and Poland, which still has no plants, has been promoting their installation since 2014 and in 2033 could have the first one already active. The rest of the countries belonging to this group have been strengthening their commitment to this energy source for some time. The United Kingdom is expanding its nuclear program, given that both major parties agree in promoting it.
– If nothing changes, in 2030 Spain will join the group of countries made up of Austria, Portugal, Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Estonia and Latvia that oppose nuclear energy and have no plans to promote it despite the fact that the EU has decreed that it is an energy considered green, i.e., environmentally friendly.
Source, Spanish: https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2025-05-06/la-huida-hacia-adelante-de-sanchez-con-las-nucleares-espana-unico-pais-de-europa-que-persiste-en-su-cierre-7250160/

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Useful Links, Info & Numbers

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

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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DigameXtra No. 3001 Tuesday, May 6th, 2025

On May 6, 2025May 5, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

Welcome to DigameXtra !

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Malaga Patio Festival 2025: This year’s celebration of the patios in La Trinidad and El Perchel districts takes place from 6 to 10 May. You can visit the patios every day during the Festival from 10am to 1pm and 5 to 8pm, and there are themed events too. Info: https://www.guidetomalaga.com/events-in-malaga/spring-in-malaga/put-these-patios-in-malaga-on-mustsee-list/

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Noche en Blanco- Malaga: Sat, 10 May, 8pm – 1am
This evening of free cultural events returns. Dozens of venues participate in the city, with events and performances based on the theme asking, “Is what we’re seeing the day or is it already the night?” Note that all museums have free entry for La Noche en Blanco. At the Picasso Museum admission will be free from 8 p.m. to midnight (last access at 11.30 p.m.). Info: https://cultura.malaga.eu/es/actividades-culturales/la-noche-en-blanco-2020/

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Fleetwood Mac Tribute in Malaga’s English Cemetery: Saturday, 17 May
The Chain will be playing hits by this legendary band on Saturday 17 May in St George’s Church in the lovely English Cemetery. The concert is the first of the Summer Picnics Season and there’ll be a 45-minute interval during the concert, so that you can enjoy your own picnic or buy food on site in the English Cemetery.
The concert starts at 8pm, but gates open at 7.15pm. Tickets cost €25 and are available here:
https://stgeorgesmalaga.com/events/

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Great Deals From Upcycling Nerja
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SPAIN

Sanchez Administration ignored Red Eléctrica a year ago when it proposed to change the protocol of action against blackouts: {Translation]
– For some an inconvenience, a disaster for others. The fact is that Spain was left in the dark for a whole day with the consequent and diverse consequences for the citizens and nobody is taking responsibility for it. However, according to an internal Red Eléctrica (REDIA) document to which ABC has had access, the system operator presided over by Beatriz Corredor already asked the Government in May 2024 to change the protocol for action in the event of disturbances in the electricity system.
– In this document, Red Eléctrica emphasizes that the action protocol to solve the different disturbances that the country’s electricity system may suffer has become obsolete – dating from 1996 – and it is urgent to change it, given that current technologies are very different from those of that time.
– In the document “General Criteria for the Protection of the Spanish Electricity System”, the system operator warned that the strong growth of renewable generation requires a thorough review of the current safety guidelines. Therefore, Redeia launched its proposal for a new protocol in which it assures that “the need to review the existing general protection criteria to adapt them to the new needs of the electricity system and the new technologies available has arisen at the present time”. The operator refers, on the one hand, to the technologies for dealing with blackouts that have changed a lot in the last 30 years, and on the other hand, to the massive entry of renewable energies in recent years.
– Red Eléctrica does not hesitate to acknowledge in the document that the protection system could fail in the event of a high penetration of renewables in some areas of the grid, something that is currently being investigated. Specifically, a disconnection of two generation plants in the southwest area of the peninsular power grid. “The massive integration of renewable generation implies a structural change in the distribution of generation and in the electrical behavior of the system, which may compromise the detection and efficient clearing of faults,” warns the technical document.
– Red Eléctrica submitted the same proposal to the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) on June 27 last year for its subsequent approval. But CNMC sources claim that the one who should have approved the change of criteria was the Ministry of Ecological Transition with Teresa Ribera at the head at the time (specifically, the Directorate General of Energy Policy and Mines). They explained to ABC that “there were very reasonable doubts in the regulations about who was the competent authority for its processing and approval” as it was the former CNE (Comisión Nacional de la Energía of Spain, closed in 2013) who approved the last criteria more than 12 years ago.
– Proposal for change. In the proposal of the operator chaired by Corredor, it states that “the operating principles of the current protection systems are designed according to an electrical system in which most of the generation comes from conventional generation – thermal, nuclear and hydraulic – mainly made up of synchronous generators”. These criteria are in accordance with the mix that was configured mainly by these three technologies and today the mix is dominated by almost 60% of renewable energies with power electronics that completely changes the dynamics in the action protocol in the event of grid instability. Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/economia/gobierno-ignoro-redeia-ano-propuso-cambiar-protocolo-20250505132434-nt_amp.html

President of Redeia, Beatriz Corredor (left), with the former Minister of Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera. Photo, Jaime Garcia

ANDALUCÍA

The Norway Government plans to make the largest Andalusian wind farm on the land between Álora and Antequera: {Translation, summary}
– The Norwegian public company Statkraft Iberia Tres, SLU, is set to develop Andalusia’s largest wind farm, Lagunillas, with a 65.7 MW capacity, in the municipalities of Álora, Antequera, and Valle de Abdalajís in Málaga province. The project, which has begun its environmental permitting process, features 11 wind turbines—six at 7.2 MW and five at 4.5 MW—along with significant infrastructure for energy evacuation. It aligns with Spain’s Royal Decree-Law 20/2022, addressing economic and social challenges. The wind farm is strategically located in an area attracting renewable energy investments, particularly in the Guadalteba and Guadalhorce regions near Antequera, known for both photovoltaic and wind projects.
– Environmental assessments confirm no impact on nearby protected areas, such as the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes or Torcal de Antequera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The closest communities, including Valle de Abdalajís and parts of Antequera and Álora, are 1 to 4.8 kilometers away, with 11 isolated homes within 500 meters of the turbines. The project is expected to deliver socioeconomic benefits, creating temporary jobs in construction and transport, and stimulating local businesses through demand for materials, machinery, and services.
– Andalusia’s wind energy sector has seen significant growth, with 15 new parks added between 2019 and 2024, bringing the region’s total capacity to 3,668.3 MW, of which Málaga accounts for 17%. The Lagunillas wind farm underscores the region’s appeal to international investors and its role in advancing renewable energy. While the project promises economic advantages, its environmental and social implications will be closely monitored during the permitting process to ensure minimal disruption to the local ecosystem and communities. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/interior/gobierno-noruega-proyecta-alora-antequera-mayor-parque-20250430130433-nt_amp.html

MALAGA PROVINCE

Sabotage in the AVE: 30 trains, several of them from Malaga, and 10,000 travelers affected by cable thefts: {Translation, summary}
– On May 4, 2025, a deliberate sabotage disrupted Spain’s Madrid-Sevilla high-speed rail line, affecting 30 trains, including several Málaga-Madrid services, and over 10,000 passengers. Four cable thefts in Toledo’s Los Yébenes and Manzaneque municipalities targeted signaling systems within a 10-kilometer radius, halting operations and causing delays of up to 10 hours. Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, labeled the act “very serious,” with the Guardia Civil launching an investigation. The sabotage, occurring at the end of Madrid’s May 1 holiday weekend, left passengers stranded mid-journey or unable to depart from stations.
– A passenger on a Málaga-bound AVE from Madrid’s Atocha reported a sudden stop after a catenary spark, leaving the train immobile in rural areas. Renfe confirmed 21 trains and 6,300 passengers were directly impacted, though additional services faced delays. Adif’s maintenance crews worked overnight, restoring normal service by Monday morning. Renfe avoided bus transfers, ensuring all passengers reached their destinations, and offered refunds or rebooking without fees. Monday’s early trains, like Málaga’s 07:09 AVE to Madrid, risked further delays as Renfe warned of ongoing disruptions.
– The incident exposed vulnerabilities in Spain’s high-speed rail infrastructure, critical for connecting Andalusia to Madrid. Málaga, a key hub, saw significant disruption, with passengers facing chaotic travel conditions. The coordinated nature of the cable thefts raised concerns about targeted attacks on essential transport systems. While service resumed, the event underscored the need for enhanced security measures to protect rail networks. Renfe and Adif’s swift response mitigated some impacts, but the scale of the disruption highlighted the challenges of maintaining reliable high-speed rail during unexpected crises, particularly during high-travel periods. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malaga/sabotaje-ave-varios-trenes-malaga-afectados-cuatro-20250504235538-nt.html

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They find the body of a young man on the beach of La Caleta, in Malaga: {Translation, summary}
– On May 4, 2025, a young man’s body was discovered on La Caleta Beach in Málaga, likely carried ashore by waves around 3:17 p.m., near a beach bar. The Beach Coordination Service notified Emergencies 112-Andalucía, and the National Police confirmed the death.
– The judicial commission was activated, and the body was taken to Málaga’s Institute of Legal Medicine for an autopsy. Sources indicate the body may have been deceased for several days. The circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear, with no additional details released. The National Police are handling the ongoing investigation. Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/sucesos/hallan-cadaver-playa-caleta-20250504175546-nt.html

GRANADA

Home Invasion With Violence In Granada Central: {Translation}
– The National Police have arrested a 50 year old man of Spanish nationality, who has an extensive criminal record, as the alleged perpetrator of a robbery with violence and intimidation inside a house in the center of Granada.
– The events took place at mid-morning in a property in the center of Granada, where a 50-year-old woman who provides home care to a 68-year-old dependent man came to open the door to a presumed deliveryman who was offering to deliver a package. The woman did not suspect anything and opened the door, at which point the detainee took advantage of the situation to pounce on her with a taser weapon. He gave her several electric shocks, so that finally the woman stopped resisting and was at that moment gagged and immobilized with a cable tie.
– The inhabitant of the house, an elderly and dependent person, was in the kitchen at the time of the access. Once the caregiver was immobilized, the perpetrator, accompanied by a second individual, did the same with the elderly man after hitting him on the head. Once the caregiver and the elderly man were immobilized, these individuals began to rummage through different rooms of the house, open drawers and even had access to a safe. After a few minutes, these individuals left the house, and the caregiver was able to regain consciousness, get rid of the restraints and also help the elderly man.
– Once these facts were reported, the Group IV of Robberies of the Provincial Brigade of Judicial Police of Granada began a thorough investigation to determine the modus operandi of this robbery, as well as to clarify the identity of the alleged perpetrators. The success of the police investigations has led to the subsequent arrest of the main alleged perpetrator of the robbery, who was the one who carried out the shocks of the electric weapon against the caregiver and who has already been imprisoned. His accomplice and necessary collaborator has also been located, who has been arrested two weeks later and has also been brought to court. Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1894517/detenidos-por-el-robo-en-una-vivienda-simulando-ser-repartidores/

EUROPE

Romanian Election Results- George Simion tops first round of Romania’s presidential vote- Despite the election do-over and a replacement candidate, the conservative right candidate wins again, doubling the votes of the second place finisher:
– Hard-right eurosceptic George Simion won the first round of Romania’s presidential election re-run on Sunday, final results showed, after a ballot seen as a test of the rise of Donald Trump-style nationalism in the European Union.
– Ballots from 100% of voting stations, showed Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, 55, was in second place at around 21%, behind Simion’s 41%. They will meet in a runoff on May 18. Full article: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250504-live-romanians-cast-ballots-for-critical-presidential-election-rerun

USA

Trump orders reopening of notorious Alcatraz prison:
– Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the infamous former prison on an island near San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
– In a message on his Truth Social site on Sunday, President Trump said that “for too long America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders”.
The reopening of Alcatraz – once notorious as one of the US’s toughest prisons – would serve as a “symbol of law, order, and justice,” he said. “Today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ,” Trump wrote. The prison would “house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders”. Full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze17n02gego

MIDDLE EAST

Yemen’s Houthis announce campaign targeting Israeli airports:
– Yemen’s Houthi rebels said late on Sunday they would impose a “comprehensive” aerial blockade on Israel by repeatedly targeting its airports, in response to Israel expanding its operations in Gaza.
– The Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile strike on Sunday that hit near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, the latest in a string of attacks, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate.
– The Houthis’ Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, a body set up last year to liaise between Houthi forces and commercial shipping operators, issued the warning about targeting Israeli airports, saying Ben Gurion Airport would be the top target. Houthi forces called “upon all international airlines to take this announcement into serious consideration…and to cancel all their flights to the airports of the criminal Israeli enemy, in order to safeguard the safety of their aircraft and passengers,” the email said. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/yemens-houthis-announce-campaign-targeting-israeli-airports-2025-05-05/

GASTRONOMIA

Olivalius early harvest EVOO review, it’s one of the best!: {Translation}:
– Olivalius is undoubtedly one of the great gourmet oils we have in Andalucia. Year after year, harvest after harvest, it has been improving. It is an oil that is harvested early, the chosen olives are milled and only the oil from a single day of the campaign is bottled when the olives are at their optimum moment. It is highly appreciated in the high catering industry for its quality and bottle design. It has an emerald green color. Very aromatic on the nose with notes of fig and tomato leaves. Smooth on the palate.
Producer: Gestión Rústica Olivalius S.L.
Zone: Bailén ; Varieties: Picual
Harvest: 2024 ; Info & Sales: https://www.olivalius.es/
Approx. price: 15€ ; Rating: 9,5 / 10
Source, Spanish: https://www.diariosur.es/malagaenlamesa/aceites/aceite-recomendado-1746202982-20250502000000-nt.html

FINANCIAL

Don’t Flaunt Your Crypto- Kidnappers in France target cryptocurrency entrepreneurs for ransom:
– French police rescued the father of a wealthy cryptocurrency entrepreneur in a nighttime raid after he was taken hostage for ransom, the latest alleged criminal effort in France to extort people involved in the management of digital assets. The man was kidnapped Thursday morning in Paris, the prosecutor’s office said Sunday. “The victim turned out to be the father of a man who made his fortune in cryptocurrencies, and the incident was accompanied by a ransom demand,” its statement said, without giving their names or other specifics about their identities.
– Police investigators located the hostage in a house in the Essonne region south of Paris, from which he was rescued on Saturday night, the prosecutor’s office said. It said he was treated for injuries but gave no details. French media reported that the alleged hostage-takers cut off one of the man’s fingers.
– In January, police said a co-founder of French crypto-wallet firm Ledger, David Balland, was also kidnapped with his wife from their home in the region of Cher of central France. Police said they made 10 arrests and that the alleged kidnappers demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency from another of Ledger’s co-founders. A raid by France’s elite National Gendarmerie Intervention Group unit that specializes in hostage situations freed Balland the next day, followed the day after that by the liberation, again by the GIGN, of his wife, found tied up in a vehicle, police said. Full article: https://apnews.com/article/france-police-kidnapping-cryptocurrencies-hostages-technology-64af99f20d16ebdd08fe5e84ddd6bc64

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Useful Links, Info & Numbers

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

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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DigameXtra No. 3000 Monday, May 5th, 2025

On May 5, 2025May 4, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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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-make 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~
May
– 6th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 15th – Craft Fair and Bake Sale at Chine, Caleta. If you would like to sell your wares, please contact us on the number below.
– 23rd – Trip to Almunecar. €20pp
June
– 10th – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 20th – Summer Solstice Luncheon and Dance at Pepe Molino, Almayate. 4 course meal with wine & live music @ 50€pp.
– 21st – Trip to Alfarnate and their Cherry Fiesta. €22pp
August
– 15th – Almunecar Fireworks Spectacular
– 22nd – A visit to Teba for their celebration of Sir James Douglas €22pp
September
– 2nd – Trip to Gib €22pp
– 19th – Trip to Mini Hollywood, price includes coach fare, entry and buffet lunch €65.
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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El Mercado Tematizado de Nerja- Plaza de España
(Themed Market of Nerja) May 8 to 11
With a Renaissance theme, offering a variety of handicrafts and gastronomic products. In addition, the market will feature an extensive program of shows and activities, including falconry exhibitions, live music, theater performances, interactive workshops and other surprises for audiences of all ages.

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Family Hiking Event- Vélez-Málaga: Sun, 11 May
Ruta “Tajos del Río Cacín”
Departure Torre del Mar: 07:30 h. Stop at the esplanade of Tomillar Torre del Mar.
Departure Velez-Malaga: 07:45 am. Bus stop Municipal Market (next to Guardia Civil).
Route duration: 4 hours approx.
Length: 12 kilometers. Price: 10€.
* According to new public ordinance on sports fees is necessary to be SPORTS MEMBER to register for the activity.
Registration: From Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Important: One person can register up to a maximum of four participants. A good physical condition is required to do the route. Info: https://deportes.velezmalaga.es/eventos/senderismo-en-familia-2

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Alameda Festival 2025: 22-24 May
Camping available. For three days, the Alameda Festival will gather national and international artists, offering a program that will cover different musical genres for all tastes.Info & tix: https://alamedafestival.com/cartel/ & Video Link

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Riogordo’s famous Día del Caracol (snails): Sun, 1 June, 12:30pm
XXIV edition of the snail day, where visitors can enjoy free tastings and performances throughout the day. A great opportunity to taste the snails in broth, a typical dish of this village of the Axarquia. With a variety of rondallas, groups of choirs and dances, pandas de verdiales and music bands for all tastes.
Info: https://www.cuandopasa.com/index.php?v=v121590a

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BLUCEE REAL ESTATE

BluCee Real Estate:
– BluCee Real Estate have just attended a very busy exhibition at the International Property Show in Dubai, an exciting 3 days of speaking with buyers and investors from around the world. Michelle Conner gave a presentation on the stage, introducing people to the Spanish market and why they should choose BluCee Real Estate. We will have more exciting news from Dubai to share soon!
– In just a few weeks we will be off again, this time to A Place in the Sun London. It’s not too late to list your property with us and have it shown to thousands of serious buyers daily. If you’re looking for an agent to proactively market your property worldwide then contact BluCee Real Estate today.
– Nearly forgot to mention, our service might sound expensive but we are not! Our sales commissions are very competitive compared to other real estate companies.
– Please contact us for a free valuation or more information: info@blucee.com
Whatsapp 0034 711042727 / office 0034 951553890
Or you can come into our office and speak to us in person at Calle Timón 11b, Torre del Mar, 29738, Málaga.
We look forward to helping you.
We cover the whole coast line and inland.
BluCee Real Estate are a DigameXtra sponsor so our contact details are shown here every day in the Sponsor’s Section.

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EUROPE

Portugal announces the expulsion of 18,000 foreigners ahead of national election:
– Portugal’s caretaker government plans to expel some 18,000 foreigners living in the country without authorization, a minister said Saturday in the buildup to a national election.
– Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro said the center-right government will issue approximately 18,000 notifications to people in the country illegally to leave. The minister said officials will begin next week by asking some 4,500 foreigners to leave voluntarily within 20 days.
– Portugal will hold an early general election on May 18. Full article: https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/world-news/portugal-announces-the-expulsion-of-18000-foreigners-ahead-of-a-national-election/

TECH

Microsoft adds “passkeys” as a account sign-in option but password option remains for now, the next move to the evil digital ID:
– Microsoft has been pushing its passwordless Windows logins for the past several years, even allowing users who add passkeys to their accounts the ability to delete their passwords now. In recognition of World Password Day , Microsoft has taken its next bold step in account security and protection {and user tracking}.
– In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced that new accounts will be “passwordless by default,” meaning that users will instead be prompted to set up a passkey for their new account rather than a password {But the option to use a password will be there somewhere.}. This means new Microsoft accounts will never need to have a password, if the user so chooses.
– What’s a passkey? You can use biometrics to access your account instead of a password. Passkeys let users sign in to their Microsoft account using their face, fingerprint, or PIN on their personal device instead of a regular old password. Passkeys launched for all consumer Microsoft accounts last year.
– To set up a passkey for your Microsoft account, go to Account Settings > Security > Add a new way to sign in or verify. You can also download the Microsoft Autheticator app on your mobile device to set up a passkey from there, as well as push notifications to sign in to your Microsoft account instead of a password.
– While it may be awhile before passwords everywhere are gone for good, this is a major move by a tech company to eliminate passwords altogether. In all fairness, your password can’t get stolen if it doesn’t exist in the first place. Full article: https://www.pocket-lint.com/microsoft-passkey-sign-in-default/
{This “new” passkey system will let you use a PIN number for a passkey. That is the same as using a password. This is just the next step conditioning us into their digital ID plans for Agenda 2030 and its facial recognition tech. Remember, it is reported some Chinese must pass a facial scan to leave their 15 minute cities. If that face scan is attached to a low social credit score, they can’t leave! Passkeys also advance the globalist’s plans to force computer & phone users to log-in with a biometric ID to use the Internet at all. -Ed.} X Link 1 & X Link 2

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Retailers Harrods, Marks & Spencer and Co-op hit with cyber attacks:
– The Co-op has apologised after hackers accessed and extracted members’ personal data such as names and contact details. The retail firm said on Friday it is experiencing “sustained malicious attempts” to access its systems, having already shut off parts of its IT systems earlier this week.
– It comes after fellow retailers Harrods and Marks & Spencer were also hit with cyber attacks, with the latter continuing to deal with the fallout of a ransomware attack which has left the business unable to process online orders since last Friday.
– A Co-op spokesperson said: “As a result of ongoing forensic investigations, we now know that the hackers were able to access and extract data from one of our systems.
“The accessed data included information relating to a significant number of our current and past members. This data includes Co-op Group members’ personal data such as names and contact details, and did not include members’ passwords, bank or credit card details, transactions or information relating to any members’ or customers’ products or services with the Co-op Group. Full article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/coop-apologises-after-hackers-access-members-personal-data-b2744058.html

SPACE

Eta Aquariids meteor shower peaks in May:
– The weeks-long Eta Aquariid meteor shower is about to reach its peak, and people across both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular event, which is visible to the naked eye.
– These meteors are specifically known for their speed, and Eta Aquariid meteors can travel about 40.7 miles (65.4 kilometers) per second into Earth’s atmosphere, leaving trails behind them which observers can view for several seconds to minutes. The Eta Aquariids are created from space debris that originate from comet 1P/Halley—often considered the most famous comet.
– While expert viewpoints differ as to the exact dates and peak times, according to the American Meteor Society (AMS), the Eta Aquariids have been active since April 15, and are expected to remain so until May 27. They are set to peak on the mornings of May 4, 5, and 6. These are the ideal mornings for those in the Northern Hemisphere to view the meteor shower, and under optimal conditions- meaning without city lights, observers should be able to see about 10 to 15 Eta Aquariids per hour.
– According to NASA, the best time to watch will be at 2 a.m. local time on May 6. It’s recommended that viewers give their eyes some time, around 30 minutes, to adjust to the dark. “Avoid looking at bright lights, such as your cell phone, too, as this will take your eyes off the sky and ruin your night vision,” reads the guidance from NASA.
– Viewers do not need telescopes or any special equipment to enjoy the event, but the darker the sky, the easier it will be to view the meteor shower, it is suggested for those near city lights to travel away from the brightly-lit streets. Full article: https://time.com/7282416/eta-aquariid-meteor-shower-peak-how-when-to-see-it/

SPANISH ROYALS

Reunion of Princess Leonor with Queen Letizia in Panama- 20 image gallery: https://www.malagahoy.es/espana/emocionante-reencuentro-princesa-leonor-reina_3_2003859977.html#slide-1

FINANCIAL

Buffett to step down as Berkshire CEO after 60 years at helm, passes baton to Abel:
– Warren Buffett is ending his career as perhaps the world’s most famous and revered investor, saying he will step down as chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway (BRKa.N), opens new tab at the end of 2025, and hand over the reins to Vice Chairman Greg Abel.
– The move caps an era for Berkshire after Buffett’s extraordinary 60 years at the helm, which made him a household name, a multi-billionaire and an American success story. “I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the chief executive officer of the company at year end,” Buffett, 94, said on Saturday as he wrapped up Berkshire’s annual meeting in Omaha, adding he would still “hang around and conceivably be useful in a few cases” but that the “final word” would be Abel’s. Dull article: https://www.reuters.com/markets/wealth/berkshire-shareholders-head-buffetts-60th-annual-meeting-economy-top-mind-2025-05-03/

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DigameXtra No. 2999 WEEKEND EDITION Friday, May 2nd, 2025

On May 2, 2025May 2, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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Thanks for those articles: THANKS FOR THE ARTICLES TODAY – A BANK HOLIDAY ! ! !
Specially like the first with this quote, “The blackout in Spain was not caused by a cyberattack but by the worst possible attack, that of politicians against their citizens.”
Now in the Telegraph and the Times comment sections. Peter.

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1st May Holiday Edition: What an amazing piece of analysis from Daniel Lacalle in in your 1st May edition Naythan. It was good for thought, not just for the masses who had to endure the blackout, but for politicians and lawmakers who are responsible for keeping our lives not just bearable but enjoyable and future-proofed.The entire world of politics should read this analysis and act upon it sooner rather than later. Thank you Naythan for this extra edition. Tony in Torrox Park.

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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

Spain intensifies military surveillance in the Gibraltar Strait with the monitoring of eight Russian ships during April: {Translation, summary}
– Spanish Navy patrol boats have closely followed eight Russian-flagged vessels during their transit through waters of national interest in the month of April, within the framework of the Presence, Surveillance and Deterrence Operations (OPVD) led by the Maritime Operational Command (MOM). The operation has had one of its key points in the Strait of Gibraltar, a strategic passage where the Spanish Navy maintains constant control.
– The April operations reflect the importance of the Spanish Navy’s deterrent presence in hot spots such as the Strait of Gibraltar, the Gulf of Cadiz or the Alboran Sea, common routes for Russian naval traffic between the Atlantic and the Eastern Mediterranean. Source, Spanish: https://www.europasur.es/campo-de-gibraltar/espana-vigilancia-militar-estrecho-buques-rusos_0_2003838434.html

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The Spanish state should take over grid operator, says Spain’s communist deputy prime minister:
– {Is she talking about the state that has not produced a new budget since 2023, botched its response to the last 4 national disasters (Drought, DANA, blackout & the volcano eruption, not to mention the lockdowns) and who’s leader is embroiled in a network of family corruption investigations? The same state that has defaulted on billions of euros of penalty payments due to a previous energy investments fiasco? That state? No thanks! -Ed.}
– The state should take 100% control of the Spanish grid operator, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz said on Thursday, days after the country suffered its worst blackout.
– Red Electrica, known as REE, is 20%-owned by the state and the rest is in private hands. {REE is headed by former Socialist minister Beatriz Corredor, an old friend of Pedro Sanchez. -Ed.}
– “REE is a private monopoly. This cannot be like this,” Diaz said in an interview on Spanish television channel TVE. Diaz is also labour minister and a member of the Sumar party (Communist), which is a junior partner in Spain’s coalition government. She said the Socialist Party, the senior partner, did not agree the state should take full control.
– Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said a government investigation was under way into the power outage that halted trains, shut airports and trapped people in lifts on Monday across the Iberian peninsula.
– As part of the inquiry, investigators from Spain’s cybersecurity agency, INCIBE, and the CNI intelligence service will seek information from the grid operator and private energy companies, including through visits to their offices, two sources told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. Full article: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/spanish-state-should-take-over-grid-operator-says-deputy-prime-minister-2025-05-01/

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Still Floundering- The government asks for more information to electric operators to specify the causes of the blackout: {Translation, summary}
– The Government plans to send new written requests to the electricity operators to complete the reconstruction of the blackout incident last Monday, also requesting information on the previous hours and those referring to the replacement process.
– For the time being, as sources from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge have explained to Europa Press, the Government has received most of the information initially requested to the system agents. However, given the technical complexity of obtaining certain data, there are some that are still being compiled by the agents, which has led the Government to resubmit some requests.
– The committee for the analysis of the circumstances that concurred in the electricity crisis of April 28th held its first meeting last Wednesday at the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge and, this Thursday, the head of the branch, Sara Aagesen, met with the president of the CNMC.
– Similarly, Aagesen is scheduled to meet on Friday with her counterpart from Portugal and on Saturday a new meeting of the analysis committee will be held, this time at the headquarters of Red Eléctrica (Redeia). Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/economia/energia-00341/noticia-gobierno-pide-mas-informacion-operadores-electricos-concretar-causas-apagon-20250501134541.html

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Spain activates a ‘reinforced operation’ of its electricity network after the blackout and slows the use of renewables: {Translation, summary}
– Red Eléctrica, the electricity system operator, is applying in recent days a reinforced operation mode in the electricity market to ensure extra stability in its operation after the massive blackout that knocked out the country on Monday and until Tuesday morning. A formula that seeks to additionally shield the robustness of the grid and the system by slowing down the use of renewables and giving priority to traditional energies, particularly gas-fired power plants.
– The electricity system has been operating in this reinforced mode since last Tuesday, with a more stable production mix and seeking to strengthen redundancies to avoid problems after the historical collapse, according to Government sources. Red Eléctrica declines to make any kind of comment on the operations it has been carrying out since the ‘energy zero’ on Monday and since the supply was restored on Tuesday morning.
– But the electricity generating companies confirm that on Tuesday Red Eléctrica activated the so-called ‘technical restrictions’ mechanism and is giving instructions to the market to park part of the production that can inject mainly solar plants and to a lesser extent wind farms, while prioritizing the use of traditional production plants (especially gas plants and at some times also hydroelectric plants) because they can provide greater stability to the network, by allowing the damping of fluctuations such as those that occurred on Monday.
– “Since Tuesday, restrictions have been imposed on the use of solar energy and some wind power, and priority is being given to generation with greater buffering capacity, especially gas plants, to ensure that no incident occurs again,” sources in the electricity sector explained to EL PERIÓDICO. “It is not a question of having enough production to cover demand, which renewables could also provide, the goal is to ensure the stability of the network, and that is now given by combined cycle, hydroelectric, other thermal and nuclear.”
– The large electricity companies such as Iberdrola, Endesa or Naturgy assure that they have their entire fleet of power plants and production plants available to follow the instructions they receive from Red Eléctrica, but they do not make any assessment or comment on what orders they are receiving from the electricity system manager. Source, Spanish: https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/economia/2025/05/01/apagon-red-electrica-operacion-reforzada-solar-centrales-gas-renovables-116945320.html

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Supreme Court has confirmed the acquittal in a case of attempted murder on a doctor because the attacker was drunk & high on drugs: {Translation}
– The Supreme Court of Spain has confirmed the acquittal of a man diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who was accused of having attempted to murder the doctor who came to his home after his mother called 112 for help because he had attacked his father. The magistrates have assured that his exoneration can only be ratified because it was proven that he acted in a state of “full intoxication” due to the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
– In a sentence, to which Europa Press has had access, the high court explains that once the sentence of instance includes in its proven facts that the defendant was in that state of intoxication it is not possible to modify the acquittal.
– This decision, however, has been opposed by two of the five members of the court — the acting president of the Criminal Chamber, Andrés Martínez Arrieta, and the magistrate Vicente Magro, who have submitted a dissenting opinion to record their disagreement. Full article: https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-ts-ratifica-absolucion-hombre-intento-matar-medico-intoxicacion-plena-drogas-alcohol-20250501065955.html

ANDALUCÍA

Thousands of protesters rise to the street in Andalusia for “a decent job”: {Translation, summary}
– A total of 11,420 protesters have raised to the streets this Thursday to celebrate the International Workers Day under the motto ‘Protect the conquered, win the future’ in the eight Andalusian provinces, with the aim of claiming “social justice and decent employment.”
– By provinces, Malaga has been the one that has registered the greatest participation, with 2,100 attendees, including the United Left coordinator in Andalusia and deputy of adding in Congress, Toni Valero. It is followed by Granada, with 2,000 participants, where the general secretary of the PSOE of Granada, Pedro Fernández; and Cádiz, with 1,900, with the presence of the Secretary General of the PSOE of Cádiz, Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix.
Source, Spanish: https://andaluciainformacion.es/andalucia/1893925/miles-de-manifestantes-se-alzan-a-la-calle-en-andalucia-por-un-empleo-digno/

MALAGA PROVINCE

Residents of Ojén (Málaga) rebel against the accommodation of illegal immigrants in a luxury hotel- “My daughter can’t go out on the street”: {Translation}
– The residents of Ojen have said “no” to the presence of more than 100 illegal immigrants in a luxury hotel in the municipality of Malaga, after learning that the Government has housed this group in the facilities of the Wellness Marbella, an exclusive complex located in the Sierra de las Nieves {pic}. The news has generated considerable unease among residents, who claim to have learned of the arrival of immigrants only after the VOX party publicly denounced the move.
– The establishment, which until recently offered high-end services such as a heated indoor pool, spa, sauna, full gym and high-cost beauty treatments, has stopped accepting new reservations and is not responding to phone calls, which has added to the local bewilderment. According to the hotel’s own website, specialized massages -such as reflexology or Thai techniques- and facial services were offered with prices ranging from 65 to 85 euros. {So the gov’t must be paying more than the hotel would make doing its regular business, otherwise they would never agree to this. Why not house them in a youth hostel and save the taxpayers a few bucks? This simply defies logic, unless there are some serious backhanders involved. -Ed.}
– The controversy has also spread to social networks, where numerous users have compared the attention being received by illegal immigrants with the difficulties still being suffered by Spanish citizens affected by recent natural disasters, such as the eruption of the volcano on La Palma or the floods caused by the Valencia flood.
– The arrival of these immigrants is part of the migration policy of the current Executive, which has been harshly criticized by sectors that consider that the reception measures prioritize the new arrivals over the needs of the national population. The choice of a luxury hotel as temporary accommodation has contributed to further inflame tempers. Meanwhile, the Ojen Town Hall has not issued official statements on the situation, and the secrecy surrounding the operation has generated uncertainty among both neighbors and the local media.
– “My daughter cannot go out on the street, and if she goes out she is accompanied. It scares me too, they have brought us insecurity and have brought in people we don’t know and we don’t know if they have good intentions”, complained a local mother. Another neighbor criticizes that, unlike what was promised – that they would not go out and that they would be controlled -, he has found the opposite reality: “They have been walking around the town and the roads with the door open for two days, and the concern of the neighbors is growing”.
– Finally, another neighbor argues that although everyone has the right to housing, this should not be the solution: “Everyone deserves a roof over their heads, but not like this. We must fix the problems in their countries of origin and not promote migratory avalanches and then provide them with cell phones, clothes, food, hotels… Because our children, who are Spanish, do not even have help to buy a house”, he concludes. Source, Spanish: https://gaceta.es/espana/vecinos-de-ojen-malaga-se-rebelan-ante-el-alojamiento-de-inmigrantes-ilegales-en-un-hotel-de-lujo-mi-hija-no-puede-salir-a-la-calle-20250501-0719/

MALAGA CITY

International Workers Day May 1st- Photos:
Source & full gallery: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/manifestacion-1-mayo-malaga-imagenes_3_2003849040.html

FRIGILIANA

Drug Sales House Busted In Friggy: {Translation}
– The Civil Guard, as part of the operation “Trinafri”, has dismantled a very active drug sales operation in the town of Frigiliana, arrested are two people for a crime against public health.
– The investigation began in the middle of last year when the agents received various information indicating that in a house located in the historic center would be selling drugs in doses. As a result of the investigations carried out it was possible to confirm the facts, since this house was attended by numerous regular consumers, with police intercepting several of them moments after buying the drug.
– In view of these facts, and once the judicial authorization was granted, the house was searched, where doses of various narcotic substances such as cocaine, MDMA, fentanyl, hashish and marijuana were seized, as well as elements for cutting these substances, a precision scale and cash. Likewise, two people were arrested and another one is being investigated for a crime against public health, being placed at the disposal of the judicial authorities.
Source, Spanish: https://www.axarquiaplus.es/desarticulan-un-punto-de-venta-de-droga-por-dosis-en-frigiliana/

VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA

One woman injured after a spectacular 3 vehicle traffic accident in Vélez-Málaga: {Translation}
– A woman was injured last Tuesday night after a collision between three vehicles. The incident occurred on Avenida Juan Carlos I of Velez-Malaga, an area near the shopping center El Ingenio, which connects to the town of Torre del Mar. After the incident, the driver had to be transferred to the Regional Hospital of the same municipality by “anxiety attack”, apparently without major injuries, but remains under observation, according to police sources.
– Last night, Tuesday, Emergencies 112 Andalusia received calls alerting of a traffic accident. After this, members of the Provincial Consortium of Firefighters of the Provincial Council of Malaga and Local Police officers went to the scene, where one of the cars involved was on fire. The professionals managed to extinguish the fire and avoid greater evils. Source, Spanish: https://www.malagahoy.es/velez-malaga/mujer-herida-accidente-trafico-velez-malaga_0_2003838018.html

GRANADA

Sierra Nevada ski resort reopens all its tracks after a closing day for strong winds: {Translation}
– The ski resort of Sierra Nevada, in Monachil, in the metropolitan area of Granada, has reopened all its tracks this Thursday after remaining closed the previous day due to the persistence of strong winds of up to more than 90 kilometers per hour.
– As reported to Europa Press sources of Cetursa, the public company that manages the station, there are currently available 28 kilometers of skiable surface spread over 33 tracks, thanks to the progressive opening of the eight lifts as the weather has improved throughout the morning.
– The Trineo Mirlo and Mirlo Blanco activity areas are also operational. In addition, the Zayas ski lift and the Laguna area, which began the day closed due to the storm, have been reopened to the public. Source, Spanish: https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/noticia-estacion-esqui-sierra-nevada-reabre-todas-pistas-dia-cierre-fuertes-vientos-20250501135606.html

UKRAINE WAR

Ukraine and the US have finally signed a minerals deal. What does it include?:
– After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a deal that is expected to give Washington access to the country’s critical minerals and other natural resources, an agreement Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia. According to Ukrainian officials, the version of the deal signed Wednesday is far more beneficial to Ukraine than previous versions, which they said reduced Kyiv to a junior partner and gave Washington unprecedented rights to the country’s resources.
– The agreement — which the Ukrainian parliament must ratify — would establish a reconstruction fund for Ukraine that Ukrainian officials hope will be a vehicle to ensure future American military assistance. A previous agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
– The deal covers minerals, including rare earth elements, but also other valuable resources, including oil and natural gas, according to the text released by Ukraine’s government.
It does not include resources that are already a source of revenue for the Ukrainian state. In other words, any profits under the deal are dependent on the success of new investments. Ukrainian officials have also noted that it does not refer to any debt obligations for Kyiv, meaning profits from the fund will likely not go toward the paying the U.S. back for its previous support.
– Officials have also emphasized that the agreement ensures full ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine, and the state will determine what can be extracted and where. The text of the deal lists 55 minerals but says more can be agreed to. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in Ukraine’s rare earth elements, and some of them are included in the list, as are other critical minerals, such as titanium, lithium and uranium. Full article: https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-us-rare-earth-minerals-deal-8566241ea0e121a30437d845357055d8

SPORT

Tennis News- Coco Gauff crushes Iga Swiatek, into Madrid final:
– Coco Gauff lost her first seven matches to Iga Swiatek—at one point trailing their head-to-head 11-1—but the American is 3-0 since the end of 2024, stunning the former world No. 1 in a 6-1, 6-1 demolition to reach her first Mutua Madrid Open final.
-“[I’m proud of] the mentality I had through the whole match,” she said on-court after the match. “I think I was aggressive and played with margin. Maybe it wasn’t her best level today but I think I kind of forced her into some awkward positions. I’m really happy with how I played today.” Full article: https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/coco-gauff-scores-third-straight-win-vs-iga-swiatek-madrid-final

HEALTH

US HHS Study Confirms UK National Health Service Findings- evidence fails to support effectiveness of “gender-affirming care” for minors:
– The review commissioned by Trump warns of the potential for ‘clinical recklessness’ where minors are concerned.
– There is not strong evidence that “gender-affirming care” for minors is effective for treating gender dysphoria or improving mental health, according to a report issued on Thursday by the Department of Health and Human Services, based on a review of existing literature.
– The researchers found that existing studies suffer from bias and methodological errors, while the literature also fails to appropriately consider potential “harms” such as the loss of sexual function.
– “The ‘gender-affirming’ model of care includes irreversible endocrine and surgical interventions on minors with no physical pathology,” reads the report’s foreword. “These interventions carry risk of significant harms including infertility/sterility, sexual dysfunction, impaired bone density accrual, adverse cognitive impacts, cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, psychiatric disorders, surgical complications, and regret. Meanwhile, systematic reviews of the evidence have revealed deep uncertainty about the purported benefits of these interventions.”
– Like the Cass Review commissioned by the U.K. National Health Service on gender-related medical care for minors that concluded “this is an area of remarkably weak evidence” in 2024, the HHS report found that “the overall quality of evidence concerning the effects of any intervention on psychological outcomes, quality of life, regret, or long-term health, is very low.“ Full article: https://www.offthepress.com/hhs-report-finds-lack-of-evidence-for-effectiveness-of-gender-affirming-care/

TRAVEL

Malaga recovers its direct daily flight to New York: {Translation, summary}
– Malaga Costa del Sol airport resumes next Friday, May 2, the direct seasonal air route with the Newark aerodrome in the U.S. city of New York. The connection will be extended until September 24 as confirmed by sources of Turismo Costa del Sol.
– This is the third time that United Airlines launches this summer route that, like last year, will involve a daily nonstop connection between the capital of the Costa del Sol and the city of the big apple.
– The first United Airlines flight is scheduled to land at Malaga airport this Friday at 7.35 a.m., after taking off from Newark airport in New York on Thursday at 5.50 p.m. (local time). Thereafter, flights will depart Malaga each day at 9:35 a.m. and arrive in New York at 12:10 p.m. (local time).
– {Be aware Newark in actually in New Jersey, almost 20 miles drive from NYC. It is an expensive taxi ride (approx $60) or bus ($20), but there are local trains available starting at under €10 if you don’t mind dragging your luggage around the huge Penn Station train terminal in NYC. -Ed.} Source, Spanish: https://www.abc.es/espana/andalucia/malaga/malaga-recupera-vuelo-diario-directo-nueva-york-20250501140323-nts.html

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DigameXtra Special Holiday Edition 1May25 – Blackout Analysis By Spanish PhD – A Catastrophe Created By Political Design & A Warning To The World + New Technical Info Update

On May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 By naythandoctorlaptop

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Two articles for an in depth look at the blackout

Analysis by Daniel Lacalle (Madrid, 1967):
– PhD Economist and Fund Manager.
– Author of bestsellers “Life In The Financial Markets” and “The Energy World Is Flat” as well as “Escape From the Central Bank Trap”.
– Frequent collaborator with CNBC, Bloomberg, CNN, Hedgeye, Epoch Times, Mises Institute, BBN Times, Wall Street Journal, El Español, A3 Media and 13TV.
– Holds the CIIA (Certified International Investment Analyst) and masters in Economic Investigation and IESE.

“The Spanish Power Outage. A Catastrophe Created By Political Design and a Warning To The World”

– On April 23rd, I participated in a conference at the European Parliament on the future of nuclear energy with experts from all over Europe, where I warned that, with the current energy policies, blackouts will be the norm, not a coincidence. The shortsighted and sectarian policy of the activists who populate the government has led us to the worst blackout in the history of Spain. We have been without communication or electricity for nearly eleven hours.
– This blackout, with the immediate collapse of fifteen gigawatts of power in the system, is the consequence of a policy that penalizes base energy, key to providing stability to the system, and plunders the energy sector.
– Governments have been dedicated to closing nuclear power plants, making them unviable with abusive and confiscatory taxation; penalizing investment in distribution with absurd regulations; imposing a volatile and intermittent energy mix; and burdening energy with elevated taxes and administrative delays. What could go wrong? Everything.
– And it happened.
– Renewable energies, while essential in a balanced energy mix, cannot provide safety and stability due to their volatility and intermittent nature. That’s why it is essential to have a balanced system with base-load energy that operates all the time, such as hydropower, nuclear, and natural gas as backup. Destroying access to nuclear energy with unnecessary closures and confiscatory taxation has been part of the fundamental causes of the disaster and the blackout.
– Last week, they had to close the remaining nuclear power plants because their taxes are so high that they cannot cover their fixed costs. They have destroyed nuclear plants’ economics by political design. Moreover, those plants would have provided stability to the grid if national and regional governments, which use nuclear and hydroelectric power as cash cows for their revenue-hungry policies, had prioritized supply security over energy sectarianism.
– There is much more. Spain and Portugal produce electricity with more than 60% solar and wind energy. Hydraulic, nuclear, and combined cycle gas plants must cover the shortfalls in solar and wind production, which is intermittent. There is no possibility of having a stable and secure system with a continuous supply if the electrical grid is not balanced to avoid a total blackout.
– According to Euronews, “France sometimes produces too much electricity, leading the network operator RTE to disconnect solar or wind sites. The consumer pays taxes to cover the operator’s losses. This procedure prevents a general blackout of the grid.”
– In Spain, the president of Red Eléctrica, Beatriz Corredor, whose experience in energy is more than scarce, has never given a message or coordinated actions to prevent blackouts that were happening more frequently recently. We have been experiencing sporadic supply cuts to the industry for years, and just a week ago, the Chamartín station had a severe supply cut episode.
– The crisis was not only a disaster due to the shortsighted energy policy of the current and previous governments. It was a disaster due to the inaction of the Ministry of Defence. Similar to the recent floods, our security forces exhibited astonishment at their lack of mobilization. Trains and elevators blocked thousands of travelers for hours, while the army stood by, waiting for orders.
– Six days ago, the government, left-wing parties, and many media outlets celebrated that Spain’s power grid ran entirely on renewable energy for a weekday for the first time. Bravo. A week later, a massive blackout in Spain, Portugal, and parts of France. France quickly restored electricity because it has the largest nuclear fleet in Europe. In Spain, the government maintained a confiscatory taxation system that prevented nuclear plants from operating, resulting in nearly eleven hours of darkness and no communication.
– Red Eléctrica reported that the cause was a “strong oscillation in the electrical grid” that “forced the Iberian Peninsula to disconnect from the European system”. The collapse was immediate and long-lasting. It was the longest power outage in the history of Spain. The recovery efforts were in vain as they attempted to restore frequency control and stability with a system dependent on volatile and intermittent renewables.
– A system without physical inertia, provided by baseload energies that operate all the time – nuclear and hydroelectric – makes it impossible to stabilise the grid in the face of supply disruptions.
– When the collapse occurred, the Spanish electrical grid had almost 80% renewable generation, 11% nuclear, and only 3% natural gas. There was practically no base generation or physical inertia to absorb the shock that was generated.
– For years, experts have issued warnings. Experts from around the world have been accused of being mouthpieces for invented lobbies when they warned of the risk to the system from overloading with renewables and eliminating or limiting base-load energies. In 2017, the European Network of Transmission System Operators warned that the increase in renewables would raise the risk of cascading failures if urgent investment was not made in synthetic inertia and storage technologies. Moreover, even if investment is made in storage, hundreds of experts warned about the additional burden with the electrification of the mobile fleet. Despite the warnings from energy companies and operators, the European Commission maintained its bet on renewable development that was poorly planned and worse executed. This included a New Green Deal that ignored the importance of networks and backup and seemed designed by school activists.
– The Spanish government wanted to present itself as the top student of that so-called ecological sectarianism, which ignores copper and lithium mining, the importance of backup, and system stability. What have they achieved? They have created a disaster that has the potential to repeat itself.
– Blackouts, which should have been something obsolete and forgotten, have become the norm since politicians have ideologized energy. Other countries have suffered similar problems: Australia (2016), Germany (2017), and the United Kingdom (2019) experienced blackouts or near-blackouts due to insufficient energy reserves or grid stability measures. However, none of these incidents have been as dramatic or scandalous as the one in Spain.
– The governments of Spain have decided that the closure of all our nuclear power plants will be effective in 2035, despite all the technicians reminding us that they work perfectly and their lifespan could be extended by at least ten years. This action is going to increase dependence on renewables and Russian natural gas. In other words, Spain’s shortsighted policy is going to make the country more dependent on China and Russia for energy and face constant blackouts and supply cuts to the industry as if it were a third-world dictatorship.
– Propaganda told us that renewables would bring competitiveness and stability to the grid, but the reality shows that an over-reliance on certain renewables and a shortage of base-load energy sources indicate that the electrical grid increasingly depends on the few nuclear and natural gas plants that operate to maintain supply stability.
– The blackout in Spain was not caused by a cyberattack but by the worst possible attack, that of politicians against their citizens. It is urgent that Spain radically changes its energy strategy, that we maintain and expand the nuclear and base energy park, or we will depend more on Russia and China and, moreover, with blackouts.

Full article: https://www.dlacalle.com/en/the-spanish-power-outage-a-catastrophe-created-by-political-design-and-a-warning-to-the-world/
Malaga blackout photos: r/Malaga

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Red Eléctrica deactivated a safety mechanism to prevent major blackouts: {Translation}

– Red Eléctrica eliminated the anti-outage safety mechanism during daylight hours. The SRAD, which has been activated up to five times in the last two years, was eliminated by the electricity manager this year.
– On September 20, 2022, Royal Decree-Law 17/2022 was published, adopting urgent measures in the field of energy, among many other measures, the Royal Decree contemplated the regulation of the Active Demand Response Service (SRAD).
– This mechanism is a tool that provides extra flexibility to the operation of the electricity system in specific moments of resource scarcity when it is necessary to adjust demand to production (something very similar to the old interruptibility service). Or translated into more colloquial words: Red Eléctrica rejected at the beginning of 2025 to maintain this shield during daylight hours since, in its opinion, it was unthinkable that a blackout such as the one that finally ended up occurring would take place.
– Industry sources told this newspaper that “no one in the company thought that a blackout could occur during solar hours”. An example of this is that the SRAD was modified in such a way that it is not applied in the central hours of the day. “They did not consider that we would have problems in the hours when the sun was shining,” they say.
– Thus, Red Eléctrica considered that there was zero risk of possible blackouts during the day and since this year the possibility that Spain, or part of it, would be without electricity was not considered. On several occasions, as mentioned above, the electricity manager applied this mechanism due to high energy demand. It usually happens that with the sun going away and when households need more energy to heat their homes in winter, public lighting starts to be switched on; consumption shoots up. It is at that moment when Red Eléctrica sends a shutdown order to large industry in order to avoid supply problems.
– Last December was the last time it was activated. At the stroke of 21.15 at night, the company ordered companies that require large consumption to stop their production. “The continuity of supply was not compromised at any time, being the objective of the activation order (which was applied for approximately three hours that establishes the regulations) to guarantee the reserve levels established in the operating procedures in response to a specific situation in which the resources available in the system were reduced,” REE said in a statement on December 15.
– But, could this mechanism have avoided the collapse? In this regard, the experts consulted differ because the SRAD is applied 15 minutes in advance. In other words, it is a programmed blackout. “It is true that at the speed at which the blackout occurred (five seconds) it would have been all the same and it would have been difficult to give time to prepare for it”, say sources in the sector in conversation with this newspaper.
– However, other sources agree that before the electric shock suffered by Spain there were signals in the market that could have alerted Red Eléctrica and could have activated the SRAD. Specifically, in the province of Malaga, an anomaly in supply and demand was detected half an hour before the collapse, according to sources in the know.
Weeks before, Repsol had already had to paralyze two of its plants due to a voltage problem weeks ago in Cartagena. In turn, Puertollano had a similar incident and the multi-energy company decided to pause its activity to avoid greater evils.
– In this context, the Government and Red Eléctrica have assured that, in spite of the major blackout, the replacement plans were activated and worked correctly. These plans are procedures designed to restore electricity in a safe and progressive manner after a massive blackout. This was the first time they had been put into operation.
– Redeia and CNMC alert. The idea of withdrawing the mechanism from the daytime slot is in line with the reports issued by Redia, Red Eléctrica’s parent company, which assured that there was no possibility of a major blackout.
The company chaired by Beatriz Corredor, which presented its annual report at the end of February, identified the risk that small generators or renewable energy self-consumption facilities would have difficulties in the “short or medium term” for “adequate behavior” in the event of disturbances. This model would mean, according to the company, “a risk for the safe operation of the electricity system”.
– In turn, in another report, Redeia warned that “there are risks due to the disappearance from the system of a firm generation such as nuclear, with the closure of the plants and the problems caused by the excess of renewables”.
20 days before the blackout, Red Eléctrica itself stated in social networks that “there is no risk of blackout and Red Eléctrica guarantees supply. The ERAA 2024 does not question any nuclear group. The main conclusion of this report is that a significant volume of combined cycle plants could be economically unviable in the coming years if incentives are not established”.
– On the other hand, the National Competition Market Commission (CNMC) has prepared several reports in which it refers to the exposure of the Spanish electricity system to renewables. Specifically, the agency indicates that the incipient rise of renewables in generation and the high oscillations in voltage levels “could cause blackouts”. Source, Spanish: https://www.vozpopuli.com/economia/red-electrica-desactivo-un-mecanismo-de-seguridad-para-evitar-grandes-apagones.html

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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

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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